Mackenzie: Who started the rumor, J.T.?

J.T.: You need to chill, okay?

Mackenzie: Don't tell me to chill. Every person I know thinks we're sleeping together.

J.T.: Come on, Mac, not everybody thinks that.

Mackenzie: You're not denying it which means you must have started it. How could you do this to me? You made me think you and I were friends. I even defended you when people said terrible things about you.

J.T.: Mac, stop it! I didn't do it. I didn't say anything.

Mackenzie: Okay. Then who did? Come on, J.T., tell me. Now!

Brittany: No, I want to know how you let me walk in here without warning me.

Billy: It just happened. I didn't think things got that serious between Jack and Phyllis.

Brittany: Do you think it will last?

Billy: Who knows?

Brittany: I don't look forward to seeing that woman every time I walk in here.

Billy: You're worried about her cramping our style. It's not going to happen. I won't let it.

Cassie: Daddy!

Nicholas: That is really cold. We might have to wait a few more days.

Noah: Oh, shucks!

Sharon: I know you were down here earlier turning the heat on.

Cassie: You were?

Nicholas: I was. I'm busted, man. I better get my punishment right now.

Cassie: Hmm...

Nicholas: Let me have it. Oh, man!

Sharon: We decided to come down for the pool.

Nikki: Oh, really. No swimming! We're having a party!

Nicholas: We love to have a party, right, gang?

Isabela: I'm sorry for making a mess of everything.

Paul: Isabela, don't. I know everything now so there's no reason for you to leave town. You realize that, don't you?

Neil: So, you're not going to answer me?

Alex: I'm not sure what you're really asking.

Neil: You have no idea, none at all.

Alex: Let me ask you a question. The last time we spoke, I left you with Olivia. What happened?

Neil: Olivia. She was shocked that I agreed to testify on my brother's behalf. She can't believe I would speak out against her at all, much less in court.

Alex: You weren't expecting her to react that way?

Neil: You have to understand that Olivia and I have been very close friends for years. She feels that I betrayed her.

Alex: You're wondering if she'll ever forgive you.

Neil: You know I wish I weren't in the middle, but that's exactly where my brother put me the minute he asked me to go to bat for him.

Alex: You're not sure if you'll be able to forgive Malcolm. Is that what you're telling me, Neil?

Phyllis: Hey, Malcolm Winters in the flesh, and what beautiful flesh it is.

Malcolm: If it's not my sexy, crazy friend. Don't start something if you can't finish it. What's up?

Phyllis: I'm good. I've been meaning to talk to you to tell you I have been -- I have moved into the Abbott house.

Malcolm: Get out of town!

Phyllis: I am very happy.

Malcolm: I'm scared of you. I'm happy for you and your boy Jack.

Phyllis: Are you really?

Malcolm: Yeah. Come on, Phyllis. It's your life. If that's what you really want, yeah. I think it's a cool thing. I have to ask you this. You didn't happen to blackmail the man into it, did you?

Phyllis: I did kind of push the action.

Malcolm: That's the Phyllis I know. Meaning what?

Phyllis: Meaning I wasn't really invited. I just moved into his bedroom.

Malcolm: I'm sure that went over real well with the rest of the Abbott family. Some miracle took place and they welcomed you with open arms?

Nikki: What you thinking about, honey?

Nicholas: Actually, Larry Warton.

Nikki: What?

Nicholas: Yeah. He's meeting with John Silva today to see if he wants John to represent him.

Nikki: Why would you give him a second thought, especially in the middle of this celebration?

Nicholas: If it wasn't for Larry's testimony, I wouldn't be here today.

Nikki: Honey, we're all grateful to him for what he did. Remember what your father said last night. We won't turn him into a saint for doing the right thing.

Nicholas: I'm not doing that, Mom. I'm also not going to bail on him. I gave him my word that I was going to help him, and that's exactly what I’m going to do.

Nikki: I think you did enough.

Sharon: The kids are ready to play Marco Polo.

Nicholas: Marco.

Kids: Polo!

Nicholas: Marco.

Kids: Polo!

