MOONLIGHTING
PART 7: DOG DAYS
THE SCENE OPENS at Maddie's yoga class in the afternoon. Maddie's been on a health kick lately so she is now doing yoga during her lunch hour to make sure she gets her exercise in. David continues to work out at the gym with Richie and Troy and has really built up muscle, his back and shoulders are broad and his waist is trim. Maddie, who was starting to feel her age, is much more confident again, in fact, they're both in the best shape they've ever been in and looking better and hotter than ever.
That afternoon, as Patrice leads the yoga class from downward dog, to plank, to cobra pose, suddenly David's face appears in the window of the classroom door. Maddie doesn't notice him at first, but as his eyes scan the room across all the women looking for her another classmate notices him.
Classmate: There's a man watching us.
Patrice: Let's focus and breathe class…
Classmate: No, at the door…there's some creepy man watching us.
The whole class looks towards the door and sees David's wide eyes and open mouth peeking in. Maddie rolls her eyes.
Maddie: That creep is my husband.
Patrice: David!?
Patrice waves him in. David enters the yoga room and smiles uncomfortably at everyone; he sees Maddie and waves her over to him.
David: Maddie, come on, we gotta go!
Maddie: (Stuck in downward dog pose.) David what are you doing here?
David: A big case just broke, we gotta go honey, hurry!
Maddie: Really? (She stands up and puts her hands on her hips.) Which case?
David: Maddie, would you come on, we gotta go now…I'll explain on the way.
Maddie: (Looks down at what she's wearing.) But wait, I need to change.
Maddie stands in her skintight pink leggings and white yoga leotard with blue squares printed across the front.
David: No, no time for that…let's go!
He holds out his hand to her and apologizes to everyone for the interruption. As she makes her way towards him he checks out her body in her leotard.
David: (Smirks and whistles.) Wow, great ass by the way…
Maddie: (Embarrassed.) David!
She takes his hand and they leave the yoga studio and hop in the beemer. David explains that an infidelity case that Richie's been investigating took a turn when Richie discovered their client, Mr. Sanchez's, wife in a motel room with her lesbian lover.
David: Richie confronted them and then Mrs. Sanchez pulled a gun on Richie, took his keys, and she and her lover sped off in Richie's car.
Maddie: So what do we do now?
David: We need to track down the car, track down the girls and get them to confess everything.
A few hours later Maddie and David track down the girls at an abandoned warehouse where Mrs. Sanchez's lover pulls a gun on them and threatens to kill everyone if they don't help them escape to Canada. Luckily David talks her down and after a tense moment pulls the gun out of her hands and has them both arrested. Richie gets his car back and they wrap up the case with the police.
A little while later Maddie and David arrive home after picking up the kids from daycare, everyone is exhausted; Maddie is still wearing her yoga outfit. After feeding Aidan and Lily, spending some quality time as a family, and then getting them to bed, Maddie and David have their dinner together. Because of David's gym routine he's eating more and because of Maddie's healthy program, she's eating less, David cuts into his steak and adds butter to his potato and Maddie eats her salad as they chat.
David: I never really thought about it before the kids were born, but some of these cases where we're getting guns pulled on us can be kinda scary. What if one of these nutjobs really pulls the trigger on us one day?
Maddie: I know, it's a crazy business we're in. But you sure know how talk these people off a ledge David. Anyway, most of our clients are just confused and in a bad situation, they don't really want to kill anyone.
David: Yeah, well nowadays I'm feeling a little more protective when it's my wife and the mother of my children who has a gun pointed at her and not just my business associate.
Maddie: Thanks, I think… (Rubs his arm.) But I don't really see a way around it. This is the life we've chosen. We work the cases together, we're partners.
David nods his head as he chews.
Maddie: Speaking of work, guess what came in the mail today?
David: All the money from them chain letters I sent off?
Maddie: No David, our tickets to the California Investigators Association Annual Banquet and Ball.
David: (Sets is silverware down.) Oh noooo!
Maddie: David! Why don't you ever want to go to this thing?
David: Why? Why? Because it's boring, that's why. Face it Maddie, detective work can be kind of exciting, but people who choose to be detectives are some of the most boring people in the world.
