Original subtitles

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Yes, I've heard ♪

♪ Every word ♪

♪ And I'm very fluent in your jive ♪

♪ I can read between the lines ♪

♪ Don't have to wait ♪

♪ To translate ♪

♪ I can see the message in your eyes ♪

♪ I can read between ♪

♪ The lines... ♪

I know that I've been pretending that the two of you don't exist,

but I've thought it over,

and, well, you are my best friends.

Oh, Brenda, you don't know how happy I am to hear you say that.

Yeah, me, too, Bren.

Well, frankly, when the two of you told me

about what happened over the summer,

I thought I'd never speak to either of you again.

But then I realized that if I hadn't gone off to Paris,

that nothing ever would've happened.

Exactly. Yeah, it's not like we slept together.

Absolutely not.

Well, the past is the past, and the future is the future,

and we should all handle this

in a very mature and very rational way.

Oh, my God, Brenda, what are you doing?! Where'd she get that?

I don't know. It's not my fantasy.

(slasher movie music plays) (Kelly yells)

♪ Read between the lines... ♪

(turns off music)

You know, if we don't start cleaning,

we're never gonna be done in time.

Kel, we got plenty of time.

My mom's plane doesn't get here for...

another three hours. Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Want to go to the airport with me?

No, I don't think a crowded terminal at LAX

is where I want to meet your mom for the first time.

It'll be okay. Just don't give Iris any, you know,

hard time about that New Age stuff, you'll be all right.

Yeah, but if she's really psychic,

don't you think she'll be able to read my mind? Right. Yeah.

She'll just cock one eyebrow and ask you

what your sign is, and then you'll know you're in trouble.

Well, I think this is one family reunion

I'm gonna have to be missing,

so let's clean up so I can leave.

Dylan...

Mm...

Thanks.

(doorbell rings)

Mm...

Who is that?

Whatever they're selling, I don't want it.

(doorbell rings)

Dylan... I think you should get that.

(laughs): Please?

(whispers): It's Iris.

Iris?! Oh, my God!

Stall her. I will be right back, okay?

(groaning)

(exhales sharply)

Iris, what are you doing here already?

(laughs): It's nice to see you, too, Dylan.

Uh, well, you know, it's just

you're a little early-- about three hours.

I was gonna pick you up at the airport.

I got on the morning plane and grabbed a cab.

I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time.

Uh... no, no. Um, I just wanted

to clean up a little bit before you got here.

Come on in.

I can see why.

I'm surprised that Brenda puts up with this mess.

Scorps have a notorious need for neatness.

Well, Mom, Brenda hasn't actually been spending a lot of time around the house.

But, then, Brenda is not your average Scorpio, is she?

After all... she's in love with you.

Hi.

Who's this?

Uh, this is Kelly, Kelly Taylor, Mom.

Maybe you remember her from, uh, Miss Carney's kindergarten class?

No, I can't say that I do.

Nice to meet you, Kelly. You, too.

I think you missed

a button or two.

Oh, thanks.

So,

Kelly...

what's your sign?

Now, Dave, the only reason

that Icon Records are interested in you

is because of the demo tape that I sent them.

No, Steve, the only reason they're interested

is because of the music that was on the demo tape.

The music that I had them listen to. After I fired you.

Wait, you guys, aren't we forgetting

one really important thing here?

Well, what would that be, Donna?

School.

Anyway, like I was saying, David...

DONNA: Hey!

No, I mean it.

I'm already doing half your radio show

so you can get through your schoolwork

and graduate with us in June.

How can you possibly do a record?

Donna, please, I'll handle it. STEVE: No, will you let me

handle this?

Look, that's what managers are for--

to handle the details.

Steve, that's the reason

I fired you in the first place:

because you never took care of the details.

Icon Records is my contact. You can't cut me out of this.

I deserve to be there. Watch me.

David.

Okay, okay.

They're gonna eat you alive.

