04x13 - Cutting the Ties That Bind

[bunniefuu]

I got an interview tomorrow. I got an appointment at--

I'm not taking no for an answer.

You pack a suitcase with whatever you think you'll need.

[Jeff] 'We're going to New York.'

If you don't loosen up, I'm taking a hike

and you, Mr. Producer, are gonna find yourself

standing on an unemployment line.

I'm pregnant. We're gonna have a baby.

To a new life..

[chuckles] ...starring Valene Ewing

and a, a cast of thousands.

He is a partner.

There are partners and there are partners.

Just leave it to me.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Go on, Valene.

Put it all in the past.

You filed for those divorce papers.

Yeah, well, filing was one thing.

Signing is something else.

[sighs] You'll be dilly-dallying over this document till doomsday.

Mama, look, it's my divorce, it's my decision

and I am not signing it until I'm ready.

Gary sure was ready.

Mama, look, I got a lot of business letters to get out

so will you please just.. Uh..

Honey..

Honey, give up on him. Let him go.

It's not as if you're, you've got nothing going for you.

Well, you're, you're starting a whole new life.

And what woman gets a second chance like you're getting?

Hm? You have your books.

You're a celebrity.

And best of all, you have a brand-new beau.

Mama, if you mean Jeff, he's not a beau. He's just a friend.

A friend who adores you

from the tip of your toes to whatever.

- Oh. - Oh, and what a catch he is.

Ooh, he's so worldly, handsome, strong

compared to that weak, common deadbeat you're finally rid of.

Now, honey..

...you know I only want the best for you.

So let go.

Begin a new chapter..

...and sign these papers now. Free yourself.

Mama, look, I will, I will

as soon as I am ready.

Okay?

[instrumental music]

So you do understand all the points

in the deal memo I gave you?

Oh, yeah. It sounds fine to me, Jeff.

Good. Anyway, have your lawyer take a look at it.

Then I'll have my legal department

go to work on the contract.

The important thing is that I'll be buying your company outright

but you and Gary will still retain

a percentage of Ciji's earnings.

Which will be enormous, I'm sure?

I never spend it till it's in the bank.

[chuckles]

Incidentally, how come I didn't see Kenny Ward's name

on your partnership agreement?

Well, I thought we agreed. Kenny's out of the deal.

Ah, you agreed.

[Jeff] 'As I remember, that suggestion came from you.'

- Do you have any objections? - No.

If you don't wanna share profits with him, that's up to you.

'But I've checked into his background and he's good'

so I'd like to keep him on as producer.

Absolutely. Kenny's a talented guy.

[Abby] 'What's funny?'

Oh, it's not funny, it's astonishing

'the way you can shift gears so fast'

'without even batting an eye.'

Throw Kenny Ward to the wolves. No? You're right.

Make Kenny Ward president of the company.

I'm a pragmatist.

I know. It's admirable.

I just hate to be on the receiving end

of your pragmatism.

[chuckles]

[suspenseful music]

[car door shuts]

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

♪ There's an emptiness each time you're holding me ♪

♪ There's a coolness in.. ♪

Of course I know what the contractor said about

the recording session, he's lining up

the best musicians he can get.

♪ Something's missing and I don't.. ♪

Well, sure we need the studio all day.

Open-ended in case we run over.

♪ Not right ♪

♪ No something's not right ♪

Okay, sounds good. See you in the morning.

♪ Baby I can tell ♪

♪ Oh I can tell ♪♪

I thought we cut that song.

What are you talking about? That song is great.

Yeah, but it's not right for the album, so it's out, okay?

- 'Now let's move on.' - Wait a minute, Kenny.

[Kenny] 'Gary, we've been through this before.'

You handle the business end, I handle the creative end.

That includes which songs go on the album, alright?

Listen, guys, I've got another song

I'd like for you to hear, okay?

What you're really saying is that

my only involvement here is to

sign the checks and pay the bill.

No, there's a lot more to it.

That's not quite why I got into this.

If I was qualified enough to discover Ciji

'I'm qualified enough to express my opinion and have it count.'

We're not dealing in opinions here, Gary.

I'm an expert. This is a new business for you.

[Kenny] 'Give yourself a chance to get used to it.'

I am giving myself a chance.

Look, I wouldn't tell you what kind of equipment to buy

'or how to mix down the tracks, but you know as well as I do'

that when it comes to singers and songs

there are no experts. It's a matter of taste.

[Gary] 'And I'll match my taste against yours any day.'

