INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Finding her way carefully Nora maneuvers herself into the living room carrying a
big cardboard box. Stepping over one box on the floor she settles the
heavy load onto the coffee table next to two others. Dressed in jeans
and a dusty button up Nora is in "day off" mode.
NORA
(Hollering up the stairs)
Matthew! Matthew Rappaport turn
that game off and get down here to
finish your project!
MATTHEW
(Calling from upstairs)
But Mom, I still got three guys left!
NORA
Right now young man! We have to
get this done and then you can play.
A little bummed but still obedient Matthew slugs his way down the stairs to the
mess of boxes waiting with his mother.
NORA
Come on pal, you only have a few
more days and then schools out.
Besides, this can be fun.
Nora tousles Matthew's hair and pulls him in close then begins to dig through one of the large boxes in front of her.
NORA
Think of how many different kinds
of coins there are all over the world. Nearly
every country has it's own kind of money
and none of them are the same.
Matthew tries to be a little more interested in his final school project.
MATTHEW
Yeah, I guess.
NORA
Now, I know I have a lot of different coins
in here from some of the trips I took when
I was younger, I -
Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Matthew is thrilled for any excuse not to
work on his project.
MATTHEW
I'll get it.
Hustling away from his mother he sprints for the front door. Pulling the door
open Matthew finds Bo standing on the porch in his Saturday grubbies.
MATTHEW
Bo!
Nora is surprised but happy to see Bo standing in the door way. She welcomes
any chance Matthew has to spend time with his father.
BO
(beaming at the sight of his son)
Hey sport! How are ya?
MATTHEW
(kind of sad)
Ok.
Crouching down to his level Bo steps closer to talk to Matthew. Nora doesn't
say a word just watches from her place on the sofa.
BO
What's the matter pal?
MATTHEW
Nuthin'. It's just that I was doing
great on my new Dare Devil Sport
Jump game, I still had three guys
left, but then I had to turn it off to
work on my dumb school project.
Bo does his best not to smile.
BO
Homework huh?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
NORA
And it looks like you're just in time to
help us.
Suddenly a smiling Nora is standing on the hard wood landing. Bo looks up at
Nora and smiles too. He would love to help.
MATTHEW
(a quick change in mood)
Yeah! Come on Bo, you can help us
with my project!
Taking Bo by the hand Matthew begins to pull him toward the living room. Not
as young as he used to be Bo struggles to stand from his crouching position and
follow his energetic son to the waiting boxes. Still smiling Nora follows.
BO
So, what is this project about?
MATTHEW
Money.
BO
(a little confused)
Money?
MATTHEW
Yeah. Money.
Matthew begins to dig through one of the big boxes in front of him.
MATTHEW
Now I gotta just find some.
Bo is amused but still a little confused. Looking up at Nora he hopes for a little
help.
NORA
(kneeling down next to another box)
Matthew is doing a project on the money
of other countries for social studies.
Now it's coming together.
BO
Ah ha! And let me guess, (teasingly
watching Nora from the corner of
his eye) your mom remembered she
had some old coins from different
countries, in "one box or another", out
in the garage.
MATTHEW
Uh huh.
NORA
Are you mocking me Bo Buchanan?
BO
(ignoring Nora and continuing to tease)
Your mom has more things in more boxes.
Let me ask you something? Have you
come across the old year books yet?
MATTHEW
No. What's a yearbook?
BO
You haven't seen your mom's yearbooks?
Oh! It's a crime! We have to find them.
NORA
Bo Buchanan!
Digging from one box to another, still ignoring Nora's protest, Bo searches and
comes up with gold!
BO
Ah ha! Here we go! Junior year, (eyeing
Nora with a great big smirk on his face)
my favorite!
Pulling Matthew up on his lap Bo opens the year book to a page he has obviously
seen before. Nora can't believe he still remembers this.
BO
Here we go. (Reading) "Flying high, junior
cheer captain Nora Hanen cheers the Tigers
to victory." See look at her in that little
skirt there. (Points to a photo)
MATTHEW
(confused)
Who is it?
BO
Your mom.
MATTHEW
That's my mom!? (now it's Matthew's
turn to tease) You were a cheerleader?!
Nora shakes her head and glares at Bo.
NORA
You're a dead man Buchanan. (turning
her attention to Matthew) Yes, I was a
cheerleader. But did Bo tell you that
he was a cheerleader too?
Bo can't believe she told. Now Matthew is even more confused.
MATTHEW
You were a cheerleader?
BO
(stumbling over his words)
Well. yeah but I was in college and
college cheerleading is -
MATTHEW
I thought cheerleading was for girls.
BO
Cheerleading? Nah! You have to
be really strong to be a cheerleader.
Besides, if you're a boy cheerleader
it means you get to dance with all
of those cute girls and lift em up in
all of those tiny skirts and -
NORA
Ok you two, are we going to get to work
on this project or what?
