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GOAL TO GO

Episode 1.13

“Spring”

by David Polk
2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Charlotte


greeting Homicide Detective Reynolds in her office.

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBB’S OFFICE – DAY

Detective Reynolds sits across from Charlotte.

REYNOLDS
Dr. Webb, we’re investigating the death
of Marcus Gamble. He was shot over a
year ago in East Orange. We have
reason believe that his ex-girlfriend,
Portia Robeson, was somehow involved in
the shooting.

CHARLOTTE
And since Achilles Addams is the only
student on campus from East Orange you
believe he’s also linked to the
shooting.

REYNOLDS
We’ve questioned Ms. Robeson several
times. She says that she and Mr.
Addams were together on the night of
the shooting.
(clears his throat)
In the biblical sense. I’m here to ask
Mr. Addams a few questions.

CHARLOTTE
My husband is a retired detective, so I
know police work can be painstaking.
Still, I’m surprised it’s taken you a
year to get around to questioning one
of my student athletes if you suspect
his girlfriend is involved in a
homicide.

REYNOLDS
Gamble was a 16-year-old gang banger
and drug dealer. Frankly, Dr. Webb,
our assumption going into the
investigation was that this was just
another gang-on-gang shooting. We’ve
seen our share of that in East Orange.
3.

CHARLOTTE
Yes...Of course, well, we will
cooperate in any way possible. I’ll
want to inform our Chancellor and Coach
Donahue. And, naturally, Achilles may
wish to have a lawyer present when
speaking with you.

DETECTIVE
Naturally.

INT. DONAHUE FOYER – DAY

Billy comes in, closes the door behind him.

BILLY
(calling)
Gale. Gale, are you home?

He crosses the living room, walks down the hall toward her
office. She comes out of her office.

GALE
(smiling)
Billy, honey. This is a nice surprise.
I didn’t expect you home until late.

She kisses him on the lips.

BILLY
Gale, there’s something I need to talk
to you about.

GALE
Okay.
(fingers his shirt-buttons)
Mattie’s gone for the day and J.R.
won’t be home for a couple of hours.
You want to talk upstairs?

BILLY
Gale, I think we should sit down. In
the living room.

GALE
All right, honey. What is it?

He takes her hand, leads her into the living room.


4.

INT. DONAHUE LIVING ROOM – DAY

Billy and Gale sit on the sofa. He holds her hand.

BILLY
Gale, I need to tell you something and
it’s not easy.

GALE
Okay, what is it?

BILLY
You know, I’ve loved you since the day
we met. I know how much I disappointed
you by not telling you about Dallas.

GALE
Billy...what are you getting at?

BILLY
I swore...

A CELL PHONE RINGS. Billy reaches in his pocket, pulls it


out. He glances at the caller I.D., puts the phone on the
coffee table. Gale winces.

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBB’S OFFICE – DAY

Detective Reynolds listens as Charlotte leaves a message


for Billy.

CHARLOTTE
Billy, Charlotte. There’s been a
development with Achilles and his
girlfriend, Portia Robeson. I have a
homicide detective from New Jersey in
my office. I’m sure you’ll call as
soon as you get this message.

INT. DONAHUE LIVING ROOM – DAY

Billy turns back to Gale.

BILLY
I swore I would never keep anything
from you again. No matter what is was.
5.

GALE
(winces again)
Billy, you’re scaring me. Just tell me
what it is. What’s going on?

BILLY
Gale, I...

A CHIME from the cell phone as Charlotte’s voice message is


recorded. Gale puts a hand to her stomach.

BILLY
Gale, I’ve been...

Gale grabs her stomach with both hands, in severe pain.

GALE
Oh, God! Billy! ...

Billy looks down and is gripped by terror. Gale’s pants


and the sofa are soaked in blood.

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING AREA – DAY

Billy paces like a caged animal. A DOCTOR comes to him.

DOCTOR
Coach.

Billy turns to her, his blue eyes dark with worry.

BILLY
Yes!

DOCTOR
Mrs. Donahue is going to be all right,
Coach.

BILLY
(heavy sigh)
Thank god! Thank you, Doctor. When
can I see her?
(reads her face)
What? What is it?

DOCTOR
Coach, I’m sorry, but we weren’t able
to save the baby.
6.

BILLY
(thunderstruck)
What?

END TEASER

ACT ONE

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING AREA – DAY

Billy’s head is still spinning around the news that Gale


was pregnant.

DOCTOR
Though Mrs. Donahue is in excellent
physical condition, any pregnancy past
the age of 40 is risky for both mother
and fetus. Mrs. Donahue was nearing
the end of her first trimester, so
we’re very fortunate that there wasn’t
severe internal damage...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY

Gale lay in bed, a portrait of reposed sorrow. Billy


enters the room quietly, stands at the foot of the bed.
She looks at him. They gaze into each other’s eyes for a
long couple of beats.

BILLY
Doctor says you’re going to be fine.
They just want you here for a day to
keep an eye on you.

Another long beat.

BILLY
Are you going to tell me who?

She looks away. He looks at her for what seems like


forever. Then he turns and walks out of the room. We stay
on Gale until a tear rolls down her cheek.
7.

INT. BILLY’S OUTER OFFICE – DAY

Billy’s secretary Donna Dixon is on the phone, worry on her


face and in her voice.

DONNA
No, Dr. Webb, he hasn’t checked in.
(listens)
Yes, I’ve left messages for him on his
cell phone too, as well as on Gale’s
phone and their home line.
(listens)
Yes, I tried her. Miss Weiss is on her
way to San Francisco. Her flight
doesn’t land for a couple of hours.

INT. HALLWAY - SUNSET

Maria Pennebaker walks quickly down the hall. She’s


worried sick. She comes to a set of double doors.

INT. HOME GYM – SUNSET

Maria opens the double doors and steps inside.

MARIA
Harold?...HAROLD!

She stops in her tracks at the sight of her husband Harold


Pennebaker and their personal trainer Raoul on the mat
doing it doggie style.

INT. PENNEBAKER MANSION – SUNSET

Maria runs down the stairs crying, humiliated and angry.

HAROLD
Kitten wait!

He chases her naked, catches her in the foyer.

HAROLD
Kitten, it’s not what it looks like,
let me explain....

MARIA
Explain? What is there to explain,
Harold? Your cock was in Raoul’s ass!
What exactly is it that I’m missing?!
8.

HAROLD
I don’t know what came over me, Maria.
I just don’t...

MARIA
My God, Harold, am I not enough woman
for you?!

HAROLD
Of course you are, Kitten.

MARIA
What am I saying? Of course I am! I
don’t have time for this now, Harold.
Gale’s in the hospital.

HAROLD
What? Gale? Why?

MARIA
She’s had a miscarriage and Billy’s
disappeared.

HAROLD
A miscarriage? But I thought...

MARIA
I’ll deal with you later.
(looks down)
For goodness sake, Harold, put some
clothes on!

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBB’S OFFICE – SUNSET

Charlotte is standing behind her desk talking on the phone.

CHARLOTTE
Yes, detective, he flew back earlier
today. A family emergency of some
kind.
(listens)
Just for a few days.
(listens)
Yes, of course. Good night, detective
and have a safe flight back.

