Category: Daytime

Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Rafe is tied up in the secret room of the DiMera tunnels. His phone lays nearby as Jada calls but he can’t reach it.

EJ prepares to head in to the tunnels with a tray of food but he’s stopped by a phone call from Belle, who says they didn’t get much of a chance to talk last night. EJ accuses her of stealing his job and asks what else there is to say.

Leo sits in his room at the Salem Inn, complaining about spending New Year’s alone. Leo then gets an alert on his laptop that the new Lady Whistleblower posted a new column, who writes about the mystery of their identity driving Leo mad.

Javi is at home when he gets an alert about Lady Whistleblower’s new column which he laughs at.

Chanel walks through the town square and answers the call. Johnny wasn’t sure she would answer. Chanel responds that she has nothing to say to him and hangs up. Chanel then turns around and sees Joy sitting in the town square, so she confronts her and says she has plenty to say to her. Chanel accuses Joy of pretending to be her friend, lying to her, and ruining her marriage. Chanel questions how the hell she lives with herself.

Leo goes to the Body and Soul studio and says he wasn’t expecting to see Johnny today. Johnny responds that he just missed Abe, who had the same thought. Leo wishes him a happy new year. Leo talks about having writer’s block and then coming across Lady Whistleblower’s column, which lit a fire under him to write a new story that they won’t spoil. Leo adds that he has an idea to run past Johnny. Leo suggests having Regan and Faith trapped together in a cave while they both fight to get back to the man they both love. Johnny responds that it’s definitely not going to work.

Joy assumes Johnny told Chanel everything which she confirms. Joy points out that they didn’t actually sleep together and swears that Johnny stopped it before anything happened because he loves Chanel like crazy. Joy asks if there’s any way Chanel could possibly forgive Johnny.

Belle wants EJ to know that she did not pursue the position and that Jada asked her to take it. EJ argues that she didn’t have to say yes but notes that she didn’t owe him her allegiance but feels Paulina and Jada betrayed him and conspired against him. Belle argues that Paulina was just making a change and that EJ will land on his feet like he always does. Belle suggests EJ accept the situation with grace and forget about the revenge and retribution. EJ asks what he could possibly do to Paulina or Jada as he looks over towards the tunnels.

Rafe struggles with being tied up as he tries to reach his phone. Rafe is able to accept Jada’s call with his foot and tries screaming despite being gagged.

Leo questions Johnny not thinking his story will work. Johnny tells him that Joy and Chanel won’t do it because of him.

Chanel tells Joy that it’s none of her damn business if she forgives Johnny. Joy says she cares about them both and that this only happened because of a misunderstanding between Chanel and Alex. Chanel calls Johnny an idiot for believing she would be unfaithful and not coming to her about it while instead hopping in bed with another woman and lying about it over and over again.

Marlena goes home and greets Belle. Belle mentions being at the DiMeras for New Year’s for Johnny and Chanel’s impromptu party which she calls a very strange little party as they ran out of food and the hosts disappeared. Belle adds that for her, it was very awkward because Paulina fired EJ yesterday and gave her his job which surprises Marlena.

Jada asks where Rafe is but EJ comes down to the room and hangs up the phone. EJ guesses Rafe’s phone fell out of his pocket when he dragged him down there, so it looks like he got there just in time. EJ tells Rafe that he can blame Arnold for telling him everything he didn’t want him to hear, so that he had to drag him down here. EJ tells Rafe that there’s no point in screaming because no one will be able to hear him. EJ removes Rafe’s gag, so he tries screaming for help anyways.

Javi goes to the living room and wishes Jada a happy new year. Javi says he’s off to the gym and asks if everything is okay. Jada says she hopes so as Rafe is away on a case for Black Patch which suddenly came up and he had to leave. Jada mentions that she just tried calling him and he picked up but didn’t say anything and the call just dropped. Javi suggests she try calling him again, but it goes straight to voicemail.

Chanel questions why Joy wasn’t upfront with her from the beginning, arguing that she befriended her, invited her in to her home and tried to look out for her. Chanel talks about knowing what it’s like to be the new girl in town. Joy argues that she didn’t ask her to look out for her and acknowledges that she’s been so kind to her. Chanel asks if she thought it would be easier to lie to her face than admit she climbed in to bed with her husband. Chanel adds that Joy let her keep inviting her over. Joy complains that she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Chanel says now she knows why she kept making excuses and remarks that Joy let her make a fool of herself over and over. Joy says she’s sorry but Chanel says she was only sorry that she was found out. Chanel adds that Johnny told her that she was afraid of losing her job at Body and Soul. Chanel accuses Joy of betraying a friend to protect her job which says a lot about her character.

Johnny informs Leo that he hooked up with Joy so he thinks Faith and Regan in an enclosed space would not be good. Leo questions how this could have happened when Chanel and Johnny were the epitome of a happy couple. Johnny says he thought so too and explains that this thing with Joy happened before she was cast, when he stupidly thought that Chanel was cheating on him with Alex. Johnny clarifies that he didn’t sleep with Joy as he stopped it before it got that far. Leo asks if it’s technically even cheating. Johnny says it doesn’t matter as he was half naked with another woman on a bed and lied about it for weeks. Johnny adds that when Chanel found out, she was livid and walked out. Johnny wishes he talked to Chanel instead of accusing her of something she didn’t do. Leo says he understands because the same thing just happened to him.

Jada leaves Rafe a voicemail to call her when he gets it. Javi tells Jada that they have to do something about the expression on her face and assures that Rafe is fine. Jada wishes she could talk to him. Javi asks about their wedding plans. Jada informs him that they decided to get married on Rafe’s birthday at the end of the month. Jada notes that they’ve both been married before so they figured on something modest. Javi argues that in their culture, a wedding is an excuse to party for days and offers to step in to plan the wedding. Javi encourages that this time they will get it right. Javi knows how busy they are and declares that with him at the helm, they won’t have to lift a finger.

Rafe continues screaming for help. EJ says he told him he’s wasting his breath. Rafe questions why bother gagging him if no one can hear him. EJ calls it a failsafe and a psychological factor. Rafe calls him a son of a bitch and demands to be untied but EJ says he can’t because he knows too much. Rafe talks about EJ faking Arnold’s death and shipping him out of the country before he could testify against him. EJ says he had no idea that Arnold would show up at his house and that he was getting him to leave before Rafe snuck back in to his home. EJ adds that when he came back and found Rafe knocked out, he had no other choice but to drag him down here. Rafe questions EJ saying it’s his fault that he kidnapped him. EJ argues that Rafe was trespassing on his property. Rafe warns EJ that he’s engaged to the police commissioner and believes she’s out looking for him now but EJ responds that he knows she is not.

Marlena is thrilled to learn that Belle is the new district attorney and hugs her. Marlena calls it well deserved and a great accomplishment which also means Belle will be in Salem a lot longer. Marlena asks how EJ is taking it. Belle admits things are going to be more uncomfortable between them but at least she won’t be bumping in to him every day. Marlena brings up that Belle will also be seeing a lot of Shawn. Belle confirms they talked and Shawn was very supportive, but admits she is working closely with Shawn because when they split up, she thought they would be on different continents and not seeing his face every day. Shawn then shows up at the door. Shawn apologizes for dropping by on New Year’s Day, but says he is pretty sure Belle will have a stack of cases when she goes to the office tomorrow, so he brought her a few cases that EJ refused to prosecute that he thinks she should re-evaluate.

