Sharon and Nick meet a mysterious man named Mac. Nick decides to hire the army veteran to help Noah with bartending at his club. Mac has a picture of Avery in his room and what looks like an engagement ring in a box. Sharon tells her doctor she feels like herself again but worries that her feelings for Adam will resurface and get her off track. Sharon's doctor suggests that she have an uncomplicated date with someone who isn't Adam. Adam has a strange dream where he keeps seeing Chelsea and Sharon's faces while he is having a conversation but in the end of the dream Chelsea's face disappears and becomes Sharon. Sharon invites Adam to Nick's club opening as her date. Chelsea asks Adam for a half million-dollar divorce settlement and uses the money to buy the former Restless Style office space. Billy sees her designs and agrees to show them to Jack for their new fashion division. Victoria is unhappy about this news, because she worries that Chelsea will want Johnny back if she works so closely with Billy and Jack. Nikki is concerned as she opens some mail. A few minutes later, she tells Victor she wants to postpone their Valentine's Day wedding to make it the wedding of her dreams. Victor arrives at Nick's club to talk to Avery about her latest case for the innocence foundation but Nick tells him she won't be home until tomorrow. Victor wants Nick to give him any information that Avery might tell him about any cases she is working on that are outside of her work with Newman Enterprises. Avery surprises Nick and comes home early. Nick tells her his life is perfect right now.
[Cell phone rings] Nick: Ah, the guardian angel of the wrongfully accused. Did you get that murder verdict overturned already? Avery: Ah. Way to put the pressure on, Newman. This case is 12 years old, so I've got some work to do. Nick: [Sighs] All right, well, do what you got to do. We'll have plenty of time to celebrate. I mean, we'll have years and years to celebrate. And as for your silly, little dork dance, I'm just gonna imagine you doing it. Avery: Oh, okay, well, I was planning on interviewing a witness and then coming right home for the opening. But if you don't need me... Nick: I didn't say that. Avery: I'm almost afraid to ask. How's it going? Nick: Well, I need to hire a new bartender, otherwise I'm gonna burn Noah out. I really thought it'd be a lot easier to find one. Avery: You'll find someone. And I can help. I'll be home soon. Save a dork dance for me. Nick: I can't wait. Dad. Victor: Hello, Son. Nick: Hello. I didn't think you spent time in any glorified dives. Victor: I'm here to speak with Avery. [SCENE_BREAK] Victoria: Mmm. And every time I talk to Nick, he seems more and more excited about the reopening. He thinks he has a better handle on the marketing and the demographic that they need. It's really fun to see him so happy. Mom? Nikki: Yes, Honey? Victoria: It's okay. [Chuckles] I know. Nikki: How could you know? Victoria: Well, I mean, you have two weeks before the wedding. I'm sure there's a million details you have to handle. Nikki: Oh. Yes. There are details. Victoria: There's something else going on. [SCENE_BREAK] Eden: I am so sorry. That thing is tricky. Kevin's, like, the only one who knows how to work it. It's, like, the espresso whisperer. Sharon: Oh, you know what? It's okay. I'm -- I'm just gonna take my regular coffee and go. I'm in a hurry today. Okay. Oh! [Gasps] Oh...my gosh. I am so sorry. [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: So, there's plenty of storage, and the view is... well, it's the view. Where's Chloe? She knows this place about as well as I do. Chelsea: She texted. She and Kevin had some sort of an emergency. But she wants our company here, and so do I. Billy: Great. Chelsea: So, what hoops will you make me jump through before you give it to me? [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: I am so sorry. Oh, my gosh. That's my fault. I wasn't watching where I was going. You know, I'm -- here. I've just -- I'm trying to acclimate to this new job, and I was gonna get some sweets, you know, for the whole team to -- I-I wasn't looking. Anyway, I'll -- I'll just