Okay, fine.

I have heard that Curtis Bray is kind of a shark.

Well...

isn't it lucky for you that Sanders Management Group

is the ultimate in shark protection?

So, Andrea, you think I should splurge

for the ten-disc automatic changer in the trunk?

Oh, I don't know. Looks pretty expensive to me.

But, then, everything's expensive, isn't it?

Aw, what's the matter?

Are we feeling particularly broke today?

Not broke, poor.

I don't know.

I was invited to this tea in Los Angeles

for everyone who was accepted to Yale's early admissions.

A tea. How civilized.

Yeah.

Well, it's in San Marino,

which is about as old as money gets in Los Angeles.

I mean, everybody will have traveled everywhere and seen everything.

What am I supposed to say to them?

"Hello" usually works for me.

Brandon, I'm serious.

Look, I'm just a nice Jewish girl from Van Nuys.

I don't know.

Maybe I don't belong at Yale.

Of course you belong at Yale.

You got accepted

because you're smart.

That's the only thing that matters. (exhales)

You aren't having second thoughts, are you?

All I can say is, be careful for what you wish.

Donna, I'm glad you're still here.

Hi. What's the matter?

I just met Dylan's mom. Can we sit over here?

I'm not in the mood to deal with a crowd.

(sighs) So, tell me, how'd it go?

Is Iris as weird as Dylan makes her out to be?

Weird? I don't know. She was more, like...

judgmental and a little bitchy.

So, Kel, what'll it be?

Oh, nothing. I'm not very hungry.

Uh, maybe just some tea.

Sure. You feeling okay?

I was... till I met Iris McKay.

Ah, the Eagle has landed.

And all she wanted to talk about was her good friend Brenda.

With you there? Isn't that a little rude?

Yeah. It seems they have a special bond.

She even brought her a present.

Hey, don't look at me; I can't

figure Iris out, either. I'm not worried about Iris--

she leaves in a couple of days-- but Bren's another story.

She still isn't talking to me.

Kel, don't put me in the middle of this one,

okay? Sorry.

How's she doing?

Well, you know Bren. She always lands on her feet.

(knocking)

Hey, Bren,

you okay? Brandon, you don't have to talk softly.

Lots of people were asking about you

at the Peach Pit tonight. Which people?

Mm, Donna, David, Andrea, Steve...

Kelly.

Tell Donna, David, Andrea and Steve hi.

You know, Bren, this is a little weird for everyone.

Like tonight, Kelly told me Iris was asking about you.

Do you want to know that, or... do you not want to?

I mean, should I just keep my mouth shut?

Iris is in town?

Yeah. She came to talk to Dad about Dylan's trust fund.

Didn't he tell you? (wry laugh)

Dad must think I'm really losing it.

Aren't you?

Thanks.

(laughs)

Bren, if you want me to butt out, just say so,

but, uh...

Brandon, can I tell you something awful?

But you've got to swear not to tell anybody.

I know making Dylan choose between me and Kelly

seemed like a bizarre thing to do.

I never thought it was a contest.

I never thought that I would lose.

Bren, are you okay?

I would be better if everybody stopped asking me if I was okay.

All right.

Now, you're sure you're okay?

Good night, Bren.

Good night, Mom.

But I thought you were saving up for skis.

Dad, the ski season started months ago without me.

I'm thinking more consumer electronics now.

Oh, what are you getting?

I'm gonna get a CD system for the 'Stang.

Can you afford that? Yeah. They're not that much.

You can get everything you need for about 450 bucks.

I didn't know you were that prosperous.

Well, I've been working a long time, Dad.

I guess it's finally starting to add up.

Well, your father's just jealous

because he's been working a long time, too,

but he doesn't have a CD player in his car.

Hi, Brennie.

Morning, Bren. Bren-Bren.

You know, yesterday, you guys were asking me

how I was every two seconds.

Now, today, you're ignoring me.

