Author: Christine

Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Billy was dining alone at Society. Adam walked in and asked if Lily finally left him. Billy said that Lily was away on a trip. They traded barbs, which concluded with Billy said he’d be at the wedding, unlike Adam. Adam clarified that he’d be there too, because Victoria invited him. Adam thought Victoria finally found a man worthy of her. Billy assumed that Adam was going as Victor’s plus one. Adam stated that Victoria personally invited him, and he graciously accepted. Billy found that hard to believe, but it didn’t matter, because he heard there might not be a wedding. Adam thought this was a lame attempt to get him to cancel his plans. Billy didn’t care what Adam did. He said that Victoria already left, but she might not walk down the aisle. Adam thought this was more wishful thinking on Billy’s part. Billy was sure Victoria would wake up and realize the insanity of committing to an enigma of a man. Adam stated that his sister was deeply in love, and for the first time in a long time, she knew exactly what she was doing. Billy didn’t think Adam had any insight into Victoria’s heart, given their history of hostility. Adam noted that Billy had a rocky past with Victoria, so he might not know her much better. Adam said that maybe Billy didn’t recognize Victoria and Ashland’s true love because he was comparing it to Billy’s sitcom-inspired relationship with Victoria. Billy argued that Adam had no idea what his relationship with Victoria was like. Adam said it was less than a week to the wedding, so Victoria was past the point of no return. Billy suggested that something or someone would help Victoria see the light.

Billy went to work and talked to his investigator on the phone. He was positive that Camilla Rhodes mentioned Ashland in the will. The investigator found something that both startled and angered Billy. He called Ashland a son of a bitch. Billy’s investigator, Marty, arrived. She informed Billy that there were no record of Camilla Rhodes’ will or her banking records. He asked if Ashland made them permanently disappear. She couldn’t be sure, but she said her people may have hit paydirt on another angle. They finally got a lead on Jesse Gaines. Billy asked where Jesse was, because he likely had all the answers Billy was looking for.

Adam called Victor, who appeared to be at an outdoor cafe somewhere. He said he was in a bit of a hurry, as he was going to Summer’s wedding. Adam just wanted Victor to know that Billy might be planning to disrupt Victoria’s wedding. Victor groaned that Billy hated to see Victoria happy. He wanted Adam to help him stop Billy. Adam wasn’t sure he was the right man for the job, since Victoria barely tolerated him. Victor thought Adam should do this for Victoria since she invited him to the wedding.

Sally and Chloe were in a hotel suite at The Grand Phoenix. Sally unzipped a garment bag and showed Chloe the dress. Chloe loved it and she thought it was way better than the one Lauren’s team made for Victoria (Lauren had shown Chloe pictures). Sally wanted to find a creative way to get this dress on Victoria. Chloe didn’t think Newman Media needed Sally pulling an over the top stunt. Chloe decided to call Victoria and mislead her into thinking that Lauren wanted her to come here for another dress fitting. Chloe said if Victoria wore this dress, Newman Media would be one step closer to becoming a fashion house, as Chloe dreamed. Chloe made the call, and Victoria’s assistant revealed that Victoria left for Tuscany already. Chloe felt horrible for Sally, who went through all that trouble for nothing. Sally wasn’t giving up. She was going to bring the dress to Tuscany.

Chloe and Sally went to Society. Chloe thought that Sally was taking it too far, flying all the way to Italy. Sally was confident that Victoria would love the dress as much as Chloe did. Chloe noted that Sally had a big strike against her, due to the machinations against Victoria’s niece. Sally knew the odds were against her, but this was her make it or break it moment. Chloe admired Sally’s determination and wished her luck. Chloe left to take a call. Sally saw Adam and asked if she could bum a ride to Italy with him. Sally told Adam her dilemma. He knew she was talented. He said if he went along with this little stunt, he still wanted to keep things strictly professional with Sally. She said that if Victoria wore her dress, it would get Newman’s fashion division more clicks than all the other divisions combined. He commented on her confidence. She asked if it would really be that terrible to fly over together and keep each other company. He decided to help her.

Later, Adam met with an invsestigator and told them to find out everything about ChancComm’s investigation into Jesse Gaines. Adam instructed the man to stay one step ahead of Billy Abbott.

Victoria and Ashland arrived at her family palazzo in Tuscany. Ashland opined that it was as breathtaking as the woman he wanted to marry. Alessia, the household manager, showed them to a bedroom and left them alone. Victoria was quiet, so Ashland filled the silence by marveling at the house. Victoria had been planning to say this on their wedding night, but she decided to say it now – Victor gave them the deed to The Palazzo as a wedding gift. Ashland thought it sounded like there was still going to be a wedding. She asked if he thought she’d fly 4,000 miles on his private jet if she’d already decided not to get married. She was leaving things open so that they could talk without interruptions. She was expecting this new confession he had to make to be worse than the others.

Ashland wanted to do everything in his power to convince Victoria to marry him, but he wasn’t going to do that, because he didn’t want to push her into doing something that didn’t feel right in her heart. Victoria knew Ashland got whatever he wanted, and part of the reason she fell in love with him was she was exactly the same way. He hoped tha love would endure. She said she still loved him. He realized he should’ve been forthcoming form the start. She sort of understood why he didn’t. She said she grew up with a father who kept things from the family whenever it suited him. She lived with Billy and his lies and gambling. He felt regretful about creating another cloud of dishonesty in her world. He said that he never told anyone, except her and Nick, about the decision he made the night of the crash. There were only two people who knew this other thing that he needed to tell her. He said there had been a wall around him ever since his damaged childhood that he couldn’t let anyone else through. He tried to lower the wall for her, but it didn’t come naturally or easily. He made some huge mistakes, and he wanted to make it right. He wanted and needed to make this work more than anything. He vowed to prove he wouldn’t ever lie again. She said it was more that he withheld information. He promised that wouldn’t happen again. Victoria assumed this had something to do with Jesse Gaines, and Ashland confirmed it. He thought it was time he told her how he made his fortune. It had been a long day though, so he suggested they go get some food, and he thought she’d need a glass of wine or two.

It was the day after Sharon and Rey’s honeymoon-inspired date. They were at Crimson Lights, and she was wearing the perfume he gave her. Mariah entered, and she was in a good mood. Sharon carefully asked where this new attitude was coming from. Mariah said not to worry – she and Tessa weren’t pregnant, but having a baby wasn’t off the table. Rey didn’t realize Mariah and Tessa were thinking of having a baby. Sharon explained that she didn’t say anything out of respect for Mariah’s privacy. Mariah said that Sharon and Tessa thought having a baby was a knee jerk reaction, but she and Tessa had an amazing conversation, and they agreed not to even discuss it until after Victoria’s wedding. Sharon thought that was a good idea to give everyone some time to think. Mariah was going to visit Abby and the baby today. She wanted to apologize and explain about her abrupt departure. Sharon was concerned, but Mariah insisted that she could handle it. She left. Rey thought Mariah seemed back on track, but Sharon didn’t think that was the case.

Sharon’s instincts told her that there were warning signs with Mariah. According to Sharon, Mariah specialized in pretending things were okay when they weren’t. Tessa came in, and Sharon told her about Mariah’s visit. Tessa didn’t realize Mariah planned to go to Abby’s. Sharon said that Mariah seemed upbeat, and she asked if Tessa thought that was true. Tessa wanted to believe Mariah was doing better. She said Mariah was angry at first about Tessa and Sharon talking behind her back, but she seemed to calm down, and she agreed to put the baby discussion on the back burner until they got back from Tuscany. Sharon was glad Tessa and Mariah were going to the wedding – she thought they both needed a vacation and time away.

Abby and Devon were asleep in the Chancellor living room. Abby bolted awake to check on Dominic. He was calm in his bassinet, and his breathing and temperature were normal. She told Devon that it looked like Dominic would be okay. Devon got on his phone, and Abby hoped he was texting Amanda. That was what he was doing. Abby was sorry she kept Devon here all night, but he said they both fell asleep watching Dominic, which wasn’t her fault. She said that they slept through the night, which meant Dominic slept through the night too. She went to get a bottle, and Devon looked in on Dominic. Mariah showed up, and Devon told her what happened last night. She went over to check the baby. Devon said Dominic only needed saline drops, and it was nothing to worry about. He added that Abby only called him because she was having trouble getting Dominic to sleep. “Abby called you,” Mariah said. Abby came in and was happy to see Mariah. Mariah said she was sorry for how she abruptly moved out, but Tessa was helping her, and she felt like she was in a better place. Abby said she and Devon were there for Mariah. Mariah thought it seemed a little soon for Dominic to be sick, and she asked what Abby did to treat him. Abby said Dom was fine. She asked when Mariah and Tessa were leaving for Tuscany. Mariah said they were flying out soon, but she’d been stockpiling breast milk and she was bringing bottles. Abby revealed that she’d decided not to go. Dominic was too young to fly, in her opinion, and she didn’t want to leave him with a nanny that long. She also decided to switch Dominic to formula.

Abby hoped this was okay with Mariah. Mariah was fine with it. Abby wanted to make this as easy on Mariah as possible, so if she had feelings or emotions she wanted to share, Abby was listening. Devon said the same applied to him. Mariah thanked them for understanding and left. Dominic didn’t finish the whole bottle, and he was crying again. They decided to call the doctor again just to be safe. The pediatrician wasn’t too concerned since the baby was active and alert. The call ended, and Abby said she was already an overreacting mom. Devon said you couldn’t overreact when you had a little life like that to take care of.

Mariah went home and remembered unsuccessfully trying to convince Tessa that they should have a baby. Tessa came home and said Sharon and Rey said Mariah went to see Abby. Mariah hoped they weren’t keeping tabs on her. Tessa said it wasn’t like that, but she was surprised Mariah didn’t mention her plans to visit earlier. Mariah said it was a spur of the moment decision that didn’t go how she planned. She said that Bowie was sick, and Abby said it was only a cold, but even if it was, he wasn’t even a month old. Mariah couldn’t help but worry. Tessa was sure Abby was doing everything she could to take care of him. Mariah said that Abby called the doctor, who said things were fine. Mariah said she couldn’t leave the country while Bowie was sick. Tessa thought Mariah should take a step back and let Abby deal with this. Tessa was sure Abby would take great care of the baby. Mariah yelled that she couldn’t just stop caring about the baby because they didn’t live with him anymore. She loved Bowie, and he was sick. She said that having their own baby was supposed to help – she’d have someone new she could put her love into, but Tessa shut that idea down. Tessa said she didn’t shut down the idea, she just felt they should talk about it more. She thought they’d agreed to table this discussion until after the trip. Mariah said she wasn’t going to Italy. She had to be here in case Bowie needed her.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Billy approached Nick at Society and asked what he found in New Jersey. Nick refused to discuss it. Billy contended that they both wanted the same thing, but Nick argued that Billy just wanted to damage Victoria’s relationship at any cost. Billy stated that he wanted the truth. Billy had been following Ashland’s money, and he had a theory on it. Nick ordered Billy to let it go. Billy thought that Nick found out something bad. Nick was tired of Billy pretending like they were co-conspirators in a plan to bring Ashland down. Nick only cared about protecting his sister. Billy said he wanted that too. Nick thought Billy wanted to be proven right and that he’d get sanctification out of knowing he wasn’t the only person who let Victoria down. Billy said that wasn’t true, and he accused Nick of sounding like Victor. Billy was a little hurt that Nick thought that way of him, but he agreed to drop the subject, and he said he’d see Nick in Tuscany. Nick didn’t reply, and Billy asked if the wedding was off. Nick said there would be a wedding and that he was finished with the discussion. He was flying to Milan to see his daughter get married. He left.

Victoria and Ashland were in in the hotel suite he rented to give her some space. Ashland was ready to hear what Victoria had to say. He also hoped she didn’t blame Nick for trying to protect her. Ashland never had familial love and loyalty growing up, and he thought it was worth holding onto. She said she didn’t come to discuss Nick. She also didn’t come to judge him for a decision he made as a desperate kid. She could see that it haunted him. She didn’t understand the choices he’d made since they got together, though. Being being lied to was unsettlingly familiar to Victoria, because she’d lived with a habitual gambler for years. Billy was charming and fun, but he was a master at lying to her. One of the reasons Victoria fell in love with Ashland was that she thought he was nothing like that. Now it turned out that he was just as unpredictable as Billy, she said. Ashland believed Billy’s search into Ashland’s past resurrected these old feelings of uncertainty in Victoria. Victoria said she couldn’t and wouldn’t live with lies again.

Victoria noted that she asked Ashland point blank if there was anything else she needed to know, and he swore there wasn’t. It made her wonder if there was anything else he was holding back and not willing to admit until he was forced into a corner. He understood how she felt and he hated that she saw the similarity between him and an addict. He asked if he could do anything to change that. She wanted the whole truth, and she thought they should start with the real reason Jesse Gaines was in Genoa City. Ashland promised Victoria the whole unvarnished truth about Jesse, but he asked if he could tell her on the flight to Tuscany. His plane was ready to go whenever they were ready. He said that, despite what she’d learned, he wanted to believe she still loved him. “How could I stop loving you? You’ve gotten inside of my heart. And that’s not something that you get rid of so easily,” Victoria replied. He was relieved. She thought the flight might be a good idea. They could get away from her family and the people trying to interfere, and maybe they could work things out.

Nick entered the hotel as Victoria was leaving. He was hoping that she’d gone up to Phyllis’s suite looking for him. She snapped that he was the last person she wanted to see, and she told him off about betraying her. She said that Ashland was the first man in a long time that she felt this kind of connection with, and they pulled off the merger of a lifetime. She asked Nick not to investigate, and he did anyway. He said he had concerns about Ashland, and Ashland only told the truth because he’d been forced into it. Nick didn’t see how he’d betrayed Victoria. She accused him of trying to dig up something before the wedding to make her doubt Ashland. He said that wasn’t his goal. Ashland came downstairs and overheard Nick ask Victoria if she had more doubts about Ashland.

Ashland went over and informed Nick that he and Victoria were flying to Tuscany tonight. Victoria had to go home and pack. She told Ashland that she didn’t want her brother at the wedding. She left. Nick asked Ashland how the hell he pulled this off. Ashland said Victoria was more open minded than Nick. He said that, like Victor, Victoria realized that the world wasn’t black and white and that people made mistakes and could be forgiven. Nick stated that he’d made mistakes and forgiven people. Ashland said it was clear that Nick hoped Victoria wouldn’t forgive him. Nick said he wanted Victoria to know who she was dealing with, and now she did. Nick started to leave, but Ashland said they weren’t finished.

Ashland said that what happened to “Bobby DeFranco” the night of the car accident, the choice he made was the most painful event of his life. It was tragic and overwhelming. “And character defining,” Nick added. Ashland said Nick would never understand what he’d carried inside of him since then and what it took to relive it with Victoria earlier. All Ashland could do was look forward. He said if Nick had any decency or compassion, he’d keep what he knew to himself.

Devon and Amanda played poker at their place. She thanked him for this perfect way to unwind after spending the night at the ER with Naya. The doctors handled the incident easily, but they warned the family to expect these kinds of things with her illness. Amanda was relieved the doctors took care of it. Back to the game, she thought he was bluffing, because his eyes were smoldering, but he suggested that was just the way he looked at her. She won the game, but he smiled and told her he still felt pretty lucky.

Abby was at home, and the baby was crying. Abby wished Nina was here to help, instead of in California. She noted that his father wasn’t there. Abby thought about calling Mariah and decided against it. Back at the penthouse, Devon and Amanda were flirting over the game of cards when Abby called and asked about Amanda’s mom. He said she was fine. He heard Dominic crying and asked about it. She was sorry for calling at this hour, but she’d tried everything, and last time Devon was the only one who could calm the baby. She was sorry for interrupting his night with Amanda. Amanda told Devon to go.

Devon and Abby thought Dominic felt warm and that he sounded congested, so she called the pediatrician. Dr. Bradley suggested saline drops, and since Dom had calmed down in Devon’s arms, Abby asked him to babysit while she went to the pharmacy. She left, and he told the baby how much everyone loved him. Abby returned with the drops and gave them to Dominic. She and Devon high fived, and she thanked him for everything. She promised to perfect the parenting thing so she didn’t have to keep calling him. He wanted her to keep calling – he’d take any excuse to see Dom. She said he was always welcome. She hadn’t spoken to Mariah, outside texts about Tessa dropping off milk for the baby. Abby didn’t want things this way, but she had to accept it for now. Devon said they’d just wait to help once Mariah was ready. She was video journaling for Chance again. She felt bad that he was missing the first few weeks of the baby’s life. Devon said that Chance would have a lifetime of memories with the baby. Dom cried, and Devon got him out of the bassinet. Abby watched them together and smiled. Devon fell asleep in Abby’s living room.

Amanda went to The Grand Phoenix to visit Phyllis. Phyllis playfully pouted about Amanda moving out of the hotel without telling her. Phyllis was excited Amanda and Devon moved in together. Phyllis thought it was about time those two acknowledged what the rest of the world saw. She saw the chemistry and respect between Amanda and Devon. Amanda felt lucky to have such a great guy. Amanda was free since Devon was helping Abby, so she wanted to see if Phyllis wanted to hang out. Phyllis was happy to spend time with her friend, but she looked concerned about Abby and Devon. She asked how Devon was doing after the baby was born. Amanda said it had a profound effect on him, and he felt a deep connection with the baby.

Devon called Amanda and brought her up to speed on Dominic. She was glad he went to help Abby. The call ended, and she relayed the information to Phyllis. Amanda didn’t seem bothered, but Phyllis looked suspicious. Phyllis said Jack delivered Summer, and they had a special connection, even though they weren’t biologically related. Amanda asked if Jack’s connection to Summer caused conflict between Phyllis and Nick. Phyllis said there were extenuating circumstances. Amanda felt like Phyllis was trying to warn her that this Devon’s bond with Dominic could cause trouble between Devon and Amanda. Phyllis said she wasn’t doing that. Amanda said she supported Devon being a big part of Dominic’s life. She saw this as something that had enriched Devon’s life, and by extension, hers. Amanda thought it was great that Phyllis and Jack were so close. She heard they were married once, and she asked what happened. Phyllis wasn’t sure the hotel lobby was the place to discuss it.

Phyllis and Amanda went to Society, and Billy was still there. He told Phyllis she just missed Nick. Phyllis asked Billy if he didn’t need to meet Lily, and he said that Lily was in California handling a minor crisis with Mattie, so he was free. Phyllis groaned because she couldn’t have an intimate conversation with Amanda with Billy here. Amanda suggested the three of them could have a drink, as long as Billy agreed to behave. He promised he would. Phyllis stepped away to take a call from her hotel manager. Billy and Amanda caught up. She said she was going to be opening her own legal practice with her sister. He was happy for her. She was glad things were going well for him. He told her they were having an issue with a story. ChancComm was following the money of a twenty year old who came into a huge influx of money. He wanted Amanda’s take on the case. Amanda said maybe this guy formed a connection with someone who left him an inheritance. She granted that it was a long shot though. He asked how difficult it was to change a will of someone who passed away. He knew she worked on a similar case when she first came to town. She said the person who’d have the easiest time changing a will was the attorney who drew up the will in the first place, though they’d face disbarment and jail time. Another way to do it was if someone came forward with a document saying the deceased changed their mind. Phyllis returned and asked what Billy and Amanda were talking about so intently.

Phyllis made it clear she wanted Billy to go, and he took the hint and left. Amanda got the feeling that Billy and Phyllis were intense together. She said they did crazy things, and she’d always regret the way they destroyed Jack. Phyllis said she held Jack close to her heart.

Billy went to work and called his P.I. and asked them to find out everything they could about Camilla Rhodes’ will. He wanted to find out if Ashland pulled off something shady to get her money.

At Crimson Lights, Adam overheard Sally talking with the person who’d be sewing the dress she designed for Victoria. He asked about it, and she told him that if Victoria wore the dress, the publicity would be good for Newman Media. She added that, if the dress was a hit, they could make a cheaper version and sell it to consumers. He told her she was taking quite a gamble with his money. She said this was an investment, not a gamble. She was sure that Victoria would love it and insist on wearing it. Adam said Victoria wouldn’t wear the dress if she knew it was from Sally. Sally was hoping Victoria would appreciate the design and craftsmanship and maybe respect Sally’s chutzpah. “You clearly don’t know my sister at all,” he replied. Sally said Adam might be the black sheep of the family, but you didn’t get to be the CEO of Newman Enterprises without occasionally fighting to get what you wanted. She hoped Victoria would see a bit of herself in Sally and admire the effort it took to get her the perfect dress. Adam said Sally might piss Victoria off. Sally was willing to take the risk. She knew there was no love lost between Victoria and Phyllis, so it might be a bonus that Phyllis despised Sally. Adam said Summer was Nick’s daughter, and Victoria was close to them both, so Victoria wouldn’t appreciate what Sally did to her niece. Sally didn’t think she hurt anyone, since Summer was at her dream job and marrying her dream guy.

Sally showed Adam the dress she designed and she asked for his opinion. He thought it was spectacular. He asked if Chloe helped, and she said no it was 100% her design. She hoped it’d be ready to show Victoria by tomorrow afternoon. He asked what if it wasn’t – would she fly to Tuscany and crash a destination wedding? She was going to do whatever it took. He thought she was playing with fire. She believed he liked that about her. He stammered that he never said that, but she told him he did. She said she was going to seize the day, like her namesake and create a huge buzz for the fashion platform in the process. He said that when she set her mind to something, she really committed to it.

Victoria went to the office and stared at the portrait.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Society, Ashland thought about and decided against calling Victoria. Nate came in to get some dessert to surprise Elena. Nate noticed Ashland seemed a little off. Ashland said he was dealing with unresolved issues. Nate said he was here if Ashland needed a friend. Ashland replied that it’d been awhile since he had one of those, and he could use one now. Ashland said some details about his life that he wanted to keep private recently came to light. When he was young and desperate, he made some choices people might not understand. In a defining moment, he saw the opportunity to improve his life, and he grabbed it. Since that time, he worked tirelessly to become the man he is now, and he tried to forget the man he used to be, as if one could truly forget one’s history. His bride-to-be knew about this chapter now. Nate admitted he suspected something happened because Victoria was unusually tense earlier. Ashland said that was before Victoria even knew the whole story. Nate asked if the wedding was still on.

Nate liked to think he was a good judge of character, and he believed Ashland was a decent guy. Ashland said thanks – it meant the world to him that Nate though of him that way. Nate believed most people had ghosts of one kind or another in their past. Ashland appreciated Nate giving him the benefit of the doubt. He hoped Victoria could be convinced to do the same. Ashland wasn’t expecting to fall in love after his ex ran roughshod over his heart, but Victoria changed all that. She gave him a reason to live. Planning a future with Victoria meant everything to Ashland, and the thought that his past could threaten that… He didn’t know what happened next. His mind told him to wait and give Victoria time, but his heart told him something different. Nate suggested Ashland should follow his heart.

Nikki showed up at Victoria’s office and asked if Ashland had answers to Victoria’s questions. Nikki could see that Victoria was upset, and she offered a non-judgmental ear. Victoria said she finally knew who Ashland was. Victoria told Nikki the whole story about the friend and the car accident. Nikki understood why Ashland wanted to hide it. Victoria said Ashland hid it from her because it was a painful part of his life that he didn’t want to talk about anymore. Victoria saw the pain in Ashland when he told her what happened, and it was heartbreaking watching him relive that story. Victoria was disappointed that the only reason Ashland told her was because, once again, he was backed into a corner. Nikki assumed Billy had forced Ashland’s hand. She said she told Billy to back off. Victoria said it wasn’t Billy – it was much worse – it was Nicholas.

Victoria was tired of people running around behind her back interfering under the guise of looking out for her. Nikki thought Nick genuinely was looking out for Victoria, unlike Billy who was just trying to undermine Victoria’s relationship with Ashland. Nikki said Nick just wanted Victoria to be happy. Victoria said she would be happy if people did as she asked. She asked Nick not to interfere, but he went sneaking around. He disregarded her wishes, and when he got the information, he went to Ashland, and not her. Nikki said that maybe Nick thought Ashland would be able to explain. Victoria said there was no excuse – she was his sister. Nikki was so sorry this happened. Nikki was shocked when Victoria said she dis-invited Nick from the wedding. Nikki thought Victoria would regret not having Nick by her side, if there was still going to be a wedding. Nikki noted that Victoria hadn’t said one thing about how she felt about Ashland. Victoria couldn’t turn her emotions on and off. She still loved Ashland. “Of course you do,” Nikki said. She said she wasn’t trying to tell Victoria what to do. Victoria appreciated the support, but that was all she cared to say. She said Ashland would be the first to know what she decided. Victoria left, and Ashland showed up. and Nikki told him that Victoria just left. He asked if Victoria was at a meeting or making wedding arrangements. Nikki said there was no need to dance around it – Victoria told her everything. Ashland asked if Nikki saw him differently now. Nikki hadn’t decided what she thought of Ashland now. He understood. She hated what it was doing to Victoria. Ashland did too. He loved Victoria and he wanted to make things right. Nikki said she wasn’t going to offer Ashland insight into handling this situation, if that’s what he was hoping for. She thought that he should wait for Victoria to be ready contact him. He said he’d get a hotel room until Victoria let him come home.

Ashland was on his way to the Grand Phoenix elevator when Victoria showed up and called his name.

Nick went to the Abbott house, and Phyllis asked how his trip was. Jack left the room to call the pilot. Nick said Victoria was making a terrible mistake. Nick told Phyllis the Bobby DeFranco story. He said Ashland stole his dead best friend’s identity. Nick had put together bits and pieces of the story, and he’d wanted to confront Ashland alone. He didn’t want to involve Victoria until he knew what he was dealing with, but she and Ashland showed up together and insisted that she stay. Nick said Victoria went off on him and said she was done with him. “That’s what I get for doing the right thing,” he sighed. Phyllis chalked it up to a sibling squabble, but Nick said Victoria didn’t want him at the wedding. Phyllis thought Victoria was just shooting the messenger. Phyllis was shocked Ashland stole a dying man’s identity. Nick explained that Ashamed said he had no way to save his friend’s life, and he had once chance to get away from his abusive father. Phyllis understood making that decision, if the story was true. Nick wondered what else Ashland was hiding. He thought his sister deserved better. Phyllis insisted that Nick had to go to the wedding and work this out with his sister.

Nick wanted to reach out to Victoria, but he thought that space would do them both some good. He’d figure things out after Summer’s wedding. He didn’t want any part of this to cast a shadow on their little girl’s big day. Jack returned and said there was a storm coming, and the pilot thought they should fly out tomorrow morning. Phyllis and Nick were disappointed. Jack said he already talked to Kyle, and he and Summer were willing to adapt. He told them to go home and get some sleep. Phyllis thanked Jack for keeping her company while she waited for Nick, and he said she never had to thank him for that. They left. Traci came in and said she rearranged her schedule so she could fly to Milan with them. Jack said that was great. He added that Ashley was flying in from Paris. Traci noticed a glow in Jack when they talked about Phyllis earlier and a wistfulness when he saw her leave with Nick. Jack admitted he’d been thinking about his history with Phyllis. Traci asked how worried she should be. Traci thought friendship was one thing, but this was Phyllis. Traci hoped he wasn’t planning on creating new memories with Phyllis. Jack said he wasn’t planning to act on his feelings. He respected Phyllis and Nick’s relationship. Traci asked where this was coming from. He thought the whole debacle with Sally made him think about what he’d loved and lost. He didn’t say this to get Traci’s pity. He wanted her to give him space and he didn’t want her to worry about him. She laughed at the idea that she wasn’t going to worry.

Traci found Jack looking at a picture of Dina. He said he had a dream of her giving him advice. It was funny because he used to have visits with their dad after he passed. Traci mentioned that she saw and talked to Colleen all the time. She said sometimes it was about simple things, and sometimes they were more significant, like the day Colleen came into the world and the day she left it. She thought it was normal. He said she never told him that. She didn’t think it was a big deal. He said maybe not. He thought it was amazing he was so invested in parental advice – he never listened to John’s advice when he was alive, and he always felt so so distant from Dina in those later years. Traci said Dina wasn’t known for being parental. She didn’t think it was odd that Jack wanted to listen to his parents now – love never left them, it just changed form. It was their responsibility to recognize the way it came into their lives. He agreed that love came and went and changed shape, but it never died – everyone who touched their heart stayed there, and he felt like they were the better for it.

Phyllis and Nick went to her place and talked to Summer on the phone. They were pleased Summer sounded happy. Phyllis said Summer and Kyle would get the life they deserved. Nick thought every couple should feel that way on their wedding day. Phyllis asked Nick if he regretted finding out the truth about Ashland. She blamed herself for encouraging him to follow his instincts and go to New Jersey. He said he would’ve done it whether she gave him her approval or not. It was completely his decision. He had no regrets. He did what he thought was right, what any brother should do. He said Victoria still loved and respected Ashland despite everything. Phyllis said maybe this strengthened Victoria’s bond with Ashland, and Nick helped Victoria go into this with her eyes open. He knew his sister wouldn’t see it like that, at least any time soon.

