Portrait of an Escort (1980) - full transcript

♪ And I guess it's
all right to be here

♪ working in LA

♪ just to catch a
glimpse of tomorrow

♪ it's worth another day

♪ I know sometimes it's slow

♪ but every now and then

♪ there'll be some good times

♪ don't you see
it's part of a dream

♪ just being in la

♪ when you see
the life we'll be living

♪ it's not too much to pay



♪ I know you're feeling low

♪ but wait until you
see a bit of tomorrow

♪ so I guess it's
all right to be here

♪ working in la

♪ just to catch a
glimpse of tomorrow

♪ it's worth another day

♪ I know sometimes it's slow

♪ but maybe now and then

♪ there'll be some good times ♪

I'm bringing you over
some very good prospects,

so here's what I want you to do.

Put flowers in the living room,

then run hot water over a bar of
fragrant soap in the bathrooms.

You want sweet and clean.



Not medicinal.

Then just before we come,

put a pot on the stove to boil,

Sprinkle cinnamon, and cover.

It will smell like you're
cooking something wonderful.

People buy homes, not houses,

so try to create the
atmosphere of a home.

Jordan, dear, come here.

Can you believe it?

The lady has a bid in on
a half million dollar house,

and now she wants
to hold up everything

Till she's sure the
kitchen sink is stainless.

The owners are in Spain.

Jordan, would you run over and
check the sink after work tonight?

Well, I can't work tonight.

Why? Have an emergency?

No, I have a
13-year-old daughter.

Don't we all have children?

Well, it's just that
between working late

and going to school at
night, I never see her.

All right.

I'll call my client back and tell
her that the sink is stainless.

When she moves
in and it's enamel,

we'll replace it
out of your salary.

I was hoping you'd understand.

I understand.

Fully.

Yeah, I know. Now listen to me.

That is not your job.

It's not your responsibility,

so don't you pay
any attention to her.

Don't you let her bully you.

She's just a user.

Hey, listen, I'm gonna
go shopping tonight.

You want to come?

No, can't take the
time away from Jess.

So bring her along. You could
both use some new clothes.

That's true, but no money.

Jordan, take it out
of your child support.

What?

What child support?

My ex calls me to
borrow money, collect.

Oh.

Have you ever wondered why
you and I have the same job

and we make the same slave wages

and I've got money
and you don't?

Well, there's two
of me, for starters.

I have a second job.

- You work nights?
- Some.

You interested?

No, then I’d never see Jess.

Okay.

What do you do?

Date.

You date?

Date.

You mean, date, date?

Yeah.

I work for an escort service.

I make 30, 40 bucks a shot.

- For an escort service?
- Yeah.

There are guys around who
will pay to go out with a girl.

I don't try to figure them out.

Listen, I've got a great idea.

Why don't you meet me
tomorrow morning before work

and I'll introduce you
to my escort agent?

I could never do
something like that.

Why? What have you got to lose?

My innocence.

♪ So I guess it's
all right to be here

♪ working in la

♪ just to catch a
glimpse of tomorrow

♪ it's worth another day ♪

Hi.

Hi, mom.

How was your day?

Really good.

Really good, huh?

I went to the park after school.

And I met someone.
He's the neatest guy.

I jogged with him, and we
talked for almost an hour.

Uh-huh? Tell me.

Well, he's
good-looking. He's nice.

He looked like he
needed a shave though.

A shave? How old is this guy?

About your age.

My age?

Jessica, promise me you'll have
nothing further to do with this man.

Why?

Don't ask. Just
promise me, please.

Mom, he's not a child molester.

Don't... don't say
that. Don't even think it.

You just give me
your word. Promise.

Okay.

Well, say it. Say, "I promise."

Okay, I promise.

Okay.

What are we having for dinner?

Macaroni and cheese.

Oh.

You're late. What happened?

Well, I was up
all night with Jess.

She had a case
of the 24-hour flu

or some kind of temper
tantrum. I don't know.

Anyway, she's okay,
but I kept her home.

Listen, I want to forget
the whole thing, okay?

What?

Well, the way I look, who'd
go out with me anyway?

Come on.

Somebody's bound to
notice your inner beauty.

Come on. It's gonna be okay.

I promise.

We're always happy
to find new girls.

I lose so many. They go on to...

Oh, cream or sugar?

Oh, nothing, thank you.

They go on to other things.

Well, professional
dating works like this.

A man calls my office.

Oh, I'm listed in the
urban yellow pages

in six surrounding communities.

Now, let's say that this man

is in town on business

and he wants a young
woman's company for a function

or maybe just a
pleasant evening out.

Well, I ask him what he's
looking for, and he tells me.

Short or tall, thin or
rounded, blonde or brunette.

Uh, does he ask
if she's intelligent?

Intelligence is usually
beyond the point

of what a man is
looking for in a date.

