THREE YEARS LATER
Chapter 2
THE SCENE OPENS as Maddie and Mac volley back and forth during her tennis lesson on a Tuesday night. Across the way, a familiar figure wearing black pants, a black button up shirt with two or three buttons open in front revealing dark chest hair, hands in pockets, makes his way over to the bleachers and takes a seat. It has been a week and a half since the kiss in the car and Maddie and David have thought about each other every day since, but haven't reached out. Maddie spots David and picks up her game…smashing balls back, making great plays, returning almost impossible shots from Mac. The ball flies back and forth until Maddie finally gently tips it over the net where Mac can't get to it in time.
Mac: (winded.) Great play Maddie.
Over at the bleachers, David stands and claps loudly.
David: Wooo- hooo…Mad-day! Very impressive.
Mac, caught by surprise, looks towards the bleacher section to see who is throwing his student such accolades and Maddie leans on her racket with a sideways semi-unamused smile on her face. Mac looks back at her with a questioning look.
Maddie: David.
Mac is pleasantly surprised and curious…Maddie has told him nothing about what transpired a week and a half ago…he looks at his watch,
Mac: Let's take five…
He begins picking up balls around the court and Maddie walks over to David…he calls to her as she moves closer.
David: That is a sexy look…
Maddie: So, are the applause for my outfit or the way I play?
David: You know I always like watching you handle a ball…
Throws him a sly look.
Maddie: David…
David: Joke…joke, bad joke. (Grins.) You played great out there…
Maddie: Thanks! (Shifts.) what are you doing here, David?
David: Checking in on my friend…taking an active interest in her new hobby…
Maddie: Really…
David: Really. So, what time do you finish up?
Maddie: 8:30…why?
David: (Looks at his watch; it's 8pm.) I thought I might be able to interest you in a little din din?
Maddie: (looks unsure.) Din din…tonight?
David: Well…I figured you have to eat, right? And I have to eat…so, what's the harm in eating…somewhere, together, at the same place and the same time…you know?
Maddie: Right…right…I understand, makes sense, but tonight isn't good.
David: Isn't good?
Maddie: Tonight isn't good, I have plans…
David: Plans?
Maddie: I have plans David, (gestures.) Mac and I were going to grab a drink after practice.
David: (Squints over at Mac; nods.) Ohhhh, I see…
Maddie: Yeah…I'm sorry, if you'd told me earlier…
David: So…you and Matt…
Maddie: Mac…
David: You and Mac…(points his fingers between them…suggesting…) You're pretty…close?
Maddie: Yeah…we're getting to be…
David: I see…yeah…well, no…makes sense…good looking guy like that…
Maddie: Mac…(looks over at him.) Oh, I know, isn't he gorgeous?
David: Well…yeah, if you go for that ken-doll type. Me, myself, I'd prefer someone a little rougher around the edges…you know…but…
Maddie: Rougher around the edges?
David: Well…yeah, but with some incredible bone structure…(gestures to his own face.)
Maddie: Oh…no…David,…Mac…and me? We're not close like that.
David: Not close like that?
Maddie: Not close like that…well…I'm not exactly his type.
David: (Licks his lips and takes her in.) Not his type? I hate to be the one to tell you Maddie, but you're every man's type.
Maddie: Well, not his…
David: Oh…I see, so, what…does he have a thing for brunettes or something?
Maddie: (Laughs) No…David, Mac is gay.
David: (Laughs, relieved. Breaths out.) Gay? Great! I mean…yeah…great, that's great.
Maddie: Yeah, he's a great guy…and a wonderful instructor.
Mac can't help but overhear some of Maddie and David's conversation and catches something about dinner tonight…
Mac: (Calls over.) Hey Maddie…if you want to go to dinner, we can have a drink next week…it's all the same to me…
David: (Smiles.) Yeah, Maddie…if you wanna have dinner tonight…(gestures towards Mac.) Looks like you're free.
Maddie: (calls) Are you sure Mac?
