Original subtitles

[dog barks in distance]

Is there a cake?

You're a girl. Bake one.

Valerie would check it for poison.

[Brandon] Come on. We're working last-minute.

David only decided on a surprise party last night.

Did we get her a present?

[Brandon] No. David got her this lovely trinket,

that he had me pick it up for him.

Can we all put our names on it?

[door opening]

[gasps] Surprise... Oh.

[laughs] Sorry we're late.

- What is this? - I brought Valerie a dress.

A Donna Martin original.

How exceptionally giving of you.

Call me a sucker on birthdays.

They'll be on the racks tomorrow at MayaLee's.

Oh, I love that store.

You guys are in business.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

You finished the whole order?

Oh, only 20.

I thought the store didn't need them until Friday.

They said if I got done early, I could take them over there.

You were in the emergency room last week.

I know, and now I'm fine.

Don't worry. Thank you.

But this is a good thing for me.

All right.

[car engine humming]

I just heard a car.

[Steve] Don't touch that switch.

Too late. Don't hit the switch.

You were supposed to be watching.

- David would hit his flashers. - Go.

[Kelly and Donna] Surprise...

Where's our birthday girl?

Late, luckily.

Twenty-three years ago, 11:18 a.m.,

and she's still a late riser.

[Bill laughing]

Just like her mom. [laughs]

[Steve] Well...

[Steve] there's my boy.

There are the headlights.

[Steve] David and Valerie are here.

I can't wait to see her. I have a marvelous surprise.

[car doors closing]

[light switch clicks]

You know, I like this house.

Really? You didn't seem too crazy about me taking it.

I wanted to be with you,

but I'm glad it's here.

Hmm... [kiss]

Where we can be alone.

[gasps] Alone? It's your birthday.

All the more reason.

Mmm.

[Valerie] Mm-hmm.

- [steps approaching] - [door opening]

[all] Surprise!

[Abby] Happy Birthday.

[Bill] Happy Birthday.

I called everyone yesterday.

I thought you overheard.

[Steve] Next year, warn us.

Yeah, I kind of wish I had some, too.

Let me get you a birthday drink.

Look at that expression.

It's like you're 12 years old again.

That was her first surprise party.

She burst into tears.

[Valerie] Brandon, let me help.

No. Let him get it.

[Abby] This is your party. It's about you.

You felt it, didn't you?

Feel what?

[laughs] Bill, she's onto us.

[laughing]

On to what? What's going on?

[soft music playing]

The ring.

We're getting married.

[soft music playing]

Congratulations.

- Thanks. - Thanks.

Well, you guys will be sisters now.

[soft music playing]

[cheering music playing]

[cheering music playing]

The Donna Martin Collection?

Oh, well!

Right this way.

It's a limited edition.

Even more limited. We just made a sale.

What time did you come?

About five minutes before the store opened.

I have to tell you I'm really proud of you.

Thank you. Oh, wait.

That woman bought my dress.

[saleswoman] Oh, well, that's...

Is she returning it?

It's probably the wrong size.

What are you doing?

- [saleswoman] Okay... - Excuse me.

- Are you returning this dress? - Yes.

Why? Do you like it?

Yes, I do very much.

I was wondering why you don't.

Is it the cut, the fabric, or...?

I thought it was a Donna Karan, at this price.

I was almost out of the store

when I realized it's a Donna Martin.

Whoever that is.

[laughing] Right.

[soft music playing]

[sighs]

Val, stop.

I'll finish this later, okay?

- I got you something. - I want to help.

I don't care. You're not going to.

You'll not clean up after your own party.

Especially one you hated.

My mother turned it into a firing squad.

- It's not your fault. - She wasn't thinking.

She didn't care.

Val, she's in love.

It'll pass. Even without a wedding.

I'll meet Kelly in an hour. We'll make sure of it.

[laughs]

Do you think you'll stop their marriage?

She doesn't know what love means.

He's a convicted felon. Call me optimistic.

You didn't seem it last night.

It's just that I hate birthdays.

