Nicole and Carlton Crash Shanice and Ted’s Date — Awkward Much?

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Saying that Nicole’s Winterfest date — Kial — was his understudy, Carlton says it’s time for her to go out with a real leading man. Although flattered, Nicole makes it clear that she is working on herself, and that means she’s not ready to settle down with one guy. And although she had a nice time with Kial and there was a spark, she’s ready to continue seeing Carlton.

Meanwhile, Vanessa crosses paths with Kial at the coffee shop (aka my least favorite of this show’s sets) and offers him her business card… realtor, not escort! They bond over having lost their respective spouses. There are definitely flirtatious vibes between the pair.

Yup, She Tested Positive!

Naomi talks to Dr. Ahn at the hospital, revealing in the course of their conversation that — as I suspected — she’s been lying about her test results. Yes, Naomi tested positive for the BRCA (breast cancer) gene. She’s not sure how to feel about the results, let alone what to do next. The doctor refers her to a genetic counselor and a counselor, and Naomi explains why she isn’t ready to tell anyone, including Jacob. Of course, just then Nicole walks up, wanting to know what they’re talking about. Dr. Ahn lies on the spot, much to Naomi’s relief.

Kat Calls Her Dad Out

Ted is on the phone with Shanice, making plans for their dinner date, when Kat storms into Orphey Gene’s, demanding to know why he encouraged Eva to be there to support her. (How very dare!) Kat goes into majorly insufferable mode, insisting that even if she needed an organ, she wouldn’t take one from Kat. As she compares her sister to cancer, Ted declares an end to apology season, putting Kat in her place, or at least trying to.

“Dana was a mistake,” he says. “Eva was not. She was a gift.” Kat is disgusted, refusing to share his love with her sister, saying she can’t even look at him. “Well, baby girl,” he sadly responds, “that makes two of us.” Kat storms on over to Nicole’s office, only to have mom side with Ted, suggesting that her daughter move on. Martin, too, suggests Kat move on. But it’s Sam who manages to give the best advice, suggesting Kat try and see things from the perspective of someone who doesn’t hate Eva.

Nicole Gets a Shock

Ted calls Shanice back, and she suggests they go somewhere they won’t run into people he knows. When Ted refuses to keep their budding relationship in a bubble, saying he wants to show her off, she agrees, but only on the condition that she first talks to Nicole so as not to blindside her co-worker/friend. But before Shanice can talk to Nicole, the doctor is called away on an emergency.

That evening, Anastasia tries to insult Shanice at the country club. But Shanice rises to the challenge, giving as good as — actually, probably better — she gets. Anastasia leaves in a huff, and Ted declares Shanice the evening’s winner. But of course, just as they’re preparing to sit down for dinner, in come Nicole and Carlton! Now seating Awkward, party of four!

Around Fairmont Crest…

Noting Marcel has pep in his step and lipstick on his collar, Jacob is disgusted to realize the guy hooked up with Leslie. Marcel suggests the younger man butt out. Later, Elon needs someone to tackle a new case involving plasma being sold on the black (or, as Marcel points out, red) market. Jacob immediately volunteers. While Marcel doesn’t think Jacob has enough experience to handle the job, Elon agrees to give his son a chance, warning that this could have a huge impact on every aspect of his life. Tyrell tells Smitty and Martin that he wants a new tux so he can take Jessica to the cotillion. They question his change of heart, but he explains his motivations to their satisfaction.