Original subtitles

(dog barks in distance)

Is there a cake?

You're a girl. Bake one.

Valerie would check it for poison.

BRANDON: Come on, Kel. We're working kind of

last-minute here.

David only decided on a surprise party last night.

Hmm. Oh, did we get her a present?

BRANDON: No, but David got her this lovely trinket,

that he had me pick it up for him.

Oh, can we all put our names on it?

(gasps)

Surpri... Oh.

Sorry we're late.

What is this?

Uh, I brought Valerie a dress.

Oh, a Donna Martin original. How exceptionally giving of you.

Call me a sucker on birthdays.

They'll be on the racks tomorrow at MayaLee's.

Oh, I love that store.

You guys are in business.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

So, you finished the whole order?

Oh, only 20.

I thought the store said they didn't need them until Friday.

Yeah, but they said if I got done early,

I could just take them over there.

Donna, you were in the emergency room last week.

I know, and now I'm fine.

Don't worry. Thank you, but this is a good thing for me.

All right.

(car engine humming)

I just heard a car.

STEVE: Don't touch that switch.

Too late. Don't hit the switch.

You were supposed to be watching.

David was gonna hit his flashers.

Oh, just get over there.

KELLY AND DONNA: Surpri...

Well, where's our birthday girl?

Late, luckily.

23 years ago, 11:18 a.m.

And she's still a late riser.

(Bill laughing)

Just like her mom.

STEVE: Well...

there's my boy.

All right, those are the headlights I was looking for.

David and Valerie are here.

I can't wait to see her.

I have the most marvelous surprise for her.

(car doors closing)

(light switch clicks)

You know, I like this house.

Really? You didn't seem too crazy about me taking it.

Well, I wanted to be with you, but I'm glad it's here.

Hmm...

Mmm, where we can be alone.

Alone? It's your birthday.

All the more reason.

Mmm.

ALL: Surprise!

ABBY: Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

BILL: Happy Birthday.

I called everyone yesterday. I thought for sure you overheard.

STEVE: Next year, you got to

give us a little more warning.

Yeah, I kind of wish I had some, too.

Let me get you a birthday drink.

Look at that expression.

It's like you're 12 years old again.

That was her first surprise party.

She just burst into tears.

VALERIE: Um, Brandon,

let me help you with that.

No, no, no. Let him get it.

This is your party. It's all about you, honey.

You felt it, didn't you?

Feel what?

Bill, she's onto us.

(laughing)

Uh, on to what? What, what's going on?

The ring.

We're getting married.

Congratulations.

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

Well, uh, you guys will be sisters now.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ You're 15 going on 20, baby ♪

♪ But you're still in your daddy's hair ♪

♪ You want a piece of something, honey ♪

♪ Better come on up for air ♪

♪ You think you're so amusing, baby ♪

♪ Like someone in a magazine ♪

♪ Get off your painted pony, mama ♪

♪ Come and get your feet on the ground ♪

♪ Ooh, girl... ♪

I'm looking for the Donna Martin Collection.

Oh, well!

Right this way. It's a very limited edition.

Even more limited, since we just made a sale.

What time did you get here?

Oh, about five minutes before the store opened.

Donna, I got to tell you I'm really proud of you.

Thank you. Oh, wait, wait.

That woman right there, she's the one that bought my dress.

SALESWOMAN: Oh, well, that's...

Is she returning it?

It's probably the wrong size.

What are you doing?

Okay, we'll just...

Excuse me.

Are you returning this dress? Yes.

Why? Do you like it?

Oh, yes, I do very much.

I was just wondering why you don't.

Is it the cut or the fabric, or...?

I thought it was a

Donna Karan, at this price.

I was almost out of the store when I

realized it's a Donna Martin.

Whoever that is.

(laughing): Right.

Val, stop.

I'll finish this later, all right?

I want to give you something.

I want to help.

I don't care. You're not going to.

You're not going to clean up after your own party.

Especially one you hated.

Oh, it was my mother who turned it into a firing squad.

It's not your fault.

Yeah, she just wasn't thinking.

She didn't care.

Val, she's in love.

It'll pass. Even without a wedding.

I mean, I'm supposed to meet Kelly in an hour.

We're gonna make sure of it.

