A Million Little Things (2018–…): Season 2, Episode 1 - Coming Home - full transcript

Previously on "A
Million Little Things"...

Friendship is the person that you trust

with your wallet and
your wife and your kids.

It's being able to have
the hard conversations

and be willing to listen.

It's a million little things.

You're not gonna believe
this. Jon killed himself.

If you hadn't called
to tell me about Jon,

I would be dead right now.

I had a mouthful of pills
when I answered that phone.

Jon always said, "Everything
happens for a reason."



I can't find a reason for this.

- What is he doing here?
- Men get breast cancer, too.

Obviously, my boobs are fake.

Obviously, I'm okay with that.

And where did you meet this one?

10 bucks says his breast
cancer support group,

and if I'm right, you're gross.

And you're 10 bucks richer.

Gary's an amazing friend.

- Underneath at hot mess is...
- A lukewarm mess?

When I spoke to Ashley,

she said that up until then,

it was a normal day at the office.

How does this happen?
Why did he do this?



It makes no sense.

Jon called you at 12:27.

I forgot my briefcase.
Didn't you notice I left it?

Why is everyone an idiot?

You and your wife
can't stand each other,

but you'll never leave her.

I'm in love with someone.

We can't do this. Not now.

What if he knew about us?

What, did you just go for a run?

- Yes.
- That's sexy.

What happened in here? Are you moving?

I just moved.

Like switching apartments?

Yeah. To one that's not in Chicago.

- Chicago?
- Yeah.

I don't... I don't
know anything about you.

I know. Ist it great?

Ohh!

So, when are you gonna unpack?

Mm...

As soon as you take your
shirt off during sex.

- That's fair.
- Yeah.

Hey. Walk with quiet feet, buddy.

We don't want to wake Mommy up.

Dad? Quick question?

Yeah, what is it, bud?

- Why are there wars?
- What?

Why do some countries
fight other y untries?

Well... bud,

I think that some people feel...

Tell you what, can we talk
about this in the morning?

Ooh, can we have waffles in the morning?

- Sure.
- Set a reminder on your phone.

As soon as you get into bed,

I will set a reminder.

- Waffles.
- And war.

We have to talk about war.

Waffles and war.

Can't wait.

Dad, where's your necklace?

We need to get back.

Do you think that maybe someday

we'll be able to do this

not in the back of your Lexus?

Yeah.

As soon as we tell him.

Are you okay, Dad?

Yeah, bud.

I'm fine.

Okay.

I...

- am gonna go.
- Yeah.

- Just gettin' my keys.
- Totally.

Just to be clear...

Yeah, I'll see you when I see you.

- Love it.
- What?!

- You...
- I said "Love it."

- I clearly said "Love it."
- Yeah.

I know.

Because that... Well, that's...

So, when Jon called you,
did he leave a voice cil?

No.

_

- Hey!
- Hey!

Hi, guys.

Now, I know we should have called,

but we didn't want you saying no.

I cannot eat all this food by myself.

This one was up all night cooking.

And this one was doing a midnight stroll

on a hunt for bagels.

Found 'em. 'Cause that what you do.

Y-You bring bagels.

Oh.

My bubbe would be so proud of you.

- Would she?
- Good news.

This impromptu gathering
just got a whole lot better.

These are for you.

Really? Paper towels?

What, am I gonna show up empty-handed?

I found these in my car.

It was either this or
four loose french fries.

Bagels.

Come on, man. Anybody can bring bagels.

These are perforated, okay?

That means you can
tear off smaller sheets.

Are you really explaining

how paper towels work to an adult?

Maybe.

Yes, I am.

Did I know you were gonna be here?

Uh, Delilah called me
right after you left.

I didn't want her to be alone.

I was gonna text you,

but I was worried
about seeming stalker-y.

- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah. I see thirony.

Oh, that's right, you
two know each other.

- Kind of.
- Oh, we're still doing this bit?

That must be Ed. Saved
by the bell, thank you.

No, no, I'll go get Eddie. Thank you.

You just stay here
and get to know Maggie.

You're gonna love her.

