Gloria tells Jack that she wants a small role in the company if she can give him what he wants which is Fenmore's. Ashley warns Jack not to trust Gloria and to be careful. Jack tells Ashley that he doesn't trust Gloria at all but thinks she can help him get Fenmore's. Ashley gives Ravi Phyllis's old office and is surprised when he thanks her for being in such a tiny space. Billy tells Victoria to set rules for Reed but give him some space to be a teenager and offers to help her with him. Victoria doesn't accept Billy's help, because she thinks that will make him think he has a chance to get back together with her. Nikki thinks Victoria should let Billy help with Reed, but Victoria makes it clear to Nikki that she and Billy will not reconcile. Lauren finally tells Michael that Fenmore's is in deep trouble but that they are meeting with an investor today, and he accidently tells Gloria about the meeting.
Ashley: This is it. [Door thuds desk] Ashley: Ow! Ravi: This is it? Ashley: Yeah, this is all of it. Ravi: And it's mine? Ashley: Yeah. It's all we've got right now. Sorry. Ravi: "Sorry"? This is amazing. Ashley: You like it? Ravi: I've been in cubicle hell for so long with engineers who don't know what an inside voice is and programmers who don't know what a shower is. You can't imagine those rooms. Loud, smelly rooms. Ashley: Yeah, I won't even try. Ravi: I mean, here I got my own walls, my own desk, own printer/copier. Ashley: Uh...no. You have to share the copier. Ravi: Oh. Oh, it's fine. It's still awesome. Thank you. You're amazing. Jabot, I mean, is amazing. Too much? I tone it down. Ashley: No. It's refreshing. The last person that had this office did not like it nearly as much as you. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: I walk in. Gloria's on my computer snooping through all my files, as if I don't have enough to deal with. Phyllis: Gloria has brass. Lauren: Uh-huh. Phyllis: Normally I am a fan of brass, but not this time. Unless she has several millions to invest. Lauren: Ha! No, nothing. Not a penny. I, of course, turned Jack down, and he at least has business sense, but Gloria -- never. But that didn't stop her from trying to get a job out of me. Phyllis: Did you crack up or did you wait until she left the room? Lauren: Oh, I made it very clear. Gloria is not getting anywhere near my company. Ever. [SCENE_BREAK] Jack: Why on earth would I ever trust you, Gloria, about Fenmore's or anything else? Gloria: You know me. We know each other, for better or for worse. Jack: The latter, to be sure. Gloria: So you know that when I set my mind to something, I make it happen. Jack: What exactly are you proposing, Gloria? Gloria: That's something we need to discuss in person. If you want Fenmore's, I can help make it happen. So how badly do you want it, Jack? Huh? [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Reed? Reed. Oh, for heaven's sake. Reed! Reed: Hey! Grandma? Nikki: It is you! I can't believe it. Well, give your grandmother a hug, for heaven's sake! Oh! It's good to see you. [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: Hey, did you get that spreadsheet I sent you? Looks like that gift bonus we had gave a nice, little sales boost. Victoria: Yeah, I saw that. Good. Billy: You good? You tired? Victoria: No. Billy: Was the rock star playing the ax late into the night or what? Victoria: Reed cannot seem to hold a five-minute conversation, but he can play his guitar for six hours. Billy: Okay, well, is he using those headphones I gave him? 'Cause he plug those in the amp, you're not gonna hear anything in the house. You will sleep like Katie does. Clkt! Victoria: Not so much, but I am using those earplugs you brought by. Billy: There you go. I'm a hero. You're welcome. Victoria: I think that Reed is just a work in progress, you know? Billy: Aren't we all, Vick? Victoria: He thinks that he can put on a sad, little face and tell me how much he missed me and I'll just let him do whatever he wants. Billy: Well, he doesn't know how strong you are. You got a spine of steel. Victoria: I do. Billy: You do. I just said that. I'm backing you up. Victoria: I don't need your backup, okay? I am very confident in my decisions. Teens need limits. Billy: They do. You're absolutely right. They do. But... Victoria: But? There is no "but." There's no room for a debate here, Billy. Billy: Okay. There we have it. Victoria: Just say what you want to say. Billy: No, you know what? I'm gonna respect your boundaries. I'm gonna keep my mouth zipped. Victoria: It's too late for that. Spit it out. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Are you hungry? I can get you a bagel or we could go to the club. We could get a burger. Reed: It's okay. I'm good. Nikki: I'll just have some tea, please. Now, um, I have to ask you. What on earth possessed you to get on a bus to Genoa city without telling anybody? You know we would have sent you a ticket if you had called. Instead you just run away. You really worried your father. Reed: Now, I mean, is it technically running away if I go from one parent's house to another? I don't think I'd say that. Nikki: Uh, don't be smart. Reed: It's a curse being smart. Nikki: You're definitely a teenager. But you did worry your father very much. Reed: I know, and it was a bad call on my part. But I apologized. And dad told mom that he was cool with me being here. But if you want me to go to Poland, then... Nikki: Oh, come on now. You kidding? We're thrilled that you're home. Thank you very much. It would be horrible to think about you being so far away. Reed: Right? I mean, Genoa city will always be home to me. Nikki: That's because so many people love you. Reed: Yeah, but Johnny hardly recognizes me, and Katie doesn't even know who I am. Nikki: Oh, sweetie, that'll change now that you're home. Reed: I didn't want to cause any trouble. I just wanted to be around my family, not across the world. And grandpa already gave me the whole lecture on doing good in school and all. Nikki: "Well in school." I can't wait to see your English grades. Reed: I'm ready. Nikki: Well, I am very happy that you're here. And I know your mother is, too. Victoria: Say what you want to say, Billy. Billy: Okay, yes, of course Reed needs rules, and he needs to respect them. He needs to respect you and the house and the structure. Victoria: But? Billy: He's 15 years old. I mean, if I think about what I was doing at 15 years old -- Victoria: No, don't talk about your teen years and Reed's teen years at the same time, okay? Billy: Okay, then let's talk about what you were doing at 15 years old. Look, we both did things that we're not necessarily proud of, but, you know, you grow up. You -- you move on, you mature, you become a normal human being. At least you matured and became a normal human being. Victoria: Just think about how hard it was to get through those years, all of the tears and the fighting with our parents and the anger. Billy: But we did it. Look. We're here. Victoria: Yeah, but we didn't do it on our own. We had parental structure. We had guidelines. We had rules. Billy: And we had support and we had tolerance and probably a whole other slew of things we probably didn't deserve at the time because our parents, for the most part, cut us a break. Victoria: When you talk about cutting him a break, I think you mean me letting him do what he wants, and I'm not gonna do that. It's irresponsible parenting, and it would not be doing Reed any favors and you know it. Billy: Look, Reed is a smart kid, and he did a brilliant thing when he picked you as his mother. Victoria: Wow. You're moving on to flattery that fast, huh? Billy: Oh, no, that's not flattery. That's just straight-up truth, girl. Victoria: [Chuckles] Billy: He picked a mother that loves and supports him. He just needs a little bit more of that right now. He's got a lot going on through his mind. He just needs to channel that energy. Victoria: Well, I'm not gonna push him into baseball again, Billy. Billy: Ooh, you push him into anything and he's just gonna become resentful. You can support his music, right? I mean, at least he's in the house, safe, under your roof and not getting alcohol poisoning at a party. Victoria: Oh, God. I don't think I could handle that. Billy: Yeah, of course you can, because you handle everything. That's just what you do. You can also steer him towards the good, away from the bad. He'll listen