CHAPTER TWO
The next morning Maddie wakes up to the smell of French toast and hears the commotion of clanking pots and pans downstairs as Sr. and Jr. get everyone fed. Kids banter, the dog barks and Stephanie comments on a morning TV program, it sounds like everyone is up but her. She takes her time getting out of bed and then showers and gets ready for the day before anyone else is vying for the bathroom. Maddie then makes her way downstairs.
David: Well…there she is…sleeping beauty.
Maddie: (Touches her eye) What? It's only 10:30am…that's 7:30 in California, don't forget.
David Sr.: (waves his spatula towards David) Would you leave her be…when she's in my house, she sleeps as late as she wants – you oughtta cater to her like a Queen, (to Maddie) You want some French Toast, sweetheart, I can whip you up a fresh batch.
Maddie: Oh, no thank you, David…I'll just have some coffee and orange juice.
David: Nah, nah, nah…you gotta have something to eat, I'll poach you an egg. (To his father) See? I give her the royal treatment.
David Sr.: You're lucky to have her ya know…
David: I know, I know Dad…you remind me every time I see you.
David Sr.: It's true! Us Addison men don't deserve the good lookin' women we have…
Stephanie looks over at David Sr. and he blows her a two fingered kiss.
After a few minutes, David slides a poached egg on dry toast and places the dish in front of Maddie.
Maddie: Thanks David.
David: Richie and Missy are on their way over.
David Sr. sets a hot cup of coffee in front of Maddie. Glen comes over and leans against his mother.
Maddie: (beams) What service! David, we really need to come back East more often.
Glen: Mom…
Maddie pets her son's head.
Maddie: Morning Sweetie.
Maddie sips her coffee.
Glen: Mom, can we go to the mall today?
Maddie: Mmm, great coffee David, thanks.
Glen: Mom…
David Sr.: Best brew in town, you can bet on that.
Glen: Mom, can we?
Maddie: (Shakes her head finally hearing Glen) I'm sorry…can we what?
Glen: Go to the mall.
Maddie: I don't know sweetie, we're waiting for Uncle Richie to get here so we can meet his fiancé, Missy…and hear all about their wedding. What do you need at the mall?
Glen: Grampa gave me $20.
David: Kid just got handed some money and its already burning a hole in his pocket. (to Glen) no we cannot chauffeur you to the mall, we got other things to do today…
Maddie: (Shrugs her shoulders at Glen) There ya go.
Glen: But mom…
Maddie: Glen, you heard your father. We're here for Uncle Richie's wedding and that's the focus this week. You can spend your money later.
Glen pouts and suddenly they hear a bunch of honking outside and Richie whoopie and yelling.
Richie: Yo! Family 'o mine. Come meet my soon-to-be, better half!
The kids run out of the house as fast as they can and the rest follow… A big truck is doing circles in front of the house while Richie hangs out the window and Missy drives, honking the horn like a mad-woman. They both whoop and hoot!
Missy: We's getting married! Woo-Hoo!
Richie: WE's getting MARRIED! Wee-Hee!
Missy parks and they pile out of the car arms loaded with food, booze and Eagles gear and dresses for the wedding.
Richie: (Spreads his arms out as he walks towards David) BRO! (He embraces David and then leans back and looks him in the eye) and before you ask…Hazel, Sherman, April 8th.
David: (Pats his shoulders) Congratulations Rich…you know the bare minimum about the woman you're marrying.
Missy is a woman small in stature, with dark feathered hair, a full figure, huge boobs, and an even bigger personality. She wears dungarees with a bikini top underneath, an eagles bandana in her hair and is smoking a cigarette.
Missy: (Squares up to the kids) you must be frick and frack.
They both stand of awe and wave hello.
Missy: What's up kiddos…one of you know how to toss pedals around? We need one of them in the wedding. Gin raises her hand…
Missy: (points to her) sold! You must be Ginger…
Gin: Virginia…ah, Gin…Ginny…
Missy: How many names you got, kid? (looks at Glen) And you're..
Glen: Glen.
Missy: (Breathes) There! You see? Easy. I don't know what kinda name Glen is for a kid, but it's simple and that I like.
Stephanie takes most of the items from Missy's arms and Missy drops her cigarette to the ground and rubs the toe of her boot on it, extinguishing the red embers. Richie runs over and takes hold of her elbow to finish introductions.
