At CL's, Paul relieves Nina of a stack of boxed goodies; all Chance's favourites. Paul's picked up Chance's favourite lasagna - and Jill arrives from Trimble's (where she bought all Chance's favourite books). Chance's favourite ribs are comin' from G-worm. The birthday boy is reportedly going crazy being cooped up. Too bad the trial's not over with.

Oops - the sun's up. Looks like Heather accidentally slept over. Naked and in bed, things get awkward when Chloe barges in - with birthday waffles.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Kay worries to Murphy (about Nikki). Victor marrying Diane sure was a blow to her. Go check on Nikki - Murphy and Ester can handle the party preparations.

Awakening slowly, Nikki's aged 10 years overnight. Through bloodshot eyes, she peers at the near empty vodka bottle - along with the 8 messages (most from Deacon and Kay) on her phone - delete.

Kyle at school, Victor hands Diane an envelope; credit cards and bank info (as per the pre nup). How romantic - but no, Diane's not having second thoughts (and neither's a happy Victor). Diane's only surprised by how quickly it all happened? So, she planned to marry Victor all along? Well - the thought DID cross her mind. Good - Victor's pleased.

At Sharon's, Nick decides to wait until Faith wakes up. Fine - Sharon will leave then. Text me when you go, she stomps upstairs to grab her stuff.

Hanging up with Jack, Diane understates; he's having a bit of trouble adjusting to Victor being Kyle's stepfather. Chuckling, Victor sympathizes (as Jack was stepfather to his kids). Ironic, Diane finds - enemies raising one another's sons. Victor readily admits that Jack did a good job with Nick. Hopefully, he'll realize that Victor has Kyle's best interests at heart. All giddy about his new family, Victor'd LOVE to go with Diane to pick Kyle up.

Other than sounding a tad too chipper as she welcomes Kay into the suite, Nikki covers well. Claiming she turned her cell phone off to get some rest, Nikki's NOT over Victor marrying Diane (but she'll overcome it - again - sober). Deacon? Nikki threw his pathetic ass out. Telling Kay she was right all along, Nikki details his conspiracy with Meggie. Why, he even orchestrated Victor catching them in bed!

Clip clopping downstairs, Sharon sure DOES feel that one of them must leave (because Nick blackmailed Adam into leaving town). He's every bit as controlling as Victor - and Nick can guess again if he thinks Sharon will forgive him.

Heather and Chance now dressed, Chloe's given the go ahead to serve the waffles (and a side order of attitude and sarcasm). Heather 'moved on' too - with Ronan, Chloe reminds. Chance claiming that she's just keeping him company doesn't sit well with Heather (who pretends she wasn't aware it was Chance's birthday). Chance in the shower, Chloe tells Heather to go around to the front door (so it won't be obvious to all that she was 'keeping Chance company').

The crowded mausoleum's living room is being transformed into party central (while the guards swarm outside). Wrapping all the books individually, Nina explains that she always made a big deal of Chance's birthdays. Ronan missing puts Nina on the edge of her seat - like when Chance was in Iraq - waiting for that unexpected knock at the door. Knock knock. Nina pales - but it's only Heather. No worries - Chance is clueless.

Sure, Nikki's been tempted to drink - but that's what caused this mess. Deacon knew what buttons to push. Getting a call from Murphy, Kay barks; start without me. Sent off to the party, Nikki assures Kay that she's fine. Told to call Kay day or night, Nikki's left alone - to put the tempting (if not almost empty) bottle in the trash can.

Nick doesn't agree that it's the 'same thing' (him using Adam's love for Sharon). He was protecting Faith. She was never in danger, Sharon insists. And now that Adam's out of her life (thanks to HIM), Nick better go to the Judge - withdraw the petition for custody. He's to stick with the deal he made with Adam.

At CL's, Victor and Diane fuss over Kyle (who thinks it cool to have two Dad's). Victor thinks him a lucky boy - and the ranch is his home now. And as they discuss spoiling Kyle, Nikki arrives (to stare at the happy little family).

