At the DiMera mansion, Sonny clarified that T wasn't the person who had mentioned Chad's appointment as co-CEO of DiMera Enterprises, prompting Chad to wonder if Sonny had instead heard the news from Jordan. "Jordan knows, too? A whole lot of people know, except your partner! [...] Let's be honest. The real reason you haven't told me -- I'm a Kiriakis," Sonny knowingly guessed.
Sonny admitted that, while he hadn't wanted to listen to his uncle's warnings about his best friend and business partner, he was starting to think that Victor might have been right about Chad all along. Chad was shocked that Victor had learned his secret. Sonny guessed -- without much concern -- that Victor's knowledge of the matter could cause problems for Chad, who warned that if Victor somehow managed to screw things up, it would not be forgotten. Sonny reminded Chad that when they had formed their business partnership, they had vowed not to let their respective families' issues turn into their issues.
Clyde entered Club TBD while Kate was on the phone with a board member, pretending to be happy about the change that was about to take place at DiMera Enterprises. After Kate ended the call, Clyde approached and admitted that he'd had no idea she was such a great liar. Clyde guessed that Kate's phone call had been about Chad, because she hadn't been the same since Chad had barged in on them at the DiMera mansion.
As Kate tried to laugh off the suspicion, she received a phone call from Chad, who warned her that Victor had learned their secret. Clyde excused himself so Kate could have some privacy, and after he left, she asked Chad if anyone else had found out yet. Chad admitted that Sonny, Jordan, T, and Stefano also knew, but he assured Kate that none of them would say anything. Kate wasn't pleased but decided it would be best to just start doing damage control right away, since she couldn't change what had already happened. "Great job today, Chad -- great job. Really on point your first day," Kate sarcastically added before ending the call.
Kate made a phone call to do the damage control she had alluded to earlier, and after she ended the call -- quite irritably -- Clyde rejoined her and wondered if everything was all right. Kate admitted that it was not, and she informed Clyde that she had acquired a new co-CEO, since there was no longer any reason to keep it a secret. "Just when I thought I had broken through the glass ceiling for good," Kate bitterly muttered.
"As you can see, I'm absolutely thrilled with the situation. I'm really wishing the best for Chad as CEO of an international corporation. I just hope it doesn't interfere with going to the prom and finishing college," Kate sarcastically added. Clyde confidently predicted that Kate wouldn't have any trouble with Chad -- and would, in fact, whip the boy into shape in no time at all.
Back at the DiMera mansion, Chad retrieved a file from a desk drawer and handed it to Sonny. "I started working on this the minute I knew the other thing was gonna happen. That's an agreement giving you an even bigger split of the club's profits. You've been doing most of the work singlehandedly with the expansion on the south side. I'm also putting cash into a contingency account, in case you run into any more problems setting it up. [...] Look, I knew I was gonna have to step back even more, but that does not mean that I don't want to be partners anymore," Chad assured a surprised Sonny.
Chad apologized for keeping the news about his new co-CEO position a secret, insisting that he didn't like keeping things from his best friend. Chad extended a hand and wondered if things between him and Sonny were still good. Ignoring the outstretched hand, Sonny instead hugged his business partner and admitted that he was really happy he had been wrong about everything.
Chad understood why Sonny had jumped to the wrong conclusion, but he urged Sonny not to take everything Victor said at face value in the future. Sonny clarified that Victor did know about Chad's new job but had only hinted to Sonny about the news. Confused, Chad wondered who had shared the details with Sonny, and Sonny grinned mischievously as he replied that Chad had. "You are such a Kiriakis. [...] Nicely played," Chad admitted. Sonny left after stating that he sincerely hoped the co-CEO position would work out for Chad.
When Kate spotted Sonny entering Club TBD, she went to talk to him -- ostensibly about Will, who hadn't been returning her calls lately. "Yeah, he's a hard guy to get ahold of these days. [...] My calls seem to be going down the same rabbit hole yours do," Sonny admitted, although he knowingly guessed that Kate had really approached him to give a lecture about the situation with Victor and Chad. Sonny revealed that he had already talked to Chad and that things between them were good. "Because he gave you his word?" Kate skeptically guessed.
Sonny insisted that, while Victor's perspective was that the DiMeras and the Kiriakises were like the Hatfields and the McCoys, things didn't have to continue to be defined like that -- specifically between Sonny and Chad -- in the future. Kate argued that Victor was a smart, wise survivor who deserved credit from Sonny for knowing how things really were. Confused, Sonny wondered why Kate seemed to be warning him about her own partner and co-CEO. "[Chad] is becoming more of a DiMera every. Single. Day," Kate cryptically replied.
