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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: February 14, 1995
Time: Several Days After #86,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1995
DOUG AND JULIE'S BEDROOM. JULIE IS ASLEEP IN BED. THE DOOR TO THE BEDROOM OPENS AND WE SEE SLIPPERED FEET CROSS THE ROOM AND STOP AT THE BED. WE SEE JULIE AS A RED ROSE IS BRUSHED ACROSS HER CHEEK. JULIE MOANS AND STIRS AWAKE. THE ROSE GRAZES THE TIP OF HER NOSE . JULIE OPENS HER EYES TO FIND DOUG LEANING OVER HER.
DOUG: Happy St. Valentine's Day, Fair Lady.
JULIE: (SLEEPILY) Happy what?
DOUG SITS DOWN NEXT TO JULIE.
DOUG: St. Valentine's Day. You couldn't forget. It's the day for lovers.
JULIE NOW FULLY AWAKE, SITS UP.
JULIE: Mmmmm... Lovers, huh? Well... what did you have in mind, darling?
DOUG: Oh, I dunno. Maybe a long, slow leisurely game of... spin the bottle...
DOUG LEANS OVER AND GIVES JULIE A THOROUGH KISS.
JULIE: (BREATHLESS) Darn... And, I was so hoping for a round of "Gin Rummy..."
DOUG LAUGHS, AS THE TWO EMBRACE. A LOUD KNOCKING INTERRUPTS THE PAIR.
CJ: Doug! Julie! Good morning! It's me, CJ. Papa and I have cooked a special Valentine's day breakfast for you.
HOLD ON A HUMOROUSLY ANNOYED DOUG AND JULIE.
CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN. ROSIE IS PUTTING ON ABIGAIL'S SNOWSUIT. JENNIFER IS GOING THROUGH THE KITCHEN CABINETS COMPILING BREAKFAST INGREDIENTS. ROSIE COMES OVER HOLDING ABIGAIL.
ROSIE: Give Mommy a kiss good-bye, Abby. We're off to have breakfast with Grandma.
ABIGAIL: Bye, Mommy!
JENNIFER: (KISSING ABIGAIL) Bye, sweetheart. Give Grandma kisses from me. (TO ROSIE) You are a regular Cupid, Rosie. Thank you.
ROSIE: It's the least I can do. I remember making breakfast on Valentine's Day for my husband, too. (WICKED GRIN) 'Seems to me it ended up lunch more often than not...
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Rosie! You'll burn my ears!
ROSIE HEADS TOWARDS THE DOOR WITH ABIGAIL. JENNIFER OPENS THE DOOR FOR THEM.
ROSIE: Sure, you're an innocent, just like sweet Abby, here. We'll see you later.
JENNIFER: Bye, drive carefully.
CUT TO: JACK & JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. JACK, ALREADY IN HIS OVERCOAT, IS LISTENING AT THE DOOR.
JACK: (SOTTO VOCE) Good, breakfast will keep Jennifer busy for awhile. (BEAT) Long enough for me to get my own Valentine's surprise.
JACK WALKS QUICKLY TO THE FRONT DOOR, LOOKING OVER HIS SHOULDER AT THE KITCHEN DOOR. HE QUIETLY OPENS THE DOOR AND SLIPS OUT. HOLD ON THE CLOSED DOOR.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S BEDROOM. WHILE KAYLA IS SLEEPING, MARCUS AND STEPHANIE SNEAK QUIETLY INTO HER BEDROOM. MARCUS IS CARRYING A BREAKFAST TRAY. THEY STAND NEXT TO HER BED.
MARCUS: (WHISPERING) Okay, Steffi... now.
STEPHANIE: Surprise, Mommy!
KAYLA STIRS A LITTLE, AND OPENS HER EYES.
KAYLA: Hmm? What's going on?
STEPHANIE: Happy Valentine's Day!
KAYLA SHAKES HER HEAD, AND LOOKS FROM STEPHANIE TO MARCUS. SHE SITS UP, AND PATS THE SPOT NEXT TO HER. STEPHANIE HAPPILY JUMPS ON THE BED. MARCUS PLACES THE BREAKFAST TRAY IN FRONT OF KAYLA.
KAYLA: What's all this?
MARCUS: The munchkin and I have a special breakfast for you.
KAYLA: How sweet. You didn't have to go through so much trouble.
KAYLA GIVES STEPHANIE A HUG, AND BLOWS MARCUS A KISS. STEPHANIE HANDS KAYLA AND MARCUS EACH A HANDMADE CARD.
STEPHANIE: I made them in art class yesterday.
MARCUS: Why thank you, honey! This is terrific. (READING) "To Uncle Marcus. I can't wait until you become my new daddy. Love, Stephanie."
MARCUS SMILES AND BENDS DOWN TO HUG STEPHANIE.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) I'll cherish it forever, Steffi.
STEPHANIE: I have something else.
KAYLA: More valentines?
STEPHANIE: No, my birthday list!
STEPHANIE HANDS KAYLA A PIECE OF PAPER, FILLED WITH WRITING.
KAYLA: Wow, you've certainly put a lot of thought to this, haven't you?
STEPHANIE: It was Uncle Marcus' idea. He asked me what I wanted.
KAYLA GLARES AT MARCUS.
MARCUS: (SHRUGS) How was I to know the kid had a head full of ideas? (BEAT) Hey, Steffi, why don't you go get ready for school and let your mommy eat her breakfast?
STEPHANIE: Okay!
STEPHANIE REACHES OVER TO GIVE KAYLA A KISS ON THE CHEEK BEFORE HOPPING OFF THE BED AND OUT OF THE ROOM.
KAYLA: Will you look at this list of hers?
MARCUS: We'll have to start shopping today. (BEAT) Now, start eating. I don't want this great breakfast to go to waste.
KAYLA PICKS UP A PIECE OF TOAST AND STARTS TO SPREAD JELLY ON IT.
KAYLA: Care to share?
MARCUS: I ate earlier. But, I'll be happy to help you.
MARCUS PICKS UP A STRAWBERRY AND HOLDS IT IN FRONT OF KAYLA'S LIPS. SHE OPENS HER MOUTH AND HE DELICATELY PLACES THE STRAWBERRY INSIDE.
KAYLA: Mmmm. Very sweet.
MARCUS: Like another?
KAYLA NODS HER HEAD. MARCUS FEEDS HER ANOTHER STRAWBERRY. HE BENDS DOWN AND KISSES HER.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) You're right. Very sweet.
THEY KISS AGAIN. MARCUS MOVES THE BREAKFAST TRAY OFF THE BED AND KISSES HER AGAIN, THIS TIME MORE PASSIONATELY. OUT ON MARCUS AND KAYLA'S "APPETITE."
JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS ON THE PHONE WHEN ABE KNOCKS ON HER OPEN DOOR. SHE WAVES HIM IN AS SHE HANGS UP THE PHONE.
