All language subtitles for L.A. Law S06E08 The Nut Before Christmas

Last Christmas on LA Law.

And thank you.

For what?

For being a friend when I needed one.

Oh, that was my pleasure.

I want to spend Christmas with my son
and my wife.

And without the holidays factoring into
the equation, would you still want to be

coming home?

Well, I'm getting a lawyer, Stuart.

It's everything always about money.

Merry Christmas, Rose.

Merry Christmas.

I'd like to help, but I've got this TV
thing. You should be talking to Ann

Kelsey. Arnie, this woman needs a
killer. She needs you. CJ, I am

But my plate is pretty full right now.
Excuse me.

It's not your run -of -the -mill custody
case.

When they were divorced two years ago,
the father was drinking. He never

contested the mother getting the kids.
But now he's AA, a churchgoer, and about

to be married. He's cleaned up his act
and he wants custody.

Arnie, it is more complicated.

Evidently, he has been thinking about
this for some time. He hired an

investigator and found out Maggie was
involved with someone.

She's been divorced for two years,
right? The relationship started during

marriage. If the husband didn't bring it
up during the divorce, he'll have a

hard time now.

She's a good mother, right? The best.

Okay, so the affair is nothing to worry
about. If Anne has the time, this is a

piece of cake. Arnie, the lover is a
woman.

The children are six and eight. Father
claims they're better off with him.

On Friday, Maggie fired her lawyer. He
said David would probably win. Not

necessarily. In California,
homosexuality isn't grounds for denying

Yeah, but we both know it happens.

Okay, okay, there is judicial bias, but
according to the law...

Being gay is only relevant if the woman
is promiscuous.

She's bringing the wrong kind of people
home to her kids.

What's this other woman like? Do we know
anything about her? A lot, actually.

It's me.

Next up, Barnes v. Barnes, petition to
modify a custody order.

This is yours, Arnold. I brought it in.
Mrs. Barnes is a friend? No, Leland.

She was my lover, which is why her
husband is trying to take her children

Seems to me there's a conflict of
interest here.

We don't see each other anymore.

Mrs. Barnes is aware of the possible
conflict.

She still wants my representation. It's
her call. I make no judgments about

anyone's personal life, but... What if
there's publicity? What does this say

about the firm?

It says we don't discriminate on the
basis of race, gender, or sexual

orientation, right? Absolutely.

Yeah, right. Moving along to holiday
miscellanea. The partners voted $1 ,000

ceiling on staff Christmas bonuses,
except for Benny Stelowitz, whose bonus

up to $1 ,500 in lieu of a scheduled
raise we can't honor.

I hope no one gets wind of this yuletide
generosity.

Next, we're seeking a second draft
Santa.

Oh, that's me.

Sorry, guys, I'm a screw. No, you got
picked again?

Mm -hmm.

And as much as I hate to miss an encore,
I have other plans. Well, I always

wanted to be Santa, but I'll be out of
town this year. We're short more than

Santa people. Gwen wants to be relieved
of planning the Christmas party. Ho, ho,

ho.

Let me sneak this in.

Thanks, Betty. The bells are sugar and
the trees are gingerbread.

Great.

Oh, we weren't having her back.

Roxanne assures me the woman will be a
floater covering phones this week only.

Once again... I wouldn't. I'm looking
for a volunteer for St. Nick and or

planning the Christmas party.

I'll probably be in Matthew's birthday
on Thursday. It's just a matter of

planning. We could forego the party this
year. Several of us can't attend. Some

of our major clients have sent their
regrets. We could just have a quiet

toast with the staff. Yeah, sounds kind
of nice. Come on, guys.

All right, we're decided then.

And adjourned.

You were looking for me?

Does Leland still open his personal
mail?

As far as I know. Is there a problem?

There could be.

If he gets one of these.

Thinking of you this holiday season.

Rosalind Shays?

Read the postscript.

Hope you can...

Drop in for my annual open house?

Apparently a service has sent out her
cards for several years.

After her accident last spring, no one
thought to cancel.

Oh, my gosh.

We need to intercept Leland's card. I
don't think it'll do much to elevate her

spirits. The ghost of Christmas past.

I'll take care of it.

Oh. So, is it true we're canceling the
Christmas party? We thought we'd keep

things simple and get people home early.

Don't you think that makes sense?

Yeah.

But since when is a party supposed to
make sense?

