GOAL TO GO

Episode 4.46

“Take Five”

by

David Polk
 2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Valerie

writing a report recommending the extradition of Portia.

TEASER

FADE IN:

ON TV HIGHLIGHTS of the Sea Devils’ thrilling upset of LSU.

SPORTS ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

...The Sea Devils are riding high and
on the move in the national polls, up
two spots to number eight. After an
off season filled with uncertainty,
things seem to be falling into place
for coach Billy Donahue’s squad – the
offense is on fire with the return of
quarterback Achilles Addams, who proved
last night he’s in top form following
his near-fatal motorcycle accident, and
the defense has come up big when they
needed to against two Top-10 opponents.
Though the season’s still young, the
Devils get a well-deserved bye in week
five and you can bet they’ll use the
week off to rest and smell the roses...

INT. BATHROOM – DAY

ANGLE ON a TOILET near overflowing with shit.

ACHILLES (O.S.)
Jesus!

REVERSE and we see Achilles Addams and Cara “Cat” Trzcinski

in the doorway of the bathroom, staring at the toilet. She
wears a sheepish grin; he’s astonished.

CAT
Sorry?

ACHILLES
Sorry?! You know, Cara, you can flush
between dumps.

CAT
Do you know how much water that wastes?
It’s bad for the environment.
 3.

ACHILLES
Do you see how much shit is in the
toilet? That’s bad for the
environment! What did you eat last
night anyway, a freaking cow?!

CAT
You know I don’t eat red meat,
Achilles.

ACHILLES
Well that’s not tofu!

CAT
Can you just fix it? I’ve got to run
to Ed’s house and I’m already late. He
wants me and my brothers over there
right away for some sort of drama.

ACHILLES
(re: toilet)
And you don’t think this is drama?!

CAT
Come on, just do me this one solid...
I’ll owe you big time. I’ll do all of
your homework this week. Thanks!

Before he can answer she pats his ass and takes off.

ACHILLES
What homework?! I’ve got like three
classes this semester!

We hear the apartment door SLAM shut. Achilles stares at

the shitty mess in front of him. “Jesus.”

INT. TRZCINSKI HOME – DAY

Cat goes through the kitchen and the dining room to the
living room. Her older brothers Aaron (eldest) and Neil
are there with her father Ed and their stepmother Gloria
Pensky-Trzcinski. They’re talking about the LSU game.

NEIL
Way to be on time runt.

CAT
Bite me, ‘tard.
 4.

ED
Hi, Cara.

She perches on the shoulder of the sofa next to Gloria.

CAT
Hey, Dad. Hi, Gloria.

GLORIA
Dear.

AARON
So Cara, how was Achilles this morning?
Still stoked after that game, I’ll bet.

CAT
Oh, I’m sure he’s over it already.

INT. BATHROOM – SAME TIME

Achilles is cramming a PLUNGER in the toilet.

ACHILLES
(under his breath)
“Do me a solid.” I’ll tell you what’s
solid, your shit is what’s solid...
Jesus! And you’re a girl!

He FLUSHES and the toilet overflows. He reacts. “Oh F--!”

INT. TRZCINSKI HOME – DAY

AARON
Okay, Dad, what’s with the fire drill?

ED
Well, kids. I know that my marrying
Gloria took you all by surprise. You
all know I loved your mother and that
Gloria has never tried to minimize how
important your mom was in my life.

AARON
We know, Dad. We’re all happy for you
and Gloria. Right, guys?

NEIL
Yeah, Mom would have wanted you to be
happy again.
 5.

Gloria smiles appreciatively. Cat bites her tongue.

AARON
Right?

CAT
Yeah.

ED
Well, Gloria and I have talked about
this a lot. We went over all the pros
and cons and considered all the risks
and benefits, to all of us as a family.
And this is something we both want
very, very much.

CAT
Ed, can you just cut to the chase here?

Ed and Gloria hold hands and look at each other lovingly.

GLORIA
I’m pregnant. Your father and I are
going to have a baby...

CAMERA PANS to get the reactions of the kids. Aaron and

Neil are stunned; Cat turns red with anger as we...

SMASH TO MAIN TITLES.

END TEASER
 6.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. KOFFEE HOUSE – DAY

Cat is still fuming when she and Achilles enter the busy
café. Everyone notices them and congratulates Achilles –
“Way to go Iceman!” “Awesome game!” etc. He smiles and
accepts the attention. They get drinks and sit at a table.

CAT
They’re both over 50! They’re too damn
old to have a child. It’s selfish,
that’s all. Selfish! I’ll tell you
what’s going to happen, Dallas and I
will end up raising the little monster.

ACHILLES
Already got that wedding dress picked
out, huh?

CAT
(eyes that could kill)
Wrong time to be a dick, Einstein.

ACHILLES
Okay, peace... Look, speaking of
babies, I thought I’d fly down to L.A.
tomorrow and spend a couple of days
with Angel. So I’m going to take you
up on that offer to do my homework.

CAT
Okay, no problem. What do you have
anyway, Home Economics and Intro to
Intramural Sports?

ACHILLES
Don’t hate because I spent my summer
boning up on coursework while you spent
yours getting boned by Morales.

CAT
Speaking of boning, you’re not sticking
it to Baby Mama are you?

ACHILLES
It’s not like that with me and Becky
anymore. Our relationship is strictly
as parents.
 7.

CAT
Sure about that? Everybody knows
you’ve got a thing for snotty sorority
chicks. And Baby Mama ain’t half bad.

ACHILLES
(wise-ass grin)
Like that, huh? Maybe it’s you who’s
got a thing for snotty sorority chicks.

She kicks him hard under the table.

INT. SHOPPING MALL, UPSCALE STORES (VARIOUS) – DAY

Speaking of snotty sorority chicks, sisters Jeni Kim and

Valerie O’Connell are making the rounds with Jamaican
hottie Nina Miller. Nina’s daughter Darcy is in a stroller.

EXT. CAFÉ PATIO – DAY

Valerie, Jeni and Nina have lunch. Darcy’s asleep in her

stroller. Inside the café, people watch ESPN highlights of
the Wa Tech – LSU game. Jeni notices.

JENI
That game was awesome, wasn’t it?!

NINA
Oh my God, Jabari was so excited! He
wouldn’t stop yelling.

JENI
Nina, what did Jabari think about Linc?
I mean how he played?

Nina gives Valerie a questioning look.

VALERIE
He’s a Sigma who’s crushing on
Jennifer.

NINA
What happened to you and Bella?

JENI
Nothing happened to me and Bella.

Nina looks to Valerie for the real answer. Valerie shrugs.

 8.

JENI
I like Linc, but I love Bella.

NINA
Like? What I just saw on your face
when you said this boy’s name, that was
more than “like,” girl.

Now Jeni and Valerie exchange a look.

NINA
Am I missing something here?

JENI
You’re not missing anything, Big Sis.

VALERIE
I’m not so sure about that.

JENI
(testy)
Well I am! And I think I know better
than you do!

NINA
“All righty” then.

EXT. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE STREET – DAY

Nina and Valerie stroll, each with a load of shopping bags.

Jeni walks ahead of them with Darcy in her arms.

NINA
What’s going on with Jeni and Bella?

VALERIE
Bella’s damaged goods, Nina.

NINA
Damaged how? Drugs?

VALERIE
Take my word for it, she’s bad news.

NINA
So have you told Jeni to leave her?

