Last week, half of the Real Housewives of Orange County The ladies took a trip to La Quinta. But after Gina was roasted like a s’more over an open flame, things took a turn for the worse. In this week’s episode, titled “The Gloves Are Off,” Shannon talks about an impending lawsuit from John, which brings her to tears. Gina and Emily are at each other’s throats after Heather hijacks the original conversation. But Tamra, Katie and Jen all seemed to be taking an ice cream trip to Big Bear until Alexis gets a call that throws her for a loop. Here’s your recap of Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 7.

The charges are suspended?

To the ladies’ credit, they get to enjoy a night away from their families. Every household wakes up with a huge hangover. Shannon is thrilled with the stacks and stacks of receipts she’s kept that prove she’s paid for John over the years. Shannon has always said she’s paid for everything in her relationship with John, but she tends to exaggerate. According to the mother of three, he’s never paid for a meal or a plane ticket. However, Shannon isn’t exactly known for telling the truth, God bless her. In her confessional prayer, Heather notes that Shannon’s whole problem was whether he would ever commit to her if he couldn’t get himself a meal, not even a Burger King.

I don’t know about you, but I love Heather’s logic. The podcaster made a valid argument while the ladies are now questioning whether John’s $75,000 lawsuit is credible. Shannon claimed the money was an attempt to pay her back and ALLEGEDLY a gift. Which of course she does. Heather notes, “Here’s the problem. The only reason Shannon was upset all these years was because he really stood up for her when he couldn’t even pick up a meal.” Heather adds, “That’s why you always have to wait to hear the defense; the prosecution tells a very good story. Shannon is the prosecution.” If I were ever in trouble, I would want Heather on my defense team; that’s just saying.

Big Bear meltdown on Real Housewives of Orange County

When viewers met the Big Bear crew, we saw a side of Jen we hadn’t seen before. Alexis asked if her ex-husband Will was able to pick up the kids on time. Jen revealed that she wished she, Will, and Laura (Will’s girlfriend and Jen’s former girlfriend) could communicate better. Tamra then takes to her Instagram to show Jen a video of their family night, which causes Jen to burst into tears. Jen is stressed, saying, “In this video, Will is big and full of life. But he wasn’t like that with me. And that’s a bitter pill to swallow.” It was also nice to see Katie, Alexis, and Tamra talk about their feelings about the divorce. I dare say it brought the mini-group closer together.

Impacts of La Quinta

Nobody wants to play pickleball when they live in a multi-million dollar mansion. But at least you don’t have to wait for courts. And there are some cute outfits. After it was clear that neither Emily nor Gina are athletic, the women got to work. I hate it when two good friends argue. Emily came in hot, accusing Gina of letting Heather manipulate her in an awesome Godfather montage. And I have to say, she’s not wrong. Gina has fallen on the sword too many times to stay in Heather’s good graces.

But Gina has her own worries, noting that she doesn’t want Emily to become a “big bitch.” What kind of title is that? Should the grand dame, Karen Huger, be concerned? But before we can even question the royal title, Gina freaked out. The Long Island native turned into a mini-John McEnroe as she threw her rackets and balls and started cursing. Thankfully, a locked door and sprinklers brought the two back together pretty quickly.

Things are getting exciting at the Real Housewives of Orange County

As both trips were coming to an end, Alexis received a call from Johnny J. and it wasn’t good. Alexis fled to the guest bathroom with Katie by her side. Lex was in tears – literally in tears over something Shannon allegedly did to John. Despite production’s urging, Alexis stated she wasn’t at liberty to talk about what pushed her John to his limits.

But apparently our new girl, Katie, got the hot gossip. And it turns out John has Ring camera footage of Shannon allegedly almost running over his daughter. Jesus, take the wheel (away from Shannon, PLEASE)! Last week, viewers were privy to information after Alexis revealed she has video footage that would ruin Shannon’s life. However, the episode ends with Shannon revealing during her meeting with Tamra that her lawyer made an offer that John could refuse.

“Real Housewives of Orange County” continues Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SEASON 18, EPISODE 7 OF REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY? Do you think Alexis is wrong for wanting to release the videos? Would you join Jen’s Only Fans?