I mean, since I was a kid.

Fake sentiments, smiling for the camera.

"See what a happy family we are!" Please.

I try to make you feel better.

I'm sorry.

It's just that my mom used to give me a charm

for my charm bracelet every year.

Uh. The one on your bureau?

Yeah, I hated that thing.

But I've never been able to get rid of it.

Kind of like my past.

[soft music playing]

Well, it's the thought that counts.

Yeah,

this will bring up the bad ones.

- [sneezing] - Janet, go home.

Thanks, but I'm going to stay.

You're sick.

Well, it beats starving.

No sick pay.

- [sniffles] - [sneezes]

[phone rings]

Ah, maybe that's for me.

I entered a contest for medical insurance.

Keep your fingers crossed.

[Janet] Beverly Beat.

What about you, Steve?

Are you sick, too?

Yeah, maybe a little.

I went by Ted's office today.

You found him?

Yeah, after a few phone calls.

Say, 50 or so.

I found out that Ted's company merged with Whittier & Leeks.

So I went down to those offices today.

Didn't even get past the lobby before I found this.

Corporate newsletter.

Yes. This is Ted himself.

Recently promoted.

Is he Barbie's dream date, or what?

Maybe right for Barbie, not right for Jill.

They're soul mates. Wait until she sees him in the flesh.

What's on your agenda?

Maybe not the best day for this, but...

I've got a job interview at the Chronicle.

- [rock music playing] - [doorbell tinkles]

What if they're happy? I mean, they are our parents.

A nightmare. It's a train wreck waiting to happen.

Oh, I don't know.

Where did you get that?

This?

My mother.

Your father?

Mm-hmm.

What's next?

Twin sweater-sets? Forced sleep-away camp?

You've covered the options.

- What's the plan? - Okay.

I'll talk to your dad, but my mom is deaf to me.

But she may be eager to please you.

- Me? - Yes.

Hit her with the truth about him.

When you say it like that, it makes me want to defend him.

This is no time for family pride or loyalty.

Do you want to share holidays

and birthdays and matching outfits with me

forever?

[soft music playing]

[door knocking]

- Hi. - You said you had Ted's address.

His office, actually.

You could invite me in.

Oh, I did.

When I thought you were someone I knew.

Someone I loved.

Someone I nearly made love with.

Jill,

I know you don't know me,

but I know you.

Your letters...

Were addressed to Ted.

Did I mention

by opening them, you committed a crime?

Come on,

just give me a chance.

Ted's phone number.

The name of his company.

Anything.

Did you wonder why he never came looking for you?

No.

I'm sure he thinks I just stopped writing to him.

I'd have found you.

Come on, give me a chance.

Go out with me as me.

Steve Sanders.

If you can resist my charm,

my animal magnetism

and charismatic personality,

then I'll give you Ted.

This is blackmail.

Yeah, I guess.

But it's for a good cause.

One date.

Steve Sanders.

[soft music playing]

[Brandon] Tell me the truth.

Have you ever say "Stop the presses"?

[chuckles]

I read your previous submissions and were good.

But your work this year is great.

Thanks.

How did you come across it?

I keep an eye on the smaller papers.

It's my job to steal the next Bob Woodward.

I should be so lucky.

I'm afraid there's no room for negotiation.

We know what a job here can do for your career later.

Working for a big city daily is kind of a dream of mine.

Here's a temporary ID.

Come by tomorrow after lunch, and we'll get you started.

That's it?

Unless you want me to reconsider.

That's okay.

[phone ringing]

Thanks.

Ms. Stanley.

Uh, right... Jamie.

I finished up at Personnel.

I wanted to say thanks again.

Brian Carter, this is Brandon Walsh,

our new Metro reporter.

- Are you starting up? - Yes. You too?

Yeah. If you've finished here, I'll walk you out.

We can go for a beer, celebrate.

That sounds good.

- Thanks, again. - Sure.

- Get a nice cold one. - Yeah.

Did you get a chance to look around the place?