VALERIE
Yes. But she’s convinced herself that
(MORE)
 9.

VALERIE (CONT’D.)
Bella’s her “soul mate,” which is
utterly ridiculous. Even you could see
that she’s into this Linc guy.

NINA
It would seem so, Big Sis.

VALERIE
Good. So you’ll talk to her then?

NINA
What?! Me?!

VALERIE
Yes, you. She’ll listen to you.

Nina shoots her a critical look. Beat.

NINA
Why would she? You didn’t.

INT. JENI & BELLA’S APARTMENT – SUNSET

Bella Milovich enters the apartment and rolls her travel

bag aside, then goes from room to room.

BELLA
Jeni? Jeni are you home? Jeni?

The apartment is empty.

EXT. PARKER’S HOME (SYDNEY) – SUNSET

Establishing a beautiful home in Sydney, Australia.

INT. BATHROOM – SUNSET

Gale Donahue and Parker St. John make love standing up in a

steamy shower. He’s behind her. Gale has FLASHES of Billy
making love to her instead of Parker. She comes.

INT. GUEST SUITE – NIGHT

Gale, stunning in a black evening dress, smiles lovingly

and kisses Duncan Pennebaker goodnight.
 10.

GALE
Mommy loves you, angel.

Duncan gushes. Gale turns to Nanny Beatrice and her

demeanor changes. She’s deadly serious.

GALE
Remember, Beatrice, he’s not to be let
out of your sight, not for an instant.

BEATRICE
Yes, Mrs. Donahue. I won’t blink.

INT. PARKER’S STUDY – SUNSET

Parker, in black tie, sits at his desk reading a Pennebaker

Industries report. Gale enters and crosses to him.

GALE
Parker, darling, shouldn’t we be
leaving soon?

PARKER
(closes report)
Gale, love. Yes, I’m all done here.

He comes around the desk and kisses her on the cheek.

PARKER
You look simply ravishing.

GALE
Thank you.
(notices report)
What’s that?

PARKER
Another boring report. I’m afraid
there’s never any escaping it.

Gale’s curiosity leads her to pick up the report. We see

the title: “Splitting the Chairman & CEO Roles - A Thesis.”

GALE
Parker, are we considering separating
the job of CEO and chairman?

PARKER
It’s a popular practice outside the
(MORE)
 11.

PARKER (CONT’D.)
U.S. but the negatives for American-
based companies are too numerous to
count. Shall we get going?

He puts his hand on her waist. She puts the report back on
the desk, but we see that her curiosity has been piqued.

INT. BENTLEY – MOVING – NIGHT

Parker drives in Sydney traffic. A vaguely familiar JAZZ

TUNE plays low on the car stereo.

PARKER
The question of whether to separate the
chairman and CEO roles pops up every
now and again in corporate America. As
a practical matter, there’s really very
little to be concerned about from a
shareholder’s perspective.

GALE
I see. But I also see why some people
would think having the fox guard the
hen house is a bad idea.

PARKER
(wry smile)
So you see me as a fox, do you?

GALE
A very sexy fox, darling.
(then)
Why not consider adopting the non-
executive chairman model at Pennebaker
Industries? The way you explained it,
it seems a harmless enough way to
appease activist shareholders without
disrupting the board or management.

PARKER
(lying)
We are considering it, love.

EXT. SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE – NIGHT

The famous landmark is beautifully lit. Parker’s BENTLEY

pulls up to a valet stand. He and Gale are ushered out of
the sedan and walk toward the opera house entrance.
 12.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS – DAWN

Billy Donahue jogs through Maitland. He stops to catch his

breath in front of a condominium building. An ATTRACTIVE
WOMAN (30s) comes outside with a WELSH CORGI on a leash.

ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
Coach Donahue?

He looks up at her. From her reaction, we see that she is

taken by his sweaty attractiveness.

BILLY
Hello. Good morning.

ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
You called a great game last Saturday
night, Coach.

BILLY
Thank you, but it’s the players who
make the plays.

ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
That Achilles is just incredible, isn’t
he? We’re so lucky he came back for
his senior year. Oh, by the way, I’m
Bridgette. This is Stacey.

BILLY
(smiles at both)
Hi, Bridgette. Stacey.

ATTRACTIVE WOMAN (BRIDGETTE)

You’re quite the runner, aren’t you?
(off his reaction)
College Hill’s clear up the other end
of town.

BILLY
Oh, right. Well, some mornings I just
take off and before you know it...

Stacey the dog is ready to do her business.

BRIDGETTE
Oh keep your britches on, Stacey!

BILLY
Well, it was nice meeting you two.
Don’t want to hold Stacey up.
 13.

BRIDGETTE
Okay. Enjoy the run back, Coach. And
give my best to Mrs. Donahue.

BILLY
I will. Bye now.

CAMERA STAYS on Bridgette and Stacey as they move along.

Bridgette looks over her shoulder for another glimpse of
the hunky football coach, but he’s gone. Vanished. “Hmmm?”

INT. BILLY’S APARTMENT – DAWN

Billy enters, goes to the bathroom. The shower starts O.S.

INT. BATHROOM – DAY

Billy steps out of the shower and towels off. He goes

through his morning routine – shaving, brushing, flossing.

INT. BILLY’S APARTMENT – A SHORT TIME LATER

Billy is about to leave for the day. Before he does, he

remembers something. He goes to a coat closet and reaches
inside. We don’t see what he pulls out but he exits the
apartment with it.

INT. OUTER OFFICE/BILLY’S OFFICE – DAY

Donna Dixon is working away as usual when Billy enters.

BILLY
‘Morning, Donna.

DONNA
(follows him inside)
Good morning, Coach! You’ve got a very
busy day today.

DONNA
This morning it’s Dr. Webb, the coaches
meeting, then Dr. Rockov to go over the
team injury report. Ms. Mendez has
scheduled four interviews after lunch,
which is with Ms. Cross, and dinner is
with the D’Agostinos at their home...
Mrs. Donahue is expected to join you.
 14.

BILLY
(ignores reference to Gale)
Will I have time for my 5:30?

DONNA
You asked me to block off an hour every
day during the bye week, so I did.
Only you know if that’s enough time...

She looks at him, waiting to be told “why.”

BILLY
Thanks, Donna.

She continues to stare at him. He offers a faint, guilty

smile. Finally, she harrumphs and turns to leave.

INT. MURPHY’S GYM – DAY

The gym is full. We FIND Cat busting a sweat in a Pilates

exercise. Ed comes over to her.

ED
Take it easy, Cara. You don’t want to
hurt yourself before your game Friday.
(clocks her hostility)
You know, Aaron, Janine and the kids,
and Neil are all coming over for dinner
on Saturday. Why don’t you come over
too? It’s been a while since we all
sat down for dinner as a family.

CAT
I’ve got plans, Ed.

She gets up and walks away. After a beat, he follows.

HYDRATION STATION

Cat refills her water bottle. Ed comes up behind.

ED
Cara, sweetheart, I know Gloria’s and
my little announcement was a shocker,
but I hope you’ll be supportive.

CAT
Supportive? Are you serious? Ed, you
and Gloria are 52 years old.
 15.

ED
It’s a risky pregnancy, we know that,
but we both want this child very much.

CAT
Why, Ed?! You had four children with
Mom. What reason could you possibly
have for having another one?

ED
I see...

CAT
No, Dad, you don’t. This isn’t about
me hating that you hooked up with the
“Love of your life,” and she isn’t Mom.
I’ve accepted you and Gloria...

