INT. PALACE RESTRAUNT – EVENING

Bo and Gabrielle are sitting down eating dinner at The Palace. Bo promised her
her he would take her out and his body is present but his mind is definitely in
another place.

GABRIELLE
So the designer thinks that it's
a good idea to do the entire line
in a single color but I can't begin
to imagine how that could work
out. Can you? Bo?

Nothing.

GABRIELLE
Bo?

Looking across at his face Gabrielle turns to see what it is that it holding Bo's
attention. Matthew's hand in hers, still dressed for work Nora steps through
the doorway. The sight of the two of them spreads a smile across Bo's
handsome face.

MATTHEW
Dad!

Spotting his father Matthew let's go of Nora's hand and runs toward him.

BO
Hey buddy.

Ecstatic to see his son Bo takes him in his arms and pulls him on to his lap.

MATTHEW
What are you doing here?

BO
Me? I should be asking you
the same question. Hey Red.

Hearing Bo use that nickname for Nora sends a shutter down Gabrielle's spine.

NORA
I'm just dropping this guy off.
Hi Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
Hello Nora.

MATTHEW
I'm going to sleep over at Grandpa's
tonight.

BO
You are?

Matthew nods.

NORA
I have some work to catch up on so
Renee's going to take him over with
Asa for the night.

BO
You're working tonight?

NORA
Yeah. Oh, there's Renee. I'm going
to run over and talk to her a minute.
Stay with your dad ok?

MATTHEW
Ok.

Nora makes her way across the room toward Renee. Bo tries not to but he can't
help but follow her with his eyes. Gabrielle can see it but does her best to ignore.

BO
So you and Grandpa are having a sleep-
over huh?

MATTHEW
Yeah. Could you come too dad?

BO
To the sleep over?

Matthew nods. Bo looks up at Gabrielle who does her best to smile and nods.

BO
I'll tell you what. You head on over
with Grandma, I'll finish my dinner
with Gabrielle and then catch up with
you later. Deal?

MATTHEW
Deal.

Unable to help himself Bo takes another glance up at Nora who is still
across the room, talking with Renee.

NORA
And then I thought we could just finish
up the meeting with a light dessert.

RENEE
Sounds great. I'll get to work on it.

NORA
Thanks Renee.

RENEE
No problem.

NORA
Are you sure you and Asa don't mind
taking Matthew tonight?

RENEE
Are you kidding? We can't wait.
It's all Asa talked about all day. That
little guy of yours is the apple of his
Grandpa's eye you know.

Both Renee and Nora look over to where Matthew sits on Bo's lap teaching him
the palm reading trick he learned at school.

RENEE
He sure does make his daddy happy too.

NORA
Yeah.

Nora smiles as she watches Bo with their son. Feeling her eyes on him
Bo looks up and locks eyes with Nora. For a moment it's as if there's
no one else in the
room as they look at each other and smile. It's only a short moment but it
doesn't go unnoticed by Gabrielle or by Renee.

RENEE
(smiling as she eyes Nora)
I swear the man just lights up when
the two of you come into a room.

Still staring at Bo Nora begins to agree then realizes she wasn't really listening
to what Renee just said.

NORA
Yeah, he –
(looks at Renee)
I'm sorry, what?

Renee still looks at Nora, a knowing smile across her face.

NORA
What?

Glancing over at Bo and then back to Nora Renee doesn't say a word. Gabrielle
does the same but her face comes no where close to reflecting the joy that is
evident on Renee's.

NORA
Ok. What are you looking at me
like that for Renee?

RENEE
Oh darlin' I'm afraid the two of you
are as stubborn as Asa and I are.

NORA
Come on what are you talking about?

RENEE
My advice? Don't be. There are some
loves you only find once in your life
my dear.

With that Renee pats a confused Nora on the arm and turns to go.

RENEE
I'm going to run and check on the
kitchen, I'll be out in a minute and
head over to the house with Matthew.

NORA
Ok.

Once again watching Bo play with Matthew Nora begins to think about what
Renee just said but the sight of Gabrielle sitting there at the table forces her to
shake the thoughts from her mind. She's on her way back over to tell Matthew
goodnight when JEN enters and begins to walk past her.

NORA
Hey Jen.

JEN
Hi.

NORA
You look pretty tonight. Are you
meeting Joe?

JEN
(distracted)
Yeah. I'm a little late so...

NORA
Sure. It was good to see you.

JEN
You too.

A thought comes to Nora's mind just as Jen turns to go.

