Shallow

It was Saturday morning, a month later, and Maddie and David were asleep in the master bedroom of their Bel Air mansion, tangled in each other's arms. Maddie woke up before David did and, always a thinker, started making a mental list of everything they had on their plates for the next few weeks, and it was a lot. She started feeling panicky and stressed about it.

It was a busy time for Maddie and David. They were getting ready to close on their new apartment in New York, close to their daughter Abby, her husband Josh, and their two granddaughters, Sophie and Charlotte, and on their new smaller, but very chic, three-bedroom house in LA, closer to their son Alex, his wife Sarah, and their four grandsons, Davey, Daniel, Dylan, and Dane. Abby and Josh and their girls were flying in the next day to LA for the girls' spring break, which happened to coincide with Davey's and Daniel's, and there were plans to take the kids to Disneyland. They were also getting ready for the big move, closing on their Somma Way home in Bel Air, which Maddie had bought back in 1979 and where they had spent their entire married lives together. They were getting a lot of money for it, but leaving this home was bittersweet. They were planning a big "Sayonara Somma Way" Party with all of their friends and family before moving out.

Maddie looked at David and smiled. Her heart skipped a beat when she looked at him, even after all these years. His ability to sleep soundly, no matter what, continued to amaze her. She kissed his forehead gently, and touched the side of his face with her hand. He groggily started waking up. David was not a morning person, but Maddie was, and she wanted him, very much.

Maddie leaned over and kissed his lips gently, then brushed her lips across the stubble on his face and chin. She kissed his neck and collar bone and down to his chest, burying her face in the now-gray hair there, breathing in his scent that still intoxicated her. She kissed her way across his chest and down his belly. She touched and stroked him with her hand and felt him harden under her touch, then leaned down and took him in her mouth.

David: "Am I dreaming? Oh Maddie, honey, that feels so good. You are so sexy."

Maddie got on top of David and slipped him inside of her. He was wide awake now and gave her a smirky smile and raised his eyebrows, then reached up and tucked a bit of her hair behind her ear, then leaned up and kissed her breasts, licking and sucking each of her nipples. She moaned in pleasure. They made love in the dappled morning light until they both climaxed together, then lazily stayed in bed together for the morning.

David got up and made himself a Nespresso and Maddie a cup of tea, and brought the drinks back to bed. "We may be getting older, Goldilocks, but we've still got it. That 'Outlander' show's got nothing on us!"

Maddie laughed: "This is really nice, just being here with you - it's been ages since we just stayed in bed all morning."

David leaned over and kissed her: "I love you, Blondie Blonde. Let's just stay in bed all day. Stream something. Order delivery. Make love again."

Maddie smiled at him: "That sounds great, David."

David: "Okay, what's up, Maddie? I can hear it in your voice. The stress."

Maddie: "I'm fine, David, just feeling overwhelmed thinking about everything we have going on the next couple of weeks."

David: "It'll be fine, honey. We just have to pace ourselves. One step at a time. Abby and Josh and the girls get in to LA tomorrow, right? I'll get them from the airport. I've already called the golf club and reserved a tee time for the afternoon for Josh and Alex and me and Richie." David laughed: "I sound like your dad did, reserving tee times! Maybe you and Abby and Sarah can hang out here with the kids, spend some time in the pool? Then we can get some take out or go out to dinner?"

Maddie: "That sounds good, David. We have Disneyland on Monday. I already have the Magic Bands for everyone and Abby had t-shirts made for everyone – they are sitting in that big box on the kitchen counter."

David: "That'll be fun. Not sure if I'm a matching t-shirt kinda guy but I'll go along with it. Looking forward to the roller coasters, though!"

Maddie: "I'll leave you to that one. Maybe I'll hold the baby and keep an eye on Dylan while the rest of you ride Space Mountain. And then on Wednesday morning we close on the apartment in New York."

David: "Via Zoom and Docusign, baby. I love technology. The new place doesn't even have keys for the realtor to get to us – it's all keypad entry. No more need for Mr. Stickpin these days! I think about how much easier our detective jobs would have been back in the day with all the technology we have today."

