Post by STLUEE on Jun 27, 2014 19:49:20 GMT -5
As Kate strolled through the town square, she received a phone call from her private investigator, Ortiz, who informed her that he might have finally found a solid lead on Jordan. Kate irritably pointed out that Ortiz had made similar claims in the past, but he said that he was confident that his latest lead would pan out.
Ortiz -- who was in a diner somewhere in the Ozarks -- explained that, after an extensive search of the region, he had finally found some people who had recognized Ben when he had shown them a photograph of the young man. Meanwhile, Ortiz's contact entered the diner, so Ortiz abruptly ended his conversation with Kate, promising to call her again after the meeting.
Elsewhere, upon request, Rafe delivered a case file to Abe. Abe revealed that he had been asked to officiate E.J. and Sami's wedding, and Rafe mused that it hadn't been that long since Abe had done the same for him and Sami at their vow renewal ceremony. Abe said that he was sorry things hadn't worked out for Rafe and Sami, but he added that Rafe and Jordan made a nice-looking couple.
Abe gauged Rafe's reaction to the observation and guessed that Rafe's relationship with Jordan had hit a rough patch. Rafe vaguely explained that the situation was complicated. Abe hoped that the matter had nothing to do with Sami and E.J.'s impending wedding. Rafe admitted that he believed that marrying E.J. would be the biggest mistake of Sami's life, but he stressed that he felt that way because he didn't want to see her or her kids get hurt, not because he still had feelings for her.
Abe laughed as he recalled the look that had crossed Rafe's face when Rafe had first seen Jordan in the dress she had worn to Will and Sonny's wedding. Abe mused that it had been the look of a man in love, and he hoped that everything would work out for Rafe and Jordan.
In the park, Jordan told Ben about her earlier conversation with Rafe. Jordan sadly acknowledged that she couldn't even blame Rafe for feeling like he would have to end their relationship if she couldn't open up to him about her past, and Ben agreed. "But you can blame me. I ruined your shot at happiness, Jordan. I'm so sorry," Ben regretfully stated.
Ben reasoned that if he hadn't followed Jordan to Salem, Rafe never would have figured out that she had a secret. Jordan clarified that Rafe had practically always known that there were things about her past that she wasn't comfortable sharing with him. Ben argued that knowing that Jordan didn't like talking about her past and knowing that she had a brother she didn't want anyone else to find out about were two entirely different matters.
Jordan didn't think the difference mattered, since she would have been hiding things from Rafe either way, and relationships required honesty in order to work. Jordan couldn't believe that she had been foolish enough to think that it would ever be possible for her to have a regular life, but Ben argued that such a life was possible if she simply told Rafe the truth.
Jordan protested that telling Rafe the truth would put him in a terrible position. Ben reasoned that Jordan had only done what she had done to protect him, but she clarified that she had done it to protect herself, too. Ben argued that Jordan hadn't had any other options available to her at the time in question, but she maintained that telling Rafe the truth would be too dangerous for all three of them.
Ben pointed out that Jordan would lose Rafe if she didn't tell him the truth. Ben knew that Jordan loved Rafe and that being with Rafe had made her happier than she had ever been before, but she argued that her love for Rafe was what was preventing her from dragging him into her mess. Jordan maintained that she had to protect Ben and Rafe, but Ben protested that he didn't want her to worry about him. Ignoring the request, Jordan shrugged and reasoned that it might be time for her to accept that her relationship with Rafe simply wasn't meant to be. Ben watched in silence as Jordan sadly walked away.
Later, as Ben was mulling over his earlier conversation with Jordan, Rafe jogged through the area. Ben stopped Rafe and reported that he had just talked to an upset Jordan. Ben said that Jordan loved Rafe, and Rafe stressed that he felt the same way about her. Ben wondered why Rafe couldn't just trust Jordan. Rafe started to counter that Jordan apparently didn't trust him enough to level with him, but Ben clarified that Jordan was simply trying to protect her little brother and Rafe, too.
Rafe said that he needed the truth, not protection. Ben understood but insisted that Jordan was simply trying to do the right thing. Ben recalled that Jordan had always been willing to sacrifice her own happiness to help him, and he said that he couldn't stand to see her once again putting herself last when she had finally found some happiness of her own. "Look, Rafe, if you love her as much as you say you do, can you maybe just try being a little more patient and understanding? Isn't she worth that much?" Ben asked before walking away.
As Jordan strolled through the town square, she recalled bittersweet memories of the romantic date she and Rafe had shared there a few months earlier. Meanwhile, Kate approached and wondered if Jordan had taken her earlier advice about talking to Rafe. Jordan irritably replied that talking to Rafe had only made things worse. Kate urged Jordan not to give up, insisting that Rafe needed Jordan's help. Meanwhile, Jordan received a phone call, and she abruptly excused herself.
Later, at Rafe's request, Jordan met with him in a secluded section of the town square. Rafe admitted that he missed Jordan more than he could stand, and she returned the sentiment. Rafe said he didn't want to end his relationship with Jordan, but he added that he hoped she understood why he needed to exercise caution. Jordan nodded as Rafe said that he loved her and would find a way to work things out with her.
John entered the Kiriakis mansion as Maggie was leaving a voicemail message for Brady. John inferred that Brady had gone to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, so he asked Maggie about it after she ended the call. Maggie was surprised to see John, who explained that he had been looking for Victor but had already learned from Henderson that Victor was out of town.
