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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
Jake's father, Ed Straka, knocks and walks in.
Jake: Hey, Dad. What're you doing here?
Ed: I need to talk to ya.
Jake: Okay. What's going on?
Ed: (Sits down) Your mother and I are getting divorced. We've talked about it for months.
Jake: (Only slightly surprised) Right. Uhm… It just seems… it seems kinda silly to get a divorce… I mean, at this point. I mean, it's not like things were ever so romantic.
Ed: Not that simple.
Jake: Well, why don't… why don't you try some counseling maybe?
Ed: I don't wanna get into all that.
Jake: Why not?
Ed: It's not like we don't get along, it's just… I'm seeing someone else. Her name's Janice.
Jake: What?
Ed: We've been together for sixteen years.
Scene: Lulu's house—night
A knock at the door. Lulu answers.
Lulu: Dad?
Gus Archer: I was hoping I could spend the night.
Scene: Nick's house—kitchen
Nick is preparing pasta for dinner. Hears knock at the kitchen door and goes to answer it.
Nick: Hey.
Lulu: Hi. Sorry to just drop in.
Nick: No. Come in.
Lulu: Okay.
Nick: You okay?
Lulu: Yeah. I'm good. Just wanted to come by and say 'hi'.
Nick: Right. (Places dry pasta in a pot and stirs) Well, that's nice of you.
Lulu: Can I spend the night? My dad just showed up at my house and…
Nick: Oh, he's back from the hospital?
Lulu: Yeah, he was just dehydrated and so… now he's spending the night and…
Nick: Well, that's okay.
Lulu: Yeah?
Nick: Yeah, you can stay in the guest bedroom.
Lulu: I mean, if you think it's gonna be weird…
Nick: No. No. We're friends. I mean, we talked about this, right? We're just friends.
Lulu: Right. Yeah. 'Course.
Scene: Nick's bedroom—moments later
After an intense session of 'just friends' sex, they lie side by side, catching their breath, looking at the ceiling.
Nick: Ah…
Lulu: I gotta go to a hotel.
Nick: What?
Lulu: (Starts to get up) Uh… Nick, I'm just not good at this 'just sex' thing, you know. I'm just not.
Nick: What're you talking about—'just sex' thing?
Lulu: Well… what is it then? (Stands at the foot of the bed, dressing)
Nick: (Props up on his elbows) Well, you were the one who was gonna go to Berkeley.
Lulu: Well, I'm here. Right? I'm in Pittsburgh.
Nick: 'Cause Alvin got fired.
Lulu: No, because of you. I didn't go because… I stayed for you, Nick. For us. (Pause while Nick considers this) You don't have to get freaked out or anything.
Nick: No. No. No. (Sits up, elbow on knee) You're not… you're not freaking me out.
Lulu: And, I'm not saying this to you to make you feel bad.
Nick: You're not making me feel bad. (Pause) Move in.
Lulu: What?
Nick: Move in with me.
Lulu looks at him then smiles.
Scene: Maureen Straka's house—living room
Jake's mother is lying on the couch watching TV when Jake enters without knocking.
Jake: Hey, Ma.
Maureen: Jakey.
Jake: How ya doin'?
Maureen: Fine. Just watching Oprah. Looks like she lost some weight.
Jake: Right. (Walks over to the window and raises the blind)
Maureen: I give her a lotta credit, working so hard to stay slim.
Jake: So, uh… I, uh… I spoke to Dad.
Maureen: I wish he didn't bother you with all this. You have enough to worry about.
Jake: Do you wanna talk to someone or something?
Maureen: I went to Mass. Father Kokot. He has these pretty blue eyes. His mother's Irish.
Jake: Mom?
Maureen: Honey, I don't wanna make a fuss. You know, you do the best you can and sometimes things work out and sometimes they don't.
Jake: This isn't your fault.
Maureen: Whose fault is it? (Starts to tear-up)
Jake: Oh, Ma. Ma. Look, don't blame yourself. That's ridiculous.
Maureen: How could your father… She used to wait on us down at Clem's Diner. Sat next to us in church. I try to forgive, but… Last night when your father called, I heard her talking and laughing. That woman! I think he's living with her. I don't know what to do. I was fifteen when I met your father. I'm getting too old to… I never lived alone.
Jake: You know, if you want, maybe, um… maybe I can move back in for a little while. Just keep you company.
Maureen: (Tearfully nods) Jakey. (Wraps her arms around him)
Jake: (They hold each other) Yeah. Yeah. (Jake sighs)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—morning
Nick gets a cup of coffee and is approached by Robert Bridge.
