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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room—day
Secretary enters the room with a handful of hand-outs and distributes them as Jerry Fine talks about the upcoming retreat.
Jerry Fine: The vans for this weekend's firm retreat will be leaving, uh, from the parking lot across from the Frick Building at exactly 6:30 tomorrow morning. Coffee and danishes will be provided in our conference room between 6:00 and 6:15, and the people at Business Performance have put together a full schedule of activities… ranging from trust building exercises to volleyball to speaker forums. Uh… workshop attendance is, of course, mandatory.
No one seems very enthused. Nick gives the hand-out a cursory glance. Jake glances at Nick/Burton.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Alvin gets off the elevator in an unusually ebullient mood.
Alvin: (To no one in particular) Hello. (Strides across the bullpen) 'Morning. (To co-worker) 'Morning, Sheila. You're the best. (Kisses her lightly on the side of the face—to her utter surprise)
Alvin continues to walk cheerfully through the bullpen. Lulu calls out as he passes by her office.
Lulu: (Stands in the doorway) Oh, Alvin…
Alvin: Lulu. Beautiful Lulu.
Lulu: What?
Alvin: You're radiant.
Lulu: Oh, please. I've gained twenty three pounds in the last three months.
Alvin: Fantastic!
Lulu: You wanna come in my office?
Alvin: Sure.
He enters and she shuts the door and walks around her desk.
Alvin: What is it?
Lulu: Well… I just got off the phone with Judge Lutz.
Alvin: Right.
Lulu: So… what is this about you telling him to 'shove it up his ass'?
Alvin: He called you?
Lulu: Well, yeah. I do run the place, Alvin.
Alvin: Sissy.
Lulu: What?
Alvin: Oh, I've known Bernard Lutz for twenty years and he's telling on me?
Lulu: Well, that's not really the point.
Alvin: I know the point, Lulu. It's taken. (Turns to leave)
Lulu: Alvin! (He turns—mood has changed) In general…
Alvin: (Tersely) Yes?
Lulu: In general, you have been missing a lot of work.
Alvin: Right.
Lulu: Right. So, is there maybe something I could do to help you be more productive?
Alvin: Help me?
Lulu: Right.
Alvin: Help me be more productive. (He muses)
Lulu: Yeah, Alvin. You know, I'm just trying…
Alvin: Let's say I said 'yes' that I need help. What are you gonna do?
Lulu: (Shrugs—starts to speak)
Alvin: You see? You can't help me. I'm beyond being helped. Okay? (Big grin)
Lulu: (In disbelief—shrugs) Okay then. (Chuffs—turns away)
Alvin: (Chuffs) I quit.
Lulu: (Turns—stunned) Alvin.
Alvin: No, I quit. No hard feelings… but I quit. (Pause) And you do look great. I'm serious about that. (Walks out)
Scene: Nick's house—night—raining heavily
Alvin knocks persistently at the kitchen door. Nick hurries to open it.
Alvin: (Enters—soaked) Mr. Fallin.
Alvin brushes the rain from his hair. Nick hoists himself up on his kitchen counter.
Nick: Lulu told me that you… that you quit.
Alvin: Twenty-seven years and nearly nine thousand clients. What more can I do?
Nick: Well, you know, Alvin, if there's… if there's anything that I can do for you…
Alvin: I'm getting married.
Nick: (Chuckles) Oh…
Alvin: I proposed to Victoria this morning.
Nick: Wow. (Smiles—gets down off the counter and extends his hand) That's… Congratulations!
Alvin: Thank you. And I was thinking… I want you to be my Best Man.
Nick: Me? Why?
Alvin: Res ipsa loquitor. Speaks for itself. Just say you'll do it.
Nick: Alvin… thank you. I'm… I'm flattered. I just… I don't know if, uh…
Alvin: And… I'm dying.
Nick: (Pause) What?
Alvin: ALS. Lou Gehrig's disease. I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anybody about it. (Nick is having a hard time with the news) Did you know that Lou Gehrig drove in more than a hundred runs for thirteen consecutive seasons? Thirteen. (Nick still stunned) I'm sorry. I had to tell somebody.
Nick: (Shakes his head) God, Alvin.
Alvin: Yeah. I started tripping over things. Didn't really notice it at first. Then once in awhile my words would get slurry. Did you ever notice that? I been seeing a neurologist. Three neurologists… actually. The main guy finally diagnosed me today. But… let's not dwell. Instead, let's talk about my bachelor party.
Nick: (Still trying to deal with the news) Yeah, uhm… yeah… I'll—I'll put something together for you.
Alvin: Uh… no need. Taken care of everything. (Removes two plane tickets from his inside coat pocket) Booked us two tickets—First Class—to Los Angeles, California.
