Nikki assures a concerned Vikki and Billy that she won’t fall apart because Detective Rosales is here – and she’ll be fine driving home even though it’s getting a bit icy. After Billy and Vikki head to the photo booth, Nikki sneaks a flask from her purse and pours it into her soda water. Jack appears just a few seconds too late to catch her.
Isn’t this a great party? Wasn’t it nice of Lauren and Phyllis to make us feel welcome? Mia purrs. These people aren’t your friends, Rey frowns – they live in a different world. Mia hopes to get closer to that world, like Lola over there – go talk to her while I get a drink.
With a kiss, Phyllis easily manages to distract Nick from the fact that Detective Rosales and his wife are at the party.
Jack’s always available to talk to Nikki – hang in there. After he’s sent back to his ‘date’, Mia comes along to apologize. Oh, no – Nikki’s the one who’s sorry. Mia hopes they can still be friends. More interested in her drink, Nikki sends Mia back to her husband then retreats to the corner to pull out her flask again. This time she drinks straight from it.
Ted takes the mic to announce that it’s karaoke time. Who’s first? Fen is (thanks to Lola) The Baldwins listen as their son sings a song about playing with fire. Nick’s arm around her, Phyllis intently watches Billy and Vikki admiring their photo booth picture – then turns to kiss him. Fen pulls his Mom out of the crowd to sing the chorus ‘believe in me’ (a message to Mike) Rey excuses himself from Mia to take a call from work. Hanging up, he’s accosted by Nikki; who tells him to back the hell off. Is that a threat? You have a no idea who you’re dealing with, she warns. Rey’s not intimidated – he plans to take both Victor and Nikki down. Enjoy the holidays while you can, he returns to the party, leaving Nikki to stumble towards the exit.
Driving through icy conditions, Reed asks Charlie to put the defroster on – I can’t see a thing. Nikki stumbles out onto the sidewalk, her face illuminated by car lights. Reed and Charlie hit a bump. What was that? Did we hit something?? Nikki lays in the snow unconscious.
Next Week: Nikki’s wheeled into emerg … Reed calls Charlie – we hit my grandma last night. She might not make it. I’m at the hospital now…. I’m sorry, Sharon hugs Nick – as Phyllis watches… Nick tells Phyllis that they need to get a hold of Summer – she needs to reach Dad – he needs to be here … Keep fighting Nikki, Nate leans over her (as she sees Victor waiting for her in a tux. ‘My darling’, he calls out to her)
My Thoughts: Rey was about 10 inches away from Nikki’s face as she all but gnashes her teeth and spits out threats. How could the astute detective not smell the alcohol on her breath? Or take note of the liquid courage? Maybe Mia can crack the case by inviting Nikki over for a makeover – and get her drunk enough to confess (recorded of course) …. Sure Ted knows how to throw a mediocre party and might be a half decent DJ – but the guy who owns the building is a music producer. Why isn’t Devon in charge of music? As for Fen – he better use his family discount to stock up on black shirts and pants – because there’s no way he’s making it as a singer …. Why weren’t any press invited to this shindig? And if it’s only for Jabot employees, why not have the party in a conference room on site? It looks like the crowd could easily have fit into Jabot’s reception area. And where’s Gloria??? … Charlie and Reed couldn’t come up with the money to taxi, Lyft or Uber to their party? Now Reed’s in for a whole lot of trouble. But if Grandma can keep it a secret that she killed his Dad maybe she’ll keep quiet about Reed almost killing her. Tit for tat.