- She's a psychologist.
- Psychologist.

It's a good bit.

- Listen.
- Eddie.

- Look, I am sorry about last night...
- Eddie...

- I know you don't want to see me here...
- I know it's tough.

...but I wanted to show
up 'cause everybody's here.

Eddie, he found your necklace.

It was in his nightstand.

Jon knew.

- We need to tell him.
- I know.

I know.

Wait... Just because my
necklace was in his nightstan

that doesn't mean Jon knew about us.

Then why wouldn't he
give it back to you?

- Hey.
- Look who's here!

Ashley.

Um, I got coffee before work.

I hadn't been since Jon died.

The barista made my usual order.

I just didn't know what to do with his.

It felt weird throwing it out.

Come in, have some breakfast.

- How you doing?
- I'm fine.

I asked you a question.

I said I was fine.

You need help.

Eddie and I are worried.

Dude

Not here.

Gina doesn't know? I
haven't told her yet.

You didn't tell Maggie, did you?

Of course not.

Well, you obviously haven't
asked anything about her life,

so I figured you had to fill
the conversation somehow.

Stop covering with jokes.

That's literally all you ever do.

Look, dude, I know that
I told you that stuff,

but you cannot treat me...

Like what? Hmm?

Like someone who told us
last night over a hot dog

that you tried to kill yourself?

If you don't find someone
to talk to about this

by the end of the day,
I will tell Gina myself.

Tell me what?

That I got to do the
re-shoots for that commercial

this afternoon, but
you already know that.

Oh, you're a commercial director?

Whoa, whoa, hold on, hold on.

You're saying it's
possible for one person

to not know another person's occupation?

The difference is
you've had sex with her.

That, I do know. I don't mind this bit.

All right, talk to me, come on.

How's school?

I don't love it, I don't hate it.

How's the insurance business?

Oh, I do hate it.

But it's a paycheck and it allows me

to drive a fun car that
grownups can barely fit in.

Anybody at school that you like?

You mean like like?

Who are you talking to?
It's Uncle Gary, okay?

Of course I mean like like.
I'm the king of the like like.

- There is this one person.
- Give it to me.

Sweetie, you didn't tell me that.

Who is she?

Just this new kid at school.

- Ella.
- Ella.

I need more juice.

Hey, everybody.

Thanks.

Thank you all for being here.

Anything for you, of course.

Just Sophie, Danny, and
I, we couldn't, uh...

Wait, where is Soph?

I don't think she's come down yet.

Danny, sweetie, you know
where your sister is?

I think she's upset.

About this.

Danny, be my eyes. What is that?

The father/daughter dance recital.

That's, uh, it's the
daddy/daughter recital,

and it's tonight, and I forgot.

Sophie.

All right, huddle up.

You heard that.

Which means we got to
do something for Soph.

We got to do what men do.

- We got to deflect.
- Absolutely.

- That's right.
- Yeah, what can we do to distract her?

We got it. What could we, uh... Karaoke?

I get it. I bought you
one crappy Christmas gift.

The point is that we
have to be there for her

in the same way Jon would
be had it been one of us.

Between the three of us,
we should be able to cover,

what, half the stuff
that Jon used to do?

So, if we take my brains,

your good looks, my sense of humor,

that's a pretty killer combination.

It's like a great band.

Band of Dads.

Band of Dads!

I just said that.

He did just say that.

Sweetie.

It's okay.

No one expects you to do the recital.

I'll call Miss Jenny
and tell her that you...

"Dixons don't quit," Mom.

Remember?

Soph?

Can I interest you in
a cream cheese ball?

I'm lactose intolerant.

Not a word, Gina. Not a word from you.

- Sweetie, this is different.
- But I don't want it to be.

I don't want all the kids at school

treating me like I'm the
girl whose dad killed himself.

See?

This. This is exactly what I don't want.

Okay, last time, you... You
can choose your own size.

So, if you have a minor spill...

- You can tear off a tiny sheet...
- Guys.

Mom, no, I'm doing the recital tonight.

Sweetie, who are you gonna dance with?

I'll dance with you.