Nick: Alvin…
Alvin: First flight out in the morning.
Nick: Alvin… (Rubs his forehead) I—I gotta… I gotta do this Fallin & Fallin retreat…
Alvin: Oh, come on, Nick. California! The Sunshine State! (Nick just stares) Los Angeles! The City that never sleeps! Flight leaves at eight o'clock. (Hands him his ticket) Meet you at the gate.
Nick: (Softly) Okay.
Alvin exits. Lulu walks into the kitchen from the next room. They share a sad look.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Saturday morning
Employees are gathered in the conference room—dressed casually. They all laugh as Burton relates a story.
Burton: (Mostly inaudible—from CC) Howard Taft. Did any of you know Howard Taft? The meanest sonofabitch I ever met in my life. And the cheapest millionaire in Pennsylvania, I can tell you that.
Nick walks into the office and over to Burton.
Nick: (Whispers) Hey. Uh… can I talk to you for a second?
Burton: (Smiles) Oh, I was just telling 'em about Howard Taft.
Nick: Right. I'm sorry, I need to talk to you. I got a plane to catch.
Burton: (Frowns) Well, yeah. Okay. Go… go ahead. Go ahead. (To others) Excuse me a minute.
Nick: (To Jake standing next to Burton) 'Morning.
Nick heads to Burton's office. Burton follows.
Scene: Burton's office—door closed
Burton: What the hell, son? (Angry)
Nick: I'm sorry. I can't go.
Burton: D'you realize we're spending forty three thousand dollars on this thing?
Nick: I'm sorry, but, uh… I have to go to L.A. with Alvin.
Burton: Why?
Nick: It's personal.
Burton: What? (Angrily)
Nick: I can't talk about it.
Burton: What… does this have to do with that community service…?
Nick: (Getting agitated) No. It's personal.
Burton: (Pause) Son, look, the whole idea here is to… is to build a little company morale… with you right in the middle of it.
Nick: I'm sorry. All right? I have to go. And I'll explain when I get back. (Starts out the door)
Burton: Wait a minute! Wait a minute! (Nick stops and turns) Are you even allowed to leave the State?
Nick glares at Burton then exits. Jake observes all this.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—early same morning
Lulu gets off the elevator—shakes the rain from her umbrella. Hears something. Notices her office door is closed. Listens.
Tiffany Skovich: (Inaudible—from CC) I'm really looking forward to the dance. I've never been to a dance before. So I'm really excited about it. You and your friends seem really nice.
Lulu goes to investigate.
Tiffany: No, I'll be there. Don't worry. Just call me. I'll be there. (Lulu stands outside the door—listening) Okay, I'll talk to you later, right? Okay. (Laughs) Bye. (Hangs up)
Lulu: (Enters) How'd you get in this office?
Tiffany: (Surprised then, with confidence…) I have an appointment. (Pause) The door was open.
Lulu: (Chuffs) No it wasn't.
Tiffany: It was when I got here.
Lulu: When did you get here?
Tiffany: This morning. Where's Alvin?
Lulu: What's your name?
Tiffany: Tiffany.
Lulu: Tiffany what?
Tiffany: (With emphasis) Where's Alvin?
Lulu: Alvin doesn't work here anymore.
Tiffany: Alvin's gone?
Lulu: Yeah, he's retired.
Upset, Tiffany shoulders past Lulu and heads for the elevator where other employees are arriving for the day.
Lulu: Hey, wait a second! Wait a second! Where're you going?
Lulu watches as Tiffany gets on the elevator and is gone.
Scene: Pittsburgh International Airport—early same morning
Intercom: Now boarding Flight 3 to Los Angeles—First Class and Star Mileage members. We'd also like to welcome our Business Class passengers at this time.
Nick: Ah, you know, Alvin, we should probably board now.
Alvin: (Sits reading a book) Did you know that Lou Gehrig drove in more than a hundred runs…
Nick: (Impatiently—as Alvin continues to read the stats) Yeah, you told me.
Alvin: Played in 2,130 consecutive games and one day he just takes himself out of the line-up…
Nick: Alvin…
Alvin: 2,130 consecutive games.
Nick: Alvin!
Alvin: All right! (Grabs his bag and stands) I mean, imagine that.
Nick: You have your ticket?
Alvin: Yeah.
They walk up to the ticket taker.
Nick: Excuse me. (Hands her his ticket ahead of the passengers in line)
Alvin: (Excited) This is great! I've never flown First Class before.
Nick: (As he walks through—embarrassed) Excuse me. I'm sorry.
Alvin: (Follows) Excuse me.
