2
Ashley’s Bethany Beach getaway for The Real Housewives of Potomac has finally arrived. She originally planned to fly the cast there by helicopter, but bad weather forced the women to travel in a Sprinter van instead. The forecast is not the only source of turbulence, either. Gizelle questions Stacey’s intentions, while Monique presses Karen about where her loyalty lies. Then Courtney drops a bombshell about Stacey’s past, leaving Ashley to wonder: who is Stacey, really?
Ashley’s home serves as the meeting point, and the women arrive one by one. Stacey is first through the door, prompting Ashley to describe her as someone who “has a very complicated relationship with the truth.”
Wendy knows almost nothing about Bethany Beach, while Robyn is already keeping her expectations low—especially when it comes to the accommodations. Monique is the last to arrive, and soon the group is ready to begin its three-hour drive.
Monique reveals that she has recently started talking to someone new. Gizelle immediately wonders whether the mystery man is the former boyfriend who allegedly left his wife. According to the rumors, Monique had been seeing him for some time, but he is now available.
Stacey says she must leave the trip early to shoot the cover of NY Magazine Vulture. She has reportedly been named one of reality television’s masterminds, though no one seems to understand how she earned the distinction. Ashley suspects the magazine may be using a flattering way to call Stacey a “con woman.”
Courtney is pursuing ordination, which means taking shots no longer fits the image she wants to project. Meanwhile, Karen attempts to defend her friend Cookie, who tried to fight Stacey last season. Monique counters that Cookie spread rumors about alleged affairs and describes her as an opportunist who is loyal only to herself. She also warns Karen that Cookie has been speaking negatively about her behind her back.
Some things never change: Monique has plenty to say. She talks for nearly the entire three-hour journey. When the group finally arrives, they find an enormous home with 11 bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a fleet of Jeeps available for transportation. Ashley planned an impressive getaway, but the weather has other ideas.
Ashley gives Tia one of the best bedrooms, while Stacey and Gizelle end up sharing a room next door to one another. Knowing Robyn prefers having a private bathroom, Ashley makes sure her accommodations are arranged to keep her happy.
Wendy says this is her first overnight trip away from home since everything happened. She acknowledges that difficult periods can break someone down before they rebuild even stronger. Although there has been no offer involving trials or related opportunities, Wendy remains confident that the situation will ultimately work in her favor.
The conversation turns to marriage when Tia admits she has not yet spoken with her children about Rob’s profile on a dating app. The women then revisit how Tia learned about it from Stacey. Wendy recalls Stacey saying, “You said what you said about my husband and I would like to apologize for what I am about to say about yours.” Tia maintains that Stacey did not actually want to discuss the matter, but Gizelle is not buying that explanation.
Both Stacey and Gizelle received direct messages about Rob, but Gizelle chose not to bring the information up on camera because she did not want to embarrass Tia. In Gizelle’s view, Stacey told Tia because she wanted to stir the pot—not because she was trying to help. She wants Tia to recognize the difference.
RHOP: Gizelle questions Stacey’s motives for telling Tia about her husband being on dating apps
Gizelle argues that Stacey should never have raised the issue with Tia in front of the group. Wendy, however, questions why everyone waited until cameras—and an audience—were present to address it. She also points out that Tia did not give Rob much of an opportunity to speak during their double date.
Ashley reveals that this is the second time Tia has found Rob on a dating site. Even so, Tia does not believe the discovery alone means she should end the relationship. Monique insists the responsibility rests with Rob, not Tia, and says he needs to step up, take accountability and protect his marriage.
Rob Glover’s dating profile was displayed on RHOP
After the discussion, Gizelle pulls Tia aside and tells her that Stacey is not acting like a true friend. Tia realizes that if Rob had not created the situation, Stacey would not have had anything to bring to her.
Stacey later speaks privately with Wendy and expresses her frustration. She believes Wendy failed to explain the full context surrounding how the information about Rob was delivered. Wendy is confused by Stacey’s reaction and says she would not have confronted Tia about it in front of everyone. Instead, she would have directed the issue back to Ashley.
Later, Ashley hosts a Mexican-inspired dinner in “commemoration of Cinco de Mayo.” During the meal, Stacey discusses her friendship with Tiffany Haddish and recounts a conversation with Robyn. According to Stacey, Robyn said she was comfortable with Ashley taking her place as Gizelle’s best friend. The comment does not go unnoticed.
Robyn believes Ashley remains upset over comments she made on her podcast about Ashley becoming intimate with Cherisse’s son. Ashley says their strained history is the real issue and emphasizes that she does not dislike Robyn. Wendy, meanwhile, is ready for the two women to settle their differences because the ongoing tension is exhausting.
Monique and Karen’s friendship has grown increasingly cold. Monique admits she misses her “sister” and brings up a photo of Karen and Cookie with her former partner, Chris. She says she knows about the times Karen spent with him. Karen explains that she eventually felt forced to choose a side, blaming the situation on the friendship between Ray and Chris. Monique is stunned to learn that the two men were friends.
When the conversation shifts to Karen’s marriage, she says Ray seemed to have a “new wife”—a new version of Karen—after she became sober. The couple has decided to pause rather than immediately end their 30-year marriage, but things remain strained. Karen feels Ray does not appreciate her sobriety, while Robyn believes he had grown accustomed to Karen depending on him and has struggled to adapt to her independence. Karen insists Ray did not leave her; instead, he feels that the old version of Karen left him. Despite the problems, she says she intends to care for Ray for the rest of his life.
Ashley and Courtney spend time together to deepen their friendship. Ashley learns more about Courtney’s marriage, and the would-be preacher eventually relaxes, takes a few shots and dances. The evening continues in the hot tub, where Courtney claims she read that Stacey was a deeply religious Jehovah’s Witness who left the faith at 18. The revelation raises even more questions: Was Stacey part of a cult? Is that experience the reason she keeps so much of her life private?
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THIS RHOP PREMIERE?