HI Everyone...thanks for all the input. The outbound flight is on Air Tahiti metal but is an AA flight number. That flight is LAX to CDG non stop on a pretty new 787. Inbound is BA from CDG to LHR, then non stop from LHR to LAX.
Perhaps I will try calling AA to see if they can take over the reservation because Expedia (I was working with a supervisor last night who seemed clueless). I must fly home on the 9th, which is the tricky part here. But maybe AA will accommodate me on their flight....I think they have LHR to LAX and there must be some way to get to LHR from CDG.
I am glad to hear that it seems there's a consensus that the outbound is not invalid. That makes sense. So worst case, I just fly the outbound, ask for refund on the inbound if they can't accommodate me on the 9th. Then fly my award ticket on LH back to LAX