Rafe realizes that Jada has no idea he’s missing because EJ replaced him with Arnold, just like last time. EJ informs Rafe that Arnold did kiss Jada at midnight on New Year’s, but nothing further. Rafe swears he could kill them both with his bare hands and asks where Arnold is now. EJ reveals that he sent him to a motel to lie low while he cleans up the mess. EJ explains that he told Jada that Rafe had to go on a Black Patch mission. Rafe asks about when Jada finds out from Steve that it’s all BS. EJ insists that she won’t. Rafe argues that EJ will run out of options and can’t keep him down here forever. Rafe offers to make EJ a deal, saying they could work together to take down Arnold for good this time.

Jada tells Javi it’s so kind of him. Javi says she will be family and wearing his mom’s ring. Jada still feels a little self conscious about the ring but Javi encourages her. Javi talks about loving weddings but feeling like it isn’t in the cards for him. Jada asks Javi about seeing Kerry. Javi says he’s great and he spent the holidays with him, but he’s not sure he is the one.

Leo tells Johnny about how he accused Javi of being Lady Whistleblower when he wasn’t and the impostor is still out there torturing him, while Javi wants nothing to do with him. Johnny says he’s sorry as that sucks. Johnny assumes that Leo has tried to apologizing which Leo confirms, but says Javi won’t accept. Leo adds it’s all moot now since Javi is seeing someone else. Leo encourages that won’t happen with he and Chanel, but Johnny is not optimistic.

Joy tells Chanel that it wasn’t just about the job and talks about how no one knew her here, so she didn’t want her first impression to be as the homewrecker and her mother would have killed her. Chanel admits that she’s done her share of stupid things, but she thought she was her friend and that’s not how you treat a friend. Joy agrees that makes it so much worse as she really likes Chanel and thinks she’s a great person. Joy admits there’s no excuse for what she did. Joy then reveals that EJ offered her money to leave town, which shocks Chanel. Joy says she should’ve gone while Chanel shouts that she wishes Joy never came in the first place. Joy apologizes but Chanel says that doesn’t make it any better. Chanel advises Joy to take the money and pretend this conversation never happened. Chanel declares that Joy is not a good person and she hopes she never sees her again as she storms off.

Leo encourages Johnny that Chanel will eventually forgive him. Leo says until then, he’ll do his best to keep Chanel and Joy apart as best as he can. Johnny thanks him but is sorry if that means he has to come up with a new story. Leo tells Johnny to hang in there as he goes to get coffee.

Jada asks Javi what makes him say that Kerry might not be the one. Javi wonders if anyone is really the one and guesses he’s just in a bad mood from a lame New Year’s Eve. Javi hopes he doesn’t run in to Leo at the gym and questions what he ever saw in him. Javi admits that he was smitten with Leo and thought they were compatible until Leo ruined it. Jada points out that Leo did apologize but Javi declares it’s too little, too late and they are done for good.

Belle asks Shawn about working on the holiday. Shawn says he told Jada that he would volunteer. Belle promises to do her best to make the charges stick in the cases. Shawn decides he’s intruded long enough. Marlena tells Shawn that he will always be a part of their family. Shawn thanks her and wishes them a happy new year as he exits. Marlena tells Belle that they both handled that very well and professionally, so she’s proud of her. Marlena thinks Shawn seemed very pleased that Belle is the new district attorney. Belle thinks it’s more that it’s not EJ. Marlena encourages her. Belle talks about knowing how to handle EJ and acknowledges that they had a thing in the past and that Sami wanted to murder her over it. Marlena advises Belle to be careful which she promises to do.

Rafe insists to EJ that they can work together to put Arnold away. Rafe promises not to say anything about EJ’s involvement as he just wants to go home and get Arnold off the streets. Rafe gives EJ his word, insisting that he can trust him. EJ says maybe he can trust him, but he can’t trust Arnold. EJ says even if Rafe kept his name out of it, he doesn’t think Arnold will. EJ then informs Rafe that Jada already got him fired and somehow convinced Paulina to replace him with Belle, so he has no doubt that Jada will take the first opportunity to put him away. Rafe insists that Jada won’t say anything and he will talk to her but EJ doesn’t believe she will listen. EJ tells Rafe that he’s sorry but he will have to stay put until he figures out what to do with him, so he urges him to eat.

Chanel goes to the Body and Soul studio and tells Johnny that she knows she had nothing to say to him, but she realized she does have something to say to him. Chanel then tells Johnny that she quits.

Leo finds Joy in the town square and says he wanted to give her a heads up about some rewrites in the show because he had to write her out of scenes with Chanel. Joy guesses he heard what happened which Leo confirms. Leo says it’s too bad they can’t harness it on screen. Joy worries about it ending up in Lady Whistleblower’s column. Leo gets up to walk away but runs in to Javi.

Rafe continues to struggle with being tied up.

EJ emerges from the tunnels with Rafe’s phone and deletes Jada’s voicemail. EJ uses Rafe’s phone to text Jada that he’s sorry about earlier as he couldn’t talk due to being super busy with the case and that he’ll be in touch soon. EJ decides that will shut Jada up for awhile.

At the police station, Jada gets the text from Rafe’s phone as Shawn arrives and asks if everything is okay. Jada informs him that she just got a text, allegedly from Rafe but she has a really weird feeling that it’s not really from him.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Stephanie has a dream about Alex, then wakes up in bed with Philip, who wishes her a happy New Year.

Alex and Joy wake up in bed together. They comment on it being a little awkward while Joy jokes that at least he’s not married.

Johnny goes to the Body and Soul studio and finds Abe there. Johnny wasn’t expecting to see anyone there on New Year’s Day. Abe says a producer’s day is never done and questions Johnny not being at home with his wife. Johnny responds that the problem is Chanel is gone.

Chanel surprises Paulina at home and tells her that she came from the guest room as she figured Paulina wouldn’t mind if she crashed there. Paulina questions her not being home with her husband. Chanel reveals that she left him. Paulina asks why she would do that and what happened. Paulina acknowledges their rough patch when Johnny thought Chanel was sleeping with Alex, but she thought they got past that. Chanel responds that she forgave Johnny for thinking that she cheated on him, only to find out that he cheated on her.

Johnny reveals to Abe that he cheated on Chanel and he feels awful about it. Johnny adds that Abe will be even more upset with him when he tells him who he cheated on her with.

Alex tells Joy that she doesn’t have to feel guilty since he’s not married. Joy asks if he’s sure about that as she’s wondering if there’s still something going on between he and Stephanie.

Stephanie wishes Philip a happy New Year as well and asks if he slept okay. Philip confirms he did after all the champagne, but guesses it didn’t work for her as she was tossing and turning just now. Philip guesses she was having a pretty intense dream. Stephanie claims not to remember what it was about. Philip wonders if she does remember, but doesn’t want to hurt his feelings by admitting that it was about Alex.

JJ and Gabi wake up in bed together. They both say they are glad JJ stayed and they kiss until they heard the sound of a plate crashing which Gabi questions what that was.

Paulina questions Chanel as to when Johnny cheated on her. Chanel explains that it was when Johnny thought she cheated on him with Alex and he thought he was getting revenge on her for something she didn’t even do, so she pretty much grabbed the first girl he saw and reveals that it was Joy Wesley.

