Episode #19:The Deceitful Daughter

The first scene opens with at a small bistro in the heart of downtown LA in the business district. Ryan and Marissa are both sitting at a table outside as they wait for their company to join them, both dressed for work. It is early morning; the restaurant has justopened. In the background, softly playing, is Ladytron's "Destroy Everything".

Marissa: (Glancing down at her watch.) What time did Sandy say he would be here?

Ryan: Five minutes ago. (Appearing somewhat nervous, he goes to loosen his tie, and Marissa sees his action.)

Marissa: I wish you didn't have to wear those to work.

Ryan: (He laughs and moves his chair closer to hers.) Better get used it, because unless I'm my own boss someday, the tie will be a dress code prerequisite for quite a while.

Marissa: (She leans in and kisses him softly.) I guess I'll just have to settle for taking it off of you every night. (Ryan laughs and leans in to kiss her back, but they are interrupted by Sandy clearing his throat and laughing.)

Sandy: Sorry, I'm late, but I brought a guest who likes to take a little longer in the bathroom than I do. (Ryan and Marissa look up to see Hayley standing with Sandy. Marissa stands up to give her a hug while Ryan stands and shakes Sandy's hand. After pleasantries and greetings are exchanged the four of them sit down.) I see we're just in time, Hayley. Who knows what those two would have been up to if we were five minutes later.

Hayley: (She smirks at Ryan and Marissa.) They probably wouldn't have even stayed around. Perhaps they'd run off to the bathroom for a quicky, retreat to the car, or even go home before they went to work.

Ryan: (He glares at Hayley before talking while Marissa ducks her head in embarrassment and Sandy laughs although Hayley was a little too blunt even for him. Ryan's voice is harsh and his tone betrays the fact that he considered the past conversation over and dared her to even try to continue it.) What can we do for you Hayley? (Marissa reaches under the table and squeezes his hand in an attempt to calm him down and show him that she was okay. Hayley laughs once again before she speaks.)

Hayley: I'm here to finally start looking at apartments.

Sandy: Can you believe that Kirsten has let her out of her sight? (All four laugh softly at his sarcastic remark.)

Marissa: (She turns to direct her question to Hayley.) How did you manage to break free from your shadow?

Hayley: Well, she had work that she couldn't get out of and my Dad had to be there, too, so she couldn't pull the sneak attack, father bonding trick she's been pulling just about every other day. I swear they're quite the team.

Sandy: As an innocent bystander, it's pretty funny to watch. Every morning, Hayley gets up earlier and earlier trying to sneak by Kirsten, but she's always waiting outside of her door with her breakfast on a tray and a smile on her face.

Ryan: She's not cooking it is she? Hayley might annoy me sometimes, (He shoots a playful smirk at her which makes her roll her eyes and laugh softly.) but even when I'm mad at her I wouldn't wish that fate on her. Death by Kirsten's food would not be a pleasant way to go down. (Marissa and Sandy laugh while Hayley looks slightly fearful.)

Sandy: Don't worry kid; she's keeping the local delivery boys in college with her even more frequent calls for takeout.

Marissa: (Laughing) At least her paranoia is helping a good cause.

Ryan: So if you're both here and Kirsten and Caleb are at the office, who has Zoe today?

Sandy: Sherry. She wanted to spend some time with her. Believe or not, she volunteered….willingly for babysitting duty. (The other three laugh at his mock horrified face.) The trial starts tomorrow, so she'll be tied down to that. I think she wanted a lighthearted, innocent day to relax before the stress testifying is going to bring.

Hayley: (She's laughing.) And she thought babysitting my niece was going to accomplish that. She's got an interesting idea of relaxing.

Marissa: (Sounding wistful.) You're wrong Hayley; there is nothing like spending a day with a child, just the two of you. It's the best feeling in the world when they fall asleep in your arms or look up at you with adoration in their eyes, and spending time with Zoe is even better because she's so adorably sweet and funny. If I wasn't afraid of kidnapping charges, I'd sneak her into my suitcase one Sunday afternoon and take her home with me for good. (Ryan looks at her and has a worried look on his face. Sandy picks up on this and attempts to lighten the somewhat heavy mood now.)

