03x12 - Possibilities

[bunniefuu]

[Karen sobbing]

Leave me alone. I've got a date.

And he thinks I should work on some more songs.

Honey, you've got a baby to raise.

I think I'm too old for this.

- 'Too old for what?' - To start dating again.

You were with Sid for a long time.

This is your first venture out. It'll get easier.

Not with everybody keeping tabs on me

thank you very much. I feel like an amoeba under a microscope.

You're sneaking around behind my back

making deals that you've got no right to be making.

Right? I have a right to make decisions about my life.

You're a mother not a singer.

[theme music]

[jazz music]

Alight, down and dirty. King's Bet.

[soft music]

- Eights. - A dime.

Alright, I'll see your dime and I will raise you a dime.

- Twenty to me? Okay. - Mm-hmm.

[Gary] Too rich for me, I'm out.

[Kenny] Yeah, I gotta fold too.

Well, I will meet your dime and I will raise a dime.

I will call.

In for penny and for pound.

Alright, what you got? I got jacks and nines. Beat it.

Oh! Don't count your chickens, boy.

Full house, queens and tens!

- Alright, Lilimae. - Whoo-hoo! Charles?

Well, let's see what we got here.

We have, uh, one, two threes

and one, two, three.

- Zappo! He gotcha. - Lilimae.

Two full houses at once. sh**t.

Never try to bluff a stockbroker, Lilimae.

A little lucky here a little lucky.

[Ginger] Are you gonna play cards, Laura?

No, I'm going to watch it.

Makes Richard real nervous when I'm playing.

- She is so lucky. - Mmh.

I mean, she's doing something important with her life.

She's got this terrific job

and she takes care of her family and she makes it look so easy.

Yeah, well, lady's got style alright.

[sighs] I wish I were busy like that.

You're not thinking of going back to work, are you?

Oh, no.

Listen, you have got the best job

in the whole world right now. Just bringing up your baby.

- Let me see. - Oh, there she is.

Can't ever get these moments back again

so you just enjoy'em.

Oh, honey.

Maybe daddy will win at poker, hmm?

[liquid burbling]

Okay, let's see.

How many cards did you take, Lilimae?

- Two. - Two.

Alright. I'll see your dime

and I'll raise you 20 cents.

I'll see your 20 cents, big boy.

[bell dings]

[Lilimae] 'And I'll raise you another twenty.'

- We fold. - Ha-ha-ha.

- There you go. - Oh!

- Hi! - Hi, Karen.

Hey, I heard there was some action going on over here.

- Hi, Karen. - Hi, Karen.

- Hi. - How are you?

- Karen, this is Charles Linden. - This is Karen Fairgate.

- Hello. - Hello.

Karen, I've heard so much about you.

- Oh. - Uh, deal you in?

- Yeah, come on. - Well, yeah, in a minute.

Uh, Laura, uh, remember that thing you wanted?

- What thing? - I brought it.

Can we, uh..

Oh, that thing.

[everybody chuckles]

[indistinct]

Um, and you shuffle, alright?

- What'd I tell you? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You were right.

Do you want to play some five card stud, yeah, sure.

Alright. What is going on?

Whatever do you mean?

I mean, who is Charles Linden

and how come knows so much about me?

He's a friend of Richard's. And, you know

Richard is one of your biggest fans.

And I know matchmaking when I see it.

Well, come on what's wrong with that?

I mean, he's darling.

Worldly, very bon vivant.

- Oh! - Rich.

Wait a minute. Whoa, girls. I mean, I appreciate your-

your thought, but-but I don't need your help.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Karen, look. All we're doing is playing cards.

[Richard] 'Alright, I'll see your dud.'

Well, the least you could have done was warn me.

- I mean, look at me. - Oh, you look great.

Besides, would you have come?

Oh, don't be silly. What am I, a child?

Probably not.

[chuckling] That's why we didn't tell you.

Okay, anybody beat the tens?

- No. - Alright, Okay. Come on back.

- Who's deal? - Whoa, whoa, that's it for me.

- Oh, you ready to play? - Aye.

Ace of clubs ace of spades. I'm ready.

Okay, listen, I better keep an eye on you, young lady.

You sit yourself right down here.

- Oh. - What's the game, Gary?

[Gary] The game is seven card stud.

We gonna addy?

- Yeah. - Well, um..

Does anyone wanna sell me 50 cents worth of chips?

Tell you what I'll be your banker.

- Fifty cents? - Alright.