to you, Vick. He knows that you're on his side. Victoria: I am on his side. Billy: Yeah. Victoria: Always. Billy: Just tell him that every once in awhile. Victoria: You know what? You're right. It makes sense. Billy: In the meantime, I'll find some teeny, tiny earplugs for Johnny and Katie. Victoria: They actually like Reed's guitar playing. Mm-hmm. They run around the house squealing, and they do a two-baby mosh pit. Billy: Well, you know what's next. That's like family band time. That's you on the tambourine shaking your moneymaker. Victoria: [Laughs] Billy: I'd buy tickets to that show. Victoria: You'll scalp tickets to that show. Billy: [Chuckles] Probably would. Look at you, huh? You got a teenager right smack dab in the middle of your life. Victoria: I feel so old. Billy: Nah, not a day over 30. Victoria: [Scoffs] Billy: Look, if you need any help with anything, maybe the electrical box or something like that -- Victoria: I can run a multinational company. You think I'd be able to figure out a breaker box. Billy: Yeah. I'm just saying that if you do need anything... Victoria: You know, Reed is here to stay. I'm just gonna have to learn how to handle all this on my own. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: So I made my way through that list of potential investors. Phyllis: Minus the jerk I crossed off. Lauren: For sure. And there is one candidate that's clearly in the lead, and that's Ben Hochman. Phyllis: Hochman industries? Lauren: Yeah. Phyllis: How interested is he on a scale of 1 to 10? Lauren: Hmm, I'm gonna say a 7 so far, enough for him to get on a plane from Chicago and come meet with me today. Phyllis: What do you need from me? Lauren: Well, not much. Just a complete marketing overview and how to position Fenmore's for future growth, maybe? Phyllis: That's all? Lauren: Can you do it? Phyllis: [Chuckles] Of course I can. It's gonna be tight, but it will happen. Lauren: What's wrong? Phyllis: Nothing. I just need some data that I have in my files. Lauren: But why the face? Phyllis: Because those files are in my old office at Jabot. Lauren: Oh. Is that gonna be a problem? Phyllis: Well, it shouldn't be. They probably turned my office back into a closet. I'll find the files behind a mop. Lauren: [Chuckles] Phyllis: I can't even believe I worked in that box. Stupid things you'll do for love. [SCENE_BREAK] Ashley: So, Ravi is hard at work in his brand-new office, and he's thrilled with the digs. Jack: Good to hear. Could you shut the door, please? Ashley: What's going on? Jack: I may have found an in at Fenmore. Ashley: Don't tell me it's Phyllis. Jack: No, it's not Phyllis. Ashley: Thank goodness. Jack: It could be worse. Ashley: No, nothing could be worse -- Jack: It's Gloria. Ashley: I take it back. She's much worse. What are you talking about? Jack: There is a certain logic to this. Ashley: There's nothing logical about Gloria, Jack, not ever. She's toxic, she's vicious, she's selfish. What she did to our father and this company -- Jack: I am well aware of all the horrible things Gloria ever did. This is not about trusting her. I would never do that. Ashley: Then why are we talking about her? Jack: She called me wanting to help. Ashley: Oh, wonderful. So she must know that Lauren turned you down. Jack: And yet still she reached out to me. I think we owe it to ourselves to hear what she has to say and see if maybe she can deliver. [SCENE_BREAK] Victoria: [Sighs] [Footsteps approach] Victoria: Oh, hey. Nikki: Hey. Victoria: Hey, mom. What are you doing here? Nikki: I just ran into my grandson at crimson lights. Imagine that. Victoria: Oh, God. I'm so sorry, mom. It's just that things have been so crazy. Nikki: Yeah, so crazy that I had to hear about his adventures through your father and not you. Victoria: Well, you know, I told dad. That's like telling you. You guys are a unit, right? Nikki: I wasn't even sure it was Reed, he's grown so much. Victoria: I know. He's so big. He's a teen now. He's -- he's practically a man. And he's living at my house. J.T. Didn't know about it. He didn't call me, but that's a separate issue altogether, isn't it? I mean, there's Reed on my doorstep on new year's eve escorted there by a cop -- police, mom -- at my door with my son. Nikki: What? Victoria: Yeah. Nikki: What did Reed do? Victoria: He got kicked off the bus. He didn't pay the full fare. He was practically a stowaway. I mean, he could have been arrested or abandoned or, I mean, so many things. Nikki: Well, that's crazy. I-I-I just told him today that he could have called us for a plane ticket. My God, your father could have sent the jet if it was urgent. Victoria: Well, it's not the first stunt he's pulled. You should hear what he's put J.T. Through. Nikki: Well, you didn't know about it, either, until the other night. Victoria: No, I didn't. But I do now. My son's here at my house, and I hardly know him. How did this happen, mom? How did I let this happen? [SCENE_BREAK] Ravi: [Muffled] Hey. Phyllis: Hi. Hello. Is this your office now? Ravi: Awesome, isn't it? Phyllis: It's a closet. Ravi: I know. Right? Phyllis: Phyllis summers. This used to be my workspace. [Bag thuds] Ravi: Sorry. Phyllis: [Laughs] Ravi: Hey, I've heard about you. Phyllis: Oh. Have you now? Ravi: Yeah, um -- sorry. Yeah, Ashley said the last person who worked here didn't exactly love it. Phyllis: That was me. And you are...? Ravi: Oh, sorry. Ravi. Phyllis: Oh. [Both chuckle] Phyllis: Oh, wait a minute. You're the genius behind JabotGo. Ravi: Genius? Uh, no, that -- that's, uh, that's a little strong. Phyllis: Well, that's what I heard. Ravi: Thanks. Uh, wait, are -- are you moving back in or...? Phyllis: Me? No. Never. Jabot and I parted ways. I actually just stopped by to pick up some files I left behind that I need for a presentation. Bigger and better things on the horizon. Ravi: Okay. Phyllis: Yeah. [SCENE_BREAK] Jack: This is where you wanted to meet me? Gloria: It isn't Lauren's style. And for now, this conversation needs to stay between you and me. Jack: Sneaking around behind your daughter-in-law's back. Classic. Gloria: Let's call it discretion. Jack: Lauren has made it very clear she does not want Jabot to acquire Fenmore's. Gloria: I'm aware of that. Jack: And yet here you are. Gloria: And so are you. Jack: Let's just say I'm curious. Gloria: [Laughs] Please. You would never sit at a table with me if you were curious. Please, we're beyond that pretense, Jack. You want this deal. Jack: It's good business for both companies. Gloria: We are on the same page. Jack: But Lauren isn't. And I'd say she's key. I made her an offer. Any idea why she turned me down? Gloria: Pride, I guess. But Lauren needs a partner. I've seen the figures. Payroll, inventory, sales -- it is not a pretty picture. Jack: And you've seen all this with Lauren's blessing? Gloria: Lauren needs an investor. Without an influx of capital and someone to split the burden, Fenmore's is history. And you mark my words. This is a burden on Lauren -- financially, emotionally. And I am worried about that girl. And I am terrified that she will crack trying to handle this thing on her own. She hasn't even told Michael the mess her company's in. Jack: And this is the time you decided to invade her privacy and set up a secret meeting with me. Gloria: You are not my favorite person, Jack. But you are one hell of a businessman. So better you than some stranger getting their sticky fingers on her company. This is the best move for all involved. Jack: When you say "all," I have to ask -- what's in it for you, Gloria? [SCENE_BREAK] Michael: Well, that's excellent. Thanks for the good news. I'll talk to you later. Lauren: What was that about? Michael: The case I was sweating over. The charges were dropped. Lauren: Oh-ho! Congratulations. Mwah. You must be relieved. Michael: Yeah, I was gonna be writing arguments all night. But now I'm suddenly free, so what do you say? Dinner, a movie, date night far away from Gloria? Lauren: Uh, I wish I could, but I can't. Michael: You have plans? Lauren: I have problems. Michael: What? What's wrong? Lauren: There's so much wrong, I don't even know where to begin. I can start by saying to you, uh, I have not been honest with you. Don't look that way. This is not about us. Uh, you have been wonderful. We are wonderful. But Fenmore's is not. Michael: I thought you said things were picking up. Oh. That's the part where you haven't