At the hospital, Willow was surprised when she saw Drew. Drew explained that there had been an issue with Monica’s medication, so he’d offered to straighten things out. He changed the subject and asked if Willow had recovered from their “little elevator adventure.” Before Willow could reply, Elizabeth walked up and greeted both Drew and Willow. Drew thanked Elizabeth for her help with Monica’s medication, and Elizabeth assured him that the pharmacy had regretted the error.
After Drew left, Elizabeth and Willow chatted. Elizabeth admitted that she missed working with Willow, so Willow confessed that she felt the same.
In Kristina’s hospital room, Kristina was resting and lost in thought when Willow entered. Willow worried that she might have disturbed Kristina’s sleep, but Kristina admitted that she preferred being awake because she saw her daughter in her dreams. Tears filled Kristina’s eyes as she explained how difficult it was waking up only to realize that her daughter was gone. Willow reminded Kristina that Kristina was still in shock and sedated.
Kristina knew Willow had suffered the same loss, so she asked if time truly healed the pain. “I mean, did time really help you forget how horrible it was to lose your baby?” Kristina asked. Willow admitted that it hadn’t, but the passage of time had helped make it easier to remember her son without falling apart. Kristina shared that she sometimes still felt her daughter kick, so Willow explained that she had experienced something similar when she had felt the phantom weight of her son in her arms.
Kristina confessed that she knew everyone tried to find the words to make things better for her, but nothing helped. She asked if anyone had actually said anything to Willow that had made Willow feel better. Willow explained that there had been people who had helped her by sitting with her and letting her be sad. Kristina nodded as she wiped away her tears. When Willow noticed that the I.V. in Kristina’s arm had been tugging, she offered to help adjust it.
After Kristina agreed, Willow pulled on a pair of gloves and adjusted the I.V. As Willow finished up, she and Kristina talked about what it was like to be a nurse. The conversation appeared to have struck a chord with Willow.
After Willow left Kristina’s room, she found Elizabeth working at the nurses’ station. To Elizabeth’s surprise, Willow asked if the nursing department was still understaffed. “Always,” Elizabeth said. Pleased, Willow announced that she wanted to return to nursing. Willow explained that her visit with Kristina had made her realize that she’d made a big mistake by quitting nursing. Elizabeth reminded Willow that Willow had quit because Willow had wanted more time with her children.
Elizabeth also pointed out that Willow’s work with the foundation was important, but Willow shared that the job required more traveling than she had anticipated. Willow was adamant that she missed being a nurse. Elizabeth empathized because nursing had a way of winding its way into a person’s heart. Willow conceded that working for the donor registry hadn’t given her the same sense of fulfillment that nursing had. Willow assured Elizabeth that she would talk to Michael and Drew to get things sorted out, but Willow was certain it was the right decision. “In that case, welcome back,” Elizabeth said.
Elsewhere in the hospital, Brook Lynn caught up with Blaze and asked about Kristina. Blaze complained that everyone had gotten to see Kristina except Blaze. “And I’m her partner!” Blaze said. Brook Lynn was certain that Blaze would get to see Kristina soon, but Brook Lynn was eager to discuss the “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for Blaze to tour as the opening act for Miguel Morez. Brook Lynn acknowledged that the contract hadn’t been signed, but the tour would make Blaze an international star.
Blaze balked because she had intended to nurse Kristina through her recovery. Brook Lynn made it clear that joining the tour in a few months was not an option because they had to leave for Hong Kong later that night. Brook Lynn realized that it wasn’t great timing, but she assured Blaze that Kristina had people who would help her. “If you turn down this opportunity, Blaze, it’s not going to come around again,” Brook Lynn warned.
Later, Natalia arrived at the hospital and ran over to Brook Lynn. Natalia was overjoyed that Blaze had been invited to tour with Miguel Morez, and Natalia had taken the liberty of packing a few things for the trip. Brook Lynn broke the news that Blaze had decided to pass on the offer.
Meanwhile, Blaze visited with Kristina and opened up about how scared she’d been for Kristina. When Blaze mentioned that she was glad that Kristina was okay, Kristina quickly corrected her. “I’m not okay. My daughter is dead, and my life has completely fallen apart,” Kristina said as she fought back tears. Wanting to make amends, Blaze offered to run to the apartment to fetch Kristina something from home, but Kristina admitted that she was tired.
A short time later, Natalia knocked on Kristina’s door and entered. After apologizing for waking Kristina up, Natalia offered her condolences. When Kristina mentioned Blaze, Natalia seized the opportunity to tell Kristina about Blaze’s offer to tour with Miguel Morez. Natalia admitted that she didn’t have a right to ask Kristina for anything, but she tearfully begged Kristina to let Blaze go.
When Blaze returned with Kristina’s favorite blanket from home, Natalia was gone. However, Kristina told Blaze about Natalia’s visit and admitted that she agreed with Natalia. “You have to go, Blaze. You have to go on tour,” Kristina said.
At Metro Court’s restaurant, Brook Lynn was seated at the bar when Natalia walked up. Natalia apologized for the cryptic text message, but she explained that she had wanted to see Brook Lynn in person. Natalia asked if Brook Lynn had called Miguel Morez’s tour manager. “Not yet,” Brook Lynn said. “Good. Don’t,” Natalia told her.
At the cemetery, T.J. and Jordan stopped in front of a large tree and agreed that it was a good spot for the baby’s grave. Jordan liked the area because the tree would change with the seasons. T.J. suggested it would be a reminder that things grew and changed, and nothing lasted forever. “Even this pain,” he said. Jordan wished that she could take T.J.’s pain away, but she admitted that the spot was the most peaceful one they’d seen. “I think so, too,” T.J. said with a grateful smile.
T.J. thanked his mother for making the day more bearable for him, so Jordan gently asked about Molly’s absence. T.J. explained that he had called and sent text messages, but he had no idea where Molly was. Seconds later, Molly arrived. She assured T.J. that she had gotten there as soon as possible, but she pointed out that she hadn’t realized a visit to the cemetery had been on the day’s agenda. Jordan decided it was her cue to leave. After Jordan left, Molly apologized, but T.J. told her that he didn’t need her apology; he needed her input on the plot for their daughter. He added that it was the least that Molly could do.