Sandy: Well, Marissa, anytime you feel like kidnapping my daughter for a few days, let me know. I'm sure Kirsten and I could use a break every once in a while, and there's no one I would trust more with her. (Marissa smiles at him.)

Marissa: I might have to take you up on that offer.

Sandy: (Laughing) How about this weekend?

Ryan: (He wraps his arm around Marissa.) Sorry, Marissa is all mine this weekend. You'll have to wait your turn.

Hayley: (This perks her interest. Smiling innocently, she turns to them with genuine curiosity on her face but her eyes are jumping with spunk and mischief.) Oh and do we have some special plans? Just what exactly are you two up to?

Marissa: (She misses Hayley's eyes because she was lost in her own thought.) We're going to Vegas.

Sandy: Oh, the Vegas, just don't do anything I wouldn't.

Ryan: And that would be what?

Sandy: (He thinks about that for a moment.) Let me amend that; don't do anything Seth would do. (The four of them all laugh.)

Ryan: I don't think you have to worry about that.

Hayley: So why Vegas? Are we eloping?

Marissa: Please, I am so not the Vegas, cheap chapel, Elvis impersonating justice of the peace type of girl. The idea of it is not even funny.

Sandy: Don't knock it till you've tried it. (The three of them turn to him.)

Hayley: Are we missing an interesting story about you and my sister?

Sandy: Nope, but if we ever renew our vows, I intend upon doing so in Vegas.

Hayley: (She speaks under her breath.) Looks like you'll only be having one wedding in this lifetime. (Sandy chooses to ignore her, so he just continues on with the conversation.)

Sandy: So if you're not going to the Vegas to elope, what are you going for? I can't imagine you two as the gambling type. That would be the other son and his partner I would guess, especially since they've already been to the Vegas once already this year.

Ryan: I'm going for work.

Marissa: He's been helping to design a new casino, so we're going to inspect it and meet with the clients.

Hayley: Oh, an all expense paid trip, even better. I bet you're flying first class, staying in the most expensive suite available and allowed to expense everything to the firm.

Ryan: (He turns to look at her.) Jealous?

Hayley: Are you kidding me? I've had an expense account my whole life. It's called Daddy.

Sandy: (He laughs.) And if my kids do not get an inheritance from their grandfather, you're looking at the reason why. (Sandy, Ryan, and Marissa laugh at his comment while Hayley smirks at Sandy good naturedly.)

Hayley: Don't you think it's time you left for work, Sanford?

Marissa: We haven't even ordered yet.

Sandy: (He stands up and moves to kiss Marissa's cheek as he says goodbye.) As much as I hate to admit this, she's right. I'm running late for work, so I really must get going. (Ryan stands up to say goodbye to him.) Next week, same time, same place if I promise to be on time?

Ryan: Sounds good. (He grabs his briefcase and suit jacket before bending down and kissing Marissa.) I've got to go, too, or I'll be late. Can you walk from here? (She nods her head. He moves in closer and kisses her again before whispering.) Love you.

Marissa: Love you, too. Pick me up?

Ryan: Of course. (With one last kiss, he stands up and walks off with Sandy after nodding his goodbye to Hayley who just rolls her eyes at him. Once they are gone, Hayley turns to Marissa.)

Hayley: So, how much time do you have until you have to run off to work, too?

Marissa: A few minutes, why?

Hayley: I saw the look in your eye when you were talking about Zoe, now spill. (As Marissa begins to talk, the camera pulls away from the two women and fades as the scene ends.)