At their place, Mariah asked why Tessa talked to Sharon about her emotional state or desire to have a baby. Tessa said Sharon was Mariah’s mother, and they both loved her. Mariah said it should’ve stayed private. Tessa admitted Mariah had a right to be upset, but Tessa didn’t know who else to talk to. Mariah felt Tessa should’ve talked to her, but Tessa said she didn’t feel like she could. Tessa stated that she tried to talk to Mariah, but Mariah didn’t want to hear what she had to say. Mariah said that Tessa knew they could talk about anything. Tessa admitted she backed down because she didn’t want to disappoint Mariah more. Tessa also felt like Mariah wasn’t listening to her. More than anything, Tessa wanted to have a family with Mariah one day, but this wasn’t the right time. There were their careers to think about, they needed a home to live in. Mariah started to wave away Tessa’s concerns, but then she stopped and promised to listen. Tessa wasn’t sure she was ready to be pregnant or be a mom. She was also worried that Mariah’s decision was coming from a place of desperation. “Ouch,” Mariah said. Tessa said Mariah was kidnapped, she gave birth, now she was trying to find her place in Dominic’s life. Tessa thought Mariah was trying to distract from all the emotions going on inside, and she thought Mariah should work through that first. Mariah heard Tessa, but she disagreed.

Mariah said she wasn’t escaping, she was saving herself. She’d been on her own her whole life, and she hadn’t just survived, she thrived, and she said Tessa had done the same. Mariah thought she could be a surrogate then go back to her life, but she couldn’t. “Because you were kidnapped,” Tessa said. Mariah said no it was because being pregnant with Bowie changed her. She was ready to pour love into a child. Tessa wasn’t ready for that. Mariah asked what first time parents were ever ready. Tessa stressed that she needed to be in the right mindset, and she thought Mariah needed to find her balance again. Tessa didn’t think anyone should have a baby to mend a hole in their heart. She insisted that it was wrong to saddle a child with the chore of healing a wound. “It’s not fair to push me for something that I am not ready for because then I will lose my balance and we will both be a mess,” Tessa cried.

Mariah asked if that was it? End of discussion? Tessa said she’d never shut down all conversations about having a baby. She wanted to hear Mariah’s thoughts and help her in any way she could. Tessa thought having honest conversations like this were a step in the right direction. They agreed to keep the lines of communication open. They thought that together, they could handle anything. They said they loved each other, and Tessa said they’d both get to where wanted to be, eventually. She felt it in her heart and soul. Mariah felt that too. In the meantime, Tessa thought they should back off the baby discussion until they got back from Tuscany. Mariah accepted this. She didn’t want to push Tessa away – she needed her more than ever. Tessa said she wasn’t going anywhere without Mariah.

Later, Tessa walked in and saw Mariah in bed, and Tessa said she couldn’t think of a better way to end this day than falling asleep in Mariah’s arms. Tessa chattered about what she and Mariah could do tomorrow, like mani-pedis, but she noticed Mariah’s eyes were closed. Tessa said I love you and turned out the light without climbing into bed. Mariah opened her eyes.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Billy went to the Grand Phoenix for his meeting with Gaines, who was nowhere to be found. Billy inquired at the front desk. Crystal, the hotel manager, checked the computer and said it looked like he’d checked out. Billy spotted Victor sitting in the lounge, doing something on his phone. He walked over commented on how strange it was for Victor to spend this much time at Phyllis’s establishment. He theorized that Victor sent Gaines away. Victor told Crystal that if anyone was looking for him, he’d be in the hotel restaurant. He left.

Ashland was in Victoria’s office. Gaines had missed their meeting earlier, and Ashland wasn’t happy. He called Gaines and left a testy voice message about it. Ashland warned Gaines that it would be extremely foolish to renege on their deal. Victoria entered, and Ashland dropped the menacing tone and ended the call. Victoria said it sounded like someone was in trouble. Ashland claimed that one of his employees wasn’t getting on board with the merger. Victoria asked why Ashland didn’t just fire them, and he told her that this person was the holder of a lot of institutional knowledge that they couldn’t afford to lose. She felt that he was being deliberately vague, and one again, it felt like he was hiding something from her. She reiterated that he could confide in her. She was his ally, and she’d be his wife. She asked what the phone call was really about. Nikki walked in with terrific news. She realized she was interrupting.

Ashland told Nikki she wasn’t interrupting, and so she announced that, while Tessa had already been slated to sing at the wedding, Leslie Brooks had agreed to play something. Ashland said he couldn’t wait, then he quickly tried to excuse himself. Victoria pointed out that they hadn’t finished their discussion, but he left anyway, claiming he had to make some international calls right this minute. Nikki asked Victoria if everything was alright, and she said of course. It was clear to Nikki that something was on Victoria’s mind. Victoria said she may have spoken too soon when she said Ashland felt safe with her and like he could tell her anything. She said he seemed worried, but he was pretending everything was fine. She wondered if it might have something to do with Billy – maybe he was continuing his harassment campaign. Nikki had no doubt Billy was still investigating. She said other investigators might be trying to dig into Ashland’s history too. Victoria said that Ashland didn’t tell anyone else the truth about his past. Nikki suggested that someone figured it out on their own.

Ashland showed up at the hotel. Billy rushed right over and informed him that Gaines was gone. Victor appeared, and he claimed Ashland was there to meet him. He said their table was waiting. Billy hoped it was a table for three, because he had questions for them both. Laughing, Victor called Billy a pest. Billy didn’t think Victor and Ashland actually scheduled a meeting here. He thought it would be more natural for a board member and company owner to meet would be at Newman Media, which was just around the corner. Ashland said he and Victor were more than colleagues – they were about to be family. Billy hadn’t forgotten. Ashland said he and Victor were here to discuss the wedding. Ashland thought it was obvious that Billy regretted letting Victoria go. Victor said it was a mistake to meet here, and he suggested he and Ashland go to his ranch instead. Billy was sure Ashland had fond memories of the ranch where Victor watched him have a heart attack instead of calling for help. Victor told Billy to take a walk off a cliff.

Billy ran into Victoria and Nikki at Crimson Lights. He mentioned that he saw Ashland earlier, and they Ashland both had a meeting with Jesse Gaines. He stated that this was Ashland’s lawyer, or ex lawyer, who was in town for a few days. Victoria pretended she didn’t care. Billy could tell Victoria was trying to cover the fact that she’d never heard that name before. He was surprised Ashland didn’t tell her about Gaines. Victoria said she, Ashland and Nikki were running an international conglomerate. She asked if he really thought they had time to give each other a rundown of who they spoke to in the course of a day. He tried to convince her that she needed to know Gaines. “I don’t care, Billy!,” she snapped. She ordered him to leave her and Ashland alone and stay the hell out of their lives.

At the ranch, Ashland declined Victor’s offer of a drink. Ashland thanked Victor for running interference with Billy. Ashland could handle Billy, but it was getting to be a bit much. “Don’t worry about it. I took care of it for you, okay?,” Victor stated. Ashland wished that were true, but he thought Billy would remain a thorn in his side. Victor clarified that he was talking about taking care of Gaines, not Billy. Victor asked Ashland if he’d like that drink now. Ashland said Jesse Gaines was a nobody, an old acquaintance he’d recently gotten back in touch with. Victor said Gaines collected $300,000 a year from Ashland for decades, without doing a thing. To Victor, it looked like extortion. Victor offered Jesse a lot of money to leave Ashland alone for good. He said to consider it a wedding gift. Ashland asked if Gaines asked Victor for money. Victor said that he sought Gaines out and offered him a payoff or a prison stint for blackmail. Ashland asked what Gaines said about their history. Victor didn’t care what Gaines had to say. He said he and Ashland were similar – they had rough backgrounds and they pushed people around a lot and did things they’d probably regret now, but it made them who they were today. Victor was a firm believer in letting bygones be bygones. Ashland said that Gaines couldn’t be trusted to keep his word. Victor knew, and he was keeping an eye on him. Victor made it clear that he did this for Victoria, not Ashland. He said Victoria was the happiest she’d ever been because of Ashland, and Victor didn’t want that to change. Victor warned that what he’d done today, he could undo in the blink of an eye. Ashland understood. He promised that he just wanted to make Victoria as happy as she’d made him. “As long as it stays that way, you have nothing to worry about,” Victor replied.

At the Chancellor house, Abby held Dominic and tried to figure out why he was crying.

Mariah entered her hotel suite and found a note saying Tessa was running errands. She started to unpack her bag and found a bib in it. It caused her to flash back to moments with Dominic. Devon stopped by to check on Mariah and Tessa. Mariah said she was good, though it must’ve seemed like she freaked out on the day of the baptism. He said nobody thought that, but they’d been thinking about her. She asked if he and Abby had been discussing her mental health. He said Abby wanted everyone to be happy, and if they weren’t, she felt responsible. He said they were all trying to figure this out together. He wasn’t even sure what his role in Dominic’s life would be.

Holding Dominic in the first moments of his life was the single most amazing experience Devon ever had. He knew that connection would only get stronger. He also knew that he was the godfather, not the father, but it wasn’t that simple. Mariah asked if Devon shared this with Abby. He didn’t, because she had enough on her plate. Mariah asked if he thought she shouldn’t have shared her feelings with Abby. Devon thought Mariah made the right choice, since she and the baby were under the same roof, and she needed that separation. Mariah wondered how things got so out of control. He thought things would settle as time went on, and once Chance got home. He asked how she was really doing. He offered to hire her a bodyguard if she still felt unsafe, though he was sure Stitch was long gone. Right now, she wasn’t too worried, though she’d be relieved if Stitch was found. Mariah stated that she and Tessa had a plan to help Mariah heal. Nothing was concrete yet though. He was glad she was hopeful bout the future. She said she was incredibly excited, and he could tell Abby that she was well on the road to recovery.

Devon showed up at the Chancellor house, and Abby said it was perfect timing because she just put the baby down for a nap. Devon was disappointed, since he’d hoped to spend some time with the baby. They talked about the baby. Dominic was a night owl, but Abby loved motherhood, even when she was up at 3 AM. She asked about his life. He said he asked Amanda to move in. Abby wanted all the details. Dominic started crying, so Abby went upstairs to check on him. Devon looked at his grandma Katherine’s portrait while he waited. Abby brought the baby downstairs, and he was still crying. She said she couldn’t take the oft-given advice to sleep while the baby slept, because he never slept. Devon offered to take Dominic for a walk so Abby could rest. She didn’t want to impose, and he assured her he didn’t mind.

Devon took Dominic to Chancellor park and told him about Katherine, his great grandmother. He said Dominic had the Newmans, Abbotts and Chancellors, and the Winters. He wished Dominic could’ve met Neil. Devon said Dominic had deep roots here, and he’d never question where he belonged.

Tessa went to Crimson Lights. Sharon asked if Mariah was coming. Tessa said Mariah was taking a walk, so Tessa decided to come check in with Sharon. Sharon was glad Tessa came. Sharon said that Mariah asked her for space, and it was really hard to comply. Tessa thanked Sharon for respecting Mariah’s wishes. Sharon was optimistic that Mariah was on the way to emotionally distancing herself from Abby’s baby. Tessa wasn’t so sure about that. She informed Sharon that Mariah wanted a baby as soon as possible. She wanted some advice on how to talk to Mariah about this without upsetting her. Sharon thought that Tessa needed to decide whether she wanted a baby right now. Tessa said it wasn’t just about what she wanted. It was obvious to Tessa that this idea wasn’t coming from a healthy or grounded place. Tessa started crying – the fantasy was lifting Mariah’s spirits, and Tessa didn’t want to take that away from her. Tessa also didn’t want to make promises she might not be able to keep though.

Tessa wasn’t opposed to the general idea of a baby, but she wasn’t sure she was ready, and after all Mariah went through, Tessa didn’t think that Mariah was either. Sharon thought Tessa should follow that instinct. She said Mariah was grieving and trying to fill a void. Tessa said if daydreaming was helping, was there any harm in letting it go on any longer. Sharon didn’t think it was right to let Mariah get her heart set on the idea, then have that taken away from her too. Tessa realized that was true, but she knew talking to Mariah wouldn’t be easy. Sharon thought Mariah would understand.

After Tessa left, Rey showed up. His shift ended early. Sharon was glad to see him, because she needed him to save her from herself. She was having a hard time not running over to the hotel and mothering Mariah to death, whether she wanted it or not. Tessa had made it sound like Mariah was really struggling. Rey thought it was great that Sharon got closer to Tessa while Mariah was missing. That meant Tessa would be more likely to come to Sharon if there was an emergency she needed to get involved in. Sharon admitted that was a good point. In the meantime, he had some ideas for how to keep herself occupied.

Later, Sharon met Rey at Society, where he’d prepared a surprise. He was wearing a shirt he bought in Miami, and the speakers were playing a song they danced to on their last night in Miami. The menu tonight also featured foods they ate on their honeymoon. She wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to top this date. Rey held a fragrance strip in front of Sharon’s nose. Her eyes were closed. It smelled like the botanical gardens in Florida, but she didn’t know where he’d find tropical flowers in Genoa City. He had her open her eyes. She saw a bottle of perfume. He said every time she wore it, she’d be transported back to that magical time, so their honeymoon would never end. She said she had a honeymoon surprise for him when they got home – she’d be wearing nothing but the perfume.

Tessa went home with the mail she picked up from their old apartment. They’d received Victoria and Ashland’s wedding invitation. Mariah thought it was nice that they received an invitation even though they weren’t going to be there as guests and were only invited because Tessa was singing. Tessa was so excited for the trip to Italy. She thought they needed a change of scenery. Mariah said they could try and make plans with Summer and Kyle for after the wedding. Tessa hoped Kyle understood why Mariah couldn’t be his best person at his wedding. Mariah said she explained everything to Kyle, and he was understanding. Mariah thought this would be the perfect trip before she and Tessa settled down, not that you couldn’t travel with a baby. Tessa attempted to say something, but Mariah interjected to share a fantasy about their baby, Bowie, and a child of Amanda and Devon growing up together. Tessa assured Mariah that she wanted a baby with her, but she wasn’t ready yet. She thought they had to make sure they were both prepared to take on this life changing move. Mariah was sad, but she understood.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Crimson Lights, Nick wanted to talk to Ashland alone, but Victoria refused to leave, and Ashland said he wanted her to stay. Victoria testily asked if Nick dug up some ancient dirt. She informed him that she knew what he was up to, thanks to Phyllis being unable to explain why Nick took a trip to the town where Ashland got his start. She said she told her fiance all about it. Nick said this was about a 40 year old car crash that killed a guy named Bobby DeFranco. Ashland tensed up at the mention of the name, and Victoria asked if he was okay. Ashland never wanted to hear that name again, especially from someone in Victoria’s family. She asked who that was, and he revealed that he was Bobby. “You’re… Bobby DeFranco?,” Victoria asked. “I was. Before I became Ashland Locke,” he replied. Victoria shrugged it off – they all knew he’d changed his name. Nick asked if the crash wasn’t concerning. Victoria didn’t think it was a big deal that Ashland tried to cover his tracks by pretending his original identity died in a car crash. Nick clarified that a young man really did die. Ashland admitted this was true, and it was foolish to think he could run from it forever.

Ashland told his story. He was born Robert DeFranco, son of an abusive father and an enabling mother. He had a friend who gave him the courage to change his situation, a young man his parents didn’t even know – the real Ashland Locke. Bobby and Ashland were kindred spirits, so much so, that they did what a lot of dumb sixteen year olds did – they got matching tattoos. Victoria asked Ashland if it was the one on his calf, and he said yeah. Back to 40 years ago, Bobby’s father beat him up for getting a tattoo. Ashland saw Bobby all banged up and convinced him to run away. Ashland and Bobby left together, and they did odd jobs on the Jersey coast. One day, they were at an arcade on the boardwalk in Keansburg, when they heard a commotion. It was Bobby’s father, who was furious and looking for Bobby. Ashland hid Bobby, then he told the father that Bobby had gone to Philadelphia with a girl. After that, Bobby owed Ashland big time, and their bond deepened. They were inseparable. The real Ashland didn’t have a family, and the boys became family to each other. Bobby had big plans for him and Ashland to strike it rich. “So this is about money for you,” Nick interjected. Ashland was shocked that this was what Nick got from this story. Ashland said he and the real Ashland were just kids. They didn’t think about stuff like that or know what they were going to do. The real Ashland wanted to be involved in broadcasting, and somehow he got an interview with this woman name Camilla Rhodes. The woman who became the current Ashland’s mentor. The original Ashland was going to try and intern at one of Camilla’s stations. However, he never got a chance to go to the interview.

The real Ashland owned this beat up Camaro that he liked to drive really fast, and it scared Bobby. The night before the interview, Ashland and Bobby were in the car, and Ashland was speeding. He lost control of the car and hit a tree. Bobby was ejected and knocked unconscious. When he came to, Ashland was pinned against the steering wheel, and he didn’t have a pulse. Bobby couldn’t get his friend out of the car, and it caught fire. Bobby screamed for help and pulled Ashland so hard that Ashland’s wallet flew out of the car. The car was now engulfed in flames, and the situation was disorienting for Bobby. Bobby threw his own wallet on the ground and picked up Ashland’s, then he ran because the car was about to explode. After the explosion, and another car pulled up to see what was going on. Bobby was scared to talk to the other driver, because he thought they’d call the police and that the police would call his dad. When Bobby saw the police coming, he ran off into the woods. At that moment, he made the decision to become Ashland Locke and let his life as Bobby DeFranco burn up in flames.

Victoria asked Ashland where he went after the crash. He went to an old abandoned beach hut, and he stayed there for awhile. He stole newspapers to keep up on the crash. The body was badly burned, and the police assumed, due to the wallet, that the dead teen was Bobby DeFranco. The father was called in to identify the body, and he made a positive I.D. based on the tattoo on the calf. DNA testing was limited in those days, so there was no need to investigate further. Ashland took this chance for a fresh start and a permanent escape from hell with his father. He went to the interview with Camilla Rhodes, who wasn’t suspicious when Bobby showed up, because she’d never met never met the real Ash. He got the job, and the rest was history. Nick thought this split second decision to switch wallets seemed awfully calculated. Ashland said he’d been surrounded by flames and smoke, and his only friend in the world was dead. He knew his father would’ve beat him for days if he’d found him, and so his survival instincts kicked in. Nick asked why Ashland didn’t ask the other driver to help him pull his buddy from the car. “I thought he was dead! And here was gonna be no miracle rescue!,” Ashland exclaimed. Ashland had been thinking about that moment day in and day out for his whole life. Ashland didn’t care if Nick didn’t believe him. He just hoped that Nick never found himself in a similar situation. “Ashland Locke saved my life when my father was coming after me. And I wasn’t able to save his,” Ashland said.

Ashland asked how much of the story Nick knew before tonight. Nick didn’t have all the details, but he’d pieced most of it together. Nick had tracked down the reporter who covered the crash. According to Nick, the reporter always thought there was more to the story, but the case had never been properly investigated because of the witness – the driver of the other car. It was clear to the police that the witness was drunk, so when he told them that he saw a kid running off into the woods, they didn’t think he was reliable. Ashland said that was probably a lucky break for him. “Yeah, you’ve had a lot of those, huh,” Nick said. Ashland admitted that he should’ve told Victoria the whole story from the start. He’d been ashamed of how he acted all those years ago, but he was more ashamed of hiding it from Victoria. Victoria’s eyes were downcast as she said “How could you do this?” Victoria looked up at the target of her question, and Nick and Ashland were both startled to realize that it was directed at Nick. “So about hearing about this crash from your fiance, I’m the one you’re mad at,” Nick said. Victoria got up and left. Ashland guessed Nick got what he wanted. Nick said he wanted the truth, which Ashland wouldn’t give them. Ashland sarcastically said the truth solved everything and gave Victoria peace of mind. Nick argued that the bottom line was Ashland built his career and his life on the back of a tragedy. Ashland conceded the point, but he said he didn’t get everything handed to him. A disapproving Nick stated that Ashland watched his best friend die, and his first instinct was to grab his wallet and run. Ashland said he had to get his hands dirty and make some hard choices in a tragic situation, which was probably something Nick would never understand.

Victoria was alone in her office staring at the portrait Ashland gave her. Ashland arrived, and he said he was sorry about not being completely honest when she first asked him about his past. She said he told her there would be no more secrets, and how was she supposed to believe that now? He’d understand if she never trusted him again, but it would devastate him. She asked why he didn’t tell her. He was ashamed, and it was too painful to talk about it. He’d never told another living soul until this day. For 40 years, he’d held onto the image, the memory of Ash, and that horrible night haunted him ever since. He liked to think he built his life with the ethos of no regrets, but there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t wonder the same thing Nick did. What if he’d stayed? What if, by some miracle, he’d been able to rescue Ash? How would that have made his life different? She asked if he’d reached any conclusions, and he said no. He’d been trying to convince himself that Ash would’ve wanted to give up his identity to rescue him. He kept telling himself that he would’ve given up his identity for Ash, if the situation was reversed, but he’d never know. He said that if his life had taken a different direction, he would’ve never met Victoria, and there was nothing secretive or false about what he felt now. He’d never loved anyone the way he loved Victoria, but he’d completely understand if she broke up with him. Victoria needed some time to process this. Ashland understood, and he said he’d give her all the time she needed. He left.

Nick went to Newman to see Victoria, but she said she didn’t want to talk to or see him. He said he got it, but she didn’t think he did. She accused him of betraying her trust. She’d told him how much she loved Ashland, and she begged him not to be like Billy and dig in Ashland’s past. Nick reminded Victoria that she’d admitted she had serious concerns about the man she was marrying. She was adamant that this didn’t give him an invitation to investigate. Nick was sorry if Victoria was hurt, but he didn’t regret what he did. He said it forced Ashland to come clean, and who knows what other shady things he did during that time. Victoria said Ashland had been in the business a long time, and she was sure he’d done some ruthless things, but nothing illegal. Nick wondered what Ashland was capable of if he’d leave his best friend to die. Victoria defended Ashland – the car was about to blow up, and the friend was probably already dead, so Ashland had to make one of the hardest decisions he’d ever made in his whole life. She pointed out that he wasn’t even an adult yet. She asked Nick if he remembered what Noah and Summer were like at that age. She asked how Nick would’ve dealt with that when he was young. “How would you like the mistakes from your past, from your youth to be thrown back in your face,” she demanded. He stated that he’d never done anything like that, and she countered that he’d never been in that position. “Your father was tough, but he wasn’t physically abusive,” she added. She contended that Ashland’s father was a monster, hunting him down. Victoria snapped that Nick was born privileged and advantaged, and he could never relate to what Ashland went through. “So don’t come in here telling me that he is a terrible person until you understand the position that he was in,” she said. She asked if he could blame Ashland for what he did. “How does something that happened 40 years ago mean that he is not worthy of love and forgiveness and happiness?,” she asked.

Nick brought up what Victoria said about Ashland being in a tough spot and having to make a different decision. Victoria stood by that. “Well I guess you and I have different opinions about what’s right and wrong,” Nick spat. Exasperated, she told him not to get self righteous with her. She asserted that he betrayed her the minute he got on the plane to New Jersey when she’d asked him not to look into Ashland’s past. She noted that it was time for him to head to Summer’s wedding in Milan. She told him not to bother heading to Tuscany afterward. He asked if she was uninviting him from the wedding. She ordered him to leave. He believed that this revelation bothered her more than she was willing to admit.

Ashland went to Society and had a drink.

At the Chancellor house, Abby tried to get Dominic to sleep before it was time for her to go to the restaurant. She was going to be leaving him with the nanny, but she promised she’d be back before he woke up, and she’d take care of him, because that was what mommies did.

Tessa brought in room service – chicken piccata for Mariah. Mariah hopefully asked if Tessa got it with extra piccata, and an amused Tessa said that was not a thing. Sharon dropped by with a home cooked meal, and Tessa said she had errands. Mariah noted that it was late, but Tessa said she just had some things to do, and it’d give Mariah time with Sharon. Tessa left. Sharon knew that Mariah was thinking that she’d asked everyone for time and space. Mariah confirmed that she was thinking that. Sharon said she gave Mariah space. Mariah stated that Sharon only lasted 24 hours. Sharon thought Mariah seemed better, but she wanted to know how Mariah was doing.

Mariah felt much better. Stronger after getting out of that house. Sharon heard some things, second hand. She asked why Mariah left the Chancellor estate. Mariah asked if people were gossiping about her. Sharon said it was just concerned people sharing their thoughts, and Mariah contended that this was the same thing as gossip. Sharon thought Mariah was avoiding the question. Mariah admitted it was harder to be around Dominic than she thought it’d be. She knew he wasn’t hers, but there was still a strong bond. She noted that Sharon warned her about that bond. Sharon wasn’t going to say “I told you so,” she knew it was rough. Mariah said it was rough seeing Bowie and knowing he wasn’t hers to raise. Sharon asked if there was anything she could do to help Mariah. Sharon suggested Mariah move into the cottage with her, Rey and Faith for awhile. Mariah appreciated the offer, but she wanted space.

Mariah said what she and Tessa wanted to do first was find a new home. Sharon asked what Mariah was going to do about her postpartum separation anxiety. She offered to recommend some therapists. Sharon didn’t want Mariah to isolate herself or rush into anything big. Suspicious, Mariah asked what Tessa and Sharon had been talking about. Sharon covered for Tessa. Sharon said she went to Tessa and grilled her and poured on all this motherly guilt, until Tessa revealed that Mariah wanted a baby. Sharon asked if Mariah really thought she was ready. Mariah said she was 100% ready, but obviously Tessa was not. Sharon saw the benefit in waiting six months, or a year. She thought Mariah and Tessa would make wonderful mothers, but she didn’t think they should have a baby as a knee jerk reaction. Mariah snapped that it wasn’t a knee jerk reaction – it was a natural next step.

At the penthouse, Amanda and Devon were dressed for dinner. Moses ran in and upstairs, and Faith walked in too. They were also dressed up for their date. Moses came down with his wallet. Faith still didn’t know where they were going for the date. Devon knew, but Moses swore him to secrecy.

Tessa went to Society. Abby missed having Mariah and Tessa living at the house. She wanted them to come over and spend time with Dominic. Tessa said Mariah was finally starting to get back to her old self, so hopefully she’d be up for that soon. Abby said that they had an open invitation to visit any time. Tessa got a terse text from Mariah saying they needed to talk. Devon and Amanda arrived, and Tessa left. Abby congratulated the pair on moving in together. Amanda said Moses and Faith weren’t here, so this wasn’t the location of the date. They brought Abby up to speed. She thought love young was cute, and she couldn’t believe her niece was already dating. Devon said he’d remind Abby of this when Dominic was dating. She said he was so tiny, she couldn’t even think of that. Amanda got a text from Imani. Naya’s heart rate was spiking, so they were going to the ER. Devon was going to go with Amanda, but she said Naya wouldn’t want too many people around. She left, and he told Abby it was dinner for one.

Abby asked about Amanda. Devon said she was anxious about Naya. He said she worried about her mom because it was a new relationship. He mentioned that Tessa seemed frazzled earlier. Abby said Tessa was worried about Mariah. Abby stated that Tessa was claiming to be optimistic, but to Abby, it sounded like Tessa was engaging in wishful thinking. Devon was willing to do anything to help Mariah, but he thought she needed time.

Faith and Moses went to Crimson Lights, on the patio, after their date, which was at Top of the Tower. She had so much fun. Moses had reserved a private room at the restaurant that overlooked the city. Before tonight, Faith didn’t even know that her grandfather’s restaurant had private rooms. He said he called in a favor from her grandfather. Moses beat Victor in a game of chess to get the favor, but Victor was happy to help. Devon had a new singer serenade Faith and Moses. It was magical, and she’d never forget it. It was the most perfect night ever. Sharon was inside, and she smiled at them.

When Tessa got home, Mariah confronted her about telling Sharon that Mariah wanted a baby. Tessa asked Mariah to calm down. “No! You went behind my back again. First Abby, now my mom. Why would you do that to me?!”