You guys really think

you're gonna stop your parents from getting married?

She doesn't even know what love means.

He's a convicted felon. Call me optimistic.

You sure didn't seem it last night.

It's just that I hate birthdays.

I mean, ever since I was a kid.

Fake sentiments, smiling on command for the camera.

"Look, honey. See what a happy family

we are!" Please.

Val, I'm trying to make you feel better here.

I'm sorry.

It's just that my mom used to give me a charm

for my charm bracelet every year.

Uh, the-the one on your bureau?

Yeah, I hated that thing.

But I've never been able to get rid of it.

Kind of like my past.

Well, it's the thought that counts.

Yeah, this will bring up the bad ones.

(sneezing)

Janet, go home.

Oh, thanks, but I think I'm going to stay.

You're sick.

Well, it beats

starving.

No sick pay.

(sniffles, sneezes)

(phone rings)

Ah, maybe that's for me.

I entered a contest for medical insurance.

So, keep your fingers crossed.

Beverly Beat.

What's the matter with you, Steve?

You sick, too?

Yeah, maybe a little.

I went by Ted's office today.

You found him?

Yeah, I found him, after a few phone calls.

Say, 50 or so.

I found out that Ted's company merged with Whittier & Leeks.

So I went down to those offices today.

Didn't even get past the lobby before I found this.

Corporate newsletter.

Yes. This is Ted himself.

Recently promoted.

Is he Barbie's dream date,

or what?

Well, maybe right for Barbie, not right for Jill.

(sighs)

They're soul mates already. Wait till she sees him in the flesh.

So what's on your agenda?

Maybe not the best day for this,

but, uh...

I've got a job interview at the Chronicle.

(rock music playing)

What if they're happy?

I mean, they are our parents.

It's a nightmare. It's a train wreck waiting to happen.

Oh, I don't know.

Where'd you get that?

This? My mother.

Your father?

Mm-hmm.

What's next?

Twin sweater-sets? Forced sleep-away camp?

All right, you've covered the options.

What's the plan? Okay.

I'm gonna talk to your dad, but my mom

is completely deaf to me.

Luckily, she's going to be eager to please you.

Me?

Yeah. Hit her low.

Hit her really hard with the truth about your dad.

Well, when you say it like that, it makes me want to defend him.

Look, this is no time for family pride or loyalty.

I mean, do you want to be sharing holidays

and birthdays and-and matching outfits with me

for the rest of your life?

(knocking at door)

Hi.

You said you had Ted's address.

His office, actually.

You could invite me in.

Oh, I did.

When I thought you were someone I knew.

Someone I loved.

Someone I nearly made love with.

Jill, I know you don't know me,

but I know you.

Your letters...

Were addressed to Ted.

Did I mention

by opening them, you committed a crime?

Come on, just give me a chance.

Ted's phone number.

The name of his company.

Anything.

Did you ever wonder why

he never came looking for you?

No.

I'm sure he thinks I just stopped writing to him.

I'd have found you.

Come on, give me a chance.

Go out with me as me.

Steve Sanders.

And then if you can resist my overwhelming charm,

my animal magnetism and

charismatic personality,

then I'll give you Ted.

This is blackmail.

Yeah, I guess.

But it's for a good cause.

One date.

Steve Sanders.

BRANDON: All right, so, tell me the truth.

Have you ever got to say "Stop the presses"?

(chuckles)

I read your previous submissions.

They were really good.

But your work this year is great.

Thanks.

How did you, um, come across it?

I keep an eye on the smaller papers.

It's my job to steal the next Bob Woodward.

I should be so lucky.

I'm afraid there's no room for negotiation.

We know what a job here can do for your career later.

Working for a big city daily,

it's, uh, it's kind of a dream of mine.

Here's a temporary ID.

Come by tomorrow after lunch,

and we'll get you started.

That's it?

Unless you want me to reconsider.

That's okay.

Thanks.

Ms. Stanley.

Uh, right-- Jamie.

Uh, I finished up at Personnel.

I just wanted to say thanks again.

Brian Carter,

this is Brandon Walsh,

our new Metro reporter.

Oh, you just starting up? Yeah, yeah. You, too?

Yeah. Hey, if you're all finished here,

I'll walk you out.

