Being Erica (2009–2011): Season 2, Episode 6 - Shhh... Don't Tell - full transcript

(Erica)
Previously on "Being Erica":

You know what? Listen to me,
and you're really
not gonna like this,

but you think that
you're this big risk-taker,

but you're not.

Because you do the same thing
all the time with guys.

Julianne and Friedken
are sleeping together.

And I would hate to see
nonfiction falter...

Because my manager's
having an affair
with one of our authors.

This session is not going
to be about a regret.

I'm giving you
a daylong do-over.

Nothing will stick,
and everything new will be erased.



You get to redo today?

Everything I do
for the rest of the day

doesn't stick.

No.

Hey, well, technically,
it never actually happened,
though, right?

Be friends
with whoever you want.

I trust you.

Hey, I was thinking tonight,
we should um,

we should go see that
new Sandra Bullock movie.

Have you seen
my cell phone?

Sandra Bullock's
new movie is called,

"Have You Seen My Cell Phone?"
[chuckles]

Mmm... minty.

And no, I'm actually asking you.
Have you seen it?



Mm... oh.

Ah-ha-ha.
Good morning, Erica.

Thank you.
You're welcome.

Hey, can I say a "maybe"
to the movie?

Sure, yeah.
Ok.

[sighs]
Have a great day.

You, too. Bye.
Bye.

[humming happily]

[exhales, whispering]
Good.

[humming happily]

[hurried breaths]

[paper rustles]
[groans]

Key card!
I forgot that, too.

(Ethan)
Oh, hey, you know,
I don't think it's there.

Um, I think...

It's right here.

[sings happily]
Thank you.

I will let you get back to...
summer school homework?

Yep, just me and "Jane Eyre"
rocking it victorian-lit style.

(Erica) Ever get
that feeling that you've
stumbled upon a secret?

You know,
"Jane Eyre," it's one
of my favorite novels,

if you need help
with a lesson plan.

Oh, no, really, I'm fine.
But Julianne's gonna be

foaming at the mouth
if you're late, so...

Right.

(Erica) They say that
what you don't know
can't hurt you,

but is that really true?

Ok...

Julianne?
Erica.

Hi! Good morning.
I was just hoping to set up
a meeting with you

because I think that I have
found us the perfect author

for the sex scoop.
Ooh! Faboo.

Have Meeri set up
a lunch.

Uh, she's not at her desk.

Wow, those are...
those are beautiful.

Well, Friedy says
in "The Secret of Now,"

"always have your exterior
match your interior."

Um...[clears throat]

Can you keep a secret?

Um...

I--I mean,
I like to think that I can.

So, today
is Friy's birthday--

Oh.

And I'm giving him...

[keys jingle]

The key to my place.

Oh.

What? What?
It's too much, too soon?

No. No, no, no,
it's great.

[keys rattle in box]

So...
[clears throat]

This--this writer,
does she have a name?

Does she have a cv?
Can I read it?

Her name's Elexus Earner.
And since Meeri's not here,

I'm gonna go photocopy her cv
for you myself.

And, um, Julianne,
I'm just...

I'm really happy for you.

Thanks.

(Erica) Secrets. They keep
things interesting.

Some are the kind
we're dying to find out.

Others are secrets
we're straining to keep.

And still others...

Oh, my God!
I--I was just gonna, um...

The photocopy and...
Excuse me, I...

[stammering]
Excuse me. Sorry.

(Erica) Are secrets
we wish we didn't know.

♪ Being Erica 2x06 ♪
Shhh...Don't Tell
Original Air Date on October 27, 2009

♪ it's clearer inside of me ♪

♪ who I will always be ♪

♪ open me up to my heart ♪

♪ feels like I'm seeing
in the dark ♪

♪ waking me up to my heart ♪

♪ to do it all over
again and again ♪

♪ until the end ♪

♪ the sum of my dreams ♪

♪ and everything
I ever wanted to be ♪

(Julianne)
Never judge a book by its cover.

Judge it by its back cover.