Abe questions Johnny cheating on Chanel with Joy, an actress from their show. Johnny explains that Joy wasn’t on the show yet and hadn’t even auditioned yet as she was a complete stranger and he had no idea she would have any connection with Body and Soul. Johnny knows it’s no better but assures he did not use his position to take advantage of a cast member as it was a terrible coincidence, but he thought it was important that Abe know as executive producer. Abe appreciates his honesty and doesn’t think it will be an issue for HR. Johnny assures that it is completely over, but he’s just worried that his marriage is over too.

Alex assures Joy that she’s not stepping on anything between he and Stephanie. Alex comments that there hasn’t been anything between he and Stephanie in a long time. Joy points out that wasn’t really their choice after everything that happened on set. Alex says there’s a lot of other things that went down between them but that doesn’t matter anymore because Stephanie is actually seeing his cousin, Philip.

Stephanie questions Philip thinking she was dreaming about Alex. Philip calls it just a hunch. Stephanie then admits he was right that she was dreaming about Alex. Philip then declares that he made a huge mistake staying over. Philip thought he could help her get over Alex, but guesses that he was wrong and he failed. Philip gets out of bed while Stephanie asks if they can talk about this. Philip says there’s nothing to talk about as it’s obvious she’s not over Alex. Philip says he can tell by the look on her face when his name comes up. Philip says he’s realizing more and more that he was genuinely interested in her but he needs to get over that. Philip declares that he wants a relationship with Stephanie, so if she doesn’t want the same thing, they should just cut their losses and end this before it’s too late.

Joy senses that Alex is not too thrilled with Stephanie dating Philip. Alex claims that he’s fine with it and says it’s not surprising since they dated before and were even engaged at one point. Alex says that Philip is trying his best to get things back where they were before. Alex encourages Stephanie for whatever she wants. Joy questions what Alex wants.

Abe tells Johnny that Chanel must be furious about what happened but questions their marriage being over. Johnny talks about how hurt Chanel was, so he doesn’t think Chanel will ever be able to look at him the same or be able to forgive him. Abe says he’s so sorry for both of them. Johnny admits he was so stupid as he had himself convinced that Chanel and Alex were sleeping together and he was so focused on his anger and how betrayed he felt. Johnny says he was too cowardly to just confront Chanel like an adult or else he would’ve known nothing happened between them and he instead acted on his anger, but by the time he found out the truth, it was too late. Abe questions Johnny and Joy having already slept together by that point but Johnny clarifies that they didn’t sleep together.

Paulina questions Chanel about Johnny cheating on her with Joy. Chanel explains that it was before Joy was cast on Body and Soul, so they didn’t know who each other were at the time. Paulina can’t believe Johnny jumped in bed with a total stranger. Chanel explains that Johnny was mad because he thought she was sleeping with Alex, so they met at the bar and went back to her room at the Salem Inn. Chanel notes that Johnny said they didn’t sleep together. Paulina questions going back to her hotel room and not having sex. Chanel confirms that’s what Johnny said, so Paulina asks why she’s so upset then.

JJ and Gabi go to investigate the crash sound in the living room, only to find that it was Gabi’s cousin Javi. Gabi tells Javi that he scared them. Javi blames the mixing bowl being on the highest shelf and declares that he’s making his special New Year’s pancakes with champagne. Javi then introduces himself to JJ and says he’s seen his pictures. Javi jokes that JJ is even hotter in person. JJ thanks him. Javi thinks Gabi should be thanking him and remarks that it looks like they had fun last night. Javi suggests they all sit down and get to know each other better.

Chanel tells Paulina that she’s upset because Johnny did fool around with Joy. Paulina asks what exactly he did. Chanel guesses they started making out and took off all their clothes, then hopped in bed but basically stopped right before the point of no return. Chanel feels that’s still cheating and asks if Paulina doesn’t agree. Paulina assures that she does agree that Johnny never should’ve gotten himself in to that situation, but points out that Johnny did this because he thought Chanel was cheating on him. Chanel questions that making it all fair and that he was just evening out the score because Paulina was just upset as she was at first. Chanel feels it’s even worse that Johnny didn’t sleep with Joy because that means he knew what he was doing the whole time and he had such little faith in her that instead of just asking her about Alex, he goes to the bar and picks up a total stranger and comes this close to going all the way with her. Chanel declares that she is not going to forgive Johnny, he does not get another chance, and that she is done with him.

Johnny informs Abe that he stopped himself from sleeping with Joy at the last possible second. Abe suggests he was more clear headed than he thought then. Johnny responds that all he knows was that in that moment, he realized how much he loved Chanel and couldn’t bring himself to betray her. Johnny admits that he betrayed Chanel the second he walked in to Joy’s hotel room and now that Chanel knows what he did, she’s obviously disappointed in him, hurt, and angry. Johnny declares that he honestly doesn’t think Chanel even loves him anymore.

Stephanie tells Philip that she won’t deny she has some residual feelings for Alex, just like Philip does for Chloe. Stephanie points out that they talked last night about how they both want to move on with their lives, but it’s not like they can just forget the people who once meant something to them ever existed. Philip supposes that’s true. Stephanie declares that no matter how she felt or feels about Alex, he’s the past and Philip is the present. Stephanie tells Philip that she likes him, she likes talking to him, laughing with him, and just being around him, noting that she wouldn’t have asked him to stay over if she didn’t. Stephanie assures that last night really did mean something to her too. Stephanie promises to try to stop dreaming about Alex and asks if they can just have breakfast together which Philip agrees to.

Alex tells Joy that he and Stephanie had a lot of good times together, but when they hooked up on set, it really screwed things up for them. Alex adds that even if they weren’t working together, he highly doubts they’d ever be able to get back to where they were because of the basic incompatibility between them. Alex thinks Stephanie feels the exact same way, so maybe the policy that Kate put in effect is for the best as it makes sure that he and Stephanie move on which is what he’s trying to do. Alex questions if Joy doesn’t believe him but she says she does. Alex knows it’s extremely weird for her to lay in bed with someone talking about another woman. Joy decides they won’t talk about the other girl since he’s moving on, so they continue kissing instead.

Philip makes breakfast for he and Stephanie. Stephanie encourages Philip about being co-CEO of Titan and tells him that she believes in him. Philip thanks her and admits that he had doubts he could still do this, so it means a lot that she fully supports him.

Javi asks Gabi to tell him about last night. Gabi says if he wants to hear the details of their night, he has to cough up his first. Gabi asks if Javi went out with his new friend Kerry. Javi responds that Kerry is out of town with his family, so he spent the evening alone. Gabi says she’s sorry but points out that Javi wasn’t home when they got back. Javi says he went out by himself and admits it wasn’t fun, calling the whole night a bust but Gabi notes the look on his face. Gabi guesses that Javi is thinking about going back to Leo Stark. Javi insists that he’s not and that it’s over after Leo accused him of being Lady Whistleblower. Javi decides he’s going to change and go to the gym. Javi tells JJ it was great meeting him and reminds Gabi that she owes him details. Javi adds that maybe by the time he gets back, they’ll have more details.