I'll splurge. Make it a dollar.

- You want something here? - Oh, no thanks.

[telephone ringing] One dollar, coming up.

Hello? Yeah, he's right here. Hold on.

- Kenny. Kenny. - Honey, it's the phone.

Okay, here. Let's see what you can do.

I'll turn this into $1 million deal.

[Kenny] Thank you.

Yeah. Oh, hi, John. How you doing?

[Charles] 'To uh...okay I'll add to your..'

What?

Oh, come on, man, don't tell me that.

Look, I don't care if she's got double pneumonia

and two broken legs. She's gotta be there.

That's all there is.

[Kenny] 'Well, what did she say?'

Oh, this is just great.

I don't know where I'm gonna find somebody else.

I'll try. I don't know where.

Yeah, okay. I'll get back to you.

[slams telephone receiver] Damn.

So, I don't have to use use perspiration.

[blows raspberry] Minor tragedy.

Listen, I have-I have that studio

booked tomorrow morning for a demo

that I promised to deliver tomorrow afternoon.

Now the singer calls in with the flu

and I-I don't know what I'm gonna do.

I don't know I can't get a replacement.

What kind of a song is it, Kenny?

Oh, it's kind of a country.

Well, this is a very modern kind of stuff

you know, um, I don't know what I'm gonna do.

Hey, Kenny, why don't you use Ginger?

Oh, no, no.

Yeah, she's got a terrific voice.

- No. - It's an idea. It's an idea.

I just sing for fun, honey.

No, she'd be great.

But s-she's not a professional.

I mean, maybe you can find someone who is.

You know what? I really think you could do it.

[Ginger] Are you kidding? I'd be scared to death.

Come on.

- Come on, we want her to do it. - Yeah.

- You can do it. - It's Christmas.

- I could try. - You know, you can try.

That's the spirit.

[indistinct]

- Okay. - You'd do it?

- You ready? - I guess so.

Alright, we got two hours to rehearse with the piano

and then a half hour with the band. You nervous?

I thought I would be but I'm not.

Well, I am. Let's do it.

[Kenny] Alright, we'll do it in the original

and see how it feels. We can always go up or down

a half step, huh? Let's go.

[piano music]

♪ Are you in love or am I wasting my time ♪

♪ Every time I ask you ♪

♪ You give me double talk a line ♪

♪ I've done the best I could to ♪♪

- Sorry. - No sweat, no sweat.

Just take it from the top.

[piano music]

♪ I've done the best I could to try to pin you down ♪

♪ But you got a way of talking ♪

♪ Out of both sides of your mouth ♪

♪ But you got one too many ways of saying nothing ♪

♪ You got two too many if's and maybe so's ♪

♪ Can't you see ♪

♪ All I wanna hear is yes you love me ♪

♪ Anything anything but yes is still a no ♪♪

[music continues]

♪ Are you in love or am I wasting my time ♪

♪ Every time I ask you you give me double talking lines ♪

♪ I've done the best I could try to pin you down ♪

♪ But you got a way of talking ♪

♪ Out of both sides of your mouth ♪

♪ But you got one too many ways of saying nothing ♪

♪ You got two too many if's and maybe so's ♪

♪ Can't you see all I wanna hear is yes you love me ♪

♪ Anything anything but yes is still a no ♪

[single tune]

♪ I'm tired of asking now I'm down on my knees ♪

♪ Do you or don't you love me answer me please ♪

♪ Your indecision like a slow turning knife ♪

♪ And all your beating around the is ruining my life ♪

♪ You got one too many ways of saying nothing ♪♪

- Kenny. - Yo, Andy, how you doin'?

Looks like you found a real winner.

Yeah, yeah, it's hot song huh? He's got plenty more.

- He? - Yeah, my new songwriter.

- He's hot. - I'm talking about her.

Oh yeah. Hey, would you hang on just a sec?

♪ Anything but yes is still a no ♪♪

[announcer] 'Salesman, showroom floor.'

Uh, excuse me.

I am looking for Karen Fairgate.

Oh, well can I help you with something?

Uh, no, no, I'm sorry. This is personal.

Oh, I see.

Well, uh her office is right over there.

Why, thank you.

Karen, Mr. Bundy from

the Chamber of Commerce just called.

No, I forgot, 3 o'clock meeting. I know, I know.

Yeah, he wanted me to remind you.

Well, tell him I'll be there.

I'll do it, but I'll be there.