Credits and Commercial Break

The second scene begins in the formal dining room of the Cooper house. The meal is spread across the table as Jane, James Sr., and Jimmy all sit together to eat. Although no one is fighting, what should be a pleasant meal is a quiet and isolated one as they all eat from their plates slowly and dejected, slyly stealing glances at the chair which is conspicuously empty, the chair that Caitlyn used to occupy. It is obvious that they are all missing her presence, and even though she has been gone now for almost two months, they are unable to adjust to her absence. In the short time she lived there, she, inadvertently, made her grandparents' lives revolve around her and just as her father got his game together and realized he wanted to be a part of her life, it was too late and she was already gone. Startling everyone, James Sr. speaks out. His voice, though not loud when compared to other speaking voices, seems ridiculously loud in the deathly silent, large, echoing room.

James Sr.: (He is addressing Jimmy.) How was your day?

Jimmy: Boring, same as usual. You?

James Sr.: Same. (They both go back to eating for a second, but once James has chewed his bite of food, he begins to speaks again.) What does Caleb have you working on now?

Jimmy: Research.

Jane: (Trying to sound interested despite her depressed mood, she joins in on their conversation.) Researching what?

Jimmy: Competing firms and the top prospects in the country in the architecture field. It seems as if he's about to do something drastic, almost like he's trying to prepare for the future, but he won't tell me what he's up to. (He thinks out loud as he continues to talk, getting lost in thought.) It's as if he's trying to talk himself out of something that he knows he has to do, something that he secretly wants but is afraid to admit to. I have no idea what he's up, and it's actually driving me nuts.

James Sr.: I always just assumed that the reigns would be passed down to Ryan after he graduated from college.

Jane: Then you obviously haven't been paying too much attention to their relationship over the years. (James looks at her confused.) It's basically been a love/hate relationship without any ounce of love involved.

Jimmy: He's changed though. (Now it is time for both Jane and James to look at Jimmy confused.) Something's changed between Ryan and Caleb these past couple of months. Caleb cares about Marissa; I think he looks towards her as like a daughter, constantly wanting to take care of her and admiring the woman she is.

James Sr.: I don't know Marissa well, but from what I can see, how can someone not admire the woman she is.

Jane: (Her voice is soft.) She is amazing.

Jimmy: Well, I think Caleb's respect for Marissa has made him realize that maybe Ryan is not as bad as he initially assumed. It's kind of hard not to trust Marissa's judgement, and if she can love Ryan as much as she does, there must be something there….at least that's what I think has been going through his mind. Who knows with him?

James Sr.: What does Kirsten say about all this?

Jimmy: Oh, she's adamant that the business will be passed down to Ryan.

Jane: She's not exactly one to not get her way either. (The three of them all sit and take another bite of their food while they think of another topic to discuss.)

Jimmy: So, (He looks at his mother.) when was the last time you talked to Marissa? What's she been up to?

Jane: Busy with work, like usual, but she likes it like that, so that's good. Plus, Hayley's back in town.

Jimmy: Hayley Nichol, Kirsten's sister?

Jane: The one and only.

Jimmy: Whatever happened to her? The last thing I remember about her she was a little kid who used to drive Kirsten and I crazy when we would use babysitting her as an excuse for a date. (Jane and James laugh.)

James Sr.: Don't worry, we knew exactly what you two were up, and Hayley always told us, too. (Jimmy laughs at this.)

Jane: Who would have ever predicted back then what Hayley's life would come to?

Jimmy: What do you mean? (Both he and James turn to Jane and watch her curiously.)

Jane: You don't know?

James Sr.: Know what? I've heard she's back in town? Is she finally ready to settle down and make a life for herself here?

Jimmy: Wait, before you talk about now; what was she doing before?

Jane: For the past few years she's been living in Japan working for a designer friend of hers.

Jimmy: Japan?

James Sr.: It seemed to be good for her. Before she went there she was little wild.

Jane: A little wild doesn't even begin to describe it. Caleb was good at keeping it pretty hush, hush, but word got out. Partying, sleeping around, drugs, booze, stripping, large debts to friends, she did it all.