She hangs up and immediately picks the phone up again,


dials. We hear it RING.

IRIS (V.O.)
Iris Cross.
9.

CHARLOTTE
Iris, Charlotte.

IRIS (V.O.)
Hello, Dr. Webb. Our outside counsel
is pulling everything they can on the
Marcus Gamble case.

CHARLOTTE
Thank you, Iris, but what I need now is
for you to find the best lawyer you can
on the East Coast.

IRIS (V.O.)
Dr. Webb?

CHARLOTTE
When Achilles lands in New Jersey he’s
going to get hit by a shit storm. I
want him to have the best umbrella this
university can buy. I’d also like you
on the next available flight to New
Jersey.

IRIS (V.O.)
Yes, of course, Dr. Webb. Should I
clear that with Chancellor Reed?

CHARLOTTE
I’ll handle Sebastian. You just make
sure our boy stays dry.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – NIGHT

ANGLE ON two hands clasped together. Each hand has an


impressive DIAMOND WEDDING RING. PULL BACK to see Maria at
Gale’s bedside. Gale cries softly.

MARIA
He loves you, Gale. Nothing could ever
change that.

GALE
I was so awful to him about Dallas. It
was my pride, Maria. I’ve let my pride
destroy my marriage.

MARIA
Nonsense, sweetheart. Any woman would
be devastated to learn that her husband
kept such a secret from her.
10.

GALE
I knew it when I saw her, Maria. She’s
the love of his life. She taught him
about love and she gave him a son
before I ever met him.

MARIA
Gale, he had a choice and he chose you.

GALE
But would he do it again?

MARIA
Of course he would.

GALE
No, Maria, I know Billy. That’s why it
hurt so much.
(off her reaction)
If he had to do it over again, he’d
choose them.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD (TEXAS CITY HIGH SCHOOL) – NIGHT

The dilapidated stadium is empty and dark. SMITTY (60s),


the crotchety groundskeeper, walks down the stadium steps,
shining a FLASHLIGHT ahead of him.

SMITTY
(calling out)
Hey, you! You can’t be in here!

A lone figure stands at midfield. The figure doesn’t


respond to Smitty’s call. Smitty reaches the field, walks
out to the figure.

SMITTY
Are you deaf or just plum dumb and
stupid? Oh...Billy? Coach Donahue?!

Billy stares out over the field.

SMITTY
Coach Donahue! I’m sorry. If I’d known
it was you I wouldn’t have been such a
jerk just now.

BILLY
It’s all right. Don’t worry about it.
11.

SMITTY
Well, I’ll be damned! Billy Boy
Donahue! Back here in Texas.
(sticks out his hand)
Remember me, old Smitty?

BILLY
(shakes it)
Hi, Smitty. I remember you.

Smitty follows Billy’s gaze. He’s staring at the bleachers


in front of the concession stand behind the end zone.

SMITTY
You did some incredible things on this
field. Bet this place brings back a
lot of memories, huh, Billy Boy?

BILLY
Yeah, Smitty, it does.

END ACT ONE


12.

ACT TWO

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY

Achilles is flanked by attorneys Iris Cross and BEN WAXMAN


(50s). Across from them are Detective Reynolds and
DETECTIVE FLANAGAN (40), East Orange P.D. They’ve been
interrogating Achilles for a couple of hours.

FLANAGAN
I just want to remind you, Achilles,
you’re not the suspect here. So don’t
feel as though you have to cover for
anybody.

ACHILLES
I’m not covering for anybody.

FLANAGAN
Of course not. Now you said that you
and Portia began dating after she’d
already broken up with Marcus?

ACHILLES
Yeah. A few months after.

FLANAGAN
And did you and Marcus ever have any
words over their breakup?

ACHILLES
No. He’d dropped out of school by then,
so I rarely saw him around.

REYNOLDS
I just want to be clear on the timeline
here, Achilles. You said that you and
Portia left the theater at around 10:30
and got back to her father’s house by
her curfew at 11:30 and that you walked
the whole way. But if you walked the
entire 10 blocks, how’d you have time
to stop off at your mother’s apartment,
tap that 16-year-old ass and still get
her home by 11:30?

ACHILLES
(keeps his cool)
I said the movie let out at around
10:00. It’s only 10 blocks if you take
the main streets - we don’t, we take
short cuts. And we work fast.
13.

REYNOLDS
So you had sex with a minor and then
took her down alleys and side streets
late at night? In East Orange?

Achilles stares at him, his eyes betraying no emotion. His


poker face.

ACHILLES
We grew up here. We know what streets
are safe and which ones to avoid.

REYNOLDS
I bet you do, Lover Boy.

WAXMAN
Detectives, if my client isn’t a
suspect, why not call it a day. We’ve
been at this for a few hours now.
He’ll be in town for a couple more days
and when he returns to Washington he’ll
be at your disposal.

Flanagan closes a folder in front of him.

FLANAGAN
Thank you, Achilles. We’ll be in touch
if we have any other questions.

INT. POLICE STATION (HALLWAY) - DAY

Iris, Ben and Achilles walk down the hall on their way out
of the station.

WAXMAN
You did very well in there, Achilles.

IRIS
You did, Achilles. Don’t worry about a
thing.

Reynolds and Flanagan stand just outside the interrogation


room, watch them go.

REYNOLDS
Well, what do you think?

FLANAGAN
I think I know why they call that kid
the Iceman.
14.

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBB’S OFFICE – DAY

Charlotte, Billy and Iris sit around the coffee table.


Billy’s reading a REPORT in a folder.

CHARLOTTE
According to the police, Achilles
corroborated Portia’s story, using
almost the exact same words.

BILLY
Which means they’re telling the truth.

CHARLOTTE
Or they’ve got a good story and they’re
sticking to it.

BILLY
Charlotte, you don’t really think that
girl could’ve done something like this.

CHARLOTTE
Her father the Reverend is being
investigated by the FBI for bilking his
parishioners out of tens of thousands
of dollars, and there are half a dozen
boosters who believed he was
representing Achilles who want their
money back. Maybe she’s a chip off the
old block, only smarter.

IRIS
According to the police report, there
was no physical evidence linking Ms.
Robeson to the shooting. The autopsy
showed the boy was full of crank when
he died. From all accounts it looks
like a typical gang banger shootout and
this Gamble kid lost.

Billy closes the report, drops it on the coffee table.

BILLY
That’s the most likely explanation.
(to Charlotte)
And that’s the only one that holds
water as far as I’m concerned.
15.

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBB’S OFFICE - LATER

Iris has left and now it’s just Charlotte and Billy.

BILLY
Thanks for sending the cavalry out to
New Jersey, Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE
I would’ve done it for any of our kids.

BILLY
(knows it’s not true)
Yeah, but thanks anyway.

INT. LOFT – NIGHT

Achilles comes in, drops his travel bag at the door, unzips
his jacket. He’s beat and looks it. Valerie is curled up
in the leather chair, wearing only a t-shirt.

ACHILLES
I thought you were going to pick me up
at the airport?

She stares at him, stern-faced. He clocks the ‘tude.

ACHILLES
Is everything all right?

VALERIE
I don’t know, is it?