She has a point.

We have something more important to
worry about.

I just received a call from Ed Kravitz.

He wants us to terminate Bill
Casteverde.

Why? When Kravitz went public, Bill did
the due diligence on the offering.

The estimates of the company's future
profits were not accurate, but Bill

catch it. My God.

Is he suing us? No.

No, but he wanted to leave the firm. I
persuaded him to stay, but I had to

promise to fire the attorney involved.

We have no choice, Douglas.

We have to let Castaburdy go.

Merry Christmas.

He's wasting his time. David won't drop
this.

Hey, look, Arnie is very good.

He and David's attorney will work
something out.

You're not a great liar, but thanks for
trying.

I miss you.

I just thought it would be easier.

Easier for who?

Yes.

Thanks, Gwen.

Padlet just left.

20 minutes, not a good sign.

Hey.

Sorry, I won't budge.

They want to take it to court.

According to Pavlik, David insists that
your new lifestyle is, quote, damaging

to his children, unquote.

You want to talk damage?

He didn't see Tim and Jenny for a year
after the divorce.

That doesn't count. All that counts is
who I've slept with. The worst thing you

can do is let your emotions take over.

David is going to play hardball. He is
going to bring up the incident at your

son's school.

That may help them prove psychological
damage, and they will drag in anything

make you look like an unfit mother.

Now, if you're going to the bars, you
should stop.

I've never been to a gay bar.

Ronnie, this isn't necessary. I don't
want them to have anything else to use

against you.

Now, to be absolutely safe, I wouldn't
spend the night with anyone.

Above all, I wouldn't bring anyone home.

You don't have to worry.

Good. I'll see you here at 9 o 'clock
tomorrow.

Go over your testimony.

Thank you.

That's okay. I can find my way.

So this year, it's an extra thank you.

Merry Christmas from Mackenzie Brackham.

Thanks, Rockman.

No, this isn't right.

Oh, I'm used to it.

Please don't feel badly about getting
your bonus when I'm not getting a bonus.

It's part of being a temp. I don't
expect to be treated like family, even

I pay the price for my independence.

It's what I've chosen.

No, this is wrong.

The check's for too much. It's a
mistake.

There are no mistakes.

When a gift comes your way, you take it,
or the universe will be offended.

What do you think?

I think it's great. It's maybe a little
crooked, but... Well, that's its charm.

Well, then... Do you want your wine?

Sure.

Uh, Zoe, I decided I ought to go to my
family's for Christmas.

I leave Friday afternoon.

Oh, sure.

You know, it's the first year none of
the kids are home, and it might be hard

for our parents.

It might.

You okay with it? Of course.

I mean, I'll miss you.

I thought about dragging you along, but
it just... It's a little early for that,

don't you think?

Yeah. Besides, it solves the whole
office party dilemma.

It wasn't a dilemma.

In fact, we both agreed that it would be
a good time to let everybody know that

we were seeing each other.

But it's not a party now anyway, so... I
was kidding.

It's really okay, Jonathan.

It's only for five days.

Five days?

Think you can make it up to me?

Can I start now?

Mm -hmm.

The cab was dispatched 15 minutes ago.

You've got plenty of time. Yeah, I just
hate to get to the airport at the last

minute, you know. Honey, it's not the
last minute.

I can't believe the IRS wouldn't
reschedule this thing.

There it is.

Look, honey, don't worry.

I'll pick up Matthew's birthday cake on
the way back from the airport. It's

right on the way. Honey, we can take
care of it.

Look, a man turns two years old once in
his life.

I'm with Dad. I want to be there, okay?

I know.

And I want to make up for later.

Last year was last year.

Hurry home. Okay.

Hey, look who woke up to say goodbye.

Hello.

Give daddy a big kiss. Big kiss.

Grace, you got a second?

I've been in since seven. I can take a
break. I've got to show you these.

Bloom sent them from Maui.

Grace, this is paradise.

I've never been to Hawaii.

No, me neither. When I was with Zoe, we
talked about going, but we never did.

But I could always see myself sitting
right on this beach here doing

nothing.

Sounds like heaven.

Then why don't we do it?

Oh, look, this is not a come on.

We go as friends, period.

We both need to get away. This place is
a whole other state of mind, and I can

get us a real sweet deal on the playing
fair.

What are you doing, Tommy?

Me? Nothing.