NORA
Oh! Actually, Jen, could I ask you
a quick question?

JEN
Ok.

NORA
You don't happen to know a girl named
Erika Ardeth do you? She's a student
at Llanview U.

JEN
(thinking)
Erika Ardeth? Why does that name
sound – Oh! Yeah. I mean, I don't
know her well but I know who she
is. Her boyfriend was in my Psych
class last semester.

NORA
Do you remember his name?

JEN
Yeah, we were in the same study group.
I think his name was Nicholas Smith or
Simon or –

NORA
Simmons?

JEN
That's it. Why?

NORA
Nothing important. I better not keep
you from your dinner. Tell Joey hi
for me.

JEN
Ok.

The wheels in Nora's mind are really turning as she watches Jen walk away.

NORA
(to herself)
So Erika's dating the Dean's son.

RENEE
Ok, I'm all set.

Nora is startled from her thoughts by the sound of Renee's voice.

NORA
Thank you so much Renee.

Walking toward Bo's table Nora puts her arms out to Matthew.

NORA
Hey sport, I'm going to go.

Jumping up from Bo's lap Matthew rushes to his mom for a hug.

NORA
You have fun with Grandma and
Grandpa ok? And be good.

MATTHEW
I will. Dad's going to come over
later too.

NORA
He is? Well, it sounds like it will
be one heck of a party.

Matthew nods. As Nora smiles at Bo. Renee can't help but notice how

uncomfortable Gabrielle seems.

NORA
Give me a kiss.

Matthew gives his mom a big kiss and hug.

NORA
Love you.

MATTHEW
Love you.

NORA
Goodnight Bo. Gabrielle. Thanks
Renee.

RENEE
No problem. We'll see you in the
morning.

Nora turns to leave, Bo's eyes following her long legs all the way out the door.

INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Bags and mail in hand Nora makes her way from the door to the bureau.

Tossing the stack of mail on the top of the bureau she begins to flip through
it, a letter catching her eye. Turning it over in her hand she's getting use to the
routine. There isn't a return address and the handwriting is familiar. Carefully
tearing into the envelope Nora opens the letter and reads doing her best to hide
the look of concern that wants to wash over her face.

NORA
This is ridiculous.

Returning the letter to its envelop Nora opens the drawer and puts it inside.

NORA
I've got work to do

Nora closes the door then, taking her palm pilot from her bag looks up a number
and dials.

NORA
Erika? It's Nora Buchanan.
I'm fine thanks and you? Good.
Listen, I was wondering if you
had some time if maybe you and
I could talk again. Yes, I understand
that you're busy but I promise I
would only take a minute of your
time, I- Sure, I could meet you
there. Tomorrow will be fine.
What time? Ok. Thanks Erika.
Goodnight.

Hanging the phone up Nora gathers her papers and head to her office to work.

INT. BO'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Gabrielle is standing in the living room as Bo comes down the stairs Matthew's
hand held video game in hand.

BO
I found it. You know it kills me, I
bet you Pa has every video game
ever invented in that room of
Matthew's there and yet he calls
and needs this thing.

Gabrielle looks at Bo with a forced smile.

BO
You sure you don't want to come
and stay honey?

GABRIELLE
I'm sure.

BO
Gabrielle is something wrong?

GABRIELLE
What? No.

BO
Are you sure because you haven't
said more than two or three words
since Matthew and Nora showed
up at The Palace. It's ok that I'm
going over to stay with Matthew
isn't it?

GABRIELLE
Of course, I want you to spend
time with your son.

BO
Then what?

GABRIELLE
It's just –
(changes her mind)
Nothing Bo. Go. Have a good
time at your fathers.

BO
Ok. I'll see you tomorrow?

Gabrielle nods.

BO
Goodnight.

Bo kisses her on the cheek then grabs his jacket and heads for the door.

INT. ASA'S STUDY – NIGHT

The orderly study has been turned into a giant city of blanket tents. The lights
are out but the glow of three flashlights can be seen moving through the cloth
tunnels and voices can be heard.

BO
Get him Grandpa! Catch him before
he gets away.

ASA
I'm closing in on him. Almost there...

BO
I got him!

Two flashlights come together and the sound of Matthew's excited laughter fills
the room as he and Bo come crashing down through one of the soft blanket walls.
Bo tickles Matthew as he continues to squeal.

MATTHEW
Ok, ok, you caught me! Mercy! Mercy!

Crawling out from under the blankets Asa flips the lights on and walks toward
the heap on the floor that is his son and his grandson.