A little.

You boys just get jobs?

Yeah, I'm Brandon Walsh.

- Brian Carter. - Timmy McCourt.

I've seen your byline on hundreds of stories.

It's an honor.

Thank you.

Jamie bring you up to speed?

Yeah, briefly.

I know you're busy,

but if you got time tomorrow

and could show us the ropes,

it'd be appreciated.

I'll be on the other side of those ropes tomorrow.

The real reporters are going on strike.

The real reporters?

You guys are scabs.

[soft music playing]

- Hey. - Hmm?

[chuckles]

[groans]

I was up all night thinking of those dresses,

doubting all the choices I made.

You got Sally what's-her-name on the phone.

The buyer from MayaLee's?

Oh, great.

She may call to tell me

they shipped all my dresses off to a discount store.

Okay, ready for this.

Hello.

Yes, this is Donna.

What?

Are you kidding?

All of them?

Oh, my God.

Uh, sorry.

Yes, sure.

Okay, I'll need two weeks

for production.

[chuckles] Okay.

Um, thank you.

Thank you so much.

Bye.

Oh, my God! [chuckles]

They sold. Every single dress sold.

They want to buy 20 more.

- We did it. - You did it.

[sighs] I can't believe this.

Wow.

[sighs] Okay.

I'm going to pay you back

all the money you gave me.

There's no rush.

Or we could take the money

and we open a shop like you said.

Why don't we take one step at a time?

You don't think it'll work?

You're taking on a lot now.

You're letting it count for way too much.

Your dresses are sold, but if they hadn't,

you'd be just as talented, just as good.

You have that much faith in me?

Yeah, I do.

That means everything to me.

Thank you.

[chuckles]

They take these articles and put them online?

Yes, and they don't pay them.

That's their beef.

Good morning, Janet.

Hi, guys. Bagels are on the counter.

Your suit from the dry cleaners

is on your desk.

Here's a little reminder of the rules of the road.

Hmm.

This parking ticket is for your car.

I was double-parked, picking up your dry cleaning

five minutes before the place closed last night.

Couldn't go this morning?

No, because I was busy.

And you said you needed your suit for a meeting tonight.

Meeting?

Not really a meeting.

It's more like a date.

Date with Jill?

- Yes. - Date with Jill.

- Yes. - Mm-hmm.

If you mind doing these personal favors,

just say so.

That's what she's saying.

Don't you have to get to work someplace else?

You got the job at the Chronicle?

Yes, dig out the resumes. We'll need a new editor.

I'll double back here until you find somebody.

- It's no big deal. - You won't.

This is big. You'll not screw it up

by trying to do two jobs,

not even for your best friend, your partner,

- the guy who discovered you. - I get the picture.

So why do they need you so soon?

The... [clears throat]

the reporters went on strike this morning.

Oh, so...

you didn't actually get the job,

you took someone's.

Someone who left on a matter of principle?

When I got the offer, I didn't know about the strike.

Well, you know now.

I've been waiting for a job like this.

This is how you want to get it?

You know what?

No one's starving at the Chronicle,

no one's breathing coal dust.

This union thing is a thing of the past.

So is this break, if I don't take it.

- Well, take it. - Don't.

[Valerie] She has a little cash

from the sale of a house.

You can do better.

I don't want your mother's money.

Look, I know I was a terrible husband

and a worse father. I'm sure Kelly's told you about that.

Enough.

I didn't appreciate

what it meant to come home to someone.

Now I do.

You're lonely.

Find another sucker.

All right, I was selfish

but never lonely.

Not until the first time I had to say goodbye to your mother.

Are you still selfish?

[sighs]

Look, I don't want this,

and neither does Kelly.

She's your daughter. Doesn't that matter?

We'd like your blessing.

If you hurt her,

if you disappoint her,

I'll call your parole officer. I'll file false charges.

- I'll do anything... - To protect her?

So will I.

[soft music playing]

When he was married to my mother,

he forgot birthdays, anniversaries.

Finally, he just forgot us.