Hey, guys, we're trying to rehearse here, remember?

I didn't get into this business just to sign checks.

What do you want me to do?

[Gary] 'What partners are supposed to do.'

'Make decisions together.'

[Kenny] 'Maybe you'd like to play the guitar as well.'

I can't stand this. Please stop it!

You just don't know what this does to me.

- You've gotta stop fighting! - Hey, Ciji, look..

- 'Way to go, Gary. Mm.' - 'Me?'

Look, up until now I've been the one willing to compromise.

But let me tell you something.

'If you don't loosen up, I'm taking a hike'

'and you, Mr. Producer, are gonna find yourself'

standing on an unemployment line.

Will you listen to them?

You'd think they own the restaurant

and we were just serfs who worked here.

They know that all this arguing upsets the staff morale.

Honey, we were talking about my going back to work.

And you're avoiding the issue.

If you wanna go back to work, that's fine with me.

I mean, I could, I could hire someone to take care of the baby

and-and pay for it myself with the money I make at work.

Whatever you wanna do. That's fine.

And if I go back into real estate

I can do a lot of my work at home

so I can still spend time with him.

Look, I can take Daniel part of the time.

You mean it?

Yeah. Try me.

'Cause this just is not working out

our spending so much time together.

Look, I think you should go back to work.

I mean, I feel like we're stuck together

with Krazy Glue 25 hours a day.

[Laura] 'I think the answer is that I should be more on my own.'

Laura, I am not fighting you.

I mean, whatever's good for the marriage..

I-I-I'm, I'm sorry.

- I was, uh-- - Eavesdropping?

- Oh, Richard. - 'Well, I-I mean, isn't it?'

[Richard] 'Can't I have a little privacy in my own kitchen?'

- 'Don't shout at her.' - I am not shouting.

I-I mean, I just don't like to be spied.. Oh..

Hey, are you okay?

Uh, yeah, I'm fine.

[chuckles] I'd like to say that, uh, Richard didn't mean it

but I've been wrong before.

[both chuckling]

Look, on behalf of the rest of the Averys

I'd like you to be our friend.

Right, Daniel? Huh?

[chuckles] Thanks.

Oh.

[instrumental music]

[James] 'Mrs. Cunningham, you can put your mind at ease.'

'This is a legal and binding document'

'that will stand up in any court.'

[sighs] Well, you certainly have taken a load off my mind

'Mr. Westman.'

Westmont. James Westmont.

I'm sorry.

Actually, I'm surprised

you even questioned the validity of this paper.

Well, Munson's regarded as one of the most

honest men in the recording industry.

Oh, I know, I know, it's just that..

[chuckles] Well, my partners and I

are fledglings, babes in the woods

when it comes to making deals worth millions of dollars.

We have to protect ourselves.

Each one of us could use our own guardian angel.

[James] 'Well, you've certainly come to the right place.'

I mean, Mr. Ewing has been

a client of my uncle's for many years.

Oh, I know, and Gary has been very happy

with the legal services he's gotten here.

[sighs] Except, perhaps, for the length of time

'it's taking to finalize his divo--'

Oh, that's not our fault, it's Mrs. Ewing

'who seems to be holding up the proceedings.'

So I hear.

When and if the papers are signed

would you like me to call you, Mrs. Cunningham?

Well, yes.

There's another favor you might do for me.

Uh, w-what's that?

In your files are several other contracts

'that Mr. Ewing and I negotiated together as partners.'

Business opportunities that I initiated for both of us.

[sighs]

Uh, yeah.

Well, I was wondering

how I might protect myself as an individual

'in the event that the relationship'

between Mr. Ewing and myself

wasn't consummated in the manner

which I've been led to believe it would be.

In that case, I think it might be wise of me

to go over all the contracts you and Mr. Ewing signed together

and check out the fine print.

Perhaps I can find a line that covers

that kind of unfortunate situation.

And if you can't?

[chuckles]

[James] 'Why don't you leave that to me, Mrs. Cunningham?'

[birds chirping]

[instrumental music]

[thuds]

[applause]

Oh!

[laughs]

[applause]

[indistinct chatter]

[applause]

Aha! Another one of your hidden talents, Lilimae?

An old beau taught me to play, among other things.

Oh. Well, was he an expert?

[laughs]

Thanks for picking me up, Karen.

I don't know what happened to the car. Just wouldn't start.

Oh, look what I stuffed in my bag.

Lilimae, I told you, stop asking me.