Oh. Can you tear me off a tiny sheet?

I think I need a big one.

Thanks, dude, but I need
someone a liksle taller.

There's a part where
you have to pick me up.

Okay, Band of Dads.

Look, Gary, let's just
say what we already know.

I'm the one that everyone goes to

for anything involving dancing.

- Do we all know that?
- Everyone but you.

I want to do the recital with you.

Oh. I'm sorry, Pharrell.

She picked her guitar teacher.

Yeah, well, you know what?
Won't be as good as me,

but definitely won't be as bad as you.

So, will you do it?

I'd be honored.

You guys sit down and eat,

and Eddie can help me
reach the non-dairy creamer.

Happy to help.

What he lacks in height,

he makes up for with
disproportionately long arms.

What are you doing?

You can't do the father/daughter
dance with Sophie.

I don't have a choice.

She chose me.

And if Jon knew...

I'm not gonna let his daughter down.

It can't be you.

When she asks me why,
what should I tell her?

Hey.

We didn't go looking for this.

Yet we let it happen.

Good news. The landlord just sent over

- the final lease for the restaurant.
- Gina!

I'm gonna head into the city,
print it out, and circle back.

Wait, that's silly. Why don't you

work out of Jon's study?

- You sure?
- Yes, absolutely.

You can use his laptop, and...

You need his password?

No, of course not.

Six years his assistant,
you know more than I do.

Thank you for everything
you do for this family.

Of course.

Danny, you know that I
am the cool uncle, right?

Does that mean you're gonna try

to make me drink beer with you again?

No.

Maybe.

What I mean is,

I've known you your whole life, right?

I've never changed
your diaper or anything,

'cause that's gross,

but if you ever want to tell me

that Ella's a boy,

I'm glad to hear that, all right?

What are you talking about?

Ella's totally a girl.

Totally.

What was that about?

- Guy stuff.
- Oh, yeah?

- Talking about, uh, Corvettes and testicles?
- Yeah, pretty much.

Well, Ernesto and his
Corolla are 12 minutes away.

That's what you get
for having a 3.9 rating.

It was not my fault, it was the tequila.

I'm gonna give you a ride.

Don't vomit in my car.

Can do.

And I will see you at the recital.

You guys don't need to come.

Th's what makes it such a sweet gesture.

Thank you.

Unbelievable.

You've hugged her more
in the last two days

than I have in the last 10 years.

Well, that's because you finally
brought over a woman we like.

You didn't like Joyce?

Joyce.

No, I didn't like Joyce.

Or the fact that she stole my egg timer.

That... You can't...

I don't think that happened.

There you are.

He looks so happy.

Behind every smile is another story.

And... cut!

That was great, Mark. Give us a sec.

How we feeling?

- That was good. That was good.
- Really great.

- Yeah.
- Except...

- Yeah.
- It... It could be bigger.

Needs to be bigger.

I mean, we want the
soda to make him smile.

Okay.

But he was smiling.

Yes. That's true.

But maybe we could push the smile.

Definitely push the smile.

- But not too much.
- Not too much, though.

Just a...

You know? Just a little bit.

- Let me show you what I'm talking about.
- Yeah.

- Oh.
- What is it we're looking at?

- Smiles.
- Smiles.

Rome, these are smiles.

- Oh, and that one is...
- Too much.

Too much.

Rome, you with us?

- H-He's got it.
- Okay.

- Does he?
- I don't know.

New plan.

Give me the biggest smile you got.

Don't worry about basing
it in reality at all.

Totally get it, no problem.

Rolling.

Can you believe we have to do this crap?

I'm getting paid a month's rent

to stand here and drink soda.

Quiet on set!

Places, please.

And...

action!

Five, six, seven, eight.

You two are gonna be the cutest
daddy/daughter in that ballroom.

Oh, gosh.

- Mom, don't film us.
- No, let her film it.

People have to see how good I am.

I am keeping this forever.

I'm gonna show it at your wedding.

Sweetie, you don't have to do this.

Yeah, I do.

Come on.

We got this.

Thanks for the ride.

Five stars.

