04x08 - Man in the Middle

[bunniefuu]

And this is just one thing

in your portfolio. This is my dream!

You'd better learn to dream a bit more profitably.

Otherwise, you might find your dream turning into a nightmare.

You're just testing me?

All the stupid times to pick to play this kind of game.

You're my manager, and it's my first big opening.

No, no, don't you understand? I can't stay with you.

I've got people waiting for me.

He said he'd be right back.

I know, but it's 45 minutes. Come on, make the best of it.

I'm sure he has a very good reason for being away.

[music ends]

[intro theme music]

[theme music ends]

[Richard] 'Right, that's it bring it through.'

'Right through here. Take it easy on the rug, will you?'

'Alright, slow down, slow down.'

Mind you, we've got etched glass here, very expensive.

I sent 6,000 miles for this thing.

I don't want it to smash into anything.

Now, it's not a piano. Slow down, slow down.

Look at you. Don't worry.

There we go. Oh, great.

Abby, wait till you see this.

It's fantastic.

Here, thanks a lot.

This is the same kind as they've got at Tre Scalini in Rome.

[nails clattering]

Will you stop looking at bills for a minute?

[covers rustling]

[Richard] 'How do you like that?'

Look at this.

[music continues]

Wait till you taste the espresso she makes.

- You'd swear you were in Rome. - How much did that cost?

You know, we were packed last night

and we were filled almost to capacity

three nights last week. I think we can afford it.

You could be sold out every night, Richard

and the way you're doing things you'd still be losing money.

[sighs] Why not have two seatings

serve twice as many dinners every night?

'Cause if people wanna gobble their food

they can go to a hamburger joint.

You could even put in some entertainment, you know

and a Sunday brunch wouldn't be a bad idea.

As a matter of fact, why not serve lunch every day?

Why don't you just let me do it my way?

Your way is losing money.

Abby, you know, it takes a while for a restaurant to build.

And I think under the circumstances

Daniel is doing extremely well.

You know, believe it or not this restaurant is more

important to me than it is to you or Gary.

I mean, this is just one thing in your portfolio.

This is my dream!

It may be your dream, Richard

but as long as Gary and I are in control

you'd better learn to dream a bit more profitably.

Otherwise, you might find your dream turning into a nightmare.

Laura, hi.

Oh, you look lovely.

I'm sorry. I'd love to stay and talk a while

but I promised I'd pick the kids up at school.

Next time. Bye-bye. Bye, Richard.

What was she doing here, hmm?

Oh, she, uh, just dropped by for a cup of espresso.

Oh, really?

[cheerful music]

[laughter]

[Robert] Good game. Was a fine job.

[laughter] Miss Fairgate? Ooh!

- The winner. - Oh, yeah?

Well, I think you let me win the last two points.

Come on. No way. You beat me fair and square.

But why would I wanna lose to you anyway?

I don't know.

But don't ever let me win on purpose, okay?

I just hate that. It makes me feel like a kid.

You sure don't look like a kid.

[laughing] More like a wet piece of lettuce.

Don't try and charm me, Robert.

I demand a return match do you hear me?

Anytime you say, I never argue with a winner.

Oh, yeah.

Nice form, Diana. I was watching you play.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, this is a friend of mine, Chip Roberts.

- Chip, this is Dave Saunders. - Hiya, Chip.

Dave, nice to meet you.

Listen, you're gonna be around Saturday night?

Probably.

[Dave] 'Maybe we can get together.'

Ellen was talking about you just a few days ago.

Let's talk about old times, huh?

- Okay, sure. Bye. - Bye.

- Good to see you. - Same here.

- Who was that? - Dave Saunders.

He produces the news for one of the TV stations.

Oh, I guess he comes here to relax, huh?

Oh, sure, they all do.

This place is very popular with the young execs, don't you know?

Oh, man, if I stick around you long enough

I could pick up a whole new career.

Gee, I knew I was good for something.

[Robert laughing] Oh.

[Diana laughing] Stop it! Jeez!

[dramatic music]

[car breaks screech]

Richard is running that restaurant

like the court of Versailles.

And what's worse is he won't take any suggestions.

[Gary] 'Honey, leave him alone.'

Gary, I think you'd be more concerned about

the way he spends your money.

Well, if you really think it's necessary

I'll drive into town and talk to him.

