Original subtitles

Every time I volunteer to do a double shift, my body goes into something like

jet lag. Which would you rather do, work tomorrow afternoon or go to Christine's

farewell party? Yeah, I know. Hi, honey.

How's it going?

I just can't believe she's leaving.

It's like watching an accident about to happen and there isn't anything we can

do about it. You two stop. There isn't anything we can do.

David. I'm sorry. It's just that it's not easy to study with one eye on this

book and the other on the front door.

Or maybe you're just as upset about this business with Christine as we are.

I guess so.

I feel like a member of the family is walking out on us.

Right now, who needs distractions?

There aren't any secrets around here, Peter.

Everyone knows the job is up for grabs.

I've already had five calls from employees who want appointments to see

Can you put them off, Ray? I just can't deal with that right now. I understand.

By the way, the food service computer program is in place.

Great. That computer class she took a while back really paid off.

What are you talking about? Who did?

Sorry. I thought you knew.

Julie Gillette heard that we were going to computerize the buy orders, and she

volunteered to set it up for us.

Did a first -rate job, too.

Well, I gotta run.

Oh, Peter, do you have a minute?

Sure, come on in. Thanks.

What's up?

We all thought it would be nice to get Christine something.

With the party tomorrow night?

You know, a little going away present.

How much?

We'll be able to figure it out for ten, but whatever you want to kick in.

Thanks, Peter.

Actually, what I thought was...

Maybe you'd want to be the one to pick something out You

do it yet Got

any ideas and what you'd like

Dear Mrs. Cabot, our phone conversation was so brief, I'm afraid you might think

that I've made a major decision impetuously.

I thought I could best convey my feelings in a quiet moment.

So here I am, alone in my apartment, as I am so often lately.

I think this is by choice more than anything.

I know that to continue waiting for Peter to express his feelings, if he

has any for me, is becoming increasingly frustrating.

It is affecting not only my work, with the warm feelings and respect I have

always had for him.

I feel it necessary to leave with the good feelings and memories still intact.

Peter is an intelligent man. It's possible that he sees the situation

more clearly.

I will take with me the experiences, memories, and friendships I have found

the St. Gregory.

Foremost being the warm and nurturing affection you have so freely given me.

Yours, with love.

Are you planning on sleeping here at the hotel tonight?

Oh, yeah. Well, I must have lost track of time.

Are you okay?

Sure. Fine.

Did you need me?

I was just going to ask you that.

Have you eaten?

No.

I haven't either.

She wants things I guess I just can't give right now.

She's a woman.

She needs to be loved, to feel needed.

I do.

She knows that, but when I tell her, it's not enough.

But have you told her in those words?

You can't expect her to read your mind.

She wants her commitment.

Well, what's wrong with that?

I guess nothing.

Yeah. Well, I just know that a man has to look pretty far to find another woman

like Christine.

I don't know what more I can do. She knows how I feel. I've asked her to

Maybe she needs more than that.

More. Always more.

I've given it my best shot.

I can't beg her.

You don't have to.

I'll tell you something.

I got along without her for a long time, personally and professionally.

And I can do it again.

On desk?

Oh, hi, Terry.

He would.

Did he say why?

Yeah, sure.

Okay. Thanks.

Is the hotel on fire?

Maybe worse.

Mr. McDermott wants to see me in his office.

What did you do?

I just asked myself that same question.

And? I can't think of anything.

Well, that's nothing.

Oh, yeah?

When was the last time either one of us was called up to the boss's office?

Can I get you a cup of coffee?

No, thank you.

Julie, when Christine leaves, I'm going to need someone to help me out up here.

Would you be interested on a temporary basis?

Yes, of course I would.

Now, you understand this isn't exactly a promotion, but you've worked hard, and

who knows what it could turn into down the road.

I understand, and thanks.

I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Good. Why don't you plan on reporting up here on Monday morning? Christine can

start showing you around.

Oh, is she going to stay on? I figured with the party tonight, she... She said

she'd stay as long as I needed her.

Mr. McDermott, I'm really sorry about all this.

You know, her leaving.

Yeah, it's going to be a difficult adjustment for everyone.

Hi. Hi. Did you need me for something?

No, I was just in with Mr. McDermott.

I feel really funny about this, Christine. I hope it's okay.

What? What's okay?

Maybe you better talk to Mr. McDermott.

Julie, what is it?

He... He asked me to... He asked me to help him out for a while. After you

leave, just to smooth out the transition.

Oh.

Well, that sounds like a great opportunity, Julie.

That's what you've been working toward.

I'm sure he meant to tell you himself.

Yeah. It's okay. Don't worry about it.

You'll make the most of it.