Jimmy: And now?

Jane: And now she seems to have her life together. She's responsible, was good at her job, and interested in becoming a part of her family again.

James Sr.: Well that's good. (Jane just looks off as if she is thinking to herself; the sadness is evident in her eyes.)

Jimmy: Why did you say was good at her job and why is she back if everything was going so well in Japan?

Jane: She's sick.

James Sr.: Well surely they have doctors in Japan, too. (He laughs softly.) That is so Caleb Nichol, insisting that she have American doctors. Is she permanently relocating her or just staying until she recuperates? What does she have anyway?

Jane: No, she's here for good. It's not something she can recuperate from?

Jimmy: What are you talking about?

Jane: She has AIDS. (The table falls completely quiet after the forks James and Jimmy were holding fall to their plates and their faces pop up in shock and surprise. After a moment of just staring at her, James finally speaks up.)

James Sr.: Are you serious?

Jane: Do you think I would joke about something like that?

James Sr.: No, but I wish you were joking.

Jimmy: Caleb hasn't said anything to me about this.

Jane: They're not exactly broadcasting it all around town.

James Sr.: Yeah, but this is Newport, everyone is bound to find out sooner or later.

Jimmy: How do you know this?

Jane: Marissa told me. (She notices their confused expression.) We talk sometimes. It's not as if they're keeping it a secret, but they're also not taking out a front page ad in the local newspaper. When it comes out, it comes out. Right now they're just trying to get Hayley adjusted and as comfortable as possible while they figure out what they're going to do.

James Sr.: That family does not get a break, do they? First Seth's fiancé looses the baby, then the whole mess with Ryan's family happened, and now this. You'd think they'd eventually get some stress free months to take a few deep breaths and recuperate.

Jimmy: (He rolls his eyes and takes a drink before speaking.) Not in Newport.

James Sr.: At least this shouldn't affect Marissa too much. She barely knows Hayley, right?

Jane: Actually, they're pretty close. I guess Marissa was the first person Hayley confided in. Seth got them in contact with each other knowing that Marissa is a good person to talk to, and it's because of Marissa that Hayley came home in the first place.

Jimmy: So that's why she was so worried about her the day Dan attacked.

Jane: Apparently.

James Sr.: I wish there was something we could do?

Jane: Just being there to support the family as friends will be enough. They know we'll do anything we can. Perhaps a benefit should be arranged. I could always mention it to Kirsten and see what she says, volunteer to host it for her.

Jimmy: And I'll talk to Sandy, and you can talk to Caleb, Dad; see if they have any suggestions as to what we can do to help them.

James Sr.: We're going golfing this weekend; I'll talk to him then.

Jane: Speaking of this weekend, Marissa and Ryan are going to Vegas.

Jimmy: Well that's a little bit of a lighter dinner conversation. What are they going there for, business or pleasure?

Jane: Essentially it is a business trip, but they'll have some free time to spend with each other and to have some fun.

James Sr.: (He laughs.) You don't think they'd elope do you? (Jimmy's face becomes slightly pale but Jane just laughs with a slight twinkle in her eye.)

Jane: I teased her about the same thing when she told me, and she profusely shot that idea down practically before I even uttered it. (Jimmy takes a large gulp of his drink, visibly glad to hear the news.) I thought I might take a trip this weekend, too.

James Sr.: Oh really, where? That ought to be nice. Are you and the girls planning a weekend away at the spa again?

Jane: No, I thought I'd go and see Caitlyn. She starts school in a couple of weeks, so I don't want to go when she's starting to get ready or her senior year, but I want to see her before she gets started. It'll be a while before she has a break long enough to come and visit, probably Thanksgiving.

Jimmy: It sounds like a good idea. Maybe I could go a few weeks after she starts school?

Jane: I think she would like that. (She smiles at her son.) Now, let's finish this dinner and we'll figure out something to do tonight to keep us from being completely bored without her here to keep us entertained. (The three of them laugh ruefully at her very true statement as they go back to the food in front of them and silence once again takes over the table. The scene shifts to the Cohen house where Sandy has just arrived home from work for dinner.)

