Knots Landing (1979–1993): Season 2, Episode 16 - More Than Friends - full transcript
- You knew I was gonna ask.
- I figured you were gonna ask.
- So tell me.
- I can't.
- Why?
- Yeah.
Because they'll print them up,
they'll pass them out.
Tell me about your story. Your story.
Well, actually, it's the first short story
I've ever really written.
At first, it seemed hard
and then I really got to like it.
Maybe you've got a flair for writing.
- Come on.
- No, I mean it.
No, I've known you all semester...
and this is the first time I've seen you
excited about any assignment.
Well, actually, I kind of thought
it was pretty good.
- Great. I love it.
- I did.
- Oh, silly.
- You deserve this.
I can't wait to hear what Mr. Leeds says.
- I hope he likes it.
- He's out with the flu this week.
Oh, no. We're supposed to get
our stories back today.
Good morning, class.
As you might have heard,
Professor Leeds is out with the flu.
I will be taking his place.
My name is Earl Trent.
And I am an actual writer.
What is it? You know him?
Yeah, sort of. Well, my husband does.
Mr. Leeds gave me your stories...
and asked me to make some comments
and suggestions.
He seems to think, because I am one
of the few people in Southern California...
who has written something more creative
than a license plate...
I might have some insights to offer.
I found your stories, on the whole,
to be sophomoric.
But as you are all sophomores...
that can be forgiven.
Equally forgivable to the magnanimous...
is the fact that they are pretentious.
But if college writing
is not pretentious...
there must be something wrong. Hmm?
One story, however,
stood out among the rest.
I give you "The Runaway"
by Valene Ewing.
"Everybody in my dusty
little Tennessee town...
knew each other from the day
they were born.
That is why I was so startled to see
this tall stranger, without any shoes on...
standing in my mother's kitchen."
Hello, Warren Realty.
- Hi. Can I help you?
- Oh, yes. I'm looking for Laura Avery.
Oh. She's not at her desk.
She's in with Scooter, I think.
- Ah, would you care to wait?
- Yeah, I would.
- Help yourself to some coffee, if you like.
- Thanks.
- Scooter in?
- Yes, but Laura's with him.
For a change.
Those two ever out of each other's sight?
- Well, she's his top salesperson.
- Sure.
If he would feed us
half the leads he feeds her...
we'd be selling houses too.
Yeah, well, we don't smile at him
the way she does.
We're not writing
the book she's writing.
Laura's writing a book?
- You didn't know?
- No.
How I Made It Big in Real Estate...
with the emphasis on "made it,"
by Laura Avery.
Hello, Warren Realty.
Uh, maybe I should come back
in a few minutes?
So then he said, "Well, let's just hope
the escrow closes before it rains."
- You're kidding.
- It's a classic.
Listen, if it's his listing, watch out.
I'll see you later.
- Tonight.
- Right.
- Hey, Scooter, can I have a minute?
- Sure.
- Karen.
- Hi.
- Am I interrupting anything?
- No. No. Did you get the things?
Well, uh, actually, that's why I came by.
I told you I'd do your shopping
and then I forgot your shopping list.
- You did.
- Yes.
- You are an angel to do this for me.
- That's true.
If I had to shop and cook,
we would never have dinner on time.
- I want things to go well tonight.
- Forget it. I had to do my shopping anyway.
I am so nervous about this dinner party.
I've never met Mrs. Warren before.
- Oh, he's married.
- Yeah.
You're a good cook. Sid and I will be there
for moral support. What could be bad?
I know. But, you know, the boss's wife.
Yeah, the boss's wife.
Well, he's sure nice.
Oh, Scooter? He is a doll.
We're a great team.
But you'll meet him tonight.
Oh. Yeah, I sure will.
Okay, then. Um...
- Okay. I'll see you later.
- Okay. Thank you.
"As I closed my eyes in bed that night...
that wonderful feeling told me
I had made a friend."
Does the word "puerile"
pop into anybody's mind?
Hmm?
Besides the obvious
grammatical errors...
who can tell me what is wrong
with this story?
- Yes?
- Mr. Trent, I didn't think it was that bad.
Oh, you didn't, did you?
Well...
perhaps we should examine...
what are the elements
that go into writing a good story.
Might we ask of a story
that it have believable characters?
Hmm?
That it hold our interest?
That it express
something about the human condition...
that is novel and interesting?
Or should we settle for a rehashing...
of the most outdated clichés?
Idiotic behavior
by unbelievable characters?
The sentences stuck together like glue.
Something I said?
I hope you're enjoying the wine.
It's a '74 Burgundy.
It's a little young, raw...
but with the spanking eagerness
of adolescence.
- Richard.
- Charming and, yet, anxious to please.
Sounds like my daughter.
Isn't your daughter expecting,
Mrs. Warren?
Scooter keeps talking about
becoming a grandfather soon.
Oh, no, that's my older daughter, Sally.
Scooter is coming into his own,
becoming a grandfather.
Afraid I'm having a harder time
facing being a grandmother.
Well, you don't look like
you're about to become one.
To paraphrase Gloria Steinem...
this is what "about to become
a grandmother" looks like.
Scooter, the word
in the investment community...
is that real estate is finished.
What do you think?
- Oh, no.
- Hope not.
Not as long as there are more people
needing houses than there are houses.
I know, but the prices are just ridiculous.
Laura, this roast beef is delicious.
- Thanks.
- Oh, she's the best cook.
She's the best everything.
She's certainly the best salesperson
in the office.
Incidentally, we've got a nibble
on that industrial property on Hill Street.
Oh, yeah?
I'd like you to have dinner with the
client and me Thursday, work your magic.
Anything you say, boss.
How about your line, Richard?
Any hot tips on the market?
Oh, Richard's an attorney
with an investment firm, not a broker.
Right.
But you must keep your ear
to the ground.
Well, actually, the defense industries
are pretty hot:
- The neutron bomb, poison gas...
- Neutron bomb?
The Mayberry House will be listed again.
But the Johnsons just bought it.
- Need any help?
- No, thanks.
Once they get started talking real estate,
nobody can get a word in.
Yeah. Well, they certainly seem to enjoy
working together.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
Oh, about them talking shop?
It doesn't bother me.
No. About their being so obvious.
It'll pass, I'm sure.
I guess the worst thing
is to try to prevent it.
Just have to ride with it.
Well, that's sure great about you
and Scooter becoming grandparents.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
Actually, it's a role
I might be well suited for.
- Might even look forward to it.
- He's looking forward to it too.
Oh, yes.
But it's taking its toll on him too.
He's always been such a blatant flirt.
He loves women.
Never used to bother me before...
when I knew that it never went
beyond that, that he loved me.
- But now...
- I don't know what to say.
I guess it was inevitable.
Such a vigorous, vital man.
As young and sexy as the day I met him.
Now he's about to become a grandfather.
I guess now he needs
more than a flirtation.
- What are you talking about?
- You don't have to protect them.
- Protect them? Protect them from what?
- Richard, it's all right. Really.
I was watching you watching them.
I know that's why you came in here.
I came in here to carve more meat.
Of course.
You're really being so understanding.
I admire it.
