Original subtitles

Previously on Central Park West.

Ian Walker, Walker Theatre Group. One of the great thrills is finding the voices

of the next generation. I think you're one of those. I'm also willing to offer

you $10 ,000 for the option.

But this is the first time I've ever had a wife use me to option her husband's

play. You're scum.

The worst kind. Scum with a price tag.

I'm sorry.

Get out!

You're ungrateful. You're ornery. Since the day I met you, you've been nothing

but trouble.

Gil, you have no idea.

And you're amazing.

I want you to forgive me for going.

very

want to see you again, didn't you understand?

Look, can we just talk?

I really don't want things to end this way between us.

Make it quick.

Your wife gets on me like a pit bull whenever I show up late for work.

I'm sure I've told you that moving to New York was a very difficult change for

me.

I had a nice life in Seattle.

And I get a lot of satisfaction out of leaving a pretty simple existence.

Now, I have no illusions about where I fall in the pecking order of this town,

and frankly, I couldn't give a damn.

But I do care about people, especially people who've gone out of their way to

help me.

So whatever happens to my play, I won't consider it a success if it means I lost

the friendship of the person who believed in me from the start. Spare me

down -home modesty, Mark. I can see right through you.

Carrie, whether you want to believe me or not, I'm sincere.

All that time in Seattle must have left you with quite an appetite.

Because I've never met a man more famished for success.

I've said my piece.

I just hope we can be friends.

Goodbye, Mark.

And best of luck.

Unfortunately, the chronic informational leaks we've been experiencing have made

it necessary to incorporate some tighter security measures.

From now on, all personal passwords will be reassigned, all computer log -ons

and log -offs will be monitored, and personal key cards will be mandatory for

all entrances and exits.

While I don't want to diminish the importance of this problem, at the same

I don't want to inhibit the spirit of this place or create any undue sense of

paranoia. That's what Nixon said.

Ah, the difference here is I have one, too.

No one is above the law.

Now, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to talk to Frank. He's

security consultant and is doing everything he can to make this as

possible. Thank you.

Stephanie.

My profile in Harley Morgan is coming in today.

It's a pretty outrageous piece. You are going to be stunned.

by what I discovered.

Can't wait.

And as you know, he's the head of one of the biggest entertainment conglomerates

in the world.

Pulls in close to 35 million a year in stock options.

Married with three kids.

He's leaving his wife for another man.

Oh, really?

He told you that on the record? Of course not.

You know, when this story runs, it's going to turn Hollywood on its head.

Wait a second. It's all hearsay. That happens to be true.

Tom, you know how much I love your work.

I promise to read this with an open mind.

Okay? Yeah.

Sure.

Carrie!

How surprising you didn't bother showing up for our little security debriefing.

Sorry, Stephanie. I had a debriefing of my own this morning.

Well, not quite.

What can I do for you?

Well, I just want to congratulate you on Mark's success.

I'm so pleased my efforts have paid off so impressively.

Thank you.

I'm sure you understand that given the option between a legitimate, well

-established producer and... Well, yourself.

Mark had to make the logical choice.

Please, it was a no -brainer.

That's what I told him when he dropped by my loft this morning.

Really?

That was very thoughtful of you.

Oh, no. Mark's the thoughtful one.

He only came by because he was so sensitive about my feelings, but I

he has nothing to worry about.

His success is all I care about.

Given the circumstances, that's very supportive.

How could I feel otherwise?

Your husband is such a loyal man that he inspires loyalty in others.

But then, of course, I think you know that, don't you?

I gotta be honest with you. This whole Alex -Peter on -again, off -again thing

is confusing the hell out of me. The minute I say something nice about her,

she's out of your life.

And then when I actually admit that I think she's working you, you're in love

again. Yeah, it's confusing the hell out of me, too, but there's something about

her that I find exciting.

Yeah, like the heat of battle?

That's over. We've worked things out.

Actually, on again.

Right.

How's the sex?

So far, I'm not complaining.

Ooh, sounds real hot.

You know, I bet you haven't even had any yet.

Peter, they've already discovered the next Dalai Lama, so I wouldn't go

overboard on these vows of chastity.

So how's the love of your life, Rachel Dennis?

