MOONLIGHTING
CHAPTER 30: VEGAS BABY!
THE SCENE OPENS as David joins Maddie, Alex and Virginia in the kitchen. Alex and Virginia are in town to watch the kids while Maddie and David go to a conference in Las Vegas for five days. Alex and Virginia are seated at the table with a child on each lap eating cookies. Maddie is standing at the island eating dessert from that evening's dinner. David skips through the kitchen door and looks at Maddie with puppy-dog eyes so she'll feed him a bite from her plate.
David: Ok…All the bags are downstairs and by the front door…
Maddie braces herself for David's next comment…but it doesn't come.
Maddie: And…
Lily reaches for David and he takes her from Alex's lap.
David: And?
Maddie: Aren't you going to give me a hard time about how many bags I'm bringing?
David: Oh, did you bring a lot of bags?
Maddie: Didn't notice huh?
David: Didn't give it a second thought.
Maddie: Really.
David: Really.
Maddie: good!
David: good!
David throws a cookie in his mouth.
David: I mean…if one person needs two suitcases and a garment bag full of dresses for less than a week away from home…who am I to say…
Maddie: (Quips.) I thought you didn't notice?
David: Hey, you're the one who brought it up.
Maddie: Yeah, because I can hear the words rattling around in your brain.
David: (Stands behind Maddie and kisses the back of her Head.) Honey, if we're gonna be in this for the long haul, I'm realizing there are things about you I'm just gonna have to accept…
Maddie: Oh goodie…so what does that mean I'm going to have to accept about you?
David: That I'm a rude…crude…disgusting…vile…creature…?
Maddie: (Sarcastic.) Oh, is that all?
David: (Holds her eyes.) That's all.
Sparks fly and David runs his hand low on Maddie's back and smirks at her, she rolls her eyes at him and breaks the tension, David chuckles and Mr. Hayes laughs and picks up the conversation.
Mr. Hayes: Ah yes, over-packing… a trait of the Hayes women, when Maddie was younger and the three of us would go on a trip, I didn't know if I'd fit in the car they'd bring so much stuff between the two of them.
Mrs. Hayes: Oh, Alexander…we always made room for you.
Maddie and Virginia laugh.
Mr. Hayes: (Looks at David.) You know what I'd love son? One of those great martinis you make.
David: Dirty?
Mr. Hayes: Please.
David: Comin' right up.
He kisses Lily and sits her on the counter next to Maddie.
David: Anyone else ready for another drink?
Mrs. Hayes: I'll take a gimlet since you're offering.
David: Sure. Maddie?
Maddie: No thanks David. (To her parents.) Let's move to the living room (gestures to the dishes) we'll clean this up later.
Everyone moves to the living room and settles in on the couches while the kids play and David mixes drinks.
Mr. Hayes: So Maddie, tell us more about this conference you're going to.
Maddie: It's called the Professional Private Investigators…what is it David?
David: Professional Private Investigators…
Together: …Association Conference…
David: PPIAC
Maddie: Right, the Professional Private Investigators Association Conference, we've never gone to it before, but as we expand and grow Blue Moon I think it's important to network with others in our profession, exchange ideas, get our name out there…
David: Play craps, lounge by the pool, take in a show…
David grins and hands Alex and Virginia their drinks and puts one in Maddie's hand too and then sits by her on the couch.
Maddie: (Maddie sips her drink and touches David's arm.) Well, as you can see, David had a few other motives when signing us up for this conference…(Looks sideways at him.) like the location?
David: (Smiles.) Las Vegas…(Puts his arm around her.) It's gonna be great, huh hun?
Maddie: I don't know…I'm not sure Vegas is my kind of town (To her parents.) You two have been to Las Vegas, how did you like it?
Mr. Hayes: Vegas? Oh Vegas was great fun. We were there, what was it Ginny?
Mrs. Hayes: Five years ago.
Mr. Hayes: Right, I had a conference there myself five years ago. Oh, we had a great time. (Smiles at Virginia.)
Mrs. Hayes: We did! Had a few great dinners, saw a few great shows.
Mr. Hayes: Sure, that's right…and the conference I went to brought in some new business…so, it was a success all around. (He raises his glass and then drinks.)