I want you to know
I'm taking my cue from you.
- Wonder whose it is?
- I'd hate to venture a guess.
- What's so funny?
- Oh, it's just a real estate joke, honey.
- You had to be there.
- Oh, one of those escrow jokes.
Well...
I would like to propose a toast.
To Laura Avery...
who has just broken all records
by making her fourth straight month...
- as top salesperson of the month.
- Really?
And whose commission
I reluctantly have to raise.
- I'll drink to that.
- Isn't that great?
That's terrific.
Burning the midnight oil?
Why are you still here? I thought you had
a husband at home waiting for you?
I have another class later.
I thought nothing ever came
between you and Gary.
- Nothing has.
- How are you, Val?
- Haven't seen you around lately.
- I'm fine.
What's the matter?
Can't you take criticism?
You want to be a writer,
you'll have to be more tough-skinned.
I never said that I wanted to be a writer.
It was just...
an assignment. It was a story for class.
But you should think about
becoming a writer.
You...
- You have talent.
- Stop it.
I was only challenging you.
I was trying to see if you could take it.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to upset you.
If you tear people down,
what do you expect?
I know. I am sorry.
I've been rotten to everybody lately.
So it's not just you.
How's Gary?
- He's fine.
- Still on the wagon?
He's still sober, yeah.
So am I.
Haven't had a drop to drink
since Judy left me.
Judy left you?
She went back to New York.
- She always wanted that, anyway.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- That's my class.
- Oh, Val.
I'm not too good at making friends.
You and Gary are the only ones I have.
Yeah, well I have got to go.
I'll see you later.
Yeah, see you in class.
Hey, give my best to Gary.
Yeah.
Okay, let's have it.
Let's have what?
Whatever it is that's on your mind.
You've been
a thousand miles away tonight.
Something happen in class?
Well...
I got my story back in class today...
but Mr. Leeds had the flu
so we had a substitute.
And?
It was Earl Trent.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
He really tore into my story.
Read it aloud in front of the whole class.
Made me feel like a complete idiot.
So stay away until Mr. Leeds gets back.
Yeah. Whenever that is.
Um...
Did he say anything else? Earl?
No.
Well, after class I saw him
in the library...
and he tried to be a little bit nicer.
But I don't know,
I could hardly talk to him.
He makes me feel real...
- uneasy.
- Val.
Look, you don't owe Earl Trent anything.
Just stay out of his way.
Yeah, I will.
Judy left him.
Did you know that?
No.
You were really nice to Scooter and
his wife tonight, honey. I appreciate it.
Why shouldn't I be nice?
Tonight was very important to me,
you know.
You were supportive, I like that.
Well, I'm proud of you.
- Boy, I've waited a long time to hear that.
- Mm.
Thanks.
Laura.
Laura?
- So thank you for the lunch.
- Well, you're welcome.
Doesn't it make you nervous
going to school with kids?
Yeah. To tell you the truth,
it makes me feel like an old lady.
Ha, ha. I wonder if Diana
would like to go here.
- You got the brochures. She can look...
- How about here?
- Yeah, that's fine.
- Good.
If it means anything at all,
I mean, I really love it here.
Well, I'm afraid she's gonna wanna go
out of town to school.
And I'm gonna have to prepare myself
for the empty-nest syndrome.
Well, it'd be kind of exciting.
Here, take this napkin.
- Thank you.
- She'd be going away to school.
- Be great. KAREN: Oh, I
don't know. I miss her already.
Can I join you?
- Would you like to join us?
- Ha, ha.
Uh, Earl, this is my neighbor,
Karen Fairgate.
- Karen, this is Earl Trent...
- Hello.
- The substitute teacher in my English class.
- I picked some books for you in the library.
Short stories by Flannery O'Connor
and Eudora Welty.
- Oh, good.
- Southern writers, and you should read them.
Okay.
Both of them write in the Southern idiom
and in a style somewhat like yours.
I think you could learn
from their structure.
- Sure.
- You have your own voice, Val.
I wanna help to cultivate that.
She has such wonderful expressions,
doesn't she?
Carson McCullers, another you should read. I
tried to find a book, but there wasn't any.
Yeah, but you don't really think
that I can write, now do you?
No, not yet.
Your stories begin in the beginning.
A good story really begins
in the middle...
recalls the beginning,
and then proceeds to the end.
- That's very interesting.
- Sounds crazy, doesn't it?
I know, but it works somehow.
Why don't we get together.
I'll go through your story with you
and I'll show you what I mean.
Yeah, maybe we could.
It's the least I can do for you, Val...
after I treated you so bad.
How did you treat her?
Pretty bad.
I guess I saw too many of those movies
where Professor Kingsfield...
rides rough herd
on his most promising student.
Well...
That's the way it works in the movies.
Bye.
He's obviously crazy about me.
Did he even know I was here?
Look, see, Gary and I knew him
before he came to teach here.
So that's why...
Actually, he wa...
He was married to the woman
that I told you about.
What woman?
Judy.
Judy?
You know, the one that Gary...
Oh, that Judy.
Does he know about it?
I don't think so.
At least, he's never mentioned it.
He's always got...
that sad look behind his eyes.
Did you get a chance
to finish that written offer?
Yeah. Yeah, I did. Here, you want it?
- I'll give it to you.
- Oh, terrific.
- Thank you.
- Want me to write this up...
so that the escrow
is a wrap around to...?
Check with the buyer first to make sure.
Okay.
We'll have to do something
to move that Lewison house.
Won't the owner carry the paper?
They can't. They wanna get out clean.
Well, let me nose around.
And maybe I can come up
with some creative financing.
When are you gonna have time? They're
already calling me the slave driver.
- I'm just doing what you taught me.
- I know.
Makes me feel like Henry Higgins. Ha, ha.
Hi, Richard.
- Hi, sweetie.
- Hi. Am I early?
We've got a 7:00 dinner reservation.
Remember?
- Of course I remember. I was expecting you.
- You're all ready?
Uh, just give me a minute.
Nice to see you again, Richard.
- Lovely dinner last night.
- Oh, thank you. We enjoyed it too.
- I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
- No, no, no.
We're going over a few listings.
- Oh, is that what you call it?
- Yeah.
I'm all set.
- Doesn't she look beautiful?
- Beautiful.
That's what I thought you'd say.
Come on.
Val have a class tonight?
Nope. This afternoon.
She's probably home by now.
Good.
You know, some night when she does have
a class, you and I ought to plan something.
Like what?
A hamburger, a salad, a casserole.
Well, I've got my AA meetings.
You could miss one once in a while,
couldn't you?
No, I try not to.
Gary, do I make you nervous?
- No, why should you make me nervous?
- I don't know. That's why I asked.
It just seems like every time I mention us
seeing each other socially, you get flustered.
Well, if I do, it's news to me.
Is it because you're a man
and I'm a woman?
Could be.
Isn't that silly?
I mean, think about it.
We're neighbors, we work together...
we like each other.
I don't see any reason
why we shouldn't spend some time...
enjoying each other's company.
I know. I'm a woman
and you're a man. Right?
You know, you make it sound like
that shouldn't make any difference.
- Does it have to?
