GayTV Recap: General Hospital (Episodes 14439-14451)
They wondered what issue they should be worried about with Dr. Byrne and Julian (played by William deVry) told them that he wasn't sure it was a good idea to open up to the man who happens to be dating their lawyer, Alexis. With his eyes focused in on Brad (played by Parry Shen), he implied that they couldn't be sure what kinds of things would come out during a therapy session. Lucas didn't see any reason not to trust the doctor, especially given how they trust Alexis' taste. He kissed Brad and headed to work at the hospital. After his departure, Julian made it clear to Brad that he could not go to therapy and had to fire Byrne, catching Brad off-guard.
When Brad refused to give up on therapy, Julian got more angry with him. He told Brad that he was attempting to help him. Brad then brought up Julian's refusal to eliminate Dr. Obrecht given her continued blackmail of Brad over his baby swap secret. Brad reminded him that it was his refusal that has caused Brad more emotional problems, requiring him to need therapy in order to make things better with Lucas. Julian told Brad that he wasn't sure Brad could keep his cool in therapy and if Byrne presses him and Brad spills his secret, it could destroy everything. Brad told him that he was confident he could keep it together, even if Julian wasn't. He left Julian, who didn't agree with Brad's plan, leading him to make a fateful phone call.
At the hospital, Curtis (played by Donnell Turner) found Lucas looking over a therapy brochure. He wondered if he was thinking about starting it. Lucas admitted that he was. Curtis joined him, giving him some first-hand knowledge of the process, given his history of therapy with his feuding wife Jordan and his aunt Stella, two strong personalities Lucas was familiar with. He told him that it was the hardest thing he's ever done, worse than being shot at, or caught in explosions with his work.
Lucas confided in him that his story didn't leave him filled with confidence about therapy. Curtis then told him that it was tough, but in the end it really did wonders for his relationships. Lucas was intrigued by that. Curtis told him that it changed everything. Now, he shares everything with Jordan even to the point of her accusing him of over-sharing. Lucas told him that he'd settle for just a nugget of information from Brad these days. Curtis told him he would as well, which was why he was actually at the hospital, to see Brad.
Brad arrived and Curtis asked if he knew Sasha Gilmore, Michael's current girlfriend, who was discovered to be a fraud in her claim to be the daughter of Nina Reeves, the niece of Dr. Obrecht. Curtis brought up the DNA sample that he collected after finding Sasha and how the test had been altered to show Sasha was Nina's daughter. Brad tensed up, knowing he was the one who altered the test for Obrecht because of her blackmail. Curtis & Lucas figured Brad might be able to help figure out how the test could have been altered, leaving him very nervous.
Brad got defensive, swearing that he had nothing to do with the DNA test being tampered with. He said that he used to do things like that in his past, but he was a better man now. Curtis tried to calm him, saying that no one was accusing him. He just figured that Brad might be able to help him get to the bottom of this, given his experience and position as head of the GH lab. Lucas noticed Brad's demeanor had changed, as Curtis brought up the potential of running the DNA test again to get the true result, since the first two tests were done at two different labs.
Curtis asked if the hospital still had the two samples. Brad told him that it was policy to keep DNA samples for at least a year, which got Curtis thinking. Brad excused himself, but continued to listen as Curtis told Lucas that the tests on both samples could be run again, by a technician he trusts, to get a definitive answer. Lucas figured Sasha might be covering for her accomplice, who Brad knew to be Obrecht. Lucas wondered what would happen if the tests still showed Sasha was related to Nina, despite Sasha's confession. Curtis said that would mean something even more strange could be going on, something bad. Brad looked even more troubled upon hearing that.
After Curtis left, Lucas asked Brad about why he was looking so troubled. Brad told him that he didn't like having his lab called into question. Lucas understood that, but suggested they talk about it in therapy. He then made sure that Brad understood that he didn't believe he was anything like the man he used to be and he caressed Brad's cheek, knowing they would get to the bottom of what happened with the test results.