We've got lots
of great options.

See, the author photo
is key.

It lets the audience connect
with the voice of the book.

Oh, sorry.

No, it's all yours.
No, it's fine.

Meeri, have the muffin
already. God.

But, Julianne,
you went for that muffin first.

Ok, chicken,
I don't care.

Now, we've got a bunch
of photos to choose from.

I just think that you
had your hand on it.

We all know that you
had your hand on it.
It's yours.

Ok, Erica, there's no need
to be so "dramatic."
it's just a muffin.

Erica, it's not the first
or the last blueberry muffin...

In the world.
Ok,

easy-peasy solution,
let's share, ok?

Ok. Now,
as I was saying,

when people buy a book,
they're also...

buying into the author.

That is where "trust"
comes in--

I really don't think
they should share the muffin.

Great! Because, you know,
I'm not interested

in the muffin anymore, anyway.
(Friedken) No? Why not?

Why deny yourself
the muffin, Meeri?

Live in the now.
(Erica) Or, Meeri,

Unlock the mystery
of tomorrow.

Will that muffin
really make you happy?

Wouldn't you be happier
with your own muffin?

Hell, I've been
known to enjoy multiple muffins,

two or three times
a day. Four on the weekend.

Ok, I'm "stoked" that the muffins
are such a hot topic,

but can we try to focus,
people, please.

Now...

(Brent)
Oh... my... God.

This is juicier than the time
Dory accidentally forwarded monkey porn

to everyone in fiction.

Ok,
just to be clear,

Meeri is eating
Friedken's muffin, right?

Brent!
Did you see it?

Yes! And I really
wish I hadn't.

Oh.

Erica, please.

Um... Brent,
could I talk to Erica?

Sure.

Ugh.

Meeri, he knows.

Please, promise me that
you won't tell Julianne.

It was a one-time thing,
a huge lapse in judgment.

That's putting it
mildly.

Look, I've just...
I've wanted to work
in publishing forever,

and he... listens to me,

to what I have to say,
to my ideas.

With Julianne,
it's just...

it's all just
making lattes

or laminating personal photos,

which I have to go and do
on my lunch break on my own time.

Another worthy
business expense.

You guys remember what it was like
being Julianne's assistant.

Uh, yes, I remember
perfectly well.

Julianne, she promotes people
based on merit.

So, if you expect me
to feel sorry for you, Meeri,

I don't.

Hello? That latte
isn't gonna make itself.

Erica, please,
I'm begging you.

I cannot lose this job.

[beeps]

[inhales and exhales deeply]

[phone chimes]

I read
your concept outline,

and I gotta say,
I'm impressed.

Good.
Just making origami fresh.

Which is exactly why
I assigned it to you.

Takes skill to make an ancient
japanese art form sexy.

I'm trying.
And you're succeeding.

You're doing
great work, truly.

Don't think
it's going unnoticed.

Thank you, Julianne.

I appreciate it.

Brent.

Mr. Galvin.
I'm glad I ran into you.

How are things in
the nonfiction department?

Any more concerns?

No, sir.

No, nothing at all.

[chatting and laughter]

Kai!

Hey.
Hey.

Um, it's good--
it's good to see you.

I mean, on the street,
just away from Goblins and...

Yeah, well,
they occasionally let me out.

[laughs]
I'll see you later.

Look, hey, Kai, wait.
What?

I just--
you can't be friends with me anymore.

I know, you told me.
We can only talk
about coffee or therapy,

And that's fine.
No, it's not fine.

It's just--I mean...

Look, it's so complicated.
Complicated--

Like how you know
the name of my therapist
even though I didn't tell you?

All right, listen,
you know where to find me

if you ever wanna stop
with the bullshit.

(Julianne) Attention!

Attention, River Rockians!

So, you're probably
all wondering

why I have "summoned"
you all here today

right in the middle
of the day like this...

What's going on?
Julianne called an all-staff.

(Julianne)
I have a very special announcement.

Today, one of River Rock's
most accomplished authors

is celebrating
the big four-five.