Maddie: "And then there's the big party on Saturday. That's just a week away!"

David: "Sayonara Somma Way! It's gonna be great. We gotta practice our special performance. Everyone is gonna be so surprised."

Maddie: "I hope so. I've been emailing with the caterers and the band. It should be a great crowd – nothing but Yeses on the Evite so far. And then the following week, we close on the new place in Brentwood, and the week after that, on this house. And we still haven't done a lot of packing."

David: "Look Maddie, the closings are gonna be easy – just signing paperwork and getting – or giving up – the keys. And we have plenty of time to pack. Maybe Alex and Abby can help out while they're off this week. We're going to be so happy in Brentwood closer to Alex and Sarah and the boys. That place is amazing – one level, open floor plan, nice pool. And New York – that place is snatched."

Maddie laughed: "Snatched? That sounds like something Charlotte would say."

David smiled: "Where do you think I got it from? I know my Gen Alpha slang!"

Maddie: "But God, David, I wasn't expecting to be so sad and overwhelmed thinking about leaving this place. Why are we selling? Maybe we should just have stayed here."

David: "Maddie, we're getting $25 million dollars for it. It's time. We've raised a family here. It's too big for just the two of us now. I don't want either of us falling and breaking a hip on that spiral staircase either. Seriously, honey, I know we're both in great shape now but we aren't getting any younger."

Maddie: "But all the memories here, David."

David: "We'll make new memories in our new house. And in the apartment in New York. Remember what your dad used to say? 'Past is prologue.' We'll always have the memories that we made here and so will Alex and Abby. Moving doesn't take any of that away."

Maddie: "Alex said the same thing. I know you're right, David. You know what a thinker and worrier I am."

David pulled her close to him. She laid her head on his chest. "Tell you what, Maddie. Let's come up with a plan of attack for packing up this house while we lounge in bed today. Would that make you feel better, baby? Hell, Maddie, we could even hire a company to come and pack everything for us. It'll be okay. I promise."

Maddie: "That's a great idea, David. You always know how to ground and center me, and I want you to know I appreciate it."

David and Maddie spent the rest of their Saturday lazily lounging in bed. They talked about their plans for the next few weeks, streamed a couple of new episodes of "Outlander" on Netflix, and ordered superfood grain bowls from Maddie's favorite delivery place – not David's favorite, but he figured he'd be eating plenty of pizza and burgers with the kids and grandkids soon. They made love again in the evening – a little rogue Scottish Highlander meets a World War II English Army nurse role play - and both took a warm bubble bath before bed. It was the most relaxing day either of them had had in a long time.

The next morning, Abby and Josh and the girls arrived at LAX from New York and David went to pick them up from the airport.

Abby: "Daddy! It's so great to see you and so nice to be back in the LA sunshine. It was 35 degrees and gray when we left New York this morning. It's been a while since we were out here. Sophie and Charlotte are so excited about Disneyland tomorrow!"

Josh: "Great to see you, David. No complaints from any of us about this weather!"

David drove them back in his Tesla to Bel Air and helped them inside with their luggage.

Maddie hugged Abby and Josh and the girls: "Abby, we have you and Josh in the guest room and thought the girls could share your old room. Excuse all of the boxes everywhere. It's a bit of a mess!"

Abby: "Sounds great, mom! It feels so good to be home. It's been way too long! Let me know how we can help with the packing and stuff."

David: "Josh, I have a tee time scheduled for us for this afternoon, if you're up for it. Alex is planning to join us too. He finally has a break from that Anselmo case stakeout! Richie said he'll join us too."

Josh: "I'm always up for a golf game with you, David. I've been looking forward to getting out on the course!"

Maddie: "So girls, what are you most looking forward to doing here in LA? I was thinking we could swim this afternoon. Your Aunt Sarah and your cousins are coming over. Tonight, we were thinking of all going out to dinner together, maybe see a movie?"

Sophie: "Charlotte and I want to go to Erewhon for a $30 Hailey Bieber smoothie!"

Maddie gave them a questioning look.

