Thursday, June 30th

Copyright Toni's Spoiler Site. Not to be republished.

Good Grief
Nick calls Sharon (who's arrived at the club for a work out). They chit chat about Noah - and how close they are to finding Daniel. Sharon encourages him to hand it over to the police - and get back home where he's needed. I'll talk to you later, Nick hurries off the phone (leaving Sharon to belly up to the bar for a Bloody Mary). Arriving, Brad gets the heads from Gina - and immediately joins Sharon: You were going for a work out and decided to have vodka instead? He orders a couple of coffees from Gina - and invites Sharon out to the Abbott pool party. You don't HAVE to be the life of the party - but Abby would love to have another child there. I'll think about it. Noah's a tough little boy - he talks about Cassie every day. Every morning there's that little moment everything seems OK - then I realize my daughter is gone - I get that tight feeling in the pit of my stomach - it's so tough to move on. I think it'd be easier if Nick was here - but maybe it'd just be harder dealing with his pain too. He's so obsessed - maybe he shouldn't come home. Brad thinks she needs him here - I understand how Nick feels. I'd be doing the same thing. Would you? Sharon wonders. He's working through something - he's a man who's suffered a loss and feels powerless. He's trying to find himself, Brad explains. As hard as it is, give him the time to do just that. Sharon takes his hand, squeezes it - and pushes her drink away.

On The Lam In L.A.
When Officers Conterez and Heisler arrive at hotel suite 909, Phyllis is aghast: You called the police without even telling me? Nick states he doesn't clear his decisions with her - and gives the police a copy of the warrant and photos of the kids. Phyllis isn't surprised to hear they've already spoken to Detective Webber - what will you do to my son? she worries. Please don't hurt him - he's not armed or dangerous. Now alone with Nick, Phyllis repeats: I can't believe you did that. My son doesn't stand a chance. Of what? Escaping? Nick snarls. I thought we'd work together. I don't trust you either now.

Phyllis answers her cell: Jack Hi - No, we haven't found him. She goes outside, brushing past Neil. What was that all about? Neil makes it clear that the most important thing to him is finding Lily and bringing her home. If Lily mattered to Daniel he wouldn't have dragged her into this, Nick tells him: He's a manipulator - Cassie begged me not to blame him. The two share notes on father/daughter relationships. Neil knew nothing about fatherhood when Lily was born. Twice, Lily's had abusive experiences with young men - the rec center incident - before that Kevin Fisher - I haven't done a good job protecting her. What kind of scars will she have when I get her back home? But it's nothing compared to the tragic loss you're dealing with. Sharon and I will never get over it, Nick says - but you have hope. Hope, Neil repeats sadly.

After their night spent on the beach, the kids discuss their next move over breakfast. Lily won't fight him on going home - but first, she wants to see Tom Cruise's handprints in the sidewalk of the Walk of Fame. She offers a deal - we'll get jobs and once we get enough money, I'll fly back to GC, but you have to promise you won't keep harping on it. They shake: deal. He looks through the paper for jobs. It'd be great to work outside - by the beach - like here. We could get free meals. They ask the manager - we'll do anything - dishes - wait tables. Anything? I got something for you guys, the young manager smiles: you'll be stoked.

Daniel (dressed as a banana) and Lily (dressed as a strawberry) walk the beach promoting: Our smoothies are smooth. I'm so hot and sticky, Lily whines: maybe they'll feed us dinner. Oh my God! Look, Lily says excitedly.What's my Mom doing here? Daniel wonders aloud: How did she track us down. What'll we do?? they worry. Predictably, Phyllis approaches the banana and strawberry: Have you seen these two kids? both shake their heads: No. OK thanks - Phyllis watches them amble off - is it possible?

Now alone, Nick looks at the photo of Cassie: I remember when we took this picture of you. You were self conscious and wanted to tear it up - it's always been one of my favourites. That smile of yours.... He sits to ponder it: I miss you Squirt. Our family's not the same without you. So many things I looked forward to doing with you - that rafting trip to the Grand Canyon - our first father/daughter adventure. It's never gonna happen. A lot of things won't happen. Sometimes I can't believe you're gone. You shouldn't have been taken from me - it's not fair. You died and this kid... there's just no justice. I'm gonna get justice - it's the last thing I can give you - make this kid pay - I'm gonna do that. I HAVE to do that for you Cassie. I owe my little girl that much.

Married To The Mob
With a mob heavy sitting in a nearby corner - watching and trying unsuccessfully to blend in with the young Crimson Lights crowd, Bobby joins Mac and tells her that they both need to move on. He's done with the tramp. JT and Brit have had a thing for one anther all along. They deserve one another.