No, no, that's alright. I've already talked to him.

I just wanted to let him know

that even though we made him a friendly loan

we expect our payments on time.

Well, I think he knows that.

[bell dinging] I'll get it.

- Hiya, Kenny. - Hey.

Listen, I wrote down some figures

for Ciji's recording session.

I thought I'd drop them by, is that alright?

You bet. Come on in.

Listen, have you heard anything from Ciji?

I've been calling her place for about three days

and there's never an answer.

No. Why? Something wrong?

No, no. I've got a gig for her.

She's gotta show up tomorrow morning.

Hey, this is some place. Regular Taj Mahal by the beach.

[Gary] 'Yeah. That's all Abby's doing.'

She found it. did the decorating.

- Come on, I'll show you around. - Great.

Hey, look at that. Alright.

- Kenny, hi. - Hi, Abby.

My compliments. This place is fantastic.

Thanks. I'm glad you like it.

You should bring Ginger the next time.

Have her give me a call and we'll set up a date.

Yeah, I will.

Why don't we go out on the deck here?

[waves splashing]

[Kenny sighs]

Now, uh, what about this, uh

gig you've got lined up for Ciji?

Well, it's not much. I knew she was hurting for money.

So, uh, as a back up on a commercial.

Commercial? Aw, Kenny, come on.

What happened to the big plans we had for her?

This is just something to tide her over

until those big plans start happening.

Yeah, I don't like it.

Gary, even a singer's gotta eat.

Well, fine, but Ciji deserves better than that.

- Gary, can I make a suggestion? - Yeah.

Well, what Kenny just said about singers having to eat

everybody has to eat, so, uh

why couldn't Ciji sing while they eat?

What are you talking about?

Richard's Restaurant.

[Abby] 'Ciji could sing there on weekends. It's perfect.'

It's a job for her, and, listen

a lot of important people go there. It'd be good exposure.

Richard'll never go for it.

It'd be good for Richard, too. I mean, she's an attraction.

She could bring in a lot of new business.

I don't know. Gary, look, I thought we--

Hold up. Look, if-if Richard goes for it

and I grant you that's a big if, it could be terrific.

I think I could persuade Richard.

Hey, you know, it'd mean that

Ciji wouldn't have to take just any old job anymore.

Hey, we've still got one big problem.

- What? - We've gotta find our singer.

That's so you'll remember me until Saturday night.

Oh, how could I forget you, Mr. Uh, what was your name?

Oh, you made such an indelible impression on me

I'd be proud to take you to my beach club.

- I'll tell you what. - What?

Uh, let's make it an old-fashioned Saturday night.

A Saturday night date? What do you mean?

You know, like, uh you bring the moonlight

and I'll bring the backseat.

[laughs] Oh, you cat.

[shushing]

- Hi, Diana. - Hi.

- Hi, Mom. - Hi.

- Chip. - 'Hi.'

Mrs. Fairgate, I want you to know

that your daughter's an ace paddle tennis player.

She wiped the court with me today.

What a liar. He threw the game

so I'd invite him back.

[laughs]

[Chip] 'You wanna try again tomorrow?'

I thought you'd never ask.

How about you, Mack? You wanna play with us?

[chuckles] Uh, no, I'll be in court all day tomorrow.

Chip, if you're not doing anything Saturday night

how'd you like to have dinner at the club?

I know Mack is going as my mother's guest.

[Chip] 'Oh, well, lady, you've got yourself a date.'

Great, I guess I'll see you guys later.

Buh-bye, Mrs. Fairgate. See you, Mack.

- 'Take it easy, pal.' - 'Bye.'

Bye.

[quirky music]

Bye.

[sighs softly]

So, Lilimae, what do you think?

Now, remember, there's gonna be a lot of rich

important people there.

Well, turn around again.

[object clatters on table]

- You want the truth, Chip? - Sure.

Well, ordinarily I'd say it was okay

but that beach club

is about the fanciest one in this whole town

so you have to be looking tip-top that night.

Now, what you need is a blazer.

Oh, I saw a picture of Prince Charles

and he was wearin' a blazer.

[sighs] I don't have a blazer.

Well..

Hey, is that my tuna sandwich all ready and waiting?

[chuckles] Mm-hmm. It is.

