At Top of the Tower, Abby expresses her indecision to Summer but insists that she loves Ben and wants to work on the marriage. Ben shows up with a letter from Victor excusing Abby from business for the rest of the day. Both chuckle after Summer leaves (as the note Ben’s brought is just a blank piece of paper)
As Paul talks about bringing Patty’s great nephew Sully for a visit, she gets agitated – go away! When the doctor comes in, Paul apologizes and sadly concludes it was a mistake to come.
Everything OK? Nick asks as he comes back with logs for a fire. Yes, a nervous Sharon lies quickly.
Now cleared, Mariah signs in then reading Sharon’s text, ducks out of sight as Paul goes through security and signs himself out. Whew – crisis averted.
In the tiny ‘war room’, Ashley and Phyllis initially butt heads over how to ‘kick Brash n Sassy ass’ but soon come up with some good ideas. Ashley then leaves Phyllis to spy on Jack – who’s spying on Victor (and exchanging messages with a mystery ally who’ll meet him in the usual place with ‘hard copies’)
Back at Top of the Tower, Ben agrees that maybe he IS pushing a bit too hard – he just wants to get back on track and start a family. But no, we can’t force it, he agrees. When Abby suddenly needs to run off to deliver paperwork, Ben knows she’s running away.
Sharon gets an ‘all good’ message from Mariah – then asks Nick why he’s making a fire in the middle of the day. Reminded that she was cold, Sharon’s now OK but needs help with thank-you notes for Faith’s birthday gifts. Nick chuckles when reminding Sharon not to try set him up with Chelsea – he has enough family and love, so deal with that. I guess I will, Sharon gives her framed family photos a nervous look.
Mariah picks up the phone and orders Patty to do the same to blame her calls for Dylan thinking Sharon has a stalker. Knowing all about Patty blackmailing her Mom, Mariah informs that there’s been a change of plans.
Patty reiterates the deal – and is more concerned with freedom than how many lives will be devastated by Sharon’s secret coming out. Fine, Mariah goes over the plan to bust Patty out during transfer – somehow. Helps us help you – yes, Patty must ‘act like a cuckoo bird’ so Paul will get her transferred.
Sharon tears up as Nick expresses how happy he is that she’s getting the life she deserves; you’re living the dream. Yes, it’s a dream, Sharon sniffles.
Ben doesn’t understand why Abby feels pressured – talk to me here. Abby does – not only did she not have ‘that moment’ at the same time as Ben; she never had ‘that moment’ at all. Sorry. You’re not sure you ever loved me, Ben’s stunned to realize.