been honest with me. Lauren: I downplayed the problems. I mean, most of it was wishful thinking. You know, I've always been able to spot a trend. I have always been ahead of the curve. But with technology and internet sales and social media, the -- the industry shifted. And everything evolved, but... Fenmore's did not. Michael: See, I knew this. You've been under so much pressure. I saw it. And I should have pressed, but... Lauren, why didn't you tell me this before? Why would you carry this on your own? Lauren: I was embarrassed. I mean, this is my company, my staff, and my stores, and I'm the one who failed them. If I admitted it to you, I'd have to admit it to myself, and I couldn't accept that. I mean, I couldn't accept that I could come this far and still possibly lose everything. [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Look at me, Jack. I was with Chelsea by Jabot from day one. We were fantastic. We fired on all cylinders. You know I have solid fashion experience, not to mention cosmetics. Jack: Let's not mention cosmetics. Gloria: I get things done. I've been a business owner. I create jobs -- Gloworm. Jack: Ah, yes. Gloworm. A restaurant with the word "worm" in the name. A lot of thought went into that. Probably a blessing that it burned down. Gloria: You want me to harp on all of your misdeeds? We can sit here all afternoon. Jack: The question remains. What's in all this for you? Gloria: If I can help Jabot acquire Fenmore's... a small role in the company. Jack: How small? Gloria: We'll discuss my compensation package when the time comes. I can make this happen, Jack. You need me. Jack: You're doing an end run around your son's wife. You really want a small role that badly? [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: So how long have you been coding? Ravi: Uh, since I was 6, 5 maybe. Phyllis: So you're like a prodigy coder. Ravi: [Chuckles] We prefer the term software engineer. Phyllis: Oh, fancy. Ravi: Um, it's just the beginning. I'm aiming for senior architect. That's the title that gets you taken seriously. Phyllis: And how old will you be when you get there? Ravi: By the time I'm 35. Wow. That sounds like bragging. My mother would not approve. Phyllis: I'm sure your mother is happy to brag for you. Besides, you know what? That's the first step. You name what you want, and you go and get it. [Knock on door] Ravi: Ashley, hey. Uh, come in. Ashley: What are you doing here, Phyllis? Ravi: She left some files. Ashley: Jabot files are property of Jabot. Phyllis: I know they are, but these are personal files, Ashley, and I'm gonna get them out of Ravi's way. Ravi: Oh, I'm okay. There's actually plenty of room here. Oh, shh... uh... I... Ashley: Yeah, maybe you want to... Ravi: Excuse me. Phyllis: Sure. Oh, careful. [Clicks tongue] I know what you're thinking. You think I am stealing company secrets, but I have moved on. Ashley: And yet you're in this office, which is no longer yours at a company which no longer employs you. Why are you really here? Phyllis: You know, this is not a conspiracy. I simply came back to pick up some personal files. No big deal. Ashley: Mm-hmm. Looking for Jack, trying to get your old job back maybe? Phyllis: I have a job, Ashley. Ashley: I know. At Fenmore's. Maybe it's not going so well there. Phyllis: Actually, it's great. My work is valued, my opinion is respected, and my boss doesn't throw my past mistakes in my face. I need to get the hell out of here. Ashley: You know, I was kind of surprised that Lauren hired you. There's a rumor going around that she's looking for a cash infusion. Phyllis: Yes. That is the rumor. And yes, Jack approached Lauren, and she said no. She's not interested. And you know what? It's not easy being rejected, but it is what it is, and we have moved on. Ashley: Hmm. [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Lauren is the single best thing that's ever happened to Michael. She loves him in a way that no one else can. And that means a lot to a mother. So yes, I came here without her blessing but for her good. Because I know that bringing you into the fold is the very best choice in a worst-case scenario. Jack: I assume you have some way of getting her to agree to the deal. Gloria: Don't you worry about the gory details. Jack: No, no, no. This is where I step out. Gloria: You want this. She needs this. You -- you take care of the big picture. Let me sweat the small stuff. Jack: Gloria, I haven't agreed to anything. Gloria: I trust you, Jack. When I deliver, I know you're gonna do the right thing and bring me on board, because you are john Abbott's son, no matter what. Jack: Don't start picking out a corner office. Gloria: Whatever you say, boss. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: You sure you don't want some? I made plenty. Michael: Mnh. You sure you should be doing that? You're pretty wired already. Lauren: Yeah, well, weeks of anxiety can do that to a person, but that time has passed. I am working on a solution. Now, there's no getting around the fact that my company needs an influx of cash, so I've been putting together a list of possible investors, and I'm gonna meet with one tonight. We will turn this around. I know it. Michael: And by "we," you mean you and Phyllis? Lauren: Right. Right. I haven't let a lot of the staff know what's going on. I hate the thought of upsetting them almost as much as I hate the thought of upsetting you. Michael: We've been here before. Lauren: No, we haven't, honey. I have never been this far in the red. Michael: No, no, no. Not Fenmore's. Us. You and me. We've been here before, when I wouldn't tell you about my diagnosis. Lauren: Honey, this is not cancer. It is not life-threatening. Michael: Oh, it's not life -- [Chuckles] Fenmore's is a huge part of your life. It's part of your family. It's in your blood. And now it's in jeopardy, and you're not gonna tell me about it? Lauren: I'm working towards a solution. Michael: Oh, oh, so that's why you're finally telling me -- because things are turning around. Which is wonderful. And I'm glad Phyllis is working with you on this. I can't think of a stronger team. But we're supposed to be a team also, or we should be a team, if you don't shut me out. Lauren: It was a mistake. I'm so sorry. I did not think about how you would feel about this. I've just been so wrapped up in it. Michael: [Sighs] Sweetie... this isn't about my pride. This is about us. I love you. Lauren: Thank you. Michael: Hmm. Lauren: [Chuckles] Michael: Hmm. But right now you need to get ready for your meeting. So, this investor, the right one? Lauren: It could be. Michael: Hmm? Lauren: Yeah. Michael: All right. Then we're gonna get you ready, 'cause you got business to take care of and you got to slay! Yes! That's my woman! [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: Okay. Billy: Homework? Phyllis: I'm finishing up a proposal, and I need to fuel up. Billy: Ah. Carbs or coffee? Phyllis: Yes. Billy: In that case, double latte skim. Haven't touched it. Phyllis: That's my usual. Billy: That's kind of standard as far as usuals go. Go ahead. Get comfortable. You want a doughnut or a brownie? Forget it. Don't answer that. Yes, I will grab you one of each and get myself another coffee. Phyllis: You don't need to do this. Billy: As she sits and waits. I like it. Your hair. It's nice. I didn't get to tell you on new year's eve. Phyllis: Thank you. Yeah. It was time for a change. I was holding on to things that I, well, that weren't working for me anymore. Phyllis: Thank you. That's what I needed. Billy: I always say hair color can change, but carbs forever. Phyllis: Precisely. I can only handle so much change all at once. Billy: How's that going for you? I mean, the handling. Phyllis: Well, it's, um, scary as hell heading into the unknown. Just trying to figure out what I deserve, good and bad. Billy: That's easy. All good, none of the bad. Phyllis: How about you? How are things going with Victoria? Billy: It's good. Brash & sassy's going well. I've been getting along with Cane. Phyllis: Ooh. Someone's growing up. Billy: Don't get carried away. Phyllis: [Chuckles] So, are things okay with Victoria at the office? Billy: Yeah, yeah, we're killing it on the co-parent front. Phyllis: Glad to hear it. That's good. So we covered the kids, work. How are things going with Victoria on the personal front? Billy: I'm gonna let you get back to