MOONLIGHTING: MARRIED WITH CHILDREN

CHAPTER 9: 'TIL DEATH DO WE PART

THE SCENE OPENS As Richie and Maddie sit side by side on the beach. Richie has just – accidentally – dropped a bombshell that David had a one night stand with a woman named Rita while Maddie was pregnant and in Chicago four years earlier when she and David were both trying to figure out their relationship. Richie thought David and Maddie and cleared the air and talked about all of these things before they were married…but apparently Rita didn't make the list of David's confessions. David and Aidan are just returning from a walk along the seashore and Chloe and Lily are splashing around in the ocean. Maddie blinks back tears and pulls her sunglasses over her face. Richie watches David draw closer and nervously licks his lips; he turns to Maddie.

Richie: Maddie, I'm so sorry…I didn't know…you didn't know. (Scratches his head.) Dave told me you knew everything there was to know about him, good and bad, and I just assumed…stupidly assumed. I don't know what I was thinking. I mean, I'm not thinking right now…obviously. (Looks back towards David.) Oh, he's gonna kill me!

Maddie glances over and sees David approaching holding Aidan's hand.

Maddie: (Soft, hurt voice.) Let's just drop it for now; I don't want to bring this up in front of the kids. I'll deal with David later.

(Both Maddie and Richie looking towards David.)

Richie: He's really gonna kill me…

Maddie: Don't worry Richie…I'm going to kill him first.

Her face still looks hurt but as David and Aidan approach she forces a smile.

Maddie: How was the walk?

David: Beautiful. Perfect weather today.

David flops down on Maddie's towel next to her and drapes his arm across her. Maddie reaches out to Aidan who cuddles up next to her and she focuses on him while Richie and David chat. After a bit Chloe and Lily come back to sit with everyone. Maddie lies back on her towel and closes her eyes, her head is ringing with Richie's words and her body aches at the thought of David with another woman while she was pregnant, confused and scared in Chicago. It's the exact same situation Chloe is in now, and here Maddie is thinking Chloe's naïve. Maddie wants to cry but with everyone around she holds it together. David runs his hand up and down her leg, Maddie feels numb.

David: (Talks to everyone.) Gang-o-mine…how about tonight we hit up that beach bar down the road, the one with the great fish tacos? Have a few margaritas? Those of us who aren't pregnant that is. (He winks at Chloe and then touches Maddie's face.) That includes you, right honey?

Maddie barely moves, David shakes her gently, she seems upset but he assumes she had words with Richie about him cheating on Chloe in Virginia so he doesn't probe further.

David: You alive?

Maddie: What? Oh, yeah…sure David. Whatever everyone wants.

David: Don't get so excited Maddie.

Richie glances at Maddie, gives David a half-smile and then looks away.

Richie: Sure bro.

David: Another very excited person, thank you Rich…

Chloe: (Excited.) Sounds great David!

David puts up his hand to high-five Chloe.

David: All right! I got someone on my team.

When they're done with the beach a few hours later they have fish tacos and Margaritas and then head home. Everyone seems to have a good time, but David can't help notice that Maddie is being pretty cold. When the Addison's get home it's after 9pm. They stick the kids in the shower, and then Maddie seems tired so David volunteers to put them in their pajamas and into bed. When he comes back to the bedroom Maddie is sitting in the dressing area crying. David's confused; he puts his hands in his pockets and walks up behind her.

David: Is this about Richie and Chloe? (He touches the back of her head.) Come on Maddie, we can't let what's going on with them upset us…besides, she'll probably never find out. What she doesn't know won't hurt her, right?

Maddie takes her hands from her face and looks at David's reflection in the mirror.

Maddie: Who's Rita?

The name doesn't register with David at first.

David: (Confused.) Rita?

Maddie: Rita, Rita! Have you really slept with that many women that you can't remember names?

David feels like he's been punched in the gut.

David: Rita!?

Where the hell did she get that name from? His face goes white and he looks at Maddie in the mirror, she looks hurt.

Maddie: How could you?

Maddie puts her hands back in her face and sobs.

David: Where did you…? How…?

Then David remembers things seemed strange after she talked to Richie. But why would Richie do that to him?

David: (Angry.) Richie!? Wait, did Richie say something to you?

Maddie nods her head. David storms into the bedroom, takes a swing and knocks the vase that sits on their bedside table across the room.

David: I'm gonna KILL him!

David's anger snaps Maddie's head out of her hands. David paces around the room fuming.

Maddie: David! He thought I knew! He didn't mean to…

David: (Yells.) Thought you knew huh!? Right! He's in a mess…and doesn't want to look like the only bad guy so he's dragging me into this!?

David kicks the chair that sits at Maddie's vanity over and then walks towards the wall like he's going to punch it.