John apologized for eavesdropping but enthusiastically added that if Brady had really gone to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, that was wonderful news. Maggie reminded John that she couldn't discuss the topic with him. John understood but hoped that if his suspicion was true, it was a sign that things were finally starting to turn around for Brady.
During the Narcotics Anonymous meeting, Brady listened and nodded as the moderator talked about removing negative influences that could pose a threat to recovery. Afterward, the moderator ran into Brady in the hospital waiting area and said that he was glad that Brady had attended and participated in the meeting. The moderator hoped to see Brady again, but Brady admitted that he wasn't sure if the meetings were still right for him, since they no longer inspired him like they once had. The moderator wondered if he could convince Brady to give the meetings another chance. Brady knew that was what he needed to do, so he hesitantly agreed.
At the Brady Pub, Theresa complained that Brady hadn't answered her phone call or responded to her text message, and she wondered where he was. Anne suggested that Brady might have found something -- or someone -- better to do, but Theresa insisted that Brady was devoted to her. "I wouldn't be surprised if I got an engagement ring pretty soon," Theresa confidently added.
Anne doubted that Brady would ever marry Theresa, but Theresa argued that Anne didn't know anything about marriage, anyway. Anne countered that she had received the same number of marriage proposals that Theresa had received -- zero. Anne added that Brady was a trust fund baby who didn't have free access to his millions, and she predicted that Victor and John would never let Theresa touch that money, even if Theresa did manage to get Brady to marry her. "Old men have to die sometime," Theresa dismissively reasoned.
Anne conceded the point but argued that Theresa's biggest obstacle wasn't Victor or John -- it was Brady. Anne reasoned that Theresa was the kind of girl Brady enjoyed partying with but would never actually marry. The comment stung Theresa, but Anne clarified that she hadn't meant it as an insult. "Look, you have a little bit of a reputation, Theresa. Come on -- after everything Brady's been through with his crazy ex, you think he's gonna run off and marry Salem's next most infamous liar?" Anne pointedly asked.
Theresa fought back tears as she cursed Daniel and Jennifer, reasoning that it was their fault that everyone in Salem thought of her that way. Anne agreed that Jennifer and Daniel always ruined everything for everyone, but she also matter-of-factly added that what everyone in Salem believed about Theresa was true. Theresa sipped her martini to try to hide her pain as Anne, seemingly oblivious, suggested that it might be time for Theresa to cut her losses. "You got a spiffy new purse from Brady, you had a whole lot of fun, but it's not like you're in love with the guy," Anne reasoned.
Theresa scoffed and agreed, her voice still filled with emotion that Anne failed to detect. "Uh...Brady is a -- a pretty big catch, though...and...it would be a shame to throw that fish back into the sea before I, you know, squeeze a little more out of him," Theresa quickly added. Later, after Anne left, Theresa entertained herself with a game of darts while she sipped another martini and waited for Brady to arrive.
Meanwhile, John entered the pub, and Theresa guessed that he was pleased to see that Brady still hadn't joined her. Theresa assumed that John had returned to gloat, but he clarified that he had simply left his credit card behind earlier. Theresa insisted that Brady hadn't stood her up, reasoning that he had probably never received her text message in the first place. "Actually, he's trying to get his life together," John clarified.
John started to leave, but Theresa stopped him, guessing that he meant that Brady had gone to a meeting. Theresa accused John of sending Brady to a meeting in an effort to end Brady's relationship with her. "You know how I feel about your relationship with my son. And if you're not happy that he's finally getting some help, then I've been right about you. You're selfish, you're destructive, and I just thank God that it won't be long before Brady is sober enough to see you for who you are," John replied, unaware that Brady had entered the pub in time to hear at least some of the comments.
Theresa rushed to Brady's side as he defended her and accused John of once again trying to run his life. As John tried to deny the accusation, Theresa explained that he had told her that Brady had gone to a meeting and that he didn't feel like she had Brady's best interests at heart. Theresa innocently assured Brady that if he wanted to start going to meetings again, he had her full support.
Brady couldn't believe that Maggie had told John such private information. John clarified that he had simply overheard Maggie leaving Brady a voicemail message. Brady told John to inform Maggie that the meeting had been a complete waste of time because meetings simply didn't work for him. John tried to protest, but Brady ignored his father and exited the pub with Theresa, who turned to give John a mischievous grin before leaving.
Brady and Theresa went to her apartment, and Brady soon passed out on her bed while drowning his sorrows and complaining that he hated his father, who was the reason his life had fallen apart. "Wow. You have a fight with your dad, a couple drinks -- you're completely wasted. Oh, my God. He's the key. This could almost be too easy," Theresa mischievously mused as she watched Brady sleep.
At Club TBD, Maggie asked Ben for two bags of the Esmeralda Special coffee that Victor preferred. As Ben went to the back of the club to retrieve the coffee, Kate arrived and greeted Maggie, who wondered how Kate was doing. Kate said that she was doing well, and she guessed that the news would shock Maggie, who was probably celebrating Kate's recent termination with an exotic brew of coffee. Maggie denied the suspicion but admitted that she wasn't exactly distraught.