JANET: Abe, how are you? What brings you by?
ABE: I wanted to come by to see how Morgan is doing. And to see if you've gotten any closer to catching the carjackers.
JANET: Well, we still don't have any new leads. But the good news is that Morgan is doing better. They're saying that he can make a full recovery... but, it will be a long, slow process.
ABE: Thank heavens. Lexie and I have been worried about Morgan. And Candis and Denise, too.
JANET: As have we all. And the cop shop just doesn't seem the same without him.
ABE: I know how that goes... (BEAT) Which brings me to my reason for being here. Is there anything I can do to help?
HOLD ON ABE'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S DINING ROOM. DOUG AND JULIE, NOW DRESSED IN ROBES, JOIN ROBERT AND CJ. ROBERT HOLDS A CHAIR OUT FOR JULIE, WHILE DOUG INSPECTS AN EXTREMELY LAVISH BREAKFAST.
DOUG: My goodness, what is all this?
CJ: (POINTING TO EACH ITEM) We have croissants with raspberry jam, fresh fruit, eggs benedict, and cafe au lait.
CJ POURS DOUG AND JULIE, EACH A CUP OF THE CAFE AU LAIT.
JULIE: Such extravagance. You really shouldn't have.
ROBERT: It's what little we could do for such dear friends.
CJ: You two have done so much for Papa and me. You've opened your home and your hearts to us.
DOUG: It wasn't a hardship... you're family.
JULIE: Doug's right. You two are family to us. (BEAT) Now come, sit, enjoy this Sybaritic breakfast with us.
CJ AND ROBERT SIT. ROBERT REACHES FOR A CROISSANT.
CJ: No, jamais les croissants pour tous.
CJ HANDS ROBERT A PLATE OF DRY TOAST.
CJ: (CONT'D) I've made whole wheat toast for you. You can use a little of the jam on it, if you'd like, but no butter...
ROBERT LOOKS FORLORNLY AT THE DRY TOAST, THEN LONGINGLY AT THE RICH BREAKFAST SPREAD OUT BEFORE HIM.
ROBERT: How can I let this food go to waste?
CJ: Mon pere... remember, doctor's orders. You are allowed some fresh fruit as well...
ROBERT SIGHS AND LOOKS ON YEARNINGLY AS DOUG PICKS UP A CROISSANT AND TAKES A HEALTHY BITE.
DOUG: I'll enjoy the croissant for you.
ROBERT: One of these days, mon ami. One of these days...
ROBERT TAKES A DRAMATIC BITE OUT OF HIS TOAST AND COMICALLY SNEERS AT DOUG. HOLD ON ROBERT.
CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S DINING ROOM. JENNIFER IS PUTTING THE FINAL TOUCHES ON THE TABLE SETTING. SHE ADJUSTS THE FLOWERS, RUBS A SPOT OFF OF A SPOON, AND CIRCLES THE TABLE CHECKING THE DETAILS. SHE JUMPS A BIT WHEN THE FRONT DOOR OPENS AND JACK ENTERS.
JENNIFER: Jack!
JACK: Did I scare you? I'm sorry.
JENNIFER: I didn't know you'd left.
JACK: I needed to run a quick errand.
JENNIFER: Oh... Any reason in particular?
JACK: There's this girl I want to impress.
JENNIFER: "Girl"? Jack, you should be more careful. You can get arrested for trying to impress a "girl."
JACK: I stand corrected... I should have said, woman... all woman...
JENNIFER: Hmm... mmm... And you waited till the last minute to do something to impress... "her?" You don't believe in pre-planning?
JACK: I didn't wait until the last minute because I forgot. I thought about this long and hard.
JENNIFER: Indeed?
JACK: Oh indeed. I think about this woman all the time. She's the most beautiful woman to ever grace God's green earth. She's funny, thoughtful, intelligent, and a great mom to her daughter.
JENNIFER LOOKS LIKE SHE MIGHT CRY.
JACK: (CONT'D) But she does have this one itsy-bitsy, miniscule fault.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Gasp... No... Say it ain't so.
JACK: Yes. It's true.
JACK CROSSES THE ROOM, NEVER TURNING HIS BACK TO JENNIFER.
JACK: (CONT'D) It's this one, slight imperfection that makes her human... and, thus, desirable.
JENNIFER: And, pray tell, Mr. Deveraux, what is this one flaw that keeps your mystery woman from crossing the line from human to goddess?
JACK: (GETTING NEARER) Well, Mrs. Deveraux, let me tell you. You'll be shocked. You'll be horrified. You may never be able to look in the mirror again.
JENNIFER: Really? What awful scar could this woman bear?
JACK: Are you ready?
JENNIFER NODS.
JACK: (CONT'D) She's nosy!
JENNIFER MOCKS ANOTHER GASP AND RAISES HER HAND TO HER MOUTH.
JACK: (CONT'D) Yes, Mrs. D., if I had left my gifts in the house, this young woman would have searched them out and spoiled my surprise.
JENNIFER: Oh, Mr. D. The nerve! The unmitigated gall! The arrogance... Uh, whadja get me?
JACK: (SMILING) For starters...
JACK PRESENTS JENNIFER WITH A LARGE BOUQUET OF FLOWERS THAT HE'S BEEN HIDING BEHIND HIS BACK.
JENNIFER: Delphiniums! Jack, you remembered... (BURYING HER FACE IN THE PETALS) They're beautiful.
JENNIFER KISSES JACK AND HUGS HIM TIGHT. SHE NOTICES A BULGE IN HIS POCKET.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) My... my... Mr. D. You are excited about Valentine's Day.
JACK: 'Tis true, Mrs. D., but that's the second part of my surprise. It took every ounce of self discipline I had to buy this, but I knew you'd appreciate it.
JACK PULLS A SMALL STUFFED RABBIT OUT OF HIS PANTS POCKET.
JENNIFER: He's so cuuuuuuuuuute. Jack, I love him almost as much as I love you. But a stuffed animal? How un-Jack-like.
JACK: I'll never for the life of me figure out what the attraction of those things is to any female over the age of five, but, I knew it would make you happy. And that is a priority I understand.
JACK AND JENNIFER HUG AND KISS. JENNIFER BREAKS THE HUG.
JENNIFER: Oh... Jack. I almost forgot. Sit down. I made your favorite breakfast. I'll be right back.
JENNIFER RUNS INTO THE KITCHEN. JACK SITS AT THE TABLE. HE PICKS UP A FORK AND RUBS A SPOT OFF OF IT. JENNIFER RETURNS WITH TWO PLATES.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Here ya go. One soft boiled egg, 4 and a half minutes, light toast, no butter, gooseberry spread... and a half-baked kumara.
JACK: Where did you find a kumara this time of year?
