Original subtitles

Hi, gorgeous.

Hi.

Hi.

Oh.

Thanks.

You know, I wish you hadn't wasted your time and gone over to Tyler's.

Well, when I saw he called you three times, that was three times too many.

Well, the last thing we need is another fistfight from the Duran boys.

You're right, because I wanted to pound his face in.

But he had company.

Oh.

So, who was she again?

Some girl.

I think he said Erica.

Oh, I wonder where he found her.

Who cares?

The more he has to keep him busy, the less he thinks about you.

I don't think he thinks of me that much. No?

Just hangs around your house in the middle of the night?

Well, now that he has Esther or Erica, whatever her name is, I'm sure she keeps

him occupied.

For now, until he gets bored and moves on to his next conquest.

Hello? Eddie, it's Lily Park.

How'd you get my number?

Well, if you have to ask that, honey, then you really don't know who I am.

No, I know exactly who you are. That's why I don't want you to have this

number. You're so cute when you try to be mean, Eddie.

But you know what? This will only take half a sec, so I just want to get a

comment on a rumor that I heard.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah, you and Chloe are engaged.

Where'd you hear that?

Where haven't I heard it? I mean, everybody knows, so you might as well

confirm it with me.

Is it true?

No comment.

Oh, come on, Eddie. I just want to know if I should send a bottle of Cristal.

You know, I'm just so excited for you.

Oh, gee, thanks.

But if you want to ask me a question, you need to go through the normal

channels and call my publicist, not me.

Look, I just want to see everything you do presented in the best light possible,

which means you have to give me an exclusive scoop.

I'm changing my number.

Who was that?

Lily Park.

Oh, did she find out about Max's fight at the club? No, that's not why she

called. She called to confirm a rumor that she heard.

What rumor?

About our engagement.

Did you say something to her after I asked you not to?

She's freaking me out right now.

I wonder how much glassware she's gonna break tonight.

Does that include mugs?

Yeah. I'd say double digits.

No. I have more faith in our girl than you.

I say nine.

She's handling it pretty well, though.

It's gotta be nerve-wracking knowing you can sing in front of your idol.

Yeah. That'd be like me showing, like, a short film to Catherine Bigelow. Or you

making a snarky comment in front of the king of hipster critics.

Wait, that's what you think I do?

We each have different talents, Adam.

Oh, here she comes.

Guys, I cannot believe I just pulled an entire mocha latichino all over that

guy. I don't do stuff like that. It's all in the wrist, Lauren. Focus.

This whole competition is getting me a little bit off my waitressing game. I'm

sorry. This is what you wanted, to make the final.

This is what you wanted, okay? I feel like I'm just being dragged along for

the ride.

Yeah. Sometimes I feel like one of those sled dogs. Instead of dragging you

across Alaska, I'm dragging your butt from Tarzana to Hollywood.

I just never thought I'd actually have to perform it at his contest, and that's

exactly what I'm going to have to do if he picks me to be the top three.

Heart's beating fast just thinking about it.

I'd like to change my guest.

Don't worry, Lauren. You'll have plenty of time to practice and get over your

butterflies. Adam, the contest is tomorrow.

Tomorrow, okay?

What if Eddie picks me to perform?

I can't get on that stage.

Maybe I'll just find an amazing singer who can pretend to be me. Yes, because

they often walk around with signs on them that say, We'll sing amazingly for

free. You guys think I'm making way too big a deal out of this, don't you?

No, we were at the zombie jukebox audition.

I know how big a deal this is.

But the contest is totally different.

They're judging the song, not the voice.

Yeah, they're not going to be able to hear the song if my voice can't even get

the notes out. They're all going to be looking at me.

All of them.

I feel like my stomach's going to jump up and strangle me. It's not that bad.

It is that bad.

I have to go. Where?

I got to tutor Cameron. I'm late. Bye, guys. It's okay, Lauren. You can do it.

I believe in you.

I'm so glad you came back. I don't even know what I'm doing here. Like I said on

the phone, I need you. You just kicked me out a couple hours ago. I panicked

earlier when Eddie showed up. So you just threw me out? You know, I thought

there was going to be fallout from his visit.