Abe tells Johnny that he knows Chanel is upset with him right now, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love him and that she just needs time to deal with what happened. Johnny questions her just needing time. Abe encourages that time will help. Johnny insists that he’s willing to do whatever it takes. Johnny thanks Abe and admits that he wasn’t expecting him to be so charitable towards him. Abe acknowledges Johnny as his son in law and family. Abe assures that he doesn’t hate him, but notes that Paulina might be a tougher nut to crack.

Paulina tells Chanel that she could just kill Johnny for hurting her like this. Chanel asks if she gets it now. Paulina says she got it, but was just trying to give Johnny the benefit of the doubt. Paulina agrees with Chanel that there is no excuse for what Johnny did. Chanel appreciates her seeing it her way now. Chanel adds that the worst part is that after everything with Alex, she thought she and Johnny had gotten past that and their marriage was in a really good place but now she can’t even look at him. Paulina cries that she’s so sorry she has to go through this. Paulina declares that Johnny and Joy did her wrong. Paulina suggests Chanel take a shower and get dressed since it’s the first day of the new year and she will feel better after. Chanel agrees to go do that, but doubts she will feel any better.

Alex asks if Joy wants to go downstairs for breakfast. Joy says she needs to start learning her lines. Alex insists she needs a quick breakfast break but Joy worries that she has a ton of scenes tomorrow with Chanel and that Chanel has to know everything by now. Joy can’t imagine what’s going to happen when they see each other. Alex says it will be super uncomfortable, but reminds her that Johnny was married, not her, and he made her keep the secret from his wife. Alex feels that no matter what Joy did, she was in a no-win situation. Joy doesn’t think Chanel will want to hear it from her. Alex says Chanel is tough, but he’s not worried because Joy is too.

Gabi and JJ have breakfast while Gabi congratulates JJ on surviving Javi. JJ decides he should get going and get dressed as he’s sure she has things to do today. Gabi informs him that her staff forced her to take the week off, so she actually doesn’t. JJ notes that he doesn’t start at the police department until tomorrow, so they agree to spend the day together.

Philip tells Stephanie that he looks forward to more opportunities to cook for her in the future, but he needs to get to the office and bets Xander is already there, looking for any excuse to point out that he’s not working. Stephanie says she should get to work as well and catch up on what she missed over the holidays. They agree to having dinner later. Stephanie walks Philip out and they kiss right as Alex begins coming home and stops around the corner. Stephanie and Philip both say they had a great time last night. Philip then turns around and greets Alex. Philip hopes he enjoyed his New Year’s Eve. Alex says he did and thanks him. Philip and Stephanie say they did too. Philip tells Stephanie that he will see her later and walks away. Stephanie and Alex wish each other a happy New Year.

Abe goes home. Paulina thought he’d be in the office all day. Abe says he intended to but he needed to talk to her after he saw Johnny. Paulina informs him that she knows everything as Chanel snuck in last night and slept in the guest room, so she gave her every detail about what happened between Johnny and Joy. Abe notes that Johnny does feel horrible about what happened. Paulina responds that he should and that she doesn’t see Chanel forgiving him anytime soon.

Johnny remains at the studio and looks at his wedding ring. Johnny pulls out his phone and calls Chanel.

Chanel walks through the town square and answers the call. Johnny wasn’t sure she would answer. Chanel responds that she has nothing to say to him and hangs up. Chanel then turns around and sees Joy sitting in the town square, so she confronts her.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

JJ and Gabi talk about having fun at the DiMera Mansion. JJ notes that Gabi has been keeping her distance from EJ. Gabi says she plans to let EJ know what a colossal loser he is at midnight. Gabi and JJ talk about having a crappy year. JJ says he’s grateful for everything Gabi did to try to help them find Abigail. Gabi says he doesn’t have to keep saying that. JJ tells Gabi that he’s really glad he gets to start the new year with her. Philip and Belle have champagne. Philip asks Belle how she’s doing. Belle says she’s alright but it’s hard not to be thinking about Shawn since it’s the first New Year’s she has spent as a single woman in a long time. Philip encourages her and they toast to the good old days and even better new ones. Alex asks Stephanie where her date is since it’s almost midnight. Stephanie points out Philip and asks where Alex is. Alex responds that Joy seems to have disappeared. Stephanie mentions not seeing Johnny or Chanel either. Gabi calls everyone’s attention for the countdown to the ball dropping. Arnold kisses Jada and JJ kisses Gabi at midnight. Alex wishes Stephanie a happy new year and walks away as Philip comes over and apologizes for missing the big moment. Philip asks for a do over as he and Stephanie kiss while Alex watches uncomfortably. EJ angrily shakes his head at Arnold kissing Jada and drinks his champagne. EJ looks over at JJ and Gabi kissing. Belle comes over and wishes EJ a happy new year. Belle jokes that aside from Alex’s date missing, they are the odd ones out. EJ suggests they could change that but Belle thinks that wouldn’t be a good idea based on their history. EJ argues that he was just going to give her a respectful friendly kiss, which Belle allows on the cheek. Alex looks around for Joy, wondering where the hell she is.

Johnny brings Joy to his room. Joy asks what he wants when it’s going to be midnight soon. Johnny questions why Joy came tonight. Joy argues that his wife invited them and she’s not easy to say no to. Johnny complains that they have to figure something out because it’s very stressful having her there. Joy argues that it’s stressful for her to have to pretend to be having fun and worries about if Chanel knew what happened between them, right as Chanel appears in the doorway and backs out after hearing her. Chanel then walks in and tells Joy to spill the tea and tell her what happened between her and her husband.

Alex watches on as Stephanie and Philip continue kissing. Alex then interrupts and suggests they get a room. Stephanie apologizes and Philip guesses they forgot where they were. Belle pours more champagne while EJ declines a refill. Belle walks away while EJ complains about Arnold. EJ approaches them and says he needs to tear “Rafe” away since Johnny and Chanel have disappeared, while he needs help bringing out the rest of the food. Arnold kisses Jada and says he’ll be right back as EJ takes him to the kitchen. Philip questions Alex standing all alone and what happened to Joy.

Johnny tells Chanel that he thought she was downstairs. Chanel explains that it was almost midnight and she couldn’t find him, so she guesses he lost track of time. Johnny says they should get back downstairs to the party but Chanel tells him that he already missed the countdown. Chanel declares that she’s not going anywhere until they tell her what the hell they were talking about. Joy claims that there was misunderstanding and she was just talking about one of the scripts and her character. Chanel tells Joy not to insult her intelligence and have the decency to tell her the truth. Johnny tells Joy that he needs to speak to Chanel alone, so Joy exits. Chanel then demands Johnny start talking and asks what is going on. Johnny explains that this whole thing started when he thought she was cheating on him with Alex, but he was wrong and so jealous, angry, and hurt. Johnny admits that he went to drown his sorrows at the Small Bar which is the night he met Joy. Chanel argues that she was there when they met on set. Johnny clarifies that they just acted like they didn’t know each other. Johnny tells her that when Joy walked in to the bar, he had no idea who she was, why she was in Salem, or how long she would be there and they just started talking, so he confided in her that his wife was cheating on him. Chanel questions him telling that to a complete stranger. Johnny says she was going on about her horrible day, so he just blurted it out and then it all came out. Johnny adds that Joy was sympathetic to his story but couldn’t understand why he hadn’t confronted Chanel. Johnny knows he should’ve talked to Chanel and wishes he had, so he wouldn’t have made the biggest mistake of his life.