“What does that mean?” Molly asked. T.J. accused Molly of pulling away and leaving him alone to grieve their daughter. Molly confessed that she was angry, but T.J. pointed out that they had to put their anger aside to do the things they were supposed to. “We already did everything we are supposed to do, and this is how we’ve been rewarded for it,” Molly cried. T.J. explained that they needed a service for their daughter and a reception to honor her, and they had to pick a casket, headstone, and burial plot.
Molly insisted it was too much to ask, but T.J. was unmoved. He reminded Molly that he was torn apart by the loss, too, but they had to do it for the baby. “And we need to start by giving our daughter a name,” T.J. said. He explained to Molly why the service was important to him, but Molly argued that it wouldn’t give them closure. She acknowledged that rituals were fine for some, but she need to take action. T.J. wondered what there was to do except to mourn for their child.
Molly revealed that she intended to make certain that Ava was punished to the fullest extent of the law. “That will be my ritual,” Molly said. T.J. warned Molly that it wouldn’t fix things at home because she would still be avoiding the room where the nursery had been. “I want us to be together,” T.J. assured Molly. He pointed out that they were going through something horrible, but not together.
Molly promised T.J. that she was there with him. As she stepped close to him, he wrapped his arms around her. Molly turned in his arms to look at the tree. “I think this is a beautiful place for our daughter,” she tearfully told him.
At Nina’s apartment, Maxie made a surprise visit, but she stopped short when she noticed two glasses and a bottle of wine on the table. Nina admitted that she was expecting Drew because Drew needed help refining his political platform. Skeptical, Maxie asked what was really going on, so Nina conceded that she hoped they could end the evening with a celebration and wine. Maxie warned Nina that it wasn’t a good idea, but Nina promised it was not what Maxie thought.
“Believe it or not, I’m doing it for Willow,” Nina blurted out. Realizing she’d said too much, Nina decided to fill Maxie in about Willow and Drew’s kiss on the Fourth of July. Maxie was shocked. Nina attributed the attraction to Willow’s gratitude for Drew’s heroic actions, which had saved Willow’s life, but Nina assured Maxie that it had been an isolated incident that Willow regretted. Maxie pointed out that not much could stop an attraction, but Nina revealed that she intended to keep Drew’s attention on her and away from Willow.
“Just so I have your plan clear, your solution to Willow’s inappropriate feelings for Drew is to throw yourself at him?” Maxie asked. Maxie warned Nina that it wasn’t the healthiest way to go about it, especially when the sex between Nina and Drew had initially been based on anger and hatred. Nina assured Maxie that things had changed, and the negative feelings she and Drew had once felt for each other were gone. Nina explained that there was a genuine attraction between her and Drew, and they enjoyed each other’s company.
Maxie conceded that Nina and Drew were consenting adults, but she was curious why Drew had kissed Willow. Nina suspected Drew loved seeing the man reflected in Willow’s eyes when Willow looked at him. According to Nina, Drew was a man who loved to be flattered, so Nina intended to be a different mirror. Nina was glad to do it, especially if it spared Willow from making a mistake. Maxie reminded Nina how things had improved between Nina and Willow, which Maxie feared might be undone if Willow learned about Nina’s plan.
Maxie warned Nina that Drew might not appreciate learning that Nina had spent time with him to keep him away from Willow. “In fact, he might think you’re using him,” Maxie said. Nina wasn’t worried because Nina and Drew used each other. Frustrated, Maxie advised Nina not to fall in love with Drew because Maxie would be forced to kill her. Nina admitted that she would do it herself if that happened. Moments later, Drew arrived.
After Maxie left, Drew and Nina sat down and discussed his campaign. Eventually, Nina poured some wine, and before long, she complimented his shirt. Drew smiled and told Nina that she looked nice, too. When Drew remarked that it was his first time at her place, Nina admitted that she preferred to keep her work and private lives separate. She tried to lighten the mood by letting him know that she didn’t invite just anyone over, but Drew seized the opening. “So, I’m not just anyone to you?” he asked.
“Absolutely not,” Nina admitted. She suggested that she and Drew were embarking on a different relationship—one of mutual regard. Drew and Nina shared a passionate kiss.
At Metro Court’s restaurant, Carly noticed an expensive bottle of wine on the bar. Trish explained that a guest had demanded to see the hotel’s owner when he had tried to order a bottle of wine they didn’t carry. Carly had no patience for obnoxious people because Donna was home, recovering from a trip to the hospital.
Nearby, Anna was alarmed when she received a text message. Moments later, Felicia arrived. Anna explained that she had to leave for a few minutes, but she promised to return.
Meanwhile, Carly was stunned when she knocked on the guest’s door, and Jack Brennan opened the it. Jack flashed her a charming smile and invited her inside. Carly was curious what Jack was doing in her hotel, but her eyes landed on the table, which had been elegantly set with a gourmet dinner for two. Jack snatched the bottle of wine out of Carly’s hand, poured a glass, and pulled out a chair as he asked her to join him for dinner. Carly assured him that he could have simply asked her to dinner instead of going through so much trouble.
“Where’s the fun in that?” Jack asked. Carly asked him about his release from Pentonville, but Jack would only reveal that mistakes had been made and rectified. When she asked how long he would be in town, Jack shared that he wasn’t on a business trip. “I’ll be staying in town,” Jack said. “What will you be doing?” Carly inquired. Before he could reply, there was a knock at the door.
Jack answered the door and found Anna glaring at him from the hallway. “What the hell is going on, Jack?” Anna demanded. She pushed past him as she revealed that she had just received a text message informing her of his new position. When Anna saw Carly, she advised Carly to leave, but Carly opted to stay. “How did you get assigned to Port Charles, of all places?” Anna asked Jack. Jack pointed out that Port Charles had attracted criminal enterprises so frequently that the WSB had decided to open a new field office.
“And every office needs a station chief,” Jack said. “You’re the new head of the WSB in Port Charles?” Carly asked. Jack claimed that he’d been honored to accept the position because he’d grown fond of the town. Anna was certain Jack had been the one who had convinced the committee to open the new field office. Carly decided it would be a good time for her to leave. Once they were alone, Anna asked what Jack’s agenda was.
