![[LOGO]](../ad_grf/ad.gif)
An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: July 18, 1995
Time: Several Days After #105,
Afternoon to Evening
Copyright 1995
DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE IS ON THE PHONE WITH KIMBERLY, TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.
SHANE: Your birthday plans sound marvelous, Kim. I'm glad I caught you in time to add my good wishes.
KIMBERLY: I really appreciate that, Shane. It's always great to hear from you.
SHANE: You, too. How are the kids?
PHILLIP, ANDREW, AND JEANNIE PASS BEHIND KIMBERLY, DRESSED IN SWIMSUITS. KIMBERLY MOTIONS FOR THEM TO WAIT A MOMENT.
KIMBERLY: They're just on their way out the door for swimming lessons. Hold on a moment and I'll put them on.
KIMBERLY HANDS THE PHONE TO ANDREW.
ANDREW: Hi, Dad!
SHANE: Hi, Sport! How are the swiming lessons going? Did you perfect that dive you were telling me about?
ANDREW: Yeah, I finally got my knees to stop bending. Now I'm going to learn the back flip. Phillip said he'll help me.
SHANE: Oh ho, you've moved on to acrobatics, then. Perhaps I'll see you in the Olympics someday.
ANDREW: That would be cool! (BEAT) Here's Jeannie. I love you, Dad.
SHANE: I love you, too.
JEANNIE: (TAKING THE PHONE) Hi, Daddy.
SHANE: Hello, Princess. Are you going swimming, too?
JEANNIE: Uh-huh.
SHANE: Do you like it?
JEANNIE: Uh-huh.
SHANE: (CHUCKLING) Okay, have fun. I love you!
JEANNIE: Me, too.
KIMBERLY TAKES THE PHONE BACK.
KIMBERLY: Shane? I'm back. I want to tell you again that the kids had a great time with you when we were out for Kayla's wedding. They're still talking about it.
SHANE: I'm glad. I had a wonderful time with them, as well.
EVE WALKS INTO THE ROOM. SHE STOPS SHORT WHEN SHE SEES THAT SHANE IS ON THE PHONE. SHANE WAVES HER IN.
SHANE: (CONT'D) And I know Eve was over the moon having Andrew and Jeannie here for a whole week. She just walked in, I'll let her say a quick "hello."
SHANE HOLDS THE PHONE OUT TO EVE. HOLD ON EVE ROLLING HER EYES.
CUT TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS' LIVING ROOM. THE FRONT DOOR IS OPEN. KAYLA IS MOVING A CHAIR. STEPHANIE IS BUSY DUSTING. MARCUS ENTERS, CARRYING A BOX.
MARCUS: Books?
KAYLA: Why don't you put them in the den for now? I've been meaning to sort through my books, anyway, to make room for yours.
MARCUS GOES TO THE DEN. JOHN COMES IN, CARRYING A LARGE WALL CLOCK.
JOHN: Where d'you want this, Kay?
KAYLA: I think... the kitchen.
JOHN: Okay. Kitchen, it is.
JOHN TAKES THE CLOCK TO THE KITCHEN. MARCUS GOES BACK OUTSIDE. KAYLA OPENS A BOX ON THE COFFEE TABLE AND LOOKS INSIDE.
KAYLA: CDs. Lots of them. I'll just put that over here by the stereo.
JOHN RETURNS FROM THE KITCHEN AND GOES OUTSIDE AS KAYLA MOVES THE BOX TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM. THE DOOR SWINGS SHUT BEHIND HIM. STEPHANIE COMES DOWN THE STAIRS.
STEPHANIE: I'm done dusting, Mommy! What should I do now?
KAYLA: You did a lovely job, Sweetness. Do you think you can go in the kitchen and get the broom for me?
STEPHANIE: Okay!
STEPHANIE RUNS OFF INTO THE KITCHEN.
MARCUS: (V.O.) Kay? Honey, can you get the door, please?
KAYLA RUNS TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT. MARCUS COMES IN WITH AN OTTOMAN. KAYLA LOOKS OUT THE DOOR AND WATCHES JOHN UNLOAD SOMETHING FROM THE TRUCK.
KAYLA: Oh. I didn't know you were bringing that.
MARCUS: What? The ottoman goes with the chair.
KAYLA: (NODDING OUT TOWARD JOHN) No, I meant the coffee table.
MARCUS SETS TO OTTOMAN DOWN AND LOOKS BACK AT JOHN.
MARCUS: What's wrong with my coffee table?
KAYLA: Nothing. It's... nice.
MARCUS: Eww. You say that like it's a nasty word.
KAYLA: I just think mine looks better with the couch.
MARCUS: But mine's got drawers in it for storage. You can never have too much storage space.
KAYLA: But it's got such a weird finish.
MARCUS: It is not weird!
JOHN COMES TO THE DOORWAY WITH THE COFFEE TABLE ON HIS BACK. HE CANNOT GET IN, THOUGH, BECAUSE KAYLA AND MARCUS ARE BLOCKING THE DOOR. KAYLA WALKS OVER AND TOUCHES THE TABLE.
KAYLA: Maybe we can refinish it.
MARCUS: There's nothing wrong with it the way it is.
KAYLA: Maybe not. But we can't possibly use two coffee tables, anyway.
MARCUS: And I suppose you want to keep yours.
KAYLA: Well... yes. And I suppose you want to keep yours.
MARCUS: Yes!
JOHN: Guys? Can you decide all this later? If I don't come inside and put this thing down, I'm gonna have to be put in traction. My back's killing me.
KAYLA AND MARCUS JUMP ASIDE. JOHN MOVES INTO THE ROOM AND PUTS MARCUS' COFFEE TABLE DOWN NEXT TO KAYLA'S. HOLD ON JOHN'S GRIMACE OF PAIN.
CUT TO: BILL'S OFFICE. BILL IS FINISHING UP A PHONE CONVERSATION. HE HANGS UP THE PHONE. HE GRABS A PAPER OFF OF A BIG STACK AND BEGINS READING. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
BILL: Come in!
MAGGIE OPENS THE DOOR AND PEEKS IN.
MAGGIE: Hi Bill, can you spare a minute?
BILL: Maggie! For you, I can spare several minutes.
MAGGIE ENTERS AND CLOSES THE DOOR.
MAGGIE: It's been a while since Mickey and I've seen you. I thought I'd stop in and see how you're doing.
BILL: Work keeps me busy.
MAGGIE: (LOOKING AT BILL'S PAPERWORK-LITTERED DESK) Obviously. I just wonder how you can find anything in this mess.
BILL: I have a system. I work on the biggest pile.
MAGGIE: (SIGHING) Seriously, Bill, you're working too hard.
BILL: I don't think so.
MAGGIE: Yes, you are. When's the last time you had a break?
BILL: Ha! There you go, Maggie. I just walked down to the lounge fifteen minutes ago to get some juice.
MAGGIE: What I meant was, when was the last time you took a couple of days off? (BEAT) You see, Bill, you're working so hard that you can't even think in terms of a vacation. Walking down to the lounge is a vacation for you.