I've tried getting to know her, but like every other hyper -ambitious career

woman in the city, she's on the prowl for the biggest capitalist tool she can

find.

I don't need that kind of grief.

Good attitude.

Catch me through the day.

See ya.

Take it easy.

Rachel Dennis.

Hi, Rachel. It's Gil.

Who?

Gil Chase, the guy who brought you the new Heights of Pleasure the other night.

Is that what you thought? Then I deserve an Oscar for that performance.

How about dinner tonight?

Sorry, but so nice of you to call.

Wait, not just the two of us. I was thinking maybe it'd be fun for Peter and

Alex to join us.

Really? And how would you and I be perceived?

As friends, of course.

Well, give me the name of the restaurant, and maybe I'll drop by and

No. Meet us at my apartment, 8 p .m., or forget it.

Well, now that you've put it in such a charming fashion, how can I resist?

Call my assistant with the details, and I'll see you at 8.

Mickey,

I need to talk to you.

I don't think there's anything further to discuss.

Please? It's important.

Whatever it is you have to say, better make it quick.

I'm meeting a client at the gallery.

And bright and funny. A pleasure to spend time with. Alan, please.

It's you.

It's a mistake to let you go.

You didn't let me go.

I left.

Whatever.

I can't stand losing you.

I'm sorry.

No.

You tripled my rent.

You're trying to put me out of business. I was hurt and upset.

I'm apologizing.

That's beautiful.

But I can't accept it. Let me take you to Mystique for the weekend.

Just stay in Sydney.

Okay. I'll think about it.

Now I really got to go.

Honey. Hey.

I'm sorry I'm late. No problem. I just got the tickets. We've still got ten

minutes. Oh, good.

How was your day?

Pretty good. Yours?

Oh, school was fine, but then I tried calling Ian Walker all afternoon. I

couldn't get through to him.

Oh, I'm sure he's a very busy man. Yeah, too busy to take my phone calls,

evidently. He seems to be taking a very cavalier attitude towards my play.

Maybe you just have to let a guy like that alone to do his work. I've got some

revisions I want him to see, and I don't want him sending the play out before he

reads them.

Carrie may have been a neophyte, but at least she showed some active interest.

Yeah, I heard you dropped by her loft this morning.

Yeah, as a matter of fact, I did.

Look, Steph, I know how much she bugs you, so I figured I just wouldn't

anything.

I went over there to pass things up. After all of her efforts, I felt bad

dumping on her.

Honey, can you do me just one favor?

Keep your distance from her. She's such a pain to deal with at work.

When I come home, I'd prefer not to have to hear her name.

I think you're being irrational.

I think you're unnaturally preoccupied.

Fine. And if that's what it takes to keep the peace, I'll never see her

The name Carrie will never pass my lips. And if by chance I happen to pass her

on the street, I'll just turn and run the other way. Will that make you happy?

Yeah. Good. And while you're at it, why don't you just give me your entire

persona non grata list so we won't run into these problems in the future.

Okay.

How's it going? Come in.

Appears I'm the first to arrive.

First and only, actually.

Excuse me?

If Peter called to cancel, he has some court thing he's got to be up early for

tomorrow, so looks like it's just the two of us.

I bet Peter and Alex were never invited.

Rachel, you have a very suspicious nature.

No, I just have a very keen sense of when I'm being set up.

Good night, Gil.

It's funny.

You think you play it cool, but you're really pretty obvious.

Really? Well, I could never hope to outwit the clever mind of Gil Chase.

Now tell me, what exactly is it that I'm after?

Peter. But the thing is, for all your Eurotrash sophistication, you're totally

clueless about the guy.

Am I?

Well, presuming that you're correct about my motivations, which I'm not

that you are, I think that we should play a little game.

For every piece of information that you tell me about Peter,

I'll give you a little present.

What kind of present?

An item from my wardrobe.

No, I don't think I want to play.

Come on.

We'll start with something easy.

Like... Where did he go to college?

Everybody knows Peter went to Harvard.

Oh, two points.

Has he ever been in love?

Not to my knowledge.

But Peter keeps so much inside, it's really hard to tell.

And what does he really care about?

Besides his family, of course.

The only thing Peter really cares about is his work at the DA's office.

And helping people.

He's driven by his altruism.

It's kind of like his father that way.

Ambitious. Totally.