- No, it doesn't have to, but it could.
Maybe.
But even if it did make a difference,
even if...
Even if something did happen...
it wouldn't be the end of the world,
would it?
I mean, men say that to me all the time.
Married men, particularly.
"We could keep it in perspective.
We could keep it separate."
Maybe they're right.
Oh, relax.
I'm only kidding.
- It's your imagination, Karen.
- Oh, yes?
Well, I was right
about Richard and Abby.
Yeah.
Well, I think Laura's giving Richard
a dose of the same medicine.
You sound delighted.
When it was Richard and Abby,
you thought it was terrible.
Well, Laura's taken a lot of abuse
from Richard...
and if someone's telling her
she's terrific, I think she deserves it.
Boy, I have heard
of the double standard before...
- but that really takes the cake.
- That is not double standard.
That's "what's sauce for the goose
is sauce for the gander."
Yeah, but when it was Abby...
Abby went after Richard
like a seagull after a fish.
Richard took the bait.
Now Laura wants her share of the pie.
I think you've got your metaphors
a little bit mixed.
Makes perfect sense to me.
- No, don't answer it. No, no, no.
- Why?
- Why?
- It could be important.
- No, it couldn't be that important.
- Mm.
Hello?
Earl?
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called.
Well, what is it? What happened?
- What does he want?
- I don't wanna talk to Gary.
- You're the only one I can talk to.
- Well, where are you?
At a bar.
McDuffy's, across from my apartment.
I think I need a drink.
No, no, no, wait.
Now, don't drink, whatever you do.
- We'll be down to talk to you.
- What?
You're gonna be okay till we get there?
- You won't take a drink?
- I'll try.
Okay. We'll be right there. Bye-bye.
- He says he's gonna drink.
- So let him.
- Gary.
- Val, honey, he's just using you.
What do you mean?
He's in trouble and he needs someone.
He needs someone to hold his hand.
Well, what's wrong with that?
That's what we're here for, isn't it?
Come on, Gary. Get dressed.
Val, look, honey...
I don't know whether or not
Earl knows.
About Judy and me, I mean.
Look, if he does,
he's not gonna wanna see me.
Seeing me just might make him
drink again.
He called you, not me.
- Okay, then I'll go alone.
- No.
Well, what choice do I have?
Neither of us has to go.
Gary, if neither of us goes, he'll drink.
That's his problem.
No, it's not. It's our problem.
Now, look. What's past with Judy is past,
and he needs you now.
You gonna let that man down again?
Oh.
I don't know, Val.
- I really don't know if I can make it.
- You don't wanna do this.
You know that.
Gary, how kind of you to come too.
- What do you think you're doing?
- He hasn't taken a drink.
No. I've been waiting for you to save me,
like you've done so many times before.
Nobody can save you but yourself.
Oh?
I thought you cared
whether I lived or died.
- Well, of course he does, Earl.
- Oh-ho. I don't know if he does.
I'm not gonna play games with you.
You wanna drink, drink.
Just don't ask me to watch it.
Gary.
You were supposed to be my friend, Gary.
What happened to you?
I got sick of being used like a yo-yo
every time you wanted to drink.
Didn't want a friend,
you wanted a nursemaid.
You said you'd always be there.
Then one day, you weren't there anymore.
Where'd you go, Gary?
- Why'd you disappear?
- I had my own life to lead.
- Couldn't follow you around anymore.
- You both left me at the same time.
You, and my wife.
Isn't that something to drink to, hmm?
I don't know about Judy, but I got tired
of trying to talk you into being sober.
You wanna be sober, don't drink.
You wanna drink, be my guest.
- Would you...?
- We're not doing him favors...
by playing these games.
Now, come on. Please.
Laura?
I'm out here.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I thought you would have left already.
My first appointment is not till 11:00.
I thought I'd take it easy this morning.
That's good.
This is how we
salespersons-of-the-month do it.
Karen, would you like a cup of coffee?
Help yourself.
Thank you.
Oh, your boss sure is cute.
Isn't he?
Yeah, real attractive.
I know.
- It must be nice working for him.
- It is.
- Is he as nice to you as he appears?
- He is the greatest.
He's certainly looking after
your best interest.
Karen, are you getting at something?
Who, me? No. Are you?
- Am I what?
- You trying to tell me something?
No.
Hmm.
Just not saying anything.
- About what?
- Anything.
Karen, what is there to say?
You've already said it all.
I made an ass of myself again last night.
For a change.
You didn't take that drink, now, did you?
- No.
- Well, then, that's all that matters.
I guess.
Val, uh...
Why do you think Gary quit on me
the way he did?
- What do you mean?
- For a while, he was like a guardian angel.
Every time I came anywhere near a drink,
he'd come storming in, ranting and raving...
hauling me out of every bar,
throwing every name in the book at me.
- And if I drank, it was as if he failed.
- Yeah.
Then one night he didn't come.
Maybe he figured it was time
to make you do it on your own.
No.
No, he cared too much.
I knew I was using him,
playing this game.
Maybe he realized it was a game too.
But first, he stopped coming after me
and then Judy left me.
Strange.
Almost as if there was some kind
of connection.
Was there a connection?
I know, I know. You don't wanna talk to me
about it. Might drive me off the deep end.
Don't worry about me, Val.
I think I can handle myself.
I just wondered if you knew about it?
I knew.
Well...
I suppose we should both feel better
about getting that out.
Okay, uh, let's get back
to this business of literature.
Um, I think I have some good ideas
about how we can improve your story.
With a little bit of work,
I might be able to get it ready...
for submission
to the college literary magazine.
- Oh, come on.
- No, I really mean it.
- Oh, look, stop. You said in class...
- No, no, no, I was horrible to you in class.
With a few minor adjustments...
Well, I think we're gonna pull it all apart,
then somehow put it back together again.
- If it's all that bad, then I don't...
- It's not as bad as it sounds.
Look, can I come over
to your place tonight?
No, no, no. Gary wouldn't like that.
Can you come over to my place?
You really think
the college literary magazine?
Yes. Val, you have a gift for language.
I'll get you my address.
You scoot off to class.
- I'm gonna be late.
- See you.
- Okay. Bye-bye.
- Bye.
Bag the groceries, babe.
I'm taking you out on a hot date tonight.
I can't.
I've got that business dinner with Scooter.
- Why don't we just do it tomorrow.
- Oh, come on.
I moved heaven and earth and a maitre d'
to get us a reservation at this restaurant.
But you heard Scooter
ask me the other night at dinner.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't write down everything he said.
Come on,
can't we just do it another time?
You spend more time with Scooter
than you do with me and Jason.
I mean, I know we can't advance
your career.
That is not true. You are being silly.
Yes, it is true.
I mean, he says jump, you jump.
- Day or night.
- You're describing the way...
my relationship used to be with you.
You're upset it isn't anymore.
That is not what I am talking about.
You don't just think I can succeed
on my own, do you?
You think if I do well, the only reason
is because I'm coming on to the boss.
You know, some men and women
can be friends without sleeping together.
But you can't do that. No, no,
we're not talking about you and Abby...
we're talking about me and Scooter.