Kate predicted that Victor would beg her to return as soon as he realized that E.J. and Sami had set her up, and she asked Maggie to advise Victor to save his breath. Maggie guessed that Kate no longer needed a job at Victor's company because Kate was "getting back into bed with the dashing Stefano DiMera," and Kate wondered if that would be a relief to Maggie, who would never again have to worry about Kate's intimate relationship with Victor if Kate reattached herself to Stefano. Maggie insisted that she had never been worried about that.
After Maggie left, Kate received a phone call from Ortiz, who advised her to book a flight to Poplar Bluff, Missouri -- the gateway to the Ozarks -- immediately. As Kate ended the call, Ben served her a cup of coffee and wondered if he could get anything else for her. Kate shook her head and assured Ben that he had already been quite helpful.
Elsewhere, Paige pointed out to J.J. that anything that might have happened between their mothers years earlier was probably ancient history. J.J. allowed for that possibility but countered that Paige hadn't heard how his mother had talked about "this girl" who had tried to steal Jennifer's boyfriend. "'This girl' is my mom. You're making her sound like a total bitch. She's a good mom, and she doesn't deserve to be talked about that way," Paige protested.
J.J. apologetically tried to clarify his earlier comment, but Paige interrupted and continued to defend her mother. Paige argued that, since J.J. had only heard one side of the story thus far, it was unfair for him to automatically assume that her mother had been the one who had done underhanded things to his mother. "So, what are you saying -- that my mom was lying?" J.J. wondered.
"Wow! Is this Salem High's superlative couple...fighting? Man, nobody's ever gonna believe it. I gotta get this on tape," Rory interjected, pointing his cell phone's camera at J.J. and Paige as he and Bev approached their table. J.J. told Rory to put away the cell phone, and as Rory protested that he had been planning to use the footage to make a musical montage called "J.J. and Paige's Greatest Hits," Bev whispered in Paige's ear that she had known all along that Paige and J.J.'s relationship wouldn't last.
"You mean you wish, Bev. Paige and I weren't fighting. We were just...having a debate," J.J. clarified. Rory expressed skepticism before changing the subject, musing that he had expected J.J. to be celebrating the completion of Salem "Hellhole" High at a party somewhere. J.J. could tell that Rory was high, so he somewhat mockingly observed that it sounded like Rory had already started partying earlier.
Rory confirmed that he and Bev had just left a nearby house party, and Bev added that they had been on their way to another one when they had spotted J.J. and Paige arguing through the club window. Rory urged J.J. to ditch "Miss Glee Club" and party with Rory and Bev instead, promising that they would be much more fun than Paige. J.J. declined the offer, and an annoyed Bev quickly dragged Rory out of the club, declaring that they were going to have some real fun elsewhere.
J.J. sincerely thanked Paige for saving him from the kind of scene Rory and Bev represented. J.J. stressed that he didn't want to badmouth Rory, and he vaguely acknowledged that Rory and Bev had been good friends until Bev had started pulling stunts, but he added that he was over that scene and would much rather be with Paige.
J.J. suggested that he and Paige could call a truce, and he assured her that he hadn't meant to sound like he had been blaming everything on her mother. Paige returned the sentiment and admitted that she couldn't believe that she and J.J. had been arguing about a possible feud between their mothers that had taken place decades earlier. J.J. agreed with Paige and optimistically mused that their mothers might be sipping penistails and laughing about old times at that exact moment.
At the Horton house, Eve said that she had been sorry to hear about Jack's tragic death, and she mused that it had to be comforting for Jennifer and his children to know that he lived on in his work and in his words. Eve added that Jack's memoir about his time in Afghanistan had been riveting and heartbreaking. Jennifer skeptically wondered if Eve was saying that she had read Jack's memoir.
"I do read. Well, not much. But, I mean, who could resist a bestseller written by my ex-husband? Although, you know what, Jen? I was just a tad bit disappointed that my name wasn't mentioned -- not even once," Eve admitted. Jennifer didn't think it was odd that Eve's name hadn't been mentioned in Jack's memoir, since Jack and Eve's marriage had been a total sham and had meant nothing to him. "Not quite," Eve cryptically replied.
Jennifer pointed out that she knew what had really happened because she had been around at that particular time. Jennifer recapped that Jack had needed money to save the Salem Spectator, so he had married Eve to enable her to inherit the ten million dollars Nick Corelli had left her in his will. Eve helpfully added that Jack had only been free to marry her because Jennifer had left him to give her relationship with Frankie another chance.
Eve recapped that she had graciously let Jack out of their marriage when he and Jennifer had once again decided to get back together. Eve continued that she had later given up all of her worldly possessions in favor of a life with Frankie in Africa, so she had never bothered to fight to get back the money Jack had received from her. Jennifer pointed out that Jack had received that money as part of the settlement he and Eve had agreed upon -- and he had invested it in the newspaper, so it was gone, anyway.
Eve guessed that Jack had never shown their annulment agreement to Jennifer. "I might not have any claim over his newspaper income, but he did agree to...you know, um...sign over his rights to half of his earnings of long-form projects, including books. And I'm sure Jack 'Mr. A.D.D.' Deveraux never thought he would sit down and pound out a memoir, but he did -- can you believe it? And now, I am -- I'm here. I'm here to collect what is due me," Eve explained.