Mackenzie: Damn it, J.T., why won't you answer me? Who are you protecting?

J.T.: I'm not protecting anybody. I thought you'd figure it out.

Mackenzie: Wait a minute. It was Brittany. She's the one that started it.

Billy: You ready to cruise?

Brittany: If you are.

Billy: Okay.

Jack: Whoa, brother, not so fast.

Billy: What's up?

Jack: I wanted to talk to you about something privately. You don't mind, do you, Brittany?

Brittany: No, not at all. I'll meet you at the coffee house.

Billy: Okay. I shouldn't be long.

Brittany: Bye.

Billy: So, what's going on?

Jack: Oh, this is the summer Glow by Jabot House.

Billy: Why didn't you want Brittany to stay?

Jack: I didn't want to ask this in front of her.

Billy: Ask what?

Jack: Ask how you feel.

Paul: You agree with me, right, that there's no reason for you to go now that everything is out in the open?

Isabela: Paul, you have no idea what your compassion and sincerity mean to me. It's much more than I expected or deserve. You made me realize again --

Paul: Let me help you.

Isabela: I can't. It would be better for me to move on.

Paul: I know you made up your mind but things have changed now. If you go on the run again, you will be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life wondering if someone is after you. It's your decision. I strongly urge you not to go. I can give you your life back. I'm going to say one more thing, and then I’ll shut up. If you agree to stay -- if you agree to stay, you will have the pleasure of spending a lot more time with my mother. You do owe her a dinner. At least think about it.

Isabela: I'll get back to you.

Michael: Well, well, well. What a fascinating turn of events.

Nicholas: Miguel, this is the best burger I’ve ever had.

Miguel: I'm glad you enjoyed it, Nicholas.

Nicholas: What's going on with all that whispering over there?

Miguel: Should we tell him?

Cassie: Yeah.

Miguel: Your children want this to be a very special celebration.

Cassie: But to do that, we have to ask you to leave for a while, Daddy.

Nicholas: To leave? Why?

Noah: So we can blow up the balloons and streamers. What about the cake Miguel is helping us make?

Nikki: I guess the cat's out of the bag now.

Nicholas: I didn't hear a thing, honest.

Cassie: Daddy, will you leave, please?

Nicholas: Only if you remember that double chocolate fudge icing is my favorite.

Cassie: Okay.

Nicholas: I guess that means I have to make myself scarce.

Nikki: You're going to have to go for a ride or something.

Nicholas: I think I’ll cruise down to the jail and see how Larry and John's meeting is going.

Nikki: You don't have to do that.

Nicholas: Larry may feel he's getting a raw deal. He can use whoever he wants and I will pay for it.

Sharon: If you feel you need to be there, sweetheart, go ahead. Just hurry back.

Nicholas: I won't miss my own party.

Nikki: I'll tag along with you to make sure you get back in time.

Nicholas: All right. I'm going to go change.

Sharon: Nikki, why do you really want to go with Nick?

Nikki: My son has a very big heart, sometimes too big for his own good. I just want to make sure he doesn't get carried away.

Phyllis: Okay. I admit I still have work to do.

Malcolm: Just a little.

Phyllis: But I won't force myself on the family. Then again I won't just sit back and wait for things to happen.

Malcolm: Now that's the tone in your voice I know all too well. You must have something cooking in that brain of yours. What's going on, Phyllis?

Phyllis: I was thinking of having a party and inviting people to sit by the pool.

Malcolm: You just unpacked your bags. Now you want to play hostess?

Phyllis: I'll tell Jack. Do you want to invite Alex?

Malcolm: Are you listening to yourself now?

Phyllis: You think I’m laying claim on the place. I want to make a good impression on the family. Everyone likes you. I'm sure that Alex is equally engaging, okay? Please come. I want to score points with Jack's father. Please help me. Please, please, please...

Malcolm: Okay, Phyllis. When and if the party's a go, yes, I will be there with bells on.

Phyllis: I knew I could count on you. Thank you. Thank you.

Malcolm: You know you're crazy.

Phyllis: You're going to bring Alex?