ACHILLES
(annoyed)
I waited at the airport for over an
hour, Valerie. Didn’t you get any of
my messages? I finally had to take a
taxi. It cost $150. I don’t have $150.

She stands, walks to him, stopping inches away.

VALERIE
Did you sleep with her?

ACHILLES
What?

VALERIE
Did. You. Sleep. With. Her?
16.

ACHILLES
(anger rising)
You’re kidding, right? Because if
you’re telling me I spent the last six
hours trying to get home and shelling
out money I don’t have because you
think I slept with somebody else...

VALERIE
It’s a simple question, Achilles.

ACHILLES
I’m tired, Valerie, I just want to go
to sleep.

He starts to walk past her but she grabs his arm.

VALERIE
Answer me. Did you sleep with her?

ACHILLES
(breaks her grip)
I had a really bad trip and a fucked up
day so I don’t want to get into this
with you, Valerie.

VALERIE
You did, didn’t you?

He heads toward the bathroom. She grabs him again, spins


him around.

ACHILLES
Girl, what’s wrong with you?

VALERIE
You’re what’s wrong with me. You’re
away from me for a few days and you’re
fucking somebody else.

ACHILLES
She’s not somebody else. She’s my
girlfriend. Just like Richard is still
your fiancé.

VALERIE
So you did sleep with her?

ACHILLES
I didn’t say that...Valerie, come on.
17.

She slaps his face hard. He looks at her, stunned, turns


to leave the apartment.

ACHILLES
Fuck this, I’ll crash at Blum’s.

She comes up from behind, slams the door shut just as he


opens it.

VALERIE
Is that how you deal, stud? You just
run away when it gets tough?

She strikes a nerve. His eyes darken with anger.

ACHILLES
(tersely)
Valerie, I don’t know what’s going on
with you, but you’re really starting to
piss me off.

There’s an animal rage-lust in her eyes. She takes another


swing at him but he grabs her hand before it strikes. With
her other hand she shoves him against the door. She grabs
the back of his neck, kisses him hard on the mouth, presses
her body against his. He lets go of her hand and, with
both hands now free, she rips his shirt open. Buttons fly
all over. She kisses his neck and chest, sinks her
manicured fingernails into his skin. He takes her in his
arms, kisses her deeply. Then she breaks free and BITES
HIM HARD on the chest. She draws blood.

ACHILLES
Ow! What the fuck!

VALERIE
Don’t ever cheat on me again. Ever.

She pulls him to her, kisses him deeply. He picks her up


and she wraps her legs around his waist as he carries her
to the bed.

INT. DONAHUE COTTAGE – DAY

Birds chirp happily O.S. Gale is inspecting the interior


of the cottage being built for her mother. It’s a
beautiful home with unfinished walls and hardwood floors.
Mathilda Weiss and Darryl Banks follow Gale as she goes
from room to room.
18.

DARRYL
We’ll have the painters in tomorrow
morning. Mrs. Ryan can be in her new
home within two weeks.

Gale stops at the fireplace, leans over to look at it


closely.

DARRYL
Is there something wrong, Mrs. Donahue?

She doesn’t respond. Just moves on with her inspection of


the room. Darryl looks at Mathilda, who shakes her head as
if to say, “It’s nothing.”

EXT. DONAHUE COTTAGE - DAY

Darryl waits while Mathilda signs papers on a clipboard.


Gale stands nearby, admiring the cottage. There is a
noticeable melancholy about her.

GALE
It’s very nice, Darryl. Very nice.

DARRYL
Thank you, Mrs. Donahue.

She turns and walks toward the main house. Mathilda hands
the clipboard to Darryl and catches up to her. They walk
into the main house together.

INT. GALE’S OFFICE – DAY

Gale sits at her desk reviewing the day’s itinerary.


Mathilda stands over her shoulder, confirming items in her
PDA.

MATHILDA
Mrs. Pennebaker would like to move your
lunch up a half hour. Her doctors’
appointment had to be rescheduled. It
should work out well since you have a 3
o’clock appointment with Mrs. Ryan’s
doctor. At 4:30 you have a meeting at
Children’s Hospital to finalize plans
for the Spring Gala. Gale reacts to
something on the page.
19.

GALE
What about dinner at D’Agostino’s with
Billy?

MATHILDA
(beat)
Billy called and said he’ll be working
late again. I’m sorry, Gale, I should
have mentioned it sooner.

GALE
No, it’s perfectly all right, Mattie.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (WORKOUTS) – DAY

A WHISTLE BLOWS. GROUPS OF PLAYERS in sweat pants and mesh


jerseys go through drills. Billy is with the RECEIVERS,
including Ricky “Burner” Turner. He’s teaching them how to
read a defender’s coverage. He lines up as the defender
across from Burner.

BILLY
So if his shoulders are parallel to the
sideline, take the option route inside
off the bump and run. Let’s do it,
Burner.

Burner bursts off the line, Billy shoves him toward the
sideline. Burner breaks off and goes to the inside.

BILLY
Good job, Burner. Did you guys see
that? How he didn’t let me control the
route on him? When the Q.B. reads the
coverage, he’s going to expect you to
hit the inside route, so you’ve got to
fight off the bump and get to where the
ball is going to be. Okay, let’s do it
again. Erickson, let’s go...

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (WORKOUTS) – LATER

The players are in five lines at the foot stadium steps.

BILLY
(loudly)
All right, gentlemen. It wouldn’t be
spring training if we didn’t finish up
the day with a little light jog.
20.

GROANS and nervous LAUGHTER.

BILLY
What? You don’t think Boise State’s
doing this? ‘Cause I can guarantee you
they’ve got one game circled in red on
the calendar. You showed them last
season that pay back is a bitch.
Believe me, gentlemen, they’re looking
to return the favor on October 25.
Remember that when you get to the top.

He looks at Coach Romeo Dumars.

BILLY
Romeo.

DUMARS
Right, Coach.

Dumars puts his WHISTLE in his mouth and BLOWS. Achilles,


Burner, Dallas Morales, Cole Seavers and Warren “iPhone”
Sitren are the first to start running up the stairs.

BILLY
Bob, let’s go.

Billy and Coach Bob Garcia walk off the field together.

INT. BILLY’S OFFICE – DAY

Billy and Garcia come in.

BILLY
It’s Mimi’s birthday today, right?

GARCIA
Yeah, it is. Thanks for remembering.

BILLY
Don’t thank me thank Donna. She keeps
track of things like that. I also know
you and Mimi plan a night out at
D’Agostino’s to celebrate.

GARCIA
Yeah. She loves that place but it’s
not really an every weekend sort of
joint, if you know what I mean.
21.

BILLY
Yeah, I know what you mean. Anyway, I
won’t hold you up from dinner out with
the misses. This shouldn’t take long.

GARCIA
What’s up, Coach?

BILLY
You know I’ve interviewed a few coaches
to take over as offensive coordinator
since Bull took the top job at Idaho.

GARCIA
Yeah.

BILLY
I interviewed a lot of guys because I
needed to be sure that none of them was
better than my first choice. None were.

GARCIA
No?

BILLY
So what do you say, Bob?

GARCIA
About what, Coach?

Billy looks at him pointedly.

GARCIA
Me? Are you serious?

BILLY
No, I’m just bullshitting you, Bob.
(beat)
Of course, I’m serious!