ED
Then what is it, Cara? As committed to
health and fitness as you are you know
today’s 50-year-old is not the 50-year-
old of the past.

CAT
You said you two know the risks. So
you know that 65 percent of mothers-to-
be who are 50 or older are hospitalized
during their pregnancy. And you know
that pregnancy-related diabetes and
hypertension for women over 50 is 25
and 30 percent, respectively... And the
risk isn’t just to Gloria. Babies born
to women over 50 are twice as likely to
be premature. And 62 percent of babies
born to women over 50 are low-birth-
weight babies. And even though the
occurrence of severe birth defects in
babies born to women over 50 is only
marginally higher, it’s a serious risk
you can’t ignore - the older the woman,
the greater the risk.

ED
(beat, with pride)
Then I guess it’s a good thing we’re
going to have a doctor in the family.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

 16.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. DELTA HOUSE – DAY

Suzy Johnson is presiding over a meeting of Delta Taus.

SUZY
We’ve fallen way behind in our
community volunteer hours, so we’re
going to show up in force at Saturday’s
Children’s Hospital event. I expect 100
percent participation by the house.
(off groans of protest, she
turns bitchy)
I’m sure none of us wants to give Gamma
the satisfaction of outdoing us... In
anything.
(sounds of falling in line)
I didn’t think so... Next on our
agenda, planning for the Bowl Bash has
begun in earnest. Riley.

Riley Yamaguchi stands to give a report...

INT. SUZY & RILEY’S ROOM – LATER

The room looks familiar because it once belonged to Valerie

and Nina. Bella and Riley follow Suzy into the room.
Riley plops on her bed.

BELLA
So what is it, Suzy?

SUZY
Where’s Jeni?

BELLA
She spent the weekend with Valerie in
Seattle. I guess she decided to stay a
couple of extra days. Why?

SUZY
I said that “we” have fallen way behind
in our community volunteer hours. What
I meant was you and Jeni have fallen
way behind, and it’s brought the whole
house down. Your grades have taken a
hit too.
 17.

BELLA
Oh... sorry, Suzy.

SUZY
What’s going on with you two?

BELLA
What do you mean?

SUZY
Well, it seems you never come by the
house anymore.

BELLA
Suzy, I was just here last week for hot
chocolate night with the pledges.

Suzy and Riley exchange a look.

RILEY
The pledges thought you were a pledge.
Even your little sister couldn’t
remember your name.

SUZY
I doubt any of the pledges even know
who Jeni is. Her sister was one of the
best presidents the chapter ever had
and she’s a non-entity in the house.

BELLA
That’s worked out pretty well for you,
hasn’t it?

Beat. Suzy fights the urge to become defensive.

SUZY
Whatever. I wanted to see you to give
you and Jeni an opportunity to make up
for your lack of participation in the
house. Mrs. Sussman is chairwoman of
this year’s Children’s Hospital fund-
raising activities and she’s asked for
help coordinating events. I volunteered
you and Jeni.
(off Bella’s reaction)
Do you have a problem with that?

BELLA
No...
 18.

SUZY
Good. Call Jeni and get her back up to
campus. Mrs. Sussman is a real go-
getter and wants to meet her two new
“assistants” right away. You’re having
dinner with her and Chancellor Sussman
tonight.

BELLA
Tonight?!

SUZY
I thought we already decided that this
wasn’t a problem....

OFF Bella’s sense of impending doom...

MONTAGE – ACHILLES & ANGEL

Achilles and his toddler daughter Angel Addams play at the

park; Achilles feeds her food and fruit at a restaurant;
Achilles helps her stand and take a couple of steps, then
swoops her up and swings her around overhead; in a shopping
mall, Achilles holds Angel and lets her lick his ice cream
cone as Angel’s mother, pretty Becky Van Helsing, walks
alongside enjoying the scene; Achilles changes a diaper and
reacts to the stink, Becky laughs.

END MONTAGE

INT. NURSERY – SUNSET

CLOSE ON Angel’s sleeping face. Achilles leans into the

crib and gently kisses her.

INT. BECKY’S CONDO – SUNSET

Achilles comes and sits on the sofa with Becky.

BECKY
All asleep?

ACHILLES
Like a little angel.

BECKY
See why it was easy to choose a name
for her?
 19.

ACHILLES
Yeah... Becks, thanks again, you know,
for this.

BECKY
You’re her father. I’m glad you want
to be a part of her life. We can do
this whenever you want, Handsome.

ACHILLES
Thanks. You know, when you told me how
just holding her after she was born was
a life-altering event for you? I get
that now. These couple of days with
her have just been unreal, but so real.

They both smile. Beat.

BECKY
So what time does your plane leave
tomorrow?

ACHILLES
Early. Around 8:30.

BECKY
I can drive you. It’ll give you a
little more time with Angel.

ACHILLES
That’d be nice, but I don’t want to
inconvenience you. Getting up early,
dragging the baby out of bed...

BECKY
It’s not an inconvenience. Especially
if you... spend the night.

Beat. Their eyes meet. It’s tempting for both of them.

ACHILLES
No... I can’t. We can’t, Becks.

BECKY
Achilles, we made a baby together.
It’s not as if we’re strangers.

ACHILLES
Yeah, I know, but we don’t love each
other, Becky.
 20.

BECKY
We never loved each other, Handsome.
But there’s always been a pretty strong
like between us.

ACHILLES
I know... But we shouldn’t, especially
since we like each other so much now.
You know? For Angel’s sake.

She smiles warmly, understanding.

BECKY
Okay, “Dad.”
(she stands)
Do you want something – besides a good
lay – before you leave tonight? I can
make you a sandwich.

ACHILLES
(mock astonishment)
You cook?!

BECKY
(pinching his cheek)
Oooooooh, you!

She heads for the kitchen. He admires her body as she

walks away, then he follows her in.

INT. KITCHEN – SUNSET

Becky is making a sandwich. Achilles searches the fridge.

BECKY
Beer’s on the bottom shelf.

ACHILLES
Thanks, but I don’t drink.

BECKY
Part of some new diet that little lez
roommate of yours has you on?

ACHILLES
No, I just don’t drink anymore. And
Cara’s not a lesbian.

BECKY
So why do you call her that?
 21.

ACHILLES
Call her what?

BECKY
“Lesbot.”

ACHILLES
It’s just a nickname, Becks.

BECKY
Right. So why’d you stop drinking? ...
Did it have anything to do with that
fight you got into at Sigma House?

ACHILLES
Yes.

Beat. Becky looks at him, piecing it together.

BECKY
So where’s your head on Val these days?

He sits across from her at the marble counter. After a

long, thoughtful beat –

ACHILLES
I don’t know...

She slices the sandwich with a BIG KNIFE and slides it in

front of him on a plate.

BECKY
Achilles, I know it’s hard, but you
have to let her go. I did.

OFF Achilles...

INT. O’CONNELL APARTMENT – SUNSET

Jeni is in the living room on her cell phone.

JENI
Don’t get pissy with me, Bella! I’m
not the one who’s screwing her husband!

Valerie enters the apartment.

VALERIE
Hi –
 22.

She stops when she sees Jeni on the phone, upset.

JENI
I’ve got to go. I’ll meet you at their
house at seven.

She clicks off quickly.

VALERIE
That was Bella?

JENI
Don’t, Val! Just don’t, okay? I’m so
not in the mood for another lecture.