Alex tells Philip that he has no idea what happened to Joy as she disappeared on him. Joy then returns to the room in a rush. Alex asks if everything is alright. Joy claims she’s just peachy. Philip tells Joy it’s great to see her and asks how her sister Chloe is. Joy questions why he cares when he dumped her ass. Joy then goes to get a refill of champagne. Stephanie guesses Joy is not Philip’s biggest fan. Philip notes that Joy and Chloe don’t always get along, but they are very protective of each other. Philip guesses that even though he and Chloe agreed it wasn’t working between them, he did the actual breaking up. JJ and Gabi come over as JJ wishes Stephanie a happy new year. Gabi comments on Philip worming his way back in to Titan and congratulates him. Philip asks if he doesn’t have to worry about her stealing it out from under him again. Gabi remarks that he’ll have to look a little closer to home for that and she’s quite happy at Gabi Chic. Gabi brings up when Philip tried to blackmail her out of her company. JJ suggests they go, so he and Gabi go to get their things while Philip tells Stephanie that he was just making conversation. Alex asks Joy where she was. Joy informs him that she was upstairs with Johnny and Chanel. Alex asks what happened. Joy responds that she will tell him all about it, but asks him to take her home first, so they exit together. Philip guesses they can’t wait to ring in the new year in private. Stephanie tells Philip that she wouldn’t mind leaving and suggests they call it a night, so they exit as well. Belle and Jada talk about Paulina’s generous offer. Jada tells Belle that everyone will be thrilled to find out that she’s the new district attorney. Belle says except EJ as she hasn’t had a chance to tell him yet and she feels he is going to be livid.

Outside of the living room. EJ complains to Arnold about him kissing Jada. Arnold calls EJ an idiot and asks what it would look like if he’s not kissing her on New Year’s Eve. EJ declares that’s as far as it goes and that he is not to sleep with Jada. Arnold asks why it matters. EJ argues that she cannot give consent, just like Arnold did with Sami. Arnold says that didn’t bother him then. EJ says his anger towards Sami clouded his judgment, the world has changed and his views have evolved. EJ calls Arnold the same disgusting pig he’s always been and warns that if Arnold continues to defy him, things will not end well for him. Gabi and JJ then come over to ask what is going on here.

Jada and Belle laugh together and then realize that everyone’s already gone home just after midnight. Belle guesses they are the only fun ones. Jada admits she wants to go home as her feet are killing her. Belle suggests they make a break for it but Jada says she has to wait for “Rafe” and wonders what is taking he and EJ so long.

Gabi questions why EJ is ripping in to “Rafe” while JJ says he heard something about things not ending well for him. EJ claims he was merely pointing out that Jada screwed Rafe out of a job and now came for his as she convinced Paulina to fire him earlier today. Gabi and JJ celebrate that but Gabi questions how it’s Rafe’s fault. Arnold says it’s okay as he can handle EJ. Gabi says she and JJ are going home and to tell Johnny and Chanel that they had a lovely evening as they exit. Arnold guesses that’s his cue to go as well since Jada wants to go home. EJ warns that he is not to go home with her so Arnold asks where he’s supposed to go. Jada then comes out and asks “Rafe” if he’s ready to go, but EJ says she can’t go home with him so Jada questions why the hell not.

Philip brings Stephanie home. She asks if he wants to watch TV or put on some music. She then offers to heat up dessert that her mom gave her. Philip stops her and asks her why she’s acting so weird. Stephanie questions how she’s acting weird, pointing out that it’s the new year and she wants them to have a good time. Philip asks if that’s all it is or if it’s also about Alex.

Alex brings Joy home, where Joy tells him that she assumes Chanel now knows the truth. Alex wonders if Johnny could have talked his way out of it but Joy says Chanel was determined to get answers, so she doesn’t think Johnny had any choice but to tell her everything.

Chanel asks Johnny what his big mistake was or if she should start guessing. Johnny admits that eventually, he and Joy went back to her hotel room where they kept talking and drinking as he flashes back to that night. Johnny then claims that they kissed and that’s all that happened but Chanel says he’s not getting off that easy as she wants every last detail, no matter how painful it is. Chanel tells Johnny to keep going, guessing they are just getting to the good part. Johnny reminds her that he honestly thought their marriage was over and he was desperately trying to get away from the pain and hurt he was feeling. Chanel feels he was trying to get back at her for her supposed betrayal. Johnny guesses that had something to do with it too. Johnny then admits that after they kissed, things went a little further. Johnny says that he stopped before it went all the way and left her room. Chanel questions him expecting her to believe they were half naked on her bed and didn’t have sex. Johnny says that’s the truth and hopes she will believe him. Chanel responds that she believes him so Johnny breathes a sigh of relief, but Chanel then slaps him.

Alex tells Joy that in a way, this is probably for the best that it’s all coming out. Joy says that’s easy for him to say since he won’t be receiving Chanel’s wrath. Alex points out that he kept the truth from her too. Joy knows that Alex just didn’t want her to get hurt. Alex says it’s too late for that but at least there’s no more secrets. Joy talks about how much she hated it and how nice Chanel was to her, but the days of Chanel liking her are certainly over. Alex feels she doesn’t know that for sure and suggests maybe it won’t get as ugly as they think since Joy and Johnny didn’t actually do the deed. Joy says they didn’t, but if she was Chanel, she’d still be super pissed.

Stephanie asks Philip why she would be acting weird because of Alex. Philip feels that Stephanie has been bothered ever since finding out Alex and Joy were going to the party together, like she still has a thing for him. Stephanie admits that maybe he’s right that she’s not entirely over Alex, but she wants to be. Philip calls that a start. Stephanie explains that they were together once and it ended badly, then eventually they started hanging out again but she could never figure out what either of them wanted from the relationship. Stephanie adds that they aren’t allowed to see each other anyway because of work. Philip asks if it wasn’t for work. Stephanie still doesn’t think they are right for each other. Stephanie admits that they had a connection, but ultimately they are not compatible so she should be happy that Alex is moving on with Joy and she wishes she could find a way to move on too.

Jada questions EJ as to why she can’t go home with Rafe. EJ claims that he just got a call from Steve to take a big job for Black Patch. Jada questions that being on New Year’s Eve and he has to leave now. Arnold says it’s top secret stuff and he apparently has no choice. Jada calls it very disappointing to not be able to spend the new year together. Jada asks how long he’ll be gone. Arnold admits he has no idea. Jada reminds him they are getting married at the end of the month and if he’ll be back before then. Arnold promises he wouldn’t miss that and he’ll be there, but for now, he better hit the road. Jada tells him to be careful out there and she loves him. Arnold hugs Jada and says he’ll see her soon as he then exits the mansion.

JJ brings Gabi home where they decide on leftover pizza. JJ can’t believe they ran out of food at the party while the hosts disappeared and EJ was acting stranger than usual. Gabi calls it bizarre but a DiMera affair, so it’s to be expected. JJ guesses she must be sorry that she agreed to go out with him tonight. Gabi says no way and that EJ was having a worse night, so that’s a win. Gabi adds that she also got an amazing kiss at midnight. JJ knows she’s just coming off a divorce and he doesn’t want to make things complicated so they can just call it a new year’s kiss between friends that doesn’t have to mean anything more than that. Gabi asks what if she wants it to mean more.