BO
Oh, I don't know, I was kind of enjoying
looking at you in this little skirt.
Slugging Bo in the shoulder Nora takes the yearbook, sets it on the
table and plops another box in front of him.
NORA
Money. We're looking for money.
Bo gives Matthew a sheepish grin from the corner of his eyes and Matthew smiles.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATER
Still digging through the boxes Matthew and Bo are surrounded by
little shoes, more year books, and other memories from Nora's past.
Nora returns to the living room carrying two more boxes and sets them
on the floor.
MATTHEW
Hey, what's this?
Reaching into a box Matthew removes a small photo album and shows it to Nora.
Stepping toward them Nora smiles when she realizes what it is Matthew holds.
Making her way to the couch Nora sits down next to her son.
NORA
Oh my gosh, I wondered where that was.
MATTHEW
What is it?
NORA
Open it.
Bo looks on as Matthew opens the album.
MATTHEW
It's me!
Bo is instantly sucked in when he realizes the photos are of Matthew when he was
younger.
NORA
That's right. These are the pictures
that Grandma and Grandpa took when
you went to visit them a few summers
back. I wonder how they got in here.
Looking up at Bo Matthew points to one of the photos.
MATTHEW
Look Bo, that's me. Of course, I
was much younger then so you may
not recognize me.
Chuckling Bo looks down and smiles at his son. Looking on Nora catches Bo
wipe a small tear from the corner of his eye. She is so thrilled for him to have
this time with his son but it breaks her heart to see him sitting there, forced to
relive lost moments with his little boy through pictures.
BO
These are great pictures buddy. It looks
like you had a great time in Chicago.
MATTHEW
Yeah. Do you think we could go to
Chicago someday?
BO
Well, sure. (Smiling at Nora) I hear
they have great chili dogs.
Shaking her head Nora winks at Bo.
BO
Speaking of chili dogs, I'm a little hungry
What do ya say we find this coins, pound
out this project and then go out and get
ourselves something to eat. (Looking
over at Nora) My treat.
MATTHEW
Yeah! Can we mom?
NORA
Sure.
MATTHEW
I wanna cheeseburger.
BO
A cheeseburger?
MATTHEW
Yeah. A great big one with pickles,
and mustard and fries.
Both Bo and Nora are salivating at the thought.
NORA
Does this kid know how to eat
or what?
BO
(an inside joke with Nora)
I do believe it's in the gene pool.
MATTHEW
(excited)
Rodi's has a pool now?!
Nora laughs.
NORA
No honey, never mind.
BO
Whoa, whoa, wait a minute -
You know about Rodi's cheeseburgers?
MATTHEW
(looking at Nora Matthew recites
something he has obviously heard
a million times before)
The best in the west, east, uptown,
and down, can put one away in
10 seconds flat - then come crawlin'
back for more. (High fives Nora).
Hopping off the couch Matthew runs over to the corner to look through one more
box.
MATTHEW
We gotta get to work!
Shaking her head Nora sits next to Bo on the couch.
BO
You taught him that? I can't believe
he knows our Rodi's bit.
NORA
Well, of course, everyone knows Rodi's
has the best cheeseburgers on the planet
and with the blood he has coursing
through his veins I think that boy was
born singing it.
Bo laughs. Getting back to work Nora continues to dig through the box in front
of her.
MATTHEW
Hey! What's this? Did you play soccer too
mom?
Nora is confused, turning to see what Matthew found she is stunned when she
realizes what it is. Walking toward them Matthew proudly holds a plastic trophy
complete with two, shiny, gold figures dancing on top. Bo recognizes the trophy
too.
NORA
(taking the trophy as Matthew hands it to her)
Oh my gosh, I had completely
forgotten about this.
Holding the plastic award Nora looks at Bo and their eyes lock. They are alone.
It's only for a second, maybe only a half, but there they are all alone, talking with
their eyes. They both remember. Their silent conversation is cut short by the
sound of their son's curious voice.
MATTHEW
You played soccer mommy?
NORA
(a bit startled)
Wha? No honey, mommy didn't play soccer.
MATTHEW
Then why did you get a trophy?
NORA
Well, actually sweetheart, that trophy
doesn't belong to me.
MATTHEW
It doesn't? (Nora shakes her head)
Is it daddy's trophy?
Nora glances at Bo. Oh, if only Matthew knew how right he was.
NORA
What I meant to say is that this trophy
doesn't belong to just me.
MATTHEW
You won a trophy with someone?
NORA
Yep!
MATTHEW
Who?
Smiling a giant grin Nora points her finger, directing Matthew's attention to Bo.
MATTHEW
Bo!? You won a soccer trophy with Bo?
BO
Actually sport, (taking the trophy from
Nora's hands) this isn't a soccer trophy
at all.
MATTHEW
It isn't?
BO
Nope. Your mom and I won this trophy
in a dance contest.