David: (Nudges Maddie with his shoulder.) See that Maddie? They had a great time.
Maddie: (Skeptical.) Right. (Looks at David and grins sarcastically.) But they weren't there with you Addison; I'm sure our time in Vegas will not be as calm and orderly.
David: (Looks at Mr. and Mrs. Hayes.) I don't know what she's worried about, (Takes her arm.) would you stop?
Mrs. Hayes: Oh Maddie, stop you're worrying and just have fun. I'm sure David will take good care of you.
David: Thank you Virginia.
He gives Maddie a look. Later that night Maddie and David clean up the kitchen after her parent's head up to bed.
David: Hey lady, what's your problem anyway?
Maddie: What are you talking about?
David: Making me look like I'm going to publically humiliate you or self-destruct in Vegas in front of your parents.
Maddie: Oh, I hardly think that's what I did.
David: I just hate it when you're so smug like you already know what will happen before anything does.
Maddie: It's not that, I just know you David, that's all.
David: Well, I don't want your parents to have a bad impression of me.
Maddie wraps her arms around him.
Maddie: What are you talking about? They love you.
David gives her a half smirk.
Maddie: I'm sorry, let's just go and have a good time.
They kiss. Once the dishes are done Maddie heads upstairs and David locks up downstairs and then dances and sings his way into the bedroom and pulls Maddie into his arms.
David: Oooh Baby, I feel like we're on vacation already.
Maddie wraps her arms around him.
Maddie: Yeah, well…it's not exactly a vacation, is it...I mean, it's still work.
David: Yeah, well…the first few days are work, but Richie will be there, we can all have some fun at night – and then when Chloe comes in this weekend we'll be free from work and can relax.
Maddie: Sounds nice David.
They kiss and then she heads for the vanity area and David follows. Each of them gets ready for bed and then they slip between the sheets. Maddie moves close to David and runs her hand down his flat stomach and kisses his neck.
David: Ho, ho, hold on there a minute sister. Your parents are here.
Maddie: So?
David: So? So? …So how come I get slapped for even thinking about touching you when they're around, but suddenly it's ok?
Maddie: Oh well…we'll just be quiet…it'll be fine David.
Shekisses him on the mouth. David kisses her back half-heartedly.
David: Maddie…
Maddie: David…
David: We've had sex every night this week…
David leans back a bit to catch her eye.
Maddie: We have…?
Maddie avoids his eye contact and persists.
David: Come to think of it…I can't remember the last time we didn't have sex.
Kisses down his chest.
Maddie: …Really?
David stares at the ceiling.
David: Really.
Maddie lifts herself up, cups David's face with her hands and leans in for another kiss. David puts his hands over hers and stops her.
David: What's going on?
Maddie: David? Is this something we need to talk about now?
David: I'm just trying to understand why my wife suddenly needs so much sex?
Maddie: Are you complaining?
David: No…Mad…of course not. But it's just dawning on me. Two months ago you suddenly decided you want another baby…and ever since then you've been obsessed with calendars and body temperatures and pillows under your pelvis. Maddie!? Is this about us making love or you making a baby?
Maddie's silent.
David: …I see.
David rolls over.
Maddie: No…David.
She pulls his arm so he has to roll back over.
Maddie: Of course it's about us…but…like you said, it's been two months and nothing! It's obviously not going to be as easy for me to get pregnant as it was before…I just want to give us the best chance possible, that's all. I'm not getting any younger ya know.
David: I thought we agreed we weren't gonna stress about it…if it happens, it happens.
Maddie shrugs.
Maddie: Right, if it happens it happens… (Thinks.)…but how else will it happen?
David: I know…it's just…I just thought we'd live our regular lives, and not do anything to prevent getting pregnant, and if it happened that would be great. But if didn't, that would be ok too. Now it just seems that you're so determined that if it doesn't happen… I just don't want you to be disappointed, that's all.
He tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. Maddie looks down and takes in what he's saying.
David: Let's just relax, ok? We're happy with our family now, right? If it's meant to be and we get a bonus kid…great, but if not…
Maddie: Ok…right. You're right. (Sighs.) I'll relax…let's just see what happens.