Thanks. I'll try.

I just ran into Julie outside.

Well, I'm sorry. I tried to talk to you about it earlier. We just didn't

connect.

Story of our lives, isn't it?

I had to move ahead on this, Christine.

I had to make some preparation.

I spent three years as your assistant. You could have consulted me. You could

have found the time.

It was just bad communication.

Look, Peter, I know I said I'd stay on for a while, but it won't work.

This is all too painful.

Oh, Christine, I... Don't expect me to drag this out. I can't. I can't sit

outside that door for the next couple of days and...

It'll just make it more difficult than it already is for both of us.

I need a clean break, Peter.

Now.

I'm leaving after the party tonight.

I wouldn't worry about it, Julie.

Christine understands.

Someone has to take up the slack and you've run the show.

Yeah, but I felt so awkward being the one to tell her. It's understandable.

Hi, guys.

Hi, Megan. Hi.

Congratulations, Julie.

You heard already?

Yeah, I think it's great.

I think I should be getting back.

It isn't anything permanent, you know. It may only be for a couple of weeks.

You've got your foot in the door, Julie. It'll work out.

Reservations desk.

Can you hold on, please?

Victoria's flight was delayed. She won't be here until late tonight.

Oh, she won't be here for my party, then? I'm afraid not.

She said she wants to see you, though.

I ordered for you. I hope that's okay.

Of course.

I left Mrs. Cabot a letter.

I was afraid when I did see her she'd try to talk me out of it.

You really dug in, aren't you?

Yes. You asked for a business lunch.

You said there were some things you wanted to go over.

Because nothing says you can't change your mind.

And if I did, if I stayed, would things be any different around here tomorrow

for you and me?

Maybe.

I had my hopes on too many maybes, Peter.

You know this is hard for me.

I know.

And I don't want you to be uncomfortable because of me.

Then why are we doing this to each other?

You don't have the answer, so you're going to run away.

That's not true.

And it's not fair.

start throwing rocks at each other.

Fair enough.

Hey, Megan. What?

You seen Dave?

He went home to his law books. He has a test tomorrow.

Are you okay?

Sure, why not?

The whole world's just zipping right along without me. Oh, come on, Megan.

This is a rough day for everyone.

Sorry.

All these changes that are taking place must be making me insecure.

Well, I personally don't understand why anyone would want to be stashed away on

the mezzanine. Everybody knows all the actions in the lobby.

Thanks, Billy, but I'm having a little trouble finding any humor in this.

I see.

You want to keep this a little serious.

Let me ask you something.

How do you think Julie would be reacting if you'd gotten invited up there?

Don't you think you should start getting ready? Sorry, I'm just trying to cram a

few more pages in here.

We've got other obligations right now, Dave.

Honey, I know you're upset about Christine leaving the hotel, but right

You're right.

I am.

But I'm also upset be... What?

This arrangement of ours.

Until you finish law school, there's no way I'm going to be able to start a

career of my own.

That was our deal.

Sure. You're going to be a lawyer, and I'll still be passing out room keys with

a smile.

Honey, it's not going to be much longer.

Well, what about now?

Nobody takes me seriously around here.

Dave's going into law, so why consider Megan for any kind of advancement?

You're jealous of Julie.

Is that it?

No, I'm not. I'm delighted for her. She's my friend.

I'm upset that because of you, I'm not being given a chance.

It doesn't feel much like a party, does it?

I hate this ritual.

Everyone feeling lousy is supposed to pretend you don't.

I wonder what happened to Mr. McDermott.

He should have been here by now.

He said he might be late.

Could we call a truce until we get through this thing?

It's a deal.

This place is never going to be the same without her, is it?

I know. And it's sad, too. She loves this place more than anything.

Not more than anything.

Thanks. Thank you.

Hey. Hi. Come on, you guys. No long faces. This is hard enough.

I'm going to miss you, Christine.

Yeah, me too.

I always figured you'd be around to see me graduate school and get out of that

uniform.

You two have the one thing that's really important in this world.

Right or wrong.

Good or bad.

You have each other.

Anyway, if the electronics people don't all check out, we're going to be calling

around town to find some rooms. Anything else?

Well, that's it. Yeah, Christine's party started.

You coming?

Well, I have some things to take care of. Cover for me for a while, will you?

No, I won't.

I'm sorry, Peter.

I know it isn't a very happy occasion for you. It isn't for any of us.

But I'm sure Christine is counting on you being there.

So, where will you go?

Home for a little while.

I'll go see my Aunt Addie, visit some friends.

Still got some roots back there, don't you?

I guess whenever we're wounded or adrift, we think about home.

And after that?