Now, let's say that
you fit the description.

I give him your number.

He calls you, and you
both work out the details.

The fee is $50. Half is
yours and half is mine.

Oh, the girls tell me
they often get a tip.

I'm sorry.

I just don't understand why a man
would pay $50 for a simple date.

Oh, but my gentlemen
are professionals

and businessmen
for the most part.

Usually they just don't
even know anyone

in a strange town to ask out.

Or maybe they're
somebody who's just tired

of their little circle
of acquaintances.

Now, just fill out this form.

Oh, and one more thing.

I run a legitimate business.

What happens between
you and your date

past the dating fee
is no concern of mine.

I just want you to be discreet.

Mrs. Kennedy,

I'm really going to
have to think this over.

Well, you do that, honey.

We'll be in touch.

Thank you.

Hello.

Oh, yes, yes.

I'll... I will tell her.

Thank you very much.

That was Emily. She
said she can see you

For five minutes
if you go right now.

I've been trying to reach
Jess for 20 minutes.

There's no answer.

Well, honey, if she
was up all night sick,

she's probably in a deep sleep.

I told the super to
go check up on her.

He's gonna ring me back.

If he calls, hold
on to him for me.

Hey, good luck.

Yes, yes. I'll be there.

On time as always. Bye, bye.

So, you wanted to see me?

Mrs. Amend, I need a raise.

I'm sorry.

We don't give our
office girls raises.

You're too replaceable.

Anyway, what good
is 25 cents an hour?

Would $40 a month before
taxes really solve your problems?

Well, it would be a start.

You just concentrate
on getting your license.

Before you know it, you're gonna
be making big, fat commissions.

But not soon enough.

You see, I'm behind on my rent

and my car is falling apart

and my daughter needs braces.

Oh, I know. But stretch it.

You girls always
seem to find a way.

Sorry, dear, I really must run.

No raise?

No raise.

Hello.

Thanks.

What are you doing? Wait a
minute. Where are you going?

She's not there.

Jordan, you can't
just walk right...

Jessica!

That's Beau, who I
was telling you about.

I don't want to hear anything.

Just get in the car, and I
don't want to hear one word.

Well, I felt better,
so I figured I'd just...

Not one word!

Now you're going to tell me why
you broke your promise to me.

I didn't promise.

Well, not really.

My fingers were crossed.

Then you tricked me.

I'm sorry, but you
wouldn't listen.

You just jumped to
your own conclusions.

I jumped to your protection.

We never have any fun anymore.

You're not the same
mother you used to be.

Jess!

Well, it's true.

I don't understand what's
the matter with you lately.

The matter with me is...

I work all day at a job

That can't even keep
us in this dump we live in.

I owe everybody
money that I don't have

and I keep getting
farther behind.

I come home to this
place cross and exhausted,

and I have to leave you
alone when you're sick.

The trouble with me is
I can't do anything right.

Oh, mom, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Hello.

Mrs. West.

A gentleman just called and
asked for a girl exactly like you.

May I give him your number?

Um...

Yes.

Jessie!

Jessie, how do I look?

This dress used to fit me.

At least I thought it did.

Maybe it never did.

You look beautiful.

It's not too bare? I guess
I'll wear my sweater.

You're a little nervous though.

Yes, I guess so.

What are you doing in your work?

Well, I'm a social worker.

I provide companionship
and attention

and intelligent conversation
to people who need it.

That's nice. Old people?

No, not terribly old.

Well, if you ever need any help,

I'm really good at
talking to people.

Cheering them up.

Yeah, you sure are.

But you don't have to worry
about bringing home the bacon yet.

You can leave that to me.

You just go off
to Mandy's, okay?

Okay. Good luck at work.

- Thanks.
- Bye.

Bye. See you later.

Hello?

Sandy, help.

Jordan? What's wrong?

I don't know how to
do this. What do I say?

Okay, it's very simple.

Now the first thing you do

Is you make sure you
get the fee right up front.

Just be very charming about it.

Say something like, "why
don't we take care of the fee

"And get that out of the way?"

And make sure it's cash.

Out of town checks
have a way of bouncing.

And don't take any credit cards.

Very funny.

And just
relax and enjoy yourself.

Order the most expensive
thing on the menu.

Sandy...

Then at the end of the date,

you remind him it's tip time.

You say something like,

"I hope this has been a
very nice evening for you.

"I've tried to make it one."

Yuck!

Well, that's reality, my friend.

What you say and how you say it

can make the difference
between a $25 and a $50 evening.

But just do it your way.

I'm sure you're gonna be fine.

Just let me know
how it all goes, okay?

Okay. Yeah.

Bye.

Oh...

- Jordan west?
- Yes.

I'm Loren.

- Hi. How are you?
- Hi.

Oh, I have a table
reserved for us.

