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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: June 15, 1995
Time: Several Days After #101,
Afternoon to Evening
Copyright 1995
JENNIFER'S OFFICE. JENNIFER IS ON THE PHONE, CHECKING THE FINAL PLANS FOR JACK'S BIRTHDAY PARTY AT EUTERPE. ONE-WAY.
JENNIFER: I ordered chicken with rosemary. (BEAT) Why would I order chicken with sage? My husband's favorite entree is chicken with rosemary. (BEAT) When I talked to the banquet manager, I specifically said chicken with rosemary. I even confirmed it later.
JENNIFER IS BECOMING ANGRY. HER FACE BEGINS TO TURN RED.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) How could you make such a mistake? (BEAT) It better be fixed by tonight. (BEAT) Why don't you let me speak to Doug Williams? I'm sure Mr. Williams can tell the difference between rosemary and sage.
JENNIFER LEANS BACK IN HER CHAIR. THE MUSCLES IN HER FACE RELAX.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Well, all right. I know Mr. Williams, and I don't think he'd be pleased to find out that a customer had this much trouble getting her order correct.
JACK ENTERS THE OFFICE WHILE JENNIFER'S BACK IS TURNED AWAY FROM THE DOOR.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) And it had better be done right and it better be on time.
JENNIFER TURNS IN HER CHAIR TO SEE JACK STANDING THERE. HOLD ON JENNIFER'S SURPRISE.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S OFFICE. KAYLA IS TALKING TO KIMBERLY ON THE PHONE. TWO-WAY.
KAYLA: So, I think all our dress dilemmas are solved.
KIMBERLY: Excellent. I can get the final fitting when I get there next week.
KAYLA: I can't believe it's all happening so soon!
KIMBERLY: Yep... I'll arrive, throw you the shower of a lifetime, and before you know it, it's the wedding day. Oh, I spoke to Shane...
KAYLA: About the kids?
KIMBERLY: Yes. Jeannie and Andrew will stay with him while we're in Salem.
KAYLA: You and Philip'll be at Ma and Pop's?
KIMBERLY: They offered, but with the wedding and all the chaos, it's going to be way more than I want them to have to deal with. We'll stay at the Salem Inn.
KAYLA: Are you sure? You can stay with me...
KIMBERLY: Nonsense! You're going to need your privacy, and believe me, after the bachelor and bachelorette parties, so will we!
KAYLA: Well, okay. Shane's sure to be thrilled about keeping the children.
KIMBERLY: He's already making plans to rent a pony for Jeannie!
KAYLA: Speaking of Shane, has anyone told you about Janet?
KIMBERLY: Janet who?
KAYLA: Janet Yamada, the Salem Police Commander...
OUT ON KAYLA'S QUESTION.
KAYLA'S OFFICE. KAYLA AND KIMBERLY ARE ON THE PHONE. TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.
KIMBERLY: Okay, just a second... I remember a Captain Yamada. She was the one investigating Carly's murder...
KAYLA: Same person, new title. She's the Commander now.
KIMBERLY: A female Commander? All right, Salem! It's about time. What's she like? All I can recall is that she was very business-like.
KAYLA: She seems nice enough. Tough. Distant. I guess you'd have to be, in that job.
KIMBERLY: I remember Bo saying she was a "tough cookie."
KAYLA: I'm surprised he was that nice about it.
KIMBERLY: Why? Tell. Tell all.
KAYLA: She really whipped Bo into shape. She threatened to kick him off the force if he didn't shape up. Then, she stuck him with this hard-nosed partner who made Bo play by the rules.
KIMBERLY: Anyone who can get our baby brother to shape up has to be tough. (BEAT) Kayla, this sounds like it has the makings of a really hot romance. You know, one of those hate-turns-to-love things.
KAYLA: Well, it would, except...
KIMBERLY: Except what?
KAYLA: Except that Janet Yamada has been getting quite cozy with Shane.
KIMBERLY: Oh...
KAYLA: I mean... I don't know how close they are...
KIMBERLY: It's okay, Kayla. Really. Shane and Kim are no more.
KAYLA: Are you okay with Shane dating again?
KIMBERLY: Well, I have to be, don't I? I mean, I got used to you dating him. I can adjust to this. Besides, I have Philip. I can't expect Shane to join a monestary.
KAYLA: I guess you could expect it. But it's not gonna happen.
KIMBERLY: Shane and I have wonderful memories together. We have two great kids. Now, we have two separate lives.
KAYLA: You seem happy with your life there.
KIMBERLY: Yeah. I am, really. But sometimes, I can't help but miss the old days. The way we were.
KAYLA: (GIGGLING) Misty, water-colored memories.
KIMBERLY: (CHUCKLING) Scattered pictures of the smiles we gave to one another.
KAYLA AND KIMBERLY LAUGH.
KIMBERLY: How do you get me to laugh at things that would ordinarily depress me?
KAYLA: How do you manage to come up with such campy song lyrics?
KIMBERLY: Well, this has been a lot of fun. But, I have a party to plan for my baby sister.
KAYLA: Thanks, sis. I love you.
KIMBERLY: I love you, too. 'Bye.
HOLD ON KAYLA HANGING UP THE PHONE.
CUT TO: JENNIFER'S OFFICE. JENNIFER HANGS UP THE TELEPHONE AND LOOKS AT JACK IN SURPRISE.
JENNIFER: Jack! I didn't see you standing there.
JACK: So I noticed. What exactly has to be ready on time?
JENNIFER: On time?
JACK: You sounded very insistent over the phone.
JENNIFER: Oh, I was just hounding Vern about tomorrow's morning edition.
JACK: Good for you! I like to see you get administrative. Besides, Vern does need to have some sense knocked into him every once in a while.
JENNIFER: Come on, Jack. You know very well that Vern can run the paper just fine without you or me. And he has, too.
JACK: Even so, it's best not to let his head get any bigger than it already is. (BEAT) Are you ready to go yet?
JENNIFER: Go where?
JACK: Don't tell me you're reneging on dinner for this evening.
JENNFIER: Of course not. I promised you a quiet dinner, just the two of us.