In a secluded section of Horton Town Square, Clyde ran into Chad and seized the opportunity to congratulate the new co-CEO of DiMera Enterprises. Clyde suggested that he and Kate could join Chad and Jordan for dinner sometime to celebrate the good news. Chad wanted to know why Clyde had made such a suggestion, so Clyde innocently explained that he was trying to repair his relationship with his stepdaughter. "Look -- I've never heard [Jordan] say a bad word about anyone, but the way she looks at you -- I know she -- well, let's just say she doesn't like you. And you're not gonna use me to change that," Chad informed Clyde before walking away.
Eric was unpacking things in his new apartment when he received a surprise visit from his parents, who presented him with some housewarming gifts. As Marlena looked around the place, admiring Eric's collection of African art, Roman admitted that, while he understood why it had been necessary for Sami and her kids to move to Los Angeles, he was nevertheless extremely happy that Eric's move had been less drastic.
At the Kiriakis mansion, Maggie was thrilled to see Melanie but felt the urge to kill Daniel for keeping his daughter's return to Salem a secret. Melanie clarified that she hadn't told anyone -- including Daniel -- because she had wanted to have fun surprising everyone instead. Melanie was quick to ask if Brady was around, and she looked a bit disappointed when Maggie answered that he wasn't.
Maggie suspiciously guessed that there was more to the story about Melanie's sudden return to Salem. "I could never fool you, could I? I'm moving back to Salem...for good," Melanie admitted, eliciting cheers of elation from her grandmother. Melanie joked that, while it was completely out of character for her to make impulsive decisions, moving back to Salem had been something she'd simply had to do -- and it had seemed like the right time to make the move, since her work visa had been about to expire, and her mother had been about to leave the European Union.
Melanie added that she had missed her family. Although the women had already talked about the matter once before, Melanie reiterated that she was sorry about Nick's death, and Maggie sadly nodded and acknowledged -- without a hint of bitterness -- that his death had probably made it easier for Melanie to return to Salem. Melanie abruptly changed the subject, excitedly revealing that one of her friends was moving to Salem, too.
"Oh, well, now it comes clear. Your 'friend'? Hmm. Hmm-hmm-hmm. What's his name?" Maggie knowingly asked. Melanie laughed and clarified that she had been talking about a female friend she had met in Europe. Melanie added that she hadn't really had any serious relationships with men since leaving Salem two years earlier. Maggie hesitantly revealed that Chad had recently returned to Salem. Melanie dismissively claimed that it didn't matter because Chad no longer meant anything to her, and she abruptly changed the subject, insisting that she didn't want to waste any more time talking about him.
Melanie jumped when she heard a noise, but Maggie assured her that it had probably just been Henderson. After asking about Brady, Melanie nervously wondered if Henderson could have spotted her earlier, prompting Maggie to offer to check with him and let him know to keep Melanie's arrival a secret. Melanie waited until her grandmother was gone before fishing her cell phone out of her purse, avoiding the stacks of cash that were hidden inside. Melanie started to compose a text message to someone, but she quickly tossed her phone back in her purse and zipped it up when she heard Maggie returning with Henderson.
Henderson happily greeted Melanie and assured her that he would keep her secret. After Henderson left, Maggie observed that it had seemed like they had inadvertently caught Melanie doing something she hadn't wanted them to know about. Maggie stressed that Melanie could talk to her about anything. Melanie didn't want Daniel or Brady to find out what she was about to share, so after swearing her grandmother to secrecy, she admitted that, while she had stayed away from Salem for a long time because of the bad memories she had associated with the place, she had eventually realized that she had been letting her past rule her present.
Melanie acknowledged that it had been foolish of her to give up her chance to spend time with her family just because she had encountered some extremely screwed-up people -- such as Vivian, Nick, Gabi, and Chad -- in her past. Maggie observed that Melanie had adopted a very mature attitude about the matter, and Melanie joked that the idea of her being mature was a very novel thought indeed.
Things got a bit awkward after Daniel and Nicole pulled away from each other following their playful, somewhat sexually charged wrestling match in the park. Nicole started to excuse herself, claiming that she had a million things to do, but Daniel stopped her and pointed out that it would probably be best for them to talk about what had just happened. Nicole wanted to do so in a public setting, but Daniel argued that it would be best to discuss the matter privately -- at his place -- so she eventually acquiesced and followed him there.
Daniel offered Nicole a cup of tea before reiterating that he was glad they were friends again. "But it's not that simple. I mean, we can't deny -- I can't deny -- that there is an attraction between us --" Daniel started to add, but Nicole interrupted with a gasp as she spit out a mouthful of tea, complaining that it was unexpectedly hot. Daniel grabbed a towel and a glass of water for Nicole, who assured him that she hadn't burned herself -- she had just embarrassed herself. "I just -- I hate this! I hate this! I -- I think the four worst words in the English language are 'we have to talk,'" Nicole admitted.