stop...patting you. Um, I owe you a new coat. Dylan: No. No need. This coat has probably never smelled better, actually. Sharon: Okay, I'll at least pay for the dry cleaning. Dylan: Oh, no. I'm not a dry-cleaning type of guy. I'll probably just hose this off at some point. Sharon: Okay. Well, at least let me buy you a coffee. Dylan: Uh, so you can reload? Sharon: [Laughs] Dylan: Honestly, it's -- it's not that bad. It's not that bad. If you can just help me with some directions, we'll just call it even. Sharon: Oh, I-I didn't think you were from around here. Dylan: Why? Do you know everybody in town? Sharon: Well, sometimes I feel like I do, and when I see someone I don't know, I usually know their family or parents. Dylan: It seems like the kind of place people never want to leave. Sharon: So, where are you from? Dylan: Not -- not far. I'm here hoping to reconnect with an old friend. But I've been looking for this place called the Underground. Do -- do you know where it is? Sharon: I-I do. Dylan: Yeah. Sharon: That's new. Dylan: Yeah, I found an address, but it keeps sending me to some -- some Indian restaurant. Sharon: Oh, yeah, yeah. They were having a lot of problems with that, among other things. So, um, is Nick the old friend you were gonna connect with? Dylan: Nick Newman? No, he's just someone I heard I should meet. I want to stop by the club. You know him? Sharon: Um, I'm his ex-wife. [Chuckles] I'm Sharon. Dylan: Sharon, Mac. Good to meet you. Sharon: Good to meet you. So, the club, it's not that far from here. I could show you where it is. Dylan: Guess I'm lucky I ran into your coffee instead of somebody else's. Sharon: [Chuckles] I'm really sorry about that. Dylan: Yeah, you know what? Don't worry about it. I know -- I know Nick's your ex, but is he a good guy? Sharon: You'll like him a lot. Everyone does. [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: Chloe came to me. So don't get all aggressive over here. I don't have any hoops for you to jump through. Chelsea: No hoops. My mistake. I'm a little out of practice reading people. I thought maybe you'd try to use some leverage over me or something. Billy: Why? Not me. You're talking about the guy you used to live with. I heard. I'm sorry about you and Adam. Chelsea: No, you're not. Billy: No, I'm not. You're better off without him. And if you'd like me to pretend that's not true, well, Honey, I'm sorry. I can't do that. But I will tell you I am sorry that he got close enough to hurt you. That's who he is. Always will be. I'm sorry. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: Adam? Adam: I'm up. I'm up. Sharon: You're up now. Adam: I wasn't passed out drunk, if that's what you're thinking. Sharon: No. Not drunk. Just stayed up all night working like a maniac. You know, you're not in college anymore. Adam: No, I'm just a grown man with a gigantic, empty house to go home to. Sharon: Well, do you have any clothes in that gigantic, empty house? Because you can't wear that to Radlauer. Adam: That's today? Sharon: Yeah, that's practically right now. Adam: I'm gonna go home and get changed. Stall for me, all right? Sharon: We can try to reschedule. Adam: No. No, no, no. No reschedule, no weakness. My father would smell blood in the water. I can practically hear the shark music playing. I'll be back. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: Dad, if this is about Newman, Avery works for them, not for you. Victor: No, this has nothing to do with the company, okay? Nick: Okay. What's going on? Victor: I'd like to talk to her about the Innocence Foundation. Nick: She's actually out of town working for them right now, so she's gonna have to get back to you. Victor: Have you any idea when she'll be back? Nick: In time for the opening tomorrow. So, why don't you swing by? I'll buy you a drink. Victor: No, to be frank with you, I'd rather have a conversation with her... without all the noise around here. What's she working on? Nick: Why you so interested? [SCENE_BREAK] Avery: Okay, don't give me that, Lloyd. My client had an exhausted public defender with a huge case load. The fact that you even got this conviction is just short of a