It starts to sink in and Garcia smiles.

BILLY
Look, Bob, it was my hope when I hired
you that one day I’d be able to make
you my offensive coordinator. Bull’s a
good man, a damn good coach. But it
was never going to be a long-term fit.
He wanted – he deserved – to be a head
coach. Now everybody gets what he
wants. Assuming you want to run my
offense.
22.

GARCIA
Yeah! Hell yeah I do!

BILLY
Good. So go out and celebrate Mimi’s
birthday on me.

They shake hands and Garcia heads for the door.

INT. J.R.’S BEDROOM – DAY

We’re looking at PIXIES (the pink designer drug) in a


ZIPLOCK PLASTIC BAG. A HAND goes in the bag and takes out
one of the tiny pills. J.R. examines the PILL for a few
moments, debating whether to take it or not. He sticks it
in his mouth. After a few seconds...

J.R.
(as in ‘far out’)
Whoa!

He falls back onto his bed with a huge, shit eating grin
plastered on his face.

INT. ARCADE – SUNSET

J.R. leans against a Speed Racer video game. He’s


enthralled by a pair of 10-YEAR-OLDS playing Dance-Dance
Revolution. Gracie Wellington comes up behind him, pats
him on the ass. When he turns she plants a kiss on him.

GRACIE
Hi, Johnny.

He loops his arms around her waist, squeezes her tightly,


kisses her passionately. When they stop

GRACIE
(breathless)
Whoa! What’s got into you? Maybe we
should get a room.

J.R.
Maybe we should just go around back.

GRACIE
Johnny.
(sees he’s serious)
Johnny!
23.

INT. BEHIND ARCADE – SUNSET

J.R. zips his pants up. Gracie zips up too, fixes her bra
underneath her shirt.

GRACIE
What’s going on with you, Johnny?

J.R.
You liked that didn’t you?

GRACIE
Yeah...but...

J.R.
But what?

GRACIE
But you seemed different.

J.R.
Different how?

GRACIE
Like I wasn’t even here.

J.R.
What are you talking about? I know
you’re here, Gracie.

GRACIE
Look at me, Johnny.

J.R.
I am looking at you.

GRACIE
(peers into his eyes)
Tell me you didn’t take those pixies.

J.R.
(grinning)
Okay, I didn’t take those pixies.

GRACIE
Shit, Johnny! What’s wrong with you?

J.R.
Nothing’s wrong with me, Gracie. I
just had a hard on like you wouldn’t
believe.
24.

GRACIE
(angry)
Oh, I believe it alright! Johnny, you
never, ever take what you sell! Didn’t
anybody ever teach you that?
(gets in his face)
Listen to me, Johnny. You shouldn’t
take drugs. None of this shit. You
hear me?

J.R.
What, all the stuff you’ve dealt and
you never sampled?

GRACIE
No! Never!

J.R.
That’s bullshit!

GRACIE
Johnny, my mother can’t keep a job
because she’s a freaking coke head, my
father’s a meth junkie doing time. You
don’t think I’ve seen enough reasons
not to take this shit?

J.R.
But you’re around people who get high
all the time.

Gracie’s eyes tell us that she’s made a tough decision.

GRACIE
Where’s the stuff, Johnny?
(he hesitates)
Where’s the stuff, Johnny!?

INT. DONAHUE MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT

Gale is in bed reading a BOOK. She looks up when Billy


comes in and goes straight into the bathroom.

GALE
How did Bob take the news?

BILLY (O.S.)
He was pretty surprised, which
surprised me.
25.

GALE
He’s a good, smart coach. A lot like
you when you first went to work for
Daddy. He’ll do a great job.

BILLY (O.S.)
I hope so. Expectations are high with
both Achilles and Maurice maturing and
Burner healthy again.

GALE
I’ll arrange to have lunch with Mimi
sometime next week.

BILLY (O.S.)
Good idea.

GALE
(beat)
Has the news about Dallas settled down?

Billy comes out of the bathroom in pajama pants. Slides in


next to her.

BILLY
I hear he’s still taking shit, just the
usual locker room ribbing. Guys
respect him because he’s a hell of a
football player. By the time summer
camp rolls around, it’ll all be ancient
history.

GALE
I’m not quite sure about Cara for him.
She’s a bit rough around the edges,
don’t you think? Maybe girls from
Central High are just that way.

His look says, “Don’t start in on Gracie too”. She gets


it. Then he kisses her on the cheek.

BILLY
Good night.

He switches his light off and turns away from her.

GALE
Billy, I was thinking we could go away
for a few days over spring break.
26.

BILLY
Lots of prep for spring camp, Gale.

GALE
I thought your assistants could handle
it. But of course...if you have plans.

He turns over to face her.

BILLY
I don’t have plans, Gale.

GALE
Of course. Good night, honey.

She kisses him lightly on the mouth, switches her light out
and turns over to go to sleep.

INT. D’AGOSTINO’S RESTAURANT (KITCHEN) – DAY

Executive chef FREDO GASPERINI (50) pours olive oil into a


sauté pan. Cake D’Agostino watches attentively. She’s in
a white chef’s apron. Fredo works fluidly, speaks with his
hands and with an Italian accent.

FREDO
Once your oil is nice and hot, you add
your onion and your garlic. It’s
important not to over cook these. Si?

Sofia D’Agostino comes into the kitchen.

SOFIA
How is our budding chef doing, Fredo?

FREDO
(smiles)
Magnifico, Sofia! She’ll be ready to
take over my kitchen, oh, just about
when I’m ready to retire.

Cake smiles. Sofia touches her daughter’s face


affectionately then leaves. The door barley closes and
Cara comes in. Cake is adding spices to the sauté pan.

CARA
Fredo, make sure I don’t serve anything
she makes. I need good tips this week
to pay for my spring break trip and I
don’t need people getting sick on me.
27.

Cake sticks out her tongue. Cara smirks and slaps Cake’s
ass on the way out of the kitchen.

EXT. PARK – DAY

J.R. meets Gracie by the merry-go-round. They kiss.

GRACIE
Give it to me.

J.R.
But what about the money for your
tuition?

GRACIE
Don’t worry about that. Just give it
to me.

He pulls the plastic baggie of pixies from his backpack.


She takes it, puts it in her bag.

J.R.
Are you sure about this?

GRACIE
I don’t want you to ever deal again.
You’re through, okay?

INT. MUFFLER SHOP – DAY

Gracie comes in, goes to a MECHANIC behind the counter.

GRACIE
Is Jamal here?

The mechanic picks up the PHONE, hits the intercom button.

MECHANIC
Jamal, come to the front desk. Jamal
to the front desk.

Gracie moves to the tiny waiting area. Jamal comes in from


the garage wearing a mechanic’s jumpsuit.

JAMAL
Hey, Gigi, what’s up?

She motions for him to go outside with her.


28.

EXT. BEHIND THE MUFFLER SHOP – DAY

Jamal and Gracie are behind a wooden fence that’s behind


the muffler shop. Gracie looks around, making sure no one
is watching. She reaches in her bag, pulls out the bag of
pixies and hands it to him.

GRACIE
Here, Jamal. Johnny’s done selling.

He grabs her bag, stuffs the pixies back into it.

