Allie walked into the tavern, she finds Maxine sitting in one of the booths. She slid into the seat across from Maxine. A server came to the table to take their order. "What can I get you to drink?" The server asked Allie. "I will have a glass of Merlot, please." "Did you want ladies to order anything, an appetizer maybe?" "Sweet potato fries," they say in unison which made the server laugh. "Ok, I will put your order in." The server walked away. "Sooo, how are you?" Allie asked smiling. "I'm good but a little nervous about tomorrow night." says Maxine. "Where are you meeting him?" Allie asked. "He reserved a table at that posh new ewstaurant, Le Madeline's. It's supposed to be really good." Maxine smiles. "Yeah and a little pricy. Wonder what his expectations are?" Allie teasing. "Stop it, you are not easing my nerves at all." Maxine laughs. "You will be fine Maxi. Dating is like riding a bike... you will need a helmet." Allie said while giggling. Maxine swats Allie's arm. "Well, aren't you full of jokes tonight?" Maxine smirks. "How did it go yesterday with your new client?" Allie takes a deep breath. "It was painful to listen to the details but I was so….proud, I guess that's the right word at how well she handled herself. She struggled but I was amazed by her strength. I think she is going to get through this and be better for it." Allie says with admiration. "That's really good to hear, Allie. Last time we talked you said you were worried about how hearing Bea's story might affect you. How are you feeling now?" Maxie asked. "I thought I would be sucked back into that place, you know. That place where I felt helpless to protect my mother. But, I didn't feel that way with her. She is so strong where my mother wasn't. I felt like her strength kept me from sinking into that old feeling and I swear my strength anchored her to the present. That she felt safe in the room with me. That she could talk about her pain and remain intact." Allie shakes her head and looks away from Maxine suddenly feel exposed. "I don't know. There is something inspiring about her. Other women would have given up. But, she keeps fighting. She shows that through her daughter and through making the decision to leave the bastard." Allie says looking at Maxine. They were both quiet for a minute. "So what are you not telling me," asks Maxine with her eyebrow raised. "I don't know what you mean Maxine." Allie shakes her head. "Don't you? You said that there's something about her…is it just her strength?" Maxine asks. Allie frowns. " I saw her at the beach today. I couldn't help myself but to walk over and make sure she was doing okay. Franky, the woman who recommended me to Bea…" Maxine interrupts, "Bea, is that your client's name?" Allie nods. "Franky and I dated a few times but she's a player and as you know, I'm not so we ended up just being friends. Franky has a gift of being able to read people and their body language. She can tell you what you are feeling or thinking before you know it yourself. It's really annoying…" They both laugh. "At the beach, Franky noticed, what she called "a moment between Bea and me" and I wasn't aware of it but when I thought back to that moment…I realized there was a moment. Maybe not for Bea, but for me." Maxine sighed lightly. "What was the moment and what did it mean to you?" Maxine asked. Allie let out a sigh and shook her head. "I think I may be attracted to her. Before you say anything Maxi…I know why it's not a good thing. There are many reasons why it's not a good thing." Allie frowns. "What are they Allie?" Maxine asks knowing the answer already but making Allie say them out loud. "First and foremost, she is my client. I need to concentrate on her needs, not my own. There is the power dynamic. She is making herself incredibly vulnerable and I could hurt or manipulate her without even knowing that I am doing it. She is a damsel in distress and you know how drawn to that kind of woman I am. She is staying here temporarily. She is not even divorced yet…..have I listed them all?" Allie asks trying to avoid Maxine's gaze. "I think those will do for now. Look, I know you wouldn't deliberately hurt anyone but just like in my profession, you have an ethical code to abide by. I am not doubting that there is something special about her but like you said, she is a damsel in distress. I am concerned that you are saying that you know you should suppress your feelings for now but that you won't actually do it. She will need therapy, probably for a long while to deal with all of the trauma she has suffered. She won't be ready for a relationship until she heals, if even then. Even when she is ready to have an intimate relationship…. she is straight Allie," Maxine said gently. "So what are you saying? No one can resist the Novak charm." Allie asks laughing with little humor. "I'm just kidding. I get it Maxi. I really do. Thank you for listening and helping me think this through." Allie puts her hand on Maxine's arm. "You are a really good friend…and a really cheap therapist." Allie laughs. "Who said I am not sending you a bill?" Maxine says between giggling. The server brought their fries and refreshes their drinks.." "Enough about my drama. Tell me more about your boyfriend." Allie throws Maxi a wink.
