Written By Joseph

Bonnie walks through the town square when she gets a call from Justin. She hopes he's not calling to cancel. Justin assures that they are still on and he wanted to make sure if it's okay if he doesn't wear the cowboy hat she got him since it doesn't seem like the right look if he's going to wine and dine her. She tells him he could wear overalls and a dirty shirt and still be the handsomest guy in the room.

Kate goes to Julie's Place, on the phone with Jake. Kate suggests they meet up at the Salem Inn as it's safer than the DiMera Mansion, away from the prying eyes. Kate tells him that she can't wait to be alone with him as she hangs up. Jennifer then appears and questions if Kate was propositioning Jack.

At the DiMera Mansion, Jack pours a drink and stops to look down on his wedding ring. Jack declares that he meant what he said, he loves Jennifer too much to ever give up on her. Gwen enters the room and says she didn't expect to see him there. Jack informs her that Abigail invited him to move in to the gatehouse after Jennifer moved out. Gwen says it must be nice to be home. Jack feels it's not really home without his wife. Gwen tells Jack that she owes him an apology.

Tripp sits with Ava in the interrogation room at the police station. Ava tells him that having him look after her means the world to her. Ava hopes she doesn't go back to prison because she wants to make up for lost time with Tripp. Tripp tells Ava that Rafe had to arrest her but she's not being prosecuted because Kayla really wants Joey out of prison so he's sure she will convince the D.A. not to press charges against her. Ava thinks Tripp is underestimating how much Kayla hates her.

Steve finishes a call with Rafe and informs Kayla that Melinda is on her way to the police department to deal with Ava. Steve says they should head out but Kayla tells him to go ahead without her.

Justin asks Bonnie where he should pick her up. Bonnie says the Salem Inn is claiming she owes money so she suggests they meet at Julie's Place at 6:30 which Justin agrees to.

Jennifer questions Kate again if she was propositioning her husband because she heard her making plans. Kate accuses her of eavesdropping. Jennifer asks who she was talking to then. Kate tells her it's none of her business. Jennifer says she heard Kate say they would be safer at the Salem Inn then the DiMera Mansion so unless she's sleeping with Chad or Harold, it must have been Jack.

Jack questions why Gwen would owe him an apology. Gwen says she was rather rude at the park. Jack understands she had no idea that he and Abigail had reconciled. Gwen claims she still feels terrible for going on the attack and that she feels protective of Abigail. Gwen tells Jack that she's so happy for them because Abigail needs her parents. Gwen remarks that it's so sad for one to be estranged from their parents.

Tripp tells Ava that he knows how much Kayla hates her but also how much she loves her son and it would mean so much to them if Joey was free again. Ava tells Tripp that she's ready to make a deal but Steve and Kayla are nowhere to be found. Tripp figures they are on their way. Ava worries that Kayla is working to screw her over. Tripp encourages that Kayla is a decent person and not like that. Ava questions how Tripp can defend Kayla when she won't do the same for him.

Steve questions Kayla not coming to the police station with him. Steve doesn't understand since if Kayla doesn't tell Melinda not to prosecute Ava then Ava could try to block Joey's release. Kayla understands but worries that Ava is more concerned with her freedom than Joey's. Kayla thinks they need to take steps to protect themselves. Steve says he doesn't have time to argue so if she's not coming with him, he's going to make the case to Melinda himself as he then exits.

Gwen tells Jack that Abigail's demeanor has been worrisome to her and since they have mended things, she assumes her behavior is to do with what happened with Jack and Jennifer. Gwen claims they don't have to get into it as she doesn't mean to pry. Jack says it's okay but there's not much to talk about. Jack mentions meeting with Jennifer earlier and says it didn't go well. Jack says he told her that he understands her anger but he wanted to try to find a way forward and she had no response so that was the end of that. Gwen claims she's sorry to hear that and a little surprised. Gwen informs him that she saw Jennifer at the park and that seeing two people in love broken apart is so sad. Gwen claims she encouraged Jennifer to try to forgive him.