The tender moment between the two was quickly interrupted by a nurse who arrived with a special delivery for Brad. She told them that she intercepted a delivery of flowers that had come to the hospital for him. Brad immediately wondered to Lucas what he did to deserve those, but Lucas admitted that he wasn't the one who sent them. Brad noticed there was no card and the nurse wondered if Brad might have a secret admirer.
Episode 14440 picked up there, with Nurse Lynn saying that Brad's secret admirer has good taste in flowers. Lucas was unamused, and Brad immediately told him that he had no idea who would have sent him flowers, especially given that he still has few fans in Port Charles. Lucas wondered if he might have done a favor for someone, or pulled some strings to help somebody, but Brad disputed that, reminding him that he was done doing things under the table. Lucas suggested they call the florist, as his curiosity was rising.
Brad called the florist, only to learn that the flowers were paid for with cash and they didn't have any record of who sent them. Lucas thought that was pretty weird, someone sending Brad flowers anonymously. His mind then veered back to hearing Brad calling out in his sleep for a man named Michael, which Brad claimed to not remember. Brad figured the flowers would remain a mystery.
The couple was interrupted by the arrival of Julian and his sister Ava. He told a worried Lucas that his aunt fainted, drawing his concern. Ava assured Lucas that she was fine and probably just dehydrated. Lucas urged her to let him check her out, to be sure that was the case. Ava was not very willing until Lucas told her that it could help her prove Julian wrong, so she agreed. The two left together so that Lucas could perform an examination.
Left alone, Julian noticed Brad glancing at the flowers and he asked where he got them. Brad explained to him that there was no card. He confided in Julian that he suspected they were from Nelle, as some weird thanks for supporting her at her parole hearing. Julian disputed that, claiming they appeared to be the type of flowers he'd send to someone he was romancing. Brad looked confused, as Julian wondered if Brad had a secret lover. Brad immediately denied that, saying he would never cheat on Lucas. Julian wasn't so sure, claiming that paranoia can make people do stupid things. He just hoped that Brad wasn't doing something stupid.
After his examination of Ava led to him consulting with her therapist, Dr. Byrne, Lucas walked with Byrne, thanking him for checking on his aunt. They came upon Brad dumping the flowers in the trash, which surprised Dr. Byrne (played by Joe Flanigan). Brad commented that they were more trouble than they were worth. Dr. Byrne brought up their planned therapy session tomorrow. Haunted by Julian's warning about seeing a therapist with Lucas, Brad blurted out that Lucas wouldn't be coming, surprising Lucas.
Lucas quickly corrected Brad, telling them both that he was going to be there for sure. Dr. Byrne left them for another patient and Lucas wondered why Brad was trying to change his mind about couples therapy after they talked about doing it together. He claimed he was just being a bit possessive over his sessions with Byrne. Lucas told him about his chat with Curtis and how he thinks this could work wonders for their marriage. Brad told him he didn't need wonders because Lucas was wonderful already. He tried to deflect and distract Lucas with a kiss, but he was still left troubled after Brad left due to a page from the lab.
It was time for therapy in Episode 14445. Brad nervously tapped his foot on the floor as he and Lucas sat in the waiting room. Lucas placed a comforting hand on his knee to stop the nervous tap. He wondered why Brad was so visibly unnerved. He told him that he was just so used to going to therapy alone that being with Lucas made things different. Dr. Byrne came out to greet them, welcoming them for their session.
While in the session, Brad tried to paint a rosy picture of his marriage and his life, hoping to get to Dr. Byrne giving him a prescription for his anxiety quickly, but Lucas slowed things down, bringing up Brad's constant paranoia and how it's got him very worried. He brought up Brad's sleeplessness, his stomach issues, and his constant fears about Wiley. Brad brought up Wiley being kidnapped, and him being a new parent which could obviously cause more stress, but Lucas knew it started before that. Dr. Byrne wondered what Lucas felt was causing this. Lucas said that he thinks Brad is keeping something from him.
