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MORNING—THE LABREA MANSION, SOUTH MIAMI BEACH: Val awakens in a sumptuous four-poster bed. From the windows, the scent of the ocean wafts in through ornate ironwork. She quickly throws aside the coverlet and crosses quickly to the door leading out. It’s still locked—from the inside. She then hurries into the connecting bathroom, ensuring that no one is there. Satisfied that she’s alone, Val walks back and retrieves her purse from the antique nightstand and takes out her cell phone. She brings up Abby’s number and presses the “call” button, but on the other end there is only silence. Val stands beside the window and tries again, but the phone’s display indicates there is no signal. She carries it into the Spanish tiled bath—still no signal—but rather than slam it on the vanity in frustration, she sets it down gently. The phone is her lifeline to the outside world. Brushing back her bangs, Val peers at herself in the mirror. She wills away the look of fear and replaces it with an expression of steely resolve. After a moment, she reaches over and turns on the water in the tub. Later, once she has bathed and dressed, Val unlocks the bedroom door and steps cautiously into the wide hallway. She mentally confirms the location of her host’s room and crosses to the door across from hers. She knocks, softly at first, then again, louder. “Lucky?” she calls. Hearing no answer, she tries the latch. The door groans open. Squinting into the dark room, she finds it unoccupied. Val stands in the hallway, unsure of what to do next. Finally, she walks to the end and opens another door, finding a narrow staircase she remembers from her time here years ago. The steps lead down into a vestibule just off the kitchen. Val looks left, toward the servants’ quarters, then in the opposite direction, where there are sounds of activity. She takes a deep breath and enters the kitchen. The housekeeper, a little more stooped with age, is at the large stove. As if sensing Val’s presence, the older woman turns away from a steaming pot and looks at her sharply. “I wasn’t expecting you to come through the servants’ entrance,” she says. “It seemed the closest way.” Val shrugs and smiles. “How are you this morning, Mrs. Flores?” “Will you be having breakfast?” she ignores the pleasantries. “I am pretty hungry, but I think I can still find my way around the refrigerator.” Mrs. Flores stops her with the wave of one arm. “You are a guest in this house. You should make yourself comfortable at the dining room table,” she says sternly. “I’ll bring in some coffee in a moment. Con leche, as I recall.” “All right, if you insist,” Val concedes, knowing better than to press her luck. “And thank you. Will I be dining alone?” she inquires obliquely. “Señor LaBrea has departed for the day.” “Oh. Well, I do sort of hate to eat alone,” she replies, glancing toward the kitchen table. “Couldn’t we spend some time catching up?” The housekeeper crosses her arms and holds her ground. Val acknowledges the suspicious look with a slight nod and pushes her way through the heavy door to the dining room. As it swings shut, Mrs. Flores lifts her eyes heavenward, and Val can’t help but overhear the beginnings of a diatribe in Spanish before the sound is cut off.
SUMNER RANCH: A light gold Saturn pulls off of the main road and onto the Sumner property driveway. The car passes through the open gate and veers directly toward the main house. “I appreciate the ride out, Lyd,” Jack says from the passenger seat. He looks over at Lydia, who nods and smiles, sunglasses covering her eyes. “My pleasure. When are you picking up your new wheels?” “Later this afternoon,” he replies. “They’re running it through a last check before I take ownership. Karen was right about Knots Landing Motors—great group of people.” “She would know,” Lydia says, parking behind Paige’s car. “She used to own it.” “I forget how resourceful you are sometimes. Do you check out everyone you come into contact with?” “I like to know what I need to know about the power players in town,” she informs him coolly. “Karen Mackenzie … a power player?” he asks with a slight chuckle. “I mean, I know she’s good. She proved that as our consultant. But power’s not a word I’d associate with her.” “Only because that’s how she chooses to play it. But mark my words, Jack: Whenever Karen chooses to, she becomes a force to be reckoned with.” Lydia opens her door, and he considers her words and nods in agreement as they both get out. “But we’ve got another power player to