Tell me if I put on enough mayonnaise.

Mm. Mm-mm. Perfecto.

[Lilimae exclaims]

Now, Lilimae, I don't want you to fret about

how I'm gonna look Saturday night.

Maybe that best Riker check I've been expecting

will come tomorrow and I can still get a blazer.

You've been expecting that check for two weeks.

- Has it been that long? - Mm-hmm.

I've got a better idea.

[Lilimae chuckles] Never depend on an ex-employee

when you have a new friend to help you out.

Now, no. No, I cannot take that. Please.

Chip, don't be silly.

I mean, your whole life could be changed at that club.

[Lilimae] 'Well, rich people are always looking for bright young folks'

to take under their wings. Now, here.

Now, Lilimae--

You think of it as a loan

an investment in your future.

Yeah, I don't think I should.

Oh, Chip, you need a blazer!

This is what friends are for.

Lilimae, I'm gonna pay you back the first chance I get.

Thank you.

[chuckles]

Knock, knock. May I come in?

Sure, it's okay.

[closes door]

What are you drawing?

Just a sketch for one of my fashion classes.

Diana, why'd you invite Chip to

the beach club on Saturday night?

Because I wanted to.

Be honest. Is it because you really like him

or 'cause you know Mack dislikes him?

Mack had nothing to do with it.

What you're saying is you really care for Chip, then?

I'm beginning to.

Is that so wrong?

No!

No, of course not.

You know, Mom, you would like him, too

if you'd just give yourself the time to know him.

I don't dislike him.

Yeah, but Mack does.

And you go along with everything Mack says.

Oh, come on, Diana. That's not true.

[Karen] It's just unfortunate that

two of them got off on the wrong foot.

Maybe Saturday night will change all that.

Maybe.

Just tell Mack to bring along an open mind.

Works both ways, kiddo.

[mellow music]

- G'night. - G'night.

[opens door]

[knocks on door]

[knocks on door] Ciji?

Ciji, you in there?

[continues knocking]

[opens door]

Gary, what are you doing here?

- Are you alright? - Of course, I'm alright.

Well, Kenny was just over at the house.

He's been trying to get a hold of you for the last three days.

He's been worried about you.

Oh well, I've been working nights, um..

I-I took a job as a waitress. I've run out of money.

Well, I tried calling you a couple of times myself.

There was no answer.

Well, I've been sleeping during the day.

I-I stick the phone in the closet.

I'm really sorry if I worried you.

No, no, it's okay as long as you're alright.

Um, I'd invite you in but my-my place is a mess.

- I haven't had a chance to-- - Oh, that's alright. Next time.

Uh, look, I've got some good news for you.

You can quit your waitress job. I got you a real job

singing at Richard's Restaurant.

Are you serious?

Yeah, I'm gonna make the final arrangements tonight.

Call me tomorrow, and I'll give you the details.

Oh, that's wonderful! I can't believe it.

Now, call me tomorrow. Don't forget.

- I won't. - Alright.

- Get a good night's sleep. - Yes, daddy.

[Ciji laughs]

[door closes]

[soft music]

[exclaims]

Did you hear what he said?

I've got a job singing.

[laughter]

[Chip] Every word.

[both laughing]

Great. Great.

[romantic music]

It's not a nightclub. It's a restaurant.

Kenny, you wanna go over it again?

- There's nothing to go over. - Look, first of all..

You get a whole new clientele. There's a young crowd out there

with a lot of money to spend.

You'll get a new turnover every time Ciji performs

and you know she's good.

I've never even heard her sing!

Richard, I promise you your restaurant's gonna

keep it's image as a first-class operation.

And there's no reason why this

can't be a smart-after-hour spot.

I don't want a smart-after-hour spot.

Give it a try Saturday night and if it doesn't work

we'll forget it. But at least try it.

I mean, you got nothing to lose.

And then you got a lot to gain.

There's more profit in the restaurant.

More profit? So far, this place has done

nothing but lose money. Look, Richard, you have got to

start running this place like a professional

otherwise you're gonna lose it altogether.

- Honey, take it easy. - Gary, he's wasting your money.

What's next? Topless waitresses?

Female mud wrestling?

[Abby] 'Wait a minute. Let me tell you.'

The restaurant closes at 12 o'clock, right?

We could put Ciji on at 12:15.