BO
I caught him Pa, now what do you
think we should do with him?

ASA
Have you got the loot?

BO
Right here.

Bo lifts up a paper bag and dumps it contents, letting the candy roll onto the
floor. Seeing the sweet treats hit the carpet Matthew reaches in snatching one
away.

BO
I saw that.

MATTHEW
Come on dad, just one more.

BO
Ok. But just one and then you
have to brush your teeth again.
I let you go and fill your head
with cavities and your mom will
never forgive me.

Unwrapping the candy Matthew smiles at Bo as he slips the piece into his
mouth. Suddenly Bo's cell phone rings from his belt clip.

BO
Buchanan.

INT. NORA'S HOME OFFICE – NIGHT

NORA
Hi. Is Matthew still up? I
just wanted to tell him good-
night.

SWITCHING

BO
Oh, hey there. Yep, he's
right here.
(to Matthew)
It's your mom.

Matthew takes the phone from his dad.

MATTHEW
Hi mom. We built a fort.

NORA
You did?
(listens)
Hey, are you eating candy?

A guilty look washes across Matthew's face.

MATTHEW
Uh huh but it's only one more
piece and then I'm going to
brush my teeth.

NORA
Ok, brush them good. And no
more sugar tonight.

MATTHEW
Ok.

NORA
Goodnight. I love you.

MATTHEW
I love you too. Goodnight mom.

Handing the phone back to Bo Matthew quickly finishes his candy and heads for
the stairs.

ASA
Hey cowboy, where you going?

MATTHEW
I promised mom I'd brush my
teeth.

Matthew shoots out the door toward the stairs.

BO
Hey Red. Sorry about the candy.

NORA
It's ok.

BO
(looking at his watch)
You're not still working are ya?

NORA
Well...

BO
Aw come on, it's getting late.
Why don't you put it to bed and
call it a night?

NORA
I will.

BO
Ok. I'll see you in the morning?

NORA
I'll see you in the morning.

BO
Goodnight Red.

NORA
Goodnight.

Returning the telephone to it's base Nora can't help but think about Bo. The
picture of the three of them at Matthew's Parents' Night catches her eye and
she sighs as she takes it in her hand.

INT. ASA'S STUDY - NIGHT

Bo closes his phone then looks up at his father whose been listening all along
a big grin spread across his face.

BO
What?

Nothing.

BO
(realizes)
Oh knock it off Pa, there is nothing
going on between Nora and I.

ASA
You could have fooled me.

BO
We're friends, nothing more.

ASA
My boy, I have a lot of friends,
but none of them make me light
up just by calling me on the
telephone.

Bo starts to protest as Asa rises. Placing his hand on Bo's shoulder in leans in
and whispers to his son.

ASA
Nope. The only one with the power
to do that, is Renee. And a love like
that just doesn't come along everyday.

Patting Bo on the shoulder Asa leaves him alone with his thoughts as he exits the
study.

INT. NORA'S OFFICE – NIGHT

Nora's eyes are still fixated on the picture of the three of them. She runs her
thumb across the image of Bo's face, feeling the cold glass against her skin.
Realizing what she's doing Nora closes her eyes and tries to shake the thoughts
from her mind.

NORA
Come on Nora, don't go there.
(looking at the photo again)
He's with Gabrielle and he's
happy. Things are just fine as
they are.

Smiling back at the faces of "her boys" Nora puts the picture down and does her
best to get back to work.

INT. ASA'S FOYER – DAY

Hearing a knock at the door Bo makes his way through the foyer and opens it.
All dressed like she's ready for work, Nora stands on the other side.

BO
Morning.

NORA
Hey. Is Matthew up?

BO
Yeah, he's just finishing breakfast.
(off Nora's look)
Pancakes, eggs, healthy stuff, I
promise. Here, let me take your
coat.

Bo moves forward, putting his hands on Nora's jacket to take it for her.

NORA
(suddenly)
No. No, it's ok, I can't stay.

BO
Oh. Ok. What's with the outfit,
you look like you're going to work.

NORA
I am.

BO
Today?

NORA
Well, sort of. I'm just meeting with
someone for a few minutes.

BO
Can't it wait until Monday Red?

NORA
I wish it could.

BO
What are you going to do with Matthew?

NORA
I thought I'd see if Mary Anne was
free today.

BO
Why don't you just leave him
with me?

NORA
Is that ok? You and Gabrielle don't
have plans?