Charlotte: "Oh please, grandma! We see photos of them all the time on Instagram. They are supposed to be so extra."

Maddie rolled her eyes: "Extra, huh? They better be for $30. But it's a fun store. We can definitely go this week."

Alex, Sarah, Davey, Daniel, Dylan, and Dane came over bringing lunch for everyone – hoagies and chips. They also stopped by and picked up Virginia for a visit. Alex helped get her in the house and settled on the living room sofa.

David stopped by and gave Virginia a kiss: "Ginny! So good to see you!" then patted Alex on the back and peeked his nose in the bags: "Now you're talkin'! Your mom insisted on them healthy superfood grain bowls for dinner last night. She loves them but give me a hoagie or a burger any day."

Maddie gave Virginia a hug: "Mom, I'm so glad you were able to come join us today! How are you feeling?"

Virginia: "I'm doing great, Tickle Bug. I wasn't about to miss out on seeing Alex and Abby and all of these great-grandchildren. You know Maddie, you and David have made such a beautiful family. I'm so proud of you both and I know your father would be too. He'd have loved all of these kids! I sure do miss him."

Maddie: "Aww, mom, that's so sweet. David and I miss him, too. What can I get you?"

Virginia: "Nothing now. More than anything, I'd love to hold that sweet new baby! Sarah, let me hold Dane while you grab some lunch. I remember what it's like trying to tend to a new baby and get anything to eat."

Sarah: "Thanks, Ginny. I will definitely take you up on that!" Sarah gently placed Dane in Virginia's arms.

Virginia: "What a sweetheart! Look at him, Maddie. He's absolutely David and Alex made over."

Maddie laughed: "He sure is! So much for those Hayes genes!"

Virginia: "Abby looks a lot like you, Maddie. And Sophie and Charlotte. But they all sure do have David's smile."

After lunch, David drove Alex and Josh to the golf course for their afternoon tee time, and Richie met them there. They had a great time playing golf in the California sunshine. Virginia sat by the pool in the shade, holding a peacefully napping baby Dane, while Sarah, Abby, and Maddie got in the pool with the kids. That evening, the whole family went out for hot dogs at Pink's. They sat outside behind the restaurant at the tables with umbrellas and enjoyed hot dogs, fries, and sodas, and took turns taking photos in the photo cut out boards.

Abby: "Hey Alex, remember when Daddy and Grandpa Alex would take us to Pink's on Saturday afternoons after soccer practice? You'd get that huge burger and hot dog combo with chili and everything else on it – what was it called?"

Alex: "Jaws. I used to get two of them when I was a teenager. I can't do it anymore!"

Virginia: "Maddie and I have always loved their Chicago style dogs. It's what we both grew up eating."

Alex and Sarah drove Virginia back to her place and took their boys home. David drove Maddie, Abby, Josh, Sophie, and Charlotte back to their Bel Air home. Maddie helped get Sophie and Charlotte ready for bed to give Abby and Josh a break.

Sophie: "Grandma, I can't wait for Disneyland tomorrow!"

Charlotte: "Me too! I am finally tall enough to be able to ride the roller coasters!"

Maddie: "Your grandpa will be happy to take you on those, Charlotte. I'm not much of a roller coaster person, I'm afraid. Okay you two, time for bed. I know you're excited but try and get some sleep. We'll be up early tomorrow to head to the park when it opens."

Sophie: "What was mommy like when she was our age, grandma?"

Maddie: "She was a lot like you two. Fun and smart and beautiful. She loved to dance like you do, Charlotte, and she loved to read like you and I do, Sophie. She was always really funny like your grandpa. She's still all of those things, I suppose."

Maddie kissed them both, turned off the light, and closed the door.

Meanwhile, Abby and Josh were getting ready for bed in the guest room.

Abby: "Oh Josh, it's so surreal being here for the last time. I have so many happy memories here. My entire childhood! Christmas mornings. Birthdays. Easter egg hunts in the backyard. Daddy playing Motown records on Saturday mornings and making us pancakes for breakfast while we danced around the kitchen. Mom teaching us how to swim. Daddy teaching us how to ride bikes and putting band aids on my skinned knees. Mom helping me get ready for my first date and Daddy being so overprotective and grilling the poor guy about his 'intentions' – we were only 15! Getting ready for prom. Getting college acceptances in the mail. High school graduation."