Scene: Retreat hotel—meeting room
John Lazar, Business Performance's coach for the retreat, welcomes the members of Fallin & Fallin, as they mill about.
John Lazar: (Raps on the podium for attention) Good morning, everybody.
In unison: 'Morning.
Lazar: You all have envelopes. Inside is a card with a word or a phrase. Try it. Open your envelopes.
Burton finds 'Jelly' is his word.
Lazar: Okay. Now, I want you to walk around the room. Reintroduce yourself to your co-workers and ask them what their word is. You'll know when you've found a match. Go ahead.
Jake: Peanut butter.
Co-Worker: Macaroni.
Everyone goes around the room looking for their match—calling out there word.
Lazar: When you've found your match, you've found your weekend roommate.
Jake walks up to Burton.
Burton: How ya doin'?
Jake: Uh… peanut butter.
Burton: Oh… well, jelly. Great. Well, all right. (They shake hands)
Scene: Los Angeles—Hummer Limo—moving
Alvin hangs his head out the window enjoying the scenery while Nick reads the newspaper.
Alvin: Did you look down when we were flying in here? Amazing… the possibilities of a place like this. Smell that… jasmine. (Nick gives him a funny look—sniffs) Amazing! And the women… Oh, my God! They're unbelievable! (Nick grins) Let's turn on the radio. (Reaches across Nick—music blasts out of huge speakers behind their heads—Nick jumps) Wow, rock 'n' roll! (Moves to the beat—Nick grimaces at the noise) Too loud? Sorry. (Turns down the volume)
Nick: Thank you. Thanks.
Alvin: So… we'll go to the hotel, got us an early check-in, check out the pool, then lunch, and then, who knows…
Scene: Los Angeles—posh beach hotel—Presidential Suite
Bellhop shows them in.
Alvin: Fantastic! Hope you don't mind sharing.
Nick: (Chuffs—smiles as he walks around the huge suite)
Alvin: They call this the Presidential Suite.
Nick walks out onto the balcony.
Alvin: I understand that Chuck D and Flavor Flav stay here when they're in town.
Nick takes in the view of the yacht harbor from the balcony then goes back inside. Continues his walk-through.
Nick: Did you say Flavor Flav?
Alvin: Yeah, you know… Public Enemy. (To bellhop) Thank you. Here ya go. (Tips bellhop) Thank you very much.
Bellhop: Thank you. (Exits)
Nick: Wow, Alvin, this is a very expensive room.
Alvin: My treat.
Nick: It's your bachelor party. I should be paying for this.
Alvin: No. No-no. I'm paying.
Nick: Are you sure?
Alvin: Yes. (Pause) Hey, uh… I just wanna thank you… for coming here with me.
Nick: Ah, it'll be fun.
Alvin: Thank you.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office—still raining heavily outside
Lulu removes a file from her file cabinet. Sally Kanty, social worker, knocks and enters.
Lulu: Hey.
Kanty: Hey. Tiffany Skovich was in your office this morning?
Lulu: Right. I think she broke in.
Kanty: Strange.
Lulu: Actually, I think she slept here.
Kanty: Well, if she comes by again, call me or call the police. (Starts to leave)
Lulu: Okay. You know, I read her file. It's kind of surprising that she's a prostitute. She's so young. Is she gonna be able to go back to Jane's Place?
Kanty: No. She was expelled yesterday. Ran off before we could transfer her.
Lulu: Hm… so where is she gonna go?
Kanty: Juvie… once we find her. It's a shame, really. Jane's Place is as good as it gets for a girl with her record. She blew a great chance.
Scene: Los Angeles—beach hotel—poolside
Nick sits astraddle a lounge chair facing the hot tub—working on his laptop—dressed in his dress shirt (sleeves rolled up) and slacks and wearing sunglasses.
Alvin: (Gets out of the pool) Oh, it's cold. Cold—cold—cold—cold. Cold—cold—cold—cold. Oh… (Runs and jumps in the hot tub) Aah… hot. Hot. (Paddles to the edge) You're not gonna swim?
Nick: No. I've got some work to do.
Alvin: Okay. Aah… (Lies back in the water) Aaah… I can really feel the water.
Nick: Good.
Alvin: You know what I'm talking about? (Nick shakes his head) I… I feel better here, for some reason. Strong.
Nick: Great.
Alvin: Maybe I should just move to Los Angeles.
Nick: Maybe.
Alvin: Nah. I'd miss you guys too much.
Nick: Miss you, too. (Looks at Alvin)
Alvin: (Smiles) Thank you. (Nick smiles) You don't open up much. I just wonder sometimes, is it me or is…?
Nick: No, it's just me.
Alvin: (Chuffs) Come on, let's go. (Quickly climbs out of the pool)
Nick: What?
