THE WAY WE WEREN'T – CHAPTER THREE
*This story would not have been written if it weren't for the help, guidance and brainstorm sessions with my Moonie Sister Danielle DanaDanielleLadyCornflake – this was a tough chapter to navigate, and I relied on you to keep pushing it forward with ideas and encouragement. THANK YOU! – let's keep talking Moonlighting* - oh and…listen to Moonlighting The Podcast!
INTERIOR BLUE MOON…
At 2:30am Terri's voice over can be heard over the answering machine in the outer office.
Terri: (Beep) Addison…what happened to you? You called from the bar hours ago and said you were on your way. Just want to make sure everything's ok.
Meanwhile, In Maddie's office…
David: (Chuckles in his sleep) Nah…nah…but did you hear the one about the goat herder's mistress?
…and suddenly he's awake. Terri's message continues in the distance…
Terri: …I don't know whether to call your local watering hole or try the hospital. I Thought you might be sleeping it off over there…(waits) Addison, you there? Alright, call me when you get this message. (Beep)
David rubs his hand over his face and refocuses his eyes…he looks down at he and Maddie's naked bodies exposed. Maddie is draped over him in a deep sleep. He peers around and sees their clothes strewn everywhere – How often had he dreamed this scenario? He grabs the back of his neck, Ouch! He's got a terrible crick from this god-awful couch – he needs to move. He rubs Maddie's arm.
David: Maddie…
He shakes her gently awake.
David: Wake up…we gotta get out of here. I told Terri I'd be to her house hours ago.
David helps Maddie stand up and get dressed in her sleepy state and when she's ready, he puts his arm around her and guides her towards the door.
David: Come on…I'll get you home.
The office looks like carnage…plants, soil, papers and other office supplies strewn about.
10 minutes later, Maddie and David are in the back of a cab. Maddie gazes out the side window as they cruise through the muted L.A. streets – stragglers leaving a bar let out a few laughs…garbage trucks begin their route, the homeless wander up and down empty boulevards. It wasn't often she saw this side of the city. David is splayed across the bench seat of the cab with his head on her shoulder.
Maddie: What are you going to tell Terri?
David: (Yawns) I'll think of something.
Soon the cab pulls into Maddie's driveway and David asks the cabbie to wait while he walks Maddie to the door, but once they step out, she's not willing to let him go so easily…
Maddie: You…don't really want to drive all the way to Terri's at this time of night…
They press their bodies together and David caresses Maddie's back and down over her behind while she leans into his chest. He looks up at the dimly lit house.
David: Isn't Wally in there?
Maddie: (Shrugs) Sure, but he's sleeping…
David: I should go…I don't want Terri to worry…it's best if she wakes up and finds me there in the morning.
Maddie takes his head in her hands and kisses him passionately. The cabbie gets impatient.
Cabbie: Hey fella…you leaving or what?
Maddie leans down and talks to the cabbie through the window.
Maddie: No…thank you, I'm keeping him, you can go.
Cabbie: Sure lady…he's all yours. But how 'bout somebody pays me first.
David looks at Maddie
David: (Wary) Maybe we should go somewhere else. I don't know about staying here.
Maddie: We don't have anywhere else!
Maddie crosses her arms.
Maddie: Pay the man.
David pulls out a wad of bills and stuffs the cash in the driver's hand. The cabbie peels off.
Maddie unlocks the door and puts her finger to her lips gesturing to be quiet. But as soon as they get in the door, they're anything but quiet…they trip over the foyer rug, and laugh their way up the corkscrew staircase because they're navigating it so badly.
David: See? I told you this thing is a hazard…
Maddie laughs and then catches herself.
Maddie: Shhhh…
She pushes David up the stairs ahead of her by placing her hands on his butt and moving him forward - they bump and bang their way to the landing. Finally, they reach the door to Maddie's room where David just can't help himself and knocks on the door.
David: (high voice) Hello? Anyone home?
Maddie laughs…she throws open the bedroom door…
Maddie: We are…
She walks to her bed and flops down on it. David lets the bedroom door shut with a thud and flops next to her on the bed…kicking off his shoes on the way.
Maddie: Home sweet home…
David: (Half whispering) You think he heard us?
Maddie: Who?
David: Walter…
Maddie: No…don't worry…he's always got the TV on (rolls over) this bed feels so good.
David starts caressing her…
David: You feel so good.
Maddie touches his face…runs her fingers over his lips, pulls his face toward her and kisses him.
Maddie: That couch was so uncomfortable. I can't believe we did that. We said the office was off limits, Addison.
David: That's only between the business hours of 9-6pm…
He pulls Maddie close; they kiss and make love again…passionately …fervently… noisily.
A few hours later the sun is streaming through the windows, Maddie opens her eyes and closes them back up immediately…her head is pounding, she feels awful. She opens her eyes again, catches a glimpse of herself in her full frame mirror just next to the bed and she looks as dreadful as she feels. Smeared mascara frames her tired eyes, lipstick smudged across her cheek…her hair tousled and standing on end. David's long, lean frame lays motionless next to her, he's hanging half off the bed. What a night.
Meanwhile, Agnes arrives at Blue Moon at her usual start time, 6am…she gasps when she opens the office door…
Agnes: We've been ransacked!