JAMAL
Girl, what the hell’s wrong with you?
You trying to get me busted?!

GRACIE
There’s nobody around, Jamal. Just
take the stuff back.

JAMAL
Say what?

GRACIE
J.R.’s not dealing for you anymore.
Find somebody else to move them.

JAMAL
I don’t want somebody else to move it.
I want your boy to. Look, if I’m gonna
make anything off of this shit after I
give Sasha his cut, I need to move it
for twice what it’s worth. Your boy
has the connections at Wa Tech and
those rich kids will pay double for
this shit.

GRACIE
That’s too bad, Jamal, because Johnny’s
out.

JAMAL
Says who, Little Johnny? Please.

GRACIE
No. Me.

He backs her against the fence.


29.

JAMAL
Listen, up, bitch, don’t go acting
crazy on me. You know I’ll snatch a
knot in that little ass of yours.

GRACIE
I’ll move them for you, Jamal. Just
let Johnny alone.

JAMAL
Fuck that! You take that shit back to
your little boyfriend and tell him
tuition at State just went up and you
need the money by next week. I don’t
care what you tell him, but I want my
money, bitch!

GRACIE
No.

He slaps her hard, splits her lower lip. Gracie takes the
pills out of her bag, defiantly throws them on the ground.

GRACIE
No!

He grabs her neck, squeezes tight, lifts her to her toes.

JAMAL
Pick them up, bitch!

GRACIE
(choking)
Fuck you, Jamal.

He hits her with his fist, throws her to the ground. He


kicks her in the stomach, hits her again and again...

END ACT TWO


30.

ACT THREE

INT. KOFFEE HOUSE – DAY

The coffee shop is abuzz with students getting a jolt of


java before they hit the road for spring break. Darryl
Banks and Mathilda Weiss are at a table.

DARYYL
Every year it’s the same thing. They
tear out of town like bats out of hell.

MATHILDA
I may be dating myself, but I remember
when it was called “reading week” and
we spent the entire week studying for
final exams.

DARRYL
(smiles)
Mattie, I didn’t go to college and even
I know it’s always been the biggest
party week of the year. What were you
doing all those years?

MATHILDA
(a mildly seductive smile)
I’ll never tell, Darryl.

EXT. TRZCINSKI HOME – DAY

A ranch-style house in the working class part of town. Old


but well-maintained. Dallas Morales and Cara Trzcinski are
loading the last of their gear into his Chevy SSR.

CARA
You packed the Magellan, right?

He holds up the handheld GPS DEVICE.

CARA
And you gave the Donahues our
itinerary?

DALLAS
Yes, Red, I did.
31.

CARA
But you gave it to Miss Weiss, right?
She’s the one who keeps everything
straight around there.

Dallas takes her by the shoulders.

DALLAS
Red, it’s going to be fine. I’m going
to be fine. Okay. Stop worrying.

He kisses her. She smiles her mischievous smile and grabs


his ass.

CARA
Let’s get going.

EXT. DELTA HOUSE – DAY

An ESCALADE pulls up in front of the house. GREG MAYNARD


(20), the Pi Phi from the bar in Episode X, and another
FRAT BOY get out and open up the rear hatch. Suzy Johnson
and Kristi Yamaguchi come out of the house carrying pink
duffle bags. Greg tosses the bags in the SUV, kisses Suzy
and pats her on the ass before she and Kristi climb into
the back seat.

As the Escalade pulls off we see Warren iPhone Sitren


walking down the sidewalk. Seeing Suzy going off on spring
break with Greg breaks his heart.

INT. DELTA HOUSE – DAY

DELTAS are mobilizing for spring break. Audra Lively, the


blonde brown noser we met in Episode X, goes up the stairs,
against the flow. She pokes her head into Valerie and
Nina’s room. Nina’s packing a designer TRAVEL BAG.

AUDRA
Hi, Nina.

NINA
Hey, Audra.

AUDRA
So you and Jabari are going to Jamaica?

NINA
That’s right. He’s going to meet my
grandparents.
32.

Nina catches Audra checking out the room.

NINA
Don’t worry, Audra, I’ll be moving off
campus with Jabari next fall, so if you
become president you’ll have it all to
yourself.

AUDRA
Oh, Nina, that’s not what I was
thinking at all.

NINA
Uh-huh.

Audra looks at Valerie’s side of the room, neat and tidy


and obviously unlived in. She smiles to herself.

INT. LOFT – DAY

Achilles is at the kitchen counter struggling with a


Physics problem. The door opens and Valerie comes in.

ACHILLES
Hey.

VALERIE
Hey, stud.

She crosses the loft, pulls his duffle bag from underneath
the bed. As he continues to work the Physics problem, she
starts going through drawers, putting clothes in the bag.

ACHILLES
What’s up?

VALERIE
What’s up is we’ve got to get going.

ACHILLES
Going? Where?

VALERIE
The airport, of course. It’s spring
break.
33.

ACHILLES
I hate to break this to you, sister,
but if I don’t spend the next week
boning up on Physics, I’m going to be
in some serious hurt on Byrne’s final.

VALERIE
Screw Byrne and screw his final.

ACHILLES
Easy for you to say, you’re graduating.
You know, I wouldn’t be so far behind
if you hadn’t made me your sex slave.

VALERIE
(stops packing)
Mmmmmm! Sex slave. I like the sound
of that. But no more dirty talk until
we get there.

ACHILLES
Get where?

INT. BEACH HOUSE (MALIBU) – DAY

Achilles and Valerie walk into a magnificent beach house.


He drops his duffle bag and looks around.

ACHILLES
Whoa! Now this is serious.

VALERIE
Nina’s father is a big record producer
in Hollywood. Her mom lives here – she
got it in the divorce. She’s in Europe
now.

Achilles opens the sliding door and walks onto a huge deck.
He’s totally awestruck by the view of the Pacific Ocean.
Valerie comes up behind, puts her arms around his waist.

VALERIE
Still think you should’ve stayed on
campus to prep for Byrne’s final?

ACHILLES
Byrne’s what? You know, Valerie, I’ve
never seen the Pacific Ocean. Not even
from campus, and we’re only a few miles
away from it.
34.

VALERIE
Well tomorrow we’ll get in it, stud,
and maybe I’ll teach you how to surf.
You do know how to swim, don’t you?

ACHILLES
(smirks)
Yes, some of us know how to swim.

VALERIE
Touchy, touchy.
(heads back inside)
Look around for a few minutes then find
me upstairs.

INT. MASTER BATHROOM – DAY

We hear the shower running. Achilles comes in, approaches


the opaque shower door. We can make out Valerie’s figure
inside, her hands moving across her body, soaping herself.
He opens the door. She turns, smiles.

VALERIE
Now you can talk dirty to me.

EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL – SUNSET

Cara and Dallas hike up the mountain.

CARA
How you doing?

DALLAS
Same as when you asked me 20 minutes
ago, and 20 minutes before that.

CARA
Sorry. You probably think I’d be a
real nag of a wife, don’t you?

DALLAS
Wife? Whoa, I thought this trail ended
at the lake, not at a chapel.

CARA
Relax, Casanova. I said I love you, I
didn’t say you’re “The One.”
35.