Show me.

Oh, yeah. Excuse me.

Would you like a drink?

Yes, thank you.

Waitress.

Yes, what can I get you?

I'll have a gin fizz, please.

Okay.

Sir?

Oh, I'll have the
same. Whiskey double.

Okay.

Gin fizz... That's
a lady's drink.

- You a lady?
- I hope so.

Are you a gentleman?

That depends.

Maybe we should
take care of the fee

And get that out of the way.

Oh, yeah.

Is that right?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Oh, that's all right.

That's... That's all
right. That's all right.

- Whoops!
- I'm sorry. I really am.

Oh, please. Accidents happen.

Don't
worry about it. It's all right.

I got it.

I'll get your drinks
in a minute. I got it.

Listen, why don't you just send
them up to my room, please.

Oh, no, no. Right here is fine.

Thank you.

Sure.

You are a lady.
Or is it just me?

You?

I don't even know you.

Oh, it's all right. Go ahead and

be honest.

I mean, it's me. Isn't it?

I mean, if

I hadn't paid you that,

You wouldn't be out with me.

Right?

Hello?

Hello, Sandy. I
woke you, didn't I?

Jordan? No, no. What's wrong?

Nothing. I just wanted
to tell you how it went.

How it went?

Oh, oh, the date.
Right. How did it go?

Not so good.

You know, I told Jess I
was doing social work,

and that's exactly what I did.

The guy's wife cheated on him,

Then she left him,
then he lost his job...

I offered him his money back.

- You didn't.
- Yeah.

But he wouldn't take it.

Well, thank god.

Listen, I've got a friend over.

Oh, I'm sorry. You
didn't say anything.

No, it's okay. It's okay.

Well, I'll let you go.

Okay. I'll tell you what.

We'll talk about it tomorrow.

You can tell me all about it.

Okay. Bye.

Bye.

Jess,
would you get that?

Hello?

Hello?

Who is it?

It was a hang up.

Let's do something
today. Let's go some place.

Social work must be fun.

How about miniature
golf or a movie?

Don't those cost too much?

Cost is no object, my dear.

I'll get it.

Well, put on a robe.

Who is it?

Beau. Remember me?

- Hi!
- Hiya.

How are you today?

Okay.

Who is it, Jess?

It's me, Beau Simpson.

And I'm clean, except for
a couple of parking tickets

and a bad turn on
the Brooklyn bridge.

I got a friend that's got some
horses over at Griffith park

And Jess said she'd
like to learn to ride, so...

That's what I want to do today.

Could I, mom? Please.

We were going to do
something together.

Couldn't we all do something?

Together?

Please?

Dime for your thoughts.

Inflation.

A dollar
would be more like it.

Oh, classy thoughts.

How do you spell "Beau"?

Beau. B-e-a-u. Beau.

French. Oui, Oui.

French.

It fit what my mother
had in mind for me.

You know, "Beau
goes to the opera.

"Beau goes to the ballet."

I was a
big disappointment.

Oh, your mother
sounds pretty fancy.

Uh-uh, very fancy. Very.

Unfortunately, I'm not.

You dress okay though.

Those are pretty nice
boots you have on.

Yeah, well...

How'd you meet Jess?

Well, it's not what you thought.

I'm not am not the park prevert.

I'm an actor.

And I was in the park
working out and I... I saw her.

She was being
hassled by a couple

of high school kids
trying to play games.

She didn't tell me that.

No?

Well, anyway, I told
them I was her old man,

and after that
they left her alone.

Then she wouldn't
leave me alone.

She doesn't have a father.

No?

Well, rather she does,

But he sees her about as
often as we go to the moon.

Hmm. That's too bad.

I guess the guy doesn't
know what he's missing.

She's a great kid.

Thanks. I think so, too.

I'm sorry I was so rude.

It's okay.

Really.

All right. This is a horse.

I know it's a horse.

How do you know that?

- I've seen pictures.
- Good.

All right.

Now, to ride a horse, you
got to get up on this side.

- All right?
- Okay.

You get up on the other
side and the horse sits on you.

How's that?

Good.

All right.

Now, you stay still
and the horse moves.

And that's how you ride a horse.

- Okay.
- All right. Get going.

How come you
never taught Jess to ride?

What for?

Well, for the joy.

My childhood was full of joy.

I grew up with air
like crystal, blue skies,

and the smell of the
earth being turned.

I believed in my favorite mare,

the four seasons,
and true love forever.

Reality came as a big shock.

Just being up on a
horse reminds me

Of the difference between
how it was and how it is now.

I guess getting divorced and raising
a child alone must be pretty tough.

How are you doing there, Jess?

Pretty good.

You look good.

Thanks. It's fun.

That's the idea.

Guess we should have done
this a long time ago, huh?

Yeah.

Hi.

Hi.

