Audra’s sure Billy can find someone better than Phyllis to run Abbott Communications with him. Sally was offered the job but loves Marchetti. Think of the power – how can you say no? Audra asks.
Phyllis is sitting alone at the club when Daniel calls to cancel breakfast. He’s tired of having Abbott Communications stuffed down his throat and doesn’t know what it will take for his Mom to accept that.
Daniel asks for space to figure things out on his own. How? Phyllis asks. He’s working with someone, a friend who gets where his head’s at. I don’t get where your head’s at? Phyllis is insulted. She can’t ‘focus on Abbott Communications’ because Billy fired her. Daniel will get him to reconsider. Phyllis wants Daniel to reconsider. Love you, Daniel hangs up and rejoins Tessa just long enough to get a rain-check on the lesson, say how much he trusts her – and march out. Tessa’s left to look puzzled for a moment before Mariah arrives. I missed you! ~hug~
Yes, Sally enjoyed running Newman Media but running a company with your significant other could blow up (as it did with Adam) Audra knows she’d rather not keep running into Chelsea at Marchetti. Think of all the fun we could have – both of us running new companies. How can you say no? If you don’t work with Billy, I might poach you to come work with me, Audra adds.
Returning to the dining room, Billy sees that Phyllis is gone and sits at the bar. Daniel accosts him. What’s wrong with you? Why would you fire my Mom because of me????
Sally loves working with Chloe at Marchetti. Audra persists – you don’t have to give up fashion. You could build a fashion platform at Abbott Communications. With you as Billy’s right hand, Phyllis would be gone for good, she continues.
You know how much this job means to her, Daniel points out that it’s not his Mom’s fault that he accepted the job then backed out. So, she pushed a little hard, that’s why we love her, he adds. Billy can’t trust that Phyllis won’t let this go. Daniel will talk to her – give her another chance. This isn’t about me, it’s what she needs to get her life back.
Mariah won’t bore Tessa with details about her business trip. Both are happy that Sharon’s having fun in London with Nick and the kids. Though not seeing Mariah’s troubled expression, her lengthy hug causes Tessa to ask if everything’s OK.
Nothing’s wrong, Mariah just missed Tessa so much. Tessa missed her too – let’s catch up over breakfast. Mariah can’t because she has a lot of work to do. As they hug, it’s now Tessa who looks worried.
Back at the club’s bar, Daniel demands Billy give Phyllis her job back. You saved her life and now you’re walking away from her. Billy’s doing what’s best for the company – and Phyllis. She’s not ready to take on this stressful role. Billy’s concerned about her. She’s been a little intense, Daniel admits – but once she sees that I’m on track, she’ll be committed to Abbott – don’t do this. Billy’s decision is final. He’s not upset, he respects that Phyllis is fighting for her son. She believes she knows what’s best for you. Even though she doesn’t, Daniel quietly adds.
Yes, Mariah’s OK – just glad to be home. She’s already running late so will see Tessa at home. After the I love you’s, Tessa doesn’t have much time to process the chat because Phyllis comes along. Spotting Daniel’s jacket, she seems relieved that Tessa is the person who sees where Daniel’s head’s at. With an impromptu hug, Phyllis asks – please tell me you’re going to help me save my son.
Billy isn’t changing his mind and doesn’t agree that he’s making a mistake. He knows Phyllis will come back stronger and he’ll beg her to come back. So. it’s your loss, I’m sure that’ll make her feel better, Daniel frowns. Meeting Billy at the revolving door, Sally’s been doing some soul searching. About what? You, me and Abbott Communications. Billy looks at the empty table where he just fired Phyllis.
Making her way to a bench at the park overlook, Phyllis is on the verge of a panic attack as she gasps and chokes back sobs.