Original subtitles

Previously on Central Park West. As I told you the other day, I'll take five

million. Won't your husband notice the missing painting? The court ruled in

husband's favor.

Peter, what if she gets hold of his lies and they start to appear in print?

I know, Alex. She would never do anything like that.

Jackpot. Rachel's the globe's source of communique, so I know she framed you for

what she fed us.

Unless you want your sordid past splashed all over every tabloid in New

City, you're going to do what I say.

Enough empty threats. What do you want? I want my name cleared and my job back.

You paid Ian Walker to option my play. Did you do this or not?

What? Talk to me! I did. Stephanie, you made a big mistake.

Kill Chase.

Hi, it's Carrie.

You must have the wrong number.

I only know one Carrie and she's never up before noon.

She is if she hasn't gone to bed yet.

Well, sleep yet.

Now that's the old super vixen we all know and love.

So, who was it this time? One of the regulars from the stable or did we break

a new pony?

Right. I'm going to discuss my love life with a man whose relationships don't

last as long as a carton of milk.

Carrie, much as I would love to be ridiculed by you all day, I really

and sell some stock.

Go ahead. I'm just calling to tell you Zinc Bar, Thursday night, 9 o 'clock. Be

there. What's happening?

It's Peter's birthday.

I'm throwing him a surprise party.

Anything I can do to help?

I'll let you know. I gotta go.

I want my keys.

Calm down. I'm just here to collect my things and then I'm gone.

I'll help you pack.

Too kind.

I'll have my hotel sent for me.

And I just feel terrible about what's happened between us. I hope you're not

going to hold a grudge about this business at the magazine.

Rachel, peddle your act to someone else because I'm not buying it anymore.

And get me my job back today. Otherwise, you lose yours tomorrow.

Are you ever going to talk to me again?

Don't you have to go to work?

I'm not going.

I can't go.

That's a first.

If we could just talk.

What?

Everything would be all better?

I would understand.

I would forgive you.

I'm not asking you to forgive me.

I love you.

Nobody who does what you did has a right to say I love you.

Mark.

Go to work, Steph.

I don't care if it's the only direct evidence we have of the conspiracy. If

of the parties consented to being recorded, then I guarantee the judge

bounce it right out.

Fairchild.

I have to take this.

Hi, what are you up to? Besides digging a new trench for Rachel Dennis to fall

in, that is.

Don't worry, I put my shovel away. I'm just calling to invite you out tonight.

To the opera.

That sounds great.

Listen, my mother's on the board at Lincoln Center.

I'm sure we can get house seats.

Don't worry, we already have them.

Just pick me up at 7 .30.

And Peter, wear something nice.

Rachel Dennis' office.

Hold, please.

Gil Chase.

From now on, when he calls, I'm in a meeting.

Gil. I'm taking you to dinner tonight.

Chanterelle. Is this your latest fantasy, you and me on a date?

We've done every intimate act known to man. You won't let me buy you a meal.

I don't get you.

You're not supposed to.

Fine, forget it. Forget the whole thing.

Now, Gil, I would like to see you tonight.

Why didn't I come by your place?

I don't know.

What time?

When I get there.

I can't run this.

What? I'm not about to call anyone the most hated man in Manhattan if you can't

find anyone who hates him enough to say so on the record.

That's the whole point.

He's too powerful for people to be quoted by name. I say that right up

What if Leo Callender sues us for libel?

Will anyone come forward and testify?

He's not going to sue us because everything in here is true.

Forgive me if I don't have as much faith in a bunch of anonymous sources.

I don't know what's happened to your work lately.

You were going to kill my Harley Morgan piece. You saw what happened. That issue

flew off the stands.

That was irresponsible journalism, and I'm not proud it was in communique.

If you don't want this piece, I'll sell it somewhere else.

Fine. Good luck.

if Stephanie Wells were run over by a bus.

You know, Tom, you're very talented.

I'm sure there are a lot of magazines who'd be very glad to hire you away.

Yeah, I know.

Unfortunately, this is the hottest magazine in town.

Well, if you were willing to leave town, I could get you a job at British Vogue.

Double your current salary.

In London?

