Courtney tells AJ how nice Sonny has been to her, even giving her $300 to go shopping. As he pushes her on the swing, Carly and Sonny watch from the bushes. Carly covertly watches AJ work on Courtney. Sonny thanks Carly but insists on handling the situation alone. Sonny approaches and acts as if he ran across them accidentally. Courtney refuses to leave and says she'll only go if she leaves with AJ. Carly intervenes but her accusations and digs at AJ only make matters worse. Sonny orders Carly to leave but she refuses. Courtney says AJ should stop apologizing when Sonny is the one who should do the apologizing. AJ insists that his meeting with Courtney was purely coincidental and excuses himself to go visit Edward. Sonny defends Carly to Courtney. Courtney insists that no one can tell her whom she can talk to or go out with. She gives Sonny back his $300 and tells him she can't be bought. Sonny assures her that he and Carly only want to save her from some heartache. Courtney agrees to dinner alone with Sonny. Sonny is surprised to find Mike waiting at the restaurant. Courtney confesses that she invited Mike to join them so they could all learn to get along.

Carly finds AJ still hanging around the park. Carly and AJ argued in the park fiercely. Carly tells him to stay away from Courtney. AJ brings up that Carly was once in a mental insituion and that she still belongs there. Carly attacks him and a police officer has to pull her off. AJ taunts her but decides not to press charges. Zander comes a long and walks Carly back to her club. Carly comes up with the idea that Zander should romance Courtney so AJ doesn't have a chance. Zander convinced Carly to let it go for now but she was determined to help Courtney stay away from AJ. As time passed an idea came to Carly. She wanted to use Zander to keep Courtney occupied and away from AJ.

It was an explosive evening for the Corinthos family at the PC Grill. Sonny, Courtney, and Mike were dining to Sonny's surprise. Alexis and Scott were on their date. Jax and Skye had settled in there as well. Jax was shocked to see Courtney with Sonny and Mike. Skye told her that is was not so strange because she is Sonny's sister. Jax was very surprised. Courtney finally got Sonny to sit down at the table, but he was hot and on over load. Mike said his normal sorry and promised things would be better this time. Sonny was too upset to hear him and Courtney wanted to believe him so bad, but Sonny kept throwing insults at Mike which cause Courtney to stand up for Mike. Mike then pulled out a picture of himself and Courtney when she was little dressed up like a princess. Mike told Courtney that she would always be his princess. Sonny went off and slammed his fist down at the table. Alexis immediately came over and offered Courtney a ride home. Mike told Sonny in no certain terms that he was not going to abandon his children ever again and that he had no right in trying to prevent Mike from having a relationship with his daughter. Sonny told Mike this was the last mess of his that he would clean up. Sonny arrived back at Alexis'. Courtney blasted him for his behavior as well as calling him a control freak. She told him that she could make her own choices. If AJ is using her to get to Sonny then that is her choice not Sonny's. Stop trying to tell me what to do this is my life and I will see whom I want to see. Courtney then ran upstairs. Sonny kicked Alexis' chair and then grabbed his coat and slammed the door. Alexis yelled don't slam my door. Then she went over to Sonny's place. Sonny asked Alexis to leave because he wanted to be alone. Alexis walked inside and told him he was going to listen to what she had to say.

Alexis tries to counsel Sonny on his behavior towards both Courtney and Mike. She says he needs to listen more, order less. Sonny crossly replies that he doesn't need her advice on this matter and asks her to leave. She won't and says that she'd rather explore his feelings instead. Sonny lashes out at Mike for faking the same feelings for Courtney that he did for Sonny. You need to allow yourself to feel the emotions you have for Courtney and Mike she tells her friend. Sonny says that he wants to protect Courtney from the feelings and memories he carries around with him everyday. Alexis feels the better plan may be to share these feelings with his sister. Sonny shuts down and dismisses Alexis. Alexis leaves Sonny's and finds Courtney waiting outside her penthouse. Courtney says she forgot her key, but didn't want to go to Sonny's and get his copy. She rants about her brother to Alexis. He just wants to order me around all the time and doesn't want to let me make decisions about my own life she cries. Alexis tries to diffuse the girl's frustration and anger by recounting some of Sonny's past problems to her. Courtney is surprised at the revelations and feels guilty over the way she treated her brother. She wonders aloud, though, why Sonny couldn't share things with her himself. Just then there comes a knock on the door. Sonny enters and comes face-to-face with his sister. Despite her newfound knowledge, Courtney can't bring herself to be friendly with him. The two are cordial, but a wall still exists between them. Sonny enters Alexis' later and comes face-to-face with his sister. Despite her newfound knowledge, Courtney can't bring herself to be friendly with him. The two are cordial, but a wall still exists between them.

Courtney shows up at Sonny’s door, bearing gifts of breakfast. She apologizes, wants to start over and has lost any attitude. Sonny is curious. Finally, Courtney starts to spill some of the dirt that Alexis had given her about Sonny’s childhood and she starts to psychoanalyze him. UH OH!!! Sonny is not happy. He excuses himself to go speak with Alexis. Skye shows up at Sonny’s penthouse supposedly to apologize to Courtney. She says she is really sorry and explains that AJ is upset at her. Her story is that AJ is upset about what happened in the park, afraid that Sonny was taking it out on her. She says that AJ is upset, waiting downstairs and would love to hear it from Courtney herself that she is fine.

Sonny knocks on Alexis’ door and proceeds to yell at her. He now feels betrayed by her. How dare she tell Courtney his secrets?!!? He gets angry, really angry. Kristina jumps in and tells him off, but Alexis pushes her off and tells her she appreciates the backup, but is only making things worse. Sonny says his piece and storms out, slamming the door behind him. Alexis won’t have that. She follows him out and back into his apartment, ready to say her piece. Before she can speak, Sonny wonders where Courtney is? Johnny says she stepped out for ten minutes with Skye. Sonny flips out and calls out an all-points bulletin. Courtney has agreed to see AJ in the garage. She assures him she is okay, then asks why Sonny hates him so much. AJ tells her the story of Carly losing the baby. He tells her that he will make sure he stays away from her. On cue, Sonny and his goons open the car door, yank AJ out and prepare to do some serious damage to him. Courtney screams “Stop!” Skye calls 911. Courtney demands that Sonny call his men off of AJ, which Sonny promptly does. AJ (out to impress Courtney) brushes the whole thing off as a misunderstanding. Alexis is willing to let the matter drop, but Skye makes an issue of it, by bringing up the incident in the warehouse. Courtney is shocked to hear that Sonny had AJ kidnapped and forced him to sign away his son. Still, she is willing to believe Sonny-if he denies it. Mac and Taggart arrive in answer to Skye’s call. However no one will back up Skye’s claim that Sonny’s men assaulted her brother-including AJ himself, who claims Skye just over-reacted. With a warning to Skye to stop making false 911 calls, Mac and Taggart have no choice but to leave. AJ kicks his plan in to high gear by claiming he wants to let bygones be bygones; he even make the first move toward peace; by offering the mobster a handshake. Courtney wants Sonny to thank AJ for avoiding trouble with the PCPD. But, Sonny knows exactly what AJ is doing. Still, he refuses to thank AJ or shake his hand. After the Q siblings leave, Courtney tells Sonny that she thinks he is a monster.

Carly gives Zander fashion advice and tells him he has to look like he has money if he is going to steal Courtney from A.J. Zander declines to participate in Carly’s scheme, even for Sonny’s sake. Carly assures Zander that Courtney would choose him over AJ-after all Zander is younger and better looking. Zander tells Carly he would just about anything for her but not this. Carly says then she will have to try and warn the girl herself-again. Zander points out that Courtney will not take her advice any better now than she did before. Carly thanks Zander for being such a good friend and for stopping her from making a fool of herself. She goes on to say that Sonny probably wouldn’t appreciate it anyways, since he no longer cares what she does. Her 'poor little me' attitude prompts Zander in to confessing that he's been looking out for Carly-on orders from Sonny-since he first befriended her.