BO
Nah. I'd love to have him. I'll
tell you what, you leave him here,
he and I will hang out and then
the two of us will meet you for
lunch when you're finished.

NORA
You sure?

BO
(smiles)
Of course.

NORA
Ok. Why don't you bring Gabrielle
to lunch too.

BO
I'll ask her.

NORA
Tell Matthew I'll see him later.

BO
I will. Don't work too hard.

Nora smiles at Bo and makes her way out the door.

EXT. ANGEL SQUARE – DAY

Rubbing her arms to warm them against the fall chill Nora sits down on a bench
to wait for Erika. There aren't many people out today, it's a little cold but Nora
watches as a man and a woman walk arm in arm across the fallen leaves,
stopping near Luna's angel to steel a kiss. Without warning Nora hears Renee's
words from last night run through her mind.

RENEE (V.O.)
There are some loves you only find
once in your life my dear.

Rubbing her face with her hands Nora does her best to shake the thought from
her mind.

ERIKA
Nora?

NORA
Oh, hi Erika. Thanks for meeting
me.

ERIKA
It's ok. I really do have to do this
quick though.

NORA
I understand.

A pause.

NORA
Erika are you good friends with
Nicholas Simmons?

Erika is caught off guard.

ERIKA
What?

NORA
Do you know Nicholas Simmons?

ERIKA
Well, I –
(off Nora's look)
I guess you could say that.

NORA
Are the two of you close?

ERIKA
He's my boyfriend. Was my
boyfriend. Why?

NORA
The two of you broke up?

ERIKA
Yeah. Nora, why are you asking
me about Nicholas?

NORA
His name keeps coming up in my
investigation and I'm trying to
figure out why. Is Nicholas known
to deal drugs?

ERIKA
(grows uncomfortable)
Look, I really can't talk about this.

NORA
Erika, if you're afraid that you have
to protect him don't be. There are
ways to make sure he doesn't hurt
you.

ERIKA
It isn't Nicholas I'm worried about.

NORA
But somebody does have you scared.

Nothing.

NORA
Come on Erika, you have to help me
out on this. I can make sure that no
one hurts you. Why are you protecting
Nicholas? Does this have anything to
do with his father?

ERIKA
You know who his father is?

Nora nods.

ERIKA
Look Nora. Nicholas needs help. He
needs help but his dear old daddy thinks
that getting it for him would completely
destroy the family's reputation. He
won't even let Nick go by the same last
name that he does. He doesn't care one
bit about his son. He never cared as
much as I do.

NORA
Erika, forgive me but if you cared about
him so much I don't understand why
you would make so many calls reporting
things that could get Nicholas in so
much trouble.

ERIKA
I did it because I care about him. He
needs to be caught Nora.

NORA
But even with all of your calls he hasn't
been.

ERIKA
(shakes her head)
And he won't. His dad will be sure and
see to that.

NORA
But it doesn't make sense, why would his
dad risk so much covering up something
that really wouldn't do much more than
embarrass the family some. I mean, people
understand that a parent can't control
everything their child does.

ERIKA
I don't know. Maybe he just hates to be
embarrassed.
(suddenly growing nervous)
Look, Nora, I wish I could help you some
more but I've really got to go.

NORA
Yeah. Ok. Thanks Erika.

Erika stands up and hurries on her way. Watching her go Nora is uneasy to see a
familiar man in a dark suit wait for a moment and then exist following the same
path.

INT. RHODI'S – DAY

Slipping through the door, out of the cold Nora quickly spots Bo and Matthew at
a table near the juke box. Realizing Gabrielle isn't with them Nora is a little
taken back.

MATTHEW
Hi mom!

Hearing Matthew call to Nora Bo looks up to see her standing there. He can't
help himself, a smile is instantly shining on his face as his eyes meet hers. Nora
returns the smile but is quick to glance away.

NORA
Hi honey. How was your sleep over?

MATTHEW
Great and me and dad are having a
great day today too. Right dad?

BO
You bet.

Standing up from his chair Bo pulls Nora's seat out for her.

NORA
Thanks. Where's Gabrielle?

BO
Matthew and I got a little distracted
today and I never got a chance to
call her.

NORA
(taking her phone out)
Oh. Well, why don't we call her now,
we can –

BO
Red. It's ok. I'll catch up with her
tonight.

NORA
(puts the phone down)
Right.
(a beat)
So, what are ya having?

MATTHEW
A cheeseburger. What else?

Both Nora and Bo smile at Matthew.

BO
That settles it!
(waves toward the counter)
Cheeseburgers all around.