She picks up her backpack to leave. Valerie puts her hands

on Jeni’s shoulders.

VALERIE
Jennifer, sweetie, I know I was a total
bitch when you told me about you and
Bella. But you have to believe me,
this has nothing to do with how I feel
about you being a lesbian... I just
don’t want to see you get hurt any more
than you already have been. There’s
another girl out there for you to love,
Jennifer, believe me.

Jeni fights anger and tears, but she can’t stop the tears.

JENI
I don’t want her, Val. I want Bella.

They look into each other’s eyes. Valerie embraces her

little sister and they both hold on tightly.

EXT. ARCHIE’S – NIGHT

A hole-in-the-wall club in a rough part of town. Billy’s

black Range Rover pulls to the curb out front.

INT. ARCHIE’S – NIGHT

As much of dive inside as the outside suggests. PATRONS at

the bar recognize Billy when he enters, but none says a
word to him. He goes to a table, where Ronald Fraser is
talking to the grizzled owner, ARCHIE (50s).
 23.

BILLY
Ron, Arch.

RONALD
Billy.

ARCHIE
Coach.

BILLY
(to Ronald)
Rupp and Mars here yet?

RONALD
Out back.

BILLY
Alright. Let’s get to it.

Archie nods at them and watches as Ronald and Billy go to a

door at the back of the bar. We notice now that Billy’s
carrying an INSTRUMENT CASE. Ronald opens the door and
they go inside.

INT. SUSSMAN HOME – SUNSET

A DOORBELL RINGS. Champ Sussman goes to the front door and

opens it. Jeni and Bella are outside. Right away Champ
goes into charming dinner host mode.

CHAMP
Hi, girls! Come on in!

Bella, more skilled in faking it, puts on a better front

than Jeni, who fights nausea at the sight of Champ.

CHAMP
(calls out)
Kendra, our guests are here!

Kendra Sussman enters, lovely as always. The girls flash

their prettiest Delta smiles.

KENDRA
Hello, girls.

JENI/BELLA
Hi, Mrs. Sussman!
 24.

KENDRA
Please, call me Kendra. And of course
you know my husband, Chancellor
Sussman.

JENI
I’m Jeni.

BELLA
And I’m Bella.

CHAMP
And I’m starving. What do you say we
all get better acquainted over dinner?

INT. SUSSMAN DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Over dinner...

KENDRA
You girls don’t live in Delta House?

BELLA
No, not anymore. We got an apartment
on Cypress, a few blocks from campus.

CHAMP
Is it a nice place?

BELLA
Yes, very nice. Well, for what it is,
anyway.

KENDRA
Do you mind if I ask why you left the
house?

KENDRA
We just felt like having a bit more
independence. Not that we’re
antisocial or anything. We love Delta
and all of our sisters. Right, Jen?

JENI
Right. We love it. And them.

KENDRA
Living in the House and being close to
(MORE)
 25.

KENDRA (CONT’D.)
my sisters made the college experience
wonderful. Of course, living with 75
other women does have its drawbacks.

CHAMP
(trying crack wise)
Only if you’re a woman.

KENDRA
Oh, Champ! Stop it!

Jeni’s stomach turns. Bella shoots her a discreet scowl.

JENI
Excuse me, where is the powder room?

CHAMP
Just down the hall to your left, honey.

Jeni leaves before she tosses her cookies. Champ cops a

peek at her ass as she exits.

BELLA
So you were in a sorority, Kendra?

KENDRA
Theta Pi. In fact, it was at a mixer
with Sigma Nu that Champ and I met.

BELLA
Really? That’s so interesting. Sigma
is our brother house on campus.

INT. BATHROOM – SAME TIME

Jeni’s throwing up violently in the toilet. When she’s

done she goes to the sink and rinses her mouth out, then
she stares at herself in the mirror...

INT. DONAHUE FOYER – NIGHT

Gale is looking at herself in the mirror. Gorgeous. The

doorbell RINGS. She opens the door to Billy.

GALE
Billy Honey, right on time.

She steps back to let him in. He stands in the doorway.

 26.

GALE
We have a minute or two, Billy. Don’t
you want to come in? Duncan’s awake.
I’m sure he’d love to see you.

BILLY
What do you say we save it for another
time, Gale?

GALE
(beat)
Alright, Billy Honey. I’ll get my wrap.

INT. RANGE ROVER – MOVING – NIGHT

Billy drives in silence. Gale senses his hostility.

GALE
The boys were incredible on Saturday.

BILLY
They were.

GALE
I watched the game, every play, online.

BILLY
Mmmm-hmmm.

GALE
I really think this is the year, Billy
Honey. For you, Achilles, everybody.

He clicks on the stereo. The same vaguely familiar JAZZ

TUNE from our earlier scene in Parker’s car plays.

INT. UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE – NIGHT

A MINI COOPER pulls into the garage and parks in a

“Reserved” space. Valerie, the FBI Special Agent returning
home from work, gets out of the car. She walks toward the
elevator. She reacts to a SOUND behind her, discreetly
reaching for the GLOCK in her shoulder holster and clicking
off the safety. She continues walking. Beat. Valerie
turns, gun raised. She gasps and lowers her weapon.

VALERIE
Achilles!
 27.

ACHILLES
(steps out of shadows)
I was really hoping not to get shot
today.

She quickly holsters the gun. She doesn’t even try to

conceal her joy at seeing him. She stops just short of
flinging her arms around his neck.

VALERIE
Oh! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!

ACHILLES
Hi, Valerie.

VALERIE
(gazing in his eyes)
Achilles, what are you doing here?!

ACHILLES
I wanted to see you. Do you think we
could go someplace? To talk.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

 28.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. RESTAURANT – SUNSET

Achilles and Valerie, now dressed in casual chic, are at a

window table in a quaint French bistro where the same
vaguely familiar JAZZ TUNE plays low in b.g.

ACHILLES
(off her smile)
What? What is it?

VALERIE
I’m just so happy to see you.

She takes his hands in hers.

ACHILLES
It’s really good to see you too.
(beat)
How is Richard?

VALERIE
He’s good... Busy at the hospital, you
know, but good. And Portia? Is she
still off teaching children to read in
Ivory Coast or Senegal?

ACHILLES
Benin. And she’s doing well.

VALERIE
Well, now that that’s out of the way...

ACHILLES
Right. Yeah... Valerie, so much has
happened... since the last time we saw
each other.

VALERIE
You mean since I kicked your butt in
that hotel room?

ACHILLES
Since I let you kick my butt.

VALERIE
(her dimpled smile)
Anytime you want a rematch, Mister...
 29.

ACHILLES
Thanks, but I’ll pass.

Beat. It’s obvious that they’re still in love. She

caresses his hands.

VALERIE
Do you still think of me? Of us?

ACHILLES
You know I do. That’s why I came.
(beat)
I miss this... Being together, holding
your hand, talking...

VALERIE
(a come hither smile)
And...

ACHILLES
Yes... that too.

VALERIE
(beat, knowing)
But that’s not why you came to see me,
is it, Achilles?

ACHILLES
No.

INT. SUSSMAN DINING ROOM – NIGHT

When Jeni returns from the bathroom, Kendra and Bella are
laughing at something Champ has said.

KENDRA
Are you alright, Jeni? You looked a
bit pale when you left, dear.

JENI
Yes, I’m fine. Just getting over a
little bug.

KENDRA
Oh, I hope you don’t have to miss this
weekend’s event at the hospital.

