What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Emma found Gio at the pool and asked if he was trying to get his mind off of Sonny. Gio said it was harder than it sounded.

At a nearby table, Carly saw Josslyn on her laptop researching Dalton, but Josslyn said she was doing research for Dalton. She was having a hard time focusing, and Carly asked if she was sticking around for the fireworks. Josslyn said she was. She wanted to spend more time with the family, since the fire reminded her how fragile life could be.  

Anna went to Windymere to see Sidwell. She said she needed answers regarding his involvement in Natalia’s death.

Sonny told Laura that he found no satisfaction being right about his prediction that there would be violence. Their families were feeling the fallout, but he thought there may be a way to contain the damage.

Brook asked how Wiley and Amelia were handling things, and Michael said he was worried about Wiley. There had been an incident with Willow at the pool, and it had upset him.

Rocco asked Lulu if it was true that Britt gave birth to him, and she said she was calling his dad. He asked if Britt was his real mother.

Josslyn said, what happened with Kristina reminded her of what happened with Michael and Morgan, but Carly said, right now, they were safe, happy, and healthy. She was grateful for that… and Josslyn. Vaughn came into the pool area and Josslyn remembered their kiss. Carly suggested Josslyn go talk to him.  

Gio told Emma that Sonny had been great to him. How could he be the man that Tracy warned him about? Emma said people weren’t one thing. Maybe it was true, maybe it wasn’t, but it probably landed somewhere in between. She suggested if he wanted to know who Sonny was, ask someone, and Gio saw Carly.

Cody asked Sasha if anything else had happened with Daisy, and she said, no. She wanted to believe it was just mom brain or she was exhausted, but Cody said, she wasn’t sure, was she?

Sidwell insisted he’d never harm the mother of his son, and Anna said she’d come alone because she didn’t want to subject anyone else to his performative assurances that he was merely a businessman. She wanted the truth. He said the truth was, he’d been at Windymere signing contracts with Alexis. According to his son, Natalia had been Sonny’s loose end, so why not look to Sonny for answers?  

Laura told Sonny that she didn’t scare or back away from a fight. She didn’t turn her back on friends and he was stuck with her. He said she was still stubborn, and she said, damn straight. They hugged, and Boyle burst into the interrogation room, filming with his phone.

Michael said, whoever Willow was now, she wasn’t the woman he fell in love with, and Brook said she couldn’t believe people weaponizing children. He asked if she was talking about Lulu, and she said Lulu used Gio and hurt him to score points with Dante, sticking it to her for something that happened years ago. She had no consideration for what it would do to Brook’s child. She’d almost stooped to Lulu’s level and had considered getting back at her through Rocco, but she couldn’t hurt an innocent bystander, especially a child. It was wrong.

Rocco asked why they had to wait for his dad, and Lulu said it was important stuff and Rocco deserved to hear it from both of them. Dante came in, and Lulu said Rocco had questions about Britt Westbourne.

Cody told Daisy to enjoy her first 4^th of July that she wouldn’t remember. He told Sasha that was going to the boathouse, but grabbing a cooler of beers first.  

Vaughn said he and Josslyn had to figure out how to keep Emma distracted. They’d gotten off track last night. The kiss never happened. She said, what kiss?

Gio told Carly that he was on break and hoping to ask her some questions about Sonny, since she knew Sonny better than anyone.

An officer stood over Boyle and Laura said make sure the film was deleted. Boyle said he had a right to film, but the officer said, not in the interrogation room. Laura told Boyle that it was illegal, but Boyle said the people deserved to know the truth about the mayor consoling the mob boss about his daughter. Or was the hug about Natalia? Laura told the officer to get this jackass out of her sight, and the officer took him out. Laura closed the door.  

Cody was at the boathouse when Brook arrived, and he asked how she could do that to him.

Rocco said he’d found two birth certificates. On one of them, Lulu and Dante were listed as his parents and on the other, the baby’s name was Ben, and Britt was listed as the birth mother. Was he Ben and did Britt give birth to him? Dante said she did, but Lulu said, genetically, Rocco was theirs. They’d planned to tell him when he was older. Dante said it hadn’t happened, but that was on him because he’d felt like they should both be there. Rocco said Lulu had been awake for a while, but Lulu said there had been so much to navigate – her recovery, finding Charlotte, and Lucky almost dying. She wasn’t making excuses, but it had gotten lost in the chaos. She was sorry, but they were here now, and he needed to know that what they were about to tell him didn’t change how much they loved him. Dante said it didn’t change anything, but Rocco said it did.

Rocco asked how Lulu could be mad at Brook, when she hadn’t even known Gio was her son, but Lulu said it wasn’t the same. Dante said they’d been planning on telling Rocco the truth.

Sidwell asked if Anna knew Sonny suffered from a heart condition, and she said, relevance? He said Sonny didn’t want to appear weak, and she asked if he was saying Sonny confided in Natalia. He said, then Natalia confided in him. Who knew how many others she’d told? Perhaps Sonny had discovered she’d broken his trust. She said, perhaps Sidwell couldn’t get over his ex’s indiscretions, and left.  

Brook said it had been her decision, and Cody said he’d never have told her what to do back then. She wondered if he was telling her now, and he said keeping the truth from him was making him complicit in hiding the truth from Dante. Dante was his best friend ever and it felt awful.

Lulu said she and Dante had been trying to have a baby and used IVF. They’d tried to use Maxie as their surrogate, but it didn’t work, so they put it on hold. Dante said Britt was a doctor at GH and stole an embryo, and Lulu said, the embryo was Rocco.

Carly asked what Gio wanted to know, and he said Tracy kept warning him that Sonny was dangerous, that he didn’t know who he was dealing with. The Sonny he knew was decent, more than kind, protective, and generous. Was Tracy wrong or was he blind? They sat down and Carly said it was complicated. Sonny didn’t wake up and choose this life. Gio said, the life chose him, and she said, it kind of did. He had to make tough decisions when he was young and got pulled in before he was old enough to know better. Sonny would admit he wasn’t proud of some things he’d done, but he was one of the most loyal men she’d ever known. He loved his family and Gio was a part of that family, but she’d be lying if she didn’t tell him that there was another side.

Josslyn told Vaughn that the animal thing was his way in. Emma had an organization at PCU called SAC – Students Against Animal Cruelty. Vaughn said that was perfect. He loved animals. He told Josslyn a sad story about the dog he’d grown up with, and she asked if the story was true. He asked if it mattered, and she said if he told it to Emma, she’d eat it up. He said that was his entry point and asked about Emma’s dislikes. What triggered her? Josslyn said she did.

Josslyn said she wasn’t Emma’s favorite person. Emma thought she was privileged, spoiled, and a total brat. Vaughn said if he and Emma bonded over how annoying she was, they’d be dating by the end of the night. Josslyn saw Emma and said it was go time. Emma had seen them kissing, so if he had a shot, Emma would need to think there was nothing going on. Vaughn asked if she was watching, and loudly asked, what’s the problem? He’d thought they had a real future. Josslyn said then he was as dumb as he looked. They didn’t work together. He was a janitor. He said, for the record, he worked in maintenance, and she said, call it what he wanted, but it wasn’t working. They were done. Get over it. She walked out, and Emma smiled.

Michael came in while Sasha was talking to Daisy. He said Sasha was great with her and helped put Daisy to bed. Sasha said they made a good team, and he said they always had. She said it made her believe it would work out with them as co-parents, and he said he knew she was hesitant. She said he was Daisy’s father, and her only concern was Daisy’s safety and well-being. He said his was too, and she said she was glad they were on the same page.  

Marco approached Anna at the hospital and asked if she had Natalia’s autopsy report. He needed to know how she died.

Emma handed Vaughn a drink and said she was sorry about Josslyn. He asked if she saw that, and she said she heard it. The whole pool did. She thought he’d dodged a bullet. Josslyn had always been like that. He said, privileged, spoiled, and self-absorbed. He’d glimpsed it, but chosen to ignore it. Emma said, to brighter days ahead, and they clinked glasses.

Cody said he’d thought he and Brook were friends, and she said they were. She’d trusted him on her hardest day. She knew she could count on him to get her home and keep her secret. She was sorry she let him believe she’d ended the pregnancy. He said he’d assumed it, and she said she’d needed to protect her baby, then she wanted to forget what happened. Her not being upfront wasn’t a reflection on their friendship or how much she cared. He said he believed her and hoped she knew him helping Lulu wasn’t about payback. He wanted to know the truth and wanted Dante and Gio to know too, because he hadn’t known the truth about his own father. She suggested they forgive each other, and he said he was game if she was. She said she didn’t want to lose his friendship, especially over Lulu. He asked if they should hug it out, and they did.

Rocco said, Britt stole him? and Lulu said they’d trusted her. Dante said Britt carried him to term without their knowledge or consent, and Lulu said Britt only cared about herself. Rocco said Britt had done a messed-up thing, but if she hadn’t stolen him, he might not have been born. They might never have used the embryo. They didn’t really want him.

Vaughn brought up SAC, and Emma said she’d started it. Animal rights was her thing. He said he’d love to get involved, and she suggested they have another round and talk about it. He said it was on him, and they went to get drinks while Josslyn watched.  

Carly told Gio that Michael had wrestled with the same questions. So had Dante, but they’d both come back. Once Sonny was in your life, he stayed if you let him. Gio said if he needed more answers, maybe he’d ask Sonny’s son.

At the station, Anna told Sonny that the autopsy showed Natalia had died from a lethal combination of drugs and alcohol. The lack of defense wounds indicated nothing had been forced. Whether it was accidental or intentional, she couldn’t say, but it wasn’t murder. Boyle listened from around the corner. (Does anyone do their actual jobs?) 

Lulu said that wasn’t true. They’d wanted Rocco. Dante said Rocco was seven months old before they figured it out, and Rocco said it was weird to think Britt had been his mom during that time. Lulu said Britt was never his mother. She stole the embryo, broke the law, and took him from them. Rocco said it wasn’t like he’d been theirs. They’d gotten stuck with him after the fact. Dante said they’d gone back because they wanted to try again and figured out an embryo was missing, and Lulu said they’d been desperate to have a child of their own. They’d loved each other and he was conceived in that love, no matter how he came into the world. She wanted him to know he was loved beyond measure. Dante told Rocco, what she said, and Rocco said that explained why the one birth certificate said Ben. It was what Britt had named him. Part of him wished Danny had never found the file. Lulu asked, what file? and he said, it was in a stack of Brook’s Deception stuff. It was mostly about Britt, but the birth certificates were in there. Dante said it was a lot at once, and Rocco said it would take a bit for him to understand. He wasn’t mad, but wished he’d heard it from them, not like this. Dante said, them too, and Rocco went upstairs. Lulu said there was something she had to do. Brook came for her son. Not on her watch.  

Cody, Brook, Sasha, and Michael sat outside the boathouse, and Cody said it was a year ago today he told Mac that he was his son. Sasha said he became a full-fledged Scorpio, and Brook said she remembered Drew announcing he was running for congress. Even granny was proud of him. Michael asked if they were ready for the buzzkill. It was the beginning of the end of his marriage – Drew and Willow’s first kiss. Sasha said she’d love to erase the memory, and Brook said, everything was different a year ago. Her son was living in Port Charles, and they were under the same roof. Maybe this time next year, he’d be talking to her again. Sasha said, things work out, and they watched the fireworks.