deal with right now,” she adds. “Agreed.” He follows her down the path from the driveway and back into the patio area. As they approach the door of the main house, Carlos emerges and looks at them in surprise. “Uncle Carlos!” Lydia calls out, reaching forth to embrace him. “Hello, Lydia,” he responds, looking past her to Jack. “Mr. Ewing. Was Mr. Sumner expecting you? He’s out riding right now.” “Actually, we were hoping to see Paige.” “Oh,” Carlos replies, stiffening slightly. “I’m not quite sure that she’s up to seeing visitors.” “You didn’t call ahead?” Lydia asks, looking back at Jack with a weary glance. “I thought you would have,” he responds with a shrug. “I don’t think I should bother her right now,” Carlos says cautiously. “It’s all right, Carlos,” Paige breaks in, approaching him from behind. Jack and Lydia look in her direction. Although she appears a bit tired, the color is returning to her face. She is dressed in a simple blouse and blue jeans. “We weren’t expecting company, but it’s nice to see some familiar faces that aren’t my parents.” “As long as we’re not intruding,” Jack says sheepishly, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek in greeting. “Come on, Jack, you know me. I’m no china doll. I may be bruised, but not broken. Have a seat,” Paige offers, taking one at the patio table herself. They join her as Carlos discreetly disappears. “You look good,” Lydia offers awkwardly. Paige smiles weakly and nods. “Time heals, right? So, what brings you two all the way out here? Greg didn’t mention a meeting.” “We came out to see you,” Jack replies warmly. “I know we may be jumping the gun, since you’re not even in the office yet, but I’m pretty excited about all this and figured you would be too. Never too soon to start strategizing.” “Strategizing?” she asks, puzzled. Carlos emerges from the house with a tray of ice-filled glasses and a pitcher of tea. “And I wanted to touch base with you on how you want to handle the announcements,” Lydia explains. “Once word of this gets out, there’s going to be quite a buzz in the business community. We need a proactive front to handle any concerns.” “Announcements?” Paige nods uncertainly, looking to Carlos for help. He shrugs as he hands her a glass of tea. “You don’t seem that excited about this,” Jack says. “Or are you just playing it cool?” “I suppose. Or it could be that I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she replies. Jack and Lydia look at each other in surprise. “You mean … Greg didn’t tell you?” Lydia asks, her face blushing slightly in embarrassment. “Apparently not. Anyone want to clue me in?” she asks. “Oh boy,” Jack sighs, scratching his chin. “Maybe Greg should be the one to—” “No, I think you need to let me know what’s going on.” “All right,” Jack agrees, looking at Lydia again carefully. He turns back to Paige. “At the board meeting, Greg made a motion that passed. He proposed that he step back a bit and put you and me in charge of the Group. As co-presidents.” “Oh,” she replies. “Oh!” “I didn’t know we were having a party out here,” Greg calls out. They turn to look at him in surprise. A flash of anger flares in Paige’s eyes. “Yes, apparently I’ve just been promoted,” she says sarcastically. “In a company I’m not even working for.” “Maybe we should give you two a few minutes alone,” Jack suggests. “Yeah, why don’t you do that, Jackson,” Greg replies, his eyes still on Paige. Jack and Lydia get up and follow Carlos into the house. “So, when were you planning on telling me this wonderful news?” she asks angrily. “When you’d gotten some rest and were better prepared to take it in. I didn’t want to put too much on you.” “I don’t buy that,” she replies. “No, I think this is some kind of move on your part to make me forget about the baby: ‘Poor little Paige needs something to focus on, let’s give her the Sumner Group.’” “You really think I’d give you the Sumner Group out of pity?” “I don’t know what you’d do out of pity. All I know is how weird you get when something happens that you actually have to deal with emotionally. But I’m not going to get through this by taking a job I haven’t earned.” “Haven’t earned? You earned that post years ago and you know it. This plan was in the works before you lost the baby. You belong at the head of that company … with me,” Greg explains honestly. Paige looks at him cautiously and takes the hand he’s offering to her. “I need to think about this a bit. I don’t want to make any emotional decisions, OK?” she asks tentatively. He nods, pulling her into his arms and holding her.