Matthew seems confused.
MATTHEW
Dancing? You won a trophy for dancing?
BO
Sure. That mom of yours is one heck of a
dancer you know.
Nora's flattered.
NORA
Don't let him fool ya Matthew, he's
the best partner around.
MATTHEW
Could you show me?
Both Bo and Nora are stunned by the question. They look at each other, neither
one of them knowing what to say, it's as if their son just asked them a question in
fluent Greek, a language neither of them speaks at all.
BO
What?
MATTHEW
Show me.
Suddenly Nora is busy looking for change again.
MATTHEW
Show me mom.
NORA
Oh, Matthew, sweetie, that was a really
long time ago and I don't think -
besides, we have to get finished with
your project so we can go get that
burger.
Right in the nick of time Bo finds the treasure the three have been searching for.
BO
Ah ha! Well, sport, it looks like for once
your mom was right about something that
was in a box in the garage! I found it!
Now, what do ya say the three of us get
this money of the world thing done so we
can get outta here and get some grub.
Suddenly distracted Matthew lays the trophy on the couch and takes the small
felt bag of coins from Bo.
MATTHEW
Yeah!
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Boxes still scattered about the house, Bo, Nora and Matthew are all hunched over a giant, colorful poster board as Matthew sticks his final coin to the proper
country.
MATTHEW
(tongue out, concentrating)
And this one goes. right. there.
All done. (holding the poster up for
Bo and Nora to see) What do ya think?
BO
Well, I have to say that that is the
best darn coins of the world poster
I have ever seen. How 'bout you
mom?
NORA
Well, I'm gonna have to agree.
MATTHEW
Now can we go eat?
BO
Yup! Let's hurry and clean up in
here and -
NORA
I'll tell you what. You two go out
and have dinner and I'll stay and
put these boxes away.
MATTHEW
No mom, you have to come too.
BO
Not a chance Nora, we wouldn't
dream of enjoying one of those
big, fat cheeseburgers without you.
NORA
No. I'm fine, I think -
Bo and Matthew both look at Nora with great big puppy dog eyes.
NORA
(Giving in)
Well, who can pass up a cheeseburger at
Rodi's? But you know what, why don't
we go now and worry about this mess later.
MATTHEW/BO
(surprised)
Really?
NORA
Yes really. We have to go now 'cause
(tickling Matthew) I'm starving!
MATTHEW
Ok. Ok. Mercy! (Catching his
breath) But I thought -
Bo stops Matthew mid-sentence, picking him up and swinging him over one
shoulder.
BO
Come on. Come on. We gotta go before
she changes her mind.
Grabbing her purse Nora follows the boys and shuts the lights out. Still hanging
over Bo's shoulder Matthew talks to his mom as they make their way out
the front door.
MATTHEW
Hey mom, if I'm real good could I get
a rootbeer float too?
NORA
(to Bo as they exit)
Is this an incredible kid or what?!
BO
Incredible.
Matthew giggles as Nora closes the door behind them.
INT. RODI'S - NIGHT
Matthew, Nora and Bo are seated around a table at Rodi's. Bo and Nora are full
to the point it's painful. An empty plate where a cheeseburger once sat and an
empty rootbeer float glass rests in front of each of them. Matthew makes a loud
sucking sound with his straw as he does his best to suck down every last drop of
his float. Even over the slurping you can still hear the sound of oldies on the
jukebox.
NORA
(still picking at the fries that sit in
the middle of the table)
I think the cheeseburgers got bigger.
MATTHEW
Maybe you just got smaller mom.
NORA
(laughing)
Oh honey, you're sweet but I can assure
you that I did not get any smaller.
Bo just leans back content and watches.
MATTHEW
(finishing the last drop of his float)
Could I have some money for the
radiobox?
Noticing he has ice cream on his face Bo instinctively takes a napkin and wipes
off Matthew's cheek and chin.
BO
Radiobox? Oh my boy, did your
mother teach you nothing? That
thing over there is called a jukebox.
MATTHEW
Oh. Could I have some money for
the jukebox then?
Smiling Nora pulls out her purse and produces two quarters for Matthew.
MATTHEW
Thanks!
Hopping up from his chair Matthew runs over to the jukebox to make his
selection. There is a silent pause as his parents watch him go.
BO
(breaking the silence)
Did you get enough to eat there?
NORA
Ha ha. Yes, I got enough to eat.
Thanks for your help today Bo.
BO
Help? Are you kidding? I had a great
day. Who could ever imagine that doing
homework could be so much fun?
NORA
(laughs) Really. (Getting serious)
You're a wonderful father Bo.
Another silent pause is quickly broken -
MATTHEW
Mom, Bo, look!
Matthew runs toward their table pointing at a couple out on the dance floor.
MATTHEW
Is that the kind of dancing you won
the trophy for?
Bo and Nora watch as the couple on the floor dance the jitterbug. They're
good but nothing like the two of them used to be.