Malcolm: I can't speak on the woman's behalf. I don't exactly keep tabs on her.

Phyllis: You think she's interested in another guy?

Neil: I agreed to testify for Malcolm for Nate’s sake. That little boy needs his father. Hey, you never answered my question.

Alex: What question?

Neil: Last time we spoke, you said you hated the tension between us, not just because of the impact it has on our work. Call me crazy. Call me curious. I want to know what those other reasons are.

Alex: I'm not sure I remember what was on my mind.

Neil: I don't buy that.

Alex: Are you telling me I’m lying?

Neil: Wait a minute, don't get defensive.

Alex: Don't grill me like I’m on the witness stand.

Neil: I'm not grilling you. I asked a question.

Alex: I am trying to get along with you. You're so difficult. You make all of this crazy.

Ryan: Sorry to interrupt but I need to talk to you, Neil.

Alex: You know what? He's all yours.

Miguel: How's that coming, Cassie?

Cassie: All right. Victor!

Victor: My goodness. There he is. Hi, sweetheart. So what are you doing here?

Cassie: We're making streamers.

Miguel: Mr. Newman, congratulations.

Victor: It's going to be beautiful when it's finished. Hi, Sharon.

Sharon: Victor, I thought you left on a business trip.

Victor: Well, I’m going to leave momentarily. I want to say goodbye to all of you. Where's my son?

Sharon: Nicholas isn't here but I’ll be right back. He went to the jailhouse to see Larry Warton. I'm sure that doesn't please you as much as it didn’t Nikki.

Victor: Mm-hmm. Did Nikki go with him?

Sharon: Yes, to keep an eye on things. I don't think it's necessary.

Victor: I disagree with you. I think it's very necessary.

Brittany: What's wrong?

J.T.: She knows.

Brittany: Knows what?

J.T.: Mac figured it out.

Brittany: What are you talking about?

Mackenzie: You know damn well what we're talking about.

Brittany: Thanks a lot, J.T.

J.T.: You started this on your own. You got no one to blame but yourself.

Mackenzie: So, you going to deny it?

Brittany: Look, I don't know what J.T.'s been telling you.

Mackenzie: Try to wiggle your way out of this one, too? You haven't had an honest moment in your life.

Brittany: I don't have to listen to this.

Mackenzie: Yes, you do. You're not going.

Billy: Whose idea was this, somebody suggesting Mac be a part of the Glow by Jabot House again?

Jack: It was Sean that suggested it.

Billy: Why?

Jack: She did a bang-up site. He thought she would give a youthful look to the production side.

Billy: You didn't give him the go-ahead, did you?

Jack: I wanted to run it by you first.

Billy: I think the idea sucks. I don't want to be around Mac at all.

Jack: Nothing's etched in stone. I can't help but wonder about your reaction.

Billy: What are you talking about?

Jack: I got the impression you and Mackenzie were getting close again. I guess that's changed.

Billy: Yeah. That's putting it mildly.

Jack: So what happened?

Billy: Jack, there's no point getting involved with it. The friendship's over. Besides, I’m sure Mac wouldn't want anything to do with the Glow by Jabot House anyway, given her other involvements.

Jack: Are we talking social or work?

Billy: I don't want to talk about it anymore, okay?

Jack: Fine, fine. We have to meet eventually to talk about summer plans, and that due date is coming very soon.

Billy: Going to be at the pool house again.

Jack: It won't be an exact copy. We have been discussing what changes there will be.

Billy: Sounds great. You can tell Sean to forget Mac’s involvement.

[Cell phone ringing]

Jack: Hold on. Jack Abbott. Yeah, Ken, thanks for getting back to me. I have all that stuff in my upstairs study. Hold on for two seconds. Um, no rest for the overworked.

Ryan: So that's where things stand. Physically, Tricia is on the mend but emotionally and mentally --

Neil: It could be a long road back.

Ryan: Look, Neil, if you don't mind, I really can't talk about this anymore right now.

Neil: Is that report for me?

Ryan: Yeah, yeah. Could you give it the once-over and let me know what you think?

Neil: Sure.