Robert: Fallin?
Nick: Yeah.
Robert: Hey. Hey. Robert Bridge. I'm Lulu's new assistant. (Looks at his watch) You're late, bro. Meeting started twenty minutes ago. (Taps Nick on the arm with a folder and walks off)
Nick: Right. (Gives him a derisive look)
Scene: LSP meeting room where the meeting is on-going
Nick steps just inside the doorway.
Amy Bernstein: After Penn, I worked at Belmont Price in Philly. It was vile—full of misogynistic, Republican billing machines. I left after six weeks, moved back to Pittsburgh and I've been working with children ever since.
Lulu: Well, thank you, Amy.
Amy: Sure.
Lulu: Uh… (Looks around and sees Nick) Oh, Nick.
Nick: Uh… yeah. Hi. I'm sorry I'm late.
Lulu: That's okay. Would you, uh… talk about yourself?
Nick: What's that?
Lulu: Oh, well, we all, you know, work together everyday but most of us don't really know each other so… I mean, if you could just…
Nick: (Clearly uncomfortable) Uh… sure. Uh… my name is Nick. Uh… (Pauses—takes a deep breath) I got arrested for possession… couple years ago and instead of going to jail I got sentenced to community service… here.
Lulu: All right. Uh, lastly… Alvin. (He gives her a look) Unless you don't wanna talk. It's okay.
Alvin: No. No, it's fine. I started this place twenty years ago. My hope was to create a sanctuary for the disadvantaged. A place where people could find help and more importantly—hope. (Lulu nods with a grin) And, I don't run the clinic anymore because I punched some ass, named Roger Green, in the face.
Lulu: Okay. Uh… thanks everybody. Just check your in-boxes for memos and case assignments. Have a great day. (Group disperses)
Lulu catches up with Nick in the bullpen.
Lulu: Nick. Nick. I need you to handle a relocation hearing. (Hands him the file) Guy named Pete Akins. He's, uh… he's actually right over there. It's a messy divorce. Custody issues. The ex-wife is trying to move to Boston with their son and her new husband.
Nick: Okay.
Lulu: And he's very agitated about it, though.
Nick: All right. (She turns to leave) Hey, uh… How's your father?
Lulu: Uh… good, I guess. He was sleeping on the couch when I got home this morning.
Nick: Are you sure you're comfortable having him in your house?
Lulu: It's just for a few days.
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: (Smiles) You were serious about what you said last night, right? About moving in?
Nick: Yeah. Yeah. You?
Lulu: Yeah, I was. (Smiles)
Nick: All right. (They both smile and walk their separate ways)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office—moments later
Pete Akins: I just wanna live near my kid. I don't see what's so crazy about that.
Nick: (Reviewing the file) Uh… nothing.
Pete: I don't understand how she can just move. There's nothing in the custody agreement that allows for it. I don't… I don't understand.
Nick: Your ex-wife's husband got offered a good job in Boston.
Pete: So?
Nick: Well, they don't wanna turn it down because of you.
Pete: Well, screw that. Screw his job. Evan is my son.
Nick: Right.
Pete: It's not like 'I' wanted the divorce. Okay? I come home one day and Tina says to me, 'By the way, I'm in love with your best friend.' The next thing I know, she's gone. Evan's gone. I'm just some jerk-off who's got two weekends a month. I mean…
Nick: If she can show, uh… substantial economic and social improvements in your son's life…
Pete: She took my kid! She left me. I didn't ask for any of this.
Nick: Court's gonna look at pros and cons. Your son living in a house with money is… pro. The fact that you're currently unemployed and on probation, it's… it's definitely a con.
Pete: The probation thing? It's a DUI.
Nick: Ah… it's probation. (Sighs) The hearing is tomorrow at noon.
Pete: Uhm… well, what do I do… to fix this? (Nick loads his briefcase—does not respond) I used to work at Montgomery Freight. Loading docks. And made good money, too… until they closed it down and moved to New York. And I was gonna go with them. They were gonna pay for my moving expenses and everything. Tina wanted to stay here. She didn't wanna move. She wanted to stay in Pittsburgh.
Nick: (Cuts him short) Right. Well, I'll see you tomorrow at noon. (Quickly exits leaving Pete bewildered)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Lulu: I want you to get the status of each case at the end of every day and I want you to input that data into one central file. Okay? I wanna know what's going on at all times.
Robert: Information plus knowledge equals power.
