The Floor Show
Nicole returned from the restroom, finding Sami, sitting in her seat.
Ni: (annoyed) Um, excuse me, you're in my seat.
Sami: I didn't see your name on it.
Ni: Well, there were some unique identifiers, like the men, seated in close proximity to this stool… (looking around) They're gone now, so I guess you made the spot, truly your own.
Sami: (glaring) Really nice, Nicole. (taking a sip) It wasn't like they were hot or anything, no that you're into that sort of thing. (feigning interest) So… where's the old coot?
Ni: Excuse me?
Sami: You know, Mr. Moneybags… old man Kiriakis.
Ni: Actually, I'm on my own tonight.
Sami: (feigning pity) Aww, that's too bad.
Ni: Don't feel bad for me. Couples need time apart, to take a breather. Of course, for some people, like Austin, the 'breather' could last a lifetime, especially if the alternative reeks.
Sami: Leave me alone Nicole.
Ni: No problem.
Nicole sat on the corner barstool, staring at Sami.
Ni: (looking at her watch, to herself) I don't think I can wait any longer. I need to get my fix. (looking at Sami) And Sami could be the perfect mark.
Ni: (nibbling on a peanut) So, Sami… you're on your own, tonight?
Sami ignored her.
Ni: Oh… okay. You're alone tonight. (rolling her eyes) Big surprise. I suppose you could have chased after my brother, at the hospital, but you wouldn't want to get into a sticky situation. In other words, be expected to actually work.
Sami glared at her.
Ni: Or, maybe, you're waiting for a blind date… no, you're not, because, for once, you don't look like ten pounds of flour, stuffed into a five pound bag…
Sami: Just shut up, Nicole!
Ni: (smiling as she ate a peanut) Okay.
Sami: (looking at Nicole) For your information, I am meeting someone… someone who truly loves me, something you know little about.
Ni: Oooo… who could it be? (pretending to think) Hmmm… your daddy?
Sami: Maybe.
Ni: Definitely. He's the only chump who buys your act.
Sami: Okay… you don't want to talk about fathers, especially since your father… well, everything he touched, needed to be dipped. So I suggest you return to your peanut bowl and leave me alone.
Nicole glanced into the dining room, noticing Marlena and John, talking to Brady and Chloe.
Ni: Having dinner with your daddy. How very sweet and homespun. You know, the only thing that could complete the picture is…
Sami: (smugly) Eric?
Ni: (ignoring her) Actually, I was thinking about your mother.
Sami: Well, that'll never happen.
Ni: Oh, Sami. Be optimistic. After all, your father will be here and your mother's already here…
Sami: Excuse me?
Ni: Yeah, she's in the dining room, with her family.
Sami turned around and spotted her mother, hugging Brady.
Sami: (under her breath) What is this?
Ni: Apparently, it's Brady's birthday. Weren't you invited?
Sami: (covering) I rather have dinner with my father.
Ni: So in other words, you weren't invited.
Sami: It's none of your business.
Ni: And apparently, in your case, neither is Brady's birthday. (looking in the dining room) Just look at them. Not a care in the world… probably because you're not there. And imagine… just a year ago, Brady was, to your mother, public enemy #1 and look at them now. You could almost mistake them for mother and son. She loves him. You can tell it, in her eyes. And look at Belle. Sure, she loves everyone, including you, but she doesn't look at any of her other siblings like she looks at him.
Sami: (justifying) They grew up together.
Ni: He also managed not to sell her on the black market, but I digress. And it looks like another woman's eyes are aglow with love for him: Chloe Lane. Looks like he managed to steal her away from his uncle, unlike you, who always had Austin on loan. Sure, she was seriously ill and he stayed by her side throughout the whole thing, but how did he manage it? I mean, how did he make her love him, without the benefit of drugs or pregnancy, through nonconsensual sex?
Sami: Nicole, if you don't shut up, I swear…
Ni: (feigning) What did I do, Sami? I was just admiring your family…
Sami: (annoyed) Brady is not my family…
Ni: From the looks of it, he is more family to your mom and your sister than you are.
Sami began to fume.
Ni: But you didn't let me finish, Sami. You family loves you, God knows why. There was never an absence of that. But what's so jarring to me is the look of pride everyone have for him. I mean, he made a name for himself at Basic Black, while helping Chloe through her leukemia. At 21, he demonstrated a great deal of maturity. Who can blame them, for being proud. (derisively) But you, Sami, you made it into work, on time… what, twice this week?