Richie: Melissa…this is my baby brother, the more unfortunate looking Addison…David…
Melissa shakes David's hand with gusto.
Melissa: David, pleasure.
Richie: …and his lovely wife, Madolyn "Maddie" Hayes-Addison…
Missy: Another one with multiple names? Must be a California thing. (Looks Maddie up and down) Maddie, huh? (huffs and rolls her eyes looking at Richie) Really? This is who I'm related to now? She's frickin' gorgeous.
Maddie: (Moves to hug her) Hi Missy…wonderful to meet you.
David stands next to Maddie.
David: Yeah, welcome to the family, Missy…although we otta have your head examined for agreeing to marry this knucklehead. What gives?
Richie: (Puts his hands up) Hey, hey…take it easy bro…these are the kinds of things to say to her after Saturday…let me make it legal first.
Missy: (Tucks herself under Richie's arm) I know he's just a big dummy…but he's my dummy now!
David: (To Maddie) Hey…she knows the guy.
Everyone moves inside and David Sr. serves up two huge plates of French Toast to Richie and Missy and they gobble it down. They learn that Missy has five brothers and has been married before, but no kids. She's the manager of a grocery store in downtown Philly and owns a two bedroom home about ten minutes from David Sr. and Stephanie. Richie has been working with his Dad learning the ropes at the fish shop and is poised to eventually take over the family business. After breakfast, Missy flops on the couch across from Maddie and Ginny who're sitting together on a lazy boy…
Missy: So, what page of a magazine did you step off of Maddie?
Maddie: (Modest) Oh…well, I used to be a model…but that was years ago.
Ginny: Now she's a detective with my Dad.
Missy: Detectives? For reals? You ever catch any murderers?
Maddie: Oh yeah, lots of em!
Missy: Wow…righteous. (calls) Babe! You didn't tell me they were detectives.
Richie: Yes, I did, babe…remember? Blue Moon?
Missy: Blue Moon? I thought you were talking about beer. Ok, noted.
Maddie: Missy, Ginny had a question for you…go ahead and ask, honey.
Ginny: I was wondering if I should call you Aunt Missy after you marry my Uncle Richie.
Missy: Heck ya! Call me whatever you want…I got lots of nieces and nephews, I'm Auntie Missy to all of them. You can come over and play with 'em anytime – heck, after we make it official, you're welcome to come stay with us anytime – we'll take you around Philly.
Ginny: Ok.
Maddie: Oh, that's so nice…they don't have any cousins, so they'd love that.
Missy: So, who's your team, Maddie?
Maddie: My…what?
Missy: Team… who do you root for?
Maddie: Oh…team? …I don't…I don't watch sports.
Missy: Don't watch sports? Where did you grow up?
Maddie: Chicago.
Missy: No bigger sports town than Chicago…Bulls, Bears, Cubs, Sox…
Maddie: (thinks) Excuse me?
Missy: Those are your teams! (calls)…Babe!?
Richie: Yeah Babe.
Missy: She comes from Chicago and doesn't know her teams.
Richie: She was a model, babe…not a cheerleader.
Maddie: I grew up playing tennis.
Missy: Tennis!? Well, that's a god awful boring sport.
Maddie: Well,…David is more of the sports fanatic…ask him about teams.
Missy: Richie and I met at the Eagles game, they tell you that?
Maddie nods her head.
Missy: So, I brought some dresses based on the measurements you sent…one is silver, one Eagles green…everyone in the wedding is wearing team colors. Try a couple on and see which one you like. (scoffs jokingly and calls) Babe!
Richie: Yeah, babe.
Missy: We gotta change the order of the wedding party, if Maddie is standing next to me, she's gonna upstage the bride!
Maddie: Oh…no…nobody could upstage the bride!
Richie: Whatever you want babe.
Maddie tries on the green dress and it fits great…and Ginny decides on silver and the men are wearing Eagles green bowties and cummerbunds. Missy's dress is a combo of all the colors and she's wearing Eagles green sneakers under her dress which Maddie is mortified about.
That evening as David and Maddie get ready for bed…
Maddie: Well, Missy is a little different than I expected…
David: She's exactly what I expected.
Both: But, I like her…
The wedding week goes quickly with bachelor / bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, the wedding and reception. The family has a great time and surprisingly neither of the Addison brothers disappears, gets arrested, or inadvertently ends up with another girl at the end of the evening. Overall, it's an astonishingly drama free week. Just a lot of fun family time. Missy and Richie married on a faux football field and there were lots of sport references about "touchdowns" and "completed passes."