BO
That's the kind.
MATTHEW
Come on, show me. Show me. Please!
Tugging on Nora's arm with one hand and Bo's with the other Matthew coaxes
them to stand up.
NORA
Matthew honey I -
Bo's surprised at himself but suddenly he wants to dance. It's been such a
long time but all at once he wants to take Nora out on the floor and show their
son how good they used to be.
BO
(rising)
Aw, come on, let's give it a whirl.
Nora looks up at Bo, the shock written all over her face as he reaches a hand out
to her.
BO
(quietly so Matthew won't hear)
Let's show our little guy how it's done.
(Winks)
Taking Bo by the hand Nora stands up. An excited Matthew tosses himself into
a chair and watches with wide eyes.
NORA
One dance.
Leading her out on the dance floor Bo can't believe how nervous he suddenly feels. What was he thinking? It's been so long since they have done this and now,
in public, with everyone, including their son watching? Oh no. Nora's nervous
too and it doesn't help to feel the sweat in Bo's palm as he holds her shaky hand
in his.
Turning toward one another they both smile a nervous smile.
NORA
Wow. It's been a long time huh?
BO
Yeah, a long time.
NORA
Look Bo, we don't have to do this. Matthew
will understand. We-
BO
Are you kidding Red? I want to dance with you.
NORA
(smiles)
Red. Gosh, I haven't heard that in a while.
BO
Yeah, it's been a while since I said it.
A new song starts up on the jukebox and it's time to see if they've still got it.
Taking both of her hands in his, Bo lets his feet go, hoping they remember what it
is they're supposed to do. They're both a little rusty at first. Bo's knees bump
Nora's, Nora doesn't keep her arms as stiff as she should and is late reading a
turn. But it's only moments, just a matter of a beat or two before they are right
back where they were so long ago. It's amazing how it falls into place. It's
amazing how the slightest move of Bo's hand can tell Nora what's coming next,
how they can read each other without making a sound. Nervous smiles disappear
and make way for childlike excitement.
The energy Nora feels when she's dancing with Bo is incredible. Pushing her out
along the length of his arm Bo lets Nora go into a fast spin only to find her
making her way back into him without missing a beat. People are watching now.
Just like before "the commissioner" and "Red" soon find themselves the center of
a captive audience. But no one as captivated as little Matthew, sitting so proud
and so tall, a big toothless grin, he can't take his eyes off his mom and Bo. They
are so cool!
Tossing Nora into another spin Bo pulls her back in, closer this time, and holds
her tight. People are clapping now as the song nears its end. Both Bo and Nora
know this song so well and are sad to hear it coming to a close. Winding up the
dance Bo turns Nora and dips her low to the floor, locking eyes with the woman
who was once the love of his life.
NORA
Wow!
The song comes to an end as Bo's strong arms raise Nora back to standing.
NORA
I have to say, you still got it Commish.
BO
Not so bad yourself there.
They're out of breath but it's a wonderful feeling.
NORA
I think we were being watched.
BO
Yeah, I think we still got it Red. The
folks seemed to be enjoying -
NORA
Look at your son Bo.
Nora's hands still in his Bo turned toward the table where Matthew sits, a grin the
size of Texas spread across his freckled face. Seeing Bo and Nora turn to him
Matthew gives the two a thumbs up and gestures to them to dance again.
BO
What do ya say? You up for one more.
NORA
You know what? I think I am. I may
be regretting this when I can't walk
tomorrow but, yeah, I think I am.
Getting right back into step Bo and Nora dance again. This time there are another
pair of eyes fixed on them, a set as interested as Matthew's but not as happy to
see the two of them together. Standing outside in the dim, red Rodi's
light Gabrielle's heart sinks low into her chest as she peers through
the window. She was waiting for Max, they planned to meet at Rodi's
to talk about Al's tuition. Suddenly she's getting a show she didn't
bargain for.
EXT. RODI'S - NIGHT
Stepping up behind her Max startles Gabrielle.
MAX
Hey! Sorry I'm late.
GABRIELLE
(distracted, still not taking her eyes
off Bo's and Nora's dance)
Hi. It's ok.
MAX
Is everything alright?
Stepping closer to Gabrielle Max sees what it is putting that look on her face.
MAX
Hey, look, they're just friends.
GABRIELLE
Max, I've got eyes, I -
MAX
You know they used to dance together
all the time. Look -
Max pulls Gabrielle back toward the window.
MAX
Look at little Matthew. They're doing this
for him. That doesn't mean that Bo doesn't
love you.
GABRIELLE
Still.
MAX
Come on, let's go inside and say hi.
GABRIELLE
No Max, not tonight. Let's just go
somewhere else tonight.
MAX
Are you sure?
GABRIELLE
Yes.