Courtney asks Sonny to be honest with her about who he really is. Sonny pretty much evades the question and only says his life is complicated, he make choices that involve compromises, business he doesn’t talk about, and questions he can’t answer-all to protect the people in his life-which now includes her. Courtney takes this to mean that Skye’s claim is true. Sonny attempts to make Courtney see that AJ is using her but she doesn’t believe him. Courtney’s continued defense of AJ, especially when she mentions the lost baby, pushes Sonny into unleashing his emotions. Sonny swipes his hand over the table, knocking glasses to the floor, while he is yelling at her to stop defending AJ. Courtney is obviously shaken and Alexis agrees to escort her back across the hall-at Sonny’s suggestion. Mike arrives and wants to know what is going on. Courtney tells Mike 'it's nothing-my brother just ordered me to leave the room". When Mike tells Courtney she can do what evershe wants she begs him to let her live with him. Mike claims his place is too small and in a bad neighborhood to boot. Sonny gives Mikemoney so that he can move to a bigger, better place. Courtney goes to pack, but Mike stays behind and lays in to Sonny for his treatment of Courtney. Mike tells Sonny that although he himself is deserving of Sonny’s coldness, he won’t stand by and let Sonny punish Courtney too. As Mike slams out of the apartment, Sonny drops his face into his hand and tries to stop the trembling of his lips, and the tears from leaving his eyes.

Alexis returns, however she doesn’t have to tell Sonny that Mike and Courtney have left, as it’s obvious that Sonny already knows. Knowing Sonny would prefer to be alone Alexis makes her excuses and heads toward the door until a remark from Sonny draws her back. Sonny tells her that she doesn’t have to leave, he hasn’t forgotten what she did, and still doesn’t think it was right, but (shrugs his shoulders). She answers “Thanks for reminding me, but I got it the first time!” Sonny goes on to confide that he knew this day would come, but he had hoped to have time for his sister to get to know him, and maybe even trust him. He says there were uglythings he didn’t want Courtney to know about him. He knows that he frightened her with his outburst. When she suggests that Sonny tell Courtney these things himself, Sonny says he can’t. Alexis assures him he can change that in fact they can all benefit by learning to express their feelings like grownups, instead of letting them build up until they explode. She’ll go first and show him how-by telling him how she really feels about him!

Carly is understandably upset that Sonny has been paying Zander to spy on her. He doesn’t want me in business with Jax, she rants; he doesn’t think I’m smart enough. The ever-loyal Zander says Sonny’s intentions were good. He’s trying to control me, Carly sums it up, and you were wrong to pretend to be my friend. Zander professes the friendship to be real and says he hopes he hasn’t messed it up. Carly admits she’s only had three friends in her life, and since he’s the only one still around, she’ll keep him. She thanks him for telling her the truth and tries to dissuade him from telling Sonny about this conversation. Then she wants to know if Zander reported back to Sonny her feelings about him. Zander says he never told his boss any personal stuff, and he points out that if they’re to remain friends, she can’t second-guess everything he says from now on. Carly agrees, and Zander leaves. Carly calls Jax and says she’s decided to burn down the club for the insurance money.

Jax arrives right on cue to make sure Carly hasn’t torched his investment, just in time to get an earful about Sonny. Jax agrees that Sonny is a control freak and points out it makes him dangerous. Hearing Jax criticize her man makes Carly change her tune, Sonny thinks he knows what’s best for the people he cares about, but he doesn’t know what’s best for me. Jax asks if she wants his help with dealing with Sonny. Carly says she’ll handle Sonny herself.

Having just told Sonny she wants to tell him how she feels about him, Alexis can’t get the words out. Sonny tries to guess what she’s trying to say. In some lame attempt at an apology, Sonny explains that he doesn’t like to talk about his childhood because he learned to keep his mouth shut when he was a kid or he’d get smacked. He admits he shouldn’t have asked for her help with Courtney. Then he asks if she wants to stop being his lawyer. Johnny comes in and says the building super needs to see Alexis about her broken oven. She leaves. She comes back later and says she’s not quitting, but she’s decided to take her cue from Sonny and keep quiet about her feelings. For guess number two, Sonny assumes she wants a favor. He tells her that if she needs something she should just say the word. He wants to know why she’s stalling. Alexis manages to get out that some feelings should remain unexpressed then starts babbling about her sister and how she openly expresses herself. Johnny comes in again, and Sonny tells him he’ll be fired if he interrupts them again. While Sonny tries out his third theory that if Alexis wants more perks or more privacy, she should just be honest, the phone keeps ringing, until he is forced to answer it. When he’s done with the call, a nervous Johnny knocks on the door and says Zander is there about Carly. Zander comes in and tells Sonny that Carly knows what he’s been doing because he told her. Sonny is furious that Zander didn’t follow his orders and fires him from the warehouse job and spy gig on the spot. Then he tells him to get out!

After an angry Zander leaves, Alexis tells Sonny she’s ready to express her feelings. She points out that Zander has always been loyal to him and followed his “code” by coming to him with the truth. His reward? You treat him like an incompetent and fire him, Alexis says. She observes that Sonny is incapable of making allowances for other people’s choices. You go on and on and on about your holy truth, while being a big fat hypocrite by assigning Zander to lie to Carly, Alexis tells him. I think you stink, she declares and storms out. Sonny is left to mull over her tirade. An angry Kristina goes to Sonny's penthouse. She asks him what his problem is and Sonny acts innocent. Kristina continues by saying that Alexis would do anything for Sonny but he treats her badly. Sonny doesn't want to hear it and tells Kristina to leave. Kristina asks him how he can treat someone that is in love with him so badly. Sonny asks her to repeat what she said but she tries to cover her tracks. After Kristina leaves, Sonny thinks back on the conversation Alexis and him had eariler and how Alexis wanted to tell him how she felt about him.

Carly gives Jax a quick tour of her club and then comes into the backroom to find Zander there. She asks how his meeting with Sonny went. Zander says it went fine. Carly knows he is lying and figures out that Sonny fired him. Zander says it's not a big deal but Carly reminds him that he needs a job. She then comes up with the plan that he can work for her at the club as security. Zander doesn't give her an answer. Carly tells Zander she would never use him. Zander starts in again how he has something to tell her. She suggests he just come out with it. He thanks her for helping him get over Emily. She doesn’t understand. Sonny shows up. First up, he talks to Zander. He sort of apologizes; at least, he respects Zander’s truth-telling and offers him his job back. Zander turns him down because he doesn’t want to ever tell Sonny things that Carly wouldn’t want him to know. Alone, Carly & Sonny talk. She tells him how she doesn’t appreciate him having someone check up on her. He admits to her that someday he hopes he doesn’t step on the feelings of people who care about him. Carly says he is a good man and getting better every day. Zander overhears their tender exchange. When Sonny leaves, Carly finally asks Zander to spit out what he’s been trying to say. He finally says she is his best friend. She says the feeling is mutual and they hug.