I kind of expected someone else to show up.

Huh. Someone else. I see. So you are sleeping with Eddie's girlfriend behind

his back. No, no, no, no. He's just jealous. He's one of those guys that

thinks every woman on the planet's in love with him. Oh, we are.

Well, that's up for debate.

Most women are put off by his arrogance.

Really? I'm not.

All right, I'm done talking about Eddie Duran.

Why, Ty, you jealous, you jelly. No.

I asked you to come back here for something specific.

What, like a fantasy or something?

No, this is hard work. Hard work.

We were working pretty hard last night.

What did you have in mind?

I need you to run lines with me.

I didn't say a word to Lily. I was hoping we'd get to keep this news to

ourselves before the vultures start picking our bones for details.

Privacy is important to you, I know. Yeah, because I've given so much of it

up already.

I'd rather control the timing of this announcement.

I am bursting at the seams here.

I have this gorgeous ring that I can't even wear out of the house.

I know.

What if we did it on your terms?

But if we told people, I mean, you told Max, and you said after he found out, we

could tell the whole wide world. But I'm thinking about all the media, Chloe.

All right? It's going to be a lot. But maybe we should be flattered that they

care so much.

You told Lily, didn't you?

Absolutely not.

Okay, but she found out from someone.

I might know what could have happened.

What?

Right after you proposed, Hannah called me on the phone to give me feedback from

the American Fashion photo shoot.

I might have slipped and said that it was the best day of my life, so maybe

she put two and two together and called Lily. I thought you understood why I

wanted to keep this a secret.

I do, but it's not like people haven't asked us about it a million times.

Everyone's been speculating.

Yeah, with friends like Hannah and Lily. Yes, but of all the vultures out there,

Lily is the best.

That bar is set pretty low.

And it seems like Lily's just using you to get information on me. Why? Because

I'm so uninteresting that she wouldn't possibly want to be friends with me? I

didn't mean it like that, okay?

It's just... When we make this announcement, it's going to be crazy,

all right? We're going to be hounded for every detail.

And I just don't want you to get hurt.

I love how protective you are.

Promise me that you will be careful with Lily. She's not to be trusted.

Have you ever thought that maybe I'm friends with her so I can control her

because I know she's using me That makes sense, but you're not that sort of

person of course not, but I know how to handle Lily trust me I don't trust her

Okay, so please please Do me this one favor and don't talk to her for a while

Who is that Lily

Now, where were we?

Lauren!

Lauren! Yeah, hey, Mom. Look, you just left me a frantic message on my cell.

I raced home from work, and I ran three stop signs to get here, and all you

could say is, hey, Mom.

Well, I didn't mean to scare you. Well, what's going on? Are you okay?

No, I'm fine.

Eddie added five more finalists to the contest, and I'm one of them.

I can't even believe this is the best news ever. It's all thanks to you.

Well, you can thank me when you win.

That's just the thing.

I'm not going to win. How do you know that?

Because three of the finalists have to perform at MK tomorrow night in public.

Oh. Yeah, so you'll understand if I drop out of the contest.

Well, do you think Eddie will understand?

How are you going to explain this to him?

I hadn't really thought about that. You can't just pull out without telling him.

I mean, not only would that be rude, but it would be embarrassing for him, me,

Max. You guys really meant to bat for me. Well, Eddie's the one that did that.

I mean, he changed this whole contest just so he could include you.

Do you really want to let him down like that?

But, Mom, I'm petrified to perform in front of an audience. Well, honey, I'm

sure all the other contestants are, too.

You think so? Yeah, of course. I mean, none of you are professionals.

I mean, Eddie's not expecting a professional performance.

He just wanted to give you guys all the chance to experience what it's like to

play live in front of an audience.

Yeah, but just the thought of that makes me sick to my stomach.

I know. Honey, listen.

Stage fright is a very real physical condition.

I mean, it's very common. Even big stars suffer from it.

Barbra Streisand.

Really? Mm-hmm. I've heard her talk about it. But she doesn't let it stop

her, you know? She just figures out ways to control it, and so will you.

Yeah, but how?

Breathing? Meditation?

