Thursday, June 4th

Flowers aren’t necessary, Nikki’s been thinking about her ‘triggers’. She’s fought a life-long battle of self esteem. You only know the Nikki you created, she tells Victor – the one who caters to him without question. Nikki’s sobriety comes with a price – to remain sober, you and I will have to be apart; indefinitely.

Victor blames the psycho-babble experts. I’m the source of my stability. No, you’re the source of my dependency. Nikki wants to reclaim her life. We love each other, Victor insists. Yes, but – listen – hear what I’m saying – Nikki must survive; without Victor. If you truly love me, you have to let me go, please Nikki pleads.

Jack thinks Genoa City too boring for free spirit Marissa. She wants the stability she’s never had – in Genoa City. She wants it as much as she wants ‘Marco’. Their kiss is interrupted by the Captain – who pulls out his gun – you can share the same fate.

At the park, Cane will feed the pigeons (if Lauren doesn’t want to talk) Lily’s been mad for months (since he kept Devon’s secret) He knows Lauren’s trying to save her marriage, not ruin his. Now, feed the damn pigeons.

If anyone’s destroying your marriage, it’s you, Devon tells Lily. Marital advice from the guy who stole his Father’s wife? she scoffs – then laughs when Hilary says it’s about trust. We’re getting married, Devon announces (and here’s Neil, right on time)

Forgive me if I don’t shake your hand – or kiss the bride to be. Hilary hopes Neil can one day forgive Devon. You’re both free to do whatever you want (as you always have) he snarls.

Joining Neil, Lily blames Devon and Hilary for her paranoia. You’ll be sorry, Neil mutters (but Lily’s so self absorbed she doesn’t notice he’s glaring across the room – and agrees he’s right – she must apologize to Cane)

Back at rehab, Nikki stands firm. You always come back, Victor states. Not this time. We must live separate lives. It’s not up for debate. It’s not your decision, Victor’s insists – someone planted this seed, and off he goes to handle it.

Thank God you understand – I’ve always loved you, Joe’s relieved – until Avery gives him a shove – I will never love you! Pack and get out before I get back! Joe stands – you’re not going anywhere and neither am I.

Ashley’s touched, but what if something happened to me? You’re indestructible. Yack will have the papers drawn up. Extricating herself from Yack’s hug, Ashley wobbles off and takes some medication.

Left with his flash drive, Yack gets a call – yes, he’ll pay for information – send it to my phone. He huffs in Spanish at the sight of the photo (of Jack) the Captain’s sending out to bidders.

Marissa’s now tied up too. Whichever enemy buys Marco, can have them both. There’s got to be a way out of here, Jack’s not giving up.

Neil assures Lily he’s OK. With a kiss, she leaves him and makes a weird face at Hilary as she passes. Along comes Victor (whom assumes Neil’s responsible for Nikki’s decision to leave him) Why should I believe you? Victor frowns.

Lily leaves a message for Cane – apologizing; call me.

On the bench, Cane and Lauren are out of bread. She thanks him with a hug – then a kiss!

If you’re still here, I’ll call the cops, Avery threatens. Yeah? And Joe will tell them that she pushed him over the balcony. Attempted murder, disbarment. Dylan can’t run to your side – he’s with Sharon. Yes, Joe loves Avery – but she needs some tough love. What do you want? Avery asks. Make love to me.

Next: I can’t confess, Mariah shouts. Then do you have a better idea? Yes, we run, she tells Kevin .. If everything I’ve done hasn’t told you this is over maybe we should take a look at what YOU’VE done, Mike tells Lauren ….Abby looks stunned as Ashley shouts at Ben – don’t be concerned with me. You’re involved with my daughter, be concerned about HER!

My Thoughts: Why is everyone holding private meetings in the lab? It’s supposed to have top notch security. Victor’s discussing Jack Abbott with Yack – in the very spot he bugged a few months ago! He knows how easy it is to slip a gadget under a desk (mind you, so does Adam and he doesn’t seem concerned either) …. So what’s wrong with Ashley? She’s itching like she has poison ivy. Perhaps it’s another of Jabot’s faulty lotions … Oh, the romance. The few solid couples are being dismantled. It’s hard to care what happens between Lauren and Mike anymore (though her kissing Cane in the middle of the park isn’t a great idea – especially under a flock of pigeons you just fed).. So much for Avery and Joe; pathetic that a guy that handsome has to blackmail a woman into his bed. It’s pretty obvious that his interest in helping abused women was a complete sham.. I’ll miss drunk Nikki – but wouldn’t it be wonderful is she finally, finally created a separate identity other than Victor’s trusty sidekick. Oh Victor, you’re not a source of Nikki’s stability – you’re a source of her money .. I guess Victor’s never heard the ole ‘if you love something, set it free’ saying .. I barely recognized Genoa City as described by Jack – the nightlife!? What nightlife? Underground and the GCAC? …Lily was hilariously shrew today. She almost topples over she leans in so close to Hilary as she clip clops out of the club … The club’s staff must all be partially deaf; carrying on as if the Winters’ family isn’t always embroiled in a battle royale in he midde of the restaurant… Marissa reminds me of Isabella Branja (Paul’s ex, played by Eva Longoria) .. GC must be having a villain convention – Neil’s next. If only he DID shake Devon’s hand, bring it up to his nose, sniff and say ‘well, that’s familiar’, then pull out some hand sanitizer. Yeah, I said it.