travesty. Well, I'm on board now, and I will file a writ of habeas corpus. I want the judge to hear my motion and my argument. Really? Really, Lloyd? Do you want to go there with me? Because yes, I know exactly what it's like to lose somebody I love. [SCENE_BREAK] Eden: Your coat need a refill? Dylan: Actually, it is starting to dry off. Why don't you go ahead and throw another cup on it? Eden: [Chuckles] You, uh, you a writer? Dylan: Uh, no. No, just, uh, forgetful. Eden: So, that's just a big book of reminders? You know, there's probably an app for that. Dylan: A what? Eden: An app. You know, like, for your phone or computer. Dylan: Right, right. I don't really get into -- pen and paper is -- is good for me. It worked for Aristotle, Shakespeare. Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg address with a pen and, uh, paper. I guess that's pretty lofty company for a book of grocery lists and some knock-knock jokes, right? Eden: Come on. There's got to be more than that in there. Dylan: Uh, not much. Not much. Just a couple bad ideas here and there. And, uh, uh... a few sketches of a dream home. Eden: I would love to see that. Can I? Dylan: Well, it... no, it -- Eden: Oh, you dropped something. Here, I'll get it. Oh. Dylan: You know, thank you for everything. I'll have to show you those drawings another time. I'll be around. Eden: Sure, um, just hang on to that journal. You know, I wouldn't want you to lose anything important. Dylan: Me, too. [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: You know, it is shocking to me that you and Chloe are hitting it off after so long of, well, not hitting it off. And now you guys are in business together making frocks. Chelsea: Frocks? You're so weird. Billy: You know, Jabot is, uh, going into the frock business. Chelsea: Seriously? Billy: Yeah. Are you gonna show me your frocks or what? Chelsea: Well... don't be a jerk about them, okay? Billy: I'll do my best. It's so hard for me not to be a jerk, though. Chelsea: I know it is. These are them. So? Billy: These are really good frocks. Chelsea: [Chuckles] Billy: I'm serious. You know, they're stuff you don't normally see on the rack, but, uh, completely accessible. These are good. Don't look at me in that tone of voice. Restless Style wasn't all about smut. And hey, I have taken off my fair share of frocks, so I know what I'm talking about. Chelsea: Mm-hmm. Billy: This is really good. And, you know, success, well, that's the best revenge. That, and a huge divorce settlement. Chelsea: Are you gonna give me the space or not? [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Honey, as excited as I am about the wedding, my focus right now is Newman versus Newman yet again. Adam is so devious. He's relentless. He would rather go to battle than save his marriage. That's how bloodthirsty he is. Victoria: Mom, Dad and I can handle Adam. Nikki: Yeah, but at what cost? Already your father thinks he's God-like. But he's mortal. I mean, his body has been through so much. What if he should end up in the hospital again? Victoria: Mom, listen to me. You don't need to be scared about Adam, okay? I know that Dad is not indestructible, truly. But he can handle Adam, and I will be standing there right beside him. Nikki: Honey, you're -- you're -- you're not hearing me. I know that both you and your father think that you can make things happen the way you want them just by sheer will. But life isn't like that. I mean, sometimes the unexpected can and does happen. Nobody is promised a happily ever after. Victoria: Is this really about Newman, or are you having second thoughts about remarrying Dad? [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: Yeah, deliver as scheduled. You saw the flyer, right? Cool. I'll see you then. Victor: Well, you seem to be enjoying yourself. Nick: It would be crazy to if I didn't, consider all the work I put in. So, all this interest in Avery's work. Victor: Well, over the years, I've given a lot of money to the Innocence Foundation, you know. Now I have a colleague who would like to avail himself of Avery's expertise. If you know if she's taking cases outside of Newman, that would be