JACK: I'm looking forward to it, especially since you're buying. (SMILING) I'd say my taste buds are leaning toward all the expensive items on the menu tonight.
JENNIFER: I'll remember that for my next birthday. (BEAT) I've still got a couple things to finish, so how about I come by when I'm ready? Then we can go home and change for dinner.
JACK: (WALKING OUT OF JENNIFER'S OFFICE) I'll be in my office making a list of all the pricey dishes...
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) You go do that.
AFTER JACK LEAVES, JENNIFER SIGHS AND BLOWS A STRAND OF HAIR OFF HER FOREHEAD.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) That was a close call.
JENNIFER'S TELEPHONE RINGS. HOLD ON JENNIFER, ANSWERING HER PHONE.
CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS SIGNING SOME FORMS WHEN THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JANET: Come!
SHANE ENTERS.
SHANE: Good afternoon, Commander.
JANET: Captain Donovan! Do come in...
SHANE CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM.
SHANE: I hope I'm not interrupting anything important.
JANET: (ROLLING HER EYES) Just paperwork. (BEAT) So by all means, interrupt me. Please.
SHANE: (SMILING AND SITTING DOWN ACROSS FROM JANET) Well, if you insist...
JANET SMILES.
SHANE: (CONT'D) So, are you ready for the party tonight?
JANET: Absolutely. I brought my dancing shoes, and everything.
SHANE: Ah, well... I'm not exactly sure how much dancing there'll be.
JANET: (WIDE-EYED) No dancing? A party with no dancing?
SHANE: Don't worry, I'm sure there will be dancing. (BEAT) It's just that Jack... Jack isn't much of a dancer.
JANET: Well, I guess you and I will just have to be the ones to set the pace, then.
SHANE SMILES.
JANET: (CONT'D) If you can handle that.
SHANE: Why wouldn't I?
JANET: Oh, I just wasn't sure if you would want to let down your hair in public.
SHANE: Well, with such a lovely and charming partner, I don't think anyone will even notice me.
JANET: (SMILING) You and that English charm... (BEAT) But what about that cool, calm, and collected superspy image of yours? Are you ready to blow all of that away in front of everyone in Salem?
SHANE: I could ask the same of you. (BEAT) You have this image of being...
JANET: (INTERRUPTING) Let's not discuss my image in detail. I've heard enough whispers...
SHANE: Very well. But aren't you afraid that your officers won't look up to you after they see you "boogie-oogie-oogie 'til you just can't boogie no more"?
JANET: (CHUCKLING) I didn't realize you were a disco fan...
SHANE: (SMILING) No comment on that one...
JANET: To answer your question, no. My officers had better continue to look up to me, if they know what's good for them.
SHANE: I don't doubt that for a minute.
JANET: I'm actually looking forward to shaking up the troops a bit. (BEAT) You know, play with their minds a little, keep them guessing...
SHANE: And I look forward to assisting you.
JANET: (SMILING) Good.
SHANE: (STANDING UP) For the time being, however, I'll leave you to your paperwork.
JANET: Gee... thanks.
SHANE: Far be it from me to deny you the pleasure...
JANET: I'll get you for that.
SHANE: (WALKING TO THE DOOR) I'm sure you will.
SHANE REACHES THE DOOR AND OPENS IT.
SHANE: (CONT'D) I'll be back later to pick you up.
JANET: I'll be here.
SHANE EXITS AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. JANET SMILES AS SHE WATCHES THE DOOR CLOSE. OUT ON JANET.
JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE IS SEATED AT HER DESK. JENNIFER IS FRANTICALLY PACING AROUND THE ROOM.
JULIE: Jennifer, calm down! (BEAT) The party will go off fine, trust me!
JENNIFER STOPS PACING.
JENNIFER: You really think so? (BEAT) Julie, it just seems like everything I've planned is falling apart! First the chicken, then the cake... My only good news is that I'm sure that Jack doesn't have a clue that he's getting a party tonight.
JULIE: Well you see, that's a good start. (BEAT) And the snafus with the chicken and the cake can be rectified, darling. But if you don't relax, you're going to give Jack a trip to the emergency room for his birthday.
JENNIFER: Huh?
JULIE: For your ulcer.
JENNIFER CHUCKLES SLIGHTLY. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JULIE: Come in!
RICHARD ENTERS.
RICHARD: Hello, ladies. (BEAT) Am I interrupting anything?
JENNIFER: Don't worry about it, Richard. I've got to get back to my office anyway. But I will be seeing you and Ashley at the party tonight, right?
RICHARD: Absolutely. I wouldn't pass up a chance to see Jack caught off-guard, and I think Ashley's looking forward to that opportunity, as well.
JENNIFER WAVES TO JULIE, THEN EXITS, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HER.
JULIE: So, you're escorting the lovely signorina Bellafiore to the party?
RICHARD: It appears so.
JULIE: Does this mean that your truce is holding?
HOLD ON JULIE'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S OFFICE. KAYLA IS LOOKING OVER THE MENU FOR THE WEDDING RECEPTION. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. KAYLA PULLS A DESK DRAWER OPEN AND SHOVES THE MENU IN. THE DOOR OPENS AND MARCUS ENTERS.
MARCUS: Hi. I hope I'm not interrupting.
KAYLA: You are never interrupting.
KAYLA STANDS AND WALKS OVER TO MARCUS. THEY HUG AND THEN KISS. KAYLA RETURNS TO HER DESK. MARCUS LEANS AGAINST THE DESK FACING HER.
MARCUS: I just came by to see what time I should pick you up for Jack's party tonight.
KAYLA: Oh, geez. Jack's party. (BEAT) I've been so busy with the wedding, I completely forgot.
MARCUS: It's okay. I didn't.
KAYLA: But I haven't gotten a present. I'll have to get a card and wrapping paper...
MARCUS: (INTERRUPTING) You're doing it again.
KAYLA: Doing what? (BEAT, AS REALIZATION DAWNS) Oh. Yeah.
MARCUS: I got a gift and it's wrapped. All you have to do is sign the card.
KAYLA: What would I do without you?