You've been gone all day.

Well, I had a
lot of stuff to do.

Well, we're running late.

We really should pay for
dinner and drinks tonight

- Because the byrnes paid last...
- You know, I’d...

I'd rather not go
tonight, if you don't mind.

Beau, is there something wrong?

Um, I don't know.

Did you talk to
your agent today?

Oh, I got my obligatory weekly
phone call from him yesterday.

Nothing?

You guessed it.

Oh, Beau. Why don't you
let me use my connections?

Look, let's avoid going
through that again, all right?

But it just doesn't
make any sense.

You have to take every
advantage that you can.

I do.

My wardrobe.

My entertainment.

Unscrupulous. Taking
advantage of a poor widow woman.

Beau, I enjoy sharing
what I have with you.

Let's both stay home.

Warm up the hot tub
and just be together.

I'd really rather be alone
tonight, if you don't mind.

I'm sorry.

I hope you'll understand.

Of course. I understand.

Good. Good night.

Hey, hello there.

Hello.

I was worried what
kind of deal I'd get,

calling your agency last minute.

But looks like I lucked out.

Thank you.

This is a really nice place.

I've never been here before.

Oh, I come here all the time.

It's nice, expensive,
but, hey, I'm a lawyer.

A lot of my
colleagues come here.

So it matters who
you're seen with.

You got it.

Well...

Yep. I lucked out.

Did I?

You better believe it.

May I get you drinks?

Another scotch rocks,

and the lady will have a
glass of your house white.

Oh, I'd really prefer
something else.

Hey, you'll love their white.

Could we take care of the fee?

Let's not. Let's forget the fee.

I'm gonna show
you a great evening.

I really can't do that.

You see, my agent
gets half of the $50.

The lady you spoke
with this afternoon.

Tell her I didn't show.

Tell her the date washed
out. How's she gonna know?

I really don't do
things like that.

You're kidding, aren't you?

Hey. There's an old
law professor of mine.

He taught me
contracts and tort law.

I'll explain tort
law to you later.

Come on. I want you to meet him.

- Professor Lewis.
- Yes.

Ted Quinn.

Ted, how are you?

- Don't get up. Don't get up.
- Nice to see you.

- This is Jordan.
- Hi, Jordan. How are you?

I'd like you both to meet
my wife, Mary-Ellen.

It's a pleasure. Ted
Quinn, and this is Jordan.

Hello.

I understand you're
an expert in tort law?

Well, that's my field. Yes.

Perhaps you could settle
a contract dispute for me.

Oh, I don't think this is
the time for business...

You see, this man
hired me for a date

and he refuses to pay.

It's really been
nice to see you.

Yeah, good to see you, Ted.

That was uncalled for.

Look, I'll pay.
I'm willing to pay.

You owe me an evening.

Sue me.

Hello.

Hello?

Is somebody there?

Hello.

Ooh. I woke you, huh?

Who is this?

It's Beau Simpson. I don't
usually call at this hour, but...

I'm sorry I snapped.

It's just that I had a
hang up a while ago,

and this has been a
forgettable evening.

Well, do you believe
in try, try again?

Like maybe tomorrow?

Sure.

Do you think Jess would
mind if it was just the two of us?

I don't think so. She's
having a friend over.

How about something simple,
like a picnic on the beach.

Okay.

Pick you up at 12:00?

Okay.

Goodbye.

Bye.

I gather from the way you
ride that you're a country boy.

Close. I
was raised in Manhattan.

You're kidding.

No. Learned to
ride in central park.

Well, how'd you get into acting?

I always wanted to
be the lone ranger.

But I took the easy way out

And got my teaching
credentials instead.

Bet
you didn't like that.

No, no, I liked it. I liked it.

It's just that old dreams...

Oh, you know, they die hard.

They kind of burn a hole in you.

So, I decided to
give acting a shot.

Do you work a lot?

Should I recognize you?

Well, two lines in two years.

I guess it's difficult to make
it in the movie business.

Yeah.

But then, you only have
yourself to support. Right?

Right.

I mean, I've never been married,

If that's what
you're getting at.

I'm... I'm waiting
for the perfect girl.

- Oh. See you later.
- No, no.

Come here.

It's all right.

So you're a romantic, huh?

Yes.

Well, you know what? I
married the perfect guy.

Yeah?

High school sweetheart, most
likely to succeed, the whole thing.

Not only wasn't it perfect,
it wasn't even good.

Fair to middling would
be an exaggeration.

Do not wait for the
perfect girl forever.

I won't.

Promise.

Okay?

Well, you're gonna
look beautiful now, huh?

- Guaranteed.
- We need a picture of this. Come on.

Let's see a big smile.

Big smile. Come
on. You can do it.

Go ahead.

Go ahead. Come on, Jess.

Smile.

