Days of our Lives, May 20, 2025: Gabi fired Javi

Here's what happened in Salem on the Days of our Lives episode from Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

What happened on Days of our Lives

At the newspaper office, an overcaffeinated Leo pitched a story to Chad about Philip’s beating. “Wait, what?” Chad asked. Leo explained that someone had beaten up Philip, and the police suspected it had been Xander. “This is awful,” Chad said. “Sure is. And if Xander is the guilty party, something must have set him off, right?” Leo asked. After a moment, Chad whispered, “Unless.” Leo demanded to know if Chad had information on the rift. Chad announced that he needed to take care of something, and he asked Leo to work on both the hospital story and Philip’s assault story.

“When I hired you, my expectations were really quite low, and you’ve definitely exceeded them. When someone does a good job, they deserve to know,” Chad said. Leo grinned. “Who would have thought after everything that happened with Will and Sonny that you and I would ever end up on dare I say it, great terms,” Leo said. Chad smirked, and he noted that it was foolish to hold onto past grudges. “If someone wants to turn over a new leaf, you should let them,” Chad said. Leo asked for a hug, and Chad said no as he walked out.

In the DiMera living room, Paulina met up with EJ at his request. EJ appealed to Paulina as a parent to help him repair his relationship with Johnny. “You want me to intercede with my daughter on your behalf?” Paulina asked. “I don’t think it’s such an outrageous request, do you? Our children are married, which, like it or not, makes us family. And you know, I have always been there for you and Johnny and Chanel,” EJ said. Paulina blinked in disbelief, and she reminded EJ of when he had pushed to have her removed from office.

“And now you’re trying to buy University Hospital for your own corrupt reasons,” Paulina added. “That is totally unfair! I am trying to help this community,” EJ objected. Paulina scoffed, and she noted that EJ’s goal was to help himself, as usual. “You can claim as much as you want to that you’re reformed, but to me, it’s just another con,” Paulina said. Paulina informed EJ that Abe had decided to vote for Xander’s bid for the hospital.

“That’s his prerogative of course, but that’s not why I asked you here,” EJ said. Paulina argued that Johnny was old enough to decide who he wanted to have in his life. “Of course. But perhaps his view of our relationship has become distorted. He’s being eaten up inside ever since he found out what happened between his mother and me,” EJ said. “That’s one way to put it,” Paulina muttered. EJ explained that he wanted to make amends to Johnny so that Johnny could understand that Johnny was capable of being a loving parent. “And give Chanel the future she so richly deserves,” EJ added. EJ argued that their children’s happiness was the goal.

“As for Johnny and Chanel, there is some good news. They have found their way back to each other,” Paulina said. EJ was surprised. “Well how wonderful,” EJ said. Paulina agreed. Paulina noted that Chanel blamed EJ for the failed adoption, not Johnny. As Paulina turned to walk out, EJ stressed that he would die for his son.

After Paulina left, Chad stopped by the house. “What brings you by?” EJ asked. Chad told EJ that someone had beaten up Philip. “Is he all right?” EJ asked. Chad said he did not know. “I’m just going to come out and ask. Did you have something to do with it?” Chad asked. EJ protested his innocence, and he argued that he had no motive. “Well, I know that you threatened Kate’s sons because she told Johnny the truth about how he was conceived,” Chad said. EJ rolled his eyes.

“Be that as it may, I swear to you, Chad, I had nothing to do with what happened to Philip,” EJ said. After a moment, Chad said he believed EJ. “You have to cover your bases. And given the circumstances, you had good reason to harbor suspicion,” EJ said. EJ admitted that he had been upset with Kate, but he had realized that the truth would have come out eventually. “As much as I want to blame Kate, the only person I have to blame is me,” EJ said. Chad told EJ that he was glad he had matured.

EJ asked Chad if he had gone on his date with Cat. “Not yet, no,” Chad said. Chad explained that they were going to go skydiving. “You don’t seem too happy about it,” EJ said. With a groan, Chad admitted he had been making a joke, and he had not expected her to say yes. “I’m terrified of heights,” Chad muttered. “There’s no reason to be nervous because you and Cat are taking the plunge together,” EJ said. Chad groaned at EJ’s joke.

Gabi marched into her kitchen, and she asked Javi about the list of names for the Gabi Chic lunch event. Javi explained that he was waiting on some invite responses. “Whoever hasn’t responded, call their assistants. I want the caterer to have the final number before Ari lands,” Gabi said. Gabi rattled off a number of orders, and Javi glared at Gabi. “We have a million and one things to do. Chop chop!” Gabi said. Grudgingly, Javi got up from the table. JJ knocked on the front door.

“What are you doing here?” Gabi asked. JJ explained that Philip was in the hospital after he had been beaten. “[Kate] believes it stemmed from a workplace dispute,” JJ said. “You mean with us?” Gabi asked. JJ asked Gabi if she knew of any issues between Philip and Xander. “You think Xander beat up his own brother?” Gabi asked. JJ said yes, and he asked if Javi or Gabi had seen the two brothers fight. Javi and Gabi said no.