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At ChancComm, Billy made some calls trying to figure out why Gaines abruptly checked out of the hotel and where he went. He had a feeling Victor had something to do with it. He ordered his investigator to figure it out. Jack came in and asked what the problem was. Billy said that Lily was visiting Mattie at Stanford. Jack asked if Billy was doing something that Lily wouldn’t approve of. Billy said that she knew the whole story. Billy admitted that he was investigating why Victoria shouldn’t marry Ashland. Jack revealed that, according to Phyllis, Nick was on a similar mission. Billy recounted the story of Ashland somehow buying two news stations at the age of twenty. Jack figured Ashland used his inheritance. Billy said Ashland was a teen runaway who didn’t have any money. He revealed that he’d been invited to a Newman family meeting, where Ashland told them all a heartfelt story about changing his name to escape an abusive father. Billy said there was no public record of the name change. Jack suggested Ashland was trying to protect Harrison. Billy added that Victor and Nick were looking into Ashland too. Billy felt that Ashland’s story raised more questions, but he’d refused to ever share his real name. Billy wasn’t looking to make this information public, he was simply trying to protect Victoria and the children, but Ashland thought everyone should back off and stop asking questions. Jack understood why Ashland wouldn’t want to spend the limited time he had left fending off attacks from Victoria’s ex. He said if Victoria was satisfied, that should be enough. Billy could tell that Victoria was starting to question Ashland, and Billy wasn’t going to let her marry someone whose life was built on lies and deception. He said they didn’t know Ashland was sick. Jack said that Ashland was going through chemotherapy and he’d made the gut-wrenching choice to let Harrison go to Italy. Jack told Billy that he had to stop making leaps of logic to justify what he was doing. Billy maintained that he was protecting Victoria. Jack didn’t think this was about protecting Victoria or the kids, or possibly even about Ashland. He thought that Billy was trying to stop Victoria from moving on.

Billy said he was very happy with Lily. Jack said, historically this was about the time that Billy would start to sabotage himself. Billy insisted that he was protecting Victoria and the kids. Jack said this was Billy’s ego talking – Victoria could take care of herself. Billy asked if Nick’s ego made him investigate Ashland too. They shifted gears into this topic, and Jack mentioned that Nick was on the east coast. Billy was glad if Nick was looking into Ashland, because that meant they were on the same page. He said he could care about his ex without having an ulterior motive or being possessive.

Phyllis was at the hotel. Nick called from Atlantic City and said the plane was having mechanical issues. She asked what he found out. He uncovered something really bad, but he didn’t want to get into it on the phone. He thought she, Jack and Traci should head to Milan without him. She mentioned that Traci wouldn’t be on the plane, and he said okay. She thought he should just fly to Milan from New Jersey. He replied that he had to come home and confront Ashland first, but he promised he’d be there to see Summer get married.

Phyllis went to the Abbott house and talked to Traci. Traci learned that Jack and Phyllis would be alone on the flight. She said she’d pour Phyllis some wine, and they’d have a little talk. Jack came home and saw Traci and Phyllis laughing and talking about books. Phyllis said that the last time they talked was at the escape club. Jack said Phyllis had poured her heart and soul into the hotel and overcome obstacles that would be insurmountable to anyone else. Traci thought Phyllis’s hotel was a reflection of her and how much she’d grown in the last few years – she’d risen from the ashes, like the phoenix. She wondered what was next for the colorful protagonist that was Phyllis. Jack said next would be a jet ride to Milan, escorted by the proud and dashing father of the bride and groom. Traci said Jack must not have heard the news. Phyllis said Nick’s flight might not make it back in time, so they might have to go to Milan without him. Jack said he’d just have his pilot file a later plan, once they knew Nick’s status, and in the meantime, they could have dinner. Traci had work to do so she excused herself. Jack was surprised to see Phyllis and Traci getting along so well. Phyllis asked if Jack had confided in Traci about his feelings for Phyllis. Jack said he only talked to Phyllis and Nick about that. Jack said he’d get Phyllis more wine, and he’d have soda, because the last time he drank around her, he bared his heart to her, and he wouldn’t subject her to that. She said he could bare his heart to her any time he wanted, and he said the same applied with him.

Jack made Phyllis a grilled cheese sandwich. They talked about how, this time tomorrow, they’d watch their kids get married. She said Summer Ann was her little miracle. She reminded him of how many doctors said she’d never have another baby after Daniel. They flashed back to Jack delivering Summer in an elevator. Phyllis thanked Jack for giving her a miracle. In the present, Jack said that he felt the same way about Kyle – finding out Kyle was his son was an unexpected surprise. They thought about the time they got married, almost twenty years ago. There was a flashback to a before-the-wedding kiss that they shared.

In present day, Jack gazed lovingly at Phyllis, then he felt foolish about wearing his heart on his sleeve. She assured him that part of her heart would always love him. She loved spending time with him. He toasted to happiness. Nick called and said he was back in Genoa City. He had something to do, then he’d meet her and Jack. Jack noted that Phyllis never told him exactly why Nick was in Genoa City, though he’d surmised it was about Ashland Locke. Jack said he spoke with Billy earlier, who was convinced Ashland was keeping a secret big enough that it might cause Victoria to call off the wedding. Ordinarily, Jack would think Billy was just trying to keep Victoria from moving on, but Nick was also involved, and he’d only be involved to protect his sister. Phyllis said Nick had something, but what Victoria decided to do with it was up to her. She changed the subject back to the Summer/Kyle wedding. She thanked him for postponing the Jabot jet so that Nick could fly to Milan with them. He said he was glad it worked out.

Nikki and Victoria were in the CEO’s office after they finished working. Talk turned to the wedding, and Victoria said she wasn’t thrilled with the wedding dress. It was another stressor she didn’t need. Nikki said she was there to help. She told Victoria it was normal to be anxious. She asked when Victoria last talked to Ashland. Victoria said he texted to say he might cancel their dinner plans because he had some business to take care of.

Ashland met with his accountant and said he didn’t need the money anymore. The accountant asked if the wedding surprise fell through. Ashland went with that story, and the accountant left. Ashland called Victoria to say that they could have dinner after all. Victoria said she couldn’t wait to hear about his business meeting. The call ended. Victoria still seemed troubled, and Nikki wondered why. Victoria said that after Billy went on about Jesse Gaines, she’d looked him up online. She found out that Jesse’s father was an attorney for Camilla Rhodes, Ashland’s mentor. She had to wonder what that attorney’s son was doing in Genoa City. She was hoping Ashland would say something to her. She didn’t want to make it seem like she didn’t trust him. Nikki said she walked in on Ashland and Victor at the ranch talking very quietly, almost conspiratorially. Victoria wished she wasn’t having these doubts so close to the wedding. She blamed Billy for planting doubts in her mind.

Back at ChancComm, Billy was on the phone with the investigator again. He was unhappy that they hadn’t figured out where Gaines disappeared to after promising to sell information on Ashland to Billy. Nikki walked in and ordered Billy to stop trying to fill Victoria’s head with doubts. She reminded him that Victor explicitly warned him about interfering with Victoria’s happiness. “Defy him at your own risk. Oh and here’s a newsflash. You should worry just as much about defying me,” she snarled. Billy said he wasn’t causing Victoria to doubt things. He contended that Victoria was questioning Ashland on her own, and for good reason, because every day another piece of disturbing evidence popped up. Nikki demanded to know what Billy found. He didn’t have anything concrete. She wasn’t surprised. She accused him of trying to derail this wedding to feed his ego. He thought the fact that Victoria wasn’t blindly accepting Ashland’s version of things was a good thing. He felt that Nikki should be glad Victoria was asking questions of her fiance – a man whose name she didn’t know. Nikki vowed to look out for her daughter. She was not glad that Billy was meddling. Nikki maintained that, after what Billy put Victoria through, he had no right to criticize her new fiance. She was adamant that Victoria would marry Ashland and that Billy would stop trying to undermine them. He maintained that he was trying to uncover the truth. She told him he was no longer welcome at the wedding. She left. Billy called Nick and left a message hoping Nick found the answers they wanted.

Nate ran into Ashland at Society, and they spent time together while waiting for their significant others to arrive. Nate mentioned that he was enjoying the challenge of his new job. Nate noticed Ashland seemed tired and asked how he was managing the chemo. Physically, Ashland felt well, which was surprising, given the warnings he’d gotten about chemo. He’d had a stressful few days, but he thought he’d handled the trouble. Now, he was going to focus on this special time with the woman he loved. Victoria and Elena arrived around the same time. Victoria looked displeased when Ashland requested a table for four, but she didn’t object. They chatted over dinner, then Nate and Elena left. Ashland asked Victoria if something was wrong. She snapped that she felt like he was keeping something from her. She asked if he got health news he wasn’t sharing. Or maybe this had something to do with the fact that her brother went to New Jersey for some reason. Or maybe it was about a lawyer named Jesse Gaines who was connected to his past and the woman who mentored him. Ashland looked alarmed. He asked that they go back to her office where they could speak in private.

Nate and Elena were at Crimson Lights. She noticed that Victoria had been tense, and she wondered if it was about the wedding plans. Nate didn’t think that was it. When he talked to Ashland earlier, it reminded him of the reason this wedding was being rushed. Elena asked what Ashland’s oncologist was saying. Nate said he and Ashland didn’t get into it. It was clear to Nate that Ashland wasn’t as well as he was claiming to be, though. He’d advised Ashland to slow down and stop trying to manage everything. Nate thought this time should only be about the love Ashland and Victoria shared and the commitment they were making. That was why Nate agreed to join Victoria and Ashland for dinner, even though he would’ve preferred to be alone with Elena. He knew she’d been working hard with AskMDNow on top of everything else, and he asked if she wanted to unwind alone. She said she’d never forgive him if he left. She took his hand and they went up to her place.

Victoria and Ashland arrived at her office. He assumed Billy went running to her about the attorney. She noted that Jesse Gaines was a former attorney who lost his license for malfeasance. She didn’t understand why she didn’t hear this from him, and she told him not to pretend it wasn’t a problem. She reminded him that he promised not to keep secrets, but she kept getting unsettling information, and it was getting harder to convince herself nothing was wrong. She wanted him to stop with the vague reassurances and tell her the truth. She wanted answers from the man she was going to marry, not anyone else. Nick texted Ashland wanting to meet, and Ashland told Victoria. She asked what Nick wanted, and he said they were about to find out.

Ashland and Victoria met Nick at Crimson Lights. Nick had thought he’d meet Ashland alone. Ashland wanted Victoria to hear whatever Nick had to say. Victoria said that Nick ignored her wishes and dug into Ashland’s past.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At the hotel, Phyllis texted Nick to ask if there was an update on Ashland. Jack entered, then he walked up behind Phyllis and said something. She jumped and told him not to sneak up on her. He said he didn’t – she just didn’t notice him come in because she was buried into her phone. He wanted to know what was with the cryptic text she sent him today. Phyllis was glad Jack opened up to Nick about having feelings for her, because she’d felt awkward about keeping it from Nick. However, she was suspicious about Jack’s reasons for coming clean. Jack explained that he had a dream that Nick was upset that Jack still had feelings for Phyllis. Phyllis pointed out that dreams weren’t real. Jack believed his dream was telling him that he felt guilty. He didn’t want his feelings for her to affect her relationship with Nick. He asked if things were okay, and she said things were fine with Nick. She mentioned that Nick was out of town, and she wasn’t sure he’d be back before it was time to leave for Milan. Nick might have to meet them in Italy. Jack said that meant he and Phyllis would be alone on the jet. She thought Traci would be there, and Jack said she was going to NY to meet her agent. He asked if she was comfortable with this.

Phyllis said there was no situation in the world that would make her uncomfortable with Jack. She apologized for being suspicious of his intentions toward Nick. Victoria showed up asking if Phyllis heard from Nick. Jack left. Victoria asked why Nick took the jet to New Jersey. Phyllis said it was for New Hope. Victoria said New Hope didn’t have business in New Jersey, but Ashland got his start there. Phyllis asked why Victoria was suddenly suspicious of her brother who only wanted the best for her. Victoria said that a lot of people claimed they had her best interest at heart, and they were trying to dig up dirt on Ashland. Phyllis suggested that this was transference – Victoria was targeting her suspicions onto Nick, instead of the place it should be – on Ashland. Victoria said that was ridiculous. Lauren came over with Victoria’s dress. She loved it, and she thought Victoria would too. Lauren reserved a room upstairs for Victoria’s fitting. Phyllis mentioned that she only got to help Summer with her dress over video call. Phyllis offered to take a look at the dress if Victoria wanted another opinion, but Victoria said that Phyllis hadn’t risen to bridesmaid status. Victoria and Lauren went upstairs. Sally showed up and tried to sneak into the elevator, but Phyllis saw her and said she wasn’t welcome at the hotel. Sally said she wasn’t going anywhere. She was part of this town now.

Phyllis stated that this was her hotel, and she’d get security to throw Sally out if necessary. Sally asked if Phyllis really wanted to cause another scene at her hotel. She grabbed her phone to record it. Chloe walked up and said she asked Sally to meet her here, and she had a proposal for Phyllis. Phyllis didn’t want to do business with the person who drove her daughter out of the country. Sally scoffed and asked when Phyllis was going to let that go. She said if Summer were miserable in Milan, she and Kyle would’ve come back. Sally said either Summer loved Milan, or she was staying because she secretly hated being around Phyllis. Chloe changed the subject and said they wanted to do a shoot for the fashion platform here at the hotel. It would be great publicity. Phyllis loved the idea, and she’d do it if Chloe fired Sally. Phyllis walked off.

Phyllis called Nick, and he sent it to voicemail. She left a message asking for an update. He immediately texted back. “I don’t like what I’ve found. Will fill you in when I see you.”

Chloe chided Sally for messing things the potential deal with Phyllis. Sally said they may not have failed on all fronts. Sally said she saw Lauren and Victoria going upstairs with a garment bag. Chloe was sure that Victoria had turned down Sally’s offer of a dress. Sally had tried to set up a meeting with Victoria, but Victoria’s assistant kept turning her down. Chloe thought it was time for Sally to let it go, since it sounded like Victoria already got her dress. Sally said letting things go wasn’t how she got to where she was. “Where you are? You’ve alienated half of Genoa City. Your tainted reputation is going to take a very long time to repair,” Chloe replied. Sally thought she might be able to quicken the pace if she gifted Victoria a one of a kind masterpiece. Chloe said that Sally insinuating herself into Victoria’s wedding plans could blow up in her face.

Upstairs, Victoria put on the dress, and she said it wasn’t what she’d pictured when she saw the sketches. Victoria didn’t blame Lauren or the designer. She really wanted the wedding to be spectacular. Lauren promised they’d make this dress worthy of the occasion. Lauren sent the seamstress out of the room and asked if something else was bothering Victoria. In Lauren’s experience, powerful brides to be weren’t this subdued when the dress didn’t meet their expectations. She told Victoria that if something else was bothering her, it was okay to take it out on the dress. Victoria insisted that things were fine.

At the penthouse, Moses teased Amanda about all the bags she was bringing in. He assured her he was just joking, and he thought it would be good to have her. He said he’d help her with her bags, but he had to go meet Faith. He left. Devon came downstairs. She thought he was at work, but he said he rearranged his schedule so he could be here with her. She called herself the new roommate, and he told her that she wasn’t a roommate – this was her home. Later, she’d unpacked, and he said he bought all her favorite foods. She wasn’t hungry, but she wanted to hang out with him. He told her how he got to have alone time with the baby. It was special to spend time with that little guy. She noted that he was being careful not to call Dom his son. He thought that was an important boundary to keep. He saw what Mariah was going through after she got overly attached. Amanda said that Devon loved Dominic, and they shared genes, so it was natural to be attached. He changed the subject and said Mariah was doing better. He was glad he could talk to Amanda about this. Devon asked how things were going for Amanda. She said Naya was seeing the right doctors, which was promising. Amanda liked having a sister that she could share her anxieties with. She hadn’t known Imani long, but she felt comforted with her. It was kind of like what she had with Devon. She felt like she was home. He felt like he should give her a tour. She said she’d seen the shower and his nice sheets. He said it would be different now because it all belonged to her. “I’m going to invite you to join me in our bedroom,” she said. They ran upstairs.

Faith was at Crimson Lights. Sharon called because the school informed her that Faith was behind in her homework. Faith, who was currently surrounded by books, promised she’d finish it. She swore she wouldn’t jeopardize her second chance or disappoint Sharon and Nick again. The call ended. Faith looked at her phone notification, which stated that it was date night with Moses. She looked upset. Moses arrived, brimming with excitement about the date he’d planned. Faith said she couldn’t go because Sharon was making her work at the coffeehouse. Moses said he’d talk to Sharon about how special tonight was, and Faith said no. He asked why she was really backing out of the date. Embarrassed, Faith admitted she’d been procrastinating, and now she was behind in all her classes. She was slow at typing, so it would take her forever to finish her essays. She felt terrible about messing up the date. Moses took the blame for distracting Faith from her work. She said that’s what her mom thought, so she couldn’t go out with him now. She was sorry she ruined everything. He thought he had a solution.

Moses said that they could do this work together, so they’d finish it faster. Faith thought that sounded like cheating. Moses noted that Faith had written most of her work in her notebooks, but she was a slow typist. He was a fast keyboarder, so he’d transcribe what she’d already done. She smiled. They got to work, drinking coffee and being playful as they finished Faith’s stack of homework. When they finally finished, she said this was the best date ever, even if they didn’t do anything else tonight. She said she had to go home and change. He thought she looked beautiful the way she was, but he said he’d pick her up in an hour.

Adam was in his office looking at an invitation to the wedding of Victoria Nicole Newman and Ashland Marcus Locke.

Jack went to Crimson Lights and ran into Adam. Jack mentioned that he read a complimentary article on Newman Media. It had said Adam was in a renaissance. He was glad that Adam was turning things around. Adam said Connor inspired him to be a better man. Jack asked if Adam would be at Victoria’s wedding. Adam got an invitation, but he assumed the wedding planner sent it by mistake. Jack suggested that Victoria was impressed Adam turned over a new leaf. Adam was trying to be a better person, but he didn’t think Victoria was ready to accept him as a brother that she could love. Jack said that if Adam went to the wedding, he could show Victoria that he cared. Adam wasn’t sure that would work, besides he didn’t want to leave Connor behind or pull him out of school. Jack was sure Adam would do what was right for Connor and for himself.

Adam showed up at Victoria’s office and got a cool reception. He said his instinct was right – the wedding invitation was a mistake. He turned to leave, and she grudgingly admitted that it wasn’t a mistake. He asked why she changed her mind, and he asked if things could warm up between them. She said he invited him because of Victor. He asked if Victor asked her to. She said that Victor didn’t need to ask – they all knew how important family was to him. She admitted that the new and improved Adam lasted longer than she thought. She added that he must be in the middle of a renaissance. He knew she’d read the article. She thought inviting him would be a nice way to thank Victor for his support. She said Victor even gave his blessing for her portrait. Adam looked over and saw it. She hated to inflate Adam’s ego, but Ashland admired the way he stepped up and took over Newman Media, despite the fact that most of the world despised him. “Thank you?,” Adam replied. Victoria asked Adam what he thought. He asked if she genuinely wanted him at the wedding. Victoria said not to push it, because she wasn’t going to beg. She thought they both knew that she, personally, did not want him there. At first, he thought he was doing Victoria a favor by not attending, but then he realized that after all the years of trying to get her to include him, she’d finally opened a door. He thought it would be a mistake not to take the chance, and it’d be rude not to attend. He saw that the wedding was important to her, so he wanted to be there to witness it. She said it was weird that he was being so thoughtful. She said it didn’t mean they were friends, though. “I’ll settle for family,” he replied. After he left, she got a text from Ashland. “May have to cancel dinner. Something’s come up. Nothing to worry about. Will explain later.”

Chloe and Sally were waiting for Adam outside his office. Sally showed Chloe the sketch of the wedding dress. Chloe thought it was gorgeous, sophisticated with hints of old world glamour, but cutting edge. but she said to save it for the next Genoa City wedding. Sally said this was designed specifically for Victoria – her delicate frame, her classic stately good looks – she was the perfect combination of a modern hardworking woman and timeless beauty. Chloe thought Victoria would love it. Chloe said, between her, Sally and Chelsea, they were a goldmine of untapped designer talent. It made her think they should aim bigger than a fashion media platform. She thought they should have a clothing line – the next step in their plot to world domination. Adam walked up and asked what they were plotting. Chloe said Sally was on her way to meet a renowned fashion editor to promote Newman Media. Adam told Sally to knock ‘em dead. Sally asked if Adam was going to Tuscany for the wedding. Adam said Victoria sent him an invitation, but he wasn’t looking for a date. Sally called Adam full of himself. She said she wasn’t asking to be his date, but if he wanted a friend or colleague to join him, he had her number. After Chloe and Sally left, Adam filled out his RSVP card, indicating that he would be at the wedding.

Sally was at Society. she called someone and asked how long it took to get a wedding dress made. The answer was acceptable, and she sent them her design.

Jack went home and called the pilot to change the flight plan to just him and Phyllis.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Victor went to Victoria’s office and saw her portrait. He loved it and commented on the poise and grace. She mentioned that Nikki was worried he wouldn’t be enthusiastic. He thought it was a fitting symbol of Victoria’s new position. Victoria stated that it was a gift from Ashland. Victor revealed that he had a gift for Victoria too. She was almost in tears when he presented her with the deed to his palazzo in Tuscany. It would be transferred to her on her wedding day. He wanted her to spend many happy years with Ashland there. She was touched by this symbol of his support for her marriage. He said he loved her. He’d never seen her this happy, and he wanted that to continue. Victor was moved by the story of Ashland’s childhood and name change. Victoria knew that resonated with Victor because of his own past. Victor prided himself on his ability to read people, and he saw the pain in Ashland’s face when he talked about his childhood. Victoria said that it meant a lot that Ashland opened up – he’d never shared that part of his life with anyone. Victor stated that Billy made Ashland relive his painful past. He thought Billy was jealous of Victoria and Ashland’s relationship. He didn’t believe Billy was doing this out of concern for the children, and he thought it was a mistake for Victoria to invite Billy to the wedding. Victoria said Billy wasn’t a threat, but Victor warned her to be careful. He believed that Billy intended to spoil the wedding.

Nick and Phyllis were in her suite while she went sleuthing into Ashland’s background. He noted that she wasn’t the first expert to try and find something. She was confident that she’d be the first to succeed. He wanted to confirm Ashland’s story before he married Victoria. Phyllis assured Nick that sleuthing and scheming were in her wheelhouse, and she was madly in love with him and wanted to see him happy. She checked out the databases for doing a legal name change, and there was nothing. She was dumbfounded that Ashland successfully buried his original identity.

Nick wondered how a young guy with no resources even knew how to make a new identity. He thought maybe a shady friend or associate helped. Phyllis looked for a real Ashland Locke who died, thinking maybe the guy they knew assumed his identity. She didn’t find anything. She said she and Nick both knew it was easy to pay someone off if you had enough money. Nick said Ashland had money now, but he changed his name when he was just starting out and trying to get away from his abusive father. Phyllis was skeptical of the abusive dad story. Nick said Victor believed it, probably because it hit close to home for him. They theorized that there was an actual Ashland Locke that the new Ashland got his name from. Maybe the original Ashland was really sick or wanted to disappear, and he sold his identity to the man going as Ashland now. Nick pointed out that the man Victoria was marrying wouldn’t have had the money to buy an identity back then. He wondered if the real Ashland was dead.

Nick told Phyllis that Victor’s PI had uncovered the fact that Ashland purchased the stations from Camilla Rhodes’ estate. Phyllis did a search and found out the stations were in Toms River New Jersey and that Ashland was 20 when he started working there. Phyllis pulled up a list of deceased males around Ashland’s age, reasoning that one of them was the key to Locke’s real identity. Later, they’d narrowed it down to three possibilities. She asked if he was sure he wanted to do this. He said he had to. She wanted him to really think about it because it could change everything – his relationship with his father, with his sister, with the merger. He hoped Victoria would know he was doing this out of respect and love for her. Phyllis got ready to find out if one of these men was the real Ashland Locke.

Ashland was at Society. He made a call and arranged to get the $500,000 for Gaines. After the call, Abby walked up and started a conversation. She thought they should get to know each other since they’d be family soon. They made small talk on various subjects. He asked about her baby, and she said he was named Dominic Philip Newman Abbott Chancellor. He commented that it sounded like the baby was born in an ambassador’s role. Abby knew that role well, as the child of a Newman and Abbott. He thought that must’ve been interesting, given the unique history of those families. She wanted to hear Ashland and Victoria’s love story. He said he’d felt a spark, a connection with her from the beginning, even though he didn’t sell her his company. The first time they kissed, he knew something had changed. For the first time in his life, he found someone who made him happy to be alive. Abby seemed distant, and she explained that her thoughts had drifted to her own wedding and how much she missed her husband. Ashland knew that must be tough, but he assumed she was also proud of Chance. She was. She admitted she had her reservations about him and Victoira at first, but now she saw why Victoria fell in love with him and why she was willing to take this step, after everything she’d been through. He assumed she meant with Billy. Abby clarified that she loved her Uncle Billy, and he was the perfect father, but Victoria spent an inordinate amount of time putting out fires when she was with him. Ashland heard the stories. Abby made a list – the gambling, the affairs, the drinking, the shady business dealings. She knew every relationship had ups and downs, like Ashland’s health, but that wasn’t something he could control. She said he and Victoria were dealing with it together, and the way he merged his company with Newman showed how much he admired Victoria’s business acumen. He said it was one of the myriad reasons he loved and adored her sister. He chose to do chemo because he wanted more time with Victoria. Abby could see the love for Victoria in Ashland’s eyes, but she knew his reputation was similar to Victor’s. She asked him not to ever lie to Victoria – Billy did that, telling himself he was protecting her, but he was only protecting himself. He said he’d take that to heart.

Later, Phyllis unexpectedly showed up at Victoria’s office. She commented on the portrait, and they talked about that for a minute. Victoria wondered why Phyllis was here. Phyllis was there to drop off the bracelet Victoria left at the spa. Victoria wondered why Phyllis was being nice to her two days in a row. Phyllis said not to get carried away – she was being civil, not nice. Victoria was going to tell Nick, because she was sure he’d be surprised too. Phyllis said that Victoria was about to get married, and she was Nick’s sister, and she wanted them all to be happy. Abby called Victoria, so Phyllis got ready to leave. Victoria thanked Phyllis.

Abby told Victoria that she’d talked to Ashland. She thought he was a sweetheart who was completely in love with Victoria. Victoria called Abby the best sister. Abby said Ashland was smart, funny and powerful. She was so happy that Victoria finally met her equal.

When Phyllis got back to her suite, Nick was getting ready for a trip to Toms River. He was going to follow up on the three deceased young men she found, one of whom could be the real Ashland Locke. He thanked her and said he never could’ve done this without her. She just kept thinking about Victoria. He thought Victoria would be better off with the truth.

Billy intercepted Jesse Gaines at The Grand Phoenix and asked for ten minutes of his time, promising to make it worth his while. The went up to Gaines’ suite. Billy had learned that Gaines lost his law license for malfeasance many years ago, yet Ashland was claiming Gaines was one of his lawyers. If Ashland was lying about that, what else was he lying about, Billy pondered. Gaines sensed that Billy had a personal beef with Locke. Billy explained that he wanted to be sure his kids’ soon to be stepfather could be trusted. He believed Ashland was hiding something monumental, and he intuited that Gaines knew what it was. Gaines said he was a consultant on retainer. Billy theorized that Ashland was paying Gaines to keep something quiet. He offered to pay for Ashland’s secret. Billy promised to keep Gaines’ name out of it and call him an anonymous source in the story. Gaines asked what he’d have to do. Billy wanted to details on how Ashland was able to afford the two news stations that launched his career. Gaines asked how much that would be worth. Billy offered $100,000. Ashland knocked on the door and called Gaines. Gaines wrote $500K on a pad and showed it to Billy. Ashland assumed Gaines wasn’t there and left.

Ashland went downstairs and ran into Victor. Victor thought Ashland looked like he had a lot on his mind. Ashland said he was meeting his lawyer, tying up loose ends so he could focus on Victoria at the wedding. Victor mentioned the portrait of Victoria. He was impressed Ashland got Merrill Londeree to paint it. Ashland was glad that Victor had that reaction. He joked he’d been concerned they’d have to step into the ring. He’d heard about Victor’s boxing skills, and he hoped Victor could show him the ropes one day. He hoped Victor’s opinion of him hadn’t changed since he admitted he’d changed his name. Victor’s opinion of Ashland had actually risen. He said Ashland could’ve followed in his father’s footsteps and lived a life of pain, abuse and addiction. He admired that Ashland pulled himself out of the mire. He appreciated that Ashland opened up to everyone, even though it must’ve been painful. He welcomed Ashland to the family. Victor said he had to vet Ashland’s background, and he’d always look out for his daughter. Ashland would expect nothing less, and he also vowed to protect Victoria, because she meant everything to him.

Billy came downstairs and overheard Ashland suggesting he and Victor have a drink. Billy called them future FIL and SIL, father and law and son in law. He said it was funny how one detail could bring the whole thing crashing to the ground. “You cause one second of heartache for my daughter during this happy time… I will crush you,” Victor said. Billy said that was good to know, and he left.