Nicole studied Sami's face and knew it was time to move in for the kill.
Ni: (walking to Sami) Sami, I am so sorry. I really didn't mean to hurt you. I was just killing time, people-watching. I had no idea that what I saw would wound you, like it did. (sighing) I hope you and your father will have a nice dinner together. I assume you're just meeting him here. I mean, you wouldn't want him to have a run-in with Brady. Him orchestrating Brady's shooting is probably still a sore spot for the both of them. And while his part in his shooting still plague him, it doesn't compare to the heartache he must experience every time he sees Marlena. I suppose that's his primary motivation in spending time with you. Maybe, you're a substitute for her. Maybe, in his mind, you're the last link to her. Sure, you lack her intelligence, beauty, and integrity, but at least you're blonde. Poor Sami, you can't catch a break, can you? Every man in your life takes one look at you and think about someone else. Austin and Lucas thought about Carrie and well, your dad thinks of Marlena…
Sami: (voice shaky) There's Brandon…
Ni: (dismissive) Oh, he's just thinking about someone he hasn't met yet. (smiling) Have a good night, Sami.
Nicole returned to her seat and watched Sami, as she slowly unraveled.
Ni: (to herself) Well, I've set the fuse. All I need now is the match…
A very happy Brady and Chloe entered the bar.
Ni: (smiling to herself) There it is.
As Chloe led Brady to the bar, he halted. His smile disappeared when he saw Nicole, and now, Sami, seated at the bar. He felt Chloe squeezing his hand. He looked down at her and was greeted with smiling, topaz-blue eyes. She gently guided him to the bar, but he made sure that she was 'protected', by acting as a shield, physically blocking Chloe from Sami and Nicole's field of vision.
Ch: (to the bartender) May I have a pineapple juice, please?
Bar: (leering at Chloe) Coming right up.
Brady glared at the bartender.
Br: (under his breath) Just what I need… another shark…
Ch: (touching his hand) Hey, where did you go?
Br: (smiling) Nowhere.
Sami: (under her breath) If only he would go somewhere…
Brady rolled his eyes.
Ch: (quietly) Ignore her.
Sami: Isn't that what he's doing?
Ni: (to herself) You're leaving yourself open…
Br: (facing Sami) What… did you want my undivided attention?
Sami: (sniffing) Far from it.
Br: (trying to be calm) Okay, then. Let's leave well enough alone.
Ni: (to herself) No, Brady…
Brady returned his attention to Chloe.
Sami: (looking around him) Chloe, you're actually buying this 'good boy' act? People always said that you were smart… what happened?
Ch: (looking at him) Plenty.
The bartender gave her the juice.
Sami: (snidely) 'Plenty' has happened, huh? Well, Brady, I didn't think you had it in you. Going after a relative's girlfriend… that's pretty skunky…
Brady: … say the Queen Skunk.
Ni: (to herself) Nice one, Brady.
Sami: Well, at least, I didn't go after someone who was ill…
Br: No, you went after someone, whom you've drugged!
Ni: (to herself) Ouch!
Ch: Brady…
Ni: (to herself) Chloe… don't.
Br: (looking down at her) Sorry, Diva…
Sami: Yeah, sorry, Diva, he nearly showed his true colors.
Ch: (looking at Sami) Believe me, Sami, I've seen everything… (eying him) well, nearly everything… and it hasn't scared me off…
Br: (under his breath) Unlike Austin…
Sami: (losing her cool) Don't mention…
Br: Unclench, Sami. I don't want to talk about… him. In fact, I don't want to talk to you, at all.
Sami: Aww, too bad, because I was going to wish you a happy birthday.
Ni: (to herself) Way to keep him in the game…
Br: Yeah, right.
Sami: I'm serious, Brady. I would have done it properly, if I was invited…
Br: (incredulous) OMG… don't tell me you're hurt…
Sami: I'm not, but I would have appreciated the gesture…
Br: Oh, come on, Sami. I hate you and you hate me, not exactly conducive to a relaxing family dinner.
Sami: Just the same, it would have been nice to be included. I am still a part of this family.
Br: (derisively) Yes, you are, Sami. You are the warm, fuzzy center, we all hover around. And for the record, I had nothing to do with the guest list. This party was a complete surprise to me.
