The Groom 2 B (or not 2 B) Part I
In Mike's office, Paul updates that he hopes to prove Cassie was driving once he can examine the car. Why are you buttering me up? he wonders. Mike DOES need something - everything Paul knows about Lauren's son Scotty. I DID ask her, he explains - it's a sensitive subject. Paul thinks he should stay out of it - I haven't seen Scotty since he was a kid - he was a well adjusted young kid. No - there's no deep dark secret. Why would you think that? I asked if he was a mental patient or convict, Mike confesses (Paul laughs) How do you know something hasn't happened since he was a kid? You know something and you'll damn well tell me what it is, Mike persists. Not denying it, Paul suggests he respect Lauren's wishes. Mike can't: She can't come down on me for not being open - then clam up on her family. I NEED answers. Paul won't provide them. Put yourself in my shoes, Mike implores. You'll have to be patient, Paul concludes - wait until she's ready to answer you. If you truly love her, you'll give her that time.

Table Hopping
Now sitting with Victor at the club, Gloria tells him Jabot's not the same without him. I miss our talks. Announcing that Nikki agreed to help her plan the wedding, Gloria invites him to be IN the wedding. Vic sees Mike as a good lawyer and somewhat of a good friend, but he's sure he'll want his brother as best man. Yes - but there'll be groomsmen, Gloria beams. Does Lauren have any friends and family I need to include? she probes. No - she didn't tell me anything. With a smile he suggests she stay out of it then. Have a good evening.

Lofty Ideas
Lauren drops by the loft, and having heard Brit broke up with Bobby, she wants to make sure she's OK (and confirm it's true that JT's the father). Brit's thrilled - you're the only person who hasn't blasted me. But while Brit thinks the baby should be raised by his real father, Lauren believes if there's any chance, she shouldn't give up on Bobby - marriages survive infidelity. Bobby's gone back to his thugs, Brit explains. Looking serious, Lauren agrees: Nothing is more important than keeping your baby safe.

Brit worries about money. JT only works part time for Paul - it's so expensive to raise a kid these days - you have any openings at the boutique? Though concerned about Brit being on her feet too long, Lauren will make room for her. A happy Brit gives her a hug. Call me if you need to talk, Lauren invites as she leaves. Genuinely touched, Brit's happy to have somebody who cares, but looks alone and sad after Lauren leaves.

Da Club
Seeing Mac, JT's about to escape the gym when she confronts him on it - and demands an explanation (like she needs to hear it again?). JT points out needlessly that he and Brit are having a baby - What you and I had can't compete. Yes - I love her, he answers. Mac's devastated to realize she was just a stand in for Brit. You're like my best friend, JT adds: There's always been something between us - I thought it might develop into something. I'm sorry - but you need to put this behind you. That's exactly what I'll do, Mac says with false bravado. As she stomps off, Kevin wastes no time telling JT that Mac can do a hell of a lot better than him. She needs a friend - a shoulder to cry on - don't take advantage, JT warns him to stay away. Kevin assures he couldn't do anything worse than what HE did, then heads out after her.

Joining Mac, a proud Kevin boasts that he gave JT a piece of his mind. It's good you found out before things got serious. It did - and he was thinking of Brit the whole time, Mac pouts. But, I have to stop dwelling on it. What does Brit have that I don't? she wonders. You're prettier, smarter, Kevin answers. She carries a sign that says 'I'm a hot - fall for me'. Any guy who thinks for himself would rather have you. She's a summer blockbuster - you're the smart art film who gets the awards and will one day be a classic. Though pleased with the response, Mac declines dinner. Thanks for everything, she smiles as she hurries out.

Gloria wonders if Kevin's back with Mac. We were never together, he points out. Gloria calls Lauren over - I need to see your fiance - I have terrific news for him, she bubbles with excitement. Gloria tells Kevin not to worry about Mac - it's just a matter of time. Hearing Lauren just came from seeing Brit, Kevin scowls his disapproval: Thanks to Brit, Mac's life's a nightmare. Lauren feels sorry for Brit. Is that why you look so down? Gloria asks. Lauren admits it's a lot of things. Mike and I are having a disagreement - not sure we'll ever see eye to eye. You guys love each other - don't let a disagreement ruin the happiest day of your life, Kevin advises. Lauren thanks him and leaves too.

Later, Bobby eyes Kevin (eyeing him) - what you looking at? What JT did - not cool, Kevin munches on barsnacks. Mac's a good kid - stay away from her, Bobby orders. Why? Kevin can't be blamed for what happened at the club - your mob buddies tried to frame me. Unless you wanna end up in a body cast, shut your mouth. Those are my friends - I'm back in business, Bobby says (sounding just like a real live mobster)

Married To The Mob
Meanwhile, at the ranch, Bobby's irritated to hear Nikki questioned Vinnie and informs her that he's back with his old pals - where he belongs. Nikki's horrified. You don't belong there - You could be killed - don't do this - You've changed too damn hard to change your life. Bobby wanted to be legit - but he's no better than they are. In their eyes I used to be somebody - I used to have cash - a comfortable lifestyle. Without Brit and the baby he doesn't need to be something he's not. Don't you miss her? I KNOW how in love you were. Bobby thinks it too late - I've already made my choice. Don't tell me you're in too deep already. You're my dear friend. Bobby doesn't want to be her charity case. I had my shot and missed. I gotta be happy with what I got. You'll have nothing, Nikki warns. Have a nice life - we got nuthin' more to say to each other. Outside, Bobby looks grim - inside, Nikki sheds tears of frustration.