Daniel understood but argued that he and Nicole had both learned from experience that it was best to be honest about things. Nicole grudgingly conceded the point and admitted that there was a mutual attraction between her and Daniel, and they agreed that they would never act on it without a lot of serious thought beforehand. Meanwhile, Nicole's cell phone started ringing in her purse, and while she was searching for it, Daniel accidentally knocked over her glass of water, drenching her hair in the process.
Daniel teasingly observed that Nicole looked ridiculous, and he urged her to use his shower and washing machine to get cleaned up, since he had some errands to run, anyway. Daniel went to see Eric's new apartment, and he revealed that he had something to tell Eric -- about Nicole. Meanwhile, back at Daniel's apartment, someone started knocking on the door, and when Nicole rushed out of the bathroom to greet the visitor -- wearing only a towel because she assumed it was just Daniel -- she was surprised to find Melanie standing in the hallway instead.
At the Horton house, J.J. thought about telling Jennifer that he had slept with Eve, but the doorbell rang before he could do so. When J.J. opened the front door, he found Paige standing outside. Jennifer emerged from the living room, greeted Paige, and retreated to the kitchen so the couple could have some privacy.
Paige explained that, while she still planned to give J.J. the space he had asked for, she had been unable to resist tracking him down and reminding him that she loved him. "You love me, too, right?" Paige asked. J.J. evasively replied that it wasn't the best time for such a conversation, so Paige took the hint and left after he promised to call her later. Paige looked hurt and confused as she walked away from the house.
When Jennifer returned to the living room, J.J. was sitting on the couch with his head in his hands, looking extremely conflicted. Jennifer urged J.J. to talk to her, observing that Paige had seemed really upset earlier. "It -- it's just -- Mom, um...I -- I'm so mixed up about Dad...going back to when I found out about it, and now Paige finding out about it -- it screwed everything up, and -- and -- and now it's still not back to where it was. [...] When I -- when I tried to explain to Paige about how I -- I felt about it, I -- I -- I realized I -- I -- I don't know how I feel. But I know that I don't want to ruin things for me and Paige, but sometimes it feels like things are going to be ruined, no matter what," J.J. painfully explained.
Jennifer hugged J.J. and advised him that, while it was inevitable that bad things would sometimes happen in his life, he didn't have to let those things rule his future once they were in the past. Jennifer observed that, while it seemed like J.J. had buried what he had learned about his father in a place where he would never have to deal with it, it also seemed like that strategy was no longer working for him. Jennifer suggested that it would be best for J.J. to go ahead and deal with the matter so it wouldn't keep tearing him up inside.
J.J. conceded that Jennifer was probably right, but when she urged him to let her help, he muttered that he didn't know how she could possibly do that. Jennifer suggested that she could talk to Paige on J.J.'s behalf, but he believed that was something he needed to do himself. Jennifer nodded and promised to support whatever decision J.J. made.
Jennifer stressed that J.J. needed to know that, while she wasn't trying to minimize what his father had done, Jack and Kayla had both eventually been able to move on from it because Jack had owned it and had made amends for it. Jennifer started to say something else, but J.J. interrupted and said it was time for him to stop talking and start thinking. Jennifer took the hint and excused herself so she could run some errands. After leaving the house, Jennifer recorded an urgent voicemail message for Marlena.
After Jennifer left, J.J. stared at a framed photograph of Jack. "He owned what he did. [...] He made amends," J.J. thoughtfully muttered. J.J. contacted Paige and said he was ready to tell her everything, although their respective mothers couldn't know they were going to meet with each other.
Kate walked into Marlena's office at the hospital and demanded, "What the hell is going on with Will?" Kate complained about how Will hadn't returned any of her calls, and Sonny hadn't even heard from him for three days. "What are we going to do about this?" Kate asked. Marlena warned Kate, "Haven't you learned your lesson yet? [...] Sticking our noses into our families' business never goes well."
Marlena admitted that she, too, was concerned, but she suggested that they should give Will a little time to adjust to life in California. "Brilliant advice. Send me a bill," Kate grumbled as she got up and left. Laughing, Marlena remarked to herself, "Good thing I like her."
At the Horton house, Abigail and Jennifer celebrated Abigail's reinstatement to her old job at the hospital. Abigail mentioned Daniel and quickly thought better of it. Jennifer reassured her that it was all right to talk about him, especially since all three of them were going to be working at the hospital again. When Abigail admitted that she didn't understand why Jennifer and Daniel hadn't been able to work things out, Jennifer changed the subject to ask how Abigail had gotten her job back. Abigail explained that Chad had "intervened" after taking over the DiMera seat on the hospital board.