BILL: You're starting to sound like Jennifer.
MAGGIE: Maybe because Jennifer is right. (BEAT) Look, why don't we go get a cup of coffee and give you an hour out of your office?
BILL: I'd love to, Maggie. (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) But I can't. I'm late for a meeting. Can I get a raincheck?
OUT ON MAGGIE'S EXASPERATION.
KAYLA AND MARCUS' BEDROOM. MARCUS COMES IN, CARRYING A STACK OF BOXES. KAYLA IS ALREADY IN THE BEDROOM AND HAS PUT DOWN A COUPLE OF SMALLER BOXES.
KAYLA: Are you ready for some excitement?
MARCUS: Oh, definitely. Just let me put these down...
MARCUS PUTS DOWN THE BOXES AND GOES TO KAYLA, TAKING HER IN HIS ARMS.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) Now, about that excitement...
KAYLA: It's not quite as exciting as all that...
SHE MOVES AWAY FROM HIM, TAKING HIS HAND AND LEADING HIM TO THE DRESSER.
MARCUS: Is there something in the drawer?
KAYLA: Actually, there's nothing. (OPENING A DRAWER) See? I cleaned out half the dreser drawers for you.
MARCUS: That is exciting. Not quite so much as a passionate interlude with the delectable Kayla Hunter, but very nice. Thanks!
KAYLA: Well, thank you for giving up your apartment to move in here. Some men wouldn't be willing to do that...
MARCUS: Given that you've treated me all along as though I was as entitled to live here as you or Stephanie, it wasn't such a big deal. This is our house now, right?
KAYLA: Of course, it is. Our house, our family, our life together. Has a nice ring, doesn't it?
MARCUS: (TAKING HER HAND AND KISSING HER WEDDING RING) A lot of nice rings, these days. But I've got to know... You managed to clear out your not-under-full dresser drawers for me... where did all the stuff go?
KAYLA: Well...
SHE OPENS THE CLOSET DOORS. CRAMMED ON THE UPPER SHELVES ARE ALL THE CLOTHES FROM THE DRAWERS. MARCUS LETS OUT A LOW WHISTLE, WHICH SEEMS TO TRIGGER SOMETHING. ALL OF THE CLOTHES COME TUMBLING DOWN ON TOP OF KAYLA. HOLD ON KAYLA'S SHEEPISH GRIN.
CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE AND EVE. IN PROGRESS.
EVE: (WHISPERING) Do I have to?
SHANE COVERS THE TELEPHONE RECEIVER WITH HIS HAND.
SHANE: No, of course you don't have to...
EVE TURNS AROUND AND STARTS TO WALK AWAY.
SHANE: (CONT'D) But it would be a nice gesture. Please, Eve, it won't hurt you to say a few words.
EVE TURNS AROUND. SHE REACHES FOR THE TELEPHONE AND TAKES A DEEP BREATH BEFORE SPEAKING. TWO-WAY.
EVE: (UNENTHUSIASTIC) Hello, Kimberly.
KIMBERLY: Eve! How nice to hear from you. How are you?
EVE: Okay, I guess.
KIMBERLY: How's work?
EVE: It's fine. (BEAT) Oh, happy birthday.
KIMBERLY: Thank you very much.
EVE: Look, I need to get going, so here's Dad again.
EVE HANDS THE PHONE BACK TO SHANE. SHANE MOTIONS FOR EVE TO STAY PUT UNTIL HE'S FINISHED WITH THE CALL.
SHANE: It was nice speaking with you again, Kim. We'll chat later. 'Bye.
SHANE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND LOOKS AT EVE.
SHANE: That wasn't so bad, was it?
EVE: (MAKING A FACE) If you like talking to the number one sleaze princess.
SHANE: That was uncalled for, young lady! What was that all about?
EVE: Never mind. I'm just having a really bad day, okay?
SHANE'S EXPRESSION SOFTENS.
SHANE: You seem to be having a lot of really bad days, lately. Is there something you'd like to talk to me about?
EVE: No, not really.
SHANE: I don't understand why you're so unhappy.
EVE: That's exactly the problem. Nobody ever understands me.
SHANE: Can I at least try?
EVE: It's not worth it.
BEFORE SHANE CAN SAY ANYTHING ELSE, EVE TURNS AROUND DRAMATICALLY AND RUSHES OUT THE DOOR. HOLD ON SHANE'S CONFUSION.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NURSES' STATION. BILL WALKS UP AND TAKES A FEW FOLDERS FROM THE DESK. HE QUICKLY SCANS THE CONTENTS AND SIGNS THE CHARTS. HE PUTS THE CHARTS BACK ON THE DESK AND TURNS TO LEAVE. ALICE APPROACHES.
ALICE: Hello, Bill.
BILL: Hi, Mom.
ALICE: How are you?
BILL: (GLANCING AT HIS WATCH) I'm fine. (BEAT) How are you?
ALICE: Concerned.
BILL: Concerned about what?
ALICE: About you.
BILL: Me, why? I just told you I'm fine.
ALICE: Yes, as you look at your watch like I'm keeping you from something.
BILL: I'm sorry. It's just been a really crazy morning. I just got out of one meeting and I'm headed straight for another. It's a struggle, sometimes, just to check in on my patients...
ALICE: Bill, darling, you have got to slow down! It seems like every day is this crazy for you.
BILL: I guess that's just part of the job. There's a lot to be done, and it's up to me to do it.
ALICE: I know how seriously you take your work. I think it's admirable. (BEAT) Still, you won't be much good to anyone if you work yourself to the point of exhaustion!
BILL: (TILTING HIS HEAD SUSPICIOUSLY) Did Maggie ask you to come talk to me?
ALICE: No...
BILL: It must have been Jennifer, then.
ALICE: No, what makes you say that?
BILL: Oh, nothing. It just feels like I'm in the middle of an Oliver Stone film, sometimes.
ALICE: You've lost me, darling...
BILL: Sorry. I was just trying to say that all you women seem to be conspiring with one another, trying to get me to take it easy.
ALICE: Well, if there's any conspiracy brewing, I'm not part of it. I'm just worried about my son's well-being. We mothers are allowed to do that, you know, even when our sons are grown men.
BILL: I know. And I appreciate your concern, but...
ALICE: (INTERRUPTING) But nothing. If you don't take some time to relax, you're going to be in big trouble, young man.
BILL: Well... Mother does know best.
ALICE: You bet she does!
BILL: All right. I promise that I'll take some time for myself sometime soon.
ALICE: (SMILING) Good.
BILL: (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) But right now, I have to run. I have that meeting.
ALICE BEGINS TO SAY SOMETHING. BILL QUICKLY LEANS OVER AND KISSES ALICE ON THE CHEEK.
BILL: (CONT'D) 'Bye, Mom.
BILL MAKES A HURRIED EXIT. ALICE WATCHES HIM LEAVE, SMILING AND SHAKING HER HEAD.
ALICE: That son of mine...
OUT ON ALICE.