Maddie: Agnes and Bert are going with us this year.
David: I rest my case.
Maddie: David. You like Agnes and Bert!
David: I like 'em fine, doesn't mean I want to spend my Friday night with 'em.
Maddie: Well, they're looking forward to it; Agnes has barely been out since the baby was born.
David: Let them go alone and later they can give us the cliff notes version of all them boring speeches.
Maddie: No David, we're going and that's final. Bert's looking forward to it too, he looks up to you. (Gets up and drapes her arms over his shoulders.) Besides, it gives us a chance to dress up and go out and dance – you love to dance.
Maddie picks up their plates and brings them to the sink. David follows.
David: Hey, we can do that anytime on our own. You tell me when you want to go out dancing and I'll take you, we don't need to be in a room full of men with mustaches and dowdy women for me to steer your pelvis around the dance floor.
Maddie: Oh David…don't make it sound so romantic.
She picks up a cloth to wash dishes; he takes it from her hands and nudges her over with his hips and starts washing. She picks up a towel to dry.
David: So when is this big boring event?
Maddie: Friday. Mrs. D and Stan are keeping the kids.
David: Well, why doesn't Richie have to go?
Maddie: Richie's on duty Friday, remember? He's working the Warner case this weekend?
David: (Unenthused.) Right. Well, I guess I'll get the penguin suit ready then.
CUT TO: Friday evening and David and Maddie are upstairs in their bedroom finishing getting dressed for the ball. Maddie stands in front of the mirror in her dressing area wearing her strapless white and gold ball gown. She's just finished fastening her hair into a loose up-do and is putting on her earrings when a tuxedo clad David comes up behind her, looks at her in the mirror and wraps his arms around her placing his hands on her flat belly.
David: (Flirty.) Drop dead gorgeous.
Maddie: (Flirty.) Thanks, you're looking pretty dapper yourself fella.
David runs his hand up her stomach and over her breasts; he leans in and kisses her neck.
David: You know what I wanted to do to you the first time I saw you in the dress that night we went to the symphony?
Maddie: David…don't start…
David: …I think I need to live out that fantasy now…
Maddie: Really…
Continues kissing her neck and bare shoulders.
David: Hmmm-mmmm…
Maddie: We're gonna be late…
David: That's what I'm hoping…
He turns her around to face him and runs his hands all over her and continues his kisses up her neck and onto her cheek…
Maddie: David, you're going to mess up my make up.
David laughs and kisses her hard on the mouth as he runs his hand down over her ass and pulls her close to him. He takes her hand and leads her towards the bed.
David: C'mere…
Maddie: David, we've already done it three times today…
He lays her back on the bed and leans over her.
David: And I want to do it three more times, we never get an afternoon at home alone without the kids…
He starts hiking up Maddie's dress. She looks at him in his tux, with his bright green eyes, still wet hair slicked back, the smell of his aftershave wafting towards her nose and finds him very hard to resist. He reaches his hands up her dress and pulls down her panties and stockings. Maddie pulls his face towards hers.
Maddie: You better help me get dressed when we're done.
David: I'll put everything back just where I found it.
Maddie reaches for David's pants and releases his rock hard member, which is soon thrusting in and out of her as she screams his name in ecstasy.
CUT TO: Maddie and David arrive at the ball forty-five minutes late and find their seats next to Bert and Agnes at the table in the main hall. They dive into their waiting salads as they listen to the first in a series of boring speeches about the investigation business. Once dinner is served there is a break on the speeches and they finally pour the wine. David and Maddie introduce themselves to others at their table and then Maddie and Agnes talk about their kids while Bert picks David's brain about detective work.
Bert: If you wouldn't mind sir…since we are here to talk business, and you are an expert in your field…
David: You flatter me Bert…
Bert: Well, you are! I've never seen anyone so diligent, so thorough, so…
David: What's your question Bert?
Bert: Well, sir…I'm pretty good at piecing together the clues once they're laid out around me, but how do you find the nerve, the gumption, the audacity to barge into these people's homes at all hours of the night and day making all sorts of wild accusations…it's something I'm just not comfortable with sir…
David: Conviction Bert.