Jennifer remarked that Abigail seemed to be glowing -- and she didn't think it had anything to do with Chad. Abigail admitted that she was in a very good mood because of Ben, who was a very special guy. Jennifer was glad that Abigail was with someone who cared about her, because Abigail deserved to be happy.
At Club TBD, Ben gave Clyde a cup of coffee on the house as a way to start repaying the money Clyde was giving him for school. Clyde revealed that Chad was the new co-CEO at DiMera Enterprises. Ben made disparaging remarks about nepotism and Chad's lack of business experience, and Clyde echoed the sentiment. Father and son admitted that it was weird but nice to agree on something. After thanking Ben for the coffee, Clyde admitted, "Call me a hick, but I still miss Annabelle's chicory."
Chuckling, Ben noted that chicory was a "distinct" taste. Clyde agreed, adding, "You should've seen [Kate's] face after she took the first sip. Man, that was priceless." Clyde admitted that he enjoyed having a casual conversation with Ben, who was pleased that his dad was seeing Dr. Evans for counseling.
In the physical therapy room at the hospital, Jordan was assessing the range of motion in Paul Narita's shoulder. She remarked that before surgery, his shoulder had rivaled that of a man in his seventies. When Paul wouldn't stop flirting with Jordan, she threatened to reassign him to a male physical therapist. Just then, Chad walked in. The two men recognized one another, since each was a celebrity, and both had been profiled in Sonix magazine.
When Paul's blatant flirting with Jordan clearly annoyed Chad, Paul correctly interpreted it as jealousy and apologized. Chad wanted to know why Paul was at University Hospital. Paul said that Jordan could fill Chad in, and Jordan assured Paul that as a board member, Chad wouldn't reveal Paul's presence. As Paul headed back to his room, he expressed sympathy to Chad about E.J.
Once Chad and Jordan were alone, Chad asked if Jordan wanted to celebrate, since his announcement as co-CEO at DiMera Enterprises was official. After a celebratory smooch, Chad tried to find out more about why Paul was in Salem. Jordan wouldn't reveal anything except to caution Chad that no one was allowed even to mention that Paul was there, otherwise it could cost the hospital a big donation. Chad was sympathetic, whatever the reason Narita was there. Jordan expressed surprise.
Ben arrived to see his sister just then. Chad chastised his employee, "Aren't you supposed to be working?" Bristling, Ben clarified that he was there to make a delivery to a new account at the hospital. After commending Ben for doing a good job, Chad headed out to attend to some business. An exasperated Jordan cautioned her brother against blowing up at Chad every time the two men saw each other. Ben assured Jordan that everything would be fine because Chad's promotion would surely keep their encounters to a minimum.
Ben surprised Jordan with a cup of her favorite coffee, to which Jordan admitted she was addicted. Ben joked that Jordan could always add some chicory to help her kick the habit. Jordan made a disgusted noise. "You're not the only one who kind of hated Annabelle's chicory. Clyde told me that Kate really didn't care for it much, either," Ben said. It wasn't until after Ben had gone that his words fully registered with Jordan. "When the hell did Kate have Annabelle's coffee?" Jordan wondered aloud.
Marlena went into Paul's room and found the patient reading the issue of Sonix with Will's cover story about Chad. Marlena noted that Paul had still been experiencing the effects of anesthesia when he'd told her that he had no interest in therapy to discuss the possible outcome of his surgery. Paul asserted that he still had not changed his mind. He concluded with a sentence in Japanese, which obviously puzzled Marlena, but she left without questioning it.
Later, Paul's door swung open quietly. He looked up from his magazine, and with a lascivious grin at whoever had walked in, Paul declared, "Now that is what I call hospitality."
Ben returned to the club and found Abigail waiting for him. Since his shift was over, Ben asked Abigail to accompany him outside. Once they were in front of the club, Abigail said that she and her mom had talked about Ben. "I see a pot roast in your very near future," Abigail playfully advised Ben. They left for Ben's place.
When Clyde ran into Kate in Horton Square, she warned him that she was in a terrible mood. Guessing that it had to do with Chad, Clyde agreeably said that he would just talk to Kate later. Before he left, Clyde stroked Kate's cheek with his thumb while reminding her, "Just remember you're the meanest son of a bitch in the valley." Smiling despite her ill humor, Kate said, "You always know the right thing to say."