Josh: "So did you lose your virginity here?"

Abby: "Josh! No! But Alex did! Don't tell anyone I told you that! You know Alex and I are so close in age that we've always been really close. Almost like twins, really. And Mom and Daddy, we've always been close too. There has always been this real, palpable passion between the two of them. They would fight and slam doors, and one time the entire front door came off of its hinges. But we always knew they loved us, and loved each other. I just have so many happy memories here."

Josh: "But Abby, like your dad says, just think of all the new memories you'll make. And you'll always have the memories of this place."

Abby: "You're right. I need to stop being so introspective. I can be so much like mom sometimes."

Josh: "Okay, so changing the subject but I'm sorry Abby, but I can't sleep in here with THAT THING looking at me. It's got to go somewhere else." He gestured to the creepy doll that used to sit on top of Maddie's piano for years before she and David got together.

Abby: "I don't know why they don't get rid of it! I think Mom said it was a gift from her Aunt and you know she's always loved dolls. I can put it in the closet like the last time?"

Josh: "No, I'll lie here awake thinking about it opening the closet door and strangling me in my sleep. I think I may take it downstairs. What is up with this doll? Your mom is a pretty normal person, otherwise."

Abby raised an eyebrow and gave Josh a classic Addison smirk: "Normal?! I'm not so sure about that! That doll used to scare Alex and me to death when we were little. Daddy said it used to be in on the piano in the living room and when he and mom moved in together, they had a big fight and it has been in the guest room ever since. I think it keeps people from overstaying their welcome."

Josh laughed: "I can see why! Hey, that's just what I'm gonna do with it - put it on the piano downstairs. Want a bottle of water while I'm down there?" Abby nodded.

Josh took the doll downstairs and came back in a few minutes with a bottle of water for each of them.

Abby: "Thanks for the water, babe."

Josh: "I ran into your parents in the kitchen. Your dad had your mom pushed up against the fridge, kissing her. I had to cough before they realized I was there and then I had to wait for them to gain composure and move so I could get the waters out of the fridge. I mean, I guess it is a little late, maybe they thought everyone was asleep?"

Abby: "I don't know what to say, Josh. I mean, I've dealt with it my whole life. And what is up with the kitchen?! It's not like they don't have a perfectly good bedroom!"

Josh laughed: "Like we always say – Lock the door and stay out of the kitchen!"

Abby: "Oh my god, Josh, you have no idea. I remember getting up in the middle of the night for a glass of water when I was little and they were wearing these outfits. Daddy was in scrubs and mom had one of those Sexy Nurse costumes on. It wasn't Halloween either!"

Josh laughed: "I mean, good for them!"

Abby: "I've never told you this – I've never told anybody this – but Alex and I found their goodie drawer one time. We were in elementary school, maybe 5th grade or so? I think we were just looking for a roll of tape or something for a school project."

Josh: "What was in there?"

Abby: "Oh, the usual stuff. Books. Sex toys. Handcuffs."

Josh: "Handcuffs? Seriously?"

Abby: "Mom and Daddy were out of town – I can't remember why, maybe a stakeout? We found this drawer in their bedroom filled with stuff – we were so young we didn't really know what all of it was. Alex decided to play with the handcuffs. He accidentally handcuffed himself to the bed post in his room! Uncle Richie and Aunt Elizabeth were staying with us. Talk about an awkward conversation! They had to help us find the key and of course wondered where on earth we'd found handcuffs. They were GOLD - and FUR LINED. I remember Uncle Richie and Aunt Elizabeth just howling with laughter when they were trying to find the key and then we all made a pact never to talk about it. Cringe!"

Josh: "That's hilarious. And very 'Fifty Shades of Grey' of them. I mean, they obviously love each other and just have a healthy sex life."

