Phyllis is approved for work release. Michael warns her that she has to work, not fool around with Nick, or her work release will be revoked. Lauren goes over some things with Amber before her trip to Clear Springs. She leaves some papers behind and Amber offers to bring them to her in the morning. Jack and Sharon plan a trip to Clear Springs to relax. Nikki talks to Katherine who encourages her to try and mend her relationship with Victor. When she goes to see him, he informs her that he is calling in her loan. Nick clashes with Neil when he resumes his position as co-CEO. Victor surprises them when he tells them that Neil will also remain a co-CEO. JT butts heads with the project manager on the Clear Springs project. Later he tells him that he knows he is up to something and demands to get in on the action. Victoria sees David meeting with the project supervisor again. Just about every one in town starts to head up to Clear Springs. Last Week's Recaps
Phyllis: Hello. Michael: Ah. You know, I have discovered one good thing while I've been sitting here waiting for you. Phyllis: Yes? Michael: Every woman who walks through here kinda looks at me like I'm Brad Pitt. Phyllis: Really? I could fix you up. What Lauren doesn't know won't hurt her. Michael: A little scary. No. It terrifies me that if she did find out, she'd hurt me, so... Phyllis: Yeah. Michael: So, anyway... where have you been? Phyllis: I was called in to see the warden. Michael: I thought I said best behavior? Look, I am trying very hard to push this work release through. Any questionable behavior on your part is just gonna slow down the process-- Phyllis: Hey, hey, hey, it's done! It's done! Michael: What? Phyllis: It's good. I got it. Michael: I didn't hear anything. Phyllis: Well, there's probably a message on your cell phone. Michael: Oh! All right. Okay. Well, that's terrific news! Phyllis: Anyway, I get it-- I get it in two days. Michael: Oh, Lauren and I are gonna be in Clear Springs. Phyllis: Oh, well, I work five days a week. I get to wear real clothes, and I get to... eat real food. Michael: Mm. Phyllis: And I get to spend time alone with my husband. Michael: Well-- whoa--whoa--whoa, slow down. Um... uh, this is not an early release. You have to work regular hours and report back to prison every night. This is not a game. Listen to me! You're not allowed to take work time to spend to play with your child or to... have personal relations with your husband. Phyllis: Oh! I can't believe that you would imply that I would have personal relations. Listen, it's a family-owned business. If I happen to run into my husband in the storage closet-- Michael: No, no, no, no, Phyllis: They can't arrest me. Michael: Listen, this program has established rules. You break them, and they will send you back here. Phyllis: Yes, yes. Michael: No ifs, ands or buts. Phyllis: Okay. Michael: Am I making myself clear? Phyllis: Crystal. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: Hey, Neil? Neil: Yeah? Nick: I, uh, I read the prospectus on R&B wind energy. I think you're right on with the recommendation. Neil: Appreciate the support. Nick: You know, I should be the one thanking you. You really stepped up while I was gone and made sure things were moving forward when there could've been a serious work stoppage. You're kinda like Newman's own Aaron Rodgers. Neil: You mean, the Packers' backup quarterback? Nick: Well, you know, I took it real slow coming off the injured list, but I'm back and I'm ready to play. Neil: So does that mean that, uh, you see my role as being, you know, on the bench? Nick: No. Man, it's not like that at all. Your work has always been great. It's just-- I wanna contribute any way I can. Start managing things the way I used to. Neil: Mm-hmm. Does Victor know about this? Nick: There's not a lot my father doesn't know. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Yeah, I got your e-mail with the photos. The terrazzo walkway is beautiful. David: Great. I knew you'd love it. Construction on the fitness center, however, is still behind schedule. I'm heading over there right now to see if I can get things back on track. Nikki: Listen, can you go over and take a look at Fenmore's? Lauren's gonna be there soon and I don't want any unpleasant surprises. David: I'm on it. Nikki: Thanks. Kay: Well, I can imagine how Victor feels with you still working so closely with that man. Nikki: Victor has relinquished any right to have an opinion about my life. Kay: I know--I know David is a sensitive subject, but Victor is your husband. Nikki: Not for much longer. We're getting a divorce. [SCENE_BREAK] (Knock on door) Victor: Come in. Neil: Hey, uh, Victor? Um, do you have a minute? Victor: Take a look at this. Neil: I have Becky bringing in some status reports. Victor: The only status I'm concerned with is this chess game I'm playing with a colleague in London. Neil: Nice. Victor: Oh, yeah! Queen takes bishop. Checkmate. (Laughs) one impulsive move. Neil: Yeah. Generally, one is all it takes. Victor: Unlike in business, where you have to be persistent, patient, and you have to know when to strike. Neil: Yeah, your son employed a similar philosophy earlier. He mentioned wanting to take over co-C.E.O. duties again. Victor: I know what my son wants. [SCENE_BREAK] Jack: No, should the ethics committee decide to reconvene, I would be happy to answer any and all questions. Thank you. I keep thinking this thing's gonna end, it just keeps coming at me. Now in the blogs they're calling me "Teflon Jack." Sharon: I know. I saw that. Jack: It isn't like I wasn't willing to meet with these people. They called it off. Sharon: Why don't we take a break from the press? We could drive up to Clear Springs and bring Noah with us. Jack: Wouldn't that be nice? You know what? That is a great idea. Noah's been wanting to go fishing up there for awhile now. Sharon: And we could scout the casino for Cassie's fundraiser. I hope the press don't follow us up there. Jack: As long as you are with me, they can sit in the back seat for all I care. I haven't let them get me down yet. I'm not about to start now. [SCENE_BREAK] J.T.: Great, thanks for the information. I'll look into it. Cane: Tell me Boddingtons took the bait? J.T.: I'm about to go find out. Cane: All right. Keep me posted. J.T.: All right. Victoria: You know, if it's just sloppy work, I can terminate the guy, but if he's getting kickbacks, I wanna bring charges. J.T.: Wow! Remind me never to be on your bad side. Victoria: So how do we get proof? J.T.: Well, I'm thinking I'm gonna go up and ask him for some. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Perhaps if there were still hope, I would've thought that things could be better. Kay: Now all hope has been abandoned? Nikki: I guess we just both reached our limit. I expected him to change. Kay: After 25 years? Oh, come on. Nikki: But I did change. And that's what he can't accept. [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: Profits are up 3% this quarter and acquisitions has seen a 6% rise over the last two quarters. Victor: You know damn well it will be up across the board if not for the debacle my wife made of Clear Springs. Neil: Victor, I'm waiting for the latest sales figures, but even if the slide continues, the methane rights will keep us in the black. Victor: That's a very positive attitude. A good one to have as a C.E.O. Neil: Does that mean I'm keeping my position? Victor: Neil, you know damn well I've always appreciated your contributions. More importantly, I trust you. Neil: I'd like to continue building that trust. Victor: The fact that my son is back in business now, I'm gonna have to think about what's best for the company. [SCENE_BREAK] Joe: Why would I order epoxy coated rebar? Don't unload it. Have your supervisor call me. Okay? J.T.: Hey, Joe? Joe: Talk fast. J.T.: Listen, I, uh, I checked on that concrete? I was right. It slumps too high. Joe: You must've gotten an inaccurate reading. It slumps fine. I took it myself. J.T.: Don't you wanna check it again, just to be safe? Joe: We've tested it plenty. Don't worry about it. J.T.: I wouldn't feel right about pouring that concrete. Joe: It's the same concrete you've been pouring since you got here. J.T.: It's substandard. Joe: Not according to my tests. If you've got such a big problem, maybe we should transfer you. J.T.: Well, you could also have me linking paper clips in your trailer, but that would cost you double my weekly for that. Joe: Keep talking like that, you're gonna be drug tested. J.T.: Only thing that needs to be tested is that concrete. Joe: Get back to work. There's a lot to finish. J.T.: What about my raise? Joe: I'll let you know. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: Hey, you. I was just thinking about you. Phyllis: Huh, I was just thinking about you, too. Nick: Oh, yeah? Tell me more. Phyllis: Well, I'll tell you when I see you at work. Nick: Did your work release come through? Phyllis: Yes! Can you believe it?! I get to leave this place and see you! Nick: Oh, that is... the best news. When does it start? Phyllis: Two days. Two, long, drawn-out days before I see you in the flesh without bars or guards. Nick: I can't wait. Phyllis: Me, too. [SCENE_BREAK] Cane: Well, when we pressure tested the gas piping system, we detected a leak in the fitness center, which set us back a day repiping. Also, we're having a delivery issue with our rebar supplier. Nick: Well, it's an easy fix. You dump 'em, move onto the number two bidder on your list. Neil: Or you could put them on notice, charge a 5% penalty if they wanna keep the job. Nick: Yeah, well, what if they still don't deliver? Then this project falls even further behind. Neil: And if they come through, we've shaved 5% from the budget. Nick: It's too risky. I say we go with the sure delivery. Neil: Nick's right. Let's go with the number two bidder. But you tell 'em, that they wanna jump in, they're gonna have to match the original supplier's price. Cane: I'm already in front of you guys, but I appreciate the patience. It's already done. Um, I am heading up to the site today. I'll call you as soon as I know anything, but which one am I calling? Nick: Both of us. Neil: You call me. Cane: All right. That works for me. [SCENE_BREAK] David: All right, and what about phase two with the condos? Joe: Well, we've been able to make up some time. David: Some time? Joe: Mm-hmm. David: Okay. Is there a number equivalent to "Some time?" Joe: Well, enough that Travertine Tiles will go down in six units starting tomorrow morning. David: Mm-hmm. Victoria: David? Hi. David: Hey, Victoria. Victoria: Hey. You're still here, huh? David: Guilty as charged. Victoria: Mmm. David: Can't beat this coffee. Victoria: Well, I am sort of hoping for good news. I hope your extended trip doesn't mean that we're looking at more problems. David: No, not at all. In fact, I just heard that we've made up some time. Work seems to move a lot faster with the top brass around. Joe: At least that's what we like to let you guys think. David: Oh, I'm sorry. Victoria, you know Joe Boddington, don't you? Victoria: Oh, yes, of course, our construction manager. How do you do? Joe: I see your personal project is progressing quite nicely. Victoria: Yeah. Yeah, it's a race to see if he gets here before the resort gets done. Joe: (Laughs) Victoria: (Laughs) um, oh, that's my coffee, so I'll just let you guys get back to it. David: Great. Victoria: Nice to see you. Joe: Actually, I gotta get back to the site. David: Okay. All right, thanks, Joe. [SCENE_BREAK] Amber: Hey! Lauren: Oh, Amber, there you are. Amber: I was just about to call you. Lauren: (Sighs) Amber: You seem a bit frazzled. Lauren: I just-- I'm so late. I've gotta meet Michael. We're going up to Clear Springs. And, uh... boy, I just have so much to do. I-I can't get this to the store. Amber: No problem. I will handle it. Um, actually, there's something I wanted to show you. Look. Look at this. I, uh... I have some original designs. I-I was up late writing music, and I-I all of a sudden just got this sudden burst of inspiration, and I-I stayed up all night designing! Look! Lauren: I really would love to see these, so put them on my desk, and it'll be the first thing I do when I get back. Amber: On your desk, will do. What are these, huh? Lauren: Oh, the schematic and the interior design plans. Amber: Oh, wow! This