At the penthouse, Alexis is met by Sonny as she gets off the elevator. Sonny tells her that they need to talk. Sonny asks to come in to Alexis’ apartment. She isn’t exactly civil to him. He wants to talk. She assumes she is needed for some legal matter. He explains that it isn’t business, it’s personal. In his words, “it’s as personal as it gets.” She tells him off for treating Zander poorly, berates him for his destructive behavior and his impossibly high standards. He cuts her off and apologizes, much to Alexis’ surprise. Sonny tells her that she is important to him and that he hasn’t been listening to her the way he should be. Before he can get much further, Kristina bursts in and interrupts. She doesn’t get to warn Alexis about what she told Sonny and goes upstairs. Sonny and Alexis talk some more, he seems to want her to admit that she loves him, but all Alexis says is that he’s chauvinistic, morally challenged and a few other choice words. But, she does end by saying he’s incredibly charming. He leaves and, on the way out, tells her that he knows what she says comes from a good place. Sonny pays a call on A.J. and the two discuss the delicate balance needed to maintain ‘peace’. After a couple of thinly veiled warnings from Sonny, AJ reveals that he's hired a couple of muscle men as protection. AJ further taunts Sonny by revealing that since Courtney is now a neighbor, he might not be able to avoid ‘accidental’ meeting with her. Sonny is less than impressed by AJ’s burly “assistant” and “trainer” but agrees with AJ that “accidents do happen”.

Sonny arrives at Janine's and wants to speak with Mike. Courtney refuses to let him in, until Mike says its O.K. Sonny wastes no time in ripping into Mike for bringing Courtney to live in the same building where AJ (his sworn enemy) lives. Mike claims Sonny never told him AJ was trying to use Courtney, but Sonny maintains Mike should have known better. Even Janine gets a taste of Sonny’s displeasure when she comments that AJ isn’t such a bad person. Sonny orders his sister to pack up and move back to Alexis’ until he can find her another place. But Courtney, upset by yet another quarrel between her father and her brother, takes off with Mike’s car keys. Mike then lays into Sonny for treating Courtney like a prisoner. Sonny orders his men to look for Courtney. He specifically tells them NOT to physically remove her from the car, just let him know where she is. The men leave and Sonny starts to open a box with an exact-o-knife when Jax knocks on the door and asks Sonny for a moment of his time. This next scene jumps back and forth several time between the two vehicles, one driven by an upset Courtney, the other by Gia. Courtney drives while wiping tears from her eyes and turns on the radio. The song playing is “Every breath you take” by the police. Liz comments that Sarah is like a beautiful Mother Theresa and turns on the radio (same song). Gia wants to turn the dial because the song is“too retro”. Gia turns toward Liz telling her now naïve she is, Liz yells out that the light is red…Courtney sees the headlight come straight at her…Gia shouts, steps on the brakes, turns the wheel… C2-Courtney turns the wheel…Sound of squealing tires…Looks of horror on everyone’s face… Loud CRASH sounds… Blank screen…

At the crash site: Gia, Elizabeth and Courteney all lay motionless, seemingly unconsious. Courtney wakes up first and is able to crawl out her window. She seems fine. She heads to the other car and finds Gia's cell phone to call for help. Sonny's goons show up and take the phone away from her. They say Sonny wouldn't want the police involved. As they lead her away against her will, Taggert shows up and wonders what is going on. He calls for ambulances and then realizes Gia is behind the other wheel. As soon as he touches her, she comes to. He automatically assumes Courtney ran a red light and even though Gia remembers it was her fault, she lets her brother keep on thinking that. Courtney comes over to see how Gia is and Gia starts yelling at her. The ambulances take all the girls to GH.

At Sonny's warehouse, Jax shows up and the two of them start in on their typical arguing. A cop shows up with a warrant condemning Sonny's warehouse and the surrounding area for a development project. Guess who is behind the development project? Yep, Jax. Suddenly, Skye bursts in and tells Sonny she isn't afraid of him. Jax wonders why she is there and she says she doesn't need him to stick up for her. Meanwhile, Sonny gets a call that Courtney has been found and is okay, but there's been a car accident. In the ER, Gia finds out that Elizabeth's condition is serious and that she is suffering from internal bleeding. Taggert demands a blood alcohol test for Courtney. Sonny walks in and demands Taggert take his hands off his sister. Courtney's drug alcohol test is negative, but she was going to leave the scene of the accident with Sonny's thugs so she is taken in to the station. Gia knows that she was drinking before she and Liz left the PC Restaurant.

Taggert brings Courtney in while Sonny, Mike and Alexis follow. Tag finds out that Mike didn't have insurance on the car and decides to charge Courtney with that also. Courtney tries to explain herself but Tag keeps twisting her words around. Sonny finally tells Courtney to keep her mouth shut. Courtney knows that Sonny doesn't believe her and gets upset. A cop comes in and urges Tag to write Mike a ticket for not having insurance and Court a ticket for running a red light since Courtney wasn't speeding or drinking and since a witness has came forward saying Gia ran the stoplight. Tag won't hear of it because he says they now have Sonny where they want him. Later the old lady that Nik talked to comes in and says she saw Courtney run the stoplight. But before Tag can do anymore, the new cop comes in and says Mac wants Courtney charged with running a red light and Mike for not having insurance and that Courtney can leave. Nik is seen in a room with the old lady. He gives her an envelope with some money and says that her new condo in Palm Beach is ready and that she will never have to worry about another Port Charles winter again. The lady tells Nik that he is a sweet man.

Zander gives a jittery Carly her very first very driving lesson in an empty parking lot at the mall. Things start off well and he convinces her to move the lesson on to the open road. They are moving along fine, Carly manages to change gears and speed up, but she suddenly pulls up short after seeing a car accident. Zander drives Carly home and manages to get her to confide how a friend's death in a car crash badly traumatized her. Carly gives Zander the details of how her best friend (in high school) the REAL Carly died after being hit by a drunk driver-right before her eyes. Carly tells him that she herself had been in the car, but her friends where pulling a joke on her and took off when she went for a sweater. Carly (or Caroline as she was known then) feels guilty because as they where leaving she yelled at them that she hoped they ‘crashed and burned'-which they promptly did. Carly goes on to tell Zander that she reached the wreckage first, and found her friend covered in blood. All in all it was a pretty traumatic experience for her-she has hated cars ever since.

Alexis pulls the plug on Sonny’s phone call to find his sister and advises him to play the waiting game and give his sister some space. Sonny takes advantage of Alexis’ offer to ‘teach him how to wait’ by slyly pressing her to reveal how she really feels about him. Alexis babbles about how she didn’t like him at first, but then he would do something to redeem himself, and then back again. The moment is broken when Kristina arrives home. Alexis goes off to make her world famous popcorn. Kristina takes advantage of the opportunity to again tell Sonny she was wrong about her sister’s feeling for him. Then steps in it again when she says that it’s a good thing because he is wrong for her. Sonny tells her that he admires her for protecting her sister, and then sends her off to bed.

As Zander comforts Carly about her best friend’s fatal car accident, their faces come into kissing distance. “Don’t you know how I feel about you, Carly?” Zander murmurs. Yes, she says, the same way she feels . . they’re best friends. A fact he might want to rethink, she adds, going on about how she stole her best friend’s name and trashed it by all the bad things, she’s done since then. Zander defends her personality, reminding her that she saved his life when she jumped Sorrel when he was about to shoot him. He tells Carly to let the accident go; he’ll help her do that. He points out that she keeps fighting even when it hurts and she’s a better person than she thinks. Carly says she wants to set a good example for Michael and she also learned a lot from Sonny. But I’m far from perfect, she modestly adds. Me, too, Zander says, which is probably the reason we’re such good friends. Oh, I thought that was because Sonny paid you to be my friend, Carly teases. Do you get a bonus when you keep me from doing something crazy or try to teach me to drive? she kids. Zander again says she never gives up and he’ll prove it. Then we see them back in Zander’s car with Carly behind the wheel, trying to master the art of shifting. She and Zander shift together, their hands touching, giving Zander an obvious charge, but all Carly feels is how “cool and terrifying” it is to drive.