- Okay. Excuse me. - Oh, excuse me.

- Charles. Hi. - Oh, hi, hi.

Obviously, I caught you at a very bad time.

Oh, don't be silly. This is a coffee break

compared to an hour ago.

[chuckles] Well, you handle it beautifully.

Well, I'm-I'm learning, but I'm afraid

it's making me mean and stubborn.

I don't see how that could ever be--

[assistant] 'Karen, line two.'

Oh, just watch.

Uh, yes, this is Karen.

Oh, hi.

Well, of course I'll be home for dinner.

Oh, yum-yum. Sounds great.

Oh, yeah. Well, okay. I'll see you at seven.

Good. Bye.

A real barracuda.

Well, that was my daughter.

Uh, I did not come here to buy a car.

Charles, listen can we talk later?

I'm sorry, but-but I'm just up to here today.

No, no, look I'll make it short.

Now, let me take you away from all of this.

Have dinner with me tomorrow night.

- Well, m-my kids-- - Can feed themselves.

I'll pick you up at 7:30.

[telephone ringing]

- Yes. - Good, good, it's a date.

[quirky music]

[door closes]

A date? It's a date.

[male speaker] 'Well that's great lady.'

'Now, may I please speak to Karen Fairgate?'

Uh, could you hold? She'll be with you in a minute.

I don't know.

I really think you'd be foolish not to pursue it.

I just did it as a favor.

Ah, you're good. With work and guidance you could be great.

Pretty face, good voice you'd be hot stuff.

- 'Got another gig tonight.' - 'Yeah, we're at..'

Honey...you were fabulous.

[both laugh] I can't thank you enough.

- Thank you. - 'Is that it?'

Thank you, goodbye?

This lady has a future.

[clears throat] Andy, I'd like you to meet my wife, Ginger.

Ginger, this is Andy Moore a young producer on the rise.

Charmed, I'm sure.

[laughs]

Andy thinks I should work on some more songs.

Honey, you've got a baby to raise.

You, stop making trouble, huh?

Hey, I don't know!

Alright, hey, we gotta get out of here.

Okay.

I'll call you.

[mellow music]

Like magic.

- Give daddy a kiss bye-bye. - Bye-bye, sweetheart.

Don't chew mama's thumb off now. Bye-bye.

[baby sneezes]

- Honey, did I hear her sneeze? - Oh, she's fine.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

- Come on, you're gonna be late. - Bye-bye, honey.

Did you, uh, play my tape for the executives?

Yeah, I'm hoping to hear something today.

I love singing with the band.

- Wasn't that a lot of fun? - Yeah.

Hey, Kenny, is there any chance that

I might do something like that again?

Mmh, maybe yeah, I suppose so, why not?

Listen, is there anything you want me to get at the store?

Not that I can think of.

- Well, I better get going. - What if I were..

- Have a nice day, babe. - Okay. Bye.

♪ Are you in love or am I wasting my time ♪

♪ Every time I ask you ♪

♪ You give me double talking line ♪

[telephone ringing]

♪ I've done the best I could to try to pin you down ♪

[telephone continues ringing]

- Hello? - Hello. Uh, is Kenny there?

Ah, you just missed him.

Good. It's Andy Moore, Ginger.

Oh, hi.

Did you think about what I said yesterday?

Sure.

Did you talk to Kenny about it?

- Yes, but.. - But what?

He kind of brushed me off.

[chuckles]

I'm not surprised. You're really good.

Probably scared the hell out of him.

- Well, anyway, work on him. - I'll try.

And if he keeps brushing you off, remember me.

- Okay? - Okay.

Bye.

♪ Your indecision like a slow-turning knife ♪

♪ And all your beating around the bush is ruining my life ♪

♪ 'Cause you got one too many ways of saying nothing ♪

♪ You got two too many if's And maybe so's can't you see ♪♪

You're not gonna wear that, are you?

- What? - My blouse.

[Diana] You know I've worn it so many times

I've forgotten it's yours.

Well, I haven't.

Okay, after I wash it, I'll put it back in your closet.

No, do it now.

I-I may want to wear it tonight.

- Are you serious? - Yes.

I have a life to live too, you know.

Places to go.

[exasperated sigh]

[Karen sobs]

Mom?

[continues sobbing] I've gotta change.

What?

Leave me alone. I've got a date.

Look, mom. Don't cry.

Well, you can wear the blouse if you want to.

Look, I'm gonna take it off okay?