Agnes moves carefully towards her desk making sure not to contaminate anything – any good detective knows to never touch the evidence. She picks up the phone and calls security…
Agnes: Better send someone up to 2016, we've been looted!
Back at Maddie's mansion…she's succeeded in waking David and he's just managed to move himself to a seated position, with his head in his hands, when they get a knock at the door. Their eyes shift and quickly look at each other.
Maddie: (Clears her throat) Yes!?
Walter: Is everyone decent?
David runs his hand over his hair and crosses his arms over his bare chest. Maddie wraps herself tighter in the sheet as Walter pushes his way in…not surprised by the scene after what he heard when they arrived home a few hours ago.
Walter: (Clears his throat) Excuse me. Don't mean to interrupt anything.
David looks at Walter with one eye open. They both look sheepish…Walter looks at Maddie.
Walter: Maddie, you got home pretty late last night…I was worried about you. (Gestures to David) I see you were in good hands though.
David's eyeball shifts between Maddie and Walter.
Maddie: Oh. I'm Sorry, Walter…I would have called, but I didn't expect to be so late – had a little too much Champaign.
Walter: I'm sure you two have a lot to celebrate.
Maddie: No! Not us. Rose…I was with my friend Rose.
Walter: …and, what? You just happened to run into David Addison along the way…
She glances over at David who seems to just barely be following along.
Maddie: …well…yes, actually…you see…just as we…
Walter: (Cuts her off) I gotta say, I'm a little surprised at you two. I mean…I knew this would happen, but I thought you'd at least let me get out the door.
David: (Points to Maddie) It was all her idea…
Maddie: (annoyed) Thanks…
Walter: Look…I get it. I mean, look at you two…
Two tired faces stare back at him…
Walter: …ok, maybe not right at this moment…but you're the it couple, right? You're both extremely attractive…hot tempered, thrive on banter and innuendo…you're perfect together only you're both so stubborn you pretend it doesn't exist. But do we exist? Me and Terri? Do you ever think how this behavior affects other people?
Maddie and David are feeling really guilty now – they're looking pretty selfish.
Maddie: Of course, you exist, Walter… this…wasn't supposed to happen…not like this.
Walter: (Holds up his hands) I'm not passing any judgement…like I told you before Maddie, you have my blessing to move on after we dissolve our marriage…but for some reason I still didn't expect this…from either of you. You've really disappointed me.
Maddie looks at David…he's managed to open his other eye and is now looking at his hands. No one responds and Walter turns and heads downstairs.
Just then the phone rings…Maddie looks at the phone, looks over at David…he's feeling pretty bad…
David: Here…let me go…
David hops out of bed, pulls on boxer shorts and chases Walter down the twisted staircase. Maddie answers the phone, it's a panicked Agnes explaining that Blue Moon's been ransacked – Maddie rolls her eyes, sighs and flops back on her pillow.
David: (Calls) Walter!
Walter is pulling on his coat to head out the door. David's halfway down the staircase when their eyes meet.
David: Bish…just give me a second.
Walter stops and looks up at a bleary-eyed, bare chested David looking down on him.
David: Look…Walter…I'm sorry. About all of this, really…I meant no disrespect.
Walter: It's ok, David.
David: No…it's not. I shouldn't be here, (gestures up), You shouldn't have had to see any of that…hear any of…(stops) whatever. Look, if it were me, someone would have lost their incisors.
Walter: (Waves his finger) How long has this been going on? Our entire marriage or what?
David: (Breathes out hard) No… no, I swear this just started back up when Maddie told me you were moving out.
Walter shakes his head in disappointment.
David: (Earnestly) Walter. Seriously. Man to man…this was wrong and I am very sorry.
Walter: (tips his hat) Messaged received. Thanks David…really.
Walter turns and leaves the house. David makes his way back into the bedroom, Maddie's still on the phone. He flops down holding his head.
Maddie: It'll be ok, Agnes…just make sure nothing is missing, I'll be there soon.
Maddie makes eyes at David and shrugs…she has to either play along with Agnes, or fess up…and she ain't doing that! She hangs up the phone.
Maddie: Cops are coming to collect evidence at Blue Moon…we better get over there. How'd that go with Walter?
David: (Pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes.) I'm not doing this anymore.
Maddie: What? Not doing what?
David: Infidelity.
Maddie: Infidelity?
David: Infidelity, Maddie…that's what you call it when another man is in bed with your wife…sound familiar?
Maddie gets out of bed and walks toward the bathroom.
Maddie: Oh please.
David gets up off the bed and follows her.
David: Oh please? What oh please? We've worked these kind of cases for years, you know as well as I do how wrong this is.
Maddie: Walter and I are through…it's just a matter of a little paperwork…it's not infidelity, it's…it's…just bad timing.
Maddie steps into the shower and David paces back and forth in the bathroom.
David: Well, I don't think Walter sees it that way.
Maddie pokes her head out of the shower.
Maddie: So, what are we going to do?
She goes back to showering. David checks himself out in the mirror.
David: Not do this.
Maddie: Alright David, so don't do it. But…what are we going to tell Agnes?
Maddie pokes her head out again and catches David's eye in the mirror.
Maddie & David: Lie.
Maddie: Well, at least we agree on something.
Maddie goes back to showering. David paces.
David: Boy, we sure do know how to make a mess of things.
Maddie pokes her head out again and looks him over.
