Drew spoke with Michael, who was taking over as Aurora's CEO because of Drew's run for Congress. Drew wanted to know if it would be hard for Michael to work with Nina. "Just say the word, and she's gone. I will fire her today if you want me to," Drew said.
Michael assured Drew that wasn't necessary and noted that Drew had helped Willow and Nina break the ice. Drew was grateful that Michael wanted to credit Drew with bringing Nina and Willow together, but it had been completely Willow's choice to give her mother another chance. "Willow is helpful and forgiving and really tries to see the best in people," Drew said.
Michael concurred, and he reminded Drew that Willow looked up to him. Drew's congressional run even gave Willow something to believe in. Drew said he hoped he could live up to Willow's faith in him. Michael insisted Willow would be his biggest supporter -- as long as he didn't let politics go to his head. Michael was also impressed that Drew had forgiven Nina for sending him to prison, but it ensured Crimson's success to have Nina at the helm.
Nina was pleased when Willow walked into her office, but she was alarmed when Willow seemed distraught. "I did something terrible, and there is nobody I can talk to about it. It's the kind of thing you can only tell your mom," Willow cried.
Willow told Nina all about watching the fireworks with Drew and getting caught up in the moment. She said one thing had led to another, and she and Drew had soon been kissing. Nina was stunned but tried to be supportive. "Of all things you could have confessed to me, kissing Drew was not what I expected," Nina said.
As Nina tried to listen and hide her shock, Willow went on and on about how much closer she and Drew had grown since they had started working together. Willow could see how much Drew wanted to help people by running for Congress and was even grateful he had brought her and Nina closer together. Willow admitted that she couldn't stop thinking about their kiss, and she said it was unfair.
Nina tried comforting Willow, insisting Willow was being too hard on herself. Willow explained that she wasn't being unfair to herself, but instead, it was unfair to Michael and Drew. Willow wanted Drew to focus on his campaign and not have a confusing relationship with her as a distraction.
Nina said Willow was giving Drew too much consideration. Nina reminded Willow that Drew shared some of the blame for the kiss, but Willow insisted it never should have happened at all. Nina confessed that she'd kissed someone she wasn't supposed to kiss, so she understood. She asked what Willow was going to do about the situation. Willow replied that it was never going to happen again because she and Drew regretted the kiss.
However, Willow told Nina that Drew had told her that in a different world, he wondered if they could have had a relationship. Nina tried making Willow feel better by telling her that sometimes things happened in life; it was a mistake. She said Willow knew that, and it would never happen again. "It's understandable. You're human. Don't beat yourself up so much about it," Nina said.
Willow worried that Michael wouldn't be so understanding when she told him, so Nina told her not to tell him. Willow couldn't imagine how she could keep her indiscretion a secret. She said Michael would be able to tell something was wrong. Nina reminded Willow that there was no way to predict how Michael would react to her confession. Nina finally convinced Willow to keep things quiet, but as soon as Willow left, Nina called Drew and demanded that he come to her office.
Soon, Willow arrived at Drew's office and found Michael there. At that same moment, Drew walked into Nina's office. Before he could say a word, Nina promptly slapped him hard across the face.
Anna and Valentin began their day in bed. When Valentin went to make breakfast, Anna was able to swipe his burner phone and hide it in her pocket before Valentin entered the room. He suggested they go out to eat. Just then, Charlotte surprised them both and walked through the door. She said she had decided to return home from boarding school early when her friends had all gone to a Greek island for vacation. She said she'd seen enough of Greece in her life, so she'd decided to go home instead.
When the awkwardness of Anna being with Valentin ended, Charlotte finally apologized to Anna for everything that had happened the previous fall. "I'm sorry I trashed your hotel room...you were always so sweet to me, but I thought it was all an act. My grandfather Victor told me you were evil, and I believed him," Charlotte said.
Charlotte explained that her change of heart had happened when she'd met kids at school whose country had been attacked. They had lost their entire family and had been forced to leave their lives behind. Knowing they were from a country with a dictatorial leader had made her see that Victor had been the same type of person.
Anna issued her own apology, saying she'd made a lot of mistakes and hurt a lot of people, including what she had done to Charlotte. "Shooting you was the worst thing I ever did in my life," Anna said. Charlotte accepted that Anna was sorry and hadn't meant it. They forgave each other and embraced.
After Anna left, she went straight to Jason's room above Bobbie's and plugged the phone into a laptop to start extracting files. When Jason returned, she told him she had everything they needed to take Pikeman and Valentin down. Jason asked her to hand over the phone so he could get back to his life, but Anna said she couldn't give it to him just yet.
Brennan was surprised when Carly paid him another visit at Pentonville. "You never come to see me just to chat. Something's wrong. Does it involve the FBI?" he asked. Carly tried to make small talk at first, with Brennan wondering if she was a government spy. Carly scoffed at the idea, admitting that she was way too selfish for that line of work. "I don't want to save the world. I just want to save myself and the people I love," she said.
Carly told Brennan that her lawyer claimed she could have a 30 percent chance of acquittal if the FBI took her case to trial. Brennan didn't like those odds, so he offered her a way to improve them. Brennan reminded her that the government lawyers would show her no mercy. He thought she should either go on the offensive by going public and undercutting the agent who had brokered the deal with Jason, or she should make sure Jason remained valuable to the FBI until she could somehow destroy both the evidence and the case. Carly said she had thought about that, but the recording was on a protected server.