It's Sunday morning and Bea wakes up alone in her bed. She can smell fresh coffee and bacon. She heads to the kitchen and hears laughing. Debbie is trying to flip an omelet and it flies out of the pan. Bridget is turning the bacon strips and everyone looked happy. A warm feeling washed over Bea. She was filled with love and saw what a real family could look like. :Good morning sleepyhead." Franky walked over and ruffled Bea's curly, red, mop of hair. "Morning," Bea says sleepily. " What's going in hear besides a mess." She eyes Debbie. "Franky is showing me how to flip an omelet with a pan." Debbie excitedly. "Apparently I am not doing a very good job of it." Franky laughs. Using the tongs, Bridget pulls the bacon from the pan and puts them on a plate. Franky takes a piece and shoves it in her mouth. Bridget swats her in the arm. "Bea, we wanted to take you and Debbie out tonight before heading back to the city. There is a new restaurant that has been getting rave reviews." Bridget says. "Oh, you don't need to do that Bridget." Bea says shyly. "Franky and I want to. We are so proud of you and you deserve a nice night out." Bridget says softly. "Yeah Red, lords knows that asshole never took you out anywhere nice." Franky says with anger in her voice. She suddenly realizes that she shouldn't have said that in front of Debbie. "Sorry Deb." Franky says quietly. "It's ok Franky, he is an asshole." Debbie shrugged. "What do you say Bea?" asks Bridget. "Debbie and I don't have anything nice to wear though." Bea looks uncomfortable. "Let's go shopping then. Our treat." says Bridget. "Oh, I couldn't let you do that, Bridget." Bea looks embarrassed. "Sure you can, Red. I can help you pick out something nice and Bridget can take Debbie to find a nice dress." says Franky. "You just want to see me try on clothes." Bea teases. "Fucking right I do." Franky laughs. Bridget looks at Franky and shakes her head. "Alright, let's eat breakfast and then we can head to town." Bea says. Debbie squeals in excitement.
"As much as I am enjoying the fashion show, pick a fucking outfit already, Bea." Franky shouts through the changing room door. Bea steps out of the dressing room wearing a form fitting black dress. It's a modest but classic style and Franky lets out a low whistle. Her eyes rake up and down Bea's body. Bea blushes from the neck up. "Stop it Franky. "Sorry Red, you just look so beautiful. I think you should get this one." Franky says with a look of approval. "You don't think it's too much?" Bea asks having not gotten dressed up in a long time. "Nah, it's an upscale restaurant so it's appropriate." Franky says reassuringly. Bea changes back into her clothes and Franky pays for the dress, pumps and a black handbag. "Bea saw the amount and was uncomfortable with how much Franky was spending on her. Franky sees Bea's face and says, "you're worth it, Red." Tears spring to Bea's eyes instantly. No one has ever said that to her before. "Now all you need are some earrings." Franky says while holding the door for Bea. They walk further down the shops and find a costume jewelry shop. Walking in they see Debbie and Bridget. Debbie and Bea pick out the accouterments to go with their dresses. As they head back to the car, Bea pulls Bridget aside. "Thank you so much, not only for the outfits but for your support. I hope you know how much it means to me." Bea says, her voice more raspy from the emotion stuck in her throat. "Bea, we love you. Nothing makes us happier than to see some light in your eyes. We will do whatever it takes to help you be happy." Bridget says with a loving smile. The tears flow and Bea hugs Bridget tightly. "Hey ladies, we haven't got all day." Franky yells. Bridget and Bea just laugh shaking their heads.