Maddie: Speaking of messes…you better get in here, Addison…we don't have much time.
Maddie pulls back the shower curtain. David has the best of intentions, but he's a weak man…he drops his drawers and climbs in the shower with Maddie.
About an hour later…David and Maddie arrive at Blue Moon looking beautiful and put together without a hint of last night on them. Two cops are there taking pictures of the tipped over plant, collecting samples of the soil and placing pieces of the mug in a plastic bag marked: evidence.
David approaches the uniform.
David: Got any leads?
Cop: Well, we know there were two of them…no forced entry.
David puts his hands in his pocket and nods.
Cop: Could be part of a ring that blew in recently from South Florida…they duplicate office keys, let themselves in during off hours, collect names of wealthy clients – you got plenty of those – then sells the contact info off to Cuba as part of a phishing scam – it's a multi-million dollar business.
David: Millions, huh? That's a lotta Cubanos.
Another cop exits Maddie's office, sealing a pair of women's underwear in an evidence bag.
Cop #2: We got some more evidence.
Cop: (looks at David) That or a horny couple desperate to fornicate…(pulls David aside) you got any employees who might be engaging in extramarital activities?
David looks back at all of the Wobblies staring back at him.
David: From this bunch?
Cop: Could be a coupla late night paramours were looking for a love nest…tripped up on a few things along the way? (Shakes his head) Some people are so impulsive.
David: (Forces a laugh) Yeah, they act without thinking, too.
Cop: Anyway, (taps his pen on his notebook) We'll run these through the lab and let you know if we find anything.
David pats him on the back.
David: Good work fellas.
Maddie and a very upset Agnes rush into Maddie's office, Agnes wants to take a full inventory of office supplies and calculate client files.
After an hour or so everything calms down around the office leaving only the Wobblies to muse over who'd done that to Blue Moon – they'd named everyone from Terry's ex to D.B. Cooper.
That afternoon, Richie stops by Blue Moon. Agnes brings him into David's office where Maddie and David are still trying to shake off last night by immersing themselves in billing receipts.
Richie: (Boisterous) Well, top 'o the morning to you both – and might I add it is a glorious one!
Maddie: (Glances at her watch) Morning? Richie, it's 3pm.
David: (Plugs one ear) …and watch the volume, not everyone got to sleep until noon today…
Richie: (Loud) You two crash here last night or what? You were both pretty plastered.
Maddie & David: Shhhh / Keep your voice down!
Richie: (Whispers) Sorry…jeez. What's with all the secrecy?
David: No secrecy, Rich…we're just in the middle of business…(aside) and we don't need you spilling ours all over the place if you get my drift. (nods his head towards the main office).
Richie: Oh, it's been gotten.
David: Now, whadda you want? We actually are in the middle of something.
David gestures to their paperwork.
Richie: Oh, I just wanted to stop by and tell you about my new business venture.
Maddie & David: (surprised) Business venture?
David: Since when? As of 11pm last night you were broke, down on your luck, unemployed with no viable prospects – about to apply to Winchell's…and now you got a business venture?
Richie: Yes…I do, Dave…and I have Maddie here to thank for it.
Richie bends down and kisses Maddie on the top of the head.
Maddie: (Feeling special) Me!? How have I helped you with a business venture?
Richie: Rose.
Maddie & David: Rose?
Richie: Yeah, remember? You had me escort her home last night? Well, she offered to take me under her wing and mentor me in the glamorous world of Real Estate.
David: Oh…what are you doing, Rich? Pumpin' Maddie's friends for a job? Get outta here.
Richie: No, I did not pump no one for no job Dave. She offered. Unprovoked.
David: Well good…now why don't you get out of here and go sell a house before you unprovoke me to give you a black eye.
David takes Richie's arm and starts ushering him toward the door. Richie pulls free.
Richie: ho…ho..hold on there, bro. That's not all.
David sighs and goes to sit back in his office chair.
Richie: I'm just coming from downtown where I signed up to take my first class towards getting my Real Estate license.
Richie struts around proud as a Peacock.
David: …and you want to borrow money. Let me make this short. No.
Richie: No Dave. I'm not here for money…sheesh, who do you think you're talking to?
David: Oh, I know exactly who I'm talking to.
Richie: Rose is gonna front the money and I'll work it off later.
David: Oh! Are you hearing this Maddie? Work it off? Does Rose know who she's dealing with here? How much did that woman have to drink last night?
Maddie: David, relax…Rose is a very savvy business woman, I'm sure she knows what she's doing.
Richie: Yeah, Dave. Relax…
David points towards the door.
David: Good, great…you're taking a class? Then you must have some studying to do. So, go find a library or somewhere else to do that and leave us to our business venture.
Richie: Fine. I have to pick up my vampire get-up for the big Halloween bash tomorrow night anyway…
David: Why buy a costume? You're already a blood sucker…just come as yourself, Rich.
Richie: Blood…is the key word here, Dave. That's what we are, remember?
David: Yeah, well…I'm gonna go back to praying at night that I don't have a brother…
Richie looks at Maddie.
Richie: Maddie…it's been a pleasure. (Looks at David) You, not so much.
Maddie: Bye Rich. See you tomorrow.
David growls and Richie heads out the door.
Maddie: (Looks at David) Guess he'll be in L.A. awhile then.