We can go grab a beer, celebrate.

Great, sounds good.

Thanks again.

Sure.

Get a nice cold one.

Yeah.

Did you, uh, get a chance to look around this place?

A little bit, yeah.

You boys just get jobs?

Yeah, I'm Brandon Walsh.

Uh, Brian Carter. Timmy McCourt.

I've seen your byline on hundreds of stories.

It's an honor.

Thank you.

Jamie bring you up to speed?

Yeah, yeah, briefly.

Listen, I know you're busy,

but if you got a couple of minutes

tomorrow and could show us the ropes,

it'd be greatly appreciated.

I'm afraid I'll be on

the other side of those ropes

tomorrow, kid.

The real reporters are going on strike.

The real reporters?

You guys are scabs.

Hey.

Hmm?

(chuckles)

(groans)

I was up all night thinking of those dresses,

doubting all the choices I made.

Well, now you got Sally what's-her-name on the phone.

The buyer from MayaLee's?

Oh, great.

She's probably calling to tell me

they shipped all my dresses off to a discount store.

(chuckles)

Okay, ready for this.

Hello.

Yes, this is Donna.

What?!

Are you kidding?

All of them?

Oh, my God.

Uh, sorry.

Y-Yes, sure.

Um, okay, I'll need, um, two weeks

for production.

(chuckles): Okay.

Um, thank you.

Thank you so much.

Bye.

Oh, my God, oh, my God! (chuckles)

They sold, they sold. Every single dress sold.

Now they want to buy 20 more.

We did it. You did it.

I can't believe this.

Wow.

Okay.

Um, I'm going to pay you back

all the money you gave me.

There's no rush.

Or we could take the money

and we could open a shop, just like you said.

Why don't we take one step at a time?

You don't think it'll work?

I think you're taking on a lot right now.

You're letting it count for way too much.

Now, your dresses sold, but if they hadn't,

you'd be just as talented, just as good.

You have that much faith in me?

Yeah, I do.

That means everything to me.

Thank you.

(chuckles)

So they're taking these reporters' articles

and putting them online?

Right, and they're not paying them

any more for it, and that's their beef.

Well, good morning, Janet.

Hi, guys.

Bagels are on the counter.

Your suit from the dry cleaners

is on your desk.

Oh, and here's a little reminder

of the rules of the road.

Hmm.

This parking ticket is for your car.

Yeah, I was double parked, picking up your dry cleaning

five minutes before the place

closed last night.

Couldn't go this morning?

No, I couldn't because I was busy.

And you said you needed your suit for a meeting tonight.

Meeting?

Well, not really a meeting.

It's more like a... date.

Date with Jill?

Yes, yes.

Date with Jill.

Yes. Mm-hmm.

Janet, if you mind doing

these personal favors, just say so. (blows nose)

I think that's what she's saying.

Don't you have to get to work, someplace else?

You got the job at the Chronicle?

Yeah, dig out the resumes.

We're gonna need a new editor.

Look, look, look, look, I'll double back here

until you find somebody.

It's no big deal.

Oh, no, you won't.

This is the big-time, Brandon.

You're not gonna screw it up by trying to do two jobs,

not even for your best friend, your partner,

the guy who discovered you.

Okay, I get the picture.

So why do they need you so soon?

The, uh... (clears throat)

the reporters went on strike this morning.

Oh, so, um...

you didn't actually get the job, you took someone's.

Someone who left on

a matter of principle?

When I got the offer,

I didn't know they were gonna strike.

Well, you know now.

I've waited a long time for a job like this.

And this is how you want to get it?

You know what?

No one's starving at the Chronicle,

no one's breathing coal dust.

This union thing's a thing of the past.

So's this break, if I don't take it.

Well, take it.

Don't.

VALERIE: She has a little cash

from the sale of a house.

You can do better.

I don't want your mother's money.

Look, I, I know I was a terrible husband

and a worse father, and I'm sure Kelly's told you about that.

Enough.

But I didn't appreciate what it meant to come home to someone.

Now I do.

You're lonely.

Find another sucker.

All right, I-I was selfish

but never lonely.

Not until the first time I had to say good-bye to your mother.

Are you still selfish?

Look, I don't want this, and neither does Kelly.