Bert: Sir?
David: Confidence, poise, coolness, certainty. Once you embrace those things you'll have no trouble infringing on the small rights of others like privacy, you'll ignore laws like trespassing, and take delight in throwing around erroneous allegations.
Bert: (In awe.) Wow, sir.
David: Yep, it's an acquired skill Bert, but over time, all of those things have become second nature to Maddie and me, (He puts his arm over Maddie's shoulder) haven't they dear?
Maddie: What's that?
He smiles and blinks at her multiple times.
David: Just say yes David.
Maddie: Yes David?
David: Yes David.
Maddie: Oh, Yes David.
David puts his hand on Maddie's thigh under the table and she intertwines her fingers with his. The four of them enjoy their meal together and talk about Blue Moon.
Agnes: I remember years ago when I came to this event by myself hoping to meet someone…and now look at us all here together…married, with kids. Wow.
Maddie: (Smiles.) Yeah. Wow. A lot has changed. (Smiles at Agnes and Bert.) I remember that day in the office when we found you two mauling each other on the top of that desk! (To Agnes.) I guess you knew pretty quickly that he was the one for you, huh?
Agnes: No. I just found him irresistibly adorable. (She pinches Bert's cheek and shrugs her shoulders.) But soon I realized that I wanted him to be my cuddly-muffin for life.
David and Maddie give each other a look.
David: (Looks at Bert.) But it took a little longer for you to realize that she was your…(Clears his throat.) …eh, cuddly-muffin for life, huh Bertie?
Bert: (Gazes at Agnes with love.) I was a fool sir. The fact that I didn't recognize the loving nature, the selflessness, the generosity of this tender creature right away speaks to a flaw in my own character Mr. Addison.
David: (Smiles sarcastically at Maddie.) Yeah, Blue Moon is a regular cesspool of budding ardors ain't it?
Maddie: (Puts her hand on his cheek.) Oh David, again with all the hearts and flowers? You really have a way with words.
David: Well, you know me, 'ole "Winston Churchill" Addison.
Maddie laughs.
Maddie: So, Agnes, Bert…what are some of your favorite memories of working at Blue Moon?
Agnes: Well, some of the cases we've gotten to solve on our own over the years have been pretty fun. Watching your relationship grow over time has been great, well, most of the time. And, well, I don't know – I guess all the interesting clients and crazy cases we've seen make Blue Moon a pretty unique place to work.
Maddie: Unique would be the word for it…
Bert: For me Mrs. Hayes-Addison, while you are wonderful and a fine detective in your own right, may I say that being an apprentice to your husband, the fine and seasoned detective that he is, has made the life of this lowly investigator. I can only aspire to fall somewhere in the shadow of his greatness one day.
Maddie: He's really something isn't he? (She rubs David's back and speaks sarcastically.) David, Isn't it nice to know that someone sees all your crazy antics as a positive thing?
David: Yeah, I should have married him, 'cept I don't think I could deal with all that beard-burn.
Just then Maddie gets a tap on the shoulder and a young handsome man crouches besides her at the table.
Brandon: You're Madolyn Hayes right? Of Blue Moon?
Maddie: (Smile.) Hayes-Addison, uh, Maddie Hayes-Addison. (She shakes his hand and gestures to David.) This is my husband, David, he's my business partner.
Brandon smiles and shakes David's hand.
Brandon: Right, well, I'm a reporter at the LA Times and we're doing a story on women in business and we'd love to include you and your company in the article.
Maddie: Really?
Brandon: Yeah, it's kind of a big editorial piece where we'd want to come and shadow you during your day-to-day routine for about a week and get the inside scoop, the angle is kind of on how women in business cope in a man's world – we figure the investigation business is a pretty male-dominated place.
Maddie: Sure is. Well, sounds pretty interesting. Although, I should warn you, I'm not in the office full-time anymore, we have two kids and I'm working part-time now so I can take care of them.
Brandon: Great, even better…we can see how you balance it all. (Gestures to David.) And a husband and wife team at that. I think my editor will really like this.