I'm not gonna read Val's divorce papers.

But you're her best friend. She listens to you.

Well, it's no use. I'm not butting in and neither are you.

Well, don't you wanna see her finally cutting the ties with--

If that's what Val wants, sure.

Well, then do it.

Put a little buzz in her ear every chance you get.

You see, in her mind Val thinks she's still married to Gary.

And that's what's preventing her from getting on with her--

Well, all that may be true, Lilimae

but Val's been in love with Gary since she's 15 years old.

- Well, you're telling me. - They had a child together.

They separated, and after 17 years

they found each other again.

As hard as it is to face

Gary happens to be the one love of Val's life.

And that is why, no matter how much we advise her

she's the only one who's gonna know

when it's time to sign that.

- I suppose you're right. - Good.

But that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying.

Get in the car, Lilimae.

Well, it's been on the best seller list since it came out.

I know. You've done a wonderful job with that campaign.

I appreciate that coming from you, Mr. Thornwell.

[woman chuckling]

[Thornwell] Thank you. Tony.

Oh, I, uh, spoke to Bess Riker about you.

Oh, well, I'm sure that she had nothing good to say.

When we had our misunderstanding and I left the Riker agency

Val Ewing decided to stick with me as the publicist.

Bess was fairly upset.

You can't blame her for that.

But then that's the, uh, public relations business for you

isn't it? It's all personalities.

And Val's and mine are-are more compatible.

Do, uh, you still represent her?

I live with her.

Uh, that's what I call close representation.

[chuckles] Well, i-it does give me certain advantages.

There's no aspect of her career she doesn't ask me about.

[Chip] 'And, of course, she depends on me for, uh, editorial advice.'

Editorial advice? She's writing another book.

Mr. Thornwell, "Capricorn Crude" was just a warmup.

This next one's gonna be a smash.

[Thornwell] 'So, uh, if you join my firm'

can I assume that you'd bring the Val Ewing account with you?

Oh, absolutely, not to mention Ciji Dunne

and probably Jeff Munson and his entire operation.

[Thornwell] Let's just concentrate on the Ewing account for now.

Can I see some of the manuscript?

Uh, well, Val's pretty close with the pages.

Would have been useful to get a jump on the campaign.

Mr. Thornwell, you'll have those pages in your hand tomorrow.

Something tells me

you're just the young executive I've been looking for.

- Shall we order? - Fine.

[instrumental music]

[door shuts]

Gary, is that you?

[Gary] 'Yeah.'

[Abby] 'Come on in here. I've got some news.'

Uh-oh. What's wrong?

It's Kenny, he's playing king of the mountain again

sitting on his lofty perch

telling the rest of us lowlifes what song Ciji sings

and what song she doesn't sing.

I-I mean, he acts like I'm some kind of creep.

Like he's the only one that can make any decisions.

[Abby] 'Gary, I closed the deal with Munson.'

- You did? - Mm-hmm. It's all set.

Great.

Do you still do massages of the foot?

Mm.

[sighs] Yeah, i-it's, it's all set. He's drawing up the contracts.

Now there's only one small problem.

- What? - 'Kenny.'

[Abby] 'Munson is perfectly willing'

'to have him as producer on the album'

but he doesn't want Kenny as a partner in the company.

Ah, he was adamant about it.

It was the only way I could make the deal.

- I really tried-- - No, no. That's fine with me.

I don't care if I ever work with him again.

Well, it would be a good opportunity for him.

[Gary] 'Not with Munson. Kenny's too damned independent.'

Well, we'll talk to him.

He and Ginger are still coming over later, aren't they?

I don't know. He didn't say one way or the other.

[Abby] 'He'll come.'

What makes you so sure?

When things are going right, I get a tingling sensation

in the bottom of my foot.

And right now it's tingling.

[instrumental music]

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

This is Ciji.

Positive?

Ah, I see.

Okay, I'll call the doctor in the morning.

Thank you.

[receiver clanks]

I don't believe it.

I'm pregnant.

Oh.

[chuckles] I'm gonna have a baby.

[sighs]

Here we are.

- Hope you like them. - Oh.

- Kenny. - Oh, no, thanks. Yeah.

- Oh, beluga. - How did you know?

Oh, we're connoisseurs when it comes to caviar.

Richard held a caviar-tasting class for Kenny and I. Remember?

He told us about all the different kinds of caviar.

Beluga, suruga.

Oh, hey, honey, tell 'em what happened

when he mixed the imported with the domestic.