JENNIFER: A friend in New Zealand...
JACK AND JENNIFER BEGIN EATING. JENNIFER GIGGLES SOFTLY.
JACK: What's so funny?
JENNIFER: I just flashed on the Valentine's day when I caught you singing in the shower wearing those boxer shorts with the little hearts on them.
JACK: Never say "little" when you're talking about a man's shorts... mine are all extra large... (LEER) Besides, I would never wear anything so undignified.
JENNIFER: Mr. D, I know better. Besides, how do you explain the pair of boxers you have with Eeyore and Winnie-the-Pooh on them?
JACK: Those were a gift from my daughter. I didn't want to hurt the Child's feelings.
JENNIFER LAUGHS. SHE STANDS AND KISSES JACK ON THE CHEEK.
JENNIFER: My hero... Happy Valentine's Day, Jack...
OUT ON JACK AND JENNIFER.
BRADY KITCHEN. SHAWN AND CAROLINE ARE FINISHING UP BREAKFAST. MAX RUNS INTO THE KITCHEN, GRABS AN APPLE, AND HEADS FOR THE DOOR.
SHAWN: If you'd learn to get up when the alarm goes off, young man, you'd have time for a real breakfast.
MAX STOPS IN THE DOORWAY, AND TURNS TO FACE SHAWN AND CAROLINE.
MAX: I'll live. (BEAT) What's for dinner tonight?
CAROLINE: I don't know yet... I haven't made up the pub menu. Why, was there something you particularly wanted, sweetheart?
MAX: (GRIMACING) No...
MAX PICKS HIS BOOK BAG UP AND WALKS OUT THE DOOR; THE DOOR SLAMS BEHIND HIM.
SHAWN: And a pleasant good-bye to you too, Max. Sometimes that boy...
CAROLINE: Shawn...
THE TELEPHONE RINGS. CAROLINE GOES OVER AND ANSWERS IT, TWO-WAY.
CAROLINE: (CONT'D) Hello?
CARRIE: Hi, Grandma!
CAROLINE: Carrie! This is a surprise.
SHAWN TRIES TO WRENCH THE PHONE FROM CAROLINE'S HAND, BUT SHE BRUSHES HIM AWAY. SHAWN WALKS AWAY.
CARRIE: I wanted to wish you guys a happy Valentine's Day. (BEAT) Where is Grandpa, anyway?
SHAWN: I'm right here, darlin'.
SHAWN RE-ENTERS THE KITCHEN, CARRYING THE CORDLESS PHONE.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) So, how are you and your Mama getting along?
CARRIE: Everything's great! Mom and I are closer than we've ever been. (BEAT) It's wonderful having her back in my life.
CAROLINE: Well, I'm glad that Anna is there for you, dear.
CARRIE: And, I talked to Dad and Marlena on their anniversary last week. (BEAT) They seemed pretty happy.
SHAWN: Did Marlena tell you that she's in a community theater group now?
CARRIE: Yeah... she said they were doing a take-off on "The Witches Of Eastwick", and she had the Jack Nicholson role.
CAROLINE: Sami sent us a picture of her in her costume... the green contacts are a hoot!
CARRIE: Oh, I can't wait to see that!
CARRIE SUDDENLY LOOKS AT HER WATCH.
CARRIE: (CONT'D) I hate to do this, but if Mom and I don't leave now, we'll miss our skiing lesson. (BEAT) I love you.
SHAWN AND CAROLINE: We love you, too.
CARRIE: Bye!
CARRIE HANGS UP. CAROLINE THEN HANGS UP, AND SHAWN TURNS OFF THE CORDLESS PHONE.
SHAWN: She sounds happy, don't she?
CAROLINE: (DISTANT) Yes... (BEAT) But Carrie's so far away. And Roman's in Colorado, and Kimmy's in Los Angeles... I miss having everyone together.
CAROLINE GOES OVER TO THE SINK, AND STARTS ON THE BREAKFAST DISHES.
SHAWN: (SOTTO VOCE) Aye, me love... the family's spread far and wide, but maybe I can do somethin' ta cheer you up.
HOLD ON SHAWN'S GRIN.
CUT TO: BILL'S OFFICE. MARCUS IS SEATED ACROSS FROM BILL AT THE DESK, CONSULTING ON A CASE OF MARCUS'. IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: So you see my dilemma?
BILL: You say this fellow is determined to look like Tom Cruise?
MARCUS: Worse than that. He wants to look like Cruise in that vampire movie! He even asked me to file his canines into fangs!
BILL: You're kidding!
MARCUS: I wish I were. I told him that part would have to be handled by a dentist, I don't do teeth. But what do I tell the guy? It is physically impossible for me to give him that face. And, hey, if it were, how do I know Cruise wouldn't sue us for some sort of copyright violation?
BILL: I honestly don't know what policy is in situations like this... I don't believe we've had anything like this come up before...
MARCUS: I've never heard of it. I mean, yeah, Harrison Ford's nose, or Sharon Stone's... um...
BILL: Indeed!
MARCUS: Right. But never an entire celebrity face.
BILL: I'll have to defer this one to Legal or Psychiatric... I'll make the initial contact, and have them get back to you with a decision.
MARCUS: Thanks, Bill...
THE DOOR OPENS AND KAYLA ENTERS.
KAYLA: Oops... I'm sorry for interrupting. I can come back.
MARCUS: No, that's okay... I'm off...
BILL: Another Ford nose?
MARCUS: No, and not those... Stone items, either.
BOTH MEN LAUGH, BUT KAYLA IS PUZZLED.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) I'll explain later. (HE DROPS A QUICK KISS ON KAYLA'S FOREHEAD). I'm off to check on Morgan...
KAYLA: I'm so relieved to hear how much better he's doing. He's special to a lot of people.
MARCUS: And well I know it. Don't worry, I have a good feeling about this one.
MARCUS LEAVES, AND BILL GESTURES TO KAYLA TO HAVE A SEAT.
BILL: What brings my new Head Nurse by?
KAYLA: General Head Nurse business, what else?
BILL: I see...
KAYLA: Seriously, mostly personnel.
BILL: As in you don't have enough?
KAYLA: As in, there's never enough!
BILL: Sigh... the story of my life here at University Hospital. Okay... let's look at the budget.
HOLD ON BILL AS HE STARTS DIGGING THROUGH A PILE OF PAPERS.
CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. JACK AND JENNIFER ARE FINISHING THE REMAINS OF THEIR BREAKFAST. JENNIFER ADMIRES THE DELPHINIUM.
JENNIFER: You really do amaze me sometimes, Mr. D....
JACK: How so?
JENNIFER: For a curmudgeon, you can be so... sweet.
JACK: Sweet? Blech... Thoughtful, chivalrous, gallant perhaps, but sweet... I don't think so.