And you get 4.2 stars.

Your small-talk game needs work.

You want to come inside?

Five stars.

Full disclosure, I've eaten four bagels.

Oh, um...

Could I take a rain check?

You will not fat-shame me, woman.

Oh, no, I'm, uh...

Uh, could I call you later?

Oh.

Yeah.

- Sure.
- Yeah.

Okay.

Late...

Later's better.

So, what are you doing here?

I thought we said this was over.

I'm worried about you.

We all are.

Did you fly in just to tell me that?

'Cause they have this
thing now called texting.

It's super great.

I'm sorry.

For everything.

I'm... I shouldn't have left like that.

I just...

I don't know if I can
be who you want me to be.

I just want you to be alive.

Yeah, that's it, Tom.

I did everything I was supposed to do,

I followed all the rules,

and I still got cancer.

- Twice.
- Yeah, but, Maggie,

we can... we can fight this.

Alan said that you
canceled your appointment.

- Why?
- If by "Alan," you mean Dr. Matthews,

he's not supposed to tell you that,

and I'm not saying that
I'm not gonna fight it.

I...

I know this sounds crazy,

but cancer is not the worst
thing that ever happened to me.

I don't e... I don't even
know what to say to that.

I'm happier than I've ever been,

and I'm not playing
by the rules anymore.

I need you to know I did not s ave you.

I left old me.

All right, so... front, back.

Front, back, step-ball-change.

Step, kick...

- No, you have to take a step.
- Ah!

You know, let's just take five.

I'm gonna go get drinks.

You okay?

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

She's amazing.

She's strong.

Just like her mom.

I don't know how strong I am.

I do.

- I'm gonna go check on her.
- Yep.

- Thanks for doing that.
- Sure.

Thursday at 8:00?

No, that's not gonna...

I'm rescheduling a dentist appointment.

But make sure you get this.

Unbelievable.

Come on.

Why are you smiling?

The Bruins just ruined a two-goal lead.

Are you ever not faking it?

As bad as this seems,

I truly believe

that everything happens for a reason.

Come on, come on.

Just give me one where
you're not smiling!

Damn it.

Is that the lease? It's so exciting!

Wow, this is very real.

Well, it will be as soon
as you both sign here.

Wait, why do I have to sign?

Didn't Jon tell you?

He left the place to both of you.

He was talking about this
building for almost a year.

He never mentioned that.

Yeah, look, here's the lease.

He put both of your names on it.

He knew you were nervous about
opening a place on your own,

and with the kids growing up,

he thought you might be worried

about running out of road.

He told you that?

He just...

said you stopped working
when the kids were born,

and this could be the
perfect opportunity

for you to get back into
interior design, that's all.

I...

I'm so sorry. I thought you knew.

I thought that's why we were
signing the contracts here.

He planned the whole thing.

So I wouldn't have to do it alone.

Unbelievable. He gave
you the restaurant.

And he made you her business partner.

Seems like he had a plan for everyone.

The only person he forgot about was me.

Soph...

- Ball 4. Take your base.
- Damn it!

All right. Come on!

Time.

All right, hang in there!

Dad, I can't do this.

- I can't.
- Hey, listen to me.

I don't need you to win this game.

I just need you to not quit the game.

You're a Dixon.

Dixons don't quit.

He said, "Dixons don't quit."

And that's exactly what he did.

He loved you...

Stop. Stop!

How can you defend him?!

He left us!

Oh, sweetie.

Why?

I don't know.

Well, he may have quit,

but I'm not going to.

Hey. Maggie.

Oh, my God, it's so crazy

running into you here.

Yeah, especially when
you're holding a smoothie

with my name on it.

What do you think I did?
What, you think I just took

the business card that you gave me,

drove over here, and waited outside,

holding a Mango-My-Tango
with your name on it?

What is going on?

Don't think, just drink.

Here you go.

R-Remember the movie

that I said I was researching
that had the therapist in it?

- Mm-hmm.
- I would really love to pick your brain.

Yeah, I'm happy to, just not now.

I have an article that I'm writing,

and it was due, like, yesterday.

