Jack and Diane tell the Newmans that they were invited to visit Dumas in France. The Newmans were too. He’s been in touch with Billy – about Abbott Communications – Victor (dismissively) has no idea why. We can all go to Nice and find out, Nikki smiles.
Devon doesn’t know how Nick stays on good terms with his exes – things are still tense between him and Amanda. Nick’s friends with Sharon, just like he is with Phyllis. When Claire declares it time for dancing, all obediently take to the dancefloor, with Abby nudging her hubby to dance with her Mom. Things are almost ready for your final approval, Pietro tells Claire. Ready? she asks Kyle. As ready as I’ll ever be, he replies.
Nate does NOT approve of Lily flying across the world to stay at the house of a man they don’t know anything about or even what he looks like. Lily will take Devon with her. Damian mopes that Holden’s out of a job now too – it’s my fault he’s unemployed so I have to get him a new gig. Are you hiring? he asks Audra.
Lauren’s angry that Victor’s freezing Mike out but so proud of her husband. Please, don’t let him pull you back in, she implores. Don’t worry about that – Victor won’t forgive me anytime soon, Mike knows.
For some reason, Diane mentions that Jack must have danced with Nikki many times. I only have eyes for you, he reassures. Chelsea asks Adam if he’s getting ideas for her birthday. Are you getting me a Ferrari?
Claire has high hopes for this plan of hers, Vikki’s fingers are crossed. Hopefully Kyle can win my father over like you (Cole) did.
Nick wishes his Dad would let Claire live her own life. She’ll find a life she loves just like the rest of you, Sharon’s sure.
All are surprised when the lights suddenly dim. What’s happening??? All clap like trained seals as Kyle and Pietro wheel in a birthday cake. More applause when Nikki blows out the candle. Now, Kyle would like to toast the guest of honour.
Audra’s only staffing ‘key roles’ right now. Damian pitches Holden hard – he’ll surprise you. I’ll keep it in mind, Audra looks like she’d rather not.
In the speech to end all speeches, Kyle talks about how beautiful and brilliant Nikki is – her husband is a chess master; he knows better than anyone that the queen on the board is the one with the power. Throwing in a bunch of flowery adjectives, Kyle talks about how much Nikki loves her family, even those who aren’t biological (like Harrison) How lucky are we to have you in our lives – and all the people you’ve shared with us (like Claire) As Nikki opens her gift, Kyle confirms that it’s a charm bracelet, engraved with the names of her grandkids and great grandkids, with room to grow. Nikki reads aloud – Cassie, Noah, Claire, Summer, Reed, Faith, Johnny, Katie, Connor, Christian, Dominic and Harrison. Long live the queen, Kyle finally wraps it up. Hugging Nikki, he looks over at Victor (as all clap again)
My Thoughts: Jack hoping that Kyle and Claire’s plan doesn’t ‘blow up in their faces’ can’t be coincidental. With so much talk about things exploding, it seems inevitable that something will. If disaster does strike, my guess is that Kyle will save Nikki and/or Victor (as is always the way) … I’m not sure Cole should be congratulated for his ‘loyalty’ (for bringing his germs to Nikki’s party) Let’s hope he’s not contagious … Really Nikki? The ‘only person missing’ is Katherine? How about the man who’s portrait hangs on the wall behind you? Or your sister, Casey? Or your grandsons Noah and Reed? (who you seem to remember when reading their names off your big-ass charm bracelet) I don’t recall Aria’s name being included. Speaking of, whatever happened with Mariah and Tessa? It’s been days since Mariah confessed that she did something that needs forgiveness…. Now, let’s talk fashion. I don’t love Nikki’s dress but it’s flattering. Not flattering? Her hair do is a hair-don’t. Chelsea’s ‘wardrobe malfunction’ must have hit her entire wardrobe – why else would the fashion designer wear such an unattractive frock? For some reason, Nick’s dressed more casually for his Mom’s party than the business-casual he wears to work. Why is Abby wearing lingerie? Last and worst – Claire – sometimes less is more. ‘Nuff said. The best dressed award goes to someone not even at the party. Audra always looks dressed to kill. When she says that ‘we’ are only staffing key roles right now, Who is the ‘we’ she’s referring to? Damian’s jeans look dirty and read the room man! Audra doesn’t want to hire Holden, Nate doesn’t want her to hire Holden – and what skills would Holden even bring to a cosmetics company? Perhaps Damian’s low-key trying to pressure Nate into hiring his sidekick.