Blow by Blow From T.O.
Mike hums and haws in the hallway - then flashes back over his conversation with Lauren (he's a well adjusted young man) and then Gloria (I'm tempted to go to Toronto... Yes - you need to know what you're dealing with). Mike knocks: Scott Granger? he asks the young man who opens the door. I thought we should meet - mind if I come in? Scott reluctantly agrees: Sure, why not. Mike admires the place - it's nice. How long you lived here? Scott's working on his masters - emphasis on creative writing. You may be Mom's boyfriend, but why are you here? To see if I'm a freak boy? Freak boy? Mike balks: That's harsh - I've wanted to meet you (and apparently interrogate him). How often do you talk? Have you seen her recently? She stopped by on her way back from Paris a while ago, Scotty answers. When was the last time you were in GC? Mike continues: You were born there, right? You haven't exactly had a normal home life, Mike concludes. Define normal, Scott challenges. Mike doesn't know what a normal home life is. My family is flawed. Scotty doesn't feel HIS is - he's happy with the way it was. Bottom line: Mom's not too keen on my coming to GC. You really don't know the reason? Mike has to ask. He's sorry to show up unannounced. I love your mother very much - she doesn't know anything about this. Scotty won't say anything. I'm sure our paths will cross again, Mike says as he leaves and stands puzzled in the hallway.

When Family Hits The Fan
At the club, Lauren recovers from the shock: So, YOU'RE Terrible Tom. That's what Kevin and Mike call you. I've seen the damage you've done. I promised myself if I ever ran into you, I'd give you what Kevin never could. Lauren delivers a stinging slap across the face. Hope you feel better, Tom touches his cheek. What kind of sick monster tortures his own son? There was a lot going on - my life was a mess, Tom explains sheepishly. He's not proud of what he did to Kevin. Have you any idea how much Kevin hates himself? Lauren wonders. He's done bad things. People have turned against him. You made him feel unworthy of love. He'd be in prison if it weren't for Michael - HE's more of a man than you'll ever be (NOT a coward for running). Have you ever tried to apologize!? Tom came to make amends. No - you came to terrorize Kevin, get money - and con ME. Ashley saw your temper and dumped you. Your deception is over - you won't hurt Kevin again! You should be dead! Lauren spits as she turns and marches out. Moving to the bar, Tom drinks and reads the paper - so, someone's trying to find me. Just might be their lucky day.

When John comes home with flowers, Gloria's thrilled - so thoughtful. What's the occasion? John feels badly about being at the office so much. I miss you. Gloria understands. I'm married to a successful, prominent man. We will always find time for each other - you mean everything to me, Gloria gives him a hug: I want to believe nothing can tear us apart. John assures his 'Sweetheart' that he'd have a dismal life without her. Took me a while to come around, didn't it? All secrets are out in the open - I trust you, John says with a hug. A happy Gloria sends John off to the club to see Ashley: I'll be waiting for you. Love you. Now alone, Gloria's left to look extremely content.

Where's Michael?? Lauren fumes as Kevin arrives: I just ran into Tom Fisher at the club. He has an agenda. Kevin's surprised - but we're one step ahead of him. He read the notice, Lauren announces: he knows something is up. He was reading over my shoulder. Of course he knows who I am - I'M not afraid of him. I slapped him, Lauren boasts. You shouldn't have done that, Kevin groans as he runs out: I have to stop him. You better hope I'm not too late!

Gloria answers the door: Hello Gloria - long time no see. Since your husband's gone, you won't mind me coming in. A terrified Gloria backs up as Tom advances menacingly. Whattsamatter? Cat got your tongue? he taunts. Fascinating what you read in the papers these days. I hear someone's looking for me. My hunch is, it's YOU. I read the notice HERE - not Detroit. Mike and Kevin knew I was in GC. Yeah - I've seen them a few times. Why didn't they tell me? Gloria thinks aloud: If they knew you weren't dead..... Tom immediately gets it: only Mike the bastard would come up with that. Your marriage isn't legal, Tom announces. He gives Gloria props for not giving up - since Abbott broke his hip, you wormed your way back in. How long have you been stalking me? Gloria wonders. Too bad you never put that much effort into OUR marriage, Tom continues: You wear the money well - it suits you - no one would guess you come from trash. Inside, you're still trash. Just like me - we gotta stick together. We're still husband and wife, right? What we had together only comes once in a lifetime. I know nobody made you purr like your old tomcat. Gloria snaps: I wish I'd put you in jail. Tom knows she loved him - and has a strong feeling she still does. Gloria grabs a poker from the fireplace. Touch me and I'll kill you. The sharp point rests dangerously on Toms' throat.