Sandy: Hello! I'm home. (He looks around him but doesn't see anyone or hear anything, so he goes into his office and puts his briefcase down and takes off his suit jacket before loosening his tie and taking it off as well. Walking out of the office, he goes back to his bedroom to see if Kirsten is there, but it is empty. Returning to the main portion of the house, he is greeted by Kirsten when she walks in from the patio through the living room doors.)

Kirsten: Where's Hayley?

Sandy: (He laughs as he walks towards her.) I'm good; how are you? My day, it was interesting; how was yours, sweetheart?

Kirsten: Come on Sandy, you know I care about that, but this is important.

Sandy: (He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her closer to him, kissing her softly on the lips before chuckling softly and beginning to speak.) She's in LA, looking for apartments. She's staying with the kids. Marissa will look out for her, and you might as well get used to it for a while, because now that she's been able to sneak away, I doubt she'll be back for a few days. You've been a little smothering.

Kirsten: I'm just worried about her, and I imagine you were her accomplice on this escape.

Sandy: (He smiles.) You know me too well. (His face falls and takes on a nervous appearance.) Just do me a favor; don't tell your father. (Just at that exact moment, as always with his perfect timing, Caleb enters the living room to hear Sandy's last statement.)

Caleb: Don't tell me what, and where's Hayley? I'm starving; let's get this show on the road.

Sandy: (He whispers to Kirsten.) What's he doing here….again? This is the fifth night in a row. (His voice becomes louder.) Are you between gourmet chefs, Cal; have all the restaurant employees in Newport Beach gone on strike, because you've been eating most of your meals here recently. Not that I'm about to file for bankruptcy or anything, but, as you like to point out about every 2.5 seconds, I don't make that much money. I can't afford to be feeding you every night, especially with your expensive taste. (Kirsten laughs while Caleb just glares at him waiting for his diatribe to be over.)

Kirsten: Hayley stayed in LA for the night to spend some time with the kids.

Caleb: Well, that ought to be fun for her, but I hope they don't let her exert herself too much. I'll call her tonight when I get home to check up on her, make sure she took her medicine and that she's getting enough rest.

Sandy: She's not two, Cal. She's been taking care of herself for years. You don't have to worry; she'll be okay.

Caleb: I'd like to see how you'd react if this was your daughter in this situation. (With that, he walks out of the room and back to the patio.)

Kirsten: I know you like to tease him, and in some weird way, it's how your relationship works, but lay off of him for a while, okay. This has him pretty shaken.

Sandy: (He moves them over so that they can sit on a couch while they talk.) I know it does, but I thought a little normalcy might be just what the doctor ordered to get him back to his ornery self. I have to admit, it's kind of boring now without him to fight back with me. (Kirsten laughs.)

Kirsten: I'm sure we'd be able to find you someone to fight with if you really want to. Now, what were you talking about when you first came in? You were acting flip but I could tell that you had something on your mind.

Sandy: There was something, but I really don't want to talk about it with your father here. This is something we need to discuss on our own.

Kirsten: Is something wrong? Please don't tell me something else happened; I don't think I could take any more bad news.

Sandy: It's not bad news, just an interesting idea. (He smiles at her trying to calm her nerves before standing up and holding his hand out for her as well.) So what's on our menu tonight for dinner. You know, one of these nights we need to make your Dad pay and take us out to some ridiculously expensive, overpriced and over-sauced restaurant. (Kirsten laughs.)

Kirsten: Just the Cohen usual tonight, Thai.

Sandy: Now you're talking. (They begin to walk towards the doors to lead them out to the patio where the food is set up.) What did Zoe and Sherry do today?

Kirsten: I don't know. It was a secret. (They laugh together.) Actually, Sherry is still here. Zoe asked her to stay for dinner, and I think she's trying to avoid the reality of tomorrow for as long as she can. I don't think she'll be getting much sleep tonight.

