MAFS; S12, EP 6

Ryan and Clara are sitting down to yet another room service breakfast, discussing their high school years and other embarrassing tales. Clara brought up her past relationships and the fact that she falls in love super easily, while Ryan spilled the beans that he’s never said the “L” word to anyone.
The couples took a break and separated for the day, with the girls doing a bartending class (Virginia got an A), and the guys doing a little gambling. Vincent told the rest of the husbands that he’s really enjoying his bossy wife, even though she’s already starting to micromanage him. Jacob (who most likely had steak for breakfast) seemed pleased with his progress with Haley, admitting that they did the deed. Erik seemed either drunk, high or both as he hazily described the feeling of being married to Virginia. 
The girls sat down post drinks to check in about how their relationships are thus far. Briana bragged about her amazing connection with “Champagne Vinny”, and what a great fit they seem to be. Virginia was pretty honest about how well she and Erik seem to be getting along, even though they definitely have some fundamental differences. Haley tells the other wives that she wants to work on her marriage, but feels like she needs space from being cooped up with Jake 24/7.  Clara gushes about Ryan and his aZZ, (ok, that was me), but she feels really positive about things despite the fact that he’s never told anyone he loves them. The girls all discussed their physical relationships, with Virginia claiming that she and Erik resisted the urge to go all the way (or were possibly too drunk and passed out). Brianna was open about getting it on with Vinny, and Haley confessed she let Jake dip his steak in her eggs. Clara and Ryan are keeping it on the DL but she did admit that there is a physical relationship, while Paige is still muddling through her marriage to Chris and all of the mess that came with it. Chris tells the guys that he’s still fully invested in making things work with Paige, as they are trying to take it one day at a time. A very drunk Erik tried to give Chris some advice about “manning up”, since Paige seems to be in it for the right reasons and sticking around. Chris of course found this disrespectful, because he seems to find a lot of things disrespectful…

After the group gathering, Haley and Jake were back in their room discussing the possible challenges of moving in together. She explained that she’s worried about living together since she’s used to having her independence without checking in with someone. Jacob expressed that he needs Haley to be more expressive, as he feels he can’t get a good read on her (he should use that to his advantage and take her to play poker while they’re in town). Jake feels like Haley has pulled away since their “adult encounter”, and keeps saying he’s “taking her temperature”, which just makes me think of a rectal thermometer…. (is that why she’s not into him?? Or was it because he was quoting his favorite 80’s movies in the throws of passion??)
Chris and Paige were discussing going back to Georgia, and what to expect. Chris seemed unenthused about meeting Paige’s dog, hoping he wouldn’t tear up his clothes or shoes. The conversation turned towards finances, and he told Paige that he didn’t believe in joint bank accounts. Of course this didn’t sit well with Paige, but given all they have been through in the last week, I’d say it doesn’t even rank that high on the list of deal breakers. Chris also thought it was only fair that they should split the wedding gifts, i.e. money from their friends and family. Because he’s a financially successful gentleman.

Erik and Virginia are back in their hotel room, and Erik seemed to have drunk himself sober. He gets serious, trying to explain to Virginia that drinking every Thursday-Sunday is not an option for him in his career, and not something he claims to be interested in doing (though he’s been doing a great job of it on the honeymoon!). He told her that he doesnt mind her partying ways, just as long as it’s not constant and he can trust the people she is with.
Briana and Vinny were back in their room getting washed up for bed, with Briana’s bossy side starting to take hold. She was micromanaging Vinny, nit picking about his evening skincare routine. The next day they went indoor skydiving, and Vinny revealed that the couple had their first big “talk” the night before, after the cameras had left. He explained to Briana that he felt belittled when she was bossing him around. She seemed to take the news well, feeling positive that he felt comfortable enough to say something instead of letting things build up. The couple seemed to be in a good place as they floated around the sky diving chamber having fun.
Three of the couples got together to go 4 wheeling in the desert. Somehow Claira and Virginia found themselves alone with Chris, and decided to tell him how closed off Paige seemed to be since arriving in Vegas. Chris tried to calmly explain that the couple are doing as well as could be given their situation. He was almost making sense for a minute, and then veered left, accusing the girls of showing “fake concern”, which really set them off. Virginia came at him, arguing over whether or not Chris is doing enough for Paige considering all he has put her through thus far. He seemed to deflect by putting it back on Virginia, claiming to be deeply insulted that Virginia had “made fun” of his situation when she asked about the paternity. Chris accused Virginia of being drunk all of the time (which was pretty accurate). Erik showed up, trying in vain to diffuse the situation, but with no such luck. They all walked away from Chris to console Saint Paige, who was sitting by herself silently, looking like she was being held hostage. Chris did not appreciate the other couples talking to his wife about their business.