Later in the evening, Maxine is putting the finishing touches of her makeup. She is nervous. Allie is right though, it has been too long since Maxine has dated anyone. Maxine takes one last sip of the red wine she was drinking to calm her nerves and heads out the door. She arrives at the restaurant a little early so she decided to sit at the bar and orders a glass of wine. She checks her phone for a few minutes and looks up toward the front entrance. Joey walks in and sees Maxine. He smiles and they give each other a brief hug. "You look great." he says. "Thank you, so do you." Maxine smiles." They are seated near the entrance to the restaurant. " It's beautiful in here." Maxine says as she is looking around at the decor. "Yeah, hopefully the food is as good as the review say it is" Joey says nervously. "So tell me about yourself, Maxine." Joey asks. Maxine begins to tell him about herself when she notices that he is suddenly distracted. "What's the matter?" Maxine asks. She sees that he is looking behind her. "I see someone I know. I don't want to be rude but, can I go over and say hello to them?" Joey asks distractedly. Maxine says yes. Joey gets up and walks to the women that are about to pass by. Bea notices him immediately. Her heart starts pounding and her mouth goes dry. She's hoping that he doesn't see her. Joey walks straight for her. "Bea! What are you doing here?" he asks accusingly. Franky notices the tension in Bea's body and eyes Joey carefully wondering if it's the same Joey that Harry's friends with. It must be. Franky starts to move between them. "Hi Joey, Bea says nervously. "Harry's been worried sick about you. What are you doing here?" Joey is getting annoyed. He feels bad for his best friend and here is Harry's wife out and about on the town. He notices Debbie and she looks nervous. "Hi Deb." Joey says. Debbie manages to say hello even though it is clear she is scared. Joey looks back at Bea. "You need to go home Bea. This is not right." Joey says with a stern voice. Franky steps in. "Look Joey, Bea doesn't need to go anywhere and if you don't mind we are hungry and don't have time for lectures." Franky says angrily. Bridget puts a hand on Franky's arm signaling to her to back off. Joey looks at Bea and says "Harry always said that you were a shitty wife. He's better off without you." Bea is shaking and runs toward the entrance of the restaurant. "Great job, dickhead." Franky says. Debbie runs after her mother who is leaning against the wall outside and tears are streaming down her face. Debbie hugs her mother. Franky and Bridget walk out of the restaurant and see Bea and Debbie crying. "He's going to tell Harry!" Bea sobs. "Let's get you back to the house." Franky says with her arms around Bea's shoulders.
Back at the restaurant, Joey sits down at the table with Maxine. "What was that about?" Maxine says very concerned with the way spoke to the lady with the red hair. "She's my best friend's wife and that was her kid. She just walked out on him, took the kid and left. No contact. He has no idea where she is and he's worried sick." Joey says disgustedly. Maxine asks, "Why do you think she would have suddenly left? Was there any sign that she was unhappy?" "I don't know but Bea has always been weird. You never knew what she was thinking." Joey said. The hair on the back of Maxine's neck stood up. "How old is her daughter?" Maxine asks casually, trying not to sound suspicious. "I think she is 16." Joey says. Although Maxine stays for the rest of dinner, she feels sick inside. She needs to tell Allie as soon as she can.
Bea hadn't stopped crying since they left the restaurant. Franky could tell that Debbie was trying to be strong and hide the fear she was undoubtedly feeling. Bridget was sitting on the couch with Bea, rubbing her arm trying to calm her down. There was no calming Bea down. "He's going to find me and kill me." Bea said so quietly that had Bridget not be sitting right next to her, she would have missed it. Bridget looked at Franky, silently begging her with her eyes to say something that would help. "First, we get a restraining order." Franky says while thinking of the next step. "I could ask my friend that owns the house to have an alarm installed." Bridget offers. "That's a good idea Gidge. Can you call her tonight?" Franky asks. Bridget gets her phone out and calls her friend. Bridget explains the situation and gets approval to install the alarm. They will call in the morning and set it up for the same day. Bea seems to calm a little. Franky walks over to Bea and takes her hands in hers. "It's going to be okay Bea. Don't let tonight derail you." Franky says to a blank face. "I need to go lay down for a minute." Bea says getting up and walks to her room and shuts the door. Bridget and Frankie decide to stay the night and head out in the morning. They were both too worried to leave Bea and Debbie alone. After Bridget tried comforting Debbie, she suggested that they call it a night. Debbie crawled into bed with her mother. Bea was sleeping fitfully. Debbie just put an arm around her and held her tight calming Bea.
Maxine called Allie as soon as she came home. She recounted everything that happened at the restaurant. Allie was in shock. Allie knew she had to file a restraining order on Harry. That would be the first thing she would do in the morning. She wanted to call Bea but knew it would be best to talk to her in the morning. Franky was there with Bea and Allie was glad that Bea wouldn't be alone. She hopes that Bea won't shut down. Allie was determined more than ever to be strong for Bea.