Lulu: What?
Robert: That's just one of my mantras. (Turns to walk out then turns back) I'm not so sure the whole 'get to know thy neighbor' thing really worked out. (Walks out)
Lulu: (Thinks about this) Huh.
Gus Archer knocks on her open door.
Lulu: Come in.
Gus: Sorry to bother you, sweetie. I just wanted to tell you how appreciative I am for letting me stay at your house. Felt real good.
Lulu: Sure.
Gus: You've, uh… done well for yourself. You really have. I'm proud of ya. Sleep at your boyfriend's house last night?
Lulu: Uh… yeah.
Gus: You always sleep there?
Lulu: Dad, you know, I'm kinda busy and…
Gus: I got some good news today.
Lulu: Oh, yeah?
Gus: Went to the hospital for some follow-up stuff and they told me about this clinical trial for bladder cancer. They think this new pill, when they mix it with some other things, might keep the tumors from coming back.
Lulu: That's great.
Gus: So, uh… I guess I need to stay in Pittsburgh for awhile.
Lulu: Oh…
Gus: Anyway, I, uh… I'll see ya later. (Exits)
Scene: Maureen Straka's house—night
Jake's old bedroom: Walls covered with posters of all description including a large Cheryl Tieg poster. Several trophies on a chest. Single bed. Typical young boy's room.
Jake: (On the phone) Hi, it's Jake Straka. Yeah, I'm not gonna be able to make it tonight. And, I'm sorry, it's just. uh… you know… something came up. Yeah. Okay, well I'll call tomorrow to, uh… reschedule. Okay. Thanks.
Maureen's bedroom: TV is on showing “From Here to Eternity”. Maureen is asleep on the bed holding the remote.
Jake turns the TV off, removes her slippers and covers her with a crocheted throw, kissing her on the cheek. He exits, turning out the lights.
Scene: Nick's house—bedroom
Nick lies on the bed in his boxers and tank top, looking over some papers, while Lulu unpacks an overnight bag.
Lulu: My Dad got into this clinical trial over at County for his cancer.
Nick: (Continues to read his papers) Well, that's great.
Lulu: Yeah. It's, uh… it's like a three month thing. It's supposed to be very effective. So… you know… he'll need to stay in Pittsburgh.
Nick: Right.
Lulu: I was, uh… I was thinking of offering him my place.
Nick: (Continues to read through his papers) Really?
Lulu: Yeah. Just, you know, while he's undergoing the treatment.
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: Think that makes sense?
Nick: Maybe.
Lulu: Nick, for God's sake. More than one word, please.
Nick: (Puts down the papers and rolls over to face her) Be careful.
Scene: Nick's house—kitchen—next morning
Nick is dressed for work. Pours a glass of orange juice and goes to the kitchen table where he has work spread out. Lulu enters.
Nick: Morning.
Lulu: Hey. (Pours herself a glass of orange juice) Oh, I, uh… spoke to a realtor yesterday.
Nick: (Doesn't look up) Right.
Lulu: Uh-huh. About renting out my house.
Nick: Great.
Lulu walks over and hovers over Nick. After a moment, he looks up.
Lulu: Can you please listen to me when I speak. (Nick gives her a blank look) I just feel like… if we're gonna do this…
Nick: Uh-uh… yeah. I'm sorry. I, uh… I'm sorry. I'm just not used to all this.
Lulu: All this?
Nick: Having someone else here. I just… (Smiles) It's a new thing and… and I will try to listen more and… and I'll try to be more aware. Okay?
Lulu: Uh-huh. Thank you.
Scene: Maureen Straka's house—dining room
Table is covered with all kinds of breakfast foods. Maureen, wearing her robe, brings in a plate of muffins.
Maureen: Muffins and…
Jake: Ma, we have plenty. Just sit.
Ed Straka walks in.
Ed: How ya doin', Mo?
Maureen: Sit. I'll get you some coffee.
Ed: I ate already.
Jake: Ma… Ma… sit. Please. Will ya? (She and Ed sit at the table) I've got a lot to do today, so… let's just, uh… get you both to sign this. (Lays out the document) It just says that you know that I have a conflict, blah, blah, blah. No big deal. And… then I'm gonna need to figure out what your assets and liabilities are.
Ed: Uh… I wrote up a list last night. Assets. Debts. All that. (Hands Jake the list. Jake glances over it) It is what it is.
Jake: Okay. Well, I'll look it over and, uh… draft an agreement and, uh… file the affidavit.