Jason stood outside Elizabeth's door, listening to her family activities. He was bending to slide an envelope under the door just as Elizabeth opened it. He explained that he hadn't wanted to interrupt, so he'd thought he'd just leave a check for Jake's tuition and expenses. Elizabeth invited him in to personally ask if Jake would accept his offer.
When Jason and Jake were face to face, Elizabeth told Jake his dad wanted to give him something. Jason said he had heard Jake had been accepted to a prestigious art school in Spain. Jake was humble about it and mentioned that he might not be able to go if loans didn't come through. That was when Jason said that he wanted to pay for Jake's school. "That's super generous of you, but it's not necessary," Jake said.
Jason insisted he was not trying to buy forgiveness. He knew that had to be earned, but there were no strings attached to Jason's offer to pay for Jake's schooling. "I want you to be able to choose to be the happiest without having to worry about how you're going to pay for this. If I'd been a different kind of father -- any kind of father -- paying for your school wouldn't be a question," Jason said.
Jake admitted that he finally understood that Jason had tried to do the best he could under unusual circumstances, so he accepted his father's money. Jake offered Jason his hand to shake, but the father and son ended up hugging instead.
Gio was working at the Metro Court pool. Dex arrived in his cadet's uniform. They made small talk for a moment. Josslyn, on duty as a lifeguard, joined them. Josslyn and Dex playfully complimented each other on their respective uniforms.
Josslyn asked Gio to watch the pool, so she could have a private word with Dex. The second Josslyn and Dex were in the hallway behind the bar area and out of sight, they began kissing passionately. Josslyn told Dex that he looked "hot" in his uniform. They kissed again
Lois arrived at the pool. She had been looking for Gio. Lois was excited to tell Gio about an opportunity Lois had found for him to play violin on a Broadway soundtrack. Gio reminded Lois that his scholarship to PCU was contingent on Gio playing in the summer concert series. Lois offered to talk with the head of the PCU music department on Gio's behalf. Lois continued her pitch. She told Gio that a professional opportunity like that would set Gio on the road to stardom -- and that no one deserved that more than Gio did.
Josslyn and Dex kissed for a while but soon realized that they both had to get back to work. Later, Gio restocked the towels at the poolside counter. He was surprised to see that Lois had waited for him. Gio politely declined the gig. Gio cited his love for PCU and the musicians he'd played with there. Gio also declared that he loved living with the Quartermaines. "Even Tracy?" Lois asked.
Lois offered Gio a few adjectives such as "terrifying" and "intimidating" to describe Tracy, but the worst Gio could say about Tracy was that he had found her "a little standoffish." Lois informed Gio that Tracy had no say in who could live at the house. Lois reminded Gio that "it's Monica's house. Alan gave it to her." Lois advised Gio, "If Tracy -- I should say when Tracy starts to bully you, I want you to be polite, but don't let her push you around."
John Cates stopped by Ava's hotel room. Ava thanked John for helping her to figure out a way to get Avery away from Sonny. John advised Ava, "I think the best way for you to protect both Avery and yourself is to build a case against Sonny."
John wanted to discuss Ava's insights into the Corinthos organization. He turned on a recording device and set it on a table. Ava turned off the recorder and told John that things were moving too fast for her. Ava poured herself a glass of wine. John wanted Ava to talk on the record, but when he picked up the recorder, Ava gently took it from him and set it back down on the table. Ava admitted that she was afraid of Sonny.
Ava explained that she would make no recording that could find its way back to Sonny. Ava described Sonny as "erratic and dangerous." She told John that Sonny had pushed away everyone in his family except Kristina. John told Ava that it was his job to put Sonny away and that if Ava helped, it would be to John and Ava's mutual benefit. John gave Ava his word that he would not reveal Ava as a source. Ava agreed to think about it.
John asked Ava about dealings between Sonny and the Jerome family. Ava told John that Julian had kept her out of things. John found that hard to believe, given how close Ava and Julian had been. John asked Ava what had led up to her appearance with Sonny at Selina Wu's place on the night of the sniper attack. Ava denied having wanted to attend the meeting. Ava told John that Sonny had not given her much choice. Ava speculated that Sonny might have wanted to use Ava as a human shield or to intimidate Selina. Ava told John that she had been protective of Sonny that night because they had been getting along better during that time.
John asked Ava to tell him about Sonny's connection to Anna. Ava suggested that Sonny and Anna's bond over Robin was probably the reason why Sonny was still a free man. Ava figured that John was still grieving over Stone and Karen. John grew uncomfortable at the mention of his brother and his wife. He asked Ava to consider making a statement.
On John's way out the door, Ava asked if she could use his first name. "Of course," John replied. Ava said, "Well, John, it's really comforting, having you around." John left. His phone rang. It was John's superior. John explained that the Champagne on his expense report had been used to groom a source. John's superior mentioned Yemen and a shipment. It appeared that Pikeman was in play again. John said that he would have information for his boss soon.
A short while later, Ava ended a gallery-business call to answer a knock at her door. Ava opened the door and found Natalia standing there. Natalia said that she was seeking "clarity." Natalia admitted that she would regret her homophobic remarks for the rest of her life, but she wanted to know what Ava was trying to accomplish by recording and releasing their conversation.