Alvin: We got a lot to do, buddy. A lot to do. Come on.
Alvin puts on a robe and Nick closes his laptop. Alvin exits. Nick follows.
Scene: Venice Beach—public basketball court
Nick and Alvin play a pick-up game of basketball with several guys. Someone passes the ball to Alvin.
Player: Shoot! Shoot!
Alvin: (Shoots and makes a jump shot) All day long, baby! All day long!
Ball moves up the court.
Alvin: He's yours, Nick. Get 'im. Get 'im!
Nick tries to guard but the dunk is good.
Player: Uhh. Game! Who's next?
Alvin: Nick. What happened? You're supposed to block that.
Nick: (Shrugs) Did you see that? (They walk off the court)
Alvin: Don't worry about it.
Nick: I'm not!
Alvin: I didn't know you couldn't play.
Nick: Uh… I just… Team sports, Alvin… not really, you know… my thing.
Alvin: Venice Beach. This place is legendary. All the ballers played here. The serious ones anyway. Marcus Johnson. Byron Scott. Chris Mills. Philip “Hot Sauce” Champion.
Nick: You know, Alvin, that was fun but I've gotta get back to the hotel and make some calls.
Alvin: No. Let's go swimming.
Nick: In what? (Indicates his dress shirt and pants that he's wearing)
Moments later
Alvin has stripped down to his underwear. Runs across the beach towards the water.
Alvin: Come on, Nick. What're you afraid of?
Nick: You're in your underwear.
Alvin: So? So's that guy! (Indicates a child playing in the sand) Come on! You comin' in?
Nick: You go.
Nick grins as Alvin races across the sand and wades into the water.
Alvin: Whoo! Aaah!! (Splashes around) Oh, my God! Oooh!
Nick's grin fades as he considers the seriousness of Alvin's news.
Scene: Retreat hotel—Burton and Jake's room—night
Burton is in bed reading through some papers. Jake comes out of the bathroom.
Jake: Oh. Uh… d'you… want the bathroom light on?
Burton: No, I don't. Why? You?
Jake: Oh, sometimes… when I'm in a new place.
Burton: Oh, yeah, sure. You want it on, leave it on.
Jake: Okay. Great.
Jake gets into bed. Burton finishes up with the papers and lays them aside—removes his glasses, glances at his watch then turns out his bedside light.
Jake: Burton.
Burton: Yeah?
Jake: What happened with Nick?
Burton: Oh… he had to… go to Los Angeles.
Jake: Los Angeles?
Burton: Yeah.
Jake: Why?
Burton: Some personal matter.
Jake: Is he okay?
Burton: Yeah. He's fine.
Jake: Well, good. A few of us were concerned.
Scene: Los Angeles—nice restaurant—night
Nick and Alvin are eating a Caesar salad.
Alvin: Hmm. What a fantastic day. I mean, that was… Hey, is that someone famous sittin' behind you?
Nick: (Tries to turn inconspicuously) I… I don't know.
Alvin: I think that's someone famous.
Nick: (Testily) Well, maybe it is. (Keeps eating)
Alvin: This is a very good Caesar.
Nick: Hmm. So when're you getting married?
Alvin: Haven't set a date yet. I just asked her yesterday, so…
Nick: You didn't tell her yet?
Alvin: Right. Well, I went to her office to tell her but then… the clarity… The news gave me this clarity and I just had to ask her to stay with me. And… it was powerful.
Waitress: May I?
Nick: Oh, thank you. (She removes his salad plate)
Alvin: (To the waitress) Thank you. That was dee-licious. (She removes his plate) (Takes a sip of his water) Do you believe in healers?
Nick: Like what? Whadaya mean?
Alvin: Well, people who have healing powers who can, uh… do things with energy or thought.
Nick: I don't know.
Alvin: Supposedly there are people who have gifts like that. I've been reading incredible stories and sometimes it works, I guess.
Nick: Great.
Alvin: What? You don't think it can?
Nick: I… (Just shakes his head)
Alvin: You know what I think, Nick? (Pause) I think that's Erik Estrada sittin' over there. (Grins) Hey, Erik. What's up? (Waves—Estrada just nods, continues to eat)
Nick: (Cringes from embarrassment—but finally looks around)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—early morning—still raining
Lulu steps off the elevator just as Tiffany exits her office and tries to avoid being seen.
Lulu: Tiffany, wait right there!
Scene: Lulu's office—moments later
Tiffany sits in a chair, picking at a pale pink dress that she has in her lap. Lulu walks in with a glass of orange juice.
Lulu: Here ya go. (Hands her the glass)
Tiffany: I… met a boy.
Lulu: What?
Tiffany: His name's Clint. We… we're going out… dating.