- I don't want it. - But I thought you just--

I don't want the blouse. And I don't want the date.

[Karen sniffles]

What do I know about dating?

I'm no date. I'm a mother.

[continues sobbing] A wife, a businesswoman.

Yeah, but you're also single now.

No, I'm not.

I'm not single. I refuse to be single.

Alone maybe, but not single.

[crying]

I'm a widow.

Widows date, don't they?

Eventually.

Why aren't you against this?

Well, you seem to be doing fine without my encouragement.

You don't think I'm being disloyal to daddy?

- Just by dating? - Don't say that word.

Okay.

[Karen sniffles]

What's he like anyway?

[sniffling]

Oh, he's a good looking.

Tall, little pompous square, boring, a drag.

Well, in your state of mind, he sounds perfect.

[mellow music]

[sizzling]

Did you get the pea pods, too?

Yes, Chef Kung Fu. Now may your humble servant

please go sh**t a couple baskets now?

No way, Grasshopper. I need you to keep me in pots and pans.

How come I always have to do the dirty work?

Will you just shut up and hurry up?

I wanna get this to the simmering point

before mom's date gets here.

Hey, why is she going on a date anyway?

Will you not worry about it, Michael?

Mom says he's a really nice man.

[bell dings]

Gosh, he's ten minutes early.

Eric, will you get that? But wait until I get upstairs.

Hello, young man. Uh, my name is Charles Lyndon.

- Oh, come on in. - Thank you.

- I'm Eric Fairgate. - Eric, nice meeting you.

- Nice to meet you. - Uh, is your mother ready?

Uh, she'll be down any minute now.

Oh, fine.

Alright. Is that your car?

[chuckles] Uh, yeah, I'm afraid it is.

- It's nice. - Oh, thank you.

[door squeaks and closes]

Come on in. Have a seat.

Terrific.

D-don't you think it's too..

Too what?

Well, I don't know. Just...too.

Mom, you look really great.

And you're gonna have a good time tonight.

Just remember what I told you and try to relax.

Do you realize this is the first date I've had in 18 years?

It's just like riding a bike.

Once you learn, you never forget.

[sighs] Oh, Diana.

Do you know how much you mean to me?

Yeah.

Huh?

Too...leopard.

Leopard.

Do you like being a stockbroker?

Oh, very much so. It's fascinating work.

Well, it's awful risky though, isn't it?

Well, not if you really know what you're doing.

Well, do you know what you're doing?

Yes, Michael. Mr. Linden knows what he's doing.

- Hello, Charles. - Hello, Karen.

- Oh, this is, uh, Diana. - Ah, Diana.

It's very nice to meet you but I have to go

since my dinner is burning.

- Oh. Bye. - Have a good time.

- Okay. Well, shall we go? - Oh, yes.

[Charles] 'And, uh don't you young gentlemen worry'

I will not keep your mother out too late.

Bye-bye.

- One more thing before you go. - What?

Well, it's private.

Oh, well, uh, I'll wait outside.

Uh, what is it?

Don't let him drive too fast, okay?

I won't.

Bye.

[crowd chattering]

[soft music]

Oh, good evening, Mr. Linden.

Hello, Henri.

- I have your table, sir. - That's fine.

- Please. - Mm-hmm.

- Madam. - Thank you.

Would you like to see a menu now?

- Oh, yes. - Henri.

Is Felipe making the écrevisse this evening?

- Yes, he is. - Oh, then it is a must.

If you like shellfish, Karen, it's a must.

Oh, well, uh, what is it?

Ah, well, it is, uh bigger than a shrimp

smaller than a lobster and as I said, delicious.

Oh, fine, fine.

Okay, now, Henri that will be two écrevisse

and, uh two ondeh with vinaigrette.

And, uh, why don't we begin with a pâté maison

and a wine list?

- 'Thank you.' - Thank you, sir.

But it won't improve ever unless

the big investor has a chance to make a better buck.

But if the economy could only be improved by forfeiting

a-a decent standard of living for certain groups of people

then the economy hasn't really improved.

Yes, but hopefully only those people who are taking

unfair advantage of the system are the ones

that are gonna be denied anything.

It's sort of like cleaning house.

It seems to me the baby's gonna be

thrown out with the bathwater.

No, the baby will be saved from drowning.

[chuckles]

[glasses clink]

Karen, I'm so glad you're here with me this evening.

I really enjoyed your company.

Well, so have I.

Enjoyed your company, I mean.