Come on, I see it. It's
almost there. Come on.

There it is.

- I look like a geek, huh?
- No, you don't.

You look like... Christmas.

Hey, what do you say we
all go out to dinner tonight?

I can't.

Mom's working tonight,

So she can pay for my braces.

Oh.

Well, I guess that just leaves
the two of us, huh, tin grin?

What do you say?

- Sure.
- Okay.

But don't call me "tin grin."

Okay. Let's go,
flash. How about that?

- That's pretty bad, too.
- Hop in.

- Hang on.
- Okay.

I've come out here a few times.

Let's see... We have of doctors
here from all over the world,

Probably, for this conference.

Come on. Ah, it's the
first time I've been out here

on the conference circuit,

and I was lucky enough
to find someone like you

To have some fun with.

- You're a good dancer.
- Thank you.

For me?

For you.

Thank you.

Hope you're gonna like it.

It's carefully selected,
really thought out,

and wrapped in such a way

that you'll never get it open.

Perfume, huh?

Oh, it's beautiful. Thank you.

Okay. Good.

I think I should
tell you, Dr. Paige,

that on these dates I don't...

I don't either.

No strings attached.

I... you know, I am a widower

with a successful
private practice,

and I do occasionally
meet someone

On whom I can lavish
a bit of my good fortune.

And anyway, I'd certainly like
to get to know a woman first.

Okay?

Thank you.

Oh, there's a friend.

Come on, I have someone
I want you to meet.

Jordan... Jordan, hi.

Hi, Sandy. This
is Dr. Ken Paige.

This is my friend,
Sandy, and uh...

Sean Feldon. Also
in for the convention.

I see. How are you, Dr. Feldon?

Yes.

- Hello.
- Hey, I heard your paper.

A very good paper, doctor.

Why don't you
have a drink with us?

Oh, thank you.

A drink with the senior
man of ophthalmology?

I'm honored.

What'll you have?

The round's on me.

Oh, ah, but just
one little drink.

I want this man
loose, not unconscious.

We're gonna play hospital later.

Waiter. Waitress.

Well, I don't
know. Maybe at my age,

I guess you just start to
get to be more philosophical.

However, it just
seems to me that

one part of us wants to be free

And the other part of us
wants an anchor of some kind.

Well, whatever.

Thank you for a lovely evening.

Thank you.

I'd like to invite
you in, but...

Another time.

What was that?

Must be a cat.

Back east they'd call
that a raccoon, probably.

Good night.

Who is it?

Sandra, it's me, Jordan.

Hey, hi. What are
you doing here?

I need to talk to you.

Okay. Sure, come on in.

New couch?

Yeah. It came
yesterday. You like it?

Sandra, what are you
doing with yourself?

Do you want some Brandy?

I was just going to have some.

You're selling yourself
now, aren't you?

I got these two chairs to go

with the couch in rough leather.

I think they really
look nice, don't you?

Aren't you?

Get off my case, Jordan!

Why, Sandra?

Because this is the
only way that I can afford

to live the way I want to.

I'm not talented. I'm not
educated. I'm not trained.

All I've got to bargain
with is me. Period.

Well, that's sad.

But true.

And what, may I ask, other
than what they taught us

In Sunday school,
is wrong with it?

This has nothing to
do with Sunday school.

It's fake. It's phony.

I would die before I
would let somebody

I didn't care about touch me!

Much less charge
him money for it.

Oh. Oh...

Baby, you are so naive.

And you're becoming so hard.

Do you believe there's
such a thing as love?

Well, I've heard about that.

I've read about it.

It's just that I haven't
seen too much of it.

Well, I'm working on it.

No kidding? With who?

Beau.

Oh.

Your unemployed actor friend.

Yeah? Well, good luck.

Work late last night?

Hi.

Yeah, a little bit.

I kept calling, but
there was no answer.

Well, I... I guess I got
home around 11:00.

Well, I guess I
called before 11:00.

I dropped Jess off at her
friend's apartment at 8:00.

She told me. She had a
really good time. Thank you.

You always leave her there
when you go out at night?

Well, only if I think
I'm going to be late.

Could we start this
conversation again.

Please.

Hi.

I came over here
with some good news.

- What?
- I got a job.

Oh, great!

Acting.

In a movie for television.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

It's for a producer who
does a lot of product, so...

It's a real good beginning.

Oh, good. Shall we celebrate?

Want some coffee?

I thought you'd never ask.

Cut!

Want to take it again?

Hi. What're you doing down here?

I'm on my lunch break and
thought I'd come and watch.

- Is that okay?
- Sure.

Did I miss your scene?

Uh, I'm afraid I missed it.

There's an old
saying in our business.

Bit players never die, they
just get written out on the set.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

I bump you.

You always bump me.

That's how I beat
you every time.

Who's your mom out with tonight?

