At the Teen Loft, Claire is working on a song. Tripp comes in, she sees his injury; he talks about the cute nurse who helped him. Claire is jealous, thought they had something growing; he admits the feeling isn't not mutual, but with Ciara coming back, he's reluctant as it would be awkward. Claire regrets that once again Ciara is standing between them. They start kissing and take it to the bedroom.
At JJ's, Haley is cooking as JJ watches. A smoke alarm goes off; later, they are eating and Haley talks about
treating Dr Johnson's stepson (only in Salem, right?) who she learns is JJ's cousin. After their meal, they talk about their families (Haley's mom
was just a mom); JJ's dad is considering a run for Mayor of Salem. He tells her about the biggest mistake he ever made, sleeping with Eve Donovan (whom Haley calls "that witch" "from New Year's Eve"), whose daughter was his girlfriend. He also tells Haley about Paige's murder, and trying to remember her life, not her death; Haley asks how they met. He tells her that Paige found his wallet (no flashback, but this is
actually true). They talk about Paige's love of music, and Haley wants to hear him play. He plays for her and they sing together.
In the Square, Hope expresses her surprise at seeing Ted with Kate DiMera. Hope tries to scurry off, Ted asks if she has a problem with his talking to Kate. He recaps their relationship from the past; he makes it clear that Kate made it clear that they are through. Hope's relieved. Lots of back and forth, eventually Ted invites her to dinner when he learns her husband is out of town. Back and forth as she puts him off, he's fine if she doesn't want to accept. Eventually she does, later they are at dinner and talking about Sami/Rafe.
Gabi has gone to the police station to see Rafe; she is speaking on the phone with Kate about the DiMera board. Eli informs her that Rafe's out of the country, on leave. Gabi's shocked Rafe didn't tell her; Eli jabs at her.
At the Horton house, Jennifer is telling her paper to run the Trask story overnight. She closes the call, admires some baby clothes Chad got for Charlotte. They talk about Chad's efforts to win her over, and her love for him and whether it can endure the DiMera feud. Abby is standing firm in her refusal to live with Stefan, and Chad is bullheaded in his desire to stay at DiMansion. Abby ended her feud; it is clear she wishes Chad would forget his, too, but as a DiMera, he's feud-driven. They then talk about Jack, Dr. Rolf's serum, etc.
At DiMansion, Stefan and Chad wait for word on who'll be CEO. Their phones beep; Chad is victorious at first, until he learns he'll be sharing the position with his rapist brother. They blah blah about what a loser Stefan is, why should he stick around, nobody wants him there. Gabi stalks in, wants to know how the board's decision affects her. Chad wants to dump it, Stefan wants to keep and destroy it. Gabi's not backing down, makes threats, blah blah. Stefan offers her an alternative: Quit. She refuses, will make his life hell. He will do the same since he's splitting CEO duties.
Chad goes to the Horton House for a late visit, to tell Abby about the co-CEO mess, which means he'll still be living with Stefan. He offers to resign if it means he will lose his family.
At Hope and Ted's dinner, Eli enters to talk to Julie, but instead decides to deliver the news of Trask's resignation. (They high-five.) Hope hopes someone who is more agreeable to her will be appointed. Ted looks on.
Back at DiMansion, Stefan and Gabi exchange approximately 300 threats to each other. Stefan's enthusiastic about his chances for victory; Gabi stomps off.
