At the medical center.

Joey: slaps forehead Hey, maybe I should go after them!

Adam: claps hands Brilliant! You could start a whole family—wives, kids, the works! I'm totally behind you on this.

Joey: grinning Right? You get it! Whichever one says yes, I'm good.

Adam: holding back laughter Let's go, I'll take you to them.

Joey: excited Let's do it!

Monica and others: speechless Wait, are you guys for real?

Joey: waves hands dramatically Dead serious! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't.

Everyone stays silent.

Adam: smirking silently

Joey: triumphant See? Nothing!

Joey feels like he's glowing with paternal pride, a totally new vibe for him. He's on cloud nine.

Outside the ward, Joey peeks through the glass window. His "dad glow" vanishes, and he looks deflated, ready to bail.

Adam: blocks Joey Where do you think you're going?

Joey: bitter smile They're the real deal. I'm out.

Adam: serious But they're your kids' moms. What, you don't like them?

Joey: speechless

Thinks: Come on, man, don't call me out like that. Are we still buds?

Adam: chuckles and pats Joey's shoulder Alright, I'll stop messing with you.

Sometimes, looks matter, and you can't force love.

Later, after Christina and the others rest, Adam works until 9 p.m., then heads to New Jersey.

At Peggy's apartment, Adam walks in and sees Peggy on the phone, not calculating for once.

Peggy: annoyed …Here, talk to Adam. hands phone to Adam

Adam: Who is it?

Peggy: Missy. goes back to her desk

Adam: Hey, Missy!

Silence on the line.

Adam: Missy?

He can hear faint breathing, so the call's still on.

After a pause, Missy speaks, sounding upset.

Missy: It's late. Why are you at Peggy's?

Adam: laughs Is there a problem?

Missy: I knew you were after Peggy! And now you've got her.

Missy remembers the good old days with Peggy, when they were like sisters. Those were the best times. Peggy, smart like Sheldon, actually hung out with her, making Missy feel special, unlike how Sheldon always made her feel dumb. To Missy, Peggy was more than a friend; she was like the sister she wished Sheldon could be. When Peggy started rebelling because of family issues, Missy was thrilled. Peggy was cooler and took her on adventures, even shoplifting, which was scary but exciting. At ten, ignored by everyone, Missy loved it. But then Adam came along, gave Peggy a big talk, and Peggy changed, becoming another Sheldon—distant and all about knowledge. Missy never got to hang out with her again. Deep down, she still loves Peggy and misses those sisterly days. She even hoped Peggy and Sheldon would end up together, so they could support each other in their quirky ways. But now, Adam's messed that up too!

As Missy fumes, she glances at her computer screen, where she's been reading stories on pat-reon:belamy20, a creator who writes about complicated relationships. It's like her life right now.

Adam: defensive Hey, don't make it sound so bad. It was all a mix-up; I didn't plan this.

Truth is, he didn't see this coming. He always thought Peggy would be Amy's rival, not his… well, you know. But Peggy came after him, and honestly, she's stunning now. Who could say no? Except maybe Sheldon.

Missy: spits Pfft! George was right—you're a total player. He told me to steer clear of you.

Adam had helped George with his tire shop, and they were grateful, but George still warned Missy about Adam's ways, saying she should avoid him. He even handled all the communication with Adam to protect her. Back then, she didn't care, but now she sees George was spot on.

Adam: laughs That's just George being salty because I dated Veronica.

Missy: shocked Ah!!! You jerk! I always pictured Peggy as my future sister-in-law, and now you've not only been with Veronica but also taken Peggy. What's next?

Adam: clears throat You're reading too much into it. Sheldon won't be interested in that stuff for at least another decade, and do you really think George will stay with Veronica forever? Not my fault.

Missy's words make him feel a bit guilty. The Cooper siblings: George's wife had a fling with him, Sheldon's "future wife" is with him now, and Missy… well, she's safe for now. But if something happened, he'd feel bad. Plus, he's gained a lot from Sheldon's smarts—photographic memory, cosmic brain power. Maybe he's taken too much from the Coopers.

Adam: So, how's Sheldon doing these days?

PS: Ding! Who ordered Sheldon?