[chuckles] Good.

Then we are going to have to do it again soon.

Soon.

[Charles] Very soon.

Ginger.

[keys clatter]

- Hi. - Hey, sugar.

They love the song.

- Really? - Yeah, they wanna hear more.

- How's the baby? - Fine.

- They wanna hear more-- - No more sneezing?

Kenny, she doesn't have a cold.

- Okay, okay. - Kenny, I wanna talk to you.

Um, fine, but can I see the baby first?

Come on.

- Sit down. - Okay.

Yes, ma'am.

I wanna sing.

I'm waiting.

Not now.

I wanna work on my voice.

I wanna see if I can be a singer.

I was good, you know it.

Honey, there are people singing back up

in chewing gum commercials all over this town who are good.

Isn't it worth taking a chance?

Well, yeah, maybe. Maybe I suppose so. Why not?

- You mean it? - Well, I said it.

I'll quit my job and stay home with the Erin Molly.

It's not fair.

Well, maybe I can pick up a little change, babysitting.

You know, like a daycare center. Do you have to have a license

'to have a daycare center?'

Kenny, that's not what I meant.

Well, what did you mean?

I mean, I would like to explore

the possibilities.

[Ginger] 'Andy Moore wants to work with me.'

[chuckles]

Andy Moore is a beginner.

You're not gonna get anywhere with him.

Well, then you work with me.

Alright, I will in a few years when the baby's big enough.

A few years?

What am I supposed to do till then?

What you were gonna do in the first place, honey.

Raise the baby.

I can do both.

We're talking about the business I work in.

And I'm telling you, you can't.

So could we just drop this? 'Cause I'd like to go

and see my daughter.

[instrumental music]

[Andy on voicemail] Hi, Andy Moore or less.

Leave a message at the beep and I'll meet you back later.

[recorder beeps]

Hi, this is Ginger Ward.

I'd, uh, like to get together.

So call me in the morning. Bye.

[soothing music]

- What are you guys doing? - Shh. He's sleeping.

That's something he should be doing in bed

don't you think?

Just leave him alone.

Why don't you guys leave mom alone?

I mean, how is she gonna feel when she comes in

and sees the three of us staring at the door?

- What time is it? - It's 10:30.



Michael, calm down. 10:30 is early.

[knocking on door]

She must have forgot her key.

- It's a good thing we were up. - Yeah.

[door opens]

- Hi. - Oh, hi, Aunt Abby.

That happy to see me, huh?

No, I just thought you were my mom.

Oh, she's still out

with the dashing man in the sports car?

I guess so.

I see her welcoming committee is out in full force, though.

I kept on telling them how embarrassed they'd be

when she came home.

Mm-hmm.

Well, listen, how would you guys like some of my

extra special hot chocolate?

- Sounds good. - Yeah? Alright, come on.

So who is this guy, anyway?

- Charles. - Charles? Charles who?

[car whirring]

[revving]

- Allow me, my fair lady. - Oh.

- There we go. - My goodness.

[Karen] Either I'm too tall or the car is too short.

[Charles] Yeah, well, I had that problem for a couple of years.

[Karen laughs]

That is the smallest car I've ever had.

Listen, I have not been out with anyone

as refreshing as you in an awful long time.

You're gonna give me a swelled head

if you talk like this.

Oh, no, no. It's true, it's true.

You are a wonderful lady.

A lady I wanna see more of.

Um, I guess I-I better get inside.

I'm sure the Spanish Inquisition is awaiting.

Now, calm down. I'm not going to bite.

- It's just that, uh.. - I understand.

[door opens]

Well, excuse me.

What are you doing here?

Just came to have a cup of hot chocolate

with my niece and nephews.

Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?

This is Charles Linden, Abby. Abby Cunningham.

- The man in the showroom. - What?

- With a personal mission. - Yes, yes. Hello.

[Abby] Mission accomplished, I see.

Well, goodnight.

Goodnight.

[quirky music]

Well...goodnight.

Wait, uh..

Sure appreciate you taking care of my car this quickly.

Oh, it's okay. Pays to have friends in high places.

By the way, how'd Ginger do on that demo for you?

- She was good. Too good. - What do you mean?

Oh, this other producer's been feeding her this line

about how she ought to have her name up in lights, you know?

Do you think she's good enough to turn pro?

- Yeah, she probably is. - You're overjoyed.

I'm underjoyed, and I've got to put a stop to it somehow.

Better be careful.