Abby: "I really don't want to think about my parents' sex life, Josh! I mean I'm pretty sure mom was pregnant with Alex when they got married. She had to have been. He was a preemie, but they got married in June of 1987 and he was born in November and he was only like 6 weeks early. And then I was born that following October so she must've gotten pregnant with me almost instantly after Alex was born. I guess they both eventually figured out how birth control works or I'd have dozens of siblings!"

Josh: "Abby, they are both wonderful people. Even if they are a little – amorous!"

Abby: "A little amorous? They're insatiable. Remember the last time they stayed with us? I think they think they are being quiet but they never are."

Josh: "Yeah, your mom is a bit of a screamer. But I mean honestly, good for them! And we do okay too…"

Abby: "Yeah, we do!"

The next morning, everyone woke up to the smell of bacon frying and coffee brewing. David was up early, making pancakes and bacon for everyone before their day at Disneyland. He was playing a Motown playlist on Spotify and dancing around the kitchen as he cooked. He took one look at the creepy doll on the piano and put one of his baseball caps over its face – he laughed thinking that Josh must have brought it downstairs the night before. David was determined that this doll wasn't going to make the move to their new place.

Abby was the first one downstairs, followed quickly by Sophie and Charlotte. "Oh daddy! This reminds me of when Alex and I were little!"

David grabbed Abby's hand and started dancing around the kitchen with her, spinning her around and twirling her. The Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" was playing.

David: "Did your mom ever tell you about the time I serenaded her with this song? I even pulled out my harmonica!"

Abby: "Yes, about a million times! But I never get tired of hearing that story. It's so romantic! No one has ever serenaded me! Josh needs to up his game!"

Sophie and Charlotte: "Grandpa! Dance with us too!"

David danced with the girls and finished cooking breakfast for everyone as Maddie and Josh came downstairs. They all enjoyed David's famous pancakes, bacon, orange juice, chocolate milk, and coffee for breakfast, then everyone got ready for Disneyland. Abby had ordered matching t-shirts for everyone, black tees for the guys with Mickey Mouse ears and white tees for the girls with Minnie Mouse ears. All of the t-shirts said "2025 – Addisons Do Disney". David and Josh exchanged looks – they weren't particularly excited about the matching shirts but they went along with it.

The entire family had a great day at Disneyland. They met Alex, Sarah, Davey, Daniel, Dylan, and baby Dane there – all wearing the matching shirts Abby had sent home with them the night before, even a little onesie for baby Dane. Everyone had a great day of riding rides. Maddie was not a big roller coaster person, so she watched baby Dane and three year old Dylan while everyone else rode Space Mountain and The Matterhorn. They all enjoyed riding It's A Small World and The Haunted Mansion. They used Disney Photo Pass and had a big family photo taken in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Maddie downloaded lots of fun pics of everyone on rides and with characters in the park onto her iPhone and texted them to the family group chat. Sophie and Charlotte bought an autograph book and got autographs of and photos with several of the characters walking around the park. The kids enjoyed the "Magic Happens" parade in the park. They had a big family dinner with Disney characters and stayed until the park closed. Everyone went home exhausted, having had the best day.

On Wednesday, David and Maddie had a very easy Zoom closing on their Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan. Abby and Josh and their girls were so excited that they'd be close to them for part of the year.

Charlotte: "Grandpa, will you guys be there for our school play? It's in May. We are doing 'The Wizard of Oz'. Sophie is going to be Glinda and I'm going to be a Munchkin!"

David: "We wouldn't miss it for the world, sweetheart."

On Thursday, Maddie and David took all of their grandkids to visit Agnes' and Bert's alpaca and llama rescue and bonsai farm just outside of LA. They borrowed Alex's and Sarah's Suburban to fit everyone inside, including baby Dane. Alex, Abby, Sarah, and Josh went on a double date for lunch and to the movies – a rare child-free day for the four of them.

Agnes: "Mr. and Mrs. Addison!"

Maddie: "Agnes, after all these years, please call us David and Maddie!"

Agnes: "Look at all of these beautiful grandchildren! There's so many of them! They all have your smile, Mr. Addison. Every single one of them."