With her boyfriend.

Which one?

She only has one. Beau.

But she goes out
with lots of guys.

No, she doesn't.

Then how come we always
see her go out all dressed up?

She works at night sometimes.

That's right. She works.

Jess, you can
talk to me about it.

I'm your best friend.

About what?

About your mom
doing prostitution.

What are you talking about?

You know what the
word means, don't you?

Yeah. What's it got
to do with my mom?

Well, my mom says for sure
that's what your mom is up to.

Your mom doesn't know what
she's talking about, Mandy.

She does so.

Go home and tell your
mom to stuff it, Mandy.

How come?

Because I said
to. Get out! Go on!

Okay.

But just remember,
if you forfeit, I win.

Get out! Get out!

♪ Lazy Jessie, will you get up?

♪ Will you get
up, will you get up?

♪ Lazy, Jessie, will you get up

♪ so early in the morning ♪

How was your evening?

Well, did you lose
the game to Mandy?

I thought maybe you did.

I saw the pieces all
over the living room floor.

Did you throw them at her?

I'm sorry. I forgot
to pick them up.

What's wrong, Jessie?

Nothing.

Something's wrong.

Your braces.

I took 'em off.

What for?

I don't need braces.

Jessie! You do too need braces.

You have a bad bite.

We're gonna have to
have them put right back on.

I don't get it, Jessie.

I worked very hard to
be able to afford these.

Yeah, and I know doing what.

What?

I don't need braces that bad.

I don't need anything that bad.

You always told me not to lie.

Because lies confuse things

Between people
who love each other.

Social work.

That's not what
Mandy's mom calls it.

What does Mandy's mom call it?

I wish I were qualified to do
something that would pay me

as much as professional dating.

Maybe when I get my
real estate license I will be.

And I wish I had
the time to speculate

about other
people's private lives.

What's professional dating?

Professional dating
is what it sounds like.

It's a date you get paid for.

And a date is all it is.

I don't expect
you to understand.

Just believe that your mother

is not doing anything that
you have to be ashamed of.

Hello.

Thank you for picking me up.

Good evening.

My daughter is having
a hard time with this,

and I was hoping that
meeting somebody like you

Would make her feel better.

Sure, sure. Fine.

Happy to do whatever I can.

Thank you. I'll be right back.

Jessie, I want you
to meet the man

Who's taking me out tonight.

Do I have to?

I'd really like you to.

This is Jess. This is Dr. Paige.

How do you do? Nice to meet you.

Your mother's told
me a lot about you.

Sure. Can I go now?

Are you sure you're
gonna be all right alone?

I'll be fine.

Perhaps you should call Pam
or one of your friends, huh?

No, I'll be okay. Really.

I'm gonna take good
care of your mother.

Don't you worry.

Lock up.

I will.

Good night.

Hello?

Hello?

Is that you, Mandy?

Hello?

Here we go.

Well, Sichuan's
a province, I think,

And so is hunan and let's see...

Canton's a city.

Listen, well, anyway.
Sichuan. I recommend it.

I think you'd like it.
Would you like to try it?

Oh, that will be fine.

Unless you prefer
something else?

No, that's fine.

I really should
give Jess a call.

Oh, okay, okay. Don't
be too hard on her.

She's just jealous of your
attention to other people.

It's natural.

Well, she was rude.

I didn't take it personally.

Thank you. But I
need to call her for me.

I don't like to leave
her home alone.

Okay.

Say, shall... Shall I
order for you? Sichuan?

Uh, I prefer mandarin.

I'll wait until you get back.

- Hello.
- Hi.

Who's this?

- Jess.
- Jess?

Is Beau there?

No, he's not, but can
I take a message?

Well, who's this?

This is sheilah. I'm
a friend of Beau's.

Me, too.

You don't know when
he'll be back, do you?

No, he usually has his
acting class on Thursdays,

But can't I help you?

It's kind of hard
to explain, but...

Beau and my mom
are kind of going steady,

except that they're not.

Because my mom goes out.

Like tonight she went out
with this really dumb old guy.

Anyway, I wanted to tell Beau,

Because I think he
really likes my mom.

And she really...

I better wait and
tell him myself.

It's kind of complicated.

Oh, uh, that's all right.

No, forget it. Just
tell him I called, okay?

I will.

Thanks. Bye.

Bye.

Hello?

Jessie, I've
been trying and trying to reach you.

I was about to make an
emergency break through.

Who on earth have you
been talking to anyway?

I'm sorry.

I need to be able to
reach you when I'm out.

Please don't stay
on the line so long.

I won't.

Are you locked in?

Yes, I'm okay.

Sure?

I'm fine.

Okay. I won't be late, but I
want you to take this number

In case you need
to call me. All right?

All right.

You have a pencil and paper?

Yeah.

The number's 555-7658.