“Those two were practically clicking their heels when they took over DiMera,” Gabi said. “What about more recently?” JJ asked. Gabi admitted that she had noticed tension between the brothers in the past week. JJ asked for details. “Philip seemed to be frozen out. Actually, I found him in my office the other day. When I asked him what was up, he said something about his office being redecorated,” Gabi said. “And you’re thinking there was more to it?” JJ asked. With a shrug, Gabi said yes. Gabi noted that she did not know why Philip had been frozen out. Javi said he had not seen any tension between Xander and Philip, because he had been too busy with Gabi’s workload.

“I just hope the department makes better progress in this investigation than they have in EJ DiMera’s shooting,” Gabi said. “My hope is that we’ll be able to solve both cases and quickly,” JJ said. JJ apologized for having to question Gabi. “But you didn’t have to question me, did you? No, instead you made me a suspect because you thought the worst of me,” Gabi grumbled. JJ disagreed. “I don’t think the worst of you, Gabi. In fact, I have been knocking myself out trying to prove your innocence,” JJ said. Javi announced that he was going outside for air.

When Javi opened the front door, Ari was there. Javi and Ari shrieked and hugged one another. Gabi hugged her daughter, and she fussed over her. “It is so wonderful to have you home,” Gabi said. “It’s really good to be here,” Ari agreed. Gabi wished Ari a happy birthday. Confused, Gabi asked Ari why she was there early. Ari said no one had picked her up at the airport, so she had taken a rideshare. “You had one job, Javi. How dare you leave her stranded at the airport like that?” Gabi yelled. Ari started to explain, but Javi interrupted to argue that he had a multitude of jobs for Gabi.

“So is writing a marketing email for a lingerie launch too labor-intensive for you? Why don’t you tell that to someone busting their ass in a coal mine,” Gabi said. Gabi fired Javi for incompetence. “You don’t have to fire me, because I quit,” Javi said. Javi walked out of the house. JJ quietly said hello to Ari, and then he left.

Concerned, Ari asked Gabi why she had fired Javi. “Because how dare he leave my precious girl waiting alone at an airport. Especially when I haven’t seen you in months,” Gabi said. Ari told Gabi that she had texted Gabi about her flight change. As Gabi looked at her phone, she murmured that she must have been on a conference call when the text had gone through. “Damn, I never saw this. Honey, I’m sorry,” Gabi said. Ari told Gabi that she was not upset about the fact that Gabi had missed the text.

“What’s not okay is firing Javi for something that was totally not his fault. Mom, you owe him a major apology,” Ari said. Gabi agreed that Ari was right, and she promised to apologize to Javi. With a grin, Gabi asked Ari what she wanted to do for her birthday. Ari said she wanted a quiet evening at home. “Whatever you want, sweetie. It’s your birthday. I’m just so, so happy to have you home,” Gabi said.

In the town square, Shawn called Steve to ask about the search for Kevin’s roommate and the missing batch of Versavix. “So we still don’t know why he didn’t bring the Versavix back to Russell’s lab,” Shawn said. Steve confirmed that he would continue to look for the roommate.

At the pub, Doug III was struggling to remember an order when Belle asked about her takeout. Doug explained that the pub was short-staffed because Roman and Kate had gone to the hospital. “Why?” Belle asked. Doug explained that Philip had been injured in a fight. “Do you at least know if he’s okay?’ Belle asked. Doug noted that he had no more information, and that he needed to get back to work.

As Belle contemplated the news, Shawn walked in and asked her if Roman was around. “Do the police have any information on who attached Philip?” Belle asked. “What are you talking about?” Shawn said. Belle told Shawn all she knew, and he stared off into the distance. “I know you’re really worried about your dad, but you seem extra distracted today,” Belle said. Belle asked what was going on. Shawn rattled off a list of his worries, and he noted that he had not been feeling well. Belle said that Tate had the flu, and she urged Shawn to go home and rest.

“Oh hey! I heard the great news [that] your dad is coming home,” Shawn said. Belle smiled. “Paul is on a flight with him from Minsk, and they are due in tonight,” Belle said. Shawn told Belle he was happy for her. “And I’m guessing since you’re so upset that you haven’t heard anything about your dad yet,” Belle said. Shawn said no, and he confessed that he felt like he had let Bo down. “What are you talking about?” Belle asked. Shawn told Belle about Versavix and that it had been his fault they had been unable to secure the experimental drug.

“The only reason [Bo] is in this condition in the first place is because of me, as you know,” Shawn said. Belle cautioned Shawn not to continue to beat himself up. “All this is doing is causing you a bunch of unnecessary pain and suffering. Shawn, you can’t lose hope,” Belle said. Belle told Shawn that she believed his father would be saved just as hers had been. “Thanks. I just feel like two miracles is a little too much to hope for,” Shawn said.