Besides, what's wrong with Ginger having a career?

Well, a year ago, if she'd wanted to be an astronaut

or open up a string of pizza parlors

I'd have been all for it. But now we have Erin Molly.

Yeah. But I've always been under the impression

that Ginger could chew gum and walk at the same time.

Which side are you on, anyway?

No, no, no. I don't take sides.

Well, maybe it's making me old fashioned

you know being a father and all

but I don't want my kid raised by babysitters.

- Is that wrong? Well, then? - No, I agree with you.

I just don't think that's the only alternative.

We shall see.

- Thanks again. See you later. - Sure.

[car screeching and revving]

[Karen] The hot dog with sauerkraut looks good

but then so does the hamburger.

Well, listen, you're on a break. Let me handle this.

[manager] 'Thirty four, your order is ready.'

Uh, yeah. We will have two hamburgers with everything.

Two orders of fries and, uh

two vanilla milkshakes.

You want onions on those burgers?

Oh, naturally, sure.

[manager] 'Thirty five. Thirty five your order is ready.'

- Onions? - Onions.

A burger isn't a burger without onions.

Oh.

Onions?

- Onions. - 'Number 36.'

Alright. I've got some new songs I want you to work on.

I'm gonna get you into a good basic dance class

and there's a fantastic vocal coach

I want you to spend some time with.

Is this gonna take a lot of time?

As far as I'm concerned every waking hour.

I have a new baby.

Hmm. Baby sitters cost two dollars an hour.

When I come to the studio, can I bring the baby with me?

Oh, brother.

Sure, why not?

As long as you promise to bring somebody to watch it.

- Her. - Her.

Watch her while you work.

- Deal? - Deal.

Alright, now look this stuff over tonight.

- Hmm. - Learn the words.

And I'll see you and your baby and a sitter

at 10 o' clock in the morning.

Great. Thank you.

Bonnechance.

[closes door]

- Oh! Hiya, Lilimae. - 'Hi, there.'

Oh, look who's out and about.

Ah, she's so pretty. Aw.

Speaking of pretty ladies being out and about..

- Did you have fun last night? - Oh, mama!

Oh, well, I'm just being neighborly.

Well, you're just being nosy.

- Oh. - I had a fine time, Lilimae.

I knew Charles was a good old boy.

And how did you know that?

The way a person plays cards

can give you a lot of insight into their character.

If you know what to look for.

- Oh. - It's the truth.

Oh! Duty calls. Now, mark my words, Karen.

[Karen laughs]

- Bye, Lilimae. - 'Buh-bye.'

[baby crying]

- I'm sorry. - Hey, it's good for me.

You know, the sooner I get used to living

in a fishbowl, the better.

Oh, so I take it my mama isn't the only one?

Oh, no. My sister in law and the kids

have been right on top of me actually.

Well, it's just so new for'em.

Well, I'm not such an old hand at it myself.

I'm sure that you're doing just fine.

If you ever need to talk..

- Okay. Bye - Bye.

[closes door]

Hey. You okay?

[Michael] I guess so.

What is it, honey?

Come on. If you can't tell me what's wrong, who can you tell?

W-well, it's that guy. Charles.

- Yeah? - I think you like him.

We just went to dinner.

I have to have friends.

You understand that, don't you?

Yeah, but we're fine just the way we are, aren't we?

Yeah.

But--

Well, you're not gonna marry him?

[exclaims] Oh, no, honey, of course not.

Mom, I just don't want you to marry anybody.

Hey. I don't want you to worry about that, okay?

It certainly wouldn't happen for a long, long time.

And if I did find someone I wanted to marry..

...it'd have to be pretty special.

Someone that you

and Diana a-and Eric love.

Who loved you back.

But I don't wanna love anybody else, mom.

Look. Charles asked me to dinner tomorrow.

Why don't we invite him over here instead?

Huh?

Michael?

Look at me.

Nobody..

...nobody in the world..

...can take my love away from you.

[Michael sighs]

Why didn't you tell me before I found out from Andy Moore?

I was going to tell you.

Only you didn't give me a chance.

Oh, yeah, sure. When were you gonna tell me?

After you already started? I mean, if you didn't happen to

just mention it I'd still be in the dark.

I was going to tell you tonight at dinner.

Only you come bursting in here like some madman.

Honey, the demo was your idea.

I'm not talking about the demo. I'm talking about you and me.

We've got a deal between us.

It may not be signed and notarized

but it's a deal just the same.