Billy went to work and called Lily to tell her how things went with Gaines. He was planning to pay Gaines what he’d asked, because Ashland’s secret was worth every penny. He and Gaines were meeting soon to discuss things. “So much for the big Italian wedding,” Billy said to himself after the call ended.

Ashland went to Victoria’s office, and she mentioned his meeting with Abby. He said it was good to get to know her sister, even though he’d had to postpone some of his own personal business to talk with her. She asked if that personal business had to do with the surprise he’d alluded to earlier – the one he’d arranged the large amount of cash for.

Gaines was up in his room, impatiently waiting, when he heard a knock on the door. “Finally,” he said as he answered. He was startled to see Victor. “Mr. Gaines, I presume?,” Victor said. Victor could tell that Gaines recognized him. Victor asked what Gaines was up to.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Ashland was in Victoria’s office. He thought he was alone, so he placed a call and told his accountant that he needed $500,000 in cash, in an hour. He claimed he wanted to buy a wedding gift for Victoria. The accountant raised concerns about the IRS. Ashland didn’t care about all that. He insisted that the man find a way to give him the money. Ashland turned around and was caught off guard to see Victoria standing behind him. He ended the call. Victoria was curious about this wedding present, and she asked if she’d have to wait until Italy to find out what it was. He knew she was tough enough to stand the suspense. He also knew that Nikki would be arriving shortly, so he’d make himself scarce so they could talk. He hoped Nikki had time to adjust to him changing his name, but he also understood Nikki had concerns, as any loving mother would. Victoria hadn’t discussed this with Nikki, so she didn’t know how her mother felt. In the end, it didn’t matter, because Nikki made her own decisions. Ashland loved Victoria’s independence, but he also knew it was important for her to have Nikki help with the wedding, and that meant it was important to him too. She knew he told the truth to protect her relationship with her family. That meant a lot to her, but she couldn’t control the way her family reacted to this. He said most people went their entire lives without realizing that you couldn’t control how people thought or felt. He asked her to lunch later, and she said that depended on whether he told her what he was up to or not. He smiled and said not a chance. He left.

Victoria looked at the portrait, then she flashed back to Ashland giving it to her. Nikki arrived and gasped when she saw the portrait. She thought it was beautiful, but she wondered what Victor would think of it. Nikki said it made quite a statement. “As it should. Newman is mine, now,” Victoria stated.

After Nikki and Victoria talked business, they moved on to talking about the wedding. Nikki showed off pictures of the new landscaping at the Palazzo, and Victoria was pleased. She marveled that her wedding was really happening, just the way she envisioned. Nikki asked if there was some reason Victoria thought that wouldn’t, or maybe shouldn’t, happen. Victoria snapped that she didn’t have any doubts, and she accused Nikki of projecting. Nikki said it was just a little unsettling to hear about Ashland’s secret. Nikki said she and Victor were survivors of their father’s cruelty, so she could relate. Victoria said that Ashland’s childhood was hell, and she respected him more for overcoming it. Nikki asked if it didn’t bother Victoria that it was so easy for Ashland to lie to her. Victoria said that Ashland had been telling this invented story for so long, it started to feel real to him. It was a coping mechanism, and she didn’t judge him for that. She said now Ashland knew he could tell her anything. It bugged her that Ashland felt like he had to confess. Nikki asked if Victoria thought Ashland ever would’ve told her on his own. Victoria grumbled that they’d never know, now that Billy backed Ashland into a corner. Nikki wanted to make sure Victoria was making decisions for the right reasons. Victoria said she was marrying Ashland because he made her happy and he understood her in a way no one else did. She gestured to the picture and asked who else would’ve thought of that. While Ashland didn’t say it, Victoria thought it was obvious that he was thinking about what would happen if he died. He gave her something she could look at every day to remind her of how he saw her. She added that Ashland was planning another big and extravagant surprise, which she accidentally overheard him arranging. Nikki remembered that, when she and Victor first got together, he loved nothing more than dazzling her with extravagant gestures.

Nikki said she’d be there for Victoria, no matter what she chose to do. Victoria asked if this was Nikki’s way of saying the wedding was a mistake. Nikki didn’t think there were right or wrong answers. She thought she should trust her instincts and trust her strength to get through anything that happened. Victoria trusted Ashland’s love for her. His original name didn’t matter to her, because she knew what was in his heart.

At Society, Billy and Lily talked about how much the kids would enjoy the tourist attractions in Italy. He admitted that the wedding would be a blast too. She warned him not to get himself uninvited from by taking his investigation too far. He assumed she thought Ashland would go after them and ChancComm. He said he wasn’t intimidated by Ashland, but she suggested he should be. He pointed out that Victor never followed through with his threats to come after ChancComm for the expose on Adam. She said Victor still held an intense grudge against him, and if things got ugly between Billy Ashland, Victor would take Ashland’s side. Billy said Victor saw Ashland as a younger version of himself, especially since Ashland had been so ingratiating with Victor. Lily assumed Ashland sized Victor up and decided he’d make a better friend than enemy. Billy said he’d never sucked up to anyone, especially Victor. Lily loved that about Billy, but she didn’t want him to take any unnecessary risks. Gaines walked in, and Billy discreetly told Lily that this was the guy he saw meeting with Locke earlier.

Lily thought Gaines looked ordinary, not sinister they way Billy made him sound. Billy said Locke and Gaines were definitely in confrontation yesterday, but they’d tried not to make a scene. Lily said that it may have been a business deal gone sour. Billy reminded Lily that Ashland had been charming when they talked business with him. It was clear to him that Ashland didn’t like Gaines. He said their new friend would be very useful. They didn’t know Gaines’ name yet. Lily saw the waitress take Gaines’s credit card, and she distracted the woman and took a peek at the card. Lily returned to the table with a name – Jesse Gaines. Billy looked the name up online, and found a Jesse Gaines Jr. from Toms River, NJ. They assumed that was their guy, because the TV stations Ashland bought when he first started were in Toms River. Gaines walked by, and Billy noted that he was younger than Ashland. Lily theorized that he worked at one of the stations. When Gaines left, Billy and Lily followed.

At the Grand Phoenix, Jesse gave the hotel manager his name and suite number, so she could see if he had messages. Billy lied and said his dad used to work with a lawyer named Jesse Gaines in New Jersey. Jesse Jr. said that may have been his dad. Jesse took over the law practice when his father passed away. Billy introduced himself. Jesse, of course, had heard of Jabot. He wondered what business their fathers would’ve had. Billy suggested it was for fragrance manufacturing, but Jesse said his dad wasn’t involved in anything like that. Billy said maybe it was advertising – newspapers, magazines or news stations. Jesse said his dad did work with a couple news stations. He thought it was amazing that Billy would remember Jesse Sr., who’d stopped working when Billy had to have been very young. Billy said his steel trap memory was a curse. Billy asked what brought Jesse to town, and he said it was personal. Lily was in the vestibule. She saw Ashland walk in and greeted him loudly, alerting Billy. Billy said Jesse must be here to meet Ashland.

Jesse reiterated that he was in town for personal reasons. Lily wasn’t able to stall Ashland any longer, and he went inside. He found Billy telling Jesse how beautiful this town was. Ashland said Jesse was one of his lawyers, here to help with the merger. Billy said that Jesse took lawyer client privilege seriously and didn’t say a thing. He said he and Jesse were talking about Jesse Sr. who did legal work for TV stations, apparently the ones Ashland owned. Billy said it was awhile ago, before Camilla Rhodes passed away. He asked if Ashland knew Jesse Sr. Ashland stated that Jesse Sr. was a good man, then he and Jesse left. .

Ashland and Jesse ended up at the park. Ashland said all he could get today was half a million dollars in cash. He’d give Jesse that another half million every month for the next five months, totaling the three million Jesse demanded, and their arrangement would end. Jesse didn’t believe a man like Ashland didn’t have access to his funds. Ashland said it wasn’t about access – he didn’t want to draw undue attention to their arrangement. The point of blackmail was to keep it quiet. Jesse asked what if Ashland died before he paid up. Ashland vowed to live long enough to make Jesse wealthy. Jesse said it was obvious that Billy was suspicious, and he’d likely love to write another Adam Newman style article. Jesse asserted that the secret of how Ashland managed to buy Camilla’s stations and the revelation that he’d been paying Jesse to keep it a secret, would make a juicy story. Jesse wanted the $500,000 today, and unless he got the other 2.5 million within three days, he’d go to Billy and sell the story to ChancComm.

Nick got out of the shower looking for Phyllis, but she wasn’t in the suite. He found a note she left with a lipstick kiss on it saying she’d see him downstairs. Nick flashed back to the entire talk he and Phyllis had regarding Jack being in love with her. When he’d admitted he wasn’t sure their relationship was solid, she kissed him and said she knew how to prove to him that things were good between them. After the memory, Nick went downstairs and told Phyllis he was glad they were okay. She replied that they were better than okay. They talked about last night, when they put the Jack thing aside, and she said that Nick really outdid himself last night. He grinned and said you’re welcome. She had one last thing to say about Jack – her heart ached for him, but she thought he’d find the perfect match, like she and Nick did. Nick’s expression made Phyllis ask if he agreed that they were the perfect match. He nodded and said yes, of course.

Phyllis recalled Jack saying that he didn’t want Nick to know how he felt. She understood why Jack changed his mind and decided Nick should know. However, Phyllis wondered why Jack didn’t come to her and give her a heads up first. Nick suggested Jack felt like he owed it to Nick. Nick mentioned that his relationship with Phyllis had come up during a talk with Jack. Phyllis was caught off guard. Phyllis assumed that Nick told Jack that he and Phyllis were happy and that Jack didn’t take it well. Nick looked uncomfortable. He said Jack probably just felt better having everything out in the open. They decided not to talk about this topic anymore. He asked her to meet him at the park later and he said to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Phyllis went to the park wearing something more casual than the dress she was in earlier, but her heels were definitely unsuitable for the activity Nick had planned. He was in sweats, and he said he signed up to be Christian’s flag football coach, and he wanted Phyllis to be his assistant. He said Christian wanted her to be involved. She thought that was sweet, but she was picturing just attending the games and cheering them on. She didn’t know anything about football. He said he’d teach her everything. She was open to trying. He tossed the football at her, and she made no attempt to catch it, and it softly bounced off her abdomen. He promised they’d work on this.

Nick told Phyllis that a lot of the parents she knew and liked would be there, like Julia Sweetwater and Mark Mason. She didn’t look interested in spending time with either person. She thought Nick was throwing himself into this to distract from Victoria’s wedding. She assumed he wasn’t going to dig into Ashland’s past because he didn’t want to upset Victoria. He said there was more to it than that. He told her about the sadness in Ashland’s voice when he talked about his abusive father and the mother who wouldn’t protect him. She was sure it reminded him of Victor’s history with his dad. Nick confirmed that it reminded him of the time he and Victor confronted Victor’s father, Albert Miller. Albert was one of the worst people Nick ever met. Albert said terrible things to Victor, and Nick felt bad. It was one of the few times he’d ever seen Victor fall apart and cry. If Ashland’s father was anything like that, Nick understood why Ashland did everything he could to get away. Nick didn’t want to make Ashland relieve that while he was going through chemo. On the other hand, Nick talked to Rey and got his take. Nick said that, according to Rey, if there was nothing more to this story than Ashland being a scared kid trying to get away from his parents, they should found his real name by now. Changing your name was a legal process that required paperwork, and since there was no record of that, it seemed like Ashland probably didn’t use the regular channels to make that happen. Nick couldn’t stop wondering what that meant.

Later, after some other attempts, Phyllis caught the ball Nick threw her, and he said she’d be an amazing coach. She told him he had to know that wasn’t going to happen. She had a job at the hotel, and she wouldn’t be able to commit to coaching. She’d let the kids down and send a bad message. Plus, she was so competitive that she’d probably make a kid cry, and get red-carded. He said that was soccer, and she felt that proved the point that she shouldn’t be involved in this. She said she’d be at every game with snacks, though. He was disappointed, because he thought this could be a family activity. She suggested that football be a father-son thing, and they’d come up with something else they could do with Christian, just the three of them. She added that if he needed a super-sleuth to find out the identity of a certain billionaire, she was his girl. He said they should just go back to the hotel. He walked off and didn’t see her grab her back in pain as she followed.

Later, Nick and Phyllis were lounging in bed, and he rubbed her feet. He asked if she was really willing to help him find out who Ashland was. She said definitely. He asked why. She wanted to help because it mattered to him. He knew he was risking royally ticking off his sister, but this was worth it. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Ashland was hiding a lot more than his name. Phyllis said that if Nick was wrong, Victoria never had to know he’d looked into it. Nick said that if they found anything, he’d let Victoria know and she could do whatever she wanted with the information. Phyllis felt that Nick was doing this out of love for his sister, and he didn’t have a grudge or vendetta, like Billy. She was happy to help him. He gave her the green light to investigate.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Traci came home and found Jack transfixed by Summer and Kyle’s wedding invitation. She invited him to join her when she visited Abby and the baby. He noted that it was late, and she said the baby was still awake. He decided not to go, and she asked why he was looking at the wedding invitation. He pointed out that he was given a plus one, but he’d be going solo. This was the umpteenth wedding he’d attend alone. Traci noted that Jack kept going through this cycle of falling in love, breaking up, swearing off love and getting lonely and yearning for romance. She said this was part of the pattern, and he just happened to be at the lowest point right now. She felt that he had been since… He knew that she meant since their mom died. She was optimistic that he’d find love, since he had such a good heart. She suggested he go to bed, but he was trying to stay up late enough to call Kyle once it was morning in Italy. She sent her best to Kyle, Summer and Harrison, and she left. He murmured that his son was getting married, and he was still single. He heard Dina say “they grow up so fast, don’t they?” He went to the mantle and picked up a picture of himself with Dina.

Jack fell asleep downstairs and dreamed that he was having a conversation with Dina, though she wasn’t visible. He wished she would be at the wedding, and she assured him that nothing would stop her from seeing her grandson get married. He repeated what she said about kids growing up fast, and she told him not to waste a moment, like she had. She told Jackie to follow his heart. Jack’s dream shifted, and he was suddenly at the Chancellor house with Abby, Dominic and Traci. They all talked reverently about the love between parents and children. Jack said they lived their lives as parents trying to live up to promises they made at moments when their children were infants – promises to always protect them and never let anyone break their heart. Traci said that no one could keep promises like that. She stated that heartbreak was part of the human experience – it helped you learn to overcome pain and move on. She said he’d had his heart broken over and over, and he kept coming back for more, because he loved to be in love. He thought everyone wanted to love and be loved. She felt he’d elevated it to an art form. He said he never found the right person. She asked if he was sure. Traci and Abby disappeared, and Phyllis showed up. She blew him a kiss then quickly disappeared again.

Jack teleported back to his home, and he heard one of Dina and John’s favorite song playing. Traci walked in and she noted that their parents had seemed so happy. She wondered if it was just a facade, or if something changed. Traci was looking for answers, just like Jack. He told her not to give up – answers sometimes came from where you least expected them, just like love. Jack thought John knew on some level that Dina was unhappy. Traci wanted to believe John felt that his love with Dina was strong enough to endure all, and that if circumstances were different, they could’ve worked it out. Traci thought Jack believed that too, and that was why he never got jaded or bitter after all he endured. She thought he believed in love, even for himself. She could see he was yearning for it. Traci disappeared, and a furious Nick showed up.

Dream-Nick felt that Jack was trying to ruin his relationship with Phyllis. “I trust you. I respect you. What are you doing?,” Nick demanded. Jack argued that Nick did far worse – he pursued Phyllis when she was still with Jack. Nick didn’t think that justified Jack’s actions. Nick snapped that Jack put all these thoughts in Phyllis’s head, and now her relationship with Nick had changed. Jack never intended to do that, he was just trying to be honest with his feelings. Nick noted that he’d told Jack he was concerned his relationship with Phyllis was fated for disaster. Jack recalled Nick saying that someone besides Jack put doubts in his head. Jack said that nobody could make Nick doubt his relationship with Phyllis unless he was already feeling that way. Nick accused Jack of trying to shift the blame. He demanded to know why Jack would confess his love to Phyllis while she was with Nick. Phyllis appeared and told Nick to stop. She said Jack wasn’t the reason for what was going on between them. Nick asked what was going on, and Phyllis softly asked if she needed to spell it out. Jack told Phyllis not to say anything rash. He said he had no right to tell her how he felt. She said it was fine – she found his unbridled honesty to be beautiful. Jack apologized to Nick. Jack admitted he never let Phyllis go. Sally appeared and said she would’ve loved him more than Phyllis if he’d just let Phyllis go and moved on.

Sally told Jack that he made a legendary mistake letting her go and making a play for an old painful error in judgment named Phyllis. Phyllis faded away. Jack denied making a play for Phyllis. Sally said that she and Jack could’ve been a power couple, but he blew it. He thought she was misremembering what happened between them. She admitted she made a mistake or two, but she said he was mostly to blame because she genuinely cared about him and part of her still did. She said at least she knew when to give up and move on. She told him he needed to shut the door on his past, or he’d miss even more opportunities in life. Jack admitted Sally briefly manipulated him into wondering if this was his fault. He said it was her fault – her lies and deceptions and sabotage of his son’s relationship. Nick brought up Summer. Sally sarcastically apologized for getting Summer a fantastic job. Jack said Sally was talented, but she didn’t trust it. He said they couldn’t have a relationship because she didn’t know who she was or who she wanted to be. She asserted that she knew exactly who she was, but he just couldn’t accept it. She didn’t think she did anything worse than Phyllis. She didn’t run anyone over, like Phyllis did, so why should Phyllis get a free pass? “Because she’s Phyllis,” Jack and Nick said in unison. Sally was sorry Jack couldn’t forgive her the way he forgave Phyllis countless times. He told her he was sorry. She said they could’ve had fun. Nick noted that fun and games didn’t last, and Jack supposed that was true. Sally sniped that Jack should ask Phyllis to the wedding, and Nick told him not to even think about it.

Jack found himself at Nikki’s home. She was about to take a drink, and he took the bottle from her and asked what Victor did now. She snarled that she and Victor had been happy for years, and they had each other, while Jack didn’t have anything. He stammered that he had lots of things that brought him happiness, like Harrison. She scoffed and said Harrison was in Italy. Jack didn’t understand why Nikki was attacking him. She said it was because he was jealous of her and Victor. She stated that Jack always wanted love and devotion, and that was why he hurt Nick. She said Phyllis broke Nick’s heart again, thanks to Jack. Jack was shocked this was why Nikki was drinking. She asked how Jack of all people, could do this to Nick. Jack didn’t see why his feelings for Phyllis made a difference. He cared about Nick and Phyllis, and he’d never do anything to jeopardize their relationship. Nikki asked Jack if he was sure about that.

Dream-Nikki said that Jack bared his soul to Phyllis because he wanted to destroy her relationship with Nick. Jack swore that wasn’t his intention. He regretted opening up to Phyllis. It was late, he explained, and he’d had too much wine. He wasn’t saying that was an excuse, but the alcohol lowered his inhibition. He said this could be written off. Nikki told Jack to be honest. Victor showed up. Victor said that Jack fooled a lot of people into believing he was a saint, but Victor knew the truth. Victor watched Jack do underhanded things while putting a sheen of respectability on it. “I suppose you’re the saint,” Jack scoffed. Victor fully admitted he was no saint, but he didn’t pretend to be. He said he was ruthless, but he didn’t whisper sweet nothings in his old flame’s ear, knowing she was involved with someone else. Jack refused to argue about Phyllis with Victor, of all people. Victor didn’t give a damn about Phyllis. He said Nick would move on. “He changes women the way he changes careers,” Victor said. Nikki added that it didn’t make the heartache less painful. Nikki asked what everyone else thought, and Traci, Nick and Sally appeared at the main house.

Jack didn’t regret what was in his heart. He contended that his feelings were none of their business as long as he didn’t act on them. He wanted a partner, but sometimes loneliness was part of life. Traci told Jack to find someone besides Phyllis. Everyone repeated how they felt to Jack, but he said he didn’t care what anyone thought or felt. He said he didn’t break any laws or hurt anyone. He held all of them in their heart, to some degree. He had love in his life, and that was more than enough. Jack was plunged into a pitch black room, and Phyllis was there. She gently urged him to be honest – the love he had from his friends and family wasn’t enough. “What you really want, more than anything is to be with -” Jack woke up before Phyllis finished her sentence.

He poured himself a drink, then he texted someone asking if they could talk about something important. He went to Crimson Lights, then he remembered confessing his feelings to Phyllis the other day. Nick walked in, and Jack thanked him for coming by, even though it was late. Nick came because Jack said it was important. Jack admitted that he told Phyllis he never stopped loving her. Nick wasn’t surprised, and Jack thought it was because Phyllis already told him. Nick said that Phyllis didn’t have to tell him this. Nick could read Jack like an open book, and Jack’s feelings for Phyllis had been clear for some time. Nick said Jack and Phyllis spent a lot of time together because of what went down with Summer and Kyle. He thought it was only natural that Jack was thinking about the times he had with Phyllis. Jack asked if Nick wasn’t bothered. Nick didn’t feel threatened. He thought, after Jack’s relationship with Sally, it was understandable that Jack would be gun-shy about a new woman. Nick wasn’t saying Phyllis was safe, but she was familiar, and it was understandable that Jack would have feelings for her, because “She’s Phyllis,” Jack and Nick stated in unison.

Nick said Phyllis didn’t make it easy to forget her, and he knew what Jack and Phyllis had was special. Jack said it was no more special than what Nick and Phyllis had. Nick knew. Jack said he spent some of the best years of his life with Phyllis, not that they didn’t have their share of problems. Nick thought it was normal for Jack to fondly remember what he and Phyllis used to have. Nick did the same with Sharon. Nick reminisced about the good times and thought about the mistakes, and when you looked back, you could change and grow. Nick said his relationship with Phyllis was different than the one they had when they met or even after Summer’s birth, not that one version was better or worse. He said people had to evolve. Jack agreed. “If you knew exactly how I felt about Phyllis, why did you confide in me the other day? Why did you ask me those questions about your relationship with Phyllis?,” Jack asked. Nick wasn’t sure why he did that. He said maybe he was testing Jack. Jack asked if he passed, and Nick grinned and said he failed miserably. Nick told Jack that he and Jack were good. Nick asked what happened now. Jack said nothing – he’d made it clear to Phyllis that he’d never act on those feelings. Jack just felt he needed to tell Phyllis, and he thought Nick definitely needed to know. Nick appreciated that, especially since he didn’t deserve this kindness. Jack didn’t know why Nick felt that way. Jack noted that he’d been Nick’s stepfather, workmate and friend, and he looked back fondly on all those times. Nick did too, but he did Jack wrong when it came to Phyllis, and he was still feeling guilt. Jack said it was done – the heart went where it wanted to go. Nick said Jack controlled his feelings for Phyllis for all those years, while Nick couldn’t help acting on them. Jack wanted to leave that in the past. Nick was sorry Jack hadn’t found a woman who loved him as much as he loved Phyllis. Nick knew Phyllis was a tough act to follow, but he also knew someone was out there for Jack.

Nick went to Phyllis’s suite. He informed her that Jack told him about confessing his love to Phyllis. She was surprised Jack opened up to him. Nick asked if that was all Phyllis had to say. Phyllis was glad Jack said something, because holding it in was a burden. He asked why she didn’t tell him. She didn’t want to share Jack’s personal business. She added that people did and said a lot of things they didn’t mean when they’d had a few drinks. She didn’t think Jack’s feelings had anything to do with her or with her relationship with Nick. Nick asked Phyllis if she was sure she didn’t know how Jack felt before. She asked how she would know. Nick assumed Phyllis knew how unforgettable she was. She was glad this was out in the open. “This hasn’t changed anything with us, right?,” she asked. She was alarmed when he admitted he wasn’t sure. She insisted that they were solid. He stammered that he knew, he just thought… She told him not to think, and she she kissed him. She said she knew how to make him stop thinking and how to make him sure their relationship was solid. She pulled him into a deeper kiss.

Jack went home and called Kyle to let him know how much everyone was looking forward to the big weekend in Milan. Kyle asked if Jack would bring a guest. Jack said he’d be alone, but he’d be surrounded by people he cared about. He sent Summer and Harrison his love, and he got choked up as he ended the call. Dina told Jack that he’d find love again, because he was yearning for it. She said she loved him, and he said he loved her too.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Ashland and Victoria went to her office and hung the portrait of her on the wall. He said when people came here, they’d see what he saw – a strong powerful beautiful woman watching over her empire. He felt that she was the rightful leader of Newman/Locke. She thanked him again for the incredible gift and for understanding what hanging it in that place symbolized to her. He said he wanted to give her a gift for the merger and for their wedding. He felt the portrait represented a new beginning for them both. They were talking about the wedding when he got a text, and he told her that he had to go take care of something. She had a meeting too.

Phyllis sighed deeply when Victoria showed up at the hotel. Victoria stated that she was here for the spa, not Phyllis. Phyllis said she handpicked every treatment, so she’d take that as a compliment. Victoria mentioned that she was getting a facial, and Phyllis suggested the bridal package, and she added that as mother of the bride, Nikki may be interested as well. Phyllis added that she was going to use that package before Summer’s wedding in Milan, then she and Nick would head to Tuscany for Victoria’s wedding. She asked if Victoria was excited. Victoria couldn’t wait – she’d never felt more secure or happy, and Ashland was the best thing to ever happen to her. “Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?,” Phyllis replied. “You think that I sounded over the top about marrying Ashland? I’m sorry. I guess I let my enthusiasm get the best of me,” Victoria stated. Phyllis said not to apologize. She also knew how it felt to feel like you were finally in the right relationship. Victoria admitted she’d thought Phyllis and Nick would’ve imploded by now. Victoria asked what was different this time – had Phyllis changed or was Nick more of a saint than before? Phyllis said maybe it was a bit of both. Phyllis asked if Victoria ever expected to be with someone like Ashland. Victoria said no – she viewed people and love very differently now. Phyllis did too. Phyllis commented that she and Victoria were having an adult conversation. Victoria and Phyllis both said they didn’t want be friends, though. Jack arrived just as Victoria excused herself for her appointment.

Jack invited Phyllis and Nick to ride on the jabot jet to Italy with him. Phyllis jumped at the chance to bypass flying with Victor, though she said she’d have to run it by Nick. Jack and Phyllis were excited about getting to see their kids. He talked about Summer and Kyle being in love and building a life together. Phyllis thought Jack wanted that for himself too. He said Kyle’s happiness was enough, and she told him not to dismiss what she’d said. She’d been thinking a lot about what he said the other night. She said she loved him too, and that would never change. He noted that it wasn’t the same thing, but he appreciated the sentiment. She asserted that it was the same – she really loved him, and he’d always be in her heart.

Nick and Billy met at Crimson Lights because Billy wanted to talk about the family meeting that Ashland called earlier. Billy wasn’t sure that Ashland was telling the truth about his past, and he wanted to join forces with Nick to do more research. Nick declined. He didn’t want to alienate Victoria, and he thought Ashland’s explanation for changing his name made sense. Billy thought it was suspect that Ashland wouldn’t tell them the entire story or tell them his birth name. Billy said he saw the look on Nick’s face after Ashland declared that he was finished asking questions. Billy wanted Nick to admit that he wasn’t satisfied. Nick conceded that he wanted more information from Ashland, but unlike Billy, he wasn’t looking to stir up trouble or make headlines. Billy said he wasn’t trying to do that either. Nick heard Ashland was so annoyed with Billy’s attitude that he confronted him after the family meeting. According to Billy, Ashland warned him to stay out of his life. This further convinced Billy that Ashland was desperately hiding something. Nick asked if Billy was okay with frustrating Victoria. Billy said he was willing to take the hit to protect his kids. He didn’t like that Ashland kept this from Victoria until he was forced to come clean. It also bothered him that Ashland wouldn’t tell them where he got the money to buy the stations or what his real name was. Nick didn’t think Victoria would care how Ashland got the money. Billy said that his gambling got Victoria kidnapped at one point, and now his kids’ potential stepfather openly admitted to erasing his entire history. Billy said Ashland thrived on being a larger than life mogul, then he sold his empire to a woman he barely knew, and now they were engaged. He understood Ashland’s illness could be altering his decisions, but every event in Ashland’s life was a big question mark. Billy was determined to find the truth.

Billy left. Nick ran into Rey and asked to speak to him in confidence. Nick relayed what Ashland said about changing his name to escape an abusive father. Rey could relate to having a problematic father, so he understood. Nick said Ashland had been the source of a series of surprising revelations, and it had him wondering if Victoria needed to know more about Ashland. He knew his sister was smart and savvy, and he believed Ashland genuinely loved her, but he was concerned. Rey understood why Nick was being protective, but there weren’t grounds for an official investigation, and Rey wasn’t comfortable doing something off the record. Nick was planning to do his own investigation, and he was hoping Rey could point him in the right direction. Rey said that people had to put name changes in the newspaper and file paperwork. Nick said that Billy and Victor both had people looking into that, and they hadn’t found anything yet. Nick asked if the courts would’ve allowed Ashland to conceal his identity so he could stay hidden from his father. Rey said it didn’t work that way back then. If the name change wasn’t in the public records, it meant Ashland found a way to bend the rules. Nick didn’t know how Ashland could pull that off back when he was young and without resources. Rey said that in order to completely change your identity, you needed a new birth certificate and social security number. It was hard for him to believe that Locke, who’d been under public scrutiny for so long, kept something like that hidden. Nick was left with even more questions.