Ava said that she hadn't realized their conversation had been recorded until after Natalia had left Sonny's apartment. Then, after having replayed the conversation, Ava had decided that the world needed to know what Natalia's daughter had been forced to endure because of her mother. Ava called Natalia "an awful person." Ava presumed that Sonny would be angry and would want nothing to do with Natalia. Natalia replied, "You're right. Sonny is -- he's furious about the recording... but not with me."
Willow visited Sonny's apartment. Willow told Sonny that she had just finished a conversation with Nina. Sonny was surprised to learn that Willow was speaking to Nina. Willow explained that she had decided to let go of her anger toward her mother. Willow informed Sonny that she was taking things slowly with Nina. Sonny acknowledged that he wanted Nina to be happy, and with Willow and the kids in Nina's life, Nina would be.
Willow told Sonny that she was there to discuss Michael's estrangement from Sonny. Willow explained that Michael had lied to them both in the name of protecting someone he loved. Willow pointed out that she and Michael were healing, as she also was healing with Nina.
Sonny's phone rang. The call was from Diane's associate, who informed Sonny that Diane was tied up in court. Sonny became upset because he'd been trying to reach Diane. Sonny told Willow that Ava was trying to take Avery away from him and that he was not going to let that happen.
Willow offered Sonny help from her and Michael. Sonny told Willow that he didn't want Michael involved in the upcoming custody battle. Sonny couldn't get past the fact that Michael had hired Dex to spy on Sonny. Willow told Sonny that Michael knew he had made a mistake. She asked if Sonny could consider forgiving Michael. Sonny called Willow "sweet and tenacious." Willow expressed a desire to take her own advice regarding her own mistakes. Willow thanked Sonny for his time, and she left.
Nina slapped Drew -- hard. "You kissed my daughter!" Nina exclaimed. Drew tried to explain that he had gotten caught up in the moment, but Nina didn't care about Drew's reasons. Nina threatened to tell Willow that "her hero is sleeping with her mother!"
Drew claimed the kiss had been "innocent" and the product of a moment. Drew compared it to what had happened between Nina and Sonny in Nixon Falls. Nina's anger did not abate. Nina informed Drew that Willow was "drowning in guilt" and was debating whether or not she should tell Michael about the kiss.
Nina told Drew that Willow had an opportunity to put the kiss behind her. Drew swore that he would neither pursue Willow nor take advantage of her. Nina was glad to hear that. Nina told Drew that she was choosing to believe him. Nina told Drew that he would have the endorsement of the Invader. Drew explained that it was not a quid pro quo and that his main concern was Willow's peace of mind.
Drew suggested that he and Nina should come to a new understanding. Nina and Drew both admitted that they had come a long way with each other. Drew suggested that it was time to put the "mutual contempt behind us, which begs the question: what, if anything, is left?"
Nina's intercom rang. "Madison, I'm in a meeting," Nina declared. Madison's voice replied, "Sonny Corinthos is here to see you." Madison showed Sonny in. Nina asked Madison to hold all of Nina's calls. Madison left. Sonny congratulated Drew on his candidacy. Drew excused himself and left -- but not before asking for Sonny's vote.
Sonny told Nina that he was taking Ava to court. Nina thought that was a good idea. Nina assured Sonny that her eyes were wide open as far as Ava was concerned. Nina explained that she had needed Ava's friendship -- until Ava had proven to be a backstabber. Nina asked Sonny why he had gone to see her. Sonny asked Nina what she would say if called to testify. Nina didn't think Ava would be foolish enough to subpoena Nina. Nina told Sonny that, on the stand, she would tell the truth that Sonny was "an exemplary father."
Sonny owned up to his part in how he had handled the breakup with Nina. He told Nina that his admission had nothing to do with what Nina had just said. Nina thanked Sonny for that. Sonny asked Nina, "If you can bury the hatchet with Drew, after everything that's happened, can you do the same with me?"
Jason wanted Anna to give him Valentin's satellite phone. Anna wouldn't relinquish the phone. "I can't let Cates take Valentin away," Anna told Jason. Anna informed Jason that Charlotte had returned from school in Europe. Anna asked Jason what would happen to Charlotte if Valentin went to prison. Anna reminded Jason that she owed Charlotte for almost having taken Charlotte's life.
Anna explained that, earlier that day, Charlotte had forgiven her. Anna refused to be responsible for leaving Charlotte "fatherless and alone in the world." Jason felt for Charlotte but declared that Valentin was to blame for anything that happened to her. Jason insisted that he would not disappoint his sons again. "What do you want from me?" Jason demanded. Anna replied, "Two hours. That's what I'm asking for. Can you trust me for two hours more?"
Anna explained that she wanted to warn Valentin that the FBI was onto him and give Valentin the chance to take Charlotte and run. Anna gave the satellite phone to Jason. She asked Jason to wait two hours before turning over the evidence. "I'm trusting you now," Anna said. Jason said, "I have what I need. Do what you want with Valentin." Anna thanked Jason then rushed off. Jason looked at the bedside clock. It read 4:03 p.m.
Valentin heard pounding at his door. He opened it. Anna rushed in. Anna instructed Valentin to call Charlotte home immediately. Anna told Valentin that he and Charlotte would have to leave town right away. Valentin asked Anna, "What's happening? What have you done?" Valentin's jaw dropped as Anna replied, "I turned you in to the FBI as head of Pikeman. You're going to have to leave the country immediately."