I really don't know which is worse.

Honey, we're trying.

How about trying normal?

Just plain old normal.

Like "What do you want for breakfast?"

"What are you doing today?"

And, Dad,

I know about your meeting with Iris McKay.

You don't have to walk on eggshells around me.

I'm sorry.

I just was trying to keep you out of this.

I know my involvement

with Dylan's trust makes things hard on you.

Last week, you made a big point of telling me

how your business is confidential, right?

Right. So keep it that way, and we'll all be happy.

I'm glad you decided to fly in this weekend, Iris.

It gives Jack a very clear message who's in control here.

My ex-husband is a very shrewd man.

Don't ever underestimate him, Jim.

Believe me, I don't.

That's why we're going to draft a letter

restating your position, and that will be that.

I've never been very good at standing up to him.

While he was behind bars,

I thought we'd all be safe for a while,

but leave it to Jack to find a way to get out early.

His release caught a lot of people off guard.

Can't Dylan see he's just being conned?

Dylan says that Jack's a new man.

The only thing new about Jack

is that he's never preyed on his own son before.

He's a salesman, Jim.

He tells people what they want to hear,

and they buy into it.

And what Dylan wants to hear is that he has a father.

All you have to do is say no, Iris.

He can't touch Dylan's money without your approval.

JACK: When you were little, you liked to stand around

and watch me shave. You remember that?

Yeah. I also remember cutting myself

a couple times on that razor.

You know, Dylan, you're going to hear things from your mom.

I already have.

Well, the truth is, if she's talking about the past,

most of it is probably true.

She's convinced you're going to try to rip me off.

Do you think I'm going to rip you off?

I don't know.

Then why are you going along with this?

Because I want to believe you.

I mean, you made the money in the first place.

You gave it to Iris; she gave it to me.

I just... I want to give something back.

Thanks, kid.

You know, I'm glad that money's yours.

Hell, if it were still in my name,

you and I both know it'd be gone.

You know, maybe, this way, we can both have a future.

And so can your mom.

You mean that?

When I gave Iris that money,

I didn't give a damn what she did with it.

I just wanted her out of my sight line.

She could have gone on a hell of a shopping spree,

but she didn't.

She saved that money for her only child.

Quite a woman, your mother.

Yeah.

In fact, we'd probably still be together

if she weren't such a kook.

Yeah.

You know, Dylan, you don't read the financial papers, but I do.

This recession has got everybody on the run,

which is the exact time to move forward.

These bargains are not going to be around forever.

Sounds good to me.

I don't think Iris is interested.

God! There's got to be something more in her life that she wants

than just sitting around a tree house and meditating.

I don't know.

Why don't you spend some time with her?

In fact, why don't you drive her up

to that little town she's so crazy about?

Oh, Jack, come on. I hate Ojai.

Come on, Dylan. We got to make it easy for Iris to say yes.

Look, she wouldn't have come to California

if a part of her didn't want to open up that trust.

Now, come on, you know?

Just hang out with her a little bit,

find out what drummer she's marching to,

and I'll just take care of it from there.

Trust me.

I didn't hear you come in last night.

Yeah. Stayed out pretty late. Sorry.

With Jack? Or with Kelly?

First one, then the other.

Here's to honesty.

You know, Iris, if we sit around here all day,

we're just going to get on each other's nerves.

You know that.

So why don't we just, uh... get in the car,

take a drive up to Ojai?

You like Ojai?

No. But I like the drive.

(laughs)

Okay.

Let me just get my bag.

Whatever doesn't kill me makes me stronger.

You know, last time I was here,

you were getting in fights in pool halls.

Now you're suggesting mellow days in the country.

What happened?

Well, if that's too tame for you,

we could always go down to Sunset Boulevard,

you know, insult a couple bikers.

You seem happy, Dylan. Centered.

Well, a lot of things

have fallen into place for me.

Kelly?

Yeah, she's part of it.

