At the jazz lounge, Claire rushes over to her grandmother to explain that she was on an important mission – the cake. All hang on every word as Victor gives a touching speech to his beloved Nikki – I adore you, they hug to applause.
Over wine at Society, Lily grumbles about the Newmans. Maybe they’re trying to make amends, Damian suggests. Arriving with Audra, Nate observes that they’ve been spending a lot of time together – is this business or pleasure?
Vikki and Nick exchange some sibling banter, then express how much they love their Mom. We’re all so lucky to have you in our lives. It’s my turn, Nikki addresses her guests.
After a rough start in life, Nikki’s world was forever changed when she met the love of her life. Now, our children have children of their own. She’s grateful for her family and friends etc. etc. There is one person missing. To Mrs C, Ester leads the chorus. I’ll live until I die, Nikki refers to the song Katherine used to sing.
Cole’s sorry for being late. Denying that his flu is back, he goes to grab a water. While Chelsea and Sharon tell each other how beautiful they look, Nick and Adam talk about Nikki’s ‘sic’ car.
Victor and Nikki chat with Abby and Devon – Lily’s not here – did you expect her to come? Devon clearly didn’t. Hopefully, in time, things will be less tense, Nikki excuses herself. Victor grumbles to Devon – he doesn’t understand why Lily feels ‘slighted’.
Connor’s excited to give you his gift, Chelsea tells Nikki.
Well, this isn’t awkward at all, Mike knows eats snacks as he decides he has to talk to Victor eventually. You don’t have too – but you want to, Lauren knows.
Pietro’s stunned speechless and starstruck by Nikki. I love you so much! he finally blurts out before running off. Is Operation Victor set? Hearing his name, Victor comes over to ask what they were talking about.
Sharon blathers on to Ashley about Traci being as much a victim of Martin’s as she and Phyllis were. Perhaps it would help to talk (as it did her and Phyllis) Ashley shuts it down by implies; implying that Traci would rather put it behind her.
Nikki and Lauren watch as Mike extends an olive branch to Victor. I trust you got your invitation from Dumas? Arms folded, Victor scowls. You don’t work for me anymore so it’s none of your business.
Victor’s still angry, Lauren states the obvious. Yes, but Nikki’s sure they’ll get through it – and nothing can bring her down this evening.
Having another much-needed refill, Ashley worries Abby by saying that talking about Martin makes her wonder if all her progress is coming undone.
Dumas is finally returning my call, Damian excuses himself to answer his phone. Seriously, you and Damian? Nate’s left to tease Lily (who was so suspicious of him) He’s glad his brother’s proven them all wrong – and and are getting to know him. Audra might be talking about herself when telling Lily that Damian just needed a chance to prove he can be trusted. Damian returns to update that he didn’t get the chance to resign, he was fired.
Every time I called you in New York, I should have known you weren’t OK, Abby blames herself. How can I help? What’s the plan? Ashley doesn’t want to discuss it right now – but reassures that she’s being responsible and proactive.
Devon thanks Sharon for the tech she donated through Cassidy First. It was a game changer, Nick’s also happy that Devon’s still on the board. After Sharon leaves the men to chat, Devon asks Nick what’s going on between him and Sharon.
It was Dumas’ assistant and he kept it short; no explanation. Maybe I’ve been gone too long, Damian concludes. He figured it out, Lily wonders if Amanda lied and Dumas IS coming after Winters.
Cole’s still coughing and looking ill as he and Vikki chat with Chelsea and Adam. Insisting that he’s ‘on the upswing’, Cole changes the subject – he really wants to ride the new ATV. The waiting list is long, Adam jokes.
Claire’s love for you shines through, Jack tells Nikki. Hearing that she and Kyle have something planned they hope will change Victor’s mind, he (Jack) hopes it doesn’t blow up in their faces. They look over at Claire chatting with her grandfather.
Amanda wasn’t even on Damian’s radar so it seems Aristotle hasn’t been open with him. If he does come after Winters, he’ll have to go through me, he boldly declares. Audra thinks it would be understandable if he was angry at being ‘cut loose’ (perhaps again talking about herself) Now, Damian doesn’t have to worry about going to Aristotle’s party in Nice. Of course, Lily’s going – to get answers to their questions.