[chuckles]

I don't remember.

Honey, why don't you pop open another bottle of champagne?

Champagne, caviar. You guys live like this all the time?

We're working on it.

Well, I wanted to make this a celebration

because I had a wonderful meeting with Jeff Munson today.

And?

Kenny, he's made us a fabulous offer.

He's really taken with Ciji

'and he wants to help us launch her career.'

Meaning he wants to buy out our label. Are you for this?

Why? You guys have been doing fine without a third wheel.

Yeah, even so, if we, uh, went with Munson

it'd put us right up there in the big leagues.

We'd be giving up all our control.

No, Kenny, that's the point. He wants you to produce the album.

Well, that's very generous of him.

Don't you know what a compliment that is?

Look, I'm flattered, but the bottom line is

'that with Munson involved, I lose all my creative freedom.'

Isn't that why we went into the business in the first place

so we don't have to work for somebody else?

[sighs] Kenny, let's face it.

With Munson we're guaranteed success.

Without him we're just another little label

with a pie-in-the-sky dream.

Hey, Abby, this isn't just some little dream to me.

The main reason I came into this deal

and I gave up an awfully good job to do it

'is that this is probably the only shot I'm ever gonna have'

at turning into another Jeff Munson myself!

Yeah, but, Kenny, if it's the best thing for the album..

- 'We don't know that.' - Well, well..

We'd have Munson's entire operation behind us.

We don't need his operation, Gary!

Don't you think you're being just a little bit

stubborn about all this?

I'm just saying what I feel.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

[chuckles]

Well, I don't know. What do you think?

Mom, I like the ones you have on--

- The ones I have.. - Yeah, you keep on--

You know, they say this play is headed for Broadway.

I'd just like to see it before it gets there.

Hey, just a minute, Mr. First-Nighter.

[door opens]

- Hi. Mrs. Fairgate. - Chip.

- For me? - Mm-hmm.

Diana. For the two ladies who helped make this day possible.

Oh, what's going on?

I was offered a job today

by Mr. Steve Thornwell.

Thornwell from the beach club?

- Uh-huh. - Hey!

Hey I introduced you to him, right?

- You sure did. Mwah! - I'll put these in water.

Anyway, he wants to bring me in as a partner

as soon as possible.

Oh, that's great! We'll celebrate tonight.

Ah, I can't stay. I just stopped by for a little bit.

Uh, anyway, he's giving me about 17 different things to do--

Oh, but, Chip, I have to talk to you about something.

- Listen to this. - That's too bad.

'We'll have to celebrate another time.'

There you go. Coming!

Karen and I are off to the theater.

Ka.. Anyway..

- Oh! - Hey!

Hi! Hi, Jeff. What a surprise. Come on in.

Um, we were just on our way to a new French restaurant

that Jeff's heard about, we wondered

if you and Mack might like to join us.

Oh, well, we were, um.. Oh, Mack, what do you think?

What about the theater?

Oh, we're too late. I think we missed the curtain.

[Karen] 'Anyway, a musical about Oedipus Rex'

is not my idea of a scintillating evening.

- Oh, no. - Hm.

- 'Oh.' - Oh, they were freebies anyway.

The guy who gave them to me said it was

a four-hour play without intermission.

So French!

Uh, wait, wait a minute, I know this might sound crazy

but why don't we stay here, get comfortable

kick off our shoes, and I'll order in Chinese?

- What do you think? - Chinese?

- Chinese. C'est la vie. - Chinese.

Don't forget sweet and sour.

Hey, I thought you were in such a hurry.

Oh, uh, Thornwell can wait. Ahem.

Anyway, nothing's been set yet.

And getting to know Mr. Munson

is something I've been looking forward to.

Oh.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Everybody, help yourself to seconds.

Otherwise you're all taking home five-pound doggy bags.

Not from this house, you won't.

Uh, Mr. Munson, you want anything else?

No. I'm fine. Thanks.

- And call me Jeff, please. - Okay, Jeff.

By the way, Jeff, have you heard of this, ahem, public-relations

firm I'll be working for, Thornwell Associates?

No, but that doesn't mean much.

They're probably not into music or entertainment publicity.

Mm. That's why they're bringing me in.

They want me to have the new music department.

[Chip] 'He likes the way I've been managing Ciji.'

Matter of fact, he thinks Ciji's gonna be a big star.

Uh, he's right, with proper handling

Ciji could go all the way to the top.