Sami: Sure it was, but John and Mom knew enough not to invite me here…
Br: That's because, despite Stefano's machinations, they are both fully-functioning, coherent adults who know that you and me do not mix well.
Sami: But you are relieved that I wasn't invited?
Br: (sighing) Sami… what is the point of me answering a redundant question? (looking at Chloe) Let's go, Chloe.
Ni: (to herself) Aww, man. It was over too soon
Brady took Chloe, by the arm and led her away.
Sami: You know, Brady…
Brady halted. Nicole perked up.
Sami: …just now, I noticed your resemblance to John…
John and Marlena approached the bar's entryway.
J: (in a hushed tone) What is she doing here?
Mar: (hushed) I don't know. She told me she had plans…
Sami: Both of you are tall, both of you are good-looking, well, allegedly, in your case. The two-timing gene… well, only time can tell…
As Craig whispered in her ear, Nancy tensed up.
Cr: Hey, what's up?
Na: (looking at John and Marlena) Something's going on at the bar…
Cr: (flippant) John's probably buying a round for the restaurant…
Na: No, Craig… (standing up) that's not it.
Nancy headed to the bar, with Craig following her. As Belle left the ladies' restroom, she saw the Wesleys, rushing to the bar, and followed suit.
Sami: (laughing) But I can't believe that I missed the most obvious trait you two have… your penchant for pretty brunettes… with short shelf lives.
There was an audible gasp, which Sami relished.
Ni: (to herself) Oh… that's gotta hurt.
Mag: (in a hushed tone, to Mickey) What is she talking about?
Mic: (in a hushed tone) I have no idea, but I have a feeling it's going to get worse…
Brady slowly turned around.
Br: (jaw set) What did you say to me?
Mag: (approaching Sami) Um, Sami. I think it's time for you to go.
Sami: (looking past Maggie, straight at Brady) I said… you and your dad have a penchant for brunettes with short shelf lives.
Nancy clenched her fists, and glanced at a mortified Marlena.
Sami: Maybe it's the packaging… what they are made of. Pretty flimsy stuff, since cancer got in and took hold.
Craig looked down at Nancy, who was trembling with rage.
John: (swallowing his anger) Samantha, that is enough…
Br: (livid) Sami, I suggest you shut your mouth!
Sami: (turning to face the bar) It's not against the law to think out loud. Maybe I do have it wrong. Maybe it wasn't the cancer, that killed Isabella. Maybe it was her 'associations'…
Mar: Sami, don't do this…
Sami: (not looking up) Oh, hey, Mom… can't talk now, I have to finish my thought… it was her 'associations'. Maybe it was the combination of having John and you, in her life.
Marlena restrained John, as Craig tried to restrained Nancy.
Sami: … a one-two punch, if you will and for some reason, brunettes are susceptible. So, Chloe, be careful, huh. Your contact with John will be limited, but 100 percent of Brady… guaranteed death sentence.
Na: (whispering angrily) Why aren't they stopping her?
Cr: (squeezing her hand) They will.
Sami: But don't worry about him, Chloe. He will be fine. Like his father, he will take up with an unavailable blonde, probably Nicole, here. Sure, she's with his grandfather, but what difference does family and friendship make to a grieving, but newly available Black?
Ni: (smiling to herself) Glad you thought of me, Sami…
Be: (voice shaky) Sami, stop it!
Sami: (startled) Belle. (turning around) I'm sorry you had to hear that, Belle, (looking at Brady) but Brady is a champion for the truth. And if he's honest with himself, he would admit that it has crossed his mind.
Be: (furious) You are not sorry, Sami. Don't pretend to be.
Sami: (flippant) Okay, I won't.
Ch: (charging toward Sami) You know what, Sami, I don't know nor care why you have a beef with Brady, but you are out of line. How dare you use my illness as ammunition against him? I guess what everyone say about you is true. You will use anything or anyone to get what you want. But what is unclear to me is what is it, you want? Do you want an invite to Brady's party, because if it is, slamming him and his mother, on today, of all days, isn't going to secure you that, much less tolerance or sympathy.