Probably be president before he's 40.

And what about this Alex person?

What does he see in her anyway?

You got me.

Come on, it would be a pity for the game to end when you're so close to winning

the grand prize.

She's a nice girl.

Catholic school type.

Probably gets off on the challenge.

Ask me something else.

Why is he friends with you?

Rachel, now's not a good moment to bring that up.

That's all right, darling, because I've decided to let you win.

This time.

This is looking really good, Jeffrey.

Though I still think that Marvelous Manhattan Mills has got to come before

East Side Serial Killer piece. I mean, no one's going to want to look at food

after they read that story.

Okay, you got it, Miss Wells.

Is this next week?

Yeah. What do you think?

Uh, I think I don't see my story up here.

I'm sorry, Tom. I was just coming to tell you, legal killed it.

Legal or you?

Look, it may be a great piece of gossip, but it's all innuendo. Stephanie, I'm

handing you an important story on silver platter. Vanity Fair would kill for

this profile.

I'm sorry, I won't run an outing piece.

Well, thank goodness it isn't edited somewhere who still respects privacy.

It's not an issue of privacy.

It's more political than that.

Well, forget politics. That story will sell more issues of communique than

marvelous Manhattan meals. And isn't that what you're supposed to be doing?

Carrie, this is really none of your business.

Tom, I'm sorry. Until you re -edit that piece, it's just not going to happen.

Run these up to probate on seven.

Here, child.

Hi, it's me.

How's it going?

I'm about to interview an orangutan, if you can believe it.

What are you talking about?

He's the newest addition to the Central Park Zoo. His name's Charlie.

Only a journalist of my caliber can handle this one.

Listen, if I ever get out of there alive, I'd love to make you dinner

Sounds great. Should I come over to your place?

No, yours is nicer.

Okay, but I probably won't get home until eight. I keep my key under the

at the front door.

Alex, wait a second. I thought you didn't cook.

I got a couple of recipes up my sleeve.

Hey, Alex, let's go.

Gotta go.

See you at eight.

Bye.

Peter?

Rachel, what are you doing here?

It's not a bad time, is it?

Actually, I'm just on my way to court.

Then let me walk you. I hate to be a nuisance, but I just need a minute of

time. Let's go.

I thought everything was in order when I left London, but now I'm not so sure.

I didn't expect to get hired so quickly.

And, of course, I assured Stephanie Wells that I wouldn't have a problem

obtaining a work visa. Well, what makes you think otherwise?

I was sending all my documents to the appropriate agencies, but nothing's come

through. My temporary visa expires at the end of this month, and I'm terrified

that if I'm denied something more permanent, I'm going to be forced to

Do you have any copies of the documents?

Yeah, everything's right here.

That's a really horrible asking for your help, Peter, but I just don't know

where else to turn. Don't worry about it. I'm happy to do it.

What's your citizenship?

Jewel, British and Australian.

I don't see any copies of your passport or birth certificate. I need those along

with any tax returns. Do you have them?

Can I drop them by your place later?

Whenever. Listen, Rachel, I've got to run. I'm late for court. Of course.

And thanks for getting down.

You're welcome.

Hi,

if you'd like to leave those revisions, I'll make sure that Mr. Walker receives

them. If you don't mind, I'd really just like to say hello.

Fine. But he's on a conference call right now, and I have no idea how long

going to be.

Mark. Hey.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Oh, no problem. How are you?

Great. It's good to see you.

Uh, you taking them out in the middle of the water? No, no, no. I'm fine. I know

you're busy, but I wanted to drop these off to you in person.

After hearing the play read in the Hamptons, I, uh...

Really tightened up the second act and strengthened Douglas' motivation to

his wife. Which always did need some further justification. Well, that's what

think.

So, anyway, I just wanted the chance to say hello and how happy I am to be

working with you.

Oh, likewise.

But, you know, don't expect miracles.

I've got to be honest, it could be a long time, if in fact ever, before this

comes together.

I have faith in you, Ian. That's why I'm here.

Please, call me after you've read it.

I'm curious to hear what you think about it. Okay, I'll do that.

All right. It was great seeing you again. Nice to see you. Okay.

Get me Stephanie Wells.

Ms. Wells, Ian Walker on three.

Ian, what can I do for you?