BRADY PUB. CAROLINE IS ON THE PHONE WITH KIMBERLY WHILE SHAWN LISTENS IN ON THE CORDLESS. TWO-WAY.
CAROLINE: Happy birthday, Kimmie!
SHAWN: Hope you're havin' a wonderful day, darlin'!
KIMBERLY: Ma, Pop! Thank you.
CAROLINE: What are your plans for the day?
KIMBERLY: Phillip and the kids cooked breakfast earlier and now they're at swimming lessons. In about an hour I'm off to the salon for the total beauty treatment: massage, hair, nails, the works.
SHAWN: Don't be giving your mother any ideas, now, Kim.
KIMBERLY: (LAUGHING) Don't worry, Pop. I already sent the brochure to Ma in yesterday's mail. (BEAT) Anyway, later tonight, Phillip and I are going out for a romantic dinner and dancing.
CAROLINE: It sounds wonderful. A perfect birthday.
MAX COMES RUNNING DOWN THE STAIRS. CAROLINE STOPS HIM.
CAROLINE: Here's Max, hold on. (TO MAX) It's Kim, wish her a happy birthday.
MAX: (TAKING THE PHONE) Hey, Kimmie, happy birthday. What's up?
KIMBERLY: Thanks, Max. Just the usual. What's up with you?
MAX: The usual. (BEAT) Well, have a good day. I hope you get lots of cool loot.
MAX HANDS THE PHONE BACK TO CAROLINE.
CAROLINE: We won't keep you from your plans, darling. Have a wonderful time at the salon!
SHAWN: Happy birthday, Kimmie. We love you.
KIMBERLY: Thanks, guys. I love you, too!
SHAWN AND CAROLINE HANG UP THE PHONES. MAX COMES AND LEANS ON THE BAR.
MAX: I'm gonna meet the guys at the park for a game of roller hockey, okay?
CAROLINE: I was hoping you'd stick around until Stephanie gets here, honey.
MAX: Aw, Ma, what for? It's not like I don't see her all the time...
CAROLINE: It's going to be really busy here and I'd appreciate it if you would keep Stephanie occupied.
MAX: You mean you want me to babysit? No way!
SHAWN: Max, your mother may have asked nicely, but it's not really an option.
MAX: All right, all right, I'll do it. I'd better go call Josh and tell him I can't make it.
HOLD ON MAX'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
CUT TO: BILL'S OFFICE. BILL IS ON THE TELEPHONE, ONE-WAY.
BILL: I want you to tell Bernie what I said. (BEAT) That's right. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. (BEAT) Good. Let me know if you run into any more problems.
BILL HANGS UP THE PHONE AND LOOKS AT THE CLOCK ON HIS DESK.
BILL: (CONT'D) Is it already that late? Where'd the day go?
HE LEANS BACK IN HIS CHAIR AND SIGHS.
BILL: (CONT'D) Maybe everybody's right. Maybe I am working too much.
HE PICKS UP A PENCIL AND STARTS TAPPING IT ON THE DESK.
BILL: (CONT'D) Maybe I should take the night off and go out.
HE THROWS THE PENCIL DOWN.
BILL: (CONT'D) Maybe I should stop talking to myself and do something.
HE FLIPS THROUGH HIS ROLODEX.
BILL: (CONT'D) Didn't I write that number down?
HE STOPS LOOKING AND PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE AND DIALS. ONE-WAY.
OPERATOR: (V.O.) Good afternoon. Deveraux Publishing.
BILL: Can you please connect me to the Deveraux Daycare Center?
OPERATOR: (V.O.) One moment.
HOLD ON BILL.
CUT TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS' BATHROOM. MARCUS IS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE SINK, SURVEYING THE VANITY, WHILE KAYLA STANDS IN THE DOORWAY.
MARCUS: No medicine cabinet, eh?
KAYLA: Sorry. But, I did clear out this drawer for you.
KAYLA OPENS ONE OF THE VANITY'S DRAWERS AND SHOWS MARCUS THAT IT IS EMPTY.
MARCUS: But what if I want this one?
MARCUS OPENS THE DRAWER ABOVE THE ONE KAYLA OPENED. IT IS LOADED WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF MAKE-UP.
KAYLA: You do want me to be beautiful, right?
MARCUS: With or without make-up, you are one fine woman, Mrs. Hunter. But what I want to know is, do you really need those nine different hair care products you have in the shower?
KAYLA: Wait a minute...
KAYLA WALKS OUT OF THE BATHROOM, THEN QUICKLY RETURNS WITH A BOX THAT IS OVERFLOWING WITH MARCUS' THINGS.
KAYLA: Let's see... Four different shampoos, three different aftershaves, about a dozen razors, five different kinds of cologne. (BEAT) And you say I have a lot of stuff.
MARCUS STICKS HIS TONGUE OUT AT KAYLA, WHO LAUGHS. STEPHANIE ENTERS THE DOORWAY.
STEPHANIE: Whatcha doing?
MARCUS: We're just trying to find room for my stuff. Your mom and I have to rearrange things a bit.
STEPHANIE: Well, if you want, you can share with me, Daddy. All I've got in my bathroom is a toothbrush and my Lion King cup.
KAYLA: That's really sweet, Steffi, but I think we'll be able to share in here.
STEPHANIE: Oh, okay. I'm going back to my room.
STEPHANIE SKIPS OUT OF THE DOORWAY.
MARCUS: Daddy... I can't believe how powerful that one little word can be.
KAYLA: I'm glad you agreed to let her call you that.
MARCUS: Kayla, there's only one moment in my life that's moved me more than the first time Steffi called me Daddy, and that's when you said, "I do." (LONG BEAT) And I love you both so much.
TEARS ARE STARTING TO FALL FROM KAYLA'S EYES.
KAYLA: Oh, Marcus...
OUT ON KAYLA AND MARCUS' EMOTIONAL EMBRACE.
JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS AT HER DESK, LOOKING OVER SOME PAPERS. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JANET: Come!
SHANE ENTERS.
SHANE: Good afternoon, Janet.
JANET: Hi, Shane. Come in, sit down.
SHANE CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM AND TAKES A SEAT IN FRONT OF JANET'S DESK.
SHANE: How goes it today?
JANET: Oh, the usual... Up to my ears in paperwork.
SHANE: I see. Sounds like I'm just in time.
JANET: Just in time for what?
SHANE: Just in time to rescue you from an afternoon of complete drudgery.
JANET: Oh?
SHANE: Yes. My car is parked outside and it's packed with food, drink, blankets, some outdoor toys... Everything we need for a picnic in the park.
JANET: Sounds like fun...
SHANE: I'm glad you think so. That means you'll join me, right?
JANET: I don't know if that's such a good idea.
SHANE: Why not?
JANET: Like I said, I have a ton of paperwork to do...
SHANE: You always have paperwork to do. Surely you've abandoned the dream that you'll ever be caught up...
JANET: Actually, I still have hope...
SHANE: Well, the paperwork will be there for you tomorrow morning, I assure you. The weather, however, is not nearly as predictable. It's an absolutely beautiful day out, and it would be a shame to waste it by staying inside doing paperwork.