David: "Who'd'a thunk it?"

Agnes: "So, how are you both doing? Enjoying spending the day with your grandkids?"

Maddie: "We're doing great, Agnes. But six kids are a lot to keep up with! It was hard enough with the two that we had – and we were a lot younger then. But we'll be okay for the day! Alex and Sarah and Abby and Josh are going out for a double date, grabbing some lunch and seeing a movie."

Agnes: "That so nice of you, Miss Hayes! I mean, Mrs. Addison. I mean Maddie! You two are great great together. The betterest! I always knew you two would end up together, even when neither of you did. I always had faith in you!"

Bert shook David's hand, then gave him a hug: "Hello, sir, it's great to see you both doing so well. Retirement looks good on both of you! We are really looking forward to your party on Saturday – it's the end of an era, sir! We're bringing our kids with us, Petunia and Poppy and Daisy, and their husbands and kids. We wouldn't miss it for the world."

Maddie: "Great! It's going to be a wonderful time! We have lots of fun things planned."

David: "So, how's the llama and bonsai business going, Bert?"

Bert: "It's great, sir, a real labor of love. We rescue the llamas and alpacas from petting zoos and circuses and bring them here for a happier life. We have a little Airbnb here on the property where people can stay amidst all of these beautiful creatures. We've just started the bonsai business but you know Agnes has a real way with plants, and our new Instagram account has really helped drum up business. We're having a great time."

Maddie and David exchanged looks. "Great! We're just glad you're doing so well and are so happy! And we can't wait to see Petunia and Poppy and Daisy again. It's been too long."

Agnes gave the kids a few bags of baby carrots to feed the rescued animals and the kids squealed with delight as the alpacas and llamas gently ate the carrots from their hands. David and Maddie took lots of photos with their iPhones and texted the pics to the family group chat. Maddie and David let the kids help them pick out a bonsai for their new house.

On Saturday, it was time for the big "Sayonara Somma Way" party. Maddie and David spent the day getting ready for the party, with Abby's and Josh's and Alex's and Sarah's help. It was a beautiful day for a party, warm and sunny. The band set up outside next to the pool and the caterers set up round tables with tablecloths and chairs and fairy lights sprinkled throughout the backyard. In keeping with the "Sayonara" theme, they had Japanese food catered in – sushi, edamame, salad with ginger dressing, miso soup - along with a giant hibachi grill outside where a chef was making fried rice and teriyaki chicken, shrimp, and steak to order. They had special cocktails for their guests, including different kinds of sake and, as a nod to David's time as a bartender, as well as the drinks they had the first time they danced together in that bar so many years ago, kamikazes, with Shirley Temples for the kids. As the sun set, it was a beautiful view looking down at the lights of Bel Air and Century City.

All of their friends and family were there. Alex, Sarah, Davey, Daniel, Dylan, and Dane. Abby, Josh, Sophie, and Charlotte. Ginny. Elizabeth and Richie and their kids, Katie and Michael, and their grandkids, Liam, Oliver, Ethan, and Amelia. Stephanie, who had recently gotten back from a girls' trip to Morocco, was there - David Sr. had passed away several years earlier and she moved back to the LA area where she had grown up. Agnes and Bert and their girls Petunia, Daisy, and Poppy, and their husbands and kids. All of the Wobblies – MacGilicuddy, Jergensen, O'Neill, Lewis, Simmons, Kris, and Jamie, and their spouses. And many other friends and clients that they'd known over the years.

Maddie and David got dressed up for the occasion. He was wearing a fitted black tuxedo with a white shirt and black and white striped bow tie. Maddie was wearing a very sexy long black dress and heels from the latest Dior collection. Alex and Sarah and Abby and Josh were similarly dressed up. They were all a much-better-looking-than-average family. There was a professional photographer there to take lots of photos.

Maddie and David made their rounds to say hello to everyone and thank them for coming. Ginny spent much of the evening visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and lovingly holding baby Dane.

David: "Jesus Maddie, that dress is so sexy. Cut down to South America. And up to South America. Wow. I can't wait to rip it off of you later."

