Awakening in Sharon's bed, Adam awkwardly stammers about the 'three little words' he blurted out last night. Seemingly unimpressed to have Adam in her bed, Sharon won't discuss anything so serious before her morning coffee. And when Noah calls out, Sharon instructs Adam to stay put - it's no one's business that he's there.

At the tackhouse, Phyllis hopes Nick's up for his busy day - after the whole plaque thing yesterday. Nick's feeling just fine - thanks to her kind gesture (which Phyllis informs was OK'd by Jack). She marvels at how brave Nick is - holding Ashley's baby so soon after losing his own.

Still at the cabin, Ashley sings to Faith in her arms. Ash? Jack barges in loudly - what's she doing up here - isolated, like this? Ashley assures she's fine now - and doesn't need to be rescued. Ashley's not going anywhere - and would appreciate Jack respecting her decision.

Moping at CL's, Amber can't help but worry about Daniel's appearance before the grand jury - and that Deacon's using Ryder to 'play' them. Needing her to be strong, Daniel's sure they'll figure it out. And look - here comes the smartest damned lawyer in the universe. As they head off to update Phyllis, Daniel wonders if Mike knows if anyone else has been subpoenaed. Yes, Mike does.

At the club, Reed's got some balloons tied to his chair. Surely JT will be able to stop by his son's birthday party this afternoon, right? Actually no - JT doesn't have the flexibility he had at NE. Save me a piece of cake. As the nanny takes Reed off to school, Vikki's served with a subpoena to appear before the grand jury. The homicide in the alley, she reminds JT. As he descends the staircase, Deacon's also served. Throwing a mini hissy fit, he glares over to meet Vikki's stare.

Ending his call, Deacon stares at the Hellstrum's for a moment, before huffing out the revolving door - leaving JT to reassure a nervous Vikki. But hearing she plans to talk to Nick about returning to NE, JT gripes about Reed having more 'nanny time'. Bristling at the 'jab', Vikki can do both. Not convinced, JT leaves with a quick kiss.

Paul's summoned Dr P to the CL's patio. No - it's not an update on Patty he's after - how long has she been dating Jack Abbott? Dr P refusing to have 'this conversation' doesn't stop Paul from expressing his outrage - morally and ethically, how can Dr P become involved with the man who caused Patty's breakdown?

'Like a dog with a bone', Jack continues to try and pry Ashley from the solitude of the cabin. Is he trying to rescue her like he does Sharon? Maybe he should get his own life in order - and back off Ashley's a bit.

In her robe, Sharon assures Noah that the coffee he made her is just fine. He questions her falling asleep so early last night - the light was off. Usually she stays up if he's out past curfew. Pleasantly surprised that he's not in trouble, Noah exits. All clear? Adam comes down, dressed. No - Sharon doesn't want Adam to 'get out of her hair' - but when he again broaches the subject of his 'three little words', she suddenly has to go clean the blender - be right back.

Ending a call from Vikki, Nick's ready to leave for work when Phyllis suggests he partner up with her on the CI deal. Pretty good idea - Nick will think it over. Phyllis and Summer are off shopping for a birthday gift for Reed (who's party doesn't allow grown ups). Love you, Nick leaves with a quick kiss - and passes Mike and Daniel at the door. What's going on? Phyllis has the good sense to get nervous when these two show up at her door unannounced.

When Sharon rejoins Adam babbling about breakfast, he knows she's avoiding him. No, she's not - and he needn't explain his 'I love you'. Adam assures it was a 'swept away, heat of the moment, My God she's amazing' blurt out - not a deep moment of truth. He didn't mean to scare Sharon (whom he loves BEING with). No, Sharon doesn't feel the need to run away screaming - not today, Chuckling, she DOES feel better.

Ashley gushes about her adorable baby (who's now back to sleep). Jack confides he walked in on Sharon kissing a man - a bad man - Adam. He's not a bad man, Ashley objects - he deserves happiness (and so does Sharon). She needs comfort and companionship (and it's not Jack's call whom she turns to for it).

Joining Vikki at the club's restaurant, Nick listens to her moan about being subpoenaed - but is she also upset about JT having a fancy new job? Jealous?! Vikki stops laughing long enough to admit that maybe she is - a little. JT's got a fabulous job - while HER day will be spent on Reed's birthday party. And now she has share her personal failings with the grand jury - her affair with Deacon. I'm a stay at home Mom with a rocky marriage and a tainted public image, she whines - it's NOT who I'm supposed to be.

They subpoenaed Ryder too - and Vikki and Deacon, Phyllis is told. That really doesn't make her feel any better - Deacon and Ryder will lie to make Daniel look worse. What are we gonna do? Phyllis frets. The best thing would be finding evidence that leads to the real killer, Mike replies.