JENNIFER: Well, you could be right. I remember times when you were downright rude to me.
JACK: Me?
JENNIFER: Yes, you, shall I start to name them?
JACK: Better not. The day is going so well. And if you're referring to what I think you're referring to... I was just protecting you from what I considered, at the time, to be a poorly considered crush on me.
JENNIFER: Harumph... a crush. Shows how wrong you were.
JACK: I didn't think so.... I thought I was all wrong for you... You were so good and I was... (HIS VOICE TRAILS OFF)
JENNIFER REACHES ACROSS THE TABLE TO TAKE JACK'S HAND.
JENNIFER: You were, and are, the man of my dreams. You were always there for me... even at the bleakest hours...
JACK: Jennifer...
JENNIFER: You followed me all the way to Alamania... (SMILE) And made a grand entrance in that classic old car... Oh... what a vision you were to me... You were my knight in shining armour...
JACK: Hardly, I got tossed off my horse pretty quickly... and the damsel in distress...
JENNIFER: Don't. You got me out of there alive. You fought a duel for me. I will never forget that...
JACK: You know, Jennifer, sometimes you still amaze even me. That horrible... time... in our lives and you remember the good...
JENNIFER: It's a Horton trait. As Grandma always says, "Make lemonade out of lemons."
JACK: Hmmm... yep, sounds like one of those Horton aphorisms to me. (SMILE) But I had some other poetry in mind.
JACK PRODUCES A PARCHMENT SCROLL, TIED WITH A RED RIBBON, WITH A FLOURISH.
JACK: (CONT'D) For you.
JENNIFER: Oh, Jack...
JENNIFER UNTIES THE RIBBON AND OPENS THE SCROLL. SHE STARTS TO READ, THEN STARTS TO CRY.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Will you read this for me?
JENNIFER HANDS THE PARCHMENT TO JACK.
JACK: (CLEARING HIS THROAT, THEN READING) "With love's light wings, did I o'er perch these walls, for stony limits cannot hold love out, or what love can do that dares love attempt."
JENNIFER: Romeo and Juliet... and your proposal... Ohh... Jack...
JENNIFER STANDS, WALKS AROUND THE TABLE AND THROWS HER ARMS AROUND JACK. OUT ON THEIR EMBRACE.
JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD ARE WORKING ON A LAYOUT FOR MIDSUMMER. RICHARD IS LOOKING INTENTLY AT THE PAGE, WHILE JULIE SEEMS TO BE DAYDREAMING.
RICHARD: I'm still not certain where I want to put the graphic on this page. What do you think, Julie?
JULIE DOESN'T RESPOND.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Julie? Earth to Julie!
JULIE: (STARTLED) Oh! I'm sorry, Richard. My mind was somewhere else for a minute.
RICHARD: I hope it was a nice place.
JULIE: It was. I was thinking about the Valentine's Day celebration that Doug is planning at Euterpe tonight. He's such a romantic, that husband of mine. Even after all these years, he always manages to do something to surprise me on Valentine's Day. I wonder what he'll do tonight...
RICHARD: I'm sure it will be something charming and romantic.
JULIE: I'm sure it will. (BEAT) What about you, Richard? You must have a hot date lined up for tonight.
RICHARD: Actually, I don't. I wasn't planning on doing anything special this evening.
JULIE: What, is there no maiden in all the realm who is fair enough to move the heart of the dashing Sir Richard?
RICHARD: No, it's not that.
JULIE: What, then?
RICHARD: (GRINNING MISCHIEVOUSLY) Do you really want to know?
JULIE: Yes, darling, please! Do tell!
RICHARD: (OUTRAGEOUS FLIRTING) I'm secretly pining away for my lovely boss. Any other woman pales in comparison.
JULIE: (ROLLING HER EYES) Oh, puh-leeze. (BEAT) My dear Mr. Hunt, I have three of the world's biggest Casanovas living under my roof. I can spot a shameless flirtation like that from a mile away.
RICHARD: Alas! I've been exposed!
THEY BOTH LAUGH. SUDDENLY, JULIE STOPS LAUGHING AND LOOKS SUSPICIOUSLY AT RICHARD.
JULIE: You're not about to ask me for a raise, are you?
RICHARD: (RUBBING HIS CHIN IN CONTEMPLATION AND SMILING) Hmmm... A raise. (BEAT) No. At least, not today.
JULIE: Good. I don't know if our budget could handle it.
RICHARD: Then again, you have been talking about how valuable I've been lately...
JULIE: Oh, no you don't! You said, "not today!"
RICHARD: And I am a man of my word. You win.
JULIE EYES RICHARD CONTEMPLATIVELY.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Uh-oh. What's that look for?
JULIE: Oh, I was just thinking...
RICHARD: About...?
JULIE: Maybe I could help you out.
RICHARD: Help me out, how?
JULIE: With your lack of female companionship.
RICHARD: No, wait...
JULIE: I know a few bright, beautiful young ladies who would thoroughly enjoy your company. I think you would enjoy theirs, too.
RICHARD: Julie, please, I'm begging you. Don't try to set me up with someone.
JULIE: But, why not? Don't tell me you're really a monk posing as a journalist.
RICHARD: Hardly. I'm just focused on work right now, that's all.
JULIE: So, the boss keeps you plenty busy, eh?
RICHARD: Plenty. My work is my number one priority.
JULIE: Well... as your boss, I guess I can't fault you for your dedication. But, as your friend, I'm not so sure.
JULIE LOOKS BEMUSEDLY AT RICHARD AND SIGHS. RICHARD SMILES AND SHRUGS HIS SHOULDERS. HOLD ON RICHARD.
CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET AND ABE. IN PROGRESS.
JANET: I think I'm a little confused about your question... I don't really need a private investigator.
ABE: I know that. Actually, I had something else in mind...
JANET: Such as...
ABE: How about another cop?
JANET: Just what exactly are you driving at, Mr. Carver?
ABE: How would you feel if I went to Chief Daniels and asked to be reinstated to the Salem P.D. ?
HOLD ON ABE'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE. NICK IS AT A TABLE SMOKING A CIGARETTE. SAM IS AT THE PIANO NEARBY, INTERMITTENTLY TOYING WITH A TUNE.
NICK: I don't know what I'm going to do.
SAM: It's a tough decision.
NICK: There is no decision, Sam. I've seen every singer in Salem. As a matter-of-fact, I think I've seen every singer within driving distance of Salem. And, not one of them has enough talent to do a decent version of "Feelings."
SAM: There was one who might...
NICK: No. They're all wrong.
SAM: Have you tried...
NICK: I've tried everything I am willing to try. It's useless. We're gonna hafta open without a singer.
NICK PUTS OUT HIS CIGARETTE. HE LOOKS DEJECTEDLY AT SAM. THE DOOR OPENS AND SUNLIGHT BREAKS INTO THE DARK CLUB. NICK LOOKS TOWARD THE DOOR. A STUNNING WOMAN, DRESSED IN RED, WALKS IN.