Alexis and Sonny are having their usual conversation, sprinkled with compliments for each other as well as a few reminders of some bad moments in the past, when Mike arrives looking for Courtney. Sonny says the cops told her she could go, and she was gone by the time he turned around. Mike can’t believe he didn’t go after her. Sonny points out that Courtney is old enough to look after herself, and Alexis chimes in that she convinced Sonny not to sic his thugs on his sister. Courtney thinks I’m trying to wreck her life, Sonny says, so all I can dois wait and play it better the next time I see her. An increasingly agitated Mike admits that he’s a “worthless nothing” but asks, “what is your excuse, my perfect son?” Sonny says excuses are a waste of time and proceeds to lay into Mike for putting Courtney in a hotel near A.J. Quartermaine and for letting her drive a car he knew had no insurance. He’s sick of Mike playing hero, Daddy and sorry. Courtney is not ready to see who you really are, Sonny says, or who I am. That’s self-serving crap, Mike returns; Courtney didn’t do what you wanted so you’re bailing on her.

Alexis jumps in to defend Sonny, but Mike barely notices. He says that Sonny should showCourtney she matters and find her now! Sonny asks Mike what he should do exactly, and Mike admits he doesn’t know. The truth for once, Sonny exclaims, adding that neither he or Mike has a clue what Courtney wants. He goes on to bring up all Mike’s past mistakes and finishes by pointing out he will be the one who has to pick up the pieces of Courtney’s broken heart after Mike breaks it. Will you go find your sister now? Mike asks again. No, Sonny says. “You selfish, arrogant bastard,” Mike starts, prompting loyal Alexis to jump into the fray again and explain that Sonny is trying to do right by Courtney; hunting her down would only make it worse. Mike tells Alexis he can see why she’s Sonny attorney; she tells him what he wants to hear. Then the doorman arrives, bringing a note for Sonny. It’s from Courtney, saying she’s going out of town for a while. Mike went looking for Courtney at Alexis'. As usual he and Sonny argued and then Sonny's goons came with A.J. tow. He was all Mr. innocent, wondering where Courtney was. They let him go and Janine, who had also arrived, said she was going to look for Courtney herself.

Carly arrives at Deception, Laura is surprised to see her. Carly tells Lauraabout her new club and says that her and the whole Deception team is invited. Laura asks Carly what she wants and Carly admits that she would like Laura to play host to some French models that will be in town for the opening. Just then Elton comes in with another email from Luke and reads it. Carly laughs at it and tells Laura that Luke isn't normal. Laura tells her that Her and Sonny weren't normal either. Carly tells Laura that she hopes she comes to the opening and leaves. Jax comes to Carly's club to find Zander. Jax starts to talk about how nice it would be for Sonny to be brought down. Zander gets angry because he thinks Jax is using Carly to get to Sonny. Jax tells him no. Jax then goes on the say he needs someone on the inside to help him. He offers Zander 5 million dollars for info that would bring Sonny down. Carly walks in and hears Jax. She tells Jax to leave. She then goes to the phone to call Sonny but Zander stops her. Zander tells her that he wants to set Jax up. Carly thinks it's a great idea and share a passionate kiss. When they finally separate, they stare at each other for a moment. Then Zander apologizes and starts to leave. Carly won’t let him; we need to talk about this, she insists. Zander says it’s getting very hard for him to be around her. Nothing can happen between them, because that would mean he’s disloyal to Sonny. You’re his wife, he tells her. “I’m no such thing!” Carly declares, pointing out that she’s Sonny’s EX-wife, an adult, and starting a club without his help. You’re not over him yet, Zander observes. Carly says she wants to move on with her life, but everyone still sees her as the property of Sonny Corinthos. She storms out.

Alexis arrives, because Sonny has called her. He suggests they go back to Puerto Rico, then dismisses the idea and gets down to business. He tells her that Jax wants to shut down his warehouse. Why? Alexis asks. Yes, Jax loathes you with a vengeance that knows no bounds, and you feel the same way about him, but why would he act on that feeling now? He’s jealous of our relationship, Sonny says. It kills him that you’re my attorney and friend. He suggests getting to a judge to make the problem go away. Alexis doesn’t want to hear anything of that nature and says she’ll handle it. She makes a call. Sonny says he can deal with business complications but not this personal stuff with his family. Alexis comments that Kristina would blame it on Pluto, the planet; she has wild ideas like that. Yeah, Sonny chuckles, like her one about you and me. That stops Alexis cold, but just then her phone rings. It’s the judge, giving Sonny 30 days to argue his case. Sonny guesses that Alexis has something on the judge and threatens to have Benny find out what it is unless she tells him first. Alexis calls him an arrogant jerk, tells him not to flash those dimples, but finally admits that she did use some dirt on the judge. Sonny laughs at her, brings up the fun they had in Puerto Rico. Alexis leaves but is smiling in the hallway. Sonny makes a call and talks to someone in Spanish. Later, Alexis finds a box with gardenias in it (like the one she wore in her hair in Puerto Rico) when she’s leaving her penthouse. Sonny is waiting at the elevator. They smile at each other. Downstairs, an angry Carly gets in the elevator and hits “P” for penthouse.

It's Valentine's Day and the show is a series of fantasy sequences. Skye, dressed in a gold ballgown, decends the stairs at the Q mansion to find Jax (looking delish in black tie and tails) waiting for her. He tells her he was wrong before, she is more than beautiful, she is amazing. Nay-sayers Edward, Ned and Sonny (also dressed to the hilt) appear to disagree and insult Skye. Jax demands an apology on the lady’s behalf, to which Sonny replies that Skye is no lady, she is just a garden-variety tramp. Jax (with a wave of his hand) commands that Sonny be gone and-poof Sonny disappears.

Alexis (buttoned up to the neck in a prim suit, hair done up and glasses) tries to read a contract to Sonny who declares no interest in the legalities. Instead he pulls her glasses off and tells her she has beautiful eyes and shouldn’t hide them. Alexis moves away and continues to read the contract. Sonny (after pulling off his jacket) whips the papers out of her hand and on to the floor. He unpins her hair and unbuttons her jacket, while telling her how she doesn’t have to hide her feelings anymore because he also thinks about her all the time. Alexis is apparently speechless at this discovery because all we hear from her is a whimper as Sonny pushes her into a chair and kisses her. A few kisses, whimpers and groans later, Sonny (with Alexis’ help) is pulling his shirt off as another kiss carries them down to the carpeting.

Carly descends the stairs in the penthouse and finds Sonny deep in discussion with Alexis about business. Sonny kisses her goodbye and she exits, but before the door can close Sonny calls out that he needs and wants his wife. Sonny begins to tell Carly that his enemies are preparing to strike, but Alexis intercedes with the reminder that Carly can’t know because she has already betrayed him once. Sonny coldly yells at Alexis that he loves, trusts and respects Carly and if Alexis doesn’t then she can just leave the state or better yet the country. Alexis apologies, but Sonny directs her apologize to Carly. Alexis respectfully does then Carly tells her to do as Sonny ordered about the enemy. Alexis questions how Carly knows what Sonny wants done, was she eavesdropping? No says Carly she knows Sonny, therefore she knows what he wants done. Alexis attempts to discuss other business issues with Sonny, but he curtly dismisses all except Carly. Once alone he presents her with a necklace/pendant, which Carly proclaims she loves even before she sees it. Together they read the inscriptions “ I Love You; Te Amo; Je T’aime; Te Quiero”. As Sonny slips the necklace over Carly’s head he tells her (in Spanish) “You fill my life with your laughter, and I love you with all my heart”. At her prompting her loosely translates then invites her to dance with him. Sultry music fills the air as they kiss and the lights dim as they start to dance.