Eve retrieved a copy of the annulment agreement from her purse and showed it to Jennifer. As Jennifer inspected the document, Eve mused that she might have believed in Jack more than he had believed in himself, since she had always been convinced that he had possessed the ability to write something brilliant and profitable. Eve casually added that she had heard that a film studio was negotiating for the rights to turn Jack's memoir into a film.
Jennifer clarified that Jack's memoir had been a labor of love and that the proceeds weren't going to her or their children -- they were going to veterans' organizations, per his wishes. Jennifer hoped that not even Eve could be hardhearted enough to take money away from hardworking men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect their nation. "Don't get me wrong -- I love vets. I mean, who doesn't love a man in uniform, right? And I -- I donate to them all the time. Jen, you can do whatever you want with your half. But my half? It's mine," Eve matter-of-factly replied.
Jennifer started to protest, but Eve reasoned that Jack's wishes had been clearly outlined in the annulment agreement. Eve pointed to the place where her attorney's phone number had been printed, and she encouraged Jennifer to contact him if she had any questions. "I'm going to, because this is not what Jack would have wanted. And I am telling you right now, he never even gave you a thought all those years. And I -- I -- I can't even think that -- that you deserve -- are you kidding me? You are still the same person that you always were -- you are a conniving witch who thinks you are entitled to something for nothing!" Jennifer snapped.
Eve countered that Jennifer was the one who had always been handed everything on a silver platter -- including Frankie and Jack. "Everything came easy for you, Jennifer -- everything! Member of Salem's first family, keeper of Alice Horton's famous doughnut recipe. I never even knew who my father was, growing up. I lost every bit of innocence you still have by the time I was fourteen years old," Eve added.
Jennifer acknowledged that Eve's childhood had been rough, but she insisted that Eve needed to stop blaming her for that, since everyone made choices. Eve stressed that she had chosen to fight and that she had never stopped doing so. Eve added that she had hoped that, as a member of the so-called "generous Horton clan," Jennifer would have had enough compassion to give Eve the one thing she deserved, but she stressed that she would be willing to fight for that, too, if necessary. Jennifer promised that she would also fight -- and win -- because Jack would not have wanted Eve to see a dime of the money from his memoir.
Eve vowed that she would get the money because she needed it for her daughter's future as well as her own, but Jennifer maintained that the annulment agreement wasn't legitimate because Jack had never mentioned it to her and never would have agreed to such a thing, anyway. Eve shrugged and matter-of-factly reminded Jennifer that Jack had always been a bit shady.
"No! That's you! And I am telling you right now, you are not gonna get away with this!" Jennifer shouted. J.J. and Paige arrived in time to hear Jennifer lash out at Eve, and they wondered what was going on. Eve abruptly excused herself, taking Paige with her. After Eve and Paige left, J.J. tried to get Jennifer to tell him what had happened. Jennifer evasively responded that it had been nothing, but J.J. wasn't convinced. J.J. feared that the argument had been about him, but Jennifer assured him that it had been about something else.
Jennifer admitted that she and Eve had a complicated relationship, and J.J. guessed that Eve was the rival Jennifer had mentioned while flipping through her yearbook earlier. J.J. incredulously wondered if Jennifer and Eve were still fighting about something that had happened during their high school years. Jennifer vaguely clarified that the argument had been about money, but she evasively added that she wasn't ready to elaborate yet. Jennifer promised that she would tell J.J. and Abigail everything the following morning, after she'd had some time to process everything.
Jennifer asked J.J. to promise that he wouldn't talk to Paige until the following day, since she didn't want him to hear about what was going on from anyone else. J.J. wasn't thrilled about the request but agreed to honor it. J.J. feared that Jennifer was going to hold Paige's parentage against her, but Jennifer assured him that she wouldn't do that and that she still liked Paige.
As Eve and Paige strolled through the town square with cups of frozen yogurt, Paige wondered if Eve was ever going to get around to explaining what had happened between her and Jennifer earlier. Eve admitted that she and Jennifer had never really gotten along with each other. Paige said that she and J.J. had already guessed that, and she added that his theory was that Jennifer and Eve had been interested in the same guy in high school.
Eve confirmed the suspicion but also admitted that she had once been married to J.J.'s father. Shocked, Paige wondered why Eve had neglected to mention that earlier. Eve conceded that she hadn't handled the situation very well. Paige wondered how long Eve and Jack's marriage had lasted. Eve stressed that it hadn't lasted very long because she and Jack had both realized that it had been a mistake, and she added that they had been able to get the marriage annulled because they had never actually consummated it.
As Paige cringed, Eve added that Jennifer was still resentful -- perhaps more than ever before, since she had just learned that Jack had left Eve and Paige a wonderful gift that was going to change their lives forever. Paige tried to probe for more details, but Eve didn't want to elaborate until the following morning. Eve asked Paige to promise that she wouldn't talk to J.J. until the following day, predicting that the version of events he heard from his mother would make Eve look like the villain. Eve wanted Paige to hear her side of the story first, so Paige reluctantly agreed to honor the request.
Eve promised that she would still give J.J. a chance, but she added that she was going to want to know more about the legal troubles Paige had alluded to earlier, since she wanted to know if he was good enough for Paige. "You deserve the best, and so do I. That's why I've gotta make sure that this thing with J.J.'s dad comes through for us. Oh, my gosh, girl, it's gonna change our lives for the better -- it will. And you know what? I know just what I have to do to make it happen," Eve cryptically added.