Valentin swept away the books on the shelf behind which he had hidden the satellite phone. He grew angry. "You did this? You turned me in to the FBI?" Valentin demanded. Anna raised a hand in protest. "We don't have time for this!" she insisted. Referring to their recent reunion and time together, Valentin took Anna's hands, looked her square in the eye, and pleaded, "Was any of it real?"
Anna explained that it wasn't about Valentin. It was about Charlotte. Valentin called Charlotte and confirmed that she was already on her way home. Anna told Valentin to take Charlotte and go -- and not to contact Anna again. Valentin replied, "I have another plan: you come with me."
John banged on Jason's door. He demanded full disclosure from Jason. "Everything! Or you lose your deal! And so does Carly!" John shouted. Inside the room, Jason sat next to his laptop and the satellite phone. Jason looked at the clock. It read 4:30 p.m.
In Nina's office at Crimson, Sonny asked if Nina could bury the hatchet with him, since she had been able to with Drew. "Absolutely not -- because there's no hatchet to bury," Nina said. She admitted that everything that had gone wrong between her and Sonny had been on her because she had lied and hidden things from him, and when she had finally told the truth, it had been too late to save their marriage. Nina explained that their relationship had been built on a mirage. "Mike -- and he never really existed," she said. Sonny assured Nina that "Mike" had existed and had cared about Nina.
Sonny and Nina agreed that they each wanted the other to be happy. The topic returned to Ava when Nina promised to testify if Ava was foolish enough to ask for Nina's help. Nina promised to blindside Ava by singing Sonny's praises as a father. Sonny smiled and asked if Nina were trying to make him fall in love with her again. "Once wasn't enough?" she asked with a sad smile. She wished him luck because she hoped that he would get custody of Avery. "I have to for Avery's sake," Sonny said.
Nina regretted not listening to Sonny's warnings about Ava, but she was curious why he had helped Ava. Sonny explained that he'd done it because Ava was the mother of his child, and he'd been "messed up" over losing Nina. Nina confessed that she'd been in the same state, but things had gotten better. Sonny was glad to hear it, so Nina asked how Sonny was doing. He flashed a charming smile as he assured her that he was ready for anything and wouldn't let anyone take advantage of him. After they wished each other the best, Sonny left.
A short time later, Maxie arrived to discuss the latest ad campaign with Blaze, but it was clear that Nina's mind was on other things. Nina told Maxie about Sonny's visit. Concerned, Maxie asked if Nina hoped for a reconciliation with Sonny, so Nina explained that she cared about him but was ready to move on. Nina hated to admit it, but Ava had been right about Nina and Sonny's lives not being compatible. Nina confided that the worst part had been that she had tried to turn herself into the perfect woman for Sonny instead of holding onto who she was. Maxie was supportive, but Nina took full responsibility for things not working out between her and Sonny.
Maxie praised Nina for having gained wisdom despite a broken heart. Their conversation turned to Drew. Nina admitted that she and Drew had gone from loathing to helping each other, and she intended to get him elected because she believed in him. Nina also shared that Drew had been helping her with Willow, and her daughter had recently sought her because Willow had needed her mother. Maxie was happy for Nina. Nina was determined not to ruin her chance to be a part of Willow's life, so she was determined to get Drew elected because it was what Willow wanted.
Meanwhile, Sonny arrived home and found Natalia waiting for him. She explained that his housekeeper had recognized her and let her in. Sonny asked what Natalia was doing there, so she quickly acknowledged that he had a right to be upset with her. Sonny conceded that he hadn't liked what Natalia had said, but she -- along with their daughters -- had been collateral damage in Ava's war against him. Natalia confessed that she was there for "Blaze."
Natalia explained that she and Blaze had worked hard to build Blaze's career, but Natalia had trashed it in an instant by saying "the wrong thing to the wrong person." Sonny clarified that it was what Natalia had meant that had been the issue, so she quickly assured him that she regretted her words because she finally understood that "Alison" and Kristina were truly in love. Sonny smiled with pride when Natalia shared that Kristina had called Natalia out.
Sonny asked if Natalia wanted him to act as a go-between, but Natalia explained that it would have to be up to her daughter. However, Natalia was there to help Blaze's career. She explained that she had done some research and knew about his history with L&B Records. Natalia proposed that Sonny invest in Blaze's career in exchange for all new music that would be released on a private label. "You want me to bankroll a brand-new record label?" Sonny asked.
Natalia promised to take care of all the logistics. To her surprise, Sonny agreed -- under the condition that Brook Lynn would be in charge of everything. "That's my offer. Take it or leave it," he said.
At Metro Court's pool, Gio was lost in thought when Josslyn called out to him to let him know that several guests needed him. Gio quickly apologized for being distracted and returned to work. After he took care of the guests, he approached Josslyn and apologized again. Josslyn reminded him that she was not his boss, but he pointed out that she was related to his boss, who stood nearby talking to Lois.
Josslyn became concerned when Gio mentioned that he might have overstayed his welcome. He explained that his Aunt Lois had arranged a big opportunity for him back in Bensonhurst. Josslyn reminded him that Lois was a great music manager. "That has to be it, right? Why else would she want me to leave?" he asked. Josslyn advised him to do what would make him happy.