Your father loves you.

Well, that's how he treats the people he loves.

[thunder rumbles softly]

You think he's changed.

I thought he had, too.

Thought he'd finally realized

what it was like to be loved by someone.

And now he finally has.

You want me to have the information beforehand.

But you know,

you never know someone completely.

[thunder rumbles softly]

Valerie's father...

I know.

You learn not to think about it,

not to notice

the silence.

I'm good at shutting things out.

But I don't want to shut your father out.

He thinks we have a chance.

I just think

you should know about his history,

his actions.

That's all I'm saying.

We're getting married

on Saturday at St. Timothy's.

[thunder rumbles softly]

This Saturday?

Great.

[soft music playing]

[people chattering in distance]

[thunder rumbles]

Brandon, hey.

Hey, Brian.

Lovely weather, huh?

[chuckles] - Yeah.

How many times do you get turned down by this newspaper?

Once before I graduated and then again last June.

Who would you think was cooler, Superman or Clark Kent?

- Jimmy Olson. - Ace reporter.

What do you think they want?

Money.

It's always money.

[Brandon] It's a union shop.

If we go in there and work, we're scabs.

That doesn't bother you?

I got kids to feed.

[reporters] Scab!

It was a nice restaurant.

Come on.

They brought you the wrong food,

the table wouldn't stop jiggling

no matter how many sugar packets I put under the legs,

and that waiter was rude.

You handled it like a pro.

It's not what I had planned.

That's okay.

You're not who I thought you were, and I still

felt...

- Yeah? - ...what I felt,

anyway.

But I am in love with someone else.

Someone you don't even know.

Didn't you know me from my letters?

We're gonna need a pen.

Whittier & Leeks.

They're downtown off Sixth.

Make sure you ask for Ted

in the International Department.

He's new there.

He'll not be on the directory.

Won't you write this down?

I've wanted this for so long.

I flew all the way here.

If it doesn't feel right,

you don't have to do it.

Okay.

You do it.

How am I supposed to do that?

You're very inventive.

Just get him there.

I'll have to go through with it if he's in the same room.

[laughs]

Oh, boy.

Okay.

[soft music playing]

To you.

For believing in me.

Hey, that's from the store. [sighs]

Why don't you deal with it tomorrow?

I just want to see what it is.

A check for the dresses.

Oh, it's a mistake.

- They already paid us. - I'll deal with it.

You said it was cash on delivery.

Do you remember we went to dinner to celebrate?

Noah?

The money for the dresses came from me.

The store bought them on consignment.

So they pay us if and when they sell the dresses.

A store like MayaLee's? They wouldn't do that.

I got a friend in corporate.

An old buddy of mine.

So, you cut a deal behind my back?

After the overdose and getting fired,

I wanted to help you.

Help me what?

Believe in yourself.

Even though you don't?

[soft music playing]

[Janet] Yes, sir, we got your ad,

and we placed it according to your specifications.

So you go into the guy's office and what happens?

- I say I'm a potential investor. - You?

Yes, and we're meeting in the restaurant tonight

to review my portfolio.

Do you even have a portfolio?

After tonight, I won't even have a girl.

- Hmm. - Did Jill call?

Sir, I understand that you're upset.

Any messages for me?

- Thanks. - Janet, you get bagels?

- I will recheck the order. - No bagels.

And I will call you back, OK?

- Bagels are brain food. - My coffee...

- and... - You guys?

I think that I'm good at my job,

but there is only so much I can do.

And especially when I am swamped,

sick and underpaid.

[sighs] Aren't you supposed to be at work?

I couldn't cross the picket line.

- I'm glad. - Yeah, selfishly, so am I.

I hate to see you walk away from something you want.

And for what? A union that won't let you in

since its members have a lock on all the jobs.

Hi. I'm Donald Tucker.

I'm looking for Steve Sanders.

Oh, I almost forgot. Donald.

I'm Steve. This is Brandon Walsh.

How are you doing?

He's here for your job.

I read your stuff, man. Very impressive.