LA RENASCITA HOTEL—ABBY’S PENTHOUSE SUITE: “Brian, it’s Mom again,” Abby says sweetly into the phone. “Honey, I know you’re still angry, but we can work this out—I know we can. Please call me.” She hesitates for a moment, hoping that her son will pick up and talk to her even though she knows that she’s talking to voice mail. Then, with a heavy sigh, she gently places the receiver down. She continues to stand next to the phone for a moment, looking blankly out across the L.A. skyline, then turns abruptly—her sheer nightgown and robe flowing gently behind her—to retrieve her coffee cup from the bar. Abby takes a seat on a high, plush stool and picks up the morning newspaper in one hand and her java in the other. Gently flipping her long, blonde hair off one side of her face, she peruses the front page. Her sullen expression slowly gives way to a happier disposition as she reads an article on the second page covering her newly appointed position as liaison to the community for Downtown Renaissance, Ltd. This is really good, she ponders smugly. … I wonder if the younger Mr. LaBrea happens to be across the hall this morning? Maybe I can get him to tell me how to contact Lucky in Miami. Of course, I’ll have to pretend that I don’t know that’s where he is … Her lips purse slightly and her eyes slowly roll up and around as she continues to plan her move. Satisfied with a course of action, she quickly gets to her feet, adjusts the top of her gown just so and proceeds toward the front door. Riiiiiinnggg! … the telephone sounds. Abby hesitates at the door and turns back, gasping slightly. Brian? she wonders, not wasting another moment in answering. “Hello?!” she begs, the desperation in her voice betraying her typically assured demeanor. “Abby? It’s Gary,” his stern voice carries from the other end of the line. Her eyes close tightly and she exhales slowly, her heart beating fast. “Oh … Gary. I–I thought—” “You don’t sound so good. Are you OK?” he interrupts, but with genuine concern. “I’d be better if I could find my son,” she confesses. “I know the feeling. I’m trying to find Val. She’s taken off and didn’t tell anyone where she was going.” “Oh … Well, maybe she went for a run,” Abby covers, feigning ignorance. “She left last night,” Gary replies dryly. “And left a note, telling us not to try and find her. You know where she is, don’t you?” he asks directly. “What?” she responds in her best offended-sounding tone. “How would I—” “You’re getting sloppy in your old age,” he continues in the same dry voice. “Your name and cell phone number are right here on the Caller ID, and the time just happens to be a few hours before Val disappeared.” An almost embarrassed half-smile comes over her face as she quickly responds with a slight laugh, “That is so typical of you—making a snap judgment before you have the facts. For your information, I called yesterday to give you all an update on Olivia. She’s had her baby.” Gary is silent. “It’s a boy. She and Harvey are coming home from Spring Lake with him today. I’m coming over to the cul-de-sac to meet them,” Abby continues. “Gary?” “Yeah, I’m here. I’ve got to go now,” he says, sounding defeated. “OK, well …” Abby replies uneasily. “She’ll come home, you know. She always does.” “Yeah,” he says reluctantly. “See you later.” His voice is abruptly replaced with a dial tone, and she slowly lays the phone back in its cradle. I’ll make sure she comes back, Gary. I promise, she commits inwardly, turning toward the front door. Her mind once again drifts back to events of the previous day:
Abby takes another deep breath as she checks her gown in the mirror once more for maximum “impact.” Time to start working those angles, she decides, opening her door and sauntering over to Lucky’s suite. An answer comes quickly in response to her gentle knock, and Abby is relieved to see that it’s Buddy, in business attire. “Oh, good morning,” she says with an intense smile. “Well, good morning, Mrs. Ewing,” he returns with cocky arrogance. “My father isn’t here—He’s had to leave town briefly. But judging by the way you’re dressed, I assume you already knew that.” “Well, judging by the way you’re dressed, I’d say you weren’t expecting me. But, that’s OK. I know how well men your age are at living spontaneously,” she flirts. “Would you care to join me for coffee?” “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do,” he says, taking her hand in his and lifting it to his mouth for a gentle kiss. “Unfortunately, beautiful, this is a really bad time. You caught me on the way out.” Abby takes her hand back quickly. “My coffee’s been known to make men change even the most important of plans, you know,” she says in a pouty voice. Buddy smiles crookedly. “That doesn’t surprise me a bit,” he says. “May I take a rain check?” “I’ll tell you what,” she says, moving toward him and gently adjusting his tie. “You tell me how to contact your father today, and—” “O-ooh,” he interrupts. “And you almost had me convinced that this was about using me for my good cream and sugar.” He moves away from her and presses the call button, a few steps ahead, for the elevator. “And now you think it wasn’t?” she asks as the elevator doors part and he steps onto the car. “I never know with a woman like you,” he says, turning back toward her. “At any rate, I’ll be happy to deliver any message you like to my father, personally. Just leave it under the door there, and I’ll take care of it when I get back.” “Thank you,” Abby says sweetly as the elevator doors close and Buddy disappears. Her expression melts to disappointment and she sighs heavily, walking back into her suite alone.