The car ride back to the resort was no better, with Chris continuing the heated argument and Virginia refusing to back down. 
Later that night, The couples all sat down for a group dinner together, with Jake first in line for the steak and eggs buffet. Paige opened the conversation by apologizing to the group for her husband’s outburst earlier and for bringing all of the drama. She seemed to smooth things over, with Chris chiming in to explain that he acknowledges that he handled the situation poorly, though would appreciate privacy with his baby mama drama. He claimed that Paige helped him by way of prayer, reminding him of the spiritual bond he has with his family, and it gave him a new bond with her (besides her aZZ. Her SPIRITUAL aZZ). He apologized to her in front of everyone, claiming that he wanted to work harder to earn her respect and trust and try harder as her husband. I think Jacob summed it up best when he claimed to care less about the Chris drama and more about being fed….
Amidst the apologies, Erik and Virginia came strolling in late, as usual (and not even fashionably late…she was wearing her signature purple eyeshadow and matching spandex dress from Fashion Nova). Erik came in hot, trying to address the situation from earlier in the day. Ryan stepped in to bring Erik up to speed about the apology tour that he had missed out on, trying to diffuse the situation. Unfortunately, Chris kept at it, asking Erik to finish his sentiment and responded angrily, as he felt the couple did not respect his privacy. On national television. 
Chris ended up standing up, almost challenging Erik, and as the tension built up, Champagne Vinny swooped in to whisk Chris away and avoid any further issues. 
Erik and Virginia left the dinner table (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere), as the camera panned to Jake, sitting alone saying “Where’s the beef??” (which is both 80’s AND meat related). 
Erik seemed confused as to why Chris was so angry towards him, as he clutched Virginia tightly in the elevator before another night of Fireball shots. Paige explained to Briana that she appreciated Chris’s apology to the group, and seemed to find it to be just what she needed to keep her head in the game. 

Back at their hotel room Clara and Ryan were going over the dinner entertainment, feeling lucky that they have been drama-free thus far. Ryan explained his philosophy that sometimes listening is more important than talking (clearly not Clara’s motto), and finished by telling herthat she needs to watch what comes out of her mouth. She looked confused on how to take that advice, feeling a bit like Ryan is being controlling (though she did state in her vows that she liked someone who “called her out”). 

Jacob and Haley were talking back at their hotel room, when Jacob tried to express that he could tell Haley was pulling back. She doesn’t think they are clicking and feels like she’s overwhelmed by going through the motions and being married to a stranger that she didn’t choose (I guess she didn’t know what the show was about when she signed up….)

Erik and Virginia are hopeful for their new life together back home in Atlanta. They’re excited for their dogs to meet (Virginia’s dog is her in dog form…. So I guess he’s a boozehound). 

Haley mentioned that she wanted to go out on a “girls night” for the last night in Vegas, with Jake in full support. He went downstairs in the hotel to get his steak and eggs fix, and caught Haley with all of the other couples, intentionally leaving him out. He doesn’t see things working out unless Haley changes her approach to the  situation, and decides to be all in. If she doesn’t play her cards right, she’s never getting to that private beach and sauna….

Chris and Paige are packing up to leave their honeymoon suite, and talking about where they are in terms of their sordid tale. Paige asked Chris where he felt the relationship with his ex fiance/ potential baby mama is going to end up. Chris admitted that the baby had changed the situation for him, saying honestly that he has considered the possibility of reconciling for the sake of the baby, but also because he still loves her. He did say very openly that loving someone isn’t necessarily the best reason to be together, but he does not want someone else raising his kid. Of course this didn’t sit well with Paige, who was still riding on the “I put my wife before my kid” statement from last week’s episode. She once again left the hotel room claiming to be done. After regrouping, she tried to return to the room to finish the conversation with Chris. He tried to explain that he wasn’t sure what he was going to do, claiming that part of being a man is “having to say things that are rough”, which I’m pretty sure is not in the handbook (though have never read it personally). 

Somehow Paige still seems interested in trying to make things work, which Chris agrees with…saying he is “spiritually” attracted to her, and now finds her attractive. This made Paige smile, claiming that she prays that Chris is her person (while no one in the congregation says “Amen”). 

Can’t wait to see what is in store when they return to Hotlanta!