Okay. 555-7658.

Okay, bye, honey.

Bye.

You got her?

Ah, yeah, finally. Thank you.

Good. Well, I haven't ordered.

Mandarin, hmm?

Uh-huh.

"Uh-huh"?

Mandarin.

Why don't I take you home, huh?

Let you get things
straightened out.

Wouldn't that be better?

I hate to spoil your evening.

It's all right. It's all right.

Waiter.

Thanks.

No, no,
no. My practice...

My work is
certainly still serious,

but I don't know.
Everyday life seems to me...

well, it's gotten kind
of casual or superficial

And then, you know...

Somebody comes along
or something happens,

And you realize that maybe
it doesn't have to be like that.

And...

Yes, yes, I'm sorry.

You know, I nearly forgot this.

I appreciate your
not asking for this fee.

Well, this wasn't really a date.

No, no, please,
please, please, please.

It's not important.

But I wanted to ask you, um...

Ah, thank you. And thank
you for helping me with Jess.

You're a nice
lady. Are you free?

When?

No, I don't mean
Saturday night. I...

Listen, I am older, right?

And maybe I'm
a little bit sedate,

and that could be a
drawback to a younger person,

but I'm gonna ask you anyway.

Hell. Are you free of
entangling alliances?

I'm not sure.

Well, okay.

When you are, let me know.

Good night.

Good night.

Hi, mom.

Go back to sleep. Good night.

Oh!

Do you know anyone you'd
think might do something like this?

Well, it could be the
act of a jealous lover.

Is there anybody in your life

that fits that
description right now?

- No.
- How about at work?

No, there's
nobody at the office.

I do professional
dating on the side.

You're an escort.

You probably know some
of the guys down at vice.

You got a record?

No, this is just something I'm doing
temporarily until we get on our feet.

Yeah. Yeah, well...

Look, lady,

this opens up a whole new field,

and brings in some of the
less savory citizens in our town,

so I want you to
drop by the precinct

with the names of
the guys you've dated

and the names of the girls

who might think
that you're trying

to rip off some
of their business.

In the meantime,
we'll take care of it.

You keep your doors locked
and your windows locked. Huh?

Good night.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Jess called last night.

Who is she?

I told you. She's a little girl

I've been spending
some time with.

What'd she want?

Just to talk, I guess.

What does her mother do?

She works in real estate.

What's she like?

Nice.

Well, it seems the
little girl was upset

because the mother
went out with someone

That Jess
apparently didn't like.

Old and rich was the
way she described him.

Sheilah, would
you do me a favor?

Why, of course.

I need to work.

Would you use your connections?

Finally.

Desperation, I guess.

Hello.

Jordan! And how is
one of my very best girls?

I've come to settle up with you.

Oh, dear, no. You
can't stop now.

You're one of my
most successful girls.

Sorry.

You've built your own clientele.

Well, it happens all the time.

Your friend
Sandra, all the girls.

But frankly, I didn't
spot you as the type.

I'm not. It's...

it's just that I
have a daughter,

and I can't stay away from
home at night anymore.

Well, we shall miss you.

You're a popular item.

I think this is what
I still owe you.

Jordan. Can I see you
for a moment, please?

I'm sorry, Jordan.

I'm going to have to let you go.

Mrs. Amend, somebody broke
into my apartment last night.

My daughter and I
didn't sleep all night.

I had a really important
appointment to go to this morning...

Jordan, I know
that you and Sandra

Have been moonlighting
for an escort service.

How do you know that?

There had to be some
reason you were always tardy.

I received a phone call.
I don't know from whom.

Obviously not a friend.

Mrs. Amend, that doesn't
have anything to do with my...

Jordan, I have tried to be
as tolerant as I could be.

I'll try much harder.

Jordan, uh-uh. I'm sorry.

Good morning.

I'm Mrs. Croft.

Perhaps you could help me.

Well, I know we can help
you. Won't you sit down?

Well, actually, I'm looking

for a young woman
who works here.

A west.

Worked here. Jordan.

She doesn't work here now?

Not anymore. She's just leaving.

The blonde?

Too bad.

She could have made an honest,
respectable living in real estate.

Instead, she chose to get mixed
up in one of those situations.

What situation?

Escort dating.

I'm surprised.

Why didn't
you tell me last night?

What could you have done?

I could have been here. I
could have stayed with you.

I don't like getting this
kind of news 12 hours late,

like yesterday's weather report.

I'm sorry.

Did Jess tell you she
called my place last night?

No, she didn't.

Well, she said you
were out with some guy.

Old and rich.

Just a paying date.

A what?

I work for an escort
service at night.

I get paid to date.

I don't believe it.

Well... What
else am I supposed to do?

Nobody ever told me,

"Jordan, when you grow
up, you should be prepared.

"Get ready to take care
of yourself and your kid."