JANET: I don't know...
SHANE: Oh, come on. All work and no play...
JANET: I know, I know... But the day's practically over, anyway.
SHANE: All the more reason to call it quits and close up shop. A picnic dinner in the park... watching the sunset... I think it has definite potential.
JANET: (SMILING) You're not going to be easily discouraged, are you?
SHANE: Absolutely not.
JANET: Well... What kind of example would I be setting, leaving early to go on a picnic? What would the rest of the department think?
SHANE: I don't know. I hope they wouldn't all follow your lead, though... Frankly, I didn't bring enough food for all of them.
THEY LAUGH.
SHANE: (CONT'D) Surely, you've realized that you won't get any more paperwork done this afternoon.
JANET: Oh, no?
SHANE: I'm afraid not. You see, if you don't agree to come on this picnic with me, then I'll just have to sit here and keep trying until I convince you to change your mind.
JANET: And that wouldn't be very much fun for either of us.
SHANE: No.
JANET: Well, Captain Donovan, you drive a hard bargain...
SHANE: Does that mean you're convinced?
JANET: I am. You win.
SHANE: I prefer to think that we win.
SHANE STANDS UP.
SHANE: (CONT'D) Shall we?
JANET: (CLOSING UP THE FILE FOLDER ON HER DESK AND PUTTING IT IN HER "IN" BASKET) Sure...
JANET STANDS UP AND WALKS AROUND HER DESK. THEY GO TO THE DOOR, WHICH SHANE OPENS WITH A FLOURISH.
SHANE: (BOWING) After you...
JANET: Thank you, sir...
JANET EXITS, FOLLOWED BY SHANE. HE CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. HOLD ON THE CLOSED DOOR.
CUT TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS' LIVING ROOM. KAYLA IS LOOKING AT THE FURNITURE.
KAYLA: Now, if I put the chair Marcus brought here...
KAYLA MOVES THE CHAIR TO A SPOT NEAR THE FIREPLACE. AS SHE DOES SO, MARCUS AND STEPHANIE COME DOWN THE STAIRS.
MARCUS: I'm going to take Steffi over to your parents', now.
STEPHANIE: Bye, Mommy!
KAYLA WALKS TOWARD THE DOOR AND STEPHANIE MEETS HER HALFWAY TO GIVE HER A HUG.
KAYLA: Now, don't wear Grandma and Grandpa out this time.
STEPHANIE: Yes, Mommy.
MARCUS: I'll be back in a bit.
KAYLA WAVES AS MARCUS AND STEPHANIE LEAVE. ONCE THE DOOR CLOSES, KAYLA GOES BACK TO THE CHAIR. SHE STARTS TO MOVE THE BOX BESIDE IT. THE BOX IS FILLED WITH FRAMED PHOTOS. SHE PULLS OUT THE PICTURE OF HER AND MARCUS' WEDDING.
KAYLA: Beautiful.
KAYLA THEN WALKS OVER TO THE FIREPLACE MANTEL. SHE STARTS TO REARRANGE THE PICTURES ALREADY THERE, THEN STOPS WHEN SHE REACHES THE PHOTO OF HER FIRST WEDDING TO STEVE. KAYLA PICKS THIS PHOTO UP AND GENTLY WIPES THE DUST OFF OF IT.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) I will always love you, Steve. (LOOKING SKYWARD) But I know that you're happy for me and Marcus.
KAYLA TAKES THIS PICTURE TO THE CHINA CABINET AND OPENS ONE OF THE DOORS. SHE PUTS THE PICTURE INSIDE, THEN CLOSES THE DOOR AGAIN. KAYLA WALKS BACK TO THE MANTEL AND PUTS THE NEW WEDDING PICTURE IN THE CENTER OF ALL THE OTHERS. HOLD ON KAYLA'S SMILE AS SHE TRACES THE IMAGE OF MARCUS' FACE WITH HER FINGER.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. BILL ENTERS, SOMEWHAT DRESSED UP IN A JACKET AND TIE. DAVE GREETS HIM.
DAVE: Dr. Horton! Always a pleasure.
BILL: Dave, good to see you. Has...
DAVE: Your dinner companion has indeed arrived and is nicely settled in at one of our best tables.
BILL: Excellent. Lead on!
DAVE LEADS BILL TO A TABLE AND PULLS OUT A CHAIR. WE ARE UNABLE TO SEE WHO ELSE IS AT THE TABLE.
DAVE: Enjoy your dinner.
BILL: I always do. (TO HIS COMPANION) I'm so glad you could make it on such short notice.
GO TO: BILL'S DATE. IT IS NORMA.
NORMA: I am, too. It was lovely of you to ask me.
OUT ON NORMA'S SMILE.
BRADY LIVING ROOM. STEPHANIE HAS HER ENTIRE "MY LITTLE PONY" STABLE AND COLLECTION SPREAD OUT ON THE COFFEE TABLE. MAX IS ON THE COUCH, WATCHING WITH THINLY DISGUISED BOREDOM.
STEPHANIE: (HOLDING UP A BLACK PONY) And this is Midnight. He goes with Starlight... they're in love. This little tiny one is their baby. Do you wanna be Midnight?
MAX: I'd rather have my eyes poked out with fishhooks.
STEPHANIE: Eeeeeew! I wouldn't. That would hurt! Would you rather be the baby?
MAX: I'd rather be at the park with my friends!
STEPHANIE: Max, don't you want to play with me?
MAX: Well.... no. Nothing personal, Steph, but little ponies were never my thing.
STEPHANIE: Well, there's always Barbies! And my Beauty and the Beast toys. Or maybe we can fingerpaint!
MAX: I think I'm going into cuteness overload!
CAROLINE COMES IN AND OVERHEARS THIS LAST COMMENT.
CAROLINE: Max, you'd better be playing nice.
MAX: Aww, Ma!
STEPHANIE: He's trying. He says he's got "cuteness overload." Can you fix it?
CAROLINE: (SMILING) If there's a way to fix it, I suspect it involves "hanging out with friends." Unfortunately, Max, I do need your help. How about you and Stephanie go to the park?
MAX: (BRIGHTENING) Yeah! We can go rollerblading!
STEPHANIE: I've never done that. Sounds like fun!
CAROLINE: Stephanie, I think you're a bit young, yet.
STEPHANIE: Am not!
MAX: Yeah, she's not!
CAROLINE: How about a walk in the park?
MAX: (ROLLING HIS EYES) Oh, joy!
CAROLINE: What if I throw in money for ice cream?
MAX: Well, if you put it that way...
STEPHANIE: Ice cream! Yummy!
CAROLINE GETS HER PURSE AND HANDS MAX A BILL. HE NOTICES THE DENOMINATION AND GRIMANCES.
CAROLINE: Max, it's just an ice cream, not the whole menu. You need to save room for dinner.
MAX SIGHS AS STEPHANIE GRABS HIS HAND AND DRAGS HIM TO THE DOOR.
CAROLINE: And be back before dark!