Lulu: Okay.
Tiffany: He goes to a regular high school. He plays soccer. His dad's a doctor. (Pause) I haven't told him where I live. So, he… drops me outside a house in Shadyside and… then I walk back to Jane's Place. I've missed so many curfews, they kicked me out.
Lulu: You know, uh… (Clears her throat) …eventually, you would have to tell him the truth.
Tiffany: That I was a hooker? Doesn't exactly go over as well as you'd think.
Lulu: (Sighs) Well, uh… Tiffany… there… there's, uh… there's an attachment order out for you, so…
Tiffany: I know… I'm going to Juvie.
Lulu: Yeah. I—I have to call your social worker.
Tiffany: Thing is… there's this dance tonight. He invited me to the Spring Dance and I really wanna go. Look, I—I know it may sound stupid, but I've never been to a real dance.
Lulu is sympathetic.
Scene: Retreat hotel—meeting room
Lazar: Okay. This is an empathy exercise. Jake will read from three prepared statements… to his partner—Burton, in this case—and Burton will respond.
Burton: Okay? (Nods)
Lazar: Okay. As though you were in your office and Jake was coming to you with a problem.
Burton: Oh, okay. Yeah.
Lazar: Jake.
Jake: 'I can't work with that client anymore. He's rude and disrespectful. He treats me like I'm a cleaning woman, not an attorney.' (Chuckles)
Lazar: What would you say to that, Burton?
Burton: Well, uh… a client is a… is a damn client, and, uh… You know, we're not in the… in the feeling business. We're in the law business. So if he couldn't handle it I would ask him to refer it to someone who can.
Lazar: Okay, Burton. Another approach to this kind of problem would be to act as a mirror to your colleague.
Burton: What does that mean?
Lazar: Well, uh… for instance you could say, 'Jake, you sound like you're really upset. Can you tell me what happened?' You see, that way Jake knows that you're on his team and that his feelings matter.
Burton: Okay.
Lazar: All right. Jake, read another.
Jake: 'I'm worried about my ability to finish my work this week. My mother is sick and my wife is having some problems at home.'
Burton: Well, I would certainly say 'I'm—I'm sorry to hear that.'
Lazar: Good.
Burton: And… I would say, you know, again, 'if you feel like you can't handle it, though, come tell me and I'll—I'll find someone who can.'
Lazar: Jake. How's that make you feel? Tell him.
Jake: I don't know. He's just being himself.
Lazar: Right. But try to talk about your feelings… when Burton tells you he's going to refer your work to someone else.
Jake: 'I would rather finish it myself.'
Lazar: You want a chance to succeed.
Jake: 'Course I do.
Lazar: You would like some encouragement.
Jake: (Chuffs—smiles)
Lazar: Why're you smiling?
Jake: Well, no, I mean, that's just not, uhm… I—I—I mean, Fallin & Fallin doesn't exactly work… like… that.
Burton: (Chuckles) Well, what does… what does that mean?
Jake: Nothing. I mean, that's just… just the way… it's the way…
Lazar: Jake. Now's the time. Tell him. That's why we're here everybody. Come on.
Jake: Okay. Well, I mean, in this situation, I guess, that, uhm… you would probably take me off this deal and give it to Nick.
Burton: No. Wait. Wait a minute.
Lazar: Burton, Jake is trying to tell you how he feels.
Burton: I understand that, but, I—I think, uh… I think I can honestly say that I have always tried to treat everybody the same. Everybody.
Jake: You may try but you… you don't.
Burton: How can you say that?
Jake: Come on, Burton. I mean, here we are, stuck in this place doing empathy exercises and… Nick is in L.A… having fun.
Scene: Los Angeles—Chinatown—morning
Nick and Alvin walk down the street.
Alvin: How 'bout that dim sum?
Nick: Good.
Alvin: Yeah, good stuff.
Nick: Yep.
Alvin: All those trays. Weird breakfast food, though. The fish and the sticky rice. I liked it. (Glances at his watch—stops walking) Nick… (Pause) …there's this guy, Dr. Liao, from a small town outside of Beijing. He's supposed to have special abilities. (Nick smiles—skeptical) People come to see him from all over the world. I heard about him from some woman I met online with ALS. She's had it for seven years. She still leads a pretty normal life. She says she came to see him and he helped her. (Nick scratches his head) That's one of the reasons I came to Los Angeles… to see him.
Nick: D'you have an appointment?
Alvin: Yeah. In twenty minutes. So, uh… I can just meet you later.
Nick: No, I… I wanna come. (Alvin just looks at him) I do.
Alvin starts to walk and Nick follows.
Alvin: I can't believe it. I just ate and I'm already hungry.