The next day on the airplane the kids sit between Maddie and David and they all play UNO together and have some fun killing time during the flight. They are all in good spirits after a great week in Philly.
That night they get home and everyone retreats to their respective bedrooms to recoup and get some space. Maddie takes a bath, David takes a shower and they both mutually fall exhausted into bed together… that magnetic pull bringing them into each other's arm without any conscious effort. David kisses up Maddie's neck and she tickles his back. Their affections are not necessarily leading anywhere, they're just grateful to be home, in their own bed, with a bedframe that doesn't squeak…without any number of people just a paper-thin wall away and a private bathroom that isn't shared between the four of them. They kiss and pet and get lost in each other in the moonlit room…and then…
Knock…knock…
Both: Who is it?
Glen: It's me…
David: Glen? What is it buddy?
Maddie: Come in…
David rolls on his back with a sigh and they both look towards the door as it slowly opens.
Glen: Mom…Dad…
David: They're not here…
Maddie: What is it, Glenny?
Glen: Can I sleep in here with you tonight?
Both: In here?
David and Maddie give each other side eye.
Glen: My room feels weird. It's too quiet.
David: What's Gin up to?
Glen: She's sleeping…
David scoots to the other side of the bed, makes room in the middle and pats the mattress.
David: C'mere…l don't know about sleeping in here, but lay in with us for a few minutes.
Glen runs and climbs over David and lays in between his parents. They both snuggle in on either side of him and smother the boy with attention.
Maddie: What's the matter, honey?
David: Yeah, what's bothering my boy?
Glen: (fiddles with a button on his pajama top) I dunno.
Maddie: Well, something's on your mind, you might as well talk to us.
David: Yeah, we're all ears…well…
Maddie: David…
David: Well…we're…hear to listen. So, listen we shall… but we haven't got all night, so spill it, would ya kid?
Glen: Alright…well, I guess it's just that there were lots of people around at Grampa's – and now I'm way off in my corner bedroom, it's quiet and creepy in there.
David: You've been in that quiet, creepy bedroom since you were a baby…
Maddie throws him a look like "you're not helping."
Maddie: (Pets Glen's hair) Ah, sweetie…, you know what I think it is? we had a lot of excitement this past week…lots of people around, all the wedding activity, you and Gin shared a room, and everybody was close together…so it probably just feels weird to be back in your own room by yourself…but doesn't it kinda feel good to be home?
David gets on board.
David: Yeah…that's right…you remember that first night we got to Philly, you and Virginia were fighting…and the howling wind outside kept you up part of the night? You said you wanted to sleep in your own bed back home. But you adjusted to all the sounds and got used to all the people being around…and now you just have to adjust back.
Glen: Yeah…that's true…I remember.
Maddie: (attempts to distract Glen) What was your favorite part of last week?
Glen: (smiles) When uncle Richie was trying to break dance at the wedding and then fell on the floor with a cramp in his leg.
They all laugh.
Glen: What was yours, Dad?
David: Eh…a couple things stand out…a coupla things…Grampa D giving us all a lesson making his famous Addison meatballs. Catching up with my buddies at Richie's bachelor party, watching you and Gin take part in my brother's wedding choked me up…seeing my beautiful wife all gussied up in Eagles green…
They all laugh…
Glen: You always talk about mom's looks, dad.
David: Damn right…a woman that beautiful deserves to be talked about. (Gestures) Speaking of, Madolyn…your highlights from the week?
Maddie: You know…I really enjoyed getting to know Missy, she's lot of fun! I loved all the girl time getting ready for the wedding. The beautiful rehearsal dinner…
David: You call a cake shaped like a football, beautiful?
Maddie: Well…no…not necessarily the cake, but the location on the waterfront, they chose a great restaurant.
David and Glen nod.
Glen: Did you think Dad looked handsome, mom?
Maddie: Of course!
Glen: Then why don't you ever say it.
Maddie: (teases) You think I'm going to feed this man's ego any more than I have to?
They all chuckle.
Maddie: Your father is very good at complimenting himself, Glen…no one has to do that for him.
David strokes his own face.
David: Yeah…well, you know, when you've got incredible bone structure like this, it'd just embarrassing if people kept reminding you.