Okay, I thought the holidays might be a
little rocky for you this year. They are

for me.

We're probably both spending too much
time alone.

You're right.

But I don't think Hawaii would help.
Nothing like flying over a volcano to

your mind off of things.

And then you got your tropical breezes.

Maybe a swim before breakfast.

I can't.

Send me postcards, okay?

Don't fall into any craters.

I really miss you.

My marriage had problems.

And I admit, Some are my fault.

I'm an alcoholic.

I'm recovering now, but before I was
divorced, I was still drinking. Did your

drinking affect your children?

I'm sure it did. They were probably
confused and scared, and I'm very sorry

that. But I never hit my kids or even
yelled at them. What about your wife?

Yes, we had fights.

I thought it was because of my drinking.
You say you thought the fights were

about your drinking. Wasn't that the
case? That was Maggie's excuse. The

were really about sex. Objection. Move
to strike, Your Honor. How far off the

track are we going to get here? It's
directly relevant, Your Honor. Mr.

drinking during the marriage was partly
a response to being deceived about his

wife's sexual preference. That's
ridiculous, Your Honor. I'm overruling

Becker. I think Mrs. Barnes' behavior is
relevant.

Do you feel your wife lied to you, Mr.
Barnes? Yes, I do.

She never admitted to me that she didn't
like men.

Our marriage was a lie.

And I think that hurt Tim and Jenny far
more than my drinking.

Why do you want custody of your
children, sir? I am not the same man I

years ago. I don't touch alcohol. I am
very active in my church.

I'm about to be married to a wonderful
woman.

And I believe that I can make a happy,
normal home for my kids.

Thank you.

Mr. Barnes, three years ago when your
daughter was five and having difficulty

learning to read, didn't you call her
stupid?

I'm so sorry about that. I had a
hangover. Your son at six, he plays

soccer.

Three months ago, didn't you force him
to finish a game when he had a sprained

ankle? We didn't know it was sprained.

And he wanted to play. You pressured
him.

You told him to act like a man.

What's wrong with that?

He needs a real male role model, not...

Women pretending to be men. Move the
strike.

So ordered.

Isn't it true, sir, that when you and
your wife were divorced, you showed no

interest whatsoever in getting custody
of the children? My wife had convinced

that I was a bad parent. Weren't you?

Didn't you spend Saturday with your
friend, Sunday sleeping off binges?

your wife have to explain to Timmy that
Dad was too sick to come to the school

play because you were passed out drunk?

Yeah.

I admit all that.

I did terrible things when I was
drinking. And you need to make up for

so you want your kids back. I love my
kids.

I always have, and they know that.

I am just trying to do what is best for
them. Like trashing their mother's

personal life in open court?

To you, that's being a good father?
Objection! Argumentative!

Withdrawn. I'm done here.

I have no excuse. I screwed up.

But it was one mistake.

Unfortunately, a crucial one.

The client could take a huge hit. And it
isn't just that Kravitz forced us into

a corner.

Your billables are down.

And I'd spoken to you previously about
the Renfrew cause of accident. And I

responded to your concerns. Leland, I
recognize this is a serious error.

But I can guarantee it won't happen
again.

Bill, we both wish there was some other
way.

But there's not. We can't trade a
million -dollar client.

For a second chance. Since we had no
choice, we opted to tell you now.

But that doesn't mean you have to leave
right away. We won't announce this till

the first of the year.

You'll get a month's severance and the
best recommendation we can give under

circumstances. Thanks.

That'd be great.

If there were any other jobs out there.

So I told Mom what time my flight got
in, and she said...

Well, that's great, baby, but we're not
going to be here. You're kidding. No,

they figured it. Thank you.

Their first year alone, and they leave
for London tomorrow.

You're not going out of town?

No.

Well, I am.

I just bought a non -refundable ticket
to Maui a half an hour ago.

You're kidding. Well, I got to thinking.

I mean, I got a whole week off. I've
been working like crazy, and you are

to be gone.

Why not go lie in this van?

I could blow it off.

No, no, no, you're right.

You should get away.

It's non -refundable.

I could come along, but... You'd only
have a few days.

Look, it's no big deal.

Go.

I'll stay here and be lonely.

We still have New Year's Eve.

Well, actually,

my return is January 1st. Oh, you think
you can squeeze me in sometime in 92?

I know it's frustrating.