Unbeknownst to Kate and Clyde, Jordan witnessed the pair's encounter. As the two went their separate ways, Jordan angrily chased after Kate and caught up with her in the park. "We need to talk -- now," Jordan declared forcefully. Noting that she had just made Jordan's new boyfriend co-CEO of DiMera Enterprises, Kate maintained that Chad was out of Jordan's league. Changing the subject, an incredulously Jordan declared, "I knew that you could stoop low, Kate, but to do this?" Kate asked what sort of paranoid plot Jordan had imagined. "You are responsible for bringing that psychopath to Salem!" Jordan spat.
Clyde went to Marlena's office for his counseling session. As she reviewed her notes, Marlena asked what Clyde had meant when he'd said he hadn't wanted to become the same kind of man his father had been. "I meant that my daddy was a monster," Clyde declared.
At Eric's new apartment, Daniel revealed that he and Nicole were getting past the things she'd done and had become friends again. "Is it friendship, or is it something more?" Eric asked irritably. Although he quickly acknowledged that it was none of his business, Eric admitted that he did want to know if Daniel and Nicole were going to act on their obvious attraction to one another. Daniel admitted that he was attracted to Nicole but insisted that they were just friends -- and besides, their getting together would probably not be a good thing for either of them.
Daniel asked Eric, "Are you sure you guys are over for good? [...] Is there any way you two could work it out? I mean, she would never say this, but she wants you more than anything." He added that he would never want to ruin Eric and Nicole's chances if there was even a small chance they might get back together. Eric maintained that there was no chance he and Nicole would ever reunite, but he appreciated Daniel's honesty.
As the conversation turned back to Eric's new place, Eric found a photo of the hut where he'd lived in Africa and showed it to Daniel. Daniel confessed that seeing Eric's pictures of Africa always made him want to go back there. As Daniel headed out, Eric reassured him, "We're good... And we can count on each other for just about anything -- except talking about Nicole." After Daniel had gone, Eric reflected on his reasons for not forgiving Nicole.
Jennifer arrived a little later with a housewarming gift for Eric, a small succulent garden. She told him that she needed some photos to promote the new pediatrics wing, which would be finished the following day. Acknowledging that he knew Daniel and Jennifer had broken up, Eric said that Daniel had just been there to clear the air about Nicole. Eric explained that Daniel and Nicole were friends again, and Eric thought he should let Jennifer know.
Jennifer said that she also had some other freelance work for Eric. Admiring his photographs of Africa around the apartment, Jennifer asked why Eric never talked about his time there. Eric admitted that he had seen a lot of horrible things while he'd been in Africa -- but those things had helped him find his faith again. He added that he'd also seen a lot of wonderful, exciting things, and he wished he could return to that time in his life.
When a towel-clad Nicole answered the insistent pounding on Daniel's apartment door, she was taken aback to find Melanie in the hallway. Equally startled, Melanie demanded, "What are you doing here?" Melanie charged into the apartment and asked where her dad was -- and why he hadn't told her about him and Nicole. After asserting that she and Daniel were only just friends, Nicole explained that she'd showered there after Daniel had left because she'd spilled tea on herself.
Nicole was curious about Melanie's return, since she hadn't heard about it from Daniel. All Melanie would say was that she'd wanted her arrival to be a surprise. When Nicole returned to the bathroom to get dressed, Melanie nervously opened the apartment door and checked the hallway. She locked the door behind her and inspected the bag full of cash that she'd arrived with.
After getting dressed, Nicole was about to head out, but Melanie stopped her. "Abigail is my best friend, and I love Jennifer, so I don't accept that things between her and my dad are over," Melanie cautioned Nicole. Melanie admitted that finding Nicole there had thrown her, but Nicole pointed out that Melanie was the one who had overreacted. Melanie maintained that she would never actively pursue Nicole's friendship after all the terrible things that Nicole had done. "I don't care. If you've got daddy issues, go take it up with him," Nicole countered calmly.
Nicole pointed out that Daniel would also want to know why Melanie had returned. "Is it so hard to believe that I wanted to see him and my friends and my family?" Melanie asked with a bit of uneasiness. A skeptical Nicole wanted to know why Melanie was really back. Melanie claimed that she'd simply wanted to lift her dad's spirits by surprising him, and she asked Nicole to keep quiet about her return.
Just then, Daniel arrived. Elated to see his daughter, he swept her into a bear hug and enthusiastically welcomed her home. After Nicole left, Daniel asked why Melanie had returned so suddenly and without advance notice. Dodging the question, Melanie gave her dad grief about being friends with Nicole again. Daniel admonished Melanie to treat Nicole nicely because Nicole was a friend. He asked how long Melanie would be staying in Salem. After hurting her dad's feelings a little by admitting that she'd seen Maggie first, Melanie declared that she was back for good.
Daniel pointed out that Melanie hadn't even hinted that she was returning the last time they'd talked a couple of days earlier, so he found her sudden decision to move back a little puzzling. He asked if she were in trouble. Melanie evasively reminded her dad that she had left town because of what had happened with Nick and Gabi, but all the people who felt like home to Melanie, except her mom, was in Salem. Melanie continued that when she'd learned that her friend was moving to Salem and that Gabi was in prison, Melanie had decided to go home.
Melanie asked for Daniel's advice about something. After they talked, he said that it sounded like she had things under control. Daniel assured Melanie that she could stay there until she found her own place. She headed out, promising to return in time for dinner.
A distracted Maggie was exiting the Brady Pub when she ran right into Nicole. Apologizing, Maggie admitted that she'd gotten a surprise earlier. Nicole guessed that Maggie had seen Melanie, and Maggie quickly surmised that Nicole had been at Daniel's. Nicole explained that she and Daniel were friends again. Although Maggie said that she was glad Nicole and Daniel had worked things out, she warned Nicole, "If you hurt him again, it isn't Melanie you have to deal with; it's me." Watching Maggie leave, Nicole muttered, "Wow, that lady's not messing around."
Daniel soon joined Nicole at a table inside the pub and assured her that he had set Melanie straight. Nicole asked, "So is she okay with us, then?" Daniel replied, "Yeah, I think so, but there are some things about being back that are going to be very hard for her to deal with."
On the phone at the DiMera mansion, Chad assured Mr. Shin, "I have a lot of ideas for the company. I can't wait to get started... I intend to make my father very proud -- and live up to the DiMera name." Just as Chad hung up, Melanie walked in. "It's good to see you're finally admitting the man you really are," Melanie said.
In the DiMera library, Chad talked to a board member on the phone. Melanie entered the room and overheard the tail end of the conversation when Chad said that he hoped to live up to the DiMera name. Melanie joked that it was refreshing to hear Chad admit that he was a DiMera. Smiling, Chad told Melanie that she looked amazing, and he welcomed her home. Chad attempted small talk, but Melanie shut him down.
Melanie explained that she'd known that she would run into Chad and that she had not wanted their meeting to be in public. Chad nodded. When Melanie told Chad that she had been sorry to hear about E.J., Chad said he did not believe that Melanie was there to talk about his brother. Melanie told Chad that she was moving back to Salem permanently and that she wanted to clear the air with Chad. Melanie stressed that her return to Salem was not because of Chad's return.
"My feelings haven't changed. Actually, to be fair, they did change a little bit when I talked to Abigail last winter. You faked a brain tumor?" Melanie said. Chad said that he had lied but that the issue had evolved out of a misunderstanding. When Melanie commented that Abigail had not deserved to be treated badly, Chad countered that Abigail had her fair share of moments she was not proud of. Chad reminded Melanie that Abigail had slept with E.J. Melanie admitted that she should not have talked about Abigail.
"So we are both back in Salem, new start, new adventures. I just became co-CEO of DiMera Enterprises. What's up with you?" Chad asked. Melanie joked about running for mayor, and Chad smiled. With a sigh, Melanie commented that she would be lucky to secure her old job at Salem University Hospital. When Chad asked Melanie why she had been afraid to see him, Melanie said she had worried that she would see a glimmer of the man she had loved.
"The guy that got burned no matter what he did or how he tried to protect you?" Chad asked. "You're a real DiMera," Melanie whispered. "I was always a DiMera. Isn't that what attracted you in the first place?" Chad asked. Before Melanie could comment, Chad's phone rang. While Chad took the call, Melanie slipped out of the house.
At Ben's apartment, Abigail and Ben made love. After, Ben told Abigail how pleased he was that she had told Jennifer about him. Ben said it meant a lot to him that Abigail wanted to get serious with their relationship. While Ben showered, Abigail checked her voicemail.
Theresa visited Paul in his hospital room with a gift basket she had purchased. Smiling, Theresa informed Paul that the nurse would not check on him for another hour. Paul beamed. When Theresa's phone beeped, Paul joked that the text message must be from Theresa's boyfriend because she was too much of a catch to be single. Theresa stressed that she was single. When Theresa made an awkward comment about baseball, Paul assured Theresa that they did not need to talk about baseball. Theresa smiled and exclaimed that she knew more about "other recreational sports."
"You must be quite an athlete," Paul countered. Theresa turned her attention to the gift basket, and they reviewed the contents. All the items were a mix of Asian items, and Paul chuckled about the various cultures in the basket. Theresa explained that the store did not have a lot to choose from. Paul invited Theresa to help him eat the sushi she had placed in the basket.
Over tuna rolls, Theresa asked Paul if he had a special lady in his life. With a grin, Paul responded, "I think I'm looking at her." Theresa was taken aback and noted that she was surprised that Paul was interested in her. With a smirk, Paul said that they had a connection. Theresa suggested that they get to know one another. Paul and Theresa kissed.
In Club TBD, Rafe thanked T for visiting Gabi in prison. T told Rafe that Gabi was not doing well. As T returned to work, Rafe called out to Sonny. When Rafe asked Sonny about Will, Sonny lost his temper. Rate calmly explained that Will had not contacted Gabi since he'd moved to Los Angeles and that Gabi was anxious to hear about her daughter. Rate urged Sonny to curb his attitude. Sonny apologized.
Sonny told Rafe that he had not heard much from Will. Rate asked Sonny to remind Will to call Gabi the next time they talked. With a nod, Sonny said he would do his best to talk to Will. After Rafe left, Sonny called Will and left a voicemail. Frustrated, Sonny texted Will and told him to call immediately.
Marlena conducted a therapy session with Clyde in her office. Clyde talked about his father. When Marlena asked Clyde why he was concerned that he would turn into his father, Clyde scowled. Clyde said that he was worse than his father. When Marlena asked for details, Clyde said he preferred to talk about himself. Marlena urged Clyde to trust her. Clyde admitted that he had a bad temper and that he sometimes lost control. Clyde asked for advice.
Marlena offered to help Clyde find his triggers and how to deal with them. Clyde nodded. When Marlena asked about Clyde's father again, he grudgingly agreed to talk about whatever Marlena wanted to discuss. Clyde told Marlena a memory about his father when they had played with a balloon when Clyde was five. Clyde said his father had flown into a rage when Clyde had accidentally popped the balloon and cried. Clyde admitted that he had never cried in front of anyone since that moment. Marlena asked Clyde to close his eyes.
While Clyde's eyes were closed, Marlena urged Clyde to think about the memory again and tell her what Clyde saw. Clyde admitted that the ballon had been the last time he had seen his father happy. "Kids ruin everything," Clyde muttered. Marlena asked Clyde if he understood that he had nothing to do with his father's anger. When Marlena told Clyde to open his eyes, he was surprised that the session was over. Marlena reminded Clyde that therapy was a long process.
In the park, Jordan accused Kate of coordinating Clyde's move to Salem. Kate asked for specifics. When Jordan said that Kate had visited Poplar Bluff and informed Clyde that Jordan lived in Salem, Kate nodded and admitted she had told Clyde. Stunned, Jordan shook her head. Jordan argued that Kate was proud of what she had done, even though Clyde's presence placed Jordan in danger.
Kate explained that she had been responsible for hiring Jordan at the hospital. As Jordan's mouth gaped open, Kate added that when it had been clear that Jordan's interest in Rafe had been more than professional, Kate had taken steps to protect Rafe. When Jordan asked why Kate had been suspicious of her motivations, Kate argued that Jordan had been using a fake name.
Jordan argued that Kate had dug her claws into Rafe, and Kate laughed. Kate reminded Jordan that Rafe had turned to her only because he had not felt he could confide in Jordan. Upset, Jordan argued that Kate had encouraged Clyde to visit Salem in order to break Jordan and Rafe apart. When Jordan said that Kate had used Clyde to win back Rafe, Kate countered that Clyde was not a bad person. Kate argued that Clyde had made mistakes and was making an effort to make up with his children.
When Kate commented that Jordan refused to relinquish her anger because she blamed Clyde for her mother's death, Jordan exploded. Jordan warned Kate not to mention her mother. Kate turned to leave, and Jordan told Kate to watch out for Clyde. With a shrug, Kate said that she could take care of herself.
A flustered Jordan marched to the DiMera mansion, and she warned Chad not to trust Kate. Chad laughed. Chad said that he had never trusted Kate. When Chad asked what Kate had done, Jordan explained that Kate was the reason that Clyde had found Jordan in Salem. Jordan explained that Kate had investigated her and reached out to Clyde, even though Jordan had gone to great lengths to remain hidden from Clyde.
Chad urged Jordan not to let Clyde ruin her life. When Jordan worried aloud what Kate would do to Chad, Chad shook his head. Chad said that he owed Kate because she was the one that had hired Jordan at the hospital. When Jordan mentioned that Kate had slept with Rafe, Chad asked Jordan if she still had feelings for Rafe.
A furious Kate stormed into Clyde's hotel room and yelled at him for blindsiding her. Kate said that their relationship was over. Clyde grinned and asked if they had a relationship. With a frustrated sigh, Kate reminded Clyde that they had agreed not to tell Jordan that Kate had tipped off Clyde about where to find Jordan. Clyde swore he had kept his promise. Kate accused Clyde of lying. Clyde shook his head.
When Kate said that her private investigator would not have slipped up, Clyde cursed. Clyde wondered if he had been to blame after all. Clyde said it was Kate's fault. Clyde explained that he had told Ben that Kate had hated chicory coffee and that Jordan had to have figured out that Kate had been to Poplar Bluff and had sampled the chicory coffee there. With a sigh, Clyde apologized. Clyde told Kate she'd looked sexy that day in the diner.
When Kate wondered aloud if Rafe would find out that she had been responsible for telling Clyde about Jordan, Clyde asked Kate if she was worried about Rafe. Kate stared silently at Clyde. Clyde wrapped his hands around Kate's waist and told her that she had been even sexier when she had stormed through his hotel room door. Clyde grabbed Kate and kissed her.
At the hospital, Rafe stopped by to talk to Marlena. Maxine told Rafe to say hi to Gabi for her. Smiling, Rafe thanked Maxine. As Rafe walked over to Marlena's office, he passed Clyde as he left his session with Marlena. Shaking his head, Rafe walked into Marlena's office. Rafe asked Marlena for help with Gabi. Marlena offered to visit Gabi. When Marlena asked Rafe what was the issue, Rafe admitted that Will was the problem. Marlena promised to talk to both Gabi and Will. Rafe nodded. As Rafe rose to leave, he started to ask about Clyde but then stopped himself.
At Club TBD, Melanie gleefully hugged T, and they chatted. Melanie asked T to keep her return a surprise until she could talk to Sonny. When T mentioned Chad, Melanie admitted that she had already talked to Chad. Melanie asked about Abigail, and T said he knew where to find her. Melanie was reluctant to interrupt Abigail while she was spending time with her new boyfriend, but T explained that Ben had left his phone at the club, and someone needed to return it to him.
T called Abigail and told her that he had Ben's phone. T offered to send someone over with the phone, and Abigail happily gave her blessing. T wrote down the address for Melanie. At Ben's apartment, Abigail walked down the hallway to take out the trash and left the front door to Ben's apartment open. When Ben exited the shower in his towel, he walked into the bedroom as Melanie threw open the door and yelled surprise. Ben dropped his towel. Melanie blushed and awkwardly looked away as she held out Ben's phone.
At the nurses' station, Maxine grabbed Paul's chart and headed for his room. Anne distracted Maxine with a story about one of the nurses. Impatient, Maxine jumped when the bell for Paul's room rang. As Maxine headed toward Paul's room, another nurse asked Maxine about a patient. While Maxine was engaged, Anne ran into Paul's room.
Anne warned Theresa and Paul that Maxine was on her way. Theresa and Paul ended their kiss, but Theresa was still sitting on Paul's bed when Maxine entered the room. Suspicious, Maxine asked what was going on. Paul joked that it was exactly what it looked like. Maxine handed Paul a tissue to wipe the lipstick off his face. As Paul grinned, Maxine ordered Anne and Theresa to leave so that she could take Paul's vitals.
After examining Paul, Maxine agreed to let him walk around the hospital. Paul wandered out to the nurses' station. While Paul was staring at the magazines in the waiting area, he saw Sonny exit the elevator with a box of coffee supplies. Sonny walked down the hallway, and Paul smiled in recognition as he saw Sonny walking away.
In the hallway, Anne asked Theresa how she had managed to get Paul to kiss her. Theresa shrugged and said she had not done anything. When Theresa wondered why Maxine had arrived early, Anne explained that Paul had pushed his call button. Theresa chuckled and noted that they had to have accidentally pushed the button while they were kissing. Anne grumbled. When Theresa asked Anne if she was jealous, Anne shrugged in defeat. With a grin, Anne asked Theresa for details.
When Theresa returned to Paul's room, he was gone. With a triumphant smile, Theresa wondered aloud if Paul was looking for her. Down the hallway, Paul followed Sonny into a lounge and locked the door. Sonny was stunned when he turned around and saw Paul. Paul grabbed Sonny and kissed him.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Days of our Lives did not air on Thursday, November 27. The pre-emption was planned for, and there were no "lost" episodes as a result of the scheduling change.
Regular programming resumed on Monday, December 1.
Due to the extended Thanksgiving holiday, Days of our Lives did not air on Friday, November 28. The pre-emption was planned for, and there were no "lost" episodes as a result of the scheduling change.
Regular programming resumed on Monday, December 1.