David: (Sarcastic) Wonderful.
Later that evening, Terri and David prepare a dinner at home together as he explains how he passed out at Blue Moon the night before and sincerely apologizes.
Terri: It was probably best you didn't cab all the way out here, anyway – Walt and I were out of the house at 6am, I had my audition today. I was made second chair in the L.A. minor symphony!
David: Whoa…Terri – you're a music prodigy…congrats!
He gives her a big hug.
David: I can't wait to come cheer you on.
Terri: Yes…but it's not a baseball game, Addison, no hooting and whistling like last time.
David: I will not be physically removed again. Promise.
David grins and Terri starts chopping vegetables for dinner. Then, she brings up a topic they almost never discuss…
Terri: So, how's Maddie these days?
David's caught off guard. He pops a slice of cucumber in his mouth…
David: Maddie? (shrugs) Maddie's, Maddie.
Terri: Okayyyy…how about a few details, Addison? My God, you're around her more than anybody…you must know something. How's she taking this break-up with Walter?
David: (flippant) Like a champ…
Terri: (Shifts her weight) David…come on, really, I want to know…she's been through a lot this past year. What's she doing to make herself feel better?
David inhales part of the cucumber he's chewing and starts hacking and coughing. Terri pats his back.
Terri: You ok there?
David: (Nods) yeah…yeah, fine. (Gets serious) You know…I think she's really turning a corner. In fact, just today she and I talked about having more of a work/life balance.
David moves behind Terri and wraps his arms around her…
David: And that's good because I was thinking I haven't been around here as much as I want to be. I've been missing the two of you…almost as much as I've missed this cobb salad you make…
David reaches in the bowl in front of Terri and picks out some avocado – she slaps his hand – but he manages to eat the avocado anyway.
Terri: We've been missing you too, Addison…these trips up and down California are exhausting me…I'd love to be home more.
David: Well…if you're here, then that's where I'll be too…If that's okay?
Terri: (Shrugs and smiles) Sound great, Addison. Glad to have ya!
They kiss and little Walt coos from his highchair. Terri looks at baby Walt and laughs…
Terri: I think we're all in agreement!
The next night Blue Moon holds their annual Halloween Party…everyone is dressed in fun and creative costumes. Maddie's friend Rose came dressed as a Rose. Maddie and Walter are salt and pepper shakers and David is dressed as Travis Bickel from Taxi Driver and Terri as Snow White. They all stand around sipping creepy cocktails and chatting as the party gets underway.
Richie in his vampire costume is there with his date, Scarlet, dressed as Elvira.
Richie: Maddie, David…this is Scarlet.
Scarlet: (Chews gum) Hey…
Maddie & David: (Feign niceness) Hi Scarlett / nice to meet you.
Scarlet looks at Maddie…
Scarlet: You were the Blue Moon shampoo model, right?
Maddie nods her head smiling.
Scarlet: My mother used that shampoo.
Maddie: Oh…wonderful…
Scarlet: I hated my mother.
David whispers in Maddie's ear…
David: Back away slowly…that knife she's carrying may not be a prop.
David and Maddie take a step back…Scarlet looks around unamused.
Scarlet: (To Richie) I thought you said this was going to be cool?
Richie clears his throat. David leans in to Richie's ear.
David: Where'd you pick this one up, Hollywood Blvd.?
Richie: (scoffs) Well…yeah…but it's not what you think. We were in a bar, Dave.
David: Oh, that's so much better…
David turns to Rose.
David: Rosie…(throws his thumb towards Richie) whadda you doing taking on a knucklehead like this guy?
Rose: (Laughs) David, don't be so down on your brother…
She pats Richie's arm.
Rose: I see a lot of potential in this boy…he's a natural salesman.
Richie brushes off his shoulder looking very proud of himself.
Richie: That's right, potential…see Dave? Someone sees what I knew was there all along.
David: I don't know, Rosie…you may want to get a pair of glasses.
Spooky themed appetizers are passed around, dry ice pours from shot glasses, Maddie delivers a welcome speech, David leads a dance the staff learned to Monster Mash and everyone mingles around and has a great time…
Later in the party, Walter and Terri sit with two half eaten pieces of orange and black cake in front of them at a pumpkin themed table – and watch Maddie and David dancing in the distance. The detectives are engaged in some intimate conversation…
Walter: Maddie and David…where would we be without them…
Terri: Yeah…they're two special people.
Terri smiles over at the pair – not giving off a hint of suspicion.
Walter: (Studies Terri) Do you… (he wants to tread lightly) Ever worry?
Terri takes a bite of cake and looks over at Walter.
Terri: Worry?
Walter: Yeah…worry…about those two.
Walter stays vague, he figures what happens between a couple is their business.
Terri: (Almost chokes on her cake) No…(suspicious) Why? Should I?
Walter: (Back peddles) Oh…no…I mean…it's just when two people are obviously so close and have the history they do.
Terri looks back at Maddie and David dancing close; talking intensely. Terri's stomach drops.
Terri: Call me naïve, Walter…but, I never gave it a thought. They seem so busy with casework…and David just suggested spending more time together. I sort of operate on the theory that if they want to be together, they would be, what's stopping them now that you two are…
Walter: …are basically divorcing because of David.
Terri: Is that true?