And the Feds deciding that I don't have to spend the next ten years

wondering what it would be like to have a father.

I'd like the three of us to sit down.

You and me and Jack.

We'll see.

Come on, Mom.

What did you come all this way for?

You know you got to see him sometime.

Let's just, uh... we'll have dinner,

and you two can get to know each other all over again.

I know all I want to know about your father.

Talk to him. It would mean a lot to me.

You're as bad as he is. You know that?

Good. So we'll spend the day in Ojai,

and tonight we'll have dinner with Jack, okay?

Okay.

Wow! Look at all these awards.

These aren't swimming trophies, Donna.

May I help you?

Paulette. I'm Steve Sanders.

Then you must be David.

You have a very persistent manager.

Thank you. This won't take long, will it?

I'll let Mr. Bray know that you're here.

Thank you.

I don't understand why this couldn't wait till Monday.

David, the music business is a Sundays, holidays,

3:00 in the morning kind of deal.

You better get used to it.

Oh, my God! Do you know who records for these guys?

The Pain Killers.

Who are they?

It's trance-dance- synth-pop.

Their debut album went gold in two days.

That's going to be you next year, big guy.

I can see the headlines and billboard right now: "Silver Goes Gold."

Steve, keep it down, okay?

I don't want to blow this before we even get in the door.

Mr. Bray said that he'll see you....

as soon as he can.

Excuse me.

You look so familiar.

Now, how do I know you?

Um... I don't know.

Maybe the, uh... academic decathlon

or the, uh... interdistrict leadership conference?

Tahoe. Isn't it? Zuckerman?

Of course.

You ski at Alpine Meadows.

Your family has that big place out by the North Shore?

By the Holloways?

The only place my family has is in Van Nuys.

That is so funny.

A place in Van Nuys.

Tedro, you've got to hear this.

Andrea?

Remember me?

Jordan Bonner from Shaw?

Sure, I do! How are you?

Good. How are you?

I can't believe you're going to Yale.

Don't be so shocked.

I'm not shocked. Are you kidding?

I'm relieved. Finally, a familiar face.

So what made you pick Yale?

They picked me.

I think they're looking for another Clarence Thomas.

Boy, will they be surprised.

Can you tell me something?

Is it me, or are these people...?

Yes.

Thank you. I'm so glad you said that.

I was starting to feel like it was me.

I know one thing for sure.

I am definitely the only one here on scholarship.

You think so, huh?

Uh-huh.

No?

(toilet flushing)

Ah! (chuckles)

You are a vision, you two. A vision.

Earring! David!

Oh, thank God you have that unique look.

All my acts have that unique look.

And, Steven, well, you know.

Sit down. Sit down, please.

Thank you.

Gentlemen, I think we can skip the gavotte.

I cheated. I admit it. So sue me.

I ran your tape past Serge Mankon.

Uh... the producer?

Is Serge Mankon a producer?

Well, for a while there, he wasn't.

He thinks you're

his comeback.

Wait a second.

You mean Serge wants to produce my record?

Didn't I just say that?

I mean, frankly, he needs us more than we need him.

Now, that's a relationship.

Doesn't this guy have a drug problem?

In this business, who hasn't?

I mean, I haven't.

You haven't.

Please tell me you haven't.

No, I haven't.

Good. No drugs.

No songs about drugs.

No songs about killing cops.

Ideally, no songs about killing anyone.

Well, certainly there's a lot of considerations.

(phone rings)

Ah! I have to get this.

Uh-huh? Ah! All right.

Sorry. I have to grab this.

Sorry? Hey, what am I apologizing for?

I'm going to make you a star.

Paulette says that your friend Donna

is a big Pain Killers fan?

Yeah. So am I.

Beautiful. Beautiful.

And, Steve, do me a favor, won't you?

Take Donna down the hall, load up on CDs on me.

Did I say "on me"?

