CHUCK VS A NEW BEGINNING
EPISODE 3: SURPRISE VISIT
BURBANK BUY MORE / BURBANK, CA
A.J. Casino walked into the Burbank Buy More and surveyed the scene. He wanted to get some insight on Chuck, so he thought it would be helpful to scout out where his niece's new "boyfriend" had been working the last couple of summers.
He took a walk around the store, knowing the layout of Buy More stores are the same no matter their location. He was dismayed at what he saw. Most of the store was empty. Employees out-numbered customers, and employees not assisting customers were standing around in groups chatting without keeping an eye out for more customers. The store was a disaster from top to bottom. He wondered to himself how the store could possibly stay in business.
As Casino continued his walk around the store, someone barreled into him as they were coming around the corner from the next aisle. He looked down at a small young man in a green shirt laying on the floor in surprise. Casino extended his hand and helped the kid up. On closer inspection, he was small for his age and looked like he was trying, somewhat successfully, to grow a beard.
"I'm extremely sorry for running into you sir, I didn't see you there."
Casino shook it off before speaking back. He had spied the name tag, and made sure to use his name.
"No harm done, Morgan. Besides, collisions can happen when coming out of aisle corners because there's a bit of a blind spot. Happens in grocery stores all the time too. Judging by your age, do you know a Chuck Bartowski?"
Morgan quickly answered, "Chuck's my best friend in the whole world. We've known each other since childhood, very smart and knows his electronics. In fact, he works as one of the Nerd Herders here every summer. He's about to leave and start college at Stanford."
Casino nods, "I know about him leaving for Stanford. Just left him about an hour ago in Santa Monica. He didn't know I was coming here."
Morgan was shocked, "Chuck's in Santa Monica? I hope he left Ellie a note saying where he's going to be. She's over-protective like a Mama Bear with a cub."
Casino turned serious, "Actually Morgan, Chuck's been in Santa Monica since yesterday."
Morgan asked, "He's been there since yesterday? Ellie's gonna be worried he didn't come home. She knows he doesn't have the money for a place to stay."
Casino assured him, "By the time he finished, it was late into the evening. He would've been sitting on a bus in all that traffic, and would've gotten home very late. He knew Ellie's schedule enough to know she had a late class last night and an early class today. He didn't want to interrupt her sleep coming in so late. That's why he stayed in Santa Monica.
Morgan asked, "So how did he find a place to stay?"
Casino bluntly explained, "He had a run-in with a few friends and family of mine. My niece accidently ran him over at the beach yesterday while they were playing football. She then decided to use him for a pillow after he broke her fall. One thing led to another. They talked for a while. By then it was late so he stayed the night with them because of the bind he was in as we just discussed."
Suddenly, the thunderous voice of Big Mike Tucker bellowed, "Grimes! What are you doing standing around chit-chatting, go help some customers and look busy!"
Casino raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me sir, are you the Manager?"
Big Mike turned his head and eyes grew wide seeing this man in his store. How could he be so stupid! A multi-billionaire's standing there, not once did anybody pay him any attention. This wasn't good at all.
Casino could tell by the recognition in Big Mike's eyes that he knew exactly who he was. This could work to his advantage. He can give this store a much-needed sales boost while getting some insight into this Chuck Bartowski fellow that seems to have Hailey's attention.
Big Mike immediately began apologizing for his lack of professionalism, "Mr. Casino, I'm very sorry for ignoring you like that sir. Please, let me personally help you any way I can with any purchases here at the Buy More."
Casino was amused by the sucking up tactic from Big Mike. However, seeing the big man squirm like a fish wasn't really his style. He figured he could let him off the hook, and find out all he needs to know about Chuck without many questions. He calmly put his hand on Big Mike's shoulder to steady the big guy.
"Mr. Tucker, please don't give yourself a stroke on my account. We need to have a chat in your office about a special young man that my niece seems to like. The other reason I came here is because I need to make an extremely large amount of purchases. Think of this as a nice business arrangement. You tell me everything about Chuck Bartowski and I will show my gratitude by making today the highest sales and money day this store has ever seen."
Big Mike's eyes were wide as saucers; he immediately showed Casino the way to his office. Casino stopped for a second, "Morgan, when I finish talking to your boss. I'd be honored if you join me….for lunch that is. And yes, that was a reference to the Cloud City scene in Empire Strikes Back."