I mean, she's your daughter.

Doesn't that matter?

We'd like your blessing, Val.

If you hurt her,

if you so much as disappoint her,

I'll call your parole officer.

I'll file false charges.

I'll do anything to... What, to protect her?

So will I.

When he was married to my mother,

he forgot birthdays, anniversaries.

Finally, he just forgot us.

Your father loves you.

Well, that's how he treats the people he loves.

(thunder rumbles softly)

You think he's changed.

I thought he had, too.

Thought he'd finally realized

what it was like to be loved by someone.

And now he finally has.

You want me to have all this information before I do this.

But you know,

you can never really know someone completely.

(thunder rumbles softly)

Valerie's father...

I know.

You learn not to think about it,

not to notice

the silence.

I'm good at shutting things out.

But I don't want to shut your father out.

He thinks we have a chance together.

I just think you should, um, take a look at his history,

his actions.

That's all I'm saying.

We're getting married,

Saturday at St. Timothy's.

(thunder rumbles softly)

This Saturday?

Great.

(people chattering in distance)

(thunder rumbles)

Brandon, hey.

Hey, Brian.

Lovely weather we're having, huh?

(chuckles): Yeah.

So how many times you get turned down by this newspaper?

Uh, once before I graduated and then again last June.

Who'd you think was cooler, Superman or Clark Kent?

Jimmy Olson.

Ace reporter.

What do you think they want?

Money.

It's always money.

BRANDON: You know, it's a union shop.

If we go in there and work,

we're scabs.

That doesn't bother you?

I got kids to feed.

REPORTERS: Scab! Scab! Scab!

It was a nice restaurant.

Come on.

They brought you the wrong food,

the table wouldn't stop jiggling

no matter how many sugar packets I stuffed under the legs,

and that waiter was rude.

You handled it like a pro.

It's not what I had planned.

That's okay.

You're not who I thought you were, and I still

felt...

Yeah?

...what I felt, anyway.

But I am in love with someone else.

Someone you don't even know.

Didn't you know me from my letters?

We're gonna need a pen.

Whittier & Leeks.

They're downtown off Sixth.

Make sure you ask for Ted

in the International Department specifically.

He's new there, so

he's not gonna be on the directory.

Aren't you gonna write this down?

I've wanted this for so long.

I flew all the way here.

If it doesn't feel right, you don't have to do it.

Okay.

You do it.

How am I supposed to do that?

You're very inventive.

Just get him there.

I'll have to go through with it if he's in the same room.

(laughs)

Oh, boy.

Okay.

To you.

For believing in me.

Mm, hey.

That's from the store.

Why don't you deal with it tomorrow?

I just want to see what it is.

A check for the dresses.

Oh, it's a mistake.

They already paid us.

I'll deal with it.

You said it was cash on delivery.

Remember we went to dinner to celebrate?

Noah?

(sighs)

The money you got for the dresses came from me.

The store bought them on consignment.

So they pay us if and when they sell the dresses.

A store like MayaLee's? No, they wouldn't do that.

I got a friend in corporate.

An old buddy of mine.

So, you cut a deal behind my back?

Look, after the overdose and getting fired,

I wanted to help you.

Help me what?

Believe in yourself.

Even though you don't?

JANET: Yes, sir, we got your ad,

and we placed it according to your specifications.

Okay, so you go into the guy's office and what happens?

Well, I tell him I'm a potential investor.

You?

Yeah, and, uh, we're meeting in the restaurant tonight

to review my portfolio.

Do you even have a portfolio?

Please. After tonight, I won't even have a girl.

Hmm. Did Jill call?

Sir, I-I understand that you're upset.

Any messages for me?

Thank you. Janet, you get bagels?

I... listen I will recheck the order. No bagels.

What are we gonna do without bagels? And I will call you back, okay?

Bagels are brain food. Poppy bagel, my cup of coffee...

and a shmear... You guys?

I happen to think that I'm good

at my job, but there is only so much I can do.

And especially when I am swamped,

sick and underpaid.

Aren't you supposed to be at work?

I couldn't cross the picket line.

I'm glad.

Yeah, selfishly, so am I.

I hate to see you walk away from something you want so bad.

And for what? A union that won't let you in

because its members have a lock

on all the jobs.