Walter: I mean…well…you know, she loves the guy. I'm trying not to be bitter about the whole thing, but basically, yeah, that's the truth.
Terri: I have no doubt there is love there…but they don't work as a couple...right? That's what David's always saying.
Walter: Well, not so far.
Terri: (Rubs her head) I'm just so busy with Walt and work and music…and I'm still dealing with feelings around Walt's father…traveling up and back to see him. Life's been pretty crazy…so, I guess worrying about anything outside of that, just hasn't been my highest priority.
Walter: Yeah…well…(looks over at Maddie and David) …that's probably for the best. But just…you know, look out for yourself.
Terri: That's good advice, Walter…thanks.
Across the room, Maddie and David have a slow dance to "I Put a Spell on You," by the Jay Hawkins…
Maddie: Well…
David: Well.
Maddie: Quite a night, huh?
David: Quite a year…and I hear there's another one starting soon.
Maddie: Yes, what will this next one bring…?
David: (Thinks; glib) Oh…hopefully more down time…less over time…and…
David is distracted by a costumed Terri and Walter chatting over cake across the room and loses his train of thought…Maddie follows his gaze.
Maddie: They're good people. I don't know what either of them are doing with us?
David smiles.
David: Yes…speaking of that…and the year ahead. I meant what I said yesterday, Maddie. I can't do this extra-curricular thing with you anymore.
Maddie bats her eyes down and back up, her eyes fill with tears.
Maddie: Ok…I…you know, we knew this would have to end at some point.
Maddie's voice catches a bit. David reacts to her emotion by pulling her closer.
David: (His eyes glimmer with tears) Well, that makes one of us.
Maddie: You know the limitations, David…my limitations.
David: No, I don't Maddie.
They look into each other's eyes.
Maddie: I don't want to hold you back.
David: You couldn't. But you're not willing to try either.
Maddie: I don't know what you want from me, David…
David: You don't? Really? After all this time? I guess, therein lies the real problem, Maddie.
Maddie: (Looks away) This conversation is too painful to keep having over and over again – what's it going to change?
The song ends and Agnes calls for Mr. Addison to come up on stage and start the annual giant candy bar giveaway. David leans in and whispers in Maddie's ear…
David: The funny thing is, Maddie…I think everything's about to change.
He pulls away leaving Maddie a little stunned. His words are so ominous. As he hops up on stage – he immediately transforms into good time David. Maddie moves to the back of the room away from everyone to dab her eyes and catch her breath.
After watching David give away a giant Kit-Kat, Twix and Mars bar…Maddie's pulled herself together enough to re-enter the party…as she steps back into the crowd she runs into Terri…
Terri: Oh…Maddie! Just the person I wanted to see.
Maddie: (Feigns a smile) Terri…
Terri: (Noticing) Are…you alright? Were you crying?
Maddie sniffs.
Maddie: No, fine…I'm fine. (deflects) I hope you're enjoying yourself.
Terri: Yes, of course…Blue Moon always throws the best parties.
Maddie: Oh, well…thank you. I have Agnes to thank for that really…she does all the planning.
Terri: You've got a great bunch of people working for you.
Maddie looks around at the Wobblies and isn't so sure she agrees…
Maddie: Yeah, well…sometimes I think we're successful, in spite of ourselves.
Terri: How are you and David?
Maddie: (Caught off guard) David and I?
Terri: Well, yeah…look, Maddie…I know you two have a complicated history – and I entered the scene at a difficult time…
Maddie: …that's true, it wasn't my finest moment.
Terri: But…and, excuse me for being so straight forward, but I have to consider my son here too…now that you and Walter are through, do you see trying again with David?
Maddie's starting to sweat a bit…this is one conversation she didn't expect to have tonight. She takes a breath.
Maddie: Try again…with David?
Terri: Yes…try to, you know…make a relationship work.
Maddie: Oh! No..no Terri…anything more than a working relationship between David and I just isn't in the cards.
Terri: No?
Maddie shakes her head.
Maddie: Nope. In fact, I think…you are just want he needs…and I…hope you can make each other very happy.
Terri: Well, I appreciate that Maddie. I still have some unresolved feelings with Boris…but I'm just not sure… (pauses) I hope I'm not overstepping here.
Maddie: Of course not.
Terri touches Maddie's arm…
Terri: I just want to say I admire you so much the way you've come through this last year…and Walter is such a nice person, I hope you two will remain friends.
Maddie: I hope so, too…I mean, I plan to.
Terri: Well, I don't want to keep you, I know you've got to make the rounds, but I just wanted to take a minute and check in with you. I'm always asking David how you're doing…of course I get so few details back…
Maddie glances over at David laughing with his brother and Walter.
Maddie: That sounds like David…
Terri: Anyway, good talk. And Maddie, if you need anything…you know we're here for you.
Terri has the best of intentions, but that last statement cuts like a knife.
Maddie: (Shifts her eyes) I appreciate that, Terri. Really, I do.
A few hours later, at the end of the night, only a few of the Wobblies are left, Agnes and Bert, Maddie and Walter left about an hour earlier. Richie stumbles out into the L.A. night with his date and climbs into a cab as David and Terri say their goodbyes to the rest of the staff and walk arm in arm out of the bar.
Terri: Walter Bishop had some interesting things to say tonight.
David: Oh yeah? That's a first.
Terri: He asked if I ever worried about you and Maddie Hayes rekindling … something.
