At Crimson Lights, Holden flashes to sex with Claire and smiles. Esther breaks the spell by asking if he’d like a mocha. He declines, but asks about houses or apartments, giving her his number if she hears of one.

Esther guesses Holden is staying in town because of a woman. Somehow they get onto her history with Katherine Chancellor, before talk

turns back to his love interest. Holden charms her and then texts Claire.At the ranch, Nikki asks Claire about her situation with Kyle… or

 

 

Holden. Claire reflects that so much has changed in the past month. She’s realized she can handle things on her own. She’s gotten some clarity, and knows she’s not ready for a serious relationship. Nikki fishes to find out more about Holden.

 

 

Claire reads Holden’s text and smiles, admitting to Nikki that they’re meeting for drinks later. They go on about him being charming and handsome. Claire says he’s a good time and that’s what she’s looking for right now. Every time she’s with him, she learns something about herself. Nikki thinks it’s the lure of the bad boy and they veer into her history with Victor.

 

 

Claire one day hopes to have a love like that. She knows her grandmother had other loves… they were learning experiences. Nikki tells Claire to let fate decide. If she’s preferring Holden over Kyle right now, she shouldn’t second guess it.

 

 

In the foyer of the Club, Lily’s awkward encounter with Cane and Phyllis progresses with Ashby asking his ex why she’s there so late. Lily explains that she came back for her ear buds and assures Phyllis she has no problem with them having “dessert” upstairs before coming down for a souffle.

Despite her insistence that she’s fine with all of this, Lily gets into it with Phyllis and Cane, asking when they got so “familiar”. Phyllis says they’ve been working together since Nice. Cane informs him ex-wife he won’t apologize. Phyllis thinks Lily is jealous. She declares she’s just incredibly disappointed.Cane asks to speak to Lily alone for a moment and tells her he doesn’t need her lecturing him every time he sees her. What’s happening is not what she thinks. “I just need a little bit of time, Lily.” Everything will be clear soon. He asks her for breakfast in the morning, but she declines. He leaves with Phyllis.

At the bar, Lily gets on the phone and tries to cajole her brother into meeting her for a drink, but he pleads parental obligations. Suddenly, Holden walks in and tells her she shouldn’t drink alone. Lily snaps at him, and then decides to ask if he’s still working for Cane.

More: Courtney Hope talks B&B return

Holden tries to change the subject, so Lily guesses he is still working for Cane. She insults him over it, and they bicker about who is responsible for Damien’s death Holden doesn’t hold Cane accountable. Lily sneers, “Not as long as he’s signing your paycheck.” Landing another zinger, Lily tells him that Arabesque is being dismantled, and Ashby will have to start selling off his assets soon.

Holden complains about Lily trying to “run him out of town” and asks about the rumors about Arabesque. Lily spots Audra coming in and says someone found out about Cane’s plan. She leaves him sitting there puzzled as Audra strolls up, delighted that Holden seems to have gotten bad news.

On the patio at Crimson Lights, Phyllis asks if Cane’s in a bad mood because Lily knows something happened between them. Ashby shrugs that his feelings for her aren’t going to disappear because of one “dalliance” that was long overdue. He has no regrets. Phyllis muses that he definitely put on a good show. Cane wants to know what she wants to hear. “Tell me everything,” he coaxes. She leans in, “You want to hear everything? Like, what’s the password to my laptop?”Phyllis tells him the password and then asks if he wants the password to his phone or to get into his bank account. She denies stealing his program and complains that he doesn’t trust her. Cane feels she can’t be surprised. Phyllis warns she’ll change the password and muses about all the distrust in their relationship. Cane shrugs that neither one of them will get bored. “Have you ever really trusted anyone in your life?”Phyllis trusts her kids, but no one else. Cane’s the same way… but they don’t trust him. Getting into a professional or personal relationship with her won’t help. Phyllis accuses him of trying to get her into bed to get into her laptop. Or is there something other than business between them?

At the ranch, Claire tells Nikki that she feels bad because Kyle and Harrison are pushing for a speedy reunion. Nikki reminds her she can always see Harrison. It’s not her job to please everyone. “Take your time,” she counsels. She can have some no-strings fun as she works her way up the corporate ladder. Claire complains that both Holden and Kyle come with baggage… namely Audra Charles. She’s out for blood… they nearly tore each other’s hair out!

At the Club, Audra pries about why Holden’s in a funk and needles him about being without Claire. They bicker about whether or not she’ll blab. Novak warns his old pal to quit provoking her or she might bring up her crime to the wrong people. Audra balks, “Don’t you mean our crime?”