Daisy was heard on the monitor, and Sasha said she’d go. She left and Michael stayed with the others.

At the pool, everyone watched the fireworks. Emma looked at Josslyn and took Vaughn’s arm.  

Sasha went to Daisy’s room, but the crib was empty.

Boyle said Sonny must be relieved that he got off scot-free again, and Sonny said Natalia had been his friend. Boyle said the autopsy proved nothing. Sonny was a professional and could finagle an OD in his sleep. Anna said Sonny was free to go, and Laura said she’d walk him out. Boyle said, of course (🍷), and outside, after looking up at the fireworks, Sonny and Laura went their separate ways.

Sidwell watched the fireworks, when Marco arrived. Marco said he talked to the Commissioner and Natalia’s death had been ruled an accident. Corinthos was free and the case was closed. Sidwell said the police might have dropped the matter, but make no mistake, they wouldn’t.  

Rocco came out on the patio where Dante was watching the fireworks. He asked where his mom was, and Dante said she was running an errand. Rocco said he hoped Dante wouldn’t talk to Danny’s dad. It wasn’t Danny’s fault that he found the folder and Dante shouldn’t be mad at him. Dante said he wasn’t mad at Danny. Danny wasn’t responsible for this.

Cody said the drink supply was depleted, and he and Michael left to get more. Brook was left by herself, when Lulu stormed up on the deck. She called Brook a hateful bitch, and said she knew Brook hated her, but to hurt Rocco was unforgiveable. She slugged Brook in the face.

Tuesday:

Sasha went into the nursery, but Daisy wasn’t there.

Lulu decked Brook and said Brook was the same lying backstabber she’d always been. She’d used Lulu’s son to get back at her.

Jason showed up at Lulu’s per Rocco’s request, and Rocco asked Jason to tell him everything about Britt Westbourne.

Marco said they were calling Natalia’s death accidental, but Sidwell said there was nothing accidental about it. Marco said it was his fault, but Sidwell said, he did everything he could. Marco said his mom’s death was on him.

As they set up for a movie night, Alexis asked Kristina what was wrong, but Kristina said, nothing. She’d just been thinking about how good Alexis was to her. Alexis said, being her mom, it came with the territory, but Kristina said she wasn’t feeling the love after Alexis found out about Elizabeth and Ric.

Portia and Elizabeth watched the fireworks at the MetroCourt, and Elizabeth said she was surprised Portia had no plans with Curtis. Ric approached their table and said he thought tonight couldn’t get better.

Nina went to the gallery and told Ava that Willow was dead set on marrying Drew. Ava asked what she had cooked up, and Nina said, to stall as long as she could. She was hoping something would happen to wake up her daughter and show her that she was marrying a man who would help destroy what was left of her life.

Sasha checked the bassinet in the living room, but Daisy wasn’t there either.

Felicia met Mac at the station and told Molly that she was relieved Kristina hadn’t been hurt in the fire. Molly said Cody had been right and she’d been thinking of the worst-case scenarios. Mac wondered what Cody had to do with the fire, but Molly said they happened to be together beforehand and because she was in no state to drive, Cody drove. Mac said Cody was a considerate guy and it was a shame he was single.

Nina said she’d convinced Willow that a formal wedding would look better to the judge, and Ava said she was sorry Ric didn’t do better with Willow’s custody. They may not have gotten his best work, since the morning of Willow’s hearing, he was with Elizabeth instead of working.  

Elizabeth asked Ric where Ava was, and he said, at the gallery. Portia said she couldn’t wait to see Joel Sartore’s new photos, and Ric told Elizabeth that he had box seats to the Port Charles Symphony when they were doing Gershwin. His phone rang and he stepped away, but when he came back, he said he had to run. He left and Portia said it must be something important to peel him away from Elizabeth.  

Jason asked Rocco where Danny got the file, and Rocco said he found it in a stack of Brook’s files. Jason asked if his parents knew, and Rocco said they’d talked. They told him that he was the embryo Britt stole and that she gave birth to him, not his mom. Jason said he hadn’t been in town when that went down, but what did he want to know. Rocco said Danny told him that Britt and Jason had been friends. That must have meant he liked her. Jason said he did, and Rocco said his parents thought she was awful. Jason said they had bad history, and Rocco said they told him Britt went to prison and her parents were psychos. Jason said, her father more than her mother, and Rocco said Britt had died saving Josslyn’s life. Her history was all over the place. Jason knew her. What was she really like?

Brook said she had no idea what Lulu was talking about, and Lulu said Danny found the file about Britt and showed it to Rocco. Brook said, Rocco wasn’t supposed to see it, and Lulu asked why Britt left it lying around. Brook said she hadn’t, but what was in the file was true. She thought Lulu never lied to her children and it was no secret, yet Rocco never knew. Lulu said she and Dante had intended on telling him the truth when he was old enough to understand, but life had been complicated since she woke up from her coma. Brook said, Lulu claimed her son deserved to know the truth, but Lulu said it wasn’t the same thing. Brook said Lulu was a hypocrite with a double standard.

Sasha told Michael that someone took their daughter.

Ava said Ric had lied to her face, and Nina said, if Ric was cheating, get rid of him. Ava said she didn’t think he was, and Ric was fun, sexy, and they made a good team… most of the time. Nina had to go, since she was meeting Willow for a drink, and Ava told her to enjoy the time while Drew was away. They’d also get more time together planning the wedding.  Nina said that was the upside. They were going to look at dresses, something she’d dreamed of doing with her daughter. If only Drew wasn’t the biggest mistake of Willow’s life.

Mac said he knew Cody and Molly got off to a rocky start, but they seemed to be in a better place. Molly said Cody had helped her a few times and he was a nice person. Mac said Cody was the best guy, when an officer said there had been a possible child abduction.

Marco told Sidwell that he should have had Natalia put in protective custody, but she insisted Sonny would take care of her and had a new life set up for her. Sidwell said, all Sonny cared about was that she was a liability, and Marco said she wouldn’t listen, and he’d never forgive himself. Sidwell said Marco was a good man and a great son. They both knew Sonny Corinthos was the reason his mother was dead.

Alexis said Kristina had lost her baby and her sister within months of each other. She’d been estranged from her other sister, then there was Michael’s accident and the insanity with Ric and Ava. It had been too much for her, she’d been pushed too far, and broke. Kristina said that didn’t make it okay, and Alexis said she wasn’t condoning it, but understood. She was doing what she could to keep Kristina out of prison. Kristina said she was grateful, but felt Alexis gave in to Ric and Ava’s blackmail for Molly’s sake. Alexis hadn’t wanted Molly to know she was the reason Ric got hurt. Alexis said she’d done it for both of them. She loved them both. Kristina said she’d thought she’d gone too far, but Alexis said her love was unconditional and nothing could change that.

Ric went to the gallery and told Ava that he’d gotten a call from the bank man in the Caymans. Two of the accounts were overdrawn. Ava said she’d been in a rush to install new lighting, and it was pricey, and Ric said it looked better than the lighting in Pentenville, which was where they’d be if she threw money around, they weren’t supposed to have.

Sasha said no one in the house had seen Daisy, and Michael said the police were on their way. Olivia and Ned came in, and Sasha told them that someone took Daisy. Michael said no one saw any strangers leave the property, and Ned suggested he search outside while Michael searched the house.

Jason told Rocco that Britt didn’t make the best decisions and did hurt people, but she was strong and heroic too. Rocco said, like when she saved Josslyn, and Jason said Britt also helped him out even when it put her in danger. Rocco said everyone told him that she was horrible, but he heard something different from Jason. Maybe she wasn’t all bad, but a good person wouldn’t steal an embryo. Jason said he and Britt didn’t become friends until after that, and Rocco asked if he thought Britt changed. Jason said he did, but the people she’d hurt might not agree. Rocco wondered how he could be mad at Britt, since without her, he might not have been born.

Lulu insisted Brook left the folder where Rocco could find it, but Brook said she didn’t and it wasn’t like she’d unearthed a revelation. It was public record. Unlike how Lulu broke into Martin’s room getting information from a confidential file she had no legal right to. Lulu said Brook had to dig to get Rocco’s birth certificate, but Brook said, unlike Gio, Rocco would have found out because everyone knew. She didn’t hurt Rocco. Lulu did by withholding the truth.

Ric asked, what if someone became suspicious about Ava’s newfound wealth? and Ava told him that she’d say she sold a rare piece. That’s what the holding companies were for, so no one would connect them with the money. Ric said, only as long as they didn’t draw attention to it. They had to work together. Ava said she’d barely seen Ric lately, since he’d been at Beecher’s Corners so much, then admitted that she knew Ric had been with Elizabeth the morning of Willow’s hearing. Laura had seen them.  

Portia asked what was going on with Elizabeth and Ric, but Elizabeth said they were just friends. Portia asked if she liked spending time with him, and Elizabeth said they got along, and he made her laugh. Portia suggested Elizabeth go get some Gershwin. She hated that Ric was the reason Heather Webber had been released, but realized he was just doing his job. Elizabeth said she knew better than to get involved with Ric again, and Portia said, famous last words. Nina came by and asked if they’d seen Willow, but Elizabeth said they hadn’t.  

Lulu said Brook always found a way to justify her bad behavior, but Brook said Lulu was describing herself. She’d lied to her son. Lulu said she and Dante hadn’t had a chance to tell Rocco, and Brook said it was because Lulu was too busy digging into her life. Gio shouted for them to stop it. He’d been looking for Michael and heard yelling. If they were fighting about him, don’t. Lulu said they were fighting what Brook did to his brother Rocco.

Chase asked when Sasha last saw Daisy, and Sasha said, in the nursery before the fireworks. She shouldn’t have left Daisy alone. Michael said there was a night nurse and Sasha had taken the monitor. It had been reasonable to leave her. Sasha said someone had been going in and messing with their daughter. Did he remember the other day when someone had changed her onesie and she’d been facing the other way? And there was the mobile. The first night, someone had turned it on when she was in the shower. Olivia heard something in the living room, and went in. She said Daisy was there. The baby was fine. They went in to find Daisy in the bassinet.

Kristina said she was going to get Alexis out from under Ava and Ric’s thumb by being smart, but not impulsive, and Alexis said she wasn’t convinced it was a good plan, but she liked Cody. Kristina said Molly deserved the credit. She brought out the best in him. The only reason Cody had agreed was that she’d told him Molly wasn’t happy about Ava dating Ric, but the money didn’t hurt. Alexis hoped Ric and Ava imploded and thought it would be fun to watch them go at each other’s throats.

Ric said he’d brought juice to a friend with a broken leg, but Ava said she cared that he’d lied. He said he knew she’d overreact and him omitting the truth didn’t threaten their freedom like her spending the money did. She couldn’t just take it whenever she wanted. Ava said she had work to do, when Cody came in. Ric wondered why he was there, and Cody said Ava hired him to help hang the show, Ric left, and Cody told Ava that he was all hers. Where did she want him?  

