Jack contacted Jill because he wanted her to know what Cane’s up to – he and Victor accomplished that. He also wanted Billy and Jill to reconnect. Billy appreciates the sentiment but will never be as close to Jill as he was – she does want to see me back on my feet. Billy admits that he was wrong to throw in with Cane but won’t beat himself up over it. Good news – Sally’s found an investor for Abbot Communications. Who? Jack asks.
Sienna tells Nick that she’s just a friend. When’s the last time you talked to Noah? Nick fires questions – Are you in LA? Do you know what he was doing the other night? Hoping he’s OK, Sienna hangs up. Nick’s frustrated; Sharon’s puzzled. This feels off, to Nick. First, the detective – then, this supposed friend who hung up before finding out how Noah is. At the bar, Sienna looks troubled.
Back in the park, Vikki unburdens herself to Nate, then stops – it’s not about me, I’m just the aunt. At Nate’s encouragement, she vents some more; it feels like the family’s cursed – we’ve been given so much but have lost so much – for every blessing, something’s taken away. The pain is overwhelming. Nate can relate. Vikki’s embarrassed – you’re being so kind letting me go on and on about my pain. It never really goes away but you learn to live with it, Nate has good days and bad. He reassures Vikki with hope and hugs. As a doctor, he’s seen the miracles faith can bring – and is honoured that Vikki felt comfortable enough to share her feelings with him.
Vikki forgot how easy Nate is to talk to and sorry she bailed on their run. Usually ‘dapper’, Nate jokes that he might go back to work in his jogging outfit. It’s OK if Vikki wants to cancel their dinner. She’d like to keep their ‘date’. God knows she could use a distraction (a title Nate would wear proudly) You’re more than that – you’re one of the best guys – that’s really rare, Vikki gushes. Oh look – he’s Audra to see them smiling and holding hands.
Yes, Nick’s still thinking about that phone call. After Sharon goes in to sit with him, he picks up Noah’s phone and guesses his password on the first try. What were you doing on that road so late the other night? he mutters. ‘The answer’s in here’ and Nick won’t give up until he finds it.
Jack wonders who has the deep pockets. Billy can only say that the investor is funding the entire company. He’s second in command so doesn’t know anything except that Sally trusts the person, and it’s not Cane or Victor. The brothers raise a glass to ‘forgetting the Chancellor pipe dream and focusing on Abbott Communications’. Jack admits being hurt when Billy pushed him out.
It meant a lot to Jack to be the one person who believed in Billy – it hurt when he was pushed out – it still hurts. Billy’s sorry – if he could go back he’d keep Jack on as AC’s investor (but he can’t go back) More than anything, Jack wants to see Billy stand on his own – then, we can have balance as brothers. If you slip, I’ll be there to catch you. All Jack cares about is Billy succeeding – Jill feels the same way, he adds. ‘To time, the healer of all wounds’, they clink glasses and drink.
Audra’s sorry to interrupt their ‘moment’ but she left her shopping bag behind. With a snarky comment, she grabs her bag and clip clops out. It’ll get easier, Vikki promises Nate (as Audra eavesdrops)
Seeing four missed calls from Sienna, Nick calls her. Still at the bar, Sienna frowns at her phone and lets the call go to voicemail.
Sharon sobs at Noah’s bedside – when he had nightmares (as a kid) she’d settle him down by reciting the states named in alphabetical order, just to hear my voice. Alabama, Alaska …. she chokes up at California. Why did you come to LA? Why did this happen? she cries. We need you. Please get better. Please.
Somewhere, outside, the ‘investigator’ is on his phone – he talked to the parents. Nick and Sharon ‘bought it’. He’s sending Nick’s number.
Maine, Maryland, Sharon continues as Nick comes in to put a hand on her shoulder.
Next Week: What are you doing? Claire appears behind Kyle at the outdoor cafe. More importantly, what is Holden doing? Kyle says and who is he doing it with? At the far end of the bistro, Holden and Sienna are seated together and having a VERY animated conversation… How sweet! Not a dry eye in the house! Phyllis crashes Chris’ bachelorette party in the jazz lounge. Is this a private party or can anyone join? Chris, Lauren, Traci, Diane, Abby are speechless …. I’ve got you, Daniel helps a drunken Tessa up the club’s staircase. She pauses, then kisses him.
