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The Newsbrief Archives

by Phyllis Brooks

For week of July 3, 2006

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Due to illness, Amanda S. filled in this week for Phyllis.

#8423  July 3, 2006

Michael Kelly subs today for Phyllis.

MOTIONLESS MOBY VIC: Victor finds Nikki playing a melancholy tune on the piano. She points out her tune will change once he gets the additional tests the neurologist recommended. They go back and forth on the subject of his health. Vic says he'll get the tests only if any symptoms present themselves.

A little later, Victoria shows up at the Ponderosa with Noah and Abby, who blabs about the break-in at Casa Carlton. Once the kiddies are safely out of sight to play with Zapato, the adults discuss the situation. Victor invites the Carltons to stay with him and Nikki but Vicki declines.

Papa Newman earns the title of "Man of Action" from his daughter when he ambles to the phone and orders one of his storm troopers to check out the Carlton abode. Nikki then informs Vicki of her father's collapse the previous evening and Victor predictably shrugs off both women's concern.

Before too long, the two brats are back and a blanket is spread out in the living room for a picnic. While Vic and the kids are noshing on watermelon, the dotty industrialist teaches Noah and Abby how to spit the seeds into a cup [I'm not making this crap up, guys] as an incredulous Nikki and Vicki discuss his second childhood.

Vic then regales the kids with a "whopper" of a fishing story as Nikki looks right through her hubby and remembers (flashbacks include Victor removing his kids as co-CEO's of NE and threatening to withdraw his financial backing of NVP unless Nikki fires Phyllis) how ruthless he used to be.

Once Vicki and the kids are gone, Nikki and Victor discuss his health yet again (she doesn't want to lose him) before they begin to dance. All of a sudden, Victor collapses and a frantic Nikki yells for help and taps the old goat's face.

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND: Sharon visits Faux Brad at home and he tells her about the break-in. He then asks how she's dealing with Nick and Phyllis' trip and Sharon replies that she's trying to trust her husband. Nick had sent her flowers and Mrs. Newman's aware of the storm that prolonged his trip.

It doesn't take long for whiny Sharon long to compare the pain of Nick's affair with Cassie's death. Before you can say slut, she's smothering Brad with warm fuzzies about what a great friend he is and that she'll always be there for him. The skank even joked that she'd stand outside Brad the recent burglary victim's home with a baseball bat to protect him, which made this reporter gag. Things really got sickening when Sharon claimed that seeing him with Victoria made her feel closer to Nick.

Vic's storm trooper arrived and checked the place out while Sharon was still there and Brad told Vicki by phone that he doesn't appreciate his father-in-law's interference. He-man Carlton with the fragile ego is quite capable of keeping his own clan safe from harm.

DADDY OF CHOICE: Aboard the Newman jet, Phyllis confides to Nick that a weight has been lifted off her now that he knows about her pregnancy. Nick jokes, "and that weight has landed right on me."

She dreads Daniel learning the truth and wonders how Sharon will handle it. Nick replies there's no use in speculating until they learn who the daddy is. Nick is curious how Jack will deal with this but Phyllis is more concerned about her child being taken away if Jack is the father.

Nick presses Phyllis to tell him who she'd prefer the bio-Pop to be, but she diplomatically claims she wins either way because Nick and Jack are both "amazing men." What worries her is the thought that regardless of the man's identity, her baby will have a "part-time father" who "writes a check every month."

Newman knows a DNA test can determine paternity before the child's born and he wants one performed as soon as possible.

Once the couple is back in GC, Nick asks if Phyllis is hungry as they roam the halls of NE. Once they're in his office, Phyllis tells Nick to stop treating her as if she's "fragile." Before you know it, Sharon clip-clops in, kisses Nick and asks about the trip.

Nick lets Wifey Dearest know the meetings went well and the stormy plane ride is discussed. Phyllis makes a point of informing Sharon the redhead's hotel room and Nick's were on opposite corners. Sharon nonchalantly claimed it's "not necessary" information.

Phyllis quickly excuses herself but from the corridor overhears the Newmans discuss their "special dinner" to celebrate the anniversary of Nick popping the question. The conversation is warm and intimate enough to visibly upset Phyllis, who can't reach the elevator fast enough.

PARMA PAST IMPERFECT: Suspenseful music is heard as a pensive Brad is mesmerized by a newspaper story he found online featuring the headline "Family Slaughtered in Parma." He quickly abandons his laptop when Victoria comes home. When the little woman inquires what he was up to when she came in, the slick sleaze hands her a line of bull about checking the police blotter to see if any other robberies were perpetrated in their area.

#8424  07.04.06

Sharon and Nick are at NE. Sharon has arranged a special dinner to celebrate the day Nick proposed to her. Nick has flashbacks of Phyllis and the possibility of him being the father of her child.

Phyllis and Jack are talking about business and Phyllis is still having a hard time believing Jack is over his hatred for Victor, considering the fact that their marriage ended because of her loyalty to Victor and the company. She tells Jack she doesn't trust him. Jack assures Phyllis he is faithful to the company and she wishes him a Happy Belated Birthday. Phyllis learns that Sharon is the new spokesperson for NVP and believes Jack did this to spite her.

Jack and Phyllis are at the Athletic Club having dinner and Phyllis is still ticked off at him. Jack apologizes for the way he treated her and that they are both to blame, but it was mostly his fault. Phyllis is touched and shocked. She's worried too about Jack's kindness, but tells him she likes the new Jack. He tells her he's been thinking a lot about his life and what has happened and wants to be friends again.

Nikki and Victor arrive and Jack asks them to join him and Phyllis. Jack questions Victor about his health as he was in the hospital. Victor says they took nothing but tests. Phyllis says it's surreal, all of them together, getting along. Jack says he's grateful to Victor for bringing out a change in him. Victor and Nikki leave, as Nikki wants to pick up Victor's medication. Phyllis wonders what is wrong with Victor.

Sharon and Nick arrive at the coffeehouse and talk about how long it's been since they've been together. They look at old photos of when they were really young and looked adorable together. Nick can't believe how young they were and how much they've grown up. They remember how Victor was so against them buying the coffeehouse and what a success it became. Nick says life was so much simpler when they were younger. They dance, Nick has a guilty look on his face and all he can think about is what Phyllis told him about her pregnancy, while Sharon has tears in her eyes. She talks about having another baby, leaving Nick shocked.

Nikki is trying to wake Victor up. He finally comes to and begs Nikki not to call 911. She wants to call the doctor, but he grabs the phone from her and hangs it up, leaving Nikki shocked. Victor keeps repeating that nothing is wrong with him, but Nikki isn't buying it and calls the doctor. The doctor arrives and gives Victor a checkup. The doctor gives Victor medication but tells him this is only part of the process and it doesn't eliminate Victor's problem completely. While Victor leaves to take a shower, the doctor tells Nikki the symptoms Victor may experience. Victor comes downstairs and offers to take Nikki out. Nikki says she'll drive but Victor snaps and tells her no one drives for him, and she should never say that again, as he storms off leaving Nikki shocked.

Neil invites Carmen to have dinner with him and Devon. She's hesitant but finally agrees. They arrive at Neil's place and Carmen offers to help prepare dinner. Devon arrives and notices how well Neil and Carmen are getting along. They sit down for dinner when Dru calls to talk to Neil but he cuts her off and lets her talk to Devon. Neil fills Carmen in about Devon and the fact that he is their foster son. Neil says he can't imagine life without Devon. Carmen leaves, Devon tries to talk about Dru, but Neil keeps changing the subject. Devon asks about Carmen and tells Neil she looks interested in him, but Neil denies it. Carmen comes back, she forgot her cellphone, apologizes and leaves again. Neil seems interested in her too.

#8425  07.05.06

Sharon and Nick are at NE, she shows him pictures of their dinner last night. They talk about having another child. He wants to make sure that it is something they both want and the timing is right. Sharon agrees.

Kevin, Gloria, Jack and Ashley are eating breakfast. It is Kevin's first day on the job and Gloria is bragging about it. Ashley is irritated, but Jack advises her not to let them get to her. Michael stops by to wish Kevin good luck on his first day.

Phyllis arrives at work, and doesn't look well, she sits down on the bench. Jack arrives at the office and startles Phyllis. He's happy with the work she did on the ad budget. She thanks him, and he leaves. Nick and Sharon walk by and Sharon notices that Phyllis looks sick and asks if she's alright. Phyllis says she has an upset stomach, Sharon says she has a couple bottles of ginger ale, and offers Phyllis some. Phyllis agrees, and they leave.

Phyllis is in her office, Nick walks in. Phyllis admits it's morning sickness and it was worse than usual but says she'll be fine. Nick tells Phyllis he's got some more ginger ale for her in case she needs it. He says he wants to make sure she takes care of herself. Phyllis wants to talk about the DNA test, but Nick doesn't want to discuss it here. They go in the elevator and are about to talk about it when Brad comes in the elevator too.

Ashley and Jill meet at the coffeehouse. Ashley is unhappy with the way Kevin was hired. Jill defends her decision, but Ashley says his experience is based on owning a coffeehouse and some experience with website layouts. Jill says Kevin is a bright young man, and leaves. Ashley is frustrated.

Jill and Kevin arrive at Jabot, she shows Kevin his new office. She gives him an assignment and tells him she wants it by noon. Kevin says that's no problem, and Jill tells him if he has any questions he knows where to find her. After Jill leaves, Kevin looks around his office, he's happy. Michael calls to check in, Kevin says everything is great. Kevin attempts to login to the Jabot database but is denied access, he wonders why. He calls for help, but doesn't get any. He sees Ashley, and asks for her help but Ashley makes up excuses about how she is very busy. Gloria comes by to check up on Kevin, she learns about Kevin having trouble logging into Jabot and leaves pissed.

Neil and Carmen meet at the Athletic Club to discuss business, Neil's mind is somewhere else. Carmen asks him if he is okay, he says he used to be so excited about work, now he isn't. Carmen tells him things will get better, Neil hopes so. They arrive at NE. Devon sees them coming in and walks by to listen in on their conversation. He interrupts, and Neil asks how his favorite intern in doing. Devon says fine and asks if Neil would like to have lunch with him. Neil agrees.

Jill and Ashley are in the lab, Jill wants Ashley to give Kevin a chance. Ashley says she will always do what is best for Jabot. Gloria storms in and says she needs to speak with Jill. She tells Jill about Kevin not being able to login to Jabot and how he has to fill out forms. Gloria wants to know if Jill can do anything to help. Jill says they'll talk later, Gloria is hesitant but leaves. Jill asks Ashley if it is true what Gloria said. Ashley acts like she doesn't know anything. Jill tells her she doesn't want Ashley's personal feelings towards Kevin to affect their business and leaves. Ashley makes a call, she wants someone to do something else about Kevin.

Phyllis meets Michael at the coffeehouse and Michael can see Phyllis is not well. He offers to get her something to drink, but she says she's fine. They talk, she tells Michael she told Nick about her pregnancy and the possibility of him being the father. He wonders what this means for Nick and Sharon's marriage. Phyllis says they haven't thought that far ahead. Michael asks Phyllis if she told Jack. She says no and that she's getting a DNA test, but she needs to talk to Nick. She wants to use Michael's apartment as she needs privacy and that is the only place she knows they can be safe. Michael says sure.

Jack and Sharon are discussing NVP. He wants Phyllis and Sharon to go on a tour together as Phyllis knows more about the project. Sharon is surprised Jack would suggest her and Phyllis going on a tour together but is willing to go along with it.

A lady arrives to help Kevin out. She asks for his authorization card but he doesn't have one so she can't do anything. Jill walks in. Kevin thinks Jill is there for the site model, but Jill wants to know about his troubles logging in. He says the IT department is giving him problems. Jill tells him she's sure he can find a way out as he's a computer whiz. He assures Jill he can handle the situation as she leaves. Gloria walks in and tells Kevin to come to her office and work, but he says no. He calls Michael and says he'd like to take Michael's offer. Kevin tells Michael what has been going on and Michael gives him some advice.

Kevin arrives in the lab and gives Jill his assignment completed. Jill is impressed, Ashley has a sour look on her face. Jill thanks Kevin and leaves. He meets Michael who asks him how it went. Kevin says Jill loved it and thanks Michael for his help. Michael says it was nothing as he told Phyllis and she fixed it. Kevin is grateful and Michael is proud of him. Phyllis calls Nick and tells him she needs to see him again and he agrees to meet her.

#8426  07.06.06

Lauren is unhappy that Michael is allowing Phyllis to meet Nick at their apartment. She says she understands that Phyllis is in a difficult situation, but Lauren doesn't want to be in the middle of Phyllis' dilemma. Nick arrives, and Lauren leaves. Nick realizes that Lauren and Michael had a disagreement over Nick and Phyllis meeting there, and apologizes. Michael says it's alright, Nick thanks Michael for being such a good friend to Phyllis. Phyllis arrives and Nick says it would be best for everyone if the child turned out to be Jack's. Phyllis apologizes for everything. Nick comforts her with a hug. Nick tells Phyllis he will make an appointment to take a paternity test, he also informs her that Sharon wants another baby but he says both he and Sharon agree, it is not a way to save their marriage. Phyllis seems a bit relieved and leaves. Nick is left sitting on the sofa looking torn.

Michael goes to see Gloria and wants to know about his birth father. Gloria wants to know why he's bringing his father up now. He says he wants his child to know about his grandfather and he wants to know more about his father too. Gloria talks about how when Michael was younger, he used to write letters to his father and he thought Gloria sent them. He remembers finding out Gloria never sent them and she says she still has the letters in a box filled with Kevin and Michael's things. She finds a picture of when Michael was younger. He looked like a nerd. Then she takes out his letters to his father. Gloria apologizes, but says at the time it seemed the right thing to do. Michael reads the letters and gets pissed at his mom for keeping his father out of his life and marrying Tom Fisher. Gloria feels it is a good thing. She talks about Kevin and the pain he went through. A tearful Gloria begs Michael to let it go. She wants him to forget that his father ever existed.

Victor snaps at Nikki again because she questioned his health. He tells her he's going to charge her a quarter for each time she gets on his case. She pays him and makes him take his medication. He's really grumpy. The door bell rings. Katherine arrives and Victor goes off to the garden to check on the vegetables he planted with Noah. Nikki fills Katherine in on Victor's change. She's afraid something is seriously wrong. Katherine learns too that Jack and Victor have become friends, which surprises her, but she thinks it is good that Victor has changed.

Later, Nikki is playing the piano as Victor stares at her. He looks and there's a light around her like she's an angel.

Sharon wants to see Nick but learns he's in a meeting so she goes to the boutique and meets Lauren. They talk about Lauren's baby, if it has a name and Lauren says no. Sharon remembers how Noah was when he was born. How small he was and how it is a miracle he survived. Sharon sees a shirt and immediately thinks it would look great on Nick as it brings out his eyes. Lauren looks at Sharon, with a sense of guilt. Sharon sees baby clothes and goes crazy over them. She tells Lauren she wants to buy some too and that she'd like to have another child leaving Lauren shocked. Lauren says she didn't expect to hear this., Sharon thinks it is because of the affair. Lauren is uneasy and changes the subject as she shows Sharon shirts for Noah. Sharon returns to NE looking for Nick who is still not back from his "meeting".

Nick returns to work and Sharon meets up with him. She shows him the shirt he bought, he loves it, and thanks Sharon for always thinking of him. She asks how his meeting went and they start to make out as Phyllis looks on.

Lauren and Michael are back home where Lauren says how guiltily she feels as Sharon has finally forgiven Nick and is not aware of Phyllis' pregnancy. As Michael comforts her she notices the letters and Michael explains what they are and that he doesn't want to make the same mistakes his father made. He's also angry at Gloria because he doesn't know anything about his father, his medical history, nothing. Lauren guesses its about genetics. Michael says something along those lines and he's going to find out everything he can about Mr. Lowell Baldwin.

#8427  07.07.06

Nick tells Phyllis he is going to get his DNA test done today and he's nervous. Sharon walks in and asks Nick if he's ready to go as she's anxious to get home. Nick says she'll have to go ahead without him as he has to do something before he leaves. Sharon says it's alright,  she'll wait. Nick says that is not a good idea as he may be awhile so Sharon asks why he can't work from home. He says he has to finish the annual report for the board. Sharon says she'll wait anyway. Nick asks if Noah won't need her at home. Sharon says no as Noah is spending the night at his friend's. Nick tried to make another excuse but can't. Sharon is starting to suspect Nick is hiding something from her. Phyllis tries to create a distraction by saying something is wrong with the refrigerator, Nick takes a look at the fridge and "attempts" to fix the problem. Sharon leaves, and Nick tells Phyllis he has to cancel as Sharon is becoming suspicious. Phyllis begs him not to and says she has a plan to keep Sharon busy.

Phyllis meets Sharon and tells her that the lady who was supposed to make the latex mask for Sharon is going out of town tomorrow and they will have to make the mask tonight. Sharon says it's kind of short notice but Phyllis says that if they don't do it now it won't be done for weeks. Sharon reluctantly agrees.

Nick is on the phone with the lab, but Sharon walks in and he immediately cuts his conversation short. Sharon informs him she has to go with Phyllis to get her latex mask done. At first he doesn't know what she's talking about, but then she says Jack wants a display model of Sharon at all the NVP locations. Nick says that is another way to spread her beauty around, and Sharon is so flattered she goes off.

Nick meets with Phyllis and thanks her for being able to distract Sharon so he can do the test. Phyllis says it was no problem. She looks sad. When Nick asks what's wrong she says she's remembering the old times they spent together.

Brad is at NE having flashbacks of someone breaking into his computer and ransacking his house. He asks his secretary to have a phone line installed in his office, ASAP. Neil walks in and wants to talk to Brad about the project. Brad wants to know if Neil has completed the marketing part. Neil says maybe by tomorrow. Brad wants it tonight. Neil says no, he needs to go home and cook dinner for his son. He tells Brad that if he wanted the report tonight he should've said so earlier. Brad wants to know what is going on with Neil, why is he acting this way? Neil says nothing is wrong and after Neil leaves Brad takes out all his credit cards and makes a phone call to cancel them all.

Brad is walking around NE looking lost in thoughts. Sharon notices he is in a trance and snaps him out of it. She asks if the cops ever found out who broke into his home. He says no and she says she has to do something for NVP. Phyllis arrives and asks Sharon if she is ready to go. Brad is shocked that Sharon and Phyllis are actually going out together, both say it is work related. Nick arrives and tells Sharon he will wait for her, she says alright, kisses him goodbye and she leaves with Phyllis. Nick asks Brad if he's done for tonight, Brad says he will be around for a while, so Nick pretends to go in his office but as soon as Brad leaves, he leaves looking very nervous.

Brad has given Carmen work to do for NE and Neil isn't happy about it. He wants to give Brad a piece of his mind as Carmen is a consultant not an employee of NE. Carmen says it's okay, she doesn't mind. She asks to use Neil's computer to research the company Brad wants her to work on and Neil offers to help. He also invites her to come to his house for dinner again. She says they can work after they finish eating. They arrive home and Carmen offers to help Neil cook. Neil apologizes to Carmen about her getting stuck with all this work, considering the fact that it was his responsibility.

Victor is building cabinets and asking Nikki for help. When she leaves to get some lemonade, Victor sees the light again. He shuts his eyes. He opens them and the light gets brighter and bigger. Nikki returns to ask what's wrong. He says everything looks fuzzy. She calls the doctor. The doctor arrives, and Victor describes his symptoms. The doctor asks him if he had any other symptoms like hallucinations, amnesia, etc. Victor admits he saw bright lights, a figure. Nikki seems concerned. The doctor says he is going to change Victor's medication as that may be the cause and leaves. Victor is worried that the medication will have the same effect. Nikki tries to reassure him. Nick walks in and tells Nikki that Sharon and Phyllis are doing a last minute errand for NVP. Nikki doesn't think that's a good idea. Nick says Sharon and Phyllis are getting along much better now.

Nick helps Victor build cabinets and they talk about when he was younger what they used to do. Nick notices his father acting strange and tells his mom that they will finish up and she should go to bed. Nikki goes to bed, and Victor confides in Nick. He is afraid. He doesn't know what is happening to him and he has tears in his eyes. Nick looks concerned and scared.

Sharon and Phyllis are in the car, Sharon is driving. Both seem uneasy, Phyllis attempts to make conversation but Sharon isn't interested, Phyllis attempts again to make conversation but Sharon shuts her off completely. She turns on the radio and continues driving. Phyllis is chewing gum and blows bubbles with it, which Sharon finds annoying. Sharon wants to change the station but Phyllis tells her to leave it. Sharon says the station has a lot of commercials. Phyllis asks her how she would know. Sharon says that driving Noah around all the time she knows. Phyllis talks about how she misses being there for Daniel when he was younger. They talk about their kids and Sharon talks about Michael and Lauren's kid and wonders how he/she will be. Phyllis wonders why Sharon would bring them up. Sharon says she saw Lauren earlier at the boutique and notices how happy she was. Phyllis says Michael is going to be a great dad, Sharon is sure of that and she's happy that Lauren won't be going through this pregnancy alone like she had to last time. Phyllis continues to say Michael is going to be a great father. Sharon feels that a kid shouldn't expect rewards all the time, Phyllis disagrees and says rewards are the best. Sharon asks Phyllis if she is sure she got the right address. Phyllis says it's the one written down. Sharon has Phyllis to call the lady and ask for the address again. Phyllis does and learns they were going to wrong way. They blame each other. Phyllis blames Sharon's GPS system. Sharon says she can't see the street signs. Phyllis takes out a map and says the place is a couple miles up the road. Sharon asks to see the map, but Phyllis pulls it away. As they argue over a stupid map, Sharon loses control of the vehicle and they crash!

Brad is checking his credit cards accounts online and looks at a website called Midwest. He makes a phone call and wants the number for the corporation, but there is no listing. Brad gets suspicious about the corporation as they are looking into his credit. Brad is looking into corporation's website and looks at the contact number for the chief operator. He calls the number and has a shocked look on his face, he hangs up his phone and says you son of a bitch!