Maddie: (Stands up and screams.) David, stop it! He really didn't know!

David stops, puts his hands on his hips and breathes heavily.

Maddie: It was an accident; he really didn't know…I swear. He thought you'd told me.

Maddie walks to the bed and sits down. David just looks at her.

Maddie: But I guess what I don't know can't hurt me, right?

David's silent.

Maddie: I'm just the same as Chloe, aren't I David?

David: What are you talkin' about?

Maddie: You did to me, what Richie just did to Chloe. You slept with someone else while I was pregnant and covered it up, had everyone lie for you. Who else knows? Does Bert know?

David feels like he's been punched in the gut again. He nods yes.

Maddie: Exactly. (Sobs in her hands.) Boy, everyone must think I'm a real dummy.

David: Maddie…

Maddie: Don't David; don't make excuses.

David: It's not like that at all. Not even close to the same thing.

Maddie: I was pregnant - she's pregnant, you slept with someone and hid it - he slept with someone and hid it. Everyone knew but me - everyone knows but her. Thanks for clearing that up David. Totally different situation.

Maddie gets up and walks quickly downstairs. David follows.

David: Maddie...Are you gonna let me explain?

Maddie: You mean, am I gonna let you charm me into seeing everything your way? Gee probably David, that's how our relationship works right?

David: What the hell does that mean?

Maddie: It means I'm suddenly seeing things very clearly now - you let me think I have some say in this relationship, but really you pull all the strings by controlling information. I feel like I've been duped. I feel like such a fool!

Maddie pours a glass of wine and walks to the back window looking out at the pool.

David: You're blowing this way out of proportion Maddie.

Maddie: Am I?

David: You have no idea what I went through when you were gone.

Turns to look at him.

Maddie: No, I don't, but I'm starting to get a pretty good picture and it doesn't sound like it was all that different from every other day I watched you dance into the office after a weekend of parties, booze and sex!

David: Oh, this isn't fair!

David takes Maddie's arm, walks her out to the back patio and sits her in a chair.

David: Maddie, it sounds bad I know. What you're hearing sounds bad. And you can believe whatever you want. But you're gonna hear my side of it first.

Maddie crosses her legs, looks away and takes a sip of her wine.

David: When you left for Chicago I was miserable Maddie.

Maddie: (Annoyed.) David…

He stops her.

David: I know it was no cakewalk for you and you don't have a whole lot of sympathy for me during that time, I get that. It's one thing I've had to put aside in this relationship because, to me, that's unfair. But we're not talking about that. Just listen.

Maddie listens.

David: I was miserable. Believe it or not I missed you every second of every day. You didn't want me to call and you weren't calling me. I was going nuts. I felt cut off, abandoned. It took everything I had in me not to get on a plane and drag you home – but you asked me to leave you alone. You wanted that Maddie, remember?

She says nothing.

David: Anyway, I was alone and miserable and ready to write you off. I wasn't sure you were ever coming back. You told me nothing Maddie, nothing! After our talk at the Laundromat I was totally confused - when you went home that night I felt like we were gonna work it all out. But then when I found out you left for Chicago I thought we might be done for good.

David sees Maddie is listening intently now. He continues.

So anyway this night…this girl. Bert and Agnes were having their own problems and I took Bert out for a drink and we met some girls. Yes, I'll admit, I was feeling very self destructive and tried to throw myself into someone else to feel better. I slept with this girl, Rita - and no, I wouldn't remember who she was at the mention of her name because she meant nothing. As soon as we were done I laid there thinking of you. I got up and left and beat myself up the rest of the night about it. I didn't feel better, I felt worse. I missed you more. I was even more miserable.

Maddie is softening but she's still not ready to forgive.

David: You can think I'm lying, that I'm saying all these things to make you forget and make myself feel better, that I'm charming you into something, but it's the God's honest truth.

Maddie: So, why didn't you tell me about her before?

David: When would have been a good time Maddie? When you came back married to Walter?

Maddie feels a sting. She knows he has her there. And he knows it too.

David: Look, you were so confused about us that you married the guy in the next compartment on the train so you wouldn't have to deal with it! I mean, can you explain what our relationship was at that time? We both screwed everything up Maddie, come on!

Maddie shrugs, shakes her head and looks down.

David: And by the time we were getting married it would have been silly to bring it up. She was just another girl Maddie!

Maddie: Another girl…another girl…how many girls have you had David?

David: (Rubs his hair.) Hey, if you want a number, I'll give you a number…total honesty Maddie.