Sports announcer Alan describes the amazing feat that AJ has accomplished. He has lasted 11 rounds in the ring with undefeated champ Sonny. Alan praises AJ’s determination despite the fact that AJ has been knocked down by the champ three times already. In the ring Edward and Skye tend to AJ (in boxing togs, complete with swollen eye, cut lip and blood-imagine a scene right out of Rocky). Edward wants to throw in the towel, but AJ refuses to quit. Skye warns that one more hit to his ribs could cause permanent damage, but AJ refuses to give in. Meanwhile, across the ring Carly and Alexis tend to Sonny (apparently untouched by AJ), who appears to be taunting his opponent. Courtney approaches and pleads with AJ to stop the fight; he has nothing to prove to her, she already knows AJ is the better man. AJ claims he has to prove it to everyone else. Courtney tells AJ she can’t bear to see Sonny knock him down again, but AJ confidently assures her he has Sonny right where he wants him. Referee Ned calls out last round as the bell rings. The match continues with Sonny doling out the punishment, as he is the only one connecting with his punches, while AJ just swings wildly. Finally, Sonny has AJ against the ropes and is dancing around before moving in for the kill. Courtney calls out to Sonny; Sonny turns to look at her; AJ sees his opening and connects with a solid right hook. Sonny goes down with for the count, while in the background Alan’s voice proclaims that the impossible has happened. While Carly and Alexis rush to Sonny, AJ receives hugs from Edward-who tells AJ he is proud; Skye who proclaims him a winner at last; and Courtney-who doesn’t say much of anything just squeals with delight as she lifts AJ’s arm in the time honored tradition reserved for boxing champs.

Sonny appears in Carly's door, as she opens a window. She invites him in; he asks if she is sure. After she removes his jacket, they sit down on the bed and start to kiss. As their passion heats up, Sonny pulls Carly down on top of him. Afterwards, they lie in bed while Carly strokes his scars and make inane chatter. Sonny confesses how he hates waking up in the middle of the night and not finding her beside him. He tells her he wants their relationship to last forever and Carly assures him that he can trust her. After another passionate kiss, she insists that he can trust her, but when Sonny looks he finds the woman in his arms is now Alexis. This concludes the fantasy section.

Sonny flirts with Alexis over the flowers he sent her, commenting that it’s lucky for her he didn’t send rum instead. Carly exits the elevator and promptly makes a scene upon realizing that Sonny sent Alexis flowers. She insists on having Alexis present during a discussion with Sonny over the divorce agreement. Once in Sonny’s PH she pretty much accuses Sonny of getting on with his life while preventing her from doing the same. After a little prodding, Carly confesses that she has kissed and been kissed by “a great guy” and is considering going farther, but wants to know where the lines are drawn with Sonny. Sonny angrily tells Carly he doesn’t care who she spends her time with “Take the guy on a pool table in the middle of Jake’s-It’s none of my business anymore”. An embarrassed Alexis tries to excuse herself, but Carly storms out instead. Sonny asks for some alone time then comments to Alexis that he knows who the “great guy” is. Alexis returns to her PH after assuring Sonny that he knows where to find her if he needs her.

At Jake's, Carly plays pool as she broods over the last scene with Sonny. Suddenly, someone touches her shoulder; she looks up and sees Sonny. Before, long they are making love on the pool table alas she is just imagining it. With a disgusted look, she tosses the cue stick down, takes one more swig of beer and heads up the stairs to Zander's room. Meanwhile, upstairs in his room Zander undresses as he (prepares for bed?). Suddenly there is a knock on the door. It’s Carly. Carly tells Zander she is going to throw herself an “I’m free” party and Zander is the only guest. She is going to throw caution to the wind, go crazy and wild. She flirts with him and “extends an invitation.” Zander is really interested, but isn’t going to go through with it. He explains that Carly & Sonny are still in love and he doesn’t want to be used and he doesn’t want to be disloyal to Sonny. He tries to get it through her thick skull that Sonny still loves her, regardless of what he says or does. Carly says she is ready to move on in her life, whether it is with Zander or someone else. Sonny shows up at Zander’s door and accuses him of doing a bad job at keeping an eye on Carly. Zander realizes that Sonny knows Carly kissed someone, but that Sonny thinks that person was Jax.

Carly is at the gym. First, she trips. Then, she starts lifting weights that are too heavy. Kristina shows up to help save her and then asks a favor. She wants to know what is up with Carly & Sonny. Carly loudly announces that she is free and looking to fly and she’s excited to see what’s out there. All the guys at the gym applaud.

2/19/02
Zander is furious with Carly for telling Sonny that "a stranger" had kissed her. He asks Carly what kind of ruthless game is she playing? He is angry and hurt because he senses that she has used him to "get back at Sonny". Zander tells Carly to leave and to have a good life. In the meantime, Alexis tells Sonny that she knew where he had gone, etc. Obviously, she is feeling mixed emotions too. She tells him that it is ok for him to be angry with Carly. Sonny and she have a spat, and both look unhappy and disgruntled.

AJ, expecting room service, opens the door to find Sonny. Courtney just barely manages to hide while Sonny delivers another warning to AJ about her. After Sonny leaves, Courtney confesses that she has been thinking about Sonny a lot and is worried what will happen when he finds out she has been with AJ all along. AJ assures her it won’t happen, but decides that it might be time for another distraction and suggests they be seen on the docks.

Max reports that they have found no trace of Courtney. They are however still looking and have the whole city covered. Sonny orders them to keep looking and also to keep an eye on AJ Quartermaine. Mike arrives and is disappointed to find that Sonny hasn’t found Courtney either. Mike tries to talk to Sonny about his attitude with people who disappointment him; unfortunately he make two mistakes. The first one is that it sounds like a lecture and the second is that he compares Sonny to himself. Sonny is quick to dismiss Mike’s words and even quicker to say he is NOTHING like Mike. The phone rings-it’s one of Sonny’s men saying the saw Courtney on the docks. Sonny rushes out and even consents to bring Mike along. Down on the docks, Mike, Sonny and his men watch as AJ hands a corndog to his young blonde companion. Sonny approaches and demands an explanation. However, when the young woman turns around it’s not Courtney. AJ introduces her as Anne Something-or-other; a P.I. he has hired to help find Courtney. Anne recognizes Sonny and tells him she will do her best to find Courtney and bring her home safely. Sonny warns AJ to keep out to it. After Sonny stalks off Mike lingers behind and tells Anne that if she finds Courtney to tell her that her father loves her. AJ gives Anne an out by saying he understands if she wants to drop the case now that she knows Sonny is involved. Anne assures AJ she will find Courtney-she just needs a lead.

Back at Sonny’s office, Sonny lets Mike in on his growing suspicions. It wasn’t just coincidence that AJ was on the docks with a dead ringer for Courtney-he is up to something. The more he thinks about it the more he is sure something is wrong. If Courtney had left town his men would have found her. If she IS still in town someone is hiding her and that would take money. Courtney doesn’t have that kind of money, but AJ does. Mike comments that it doesn't matter who helps his daughter, but Sonny asks if he wants Courtney to be indebted to AJ.

Jax wants to know what Carly told Sonny that made the mobster think he was out to hurt his ex-wife. Carly says it’s none of his business. “Have you been kissing your ex-husband’s most loyal little foot soldier?” Jax asks. He tells Carly she deserves better than Sonny and again wants to know what she did that made Sonny so angry. Carly admits she told Sonny she kissed another man, she was mad because he gave Alexis flowers for Valentine’s Day. Of course, Sonny went straight to Zander for more details, she adds. Why would Zander know anything? Jax asks. Because he’s supposed to be keeping an eye on me for Sonny, Carly replies, causing Jax to roll his eyes in disbelief. “This is a very unhealthy break-up,” Jax tells her. Carly acts concerned that Zander is caught in the middle. An astute Jax observes that there was a time when she’d have kissed Sonny’s protege just to hurt him, but not now she’s not the old Carly. Kristina comes in, and Jax leaves. Kristina asks Carly how the dating game is going. Kristina arrives and wonders what is going on between Carly & Zander. Carly can’t believe that Kristina is actually there, asking these questions. But, finally, she says nothing is going on. Kristina suggests she tell this news to Zander, informing her how upset he was on the docks. Carly grabs her coat and heads out to find Zander.