MATTHEW
Mom, can I play a song.

NORA
Sure.

Nora reaches into her purse to find some change but drops her palm pilot to
the floor in the process. Reaching down at the same time to get it Bo and Nora
find themselves face to face, Bo's hand on top of Nora's on top of the palm pilot.
Even just the simple touch of his hand to hers sends an energy through them
that neither one can ignore.

NORA
(eyes locked with Bo's)
Thanks.

BO
No problem.

Sitting back up to the table Nora once again searches for some change.

NORA
Here you go sweetie.

MATTHEW
Thanks!

Taking the money from his mom Matthew hustles to the juke box.

NORA
Thanks for taking him today.

BO
Sure.
(a beat)
Nora, is everything ok?

NORA
Yeah, of course.

Matthew comes running back to the table as the music starts to play.

MATTHEW
Mom! Dad! Listen! Didn't you
guys used to dance to this song?

Bo and Nora both smile as a familiar old song starts to play.

BO
Yeah buddy we did.

MATTHEW
Come on. Dance.

NORA
Right now?

MATTHEW
Yeah. Dance to this song.

NORA
Oh sweetie I –

BO
(standing)
Come on Red. Let's give it a
whirl.

Looking up at Bo's out stretched hand Nora isn't sure about this. She wants to
dance with him but isn't sure that she should.

MATTHEW
Please mom.

NORA
Ok. One dance.

Placing her hand in Bo's Nora lets him lead her to the dance floor. Just like
so many time before the two of them fall into instant step with one another.
Bo's hands are so warm and strong as they guide Nora across the floor. Bo
loves the feeling of her body spinning around him. Each time Nora twirls
past him a sweet smelling breeze brushes his face. She smells so good.
Matthew beams as he watches his mom and dad having so much fun together.
It's impossible not to smile when she's dancing with Bo. Bo can't help himself
either, it just feels so good. As the song comes to an end Bo gives Nora one
more spin, pulling her close to him to stop her body from moving.
Their faces are nearly touching now as he strengthens his hold on her
and dips her toward the floor. Gosh he wants to kiss her. Holding
her in his arms, looking into her eyes this way Bo can't help himself,
he wants to feel her lips against his own. Nora can feel it too as Bo
begins to draw her face toward his.

MATTHEW
That was great! Dance again!

Bo and Nora look up to find Matthew standing on the dance floor next to them.
Helping Nora up Bo smiles at Matthew.

NORA
Oh honey, we better –
Look! Our foods there. We
better eat before it gets cold.

Turning away from Bo Nora quickly walks to their table and sits down. Bo
tousles Matthew's hair and the two of them follow.

INT. RHODI'S – DAY

Sitting back in his chair Bo enjoys his last bite of burger as Nora continues to
pick at Matthew's fries.

BO
You get enough to eat there sport?

Matthew nods.

BO
How about you mom?

NORA
Plenty. As a matter of fact, I don't know
why I'm still eating these. Get them
away from me.

With a smile Nora slides the plate away from her towards Bo.

MATTHEW
Could I play one more song on the jukebox
before we have to go?

NORA
Yeah.

BO
I'll tell you what. You take this money
over to the counter and pay our bill and
you can use the change that comes back
to play your song.

MATTHEW
(takes the money)
Thanks dad.

NORA
Thank you Bo.

Reaching in her purse Nora pulls out a few ones and slaps them on the table.

NORA
I've got the tip.

Knowing it wouldn't do any good to argue with her Bo just smiles.

BO
So the meeting today, how did it go?

NORA
It was ok. I think I got some pretty
important information pertaining to
that problem over at Llanview U.

BO
Oh?

NORA
It's starting to look like maybe the
Dean's son is in this thing far deeper
than his father would like to admit.

BO
You think the Dean is doing something
to cover up for his boy?

NORA
Could be. I still don't see why he would
go to such lengths, why he would risk so
much just to save himself a little
embarrassment but –

Nora shrugs her shoulders and takes a sip of what's let of her drink.

BO
What about that other kid that you said
it looked like may be involved? What
was his name?

NORA
Howie?

BO
That's right. Any luck with him?

NORA

(shakes her head)
I've talked to his roommate and
another friend of his a couple of times
with no luck. They act really strange
when I ask about him too. I don't
know what's going on there. It's like
the kid just dropped off the planet.

For some reason the things Nora has to say about the case do not set well with
Bo. He doesn't know what it is but something just isn't right about this and he
doesn't like it.