Mac: Positive, I'm a little tired anyway…we'll do it next week.
Maddie: (Looks at David.) O….k…(gestures behind her towards the court.) …I'm just going to…
David: I'll be right here when you're finished. (calls over to Mac.) Thank you Mac!
Mac waves at David and he and Maddie continue her lesson – she plays better that night than she ever has. After the lesson as they pack up…
Mac: (Under his breath.) What is going on? How is he here?
Maddie: (Smiles.) I'll see you next week Mac.
Mac: Really? You're going to leave me hanging like this?
Maddie: We'll talk next week…over a drink.
She puts her tennis bag over her shoulder and moves to kiss Mac on the cheek.
Maddie: Thank you for tonight.
Mac: You owe me…a good story at least.
Maddie: (Smiles.) Promise. Next week Mac.
Mac: Have fun tonight darling….you deserve it.
Maddie smiles and walks towards David who is waiting for her by the exit. He waves goodbye to Mac and Mac waves back. When Maddie gets close, David takes her tennis bag off her shoulder and slips it on his as he opens the door for her.
Maddie: Thanks.
David: You're welcome.
They make their way to the parking structure chatting about the week. Maddie hands David the keys to the car as they approach and he walks slightly ahead to open the passenger door for her. Driving…
Maddie: So…where are you taking me?
David: Oh, just a quiet little bistro.
Maddie: A quiet little bistro, huh? Sounds romantic…almost date-ish…
David: Date-ish? Nonsense…just a quiet little place where friends hang out.
He smirks, their eyes catch a smoldering look, and he drives on.
CUT TO: At dinner, Maddie and David chat and catch up on some of their old employees. Ms. Dipesto works with Maddie at Moonbeams Consulting managing the office just as she did at Blue Moon. Bert works as a junior detective at another detective agency in town and of course, they are still married and have a daughter named Clara after Agnes' mom.
David: (Chewing.) Well, something good came out of Blue Moon, those two kids getting together…and having kids.
Maddie: Yeah, I know, it's great…they're perfect together…and I don't know what I'd do without Agnes…when's the last time you saw her?
David: Dipesto? (Thinks.) Last month?
Maddie: (Surprised.) Last month? Really?
David: Yeah, well…we have dinner…what? 'Bout once a month…
Maddie: Really…? Wow, she never told me.
David: (Smiles.) Really? Eh, doesn't surprise me, that woman is undyingly loyal to each of us, equally…she never offers up any information about you either.
Maddie: That really is the beautiful thing about her.
They talk about how they've lost track of some of the other employees like McGillicuddy, O'Neal, Jurgenson and Jaime…but they laugh trying to guess and suppose where they might be and what they might be doing based on their personalities and work ethics. They're really having a great time.
David: (Laughing.) Remember that…remember that time…
Maddie: (Smiling) What…
David: That time we got buried up to our necks in dirt in that graveyard…
Maddie: (Laughs) and that dog almost used your head for a toilet…
David: And they had us tied up in the shower and we turned the water on to loosen the stockings...
Maddie: And you made us jump up and down…
David: And that soap was squirting up in-between us? We were laughin'!
Maddie and David crack up like back then…
David: (Dabs tears from laughing.) Awwww, that's great…I was just telling my girlfriend the other day about some of the crazy cases we took on over at Blue Moon…
Maddie suddenly feels like she's been stabbed in the heart. The atmosphere changes.
Maddie: (cold.) Your girlfriend!?
David: (Flabbergasted. That just slipped out.) Uh…my…my…(scratches his head.) did I say, girlfriend...?
Maddie: (Annoyed.) Funny, I don't remember you mentioning you had a girlfriend…
David: No…well…uh…yeah…I've been seeing somebody…but…
Maddie: (Stiff.) …but forgot to mention it.
David: …well, why would I mention it?