Taking her by the arm Max walks Gabrielle toward the parking lot taking one
last glance inside as Bo and Nora continue to dance
Finding her way carefully Nora maneuvers herself into the living room carrying a
big cardboard box. Stepping over one box on the floor she settles the
heavy load onto the coffee table next to two others. Dressed in jeans
and a dusty button up Nora is in "day off" mode.
NORA
(Hollering up the stairs)
Matthew! Matthew Rappaport turn
that game off and get down here to
finish your project!
MATTHEW
(Calling from upstairs)
But Mom, I still got three guys left!
NORA
Right now young man! We have to
get this done and then you can play.
A little bummed but still obedient Matthew slugs his way down the stairs to the
mess of boxes waiting with his mother.
NORA
Come on pal, you only have a few
more days and then schools out.
Besides, this can be fun.
Nora tousles Matthew's hair and pulls him in close then begins to dig through one of the large boxes in front of her.
NORA
Think of how many different kinds
of coins there are all over the world. Nearly
every country has it's own kind of money
and none of them are the same.
Matthew tries to be a little more interested in his final school project.
MATTHEW
Yeah, I guess.
NORA
Now, I know I have a lot of different coins
in here from some of the trips I took when
I was younger, I -
Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Matthew is thrilled for any excuse not to
work on his project.
MATTHEW
I'll get it.
Hustling away from his mother he sprints for the front door. Pulling the door
open Matthew finds Bo standing on the porch in his Saturday grubbies.
MATTHEW
Bo!
Nora is surprised but happy to see Bo standing in the door way. She welcomes
any chance Matthew has to spend time with his father.
BO
(beaming at the sight of his son)
Hey sport! How are ya?
MATTHEW
(kind of sad)
Ok.
Crouching down to his level Bo steps closer to talk to Matthew. Nora doesn't
say a word just watches from her place on the sofa.
BO
What's the matter pal?
MATTHEW
Nuthin'. It's just that I was doing
great on my new Dare Devil Sport
Jump game, I still had three guys
left, but then I had to turn it off to
work on my dumb school project.
Bo does his best not to smile.
BO
Homework huh?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
NORA
And it looks like you're just in time to
help us.
Suddenly a smiling Nora is standing on the hard wood landing. Bo looks up at
Nora and smiles too. He would love to help.
MATTHEW
(a quick change in mood)
Yeah! Come on Bo, you can help us
with my project!
Taking Bo by the hand Matthew begins to pull him toward the living room. Not
as young as he used to be Bo struggles to stand from his crouching position and
follow his energetic son to the waiting boxes. Still smiling Nora follows.
BO
So, what is this project about?
MATTHEW
Money.
BO
(a little confused)
Money?
MATTHEW
Yeah. Money.
Matthew begins to dig through one of the big boxes in front of him.
MATTHEW
Now I gotta just find some.
Bo is amused but still a little confused. Looking up at Nora he hopes for a little
help.
NORA
(kneeling down next to another box)
Matthew is doing a project on the money
of other countries for social studies.
Now it's coming together.
BO
Ah ha! And let me guess, (teasingly
watching Nora from the corner of
his eye) your mom remembered she
had some old coins from different
countries, in "one box or another", out
in the garage.
MATTHEW
Uh huh.
NORA
Are you mocking me Bo Buchanan?
BO
(ignoring Nora and continuing to tease)
Your mom has more things in more boxes.
Let me ask you something? Have you
come across the old year books yet?
MATTHEW
No. What's a yearbook?
BO
You haven't seen your mom's yearbooks?
Oh! It's a crime! We have to find them.
NORA
Bo Buchanan!
Digging from one box to another, still ignoring Nora's protest, Bo searches and
comes up with gold!
BO
Ah ha! Here we go! Junior year, (eyeing
Nora with a great big smirk on his face)
my favorite!
Pulling Matthew up on his lap Bo opens the year book to a page he has obviously
seen before. Nora can't believe he still remembers this.
BO
Here we go. (Reading) "Flying high, junior
cheer captain Nora Hanen cheers the Tigers
to victory." See look at her in that little
skirt there. (Points to a photo)
MATTHEW
(confused)
Who is it?
BO
Your mom.
MATTHEW
That's my mom!? (now it's Matthew's
turn to tease) You were a cheerleader?!
Nora shakes her head and glares at Bo.
NORA
You're a dead man Buchanan. (turning
her attention to Matthew) Yes, I was a
cheerleader. But did Bo tell you that
he was a cheerleader too?
Bo can't believe she told. Now Matthew is even more confused.
MATTHEW
You were a cheerleader?
BO
(stumbling over his words)
Well. yeah but I was in college and
college cheerleading is -
MATTHEW
I thought cheerleading was for girls.
BO
Cheerleading? Nah! You have to
be really strong to be a cheerleader.
Besides, if you're a boy cheerleader
it means you get to dance with all
of those cute girls and lift em up in
all of those tiny skirts and -
NORA
Ok you two, are we going to get to work
on this project or what?