Sandy: It's too bad that Zach couldn't make it down here for this.

Kirsten: (They stop in the doorway to watch Sherry and Zoe playing at the edge of the pool as they dip their feet in.) I don't think she wanted him to see this, to hear what she has to say in court. Sure, she's told him the basics, but the details, that has to be painful to admit to herself let alone her new boyfriend.

Sandy: (He smirks.) You know, you still haven't told me I was right about the two of them, and to think that you doubted my matchmaking abilities!

Kirsten: (She rolls her eyes at him and pokes him in the ribs.) I think Seth and Summer had more to do with them actually getting together than you did. You were, justifiably, a little distracted that afternoon.

Sandy: True, but Summer would have never gotten the idea if it wasn't for my meddling. (Kirsten laughs at him, but before she can respond, they see Zoe running towards them, hands out, and hair streaming behind her. Launching herself in her father's arms, she kisses his cheek and wraps her little arms around his neck tightly.)

Zoe: Good evening, Daddy. (He looks over at Kirsten with an amused look on his face at his daughter's formal greeting but does not say anything to tease her.)

Sandy: Hello there to you, too, Zoe. And how was your day?

Zoe: Perfect!

Sandy: (He laughs.) Perfect, huh? What did you do?

Zoe: Duh, Daddy, that's prohibited information. Girl talk is always strictly off limits to boys.

Sandy: But I'm not a boy; I'm your Dad. (She rolls her eyes at him.) Besides, you wouldn't tell you Mom either.

Zoe: That's because it's a secret.

Sandy: And who taught you all this?

Zoe: (She giggles.) Who do you think, Daddy? Summer!

Sandy: (Putting her down on the ground and taking her tiny hand in his they begin to walk towards the table where dinner is spread out waiting for them and Cal is sitting very impatiently.) I should have known. (Kirsten walks out of the room as well, shutting the door behind her. Through the glass, she can be seen going over to Sherry and wrapping her arm around her in a warm, motherly embrace as they walk towards the table and sit down as well as the five of them share a comfortable, friendly, relaxed dinner together. The camera leaves them and goes to LA where Seth, Summer, and Hayley are all sitting around the living room on the couch, completely quiet, all staring at the TV. Hayley has a pad of paper in front of her and appears to be keeping score. They are watching jeopardy and competing against each other. Totally lost in what they are doing, they don't hear Ryan and Marissa come in.)

Marissa: Sorry we're late, guys, but we had to stop by and pick some stuff up for our trip this weekend. Seth, Summer, Hayley, where are you? (There is no answer. She turns to Ryan.) You don't think they went out to eat without leaving a note or calling us, do you?

Ryan: Seth does not voluntarily go out to eat anymore since you started living here, and the fact that you haven't cooked in a while for him because they've been in Newport makes me sure they're here somewhere. (They continue walking into the apartment and stop when they see the three of them sitting in front of the TV mesmerized as they wait for the final jeopardy answer. Not realizing how precarious the situation is to them, Marissa continues to talk.)

Marissa: There you three are; why didn't you say something when we called out for you. Let me go and change and I'll get dinner started. I'm sure I have something in the kitchen I can whip up quickly.

Seth: (He speaks quickly.) No need, we cooked, but if you don't mind, we're kind of busy here, so…. (As the show comes back on, Summer pinches him to get him to be quiet. When he doesn't complain, Marissa and Ryan look on confused and then finally give up, shrug their shoulders and go into their bedroom. As they change out of their work clothes and put on comfortable clothes to lounge around the apartment, they talk.)

Marissa: Has your boss told you what time exactly we're leaving Friday?

Ryan: No, sorry, and I don't want to push him. With the meeting with the clients this weekend, he's been a little on edge lately.

Marissa: (Taking her clothes, she goes into the bathroom.) It's okay. I was just curious. I took the whole day off, so it doesn't matter. That's why I'm working later this week every night. How much do you guys have left to do?