Maybe I'll just call up Eddie and ask how he deals with stage fright. I'm sure

he'd love to help.

You know, times like these, I actually wish you were a stage mom. Why?

Because you would have pushed me up on stage when I was three and I'd be over

it already.

It's up to you.

But the chance to perform in front of Eddie is once in a lifetime.

And I always say, just don't turn your back on experiences because you're

afraid.

Just give it some thought.

That's all I've been thinking about.

I got to get back to the clinic.

That's fine. I have a kid coming over from school. I got a tutor.

I didn't know you were doing that again.

Yeah, this really cute guy kind of begged me to do it. Oh, how cute. We're

talking here on a scale of one to ten.

Mom. Okay.

All right, I'll see you later. I love you. Love you, too.

Oh, hi.

I hope I'm not too early.

Oh, no, you're here to learn. That's a good sign.

Well, I'm just leaving. Come on in.

It's her life. If she doesn't want to sing, you can't make her. But she has to

win that contest.

It's her choice.

I'm not going to sit by and let her ruin everything.

I don't know, Mel.

Lately, it just seems that your whole life has revolved around helping Lauren.

It's getting kind of weird.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. No, it's a free country.

You're free to say what you think, and obviously you think I have no life.

Well, that's what it seems like sometimes.

You're just always obsessing over Lauren.

Obsessing? You make me out to be some kind of freak.

Not at all.

But you do spend a lot of time worrying about her. You saw her earlier.

Sometimes she is a crazy hot mess.

She's 18.

She's my oldest friend.

I'd do anything for her.

Lauren is my friend, too. And I want to help her in any way I can.

But I have my own life, too.

Ouch.

I don't want to be harsh.

I just think you should focus on yourself.

When's the last time you went to see a movie without Lauren? Or went on a date?

I've gone on plenty of dates.

Oh.

I didn't know.

I go to the movies.

Sometimes alone.

Why do you care anyway?

Is our friendship about to get weird? Do you want to make out or something?

I'm just saying.

You're a cool girl with a lot going on.

Lauren's going to be fine.

We should spend more time together, not talking about Lauren.

Do you have something in mind?

Do you like Korean horror movies?

Probably not.

Maybe.

No way this is true, Nicole.

No way. It's on Eddie Durant's website.

Check it yourself.

Okay, well, Eddie must be tone-deaf to have picked that dork in her dorkier

song. Totally.

And it's bizarre, too, because Lauren Tate's name was never announced on the

radio last week. She's a cheater.

I'm home suffering from suspension, and she's the real cheater.

Wait, what?

You know, my dad, he's more interested in helping Lauren Tate than his own

daughter.

Do you think that you and Lauren could ever be, you know, like, step... Okay,

no, you're sick. Don't ever say that. It'll never happen.

But he did help get her stupid song to Eddie's dad.

It's like he's trying to ruin my life.

Well, it seems like you pretty much do whatever you want whenever you want, so

your dad can't be that much of a hawk. No, he only swoops down when he wants to

act like an involved parent.

Usually he could care less.

All he cares about is himself in that stupid clinic.

That's why my mom left. He drove her away.

I mean, it's not like your mom wanted custody.

No, okay, she did.

He just probably bribed the judge.

Come on.

Be for reals.

Okay, I'm telling you, my dad's answer to every problem is to throw money at

it.

It's disgusting.

Oh, hi.

How's everything over at the hospital?

Sandwiches were mediocre. Everything else was fine.

Hey, I got your message thanking me for the flowers.

Oh, you're thanking me for thanking you? Yeah, actually I was.

For a lovely night.

Oh, where will this gratitude end?

Hopefully at your place.

Just kidding.

No, it was funny.

Actually, it was funnier than the sandwich joke.

Oh, guess what? What? They expanded the finalists for Eddie's competition.

Lauren made the cut. Hey, that's great. I'm so happy to hear that. It's because

of you, Don.

I mean, if you hadn't known Eddie's dad and been willing to go to the club with

us... Yeah, tough job taking a beautiful woman to a club.

I'm a real humanitarian. Well, how can I thank you?

Hmm, let me think.

I'm serious.