Joy tells Alex that she knows it’s selfish but she can’t stop thinking about how this is going to affect her and worries that she could get fired since Abe is Chanel’s stepfather. Alex reminds her that she’s on contract. Joy hopes Chanel won’t hold a grudge but Alex assures that she will from personal experience. Joy says she should’ve just taken the money when EJ offered it while now she could end up with nothing and go back to New York, proving her mother right that all she ever does is screw things up. Alex encourage that it’s not Joy’s fault. Joy points out that she somehow destroyed a marriage, so even if she keeps her job, everyone will hate her. Alex assures that he won’t hate her and thinks she’s very kind, funny, and hot. Joy doesn’t believe him, so Alex then kisses her.

Johnny thought Chanel said she believed him. Chanel says she believes he didn’t go all the way with Joy but infidelity can mean a lot of things and he was half naked with another woman, making out with her on her bed, so that’s still cheating. Johnny agrees that he totally betrayed her but insists that nothing like that ever happened again between he and Joy. Johnny adds that once Joy gave him back his wedding ring, he thought he would never see her again and then she got cast in Body and Soul which he assures he had nothing to do with. Johnny calls it a horrible coincidence and says he almost had a heart attack when Kate brought her on set. Johnny says Joy had no idea he worked on the show and they both agreed to keep their mouths shut. Chanel complains that all this time, she was working with the woman he almost slept with and he allowed her to make a fool of herself by trying to be her friend. Johnny apologizes and says he hated deceiving her but things got complicated and Joy was terrified of losing her job. Chanel asks who cares about Joy and argues that Johnny should’ve been honest with her. Chanel then realizes that Joy implied she was mistaken about her and Alex which means they didn’t sleep together and complains that Alex was in on it too. Johnny explains that Joy told Alex, so Alex got angry and came over to give him hell about it which is what they were arguing about when Chanel came home that day. Chanel then realizes that Johnny was covering his own ass by saying that Alex was the one who slept with Joy and just completely threw Alex under the bus. Johnny admits that he did. Chanel questions why Alex would agree to that. Johnny says Alex didn’t want her to get hurt and neither did he. Chanel complains that he just lied to her for months. Johnny argues that he wanted to tell her the truth so many times but he couldn’t bring himself to do it as their marriage was hanging on by a thread and he was terrified of losing her. Johnny tells Chanel that he is so sorry and knows that he messed up. Johnny cries that he’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to her if there is a way they can move past this. Chanel tells Johnny that there is no way that she can ever forgive him.

JJ asks if Gabi is saying she wants something more than just friendship. Gabi says she’s not necessarily looking to start a relationship, but she’s ready to explore the possibility. Gabi doesn’t know where this is going, but feels that old spark between them and asks if it’s just her. JJ assures that he feels it too, so Gabi asks JJ if he wants to spend the night which he accepts. JJ then takes Gabi’s hand and they head to her room.

Belle points out that it’s down to three while Jada says she should head out as she has a really busy day ahead. EJ remarks that he’s sure she’ll have to get her new district attorney up to speed and wishes best of luck to that unfortunate son of a bitch. Belle then informs EJ that she’s been trying to tell him that the unfortunate son of a bitch is her.

Philip tells Stephanie that he knows how she feels since he and Chloe are totally over, but he still thinks about her and what might have been. Stephanie says it can be hard letting go. Philip suggests they can help each other with that. Stephanie likes that idea. Philip then tells her that ever since their amazing midnight kiss, he’s been dying to kiss her again, so they begin kissing again and then they get up to head to the bedroom.

Alex apologizes to Joy for kissing her and says he shouldn’t have done that because she’s in a vulnerable place right now and he doesn’t want to take advantage of that, so he will see her at work. Joy stops him and asks him not to go, so they continue kissing. Alex begins removing his shirt as they kiss onto her bed.

Johnny tells Chanel that he knows he doesn’t deserve her forgiveness but begs for her forgiveness, swearing that he can fix this. Chanel says it’s too late and maybe if he told her from the beginning but he kept lying to her and even called her a cheating slut. Johnny wishes he could take all of this back. Chanel says he can’t and that he betrayed her in the worst possible way. Chanel declares that her heart is completely broken and she just needs to get away from him. Johnny asks her not to leave and says she can yell at him or hit him, but pleads with her to stay. Chanel tells Johnny to get out of her way. Johnny cries that he can’t lose her because he loves her too much. Chanel screams at him to get out of her way as she storms out.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Gabi and JJ bump in to each other in the town square. They talk and then JJ asks if she would like to ring in the new year together.

At the Body and Soul studio, Stephanie finishes a call as Philip arrives and says he knew she’d be working on New Year’s Eve. Stephanie responds that the soap world never rests. Philip says he just wanted to confirm their plans for New Year’s Eve as he made reservations at the Bistro. Stephanie says that sounds amazing, but she can’t go.

At the hospital, Joy and Alex talk about how intense their scenes were. Alex praises Joy for nailing it while Joy remarks that it helps that she’s no stranger to breaking up a happy couple. Chanel then joins them and asks what they are talking about.

Arnold goes to the Brady Pub to meet Jada and pretend to be Rafe. He asks about her big news. Jada starts to talk about the district attorney situation but stops to question him changing his clothes since Rafe was wearing something different when she went to work, so she asks why he changed.

EJ declares that the last day of the year has gone from bad to worse, so he hopes Arnold doesn’t screw things up worse than he already has as EJ prepares to drag Rafe’s body in to the underground tunnels and says they’ll see what happens to him after that.

Alex tells Chanel that they were just talking about the scenes they shot together. They talk about Joy’s character Reagan being pregnant. Chanel asks if they have plans tonight because Johnny wanted to do something just the two of them, but she convinced him that throwing a party would be more fun. Chanel says they are going to order food and watch the ball drop. Chanel asks if Joy is going to come up with some excuse, but she convinces Joy to come as long as Alex comes too. Chanel thought they were a one time thing. Joy says it was, but they are still on good terms. Chanel says she will see them both there then.

Gabi tells JJ that she would love to spend New Year’s with him and asks what he had in mind. JJ admits he hadn’t gotten that far, so Gabi decides they’ll figure it out together and says maybe there’s a party they can crash. Johnny then approaches and says they are welcome to crash their party.

Arnold claims to Jada that he changed clothes because he spilled coffee on himself. Jada says she hasn’t seen these clothes before. Arnold claims they are new since he didn’t have time to go back home, so he went to the mall. Arnold asks Jada about her big news again. Jada then informs him that EJ is out as district attorney. Arnold asks what happened. Jada responds that he got fired and it was kind of her idea.

EJ re-emerges from the tunnels, surprised to find Belle waiting in the living room. EJ questions how she got in. Belle tells him that Harold let her in and she was hoping they could talk. Belle asks if everything is okay since he’s out of breath and looked like he could’ve jumped out of his skin when he saw her, so she questions what he was doing down in the tunnels.

Chanel tells Joy and Alex that she will see them both later and exits the hospital. Joy tells Alex that it looks like they are both going to a New Year’s Eve party, but she wishes Chanel would stop inviting her to things. Alex wishes Johnny never told Chanel that they were together and admitted that he was the one that Joy hooked up with.