. . . soap central
Ortiz -- who was in a diner somewhere in the Ozarks -- explained that, after an extensive search of the region, he had finally found some people who had recognized Ben when he had shown them a photograph of the young man. Meanwhile, Ortiz's contact entered the diner, so Ortiz abruptly ended his conversation with Kate, promising to call her again after the meeting.
Elsewhere, upon request, Rafe delivered a case file to Abe. Abe revealed that he had been asked to officiate E.J. and Sami's wedding, and Rafe mused that it hadn't been that long since Abe had done the same for him and Sami at their vow renewal ceremony. Abe said that he was sorry things hadn't worked out for Rafe and Sami, but he added that Rafe and Jordan made a nice-looking couple.
Abe gauged Rafe's reaction to the observation and guessed that Rafe's relationship with Jordan had hit a rough patch. Rafe vaguely explained that the situation was complicated. Abe hoped that the matter had nothing to do with Sami and E.J.'s impending wedding. Rafe admitted that he believed that marrying E.J. would be the biggest mistake of Sami's life, but he stressed that he felt that way because he didn't want to see her or her kids get hurt, not because he still had feelings for her.
Abe laughed as he recalled the look that had crossed Rafe's face when Rafe had first seen Jordan in the dress she had worn to Will and Sonny's wedding. Abe mused that it had been the look of a man in love, and he hoped that everything would work out for Rafe and Jordan.
In the park, Jordan told Ben about her earlier conversation with Rafe. Jordan sadly acknowledged that she couldn't even blame Rafe for feeling like he would have to end their relationship if she couldn't open up to him about her past, and Ben agreed. "But you can blame me. I ruined your shot at happiness, Jordan. I'm so sorry," Ben regretfully stated.
Ben reasoned that if he hadn't followed Jordan to Salem, Rafe never would have figured out that she had a secret. Jordan clarified that Rafe had practically always known that there were things about her past that she wasn't comfortable sharing with him. Ben argued that knowing that Jordan didn't like talking about her past and knowing that she had a brother she didn't want anyone else to find out about were two entirely different matters.
Jordan didn't think the difference mattered, since she would have been hiding things from Rafe either way, and relationships required honesty in order to work. Jordan couldn't believe that she had been foolish enough to think that it would ever be possible for her to have a regular life, but Ben argued that such a life was possible if she simply told Rafe the truth.
Jordan protested that telling Rafe the truth would put him in a terrible position. Ben reasoned that Jordan had only done what she had done to protect him, but she clarified that she had done it to protect herself, too. Ben argued that Jordan hadn't had any other options available to her at the time in question, but she maintained that telling Rafe the truth would be too dangerous for all three of them.
Ben pointed out that Jordan would lose Rafe if she didn't tell him the truth. Ben knew that Jordan loved Rafe and that being with Rafe had made her happier than she had ever been before, but she argued that her love for Rafe was what was preventing her from dragging him into her mess. Jordan maintained that she had to protect Ben and Rafe, but Ben protested that he didn't want her to worry about him. Ignoring the request, Jordan shrugged and reasoned that it might be time for her to accept that her relationship with Rafe simply wasn't meant to be. Ben watched in silence as Jordan sadly walked away.
Later, as Ben was mulling over his earlier conversation with Jordan, Rafe jogged through the area. Ben stopped Rafe and reported that he had just talked to an upset Jordan. Ben said that Jordan loved Rafe, and Rafe stressed that he felt the same way about her. Ben wondered why Rafe couldn't just trust Jordan. Rafe started to counter that Jordan apparently didn't trust him enough to level with him, but Ben clarified that Jordan was simply trying to protect her little brother and Rafe, too.
Rafe said that he needed the truth, not protection. Ben understood but insisted that Jordan was simply trying to do the right thing. Ben recalled that Jordan had always been willing to sacrifice her own happiness to help him, and he said that he couldn't stand to see her once again putting herself last when she had finally found some happiness of her own. "Look, Rafe, if you love her as much as you say you do, can you maybe just try being a little more patient and understanding? Isn't she worth that much?" Ben asked before walking away.
As Jordan strolled through the town square, she recalled bittersweet memories of the romantic date she and Rafe had shared there a few months earlier. Meanwhile, Kate approached and wondered if Jordan had taken her earlier advice about talking to Rafe. Jordan irritably replied that talking to Rafe had only made things worse. Kate urged Jordan not to give up, insisting that Rafe needed Jordan's help. Meanwhile, Jordan received a phone call, and she abruptly excused herself.
Later, at Rafe's request, Jordan met with him in a secluded section of the town square. Rafe admitted that he missed Jordan more than he could stand, and she returned the sentiment. Rafe said he didn't want to end his relationship with Jordan, but he added that he hoped she understood why he needed to exercise caution. Jordan nodded as Rafe said that he loved her and would find a way to work things out with her.
John entered the Kiriakis mansion as Maggie was leaving a voicemail message for Brady. John inferred that Brady had gone to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, so he asked Maggie about it after she ended the call. Maggie was surprised to see John, who explained that he had been looking for Victor but had already learned from Henderson that Victor was out of town.