BO
Nora, I really think that –

MATTHEW
I got two songs for the change that you
gave me dad!

BO
You did? Well you got a bargain there
buckaroo. Come here.

Pulling Matthew up onto his lap Bo kisses his son on the top of the head.

BO
Thanks for spending the day with me.
I had the best time.

MATTHEW
Me too. The sleepover was fun too
huh?

BO
The best.

MATTHEW
Oh! I almost forgot! Mom, can dad go
with us to that cartoon festival you got
the tickets for?

Nora looks up at Bo.

NORA
Oh sweetheart I don't know if your
dad has time to –

MATTHEW
Are you busy tomorrow dad?

BO
No, but wouldn't you rather take one
of your friends to the festival?

MATTHEW
I want you to go with us.

Bo looks over at Nora for any signs of disapproval.

MATTHEW
Can he go mom?

NORA
Sweetie you know your dad is
always welcome.

Matthew turns from him mom to his dad.

BO
In that case, I'll be there.

MATTHEW
(throws his arms around Bo)
Thanks dad.

Jumping from his dad's lap he races to Nora and gives her a hug as well.

MATTHEW
Thanks mom.

NORA
You're welcome sweet heart.

BO
Why don't I pick the two of you up
around eleven then.

NORA
Sounds good.
(a beat)
Ok sport, give your dad a hug, we've
got to go get that stuff for your science
project.

MATTHEW
(hugs Bo)
Bye dad. See you tomorrow.

BO
Bye. I love you.

MATTHEW
Love you too.

BO
Goodbye Red.

NORA
Bye. Thanks for lunch.

INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Matthew is on the couch finishing up his project for school. Nora sits next to him going through mail and looking over her notes from the Llanview U case.

MATTHEW
I'm almost done mom.

Distracted by her notes Nora doesn't hear him.

MATTHEW
Mom, I'm almost finished.

NORA
That's good honey.

MATTHEW
You didn't even look.

NORA
(looks up)
Oh, I'm sorry sweet heart. Let
me see. That's great!

MATTHEW
Could you help me with this very
last part?

NORA
Sure. I just need to make one quick
little phone call and I'll help you
finish up ok?

Matthew nods his head and goes back to work as Nora crosses the room and
dials the phone.

HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Hello.

NORA
Hello, this is Nora Buchanan. I'm trying
to reach Howie. Is he available?

HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
No. Howie isn't here.

NORA
Do you know when I might reach him?

HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Look, lady, I know you want to talk
to him bad but, well, my advice, stop
looking for Howie. It really would
be best.

NORA
I appreciate your concern but it really
is very important that I talk to him.
Do you know where he is?

Nothing.

NORA
Please. I wouldn't be asking if it
weren't extremely important.

HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
I don't know.
(hesitates)
But give me your number and I'll
call if I talk to him.

NORA
Thank you.

INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Nora is back with Matthew on the couch now putting the final touches on his
project.

MATTHEW
This looks great. I can't wait to
show it to dad.

NORA
You going to show him tomorrow
when he comes.

Matthew nods.

NORA
He'll love it. Your dad always –

The phone rings.

MATTHEW
Maybe it's dad! I'll get it!

Jumping from the couch Matthew grabs the phone and answers.

MATTHEW
Hello?

A funny look falls across Matthew's tiny face. It's obviously not Bo.

MATTHEW
Who is this?

Nora steps up behind him and takes the phone.

NORA
Hello?

MALE (V.O.)
Well there you are. You're
still so busy sticking your nose
where it doesn't belong I thought
maybe you weren't home tonight.
Glancing over at Matthew Nora does her best to cover.

NORA
You know this is a little bit
ridiculous, if you want to talk
we really –

MALE (V.O.)
Of course I know that you are
home tonight. I know most of
what you're up to these days.

Matthew is still watching with a look of concern on his face so Nora turns her
back and cups her hand over the phone doing her best not to let him hear her.

NORA
Look, I really don't buy into
scare tactics. If anything they
let me know that there is a problem
and that I'm on the right tract. So
if you're trying to scare me into –

MALE (V.O.)
Oh, I'm not trying to scare you
Ms. Buchanan, just warn you.
Consider yourself warned Counselor.

The line goes dead and Nora hangs up the phone.

MATTHEW
Mom? Are you ok?

NORA
Of course I'm ok. That was just a
crazy friend from work playing a
trick on me. Now, lets get this mess
cleaned up and we'll go in the kitchen
for some ice cream.

A smile on his face Matthew hurries to do as his mother asked.