JENI
Oh, it’ll take more than an upset tummy
to keep me from helping those kids.
 30.

Kendra smiles at her enthusiasm.

CHAMP
So Jeni, Bella tells us you’re quite
the football fan.
(off Jeni’s reaction)
How long have you and Linc been dating?

Jeni covers her annoyance at Bella.

JENI
Not long. It’s nothing serious.

KENDRA
Le Meurice is quite a nice restaurant.
And expensive. Not the sort of place a
young man takes a girl unless he’s very
interested in her.

JENI
Linc is very sweet. He’s a great guy.

CHAMP
Well of course he is. He’s a Sigma...
and he’s got great hands.

JENI
(looks at Bella)
Yes, he does.

INT. D’AGOSTINO LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Tony and Sofia D’Agostino and Billy and Gale are enjoying
after dinner drinks. By the way they interact you’d never
know Billy and Gale have been separated for weeks.

TONY
I still don’t believe you didn’t plan
to play him, Coach.

BILLY
No, seriously, I’d convinced myself I
wouldn’t put him in. Even though he
kept pestering me the whole night.

GALE
I swear, Achilles looked just like you
in your first Lone Star Showdown, the
way you stalked Daddy on the sideline
(MORE)
 31.

GALE (CONT’D.)
(proudly, to the D’Agostinos)
It was the annual Texas-Texas A&M game
– our biggest rivalry – and Billy had a
serious case of the flu. He was
dehydrated something awful, and Daddy
wasn’t going to play him. But we were
losing by 13 midway through the fourth
quarter. The backup – what was his
name, Billy Honey?

BILLY
Garrison.

GALE
That’s right, Rob or Bob Garrison. He
went down with a bruised thigh and
Daddy didn’t have a choice. He put
Billy in, and he led us to two fourth-
quarter touchdowns to win it. It’s the
game that made my Billy Boy a star all
across Texas. Of course, he was a star
for some of us long before that night.

INT. SUSSMAN HOME, FOYER – LATER

The Sussman’s are saying goodnight to Bella and Jeni.

KENDRA
I just know we’re going to have a
wonderful time working together.

BELLA
Us too, Kendra.

CHAMP
Since you girls will be working so
closely with Kendra, feel free to stop
by whenever you like.

KENDRA
That’s right, girls. We’ll spend a lot
of time at the hospital, but I’ll work
from home too, so you’re welcome to
ocme here if it’s convenient for you.

BELLA
Thank you.
 32.

JENI
Thanks.

INT. PONTIAC CROSSFIRE – MOVING – NIGHT

Bella and Jeni stare straight ahead. The ride back to the
apartment is tense and deathly quiet.

INT. RANGE ROVER – MOVING – NIGHT

A similar scene as Billy drives Gale home.

INT. MUSTANG SHELBY – MOVING – NIGHT

Achilles drives. Valerie eyes him lovingly.

VALERIE
(re: the car)
Win this in a poker game too?

ACHILLES
No. Insurance on the Agusta.

VALERIE
(caresses his hand on the
stick shift)
When I heard about the accident I was
terrified. I actually fainted.

He looks at her. She presses his hand to her face.

EXT. SEATTLE STREET – NIGHT

Valerie is on her cell phone.

VALERIE
No Richard, don’t wait up, sweetheart.
I’ve got a ton of work on the De Souza
case.
(listens)
I’ll try not to wake you when I get in.
(listens)
Love you too. Goodnight.

She closes her phone and looks at Achilles.

 33.

MONTAGE – ACHILLES & VALERIE

Achilles and Valerie stroll through the streets and

neighborhoods of Seattle for hours, holding hands, talking,
etc., the way lovers do.

END MONTAGE

EXT. PARK – NIGHT

Achilles and Valerie stop walking and face each other.

ACHILLES
Say we did run off together. Think
about what that would mean.

VALERIE
You don’t think I’ve gone through it a
million times in my head?

ACHILLES
I know you have. So have I. Your
parents would turn their backs on you
and live the rest of their lives in
shame. Richard, well, it wouldn’t be a
surprise, but he’d be heartbroken and
miserable for years. My mother - who
by the way still doesn’t know that
Portia and I are over - would be your
absolute worst enemy. Forever. And it
might take a few years, but eventually
you’d hate me for taking you away from
the life you’ve dreamed of.

VALERIE
That would never happen, Achilles.
Never. I could never hate you,
darling. I know it would be hard, but
we can be happy together. I know it.

ACHILLES
Maybe. In some isolated world of our
own. But in the end, we’d end up
living a great big lie. And we’d hurt
a lot of people who we love and who
love us. Is it worth all that pain
Valerie? Are we worth it?

VALERIE
Yes, Achilles. Yes we are.
 34.

Beat. He cups her lovely face gently in his hands.

ACHILLES
Valerie, I never thought I could love
someone the way I love you. You have a
hold on me that I can never break free
of on my own.

VALERIE
Then why do you want to, Achilles?

ACHILLES
(beat)
Because it’s time, baby.

She fights back tears and moves into his embrace.

VALERIE
What if I don’t want to? What if I
can’t let go either?

ACHILLES
You can do anything, Valerie. It’s why
I fell in love with you. It’s why I
came tonight. I need you to let
go...for both of us.

He lifts her chin and their eyes meet.

ACHILLES
Please, Val.

EXT. DONAHUE HOME – NIGHT

Billy walks Gale to the door of their home.

GALE
Billy Honey, do you mind coming in? I
want to talk to you about something.

BILLY
Can it wait ‘til tomorrow, Gale? It’s
been a long day, it’s late and I’ve got
to drive to the other side of town.

GALE
(a critical look)
Who’s fault is that, Billy?
 35.

INT. DONAHUE LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Billy follows Gale in. He stands as she sits on the sofa.

BILLY
Well?

GALE
I wanted to thank you, Billy. I spoke
to J.R. before my trip to Australia and
he told me what you said, that you were
unfaithful to me.

BILLY
What did you expect me to tell our son,
Gale? That his mother got pregnant by
one of my players and almost died when
she had a miscarriage? Or that she was
going to Australia with her new
boyfriend?

GALE
I’m sorry for hurting you, Billy, you
know I am, and I know you’re sorry for
hurting me. I’d give anything if we
could undo it all.

BILLY
We’ve covered this ground before, Gale.
We’re both sorry. Now it’s time we
moved on to new ground.

Beat. Not liking where this is headed, Gale tries to

change direction.

GALE
Billy, please sit down...
(after a beat he sits)
How is the apartment?

BILLY
Comfortable. Of course, I’m hardly
ever there.

GALE
I wish you’d come home, Billy. You
belong here with me and Duncan.

BILLY
Gale, I –
 36.

GALE
Tell me you don’t love me anymore,
Billy. Tell me that, and I’ll accept
whatever else comes out of your mouth.

BILLY
You know that’s not true, Gale... Look,
Gale, I don’t want to live in the past
any more.

GALE
Nor do I, Billy.

BILLY
Really? Because it didn’t sound like
it tonight at the D’Agostino’s.

GALE
Boosters want to hear about you and
Daddy and our grand old days at A&M.
Just because I indulge them doesn’t
mean I’m stuck in the past... Billy,
before you left home you said you’ve
changed. Well, so have I. I’m ashamed
of all of the wrongs I’ve done, to you
and to us – my vanities, the drinking,
the drugs... Phil. But I’ve put it all
in the past, Billy. It’s the future I
care about now. Our future.