Glen laughs.
Maddie: See? There you go Glen. This is why I don't compliment your father.
David: Luckily the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree, Glenny…you won't need people reminding you either…
Glen: But everyone at the wedding said I look like mom…
David: Well, hey! It's a win-win…They're talking service level…blonde hair, blue eyes, but I'm pretty sure you look just like those pictures Grampa had up in the house of me at 13 …
Glen: I'm not 13 yet, Dad…
David: Yes, but soon…
Maddie: Oh wow, don't remind me. Just two more months and you and Gin are going to be teenagers! Can you believe this, David?
David: No, I cannot. …we were just teaching these kids how to ride a bike and now they're almost teenagers? Amazing.
David pets Glen's arm and Maddie brushes his hair back. They're both feeling nostalgic for when Gin and Glen were little babies. The twins used to lay between Maddie and David in bed just like this and the couple would look at their tiny features and muse about who each of them looked like.
Glen: So, Can I stay in here with you guys…just for tonight.
Maddie and David catch each other's eyes in agreement…soon he'll be too big to sleep in with them.
David: Sure honey.
Maddie: Of course…
Glen throws one arm over his dad's chest and David kisses the top of his head.
They all close their eyes.
Maddie: (Weary) Goodnight…
David: (Yawns) Night…
Glen is already asleep…
Two months later, the twins are turning 13 - it's a big weekend in the Addison house. After a pool party on Saturday, Maddie and David are taking Glen and Gin and two of their friends to Disneyland. For the first time Maddie and David are allowing the kids to spend part of the day on their own in the park with their friends… which frees up the couple to do their own thing in the Disney Park. The only problem is … they have two very different ideas about how to spend their time. Top of David's list is Splash Mountain…
Maddie: A water ride? You can scratch that one off your list, Addison.
David: But you normally like…
Maddie: (Puts her hand up) Stop! No crude jokes about making me wet…
David: Hey! I didn't have to, you did it for me.
Maddie: You know water will ruin my silk clothes, David.
David: Yeah, well how about wearing a more durable fabric this time around?
Maddie: (aghast) Durable fabric, like what!?
David: Oh, I don't know. Polyester?
Maddie's face turns red, she crosses her arms and looks despondent.
David: Joke, joke…bad joke. … Alright, well, if that doesn't work for ya, how about a nice poncho?
Maddie: You expect me to wear plastic!? David, sometimes I think you would have been better off marrying a real "Philly girl" like Missy…someone game…someone robust…someone …less rigid…someone more flexible…
David: Hey, you've proven time and again how flexible you are…well, in the areas that matter anyway.
Maddie: (Turns her back to walk away) Da-vid…there's no talking to you.
David leaps into action, grabs her elbow and stops her.
David: Ok…ok…look…I don't want game, although I like the "bust" part… (Maddie is unamused, David laughs and persists, taking her shoulders and looking her in the eye) hey….I'm with you…as difficult as you can be, because I love you. And I know we can work this out. So, let's hear it…what rides are at the top of your list at Disney…
Maddie: (Shrugs) Well…I…you know, always thought Peter Pan was a nice ride.
David: (Can't believe his ears) Peter PAN! (crosses his arms) I'm hanging out with the kids…
Maddie: What!? … you asked!
David: Ok, ok…let me clarify…what adult rides are on your list for Disney?
Maddie: It's a Small World…
David: Alright, now, you see…we're half way there. It's a Small World I can do…but then we're heading over to the Haunted Mansion.
Maddie: The Haunted Mansion…(pouts) we end up in enough places like that at work, David.
He shakes his head.
David: You're strange.
Maddie: Pirates of the Caribbean.
David: Yes.
David: Space Mountain…
Maddie cringes…
Maddie: I'll have my eyes closed the whole time.
David: …it's a roller coaster in the dark, Maddie…what'll be the difference?
Maddie: I'll only go on Space Mountain, if you go on Jungle tours…
David: Boring
Maddie: Then you're on your own…
David: I didn't know that was an option…
Maddie hits him.
David: alright, alright…I'll forgo Splash Mountain, if you do the Matterhorn…
Maddie: It's so bumpy…
David: Matterhorn and I'll even throw in lunch at the Blue Bayou…
Maddie sticks her hand out.
Maddie: Deal.
They shake.
David: Compromise? …huh. We should have started doing this years ago.