Well, at least you're on the early
flight, and Matthew won't mind if you're

fashionably late.

Hold on, honey.

Yeah? You've got a call on two.

Do you know who it is?

Sorry, babe.

Stuart?

Stuart?

This is too much money. I couldn't sleep
last night. Nonsense, Benny. We wish we

could have done more. Ready, Ann? Yep.
But I heard we couldn't afford a party,

and I think it's because you gave me too
much. Benny, I wouldn't have signed the

checks if the partners hadn't agreed.

You deserve every cent.

I can't take that temp anymore. I'd
rather answer my own phones.

Have a nice lunch, Mr. McKenzie.

That was Mr. Brackman, Betty. Oh, right.

Any messages?

Oh, um...

The travel agent called with your flight
information from Maui. Maui?

That was from Mr. Mulaney.

Mrs.

Barnes, in your opinion, is your ex
-husband a good father?

He loves Tim and Jenny. But when he was
drinking, he was never there.

He'd promised to take the kids to
Disneyland or Magic Mountain and then

six hours late.

I couldn't stand it. I was...

relieved when David decided to move out.
Is that the only reason?

No. We didn't have a marriage anymore.

We never talked.

After the divorce, how often did your
husband see Tim and Jenny?

That first year, twice.

David didn't start taking the kids on
weekends until he got sober.

Now, you work as a commercial artist.
How much time do you spend with the

children? I'm there when they come home,
and I have them every weekend they're

not with David. And you help support
your children financially, is that

Yes. When we were divorced, we agreed to
split everything 50 -50.

Did your ex -husband make his payments
promptly?

No. That first year, I'd always have to
beg him for the check.

Thank you, Mrs. Barnes.

I have no more questions.

Mrs. Barnes, has your husband ever
missed a child support payment?

No, but there were many times... And
even when he was drinking.

David Barnes never lost his job, and he
contributed equally to the family's

support, didn't he?

Yes. You had lesbian affairs during your
marriage.

Isn't that true, Mrs. Barnes?

I had one relationship.

It wasn't an affair.

I fell in love.

And you were unfaithful to your husband.

You started sleeping with this woman,
Cara Jean Lamb, and you didn't tell him

about it.

You let him go on believing he had a
normal wife. Objection to the implied

characterization of Mrs. Barnes' sexual
behavior is abnormal.

Sustained.

Mrs. Barnes, have you ever kissed or
fondled your female lover in front of

children? We've ended the relationship.

Please, answer the question.

No, I have never fondled my lover in
front of my children.

Did you kiss her?

Yes, and I don't believe it traumatized
my children.

Did you ever talk to them about Ms.
Lamb? I explained to them that C .J. and

loved each other and that some people
might not understand.

Don't you think that confused them, Mrs.
Barnes? Maybe even frightened them?

I think if anything frightens them, it's
what David is doing now. Your son

physically injured another child because
that child said you were a lesbian. My

son was shoved up against a wall by some
older boys who were teasing him. He hit

one of them back and gave him a bloody
nose.

I am not sure Timmy even understood what
the teasing was about.

Mrs. Barnes, your personal life seems to
be in constant turmoil.

First you're married, then you decide
you're gay, then you end that

relationship. How can you possibly
provide a stable home? My personal life

business, Mr. Pavlik.

It has never kept me from loving my
children.

or being there for them. And you
honestly believe that being raised by a

mother is better than a heterosexual
environment?

If I'm the mother, yes.

I have nothing further.

Hey, Ben. You're in early.

Yeah, I'm in early.

You ready for Christmas?

Well, I thought I was, but I had a
little surprise yesterday.

Sort of threw me for a loop.

Me too.

Well, what's the problem?

Well, what if you have something big
that you want to give somebody

and you know they'll like it?

And you have the money for it.

But you're worried that they might think
it's... Too much?

Yeah. Well, if a gift comes from the
heart, that's usually the kind of

people like.

Billy?

Yeah?

I told you a secret.

Could you maybe help me?

Sure.

Dr. Latimer, you're the psychologist
assigned by the court to evaluate the

Barnes children, is that correct?

Yes. And Jenny seems to be a normal,
outgoing eight -year -old. She's bright

well -socialized.

But doesn't your report refer to a
certain sadness when Jenny feels she

being observed?

Yes, and I felt that was because of her
family situation.