Nick walked into the hotel just as Jack was leaving. Jack mentioned the plane. Phyllis wanted to ride with Jack instead of spending 10 hours with Victor, but she said it was Nick’s call. Nick agreed to fly on the Jabot jet. Jack left. Phyllis mentioned that she and Victoria had a pleasant conversation. Nick said he’d been thinking a lot about Victoria’s marriage to Ashland. Phyllis knew Nick was bothered by whatever Ashland revealed to the family. Nick said every time he felt ready to let it go, another bomb dropped. Ashland was dying, then he and Victoria were merging the companies, then they found out Ashland wasn’t who he said he was. Nick was sure Victoria was bothered, even though she wouldn’t admit it. Nick wanted to look into Ashland’s past, but if Victoria found out, she might cut ties with him forever. Phyllis acknowledged that she’d told Nick he shouldn’t meddle at first, but now she thought he should follow his instincts. She said either he could save his sister from potential disaster, or he could be nice and polite and do nothing. Phyllis knew what she’d do.

Ashland met with a guy named Gaines at Society. Gaines was surprised Ashland looked well, given the reports about his condition. Gaines asked how Ashland was feeling. Ashland wanted to get on with the meeting. Gaines laid out the background information – Ashland had been paying him a yearly pension. Gaines wanted more money now that Ashland was terminally ill. When Gaines referred to the arrangement as an agreement, Ashland said it was blackmail. Gaines thought they’d gotten past all that after all these years and settled into a civil relationship. Ashland asked what Gaines wanted. Gaines had grown accustomed to the $300,000 a year Ashland had been paying him. He’d assumed Ashland would have a longer lifespan, but fate had its own plans. Gaines wanted what should’ve been his, but he wasn’t greedy. He’d settle for ten years of payments in one lump sum. $3,000,0000 in cash, by the end of the day. Gaines would then leave Ashland’s life, and Ashland could die knowing his secret was safe. Ashland couldn’t produce that kind of money by tonight. He was in the middle of a merger, so the entire Locke enterprise was under a microscope. He said he’d pay Gaines after he came home from Italy. That wasn’t acceptable to Gaines. Since the business day was about to come to a close, he’d give Ashland until tomorrow. Ashland sighed, because that wasn’t feasible. Gaines thought Ashland could do it, since he’d proven in the past that when he wanted something, he could make it happen. Ashland groaned and said he’d take care of it, and he warned Gaines that he’d better not come back for more. Billy came up outside the restaurant and saw Ashland and Gaines through the window.

Ashland went back to Victoria’s office. She said after her respite at the spa, she probably wouldn’t be able to get away for dinner. He understood. She noticed he seemed tense, and he blamed the treatments and said he had a lot on his mind. He wanted the wedding to be a wonderful day for her. She wanted the same, but she said the wedding was just one day, and the marriage was what really mattered. He sensed that she still had doubts about him. Victoria knew Ashland loved her, and she wanted to marry him now as much as she did the day he proposed. He said whoever he once was, he was still the man who fell head over heels for her. He’d never told anyone else about his past, but he opened up to Victoria, her family and even Billy, all to avoid that look he just saw in her eyes. She said that meant a lot, but she was just trying to take it all in. she needed to know there wouldn’t be any more surprises. He promised she knew everything important there was to know about him.

At the penthouse, Amanda asked if Devon was sure about inviting her to move in. She brought up Moses. He said he’d already ran it by Moses, and he was fine with it. He was also certain that he wanted to spend every day with her, but he didn’t want to pressure her. She said she’d love to live with him, and they kissed. Later, they got dressed after an intimate celebration. She said she had to go get her things so they could start living together ASAP. They said they loved each other, and she left.

Just as Amanda got to her suite, Imani rushed up looking upset. Imani was worried about Naya’s heart. Amanda mentioned that she reached out to some doctors, and Imani was surprised she’d already taken care of that. Imani said, growing up an only child, she never had anyone to lean on like this, other than their grandfather and her parents. She was sorry if that sounded insensitive. Amanda didn’t mind. She said that they’d both have to get used to this, but she was glad she had a sister to turn to. Imani was glad too. Imani suggested they have some sister time and stream that new French film. Since they both spoke the language, she said they could turn off the subtitles and see whose French was better. Amanda accepted the challenge. She stepped away and called Devon to tell him that she was going to spend some time with Imani, and she’d see him at home later. That sounded weird to her, but he said it sounded right. The call ended. Imani admitted she was eavesdropping, and she asked if Amanda was moving in with Devon. Amanda said she was. Imani was happy for Amanda. Amanda wondered if she should be worried to be this happy. Imani thought Amanda deserved to be happy. Imani was a little jealous Amanda found someone as spectacular as Devon, a once in a lifetime catch.

In their hotel suite, Tessa was glad Mariah had come up with an idea to move on, but she said they didn’t have to make any big decisions now. They’d just moved out of Abby’s, and they could take it slow. Mariah didn’t need time, because the answer appeared like a lightning bolt. Tessa didn’t think there were easy answers. Mariah wasn’t saying it would be easy, but this was the right path forward. “I think we should have a baby of our own!,” Mariah exclaimed. She noted that she and Tessa had discussed it before. Tessa clarified that they’d had a brief abstract discussion. She didn’t think they’d do it this soon. She noted that Mariah hadn’t started to unpack what happened to her. Mariah said she’d go to therapy. It was because of her experience that Mariah thought she wanted and needed this. Mariah explained that Bowie – Dominic – made her realize she had maternal instincts and so much more love to give. Starting a family with Tessa would be the most wonderful feeling in the world. Tessa thought that was a wonderful sentiment, and she shared it, but it had only been a few days since Mariah gave birth to Abby and Chance’s baby. Mariah noted that her OB-GYN said not to get pregnant for at least twelve months. Mariah thought Tessa should carry the baby, so she could experience pregnancy and birth. Tessa looked stunned.

Tessa didn’t think they should have a baby while Mariah was so emotionally raw. Mariah thought this was the best time. Tessa planned to be with Mariah for the rest of her life, and when they were both really ready, they’d talk more. Hopefully they’d be ready soon, but for now, Tessa thought their top priority would be dealing with what happened with Abby and Dominic. Tessa thought Mariah should rest, and Mariah agreed, and she decided to take a nap. Tessa got a text from Abby asking how Mariah was. She’d wanted to reach out to Mariah, but she was giving her space. Tessa replied that Mariah was napping, and she seemed okay.

Tessa picked up her guitar and played softly, but it still woke Mariah up. Mariah said it was the best sound in the world to wake up to. Mariah felt at peace because she and Tessa were going to be having a baby. The look on Tessa’s face made Mariah realize Tessa wasn’t on board with this. Tessa had no problem with the idea of starting a family, but this was all very sudden. Mariah said it wasn’t sudden for her. Tessa said that this was too important to rush, and they shouldn’t do it for the wrong reasons. Tessa was just trying to do what was best for Mariah. Mariah understood that, but she really needed this.

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Recap written by Christine

At the Chancellor house, Mariah held Bowie and told him goodbye. She thought it was best for everyone if she and Tessa moved out. Abby tried to change Mariah’s mind and offered to call Sharon. Mariah snapped that Abby had to stop taking care of her. Mariah told Abby to take care of Dominic.

Amanda met Nate at Crimson Lights to talk about Naya’s atrial fibrillation. Nate said it was treatable with the right care. Amanda wanted her mom to get the best treatment ASAP. She didn’t want to lose any more relatives. She was about to cry, and he assured her it would be okay. He promised to give her the best possible options for doctors. She thanked him. She felt so stressed out. Her grandfather’s trial was coming up, and she was worried about how it’d affect Naya. She was also worried about Devon, who’d had conflicting emotions since Dominic’s birth. Nate told Amanda that she needed to take time for herself, or she might not be able to be there for the people she loved.

Adam brought Connor to Crimson Lights and asked if Sharon had a minute. Sharon said no, and she stepped away to answer Mariah’s call. Sharon was sorry she missed the baptism, but she was coming to the reception. Mariah said it was over, and right now she needed to be alone to process things. Sharon understood and promised to be there to help Mariah through this. The call ended, and Sharon told Adam that she had some time to talk after all. Adam prodded Connor, who apologized to Sharon about the way he acted the other day. Sharon said the apology wasn’t necessary. Adam said that Sharon wasn’t to blame for what happened between him and Chelsea. Connor didn’t seem convinced. Sharon knew this was confusing for Connor, but she promised she wanted the best for him and his parents. Adam reminded Connor how helpful Sharon was when Connor was having difficulties. He added that Sharon helped Chelsea too. Sharon said Connor could come to her if he needed someone to talk to, and he said thanks. Now that Connor had warmed up to Sharon, Adam went to the patio.

Rey walked in and approached Adam. Adam hoped Rey wasn’t going to get pissed off about Adam bringing Connor to talk with Sharon. Rey had connected with Connor on their road trip. He cared about the Connor, and he was glad Adam told Connor the truth. Adam thought he and Rey ahd found common ground and asked if they could coexist.

Back inside, Connor said lots of kids at school had parents who’d split up. He’d felt bad for those kids, and now he was one of them. He wasn’t sure who he was going to live with – if he lived with one parent, the other would be sad. Sharon told Connor that it wasn’t his job to take care of his parents. He was worried his parents would pretend not to fight when they were around him, because he could tell when they were being fake, and that was worse. Sharon said that his parents weren’t going to fake their love for him, and when they were together as a family, that love was all that mattered.

Abby asked if Mariah was doing the right thing by exiling herself from the baby. Tessa pointed out that they lived nearby, so it wasn’t exile. Abby wanted the Chancellor house to be a safe place for Mariah. Mariah appreciated the concern, but this was the right choice. She said she’d keep pumping milk for Dominic. Devon asked if that would be too much. Mariah wanted to do it. It was just hard to be there around the baby all the time. She had to leave because she didn’t want to hurt Abby. Abby accepted this. Tessa and Mariah were leaving when Dominic started to cry. Mariah froze, but then she continued out the door. Abby felt bad about how things turned out. She said they’d made agreements and covered their bases. They’d gone from being a happy extended family to Mariah not being able to stand being around her and the baby. Devon said Mariah went through something traumatic. Abby suggested that Mariah may have felt this way even if she didn’t go through that ordeal. Devon felt that they should give her time and the distance she needed to figure out how she fit in with all of them. He was glad Mariah had Tessa.

Later, Abby was home alone. She rocked the baby and said she missed his dad. She knew that Dom never met Chance, so he didn’t miss him. She assumed Dom missed Mariah, though. Abby was grateful to Mariah for protecting Dom and bringing him into the world. Abby thought about how hard it must’ve been for Mariah to be locked in the room with only Dominic to talk to. She wanted to do something for Mariah. She suggested that, in time, Mariah could be a part of their lives. Abby found Mariah’s bracelet, and she was about to call her until she realized it would be best to give Mariah the time and space she requested.

When Devon got home, Amanda was there wrapping up a call with a doctor. She told him she’d talked to the doctors Nate recommended, and she was feeling positive now. Devon was glad Amanda reached out to Nate. Amanda was used to being on her own, and asking for help didn’t come naturally. Devon could relate, but he said you had to learn to ask for support when you needed it, especially because so many people were happy to help her. She said she was about to say the same thing to him. He asked what she was going to do now that she wasn’t working for her family anymore. She, Naya and Imani talked about it on their trip. Amanda decided to follow through with starting her own firm, and Imani was going to be her junior partner. Amanda looked forward to being with her partner/sister, and her healthy mother as they heard a guilty verdict in Sutton’s trial. Amanda asked about the baptism. He didn’t think she needed to hear him vent now, but she wanted him to open up, because that was part of being in a relationship. He was embarrassed because she’d warned him that it could get messy. She said that was why she urged him to draw up the legal agreement. He said that he’d learned a contract didn’t account for how people really felt. He was okay with her saying “I told you so.” Amanda said she’d never say that – they were partners, and they needed to be each other’s safe place.

Devon admitted the baptism was rough, mostly because of how much Mariah was struggling. He repeated what Mariah said about not knowing how to not be Dominic’s mom. Amanda said Mariah was losing someone she loved. Devon disagreed, because Abby would always allow Mariah to be in Dom’s life. Amanda said it was still a loss, because Mariah would never be able to love the baby the way she wanted to – the way she loved him when she carried and nurtured him for nine months, especially when they were trapped. He added that Mariah’s departure had Abby feeling guilty about loving her own child, which she had to deal with without her husband. Amanda wanted to know how Devon felt. Devon felt good about standing up and pledging to be the godfather, but it also felt strange because he was Dominic’s father, but he wasn’t the legal father. Amanda assured Devon that, per the legal agreement, Dominic would always know who Devon was. Devon said Dominic wouldn’t call him Dad. “What does it say about me that I wish could have that?,” he asked. Amanda thought it said that he cared deeply about his friends and their child. She thought Dom was lucky to be so fiercely loved by Devon. Devon poured Amanda wine and told her they were celebrating. He told her she was right – they were each other’s safe place. He felt like she could see his heart. She felt the same way. He said they were helping each other navigate through uncertainty, and he didn’t want to be without her. He asked her to move in.

Mariah and Tessa got a suite at The Grand Phoenix because the old apartment didn’t feel like home anymore. Mariah said she didn’t need Tessa to comfort her or treat her like she was fragile. She felt that the separation was what she needed to step away from the connection she felt with Dominic. She said that her feelings toward Dominic needed to be familial, not maternal. Tessa thought it sounded like Mariah was talking with her head, but Tessa was worried about Mariah’s heart. Tessa went up behind Mariah and wrapped her arms around her waist. Tessa told Mariah not to try and be brave with her. She knew this would be painful, but she was here for Mariah through the good, bad and ugly. Tessa promised they’d get through this next phase of their lives together. They kissed.

Later, Tessa and Mariah were cuddled in bed. Mariah said Bowie and Tessa kept her sane during the abduction. She even sang some of Tessa’s songs to the baby, and it calmed her down. She mentioned the dream she had that Tessa rescued her. Tessa was glad she could be a source of comfort and sanity this time, since it was usually the other way around. They thought that they’d found the perfect balance.

Later, Mariah’s eyes were filled with tears. She was alone in the room, and she thought about times she’d spent with the baby, when she was kidnapped and after giving birth. She remembered wishing she could breastfeed the baby and telling him that he was drinking her milk. Mariah yelled for Tessa, who was just getting out of the shower. Mariah said she thought she’d figured out a way to heal and move on.

Chloe and Sally were at Society. Sally said she was on a run in the park when she saw a kid alone and upset. She recognized him from pictures in Adam’s office. She’d discreetly texted Adam, then she chatted with Connor. Sally gathered that Connor had just gotten upsetting news, she assumed it was about his parents splitting up. She was surprised at how easily she’d connected with Connor. She said who knew she had the mom gene. Sally asked how working parents did it. Chloe said it wasn’t easy. Sally thought about how hard Adam had it as a single parent. Chloe said that Connor had a mother, and Chloe’s best friend and their future co-worker. Sally got the message to stay away from Adam, but seeing him as a good dad made him even hotter. Chloe choked on her drink, and Sally said she was just kidding. Chloe said that Chelsea was the reason Connor was a great kid. Sally was sure Chelsea was a good mom, but she was away, and Adam was doing it alone. Sally gave him credit for that.

Chloe was alone now. She called Chelsea. Chelsea was mad because Adam talked to Connor about the separation without her. She was also angry that Adam had Connor talk to Sharon, of all people. She wasn’t surprised Connor got upset. Chloe felt for Connor, but she thought this was best for Chelsea. Chelsea felt like Adam controlled the situation and wouldn’t let her be there so they could tell Connor together. Chloe wasn’t surprised, because that was what Adam was like. Chloe said Chelsea could get on with her life now, and they could kick butt at the fashion platform. Connor had told Chelsea that Sally helped calm him down. Chelsea wanted to thank her.

Chloe thought Sally’s talents lay more in design than taking care of kids. Chelsea still appreciated Sally being there for Connor when Chelsea couldn’t be. Chloe promised to pass along Chelsea’s gratitude.

Sally sent to Crimson Lights and approached Connor and Sharon. Connor wanted Sally to tell Sharon about getting ice water dumped on her head. Sally thought everyone heard that one. Sharon coolly commented that Sally and Connor had a rapport. Sally said they were pals. Sharon went back behind the counter. Connor asked if Sally had more embarrassing stories. Adam and Rey walked in and saw Sally making Connor laugh. Adam thanked Sally for hanging out with Connor the other day. He said he and Connor were going back to the office. Connor asked if Sally could come. Sally was heading there anyway. They all left together.

Sharon was concerned about what happened with Rey and Adam. He said that Adam thought they found common ground. Rey asked how things went with Connor. She thought he’d be okay. He noticed she was still concerned. Sharon thought Sally had her eye on Adam. Sharon said Nick told her that Sally had a reputation for targeting wealthy men. She did it in LA, and she immediately made a play for Jack when she got here. Sharon thought Sally was the last kind of complication Adam needed. Rey asked if Sharon thought Adam was interested. Adam had told Sharon he wasn’t interested, but Sharon said he was lonely, which made him vulnerable.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At the Chancellor house, Abby rebuffed Mariah’s attempts to help her with the baby’s stroller. Abby said she was taking Dom to Chancellor Park, and she left. Shortly afterward, Tessa came in and saw Mariah crying. Tessa asked what was wrong. “Abby and Bowie, sorry, Dominic, they were going out and the stroller, just and I… I just wanted to help,” Mariah stammered. She pulled herself together and said she felt sad when she saw Abby and Dom walk out the door. She wasn’t sure why. She just worried sometimes for some reason. Tessa thought that was natural after what Stitch put Mariah through. Mariah had this feeling she couldn’t shake, and she felt so bad. “Abby’s history is the reason why Bowie and me were put in jeopardy. You know, her relationship with Stitch,” Mariah stated. She pointed out that Abby needed a surrogate because of her relationship with Stitch, then he came back, and he brought chaos and disaster. She said Stitch still wanted Abby, and he was willing to do crazy things to get her back. Tessa asked Mariah if she blamed Abby for Stitch’s actions.

Mariah was ashamed of her thoughts. She said she didn’t blame Abby, but then she was going to say something else that she decided against voicing. Tessa assured Mariah that she could be open with her. Mariah was terrified that Stitch would come back. Tessa said that Stitch was a wanted fugitive, and none of them would be tricked by them again. She added that Chance would return, and Stitch would realize he had no chance with Abby. Mariah countered that they had no idea how long that would take. She wanted to be brave, but she couldn’t. She felt like she used up all her bravery in that room. She had so many thoughts that were drowning out all the good things around her. Tessa wished Mariah could see herself from Tessa’s perspective. She thought Mariah needed time and space to work through things. She suggested they go do something as a distraction, but Mariah didn’t feel up to that. She wanted to be alone, so she left the house.

Nick went to The Grand Phoenix and flirted with Phyllis on his way to the hotel gym. After he left for his workout, Jack showed up. He wanted to apologize to Phyllis for making her feel uncomfortable. She assured him that he didn’t make her uncomfortable. He knew she was with Nick now. She confirmed that she was with Nick, and she noted that Jack never declared that he was pursue her. Phyllis stated that she and Jack had known each other a long time, and he didn’t have to apologize for telling her his truth. He made it clear that he was apologizing for possibly making her uncomfortable – not for the things he said last night, because they were true then and now. Nick returned and said he got a text from Summer saying that it was time to make travel preparations for her civil ceremony with Kyle. Phyllis gushed about all the Italian weddings, and Nick said there was a lot of love in the air. Jack looked wistful.

Jack headed to Chancellor Park, where he was delighted to run into Abby and Dom. He called Dom a miracle and asked if Chance was enjoying the pictures. Abby said that Chance didn’t know the baby had been born. Jack offered to try and use his connections to reach Chance. Abby said that Christine had tried, and if she couldn’t reach him, no one probably could. Jack knew what it was like to be separated from someone you loved, and it had to be harder when you couldn’t communicate with them. It broke Abby’s heart that Chance didn’t know he was a father. Jack said at least Abby had a bundle of joy to hold while she waited. Abby said that Chance would be home soon and Dom wouldn’t miss out on one bit of love – everyone at the house would make sure of that.

Abby went home and told Tessa that while Dom was probably too little to take a lot of things in, he’d seemed so curious about his new surroundings. Tessa confided that Mariah was scared and worried after Abby and the baby left. Obviously, it was the kidnapping, but Mariah missed Dominic too. Tessa said Mariah was struggling, and it was getting worse. Abby didn’t know how anyone could hold up after what Mariah went through. She loved Mariah and was grateful to her and wanted to help her through this. They didn’t notice Mariah had returned and overheard them talking.

Back at the hotel, Phyllis showed Nick some dresses that she thought might be right for Summer to wear at her ceremony. He didn’t seem interested in the conversation. She acknowledged that something was distracting him. He said he was happy with what he was feeling – it was comfortable and content. He stated that they had flirtation and fun. “But it’s not all we have, right?,” he asked. She thought they had a good balance of love and fun. She said they’d been through a lot and paid their dues, so this was easy. He was glad they were on the same page about where things stood this time around. He guessed they were lucky. She grabbed his hand and said she felt lucky and grateful. Jack returned and saw Nick and Phyllis holding hands. He left before they saw him.

Victor wanted to get to know Ashland better, since they were going to be in laws. He mused that it wasn’t always about business. Ashland was surprised to hear Victor say that. Victor asked how Ashland’s treatment was going. Ashland had some rough days, but he felt stronger after the sessions. Victor asked about Ashland’s early career. Victor assumed Ashland was familiar with his early days. Ashland had read the biography – Victor grew up in an orphanage – he had a father who deserted the family and a mother who promised to come back for him but was never able to. Ashland added that Victor left the orphanage as a teen, changed his name and took charge of his life, laying the groundwork for the empire. Victor asked if any of his story resonated with Ashland. Ashland said that he also had to jump start his life as a teen. He was close to his parents, who were well-meaning people. He said a book about his life wouldn’t be as interesting as Victor’s. He said that Victoria had been key in teaching him to live in the moment, and he felt like he should never look back. Victor asked if Ashland didn’t think early experiences made them who they were today.

At Society, Billy ran into Victoria. He mentioned that he’d heard Ashland personally invited Nate to the wedding. Billy was wondering where his personal invitation was. Victoria wondered why she even added Billy to the guest list, when all he did was dig for dirt on her fiance. Billy said he’d get out of her hair if she told him about Ashland’s history. She told him that he wasn’t being as charming as he thought he was. He changed the subject and asked how Nate became Ashland’s new BFF. She said they weren’t BFFs – Nate and Ashland had a few things in common and they hit it off. He asked why she wasn’t curious about Ashland’s past, and she told him not to presume to know what she cared about. She was tired of the fishing expedition. He said he was just trying to fill the holes. It seemed like Ashland didn’t exist before he met his mentor, Camilla Rhodes. Victoria called that ridiculous. Billy said they hadn’t found a birth certificate on Ashland or a death certificate for his parents, whom Ashland said he lost as a teen. Victoria mocked Billy for thinking this was a big deal. She said documents back then were on paper, maybe they were just missing or buried in a warehouse. Billy admitted that Lily said the same thing. Victoria wondered what a smart woman like Lily was doing with Billy. Billy said he wasn’t looking for reasons to doubt her fiance – they just kept falling in his lap. She thought they’d be better off if he’d drop this ridiculous search. She told him he’d better not badmouth Ashland to their children. He asked if she really thought he’d do that. She didn’t know what he was capable of when it came to Ashland. She said if he kept this up, she’d let him know what she was capable of. She left.

Ashland and Victoria got home around the same time. She said an encounter with Billy left her with a bitter taste. She relayed what Billy said about the missing vital records on Ashland and his family. She thought Billy was being ridiculous. Ashland got another text from the unnamed person. The original said “You’re a hard man to keep track of.” The new one said “you’ll regret ignoring me.” Ashland stared at the phone, and Victoria asked if he was listening. He admitted Billy wasn’t wrong, and there was something Victoria needed to know.

Adam and Chelsea were on a video chat, while he was in his office. They’d just finished talking about what a good time Connor had at camp, and she was blindsided when he said it was time to tell Connor what was going on between them. She’d just thought things would get better with time. Adam thought it was time for them to go their separate ways. Chelsea asked if they shouldn’t try again for Connor’s sake. Adam noted that Chelsea recently wanted him out of her life so badly that she tried to send him to prison. Chelsea thought, after all they’d been through, this would warrant a longer discussion, but she accepted that this was how Adam felt. She told him he had to wait until she came home so she could be part of the discussion. He asked when she’d be back. She wasn’t sure – Anita fell and re-injured herself, and Chelsea had to stay and take care of her. Anita wouldn’t let her hire a nurse. Adam thought Anita was just being Anita. She asked if he was accusing her mother of faking her fall. He just knew he didn’t want to wait – it wasn’t fair to Connor. He thought he should just deal with this himself. She suggested he bring Connor to Minnesota so she could be part of the conversation. He didn’t like that idea, because he was worried Connor would get the wrong idea about the trip and be crushed when he learned the truth. Chelsea felt like Adam was making up excuses to exclude her from the discussion. He asserted that he wasn’t trying to be cruel, he was trying to do what was best for their son. She accused him of thinking about what was easiest for him, and she ended the call.

Rey went to Crimson Lights on his break, hoping to surprise Sharon, but she wasn’t there. When she walked in, she revealed that she’d gone to see Adam. He asked why. She noted that Rey already knew – Adam wanted advice on talking to Connor, and Rey was the one who urged him not to put that off. Rey said he suggested that thinking that someone besides Sharon would give Adam guidance. He knew it was in Sharon’s nature to want to help though, and that was one of the things he loved best about her. He asked if Adam would ever be out of their lives. He had to head back to the station. She asked him to stay for a few minutes, but he saw no point since he’d said his piece, and he didn’t think it would change anything. He left. Sally was by the door, and she saw Rey leaving.

Sally went to Sharon and she struck up a conversation with Sharon that was laced with tension. Sally said she was getting bored with her drink order. She asked Sharon to pick one for her. Sally mentioned she used to read Restless Style and asked if Sharon missed fashion. Sharon said not at all – she had a Master’s degree in psychology, and along with running this place, her life was full. Sally pointedly stated that Sharon had a great career and a handsome husband. Adam walked in and told Sally that Chloe was looking for her at the office. She offered to wait for him, and he said he wasn’t heading back yet. Sally left. Sharon told Adam that Sally seemed like a handful. He was amused by her take on Sally, who always seemed to get a reaction out of people. Sharon said she was reacting to Sally’s obvious crush on Adam. Adam thought Sharon was letting her imagination run wild, but Sharon said she was good at picking up on things like this. He stated that even if Sally was crushing on him, it didn’t matter because he was focused on Connor and his business. After the conversation he just had with Chelsea, the last thing he needed was to get involved with another complicated woman. Sharon suggested that the complications made it interesting, but he said it wasn’t. He thought he was the problem – he failed with Sharon and Chelsea, and he didn’t want to put someone else through that inevitable train wreck. He was fine being alone for now. She said sometimes, that was the best approach.

Sally went to work and pumped Chloe for information on Sharon and Adam’s past. Chloe was dismayed because she thought Sally had a thing for Adam. Sally denied this and said she was just curious. Chloe said Adam and Sharon had a complicated and profound relationship. Chelsea and Adam’s relationship blew up because his bond with Sharon pushed Chelsea over the edge. Chloe didn’t think Adam would ever get Sharon out of his system.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

When someone came to Adam’s office, he thought it was his assistant. It was Sharon, who adopted a silly voice and pretended she was the assistant. Adam was caught off guard, because Sharon was the last person he expected to see. She came by to apologize for mishandling things when he came to Crimson Lights for advice on Connor. He told her that, after all they’d been through, she never had to apologize to him. She thanked him. He was sorry for breaking his promise to give her and Rey space. Sharon noted that Mariah was upset to see Adam. He said Mariah never had use for him, because she was rightfully protective of Sharon, and now Mariah was combustible after all she’d been through. He figured he probably had Mariah’s outburst coming. Sharon said Adam came to the coffeehouse because he needed her help, and she wasn’t here for him, but she was now.