Maddie: (Rolls her eyes.) No thanks…

David: OH! Oh…But, (he holds up his finger and then crouches down in front of her and takes her by the shoulders.) most importantly what I want you to know is when this happened I did not know you were pregnant. This happened before I found out about that. Also, unlike Richie and Chloe - we were not engaged, not living together, not even living in the same state! And the only reason Bert knows is because he was there - and I guess I told Richie too at some point. But no one else knows and I never asked anyone to keep secrets or lie for me.

Maddie finally gives him a shy smile. He leans into her.

David: So you see? I'm an innocent man!

Maddie: (She stands up quickly causing him to fall backward.) Innocent!? HA!

She starts to walk inside but waits for David and he walks alongside her.

David: So? Am I forgiven?

Maddie: Yes, you're forgiven. (Looks at him with disbelief.) You've done it again Addison.

David: I did? I didn't even feel it. Was it good?

Maddie: You've charmed your way out of the hot water you were in.

They put their arms around each other and walk to the staircase. He runs his hand over the side of his hair.

David: Did you ever doubt me?

Maddie stops and gives him a look.

Maddie: Don't get cocky Addison. You're no saint…I just see that…maybe it wasn't that big of deal given the circumstances of me running away to Mommy and Daddy, our relationship being in limbo…and I guess I wasn't so innocent myself coming back with Walter.

They continue up the staircase and into the bedroom.

David: I'm still gonna kill Richie. How did all this come up anyway?

Maddie: He was asking if I thought Chloe would forgive him like I forgave you for this Rita...he said you told him I knew all your garbage.

David: Why would I tell you about past girls? Is he nuts?

Maddie puts the chair David kicked over back in its place and picks up the broken vase from the floor and shakes her head, David heads into the bathroom.

Maddie: (Calls to him.) Well David? While we're on the subject, do I know all your garbage?

David walks out of the bathroom in boxers and a t-shirt brushing his teeth. He answers with a mouthful of foam.

David: Yes.

CUT TO: Three weeks later on a Saturday night, the night of Richie's bachelor party, Maddie wakes up at 3am and David is still not home. She reaches for the phone and pages him. A few minutes later he calls her back – there's so much noise from wherever he's calling from she can barely hear him.

Maddie: David?

David: (Yelling over noise.) HI BABE.

Maddie: (Loud.) HI, WHERE ARE YOU?

David: AT A STRIP CLUB DOWNTOWN.

Maddie: EWWWW.

David: RICHIE'S GETTING A LAP DANCE.

Maddie: Great, just what he needs. Who's there with you?

David: What?

Maddie: WHEN WILL YOU BE HOME?

David: (Looks at his watch.) I DON'T KNOW…doesn't look like the party is ending anytime soon and as the best man and host of this shindig I can't really skip out.

Maddie: All right, Just wanted to make sure everything was ok.

David: GO BACK TO SLEEP.

Maddie: Ok. HAVE FUN.

David: I LOVE YOU.

Maddie: LOVE YOU DAVID.

David: Nite honey.

They hang up.

CUT TO: The next day, 9am and Maddie and the kids are in the kitchen cleaning up from breakfast when David finally comes in, Maddie's not sure if he's hung over, still drunk or just running on fumes from lack of sleep, but she's trying not to be annoyed about any of it. His hair is standing on end, he's got his sunglasses on, and when she kisses him she can taste booze on his lips. The kids rally around and start telling him ten things at once. He gives them each five dollars to save the stories until later in the day.

Maddie: Rough night?

David: (He rubs his head.) I don't even know where to begin.

Maddie: How about at the beginning?

David: How about the end…that's where it gets good.

He sits up on the kitchen counter and runs his hands through his hair and shakes his head.

Maddie: What?

David: Walter got arrested.

Maddie: WALTER!?

David: Walter.

Maddie: I don't believe it.

David: I know, I know…it's crazy, but it happened.

Maddie: What happened David?

David: When we were leaving the club this morning around 7am some of the guys were way too drunk, got crazy and smashed beer bottles through the window of an abandoned warehouse just as some cops were coming around the corner. Walter just happened to be walking near the group and when everyone else ran off poor Wally was the only one standin' there…so the cops threw cuffs on him.

Maddie: No!

David: Yes.

Maddie: Did you call Terri?

David: He called her when he got downtown…I've been down there trying to get him out for the last two hours, but it's a Sunday and no one has any authority to release him. (Looks at his watch.) You know my buddy Larry?

Maddie nods her head.

David: He's gonna pull some strings, but his shift doesn't start until eleven, so I gotta go back down there in a couple hours.

Maddie: Poor Walter…

David: Yeah. Wally didn't realize what a bunch of knuckleheads he was out with.

Maddie: Did Richie go back home?

David: Yeah. He was pretty wacked out. (Stretches and yawns.) Well, I guess I'll go sleep for a couple hours and then head back downtown.

Maddie: Will we get to see you at all today?

David: See me what?

Maddie: David…

David: What Maddie?