Dr. Byrne pressed Lucas to share more of his feelings about what Brad might be keeping from him. Lucas brought up Brad's secrecy about seeing Nelle at her parole hearing, and the flowers that showed up at the hospital. This all caused Brad to get upset, as he told Lucas again that he didn't know who sent those flowers and that they had discussed him going to the hearing and Lucas had agreed to move past that. Lucas said that he was feeling abandoned in their marriage because Brad was choosing to help someone who hurt their family immensely. Brad said that he thought Nelle deserved a second chance, just like he got. Lucas reminded him that Nelle tried to kill people he loves.
Brad accused Lucas of believing that he never changed and that he must be back to his old ways, plotting behind his back. Lucas told him that's not true. He told Brad that he just thinks that Brad is feeling insecure in their relationship and some time along the way Brad lost faith in him. He just wants to get that back and get back to the happy life they had before. Brad said that he wanted the same thing. Dr. Byrne told them that they were making progress, their conversation wasn't pretty but it was real and they were finally talking to each other instead of at each other.
After their session, Brad & Lucas went over to Charlie's Pub to pick-up Wiley who had been under the care of Willow. She reported that he behaved wonderfully. Julian wondered how things went with their night and Brad & Lucas both told him it went well. Lucas took Wiley for a diaper change as Willow departed to make a phone call, leaving Julian & Brad alone. An annoyed Julian wasn't happy to learn that Brad went through with couples therapy. Brad assured him he wasn't stupid enough to reveal any secrets. Brad then got a text from Obrecht, pressuring him to undo Sasha's DNA results to cover her tracks. Julian wondered what would happen if Lucas saw that text. He urged Brad to change his phone passcode and he complied, despite not thinking it was necessary.
Julian told Brad about Willow asking questions about his marital problems. He urged Brad to keep her mind at ease. Worried about more people prying into his life, Brad went over to talk to her, leaving his phone behind. Lucas returned with Wiley and Julian asked him about the florist Lucas used to send Brad flowers at the hospital. Lucas told him that he hadn't sent the flowers, so he would have to ask Brad. Sensing Lucas' annoyance, Julian suggested showing off a song he claimed to be working on with Wiley. He gave Lucas the phone to film it and Lucas realized Brad changed his passcode. Julian figured it wasn't anything suspicious, but Lucas disagreed. Meanwhile, Brad did his best to assure Willow that all was well in his marriage.
Lucas wondered why Brad would change his passcode, knowing they both use each others' phones. Julian again assumed it was nothing and excused himself as Brad returned. Lucas asked Brad why he changed the code on his phone and Brad covered, telling him about an article he read on phone hacking. Lucas wondered what was on Brad's phone that he was so adamant about protecting. He wondered if it was more secrets, leaving both of them more upset, thanks to Julian's meddling.
Episode 14449 began with Lucas & Brad spending time at Lucas' sister Carly's house on Halloween night. Carly & her husband Sonny thanked them for taking Sonny's daughter Ava trick-or-treating with them and Wiley. They talked about the good time they had. Carly's talk of family and supporting one another convinced Brad to tell them about going to Nelle's parole hearing, which he knew wouldn't sit well with them given Carly's history with Nelle.
The mood in the room changed instantly, as Brad explained his reasons for going to support Nelle including his compassion getting the better of him, which upset Carly, as she recounted the manipulation and horror that Nelle inflicted on their family, especially her and Michael. Brad assured her that he believes Nelle is where she should be, imprisoned. Carly got pulled away by a phone call, as Brad promised Sonny that after talking with Lucas, he knows where his loyalties lie. Sonny (played by Maurice Benard) told him that it was good to remember that.
Later, Brad found Carly alone and apologized for going to see Nelle and attending her parole hearing. He also apologized if it made her lose faith in him in any way, again. Carly told him that she was furious that Brad would go and support Nelle after everything she did. She said that she couldn't imagine keeping a connection to her would be good for his relationship with Lucas either. Brad agreed, knowing exactly how Lucas feels about it. Carly says he knows how she feels now as well, so the ball is in his court and he needs to be very careful when it comes to his decision-making. Brad assured her that everything he does is out of love for Lucas and Wiley.