Gabi didn’t know Johnny was throwing a party. Johnny says they weren’t but Chanel wanted people over. Johnny hopes they can make it and says they miss having Gabi around the house, or he does anyway. Johnny adds that Gabi could bring Arianna too but Gabi says she stayed in Arizona with Will and Sonny. JJ hopes Arianna will be back home next year. Johnny knows Gabi has complicated feelings about the DiMera Mansion and some of the people who live in it, but he would love to see them tonight. Gabi says they will talk about it, but if they don’t see him later, they wish a Happy New Year. Johnny then walks off. JJ gets the vibe that Gabi doesn’t want to go to this party. Gabi says it’d be fun to party with the TV stars who were just ordinary Salemites a few months ago, but she doesn’t know if she ever wants to go to the DiMera Mansion again because it’s haunted.

Philip tells Stephanie that he thought they had plans tonight. Stephanie explains that she can’t go to the Bistro, but she still wants to spend the evening with him and guesses he didn’t get her message which he confirms. Stephanie tells him that Johnny and Chanel are throwing an impromptu party with the cast of Body and Soul, so she felt like she needed to be there to kind of chaperone. Stephanie talks about still trying to figure out who the new Lady Whistleblower is and if they show up looking for gossip, she needs to prevent another scandal. Stephanie adds that she didn’t know that Philip already made plans. Philip says it doesn’t matter and understands she has to work, so maybe they can meet up after. Stephanie responds that she was hoping he would come to the party with her. Philip questions going to the DiMera Mansion when EJ hates his guts. Stephanie understands if he’s uncomfortable, but admits she would love it if he would be her date.

Arnold questions it being Jada’s idea to give EJ the axe. Jada confirms she pitched it to Paulina and she went for it. Arnold asks who, so Jada says Paulina Price, the mayor. Arnold claims he just didn’t hear her right and says it is big news that she got EJ fired. Arnold asks how EJ took it. Jada says not well. Arnold laughs and says he had it coming. Jada didn’t expect him to be so giddy about it. Arnold says EJ had it coming since he’s a pompous ass. Arnold then asks who she found to replace him with. Jada responds that it’s someone very qualified, who EJ knows quite well actually.

EJ claims to Belle that he was just overseeing construction in the tunnels. Belle questions having construction workers down there on New Year’s Eve. EJ says if you pay them enough, they will work and claims he’s just having damage fixed from when Connie tried to blow up Gabi and Melinda. Belle jokes that then the DiMeras can hold more people captive down there which EJ laughs off. EJ tells her not to bother if she came all this way to gloat about getting Hattie released, because he was just fired. Belle says that she heard. EJ guesses good news travels fast and asks how she found out. Belle says that’s what she wanted to talk to him about.

Philip tells Stephanie that he would love to be her date. Stephanie asks if he’s sure about the DiMera Mansion. Philip says as long as she’s sure. Stephanie confirms that Chanel said she’s welcome to bring a plus one and asks about the money he spent reserving the Bistro. Philip suggests he’ll let his assistant take it. Stephanie asks if he really doesn’t mind. Philip says he’ll take a date with her instead of overpriced food. Philip tells her that it’s really great to be spending time with her again. Stephanie feels the same and decides she should get going to get changed for the party. Philip says to text him and he will come pick her up. Philip kisses her on the cheek and then exits.

Joy tells Alex that she’s really sorry that she and Johnny dragged him in to their mess. Alex says it’s fine. Joy offers to set the record straight but Alex says he doesn’t want to cause any more drama and he doesn’t want to hurt Chanel or Joy. Joy thanks him and admits that she hates lying like this too, but things would be so awkward at work if Chanel found out what happened between her and her husband. Joy ads that she would die if Chanel found out what happened.

JJ questions Gabi saying the DiMera Mansion is haunted. Gabi says for her, it’s haunted by the people who lived there like Stefan who left without saying goodbye or EJ who said horrible things about her character. JJ points out that he’s not EJ’s favorite person either and suggests they just go somewhere else. Gabi thanks him for understanding but says for them to just go to the damn party because she doesn’t want to run scared. Gabi adds that going back to the DiMera Mansion might help her exorcise the ghosts of her marriage and might stick it to EJ too.

Arnold tells Jada that it sounds like Paulina made a great decision as Belle would be an improvement over that oaf EJ, right as Johnny walks in to the Pub. Johnny comes over and questions calling EJ an oaf. Jada apologizes and says they didn’t see him. Johnny asks if it would’ve mattered if they did. Arnold says he won’t insult EJ in front of his son. Johnny says it’s okay and brings up Rafe doing private investigator work for EJ. Jada questions him working for EJ and says he didn’t mention that. Arnold claims he didn’t have the chance since it just happened but it probably won’t work out anyway. Johnny suggests maybe if they break bread together tonight, it might help smooth things over a bit. Johnny explains that he and Chanel are throwing a New Year’s Eve party tonight, so they’d love it if they would join them. Jada starts to decline but Arnold says they would love to. Jada questions that but Arnold says he loves parties. Johnny says he has to grab some food from the kitchen and will see them soon as he walks away. Jada asks if he’s out of his mind. Arnold points out it’s free food and booze. Jada reminds him that she can’t go to EJ’s house after she just got him fired.

Belle tells EJ that they’ve had their court room clashes, but she’s not here to gloat over his misfortune. Chanel interrupts and tells EJ that she needs to talk to him, revealing that she and Johnny decided to throw an impromptu New Year’s Eve party tonight. EJ says he would have liked to have been consulted first. Chanel asks if it will be a problem. EJ says it’s been a taxing day and he’s already sent the staff home. Chanel says they won’t need staff as it will just be a few people from work watching the ball drop and it will be no big deal. EJ asks about food. Chanel says Johnny already got Roman to cater from the Pub. Chanel offers to go down to the wine cellar but EJ stops her and says she can’t do that.

JJ goes to pick up Gabi and tells her it’s her last chance to bail on the DiMera Mansion since there’s plenty of places to go downtown. Gabi thanks him but says the more she thinks about it, the more she wants to do it as she can’t wait to walk in and see EJ squirm.

Chanel asks EJ why she can’t go in to the tunnels. EJ claims that because of the construction, it’s not safe. Belle points out that he was just down there. EJ says he got a stern talking to from the construction workers. Chanel asks how else to get the champagne. EJ says he’ll take care of it and will call the contractor. EJ tells Chanel to go get ready and he will have the champagne waiting. Chanel then invites Belle to stay and hang out for the party but Belle declines. Chanel asks if she has other plans. Belle says it’s late and she’s not dressed for a party. Chanel says she can borrow something from her and pleads with her to stay as they really want her to which EJ agrees with. Chanel tells Belle that she will pick out somethin from her closet and she can come up when she’s ready. Belle asks EJ why Chanel makes it so hard to say no to her. EJ says she has a talent for that. Belle tries again to tell EJ about her job but EJ stops her and says he would first like to clear the air between them. Belle says that’s not necessary but EJ feels it is. EJ says he’s not a fan of her as a work rival but that’s now over and he’s still fond of her as a person. EJ tells Belle that after her divorce from Shawn, she deserves to start anew on the new year. Belle says that’s very nice of him to say and she knows he went through a very painful divorce this past year too. EJ suggests since they are both recently single, they should go as each others’ dates for New Year’s Eve and jokes about not telling Sami.