Ed: Good.
Jake: That is unless… unless you think maybe you want a little bit more time… to think about it.
Ed: No. Let's just get it done.
Jake: Okay. Well… that's it for now.
Ed: Good. I know this is… I want you guys to get to know Janice.
Jake: Excuse me? (Incredulous)
Ed: She feels bad about all this. Wants to apologize.
Maureen: If she even comes near me…
Ed: Don't get so emotional, Mo.
Maureen: Emotional. She's been sneaking around like a tramp…
Ed: Just let her apologize, for God sakes. She's in the car.
Maureen is crushed—near tears—suddenly leaves the table. Jake doesn't know what to do.
Ed: (He calls out to her) She just wants to… (To Jake) She's a good person.
Jake: Dad, I'm sure she is, it's just that… it's just kind of inappropriate to bring her around right now. I mean… I mean, you understand that, don't you?
Ed: Yeah. I'm sorry, I didn't… (Pause) You… what? You staying here?
Jake: Yeah, for a couple days.
Ed: Nice of you to take care of your mother like this.
Jake: Yeah, well, someone has to.
Ed: (Stands to leave) You sure you're okay with doing the legal stuff? I know a lawyer who can do it for about a thousand dollars.
Jake: You don't have a thousand dollars, Dad.
Ed: (Hollers up the stairs as he gets ready to leave) If you need something, Mo, just call. Okay? I still love you. You know that, don't you? (No response—he exits)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Nick is working. Lulu walks up and stands in the doorway.
Lulu: Your bed's uncomfortable.
Nick: What?
Lulu: I don't like it.
Nick: (Puzzled) Okay.
Lulu: Can we get a new one?
Pete Akins walks past Lulu and into the office—very animated.
Pete: Hey.
Nick: Hearing's not for another two hours.
Pete: I just wanted to give you this. My kid made this for me last Father's Day. Inside it says, 'Dad. Promise we'll always watch Steelers games and promise you'll never die.' I just thought… I thought you could maybe use it in court. Okay? Anyway, uh… I'll see ya later. (Exits)
Nick: (To Lulu) Well, yeah, I guess we just… We'll get a new one.
Lulu: (Big smile) Okay, great. (Walks off satisfied)
Gus walks up as she exits Nick's office.
Gus: Didn't see ya this morning.
Lulu: Oh… I… I stayed at Nick's again.
Gus: Oh, good. How's that going?
Lulu: Well, we're, uh… I'm… I'm moving in with him.
Gus: Great. That's… that's really great. (Peeks in Nick's office) How ya doin'?
Nick: Uh… good, yeah. Feelin' better?
Gus: Well, not too bad. They got me drinking lots of fluids.
Nick: Right.
Gus: I want us to all have dinner this week. I should get to know the man my little girl's so in love with.
Lulu: Dad.
Nick: Oh, no. That sounds like a great idea. Just… just let me know when, Mr. Archer.
Lulu: Dad. (Motions for him to follow her)
Gus: (Follows Lulu to her office) Not a bad guy.
Lulu: Yeah.
Gus: Been meaning to tell ya. I, uh… I'm starting a painting company.
Lulu: Painting? Like houses?
Gus: (Chuckles) Bigger than that. Like schools. City buildings. Hospitals. I did it in Akron. Made good money.
Lulu: Great.
Gus: I was thinking, you know, that, uh… you might wanna get involved.
Lulu: Well… I'm not much of a painter.
Gus: I mean… like as an investor. It would be good for both of us.
Lulu: Oh, well, Dad, I'm sort of…
Gus: Won't cost you a nickel. I need your name more than anything. If you're a part owner, I can apply for government contracts… for like minorities… since you're a woman.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Damsen's courtroom
Pete Akins relocation hearing.
Kate Shaw: Mr. Fuller's been offered a job that pays him nearly twice what he was making before with room for advancement.
Nick: More money does not necessarily mean a better life, Your Honor.
Kate: It does, however, mean more opportunities, Your Honor. Private schools. Music classes. Things Mr. Akins can't provide.
Nick: It also means robbing Evan of a chance to have a relationship with his father.
Kate: How can you tell Mr. Fuller he can't take the best job he's ever been offered?
Nick: Mr. Fuller's good fortune should not be turned into my client's misfortune. Remember, Your Honor, Mr. Akins did not ask for any of this.
Judge Damsen: Thank you, Mr. Fallin. You may be seated.
Pete: (To Nick) Show her the card.
Nick: No.