Approaching the newlywed's table, Nikki's introduced (by Diane) as Summer's grandma. Remaining civil, Nikki knows Victor and Diane must be grateful to have one another (but looks sad when Diane comments that love's lovelier the second time around).

Still in Chance's room, Chloe wonders if he's some playboy user now. The sarcasm's new too. And when Chance whines about all he's endured, Chloe thinks he shoulda gone somewhere sunny and 'zen', like California. Chance WAS in California (and she'd remember that - if she wasn't so busy whining). Asked if he's going back there, Chance is saved from answering when Kay text summons him downstairs. She sprained her ankle, Chloe lies. Downstairs, the pair are greeted by a chorus of 'surprise!'. Oh look - it's all Chance's favourite foods, people - and his favourite pinball game. Nice that Heather could make it. She can't say no to Gina's lasagne. She can't say no period, Chloe grins. And as all file into the dining room, Paul tells Nina he's got work to do.

Returning to her suite, Nikki finds Deacon there. He just couldn't live things the way they left em.

Kay paying the pinball machine, Chance opens Chloe's gift; a framed photo of him and Delia (who can't be trusted to keep the secret). Maybe after the trial... it's suggested. Knowing it likely won't happen, Chloe looks sad.

Kyle skipping off to get ready for his ride (with Victor), Diane declines (giving them time to to bond). Though Nikki handled herself well today, she knows a face to face (without Kyle present) wouldn't go as well. But yes, she CAN handle Nikki.

Furious, Nikki won't be 'charmed' by Deacon again. Having had HIS sobriety sabotaged (causing him to lose his kids), Deacon knows Nikki won't be able to forgive him. He's just there to reassure her that his feelings WERE real. He turned in the bottles Meggie smuggled into rehab - remember? Yes - but Deacon being IN rehab was a LIE! Now, he just wants to make it right - he was crazy to ever think he deserves a woman like Nikki.

Nick also wants to 'make things right'. Faith needs her mother - and when he's convinced Adam's gone, Nick WILL go to the Judge. When Paul arrives, Sharon tries to hush him up. Unfortunately, Nick's heard - and not impressed that she's actively looking for Adam (while asking him amend custody because he's gone). Unbelievable! Sharon just needs to know that Adam's all right. He's NOT the reason she lost custody (which she WILL get back - and there's nothing Nick can do about it (except stomp upstairs to get her when she awakens crying).

Despite the fact that Nikki neither wants nor needs HIS help, Deacon can't walk away - so, has taken a room just a few doors down. In case I drink? Nikki will have Deacon charged with harassment if he doesn't stay out of her life (which will violate his parole). Go! Nikki slams the door behind him.

Nick leaving with Faith, Sharon assures that they'll be together soon - then apologizes for his unreasonableness. Not blaming Nick one bit, Paul reports that Adam flew to Hawaii - then to Thailand. Assuming that Adam's chasing a lead in Skye's death, Sharon wants Paul to follow (as she can't). No can do - Paul must 'be there' for Nina and Heather (during the trial). Besides - why would he fly half way around the world to find someone he never wants to see again?

Chance enjoying his pinball game, Nina mopes (then explains to those concerned that it's like he's trying too hard to have a good time). Nina looks even sadder when Chloe blabs that he's worried about what to do after the trial (whether to go back into the witness protection program).

The party's officially pooped (Jill and Kay not understanding why Chance would be safe after the trial). There might be others out there, Paul's back to chime in. With Chance still undecided, the DA arrives to announce that the trial begins today. As the first witness up, Chance could be testifying that afternoon. Happy Birthday!

In the club's hallway, the manager; Keith, wants to confirm that Mr Sharp is checking out today. Staying on a few more days is NOT a good idea (as it would upset another guest). OK - I got it, Deacon pouts.

In her suite, Nikki's frustrated to find the damn maid has emptied her trash bin. paper clip in hand, she works the lock - come ON! Outside Nikki's door, Deacon slips a card under the door - then, bags in hand, saunters out. Min bottles from the min bar in hand, Nikki spots the printed card (which reads 'Serenity, Courage, Wisdom'. Slamming it on the table, a parched Nikki guzzles vodka from tiny bottles.