MARCUS: Let's hope you never have to find out. (BEAT) Now, what time do I pick you up?
KAYLA: Hmmm. Why don't you come by about six o'clock? You can help get Stephanie dressed while I finish getting myself dressed.
MARCUS: Great. (BEAT) I can't wait to see the look on Jack's face tonight.
KAYLA: He'd never expect a surprise party two years in a row.
MARCUS: And Jennifer's worked so hard the last few weeks to pull it off.
KAYLA: Weeks? Did you say weeks? Do you realize that in two short weeks, we're going to be husband and wife?
HE PULLS KAYLA TO HER FEET AND PULLS HER CLOSE.
MARCUS: And it'll be the happiest day of my life. I can't wait 'til we're married, Kayla. My life'll finally be whole.
HOLD ON MARCUS AND KAYLA KISSING.
CUT TO: SQUAD ROOM, SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT. SHANE HAS JUST LEFT JANET'S OFFICE AND MAKES HIS WAY OVER TO BO'S DESK. BO AND BOB ARE BOTH DOING PAPERWORK. THEY EACH HAVE A RATHER LARGE STACK OF FILE FOLDERS IN FRONT OF THEM.
SHANE: Good afternoon, gentlemen!
BOB: Hello, Captain Donovan.
BO: Hey, Shane.
SHANE: How goes it?
BO: We're drowning in paperwork, here.
BOB: Yeah, can you throw us a rope? Or maybe a life preserver?
SHANE: (PATTING HIS POCKETS) I'm sorry, I don't happen to have one on me.
BO: Isn't that part of your super spy kit?
SHANE: I'm afraid the kit's in my other coat...
SHANE SPIES AN OPEN BOX OF "DIPPIN' DONUTS" ON A NEARBY DESK.
SHANE: (CONT'D) I could throw you a donut, instead...
BOB: Ugh... No thanks, I'd rather drown.
BO: I have to agree with Bob on that one. (BEAT) We really need to get some of Mrs. H.'s donuts in here.
SHANE: The only kind to have... (BEAT) Oh, Bo, I wanted to congratulate you on making it back to active duty. I hear the review of the shooting went splendidly.
BOB CRINGES. BO'S EXPRESSION SOURS.
BO: (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS PAPERWORK) Yeah... Thanks.
SHANE COCKS AN EYEBROW.
SHANE: Something wrong, Bo?
BO: No. I'm fine.
SHANE: You don't look very happy for someone who was just recently freed from desk duty and round-the-clock paperwork.
BO: I'm glad it's over, really. I just... It's old news. I've grown tired of talking about it, that's all.
SHANE: Oh... All right. (BEAT) So, I'll be seeing you at Jack's birthday party, right?
BO: (BRIGHTENING) Absotively posilutely. (BEAT) I promised my goddaughter the first dance, and I couldn't disappoint Miss Abigail.
SHANE: Absotively not. (BEAT) I need to get going now, so... I'll see you later.
BO: Later.
SHANE: See you, Bob.
BOB: 'Bye, Shane.
SHANE EXITS. BOB TURNS TO BO.
BOB: (CONT'D) All right, partner, let's hear it.
BO: Hear what?
BOB: Come on, Bo. What's eatin' you?
BO PAUSES, CONTEMPLATING HIS ANSWER. OUT ON BO.
SQUAD ROOM, SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT. BO AND BOB. IN PROGRESS.
BO: What do you think is eating me? The shooting, the shooting... everyone mentions it every damn time they see me!
BOB: But I.A. cleared you, Bo.
BO: Thank God...
BOB: And I think it's time we put this behind us. The bad guys are in jail...
BO: Or dead.
BOB: Or dead. Leigh McCloud is safe and grateful. So let's enjoy life and let it get back to normal. Or what passes for normal around here. (BEAT) It's not going to do anyone any good to keep dwelling on this.
BO: Yeah, okay. (BEAT) So, Bob, you goin' to Jack's party?
BOB: I don't think so... I hardly even know Jack Deveraux.
BO: That's not such a big deal. There's always a shortage of single men at these sorts of parties. Come as my guest. I'd rather not show up alone.
BOB: Gee, thanks... No date, huh? So you ask me as a last resort?
BO: I didn't mean it like that...
BOB: Don't try to cover your butt now...
BO: Knock it off, Bob, or I'll change my mind...
BOB: Oooh... I'm shakin' in my boots. (BEAT) What about Ms. McCloud? (SMILING) I'm sure she'd be happy to accompany you...
BO: I think she's going with John.
BOB: Oh...
BO: What?
BOB: Nothing. (BEAT) I guess I will go to the party, then... since I haven't had any better offers for the evening...
BO: Your enthusiasm is overwhelming...
BOB: Hey, I think it'll be fun. I'll even be nice, and try not to make you look bad...
BO SCOFFS, DRAWING A CHUCKE FROM BOB. HOLD ON THE TWO OF THEM.
CUT TO: JENNIFER'S OFFICE. JENNIFER IS ON THE PHONE, TALKING WITH BILL. TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.
JENNIFER: I don't know why I'm doing this again, Dad. Everything's a disaster.
BILL: No, it isn't. You got everything straightened out with the chicken, didn't you?
JENNIFER: I'm not sure... I hope so. Oh, and get this. The bakery tried to deliver a cake that said, "Happy Birthday Tom." Can you believe it? I mean, of all the wrong names to choose... I could understand "Jake," or "John," but "Tom"? How does "Jack" become "Tom"?
BILL: Maybe it wasn't exactly a mistake.
JENNIFER: What do you mean?
BILL: (SMILING) Well, maybe it's just your grandpa's way of letting us know he's keeping an eye on Jack and you and Abby. Maybe the cake is saying, "Happy Birthday from Tom."
JENNIFER: I thought of Grandpa, of course, as soon as I heard the name... Maybe you're right. (BEAT) Still, we can't have a cake that says "Happy Birthday Tom"!
BILL: Can they fix it?
JENNIFER: They're supposed to have a cake with the right name in an hour.
BILL: Everything sounds like it's working out, sweetheart.