Maddie: (Clearly hurt.) No…no, you're right David, why would you mention it…it would be too honest, too transparent…
David: That's not fair…
Maddie: (Raises voice.) Oh really? Where does she think you are right now, huh? Does she know you intercept me in parking garages? Does she know that you showed up at my lesson tonight to take me out? What about what happened last week…in the car? Does she know about that? Does she David?
Other patrons are staring.
David: (Looks down at his hands.) No.
Maddie: Really honest…really, transparent. So…as far as I can tell…you're kinda playing both sides of the field to see which one works out.
David: (Leans towards her, raises voice.) Wait a minute here Maddie…you and are friends and nothing more, we agreed on that right? Ok, we kissed…but it didn't mean…
Maddie: …it didn't mean anything? Thanks!
David: No…that's not what I was gonna…
Maddie: (Scoffs.) Just when I think I'm seeing a different side of you…I'm reminded of why you are the lowest…the dirtiest…the foulest creature I have ever met. I have no room in my life for a man who would cheat on anybody…
David: Cheat!? Come on, Maddie, I haven't done anything wrong!
Maddie: (Stares at him dumbfounded.) You really believe that?
David: Yes, I really believe that.
Maddie: Then, we have nothing more to talk about. I'm leaving. Go home to your girlfriend, David.
Maddie gets up, throws her napkin on the table and storms out of the restaurant leaving David looking embarrassed…he facepalms himself, throws down his napkin, pays the bill and goes out to hail a cab. He tries for about ten minutes, but no cabs stop for him…
David: (To himself.) Banner night…
…So David starts to walk home. His mind is reeling…here he is, making an honest effort to do things the right way with Maddie this time around and he'd already screwed it all up. She was right, what was he thinking with Melissa? Truth was, she didn't factor into any of this in any real way…he just hadn't gotten around to telling her yet that he didn't see it going anywhere. He hadn't even slept with her since he'd been out with Maddie a few weeks ago…he saw her once at a friend's party and made an excuse to leave early. Why did he mention her?
David: (To himself.) So stupid.
He should have been smarter…should have gotten rid of her the day Maddie came back into his life. Sure, they say "friends" to each other, but that was only because they were always too scared to put something real out there themselves…but the feelings between them just can't be denied. It's always going to lead somewhere. It starts to rain. David pulls up his collar, tucks his hands in his pockets and moves faster. After a bit he ends up in front of her house…he stares up at the window, the light is on…he takes a deep breath and trots to the porch and rings the bell. After a minute she opens the door.
Melissa: David…you're soaking. Come in.
David: No…no thanks…this will only take a minute.
CUT TO: Maddie at home fuming…pacing and drinking a glass of chardonnay from her crystal goblet.
Maddie: (To herself out loud.) Uggg. That…that…two-timing…lying…cheating…rapscallion. (as her father would say.)
Yes, they say friends…but come on, they both know where this was heading…what the feelings between them mean. For him to keep a girlfriend secret after they'd spilled their hearts out to each other the last time they were together. For him to come find her…take her out…flirt…kiss her…all those things, with a girlfriend waiting somewhere? Absolutely unacceptable. If he could do that to…to….this, Melinda, whoever she is…sneak around behind her back, what's to stop him from doing it in the future!? Good thing he is showing his true colors early in the game this time…before she's strapped with three kids, waiting for David Addison to return home from his latest fling!
CUT TO: David walks in the rain feeling like such an ass…he'd just basically stood on Melissa's doorstep and told her it was over. Period. End of story. No explanation, no apologies, nothing. The look on her face was hard to see…she looked like someone had slapped her. She cried. But nothing more was said…he just turned around and left.
David: You're batting a thousand today, Addison.
He stops in at the first bar he finds, towels off in the bathroom and bellies up at the bar.
Bartender: You look like you've had a night.
David: You don't know the half of it.
Bartender: Well, how about a shot of tequila on me?
David: I'd say that's the only good news I've heard today…actually, make it a double, with a beer back…and thank you.