Alone for a moment, Diane's staring at the roaring fire - flashing back to sex with Nick there. Victor appearing to snap her out of it, Diane's soon gasping at an 'exquisite' diamond necklace. Victor's so happy that she's his wife. Diane too ~kiss~

Back at the tackhouse, Faith on his knee, Nick hopes SHE won't grow up to make crazy choices. Hopefully, Mommy comes to her senses. Meanwhile, Sharon's bags are packed. Online, she searches 'emergency passport'. But, where WILL she get a birth certificate?

Next; We can't have any contact anymore, Kevin tells Jana ... As Chloe looks on, Billy warns Angelo - don't look at her - don't talk to her - forget her name .. The prosecution calls Philip Chancellor IV. Stunned, Pomerantz and Syd swivel around.

My Thoughts: Grab your skates - hell has frozen over. Victor actually admitted that Jack did a good job raising Nick (which is surprising - since he loathes both right now) ... Nikki sure IS 'handling herself well' - once freshened up, you'd never even know she got drunk last night .... Nikki just wants some 'decent' coffee? Is that why she's always at CL's? Guess Gina's too busy making her famous lasagna to brew some. Who even knew Gina was still employed at the club? I thought SHE'D gone into the witness protection program .... Why would Deacon tell Nikki he got a room a couple doors away? Since he asked the manager if they were 'full' he obviously hasn't (not that a part time bartender would be able to afford it anyway. Deacon better hope there's a vacancy at the roach motel) .. Hard to remember Deacon even HAS children - he certainly hasn't made any effort to see L'il D .... Chance doesn't seem too concerned to hear Kay sprained her ankle - or curious as to how she did it ... Is the pinball game staying 'here'? Who knows Chance - no one knows if YOU'RE staying 'here'. I doubt they'd have bought your favourite pinball machine if they knew you'd be leaving (shipping something that size can't be cheap - not that it'd matter to billionaire's) Those dinging bells would get annoying REAL fast ... Sharon looks really puzzled over where to get a birth certificate. Duh - Goggle it - just like you just Googled emergency passports. If Cane can figure it out, so can you .... Chance's pillows sure are propped up stiffly. He and Heather didn't even wake up spooning. Judging by his mobility, it doesn't even look like Chance HAD half his liver removed ... Chance sure has a lot of 'favourites'. Wish he'd use his favourite razor. Who knew he was an avid reader? And when did Chance have time to become such a big fan of G-worm's ribs? The place was barely open before he 'died' ... Start without me, Kay snaps at Murphy (which I'm sure isn't the first time she's said that to him) ... I've got it together, Nikki assures Kay (and by 'it', she doesn't mean her thighs). Good thing the suite's mini bar are so easily broken into. Doesn't she think the 'damn' maid will notice? (lucky she had a paper clip in her purse - guess she was planning to go on Let's Make a Deal)... Nick doesn't understand the crazy decisions some women make? Like he's never made a bad decision *cough* Grace? ... Faith's an adorable little boy - but someone needs to wipe his nose ... Nick, understandably, feels that Adam IS a 'seriously disturbed individual'. Sharon admits that Adam's done 'cruel' and 'horrible' things - yet - she's forgiven him. Nick, however, can 'guess again' if he thinks she's forgiven HIM. Known for her kind heart (and soft head), why does Sharon have NO compassion for Nick? His grief may not have been as profound as hers but Nick's seen no evidence that remorseful. Sharon hasn't even told Nick that Adam regrets what he did ... Nick and Sharon talk about Faith's coat (in the dryer) like it's her only one. Surely the kid has dozens of 'coats' in her closet ... Victor's glad that Diane's his wife - Diane glad she 'made that decision' Good to hear - but not surprising; it's only day 2 of their honeymoon after all. Not sure Victor'll be too happy when he catches Diane sniffing the carpet she and Nick 'made love' on ... How will Nick EVER be 'convinced' that Adam's gone for good? He managed to come back from the grave for heaven's sake (not that he's the only one. You can't be convinced ANYONE in GC is gone for good; even when they die).