Jada questions what “Rafe” was thinking as he had to know it would be a nightmare for her to go to the DiMera’s party. Arnold says he was just thinking it’d be a good way to extend an olive branch or rub it in EJ’s face a little bit. Jada worries about it being tense and awkward to start the new year. Arnold says he wants to go to the party to show her off and he knows they will have a good time. Arnold promises if she’s miserable, they will leave before midnight. Jada guesses they already told Johnny they would go. Arnold promises it will be fun. Jada highly doubts that but decides they should get going and get ready, so they exit the Pub.

Stephanie gets dressed at home until Philip shows up to pick her up. Philip tells her that she looks great but Stephanie complains that she can’t find her shoes. Philip asks if he’s early. Stephanie says she just texted him soon, thinking she could get ready quicker. She then finds her shoes and they exit together. They run in to Alex entering his apartment. Alex wishes them a happy new year and congratulates Philip on it all working out. Alex brings up that Philip just told him the other day that he hoped things would progress between them and it looks like they have. Stephanie tells Alex that they are going to Johnny and Chanel’s party. Alex says he is too, so Philip offers a ride but Alex says he still has to pick up Joy which Stephanie questions. Alex says he and Joy are going together and says he’ll see them there as he walks away.

Johnny joins Chanel in their room and tells her the food is all ready. Johnny tells her that he invited Gabi, JJ, Jada, and Rafe while Chanel informs him that she also invited Belle, Alex, and Joy. Johnny is surprised and says he assumed Joy would have had other plans tonight. Chanel says she didn’t mention any. Johnny thought it was weird between Joy and Alex but Chanel says it was a one time thing and they are fine now. Johnny says he’s happy to hear that. Chanel tells Johnny to take a shower because people will be there soon. Johnny removes his shirt and points out that they have a few minutes. Chanel points out that she already showered but Johnny says she can take another with him as they begin kissing.

Arnold and Jada go to the DiMera Mansion. Jada stops outside and asks him to remind her why they are there. Arnold assures that everything will be fine and says he’ll go in, check it out, and bring her some champagne. Arnold then heads inside. Stephanie and Philip arrive and greet Jada. Jada asks about them coming together which Stephanie confirms. Stephanie asks where Rafe is. Jada says he just went inside to grab them some champagne.

Arnold enters the living room where EJ is waiting. EJ questions where the hell he’s been. Arnold reminds him that he told him to go see Jada and then he went home to change. EJ questions him going home with Jada. Arnold says nothing happened yet but she did tell him that she got the mayor to fire EJ’s ass. EJ reminds Arnold that he’s the one person between him and a prison cell. Arnold warns that if he goes away, EJ does too. EJ says he can’t have him here. Arnold asks what he’s supposed to do since Jada is right outside the door. EJ calls this a nightmare. Jada then comes in with Stephanie and Philip. Jada greets EJ. EJ excitedly welcomes Stephanie and Philip. EJ then asks Arnold to help him with the champagne so they step aside. Jada comments on EJ’s look when he saw her. Jada still doesn’t know why Rafe told Johnny they would come. EJ questions what Arnold is doing. Arnold responds that he’s enjoying the New Year’s Eve party with Jada. EJ wants him to stay the hell away from her. Arnold points out that Rafe and Jada have a wedding to plan. EJ wants Arnold to plan his return to Argentina. Arnold question what EJ did with Rafe. EJ says he’s downstairs on ice so to speak. Arnold guesses EJ will have to deal with them after, but for now he’s going to enjoy the party. Gabi arrives and greets “Rafe”, noting that she didn’t know he would be there. Arnold tells her that he was invited by Johnny. Gabi guesses she just missed them at home as EJ comes over and questions who invited Gabi. Gabi responds that she was invited by Johnny, who has much better manners than him which Arnold laughs at. EJ sends Arnold to bring Jada her champagne. EJ tells Gabi that he’s surprised that she would want to attend a party here as he’s sure it would bring back awful memories of Stefan abandoning her. Gabi responds that she and her date are determined to enjoy the party and make new memories. JJ then joins Gabi and greets EJ. EJ asks if he needs to worry about JJ assaulting him again. JJ calls it water under the bridge and promises to keep his hands to himself tonight. Gabi jokes about not being hasty with that promise as they go to get a drink. Belle returns in a pink dress which impresses EJ, who says she looks radiant.

Johnny and Chanel come downstairs together. Johnny jokes that they could go back upstairs and spend the night under the covers. Chanel says EJ would kill them, especially since he didn’t seem too happy about the party in the first place. Johnny feels EJ needs to get used to interacting with people who make him uncomfortable. The doorbell then rings so Johnny answers the door to see Alex and Joy. Chanel invites them in and says the party is just getting started.

Belle tells Jada that she’s surprised to see her here. Belle notes that EJ doesn’t know that Paulina gave her his job and she tried to tell him but they kept getting interrupted. Belle assures that she is going to tell him, but she’s just waiting for the right time.

Alex steps out of the living room and asks if Joy is hiding out. Joy says she just needed some air. Alex offers to get her a drink. Joy gets a phone call from her mom and accepts Alex’s offer, so he goes to get her some champagne. Joy answers the call and wishes her mom a happy New Year, mentioning that she’s at a party at the DiMera Mansion so she will call her tomorrow. Joy hangs up and then Johnny comes over to ask if he can talk to her in private. Joy notes that Alex will be back soon but Johnny says it will just take a second, so they go upstairs together. Alex returns with champagne and wonders where Joy went. Chanel comes out and asks if he saw Johnny but Alex says he hasn’t. Chanel thought she saw him come this way and wonders where he could be since it’s almost midnight. Chanel decides to go check outside while Alex hopes that Johnny is not with Joy.

Stephanie and Jada talk about being done with new year’s resolutions. Jada sees that it’s almost midnight and goes to check on “Rafe”. Stephanie then bumps in to Alex, who accidentally spills champagne on her dress. JJ and Gabi talk about having fun. JJ notes that Gabi has been keeping her distance from EJ. Gabi says she plans to let EJ know what a colossal loser he is at midnight. Gabi and JJ talk about having a crappy year. JJ says he’s grateful for everything Gabi did to try to help them find Abigail. Gabi says he doesn’t have to keep saying that. JJ tells Gabi that he’s really glad he gets to start the new year with her. Philip and Belle have champagne. Philip asks Belle how she’s doing. Belle says she’s alright but it’s hard not to be thinking about Shawn since it’s the first New Year’s she has spent as a single woman in a long time. Philip encourages her and they toast to the good old days and even better new ones. Alex asks Stephanie where her date is since it’s almost midnight. Stephanie points out Philip and asks where Alex is. Alex responds that Joy seems to have disappeared. Stephanie mentions not seeing Johnny or Chanel either. Gabi calls everyone’s attention for the countdown to the ball dropping. Arnold kisses Jada and JJ kisses Gabi at midnight. Alex wishes Stephanie a happy new year and walks away as Philip comes over and apologizes for missing the big moment. Philip asks for a do over as he and Stephanie kiss while Alex watches uncomfortably. EJ angrily shakes his head at Arnold kissing Jada and drinks his champagne.

Johnny brings Joy to his room. Joy asks what he wants when it’s going to be midnight soon. Johnny questions why Joy came tonight. Joy argues that his wife invited them and she’s not easy to say no to. Johnny complains that they have to figure something out because it’s very stressful having her there. Joy argues that it’s stressful for her to have to pretend to be having fun and worries about if Chanel knew what happened between them, right as Chanel appears in the doorway and backs out after hearing her.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page