It's an entirely different story.
All you had to do was say no.
You're going to his house? What for?
Why, he's helping me with my story.
He thinks it's got possibilities.
And with a couple changes...
we might even submit it
to the college literary magazine.
And you fell for that?
Well, what do you mean?
You saying that you don't think
my story's any good?
- No, no, not at all.
- You finished?
Yes. I just don't want you to go,
that's all.
Why not?
Listen, darling.
Look, darling, I'll only be there
for an hour. Two at the most.
If you really wanna know...
it means a lot to me.
Hey, Richard, come on in.
Laura's working,
so I thought I'd see what you are up to.
- Great. Can I buy you a drink?
- Yeah. Brandy?
Yep.
Karen's at a meeting.
So I'm baching it myself.
What is it tonight,
abortion or baby seals?
- Ha-ha-ha. Just toxic waste.
- Ah.
- Thanks.
- Right.
- Cheers.
- Yeah. Uh...
Sid.
When Karen's on these crusades of hers,
does she ever meet any guys?
Sure, lots of guys. Why?
It doesn't bother you?
In what way bother me?
Well, I mean, does she ever...?
I mean, have a drink with them
after a meeting or something?
Oh, I see what you mean.
Richard, you know...
when you've been married
as long as Karen and I...
if you didn't have friends outside your
relationship to talk to, you'd just stagnate.
So it doesn't bother you?
Well, to be perfectly honest with you,
it really used to bother me a lot.
You know, I'm not the kind of a guy
who has relationships with women...
I mean, very often,
outside of romantic relationships.
But Karen, she's always had
a lot of male friends.
Right from the time I met her.
And it really used to bug me...
but then I came to realize one day...
that that just because
somebody you love...
has a relationship outside
of the main relationship...
it doesn't take away anything
from that main relationship...
unless they give
to that other relationship...
those kind of intimate and personal...
and, you know, very private things...
that belong to the main relationship.
You know what I mean?
No.
"I never saw the stranger again
after that day.
He disappeared as mysteriously
as he had appeared."
Well...
that's the new ending to your story.
How do you like it?
Well, um, see, that's not the way
that it happened.
See, he became a real good friend
of our family...
and I saw him all the time after that.
Real life doesn't always
make a good story, Val.
So you'll bring him
by the property tomorrow?
Yes. And I'll get all the information
he needs then.
I know I can count on you.
Laura.
Something's bothering you.
You've been looking at me strangely
all evening.
It's nothing.
Just a conversation I had
with Richard tonight.
Anything you wanna talk about?
Do you realize people assume
we're having an affair?
Well, to tell the truth,
I had heard rumors.
But I didn't wanna squash them
because it made me look so good.
Listen.
I guess rumors are inevitable
when a man and a woman work together.
Well, why should they be inevitable?
If you had a male associate
you did business with...
nobody would say a word
if you had dinner...
if you spent time together,
everyone would know it was business.
I guess people haven't caught up
with the times.
You know, I love working with you.
But it's never crossed my mind
to sleep with you.
I would hate to think
you'd never even thought about it.
- Have you?
- There'd be something wrong...
if I'd never thought about it.
That doesn't mean I have to do it.
Well, I guess when you put it that way...
I have thought about it.
But you don't have to do
everything you think about, do we?
- No.
- No.
You know why I couldn't have an affair
with you?
Tell me.
You and I could not have an affair
because...
Well, because we're both married.
I mean, you have a good marriage.
Mine...
I know Richard and I have problems, but
they're solvable. We're working on them.
But if you and I had an affair...
we'd be risking two marriages.
To save those marriages...
we'd have to give each other up.
- Oh, I would hate to do that.
- So would I.
So I guess it's better
that we're friends...
with restrictions...
than to be more than friends...
and wind up with nothing at all.
Well, if that's everything,
then I guess I'll be going.
But we've only just begun.
We have lots more to talk about.
Yeah, but I told Gary I'd be back by 10.
Let him worry.
- It'll be good for him.
- No. I don't think so.
Are you afraid of me?
- Of course not.
- Maybe you should be.
- What?
- Maybe you should be afraid of me.
Is the thought of me as a lover
so ridiculous?
- A lover?
- Why not? Just because you're married?
Gary's married. That didn't stop him.
Earl, stop it.
Don't you wanna get even with him?
- No.
- Well, I do.
And you're the only way I can do that.
This is silly.
Then why aren't you laughing?
- You can't do this.
- Why not?
- Because I'm sober?
- No. Because I think you're too decent.
You're right.
I am decent.
But I am also very angry.
So I'm a decent man
about to commit an indecent act.
It happens all the time.
You can't get out.
The door's double locked.
And I have the keys.
Well, then I'll scream.
Scream.
That's Gary.
Probably is.
We belong together, you know.
It's beautiful. The symmetry is perfect.
- You won't force me.
- I don't want to.
You do care for me, don't you?
- I thought that we were friends.
- We are.
We have feelings for each other.
Well, then why?
- Because they did it!
- Oh, God.
No, no, don't.
Let me go. Earl, stop.
No, you're hurting me.
Please! No, please, you're hurting me!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
- Don't hate me.
- I don't hate you.
I feel sorry for you.
I'm worried about you.
God, what am I gonna do?
What am I gonna do?
Go back to that AA? Where they say they
care and then they stab you in the back?
Earl.
AA didn't let you down.
No.
Your husband did.
I know.
He let us both down.
You need help, Earl.
Now, you have to let someone help you.
Listen to me.
Val.
Valene.
It's all right, Gary.
I'm all right.
Honey, what...?
- You okay?
- Yes.
How does it feel to find your wife
with another man?
I want you to keep away from my wife.
How about what you did with my wife?
Your wife did what she wanted.
Don't blame me for your wife.
- I trusted you!
- I know.
I'm sorry.
I mean it.
I shouldn't have done it.
I doubt if you believe that,
but I am sorry.
Sorry is not good enough.
It's the best I can do.
You ruined my marriage.
Your marriage was falling apart
before you ever met me.
You were my friend.
I'm sorry I let you down.
But you can't blame me
for what's wrong with your life, Earl.
Look to yourself.
It's the only way
you're gonna grow from this.
Honey.
Okay.
We...
We never discussed what happened
with me and Abby, did we?
No.
You want to?
Nope.
Well, I just... I thought if we
talked about it, that it might...
you know, help us
to trust each other a little bit more.
- What's the matter, don't you trust me?
- Oh, no, no, no, I trust you.
It's just...
What?
Oh, I don't know. It's not... You know,
it's not easy to say, you know.
I'm not big on words.
Oh, come on, you love words.
Well, you're important to me, that's all.
Thank you. Thank you for saying that.
It's nice.
Still reading about Greece, huh?
So, uh...
how was dinner?
It was fine.
- What happened?
- Happened?
With you and Scooter?
Honey, we're just friends.
Well, you know, there are friends,
and there are "friends."
We're friends.
- What does that mean?
- Friends.
You know, I told Earl to look to himself.
I could say the same things to me.
If it hadn't been for what...
I did with Judy,
none of this would have happen.
Darling...
nothing bad has happened.
I just wish
that you could forgive yourself.