Anna accused Jack of moving people around like chess pieces and even moving some people off the board. She wanted to know why. Jack claimed the new position had been a demotion, but he was confident that he and Anna would be able to coexist because the WSB and PCPD had similar objectives. Anna was curious what Jack’s interest in Carly was, but he told her that he simply wanted to be on good terms with the hotel’s owner, since he would be staying there. “It was you, wasn’t it? I knew it,” Anna said as she looked at Jack with a knowing expression.
In the restaurant, Carly stopped to greet Felicia. When Felicia mentioned that she was waiting for Anna, Carly revealed that she’d just left Anna in the middle of an intense conversation with Jack. Felicia was shocked when Carly told her about Jack’s new assignment.
In her hospital room, Kristina insisted that Blaze go on tour with Miguel Morez, but Blaze refused. Blaze said she couldn't just leave Kristina when Kristina needed her. Kristina countered that Blaze was a singer, and performing was her life. Blaze argued that there would be plenty of chances to tour, but Kristina pointed out that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Blaze shouldn't pass up.
Blaze asked why Kristina was pushing her away. Blaze explained that she had put her career first in the past, but she had found love and didn't want to lose it. "I'm not going to leave you alone to deal with this because I love you," Blaze said.
Kristina tearfully told Blaze that the baby had taken all the love Kristina had felt inside when she'd died, and Kristina felt empty. "I don't have anything left to give. Not even to you. I can't love anything or anyone right now," she said.
Blaze felt Kristina's grief was talking. Blaze wanted to see her through it, but Kristina said Blaze would eventually hate her for keeping Blaze from touring. "I'm telling you that you have to live your best life, and right now, your best life is not here with me," Kristina insisted.
Finally, Blaze agreed to go, but she reminded Kristina that she would only be a phone call away. Blaze didn't want to break things off, but Kristina said she couldn't put a timeline on her grief. In the end, Kristina and Blaze agreed to at least check in with one another.
After Blaze left, Molly stopped by to see her sister. Kristina asked how Molly was doing. Molly said that she had just been at the cemetery with T.J. She also mentioned that she had seen Ava in jail and had told Ava that Ava would pay for what she had done. Kristina told Molly that she was sure Ava wouldn't get away with anything.
Molly said she wasn't sure if the case against Ava was strong enough, but Kristina thought the photos would be all the proof they needed. When Kristina showed Molly the pictures Michael had sent her, Molly scrolled through them and zoomed in on Kristina angrily yelling at Ava while pointing her finger. Molly looked back at her sister and appeared to have a realization on her face that Kristina was more of an aggressor than Ava in the argument that had led to the fall.
When Natalia later dropped Blaze off at the airport, she told Blaze that she knew leaving Kristina was hard, but the tour would do wonders for Blaze's career. Before Blaze got out of the car, she told Natalia not to meet her in Hong Kong. "Kristina broke up with me, and now I am breaking up with you. You're fired," Blaze said.
When Brennan told Anna that he planned to stay at Metro Court on a long-term basis, she immediately knew he was the one who had deleted the evidence the FBI had against Carly. "It was you, wasn't it? I knew it," Anna said.
Brennan feigned confusion and asked Anna to be more specific, so she told him her theory about him allowing the recording of Carly to conveniently disappear. Brennan refused to confirm or deny Anna's accusation. Anna asked why Brennan would take such a risk to help Carly and what Brennan wanted from Ms. Spencer. "Don't the table and wine kinda give it away?" Brennan asked Anna rhetorically as he gestured to the wine and glasses in his room.
Anna wanted to know why Brennan had use such a romantic tactic on Carly, so Brennan explained that he enjoyed Carly's company and had no reason not to try. Anna wasn't sure if she believed Brennan's motives were innocent. "There is something big definitely in the works. Why else would the WSB open a station here?" Anna asked.
Brennan admitted that the WSB was up to something, but he didn't know what it was. "Right now, the bureau's hidden agenda remains hidden, even from me," Brennan said.
Anna found that hard to believe, so she sat down and poured herself a glass of wine to glean more information. Anna said she still believed that Brennan's arrest had just been a way for the WSB to distance itself from Pikeman. She even believed Valentin wasn't on the run but was, instead, under the WSB's protection. Anna soon got a mystery call and said she had to leave.
In the Metro Court restaurant, Carly was shocked to see John, Scott, and Ava walk in. Carly approached them and learned that Ava was ready to celebrate her freedom after being released on bail. Carly was incredulous that Ava would be celebrating anything after Kristina had nearly died and the baby she'd been carrying had died. "You just sail in here like you don't give a damn. I don't know why I'm surprised. You've never been capable of any shame," Carly said.
Ava tried defending herself, but Scott warned her not to say much else about the case until the trial. Carly also informed Ava that her room was a crime scene, so Ava would have to find somewhere else to live.
After Carly walked away, Ava, Scott, and John got a table and toasted their success in court. John had even testified that Ava wasn't a flight risk and that Ava was a witness in an FBI investigation. Carly was listening in and had a question. "If I were to contact the FBI, how surprised would they be about this ongoing investigation?" Carly asked.
Carly warned Ava that John was using her just as he had used Carly and Jason, because he only cared about sending Sonny to jail. John was shocked that Carly would question his integrity when she had just escaped RICO charges. Carly walked away, prompting Scott to also leave. Once they were alone, Ava told John not to let Carly get to him. Ava also told John that she feared her life was in danger.
John asked if Ava would ever tell him who had initially switched out Sonny's meds. Ava said she didn't know, but John had a hard time believing her. John was surprised to see Brennan walk into the restaurant and ask the hostess if she'd seen Carly. Right on cue, Carly arrived and agreed to let Brennan buy her a drink.
Back at John and Ava's table, John informed Ava that he planned to use the pharmacist as bait to trap Sonny.
Jason arrived at Sonny's penthouse with an update on Ava. Jason told Sonny that Ava had admitted that she'd known Sonny's meds had been replaced with placebos, but she wasn't the one who had replaced them. Jason said Ava had claimed to know who had done it, so Sonny asked if Jason believed her. "I haven't decided, but if she's telling the truth, that means you have another enemy," Jason said.