Morgan went bug-eyed after hearing this multi-billionaire knew about Star Wars enough to quote particular scenes. Casino just shakes his head. Sometimes it's just too damn easy to have this much fun. Knowing that Hailey and Chuck are still own their own and have no idea he is here, he can really work his magic.
CASA BARTOWSKI / ECHO PARK, CA
Chuck and Hailey had just arrived at the apartment complex. They figured that since he hasn't been home since yesterday he needed to check in. At the least, he can get a change of clothes and see what Ellie's schedule looks like for the week. He opened the door, and being the gentleman that he is allowed Hailey to walk in before him. Once inside, he was surprised to see Ellie and Devon cuddling up on the sofa watching television.
"Ellie, Captain, what are you two doing home? Thought you had class this morning?"
Ellie didn't even look up, "We did. Just got in about ten minutes ago, it was our short day. Speaking of days..."
She turns her attention on to her brother, "Where were you last night? I came home and you weren't here, when I checked again this morning you're bed wasn't even slept in."
Chuck looks down at the floor before feeling Hailey squeeze his hands in a show of support.
"I was at the beach yesterday just enjoying the day, that is until someone ran me over."
He looks at Hailey with an amused grin on his face making her laugh; that's when Ellie and Devon both notice Chuck wasn't alone.
Devon asked, "So Chuckster, who's your friend?"
Hailey answered for him, figuring she could explain the situation better.
"Hailey Smith. Chuck and I met yesterday after a little incident at the beach. I was playing beach football with a few of my friends. The ball was over-thrown and Chuck was the unintended target."
Ellie began showing "Mama-Bear" mode, "What do you mean he was the target?"
Chuck explains, "The football was meant for Hailey, instead it was over her head and headed right at me. Thankfully, one of her friends gave me a warning and I didn't end up like Marcia Brady."
Hailey joked, "That look wouldn't have been a good one on you."
Ellie didn't understand the reference, "What are you talking about?"
Hailey explained, "That one scene in Brady Bunch when the boys were playing football. One of the boys threw a pass just as Marcia opened the door. She got hit in the face and received a broken nose."
Devon smirked, "Well at least that didn't happen to you bro."
Chuck laughed, "Thankfully it didn't, I received something much different than that."
Devon's curiosity was piqued, "Which was?"
Chuck shrugged, "Getting ran over like roadkill by someone."
Hailey caught Ellie's eyes widen at that, she quickly explains what happened before the tirade starts.
"After Chuck caught the ball, I ran him over. I couldn't stop myself in time; we collided and landed on the sand."
Chuck points out, "More like I landed on the sand. You on the other hand, had an instant pillow to land on."
Hailey laughs, "Yes I did, and he was very comfortable too."
Ellie interrupts them with worry, "Did you get injured or hurt? At least let us check you over."
Chuck waives her off, "I'm fine El. In fact, I never really felt the impact off hitting the sand because my mind was elsewhere."
Hailey jokes, "That seems to happen quite a bit. Do you leave a trail of bread crumbs for your mind to find it's way back?"
Chuck fires back, "Very funny. I recall you're mind was in the same place mine was."
Hailey counters, "Which was a good thing. Otherwise, it would've been lost permanetly."
Devon couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. Ellie abandons her worrying after seeing the by-play between the two. She notices the chemistry between her little brother and this mystery girl, you'd have to be blind not to.
Chuck tries switching tactics, "Well someone obviously seemed to think I was a bed. She definitely wasn't in a hurry to leave anytime soon."
Hailey saw the mischief in his eyes, two could play that game.
"Unlike Goldilocks, it didn't take me three tries to find the bed that was just right. You're right, I wasn't in any hurry to leave. Speaking of which, I wasn't hearing any complaints from you either."
Chuck blushed on the spot, Devon laughed out loud, and Ellie was in shock, her mouth agape and her eyes wide. Hailey looks at everyone in the apartment and with mischief still shining in her eyes, she turns it up another notch. She grabs Chuck by the back of his head and plants a deep passionate kiss on his lips for a few seconds before releasing him.
"Thank you Chuck, for being my handsome hero."
Chuck was blushing heavily, his face was beet red. Ellie let out a squeal of "Ellie Joy", while Devon just chuckled "Awesome!"
Hailey turned back to Ellie, "I also wanted to apologize to you Ellie."
Ellie didn't understand, "Apologize? What for?"
Hailey explains, "For last night. By the time we finished talking, it was late. Chuck was kind of caught in a bind. He knew you had class last night, plus an early one this morning. With sitting on the bus in traffic, he would've been quite late getting back. He didn't want to wake you when he came in. That's also why he didn't call, he was being considerate.
