Althea tells Maggie about her confrontations with Nick, as well as his proposal before he knew she married John. She also wonders what else besides Cathy Ryker he might throw at her. Nick admits to Martha that he destroyed the tray of test tubes after finding out Althea eloped with John, but tells her she can throw away her crying towel for him because he's happily free. Mike accuses Toni of coming on to him then acting like a frightened virgin. Toni admits that she was as turned on as he was, though she says he turns her on too much. She further explains that she can't be flippant or casual about sex because of a bad experience a few years ago, then she and Mike kiss again. The Powerses toast the newlyweds with champagne and rice, but the occasion is marred by a cable from Karen who says that Erich is sinking fast and will arrive in town for surgery that night. As Matt prepares to dash off to Hope Memorial, Maggie laments that a black cloud hangs over every dinner party with John and Althea.
—Skip Eastport