Br: Chloe, don't even bother. Nothing or no one will ever get through to her, not even Will. It's really unfair, but…
Sami: (seething) Don't mention Will…
Br: (voice raised) I will mention Will, because with each passing day, he's becoming the poster child for unfair breaks, because he is saddled with you. But you know what? I've been thinking too. What seemed most unfair, well, not compared to you not being invited to my party, is that my mother spent years, caring for you, loving you, while I got her for only a few months. Trust me, this isn't an attempt to garner sympathy, (gesturing to Sami) because I am well-aware that I'm in the presence of greatness, when it comes to milking tragedies. But what really makes me sad is that my mother never knew she was wasting her time and her love on you. (looking at Chloe and taking her hand) Come on, Diva… (turning around) No, wait a minute… there's one more thing that's unfair. Birthday wishes, never coming true, because if they did, (smiling, with menace) you would be done.
Ch: (pulling his arm) Come on, B, let's go.
Sami: (derisively) Yeah, Chloe, take care of him, and no doubt, he will take care of you.
Brady halted.
Bel: (approaching Brady) Brady… go with Chloe…
Sami: (laughing) Birthday wishes… ha! Brady knows they don't come true. Look at the proof… Isabella is still dead.
Craig looked down at Nancy, loosening his grip.
Mar: (furious) Samantha, that is enough.
Ch: (quietly) Come on, Brady, let's go in the dining room.
Sami: Dead woman walking!
Craig looked at Nancy and released his grip. As Chloe restrained Brady, Nancy breezed past them, heading straight to the bar.
Na: (in an innocent tone) Sami… how many drinks have you had?
Sami: (smugly) One… why?
Nancy reared back and slapped her across the face, nearly knocking her off the stool. With the exception of Nicole, choking on her drink, scattered hiccups of snickers, and murmurs of relief, the restaurant fell silent. A mortified Chloe stared at her enraged mother, but suddenly felt Brady relaxing. Although he kept his crooked smile concealed, his eyes revealed his sheer joy.
Ni: (laughing to herself) Damn… I knew she could hit hard.
Na: (coolly) I just wanted to make sure we were on equal footing.
Sami: (holding her cheek, in shock) You…
Na: (mockingly) What… 'bitch'? Was that the next word out of your mouth? Because, little girl, I think you've said plenty tonight, and no one wants to hear anymore.
Sami: (quivering with rage) Get away from me.
Na: (livid) No, little girl! You've started this, but I'm going to finish it. I don't know why… huh… 'I don't know why…' is a question that continually pops into my head regarding you. I don't know why you still have a job at the hospital. I don't know why you are this… thing, when you come from good stock. I don't know why you were blessed with your little boy. But the biggest mystery to me is… I don't know why you thought that you could get away with talking about my child and her illness, as if it was a big joke. Haven't you been paying attention? Don't you know who I am? (grabbing her arm) No one bullshits with my daughter. NO ONE!!!
Cr: Nancy…
Na: I can understand why, maybe, you thought I was a soft touch. I haven't done anything to Jan and Mimi, so you say to yourself, 'Why not?' Well, those girls are underaged, whereas, you are legal and fair game. Chloe is on the mend and will be eighteen soon, and will be fully capable of fighting her own battles, (getting in her face) but you, you've got problems. You got me now.
Cr: (calmly) Nancy… let go of her.
Roman: (entering the bar) Yes, Nancy, let her go.
Nancy let go of Sami's arm and allowed Craig to lead her away.
Sami: (weepy) Daddy, I'm so glad you're here.
Ro: Are you, Sami?
Sami: I want to press charges against Nancy.
Ro: You can try, but I don't think it will stick. The whole restaurant heard what you said. Hell, I heard it from the sidewalk, and I doubt that any judge would say her actions were unjustified.
Sami: She attacked me!
Na: (coming through the crowd) I… attacked you? (laughing) Sami, please continue talking. I mean it… because I am this close, to accommodating the law's definition of assault, complete with physical evidence, to 'clinch' your case. So come on, Sami, give me the chance to prove you right.
Cr: (grabbing her shoulders) Nancy, let's go.
Craig led her to the dining room. Brady stood in the entryway, staring at Sami. Belle cautiously approached him.
Be: (rubbing his back) Brady…
Brady's eyes remained fixed on Sami.
Be: (apologetic) Brady, I…
Br: (coldly) No, Tink…
Belle looked at Chloe, with pleading eyes.
Be: (mouthing) Please… help.
Chloe approached him, taking his hand.
Ch: (quietly) Brady… come on.
He looked down at her, then returned his gaze to Sami. He also noted Nicole's veiled attempt to hide her cat-that-ate-the-canary smile.
Br: (looking at Sami) Chloe, can you give me a few minutes?
Ch: Brady… please don't go in the bar.