Scene: Los Angeles—Chinatown—Dr. Liao's office—waiting room
Nick and Alvin sit with several other patients—waiting. The door opens and Dr. Liao shows a patient out.
Dr. Liao: Mr. Masterson?
Alvin looks at Nick then follows the doctor into his office.
Scene: Lulu's house—evening—still raining
Lulu sits reading a book entitled: Living with ALS. Tiffany starts slowly down the stairs.
Tiffany: Hey.
Lulu: Hey. (Sets the book down and walks over to the stairs)
Tiffany: Whadaya think?
Lulu: Well, come down. Let me… take a look.
She stops on the landing. She's wearing the pale pink, ill-fitting dress that she's been carrying around.
Lulu: (Hesitantly) It looks good.
Tiffany: Think so?
Lulu: (Pause) Uh-huh. If—if you want, I think I might have some things upstairs that you might like.
Tiffany: (Excitedly) Really?
Lulu: Yeah. Yeah. Come on.
They walk back up the stairs.
Scene: Los Angeles—Chinatown—Dr. Liao's office—later
Nick still waits—reads a magazine. Door opens—Alvin emerges. Nick tosses the magazine on the floor and stands.
Alvin: So… (Nick gives him a curious look) I guess I'm healed now.
They exit.
Scene: Los Angeles—Chinatown street—later
Alvin: So… Lou Gehrig checks himself into the Mayo Clinic. Gets diagnosed then goes back to Yankee Stadium. Makes a speech in front of thousands of people. Says how lucky he is.
Nick: I've seen the speech.
Alvin: Two years later, Gehrig's dead. Thirty-seven years old. (Takes a scrap of paper from his pocket and walks over to a cab driver) Excuse me. Uh, can you please take us to Echo Park? 1023 Esplanade Avenue.
Cab Driver: Oh, yes sir. (Opens the rear door)
Alvin: Thank you.
Nick: What's at Echo Park?
Alvin: Did I, uh… ever tell you about my son?
Nick just stares dumbly at him. Alvin ducks into the car. Nick shakes his head and follows.
Scene: A tidy little house in Echo Park
Nick and Alvin sit in the cab.
Alvin: I never married his mom. We had a brief fling and then, uh… she got pregnant. That was almost fifteen years ago.
Nick: Whoa.
Alvin: Last time I saw him he was seven. He must be in high school now. Oh… I don't know if I should do this.
Nick: No… Alvin… you should. I just… You should do it.
Alvin: Just tell him what? I… I was in the neighborhood?
Nick: Just… just tell him that you wanna see him.
Alvin: Yeah.
Nick: I mean, you don't have to say why.
Alvin: Yeah. (Sighs—exits the car)
Walks up the steps and rings the bell. A woman answers.
Alvin: Jennifer.
He disappears inside. Nick stands outside the cab, gazing over the City of Los Angeles.
Moments later…
Alvin walks back to the cab.
Nick: That was fast.
Alvin: Didn't wanna see me. (Gets in the car) Wouldn't come out of his room. Said he already has a dad. Let's go back to the hotel. I'm kinda tired.
Scene: Lulu's house—still raining—night
Car horn sounds. Lulu looks out the window.
Lulu: (Calls upstairs) Tiffany! He's here!
She comes downstairs dressed in a little black dress—her hair pulled up on her head.
Lulu: Wow. You look great. You look really great.
Tiffany: Thank you.
Lulu: Okay, well, uh… have fun. But… you… be home by midnight or you know I'm gonna have to call the police.
Tiffany: (Grabs her jeans jacket) I know. Thank you.
Lulu: Okay
Tiffany: Bye.
Lulu: Bye.
Scene: Los Angeles—beach hotel—day
Alvin packs his bags.
Nick: (Off camera) Alvin. I'm back.
Alvin: I'm in here.
Nick: (Appears in the bedroom wearing a fluffy hotel robe) You didn't tell me the pool was heated. You know, I think I saw Geena Davis in the hallway. What're you doing? You packing?
Alvin: There's a ten o'clock flight.
Nick: What? The party's over?
Alvin: (Sighs) Yeah.
Nick: Ah… what am I gonna do with these? (Takes an envelope from his pocket which he hands to Alvin)
Alvin: (Opens the envelope) Laker tickets?
Nick: Courtside. Tonight.
Alvin: You paid $1900 a ticket?
Nick: (Grins) Is that what they cost?
Alvin: Oh, Nick. Return them. (Hands him the tickets)
Nick: Alvin. Come on. It's the Lakers—courtside. Have a chat with Jack. Go and get some Sushi afterwards.
Alvin: Thanks, no.
Nick: Are you sure?
Alvin: I just wanna go home.
