Kiriakis mansion
Brady comes to see Victor, who offers him a drink of Ginger Ale. “I’ll pass,” declines Brady. “On the Ginger Ale or the job?” questions Victor. Brady expresses how it means the world to him knowing that Victor wants him back and has faith in him. He accepts Victor’s job offer, although he knows that Philip will have some worries about him coming on board. Victor is ready to announce to everyone at the party that Brady’s back at Titan.
Titan’s Christmas Party
Philip chats with someone while Sasha notes that Melanie can’t keep her eyes off of Philip. Melanie complains how Phil’s talking to the most boring guy in the room and yet he’s still nicer to the other guy than he is to her. Sasha clarifies that the guy, Adam, is an employee and not an eighteen-year-old consultant. Melanie affirms that Titan is moving forward with the alternative fuel project, which means they’re going to move forward with her. She advises Sasha to get along with her.
Meanwhile, Philip has a surprise for Stephanie which will blow her away. Steph questions what it is, but Philip teases her and won’t disclose. Steph jokes how he’s sadistic, but admits she likes that quality in a guy. Philip questions what she’s going to do after the boring Christmas party. Steph says she’s doing family stuff and invites Philip to join her family for Christmas, which a jealous Melanie overhears. Philip eagerly accepts and whispers in her ear how he’s ready for some mistletoe.
Melanie soon phones Max at the pub and tells him that she’s on her way over. Philip approaches her and Melanie whines how it’s hard knowing nobody wants her there on Christmas. After she walks off, Philip assures Steph that he didn’t fall for Melanie’s act. He changes the subject to what he wants for Christmas. Steph jokes how she’s afraid to ask, which elicits a smile from Philip.
Philip invites her to spend Christmas with his family before he spends time with hers. Steph admits that she’d love to, but points out that he and Victor are still on shaky ground, so him showing up with a low level intern might not be the best way to restore Victor’s confidence in him. “There’s nothing about you that is low level,” he assures. Phil is about to kiss her, but she tells him not to, noting how Victor’s coming. He turns around and approaches Brady and Victor, then shakes Brady’s hand, remarking how good it is to see him. Brady implies that Philip might be seeing enough of him to last a lifetime.
Brady Pub
Melanie arrives and notes how adorable Max looks behind the bar wearing his Santa hat. Max asks her what’s up, recalling how stressed she sounded on the phone. Melanie reveals that Nick signed over his fuel project to her, but it was his idea. She also fills him in on how Victor wants to keep her as a consultant at Titan. She then turns on the tears and whines how nobody would talk to her at the Titan party or even wish her a Merry Christmas, so that’s why she came to see her brother. “Merry Christmas,” says Max unenthusiastically. She asks if they can go somewhere and celebrate Christmas as a normal family.
Max thought Maggie invited Melanie to spend Christmas with the Hortons. Melanie confirms that Maggie did and quips how she’s looking forward to opening up gifts and Christmas caroling with people who blame her for everything that happened with Nick. She whines how having everyone in Salem thinking she’s the “ghost of Christmas sucks” is worse than being alone on Christmas. Max assures Melanie that he won’t let her spend the holidays alone and invites her to come with him to the Bradys.
Max and Melanie come outside, where Melanie excitedly hugs him and raves how he’s the best brother ever. Max implores her to be on her very best behavior with his family. Melanie assumes that Steph’s going to be there and wonders if it’s going to be hard for Max. She assures him that she’ll be there to smooth things over.
University Hospital
Daniel enters Kate’s room and has his hands behind his back, hiding a Christmas gift. They banter back and forth about his finger before she asks about her Christmas present. A smiling Daniel cautions her that it will take some time before they know if the bone marrow will take, but the last test says that she’s in good enough shape to go home for Christmas. Kate is elated upon hearing this news and hugs Daniel, expressing how she doesn’t know what she’d do without him.
Horton Cabin
Lucas places the necklace from Kate around Chloe’s neck. He marvels how beautiful she looked last night and admits that there’s no other place he’d rather be than at the cabin with her all alone. Chloe flashes back to opening the door to Daniel last night. She suggests they get going so they can pick up Allie and finish up their shopping. Lucas reminds her that they need to see Kate at the hospital. Chloe suggests that he go there alone, using the excuse that he and Kate haven’t had any time alone. Lucas insists that Kate will want to see Chloe wearing the necklace, stating that it’s her way of inviting Chloe into the family. He wonders what’s really going on. They are interrupted by a phone call from Kate.
Lucas and Chloe enter Kate’s hospital room and Chloe and Daniel exchange awkward glances, flashing back to Chloe slamming the door on his finger. Kate announces that she’ll be able to go home for the holidays and possibly even stay home. Lucas is delighted. Daniel takes pictures of Lucas, Kate, and Chloe. Kate requests a photo of the two people who saved her life: Daniel and Chloe. Lucas is about to take Daniel and Chloe’s picture and encourages them to get a little closer. It is clearly obvious how awkward the two of them look, but Kate still encourages Daniel to put his arm around Chloe and asks her to unbutton one button on her shirt so she can see the necklace. Kate then jokingly notes how Daniel looks as though he’s climbing the stairs to a guillotine. Lucas is having trouble with the camera. “Would you just take the damn picture?” barks Daniel. After Lucas finally finishes the task, Daniel proceeds to phone Philip and Chelsea to give them the good news and put in Kate’s release papers.