Sonny instructed Jason to go to the pharmacy and get the answers they were looking for. Sonny then got a call letting him know that Ava was out on bail. Sonny said he was pleased because "it makes it easier to even the score."
Sonny relayed Kristina's request to make Ava pay, but Jason gave Sonny the same response that Alexis had. Jason said Kristina was angry and wasn't thinking straight. Sonny countered that Kristina knew exactly what she was asking her father to do. Sonny worried that if Kristina had to sit through a trial, it would worsen her emotional state. "Kristina deserves peace," Sonny declared.
Jason was relieved to learn that Sonny didn't plan to make any moves yet because Sonny knew the cops were watching. Jason worried that Kristina would try to kill Ava herself, but Sonny didn't think so.
Just then, Anna arrived and warned Sonny that she would "come down on you with full force" if anything happened to Ava. Sonny said he understood. He claimed that his children's well-being was more of a priority than revenge on Ava. Once alone, Sonny told Jason he would use the photos of Ava and Kristina to help him gain full custody of Avery and send Ava to prison, where "bad things happen."
In the Quartermaine kitchen, Tracy helped Violet host a tea party for her stuffed animals. Violet commented that they were using the most beautiful tea set she had ever seen, so Tracy explained that it had once belonged to her mother, Lila. Tracy proceeded to tell Violet all about Lila, including how beautiful, down-to-earth, and nice she had been.
Tracy and Violet enjoyed their tea while discussing Lila and the definitions of the words tacky and elegant. To Tracy, Lila had always been elegant, but Tracy was only sometimes elegant. Tracy also expressed her disdain for Annabelle II and said she didn't like a dog running all around Monica's house. Violet pointed out that it was only Monica's house because Alan had given it to her.
In Nina’s apartment, Drew woke up in Nina’s bed and asked what time it was. She told him it was too early to get out of bed, but he explained that he had to meet with Sasha and some caterers to plan a menu for a fundraiser. Nina assured Drew that Sasha could handle things, and Nina persuaded him to stay in bed with her.
After another round of lovemaking, Drew told Nina that they had set a record. “That was like ten hours, and neither of us said something nasty to each other,” he shared. “You want to try for another one?” Nina asked. Drew was tempted, but he couldn’t keep his would-be constituents waiting. “Another time,” Nina suggested. “Absolutely,” he said.
In the park, Mac and Spinelli tossed a Frisbee as Felicia and Maxie watched from a bench. James sat off to the side by himself. Spinelli tried to include James in the fun, but James wasn’t interested and walked away. Spinelli followed James to a nearby tree, while Felicia and Maxie glared accusingly at Mac. “What did I do?” Mac asked.
Under a tree, Spinelli asked if James wanted to toss the Frisbee, but James declined and admitted that he was bored. Spinelli asked what James wanted to do. “I want to ride horses with Cody, but Grandpa Mac says no,” James said. Spinelli acknowledged that it wasn’t fair to James that James couldn’t see Cody because Mac and Cody were having a disagreement. Spinelli reminded James that James occasionally argued with his friends, but James was quick to remind Spinelli that he and his friends always made up.
Spinelli assured James that Mac and Cody would resolve their problems, but it would take some time. “Don’t worry. People are working on it,” Spinelli promised.
At the bench, Mac insisted that it wasn’t a big deal. “Two Trees is an amazing ranch with great horses,” Mac said. “But no Cody,” Maxie retorted. Maxie reminded her father that it hadn’t been Mac’s call to make when he forbade James from seeing Cody. Mac defended his stance by pointing out that James would soon be too busy with school and friends to care who gave James riding lessons. Mac was confident that James would forget all about Cody, but Maxie disagreed.
“Don’t you think Cody has been punished for long enough?” Maxie asked. After Maxie stormed away, Felicia warned Mac that he had messed up and needed to find a way to fix things. Mac was unapologetic because he believed Cody was a “liar and a sneak,” but Felicia argued that Mac shouldn’t have dragged their grandson into it. She advised Mac that the longer he kept James and Cody apart without explanation, the less that James would trust Mac. “Is that a price you’re willing to pay?” Felicia asked.
Nearby, Maxie ran into Nina. Maxie noticed that something seemed different with Nina. She quickly realized why. “Oh, Nina. Did you sleep with Drew again?” Maxie asked. Nina smiled sheepishly, prompting Maxie to remind Nina of their discussion the previous evening when Maxie had warned Nina that it was a bad idea.
Nina shared that Drew had spent the night with her. “After what we experienced last night, I am confident that Drew will see that this is far more enjoyable than him intruding on my daughter’s marriage.” Nina said. When Spinelli approached Maxie and Nina, James seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed.
After Maxie, Spinelli, and Nina joined Mac and Felicia, Mac announced that he would be okay with James resuming riding lessons with Cody. Delighted, Maxie was eager to share the news with her son. She called out to him, but she was met with silence. Everyone began to look for James, but without success. Maxie realized where James might have gone, so she left to check.
At the same time, Nina answered a call from Michael. Felicia, Mac, and Spinelli resumed their search. A short time later, Felicia asked Spinelli about his conversation with James. Spinelli revealed that James had been bewildered and distressed about Mac’s antipathy toward Cody. Mac was horrified to realize that Felicia had been right.
At the Quartermaine boathouse, Lois, Brook Lynn, and Gio enjoyed an outdoor breakfast. Lois asked about Blaze, and Brook Lynn confirmed that Blaze had gotten on the plane. When Gio decided to head to work, both Brook Lynn and Lois insisted that he stay and finish breakfast. Lois knew Gio loved his job, but she reminded him that he would soon be able to give all of his attention to school and his music. Gio confessed that he might not have as many concerts as he had anticipated.
Gio explained that he had hoped working at the gallery would get him noticed by the right people. “Who’s going to go to a gallery owned by a murderer?” he asked. Brook Lynn assured him that people would show up at the gallery just out of curiosity, while Lois added that there were people who would want to attach themselves to Ava’s notoriety. Lois insisted that Gio was too good, and his future was too bright, to play background music for the snobbish elite.