Yeah, that's the hard part.
Well, then work on it.
- I figured you were gonna ask.
- So tell me.
- I can't.
- Why?
- Yeah.
Because they'll print them up,
they'll pass them out.
Tell me about your story. Your story.
Well, actually, it's the first short story
I've ever really written.
At first, it seemed hard
and then I really got to like it.
Maybe you've got a flair for writing.
- Come on.
- No, I mean it.
No, I've known you all semester...
and this is the first time I've seen you
excited about any assignment.
Well, actually, I kind of thought
it was pretty good.
- Great. I love it.
- I did.
- Oh, silly.
- You deserve this.
I can't wait to hear what Mr. Leeds says.
- I hope he likes it.
- He's out with the flu this week.
Oh, no. We're supposed to get
our stories back today.
Good morning, class.
As you might have heard,
Professor Leeds is out with the flu.
I will be taking his place.
My name is Earl Trent.
And I am an actual writer.
What is it? You know him?
Yeah, sort of. Well, my husband does.
Mr. Leeds gave me your stories...
and asked me to make some comments
and suggestions.
He seems to think, because I am one
of the few people in Southern California...
who has written something more creative
than a license plate...
I might have some insights to offer.
I found your stories, on the whole,
to be sophomoric.
But as you are all sophomores...
that can be forgiven.
Equally forgivable to the magnanimous...
is the fact that they are pretentious.
But if college writing
is not pretentious...
there must be something wrong. Hmm?
One story, however,
stood out among the rest.
I give you "The Runaway"
by Valene Ewing.
"Everybody in my dusty
little Tennessee town...
knew each other from the day
they were born.
That is why I was so startled to see
this tall stranger, without any shoes on...
standing in my mother's kitchen."
Hello, Warren Realty.
- Hi. Can I help you?
- Oh, yes. I'm looking for Laura Avery.
Oh. She's not at her desk.
She's in with Scooter, I think.
- Ah, would you care to wait?
- Yeah, I would.
- Help yourself to some coffee, if you like.
- Thanks.
- Scooter in?
- Yes, but Laura's with him.
For a change.
Those two ever out of each other's sight?
- Well, she's his top salesperson.
- Sure.
If he would feed us
half the leads he feeds her...
we'd be selling houses too.
Yeah, well, we don't smile at him
the way she does.
We're not writing
the book she's writing.
Laura's writing a book?
- You didn't know?
- No.
How I Made It Big in Real Estate...
with the emphasis on "made it,"
by Laura Avery.
Hello, Warren Realty.
Uh, maybe I should come back
in a few minutes?
So then he said, "Well, let's just hope
the escrow closes before it rains."
- You're kidding.
- It's a classic.
Listen, if it's his listing, watch out.
I'll see you later.
- Tonight.
- Right.
- Hey, Scooter, can I have a minute?
- Sure.
- Karen.
- Hi.
- Am I interrupting anything?
- No. No. Did you get the things?
Well, uh, actually, that's why I came by.
I told you I'd do your shopping
and then I forgot your shopping list.
- You did.
- Yes.
- You are an angel to do this for me.
- That's true.
If I had to shop and cook,
we would never have dinner on time.
- I want things to go well tonight.
- Forget it. I had to do my shopping anyway.
I am so nervous about this dinner party.
I've never met Mrs. Warren before.
- Oh, he's married.
- Yeah.
You're a good cook. Sid and I will be there
for moral support. What could be bad?
I know. But, you know, the boss's wife.
Yeah, the boss's wife.
Well, he's sure nice.
Oh, Scooter? He is a doll.
We're a great team.
But you'll meet him tonight.
Oh. Yeah, I sure will.
Okay, then. Um...
- Okay. I'll see you later.
- Okay. Thank you.
"As I closed my eyes in bed that night...
that wonderful feeling told me
I had made a friend."
Does the word "puerile"
pop into anybody's mind?
Hmm?
Besides the obvious
grammatical errors...
who can tell me what is wrong
with this story?
- Yes?
- Mr. Trent, I didn't think it was that bad.
Oh, you didn't, did you?
Well...
perhaps we should examine...
what are the elements
that go into writing a good story.
Might we ask of a story
that it have believable characters?
Hmm?
That it hold our interest?
That it express
something about the human condition...
that is novel and interesting?
Or should we settle for a rehashing...
of the most outdated clichés?
Idiotic behavior
by unbelievable characters?
The sentences stuck together like glue.
Something I said?
I hope you're enjoying the wine.
It's a '74 Burgundy.
It's a little young, raw...
but with the spanking eagerness
of adolescence.
- Richard.
- Charming and, yet, anxious to please.
Sounds like my daughter.
Isn't your daughter expecting,
Mrs. Warren?
Scooter keeps talking about
becoming a grandfather soon.
Oh, no, that's my older daughter, Sally.
Scooter is coming into his own,
becoming a grandfather.
Afraid I'm having a harder time
facing being a grandmother.
Well, you don't look like
you're about to become one.
To paraphrase Gloria Steinem...
this is what "about to become
a grandmother" looks like.
Scooter, the word
in the investment community...
is that real estate is finished.
What do you think?
- Oh, no.
- Hope not.
Not as long as there are more people
needing houses than there are houses.
I know, but the prices are just ridiculous.
Laura, this roast beef is delicious.
- Thanks.
- Oh, she's the best cook.
She's the best everything.
She's certainly the best salesperson
in the office.
Incidentally, we've got a nibble
on that industrial property on Hill Street.
Oh, yeah?
I'd like you to have dinner with the
client and me Thursday, work your magic.
Anything you say, boss.
How about your line, Richard?
Any hot tips on the market?
Oh, Richard's an attorney
with an investment firm, not a broker.
Right.
But you must keep your ear
to the ground.
Well, actually, the defense industries
are pretty hot:
- The neutron bomb, poison gas...
- Neutron bomb?
The Mayberry House will be listed again.
But the Johnsons just bought it.
- Need any help?
- No, thanks.
Once they get started talking real estate,
nobody can get a word in.
Yeah. Well, they certainly seem to enjoy
working together.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
Oh, about them talking shop?
It doesn't bother me.
No. About their being so obvious.
It'll pass, I'm sure.
I guess the worst thing
is to try to prevent it.
Just have to ride with it.
Well, that's sure great about you
and Scooter becoming grandparents.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
Actually, it's a role
I might be well suited for.
- Might even look forward to it.
- He's looking forward to it too.
Oh, yes.
But it's taking its toll on him too.
He's always been such a blatant flirt.
He loves women.
Never used to bother me before...
when I knew that it never went
beyond that, that he loved me.
- But now...
- I don't know what to say.
I guess it was inevitable.
Such a vigorous, vital man.
As young and sexy as the day I met him.
Now he's about to become a grandfather.
I guess now he needs
more than a flirtation.
- What are you talking about?
- You don't have to protect them.
- Protect them? Protect them from what?
- Richard, it's all right. Really.
I was watching you watching them.
I know that's why you came in here.
I came in here to carve more meat.
Of course.
You're really being so understanding.
I admire it.
I want you to know
I'm taking my cue from you.
- Wonder whose it is?
