Previously…
– Trevor opened up to Objection’s new receptionist, Finn, about feeling conflicted over putting his late parents’ home on the market.
– With covert help from Diane, Jaq was able to accompany Samantha on her mission to Sun Valley — thereby preventing Samantha and Tempest from reconnecting.
– After learning that Molly and Brent’s baby had died, Caleb – feeling guilty over sending his mother into early labor — left the hospital to smoke weed with Jasmine.
– Jason was left reeling after he discovered that Sabrina had aided Helen in obtaining the DNA samples to prove that Spencer, not Jason, was Peter’s father.

The elevator rises through Winston Tower, stopping at various floors along its journey. On the sixteenth floor, a woman in a conservative navy skirt suit steps off, leaving Trevor Brooks as the sole remaining passenger. The doors close, and he quickly checks his reflection in the mirrored panel on the elevator’s back wall; he moves a stubborn stray hair back into place — at least for the time being — and straightens his houndstooth blazer. 

When the elevator stops again and its doors open, he exits onto the eighteenth floor and moves into the glass-framed lobby of Objection Designs. Finn Campbell stands behind the oversized reception desk, adding paper to a printer’s tray.

“Nice jacket,” Finn comments as Trevor enters. 

“Thanks. It’s actually a miracle that it made it to the office today.”

“Why’s that?”

“Let’s just say it had a close call with my son’s chocolate milk this morning,” Trevor says.

Finn laughs as he closes the printer tray. “You’ll have to teach that kid how to be respectful of good clothing.”

“We’ll get to that in a few years. Right now, his idea of good clothing is anything with Paw Patrol characters all over it.” 

“Maybe that’ll be the next big thing,” Finn offers.

Trevor chuckles. “I don’t know about that.”

“You know, I was hoping I’d see you today,” Finn says as he leans on the reception desk. “I was thinking about you earlier.”

“Oh yeah?”

Finn nods. “Yeah. And that problem you were telling me about the other day — I think I might have the perfect solution. Something that’ll benefit both of us.”

—–

As Samantha Fisher throws back her head in rapture, her eyes roll so far upward that they nearly disappear. 

“Mmmm,” she says. “That is incredible.”

Jaq Pearson wipes their mouth and grins. “I told you.”

The couple sits at a table inside a small but stylish break room toward the back of the Objection Designs offices, sharing a lunch that Jaq brought to surprise their girlfriend. 

“This might be the best lobster roll I’ve ever had,” Samantha says as she reaches for a napkin. Two cups of rich tomato bisque and a heaping container of garlic-parmesan fries rest on the table between them.

“I’m glad you like it,” Jaq says. “I figured, since you haven’t been able to slip out for lunch dates lately, I should bring a lunch date to you.”

“That’s so sweet of you. And it’s really nice to spend time together like this, even if it’s just in the break room at work.”

“I admit it isn’t the most romantic setting, but I think we can make do.”

“With food and company like this, who needs ambiance?” Samantha says, beaming at Jaq. “And it’s still less dorky than having you come over to my dad’s house to hang out.”

“As cool as your dad is, I don’t know that it’ll ever not be weird to have sleepovers there,” Jaq admits. “It would help if I didn’t live in a studio the size of a shoebox, too.”

“I don’t mind your place. You’ve made it your own.”

“I’ve tried, but there’s only so much you can do with that little space. But yeah, we’ll have to do more of these lunch dates.”

Samantha nods before turning more solemn. “It hasn’t felt like the right time to take lunch away from the office, considering how busy things have been, and…”

“And your aunt being back at work?”

“Yeah. It feels like there’s some unspoken agreement that we all need to rally around Aunt Molly. All hands on deck, that sort of thing.”

“I can’t even imagine what she’s going through,” Jaq comments. “But she’s really lucky that she has all of you around her.”

“I guess this company is kind of like a big family…” 

“I meant your actual family. I can tell you all love each other.”

Samantha frowns. “I don’t know about that. At least not everyone, all the time.”

“Yeah, but that’s normal. Emotions are normal. And from what I’ve seen, your family deals with them when they come up,” Jaq says. “It’s so different from how I grew up. No one ever talked about anything serious. It was like my parents thought that if you ignored something long enough, it would cease to exist.”

“Like your sexuality?” Samantha asks. 