Maddie: (Sarcastic.) Oh, you're right, this 10-minute conversation is plenty, what was I thinking? (Folds her arms.) There are tons of things that need to be done around here David.

David: Don't start Maddie.

David grabs a beer from the refrigerator, opens it and takes a swig.

Maddie: Why are you drinking a beer now?

David takes another swig.

David: It's been a stressful morning.

He walks out of the kitchen; Maddie follows.

David: Look, this weekend and next are dedicated to my brothers wedding, Ok?

Maddie: No, not ok.

David: Maddie…

Maddie: I mean, yes…I know Richie is getting married and it's taking up a lot of your time, but that doesn't mean Lily, Aidan, me, the house, the dog and everything else are totally abandoned.

David: You gonna make a list of chores for me now?

Maddie: No, I thought I'd take care of everything while you party and sleep off your hangover.

David: Well sorry honey, I'm not planning on doing anything today…(Calls back) except you…I'll do you.

Maddie: Keep dreaming Addison.

David rolls his eyes and walks upstairs pulling off his shirt. Maddie follows, but stops half way.

David: Goodnight Maddie.

Maddie: The kids want to spend time with you. And remember Otis, your dog? Who's walking him today David? It's back to work tomorrow so clear some time between naps and posting bail to spend with them…with us!

David keeps walking not saying anything.

Maddie: David…do you hear me?

David: Did you get up on the wrong side of the rack today Maddie? Is it that time of the month? Because you are experiencing a major mood-swing honey!

He climbs to the top of the stairs and Maddie yells up to him.

Maddie: Ha ha ha…convenient excuse David, I'm not going along with your plan to sleep all day so I'm PMSing?

David's silent.

Maddie: Go on…get some sleep…obviously you need it!

David slams the bedroom door; Maddie fumes and goes back to cleaning up the kitchen. When she cools down a bit she calls Terri to see how she's holding up.

Terri: Hello?

Maddie: Hi Terri, it's Maddie.

Terri: Maddie…are you calling to see how Walter's doing up in the big house?

Maddie: (Laughs.) Something like that. But first, how are you doing?

Terri: Oh, I'm fine…I just feel sorry for Walter, he's not big enough to defend himself, he'll be someone's girlfriend in there in no time.

Maddie: I guess he's really getting the full effect of what it's like when you hang around the Addison boys. Sadly I've lost track of how many times I've had to bail David and Richie out of jail.

Terri: I think Walter is secretly pleased, like he has some street credit now or something.

They both laugh.

Maddie: Well, I guess David's going to head back down there later and get him out…he's got a friend who'll pull some strings.

Terri: Right. We appreciate that.

Maddie: I'm sure it's the least he can do. (Pauses.) Ok well, tell Walter I'm sorry he got dragged into the Addison vortex and I'll see you both next weekend at Richie's wedding.

Terri: Ok, thanks for calling Maddie.

They hang up and Maddie takes the kids and the dog for a walk down to the park and then for ice cream. They're gone for a couple hours and when they get back David's gone but he left a note.

David's note: Went downtown to help Walter, be back in a bit. Sorry about our little squabble, I want to take you and the kids to dinner tonight. D

Maddie puts the kids down for their nap and then gets in the shower. Just as she's lathering up David peeks in the shower door and scares her.

Maddie: David!

David: Maddie!

Maddie: What are you doing?

Eyes her up and down.

David: Watching you shower…soap yourself up a little slower, would ya?

Maddie: (Waves him off.) Oh David…what happened with Walter? Is he home?

David: (Smiles.) Yeah, he's home, they dropped all the charges. Poor guy, first time he's been drenched in delousing powder and fed a baloney sandwich all in the same day. (Maddie runs a soapy washcloth over her arms and chest.) God, you do that great…

Maddie: (Smiles.) David…

David gets a huge grin on his face as he watches Maddie shower, she looks down and sees his enjoyment through the sweat pant he's wearing, of course, he's not trying to hide it either…he glances down.

David: So?

Maddie: So?

David: Can I come in or do you still hate me?

Maddie: (Grins) Oh, I still hate you, but you can come in anyway.

David: Really?

Maddie: Really.

David: I like that; you angry and naked are one of my favorite combinations.

David strips off his clothes, steps into the shower and wastes no time wrapping himself around Maddie and running his hands up and down her slippery, wet body. Maddie takes some of her angry aggressions out on him and kisses his face hard; she grabs the back of his hair, bites his lip and backs him up against the wall. David responds with equal aggression and pulls at the back of her hair and bites her neck. He stimulates her with his fingers and then slides his fingers inside her, she wraps one leg up around his body allowing him to penetrate deeper into her. She's dripping wet and the feel of all that wetness excites David to no end, he can barely hold out, he's dying to be inside her. He bends her over underneath the hot water raining down and plunges into her from behind, wrapping his arm around her body for support and aggressively thrusts in and out of her as she screams for him to go harder, faster…deeper.