Jenny's situation includes a lesbian
mother who brought her female lover

Could that be the cause of Jenny's
sadness? Objection.

Speculation. Overruled.

Yes, I think Jenny's feelings are
related to her mother's sexual

What were your observations about
Timothy Barnes?

Tim is six. He's also bright, but he's
developed behavior problems which seem

be getting worse.

He's been acting out. He's been fighting
at school.

And this aggressive behavior is directly
related to his confusion over his

mother's homosexuality? In my opinion,
yes.

Do you feel that psychotherapy is
indicated for Timmy Barnes?

I think it would help. What he's been
through would be disturbing for any six

-year -old.

Thank you.

Dr. Latimer, isn't it possible Timmy
Barnes has problems because his father

an alcoholic who never paid much
attention to him before he sobered up?

It's possible, yes. And isn't it also
possible that it's his father's

toward his mother that might be the
cause of Timmy's aggressive behavior?

Again, it's possible, but... And there
is no clinical evidence that having a

parent... Damages a child, is that
right?

No, but Clinton... Or that the children
of gay parents grow up to be gay. Well,

we're not sure how that imprinting takes
place. In fact, isn't it true that most

homosexuals are raised in heterosexual
families?

Yes. So if a straight family doesn't
guarantee a straight child, why should a

gay family guarantee a gay child?

Well, it doesn't necessarily.

No more questions.

You may step down, Doctor. If there are
no more witnesses... We would like to

call one more witness, Your Honor.

Ms. Cara Jean Lamb.

You busy?

Arrests are down.

The cops have to do their Christmas
shopping, too, you know.

Something wrong?

Would you tell me if you and Tommy were
going to Maui together?

Tommy isn't going to Maui.

I saw his travel plans, though.

Do you think that I would go off with
Tommy and not tell you? Do you think

that's who I am? That seems like a
pretty strange coincidence. The two of

I don't care what it seemed like. Ask
me. Don't accuse me. I didn't accuse

The hell you didn't. I did not. The hell
you didn't.

That's why you broke our date last
night. So you could sit home brooding

this. No, no, no. I thought since I was
going to see my parents without you, you

thought I wasn't all that... Why would I
expect to meet your family? You don't

even want your office to know we're
involved.

Come on, Zoe. We both agreed to keep
this private and give ourselves some

at the beginning... Yeah, well, for you,
it's still the beginning.

Yeah.

I've been cautious about going public,
but you're just ignoring the problems

we're going to face. We have a problem
right now.

Maybe we just need a little time away
from each other.

Sounds like that's what we're going to
get.

Yeah.

Miss Lamb, when you were sexually
involved with Mrs. Barnes, did you ever

relations at Mrs. Barnes' home?

No, never.

But you did visit her home when the
Barnes children were present.

Yes. Did you ever openly display
affection for Mrs. Barnes in front of

children? I may have put my arm around
her. I probably kissed her.

In a non -sexual way.

The children didn't seem to pay any
attention.

Didn't Tim Barnes once tell you he hated
you? His father called that morning and

cancelled a trip to Dodger Stadium.

Tim also told his sister he hated her
and the family dog.

Ms. Lamb, how many sexual relationships
have you had in the past five years?

Objection, Your Honor. That is
completely irrelevant.

It goes to the best interest of the
children, Your Honor. We believe Ms.

be sexually promiscuous, which is both a
health risk to the Barnes children and

a bad moral example.

Objection overruled. During the time you
were involved, Mrs. Barnes wasn't your

only sexual partner. How many others
were there? Two.

Have you ever been tested for AIDS, Mrs.
Barnes? Your Honor, this is offensive.

I said I'd allow it, Mr. Becker.

Yes, I was tested for the HIV virus
three years ago. The result was

Why were you tested, Ms. Lamb?

Because I felt it was the responsible
thing to do.

I have nothing further.

Ms. Lamb, do you love Maggie Barnes?

Yes. And what about Tim and Jenny? Do
you care about them?

Yes, very much.

According to Mrs. Barnes, you know her
better than anyone.

Do you feel that her children belong in
her custody?

Oh, yes.

Yeah, Tim and Jenny are great kids, and
she raised them. What are you asking her

for? She encouraged my wife to lie to
me. Well, do, Mr.

Barnes. I'm sorry, Your Honor.

I have no further questions.