David: Me and Maddie Hayes?
Terri: He says you're the reason they're getting divorced.
David: No, I think I'm the reason they got married.
As they walk through the parking lot, he pulls Terri close to his side.
David: Sounds like ole Bish really did have some interesting things to say. But, make no mistake, Ter…me and Maddie Hayes from here on out…are…all business.
Terri: Yeah, I talked to her a bit…she seems to feel the same…
David: (Smug) Maddie and I agree? That's a first.
They climb in Terri's car and drive home.
Over at Maddie's house, She and Walter are just returning from the party.
Walter: Care for a nightcap?
Maddie: Sure, fix us one…I'm just going to change, I'll be right down.
Walter pulls off his pepper shaker costume and mixes martinis for he and Maddie…after a few minutes she joins him in the living room by the fire.
Walter: I had an interesting conversation with Terri tonight…
Maddie: (Warning) Walter…I wish you'd stay out of that.
Walter: (Holds up one hand) No…I am, I intend to. I just wanted to see where her head was at.
Maddie: And?
Walter: She didn't seem to have any concerns…but I told her to look after herself.
Maddie: Well, I hope that's all you told her. I guess that's why she was asking about David and I tonight…
Walter: Well, she must have questions…her own concerns?
Maddie: Well, she does now that you put those thoughts into her head! Look, Walter…David needs to tend to his own affairs…
Walter: Not a great choice of words…but I see where you're going with this…
Maddie: (continues) …and so do I…we. I told you I was sorry about the other night, and I meant it. I never want to hurt you.
Walter: I know, I know…
Maddie: Besides…that part of David and I's relationship is over now.
Walter: Really? You sure about that?
Maddie: I'm sure about that…we're sure about that. We don't want the same things.
Walter: Ok…but you do love him.
Maddie: Sure…of course. But sometimes love isn't enough.
Walter: …and sometimes it is. He's a stand-up guy, David…you know? The way he apologized the other day – most guys would let their ego get in the way.
Maddie: (thinks) No one has a bigger ego than David Addison.
Walter: Yeah, sure…but he can put it aside in the right moments, and that takes a pretty big person.
Maddie ponders what Walter's saying…
Walter: Anyway, I'll let you two figure it out…but, in the meantime, let's you and I try to get out of this unscathed.
He reaches his glass out towards Maddie and she clinks her glass to his in return.
A few days later, Maddie and David are in their respective offices catching up on some paperwork… all the employees made their way out of the office at 6pm sharp as usual…but a short time later… a panicked voice rings out in the main office.
Agnes: Mrs. Hayes! Mr. Addison…
Both Maddie and David run to their beloved secretary to see what's the matter. They find her holding Petunia…looking very distressed.
Maddie: Agnes, what is it? Everything ok with the baby?
David steps towards Agnes and the baby and looks closely at baby Petunia.
David: She looks ok…pink is the right color.
Agnes: No…it's not Petunia…she's perfect. It's Bert!
David & Maddie: Bert?
They look around for their diminutive employee…
Agnes: Bert and MacGillicudy were having a knife throwing contest in the garage to settle a grudge and Bert sliced his hand…he may lose a finger!
David: Bert? Down a digit?
Maddie: Well, where is he Agnes?
Agnes: He's been taken to the emergency room…I just got Petunia out of her daycare…can the two of you watch her!? I wouldn't ask, but I don't have anyone else.
Maddie: Watch her…?
David: (Takes the baby from Agnes's arms) Of course we'll watch her….
Maddie steps towards David and peers at the baby in his arms. She looks back at Agnes…
Maddie: Go…go, Agnes…she's in good hands.
Agnes: Are you sure?
Maddie & David: GO!
Agnes gestures to a diaper bag on the front desk.
Agnes: All her stuff is right here.
David: We got it Agnes, go take care of Bert…
Maddie: And call us with an update.
Agnes does a little hop on her way out the door…and calls back…
Agnes: you two are the bestest!
Once Agnes leaves, Petunia takes one look at her new caregivers and starts wailing.
Maddie: (Cringes and puts one finger in her ear) Wow, she's awfully noisy.
David: It's ok…it's ok…there are reasons for this.
Maddie: Which are?
David: Diaper…
David leans close and sniffs.
David: Everything seems fine there…
Maddie: (relieved) oh good…
David: Food…
Maddie: Food?
David: Food from…
David gazes towards Maddie's chest…
David: Well, normally…
Maddie follows his eyes…
David: Well…that's how Terri does it, but those aren't going to work!
Puts her arms across her chest.
Maddie: David.
Petunia stares up at David and cries harder – her little face growing red.
David: (Gestures) Go get the bag.
Maddie rushes to get the bag and brings it over to David.
David: Well, see what's in it.
Maddie nods and starts pulling out diapers and blankets and rattily toys. Finally, she produces a bottle full of breast milk.
David: (Relived) Ah good…
Maddie starts to put the nipple to the baby's mouth.
David: (Admonishes) Ah…ah…ah…
Maddie recoils with the bottle.
Maddie: What? David…you're making me nervous.
David: You gotta heat it up.
Maddie: I do?
David: Of course! The baby wants the milk to be the same as when they breastfeed...so, you gotta warm the milk up to about the same temperature.
David begins to pace with the crying baby, gently bouncing her.