KNOTS LANDING CONVENTION CENTER: As Janice silently works on a case in her office, Peggy stands in the corner by the file cabinet, trying to locate a Manila folder Mack has requested from her. Mack gets out of his own office and proceeds down the hall. “Hey, counselor, you got a minute?” he asks, poking his head in the door of Janice’s office. “I think we need to have a talk regarding the future of this firm.” She looks up from the document she’s been studying and into his eyes, removing her glasses. “Well, actually, I’ve been meaning to tell you something along those lines,” she admits with a smile. “Yeah?” he replies, taking the vacant seat on the opposite side of her desk. “I’m all ears, tell me what’s bothering you,” he offers. “OK, no use beating around the bush.” Janice pauses and takes a deep breath before continuing. “I’ve been offered the position of chief legal counsel at the Sumner Group.” She marks another pause to observe Mack’s reaction but, seeing none, decides to go on and speak her mind about it. “Quite frankly, I had my share of doubts at first, but I must confess the idea is really growing on me.” She waits to hear what he has to say. “Go for it, Jan,” Peggy says, closing the cabinet drawer after retrieving the file she had been looking for. “At least there, you’ll get a DECENT benefits package.” She looks at Mack pointedly as she hands him the folder, then leaves the room to return to the reception area. “If you’re asking for my opinion, I think you’ll hate it,” he says. “All that corporate butt-kissing and bureaucracy—I can’t picture you there. Although I’m pretty sure you can handle Sumner. In fact, I’d enjoy seeing him try to handle you.” “You learned how.” “Yeah, right,” Mack scoffs. “Do what I’m told and stay out of your way.” Still, he can’t help noticing the glimmer in her eyes. “You’re really excited about this, aren’t ya?” “Yeah, it’s strange. I don’t know why, but I want this challenge.” “Then you shouldn’t let me stand in your way,” he replies. “Besides, I might not be standing around here much longer myself.” “New York rears its head again, eh?” Janice asks, finding her own answer in his eyes. “Yeah. As soon as I know Paige is OK, I’m going to pay my sister a visit. It’s been a while since we last saw each other, and while I’m there I can check out the possibilities on the East Coast.” “Wow. Why do I feel like I’m standing at the scene of an end of an era?” “Aw, come on,” he laughs. “California’s been good to me. But all good things come to an end, right?” “In my experience. But I’ve always thought it was just my bad luck, partner,” she says wistfully. “Well, as weird as it sounds coming from me, I’m open to everything. I haven’t made up my mind yet. But I’d hate to see this place fade out,” Mack says heavily, looking around the office and its modern furnishings—a far cry from his first independent office put together from used office furniture and elbow grease. “I know what you mean,” she says, a smile creeping back across her face. “And as usual, I have the backup plan. I have a way for us to both move on AND keep Mackenzie Law open.” “I’m listening,” he responds, meeting her confident grin with a puzzled expression.