You may step down, Miss Lamb. Your
Honor, since this concerns the Barnes

children most directly, the respondent
requests that the court hear from them

personally. Well, I think the six -year
-old is too young, but I would like to

talk to the eight -year -old. I'll meet
with Jennifer Barnes at 10 a .m.

tomorrow in my chambers.

We're adjourned.

Thanks for coming, Josh.

Bye -bye.

He made it to O 'Hare.

Night -night, sweetie.

Hi,

honey.

Well, at least it's closer than Dulles.

If it's any consolation, there was too
much chaos for Matthew to miss you.

Ned got it all on videotape.

Well,

we'll keep our fingers crossed it's only
flurries.

I love you, sweetie. Bye -bye.

That second candle really wore him out.

Want me to change my plans for tomorrow?
I don't want to leave you in the lurch

with Stuart gone.

No, we're covered.

Matthew can go to Laura's, and Stuart
should be home by noon. Oh, don't let me

forget.

We can't thank you enough for all you've
done.

I know you've only been with us a few
months, but I've forgotten how we ever

managed before.

Thanks. I put something under the tree
for Matthew and Stuart, and I got this

for you.

That's so sweet, but it wasn't
necessary.

I saw it and I thought of you.

Oh.

It's beautiful.

Thank you.

The card tells all about the properties
of crystals, but the truth is I just

thought it would look pretty on you.

Need some help?

No, I got it.

It's beautiful.

I'm glad you like it.

Merry Christmas, Anne.

And you have a good Christmas, too. A
great Christmas.

So, uh, see you next week, right?

Right. See you soon.

Okay. Bye -bye. Bye.

I'm not firing Betty. She's a temp.

I'm just letting her go a day early. The
day before Christmas? Come on, that

hurts. She deleted the entire client
billing file. Because I was rushing her.

got it back. How can you be so patient?

I hate to see someone lose a job like
this. Huh? One more chance?

Oh, I give up. You were sent the
Salvation Army.

Thanks, Rox.

Oh, good night, Mr. Brackman.

I'm Mr. McKenzie, Betty.

Oh, I found this card addressed to you,
Mr. McKenzie.

It must have been thrown away by
mistake.

You know, you could make a wreath out of
your cards.

I used to do it all the time.

When I got more cards.

Well, thank you. Would you leave it on
my desk for me?

Do you know what this is all about,
Jenny?

Mm -hmm.

If me and Timmy are going to live with
my mom or my dad.

How do you feel about your mom?

Do you love her?

Yes.

What's she like to be with?

Is she happy most of the time?

Uh -huh. She likes to do stuff.

Go shopping on Melrose and hiking in the
mountains so she can draw.

She listens to us, too.

Even if Timmy's acting like a weenie.

What about your dad?

Do you like to be with him?

Yeah. He doesn't yell at us anymore.

He takes us places, too.

And Cara Jean Lamb.

How do you feel about her? Oh, CJ's way
cool.

She sure decided to spit through your
teeth.

And she had a cat one time that didn't
even have a tail.

How do you feel when CJ and your mother
are together?

They don't fight like my mom and my dad.

CJ makes her laugh.

Did you ever see them hug or kiss each
other?

It's okay.

You can tell them.

Well, one night... I got up for a drink
of water, and my mom didn't know it.

CJ was going home, and I saw her and my
mom kissing.

Did that bother you?

Yeah, but I told my mom, and we talked
for a long time.

She said if I didn't like her, CJ
wouldn't come over anymore.

But I said I did.

Well, do you still feel that way about
CJ? Do you still like her?

Yeah, but she can't come over anymore.

My dad doesn't want her to.

Why do you think that is?

Because my mom loves CJ and not him.

Okay, so far you've straightened my
books, you've adjusted my lamp, you've

played with the toy, now you've picked
up my sofa pillows.

Want to talk about Maggie?

I still haven't heard anything yet.

No, I didn't mean the custody case.

Oh, it's so bloody stupid.

I called it off, you know.

Third time in two years.

You'd think I could let go.

Maybe you don't want to.

Maybe that's why you got her a lawyer
and you're stuck by her. Tommy, she

the future.

I have trouble committing to next week.

I love her kids, but I don't want the
responsibility.

So you write her off? She's just out of
your life.

Well, better to hold on like you and
Zoe.

I'm sorry. I am sorry.

That was a low blow.

Yeah, that was.