Back at the club, Nick encourages Vikki to find something to focus on (besides JT) - like the NE art foundation. Vikki would rather come back to work at NE. He too would love her to come back to NE - but the SEC stuff is too high profile right now. And when Vikki declines going to Asia or Dubai on business, Nick suggests they buy CI stock - you, me, Dad - leave the company out of it. Hmmm - Vikki will give it some thought - but now she's gotta go deal with the grand jury. You're the best - thanks for listening ~hug~

Mike explains that Phyllis isn't allowed to sit in on the grand jury hearing. He, himself, will be in the next room - they can stop testimony to confer at any time. Daniel doesn't need his Mom to protect him - he just wanted her to hear it from him. And as Daniel goes to the car, Mike promises to do everything humanly possible to help Daniel. Phyllis needs more - she needs him to be super human. Alone for a nanosecond, Phyllis grabs her jacket and purse and flies out.

Marching over to Deacon's table at Indigo, Amber snatches the newspaper from his hands - demanding he 'fix' Daniel's problem. Fix the grand jury? Does Deacon look like he's in control?! Look at me - no painting - no money. All he has is this - a subpoena. You blew me off, Deacon reminds - you and your little artist husband are out of luck!

Still on the CL's patio, Paul shakes his head - he's been involved with clients too - it always ends badly. Dr P's too savvy NOT to know she's crossing the line. Dr P doesn't see the problem - Paul needs to respect her boundaries - it's not like Patty will ever be out in the real world again. Huh? Dr P's sorry - she didn't mean to be blunt - but Patty lives in a fantasy world. Paul refuses to give up. Neither will Dr P - and Patty will never know she's seeing Jack. Paul concludes it's a bad idea - that's a fact (not speculation).

Outside the cabin, Jack admires the plaque Phyllis nailed to the tree. He feels sad for Nick and Sharon (who shouldn't be 'moving on' with Adam). Ashley approves of Dr P - it's a good match. Jack thinks adding (as opposed to losing) someone to his life is a nice change. No time for a walk in the woods - Jack's gotta get back to town. Ashley appreciates his concern - but back off a little - love you.

At the club, Noah hands Nick a permission slip that needs to be signed - it's for a school trip (environmental justice). Yeah, Eden singed up too. Nick talks about the Faith plaque at the cabin (which he'll tell Sharon about). Nick worries about her - it's not been an easy year. She must be lonely.

Not lonely at all, Sharon's giggling at Adam's stories. She WAS ducking him earlier - to avoid this big, emotional confession. She's just not ready for anything big or committed. This casual relationship feels great. YOU feel great, Adam grins ~kiss~ They jump apart when Noah comes barging in. Sorry - didn't know you had company. Adam just stopped by - I should get going (he dons his jacket to prove it). Noah just needs a signature. Bye Adam, he calls out as he exits. Wow - another close call, Adam opines. Too close, Sharon grins.

Vikki approaches Heather at CL's - is her testimony really necessary? Can't she PLEASE be taken off the list? A favour? After all the Newman family's done to Heather? (who folds her arms and beams smugly). So what if Vikki was right about Adam? Want a 'ribbon'? This isn't personal - you were in the alley, Heather reminds (but personally - yeah - she hopes like hell they make Vikki squirm).

Great - couldn't keep away from me, huh 'Red'? Deacon isn't surprised (nor happy) to see Phyllis march into Indigo. How should he know what he's gonna say to the grand jury? He doesn't even know the questions yet. But - how does she manage to be hot and annoying at the same time. My son's innocent, Phyllis snarls - then talks about him blackmailing Amber - he's up to his eyeballs in this disgusting mess. Maybe if Daniel hadn't been 'coddled' by his Mommy, he wouldn't be IN this disgusting mess. No, Deacon doesn't have any idea what Phyllis is capable of - but is quivering with anticipation. And as Phyllis marches out without further word, Deacon makes a call - he's tired of taking the heat for these schemes (and won't implicate himself before the grand jury).

Sending Adam off to his driver (with a kiss), Sharon's left alone to smile as she clears the coffee cups. Her grin widens assuming the knock at the door is him returning. The smile's wiped off her face in a hurry though. It's Nick - and he needs to 'talk about what happened yesterday'.

W-w-what about yesterday? Sharon's then told all about the plaque (and that is was Phyllis' idea). Nick hopes it will bring her peace - like it did to him. Not so much - Sharon doesn't like the idea of anyone walking by being privy to their private loss - also, it's a constant reminder that they're cheaters. How dare Nick make this decision without her? It was presumptuous! He and Phyllis didn't even involve her! Do they really expect her to be grateful? Get out! Meanwhile, baby in her arms, Ashley walks up to the plaque honouring Faith. It's getting cold, she shivers.