BILLY
How can you talk about “our” future
when you’ve just spent a week with
Kangaroo Jack? Where does that asshole
fit into “our” future?

GALE
I’ve told you Billy, no matter what’s
come between us in the past – or the
present – my heart always has and
always will belong only to you...
Billy, stay in your own home tonight.
Sleep in your own bed, with your wife.
Let’s begin our future... Tonight.

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – NIGHT

ANGLE ON a Patek Philippe wristwatch. It’s 2 in the

morning. WIDEN and we see that it’s Valerie’s watch.
Though her tears are gone, she’s been crying.
 37.

VALERIE
At least my Saturdays will be free now.

ACHILLES
I’m thinking College Football’s loss
will be Nordstrom’s gain.

They smile, hers dimpled and pretty, his charming. The

DOORMAN comes out of the building.

DOORMAN
You alright, Mrs. O’Connell?

VALERIE
I’m fine, Jaleel. Thank you.

The Doorman eyes Achilles suspiciously but goes back

inside. Achilles and Valerie look at each other. Beat.

VALERIE
So, I guess this is where we say
good... Goodbye.

ACHILLES
I guess so... Yes, it is.

Achilles gently moves a strand of her hair back behind her

ear and they kiss, softly and sweetly at first, then
deeply. [Note: this is identical to their very first kiss
outside of Delta House]. The Doorman gawks at them from
inside the building. When the kissing stops they hold onto
each other tightly, not wanting to let go. Then, after one
last longing look into each other’s eyes, Valerie turns and
goes into the building.

INT. APARTMENT LOBBY – NIGHT

Valerie passes the Doorman, who is dumbstruck. She steps

into the elevator, turns around. As the doors close the
last thing she sees is Achilles, looking at her as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

 38.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. COLLEGE HILL STREET - DAY

Gale jogs through her affluent neighborhood, quite fetching

in a designer running suit. She’s talking on a Bluetooth
phone in her ear.

GALE
I read your analysis, Mattie.

MATTIE (V.O.)
Then you know that the vast majority of
U.S. companies bitterly oppose the non-
executive chairman role.

GALE
Yes, Mattie, I do. And Parker’s made
his position perfectly clear too: he
hates the idea. But I believe it’s
what’s needed to protect Duncan’s
interests in Pennebaker Industries.

MATTIE (V.O.)
You’ll have your work cut out for you,
Gale. The board’s next meeting to
consider the proposal is less than a
month away.

GALE
That’s why I need you to set up
meetings with the Institutional
Shareholders Institute and Mr.
Sedgwick’s organization right away.

MATTIE (V.O.)
Shouldn’t be a problem. But what about
Parker? Won’t he be furious when he
learns you’re trying limit his control
of the company?

Gale stops running when she reaches her driveway. Billy’s

Range Rover is still there.

GALE
Yes, he will. But I’ve been totally
honest with Parker from the beginning.
He knows where my heart is.
 39.

INT. DONAHUE MASTER BATHROOM – DAY

Gale enters the steamy bathroom and peels out of her

jogging suit. Naked, she opens the shower door and Billy
turns to face her.

GALE
(smile)
You missed a spot, Billy Boy.

The door closes and we see them through the opaque glass.

INT. CAT’S BEDROOM – DAY

CLOSE ON Cat’s face. Flush, eyes closed tight. We become

aware of a WHIRRING sound and her carnal SIGHS. Cat is on
the verge of coming when the bedroom door opens –

ACHILLES
Hey, Lesb – Ohhh!!!

Achilles immediately turns and leaves, shutting the door

behind him.

INT. ACHILLES & CAT’S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS

Achilles is just outside Cat’s bedroom, embarrassed.

CAT (O.S.)
(shouting, angry)
JESUS!

ACHILLES
(grinning)
Sorry!?

An awkward beat as he stands outside the door. Cat jerks

open the door and comes out in an Aerosmith t-shirt,
pissed. He wipes the grin off his face.

CAT
Didn’t anybody teach you to knock?
Asshole!

ACHILLES
(sheepish)
Sorry... Shouldn’t you lock the door
when you’re, you know... getting busy?
 40.

She punches him hard in the shoulder. He reacts, “Ow!” and

rubs his shoulder. He follows her to the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

She opens the fridge. Looks inside and pulls out a BOTTLE
OF GATORADE.

CAT
I was expecting you back yesterday.
What happened?

ACHILLES
Stayed over in Seattle.

CAT
(pauses before drinking)
Wait a minute. You didn’t hook up with
the Ice Princess did you? Tell me
you’re not that stupid. I mean, I know
you are that stupid, but just lie to me
and tell me you’re not.

ACHILLES
Do you not wash your hands after you
do...that?

She wipes her hand across his shirt as though it were a

towel. Her look says “Satisfied?” His says “Not really.”

CAT
So did you or didn’t you hook up with
her?

ACHILLES
We met and talked. That’s all.

CAT
You talked?

ACHILLES
Yeah.

CAT
That’s it?

ACHILLES
That’s it.
 41.

CAT
Bullshit. She’s got you so wrapped
around her little finger that you’d
hump a Barbie doll if she told you too.

ACHILLES
Only if the batteries were fresh.

She smirks but her eyes aren’t letting him off the hook.

ACHILLES
Look, Cara, it’s over between me and
Valerie. That’s why I went to see her.

CAT
Right. What is it now, three times
that you supposedly called it quits
with Her Highness? Twice since you got
married.

She reads in his eyes that this time it’s for real.
Realizes it must have been hard for him. Beat.

CAT
Well... Good.
(offers him the bottle)
Want some?

ACHILLES
(frowns re: her hands)
No thanks.

CAT
(shrugs, takes a drink)
So what are you doing after the
hospital volunteer event on Saturday?

ACHILLES
Probably nothing.

CAT
Good. You can come with me to Ed’s
house for dinner.

INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE – DAY

Dr. Natalia Rockov, who speaks with a Russian accent, is

updating Billy and athletic director Charlotte Webb.
 42.

DR. ROCKOV
Nate’s fracture will keep him out for
the rest of the season.

CHARLOTTE
That’s too bad. He really stepped up
this year.

BILLY
He did. I’m damn proud of him. Gale
and I will do something special for him
before he graduates... What about Jet?

DR. ROCKOV
I’ve consulted with the neurologist and
we believe it’s best for him to sit out
another week at least. After that,
we’ll see.

CHARLOTTE
Very well. Thank you, Dr. Rockov.

Dr. Rockov exits.

CHARLOTTE
Talk to me about Boise State.

BILLY
They’re averaging 30 points a game with
a quarterback who’s averaging 300 yards
passing. Best pass defense in the
conference. Now that Ossling’s out of
the closet, it’s a good bet they’ll be
on him like white on rice. But having
Achilles back will give us the
advantage, on game day, but also
starting next week when we get back to
practicing.

CHARLOTTE
And what about you? How are you
holding up to the pressure? With the
schedule we’ve got... and I know things
have been, well, challenging for you
off the field as well this season.

BILLY
I’ve found ways to keep the edge off.
But thanks for asking.
 43.

CHARLOTTE
(a smile)
Just another part of the job.

A long beat.

BILLY
So... Have you heard from her?

CHARLOTTE
(beat)
Billy, you’ve been off that road for
quite a while. I think it’s best you
stayed off of it, don’t you?

BILLY
I just want to know how she’s doing, if
she’s alright. Is that too much to ask?