The twins 13th year is a big sports year for the family. David coaches Gin's softball team. Iris, Bert and Agnes's only daughter, and Gin's best friend since birth, is on the softball team too, but she's not the most coordinated person in the world – while softball has really become Gin's sport. Agnes and Bert also have three gigantic boys who tower over the small couple and are all top wrestlers.
Glen is involved in Soccer and Maddie accompanies him to most of his matches. On a Tuesday, Maddie picks Glen up after his soccer practice and they make their way over to watch the end of one of Gin's game. As they walk through the dim park towards the brightly lit field, Agnes and Bert catch their eye and wave them over – they've set up some folding chairs for them.
Bert: (Calls) Mrs. Hayes-Addison! (he waves his arms) Glenny! Over here!
As they approach…
Maddie: (chuckles) Herbert…I've told you before, call me Maddie, we're outside of work.
Bert: Oh…yeah, right. Sure, sorry…Mad…Maddie…Old habits.
He looks at Agnes with a sheepish grin.
Agnes pats the chair next to her.
Agnes: Here, sit…the score is all tied up, bases are loaded and Iris is up next.
Maddie plops down exhausted into the folding chair…she and David spent the morning involved in a case across down that ended in a crazy car chase.
Glen sits in the chair set up next to Bert…
Glen: Hi Aunt Agnes, Hi Uncle Bert.
Bert: (pats Glen's knee) Hiya Sport. (offers) Jerky?
Glen declines.
Agnes: (Offers a Tupperware bowl full of strawberries) You must be very hungry, Glenny…here, have some berries.
Glen grabs a few strawberries.
Glen: Thanks Aunt Agnes. (to Maddie) Mom, can I get a hot dog?
Maddie rifles through her purse for cash while trying to watch the action on the field.
Agnes: We brought peanut butter sandwiches, Glenny…you're welcome to one of them.
Glen: Nah, thanks…I'll get a hot dog.
Agnes smiles, shrugs and nods her curly locks.
Bert: (yells) Come on yellow-jackets! Let's go! Crush this team, would ya!
Agnes pushes a non-descript thermos towards Maddie.
Agnes: Us adults need a little refresher at the end of the day.
Maddie looks at her curiously taking the thermos.
Agnes mouths…
Agnes: Chardonnay…
Maddie: (Smiles) thanks Agnes. She takes a sip of the much needed beverage and picks a few strawberries from Agnes's teal Tupperware.
Maddie then focuses on the field. Across the way she sees David clapping his hands and cheering on the girls…organizing them in the dugout, calling names for the batting order. Between his tight-white athletic pants, baseball jersey, hat and tanned skin, she can't help but notice how fit and handsome he looks…it amazes her that this man can still make her stomach flip all these years later.
Meanwhile…in the dugout…
David: (claps) Alright girls…bases loaded, no outs…bottom of the 9th…we gotta score here so let's stay focused. Olivia! No twizzler's now, put those away! Lacy…tying your jersey into a half shirt is not regulation…come on, fix your uniform. (looks at his roster) The order is Iris! Eva, Gin. He sticks a bat in Iris's hand and gives her a pep talk, eye on the ball Iris… you got this. (Points)…Eva, in the batter's circle, let's start swinging that bat…Gin, you're on clean up…let's get these girls around the bases or we're going extra innings.
Back in the stands…the Viola's and Addison's watch as Iris makes her way to home plate. Glen, just back with his hot dog, gives a loud two finger whistle and calls out…
Glen: (Whistles) Yeah! IRIS! Hit it out of the park! Grand slam, you got this!
Bert looks over his clip board and rattles off stats…Agnes mutters rhymes under her breath and Maddie claps.
Maddie: Alright Iris! Flower Power!
Unfortunately, Iris strikes out. Next up, Eva… who also strikes out. Gin approaches home plate...
Glen: (loud two finger whistle) WOOT! Let's go Twine!
Twine is a nickname Glen has had for his twin since they were little…kind of a play on "twin" and the way they've been intertwined since birth.
Maddie: Eye on the ball Ginny!
Agnes: Gin for the win!
Bert: (looking at his clip board) According to my statistics, with a batting average of 300 and strike outs by the two batter ahead of her she's got a 53% chance of hitting the ball, 54% if I factor in it's the 9th inning and pitchers arm fatigue.