I'm serious. I would like to do something special for you. All right.

How about a home-cooked meal?

That's a great idea. I would love to cook dinner for you. That would be

lovely. One thing I miss about married life are sit-down family dinners. Oh,

really? You and Adriana don't have dinner together?

Once. I think we did.

I mean, I work late most nights. You know, I grab something on the way home.

It's easier that way. It avoids argument, you know? For me and Lauren,

it's a ritual. You know, I wouldn't miss it.

And it's also a really great place for them to spill their secrets.

Oh, maybe I should bring Adriana then.

Yeah, why not?

Seriously?

I don't know what he's thinking. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'll try to convince Adriana to come. Okay. And she and Lauren can see they

actually have things in common.

I don't know about that part, but I can give you a meal to remember.

How about tonight?

So there's no way you can go to Hawaii?

That was my dad's big punishment for getting suspended.

That's pretty big.

Yeah. This punishment is a total devastation.

And you've been planning it for, like, forever.

Usually he threatens.

But this time he actually followed through.

I think he didn't want to look like a total wuss in front of Lauren's mom.

So that's it?

You're just going to bail on Phil on the trip?

I've never seen you give up so easily.

I am not giving up, okay? I just, I need another plan, that's all.

So what are you going to do?

Maybe I'll act more like Lauren Tate.

He's always talking about how she's so talented and focused and caring and

attentive and blah, blah, blah. Which part of that are you going to try to be?

What, you don't think that I can be talented, focused, and caring?

The focus part, definitely.

The caring and attentive, not so much.

Well, you'll see.

And so will my dad.

You're cool with going out tonight?

Absolutely. I'm just going to run by my place and change.

Why don't you just hang at home and I'll pick you up from there?

Eddie, really, it's fine.

I'm fine to stay at my place. Okay.

I just thought you'd like staying here. I love it, but...

It doesn't feel right. I mean, I kind of just want to wait until after we get

married. Oh, okay.

Little miss old-fashioned girl from the Upper West Side. How's that possible?

It's possible. You're a traditional guy from L.A.

Besides, I'd rather wait until after I was Mrs.

Eddie Durant.

Oh, well, I will carry you over that threshold.

You better.

Listen, don't you worry about the announcement of the engagement.

I'll arrange it. I hope you don't feel like I've pressured you.

What? No, I want to tell everyone as much as you do. We just have to do it in

a smart way.

I love you.

I love you too.

I'll see you in a bit.

Bye.

Hello, Lily Park.

Hey, meet me at Jenea's place.

Why there?

I'll tell you when I see you.

So, you think I nailed the character?

I thought so.

That was fun.

Are we talking about reading the pilot or something else?

Something else.

So, who's stalking who now?

Let go of me.

Lordering's not allowed in this neighborhood.

Don't flatter yourself. I was just going to Janae's place to meet someone.

Oh, really?

Since when do you pass my place to get there?

To a cafe you told me you don't like.

I love that place. They have the best chai lattes in town.

It's okay. You could admit that you wanted to come over to see me.

I think it's really cute.

I love this side of you.

What side?

Your little green monster side.

To be jealous, I'd have to care.

Did Eddie tell you about Erica?

Who? Oh, cut the act.

You wanted to see if I moved on, and you got your answer. Your psycho boyfriend

busted in and almost scared her off.

Psycho fiancé.

Not psycho, but the fiancé part.

Okay, Chloe.

No, it's true.

We're just keeping it quiet for now.

That doesn't sound like you. I'm doing it for Eddie.

I doubt that he'd take kindly to your interest in my personal life. Even

though you've made it really clear you want to have nothing to do with me

anymore.

But I got a pilot to prep for.

And I'm tired of this whole drama anyway.

My audition didn't go well.

Tell me you're joking.

I'm serious.

Is there anything you can do?

So now I serve a purpose?

You've always served a purpose.

One that I never quite get rewarded for. You've been well compensated.

I really want this pilot, Tyler.

Is there anything you can do?

I'll talk to him, okay?

Thanks, Ty.

Damn all these numbers.

405, 170, 110, 134.

Anybody know where Main Street is?

Hey, Grace.

You see my dad?