See? Already, you have me wrapped around your little finger.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

Paulette, show Mr. Sanders the CDs. Yes.

Thank you.

David, lose the yutz.

What do you mean?

What do you mean, what do I mean?

Lose the yutz.

Oh, you mean Steve?

You got other yutzes?

Look, David, I like dealing with young entertainers.

But a high school Danny Rose?

No, no, this I don't need.

Well, I don't think...

Don't think. Do.

Get rid of Sanders or no deal.

Well...

I'm glad we had this little... chat, huh?

(chuckling)

I mean, what are we

if not honest with each other, huh?

(chuckling)

Thank you.

Thanks.

Yes.

Oh! I hope we're not signing up

for four years of cucumber sandwiches

with the crust cut off.

Don't worry. I hear New Haven

has the best pizza in the world.

I'll be serving it up.

You're gonna get a job?

Are you kidding?

A job, a loan, whatever it takes.

They gave me a partial scholarship,

but the other half costs a fortune.

My parents tell me not to worry about it,

but I can't help feel guilty.

What are you gonna do?

I'm getting a full ride.

No.

I couldn't have swung it any other way.

You are so lucky, I can't believe it.

Now you're making me feel guilty.

I'm sorry.

Till New Haven, Zuckerman.

I know her from Tahoe.

She's very droll.

I thought you didn't know anybody here.

I don't, but who am I to blow against the wind?

(knocking)

Brenda, you have a visitor.

Who?

It's Kelly, honey.

She wants to see you.

I think you should talk to her.

All right, Mom. I guess you're right.

I mean, I have to get it over with eventually.

I don't know quite how this all happened.

I thought if anybody knew, it would be you.

Bren, things just flew out of control, you know?

I think back now and there's so much

I'd like to do differently.

Yeah, like everything.

Only everything that has to do with Dylan.

Well, that's everything.

We were friends before Dylan,

and if we're not friends after Dylan,

it's just not worth it to me.

Do you mean that?

Yeah.

You don't know how much it hurts me

to see you suffering like this.

Kelly, what's in your hair?

What?

There's something

in your hair.

It's right here.

I'll help you out with it.

Brenda, what are you doing?

Why? Do you actually think I'd hurt my best friend?

Oh, my gosh!

Mrs. Walsh! Help me!

Help yourself, Kelly.

You did with Dylan.

(music playing on boom box)

So, Jack? How does it feel to be out and about again?

I get down on my knees

and thank God for giving me a second chance.

Sure you do.

Oh, I swear, Iris.

Over there by the window

you'll find two dents in the carpet to match these knees.

You still doing

gin and tonic? No,

I gave that up a long time ago.

Just a mineral water, please.

Okay.

So, how was Ojai?

Walk on any hot coals?

Bend any metal with your mind?

Funny.

Um... we visited a school.

A school, huh?

What kind of school?

Just a small, alternative school.

It's a place where spirituality

is as much a part of the curriculum

as academics.

Well, I went to one like that, only mine had nuns

that whopped you on the hand with a ruler

if you got out of line.

Iris is thinking about starting a similar school in Hawaii.

Really?

A school? Well, that

sounds ambitious.

It's only a pipe dream.

I don't have that kind of money.

Dylan does.

Yeah. Mom, just say the word.

It's all yours.

You're in on this, too?

What? Did I say something wrong?

You've done a real good job, Jack.

You've trained your son very well.

To think that I was actually naive enough

to think that Dylan wanted to spend the day with me.

Get my coat, please, Dylan. We're leaving.

Wait a minute. Time-out.

You bought me off once, Jack.

I am not falling for it again.

That's not what's going on here.

Oh, no? Let me tell you something.

I didn't sacrifice to save that money for you just so he

could get his hands on it.

Iris. I agree. It was wrong

to keep you away from your son all those years,

but don't try to control him now

just to get even with me.

Don't talk to me about control.

Oh, come on, Iris.