Maddie: Well, why don't you talk to your editor and I'll give you my card and you can call me next week to discuss further.
She gets a card out of her purse and hands it to him.
Brandon: Sounds great Maddie. I'll talk to you then.
He smiles at her, nods at David and heads off. Just then the band starts playing. David looks at Maddie.
David: Hey lady, why don't a twirl you around the dance floor a time or two?
Maddie: Sure.
Bert: I think we'll join you sir.
Bert takes Agnes' hand and they all make their way to the dance floor. Once out on the dance floor David navigates Maddie around expertly.
Maddie: See? This isn't so bad.
David: It's good now, just you and me out here doing what we do best (thinks.) well, second best. (Smirks.)
Maddie looks around the room.
Maddie: I see a lot of familiar faces around here.
David looks around.
David: And a few new ones. Some of these guys look like they just graduated high school.
Maddie: Oh god David, are we becoming the old timers in the business?
David: I hope so! Experience is what matters baby. And we got it.
Maddie looks over at Agnes and Bert gazing into each other eyes on the dance floor.
Maddie: I know they'll never be our best friends in the world, but Bert and Agnes are loyal people who have been good to us in so many ways over the years David.
David looks over at them.
David: Yeah, I give my boy Viola his share of guff but he's a hell of a worker and got more passion for this business than most people have in their pinky for what they do day in and day out. And Agnes is one special lady so the fact that he puts her up on the pedestal that she deserves makes me respect him even more. Yeah, they're good people.
David and Maddie smile at each other and dance cheek to cheek. David closes his eyes and takes in her scent and enjoys how well they move together. He's just about to nudge his nose into her neck when he feels a tap on his shoulder. He looks up, and then down, and sees Bert.
Bert: May I cut in Sir?
David looks over at a sheepish Agnes waiting for him to dance with her. He hates to be pulled away from his sexy wife, but he puts her hand in Bert's and takes Agnes in his.
Bert: Thank you for doing me the honor of spinning you around the dance floor Mrs. Hayes-Addison.
Maddie: Sure Bert.
Bert: I just want to let you know how grateful Agnes and I are to Blue Moon, and to you and Mr. Addison for providing a stable and challenging work environment all these years.
Maddie: Oh, well, David and I were just saying the same thing…how loyal you and Agnes have been to the company, and to us. We really appreciate everything you've done and all the hard work… (Bert steps on her foot.) Ouch!
Bert: (Sweating.) Oh, I'm sorry. I have two left feet.
Maddie: That's ok.
Bert: I can only hope to be as suave as your husband one day.
He glances over at David smoothly moving Agnes around the dance floor while she giggles.
Maddie: It means a lot to David that you think so highly of him Bert.
Bert: (Surprised.) It does?
Maddie: Sure!
Bert: Well, I didn't think I ever crossed his mind outside of the office.
Maddie: Well, he may not say much, but I can tell.
She smiles at Bert.
Bert: I know I said it before, but working with Mr. Addison is truly an apprentice's dream come true…
Suddenly there is a tap on Bert shoulder. It's Lou LaSalle.
Lou: Madolyn! (Looks at Bert.) May I? (He gestures to dancing with Maddie)
Bert gives Lou Maddie's hand reluctantly. Maddie gives Lou a hug and Bert moves off to the side of the dance floor and waits for David and Agnes to finish dancing to the song.
Maddie: Great to see you Lou!
Lou and Maddie dance around catching up on old times and talk about the future of the investigation business.
Lou: Come with me, there's some people I want you to meet.
Maddie and Lou walk off the dance floor to a nearby table where he introduces her to some associates and she does some networking. In the meantime Agnes and David are still dancing.
David: I'm serious…you're the mascot of Blue Moon Agnes; if you ever left us we'd be lost.
Agnes: But I was gone three months when I had Nola Mr. Addison, and everything seemed to run just fine.
David: Nonsense, it wasn't the same without you, trust me. Maddie put on a brave face because she wanted you to be comfortable at home taking care of your new baby, but she was going nuts without you there.
Agnes: (Surprised.) She was?