Sonny sends one of his men off with instructions to keep searching for Courtney and to find out who came on to Carly in the bar. Then he broods at his desk, remembering how he told Carly she only gets involved with men to hurt herself and someone else. Zander comes in, eager for Sonny to give him some bogus information to feed Jax. Sonny says he’s not worried about Jax and wants to know why Zander is so desperate about the situation. Zander says he didn’t like that Jax saw him as a weak person who could be used. He showed you no respect, Sonny agrees, but he points out that he knows Zander would never do anything against him. “I have to tell you something about me and Carly,” Zander says.

Sonny asks Zander for more details about the kissing guy. He explains that Carly’s behavior is self-destructive and he wants to save Michael. Zander gets angry and tells Sonny his assessment of Carly’s behavior is all wrong and then wonders why Sonny really cares so much. “Why not take her back if you care so much?” Zander asks. Sonny is not happy that his lackey has an attitude or an opinion and tells Zander he is acting defensive and should mind his own business. Sonny does not like what he is hearing at all. Then he starts in on if Jax was the kisser, then Carly lied straight to his face and if so, then everything is over. Carly has come here and is standing outside the door, but bursts in and promises Sonny that next time she kisses someone, he won’t know about it, that she only told him because she was hurt about the flowers sent to Alexis. Sonny grabs his coat and tells Zander he doesn’t pay him enough as he walks out. Alone with Zander, Carly realizes that he didn’t own up to being the kisser because he was trying to save her, not because he didn’t want to lose his job or Sonny’s loyalty. She is grateful. He doesn’t want her gratitude, he just didn’t want to be the reason why she & Sonny could never get back together. He is fed up, though, and tells her he is through. Bobbie shows up at Carly's club and Carly asks her mom for advice. She tells Bobbie that she used Zander to make Sonny jealous and that Zander no longer wants to be her friend. Bobbie suggests that Carly back off for a while and let Zander have his space. Carly agrees but later calls Zander. Zander stands by the phone and listens as Carly leaves a message, saying she is sorry for what she did and that she misses him.

Alexis struggles to get her key to work in her lock when Sonny shows up and tells her he is letting go. He’s not going to jump when Carly wants him to anymore. He also thanks Alexis for being his friend and says he is very lucky to have her. Alexis takes the opportunity to tell him she is moving out. Alexis tells Sonny that she is moving out. Sonny asks her where to and she tells him Wyndmere. Sonny knows that she really doesn't want to move there. He thinks she wants to move because of him but Alexis denies it. Sonny asks her if he has pushed her away like he as everyone else in his life. Alexis tells him no. Sonny goes on to tell Alexis that everyone else has left him and she is all he has left. Alexis takes offense to that and Sonny tries to reassure her by telling her that she is the only person he really trusts and that he needs her to stay. Alexis tells him that it doesn't matter because she is still going to move out.

Before Sonny has the chance to answer, Janine storms into Alexis' penthouse and tells the two she knows where Courtney is. Janine starts to tell Sonny where Courtney is but changes her mind after a barrage of questions from Sonny. She ends up telling him that Courtney is with a ‘friend’; she is safe but wants nothing to do with Sonny just yet. Sonny won’t give up and tries to convince Janine that Courtney could be at risk because it is public knowledge that she is HIS sister. Still, Janine won’t budge on Courtney’s whereabouts. She tries to leave, but he prevents her from opening the door. Sonny tries to give Janine money to send to Courtney but Janine refuses. She tells Sonny that Courtney doesn’t need his money and neither does she. She tells Sonny that she will be moving out of the house he provided and will find her own place. Alexis (pulling a box things Courtney left behind from the closet) tells Janine to take them and send them to Courtney, then suggests Sonny write a note to his sister and slip it in with her things. Janine refuses because she believes Sonny would find the box and get Courtney whereabouts even if he had to burn the Post Office down to do it. Finally Janine opens the door to leave and finds herself face to face with Mike who was about to knock. Mike asks about Courtney, but Janine quickly tells him Sonny and Alexis can fill him in before entering the elevator, where Jax is just exiting. Jax inquires about Courtney, but is told by Sonny to mind his own business. Sonny goes off to his PH, with Mike right behind him despite Alexis’ advice to give Sonny time alone.

In Sonny’s penthouse, Mike asks Sonny why he isn’t worried about not knowing where Courtney is. Sonny answers that he offered Janine money to give to Courtney but she wouldn’t take it. That means Janine DOES know where Courtney is and believes she is safe. He also tells Mike that Janine is making plans to remain in town, which means that Courtney either never left town or she is planning on returning soon and Janine knows it. Sonny adds that all they can do now is watch Janine and wait. Mike leaves after asking Sonny to inform ASAP on any news about Courtney; he doesn’t want to blow a second chance with her. Alexis knocks enters and tells Sonny that what ever flaws Janine has, she loves Courtney and wouldn’t put her in danger so she must be safe. Sonny agrees that Janine thinks Courtney is safe, but he isn’t sure. Sonny tells Alexis that even though he doesn’t want her to move he’ll understand if she wants to leave. Alexis smiles and says she is not going anywhere.

In Sonny’s office, Johnny/Max/Adam (whichever) reports that there is still no sign of Courtney. Sonny orders them to keep searching. Zander shows up and tells Sonny he quits. Sonny talks him out of that notion by telling Zander that with Courtney still missing he needs to buy some time by getting Jax off his back for a while. Sonny wants Zander to go ahead and try to convince Jax that he has turned on Sonny. Telling him that sticking as close to the truth as possible is always a good thing, they try to come up with a reason for Zander to turn on Sonny that Jax will believe. Sonny suggests that a good reason would be Carly. Zander is stunned for a moment (could Sonny know?) until Sonny says forhim to convince Jax that Zander resents having to babysit her. Zander is relived and goes off with a promise to do his best and Sonny’s praise for his trustworthiness ringing in his ears.

At Carly's office, Jax asks Carly what AJ is capable of. Carly gives Jax the short version of her marriage. She also tells him that he has been acting out of character with Courtney since he realized she was Sonny’ sister. He has been more cold-blooded and calculating. She gives Jax some details about the night at Luke’s when AJ was sitting with Courtney doing his ‘poor little rich boy’ act. She also mentions the incident in the park when AJ ‘just happened’ to run into Courtney. She also tells him that later AJ all but admitted to that he would use Courtney if given the chance. When Jax makes the comment that maybe Courtney if better off with AJ than with Sonny, Carly tells him that Sonny is not perfect, but he does care about family. Example, despite his treatment of Mike, Sonny has yet to shut him completely out of his life and always helps Mike when he needs it. The same with her and Michael, they will always be Sonny’s family and he will always take care of them the best he can. Carly assures Jax that Sonny feels the same way about Courtney. Wondering about Jax’s sudden interest, Carly asks if he knows something, but Jax claims he just needs to know more about AJ.

Skye arrives at Carly’s office looking for Jax. Carly informs her that if she is looking for him to help AJ, it’s too late. Skye tries to leave, but upon seeing her reaction, Carly restrains her and demands to know what AJ is up to. Skye demands Carly unhand her, to no avail and they appear headed for a real knock’em down, drag’em out fight when Zander interrupts and separates them. After Skye leaves, Zander and Carly decide to tail Skye.