Hoo-hoo!
Lookie, lookie.

[light snickering]
Every now and then,

if you're lucky,

you have the privilege
of finding a writer

who really speaks to you.

Friedy, with you,

I have found not only
a great associate

but also...[sighs]
a great friend.

I'm not gonna lie.
Your work sells,

and, well, we love that
here at River Rock,

but your wisdom
has also opened my eyes

to a whole new way
of thinking...

Brent, you didn't tell
anyone else, did you?

Changed my perspective
in so many ways...

Brent!
Ah, look at me getting emotional.

[chuckles]
All of you, it is time

to sing
for your dessert.

Ready, chickens?

On the count of 3:
1, 2, 3!

♪ for he's a jolly
good fellow ♪

♪ for he's a jolly
good fellow... Î

I can't.

Easy there, tigress.

♪ which nobody can deny! ♪

Cheers, darling.

Brent, let go of me.

Trust me, you'll thank me
in the morning.

Uhh. What are you doing?

Saving you from yourself.
Take it from me--

Do your job
and mind your own business.

And just stand by
and let this happen?
I can't just not say anything.

Look, she is your boss,
not your friend.

I learned that
the hard way,

And she will
shoot the messenger.

Your brutal honesty
will just hurt Julianne,

ruin Meeri, and make
Friedken your enemy.

What's the point?
Does it affect the sex book?

No, but...

So, put it
out of your mind.

This is what Julianne gets
for mixing business with pleasure.

[sighs]
Maybe you're right.

And maybe you're welcome.

[staff chattering]
Ugh...

(Dr. Tom)
Oh, my God, poor Angie.

Apparently, Brad is
reconnecting with Jen.

Ok, I know what
you're gonna say--

That honesty
is the best policy.

It's not the best way
for her to find out the truth--

You know, publicly,
embarrassingly.

I know, but there really is--
there's no best way

to find out, and...

You know what? Brent is right.
It is none of my business.

Tell me about
the fashion show.

Ok, you know what?
I know where you're going with that.

And what's happening
with Julianne out there--
totally different.

Yeah...

Ok.

It was my final year.

And there was this girl
in my class...

Fiona. Classic overachiever.

I mean, annoying
but totally harmless.

And we'd known her for years
but barely noticed her.

But that year,
for some reason,

Jenny decided to make her life
a living hell.

[students laughing]

And I still don't quite
know to this day

why she hated her so much,
but every chance she got,

she went after her
like a serial killer.

Sounds ruthless.
It was.

And it all came to a head
at the fashion show.

See, Jenny, she had this agenda
which she told us about.

She was organizing the event

so she had access
to everything, including...

Fiona's can of hair mousse.

[dance music playing]
It was awful.

I mean, the hair removal,
it took a while

for it to work itself in,
but once it finally did,

it was so unbelievably
humiliating.

Fiona never came back
to school, and...

she had a nervous breakdown.

And I didn't do anything
to stop it.

And you think
you could've prevented it?

Of course I could've.
I could've said something.

But I just--you know,
I just chose not to because...

I felt at the time that
it wasn't any of my business.

Well.

[inhales deeply]

What're you doing?
Just following your lead.

You know, it wasn't you
in the copy room with Friedken.

It wasn't you
bullying Fiona, so...

let's just move on.
No, wait, wait.

It's totally different.

I happened to find out
about Julianne's situation,

but with Jenny, I was...
I mean, I was in on the secret.

I was a part of it. Just...

please,
what happened to Fiona,

it is still very much
a regret.

Aah!

Uhh!

[panting]

Whoops!
Oh. Impressive.

Thanks, Jude.

If you can't walk down
a hallway, Erica,

how're you supposed
to walk down the catwalk?

Hey, Fiona. Hey.
Hey, you ready for tonight?

Ready to, like,
strike a pose?

Uh, sure.

(Jenny)
Fiona's our very own
Linda Evangelista.

If Linda Evangelista
looked like carrot top and was fat.