The dinner hour could stay the same that way.

You wouldn't have to have a second seating or lunches.

And with very little additional expense

'you could start bringing in some profit for a change.'

I'm sorry.

Richard, stop kidding yourself.

Make this one compromise and you won't have to compromise

on things that mean much more to you.

[sighs] Like we've all been saying

give it a try on Saturday night see how it works.

What have you got to lose?

[mildly tense music]

- So, what do you think? - Oh, he's wonderful.

He's so rugged and handsome. Look at that great smile.

- That adorable country grin-- - Hey, what about me?

I'm in these pictures, too you know?

What do you mean, you?

I don't see any pictures of you.

- Ooh, yeah. - Oh, stop it.

- Yeah. - Oh, stop.

Yeah, you look happy.

Each and every one of these photographs, that's the thing

that stands out the most.

I'm really glad for you, Karen.

Thanks.

Hey...I really missed you.

[chuckles] Me, too.

Awful lot's happened.

Yeah.

You know, there were so many times on that tour

when I wanted to pick up the phone and give you a call.

- You should have. Yeah. - Oh, really?

At three or four in the morning?

- Mm-hmm. - Uh-uh.

I don't think you would have appreciated that. Mm-mmh.

Anyway, this is better.

How's the new book coming?

Slowly. Very, very slowly.

I've almost finished the first two chapters.

I feel kind of funny about talking about it, though.

Hey, this is Karen. No apologies.

Besides, we've got too many other things

we have to catch up on.

Oh? Like what?

Chip. Tell me about Chip.

- Chip? Roberts? - 'Mm-hmm.'

Well, what do you wanna know?

I want your honest opinion.

It's real important. Just good or bad

just tell me what you think.

I don't know. He's-he's pleasant and he's-he's well-mannered

and mama thinks the world of him.

And you?

- Me? - 'Uh-huh.'

[smacks lips] Well...I don't know. There's just..

There's-there's something about him that

ever since I got back from the tour..

...I just never feel comfortable when I'm around him, you know?

Why is it so important?

I think Diana's falling in love with him.

♪ At times I'd like to break you ♪

♪ And drive you to your knees ♪♪

Times Music Department?

This is Chip Roberts from Kenny Ward's office.

I'm calling to make sure you received your tickets

to Ciji Dunn's opening at Daniel's on Saturday night.

We've had a lot more calls than we expected.

Ciji Dunn? Man, where have you been?

Didn't you read the piece on Rolling Stone?

Right. Ciji Dunn.

You didn't get them.

Okay, well, let me take down your name

and I'll leave a note for you at the door.

[Chip] Uh-huh. No problem, Bob.

Okay, we'll see you Saturday night. Bye-bye.

♪ A brother or a sister ♪

♪ It's just not right ♪♪

[Chip] 'Rolling Stone Magazine?'

'This is Chip Roberts from Kenny Ward's office.'

'I'm calling to make sure you received your tickets'

'to Ciji Dunn's opening at Daniel's on Saturday night.'

'Uh-huh.'

♪ Da-da-da-da-da-da ♪♪

You know, more of it like this.

Yeah, you're right, Ciji. That's better. I like that.

Gary, come on, they're the musicians.

Let them work it out, alright?

[piano music]

♪ At times I'd like to break you yeah ♪

♪ And drive you to your knees ♪

I'm sorry.

♪ At times I'd like to break through ♪

♪ And hold you endlessly ♪

♪ At times I earned a stand due ♪♪

It's all wrong.

- I beg your pardon? - That dress.

People are gonna forget her as soon as they leave.

Ciji's a hot property. We have to sell everything

that's hot about her. Something dynamic

that the audience won't be able to forget for weeks.

Maybe come back, see it again.

You know exactly what I mean.

♪ But then the passion flares again ♪♪

It's-it's, uh, it's closer but it's not quite right.

Hey, let's take five, okay?

- Yeah, it's a good idea. Okay. - Yeah, just relax a little.

[Kenny] Getting there.

- Hi. Thanks. - Hi, that was great.

Is that what I'm wearing opening night?

Uh, no. We decided it wasn't right.

Oh.

Well you sounded great.

I don't know why. I'm so uptight.

Come on.

- No looking up. - I know that.

Soon, we'll be able to call our own shots.