[Jeff] 'That's why I've made an offer.'

- You're buying Ciji's contract? - That's the plan.

In fact, I'm flying to New York tomorrow

'and have my attorney look over the arrangement.'

Great. Fabulous!

What a great day this is turning out to be.

- Here you go. Mm-hmm. - Thank you.

Val, why don't you come with me?

What do you mean, to New York?

Val has New York phobia.

[Valene] 'No, I don't.'

Why, did you have a bad experience there?

No, I-I-I just, um..

- 'Never been to New York.' - Yeah.

What? That's why you should go to New York with Jeff.

- Absolutely. - What are you talking about?

[sighs]

You know what they call people who

haven't been to New York yet?

- They call them hicks. - Okay, fine!

- Fine. Maybe. Okay, maybe I am. - You're a hick.

- But.. - You are.

Hello?

Oh, yeah, he is. Hold on.

Chip, it's for you.

Don't you take no for an answer.

- And you-- - Would you cut it out?

This is a joke. I mean, I couldn't possibly go.

[Valene] 'I mean, I've got too many things to do.'

- Hello? - 'Hi, what's happening?'

You said you were gonna stop by the Fairgates for two minutes.

I've been waiting over an hour.

Oh, Ciji, hi. Uh..

Jeff Munson showed up here and insisted I talk business.

Well, I mean, it's my night off.

You said you were gonna come to dinner.

Honey, now I--

[Ciji on phone] 'I need to see you.'

Ciji, I can't leave now. I'm..

Uh, I'm in the middle of negotiations.

Oh, Chip, it's really important.

I've got some exciting news I can't wait to tell you.

[indistinct chatter]

Okay. Okay, I'll be over as soon as I can.

Chip..

...I love you.

[receiver clanks]

[Karen] '...cutest little restaurant and I..'

'Oh, gosh, he spends a lot..'

[Mack] Look, I'd like to make a toast, huh?

- Oh. - Uh, to.. Make it to Chip.

And to your new success and, uh, happy ever after.

- Okay. Okay. Thank-- - Yeah.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

- Good luck, Chip. - Congrats.

- Daniel asleep? - Yeah, he's drifting off.

He's a great baby.

I look at him, I feel so lucky to be part of his life.

[chuckles] I know what you mean.

[chuckles]

- Come here. - Huh?

[sighs]

I think you look even more beautiful

since you had the baby.

[Richard] 'I'm glad we decided to close Sunday night.'

We never get to see each other outside of the restaurant.

- 'Wanna go out somewhere?' - Well..

It's kind of late to get a sitter

don't you think?

We can send out for pizza.

[chuckles]

It'd be like old times.

Remember that first year?

Morning, noon and night.

We were insatiable.

[clattering]

[sighs]

[crickets chirping]

[Jeff] 'Then it's a date, huh?'

We'll all try that new French restaurant.

- Oh, great. - Next week.

When Val and I get back from New York.

- Oh, what are you saying? - Yeah.

- Go! Go. - Karen, I can't!

You won't find a better tour guide.

- Uh, I'll challenge that. - I intend to prove it.

- Well, mademoiselle. - Oh, thank you.

- Thanks for dinner. - See you guys.

- And thanks for dinner. - Okay.

Bye.

I'm hungry.

You ate. I mean, you ate!

Chicken and omelets. That's what I miss.

Chicken and omelets.

[Karen] 'I think there's some left. Let's go see.'

- 'Hm.' - I gotta go.

Oh, please don't go yet.

I'm an invalid, remember?

Hey, don't give me that, sister.

I saw the way you put away those egg rolls.

Well, I don't want you to go.

- I need to talk to you. - About what?

Um, it's about Ciji.

I know you're gonna hate me for saying this

but I saw you two kissing at the block party, and I thought--

And you thought that meant anything?

- Yeah. - Look.

Ciji was upset about singing for Munson and all.

I had to calm her down. She's my client.

I needed to make her feel good about herself

give her the confidence she needed to go up and perform.

You silly goose, it had nothing to do

with the way I feel about you.

I'm sorry.

- It just made me feel funny. - It shouldn't.

Now, don't even give it another thought, alright?

- Now I have got to go. Ahem. - Oh, no.

Now, you don't want me to lose this job, do you?

Of course not. Business before pleasure, right?

Right-o.

I love you.

[Valene] 'I-I couldn't possibly go!'

'I mean, New York is thousands of miles away!'

I got an interview tomorrow. I got an appointment--

I'm not taking no for an answer.