David takes her in his arms.
David: C'mere, (Grins.) I'll help you relax.
David kisses her neck and Maddie smiles.
Maddie: Oh, you still want to have sex then?
David: Do bears bear? Do bees be?
Maddie: (Smiling.) Addison…
David tickles the most sensitive spot on Maddie's neck with the stubble on his chin sending chills down her spine. She tucks her head into his neck, takes a deep breath and closes her eyes…and although she's engulfed in David's intoxicating scent and arousing touch, she can't help but have visions of another baby Addison in her head.
Next thing they know their alarm is sounding at 4am and they're up and off to the airport where they meet Richie at their gate. He's going to help out at the conference until Friday and then Chloe is flying in for the weekend. David and Richie greet each other by playfully punching each other and then suddenly Richie's got David in a headlock.
Maddie: (To David.) Addison! (To Richie.) Addison! (Pushes their shoulders apart.) Would you stop! I thought I left the kids at home!
David and Richie part and straighten their clothing and David runs his hands over his hair. Maddie glares at both of them and then turns to Richie and points.
Maddie: And Richie…no funny business in Vegas! I'm not covering for you about women, money or any other lewd acts, so, in short, keep it in your pants! (To both of them.) And I don't want to be pulled into any hair-brained schemes, bail anyone out of jail or find myself dancing in a show or working with the mob to get you out of some crazy mix-upped situation – got it!?
David & Richie: (Standing at attention.) Yes mom…we mean Maddie.
Maddie rolls her eyes and walks away. Richie looks at David and the two of them watch her walk away.
Richie: Is she gonna be like this the whole trip?
David: I hope not…whose idea was it to bring her anyway?
They scoff at each other and then throw a few more jabs now that Maddie is out of eyesight. During the forty-five minute flight to Vegas Richie sleeps and David and Maddie go over the plan for the convention. As soon the plane lands they head to the convention hall and set up their booth. Throughout the day Maddie and David take turns manning the booth while the other walks around to other booths networking and attends seminars. Richie hands out brochures with information about Blue Moon and is their goffer for various things. By the end of the day they are all dead tired and head over to their hotel and check in. Maddie flops down on the bed when they enter the room and closes her eyes.
Maddie: Oh, I'm beat and my feet are killing me.
David grabs her arm and pulls her to a sitting position.
David: Well, don't get too comfortable, we need to change and get out of here.
Maddie: Out of here? What do you mean out of here?
David: We're going downstairs to hit the casino!
Maddie: Oh no we're not.
She gets up and walks towards the bathroom.
Maddie: I'm taking a hot shower, ordering room service and going to bed David.
David: Maddie, Maddie, Maddie… No no no, we're in Vegas we're not going to bed.
Maddie: David, David, David… we're here for work until Friday, once we're done with this conference I'll (mimics him.)hit the casinos with you.
David: Come on Maddie, it's only eight o'clock, let's just go out for a couple hours, play a couple hands of cards and see how lady luck treats us. (Throws her an adorable look.) I'll even buy you a .99¢ steak dinner down the street.
Maddie: How generous of you. David, I'm tired, we've been on our feet all day.
Takes her arm.
David: We're in Vegas! People don't get tired in Vegas! You'll see, they pump extra oxygen into these places so you always feel refreshed.
Maddie: David.
David: Maddie, get dressed, come with me…I promise, we'll have fun.
He flutters his eyes at her.
Maddie: (Closes her eyes and opens them.) Ok. But just for a couple hours David!
David: I promise.
David claps his hands and rubs them together. An hour later Maddie, in a nice dress, and David, in a suit, walk arm in arm onto the casino floor. Richie's out to dinner with some guys he knows from the convention.
David: Pick your poison.
Maddie: Poison?
David: What do you want to play?
Maddie: (Looks around.) Oh, I don't know. What did we play in Buenos Aires? Craps?
David: Baccarat, Craps, roulette…all games of chance. Or I can teach you how to play cards?
Maddie: Let's play Craps, I remember it was fun.