BO
Oh, I don't know, I was kind of enjoying
looking at you in this little skirt.
Slugging Bo in the shoulder Nora takes the yearbook, sets it on the
table and plops another box in front of him.
NORA
Money. We're looking for money.
Bo gives Matthew a sheepish grin from the corner of his eyes and Matthew smiles.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATER
Still digging through the boxes Matthew and Bo are surrounded by
little shoes, more year books, and other memories from Nora's past.
Nora returns to the living room carrying two more boxes and sets them
on the floor.
MATTHEW
Hey, what's this?
Reaching into a box Matthew removes a small photo album and shows it to Nora.
Stepping toward them Nora smiles when she realizes what it is Matthew holds.
Making her way to the couch Nora sits down next to her son.
NORA
Oh my gosh, I wondered where that was.
MATTHEW
What is it?
NORA
Open it.
Bo looks on as Matthew opens the album.
MATTHEW
It's me!
Bo is instantly sucked in when he realizes the photos are of Matthew when he was
younger.
NORA
That's right. These are the pictures
that Grandma and Grandpa took when
you went to visit them a few summers
back. I wonder how they got in here.
Looking up at Bo Matthew points to one of the photos.
MATTHEW
Look Bo, that's me. Of course, I
was much younger then so you may
not recognize me.
Chuckling Bo looks down and smiles at his son. Looking on Nora catches Bo
wipe a small tear from the corner of his eye. She is so thrilled for him to have
this time with his son but it breaks her heart to see him sitting there, forced to
relive lost moments with his little boy through pictures.
BO
These are great pictures buddy. It looks
like you had a great time in Chicago.
MATTHEW
Yeah. Do you think we could go to
Chicago someday?
BO
Well, sure. (Smiling at Nora) I hear
they have great chili dogs.
Shaking her head Nora winks at Bo.
BO
Speaking of chili dogs, I'm a little hungry
What do ya say we find this coins, pound
out this project and then go out and get
ourselves something to eat. (Looking
over at Nora) My treat.
MATTHEW
Yeah! Can we mom?
NORA
Sure.
MATTHEW
I wanna cheeseburger.
BO
A cheeseburger?
MATTHEW
Yeah. A great big one with pickles,
and mustard and fries.
Both Bo and Nora are salivating at the thought.
NORA
Does this kid know how to eat
or what?
BO
(an inside joke with Nora)
I do believe it's in the gene pool.
MATTHEW
(excited)
Rodi's has a pool now?!
Nora laughs.
NORA
No honey, never mind.
BO
Whoa, whoa, wait a minute -
You know about Rodi's cheeseburgers?
MATTHEW
(looking at Nora Matthew recites
something he has obviously heard
a million times before)
The best in the west, east, uptown,
and down, can put one away in
10 seconds flat - then come crawlin'
back for more. (High fives Nora).
Hopping off the couch Matthew runs over to the corner to look through one more
box.
MATTHEW
We gotta get to work!
Shaking her head Nora sits next to Bo on the couch.
BO
You taught him that? I can't believe
he knows our Rodi's bit.
NORA
Well, of course, everyone knows Rodi's
has the best cheeseburgers on the planet
and with the blood he has coursing
through his veins I think that boy was
born singing it.
Bo laughs. Getting back to work Nora continues to dig through the box in front
of her.
MATTHEW
Hey! What's this? Did you play soccer too
mom?
Nora is confused, turning to see what Matthew found she is stunned when she
realizes what it is. Walking toward them Matthew proudly holds a plastic trophy
complete with two, shiny, gold figures dancing on top. Bo recognizes the trophy
too.
NORA
(taking the trophy as Matthew hands it to her)
Oh my gosh, I had completely
forgotten about this.
Holding the plastic award Nora looks at Bo and their eyes lock. They are alone.
It's only for a second, maybe only a half, but there they are all alone, talking with
their eyes. They both remember. Their silent conversation is cut short by the
sound of their son's curious voice.
MATTHEW
You played soccer mommy?
NORA
(a bit startled)
Wha? No honey, mommy didn't play soccer.
MATTHEW
Then why did you get a trophy?
NORA
Well, actually sweetheart, that trophy
doesn't belong to me.
MATTHEW
It doesn't? (Nora shakes her head)
Is it daddy's trophy?
Nora glances at Bo. Oh, if only Matthew knew how right he was.
NORA
What I meant to say is that this trophy
doesn't belong to just me.
MATTHEW
You won a trophy with someone?
NORA
Yep!
MATTHEW
Who?
Smiling a giant grin Nora points her finger, directing Matthew's attention to Bo.
MATTHEW
Bo!? You won a soccer trophy with Bo?
BO
Actually sport, (taking the trophy from
Nora's hands) this isn't a soccer trophy
at all.
MATTHEW
It isn't?
BO
Nope. Your mom and I won this trophy
in a dance contest.