Ah, you got something going?

[chuckles] Kind of, yeah.

- What? - I can't tell you yet.

Oh, come on.

No, no, let's just say

that I'm meeting someone very important

at the beach club Saturday night.

Saturday night? That's the opening.

I'll be at your opening. This is before.

Why the beach club? Who's so important there?

It's something I've been working on a long time

and it'll open doors for us.

I-it's a neighbor friend. She's taking me.

- She belongs to the club. - What kind of neighbor?

The best kind. Rich, rich, rich.

[laughs] That good, huh?

- Delicious. - Ha-ha.

First, Richard refused. No one could budge him.

So I said, Richard, Richard, please, just listen to Ciji

sing one song, just one song.

Gary and Kenny thought I was crazy.

- How does that look to you? - Fine, Lilimae.

So I kept insisting. I knew what I was doing.

So, Ciji stood in the middle of the restaurant, and she sang.

Now, you think they're okay?

Yeah, just fine. Just the way I like'em.

So anyway, Ciji was unbelievable.

Gary was loving it.

[Chip] 'The end of the song, Richard gets out of his seat.'

'He is clapping. He's whistling.'

He's got a grin on his face from here to here.

[laughter]

So I said, now do you want her

to sing in your restaurant, Richard?

And you know what Richard said?

You get her here as soon as possible.

Ciji could be the best thing

that's ever happened to this restaurant.

[both exclaim] Oh, imagine that.

Now, the shoulders are they too snug to you?

No, everything's just fine, Lilimae.

[Lilimae] Okay.

So, Ciji opens tomorrow

and she wants me to run her career.

Well, she's a smart girl.

She knows a good publicity man when she sees one.

And you, Mr. Chip Roberts, are gonna have

one big Saturday night.

- Now, that's for sure. - Would you both please?

I mean, how in the world do you expect me to concentrate

a-and write my speech when you both just keep babbling

and go ba-ba-look, mama

why don't you just go too, huh?

Well, no.

Well, Chip would be too busy to..

No, no, no. I meant to invite you, Lilimae.

- Oh, no. - Yes, yes, yes.

After the beach club

I'll come by here. We'll go together.

[laughs] Oh, well.

Aren't you the sweetest thing, Chip?

Oh..

You sure you can manage it?

Lady, for you, I can manage anything.

[laughs] Oh.

[Lilimae] Well, well, well.

[pensive music]

[instrumental music]

To a perfect evening with the perfect girl.

[glasses clink]

Diana. You're looking grown up.

Oh, well, I am grown up.

This is a friend of mine, Chip Roberts.

- Chip, this is Mr. Hardy. - Hi, Mr. Hardy.

He's in publicity, too.

Right now, I'm handling Val Ewing.

Oh, I saw her recently on Mike Douglas.

- You're doing a good job. - Thank you. Thank you.

[Mr. Hardy] 'What agency are you with?'

[Chip] I was with Best Riker, but I just opened my own office.

I, oh, I don't think I brought

any of my business cards with me

but why don't we have lunch next week?

Good idea. Diana can tell you where to reach me.

- Be sure to call. - I sure will.

- Bye. - Bye.

Smooth. Very smooth.

Oh, that's for myself.

[receptionist] 'Telephone for Chip Roberts.'

- 'Telephone for Chip Roberts.' - That's me. That's me.

Oh, you can take the call right over there, sir.

Don't you think having yourself paged so people will think

you're important is a little bit much?

[chuckles nervously] Uh, excuse me.

- Chip Roberts. - Chip?

[Chip] 'Ciji, what is it?'

Chip, something's happened.

What is it? What's wrong?

[Ciji] 'You've got to come over right now, okay?'

Ciji, I'm with the president of a record company.

I was just about to invite him to your opening.

Well, there won't be an opening

if you don't come here right now, okay?

Please, I mean it.

Okay, okay. I'll think of something.

[instrumental music]

[smooth jazz music]

Diana, I just saw Mrs. Crane.

Remember when Jimmy spiked the Kool-Aid

on your first-grade field trip?

Diana came staggering in from this trip

from the San Diego Zoo. You should have seen her.

She looked like the world's youngest bag lady.

[Karen laughs]

Diana, may I have this dance, please?

- No, thank you. - Come on, now.