He hasn't been down in a while. Really? What's he doing?

I don't know, but he seems really down today.

Okay, so the limit would be... It's a trick question.

There are no limits.

Life is limitless, Lauren. Cameron! I'm kidding. The limit is infinite.

Which is kind of the same as what I said before.

That's good work. You got the last five right.

You're really good at this, Lauren. You're like LeBron James of tutoring.

Oh, I don't really watch football.

Clearly.

I'm just saying, this is the first time pre-calc has ever made any sense to me.

Well, I'm glad I could help.

Can we get together tomorrow?

It's kind of soon.

You busy?

Uh, actually, yeah. I have something I need to get ready for.

Oh, is it that contest everyone's talking about?

Yeah, I made the finals.

Right.

How does it feel to suddenly be famous and everything?

I wouldn't know.

Come on, don't be modest. Everyone is talking about you.

Yeah, well, not all of it's nice.

Nah, they're just jealous.

Most people are real supportive.

I think it's cool to see a girl who has a goal and isn't afraid to go for it.

Kind of like you and the lacrosse scholarship?

Exactly. I really want it.

Well, I'll help you as much as I can.

How come you've never sung at school before?

If you had, I might not have ditched those lame assemblies.

You want to know a secret, Cam?

I suck at singing in public.

It's not really a secret.

I kind of saw the video.

Great. It's okay.

It happens to everyone.

It reminded me of how I felt before a big game, like last year's state

championship.

You guys won that.

I was a total wreck before it. Tied up in knots. I could barely hold the stick.

Well, how'd you get over it?

I visualized.

Visualized? Yeah. I saw this thing on Olympic athletes.

What they do is they visualize every aspect of the routine beforehand.

Not just their moves, but the smells of the arena and the sounds of the crowd.

Stuff like that.

And that really works?

Sure helps me.

Maybe we should give it a shot.

Right up to the audience giving you a standing ovation.

Oh, let me help you with that.

Mom, this is Cameron. You ran out on us earlier?

Uh-huh, yes. Hi, Cameron. Thank you.

It's nice to meet you. You too. So, uh, can you cook for us too?

She's joking.

I was?

And now she's making a joke about making the first joke. It kind of piles up

around here.

Last time my mom made a joke was... never.

Now I'm going home and asking her exactly why that is.

See you tomorrow.

It was nice meeting you. You too.

Bye. Bye.

Well,

hello, Cameron.

He's okay.

Okay? He's Davey Dreamboat.

Wow, well, while I appreciate you using cool new lingo such as dreamboat, what's

with all the groceries?

Oh, no, no, I'm not letting you off the hook that easily. I am not done yet with

Cam. Do you call him that?

Here we go.

Oh, just tell me this, though. Is he smart, too, or just really cute and

flashy?

Yeah, actually, he was pretty smart. I was pleasantly surprised.

Did he ask you out?

Mom, it's strictly business.

It's for dinner. It's chicken stir-fry. I just don't want you getting too

obsessed with Eddie, that's all. So, when are you going to go out with

strictly business Cam?

Probably never. Mom, this is way too much food for us. Okay, okay, don't flip

out. But, um, Don is coming over for a home-cooked meal.

And there's a chance he's bringing Adriana.

I'm so glad you're home. How was work?

Busy. What's up with you?

Well, since I'm home now all day, I thought I'd straighten up so it's nice

when you came home.

Well, whatever you want. It must be really big.

Why do you say that?

Cooking, cleaning, picking up your 20 pairs of shoes from the foyer.

Yeah, well, we've been fighting a lot. I'm tired of it.

I thought I'd do something nice for you.

So that I'll let you go to Hawaii.

Okay, well, that's not it, really.

Okay, I mean, yeah.

I'd still like to go and all, but I know that no matter what I do, you're not

going to let me. Sounds about right.

So I'd be wasting my time trying to change your mind.

Correct.

But there's no rule against a daughter doing something nice for her dad, is

there? I mean, when's the last time we had dinner together?

It's been a while.

Like, years, but who's counting?

Listen, Dad, I realize why you've been so strict with me lately.

I deserved it.

This whole school of cheating thing has been really a big wake-up call.