Ryan: Not as much as I feared we would. We'll probably pull one more late night, but this week should be nothing like last week. (Once his suit is off, he walks into the bathroom to put his dirty clothes in the hamper to find her in just her undergarments as she washes her face. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he dips his head in to kiss her neck.) Do you know how much I wish that we were alone right now?

Marissa: (Laughing, she looks at him through the mirror.) We've been pretty lucky this summer, and it's already August. Before you know it, they'll be back full time and many of the habits we've gotten into will have to be broken.

Ryan: But only for a year.

Marissa: (Smiling at his statement and kissing his shoulder that is by hers, she shows him that she agrees with his statement.) For example, no more eating dinner together dressed like we are now. (She motions towards their rather naked appearance and he laughs.)

Ryan: Oh how I'll miss those dinners.

Marissa: And no more impromptu sex marathons in the living area of the apartment. We'll, once again, be banished to either the bedroom or the bathroom.

Ryan: Or the pool, the roof, our offices, the car when we go parking.

Marissa: (She laughs.) There's always that, too, but we've never been parking before.

Ryan: I know. It's been something I've been meaning to start. (Rolling her eyes as she moves away from him, she goes towards her clothes, a t-shirt and pair of shorts. Just as she begins to put them on, they hear Summer calling out for them.)

Summer: Hurry it up in there, lovebirds! This dinner took us hours to prepare, and if your horny asses ruin it, we'll never cook again.

Ryan: (He speaks under his breath as he puts on a pair of sweatpants and a fresh wife beater.) Like they were planning on it anyway. (Marissa laughs at his comment as they walk out of the room together, practically running into Summer who had her ear pressed up against their bedroom door.)

Marissa: Hey Sum…what were you doing?

Summer: (Ignoring Marissa's comment, she walks towards the table talking over her shoulder.) Good…you weren't, you know. Let's eat. (Seth and Hayley are already sitting down at the table. When Marissa looks to see what they cooked, she starts laughing immediately and Ryan just rolls his eyes.)

Marissa: Frozen pizza and salad, aw guys, you shouldn't have.

Seth: Hey, you have no idea how many frozen pizzas we went through this afternoon before we made two correctly.

Summer: Who knew you had to take them out of the box. (She looks at Ryan and Marissa with the surprise written all over her face.)

Ryan: You're not kidding, are you?

Hayley: No, they're not. After Marissa and I split up this morning, I stayed at the bistro, drank coffee and read the paper for a while before going to the art museum. I thought I'd be alone here and be bored so I didn't come back right away, but when I did, I found Seth and Summer panicking because they had tried to cook three pizzas so far and none of them had turned out. (Ryan and Marissa start laughing.)

Marissa: I didn't know they were coming down to visit until I got to work. I never thought about calling you, Hayley, sorry. Work was a little hectic today. We had to do almost a complete rewrite on an upcoming episode.

Summer: Really, why?

Marissa: We couldn't book the location we needed for it, so we had to improvise and change things, but the location was directly written into the script, so things had to be altered before you start filming it next week and we didn't want to fall behind on the other shows, so we crammed the rewrite in in between our storyboard meetings today.

Seth: Yeah, I'm sure that was interesting, but I want to hear more about this trip to Vegas you two have planned. Why didn't you tell us about that? We had to hear about it from Hayley this afternoon as she was teaching us how to make frozen pizza. If you had told us about this a month ago, we would have been able to harass you for much longer.

Ryan: Hm, and I wonder why we didn't say anything. (He tosses a crouton at him, which Seth ducks to avoid being hit like it is a boulder and not a piece of hardened bread.)

Summer: So why are you going to Vegas? Hayley said it has something to do with work?

Marissa: Ryan's firm is building a new casino there, and his boss asked him to come along to meet with the clients since he's been working on the project this whole time. We get to see the site, too.