Felicia told Molly to ignore Mac, but Molly thought it was sweet. To be honest, it had surprised her that she and Cody became friends. An officer said the missing child had been found, and Mac suggested he, Felicia, Cody, and Molly all have dinner. It would be fun.

Marco told Sidwell that Natalia had shown up at the christening and she and Sonny had a tense conversation. Sidwell said Natalia had intruded on Sonny’s sacred family time, and in so doing, sealed her fate. Sonny wasn’t about to let Natalia cause more problems ever again.

Sasha said it was the first place she looked, but Daisy wasn’t there, and Olivia said Daisy was safe and sound. Sasha said someone had taken her and could still be on the property, and Michael suggested another search. Ned said he’d check the gatehouse, and Michael could check the garage. Olivia told Sasha that the mind could play tricks, especially if you were hormonal, but Sasha said she didn’t misplace her baby.  

Elizabeth told Portia about Lucky proposing before he left. She’d been tempted to say yes, but their lives were going in two different directions and weren’t compatible anymore. Portia commended her for being strong enough to recognize that.  

Nina got a text from Willow, who said there was traffic, and she was on her way.

Rocco said it was strange to think he’d had another mom, another name, and another life, and Jason said, Britt didn’t talk about that part of her life much. It hurt her to remember it, but what she shared was how much it changed her. She didn’t expect a lot, but when she had him, she fell in love with him, and it surprised her. Rocco asked if she was sad when she had to give him up, and Jason said she knew what she’d done was wrong. He wasn’t hers and she had no right to him, but she loved him, and it was hard for her. By the time he knew her, she’d been doing the right things more than she realized. He thought if she saw him now, she’d be impressed with the person he’d become.

Brook said she didn’t do anything to Gio’s brother, but Lulu said she dug up that he’d been carried by someone else. Gio asked if she meant a surrogate, but Lulu said it was more complicated than that and Brook had blindsided Rocco. It was payback for her finding out the truth about Gio. Brook used her son to hurt her, and she’d never forgive Brook. Lulu left, and Brook swore it wasn’t true. She never meant to hurt Rocco.

Brook told Gio that Britt giving birth to Rocco was a matter of public record and not a secret except to Rocco. Gio said, until now. When he heard she and Dante were his parents and everything he’d thought was true wasn’t, it was the worst feeling. Brook said she was sorry, and Gio said she’d done the same thing, but Rocco was younger, and it would be harder to handle. Brook said she never gave the information to Rocco and never meant for him to see it, and Gio asked why she had gone digging. What was the point?  

Rocco thanked Jason and said talking to his parents about it was weird. Obviously, they hated Britt. Jason said he was there if Rocco needed him and left.  

Outside, Lulu saw Jason and asked what he was doing there.  

Willow met Nina and said she was sorry she was late. There had been traffic. Nina wondered what route Willow had taken, since she’d had no problem.

Chase said he spoke to everyone, and no one saw anyone suspicious. There had also been no sign of forced entry. In the foyer, Michael thanked Ned and Olivia for their help, and Olivia said it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Sasha to talk to her doctor. She wasn’t saying it was postpartum, but if it was, early intervention was key. She and Ned went upstairs, and Michael saw Chase talking to Sasha.

Alexis brought out popcorn, when the doorbell rang. It was Ric, who said they had business to discuss. He stopped when he saw Kristina.

Molly said she was swamped with work, and Felicia said, another time. Molly left, and Felicia asked if Mac could be any more obvious. Mac said he thought Molly and Cody were a good fit, but she said forcing it would do the opposite. If it was meant to be, it was meant to be. He said Molly might be the person Cody needed to keep him honest and on track.

Cody and Ava discussed what height to hang a piece of art, when Cody kissed her.

Elizabeth asked if Portia and Curtis were having problems, and Portia said every relationship had rough patches. You could give up and walk away or get down and fight. She’d always been a fighter.

Sidwell told Marco that Natalia discovered Sonny had a heart condition and had been sworn to secrecy. She’d told him, thinking it could entice him to speak to Marco on her behalf. Sonny must have found out, and the betrayal was further proof she couldn’t be trusted. Marco said he didn’t care what the autopsy said. His mother was dead because she knew too much. Sonny couldn’t get away with it. Sidwell said he’d make sure of it, but Marco said they’d make sure of it.

Kristina said Molly wasn’t there, and Ric said, it was worth a shot. Sorry for interrupting. Alexis suggested he text Molly, and he left. Alexis said she was terrified Kristina was going to go off on Ric, but Kristina said Ric and Ava not knowing she knew about the blackmail would work in their favor. Alexis commended her for stuffing her feelings in pursuit of a future goal.

Cody asked if it was okay, and Ava said it was a fine kiss. He said, ouch, and she amended it to a very good kiss. She half-heartedly slapped him and said it could never happen again. He said he totally understood and was sorry. He misread the signs. Wishful thinking. He told her that he’d leave, but she asked if they couldn’t hang the work together without further misunderstandings. He said, 100%, and she said, then back to work.

Jason told Lulu that Rocco had reached out with questions about Britt, and she asked what he told Rocco. He said from his experience, she was a good person, and Lulu said, who stole an embryo with no intention of returning her son. Jason said he’d told Rocco the truth, but Lulu said it was his truth based on his limited time with her. He said that didn’t make it less real and Rocco deserved to know all of it, and he left.

Gio said Brook wanted to hurt Lulu more than avoid hurting his brother. Walking away was clearly the right decision. He never should have come back and wouldn’t make that mistake again. He left and Brook cried.

Sasha said she was never letting Daisy out of her sight and asked Michael if they could move the crib to her room. Michael said they could, and she said she had to protect Daisy. In the foyer, Michael told Chase that he was going to phone a security company to doublecheck the house, and Chase asked, what if Sasha was imagining things? Michael said he’d do what he had to in order to keep Daisy safe, and Chase said, even if it meant keeping her safe from her own mother?

Willow told Nina that she’d really been on the phone with Drew and lost track of time. She flashed back to going into Daisy’s room and picking the baby up. She told Daisy that they were going for a little walk. Daisy’s daddy wanted her children, so she was going to show him how it felt.

Wednesday:

At the pool, Kai told Drew that he was glad he got to meet the DC staff, and Drew said they were the best in the business. Kai thanked him for the internship and Drew thanked Kai for the heads up about Curtis’s ambush.

Felicia told Curtis that her P.I. tracked Jacinda in Sydney and convinced her to fly back. She’d be there in a little over 24 hours.

Trina was surprised Ava had gotten all the photos up, and Ava said she’d had help from a friend.

Cody told Kristina that he’d overplayed his hand with Ava and probably had zero chance of getting her away from Ric.

At the hospital, Ric asked what Elizabeth was doing tonight.  

Carly found Willow at the nurses station and said Michael told her what Will had done and she wasn’t getting away with it.

Michael asked if Sasha would like a break. He was happy to watch Daisy. Sasha said after what had happened, she wasn’t letting Daisy out of her sight ever again.

Jason told Sonny that two bodies had been fished out of the harbor – Selina’s associates. Sonny said, if there were questions, the police should question Sidwell. Sidwell had hired them to come after him and his family.

Sonny said he and Selina had clashed in the past, but their alliance had held up. It was too convenient. Jason said it felt like a set-up, and Sonny agreed. Since the fire, there had been wall to wall media coverage on why he was dangerous for the city and Measure C was getting support. Jason said if it passed, Sonny would lose his base of operation, and Sonny said. whether or not Selina was involved, Sidwell was the brains. That’s why Sidwell needed to answer for almost killing his daughter.

Kristina said she’d thought it was going well with Ava, and Cody said he was in the gallery and he thought they were vibing. So he went in for a kiss, but she slapped him. Kristina asked, what happened after that? and he said she asked him to stay and help hang the photos. She said, interesting. Maybe his game wasn’t as bad as he thought.

Ava told Trina about Cody finding her sunglasses and said he was quite handy. Trina said he’d done a great job, and Ava agreed. She pointed out the new lights, and Trina asked how she could afford them. Ava said her financial hiccup was over and she was now free to splurge, despite Ric’s miserly financial advice.

Elizabeth said she had plans to go to the Joel Sartore exhibit, and Ric suggested they go together.

Carly said she knew about the incident at the pool with Wiley, but Willow whined that she hadn’t seen him in so long. Carly said she could see her kids if she didn’t marry Drew, and Willow said they were getting married. Carly said she couldn’t stop that trainwreck, but she could and would ban Willow from the MetroCourt if it happened again and the judge would find out. Willow said she was heartless, and Carly reminded Willow how she’d called Michael absent when he was recovering. Lucas came by and Willow left. He said he needed a huge favor from Carly. She needed to protect Marco from Sonny.

Carly asked if Sonny was making moves, and Lucas said it was only a matter of time. She said, because of the fire? and he said there was no love lost between Sonny and Sidwell and it wasn’t a stretch to think he was behind the fire. She asked if there was proof, but he said all Sonny needed was a strong suspicion and he’d retaliate. Sidwell went after his daughter, so it made sense for him to go after Sidwell’s son. Carly thought he was jumping to conclusions, but he said no one knew Sonny better than she did. Was he that far off? Could she assure him Marco was safe?

Jason asked how Kristina was, and Sonny said she was rattled, but physically fine. Jason said something had been bugging him about the two fires. Two of Sonny’s kids were involved, but a sophisticated device had been used in the penthouse fire, while the fire at Charlie’s was old school. It didn’t feel like it was the same person behind them. Sonny said he had doubts about the penthouse and the hitwoman in LA. If Jason was right, there was a threat on two fronts. Jason said that made protecting their families harder.

Cody said a woman slapping you wasn’t a sign they were into you, but Kristina said even though Ava hadn’t been open to it, she’d let him stick around. If she turned against Ric, she’d see him with fresh eyes. Cody told Kristina that Ava had said it was good kiss before slapping him. He supposed she could be right, but a big part of him had been relieved. He’d gotten to know Ava, and there was more there than he’d thought. Kristina said, no, there wasn’t.

Ava asked how the guest list was, and Trina said they were at full capacity. Ava asked if Trina’s parents were coming, and Trina said her dad was, but her mom had to work. She thought they were avoiding each other. Ava said she was sorry, but she was sure they’d figure out how to deal with the problems they were facing.

Felicia said she’d let Curtis know when Jacinda was on the plane, but wondered if the interview wouldn’t have been easier to do over the phone. Curtis said he thought it would be more effective if Jacinda told the public herself, when there was a knock at the door. Jordan said she was interrupting again, but Felicia said she was just leaving. She left, and Curtis told Jordan that he’d tracked down Jacinda, who’d agreed to talk. She asked if he still planned on incriminating Drew, and he said blowing up Drew’s life was his best shot at protecting his wife. Speaking of which, he wanted to explain what Jordan had walked in on. Jordan said, Portia wanted to send her a message – stay out of her marriage. She didn’t agree with Portia’s tactics, but Portia was absolutely right.