Back at the loft, JT stops work on another song he's composing for Mac to whine about losing her - and reassure Brit: You're right - this isn't fair - but no way I'll turn my back on you and your baby. It BETTER not be forever. It kills me not to see Bobby, Brit wails. We have to pretend we despise each other. And you had to give up Mac. JT can't tell Mac the truth for her own good - I don't want her involved. I'm pretty sure she hates me now, he mopes.

Good morning beautiful, Kevin greets - then sits down. Looks like you and Bobby were having a serious heart to heart. Mac reports: He says he's over Brit - and that's how I should feel about JT - but it's not that simple. Kevin suggests she fight for him (if she thinks there's still a chance).

Bobby and Brit meet in the park - he dons sunglasses and she's hidden by a big hat, sunglasses - and rummages through a large purse. They share a quick kiss and Brit vents her frustration. I've missed this. I can't stand being apart. I want us to be a family like we dreamed about. What if it doesn't work? Joshua's kicking - hard, she laughs. He's going to town, Bobby feels her belly. Brit asks him to run away - Iowa - Kansas. Please Bobby - tell me we can do that - get away from all this. He kisses her.

JT stops strumming when Mac shows up at the loft. I've been giving it a lot of thought and I've made a decision - about you, me - us. I don't want to walk away. I'm moving back in, she's decided.

Walkin' In A Winters Wonderland
After Dru gets an update from Neil (that the kids haven't been found), she gets a visit from acting CEO Vikki. Looking like she just got out of bed, Dru still can't believe her daughter ran off with Phyllis' son. I got the memo. Yes - I'm stepping in for a while, Vikki confirms. it's a difficult time - but with Neil and Phyllis away... I have a company to run. You and I both know, not everyone supported your promotion, she hints. The longer you stay away - things are falling by the wayside. Come back immediately or I have the grounds to fire you. You'd fire me!? Dru balks: Talk about kicking someone when they're down. I need 110% from everyone, Vikki replies: Counting you, I'm out 3 top executives - 4 including Nick. It might take your mind off things to come into the office. Reassure me that I can count on you. Dru agrees she might be right. I'll do my best.

Meanwhile, at Crimson Lights, Devon confides that he saw his Mom. I went to the homeless shelter and they told me she hangs out in the park. It's been a few years - a lot of years actually. What was it like? Malcolm asks. She's still on crack and wants nothing to do with me, he mopes. I'm used to it. It's gotta hurt, Malcolm sympathizes. She looks raggedy and skinny, Devon says - she told me to take advantage of the life the Winter's are giving me. You tell Dru? She'd want to know. She thinks about you too, Malcolm assures - families share - and seeing your Mom is huge. You should tell Dru, he stresses - I can go with you. I'm the boss, he reminds: what I say goes. C'mon. Devon reluctantly follows.

As they enter the apartment, Dru's disappointed they have no news on Lily. Devon has something he needs to tell you, Malcolm begins. It'll have to wait til later, Dru tries to put them off - what is it? Spit it out, she snaps impatiently. I went to see my mother, Devon blurts out as instructed.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8... Great place to evade the watchful eye of the mob - in a public park in broad daylight - and Brit's 'disguise' is guaranteed to turn heads ... Won't the loft be a jolly place to live; a colicky baby and the sanctimonious Mac. Not sure who'll do more crying ..... Lily and Daniel were comical as fruit - bet they're pretty ripe after a night on the beach and a sweaty walk under the hot sun all day... especially funny; looked like Daniel tried to put an arm around Lily as they escaped Phyllis ... Hope they get arrested and booked dressed in those costumes - should make Daniel a pretty popular boy right off the bat with his cellmates ... Since NE is so short staffed an all - perhaps Vikki should have just called Dru and summoned her in as opposed to making a Kudos to her for playing hardball though ... Why isn't Vic putting more hours in at the office? .... Fathers Nick and Neil do have a few things in common; neither really wanted to be fathers ....

Next: Vic and Nikki cuddle on the park bench: Just being with you like this makes things a lot better, Nikki purrs. .. Brit interrupts Mac and JT: whadaya mean you're moving back in? ... Mike and Kevin chat while playing cards: Gloria has to declare him dead - we're all skating on thin ice...

For those who were members of the message boards - and therefore, no doubt, a friend of 'Leafy's' - Amy Kay has created a very touching tribute. http://dump.grendosa.com/Leafy.wmv . Just added: my own eulogy or sorts. My thoughts: From the heart - Leafy.