David takes her to by the elbow, leads her to the nearest Craps table and lays down chips. And right away David's on a roll and, with Maddie's help rolling the dice, after a little over an hour they've won $5,000. Maddie is ecstatic and jumps up and down hugging him. David collects their winnings and takes Maddie over to the check in counter.
David: (To hotel clerk.) I'd like to upgrade our room to a suite for the duration of our stay please…I'll pay for it in full now.
Clerk: Yes sir.
David: (Hands the man $2000 cash.) Have someone move our bags, we'd like chilled champagne every night in our room and you can keep the change.
Clerk: Wow. Yes sir. Thank you sir.
David takes Maddie by the hand.
David: Come on, I'm taking you to dinner.
Maddie and David go to one of the best restaurants in Vegas and have a wonderful Steak and Lobster dinner. When they get back to the hotel they are shown to their suite that overlooks the Las Vegas Strip and they stand looking out a huge picture window and cheers with their Champaign flutes.
David: Did I say we'd have a great time or what?
Maddie: I can't believe I ever doubted you.
Maddie looks at David seductively and then steps forward to kiss him.
David: Got babies on the brain?
Maddie: Nope, just you.
They make love in the California King bed inside their beautiful suite and drift off to sleep shortly after 2am, only to be rudely awakened by their wake-up call at 6am. They drag themselves out of bed and back to the convention hall for another long day. But once everything gets moving, the hours fly by and they make a lot of good contacts and trade techniques and procedures with others in the business.
That night David, Maddie and Richie all freshen up after the convention and go to dinner and then sit at a low minimum black jack table and teach Maddie how to play – she ends up winning more than any of them, $80, and she's on a high and had one too many free drinks.
David: Well, you ready to call it a night?
Richie: (Yawns.) Yep…I'll see you two in the A.M.
Maddie: Call it a night? It's only 11:30!? I'm on a winning streak.
David: Yeah, but Maddie, we've got another long day tomorrow and then the whole weekend…
Maddie: You're tired!? You're tired!? (Imitated David) People don't get tired in Vegas! I thought you two were gonna show me how wild Vegas can be, now you're going to bed? Before Midnight? (Scoffs) Wait 'til I tell the guys back in Philly…
David and Richie look at each other.
David: Alright…where do you want to go?
Maddie: Remember that place down the street with the big Flamingo? (Grabs David by the hand) …Richie, come on…
Richie follows and they all head to the Flamingo casino down the road, it's packed with people, a very lively atmosphere, David and Richie get their second wind.
Richie: Let's play roulette.
They find a table and Richie and David get on a role while Maddie watches. After a little while Maddie lets David know she's heading to the ladies where she freshens up. On her way back to the table she spots the high rollers lounge and ventures over to peek inside and see what kind of money these people are laying down. As she approaches the lounge Burt Reynolds is just entering with a group of his buddies. He notices Maddie.
Burt Reynolds: Madolyn? Maddie Hayes?
Maddie looks up and sees who it is.
Maddie: Burt!
They hug. Burt and Maddie had met a few times before at movie premiers and Hollywood parties years ago when Maddie dated Peter Bogdonovich.
BR: It's been ages since I last saw you. What are you doing here?
Maddie: I'm in town for a conference. I'm a detective now.
BR: A detective!?
Maddie: (Maddie nods.) With my husband.
BR: A husband and wife detective team? Sounds like a movie in the making…(Looks around.) Well? Where is the lucky guy?
Maddie: (Looks back for David but there is a crowd of people around the table where he's playing.) He's playing roulette with his brother. I just came over here to see what kinda bets people make in the high rollers lounge.
BR: You wanna come in here? Come on, come watch a few hands.
Maddie: Really?
BR: Really…It'd be my pleasure.
He puts his arm around her waist and ushers her into the exclusive lounge.
BR: We can catch up.
Burt snaps his fingers to the waiter who immediately brings them a bottle of champagne. Maddie thinks about getting David, but figures he and Richie won't miss her for five minutes.
CUT TO: Two and a half hours later Maddie has gotten swept up in the games, activity and attention she's getting in the lounge…turns out, many of the men in BR's entourage remember the Blue Moon Shampoo girl quite well.