Kai said he’d struggled with telling Drew, and Drew said he knew Kai cared about Trina, who obviously loved her parents. Kai said he couldn’t let Drew be dragged for something he didn’t do, and Drew said the negative publicity could affect Willow’s chances of getting her kids back. His own daughter was also still dealing with losing her mother, barely saw her brother, and was bonding with Wiley and Amelia, who were now gone. It was too much, but he had a plan and hoped it worked.

Michael said he knew it was scary, but Daisy was okay now. Sasha said they still didn’t know what happened. She was positive she’d left Daisy in the nursery, so how had Daisy ended up in the living room bassinet, especially after she’d checked? Michael said he had no idea, and she said it wasn’t the first time something strange had happened to or around Daisy. There was the mix-up at the hospital, the mobile mystery, and Daisy’s onesie being changed when she was out of the room. It was too weird. He said he was sure there were plenty of reasonable explanations, and she said he thought she was crazy, didn’t he?

Jordan said she hadn’t intended on causing a problem, but Curtis said it wasn’t on her. He’d dragged her into his marital problems when he’d confided in her about Portia’s lies. Jordan had urged him to talk to someone else, but she’d been there for him. He was sorry she’d become a target for Portia. Jordan asked if he meant the iced tea, but he didn’t know what she was talking about. She explained that Portia had confronted her after she’d seen them reminiscing about Baltimore and thrown her iced tea at her. He said he had no idea Portia had seen them, but it was a mess. Jordan said before it got messier, she needed to do the right thing and remove herself from his life.

Elizabeth said she enjoyed Ric’s company, but didn’t want to mislead him, and Ric said he’d always respect her boundaries. He was sorry if she felt he was overstepping. All he wanted or needed was her friendship.

Kristina said any goodness Cody saw in Ava was an act. He knew about the horrible things she’d done. He said he knew about the horrible things that had happened to Ava. She’d told him about Kiki. Kristina said Kiki was tragic, but instead of using it as a turning point, Ava was still out there scheming and ruining lives. Kristina said she didn’t care about Ric, but Molly loved her father and Ric being with Ava didn’t make her happy. It would be better for everyone if Ric and Ava weren’t together. Cody wondered why they didn’t tell Molly what they were up to, but Kristina said she’d never approve. They’d better keep it a secret. Molly walked in and asked what Cody was doing there. And what was that about a secret?

Trina told Ava that she liked the idea of focusing on her own life and she had nothing to complain about. Ava asked if it was due in large part to Kai, and Trina said he’d gone to DC, and she was excited to see him tonight. Ava said Trina deserved for wonderful things to happen, and Trina said she didn’t know how it happened, but even when they didn’t see eye to eye, they respected and supported each other. Ava said it was healthy and mature. She and Ric could learn from it. Trina asked if everything was okay, and Ava said they’d had a fight, but it was nothing. Trina said she hoped Ric knew how lucky he was to have Ava, and Ava said she hoped Kai knew how lucky he was to have Trina.  

Drew said if he blocked Curtis, he and Portia could figure out that Kai tipped him off. It could affect his relationship with Trina. Kai said it was the only thing he’d been thinking about. He was worried Trina would feel betrayed, but he was going to hope she understood that he had to do what was right. He admired her folks, but they were in the wrong, and he hoped they could agree to disagree. Drew said he’d do what he could to keep Kai’s name out of it, but Kai said he thought it was better if he owned up, even if he didn’t like the consequences. Drew said he was proud of Kai, when Willow joined them. Kai said he was going to the exhibit and maybe he’d see them there. He left, and Drew said he was happy Willow had joined him, but she said they should enjoy it while they could. Carly threatened to ban her from the pool. Drew asked, why?

Sasha told Michael that she wasn’t tired or suffering from postpartum. She’d had mental health and addiction issues in the past and could understand why he’d doubt her. He said he didn’t. He believed everything she was saying. He knew her. She was strong and level-headed. He’d seen when she wasn’t and could tell the difference. If she said something strange was going on with their daughter, he was listening. She thanked him and said it meant everything. He said, if she was right, that meant someone who was in the house or had access to it took their daughter and hid her on purpose. She said that’s why she was scared. Someone was deliberately gaslighting her or someone was trying to prove they could get to their daughter whenever they wanted. That was why she and Daisy had to move immediately.

Carly told Lucas that Sonny didn’t go after civilians or innocents and asked how closely Marco was tied to his father’s business. Lucas said he only worked on the legit side. He believed Marco, knew him, and trusted him. Carly said he was in deep, and Lucas said Marco meant a lot to him. He asked her to remind Sonny that Marco saved Kristina. If anyone had the power to sway Sonny, it was her. She said he was overestimating her influence, and he asked her to try. If Sonny went after Marco, it would trigger an all-out war that would affect all of them.

Willow said she’d just wanted to see her son and was being punished, but Drew said they had to tread lightly. They couldn’t give Michael ammunition. Willow said Wiley was happy to see her and if Michael cared about Wiley, he’d let her spend time with him. Drew said she was being punished for leaving Michael, but getting married would fix all this. It would show the court they had a stable, loving home. They’d secure visitation, then get custody. Willow said, in the meantime, Michael had Wiley, Amelia, and Daisy, and her arms were empty.

Michael asked if Sasha was sure she wanted to move, and she said she didn’t feel safe. He said every decision she’d made had been right and he trusted her judgement. Where did she want to go? There was Mac and Felicia’s or his mom. He could also talk to Lucy about getting her a place and he’d cover the expenses. She said he was generous, but the only way she could rest easy and know Daisy was safe was getting outside Port Charles.

Sonny told Jason to increase security and keep eyes on Sidwell and any other threats. Jason said at least Sonny was in the clear about Natalia’s death, and Sonny said whether it was on purpose or an accident, Natalia OD’d on her own. Jason asked if he thought Turner still wanted to pin it on him, but Sonny said, even though Turner wanted to put him away, she didn’t railroad him. She thought turning over the evidence against him was too much for Natalia and they were both responsible for her death. Jason said Turner felt guilty. What about him? Sonny said Natalia thought they had a romantic thing, and he was going with her to Belize. When he told her that wasn’t the case, it was the last straw. Jason said, Sonny still tried to help her. He wasn’t responsible. Sonny said he still wished it had been different.

Molly said, what secret? and Kristina said, no matter how hard Cody tried to hide it, he was a sweet guy. He came over to see how her recovery was going, and he’d been helpful the night of the fire. Molly said it was sweet, and he’d kept their mom from freaking out. Cody said he was going to leave while he was ahead, but Molly said, hold up. Where was he going dressed all fancy? Did he have more legal trouble? He said he was going to a showing at the Jerome Gallery, and Molly said she didn’t think it was his vibe. He said it wasn’t, but he’d helped hang the pictures and the photographs of the baby animals were amazing. He left, and Molly asked what was wrong with Kristina. The one time badmouthing Ava would be helpful, she kept her mouth shut.

Kristina said everyone told her to stop it, but Molly said, not with Cody. She saw him and Ava hanging out by the pool and Ava was like a creepy spider luring him to her web. Kristina asked if Ava was interested, and Molly said, it seemed like it. Ava was supposed to be with her dad. Ava would chew Cody up and spit him out. He’d come to her rescue, and she considered him a sort of friend. Kristina asked if Cody was a sort of friend or did Molly want it to be more.

Cody arrived at the gallery and Trina said she’d check on the caterers. Ava said Cody cleaned up nicely, but he was way early, and he said he wanted a private minute to apologize again for crossing the line. She said, bygones, and he made up for it with the excellent job. He said they made a great team.  

Curtis said Jordan hadn’t crossed any lines, and Jordan said it needed to stay that way. She didn’t want to be responsible for his marriage falling apart, directly or indirectly. Their lives would intersect professionally and with family, but it was best if they didn’t see each other. He said he hated this, but she was right. He’d allowed himself to lean on her in ways they hadn’t been fair to her or Portia. He thanked her and said she was a class act and an amazing woman. She told him, good luck with Jacinda. She was rooting for him to take down Drew. She left.  

Elizabeth asked how Marco was, and Lucas said Marco insisted he was all right, but he and Natalia hadn’t been close and it complicated things, making them worse. Marco had been wondering, if he could have saved Natalia if he hadn’t stopped to rescue Kristina. Elizabeth said they’d never know, but it was possible if Marco hadn’t stopped, both his mom and Kristina would be dead. Lucas said Marco did a heroic thing and he hoped certain people saw that and appreciated it too.

Sonny said, even though there was no evidence, he was going to pull out of Deception, and Jason asked if Sonny wanted him to call Diane. Sonny said his main priority was Sidwell. The fire couldn’t go unanswered. Jason asked what he wanted to do, and Sonny said, send a message. Come after my child and your child will pay.

Lucas asked how it went with Ric, and Elizabeth said he was going to the gallery show and suggested they go together. Lucas said Ric was seeing Ava yet asked her to go. He was the messiest man in the world. She said she made it clear they were just friends, and she thought she got through. Lucas said she’d been upfront and clear about her boundaries, and it was up to Ric to accept that. She said it was the first test, and Lucas said he hoped Ric passed or he would answer to Aunt Ava.

Ric brought Ava flowers, and Trina went to put them in water. Ric gave Ava a card, and she took a check out of the envelope. She said it was a lot of zeros and asked what it was for. He said he’d spoken to Alexis, and she released extra funds to use for the gallery. He wanted to remind her that they were in this together and hoped she forgave him. She said she appreciated a man who knew how to apologize, as Cody watched.

Molly asked Kristina why everyone thought she was interested in Cody. Mac had been matchmaking, but they had nothing in common. Kristina said, so she was definitely not interested, and Molly said she just didn’t want Ava to eat him alive and wondered how they’d gotten involved in the first place.  

Felicia told Curtis that when her P.I. went to pick up Jacinda, she was gone and her place had been cleared out. She was guessing Jacinda got cold feet, but Curtis said, no. Drew somehow got to her. He wondered how the hell Drew knew what he was up to, as Kai listened outside the door.

Drew told Willow that he was sorry, but she said it was Michael’s fault. He said he couldn’t wait to marry her, and she said her only regret was that it seemed like she was marrying him to get her kids back. She wanted them back, but hoped he knew she loved him. He said he loved her too, and they kissed.

Sasha said something was off and she needed to protect Daisy, and Michael asked if that meant uprooting her life. she said, yes. Daisy was her number one priority. She’d already lost one child and wasn’t going through that again. It might seem crazy or extreme, but she needed to protect Daisy even if it meant leaving Port Charles and going into hiding on their own. Michael said he couldn’t let her do that.  

Jason told Sonny that he’d made arrangements for Marco. Say the word, and the plan went live. There was a knock at the door, and Sonny opened it to Carly. He asked what brought her by, and she said she was there to stop another one of their children from being killed.

Thursday:

Ava introduced friend and inspiration Joel Sartore and his new book, Photo Ark Babies. She said that the animals were fragile, magical, and in need of our attention.  

Boyle met Drew at the pool and said he had everything Drew needed to land a public hit on Sonny Corinthos and his good friend the mayor.