- You're not? - No.

You pack a suitcase with whatever you think you'll need.

[Jeff] 'My limousine will be here at noon.'

- Oh.. You've got to be ki-- - Uh-uh, uh-uh.

Noon.

Goodnight.

[instrumental music]

Goodnight.

[door shuts]

[music continues]

[chuckles]

[fire crackling]

[sighs] God, that has to be

the most grueling few hours I've ever spent.

[chuckles] I don't think Kenny's gonna budge.

Well, that's his loss.

This deal with Munson is too important

to have it sabotaged by Kenny's inflated ego.

Well, what are we gonna do? I mean, he is a partner.

There are partners and there are partners.

Just leave it to me.

[inhales sharply] Mm..

[inhales sharply] Now..

[clears throat] What is

all of this exciting news you have for me, huh?

You'll never guess.

Aha! That's what you think.

[Chip] 'I'm as tickled pink as you are. Munson told me all about it.'

Uh, what's Munson got to do with it?

'Munson's got everything to do with it, silly.'

He is a star, and we are hitching ourselves to him

for a long ride.

Mm, no, no, you have it wrong.

This doesn't have anything to do with Munson.

This has to do with us.

[Chip] 'Us?'

I'm pregnant.

[Ciji] 'We're gonna have a baby.'

[ominous music]

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

[sobbing] I don't understand why you're so upset.

I thought you'd be excited.

Oh, yeah, excited. Oh, excited. Yeah, I'm real excited.

Ciji, don't you know? This is the worst possible time.

- It ruins everything. - Babies don't ruin things.

I cannot believe that you actually wanna have a baby!

Why not?

Wow. Well, we just made one big mistake, didn't we?

No, it's no mistake, Chip.

No, no, now that's where you're wrong

because this is the kind of mistake

that can be corrected very easily.

Uh-uh, that's not what I want.

See, don't you know how much is riding on you?

[Chip] 'Don't you know that? Do you understand?'

Munson's about to buy up your contract from Gary and Kenny.

You know what that means? The big time.

Big money, stardom, everything we ever dreamed about.

You and me, you and me, all the way to the top.

I wouldn't miss that for the world.

That's why you have to listen to me.

'You have to do what I say.'

You don't care about me.

You don't give a damn about my feelings.

[Ciji] 'All you care about is yourself.'

Uh, no, no, no, no, you're all wrong.

'You're so wrong, honey.'

'You are the most important thing in my life right now.'

'I only want what's best for you.'

That's why I will not let anything

interfere with your career.

'Marriage and kids, that can come later on'

but right now there is just no room for that.

You're not gonna talk me out of this, Chip

'cause I want this baby more than anything in the world.

- You listen to me. You hear me? - Uh..

You get this through your head if you can, no baby

'cause nothing's gonna interfere with what I've planned for you.

Nothing and no one!

[sobbing]

Nothing.

[Ciji sobbing]

[door shuts]

[sobbing]

- Mama. - Huh?

Do you think it's alright for me to go off on a weekend with him?

Well, I don't see any harm in it.

What are you saying, mama?

I'm saying, sweet pea, that sometimes a mama's advice

isn't the best thing to go to bed thinking about

after you've had such a lovely evening.

- Yeah. - Oh..

- Goodnight, darling. Mm. - Goodnight, mama.

- Mama. - Mm?

What is this?

Uh, uh, your divorce papers, honey.

I know what it is, but what was it doing in my bag?

Uh, well, I

I thought you might like to look them over again on the plane.

Well, you thought wrong!

- And now I'm not going. - Oh, yes, you are.

Oh, please humor your old mama, honey.

Now, take these papers with you.

Well, they don't weigh much.

[instrumental music]

[mumbles]

[door shuts]

[birds chirping]

[instrumental music]

- 'Hi.' - Hi.

- Come on in. - Is Laura home?

Yeah. Laura.

You want some coffee or something to drink?

No, thanks, uh..

- You okay? - 'Yeah. I'm fine.'

- Hi. - Hi.

Uh, you got a minute? Maybe we could talk?

Sure.

Sure. Okay. Come on upstairs.

Okay.

[music continues]

[waves crashing]

[footsteps approaching]

[waves crashing]

[seagulls squawking]

What's the matter?

Oh, I don't know. I..

I guess I'm a little concerned about

how Ciji is gonna take the news

'of Munson taking over her contract.'

She's a big girl. She'll handle it.

I think she's a little more sensitive then people realize.