We'll find some way to dance to this stuff

and I promise when Prince Charming comes back

I'll let him cut in any time he likes.

He said he'd be right back.

I know, but it's 45 minutes.

Come on, we'll make the best of it.

I'm sure he has a very good reason for being away.

What's yours for bringing it up?

Diana.

Why don't you just mind your own business

and stop butting in on mine? Excuse me.

Well, that didn't work out very well, did it?

That guy's a jerk.

I don't think she should be seeing him.

No, Mack, just lay off, okay?

I get guys like that coming in out of my office all day long.

That guy's a jerk. He thinks he can charm the world.

Believe me, I know what I'm talking about.

Say that again.

I called you to come over here just to see if you'd come.

I-I don't believe this.

You're just testing me?

All the stupid times to pick to play this kind of game.

You're my manager, and it's my first big opening.

No, no, don't you understand? I can't stay with you.

I've got people waiting for me.

Okay.

Then just one kiss.

[calming music]

[sighs]

- Just one. - Ciji. Ciji, hey.

I gotta go see that record producer.

I gotta arrange everything so it'll just be the two of us.

After your opening..

...we'll pick up where we left off.

You're gonna be a star tonight.

[both chuckle]

I wanna make sure you get everything a star should have.

I'd do anything for you.

I want you to remember that.

[jazz music]

May I have this dance, Miss Fairgate?

Did you take care of what you had to?

I'm glad you're here.

[Val knocks on door] Mama?

Hmm?

Oh, how do I look, sweet pea?

- Ooh. - Ha-ha-ha.

You think I'll be the belle of the ball?

- I know you will. - Oh.

You know, uh..

...I think that Chip should feel very lucky

to be escorting a lady of your beauty

and your charm and your maturity.

- Oh, come on now, Valene. - 'Cause a special-what?

I mean, just because you're not going

doesn't mean you have to rain on my parade.

I'm not raining on your parade, mama.

Uh-huh.

No, I'm not.

I mean it.

I just wanna make sure that Chip realizes

how very special and--

And how much older I am than he is.

- I didn't say that. - Oh, come on, Valene.

Do you think I would be interested in Chip that way?

I'm ashamed of you. I'm his friend.

Someone to help build his career.

Okay, mama, I'm sorry. I-I'll never mention again.

Did he happen to tell you that he's been seeing

an awful lot of Diana lately?

Well, of course he told me.

Chip tells me everything.

Now, you run along. You'll be late for your speech.

And I have to finish dressing.

Okay, mama.

Hey, why don't we drive further up the beach to Malibu?

I know this private area where no one will bother us.

Oh...I can't.

Why not?

That girl I'm handling, there's an opening tonight

at Richard's restaurant. I've gotta go there.

But that's perfect. I'd love to see her.

And then afterwards, we can go to the beach.

Oh, it just wouldn't work. I'm just gonna be so busy.

I've got a thousand details to take care of.

I don't want you to be by yourself.

But I wouldn't mind. Really.

[applauding]

Mack. Mack, there they are.

Now, remember, Diana really cares about him

so let's just keep it pleasant.

Yeah, well, it's gonna cost you a kiss.

Hey, you ought to go home with your mom.

- I'll call you in the morning. - But it's no problem.

I mean, unless, of course, you don't want me to go.

Oh, come on, now. What could be the problem?

[chuckles] I was just explaining to Diana why I can't take her home.

That singer I represent

is opening tonight at Richard's restaurant.

Oh, Ciji. I hear she's sensational.

At Daniels. Yeah, why don't we go? Let's all go.

On me. My treat. What do you say?

That's great.

Well, I guess there's no problem, huh?

- Pretty good house tonight. - Are you kidding?

I already spotted a couple of critics.

Man, tonight might be even better than we hoped.

Hi. How's it going?

- Looking good. - Looking damn good.

- Is Chip here? - Not yet.

Uh, listen, I have a couple of last-minute notes

I want to go over with you.

[Gary] Uh, yeah, we both do.

I've got some ideas, too.

- Alright. - Is that the right dress?

Yes. Abby left it for me. It couldn't be righter.

Alright.

Um, first of all..

...I wanted to change the order of the songs a little bit.

Not a big change. Let me know what you think.

Oh, sure. You know, whatever way you wanna change is fine.