At the hospital, Martin told Laura that his physical therapist was a miracle worker, but things would have been different if he hadn’t gotten treatment. Laura asked, why? Was he in some kind of trouble?

Lucas gave Marco Natalia’s personal items, and Marco said the investigation was over. Lucas said he was so sorry, and Marco said he didn’t care what the investigation said. His mother wasn’t responsible for her own death. Sonny was.

Carly said if Sonny went after Marco, Sidwell would have no choice but to strike back, and it would be back and forth until everyone was dead. sonny told her to stay out of it, but she said, not when their children’s lives were on the line.  

Sasha said she didn’t want to fight with Michael, but couldn’t compromise their daughter’s safety. Michael said he meant he couldn’t let her leave alone.

Stella told Portia that she had too much work to go to the exhibit opening, and Portia said Trina would understand. Stella asked if Portia was meeting Curtis, but Portia said he hadn’t shared his schedule with her.

Felicia told Curtis that her P.I. went to pick up Jacinda, but she was gone, and her place was completely cleared out. She was guessing Jacinda got cold feet, but Curtis said, somehow, Drew got to her. He didn’t know how the hell Drew knew what he was up to. Kai knocked at the door and asked for a minute, and Felicia said she was sorry she couldn’t do more. She left, and Curtis asked how much Kai heard. Kai said he heard Curtis couldn’t find Jacinda and he wanted to tell Curtis that he was the one who warned Drew.

Joel thanked everyone and said the new book was a prequel to the main Photo Ark book. He passed out prints, and his wife told Trina that she and Ava had done an amazing job. Trina said, after seeing the photos, she’d never be the same.

Ric said Ava outdid herself. She knew her stuff. Cody watched them, then approached Elizabeth. He told her that he helped hang the photos and knew where the baby sloths were. They walked off together, and Ric frowned.

Martin blamed Tracy for his fall, and Laura said she got it, but if he chose to go to war with Tracy, no one would win.

Sasha said Port Charles was Wiley and Amelia’s home, and Michael couldn’t leave, but she and Daisy could. She and Michael could think of a place together. He said he needed to know that wherever they went, they got there safely. She couldn’t leave without protection. She asked if he was going to hire a bodyguard, but he said he had something much better.

Carly said she knew how the game worked. Sonny could either call for a cease fire or escalate things. If he escalated things, he put everyone they loved in danger. Michael called Jason and asked Jason to meet him at the pool house. Jason left, and Carly told Sonny to admit it. When he heard it was Michael, his heart stopped.

Stella asked if Portia and Curtis were good, and Portia said they were going through a rough patch. Stella said that’s why they needed to remember what they meant to each other and how hard they’d fought to get where they were.

Curtis said, Kai overheard a conversation between him and his wife at their house and took it to Drew. How could Kai betray his privacy? Kai asked how he couldn’t. Curtis wasn’t going to expose a crime. He was going to lie and destroy Drew’s reputation. It wouldn’t just hurt Drew, but it would hurt Drew’s daughter and Willow. Drew had a right to know. Curtis said Kai was meddling in affairs he didn’t understand. Nothing was as simple as he thought. Drew came in and asked if there was a problem, and Kai said he told Curtis what he’d done. Curtis said Kai had no idea who Drew really was or what he was capable of, but he did. Kai said he was sorry, but did what he thought was right. Curtis said Kai didn’t have to explain to him, but he would have to explain it to Trina.

Cody spilled wine on Elizabeth, and Ric rushed over with his handkerchief.

Martin said he couldn’t let Tracy get away with what she’d done, and Laura said he had a right to be angry, but pursuing a feud wouldn’t end happily for anyone. Her best advice was to let Tracy do Tracy and he should focus on his recovery. Martin said he’d try, when Stella joined him. He said if it hadn’t been for her expertise… Stella asked if she could speak to him in private.

Boyle gave Marco his condolences and said he’d do everything to see that Sonny Corinthos and everyone who enabled him was made to pay for the tragedy. A bunch of reporters appeared and asked if Sonny killed Marco’s mother. Was it true she and Sonny were more than friends? Had she laundered money for the Corinthos organization?

Kai was late to the gallery, and Trina texted him. Ava mumbled that Ric couldn’t keep his hands off Elizabeth, and told Trina to let her know how it went. Trina stepped away, and Cody told Ava that he was hearing the show was a huge success. Ava said there was someone she’d like him to meet.

Trina thanked Josslyn and Gio for coming, and they talked about the photos. Josslyn asked, where’s Kai? but Trina said she didn’t know. He was supposed to be there. She was guessing that Drew kept him late.

Kai said he was sorry it turned out like this, and Curtis said so was he. Kai left, and Curtis asked if Drew was proud of himself. Drew said he was proud of Kai, and Curtis said he’d manipulated Kai into spying for him. Drew said Kai had overheard what Curtis was up to and chose to bring the information to his intended victim. Curtis said Drew was no one’s victim, but Drew said he didn’t hire Jacinda; Curtis’s wife had. She’d set him up and drugged him, which was a felony. Curtis conspired to bring her back to make a false statement, which was also a crime. How was he the bad guy here?

Sonny said he’d do what he needed to do and nothing Carly said would change that. She said Kristina would be dead if not for Marco. Was this how Sonny repaid him? He said it wasn’t about Marco. It was about Sidwell. Sidwell had nearly got Kristina killed. He’d torched Charlie’s and had to face the consequences. Otherwise, their kids were in even more danger than they were now. Carly said it was a trap. He’d have to find another way to get Sidwell to stand down. If he couldn’t do it for the kids, do it for Morgan. They couldn’t lose another kid. Morgan had died, Michael had been shot and almost burned alive, and Kristina had been held hostage and almost killed. When they found out Morgan was gone, she would have given anything to turn back to a time when they could have done something different. Sonny said him too, and she said, now is that time. He had to stop the violence before they lost someone else they loved.

Michael said Sasha and Daisy were leaving Port Charles, and Jason asked, why? Michael said Daisy had disappeared. They’d found her in her bassinet, and she was fine, but they didn’t know how she got there. Sasha said Olivia thought she was sleep deprived or hormonal, but someone had broken in and moved Daisy to make her think Daisy was gone. Michael said it could be about anyone, and Sasha said she wasn’t sticking around to find out. Jason asked if Michael was good with this, and Michael said Sasha was right. They weren’t safe here. Jason asked where Sasha wanted to go.

Gio listened in. and Sidwell told Jordan to ask Anna to send a detective to the airport. The night Natalia died, Sonny’s private plane was ready to go on a flight to Belize. Natalia was going to take it and never be heard from again. Perhaps she took her life because she didn’t want to face what Sonny had planned.

Boyle said the people of Port Charles deserved to be safe. Not just from mob violence, like the fire at the club owned by Sonny’s daughter. They needed protection from the coercion of the criminal element that led to Natalia’s death. He asked if Marco had a comment, and Marco said his mother’s death was tragic and those responsible would be held accountable. Laura walked in and Boyle asked if she’d join him in condemning Sonny Corinthos, who was responsible for hounding Natalia to her death.

Curtis said he knew who Drew was, even if Kai didn’t, and Drew said he had proof that Portia abused her position and falsified medical records.  Curtis said Drew would never let that leak and give up his leverage, and Drew asked if Curtis wanted to call his bluff. His first stop would be the hospital, then the PCPD. Curtis needed to do one simple thing or Drew would do that.

Emma told Josslyn that it broke her heart how animals were tested in a lab rather than being out in the wild, and Josslyn said she hadn’t found out anything yet. Dalton hadn’t even let her in the lab. Emma told her to find a way in. Dalton was up to something. Josslyn said she wouldn’t talk to Emma about her job, but Emma said she was just telling Josslyn goodnight. She was leaving to meet Vaughn. Josslyn told her to have fun, and Emma said they both would, and left.

Ric said he could drive Elizabeth home to change, but she said it wasn’t necessary. She gave him back his handkerchief, and Ava asked to speak with Ric privately.

Martin said he couldn’t thank Stella enough for getting his insurance reinstated. Desperation and pain were bad combination, but thanks to her, he was a new man. He intended on writing a letter… She told him to be quiet or they’d both be in serious trouble.

Laura said the investigation into Natalia’s death was officially closed and asked the press to give the family the room they needed to grieve. She’d meet Boyle in a debate, but wasn’t sinking into the mud with him. Boyle asked if Marco knew that Sonny had been held at the PCPD for 24 hours. The police were going to charge him with Natalia’s murder until he was mysteriously let go. Marco said he wanted justice and would release a statement. It was a private matter and Boyle was intending on exploiting his mother’s death. It was an act of manipulation and Marco gave him no support. If Boyle kept harassing him, he’d take legal action against him.  

Gio showed up at Sonny’s and said he needed to talk. Carly told Sonny that she’d said what she needed to say. Please think about it. She left and Sonny asked what was on Gio’s mind. Gio said he came from Ava’s gallery and Sidwell was there. He overheard Sidwell talking about Sonny. He’d said Sonny’s plane was scheduled to fly to Belize on the day Natalia died and he wanted the PCPD to get the flight plan. He wanted them to reopen the investigation. Sonny told him, stay out of it.

Jason said when they got where they were going, he’d secure the location, and get Sasha and Daisy settled in. Sasha thanked Michael for helping and trusting her. She was worried he might be humoring her. Michael said she made the right decision, when Daisy started fussing. Michael picked her up and said he thought she was hungry. Sasha said she’d take Daisy to the house to feed her. Daisy would be sleeping in her room every night until departed. She left and Michael told Jason that he didn’t know how to do this.

Michael told Jason that he loved Daisy so much and now he was going to lose her. He had no idea when he’d see her again. He wouldn’t be there for her first steps or her first words, and his wouldn’t be the face she recognized, but he couldn’t fight Sasha on this. Jason said she had good instincts. For what it was worth (🍷), he’d been in Michael’s position. He’d had to walk away from Danny and Jake more than once. It never got easier, but Michael’s situation was different. None of this was his fault.

Josslyn met Carly at the pool and said she’d gotten Carly’s message. Carly said she was fine. She just wanted to see Josslyn and tell her how much she loved her. They hugged, and Josslyn said she loved Carly too, but she was worried. Did something happen?

Ric said he showed Elizabeth some attention, and Ava threw herself at the hired hand. Ava said they’d been talking about the show, but Ric said she was flirting. She said she was surprised he noticed. He was putty in Elizabeth’s hands when she wanted something and dirt under her feet when she didn’t, but he was too smitten to realize.

Drew told Curtis that he wanted one thing. A front-page exposé on Sonny Corinthos and Natalia Ramirez. Curtis said it sounded like an Invader headline, and Drew said, underneath that headline would be an accurate report that Sonny was held for 24 hours and questioned about Natalia’s death. He also wanted Curtis to publish a timeline on Sonny and Natalia’s relationship. He handed Curtis an envelope and said he wanted Curtis to include a copy of the autopsy report. Curtis asked where he got it, and Drew said, an anonymous source, but Curtis said he needed more than that. Drew said Curtis had more than enough to go to print. It was a small price to pay for his wife’s freedom.  