Ryan: By the way, I didn't mean to eavesdrop.

Neil: What are you talking about?

Ryan: You and Alex. Apparently, I walked in the middle of something. What's going on between you two?

Nicholas: John should be here by now. I wonder what the hold-up is.

Nikki: Don't worry. He'll be here.

Nicholas: Hey, there's Larry. I'm going to talk to him.

Nikki: No, no. Don't do that. Let John talk about it.

Nicholas: I'm just going to let him know I’m here, and I did what I said I was going to do, okay?

Larry: Wait, wait, wait, let me guess. You're here to give me some lame excuse why I’m not getting a lawyer after all, is that it?

Nicholas: No, I’m here to make sure you're getting hooked up with the lawyer of your choice. I gave you my word. I'm sticking to that.

John: Nikki. What are you doing here?

Nikki: Oh, John, I came with Nicholas. He's in there reassuring Larry Warton that he'll get proper representation.

John: And that worries you for some reason?

Nikki: I just think he's a little overly concerned.

Nicholas: Hey, John.

John: Hey, Nick.

Nicholas: Larry's in there waiting for you.

John: Good. Then we'll get started.

Nikki: Okay. Can we get out of here?

Nicholas: They're not going to be ready at the ranch for a while. I'll stick around and see how the meeting goes.

Nikki: Why?

Nicholas: This is something I feel I ought to do. Mr. Silvestri, I don't know if you remember me or not.

Mr. Silvestri: Yes, Mr. Newman, indeed I do.

Nicholas: This is my mother.

Nikki: Nikki Newman. Hello.

Nicholas: Last time we met, I pretty sure I made a fool of myself.

Mr. Silvestri: You were pretty sure Larry Warton was stalking your sister. You got in my face about it.

Nicholas: Turns out you were right, and I was dead wrong.

Mr. Silvestri: Is there a point to this, Mr. Newman?

Brittany: Get a grip, Mac, you're out of control.

Mackenzie: You're out of control. Spreading that rumor, how could you live with yourself?

Brittany: Like you're pure and perfect. You're forgetting about that incident you pulled with Billy. No wonder he doesn't want to look at you again.

Mackenzie: That's what you wanted all along. You always felt threatened by me, and we both know why. Your relationship with Billy is based on a lie. Miracles of miracles, you managed to hold on to him and I wasn't going to get in the way.

Brittany: You're always in the way. You cling to Billy every chance you get.

Mackenzie: What are you talking about?

Brittany: Look how you behaved at the hospital. When your dear friend Raul was on the brink of death, what did you do? You took the opportunity to flirt with my boyfriend.

Mackenzie: I just wanted to be friends with him again.

Brittany: Like I believe that.

Mackenzie: I finally realized it's not going to happen for Billy and me. When I saw how determined he was to make it work with you, I made peace with it.

Brittany: Oh, come on. You did not.

Mackenzie: Yes, I did. Fine, you want proof? I could have blown you out of the water weeks ago with that tape. You destroyed my relationship with Billy. I had the perfect way of destroying yours. But I wasn't going to until now. You've pushed me way too far.

Brittany: You don't intimidate me, Mackenzie. You want to use that tape, you go for it. I couldn't care less.

Nicholas: I meant what I was said. I was wrong about before.

Mr. Silvestri: If that's an apology, I accept. Although I am curious, what are you doing here?

Nicholas: Larry and I had an understanding. If he told the court everything he knew about Matt Clark, I would make sure he got good legal representation. My lawyer is in there with him right now. Anyway, there's something I’d like to ask you.

Mr. Silvestri: What?

Nicholas: Larry went to bat for me in a huge way. You know him better than anyone. Do you know why he would do that at such a big risk to himself?

Mr. Silvestri: You're asking if Larry's turning over a new leaf.

Nicholas: That's the impression I’m getting. Tell me, do you think it's for real?

Michael: Hello, Isabela.

Isabela: Michael, what are you doing here?

Michael: You left your necklace in the office. I brought it for you.

Isabela: How did you know where I was?

Michael: As I saw Paul leave, I realized we have something more to discuss.