After Zander leaves his office, Sonny looks to make sure no one is around, then slowly pulls open a desk drawer and removes something tucked into the corner, his wedding ring. After holding it a few moments, reading the engraving and smiling fondly in memory, he tucks it back into the drawer. Jax shows up and Sonny tells him he doesn’t have time to for him right now. Jax comments that he was trying to return the favor Sonny did when he helped Jerry, by helping with Courtney, but if Sonny’s not interested…(as he starts to walk away). Sonny doesn’t apologize but demands Jax tell him if he knows where Courtney is. Jax simply answers, “AJ has her”. Jax fills Sonny in on the fact that his sister has sought refuge with A.J. and is being taken in hook, line, & sinker. He is taken aback when Sonny accuses him of lying. Alexis arrives and after hearing the story urges Sonny to believe Jax. Sonny storms off to confront AJ with Johnny, Max/Adam and JAX right on his heels. He bursts through AJ’s door just seconds after AJ returns from escorting Zander and Carly downstairs and is greeted by a stunned AJ and a frighten Skye. Sonny demands to know where Courtney is. Skye sticks up for AJ saying that she was never there. Johnny finds a necklace in one of the bedrooms and Skye says it's hers. Sonny threatens them both as Jax walks in. Jax tells Sonny that it isn't worth it. Sonny shows Jax the necklace that Skye claims is hers. Jax tells her that it isn't her style of necklace. Sonny then asks AJ to take a walk with him and AJ agrees. Skye blasts Jax for telling Sonny about Courtney staying there. Jax is angry at Skye for sticking up and lying for AJ. Sonny takes AJ out onto the docks and pulls a gun out on him. He then hands AJ the gun and tells him to shoot him. AJ doesn't want to and tells Sonny that he will win when he beats him at his game. Sonny then recieves a call from Janine who tells the mobster that Court has returned home. Sonny tells her that he will be right over.

Sonny goes to Janine's and sees Courtney there. Admitting that he was worried about her, Sonny asks his sister why she took off. Courtney tells Sonny that she turned to AJ because he believed her about the accident. Courtney snarls at Sonny when he tells her that her white knight AJ is just using her to get at him. Sonny asks Courtney when he sees his sister is whether or not she needs to go to the doctor, but Courtney replies that she is fine. Janine admits to her daughter that she was the one who called Sonny and that Courtney should give her brother a chance to speak his piece. Courtney tells Sonny that she did not run the red light, but she did run away from Sonny's attempts to tell her what to do and to think. When the police told her she was free to go - she took them at their word and left. Sonny apologizes to Courtney for trying to tell her how to feel and promises that he will try to do better. Courtney, asks "Are you trying to apologize?" Sonny responds, "Trying to." Courtney observes, "You don't do it much, do you?" Sonny agrees, "Not something I'm well-known for - no." Sonny insists that he would like to be able to relax with Courtney and have fun. Then Sonny wants to be sure that Courtney is OK, because of where she was - with A.J. "Whatever A.J. promised you, he does not mean it," Sonny insists to his sister, then angers his sister by asking: "Did he touch you?" Courtney suddenly bristles at Sonny, and asks if that is why Sonny wanted to know ifshe needed to see a doctor. Courtney goes on to tell her brother that the reason that she accepted A.J.'s friendship was because, when she told A.J. that she had not run that red light - A.J. believed her. Courtney angrily informs her brother that everything in the world does not revolve around the mighty Sonny Corinthos! However, Sonny insists that nobody he cares about will even speak to A.J. and that Courtney IS the only way A.J. can getto Sonny. Then Sonny goes on to insist to his sister that he never accused her of lying about the red light. However, Courtney insists that she has had enough and storms out of the room.

Zander tells Carly that he came to the club in hopes of finding Jax there. Carly admits to him that she used their kiss to make Sonny jealous and that she is sorry she did it. Zander tells her that he is happy working for Sonny and that he won't ruin that. He also tells her that he only wants to be her friend, if that. Carly begs for a second chance, saying that she doesn't want to give up what she had with Zander. Zander doesn't want to hear of it.

Sonny shows up at Wyndemere to talk to Liz about the accident. Sonny manages to see Liz despite Nik’s protest that Liz needs to rest and put the accident behind her. Sonny becomes more determined to see Liz after Gia joins in and tell him that talking about the accident only distresses Liz. Once Sonny gets a chance to speak with Liz she assures him that she is doing very well, might take him up on his offer to return to his casino island-soon, doesn’t need anything as her family and friends are catering to her every need and doesn’t hold a grudge against his sister. After Sonny leaves Gia says she doesn’t like him cause he is dangerous; Liz defends the mobster saying he has always been good to her even before the accident. Lucky agrees that Sonny is a decent person-as long as you don’t cross him.

Carly checks her hair and make-up before letting herself into Sonny’s penthouse. To Carly’s annoyance, Alexis is busy working at the desk. After trying to get Alexis to leave and failing, Carly wanders around the room making as much noise as possible. Eventually she starts to make remarks which Alexis does her best to brush off. Alexis offers to tell Sonny Carly stopped by and have him call her, but Carly insists thatit is important-about Michael. Sonny finally arrives, but Carly is disappointed when after she tells Sonny her important news (Michael is in a school play and he wants Sonny to attend) Sonny asks her to leave so he can discuss business with Alexis. Before walking out, Carly hands Sonny an invite to the opening of her club (tomorrow night) and angrily tells him to bring Alexis as the invitation is for two. Sonny tells Alexis that he knows Gia lied about Courtney running the red light and has figured out Nik is throwing money around trying to hide it. He tells Alexis how much Nik and Gia protested his visit with Liz, how they told him 15 times that Liz just wants to put the accident behind her, that he believes Liz’s statement to the police is not based on memory but the lies Nik and Gia have fed her. He is shocked when Alexis admits that she had already figured it out. When he demands to know why she didn’t tell him, she informs him that her family is as important to her as his is to him. She also tells him that if he tries to go after Nik, they will find themselves on opposite sides. Sonny appears to understand, since he goes on to berate himself for letting Courtney down when she needed him. Alexis assures him he made a human mistake-like everyone does, but Sonny wonders how he will make it up to his sister.

Carly wanders around her club turning on the lights and giving herself a pep talk about how after the opening everyone will sit up and take notice of her. She assures herself that the club will be a big hit and the place everyone wants to be.

Courtney returns to the house Sonny is providing for Janine to find Sonny waiting for her. She tells him she is tired, but Sonny coaxes her to listen. He tells her that he knows she didn’t run the light the night of the accident. He apparently can’t bring himself to actually apologize, so he tries to tell her that he was too busy trying to keep Taggart from railroading her to listen to her that night, but he know the truth now and is willing to do whatever it takes to clear her name-if she wants him too. Why? questions Courtney. Sonny explains that he wants them to have a second chance. Courtney angrily starts to answer but Sonny cuts her off and tells her sleep on it then call him in the morning. Courtney accepts but warns him not to hold his breath waiting for her call.The next day, Sonny stops by for another chat with his sister. Courtney thanks him for believing her about the car accident. Then she tells him that she hasn’t heard from A.J.; she wants to know if he did something to him. Sonny says that no one has laid a hand on A.J. She seems to accept that. Sonny asks her to come to the club opening with him. It takes a little convincing, but Courtney agrees. Sonny leaves, promising to be back in an hour to pick her up.