- [sighs] - [Steve] Uh.

I'm sorry. The position is no longer available.

[Brandon] I was about to go the Chronicle, but I'm not.

[laughing]

Sorry.

I laugh when I'm nervous.

Like on job interviews.

There is no more job.

[laughs]

Sorry.

It also happens when I'm disappointed.

What happens when you meet a pretty woman?

Well, I...

I don't.

Not like he means.

You understand.

- [phone rings] - Sure.

[Janet] Beverly Beat.

Sorry about the editor position.

[Janet] It's a Brian Carter from the Chronicle.

Yeah?

Maybe we can use your services,

- after all. - What's going on, Brian?

Have you ever done any undercover pieces?

You know, posing as someone, say...

- an investment banker named Ted? - Brian, I can't hear you.

[Brandon] Brian, speak up. I can't hear you.

[Brian] Hey, I'm on a story.

A state-funded housing project collapsed.

Was anyone hurt?

No, but it's on the heels

of the board's safety approval.

Stay nearby. I'll feed you the facts.

Brian, I didn't take the job.

I haven't got time to do the research and write it up.

I don't think I can do that.

Brandon, this is my first piece.

I need to work with a good writer.

That'd be you. I'll call you when I'm in.

- Yeah. - [dial tone]

[David] Come on, Val. The rehearsal starts at 4:00.

I'm not going.

[sighs] Okay.

Your mom stole the show on your birthday.

Her timing was bad. I...

I don't think her motives were.

Oh, David. [sighs]

She doesn't listen to me.

Bad news? She doesn't want to hear it.

If it gets in the way of her having a man.

No, it doesn't matter

how much he hurt me...

coming into my room night after night...

This isn't about Bill Taylor, is it?

No, it's...

It's not. It's...

...my father.

When I was a kid, he...

I was sexually abused, David.

[sighs]

I didn't know.

That's what she said when I told her.

Well... [laughs]

You knew I was damaged.

Turns out I'm completely broken.

How old were you?

Eleven.

I became really quiet.

Withdrawn.

Instead of asking me what was wrong,

my mom decides to invite half the school over

for my 12th birthday party.

My dad...

buys me this jacket.

Black mink.

We didn't have that kind of money.

I thought everybody knew.

It was guilt talking.

It was his fault. It wasn't yours.

My 13th birthday...

There was this huge blizzard.

My dad was in Chicago,

and he was stuck there because the airport was closed.

The snow was piled up so high outside our house

that nobody could get in or out.

It was the first time in a long time I felt safe.

So my mom and I decide...

to bake a cake.

It was...

chocolate with vanilla frosting.

Nothing ever tasted so good.

Noah?

Donna, I'm busy right now.

I'll make it quick.

I'm sorry.

You made a shrewd business move.

It just happened to hurt my feelings.

I knew eventually you'd sell your designs.

With everything you've been through,

I didn't think you could wait.

My faith in myself is pretty strong.

It's my faith in men that's been tested this year...

to the limit.

[picketers clamoring]

- Thanks for the ride, man. - Yes, sure.

If you're freelancing, you could have e-mailed this.

Or worn a disguise.

What are they striking for?

Ergonomically-designed seats?

Espresso machine in the break room?

Salary. Pension. Reprinting rights.

What do you think?

I'd be happy with what they're getting now.

See ya.

[thunder rumbles]

That guy was here before. Is he a reporter?

You made the right choice yesterday.

- Scab! - Management stooge!

You're taking our jobs, scab.

- Tell Donald the job's open. - Yeah.

[people shouting]

[Abby] There you are.

Is that what you'll wear?

Val is here to give you her support.

She could probably use yours as well.

She's always had my support.

You look lovely.

David, can you go talk to the minister?

He's supposed to give me a reading.

I'm okay here.

All right.

Reverend Mayfair has a meeting in 15 minutes.

I wonder if you wouldn't mind standing in for your dad.

Okay. Did he call?

How could he? I've been running errands.

I will check my machine. Maybe he called there.