DALLAS
“The One?” Jeez, Red, you too? Why is
it that girls hold guys to some
ridiculous standard?

CARA
And guys don’t? Like the ideal babe’s
got to have tits out to here and legs
down to there and an ass you could
bounce a quarter off of. Oh, and she
can’t talk too much and never, ever
fart in bed.

DALLAS
All I’m saying is that there is no
“One”. No true soul mate that you’re
destined to be with. People connect
randomly and if it sticks, great.

CARA
Oh you’re so romantic. You get laid
much with lines like that?

DALLAS
I got laid last night.

CARA
(grins)
What do you want to bet you don’t get
laid tonight?

She walks ahead of him.

DALLAS
Oh, come on, Red. Cara!

INT. DONAHUE HOME – NIGHT

Billy and Gale host a casual dinner party that includes


Phil Elliott, Jess Whirlwind, Jake Randall (the Sea Devils
quarterback from Episode One) and his girlfriend LAUREL
(21).

LAUREL
Mrs. Donahue, thank you again for
inviting Jake and me. It’s so nice of
you and Coach to have us over too.

GALE
It’s our pleasure, Laurel.
36.

BILLY
Having the graduating quarterback over
for one last dinner is a tradition that
Gale’s mother started when Wolf got his
first head coaching job. Jake, you
took a lot of snaps since I’ve been
here, so it just seemed right to make
you a part of that tradition.

JAKE
Thanks, Coach.

GALE
Well, is anyone hungry for dessert? We
have a delicious peach and blueberry
cobbler that I made myself.

She stands to go to the kitchen.

JESS
Let me help you, Mrs. Donahue.

LAUREL
Me too.

Gale and the girls leave.

BILLY
So Phil, Chicago?

PHIL
Yeah, Coach. I’ve had two good
interviews with Selig Phelps. They’re
one of the country’s leading
Architectural firms.

JAKE
That’s great, man.

BILLY
How does your...

INT. DONAHUE KITCHEN - NIGHT

Gale and the girls prepare dessert plates and coffee.

GALE
...family feel about you moving to
Chicago with Phil?
37.

JESS
They’re a little nervous about it.
I’ve never really been away from home
before. But they know Phil and I love
each other so they support my decision.

LAUREL
What about school, Jess? You’ve got
another year to go don’t you?

JESS
I’ve already got an early admission
from DePaul so I’ll finish up there by
next winter. I have to admit sometimes
it seems a bit scary.

GALE
I’m sure you and Phil will do
wonderfully, Jess, in Chicago or
wherever you land. You’re perfect for
one another.

INT. DONAHUE FOYER – LATER

The young couples are saying goodnight. Billy shakes hands


with Phil and Jake. Gale kisses the girls and hugs the
boys. After they’ve gone Billy and Gale walk back to the
great room. Gale “finds” an EARRING on the floor.

GALE
This must be Jess’. I’ll just run and
give it to her before they drive off.

EXT. DONAHUE DRIVEWAY

Jake and Laurel have just pulled out of the long driveway.
Phil is closing Jess’ door when Gale walks up.

GALE
Jess, do you mind if I speak to Phil
for just a moment?

JESS
Sure, of course, Mrs. Donahue. Thanks
again for dinner?

GALE
You’re very welcome, dear. Good luck
in Chicago.
38.

EXT. DONAHUE HOME - NIGHT

Gale and Phil find a private spot between the house and the
driveway. They’re both a bit apprehensive.

PHIL
I don’t understand you. You’ve spent
the last three months avoiding me and
then, just when I’m over you, you go
and do this tonight.

GALE
Tonight wasn’t about you, Phil. Three
years from now Billy and I will have
dinner with Achilles, and after he’s
gone, the starter who replaces him.
Tradition is important in football.
(beat)
Phil, I just wanted to say I hope you
realize how lucky you are to have Jess
in your life. She’s a beautiful,
loving, intelligent girl. She deserves
your best. Give it to her, Phil.

A beat as her words sink in.

PHIL
Goodnight, Mrs. Donahue.

GALE
Goodbye, Phil.

She watches until he and Jess pull away.

END ACT THREE


39.

ACT FOUR

INT. TENT – NIGHT

Dallas crawls into the tent. It’s lit by a PORTABLE LAMP.


Cara’s zipped up to her neck in her sleeping bag.

DALLAS
There room for one more in there?

CARA
Sorry, Casanova. This girl needs a
little romance before she comes out of
her pants.

DALLAS
You’re not still pissed about what I
said earlier are you?

She rolls over, her back to him.

DALLAS
Oh come on, Red!

CARA
(over her shoulder)
I remember when you used to think I was
beautiful. You told me that once.
(a mischievous grin)
Now I’m just a hole to fill.

He lay down behind her, puts his arm around her.

DALLAS
That’s not true, Red, and you know it.
I do care for you.

CARA
(pretends to whimper)
No you don’t. I’m just another easy
lay to you. Like that blonde bimbo.

DALLAS
No, baby, no. I love you, Red.

CARA
Really?

DALLAS
Yes, don’t you know that by now? Do you
think I’d do all of this outdoorsy crap
if I didn’t?
40.

CARA
(pretend sniffle)
Really?

DALLAS
Yes.

CARA
And you still think I’m beautiful?

DALLAS
Yes, I do. Beautiful and smart and
funny. I’m crazy about you, Red.

He slowly unzips the sleeping bag and slides in behind her.


He’s surprised to find that she’s stark naked.

DALLAS
You’re so full of it!

CARA
(laughing)
That was very romantic, Casanova!

EXT. LOS ANGELES – DAY/NIGHT

SERIES OF SHOTS – VALERIE AND ACHILLES ON VACATION

Valerie and Achilles play on the beach, she teaches him to


surf; out on the town, they have lunch at a hip restaurant
and dance the night away at a West Hollywood nightclub;
they visit Disney Land, where Mickey Mouse falls in love
with Valerie; they stroll along Rodeo Drive and drive past
the mansions of Bel-Air.

EXT. BEACH HOUSE (DECK) – NIGHT

Achilles and Valerie have dinner by CANDLE LIGHT.

VALERIE
So what do you think of L.A.?

ACHILLES
If you live in a place like this, it’s
great.

VALERIE
Don’t professional football players
live in places like this?
41.

ACHILLES
Who says I want to go pro?

VALERIE
Do you?

ACHILLES
I don’t know. I used to dream about it
all the time. But now...I don’t know.
It doesn’t seem so important.

VALERIE
What else would you like to do then?

ACHILLES
I’m just a freshman, remember?
(off her dimpled smile)
What about you? After grad school then
what? Become a shrink?

VALERIE
The preferred term is psychotherapist,
and yes, I’d like to practice
psychology.

ACHILLES
Doctor Kim. Yeah, I’d get on your
couch anytime. Wait, I’ve been there.

Another dimpled smile. He refills her wine glass. She


slides her hand across the table to his.

VALERIE
I’ve enjoyed being with you so much,
Achilles. I’ll always remember our
time together.

A beat as they look into each other’s eyes.

ACHILLES
Valerie, I got something for you.

He disappears into the house. When he comes out, he hands


her a JEWELRY BOX with “De Beers” etched on the top.

VALERIE
Achilles, what’s this?