Jenny!
[bell rings]

There's still time to quit, Fiona.
Really, I won't be upset.

Jenny? Jenny!
Was that really necessary?

Letting Fiona take part
in the fashion show?

No, but our
stupid principal thinks it is.

No, I mean
being so awful to her.

[chuckles]

[students chattering]

Oh, I wanna sex you up.

Zach? How you doing?

You know, tight.

Tight? Well,
you're still young.

Trust me,
that won't last.

Good morning, class.

Zach...
How about you and your backbone

slide back on over
to your seat?

All right. Word, Mr. C.

All right, guys.
Pop quiz!

[students groan]

All right, quit your whining.
I'll start with a gift.

The chemical symbol
for silver.

Survey says?

Erica?

Uh, what? Me?

Yes, you, really.
Silver.

And I'm not talking
David Silver from
"Beverly Hills 90210."

Ha ha ha!

That's...

Really?
Erica, I'm surprised.

Anyone else?

Ag.
Ag, correct.

Thank you, Fiona.
All right, question number two,

A more difficult one.
What is a flame test?

Jenny? Why don't you
give it a whirl?

Um...

Ok, um, the...

the test that makes
the smoke change colors?

Almost. Care to expand?

Technically,
Jenny's answer isn't wrong,
it's just insufficient.

A flame test
is actually a procedure

used to detect the presence
of certain metal ions,

based on each element's
characteristic emission spectrum.

Very impressive, Fiona.

Maybe you should
quit chemistry.

Now, who remembers
what metal results

in a bluish-green
colored flame?

I hate Fiona Watt.

I don't see why.
So, she's better than you
in chemistry. Who cares?

Why are you defending Fiona?
She's a loser.

Yes, Erica,
why are you?

Look, I'm not.
I just think that
you should ignore her.

I mean,
she's totally harmless.

Hey, hey!
Hey, you got it?

Yeah.

Awesome!

This is gonna be epic.

Erica, what--what--

Erica, what the hell
are you doing?!

I am stopping this now.

What?

No. There will be
no hair removal.

There will be no
third-degree scalp burns.

There will be no Fiona
having a nervous breakdown

and switching schools
just because she bugs you.

Girlfriend needs
to chill out.

No, you do.

I mean,
all of you guys do.

Yes, Fiona is
socially awkward and weird,

and yes,
she likes her fantasy books,

but...You guys, whatever.
She's still a human being.

No, Erica.
She's a stuck-up,
prissy little bitch

Who thinks she's
the smartest thing in the world.

Hey, Jenny...

if she has done or said
anything to hurt you...

Hurt me?
Like she could.

Ok, well...

I mean,
let me go talk to her.

There's gotta be a better way
to solve all this, right?

Let's go.

Hey, Fiona.

That's a great book
you're reading.

You've read it?
Yeah, all three,

And I've seen
the movies, too.

You mean, the 1978 animated film
directed by Ralph Bakshi?

Yes.

Um...

Listen.

Fiona, I, um...

I need you to do something
for me, ok?

Can you back off Jenny?

Or maybe Jenny
could back off of me.

Yeah, she could,
but I'm just...

I'm just talking about
in class, you know?
If you could lay off her

and... just, you know,
stop making her feel stupid.

Did you ever think that
maybe she just is stupid?

No, actually, she's not.

And...I mean I know
that she's hard on you,
and I'm not making excuses,

but I think that you could
really help yourself

if you stop
pushing her buttons.

Because, trust me, Jenny,
she's at her breaking point.

And you don't know
what she's capable of, ok?

(Jenny) Hey, Erica.
Hey.

We're gonna grab
our gym clothes and get changed.

Fiona.

Yes?
Look, I...

I'm sorry
if I've been harsh.

I didn't mean anything
by it.

It's ok.
I'm sorry, too.

Truce?

Truce.

[bell rings]

This is me, Jenny,
proud of you.

Hm. Ok. Heh.

[students chattering]

[sighs]

["Hey Jealousy"
by Gin Blossoms playing]

♪ hey, jealousy... ♪

Go, Judith.
Go, Judith. Yeah.