Judge Damsen: Evan, what do you want?
Evan: I don't know.
Judge Damsen: Do you enjoy spending time with your dad?
Evan: (Long pause—looks at his father) Yeah?
Judge Damsen: Do you wanna move to Boston?
Pete: (To Nick) Show her the card!
Nick: (Whispered) Would you be quiet?
Evan: I don't know.
Judge Damsen: (Deliberates briefly) I'm gonna grant Mrs. Fuller's motion.
Pete: What?
Judge Damsen: I believe, on the whole, moving to Boston will be best for Evan. As for visitation, Mr. Akins will get two weeks every summer and one weekend a month. (Gavel down)
Nick exits without a word. Pete, totally stunned, follows him out of the courtroom.
Pete: Hey. Hey. Hey. Why didn't you show her the card? It says right there that he loves me. He wants to spend more time with me. You screwed this whole thing up. If the Judge would have seen that…
Nick: Mr. Akins…
Pete: ...the card… I need a retrial or an appeal… or something. Okay? (Very agitated) Because… Why didn't you show the card, like I told you to?!
Nick: The card wouldn't have done a damn thing. It's just a card. Just a card. (Turns and walks off)
Pete: (Yells) Hey, you suck! (Nick looks over his shoulder and keeps on walking) You know that? Yeah. You suck! I just lost everything! Everything!
Nick walks past Alvin—standing in the corridor.
Alvin: What can you do? Men are the new women. (Nick stops)
Nick: What was that?
Alvin: Thirty's the new twenty. Brown's the new black. Men are the new women. When it comes to the law, anyway. We used to get all the breaks and now we get none. The pendulum has swung. Not that it's bad… just not always fair.
Nick starts to speak, then doesn't. Bobs his head instead and walks away.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
Maureen knocks and walks into Jake's office, all dressed up.
Maureen: The lady at the desk said it was okay to come back.
Jake: Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Come in. Sit.
Maureen: You eat lunch yet?
Jake: Oh, yeah. Just a little while ago.
Maureen: I was gonna say, we should have lunch at the Gateway Clipper. My dad used to take me there when I was a kid… for special occasions.
Jake: So, you're feeling better.
Maureen: Yeah. I made peace with a few things.
Jake: Great.
Maureen: I think I might visit the Warhol Museum. Never been there.
Jake: (Laughs—happy to see she's feeling better) Yeah… definitely. Have some fun.
Maureen: And I'm making lasagna tonight. How's seven sound?
Jake: Sounds great.
Maureen: Okay. (She stands to leave—kisses him on the cheek—then exits)
Jake watches her walk down the corridor.
Scene: Nick's house—evening—dinner
Lulu walks to the table with a bottle of wine. Nick is eating.
Lulu: Hum… Oh, does this… does the wine make you uncomfortable?
Nick: No.
Lulu: Are you sure? Because I usually have a glass with dinner but…
Nick: No, it's fine. Fine.
Lulu: (Great—pours a glass) Oh, so… my dad has this idea to start up a painting company.
Nick: Good.
Lulu: Yeah. He wants me to be part owner.
Nick: Really?
Lulu: I guess if I'm an owner he can apply for minority contracts or something?
Nick: That's right.
Lulu: I looked into it at work today. That's not illegal… or anything. I mean, as long as I'm involved in the… the day-to-day operations of the business. (Pause) My dad's never had any kind of a career so… I don't know, part of me really wants to help him with this. (Pause) What do you think? You think I should get involved?
Nick: Well, I think it's between you and your father.
Lulu: Well, I know that. I just wanna know what your opinion is.
Nick: I wouldn't do it.
Lulu: Oh.
Scene: Maureen Straka house—dinner
Maureen sprinkles cheese on Jake's lasagna.
Jake: Um. This is great.
Maureen: (Laughs) You always love lasagna.
Jake: I don't really eat it anymore.
Maureen: Why not?
Jake: Makes you fat.
Maureen: Oh… you look great. (Nudges him with her elbow)
Jake: (Laughs) I'm trying. Still need to lose a few. Um…
Maureen: What ever happened to that girlfriend of yours?
Jake: Who?
Maureen: Uh… the Polish girl… Barbara.
Jake: Oh… yeah. She… she got married.
Maureen: Oh. Sorry.
Jake: Oh, it's no big deal. I mean, she… We were never really… serious.
Maureen: Well, there are a lot of women out there, especially for a handsome, successful attorney.
Jake: (Laughs) Right.
Maureen: But you're happy, right?