Jordan told Portia that she came in peace to clear the air. She’d had a conversation with Curtis and told him that she didn’t want to risk blurring the lines. From now on, they’d only see each other on family occasions and when they couldn’t avoid it. She wanted Portia to know that she wasn’t a woman who stuck her nose in other people’s marriages. Whatever happened with Portia and Curtis, she was out. Portia said Curtis must have eaten Jordan’s speech up with a spoon, but she wasn’t buying a word.

Gio said he was sorry. He thought Sonny should know. Sonny said he appreciated Gio coming over, but didn’t want him to go near Sidwell, who was a dangerous man. He didn’t want Gio to be near him either. He didn’t agree with most of what Tracy said, but she was right when she told Gio to stay clear of him. When she’d tried to get Gio not to sign the papers for the trust fund, she was trying to do the right thing. Gio said she was trying to control him, but Sonny said she was trying to save him. When he was a young guy, he made mistakes and thought he’d be the only one to suffer. Then he realized the people he cared about could get hurt, but it was too late. Gio said, for what? and Sonny said, to get out, to change things. So now, all he could do was protect his family. Gio said Sonny was his family too. Didn’t he get to protect Sonny? Sonny said what he wanted Gio to do was not listen in on Sidwell or anyone else. Stay clear.

Marco said he knew about Boyle and wasn’t surprised he’d stoop so low, and Laura said she was relieved Marco saw Boyle for who he was. She wished his father would do the same. Marco said he disagreed with his father on many things, but make no mistake. He held Sonny responsible for his mother’s death and Laura considered him a friend. Shame on her.

Ric said Ava was coming off as ungrateful and he’d been good to her through his misfortune. She said he wouldn’t have known Kristina was responsible for his misfortune if not for her. Without her, he was a lawyer with a schoolboy crush, He said he was going to go before they said something they’d regret. He left and we saw Cody had been listening in.

Stella said if Martin had taken care of his back issue in the past, insurance would have considered it a preexisting condition. She was seeing it more and more, patients being turned down to care they were entitled to. Martin said he wanted people to know how well she took care of him, but she said she just filled out some paperwork, a request to get him the assistance he needed. He said he wanted her to know, if it did get out, he’d do everything and anything to defend her, and she told him to take care of himself. She thought it was better for them both if no one knew how she may or may not have finessed the system.

Trina was alone at the gallery when Kai arrived.

Laura told Marco that she and Sonny shared a grandchild. That made him family, but didn’t mean she agreed with everything he did. Marco said Laura was the mayor and took an oath to uphold the law, and she said she did. Right now, Marco’s emotions were holding Sonny accountable, but from a from legal point of view, it was different story. He said, what about ethically and morally? and she said they all had to follow the dictates of their conscience. She was truly sorry and wished him and his family peace. She left, and Marco told Lucas that Boyle was an ass. He wasn’t going to let Boyle use him, but he did blame Sonny for his mother’s death and didn’t want it to come between them. Lucas said Sonny’s actions were his own and had nothing to do with them, and Marco said, good. Sonny had already cost him his mother, and he didn’t want to lose Lucas. Lucas said he wouldn’t. He wasn’t going anywhere,

On the phone, Curtis said he wanted a full media blast on their website and social media. Did Sonny Corinthos end Natalia Ramirez?  

Sonny said Gio needed to stay away until things cooled down, but Gio said Sonny stood by him and he wanted to stand by Sonny. Sonny said the worst that could happen was Gio getting hurt because of him. Do it for his grandpa. Gio said if that’s what Sonny wanted, and Sonny said it was… for now. They hugged and Gio sniffled.  

Carly told Josslyn that she’d had a conversation with Sonny about Kristina and what happened at Charlie’s. He could have lost a daughter, and she wanted to tell hers that she loved her. She would never ask Josslyn to live her life small, but Josslyn was precious to her. So while she was living her big, beautiful life, be careful. Josslyn said, for her, and they hugged.

Jason told Michael that his working for Sonny was intolerable for Sam. She’d had the right to protect Danny, but Michael didn’t deserve to lose his daughter. He was sorry, but unfortunately, it was the right thing to do. Michael said he’d promised Sasha that as much as he loved his dad, he wouldn’t be that kind of father. He promised that nothing like the fire would ever happen to his kids, but he never thought he’d have to make good on his promise so soon.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Anna walks into the Brown Dog Bar and approaches Isaiah at the bar. She wonders if she can ask him a favor. She’s waiting for Felicia and noticed her granddaughter is here with a man at least ten years her senior. Isaiah asks if she’s concerned, but she says she doesn’t know if she is or not, but she’s definitely intrigued. She’s wondering if he’d mind being her cover.

Trina thanks Kai for hanging around and says she has to clean up a couple of things. Then they can head to the afterparty. She can’t believe he missed Joel Sartore. He was talking about why he does what he does, and it was so inspirational. Where was he? Kai said, something important came up with Trina’s dad.

Portia tells Curtis, it was no surprise Trina put on a wonderful show. Joel Sartore’s photographs were absolutely wonderful. Curtis says he sent Trina congratulatory flowers, and Portia says she’s sure Trina loved them, but she thought for sure he’d make it there before she did. Trina looked for him all night. He says, unfortunately, he was here being blackmailed by Drew again.

Lulu thanks Laura for coming by, and Laura asks, what’s going on? Lulu says, Brook is mad, and Laura asks, about what? Lulu says, about what Brook thinks she did to Gio. Now Brook is going after Rocco. Laura asks what she means, and Lulu says she means now she has Brook to thank for Rocco knowing about Britt Westbourne.

Rocco searches for something on Spyder-Finder.

Chase comes out of the water by the boathouse, and Tracy says, just the man she wants to see. He asks if everything is okay, and she tells him that his stroke is off, and his breathing is too soon in the cycle of the surf. He says he’ll keep it in mind, and she asks if he’s seen Brook. He says, not yet. He was working all night and then came here. Is everything okay? She says, no. She thinks his wife is barreling headlong into disaster and he needs to stop her.

Michael walks into the living room and sees Brook. He says he’s sorry. He didn’t realize anyone was in here. Is she okay? Brook says she’s fine. The room is all his. She starts to leave, but he says, wait. What’s going on? He doesn’t mean to pressure her about anything, but he’s happy to listen. She says she thought things were bad enough when Gio discovered she’d given him up. Now her son truly hates her. Honestly, she doesn’t know if it can get any worse. Dante walks in and asks why the hell she did that to his son.

Laura says, Britt Westbourne has been dead for years. What could Brook possibly say about her that’s relevant today? Lulu says, everything. Rocco knew none of it. She and Dante never told him the story of how he came to be. Or more accurately, they had no chance to tell him. Laura asks why Brook took it upon herself to tell Rocco anything about Britt, and Lulu says, to hurt her. Laura hugs her and says she’s so sorry, and Lulu says, God forbid he find out from his parents who can explain it in a way he could understand. Brook set it up for him to find out in the worst way. All because she wanted to cause maximum damage.

Chase says, with all due respect, he doesn’t think he and Tracy should discuss Brook behind her back. If she’s concerned about her granddaughter, take it up with her. Tracy says, if only it were that easy to rein Brook in. Clearly, he still has no idea what he’s dealing with.

Brook asks what Dante is referring to, but he says, don’t. Not after what she did. Michael asks, what’s going on? and Dante says he knew Brook could be destructive, but being this cruel to his kid is a new low. Michael suggests he step back. He doesn’t appreciate Dante talking to Brook that way. Dante says Michael wants to defend this person who dug up sensitive, ancient history about Britt Westbourne, the woman who stole an embryo belonging to him and Lulu. She planted it in herself and gave birth to Rocco, passing him off as her own. Michael says he knows it was awful, but what does that have to do with what’s happening now? Dante says, ask Brook. She made a file about that horrible woman and left it where Rocco or anyone else could find it. He asks Brook to tell him that he’s wrong. Please. Go ahead.

Isaiah says he’s in. He’ll absolutely cover for Anna. Anna thanks him, and at a table nearby, Vaughn suggests he and Emma get out of here and find a quieter place to talk. This bar isn’t really his scene. Emma says she knows a cool place closer to campus, and he says, sounds great. They get up and head for the door, but Anna intercepts them and asks who Emma’s friend is.

Curtis tells Portia, arrangements were in place to bring Jacinda back to Port Charles, but when the P.I. got there, she was gone. Portia says, she ran? Why? Curtis says, she didn’t run. Drew paid her to disappear. She asks how he knows, and he says, Drew told him. She says she doesn’t understand, and he says he didn’t either, but then Kai showed up and said he was the one who told Drew about the plan. She asks why he’d do something like that… Oh no. Trina. Does Trina know? He says he’s not sure, but he’s sure as hell going to make sure she does, and Portia says, this is very bad. Trina cares for Kai. Curtis says he knows, and Portia says, who knows how she’ll react when she finds out Kai betrayed them? but Curtis says, if he were Portia, he’d be more worried about Drew. Once again, Drew has them where he wants them. She says, all because of her.

Kai tells Trina that the reason he missed the opening was because he went to her dad’s office to talk to him and caught the tail end of Curtis’s conversation with Felicia. Trina says, Felicia works with her mother at the hospital, but he says, they weren’t talking about the hospital. They were talking about that Jacinda woman Curtis was trying to find. She says, the escort? Maybe they should change subject for a lot of reasons. He says she wishes he could for a lot of reasons, but he can’t. Jacinda is gone again. Drew arranged for her to disappear. Trina says she doesn’t know why they’re discussing it when it has nothing to do with them, but he says, it does. The reason Drew knew was that he told Drew what her dad was planning.

Anna asks to be introduced to Emma’s friend, but Emma said they were just heading out. Anna says she’ll buy them a drink. She insists. They sit back down, when Anna’s phone dings. She says, Felicia can’t make it, so she thinks it worked out perfectly. She has more time to get to know… Name? He says, Vaughn, and Anna shakes his hand. She says, nice to meet him. She’s the Police Commissioner. How does he know Emma? He says, from PCU, and she asks if he’s a student there. He says he works in the facility department, and Anna says, oh. Did he attend the university many years ago? Vaughn laughs and says he’s so sorry. He has to use the men’s room. Excuse him. He leaves and Emma asks if Anna is planning on fingerprinting him, but Anna says she hasn’t decided. Does Emma realize he’s at least ten years older than she is? She has questions. Emma asks if Anna never dated an older guy, but Anna says they’re not talking about her. Emma says, come on. He’s hot. And she’s an adult. She can date who she wants. Anna says she broke into the lab at her last university. He works in facility at PCU. Is he aware that she’s using him?

Dante says Brook went looking for information on Britt because she wanted to hurt Lulu, and Brook says, yes, but she didn’t tell Rocco, and she didn’t leave it out. It was one the table under Deception materials. No one was supposed to find it. He says, yet somehow, they did, but she says, they weren’t meant to. It was an accident. Dante says she left a file out containing private information about his son in the house his son lives in. It was like leaving out a loaded weapon. She wanted him to find it. Maybe she planned it – he doesn’t know – but she did it to hurt Lulu, and it’s got to stop. He gets that Lulu upset Gio who thinks Brook gave him up without a second thought, but she can’t blame Lulu. That’s all her. Michael says, that’s enough.