♪ there's only one thing
I could start ♪

(Dr. Tom) You think
you're hot and sweaty?

You should try dancing around
in one of these things for an hour,

Under the blazing sun.
Dr. Tom?

Yeah, in the flesh...
Sort of.

Nice threads.
Thanks.

Do you know
that some people

are actually attracted
to stuffed animals?

They're called plushies.

Wow, that sex book has really
opened your eyes, hasn't it?

Eh.
Speaking of opened eyes,

is Fiona aware of the fate
that befalls her tonight?

Oh, the fate that
I have already changed?

Yes, everything is good
on that front.

Everything... is so intense

when you're 17.

And I just...

I think that Jenny,
she needed somebody

wiser to cut through
all that high-school bullshit.

So, that was it?
That's all it took?

Yeah, I just put it all
out there in the open.

I made it my business.
Wow.

Gimme an "e"!
What are you doing?

Gimme an "r"!
Stop it.

Give me an "i-c-a"!
What does it spell?

(Erica)
Stop it! Stop it!

What are you doing?

I am celebrating you,
Erica Strange,

for taking a stand,

for ending
high-school bullying
single-handedly.

All before
the last bell, too.

Your next trip into the past,
you should take on World War II.

You're amazing!

Oh, yeah!

Oh, no.

Oh, no.
[groaning] oh, no.

No, no...

Oh, no, no.
Oh, no, no, I...

Oh, no, no...
[laughter]

Did Fiona just shit herself?

Kinda looks like it.

[all laughing]

Oh, no!
[all groaning]

How is this even
remotely funny?

Oh, come on, Erica.
We're just trying to help
her lose a few pounds

before the fashion show!

Ha ha ha! Yes!

Wow.

The look on Fiona's face
when she had to call her parents

And tell them what happened--
yeah, I really wish

that you were there
to see it.

Fiona should be happy.
She needs to loosen up.
I loosened her up.

Jenny, Fiona has gone home
completely humiliated,

and actually physically sick,
because of you.

Oh, no.

You mean, she might not
make the fashion show?

What is wrong with you?!
Why are you enjoying this?

You know what, Erica?
If you wanna
be best friends with Fiona,

then go be best friends
with her, ok?

Maybe you should
go home with her.
The two of you could have

a little sleepover,
you and Fiona, and Callaghan too!

I really don't care.

Oh, so what?
Now you hate Mr. Callaghan?

Can you go, please?

Or do you...
do you like him?

Huh?

You don't hate Fiona.
You're jealous of her

because you have
a crush on him, don't you?

Erica, I mean it. Go.

He's a teacher.
You realize that, right?

You realize that
you're going to war
over a crush on a teacher?

Would you just shut up?!
You don't know anything!

[door clangs]

I know that
you're acting crazy!

[exhales]

["Supermodel" by Rupaul playing]

♪ you better work ♪
♪ cover girl ♪

♪ work it, girl ♪
♪ give a twirl ♪

♪ do your thing
on the runway ♪

♪ work ♪
♪ supermodel ♪

♪ you better work it, girl ♪
♪ of the world ♪

♪ wet your lips
and make love to the camera ♪

♪ work ♪
♪ turn to the left ♪

♪ work ♪
♪ now turn to right ♪

♪ work... ♪

Thank you.

Hey, Jude.
Hey, Erica.

[exhales]

[exhales]

I'm gonna go
spritz my hair

with a little more
hairspray.

♪ don't matter what you wear ♪

♪ they're checking out
your savoir faire ♪

♪ ooh, yeah ♪

♪ and it don't matter
what you do ♪

♪ 'cause everything
looks good on you... ♪

Jenny, about earlier,
I don't wanna fight, ok?

Whatever.

Look, it's just...

your crush on Mr. Callaghan?
It's not gonna go anywhere.

He's a teacher
and you're a student...

I mean, it has nothing
to do with Fiona.

I'm not a moron, ok?