Nearby, Carly delivered a cocktail to Lois. After the ladies exchanged greetings, Lois tried to ask about Carly and Sonny's relationship, but Carly made it clear that the topic was off-limits. However, Carly was curious about Gio because he seemed like a great kid. Lois heartly agreed, and she vowed to make certain that his future was as "bright as the sun." Lois praised Gio as a gifted musician, so Carly asked about Gio's mother.
According to Lois, Camila had been a cousin of the Cerullos from Italy. Camila had arrived in the country when she'd been invited to play for the New York Philharmonic. After six months, Camila had met and fallen in love with Francis Palmieri, even though he'd been scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan before they had met. Lois explained that it had been a whirlwind romance, and Camila and Francis had eloped right before Francis had been deployed. Shortly afterwards, Camila had learned that she was pregnant with Gio, but Francis had been killed in action before Camila could share the news with her husband.
Lois explained that everyone had been devastated, but Camila had picked up the pieces and returned to performing for the New York Philharmonic. Lois revealed that just as she'd thought Camila and Gio would get their happily ever after, tragedy had struck, and Camila had died. Lois explained that Gio had been ten years old and already playing the violin, so she had reached out to Sonny for help with Gio's education. Carly understood why Sonny would help Gio, but she had no idea why Sonny had never mentioned Gio to her.
At Bobbie's, John pounded on Jason's door and demanded that Jason let him in. Eventually, Jason opened the door. Annoyed, John entered the room and asked what had taken Jason so long. Jason explained that he lived there, so he suggested that they go to the warehouse to discuss business. John reminded Jason that John held all the cards, so they would talk in Jason's home. John advised Jason to do as John said, or Carly would pay the price.
John ordered Jason to turn over any and all information on Sonny, but Jason argued that the deal was for Jason to help with Pikeman. John reminded Jason that Sonny had been involved in the Pikeman shipments, but Jason made it clear that he would not answer any questions about Sonny. Frustrated, John alleged that Sonny had tried to kill Jason, but Jason denied that Sonny had been behind the recent attempt on Jason's life at the warehouse. "Who else could it have been?" John asked. Jason suggested that John run a proper investigation and find out.
John remained adamant that Sonny had sent the shooters because Jason hadn't immediately fallen in line when Jason had returned to Port Charles. "Then why am I still here?" Jason asked. John claimed that it was because Sonny hadn't found anyone as good as Jason to carry out the hit, and he added that Sonny only cared about himself. When John insisted that Sonny had destroyed Jason's life, Jason objected. "You did," Jason angrily said.
John reminded Jason that Jason could have rejected the deal and walked away. When John accused Sonny of terrorizing Ava by threatening to take her daughter away, Jason advised John to think twice before believing anything that Ava said. Stunned by Jason's blind loyalty to Sonny, John asked what had happened to Jason. "The Jason I knew was a good guy," John said. John urged Jason to do the right thing and give him something that would take Sonny down and keep Avery with Ava.
Jason was curious when the FBI had started concerning itself with custody matters, but John insisted that Sonny had to be stopped before he wrecked more lives. "I don't have anything on Sonny," Jason said. Jason noticed the time, so he walked over to the fire escape and retrieved Valentin's satellite phone. After Jason handed it to John, he explained that it belonged to Valentin. "It's proof that he was the one running Pikeman," Jason said. Stunned, John asked if Jason was certain that it was Valentin -- not Anna -- in charge of Pikeman.
Jason assured John that Valentin was the head of Pikeman, and the phone would provide hundreds, if not thousands, of records as proof. John asked where Jason had gotten the phone. "You really want to know?" Jason asked. Dubious, John questioned why Jason hadn't said anything sooner. Jason reminded John that John had been so busy trying to get Jason to flip on Sonny that he hadn't given Jason a chance to tell him about the phone. John pulled out his cell phone and ordered all units to go to 2100 Belleforrest Drive.
Later, Jason arrived at Metro Court's pool, where he bumped into Gio. He recognized Gio as the violinist from Brook Lynn's wedding. Gio was surprised that Jason remembered him, but he assumed that Jason was there to see Carly, since Josslyn had told him that Jason was considered a VIP guest. Jason smiled, but he assured Gio that only Carly and Josslyn believed that. Jason complimented Gio's performance at the wedding and walked away when he saw Carly at the bar.
Carly was surprised to see Jason. "It's done," Jason said without preamble. He revealed that he had given the FBI what they'd wanted, and he and Carly were free as long as Agent Cates kept his word.
At Valentin's house, Valentin asked Anna to run away with him. "We belong together," he told her. Anna held back tears as she explained that there was no time to talk because Valentin had to leave as soon as Charlotte arrived. Valentin pointed out that Anna had cared enough to warn him, but she insisted that she had done it for Charlotte because Charlotte needed her father in her life. Valentin was certain there was more to Anna's warning. "You're here because you love me. Almost as much as I love you," he said.
"You say that like it matters," Anna said as her eyes welled up with tears. "It does," he replied. He implored her to stop pretending otherwise. Valentin urged Anna to reconsider because they could start a new life together, but Anna explained that she couldn't sacrifice her time with Robin, Emma, and Noah for any reason. Valentin warned Anna that it wouldn't take the FBI long to connect the dots back to her, but Anna wasn't concerned. She and Valentin shared a passionate kiss. Afterwards, he implored her to leave with him.