Why can't we just start all over again

for Dylan's sake?

Oh, please.

That's a joke.

Mom. Dylan,

I am leaving. You can do what you want.

Dylan always does what he wants.

Haven't you figured that out by now?

I can't tell him what to do any more than you can.

No. You're just his father,

the only father in America who's in it for the money.

Shouldn't you be getting ready

for school, honey? I am ready for school.

Okay.

Can I give you a ride?

Thanks. I'll be down in a minute.

Hang in there, Champ.

Dad!

I can't do it.

I am trying so hard to be mature

and not hate them, and it's like I'm drowning,

and I can't breathe, and I don't know what to do.

Brenda.

Daddy, help me, please.

(sobbing)

It just goes over and over again in my head

and I can't make it stop.

Oh, sweetheart.

He dumped me, Dad.

For my best friend.

Why? What did I do to deserve this?

Isn't it time you were leaving for school?

Iris, I've been very capable

of getting myself to school for some time now,

so I'd appreciate it greatly

if you'd just drop the parental guidance act.

You don't seem to have a problem

with your father's parental guidance act, though.

No, I don't.

You know, for the life of me,

I can't figure out why you believe him.

Because I've spent more time with him since

he's been behind bars than I ever did

growing up, and you know what, Iris?

I like him.

That is absolutely frightening.

All my life people turned their backs on me.

I know what it feels like.

I won't do it to him.

You know,

the two of you deserve each other.

So, does that mean

you're gonna sign?

No, that means

you're going to school.

(school bell ringing)

Well, Curtis Bray is a definite madman,

but I've been checking him out

and I think you should go with him.

So do I. Icon Records

is the place for hip-hop,

which is why I've been pushing you there

so hard in the first place.

I think they may want to make some changes.

Well, I'm sure they know what they're doing.

No, Steve, I mean major changes.

He was telling me after you left.

David, your work is terrific just the way it is.

I'm here to protect you

and your music.

Steve...

David, you're the man.

You're the one with the talent.

You're the one with the voice,

and as far as I'm concerned,

you're the one that's calling the shots.

Talk to you later.

Oh, thanks for showing up on time.

I couldn't do it, Donna. I couldn't tell him.

Tell who what?

Well, we met with Icon Records and they want to sign me,

but I have to get rid of Steve first.

And you're still talking to them?

See, that's exactly what I said.

What do you want to do when you grow up?

I have no idea.

Well, I do. I know exactly what I want to do,

and Curtis Bray can get me there.

Come on, Donna.

He's broken seven major hip hop groups in the past year.

Well, why don't you find out how many

he's stabbed in the back?

All I can say is

you better level with Steve from the beginning

because the longer you wait to tell the truth,

the worse it gets for everyone.

Hey, Andrea!

How was your Yale tea?

Interesting.

"Interesting?" Mm-hmm.

Like how? What were the kids like?

Well, I wouldn't call them kids.

I'd call them junior captains of industry

who spent the whole time name-dropping and networking,

and there I was trying to figure out how

how to hold a purse and a teacup

at the same time.

There was a kid there

by the name of, um...

Ezra Stiles XVII or something.

They had a whole building named after him.

Well, maybe they'll name a building after you someday.

I doubt it.

Anyway, I did bump into a friend of yours there.

Really?

Who's that? Jordan Bonner.

Jordan Bonner's

going to Yale? Mm-hmm.

And they're giving him a free ride, the whole enchilada

right down to his shaving cream.

Wow. Way to go, Jordan.

He seems like a nice guy.

We had a great time.

I think that tea would have been a total disaster without him.

Well, it appears the feeling is mutual.

He just sent you a fax.

He did not.

Let me see that.

It says, "To my favorite Yalie.

"Boola boola.

Your friend, Jordan Bonner."

(laughs)

"Boola boola."

Crazy guy.

So how was your day with your mom?

Well, I thought I'd have a chance

to get through to her, but I didn't.