Okay, I'm not here about my movie.

I'm here about me.

You know, typical childhood,

sometimes hugged too
much, sometimes not enough.

Got lost in a Home Depot once.

Honestly, I don't remember it,

and my dad just wheels the story out

on Thanksgiving to embarrass me.

Okay. A few things.

One, you said mango, but
I'm tasting blueberry?

I'm not complaining,
I'm just pointing it out.

And two, I cannot be your therapist.

I'm becoming friends with your friends,

one of whom I literally
just had rug-burn sex with.

Is that too much?

Yeah, I'm sorry.

But see? That is exactly
why this won't work.

I'd be happy to refer you to...

When Gary called to tell me about Jon,

I had a mouthful of pills.

Hey, pally. I'm here.

Scooping you up for this recital.

I thought you and I could
roll in my sweet ride.

The one I work 40 hours a week for

at a soul-crushing job
in order to pay for it.

Nothing?

You think maybe you
could laugh? Chuckle?

Give me a little encouragement?

Your Uncle Gary is very needy.

You know this.

What's going on?

- Nothing.
- Nothing means something.

What is it?

Do you think he did it...

because of me?

Who?

Dad.

Da... What are you talking about?

What are you talking about, Danny?

I mean...

maybe he knew things about me.

Things lidn't think other people knew.

Things that...

you know.

You been drinking beer without me?

All right. Get up.

Nope. Come on.

We're doing this.

I know your dad.

You know your dad, okay?

And while we may never
know why he did this...

I know he definitely
didn't do it because of you.

And for the record,

if he did know what I know,

his reaction would have
been the same as mine.

To love you even more.

Got it?

Okay.

- Everything okay with Soph?
- Yeah, as okay as it's gonna be.

She's strong-willed.

Just like her father.

How are you doing with everything?

I noticed you haven't
signed the lease yet.

It's just...

- Hmm.
- What is it, Gina?

Just, why was this
the last thing Jon did?

I mean, don't get me wrong.
I-I love him for doing this.

It's just that...

With everything I went
through with the last place,

I can't help but wonder...

did Jon leave me the
restaurant because we're friends

or because he believes in me?

Here.

You're giving me back my Tupperware?

Now?

You've had it for six months.

Honestly, I've already
counted it as a loss.

These...

are the coconut chocolate
bars you made for Jon.

The ones I made for his birthday?

- Mm-hmm.
- He still has them?

Great. He hated my cooking.

He frozehem the night
you gave them to him,

and he'd eat one... A single one...

Every time he closed a big deal.

If Jon had come home from the
office that day, he would...

he would have treated himself to one.

So proud to have closed
on your restaurant.

Our restaurant.

He believed in you.

The fact is, if I hadn't
gotten that call from Gary...

Jon and I are the same.

Apparently, he's...

he's been hiding behind
a fake smile just like me.

And I've been looking for any way

that we might be different, and...

I can't find it.

Listen to me. I cannot
be your therapist.

I'm gonna refer you to my colleague,

Dr. David Heller.

He is excellent.

And you need to call him.

All right?

But as a friend, I will say this.

There is one way that
you and Jon differ.

You picked up the phone.

You took Gary's call.

You made the decision to live.

Does she know?

Not yet.

But you told the guys?

I'm sorry. With the new
restaurant and everything,

she's going through a
lot. Just give me a second.

Hey, babe. Is everything okay?

Oh, I didn't realize how late it was.

I'm still at the commercial shoot.

Oh, no, I'm gonna quickly
go home, change my clothes,

and I will meet you at the recital.

Love you, too.

- You still need a ride?
- Yeah.

Um, but before we go...

in every relationship,

there's a flower and a gardener.

And it sounds to me like

you've been the
gardener for a long time.

But you need to tell Regina.

You... you got to be
the flower for a while.

You're very good at your job.

Still can't be your therapist.

Yeah, right, because
of the rug-burn sex

- you had with Gary, right?
- Yes!

I get that.

Yeah. How many seats do we need?

All of them. Maggie said she was coming.

Rome said he was on his way.

Hey. What's going on?