Later, Lucas & Brad sat together on the patio outside Carly & Sonny's house. Lucas told Brad that he was proud of him for coming clean to Carly about the Nelle situation. Brad said that he wanted to make things right and make sure that Lucas never doubted how much he loves him. The two shared a kiss. When Brad left to grab some coffee for them, Lucas heard his phone go off. He called for Brad, alerting him to a text. Lucas then picked up the phone, shocked by what he saw. Brad returned and found Lucas looking upset. Lucas told him about the text and Brad asked who it was. Lucas then showed him that someone had sent him naked pictures, shocking Brad, as Lucas demanded answers.
Unaware that the naked photo was sent from a man paid by Julian to send it, Brad remained shocked. He denied knowing who was behind the photo and pointed out that he didn't even recognize the number, but Lucas refused to believe him. He was furious that Brad would be cheating on him, which Brad disputed. Lucas brought up the mystery flowers from the hospital, which Brad again swore he didn't know anything about. He begged Lucas to believe him, but Lucas was unbending.
Brad professed his love for Lucas, but he demanded that Brad not touch him and not claim to love him after this. Brad again told Lucas that he didn't know who sent the photo to him. Lucas brought up Brad changing his phone passcode, getting flowers at work, and now nude photos from another man. He said he can't believe Brad doesn't know the name of the person he's obviously having an affair with. Brad looked hurt and stunned as Lucas demanded that he admit to it.
Episode 14450 continued the couple's argument, as Brad told Lucas that he couldn't seriously be accusing him of having an affair. Lucas said that it was all starting to make sense, given Brad's constant secrecy. Brad said that he was not going to admit to an affair he wasn't having. Lucas refused to believe that the photo was just random, but Brad told him that it was the truth. All he knows is that he is not cheating on Lucas.
Brad suggested they go home to talk, but Lucas refused, saying that he wasn't just going to brush this off when the evidence was staring right at him. Brad offered to text the number back to tell the sender that it was a mistake, to prove to Lucas that this was all some random misunderstanding and the other man would probably be mortified to learn he sent his nude photo to the wrong person. Lucas urged him to do that. When the next text came through, Brad handed Lucas the phone to read it first. Lucas repeated the text from the sender, laughing, saying that Brad knew who he was. Brad again denied it, swearing on Wiley's life that he would never jeopardize their marriage, or their family.
Lucas told Brad that he couldn't take anymore lies. Brad swore to him that this was all some big mistake. They heard his phone's text alert again. Brad grabbed the phone, seeing a text from Dr. Obrecht, hoping that Brad covered their tracks with Sasha's DNA test. Brad was upset to see that come through at that moment. Lucas wondered if it was his mystery man again. Brad said it wasn't. Lucas asked to see the phone, but Brad told him it was confidential hospital business. On the verge of tears, Lucas refused to believe that and told Brad to leave, saying he couldn't deal with him anymore tonight. Brad refused, but Lucas yelled for him to go.
Brad ran to Julian, looking to secure his help. He told him about Lucas accusing him of cheating and pretty much throwing him out. Julian didn't appear all that surprised. He wondered if Brad was sure he wasn't having an affair. He brought up Brad calling out another man's name in his sleep, changing his passcode, getting flowers from a secret admirer, and now nude photos. Brad was stunned, not understanding how Julian new about the photos. He then realized it was Julian that set him up. Brad lashed out, wondering why he was doing this to him.
Lucas confided in Carly, telling his sister everything that happened with Brad. Carly was quick to tell Lucas that all of the odd things that have been happening didn't really prove that Brad was having an affair. Lucas said that he's been feeling this huge secret that Brad's been keeping for over a year now and he's convinced this is it. Back at the pub, Julian told Brad that he's spiraling out of control because of their shared secret. Julian had to do something because Brad couldn't control himself, calling out Michael's name in his sleep. He backed Brad into a wall and told him that his only option now was to admit to the affair, which Brad refused, despite Julian's pressure.