Matthew seems confused.
MATTHEW
Dancing? You won a trophy for dancing?
BO
Sure. That mom of yours is one heck of a
dancer you know.
Nora's flattered.
NORA
Don't let him fool ya Matthew, he's
the best partner around.
MATTHEW
Could you show me?
Both Bo and Nora are stunned by the question. They look at each other, neither
one of them knowing what to say, it's as if their son just asked them a question in
fluent Greek, a language neither of them speaks at all.
BO
What?
MATTHEW
Show me.
Suddenly Nora is busy looking for change again.
MATTHEW
Show me mom.
NORA
Oh, Matthew, sweetie, that was a really
long time ago and I don't think -
besides, we have to get finished with
your project so we can go get that
burger.
Right in the nick of time Bo finds the treasure the three have been searching for.
BO
Ah ha! Well, sport, it looks like for once
your mom was right about something that
was in a box in the garage! I found it!
Now, what do ya say the three of us get
this money of the world thing done so we
can get outta here and get some grub.
Suddenly distracted Matthew lays the trophy on the couch and takes the small
felt bag of coins from Bo.
MATTHEW
Yeah!
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Boxes still scattered about the house, Bo, Nora and Matthew are all hunched over a giant, colorful poster board as Matthew sticks his final coin to the proper
country.
MATTHEW
(tongue out, concentrating)
And this one goes. right. there.
All done. (holding the poster up for
Bo and Nora to see) What do ya think?
BO
Well, I have to say that that is the
best darn coins of the world poster
I have ever seen. How 'bout you
mom?
NORA
Well, I'm gonna have to agree.
MATTHEW
Now can we go eat?
BO
Yup! Let's hurry and clean up in
here and -
NORA
I'll tell you what. You two go out
and have dinner and I'll stay and
put these boxes away.
MATTHEW
No mom, you have to come too.
BO
Not a chance Nora, we wouldn't
dream of enjoying one of those
big, fat cheeseburgers without you.
NORA
No. I'm fine, I think -
Bo and Matthew both look at Nora with great big puppy dog eyes.
NORA
(Giving in)
Well, who can pass up a cheeseburger at
Rodi's? But you know what, why don't
we go now and worry about this mess later.
MATTHEW/BO
(surprised)
Really?
NORA
Yes really. We have to go now 'cause
(tickling Matthew) I'm starving!
MATTHEW
Ok. Ok. Mercy! (Catching his
breath) But I thought -
Bo stops Matthew mid-sentence, picking him up and swinging him over one
shoulder.
BO
Come on. Come on. We gotta go before
she changes her mind.
Grabbing her purse Nora follows the boys and shuts the lights out. Still hanging
over Bo's shoulder Matthew talks to his mom as they make their way out
the front door.
MATTHEW
Hey mom, if I'm real good could I get
a rootbeer float too?
NORA
(to Bo as they exit)
Is this an incredible kid or what?!
BO
Incredible.
Matthew giggles as Nora closes the door behind them.
INT. RODI'S - NIGHT
Matthew, Nora and Bo are seated around a table at Rodi's. Bo and Nora are full
to the point it's painful. An empty plate where a cheeseburger once sat and an
empty rootbeer float glass rests in front of each of them. Matthew makes a loud
sucking sound with his straw as he does his best to suck down every last drop of
his float. Even over the slurping you can still hear the sound of oldies on the
jukebox.
NORA
(still picking at the fries that sit in
the middle of the table)
I think the cheeseburgers got bigger.
MATTHEW
Maybe you just got smaller mom.
NORA
(laughing)
Oh honey, you're sweet but I can assure
you that I did not get any smaller.
Bo just leans back content and watches.
MATTHEW
(finishing the last drop of his float)
Could I have some money for the
radiobox?
Noticing he has ice cream on his face Bo instinctively takes a napkin and wipes
off Matthew's cheek and chin.
BO
Radiobox? Oh my boy, did your
mother teach you nothing? That
thing over there is called a jukebox.
MATTHEW
Oh. Could I have some money for
the jukebox then?
Smiling Nora pulls out her purse and produces two quarters for Matthew.
MATTHEW
Thanks!
Hopping up from his chair Matthew runs over to the jukebox to make his
selection. There is a silent pause as his parents watch him go.
BO
(breaking the silence)
Did you get enough to eat there?
NORA
Ha ha. Yes, I got enough to eat.
Thanks for your help today Bo.
BO
Help? Are you kidding? I had a great
day. Who could ever imagine that doing
homework could be so much fun?
NORA
(laughs) Really. (Getting serious)
You're a wonderful father Bo.
Another silent pause is quickly broken -
MATTHEW
Mom, Bo, look!
Matthew runs toward their table pointing at a couple out on the dance floor.
MATTHEW
Is that the kind of dancing you won
the trophy for?
Bo and Nora watch as the couple on the floor dance the jitterbug. They're
good but nothing like the two of them used to be.
