In the park, Phyllis loves the fall air and the company too. Jack doesn’t want her to feel bad about dumping on him – what happened last night? Phyllis set up a romantic evening. Of course Christian comes first but she’s not convinced he was even sick. When Nick came home in the morning like nothing happened, she just had to leave.
At CL’s, Nick updates Sharon and Noah that he’s on the outs with his Dad, Adam and Vic – and Phyllis too. Admitting that he’s fresh from a breakup, Noah’s sure Nick and Phyllis will make it through this. Silently making faces, Sharon’s eyes bug out when Nick wonders if she has something to say.
Still at the office, Vikki’s glad that Nate agreed to help them. He didn’t seem enthusiastic about the new treatment, Ashland noticed – what if this is a battle I can’t win?
At Society, Nate tells Elena that the Locke’s have asked him to look into an alternative treatment. Yes, he’s worried – he can’t maintain his usual professional distance – what if he has to give his friends bad news?
Vikki meant her vows – we’re in this together. Ashland’s not used to situations he can’t change with his power or money and is actually scared – the odds aren’t in my favour. Vikki insists he fight – we can’t give up on our future.
Communication is the key, Sharon’s vague (and admittedly, a little biased) Nick’s sorry he asked her (he usually goes to Vic with this stuff) Since there’s a wall between him and Vic AND him and Phyllis, he has to wonder if he’s the problem.
In the park, Jack reminds Phyllis that she cut off all ties with her Father. Maybe you’re mad because Nick hasn’t done the same with his. Are you saying I’m responsible for this? Phyllis balks.
Elena suggests Nate just give Ashland and Vikki the facts. Stifling a yawn she apologizes. Yes, she’d love Nate to take her home and tuck her in.
Ashland will fight and not give up hope. Vikki won’t worry now about the possibility of having to postpone their honeymoon if he needs to start this new treatment. She just wants Ashland to get better.
Jack’s not blaming Phyllis but knows that when she feels insecure she tends to look for an exit strategy. Are you saying I’m my own worst enemy? That I self-sabotage my relationships? she’s aghast. Don’t make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. You and Nick have been through so much – there’s a reason you’re drawn back together. And there’s a reason things don’t work out, she adds.
We’re all family til we die, Noah says cheerily – we didn’t ask to be born Newmans, but we are. Fix things with Phyllis before it gets worse. Nick feels like history might repeat itself. Don’t let that be a self-fulfilling prophecy, Noah’s pep talk works. Knowing that what he and Phyllis have is worth fighting for, Nick hurries out to get started right now.
Ashland puts Nate on speakerphone and grips Vikki’s hand as they’re told that the experimental treatment in Peru should be considered a last resort – chances that it will help are slim. Ashland’s willing to try anything.
Sharon’s impressed with Noah’s advice to his Dad, it was spot on. Asked how she feels about him and Phyllis, Sharon just wants what’s best for Nick, but will never believe Phyllis is what’s best for him. That relationship’s ready to fall off a cliff – the only question is when.
Thanks for coming, Nick says when Phyllis joins him in her suite.