And I don't have
a crush.

♪ work ♪
♪ now turn to right ♪

♪ work ♪

♪ sashay, shante ♪

♪ work ♪
♪ turn to the left ♪

♪ work ♪
♪ now turn to right ♪

♪ work ♪

♪ sashay, shante ♪

♪ I see your picture
everywhere ♪

♪ I see your picture
everywhere ♪

♪ a million dollar derriere ♪

♪ ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah! ♪

♪ and when you walk
into the room ♪

♪ you have everybody's eyes
on you-u ♪

♪ supermodel... ♪

[audience applauds
and cheers]

[audience gasps in shock]

Uh...

[gasping and laughter]

(Boys, whistling)
Ooh, Erica.

(Boy) Nice ass, Erica.
Oh, get over it.

[laughing]

Erica, hey.

Hi, Mr. C.

Can we talk a sec,
before class?
Sure.

It's about Jenny...

I'm concerned about her.
She's been acting--

Kinda crazy?

Seems like
something's wrong.

Jenny's very...

Well, she's very
emotional, isn't she?

She doesn't normally
hide things.

I mean,
if that's what you mean.

You and her are close?
She tells you everything?

Ok...

She has a crush on someone--
on you.

Really.

Yeah. Like, a big irrational
schoolgirl crush.

[chuckles]

I guess it's, um...

it's an occupational hazard.

Being younger,
kids relate to me.

[bell rings]

We should get inside,
start the day.

But, please,
just let me know

if you think
I can help with Jenny.

Who needs "Hustler"
when I've got you. Huh?

Oh, Zach,

you know just what to say
to make a girl feel alive.

Zach.

Uh, yeah, what's up?

Take a seat, please?

Today we're going to be
exploring the acid test.

It's a test that detects
acids and bases in common materials.

Now, keep in mind,
hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive,

so, get your gloves on
before handling any of the solutions.

Jenny, thank you
for joining us.

Oh, gee. Sorry, Mr. C.
It's just I was up all night

dealing with my asshole boyfriend
who dumped me.

Jenny...

(Mr. Callaghan)
Back to our lesson.

One of the inherent properties
of acids and bases

is that they change
the colors of certain dyes.

Now, in a moment, I would like you
to pour a small amount

of the hydrochloric acid
into each flask.

Mr. Callaghan said that
you should use gloves.

And you need
to shut up, Fiona.

Jenny, we haven't
started the--

Oh, Jenny!

Keep it under there
for at least 20 minutes.

Jenny, you need to see
the nurse. That's acid!

And you cut yourself.

I'm gonna go take her, ok?

[class murmuring]
What happened?

Jenny, stop.

Jenny, just stop
for a second.

There is something
going on, isn't there?
With you and Callaghan?

No, Erica.

He broke up with me
last night, so...

so, no,
there's absolutely nothing going on.

You need to go
to the principal about this.

Jenny, you have to go
to the principal about this.

Or I will!
And I will just deny it.

Listen.

What he did is wrong.

It wasn't just him, ok?

I did it, too, so...

So, just stay out of this.
It's none of your business.

Jenny.

I thought I picked up
all the glass.

Not all of it.

There.

(Fiona)
Thank you, Mr. C.

[Erica clears throat]

I just came for my books.

Right.

Yeah.

They're on your desk.

Well...
I should get something to eat

before the only thing left
in the caf are fries.

Did you still want me
to come by after school

and help you organize
all the chemicals?

Nah. No, that's fine.

You let that finger heal.

Thanks again
for your help, Fiona.

(Fiona)
Ok.

So, Fiona,
volunteering to help?

Volunteering?

No, Mr. Callaghan asked me.

Hey, um...

Thanks for sticking up
for me yesterday.

Yeah.

Of course.

[sighs]

We will have to schedule
a meeting with parents.

Mr. Dayton...

I need to talk to you.

[students chattering]

Hey, Jenny.

I guess Fiona
can't get him now.

Fiona, right.

You knew what
was going on there.

Of course I knew.