- I'd hate to venture a guess.
- What's so funny?
- Oh, it's just a real estate joke, honey.
- You had to be there.
- Oh, one of those escrow jokes.
Well...
I would like to propose a toast.
To Laura Avery...
who has just broken all records
by making her fourth straight month...
- as top salesperson of the month.
- Really?
And whose commission
I reluctantly have to raise.
- I'll drink to that.
- Isn't that great?
That's terrific.
Burning the midnight oil?
Why are you still here? I thought you had
a husband at home waiting for you?
I have another class later.
I thought nothing ever came
between you and Gary.
- Nothing has.
- How are you, Val?
- Haven't seen you around lately.
- I'm fine.
What's the matter?
Can't you take criticism?
You want to be a writer,
you'll have to be more tough-skinned.
I never said that I wanted to be a writer.
It was just...
an assignment. It was a story for class.
But you should think about
becoming a writer.
You...
- You have talent.
- Stop it.
I was only challenging you.
I was trying to see if you could take it.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to upset you.
If you tear people down,
what do you expect?
I know. I am sorry.
I've been rotten to everybody lately.
So it's not just you.
How's Gary?
- He's fine.
- Still on the wagon?
He's still sober, yeah.
So am I.
Haven't had a drop to drink
since Judy left me.
Judy left you?
She went back to New York.
- She always wanted that, anyway.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- That's my class.
- Oh, Val.
I'm not too good at making friends.
You and Gary are the only ones I have.
Yeah, well I have got to go.
I'll see you later.
Yeah, see you in class.
Hey, give my best to Gary.
Yeah.
Okay, let's have it.
Let's have what?
Whatever it is that's on your mind.
You've been
a thousand miles away tonight.
Something happen in class?
Well...
I got my story back in class today...
but Mr. Leeds had the flu
so we had a substitute.
And?
It was Earl Trent.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
He really tore into my story.
Read it aloud in front of the whole class.
Made me feel like a complete idiot.
So stay away until Mr. Leeds gets back.
Yeah. Whenever that is.
Um...
Did he say anything else? Earl?
No.
Well, after class I saw him
in the library...
and he tried to be a little bit nicer.
But I don't know,
I could hardly talk to him.
He makes me feel real...
- uneasy.
- Val.
Look, you don't owe Earl Trent anything.
Just stay out of his way.
Yeah, I will.
Judy left him.
Did you know that?
No.
You were really nice to Scooter and
his wife tonight, honey. I appreciate it.
Why shouldn't I be nice?
Tonight was very important to me,
you know.
You were supportive, I like that.
Well, I'm proud of you.
- Boy, I've waited a long time to hear that.
- Mm.
Thanks.
Laura.
Laura?
- So thank you for the lunch.
- Well, you're welcome.
Doesn't it make you nervous
going to school with kids?
Yeah. To tell you the truth,
it makes me feel like an old lady.
Ha, ha. I wonder if Diana
would like to go here.
- You got the brochures. She can look...
- How about here?
- Yeah, that's fine.
- Good.
If it means anything at all,
I mean, I really love it here.
Well, I'm afraid she's gonna wanna go
out of town to school.
And I'm gonna have to prepare myself
for the empty-nest syndrome.
Well, it'd be kind of exciting.
Here, take this napkin.
- Thank you.
- She'd be going away to school.
- Be great. KAREN: Oh, I
don't know. I miss her already.
Can I join you?
- Would you like to join us?
- Ha, ha.
Uh, Earl, this is my neighbor,
Karen Fairgate.
- Karen, this is Earl Trent...
- Hello.
- The substitute teacher in my English class.
- I picked some books for you in the library.
Short stories by Flannery O'Connor
and Eudora Welty.
- Oh, good.
- Southern writers, and you should read them.
Okay.
Both of them write in the Southern idiom
and in a style somewhat like yours.
I think you could learn
from their structure.
- Sure.
- You have your own voice, Val.
I wanna help to cultivate that.
She has such wonderful expressions,
doesn't she?
Carson McCullers, another you should read. I
tried to find a book, but there wasn't any.
Yeah, but you don't really think
that I can write, now do you?
No, not yet.
Your stories begin in the beginning.
A good story really begins
in the middle...
recalls the beginning,
and then proceeds to the end.
- That's very interesting.
- Sounds crazy, doesn't it?
I know, but it works somehow.
Why don't we get together.
I'll go through your story with you
and I'll show you what I mean.
Yeah, maybe we could.
It's the least I can do for you, Val...
after I treated you so bad.
How did you treat her?
Pretty bad.
I guess I saw too many of those movies
where Professor Kingsfield...
rides rough herd
on his most promising student.
Well...
That's the way it works in the movies.
Bye.
He's obviously crazy about me.
Did he even know I was here?
Look, see, Gary and I knew him
before he came to teach here.
So that's why...
Actually, he wa...
He was married to the woman
that I told you about.
What woman?
Judy.
Judy?
You know, the one that Gary...
Oh, that Judy.
Does he know about it?
I don't think so.
At least, he's never mentioned it.
He's always got...
that sad look behind his eyes.
Did you get a chance
to finish that written offer?
Yeah. Yeah, I did. Here, you want it?
- I'll give it to you.
- Oh, terrific.
- Thank you.
- Want me to write this up...
so that the escrow
is a wrap around to...?
Check with the buyer first to make sure.
Okay.
We'll have to do something
to move that Lewison house.
Won't the owner carry the paper?
They can't. They wanna get out clean.
Well, let me nose around.
And maybe I can come up
with some creative financing.
When are you gonna have time? They're
already calling me the slave driver.
- I'm just doing what you taught me.
- I know.
Makes me feel like Henry Higgins. Ha, ha.
Hi, Richard.
- Hi, sweetie.
- Hi. Am I early?
We've got a 7:00 dinner reservation.
Remember?
- Of course I remember. I was expecting you.
- You're all ready?
Uh, just give me a minute.
Nice to see you again, Richard.
- Lovely dinner last night.
- Oh, thank you. We enjoyed it too.
- I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
- No, no, no.
We're going over a few listings.
- Oh, is that what you call it?
- Yeah.
I'm all set.
- Doesn't she look beautiful?
- Beautiful.
That's what I thought you'd say.
Come on.
Val have a class tonight?
Nope. This afternoon.
She's probably home by now.
Good.
You know, some night when she does have
a class, you and I ought to plan something.
Like what?
A hamburger, a salad, a casserole.
Well, I've got my AA meetings.
You could miss one once in a while,
couldn't you?
No, I try not to.
Gary, do I make you nervous?
- No, why should you make me nervous?
- I don't know. That's why I asked.
It just seems like every time I mention us
seeing each other socially, you get flustered.
Well, if I do, it's news to me.
Is it because you're a man
and I'm a woman?
Could be.
Isn't that silly?
I mean, think about it.
We're neighbors, we work together...
we like each other.
I don't see any reason
why we shouldn't spend some time...
enjoying each other's company.
I know. I'm a woman
and you're a man. Right?
You know, you make it sound like
that shouldn't make any difference.
- Does it have to?
- No, it doesn't have to, but it could.
Maybe.