Br: (looking at Chloe) That's not where I'm going.
~*~
Mag: (to the crowd) Everyone… please return to your tables. The disturbance is over. I truly apologize for the inconvenience.
Reluctantly, the crowd returned to the dining room. Marlena remained behind.
Ni: (to Maggie) Um, Maggie, is my table ready?
Mag: (looking at Marlena, concerned) Actually, it is.
Ni: Good… I am (looking at Sami) suddenly hungry.
Mag: Um, Dan… (giving him a menu) Can you show Miss Walker to her table?
Waiter (Dan): Um… sure… this way, Miss Walker.
As Maggie passed Marlena, she touched her arm, reassuringly. Marlena's eyes remained on Sami.
Sami: (voice shaky) Well, Mom… what are you waiting for? Just say it.
Marlena remained silent.
Ro: (grabbing her arm) Sami… you've done enough provoking tonight. I know that there's no love lost between you and Brady, and the Wesleys, for that matter, but you went too far this time. And unfortunately for you, half of Salem witnessed it…
Sami: But you don't understand, Dad…
Ro: Actually… no, I don't. You seem to forget that John and Isabella took care of you, when your mother and I couldn't. Some people would feel gratitude toward the people who did that, but not you. You used it, to get back at their child, who didn't have the same chance that you had. Sami… (frustrated) there's nothing more for me to say…
Sami: (looking at Marlena) But you have something to say to me, don't you, Mom?
Mar: Actually, I do. There is no excuse for what you've done, Sami. You weren't drunk, you weren't impaired… you were just cruel, just because you weren't invited to Brady's birthday…
Sami: 'Just because'? (hurt) You just don't understand.
Mar: Believe me, Samantha, I understand completely. If I had invited you, one of two things would have happened: You would have said 'no', and made snide comments, or you would have said 'yes', and made snide comments. You are an adult and should have learned, by now, that restraint is required in certain situations. You've demonstrated to everyone here that you haven't learned a thing, which makes me grateful that I followed my gut instincts.
Sami: Now, look who's being cruel.
Mar: I am not being cruel, far from it. What you are seeing, right now, is restraint. I know you don't recognize it, but while you were waiting for Roman, it would have been nice if you exercised it. Fortunately, for all of us, Nancy has a problem with restraint too. (to Roman) Roman, can you make sure Sami makes it home?
Ro: Sure, Doc.
Mar: Thank you, Roman. (looking at Sami) One more thing, Sami. Despite the cruel and unforgivable things you said tonight, if anyone would say anything about you, like 'Too bad the lethal injection antidote worked' or 'Too bad Austin didn't floor it', I would have given them the same thing Nancy gave to you. (looking at Roman) Goodnight, Roman.
Ro: Goodnight, Doc.
Roman escorted Sami out of the restaurant. Malena turned around and saw John, standing in the entryway.
Mar: (tearing up) John… I am so sorry.
John walked toward her and held her.
~*~
Belle went to the Wesleys' table and sat next to Chloe.
Be: (tentative) Chloe… where's Brady?
Ch: (drained) He needed some time alone.
Be: Oh. (looking at Chloe) Chloe, I am so sorry that Sami…
Ch: (hugging her) Don't apologize… please… (letting her go) This isn't yours or your family's responsibility. She knew what she was doing… she just didn't care. Now, do you understand why I didn't let you or anyone else know about this?
Be: (sadly) I'm beginning to...
Ch: (smiling slightly) Okay, then. Now, I'm going to check on Brady. (standing up) I'll see you later.
~*~
Brady stood on the terrace, trying to regain his cool. As he heard her footsteps, he knew that regaining his cool must be accelerated, ten-fold.
Ch: (hugging him from behind) Hey, you. How are you?
Br: (voice shaky) I'm good. (squeezing her hands) Getting better all the time.
Ch: I'm glad to hear it.
Chloe felt Brady, double-over.
Ch: (concerned) Brady?
Br: (steadying himself) Now, do you understand how silly your question was? (turning around) Sami was there, for less than a minute, and she sensed how important you are to me. That's the only reason why she went after you. Why didn't you know it?
Ch: I do, Brady… I knew it, before the confrontation. I just needed…
She noticed the tears in his eyes.
Ch: (getting upset) No, Brady.
A tear escaped from his eye.
Ch: (beginning to cry) No, Brady. (kissing a tear) Not… (kissing another) on… (kissing another) your…
She looked into his eyes and became deliciously scared.