Get your husband off my back.

What are you talking about? Let's get one thing straight, Ms. Wells. I agreed

play this deceitful little trick on your husband as a favor to you.

But I thought we agreed it was a one -time only performance.

All right, calm down.

Just tell me what happened.

What is happening is that he calls me incessantly and practically conducted a

sit -down strike in my office until I agreed to...

I do not have time to take meetings and field phone calls from your husband for

the rest of my career. And despite the fact that I always look forward to a

favorable review in communique, my patience is wearing thin.

Very thin.

All right.

Listen, I'll talk to him, but please don't say anything.

Well, I guess that all depends on how well you do your job.

Peter?

Rachel, what can I do for you?

Nothing, actually.

Is Peter in?

Not yet.

I see. Well, he's assisting me with some personal business and asked that I drop

by this evening.

Appears that he's made other plans.

Well, business before pleasure, if that's what you want to call it.

I must give you credit, though. You do set a lovely table.

Though I do hope Peter's not allergic to garlic.

This bench alone would do him in.

Look, Rachel, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

Oh, stop barking, darling.

You weren't hired as a watchdog.

And don't be so sensitive.

As an old friend of Peter's, it's my job to give his latest flames a hard time.

Exactly what kind of personal business are you and Peter transacting?

It concerns my immigration status.

Oh, that's right. I forgot you were an alien.

Perhaps. But at least I'm not an anachronism.

And what's that supposed to mean?

Well, this whole great notion of yours that the way to a man's heart is through

his stomach.

And as for the Vestal Virgin, Roxanne, well, I thought that went out with the

steamship crossing of the Atlantic.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Of course you don't, darling. That's the whole point.

But let me give you a word of advice.

You can only not sleep with a man for so long before he starts to catch on that

there must be something amiss.

If you'd like to wait for Peter, feel free. I'll be in the kitchen.

No, that won't be necessary.

I have plans of my own.

Just see that he gets that, won't you?

Oh, you're too slow.

Yes.

Set up the pick. Here we go.

Guys,

hold off a second, all right? It's my wife.

Hey. Hey.

Oh,

you're a very sexy man. Yeah, you just like to see me sway.

I don't think you get off until 8. I got up early.

Hey, Meryl.

You still playing here?

Yeah, hold on. Go ahead. I don't mind. No, no, no. I want to be with you.

But I want you to meet a buddy of mine. Hold on one second.

Okay. All right, guys. I got to roll.

See you, man.

I'll see you next week. All right. Take care.

Eric, come here a second.

Go with that.

Eric Shanley and my wife, Stephanie Wells.

Hi. Hi. Nice to meet you.

Eric's an actor. He did this show off -Broadway and what else?

A soda commercial.

That's great.

Well, it pays the bills. Don't you think he'd be perfect to play Douglas in my

play? Yeah,

I'm sure he would.

Listen, if your husband can write the way he shoots hoops, this thing's going

be a big success.

But with Ian Walker attached, I guess you don't have too much to worry about.

Thanks, Eric.

You bet.

Listen, it was nice meeting you. Nice meeting you, too.

Now,

this is a nice surprise.

How was your day?

Pretty good.

Looks like that new security system reinstalled is working.

Seems like the leak has dried up.

That's good news.

Sure is, considering Alan was about ready to make me the fall guy.

How about you?

Did you ever get through to see him? Yes. I gave him my revisions, and he

sufficiently enthusiastic that now I could feel more comfortable about his

commitment. Good. In fact, I'd like to send Eric in to meet him, just to give

him an idea of the kind of guy I have in mind for the role.

You really think you have such a good idea?

Maybe you shouldn't be bothering Ian so much.

Bothering him?

By sending him an actor? How does that constitute bothering him? Well, I just

assume he's so busy.

Why are you trying to dig for my enthusiasm here? I'm not. But as an

works with writers, I just feel like I have an insight into what Ian might be

thinking. I mean, he may do a nice check for an option, and maybe you should

just let him do his job.

the company.

Not too much garlic for you? Are you kidding? I love garlic.

What?

Leave that. I'll get it tomorrow or sometime next week.

Why don't you go sit on the couch?

Okay.

What's that?

Oh, I forgot to tell you. Rachel Dennis stopped by earlier to drop this off.