Jake: (Short pause—nods) I guess.
Maureen: That's what really matters. (Chuffs) It's strange being a mother. One minute you have this baby and you love him more than anything in the world and he loves you. And you think about him every minute. Protect him. And gradually he grows into a man. He looks for affection elsewhere. But, he's still your son only… different. I don't really know you as an adult… and I want to. (Pause) I'd love you no matter what.
Jake: I know, Ma.
Maureen: And you'd love me no matter what? (Emotional—almost tearful)
Jake: Of course. Of course. (She smiles)
Scene: Lulu's house—morning
Lulu enters the house and sets her keys on the table. Gus stands at the front window.
Gus: He's got a nice car.
Lulu: Yeah.
Gus: Beemer. Saw him drop you off. He's a fancy dresser, too. First thing I noticed about him. Your mother was a helluva dresser. Loved clothes, shoes, and all that stuff.
Lulu: (Starts up the stairs) Yeah, I, uh… I'm running a little bit late, Dad.
Gus: Gotta be careful with people who dress nice. They're selfish… vain.
Lulu: Or maybe they just like nice clothes.
Gus: You thought about the painting business?
Lulu: Uh… yeah.
Gus: Well, if you're worried about my cancer, it's not that big a deal. I'm gonna beat it. So I'll be strong enough to work. No problem.
Lulu: Okay, well, can we just talk about this later? (Disappears upstairs)
Gus: So… so we're on… we're on for dinner tonight… me, you, and Nick. Right? (Sound of door shutting—No response)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Nick works with the door open. Pete Akins and son, Evan, appear at the door.
Pete: (To Evan) Okay, just wait right here. (Pete enters) Hey, I'm glad I caught ya, man.
Nick: (Looks up) You know, I can't talk right now. (Glances at watch) I'm late for a meeting.
Pete: I just… I have like thirty minutes left until I gotta get him back to his mother. We're sorta doing a goodbye thing… right now. There's gotta be something you can do to fix all this. It just doesn't seem right to me. Can we file some sort of emergency appeal or something?
Nick: No. (Begins to load up his briefcase)
Pete: Can you call somebody… like a judge?
Nick: No. It's over. I'm sorry.
Pete: Yeah, man. I'm sure it's just killin' you, too, huh? (Nick gets up to leave) Uh… wait. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that, it's just that…
Nick: I know this is hard for you… but you have to get Evan back to his mother… on time. Okay?
Pete: Yeah. So when I drop him off… they can just move to Boston whenever they feel like it.
Nick: Yeah.
Pete: You think maybe I can get just one or two more days so that Evan and I can spend a little more time together?
Nick: Court's already ruled, Mr. Akins.
Pete: Right.
Nick: It's important that you get Evan home… on time. Okay?
Pete: (Turns and smiles at his son) Let's go, buddy.
Nick watches, forlorn, as they walk to the elevator.
Scene: Maureen Straka's house—dining room—breakfast
Jake: So what're you doing today?
Maureen: Going to Mass.
Jake: You know, maybe you should talk to someone other that Father Kokot, huh?
Maureen: Like a psychiatrist?
Jake: Somebody. I'm gonna… need you to sign this. It says… it says you're not contesting the divorce.
Maureen: (Glances at the paper) Irretrievably broken?
Jake: That's just a legal phrase. (Upbeat) So… tonight… I thought maybe we'd do a double feature. I'll bring in your favorites: Place in the Sun and How Green Was My Valley. I'll pick up some Dominick's pizza and three pints of ice cream. We'll get… we'll get fat! It'll be… it'll be fun!
Maureen: (Chuckles) Jake, you really don't have to stay tonight. I'm fine.
Jake: You sure?
Maureen: Uh-huh.
Jake: Okay. (Kisses her on the cheek and starts to leave)
Maureen: Jakey… I love you, sweetie. (They hug)
Jake: (Chuckles) I love you, too, Mom.
Maureen: Yeah.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick stands waiting for the elevator—pensive. The elevator arrives and he sees Pete.
Pete: I need to talk to you. (Evan steps into view)
Nick: All right. All right. Come back in my office.
Pete: Can he stay out here?
Nick: (To a female employee) Excuse me. Can you look after him for a second? (She nods) Thank you.
Nick's office—he closes the door
Pete: What can I tell ya? I love her… Tina. I do. But, now she looks at me like I'm a… I… I mean, she used to say 'I love you' four or five times a day.
Nick: Why is Evan with you? (No response) Are you drunk?!