Chase says he doesn’t need Tracy telling him anything about his wife, and she says, how about if she tells him about her and Brook. They’re a lot alike. He says he’s aware of the traits they have in common, and she says, of course (🍷), but she suspects he sees Brook through rose colored glasses. He says he supposes he’s biased when it comes to his wife, and she says, he’s supposed to be. When someone intentionally hurts them, they don’t take it lying down. She’s blown up her own life more than once seeking revenge and she doesn’t want Brook to follow in her footsteps. Chase asks who Tracy thinks Brook is going after, and she says, Brook holds Lulu responsible for what’s happening with Gio and there’s no doubt in her mind that Brook is going after Lulu. Does he think Brook’s justified?

Laura says, that’s just awful, and asks how Rocco is handling it. Lulu says, he’s confused and asking questions. She’s at a loss and thinks he’s overwhelmed. Brook’s main goal was to cause chaos. Laura suggests they focus on Rocco. What he needs right now is understanding. Lulu says she’s his mother and Rocco is her and Dante’s biological son. Britt gave birth to him, but she and Dante are the only parents he’s known. Laura says, and the only parents who have loved him, and Lulu says she knows that. Why does it feel like Rocco is pulling away? Laura says, because at Rocco’s age, information like this can change everything.  

Trina asks if Kai is saying that after they talked, he went and told Drew – her father’s enemy – what her father was planning? He says, yes, and she asks how he could do that. He says, how could he not?  

Curtis says he’s not going to let Drew take Portia down. He’ll do what he has to in order to stop him. Portia says, it’s a beautiful gesture, but he’s not doing it for her. He’s doing it for Trina. She appreciates his moral code and him not letting her hang out to dry, but she wishes he wanted to protect her because she’s his wife. He says, fine. She did cause this and he’s not saving her for her, but for Trina and himself. He wants to be able to look in the mirror and know he honored his vows and did what he could to protect her. She says she’s sorry she’s not worthy of his honorable intentions. She’s sure Jordan is, right? …Yeah. Don’t wait up. She leaves.

Laura says, it’s really painful when you feel your children pulling away, but she thinks it’s inevitable. When a kid finds out their parents have a complicated history, it can’t be easy to explain. Lulu says, a complicated past is the Spencer way, and Laura says, it really is. It can be painful for a child to find out their parents existed in ways they knew nothing about. It can affect how they feel about themselves and how they relate to their parents, but she’s found out over the years that none of it outweighs a strong foundation of love. Lulu asks if she thinks it will pass, and Laura says she does. She thinks going forward, Rocco may look through life with a different lens and he may have questions, but Rocco knows how much they love him. That’s because Lulu is a wonderful mother. Her love has never wavered. Lulu puts her head on Laura’s shoulder, and Laura says, it’s gonna be okay.

Michael says, Dante needs to back off. He has no idea what it cost Brook to give up Gio and has no right to judge. Dante says, he’s right. He doesn’t know what Brook went through. Brook says she appreciates everything Michael said, but she thinks it’s something she and Dante have to work out for themselves. Michael asks if she’s sure, and she says she is and thanks him. Michael leaves, and Brook says, it’s just them, so let her have it – again.

Rocco goes outside, and Laura says, nice to see him. He says, her too, and she says she hears it’s been a rough couple of days.

Chase says, Lulu crossed the line. Tracy knows that. Tracy says, letting Gio find out his parentage at the Nurses Ball wasn’t Lulu’s finest hour, and he says, neither was the harassment, bullying, and threats that led up to it. Although it needed to come out for everyone’s sake, including Brook’s. She says, they’re in complete agreement so far, and he says, now they’re going in different directions. He also believes had it been handled delicately, Brook could have built a relationship with her son instead of praying every night that he’ll forgive her someday. She says, he will. He just needs time. Chase says he’s not so sure. Lulu was relentless and did it in the worst way possible. She asks if he agrees in helping punish Lulu.  

Kai says he heard Trina’s dad plotting against Drew. He said he was going to pay Jacinda to lie and say Drew took the ketamine on purpose. He was standing next to Drew when Tracy flipped the press conference and called out Drew for drug use and said he should be kicked out of office. He knew the truth about what happened. Trina knows Drew has been good to him with the surgery and the internship, but even if he hadn’t done those things, he couldn’t let Drew be accused of something he didn’t do. That’s not who he is. He doesn’t live his life that way. Trina says she seriously respects his sense of loyalty. She just wishes it extended to her.

Michael goes to see Curtis and says he got Curtis’s text. It sounded important. Curtis says, it is. He thought he should give Michael and his family advance warning. Michael says, that doesn’t sound good, and Curtis says, in about an hour, the headline will be the same throughout all Aurora Media platforms and he thought Michael should hear it. Did Sonny Corinthos End Natalia Ramirez? He shows Michael the copy.

At the Brown Dog Bar, Portia asks Isaiah if this seat is taken, and he says, it was, but he believes his companion has moved on. She says she knows how that feels, and he says, long day? She says, they all feel long nowadays. She ran into Jordan who’s trying to steal her husband. She’d be lying if she didn’t say Jordan is right about one thing. If her marriage is ending, she has no one to blame but herself.

Vaughn returns and says he’s sorry. There was a line. Anna says, in the men’s room? and he says, yeah. Emma asks if Vaughn still wants to get out of here, and Anna says don’t let her scare him off. They were just getting acquainted. Josslyn comes in and tells Vaughn, okay. He wins.

Vaughn asks what Josslyn is doing here, and Emma says she can answer that. She told Josslyn they were going out. She can’t explain Josslyn showing up at the Brown Dog though. Is she stalking them? Josslyn says, hardly. She still has Vaughn’s location on her phone. Emma says, yikes. Sharing her location with a guy she just met. Pretty thirsty. Josslyn says, yikes. Snatching up the guy she just broke up with. Pretty desperate. Anna says, okay, ladies. Let’s not resort to stereotypical female behavior in the Brown Dog. Josslyn says, right, and Emma says, Josslyn is here, so make her point. Josslyn says she made it. If she walks out, she and Vaughn are done. It’s either her or Emma.

Rocco tells Laura that the hardest part is, no matter what his mom says, he keeps thinking he might never have been born if Britt hadn’t stolen the embryo that was him. She asks why he keeps thinking that, and he says he feels like his parents didn’t choose to have him. Lulu listens in, and Rocco says he was stolen, and suddenly, whether they wanted him or not, they were parents. Laura says she assures him there was nothing sudden about it. They wanted him. They were desperate to have him. They fought for him and prayed for him and when he showed up, it was nothing short of a miracle. He says, no one has called him a miracle before, but she promises they did, many times. The thing about miracles is, they never happen the way you expect them to. Actually, Rocco knows something about this. All the afternoons he sat at his mother’s hospital bed, holding his mother’s hand, and praying for her to come out of the coma. She came back one day and he got his miracle. It wasn’t the way they expected and certainly not in an easy way, but they’re still grateful, aren’t they? Rocco says he’s always grateful for Sam, and she says, always. She knows it’s a confusing time and knows he’s been left with a lot of questions. That’s perfectly understandable, but one thing he never has to question is his parents’ love for him. That is something he can depend on for the rest of his life.  

Dante tells Brook that what he said about her giving up Gio was out of line. He owns that, but he feels she was out of line too. He knows how much she despises Lulu – Brook says, Lulu feels the same about her too – but to involve his son, who’s now questioning what he’s known… Brook says it was never her intention, and he says he knows, but it doesn’t matter. At the end, it was the same result. She says she wanted to hurt Lulu and Rocco got caught in the crossfire. She regrets it, truly she does. It might be the worst thing she’s ever done.  

Chase tells Tracy that it wasn’t fair, but there was no grand payback scheme or plot for revenge, and she says, Brook is smart and motivated. Lulu made mistakes, and Brook homed in on the worst one, then exploited it. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he doesn’t like her talking about his wife like that, but she says, it’s true also that Brook loves him and respects him and wants to be the best version of herself for him. That’s why she thinks he’s the only one who can stop her. He says he doesn’t police his wife or tell her what to do, and she says, no good can come of these two women destroying each other. She loves them both so much. He asks what she wants him to do, and she says she wants him to see if he can stop this from devolving any further. They’ll just end up hurting each other and themselves.

Trina says she gave Kai a heads up that Drew was working against them, but it didn’t matter. His loyalty starts and stops with Drew. Kai says, that’s not true, and she asks if he’s sure. That’s not what it feels like. He asks if she’s saying she doesn’t trust him anymore, and she says, why should she? They agreed to stay out of it, and he’d told her that he wouldn’t say anything, then he did the complete opposite. So tell her, why she should trust him when he betrayed her family and her?

Michael says he takes it that Drew insisted, and Curtis says, correct. He was on the verge of outmaneuvering Drew and getting his family out from under Drew’s thumb when the weasel got out ahead of him. Michael says, he’s not alone. He told Curtis to stop Drew from taking his family down. Curtis says he’s not sure he has any moves left, and Michael says, professional or personal? Curtis says, maybe both. He’s not sure he and Portia have what it takes to make it through this.

Laura says she knows Rocco’s parents are upset. They wanted to be the ones to tell him and didn’t want him to be blindsided. When he talks to them, please try to remember what they talked about. Promise her to remember he is their miracle and always will be. He says he promises and thanks her. She says, one more thing. He’s allowed to ask questions. Ask all of them and keep asking until he gets answers that feel satisfying. That’s important. This is his life. They hug, and he says, she always gets it. She says she tries.

Brook tells Dante that she told herself that Lulu needed a taste of her own medicine, so she’d know how it felt to have someone digging around in her past without her knowledge or consent. He says, she used his son, but she says she never meant for Rocco to see it. Dante says, but he did, and she says she knows. She gets sick to her stomach when she thinks about it. Rocco is hurting and probably questioning everything and it’s all her fault. Now she has to live with that. She’s so, so sorry. He says he appreciates that, and she says, if it makes him feel better, Gio thinks she did it on purpose and hates her more because she hurt his little brother. She can’t tell him that he shouldn’t. Dante says it doesn’t make him feel better. He knows she’s sorry and believes her, but unfortunately, there’s not a way to fix the way Rocco and Gio are feeling. She says she knows. The silver lining is, now that Gio thinks she’s the lowest of the low, maybe he’ll be more open to Dante.  

Vaughn tells Emma that he’s sorry. This is super awkward. Emma says, actually… Josslyn is kind of crazy, and he says he’s into it… and her. What can he say? Sorry. He’ll see Emma around. Emma says, see ya, and Vaughn steps away with Josslyn.   

Tracy tells Chase, don’t misunderstand. The way he sees Brook, the warmth and kindness, is real. But so is the viciousness and fight. He says, she’s not wrong, and she says it would be a tragedy to lose the beautiful part he amplifies. Convince Brook that the way forward isn’t revenge, but building a family with him and a relationship with her son.