He was inviting her
to help after class
and talking to her...

He was doing
all the same things
that he used to do with you?

I really liked him.

I know.

Being with him
was like...

having this secret
that no one knew.

It made me so happy,
and now I...

now I just feel
like an idiot.

Jenny, don't 'cause...
It's not your fault, ok?

He just--I mean, he used you.

Right, 'cause clearly
he didn't want me

for my amazing
personality.

No, Callaghan
knew a slut when he saw one.

Hey, Jenny, listen to me,

You are wonderful.

[sobbing]

And none of this
is about you at all.

He is--
he is messed up.

Erica,

I need to be alone
right now, ok?

Ok.

Oh!

Oh, yikes, that's--

That's the wrong washroom.
[chuckles]

[chattering]

Mimosa?

No, thank you.

I had no idea about Jenny.

Yeah. Kind of explains
a few things, though.

[Erica sighs]
It certainly does.

Mr. Callaghan, he was...

just the first of many
Mr. Callaghans in her life.

"there is no shame
in not knowing.

The shame lies in
not finding out."

Russian proverb.

Of course, Julianne's situation
is totally different.

Like you said,
it has nothing to do with a secret

that just needs
to be told.

I get it, Dr. Tom.

And she's not gonna
like hearing it,

and I am certainly not gonna
like telling it, but...

I have to.

Do you?

I do.

Because if I don't
say anything, then it's...

it's like
I'm betraying Julianne and I'm...

I'm a part of the problem.

[office phones ringing]

What?

Just open it.
What is it?

It's the key
to my apartment.

Oh!
Yeah.

I'm so happy you're happy,
because I didn't know,

and...I was just--
ok, um...

happy birthday.

[phone rings]

[door squeals]

Oh. Knock-knock,
who's there?

I'm sorry, Julianne,
but, um,

there's something
that I need to tell you.

Are you all right?
No.

Erica, what's wrong?

[sighing]
Ok.

You're not gonna
like hearing this,

and there's really
no easy way of saying it.

Ok, Erica,
this "production" is overkill.

Whatever it is, I'm sure
I can handle it.

So, just say it already.

Friedken is cheating on you.

Hmm--what?

With Meeri.
I--I caught them doing something

that they shouldn't have
been doing, and, um, I...

Thank you, Erica.

I'm so sorry, Julianne,
because I know...

I said thank you.
You can leave.

Julianne.
Brent.

Are you all right?
Never better.

I'm sorry
about Friedken.

The man's a dog.
You can do so much better.

I know
you thought he was the one, but--

Hang on just a second.

You knew?

You knew about him and Meeri,
and you didn't tell me?

[sobbing]

[knock at the door]

Hey.
Hey, Erica.

I'm so sorry. If you
have to work, just...

No, I don't.

I, um,
I don't have to work. I...

How awful
does my mascara look?

Uh...

It's pretty good,
considering.

Really? It doesn't
look like I've been
bawling my eyes out?

Oh, great. Great.

Like today wasn't
humiliating enough.

Look, you have nothing
to feel humiliated about.

Um...Mm...

The book cover photos,

the mimosas,

Meeri wheeling out
a frickin' cake,

the key ring,

and now this, these.
Heh.

You are the victim here.

Wrong word choice.

You know what I mean.

Yeah, I do.

Thank you
for telling me.

[exhales]
Yeah.

Actually, Julianne,
just a little...

Yeah?
Right here.

That's good. Ok.
You look great.

You look great.
Thanks.

[exhales]

[office phone rings]

(Brent)
This is bad,

really bad.

Thank you!
Meeri, I'm sorry.

I begged you, Erica,
to mind your own business.

That's all.

This job was my way in.

Well, then...

you shouldn't have jeopardized it
the way that you did.

God forbid someone should
come up behind you

and steal
your thunder, right?

Good luck, Erica.

You are well on your way
to becoming the next Julianne.

[intercom buzzes]

Erica, I need to see you and Brent
in my office. Stat.