David: Sure! (Mimics Maddie.) David, where are the coffee filters? David, we need more paperclips! David…
Suddenly there is a tap on David's shoulder; it's the event organizer, Jim.
Jim: I'm sorry to bother you Mr. Addison, but there's a message for you…your babysitter is trying to get ahold of you.
Panic races through David and his eyes search for Maddie, but he only sees Bert standing alone on the side of the dance floor.
David: (Confused.) My babysitter? Mrs. D?
Jim: (Looks at a slip of paper.) Yes. Ethel Dougherty?
David: Right. Did she say what was wrong?
Jim: She just asked that you call her back as soon as possible.
David takes the slip of paper and races to Bert.
David: (Panicked.) Bert, where's Maddie?
Bert: (Caught off guard.) Oh (Looks around.) Someone cut in on us and…
David looks around and doesn't see her.
David: I'm going to use the payphone, go find her for me, ok?
David hurries off to find a payphone and dials Mrs. D's number, she answers on the first ring.
Ethel: Hello?
David: Mrs. D, it's me David…I got a message to call you…is…is, everything ok with the kids?
Ethel: David, I'm sorry to worry you, take a breath, they're both here and ok.
David feels a little relief.
Ethel: I'm just worried about Lily because she's broken out in hives all over her body…at first I thought it was just a reaction to something she ate, but about thirty minutes ago she started throwing up and she has a fever and she just seems to be getting worse. I called the advice nurse at the hospital and they think she should come in tonight to see a doctor. I thought it might be best if you and Maddie take her in.
David takes a deep breath and is relived that nothing major has happened to the kids, but is still worried about Lily. He looks at his watch; it's 9:30pm.
David: Yes, yes…absolutely. Maddie and I will leave right now. We'll be there in twenty minutes. Thanks Ethel.
He hangs up and scans the crowded ballroom for Maddie; his heart is beating fast. He sees Bert and runs up to him.
David: Bert, where's Maddie?
Bert: I…I don't know sir, she was here one minute and gone the next.
David: Where's Agnes?
Bert: She's looking for her; we're both looking for her.
Suddenly Agnes scrambles out of the crowd with Maddie in tow. Relieved, David runs up to Maddie.
Maddie: David, what is going on?
David: Everything's ok, but Lily is sick and we need to take her to the hospital tonight.
Maddie: Oh my…
David and Maddie grab their coats and her purse and head out; David drives the BMW as fast as possible to Mrs. D's.
Maddie: Careful David, don't kill us on the way!
David: I'm being as careful as I can; I just want to get there.
Maddie hangs on and lets him drive. When they get to Mrs. D's they find Stan cradling Lily in his lap while Ethel dabs medicine on her welts. When Lily sees Maddie and David she starts to cry and reaches for David. Maddie feels her head and it's pretty hot.
Maddie: Ok David, we should go.
Aidan is sleeping so Stan and Ethel stay behind and ask Maddie and David to call with an update, it doesn't matter what time. Maddie sits in the back with Lily while David drives. Lily is burning up and lethargic and itchy from all her hives.
Maddie: David, I don't like this.
David: I'm getting us there as fast as I can.
Maddie: I know I just hate seeing her like this.
David looks in the review mirror, catches Lily's tired eyes and winks at her.
David: My Lily-bird's gonna be ok, she's a fighter.
M&D TOGETHER: Like her mom / Like her dad.
Maddie smiles a bit. David smiles and winks at Maddie.
David: Let's just see what the doctors say and go from there.
Maddie takes a deep breath and pets Lily's head until they reach the hospital. When they get to the emergency room the staff takes Lily right in. After a whole night of tests and medicine and talking to doctor after doctor at 6am they finally talk to the lead doctor, on staff, Dr. Hap, to get her results.
Dr. Hap sees Maddie and David still in their ball gown and (what's left of his) tuxedo and chuckles.
Dr. Hap: Well, you two certainly came dressed for the occasion.
Maddie and David laugh and feel a little silly being this dressed up in the emergency room.
Dr. Hap: Well, (looks at his chart.) Lily is one sick little girl, but she's going to be ok in a few days.
Maddie: Did you find out what's wrong with her doctor?