Kate tells Jennifer to stay and she'll go since she can't talk sense into her. Jennifer yells at her to stop talking to her. Kate reminds Jennifer that all men have their limit so if she keeps acting this way, Jack will find his limit and realize he should be with a woman who appreciates him for better or worse. Kate then exits as Bonnie arrives and asks Jennifer what that was all about.

Kayla goes to the Kiriakis Mansion and tells Justin that she's been calling but he didn't answer his phone so she came over. Kayla tells him that she needs a lawyer and he's the best she knows. Kayla informs him that Joey shouldn't be in prison because Ava Vitali is alive.

Tripp admits to Ava that it hurts him that Kayla thinks he raped Allie but he's trying to keep that separate from this. Ava argues that Kayla is not keeping it separate and is only pretending to accept him but he's a constant reminder of her. Tripp doesn't want to believe that. Steve enters and says that Melinda will be there soon. Tripp asks where Kayla is. Steve says she doesn't need to be there for them to make a deal. Ava tells Tripp that she told him. Ava tells Steve that she was just telling Tripp that Kayla would pull a fast one. Steve warns her about how she talks about Kayla. Ava swears if Kayla sends her to prison, she'll do everything in her power to make sure Joey is prosecuted especially when Kayla supports Allie over Tripp. Ava suggests Kayla wants to punish her in place of Tripp. Kayla then arrives and says that is completely false. Ava questions where she's been. Kayla informs her that she went to get a lawyer to protect her son's interests as Justin enters with her. Melinda arrives and sees that it's true that Ava is alive. Justin mentions that Melinda is prepared to listen. Melinda notes that she's not inclined to advocate for the sentence of a convicted felon to be overturned.

Jennifer tells Bonnie that she heard Kate making a booty call on the phone in public. Bonnie asks if she was sure Kate was talking to Jack. Jennifer admits she doesn't know and doesn't know what to think. Jennifer talks about Jack being there earlier and swearing he wasn't giving up on her. Bonnie thinks the thought of Jennifer with another man scared Jack. Jennifer says part of her wants to believe that Jack still cares but then she thinks about how she believed he was totally devoted when he slept with Kate and kept it secret for a year. Bonnie asks if Jennifer still doesn't trust Jack. Jennifer mentions talking to Gwen about it earlier and how Gwen pointed out that even if she forgave Jack, she'd never really be happy because she'll never stop asking herself if he's lying or cheating again and that's no way to live. Jennifer tells Bonnie that she doesn't think she could ever trust Jack again.

Jack thanks Gwen for being so kind. Gwen says she's sorry she couldn't get through to Jennifer. Kate walks in and says she didn't know Jack would be there. Jack explains that Abigail invited him to move into the gatehouse. Jack says he has articles to edit and hurries out of the room. Gwen claims she has laundry to fold but Kate stops her. Gwen asks if Kate needs something. Kate tells her that Jake told her that she saw them kissing and that she wouldn't say anything but they don't trust her. Gwen thinks the family has enough problems without knowing about Jake and Kate. Kate warns Gwen that Abigail may have fallen for her devoted friend act but she knows she wants something. Kate is pretty sure Gwen will use the information to get what she wants as leverage. Gwen claims she actually cares about the family and she thinks Chad would be upset and disappointed to know about Kate and Jake. Kate argues that Gwen barely knows Chad and questions her being protective of his feelings. Gwen asks if she would rather she tell Chad.