LYNN: Excuse me. My name is Lynn Hampton...
OUT ON NICK'S INTEREST.
NICK'S CAFE. NICK LOOKS A LITTLE STUNNED BY LYNN'S BEAUTY. HE REALIZES HE'S STARING WHEN SAM CLEARS HIS THROAT POINTEDLY. NICK STANDS, PUTS OUT A HAND TO SHAKE LYNN'S AND OFFERS HER A CHAIR.
NICK: Have a seat, Miss... Hampton. What can I do for you?
NICK AND LYNN SIT.
LYNN: I was hoping I could do something for you. (BEAT) I'm sorry I'm late, but I've been out of town. Are you still auditioning singers?
NICK AND SAM EXCHANGE A LOOK. SAM MAKES AN "OKAY" SIGN WITH HIS THUMB AND FOREFINGER.
NICK: Well, that depends. Are you the singer in question?
LYNN: (SMILING) Yes, I am. So I assume you haven't filled the position.
NICK: No, no I haven't. I couldn't find anyone with the right style, the right sophistication...
LYNN STANDS UP AND LOOKS AROUND THE CLUB.
LYNN: Given the marvelous decor, I think I have an idea of what you're aiming for...
NICK: Somehow, Miss Hampton, I have a feeling that you do. (BEAT) So all that's left is to see if you can sing. Have you brought music with you?
HOLD ON NICK'S ANTICIPATION.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S OFFICE. KAYLA IS PUTTING AWAY SOME FILES, WHEN MARCUS ENTERS THROUGH HER OPEN DOOR.
MARCUS: Hey gorgeous... ready to go?
KAYLA: Just about. How'd it go with Morgan?
MARCUS: It's gonna be pretty tough. The bullet caused extensive tissue damage, but I think it's something I can work with.
KAYLA STANDS UP, AND WALKS AROUND TO THE FRONT OF HER DESK.
KAYLA: You'll do a wonderful job. You're a brilliant surgeon.
MARCUS: You're just saying that because I'm your ride home.
KAYLA: Don't be silly, Marcus. The things you do for your patients are amazing.
MARCUS: The payback's worth it. Yesterday, I took the bandages off a girl whose so-called boyfriend cut open her face with a pocket knife. The smile she gave me after she looked in the mirror was amazing.
KAYLA PULLS MARCUS CLOSE TO HER.
KAYLA: See? You're a miracle worker.
MARCUS: I'll have to share my pedestal with you. I hear a certain head nurse managed to get the okay for new ultrasound equipment.
KAYLA: It wasn't that difficult.
MARCUS: Are you kidding? Budgeting around here is so tight, nobody's been able to get that for ages.
KAYLA: I just know the right strings to pull.
MARCUS: You're right about that.
MARCUS STARTS TO KISS KAYLA'S NECK.
KAYLA: Dr. Hunter! Are you making a pass at me?
MARCUS: You be the judge.
MARCUS GENTLY SITS KAYLA DOWN ON HER DESK, AND KISSES HER PASSIONATELY.
KAYLA: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
MARCUS: Skip dinner, and go straight to dessert?
KAYLA: Bingo.
KAYLA JUMPS UP, AND SCRAMBLES TO GRAB HER PURSE AND COAT. THEY RUSH OUT OF HER OFFICE, BARELY REMEMBERING TO SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS. HOLD ON THE DARKENED OFFICE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG HAS GONE ALL OUT TO DECORATE THE CLUB FOR VALENTINE'S DAY. THERE IS A BALLOON ARCH OVER THE ENTRANCE WAY. THE TABLES ARE DECORATED WITH CANDLES, ROSES AND COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLES OF CHAMPAGNE. CHOCOLATE HEARTS SIT AT EACH PLATE. A TRIO OF CHAMBER MUSICIANS PLAY FROM THE STAGE AMIDST PILES OF ROSE PETALS. THE STAFF IS ALL DRESSED IN RED AND WHITE. EVE STANDS IN FRONT OF THE RESERVATIONS DESK, SWAYING TO THE MUSIC. IAN COMES BY AND HANDS HER A CORSAGE.
IAN: Happy Valentine's Day, Eve.
EVE: (TOUCHED) Ian, for me? How sweet of you.
IAN PULLS A BOUTONNIERE OUT FROM BEHIND HIS BACK.
IAN: I have to confess, it wasn't my idea. The boss wants all of us to wear one. Can you help me with mine?
EVE: (SMILING) Sure.
EVE PINS IAN'S FLOWERS ON HIS LAPEL AND THEN DOES THE SAME WITH HER OWN.
EVE: (CONT'D) How does it look? It smells gorgeous.
IAN: And it looks gorgeous, too. (BEAT) You seem awfully happy today... Does this mean that loooooove is in the air for Eve Donovan? Who's the lucky fellow so I can congratulate him?
EVE: There is no lucky fellow. (BEAT) And for once, that's okay with me.
IAN: You'll have to forgive me as I think you're telling a tiny fib. (BEAT) But if you're happy, I'm happy.
MICKEY AND MAGGIE COME IN. MAGGIE IS DRESSED IN A WHITE LACE DRESS WITH WHITE ROSES TUCKED IN HER HAIR.
EVE: Hello, Mr. & Mrs. Horton. I've got your table all ready for you.
EVE LEADS MICKEY AND MAGGIE TO A TABLE AND POURS THEM EACH A GLASS OF SPARKLING CIDER BEFORE LEAVING. MICKEY AND MAGGIE TOAST EACH OTHER SILENTLY AND HOLD HANDS ACROSS THE TABLE.
MICKEY: Have I told you yet how beautiful you look tonight?
MAGGIE: Yes, but you can tell me again.
MICKEY: You are beautiful. (BEAT) That dress reminds me of our second wedding.
MAGGIE: It was awfully romantic to get married on St. Valentine's Day, wasn't it?
MICKEY: Not to mention having a double ceremony with our daughter.
MAGGIE: Melissa looked so happy that day... and Pete, too.
MICKEY: (SCOWLING A BIT) She's better off without him... I never trusted that guy.
MAGGIE: Now, Mickey. It's what Melissa thought of him that counts. I think they really did love each other once.
MICKEY: Maybe. We'll just have to agree to disagree about Pete Jannings.
MAGGIE: Marriage is difficult, you have to work hard at it.
MICKEY: That's true. We're living proof of that. Here we are still going strong and better than ever.
MAGGIE: Yes, we are. And I'd do it all over again a third time.
MICKEY: Me, too...
OUT ON THE PAIR EXCHANGING A KISS.
BRADY KITCHEN. THE LIGHTS ARE AT THEIR LOWEST SETTING. CAROLINE ENTERS, FROWNING.