Nick: All right. Okay. Fine. Screw the Lakers. We'll, uh… go for a walk. We can just talk about this and hang out… get something to eat.
Alvin: No.
Nick: Alvin, you can't drag me across the country and then just drop me. You know how cold it is in Pittsburgh now? It's thirty-one degrees… right now. Thirty-one degrees.
Alvin: (Smiles) Okay, fine. We'll get some dinner. You pick the place.
Nick: Good.
Alvin: I'm just gonna go for a walk.
Nick: Alone?
Alvin: Yeah, if you don't mind.
Nick: I don't mind.
Scene: Retreat hotel—Jake and Burton's room—night
Burton and Jake are in bed—lights out.
Jake: Burton, about today…
Burton: Yeah.
Jake: I'm sorry, I just… I apologize. And I hope what I said wasn't outta line.
Burton: Well, that guy wanted us to talk, so…
Jake: You know, that said… I don't feel that the playing field is level. I mean, I land clients. I bill more hours than anyone else. I… I help out whenever needed and I do whatever I'm asked to do and—and still Nick is… senior to me. You're considering a management change. I—I know that and, uh… I know that Nick is clearly the… the heir apparent.
Burton: Not necessarily, Jake.
Jake: Well, if—if—if that's true… you should consider me.
Scene: Lulu's house—night
Lulu: (Gets the door) Hey. You're back early. How was it?
Tiffany: They made the gym look like it was Hawaiian. Sand and torches. I mean, they weren't real torches. And the music. (Sits on the couch)
Lulu: That's cool.
Tiffany: Girls at regular high school are so different.
Lulu: Did something happen?
Tiffany: When's your baby coming?
Lulu: In a few months.
Tiffany: Boy or a girl?
Lulu: Tell me what's going on, Tiffany.
Tiffany: I told Clint the truth.
Lulu: Oh.
Tiffany: About how I ended up in Jane's Place. About Juvie. Everything.
Lulu: (Sighs) Okay.
Tiffany: He kinda stopped talking to me after awhile. Drank with his friends. Called me a whore. So I left. Walked home.
Lulu: (Pause) I'm sorry.
Tiffany: So… are you having a boy or a girl?
Scene: Los Angeles—beach hotel—night
Nick anxiously waits for Alvin to get back. Glances at his watch. Finally grabs the room keycard and goes looking for him.
Scene: The beach—moments later
Alvin sits on the sand—gazing out at the water.
Nick: Alvin! (Walks over and sits down beside him) I missed ya.
Alvin: (After a moment) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It's a Greek phrase. “A” meaning negative. “Myo” meaning muscles. “Trophic” meaning nourishment. I'm trying to get my mind around it, you know? Motor neurons degenerate… until the brain can't send impulses to the muscles. When the muscles can't receive messages, they atrophy. (Emotionally) And my brain… my brain stays the same.
Nick: I'm sorry.
Alvin: So, Nick… I was thinking… seeing how far west I could swim. (Near tears) I don't know if I have it in me.
Nick: What about Victoria?
Alvin: Oh… she's gonna walk away. At least she should. I mean, what was I thinking. I mean… I am gonna die. I am gonna die, Nick. You know that. You don't have to sit here.
Nick: I know. I know.
Scene: Retreat hotel—Jake and Burton's room
Jake and Burton pack for the return home. No words are spoken.
Scene: Los Angeles—beach hotel
Alvin finishes packing in the bedroom. Nick calls out from the sitting room.
Nick: Alvin, I'm ready. Uh… (Checks his watch) I'm just gonna head down to the lobby and wait.
Alvin: Shall I call a cab?
Nick: Already got us a limo. I'll see ya down there.
Alvin: All right.
Nick exits. Seconds later… a knock at the door.
Alvin: One second! (Knocking continues) I'm comin', Nick.
He opens the door to find Jennifer and his son standing there. After a moment, he steps aside and they enter.
Scene: Pittsburgh International Airport--evening
Nick and Alvin walk through the terminal.
Nick: Well, Alvin, the weekend was, uh… fantastic.
Alvin: Yeah. It was. And thank you, uh… with my son. Thanks for settin' that up.
Nick: Oh, thank you. Need a ride?
Alvin: No, I've got it.
They see Victoria coming towards them.
Nick: I'm sure you do. (To Victoria as he passes) Hey.
Alvin: Hey.
Victoria: Hey. (They embrace) Did you have fun?
Alvin: We did.
Victoria: Did you stay outta trouble?
Alvin: Yes. (They kiss) Let's go home.
They walk arm in arm down the corridor.
Scene: Lulu's house—later
Lulu comes down the stairs to answer a knock at the door.