Dr. Hap: Yes, she's got viral pharyngitis…
David: Gesundheit.
Maddie looks at David and rolls her eyes.
Maddie: Can you explain Doctor? How did she get this?
Dr. Hap: Yes, well…it's not common to see a case this acute, but it's a virus that usually starts in the throat and then produces cold-like symptoms and even hives in some cases like little Lily here. Probably picked it up on a playground or some place like that. We've given her medicine to take down her fever and start clearing up the hives. It'll take a few days, but she'll recover just fine. I'll give you a prescription that she'll have to take until her symptoms disappear.
Maddie and David are relived. Maddie hugs David from the side and puts her head on his shoulder.
Dr. Hap: We'll take her temperature again, and as long as it's under 100 you can take her home now. Maybe just give her a cool bath and let her rest.
David: (Shakes the doctor's hand.) Thanks doc.
Lily's temperature is 99.9 degrees so David and Maddie get her home, give her a cool bath and get her into some soft pajamas and then she lies in their bed for a while. David talks to her and makes her laugh while Maddie showers and then Lily lies in Maddie's arms while David showers. They can see her hives are going down and her fever has broken, but she is very tired and having a hard time swallowing because of her sore throat. David calls Mrs. D and gives her an update and then they all nap for a couple hours. Later that afternoon they set Lily up on the couch downstairs so she can rest but still be with the rest of the family and David picks up Aidan from Mrs. D's. That night they watch some cartoons together and everyone goes to bed early.
CUT TO: Sunday afternoon David and Aidan go out for awhile in the afternoon while Maddie stays home with Lily. After a few hours they come home and David and Aidan look like they've been up to no good. Suddenly Maddie hears a small yapping sound coming from under David's coat and he pulls out a cocker spaniel puppy and puts it in Lily's lap. Lily squeals with delight and grabs the puppy up with both hands. Maddie is in shock, but tries to act delighted in front of the kids. After some of the excitement wears off…
Maddie: David, can I see you in the other room for a minute?
He sees Maddie's face is not amused.
David: Uh-oh, Dads in trouble…
David hands the puppy to Aidan.
David: Think of a name for the little guy ok?
Aidan: I want Spiderman.
Lily: No, his name is baby.
David: Well, we'll write down all our ideas and pick one out of a hat.
David and Maddie move into the kitchen. Maddie is livid and speaks through gritted teeth
Maddie: David! How could you!?
David: It was easy; I just picked him out of a bin and paid for him.
Maddie: Without consulting me? Without thinking how much work a puppy is? Without considering who is going to be taking responsibility for this thing after all the excitement wears off?
David: Well, now you're kinda taking the fun out of this Maddie…come on…it's cute!
She puts her head in her hands and walks away from him.
Maddie: David, David David. The house, the furniture, it's all going to be ruined! Puppies make messes! They chew things…they ruin carpets!
David: But Lily's always asking for a puppy and I wanted to cheer her up!
Maddie: I know your intentions were good David, but who's going to take care of this dog!? Lily and Aidan!? Nooooooo!
David: Me?
Maddie: You!? Ha! From the office!? When you're gone all day? On stakeouts? What about when we're on vacation David? I fear this is all going to fall on me. Do you know how much work puppies are? The potty training? They need exercise David, who's going to walk it? Vet visits, bills…it's like having another baby David, did I want another baby David?
David: (Takes her by the shoulders.) Look, I promise, it's not all going to fall on you. I'm going to take care of the little guy, I'll train him…and I'll get Aidan and Lily to help too. And we can get a dog walker to help out during the week.
Maddie growls. David puts his arm around her and leads her back into the living room where the puppy is licking Lily's face while Aidan pets it and they both have huge smiles on their faces. David looks at Maddie and puts his arm around her shoulder.
David: Kinda completes our family, don't you think?
Maddie: This is something we should have discussed first.
David: I'll give you that…but it was kinda…spontaneous. Let's not remember some of the stupid spontaneous things you've done Maddie…
She just looks at him and rolls her eyes, but can't help smile at how cute the kids are with the puppy.