Meanwhile, for the last two hours Richie and David have been looking everywhere for Maddie. She's not anywhere in the casino that they can see or any of the casino's nearby, and she's not back at the hotel suite either.
David: (Angry) What the fuck Rich!? She's vanished into thin air!
Richie: Calm down bro…she'll show up. She's had a lot to drink, she probably just got sidetracked looking at dresses or something.
David: Exactly, she's had a lot to drink…anything could have happened to her (Paces.) This is not like her…this is not like Maddie. She doesn't do this. I do this…I'm irresponsible, I drink too much and disappear, but not her…
Richie: Didn't she disappear in the middle of the night and go to Chicago one time?
David gives Richie an annoyed look.
David: This is different.
Richie: Ok bro, all I'm saying is…she has disappeared before, but she showed up. I'm trying to make you feel better!
David: If something horrible has happened to her I'll never forgive myself. Where could she be?
David looks out the window over Las Vegas.
MeanwhileMaddie is drunker than she's ever been and having the time of her life. The group moves to a restaurant where they have more drinks and some wonderful food. Maddie tries David back at the hotel when they get to the restaurant, but he's not there, she figures he and Richie are on a bender. She doesn't consider that he might be somewhere, worried about her. For one night, she's totally irresponsible.
For the rest of the night David goes through hell looking for Maddie in casino after casino, up and down the strip. He shows her picture to people and almost punches a guy who offers him money to spend a night with her. He verbally abuses a cop who says she has to be missing a lot longer than a few hours in Vegas to be considered a missing person. He makes his way back to the hotel thinking about how he'll ever explain any of this to Alex and Virginia.
He enters their suite at 5am, disheveled, distraught and sure Maddie is dead in an alley somewhere…then, suddenly there she is, sleeping soundly in bed. He's relieved…and then livid. It takes awhile, but he shakes Maddie awake.
Maddie: (Barely conscience.) David? Whhhaaaaatttt?
David: Maddie! Where the hell were you!?
Maddie: (Going back to sleep.) What happened to you? When I got home, you were still out.
David: (Stunned.) I've been out looking for you!
Maddie: (Groggy, still drunk) Oh…well, I was just out with Burt Reynolds.
David: Yeah…ok and I spent the night with Madonna. Do you know the hell I went through tonight looking for you?
Maddie: No, but can you tell me about it tomorrow?
Maddie sinks deeper into bed.
David: (Yells.) You just vanished!
Maddie: (David yelling wakes her up a bit more.) What are you getting so worked up about David? I'm fine! I ran into Burt, he's an old friend, we caught up, had a few drinks. I looked for you…I even tried to call…
Maddie drifts back to sleep.
David: (Angry.) You did huh? (Maddie's asleep, he shakes her again, but she won't wake up.) Maddie? Maddie?
He looks at Maddie sleeping, shakes his head and takes a deep breath. Although angry, he is glad she's home and fine. He lies down next to her and starts drifting off…
David: (Mumbles.) Burt Reynolds…Vegas…Madonna?
And he's snoring. An hour later their alarm goes off and they both jump a mile high.
Maddie: (Hung over, grabs her head.) What's happening? Why do I feel this way? What kind of life is this?
David: (Barely conscience.) Vegas…
They both slowly get up, shower, get dressed in silence and make their way over to the convention for the last day. Over the next few hours they are very busy. Richie and Maddie mind the booth and Richie helps Maddie recover from her hangover by feeding her lots of coffee and water and then alternating fatty foods with salty and spicy. David keeps his distance; he's still pretty ticked off at Maddie about the night before. Around 3pm the conference ends. They close up the booth and head back to the hotel. Chloe is flying in from LA for the weekend and will meet them at 7pm. Maddie and David enter their suite. Maddie kicks off her shoes, peels off her clothes and heads for bed. But David's ready lay into her for what she put him through last night.
David: Maddie…I wanna talk to you…
Maddie: David…do we have to do this now, I feel like hell.
David: You look like hell.
Maddie: Thanks!
David: Do I get an explanation for last night? Why did you just disappear on me like that? You scared the hell out of me! Do you have any idea how worried I was?
Maddie circles back towards David.
