Today on Days of Our Lives, EJ’s past comes back to haunt him, Stephanie confides in Kayla, Alex confronts Philip, and Paulina gives Jada orders.
Credit: Peacock screenshot
Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Steve rushes off for Black Patch business as Stephanie comes to her parents’ place with Christmas presents. Alone with Kayla, Stephanie confides that she’s upset over Alex having a fling with Joy. She knows she should be okay with him moving on, though, especially since she just kissed Philip. When Kayla asks, Stephanie insists she and Philip are not getting back together. It was one kiss that they didn’t even talk about. Kayla hopes she remembers why it didn’t work out between them before: he didn’t protect her during the Kiriakis/DiMera feud that almost got her killed. Stephanie promises that history won’t repeat itself.
Upon bumping into Philip in the Square, Alex tersely congratulates him for being awarded half of Titan. Philip knows Alex was team Xander and informs him that his statement on Xander’s behalf was thrown out. Alex thinks the judgment was the best outcome and hopes Philip and Xander can put aside their differences for the good of Titan. Maybe the two of them can do the same. Philip isn’t so sure since he and Stephanie kissed. Alex bristles but assures him it’s all good. Stephanie can date whomever she wants. Philip clarifies they’re not dating — yet — but she does seem really interested after that kiss. “Good for you,” Alex says with controlled disdain and wishes them nothing but the best.
More: Hallmark Plus sale
Stephanie joins the Kiriakis cousins as Alex assures Philip there are no hard feelings between them. After Alex leaves, Philip apologizes to Stephanie. He hopes he wasn’t too forward when he kissed her. She coyly points out she kissed him back. Philip suggests they see where things go between them. Perhaps a New Year’s Eve date? Stephanie accepts.
Paulina surprises Jada in her office to congratulate her on bringing in Hattie. Jada admits that Rafe got to her first, and then she lawyered up before they could question her about the poisoned cupcakes. Paulina orders her to control her fiancé. Jada is not comfortable with that concept. Relenting, Paulina suggests she offer Rafe more money to join the force. Jada reminds her Rafe didn’t quit because of money, and he seems to really love his new job. Before she leaves, Paulina advises Jada to get to the bottom of the cupcakes. She doesn’t want to have to make another commissioner change.
More: Who won Days’ Christmas cookie contest?
An annoyed EJ opens the DiMera mansion door to a casually dressed Rafe. Dog tags hang from his neck as he strolls in and pours himself a drink. Upon EJ’s outrage over Rafe’s behavior, the man says, “I’m not Rafe Hernandez.” He’s Arnold Feniger and he’s run out of money playing dead in Argentina. Therefore, he’s back to make a withdrawal from the bank of DiMera. The men rehash how EJ paid Arnold an exorbitant amount of money to become Rafe and break up with Sami, but Arnold went rogue. EJ and Stefano had Arnold stabbed in a holding cell to prevent him from testifying about their role in his nefarious activities but spared his life in case he could come in handy someday.
More: Get more of Rafe’s history
“Here I am, EJ,” Arnold glibly says. “At your service.” EJ doesn’t want him there. Rolf’s drug made him appear dead, and dead he must be! In flashback, an inmate calls for a guard regarding a stabbed Arnold. The guard can’t find a pulse and leaves to call the warden. Arnold’s eyes open. The inmate tells him he’ll be shipped out of there courtesy of EJ DiMera.
The real Rafe meets Steve at the Pub. Steve commends him for finding Hattie, which the cops couldn’t do. Rafe is pleased that Steve is happy over his first successful Black Patch job, but his fiancée is not. Fearing it will continue creating problems between him and Jada, Rafe wonders if working for Black Patch is a good idea. Steve reminds Rafe that he needs a job, and Steve needs him. Rafe won’t leave him in a lurch with John off on a big mission. Plus, he loves the job. “I’m gonna stay.”
More: Revisit soaps’ Christmases past
When Jada comes home to Rafe, they both apologize for the Hattie situation. They agree to figure things out together and profess their love.
Johnny enters the DiMera living room, wondering what “Rafe” is doing there. EJ lies about hiring Rafe for pending cases he can’t talk about. As “Rafe” playfully pokes at EJ, Johnny calls them getting along a Christmas miracle and leaves. EJ furiously tells Arnold he’ll give him one more payment, and then he needs to go back to Argentina and never return. Arnold counters that EJ will come around to see how useful he can be. He has a mind of his own and will not be pushed around. He pours another drink and makes himself comfortable. “I think I’m going to stick around for a while.”