Chuck stayed with me last night. My uncle owns numerous resorts and properties around the world. He has two of them in Santa Monica, and we had Chuck stay the night."
Devon interjected, "It makes sense why Chuck didn't call you El, he didn't want to distract you from driving back home either."
Ellie wanted to point out that Chuck's her little brother and needed to contact her so she wouldn't worry, but thought better of it. This Hailey girl obviously seems to like her brother enough to make sure he was taken care of when she wasn't there, that earned her some points in Ellie's book.
"Thank you for watching out for my little brother. He tends to be forgetful about things."
Chuck heard Ellie's tone, making him feel like he was six years old again. He was wishing that time could speed up so he could leave for Stanford, just so he could get away from her over-protectiveness and being treated like a child. Hailey also picked up on it and changed the subject.
"Chuck, why don't you go freshen up and get some clothes for today? Don't forget to pack something for tonight, remember we still have a date later."
Chuck wasn't sure if he heard her right, until he caught the look in Hailey's eyes. She just provided him with an escape from Ellie's focus, and an excuse for being gone. He definitely needs to thank her later. He gave her a quick kiss that did not go unnoticed by Ellie, before heading for his room.
"Excuse me for my lack of manners, why don't you come sit and join us Hailey. Could I offer you something to drink?"
Hailey gratefully smiles, "Bottle of water will be fine, thank you Ellie."
Ellie went into the kitchen to retrieve the bottle, about that time Chuck emerged in a clean change of clothes, carrying a backpack with extra clothes for the night. Before another word could be spoken, there was a knock at the door. Since Chuck was already up, he answered the door.
A.J. Casino looked imposing standing in the doorway, yet he addressed Chuck kindly.
"Good afternoon Chuck. I know you and Hailey have plans for your day, would you mind if I talk to you? I know earlier was unexpected for you both."
Chuck stepped to the side allowing the man into the apartment, "Please come in Casino. Hailey is here and we kinda surprised my sister and her boyfriend. Anything I can offer you to drink, bottled water or tea?"
Casino smiled gratefully, "Bottle of water's fine. Thank you, Chuck. You said Hailey's here along with your sister and her boyfriend?"
Chuck nodded, "Yes sir. They're in the living room. Why don't you join us while I get your drink."
Casino nods in return as he follows Chuck inside. Ellie notices the new addition immediately.
"Chuck, why didn't you say we had another guest? Hello there, I'm Chuck's older sister Ellie."
Casino turned up the charm, "Nice to meet you Ellie. Chuck never mentioned his sister was a supermodel."
He shakes her hand before kissing the back of it, Ellie was seriously blushing now. Chuck and Devon both were fighting back laughter. Seeing that Ellie was swooning from Casino's charm, Hailey decided to save Ellie from her charming uncle.
"Uncle A.J.! Quit embarassing poor Ellie. We don't need her turning into a puddle. Devon will think you're trying to take his girlfriend away."
Casino chuckled, "Way to ruin my fun Squirt. Besides, I was in the area and thought I'd drop by to talk with them about Chuck."
Hailey was really interested, "What do you have up your sleeve Uncle?"
Casino joked, "My arm obviously. What else could it possibly be?"
Hailey just gave him a serious glare and folded her arms across her chest, Casino seeing that look made him laugh.
"Now if you were another few inches taller and your hair was completely shaved, you'd be your Grandfather's Mini-Me in that pose."
Chuck could see that Hailey was starting to get a little agitated, her eyes had changed into a dark stormy color.
"Sweetheart, I think we need to get going and let these folks chat. We've got things to get done today, don't we?"
Hailey was grateful for Chuck's quick thinking, she was ready to fire back at Casino. This way they could get back to Santa Monica and enjoy more time together.
"We sure do sweetie, thanks for reminding me. Are you ready?"
Chuck could see the playful spark return to her eyes, "Yes I most certainly am. After you milady."
Casino gave one last parting shot, "You two go have some fun, I don't need to have any chaperones for you now do I?"
Hailey laughed, "No we don't. You might need one though."
Casino smiled, "Very funny Squirt. Go on and git, will ya."
Hailey smiled and pulled Chuck out the door. Ellie was a witness to the playful banter and saw how much this girl was rubbing off on Chuck. She couldn't help but wonder if this was just a summer romance or the beginning of something much more, maybe like her and Devon have.