is really cool. Lauren: Okay, here's the new work schedule. Lily asked to have some shifts changed, because of school. And... all right, these are my notes on the new mock-ups for the ad campaign. I need this messengered to Sylvia at the agency. You got it? Amber: Mm-hmm. Lauren: Okay. Good. Amber: Hey, you know what? You could take these with you for the ride. Lauren: When I get back, Amber. Amber: Okay! Have a nice trip! Lauren: Thanks. Amber: Bye. Oh, wait! Lauren! Lauren! Hey, you forgot [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: Well, thank you very much. We have a suite with a lake view. Jack: Ooh, I like it. (Cell phone ringing) Sharon: Me, too! Jack: Jack Abbott. Phyllis? Great to hear your voice! I didn't expect to hear from you. Phyllis: Well, I'm not calling as your friend, I'm calling as your employee. My work release came through. I'll be back on the job in two days. Jack: Fantastic! Her work release was approved. Sharon: I'm so excited. Jack: Oh, listen, I will have all the heads of departments put together reports for you to get you up to speed as quickly as possible. I am thrilled to have you back. We all missed you. [SCENE_BREAK] Kay: Is this because of David? Nikki: No. But when David looks at me, he looks at someone who's strong and smart. At least, that's my interpretation of it. Kay: Well, no one can fault you for that. Nikki: You know, what I was growing up, nobody taught me that I was smart. You know that. Pretty, at best. Then when I was a teenager, sexy. Kay: Well, there's power in that. Nikki: If only I'd known that I was. Kay: Oh, yes. Wouldn't we all? Nikki: I have been a business woman for years now, and I am such a ridiculous cliché. I mean, I know now. I have run for office. I'm smart! I know that I'm smart. If only Victor could recognize that. If he could just say it. Just-- just acknowledge it. But he won't. Kay: Even when you were dependent on, uh, painkillers, Victor never left your side. And through the darkest-- darkest of times, you seemed to be drawn to each other. Nikki: We're good in a crisis, but we just can't handle that pesky day to day thing? Kay: Ah. Now is that day to day thing going to be just as wonderful with David? Nikki: I have no idea. I've never even thought about it. Kay: All right, think about this-- are you going to throw away years of history for something shiny and new hoping it will never wear away? Nikki: Katherine, this has nothing to do with David. I am not leaving Victor because of David. Kay: Fine. Fine. Then you think about this-- think about being alone. I know alone. Oh... Nikki: What do you think, I'm gonna stay with Victor because I'm afraid to be alone? Kay: Before you walk away from this marriage, I hope you will fight it with every last ounce of your courage just to hold onto something that is dear and it is true. Nikki: Oh, Katherine. Kay: Walking away from marriage is so easy. But to fight for a marriage, flawed as it may be? Is very, very hard. Now despite... despite the hurt, the anger, and the stubbornness... you may realize that, um... that you still love your husband. And that he still loves you. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: I am so sorry I'm late. Just one of those days. Hi. Michael: Mm. One of those days, huh? Lauren: Yes. Michael: Well, it will soon be followed by an unforgettable night. Lauren: Mm. Really? Michael: Mm-hmm. Lauren: I'm listening. Michael: Well, you just sit there and you relax. Lauren: Oh? Mm-hmm? Michael: And then we'll have a leisurely drive up. I've ordered some food to go. And once we get there, I will relieve your stress in, let's see, no less than three ways. Lauren: Really? Michael: Mm-hmm. Lauren: I think I'm gonna love this. Michael: Well. Well, you'll love me even more when you find out that Phyllis' work release came through. Lauren: Are you kidding? That's fantastic! Michael: Thank you. Yes! She could be at work in a couple of days. Lauren: She must be so relieved. Michael: Me, too. Lauren: This is good. You know why? Michael: Why? Lauren: 'Cause then you won't be distracted. Michael: Mnh-mnh. Lauren: You'll just be with