Maddie: (Soft. Goes to touch his face.) Oh, I'm sorry David.
He turns his head.
Maddie: I know it was wrong, really…awful behavior. I don't know what came over me, everything seems like a blur…in fact, everything is still a blur, my head is killing me.
David: Do you know what you'd do to me if I pulled what you pulled last night!? Do you know how long I looked for you? I can't believe you're being so cavalier about this! You spend the night with another man…a known womanizer…
Maddie: I didn't spend the night with him David. We caught up, he's a friend from years ago.
David: (Points his finger at her.) Don't tell me he didn't have his hand on your ass at least once last night!
Maddie: David! Please. Is that what you think? I had a few drinks, time got away from me…I looked for you, but you guys must have left…I got something to eat with Burt and his friends and they brought be back here. I wasn't thinking clearly, trust me, I've never had that much to drink before…
David: (Glaring at her.) And I'm supposed to be ok with all this?
Maddie: Of course not, but you've been there David, you've done this, you've gotten swept up and lost track time and the number of drinks you've had. You told me crazy things happen in Vegas…so there's my crazy story. Please don't be angry, it won't happen again, ok? Promise. I'll be right by your side all weekend. And I'm sorry I made you worry.
Maddie wraps her arms around David and kisses his cheek repeatedly.
Maddie: I'm sorry, ok? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
He doesn't want to, but he softens. It's not Maddie's usual behavior, and after all the thoughts that ran through his head, he really is just glad she's ok.
Maddie: Let's get in bed. If we're gonna meet Chloe and Richie tonight, I need to sleep.
They climb in bed and spoon.
David: (Teases.) So…how's Burt Reynolds in bed?
Maddie: David.
David: Don't David me…you never slept with him years ago? I thought that man got everyone in bed! (Squeezes her) Come on, you can tell me.
She teasingly rubs up against him.
Maddie: David…you know the number of men I've been with…and you know names. I don't think he's one I'd forget to tell you about.
David: And last night…he really didn't try anything?
Maddie: (Smiles.) He knew he didn't have a chance…there's only one name on my list now.
David pulls her closer and they quickly fall off to sleep.
That night they meet up with Richie and Chloe and the rest of the weekend is a little more sedate. Saturday they spend the day by the pool relaxing. That night the four of them take in a show and have a great dinner together and then Maddie and David take advantage of the last night in their hotel suite. By Sunday night when they get home Maddie and David are beat. Alex and Virginia chuckle as they watch them drag their weary bones through the door and flop on the couch.
Alex: Well, from the looks of things it was a successful trip. Maddie? How did you like Las Vegas?
Maddie: Oh Dad…I think another day there might have killed me…but it was a fun trip, the conference was great and it was nice spending time with Richie and Chloe.
Alex: And David brought you home in one piece as promised…no problems? No public embarrassments?
Alex laughs and pats David on the back.
David: Like you said Alex, a successful trip.
David winks at Maddie.
The next evening David takes Alex to a driving range to hit a few balls and Virginia and Maddie stay home with the kids. After dinner they sit around the living room playing with the kids and chatting.
Virginia: These kids are growing up so fast Maddie. They really aren't babies anymore. They can tell your father and I how to do everything around here.
Maddie: I know Mom…time really flies.
Virginia: Babies are fun, but I guess these ages are easier for you and David…you know, with the business and all. Although, each age has its challenges I guess.
Maddie: That's true. But, I don't know mom, sometimes I think I'm not ready to let the baby stage go, you know?
Virginia: What do you mean?
Maddie: I mean, I've been thinking lately that I'd like to have another baby.
Virginia: (Surprised.) Really?
Maddie: Does that surprise you?
Virginia: Yeah, well, I mean…you've always been adamant that you weren't having another baby…I mean you really seemed set on it. Why the change of heart?
Maddie: I don't know. I guess over the last holiday season and their birthdays, seeing Lily and Aidan turn another year older, they seem so mature now and I miss them being babies…and suddenly I felt like someone was missing. And ever since then I've had a really strong feeling that David and I should have another child.
Virginia: And what about David? What are his thoughts on this?