JENNIFER: No, it's not! I just got a message saying that the fire marshall won't allow us to use those cute little firework sparklers on the cake.
BILL: Don't worry about...
JENNIFER: (INTERRUPTING) This is a complete disaster!
BILL: Jennifer?
JENNIFER: I might as well cancel everything.
BILL: (MORE PERSISTENT) Jennifer?
JENNIFER: Everything's ruined.
BILL: Jennifer!
JENNIFER: What?
BILL: Calm down, sweetheart.
JENNIFER: But...
BILL: But, nothing. Now, answer me this: Who is this party for?
JENNIFER: Jack.
BILL: Right. Now, Jack will like this party no matter what happens. Do you know why?
JENNIFER: Because he'll enjoy watching me make a complete fool of myself?
BILL: No, and don't be silly. He'll like the party because you threw it for him. He loves you with all his heart, and he'll love you even more for doing this for him.
JENNIFER: I hope so.
BILL: I know so. Okay?
JENNIFER: Well... I guess so.
BILL: Believe me, everything will be fine. (BEAT) Now, speaking of parties, how is Jack coming along with Marcus' bachelor party?
JENNIFER: Aren't you supposed to be helping with the planning?
BILL: Sort of. Doug and I have done a little bit, but Jack seems to be keeping the grand schemes to himself. I wonder if I should start being afraid.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Probably. At least I know that my husband is worse than me when it comes to planning parties.
BILL: I suppose I should remember that this is Jack. So, if anything, this bachelor party should be entertaining.
JENNIFER: That's an understatement. (BEAT) I'm sorry to have to cut you off, Dad, but I need to go get Jack so we won't be late for his own party.
BILL: Sure, sweetheart. I'll see you tonight.
JENNIFER: See you tonight. Oh! I almost forgot to tell you. I invited Norma to the party.
BILL: I don't know what it is with kids and matchmaking these days...
JENNIFER: Good-bye, Dad.
BILL: 'Bye, Jennifer. I'll get you for this.
JENNIFER HANGS UP THE TELEPHONE. SHE OPENS A DRAWER AND TAKES OUT HER PURSE.
JENNIFER: Time for your surprise, Jack.
HOLD ON JENNIFER LEAVING HER OFFICE.
CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD. IN PROGRESS.
RICHARD: Yes... As far as I know, the truce is still holding. But...
JULIE: But what?
RICHARD: It's just that... Well, she can be so damned infuriating sometimes! All I'm trying to do is look out for her, but she insists on ignoring everything I say and doing whatever she pleases.
JULIE: She is quite the independent spirit...
RICHARD: That's putting it diplomatically...
JULIE: I think it's also one of the reasons you like her so much.
RICHARD PAUSES. HE LOOKS AT JULIE AND SMILES.
RICHARD: Well... All right, that's true.
JULIE: (SMILING) I thought so.
RICHARD: But don't ever tell her that... please. She'd be completely unbearable if she found out.
JULIE LAUGHS.
JULIE: Don't worry, Richard. Your secret is safe with me.
RICHARD: Thank you. (BEAT) So, who is the man fortunate enough to accompany you to this evening's gala event?
JULIE: Actually, there are two of them.
RICHARD: (SMILING) I should have known... Such a lady would require two escorts...
JULIE: (SHRUGGING, PALMS UP) One for each arm, of course...
THEY LAUGH.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Seriously, though... I'm being escorted by my two favorite gentlemen tonight.
RICHARD: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) Oh? And those would be...?
JULIE: Why, Doug and CJ, of course.
RICHARD: (FROWNING) Of course...
JULIE: Something wrong?
RICHARD: No, I... Well, I thought I was one of your favorite gentlemen.
JULIE: (SMILING) Oh, Richard, darling, you are!
RICHARD SMILES INNOCENTLY.
JULIE: (CONT'D) But for tonight, I had already promised Doug and CJ. (BEAT) Anyway, it would hardly be fair if I were to monopolize all the finest gentlemen tonight.
RICHARD: Perhaps...
JULIE: Besides, if you were with me, who would escort Ashley to the party?
RICHARD: Ashley would make it there just fine, without any help from me. (BEAT) Just ask her.
THEY CHUCKLE.
JULIE: Still, I'm afraid it's much too late to cancel our dates.
RICHARD SIGHS.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Oh, don't look so sad. After all, during the day, I'm all yours...
RICHARD: (GRINNING) This is true...
JULIE: Of course, you still need to keep in my good graces...
RICHARD: I take it that's my cue to get back to work.
JULIE: Very perceptive, darling. I need to finish up here so I can go home and make myself glamorous for this evening.
RICHARD: (STANDING UP) You mean more glamorous...
JULIE: Oh, flattery will get you everywhere...
RICHARD SMILES.
JULIE: (BEAT) But right now, you still have to scram.
RICHARD: All right, I'm going.
RICHARD GOES TO THE DOOR.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) I'll see you tonight?
JULIE: Absolutely. See you tonight.
RICHARD EXITS. JULIE SMILES AND SHAKES HER HEAD. OUT ON JULIE.
JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS WORKING ON HIS COMPUTER WHEN JENNIFER ENTERS.
JENNIFER: Ready to go now, Jack?
JACK: Can you give me about fifteen minutes?
JENNIFER: What happened to those expensive taste buds of yours?
JACK: Don't you worry. I still plan on ordering the most expensive meal on the menu. It's just that I got started on my next editorial, and want to finish it before we leave.
JENNIFER PICKS UP JACK'S BRIEFCASE.
JENNIFER: It can wait.
JACK: But...
JENNIFER WALKS OVER TO JACK'S COMPUTER AND CLICKS THE MOUSE.
JACK: (CONT'D) What are you doing?
JENNIFER: I just saved your editorial to a file. You can work on it tomorrow morning, but now I want to take my husband out for his birthday dinner.
JENNIFER WALKS TO THE OFFICE DOOR AND WAITS FOR JACK. JACK, A LITTLE BEMUSED, STANDS UP AND WALKS OVER TO JENNIFER.
JACK: Who am I to argue with the person paying the bill tonight?