Jack bumps into his 'favourite shrink' at the club. Hearing of Paul's concern about them dating, Jack also concludes that Patty will never find out (and hopes a second date isn't out of the question). Dr P won't be bullied. Besides, it's nothing serious. Who says? Jack replies.

On the CL's patio, Vikki leaves a message for JT - I need to see you - call me if you can't come to CL's. Inside, Adam stumbles over to the counter. Adam, Heather says. Adam mentions needing coffee - after the night he had last night. OK - Heather gets that he doesn't want to talk to her. But she's sorry for some of the things she said. No worries - Adam's moved on - and she should too. Keep the change, he tells the barrista (before marching away from a Heather). I hope you and HE will be very happy, she mutters to herself. Mike then comes over to help Heather with her coat - and spar about Daniel being indicted ( a 'done deal' according to Heather). That leaves Daniel to scold Amber for going to talk to Deacon - after they promised Mike they'd behave. Stay the hell away from that guy. This whole thing's gonna go away soon, he has a feeling. As Daniel walks off to take a call, Phyllis approaches Amber - talk Daniel into escaping to Brazil (where she'll set up a bank account for them). Run? Amber's stunned. And when Daniel comes over to ask if Nick has a tie he can borrow, Phyllis pastes a quick smile on her face. Yeah - come by the house. Daniel tells both ladies to stop worrying - it'll be fine.

Next: Nothing can stop us now, Cane raves (as Lily and Mac hug). Something can - if we don't take care of it, Mac replies ... Bottom line - until Mac's pregnant, she's NOT pregnant - so, there's an open door, Billy shares his hope with a sneering Chloe ... No one outside of CI is supposed to know about this, a thoughtful Mike paces as he confides in the Bardwell's. 'And our lips are sealed', an interested Gloria assures.

My Thoughts: Huh? Who knew the plaque honouring Faith C Newman was nailed to a tree right outside the cabin's French doors!? Phyllis must feel real silly - to think, she walked around in a big circle that looped back to the door she and Summer walked out of. And - had she known the plaque was close enough to read from the cabin's sofa, she might have nailed it to the other side of the tree. Odd that Nick didn't see any movement - or hear her hammering it in. The French Doors must be double paned ... Why is Sharon concerned with any passers by seeing the plaque? Isn't the Abbott cabin in a remote location? And private property? Besides - the tree will grow - the plaque will be too high for anyone to read in a few years ... LOL @ Adam dissin' Heather at CL's - but really - he should know better than to try and walk off all cocky - cause he usually trips over something (like he did on his way in) ... How exactly did Phyllis know to find Deacon at a night club - during the breakfast rush)? ...... Line of the day goes to Adam - 'Let's not complicate things' he manages to say without laughing (as he lays in bed with his half brother's ex wife - who's baby he's stolen). This followed closely by Sharon - who goes to clean up the 'sticky mess' Noah left in the kitchen (though it's unclear on what he used the blender for - and why he wouldn't clean up his own mess (and why Noah wouldn't have had his permission slip signed when he first spoke to her - since it's so urgent and all). What? Adam doesn't want leftover Pasta Prima vera for breakfast? ... Phyllis thinks it 'so crazy' that Summer was 'taken' with Faith? Isn't the crazy part that she's Summer's Aunt? (or even crazier that she's her half sister) ... If Ashley doesn't want Jack barging into the cabin, how about locking the door? ... Are you Victoria Newman Hellstrum? the server really has to ask? Like Vikki's image hasn't been plastered all over the papers and internet? ... Deacon gripes that Amber and Daniel 'blew him off' (when it's obviously more accurate that just Amber blew Deacon) ... Reed's going to school already? Who's JT to gripe about Reed having more 'nanny time' - when he's not even sure he make it to the kid's birthday party - and since his new company doesn't even have an office set up in GC, what exactly is he doing all day dressed so dapperly in a suit (that he never liked wearing)? .. Paul claims he doesn't want Patty to lose the gains she's made? What gains are those exactly? That she can cut out her paper dolls along the dotted lines? ... Why is Jack drinking straight, hard liquor so early in the morning? And if he's there to see the 'handyman', why is he squawking about Ashley being up there all alone? ... If Dr P isn't 'giving up' on Patty, why does she assume she'll never, ever be out in the world again? ... I bet you never snuck out your bedroom window again' Sharon laughs at Adam's story. You'd lose that bet, he responds (but tells nothing of sneaking outta the ranch). No - 'no weirdness' at all between Sharon and Adam.