Isabela: Forget it, counselor. Our arrangement is over.

Michael: I might have thought that at one time but no more.

Isabela: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Michael: I know I thought of this as a way of keeping Paul from seeing his wife. Now I am thinking too small. Much, much too small.

Isabela: What are you saying?

Michael: Well, I only had you distract the man, but you have made him fall for you for which I am eternally grateful.

Nikki: Actually, Mr. Silvestri, I would like to know that, too. Thanks to my son, Warton will be on the streets a lot sooner than he would have been. If our family is going to be a target, we have a right to know that.

Mr. Silvestri: I can understand why you would be wary. Larry certainly disappointed me when he got involved with a low life like Matt Clark. I think there's hope for him.

Nikki: Based on what?

Mr. Silvestri: When he got out of jail last time, I believe he had every intention of going straight. Then certain things happened.

Nicholas: Like being falsely accused of stalking my sister. Look, Mr. Silvestri, I know what it's like to be accused of a crime he didn't commit.

Mr. Silvestri: It was a blow to him, no question. He felt like he couldn't escape the past.

Nikki: Are you saying it justifies what he did later?

Mr. Silvestri: I say he felt angry, trapped. Clark came along at exactly the wrong time and Larry got in over his head.

Nikki: Let me ask you point blank. Do you think this guy's reformed?

Mr. Silvestri: I can't give you any guarantees. My gut tells me that if Larry's given another chance, he'll make good use of it this time. Excuse me.

Nicholas: Thank you.

Nicholas: You heard him. What do you think about Larry now?

Nikki: Obviously he deals with these kinds of guys all the time, so I guess he knows what he's talking about. He did say he can't guarantee anything. It's just his opinion.

Nicholas: My gut tells me the same thing, Mom.

Nikki: I don't understand why you're doing this. Why are you forgetting about all the stuff he did to you, and only focusing on the things he did in the end?

Nicholas: That guy took the noose off my neck and put it around his own. If that doesn't warrant a second chance, I don't know what does.

Isabela: Michael, you're mistaken. Paul hasn't fallen for me.

Michael: You can deny it all you want. I will take it that your own feelings for the man is blinding you. Look, he's not head over heels yet.

Isabela: Michael, please.

Michael: Look at the facts. The man has been on his own for months. Why didn't I anticipate this? It makes all the sense in the world.

Isabela: He's married. I will not be responsible for --

Michael: The marriage is already dead.

Isabela: Michael, isn't it obvious? Even if you're right about the marriage, any relationship I have with Paul is doomed.

Michael: Because you're afraid he will find out more about your past? Look, Paul is a good detective. It is not going to be easy for him to dig up the truth, even if he can he will be so gaga for you by then, it won't even matter. Think about it. You walk away without giving this a chance, you will spend the rest of your life wondering if Paul is the one. Are you ready to do that, Isabela? Because that's what you're facing right here, right now.

Ryan: Look, if I’m sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, I’ll just back off.

Neil: Ryan, I’m not quite sure how to answer your question. Professionally, I have the utmost respect for Alex. She's a brilliant attorney. You know personally she really gets to me sometimes.

Ryan: In what way?

Neil: She's just not very forthcoming.

Ryan: About?

Neil: She said she wants things to be good between us because of our work. But for reasons beyond that I tried to pin her down on what she meant, but she wouldn't give me a straight answer. It's irritating as hell. What?

Ryan: I'm picking up a vibe here.

Neil: I don't think I want to hear this.

Ryan: I know you fought a lot with Alex when she first arrived. I know you're upset because she's seeing your brother. Now you're all worked up because you don't know where this woman's head is where you're concerned.

Neil: I wouldn't put it that way.

Ryan: I think what's getting to you most is not what Alex is hiding from you but what you may be hiding from yourself.

Malcolm: Ah, excuse you? You think Alex is interested in someone else? You know something I don't?

Phyllis: No, no. I just know you guys decided to take things slowly. Is that still the case?

Malcolm: Yeah, so what?

Phyllis: I just don't understand the restraint of that girl.