Maddie: We'll give it a try for a week David, but no promises.
David walks towards the kids.
David: Ok guys and gals, let's pick a name! Maddie get over here and put your vote in…
In the end David's pick to name the dog Otis after one of his favorite singers, Otis Redding, wins out. Over the next couple weeks David is running on fumes because he is on night duty with the dog and has to wake up to take him out every couple hours. Maddie takes care of Otis when she gets home from work during the day and they're getting a puppy trainer to come in on the weekends. While they're at work the dog stays in an area in the kitchen surrounded by a gate.
CUT TO: Two weeks later and Brandon, the reporter for the LA Times is shadowing Maddie for the week. Although he can't sit in on client meetings because they are confidential, he's with her just about every other moment of the day taking notes on how she runs her end of the business. He's really impressed with Maddie and how she handles the finances and he and Maddie develop a really good rapport and of course David's just a little bit jealous. Brandon and Maddie sit in her office after lunch one afternoon mid-week while she has some free time and chat. Maddie is laughing at one of his nightmare dating stories.
Maddie: (Laughing.) She didn't really floss at the table!
Brandon: She did! Pulled a piece of floss right out of her purse and went for it.
Maddie: Well, I see the dating scene hasn't improved since I've been out there.
Brandon: (Laughs.) So you can't tell me it gets better!? Great…
Maddie: I have no tips; I was horrible at dating.
Brandon: But you ended up married, so you must have done something right?
Maddie: No! I did it all wrong…we did it all wrong, but somehow it all worked out, don't ask me how. David enjoyed dating when he was single; if you want tips, ask him. But, I think his main goal was to not take things too seriously.
Brandon taps his pen on his notepad.
Brandon: Well, they don't make women like you anymore Maddie.
Maddie: (Blushes.) Awww, that's a nice thing to say.
Brandon: They don't, the girls I date seem so young…I mean, they're in their late 20s, but they seem like girls, you're a woman.
Maddiegives him a coy look and deflects a bit.
Maddie: Well, go out there and find yourself a woman then!
Brandon: I'm trying, but I tell you, I think you're one of a kind.
Maddie smiles and suddenly David bursts in, he senses an intense discussion hanging in the air.
David: Our boy Viola's done it again.
He sits on the corner of Maddie's desk.
Maddie: What's he done?
David: He's cracked another case.
Maddie: Great! Which one?
David glances at Brandon who gets the hint and looks at his watch.
Brandon: Well, you're about done for the day anyway Maddie, I'll guess I'll take off and meet you back here in the morning? And then we're spending the afternoon back at your house, right?
Maddie: Yeah Brandon, thanks – today was fun. See you tomorrow.
Brandon leaves and David stares at Maddie.
Maddie: What!?
David: If I had some young girl following me around and fawning over me all day would you want us sitting behind closed doors, alone…giggling?
Maddie: Giggling!
David: Whatever. I don't like it.
Maddie: You're jealous? Of him? (Bats her eyelashes.) David, don't you trust me?
David: I ain't jealous of nobody, and of course I trust you, I just don't trust him.
Maddie: David…
David: Tell me he wasn't saying a bunch of flattering things to you right before I walked in here?
Maddie's silent.
David: I rest my case.
Maddie gets up from behind her desk and walks across the room with her case file and sits on the couch.
Maddie: Its just business David.
David: I don't like it…I not comfortable with it…and what's our deal?
Maddie: If one of us isn't comfortable, we don't do it. (Pauses.) Well, ok, besides, he's only here for two more days. But he's supposed to come to the house tomorrow.
David: For what? Why does he have to come to our home?
Maddie: For the other part of the story balancing work and family.
David: Well, I guess I'll just have to be there too.
Maddie: David, you're being ridiculous. I can handle it. (Pouts.) Besides, you think he has a chance? You know how long it takes me to warm up.
Maddie works on some paperwork while David banters with her. He moves beside her on the couch.
David: Nobody's gonna attempt to warm my wife up but me. (He pulls at her sleeve as she writes) So what line was he laying on you anyway?
Maddie: David, stop.
David: Come on Maddie, I know men, what did he say?
Silence.