Right, some immigration stuff I'm working out for.

What's that?

My grandfather brought back a case of Armagnac from France after the Second

World War.

And this is the last of it.

This stuff is 50 years old.

No offense, but...

It kind of tastes like it.

Oh, sorry.

One thing I can't do is pretend to be more sophisticated than I am.

Good.

That's one more thing I like about you.

Make love to me.

Peter, wait.

What's wrong?

The truth is I've only slept with one man in my life, and I thought I was

to marry him.

I forgot it, but you thought people like me didn't even exist anymore.

That's not true.

I went to this Catholic boys' school when I was a kid, and there were these

nuns.

Hey, relax. I'm kidding.

But just for the record,

I'm not planning on getting married anytime soon.

It doesn't matter anymore because those kind of values, they're unrealistic.

Especially as far as someone like you is concerned.

Where are you getting these ideas about me?

It's just that I sue... Alex, I don't sleep with women who think it's an

obligation.

You know that's not what I meant.

Come here.

I'm happy with this now.

Just the way things are.

You mean that?

Absolutely.

Alan, I've given this a lot of thought.

And I've come to the decision that as much as I'd like to, there's no real

in continuing this relationship.

No.

Why is that?

Because I just don't see what kind of possible future we'd ever have together.

I can think of quite a few scenarios.

Long weekends together in the Caribbean on my yacht, trips to Paris where I

happen to know many wealthy collectors.

These aren't the only things that matter to me.

Besides, I'm not spending my life with the other woman, even for Alan Rush.

You may not have to.

And how would that be possible?

I'm leaving Linda.

for a long time.

Please, don't do it for me.

Don't flatter yourself.

And when would you be planning on taking this step?

Trust me,

the ball is in motion.

John!

Well, if it isn't Mrs. Fairchild in the flesh.

How's the air up there, anyway?

Oh, pretty thin, as you might imagine.

Oh, don't forget, the only thing that kills a reporter is... your fashion and

drink is money. Oh, well, there's no worries here. I'm as destitute as ever.

The truth is, this relationship is inspiring me. Really? How?

Well, just last night I came up with a great idea for a story.

I want to do a piece on the British invasion.

What the hell is that?

Hateful British people who moved to the States and steal decent American jobs.

Like Rachel Dennis, for instance, the new fashion editor of Communique.

She's a conniving bitch on wheels who split her mother's throat for a fashion

spread. I know if I did the research, the skeletons would just tumble out.

Plenty of them.

Start with the editor of The Sun. Tell him I told you to call. You'll get a

out of this. I'm on it.

Rachel Dennis.

I've got this little memory loop that I keep playing over and over again in my

head. It begins as you very slowly remove your stockings and ends as I bury

face. Gil, I'm a very busy girl. I don't have time for your adolescent

fantasies. Now, is there any other point to this call?

I went for a run with Peter this morning and I have a little tidbit of

information that you might find interesting.

Well, let's hear it.

Not now. My place tonight. I have a little game of my own I'd like to play.

I'll think about it.

Right now I have much more urgent business to attend to.

Nicky Sheridan.

Nicky? This is Linda Rush.

Linda, what a surprise. What can I do for you? We have something to talk

Can you come to my townhouse tomorrow afternoon?

I'm not sure. I'll have to check my calendar.

I just checked it for you. You're free.

Okay. I'll see what I can do.

Three o 'clock.

And this meeting must remain strictly confidential.

You are to tell no one. Not Carrie.

Not Peter.

No one. Do you understand?

Yes, of course.

Fine. Then I'll see you tomorrow at three.

All right, that's it. Okay.

Looks like another winner.

Thank you.

And I'm delighted to see that you held firm on your decision to kill the Harley

Morgan profile.

I know it's not exactly winning me popularity contests. That's one reason I

production to give it a quick turnaround.

This issue goes to press tonight, and I'll have a first -found copy on my desk

tomorrow morning before Tom raises any more of a stink.

It must give you a wonderful sense of relief when you finally close an issue.

Relief and amazement that it actually came together.

Even though it's never quite what you hoped it'd be, you still feel the

impossible has been achieved once again, at least until tomorrow.

Just the thought of it terrifies me.

Oh, don't tell me you never think about it. No, I know my capabilities and they

do not extend to doing your job.