MAX AND STEPHANIE BANG THE DOOR SHUT BEHIND THEM AS CAROLINE SIGHS. HOLD ON CAROLINE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. BILL AND NORMA. IN PROGRESS.
BILL: How long have you worked at Devereaux Daycare?
NORMA: Since it opened. (BEAT) I really enjoy working there.
BILL: The kids must keep you really busy.
NORMA: Yeah, they're great. (BEAT) Great.
BILL BRUSHES SOME IMAGINARY LINT OFF HIS SLEEVE. NORMA DISTRACTEDLY LOOKS AT THE MENU.
BILL: I hope Abby doesn't give you any problems.
NORMA: Well, um... actually... Abby has a nanny, so we don't see her very often.
BILL: Oh, of course. Rosie. I forgot.
NORMA: We sure miss her, though.
NORMA LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM. BILL PLAYS WITH HIS NAPKIN.
BILL: Do you come here very often?
NORMA: On a daycare teacher's salary, almost never. (BEAT) I think the only time I was here was for Jack Devereaux's birthday party.
BILL: Oh. I see.
BILL TAPS THE WINE LIST WITH HIS FINGER. NORMA TAKES A DRINK OF WATER.
NORMA: Do you?
BILL: Hmmm? Do I what?
NORMA: Do you come here very often?
BILL: Oh. When I can. My mother likes this place a lot. We come here to visit Doug when we can.
NORMA: Doug?
BILL: Doug Williams. The owner.
NORMA: You know the owner?
DOUG WALKS UP TO THE TABLE AND OVERHEARS NORMA'S QUESTION.
DOUG: At your service. What can I do for you?
BILL: Doug Williams, Norma Muir. Norma, this is our host, Doug Williams.
NORMA: Very nice to meet you, Mr. Williams.
DOUG: Nice to meet you, too. And, it's Doug. Especially to any friend of Bill's.
BILL: Doug, you always were a smooth talker.
DOUG: Norma... May I call you "Norma"?
NORMA: Certainly...
DOUG: Norma, you are on a date with one of the greatest guys in the state.
BILL: Doug, don't start.
DOUG: If I wasn't so madly in love with my wife, I'd date him myself.
NORMA: (LAUGHING) Well, I am lucky.
DOUG: This guy has stuck by me through some of the worst times in my life. He has been the kind of friend that few people ever have in their lives.
BILL: Okay, Doug. You sold both of us. I'm a great guy. Can we order now?
DOUG: Norma, Bill Horton is the most true blue and honorable man that I was ever blessed to be a part of my life.
NORMA: Tell me more...
DOUG: Not only is he a friend extraordinaire, a surgeon beyond compare, a father and grandfather who is not to be topped, but this man used to play...
BILL: (INTERRUPTING) No, Doug, don't say it.
DOUG: This man used to play piano as my accompanist.
BILL COVERS HIS FACE IN EMBARRASSMENT. NORMA LOOKS AT HIM, CLEARLY IMPRESSED. HOLD ON NORMA.
CUT TO: PARK. SHANE AND JANET ARE ON A BLANKET, ENJOYING THE REMAINS OF THEIR PICNIC.
JANET: I must say, I am impressed.
SHANE: I'll pass your compliments on to Simmons and Cook.
JANET: Well, yeah, that too, but I meant that I'm impressed with you, Shane. (BEAT) You knew exactly what I needed to relieve my job-related stress.
SHANE: Anything to make the police commander happy.
SHANE REACHES INTO THE PICNIC BASKET AND PULLS OUT A FRISBEE.
SHANE: Care to play?
JANET: Not exactly my sport. Last time my sister tried to get me to play, I ended up getting whacked in the forehead. And I lost one of my contacts, too.
SHANE: Well, we don't need this to turn into a violent picnic, so...
SHANE SLIPS THE FRISBEE BACK INTO THE PICNIC BASKET, THEN TAKES THE TWO-LITER BOTTLE OF GINGER ALE OUT OF THE ICE CHEST.
SHANE: Care for another?
JANET: Please.
JANET HOLDS OUT HER CUP AND SHANE FILLS IT. SHANE SMILES AS SHE SIPS AT IT. JANET SMILES BACK. WHILE MAINTAINING EYE CONTACT, JANET MANAGES TO SET HER CUP DOWN WITHOUT INCIDENT. THEY BOTH REACH FOR THE PLATE OF CRACKERS AT THE SAME TIME. WHEN THEIR HANDS TOUCH, SHANE GRASPS JANET'S HAND AND PULLS HER GENTLY TOWARD HIM. HE LEANS OVER AND KISSES HER. OUT ON THEIR KISS.
PARK. SHANE AND JANET. IN PROGRESS. THEY SLOWLY PULL APART FROM THEIR KISS. JANET BLUSHES AND BRIEFLY LOOKS DOWN. WHEN SHE DOES LOOK UP, SHE SEES SHANE SMILING. JANET SMILES BACK AT HIM.
SHANE: Why did it take us so long to finally do that?
JANET: I don't know. But I'm glad that it happened.
JANET STARTS TO BLUSH AGAIN.
SHANE: I can't believe it. Commander Yamada is blushing.
JANET: (TURNING EVEN REDDER) Am I? I'm sorry.
SHANE REACHES OVER AND BRUSHES HER CHEEK.
SHANE: Don't be. Red's a good color on you.
JANET SMILES AND LEANS OVER TO KISS SHANE AGAIN. AS THEY CONTINUE TO KISS, EVE WALKS BY THEM. SHE DOES A DOUBLE-TAKE AND STOPS IN HER TRACKS AS SHE REALIZES WHO THE COUPLE IS. SHANE AND JANET DO NOT NOTICE EVE UNTIL SHE PURPOSELY COUGHS, INTERRUPTING THEIR KISS. THEY LOOK AT EVE, WHO LOOKS BACK AT THEM WITH A LOOK OF CONFUSED ANGER. SHANE OPENS HIS MOUTH TO SPEAK, BUT EVE STOPS HIM.
EVE: You don't have to say anything, Dad. I can tell what's going on already.
SHANE: Eve... I...
EVE: Save it. I see that you've decided to try the other side of the law this time. I must say, going from hookers to cops is quite a change for you, Dad.
SHANE: Eve, don't!
EVE TURNS AROUND DRAMATICALLY AND RUSHES AWAY. SHANE STARTS TO GET UP TO GO AFTER HER, BUT JANET GRABS HIS HAND.
JANET: Let her be, Shane.
SHANE: I just want to make her understand. She's been so upset lately.
JANET: You'll talk to her later, when she's calmed down.
SHANE: You're right. (BEAT) I hope she's okay...
SHANE LOOKS OFF IN THE DIRECTION THAT EVE WAS RUNNING. HOLD ON HIS WORRY.
CUT TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS' LIVING ROOM. MARCUS ENTERS. HE NOTICES THAT KAYLA'S COFFEE TABLE IS IN FRONT OF THE COUCH WHILE HIS IS PUSHED UNDER THE WINDOWS. HE SHAKES HIS HEAD AND SWITCHES THE COFFEE TABLES. HE'S JUST ADMIRING THE WAY HIS LOOKS WHEN KAYLA COMES IN FROM THE KITCHEN.