ACHILLES
Open it and see.
42.

VALERIE
(she does, her eyes widen)
Oh, my God. Achilles, how in the
world?

ACHILLES
I called them our first day here and
told them what I wanted.

VALERIE
But how could you afford something like
this?

ACHILLES
You know me. I’m pretty resourceful
when I have to be. Do you like it?

VALERIE
Like it? It’s gorgeous!

ACHILLES
I know how you feel about your Delta
necklace, being president and all. But
maybe you can wear this for a change
now and then, or at least on Saturdays.

She takes off her DIAMOND DELTA NECKLACE. Gives him the
jewelry box.

VALERIE
Would you please put it on me?

He does and we see the new DIAMOND “10” NECKLACE around her
neck. She looks at him lovingly.

ACHILLES
I know you can’t really wear it after
you graduate. But...I guess I just
hoped you’d look at it every once in a
while and remember me.

She takes his face in her hands. They kiss deeply.

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

Achilles and Valerie make love.


43.

INT. BEDROOM – HOURS LATER

Achilles and Valerie lay together. She caresses his chest


as he strokes her hair.

VALERIE
Achilles.

ACHILLES
Yeah?

VALERIE
Do you love me?

A long beat.

ACHILLES
Yes.

She closes her eyes.

INT. BEACH HOUSE – DAY

Achilles is packing his duffle bag. He goes up the stairs


to the bedroom.

INT. BEDROOM – DAY

O.S. we hear the shower running in the bathroom. Achilles


comes in, calls to the bathroom.

ACHILLES
Better finish up in there, Baby. Car’s
supposed to be here in 20 minutes.

INT. SHOWER – DAY

Valerie sits naked on the shower floor, knees tucked


tightly under her chin, arms wrapped around her legs.
Shower water rains down on her. She’s crying.
44.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (PRACTICE) – DAY

We’re following a football as it spirals through the air.


It comes down into the outstretched hands of Burner Turner.
He tiptoes along the sideline and darts into the end zone.

SERIES OF SHOTS – SPRING CAMP

Billy rides the players hard; Achilles is sharp, zipping


the ball all over the field, making all the throws; Dallas
and Cole are natural leaders on defense, banging the hell
out of tackling dummies and the occasional running back;
iPhone Sitren gets used to his new position as center,
hiking he ball to Achilles; Coach Garcia works with Burner,
Achilles and Maurice Erickson; players run stadium steps.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (PRACTICE) – SUNSET

The players are gathered around Billy.

BILLY
All right, listen up. It’s been a good
spring camp but we’ve got our work cut
out for us when we come back this
summer. Making it to a bowl game just
raised the stakes around here. It
doesn’t get any easier. Last practice
is next Thursday at the Blue-Green
game. Let’s give the fans something to
hold them over till next fall. Cole,
get ‘em out of here.

COLE
Whoooo-aaaaaah!

TEAM
WHOOOO-AAAAAH!

INT. GRACIE’S TRAILER – SUNSET

Gracie’s dog Ethel is eating from a bowl. A HAND comes in


and rubs her head affectionately.

GRACIE (O.S.)
Like that, girl? That’s a girl. Ow!

Gracie winces with pain as she stands upright. Her face is


still swollen and bruised from the beating she took from
Jamal.
45.

A KNOCK on the door.

GLYNNIS
Who could that be?

Gracie’s mother GLYNNIS is 38, but a life of drug abuse


makes her look closer to 50. She gets up off the sofa and
walks to the door, looks out the window.

GLYNNIS
Oh.

GRACIE
Who is it?

GLYNNIS
It’s Johnny.

GRACIE
(wracked with anxiety)
Don’t, mom. I don’t want to see him.

GLYNNIS
Gracie, he knows we’re home. Your
car’s outside.

GRACIE
I don’t care.

GLYNNIS
Gracie, you’re being silly, hon.

J.R. (O.S.)
Hello! Gracie? Mrs. Wellington? It’s
Johnny.

Gracie goes to her room. Glynnis opens the door.

GLYNNIS
Hello, Johnny.

J.R.
Mrs. Wellington, can I see her?

INT. GRACIE’S ROOM – NIGHT

A KNOCK on the door. J.R. pokes his head in.

J.R.
Gracie.
46.

She’s lying face down on the bed.

GRACIE
Go away, Johnny.

He comes in.

J.R.
Why won’t you talk to me or see me,
Gracie? You want to break up?

GRACIE
(crying in pillow)
No! Just go away now, Johnny.

J.R.
Please talk to me, Gracie. Tell me
what’s wrong.

She turns to face him. He reacts to the bruises and cuts


on her face.

J.R.
Oh, Gracie.

He takes her in his arms and she breaks down in tears.

INT. MUFFLER SHOP – DAY

The same mechanic is behind the counter doing paper work.


He looks up when Dallas comes in.

DALLAS
I’m here for Jamal.

The mechanic hits the intercom.

MECHANIC
Jamal, to the front desk.

Jamal comes out of the garage wiping his hands with a rag.

DALLAS
Jamal?
JAMAL
(looks at name on his
jumpsuit)
Yeah, last time I checked. What’s up?
47.

DALLAS
Got something I need to talk to you
about. Sasha sent me.

JAMAL
Yeah?

DALLAS
Outside.

Jamal gives him a sideways glance.

JAMAL
(to mechanic)
I’ll be back in 10.

EXT. MUFFLER SHOP PARKING LOT – DAY

Jamal follows Dallas. Dallas turns around and decks Jamal


with a devastating right.

JAMAL
(from the ground)
What the fuck?!

DALLAS
You like to beat up girls, Holmes?
Well I like kicking the shit out of ass
wipes who like beating up girls.

Jamal gets to his feet, sizing Dallas up.

JAMAL
Who the fuck are you, Pedro?

DALLAS
(smiles)
The wrong Spic to fuck with, Holmes.

JAMAL
Really? Well do you know who I am?
Who I know?

DALLAS
I know you’re a punk ass bitch and if
you ever come near Gracie Wellington
again I’ll be back.
48.

JAMAL
(laughs)
Maybe me and my crew will just pay that
little bitch a visit tonight.

DALLAS
Your crew?

JAMAL
Yeah.

DALLAS
You want to meet some of my crew?
Fellas, say hello to Jamal.

Jamal looks over Dallas’ shoulder as Cole Seavers, Pete


Mitchell and the entire starting Sea Devils defense walks
up. J.R. is with them. Dallas steps real close to Jamal.

DALLAS
And if you think your crew can handle
them, I guarantee they don’t want to
fuck with my real homeboys.

Dallas puts his forearm in Jamal’s face. Jamal recognizes


the DISTINCTIVE GANG TATTOO.

DALLAS
They fix mufflers all over the place,
Jamal. Find someplace else to do it.

Dallas turns and walks away. The Sea Devils follow.

INT. CHEVY SSR – DAY

Dallas starts the engine. J.R. looks down at Dallas’


forearm then at his brother’s profile.

J.R.
I thought you said you weren’t in any
gangs.

DALLAS
I lied.

He throws the car into gear and hits the gas.

END ACT FOUR


49.

ACT FIVE

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (BLUE-GREEN GAME) - DAY

Dallas tackles Burner Turner after a catch over the middle.