valuable information for me, okay? Nick: Sure. Victor: What? Would do you want to ask? Nick: Nothing. It's just easier to say "Sure" than to second-guess you. I mean, you always withhold information from us and keep us in the dark, and it gets old. I don't want to play the game anymore. Victor: Yeah, well, this ain't a game, Son. Dylan: Excuse me. Nick Newman? Victor: See you later, Son. Nick: Bye, Dad. I'm Nick. What can I do for you? Dylan: Call me Mac. New in town. I just, uh, I keep hearing about this place. Nick: That's got to be a good sign. Dylan: Maybe. I've heard you had a few problems opening. Nick: Yeah. Yeah, we had, but, uh, I think we're -- I think we're good to go. I think that's all behind us. Dylan: Okay, good. That's good to hear. I was just gonna offer my services. Nick: You an electrician? Dylan: Yeah, I mean, I can run some wires, but mainly I'm a contractor. Thought you might need some help. You know, actually, I ran into your -- your ex-wife at the coffee shop. Nick: Ooh. Ex-wife. Redhead? Dylan: Blonde. What? You got a brunette in there, too? Nick: No, thankfully. Just the two of them. Dylan: And all of you live in the same town? That must be, uh, must be hard on the current Mrs. Newman. Nick: It would if there was one. Dylan: Hmm. Right. Two ex-wives. Who wants to go through that again? Nick: [Laughs] You got it. So, I think we're all set here, but I really appreciate you stopping by. Dylan: Yeah. No problem. Good luck. I hope this place is a big hit. Nick: Thanks. Hey, uh, Mac, I don't suppose you are a bartender? [SCENE_BREAK] [Door closes] Adam: Hey. Chelsea: Hey. Adam: Hi. Chelsea: Um, I came to talk about the divorce, but if you're on your way to the office... Adam: No, no. No rush. Um... if you want to talk. Chelsea: I know it's not final yet, but I wanted to talk about the settlement. Adam: Chels, it's whatever you want. Chelsea: Chloe and I, we found a work space that we like, but we lost our funding. I need enough cash for a down payment and equipment, materials, and payroll. Half-a-million and we wouldn't have to worry -- yet. Adam: You and Chloe? Chelsea: Yeah. Adam: It's just my opinion, but I think you're better off alone. Chelsea: That's the second time someone said that to me today. But the first time, they were talking about you. Adam: I'll write the check. You know, Chelsea, I... I'm still your husband. Even if it's just for a little bit longer. [Paper rips] Chelsea: Only on paper. Adam: You're still here, Chelsea. You haven't left town. Maybe that means we still have a chance. See, the thing is, I keep hoping, keep thinking that it doesn't have to be over. Because I love you. And I know you love me. [Sniffs] And the fact that you're still here in town... maybe you're thinking the same thing. Chelsea: I stayed because I deserve the chance to have a life, to start this company with Chloe. Not to be with you. We're done. You hurt me. Adam: I know. Chelsea: No, you don't know, Adam. Because I didn't burn anybody's house down, because I didn't fall apart, so it's not the real hurt. At least not the kind that matters to you. But you did hurt me. You convinced me that I could be loved beyond all reason. You convinced me that we could have this amazing life and family and future. The kind of life I thought only suckers dreamed of. And I never dreamt it. Until you. That's what you've done to me, Adam. You turned me into a sucker. [Door closes] [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Darling, of course I want to marry your father, but Valentine's Day is just too soon. Victoria: No. No, it's perfect. Listen, I had, like, 10 minutes to prep for my last wedding. Granted, Chloe planned the whole thing, but for Billy and me, last minute worked out just fine. Nikki: Well, hey, yeah. Maybe I could borrow your red dress and blue earrings. Victoria: Ah. See, you're joking, but red for Valentine's Day is apropos. Nikki: [Sighs] Victoria: [Chuckles] Mom, you're such a good listener whenever I want to vent. You know, you don't judge me. You don't panic. Let me do that for you, too. Nikki: Sweetheart, I know this is hard to believe, but for now, your father and I are drama-free. Except for some concerns about Newman Enterprises, but that's just Victor. Victoria: Well, you know what? Your wedding's gonna be perfect. And as far as Adam goes, don't let him scare you. Adam's gonna crash and burn just like he always does, and he's not gonna take Dad down with him. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: If we do end up working together, I promise to set all of our meetings around your daughter's hockey schedule. I know what a dedicated coach you are. Radlauer: We were Pee-Wee state champs last year. I love that you have respect for real priorities, Sharon. Adam: Sorry I'm late. [Sighs] Contract negotiations on another project hit a snag. Radlauer: Newman, nice of you to show up. Sharon did your job for you. And probably better than you would have done. Adam: Not surprised. Radlauer: I'll be in touch. Sharon: Great. Adam: That guy, he never smiles. Sharon: [Chuckles] Well, maybe you never talked to him about hockey. Adam: My mistake. Sorry I missed it. Sharon: You know what? It's okay. It -- it felt great. Adam: Well, let's celebrate. I'll treat you to lunch. Sharon: Um, oh, I-I can't. I'm -- I have plans. Adam: Yeah? Lunch date, as in a "Date" date? Sharon: It's not like that. Um, but I-I got to go. I'm late. Bye. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: That is quite a drink. What do you call it? Dylan: This is a ripcord. I came up with it at Fort Bragg. It's been a hit on every base I've been on. Nick: So, you were in the military? Dylan: Army. Nick: Iraq? Afghanistan? Dylan: A couple tours in both. Nick: [Sighs] Well, you may not hear this much, but from a guy like me, I'm very grateful for your service and sacrifice. Dylan: Thank you. Yeah, the service never bothered me, but sometimes... sometimes I think about the sacrifice. Nick: So, margaritas, martinis, you got that in your repertoire? Dylan: Classic or with a twist? I got it all covered. I'll be a little rusty at first, but I-I learn quick. Nick: I think you're gonna survive. Here you go. Study up. Dylan: Yeah? Nick: Yeah. My son, Noah, will be by later. He'll take care of the paperwork. But I got a feeling this is gonna work out. Welcome aboard, Mac. Dylan: Thanks. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: Mmm. I needed that cup of coffee. I lost most of my first one this morning. Dr. Watkins: Lost it? Sharon: On some handsome stranger's coat. But if you're gonna lose a cup of coffee, that's the way to do it. Dr. Watkins: This good cheer, is it just about the meeting that went well? Sharon: Everything. You know, I was so afraid of taking that medication at first. But I feel more like myself instead of less. It's so nice to feel even. No manic upswings, no depression. And I haven't gotten married in months. Dr. Watkins: That's funny. [Both laugh] Dr. Watkins: I haven't seen much of this sense of humor. Sharon: Yeah, I kind of forgot about it myself. It's nice to have it back. It's nice to have myself back, thanks to you and the treatment, all the work we've been doing together. It's really nice to have an agenda every day. But feeling this good... Dr. Watkins: Makes you think about what you have to lose. Well, there's always a chance you could slip a little, but we'll watch out for that, be prepared. Sharon: Well, we better start watching now because what scares me is...the feelings I have for Adam. [SCENE_BREAK] [Computer keys clacking] Billy: Whoo. [Chuckles] Hey. Ooh. Well, it seems like Chelsea's gonna take the old Restless Style space. Victoria: For that fashion business? Billy: Oh, yeah. I got to say, her designs are pretty good. Victoria: Oh. Great. Wonderful. Fantastic. It would be better if they were good in France. Billy: Oh, come on, Vic. Victoria: Look, no, I know, okay? I-I know. Johnny is ours, physically and legally and emotionally. It's just that he's getting bigger, and pretty soon, he's gonna start talking and walking and asking questions, and Chelsea still lives here in this town. And with Adam being an ass and not staying married to her and not giving her a dozen babies -- Billy: Right there. That's good. Blame Adam. I love blaming Adam. Victoria: I just didn't expect her to still be here by now. Billy: Yeah, well, then you wouldn't expect me to say that I think, uh, she'd be great for our fashion division. Victoria: Oh. Great. Wonderful. 