What deal?

Honey, you are the mother of a practically newborn infant.

You've got a husband who's been working at his job

for a long time. He's finally getting somewhere with it.

And you decide that you're the next Linda Ronstadt.

And the hell with everybody else.

That's not fair.

And to top it off

you're sneaking around behind my back

making deals that you've got no right to be making!

Right? I have a right to make decisions about my life!

You're a mother, not a singer.

Since when does one exclude the other?

Since just about forever.

Kenny, I'm going ahead with this.

With or without your blessing.

And it looks like without.

Ginger. Ginger.

Look, you can't shut me out.

The only one shutting you out of anything is you.

[slams door]

[tense music]

Do you think I'm doing the right thing, Val?

What do you mean, darling?

Going to the studio or just taking your baby?

[baby crying]

All of it.

Go on, tell me what you think.

Well, I don't know. It just seems to me

that singing isn't just some 9 to 5 job.

In order to make it you got to commit yourself.

I mean, you gotta devote your time and energy to it

day and night.

I know that, but if you're

willing to make the sacrifices..

I don't know, I probably shouldn't say anything.

- I'm biased. - No. Go on.

[baby crying]

Well, all I know is how I felt when I was growing up

and my mama kept going off

and leaving me to follow her dream

and become a star.

I felt sad, and I felt lonely and kind of hurt.

- You ready to go to the studio? - Oh, in a minute, Lilimae.

[baby crying]

But I'm not leaving my baby.

I'm taking her with me.

I know you are. And I know it's gonna be just fine.

Come on. You better hurry up and get to it.

- You're gonna be late. - Really, just getting hungry.

- Aw. - Aw, you're gettin' hungry.

You gotta save yourself for your singing.

- Come on. Come on. - Get the best, today.

[Lilimae] 'You've got a good mommy.'

It's about time.

Hey, you got mud on your shoes.

- Oops. - Clean it up fast, too.

Because mom's gonna be home any minute now.

And it's your turn to empty the dishwasher tonight.

Yeah, and really hurry tonight is important for mom

and I want the place to look great.

What's Charles gonna do? Give us the white glove test?

Hey, I know it's asking a lot

but could you try acting grown up tonight for a change?

Practice what you preach.

[engine whirring]

- You want a hand? - Hey, I sure could use one.

- Thanks. - Whew! What's this?

Asia sauce 66?

Charles will appreciate this. He's a real connoisseur.

How'd you know he was coming to dinner?

- He told me. - He did?

Yeah, he's really got a case on you.

- Oh, come on. - No, I mean it.

He took my ear off about you at lunch.

He thinks you're terrific. He's a real catch, you know?

You know, he's got a boat. He's taking flying lessons.

He's even got a condo in Aspen.

- Do you ski? Well, learn. - No!

Hey, Richard, wait a minute wait a minute, hold on.

You know, I-I like Charles, I--

That's great.

It's just that I-I don't know

half the time I, uh, I think I'm too old for this.

- 'Too old for what?' - To start dating again.

And the rest of the time I feel like a teenager

getting ready for the prom.

- Sounds normal to me. Yeah! - It does?

I mean, look, you-you were with Sid for a long time.

This is your first venture out. It'll get easier.

Not with everybody keeping tabs on me, thank you very much.

I feel like an amoeba under a microscope.

That's 'cause we care for you.

[Charles] Well, I have always felt that football was the best sport.

Yeah, but it's so violent.

Not if you play it right.

Eric and I play a lot of basketball.

You ever tried football?

Well, just touch.

You play football at your school, don't they?

Football players break too many bones.

Guys, why don't you go start the barbecue?

Charles, you can give them a hand if you'd like.

Diana and I still have some things to do in the kitchen.

I would like nothing better. You are looking at, ladies

the greatest barbecue cook in the world.

- Now, if you'll excuse me. - Oh, wow.

- Well, I'm afraid you're wrong. - No, I'm not.

[Diana] Any state that hasn't ratified the ERA should be boycotted.

- Young lady, if the supporter-- - Diana's right.

Eric, please pass me the milk.

Boycotting is the same thing as blackmail.

[Eric] Well, if it works, it really doesn't matter what it is.

Yes, it does. It's like holding a g*n to someone's head.

Can I have another piece of cake, please?

Uh, no. It's making people open their eyes.

You're living in a dream world.

Me too.

I think everyone deserves the same chance.

I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than that, Michael.

[Diana] No, not really. Equal Rights Amendment.