Maddie: Really…
David: Yes, really…now, go...hurry into executive commode and run the bottle under warm water. Don't make it too hot…go…go!
Maddie runs off to do as she's told. Petunia is still crying when Maddie returns with the bottle.
Maddie: OK?
David: Did you test it?
Maddie: Test it? Test it how? (Cringes) I don't have to drink this, do I?
David: No, silly…test the temperature by putting a few drops on your wrist.
Maddie: Ohhh…thank god you're here, David. I couldn't do this alone.
David: Oh…if I had a nickel for every time I've heard that.
Maddie looks at him and rolls her eyes. She puts a few drops of the milk on her wrist.
Maddie: It's warm…but not too hot.
David: Good…good…Now, place the nipple on her lip…gently, work it in…slowly…just the tip…good…
Maddie: Yeah, where have I heard this before…
David smiles, but continues to guide her…soon, Petunia sucks at the bottles and peace falls across the Blue Moon office. Maddie breathes a sigh of relief…Petunia being so upset was really unnerving. Maddie watches David rock her gently back and forth while he feeds her.
Maddie: You're so good with her, David…you've learned a lot.
David tends to the baby making cooing noises…and then starts to hand her over to Maddie.
David: Here, you take her.
Maddie steps back.
Maddie: Me?
David: Yeah…you got this…give it a try.
Maddie: Let me sit down first, David.
Maddie takes a seat on the couch in the main office and David places Petunia in her arms as she takes over the bottle feeding. David sits next to Maddie and straightens the blankets around the baby. He puts his arm across the back of the couch and leans in to Maddie. The two haven't been this close since they stopped sleeping together, and Maddie didn't think she'd feel the heat of David's body this close to her so soon. She's feeling a bit warm herself…she shifts her body slightly away from him.
David: You alright?
Maddie: Sure.
David: (Tender) Look at you…you're a natural.
David reaches over and pet's Petunia's head…he's practically wrapped around Maddie now – his intoxicating aftershave is wafting up her nose. She's feeling a bit smothered…and titillated…she pushes back on him.
Maddie: David, can you please give us some room.
Looks at her startled.
David: Sheesh…a bit over-protective already, aren't we?
Maddie: You're just hanging all over us…let me have some time with her.
David puts up his hands and relents…points to the other side of the office.
David: I'll be over here when you need me.
Maddie enjoys her time with the baby as David attempts some Yo-Yo tricks with a toy he borrows from a Wobblies desk. Once the baby is done feeding…David shows Maddie how to burp her, and just like that, the baby is all smiles. The two sit close together again and dote on the child and take turns making her laugh…eventually Petunia is tired and dozes off to sleep.
Maddie: Well…what do we do now? We don't have a crib.
David: Relax… relax…babies can sleep anywhere…
David puts a makeshift baby bed together in no time with pillows from the couch, a few coats and a blanket from the cupboard – and Petunia sleeps peacefully.
About an hour later Agnes calls to say that Bert's finger was saved, but he got 50 stitches…they're on their way back to collect Petunia before heading home.
Maddie: I'm ready to be off baby duty so I can go home…
David: (Looks at his watch) and I'm going home to be on baby duty…(Shrugs) I usually help bathe Walt around this time.
Maddie nods.
Maddie: This was actually…a lot of fun.
David punches her softly on the arm.
David: See? Now you'll be ready when you have one.
Maddie scrunches up her face and thinks…
Maddie: David…
She turns and walks away from him; he follows behind her looking inquisitive…
David: Maddie…
Maddie: I've never really talked about this to you before, but when I … lost the baby, the doctor said it would be difficult to get pregnant again.
David: Ok…difficult, but not impossible.
Maddie: Well, then you add in my age…
David: Hey…there are lots of women who've given birth later in life. I read about a lady who had 13 kids, last one at age 46…
Maddie: Yeah…sure, it happens for some. But look…we haven't been safe for months and I haven't gotten pregnant.
He steps towards her.
David: Well, did you want to be?
Maddie: Well, that's just the thing…I don't know. I have concerns…I'm worried…I'm afraid to go through all that again.
David touches Maddie's shoulder and turns her so they're facing each other – he takes her by the elbows…she looks down a little sad.
David: Is that what's been bothering you? When you say you can't give me everything…are you talkin' about a baby?
Maddie: Well…yeah, I mean. I know that's important to you.
David: Well,…ok, but it's not everything. Anyway, that wouldn't worry me in the slightest. I think it would happen and everything would be fine…more than fine, it'd be perfect.
Maddie: Nothings perfect, David.
David: OK…it'd be imperfect, then… but we'd make it work.
Maddie looks up at him.
Maddie: And what if it didn't happen? Then you'd resent me.
David: No…hell no…then…we'd focus on something else…we'd get a herd of cats… we'd raise turtles…we'd tame Lions, I don't know.
Maddie: You are a great father, David.
David: (Looks her in the eyes) I'm not a father, yet.
Maddie: No, but I mean, …the way you are with baby Walt is wonderful. I wouldn't want to take you away from all that.
David: Sure, he's a great kid. And would I love to have one of my own someday? Of course!…but if I didn't have one, that'd be ok too.
Maddie releases herself from his grip and moves away.