Maddie: Well, you know David; he's really always wanted another…or two probably. But, I don't know, maybe we waited too long. You remember how easily I got pregnant with these two…but it's just not happening as easily now.
Virginia: Well, you know, your father and I would be thrilled with another grandchild. (Pats her on the knee.) Have you talked to your doctor to see that everything is ok and that another pregnancy would be safe?
Maddie: No. I guess that's a good idea. I mean, David and I have agreed that if it's meant to be it will happen…but checking with Dr. Camper can't hurt.
Virginia: (Eyes water.) Another baby? Oh, Maddie, that would be so great.
Maddie smiles and shrugs.
Maddie: Time will tell!
They hug. The next day Virginia and Alex fly back to Chicago and Maddie and David are back to busy Blue Moon. A few weeks go by and Maddie lets David know she made an appointment with Dr. Camper to talk to him about the chances of getting pregnant at 42 and any risks involved. On the day of the appointment she comes back to Blue Moon blue. She let's Ms. Dipesto know she'll be behind closed doors. Ms. Dipesto buzzes David and a few minutes later he's perched on the corner of Maddie's desk looking deep into her eyes.
David: You just look sad, you look so sad.
Maddie: What can I say, I am sad. I have a 5% chance of getting pregnant David. The chances of us having another baby are practically nil.
David: But Maddie, I thought we weren't going to let this effect us. I thought we were fine with not having another baby.
Maddie: Well…maybe I said I'd be fine with it. But I can't help how I feel David…I want another baby, I can feel deep in my bones. It's the right thing.
David stares at Maddie who has her eyes lowered looking to the ground.
David: It's that important to you huh?
Maddie nods.
David: You really want another baby…
Maddie: I really want another baby.
David: So, how do we increase our chances?
Maddie looks up.
Maddie: Really?
David: Really. There must be ways…it's not impossible, if anyone can make magic happen in the bedroom it's us, right? So, whadda we need to do? Drink raw eggs? Have sex on a tightrope? Have you stand on your head afterward?
Maddie smiles, opens a drawer and puts a book in David's hands.
David: Reads title: The Essential Guide to Late Life Conception.(Looks at Maddie) I gotta read a book? To make a baby?
Maddie nods. David sighs and flips through the pages.
David: Riveting stuff Maddie…How're we gonna make a baby if every time I read this book it puts me to sleep?
Maddie smiles and leans back in her chair and looks at David.
Maddie: (Pouty.) Thank you.
David: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah – don't thank me yet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some reading to do.
David winks at her and exits her office. That night, lying in bed, David reads about ovulation, body temperatures, the right diet to follow and pants to wear to increase sperm production, sexual positions and post-coital practices. He puts the book in his lap and looks at Maddie.
David: You know, I've always heard that spontaneous sex is the best way to get pregnant. And I'm pretty sure that's how we got those two kids sleeping down the hall.
Maddie: When do we have time between the kids, the dog, the business and the house to have spontaneous sex David?
David: I don't know Maddie this all seems strange. Last thing I remember you and I were doing everything we could to prevent pregnancy and now I'm about to wear sweatpants to work for the next two weeks to increase my sperm count.
Maddie moves closer.
Maddie: I know, none of this sounds very sexy or spontaneous…and I don't want our sex life to start feeling like a chore. But, how about this…we follow what this book says for three months, and see if it works. If not, we'll throw it out the window and go back to plan A.
David touches her hair. God, she's so beautiful, he has a sudden urge to make a baby with her. He puts his hand low on her back and pulls her close to him.
David: 'Cmere Blondie.
They kiss and sink down into the sheets, but after a few minutes…
Maddie: So, what position does the book say we should be in? Isn't there a way to encourage the fastest swimming sperm to reach the egg? How should I lie after sex?
David sighs and picks up the book.
David: Nope, this certainly isn't feeling like a chore yet…
He begins reading to Maddie about the best positions for fertilization…
A few weeks later on a Monday morning Maddie stands in front of David tying his tie in the bedroom.
Maddie: Keep your pager on you this week…I may need you for emergency baby making services. Just tell me where you are and I'll meet you nearby.
David: Can't wait to ask Viola to wait in the car for 20 minutes while I run into the No-tell Motel because your egg is in the right position to accept my sperm.