No, no, I'm quite content in my little corner.

Well, that makes you the first content human being I've met since I moved here.

Can I walk you out?

Unfortunately, I don't be here most of the night.

I've got to rewrite an article for next week's issue.

So much for that marvelous sense of accomplishment.

I guess that's why they pay you the big bucks.

Yeah, right. Have a great night.

Cheers.

You had something that you wanted to tell me?

Just that I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met.

I was looking forward to hearing something I didn't already know.

Never kiss me without asking.

You've got a problem with intimacy. I understand.

I can help you.

Listen, Gil, I've had a very long day. Now say your piece and then I really

to go. Rachel, I've known Peter since college.

Seen him through a lot of relationships.

I've never seen him fall for anyone as hard and fast as he's fallen for this

Alex chick. Now, I don't want to see you humiliate yourself.

I think that you should concentrate your attention on someone who can really

care about you.

I see.

So, Peter's in love with Alex, hmm?

It's a deep infatuation at the very least.

Well, then it's up to you to see that he becomes disenchanted with her company.

I can't do that, Rachel.

Well, unfortunately, you'll never again enjoy the pleasure of mine.

Good night.

So much for my favorite haunt.

What are you doing here?

Just soaking up some local color.

Where's Stephanie?

Oh, let me guess. You got it.

I imagine it must get tiresome playing the perpetual work widow.

Can I buy you a drink?

Yes, I'd like a glass of champagne from the fresh bottle, please.

Aren't you meeting somebody?

Oh, that would mean I make plans and I never make plans.

or the death of all possibility.

It's strange that you would choose to while away your lonely hours in a bar

where you knew you might run into me.

The thought did cross my mind.

So you do think about me?

Of course I do. I think about your support, your friendship.

And what else?

What would you like me to say?

You think about us, particular?

Gary, you can't seem to leave that particular fantasy alone.

Well, that's because it has such a firm foundation in reality.

Not as long as I'm married, it doesn't.

Would you like to join me for dinner?

Why? So you can run back to my wife and tell her we spent time together?

Like you did the morning I dropped by your apartment? I'm sorry I didn't

our relationship was such a sensitive issue. I hope I didn't get you in

It's fine.

Well, this time I promise.

Not a word.

Well.

Then it would be nice to have dinner with a friend.

Okay.

Sorry, Stephanie.

Lost me with a betrayal decision.

Carrie, I've got to get to the office.

I'll see you later. Careful, Rachel.

One more gold star for good attendance and you won't have any room left on your

report card.

Right.

For everyone from layout, production, and security, I want to see them in the

conference room immediately.

When I left at 11 o 'clock last night, I had signed off on every page of the

galleys. How in God's name did an article that I rejected find its way

proof of the magazine? Obviously, it was an inside job.

Somebody who had access knew where our files were.

I want a list of everyone who accessed this office between 10 last night and 6

.m. this morning. No problem. I cannot...

Work under these conditions.

I want this resolved today.

Understand? Yes, Miss Wells.

Stephanie, what's wrong?

Take a look at this.

You put the highly molded profile back in? I didn't do it.

But I have a fairly strong suspicion I know who did.

Somebody wake up Carrie Fairchum. Get her in here.

Can I get you something to drink?

No, I'm fine. Thank you.

Mrs. Rush will be with you shortly.

That's one of my favorites.

I adore it, Mom.

Alan gave it to me for my birthday five... No, six years ago.

Linda, how are you?

Very well.

Thank you for coming, Nikki.

My pleasure.

I'm sure you wondered why I asked you all the way up here under this cloak of

secrecy.

I'll admit to being slightly intrigued.

There's some business I'd like to discuss with you.

And actually it regards the painting you were just admiring.

Really? What'd you put the value at?

I don't know. Perhaps as much as four million.

I think I could get five.

And I'd like you to sell it for me.

Very quietly.

I don't want the province known. I don't want my name involved in any way. I

just want the cash.

Can you do that?

I don't think that's possible.

The art world is very small. People talk.

For 10 % commission, I'm sure you can find a way to maintain secrecy.

Linda, I know this is none of my business, but is your husband aware of

You're right.

It isn't any of your business.

Then we have a deal?

Why me?

