Expecting to find Mariah and the crew on the rooftop to do a show, Hilary is indeed surprised by Devon in his swim trunks. He’s closed the rooftop for a private party – just you and me. He’s even brought Hilary a swimsuit; some R&R to reward her for yesterday.
Back at the house, Jack boasts of having thousands of contacts to start his own company. Kyle thinks it risky. Ashley thinks it a great idea but keep your options open – and she doesn’t approve of Jack leaving Jabot and taking his ‘toys’ with him. I’m living with strangers, Jack all but shakes his head.
Ordering an iced coffee at CL’s, Vikki tells Sharon that after a meeting with her Dad she’s even more stoked about Nick returning to NE – he won’t get caught up in any drama, she’s sure. Sharon knows Victor hasn’t changed – obviously, you just met with him and he didn’t bother to tell you he’s making Nick COO. Stunned, Vikki storms out without her coffee.
At the club for free lunch (for helping her boss plan a surprise) Mariah lets Kyle take a seat at her table. Mentioning ‘the look’ Tessa and Mariah shared when she performed yesterday, Kyle thinks they still have a chance. Mariah doesn’t; content with just being friends, she changes the subject by needling Kyle about Neil out-negotiating him. Kyle’s more worried about letting his Dad down.
Jack mopes over framed family photos then pours a drink. What do you think you’re doing!? Put that down – you’re the hired help! What is your name?! Dina will report this to her husband.
Vikki shows up at Nick’s place to blast him for taking her job. Your job wouldn’t be up for grabs if you hadn’t given Jack company secrets, Nick points out that he’s qualified and Dad said you were cool with this. No! Dad did NOT mention it during our meeting – Sharon told me. Dad’s testing us, Nick realizes and is sorry. Over Vikki’s protests, goes off to confront Victor.
On the rooftop, Devon and Hilary hold hands and smile at one another as they both get back massages.
You know who I am, Jack insists. The gardener? The handyman? Whoever you are, you don’t come in here swilling down my husband’s liquor! Dina’s fit to be tied. Call me Mrs Abbott and you are NOT John. ‘It’s me, Jackie, Mom’. Why are you pretending? Dina yelps. Get out or I’ll call the police! Jack’s devastated.
Nick barges into the ranch to accuse his Father of lying. Reminded that Vikki colluded with Jack, Nick has a reminder of his own; I turned you into the feds and testified against you in court. Maybe I’m the one who shouldn’t be trusted (as COO) That’s in the past, Victor shrugs it off. Nick agreed to work at NE to reunite the family, not be Victor’s pawn. The talks of what we meant to each other meant nothing to you – nothing. You couldn’t be more wrong, Victor claims solemnly.
Slowly, Victor stands to say he’s not playing games; he’s making decisions that are good for the family and company. Nick rambles on about all Vikki’s done for Victor. Yes, but she colluded with Jack Abbott – AND she should have left JT. You see that as a weakness – Nick knows what drives his Dad – and he’s tried to tolerate it, then put distance between them. You are my Father! That matters to me! I love you Dad – but I’m done.
Still seated at the club, Mariah confides to Kyle that she uses humor as a defense mechanism. She’s now part of a family she’d once have made fun on. Kyle can relate – watching his family come apart hurt like hell. Be part of my family, Mariah jokes that Sharon takes in strays. When Kyle barks, both laugh.