Sonny arrives to pick up Alexis, chipper and full of compliments. He tells Alexis she is so smart and so right about what to say to Courtney. Then he envelops her in a rather awkward (for her) hug. After Kristina goes upstairs to get ready, Alexis tries to convince him to take Courtney alone to the club, but Sonny says he needs her along to help fill the uncomfortable silences. But he promises to show her a good time, too. Ned arrives, and Sonny leaves, running into Mike by the elevator. Mike wants to know how much damage A.J. did. Sonny says he’s clearing it up by not letting A.J. get anywhere near Courtney. Back in the penthouse, Ned tells Alexis he understands about her and Sonny, because Kristina told him about her “blurt.” Alexis tries to act like she knows what he’s talking about. Ned says that Sonny probably already knew she was in love with him. Alexis is shocked, Ned realizes his blunder, Kristina makes a seductive entrance, and Sonny shows up at the door again, grinning and ready for a night on the town. Alexis is stricken.

A.J. manages somehow to arrive on Courtney’s doorstep. She doesn’t seem interested in his excuses,willing to accept that he let her down. A.J. tells her he’s been trying to get to her for two days, but Sonny wouldn’t let him. The hottest club to hit Port Charles in a long time opened its doors tonight. Club 101 is the creation of Carly Corrinthos. Jax arrives at the club first and lights a candle with one of the club’s new matchbooks. On the matchbook we finally see the name of the club - “101.” Carly makes her entrance wearing an elegant black dress with spaghetti straps and was on hand to greet guests as they entered the club. Anyone who is anyone in this town made an appearance at the opening. Jax readily gives approval for her outfit and the club. He says he can’t believe she turned an old warehouse into tomorrow’s headlines. Carly admits she’s scared to death because she wants to succeed so badly. Jax promises she will be the queen of the town before the night is over. He goes to open the doors. Skye arrives looking for Jax. Carly threatens to call security on her, but then the public starts coming in and she has to put on the gracious hostess face. Zander arrives, and Carly pulls him over to the bar for a drink. She tells him she’s so glad he came, because she really needed a friend tonight. Then he introduces her to his date, Kate the med student. They go off to dance, leaving Carly alone at the bar. The couple heated up the dance floor for the rest of the evening and Carly was watching their moves on more than one occasion. The entrance of Prince Nikolas Cassadine and his fiancee, former Face of Deception Gia Campbell (in a stunning purple dress), could hardly go unnoticed. Carly greets them as they entered the building. Bobbie congratulated her daughter on Club 101’s success. Sonny Corrinthos himself was spotted walking in from the parking lot with his date, attorney Alexis Davis. The couple hesitated on the doorstep, appearing to be deep in conversation.

While a bevy of reporters look on and wonder what is going on, Sonny assures Alexis that there isn’t anything she can't tell him. She searches for the right words to apologize for Kristina telling him that Alexis is in love with him. Sonny tries to guess what's on Alexis' mind but to no avail.

Alexis rushes in to the club to collect her thoughts. Jax advises Carlyto move on and make a concerted effort to get over Sonny. Carly confesses that she is afraid that Sonny will haunt her forever. Skye interrupts their conversation and calls Jax a lying jerk. Carly leaves Jax and Skye alone. Carly lights up when Sonny finally arrives. He compliments her on the club and comments that it's not as "in your face" as he expected and admits that he sometimes misses that attitude. Zander and Carly dance together. Sonny approaches Gia (and Nik) and mentions that he talked to Courtney and assured his sister that he believed that she didn't run the red light. Gia asks if Sonny is implying that she lied about the accident. Sonny claims he only wants the truth and Nik suggests that Sonny just forget about it. When Sonny leaves Nik and Gia alone, a worried Gia is ready to tell the truth but Nik won't hear of it. Everything comes to an abrupt standstill when AJ and Courtney appear at the door together. (Susan Diol plays the role of Alexis today, while Nancy Lee Grahn is off with pneumonia.) Ned, Kristina, Skye, Jax, Carly, Nikolas, Gia, etc. all watch AJ with Courtney. Alexis tries to keep Sonny from doing something drastic. Sonnystarts seeing blurry and goes over to AJ & Courtney.

Courtney stands up for AJ, and calls Sonny on all the nasty tricks he just pulled to keep AJ away from her. AJ tries to make peace with Sonny. He won't have any part in it. Sonny tries to get out of Alexis what she wanted to tell him outside. Carly corners Courtney in the bathroom to bash AJ. Alexis comes in the bathroom & gives her 2 cents, then Bobbie comes in and gives her some more advice. Zander asks Sonny if he should "take care of AJ". Courtney asks AJ if he really likes her or if he's trying to get back at Sonny. He kisses her, and Sonny glares. Everyone is looking. Sonny is furious and heads over to do something about it. Alexis tries to calm him down. Carly triesto stop him. Skye tries to stop her brother. Everything is happening in slow motion. Finally, Zander steps up and punches AJ. The boys scuffle. The women scream. In the end, AJ is bloody and Courtney is upset. Taggert yells at Zander, Carly & Alexis try to prevent an arrest. AJ finally says he isn’t going to press charges. Sonny once again warns Courtney to stay away from AJ. AJ makes a speech thanking Carly and saying he was sorry that things went wrong. Then, he collapses. Skye calls for help. Once AJ is taken to the hospital, the club shuts down basically. Most people leave. Jax congratulates Carly and then tells Zander their deal is off, it is obvious that his loyalties remain to Sonny.

Mike’s place, Sonny knocks on the door and asks for his help. Mike chastises Sonny for not eating breakfast but Sonny brushes off the fatherly concern and urges Mike to find a way to make Courtney listen to reason before he's forced to take drastic actions. Mike promises to try his best and appears to have the beginnings of an idea or plan before Sonny leaves. Sonny shows up at Janine’s and demands answers on how AJ and Courtney managed to connect. He guesses (correctly) that Janine is willing to overlook AJ’s shortcomings because of the size of his trust fund. Janine denies it, but Sonny’s theory is confirmed when her cell phone rings. Sonny picks it up, but doesn’t say anything. Not realizing who is on the other end AJ tells Janine that the plan is in trouble and he needs her help ASAP. Sonny accuses Janine of “selling” Courtney for a chance at a big payoff and not caring that AJ is only using her. Upset, Janine blurts out that A.J. intends to marry her daughter. With one last disgusted look at Janine, Sonny heads out the door.

Zander offers to pay for the damage he caused at the club, but Carly assures him that it's she and Sonny who owe him for saving Sonny from an assault charge. Carly is determined to put an end to A.J.'s manipulations of Courtney, but when she says as much to Zander he warns her that Sonny will handle it and any interference from her will only end badly for Sonny. But since that never stops her, she starts to formulate a plan as soon as Zander leaves. Carly arrives at the Q mansion where Edward tries to prevent her from entering unless she brought Michael for a visit. Carly pushes her way in and tells him she is there to help save AJ’s worthless hide in case anybody cares.

Sonny enters AJ’s room, draws the shade and slowly approaches the bed. AJ watches with apprehension and fear showing clearly on his face. Sonny is in AJ’s room, threatening him, warning him that he can become uncontrollably violent. Carly walks in and tells Sonny to leave, that he shouldn’t be there. Alan walks in and is dismayed to find both of them there. At that point, AJ takes a sip of water and spits it out, claiming someone replaced his water with vodka. When Courtney shows up and hears what happened, she tells Sonny off, tells Carly to shut up and tells them to leave. Sonny tries to convince Alan that AJ is a user and that he is only worried about Courtney just like Alan would be worried about Emily. Sonny stands outside in the hallway, sending hostile looks at AJ. Carly immediately starts defending herself to Sonny that she didn't put alcohol in AJ's water cup. Sonny believes her and doesn't accuse her, she is relieved that he isn't accusing her. Carly’s a happy girl when she realizes that Sonny’s actually trusting her judgement. Sonny wants her to go home, telling her that it is not her fight. She says, "Oh yes it is!" He tells her that his inability to control his anger where A.J. is concerned is the cause of the distance between him and Courtney, that he scared her.

**The End**

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