Maddie: "David! You don't look so bad yourself. Are you having a good time, baby?"

David: "The best. Ready for our big surprise?"

Maddie and David took the stage with the band. They were such a stunning and charismatic couple that the crowd couldn't take their eyes off of them. The wait staff passed around glasses of champagne to all of the adults – and sparkling cider to the kids – for a special toast.

David picked up a microphone and held a champagne glass in his hand and said: "Maddie and I wanted to say thanks to all of you for coming tonight to help us say Sayonara to Somma Way! Maddie bought this place back in 1979 and we've spent our entire married lives here. We have so many memories here together, and with Alex and Abby. First of all, a toast to my beautiful wife, for all of our many years of happiness here, and for giving me such a beautiful family. And to Alex and Abby, for making us such proud parents – and grandparents. Here's to many more years of happy memories! We'll be just a few miles away in Brentwood for part of the year and in New York the other part – splitting our time between being close to Alex's and Abby's families. Cheers, everyone!"

Maddie grabbed a microphone and held up her champagne glass: "David and I wanted to say thanks for being a part of our lives. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. We've been rehearsing a little special performance for this evening. Now, some of you have heard me sing, and all of you have heard David sing – he's always singing! – but I'm not sure that any of you have ever heard us sing together. We hope you enjoy this little duet…"

Maddie and David put down their champagne glasses and stood close to one another.

David: "Thanks again everyone for joining us this evening." David gestured to the band: "Ready, boys? Ready, Goldilocks? One, two, three…"

There were guitar chords coming from the band that were instantly recognizable to everyone there. There were cheers and applause - and complete surprise - from all of their guests! Abby and Alex both got out their iPhones and started filming their parents' performance and exchanged looks of complete and utter surprise.

Abby: "Alex! Oh my god!"

Alex: "Abby! This is gonna be EPIC."

Maddie and David looked at each other, and held hands:

David began singing, pitch perfect, this song from "A Star Is Born":

"Tell me something, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there something else you're searchin' for?

I'm falling
In all the good times, I find myself longin' for change
And in the bad times, I fear myself"

There were screams and cheers and whistles and a few tears from their audience. This was an epic performance!

And after a few more guitar chords from the band, Maddie sang, also pitch perfect:

"Tell me something, boy
Aren't you tired trying to fill that void?
Or do you need more?
Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?

I'm falling
In all the good times, I find myself longing for change
And in the bad times, I fear myself

I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground

Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now"

David and Maddie, together:

"In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow
In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-llow
In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow
We're far from the shallow now"

David kissed Maddie's hand. There were looks of love and passion between the two of them that were palpable to everyone there.

Maddie belted this vocalization out and the crowd went absolutely wild. Most of them knew she was a fantastic singer but had never heard anything from her like this:

"Oh, ha-ah-ah
Ah, ha-ah-ah, oh, ah
Ha-ah-ah-ah

I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now"

Together:

"In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow
In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-llow
In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow
We're far from the shallow now…"

David pulled Maddie into his arms and kissed her passionately. The crowd applauded, cheered, and whistled. Ginny had tears of pride and joy in her eyes. Abby and Alex exchanged glances – they knew their parents could both sing, but not like THIS.

It was one of the best nights any of them could remember.

It was a couple of weeks later. Their "Sayonara Somma Way" party had been a huge success and Maddie and David had gone viral with the video of them singing "Shallow" that Abby had posted to her Instagram account – a feat that delighted and impressed Sophie and Charlotte. They had closed on their new apartment in New York and had plans to go visit and move in a few things in – and see Sophie's and Charlotte's play – in the next couple of weeks. They had also closed on their new smaller house in LA, closer to Alex and Sarah and the boys and had started moving a few things in there, as well. Maddie and David were closing on their Somma Way house the next day and after the closing, movers were coming to take all of their boxes and furniture to their new place.

Maddie and David sat on the floor of their living room. David was drinking a bottle of beer and Maddie had a plastic cup filled with Chardonnay. There was a mostly-empty box of pepperoni pizza sitting on the glass coffee table – a piece of décor that they'd never been able to get rid of, even after they had redecorated several times over the years. It was coming with them to their new home, as well.