Bill told me about your visit.

Mom, like I've said before,

I don't think you should marry him.

[Bill] Where's my bride?

- Hi! - [laughs]

Dad, you're 45 minutes late.

I know. Darling, I am so sorry.

I had a meeting, then traffic.

I'm going to get you a cell phone.

I don't like being out of touch.

- No, I don't. - [laughs]

Another brilliant deflection by Bill Taylor.

He's late and doesn't call, and it's her fault

for not having a cell phone.

I'll give it to her for a wedding present.

David, how are you?

Do I detect defeat?

Maybe he's changed.

[Valerie] They look good together.

Yeah, they do.

[indistinct conversations]

[smooth jazz plays]

Do you think Ted's here?

How will we recognize each other?

Uh, I've got it all worked out.

I'm going to use the phone. I'll be right back.

Okay.

I'll just be a minute.

Ted Slafsky. Nice to meet you.

I've read every financial trade paper.

That's great.

- The thing is, Donald... - Ted.

We're not doing a financial exposé here.

See that girl over there?

- Sitting alone on the bar? - Mm-hmm.

Well that's Jill,

and I am head over heels,

arrow through the heart crazy about her.

That's good...

I guess.

No, Donald. It's not good.

See that guy?

- Covered with waitresses? - Mm-hmm.

That's Ted,

and Jill's in love with him.

Whoa.

That's right. Whoa.

But the thing of it is, she's never met him in person.

She's only read his letters.

That is true love.

Ah, is it?

Because if she met someone

who she thought wrote those letters,

someone, let's say, with a little less...

assuming presence...

Someone...

Who looked like me.

Would she still want him?

So, it's a test.

Yes.

It's a test. A love test.

A test of true love.

You're changing the variables, not just looks.

It's not a fair test.

You love this girl? You want her to be happy?

Yeah.

Even if it makes you miserable?

Because that's the test of true love.

You're right.

I hope you're ready for this, because I'm not.

Ted.

You don't know me,

but I set this meeting up.

Ted, this is your pen pal, Jill.

Jill, this is Ted.

Jill?

Uh-huh. [chuckles] Hi.

I'm Steve. You stopped writing.

I thought I lost you.

Steve Sanders.

[soft music playing]

[door knocking]

- Hey. - Hey.

I want to show you sketches.

Sure. Let's go downstairs.

No, the bar's sticky. It'll ruin them.

- We'll get a table. - It's so loud.

What are you doing with these?

I bought them.

What?

Is this all a joke to you?

They weren't selling.

They were in the store

for one day!

I was going to tell you.

After I caught you in the first lie

or now that is the second?

- If you listen to me... - No!

I don't need to.

I can see how little you think of me.

[door slams]

[suspense music playing]

Morning.

Mr. McCourt.

- Good to see you. - Thank you.

- Janet Sosna, this is... - Timmy McCourt. I'm a big fan.

Thank you. Pleasure to meet you.

What can I do for you?

How are you doing?

Good.

Saw your byline on the housing project story.

It was a good piece.

Thanks.

I've got another story for you.

Back in the 1930s,

guy meets gal.

Love on the old assembly line,

making a couple of bucks an hour,

but you can double that

because they're both working.

And yet the kids,

they kids are growing up

in a dirty house.

Let me guess. No union, no benefits, no overtime.

However,

by the 1950's,

they are solidly middle class.

And you know what?

The youngest kid even goes to college.

American dream.

You're looking at it.

Take the story,

don't take the job.

[sighs]

I've waited for an opportunity like this

for a long time. It doesn't come easy.

Neither does what we're fighting for.

[suspense music playing]

[door knocking]

[sighs]

- Hi. - Dad.

You're not dressed. And your suit?

At the cleaner's, I suppose.

Don't do this.

Please don't do this.

I thought you didn't want us to get married.

Valerie's the last person I want as family,

but it would have been worth it

if it'd meant you could've kept a promise.

You were so sure I wouldn't.

[sighs] Why did you even propose to her?