Maddie: No David… it wouldn't be enough; I know that's not what you see for yourself…
David: But you see, that's what I'm always telling you…you can't plan everything in life, Maddie.
Maddie: But you can make choices…educated choices that lead in the right direction.
David: (Smiles) You can do that?
Maddie shrugs.
David: Look, I'll I'm saying is…I've made a lot of stupid choices…we've made a lot of stupid choices, but here we are…don't we deserve a chance to make it work?
Maddie: I don't think so…like you said earlier David. Business as usual is working for us. We should just leave it at that. I don't want to end up with someone who'll resent me.
Steps towards her…
David: I…
Just then, Agnes and Bert rush in. Bert is bandaged and drugged up and Agnes is having a hard time controlling him…he keeps wandering off. David runs after Bert and takes his arm.
David: Here, Agnes…I've got him… you get the baby.
Agnes gathers everything up as Maddie picks sleeping Petunia up from her makeshift crib. She takes the last couple seconds she has with her to give her one last cuddle and kiss. Holding a baby in her arms sure did feel good. Her stomach does a little flip. Agnes comes over and kisses her on the cheek.
Agnes: Thank you Mrs. Hayes. You're the best.
She takes Petunia from her arms.
Agnes: See you Monday?
Maddie: See you Monday…
David calls back…
David: Monday, Maddie…
Waves…
Maddie: Have a nice weekend.
They all disappear into the hallway, leaving Maddie standing there…feeling very alone.
She wanders around the dim office, picks up Petunia's stuffed bear that was left lying in the makeshift bed and holds it close. She starts to undo the bed; she folds the blankets and piles up the pillows…but this action is so hard. Breaking down the baby's bed reminds her of when she cleared out the items from the unfinished nursery she had at home – dismantling that room was one of the most painful parts of the loss.
Maddie's lost in her thoughts when she hears a voice…and two comforting arms embrace her from behind. David kisses her on the back of her silky blonde head.
David: I'm sorry…
Maddie is tearful.
Maddie: It was so hard, David.
David: I know…I'm sorry…
He pulls her into a deeper embrace and lets her feel whatever she's feeling – Maddie cries.
David: It's ok…it's ok. It's all going to work out. C'mere…
David turns her around and they hold each other. After a while Maddie looks up into his sea of green…and they kiss, softly…gently…at first, but soon it turns passionate and they're lost in each other. They end up making love on David's couch – so much for an all business relationship.
The next Tuesday, when Maddie enters the Blue Moon office, a bunch of employees are huddled around Agnes's desk chuckling over a pack of pictures. Of course, curiosity gets the best of Maddie and she can't help but peek over their shoulders to see – the first few phots are from last Friday's Halloween bash…different configurations of costumed colleagues – some great group shots and a couple of messy bits from the end of the night when Bert dunked Magillicuddy's head in the punch.
Then, Agnes shuffles to the next photo and a tuxedo clad David and a gorgeous dress-adorned Terri suddenly appear, the real kicker, baby Walt in a tiny suit and tie. It's about the cutest picture of three of them you've ever seen. They look like a happy family and Maddie feels the sharpest pang of jealousy shoot through her that she's had in long time.
Maddie: (Grits her teeth) What's that from?
Agnes: A wedding Mr. Addison and Terri went to…these are his photos, I picked them up for him. Isn't baby Walt adorable…don't Terri and Mr. Addison look gorgeous?
Maddie: (Must agree) They look absolutely…exquisite.
Maddie goes into her office and slams the door while Agnes and the Wobblies look on shocked and surprised…they hadn't heard a door slam like that in at least a year.
Once in her office, Maddie is immediately regretful of her response to the photos…of course David and Terri were going to attend events…of course she'd see photos every now and then – hell, it was no secret they're together…and seemingly getting more serious? Wasn't Maddie herself encouraging David to do this?
Ever since holding and caring for Petunia – Maddie had begun to feel the ticking of her biological clock pulling at her again. Maybe motherhood really was more important to her than she realized – but was it possible? That she didn't know.
So, Maddie sat and pondered…what if this relationship between Terri and David really was made permanent? Would she be ok seeing pictures week after week of the latest events they've attended and their family life? David was really the only man she saw herself having a child with…but was he slipping away?
Maddie plops down on her desk chair and puts her head in her hands.
Later that night, David and Terri sit on the couch and smile and laugh their way through the pack of photos David brought home from work.
David: We really clean up good.
Terri: I'm glad we had these photos taken before the hay-bale rides and bucking bronco.
David: 'Tis true, we looked a little rougher at the end of the night.
Terri snuggles close to David and feels amorous.
Terri: We sure have fun together, Addison.
David: (smiles) Yeah?
He looks into Terri's eyes…God she was such a warm person…life could be so easy with her…they had all the pieces…and they could add a couple more. This thing with Maddie was going nowhere, he needed a way to end it.
David: Well…maybe we should really notch up the fun…
Terri: Oh yeah? What do you have in mind this time? Tequila snow cones?
David: How about we move in together?
*This story would not have been written if it weren't for the help, guidance and brainstorm sessions with my Moonie Sister Danielle DanaDanielleLadyCornflake – this was a tough chapter to navigate, and I relied on you to keep pushing it forward with ideas and encouragement. THANK YOU! – let's keep talking Moonlighting* - oh and…listen to Moonlighting The Podcast!
TO BE CONTINUED…