Oh, and, we got a stool for you, too, so you can sit down

during your quieter numbers.

Okay.

Um, another thing, I thought..

[indistinct chatter]

I'd have that overhead light moved, you know, so that--

Hi. I'm glad you're here.

Hi. I'd like you to meet Diana Fairgate.

Uh, and, uh, this is Karen Fairgate, Diana's mom.

- And Mack McKenzie. - Hi, nice to see you again.

It's nice to see you, too.

Well, I-I uh, I hear you're a record producer now.

[chuckles] Oh, no, I'm still an attorney.

I see.

Well, here's the, uh, table right here.

- Oh, thank you. - Thanks.

- Have a good show. - Thank you.

- I'll talk to you later. - Okay.

- She's cute. - Ciji?

- She's okay. - Okay? Who are you kidding?

Diana, business is business.

You confuse it with pleasure, it's certain death.

Oh.

- You look very pretty, mama. - Oh, thank you.

- I borrowed your pearls. - That's okay.

Chip, uh, hasn't come yet?

Oh, he called a while back, said he'd be late.

I wasn't to worry myself over him.

- That was considerate of him. - Uh-huh.

Well, anyway, he has a lot on his mind tonight.

Yeah.

- Well, I'm going. - Mm-hmm.

- You wish me luck? - Oh, good luck, sweetheart.

Yeah.

Oh, you be sure to take your set of keys

in case you get in later than I do.

[Lilimae] Mm-hmm.

[knocks on door]

[continuous knocking]

Come in.

- Hi. - Oh, hi.

Let's see how you look.

Oh, that looks terrific.

Thank you.

You know, tonight's real important for all of us.

You're, uh, an important investment for Gary and I

so we really want you to do well.

Yeah, I'm gonna try real hard.

[Abby] You should know something else.

Although I've kind of stayed in the background

Gary and I are partners

so just think of me as a silent partner.

I'll, uh, I'll keep that in mind.

Here.

A good luck present to help you remember tonight.

Well, thank you.

- Oh, it's beautiful. - Try it on.

[knocks on door]

Oh, Abby, hi. Uh, am I interrupting something?

No, not at all. I was just leaving.

- Good luck. - Thanks.

Ciji?

- You okay? - Sure, I'm fine.

You can go back to your neighbors.

See you after the show?

- Can you spare me the time? - I'll make the time.

Oh, good. Then, uh, leave me some between, uh

Little Miss Teen Queen and the old lady, okay?

Oh, my God, I forgot all about Lilimae, I've gotta go.

[telephone ringing]

- Hello? - Lilimae, it's Chip.

Oh, Chip.

Hi, I hope you haven't been worried.

The, uh, the bass player didn't show up till a minute ago.

Oh, my.

[chuckles wryly]

Yeah, things are getting pretty hairy.

Listen, Lilimae, I-I know this is a terrible thing to ask

but do you think you could take a taxi?

[Chip] 'They need me here.'

Of course, i-if they need you.

Oh, I promise I'll make it up to you.

I'll save the best seat in the house for you.

Oh, don't you worry. You just do your job.

I'll be there soon.

Oh, you're a sweetheart. You're an angel. I love you.

Bye-bye.

Well, honey, it wasn't such a bad idea after all, huh?

- We'll see. - Excuse me, Mr. Avery.

Table five wishes to order an omelet.

Oh, the kitchen's closed.

Aw, sweetie, come on. One omelet.

Ah, they said they heard your California omelet

is the best in town.

All my omelets are the best in town.

Henri's gone home.

Okay, one omelet.

Oh, Chip.

Oh, Lilimae, hi.

You look beautiful.

- How's everything going? - It's a little crazy.

Oh, well, that's why I came over, Chip.

- To help you out if I can. - Oh, you're sweet.

[gasps] Look at that Ciji now.

[Lilimae exclaims] Ooh! Isn't she amazing?

Lilimae, will you wait here just one minute?

Uh-huh.

Hi.

Do you think we could put a little drum full there, please?

Thanks. Appreciate it.

I meant everything I said, didn't I?

Tonight's gonna be the best night of your life.

Is it?

I know what you're thinking, but it's not true.

That girl's just a vehicle for us, that's all.

Ciji?

You'll see who I leave with tonight.

It won't be her.

See you after the show.

- All ready? - Yes, sir.