JT stops strumming. Working on a new song? Brit asks. A glum JT reports his run in with Mac. I had to convince her that the whole time I was with her, I wanted you - Now she thinks I never cared at all. She didn't yell or scream - she's confused (that someone she cared about could do that). JT doubts Mac will ever forget what he said - some things you can't take back. You're doing the right thing - our plan is working, Brit encourages: Lauren even came to see me - she was surprisingly understanding. JT is glad things are working out for her - protecting her is what it's all about - but do you have ANY idea how Mac feels? Worse - Kevin Fisher's there to pick up the pieces. Brit doesn't see the harm: he's been a good friend to her. The moment he gets to close, this charade is over, JT warns. Brit believes Mac will come back to him once this is all over and he can tell her the truth. Kevin Fisher's no match for you. She places his hand on her belly - this is the reason we're doing this. YOU give me the strength to hold it together - we WILL get through his and it'll be because of you.

The Groom 2 B or Not 2 B- Part II
In his office, Mike's not nearly as thrilled to hear Gloria has spoken to both Nikki and Victor Newman about his wedding. Hearing Victor Newman was asked to stand up for him, Mike removes his glasses (as if it'll make it all go away). Do you know how inappropriate that is - how mollified I am? I'm not a 5 year old who needs him Mommy to make playdates. You're restricted to picking flowers and the band - nothing else. I suppose your going to take his side on this, Gloria snaps at Lauren when she arrives. I don't know how you put up with him! Gloria marches out. Sometimes I wonder the same thing, Mike says sheepishly to Lauren. I didn't mean to pressure you. Your questions weren't unreasonable - but Lauren's not ready to give answers. Of course the wedding is still on. Very interesting choice, she jokes: Victor in the wedding party. See how you feel when she calls Buckingham palace to have the Queen be your matron of honour, Mike cracks back as they kiss and make up.

The Distracted Dad
Oh my God! Nick you're home! Sharon gives him a hug. Nick's glad to be home - and can't wait to see Noah (who's at a movie with his pal Harry but should be home soon). So, it's over, Sharon assumes hopefully (hearing Daniel is in custody). Seeming distant and preoccupied, Nick picks up a photo of Cassie from the mantle. Sharon serves iced tea: You look good. So do you. When Nick admits he's drained, Sharon offers to run a bath. Maybe later, Nick answers as he asks how it's been there. Things are OK - but it doesn't feel right, Sharon says sadly. Noah's doing well in baseball, she smiles. Nick cups her face, and as she kisses his hand, promises to be at his next game (Of course - where'd you think I'd be?) Sharon shows him some photos of the all star game. Nick smiles as he looks through them. He happens upon a photo of the pool party: isn't that Abby? Sharon explains how Brad invited them. Noah had fun playing with Abby. Nick suddenly needs to go to the office - to catch up. Now? Sharon frowns. On cue, Noah arrives - and is ecstatic to see his Dad home. The threesome hug - Yes - we're still a family, Nick agrees with a smile.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8 ... I'm really liking the comic relief Gloria's added to the show (especially since Dru and Phyllis haven't had much cause to be funny lately) ... Note to Gloria: Nikki didn't exactly agree to plan the wedding with you - she just politely told you that your ideas suck ... wonder why Nikki didn't recommend wedding planner extraordinaire Laird Worthington .... Notice Vic calls Mike 'somewhat' of a good friend ... What IS the mystery surrounding Scotty? (other than where the heck he's been) ... Please don't tell me he was somehow conceived via Victor Newman too ....Mike has a really good point - Lauren was extremely ticked off that he wouldn't divulge all the horrors of his childhood. In fact, she was rethinking the whole relationship and Mike had to beg and finesse her into accepting the engagement ring. NOW, it's OK that she doesn't even want Mike to meet her son .. Why would he care if her son was a mental patient or convict? His family includes both .... Paul's darkened his hair (which makes him even duller - and a perfect match for Ashley - who was much more interesting when she was party crashing in her robe) .... Nick and Sharon were painfully awkward with one another .... What is GC coming to when folks go to Kevin Fisher for relationship advice? He did a great job today comparing Brit to a blockbuster (but I'd say Mac's more like a tedious documentary than an art film these days) ... Why would Mac be so surprised to hear JT say he loves Brit? She was telling him as much over and over before Brit married Bobby .... Nikki should not stand with her hands on her hips in that shirt - her wing span exceeds that of the prehistoric terodactyl. What's next - leg warmers and feather earings? ... After all JT's done, the Marsino's should be naming their kid Jeffrey Todd instead of Joshua.

Next: A passionate Phyllis tells Jack: My son is not a criminal - soon, everyone will know that.....Bobby to JT at the loft: I think the best way is if you let me rough you up a little.

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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.