What now?

She goes back to Hawaii.

My father and I wait till my 21st birthday

before we can take the financial world by storm.

I'm sorry.

It's okay. See you at lunch.

Okay.

Brenda.

Brenda!

Please don't shut me out like this.

Kelly, you have Dylan now.

What more do you want?

(doorbell ringing) CINDY: I'll get it!

That's Iris McKay.

Turn off the television, huh?

CINDY: Come in. Come in.

Well, can I watch the game in your room?

Brandon, this obsession with basketball

is getting a little out of hand.

Dad, I am not obsessed. I'm not.

We need to talk.

Fine. After the game.

Oh, Iris,

it's just so good to see you.

I wouldn't have come to town without seeing you.

Hi, Iris. Brandon.

It's great to see you.

Will you excuse me?

I think he has homework to do.

Is Brenda here?

I was hoping to see her, too.

Well, you know, she's not feeling very well.

Oh... I'll just stick my head in.

I brought her something.

Uh, go on up.

I'm sure it'll be fine.

I'll be right down.

"Fine"?

Brenda'll be furious.

I don't think so.

Crystals provide a shield from negative energy.

What are you supposed to do with it?

Just hold it close.

Wear it around your neck if you like.

Let it help to make you stronger.

I'll try anything, right about now.

Like everything else, Brenda,

even despair eventually exhausts itself.

Well, it's exhausting me.

Your relationship with Dylan isn't over.

This is just one moment

in a very long lifetime.

I'm not sure what Dylan told you, but it is definitely over.

All that's left now

is headed right for the trash.

Close your eyes.

What?

Close your eyes and get a mental picture of the happiest time

you and Dylan had together.

Is this some kind of New Age visualization thing?

Just do it.

Can you see it?

Is there something in that box from that time?

Your relationship with Dylan

is far deeper than a box full of memories.

You stood by him when no one else did.

Great.

So he thanks me by falling in love with my best friend.

A wise man once said, "Salvation is attained

"by being so clearheaded and inwardly strong,

you can meet your opponent halfway."

I can't ever imagine being that clearheaded or that strong.

You already are.

Well, I do feel a little better.

Good.

It must be the crystal.

Maybe.

Then again, maybe it's you.

So... David's gonna be a big rock star, huh?

Who would have thought?

I did.

Yeah, you did, didn't you?

Nat, everybody admires a final product,

but who appreciates the grunt work

that went into making him what he is today?

I can say I knew him when.

Hey, David,

how 'bout an autographed 8x10

for the Peach Pit "Galaxy of Stars?"

Sure, Nat.

Okay.

What's up, Steve?

What's going on, man?

Why the late-night meeting?

Although, I'm always at your disposal.

What's the problem?

I've been trying to tell you all day.

Bray wants to make some changes, big changes.

Are you still worried about that?

David, I told you your music is the ticket.

Steve, it's not the music.

It's the personnel.

Hmm?

He said either you go or no deal.

Well, at least we found out sooner than later

that he's a sleazeball.

It's a little setback,

but it's okay; we'll find somebody else.

Steve, I'm going to tell him yes.

You're gonna tell him what?

I hooked you up with this guy.

I don't have any other choice.

Yes, you do.

What good is it gonna do either one of us if I get nowhere?

When I was shelling out bribes at the Beverly Hills Beach Club

just so you can get your first gig,

that's when you were nowhere.

Listen, Steve, if this thing goes anywhere,

you know I'll come back for you.

Don't do me any favors.

Listen, man, I'm sorry.

I just gotta do what's right for me.

You know, I've done some pretty pathetic things in my life,

but this,

this, at least now I know now

that I'm not the lowest of the low.

You sure you don't want me to stick around

and take you to the airport?

No, you go to school.

I have to drop by Jim Walsh's office first anyway

to sign some papers.

What?

You're getting what you want, Dylan.

Why?