Ch: (breathless) … birthday.
He pulled her into a passionate kiss, full of urgency and desperation.
Br: (in a hushed tone) Why couldn't we have more time, Chloe? I was hoping that we would have peace, at least, for a little while. Some time, to enjoy what has happened to you.
Ch: (taking his hand) No, Brady… to us. (hugging him) We do have time.
Br: (resigned) I don't think so, Diva.
Ch: We do, Brady. After all, we're both nutcrackers. We're going to continue to hammer away, until we get what we want. Isn't that the definition of being a nutcracker?
Br: (trying to laugh) Yeah, I guess.
Ch: Are you feeling better?
Br: (pulling away) Yeah, a little… you do realize that you're a target now?
Ch: Duh, Brady, I go to Salem High. Nothing Sami dishes out can hurt me.
Br: I'm glad that you're confident. I know you can handle yourself. And plus… you have Mama 'Fists of Rage' Wesley, in your corner.
Ch: (hiding her smile) Don't start…
Br: There's no need for my dad to buy rounds for the restaurant. Your mom tapped a keg of Whoop Ass!
Ch: (laughing) Stop it, Brady!
Br: (laughing) If I get in a scrape and my dad isn't available… can I borrow your mom?
Ch: (burying her head in his chest) That's enough, Brady.
Br: You know, I may have to rethink that 'not even your mother could stop me from making love to you' comment, after seeing her handiwork tonight.
Ch: (looking up at him) Really?
Br: (squeezing her) No.
Chloe smiled to herself.
Ch: (pulling away) While it was entertaining, on some levels, hysterically funny, on other levels…
Br: On all levels.
Ch: (hitting him) Anyway… it was still embarrassing.
Br: Chloe, I hope you're not going to apologize…
Ch: I feel I should.
Br: No way! I'm sure Marlena, my dad, and Belle are doing their share of apologizing. And maybe, your parents too. But Sami is the one who's responsible for this. And Nicole…
Ch: Nicole?
Br: Sure. She was the only one, outside our family, who knew about your condition. I doubt she delivered the news to Sami, out of concern. (derisively) And you thought I had a thing for Nicole. She may be hot, but she's cut from the same cloth as Sami.
Ch: (sardonically) You had to add that she's hot, didn't you?
Br: (smiling) Yeah. (hugging her) See, now I'm being the nutcracker.
~*~
Craig placed a drink in Nancy's trembling hand.
Cr: Sweetheart… calm down and drink this.
Nancy took a sip.
Na: Craig… we can't stay here.
Cr: Of course we can.
Na: No, we can't. I slapped Marlena's daughter and I'm not the least bit sorry, and I won't pretend to be.
Mar: (walking toward the Wesleys) You aren't required to be sorry. What you did to Sami… she had it coming. I'm just sorry that I didn't do it.
Na: Why didn't you?
Cr: Nancy…
Mar: It's a legitimate question. (taking a breath) Sami and I have been through a lot together. Our relationship is better, but me, hitting Sami, it wouldn't have the same impact. In her mind, it would be about me, making myself look better, instead of a gesture, indicating that a line was crossed. It's sad to say, but you hitting her may help, her in the long run. So please, don't leave because of Sami. The reasons why we are all here still exists. We're celebrating Brady's birthday and Chloe's recovery. Please, stay.
Na: (smiling slightly) Okay. By the way, where are our guests of honor?
Br: (from behind) Here we are. (going to his table) I hope, you guys, haven't spent all this time 'apologizing'.
Chloe hugged Nancy, from behind, and kissed her cheek, making Nancy smile.
Na: Actually, we weren't.
Br: (from his table) Good.
Na: (looking at Brady, wickedly) So… what have you and Chloe doing, all this time?
Ch: (sitting next to Brady) The same ole, same ole. (looking at Brady, smiling) Isn't that right, Brady?
Br: (trying to smile) Yeah. (under her breath) What are you doing? You want 'Fists of Rage' to come after me?
Chloe laughed out loud, as Nancy smiled at them.
Ch: (looking at him, sheepishly) Are you sure that you're okay with what my mother did?
Br: (in a hushed tone) Diva, before breakfast, I found out you were going to be okay. Before lunch, I nearly made love to you. And before dinner, I watched as your mother belted the hell out of my miserable bitch-of-a-stepsister. (smile widening) If my birthday can get any better, please tell me how.