“Save some caviar for the rest of us, Ma,” Brook Lynn pointedly said as Lois slathered the expensive delicacy on a bagel. Lois’ expression filled with embarrassment. Gio confessed that he only cared what a few people thought. “Like Sonny,” he said. Both Brook Lynn and Lois assured Gio that Sonny would be supportive. Lois reminded Gio that it shouldn’t matter because Gio was his own man and should do what was best for him, but Gio didn’t want to let Sonny down.
After Gio left, Brook Lynn admitted that Lois’ advice to Gio had been interesting because Lois was usually Sonny’s biggest defender. “What’s going on?” Brook Lynn asked. Lois was spared from having to answer because Sonny called to ask Brook Lynn to meet him.
Outside the Quartermaine kitchen, Sasha found Cody’s cowboy hat on a chair. She picked it up and smiled as she remembered Cody sharing a story about James wearing the hat and how much he loved his young nephew. The memory faded when Willow walked out. Willow noticed the hat and suggested that Sasha take it to Cody, but Sasha explained that she had a meeting with some caterers. Willow followed Sasha into the kitchen as Sasha revealed that she’d been waiting for “the boss.”
Willow warned Sasha that Olivia might have forgotten about the appointment because Willow had seen Olivia and Ned leaving with all the kids in tow. Sasha clarified that she’d been waiting for Drew. Rattled at the thought of running into Drew, Willow remembered her encounter with him in the elevator. When Sasha asked Willow to call Drew, Willow refused because she claimed that she didn’t want to interrupt him.
Willow revealed that she’d seen little of Drew in recent weeks and that she would no longer be working with him. Michael overheard what Willow had said as he walked in. “What does that mean?” he asked. Before Willow could reply, Drew arrived and quickly apologized to Sasha for running late. Drew explained that he’d been busy working on his campaign until late into the night, so he’d spent the night where he’d been working. Sasha assured Drew that it was fine and that they could reschedule.
When Drew apologized to Michael and Willow for interrupting their conversation, Michael revealed that Willow had some news to share. “I’ve decided to go back to nursing. I’m resigning,” Willow told Drew. Michael was confused because Willow hadn’t mentioned anything to him about the decision. Willow claimed that she’d been agonizing over it for weeks, but she hadn’t said anything because she had wanted to be certain. Willow shared that she had missed nursing because it had fulfilled her.
“Much more so than being on camera and doing PSAs,” Willow added. Willow acknowledged that it hadn’t been an easy decision because she hadn’t wanted to disappoint the people at New Tomorrow Institute, and she acknowledged that both Drew and Nina had helped her tremendously. Drew assured Willow that everyone wanted Willow to do what made her happy. Willow turned to Michael and told him that she would grab the beach stuff and meet him back in the kitchen.
After Willow left, Drew decided to shower and change. Sasha praised Michael for being a good husband because he’d been accepting of Willow’s decision. “What choice do I have?” Michael asked. Michael explained that he wanted Willow to be happy. He was certain Sasha understood just how precious time with the person they loved was. He immediately regretted reminding her of her loss, but she admitted that she’d made as much peace as she could with Brando’s death.
Sasha shared that most of the time, she smiled when she thought of Brando. Michael reminded Sasha that there were no guarantees in life, so she could hold herself back and stay safe and alone, or she could risk being hurt for another chance at love.
After Sasha left, Michael called Nina and shared the news that Willow had decided to step down from the institute to return to nursing.
Meanwhile, Drew found Willow in the boathouse and asked if she needed help. Willow tensed, but she assured him that she had things handled. She grabbed some folding chairs and started to leave, but Drew asked her to wait. “I just don’t want you to make a big mistake,” he told her. Willow claimed that working with the institute had not been what she had expected, so Drew offered to change things. She explained that a visit with Kristina had reminded her of why she had fallen in love with nursing and how much she had missed it.
Drew reminded Willow that she’d been doing a fantastic job with the institute, so she assured him that she would not leave everyone in the lurch. She explained that she would continue to do PSAs until a replacement was found or other arrangements were made, but she intended to return to General Hospital. Drew assured Willow that he was happy for her, but he wanted to make certain that she was honest about her motivation. “Does your resignation have anything to do with me?” Drew asked. He implored her not to give up the institute because he had made things complicated. “It is the only way to make things better,” Willow explained.
Willow insisted that she loved Michael, and she was committed to her husband and their family. Her voice filled with emotion. “But I can’t stop thinking about you,” she confessed. She admitted it was wrong, so she was determined to put as much distance as possible between her and Drew. “Before I do anything I’ll regret,” she said. Drew watched as Willow walked out.
In the stables, Cody paused hauling bales of hay as his thoughts drifted to the kiss he had shared with Sasha at the boathouse. He shook the memory away when Tracy walked up and asked if he’d been taking a break. Cody evaded the question and offered to saddle up Hades, but Tracy announced that she intended to take Cody for a ride. “So, buckle up,” she advised him. Cody followed her into the stable. Tracy set a backgammon board on the table and revealed that she intended to test his mind.
Cody sat down as Tracy told him the basic rules of the game. Once the game began, Tracy shared that she’d played the game with her sons when Ned and Dillon had been young and that she’d picked it up again years later during a hospital stay for parasitic brain worms. “That sounds scary,” Cody admitted. Tracy assured him that she had fond memories of being in the hospital because the doctor who had treated her had become a dear friend.
Tracy described Finn as generous and kind, as well as prickly and tough. Tracy shared that she had clicked with very few people in her life, but she had clicked with Finn. Cody realized that Tracy missed Finn. “Very much,” Tracy said. When Cody asked if Tracy had heard from Finn, Tracy admitted that she might have been too hard on Finn because she hadn’t heard from her friend since Finn had left.
Cody was certain that Finn would see things more clearly once Finn had completed rehab. Tracy assured him that her only goal had been to help Finn. Cody believed her. He realized that she had a tough shell, but she was warm and fuzzy underneath. “Compassionate, too,” Cody said. Tracy smiled. “Did I just win?” Cody suddenly asked.