CUT TO: Maddie with a towel on her head and a robe on looking at herself in the mirror, she runs her hand down her neck and makes a face.

Maddie: Oh David, you left a mark on my neck.

David comes up from behind and looks at her in the mirror.

David: A hickey?

Maddie: Yeah, look…and you scratched me with your teeth.

David: Those are love marks baby. (He pats her butt and walks away.)

Maddie: We have clients to see tomorrow David. What will they think?

David: That someone had a good weekend?

She follows him into the bedroom.

Maddie: As usual your depth of sensitivity and understanding is staggering.

David: It's not that big of a deal…wear a scarf or one of them high-neck dresses that make you look like a nun.

Maddie: A nun? Thanks.

David: Well, I didn't say it was a bad thing…in fact; I have this fantasy I want to play out…

Maddie: (Grunts in disapproval.) Addison!

David: Well, what do you care, you're an infidel!

Maddie screams in annoyance and stomps out of the room.

David: (Calls after her.) Was it something I said?

To himself…

David: That's how it's gonna be today, huh? Not getting along? She pushes my buttons, I push hers? Fine, just fine. Gonna make for an interesting night out…

CUT TO: A few hours later David and Maddie are with the kids at FUN & FUN a crazy kids place that serves bad pizza, has overpriced games and is so loud it's obnoxious, but the ball pits, slides, climbing nets and tubes tire the kids out so much it's worth every penny. Although they're enjoying watching the kids laugh and play, David and Maddie are having an awkward evening. They sit at a low kids table eating pizza and salad while Aidan and Lily run around between bites.

David: …No really, I think cardboard is the main ingredient in the pizza crust here.

Maddie: (Picks at her salad.) Yeah well, iceberg lettuce with 1000 Island dressing wasn't my first choice for dinner either.

David nods.

David: I guess every night can't be champagne and caviar (Said in a snooty tone.)

Maddie: Hey, you're the one that started complaining first.

David: I wasn't complaining, I was joking.

Maddie: Aren't jokes supposed to be funny?

David: Sorry I haven't entertained you m'lady.

Silence. David looks around.

David: Isn't that Aidan's friend's mom over there?

Maddie: Which friend? Where?

David: John's mom, there…the woman with the red hair?

Maddie: John's mom doesn't have red hair.

David: Does too.

Maddie: Does not.

David: Does too.

Maddie: Does not…and no, it's not her anyway.

Silence.

Maddie: Who's picking your Dad and Stephanie up from the airport Tuesday?

David: Wednesday.

Maddie: Wednesday, what do you mean Wednesday?

David: I mean they're coming in Wednesday.

Maddie: No, I talked to Stephanie and they're coming in Tuesday.

David: All right, I'll pick them up Tuesday, but I'll be a day early.

Maddie: Ah, so you're picking them up?

David: Isn't that what I just said?

Silence. Maddie takes a mirror out of her purse and looks at her face and then at her neck and runs her hand over the mark.

David: Sexy.

Maddie: No it's not, it's trashy.

David: Black.

Maddie: What?

David: Black.

Maddie: David, what are you talking about?

David: I'm just waiting for you to say White.

Maddie rolls her eyes and goes back to looking in the mirror. Aidan runs up to the table.

Aidan: Daddy? Will you play with John and me?

David: Of course! (Points.) Hey, is that your friend John's mom over there with the red hair?

Aidan looks and nods yes. David throws an I told you so look at Maddie, takes Aidan's hand and heads off with him. Maddie mentally flips David off and looks back in the mirror.

Maddie: (To herself.) Stick it Addison.

CUT TO: The next day at work and Maddie and David say goodbye to a potential client after hearing about their case and then close the door to Maddie's office. There hasn't been much interaction between them since leaving FUN & FUN the night before. When they got home they put the kids to bed and then Maddie read her book, David flipped through the channels on TV making random comments trying to get her to laugh, but she just ignored him and eventually they turned out the lights, spooned up together and went to sleep. In the morning they were running late so it was a mad rush to get everyone out the door. Maddie sits behind her desk, David perches on the corner and looks at her.

David: Can we call a truce here? I'd like some normal interaction with my wife.

Maddie: We've had normal interactions?

David laughs

David: Come on Maddie. I know you're not really mad at me.

Maddie: Who said I was mad at you?

David: Annoyed, disgusted, irritated, whatever…knock it off.

Maddie: David, can't you just give me a little space?

David: Space? And here this all started because I wasn't spending enough time with you.