I remember when I was in Nashville

bass players were always late for some reason.

I never knew why. Well, someone once said

it was because, and I think this is a silly reason

I think you'll agree

it was because their fiddles are so big.

[both laugh]

- Here we go. - Hi, everybody.

- They want six more omelets. - What kind?

Uh, one cheese, two California, and three red caviar.

What am I, a short-order cook?

Shinier.

[announcer] 'Ladies and gentlemen, Daniel presents Ciji.'

[applause]

I wouldn't wanna share this night with anyone but you.

[instrumental music]

♪ You ask me if I love you ♪

♪ And I choke on my reply ♪

♪ I'd rather hurt you honestly ♪

♪ Than mislead you with a lie ♪

♪ And who am I to judge you ♪

♪ On what you say or do ♪

♪ I'm only just beginning ♪

♪ To see the real you ♪

♪ And sometimes when we touch ♪

♪ The honesty's too much ♪

♪ And I have to close my eyes ♪

♪ And hide ♪

♪ I wanna hold you till I die ♪

♪ Till we both break down and cry ♪

♪ I wanna hold you till the fear in me ♪

♪ Subsides ♪

♪ At times I'd like to break you ♪

♪ And drive you to your knees ♪

♪ At times I'd like to break through ♪

♪ And hold you endlessly ♪

♪ Sometimes I understand you ♪

♪ And I know how hard you try ♪

♪ I've watched while love commands you ♪

♪ And I've watched love pass you by ♪

♪ At times I think we're drifters ♪

♪ Still searching for a friend ♪

♪ A brother or a sister ♪

♪ Then the passion flares again ♪

♪ And sometimes when we touch ♪

♪ The honesty's too much ♪

♪ And I have to close my eyes ♪

♪ And hide ♪

♪ I wanna hold you till I die ♪

♪ Till we both break down and cry ♪

♪ I wanna hold you till the fear in me ♪

♪ Subsides ♪

♪ I wanna hold you till the fear in me ♪

♪ Subsides ♪

♪ I wanna hold you till the fear in me ♪

♪ Subsides ♪♪

[instrumental music ends]

[applause]

How did you like my omelet of fines herbes?

[Laura] Molte bene.

Richard, you see, I told you it would work.

The crowd loved her.

Tomorrow they'll all be telling their friends

and the next time she performs, we'll have standing room only.

- Honey, come on. We gotta go. - Oh, okay.

Oh, Richard, by the way, the omelets

that was a wonderful touch.

What is it with her, anyway, huh?

Beats me.

- 'Oh, you're really good.' - 'Thanks.'

Pardon me. Pardon me.

- Oh, you were terrific. - Thanks.

- The critics are going to rave. - Oh, I hope so.

- It was great! - I know!

[Lilimae chuckles] Ooh!

Oh, Lilimae, I cannot tell you how glad I am that you made it.

Oh. But I am gonna be stuck here for quite a long time.

Oh, I'll take a taxi home

i-if you won't be too disappointed, huh?

I'll see you first thing in the morning

and tell you everything that happens.

- Well. Bye-bye. - Bye-bye.

Oh, I'm just dying to meet her. Hold on.

Everybody wants to talk to you, so we'll see you later, okay?

- Okay. Buh-bye. - Yeah, I'm gonna take off, too.

- Alright. Okay. - See you in a bit.

I thought you were so great.

I just can't believe how great you were.

Oh, thanks. That's so sweet of you.

Ciji, I'd like you to meet

George Rodriguez from Rolling Stone.

He'd like to set up a time to interview you next week.

Where have you been hiding?

[laughs] It's nice to meet you.

Set up something for early in the week, alright?

- Okay. - After my review next week..

You won't have much time.

Ah.

Before tonight, I only read the Rolling Stone.

Do you know what this will mean for the two of us?

What?

I'll be able to treat you the way you deserve

take you places, show you off but I gotta stay here

and make sure it goes down the line, alright?

Okay.

[female #1] Bye-bye. It was good seeing you again.

- We'll talk on Friday. - Goodnight.

[male #1] Nice meeting you.

Goodnight. Good seeing you.

Would you mind taking Diana home with you?

- Sure. - Yeah, I'll get the car.

We'll-we'll get the car.

I'm so proud of you.

[calm music]

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]