- Is that Ella?
- No!

That's Ella.

Yeah, it is.

Bueno.

- Hi. Sorry we're late.
- Yeah.

Well, you know, she
was late, I was late.

I guess, so, we're late together.

So, what I'm hearing
is you're not on time?

No, 'cause we're late.

- Hi.
- Hi.

I called you. You didn't pick up.

Sorry, I was busy, man.

Oh, no, no, that's not fair.

I call you, you don't
pick up, I worry now.

My God, I just became my mother.

For your information, Mama Mendez,

I was in my first therapy session.

You already found a therapist?

That's great.

Who is he?

Uh, this guy, um, uh, Dr. Heller.

Sure.

I'm gonna get some footage
of Sophie and Frankenstein.

Technically, he's
Frankenstein's monster.

Oh, hey, stranger.

Doctor.

How was your day?

It was... good.

'Cause if I'm not mistaken,

I saw you hugging a homeless
man outside your apartment.

Well, some people give
money, I give hugs.

- You can't drink hugs.
- No, you cannot.

At the risk of sounding like...

any number of the women
that I have disappointed,

who was that, exactly?

Actually, I didn't ask that.

Forget I asked that.

Now I'm asking. Who was that?

It's just...

someone from my past.

You do like like her.

And that's your second ginger ale.

Are we keeping secrets or not?

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,

to the Holy Cross High School

Father and Daughter Dance Recital.

I'm gonna go check my makeup.

- Of course.
- Okay.

Dixons don't quit.

Come on, Sophie!

- Ball 4. Take your base.
- Damn it!

Did you ever finish that
song you were working on?

Yeah. Wow.

Thanks for remembering.

When can I hear it?

You don't want to hear it.

Of course I do.

Well, maybe we can have
dinner, the four of us,

and I can play it for you guys.

Oh, Jon's working late
every night this week.

- So...
- Who am I kidding?

So is Katherine.

Maybe we should have dinner.

Just the two of us?

Well, yeah, and then you
could play me that song.

Sure.

Strike!

All right!

Whoo!

What am I doing?

I can't do this.

I got your text. What
the hell is going on?

I shouldn't do this.

It doesn't feel right.
I'm not her father.

None of us are her father, man.

I don't know if you've heard...

he is dead.

- Come on.
- You don't understand.

It can't be me.

Well, I would do it...

Except you're a horrible dancer.

We know. Everyone knows.

Look.

We are the Band of Dads, right?

Which means that one of us

is gonna go out there
and dance with her,

and it has recently been
brought to my attention

that I suddenly lack
the necessary skills.

I just can't be Jon right now.

I can.

Okay.

Keep it PG.

Sophie's totally gonna beat these guys.

It's not a competition.

Really?

Oh, what are you doing? You're up next.

No, I'm not.

The guys are on it.

What do you mean?

You were right.

It can't be me.

Wait, where is he? Where is Eddie?

Okay, here's the thing.

I'm gonna dance with you.

But you don't know the dance.

Yes, I do.

Actually, I always did.

Your dad was nervous about dancing,

so he had me secretly coach him.

Made me go over all the moves.

Like I said, when it comes to dancing,

I'm the one that people go to.

I didn't say anything
'cause you picked Eddie.

And I didn't know if I could
fill your father's shoes.

But I'm the one who
should dance with you.

I think it's what he wanted.

Oh, my God.

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

I'm really good.

No.

He didn't forget about me.

- Mom, don't film this.
- No, let her film it.

People have to see how good I am.

He got so much better!

Dad did have a plan.

Yes, he did.

Even though she picked
me, I can't do this.

I love you.

- Stop saying that.
- No, listen to me.

I love you. I love Jon.

I love Sophie.

I love everybody but me right now.

That's why I can't be the
one to dance with Sophie.

Even if she never finds out, I know.

I know what we did.

She is on.

Thanks.

Of course.

And for the final dance of the evening,

put your hands together for
Sophie Dixon and her uncle Rome.

Hey, it's Jon.

I was hoping to speak to you,

not just leave a message, but...

I just need you to do me a favor.

Love each other.