Shocked, Tracy realized that it hadn’t been Cody’s first time playing the game. Cody reminded her that she’d been the one to assume that he didn’t know how to play. Tracy vowed not to be as benevolent the next time they played. Moments later, Sasha entered. After Tracy picked up her backgammon case, she answered a call from Brook Lynn and walked out. “Apparently, backgammon is a blood sport around here,” Cody said with a smile.
Sasha returned Cody’s hat. She explained that she’d also found her senses because she was tired of being scared and playing it safe. “I think we should do this,” she said. Confused, Cody asked, “Do what?” Sasha kissed Cody. Things quickly heated up as they gave in to their passions. However, Maxie’s arrival brought things to a halt. Maxie worriedly asked if Cody or Sasha had seen James.
At Sonny’s penthouse, Sonny was on the phone as he gave instructions to find Clements, the pharmacist who had filled his prescriptions. When Sonny opened the door to leave, he saw Natalia in the hallway, about to knock. After he ended the call, he invited Natalia inside. Natalia explained that she had stopped by to say goodbye because she was returning to Puerto Rico.
Natalia filled Sonny in about Blaze’s decision to leave town and tour with Miguel Morez and about the breakup. Sonny was surprised because Kristina hadn’t mentioned anything to him. Natalia confessed that she hadn’t parted on good terms with her daughter, but Sonny assured Natalia that it wouldn’t last because Natalia and Blaze loved each other. Natalia hoped so, but she explained that it wouldn’t happen in Port Charles. Sonny was curious why she was leaving, so she pointed out that she didn’t have a reason to stick around. “What if I gave you one?” Sonny asked.
A short time later, Brook Lynn and Lois arrived. Lois explained that she’d tagged along when she’d heard that Sonny had a business proposition for Brook Lynn. After the ladies greeted Natalia, Sonny admitted that he’d been looking forward to investing in the record label with Brook Lynn. Brook Lynn was disappointed that the idea had been shelved because Blaze had gone on tour, but Sonny suggested that he invest the money into Deception instead. Lois frowned, but Brook Lynn admitted that it might be a “game changer.” Sonny explained that he had one condition; he wanted Natalia in place to look after his investment. Sonny assured Brook Lynn that Natalia was great with finances and negotiations.
Brook Lynn conceded that Natalia had negotiated well on Blaze’s behalf. Lois asked what would happen if Sonny’s interests didn’t align with Deception’s. Natalia suggested that they could put everything in writing to make certain that Natalia—as a fiduciary—would be required to act in Deception’s best interests. Brook Lynn explained that she would have to talk to her partners, starting with Tracy. She invited Natalia to join her, since Natalia would be her own best advocate.
Lois started to follow Brook Lynn and Natalia out, but Sonny asked Lois to stay because he wanted to apologize. Lois was shocked when he told her that his bipolar medication had been tampered with. Lois assured Sonny that they would always be friends, but she had concerns about the money he planned to invest. Sonny promised that it was legitimate, but she warned him that she didn’t want her daughter’s business under federal scrutiny because Sonny had tried to impress the latest woman in his life.
At the Quartermaine mansion, Brook Lynn told Tracy about the investment opportunity, so Tracy asked what Natalia’s title would be. Natalia suggested that Chief Financial Officer would be appropriate. Tracy smiled, but she wanted to know which bank would be investing the money. “The bank of Sonny,” Brook Lynn reluctantly said. “Over my dead body!” Tracy replied.
At the park, Mac called the PCPD and asked them to put an alert out for James while Felicia spoke with Maxie on the phone and assured her that James had to be at the Quartermaine stables. Maxie was already there and told Felicia that she hadn't seen James anywhere.
James walked up to the Quartermaine boathouse, looking for Cody. He didn't find Cody, but he spotted a Frisbee on the deck and tossed it. When the Frisbee landed in the water, James went into the boathouse, looking for a shovel to retrieve it. When he heard Willow approach, he ducked behind a cot to avoid being seen.
Meanwhile, Spinelli joined Maxie at the stables, just as Cody and Sasha returned to report that they hadn't found James. Mac and Felicia were the next to arrive. Maxie, Spinelli, Cody, and Sasha split up to search the grounds, leaving Mac and Felicia in the stables in case James showed up there.
Once they were alone, Felicia told Mac his grudge against Cody needed to end. Mac argued that he wasn't the problem, but Felicia countered that Mac's bruised ego had gotten in the way of James and Cody's friendship. Felicia also reminded Mac that he hadn't always been honest, especially when he'd first arrived in Port Charles.
Back at the boathouse, Nina approached Willow as Willow found her sunhat before heading to the beach. Willow apologized for running off after Nina had seen her get off the Metro Court elevator with Drew. James listened in as Willow broke down in tears.
Willow told Nina that she had resigned from the New Tomorrow Institute to get away from Drew because her guilt over kissing Drew had been overwhelming her. "I can't risk that happening again. After that kiss on the Fourth of July, I just can't trust myself to be around Drew anymore," Willow said.
Willow insisted that she loved her family and was confused as to why she had feelings for Drew. Nina asked if Willow thought the feelings might go away with time, but Willow wasn't sure. "This doesn't feel like a crush," Willow said.
Nina asked what Willow liked about Drew. Willow didn't think there was just one thing. She confessed that she was attracted to the whole package, including the fact that Drew wasn't her husband and someone she lived everyday life with. Willow was also impressed that Drew had risked his life in Greenland a year earlier to save her. Willow also admitted that she felt Michael had kept a part of his life from her, but Drew never held back.
Nina told Willow not to be so hard on herself. "That one tiny little kiss doesn't have to change everything. It doesn't have to change anything," Nina said as she and Willow walked back to the main house, where they found Michael. When Willow went to get her stuff for the beach, Michael invited Nina to a Quartermaine family dinner.
After Willow and Nina were gone and the coast was clear, James emerged from the boathouse and leaned over the rail to get the Frisbee, but he fell into the water. Moments later, Cody walked up, calling out for James. When James called for help, Cody dove into the lake to rescue the boy.
Cody pulled James out of the water and took the boy in his arms just as Mac approached. Mac appeared touched when he heard James say, "You saved me, Cody."