JENNIFER: Smart man.
JACK BENDS DOWN AND GIVES JENNIFER A QUICK KISS. HE TURNS THE LIGHTS OUT AND SHUTS THE DOOR. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, THE DOOR TO JACK'S OFFICE OPENS. WITHOUT TURNING THE LIGHTS ON, VERN QUIETLY WALKS INSIDE AND GOES TO THE DESK. HE TURNS ON A SMALL DESK LAMP, PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE RECEIVER, AND DIALS. ONE-WAY.
VERN: Hi Doug, this is Vern Scofield. (BEAT) Yes, I just saw them leave. They're on their way home first, so everything is back on schedule. (BEAT) You're right, this is one night that Jack will never forget.
VERN HANGS UP THE TELEPHONE AND TURNS OFF THE DESK LAMP. HE GOES TO THE DOOR AND CRACKS IT OPEN, CHECKING BEFORE LEAVING. HOLD ON THE DARK, EMPTY OFFICE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. BILL ARRIVES AND LOOKS AROUND. THE STAFF IS PUTTING FINISHING TOUCHES ON THE DECORATIONS, INCLUDING HANGING THE BIG "NATAL DAY FELICITATIONS, JACK" BANNER OVER THE STAGE. HE WALKS OVER TO WHERE DOUG AND IAN ARE CONFERRING ON MUSIC.
IAN: So, I'm thinking a mix, soft rock, some pop, some easy country... perhaps a lot of Chris Isaak?
DOUG: Sounds good to me. You're the musical expert.
IAN: Hardly an expert, but I do tend to watch the people as they listen to the music, and gauge their appreciation levels....
DOUG: Your skills as a people-watcher are unparalleled. (SEEING BILL) Hey, Bill... good to see you!
BILL: Doug... Ian...
IAN: Hi, Dr. Horton. Doug, I think I'll head up to the booth and queue up some "party-starting" music.
IAN GOES TO THE BOOTH AS DOUG AND BILL SIT AT A NEARBY TABLE.
BILL: I guess I'm early.
DOUG: Just a little. Everyone else will be here soon enough.
BILL: I want to thank you for closing the club up for the party tonight.
DOUG: You know I'd do anything for Jennifer.
BILL: She is rather special... and I don't think that's just a father's pride talking.
DOUG: Not at all. I could see it when you and Laura brought her home, after you delivered her out in the middle of nowhere...
BILL: And then, Jack and Jennifer repeat history when delivering Abby...
DOUG: For as much time as you spend in hospitals, you Hortons sure don't have babies in 'em very often...
BOTH MEN LAUGH.
BILL: I'll never forget how beautiful Laura looked, holding our newborn daughter...
FADE TO: ROSIE'S CABIN, AS BILL REMEMBERS. HE HAS JUST DELIVERED JENNIFER AND LAURA IS HOLDING HER. TEARS ARE FALLING FROM LAURA'S EYES AS BILL LOOKS ON, HIS EYES MISTING AS WELL.
FADE TO: EUTERPE. HOLD ON BILL, REMINISCING.
CUT TO: SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT PARKING LOT. ABE COMES THROUGH THE DOOR AND GALLANTLY HOLDS IT FOR JANET.
JANET: Thank you, Captain.
ABE: (BOWING) You're very welcome, Commander.
ABE SEES SHANE, BO, AND BOB CLOSE BEHIND AND PLAYFULLY TRIES TO CLOSE THE DOOR ON THEM.
ABE: Hurry, Janet! Maybe we can lose them!
SHANE, BO AND BOB JOIN IN AND "MUSCLE" THEIR WAY OUT OF THE DOOR. THEY ALL GIVE EACH OTHER HIGH FIVES WHILE ABE TWIRLS HIS MUSTACHE.
ABE: (CONT'D) Curses! Foiled again!
JANET: (LAUGHING) You guys are too much. Have I been working you that hard?
ABE, BO, AND BOB LOOK AT EACH OTHER, GRIN, AND INHALE.
JANET: (CONT'D) Wait, don't answer that!
EVERYONE LAUGHS AS THEY HEAD DOWN THE STEPS. EVERYONE HEADS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE VEHICLES. SHANE EXTENDS HIS ARM TO JANET, WHO ACCEPTS IT.
SHANE: (CONT'D) May I escort you to your car?
JANET: Yes, thank you.
SHANE: I'm looking forward to an enjoyable evening. (CALLING OUT TO OTHERS) What say we make a pact... no shop talk until tomorrow!
ABE: Hear, hear!
BOB: I can deal with that.
BO: You don't need to tell me twice, Guv'nor.
JANET: (TO THE OTHERS) See you at Euterpe!
ABE WAVES AS HE GETS INTO HIS CAR. BO STOPS AT HIS MOTORCYCLE AND BEGINS TO PUT ON HIS HELMET. BOB STARTS HIS TRUCK. OUT ON THE MOTORCADE.
EUTERPE. THE PARTY GUESTS ARE ARRIVING. ROSIE AND ALICE SIT AT A TABLE WITH ABIGAIL BETWEEN THEM. ABIGAIL CAN BARELY CONTAIN HER EXCITEMENT. ROSIE AND ALICE EXCHANGE A LOOK OF PRIDE. ACROSS FROM THEM IS A CHAIR DECORATED WITH STREAMERS AND BALLOONS FOR THE "BIRTHDAY BOY." MARCUS AND KAYLA ARE SEATED AT A TABLE WITH CAROLINE WHILE SHAWN GOES TO THE BAR. THE BARTENDERS ARE KEEPING BUSY. DOUG STOPS BY.
DOUG: Everything running smoothly here?
SHAWN: Like silk, Doug m'boy. But should the lads, here, have trouble keeping up with the drink orders, I'll be happy to help.
DOUG: (GRINNING) Thanks, Shawn.
JOHN AND LEIGH ARRIVE AND STOP IN THE DOORWAY TO SURVEY THE CROWD.
LEIGH: I know you said "everyone who's anyone" would be at this party, but my goodness!
JOHN: The Hortons sure know how to do it up right, don't they? It looks like all of Salem is here.