KAYLA: Hah! I caught you in the act!
MARCUS JUMPS IN SURPRISE.
MARCUS: Oooh, you scared me. Are you going to make a habit of creeping up on me?
KAYLA: That depends. Are you going to make a habit of switching coffee tables every time I leave the room?
MARCUS: That depends. Are you going to leave the right coffee table where it belongs?
THE TWO GIGGLE AND KISS. KAYLA TAKES MARCUS' HAND AND LEADS HIM INTO THE DINING ROOM.
KAYLA: Come on, I've got something to show you.
MARCUS: Don't tell me I have to choose between your toaster oven and mine, because I just can't do it. That toaster oven and I have been through too much together.
KAYLA GESTURES TO THE DINING TABLE, SET WITH CANDLES AND A ROMANTIC MEAL.
KAYLA: I thought you'd be ready for a bite to eat. I wanted our first dinner in our home to be special.
MARCUS LEANS OVER AND NIBBLES ON KAYLA'S EAR.
MARCUS: I am getting hungry, now that you mention it.
MARCUS BEGINS TO KISS KAYLA'S NECK. SHE TILTS HER HEAD TO GIVE HIM BETTER ACCESS AND BEGINS TO CARESS HIS BACK. THE TWO SHARE A FEW KISSES, EACH ONE BECOMING MORE HEATED THAN THE LAST. MARCUS KNEELS DOWN AND PULLS KAYLA DOWN ONTO THE FLOOR WITH HIM. THEY EMBRACE AGAIN. KAYLA KISSES MARCUS' SHOULDER.
KAYLA: (DISTRACTED) I thought you were hungry...
MARCUS CONTINUES TO KISS KAYLA'S NECK. HE STARTS TO UNBUTTON HER BLOUSE.
MARCUS: I am. Aren't you?
KAYLA PULLS BACK AND LOOKS AT MARCUS.
KAYLA: Here?
MARCUS NODS. KAYLA GIGGLES AND NODS BACK. THEY KISS AND SLIDE OUT OF SIGHT ONTO THE FLOOR. PAN TO THE FOOD ON THE DINING TABLE. HOLD ON THE FLICKERING CANDLES.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. NORMA, BILL, AND DOUG. IN PROGRESS.
NORMA: I don't believe it! (TO BILL) Jennifer never mentioned that you're musically inclined.
BILL: Well, I...
DOUG: (INTERRUPTING) Oh, yes, he's quite a talent.
NORMA: Imagine... The chief of staff at University Hospital...
DOUG: Moonlighting on the piano. I know, who'da thunk it?
BILL: I don't know. I really have no idea what you're talking about.
DOUG: Oh, don't even try that, Bill! There was a room full of witnesses at the benefit, not to mention the photos.
BILL: (SIGHING) Please, don't remind me...
NORMA: Sounds like I missed quite an event.
DOUG: Oh, you certainly did. (BEAT) But we won't hold that against you.
BILL: You didn't miss much, believe me...
DOUG: He's so modest. He was fantastic.
NORMA: (SMILING) I'm sure he was.
DOUG: (SNAPPING HIS FINGERS) Hey, I've got an idea!
BILL: Oh, no...
DOUG: (TO NORMA) We can give you a little taste of what you missed at the benefit!
NORMA: That would be wonderful! (TO BILL) Would you?
BILL: No, I wouldn't. I'm sorry.
DOUG: Oh, come on, Bill!
BILL: No, I'm serious. I'm the chief of staff now. It would be completely inappropriate for me to make a public spectacle of myself like that.
DOUG: Hogwash! How can you refuse such a lovely lady?
NORMA SMILES AND BLUSHES.
BILL: I...
DOUG: (TO NORMA) Don't worry, I'll get him up on that stage, even if it kills him.
DOUG TURNS AND HEADS TOWARD THE STAGE. BILL TURNS TO NORMA.
BILL: I don't think it'll kill me... but I might have to kill Doug.
NORMA: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you into this...
BILL: Oh, it's not your fault. Doug loves a good show... even if the performers have to be dragged, kicking and screaming, to the stage.
GO TO: THE STAGE. DOUG STEPS UP TO THE MICROPHONE.
DOUG: Ladies and gentlemen! It gives me great pleasure to announce that we'll be having some live entertainment tonight. An impromptu performance, if you will, featuring yours truly on vocals...
THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDS.
DOUG: (CONT'D) Thank you. And, as a very special treat, I will be accompanied by my very good friend... a very esteemed physician and an equally accomplished pianist... Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a warm Euterpe welcome to Bill Horton!
THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDS LOUDLY.
GO TO: BILL AND NORMA. BILL LOOKS DOWN AT THE FLOOR AND SHAKES HIS HEAD.
BILL: (SOTTO VOCE) Doug Williams, I'll get you for this...
OUT ON BILL.
PARK. EVE IS STOMPING DOWN A PAVED PATH.
EVE: (SOTTO VOCE) Unbelievable... If he's going back to law-enforcement types, why doesn't he give Mom a call?
THE PATH TURNS TO THE RIGHT AROUND A LARGE BUSH. EVE QUICKLY TURNS THE CORNER.
EVE: (CONT'D) What the hell is he thinking?
NOT WATCHING WHERE SHE IS GOING, EVE NEARLY PLOWS DIRECTLY INTO JORDAN, WHO IS WALKING THE OTHER WAY. HE IS WEARING A TANK TOP, SHORTS, AND A VISOR. A TOWEL IS DRAPED AROUND HIS NECK.
JORDAN: (JUMPING ASIDE) Hel-lo!
EVE: (STARTING) Oh! Jordan! You startled me!
JORDAN: Sorry. Just trying to avoid being run down.
EVE: I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going.
JORDAN: You seemed... preoccupied.
EVE: Uh-huh.
JORDAN: I hope I'm not the person you're angry with.
EVE: What? I'm not angry.
JORDAN: You sure seem upset about something.
EVE: I'm not upset, really.
JORDAN: It's okay to admit it if you're upset, Eve. It doesn't obligate you to talk about the details.
EVE: (SIGHING) Okay, you're right. I'm not very happy about something right now. And I don't really want to talk about it.
JORDAN: Fair enough. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.
EVE: Thanks, that's sweet. (BEAT) Actually, there is something you can do, if you want to...
JORDAN: What is it?
EVE: I could really use a distraction tonight.
JORDAN: (NODDING) Something to take your mind off of this thing that has you upset.
EVE: Exactly. Care to join me?
JORDAN: Absolutely. How could I turn down such a gracious invitation?
EVE: (SMILING) You couldn't.
JORDAN: What did you have in mind?
EVE: I don't know. I hadn't given it much thought. (BEAT) I'm open to suggestions...
JORDAN: Hmmm... Miniature golf?
EVE: Ummm... No, not tonight.
JORDAN: Okay... Bowling?