Maddie: Yeah well, now that we've spent some time I'm…what did you say? Annoyed, disgusted and irritated? …so if you don't mind. (She gestures to the door.)

David takes her by the arm and lifts her out of her chair.

David: C'mere

Maddie: (Resists.) David.

He wraps his arms around her waist and they look into each other eyes. He pulls her forward and kisses her cheek and then pushes down the high collar of her dress with his finger.

David: How's your hickey?

Maddie: Darker than yesterday I think.

David: Oh, you can barely see it.

She puts her hand over it.

Maddie: I just hope it's gone by this weekend.

David: Oh, come on…

Maddie: It's not just a bruise David; there are teeth marks.

David looks again.

David: I like it.

He pulls her forward and kisses the bruise on her neck and then kisses over to the other side of her neck and pulls her into him, he holds her firmly with his arm and suddenly sucks hard on the side of her neck purposely giving her another hickey. Maddie screams and struggles against him and tries to push him back, but he leans forward and continues to suck and then releases quickly sending her backwards with a jolt. He laughs and she gasps and puts one hand to her neck and slaps him in the mouth with the other, cutting his lip and causing blood to spills out. He puts his hand to his mouth shocked and they stare at each other. He looks at the blood on his hand, glares at her, gets up and storms away. Just as he opens the door to leave, Agnes is standing there, she was just about to knock – he storms past her and she jumps aside looking between the both of them, taking in the scene. Maddie holds her hand to her neck, ignores Agnes and slams into her bathroom where she takes her hand off the spot David sucked and sees the red spot he left with his mouth. She talks to herself in the mirror…

Maddie: Stupid jerk.

She hears Agnes through the door.

Agnes: Ms. Hayes? Everything ok?

Maddie: No…not really Agnes. Just give me a few minutes, ok?

Agnes: Ok.

Agnes leaves and Maddie dabs her neck with a cold cloth and then plays with the collar of her dress trying to cover both spots now. The new red spot just peeks out above the collar. Maddie sighs annoyed, and then sits down behind her desk and puts her head in her hands. A few minutes later Agnes knocks.

Maddie: Come in!

Agnes: Ms. Hayes? What's going on? Mr. Addison left the office saying he didn't know when he'd be back and you've got an appointment in ten minutes.

Maddie: It's ok Agnes; I'll see the client alone.

Agnes: Well, what happened between you and Mr. Addison?

Maddie: I think he was trying to be funny…I'm just not getting the joke.

Agnes: What happened just now didn't look very funny.

Maddie: No…it's not, it's not funny at all. I swear that man lives to embarrass me!

Agnes: Why'd you hit him?

Maddie: Because he…I don't know Agnes. It was just a reaction. I'm sorry; I know it's not very professional. Could you just give me a few minutes to re-group before the client gets here?

Agnes: Sure.

Agnes closes the door and Maddie sighs and walks to the window in her office and looks outside, pulling at her collar. She feels bad for hitting David, but why did he think giving her a second hickey was funny when she was so upset about the first one? She just didn't understand how his mind worked half the time…, no, more than half the time.

CUT TO: David sitting at a bar having a beer. His lip has a small cut and is swollen. The bartender chats with him.

Bartender: You look like you've had a rough morning? Some guy beat you up?

David: Not some guy…some woman. Well…not just any woman, my wife.

Bartender laughs.

Bartender: What did you do to piss her off?

David: You got a pen and paper? I'd need to make a list.

Bartender: I see. Not just one thing, huh?

David: No…nope, not just one thing. (Thinks.) I tend to take things a little too far. (Licks his sore lip with his tongue.) But then again, so does she.

Bartender: Sounds like a match made in heaven.

The bartender pours him a shot of whiskey on the house.

Bartender: Here, to take the edge off.

David knocks it back quickly and makes a face.

David: Thanks.

CUT TO: A few hours later about 1pm, David comes back to the office, walks past Ms. Dipesto and nods towards Maddie's office.

Agnes: She's at yoga.

David looks at the other wobblies in the office who are all staring at him.

David: Why so glum kids? You know mom and dad always make up.

The wobblies groan and go back to work.

CUT TO: Maddie finishes her yoga class and towels herself off as she gathers her things, Patrice glances over at her.

Patrice: What the hell is on your neck?

Maddie: Oh, just David's sick sense of humor.

Patrice: What do you mean?

Looks in the mirror and points to one side of her neck.

Maddie: Well, this one was an accident, but since I was so thrilled(She rolls her eyes.) about that one, today he'd thought he'd be funny and add a second one to the other side just for the hell of it.

Patrice touches her neck where the red spot from this morning has now turned into a bruise.

Patrice: I don't get it.

Maddie: Me either…but now I'm in deep-do-do because I slapped him and his lip started bleeding.

Patrice: You what!? You hit him?