Malcolm: You see, Phyllis, I have a news flash for you. Not everybody runs like a bat out of hell to get into a romance like you do. No, no, don't get offended. Listen here. I don't mind taking things slow. I think Alex is worth the wait.

Phyllis: You really care for her.

Malcolm: Phyllis, the woman was there for me, especially when it comes to my son. If it weren't for Alex Perez --

Alex: If it wasn't for Alex Perez?

Malcolm: If it isn't the woman of the hour. You're just in time.

Alex: For what?

Malcolm: For this.

Alex: We're in a place of business.

Malcolm: This is just Phyllis. She won't rat us out to anybody. Especially if she wants us to come to her pool party.

Alex: What are you talking about?

Phyllis: I would love for you to come.

Malcolm: You can check out her new digs.

Alex: So you moved.

Malcolm: Did she move over to the lap of luxury at the Abbott estate.

Phyllis: I'm sleeping with the enemy, but I don't talk in my sleep and neither does he. So no company secrets will be divulged.

Malcolm: I gotta go, gotta go. You know I need me some brown sugar, girl.

Alex: Malcolm, Malcolm.

Malcolm: You will get use to this public affection hanging around me. Bye, ladies.

Phyllis: You're very lucky. Malcolm's a great guy.

Alex: Yes, he is.

Phyllis: He's also one of my best friends, which is why if you have a few minutes, I would like to get to know you better. Since you're so important to Malcolm and vice versa. Right?

Alex: You know what? I'm sorry, Phyllis, I need to go. Maybe some other time.

Noah: Go on, Daddy, cut your cake.

Nicholas: I don't know, little man. I hate to ruin something you and your sister worked so hard on.

Cassie: Noah and I don't mind. Besides, Miguel took a picture of the cake so you always remember what it looks like.

Nicholas: Sweetie, I will never forget anything about this day, not the cake or balloons, none of it. It's the best pool party I ever had. All right, let's do it.

Nikki: I'm so glad you're here it means a lot to him.

Victor: I know. I just wish he hadn't gone to see Larry Warton.

Nikki: Well, I agree. But it's an obligation he wants to see through.

Victor: Mm-hmm.

Nicholas: Here's Noah's. Oh, man. Look at that piece.

Cassie: Come sit down, Noah.

Victor: You going to eat all that by yourself?

Nicholas: I'll be right back. You going to take over? There you go, Dad, dig in.

Victor: Son, I wish I could. I'm on my way to the airport. Before I go, I’d like to say something to you. When I come back from my trip, you and I better have a talk about Larry Warton, okay? It is my opinion you should put this whole experience in prison behind you as quickly as you can. All right?

Nicholas: Okay.

Victor: Anyway, I am off. I am on my way to the airport. So I’ll see you soon. Bye, bye, bye. I would love to help you eat that chocolate cake but I have to go.

Nicholas: This means more cake for me, right, Miguel? You guys save a spot for me over here?

Sharon: How did it go? Did Larry accept John Silva as his lawyer?

Nikki: Yes, which is what Nicholas wanted to have happen. He's reassured.

Sharon: What about you, Nikki? You didn't seem so assured when you left.

Nikki: Sharon, I’ll tell you. What I saw and heard down at the jail, it gave me something to think about. I was very surprised -- it gave me something to think about. I was very surprised.

[Phone ringing]

Paul: Paul Williams.

Isabela: What shall I bring to your mother's dinner?

Paul: I'll leave that up to you, although I don't think you can go wrong with the salad you had me sample before.

Isabela: I'll keep that in mind.

Billy: Hey, Mamie. What's going on?

Mamie: That's what I’d like to know.

Billy: What's up?

Mamie: I was upstairs and I noticed a cab come and go. A few minutes later a car pulled up. I couldn't see who it was and I came downstairs. Then there was nobody here.

Billy: I don't know about the cab, but that's Brittany's car out there. That's weird. She was supposed to meet me at the coffee house. I wonder where she could be.

Mackenzie: Looking for something?

Brittany: Can't find the tape, can you, Mac? Know why? Because it's not there anymore.