Pete: No! I was gettin' ready to drop him off at home and before I knew it we were in Ohio driving to the Football Hall of Fame. I mean, we'd always discussed doing that and it just seemed like… today's as good a day as any. But, then he got scared… kept wanting to turn around… and asking for his mother. So I yelled at him. And I… I sorta… sorta snapped.
Nick: Whadaya mean, you snapped?
Pete: Lost my temper. I… I got emotional.
Nick: Did you hit him?
Pete: No! No!
Nick: All right. Well, I'm gonna have to call Evan's mother. D'you have the number?
Pete: I screwed up, didn't I?
Nick picks up the phone—gives Pete a look.
Scene: Upscale restaurant
Gus: He knows we're having dinner tonight?
Lulu: Yeah. I told him twice.
Gus: Kinda rude to just not show.
Waiter brings their drinks. Red wine for Lulu.
Lulu: (To waiter) Thank you. (Takes a sip)
Gus: You don't wanna help me, do ya?
Lulu: What are you talking about?
Gus: My business. And you're not talking to me about it because… you don't wanna get involved.
Lulu: You're right. I'd rather not.
Gus: Talk to Nick about it?
Lulu: What?
Gus: Nick tell you to stay away from me?
Lulu: Let's just eat. Okay?
Gus: That's all right. No need to get upset.
Lulu: I'm not upset.
They look over the menus.
Gus: That, uh… that shirt's a little tight, honey. People might get the wrong idea, if you know what I mean?
Lulu: No, I don't know what you mean.
Gus: Well, I just think, as a lawyer, you might be better off wearing something that isn't so… revealing. That's all. Then again… I'm… I'm a little protective, being your father and all.
Lulu glares at him and takes a sip of wine.
Scene: Gay bar—evening
Jake sits at the end of the bar staring off into space. The guy two stools over keeps giving him the eye. Jake glances at him and after a moment pays his tab and leaves. The guy, with a lascivious look, watches him walk out.
Scene: Lulu's house—later that evening
Lulu answers the door. Nick enters.
Lulu: Hey.
Nick: I'm sorry. I got held up with that Pete guy. (Kisses her on the cheek) I went down to the restaurant. You guys had already left.
Gus: Supposed to call when you don't show up.
Nick: Yeah. Uh… yeah. But it was an emergency.
Gus: Uh, still should've called. Uh… maybe they didn't teach you that in prep school.
Lulu: Dad! Nick had to work. Just stay out of it.
Gus: Stay out of it?! Like he stays out of my stuff?!
Lulu: Dad! Knock it off!
Gus: He doesn't want us to be together. Can't you see that?
Nick: (Steps towards Gus) Wait… I'm not doing anything to come between the two…
Lulu: (Takes Nick's arm) Nick. Nick. Nick. It's okay. You know what? Maybe you should just go home.
Nick: Are you sure?
Lulu: Yeah. I have to deal with this.
Nick: Right. (Kisses her on the lips)
Lulu: Sorry.
Nick exits.
Lulu: Listen… you can stay here… but do not get involved in my personal life.
Gus: This guy's a prick. He's gonna screw ya.
Lulu: I don't care what you think about him, okay? I don't care! And… and you know what? I'm not getting involved in that painting business of yours because what you're asking me to do is… it's… you know, it's fraud.
Gus: All right, fine. But you don't have to look at me with all that… hate. I'm your father. You're my daughter. That's something… that's pretty special. Least I think so.
Lulu turns and walks off and up the stairs.
Scene: Maureen's Straka's house—bedroom—evening
Maureen lies in her bed with the TV on. Jake walks into the room. He takes the remote and turns the TV off then starts to cover her with a throw. He sees an empty bottle of pills then tries to wake her.
Jake: Ma. Ma, hey. Wake up. Ma. Ma. (Slaps her gently on the cheek) Ma. (Shakes her) Ma! Wake up! For God sakes, wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Ma! Ma! Wake up! Wake up! Come on! (Takes her in his arms)
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—hallway—night
Jake sits in a daze. Ed and Janice hurry up to him.
Ed: What the hell's going on?
Jake: (He looks derisively at Janice) Get her outta here.
Ed: Oh, for God sakes, Jake. What happened here?
Jake: Get your whore outta here.
Ed: (Whispers in her ear—she walks away) You got no right talking to me that way.
Jake: Mom took some pills.
Ed: She what? Is she okay?
Jake: I don't know. They think she might… They don't know.
Ed: She took pills?