Really?

Yeah.

I want to change.

I'm happy to hear you say that.

And I hope you're hungry.

I'm starving.

And I'm sorry to spoil what seems like a pretty good meal, kid, but I promised

Nora I'd be eating dinner at her place tonight.

Nora, you mean Lauren's mom? Yeah.

It's a celebration. Her daughter won that huge Eddie Duran songwriting

contest. Okay, now she hasn't won yet.

But I made this for us.

Well, you should have told me earlier.

I'm telling you now.

We already made arrangements.

You made arrangements.

I mean, I did this huge surprise for you and you're not even acting like you

care. I do care, Adriana. Don't be so melodramatic.

I made this special dinner for us and... Well, put it in the freezer and come

with me to Nora's. She invited you as well.

Me? Yes, you, Adriana. You and Lauren can be friends if you put in an effort.

You know what? I'd rather stay here and eat alone.

At least I'm used to that.

Well, suit yourself.

Clean up afterward, will you?

Oh, and by the way, your lawyer called.

Just telling me now, Adriana?

You're in trouble at work, aren't you?

You know, I knew it.

You're going to go to jail.

And it'll be all alone like a little orphan girl. You don't know anything.

Yeah, I bet I know more than your lame girlfriend and her loser daughter.

Hey, you talk to me like that one more time and you're going to be sorry.

Y'all don't worry about it.

I won't talk to you again.

So, you don't want Dawn to come to dinner?

It's not Dawn that I have a problem with. Okay, honey, I know. I understand

that Adriana has treated you very badly, and it's her mother that kills me.

But I couldn't not invite her.

It's his daughter.

Yeah, you could say it a million times. It doesn't get easier.

Well, Don seems to think that, you know, you could be good for her.

I mean, maybe if you guys see each other outside of school, she'll be different

inside of school.

Mom, some people are the way they are just because that's the way they are. It

doesn't matter if they're inside school or outside of school because they're

suspended for framing me in a cheating scandal. No, no, no, no. I do not

believe that to be true.

So what do you want me to do? Can we cancel?

You really like him?

It's really growing on me.

Fine. I'll take one for the team.

Was that just a sports phrase that came out of your mouth? I'm trying to broaden

my interests.

Uh-huh.

I wonder why.

But I do thank you for your sacrifice.

Well, I have two conditions.

Okay. One, I need a friend here. Mel can come, of course. Okay. And two, you keep

Adrienne out of this kitchen. She'd poison me if she could.

That's what they want to ensure this lawsuit never gets filed.

I don't have it, Brian.

You sure you want me to tell them that? Of course not!

At least they're giving us a figure.

Finally. I know it's more than you offered. A hell of a lot more.

But it will make the sexual harassment claim disappear.

Forever.

No one will ever find out.

That's what I need.

Then I strongly suggest you take this deal. It's the best settlement we're

going to get.

We'll stall as long as you can.

I'll figure something out.

Hey, girl.

You're late.

You wanted to meet pretty far from my office and suspiciously close to Tyler's

loft, which, may I add, I don't think is a coincidence.

I had some business to take care of nearby.

Tyler business?

Yes, but it's not what you think. I don't know what I think yet.

I'll admit it hasn't been easy to get Tyler out of my life. You just cannot

stay away from him. No, it's over. It's been over for a long time. I have bigger

things to worry about. You know, like planning a wedding or hoping Eddie

doesn't find out the truth about you.

What does that mean? Your affair with Tyler.

What did you think I meant?

That. I was just making sure. Is there something you're not telling me? Because

I could just bet there's something more. I hate to disappoint you, Lily, but

there's not.

And by the way, Eddie was not thrilled about that phone call today.

how did you know that we're engaged is that a real question did hannah tell you

so israel i knew it wait don't be a reporter for a second be a friend do you

want to see the ring oh my god it's ginormous why would

you want to hide that from anybody eddie wants to keep it a secret until we make

an official announcement which i'll handle God, to be honest, I could really

use it. My show is just getting trounced lately.

Well, I would love to do it with you, but Eddie doesn't exactly trust you.

Still? I thought he was over that after the last interview.