The bartender nods and begins to pour. David eyes the payphone at the back of the bar. Normally he would call Maddie…or show up at her house. But, that never seemed to get him anywhere. As far as he remembers, it's what led her to feeling trapped and pressured, when he would show up and talked her into things. Well…just because he screwed up on this thing with Melissa by not breaking it off earlier, doesn't mean he's going to completely fall back into his old ways and lead them down that old path. David downs his tequila shot and takes a long draw off his beer…no, he had to be smarter this time…with some things at least.
David: Let it breathe Dave…let it breathe.
CUT TO: Maddie had relaxed in the tub longer than usual tonight and thought about the evening's events. No wonder she was scared out of her mind last time they tried this…they couldn't get through two "dates" without everything going to hell! She kicks herself for stepping foot on this roller coaster…what had all her years in therapy taught her? David Addison builds and crushes relationships for sport…he's never going to be the type to commit! So, why…why …why did life keep bringing them back together and producing these intoxicating, overwhelming, almost irresistible feelings between them? Was she supposed to live in a world like this with David, where everything is always a little unsure…you're never stable on your feet? Or, was she meant to be with someone more like her ex Det. Sgt. Donnigan…who was a wonderful man…but a bit stodgy, and preferred routine…planning. Maddie found that two planners together can really put a damper on life…they hardly ever had any fun. Well, between the two she preferred just being alone…it seemed the easiest option. Well, she was happy about one thing, David had given her time to think…she was fully expecting him to call…half expecting him to pound on her door…and she still hoped to God he wouldn't climb up her lattices tonight and make his way through her bedroom French doors off the balcony! She wanted to be alone…and she wanted sleep!
CUT TO: The next day Maddie drives to work with her morning cup of joe, solid gold hits and thinks about David. They needed to talk…and she wasn't going to do the usual thing and wait until he chased her down. She needed to start doing things on her terms and not let him overwhelm her and drive her to the point where she wants to run to some foreign country and hide under a bed. She passes the high-rise that holds Sloan Investigations on the way to work…she plans to pay a little visit to David later.
CUT TO: Moonbeams Consulting
Ms. Dipesto: (On phone.) Do you need some help with your business? Is it answers you seek? Hire us, we have openings next week. Wanna increase sales? Wanna lower payroll? Whatever your goal, let us know! We have the best team in town, we'll help you turn it around. Consultations start at $250 dollars and we accept clients in the lower 48 continental US states only. Thank you for calling Moonbeams Consulting, how may I help you?
Just then Maddie enters the office in a pale pink wrap dress, matching handbag and briefcase in hand. Agnes puts the call on hold.
Dipesto: Morning Ms. Hayes.
Maddie stops at the desk, sets the briefcase in her hand on the ledge and picks up a pile of messages, half paying attention to Dipesto.
Maddie: Morning Agnes.
Dipesto: You have a busy day, clients at 10, 11, noon and 3. What should I order you for lunch today?
Maddie: (Looks up.) Lunch?
Dipesto: (nods her curly locks.) Lunch.
Maddie: Ummm, I won't be having lunch…I'll be going out.
Dipesto: Going out?
Maddie: Going out.
Dipesto runs a pencil down her calendar and double checks Maddie's schedule.
Dipesto: Did I miss a lunch meeting with a client?
Maddie: No…no…I don't have a meeting with a client…
Dipesto: (surprised.) No?
Maddie: (feigning surprise.) No…
Dipesto: Then, what?
Maddie: (Lowers to a growl.) I'll be paying a visit to an old friend…
Maddie grabs her briefcase off the ledge of Dipesto's desk and storms into her office, closing the door firmly behind her. A smile spreads across Dipesto's face…there is only one person that brings that tone to Ms. Hayes' voice…
Dipesto: (To herself.) Could it be?
CUT TO: 1:30pm, The elevator opens on the 40th floor of Sloan Investigations and the elegant pumps of Maddie Hayes exit with a purpose and follows the signs to the detective agency. She enters the office as she slides off her sunglasses and approaches the young male receptionist…
Maddie: Hello…
Receptionist: (dumbstruck by her beauty.) Damn.