"I'm sorry. I love you, but I-I can't go away with you," Anna tearfully said. She asked if Valentin had cash and new identification, but he assured her that he and Charlotte would be fine. Anna asked why Valentin had risked everything by getting involved with Pikeman when he'd had a good life in Port Charles. "What happened?" she asked. "You did," Valentin said. Valentin explained that he'd always been aware of Pikeman from the very beginning because the people who had created Pikeman had included the head of the WSB at the time.
Anna was not surprised by the revelation. Valentin revealed that Anna's role in General Sylvanus' defection had been imperative to give the operation legitimacy, but the goal had been to get the $10,000,000. Anna realized that Pikeman had been created to funnel arms and money to entities the WSB politically supported, even if those entities had been at odds with their government. Valentin explained that when he resigned from the WSB as a traitor, he had kept in touch with Pikeman because they had liked his expertise, and Valentin had liked the money.
"And then you busted Brennan," Valentin said. He revealed that the arrest had created a vacuum that Valentin had stepped into. "I guess I was out of reasons to be a good boy," he said. Anna wished that Valentin had told her the truth back when they had been openly in love and had promised to trust each other. He confessed that it had crossed his mind, but it would have put her in a position to arrest him. "Yet, here we are again," Anna said.
Valentin pointed out that Anna hadn't arrested him, but Anna wanted to know about the fabricated emails between her and Brennan that Agent Cates had gotten from her personal email. Valentin confessed that he had been responsible, but he assured Anna that he hadn't put any incriminating evidence in the emails that would have held up in court. He promised that everything had been red herrings. "You love me...but you still couldn't resist using me," she said. Valentin apologized, but she was certain that he would do it again.
"The problem is any good in me -- any good at all -- is because of you," Valentin said. Anna didn't believe that because she knew that Valentin had a good heart. She reminded him to flee as soon as Charlotte arrived home. Valentin acknowledged that she wouldn't leave with him, but he asked her to tell him that she wanted to, even if it wasn't true. "If I could go with you, I would in a heartbeat," Anna said with emotion. "You mean that?" he asked. "You'll never know," she replied with tears in her eyes. Moments later, Charlotte arrived home.
Later, John burst through the front door of Valentin's home with armed agents. After a quick search, it became clear that Valentin and Charlotte were gone. Outside, Anna smiled as she sat in her car and watched everything unfold.
Jason and Carly arrived at the footbridge with beers. Carly talked about how they were finally free from Jagger. Jason admitted that he wasn't sure if he remembered how to be free and live his life. The only thing that he was sure about was spending time with Jake and Danny until Jake left for Barcelona. She wondered what his new life would look like, as he'd acknowledged that he couldn't just try to pick up where he'd left off. He replied that he had to keep trying to get through to Sonny, as Sonny was in more trouble than he knew.
Tracy entered the stables and asked Cody if he would mind some company, as she couldn't sleep. He offered her a beer, and she replied, "Beer me." Amused, he got beers for them, and he wondered why she couldn't sleep. She talked about the humming of air conditioning, but she figured not sleeping well would probably be the way it was for her. He offered to put her to work, and she declined. She talked about how making lists in her head would soothe her to sleep, but Cody didn't know the feeling, as he usually bragged about not being a worrier.
Tracy wondered what was going on, and Cody told her about Mac. "What now?" she asked. He replied that he would usually move on, but he'd promised Maxie and Sasha that he wouldn't leave. Tracy added that, as his friend as well as his employer, she refused to give him any kind of severance, health insurance, or recommendation if he didn't give her at least 30 days' notice. She advised him that family was comfortable, and he figured he'd give it a shot if he ever had a family. Just then, Tracy looked at the door behind Cody. "What are you doing here?" Cody asked when he turned around.
Dex arrived at the police station with dinner for Chase because he knew that Chase was working late. They caught up about Dex's training, then Chase talked about his history as a cop in Maine and Boston. He advised Dex that it would take time, but Dex would earn everyone's respect. He told a story about Gregory telling a young Chase to "be so good they have to accept you" when he'd been getting disrespect on a baseball team.
Chase suddenly saddened, talking about Gregory, and Dex assured him that grieving took time. Dex wished that he felt that way about anyone in his family, and he informed Chase that he wasn't close to his family. He continued that, after he'd joined the Army right out of high school, things had felt right. He added that joining the PCPD, things finally felt right again, like home. Chase assured Dex that he was going to be a good cop, and they left together.
Brook Lynn arrived at Sonny's, unhappy to also see Natalia there. Sonny revealed that he and Natalia had come up with a plan to salvage Blaze's career, but they needed Brook Lynn. Natalia explained that she wanted Blaze to put music out on her own independent label, which Sonny would finance. "On one condition," Sonny added, and he asked Brook Lynn to run the label. "Yeah, no," Brook Lynn replied. She had a list of demands, including all print and media being managed by her and subject to her approval and that Natalia would get no say in where and when Blaze performed. Natalia wasn't happy, but Brook Lynn stated that her offer was off the table once she walked out the door.