LA RENASCITA HOTEL—COFFEE SHOP: Michael and Keith sit across from each other in a corner booth. In front of them, the remnants of their breakfasts are getting cold. Michael picks up a piece of soggy toast and bites into it. He scowls at it and puts it back on the plate. “OK, you agreed to meet me to talk, and so far you haven’t said much more than ‘ham and eggs, scrambled with white toast’,” Keith says, pushing his own plate away. “So, before I book a flight home, I need some answers. Like why it was OK for us to live together back in New York but you freak when I show up here?” “You took me by surprise, all right?” Michael replies. “In New York, I could be any Michael Fairgate I wanted to be. It was OK for me to be out and proud. No one was judging me or questioning my lifestyle.” “And who’s doing that here?” “I’m living on the street I grew up on. Half the people on that street have known me since I was a kid. How will they react to me living there with a male lover? And another thing is, we’ve got my mom and Holly to think about. Holly seemed to cope with it fine before, but she’ll be in kindergarten before long, and the kids will start asking questions. My mom’s always seemed cool about my orientation, but I don’t know so much now that my partner’s living with me under the same roof—under HER roof.” “I thought you were OUT of the closet,” Keith says impatiently. “I am,” Michael responds softly. “I just don’t know if I’m ready to be out of the closet on Seaview Circle. It just doesn’t seem right at the moment.” “You can’t have your cake and eat it too, buddy. I love you. And I thought you loved me.” Michael’s eyes fill with tears of horror. He swallows, trying not to start crying. “I DO love you,” he says. “This isn’t about you. It’s about me and my hang-ups.” “No, it’s not just about you. When I fell for you, I fell hard and I never would have let myself go if I thought you wouldn’t be there all the way with me. And you were! Now I’m willing to give up my half of a very lucrative business and my family and friends and everything I have in New York. I’m ready to give all that up and more for us. What are you sacrificing?” “I-I’m sorry,” Michael offers, his voice shaky. “I don’t want to lose you, but I need more time to be sure that this is right for me here and now.” “There you go with the ME’s again. I was trying to make an US,” Keith sighs. He stands up and pulls a $20 bill out of his pocket. He tosses it on the table and turns to leave. “Listen Mike, I think it’s better if you just go home now. That way we won’t say things we’ll regret later.” “Keith, I don’t want you to feel hurt,” he tells his partner. “I do love you and this isn’t personal. It’s just circumstances.” “Right. It’s just my heart. See you soon, Mike.” Keith touches Michael’s shoulder. “Decide soon or you’re going to lose me. You’re going to lose us.” “I understand. I’ll see you tomorrow … hopefully.” Keith waves as he walks away. Michael watches him wait for the elevator, then step aside as it opens. He politely lets the blonde who emerges exit before he boards the car. Michael looks closer to see that the blonde is Abby. “Michael,” she says with a broad smile. “Nice to see you again. What are you doing here?” He looks at her cockily. “My lover’s staying here. Sorry, I know you don’t approve,” he says with a smirk, turning to walk away. Abby grabs his arm to stop him. “Hold on there,” she says sharply as he turns back to her. “Maybe I deserved that crack. I handled things badly with Lori, and I don’t blame you for being upset. But regardless, you are still my nephew and I still love you. I’ve let too many people I love shut me out in the past. I won’t let you be one of them.” “I love you too,” he replies, “but I won’t let you run my life. God knows I have my hands full keeping Mom from doing that. If you ever do anything like that again, I won’t be able to forgive you.” “Deal,” she says with a smile, reaching forth and hugging him. “Welcome home, Michael.”