Maddie: Is David Addison in?
Receptionist: (Flustered.) A..A…Addison? (fumbles around with papers, pulls it together) Uh…he is…yes, yes…do you have an appointment?
Maddie: No…but I'm sure he'll see me…I'm…
Reggie Sloan: Maddie Hayes…
Reggie Sloan, the company owner, spots Maddie from across the office and walks towards her with a huge smile. They've known each other for years, since the Blue Moon days… they've networked at conferences, swapped tips at Investigation events and danced at balls. Reggie is very familiar with the history of Maddie and David, he's watched their relationship evolve over time, and he's witnessed their hot and cold rapport first-hand.
Maddie: (Smiles.) Reggie!
They walk towards each other and Reggie greets Maddie with a kiss on the cheek.
Reggie: What are you doing in this neck of the woods?
Having been buzzed by the receptionist, David saunters out of his office towards them with his hands in his pockets looking a little sheepish.
David: I fear she's here to bring me into the woodshed, Mr. Sloan…
David: Hi Maddie…
Maddie ignores him…Sloan deflects
Sloan: Uh-oh…what did you do now, Addison?
He looks at Maddie…
Sloan: This isn't a ploy to come steal back my best detective is it?…I heard you got out of the investigation field…
Maddie: (mocking) Him!? You think I'd come to take him back to my of place of business? Oh…no…Reggie…he's all yours.
Sloan smiles knowingly and clears his throat.
Maddie: And yes, after Blue Moon closed…I moved into consulting…
Reggie: Successful?
Maddie: It's been very…fruitful, yes.
Reggie: Well…Maddie…I am so happy to hear that. (looks at his watch) Opps, I've got an appointment, I'll let you guys get to…whatever it is you need to get to...
He places a hand on Maddie's arm and she leans forward.
Reggie: (Whispers in her ear.) Go easy on him…
He kisses her cheek as a goodbye, turns and gestures towards Maddie…
Reggie: David…
David: (Nods.) Thank you, sir.
All eyes of the staff of Sloan Investigations are on them. David gestures towards his office.
David: Right this way Ms. Hayes…
They enter David's office and he closes the door. Maddie turns around to face him.
Maddie: David Addison…you are an idiot.
David: Nice to see you too Maddie.
Maddie: What are you thinking?
Walks back behind his desk, sits down and kicks his feet up.
David: Thinking…I'm thinking I'd like a burger for lunch…I'm thinking I hope the Lakers win their game tonight…I'm thinking that Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers had the best duet of the 80s…Is that the "what are you thinking" you're talking about?
Maddie: No David…it's not…not even in the ballpark.
David: Can you be a little more specific?
Maddie: What are you thinking…pursuing me…pursuing anyone…when you've got a girlfriend!?
David: …I haven't got a girlfriend…
Maddie: (Not really hearing, forges on…throws up her hands.) Can you give me some kind of clue about how that makes sense in your twisted mind, starting up something with me…under these circumstances, given our past…because, any way I look at it, David, I just can't understand…
David: Are we starting something up?
Maddie: (Stops and looks at him.) Fine...fine…you want to do this? You want to dodge around the subject, be evasive, answer my questions with a question…fall back into old patterns…fine. But don't expect me to stick around for it.
She turns to leave and David leaps up and runs to block the door.
David: Wait…wait…wait.
They stand and look at each other.
Maddie: (Blinks her eyes down and looks back up.) …did you say you something about not having a girlfriend?
David: (earnestly.) Footloose and fancy-free…
Maddie: (shifts.) Boy, did that change fast.
He takes Maddie's elbow and walks her over to his couch and sits her down.
David: Hey…your wish is my demand, you say get rid of her, I get rid of her…you're not into harems, I didn't know that…that's where communication comes in…
Looks up at him with an annoyed face.