Natalia refused to be cut out over "one mistake" after getting Blaze to where she was. "It was a hell of a mistake," Brook Lynn shot back. She declared Natalia's "maternal authority" over. Natalia knew that Blaze trusted Brook Lynn, and she figured it was time to trust her daughter, so she agreed. As Sonny gave the women drinks for a toast, he told them that they could handle the music while he focused on Ava getting what she deserved. "Hear, hear!" Natalia exclaimed, but Brook Lynn looked worried.
Kristina and Blaze arrived at Crimson, and Nina immediately apologized profusely for her role in the Invader article. Just then, she made a phone call and told someone to get down to her office immediately. She explained to the women that her new editor in chief only cared about clicks and hadn't thought past that. Kristina knew that it was mostly Ava's fault, and Nina classed Adrian second-worst after Ava. Just then, Adrian arrived, and Nina introduced Kristina and Blaze to him. She figured it was a good time for him to apologize.
Adrian insisted that he was "truly sorry," as he hadn't realized what a big story it would become. He explained that he was under orders from Nina and his own conscience to fully support Kristina and Blaze when they were ready to respond. Nina ordered him out of her office, and he ran out. Nina wondered what she could do for them, as they were obviously there for a reason. Kristina explained that Brook Lynn had set up an interview for them with Perez Hilton, and they were hoping that Nina could coach them in preparation. Nina advised them to just be themselves and show the public that they were doing the best they could, like every other human. She agreed to help them -- starting immediately.
Jason and Carly continued their conversation on the bridge. Carly told Jason that there was nothing better than having him home. Carly expressed gratitude at the sacrifice Jason had made for her, but also felt like she owed Jason something. Jason insisted that there was no debt. "Not between us. Not ever," he insisted.
Jason told Carly that he would do it all over again, because he and Sonny had been the ones whose actions had put Carly in the position of having to go to the meeting of the Five Families. "Are you saying I'm not cut out for gangster life?" Carly asked jokingly. Jason began, "You are a lot of things --" "Okay, Careful!" Carly said with a laugh. Jason continued, "But mob boss should not be one of 'em." Carly choked up a bit, as she told Jason, "I missed you so much." Jason put his hand over hers and replied, "I missed you, too." Carly smiled and said, "And now, we don't have to, anymore."
Carly asked Jason if he knew how he planned to get through to Sonny. Jason said he had been unable to say anything to Sonny without making Sonny angrier. Carly expressed hope that Jason would be able to explain everything to Sonny, since he had turned over the Pikeman evidence. Jason figured that John Cates was no longer Jason's problem, but John would still pose a problem for Sonny.
Jason explained that John was gunning for Sonny and planning to use Ava and the custody case to do it. Jason maintained that he needed to get Sonny to let him back in so that Jason and Sonny could figure out the problem together. Jason pointed out that John had hated Sonny for many years but had never had an opening to take Sonny down -- "until now." Carly was thankful that Jason was there to help her. They both agreed that they made a good team.
Tracy and Cody were surprised to see James standing in the doorway to the stables. James told Cody that Mac would not let Cody give riding lessons to James anymore. After James informed the adults that Maxie and Spinelli were both at home, James told Tracy that he had taken a ride-share to the Quartermaine estate.
James admitted that he had stolen Georgie's phone to call the ride-share and had climbed out of his bedroom window in order to leave the house unseen. Tracy hid her amusement at the boy's ingenuity. Cody told James that Cody would have to call James's mother. James insisted that he wanted to continue taking lessons from Cody. He asked Cody, "Did I do something wrong?" Cody assured James that James was not responsible for Mac's decision.
Later, Maxie and Spinelli arrived at the stables. "I cannot believe you snuck out of the house!" Maxie chided her son. James replied, "You're the one who took out the screens on the windows!" Spinelli told James that the screens had been removed in case of a fire or other emergency. James insisted that seeing Cody "was an emergency!" Maxie told James that he was not allowed to leave the house alone without telling anyone, not allowed to steal his sister's phone, and not allowed to call for a ride-share. Spinelli added using the windows as an exit to the list.
Cody told Maxie that he needed James to know that the decision had not come from Cody. Maxie explained that neither Cody nor Mac would decide where James would get his lessons -- Maxie would decide. Maxie told James that they would discuss that at another time, assuming that James would not be grounded for life. Spinelli took James to the car. Maxie thanked Cody for calling her. Before she left, Maxie reminded Cody to keep his promise to stay in Port Charles.
Once Maxie, Spinelli, and James had returned home, James gave Georgie back her phone. James asked if he was grounded. Maxie informed her son that she was still undecided. James declared that his trip to see Cody had been about more than just riding lessons. James had hoped that Cody would tell him the truth. "Something weird's going on that nobody's saying. I can tell," James said. "Smart boy," Spinelli said to Maxie, under his breath. Maxie told James, "You know what? You are right."
Georgie worried that Mac was sick, like Violet's grandpa. Maxie assured Georgie and James that Grandpa Mac was not sick, but he was going through something private. Maxie said that they would all have to be patient with him. Georgie went to bed. James maintained that he wanted to continue his riding lessons with Cody. Maxie asked James to give her a little time to figure things out. "This stinks!" James exclaimed, as he dejectedly shuffled off to bed.
Later, after making sure the kids were all asleep, Spinelli joined Maxie on the sofa for a glass of wine. He described James as "a man on a mission." Spinelli asked Maxie how she was doing with the Cody/Mac situation. Maxie admitted that she was feeling frustrated, sad, happy, and excited. Maxie was convinced that Mac would forgive Cody. She just wanted Mac to speed up the process.