work. [Clears throat] Hey. Good luck with... all of it. Phyllis: Good luck to you, too. Reed: Ow! What -- why does everybody keep doing that? What do you -- what? Billy: What? School done already? Reed: I'm not cutting, if that's what you mean. Billy: Oh, the thought never crossed my mind. Did it cross yours? Reed: [Sighs] Kinda, but, I mean, the classes are okay. I know most of the kids from before, and the teachers are normal-ish. I mean, as far as teachers go. Billy: So you're just hanging out before you head home? Is that what's going on? Reed: Dude, all the kids are doing it, Billy. I mean, coffee shop's like the new malls or whatever. Billy: So all the kids are doing it. All the kids avoiding their parents, too? Reed: Look, I love Mom, but it's like she's stuck in time. The way she treats me, it's like I haven't grown up at all since I moved to D.C., and that's just not how it works. I mean, I brush my teeth without being yelled at. I don't go to bed at 7:30, and my perfect day is not a snowball fight and then board games and hot chocolate. Billy: Are you kidding me? That's a perfect day. That's not weird, is it? Reed: I just -- I can't be who I used to be because that's what she wants. Billy: I get it, Reed. I do. But listen, your mom isn't who she was before you left, either. She has been through a lot, most of it because of me. So it'd be really good if you could just cut her a little bit of slack. This is new for everybody. Give it a chance. [SCENE_BREAK] Victoria: [Sighs] Goodness gracious. Nikki: So how are the kids? Victoria: Oh, you know, they're covered in glitter and glue. [Cell phone chimes] Nikki: We've had a few glitter incidents ourselves with faith. Victoria: Well, I will take that over moody and brooding anytime. Hmm, and playing the guitar. Speaking of that, according to the guitar hero, he's still at crimson lights with Billy. Well, it's nice of him that he finally texted me back. Nikki: Hey, at least he's with an adult. Victoria: Are you sure about that, mom? Nikki: Oh, come on now. Be fair. Billy could be good for Reed. He's a strong male presence. Victoria: I'm glad that you said presence and not role model, because Billy is not that at all. Nikki: Well, that is true. His personal life is rather messy, but, um, he is a good father. You can't deny that. And Reed really likes him. Victoria: Well, Reed really loves J.T., But he's pushed him to his limit, hasn't he? Nikki: As I recall, J.T. Was not an easy teenager, either. Victoria: Mom, who of us were easy? I mean, I came home from boarding school to torture dad and Ashley and you. This must be the universe paying me back. Nikki: Ah, finally an admission. Darling, it's not going to be easy, but you can get through this, and you don't have to do it alone. Victoria: I know that. But you and dad have enough on your plate with faith living with you and everything. Nikki: Always know that I am here for you. But I really was referring to Billy. Let him help you. Unless you're afraid of falling into old habits. Victoria: Very funny, Mom. That's exactly what Billy said. And I'm not afraid of anything because it's not happening. I mean it, mom. Billy and I are not happening ever again. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: This is exactly what we need to impress a potential investor. Phyllis: We are gonna get someone, Lauren. I know it. Lauren: I know it. I know it, too. And that's why I finally told Michael. Phyllis: Good. Finally. You need that emotional support. Lauren: Yeah. I mean, he was hurt that I didn't tell him before now, that I waited till you and I had a possible solution, but... Phyllis: All Michael wants to do is back you up, and you know that. Lauren: I do. I do. I hated keeping it from him, but I'll make it up to him. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. [Both laugh] [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Oh! Perfect. You're here. Now all I need is your wife so I can take you both out to a fabulous dinner and thank you for your hospitality. Michael: Or you could have room service at the athletic club. Let me book you a suite for tonight. My treat. Gloria: Wait a minute, Michael. Did I do something wrong? Oh, I know. Lauren doesn't approve of the way I load the dishwasher. Believe me, I see her rearranging things while she thinks I'm not looking. Michael: Yeah, you got to stay away from the dishwasher. Gloria: [Chuckles] Michael: But, um, honestly, I just need some time to discuss business with Lauren after her meeting. Gloria: A meeting? Is this about Fenmore's? Michael: Yes, it is. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Oh, my goodness! Reed! Reed: Hey, Grandma. Look. No earbuds. Nikki: I hardly recognized you without them. Good to see you, Billy. Billy: Hey. Victoria: Grandma's gonna stay for dinner so that you two can catch up some more. Reed: Awesome. Billy, too? Billy: Actually, I was thinking maybe a board game later. Four is a perfect number of players, right? Nikki: I think that's a wonderful idea. [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: Okay, you have all the files and all of the links. Lauren: I do. I am going to sound brilliant and very capable. Phyllis: That's because you are. Lauren: [Chuckles] Uh, so, listen, um, before I go, I saw you with Billy. Phyllis: Yes. He bought me 1,000 calories. We chatted. It was good. It was good. It was final and clean, you know? We didn't feel like we needed to avoid each other or awkward. We just -- we both have moved on. No resentments. Lauren: And no regrets? Phyllis: Well, except for ruining my marriage and his family. Lauren: No, I mean about the two of you not being together. Phyllis: Billy is where he's supposed to be, and I am where I want to be. So, let's do this. Lauren: All right. [SCENE_BREAK] Ashley: So all of Gloria's scheming is being done behind Lauren's back? You can't possibly approve of this! Jack: I went to a meeting and listened. No agreements, no promises. Anything happen here? Ashley: Yes. Phyllis stopped by. She was going through files. She said they were personal. Jack: Well, she wouldn't have access to anything confidential. Ashley: And you know what? She also implied that Lauren would never let you near Fenmore's. Jack: Lauren said that to my face. That's not news. Ashley: So what? Gloria thinks she can change Lauren's mind? Jack: Say all the horrible things about Gloria you want. She is devious, ruthless, and completely self-centered, and when she wants something bad enough, she will pull out all the stops. Ashley: And this is the person you're gonna put your trust in? The person whose personal belongings you had delivered to Michael's apartment in garbage bags. Jack: If Gloria comes through, I'll deliver her a matching set of luggage. Ashley: Just laugh all you want, Jack. You can never forget who you're dealing with. [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: You sound very upset. Is this about the meeting Lauren scheduled? Michael: Fenmore's, uh... there have been some difficulties, but Lauren is dealing with them. Gloria: Yeah. Poor Lauren. Got an inkling of that after the 10th anxious phone call and the working at home to avoid prying eyes. And she and I talked about it a little. Michael: What? [Chuckling] Wait. My wife confided in my mother before me? Gloria: I assumed you knew, Michael. Michael: No, I didn't! And I only just found out just now because the worst is over! Gloria: So she found a solution. Michael: Yeah, an investor. Gloria: Well, then be happy for her. Michael: I am. Gloria: Well, then why do you sound and look so miserable? Oh. [Chuckles] Of course. She should have come to you sooner. Are you hurt, Mikey? Michael: Stop it! I'm not pleased. No. Marriage is about confiding in one another. It's about leaning on one another. Gloria: Lauren is very proud. Michael: Yeah, I know. Gloria: And very independent. Michael: And I know that, as well. Gloria: So respect her for that! She's carrying a terrible load right now, and you don't need to add to it. What Lauren needs now is family. She needs all of us. [NEXT_ON] Nikki: Faith really needs you. Nick: Is she okay? I'm on my way. Kevin: D-did you just -- Chloe: What? This? Gloria: I do not like your attitude, Michael. Michael: And I do not like my mother trying to use me to get something Lauren's already said "no" to. Cloudy and cool across the area and time quite breezy. No rain indicated by mega 3 Doppler