First off,
I'm sure you know,

Meeri is no longer
an employee here at
River Rock publishing.

Sometimes people just aren't who
you thought they were.

Some live up
to your expectations,

and others
just disappoint you,

Even when you've
had their back for years.

Julianne--

It takes events
like today to realize

who your friends
really are.

I will be looking
for a new assistant.

But in the meantime,
Brent,

a latte,
easy on the foam.

[staff chattering]

[phones ring]

Mind if I borrow this?

By all means.

Hi, Ethan,
it's me again.

Listen, I just--
I really need to talk to you.

But I guess you're working late,
so give me a shout.

Um... can I get
a latte, please?

(Kai) Hey, there's a Starbucks
down the street.

They make lattes, too,
you know.

Can we please
just get past this?

(Kai)
Hey.

Why are you here?
I'm ordering a coffee.

What do you want
from me?

Nothing.

Hey, what?
Just say it.

Stop with all
the dumb games

and tell me,
what's the big secret?

My therapist, Dr. Tom,

he gave me a do-over,
a day where nothing stuck.

And during that day,
you and I, we hung out.

I have no idea
what you're talking about.

That's because you don't remember,
and I do, and...

and we kissed.

Or, you kissed me.

Anyway, that's why
I have been acting so weird.

I kissed you.

You said you wanted to know
what it would be like.

So, what do you
want me to do?

Apologize for something
I don't even remember?

No, I-I'm just confused
because it's not
just that you kissed me,

It's that...
this secret that we have,

this weird thing that we share,
it's dangerous.

You're the only person
I can talk to

about this huge part
of my life.

[voice quavering]
And I really need that.

But at the same time,
it cannot come between
Ethan and I.

Just pretend
it never happened, ok?

Ok.

Bad day?
[laughs]

Well, I had a session.

Went back to high school.
Crazy times.

I'll bet.
So, what happened?

My friend Jenny,

she was organizing
this fashion show.

And there was this really
uptight girl in our class...

When I promoted you
to editorial director of nonfiction,

it was because I believed
you had the chops.

But it's becoming
increasingly evident

that you're running
a "Gong Show."

Frank, let me explain.

I was prepared
to turn a blind eye,

but your indiscretions
have become an embarrassment
to the company.

I'll be out of town
for two weeks.

This situation
had better be cleared up
by the time I get back.

Frank, I apologize

for any embarrassment
that I have created.

And let me assure you,

this will be
dealt with immediately.

[hangs up phone]

That's the thing.
Time doesn't exist.

It's not quantifiable.

So, if I'm looking forward
to tomorrow,

I'm really just
doing it all today,

But a today
that's yet to come.

Do you understand
what I'm... getting at?

Friedken?

Yes, my muse?

I'm not sure
anyone understands

what you're talking about.

Clearly,
working from River Rock

is just
clouding your judgment.

So, maybe it's time you...

started working from somewhere
that just isn't here.

[chuckles]

But jules,
I love working here.

Yes, clearly, you love it
a little too much.

[bag jingles]

Oh, and I'm gonna need
the key back, too.

Oh, gee, you know,
I forgot I even had that.

Glad you reminded me.

And finally,

just to take some of the "mystery"
out of tomorrow for you...

I'll be expecting
chapters one through six
on my desk by the morning.

[key jangles]

(Erica)
When a secret lurks
just around the corner,

sometimes you have to
ask yourself,

Do you really
want to know?

[video game beeping]

Hey! Surprise!

What is this?

It's our first mutual
housewarming gift--

A killer 42-inch LCD TV
and a Playstation 3.

Thank you,
summer school.

So this is your
big secret this morning?

I get to kick your ass
in hi-def?

Mmm...

So, what took you
so long, anyway?

Julianne
keep you late again?

(Erica) To reveal
or not to reveal?

It's the hardest question.

Yeah, we just had
some notes to go over.

All right,
are you ready?

(Erica) Because our secrets
are the invisible burden
we carry,

Some are worth keeping,

while others
just need to be told.

And the trick
is knowing the difference.