Give a notice on my apartment.

In fact, at most of my things.

Not many more bridges to burn, are there?

Well, bridges can always be rebuilt. They have to be built from both sides,

Billy. Or else they fall down.

Christine?

Grifferson.

Christine, we want you to open this now.

It's a moment.

Here's the card.

This house is... I helped write it. I should get to read it.

This house is richer for your having been here.

We'll miss you.

Love all your friends at the St. Gregory.

I'm not going to make a speech. I love you all.

I just can't.

Open it.

Come on. Open it. Open it.

Come on.

Here we go. Come on.

I know what it is. What is it? I picked it out.

Beautiful.

Beautiful.

That's what every upwardly mobile woman executive needs, huh?

I was afraid you weren't coming at all.

This isn't what either one of us wants.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?

I guess it's time we had a toast.

And I think it would be a good idea if it were given by our general manager,

McDermott.

Three years now, Christine has been my assistant and my friend

and the best of both.

Her leaving not only leaves a vacancy in my office, but a vacancy in my life.

One is easily filled.

The other can never be filled.

In our own different ways.

We're all going to miss you.

You missed a few really touching speeches.

I felt like it was over.

Can I get something for you, Billy?

No, Harry, thanks.

You know, I always figured you for a guy who was willing to put up a fight for

what he wanted.

Come on, Billy, you don't know enough about this to start passing out advice.

know enough to recognize two people who love each other. There's more to it than

that. Of course there is.

You're afraid.

She's afraid. It's not exactly a newsflash around here.

Cut it out.

You've got something really worth fighting for, man.

You've got to give if you expect to get back.

What do you want me to do, crack her over the head and drag her back to my

apartment? Don't let her go, Peter.

If you do, you're a damn fool.

I've done everything I can.

You know...

My old man used to say that if you're faced with a really big decision, take a

piece of paper, draw a line down the middle.

On the left, write down all the reasons why you shouldn't do something.

On the right, all the reasons you should.

Maybe you ought to try it.

Maybe the list on the left won't be that long.

Meg? Excuse us, John.

You, uh, you ready to go?

I'd like to stay a little longer, okay?

Honey, everyone's leaving.

I'm not ready to go home yet, Dave.

Megan, I gotta go home and get in some more studying tonight.

And isn't that the perfect comment on the balance of our marriage?

You have to study. So, of course, that's much more important than anything I

might want to do. You're being childish.

I suppose I am the child in this relationship.

I don't have a serious pursuit like the law to concern myself with.

Yes, it's a pursuit, and we both knew what it would mean, what we were getting

into. Did I?

Did I really?

Don't you know that I realize what you gave up for me?

I'm not all that modern, you know.

I am just a man who would like to feel like he's taking care of his wife, but

for now I can't.

Not by myself.

How do you think I feel about the frozen dinners?

And the secondhand stove and all the corners we've had to cut, but one of

days it's going to be worth it.

And I'll have you to thank.

But right now I've got to get home and study.

Just a minute.

Peter, I thought you were my taxi.

Well, I could be.

I don't think that's a good idea.

How did we get to this, Christine?

We're just two people who are unable to make the final connection. It's funny.

We run a huge hotel to near perfection, but when it comes to a simple thing like

a... Not so simple, is it?

Stay, Christine.

We can work it out. Oh, Peter, it's too late.

You know, I've always felt pretty close to you, Megan.

And I don't mean because we sit together out there.

What's the matter?

Ever since my trip to see Mr. McDermott, you've been less than friendly.

It's not you, Julie. You know that.

It's other things.

There's nothing worse than feeling ignored, is there?

Megan, you made a choice that the hotel was just a job to help Dave through

school.

It's just that I've become more involved around here than I ever thought I

would.

The hotel's become, I don't know, more than just a paycheck.

You stuck it out with Dave schooling this far.

But it's taking so long.

It's hard to put your life on hold.

Is that what you think of your life? That it's on hold?

This job opportunity is great, Megan.

But don't you think I'd like to add a good man to my life, too?

You've already got that part.

I guess the trick is remembering who your friends are, huh?

Forget it.

Just remember, the next time you want to borrow my cashmere sweater, I'm right

upstairs.

I can't do it, Christopher.

I can't let you go.

Peter, what are you doing?

You know what I did?

I took a piece of paper and I drew a line right down the middle. And on the

left, I wrote down all the reasons I should let you go. And on the right, I

wrote down all the reasons why I should come back and fight for you.

And?

Well, there was a big list of things on the left.

On the right, there was only one entry.

What was that?

Oh, Peter.

I'm sorry I've been so closed up.

Maybe it's time to start taking chances.