Julie walked into the pub, and she stopped in her tracks when she saw Doug was bussing tables. “You. I thought you left town,” Julie growled. “Obviously not,” Doug said. Julie grumbled that she was not surprised that Doug was taking advantage of Roman’s kindness. “Please tell Roman as long as you are working here, Julie Williams will be taking her lobster bisque at the Bistro,” Julie huffed. Julie started to leave, but Doug called out to her.

“I have nothing to say to you,” Julie said. “I know. But I have something to say to you,” Doug countered. Julie tersely told Doug to be brief. “I want you to know that I realize my being here in Salem makes you unhappy. So I’m saving up to leave town, right after I buy back your necklace,” Doug said. “From who?” Julie asked. Doug said he had been working to find the necklace in his off hours. “Don’t bother,” Julie said. “Julie, I need to make this right,” Doug said. Julie scoffed, and she told Doug it was too late.

“Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have that necklace back, but not from you. You cannot make amends. Don’t you understand that you deceived me, and you took advantage of me? So save your money. Don’t waste your time. All I want from you is to get out of my life forever,” Julie said. Shawn interrupted to ask if everything was okay. “Far from it,” Julie muttered. Belle asked what was wrong. Julie told Belle that there was nothing she could do to help.

“Please know I’m praying so hard for both of your fathers,” Julie told Shawn and Belle. Julie excused herself, and she marched out. Doug returned to work. Belle noted that Shawn was distracted again, and he asked her if she had kept in touch with Kevin Lambert. Belle said yes. Shawn asked Belle if she knew his roommate, Asher Leeds.

“Actually, you know, that name is familiar,” Belle admitted. “Can you try and remember? This is really important,” Shawn said. As Belle scrolled through her phone, she saw Asher’s name. “I defended him,” Belle confirmed. Belle explained that as a juvenile, Asher had been charged with a minor drug violation. Belle offered to send Shawn a copy of her files.

Leo walked into the pub, and he saw Javi sulking at a table across the room. “What did Gabi do now?” Leo asked. “She fired me. Except I told her that she couldn’t fire me because I quit,” Javi said. Leo noted that Javi was now ineligible for unemployment. “Why would you do that?” Leo asked. Javi confessed that he had a history of quitting jobs, even his dream job back in Texas. “I know you’re not ready to talk about this Corpus Christi thing and I respect that,” Leo started. Javi glared. Leo agreed not to take advantage of Javi’s vulnerable state, but he admitted that he had done an online search for Javi in Texas.

“It’s only because I care about you, and I wanted to know what it was that made you so upset,” Leo said. “It’s okay. And if you want to know that badly, I’ll tell you,” Javi said. Javi explained that he had been hesitant to tell anyone that he was gay, and it had made him feel like a fraud. With a sigh, Javi said that over drinks he had told a coworker, and they had told everyone at the firehouse.

“Unfortunately, our captain was a big-time homophobe. He made my life miserable. Mocking me, treating me like dirt. Until one day, I just couldn’t take it any more. And I’m ashamed to say it, but I walked away,” Javi said. As Javi averted his eyes, Leo made him look at him. “Nobody deserves to be treated that way. And I know a thing or two about being tormented by the people who are supposed to protect you,” Leo said. Javi fought back tears, and he said he regretted that he had not stood up for himself. “I just wish that I didn’t give up on my dream, and that I was strong enough to stick it out,” Javi said. Leo held Javi’s hand.

After Belle picked up her takeout order, she met up with Shawn outside. Shawn thanked Belle for having helped him track down Kevin’s roommate. Belle hugged Shawn, and she told him to “keep the faith” about Bo.

When JJ returned home to the Horton house, Julie was sipping a hot tea on the couch. JJ handed the mail to Julie, and she asked about his day. JJ told Julie that he had seen Ari at Gabi’s house. “I must make a point of seeing her. When her mother’s not around of course,” Julie said. Julie asked JJ why he had been at Gabi’s place. JJ mentioned that he had been there on official business, and Julie asked who Gabi had assaulted “this time.” “Nobody,” JJ said. Hopeful, Julie asked if JJ was done with Gabi.

“I’m starting to get the feeling that it’s not in the cards,” JJ said. “You know I hate to see you hurting. But if you are really finished with Gabi, I only have one thing to say. Good!” Julie said. Julie looked through the mail, and she wondered aloud why Chad had received information from a skydiving company. “I’m guessing it has to do with that charity auction date with Cat,” JJ said. Julie gaped. JJ explained that EJ had bid on Cat, but Chad had taken EJ’s place. “I guess it’s a worthy cause then. But couldn’t he just take her bowling?” Julie said. With a shrug, JJ confessed, “Part of me hopes her chute doesn’t open.”

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