Yes, darling, that's why they call it British Vogue.

It's a wonderful place. I know you'd love it. And you know for sure there's a

job. And I get it. Please, I jumped through hoops to have someone of your

caliber. All that has to do is make the call.

Go ahead.

Make it.

There is one favor I would ask in return.

Very small.

What's that?

Well, since you're going to quit anyway, tell Stephanie that you were the one

that's been leaking items to the Globe.

And that you switched the board so that your Harley Morgan story ran.

Except I didn't. Well, I know... that. I mean, if you had, I certainly couldn't

recommend you so highly for that job.

I heard it was Carrie Fairchild.

That's why she was fired.

Stephanie needed to find a culprit, and Carrie was the first choice.

Well, you can forget it.

I'm not going to take the fall for something I didn't do.

Look, I understand your reluctance.

And believe me, I wouldn't even ask, except that Carrie is one of my oldest

dearest friends.

I don't know.

I have to think about this.

Well, I'm sorry, Tom.

I had no idea you were so happy here.

Rachel.

I want that job.

Then you'll have it.

Just as soon as we go over your confession.

Linda.

It's Nicky Sheridan.

I have wonderful news.

My favorite kind.

Your painting?

I think I've sold it.

To who? The Zurich dealer or the Tokyo collector?

Neither.

call this morning from a lawyer representing an American buyer.

He knows the painting and he's very eager to have it.

He's agreed to our price.

Who is he?

I don't know. He wants to keep his name out of it.

His lawyer said he hates publicity of any kind.

That makes two of us. He's prepared to wire the money into an escrow account

I can arrange to have the painting shipped overnight.

This deal can close in the next day or two.

And there's your commission.

Half a million dollars.

Not bad for two weeks work.

Linda, I'm very grateful.

Don't be.

You earned it.

I'll miss that painting.

Though five million dollars goes a long way to ease the pain.

Thank you, Nicky.

Call me again when it's done.

I just came by to tell you I quit.

If that's what you feel you need to do, I'm sorry to see you go. Don't be.

Not that I owe you anything, but you might as well know I'm the one who

the boards so my Harley Morgan piece ran.

Your key card didn't register with the security system. I used Carrie

Fairchild's.

She left it sitting out on her desk, and I switched hers with mine. Oh, and

those items in the New York Globe, I did that, too.

Tom, that doesn't make any sense.

The gossip columnist is a friend of mine.

Look, Tom, I know we've had our differences, but I don't understand.

That's right. You don't.

You are totally clueless.

The only thing you're capable of publishing is literary music.

I assume you'll be leaving today.

Just as soon as I clean out my desk.

Hey, is this a good time to pitch a cover concept for the holiday issue?

Stephanie, are you okay?

You won't believe what just happened. Tom Chase and quit.

Is that what has you so upset?

He told me he's the one who's been leaking items and switching boards.

I thought you said that Carrie was the one. That's what I thought.

You don't have to give Carrie a job back, do you?

I don't know.

I guess I have to talk to Alan.

Rachel, I'd appreciate it if you didn't discuss this with anyone.

Oh, please, Tiffany, you don't have to ask.

Hey, handsome.

Nobody will be able to watch the stage or they'll all be staring at you.

Ready to go?

Peter, I didn't tell you what opera I wanted to take you to.

The performance is here tonight.

There's a special story behind this.

For my mother's 16th birthday, my grandfather wanted to take her to see La

Traviata, La Scala.

The only problem was he couldn't afford it.

So he called every music store in town until he found a recording of it. And

that night, he sat her down, turned on the record player, and told her she was

there.

And she was.

When she died, I asked my father if I could have the record.

It's a bootleg, so it's not in the best shape.

Alex Bertoli, did anyone ever tell you you're very special?

Yeah.

But it didn't count, because they weren't you.

Mark, how long is this going to go on?

I don't know.

asking you to talk to me.

Steph, there's nothing you can say.

I know.

I know. I was so stupid.

I just had this feeling, this fear that...

that I was going to lose you to Carrie.

I know that's crazy.

I mean, you're not like that.

It's just that this feeling, it just kept getting bigger.