Kai says, it wasn’t an easy decision. He cares about Trina and her family. She says he cares about Drew more, but he says, it’s not that. He can’t stand by and let something happen he knows is wrong. She says she told him that her parents and Drew’s situation was complicated. He didn’t have enough information to know what was wrong and decided her parents were the villains. He says he knows what he heard. Her father was going to pay Jacinda to lie about Drew. How can she expect him to sit back and let someone be destroyed for something they didn’t do? She wouldn’t want to be with him if he was a person who was okay with that. She says, right now, she’s not sure she wants to be with him at all.

Isaiah says, Portia is putting her time and effort into competing with Jordan and proving herself to Curtis. She shouldn’t have to do all that. She’s a fabulous doctor and a wonderful woman. If her husband can’t see that, maybe he’s the problem.  

Josslyn says Vaughn is welcome for the save. Did he think it would have worked? He says, probably not. He’s ditching the plan. It’s not worth it if Anna’s eyes are on him. Brennan wasn’t kidding. She’s sharp and she’s onto him. They have to sell this. He kisses her, and Anna tells Emma, they’re a bit intense. Emma says, Josslyn never misses a chance to embarrass herself. She’s got a gift. Anna says she’s sorry. She doesn’t know if Emma is just acting interested, but she thinks it’s better not to involve this guy. It will work out for the best. Emma says she thinks Anna is right, and looks at the master key hidden in her hand.

Isaiah tells Portia that he learned early on, if you play your own game, you have a better shot at winning. Maybe it’s time she played her own game and not Jordan’s. Portia says, the next round is on her, and tells the bartender, two, please.  

Michael says, don’t give up yet, and Curtis says he hopes he and Portia are stronger than Drew’s manipulations. For his family’s sake, he hopes they are. Michael says he meant what he said. Do what he has to in order to protect his family. Curtis thanks him, and Michael says he’s going to protect his and let his dad know about the headlines he’s about to see. He leaves.   

Kai says he thought Trina’s dad was wrong, so he did something about it. That doesn’t mean he’s disloyal to her. She says, that’s what it feels like, and he says, all he did was tell the truth, but she says, no. He made a choice and chose Drew. But one thing about her is that she’ll always choose her family, no matter what, and he will never be family to her. He flounders for a moment and says he loves her, but she says, get out. He leaves and she stumbles back, sitting on a bench.

Chase says, Tracy is right. Brook’s number one priority should be Gio. She missed out on so much time. Tracy says, good. They’re in agreement. He says he appreciates her concern about his marriage, but he loves Brook and he’s going to spend the rest of his life with her. He promises right here and now, there’s nothing Brook could do that will ever drive him away. Nothing.  

Dante says when Brook gave Gio up, she did it with the intention of doing right by their son. He knows she made that decision from a place of love. That’s where it all starts, right? A parent’s love. They absolutely want only the best for you. Gio needs to know that and feel it from both of them. She’s got to believe she’ll get the chance to show him that. She says she hopes so, and they hug.

Lulu thanks Laura so much for her help with Rocco. Laura really helped her too. Laura says, Lulu and Dante have a wonderful son. It may take a little time, but Rocco has such a good head on his shoulders and loves them both to pieces. It’s going to be fine. Have faith in that. Have faith in him.

Rocco emails Obrecht: Dear Doctor Obrecht, You may not know me, and I don’t remember meeting you, but I used to be your grandson.

On Monday, Brennan tells Josslyn if they’re going to do this she has to fully commit

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Well, phooey. But cool she’s living her dream.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-casting-news-kirsten-storms-done-taping-as-maxie-for-the-year-moving-out-of-la/

Here’s hoping GH wins the big one.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-52nd-annual-daytime-emmy-awards-the-complete-list-of-soap-nominations/

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/stars-from-general-hospital-days-of-our-lives-and-more-react-to-their-daytime-emmy-nominations/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

Captain Kerry said bosun Caio was just surviving and bid him ciao. In Caio’s interview, he said he was surprised, which explains why he got the boot. It was the crew night out and the only ones who made out were Jess and Solène, much to the delight and disappointment of the dudes. Except for Kyle, who felt stupid. I still wonder how the hell they get up for work the next day. I could barely do a desk job with a hangover when I worked in an office. The guests, who owned a strip club, wanted a dinner theme reminiscent of teen shows in the 90s, and because it was Carnivale in St. Maartin, Fraser decided to bring it to a party on the dock. The guests came in hot, and not in a good way. Fraser thought they were rude and classless, and predicted the cruise would be hell. It didn’t take long before the captain told the crew that the guests were becoming rowdy and to let him know if they crossed the line. Demand we can do. Rude and demeaning we cannot do. Maybe it’s me, but you’d think a group of people in the adult entertainment industry would act like adults. Instead, they were like a bunch of drunk kindergarteners. Unfortunately, Fraser’s Carnivale looked like it was about to be the Fyre Festival 2.0.

Below Deck Season 12 Episode 6 Recap: Carnivale Chaos and Challenging Guests

Next Gen NYC

The group took a trip to the Jersey Shore for Brooks’s birthday, and Charlie continued to be a d*ck, even though he admitted the Shore didn’t suck. Being fascinated with this group is my new guilty pleasure. Who else would get so excited over seeing mac and cheese at a grocery store hot bar?

Next Gen NYC Episode 6 Recap: Boardwalk of Shame

The Valley

This show is making me weary, since I don’t think I could spend even five minutes with any one of these people. Jax was still clueless, complaining that he’d just gotten out of rehab and Brittany wasn’t giving him a chance. Apparently, he doesn’t understand what divorce papers are or that rage texting her pretty much the entire time was not a good look. He didn’t exactly show anyone that he’d changed. It was interesting to hear Zack calling anyone else messy, since he’s possibly the messiest of all. The group went on a cruise which started off copacetic, but quickly degenerated into a bunch of fights. One of the best moments was Jesse asking if production knew what camel toe was. Um… they work for Bravo.

The Valley Season 2 Episode 13 Recap: The Cruise From Hell

Real Housewives Of Miami

Ugh. These women. I kind of like Stephanie, and not just because she has a private jet. I appreciated that she was the only one to call out Lisa for being two hours late. Although they were headed to a Greek-themed Narcissistic party, so perhaps it was on point. Seriously though, Lisa has a rep for being incredibly late, and like Stephanie, it’s my pet peeve. You might as well say your time is more valuable than everyone else’s.

Real Housewives of Miami Season 7 Episode 5 Recap: Goddesses at War

Real Housewives of Orange County

Tamra and her screech are back. Shannon is off lemons and on to The Golden Door. The Dubrows have scrapped the idea of reconstructing the skabillion dollar house they bought and want to just move on. Emily and Katie are at odds, with Gina playing referee or pot stirrer. I haven’t decided which. And Jenn is still with Ryan.

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 19 Episode 1 Recap: Revolving Door of Lies

Random Reality Items

Not her year. But if you’re making $250K a month, is spending $105K that unreasonable?

https://ew.com/denise-richards-husband-aaron-phypers-files-for-divorce-11767773

Denise Richards’ Bravo Show Canceled Amid Aaron Phypers Divorce

More sad news. I don’t think it’s going to go well for him on social media. Scheana is beloved by many.

Are Brock Davies and Scheana Shay Getting a Divorce?

Apparently, they’ve found more people who are 30+ who want to pretend they’re 14 on the weekends.

Summer House Season 10 New Cast: Who are Levi and Bailey?

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel. Netflix. I heard about CEO Dov Charney before, but watching him in action was stomach churning. It’s no surprise that when his disgusting machinations caught up with him and he was fired, Yeezy picked him up.

https://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/Netflix/view/465621/

What Jennifer Did. Netflix. Since this is a true crime doc, the spoilers aren’t really spoilers, and it was pretty apparent what the outcome was from the jump. Interesting info about AI in documentaries in this article. I hadn’t noticed, but then again, I’m usually multitasking.

https://www.slashfilm.com/1562704/true-story-netflix-what-jennifer-did-explained/

I’m Your Venus. Netflix. This was just sad, although the ending had some uplifting moments. Venus Xtravaganza (Paris is Burning) was a trans girl living her best life when that life was taken from her at 23 years old. Most of this was about her family’s battle to get to the bottom of her murder and also have her name legally changed. It was precious to see how much they loved her. Sadly, the case still remains open.

https://ew.com/venus-xtravaganza-documentary-new-details-murder-case-11759646

Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything. Hulu. Bette Midler probably said it best: She did her homework. The best interviewers are the ones who have actually studied their subject beforehand, and Barbara was one of the best. Like Martha Stewart, she was a woman in a man’s world and had to overcome a lot of hurdles. So many women in broadcasting have her to thank for paving the way. She might have been considered rude – again, like Martha – but if she’d been a man, she’d have been admired for her no-nonsense ability to get things done. I actually know someone who was a caterer at a dinner she attended, and he confirmed her rudeness, but it probably becomes second nature. Or she might have just been hangry.  

‘Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything’ Review: Essential Viewing For Anyone With Valid Curiosity

Sinners. HBO/Max. IMO, a horror masterpiece. One of the best things I’ve seen ever. I love a horror story that parallels the supernatural with real life horror, and like Lovecraft Country, this delivers. Twin brothers open a juke joint in 1932, and some uninvited guests arrive with the KKK not far behind. The story was unique, the special effects more than worthy, the character development was remarkable, the acting superb, and the music phenomenal. There’s a dance scene at the club that’s just incredible and absolutely transported me to another place and time. The film was also sexy without being overt or even showing any nudity. I’m hoping to see this sweep the Oscars and it should have a sporting chance, since the Academy is more apt to honor a horror film than it used to be. I can’t say enough good things about this movie. Just go watch it. Now.

https://theeverygirl.com/sinners-movie-review/

And they went a sustainable route with costumes. Extra kudos!

https://www.slashfilm.com/1905800/sinners-marvel-movie-blade-costumes/

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

Premieres July 22^nd.

https://people.com/welcome-to-plathville-micah-girlfriend-faces-the-family-wrath-exclusive-11756749

https://parade.com/news/tlc-reality-star-27-accused-of-verbal-abuse-in-shocking-audio-shared-by-ex

🫏 News From the Wild…

🦛 Baby’s first birthday.

https://people.com/moo-deng-viral-pygmy-hippo-celebrates-1st-birthday-11769791

🦈 Well it is Shark Week soon.

https://people.com/diver-swims-into-real-life-sharknado-encounter-amid-feeding-frenzy-exclusive-11768103

🐕 Superdog.

https://people.com/james-gunn-reveals-how-rescue-dog-inspired-krypto-in-superman-exclusive-11758362

🐐 Quotes of the Week

Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. – Pelé

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. – Dolly Parton

The greatest deception [humans] suffer is from their own opinions. – Leonardo da Vinci

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

You are not your resume, you are your work. – Seth Godin

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. – Oprah Winfrey

The bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep. – E. Cossman (Or sometimes a good stiff drink.)

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

You were a little bit the victim of a surgical misadventure. – Dr. Terry Dubrow, Botched

🌌 Touching the Sky…

Until next week, stay safe; stay keeping an open mind and respecting local culture when traveling; and stay remembering that miracles never happen the way you expect them to.