But even if it did make a difference,
even if...
Even if something did happen...
it wouldn't be the end of the world,
would it?
I mean, men say that to me all the time.
Married men, particularly.
"We could keep it in perspective.
We could keep it separate."
Maybe they're right.
Oh, relax.
I'm only kidding.
- It's your imagination, Karen.
- Oh, yes?
Well, I was right
about Richard and Abby.
Yeah.
Well, I think Laura's giving Richard
a dose of the same medicine.
You sound delighted.
When it was Richard and Abby,
you thought it was terrible.
Well, Laura's taken a lot of abuse
from Richard...
and if someone's telling her
she's terrific, I think she deserves it.
Boy, I have heard
of the double standard before...
- but that really takes the cake.
- That is not double standard.
That's "what's sauce for the goose
is sauce for the gander."
Yeah, but when it was Abby...
Abby went after Richard
like a seagull after a fish.
Richard took the bait.
Now Laura wants her share of the pie.
I think you've got your metaphors
a little bit mixed.
Makes perfect sense to me.
- No, don't answer it. No, no, no.
- Why?
- Why?
- It could be important.
- No, it couldn't be that important.
- Mm.
Hello?
Earl?
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called.
Well, what is it? What happened?
- What does he want?
- I don't wanna talk to Gary.
- You're the only one I can talk to.
- Well, where are you?
At a bar.
McDuffy's, across from my apartment.
I think I need a drink.
No, no, no, wait.
Now, don't drink, whatever you do.
- We'll be down to talk to you.
- What?
You're gonna be okay till we get there?
- You won't take a drink?
- I'll try.
Okay. We'll be right there. Bye-bye.
- He says he's gonna drink.
- So let him.
- Gary.
- Val, honey, he's just using you.
What do you mean?
He's in trouble and he needs someone.
He needs someone to hold his hand.
Well, what's wrong with that?
That's what we're here for, isn't it?
Come on, Gary. Get dressed.
Val, look, honey...
I don't know whether or not
Earl knows.
About Judy and me, I mean.
Look, if he does,
he's not gonna wanna see me.
Seeing me just might make him
drink again.
He called you, not me.
- Okay, then I'll go alone.
- No.
Well, what choice do I have?
Neither of us has to go.
Gary, if neither of us goes, he'll drink.
That's his problem.
No, it's not. It's our problem.
Now, look. What's past with Judy is past,
and he needs you now.
You gonna let that man down again?
Oh.
I don't know, Val.
- I really don't know if I can make it.
- You don't wanna do this.
You know that.
Gary, how kind of you to come too.
- What do you think you're doing?
- He hasn't taken a drink.
No. I've been waiting for you to save me,
like you've done so many times before.
Nobody can save you but yourself.
Oh?
I thought you cared
whether I lived or died.
- Well, of course he does, Earl.
- Oh-ho. I don't know if he does.
I'm not gonna play games with you.
You wanna drink, drink.
Just don't ask me to watch it.
Gary.
You were supposed to be my friend, Gary.
What happened to you?
I got sick of being used like a yo-yo
every time you wanted to drink.
Didn't want a friend,
you wanted a nursemaid.
You said you'd always be there.
Then one day, you weren't there anymore.
Where'd you go, Gary?
- Why'd you disappear?
- I had my own life to lead.
- Couldn't follow you around anymore.
- You both left me at the same time.
You, and my wife.
Isn't that something to drink to, hmm?
I don't know about Judy, but I got tired
of trying to talk you into being sober.
You wanna be sober, don't drink.
You wanna drink, be my guest.
- Would you...?
- We're not doing him favors...
by playing these games.
Now, come on. Please.
Laura?
I'm out here.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I thought you would have left already.
My first appointment is not till 11:00.
I thought I'd take it easy this morning.
That's good.
This is how we
salespersons-of-the-month do it.
Karen, would you like a cup of coffee?
Help yourself.
Thank you.
Oh, your boss sure is cute.
Isn't he?
Yeah, real attractive.
I know.
- It must be nice working for him.
- It is.
- Is he as nice to you as he appears?
- He is the greatest.
He's certainly looking after
your best interest.
Karen, are you getting at something?
Who, me? No. Are you?
- Am I what?
- You trying to tell me something?
No.
Hmm.
Just not saying anything.
- About what?
- Anything.
Karen, what is there to say?
You've already said it all.
I made an ass of myself again last night.
For a change.
You didn't take that drink, now, did you?
- No.
- Well, then, that's all that matters.
I guess.
Val, uh...
Why do you think Gary quit on me
the way he did?
- What do you mean?
- For a while, he was like a guardian angel.
Every time I came anywhere near a drink,
he'd come storming in, ranting and raving...
hauling me out of every bar,
throwing every name in the book at me.
- And if I drank, it was as if he failed.
- Yeah.
Then one night he didn't come.
Maybe he figured it was time
to make you do it on your own.
No.
No, he cared too much.
I knew I was using him,
playing this game.
Maybe he realized it was a game too.
But first, he stopped coming after me
and then Judy left me.
Strange.
Almost as if there was some kind
of connection.
Was there a connection?
I know, I know. You don't wanna talk to me
about it. Might drive me off the deep end.
Don't worry about me, Val.
I think I can handle myself.
I just wondered if you knew about it?
I knew.
Well...
I suppose we should both feel better
about getting that out.
Okay, uh, let's get back
to this business of literature.
Um, I think I have some good ideas
about how we can improve your story.
With a little bit of work,
I might be able to get it ready...
for submission
to the college literary magazine.
- Oh, come on.
- No, I really mean it.
- Oh, look, stop. You said in class...
- No, no, no, I was horrible to you in class.
With a few minor adjustments...
Well, I think we're gonna pull it all apart,
then somehow put it back together again.
- If it's all that bad, then I don't...
- It's not as bad as it sounds.
Look, can I come over
to your place tonight?
No, no, no. Gary wouldn't like that.
Can you come over to my place?
You really think
the college literary magazine?
Yes. Val, you have a gift for language.
I'll get you my address.
You scoot off to class.
- I'm gonna be late.
- See you.
- Okay. Bye-bye.
- Bye.
Bag the groceries, babe.
I'm taking you out on a hot date tonight.
I can't.
I've got that business dinner with Scooter.
- Why don't we just do it tomorrow.
- Oh, come on.
I moved heaven and earth and a maitre d'
to get us a reservation at this restaurant.
But you heard Scooter
ask me the other night at dinner.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't write down everything he said.
Come on,
can't we just do it another time?
You spend more time with Scooter
than you do with me and Jason.
I mean, I know we can't advance
your career.
That is not true. You are being silly.
Yes, it is true.
I mean, he says jump, you jump.
- Day or night.
- You're describing the way...
my relationship used to be with you.
You're upset it isn't anymore.
That is not what I am talking about.
You don't just think I can succeed
on my own, do you?
You think if I do well, the only reason
is because I'm coming on to the boss.
You know, some men and women
can be friends without sleeping together.
But you can't do that. No, no,
we're not talking about you and Abby...
we're talking about me and Scooter.
It's an entirely different story.
All you had to do was say no.
You're going to his house? What for?