'The name says it all.'

Mmh, so don't use-don't use the grace note here.

Alright? And that way it'll mean a lot more

when you sing it over here.

Ginger?

Honey, can I talk to you for a minute?

- Sure. - Come on.

[male #1] 'John, another..'

I got some really good news.

- Great. - Yeah, listen.

My songwriter has got an album

and he's going to do a great big promo tour. How about that?

- It's terrific. - Terrific?

It's fantastic. I mean, this is a whole new ballgame for me.

This is the big time and big bucks too.

So be happy for me.

I am happy for you.

I just wish you were happy for me.

[sighs] Honey, I just don't want you

to get involved in this business.

Kenny, that's not it and you know it.

[male #2] 'Do you wanna move the mic a little closer to the car?'

Well...alright.

Alright, I'll tell you just what it is.

You know I don't know if you realize

how much it changed me when we had Erin Molly.

I mean, I know I act like a little old lady about the baby

and I sometimes don't give you enough credit.

But that's not what I'm talking about. It's something else.

You see I got this picture in my mind

of how we were all gonna live together.

Mommy and daddy and the baby

like a normal family.

And now it's just all falling apart right before my eyes.

I don't understand what's falling apart.

Everything was perfect before.

- For you, it was. - Oh, I'm sorry.

I didn't know you had it so rough

with a beautiful baby and a nice house to live in.

I really am sorry.

Kenny, you have a beautiful baby

and the same nice house and it's not enough.

You need your work too.

Well, is there anything wrong with me needing the same thing?

Alright. Alright, you wanna sing

you get to sing.

But I'll get you the vocal lessons

and I'll provide the material

and I'll work with you.

But, honey come home with me now, please.

I have work with Andy.

The hell with Andy. I've got more music in my little finger

than he's got in his whole body.

I said, I'll work with you.

Kenny, I know you and you'll say

anything to shut me up and get me home.

Because I want you home.

And I wanna be home.

And I will be.

And when I get there

we'll have dinner and we'll play with the baby

and we'll watch TV and it'll..

...it'll be just like a normal family.

It'll be fine. You'll see.

Take Lilimae and the baby and go home.

And I'll see you in about an hour.

- I love you. - I love you.

[male #3] 'Hey, guys, put on your headphones.'

'Let's see, uh, is if all the headphones are working now.'

'We got a little static on one of the headphones.'

'Can you fix that?'

Well, this has been a real terrific evening.

Oh, we enjoyed having you.

Those kids of yours are really something else.

They are, aren't they?

They really speak their minds.

Well, that's what they've been taught.

They've got minds and they're not afraid to use them.

Yeah, well, I guess they, uh

just never did learn to listen to them.

Well, it gets pretty noisy at our dinner table sometimes

believe me.

That was a far cry from being seen and not heard.

You don't really believe in that, do you?

Well, who, me? Uh, no.

Uh, look, Karen, I-I guess that I'm, uh

not too good with kids.

Or is it just my kids?

I think we should stick with intimate dinners

and small restaurants.

I don't think so.

- Hey, what are you saying? - It's not gonna work.

Well, now, wait a minute. It's, uh..

It's not because of what I said about your kids, isn't it?

I mean, you're not using your children as an excuse

not to see anyone.

No, I don't think so.

I'm sorry, Charles.

You made the first time easy and I..

...I'm really grateful but, uh..

...I'm afraid that's it.

- You're sure? - Uh-huh.

[sighs] Well, goodbye.

[Charles chuckles]

Goodbye.

Uh, Charles, just one more thing.

What's that?

I'll never eat another hamburger without onions. Ever.

[chuckles]

[mellow music]

[engine ignites and revvs]

Are you ready to go yet, Lilimae?

Oh, this has been a regular little trooper all day.

Well, hello, Angel.

Oh, Kenny, I met some of the most interesting people.

There's a young man in there Andy--

Lilimae, can we just go home please?

- Oh, alright. - Okay, thanks.

[upbeat music]

Hi, sugar.

♪ Yeah don't blame the White House ♪

♪ When we can't live fast around the corner ♪

♪ There is a new day here come the 80's ♪

♪ We'll find a new way ♪

♪ We'll find some new friends ♪

♪ We'll find some more friends ♪

♪ We'll free some hasbeens ♪

She is good.

♪ Around the next bend ♪

Yeah, she is.

♪ Spread the power ♪

♪ We're out of power ♪♪

[theme music]