David: (serious.) I told her last night. She wasn't anyone serious, just someone I'd been seeing off and on for the last few months…and since I saw you…since you and I have seen each other again nothings even hap…I mean…well, you know what I mean (squints) I hope you know what I mean…anyway, that is done.
Maddie: Anyone else out there I need to know about?
David: (Joking. Throws his thumb towards the phone.) Well, I need to make a few more phone calls…but…
Maddie: David…
David: (Kneels down in front of her and takes her elbows.) She was no one special Maddie…you know that, right?
Maddie: (Her blue eyes meet his green.) I don't know anything…
David: Well, then I'm telling you. She was just another girl.
Maddie nods and looks at her hands.
David: (Stands and backs up.) So…you tell me something…why are you here Maddie?
Maddie: (Looks down at her hands while she speaks.) I'm here because I don't want to play the same old games. I want to be able to talk and get answers and not spend three years trying to admit that we're crazy about each other. But you should have told me about the girlfr…about that girl, David.
David: You're right…I should have…and you're right…I am an idiot…and you're right…we need to stop inferring and suggesting and be more upfront about our feelings and where this is going.
Maddie: Great, I agree…So…?
David: So…?
Maddie: You first Addison…
David: No…ah…I'd love to hear what you have to say…
Maddie: David…
David: Maddie.
Pause.
David: Right…ok. You want me to give it to you straight for once? You want to hear what I'm thinking…here it is. I want to take you out. I want you to be my girlfriend. I want us to give this a chance…be a couple and see where that leads us in the future. We've never made an honest go of it and I can't do ten more rounds of this until I'm rocking in the chair at the nursing home Maddie.
Maddie: Ok…
David: Starting now.
Maddie: Ok.
David: So, are you in…or do you have a wedding planned for this evening that I don't know about?
Maddie looks up and smiles sheepishly.
Maddie: I must be crazy…(puts her hand up.) DON'T…don't comment on that…but I'm in.
They both smile the biggest smiles you've ever seen…David puts his hands in his pockets and nods his head and looks around.
David: Not bad…this is not bad…only took us…what…(looks at his watch…) 7 years…three hours and 14 minutes get here…not bad at all…
Maddie laughs…and David takes her hands and pulls her to a standing position.
David: I can't believe I'm saying this…or I have to say this…and I know you haven't heard the term since the 8th grade…but, Maddie Hayes, will you be my girlfriend?
Maddie: (Smiles shyly.) Yeah…I think…maybe…that's the next best step. Yes…yes, David, I will be your girlfriend.
He pulls her shoulders forward and they kiss slow and sweet. He then puts his arm around her waist and walks her towards the door…smoothing his hair back on the side.
David: Yep…I still got it…end one relationship…and get a new one less than 24 hours later…
Maddie: (elbows him in the ribs.) Watch it, Addison.
David: (Pats her hip as they walk.) The last relationship…save the best for last…isn't that what they say?
Maddie: (smiling.) Yeah…yeah, that's what they say. Last one, huh? You think so?
David: I hope so…
Maddie walks along with him and nods. He opens his office door and walks her through the maze of cubicles to the front door...and as they pass co-workers and clients…
David: Mr. Brown…have you met my girlfriend, Maddie…
Gestures to her…she smiles and waves to each one…
David: Mrs. Miller… have you met my girlfriend, Maddie…
David: Mr. Green… have you met my girlfriend, Maddie…
To the young male receptionist…
David: Mr. Nelson… have you met my girlfriend, Maddie?
Nelson: I did sir.
David: And…what do you think?
Nelson: (Nervous as he idolizes David.) She's…she's great…
David: (Gestures to the both of them.) Do you think it's possible to find a better-looking couple in L.A.?
Nelson: N…no. sir.
David: Good answer Nelson…next sandwich off the roach coach is on me.
They stand in front of the office door. David looks at Maddie.
David: Say goodbye Maddie…
Catches his eye…
Maddie: (smiles.) Goodbye Maddie.
David: Very good. (gestures.) Now to them…
Maddie: Bye everyone!
