Diane won’t let Traci blame herself. Maybe Martin really did fall in love with you. He was so tender and gentle, Traci wonders if any of it was real. She has to live with those questions for the rest of her life. No, you’re not ‘needy’, Diane knows Traci to be a strong and self-sufficient woman – there’s nothing wrong in wanting to be loved.
Traci appreciates Diane’s remodel as a fresh space (so she won’t dwell on memories of Martin living there) We’ll do whatever we can to help you heal, Diane continues. I WILL bounce back, Traci vows.
Jack knows that Dumas going after Chancellor puts a target on Nikki’s back. He’d have to go through the entire Newman family, starting with me, Nick vows. Jack will be on the front line to defend his friend (Nikki) regardless of how Victor feels about it.
Victor wants to shut Dumas down before he gets anywhere near Chancellor. When Vikki mentions Claire’s plans for Nikki’s birthday party, Victor’s glad she (Claire) is focusing on something besides Kyle.
Now finally on the same page, Pietro can see that Claire gets her tenacity from her grandmother. Never change, he says in parting. That was impressive, Kyle loves seeing Claire in action. She hopes Victor will see that he’s the perfect man for her.
Jack comes home to hug Traci. Ashley? She had some Jabot business in Chicago but will be there soon. Traci continues to gush over the remodel. Yes, her time in New York helped her heal – sort of.
Kyle tells Claire that Harrison’s struggling on a birthday gift for his great grandmother. And, since his Mom’s away, Harrison thinks Claire’s the only one who can help him. Claire would love to help.
Are you really willing to sit back and watch Claire get her heart broken? Victor asks. This is about your hatred for Jack, Vikki thinks it very unfair to Claire. Victor’s pleased she isn’t moving in with Kyle. After what you’ve done to the men in my life, Vikki won’t let that happen to Claire. Victor should have done more – how many times have you been divorced? he asks with a straight face. If her Dad ruins Claire’s relationship with Kyle, she’ll forgive him (she slams out)
Seeing the way Vikki ‘bolted’ onto the elevator, Nikki guesses she and Victor argued about Claire and Kyle. She’s happy and in love – Nikki wishes Victor would give up on it. Have you given up on Mike? You must be hurting. Victor doesn’t want Nikki to worry about him, Kyle or Mike – so will have to distract her.
Traci had to do her soul-searching on her own (though Ashley was able to comfort her like no one else could) She’s decided to turn her ordeal into a novel – it’s cathartic. Jack and Diane declare her brave and brilliant. Harrison then runs in to hug Traci as Kyle watches proudly.
Victor has another beautifully wrapped gift for Nikki; a music box that plays one of the first pieces she ever played for him (on the piano) I love it – I love you ~ kiss.
Harrison wants to get GiGi the best present but she’s not easy to shop for because she has everything. His Mom had some good ideas but Claire has the best ideas. He wants this gift to be epic! After Kyle takes Harrison to the kitchen and Traci goes upstairs, Jack tells Diane that his world will be complete when Ashley comes home.
Nick leaves a message for Phyllis – did you get a sit down with Dumas yet? I’m dying to know – call me ~click~ His phone pings. A text from Sharon. ‘Still waiting for you to agree to dinner, as friends’. How about tonight? Nick replies.
You outdo yourself with every gift – but the best present Victor could give Nikki is honesty. She knows he’s worried about Dumas and hurt because Mike left. Without him, you might go to battle with the Abbotts. Promise me you won’t attack them until after my party. With a hug, Victor agrees.