me, alone... a bed and breakfast-- just the two of us. (Cell phone ringing) Michael: Mmm. Mm-hmm. Lauren: Is that you? Michael: Yeah. Uh, hold that thought. I like where that conversation is going. Hello. Michael Baldwin. Is that--thanks. What? Uh, what?! Now? I'm sorry. What... I'm about to go off... all right, fine. Yes. I'll be there as soon as I can. No. Good-bye. Lauren: What was that? Michael: Uh, Victor needs me to draft a takeover bid. I will have to drive up tomorrow and meet you there. Lauren: Oh, no! No! No! No! Michael! Michael: I can't get out of this. I can't get out of this. Look, I promise you, I'll be there as soon as I can. Lauren: All right, you tell Victor that I'm gonna fight him for you if he keeps this up. Michael: Yeah? Lauren: Yeah. Michael: Well, I can't help it. Really hot lawyers are in high demand these days. Lauren: Yes. And humble ones, too. Michael: Mm-hmm. Lauren: I can't believe I'm gonna be sleeping alone tonight. I wanted you all to myself. I did. Michael: I'm gonna miss you. Lauren: Is that all you got? Michael: Oh. Oh, okay. All right. Lauren: Come on. Michael: Come here, woman. Lauren: Let me see it. Michael: That's it. Here it comes. Come here. [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: Uh, this graph projects sales for the next quarter. Victor: If that were a heart line, I'd declare the patient dead. Neil: The only gas Clear Springs has is below the surface. Victor: As long as this project keeps hemorrhaging money, my wife's marital assets will continue to dwindle. Neil: Well, yeah, that's a risk she was willing to take. Victor: And one that I will not allow her to continue taking. (Knock on door) Victor: Come in. Nick: Am I interrupting? Victor: No, Son. Come in, please. Neil, leave this with me for awhile. I'm gonna think about it, okay? Neil: You got it. No problem. Victor: All right. Nick: So, uh, a little Clear Springs? Victor: Yeah. Not the cash cow your mother anticipated. What's up, Son? Nick: Well, I wanted to thank you. Phyllis got her work release. Victor: Oh, she did? I'm happy to hear that. That makes me happy. I told her that she didn't belong there. And now she can escape that damn place, at least part of the day. Nick: Thanks for saying that. And thank you for everything you did to get her out. Victor: My pleasure, my boy. Oh, by the way, remember when I asked you to maybe build that cradle for Victoria's baby with me? Let's do it. Nick: Okay. Victor: Huh? Business is important to me, but it's my kids that keep me going. Nick: Well, Vick and I feel the same way about you and Mom. Victor: Where is your sister, by the way? Nick: She's headed up to Clear Springs. I wanted to drive her myself, but she got that stubborn gene from someone in our family. Any ideas who that could be? Victor: I wonder where she got that from. I have no clue. Seems we all have a little bit of it, don't we? I call it tough. Nick: Well, I'm gonna spread some of that toughness around here, work my butt off to show you how much I appreciate everything you've done. Victor: I love you, my boy. Nick: I love you, too, Dad. Victor: Talk to you later. Nick: Thanks again. Victor: And let's talk about that cradle, okay? Nick: Okay. [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: I knew the ground rules when I went to work for Victor. Karen: Can you fill me in? Neil: There's really only one-- it says "Newman" on the side of the building. Karen: But I've seen what goes on in the building. Victor values your judgment. I'd say he relies on you. Neil: You think so, huh? Karen: Mm-hmm. Neil: You are the hottest motivator I have ever seen. Karen: Well, I guess you don't need much motivation, do you? Neil: Uh, I might not, but Dr. Kwan does if we want his herbal skin care line under the Newman umbrella. I got a call scheduled with him in five. I gotta go. Karen: Okay. Hey! Neil: Hey? Karen: You're pretty hot yourself. Neil: (Laughs) [SCENE_BREAK] J.T.: Thanks a lot. Victoria: Hey! J.T.: Hey. Victoria: Guess who I was just talking to? J.T.: Well, you know, I love to play games, but I gotta go put a little more pressure on Joe. Victoria: Joe-- that's who I was talking to. He was with David again. J.T.: Hey, listen, the guy works for your mom. He does have a legitimate reason to be talking to a project manager. Victoria: How do you know that his reasons are legitimate? He might be involved in this kickback thing. J.T.: Okay, besides a couple meetings with Joe and your gut instinct, I don't really have any reason to suspect him. Victoria: You don't trust my gut? J.T.: Of course I trust your gut. That could be my kid in there. Victoria: Okay, listen, just keep an eye on both of them, all right? Just in case. J.T.: Consider it done. I want to have fun. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: Hey, Michael? Michael: Yes, Nicholas? Nick: I wanna thank you for everything you did on Phyllis' behalf. Awesome stuff. Michael: Listen, Nicholas, it's very important that Phyllis stick to her work here. I know it will be tempting for you both to use the program to... see each other. And I know it's probably futile for me to tell you that... you can't... but you can't. Work release is not a get out of jail free card. If you get caught bending the rules, even a little, Phyllis will go back to jail for six years. No ifs, ands or buts. Nick: I got it covered. We didn't work so hard to get her out just so she'll go right back to prison. We're gonna follow the rules. Michael: (Sighs) [SCENE_BREAK] Joe: J.T.? Got a sec? J.T.: What's up? Joe: You were right. The slump on that truckload was a little high. Isolated case. I talked with the supplier and he's gonna check the mix much more carefully. J.T.: So that's it? Joe: Crisis averted. I really appreciate your concern, Man. J.T.: What about my raise, Joe? Joe: You haven't been around here long enough to justify one of those. J.T.: I've been around here long enough to know that truckload wasn't an isolated case. Joe: Ms. Newman! Twice in one day? Victoria: Yeah, well, uh, I forgot to mention earlier. I toured the pavilion, and I think everything looks really great. Joe: Appreciate that. It's, uh, pretty rare for the front office to come out here and toss us compliments. J.T.: She does treat the crew well. Victoria: J.T. worked a site for us last year in Waukesha. Joe: Well, before you got here, I was just about to tell him he's being bumped up to be a supervisor. Victoria: Really? Well, congratulations. J.T.: Thank you. Victoria: Well, it sounds like you two have a lot to talk about. So I'll come back tomorrow and check more out. J.T.: You know, moving me is not gonna shut me up. Joe: It's a promotion. You do well, you might just earn that raise you've been asking for. J.T.: Ms. Newman seemed really interested in the site. Maybe I should offer to take her on a little tour of all the concrete that's already been poured. Man: Joe? Hey, we need you to walk the, uh, fitness center with me. Joe: We'll finish this later. J.T.: I'm not going anywhere. [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: Victor, I was on an epic call with Dr. Kwan. Victor: Oh. Did you convince him to bring his skin care line to Newman? Neil: It's the reason I'm late. Victor: Well, I'll be damned. Well done, Neil. That's a hell of an acquisition. Son, how are the negotiations with sky organics coming along? Nick: Well, I made an agreement with Orin Hayes. If we don't go after that line, then he'll sell us Marin Dolar for 2% under our original offer. Victor: No kidding? I'm impressed. That's good news all around. I have some news for all of you. I've decided who will be co-C.E.O. Victor: All right then, you both... command great respect, and you're excellent businessmen. You, Neil... suffer the malady of not having the last name of Newman. Neil: Understood. Victor: Right. And, you, Son... need to commit to this 100%. Nick: I can do that. Victor: Especially now that I'm making you the head of the Venture Capital division. Nick: Just Venture Capital? Victor: As co-C.E.O. And, you, Neil, will be co-C.E.O. running Newman Cosmetics. And your sister Victoria... will run the real estate division. Nick: A triumvirate? I like it. Neil: Definitely works for me. Victor: Yeah. More importantly, it works for me, okay? Nick: Oh, hey. I just wanted you to know, I called Noah and told him the good news about Phyllis. Sharon: Oh, I'm--I'm sure he was happy to hear that. Nick: Yeah, he was. I guess Michael and my dad's efforts really paid off. Jack: Michael and your dad's, but not mine? Sharon: Do we have to do this right now? Jack: We'll all be thrilled to have Phyllis back. We can sure use her talents in making Clear Springs' web site sizzle again. (Cell phone ringing) Jack: Oh. "The Gazette"? How do they have my private number? Sharon: So, um... have you seen Phyllis since she heard the news? Nick: I'm headed up there now. I'm gonna stop off on my way to Clear Springs. Sharon: Oh, you know, we're--we're going up to Clear Springs, too, later today. We're bringing Noah. So you're welcome to join us if you want on the lake? Jack: I did tell Noah it would be just the three of us. Nick: That's all right. I wanna be here for Phyllis. So I'm gonna go and visit her at the prison, then head over to the casino to make sure it's appropriate for Cassie's Challenge, and then come back here so I'm here when she gets out. Jack: Fine. (Cell phone ringing) Sharon: Again? Jack: "The Chronicle" this time. Somebody must've published my personal number. I gotta change this. Nick: You know, it may have been easier to face the ethics committee. The press can be ruthless. I can understand why you wanna get away. (Cell phone ringing) [SCENE_BREAK] Paul: Hey. Anything break? J.T.: No, not yet. I'm squeezing him pretty hard. I might be close. Paul: Yeah, you might be closer than you think. Joe's bank records indicate that he's made five large cash deposits in the last four months. J.T.: Well, that's reason enough. I should squeeze him a little harder for that cash raise. Paul: Right. Hey, listen, I'm coming up there tomorrow to, uh, consult on Fenmore's security. So if you get him to pay, I'll be able to record it. J.T.: What about David Chow? Anything? Paul: Uh, no connection yet, but I'm still digging. J.T.: All right. Well, um, I'm gonna call Cane and give him an update. Paul: All right. Talk to you tomorrow. Maggie: Thanks. Amber: This is for you. Paul: Oh, thank you. Amber: Bye. Maggie: Did I hear you say that you were going to the very romantic Clear Springs resort? Paul: Oh, Man, it's the best time of year up there. Maggie: Are you gonna ask me to go or not? Paul: All you had to do was ask. Amber: Hey, Lauren, it's me. Um, listen, you left a bunch of papers here. I don't know if you need them for anything, but, uh... give me a call when you get this, okay? Bye. [SCENE_BREAK] [Nikki enters Victor's office, Victor is not there. Nikki walks up to a painting of Victor] Nikki: You know, I still look at you... and it's as if all those years have melted away. And you're still the man who leaned in to kiss me. You're still the man I fell in love with. [Victor walks in the office] Victor: Well, I'm glad you're here. Nikki: Well, I'm glad you're here, too. I-I wanted to talk to you. Victor: Your last payment is way overdue. I'm calling in the loan. Effective immediately. Nikki: You charge in here issuing edicts as if I'm one of your underlings? Victor: I'm merely stating the facts. This is purely business, as you wanted it to be. Obviously, you can't roll with the big dogs, can you? Nikki: It will be profitable! You just have to give us more time! Victor: Not without payment! Not without payment! Nikki: God! Is Victor Newman the human being even in there?! Victor: The decision is final. Nikki: The only reason sales are down is because of Jack's scandal. Once that blows over, we will bounce back. Victor: Let me inform you of something, all right? The senate ethics committee canceled that hearing. So there will be no bounce back. Nikki: Just because they canceled doesn't mean that the public isn't outraged! My God, this thing is all over the news! I am telling you, I can turn this around. Victor: You are in way over your head. Nikki: Oh, is that what this is about? Saving me? Victor: I'm saving you from yourself, for heaven's sake! You invested your marital assets in N.V.P. and they're fast dwindling for your information! Nikki: They were mine to do with what I wanted! Victor: For your sake and for the family's sake, I am pulling the plug! You got it? Nikki: You are an arrogant, malicious man! Victor: I don't give a damn what you call me! You made a bad business decision! You went against my advice! You ran for the damn senate! How the hell dare you?! All stupid decisions! I'm saving you from disaster! I'm allowing you to leave this marriage with some money and your dignity intact! You should be thanking me! Get the hell out of here! [SCENE_BREAK] Cane: (Sighs) Kay: Problems? Cane: The foreman at Clear Springs is the problem. Kay: Mm. Kickbacks, you were talking about, huh? Cane: There is a strong possibility that he's in with the concrete supplier. I'll go up tomorrow. I'll handle it. Kay: We'll go up tomorrow. Cane: Katherine, I will handle this. Kay: Yes, I'm sure you can. But I will be there when you do. [SCENE_BREAK] Amber: Oh, hi. Um, I was just sorting through the papers you left for me and I realized you forgot the schematics for Fenmore's. Lauren: What? Ugh, I need those for my meeting! I can't believe it. Amber: Mm. Well, I'd be happy to bring 'em up. Lauren: Oh, I-I couldn't ask you to do that. That's such an imposition. Amber: No, it's not a problem. My shift doesn't start until late, so I can bring 'em up first thing in the morning. Lauren: Thank you, Amber. Oh, I so appreciate it. [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: Oh, it's so great to be in your arms again. Nick: And you better get used to it. And I'm gonna be spending a lot more time at the office. Because my father made me co-C.E.O. again. Phyllis: Really? That didn't take him a long time. Nick: Well, I told him I wanted a more active role in the company, so... he stepped up to the plate. Phyllis: I'm so proud of you. Nick: And I'm jumping right back in. After I leave here, I'm heading up to Clear Springs to check on Newman's interests. Phyllis: Oh, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, did you not hear that, you know, maybe you missed it, but, uh, we're gonna be together in two days. You and me, alone. Nick: Right. Yeah, I remember something about that. Phyllis: (Laughs) Nick: Look, I would never miss your first day out, all right? This is a quick overnighter. Phyllis: All right. Nick: But I do, unfortunately, have to hit the road. Phyllis: Okay. Nick: Okay? Phyllis: This is the last time you're gonna say good-bye to your prison wife. The next time you see me, I'm gonna be wearing your favorite color. Nick: Now that sounds... like what I dream about. Phyllis: What else do you dream about? (Giggles) what else do you dream about? It's just a question. Nick: Uh, I was just gonna say... you in red. Phyllis: Really? Nick: Always in red. Phyllis: Oh. You like me in red? Woman: Ahem. Phyllis: I-I thought-- I thought you liked me in nothing. Woman: (Clears throat) Phyllis: That's what I thought. Bye. Nick: I like that, too. Bye. [SCENE_BREAK] J.T.: All right, next time... tell me your plan. Victoria: Well, you see, it kinda came to me after you left. J.T.: Okay. Victoria: But you have to admit it, that my showing up helped you to put extra pressure on him. J.T.: I can neither confirm, nor deny (Cell phone ringing) J.T.: One second. It's him. J.T. here. Joe: Hey, J.T., it's Joe. Just checking in to let you know you're doing excellent work. You've really stepped up in the short time you've been here. J.T.: Well, thanks. But compliments don't pay the rent, Joe. Joe: A raise does. I'm bumping up your pay by 25%. J.T.: Well, see, the--the problem with that is, Joe, after Uncle Sam gets his piece, there's nothing left of my bump. Cash has a way of sticking around. Joe: Well, I'm not giving you cash. That's not what this is about. J.T.: Now we both know what this is about, all right? And double my monthly, in cash, will keep me the quiet, excellent employee you've come to know. Joe: You know, we got a bad connection here. You're dropping out on me. We'll have to finish this conversation in person. J.T.: All right, when and where? Joe: I'll let you know. Victoria: What'd he say? J.T.: He wants to do it face to face.