KAREN’S HOUSE:
It’s a beautiful day in the
neighborhood, “Gramma, my show’s on,” Holly announces enthusiastically, glued to the TV set. “You gonna come watch it with me?” “‘GOING to,” Karen corrects her good-naturedly, returning from doing some housework in the kitchen. She takes a seat on the sofa. “Oh, it’s Mr. Rogers. Would you believe that your father used to watch this when he was little, too?” “Really?” the small girl responds with curiosity. “Really,” Karen responds. The sound of the doorbell breaks the bonding moment. She gets up and walks to the front door, taking a look through the peephole before opening it. “Hi,” she greets her visitors. “Come on in.” “Thanks, Karen,” Janice replies as she and Mack enter. He looks at Karen with a weak smile. She nods in his direction. “Grampa!” Holly yells out. “Hey, how’s my favorite girl?” Mack responds playfully. “What are we watching here? Mr. Rogers? I love Mr. Rogers!” “So what’s happening in the high paced world of Mackenzie Law?” Karen asks cheerfully, ignoring Mack and turning her attention to Janice. “Well, I’ve had a pretty hectic day,” Janice answers pleasantly, attempting to divert attention away from the tension she is feeling between the estranged Mackenzies. “So far today, I’ve had preliminary meetings for three very unique cases. There’s one case where a man is suing an ex-girlfriend for custody of the guinea pig they bought together, another where a woman is suing her neighbor for building an intrusive above-ground pool in his backyard, and yet another where a man is suing his ex-fiancée for not returning her engagement ring.” “I bet cases like that give you lots of good party stories,” Karen responds with a wide smile. “That they do,” Janice acknowledges with a grin. “Still, though, they aren’t exactly the glamorous, dramatic type of cases that every lawyer dreams of having.” “Well, they wouldn’t make for great John Grisham novels, but I’m sure they’re important to the people involved,” Karen replies with just a hint of sarcasm behind her serious-looking eyes. “Funny you should mention that. When I was in law school, I always imagined myself ending up like the lawyers in those novels. I thought I’d be one of those idealistic, crusading attorneys who spent their time fighting cold, faceless corporate giants.” “And now you’re going to work for Gregory Sumner, the cold, faceless corporate giant personified,” Mack calls from the sofa with a sly smirk. “Greg offered you a job?” Karen asks. “Actually, it was Jack who offered me the job,” Janice replies. “He wants me to take over Tim Murphy’s position at the Group after he retires. I’m still not exactly sure if I’m going to take it.” “Well, I’m not exactly a ringing endorser for the Sumner Group. But you’re a big girl. If you want it, go for it and give ’em hell,” Karen says encouragingly, putting her hand over her mouth quickly as she notices Holly. “I mean heck!” Holly goes over to the corner and picks out some toys to show Mack. Her grandfather responds with a bright smile as she comes back to the sofa. Karen turns her full attention to the scene as a glowing smile begins to spread across her face. “Thanks, I appreciate the encouragement.” Janice nods. “Say, is Michael at home? We wanted to discuss something with him.” “Oh, I’m sorry, he went out for breakfast. He should be back any minute. You’re welcome to wait. I can put on some coffee.” “That’d be great.” Janice turns her attention to Holly as Karen steps away to brew the coffee. “So, how are you enjoying things here at Grandma’s?” “I like this place. I have a nice big room and my own TV,” Holly responds energetically. “Your own TV!” Janice begins with an exaggerated expression. “Wow, that must be something. I don’t even have a TV in my room and I’m a grownup!” “It’s great. I even have a shelf for my Barbies in there.” “Geez,” Janice responds, still overplaying her reactions for the little girl. “This sure sounds like one great room. Would you mind showing it to me? It’s not every day that I get a chance to see a room that cool.” “But what about Mr. Rogers? He isn’t over yet,” Holly says. “Well, we could watch it on the TV in your room. What do you say?” “Well, OK, but only if we play tea party too.” “I’d be delighted, my dear girl,” Janice replies in an exaggerated British accent. “OK!” Holly gets up and runs to her room while Janice follows at a slower pace, looking back and giving Mack a small grin. “Coffee will be ready in a few min … oh,” Karen remarks, glancing around the room. She takes her seat back on the couch, next to Mack. “So, everything is going OK for you?” she begins cautiously, clenching her hands together and unconsciously nodding her head. “Yeah,” Mack answers casually, clicking off the television and standing up to face her, unsure of what he should say next. “Holly has her own TV in her room?” he continues in a slightly less monotonous voice, pointing to the hallway with his left thumb. “Yes, Michael had a lot of things left over from his apartment in New York, so we figured we could put one of the spare TVs in Holly’s room. Don’t worry, though, we’ve pretty much had all of the channels blocked on hers, with the