Doug Reveals Why He’s Back — But He is Really Alive?
At the country club, Leslie rants about Lia creating a mess of problems for the clinic. Eva reluctantly agrees to help her until she finds a replacement.
At Orphey Gene’s, Kat grills her father about “making eyes” at Nicole at the cotillion and hears about his Shanice/Dana drama. When Eva interrupts, Kat sets aside her initial snark to exchange pleasantries about Samantha’s cotillion. After Kat leaves, Eva gets Ted’s permission to pull double duty on his practice and the clinic. She assures him nothing will slip through the cracks.
Nicole & Kial and Vanessa & Joey
After Nicole and Vanessa catch up on each other’s love lives, Vanessa makes a quick retreat when Kial drops by. Over wine, Nicole asks if Kial fantasizes about his deceased wife when they’re together. He convincingly assures her that he does not. She admits she’s fantasized about Ted, but not with him. It doesn’t bother him, but he feels it’s important to keep things open. When Nicole passes on taking things to the bedroom, due to work, he suggests that he stay anyway. They pull out their glasses and tablets and co-work on the couch.
At the casino, Donnell presses Joey about his involvement with Vanessa and his role in Doug’s death. Joey maintains his innocence. Donnell can’t believe he didn’t do anything to stop his drinking, at least. Joey reminds him that he runs a business. Doug’s death doesn’t keep him up at night. Donnell appreciates his honesty, leaving Joey looking very unsettled. Joey’s discomfort grows when Vanessa comes by, confident that when her kids know the real him, they’ll love him.
Is Doug Alive?
At the Club, an emotional Deanna rushes to Doug’s arms. He explains he’s there to help her break Joey’s spell over Vanessa. “Joey is the reason I’m dead.” He came to Deanna because she is the only one to see through his lies. He isn’t worried about settling a score, only to ensure his family is safe. Tensing when a waiter passes, Deanna tries to cover Doug. When she turns around, Doug is gone.
Deanna meets Donnell at a table in the Club, but refrains from telling him about her “visit” with Doug. However, Donnell fills her in on his chat with Joey. He’s leaving it alone, and she should, too. They’re never going to see their father again. “Maybe you won’t,” Deanna deadpans. Donnell storms out upon realizing there’s no getting through to her.
Deanna returns to the corner of the Club where she saw Doug. She pleads for him to come back. When he doesn’t, she tearfully slides down the wall.
Is Hayley’s Plan Working?
In an Uptown booth, Hayley complains to Randy about how slowly the poison is working on Bill. Randy urges her to stay the course, but she’s ready to be on a beach with a piña colada already.
After Hayley has left, Leslie takes her place in the booth. Joey’s not answering her calls, and she’s worried he blames her for the plasma ring infiltrating the clinic. Randy declines to help her. He’s met his quota for crazy women in his life.
After Bill learns Tomas used Kat as a source for more intel on Lynette, Bill orders his associate to drop the whole thing. They’ve wasted enough resources on it anyway. When he tries to get back to work, Bill’s hand shakes. He covers his concern when Hayley arrives and passes on more coffee because he’s “shaky enough.” Hayley secretly grins. She convinces him to have a scotch instead, which she, of course, doses.
When Tomas meets up with Kat, he implores her to drop her investigation into Lynette. Or at least keep him out of it. He can’t jeopardize his job with Bill.
Next on Beyond the Gates, is Ted and Shanice discuss their future, and the hospital continues to deal with the fallout of the plasma ring.