Lulu: Hang on! (She opens the door to Nick) Hey. You're back.
Nick: Sorry to just drop in on you.
Lulu: That's okay.
Nick: I just, uh… Well, I really wanted to see you.
Lulu: Come in. (She smiles—happy to see him)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office—next day
Alvin packs his personal belongings. Lulu walks in.
Lulu: I don't want you to go.
Alvin: Well, that's kind, Lulu, but, uh…
Lulu: Alvin, this is your clinic. I mean, I'm here, but, I'm just… This is your clinic.
Alvin: Thank you.
Lulu: So you'll stay?
Alvin: You want me to stay?
Lulu: Yes.
Alvin: Why? Because I'm sick?
Lulu: Because… you're indispensable… believe it or not.
Alvin: (Near tears) Thank you.
Lulu: You know, I, uh… I had an interesting weekend with one of your clients.
Alvin: Really?
Lulu: Tiffany Skovich?
Alvin sighs.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Bernard Lutz' chambers
Alvin knocks on the open door.
Judge Lutz: Alvin.
Alvin: (Walks in) How are you, Bernie?
Judge: I'm fine. What can I do for you?
Alvin: I just, uh… wanna apologize for saying what I said. I was way outta line telling you to shove it up your ass like that. But the main reason I'm here is my client, Tiffany Skovich. (Hands the file to Lutz) I need to get her back into Jane's Place.
Judge: (Scans the file) Uh… she was expelled for repeated curfew violations.
Alvin: Well, she fell in love with a boy from Sewickley Prep. Didn't want him to drop her off at a shelter for teenage hookers, you know?
Judge: I understand but, uh…
Alvin: She deserves another chance.
Judge: She's already had four.
Alvin: Then give her five.
Judge: No. Sorry. (Hands him back the file)
Alvin: We've been friends a long time, Bernie.
Judge: Right.
Alvin: Want you to know… I have ALS.
Judge: My, God, Alvin. I'm so sorry.
Alvin: So… won't be asking you for many more favors… not for much longer anyway.
Judge: You're manipulating me.
Alvin: I am.
Judge: You're a bastard.
Alvin: So are you.
They have a good chuckle.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Jake knocks.
Burton: Come in.
Jake: (Enters) You wanted to see me?
Burton: Yeah, hey. Come on in. Sit down. How ya doing?
Jake: Good.
Burton: Listen, uh… what you said about Nicholas… I think you're right. There are times when I favor him… and I just wanted you to know that, uh… I'm gonna keep that in mind. Thank you.
They shake hands. Nick observes this through the glass. Jake opens the door to leave and is startled to see Nick. Nick walks past him as Jake exits.
Jake: Hi, Nick.
Nick: Hey, Jake. So, uh… Dad, uh… about the weekend…
Burton: Well, I thought you said it was personal. I'll take you at your word.
Nick: Right. Well, I can explain why I had to go.
Burton: (Doesn't look up) I'll take you at your word, Nicholas.
Nick: (Long pause) Right.
Realizes he's been dismissed. Exits.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Alvin walks in.
Alvin: She won't let me off the hook.
Nick: Whadaya mean?
Alvin: I told Victoria. She still wants to get married.
Nick: Well, that's great news. (Big smile)
Alvin: So, like it or not, you're stuck being my Best Man. (Nick nods) You know… I've been thinking… 'bout that healer.
Nick: Right.
Alvin: Well, who knows? Maybe it worked.
Nick: Maybe.
Alvin: If it didn't…
Nick: Well, maybe it did work.
Alvin: (Smiles) Lou Gehrig's final season—1939. Something was wrong with him; didn't know what it was. He still played in eight games. Still got four hits.
Nick: Four?
Alvin: Year before that… three years before he died… Gehrig batted two ninety five; hit twenty-nine home runs. Twenty-nine.
Nick: Wow. (Shakes his head)
Alvin: Think about it, Nick. That's a lotta hitting.
Nick glances past Alvin into the bullpen. Alvin turns around to see Lulu standing with Tiffany and her social worker.
Alvin: (To Nick) Excuse me. (Walks out and approaches the group. To Tiffany) This is it. You know that. No more missing curfews.
Tiffany: Right.
Alvin: I mean it. I… I can't keep getting you outta these situations. And, Tiffany, you're gonna have to give me my key back.
She sheepishly hands him the key.
Alvin: You're a great kid, Tiffany. Try to stay put.
Lulu: Uh… you can step into my office. I'll be right in. (Tiffany and her social worker go to Lulu's office) (To Alvin) You gave her your key?
Alvin: I did no such thing.
Lulu smiles and walks to her office. Alvin takes another look at Nick and smiles, then walks away.
END OF EPISODE
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