exception of PBS and Nickelodeon.” Mack picks up a book lying on the side table and reads the title. “‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Huh, it must be interesting to have a little one in the house again.” “Yes.” Karen smiles slightly. “It’s given me the chance to catch up on all of the great literary classics: ‘Goodnight Moon,’ ‘Horton Hears A Who’ and even ‘Green Eggs and Ham.’” “Yeah, I’ll bet,” he responds with an expression similar to Karen’s. “It sounds like Holly and Paige have the same taste in literature. Anne and I were helping Carlos put some things into storage, and we came across a whole box of old children’s books like that.” “How is she doing?” Karen asks. “I guess she’s doing OK right now. She seems to be coping with everything,” Mack replies with a reluctant tone. “Well, I’m glad to hear that.” “I don’t know. I’m not so sure if it’s a good thing. It’s like she’s doing her best to appear all right instead of giving herself enough time to grieve—y’know, keeping a stiff upper lip and trying to be the perfect ‘Mrs. Gregory Sumner,’” he says, gesturing for emphasis. “And that schlub she’s married to isn’t helping things either. He wants her to ignore everything just like he does. Can you believe that guy even had the nerve to kick me and Anne off the ranch just for encouraging her to grieve? Boy, I tell ya, having him as a son-in-law is going to be harder than I thought.” “He probably just needs time to deal with the loss, too,” she responds sympathetically. “In his own way.” “I guess so, but, still, dealing with Greg’s little personality quirks isn’t going to be easy.” “So, how is Anne anyway?” Karen asks. “She’s broken up over this whole thing, but she’s trying to be strong.” “She’s nice and settled, over at the house?” “Yeah, I guess so.” “I see,” she replies, her irritation subtly showing. “So,” an oblivious Mack continues, “What’s going on with this Val situation? Meg told me she skipped town before the twins’ graduation and just left Gary some note saying that she needed some time to herself?” “That’s pretty much it. None of us really understand what is going on exactly. It all seems kind of bizarre.” “You two aren’t up to any more undercover schemes, are you?” he asks with a slight smile. “No, my ‘Charlie’s Angel’ days are over,” Karen replies. “Well, God love her, but bizarre and Val are two words that have always seemed to go together.” “I’m more worried about Gary and the rest of the family. I invited all of them to the barbecue we’re throwing for Michael tomorrow, but Gary doesn’t seem up for doing anything social right now. I’m hoping Lilimae can change his mind.” “Yeah, that would be good for him. For all of ’em. You’re still planning on having the barbecue here?” Mack looks around at the dimensions of the house. “Yeah. Why?” “How many people are coming to this little shindig of yours?” “I’m not sure, really. The kids, Michael, Lilimae, Gary, Jack. I have to mention it to Janice …” “Maybe you should have it over at the house. I can even invite Paige and the schlub. It would get them off of that ranch and give them a chance to mix with other people.” “That sounds like a good idea. Thanks.” Karen smiles warmly. “Yeah, it would be nice to host one last big blowout before heading to New York.” “You’re still planning on going to New York?” she asks, her smile soon fading. “Yeah, I’m still thinking about checking out my options out there. I’d like to spend some time with my sister, too. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to see her.” “I know she’ll be glad to see you. Heading back with Anne?” Before Mack can answer, they hear the sound of Michael’s key in the front door. Janice and Holly reappear as the door opens. “I told you I heard Daddy’s car!” Holly declares excitedly. “Hi, guys. What’s up?” Michael sounds surprised, not expecting to see Janice or his stepfather there, as his daughter comes running into his arms. “Easy there, sweetie.” “Hey, it’s just the guy we’ve been looking to see,” Mack says cheerfully. He gives Michael a firm handshake before Janice proceeds with a friendly hug. “Well, you’re looking good,” Janice adds excitedly. “Getting back into this California sunshine seems to agree with you.” “Thanks,” Michael responds. “I’ll have to agree with you on that one. New York has its charm, but I’ll take smog and power outages over horrible winter blizzards anytime.” “So how’s the job prospects?” Janice asks. “I haven’t had much of a chance to look, but I’ve been in touch with some of my old contacts and it doesn’t look good. One thing this city isn’t short on is lawyers.” Janice and Mack give each other knowing glances. “Well, if you’re interested,” she replies coyly, “I might know of a local law firm that’s looking for someone.” “Really?” Michael responds with enthusiasm. “The pay’s decent, nothing great. The hours are long and it’s not the most glamorous firm in town, but the people are friendly,” she explains. “And they practice real law there. The kind that helps people. Well, most of the time,” Mack adds. “Sounds great. Where do I apply?” “No need. The job’s yours if you want it. We want you to come work with us at Mackenzie Law.” |