Maddie: "Well, this is it, David. The end of an era."

David: "Lots of great memories, Blondie Blonde. And so many memories still to make."

Maddie: "Remember when we first met? That first case with the watch and then those bad guys tied us up in my kitchen?"

David: "I'd like to tie you up in the kitchen."

Maddie laughed: "David, will you stop!"

David: "Of course I remember, Maddie. How could I ever forget? You called me a sissy fighter and hit me. But Goldilocks, I fell in love with you the moment I met you. I'd never seen anyone so beautiful, or met anyone so smart, with such a spark."

Maddie: "That seems like an eternity ago – but also like yesterday, doesn't it? I wasn't always nice to you then, and for a long time, David, and I'm sorry for that. You were always there for me, no matter what. I just had to get out of my own way and really see you. I'm so thankful for you, baby, and for the life that we have built together."

Maddie got up and walked over to David's old trunk, which had been sitting under the arched window in the living room ever since they moved in together. It was filled with mementos and memories they'd made together over the years. She sat down and opened it.

Maddie: "I love this old trunk, David. Let's put it in your car to take to the new place. It's too precious to leave to the movers. I'd be devastated if anything happened to it. I love that our history is stored in this trunk. It means so much to me."

David: "Me too, Blondie Blonde."

Maddie started looking through the treasures inside: "Oh David, look, here's our wedding album. And Alex's and Abby's baby books. Oh, and their little christening gown, and the outfits they wore home from the hospital. And all sorts of photo albums and scrapbooks. And this box full of tickets stubs – old boarding passes, concerts, museums."

David walked over next to Maddie, sat down beside her, put his arms around her, and gently kissed her.

Maddie: "David, remember sitting on this trunk that night in your apartment? I went there in the middle of the night, trying to get you to admit to me what I already knew you wanted to say. That you loved me – and I loved you. Of course we said we hated each other, but that wasn't really what we meant. That was where we shared our first real, tender kiss. I'll never forget it. Me in my nightgown and trench coat and sneakers and you in that torn black t-shirt and those gray sweats that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. I couldn't stop looking at you, at your…"

David laughed: "Well-endowed package?!"

Maddie: "DAVID! Well, yes – I mean it's not like I hadn't looked at you before – and thought about what it would be like to sleep with you - but I think in that moment I really saw you. Not just physically either. I saw what you meant to me, what we meant to each other."

David smiled, and held her hand: "Seriously, Madolyn, I'll never forget that night either. I had wanted to kiss you so many times before that, and I suppose I did, once, in the parking garage that time, when I had to go underground. I wanted you so much. I wanted to tell you that I loved you. But I kept questioning if you really wanted me, that you might be better off with Luke Skywalker than with me. I guess I was scared."

Maddie: "Oh, David. I love you. I can't imagine life without you. You make me laugh and you make me smile and you always look out for me. And this passion that we have for each other. I've never been with anyone who tries so hard to please me."

David: "And succeeds at pleasing you, too. Right, baby?"

Maddie: "Oh, David!"

David: "What can I say, Goldilocks. I can't get enough of you, after all these years together."

Maddie: "I sure am going to miss this place, David. So many happy memories here. It will be strange not being here every day."

David: "We have so many more memories to make, Maddie. This is a big place and you've met the people buying it – it's a nice, big family and they are going to make a lot of happy memories here too, just like we have. We gotta get away from that staircase – it's a broken hip waiting to happen. But I'll never forget how many times we made love up against it. And how many times I carried you up that staircase to our bedroom. Like Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara."

Maddie looked unconvinced: "Rhett Butler, huh?"

David: "Let's have sex in every room before we leave."

Maddie laughed: "Addison!"

David: "C'mon Maddie. For old times' sake. Let's start here in the living room. Slap me, baby."

"Moonlighting: A Cookbook and Culinary History - Recipes, Restaurants, Clubs, and Cocktails Featured in the Iconic 1980s Series" coming August 2025!