Hi. I'm Donald Tucker.

I'm looking for Steve Sanders.

Oh, I almost forgot. Donald.

I'm Steve. This is Brandon Walsh.

How you doing?

Uh, he's here for your job.

Oh. I read your stuff, man. Very impressive.

(sighs) STEVE: Uh,

Donald, I'm sorry. The position is no longer available.

BRANDON: I thought I was

going to the Chronicle, but I'm not.

(laughing)

Sorry.

I-I laugh

when I'm nervous.

Like on job interviews.

There is no more job.

(laughing)

Sorry.

Happens when I'm

disappointed, too.

Well, what happens

when you meet a pretty woman?

Well, I-I-I don't.

Not like he means.

You understand.

(phone rings) Sure.

Beverly Beat. Look, I'm really

sorry about the editor position.

JANET: Um, Brandon, it's a Brian

Carter from the Chronicle.

Yeah?

Uh-huh. Maybe we can use your services,

after all. Yeah, what's going on, Brian?

Have you ever done any undercover pieces?

You know, posing as someone, say...

an investment banker named Ted? Brian, I can't hear you.

BRANDON: Brian, speak up. I can't hear you.

BRIAN: Hey, I'm on a story.

A section of a state-funded housing project collapsed.

Was anyone hurt?

No, but it's right on the heels

of the board's safety approval.

Hey, stay by the phone. I'll feed you the facts.

Brian, I didn't take the job.

I haven't got time to do the research and write it up.

I don't think I can do that.

Brandon,

this is my first piece.

I need to work with a good writer.

That'd be you. I'll call you when I'm in.

Yeah.

(dial tone)

DAVID: Come on, Val.

The rehearsal starts at 4:00.

I'm not going.

Okay, your mom stole the show on your birthday.

All right, her timing was bad.

I-I don't think her motives were.

Oh, David, she doesn't listen to me.

Bad news? She doesn't want to hear it.

If it gets in the way of her having a man.

No, it doesn't matter how much he hurt me...

coming into my room night after night...

This isn't about Bill Taylor, is it?

No, it's...

It's not. It's...

...my father.

When I was a kid, he, uh...

I was sexually abused, David.

(sighs)

I didn't know.

Yeah, that's what she said when I told her.

Well... (laughs)

You knew I was damaged.

Turns out, I'm completely broken.

How old were you?

Eleven.

I became really quiet.

Withdrawn.

Instead of asking me what was wrong,

my mom decides to invite half the school over

for my 12th birthday party.

My dad, um...

buys me this-this jacket.

Black mink.

We didn't have that kind of money.

I thought everybody knew.

It was guilt talking.

Val, it was his fault. It wasn't yours.

My 13th birthday...

There was this huge blizzard.

My dad was in Chicago,

and he was stuck there because the airport was closed.

The snow was piled up so high outside our house that

nobody could get in or out.

It was the first time in a long time I felt safe.

So my mom and I decide...

to bake a cake.

It was...

it was chocolate with vanilla frosting.

Nothing ever tasted so good.

Noah?

Donna. Hey, look, I'm kind of busy right now.

I'll make it quick.

(thunder rumbles) I'm sorry.

You made a shrewd business move.

It just happened to hurt my feelings.

Look, I knew eventually you'd sell your designs.

With everything you've been through,

I didn't think you could wait.

Well, my faith in myself, it's pretty strong.

It's my faith in men that's been tested

this year-- to the limit.

(picketers clamoring)

Thanks for the ride, man.

Yeah, sure. You know, if you're freelancing,

you could have e-mailed this here.

Or worn a disguise.

What are they striking for? Ergonomically-designed seats?

Espresso machine in the break room? What?

Salary. Pension.

Reprinting rights.

What do you think?

I think I'd be happy

with what they're getting now.

See ya.

(thunder rumbles)

That guy was here before. Is he a reporter?

You made the right choice yesterday.

Scab! Management stooge!

You're taking our jobs, scab.

Tell Donald the job's open.

Yeah.

(people shouting)

ABBY: There you are.

Is that what you're wearing?

Uh, Val is here to give you her support. She could probably

use yours as well.

She's always had my support.

You look lovely.

Um, David, can you, uh...

go talk to the minister?

He's supposed to give me a reading.

I'm okay here.

All right.

Reverend Mayfair has an appointment in 15 minutes.

I wonder if you wouldn't mind standing in for your Dad.

Okay. Did he call?

Well, how could he?

I've been running errands all morning.

All right, I will check my machine.

Maybe he called there.

Bill told me about your visit.

Mom, like I've said before,

I don't think you should marry him.

BILL: Where's my

bride?

Hi!

(laughing)

Dad, you're 45 minutes late.

I know, I know. Darling, I am so sorry.

I had a meeting, then traffic.

I'm gonna get

you a cell phone.

I don't like being out of touch with you. No, I don't.

Another brilliant deflection by Bill Taylor.

He's late and doesn't call, and it's her fault for not

having a cell phone.

Well, I'll give it to her for a wedding present.

David, how are you?

Do I detect defeat?

Maybe he's changed.

VALERIE: They do look good together.

Yeah, they do.

(indistinct conversations)

(smooth jazz plays)

Do you think Ted's here?

I mean, how will we

recognize each other?

Uh, I've got it all worked out.

I'm gonna use the phone.

I'll be right back, okay?

Okay.

I'll just be a minute.

Ted Slafsky. Nice to meet you.

I've read every financial trade paper I could.

That's great.

The thing is, Donald...

Ted.

We're not doing a financial exposé here.

See that girl over there?

Sitting alone on the other side of the bar? Mm-hmm.

Well that's Jill, and I am absolutely

head over heels, arrow through the heart crazy about her.

Well that's good, I guess.

No, Donald. It's not good.

See that guy?

Covered with waitresses?

Mm-hmm.

That's Ted, and Jill's in love with him.

Whoa.

That's right, Donald. Whoa.

But the thing of it is, she's never met him in person.

She's only read his letters.

That is true love.

Ah, is it?

Because if she met someone

who she thought wrote those letters,

someone, let's say, with a little less...

assuming presence...

Someone...

Who looked like me.

Would she still want him?

So, it's a test.

Yes, yes.

It's a test. A love test. A test of true love.

But you're changing all the variables, not just looks.

It's not a fair test.

You love this girl? You want her to be happy?

Yeah.

Even if it makes you miserable?

Because that's the test of true love.

You're right.

I hope you're ready for this, because I'm not.

Ted...

uh, you don't know me,

but I set this meeting up.

Ted, this

is your pen pal, Jill.

Jill, this is Ted.

Jill?

Uh-huh. (chuckles) Hi.

I'm Steve.

You stopped writing.

I thought I lost you.

Steve Sanders.

(knocking)

Hey. Hey.

Um, can you take a break?

I want to show you some sketches.

Sure. Let's go downstairs.

No, the bar's all sticky. It'll ruin my sketches.

Well, we'll get a table.

It's so loud.

What are you doing with these?

I bought 'em.

What?! Is this all a joke to you?

They weren't selling. They were

in the store for one day!

I was gonna tell you about it.

When, after I caught you in the first lie

or now that I've caught you in the second? Which?

If you listen to me... No!

I don't need to.

I can see how little you think of me.

(door slams)

Morning.

Mr. McCourt, uh, good to see you.

Thank you.

Janet Sosna, this is...

Timmy McCourt. I'm a big fan.

Thank you. Pleasure to meet you.

What can I do for you?

How you doing?

Good.

Saw your byline on

the housing project story.

It was a good piece.

Thanks.

I've got another story for you:

back in the 1930s, guy meets gal.

Love on the old assembly line,

making a couple of bucks an hour,

but of course, you know, you can double that

because they're both working.

And yet the kids,

they kids are still growing up in a house with dirt floors.

Let me guess.

No union, no benefits, no overtime.

However,

by the 1950's, they are solidly middle class.

And you know what?

The youngest kid even goes to college.

American dream.

You're looking at it.

Take the story, don't take

the job.

Mr. McCourt, I've waited for an opportunity like this

for a long time. It doesn't come easy.

Neither does what we're fighting for.

(knocking)

Hi.

Dad, you're not dressed. Where's your suit?

At the, uh, cleaner's, I suppose.

Don't do this.

Please don't do this.

I thought you didn't want us to get married.