I grew up believing
in marry your true love

and everything will
take care of itself.

Only I married a man who
couldn't take care of a pet parakeet,

And that made two of
us, and baby made three.

And now I am trying
to learn how to do

What I never learned how.

But an escort service. Do
you know what that really is?

I only dated, and I quit.

Besides...

didn't you ever do anything
you weren't completely proud of

Because you didn't know
what else to do, huh?

Jordan, last night when I
thought about you with that guy,

all I could think of was
how I would feel if I lost you,

And I don't want that to happen.

I love you and I love Jess.

And I'm almost ready.

I just need a little success

To go with my good intentions.

So, will you hang in
there with me, huh?

For just a little while?

I lost my job today.

Hello?

Jordan, dear,

I made a date for you tonight.

I'm sorry. You have
the wrong number.

This is very important to me.

This man is well-placed,

And he asked
specifically for you.

No, that's the wrong number.

Do this for me, Jordan.

Just one more time.

So I don't lose
credibility with this man.

You may keep the entire fee.

I know you must need the money.

Yes, right.

He'll call and make
the arrangements.

Thank you.

Hi. I got your message.

Right on time.

Look familiar?

Yeah. I introduced
you to this place.

This is where we
came on our first date.

That's right.

The first time that we sat here,

I fell more in love than I
have since high school.

And I said to myself,

"this will never work."

then I said to myself,

"why not?

"What's a little difference in
age, money, status, experience?

"Nobody's exactly alike."

I answered my own question,

Why you finally let
me pull the strings.

Jordan west. Pretty name.

Don't do the guilt thing.

People make their own beds,

and I have thoroughly
enjoyed lying in this one.

A drink?

A beer.

Two on tap, please.

How'd you find this place?

Uh, stumbled on
it. Want to dance?

Sure.

We'll be right back.

Jordan! Jordan!

Is he another paying customer?

I thought you quit
being hired company.

I never even
realized you started.

I should have realized
that two lines in two years

Wasn't keeping you
in fancy cowboy boots.

Sheilah has been a
very good friend to me.

I bet.

She's been very supportive.

- Supportive?
- Yes, supportive.

Oh, that's a nice word for it.

I hope that somewhere
in the English language

you can scrape up as nice
a word for what you've been,

because I've got a lot
on my mind right now

and not one of them is nice.

I'm sorry, but I hated to
lose you to someone like that.

Did you set that up?

I thought you should
see what she really is.

You could hardly call
this evening a date.

Oh, keep it.

I have to account to the
taxpayers for it anyway.

Vice squad.

Mrs. Kennedy, it figures.

I knew 60 seconds after
we met you were no hooker.

That's it.

Okay.

What was that?

Cats.

Mom, what happened? I'm scared!

Be still. Stay quiet.

I'm gonna light some candles.

- Please...
- Are your windows locked?

- Yeah.
- Okay.

I'll call the police.

Police department.
Sergeant Miller speaking.

Hello, sergeant,
this is Jordan west.

I live at 2433 Dennison
Avenue, apartment 12a.

I just heard some loud
noises and all my lights are out.

I know it's silly
to call the police

because all my lights are out,

but somebody threatened
my life recently and I’m...

I'm alone
here with my daughter and...

And you're scared?

Just stay in the apartment,

Make sure all the doors
and windows are locked.

We'll send a man over.

He'll be there in
just a few minutes.

Oh, Mrs. West...

Don't make any calls, just in
case we want to call through.

Thank you. Oh, please hurry.

Come on, Jessie.

Come on, I'm gonna... We're
gonna look at the windows now.

What are we gonna do now?

We're gonna get something

to defend ourselves
with, just in case.

Here, you take this.

- Hold on to me.
- Okay.

We're gonna put the candle out

so he can't see us if
somebody comes in. All right?

Okay.

Come on. Go in
the corner and hide.

Get down. Quick.

I wish the
police would get here...

So do I.

Oh.

Oh, Jess.

Oh, honey...

I was so scared.

Oh, must be the police.

- You take this, huh?
- Okay.

Who is it?

Police.

Help! Help! Jess!

I wasn't going to
hurt her. I wasn't.

Oh.

Who is he?

A date.

Oh.

You haven't seen
him for a long time,

but do you remember your father?

Yeah.

What do you remember about him?

He was fun.

Yeah, he was fun.

We used to have picnics
on the living room floor.

We'd pretend we were at the zoo.

Then we'd describe
all the animals.

Do you know why we
couldn't go to the real zoo?

Because we could never
afford to go any place.

Your father was always
chasing any rainbow

and losing track of it somehow.

Everything was always fun,

and that took the
fun out of everything.

I'm afraid it would be the
same way with Beau, Jessie,

Until we stop laughing.

Do you understand that all?

I don't know.

Will you try?

I love you.