What made you change your mind?

I did one thing that I'm proud of as a mother.

One great unselfish thing:

I set up that trust for you.

I know.

I mean, I don't always act like it, but I know.

Sometimes it's wiser...

to meet your opponent halfway.

Hi, Kelly.

Hi.

Does this mean you're talking to me again?

I guess so.

Well, I'm glad.

See ya.

Yeah.

I have to admit I'm...

well, I'm surprised you've come to this decision,

but if you think it's best. It's for Dylan.

Well... it's your decision.

Jim, what am I trying to hold on to?

Not my son.

If anything, I'm driving him away.

And if all I'm holding onto is my contempt for Jack, well,

maybe it's time I gave that up, too.

I just want my son to be happy.

I know you do.

And if the worst does happen with Dylan's trust, well,

I never believed that money could buy happiness anyway.

What have you got there?

Mementoes of my life with Dylan.

You'd think it'd fit into more than one box.

What are you gonna do with it?

Well, I was going to dump it in the trash,

but I changed my mind.

I'm gonna put it in the garage instead.

Good for you.

But Mom, just do me a favor.

If I ever get the sudden urge

to go out there and start mooning over this stuff,

just burn it.

You got a deal.

(loud music playing in distance)

What on earth is that?

♪ Thinking her world will change to better♪

♪ When she's gone ♪

Brandon!

Brandon! Isn't that too loud?

Mom, it's all about the sub-woofer.

You don't just hear it, you feel it.

Come on. Get in. Try it. It's killer.

Oh, I don't know.

How good is that?

Honey, just turn it down a little bit.

I'm feeling it too much.

Fine.

Brandon, new skis?

New stereo? Did a rich uncle

I don't know about, like, croak or something?

Brenda!

Mom, this stuff is very expensive.

What good is money if you can't spend it on the people you love?

For my beautiful mother.

And for my beautiful and sometimes skeptical sister.

Brandon, are you feeling all right?

Never better.

(footsteps)

Well, Brenda seems

to be finally snapping out of it.

She went to the movies with Donna.

That's good.

And Brandon's driving all over

keeping half the neighborhood awake

(chuckling): with his new car stereo.

Honey, what's the matter?

I still can't believe Iris signed those papers.

Well, I'm sure she had her reasons.

I know Brenda would hate to hear me say this right now,

but with everything we've been through with Dylan,

I kind of feel like he's a son to me.

Yeah, I know.

I keep asking myself,

would I throw my own son to the wolves like this?

The answer is no.

Well, what are you going to do?

For starters,

I'm going to tell the attorneys

to take their time drawing up the papers.

But then what? I mean, are you gonna sign?

I really don't know.

Well, congratulations, kid.

I got to hand it to you.

Iris came, Iris saw, you conquered.

I'm not out to conquer anybody, Jack,

least of all my own mother.

Oh, I know, I know,

but she signed, didn't she?

Just like I knew she would.

Cigar, anybody?

(clears throat)

I take it that means no.

Well, this one is in celebration of my new family:

you and me, son,

and at the risk of sounding sentimental,

I just want to say

that I haven't been this happy in a long time.

I'm glad.

So are you gonna stay here tonight or what?

No, I figured we'd just go back to my place.

Suit yourself. I'm gonna turn in.

Good night, Jack. Thanks for dinner.

Anytime, Kelly, anytime.

Good night.

Hey, you didn't even eat dinner.

I'm not very hungry.

All right, but no dessert

till you eat your vegetables.

Yeah?

(knocking)

DYLAN: Jack, I think I left my jacket in there.

Come on in.

Hang on for a second.

Oh, isn't it right there?

Oh. (scoffs)

Yeah, sorry. Good night.

Good night, son.

Oh, hey, close the door, will ya, buddy?

Yeah.

Listen, I lied through my teeth to my kid to get that money.

Now you guys hold up your end of the bargain or the deal is off.