I mean, every time you saw her, every minute that you spent with her.

It's why I did what I did.

It's no excuse.

I was just hoping you might at least understand why.

I need some time.

Take as long as you want.

I'll be here waiting for you.

They're dreaming of a life together.

He's saying we'll leave Paris, we'll find a small place just for us.

But she's too sick, too weak, she can't even put on her dress.

She forgives him for hurting her, for leaving her.

She gives him the only treasure she has in the world, a small cameo of herself.

It's the saddest part.

She's saying if you meet someone nice, let her be your wife.

Give her this portrait of me so she knows an angel prays for you both.

Alex, I love you.

Peter, don't say that.

Why not?

Thought you'd be here hours ago.

Well, you thought wrong.

Rachel, you tell me we can't go out.

You make me sit here half the night waiting for you. You can't treat me like

this.

And how would you like me to treat you?

This is an improvement.

I have a special night planned for you, Gail.

Very, very special.

You have to trust me now.

Do you trust me?

I don't know.

You're going to want to touch me more than anything you've ever wanted in your

life.

But you're not going to be able to.

Take one last look.

Because you're not going to be able to see me.

I could just

leave you here. You wouldn't even know I was gone.

You can't move.

You can't see.

Rachel?

I said you have to trust me.

That's rose oil.

Can you smell it?

Yeah.

Can you feel me?

Yes.

Do you feel good?

Yeah. Do you want me?

God, yes.

Do you want to touch me?

Let me.

Go. Do that.

Ow.

It only makes the knot tighter.

Peter, you snore.

Yeah, well, you steal all the cover.

I'm not used to sharing them.

Get used to it.

I wish I didn't have to go, but I'm due in court at nine to argue motions based

on a three -hour deposition that I haven't even looked at yet.

By the way, it's my birthday tomorrow.

Well, I assume I'm invited.

You're the whole party.

to shower and I still feel like an oil slick.

Are you complaining?

Absolutely not.

There's something we need to talk about.

Peter's birthday.

Somehow the conversation always gets around to him.

Well, apparently I wasted my time coming here last night.

I won't make that mistake again.

There's a surprise party tomorrow night at the Zinc Bar. You're welcome to come.

How's he getting there? No idea. I guess Carrie's bringing him.

Well, I think it would be a much better idea if you brought him.

Make it look as if everyone just forgot it was Peter's birthday.

And then you call him and suggest something casual.

Say you'll pick him up at his apartment for a game of basketball and then a

drink, which is when you'll bring him by the bar.

That actually is a good idea.

Yes, well, I specialize in surprises.

Well, call Carrie and see what she says.

Girl, make it happen.

I'm going to go out later today and buy some handcuffs.

Handcuffs?

You're sick.

Stephanie, it doesn't exactly bolster my faith in you when one employee after

another appears on the brink of mutiny. Alan, I don't think that's a fair

assessment. Oh, for God's sake, come on. It's like spy versus spy around here.

I have had better managers.

Do you want me to hire Carrie back? No!

That's one blood -sucking leech I'm glad to have off my back.

Let me guess.

You were just about to flip a coin to see who had the honor of calling me and

offering my job back.

Or do I need to call that lawyer about filing a claim for wrongful dismissal?

Gee, suddenly it got very quiet in here.

There is no way in hell you're coming back to work for me.

Fine.

I'm sure you enjoy the media circus of being sued by your stepdaughter. And

losing, I might add.

And as an extra added bonus, you get to pay for my legal bills.

I'd sooner burn this building down with you in it.

Well, allow me.

Shall we start with Stephanie's desk?

Oh, Ellen, let's just end this. Carrie, you can have your job back.

I don't want my job back.

I should have known. Just like everything else in your life, this whole

has been a pointless charade.

What I want is a raise and a promotion.

I like the way executive editor sounds.

You don't know the first thing about being an executive editor.

Well, I know I get a big expense account, and I never have to show up

noon.

This is your headache.

I believe that was a yes.

Alex Bortoli. Hi, Alex. It's Carrie Fairchild.

Oh, hi.

I just wanted to let you know I'm back at Communique, thanks to you.