Agnes: Snuggly muffin…quiet! First pitch!
Gin has a swing and a miss.
Glen: (howls) TWINE!
David claps his hands hard by the dugout…
David: Eye on the ball, Virginia…focus, you got this.
Maddie starts to feel the pressure her daughter is under and isn't sure she can watch…
Bert: Her stats just dropped a half percent.
Agnes gently squeezes his arm…the pressure mounts around the field.
Second ball…Gin gets a piece of, but it flies foul. The intensity builds.
Maddie: Get 'em Gin! Take your time.
David hoots and hollers…Glen whistles, Bert checks stats and rhymes are flying off Agnes's tongue…
The ball is thrown…Gin swings…connects with it…and the ball goes flying…the outfielders run, positioning themselves…but it's no use…the ball flies well out of the park –
Glen: (Jumps up and runs to the metal fence) Grand-slam home run! Yes! Yes! Way to go TWINE!
Maddie: (Up on her feet clapping) That's my girl!
Agnes and Bert hug, hold onto each other and jump up and down.
Agnes: WE WIN!
The crowd goes wild! David meets Gin and home plate after her victory lap and swings her around, the whole team gathers round patting her on the back and cheering. Wow, what a day…the team makes it to the little league world series!
To celebrate, the Addison's head over to Pink's Hot Dogs, their "Go-To" family celebration place and load up on dogs and fries. They sit at an outdoor table in the back of the restaurant and recap the game and Gin's winning grand slam! They are all very much on a high and animated. After a bit Glen and Gin go into their own bit where Glen is pretending to be a sports reporter interviewing Gin about the game and Maddie and David focus on each other…
Maddie: (Pets his arm) Way to go, coach.
David: (Humble, shrugs) Yeah…well, you know…it was a team effort…
Maddie: (Flirts) you were looking pretty hot out there…
David: (Half joking) Yeah, well…tell me something I don't know.
He throws a flirtatious smirk and Maddie places her hand on the back of his neck, running her nails across his hairline. They chat about their day…ongoing cases, and what the kids sports schedule looks like going forward. After a bit, David looks at his watch…
David: We'd better get going gang 'o mine…our petting zoo at home will revolt if we don't get back soon.
As they drive home after 9pm, everyone is coming down from the high they were on earlier. Maddie peeks at the sleepy kids in the back seat, gazing out their respective windows and takes the opportunity to run her hands up and down David's leg up arm, over his back…he gives her the side-eye, picking up what she's putting down.
David: I'm gonna have to wear this uniform more often…
Maddie: (Looks him up and down) Please do…
At home they all divide and conquer…feeding hungry pets, letting them in and out, organizing lunches and gathering homework for the next school day. Soon, Glen makes his way upstairs, calling goodnight to the family as Ralphy follows happily behind him up the corkscrew staircase. After a bit, Gin follows suit, the white cat, Angel cradled in her arms, she kisses her parents goodnight and sleepily makes way upstairs to shower and hit the hay. David finishes cleaning up the kitchen, throws a toy around for Blue, has a few words with Sherlock the bird and after a bit makes his way upstairs, turning off lights behind him. As soon as he gets inside the bedroom and begins to peel off his sweaty clothes from the days game, Maddie pounces on him from behind…kissing his neck and back…running her hands up and down his muscular arms.
David: (Pleasantly amused, chuckles) Mmmm, hey… let me hop in the shower and I'll meet you in between the sheets.
Maddie persists, moving in front of him, devouring him with her bubble gum lips, she yanks the back of his hair, pulling his neck to full exposure as she kisses down it until she reaches his chest.
David: Mad, I'm all sweaty.
Maddie: I like it… I want you. Just like this. Now.
David gets on board, taking her head in his hands, pulling her mouth to his…they have their way with each other and shower after.
The next day, they get more good news…Gin is invited by the head of the L.A. Sports division to join the all-star team. For the next few months, Maddie and David are busy with Blue Moon cases (they discover two of their clients killed their spouses and retrieve a lost broach for another), kids sports, and other life issues, … mostly catching up with each other during car talks or just before bed. David travels with Gin's All Star team on the weekends, while Maddie and the dogs cheer Glen on from the sidelines at his soccer matches.
Finally, on a Sunday evening all of the Addison's are under one roof for a family dinner. David fries up his father's famous "Addison Meatballs" while Maddie cooks penne pasta and tosses a salad.
