July 19, 1999
Eric and Greta are strolling through the park. Greta thanks Eric for the wonderful day and for being a sincere and easy-to-be-with kind of guy. She starts thinking about her mother and remembers how she always wanted to be just like her -- sophisticated and accomplished. But then she was in the explosion, her face was scarred, and years were stolen away from her. Eric tells her not to worry about that anymore because now she's going to attract guys like a beautiful flower attracts bees. Greta smiles and says that's what John used to say to her mother. Eric confesses that's who he got the phrase from because John used to say that to his mom. Greta points out that it's strange that they both had completely different childhoods, and yet they both had John as a father figure. Eric agrees and admits that it probably wouldn't have been bad if John had turned out to be his father after all.
Greta gets upset about her mother again and says that she just can't believe she's gone. Eric suggests that she needs closure. Greta agrees but thinks that the only way to get closure is to find out what really happened to her mother. Eric tells her that it's something he'd like to help her with and Greta is surprised. She asks him if he's serious and he says he's completely serious. Greta is hesitant because they'd have to travel to Europe and Eric has a job. Eric is not worried about it at all and says that helping her would be much more fulfilling than taking pictures of models. Eric, who is very excited about the idea, says how much he'd love to solve a mystery. It would also be a chance for him to get away from his problems, while helping her solve hers'. Greta smiles as she considers the idea.
Eric asks Greta to tell him about her mother, Princess Gina. She tells him that if he wants to know more about her mom, just study Hope because the resemblance is uncanny. Greta admits that Eric may be right; the only way for closure is to go off to Europe and investigate what happened to her mother. Eric is very happy to hear her say that and continues to try and persuade her. According to him, there are two good reasons for them to go to Europe: (1) closure for Greta (2) a diversion for Eric. He also pleads his case by mentioning that cop instincts run in his family. Greta is slowly coming around and says that he's presenting a very good case and jokingly calls him "Detective Brady". Eric's not letting up and says, "Let's go!"
Finally, Greta gives in and says that she'll go to Europe with him. Eric is thrilled to hear that and they both smile at each other. Eric extends out his hand and they shake on it, as he calls her "partner". As they are shaking hands, Eric says, "To our partnership and to finding out what happened to your mom."
July 21, 1999
Eric and Greta are now at Salem Place. Moving ahead with their plan, Eric says he's going to buy two tickets to Paris. Greta asks him how he can afford this. He explains that he was saving money to put a down payment on a house but he doesn't need that anymore. Greta says she's sorry but Eric says not to be. This upcoming trip is the perfect way to begin a life without Nicole. Greta thanks Eric for helping her and calls him an amazing guy.
A little later, Eric and Greta walk out of a travel agency with the two tickets to Paris in Eric's hand. He says he's excited about the trip and about helping her out. They realize that Stefano may be involved and Eric says he's glad he's going with her so he can protect her. Greta smiles, but then brings up his breakup with Nicole. She tells him that if he ever wants to talk about it.... but he interrupts her and says that he won't bore her with the tale of one guy who trusted a girl who couldn't be honest to save her life.
Later, they're both eating ice-cream and having a good time. Eric asks her what it was like living in the bayou. Greta says it was really peaceful, but if it wasn't for Bo she would probably still be living there with mud all over her face. "And covering up such a beautiful face, I can't imagine," Eric replies. He then gets really personal and asks her if she's ever been in love. Greta says no but when the time comes for her to say the words I love you, she'll mean it. Eric believes her and says she seems like a very genuine person who deserves someone just as innocent and honest as she is. Greta flashes that great smile of hers', thanks him, and kisses him on the cheek. Eric smiles back and hugs her. As he does this, Nicole walks out of a store and sees them, and she doesn't look too happy about it.
Greta and Eric continue walking through Salem Place as Greta tries to teach him how to speak french. They're laughing as Nicole walks up behind them and says hi. Eric turns around to find Nicole there.
July 22, 1999
Eric, Greta, and Nicole are at Salem Place facing off. Nicole asks Eric if he's going to introduce her to Greta and he does. They greet each other and Greta says she's heard a lot about her. Nicole asks to speak with Eric alone. Greta graciously offers to leave and get coffee. Eric tells her she doesn't have to leave but she does anyway. When she is gone, Nicole comments that Greta is pretty. Eric is clearly bitter and tells Nicole that they don't have anything to talk about. But Nicole says they do because she has a photo shoot coming up..... Eric interrupts and informs her that he's quitting Titan. He tells her not to be sad about it because he's sure Lucas will hire another photographer to fall in love with her. Nicole says there's no reason they can't work together but Eric says there is. His camera doesn't lie and it would be really hard for him to take good pictures of someone that he doesn't trust. Nicole is upset and tells Eric that she's not the horrible person he thinks she is. Eric brings up the fact that she didn't even have the decency to break up with him before marrying Lucas. Nicole sadly comments that he hates her, and Eric says that she's not the person he thought she was.