Summer: You actually sound excited about this, Coop?

Marissa: (She laughs.) I am; why wouldn't I be?

Seth: Aw, because it's as boring as hell.

Ryan: If anyone would know what that's like, it would be you. (Seth look at him incredulously. Deciding to not play nice, Ryan smirks at Seth and Summer before continuing.) Don't worry though, we're not going to be getting tattoos while we're there. (Summer turns to look at Seth confused.)

Summer: Tattoos, what the hell are you talking about Chino?

Hayley: You two have tattoos? No way, I want to see!

Seth: (He turns to look at Hayley, first.) No, we don't have tattoos. (Turning to Summer, he looks at her so that Ryan cannot see his face. Unbeknownst to Ryan, Seth winks.) Ryan wasn't supposed to say anything Summer, but I let it slip to him how we almost got tattoos when we were in Vegas.

Summer: (Playing along.) Cohen! (She slaps him over the head.) What the hell is wrong with you? You were supposed to keep one thing from Ryan, one freaking thing, and you couldn't even do that!

Seth: (Rubbing his head and glaring at her.) Ow! You didn't have to hit me so hard, Summer!

Summer: (Mumbling) It's not like it's going to hurt anything.

Hayley: Okay then. (She rolls her eyes at the bickering couple.) Let's change the subject. So, I talked to the manager of this place today and he's going to show me some apartments on Friday if you want to come with us Marissa. Summer already said she'd come with me.

Marissa: I'll try, but it'll depend upon what time your appointment is. We're not sure what time we're leaving for Vegas yet.

Hayley: Fair enough. I'll call him and ask and then let you know.

Marissa: Sound great.

Ryan: (As they all settle down to eating, Ryan looks around at the five of them and then realizes something. With a frown on his face, he speaks up.) Uh, guys, where are we all sleeping tonight. There are five of us, two couple and one single, but only two beds.

Summer: Aw, Chino, are you worried you won't get any tonight? (Seth snickers with her.)

Hayley: They're quite creative. I'm sure they'll come up with something, won't you? (She turns to face Marissa and smirks while Marissa just glares at her while she blushes.)

Marissa: Sounds like someone is jealous.

Hayley: I am, but that doesn't mean that you two aren't proficient in the art of getting it on! (Seth, Summer, and even Ryan laugh at Hayley's comment. When Marissa hears Ryan laughing along with them, she turns to face him.)

Marissa: What are you laughing about? They're teasing you here, too, you know.

Ryan: I take it as a compliment. (Without letting anyone else see what he's doing, he takes his hand and places on the small of Marissa's back, as he softly runs his fingers against her exposed skin.)

Hayley: (Still laughing, she talks.) Don't worry about it, I'll take the couch.

Marissa: Absolutely not! Your sister would never forgive me if I let you sleep on the couch. You can have our bed.

Ryan: (His head shoots up when her response registers.) Hey, why can't she take Seth and Summer's bed?

Seth: Dude, please, like my back can sleep on this couch. I won't be able to walk for a week afterwards if you make me sleep out here.

Ryan: It's not like you don't sleep out here once a week during school anyway when you piss Summer off so much she won't let you sleep in your room.

Marissa: (Before Seth can retort back to Ryan's sarcastic statement, Marissa intervenes.) No, it's fine. We'll sleep out here. It's not like we haven't before. (This gets Seth and Summer's attention.)

Summer: Wait, you've slept out here before?

Seth: Together?

Summer: Naked? (She makes a disgusted face. Ryan notices their expressions and decides to torture them.)

Ryan: Yeah, and we've tried sleeping on just about every empty spot of the floor, the big armchair in the living room, and this table.

Marissa: But don't worry, (She smirks at them.) it's been a few days and I've cleaned since then. (Hayley starts laughing realizing that they're telling the truth but Seth and Summer take it as a joke and move on, each taking another slice of pizza as the conversation continues and the camera pans away from the scene as it ends.)

Commercial Break