Maddie: Yes! Well, he was being a jerk!

Patrice: Boy, you two really go at each other, don't you!?

Maddie: Yep (She looks in the mirror.) He pushes my buttons…and I push his, until we've both gone too far. (Makes a face.) These better be gone by Saturday, My bridesmaids dress is pretty low cut.

Patrice: You still gonna have a husband by then?

Maddie: Oh yeah. (Pauses and looks at Patrice in the mirror.) I know how to make it up to him.

Maddie smiles and nudges Patrice's shoulder on the way out the door. Patrice calls after her.

Patrice: Just keep his lips below the neckline…

Maddie laughs and heads to the locker room to change and then goes back to the office. When she gets there she glances at David's office and sees the door is closed. She talks to Agnes.

Maddie: Is he in?

Agnes: He's in.

Maddie: Guess I better… (She nods towards the door.)

Agnes: (Shrugs.) Yeah, you better.

Maddie makes her way over to David's door slowly, knocks lightly and then opens the door. David is lying on his couch.

Maddie: (Pouty.) Hi.

David: (Cold.) Hey.

Maddie: Can I come in?

David: Seeing as you own half this place I guess I can't stop you.

Maddie enters and sits on the edge of the couch next to him…she sees his lip is cut and swollen. She reaches to touch it and he turns his face.

Maddie: How's your mouth.

David: Little battered, but it still works.

Maddie: (laughs lightly.) Great.

They hold each other's eyes for a moment.

Maddie: David… (She looks down.)

David: (Rubs his jaw.) You pulled the 'ole right hook out of retirement huh? Haven't seen that for a while.

Maddie: I…I shouldn't have hit you David, I'm sorry.

David: And that's it? I'm just supposed to forgive you?

Maddie stands up.

Maddie: No…I don't expect you to do anything! I just wanted to apologize, that's all.

David: Apology noted.

Maddie: (Throws her arms up.) Ok, you're gonna make this difficult on me? Fine. You're not exactly innocent here David. (Pulls down her collar.) This has turned into a bruise…I hope you're satisfied.

David: Oh, I'm ecstatic (Stands up and walks towards her.) I'm elated (Nose to nose.) I am very, very happy.

Maddie: Yeah, I can tell…all the joy your giving off is infectious.

David's face is so close to hers she can smell booze on his breath. Maddie grabs the waistband of his pants with her hand.

Maddie: So, can we move past this now, or what?

David presses himself into her.

David: Fine

Maddie: Fine.

David: Good.

Maddie: Good.

She kisses him hard on the lips and he winces back in pain from the cut. She puts her hand to his face.

Maddie: Opps, sorry!

David: Damn woman!

Maddie kisses him softly on the cheek and then pets his neck and looks at him seductively.

Maddie: I'll make it up to you tonight. (Pokes at his chest.) But no more hickeys! That's not funny David!

David: (Chuckles.) I know, I'm sorry. (He pulls her collar down slightly with his finger.) Still kinda sexy though.

Maddie grabs his finger and gives him a look.

CUT TO: Saturday and Maddie and David are at home getting ready for Richie's wedding. They've had a busy week and have all but forgotten about the fight they'd had. David's Dad and Stephanie have been staying with them since Tuesday. Everyone is busy getting dressed, David, the best man in his tux, Aidan and Lily in their dress and tux as flower girl and ring bearer, and Maddie stands in front of the mirror in her light pink bridesmaid's dress putting on a string of pearls David bought her a few years earlier. David comes up from behind and takes the necklace from her hands and helps her clasp it around her neck.

David: You look beautiful.

He fastens the necklace and then runs the back of his fingers down her neck.

David: And not even a scratch.

Maddie smiles.

Maddie: Thanks.

They gaze at each other in the mirror and David runs his hands up and down her shoulders. Just then Aidan and Lily run in and chase each other in circles around Maddie and David's legs.

Maddie: Aidan, Lily! Don't mess up your clothes. (Looks at David.) We better go soon, the natives are getting restless.

CUT TO: The Addison family plus David Sr. and Stephanie arrive at the church. David heads to the room in the back to find Richie and Maddie and the kids go to find Chloe and the wedding coordinator. The night before they had a dry run-through of the wedding at the church and then everyone went out for a big dinner with family and friends from back East and around LA, so far it's been a great week. Maddie finds Chloe looking calm, cool and collected, she gives her a big hug and tells her how beautiful she looks and then finds a quiet corner to sit with the kids and play some games until the wedding starts.

But, over in the groom's room things are not so calm. When David finds Richie he is doubled over breathing into a paper bag and totally freaking out about the wedding, Richie's other groomsman and pal from back East, Dan, is just standing there helpless not knowing what to do. David squats down next to Richie.