Everyone smiles and waves and is taken aback with this show David is putting on. He's always jovial, but they've never seen him this happy and proud.
David walks Maddie to the elevator bank and wraps his arms around her lower back, she wraps her arms around his neck.
David: Can I take you out tonight?
Maddie: I would love that.
David: Pick you up at 8?
Maddie: I'll see you then.
Maddie drives back to Moonbeams Consulting with a song in her heart…did she and David just have a real honest to goodness conversation and come to a decision about something? Had they committed to each other? Was there even a promise of a future? No jumping forward then backward, no yin and yang, no hot and cold? Wow, now this was new territory.
CUT TO: Moonbeams Consulting – Maddie sails into the office with a spring in her step.
Maddie: Hi Ms. Dipesto!
Dipesto: (Mundane) Hi…(looks up and sees Maddie's glowing face. Stands.) Ms. Hayes! You look great!
Maddie: (Happy) I do?
Dipesto: You do!
Maddie: Well…thank you…
Dipesto: Does this have anything to do with your lunch plans…?
Maddie: Kinda…
Dipesto: Kinda?
Maddie: Sorta…
Dipesto: Sorta?
Maddie looks around at the other employees…
Maddie: Why don't you come to my office and I'll tell you about it.
Maddie and Agnes go into her office and Maddie tells her all about the last few weeks with David, running into David, re-hashing with David, David showing up to her lesson and everything that's happened since then….Agnes is over the moon.
CUT TO: Sky restaurant, a fancy place at the top of an L.A. skyscraper. David is in a dark suit and tie, Maddie is in a strapless, navy blue, fitted dress and gloves; they dance cheek to cheek. David expertly moves her around the dancefloor, which overlooks L.A., after a nice meal. They chat…
David: (Laughs.) I never told any of the employees they could leave at 4pm on Fridays…
Maddie: …That's what I was told, "Mr. Addison said we could…"
David: Nah…I think they were playing that old trick…ask mom and if she says no…tell her dad said it was ok…
Maddie: (Laughs.) Probably…my god…
David: You rang…?
Maddie: …we had the laziest bunch of employees at that place…
David: Yeah, what was their motto?
Together: No work and pay.
Maddie: Right…and they stuck to that…and you always protected them!
David: I just wanted to keep them around cause I knew business would pick up…
Maddie: And you were right…
David: Can I get that in writing?
Maddie: (scoffs.) sure.
David looks into her eyes,
David: 'Cmere
He pulls her close and tucks his nose into her hair.
Maddie: Nice night…
David: Yeah? 'Bout 75 degrees out there, isn't it?
Maddie: (Smiles.) No…not that David…nice night here…with you.
He spins her around and dips her back locking eyes the whole time…as she comes up she puts her hand on the back of his neck, pulls his face close to hers and kisses him passionately, her hand pulls at the back of his hair and she leans into him as they move, laying a few more kisses on him, David takes in her soft passionate lips having their way with him, her hand slides down to his cheek, pulling him closer for one more…when the kiss ends they're both a little dizzy.
Maddie: I love you, David.
David: (Looking deep into her eyes.) I love you too Maddie Hayes…I've always loved you.
They spend most of the evening on the dance floor, talking and kissing and enjoying each other's company…then, sometime late into the evening they take a walk on the veranda and overlook the city. Maddie holds onto David's arm as they take in the sights.
David: Let's see…over there is the Hollywood Sign…
Maddie: So, the Griffith Observatory is there…(Points.)
David: Yeah, we should go up there one night…haven't been there in years.
Maddie: Century City is that way…
David: Yep…home of Blue Moon…may it rest in peace…
Maddie: So, which direction is Santa Monica…
David: Puts his arm around her and points…
Maddie: Oh…right, ok…I was a little turned around.
David wraps his arms around her.
David: Maybe it's the champagne.
Maddie: I only had two glasses…
He laughs and looks at her in a more serious way.
David: How you doin'?