John apologized for eavesdropping but enthusiastically added that if Brady had really gone to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, that was wonderful news. Maggie reminded John that she couldn't discuss the topic with him. John understood but hoped that if his suspicion was true, it was a sign that things were finally starting to turn around for Brady.
During the Narcotics Anonymous meeting, Brady listened and nodded as the moderator talked about removing negative influences that could pose a threat to recovery. Afterward, the moderator ran into Brady in the hospital waiting area and said that he was glad that Brady had attended and participated in the meeting. The moderator hoped to see Brady again, but Brady admitted that he wasn't sure if the meetings were still right for him, since they no longer inspired him like they once had. The moderator wondered if he could convince Brady to give the meetings another chance. Brady knew that was what he needed to do, so he hesitantly agreed.
At the Brady Pub, Theresa complained that Brady hadn't answered her phone call or responded to her text message, and she wondered where he was. Anne suggested that Brady might have found something -- or someone -- better to do, but Theresa insisted that Brady was devoted to her. "I wouldn't be surprised if I got an engagement ring pretty soon," Theresa confidently added.
Anne doubted that Brady would ever marry Theresa, but Theresa argued that Anne didn't know anything about marriage, anyway. Anne countered that she had received the same number of marriage proposals that Theresa had received -- zero. Anne added that Brady was a trust fund baby who didn't have free access to his millions, and she predicted that Victor and John would never let Theresa touch that money, even if Theresa did manage to get Brady to marry her. "Old men have to die sometime," Theresa dismissively reasoned.
Anne conceded the point but argued that Theresa's biggest obstacle wasn't Victor or John -- it was Brady. Anne reasoned that Theresa was the kind of girl Brady enjoyed partying with but would never actually marry. The comment stung Theresa, but Anne clarified that she hadn't meant it as an insult. "Look, you have a little bit of a reputation, Theresa. Come on -- after everything Brady's been through with his crazy ex, you think he's gonna run off and marry Salem's next most infamous liar?" Anne pointedly asked.
Theresa fought back tears as she cursed Daniel and Jennifer, reasoning that it was their fault that everyone in Salem thought of her that way. Anne agreed that Jennifer and Daniel always ruined everything for everyone, but she also matter-of-factly added that what everyone in Salem believed about Theresa was true. Theresa sipped her martini to try to hide her pain as Anne, seemingly oblivious, suggested that it might be time for Theresa to cut her losses. "You got a spiffy new purse from Brady, you had a whole lot of fun, but it's not like you're in love with the guy," Anne reasoned.
Theresa scoffed and agreed, her voice still filled with emotion that Anne failed to detect. "Uh...Brady is a -- a pretty big catch, though...and...it would be a shame to throw that fish back into the sea before I, you know, squeeze a little more out of him," Theresa quickly added. Later, after Anne left, Theresa entertained herself with a game of darts while she sipped another martini and waited for Brady to arrive.
Meanwhile, John entered the pub, and Theresa guessed that he was pleased to see that Brady still hadn't joined her. Theresa assumed that John had returned to gloat, but he clarified that he had simply left his credit card behind earlier. Theresa insisted that Brady hadn't stood her up, reasoning that he had probably never received her text message in the first place. "Actually, he's trying to get his life together," John clarified.
John started to leave, but Theresa stopped him, guessing that he meant that Brady had gone to a meeting. Theresa accused John of sending Brady to a meeting in an effort to end Brady's relationship with her. "You know how I feel about your relationship with my son. And if you're not happy that he's finally getting some help, then I've been right about you. You're selfish, you're destructive, and I just thank God that it won't be long before Brady is sober enough to see you for who you are," John replied, unaware that Brady had entered the pub in time to hear at least some of the comments.
Theresa rushed to Brady's side as he defended her and accused John of once again trying to run his life. As John tried to deny the accusation, Theresa explained that he had told her that Brady had gone to a meeting and that he didn't feel like she had Brady's best interests at heart. Theresa innocently assured Brady that if he wanted to start going to meetings again, he had her full support.
Brady couldn't believe that Maggie had told John such private information. John clarified that he had simply overheard Maggie leaving Brady a voicemail message. Brady told John to inform Maggie that the meeting had been a complete waste of time because meetings simply didn't work for him. John tried to protest, but Brady ignored his father and exited the pub with Theresa, who turned to give John a mischievous grin before leaving.
Brady and Theresa went to her apartment, and Brady soon passed out on her bed while drowning his sorrows and complaining that he hated his father, who was the reason his life had fallen apart. "Wow. You have a fight with your dad, a couple drinks -- you're completely wasted. Oh, my God. He's the key. This could almost be too easy," Theresa mischievously mused as she watched Brady sleep.
At Club TBD, Maggie asked Ben for two bags of the Esmeralda Special coffee that Victor preferred. As Ben went to the back of the club to retrieve the coffee, Kate arrived and greeted Maggie, who wondered how Kate was doing. Kate said that she was doing well, and she guessed that the news would shock Maggie, who was probably celebrating Kate's recent termination with an exotic brew of coffee. Maggie denied the suspicion but admitted that she wasn't exactly distraught.