The phone call did not help.

But my stories about Eddie have been more positive than my stories about any

other celebrity. That's got to count for something.

A very small something.

There must be a way to get on his good side.

Help me out, and you won't be sorry.

Dad?

You here?

Hey, Pop.

Hey.

Great city. We're feeling kind of down. What's going on?

Yeah, a little bit.

Today is the anniversary of when I first met your mom.

Wow.

I didn't realize that.

Probably because we had so many firsts.

First date, then the first concert, a movie, and... Soulmates.

I know.

Yeah.

Yeah, I've been thinking a lot about her.

Lately.

Me too.

Especially now that I'm engaged. I keep wondering what she would think.

Yeah, days like these are hard.

They're hard.

Sometimes I just want to come out here and be alone, forget about the world,

and just remember the times when I was happy.

I'm still here, you know?

I'm still here.

I know.

Hey.

You down, John? Hello to you, too.

Well, if the answer is yes, I'll give you the right greeting.

It's a yes.

It would have been cool if you called first, though. You texted me. I didn't

think I had to.

I can go if you want.

Hey, I didn't say that.

Besides, surprises are sexy.

And the moment you told me that your dad was leaving, I thought about how sexy

you are when you're alone.

And I rushed right over.

You always know exactly what to say.

I'm glad you came. I needed reinforcement.

Adriana, stop actually coming over here. I don't know, Mel. She might.

Why? To drive me crazy. She wouldn't pass that up. Oh, my God. I just had a

horrible thought. What?

You could be, like, related someday. Like, if your mom and her dad got

together... No, no. Stop right there. No, but seriously, how horrible would

that be? It would be the worst idea ever.

So don't ever say it out loud again. Okay? Okay, don't even think it.

I think my dad will be home soon.

Your dad is out to dinner. We've got all the time in the world.

You know what we should do?

We should crash my dad's dinner.

Why? Because it's bothering me thinking of them just sitting there talking about

us. Besides, it'll be fun to see their faces when I walk in with you.

Your dad would flip.

That's my point.

I've got a better idea. Let's just hang out here and have some fun instead.

God, one track mind.

Yes, but it's a really...

Fun track.

I don't want my dad dating Lauren's mom anymore.

We need to go there and make it weird.

Okay.

That sounds really lame.

Not to mention boring.

It would mean a lot to me.

Okay, I gotta go anyways. I just stopped in to say hi for a little while. I got

something I gotta take care of.

Wait. You are such a liar.

Wait, where are you going?

It's a surprise.

Okay, fine. Just...

Tell me what it is.

Look, I promise you're going to be happy you didn't know before you found out. In

a good way or a bad way?

A good way.

You'll love it.

I do like presents.

Now go crash your dad's date, but try not to get into too much trouble.

So I found this great article that outlines three basic ways to overcome

stage fright.

The first one is hard work.

That's not going to be helpful because I have to do the contest tomorrow night.

So, no. Agreed. Okay, option two is distraction.

Like that whole imagining the audience in their underwear trick.

Eddie in his underwear?

Like you haven't imagined that before.

Yeah, but it's not going to be helpful either. What else?

Third one is breathing and meditation.

You sit in a chair with good posture and you close your eyes. Sit down.

Come here. Turn around. Okay, okay.

Okay. Now.

Breathe in.

And in, feeling every breath.

And out, letting everything go.

What are we meditating about?

Stage fright. She's doing good, too. Guys, you're breaking my concentration.

It's not going to work in a minute. Keep breathing.

You ever heard of visualization?

What's that?

It's this thing that athletes use. Cam told me about it.

Oh, sounds like you and Cam are doing more than calculating.

Oh, I'll get it.

Is this friend Melissa?

Mary Jana's dad?

I am. Phil's my brother.

Oh. Don't worry. Whatever you think about him, I think he's just so much

worse. Did you come alone?

Unfortunately, Adriana couldn't make it. Oh, that's too bad.

Hi,

Lauren. Hi.

Sorry. Don't mind me. I'm trying to meditate my way past stage fright.

Okay.

Who's that?

I don't know.

I hope I'm not too late.

I really thought this club was gonna get you out of your funk, Pop.