Greta comes back with coffee for herself and Eric and asks if she's interrupting. Eric says no and that he and Nicole are finished. He thanks Greta for the cafe au lait (french for coffee) but he mispronounces it. Greta laughs and says she's not sure about his french. Nicole asks what's going on and Eric explains that he and Greta are going to Paris tomorrow to get information about her mother. Nicole is surprised (and jealous) and asks Greta if her mother lives in Paris. Greta explains that her mother passed away and that she and Eric are just looking for answers. Lucas shows up and Eric uses it as a way for him and Greta to make a quick getaway. Greta tells Nicole that it was nice to meet her and Nicole coldly wishes her luck on her trip. Eric and Greta leave and Lucas comments that Greta has pretty eyes. He asks Nicole who she is and Nicole bitterly says, "Greta something" and tells Lucas that Eric and Greta are going to Paris.
Eric and Greta, still at Salem Place, are seen sitting on a bench. Greta asks Eric if he's sure about going to Paris with her. Eric says he definitely is. She says she knows he has his own reasons for getting away. Eric admits that he does but he also wants to help her. He asks Greta how to say Let's go to Paris in french, and she answers him in french. Eric jokes, "Mm-hmm. Yeah. That. Let's do that." They both laugh, as Nicole sadly watches them from afar.
July 26, 1999
Eric and Greta have arrived in Paris and are dining at a restaurant. Eric, who is still having a hard time with his french, is completely confused with the french menu. He is impressed when Greta orders her meal in french with no problem. He comments that she's an old pro and she says she should be because she spent many years of her life in Paris, but she hasn't been back since her mother's been alive. Greta looks a little sad so Eric says he'll do his best to keep her spirits up and they clink their glasses together. She thanks him for coming along and hopes they'll find the truth about her mother's death.
They both continue to go over the clues and try to put the pieces together. Greta pulls the silver compact out of her purse and says that Father John gave it to her mother and that her mother must have kept it as a symbol of his love. Eric comments that it could be pretty useful in their quest for the truth. Greta agrees and says, "If only this compact could talk."
Greta and Eric are eating and Eric says that the food is fabulous. Greta says that she's glad he's enjoying himself. She thanks him again for quitting his job and cutting all his ties to go on the trip with her. And she promises him that it's not going to be all business. She is going to show him all the sights and everything Paris has to offer. It'll be her way of saying thank you. Eric says he's looking forward to it. He also mentions that he wants to see the house that she grew up in. She does too and wonders who lives there now.
They finish eathing and as the waiter takes the plates away, Eric hesitantly says "Merci" and both he and Greta laugh. They again talk about Princess Gina and Greta has many unanswered questions. Eric says they're not going to leave Paris until they get the answers. The waiter brings over the check and Eric almost chokes when he sees it. It is 265 francs and Eric looks like he is going to have a heart attack. Greta laughs and tells him to relax because it's only about 42 dollars in American money. Eric is relieved and as he pays the bill, Greta continues to play around with the compact. As she is fiddling around with it, part of it comes apart and she finds a key. She is shocked and shows it to Eric. He asks where she thinks it leads to. She has no idea but says it must be important for her mother to have hidden it in the compact. She says, "This key could unlock the secrets to my mother's life... and her death."
July 30, 1999
At an elegant restaurant in Paris, Le Roulet, Bo and Hope (actually -- Gina) are there dancing. In walks Eric and Greta, arm-in-arm, and both are elegantly dressed. Eric is in a tuxedo, while Greta is in a beautiful gown. The waiter greets them and recognizes Greta. He tells her that her mother is there and Greta is surprised until she and Eric look past the waiter and see Bo and Hope dancing. They whisper to each other not to let on that they know that Hope has been transformed into Gina and decide to go see how good her acting skills are. They walk over to Bo and Hope and say hello. Bo and Hope are shocked to see them. They ask them what they are doing there and Eric simply says that they are having dinner. Hope invites them to join she and Bo. She then turns to Greta and hugs her, saying that she's so happy to see her.
Bo, Hope, Eric, and Greta are next seen seated at their table. Eric and Greta are asked what they're doing in Paris and Eric explains that he's helping Greta find out the truth about her mother. They all continue to discuss Princess Gina, as Eric and Greta closely watch Hope. Greta explains that after Stefano took John away from her mother, she fell apart. She says that her mother must have suffered some sort of mental breakdown. Hope (don't forget -- she's really Gina) is instantly bothered by this and snaps that it is absolutely impossible. Eric, Greta, and Bo wonder about her sudden strange behavior. Bo asks her if she knows what happened to Princess Gina. She says no and that she just doesn't think she suffered a breakdown. From what she knows about Princess Gina, it seems impossible. But Greta explains that her mother and John were deeply in love with each other and that her mother was crushed when she lost him. Hope bluntly tells Greta that she thinks her theory is absolutely wrong. Hope is getting uncomfortable and excuses herself, leaving Bo there with Eric and Greta. After she is gone, they immediately begin to talk about how they have to bring Hope back before Stefano completely detroys her.
Later, Bo has left and Eric and Greta are at the table alone. The waiter brings them their food and comments that Greta is just as beautiful as her mother. After the waiter leaves, Greta says that the real Gina belongs in Paris but Hope belongs in Salem. Eric says that if anyone can reach out to Hope, it is Bo. Greta just hopes he can do it before her life spins out of control. "Or ends. Like the real Princess Gina's did," Eric replies, as Greta sadly listens.