Kate predicted that Victor would beg her to return as soon as he realized that E.J. and Sami had set her up, and she asked Maggie to advise Victor to save his breath. Maggie guessed that Kate no longer needed a job at Victor's company because Kate was "getting back into bed with the dashing Stefano DiMera," and Kate wondered if that would be a relief to Maggie, who would never again have to worry about Kate's intimate relationship with Victor if Kate reattached herself to Stefano. Maggie insisted that she had never been worried about that.
After Maggie left, Kate received a phone call from Ortiz, who advised her to book a flight to Poplar Bluff, Missouri -- the gateway to the Ozarks -- immediately. As Kate ended the call, Ben served her a cup of coffee and wondered if he could get anything else for her. Kate shook her head and assured Ben that he had already been quite helpful.
Elsewhere, Paige pointed out to J.J. that anything that might have happened between their mothers years earlier was probably ancient history. J.J. allowed for that possibility but countered that Paige hadn't heard how his mother had talked about "this girl" who had tried to steal Jennifer's boyfriend. "'This girl' is my mom. You're making her sound like a total bitch. She's a good mom, and she doesn't deserve to be talked about that way," Paige protested.
J.J. apologetically tried to clarify his earlier comment, but Paige interrupted and continued to defend her mother. Paige argued that, since J.J. had only heard one side of the story thus far, it was unfair for him to automatically assume that her mother had been the one who had done underhanded things to his mother. "So, what are you saying -- that my mom was lying?" J.J. wondered.
"Wow! Is this Salem High's superlative couple...fighting? Man, nobody's ever gonna believe it. I gotta get this on tape," Rory interjected, pointing his cell phone's camera at J.J. and Paige as he and Bev approached their table. J.J. told Rory to put away the cell phone, and as Rory protested that he had been planning to use the footage to make a musical montage called "J.J. and Paige's Greatest Hits," Bev whispered in Paige's ear that she had known all along that Paige and J.J.'s relationship wouldn't last.
"You mean you wish, Bev. Paige and I weren't fighting. We were just...having a debate," J.J. clarified. Rory expressed skepticism before changing the subject, musing that he had expected J.J. to be celebrating the completion of Salem "Hellhole" High at a party somewhere. J.J. could tell that Rory was high, so he somewhat mockingly observed that it sounded like Rory had already started partying earlier.
Rory confirmed that he and Bev had just left a nearby house party, and Bev added that they had been on their way to another one when they had spotted J.J. and Paige arguing through the club window. Rory urged J.J. to ditch "Miss Glee Club" and party with Rory and Bev instead, promising that they would be much more fun than Paige. J.J. declined the offer, and an annoyed Bev quickly dragged Rory out of the club, declaring that they were going to have some real fun elsewhere.
J.J. sincerely thanked Paige for saving him from the kind of scene Rory and Bev represented. J.J. stressed that he didn't want to badmouth Rory, and he vaguely acknowledged that Rory and Bev had been good friends until Bev had started pulling stunts, but he added that he was over that scene and would much rather be with Paige.
J.J. suggested that he and Paige could call a truce, and he assured her that he hadn't meant to sound like he had been blaming everything on her mother. Paige returned the sentiment and admitted that she couldn't believe that she and J.J. had been arguing about a possible feud between their mothers that had taken place decades earlier. J.J. agreed with Paige and optimistically mused that their mothers might be sipping penistails and laughing about old times at that exact moment.
At the Horton house, Eve said that she had been sorry to hear about Jack's tragic death, and she mused that it had to be comforting for Jennifer and his children to know that he lived on in his work and in his words. Eve added that Jack's memoir about his time in Afghanistan had been riveting and heartbreaking. Jennifer skeptically wondered if Eve was saying that she had read Jack's memoir.
"I do read. Well, not much. But, I mean, who could resist a bestseller written by my ex-husband? Although, you know what, Jen? I was just a tad bit disappointed that my name wasn't mentioned -- not even once," Eve admitted. Jennifer didn't think it was odd that Eve's name hadn't been mentioned in Jack's memoir, since Jack and Eve's marriage had been a total sham and had meant nothing to him. "Not quite," Eve cryptically replied.
Jennifer pointed out that she knew what had really happened because she had been around at that particular time. Jennifer recapped that Jack had needed money to save the Salem Spectator, so he had married Eve to enable her to inherit the ten million dollars Nick Corelli had left her in his will. Eve helpfully added that Jack had only been free to marry her because Jennifer had left him to give her relationship with Frankie another chance.
Eve recapped that she had graciously let Jack out of their marriage when he and Jennifer had once again decided to get back together. Eve continued that she had later given up all of her worldly possessions in favor of a life with Frankie in Africa, so she had never bothered to fight to get back the money Jack had received from her. Jennifer pointed out that Jack had received that money as part of the settlement he and Eve had agreed upon -- and he had invested it in the newspaper, so it was gone, anyway.
Eve guessed that Jack had never shown their annulment agreement to Jennifer. "I might not have any claim over his newspaper income, but he did agree to...you know, um...sign over his rights to half of his earnings of long-form projects, including books. And I'm sure Jack 'Mr. A.D.D.' Deveraux never thought he would sit down and pound out a memoir, but he did -- can you believe it? And now, I am -- I'm here. I'm here to collect what is due me," Eve explained.
Eve retrieved a copy of the annulment agreement from her purse and showed it to Jennifer. As Jennifer inspected the document, Eve mused that she might have believed in Jack more than he had believed in himself, since she had always been convinced that he had possessed the ability to write something brilliant and profitable. Eve casually added that she had heard that a film studio was negotiating for the rights to turn Jack's memoir into a film.