CHARLOTTE
For you? I think it is... But just
this once: Elle’s a big girl who can
take care of herself. She’s not lying
in a Paris gutter, so you can rest
easy, Billy.

BILLY
(beat)
Thanks.

EXT. CONDOMINIUM BUILDING – SUNSET

Bridgette and her dog Stacey approach the building.

Bridgette’s curiosity isn’t the only thing that is aroused
when she sees Billy walk out of the building to his Range
Rover, parked out front.

BRIDGETTE
Coach, what a pleasant surprise!

BILLY
Oh, hello...

BRIDGETTE
Bridgette.

BILLY
Yes, right. Hi, Bridgette. And hello
again, Stacey.
 44.

The dog barks happily.

BRIDGETTE
So, what brings you back to the
neighborhood, Coach?

BILLY
(fumbling)
Um, well, just visiting a friend.

BRIDGETTE
Oh, anyone I might know? I’ve lived in
the complex for five years, so there’s
a good chance we have a mutual friend.

BILLY
(wanting out of here)
Oh, I don’t know... I’ve really got to
get going. It was nice seeing you
again, Bridgette. Have a nice night.

He quickly goes around to the driver’s side of the SUV and

climbs inside, starts the engine and drives off. Bridgette
is left standing there, looking after the Range Rover.

INT. RANGE ROVER – MOVING – A MOMENT LATER

Billy looks out the rearview mirror at Bridgette. He sees

her walk toward his condo mailbox and check the name.

INT. JENI & BELLA’S BEDROOM – DAY

Jeni has just showered. She pulls off her towel and begins
looking for something to wear. Bella comes in.

BELLA
Well have you?

JENI
Well have I what, Bella?

Beat. Bella’s expression says “You know damn well ‘What?’”

BELLA
Have you already slept with him?

Jeni pulls on panties, a bra, jeans. She opens a dresser

drawer and looks at tops.
 45.

JENI
Who? Oh, you mean Linc? Well we have
been “dating” for a while now, and you
know what a whore I am. So you do the
math... And speaking of math, he’s
huge. Cock-wise, I mean. He’s bigger
than that Fresno State quarterback we
double-teamed freshman year. Remember
him? Only Linc really knows how to
shake his moneymaker.

Jeni finds a top and considers it. Bella fumes.

BELLA
Fine! You want to get even, fine. I
deserve it. But it’s a mistake to let
him fall in love with you, Jen. You’ll
just complicate things even more.

Jeni puts the top on.

JENI
Like that old, letch whoremonger you’re
screwing hasn’t complicated things
enough already?

BELLA
That’s business and you know it.

JENI
That’s bullshit and you know it. He
loves you, Bella. Or he wants you to
think he does, that sick perv! And
you, you just eat it all up with a
freakin’ spoon! Admit it, Bella, you
like being “kept” by him, don’t you?!

BELLA
You think you’ve got it all figured
out, don’t you?! Well you don’t! He
makes my skin crawl every time he
touches me! The only thing that stops
me from hurling is knowing we’ll have
made 200,000 dollars by the time we
graduate! I’m working for us, Jen, to
give us a better life together!

JENI
(eyes her hard)
You’re right, I don’t have it all
(MORE)
 46.

JENI (CONT’D.)
figured out. And I didn’t grow up dirt
poor like you did, so I don’t know what
that’s like... But I do know every time
you screw that man you’re selling more
than your body, and it’s costing you a
hell of a lot more than 200,000
dollars.

Jeni brushes past her on her way out of the apartment. She
opens the door and before she exits –

JENI
I’ll walk to the hospital. I don’t
want to ride in “your” car anymore.

INT. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, MEETING ROOM – DAY

Jeni and Bella, wearing charming smiles, greet fund-raising

COMMITTEE MEMBERS. Kendra and Gale are at the front of the
room, talking.

KENDRA
Champ and I have always wanted to go
but we’ve never had the chance.

GALE
Australia is magnificent, Kendra. You
and Champ really must make a point of
going. Only take my advice, give the
kids a couple of years.

KENDRA
How did Duncan do on the trip?

GALE
Oh, he was a trooper! But all that
time in the air was a bit overwhelming.
I shouldn’t have put him through it,
but the thought of being that far away
from my angel was too much to bear.

Bella goes to let Kendra know it’s time to kick off the
meeting. Kendra goes to a podium and taps the microphone.

KENDRA
Hello, everyone. I’d just like to say a
few words before we go outside to
welcome our volunteers.
 47.

Everyone settles down. Gale sits in the front row.

KENDRA
I want to thank each and every one of
you for your efforts in the fund-
raising drive. This year’s kickoff
event promises to be the most
successful in the hospital’s history,
and the credit for bringing it together
goes to each of you in this room.

Kendra claps to get the self-congratulatory applause going.

KENDRA
Coach Donahue, his staff, and of course
our incredible Sea Devils will join us
today, and after last Saturday’s game
I’m sure they’ll help bring in even
more donations. I also would like to
thank the ladies of Delta Tau Chi, who
will be supporting all Children’s
Hospital Fundraising activities this
year. Many of you may have met our
Delta volunteer liaisons, Jennifer Kim
and Bella Milovich.

Jeni and Bella nod and smile from the side of the room.

KENDRA
Lastly, but certainly not least, I’d
like to ask Gale Donahue, as Chairwoman
of the Hospital Board of Trustees, to
say a few words.

Gale goes to the podium, thanks Kendra and turns to speak.

It’s now that we notice one of the committee members is
Bridgette...

EXT. HOSPITAL FUNDRAISING EVENT – DAY

BANNERS and PLACARDS tell us that the event is a PET WASH.

It’s a massive operation set up in the parking lot of the
hospital complex. Hundreds of PETS and their OWNERS are
there, along with the NEWS MEDIA. We FIND all of our
favorite football players working alongside Delta SORORITY
GIRLS, scrubbing pooches and kitties.

QUICK CUTS: Suzy and iPhone get soapy together on a St.

Bernard; Crash and Lynette Fisher bathe a Cocker Spaniel;
Brew Brewster and a brunette Kyndall Cummings get busy with
 48.

a Doberman; Achilles and Riley Yamaguchi scrub Ethel the

mutt, who we remember as Gracie Wellington’s pooch; Linc
Ossling and a PRETTY DELTA rinse down Bridgette’s Corgi,
Stacey. Linc catches sight of Jeni and excuses himself.

EXT. REGISTRATION BOOTH – DAY

Jeni and Bella are among other DELTAS working the desk.
Linc comes up to them wearing an easygoing smile.

LINC
Hey, Jen.

JENI
Hi, Linc. Are you supposed to be on a
break now?

LINC
After six pooches and a Persian cat, I
think I’m due... Got a minute to talk?

Linc notices Bella’s reaction but remains focused on Jeni.

Jeni glances around. It’s not too busy.

JENI
I suppose. Sure.

They walk away. Bella pretends to work as she eyes them.

EXT. ANOTHER SECTION OF PARKING LOT – DAY

Linc and Jeni’s body language is romantic but restrained.

LINC
Not that I’m a stalker, but why won’t
you return any of my calls?

JENI
(cute smile)
Maybe because you’re a stalker.

LINC
Ha-ha. Seriously. Jen, I get it if
you don’t want to get involved, but
that’s no excuse for not talking to me.

JENI
Is that all you want to do, Linc, talk?
 49.

LINC
(smiles)
Yeah...in bed.