LEIGH: (POINTING) Oh, look, there's Bo and Officer Wisniewski. I didn't know they'd be here, too.
JOHN: And from the looks of it, you're not the only one who had to have the intracacies of Horton parties explained. Bob's looking a little shell-shocked. (BEAT) C'mon, let's sit down.
JOHN AND LEIGH SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE WITH MARCUS, KAYLA, AND CAROLINE.
CAROLINE: Hello, John. And Ms. McCloud, it's lovely to see you again.
LEIGH: Please, call me Leigh. Hello, Kayla, Marcus.
MARCUS: How are things in the high-powered business world?
LEIGH: (LAUGHING) Um... high-powered, I guess. How are the wedding plans going?
MARCUS COVERS KAYLA'S EARS.
MARCUS: Please! Don't get her started!
KAYLA PLAYFULLY ELBOWS MARCUS AND GRABS HIS HANDS.
KAYLA: Everything's working out according to plan, finally. But I promised the nervous groom, here, we'd suspend all wedding talk for the evening.
MARCUS HOLDS OUT ONE HAND, MAKING IT "TREMBLE."
MARCUS: Nervous, me? I am not nervous! Caroline, am I nervous?
EVERYONE LAUGHS.
GO TO: THE ENTRANCE, WHERE NICK ARRIVES WITH LYNN ON HIS ARM. THE CROWD MURMURS A BIT. DOUG GOES UP TO GREET THEM, AS DO ALICE AND IAN. THEY MOVE INTO THE ROOM AND GO TO SIT AT THE BAR NEXT TO RICHARD AND ASHLEY. NICK NODS TO SHANE AND JANET ACROSS THE ROOM. CALLIOPE IS CLOSE BEHIND, WEARING A JACKET APPLIQUED WITH WRAPPED GIFTS AND BALLOONS. HANGING FROM HER EARS ARE BIRTHDAY CAKES WITH TINY CANDLES THAT LIGHT UP. SHE AND ALICE HUG.
GO TO: THE STAGE. DAVE RACES UP AND TAKES THE MICROPHONE.
DAVE: Attention, everyone!
THE PARTY GUESTS QUIET DOWN AND FOCUS ON DAVE.
DAVE: (CONT'D) Jack and Jennifer have been spotted in the parking lot. So, everybody take your places, please.
DAVE JUMPS OFF THE STAGE AND GOES TO THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT. THE PARTY GUESTS ALL MOVE TO THE SIDES, SO THEY ARE JUST OUT OF SIGHT FROM THE ENTRANCE. THE LIGHTS DIM SLIGHTLY. JACK AND JENNIFER ENTER.
JACK: I can taste that prime rib now. Wait, make that lobster! Oh, and we must order a bottle of Dom Perignon.
JENNIFER SMILES AT JACK.
JACK: (CONT'D) Don't worry, I won't exceed the limit of your poor credit card... At least, I hope not. (BEAT) Kind of quiet here tonight, isn't it?
SUDDENLY THE LIGHTS ARE TURNED BRIGHT AND EVERYBODY JUMPS OUT, YELLING "SURPRISE!" OUT ON JACK'S COMPLETE SURPRISE.
EUTERPE. JACK IS STILL STANDING, MOTIONLESS, IN THE ENTRYWAY.
JENNIFER: Happy birthday, Jack.
SHE KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK AND STARTS TO DRAG HIM INTO THE ROOM. JACK STOPS HER.
JACK: You know I hate surprises.
JENNIFER: Oh, come on, Jack... it'll be fun. (BEAT) Besides, do you really want to be the one to break it to Abby that the adage is true?
JACK: And what adage would that be?
JENNIFER: All work and no play has made Jack a dull boy.
JACK: (SIGHING) I will get even, you know. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow... but someday.
JENNIFER: Yeah yeah, Jack... I'm scared. Now come on, we have a room full of people who want to celebrate with you.
DAVE FINALLY MAKES IT OVER TO THEM.
DAVE: May I escort you to the head table?
JACK NODS BEGRUDGINGLY. DAVE LEADS JACK AND JENNIFER TOWARDS THE TABLE WHERE ALICE, JO, VERN, ROSIE, AND ABIGAIL AWAIT. AS THEY WALK BY, PEOPLE ARE STOPPING JACK TO SHAKE HIS HAND OR GIVE HIM A PAT ON THE BACK.
JENNIFER: (TO DAVE) Did the cake get fixed?
DAVE: The correctly iced version arrived about fifteen minutes ago.
THEY CONTINUE WALKING THROUGH THE SEA OF TABLES. WHEN THEY GET TO THE BRADY TABLE, MARCUS STOPS JACK.
MARCUS: If you could only see the look on your face...
JACK: Don't remind me.
STEPHANIE: Happy birthday, Uncle Jack!
JACK: Thank you, Stephanie. (BEAT) Perhaps you might come join your cousin in a little while?
STEPHANIE: Can I, Mommy?
KAYLA: After dinner, sweetie. (BEAT) You know, Jack... I haven't seen your cheeks this red since the day you stole a surfboard to impress me.
JACK: I borrowed that surfboard.
KAYLA: (SMILING) Whatever.
DAVE: I hate to interrupt, but if we're ever going to serve dinner, it would help if we got the guest of honor to his table.
JACK AND JENNIFER CONTINUE TOWARD THEIR TABLE. FINALLY, THEY ARRIVE.
ABIGAIL: Happy bird day, Daddy!
JACK KNEELS DOWN SO THAT HE IS EYE-LEVEL WITH ABIGAIL.
JACK: You knew about this?
ABIGAIL: Uh-huh.
JACK: (SOTTO VOCE) My less-than-three-year-old knew about this... and I call myself an investigative journalist?
ALICE: Sit down, Jack. You are the guest of honor tonight, after all.
JACK TAKES A SEAT NEXT TO JO, WHO KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK ONCE HE SITS DOWN. DAVE ARRIVES WITH CHAMPAGNE FOR JACK AND JENNIFER. JACK QUICKLY GULPS DOWN HALF OF HIS.
JACK: Keep it coming, Dave... I think I may need it tonight.
JO: Jack...
JACK: Just a figure of speech, Mother...
JENNIFER SITS BETWEEN JACK AND ALICE. ALICE MOTIONS JENNIFER CLOSER.
ALICE: This is going to be a wonderful party, Jennifer.
JENNIFER: Thanks, Grandma... I just hope there are no more disasters.
VERN: So we really got you good, eh Jack?
JACK: Yes... I was completely unprepared for such a... festive event.
ROSIE: What I want to know is where you're going to put all those presents.
JACK: (SCANNING THE ROOM) Presents?
JACK'S EYE CATCHES THE PRESENT-LADEN TABLE ALONG THE FAR WALL. A SLY SMILE BREAKS OUT ON JACK'S FACE.
JACK: This might not be so bad after all...
JENNIFER: Those can wait, Jack. First, we're having dinner, then you get the presents.
THE STAFF STARTS TO EMERGE FROM THE KITCHEN, CARRYING TRAYS OF COVERED ENTREES.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D, LOOKING SKYWARD) Oh, please tell me they got it right...
JASMIN STARTS PLACING THE FRESHLY UNCOVERED PLATES AT JACK'S TABLE.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Rosemary... (LOOKING SKYWARD) Thank you.
DOUG WALKS UP BEHIND HER.
DOUG: You're welcome.
JENNIFER: (SURPRISED) Doug!
DOUG: Everything is going to be fine, Jennifer. (BEAT) Just remember to have the guest of honor work the room, so that he can accept all the adulation he has coming to him tonight.
DOUG GOES TO THE NEXT TABLE, WHERE HE JOINS JULIE, BILL, MICKEY, MAGGIE, CJ, AND ROBERT. THE STAFF HAS NEARLY FINISHED SERVING EVERYONE. JENNIFER STANDS AND CLINKS A SPOON TO HER CHAMPAGNE GLASS.
JENNIFER: Can I have everyone's attention, please?
THE ROOM QUIETS DOWN AS EVERYONE FOCUSES ON JENNIFER.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I'd like to make a toast to our unwilling birthday boy.
ABIGAIL: But Mommy, you don't have any toast!
CHUCKLES ARE HEARD THROUGHOUT THE ROOM.
ABIGAIL: (CONT'D) Why can't I toast Daddy?
VERN: (SOTTO VOCE) Because he won't fit in the toaster...
ABIGAIL: I want Daddy to open my present now.
JENNIFER: Abigail, Daddy will open all his presents after we eat.
ABIGAIL: Now!
JENNIFER: No.
ABIGAIL: Yes.
JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT JACK) I know where she got her stubborn streak.
JACK: Yes, from her stubborn, bossy...
JENNIFER'S CHEEKS FLUSH.
JACK: (CONT'D) Beautiful, wonderful mother.
THE CROWD LAUGHS AND APPLAUDS.
SHAWN: (SHOUTING) Nice save, Jack!
JACK: Tell you what...
JACK MOTIONS ABIGAIL TO HIM.
JACK: (CONT'D) Why don't you get the present in question, then your Mother can make her toast, and your poor beleaguered father can finally have dinner?
ABIGAIL RUNS OVER TO THE GIFT TABLE, PICKS UP THE ONE SHE WANTS, AND TAKES IT BACK TO JACK.
ABIGAIL: Here, Daddy...
JACK PICKS ABIGAIL UP, PUTS HER ON HIS LAP, AND THEN OPENS THE GIFT. IT IS A FRAMED FINGER-PAINTING FEATURING TWO DISTINCT FIGURES.
ABIGAIL: (CONT'D) See, Daddy? (BEAT) That's you, and that's me.
JACK: I don't know what to say...
ABIGAIL: You like it?
JACK: I love it. (BEAT) Thank you.
ABIGAIL: Okay, Mommy, I'm done.
THE CROWD CHUCKLES AGAIN AS ABIGAIL RETURNS TO HER SEAT.
JENNIFER: Now that you've all had a chance to see who is really the boss in our family, I'd like to make the toast.
JENNIFER PICKS UP HER GLASS, AND EVERYONE ELSE PICKS THEIRS UP AS WELL.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) To Jack Deveraux... the most unique individual I've ever known... and the only man in the world for me. Happy birthday.
EVERYONE: Happy birthday!
JACK: (TO THE CROWD) Thank you... now please eat up, since Jennifer has already paid for the food.
JENNIFER, WHO WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SITTING DOWN, ALMOST MISSES HER CHAIR BECAUSE OF LAUGHING AT JACK'S REMARK. ONCE SHE IS SEATED, AND NOTICES THAT EVERYONE IS NOW EATING HEARTILY, SHE TURNS TO JACK.
JENNIFER: Happy birthday, Mr. D.
JACK: Thank you, Mrs. D.
OUT ON JACK AND JENNIFER AS THEY KISS.
EUTERPE. FROM THE SOUND BOOTH, IAN LOOKS OVER AT JENNIFER. SHE SEES HIM AND NODS. "WHATEVER IT TAKES," BY AMY GRANT, BEGINS TO PLAY. JENNIFER REACHES OVER AND TAKES JACK'S HAND.
JENNIFER: Come on, let's dance.
JACK: Um... Not right now. (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS PLATE) I'm still working on my dinner.
JENNIFER: The dinner will be there when you get back.
JACK: But it'll be cold...
JENNIFER: (GIVING JACK HER BEST "PUPPY-DOG" EYES) Please?
JACK: Oh, no... You know I can't resist that look.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) I know. Come on.
JACK: All right... If it'll make you happy.
JENNIFER: Thank you.
JACK AND JENNIFER STAND.
JACK: But everyone else has to dance, too. (LOUDER) All right? Everyone on the dance floor!
PEOPLE BEGIN TO MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE DANCE FLOOR. BO WALKS OVER TO ABIGAIL.
BO: (BOWING) May I have this dance, Miss Abigail?
ABIGAIL: (GRINNING) Yes!
BO TAKES ABIGAIL'S HAND AND LEADS HER ONTO THE DANCE FLOOR.
GO TO: JACK AND JENNIFER, WHO ARE WATCHING BO AND ABIGAIL.
JENNIFER: Oh, look...
JACK: Yes, indeed. Already dancing with the grown-ups...
JENNIFER: You're not going to do that protective father thing, are you?
JACK: (SMILING) No... After all, she's dancing with her godfather. (BEAT) Her godfather who's also a policeman. You can't get much safer than that...
JENNIFER SMILES AND PUTS HER HEAD ON JACK'S SHOULDER.
GO TO: LEIGH AND JOHN, WHO ARE DANCING TOGETHER.
JOHN: Well, this turned out to be quite a production.
LEIGH: It certainly did. Jennifer sure knows how to throw a party.
JOHN: The Hortons definitely know how to celebrate.
LEIGH LOOKS OVER AT BO AND ABIGAIL.
LEIGH: Um... John?
JOHN: Yes?
LEIGH: Would you be terribly hurt if I cut our dance short?
JOHN: I'd be devastated.
LEIGH: (SMILING) What if I promised to make it up to you?
JOHN: Well... I guess that would be okay.
LEIGH: Thanks.
THEY SEPARATE. LEIGH WALKS OVER TO BO AND ABIGAIL.
LEIGH: Hello, there.
BO: Oh, hi, Leigh.
ABIGAIL: (TO BO) Who's that?
BO: Abby, this is Leigh McCloud. Leigh, this is Abigail Deveraux, my godddaughter.
LEIGH: Hi, Abigail. It's nice to meet you.
ABIGAIL: Hi.
LEIGH: (TO BO) Can I... cut in?
BO: What, you wanna dance with Abby?
LEIGH: (SMILING) No. With you.
ABIGAIL: Cut what?
BO: (TO ABIGAIL) Nothing, kiddo. (TO LEIGH) I'm sorry, Leigh. I promised the first dance to my goddaughter.
LEIGH: I see...
BO: Just look at that face...
ABIGAIL SMILES UP AT THEM.
BO: (CONT'D) I couldn't disappoint Miss Abigail.
LEIGH: No... No, you couldn't do that. (BEAT) Another dance, then?
BO: Sure. Another dance.
LEIGH: All right. Good-bye, Abigail.
ABIGAIL: 'Bye.
LEIGH TURNS AND WALKS AWAY. BO WATCHES HER FOR A MOMENT, THEN TURNS HIS ATTENTION BACK TO ABIGAIL.
GO TO: JOHN'S TABLE. JOHN HAS ALREADY RETURNED AND SEATED HIMSELF. LEIGH WALKS OVER.
LEIGH: Well, I've been rejected in favor of a two-year-old!
JOHN: What?
LEIGH: (LAUGHING) Bo has promised this dance to his god-daughter. And she lets him lead better than I might....
JOHN: (LAUGHING) She probably does, at that.
LEIGH'S LAUGHTER FADES AND HER EXPRESSION TURNS SERIOUS.
LEIGH: You know, I think I misjudged Bo...
JOHN: In what way?
LEIGH: (LOOKING AWAY) Oh, it's nothing. He did save my life, after all. But I'm counting on you to save my reputation. I'm not used to being passed up in favor of pre-schoolers. Can we finish our dance?
JOHN: Of course... especially since Stephanie seems to be busy...
LEIGH STICKS HER TONGUE OUT AT JOHN, WHO REPLIES IN KIND AND LEADS HER BACK TO THE DANCE FLOOR.
GO TO: THE SOUND BOOTH. IAN IS LINING UP THE NEXT SONG. AS HE LEAVES THE BOOTH, HE OPENS THE DOOR AND NEARLY HITS BOB.
IAN: Oh, man, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there.
BOB: It's all right. That's what I get for being a wallflower.
IAN: (EXTENDING HIS HAND) I'm Ian Moreland, the music director at Euterpe.
BOB: And you do a great job. Bob Wisniewski. I'm Bo Brady's partner.
IAN: Partner?
BOB: Yeah. On the police force.
IAN: Ah, kinda his Starsky to your Hutch.
BOB: Sometimes, it's more like his Toody to my Muldoon.
IAN LAUGHS.
IAN: I didn't think you were a Horton. You looked kinda lost.
BOB: I was prepared for a party, but this... You need a program to keep track of who's who!
IAN: It can be quite daunting.
BOB: It sounds like you've worked it out. How?
IAN: Practice, my friend, practice...
THEY LAUGH.
GO TO: THE STAGE. THE LIGHTS DIM MOMENTARILY, CAUSING THE CROWD TO QUIET. THE SPOTLIGHT REVEALS DOUG STANDING BEHIND THE MICROPHONE.
DOUG: Good evening, everyone. On this auspicious occasion, I'd like to sing a song for the very surprised guest of honor and his scheming, adorable wife.
A SECOND SPOTLIGHT MOVES TO JACK AND JENNIFER'S SEATS AS THE MUSIC TO "WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL" BEGINS TO PLAY. THE CROWD APPLAUDS. JACK BLUSHES AND LOOKS READY TO CRAWL UNDER THE TABLE. JENNIFER LAUGHS AND KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK. JENNIFER STANDS AND HOLDS OUT HER HAND.
JENNIFER: I believe that's our song. May I have this dance?
JACK: In front of all these people?
JENNIFER: Pretend they're not here.
THE CROWD BEGINS TO APPLAUD AGAIN. SEVERAL PEOPLE CALL OUT FOR THE TWO TO START DANCING. JACK RAISES HIS EYEBROW AT JENNIFER AND TAKES HER HAND.
JACK: Pretend they're not here, indeed.
AS THEY GET TO THE MIDDLE OF THE DANCE FLOOR, DOUG BEGINS TO SING. JACK AND JENNIFER TAKE ONE LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND START TO LAUGH.
JACK/JENNIFER: (IN UNISON) Promise you won't sing!
AS EVERYONE WATCHES, JACK AND JENNIFER ENJOY A ROMANTIC DANCE. HOLD ON JACK DIPPING JENNIFER. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.