Adam was glad Sharon was here, because he needed her advice. He valued her professional opinion, and no one understood the dynamics better than Sharon. Sharon asked if Adam and Chelsea had the same expectations about what their future would look like. He said not exactly. She said they had to work those specifics out before talking to Connor, because he was going to want to know if there was any hope for his family to be together again. She asked if it was really truly over for him and Chelsea. He’d been clear with Chelsea that their relationship was over, but he didn’t recall ever getting a definitive answer about how she felt. There had been times when he sensed that Chelsea would be willing to reconcile with him. Sharon thought that made sense, because Chelsea and Adam had overcome some huge things. He said that too much damage had been done, but they still wanted to do right by Connor. Sharon thought Adam, Chelsea and Connor needed to have a family conversation soon and tell Connor that his parents were separating. Adam didn’t think he’d be able to do it soon, because he didn’t know when Chelsea was coming back from Anita’s. Sharon advised against putting it off. Adam and Sharon were in agreement that this talk should be done in person. Adam decided that he needed to do this now, on his own.

Sharon said that if Adam felt compelled to talk to Connor on his own, he needed to speak to Chelsea first. He was a little wary of how Chelsea would react when he took away any hope of reconciliation. Sharon advised speaking with respect and empathy for what Chelsea was going through. Sharon said that it might be a good thing Chelsea was with her mother now, just in case this hit her hard. He wasn’t sure Anita was the best influence on Chelsea. Sharon asked if Anita would encourage Chelsea to pull a con to heal her wounds, and Adam said something like that. He wondered if he was worried over nothing; maybe Chelsea still despised him and she was being civil for Connor’s sake. In that case, if he told Chelsea he was talking to Connor alone, it might cause a huge setback for her or provoke a huge negative response. Sharon suggested contacting Chelsea’s therapist, but Adam said Chelsea would consider it a huge violation of her privacy.

Sally was on her way into Adam’s office when she overheard the conversation through the open door. She stopped and listened as Sharon spoke about the importance of handling this situation correctly. She said Adam would be setting up a foundation for how he and Chelsea moved forward as parents. He said he knew Sharon would be the one person to steer him in the right direction. “You always have been,” he said. Adam asked how to frame this with Connor. He got the sense that Connor knew something was wrong with him and Chelsea, so it wouldn’t come as a shock. Sharon advised being open and honest and respectful of Chelsea. She said to let Connor know his parents would always love him. She assured him that he could do this. He said it was nice to know she believed in him. Sally barged in talking about the budget, pretending that she didn’t know Sharon was in the room.

Sally feigned sorrow for interrupting and she said she had something important to discuss. Adam asked her to come back later because he and Sharon were also discussing something important. Sally said okay – it was a private matter anyway. Sharon said they’d cover everything, so she should get going. Adam thanked Sharon. Sally said bye, but Sharon didn’t reply. Sally commented on the way things just got chilly in here. Sally said she was sorry for interrupting again, but Adam knew that wasn’t true because he saw her hanging around outside the door before she walked in. he said he and Sharon were talking about his kid, and he didn’t appreciate games when it came to his child. Sally apologized again, and she said she meant it this time. She swore she didn’t really hear anything. She admitted her actions were foolish and immature. She knew they were trying to keep things professional, but she got jealous. She knew he and Sharon had a history. She promised that she’d try and not act on her jealousy if it came up again. She said his past, present and future relationship with Sharon was none of Sally

s business. He agreed. He asked if she actually had something to discuss about the budget. She said she’d email him because she took up enough of his time already. After she left, Adam called Chelsea and said they had to discuss the future and Connor.

Victoria and Ashland had coffee at home. They talked about their schedules. She had a breakfast meeting with Nikki. He had to review some Newman Media paperwork, and he had a call with Harrison. She encouraged him to rest, too. He revealed that he’d made an executive decision and invited Elena and Nate to the wedding. Victoria was glad. He was happy she approved, because he’d spontaneously asked Nate to be his best man. He wanted someone who mattered to him and Victoria going forward and someone who wasn’t from his past. Ashland thought of asking Victor, but he’d be walking Victoria down the aisle, or Jack, but that was a complicated situation. The other option was Billy. Victoria was shocked, but Ashland was just kidding on the last one. He liked Nate and thought it’d be good to have someone like Nate by his side.

Victoria thought Ashland’s choice made sense. They were both focused on work and family, which didn’t leave time for much else. He said, like long-lasting friendships. He moved his life to Genoa City, and he didn’t miss anyone he used to socialize with in NY. All his so-called relationships were built for networking. Tara introduced him to her friends, but they didn’t have much in common. He’d always enjoyed being somewhat of a loner, even before he started Locke Communications Group. Then once he developed a reputation he knew she know what it was like to be in a powerful position. She did – most new acquaintances either deferred to you or wanted something from you. Ashland said Nate did neither. Ashland stated that Nate came to his aid and reminded him that he still had some power over his disease, and that made a strong impression on him. He thought it spoke to Nate’s integrity. He’d like to call Nate his friend and have him by his side at the wedding.

A gift for Victoria from Ashland arrived. He said it was a merger/wedding present. She opened it and was speechless when she saw the large painting of herself. He knew Victor used to have a similar one in the CEO’s office. She said it was in the boardroom now. He thought that it was time for her portrait to hang in its rightful spot in her office, to exemplify the changing of the guard. She thought It was just beautiful, and she didn’t know what to say. She looked at it again and asked if this was a Meryl Londeree. It was, and she was impressed that he’d managed to get her to paint this. He said it wasn’t easy, but he convinced the artist that Victoria deserved this. He wanted to prove his love for her. She said she had, again and again.

Victoria met Nikki at Society. Nikki reported that the staff at the palazzo was preparing for their arrival. Victoria was grateful Nikki was helping with this. Nikki asked how Ashland was doing. Victoria said that he had a rough day the day of the launch party, but now he seemed to be handling treatment well. Nikki asked how Victoria was. She was fine, and she was choosing to stay optimistic about Ashland’s treatment.

Victoria told Nikki that she received a beautiful thoughtful gift from Ashland. Nikki didn’t realize that artist was still painting. Victoria said she wasn’t, but Ashland made it work. She thought the gift demonstrated how well he knew her in such a short time. She’d been wanting to replace Victor’s picture for some time. It wasn’t a slight. She just wanted to step out of Victor’s shadow. Nikki said Victoria had always shone, and she was glad Ashland saw that as clearly as Nikki and Victor did. Victoria said it was like Ashland saw her for who she was, and she tried not to think about time slipping away. She wondered what she’d do if she lost the man she loved before they’d barely began their lives together. Nikki had been concerned about this the whole time, and the whole family was worried. Nikki said it was okay to admit this engagement had been abrupt. Victoria asked if Nikki was saying she should call off the engagement.

Elena and Nate were at Crimson Lights after their night together. She suggested going back upstairs, and he was tempted, but they both had things to do today. She guessed that was the official end to their date. They both enjoyed last night with Victoria and Ashland, but they were shocked Ashland asked Nate to be his best man. It still didn’t make sense to Nate that Ashland asked him and not one of his actual friends. He was honored, but he didn’t understand.

Elena thought it made sense. She said that Ashland just went through a divorce, so he might not want to ask any of his friends who knew his wife. Nate thought that was a good point. He added that Ashland said most of his friends were business associates. Elena said Ashland might want to choose someone who had a connection to Victoria and her family. She added that Nate went above and beyond and showed Ashland compassion, like a human being and not like a big shot billionaire.

Elena asked if Nate was going to accept. Nate liked Ashland, but he wasn’t ready to say yes. She asked if they weren’t going to Tuscany if he said no. He assured her that they were definitely going to that wedding. He teased that he ate all the pasta in Italy the last time he was there. He was happy to celebrate Victoria and Ashland, and he wanted to spend time with Elena in the most romantic place on earth.

Billy and Lily were at home, and he was waiting for one of the investigative journalists to get him some information on Ashland’s mentor. Lily noted that this investigation was causing a rift between Billy and Victoria. She asked if the team found something new. They hadn’t uncovered anything on that time in Ashland’s life, which Billy found suspicious. He thought Ashland’s history had been scrubbed. There was nothing to be found about where he was born or what happened to his parents. Lily said they died when he was young. Billy stated that every article on Ashland said his parents, Mary and Ian Locke, died when he was a teenager, but there were no death certificates proving that. There was no birth certificate for Ashland either. It was as if he and his family never existed. Lily admitted it was intriguing. Billy hated to bring up Victor, but Victor had talked for decades about his early years as an orphan and how he rose to the top. Why didn’t Ashland want to discuss that part of his life? Lily thought it might be too painful for Ashland to revisit, or maybe he wasn’t close to his parents. As for the missing records, things weren’t digitized when Ashland was young, so maybe they were lost. Billy added that there were no anecdotes about his family or information on his school days. Lily said that, given all the lives Ashland wrecked, maybe no one wanted to go on the record about him. He asked why she was fighting him – did she want him to give this investigation up that badly? She just wanted him to have facts before he jumped to conclusions.

Billy and Lily went to Crimson Lights and ran into Elena and Nate. They chatted about AskMDNow and agreed to have dinner soon. Elena joked that she and Nate were popular lately. Elena mentioned the dinner with Victoria and Ashland and she said they discussed the wedding. Billy was interested in details. Nate didn’t think it’d be appropriate for him and Elena to repeat what they were told. Elena noted that Billy had a vested interest in publishing stories on this. Billy didn’t mean to make anyone uncomfortable – he clarified that this was off the record. Elena said they didn’t know anything anyway. Lily suggested that Billy could just ask Victoria what he wanted to know. Elena mentioned that she might have to dodge paparazzi for the wedding. Lily was surprised they were invited. Billy asked who made the invitation – Victoria or Ashland. Lily was sure it was Victoria, since she and Nate went way back. Elena clarified that it was Ashland – he and Nate hit it off. Nate said he liked Ashland.

Billy and Lily’s order was finished, so they left the table. At the counter, Lily said she was glad Billy stopped fishing for details, especially since it seemed like Nate and Elena didn’t know anything. Billy, however, was struck by something that Nate said. Elena and Nate left. Billy thought it was suspicious that Ashland was trying to befriend Nate. Billy said that Ashland donated to the hospital, then the couples had dinner together, and now all of a sudden Nate and Elena were invited to the wedding. Lily said Nate was a great guy, and Ashland was getting treatment at the hospital where Nate worked. Billy said Ashland built a career being intimidating and aloof, and now he was charming people he barely knew. Lily said Elena and Nate were doctors, not moguls Ashland had to worry about screwing him over. Billy said men like Ashland didn’t seek friendships unless there was something they were hoping to get out of it.

Billy and Lily went to work. He said that the investigative journalist hit another dead end. It was almost like Ashland didn’t exist until he met the woman who became his mentor. He didn’t see how it was possible for anyone in this day in age to have no record of the first 20 years of his life. Lily asked who cared if Ashland was hiding where he came from. Billy said if that was true, that meant Ashland was a lie, and his empire was a lie. People would want to hear about this story and Victoria deserved to know.

Ashland was at home staring at Victoria’s portrait. He got a text that said “You’re a hard man to keep track of.”

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Jack was on his way to bed when he found one of Harrison’s army men. He wistfully picked it up, then he grabbed his phone.

Phyllis found Adam sitting in the Grand Phoenix lounge. She asked him where his she-devil was, and he asked why, so she could douse her with another champagne bucket? Phyllis blamed Sally. Phyllis said she knew this new and improved version of Adam Newman wouldn’t last. She asserted that Sally would’ve left town if he didn’t allow Chloe to hire her. He said he was letting Chloe give Sally a second chance. He thought Phyllis should be in favor of those, since she’d had a few. She countered that he’d had more than her, and he replied that it wasn’t a contest. She asked why he was keeping Sally here after she ran Summer out of town. From what Adam heard, Summer was doing well in Milan. He just wanted to have a drink, without the drama, unless Phyllis wanted to tell him her real issue with Sally. Phyllis denied having a secret issue with Sally. Adam thought that Phyllis saw a bit of herself in Sally. Phyllis decided to leave, rather than dignify that with a response. Adam said that whenever Phyllis swanned out of the room without getting the last word, he knew he hit a nerve. Phyllis kept walking, and Adam grinned.

Phyllis showed up at Jack’s unexpectedly. She said she saw the text he sent Kyle in the family group chat, so she knew he was here, alone in this big empty house. She thought he might be lonely, so she came to say hi. He thanked her for checking on him. She felt she owed him because he stopped her from making a bigger mess of the evening at the party, and he gave her a pocket square to clean up the champagne on her face. He believed she’d shown admirable restraint. She thought he was being generous, and he said he was always a softy where she was concerned. She asked about the text he sent Kyle. He explained that he got a little too nostalgic after finding a toy Harrison left. She asked if he was okay. He was fine, but tired. She said she’d go, but he quickly asked her to stay, because he could use a friend. Phyllis asked Jack what was really going on. He didn’t want to get all maudlin. He kept telling people he was fine with Kyle and Summer moving to Italy with Harrison, but it all happened so fast. It was jarring. Phyllis understood. Part of him felt like he should move on with his life, and he was angry that he couldn’t, but the other part of him asked why he should move on – that was his son and grandson. This house used to be filled with noise and love, and now it wasn’t. He fought back tears. He didn’t want to get used to the silence and emptiness of it all. Phyllis said this house used to be filled with Abbotts. He said Traci and Ashley came and went and Kyle and Harrison were gone. Jack was very lonely.

Jack was adamant that he didn’t need Phyllis to fix this or tell him to look on the bright side. She said she’d wouldn’t say that. She just wanted to talk to him and listen. He was embarrassed about being lonely, even though she told him he shouldn’t be. He felt like he’d failed at life. He’d had a big full life, and now he was completely alone. She said he had so many people who loved him, herself included. She clarified that she knew that didn’t preclude you from being lonely – you could feel alone in a family or in a relationship. You’re born alone and you die alone. He laughed and asked if this was supposed to be a pep talk. She said it was a reality check. She thought that was why people tried so hard to form relationships and connections and why people worked so hard at romance. “Why we start a romance with the wrong person hoping they’ll magically turn into the right person?,” he asked. She assumed this was about Sally, who was definitely the wrong person. She couldn’t imagine who he was hoping Sally would turn out to be, though. “I guess I was hoping she would turn into you,” he admitted. Phyllis said Sally could never be her, even on Sally’s best day.

Phyllis told Jack that he didn’t want another Phyllis. There was a reason their marriage didn’t work out. Jack admitted they went through their share of heartache, but they’d also had some of the best times of his life. He said she was also the most captivating fascinating woman he’d ever known, and sometimes she was so gorgeous it hurt. He thought she was also frustrating, complicated, hot-headed and careless. All in all, she was a spectacular package. Maybe it was because they’d spent so much time together lately, but he’d been thinking that maybe he didn’t move on with his romantic life, because he’d already been with the most amazing woman he’d ever known. She suggested that was the wine talking and that he didn’t mean what he was saying. He insisted that he really felt this way. “I have never stopped loving you and I don’t think I ever will,” he said. She was caught off guard, but he didn’t think she should be that shocked. He made it clear that he knew she’d moved on and that their time was over. He knew she was happy with… “With Nick. That’s a fact,” she said. He told her he truly deeply loved her, and he couldn’t stop. Phyllis went to get Jack some water so he could hydrate after his wine. When she returned, he was asleep. She covered him in a throw blanket, then she knelt next to him and put her hand on his arm for a moment. Phyllis quietly left.

Sally told Victor that his home was lovely. His invitation caught her by surprise, but who could say no to the great Victor Newman? She assumed she was summoned here because of what happened at the launch party. He clarified that he wanted to get to know her a little better. He offered her a drink, and she mentioned the single malt scotch she had with Adam the other day. He poured the drink and asked if Adam introduced her to it. She was vaguely aware of it before, but it was out of her price range. He noted that she’d gone from Lauren’s assistant to head of JCV, a job his granddaughter held first. Sally assumed this was about Summer.

Sally said that Nikki already conveyed how she felt about Sally, and she assumed Victor shared his wife’s sentiment. Victor stated that he was upset that she caused Summer distress. He said if he’d intervened earlier, things would’ve turned out differently. She took that as a threat, but he said it wasn’t. He stated that she and Adam caused quite a stir at the party, and she prompted Phyllis to empty a bucket of water over her head. He said Adam was in a delicate situation with his son, and what Sally might consider harmless flirtation could have unwanted consequences. Sally mentioned that Chloe told her this earlier. Sally was sensitive to the situation, and she knew Adam wanted the best for his son. She suggested that Adam should be the one to make decisions for his son. She asked Victor if he should be dictating his adult son’s personal life, or hers, for that matter. He told her not to use his son as a way to salvage her lackluster career. “And arguing with me would be the worst mistake yet,” he added. Adam walked in and said he guessed he missed the memo about this meeting.

Victor said he invited Sally over because she needed to know certain things now that she was a member of Newman Media. Adam asked what kind of things. Sally said it was about Connor and what was going on between Adam and Chelsea. Adam asked Victor why he’d talk to Sally about Connor. Victor thought Sally needed to know the whole story. “Apparently he doesn’t trust you to communicate this information yourself,” Sally added. Victor hoped Sally made use of this information. Sally asked if she was being dismissed now that she was put in her place. Adam told Sally that she should go. Sally thanked Victor for the scotch, and she left. Adam asked Victor why he felt compelled to dump this on her. Victor knew Sally’s type – she was a social climber who was trying to cozy up to Adam. Victor said Adam talked for months about turning over a new leaf and becoming a good father to Connor, so what the hell happened?

Adam thought Victor was overreacting to the situation with Sally. He assumed Victor resented Sally because of the thing with Summer. Victor said this wasn’t about Summer, it was about Sally, a grasping social climber, latching onto Adam to use him. Adam said that Sally wasn’t using him – he’d never let that happen. Victor said Connor was fragile, and he felt the tension between his parents. Adam asserted that he was in tune to what was going on with his son, and it wasn’t about Sally. Victor had been impressed with Adam before, but now he thought Adam was going back to his old ways. “You’re gallivanting with that dame around town, rubbing it in people’s faces, trying to elicit some kind of reaction, not thinking about the consequences” Victor said. Adam was adamant that he’d always protect his child, and he didn’t need Victor micromanaging his life. Adam said Victor was the one slipping into old behaviors and trying to control Adam, which drove them apart in the past.

Nick and Sharon were happy to see each other when he went to Crimson Lights. He mentioned that Summer sent pictures of her and Harrison. Sharon was interested, so Nick showed them to her. He was about to show pictures of his nephew, Dominic, and Sharon said she met him in person when Abby brought him home from the hospital. He was adorable. Nick was glad Dom was healthy, given how he came into the world. He asked how Mariah was. Sharon thought the ordeal affected Mariah in ways she didn’t realize, but she had a strong loving support system. Nick hoped he was included in that group. Sharon said of course – Nick was family. She mentioned the New Hope – Newman Media partnership. She couldn’t get over him working with Adam. He said they’d been on their best behavior. She thought that it was incredible that Nick was giving Adam a chance to prove he changed – it was a testament to the kind of man Nick was. She asked how the party went, and Nick said it was great until Sally mixed it up with Phyllis. “Oh my gosh, what happened?,” Sharon asked. Nick reminded Sharon of the time she dumped a pitcher milk on Nikki’s head. He said it was something like that, except the milk was a giant champagne ice bucket, and it was at a giant party.

Sharon assumed she knew who started the Phyllis/Sally showdown. Nick wasn’t there when it happened, and Jack had been acting protective of Phyllis, downplaying her role in it. He said Jack got Phyllis out of there, and Adam took Sally away. Sharon was startled Adam was part of it, then she assumed he intervened as Sally’s boss. Nick clarified that he was pretty sure Adam was Sally’s date. Sharon said that was interesting. He looked at her expectantly until she told him not to expect some deeper feelings from her about it. “I said ‘Interesting.’ That’s it. Don’t read more into it.” Nick said there was a time he wasn’t sure she’d be able to detach from the mess that was Adam’s life, but he thought if anyone could help her do it, it was Rey. He thought they seemed happy. She said they were. He also knew that when it came to her history with Adam, it was never quite that simple.

Sharon already told Adam that the past was the past. She wasn’t secretly drawn to him. She was committed to her marriage. The way Nick looked at Sharon prompted her to insist that she was telling the truth. He believed her, but he knew she must be tempted to let Adam back into her life. He said Adam showed a different side – he saved Faith’s life, and he came back and rescued Nick in Kansas. Nick allowed Adam into his life. He understood it wasn’t so simple for Sharon, and he knew Adam was a source of tension in her marriage. Sharon couldn’t admit this to anyone except Nick, and given that he came around on Adam, she knew he’d understand. He said that he and Adam were far from best friends, but he understood how hard it was to want to see the good in Adam while also drawing a line. Sharon thought everyone needed someone in their life who really supported them, and she’d made herself that person for Adam. She paid the price, but Adam also proved her right. It was really difficult to try and completely turn her back on him. Nick asked if Rey understood. Sharon said she and Rey recommitted to their marriage, which Nick noted was not an answer to his question. He asked again if Rey understood that Sharon couldn’t completely cut Adam out of her life.

Sharon said that her relationship with Adam had changed significantly. “But Adam is still a part of your life. Looks like he always will be. And Rey knows that?,” Nick replied. She said she and Rey were as open and honest with each other as possible. She was sure Nick understood – things couldn’t be all smooth sailing with Phyllis. He said it actually kind of was. He knew Phyllis meant well so he’d stopped trying to put the breaks on her meddling. “You make that sound so easy,” Sharon said. He replied that he’d made a choice to accept Phyllis for who she was. Sharon conceded that all couples were different, but she did think that when a couple broke up and got back together, things could be better for them, as long as they were in agreement on what they wanted. Nick said he knew Sharon well enough to know something else was on her mind. Sharon said it wasn’t all that deep. She noted that he chose the sort of relationship he wanted with Phyllis – not with the crazy intensity he had last time, at least not the type that made him want to put his fist through the wall. He said last time he hurt a lot of people he cared about, particularly Sharon. Sharon said they didn’t have to revisit that time. He said he and Phyllis were older now, and maybe they figured out how to be in a relationship in a serene way. It didn’t have to be complicated.

Sharon understood why Nick would choose something easy and comfortable. He thought she meant he was looking for the path of least resistance, not real love and commitment. That wasn’t what Sharon meant. He inferred that she thought he was settling for Phyllis and that something was missing. Sharon didn’t mean to imply that. She was just making an observation. “But you said comfortable and easy,” he noted. He didn’t want her to take it the wrong way, but he could say the same thing about her and Rey. Sharon said she and Rey got each other, like Nick and Phyllis did. She felt it was good for any relationship to have friendship and trust. She was glad Nick and Phyllis were at that point and that they were happy. Nick was happy that Sharon was happy. Sharon had to go, as it was late. She asked if he wanted to help her close, and he laughed and said yes. They kept stealing looks at each other as they tidied up. When he turned out the lights, their eyes met for a moment, before she turned and kept cleaning. He watched her.

Sally went to Society and ordered their best scotch. The bartender asked if it was a special occasion. She said she was moving up in the world – apparently she’d become a target of the Newmans. Nikki ripped into her at the launch party, and Victor just summoned her to his home. She said Victor did that thing rich and powerful men do when they want something, but it’s supposed to feel like your idea. She toasted to her boss’s father, the jerk. Sally finished her drink and said it was Adam’s loss.

Sally got up and when she turned around, Adam was there. “My father made his point. Now I want to make mine,” he said, then he pulled her into a deep kiss. They went to the hotel, and they were so overcome with desire for each other that they barely stopped kissing as they unlocked the door to their suite. Adam kept calling Sally’s name, and this snapped her out of her fantasy. The kiss and trip to The Grand Phoenix never happened. She and Adam were still at Society. Adam asked if Sally was so mad she was pretending not to hear him. She said she was just distracted. He apologized for his father. However, talking to Victor got Adam to reevaluate, and he didn’t think he and Sally should see each other outside the office anymore. “Should. That’s a word that I have eliminated from my vocabulary,” she said.

Nick went to Phyllis’s room, and she was already in bed, seemingly asleep. He sat down on the bed and looked deep in thought. The rest of Sally’s speech to Adam played as a voice over on top of Nick and Phyllis’s scene. “You either choose to do something or you don’t. There is no should or shouldn’t,” Sally said. Nick glanced at Phyllis, who faced away from him. She opened her eyes. Sally’s statement continued: “No acting a certain way because that’s what’s expected of you.”

Jack was shown waking up, as Sally said “You decide what you want, no matter how people are going to react.”

“No matter how far outside it is from what is considered socially acceptable,” Sally stated as Sharon was shown putting the closed sign in the coffeehouse window.

“And if people don’t like it? That’s their problem. To hell with ‘em,” Sally was shown whispering into saying in Adam’s ear. She then left the restaurant.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Lily was at Devon’s. She admired a picture of the baby, and said she liked that he was named Dominic – a D name for Devon. Devon didn’t expect that honor. She asked what it was like bringing a life into the world. He said it was incredible, and Abby was amazing through it all. Lily asked about Mariah, and Devon said she’d been heroic, and she stayed strong through everything she’d been through. He’d never forget the feeling of holding Dominic in his arms for the first moments in his life. He knew he’d feel a connection with Dominic, because they shared DNA, but this was something else. Lily asked about Amanda’s trip. Devon said that Amanda, Imani and Naya were on a getaway. It was a huge step, and Devon thought it’d be a good way to heal wounds from Sutton and the whole saga with Richard’s death. It meant a lot to Amanda because the trip was Naya and Imani’s idea. He asked where Billy was. He was with the kids. Lily decided to give them some alone time. Devon noted that Lily was taking care of Billy’s kids, and they were both looking after Moses. She noted that it took a village, which with Dominic’s birth, he and his parents were all a part of it too. Devon said he and Chance were technically family, through the Katherine connection. That was the main reason he wanted to be the donor – so that Dominic could have that connection. Lily said that Devon and Chance could work together to make sure Dominic was surrounded by love. She also noticed a shift in him since Dominic was born.

Devon said Amanda asked him that same question – if he regretted stepping up to be the donor, and the answer was no. he was happy he helped Abby and Chance start a family. Lily noted that, like Abby, she’d needed a surrogate. Lily wouldn’t judge of Devon’s answer was different, and she was here if he wanted to talk. He said the first time he held Dominic, he had the feeling that this was what it was like to be a father. It brought up lots of emotions. “Especially since you should’ve been a father awhile ago,” Lily said. She understood he’d think of Hilary and the baby he lost. He was sure Hilary was looking down on him and proud. She knew he missed Hilary and the baby. Lily said Devon could talk to her about that, and she wouldn’t make it about herself and the guilt she felt. She just wanted to be there for him, if he’d let her. He appreciated that. Lily asked how Abby was doing about Chance’s absence. He said Abby was doing the best she could. Lily hoped Devon took her advice not to badmouth Chance around Abby. Devon said he’d never rag on Chance to Abby. He felt sorry for Chance because he was missing out on so many moments. He thought that when Chance got home, it would really hit him hard. He didn’t even know he had a son. Lily thought that Chance would be grateful Devon looked after Abby and his son.

At their place, Abby told Mariah that they were short staffed at Society, because a hostess called in sick. Mariah offered to watch the baby. Abby said that was sweet, but it felt like too much to ask. Mariah insisted that she was happy to do it. Later, Mariah was alone with Dominic, and he was wailing, and she didn’t know what to do, because she’d already taken care of all his needs. Abby came home at some point later and made a beeline to the bassinet with a smile on her face. She was caught off guard when she found it empty. Abby yelled out that she’d found someone to come in to work, so Mariah was off the hook for babysitting. Abby told herself that Mariah might be feeding or rocking the baby. She raced upstairs calling Mariah’s name. Abby called Devon and told her that Mariah and Dom were gone, and she left her phone behind. Devon said not to freak out – he’d be right over. Devon brought Lily up to speed, and she understood he had to leave.

Mariah brought the baby inside, and Abby asked what happened. Mariah explained that he was crying, and she called the pediatrician who recommended a walk. It clearly helped, since he was sleeping now. Abby pointed out that Mariah didn’t leave a note or take her phone. Mariah was sorry – her brain short circuited due to the crying – must be the hormones. Abby said the last time Mariah disappeared with the baby, she’d been gone for three weeks. Abby almost called the police. Mariah was really sorry, but she just took the baby out for a walk on the grounds. There was no need for alarm. Devon showed up, and Abby told him that Mariah just took Dom for a walk, and she thought she’d be back before Abby was home from work. Abby took Dom to bed. Mariah apologized, explaining that she didn’t want to bother Abby at work, and she thought she could handle it alone. When Dom started crying his head off, she had no idea what to do. She was worried he was sick, so she called the pediatrician. Devon thought Mariah did the right thing. Mariah said she got so panicky and flustered that she forgot her phone. She crumbled under the pressure. Devon noted that Mariah got expert advice and did what the baby needed, and it all worked out. He was happy she was with Dom and that she followed her natural instincts. Abby was on her way back, and she looked worried when Mariah said “Man this being a mom thing is not for wimps. It’s a lot harder than it looks.”