All The World's a Stage
Just hold me Bobby, Brit whines in the strip club office. Can you at least be there for the birth of the baby? Promise me you'll be there, she pleads.

On the CL's patio, Kevin entertains Mac with a 'hilarious' joke. Ever thought of stand up comedy? she laughs. Humour comes from adversity - most comedians come from bad childhoods, Kevin agrees (but won't be hitting the stage).

JT eyes Mac and Kevin - then tells Dylan he'll have to think about open mic. Nikki sashays over: My goodness - someone had the same idea I did. You had it coming. He almost killed me, JT says - Bobby Marsino's a goon. When the mob's done with him he'll end up at the bottom of the lake. Nikki then blames HIM for Bobby returning to his old life - and takes a shot at Brit for taking her clothes off in front of strangers. Reminds you of yourself - maybe there's an opening at Marsino's. Nikki's about to slap the insolent JT: how dare you speak to me that way! You're a pig, she marches off.

Mac believes Kevin can do anything he sets his mind to. Kevin suggest a road trip - lets go see the Northern Lights - tonight. Lauren calls - I need you to come home right away! No - it can't wait - it's urgent! After Kevin apologizes for having to delay the trip, Mac runs after him to return his forgotten resume. She misses him - but meets JT's eyes. Arriving, Paul commands JT's attention: stifle it - stick with the program. This is not the time for regrets. It's not easy, JT feels bad for hurting Mac. What Bobby's doing is dangerous - for everyone, even Mac, Paul reminds him: Stay cool. You can tell Mac the truth soon enough. Focus on keeping Brit and the baby safe. As open mic night gets underway, JT hobbles over. Dylan - count me in, JT says as he borrows a guitar.

Back at the club, Bobby helps Brit back into her disguise - I love you too. Now go back to the loft and stay put. Nikki arrives in time to witness the kiss: Britney? she whispers to herself as she hides. Unseen, Nikki watches and listens as Vinnie heads into the office to give Bobby grief: Ang is doing a fine job with the club. Bobby feels it's HIS bar and assumed he'd be running it again. Vinnie will find him a job - but not here. He detects Bobby seems nervous. You haven't been getting any lately - stud like you must be lonely. You need a broad. As a matter of fact, Vinnie DOES have someone in mind; Nikki Newman. She knows a lot of rich people - she's into you. You lived at that ritzy ranch. Take advantage of it. When Bobby would rather talk about fencing electronics than desperate housewives, Vinnie reports a shipment's coming in from Korea - we might need you at the warehouse. Vinnie leaves telling Bobby to relax. He sees Nikki leaving. Desperate housewife huh? Vinnie murmurs to himself.

Dylan introduces JT Hellstrum - who sings the song he wrote for Mac. Brit watches from the back as a spellbound Mac looks longingly at JT. Mac turns to see Brit smiling along, hand on belly - and stomps off. As JT finishes, Brit and Paul join in the applause.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates a 7.5... ..Scott Granger sure answers the door fast. Poor choice of words Kevin ('I could make a killing.').... You GO Lauren! ('cept now she's just told Tom he 'should be dead' in front of a roomful of witnesses) ... Someone better tell Brit that unless she has a planned C-section, there's no way Bobby can promise to be there for the baby's birth. They kinda come when when and where they please, often with little warning ... I'm not exactly sure how JT rudely disrespecting Nikki is part of the plan? There are no hidden mobsters watching - and I'm not sure I'd be willing to just forget all the nasty things he's saying ... On the other hand, what the heck IS Nikki thinking by even mentioning Brit taking her clothes off for strangers (when Nikki married one of those strangers)... And how did she get to the club so quickly? ... Never mind Kevin being on stage at a local comedy club - he should be behind the stage (doing pyrotechnics or sumthin') ... Hmmm - Scott Granger. First appearance: wholesome and handsome. No wonder Lauren's not too keen on him visiting - he'll instantly age her by at least a decade.

Next: Mike confides: I went to go see Lauren's son. A smiling Chris is amazed: You saw Scotty? ... An angry Daniel jumps up. No matter what happens to me, Cassie's dead - SHE paid the ultimate price!...On the phone, Gloria tells a worried Kevin that there's nothing for you to worry about. I'm handling this (as she holds Tom at bay with the poker).

Thanks for your most generous support. I still have a few emails to send out - and names to add to the subscription list.

*****

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.