Cody caught sight of his cowboy hat, which James had often borrowed. It made Cody glum. Sasha arrived. "I came as soon as I got your text. What's wrong?" Sasha asked. Cody replied, "Everything." Cody filled Sasha in on James's excursion to the stables, as well as his reason for having made the trip. Cody couldn't blame Mac for not wanting his grandson to hang around with Cody. Sasha pointed out that James was also Cody's nephew.
After having been told what Maxie had said about who would choose James's riding teacher, Sasha was convinced that Cody was not about to be banished from his family. Sasha told Cody that it sounded like Maxie and James had faith in Cody. Sasha added, "And for the record, I do, too."
Tracy returned to the main house and saw Gio sitting at the kitchen table, eating a sandwich. Gio offered to make Tracy a sandwich. She declined. As she prepared to make herself some tea, Tracy warned Gio, "You would be smart to be afraid of me. It is my house, after all." Gio smiled and replied, "I thought it was Monica's house. Didn't your brother, Alan, give it to her?" Tracy smiled.
Gio invited Tracy to join him at the table while she had her tea. Gio told Tracy that he had left Fordham for PCU because the music department was better and because PCU had given Gio a scholarship. Tracy quizzed Gio on which borough of New York City had the best concert halls, pizza, sports arena, and baseball team. Tracy admitted to knowing nothing about Staten Island because she had never gone there. Gio whispered conspiratorially, "Don't worry. No one does."
Tracy and Gio talked about parks and gardens, which led to Tracy informing Gio about the gardens Lila had gifted to Part Charles. Gio suggested that Tracy could show them to him sometime. "Maybe I can," Tracy said with a warm smile.
As Josslyn was ending her lifeguard shift at the Metro Court pool, Trina met her by the pool. Josslyn said that she had found something of Trina's during their recent move. Without knowing its significance, Josslyn handed over Trina's tiny turtledove figurine. Trina grew quiet and pensive. Josslyn asked if Trina was okay.
The look on Trina's face told Josslyn that the turtledove had been a gift from Spencer. Trina explained that the figurine was part of a set of two -- and that Spencer had had the other one. Trina couldn't understand why seeing the figurine had made her so upset. Josslyn said it was because Trina was still grieving. "Yeah, but when does it end, Joss?" Trina pleaded to her friend. Josslyn replied, "It doesn't." "Good pep talk. Thanks," Trina mumbled.
Josslyn explained that grief would change over time and become less painful. Trina was impatient to get to that point. Trina explained that Spencer had given her the figurines so that she would know that Spencer was always thinking about her, and she had given one of the turtledoves back to Spencer so that he would know that Trina was always thinking of him, as well. Josslyn sat down next to Trina and put her arm around her best friend.
Trina explained that Spencer had also brought his turtledove with him to Paris, and that he'd carried it with him everywhere. Trina expressed feeling guilty about being angry at Spencer for having left her. Joss tried to lighten the mood. She told Trina that Spencer would say, "You should be mad at me! I'm an idiot!"
Trina thanked Josslyn for letting her talk about Spencer. Josslyn explained that she had been hesitant to do so, since she couldn't predict whether mentioning Spencer would make Trina feel better or worse. They agreed that if Trina said, "Stop talking," Josslyn would stop. Josslyn hugged Trina. They told each other, "I love you."
Laura visited Lulu at the long-term care facility. Laura told her daughter that Charlotte and Rocco were doing wonderfully. Laura believed Lulu would be proud of the people Lulu's children were becoming. Laura said that she had been missing Lulu a lot lately. As Laura stroked Lulu's hand, Dante watched from the doorway.
Dante knocked gently then entered the room. Laura greeted him with a hug. Laura told Dante that she had been catching Lulu up about Charlotte and Rocco. Dante asked about Ace. Laura informed Dante that Ace had been meeting all his milestones and was settling in with Laura and Kevin. Dante praised Laura for being a mother to her grandchild. Laura hoped Lulu would wake up and meet her newest nephew. Dante took Lulu's hand and said, "Yeah. I pray for that every day."
Laura asked Dante about Sam and the kids. Dante told Laura that Scout was eager to have a visit with Ace. Since Scout was so good at entertaining little kids, Laura told Dante that Scout was welcome anytime.
Dante revealed that Lulu had told him about the kitchen-floor tea parties Laura had often had with a young Lulu. Laura explained that the tea parties had been conducted on the kitchen floor for easy clean-up. Dante told Laura that Lulu had been a great mom because Lulu had taken after her own mother.
Laura and Dante talked about how Rocco had felt comforted by Laura during Dante's hospital stay. They talked about aspects of Rocco's personality. Dante said that Rocco reminded him of Laura. Dante admitted that the situation with Lulu being in a coma was getting harder and harder for Rocco, because the boy knew his mother more from her being in a hospital bed than out of one. Dante explained that the stories he had told Rocco made Lulu seem more like a long-lost relative than his mother. Dante wondered if Rocco's visits with Lulu were doing more harm than good.
Laura assured Dante that he was handling the situation "with grace and strength." Dante asked Laura if she had any answers. Laura had none to provide but offered advice instead. She suggested that Rocco was old enough that Dante should let him decide for himself about visiting Lulu. Dante hugged Laura as he pondered her words.