She can’t help herself. She blushes. In the distance,

Bella sees the signs of Jeni giving in to Linc’s charms.

JENI
(serious)
Linc... I told you, it’s just not going
to work for us.

LINC
So you don’t like me?

JENI
Not enough.

Her bluntness takes him by surprise. She realizes he’s

hurt and reflexively reaches out to touch him to soften the
blow. Bella sees this and reacts, her heart sinking.

JENI
I’m sorry, Linc. Look, I should have
just come out and told you this, I
apologize that I didn’t sooner, but I’m
already in a serious relationship.

LINC
No. Who with?

JENI
Linc, does it matter?

LINC
You’re in love with this Mystery Guy?

JENI
(beat)
Yes. Very much.

Linc puts on a brave face and Jeni caresses it with her

fingertips and looks in his eyes sympathetically. From
Bella’s vantage point, it looks as though they’re about to
kiss. Jeni turns away from him and walks back toward the
registration booth. Linc looks after her for a beat, then
turns and walks off.
 50.

EXT. POOCH WASHING STATION – DAY

Achilles and Riley are rinsing Ethel under Billy’s watchful

eye. Riley and Ethel are enjoying it a lot more than
Achilles, who is awkwardly going through the exercise.

BILLY
Not much of a dog guy, huh, Addams?

ACHILLES
Umm...well, I guess not, Coach.

RILEY
(to Ethel)
Oh, don’t mind him, girl. No, don’t
mind him at all. There, all done!

Ethel wags her tail happily and gives Riley a lick. She
moves in to give one to Achilles. Billy rescues his
quarterback by attaching the dog’s leash.

BILLY
Now Ethel, don’t be a tart. He’s
married.
(to Riley and Achilles)
Thanks you two.

He guides Ethel away. Ivy Sandusky comes up next with a

beautiful German Shephard. Ivy smiles at Achilles and
Riley. Riley smiles at the dog.

RILEY
Hi! And what’s your name?

IVY
Cleo. Hi, Achilles.

ACHILLES
Hi, Ivy.

As Billy and Ethel make their way across the lot they
approach Bridgette and Stacey.

BRIDGETTE
Hello, Coach!

BILLY
Hello, Bridgette, Stacey. How are you?
 51.

BRIDGETTE
We’re just fine. And who do we have
here?

BILLY
This is Ethel.

EXT. REGISTRATION BOOTH – DAY

Jeni is registering a cat and its owner. When Jeni’s done

and the customers have left the desk, WIDEN ANGLE to see
Jeni and Bella are alone in the booth. Bella sits next to
her. Beat. They work in silence until the next customer,
a man with a SCHNOWZER, comes up to them. The girls
reflexively brighten.

BELLA
(cheerily, to dog)
Hello! Aren’t you a cutie!

EXT. HOSPITAL FUNDRAISING EVENT – DAY

Bridgette is talking to a SOCIALITE. They’re holding their

pooches on leashes and eyeing Billy and Gale in the
distance as they schmooze their fans. We don’t hear what
Bridgette is saying, but we can be sure she’s spreading
gossip about Billy and the “friend” he’s been visiting in
her neighborhood...

INT. DONAHUE HOME – SUNSET

Billy and Gale frolic in bed after making love. She

escapes his arms, rolls him over and pins him.

BILLY
When did you get so strong?

GALE
Try toting a 3-year-old around all day
and see what it does for you.

She kisses him teasingly, ready for more loving and feeling
his arousal. Then Billy glances at the clock on the
nightstand and SUDDENLY flips her off of him.

GALE
What the?! Billy!
 52.

BILLY
Sorry, Babe. I’ve got to get going.

GALE
(grabs his arm)
Uh-ungh, Cowboy. This ride’s over only
when Momma says it is.

He heads for the bathroom. She’s confused.

BILLY
I’ve really got to go, Babe. I’m late.

GALE
Late? Late for what?! Billy?!

INT. TRZCINSKI HOME – SUNSET

Ed opens the front door to Cat and Achilles. They’re

greeted with smiles from her family and she receives a hug
from her sister-in-law JANINE (30) and a rug rat NIECE and
NEPHEW. Gloria comes out of the kitchen; she and Cat look
at each other. Everyone seems to wait for a sign.

GLORIA
(beat)
Cara, dear, would you mind to give me a
hand in the kitchen?

Cat starts toward the kitchen with Gloria.

NEIL
Uh-oh, better break out the Pepto.

CAT
Bite me.

Cat gives him a double-fisted “F-U” before disappearing

into the kitchen.

INT. TRZCINSKI KITCHEN – MINUTES LATER

Cat and Gloria stand at the counter preparing to bring in

dinner. Gloria has something to get off her chest.

GLORIA
Jeff and I found out a year or two
after we were married that we couldn’t
(MORE)
 53.

GLORIA (CONT’D.)
have children together. But we loved
each other so much, it didn’t seem to
matter... After he passed away, the
depression I felt just seemed to grow
more and more. I knew it was because
the one thing I wanted in life, the one
missing piece to make my life complete,
was to give life, to be a mother...

Cat continues to work, but Gloria’s quiet emotion begins to

touch her.

GLORIA
Then I came back to Maitland – the only
place I’ve ever really felt was home –
and found Eddie again. It felt like my
life was starting all over again.

CAT
But it hasn’t, Gloria. I’m sorry, I
mean, I don’t mean to be a bitch, but
you can’t turn back the clock.

Gloria turns to look at her.

GLORIA
I know I can’t, dear. And I know you
think I’m being incredibly selfish.
But every fiber in my body tells me
that to bring a child into the world
and give it all the love I have left is
the right thing to do... Cara, I really
want you to understand. And I want you
to accept my child as your sister.

Their eyes meet. Cat reacts: “Sister?”

INT. DONAHUE HOME – NIGHT

Gale trails Billy down the stairs. He’s dressed to leave,

she’s in her old Texas A&M t-shirt.

GALE
Billy Honey, no more secrets. Where are
you going?
 54.

BILLY
I’m sorry, Gale, but I can’t say. I’ve
got an important personal commitment.
I’ll be home late so don’t wait up.

Gale stops him in the foyer.

GALE
Don’t be ridiculous, Billy. You don’t
expect me to let you walk out that door
without an explanation.

He takes her by the waist and kisses her deeply.

BILLY
(smiles)
Yes, I do.

She stands there, flummoxed.

INT. ARCHIE’S – NIGHT

Standing room only. Almost everyone in the club is black.

We hear the sounds of a JAZZ QUARTET warming up, but we
don’t yet see the band members. Then we hear the band
begin to play the familiar JAZZ TUNE we’ve only heard
snippets of up ‘til now: first the cool drum and cymbal
downbeat, joined by the catchy piano intro...then the
smooth, saxophone melody that defines... “TAKE FIVE.”

CAMERA ANGLES THROUGH THE CROWD to FIND Billy on stage,

playing the ax like Dave Brubeck himself. On piano is
retired jazzman Ronald; they’re accompanied by a DRUMMER
and BASE PLAYER, both black (50s).

REVERSE and we find Gale (she’s secretly tailed Billy to

the club), making her way through the crowd. She stops,
astonished to see her husband of over 20 years playing the
sax like a ‘50s Cool Cat. She takes her eyes off Billy
long enough to survey the crowd. They’re nodding, swaying,
digging his groove. He’s played here before. Gale marvels
at Billy, and the band jams as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE