Episode #74
The Day After #73

TEASER

INT: TIM & CLAIRE’S APT. (LIVING ROOM)
MORNING

Carrying a cup of coffee, CLAIRE enters the living room, dressed to head to the hospital, and takes a seat on the couch. A pajama-clad TIM walks in, yawning.

TIM: Good morning ...

CLAIRE: Hey. Neither of the kids is awake yet, are they?

TIM: No, I just checked. What time do you have to be in today?

CLAIRE: In like an hour ...

TIM: (as if reading her mind) You go in. I’ll get ready and drop them off at my parents’ house on my way to the office.

He sits down beside her.

CLAIRE: You sure?

TIM: It’s no problem.

He leans closer to her.

TIM (CONT’D): Besides, we’re in this together, remember?

He kisses her gently on the forehead.

CLAIRE: How could I forget?

She takes a sip of her coffee.

CLAIRE (CONT’D): Which reminds me: Last night you said there was something you needed to talk to me about. What was it?

***

INT: MALL
MORNING

A small bag in hand, COURTNEY walks out of the music store. She turns left and walks several feet before waving to a familiar face. The young woman speeds up and meets MOLLY near a bench.

COURTNEY: Hey! How’s it going?

MOLLY: Pretty well ... What are you doing here so early?

COURTNEY: We skated this morning, and then there was a CD I wanted to return, so I dropped by on my way home.

MOLLY: Ah, another early riser.

COURTNEY: Just why are you up and about this early anyway?

MOLLY: I had a 7:00 job interview, and I couldn’t resist the urge to do a little shopping while I was out.

COURTNEY: How’d it go?

MOLLY: Pretty well, I’d say. (pause) You never can tell with these things, though.

COURTNEY: I dread the day when I have to actually go out and get a job.

MOLLY: Enjoy it while you can, Court. Before you know it, you’ll be all grown up.

She stares off wistfully for a moment.

COURTNEY: Hey, are you busy? Do you wanna grab some breakfast or something? My treat.

MOLLY: Sure, why not?

COURTNEY: Okay, cool, because I’m dying for one of those muffins they’ve got at the cafe downstairs.

MOLLY: Let’s go, then.

The two walk off together.

***

INT: CASSIE’S COFFEE HOUSE
MORNING

Compared to its nighttime atmosphere of live music and an overabundance of college students putting off their schoolwork for "just a little while longer," the coffee house is notably empty -- not to mention quiet -- as DANIELLE enters.

DANIELLE: (to herself) So where is this woman I’m supposed to meet, anyway?

She scans the room, finding only three tables occupied: one by a young couple, one by a man in his late twenties sitting alone, and the last by a beautiful African-American woman with a briefcase by the foot of her chair.

Danielle approaches the WOMAN, who rises at the sight of her and extends her hand. As they shake, Danielle notices the lack of business apparel on the woman; rather, she is clad in a pair of jeans and a casual sweater.

DANIELLE: You must be Ms. Owens.

ROBERTA: Please, call me Roberta. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Danielle.

DANIELLE: You too ... Roberta.

Danielle takes a seat across the table from Roberta.

ROBERTA: I’m so glad you could make it. (pause) I hate to do these kinds of things in the office -- it’s so much more comfortable here.

DANIELLE: Yeah, I really like the whole atmosphere.

She looks around for a minute, still taking in the all the space and quiet.

DANIELLE (CONT’D): Although I must say, it’s quite a different place at night.

ROBERTA: That it is. But it’s still cozy, even when it’s packed.

DANIELLE: Yeah ... I love singing here. I can just kinda relax and do what I do, rather than worrying about ten thousand other little things.

ROBERTA: (raising her index finger) And that brings me to the point of this whole meeting. Let me be up front with you, Danielle: I liked what I heard the other night -- and I’m willing to offer you a lucrative deal with our record label.

Danielle smiles, trying to subdue her sheer excitement at hearing that all her years of practice and toil may have finally paid off.

ACT ONE

INT: TIM & CLAIRE’S APT. (LIVING ROOM)
MORNING

CLAIRE takes another drink of coffee as TIM begins to explain.

TIM: Yeah, I was just too tired to talk about it last night. (pause) It’s something I heard about at the office yesterday.

CLAIRE: Heard about -- or was told?

TIM: Actually, yeah, I was told.

CLAIRE: By whom?

TIM: The big bad boss lady.

CLAIRE: Oh no. What does Diane want now?

TIM: It’s actually not a scheme -- at least I don’t think it is.

CLAIRE: So what’s the deal, then?

TIM: There’s good news and there’s bad news. (pause) Diane was offered a job at another company and she’s considering the offer. The bad news is that it would involve her moving to LA.

***

INT: MALL CAFE
MORNING

COURTNEY and MOLLY sit down at a table, each carrying a tray with their breakfast on it: coffee and a roll for Molly, a muffin and a bottle of juice for Courtney.

COURTNEY: So, back to business: You feel good about this job interview?

MOLLY: It’s the second one I’ve had in the last few weeks, but I think the first one went better.

COURTNEY: Did anything happen?

MOLLY: No, I just feel like I clicked with the person doing the first interview a little better. Besides, I’d rather work at that agency that the one I just interviewed for.

COURTNEY: What kinda jobs are they?

MOLLY: Basically just entry-level jobs -- secretarial work, stuff like that. But I wanna be working at one of these fashion agencies, and hopefully I’ll be able to climb up through the ranks.

COURTNEY: What about the job you had before?

MOLLY: Don’t even go there. The whole Craig thing kept me from even doing my job. They were nice enough to give me a reference, but I’m not counting on the experience from that job getting me anywhere.

COURTNEY: So you’re looking for a fresh start now, huh?

MOLLY: Yeah -- in my career and everything else.

***

INT: CASSIE’S COFFEE HOUSE
MORNING

DANIELLE and ROBERTA are seated at a small table, in the midst of conversation.

DANIELLE: Wow.

ROBERTA: It’s amazing, isn’t it? These things creep up when you least expect them to.

DANIELLE: Yeah, really.

ROBERTA: All right -- now for the terms. Sonic Sound wants to give you a two-album deal, with the possibility of an extension based on the commercial performance of those albums.

Danielle takes a deep breath, trying to absorb what she is being told.

DANIELLE: Okay.

ROBERTA: As you may know, we like to let our new artists do some of their own advertising -- meaning touring.

DANIELLE: Of course.

ROBERTA: As part of your contract, we would require that you tour for at least one year following the release of your first album.

Danielle’s demeanor suddenly changes from ecstatic to worried.

ACT TWO

INT: TIM & CLAIRE’S APT. (LIVING ROOM)
MORNING

CLAIRE looks at TIM in shock; he can respond only by nodding affirmatively.

CLAIRE: Wh--why--

She pauses, unsure of what she is trying to say. Finally she gathers the right words and the composure.

CLAIRE (CONT’D): What makes her think she can just pick up and go? Is she willing to drop all her custodial rights?

TIM: Nope.

CLAIRE: That nutcase honestly wants us to send Samantha to Los Angeles four times a year?

TIM: I guess.

CLAIRE: Fat chance. (pause) I always knew she wasn’t playing with a full deck, but this is the last straw. I’m gonna get Greg on the phone.

She bursts up off the couch.

TIM: What? Why?

CLAIRE: Because after all she’s done, it’s not safe for us to send that poor kid out to LA with her. Who knows what she’ll do?

TIM: I’m sure she won’t hurt her ...

CLAIRE: It’s not hurting I’m worried about! It’s running away!

TIM: Claire--

He cuts himself off, trying to think of something to say in Diane’s defense.

TIM (CONT’D): Maybe we should at least talk to Diane first -- she hasn’t even accepted the job yet.

Claire stops en route to the phone.

CLAIRE: Fine. But I swear -- if she expects us to send Samantha out to LA with her, she’s got another thing coming.

***

INT: MALL CAFE
MORNING

MOLLY and COURTNEY continue to eat breakfast in the fairly empty cafe.

COURTNEY: I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, stupid as it may seem.

MOLLY: Maybe you’re right. It’s just hard to keep a positive attitude after everything that’s happened.

COURTNEY: But look at how long ago all of that was, Mol. It’s time to put that behind you -- and you seem to be doing a pretty good job of it. After all, things are going well with Brian, right?

MOLLY: Yeah ...

COURTNEY: How long have you been dating him? Since New Year’s Eve?

MOLLY: Yeah, that was like our second date. (pause) I’m just terrified of getting too close to him.

COURTNEY: Because of the Craig thing?

MOLLY: Exactly. I mean, what if it turns out he’s got some crazy secret of his own?

COURTNEY: Everyone’s got stuff they’re not proud of in their pasts, Molly. But it doesn’t mean that’s what they’re really like.

MOLLY: You’re probably right.

COURTNEY: Something’s really bothering you, isn’t it?

MOLLY: (after a deep breath) Brian told me that he loves me.

COURTNEY: Whoa.

MOLLY: Yeah.

COURTNEY: What’d you say back to him?

MOLLY: Nothing ... I mean, I thanked him and told him I really like him. But he told me he doesn’t want me to say it until I actually mean it.

COURTNEY: Hmm. (pause) Are you sure you ever want to say it back to him, Molly?

***

INT: CASSIE’S COFFEE HOUSE
MORNING

DANIELLE is suddenly distressed by the offer ROBERTA has just made her. The record exec picks up on this.

ROBERTA: Would that be a problem, Danielle?

DANIELLE: I don’t know ... No, probably not. It’s just that--no, it’s nothing. It shouldn’t be a problem.

ROBERTA: All right, then.

She speaks unsurely, confused by Danielle’s quick turnaround.

ROBERTA (CONT’D): Here’s the contract. Take it with you, have a lawyer look over it, whatever you wanna do. Just get it back to us by the end of the month.

Danielle takes the contract from her, anxiety still visible in her face and her movements, try as she might to hide it.

DANIELLE: Th--thank you.

Roberta stands and Danielle clumsily follows suit.

ROBERTA: It was nice talking to you, Danielle.

DANIELLE: You too, Roberta.

ROBERTA: I look forward to hearing from you.

DANIELLE: Thanks again.

With that, Roberta departs.

Danielle stands by the table, an uncertain look on her face.

ACT THREE

INT: TIM & CLAIRE’S APT. (LIVING ROOM)
MORNING

Near the front door, CLAIRE is pulling on her coat. TIM runs a hand through his unbrushed hair.

TIM: I’ll talk to Diane at the office today, okay?

CLAIRE: Okay. I just hope we can get this cleared up without a big commotion. That woman is a magnet for madness.

TIM: I know just as well as you do from experience. Don’t worry -- I’ll take care of it.

CLAIRE: Thank you.

She opens the door.

CLAIRE (CONT’D): I love you.

TIM: I love you too.

Their eyes linger on each other for a brief moment, as if the world has stop turning around them. Just as suddenly they snap out of it.

TIM (CONT’D): Have a nice day.

With that, Claire is gone, shutting the door behind her.

Tim shakes his head, his mind having returned to the situation with Diane.

TIM: (sotto voce) Diane, please don’t make this any harder than it has to be -- not only for our sake, but for Samantha’s.

***

INT: MALL CAFE
MORNING

COURTNEY’S last question hangs in the air, causing MOLLY to shift uncomfortably.

MOLLY: I-- it’s not that I don’t want to. But first I have to be able to.

COURTNEY: What’s holding you back?

MOLLY: Nothing, I guess. (pause) I’m just not in love with Brian at this point in time.

COURTNEY: Is there something you’re not telling, Molly?

MOLLY: No! What would I be holding back?

COURTNEY: I don’t know ... you’re just acting awfully strange.

They sit in silence for a moment.

COURTNEY (CONT’D): Is there someone else?

MOLLY: (caught totally off-guard) What?!?

COURTNEY: Is there another guy?

MOLLY: No! Of course not!

COURTNEY: Okay, okay.

She notices the intensity in Molly’s eyes.

COURTNEY (CONT’D): Sorry for butting in like that.

MOLLY: (suddenly softening) It’s okay, Court. I know I’ve been acting kinda weird.

COURTNEY: We all go through hard times. But it does get better -- look at me and Jason. A few months ago I never would’ve imagined we’d be as happy as we are right now.

MOLLY: (smiling) Yeah, you guys are doing great -- and you make a really cute couple.

COURTNEY: Thank you. Sometimes it’s so amazing to look at him and think that he’s actually my boyfriend-- Just to even say that word makes me happy. I never imagined we’d end up together, but now I don’t see how I could’ve missed it.

MOLLY: You were a kid. You still are. (pause) I’m just glad to see the two of you so happy.

COURTNEY: You can have that too, Mol. You just need to figure out what it is you want and go for it.

Molly just sighs, dropping her chin into her hand as she considers this. Her mind is a jumble of conflicting loyalties, loves, hates, and fears -- but very little certainty or contentment.

***

EXT: CASSIE’S COFFEE HOUSE
MORNING

DANIELLE exits the coffee house, the contract still clutched in her hand. She walks to her car, and once she reaches it, leans on the side of it as if in a daze while re-scanning the contract.

DANIELLE: (to herself) I don’t believe this ... it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. But what about Andy? I can’t ask him to leave everything behind for a year to come on tour with me, and I sure as hell can’t make him wait for me.

She sighs, agonizing over her decision.

DANIELLE (CONT’D): Dammit! What am I gonna do?

She unlocks the car door and climbs inside. As the engine roars, she fastens her seat belt and then drives off.

Across the parking lot, ROBERTA steps out of her sleek BMW and double-checks to make sure Danielle is gone. She walks over to a silver Cadillac with darkened windows. The driver’s window rolls down, revealing KATHERINE FITCH.

KATHERINE: So how did it go?

ROBERTA: Very smoothly -- until I mentioned the touring clause.

KATHERINE: That’s what I was hoping.

She riffles through her handbag, finally extracting a check folded in half. She unfolds it, handing it to Roberta for the woman’s approval.

ROBERTA: Very good.

KATHERINE: Just keep this up and you’ll be seeing plenty more of those. I can’t thank you enough for doing this.

ROBERTA: Hey, I have to admit, she is talented. But I normally wouldn’t pursue a contract with her so quickly -- without these little bonuses, that is.

She waves the check about.

KATHERINE: We’re both getting what we want out of this deal. (pause) Thank you again. I’ll be in touch.

ROBERTA: All right, Mrs. Fitch. Thanks.

Roberta walks away from the Cadillac, tucking the check into her pocket.

INT: CADILLAC
MORNING

KATHERINE rolls up the window of her expensive car and throws her head back in pleasure.

KATHERINE: This is perfect ... there’s no way Danielle Taylor can resist an offer like that. And once she accepts -- well, Andrew is just going to be a faint memory for her.

END OF EPISODE #74

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