Why, he's helping me with my story.
He thinks it's got possibilities.
And with a couple changes...
we might even submit it
to the college literary magazine.
And you fell for that?
Well, what do you mean?
You saying that you don't think
my story's any good?
- No, no, not at all.
- You finished?
Yes. I just don't want you to go,
that's all.
Why not?
Listen, darling.
Look, darling, I'll only be there
for an hour. Two at the most.
If you really wanna know...
it means a lot to me.
Hey, Richard, come on in.
Laura's working,
so I thought I'd see what you are up to.
- Great. Can I buy you a drink?
- Yeah. Brandy?
Yep.
Karen's at a meeting.
So I'm baching it myself.
What is it tonight,
abortion or baby seals?
- Ha-ha-ha. Just toxic waste.
- Ah.
- Thanks.
- Right.
- Cheers.
- Yeah. Uh...
Sid.
When Karen's on these crusades of hers,
does she ever meet any guys?
Sure, lots of guys. Why?
It doesn't bother you?
In what way bother me?
Well, I mean, does she ever...?
I mean, have a drink with them
after a meeting or something?
Oh, I see what you mean.
Richard, you know...
when you've been married
as long as Karen and I...
if you didn't have friends outside your
relationship to talk to, you'd just stagnate.
So it doesn't bother you?
Well, to be perfectly honest with you,
it really used to bother me a lot.
You know, I'm not the kind of a guy
who has relationships with women...
I mean, very often,
outside of romantic relationships.
But Karen, she's always had
a lot of male friends.
Right from the time I met her.
And it really used to bug me...
but then I came to realize one day...
that that just because
somebody you love...
has a relationship outside
of the main relationship...
it doesn't take away anything
from that main relationship...
unless they give
to that other relationship...
those kind of intimate and personal...
and, you know, very private things...
that belong to the main relationship.
You know what I mean?
No.
"I never saw the stranger again
after that day.
He disappeared as mysteriously
as he had appeared."
Well...
that's the new ending to your story.
How do you like it?
Well, um, see, that's not the way
that it happened.
See, he became a real good friend
of our family...
and I saw him all the time after that.
Real life doesn't always
make a good story, Val.
So you'll bring him
by the property tomorrow?
Yes. And I'll get all the information
he needs then.
I know I can count on you.
Laura.
Something's bothering you.
You've been looking at me strangely
all evening.
It's nothing.
Just a conversation I had
with Richard tonight.
Anything you wanna talk about?
Do you realize people assume
we're having an affair?
Well, to tell the truth,
I had heard rumors.
But I didn't wanna squash them
because it made me look so good.
Listen.
I guess rumors are inevitable
when a man and a woman work together.
Well, why should they be inevitable?
If you had a male associate
you did business with...
nobody would say a word
if you had dinner...
if you spent time together,
everyone would know it was business.
I guess people haven't caught up
with the times.
You know, I love working with you.
But it's never crossed my mind
to sleep with you.
I would hate to think
you'd never even thought about it.
- Have you?
- There'd be something wrong...
if I'd never thought about it.
That doesn't mean I have to do it.
Well, I guess when you put it that way...
I have thought about it.
But you don't have to do
everything you think about, do we?
- No.
- No.
You know why I couldn't have an affair
with you?
Tell me.
You and I could not have an affair
because...
Well, because we're both married.
I mean, you have a good marriage.
Mine...
I know Richard and I have problems, but
they're solvable. We're working on them.
But if you and I had an affair...
we'd be risking two marriages.
To save those marriages...
we'd have to give each other up.
- Oh, I would hate to do that.
- So would I.
So I guess it's better
that we're friends...
with restrictions...
than to be more than friends...
and wind up with nothing at all.
Well, if that's everything,
then I guess I'll be going.
But we've only just begun.
We have lots more to talk about.
Yeah, but I told Gary I'd be back by 10.
Let him worry.
- It'll be good for him.
- No. I don't think so.
Are you afraid of me?
- Of course not.
- Maybe you should be.
- What?
- Maybe you should be afraid of me.
Is the thought of me as a lover
so ridiculous?
- A lover?
- Why not? Just because you're married?
Gary's married. That didn't stop him.
Earl, stop it.
Don't you wanna get even with him?
- No.
- Well, I do.
And you're the only way I can do that.
This is silly.
Then why aren't you laughing?
- You can't do this.
- Why not?
- Because I'm sober?
- No. Because I think you're too decent.
You're right.
I am decent.
But I am also very angry.
So I'm a decent man
about to commit an indecent act.
It happens all the time.
You can't get out.
The door's double locked.
And I have the keys.
Well, then I'll scream.
Scream.
That's Gary.
Probably is.
We belong together, you know.
It's beautiful. The symmetry is perfect.
- You won't force me.
- I don't want to.
You do care for me, don't you?
- I thought that we were friends.
- We are.
We have feelings for each other.
Well, then why?
- Because they did it!
- Oh, God.
No, no, don't.
Let me go. Earl, stop.
No, you're hurting me.
Please! No, please, you're hurting me!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
- Don't hate me.
- I don't hate you.
I feel sorry for you.
I'm worried about you.
God, what am I gonna do?
What am I gonna do?
Go back to that AA? Where they say they
care and then they stab you in the back?
Earl.
AA didn't let you down.
No.
Your husband did.
I know.
He let us both down.
You need help, Earl.
Now, you have to let someone help you.
Listen to me.
Val.
Valene.
It's all right, Gary.
I'm all right.
Honey, what...?
- You okay?
- Yes.
How does it feel to find your wife
with another man?
I want you to keep away from my wife.
How about what you did with my wife?
Your wife did what she wanted.
Don't blame me for your wife.
- I trusted you!
- I know.
I'm sorry.
I mean it.
I shouldn't have done it.
I doubt if you believe that,
but I am sorry.
Sorry is not good enough.
It's the best I can do.
You ruined my marriage.
Your marriage was falling apart
before you ever met me.
You were my friend.
I'm sorry I let you down.
But you can't blame me
for what's wrong with your life, Earl.
Look to yourself.
It's the only way
you're gonna grow from this.
Honey.
Okay.
We...
We never discussed what happened
with me and Abby, did we?
No.
You want to?
Nope.
Well, I just... I thought if we
talked about it, that it might...
you know, help us
to trust each other a little bit more.
- What's the matter, don't you trust me?
- Oh, no, no, no, I trust you.
It's just...
What?
Oh, I don't know. It's not... You know,
it's not easy to say, you know.
I'm not big on words.
Oh, come on, you love words.
Well, you're important to me, that's all.
Thank you. Thank you for saying that.
It's nice.
Still reading about Greece, huh?
So, uh...
how was dinner?
It was fine.
- What happened?
- Happened?
With you and Scooter?
Honey, we're just friends.
Well, you know, there are friends,
and there are "friends."
We're friends.
- What does that mean?
- Friends.
You know, I told Earl to look to himself.
I could say the same things to me.
If it hadn't been for what...
I did with Judy,
none of this would have happen.
Darling...
nothing bad has happened.
I just wish
that you could forgive yourself.
Yeah, that's the hard part.
Well, then work on it.