CAROLINE: Shawn, why didn't you tell me you were closing the pub down tonight? (BEAT) And why is it so dark in here?
A MATCH IS STRUCK, AND SHAWN LIGHTS A CANDLE ON THE TABLE. THE CANDLELIGHT REVEALS A BOUNTIFUL FEAST. SHAWN PULLS OUT A CHAIR FOR CAROLINE.
SHAWN: Well, just don't stand there and gawk, woman, sit down!
CAROLINE SITS, AND SHAWN TAKES THE SEAT ACROSS FROM HER. HE TAKES HER PLATE, AND PROCEEDS TO FILL IT WITH LAMB STEW, POTATOES, AND BISCUITS.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) Now, save up a wee bit of room, Caroline... there's a chocolate cake from Pierre's waiting for later.
CAROLINE: (SMILING) So this is why you sent me on a supply run this afternoon. (BEAT) And where is Max?
SHAWN: I couldn't well do this with you underfoot, now could I? (BEAT) And Maxwell got a sudden dinner invitation from the Murphys... he'll be home later.
CAROLINE: But why, Shawn? Why all the fuss?
SHAWN: (TAKING CAROLINE'S HAND) I thought you might enjoy a surprise. Besides, you sounded so down after Carrie called... (BEAT) I know that I can be somethin' of a curmudgeon at times, but I wanted to do something to stay in your good graces.
CAROLINE LEANS OVER THE TABLE, AND GIVES SHAWN A KISS.
CAROLINE: Sometimes, Shawn Brady, you can be the most thoughtful man alive...
HOLD ON CAROLINE'S SMILE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. JANET AND SHANE ENTER, ARM-IN-ARM. DAVE ESCORTS THEM TO THEIR TABLE. EVE AND IAN WATCH FROM THE BAR.
EVE: (SOTTO VOCE) Dad and that person...
IAN: Is there a problem with your father's choice in dinner companions, Eve?
EVE LOOKS AGAIN AND A LAUGHING JANET AND SHANE, THEN TO IAN.
IAN: (CONT'D) They look like they're having fun together. (BEAT) You should be happy for him.
EVE: (SCOWLING) Why? Because he's making yet another mistake in the game of love?
IAN RAISES AN EYEBROW TO EVE.
EVE: (CONT'D) I mean, Captain Yamada? First there was my mother, who was an ISA agent, and then there was Bimberly, the hooker, and now a cop? (BEAT) Does the man have a handcuff fetish or something?
IAN STARTS TO LAUGH, AND ELICITS A FEW STRANGE LOOKS FROM SOME OF THE PATRONS. JANET AND SHANE, HOWEVER, DO NOT NOTICE. THEY'RE STILL HAVING AN ANIMATED CONVERSATION OF THEIR OWN, AND EVE IS STILL STARING INTENTLY.
EVE: (CONT'D) Sure, you laugh... but is it such a horrible thing that I want my father to go out with a "normal" woman, just once?
IAN: Normal's a subjective thing, Eve. (BEAT) With your father's background, a woman like Janet is probably considered very normal. (BEAT) Now, if he were dating a voodoo priestess...
EVE ROLLS HER EYES AT IAN.
IAN: (CONT'D) All I'm saying is to let your father enjoy whatever it is he has with Captain Yamada. (BEAT) You do want him to be happy, don't you?
HOLD ON EVE'S PENSIVENESS ON IAN'S QUESTION.
GO TO: THE ENTRANCE, AS ALICE AND BILL ARRIVE. THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO SEAT THEM.
ALICE: There must be some nice young lady for you to have dinner with. You shouldn't have to escort your mother.
BILL: You're my best girl. And, there is no one I would rather spend Valentine's Day with.
ALICE: Thank you, sweetheart.
BILL: I wasn't about to let you sit home alone.
ALICE: Thank you for thinking of me. (SIGHS) You know... your father sent me roses every Valentines' Day. I half expected the door to ring with a delivery.
BILL: Wherever he is, I know Dad's thinking about you, wishing he could send you those flowers...
ALICE: That's sweet, but perhaps a bit foolish...
BILL NODS TO DOUG WHO IS JUST OUT OF SIGHT. DOUG WALKS UP AND, WITH A DRAMATIC FLOURISH, PRESENTS ALICE WITH A BOUQUET OF PINK ROSES.
DOUG: Happy Valentine's day, Alice.
ALICE: Is this...
BILL NODS.
BILL: You don't think I'd let today go by without you getting a dozen roses, did you?
ALICE BEGINS TO CRY, THEN HUGS BILL.
ALICE: Thank you, darling. I love you...
BILL: I love you, too, Mom.
OUT ON BILL AND ALICE.
EUTERPE. JACK, JENNIFER, AND ABIGAIL ARE SEATED AT A TABLE. JACK AND JENNIFER ARE HAVING BEFORE-DINNER DRINKS, AND ABIGAIL IS PLAYING WITH A BRIGHT RED BALLOON THAT IS TIED WITH A RIBBON TO HER HIGH-CHAIR.
ABIGAIL: Balloooo!
JACK: Yes, it's a very pretty balloon. (REACHING FOR THE BALLOON) What is that written on the side?
ABIGAIL: (PULLING THE BALLOON CLOSER) My balloo.
JACK: Yes, that's right, it's Abigail's balloon. But Daddy just wants to see it for a minute, then you can have it right back, okay?
JENNIFER: Remember, Abby, about sharing.
ABIGAIL LOOKS AT JENNIFER, THEN AT JACK. SHE SMILES AND DROPS THE BALLOON IN JACK'S DIRECTION.
ABIGAIL: Abby share.
JENNIFER: Good girl.
JACK PICKS UP THE BALLOON AND LOOKS AT IT.
JACK: Yes, indeed... Little pink hearts, and "Happy Valentine's Day" written on the side. No self-respecting child should be without one today.
JACK HANDS THE BALLOON BACK TO ABIGAIL.
JACK: (CONT'D) Thank you, Abigail.
ABIGAIL: Welcome.
JACK: (TO JENNIFER) I hope you don't feel cheated by my suggesting a trio for dinner, rather than a duo.
JENNIFER: Absolutely not. (BEAT) After all, today is a day to celebrate love, and I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate than with the two people I love most in the world.
JACK: (NODDING TOWARD BILL AND ALICE'S TABLE) As well as beloved family members nearby.
JENNIFER: (GLANCING OVER AT BILL AND ALICE) Yeah. I'm so glad that Dad got Grandma to come out for dinner tonight. (BEAT) I can't imagine what she must be feeling, spending Valentine's Day without Grandpa.
JACK: It must be difficult.
JENNIFER: Speaking of mothers and sons, did you talk to Jo today?
JACK: Yes, I did. She mentioned something about a quiet dinner with Vern. You know those crazy kids...