It doesn't seem like it worked.

It's a lot like songwriting, you know?

You never know when the feeling's gonna hit you.

It's what grief is. It comes in waves.

Sometimes I'm perfectly happy, and others I'm just mad at the world, you

know, for taking her away from me.

Yeah, I... I guess I really don't understand what you're going through.

Yeah, I hope you never do.

Yeah, have you thought of, you know, getting out there? Going on some dates

or something?

Come on, Eddie.

What? Yeah, nobody's asking you to replace Mom, but I think some

companionship, you know, it's nice once in a while.

I'm perfectly fine, you know, and... I don't know.

Why not?

Mom would want you to be happy again.

Who said I wasn't happy?

You did.

Upstairs, like an hour ago.

You don't have to be alone, you know?

I'm not alone. I've got you.

Okay, I get it. This is about you and Chloe, and you don't want the old man

coming in and interrupting things. Oh, no.

Okay, this is about you.

I think you need to find someone, or at least look for someone to share your

life with.

I mean, come on.

You have so much life left to live, Pop.

Nora,

what is your secret? This stir fry is so delicious.

Oh, there's no secret. It's just lots of trial and error and a lot of messes. But

thank you for saying so.

It reminds me of my mom's cooking.

She was an amazing chef, remember, Dad?

Of course, but we don't have to talk about that. It's okay. It's okay.

See, Nora doesn't mind talking about my mom, your ex-wife. It's Miss Tate,

Adriana. Nora is fine.

So, Nora, what was I talking about?

Oh, that's right. My mom's cooking.

You know, her lasagna was killer.

No offense, Nora. Oh, none taken.

More wine, Don? Yes.

Thank you.

Adriana, have you given any thought to what you want to study in college?

I'll figure it out when I get there, Nora.

You know where you're going?

You know, they're all the same to me.

College smolage, I say.

Lauren, you must be very excited about that songwriting contest, huh? Yes,

okay, I am dying to hear about Eddie Durant's contest.

It's pretty cool, huh?

It's amazing how you went from the not-qualifying category to the top ten

in, like, overnight.

Well, your dad actually helped me out with that. Thank you. That's him.

Dr. Helpful.

He actually is. He certainly is. I mean, that's why we're all here tonight, just

to show our appreciation.

I just tagged along.

Yeah, what's new?

Lauren, I thought that you got really nervous when you had to perform in

public. Or not even in public, actually.

A lot of singers get nervous before they go on stage, Adriana. Yeah, but they

don't freeze up once they do.

Adriana.

What? Okay, I'm just saying, I saw a video where you were supposed to be

rehearsing with this band.

Wait, what was their name? Like, Zombie Junkbox or something? Jukebox.

I don't write.

Well, you know, Lauren, my question is, how did you turn things around?

It's called talent.

In fact, she's going to sing for us tonight to rehearse for the finals.

I am? That'd be wonderful. We'd love to hear you, wouldn't we?

Absolutely.

What's wrong?

Who's he down?

My dad.

I'm worried about the guy.

Is he still in pain from last night?

Yeah. He's in pain, all right, but it's not about the fight.

Your mom?

Yeah. I wish there was some way I could snap him out of it. One second he's

fine, he's having fun, he's hanging with people, and the next he just wants to

sit and drink Jack Daniels. Yeah, well, everyone heals in their own time.

Yeah.

How long did it take you?

I mean, with your dad?

Oh, I was so young I barely remember, but my mom, I'm still getting over that.

Knows what?

Three years ago?

Mm-hmm. And Katie's only been gone for two.

Do you think you'll find someone else?

I do. He's a catch in his own way.

I know he wants to, but he's not going to admit it.

I'm sure a lot of women would love to go out with him.

I wish I knew someone.

Things happen when they're supposed to happen.

Yeah. Hopefully sooner than later.

Can you excuse me? I have to run to the ladies' room.

Of course.

Lily.

Now, I need a favor.

Jackie.

You seem surprised.

You told me to come, Tyler.

I didn't know you were... You're fast.

Well, you told me she was in trouble and I got here as fast as I could.

Where's Cynthia?

Where's my daughter?