Glad at least one fair child knows the truth about Rachel Dennis.

Oh, my brother always thinks the best of everyone. It's so tedious.

Anyway, don't make plans with him tomorrow night. I already did.

Well, then you're going to have to break them because I'm throwing him a

surprise party at the Zinc Bar.

Well, why don't I just bring him?

No, he'll know something's up.

Besides, he'll already volunteer to do it. So just tell him you're working late

or something and then surprise him at the party.

Okay. Should be fun.

Oh, honey, when I throw a party, it's always fun.

The painting's just been picked up.

Can I expect to have the escrow account released tomorrow?

Excellent.

Thank you.

I've enjoyed doing business with you two.

Yes, yes, yes!

What's going on?

You are looking at the new and improved Nicky Sheridan. What was wrong with the

old one?

She was just a struggling gallery owner trying to make it in a dog -eat -dog

world. But this one, now she's an up -and -coming art dealer who just closed

biggest sale of her life.

Nikki, that's great.

I've been saving a special cabernet.

So, what was this big sale?

A 19th century French master.

Muse in quality, but it's always been in private hands.

Is this it? Peter!

It's a confidential transaction.

I never wanted to admit this, but there were times I thought I wouldn't make it

in this business.

Peter, this sale is going to put me into a whole new league.

I don't ever think I've seen you this happy before.

And I'll tell you something else.

I've definitely made up my mind.

The relationship with that man I've been seeing, it's over.

Good. I'm glad to hear it.

The only thing I was ever really attracted to was his power.

But it feels much, much better to have my own.

From now on, when I get involved, it will be for love and love only.

I can highly recommend it.

Well, this is new.

Are you telling me you're in love?

Can't say.

Confidential transaction.

I don't know how this is going to sound, and I don't think you're going to like

it very much.

Well, whatever you have to tell me, it's okay.

I came here that night for the wrong reasons.

I was angry at Stephanie.

So angry I felt I had to do the one thing in the world that would hurt her

and that was be with you.

Well, she must have done something to really hurt you.

Well, she did.

I'm sorry, Mark.

You have nothing to apologize for.

I do.

You were in pain. You needed somewhere to go.

I used you, and I shouldn't have done that.

I've used a lot of people in my life. If anyone understands why you did what you

did, it's me.

The producer who optioned my play, Ian Walker, he didn't want it.

He only did it because Stephanie asked him to.

What? She gave him the money.

To pay me.

Why would she do something like that?

Because she wanted to get me away from you.

Of course, as it turns out, you weren't interested in my play either.

You know, I didn't mean that. I didn't mean any of what I said.

I guess we've all hurt each other enough.

Listen, I don't want you to be sorry.

However it happened, I'm glad it did.

Gary.

It can never happen again.

Well, then it'll be a once -in -a -lifetime experience I'll always

I should really go.

You've been wonderful.

First and foremost, I'm your friend.

So, counselor, how's my case going?

This is for you. This is for you.

I hope there's more where that came from.

I'm sorry. It's the only elephant they had.

Peter, about tonight.

I can't wait.

Unfortunately, you're going to have to.

I'm covering one of those subway fare hearings and they go on forever.

Can we celebrate your birthday tomorrow night?

We could celebrate my birthday right now.

Tomorrow.

Yeah.

Tomorrow.

Hey, I've been looking for you.

Carrie, please, give me at least one day between blackmail threats.

Did you ever stop to wonder why I pushed so hard to come back to communicate?

I don't have enough time in my schedule to figure out why you do what you do.

I know you think I'm a dilettante, but it wasn't until I lost my job that I

realized how much I really wanted it.

Fine, my call wasn't exactly Hemingway, but there are things I know about the

city that you don't. Probably nobody does.

And they would make great stories.

What you're missing is my very real desire to make a contribution to this

magazine. Put together some proposals and I'll take a look at them.

Great, I will. You know, I'm throwing a surprise birthday party for my brother

tonight at the Zinc Bar. I would love it if you and Mark could make it.

We've never met your brother.

It doesn't matter. It's my party.

Stephanie, I really want to make this relationship work.

Let's start over.

I'm sorry. I'm just not sure I can make it.