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Oh, stop it, Jack. They're happy together, and that's what counts.
JENNIFER TURNS AND LOOKS AGAIN IN BILL'S DIRECTION.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I wish my dad could find someone to make him happy like that again. If only I could...
JACK: (SHAKING HIS INDEX FINGER AT JENNIFER) Uh-uh-uh. Let's not discuss your father's love life. That's his business. (BEAT) Besides, we don't want to plant any wild, romantic ideas in the child's head.
JENNIFER LOOKS AT ABIGAIL, WHO IS BATTING HER BALLOON AND THEN PULLING IT BACK WITH THE RIBBON.
JENNIFER: She's so entranced by that balloon, I don't think she even hears us.
JACK: (QUIETLY) Well, let's hope so. We don't need our daughter learning about romance and star-crossed lovers at such an early age.
JENNIFER: Oh, and at what age will she be old enough for romance?
JACK: She should be ready to entertain suitors by the time she reaches her early thirties, I'd say.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Hah! You mean you'll be ready by then.
JACK: Maybe.
JENNIFER: Before we know it, Abby's going to want to spend Valentine's Day with her own special valentine.
JACK: Shhhhhh! Don't give her any ideas!
JENNIFER LAUGHS.
JACK: (CONT'D) Our daughter already has a special valentine.
JACK LEANS CLOSE TO ABIGAIL.
JACK: (CONT'D) Abigail, who's your special valentine?
ABIGAIL: Dada!
JACK: That's right. Daddy will always be your special valentine.
JENNIFER SMILES AT THE TWO OF THEM. JACK KISSES ABIGAIL'S CHEEK.
GO TO: SHANE AND JANET. IN PROGRESS.
JANET: And, as if the day weren't enough of a trial already, I got yet another call from Councilman Blake.
SHANE: The man certainly is persistent...
JANET: I just wish he'd get off my back and let me do my job. He's made harassing me his life's work.
SHANE: Well, I do understand his need to try to do something.
JANET: You're taking his side?
SHANE: Not at all. I'm just saying that I think I understand some of his motivation. His daughter was viciously attacked. He couldn't do anything to help her at the time, so now he's trying to compensate for it.
JANET: Well, his motivation may be noble, but his method stinks.
SHANE: Agreed. (BEAT) So, what's the latest word on Lieutenant Morgan?
JANET: Actually, the news is very encouraging. He's expected to make a full recovery, although it will take quite a while.
SHANE: That's no surprise, after what he went through. (BEAT) I'm sure that news pleased a lot of people.
JANET: It did.
JANET RESTS HER CHIN ON HER HAND AND LOOKS INTENTLY AT SHANE.
SHANE: What is it?
JANET: I'm just wondering if I should ask you something...
SHANE: (TEASING) Is it a personal question?
JANET: Yes... But not what you might think.
SHANE: Oh... I'm intrigued. Ask away.
JANET: Abe Carver came to see me at the office today. He expressed interest in returning to the force.
SHANE: Really! That's an interesting turn of events.
JANET: Yes, it is. I'm wondering what I should do about it. (BEAT) You know Abe pretty well. What do you think? Should I encourage him to return?
SHANE: I'll tell you this: I've worked with Abe on several cases over the years, and I can attest to the fact that he's very good at his job... one of the best. (BEAT) And he's a great friend, too.
JANET: I know he's a good cop, that's a matter of record. I'm just wondering if he and I can get along.
SHANE: I don't think you'd have any problem with that.
JANET: I'm speaking more on a professional level than personal. I need to know if he expects to step in and run the show, or if he'll be able to accept me as a superior and play by my rules.
SHANE: He's always been a team player. Getting the job done was the first priority, and he was willing to do what it took.
JANET: Maybe so, but... I know he has some very different ideas about how to run the cop shop, and I don't want those differences of opinion to cause any major conflicts. Things are crazy enough around there without having to deal with those kind of problems.
SHANE: Do you really want to know what I think?
JANET: (WARILY) I'm not sure... do I?
SHANE SMILES.
JANET: (CONT'D) Okay. What do you think, Captain?
SHANE: I think that you're worrying too much. I think you and Abe would get along just fine. (BEAT) Like any adjustment, it might take a little time, but I'm sure that you two would work it out.
JANET: Well, thanks for the vote of confidence.
SHANE: You're very welcome. (BEAT) Now, on that note, I think we've met our shop talk quota for the evening.
JANET: I agree.
KENNY G'S "SENTIMENTAL" BEGINS TO PLAY. SHANE STANDS AND EXTENDS HIS HAND TO JANET.
SHANE: May I have this dance?
JANET: You certainly may.
JANET PUTS HER HAND IN SHANE'S. HOLD ON JANET'S SMILE.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE. NICK, SAM, AND LYNN. IN PROGRESS.
NICK: So, Ms. Hampton. Can you sing as beautiful as you look?
LYNN: Why don't I let you be the judge? (TO SAM) I brought my own music. Do you mind playing?
SAM: It would be my pleasure.
LYNN REACHES INTO HER BAG AND TAKES OUT SOME SHEET MUSIC. SHE HANDS IT TO SAM. SAM LOOKS AT IT, SMILES, AND NODS TO LYNN. LYNN WALKS UP ON STAGE. SAM BEGINS TO PLAY "AS TIME GOES BY." NICK LOOKS AT SAM, PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY LYNN'S CHOICE OF MUSIC. LYNN BEGINS TO SING, BEAUTIFULLY. WHILE SHE SINGS, NICK GAZES AT HER, UNABLE TO MOVE. WHEN SHE FINISHES SINGING, SHE WALKS OVER TO NICK. NICK REMAINS QUIET.
LYNN: Was I that bad?
NICK TAKES A MOMENT TO CATCH HIS BREATH. HE LOOKS AS IF THIS IS THE FIRST BREATH HE'S TAKEN SINCE LYNN BEGAN SINGING.
NICK: Are you kidding? You're great! You're better than great, you were amazing.
NICK LOOKS AT SAM, WHO NODS HIS HEAD.
LYNN: Thanks. I don't think I've ever been called "amazing" before.
NICK: If it wasn't evident enough, you've got the job.
LYNN: Really? This is fantastic!
NICK: I hope you've got plenty prepared. The club opens next week.
LYNN: Next week? It's a little short notice, but I'll be ready.
NICK: This is gonna be one hell of a club.
OUT ON NICK.
EUTERPE. BILL AND ALICE'S TABLE. JULIE WALKS OVER TO JOIN THEM.
JULIE: And how are my two darling Valentines this evening?
BILL: Feeling lavishly wined and dined, thanks to your main Valentine, my dear niece.
JULIE: You haven't seen lavish until you've seen the kind of spread Robert and CJ can put on.
ALICE: What ever did they do?