Adam and Victor were at the office. The initial reviews of the launch were positive, and none of them mentioned Phyllis dumping water on Sally. Adam had to go, because he had dinner plans. “You’re not meeting that woman are you?,” Victor asked. Adam confirmed that he was meeting Sally. Victor thought Sally should be fired for throwing a drink in Phyllis’s face at the launch party. Adam asserted that Phyllis provoked Sally, so both women shared the blame. Victor asked if Adam could blame Phyllis after what Sally did to Summer. Adam wasn’t interested in Sally and Phyllis’s personal details. He was having a working dinner. “Is that what they call it now,” Victor asked. Victor thought Adam should stay here and come up with a strategy for dealing with ChancComm. Adam said they’d discuss it later, but now, Sally was waiting for him.

Elena and Nate met Victoria and Ashland for dinner at Society. Elena and Nate had two nights off in a row, which was unheard of, so they got to enjoy and relax tonight. They saw Sally come in and look around. Sally took a seat at the bar, while the two couples headed to the lounge.

Nate talked about robotic surgery, the kind of technology, they could purchase due to Ashland’s generous donation. Ashland preferred that they discuss another topic, anything was fine, as long as it wasn’t about his health situation. Elena inquired about their wedding plans. That was Victoria’s favorite subject. She shared the details off screen. Nate imagined it must be challenging to organize an event on another continent. Victoria said Nikki found someone in Italy to coordinate things. Elena asked about the dress, and across the room, Sally perked up and listened in. Victoria was hoping that Summer’s boss would do it, but she understood that Angelina Marchetti might be booked up. Adam strolled in and said hello. Victoria suggested that Adam found his perfect match in Sally. Adam thought it seemed that Victoria and Ashland had. He was happy for them.

The waiter showed Adam and Sally to their table. She noted that he got a kick out of letting everyone know their barbs didn’t get to him. He said it was a game, and you develop thick skin. She thought she could learn a lot from him. Sally was glad she and Adam downshifted from a date to a working dinner, so they could ignore all those “what not to do on a date” things. She said she wore her comfy shoes, and he was twenty minutes late. Glancing under the table, he said those weren’t comfy shoes, and he was sorry for being late. She told him it was fine, it was better than him bailing, and she guessed there was pressure on him to do that. She said it wasn’t her first time hanging out with an SOB – son of a billionaire who didn’t realize he was one until he grew up. Adam was surprised to hear that, and Sally said there were more of them than he thought, and they could start a club.

Sally told Adam about a time she manipulated the Forresters when she was in L.A. They included her designs in their collection because they thought she was dying. She admitted she was wrong to do it, but it didn’t hurt anyone, and her designs were good. Adam commented on Sally praising her own work. She said Ridge and Eric wouldn’t have included her designs if they weren’t good, and if the designs had actually made it down the runway, they would’ve all made a lot of money. She refused to be humble about her career – she was a good designer, with an unfortunate tenancy to get in her own way. She thought he could relate. He admitted she was right.

Adam made a couple comments on the dress Sally designed for Victoria; all complimentary. She thought he made just enough commentary to prove this was a working dinner in case anyone asked. He asked if she wanted him to say something else. She was curious why he agreed to come here since they agreed it wasn’t a date, but the work-related conversation they had only lasted five minutes. He said he was here for the scintillating conversation. She suggested that he was hoping the news of this non-date would get back to someone in particular and make them jealous. He suggested she was hoping Jack would hear about it. She said she hadn’t thought about Jack once since this dinner started. She was too busy enjoying herself, and whether or not he admitted it, she thought he had been too.

Nate entertained everyone with a story about a wedding he’d been at, where it momentarily looked like the groom had been stood up, but in reality, the bride had just twisted her ankle on her way to the altar. Nate had taped up her ankle, and the wedding went forward. Ashland thought Nate sounded like the guy to have on hand in a crisis. That reminded Nate of something that happened when he was a groomsman, but Elena didn’t think that Victoria and Ashland needed to hear more wedding horror stories. Victoria admitted she could tell a few of her own, but she was determined that her day with Ashland would be perfect.

Elena and Victoria connected over a shared love of cooking podcasts. Elena didn’t know Victoria liked to cook. Victoria clarified that she hated it, and she was terrible at it, but Ashland said Victoria made a fine grilled cheese. Victoria liked the fantasy of creating the perfect dish. Elena was an okay cook, and she kind of enjoyed it, but she didn’t have that time. She thought her old roommate would be appalled by how she was eating lately, but Nate thought Lola would be impressed by how Elena was spending her time making a difference in people’s lives. The ladies went to freshen up, and Ashland observed that Nate knew how lucky he was to have Elena. Nate confirmed that he did.

Ashland showed Nate pictures of Harrison eating gelato. He asked if Nate had kids. Nate hoped to someday, but he’d learned you couldn’t make firm plans in your personal life. That made Ashland ask if Nate had been married before. Nate had been engaged once, but she passed away. Ashland now understood why Nate didn’t react to his diagnosis like others did. He said Nate didn’t have that squeamishness or distance. Ashland thought that was because Nate had gone through his own personal loss and grief, and he didn’t see it as foreign or frightening. Elena and Victoria returned and watched from a distance as the guys talked. Victoria said Nate stepped up in a big way for Ashland. She thought he was a good man. Elena agreed.

Elena and Nate went to Victoria and Ashland’s home. The men retired to the living room, and Nate asked if Victoria’s kids were going to Italy for the wedding. Ashland hoped so. Tuscany was so beautiful in the fall, and he hoped they got to see it. Nate recalled taking a trip there with his mother when he was young. He saw a lot of Europe in boarding school, but he hadn’t been since then. Ashland knew this might be a bit presumptuous, but he asked Nate to be his best man. Nate was startled and asked if Ashland was sure – they just met. Ashland was able to size people up quickly, and Nate was a brilliant and kind man who understood what Ashland was going through. Nate was sure Ashland had friends in NY. Ashland said most of the relationships he had in NY were of a professional, not personal nature. Frankly, most people were having a having a difficult time with his medical situation. He asked Nate to consider it.

Later, after drinks, Elena and Nate got up to leave. All had enjoyed themselves. Ashland asked Nate to get back to him, and Nate said he would. Victoria saw the guests out, and Ashland showed his exhaustion. Victoria came back and asked if he was okay. He said he might have to take it easy tomorrow, but it was worth it for a day like this. She hoped they had many more like this. She cuddled against him, and he kissed kissed her.

Lauren dropped by Jack’s place. Michael was working late on the Sutton Ames trial, so Lauren decided to see if Jack wanted to have dinner. He didn’t want to go out, but he suggested Chinese takeout. He had spicy beef, and she had cashew chicken. He reported that Summer sent a video of Harrison helping her cook in an outdoor pizza oven. He marveled at how easily Harrison adapted. Lauren said that he must miss his mom. He said the one authentic thing about Tara was that she was committed to her little boy. He regretted pressuring Phyllis to lay off Tara and Sally. Lauren said their dear friend had a gift for reading people. He added that Summer and Kyle owed their happiness to Phyllis. Jack’s fortune cookie predicted that good things were ahead for his love life. He wasn’t sure what would happen for him, but he was glad Kyle and Summer were happy together. He said they were planning a small wedding ceremony in Italy, nothing on the scale of what Ashland and Victoria had planned. He was glad that Kyle and Summer scaled back their plans a bit. He thought they learned that they already had everything they needed to be happy without all the extras. Lauren asked if Jack had everything he needed to be happy.

Jack thought Lauren was going to stop pestering him about his romantic life. She noted that she never agreed to that. She was sure the house must be quiet without Kyle and Harrison. He said he’d been looking forward to having a happy little kid like Harrison around for Halloween and other holidays. Lauren suggested they might visit. He knew he’d still have to get used to the quiet and all the extra time he had on his hands. He did have Jabot and the Abbott-Winters Foundation. She thought he needed something to pour his heart into, and it didn’t have to be romantic. He said he’d concluded that he had his share of grand passions. Being a grandpa really fed his heart. He could interact with Harrison on the phone, but it wasn’t the same. Lauren thought Jack made the idea of being a grandparent sound appealing, not that her sons were close to settling down. Jack said the day would come, and Lauren would love it.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Rey showed up at Adam’s office. Sighing deeply, Adam asked what Rey was going to try and arrest him for this time. Rey was actually there with Connor’s baseball cap. He explained that he ran into Connor and the nanny at the park, and they talked. When Connor left, he forgot his cap. Adam said it was Connor’s favorite. Rey turned to leave, but Adam said that thought Rey deserved props for rescuing Mariah. Rey gave the credit to Devon, who followed up on his feeling about Stitch. Adam had no idea things got so far off course. Rey thought Adam was insinuating that he should’ve gotten updates on the case, as if he were part of the inner circle. Adam said he cared. “About Mariah or about Sharon?,” Rey asked. Adam commented that this was the longest conversation they’d ever had without Sharon coming up. He felt that Rey’s jealousy was constant.

Adam said that not everything was about Sharon. Abby was his sister, and the baby was his nephew. Rey sarcastically replied that he forgot how close Abby and Adam were. Adam stated that he cared about Mariah, but Rey contended he only cared because she was Sharon’s daughter. “So you’re saying that I should just hit the off switch on my feelings? That Sharon doesn’t deserve any of my concern?,” Adam asked. Rey noted that he never said that, but Adam thought that’s what he meant. Adam said that his past with Sharon couldn’t be erased. She was the most decent loving person he knew, and he only cared about what was best for her and the people who mattered to her. He said Rey could accept that or he could fly into a rage every time he heard the name Adam.

Rey felt that Adam had enough to deal with in his own family without inserting himself in anyone else’s. “Stop worrying about Sharon’s daughter. Worry about your son,” Rey snapped. Adam asked why – because he lost his hat? When Rey talked with Connor at the park, he could tell something was going on with him. He said Adam was here, and Chelsea was out of state, which could get confusing for a kid. Adam was adamant that his family was under control. It didn’t sound like that to Rey. Adam ordered Rey to leave. Rey said that Connor was wondering when he and his parents would be a family again – he was smart and he could tell things were different. Rey wasn’t telling Adam how to handle things, but he asserted that things needed handling. He told Adam to focus on that and not what was going on in Sharon’s life.

Moses bumped into Faith at the park. She was going to see Mariah, and she invited him along, but he declined, because he assumed Mariah wasn’t up for meeting someone new right now. He said they’d catch up later. He’d spend his time brainstorming about their first date.

Tessa and Mariah went to Crimson Lights to get coffee, but Mariah quickly became entranced by a woman with a baby, and she didn’t hear Sharon asking for her order. After the mother left, Sharon gave Mariah a drink. Mariah felt reassured because it tasted just like it did before she got kidnapped. Sharon was concerned because Mariah didn’t answer her earlier. Mariah said she just spaced out. Sharon could tell there was something going on, and she assured Mariah that she could talk. Mariah admitted things had been difficult. For so long, it was just her and Bowie. She spent her time talking to the baby. She promised him she’d keep him safe and that they’d make it out alive. Tessa said that was a lot of pressure Mariah put on herself, especially when she didn’t know what was going on. Mariah said that it was her job, more than a job, Bowie had been her reason for living. Then came the intense and urgent rescue and birth. Then Bowie – Dominic went home with his mother. Sharon stated that Mariah bonded with the baby, and now she felt something had been taken from her.

Mariah said she and the baby had a real bond, which she wasn’t supposed to feel. She knew he wasn’t her baby. Tessa thought it was okay for Mariah to feel a bond with the baby. Mariah asked what to do with the feelings. Sharon said that the connection wouldn’t go away – he was Abby’s son, but he wouldn’t be there without Mariah. Mariah thought she had to train herself out of calling him Bowie, but Sharon felt it was okay for Mariah to have a special nickname for him. Tessa thought that Dominic would be happy to have such a cool nickname. Sharon thought it was really important for Mariah to tell Abby all this. Mariah wasn’t sure, but Sharon said Abby was a friend, and she wanted what was best for Mariah.

Faith rushed in and hugged Mariah. Tessa and Sharon thought the sisters needed time, so they went out to the patio. They smiled as they heard Mariah and Faith laughing inside. Mariah told Faith that her pledge to torture and destroy Stitch would get her and Mariah locked away forever. Mariah liked how protective Faith was, though. Faith asked if Mariah was okay. Her parents wouldn’t tell her much, because they didn’t want her to freak out. Mariah understood that, because Faith had a rough year. Faith asserted that she was stronger now, and she wanted to help. Mariah suggested that they do a girls’ night soon and they’d talk about everything. Mariah wasn’t ready to talk just yet. Faith told Mariah not to feel pressured to move on. She thought Mariah should focus on the people who cared about her now. Mariah said that Faith had changed in the short time Mariah was away – she was more positive and solid. She asked if this had anything to do with Moses. Faith confirmed that it did.

Later, Sharon and Mariah were alone together. Tessa was on the patio on the phone. Mariah said Tessa was canceling her gig to spend as much time with Mariah as possible. Mariah was grateful Tessa wanted to take care of her, but they worked so hard on Tessa’s career, and she didn’t want Tessa to start canceling things because of her. Sharon said that they might seem clingy because, for weeks, they were all upset and frustrated, thinking Mariah was pushing them away, then when they learned the truth, they were kicking themselves for not realizing Stitch manipulated them. Mariah didn’t want them feeling guilty. She didn’t want to have to keep reassuring people that she didn’t blame them. Sharon said she’d try not to blame herself. Mariah knew Sharon and Nick shielded Faith from what happened. Mariah said that Faith was growing up fast, and she was strong, so they should treat her that way.

Sharon was caught off guard, and Mariah got nervous, when Adam walked in. Adam was happy Mariah was safe and back home. She mumbled thanks, and he asked if he’d said something wrong. “Yeah, sorry if I’m a little tense around people like you right now, but I was just freed from the clutches of a madman who kidnapped me without a care for the life of an unborn baby because he wanted to win back a certain woman and get her to like him again,” she replied. She got up and put distance between them. Adam was sorry for what Mariah went through. He was just trying to express sympathy, and he knew he wasn’t one of her favorite people. Sharon said Adam wouldn’t try to do anything to make Mariah uncomfortable. Adam said he wouldn’t interrupt, and he walked away. Mariah felt like Sharon always took Adam’s side. Sharon said she wasn’t taking his side, she was just trying to defuse the situation. “Point taken,” Mariah said. Tessa returned – they wouldn’t let her out of the gig. Mariah was glad, because she felt fine. She just needed to go home and pump for the baby. Sharon asked Mariah to let her know if she needed anything.

After Mariah and Tessa left, Sharon asked Adam what he was doing here after he’d said he was going to keep his distance. He’d come to get her advice, as Connor’s former therapist, on how to talk to him about Chelsea. Adam thought he’d made a mistake coming here, so he left. Rey arrived later and Sharon thanked him again for bringing Mariah home safe. He thought Devon deserved a lot of the credit. He thought he should’ve paid more attention to Sharon’s intuition that something was wrong. Sharon said all that mattered was that Mariah was home now. She hoped Mariah wouldn’t be scarred for life. Rey said Mariah was a warrior, which got her through this ordeal. He thought what she needed most was to know the people around her loved her and had her back. The way Sharon reacted made Rey ask if something else happened. Sharon said that Mariah got hostile and aggressive with Adam, and when Sharon tried to keep the peace, Mariah accused her of taking his side. Sharon said she wasn’t doing that, it was all about Mariah’s reaction. She hoped she didn’t upset Rey. He said it was fine. She agreed that Mariah was a warrior, but it was going to take a lot for her to get through this, and she hoped Mariah got the hope she needed. Rey said that he had his own run in with Adam today. He said they got into it about Adam’s refusal to stay out of Sharon’s life. He wasn’t surprised Adam showed up here and tried to get into the middle of things with Sharon and Mariah. Sharon mentioned that Adam said he came to get her advice on what Connor was going through. She believed Adam was sincere about wanting to be a better person, she just didn’t know if he had the skill set yet.

Devon was at the Chancellor house. He wistfully picked up a pair of baby booties, which he quickly dropped as Abby returned and reported that Dominic was napping. Abby sensed that Mariah was going through a hard time, and not just with the kidnapping, and she got the feeling that Devon was going through a hard time too. He said if he seemed like he was having a hard time it was because he was trying to figure out how to best support her. He noted that she had to figure out how to parent without Chance for the time being. She pointed out that women took care of babies with or without partners for centuries. He didn’t want to burden her by being here too much, but he also didn’t want to leave her hanging. She assured him he’d never be a burden. She wanted him to come by whenever he wanted. She stated that he was her best friend, and she could talk to him about things she couldn’t share with Mariah, Nina or Ashley. She hoped that he didn’t start hiding things from her. He agreed to be open and honest with her.

Devon asked what Abby noticed with Mariah. Abby mentioned Mariah’s nightmare. She thought Mariah was just pretending to be okay. Devon thought that was understandable, given what she went through. Abby noted that Mariah was trapped in the room, with no way of knowing if anyone was looking for her, and she was trying to protect the baby. Devon was sure Mariah felt like it was her and the baby against the world. Abby said Mariah gave birth, and she had to hand the baby over. She must feel overwhelmed. Devon said Stitch took Mariah from her friends and her family, and she wasn’t able to make plans, go shopping for the baby, go to the doctor’s appointments together. He was sure Mariah had some things to work through, but it wasn’t about Abby or the baby. It was about what Stitch put her through. He advised Abby sit Mariah down and talk to her.

While Abby was upstairs, Devon talked to Christine on the phone. Abby returned, and Devon broke the news that Chance had gone even deeper undercover, and Christine couldn’t get a message to him. Abby choked back tears. She was trying to be patient, but Chance deserved to know he had a son, and Dominic deserved to meet his father. Devon told Abby to remember there was nothing Chance wanted more than to get back to her. Abby was stunned when Devon said it might be a good thing that Chance didn’t know about Dominic’s birth. Devon explained that if Chance had to go that deep undercover, things must have gotten intense, and if he knew the baby was born, that might distract him, or make him feel more guilty than he already felt. Abby said that Devon always knew just what to say.

Faith went back to the park, and Moses was there with Devon. Devon had just spoke with Sofia on the phone, and he’d tried to convince her that it was worthwhile for Moses to stay in Genoa City even though he was no longer pursuing a career in medicine. Moses’ mom had been noncommittal, so Devon said it was up to Moses to convince her to let him stay, if that’s what he wanted. Moses stared at Faith and said that was what he wanted.

As Devon was leaving the park, Tessa and Mariah arrived. Devon said he was there for Mariah if she needed him. She thanked him, but he’d already done so much. She said everything would be fine – she had the best support team in the world, him included. “You’ll always be the guy who delivered my baby,” she said. Tessa said she should get Mariah home, and Devon asked if everything was okay. Mariah said she was fine; she had to get home to pump for Bow- Dominic. She said Devon would always be a hero. The rest of the conversation played out as a voice over, while a scene of Abby and Dominic was on the screen. Abby walked around holding Dominic as Devon said he was in the right place at the right time, which didn’t make him a hero. He said he was struggling with things too, just like everyone else.

Abby put Dominic in his bassinet and told him she’d be right back. While she was upstairs, Mariah came in and called for Abby. She didn’t see her, but she saw Dominic and she went over and cooed over him. “Did you miss me? Cause I missed you so much,” she said. She hummed the lullaby Tessa wrote. Abby came in and stopped in the doorway and watched with a concerned look on her face.

Devon went home and looked at a picture of himself with Neil. He then flashed back to Dominic’s birth.

Faith told Moses that this was the most important phone call of his entire life, and she wanted to make it a success. She said she’d play his mom, so he could rehearse, and he laughed because she didn’t look a thing like his mom. She didn’t think that was important. She told him to take out his phone and pretend to make the call. He did so, and as “Sofia” Faith asked Moses if he was wasting his time on girls. Moses said there was one girl, but she was not a waste of time. “Sofia” demanded that Moses tell her all about this girl, or she’d make him come back to NY. He said Faith was one in a trillion, and she had a great family – her grandfather used to work with his father. He thought Faith was smart, beautiful, funny, fun and she made him happy. He thought she was honest, thoughtful and fearless, and she was one of the reasons he couldn’t come home yet. “Sofia” asked what about her. Moses said his mom could come visit him in Genoa City. He stated that this place and these people were part of Neil, which made them part of Moses too. He promised that his mom would never lose him. The fake call ended, and Faith told Moses that he’d do great.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Crimson Lights on the patio, Nick told Devon that the launch was a huge success, and Adam brought up the New Hope tie in in his opening speech. Devon was sorry he missed the party. Nick understood Devon had a lot going on after delivering a baby. He called Devon a hero.

At the hospital, Mariah asked Abby if there was news on Stitch. There wasn’t, but Abby didn’t think he’d risk coming back here, now that he had Max with him. Tessa said he’d better not, if he knew what was good for him. Mariah was on edge, and Abby assured her that Devon hired extra security for the house, so she’d be safe. “And Dominic will be too,” Mariah said. Later, Abby was out of the room. Mariah was anxious about leaving. She felt safe here in the hospital, with Bowie right down the hall. When they left, she’d have to remember to call him Dominic. Tessa knew it’d be difficult, but they were still living at the Chancellor house, so they’d be able to see the baby every day. Mariah felt better knowing he’d be close by so she could see and watch over him. Abby returned and said “The paperwork’s all taken care of. Now, let’s bring our baby boy home.”

The Chancellor mansion was decorated in baby blue for Dominic’s arrival. Victor asked Sharon how Mariah was doing, and Sharon admitted it’d been rough. Victor vowed that what Mariah did for Abby wouldn’t be forgotten. Nina and Ashley arrived together. They were grateful their grandson was alive after what Stitch put him through. Nina wished she could talk to Chance. Victor wished he were here to welcome his son home. Nina knew Chance would want them to have a joyous and memorable homecoming for Abby, the baby and Mariah. Victor welcomed Ashley to the grandparents’ club. Devon came with a lot of gifts, but he didn’t plan to stay, because he didn’t want to crowd Abby and Mariah on their special day. Sharon thought Devon should stay, because it was a special moment for him too. Abby, Dominic, Mariah and Tessa arrived. Abby introduced Dominic to his grandparents. The others watched from a distance, and Mariah tried to put on a brave face. Later, everyone sat down in the living room, and Devon gave Mariah credit for protecting Dominic. This sparked a discussion about what Mariah had been through. Ashley said it wasn’t like the Ben Rayburn she knew. Nina asked if Mariah had any idea why Ben held her captive. Mariah didn’t know, and she seemed uncomfortable, so Tessa said she was taking her outside for air. They left. Ashley and Nina thought Mariah was strong and courageous. Sharon was proud of Mariah, but she said they couldn’t disregard the severity of what she’d been through.

In the park, Mariah confided in Tessa that she couldn’t seem to let go. She was just supposed to be an incubator, a carrier, and it was supposed to be simple to just walk away. Tessa thought it made sense for Mariah to struggle after everything she’d been through. Mariah agreed and said maybe, if she weren’t locked away with Bowie… Dominic, fighting to survive, she wouldn’t have this connection. But she was locked away, and she did have that connection. Tessa thought that was natural. “I was literally his only lifeline, and he was mine. We needed each other to survive. And I think Dominic feels that too,” Mariah stated.

Ashley, Nina and Devon watched Abby walk around rocking her baby. “No one is ever gonna take you from me again,” she said.

Billy ran into Victoria at Crimson Lights and told her she missed a doozy of a party. She observed that he didn’t have any bruises. He said he’d behaved, but there was a new troublemaker in town who wasn’t afraid to take on the big dogs. He brought Victoria up to speed. She thought Adam and Sally deserved one another, and she laughed about Phyllis dousing Sally with ice water. For the first time, she was siding with Phyllis, because of what Sally did to Summer. She didn’t regret missing the party, because she spent quality time with their children. He said Nick told him that she missed the party because Ashland had a hard time after chemotherapy. He hoped Ashland was okay. She noted that he was going full steam ahead on this story, which was supposed to be about Tara, but the investigation had zeroed in on Ashland instead. She said that he professed to be supportive, but he was focusing on Ashland, and not the criminal, Tara. He said he’d always support her and the children. She appreciated that, but she said Ashland wasn’t the enemy. Victoria knew Billy would overplay anything negative that his reporters turned up. Billy stated that Ashland was hiding something big, and he thought Victoria sensed it too.

Billy told Victoria to be honest – how much did she really know about Ashland’s past, particularly his early business days. “So, it was you digging around in Ashland’s past. Lily wouldn’t admit it outright,” she said. Victoria snapped that if you dug in anyone’s past long enough, you’d find someone willing to trash them. He thought there were legitimate questions about how Ashland paid for those TV stations and the nature of his relationship with that older wealthy mentor. “Stay out of Ashland’s life. Stay out of our lives,” Victoria ordered. She walked out as Billy questioned her about what Ashland was hiding. Nick came inside and asked what that was about. Billy thought he hit a nerve.

Billy said he questioned Victoria until she stormed out. Nick said his sister didn’t like to be challenged. Billy thought Victoria was more worried about Ashland than she wanted to admit. Nick said that Victoria might be annoyed with Billy prying. Billy noted that Victoria didn’t know where Ashland got the money to buy the station. Nick suggested the mentor gave it to him. Billy was skeptical about an off-the-books deathbed favor. Nick said Billy had nothing besides this deep desire to find something damning on Ashland. Billy was adamant that this was about protecting his children, not jealousy. He was sure that Victoria could take Ashland on with her hands tied behind her back, as long as she had the facts. Billy was arguing his point when Victor walked in and said this was none of Billy’s business. Billy thought they were on the same page here, but Victor doubted that. Victor heard from an employee that Billy was sneaking around his private suite last night. He said not to do it again. Billy told Nick to think about what he said, and he left. “You didn’t want Billy to know that I was the one who told you about the break in,” Nick stated. Victor said no, because he needed information from Billy’s sources, and he didn’t want to cut that off. Nick knew Billy would do everything he could to prevent Ashland from hurting Victoria. He added that, so far, Billy seemed open to keeping him in the loop. Victor couldn’t stand Billy, but they couldn’t afford to lose access to the information that he was gathering. Nick said that Billy’s investigators hadn’t found anything Victor’s hadn’t, so far. Victor decided not to destroy ChancComm until he found out what he wanted to know about Ashland Locke. Nick was okay playing the double agent, getting information from Billy and taking it back to Victor. There was something about Ashland that Victor didn’t trust, and he wanted all the information before the wedding, if there was a wedding.

Ashland bumped into Nate at Society and told him that the supplements were helping. To repay the favor, Ashland wrote a large check. Victoria told him that Nikki was helping Nate fund raise for a hospital wing. “Consider this half a wing,” Ashland said. Nate appreciated the generosity, but he hoped Ashland didn’t think he treated him in hopes of getting money. Ashland still wanted to repay Nate’s kindness. Nate wanted to at least give Ashland a proper pitch on how the hospital would use the new wing. Ashland suggested they discuss it over drinks with the women in their lives, and Nate accepted. Victoria walked in as Nate was leaving.

Victoria told Ashland she’d had a run in with Billy. She then praised Ashland’s generous donation to Memorial and wished that everyone could see this side of him. He only cared what she saw in him. She said that if Billy knew about this, he might see Ashland differently. Victoria mentioned that Billy kept questioning how Ashland bought the news stations to start his career. She asked if there was anything he wasn’t telling her, something Billy might dig up and use against him. She assured him he could be honest with her. As the daughter of Victor Newman, there was nothing that Ashland could say that would shock her. She hoped he knew he could trust her. He did trust her. He’d been ruthless, but he never broke the law, and he defied Billy and anyone else to prove otherwise.

Adam was on a jog through the park, but he stopped when he saw Sally bending over, lacing her shoes. She turned around and saw him. She was awkward, and he told her to relax. She couldn’t, because after that kiss, which he said couldn’t happen again, she was wondering what he thought of her. He claimed that he thought the awkwardness was because she got into it with Phyllis. Sally maintained that Phyllis deserved to get a drink thrown in her face. He said the night was a success, even with the side of drama. He assured Sally that they were good. Chloe walked up and overheard Sally ask Adam to dinner. She didn’t approve.

Chloe walked up and said hi to Sally and Adam. Deciding Chloe should hear it from her, Sally revealed that she got into it with Phyllis. Chloe wasn’t surprised. Smirking, Adam gave Chloe the details. Chloe thought that Adam should’ve kept an eye on Sally and Phyllis to make sure this didn’t happen. He commented that she could always find a reason to blame him. Chloe asked what kind of damage control they’d need to do, and Sally said, fortunately, the press didn’t know about this, and no one posted a video online. She credited Adam’s PR management, but he said it was mostly dumb luck. He told Chloe to ask Sally about the idea she came up with last night at the launch. He left. Chloe had a sense of what Sally’s idea was.