Believe me, Valerie's the last person I want as family,

but it would have been worth it

if it'd meant you could've kept a promise.

You were so sure I wouldn't.

(sighs) Why did you even propose to her?

It was the way she looked at me.

I, I saw a second chance.

She believed in you,

even though she knew she shouldn't.

I know the feeling. Never again.

Kelly, it's...

Never again, Dad!

(sighs)

Just, um, just explain it to her, hmm?

How, when I don't understand?

Yes, you do.

We both wish you were wrong about me.

(bell tolling)

(organ playing)

(indistinct conversations)

Got a minute?

Listen to me.

When you overdosed, I mean, you were just laying there.

And I was helpless. I couldn't help you at all.

I just couldn't stand to see you that way again.

I'll make you a deal.

Next time I have a problem,

I won't go for the medicine cabinet

if you won't go for your wallet.

When I get scared, and I lean on you...

support me, don't lie to me.

Okay.

Okay.

By the way, Burnett's department store called.

Oh... the head buyer wouldn't even meet with me,

so I dropped off a sample.

They probably just want me

to come and get it.

Not unless you can be in Madrid.

That's where she is on vacation, wearing it.

Yeah.

She wants a hundred more to sell.

There any side deals, sales incentives,

favors for an old friend I should know about here?

Nope, this is all you.

(giggles)

STEVE: Is this the tie you chose?

BRANDON: What do you mean, "Is this...?"

Would you ever wear a tie this stylish?

Look at that tie you have on.

What'd I get her?

A toaster.

It's a serving piece. They'll love it.

You have Janet buying your wedding presents now?

Do you see how badly I need a girlfriend?

Oh...

Ted and Jill are probably married right now.

You did the right thing. Feels good, doesn't it?

Mildly.

So, how's the new editor working out?

STEVE: Oh, took him for a,

a get-to-know you drink.

Mm-hmm. He got to know me.

Passed on the job.

Can't say I blame him.

I'm not going to work at the Chronicle.

STEVE: Shouldn't one of us be disappointed?

Best job I never had.

I'm really proud of the work

I didn't do there.

Coming back to the Beat?

Throw in a medical plan, sick days, paid overtime,

I'll think about it.

(sighs)

Mm... all right, all right.

Aw, geez.

Welcome back.

(footsteps approaching)

Hey.

Oh, thank goodness. Now we can get started.

Mom, wait. Um, where is he?

He's not coming.

Abby, I'm so sorry.

Well, he, he's late.

He'll be here.

I don't think so.

He's nervous. I'll, I'll talk to him.

We'll work it out.

What happened?

I mean, he can't do this. What did he say?

What difference does it make?

He's not coming.

I'll, um, go tell the guests.

Mom?

Mom, wait.

It's all right, I'm fine.

It doesn't matter.

It was just a lark; crazy.

I didn't think that...

Mom, don't do this, okay?

Don't pretend this isn't happening.

God, take it from me.

If people don't know you're hurt,

they don't know to help you.

(sobbing): Oh, honey!

I'm so sorry.

BRANDON: You did very well at the church today.

It was good having Valerie there

equally invested, sort of like family.

Your worst nightmare.

Once I got used to it, it wasn't that bad.

No, no, leave it.

I like it.

All right.

That's my ID tag from the Chronicle.

I won't be needing that anytime soon.

Can I have it?

Why?

A reminder:

I have one good man in my life who makes hard decisions,

stands by them.

(doorbell rings)

I got it.

Did you come to say good-bye?

To thank you.

Well, invite me to the wedding.

I won't come,

but I'll send you a gift.

I already picked one out.

We did talk about marriage.

Did I mention my low threshold for pain?

But mostly I talked about you.

About all the things you did to get to know me

and what you did last night...

for me.

What about Ted?

He was everything I thought he'd be.

But you're more.

Hi. Hey.

Is, uh, your mom on her way home?

Yeah, she hugged me so tightly

when she said good-bye.

She's never done that.

Well, she loves you.

I forget that sometimes.

Along with all the happy memories.

My father took those with him.

Well, they're yours. Sometimes you just need someone

to help you reach them.

(gasps softly)

It's chocolate on the inside.

With vanilla frosting.

You made this?

Happy Birthday.

Thanks.