Lois and Sonny stood in his living room, arguing about his offer to invest in Deception. Lois said that Sonny was generous, but she didn't want Brook Lynn to become subject to RICO charges just so he could impress Natalia. Jason arrived and interrupted them, but Sonny insisted on continuing the conversation.
Sonny told Lois that he wanted to help Natalia because he felt bad for her after Blaze had left town. Sonny also thought his money could help Brook Lynn's career at Deception. Lois argued that she didn't want Sonny investing his mob money into the company, but Sonny insisted the money had been earned through legitimate means.
Jason explained to Lois that the money that Sonny wanted to invest in Deception was derived from Corinthos Coffee accounts. Jason assured her that the company always passed federal scrutiny. Lois decided to trust Jason, and she agreed to discuss the matter with Brook Lynn.
After Lois left, Sonny asked Jason what Jason had learned about Clement Moore, the pharmacist. Jason said Ava had admitted that she'd known Sonny's bipolar medication had been switched, but she had refused to say who had been behind it. Sonny was skeptical because his behavior had changed when Ava had moved in with him, but he was willing to keep an open mind. Jason suggested that the only way to find out what had really happened was to question the pharmacist.
Jason informed Sonny that Clement hadn't been seen since Clement's last shift at the hospital a few days prior. Sonny was certain that Clement would lead them to the person he was working for. Just then, Brick called to report to Jason that hospital security footage showed John escorting Clement out of the hospital. Brick also informed Jason that John and Scott were at Ava's gallery. Jason wondered if the FBI even knew what John had been up to.
At the Deception offices, Tracy was adamant that she wouldn't allow Sonny to invest in the company. Brook Lynn and Natalia tried talking Tracy into taking Sonny up on his offer, but Tracy worried that Deception would be exposed to criminal liability.
When Lucy joined the meeting, Brook Lynn informed Lucy about the offer. Lucy was immediately intrigued and wanted to know more. Tracy revealed that she intended to nix the idea because Tracy knew Sonny would never be a silent partner, especially since he insisted on Natalia being hired as his "mouthpiece."
Natalia chimed in, telling Tracy she didn't appreciate insults. Tracy countered that she'd heard the recording Ava had made of Natalia's homophobic remarks, so Natalia didn't have room to talk. Natalia admitted that she'd made a mistake, and she apologized. Brook Lynn acknowledged that Tracy had a point, but Lucy was only interested in what was best for Deception.
Lucy and Tracy agreed that they both wanted Deception to have a CFO, but they disagreed on who the CFO should be. Natalia insisted that she would only concern herself with financials and would not want any creative say in the company.
Lois walked in as Natalia tried wowing the women with her financial and business knowledge. Tracy admitted that Sonny's offer seemed good on paper, but she still worried. Lois and Lucy defended Sonny. "If Sonny said the money he's investing is clean, I, for one, believe him," Lois said. Brook Lynn and Natalia concurred, so Lucy made Natalia CFO. Tracy was incensed and warned that Sonny would spell the end of Deception.
At Ava's gallery, John surprised Ava and reiterated his plan to use Clement as bait to finally nail Sonny. Ava doubted it would be that simple. John disagreed. "After all this time, I finally got Sonny right where I want him, and it's all thanks to you," John said as he threw his arms around Ava.
Ava worried that Sonny would kill Clement before John arrested Sonny. John assured her that it wouldn't happen, but she wasn't convinced. When Scott arrived to discuss Ava's case, Ava asked John to tell Scott about the plan. "He'll give you a completely honest and objective opinion. You can trust him," Ava said.
John shared the details of his plan to take Sonny down. Scott liked it and offered to help. Both John and Scott agreed that nabbing Sonny was personal for them. The men admitted that Karen was their motivation. Ava worried that their plan would put her at legal risk, but Scott and John assured Ava that she would be fine. Scott suggested taking Clement to Wyndemere because it was a safe location, and he offered to help. John thought Scott was a genius for thinking of it, but Ava thought Scott's idea was terrible. After Scott left, Ava warned John that the plan put everyone at risk, including her.
At an undisclosed location, Scott found Clement hiding in what appeared to be an old warehouse room. Clement was surprised to see Scott, but Scott assured Clement that he was there to help.
At the hospital, Molly met with T.J., Stella, and Curtis about giving the baby a name for the birth certificate, but they still hadn't thought of one. After Curtis and Stella left to give T.J. and Molly some time to talk, Molly shared that she had paid Ava a visit to get some answers.
At Sonny's penthouse, Sonny and Jason discussed what to do with John. Sonny wanted to kill John, but Jason warned Sonny that there would be no returning from eliminating an FBI agent. Sonny wasn't deterred. "If Jagger forces my hand, I won't have a choice," Sonny said.
Brick called to inform Jason that Scott had been tracked to a seedy part of town. Sonny and Jason agreed that Scott knew where Clement was, so Sonny told Jason to follow up on the lead and keep him posted. Sonny said he would be at the hospital to be there for Kristina as she was discharged.
At the Jerome Gallery, John assured Ava that he believed the photos Sonny had taken of Ava and Kristina could help Ava's case. John explained that the pictures could help fit any narrative they wanted. Ava wondered how they could paint her as a victim when she wasn't the one who had gone flying through a window.
John told Ava that she would be a federal witness against Sonny, so that would help her in the eyes of the law. John also said Ava could say she'd been protecting herself when Ava had put her hand on Kristina's arm. John noted the rage on Kristina's face and painted a new scenario in which Kristina had been in Ava's suite as part of a conspiracy with Sonny to kill Ava.
Meanwhile, Jason made his way to where Clement was hiding out. As Jason knocked on the door, Scott rounded the corner as he returned with groceries for the trip to Wyndemere. As soon as Scott spotted Jason, he dropped the bags and fled unnoticed.
As Ava and John continued making plans, Scott called and told them that Jason had gotten to Clement Moore. Ava freaked out as soon as she learned what had happened. John quickly left to try to fix the problem, leaving Ava alone.