Burner gets up and slaps Dallas on the ass.

BURNER
Nice stick, Morales.

COLE
(sneering)
Yeah, for a quarterback’s son.

Dallas smirks then smiles at his defensive teammate.

On the sideline Billy shouts encouragement to the players


on the field. J.R. is next to him - the Sea Devils new
water boy holds a cart full of Gatorade SQUIRT BOTTLES.

The stands are jammed packed. In the VIP section, Gale


sits with Rose, Gracie and Maria, whose pregnancy is
showing. Near the 40-yard line we find Cara, Cake and
Cake’s parents, Tony and Sofia D’Agostino, cheering the
Devils on. In “The Pit”, the section reserved for the
rowdiest fans, we find seniors Roulon Jones, Boss Cheadle,
and Phil Elliott along with Jess and Burner’s girlfriend
Mia Cartwright. Jabari Colvin and Nina are in the front
row of The Pit.

ANGLE ON a pair of tanned, sexy legs walking IN SLOW MOTION


down the stadium steps. CAMERA PANS UP the legs...

ON THE FIELD Achilles breaks the huddle and walks to the


10-yard-line IN SLOW MOTION. He scans the defense, looks
through the end zone up into The Pit, spots...

THOSE LEGS. CAMERA CONTINUES PAN up the legs past faded,


cutoff blue jeans shorts, a number 10 jersey, then a
DIAMOND “10” NECKLACE. Valerie smiles at her man.

ON THE FIELD Achilles takes the snap from iPhone, drops


back and throws a touchdown. He pumps his fist to the
faithful in The Pit. Smiles up at Valerie.

EXT. CONCESSION STAND (HALFTIME) – DAY

Nina senses there’s something bothering her best friend.

NINA
What’s up, Big Sis?
50.

VALERIE
(beat)
I’m in trouble, Nina.

NINA
Oh my, God, Valerie! You’re not...

VALERIE
No! No, not that. It’s worse.
(beat)
I love him.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. HYATT BALLROOM (RECEPTION) – NIGHT

The room is wall to wall with Maitland’s social elite,


dressed to the Nines in evening attire. A BANNER:
“Children’s Hospital 25th Annual Spring Fundraising Gala”.

INT. HYATT (SMALL MEETING ROOM) - NIGHT

Gabrielle Woods sits at a small round table in a white


evening dress. Waiting. The door opens. SOUNDS OF THE
RECEPTION rush in. Then Gale comes in wearing a black
evening dress. Gabrielle looks at her. Gale crosses the
room to stand in front of her. They stare at each other
for a beat.

GALE
Thank you for agreeing to meet me,
Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
Of course, Gale. I’d much rather
handle this woman to woman.

Gale puts her CLUTCH PURSE on the table in front of


Gabrielle and begins circling her slowly.

GALE
Tell me, Elle – you don’t mind if I
call you “Elle” do you?

GABRIELLE
Not at all.

GALE
How long had you had your sights on my
husband? A year? Six months?
51.

GABRIELLE
You know how these things are, Gale, it
just happened.

GALE
Just an impetuous infatuation that
sparked into a passionate affair?

GABRIELLE
Something like that, yes.

GALE
Forgive me for saying this, “Elle”, but
you don’t strike me as the “impetuous”
type.

GABRIELLE
No?

GALE
No.

GABRIELLE
How do I strike you, Gale?

GALE
You’re a talented reporter, which means
you do your homework. You’re thorough.
Precise. Calculating.

GABRIELLE
(a wry smile)
You want to say “conniving” don’t you?

Gale stops circling, stands in front of her.

GALE
There are other “C” words that come to
mind.

They lock eyes.

GALE
Do you really think this is the first
time some groupie has gone after my
husband? You’ve done the research,
Elle, done the interviews, seen the
tape. You of all people know this game
can only end one way. Two things Billy
can’t live without are me and football.
(MORE)
52.

GALE (CONT’D.)
Surely by now you know that there’s no
way in hell you’re going to take my
husband from me.

Gabrielle rises from her chair, comes around the table.


Now it’s her turn to circle Gale.

GABRIELLE
You’re right, Gale. I am a smart
woman. Smart enough to know that
seducing Billy was going to take more
than a few winks and suggestive smiles.
But you know, it wasn’t as difficult as
I thought it would be. From the way he
looked at me in our first interview
over a year ago it was obvious his
interest was more than “professional”.

Gale reacts.

GABRIELLE
But you know how it is, Gale, the
thrill of the chase makes them want it
more. So I let the chase begin - a
smile here, a touch there - all the
while letting him know, ever so subtly,
that it would all be worth it in the
end.
(beat)
The morning of the Texas A&M game it
took everything he had to keep his
hands off of me in the hotel fitness
center. And I have to admit that by
then I was in it for more than the sex.
It wasn’t enough for him to want me. I
wanted him to need me, like an addict
needs a drug. Funny thing is, as
“calculating” as I can be, I never
counted on you being the one to create
that need.

She stops circling. They stand face-to-face, eye-to-eye.

GABRIELLE
You can keep your husband, Gale. I
don’t want him. But Billy’s my man and
I’m not giving him back.

Gabrielle brushes past Gale and walks out of the room into
the reception.
53.

INT. HYATT BALLROOM (RECEPTION) – LATER

Guests are saying their goodnights, filing past Gale,


Billy, Maria and the night’s guest of honor, Harold
Pennebaker. Maria is stunning in a beautiful maternity
evening gown. Gabrielle comes up to the foursome.

GABRIELLE
(to Harold and Maria)
I had a lovely evening.

MARIA
Thank you so much for coming, Ms.
Woods.

GABRIELLE
(beautiful smile)
Gale, it was delightful seeing you
again.

They kiss cheek to cheek.

GALE
(beautiful smile)
The pleasure was all mine, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle shakes Billy’s hand.

GABRIELLE
Coach Donahue.

BILLY
(plays it straight)
Good to see you again, Gabrielle.

She walks away. As she approaches the exit Gabrielle


allows herself a small smile of satisfaction.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM – DAY

A graduation ceremony is under way. STUDENTS in caps and


gowns file across the stage collecting their degrees.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES (V.O.)


Valerie Kim...

Valerie walks up, takes her degree from Chancellor


Sebastian Reed, and crosses off the stage.
54.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM – LATER

Valerie celebrates with her parents, John and Victoria, her


sister Jennifer, brother Will and her fiancé Richard
O’Connell. She kisses Richard. When she touches his face,
we see her ENGAGEMENT RING.

INT. LOFT – DAY

Achilles is reading a note on Delta PINK PAPER.

VALERIE (V.O.)
Achilles, as I write this I’m touching
a certain number. Even if I didn’t
have it, I would never forget you or
how wonderful you made me feel. I hope
you won’t forget what we shared. To
help you remember, I leave this small
token of my lasting affection. Love,
V.

He looks down at her DIAMOND DELTA NECKLACE in his hand.

Beat.

A KNOCK on the door gets his attention. He crosses the


room, opens the door. He’s stunned. REVERSE TO SHOW
Portia Robeson standing there. And behind her is a
mountain of TRAVEL BAGS.

PORTIA
Hi, Lee.

FADE OUT.

END OF SEASON ONE

GOAL TO GO

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