Bonnie tells Jennifer that she gets why it would be hard for her to trust Jack. Bonnie accuses Kate of moving in on Jack while he was vulnerable. Jennifer thanks her but doesn't want to talk about this anymore. Jennifer asks Bonnie about being dressed up. Bonnie informs Jennifer that she told Jack that nothing happened with them and those guys. Jennifer admits she didn't feel good about that because playing games is not her style. Bonnie tells her that Justin was jealous enough to ask her out on a real date and he's on his way here now. Jennifer tells her that she's so happy for her. Bonnie is surprised since Jennifer was best friends with Adrienne. Jennifer says Adrienne will always be in her heart but she thinks Adrienne would want them to go on with their lives. Jennifer talks about all Justin has been through so she's really glad he's moving on. Bonnie suggests being with him will take the sting out of seeing Kayla so happy with her soulmate. Jennifer mentions hearing things aren't so good with Steve and Kayla right now.

Tripp tells Steve that he hopes they can make a deal to keep Ava and Joey out of prison. Steve asks how he's feeling about his mother that he thought was dead being in there now. Tripp admits it hasn't sunk in yet. Tripp says all he ever knew of Ava was the DVDs she left him from before he was born. Steve knows it's tough. Tripp tells him that all his life, he wondered what it was like to know his mom and now he might finally get that chance so he's praying this works out because he doesn't want to lose her again.

Melinda says this entire situation is beyond comprehension so she wants to hear the proposal again. Justin explains that Kayla agrees not to pursue kidnapping charges against Ava if Ava agrees not to block Joey Johnson's release or pursue any additional charges of attempted murder. Melinda asks if this is really what Kayla wants. Kayla doesn't want her son in prison on a murder conviction when the alleged victim is not dead. Ava says what happened was beyond her control but she's grateful to be alive so she agrees to the terms. Melinda argues that it's her job to hold people accountable for their crimes and this deal would allow a kidnapper and a man convicted of murder to go free. Ava says she wants to move on. Melinda asks what about everyone else in town, thinking they won't be happy with this deal.

Kate tells Gwen that she doesn't want anyone to know about her and Jake so she asks what that will cost her. Gwen jokes about Kate wanting her leftovers and tells her to go for it. Kate calls that a quick turnaround and talks about how Gwen and Jake moved in looking for the good life but now Gwen is chasing after Chad and Abigail's kids. Gwen claims she adores their kids. Kate asks if she adores the kids or Chad. Gwen asks if she's joking. Kate points out that Gwen already lost one DiMera brother. Gwen argues that Chad is married and Abigail has been kind and forgiving so she won't betray her like that. Gwen warns Kate not to antagonize her and that she will keep Kate's secret about Jake unless she crosses her. Gwen then exits the room.

Jennifer says she should head home unless she wants her to keep her company. Bonnie says Justin should be there soon and that he sounded excited about their date. Jennifer hopes it goes well. Bonnie says tonight could be the start of something amazing. Jennifer tells her to let her know as she exits.

Tripp asks Steve what is taking so long. Justin, Kayla, and Ava then come out of the room. Justin and Kayla announce that Melinda is not happy to release Joey but they convinced her that she can't prosecute Ava without charges. Kayla says that Joey and Ava will be going free. Tripp tells Ava that he's happy for her while Steve and Kayla talk about their son coming home. Steve apologizes to Kayla for not understanding why she didn't come with him and he's glad she brought Justin. Kayla thanks Justin for helping them and hopes they didn't pull him away from anything. Justin says he did have plans so he has to go but he'll be in touch as he exits. Kayla hugs Steve and admits she's so excited. Tripp says he'll just meet them at home but Kayla looks to Steve so Tripp asks if there's a problem. Steve informs Tripp that he originally planned to talk to him about something before he found him with Ava. Steve then reveals that he and Kayla were discussing Tripp moving out.

Jack comes back to the living room then apologizes not knowing that Kate was still there. Kate calls it crazy and asks if they are never going to talk again. Jack explains that he just doesn't feel comfortable being alone with her. Kate says they lived under the same roof for months. Jack feels he owes it to Jennifer now to keep his distance from Kate.