'Cause that really puts her at a distance. Billy: Honey, Johnny is ours. Victoria: But he was hers first, Billy. [Doorbell rings] Billy: [Clears throat] That might be her. Victoria: Here? Billy: Mm-hmm. Victoria: I hate you. Billy: That's so weird because I love you. Hey. Chelsea: I brought a check. Billy: You ready to show me the money? That's what I like to hear. Chelsea: Hi, Victoria. Um, do you have that contract for me to sign? Billy: Yes, I do. Boilerplate, nice and legal, cut and dry. [Johnny cries] [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: It's not that I want to have these feelings for Adam. I just feel like they're out there, you know, lurking in the bushes. Dr. Watkins: Have you ever thought about leaving Newman? Sharon: Yes. But Adam asked me to stay. He begged me. He needs my support there. If he lost Newman, what would he have? Dr. Watkins: You are not responsible for Adam's health or happiness. Your job is to watch out for yourself. Now, if you feel that's not possible at Newman, that's something to consider. Sharon: Well, I-I like being there. It's nice to feel competent and validated, and I just really need that right now. Dr. Watkins: Understood. So, maybe the Adam issue isn't about Adam. Maybe it's about feeling close to someone. Have you ever thought about dating? Nothing extreme. No headlong dive into romance. You know, just coffee, conversation, a distraction. Sharon: To forget about Adam? Dr. Watkins: To remind you that there are other connections out there when you're ready. 'Cause it's clear a romantic involvement with Adam is not the best thing for your recovery right now. [SCENE_BREAK] Adam: [Sighs] [Adam dreaming] Chelsea: Adam. I want to talk to you about the divorce. Adam: The settlement? I already gave you the check. Chelsea: I don't want the check. I want you. Adam: I swear to you, I won't blow it this time. Chelsea: I know you won't. Because I won't let you. [Sighs] Sharon: It was just a warning when I said I'd quit. Adam: But you stayed. Unless you've changed your mind. Chelsea: This is where you are. Both: So this is where I am. Adam: Let's go home. Sharon: Wait. We have everything we need right here. [Back to present] Sharon: Adam! Adam! You can't keep doing this. Adam: Just resting my eyes. Sharon: Oh, really? Other people call it sleeping, and they do it at night in beds. Adam: [Sighs] One eye open, Pal. [Sniffs] That's how I will keep Victoria and my father at bay. Sharon: You know, you have a staff. Adam: [Sighs] Sharon: And the board is behind you. So, you don't have to do this to yourself. Adam: Newman hasn't had consistent leadership in forever. No offense. Sharon: Hey, none taken. I was there. Adam: And there's these rumors, pills and Jack and the whole thing. It didn't help matters. Sharon: Hey. You know, it's okay to go home. And yes, there are ghosts there, but you know what? They can't hurt you. And you'll get used to them. Marriages fall apart. And it's awful, and it's agony. But killing yourself over this job shouldn't be your penance. Adam: You're right. You're right. You know, Sharon, you keep looking out for me. And I keep owing you. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: [Sighs] Victor: There's my beautiful girl. What happened? Nikki: Well, Darling, there is a problem. I was afraid to tell you, but I have no choice. Please don't overreact. Victor: What is it about? Nikki: Valentine's Day is too soon. I-I can't put a wedding together by then. Victor: I could arrange that tonight. All it takes is some money and some phone calls. Nikki: Then you're a much better wedding planning than I'll ever be. But this is the last one. There won't be any more weddings or divorces. And I want it to be perfect. I-I-I need time to make it the way I want it. Please let me postpone the wedding. Victor: Come here. Don't be upset. [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: Yeah, yeah, it's just... sometimes we have a little trouble with Johnny at naptime. He