Jennifer clarified that Jack's memoir had been a labor of love and that the proceeds weren't going to her or their children -- they were going to veterans' organizations, per his wishes. Jennifer hoped that not even Eve could be hardhearted enough to take money away from hardworking men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect their nation. "Don't get me wrong -- I love vets. I mean, who doesn't love a man in uniform, right? And I -- I donate to them all the time. Jen, you can do whatever you want with your half. But my half? It's mine," Eve matter-of-factly replied.
Jennifer started to protest, but Eve reasoned that Jack's wishes had been clearly outlined in the annulment agreement. Eve pointed to the place where her attorney's phone number had been printed, and she encouraged Jennifer to contact him if she had any questions. "I'm going to, because this is not what Jack would have wanted. And I am telling you right now, he never even gave you a thought all those years. And I -- I -- I can't even think that -- that you deserve -- are you kidding me? You are still the same person that you always were -- you are a conniving witch who thinks you are entitled to something for nothing!" Jennifer snapped.
Eve countered that Jennifer was the one who had always been handed everything on a silver platter -- including Frankie and Jack. "Everything came easy for you, Jennifer -- everything! Member of Salem's first family, keeper of Alice Horton's famous doughnut recipe. I never even knew who my father was, growing up. I lost every bit of innocence you still have by the time I was fourteen years old," Eve added.
Jennifer acknowledged that Eve's childhood had been rough, but she insisted that Eve needed to stop blaming her for that, since everyone made choices. Eve stressed that she had chosen to fight and that she had never stopped doing so. Eve added that she had hoped that, as a member of the so-called "generous Horton clan," Jennifer would have had enough compassion to give Eve the one thing she deserved, but she stressed that she would be willing to fight for that, too, if necessary. Jennifer promised that she would also fight -- and win -- because Jack would not have wanted Eve to see a dime of the money from his memoir.
Eve vowed that she would get the money because she needed it for her daughter's future as well as her own, but Jennifer maintained that the annulment agreement wasn't legitimate because Jack had never mentioned it to her and never would have agreed to such a thing, anyway. Eve shrugged and matter-of-factly reminded Jennifer that Jack had always been a bit shady.
"No! That's you! And I am telling you right now, you are not gonna get away with this!" Jennifer shouted. J.J. and Paige arrived in time to hear Jennifer lash out at Eve, and they wondered what was going on. Eve abruptly excused herself, taking Paige with her. After Eve and Paige left, J.J. tried to get Jennifer to tell him what had happened. Jennifer evasively responded that it had been nothing, but J.J. wasn't convinced. J.J. feared that the argument had been about him, but Jennifer assured him that it had been about something else.
Jennifer admitted that she and Eve had a complicated relationship, and J.J. guessed that Eve was the rival Jennifer had mentioned while flipping through her yearbook earlier. J.J. incredulously wondered if Jennifer and Eve were still fighting about something that had happened during their high school years. Jennifer vaguely clarified that the argument had been about money, but she evasively added that she wasn't ready to elaborate yet. Jennifer promised that she would tell J.J. and Abigail everything the following morning, after she'd had some time to process everything.
Jennifer asked J.J. to promise that he wouldn't talk to Paige until the following day, since she didn't want him to hear about what was going on from anyone else. J.J. wasn't thrilled about the request but agreed to honor it. J.J. feared that Jennifer was going to hold Paige's parentage against her, but Jennifer assured him that she wouldn't do that and that she still liked Paige.
As Eve and Paige strolled through the town square with cups of frozen yogurt, Paige wondered if Eve was ever going to get around to explaining what had happened between her and Jennifer earlier. Eve admitted that she and Jennifer had never really gotten along with each other. Paige said that she and J.J. had already guessed that, and she added that his theory was that Jennifer and Eve had been interested in the same guy in high school.
Eve confirmed the suspicion but also admitted that she had once been married to J.J.'s father. Shocked, Paige wondered why Eve had neglected to mention that earlier. Eve conceded that she hadn't handled the situation very well. Paige wondered how long Eve and Jack's marriage had lasted. Eve stressed that it hadn't lasted very long because she and Jack had both realized that it had been a mistake, and she added that they had been able to get the marriage annulled because they had never actually consummated it.
As Paige cringed, Eve added that Jennifer was still resentful -- perhaps more than ever before, since she had just learned that Jack had left Eve and Paige a wonderful gift that was going to change their lives forever. Paige tried to probe for more details, but Eve didn't want to elaborate until the following morning. Eve asked Paige to promise that she wouldn't talk to J.J. until the following day, predicting that the version of events he heard from his mother would make Eve look like the villain. Eve wanted Paige to hear her side of the story first, so Paige reluctantly agreed to honor the request.
Eve promised that she would still give J.J. a chance, but she added that she was going to want to know more about the legal troubles Paige had alluded to earlier, since she wanted to know if he was good enough for Paige. "You deserve the best, and so do I. That's why I've gotta make sure that this thing with J.J.'s dad comes through for us. Oh, my gosh, girl, it's gonna change our lives for the better -- it will. And you know what? I know just what I have to do to make it happen," Eve cryptically added.
. . . soap central