BO
That's the kind.
MATTHEW
Come on, show me. Show me. Please!
Tugging on Nora's arm with one hand and Bo's with the other Matthew coaxes
them to stand up.
NORA
Matthew honey I -
Bo's surprised at himself but suddenly he wants to dance. It's been such a
long time but all at once he wants to take Nora out on the floor and show their
son how good they used to be.
BO
(rising)
Aw, come on, let's give it a whirl.
Nora looks up at Bo, the shock written all over her face as he reaches a hand out
to her.
BO
(quietly so Matthew won't hear)
Let's show our little guy how it's done.
(Winks)
Taking Bo by the hand Nora stands up. An excited Matthew tosses himself into
a chair and watches with wide eyes.
NORA
One dance.
Leading her out on the dance floor Bo can't believe how nervous he suddenly feels. What was he thinking? It's been so long since they have done this and now,
in public, with everyone, including their son watching? Oh no. Nora's nervous
too and it doesn't help to feel the sweat in Bo's palm as he holds her shaky hand
in his.
Turning toward one another they both smile a nervous smile.
NORA
Wow. It's been a long time huh?
BO
Yeah, a long time.
NORA
Look Bo, we don't have to do this. Matthew
will understand. We-
BO
Are you kidding Red? I want to dance with you.
NORA
(smiles)
Red. Gosh, I haven't heard that in a while.
BO
Yeah, it's been a while since I said it.
A new song starts up on the jukebox and it's time to see if they've still got it.
Taking both of her hands in his, Bo lets his feet go, hoping they remember what it
is they're supposed to do. They're both a little rusty at first. Bo's knees bump
Nora's, Nora doesn't keep her arms as stiff as she should and is late reading a
turn. But it's only moments, just a matter of a beat or two before they are right
back where they were so long ago. It's amazing how it falls into place. It's
amazing how the slightest move of Bo's hand can tell Nora what's coming next,
how they can read each other without making a sound. Nervous smiles disappear
and make way for childlike excitement.
The energy Nora feels when she's dancing with Bo is incredible. Pushing her out
along the length of his arm Bo lets Nora go into a fast spin only to find her
making her way back into him without missing a beat. People are watching now.
Just like before "the commissioner" and "Red" soon find themselves the center of
a captive audience. But no one as captivated as little Matthew, sitting so proud
and so tall, a big toothless grin, he can't take his eyes off his mom and Bo. They
are so cool!
Tossing Nora into another spin Bo pulls her back in, closer this time, and holds
her tight. People are clapping now as the song nears its end. Both Bo and Nora
know this song so well and are sad to hear it coming to a close. Winding up the
dance Bo turns Nora and dips her low to the floor, locking eyes with the woman
who was once the love of his life.
NORA
Wow!
The song comes to an end as Bo's strong arms raise Nora back to standing.
NORA
I have to say, you still got it Commish.
BO
Not so bad yourself there.
They're out of breath but it's a wonderful feeling.
NORA
I think we were being watched.
BO
Yeah, I think we still got it Red. The
folks seemed to be enjoying -
NORA
Look at your son Bo.
Nora's hands still in his Bo turned toward the table where Matthew sits, a grin the
size of Texas spread across his freckled face. Seeing Bo and Nora turn to him
Matthew gives the two a thumbs up and gestures to them to dance again.
BO
What do ya say? You up for one more.
NORA
You know what? I think I am. I may
be regretting this when I can't walk
tomorrow but, yeah, I think I am.
Getting right back into step Bo and Nora dance again. This time there are another
pair of eyes fixed on them, a set as interested as Matthew's but not as happy to
see the two of them together. Standing outside in the dim, red Rodi's
light Gabrielle's heart sinks low into her chest as she peers through
the window. She was waiting for Max, they planned to meet at Rodi's
to talk about Al's tuition. Suddenly she's getting a show she didn't
bargain for.
EXT. RODI'S - NIGHT
Stepping up behind her Max startles Gabrielle.
MAX
Hey! Sorry I'm late.
GABRIELLE
(distracted, still not taking her eyes
off Bo's and Nora's dance)
Hi. It's ok.
MAX
Is everything alright?
Stepping closer to Gabrielle Max sees what it is putting that look on her face.
MAX
Hey, look, they're just friends.
GABRIELLE
Max, I've got eyes, I -
MAX
You know they used to dance together
all the time. Look -
Max pulls Gabrielle back toward the window.
MAX
Look at little Matthew. They're doing this
for him. That doesn't mean that Bo doesn't
love you.
GABRIELLE
Still.
MAX
Come on, let's go inside and say hi.
GABRIELLE
No Max, not tonight. Let's just go
somewhere else tonight.
MAX
Are you sure?
GABRIELLE
Yes.
Taking her by the arm Max walks Gabrielle toward the parking lot taking one
last glance inside as Bo and Nora continue to dance
