Sam: Jason, it's me. Um -- I just wanted to let you know that it was really nice hearing your voice -- even though it was only in a message -- and I guess that's it. Just be safe, and I'll -- talk to you soon bye. Hey.
Nikolas: Sorry if I kept you waiting.
Sam: No, please. Thanks for coming.
Nikolas: Let's get a table.
Sam: Okay.
Nikolas: Thank you. So what's going on?
Sam: Okay. Um -- you know how stressed Alexis is about what'll happen to Kristina and Molly if she dies.
Nikolas: Yeah, well, she wants them -- she wants them to stay together. I don't blame her for that.
Sam: No, exactly. She's already said that she wants Ric to raise them with me as their maternal influence.
Nikolas: Right. Well, the way Alexis grew up, some version of a nuclear family I'm sure is important to her.
Sam: Nikolas, it's a horrible arrangement. I cannot stand Ric, and I know, I am sure -- I know, I know the feeling is mutual, and I just --
Nikolas: It's just -- well, the two of you are just trying to help her get through cancer, right?
Sam: No, it -- it's more than Ric and I not getting along, okay? He -- he's a horrible choice for Kristina. I can't speak for Molly, but Kristina cannot be with Ric.
Nikolas: Kristina adores Ric, and -- and he appears to be a loving stepfather.
Sam: "Appears." I mean, this is as long as Alexis is around to keep her eye on him. Okay, look, you know Ric. He's got this love-hate relationship with Sonny. It is stronger than any affection he feels for Kristina. If he gets custody of her, he will use her against Sonny, and this -- this is a volatile situation for everyone involved.
Nikolas: Well, have you spoke to Alexis about this?
Sam: Come on. She's too sick for that. I can't do that.
Nikolas: You know --
Sam: I just want my sisters to be provided for, and I know it is asking a lot, but I was thinking that maybe you could ask Alexis if she could appoint you guardian of the girls. Before you answer, just please think about it, please? Because trusting Ric is not the answer.
Nikolas: There -- there is no way that I can take Kristina and Molly. They both have fathers that would fight me to the death.
Sam: Look, Sonny -- he wants what's best for Kristina, and I know his first choice would be take her for himself, but you might be the -- the best way to honor Alexis' request to have the girls stay together.
Nikolas: Sam, Sam, Ric would never allow me to take Molly, and -- and I don't blame him. Why should any father be away from their child, unless he's dangerous, and I -- why don't you tell me what's really going on? What did he do to you?
Ric: Nikolas.
Nikolas: Hey, Ric.
Ric: Who's at the hospital with Alexis?
Sam: She's there with her doctors. Nikolas -- he wanted to discuss her treatment without her around, so --
Nikolas: Well, you know how she always wants to put a good face on for everyone, and I just -- I need to get the facts, so -- care to join us?
Ric: No, no. I'm meeting somebody. Enjoy. Glad you could make it. Lorenzo: I'm assuming you've reconsidered my offer.
Ric: It took a while, but you are right. The best way to bring Sonny down is if we work together.
Nikolas: You might as well tell me what's going on. I mean, Ric's married to my aunt, Sam. If he's done something to hurt her, I need to know.
Sam: Ric and I, we don't get along mostly because of Jason -- I love him, he hates him.
Nikolas: Okay, I don't mean to --I don't mean to sound insensitive here, but your mother has cancer. Aren't her wishes more important than some residual loyalty you have to your ex-boyfriend?
Nikolas: With all due respect, I've known Alexis far longer than Ric or you, and I trust her judgment. So I'm going to abide by her wishes until you give me a reason not to. And I'm sorry, until you -- until you tell me whatever it is that you're not telling me, I just can't help you.