Yesterday when Kenny and I blew up at each other

she went to pieces.

Well, maybe you oughta talk to her

and tell her the situation before Kenny gets to her.

Right. I'll call her now.

Why don't you go see her?

It'll be much more effective in person.

Besides, she has a crush on you.

Uh, do you wanna go with me?

[chuckles]

No. That'd kind of k*ll the advantage of the crush.

I'll, uh, see you later, then.

Ciji, you look exhausted.

Lately I've been having a hard time falling asleep.

Well, that's par for the course, you've got a lot

of terrific things about to break in your life.

I wish I thought they were all terrific.

Oh, come on, with Jeff Munson calling the shots

there is no limit to how far you can go.

That's what Chip keeps telling me.

Well, he's right. You should listen to him.

- You like Chip? - Well, you know..

I don't know him that well, but he seems okay.

Yeah. He's okay.

[sighs] Everybody's okay.

Jeff Munson, Gary, Kenny.

They just seem to expect so much from me, you know?

I mean, they want me to be up all the time.

- Scary, huh? - Yeah, it is.

I mean, sometimes I feel like

I'm being pushed into a corner with no one to turn to.

Oh, come on, you can always turn to me.

Well, you don't know how good that feels.

You know, I really envy you.

Why?

Oh, living in this house with two beautiful children.

You have an identity. You know, some security.

Don't you have any family?

Not really.

You know, I used to think all I wanted was to be

really successful and make a lot of money and..

Well, now I'm not sure what I want.

Ah, sometimes I just drive myself crazy. Hm.

[footsteps approaching]

[Richard] 'Coffee?'

Croissant et coffee to you.

[chuckles]

Oh, that's okay. That's okay, we'll do it.

- Thanks. - Thanks.

[door shuts]

[instrumental music]

[jazz music]

What are you thinking, Val?

[chuckles]

Silly ridiculous things I'm sure you wouldn't be interested in.

You're probably right, but try me.

Well..

[music continues]

Like, is this really me on the terrace of a penthouse



- Thirty-two. - Oh, I'm sorry, 32.

[chuckles] Things like this don't happen to me.

I mean, it happens in movies, but not in real life.

Ah, but it does happen in real life.

So why shouldn't you share in it?

You've earned the right, you know? You're an author.

You've written a book that's given thousands of people

great pleasure and insight into their own lives.

That's a gift that makes you special and significant

and entitled to the best life has to offer.

You're a wonderful, beautiful woman.

You're loving and intelligent.

So you better stop being so unimpressed with yourself

and start soaking up the limelight.

It's not a dream anymore.

Besides, if I can do it, you can do it.

Oh, but come on, it's different for you.

- Mn-mn. - Yes, it is.

You belong here.

[Valene] 'I mean, this-this environment is-is right'

and it's natural for you.

I've always come from a tiny community and I

I like knowing the people that are around me.

I, I like feeling

that I belong to a place and not that I'm gonna--

I'm not gonna listen to this drivel about New York anymore.

- I wasn't driveling ab-- - Yes, you were.

- You were comparing. - I was not, I was just--

You've never been here before

and you think that New York

is the coldest, most remote place on Earth.

- I don't at all. I think it's.. - Come on.

[cutlery clanking]

Did you get the note I left at your apartment?

Oh, no. Uh, I left kind of early.

I went by and saw a couple of people and, uh

and I just, I just drove around till it was time to come here.

Well, I signed it your number-one fan.

[chuckles] Thanks.

Uh..

Do you wanna talk about what's got you down?

It's nothing.

Everything.

[Gary] 'Come on. What are friends for?'

We are friends, aren't we?

[Ciji] 'You know, for a while there I thought'

we were headed for something else.

But we, uh, we kept it together, didn't we?

Yeah.

God, I tell you right now, I can use all the friends I can find.

That bad?

I tell you, lately I just don't know if I'm, uh

if I'm meant for this kind of career.

Recording artist. Former.

The next big whomever. I don't know.

[Gary] 'Isn't that what you've been working for all this time?'

[sighs] Yeah.

All of a sudden I just don't know if it's worth it.

I don't like the idea of having to give up so many of the things

in my life that I wanna do, you know?

- Ciji, listen-- - Is this a private meeting?

- Oh. - It's no meeting.

- No, we-we're just talking. - Hm.

I bet the name Munson came up more than once.

Munson's new contract, Munson's generous offer.

Everything is coming up Munson these days.

You know, you are really paranoid.