And I've been trying to make you be someone you're not.

Say things you don't say.

I love you too, you know.

Thank God you're as stubborn as you are.

You wouldn't want to change me, would you? Not a chance.

I'm going to have to accept you just the way you are.

We might be trading in our problems for a whole new set of them, you know.

You think we could work it out?

I want you, Christine.

I want you so much.

I'm going to feel pretty silly walking back into the hotel Monday morning.

Yeah.

No reason in particular.

Except everyone threw me a big going -away party.

Bought me an expensive attaché case.

And Julie's expecting to report to my desk.

Well, I understand.

Not to mention I've already given notice on my apartment and packed up most of

my worldly possessions.

Thank goodness you didn't pack the bed sheets.

I came so close to losing you.

Let's not look back.

Only ahead.

I wish I knew what was ahead.

It's not going to be easy.

I'll take it as it comes.

I don't know what I'd do without you, Christine.

I'm glad you decided not to find out.

Are you always going to feel that way?

Even after a particularly hard day at the office for the testy general

We'll work it out.

Oh, I only wish I could retrieve that letter I wrote to Mrs. Cabot.

She should be getting back pretty soon.

Why don't we be there when she arrives?

Peter, it's late.

We'll tell her together. We'll tell her everything.

Are you crazy?

Sure, then she'll be thrilled.

You better, old Mike.

What?

Why are you looking at me like that?

Like what?

Like you love me again.

I never stopped.

I guess I just lost sight of it for a while.

Honey.

All you gotta do is hold out for a little while until we get to the thick

Thick part?

Yeah.

Seeing me through thick and thin.

This is definitely the thin.

Sorry I behaved like such a baby.

You mean you're not perfect?

Damn, I knew I'd find something wrong with you someday.

I know how to make up for it.

Think she's read it yet?

If she has, she'll understand.

She'll think I'm indecisive and wishy -washy. Not true.

She'll admire you for sticking to your guns and me for finally getting out of

own way.

That's right. I'll call you tomorrow.

We'll go over everything carefully.

I can't right now.

Yes, tomorrow.

Goodbye. How are you, Merritt? This is an odd hour for you. Peter. You know

Christine Francis? Yes. Of course. How are you, Christine?

I thought lawyers were like bankers.

No night duty.

Where's Victoria?

What is it?

What's wrong?

Please, sit down, won't you?

I called your apartment a while ago.

There was no answer.

Yeah?

I don't know how to say it.

Mr. Rauner, please, what is it?

It's Victoria.

She had a stroke.

What?

It's all right.

She's dead.

Oh, God, no.

Happened quite suddenly.

There was no pain.

It was over very quickly.

Oh, no, tell me this isn't happening.

Tell me this isn't true.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for both of you.

I know how much she meant to you.

what you've said, what you've told me.

There's something in me that just won't let it take hold.

I want to say, okay, I understand.

But, uh, I'll see Victoria in the morning. We'll just take care of it.

She was my rock, you know.

She was the glue that...

Hell is all together around here.

He stood by me and supported me no matter what.

He steered me away from trouble when I didn't know what I was doing.

You're going to run the St. Gregory as if she were still here watching over

This is for you.

She wrote it over a year ago.

She told me to give it to you if anything ever happened to her.

I'm aware of its contents.

She gave me a copy.

Call me tomorrow.

She wouldn't want you to drag your heels, you know.

Dear Peter, I have left instructions that if anything ever happens to me,

ready to get this letter immediately.

As you've always known, the St. Gregory is the most important thing in the world

to me.

He employs a great number of people, and I have no intention of having anything

other than an orderly transition of authority.

And since I've always thought of you as the son I never had...

Since I have always thought of you as the son I never had, I am leaving to you

50 % of the St. Gregory.

Merit, Rona will explain in more detail.

I'm doing this, Peter, because I love you.

And I trust you to maintain it as I have.

Keep it the way it is. I beg you.

There will never be a substitute for making people feel special.

Except for the Monet over the mantle that I promised to Jake and a few other

knickknacks that go to other assorted relatives, the penthouse is yours.

Just remember, from now on, you're not a ruler.

You're a servant.

You only like one thing to help you complete your life.

I can only hope that by the time you ever read this...

You've awakened to the fact that she's sitting right outside your office door.

With love, Victoria.

But a dream's come true at such a terrible price.

Thank God I'm not losing you, too.

I don't know what I'd do if I'd lost both of you at the same time.

We're going to need each other now more than ever.

I want you to take over as general manager.

Peter, I...

I'm going to need your help.

I don't feel very strong right now.

You'll be all right.

You're ready.

You have been for a long time.

Whatever lies ahead, we'll do it together.