Aren't there more established dealers with more experience in these sort of

sales? You're a friend of my children.

In this case, I just wanted someone I could trust.

Fine.

Then you can count on me.

Thank you.

You wanted to see me?

Gary.

Someone sneaked in here late last night and switched the boards, putting that

story I killed back in the magazine.

Well, if you ask me my opinion, I think that someone did you a favor.

Someone?

You mean you.

You're not accusing me of this one, are you?

Your card key was used to gain access to the magazine at 11 o 'clock last night.

Well, that's impossible. I was at the zinc bar having dinner.

With your husband.

Oh, really?

Yes, and if you don't believe me, ask him yourself.

Oh, I will.

Right now.

Get my husband on the line, please.

It's urgent.

Steph?

Oh, everything's fine.

I just have one question for you. Did you have dinner at the zinc bar last

with Carrie?

You dragged me out of class to ask me that.

What is she telling you now?

She contends that the two of you had dinner, a dinner that would have lasted

least until 11 o 'clock.

Look, I ran into her at the bar for five minutes.

And that was it?

That was it. Now, am I off the hook? Because I've about had it with the

accusations.

I'm sorry, sweetheart.

That's the last time I ever bring up her name again.

Likewise. Now, I've got to get back to work. I'll see you tonight.

Well, so much for your alibi.

Mark says that he ran into you for five minutes last night, early in the

evening. Nothing more.

Well, he's wrong, and I have plenty of witnesses that saw us there together.

Oh, you mean friends who are willing to lie for you?

Sorry, Gary.

I'm inclined to believe my husband.

I get it.

You set me up. Well, now there is a paranoid spin.

You know, Carrie, I know you're supposed to be untouchable around here, but I

think when Alan understands the circumstances surrounding my decision to

you, he's not only going to support it, he's going to applaud it.

Well, he always does when his little puppets perform for him.

Carrie, please clean out your desk and leave now.

Before this gets any uglier than it has to.

I'll indulge you in this little charade.

But don't expect any mercy when I come back.

And I will be back.

Just remember, keep using your imagination.

Write all you want. Write everything down. And do your assignments.

Okay? Real cute, Mark. That little game that you and Stephanie are playing. What

are you talking about?

Seems to me you're the only one playing games here.

Running to my wife every time we get together, trying to make her believe

having an affair.

Someone broke into the magazine last night, rearranged some coffee, and

me for it. Our dinner together was my alibi, but somehow I think you know

The only thing I know for sure is we probably need to keep our distance from

each other for a while.

Oh, wow.

Since the gloves are off, I think you should know the truth. I never read your

book.

What? I never read your book. I was never interested in your play.

You're nothing but a little game to me.

How far could I string along that over -inflated ego of yours until you started

to think you were someone special?

I don't believe you. Believe it.

It was fun. I enjoyed it.

Except for one disappointment.

You were never man enough to sleep with me.

I was the best seat in the house for Calvin's show. Why not wear in a winter

last year? That's where I want to sit this year.

That'll be all.

Well, stop the press if it isn't the tabloid queen herself.

Hello, Rachel.

Nice office.

Then again, I expected nothing less.

Thank you.

Now, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?

Actually, I'm doing a story.

Really?

About what?

It's all about this very fascinating young woman who crawled out of a ditch

the Australian outback and slept her way up the ladder.

all the way into a high -powered editorial position at a British fashion

magazine.

Unfortunately, her reputation became so thoroughly tarnished that she had no

recourse but to leave London and try to ply her trade on the other side of the

Atlantic.

And who might your sources be for these sterling bits of information?

The woman's ex -husband's lawyer, for one.

He's filled with all sorts of scandalous tales he can't wait to share.

He began to enumerate this long list of extramarital liaisons, and I told him to

fax them to me instead.

International phone charges being what they are.

Those sounds positively naughty.

Now, what's your point? Just that I plan to nail your ass to the wall and have a

wonderful time doing it.

Sorry, darling, not if I get you first.

Central Park West.

I think we have a mutual nemesis here. Deep down, I'm really a very nice girl.

fired Carrie.

It's what I call two birds with one stone.

I'll tell you everything tonight. No! Tell me everything right now, starting

with the truth. I wasn't sure whether you'd show.

I wouldn't have missed such a special occasion.