gets in a mood. Chelsea: Maybe he needs coffee. Billy: [Chuckling] You've been around a lot of kids, right? I'm sorry. That was a bad -- that wasn't -- that was just dumb. Chelsea: No, that's okay. I know what you meant. It's okay. Victoria: He's fine. He's having a big conversation with blue puppy in his crib, and he didn't want to come down. Chelsea: Oh, he sounded so miserable. All he needed was a stuffed animal? Billy: Mom to the rescue. And blue puppy. Victoria: Johnny's fine. He's perfect, actually. We know all of his moods. Billy: Okay, uh, I need to get you to sign the contract. Chelsea: Yes. Perfect. Anything to get -- get work going. Billy: Yep. Victoria: Billy told me how great your designs are. Chelsea: Thanks. Yeah. I was pretty shocked, too. Um, here, and I brought you these copies if you meant what you said about showing Jack. Billy: Yeah. Uh, you know, get you off the ground, give Jack a local collaborator. You know, nothing definite. Just a maybe. We'll see. Chelsea: "Maybe" sounds good to me. Thank you. Billy: Yep. [Cell phone rings] Chelsea: Oh, excuse me. Oh, it's, uh, it's my textile designer. Do you mind if I take this? Excuse me. Hi. Yeah. Victoria: You practically hired her. Billy: Did you hear the whole "Maybe" part? Victoria: Not only is she gonna be working in your old office space. Maybe she'll be working for your brother. Maybe she won't have a reason to leave Genoa City ever again. Maybe she's gonna keep coming over here and hearing Johnny cry and talk, you know? Maybe she's -- maybe she's -- [Chuckles] She's gonna start having regrets and start missing him and she's gonna want to be a big part of our extended family. Chelsea: Maybe. Billy: [Whispers] Shh, shh, shh. It's not gonna happen. Just lower your voice. Take it easy. Victoria: If Jack needed a designer, couldn't you use one that didn't give birth to our son, Billy? What's wrong with you? Billy: [Sighs] [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: Anything else I should take care of while you're finally sleeping? Adam: Yes. Here's my schedule. And there's this for you. Invitation to, uh, Nicholas' opening. Um, that was on Mason's desk. Must have lost my invitation in the mail. Sharon: [Chuckles] Just an oversight. Adam: Yes. Of course. No, actually, good for Nicholas. Glad he's finally stepping out from underneath Dad's shadow. Now, if only he could drag Victoria out from underneath that shadow... Sharon: Yeah, well, Nick always wanted to break out on his own, you know, do his own thing. It's really important to him. Adam: Yeah, well, he hasn't fared very well, has he? Dad keeps roping him back in again. Sharon: Maybe this time Nick will get away for good, you know? Really break away from trying to please Victor or defy him. Just take Victor out of the equation all together. Adam: That supposed to be directed at me? Sharon: Should it be? Adam: So, you going to this gala or not? Sharon: Yeah. You know, just for Nick and Noah. I'd invite you along, but... Adam: I think you and I showing up anywhere together is probably a very bad idea. People and their messy assumptions. I'm gonna get going. Make sure I don't fall asleep standing up. Sharon: Wait. You know what? To hell with assumptions. We know the truth. Come with me tonight. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: Noah, I hired a new bartender. I need you to get down here and take care of the paperwork, though. So, where are you? Call me and let me know what's up. [Sighs] No way! No! That is not funny. Avery: No. It's not. It's hilarious. [Chuckles] Nick: I thought I was gonna see you tomorrow. Avery: Mm-hmm. Well, do you want me to leave? [Laughs] Oh, my gosh. This place looks wonderful. Nick: Well, I got the right deejay mixes. The lighting's fixed. The marketing's in place. I got a new bartender. He totally fits the vibe. And I've got you. Everything's perfect. [NEXT_ON] John: You bring the Abbott family back together again. Leslie: That's from today? Tyler: Yeah, I couldn't believe it. Wait till you read the whole article. Neil: Hey, Guys. Something wrong? Wheeler: I'd hate for it come out that you hired my daughter to solicit Jack Abbott.