Shortly afterwards, T.J. entered the gallery. Ava told him she would only speak to him through her lawyer, but T.J. surprised her. "I am not here as a prosecutor. I am here as a grieving father. I need to know what happened in that hotel suite and not just the story Kristina tells. I need to hear from you why my child died."
Ava told T.J. that Kristina had shown up in a rage after receiving the subpoena. Ava explained that Kristina had threatened her, but Ava had tried not to engage with Kristina because Kristina had been eight months pregnant. Ava said that Kristina had kept coming at her. T.J. quickly reached a conclusion. "So, you're saying Kristina falling was her own fault," T.J. stated.
At the hospital, Alexis helped Kristina get ready for her release. Alexis planned to take Kristina to her house to recuperate and tried to remain optimistic about Kristina's recovery. Kristina remained depressed, realizing her life was about to begin again—but without the baby she'd been carrying.
When Alexis handed Kristina a key to her place for Blaze to use, Kristina told Alexis that she and Blaze had broken up. Kristina explained that Blaze had gotten an offer to tour with Miguel Morez.
Just then, Dr. Navarro walked in to report that Kristina's uterus looked like it was healing well, so she'd likely be able to have more children. Kristina was happy to hear that her body would heal, but she worried about her mental and emotional health. "That might take a little more work, but your heart will get better. I promise," Alexis said.
As Kristina and Alexis continued their talk, Kristina said that Molly had visited her the day before, and Kristina had explained what had happened in Ava's room. Sonny arrived and interrupted Alexis and Kristina's talk. Alexis left father and daughter alone, so Kristina quickly asked for an update on Ava.
Sonny told Kristina that he wasn't going to kill Ava yet, especially with Alexis knowing that Kristina had asked for exactly that. Kristina continued to insist that she still wanted Ava dead, but Sonny told Kristina to trust him, because he didn't want Ava's death on Kristina's conscience.
A short time later, Molly ran into Alexis in the hospital's hallway. Alexis suggested that Molly talk to Kristina before her sister was discharged, but Molly didn't think it was a good idea. Alexis asked Molly to tell her what had happened when Molly had visited Kristina. Molly tried to be diplomatic and said she knew she couldn't get angry at Kristina because her sister always had to be "coddled at all times, no matter what anybody else is going through."
Alexis reasoned that Kristina had nearly died, so Molly countered that her baby had died because Kristina had chosen to confront Ava. "Kristina was weeks away from giving birth. Was it really necessary for her to confront Ava like that?" Molly asked. Alexis said she understood the need for people to want to place blame somewhere when a tragedy occured.
Just then, Sonny wheeled Kristina toward the elevator while John walked in with FBI agents to arrest Kristina.
At the same time, inside the building where Jason had knocked on the door, Clement assumed Scott had returned, so he opened the door. Jason entered and informed Clement that he worked for Sonny. Frightened, Clement agreed to do whatever Sonny wanted and begged for mercy because he had a family.
Jason assured Clement that he didn't want to kill Clement. "I just want the truth. Who paid you to tamper with Sonny's meds?" Jason asked. Clement denied that he'd been working for John. When Jason mentioned Ava, Clement confessed that Ava had paid him a visit when she had realized that Sonny hadn't been taking the full dosage of a mood stabilizer. Clement explained that Sonny had been getting a quarter of the dosage prescribed. However, Ava had later returned and demanded that Sonny be given placebos.
Jason demanded to know who had initially hired Clement to lower Sonny's dosage. Clement admitted it had been Valentin Cassadine.
Anna arrived at Laura's office and was told that she and Laura would be meeting with the new WSB station chief. Anna knew that Laura meant Jack Brennan. "Didn't you just arrest a Jack Brennan?" Laura asked.
Anna admitted that she had and explained that Brennan was a WSB agent, and his arrest had been a cover for a classified WSB operation. Brennan walked in and introduced himself to Laura. Anna, Laura, and Brennan sat down to discuss his new position, with Laura realizing Anna and Brennan had worked together in the past. Laura said she hoped Anna and Brennan could use their previous working relationship to team up and find Valentin.
Anna immediately told Laura the FBI was already on the case, and she tried to talk Laura out of pursuing Valentin. Laura was not deterred, as it was personal for her. "Valentin has my granddaughter," Laura said. Anna assured Larua that Valentin would never let any harm come to Charlotte.
Laura was called away, leaving Anna and Brennan alone in the office. Anna accused Brennan of knowing where Valentin was and hiding him. When Laura returned, she realized that she had walked in on an argument and asked what she had missed. Anna and Brennan assured Laura that everything was fine. When Brennan left, Laura offered Anna an assessment of Brennan. "He's quite charming, and that concerns me," Laura said.
Before Anna and Laura could discuss Brennan further, Laura received an alarming call about Lulu.
At the Quartermaine boathouse, Mac approached James and Cody as James thanked Cody for rescuing him. James quickly told Mac that Cody had saved him. Before Mac had a chance to say much, Maxie, Sasha, and Felicia arrived at the boathouse dock. Maxie was relieved to see her son was okay and warned James to never run off again.
James reasoned that he didn't make a habit of falling into the lake, so it was all good. James also argued that he wouldn't have had to keep running away if he was allowed to see Cody. James was excited when Maxie told him he could take riding lessons with Cody again, but he lost his ice cream and video game privileges for two weeks.
Mac took the blame for prohibiting James from taking riding lessons from Cody. James asked Mac if he was mad at Cody. Mac said that he had been—but not anymore. James was curious why Mac had been mad at Cody, so Mac was honest. "Because Cody's my son," Mac said.
James was immediately excited by the news that Cody was his uncle. James still wanted to know why Mac had been mad, so Mac admitted that he'd been mad because of all the time he and Cody had missed out on. However, Mac's anger was gone. "Not only does family forgive each other, but they're the ones we love—no matter what—even when they run away."
James was happy with Mac's explanation as he threw himself into Cody's arms and welcomed him to the family. After Maxie took James home, Mac told Cody how grateful he was to Cody for rescuing James. The two men then embraced.
When Mac and Felicia left, Cody and Sasha returned to the stables. Cody was overwhelmed with emotion after what had happened, and he took Sasha into his arms for a passionate kiss.
