Looking at a decades-old framed photos of her, Jack and Kyle, Diane flashes back to asking Jack not to go for full custody. Then – poolside, the three of them look like a happy little family. Phyllis watches for a moment, then leaves. Hearing Phyllis clip-clop away, the bikini-clad Diane puts her sunglasses on and reclines back.
Diane’s next visitor is Ally.
Jack’s heads been spinning since he found out that Diane’s the mystery texter. Even if she didn’t fake her death, she’d have gone to prison, Phyllis also reminds that Diane used Kyle as a pawn. He’s an adult now – he can decide whether he wants his Mother back in his life, Jack concludes. You let your Mother back in your life, Phyllis points out. What Diane did was different, Jack claims – Kyle thought his Mother was murdered. Phyllis knows Kyle can get past this with love and support. It’s the only choice.
Ally looks at the old photo of Diane, Jack and Kyle. He’s adorable, she remarks. You did all this to be with your son again. Diane failed her son but can only move forward. To see Kyle would be magical. Ally sits – you love him that much, like me and my Dad. Asked about her Mother, Ally won’t talk about her – she’s there for an outsider’s opinion of the Abbott family. Diane explains how Kyle was conceived; a mishap at the lab. Ally thinks that sounds crazy. Kyle was deeply wanted, Diane’s son means everything to her.
Still at the cafe, Phyllis agrees that Jack should tell Kyle in person. She’ll fly to Milan with him. Kyle and Summer coming home is a good idea. Diane’s on a mission and already has Kyle’s number.
Meanwhile, at the Abbott mansion, Ashley has mixed feelings – what if Ally rejects Jack like Keemo did? Billy and Traci are amused – yeah, you ARE a tad overprotective. Traci talked to Phyllis – she doesn’t think Ally a threat, and she’s being a supportive friend to Jack. Are they just friends? Ashley wonders. All just want Jack to be happy. Maybe the teardrop of love is finally working. Maybe this is Jack’s moment.
Jack worries that Diane will just show up in Milan. He thanks Phyllis for coming then decides to summon Kyle to GC and excuses himself to make the call.
Starting a family that way wasn’t the easiest path, Diane understates. Flashback to Phyllis warning Diane to leave town – take your kid with you. I don’t want to see you or your son ever again. You’re using him as bait. The rest of the family has accepted me being here, Diane reminds Phyllis that she’s Mrs Jack Abbott – for the moment. Another conflict has them arguing over who’s turf they’re fighting on. Diane bets Phyllis (and Jack) sleep in the same bed she shared with Jack; probably the same sheets….In another flashback, Diane’s again in her red bikini. Phyllis arrives with a loud ‘hi guys!’ – she drops her robe to reveal that she’s naked. Wanna join me baby? she coos to Jack. Excuse us, Diane, Jack dismisses Diane (who watches through the blinds as Phyllis loudly splashes Jack in the pool) Kyle grew up with cousins and Aunts, Diane knows that once you’re in the Abbotts will love and protect you forever. She thinks Ally lucky. Diane can only hope for understanding and forgiveness.
Back at the house, Billy and Ashley love Traci’s optimism. Ashley will keep her feelings about Phyllis to herself. As for Ally, Traci will put her faith in Jack. Billy and Ashley agree to keep an open mind and give Ally a chance.
Jack rejoins Phyllis to report that Kyle and Harrison are coming to GC – Summer couldn’t get away from Marchetti. He’ll let Diane know so she doesn’t do anything reckless. Asking him about Ally, Phyllis is indeed trying to distract Jack. Tell me more about her.
Diane thanks Ally for understanding how much Kyle means to her – I’ve ached for him. What does she expect/hope will happen? That she gets to be Kyle’s Mother again, and to dote on his child. There’s no better place than being embraced by the Abbott family, Diane repeats as she stares at the framed photo on the mantel.