EVE: (LOOKING AT HER LONG FINGERNAILS) I don't think so.
JORDAN: Ummm... How about a movie? Not very original, I know, but...
EVE: (SMILING) A movie sounds fine to me.
JORDAN: Great! (MOPPING SOME PERSPIRATION OFF OF HIS FACE WITH THE TOWEL) Well, I'm gonna have to go back to my place and take a quick shower...
EVE: What have you been doing that got you so... so...
JORDAN: Sweaty?
EVE: Yeah.
JORDAN: I was playing some doubles volleyball in the park. I know some guys who have a net...
EVE: You didn't tell me you played volleyball.
JORDAN: (SMILING) You never asked.
EVE: I see... Trying to maintain that air of mystery, huh?
JORDAN: If it keeps you intrigued...
EVE: It does...
THERE IS A MOMENT OF SILENCE AS THEY STARE AT EACH OTHER.
JORDAN: Well, how about if I pick you up at your place in an hour? I'll get cleaned up and grab the movie section of the paper.
EVE: Okay.
JORDAN: Have you eaten?
EVE: Um... no.
JORDAN: We can grab some dinner before the movie, if you want.
EVE: I'd like that.
JORDAN: Okay. I'll see you at your place in an hour, then.
EVE: See you then.
JORDAN TURNS AND WALKS DOWN THE PATH. EVE WATCHES HIS DEPARTURE, SMILING. HOLD ON EVE'S SMILE.
CUT TO: JOHNNY ANGEL'S. MAX AND STEPHANIE ARE LAST IN LINE TO ORDER ICE CREAM.
MAX: So, do ya know what kinda ice cream you want?
STEPHANIE: Chocolate. And Max... Can I get some of those sprinkly things on mine?
MAX: Hey, you're with Max Brady. The sky's the limit.
THREE GIRLS ABOUT MAX'S AGE ARE WALKING TOWARD JOHNNY ANGEL'S.
MAX: Oh, geez.
STEPHANIE: What's wrong?
MAX: Oh, nothin'. The three most popular girls in my class just walked up.
THE THREE GIRLS, LAURIE, BETH, AND MARY JANE, GET IN LINE BEHIND MAX AND STEPHANIE.
STEPHANIE: Max, I'm tired. Can you carry me for a while?
MAX: Oh... okay.
MAX BENDS DOWN AND PUTS STEPHANIE ON HIS SHOULDERS.
MAX: How's the view from up there?
STEPHANIE TURNS AROUND AND LOOKS AT THE GIRLS.
STEPHANIE: Hi.
LAURIE: Hi. You sure are high up.
STEPHANIE: Yeah. It's really neat up here.
LAURIE: Sure is nice of your brother to carry you.
STEPHANIE: He's not my brother. He's my Uncle Max. (BEAT) The best uncle in the whole world.
MARY JANE: (TO MAX) Don't you go to Salem High? You look familiar.
STEPHANIE: Max, you can put me down, now.
MAX GENTLY PUTS STEPHANIE ON THE GROUND AND TURNS TO THE GIRLS.
MAX: Yeah. I think I've seen you around, too. I think we had study hall together or somethin'. I'm Max Brady. And you already met my niece, Stephanie.
LAURIE: Hi. I'm Laurie Quintana. This's Mary Jane Quale and Beth Ng.
MARY JANE: Hi.
BETH: Hi. Your niece sure is cute.
MAX: Thanks. She's really smart and funny, too. Pretty good kid for a five-year-old.
STEPHANIE: Max, it's our turn to order.
MAX: Great. (TO THE CLERK) I'd like a small chocolate cone with sprinkles and a small strawberry cone.
LAURIE: Do you babysit for her often?
MAX: Oh, I'm not babysitting. Steph and I just like to go for ice cream together.
MARY JANE: That's soooo cute.
MAX PAYS FOR THE ICE CREAM. HE HANDS STEPHANIE HERS. HE TAKES HIS AND THEY START TO LEAVE.
LAURIE: It was nice meeting you, Max.
MAX: Yeah. You, too.
MARY JANE: Hope to see ya again...
MAX: Great.
BETH: Bye, Stephanie.
STEPHANIE WAVES GOODBYE AS SHE AND MAX HEAD TOWARD THE PARK. AS THEY TURN A CORNER, MAX SEES HIS FRIENDS, JOSH AND SAM. HE STOPS.
STEPHANIE: Why did you stop?
MAX: C'mon. Let's walk faster.
STEPHANIE: Hey, look. There's your friends. (SHOUTING) Hi, Josh! Hi, Sam!
STEPHANIE WAVES. JOSH AND SAM SEE HER AND WALK OVER TO JOIN MAX.
JOSH: Hi, Max. Well, at least one of us isn't dateless tonight.
MAX: Pound sand, Josh.
SAM: I see you're tryin' to date a 16-year-old the hard way. Four four-year-olds.
MAX: You guys are just jealous. I just happened to find the perfect babe magnet.
JOSH: What's that? A Barbie Dream House?
MAX: Nope. My niece. (BEAT) While we were getting ice cream, Steph introduced me to Mary Jane, Beth, and Laurie.
SAM: The "Tremendous Trio"? No way!
MAX: Way. Mary Jane said that she hoped to see me again.
JOSH: Brady, you're such a liar.
STEPHANIE: Nuh-uh. Max wanted to meet those girls, so I said "hi" to them.
MAX: You knew I wanted to meet 'em?
STEPHANIE: You said they were pop'lar.
MAX: Oh, man, Steph. You're a dream come true.
HOLD ON MAX'S PRIDE IN STEPHANIE.
CUT TO: PARK. SHANE AND JANET ARE SIPPING THEIR GINGER ALE.
SHANE: I hope you understand, this is not exactly unusual behavior for Eve. (BEAT) Her mother gave her up when she was born, and I didn't come into her life until she was nearly through high school. (BEAT) The first years of her life left her quite defensive.
JANET: It's okay, Shane...
SHANE: No, it's not. There's got to be something that I can do to help her get past this... If she'd only let people see the caring person that she really is. (BEAT) Maybe if my life had been more stable...
JANET: You mean, if you weren't I.S.A.?
SHANE: Exactly. The I.S.A. has cost me nearly every woman I've ever loved. (BEAT) Relationships and crime fighting don't seem to be a good mix for me.
JANET: Oh, I don't know... I can think of three good things that came out of all that... your children.
SHANE: Very true. But even they've been rattled and tormented by the roller coaster that is my life. (BEAT) Are you sure you want to hear all of this?
JANET NODS.
SHANE: (CONT'D) I had believed that my first wife, Emma, had been killed in an explosion that was meant for me. Then, several years later, she turned up here in Salem... and nearly took Andrew away from Kim and me.
JANET: Where is she now?
SHANE: Dead. For real, this time. (BEAT) And then there's Gabrielle... My partner in the ISA. (BEAT) Eve's mother.
JANET: She hurt you...
SHANE: I was very vulnerable after Emma's supposed death, and we ended up hurting each other. The worst part of all was that she didn't even tell me about Eve. (BEAT) I wish Gabrielle and I could get along better now, even if it's only for appearances' sake.