Yeah, well, at least I don't make deals with my friends

and then stab them in the back.

I didn't stab you in the back.

I'm gonna tell you something for the last time.

If you don't wanna produce Ciji's album

that's fine with me.

[instrumental music]

[laughter]

[clapping]

Oh, my God!

[laughter]

[indistinct chatter]

[laughter]

[music continues]

[speaking in foreign language]

[clapping]

[speaking in foreign language]

- Oh! - h*-h*.

Beautiful lady. You have a face like an angel.

Should be on a statue.

Happy date.

[chuckles] Thank you.

- Oh, how do I say that? - Grazie.

Grazie.

[speaking in foreign language]

[chuckles] And you, old friend.

It's no good you stay away so long.

For you is here much memories.

[male #1] 'Important to remember the roots.'

I know.

Later we talk.

[speaking in foreign language]

[instrumental music]

[Valene] 'Ah. This isn't at all what I expected.'

- 'Why not?' - 'I don't know.'

The Jeff Munson that I always see

is always so suave and so polished.

You know, it's like you wouldn't even know

a place like this existed.

I was born in a tenement two blocks away from here.

[Valene] 'You are kidding.'

My father worked as a waiter in this restaurant

for over 40 years.

I don't believe that.

[Jeff] 'When he died'

'we held the service right in this room.'

'Three days, three nights, nothing but music and singing.'

The way he would have liked.

That's beautiful.

[music continues]

[speaking in foreign language]

Senor.

[speaking in foreign language]

- 'I must dance.' - Oh, but of course.

[chuckles]

[speaking in foreign language]

This is New York. It's okay to dance.

- Oh. - It's okay.

[chuckling]

Well..

[music continues]

[knocking on door]

[door shuts]

Saw your car parked outside Laura Avery's house today.

So?

So what did you talk about? Joy of motherhood?

Maybe.

You tell her I was the father?

I don't think it's any of your business.

It is my business!

[exhales sharply] At least until we get rid of our little problem.

[sighs]

I didn't tell Laura anything.

I haven't told anyone.

[Ciji] 'I think you should get one thing clear.'

'I'm not having an ab*rtion.'

I'm going to have our baby whether you like it or not.

[door opens]

[door shuts]

Yes, operator, person to person to Mr. Jeff Munson, 555-4400.

[woman on phone] 'It's quite late, ma'am.'

Yeah, I know it's late, but he'll be up.

Just make the connection.

[line ringing]

- 'Hello?' - Jeff. Hi.

- It's Abby Cunningham. - 'Oh, hi.'

[Jeff on phone] 'I take it you've read the contract'

'and you've made your decision.'

Absolutely. We're ready to sign. You've got yourself a deal.

Good. We'll talk about it tomorrow when I get back.

Well, listen, there's just one paragraph

that I'd like to go over now.

[Jeff] 'Tomorrow. Goodnight.'

[line disconnects]

- Here, let me do that. - No, no, no.

I wanna do it because I wanna propose a toast.

Okay. What are we drinking to?

To me, to a new life

[chuckles] ...starring Valene Ewing and a, a cast of thousands.

[instrumental music]

To a new life.

Act one, scene one.

[music continues]

Have another cup of hot chocolate.

Chip should be down any minute.

I'm so proud of him, Lilimae. He handles himself so well.

I think even Jeff Munson was impressed by him.

Believe me, Diana, it's in the stars

that that boy is going places.

You know, almost from the minute I laid eyes on him

I knew that Chip was destined for great things.

- I had that feeling, too. Yeah. - Yeah?

You know, I don't think there's anything that can stop his rise.

[suspenseful music]

You'll see, someday our Mr. Chip Roberts

is going to be the biggest and the best

public-relations man in this state.

Maybe in the country.

- And you know why? - Why?

Because underneath all that boyish charm

is a young man with real integrity

character and a sense of decency.

[Lilimae] 'And that combination doesn't come along too often.'

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Harry, it's simple. If he gets back to you, just call me, okay?

I'll talk to you. Bye.

Val, some more coffee?

[Valene] No, I'm fine, thank you.

We're gonna have a great day.

We'll start at Bendel's and Bergdorf Goodman.

Then we'll work our way down Fifth Avenue to Saks.

Oh, and Lord & Taylor's.

You're gonna love Lord & Taylor's.

Yeah. I'm sure I will.

[mumbles]

[instrumental music]

[Jeff] 'Val, are you ready?'

[theme music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]