Phyllis Takes Matters Into Her Own Hands — and Victoria Grills Nick
At Society, Sally joins a stressed Billy, who couldn’t put his phone down fast enough. She asks, “What was that about?” Billy claims he was texting with Johnny about their fantasy baseball league. Sally isn’t buying his fake out. “Are you in danger of being arrested?” she asks.
Sally rants about getting him a lawyer, and Billy swears he’s not in trouble. Sally asks what it was on his phone. Billy alludes to a surprise and confesses he’s been talking to the epic wedding planner, Pietro. “There is one problem though…”
Sally learns Pietro (who did Nikki’s big bash) isn’t available until 2029 and assures Billy that they can plan their dream wedding on their own. She wants a party. Billy suggests, “Why not make it a carnival?” She agrees as long as there isn’t a maze… it’s too soon after France. Billy suddenly decides he doesn’t want anything to distract from her perfection. They kiss.
Into the Fire
At Crimson Lights, Nick drops his fentanyl baggie and picks it up just as Victoria arrives. She notices that he’s pretty mellow. He asks what she wants to talk about. She vents about their parents and Phyllis, admitting she doesn’t want to see her go to prison. Finally, she confesses that she’s worried about him. Has he started rehab sessions?
Nick can’t fob her off, so claims he had his first “meet and greet” at the clinic today. Victoria’s surprised he’s so calm and asks for details on his treatment. He shrugs, “It’s under control,” and lies that he’s committed to staying clean.
Victoria knows Nick’s not instantly cured, so how is he so relaxed? Nick claims he’s meditating and trying to stay Zen. Victoria squints, “You don’t do Zen.” He also doesn’t lie to her. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Nick lies that he’s not lying to her. Victoria won’t let him off the hook. Nick insists there’s nothing to see there, but Victoria accuses him of shutting her out. She reminds him of their history and asks him to trust her with the truth.
Double the Trouble
At the Club bar, Michael joins Victor, who wants to know if Phyllis has agreed to their deal. Swilling a scotch, Michael stalls. Victor warns if they find Matt, she’ll have lost her bargaining chip. Michael reminds him a trial has risks for both parties. Victor admits he doesn’t want his granddaughter’s mother behind bars, so Michael should prevail upon her to agree to his terms.
Up in the suite, Matt wants to know why Phyllis freaks out when he wants to leave the room. He senses she’s hiding something. Phyllis warns the Newmans know he’s in town. The only place he’s safe is with her.
Matt can’t understand her helping him if he’s a horrible person. Phyllis shrugs; believes in second chances. He asks if he has a wife and she assures no one is pining for him. He rambles about getting out of town and Phyllis intones, “You can’t leave.” The minute he leaves the room he’ll be caught. He asks what he should do then.
Phyllis needs time to talk to the Newmans and convince them that he’s a changed man. Matt worries his memory will come back and he’ll still be a threat. He insists he should leave. She shouts, “No!” But he says it needs to happen.
Down at the Club bar, Victor makes it clear to Michael that if Phyllis wants to go free, she’ll have to give up everything she’s holding. He expects an answer by the end of day. Michael swallows back his drink.
Upstairs, Matt worries about packing the meager belongings that she bought him. Phyllis decides that he’s right; she’ll sneak him out of there and drive him where he wants to go. Matt demurs, but she insists. They hold hands and compliment each other.
When Matt turns away to keep packing, Phyllis grabs an object off the desk and knocks him out cold.
Downstairs, Michael calls up to Phyllis, who tells him to meet her in her suite in 15 minutes. Disconnecting, she tells the unconscious and tied up Matt, “You’re not making this easy on me,” and snaps a photo of him.
When Phyllis meets with Michael, he tells her that Victor has given her until the end of the day. Phyllis announces that she no longer needs Victor… or Michael. “You’re fired!” she declares. Michael squints, “What the hell are you up to?” They argue loudly as she accuses him of working for Victor, not her. Michael storms out.
The Final Scenes
At Crimson Lights, Victoria accuses Nick of stalling. She knows he’s hiding something. He insists, “I’ve got this. I swear.” He steps away to take a call from Phyllis, lying that it’s one of his doctors. She tells him she’s ready to make the exchange if he can deliver on his part.
Nick tells her Christine is willing to negotiate but needs proof she has Matt. Phyllis sends him the photo of Matt. Nick grits, “Got you, you sonofabitch.”
At Society, Sally tells Billy it’s her first wedding and she wants to go big. They need to lock in a date. They’ll do it before the baby arrives when she’s showing… in October. Lots of time for things to go sideways!
At the Club, Michael reports back to Victor. Phyllis fired him, so he’ll have to deal with her directly from now on.