Maddie: How was the game today, hunny?
David: Well…you know what? The upside of this amazing team Gin is a part of is…they can't lose…the downside is…
Together: They can't lose.
David: I mean, I'm happy for them…and Gin is having the time of her life, but man what I wouldn't give to have a weekend to myself to lay around on the couch watching the Dodgers. I've seen the backside of every town from Bakersfield to Salina.
Maddie: I know it's a lot of time on the road, David…but I think it's wonderful how close you and Gin are. I mean, I love my father, but besides a holiday once a year to Cape Cod I rarely saw him when I was growing up. He was either at the office or playing golf on the weekends. I think it's great…and important, for Gin to have a close…a consistent relationship with you…psychologists say it's the basis of future relationships…and I really want Gin to be able to form healthy relationships with men in the future and not make the same mistakes I did…we did.
David: I am her example of what a "normal" red-blooded American male is?
Maddie: I know, scary, right?
David chuckles.
David: Kinda…but I agree…I want these kids to have happy, healthy relationships…and not have to go through the carnage we made of things in the beginning.
Maddie picks up the salad bowl and heads towards the dining room…
Maddie: Yes…exactly, if they were around for all of the screaming…gnashing of teeth, slamming of doors…
David: and the slapping…don't forget the slapping….
Maddie: Exactly…if they were around for all of that, they wouldn't be half as well-adjusted.
David: Welll..I think they've been around for some of it…
Maddie: Some of it…but since they were born we've made a real effort not to expose them to that past…toxic behavior.
They all sit down for dinner.
Maddie: Alright? Who's thorn and rose are we going to hear about first?
Glen: I got one…
Maddie: (Smiles and sits up) Great! Glen… let's hear it.
Glen: I got my first kiss today…
Maddie sees red immediately.
Maddie: You WHAT!?
Glen: (Happy) My first kiss! Amelia kissed me after fourth period behind the Arts building.
Maddie: (Angry) Oh no you don't, Buster…you are 13! You are too young to start with the ladies. I know how you Addison men are…
David: (Softly) Maddie…
Glen: Exactly! I want to be like Dad and Uncle Richie…(jokes) Smooth…
Maddie: (rants) And what are you doing behind the Arts building with a girl between periods? …You should be at your locker, collecting your books and heading to the next class…not fooling around behind the Arts building…or any other building for that matter.
David: (More sternly) Maddie…
Glen: But mom!
Maddie: No buts! School and studying are your number one priorities, then sports…then your responsibilities at home…not girls! That is years off. Do you understand me Glen!?
Glen: OK…ok…stop yelling.
David: (warning) Maddie!
Maddie finally heeds David's warning and stops talking, her face beet red.
David: (Pats Glen's shoulder) I got my first kiss at 13, champ…I think it's great Glenny…
Maddie growls and gives him the evil eye.
Maddie: Exactly! (points her butter knife his direction) that is exactly what I'm afraid of.
David: (through his teeth) Maddie…remember what we were talking about before dinner? Healthy relationships?
Maddie cuts into her meatball and takes a bite, giving David an annoyed look and shaking her head at Glen. David tries to keep the dinner on course.
David: So, what was your thorn, Glen?
Glen: (Sulking) This dinner…
Maddie and David catch eyes. David changes the subject and tells a story that gets the kids laughing about a crazy case they've worked recently.
After dinner, David and Maddie send the kids up to do their homework as they finish up cleaning the kitchen.
David: Madolyn…Madolyn…Madolyn…what the hell was that at dinner?
Maddie: What the hell was what?
David: Shaming our son for having his first kiss?
Maddie: He's way too young for that, David.
David: He's 13!
Maddie: 13 is too young.
David: Says who?
Maddie: David… he's a child. And I want him to stay a child for as long as possible. Last thing he needs to start filling his head with is girls…and kissing… and sex…
David: Whoa Whoa Whoa…who said anything about having sex!?
Maddie: How old were you David when you first had sex?
David gulps.
David: Ok, ok…but hunny, that was a different time and place. My only point is, you give reactions like that to something the kids share with us, they're never gonna tell us anything again!
Maddie concedes to that one.
David: Plus…going back to what we were talking about before dinner…I want the kids to have a healthy relationship with sex…and not think there is something wrong with what they're doing.
Maddie: Doing it at this age, is wrong.