Jake: She tried to kill herself, Dad. Okay? You get it?!
Ed: That's crazy. I don't…
Jake: Hope she's worth it.
Ed: Jake.
Jake: For God sakes, Dad. She's just another broad from Blawnox. What are…?
Ed: (Grabs Jake) This is not about Janice!
Jake: This is about you! (Shoves him away) You and your lies and your cheating! You selfish bastard!
Ed: Shut up! Shut up! (Tearfully) Shut up. Okay? My wife just tried to kill herself, so just shut the hell up.
Jake sits back down.
Scene: Lulu's house—morning
Lulu walks into the living room. It's quiet.
Lulu: Dad? (No answer)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Nick: I saw Tina this morning.
Pete: Okay.
Nick: You and Evan, uh… drove into Ohio.
Pete: Just to Youngstown.
Nick: Right, but you crossed the state line.
Pete: Yeah.
Nick: Have a gun in your car?
Pete: Yeah. But, I…
Nick: Did you threaten to shoot yourself in front of your son?
Pete: (Emotionally) I didn't mean it. I just… I got a little bit crazy. I would never do something like that in front of my son. It's just I… I just, like I said… I just snapped. I just kinda snapped.
Nick hands him a paper.
Pete: What the hell is this?
Nick: Tina wants you to let her husband adopt Evan. If you don't agree to it, she's gonna call the police.
Pete: For what?!
Nick: You're in breach of your custody agreement. Kidnapping. Child endangerment. Possession of a firearm. Crossing a state line.
Pete: She can go to hell!
Nick: You know, if you get convicted you're gonna go to jail.
Pete: I'm not giving up Evan. No way.
Nick: That's your choice.
Pete: (Long pause) Give me back the Father's Day card. The one that Evan made for me!
Nick finds the card in his stack of papers and hands it to Pete then walks to the door to show Pete out.
Pete: I shoulda gone to New York when I had the chance. But Tina… she wanted me to stay here. Isn't that funny? She… wanted me to stay here.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office—day
Nick is working. Lulu walks up and stands in the doorway.
Lulu: Hi.
Nick: (Looks up) Hey. How's your father?
Lulu: Oh… huh… he left.
Nick: Where'd he go?
Lulu: He didn't say. I never should've let him stay in my house in the first place.
Nick: Well, what can you do? He's your father.
Lulu: Yeah, I guess.
Nick: You know, I can… I can come by your house tonight and help you pack some things, if… if you need.
Lulu: Okay.
Nick: That's if you still wanna to do this.
Lulu: Well, is that your way of saying you don't wanna do it?
Nick: No. No. (Shakes his head and smiles)
Lulu: So you do?
Nick: Yeah. Yes, I do. I just, you know, I… hope it works out.
Lulu: Whadaya mean?
Nick: Well, if it doesn't, I don't want you to hate me for not going to Berkeley.
Lulu: I'm a big girl, Nick. (Smiles and walks away)
Nick is not sure what to think.
Scene: Lulu's house—night
Lulu walks in, dismayed to find Gus sitting on the staircase. He smiles.
Gus: That painting business is going to work. It is. I guarantee it. I'm gonna make some good money, too.
Lulu: I hope you do.
Gus: Wouldn't hurt you to make a little cash either. That way you wouldn't have to… Well, you'd be more independent.
Lulu: What does that mean?
Gus: Well, you wouldn't have to jump every time Nick snaps his fingers. (Snaps his fingers—takes a drink)
Lulu: You're drunk!
Gus: You don't need to give yourself away to a guy like that.
Lulu: What?
Gus: For money.
Lulu: Money? What do…?
Gus: A guy like that. He wants to own ya. Do what he wants to ya. When he wants.
Lulu: Wait a minute. I am not some… some…
Gus: It's my fault. I left you with your mother and you learned everything wrong. You don't see it in yourself. But, I can see it in ya.
Lulu: (Glares at him for a long moment) Get out of my house! (He exits)
Scene: Maureen Straka's house—bedroom
Jake packs his mother's overnight bag, straightens the bed, turns out the lights and sits for a moment on the foot of the bed.
Scene: Nick's house—kitchen—evening
Lulu opens the door and turns on the light, carrying an overnight bag. Nick follows with additional bags.
Lulu: Ah… thanks for helping with that.
Nick: Sure.
Lulu: Well, here we are.
Nick: (Big sigh) Well, here we are. (They look at each other for a long moment then…) I'll get your other bags.
END OF EPISODE
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