And I know you can.

What are you doing here?

Come to wish you happy birthday, of course.

How did you know it was my birthday?

Well, it's hardly a secret.

Why don't you read all those profiles about you and the people?

Finally, something they got right.

Well, I'm sure you must have a plan.

You bet.

I'm playing basketball with Gil.

Come on.

To tell you the truth, I almost forgot it was my birthday.

Just about everybody else did, too.

Well, that's unforgivable.

At least let me buy you a drink if you have a little time before your game.

Are you?

I'll wait.

Pete, hey, you in there?

Peter!

Come on, Pete, be there.

Be there. Please be there.

Hi, this is Peter. I'm not home. Leave a message. Damn it!

Rachel, what have you done with him?

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, dear Peter.

Happy birthday to you.

I must admit, I feel a little guilty.

Me too.

But I'm reminded of that cake that I'm going to have. I was talking about Gil.

Peter, you tried to call him.

And believe me, when he finds out that it was your birthday, he'll understand

why you didn't want to spend the night dribbling and sweating.

Well, when you put it like that.

Oh, and now... Rachel,

you really didn't have to.

Oh, please, it's not extravagant.

It's just something I thought that you should have.

I remember this day.

My father had just been elected for the first time, and people kept coming up to

me and telling me what a great man he was.

And all I could think of was, I already know that.

Where did you find this?

I probably shouldn't tell you this.

It was when I was staying at Carrie's.

She was using it as a bookmark.

That sounds like Carrie.

Thank you for rescuing this.

It's been so long since I felt like this about anyone.

Felt how?

Comfortable.

Happy.

Relaxed.

I'm sure it's something that you take for granted, but for me, I've lived my

life mostly as an outsider.

You know, the scholarship student at boarding school, the nobody who married

into British society.

People always assumed that I wanted something.

So I decided a long time ago that I would never need anything from anybody.

And it's worked out fine.

Until now.

Until you.

Well, I'm flattered.

There is one problem.

I'm in love with you.

Rachel.

I promised myself I wasn't going to say that ever.

It's okay.

No, no, it's not okay.

You're involved with Alex.

I don't need to burden you with my feelings.

It's just that when you're in love, you have to tell somebody.

Promise me that this won't affect our friendship.

It is so important to me.

And I'd hate to think that I've jeopardized it in any way.

I haven't, have I?

Of course not.

I

don't know

what we're doing.

Well, you'd want to come. I know you and Carrie are friends.

Oh, now it's okay for us to be friends, but last week it wasn't?

Please, Mark, I'm trying.

You're late, but that's all right. So is the guest of honor. Have a seat.

Mickey Sheridan, we've met.

Nice to see you.

And you know Alex Bartoli? She's an investigative reporter from the New York

Globe. You still working on that piece about hot new New Yorkers?

No, actually, it's on the back burner now.

Actually, I'm glad to hear it.

My husband, Mark Merrill.

Hi.

He's also a playwright and author and a teacher at Eastside Press.

Carrie's giving me too much credit.

I wouldn't say that.

Must be interesting working at Eastside Prep.

How are you handling all the schoolgirl crushes?

I can't say that's come up.

Oh, I'm sure you have girls coming up to you all day.

Mr. Merrill, can I decorate your bulletin board?

Mr. Merrill, can I have an extra credit assignment?

That doesn't mean they have a crush, does it?

Obviously, he's never been a schoolgirl.

Where are Peter and Gil?

Supposed to be here an hour ago.

I'm sure they'll be here in a minute.

Unfortunately, I have to go.

What? Mickey, what do you mean?

Mickey, it's Peter's birthday.

I'll try and make it back, but there's some business I have to take care of.

At this time of night? The art world never sleeps.

Well, look at the bright side. If he's not already dead, you can kill him.

Paul, he never showed up.

What?

We made a plan. I don't know what happened.

I do. You screwed up. Carrie.

Gil, go home. Right now, you're the last person here anybody wants to see.

You're the only person in this world who keeps me waiting.

I'm sorry. No, I don't mind.

You're the only person in this world worth waiting for.

So that's where we are.

You've been wonderful.