JULIE: They made us the most delicious, decadent Parisian breakfast I've had this side of Paris. It was incredible.
BILL: Robert didn't...
JULIE: No, Doctor Horton, Robert didn't. CJ was very strict with him, much to his chagrin. His French soul cried for croissant and cafe au lait, but was constrained to dry toast and herbal tea.
BILL: Good!
ALICE: CJ is such a devoted son. Robert is lucky to have him.
JULIE SMILES, BITTERSWEET, BUT IS QUICKLY DISTRACTED WHEN DOUG GATHERS MICKEY, MAGGIE, JACK, JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL AROUND BILL AND ALICE'S TABLE.
DOUG: Horton Family, we have anniversary wishes to bestow!
JULIE: Indeed we do! Oh, Uncle Dear... Oh Best Friend...
MAGGIE AND MICKEY, LAUGHING, ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE PUSHED TO THE CENTER OF THE FAMILY GROUP, AS DAVE DELIVERS GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE, WITH CLUB SODA FOR MAGGIE.
BILL: A toast! To the woman who has put up with my brother for another year!
ALL: Here, here!
DOUG: Happiest of wedding anniversaries, Mickey, Maggie!
THERE ARE HUGS AND KISSES ALL AROUND, ENDING WITH MICKEY GIVING MAGGIE A VERY PASSIONATE KISS, WHILE THE HORTON CROWD (AND OTHER EUTERPE GUESTS) CHEER. DOUG KISSES JULIE ON THE CHEEK, AND THEN TAKES HER HAND AND LEADS HER UP TO THE STAGE, WHERE THE CURTAIN IS STILL DOWN. DOUG TAKES THE MIKE AND GREETS HIS GUESTS.
DOUG: (CONT'D) (SINGING) Good evening young lovers, wherever you are...
THE CROWD LAUGHS, SOME ANSWER "GOOD EVENING."
DOUG: (CONT'D) It's nice to see such a crowd on this special night... a night dedicated to love. It is my sincere wish on this night, of all nights, that everyone have as much love in their lives as I do, thanks to this beautiful lady at my side.
DOUG KISSES JULIE, WHO BLUSHES SLIGHTLY, BUT THEN SMILES AT THE CROWD.
DOUG: (CONT'D) For this Valentine's, I decided to break away a little from my usual choices of ballads, and with the help of my personal guide to new and different music, our musical director here at Euterpe, Ian Moreland, I've picked a beautiful love song from a little different genre than you've probably come to expect.
DOUG GESTURES TO THE WINGS, AND THE CURTAIN RISES TO SHOW MARTY ON PIANO AS USUAL, BUT TONIGHT JOINED BY A DRUMMER WITH A FULL ROCK DRUM KIT, AND AN ELECTRIC GUITARIST.
DOUG: (CONT'D) With all necessary apologies to Page and Plant (HE LOOKS UP AT THE BOOTH AND SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO IAN) See, Ian, I remembered...
IAN GIVES HIM A THUMBS UP.
DOUG: (CONT'D) A song lovely enough to do justice to the most beautiful girl in the world.
DOUG BEGINS TO SING LED ZEPPLIN'S, "THANK YOU." AS DOUG SINGS, WE SEE JENNIFER AND JACK, DANCING WITH ABIGAIL BETWEEN THEM. JACK MANAGES TO DIP BOTH OF HIS LADIES, TO A GIGGLING ABIGAIL'S DELIGHT. WE SEE SHANE AND JANET. THERE'S A BIT OF DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM, BUT WHEN SHANE PULLS HER A LITTLE CLOSER, SHE DOESN'T MOVE AWAY. PAST THEM, EVE NOTICES THIS, AND GRIMACES. WE SEE MICKEY AND MAGGIE. MICKEY WHISPERS SOMETHING IN MAGGIE'S EAR WHICH MAKES HER SMILE. THEN, GRINNING EVEN MORE WICKEDLY, HE WHISPERS SOMETHING ELSE. SHE LOOKS AT HIM IN DISBELIEF, BUT HE NODS, WHISPERS, "SOON", AND PULLS HER CLOSE TO FINISH THE DANCE. WE SEE EVE, NOW UP IN THE BOOTH WITH IAN. THE TWO OF THEM ARE DANCING, THOUGH NOT PARTICULARLY CLOSELY OR ROMANTICALLY, IN THE CONFINES OF THE SOUND BOOTH. WE SEE BILL AND ALICE. HE LOOKS OVER AND NOTICES ALICE'S SOMEWHAT MELANCHOLY EXPRESSION. BILL PUTS HIS HAND OVER HERS ON THE TABLE AND SQUEEZES. ALICE LOOKS OVER AT HIM AND SMILES. WE SEE DOUG, ON STAGE, SINGING TO A TEARY-EYED JULIE, AND THEN TAKING HER IN HIS ARMS FOR A FEW DANCE TURNS DURING THE GUITAR SOLO. HOLD ON DOUG AND JULIE.
CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD IS SEATED AT HIS DESK. HE IS ON THE PHONE, WAITING FOR AN ANSWER ON THE OTHER END.
RICHARD: (DISAPPOINTED) Voice mail.
HE HANGS UP THE PHONE.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Maybe Burroughs is still around...
HE PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS. AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS, HE HANGS UP.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Nope. Looks like everyone's gone for the day. (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Yeesh, no wonder. Everyone must be well into dinner with their valentines by now. (BEAT) It's a good thing I don't have a valentine, or I'd be very late and in deep trouble right about now.
HE TURNS TO LOOK AT THE HALF-FINISHED ARTICLE ON HIS COMPUTER SCREEN.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Who needs a valentine... Who has time for a valentine, when there's all this work to do?
HE RUBS HIS EYES AND GLANCES BACK AT HIS DESK. HE SMILES AND PICKS UP THE VALENTINE CARD THAT JULIE HAD GIVEN HIM.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Julie... the only boss I've ever had that took the time to give a Valentine's Day card to each of her staff members.
HE SETS THE CARD BACK ON THE DESK.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Amazing... A successful career and a terrific love life. (BEAT) I envy you, Julie.
RICHARD TURNS BACK TO HIS COMPUTER. HE IS ABOUT TO START TYPING WHEN THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) (SOTTO VOCE) How about that? There is someone still here besides me.
THERE IS ANOTHER KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) (CALLING) Come in!
THE DOOR OPENS AND ASHLEY BELLAFIORE ENTERS, SMILING AND SHAKING HER HEAD.
ASHLEY: All alone, working late... and on Valentine's Day, no less. (BEAT) Sad, Hunt, really sad.
RICHARD: (SURPRISED) Ashley! You're here!
ASHLEY: (STRIKING A POSE WITH HER ARMS OUT TO THE SIDES) In the flesh!
HOLD ON ASHLEY'S GRIN. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.