At the ranch, Victor tells Nick and Nikki the same story – Ashland founded his company on two TV stations he bought after his former mentor died. Everyone asked was reluctant to discuss Ashland’s relationship with this older woman. Nick and Nikki basically shrug – Ashland has no skeletons in his closet. Do you want to destroy Vikki’s marriage? Nikki’s annoyed.
Mariah’s read about Braxton Hick’s contractions – hopefully, that’s what these are. It’s way too soon, she sits and forces herself to remain calm.
Why would Abby be upset – she used to love going to that pond. Ben hopes she’ll take her son there when he’s old enough. Oops – sorry. Devon eavesdrops as Abby thanks Ben for being such a good friend. It means so much to him that they’ve reconnected. He has to go check in with Max’s doctors. Devon appears – taking off already? Yeah – you have my number – call if Abby needs me. You got it, Devon’s lies.
Chloe and Kevin don’t need Lauren to tell them the good news – they were listening. Lauren hopes Chloe hasn’t made the same mistake she did (with Sally) Chloe’s eyes are wide open. Sally will fit in great with her team of unstable grifters.
At the park, Jack orders Phyllis to put her phone away. When they joke about Jabot buying Marchetti, she’s happy to see him laugh. Watching from the shrubs, Sally’s NOT happy.
How nice that you two are joined at the hip, Sally comes along – and gets a lecture on ‘friendship’ from Phyllis. Jack shuts Phyllis down but tells Sally to move along (which she reluctantly does)
If Victor’s investigation turns up nothing, we enjoy a wedding in Tuscany. Nick suggests they keep digging (even though Phyllsi thinks it will backfire) but what right do we have to question Vikki’s choices? Nikki doesn’t think they do. Victor worries they’ll find something dark in Ashland’s past. Vikki’s marrying the man he is TODAY, Nikki reminds.
Vikki asks about Ashland’s relationship with this older woman. She was lovely and fun but it wasn’t anything like that; nothing like this, he takes Vikki’s hand. Vikki’s not insecure about it just interested in the path that lead Ashland to be the man he is today.
Rey’s back with little news – but ‘Chief Williams’ OK’d ongoing surveillance at the store in case the guy Ben saw returns. If he shows up, we can follow him. Rey won’t give up until Mariah’s found.
Phyllis apologizes – Sally brings out the worst in me. Jack wishes they could all be civil; rise above kneejerk reactions. Jack’s won over by Phyllis’ offer to try – and another iced coffee.
At CL’s, Nick leaves a message for Phyllis – hoping they can have lunch. Sally arrives to say that Phyllis is busy – with Jack, as always. Nick’s left looking troubled.
Kevin wonders if Lauren’s causing Chloe to have doubts about Sally. Chloe’s having doubts about everyone – including herself. Why did I think I could stop Sally from going to the dark side? Like I’m some paragon of virtue. Chelsea, Adam and I – with our combined rap sheets are the legion of doom. We’ve come a long way, Kevin points out. Plus, professional lives and personal lives are different. Getting a text that Rey has a lead on Mariah, Kevin dashes out.
Continuing to worry about Mariah, Sharon asks Tessa to take her upstairs to their bedroom (so she can feel closer to Mariah) Devon asks Abby about Ben’s story. You don’t think he’s telling the truth? she finally clues in.
Victor’s surprised when Vikki drops by to ask if he’s investigating Ashland’s past. Please, leave this alone.
Mariah’s sweaty and in pain. Grabbing the towel off the camera, she pleads for a doctor. Why are you doing this to a pregnant woman and her unborn child!?
Rey and Kevin are looking at footage on a laptop at CL’s. Once we find Stitch, we’ll find the man we’re after.
Why would Ben make up his story? Abby wonders. Devon’s suspicious – it’s too coincidental. He keeps showing up, being a shoulder for you to lean on. Maybe he’s taking advantage of your fear to rekindle things. Abby mulls it over.