David: You all right there Rich?

Richie just shakes his head no, but can't answer because he's hyperventilating. David sits Richie up, has him breath a few deep breathes along with him and then takes the bag from his face.

David: (Stern.) What's up?

Richie: I can't go through with this bro, I can't, it's not right.

David: (Slaps him on the back.) You'll be all right, it's just wedding day jitters.

Richie: No Dave, I know you didn't feel this way. I can't do it. No way, I'm not going out there.

David stands up and looks at Dan who looks just as panicked as Richie.

David: We'll be out back.

David takes Richie's arm and stands him up.

David: Let's take a walk.

David and Richie go out back, around the side of the church and then Richie starts heading down the street away from the church.

David: What is going on Rich?

Richie: I don't know if I can go through with this Dave, I'm freaking out here man.

David: Everyone has cold feet on their wedding day…

Richie: I know you didn't feel like this on your wedding day to Maddie…remember? I was here. (Grabs his chest.) I feel like I'm gonna have a heart attack.

David: Rich, Maddie and I had already gone to the moon and back with our relationship, we'd already done so much of the back and forth, thrust and parry, teeter and totter…that by the time we got here we just knew we were ready.

Richie: See? You were ready. I'm not ready.

David: My point is, we both had second thoughts about us along the way, but once we committed everything fell into place…and it will for you too.

Richie: Every fiber of my being is telling me to turn back now Dave…am I just supposed to ignore that?

David: (Annoyed.) You've got a beautiful fiancé, and she's pregnant with your child, you can't walk away from this.

Suddenly Richie hails a cab and hops in, David has no choice but to follow him. Richie asks the driver to just drive them around for a while. They sit there in silence, David's getting angry.

David: I told you…I told you. I said Rich, don't move too fast. Well, you moved too fast and now you're freaking out and you're about to ruin the most special day of that girl's life!

Richie: Don't yell at me, all right Dave? I'm already feeling bad enough.

David sees a bar and asks the cab driver to let them out. David pays for the cab and pulls Richie into the bar, orders him a kamikaze and hands it to him.

David: Here, drink this. It'll take the edge off.

CUT TO: The Church. The priest comes into the back room to see if everyone is ready to begin. He's shocked to see only Dan standing there.

Priest: Where's the groom?

Dan: I'm…uh, not sure. He went outside with his brother to walk around twenty minutes ago and they haven't come back.

Priest: Well, go find them boy, it's time for him to get to the altar!

Dan runs outside and around the church and doesn't see David or Richie anywhere. He doesn't really know anyone else at the wedding and is not familiar with the area so he goes to find Maddie who he met when she came with David and Richie to Philly a few months ago. Maddie is surprised to hear he's looking for her when the wedding coordinator calls her out of the room. She sees Dan standing looking worried.

Dan: Hi Maddie. I didn't know who else to ask for help.

Maddie: What is going on Dan?

Dan: (Whispers.) Richie was having second thoughts about the wedding and so David took him outside for a walk, and now they've been gone almost a half hour and I can't find them anywhere.

Maddie sighs and looks around at all the people waiting for the wedding to start.

CUT TO: The bar and Richie throwing back another shot of alcohol, David looks at his watch.

David: What are you worried about Rich?

Richie: To be honest, I've been having second thoughts since before we went to Virginia last month Dave. But then I felt so guilty about sleeping with that girl, then Chloe tells me about the baby and we were so excited…but now reality is setting in and I just don't know if I'm ready for all this. I mean, I've already cheated on her…I'm already lying, I feel like I've already screwed everything up.

David: You haven't screwed anything up. This…ditching out on this wedding…this would be screwing it all up. Yes, you made a mistake in Virginia…but look at it this way, you weren't married yet, after today you can start all over, recommit. I know you love this girl…we all love her. She's gonna make a great wife and she's gonna make you a dad, and that's the greatest thing in the world Rich.

David feels his pager buzzing in his pants pocket, he pulls it out and sees a number he doesn't recognize, but assumes its Maddie calling from the church phone. He puts the pager back in his pocket and continues talking to Richie.

Richie: Yeah, I'm excited about that part.

David: …and look… I know you and I have never been very good at commitment and you're freaked out after what happened in Virginia. You're thinking maybe you don't have it in you to commit. But I took that leap and let me tell ya, it's been the best thing for me.

Richie: I know. I see everything you got, and I want that too.

David: You've got it all right in front of you; you just have to take it…

CUT TO: Back at the church everyone is starting to look at their watches and chattering, the wedding was supposed to start twenty minutes ago. The wedding coordinator is going nuts and Chloe is concerned. All eyes look to Maddie questioning where those two Addison brothers have gone.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Thanks Susan as usual for your edits, reads, re-reads, .etc. :D