I think I should leave before I spread
any more Christmas cheer. Hey, CJ, I

didn't take offense.

You're right, I held on to Zoe for too
long and it killed me to lose her. But

Zoe and me, I mean, we'll always know
each other because what we had between

we don't just throw that away.

Just wait.

I thought if we talked to each other...

Face to face instead of through our
lawyer.

Oh, you think that's going to soften me
up?

That you'll get around me like you did
during the divorce?

I tried to tell you what was happening.
You wouldn't listen.

So it's my fault.

You cheat on me with women and that's my
fault. Look, blaming her is only going

to punish your kids. What do you know
about it? I'm divorced too.

Mine was my fault.

I wanted to punish myself. You want to
punish everybody else. Look, she is the

one who has been sleeping around. That's
not the point.

The point is...

I still had feelings for my wife, and so
do you. My marriage was over. There

wasn't any hope, and it didn't make any
difference. I still loved her.

And a part of me always will.

I didn't mean to hurt you, David.

But I can't change what happened.

I don't understand.

I don't understand how you can prefer a
woman to me. I did love you.

When I married you and for a long time
after that.

But I stopped.

And that was way before I met C .J.

I thought if I got sober, if I stayed on
the wagon, that

you would want me back.

Well, a few years ago I might have.

But it's too late now.

We both just need to move on.

Please.

Stop using Tim and Jenny to hurt me back

You

everyone have one of these To

all of you may you have the warmest of
holidays

Do you have a designated driver?

Uh, yeah, I got eight.

Faster, dancer, prancer.

William? Benny, this is fantastic.

We even have cab service and hotel rooms
in case you drink too much. I still

can't fathom how you managed it.

Oh, I used some of my bonus money.

You did all this in a budget of $1 ,500?

No, $15 ,000.

It's okay, Douglas. It was just a small
mistake.

Caviar?

Just on my way to your office.

Hi.

Um, yeah, I just stopped by and dropped
this off.

Here, you first.

Go ahead.

That tropical sun can be brutal.

Thank you.

Now I'm refundable.

Merry Christmas.

Here's now.

Betty,

why are you still working?

Um, this is personal.

I'm almost finished.

Need some help?

Before I go, I wanted to...

Oh, no.

Is this some kind of a sick joke?

No, no.

I understand these cards were ordered
some time ago.

Leave it to Rosalind, huh? She always
did like to get in the last word.

Yeah.

As if she weren't unforgettable enough,
huh?

No return of grace.

I wish more women knew how to network
like this.

God damn it. I miss her.

How can it be Christmas again?

Am I so soon, Grace?

CJ, she gave him more visitation. He
dropped the petition.

The kids are home with their mother.

Yay, Arnie.

Oh, thank you.

Bye. Bye -bye.

I don't want anyone.

I had a hell of a closing.

What? I just love you, that's all.

That's Gatun?

Stuart, I know you were desperate to get
out of Chicago, but don't you think you

should head west?

I did.

Betty, I just want to talk.

I'm going to come in, okay?

You don't have to worry.

You know me, right, huh?

Bill, we work together here.

Careful.

Okay?

Here I am.

Here's my hand.

Hold on.

Easy, Betty.

Easy.

It's okay, Betty.

I'm right here with you.

I'm right here.

Hang on, Betty.

It's gonna be okay.

I want it to stop.

It will stop.

A few more days, and it's a whole new
year.

This is a crummy Christmas for a lot of
us.

I just messed everything up.

I let everyone...

It's not you.

Everybody's life is a bad dream
sometimes.

Last week, my folks told me they're
getting a divorce.

After 29 years.

And just when I thought things couldn't
get worse, I got fired yesterday.

I don't believe you.

Leland. It's true, buddy.

I had to let Billy go.

Now, if anybody should jump...

It's me.

Come on, Betty.

Give me your hand.

She's been admitted to L .A. County for
72 hours. No visitors till tomorrow.

Did anybody read her note?

No. I got it right here.

It says, my landlady thinks she's
keeping my finches for the holidays.

Tell her there's an extra case of
birdseed under the sink.

Goodbye, I wish I were stranger.

How could she be stranger?

It's a typo. I think she meant stronger.

Benny It's okay, I'm fine Betty's
hanging in there Nobody went out the

Hey, where's the music?

How about it guys?

Yeah, are we gonna let all this food and
drink go to waste?

Let's play

It's going to be a bride.