Back at Carly's house, she told Lucas that if Brad was having an affair, Lucas has a lot to think about and he shouldn't go home. He agreed. Carly then offered to let him stay there. Lucas didn't want to impose, but Carly said Wiley was already asleep upstairs and they have a spare room. Lucas accepted the offer. Carly then told him that no matter what's going on with Brad, they would figure it out together. Back at the pub, Julian said that Brad was going to need to leave town with his fake lover because it was the only way to help Lucas & Wiley find peace and be free of him and his secret. Julian told him it was over and that the next time he sees Brad it will be Brad confirming that he broke Lucas' heart and was leaving Port Charles. He warned Brad not to cross him.
Episode 14451 brought a new day for the estranged husbands. Lucas spent time thinking on the patio at Carly's house while Brad showed up at the pub, surprising Julian. He asked Julian to give him one more chance. He begged Julian not to make him destroy his family. Julian was unwilling to revisit their conversation from the night before, saying that the best thing for Lucas & Wiley will be for Brad to disappear from their lives. Brad disagreed, knowing they would be crushed. Julian believed they would get over it. He was sure Wiley wouldn't even remember Brad when he grows up, upsetting Brad even more.
Lucas was joined by his teen niece Joss on the patio. She was surprised to learn he slept over the night before. After discussing her bad behavior from the night before, talk turned to parents dealing with their children. She complimented Brad's parenting with Wiley and how lucky the boy was to have both of his parents. Lucas agreed that Wiley was lucky to have Brad. He then asked Joss if she felt her life would be any different if her parents had never divorced. She told him that she loves her stepfather Sonny and only thought about it before she knew better. She wondered if Lucas felt that way, given that his parents divorced when he was a kid. He admitted that he thought about how different his life would be a lot.
Brad called Julian a monster for trying to tear his family apart. Julian said that he was the one trying to keep his family together. He said that Brad might be innocent of the affair, but they both know it would only be a matter of time before Brad did something to ruin his marriage anyway. Julian's just speeding things up so Brad can go start a new life somewhere else while he's still young. Brad says he has nothing without Lucas & Wiley. Julian said that wasn't his problem anymore. He demanded Brad go admit to Lucas that he's having an affair and end his marriage. Brad told Julian he was making a mistake before leaving the pub.
Brad showed up at Carly's house, asking Lucas about Wiley. He told him that he was upstairs and he was about to get him ready to go because Lucas had to get to work. Brad suggested he call and let them know he'd be late, but Lucas said he didn't want to talk to him right now. Brad then revealed to him that Julian was the one who set Brad up to make it look like he was having an affair. Lucas didn't believe that, knowing how supportive of Brad that Julian has been. Brad told him about seeing Julian the night before and him confessing to it to ensure that Brad would leave Lucas, Wiley and Port Charles. Lucas wanted to know why his own father would do that. Brad told him that it was because Julian found out about something that Brad did. Lucas knew it must be something bad.
Brad told Lucas that Julian found out that Brad helped Dr. Obrecht alter some test results regarding Sasha's DNA. Lucas was furious. He wondered how Obrecht was able to convince him to do that. Brad then lied, telling Lucas that Obrecht saw how stressed out he was and offered to get him anti-anxiety medication without a prescription. Lucas said that Brad jeopardized his career and his life for drugs he could have gotten from his psychiatrist. Brad told him that he tried but he was desperate and couldn't wait. Lucas still didn't think it added up. That led Brad to play a recording he made on his phone of his conversation with Julian, demanding Brad leave town.
Lucas had questions about the recording. Brad explained to him that he went to see Julian this morning, hoping to get him to reconsider trying to destroy his family and he recorded their conversation, just in case Julian didn't see reason and he didn't. Lucas didn't understand why his father would try to hurt him like this. Brad said that it was clear that Julian was hurting after losing his girlfriend Kim, and seeing his sister Ava falling apart. Brad was sure Julian is hurting, but he begged Lucas not to let Julian bring their relationship down with him. Lucas was left with a lot to think about to decide what to do next.
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