JANET: Does Eve have much contact with her mother?
SHANE: Sparingly. Kimberly was more of a mother to Eve than Gabrielle ever was, but Eve would never let her in.
JANET: And Kimberly?
SHANE: We had more trials and tribulations in our years together than you would believe. In the end, there was nothing left to save. (BEAT) Then there was Kayla, which was a mistake, because we were both feeling our losses then... At least we're still friends. (SIGHING) At least I'm in good company. Not even the caped crusader can keep a relationship going from film to film.
JANET: Must be something about having a badge.
SHANE: Anyway, my romantic instability hasn't given my children the most stable of upbringings. I just wish that I could do something about that.
OUT ON SHANE'S REMORSE.
PARK. SHANE AND JANET. IN PROGRESS.
SHANE: I'm sorry for blathering on that way.
JANET: It was interesting. I wouldn't say you "blathered."
SHANE: Now, it's your turn.
JANET: My turn for what?
SHANE: You rarely talk about yourself. At least, not about your personal life.
JANET: There's not much to tell.
SHANE: Come on... I've spilled my guts. Tell me about you.
JANET: Well, I come from a pretty normal family. You know, mom, dad, four brothers and sisters. Middle class upbringing. Nothing really worth talking about.
SHANE: Five kids are a lot. That must've been tough, fighting for your parents' attention with four others.
JANET: I never felt like I was competing for their attention. We all seemed to give each other attention.
SHANE: What do you mean?
JANET: Well, if Mom was busy, there was Dad, and vice versa. But if they were both busy, there was Grandma and Grandpa to give us attention. And, if not them, we had each other.
SHANE: Growing up in Louisiana must have been exciting. All that good food and jazz music.
JANET: New Orleans is very cultural. But, where I grew up... Well, let's say that the culture was limited.
SHANE: You must have had your share of romances...
JANET: It's like you said, about how our line of work gets in the way.
SHANE: But surely, a beautiful woman like you has left a trail of broken hearts.
JANET: "Trail of broken hearts"? That sounds like a John Wayne movie. "John Wayne in 'Trail Of Broken Hearts.' Co-starring Maureen O'Hara as the woman he loves, but can't have."
SHANE LAUGHS.
JANET: (CONT'D) It's a beautiful sunset. I don't think I've ever seen the colors this vibrant before.
SHANE: It dims in comparison to you.
SHANE MOVES BEHIND JANET, SITTING WITH HIS ARMS AROUND HER WAIST. JANET TAKES SHANE'S HAND AND THEY WATCH AS THE SUN SETS.
SHANE: You know, Janet, one of these days, we're going to find a relationship that will work out.
JANET: I think we're both due.
HOLD ON SHANE AND JANET CUDDLING.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. THE AUDIENCE CHEERS FOR BILL TO GO ONSTAGE. BILL MOCKINGLY SHAKES HIS FIST AT DOUG, BUT RELUCTANTLY JOINS HIM.
BILL: You'll be sorry you did this. I'm pretty rusty.
DOUG: I'm sure you'll do fine.
BILL: What about sheet music?
DOUG: We'll do something you know by heart.
BILL: That narrows things down a lot.
DOUG: What about "Memories"?
BILL: Sorry. My own are pretty limited for that one.
THE AUDIENCE LAUGHS.
DOUG: What do you remember?
BILL SITS DOWN AT THE PIANO.
BILL: I played this for my granddaughter a little while ago. I remember playing it for my daughter, too.
SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE MAKE "AWW" SOUNDS. BILL RAISES HIS HANDS TO THE PIANO KEYBOARD AND BEGINS TO PLAY "MISTY." DOUG NODS HIS RECOGNITION OF THE SONG AND BEGINS TO SING. HOLD ON NORMA, SMILING BRIGHTLY AT BILL.
CUT TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS' LIVING ROOM. THE TWO ARE ON THE COUCH, ENTANGLED TOGETHER AND WRAPPED IN A BLANKET.
MARCUS: Well, apparently, the honeymoon is still going. We couldn't even make it to the bedroom!
KAYLA: Knowing how we are, the honeymoon may never be over. Besides, we have to "christen" every room in the house, don't we?
MARCUS: You do have a point. Do you know that you are the most beautiful, desirable, amazing woman in the universe?
KAYLA: I know that it's important to me that you think so. And I know that I'm married to the sexiest, smartest, and handsomest man in the universe.
MARCUS: Is "handsomest" a word?
KAYLA: It is now. Here, get me the phone and I'll call the people at Websters. They can list it in the next edition, and I'll send them a picture of you to go with the entry.
MARCUS: You are so cute!
KAYLA: I'm so happy! This has been like a beautiful dream, the last couple weeks...
MARCUS: Well, get used to it, lady, because it's a dream I don't ever intend to let you wake up from.
KAYLA: Good. Because I get awfully grumpy if I'm awakened from a good dream.
MARCUS: You're telling me! Hey, your glass is empty. Want some more champagne?
KAYLA: Sure, if you're getting up.
MARCUS: To serve my lady, I'm getting up!
MARCUS LEAVES AND KAYLA SIGHS AND LOOKS AROUND. WITH AN IMPISH GRIN ON HER FACE, SHE GETS UP AND SWITCHES THE COFFEE TABLES, SO HERS IS IN FRONT OF THE COUCH. SHE HEARS MARCUS COMING BACK AND QUICKLY SETTLES HERSELF ON THE COUCH JUST BEFORE MARCUS RETURNS.
MARCUS: (HANDING KAYLA THE GLASS) Here you go.
MARCUS MOVES TO SET HIS GLASS ON THE COFFEE TABLE, BUT NOTICES THAT IT'S NOT HIS TABLE ANY MORE. HE SETS HIS GLASS DOWN, TAKES KAYLA'S BACK AND MOCK-SCOWLS AT HER.
MARCUS: There's only one cure for this impudence! Tickling!
KAYLA SHRIEKS AS MARCUS POUNCES ON HER AND BEGINS TO TICKLE HER MERCILESSLY. LAUGHING, KAYLA TRIES TO FEND HIM OFF, WITH LITTLE SUCEESS. SHE THEN BREAKS INTO A FIT OF COUGHING. MARCUS STOPS AND SITS BACK A LITTLE.
MARCUS: Hey, are you okay?
SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY, KAYLA MAKES A BREAK, TAKING THE BLANKET WITH HER AND RUNNING UP THE STAIRS, LAUGHING ALL THE WAY.
MARCUS: You!! You come back here!
KAYLA: No, you come up here!
MARCUS: (LAUGHING) Why should I?
KAYLA: Because you need to meet me in the bathroom. It's time to baptize the shower!
MARCUS GRINS AND HURRIES UP THE STAIRS. THE CAMERA HOLDS ON THE LIVING ROOM AS WE HEAR THE SHOWER WATER, FOLLOWED BY GIGGLING, FOLLOWED BY JUST THE SOUND OF THE WATER RUNNING. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.