Gwen shows up at the Horton house to see Jennifer. Gwen gives Christmas cards from the kids to Jennifer. Jennifer says that makes her day and guesses the kids didn't come up with the idea on their own. Gwen admits she may have told them she needed cheering up. Jennifer thanks her for taking care of her too but notes that she didn't have to come all this way in the cold. Gwen says she needed to get out of the house with everything going on. Jennifer questions what's going on. Gwen says she shouldn't have said anything but Jennifer wants to know what she meant.

Bonnie wonders where Justin is and decides to call Henderson at the Kiriakis Mansion. Bonnie says that Justin isn't answering his phone so she wondered how long ago he left the house.

Tripp questions Steve and Kayla wanting him to move out. Steve offers to help him find another place. Tripp says he'll be okay. Kayla asks him not to be angry with Steve because it was her request since all of them under the same roof after what happened with Allie has been causing tension. Ava questions their relationship being more important than Steve's son. Ava argues that Tripp swears he didn't rape Allie. Tripp says he'll be fine. Ava says that Tripp is going to come live with her. Steve is not okay with that but Ava says she has plenty of room. Kayla argues that they didn't know Ava was alive so they need to talk about it. Ava says she's made it clear that Tripp is not welcome. Steve tries to talk but Tripp says it's fine as he will just go home with his mom. Tripp and Ava then exit the station together.

Justin arrives at Julie's Place and apologizes to Bonnie for being late. Bonnie informs him that she knows where he was since she spoke with Henderson and he told her that Kayla showed up so they rushed off together. Bonnie guesses Kayla is having a rough patch with Steve so she ran to Justin. Justin tries to explain but Bonnie argues that Kayla is just using him to make Steve jealous and she can't believe he fell for it. Bonnie complains that she waited around like an idiot while Justin was with his ex. Bonnie declares that she is no one's sloppy seconds. Bonnie tells Justin that she has now made other plans as the guy from the other night arrives. He tells Bonnie that she looks hot. Bonnie remarks that some people don't appreciate it as she exits with the man, leaving Justin confused.

Jennifer asks Gwen what's going on at the house and if Abigail is okay. Gwen says as far as she knows, Abigail and Chad are fine. Jennifer insists that Gwen has to tell her whatever it is. Gwen informs her that it's Kate. Gwen says she was talking to Jack earlier and then Kate walked in. Jennifer asks what happened. Gwen says they tried to act very casual but she immediately sensed they wanted to be alone.

Kate tells Jack that she doesn't want to cause any more problems between he and Jennifer. Kate says she told Jennifer that she's making a terrible mistake. Jack says he has no intentions of ever giving up and hopes that she will eventually come around. Kate blames Abigail. Jack assures that Abigail feels terrible and wants to fix it. Jack adds that even Gwen put in a good word for him with Jennifer. Kate questions if he's sure about that and warns him to be careful of Gwen. Jack asks why she would say that. Kate thinks back to Gwen warning her not to cross her. Kate then tells Jack that it's not important but Jack insists on knowing why he needs to be careful of Gwen. Kate says she shouldn't have blurted that out because it doesn't matter.

Ava brings Tripp to her apartment. Tripp thanks her for letting him stay. Ava wants him to know that she wanted to reach out as soon as she got to Salem but knowing Kayla and others wouldn't be happy that she was alive. Tripp assures that he understands. Ava mentions seeing him once in the park and how she wanted to comfort him because he looked sad. Ava says she got close but couldn't take the risk. Ava declares thankfully that is all over and she doesn't have to hide anymore. Tripp is happy she's not going to jail and they can finally get to know each other. Ava calls it her dream come true as she hugs him. Ava says if only Steve was there, everything would be perfect..

Kayla tells Steve that she's sorry about Tripp moving in with Ava. Steve understands she didn't know Ava was alive but now Tripp feels he let him down and he's hurt and vulnerable which gives Ava an opening that he didn't want her to have. Steve and Kayla are then thrilled as they see their son Joey come out from prison.

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