But as long as I'm with you, I can never really be my own person.

I just hope you know I'll always be very grateful for everything you've done.

I wonder if you will, Nicky. I really do.

Look familiar?

Oh, my God. That's how you thought you'd buy your freedom?

Selling my painting?

Linda said it was hers. I put a ribbon on it for her birthday, but it's still

my name.

Obviously, you won't be collecting that nice fat commission you were counting

on. In fact, I wonder if you'll ever sell another painting again.

It is up to me, you know.

Alan, I swear I had no idea.

You say you want to be your own person. Fine.

Let's see how far you get.

Any messages for Rachel, Dennis?

I just wanted to thank you for spending your birthday with me.

I should really thank you.

You know, they have a lovely bar here. Should we have one last drink?

No, I really should go.

Tonight was fun.

For me, too.

You used me. You set me up.

Call security.

Did it work?

Did you get what you wanted?

Great Peter Fairchild.

You knew what I was after.

You knew it all along.

But I could never have gotten this far without you.

You are a twisted bitch.

Take it, girl.

You've earned it.

Rachel, I don't know what we're doing, but we're not doing it anymore.

I'm lying all the time. I'm hiding things from my friends.

That's over.

Tell Peter about last night.

What, that you forced yourself on me?

Give me a break.

He was one as much as I do.

I believe that this is what they call Exhibit A.

It's over, it's not over.

It doesn't make any difference to me.

But I wouldn't tell anyone about what happened last night.

You're not the only one with a friend in the district attorney's office.

No, I just... Where were you last night?

What? Why?

There was a whole surprise party for you at the Zink bar. We waited and waited.

That's why I canceled our date.

Gil came by to get you. You were supposed to meet him.

I didn't know. I had no idea.

Where were you?

Rachel Dennis came by my office. She took me out to dinner.

Oh, I should have known she was behind this. Alex, you have no reason to be

jealous of Rachel.

Peter, don't you realize that she'll keep at it until I do have a reason?

As I recall...

You promised me a birthday celebration today.

Peter, it's 7 a .m.

So?

Walk

with

me, would you?

What's up? These pathetic schemes of yours. You can try them on anyone you

but not me and definitely not my brother.

Is this about last night? I took the poor boy out to dinner for his birthday.

When you knew there was a surprise party for him? And how was I supposed to know

that? As you may recall, I was not invited. Yes, I do recall.

I'm the one who didn't invite you.

Isn't it a little late in the day for you to care?

Strange seeing you home so early.

Done slaying all your enemies, darling?

Whenever I think I am, a new one always turns up.

Call me one of those, will you?

See where Sotheby's is having a contemporary art auction next week.

Yes. Why don't we go?

We've been out of the market for a while.

Is there something you're interested in?

You know that's your department.

No, I was just thinking.

Maybe it's time for us to sell some of what we have.

You know?

Buy something else?

Art isn't like stock, Alan.

It's exactly like stock.

You hold on to it until it bores you.

For instance, what about this?

Oh, no. You bought that for me.

That's one of my treasures.

It is?

I had no idea you were so attached to it.

So, you know. Of course I know. I bought the damn thing.

Again.

Where's the original?

Someplace safe.

I meant it when I said it's one of my treasures.

Technically speaking, it's one of my treasures. It was not yours to sell. I

to protect myself, Alan. From what?

You're seeing someone. It's serious.

You think I didn't know that?

I assumed you knew.

I assumed you didn't care.

Then we both made mistakes.

Maybe mine was.

Forgetting how damn smart you are.

Maybe mine was forgetting how damn sexy you are You could start making up for

that now

Now it's late.

Well, that's okay.

What is it?

I haven't been able to talk to you because every time I thought about what

did, it was like a knife going through my heart.

I just couldn't believe that the person...

I trusted the person I believed in.

The person I loved most in the world could do something like that to me.

I'm so sorry.

But no matter how angry I got, there's still one thing I know for

sure.

I can never leave you.

sleep, Mark.

Every time I close my eyes, I see your face right above me.

I feel you moving, your hands holding my wrists.

I'm sorry. I think you have the wrong number.

Oh, no, Mark. I've got your number.