Sally didn’t know what Chloe was insinuating, but she insisted that nothing happened between her and Adam last night. Chloe saw the pictures of Sally arriving on Adam’s arm. Sally said it was innocent, but Chloe said there was no such thing where Adam was concerned. She noted that Sally played with fire, even after all the warnings, and she asked how far it went. Sally admitted she and Adam shared an impulsive kiss that didn’t go further. Chloe was glad Sally hit the brakes. Sally clarified that she initiated the kiss, and Adam stopped it because he said he was toxic. Sally thought the fact that Adam acknowledged he had a problem signaled growth. Chloe said Adam was uniquely diabolical, and no matter how strong Sally thought he was, he’d find a way to wreck her. Sally contended that she held her own against Phyllis, which she thought meant she could deal with difficult people. Chloe praised healthy relationships instead of being with difficult people. Sally thought that sounded a little boring. Chloe realized Sally wouldn’t take her advice on this. Chloe said that life for Adam’s son Connor hadn’t been easy, and he still thought his parents were in a relationship, so whatever connection Sally thought she had with Adam, it would get harder before it got easier.

Adam and Sally ran into each other again at The Grand Phoenix. He’d had a meeting, and he hoped she didn’t think he was stalking her. It never crossed her mind. She was there to change at the gym, since it was closer than going home. Plus, she’d take any opportunity to tick Phyllis off. Sally shifted gears. Her job was important, so she thought she and Adam should hit the reset button and act like the kiss never happened. Adam assumed Chloe had something to do with this. Sally stated that she took Chloe’s repeated warnings about Adam with a grain of salt until today. She mentioned what Chloe said about Connor. Sally didn’t want to hurt Adam’s little boy. Adam said Connor always came first, and that was a big reason why he put the brakes on with Sally. He guessed that meant she was rescinding her dinner invitation, but she said it could be a working dinner. He thought about it and agreed. Chelsea called, so he stepped away to take it.

Elena looked over her contract at ChancComm. She mentioned to Lily that Newman Media tried to offer her a job. Lily couldn’t believe they’d tried to poach Elena, and she said she guessed the competition had begun. Lily grumbled about how low Newman Media stooped. Elena said it was fine, she was signing this contract, and she didn’t entertain Victor’s offer. Lily promised Elena’s loyalty would be repaid. Elena admired Lily for stepping into this high powered position with poise and grace. Elena was curious about something, but then she decided not to be intrusive, because Lily was her boss. Lily said she was off the clock, and they were going to go out and have girl talk.

Lily and Elena went to the Crimson Lights Patio. Lily said the best part was being able to give jobs to some of the women she was in prison with and seeing them turn their lives around. She was grateful to be able to be part of that. Elena couldn’t imagine how hard that was for Lily. Lily said the hardest part was not seeing her family. Her family was together again. She hoped her kids would come home, and she was glad Devon and Nate made peace. Elena felt guilty about her part in that. Lily said Elena played a large part in helping them reconcile, and she was glad Elena was part of the family. Elena said that they sort of had a baby in the family. Having gone through the surrogacy thing, herself, she really believed everything would be fine.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

The party continued at The Grand Phoenix. Nick had just witnessed Jack drying Phyllis with a handkerchief. He looked at Phyllis, with her wet hair and makeup running down her face, and asked what was going on. Phyllis excused herself to prepare for the presentation. Nick turned to Jack, who’d been standing with them, and asked what happened.

Phyllis gave her team instructions through the headset. Victor approached and brought up the spectacle she made with Sally. Phyllis noted that Sally threw a drink in her face. He asked Phyllis to kindly refrain from any other antics. She couldn’t be responsible for who Adam escorted here. She said Sally was trouble. Victor told Phyllis to behave. He didn’t want to regret having his party here. She thought he should regret hiring Sally. He noted that Phyllis threw ice water on Sally. He enjoyed the spectacle, and he said to let him deal with Sally. Phyllis thought he should deal with Adam too because Sally and Adam were a match made in hell.

Elena returned to Nate after her patient was stabilized.

Lily asked Billy if he was going to let Nick stop him from getting the scoop before the launch. Billy thought they should launch themselves out of this dud of a party. He didn’t find anything during his snooping, and it made him wonder if this launch was all smoke and mirrors. She thought that he wanted to leave because he was bummed out by all the positive buzz Newman Media was getting. She said they could still try and outmaneuver Newman Media. He was nauseated by watching everyone from Newman Media pat each other on the back. He was dying of boredom, and he wanted to go to Society. she said if he died of boredom he couldn’t participate in what she had planned later.

Adam and Sally shared a passionate kiss in the suite. He asked where that came from. She thought, instead of questioning it, they should follow their impulse and see where this lead. He told her it’d be a massively bad idea. She tried to entice him into another kiss and asked if it would actually be a good idea. He admitted it was both, but the bad outweighed the good. She asked if it was because he was her boss. He said that was another good reason they shouldn’t do this. His main reason for putting on the brakes was that he was toxic. She suggested he was exaggerating, but he was serious. He felt attracted to her, but whenever he acted on that impulse with people, he left a wake of destruction behind. She strongly disagreed that this would be a mistake, but since this was an important night for him, she wouldn’t argue. She admitted that her own romantic track record was toxic too. He was clear that this was not a reflection on her. She thought it was a shame, because it could’ve been pretty spectacular. He said that this way it could stay spectacular in their imaginations.

Downstairs, Jack told Nick that Phyllis and Sally should be kept apart for the rest of the night, or the rest of their lives. Nick was no fan of Sally’s. Jack couldn’t defend her either. They saw Sally and Adam return, and Sally went out to get fresh air. Across the room, Nick said he was trying to make sense out of that pair. Jack didn’t question it – to each their own.

Nikki congratulated Nate on his promotion. Elena proudly said that he’d be a brilliant chief of surgery. She mentioned his idea to expand the hospital’s surgical wing. Nikki was all for that happening. She said she still had her granddaughter because of that surgical department. As Victor walked up, Nate mentioned that Elena was the new face of AskMDNow. Victor was disappointed because Adam was planning to ask Elena to be the chief medical journalist at Newman Media. Victor said that if Elena hadn’t signed a contract with ChancComm, she could jump ship for a far more successful media company. Elena was flattered, but while she didn’t sign the contract, she gave ChancComm her word, and she wouldn’t go back on that. Victor admired the loyalty. Nikki and Victor went off to mingle. Nate was impressed. Not many people had the guts to turn Victor Newman down flat. Elena said she wasn’t going to abandon Lily and go to a competitor – what kind of person did that? She felt good about being wanted though. He said he wanted her too.

Victor told Adam that his girlfriend, or date almost ruined tonight’s festivities. Adam said it was under control. Media companies thrived on headlines, even when they created some scandalous ones. Victor wanted headlines about the successful debut of the company. Adam promised they’d come out like champions. Victor stated that it was Adam’s night. Adam asked everyone to join him in the ballroom to witness the rise of the next generation of media companies. Victor looked at Billy. Everyone but Billy and Lily followed Adam. She said she’d go, because she understood he wanted to skip this part. She left, and he ordered a scotch.

Phyllis was in the lounge making sure things went smoothly in the ballroom. Nick came up. He said Jack had her back and wouldn’t say much. He still wanted to know what happened. Phyllis admitted she may have provoked things by telling Sally that she wasn’t welcome and that she should leave town. Which might have provoked Sally into throwing a drink, which lead Phyllis to empty an ice bucket over Sally’s head. Phyllis claimed she regretted her actions, but when Nick asked if she really did, she admitted she felt awesome about drenching Sally in ice water. He asked how Jack got involved. Phyllis said Sally was coming at her, so Phyllis lunged for Sally, but Jack and Adam held them back. Nick understood Phyllis’s animosity toward Sally, but he thought she should let it go because Sally wasn’t going anywhere. He was as angry as Phyllis was at what Sally did to Summer, but it didn’t do any good to keep kicking the hornet’s nest. Phyllis conceded that was a good point.

Phyllis gestured toward Billy at the bar and said that was a sad sight. Since Nick had promised Victor he’d keep an eye on Billy, he guessed that was his cue. Phyllis was sorry if she embarrassed Nick. She’d try and move on. He told her to try and stay dry the rest of the night. She got back to work, and Nick went up and asked what Billy was doing. Billy didn’t want to hear Adam droning on about how successful Newman Media was going to be. While Billy wasn’t looking, Nick put some cherries in his drink and walked away. Billy grabbed his glass to take the last sip, but changed his mind when he saw the cherries.

In the ballroom, Victor announced that they were starting a whole new enterprise. He introduced the CEO of Newman Media, his son, Adam. After a round of applause, Adam took the stage. Adam said Newman Media was going to be successful due to the power and strength of family. Victor tried to teach him that for years, and it finally sunk in. They’d be doing charitable work with his brother’s New Hope organization. One day, he hoped to bring his son into the business. They had a lot of new and exciting outlets and platforms in store. Newman Media was coming out swinging, Adam said, as Victor proudly watched from the sidelines.

Later, Elena and Lily went to the lounge. Lily hated to admit it, but Adam put on a surprisingly good speech. Elena wondered if he’d turned the corner. Elena mentioned Devon and Amanda were supposed to be at the party. Lily said they decided not to come because Amanda was leaving in the morning for a trip with her mom and sister. Elena said Devon had been so heroic in Chance’s absence and he’d gone above and beyond to save Mariah and deliver Dominic.

Elena went to Nate, and Billy joined Lily. She told him that Adam and Victor didn’t mention the competition, ChancComm included. She said Adam made it clear he was planning to expand Newman Media. She swore he glanced her way when he said that. Billy said that if Adam came after them, they’d do everything they could to protect their assets. She sensed that Victor wasn’t pleased when Adam mentioned adding on more entities. That excited Billy, because he knew Victor wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to go after ChancComm, so that must mean Adam and Victor weren’t on the same page.

Billy went to Adam and Victor and congratulated them on Newman Media getting through the night nearly scandal-free. “Who asked you to come over here and talk to us? By the way you look like three sheets to the wind,” Victor said. Adam thought everyone would agree that the launch was a grand slam, but Billy said they’d see what happened tomorrow when it was time to actually run the company. Billy said ChancComm was ready for whatever Newman Media had planned. Adam suggested that Billy was paranoid. Billy said he wasn’t paranoid; he didn’t trust Victor. He suggested they talk with Phyllis to schedule their going out of business party. Victor told Billy he’d always be a pain in the ass and wished him a nice evening. The Newmans walked away, and Lily joined Billy to ask what happened. He said he went to congratulate them, and it turned into posturing. He was ready for the after party. She’d rented them a suite since Victoria had the kids tonight. She thought it felt sentimental being back here. She’d rented his old suite because that was where they’d first made love. They went upstairs.

Phyllis asked Jack what he thought. He’d never sing Victor’s praises, but he was happy for Adam and wanted him to thrive. Jack also thought all of Phyllis’s hard work really showed. She hoped the rest of the night overshadowed the dust up earlier, and she thanked him for not letting it go any further. He joked that he couldn’t bear the idea of losing more champagne, but she said it would’ve been worth it. Across the room, Nick watched Phyllis and Jack laughing.

Phyllis and Nick went up to her room. She wondered why she took the bait and let that little girl get to her. The last thing she needed was another scandal at her hotel. He didn’t think she should blame herself. Sally was a button pusher. He thought she should be proud of herself for not letting t things get too out of control. She asked if he was still going to pamper her, and he said yes, as soon as she lost the headset. She pretended she was talking with security and told Nick that they wanted him to take off his tie and jacket. Once he did, they kissed.

Jack went home and poured a drink. He pulled out the handkerchief that he’d used to dry Phyllis off after her encounter with Sally. He smiled while holding the handkerchief, then he looked concerned.

At their home, Nikki congratulated Victor on a successful launch. He thought so too, but he was still troubled by Adam flirting with whatever her name was. Nikki said it was Sally Spectra, who couldn’t be trusted after what she did to Summer. Nikki said they’d have to keep an eye on her. They both enjoyed Phyllis pouring ice water on Sally.

Nate walked Elena into Crimson Lights. He teased that Victor only invited him as the plus one of the hot new talent. She couldn’t believe she was so in demand. He was glad he wasn’t the only one who saw how amazing and special she was. She thought it was cool that Nikki offered to help him fund raise for the hospital expansion. She said they were on a lucky streak, and she didn’t want to jinx it. He didn’t think they could. She invited him upstairs. She had tomorrow off, so she could sleep in. he liked the sound of that, and he said he could change his schedule tomorrow.

Adam and Sally were at Society. She thanked him for being so understanding about what happened with Phyllis. She said Victor didn’t seem too pleased. He told her not to worry about his dad, who had bigger fish to flatten. He asked what she thought about the speeches. She said he was a born leader, and he’d proven himself quite the visionary. She had to get home, and she said, despite his warning, she’d probably dream about what might’ve been between them tonight. He watched her leave.

Tessa was playing her guitar in the Chancellor living room when Abby walked in wanting to talk about Mariah. She was worried Mariah would have lasting emotional scars from being held against her will. Tessa was concerned too, but Mariah was resilient enough to get through this -they just had to support her. Abby asked if Mariah had opened up to Tessa. Tessa planned to talk to Sharon about Mariah getting treatment, but Tessa hoped Mariah just needed some time. Abby was going to go see Dominic. Tessa wanted to come along so she could be there when Mariah woke up. She had a surprise for Abby – a lullaby for the baby. Abby was excited to hear it now. Tessa said it needed fine tuning, but she played it.

“My baby needs to live!,” Mariah screamed as she woke up from her nightmare in the hospital. A nurse came and said it was time for Dominic’s feeding. Mariah had already pumped milk, but she asked if it would be okay for her to feed him. The nurse brought the baby in. Tessa’s song played over a scene with Mariah taking the baby into her arms and lovingly feeding him. The song was about waiting all your life to meet a baby and a promise to keep them safe. Back at the house, the song brought tears to Abby’s eyes.

Mariah told the baby that she probably wouldn’t have made it out of there if it weren’t for him. She’d never forget that he’d kept her sane. It felt so different holding him in her arms than it did when he was inside her. She couldn’t believe how natural it felt. She shared a secret with the baby. “I wish I could breastfeed you. But I can’t. It’s in the contract I signed. Don’t worry, okay. That’s my milk. That’s my milk that you’re eating right now,” she said. She promised it would make him strong and healthy. “My sweet precious little Bowie.” Just after this, Tessa and Abby walked in and stopped short when they saw Mariah feeding the baby. Mariah apologized to Abby and said he was hungry. Abby said it was okay if he needed to be fed. Abby wanted to finish the feeding, but Mariah held up an empty bottle. Tessa mentioned that Abby liked the lullaby. Abby said she’d burp the baby, and Mariah handed him over, but she looked uncomfortable with Abby cooing over him and calling him her little Dominic. Mariah looked at Tessa with a strained smile.
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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At The Grand Phoenix, Adam and Sally acknowledged that their entrance got everyone’s attention. She suggested they greet the coordinator, Phyllis, and he said to lead the way. Adam thanked Phyllis for the handling the festivities – it was a big night for Newman Media. Phyllis thanked Adam for the huge mound of cash he gave her to throw the party. She was glad about all the publicity it brought the hotel. Jack wished Adam success in his new venture, then he greeted Sally. Phyllis didn’t think success was in the cards for the couple. She noted that she’d just told Jack that Adam and Sally would destroy each other, so she told them to have fun while it lasted. Adam and Sally smiled, and Adam said they would. They walked away. Jack asked if that was necessary, and Phyllis said it was. Billy joined Phyllis and Jack, and commented that Adam and Sally’s entrance was obnoxious. Jack said there would be no trouble as long as everyone was on their best behavior. Phyllis and Billy both asked if Jack was talking to them. He said he was talking to both of them.

Across the room, Nikki wondered whose buttons Adam was trying to push by bringing Sally. Victor didn’t know Adam was bringing anyone, and Victor didn’t think he would’ve approved of this. Nikki informed Victor that Victoria and Ashland weren’t coming because he had a rough time after his second round of chemo. At this point, Adam brought Sally over and introduced her to Victor. Victor introduced Nikki, who crisply stated that she and Sally had met. Adam was sorry Ashland wasn’t well. Sally was pleased to be part of the Newman team. Adam predicted this would be an extraordinary night. Victor hoped so. He said it was nice meeting Sally.

Victor and Nikki were talking alone, and he said he didn’t know if Victoria would’ve come even if Ashland felt well. Nikki thought that was because Victoria was upset Victor was investigating Ashland. Victor said it was because Victoria and Adam had a contentious relationship. He was disappointed Victoria didn’t attend, because this party was an opportunity for her and Adam to put their differences aside. Nikki understood that Victor wanted that, but she wasn’t sure Adam and Victoria were interested in reconciling, and she couldn’t blame Victoria for that. Victor said Nikki couldn’t blame him for hoping. Nikki pointed out that he could breathe easy that Adam and Victoria wouldn’t clash tonight. Victor thought Billy might cause trouble. Jack made his way to Victor and Nikki and congratulated him on the successful launch. Jack then brought up his great nephew/Victor’s grandson, Dominic. Victor agreed that Abby’s baby was worth celebrating. Victor wanted Ben to be brought to justice, but he wouldn’t let that spoil the party. Jack couldn’t wait to see Newman Media’s presentation; he was sure Victor and Adam had something planned that would wow the media world. “You know we do,” Victor replied. He excused himself to the ballroom. Nikki asked if Billy had something up his sleeve. As far as Jack knew, there was nothing to worry about.

Nate was with Lily and Nick. He admitted he was surprised he and Elena were invited to a Newman Media event. Lily thought it was because Victor appreciated what Nate did for the family at the hospital. Nick said everyone was grateful for what Nate did for Faith after the accident and the kidney transplant. Nick mentioned Nate’s work at AskMDNow, and Nate revealed that he quit. Lily said Elena took the job, and Nick thought that was perfect. Nate hoped Elena made it back in time to celebrate tonight.

Adam and Sally were off by themselves. She was disappointed that Victoria wasn’t coming. She’d hoped to talk her way into designing Victoria’s wedding dress. Adam didn’t think that would happen, since Victoria wouldn’t forgive what Sally did to Summer. He said his sister held a grudge better than everyone in the family. Sally thought Adam underestimated her. Adam was glad Victoria wasn’t coming, given her distaste for him. He looked over at Billy and said he wasn’t worried about Billy or ChancComm. Sally was curious about the feud between them. Adam was surprised she didn’t know. She said she did read the hit job ChancComm did on him, so she knew a bit about the death of Billy and Chloe’s daughter. Adam said it was a devastating accident, and he handled it terribly. Sally asked how Adam and Chloe were able to be in the same building. While Adam didn’t think Chloe would ever trust him, she had let go of her hatred. He said Billy couldn’t let go of it – he was filled with pain and anger, and he always would be. Sally was sorry for everyone involved. Adam suggested he’d tell Sally more about it, but that was a story for another day. Tonight was about fun.

Chloe called and let Adam know she couldn’t come because Miles had a fever. Sally offered to get Adam an appetizer. He wasn’t interested, so she said she was going go try them all and report back to him. She walked off, and Billy sidled up and thanked Adam for the invite. He was interested in seeing what Adam had up his sleeve. Adam knew Billy wanted to undermine the launch and steal his thunder, but that wasn’t going to happen. He had a headline – “Newman Media launch Sets Records and leaves ChancComm in the Dust.” Billy thought that headline belonged in the wood chipper. Billy said ChancComm wasn’t going to let their guard down. Adam noted that they had a truce, so this was just fair competition. Billy knew for a fact that Victor was going to go after them with an underhanded attack, because that was the only way a startup like Newman Media could do any damage to ChancComm. Adam didn’t think they were a startup – Newman Media started as Cyaxares. Billy said that was built by Ashland Locke, but Adam wouldn’t be able to live up to that standard. Unless, of course, Adam had Papa Bear run things from behind the scenes. Adam accused Billy of projecting his own insecurities. Adam added that if Newman Media went after ChancComm, they’d never see it coming. Adam told Billy to help himself to the champagne, and he walked off.

Lily joined Billy and said she could see the gauntlet being thrown from across the room. She asked what the score was. He thought it was a tie. He couldn’t tell if Adam was playing it straight or if he was going after ChancComm. Lily thought they should hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Billy was sure that Victor wasn’t going to give up. Lily thought it might be a good thing that Victor and Adam weren’t on the same page – friction at Newman Media might give ChancComm an edge. Billy decided to snoop around and figure out what Newman Media was going to announce – maybe scoop the story before the launch. Lily wanted the edge too, but she asked what Billy was going to do. He wouldn’t say, and he headed to the elevator.

Adam joined Jack, who questioned Adam’s choice in a date. Adam said there was no hidden agenda, and he and Sally weren’t dating. Jack didn’t judge, and he didn’t hold a grudge against Sally. He suggested that Adam’s mission to be the best person he could be would rub off on her. Perhaps Adam would be able to unlock the potential in Sally that Jack had been unable to. Adam clarified that he wasn’t trying to be anyone’s redemption story. He was just focused on work and on making Newman Media the only communications company in town that mattered.

Phyllis had a bad feeling when she saw Billy getting on the elevator. She told Nick things between Billy and Adam were venomous tonight, to which Nick replied that it was always like that. Phyllis sensed Billy was going to do something to disrupt the party. Nick recalled Victor saying the same thing. Nick didn’t think Billy was up to anything, though. Phyllis didn’t want Billy and Adam to get into it. Nick promised he wouldn’t let that happen. He vowed to protect Phyllis and her hotel. She kissed him and called him her hero, and she promised to reward him later. He went to see what Billy was doing. Sally joined Phyllis and mentioned that she and Nick seemed cozy. Phyllis said their relationship was stronger than Sally’s weak attempts to undermine them. Sally noted that Phyllis was with Jack earlier, and she said at some point, Nick wouldn’t be able to ignore that. Phyllis called Sally a sad little girl who didn’t know anything about her relationship with Nick. She continued that Sally couldn’t take it in LA, and she left with her tail between her legs, then she alienated Jack and Lauren. “Even though you tell yourself ‘Oh, this time it’s gonna work out,’ it’s not,” Phyllis said. She predicted that Sally was going to be alone, lonely, cold and sad. Phyllis walked off. Nikki and Nate were standing nearby, and they overheard what Phyllis said. Nikki had a satisfied smirk on her face.

Later, Phyllis mingled with Nate and asked where his girl was. He told her that Elena got called into work. He mentioned that Elena had been excited about having an opportunity to dress up. Phyllis thought Nate needed to step up his date game. He quipped that he and Elena would stop settling from renting rooms at Phyllis’s hotel. Phyllis said she could set up a special suite if he called her in advance – rose petals on the bed etc. Phyllis asked what Nate and Elena were into. He said they connected over being doctors. They worked long hours and didn’t have much time for anything else. Phyllis joked about setting up a room for them full of medical textbooks. Laughing, he admitted that, when she put it that way, he and Elena sounded dull. Phyllis said playing doctor was kind of fun. She promised to put something together for them.

Upstairs, Billy spotted Crystal, the hotel manager, exiting the room Adam and Victor were storing things in for the announcement. He pretended Mr. Newman had sent him to retrieve something from the room, but he forgot his key. Crystal couldn’t let someone in there without Mr. Newman’s permission. Her boss was a stickler for these things. Billy said he and Phyllis went way back, and she wouldn’t mind at all. Time was of the essence, and he really needed to get this file and take it to Mr. Newman. He said if she wanted, she could go downstairs and interrupt the very important conversation that the Newmans were in. Crystal relented and let Billy into the room. Nick showed up and caught Billy logging onto a laptop. After a brief attempt to lie, Billy admitted he was spying. He didn’t think Nick should be upset, since they both despised Adam. Nick gave Adam a second chance after he saved Faith’s life. . Plus he wanted Newman Media to be successful because they were a major investor in New Hope. This night also meant a lot to Victor. He told Billy to stop doing what he was doing.

Back downstairs, Jack wondered where his brother was. Lily got his mind off it by asking him how his trip to Milan went.

Sally approached Nikki and tried to chit chat. Nikki replied with a smile and in a friendly tone that did not match her words. “After our last conversation, I don’t understand why you think I would be interested in anything you have to say,” Nikki stated. While Nikki had differences with Phyllis, she wished Phyllis had succeeded in driving Sally out of town. Phyllis appeared. Nikki said no one in the room wanted Sally here, besides Adam, who was likely using her because he knew she was nothing but trouble. “I highly doubt that he takes you seriously in any way. It was lovely talking to you,” Nikki said, then she walked away. Phyllis walked over to Sally and noted that Nikki didn’t mince words. Sally said she didn’t either, and if Phyllis stuck around, she’d hear plenty. Phyllis assumed Sally regretted coming. On the contrary, Sally was pleased to be here with her handsome date representing the company she worked for. Phyllis said Adam would tire of Sally and kick her to the curb. Sally asked if that was what happened to Phyllis. Phyllis said not at all. Phyllis stated that she and Sally weren’t the same. Sally was glad about that. Phyllis asserted that she was a respected businesswoman and Sally was the town pariah. “The Newmans and the Abbotts don’t want you here. Go home! Leave, Phyllis snarled. Sally told Phyllis to go to hell, and she threw a drink in her face, just as Adam walked up. Phyllis emptied an ice bucket over Sally’s head. Everyone else stared in shock. Phyllis and Sally were about to fight, but Jack grabbed Phyllis, and Adam restrained Sally. Sally protested that Phyllis started it. Phyllis said she’d end it. Adam pulled Sally out of the room, telling her not to let Phyllis bait her. They boarded one elevator as Nick and Billy exited another. Nick told Billy no more James Bond stuff. “We’ll see,” he replied. They were confused because they’d seen that Sally was all wet, and across the room, they saw Jack using his handkerchief to tab at Phyllis’s face. Lily eagerly gestured for Billy to join her. Laughing, she told him what just happened. She asked how his hunting expedition went, and he said Nick ran in and stopped him. Lily asked if Billy was really giving up or if that was just what he lead Nick to believe. Phyllis couldn’t believe she let Sally get to her. Jack said Sally had a talent for that. Nick came up and asked what he missed.

Adam took Sally to the room where Billy was earlier and got her a towel. He asked if she was okay, and she snapped that she was not. She was having a nice time until she was attacked by that low class spiteful hypocritical bully. “She kept coming at me, what was I supposed to do?,” he asked. He thought it seemed like a proportional response. He didn’t know how he’d top that moment, maybe he’d have to give his speech naked. She said that would get her attention. She was really sorry, but he said he thought the party needed to be livened up, and he liked her fire. She pulled him into a deep kiss.

Devon came to pick up Amanda for the party, but she’d forgotten all about it. Michael had called and said that he was reinstating the charges against Sutton. She said her grandfather was finally going to face a jury for the murder of her father. She was so grateful for this and for her improved relationship with Naya. She, Naya and Imani were going to take a short trip to bond as a family. With the trial on the horizon, she felt that the long painful journey had finally come to an end. Amanda noted that she and Devon had a lot of life-altering changes lately – he’d brought a new life into the world. He showed off pictures of Dominic, and she thought the baby was adorable. She looked up and took in the way Devon looked at the photos.

Amanda assumed Devon must be overwhelmed with emotion after everything that happened with Mariah, Abby and the baby. He said he was just glad things worked out for Abby and Chance. Amanda told Devon it was okay to admit it was more complicated than that. He changed the subject and said they had to get to the party, but she urged him to unburden himself to her. Devon knew that he’d get to play an integral role in Dominic’s life, so he didn’t understand why he was having these feelings. Amanda said Devon had a biological connection to the child, and that was a powerful bond. Devon felt that bond the second the baby came into the world, and knowing that other people would raise him was harder than he’d thought it would be. It also made him remember how he felt when he and Hilary were expecting a child. He didn’t know how to describe the feeling of thinking you were going to be a father, only to have it taken from you in an instant. He didn’t mean to be insensitive to Amanda after what happened to her father. She assured him it was okay. He felt an emptiness. He was trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he had a son, but he didn’t really have a son.

Devon didn’t regret stepping up for Abby and Chance. He knew what he was getting himself into. Calling Dominic his son didn’t feel right, because that was Abby and Chance’s baby. Amanda said it was okay to acknowledge, even if it was just with her, that Dominic was his son. She thought he felt guilty because his instinct was to be with Dominic, but he had to keep his distance. He thought that was exactly what it was, and he appreciated Amanda understanding. She suggested that he focus on the things he had given Dominic, like life. She thought that the open and inclusive way Abby, Devon, Mariah and Chance had gone into this was a gift. Dominic would never grow up wondering where his family was or who they were. When Amanda was growing up, she didn’t have anyone around her that resembled her. He said she did now, and she replied that it was incredible. He was having a hard time defining the role he’d have in Dominic’s life. She said he’d figure it out along the way. Devon vowed to be there for Dominic, no matter what. Amanda said she’d be there for Devon.

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