It was the way she looked at me.

I...

I saw a second chance.

She believed in you,

even though she knew she shouldn't.

I know the feeling.

Never again.

- Kelly... - Never again!

[sighs]

Just

explain it to her, hmm?

How, when I don't understand?

Yes, you do.

We both wish you were wrong about me.

[bell tolling]

- [organ playing] - [indistinct conversations]

Got a minute?

Listen to me.

When you overdosed,

you were just laying there.

I was helpless. I couldn't help you.

I couldn't stand to see you that way again.

I'll make you a deal.

Next time I have a problem,

I won't go for the medicine cabinet

if you won't go for your wallet.

When I get scared,

and I lean on you...

support me, don't lie to me.

Okay.

Burnett's department store called.

The head buyer wouldn't even meet with me,

so I dropped off a sample.

They may want me

to come and get it.

Not unless you can be in Madrid.

That's where she is on vacation, wearing it.

- [sighs] - Yeah.

She wants a hundred more to sell.

There any side deals, sales incentives,

favors for an old friend I should know about here?

No,

this is all you.

[giggles]

[kiss]

[Steve] Is this the tie you chose?

[Brandon] What? Would you wear one like this?

Look at that tie you have on.

- What did I get her? - A toaster.

It's a serving piece.

They'll love it.

You have Janet buying your wedding presents?

Do you see how badly I need a girlfriend?

Ted and Jill are probably married right now.

You did the right thing. Feels good, right?

Mildly.

How's the new editor working out?

[Steve] Took him for a get-to-know you drink.

- Mm-hmm. - He got to know me.

- Passed on the job. - Can't say I blame him.

I'm not going to work at the Chronicle.

[Steve] Shouldn't one of us be disappointed?

Best job I never had.

I'm proud of the work I didn't do there.

Coming back to the Beat?

Throw in a medical plan, sick days, paid overtime,

I'll think about it.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Mmm...

All right.

Aw, geez.

Welcome back.

[footsteps approaching]

- Hey. - Thank goodness.

Now we can get started.

Mom, wait. Where is he?

He's not coming.

Abby, I'm so sorry.

Well, he's late. He'll be here.

I don't think so.

[sighs]

He's nervous. I'll talk to him.

We'll work it out.

What happened?

He can't do this. What did he say?

What difference does it make?

He's not coming.

I'll go tell the guests.

Mom? Mom, wait.

It's all right, I'm fine.

It doesn't matter.

It was just a lark; crazy.

- I didn't think that... - Mom, don't do this, okay?

Don't pretend this isn't happening.

God, take it from me.

If people don't know you're hurt,

they don't know to help you.

[sobbing] Oh, honey!

I'm so sorry.

[Brandon] You did very well at the church today.

It was good having Valerie there

equally invested, sort of like family.

Your worst nightmare.

Once I got used to it, it wasn't that bad.

No, leave it.

- I like it. - All right.

That's my ID tag from the Chronicle.

I won't be needing that anytime soon.

Can I have it?

Why?

A reminder.

I have one good man in my life who makes hard decisions,

stands by them.

[doorbell rings]

I got it.

Did you come to say good-bye?

To thank you.

[door closing]

Well, invite me to the wedding.

I won't come,

but I'll send you a gift.

I already picked one out.

We did talk about marriage.

Did I mention my low threshold for pain?

But mostly I talked about you.

About all the things you did to get to know me

and what you did last night...

for me.

[kiss]

What about Ted?

He was everything I thought he'd be.

But you're more.

- Hi. - Hey.

Is your mom on her way home?

Yeah,

she hugged me so tightly when she said good-bye.

She's never done that.

Well, she loves you.

I forget that sometimes.

Along with all the happy memories.

My father took those with him.

They're yours. Sometimes you just need someone

to help you reach them.

[Valerie sighs]

[turns off the lights]

[gasps softly]

It's chocolate on the inside.

That's vanilla frosting.

You made this?

- Happy Birthday. - [Valerie sighs]

Thanks.