“And my gender identity. It gets to be so stifling when you never actually deal with anything, even though you can feel the tension all the time.” They shake their head as if to break free of the unpleasant memories. “Anyway, your aunt is lucky. And so are you. And I’m lucky that I get to know them through you.”

“I do feel lucky,” Samantha says. “For my family and for you. Although I’m still not sure you’ve seen us at our craziest…”

“At least you all let your crazy show,” Jaq tells her. “That’s the best kind of crazy.”

The two share a laugh as they continue savoring their lunch.

Alex Marshall tucks his hands into the pockets of his denim jacket and keeps his arms close to his body as he braces against the autumn chill. He walks briskly from his car to the entrance of Thaw Coffee & Tea, and once he steps inside, he is grateful for the heat that envelops him. Thankfully, the café is not too busy, with only one customer in line and a few other patrons scattered throughout, enjoying their drinks while reading or looking at their phones. 

However, Alex pauses when he sees who is working behind the counter. He had a feeling that Sabrina Gage might be here today, but he had hoped to avoid the awkwardness entirely. When Sabrina looks up from the register and sees him, he knows that he has no choice but to proceed with the interaction; it would be too rude for him to walk out. 

“Hi,” Alex says as he approaches the counter. 

“Hi, Alex.” Sabrina risks only the briefest of glances up at him, instead keeping her focus down on the register. “How can I help you today?”

He rattles off the two drinks from memory and then adds, “I’m taking these upstairs so I can catch up with Jason. Have you guys…?”

“So you know what happened,” she says quietly. “No, we haven’t talked at all. And he’s been avoiding coming in here.”

She picks up two empty cups and uses a marker to mark Alex’s orders on them. She passes them down to the barista on duty and then enters the items into the register. 

“I know you must think I’m a terrible person for what I did,” Sabrina says as Alex inserts his debit card into the reader. “I want you — everyone, really — to know that I’m very sorry. I know I messed up badly. I made a terrible error in judgment.”

“It happens,” Alex says gently, “and I don’t think you’re a terrible person. Jason doesn’t, either.”

“But he doesn’t think he can trust me anymore. I can’t blame him for that.”

“He’s been burned badly in the past. What happened with Natalie was–”

“Painful and humiliating. I understand, Alex. And I was a part of that, even if I wasn’t the one in the driver’s seat.” 

“You didn’t want Jason to get hurt,” he says as he tucks his card back into his wallet. “You wanted him to know the truth.”

“But he did get hurt,” Sabrina says, the pain in her eyes all too clear. 

“Believe me, I know how… forceful Helen can be. I can see how you got swept up in her plan.”

“I really didn’t think she would tell Jason like that. And she told me the test had come back negative. I was as shocked as everyone else when it came out at the wedding that Peter is really Spencer’s son. But I hate that I was a part of Jason getting hurt that way.”

“I believe you,” Alex says. “And I think Jason will, too.”

“I don’t know about that,” she says sadly. 

“Give him some time. Maybe he’ll come around once the shock wears off.”

Sabrina sighs, her shoulders rising high and then sinking in defeat. “I don’t know, Alex. It’s been weeks, and I haven’t heard a peep from Jason. I think I have to accept that I ruined my chances of being with him — and I only have myself to blame.”

—–

The campus of King’s Bay Academy is busy with activity as students on their lunch break move through the quad, coming and going from the cafeteria and stopping by their lockers. Despite the unmistakable cool of the fall air, it is a deceptively sunny day, and some students have dared to brave the cold and hang out on the still-green grass.

Christian Taylor and Bree Halston are not two of those students. They walk briskly from the library to the locker bays, where they find Christian’s twin brother at his own open locker.

“There you are,” Christian says. “Did you not see my texts?”

Caleb looks up, his backpack hanging from his arm with its zipper half-open. “What?”

“I texted asking where you were.”

“It’s lunch. Where would I be?”

“I don’t know! That’s why I texted you,” Christian says with exasperation.

“Christian, calm down,” Bree says. “Caleb, we have a favor to ask. Well, I do.”

Caleb focuses on Bree, regarding her with much less annoyance than he did his brother. “What kind of favor?”

“My dad’s stuck in court all day, and my mom is volunteering at some thing at Peter’s preschool,” she explains. 

Caleb raises one eyebrow. “And…?”

“Can we drop Bree off at the skating rink after school?” Christian asks. “I didn’t know if you had plans…”

Despite scowling, Caleb digs into his backpack and pulls out the keys to the used Toyota RAV4 that the Taylor twins share.

“Take the car,” Caleb says as he tosses the keys to Christian.

Christian puts up his hands but still fumbles to catch the keys. “I’m going home right after. It’s just a stop a little out of our way.”

“I’m gonna hang with Arjun and the guys, anyway. Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?” Bree asks.

“It’s no biggie,” Caleb says.

“Thanks, Caleb,” Bree tells him.

“Are you going to be home in time for dinner?” Christian asks. “Dad’s bringing over food so we can all eat together.”

Caleb shrugs and pulls a textbook out of his locker. “I dunno. Probably not.”

“Mom really wants us all there.”

“Dude. I have a life, too.”

Christian’s jaw tightens. Bree, noticing, touches a hand to his arm.

“Leave it alone,” she says quietly.

“It’s like you’re avoiding all of us since Mom had the baby.” Christian shakes his head at his twin. “It’s really important to Mom to have us all together right now.”

Caleb remains focused on zipping up his backpack. “I don’t know what to tell you.”

“I don’t know what’s up with you,” Christian says.

“Nothing’s up.” Caleb closes the locker with a decisive slam. “Catch you later.” He hurries out the opposite end of the locker bay.

Christian’s hands ball into fists as he watches his brother walk away. “He’s been such a dick about everything lately.”

“Everyone processes grief in their own way,” Bree tells him, but Christian remains focused on the exit of the locker bay, anger over his brother’s callousness burning inside him.

—–

Trevor looks at Finn with confusion. “What problem?”

“Your parents’ house,” Finn says, frowning as he realizes that he might be stepping on toes. “You know what? Not my business.”

“No, I’m intrigued,” Trevor tells him. “What’s your idea?” 

“Well, you don’t feel ready to give up the house entirely yet, right?”

“If I’m being honest, no.”

“So… I also happen to be month-to-month at my apartment, and it’s terrible. Landlord never fixes anything, it’s too far from work, neighborhood is impossible to find parking. You get the picture.”

Trevor brings a curled fist to his chin. “Okay…”

“Would you be open to renting the house out for a while?” Finn asks. “I could find a roommate or two to offset the costs, and you’d still own the house and have access to it without all the craziness of having random tenants.”

It takes a few seconds, but a grin spreads over Trevor’s face. “I like this a lot.”

“As long as you wouldn’t feel weird being my landlord,” Finn says, as the glass doors at the far side of the lobby open and Jaq enters in their leather jacket. 

“I don’t think that’d be a problem,” Trevor says, “assuming you find a roommate I could trust, too.”

“Yeah, of course.” Finn turns his attention to Jaq, who has approached the desk with their parking ticket in hand.

“Validation?” he asks them.

“Yeah. Thanks.” They hand over the parking ticket before looking to Trevor. “You’re Alex Marshall’s husband, right? I’m Jaq. I’m dating Samantha.”

“Of course! Hi!” Trevor replies. “Trevor. How are you?”

“I’m good,” Jaq says as they accept the stamped ticket back from Finn. “I brought Samantha lunch so we could spend some time together.”

“That was sweet of you,” Trevor says.

Jaq brushes a hand over their short, angular black hair. “She’s worth it.”

Trevor gestures over the desk toward Finn. “Jaq, have you met Finn Campbell? He’s new around here.”

“I have now,” Jaq says as they extend a hand to Finn. “Nice to meet you. Jaq. With a Q.”

“Finn with two n’s,” the receptionist responds with a smile. “Your girlfriend works here?”

“Samantha Fisher. She’s in marketing with me,” Trevor fills in. 

“Then I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around,” Finn tells Jaq.

“You can count on it,” Jaq says as they hold up the ticket. “Thanks for this. Good to see you, Trevor.”

They both say goodbye to Jaq before resuming their conversation.

“I’d have to talk to my sister about it, but I’m sure if I promise to run point as far as managing the rental, she’d be into it,” Trevor says. “But I do think your choice of roommate would be key.”

Jaq, who is waiting for the elevator, turns back.

“Sorry if I’m interrupting,” they say, “but does someone need a roommate?”

“I do,” Finn says. “For a place I don’t live in that isn’t officially up for rent yet. Do you know someone who’s looking?”

“Actually,” Jaq says, walking back toward the reception desk, “I might be.”

—–

After he says goodbye to Sabrina and grabs the two coffees from the end of the bar, Alex goes inside Edge of Winter Arena and climbs the stairs to Jason Fisher’s office. Inside, he finds his friend behind the desk, squinting at something on his computer monitor. 

“Did you forget your reading glasses at home, old man?” Alex asks as he enters.

Jason looks up and rolls his eyes. “First of all, you’re older than me, so if I’m an old man, then you’re a senior citizen. Secondly… yes.”

“You really should spring for LASIK.”

“I’m thinking about it. And thank you for grabbing these,” Jason says as he accepts one of the ice-blue cups from Alex. 

“What have you been doing for your caffeine fix since you started avoiding Sabrina?” 

“You saw her?”

“She works downstairs, Jason.”

“I know. I…” Jason touches a hand to his brow and then indicates a travel mug sitting on the desk. “I’ve been bringing coffee from home.”

“Is your plan really to steer clear of her for the rest of time?”

Jason hesitates. “I don’t know. Right now, I can’t… with Sophie coming home and starting high school, and everything Molly is going through, I don’t have the time or the energy to dwell on my personal life.”

“I understand that. I do.” Alex pulls out one of the chairs in front of the desk and seats himself across from Jason. “Relationships are hard, that’s all. There are going to be bumps in the road like this. Even great relationships.”

Forearms resting on the desk, Jason leans forward. “Are things between you and Trevor still off?”

“They’re not off, per se. He’s grieving. I’m trying to find the balance between giving him space and letting him know I’m there whenever he needs me.”

“Sounds like you guys might be over the hump, then.”

“I hope so. He was so angry right after Patrick died,” Alex says. “And he had nowhere to aim that anger, so he was taking it out on me.”

“As long as he’s leveling out,” Jason replies. “That wasn’t fair of him.”

“No, but if it’s part of his grieving process, I can take a few punches. Emotional ones, I mean.”

“And that’s why you’re an exceptional husband.”

“And you will be, too, someday,” Alex tells him. 

Jason sips his coffee. “I don’t know about that. After what Natalie pulled, and then finding out Sabrina was conspiring with Helen, and then…”

Alex waits, but the rest of the statement never comes.

“And then what?” he prompts Jason.

“Nothing,” Jason says, suddenly looking like a deer caught in headlights. “Let’s just say I’m not in a great place to be making any decisions.”

Alex sets down his coffee cup emphatically. “What happened?”

“Ugh.” Jason shakes his head. “Nothing happened. Something almost happened. Something probably very stupid.”

“Jason.”

“The night I found out about Sabrina helping Helen with the DNA test… I went to The Wild Lady to drown my sorrows. And I might’ve run into someone there.”

“Someone meaning who?” Alex presses.

Jason winces before he can spit out the name. “Natalie.”

“Are you serious? You and Natalie?!”

“I said something almost happened. Nothing actually did,” Jason says. “We did some shots, and we decided to split an Uber, and…” He lets out another groan. “We kissed.” 

Alex slaps a hand down on the desk. “How are you just now telling me this?”

“Because I know it was stupid. But in the moment, it didn’t seem that stupid.” 

“Thank god you came to your senses.”

“Tim called to tell me about Molly, so I got another car and went to the hospital,” Jason explains. “And probably dodged a huge bullet.”

“But let me get this straight,” Alex says. “You were on the verge of sleeping with Natalie — Natalie — again, but you’re worried you can’t trust Sabrina? Whose big crime is maybe one percent of what Natalie did to you?” 

Jason’s mouth flaps open and closed without any words coming out.

“If you can forgive Natalie for what she did to you,” Alex continues, “I really think you can forgive Sabrina. Even if it takes some work.”

Jason stares at him for a long moment before bringing his coffee back to his lips.

“I hate when you do that,” he says.

“Do what?”

“Make me realize that I’m being irrational.”

With a smile, Alex says, “It’s not that your feelings aren’t valid. I just don’t think this situation needs to be as big a dealbreaker as you’ve made it out to be.”

“And I think you might be right,” Jason admits as he sits back in the desk chair, his gaze drifting up to the ceiling as he turns Alex’s insights over in his mind once more.

END OF EPISODE 1045

Does Sabrina deserve another chance from Jason?
Should Trevor rent the Brooks home to Finn and Jaq?
Will Caleb ever be able to connect with his family?
Talk about it all in the comments below!

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