David: Ah. A game, ok, Let me guess, he said…uh, you remind him of he ex-girlfriend…
Maddie: No David…
David: (Quickly.) He wants a new puppy…
Maddie rolls her eyes. He puts his face close to hers…
David: He'd like to meet someone like you, but you're one of a kind…
Maddie freezes and is shocked that David nailed it. He sees her reaction and nudges her shoulder with his.
David: Ah-ahhhh, that boys got game. I'll definitely be at the house tomorrow.
David gets up and leaves her office. Maddie shakes her head in amazement.
CUT TO: The next afternoon. Brandon shadows Maddie in the office again and they maintain their easy rapport, but out of respect for David she keeps her office doors open this time. Brandon still flatters Maddie about how well she handles life as a businesswoman and being a mother and a wife and she eats it up – even kind of silently congratulating herself on how well she balances it all.
After 2pm Brandon follows Maddie back to her house in his car – David's going to meet them there after a meeting downtown with Viola. When they arrive at the house Maddie gets the kids out of the car, she's made sure they're wearing their most adorable outfits and has promised them all sorts of treats and extra playtime that night if they're on their best behavior – they act like angels.
Maddie smiles and chats with Brandon as she opens the door to the house, telling him to ignore any messes, even though she had the cleaning woman come for the second time that week and she knows everything is immaculate. But then, as she swings the door open they are all hit with a horrible smell…and as they enter a terrible sight. Otis has gotten loose and has had his run of the house…he's pooped everywhere and torn apart every pillow on the couch. He's dug a hole in the carpet on one of the steps on the staircase and is currently lying in front of the fireplace chewing on Lily's favorite doll. Maddie can't even contain her anger for the sake of the story and she's beyond embarrassed. She starts yelling and screaming and ranting and raving, she totally loses control as she shoos the dog out into the backyard. Then, as she stands in the middle of the mess, David walks through the door and stops dead in his tracks looking at her and the mess Otis made.
David: Ooops!
Maddie: (Screams.) DAVID!
David turns to Brandon who is standing in shock at the mess they've walked into and at Maddie's reaction, as he's never seen her lose her cool once.
David: Brandon…if you're interested in this one (Gestures to Maddie)…I have a feeling she might be leaving her husband soon…check back in month.
David turns and walks back out the door,Brandon looks confused.
Maddie: DAVID! GET IN HERE!
Maddie fumes.
Brandon: (Slowly backs out of the house.) Maybe I'll just go Maddie and we'll try this another day.
Maddie can't even answer she's so mad. Brandon heads out the door and crosses David's path as he comes back in.
David: (To Brandon.) …she really is one of a kind, huh?
Maddie: (Seething.) David…
David: Wish me luck.
He closes the door on Brandon and walks towards Maddie with his eyes closed already feeling the pain he's about to endure.
CUT TO: Two weeks later. Maddie takes the plastic off the new pillows for the couch and places and fluffs them. David enters the living room after putting the kids to bed.
David: There, good as new, huh?
Maddie: No cute remarks, I'm still not over this.
David takes her in his arms.
David: If you won't get over this, will you get over me?
He kisses her neck.
Maddie: (Smiles.) David…
David: I'm sorry, ok? How many times do I have to say it?
Maddie: (Thinks.) A few hundred more times should do.
David: At least Brandon showed some mercy and didn't include any of that in his article.
Maddie: Yeah, I told you he's a good guy.
David runs his hands down Maddie's back and onto her butt.
David: So, there's no other way I can make it up to you?
Maddie grabs his shirt and pulls him towards her.
Maddie: There might a few things you can do to help me forget.
They fall back on the couch and kiss and caress each other and just then Otis runs in the room, hops up on Maddie's lap, gives her kisses and then curls up and looks at her with the sweetest face. Maddie takes the dogs maturing face in her hands.
Maddie: I guess you're forgiven too Otis. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? (She smiles at David.)
David pets Otis and kisses the side of Maddie's face.
David: …and a third, and fourth…and a fifth…
Maddie laughs.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Thanks Susan for your reads, re-reads and edits. You're so helpful, even though we may not always agree. :)