Maddie: (Thinks.) Me? Great…I feel great.
David: Ok…that's good. Just checking in…you're not feeling pressured…or stressed or any of those essed words, are you?
Maddie: (Laughs.) No David…I'm fine.
David: (Nods.) Ok.
Maddie: But I'll let you know if I do…
David: Yes…please, tell me before taking a red-eye somewhere outside this time zone.
Maddie: Deal.
David: Well…on that note…
He steps back and reaches into his jacket pocket.
Maddie: David…
David: Don't get nervous.
Maddie: Nervous…?
David produces a small velvet box and holds it in his hands out to Maddie.
David: Maddie…
Maddie: David…
David: When I think about everything we've been through…everything we've been to each other…the ups…the downs…the ins…the outs…(smiles.) and no I'm not making a veiled sexual joke here.
Maddie smiles with tears in her eyes.
David: When I think of this twisted journey we've been on…whatever the frustration, whatever the problems, even down to the worst things we've done to each other, the sad times too…and ok…there were a lot of good times in there…whatever those were, I can't imagine going through those things with anyone other than you.
Maddie puts her hands to her mouth.
Maddie: Oh, David…
He opens the box and a beautiful sparkling emerald ring shines out.
David: Now…this is not a proposal…that will be done in the future in another way…what this ring is, is a promise. A promise that I'll always be there for you. A promise that I see a future with you. A promise that we can weather any storm together.
He takes the ring out of the box and slides it onto Maddie's right ring finger. Maddie holds her hand out and takes in all the sparkling effects of the beautiful ring.
Maddie: Wow, David, this is perfect. I love it. Thank you.
She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him many times. Then they turn towards the view and she holds her finger out and they both look at how beautiful it is on her.
CUT TO: At the end of the night a limo drives them through the city. David and Maddie are all over each other in the back seat…and then suddenly, David leans up to the driver.
David: There will be two stops…
Maddie: (Surprised.) Two?
David: I'm not coming home with you tonight.
Maddie: Why not?
David: I think we should ease into this...
Maddie: Yes…but David…
David: I know, I know…I just think we need to take some things slow this time…and I know how that sounds having just given you a ring.
Maddie: So, what are you suggesting…waiting until marriage?
David: (Scoffs.) Good god no…(chuckles.) No…no, it's not that serious…I just don't want to make the same mistakes. Last time, when we were doing all that thrashing…you were so…unhappy.
David looks her up and down and licks his lips…
David: …and trust me, I would love nothing more than to thrash away…but I just think that so much has already happened…that we keep that…for another night (pets her head.) I don't want to overwhelm you.
Maddie: I'm fine David...and things are different this time…we're not hiding behind closed doors, everything is out in the open now (tugs at his tie.)…I've missed you David, come home with me.
David: I know…and I've missed you…I don't know, maybe this isn't making sense, it's just a feeling…
Maddie: Alright, alright…I get it, Addison…it probably is the smart…adult…mature thing… the right thing for us to do tonight…let's give everything a little time.
He tucks a piece of hair behind her ear and they kiss before David gets out at his place.
CUT TO: The next week; Maddie and Mac at the wine bar…Mac is holding Maddie's hand inspecting her beautiful ring.
Mac: Well…well…well…my darling…look at you…a week passes and you're practically married!
Maddie: Beautiful ring, huh?
Mac: It's stunning…and you're stunning wearing it. Look at you, you're absolutely glowing.
Maddie: I am happier than I've been in a long time Mac.
Mac: (teases.) Can I be your maid of honor, I look great in chiffon?
Maddie laughs.
Mac: Ok, so go on…he gives you the ring…and you're in the limo driving home…and he says you shouldn't sleep together…wow, that's so romantic. So…
Maddie: So…?
Mac: So…when do you think it will happen?
Maddie: Happen? Oh...it's happened…we didn't last an hour…I made the limo driver take me back to his place and we never left the house from Thursday to Sunday…
Mac: (Laughs.) Good girl…
To Be Continued…