Maddie smiles and pulls his collar over his tie and runs her hands over his chest smoothing his suit.
Maddie: We've been doing a great job. This is working I can feel it.
Just then Aidan and Lily scream at each other down the hall and a fight breaks out. David looks at Maddie.
David: We're sure we want another one?
Maddie: I'll deal with them…you go ahead. I'll see you at the office.
They kiss and David heads out the door. Later that week David is in a meeting with a client across town when his pager goes off. He checks the number and sees it's Maddie but finds it hard to interrupt the client and continues the meeting. A few minutes later the pager goes off again…and then again. David holds up a finger and interrupts the client.
David: Do you have a phone I can use? I may have a small family emergency.
The client gestures to the phone next to him. David hesitates because there is no privacy, but picks up the receiver and dials.
Maddie: David, where are you? It's time…the best possible time! I'm ovulating and my body temperature is ideal.
David: I'm in a meeting honey.
Maddie: Where?
David describes his location.
Maddie: Meet me across the street in twenty minutes, room 503.
David: Maddie I…
He hears a dial tone. David smiles sheepishly and hangs up. He looks at the client.
David: Sorry about that, my wife has a hankering for hot dogs and donuts.
The client has no sense of humor. David tiptoes back to his seat and settles back in while the client continues to talk…for the next twenty-five minutes. Suddenly David's pager is going off again. It's Maddie. The client is rambling on and on and David is forced to ignore her pages the first couple times. But finally he raises a finger.
David: I'm sorry…is there a restroom I can use?
The client gestures out the door. David rushes out into the hall and pushes the elevator button, but it's moving too slowly. He runs into the stairwell and flies down 26 flights of stairs, across the street, into the Lucky 7 Motel and up to room 503. He's out of breath when Maddie opens the door with a sheet wrapped around her and a thermometer in her mouth.
Maddie: What the hell Addison?
David: Yeah, what the hell? I was in the middle of a meeting!
Maddie: We're in the middle of trying to make a baby…I told you it could be anytime!
David: Well, I hope we don't lose business in the process…now, hurry up, the client is waiting!
Maddie: Waiting? Waiting where?
David: In his office, across the street! He thinks I'm using the restroom!
Maddie: Addison!
David: What was I supposed to do?
Maddie: End the meeting!
David: Hey, how about next time…you take the meeting and I'll let you know when my sperm is ready, and we'll see how easy it is for you to get that old windbag client to shut up.
Looks at her watch and checks her thermometer.
Maddie: Let's just get on with this so you can get back.
David undoes his pants.
David: Fine.
Maddie: Fine.
David: Good!
Maddie: Good!
David takes off his clothes and they both stand looking at each other and then just burst out laughing.
Maddie: What are we doing?
David: (scratches his head with one finger.) I don't know…this is crazy.
Maddie sits on the bed.
Maddie: I'm sorry, I've just got baby fever…all I can see is the end goal. I'm not thinking of clients meetings or your schedule.
David: No…I agreed to be here for you when you're ready. I should have ended the meeting and made the time.
Maddie: So, what should we do?
David looks around and looks down.
David: Well, we're here…somebody else has to clean the sheets…
Maddie smiles and looks down. David steps towards her.
David: How's your temperature?
Maddie glances at the thermometer and sets it down.
Maddie: Still good. But David, we don't have to…not like this…
David chuckles and leans over her, they kiss and she lays back on the bed as he presses her into the mattress.
David: Remember when making a baby was fun?
Maddie laughs and pulls him close.
Maddie: It's still fun.
CUT TO: A few weeks later Maddie leans against the sink in their bathroom at home filing her nails. After a few minutes she walks to the side of the tub, picks up the waiting pregnancy test, looks at the result and throws it in the garbage. She moves to the sink, runs cold water, splashes her face and looks in the mirror. David pops his face around the corner.
David: Any luck?
Maddie shakes her head solemnly and pushes past him out the door. David puts his hands in his pockets and wanders over to the garbage and double checks the results. He throws it back in the trash and then runs his hand through his hair and sighs.
TO BE CONTINED….
Thanks Sue!