David: But we need to talk to them about it…not shame them…
Maddie: I'm not shaming…I'm setting boundaries…expectations.
David: Sounded like shaming to me…
Maddie: Well, I think I sounded like a concerned parent, David…I'm not going to pretend that there is anything ok with him sneaking off with a girl in-between classes or anywhere else…next it'll be off campus, then at someone's house…
David: We need to talk to him…to them, and explain what is appropriate and at what age. I just don't want them to be scared to tell us things, so please be less reactive and use it as an opportunity to open the conversation.
Maddie tightens her mouth and gives him an unsure look.
Maddie: Who are you? How did you become the rational one.
David: (raises his hands) Hey, I just want to give them the information no one ever gave us.
Maddie relents.
Maddie: O…k…maybe I was a tad reactive. I just don't want him turning out like you.
David: (slightly wounded) Gee…thanks.
Maddie: (touches his shoulder) No…well you know…not you now…how you used to be. The womanizing, degenerate, sexist, menace with no morals…
David: (Scoffs) You mean, the guy you fell in love with.
Maddie: (laughs) Yeah, him.
The pair agree to have a talk with the twins that weekend about sex and coming of age in today's America.
That next weekend is the little league World Series, being held in San Francisco – Maddie's parents fly in, a stop-over on their way to Hawaii, to watch David, Gin and the Yellow Jacket's participate! The family gets there a couple days early to tour around the city.
On a windy day, Maddie strolls across the Golden Gate Bridge with her parents while David bikes with the kids. Mr. Hayes looks across the Bay at the beautiful view.
Alexander: This really is a beautiful city…I always feel like I'm in Europe when I'm here.
Virginia: Yes, what a wonderful city…we even toyed with the idea of moving here at one point, didn't we Alexander.
Maddie: You did? I didn't know that.
Alexander: (Laughs) Yes, that's right, toyed with it until we looked at few price tags on these homes. Even on my salary it'd be a stretch. I don't know how people do it.
Maddie: Well…look at these views, maybe the price is worth it.
Alexander: What about you and David? Would you ever think of moving out of L.A.?
Maddie: (Considers) Moving out of L.A.? I don't think so, Daddy…with the business and the kids school…we're pretty much stuck.
Alexander: Well…I'm sure there are lots of crooks, murderers, cases to solve in Northern California…New York…Chicago?
Maddie chuckles.
Maddie: Ah. Is your veiled plea to get us to move closer?
Alexander: (Puts his arm around Maddie's shoulder) Eh, well, a dad can dream, can't he?
Maddie: Well, you're retired now Daddy, why don't you and Mom move out to L.A.? (She puts her arms around both of her parents) Plenty of great retirement communities… David, the kids and I would love to have you nearby. Oh…and bonus, it's a shorter flight to Hawaii!
Alex and Virginia look at each other and shrug.
Virginia: Us? In L.A.? We've only ever lived in the Mid-west.
Maddie: Well, maybe it's time for a change… life is short. The kids are getting so big, so fast. Did we tell you Glenny had his first kiss!?
Virginia: Oh my! Kissing…already? He's still a child!
Alexander: Kids grow up too fast in a city like Los Angeles, dear. You know where they don't grow up too fast? Evanston, Illinois. Safe community…good schools…Slower pace.
Maddie: We're keeping them as sheltered as we can, Daddy…but I agree with you…we had a long talk with both of them last weekend, making it clear what is appropriate and when.
Virginia: That's all you can do, Dear, I fear it doesn't matter where you live these days…these things will always be an issue. But you and David do such a great job keeping a close eye on them… you're very involved in their day to day.
Just then David, Glen and Gin ride their bikes up to Maddie, Alexander and Virginia…
Maddie: Having fun!?
They all nod.
David: How about you guys?
Maddie: We're having a nice chat…I'm trying to convince my parents to move to L.A.
Glen and Gin: Would you!? Wow, that'd be great.
David: (Looks at Alexander) Golfing weather year round.
Alexander: (Points enthusiastically) Now, that is the most convincing argument I've heard yet.
They all laugh.
David: We're getting hungry…I'm ready for that famous Clam Chowder in one of them bread bowls.
Maddie: We're ready when you are.
They family heads off to see more highlights around San Francisco…Pier 39, a boat ride on the Bay, a tour of Alcatraz…and then best part – The Yellow Jackets won the little league World Series 6-4.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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