| I'm going to be taking Greh's advice and pushing the first 5 episodes into one topic. But first, I need a name for the series. This is basically another season 7, but that's taken. I'd welcome ideas. This is episode 9. 10 is going to be VERY soon.
Okay, the series in order is:
A Bridge BetweenTwo Loves is an extension of the finale. Then
Episode 1 A Tale of Four Tales
Episode 2 All Things become new
Episode 3 Chaos Theory
Episode 4 Multiple Partners
Episode 5 What a Tangoed Web We Weave
Eoisode 6 A Deposit To Remember
Episode 7 Is She or Isn't She?
Episode 8 If You Build It, He Will Come
Episode 9 Prose and Cons
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Episode 9 Prose and Cons
(Scene: Desk in Joey’s guest bedroom. Joey is sitting at a laptop, staring at the screen. She types for a few seconds, stops and stares, then hits the delete key and stares again. She appears somber and frustrated. The phone rings.)
Joey: Hello.
Andie: Hi, Joey. How’s the writing going?
Joey: Don’t ask.
Andie: Not good? I’m sorry.
Joey: It’s just unbelievable. When Pacey is here I’m this unbridled flow of ideas, but I won’t write because he’s here. When he’s in Capeside, I just dry up. Sometimes I’ll get an idea and scribble it down on a piece of paper. I get all excited, get home, open it up and nothing.
Andie: Maybe you need to tell Pacey.
Joey: I’m either going to have to or quit trying altogether. I’m going to Capeside on Saturday. We’re bringing Mindy back this time.
Andie: That’s so cool. You get a grown up daughter and girlfriend all in one.
Joey: She’s really sweet and smart. I can’t wait for you and Gretchen to meet her. It’ll be a lot of fun having her here. I am a little nervous about how it’ll affect Pace and I in our relationship.
Andie: What do you mean? Are you worried about personal time? Just the two of you?
Joey: No.......well, yes, of course. I mean we can’t exactly rip each others clothes off anymore. (Andie giggles) but that’s not it. Andie, look at me. I’m hiding something as silly as trying to write from Pacey. Why do I do that?
Andie: Are you afraid of disappointing him?
Joey: I think that may be part of it. I really think that I’m jealous.
Andie: You’re what? Why would you be jealous?
Joey: Andie, if there’s anybody I know who’s proud of Pacey, besides me, it’s you. You know where he’s come from, the battles he’s fought to get where he is. I worked hard for what I’ve accomplished too, but compared to Pace, I was treated like I had a silver spoon in my mouth. He has two wildly successful restaurants and if I haven’t already told you, they want him to open one in Boston.
Andie: Joey, he must be so excited.
Joey: He is, and flattered, but he’s also tired, almost burned out. He works hard and has become this amazing man. I can’t even start what I’ve always dreamed of doing.
Andie: It sounds to me like you’re trying to compete with him, not support him. In high school, you were the one who was going places. Pacey was the one destined to pump gas. You have to separate him from you, Jo. Be proud of him. Don’t compete.
Joey:(shakes her head) The smart girl from Capeside does it again. You’re right, Andie. I know you are.
Andie: Would you like to pay your co-pay now, Ms. Potter? (She smiled)
Joey: Thanks, Andie. Really, that takes a load off of my mind.
Andie: Jo........the real reason I called was to see if you won’t come running with us today. You haven’t been out lately.
Joey: I’ve been skipping to write and the only thing my writing is doing for me is make me fat. I’ll see you at six, Andie.
Andie: Okay, good. See you then.
(Scene: Capeside Ma. Icehouse restaurant. Pacey is in the outdoor dining area . He is down on his hands and knees with two young male employees demonstrating how to clean the tables and chairs.)
Pacey: It may not seem important, but part of what we sell here is a clean and healthy environment. If my customer looks under this table, I want them to see table legs as clean as the table top. Also, (standing up) many times when the deck is being cleaned the chairs get put on top of the tables. Sometimes it’s necessary, but if we do the table tops have to be scrubbed. (As he is speaking he sees a familiar figure walking down the boardwalk toward the restaurant.) Go ahead guys. (Pacey walks to the entrance and is face to face with Mike Potter.)
Mike: Hello, Pacey.
Pacey: Mr. Potter.....Hi, it’s good to see you.
Mike: Call me Mike, son. I feel old enough already.
Pacey: (smiling) Alright, Mike. When did you get in? Have you seen Bessie?
Mike: I have. I got in last night. I’m staying at the B&B. (Looking around) This is some place you’ve got here, Pacey. You must be very proud.
Pacey: Thank you, Mr. Po..........Mike. I’ve been really fortunate and had a lot of help.
Mike: You’re too modest, Pace. Bessie and Bodie have brought me up to date and you’ve done a remarkable job. Bodie’s in the business and he’s impressed as well.
Pacey: Well, thanks. That’s good to hear. I keep hoping someday I can get Bodie to quit that place and go to work with me.
Mike: Well, he seems happy where he is. How’s Joey, Pacey?
Pacey: I was going to ask you..........Does that mean you haven’t talked to her yet?
Mike: I’ve only seen her or talked to her once in the last three years. Pacey, that was probably over two years ago.
Pacey: (looking uncomfortable) So you didn’t know?
Mike:(grins) About you and my daughter? No, actually I didn’t. But Bessie’s brought me up to speed on that account also. Calm down, son. You’ve got nothing to worry about from me. It’s funny, you know I didn’t even know the two of you dated in high school until that Christmas party at the Leery’s. Now I find out you took her to Key West. (Raises his eyebrows) I was impressed though, how you handled that situation at the Leery’s with that Liddell girl. I thought to myself, “John Witter’s smart ass kid has turned out all right. I’m sure he’s proud.”
Pacey: Thank you, Mike. That’s nice of you to say. So, Joey’s coming down on Saturday, if she can to help move..........Did Bessie tell you about Mindy?
Mike: (Nods yes) That’s how I found out about Key West.
Pacey: I’m going to see if I can get Joey here tomorrow. I know she’ll want to see you. Are you just visiting?
Mike: No, Pacey. I’ve been away from my family long enough. There’s eight years of water under the bridge with this community. I want to try again. This is home.
Pacey: Are you still working retail?
Mike: No, I went back to what I know four years ago. I work in Scranton at a little family steakhouse.
Pacey: So this is a restaurant. Are you looking for work?
Mike: That’s really thoughtful of you, Pacey, but I’m not sure Joey would approve.
Pacey: No, Mike. I disagree. Joey would be elated.
Mike: (sighs) I’ve done just about everything there is to do at this place I worked at. I’ll accept your offer, only if you promise to check my references.
Pacey: (extends his hand and they shake) Deal. Why don’t you look around, Mike. I’ll make your calls. Have you got a number?
(Mike hands him a business card for John Miller, Miller Family Steakhouse. Pacey walks to the office and calls Ray to join him.)
Pacey: Ray, do you know Mike Potter?
Ray: Sure. Bessie and I went to school together. I used to hang out at the original IceHouse.
Pacey: Ray, I’m taking Mindy with me. You need help and I’m going to hire Mike. Are you okay with that? You know his history.
Ray: Pace, I have no problem with Mike. I’ve always liked him. He’s practically your family though. Should I be worried?
Pacey: Not at all Ray. You’re invaluable to me. In fact, if you don’t want him, I don’t hire him. And to show you I’m serious, I’m raising your salary by a hundred bucks a week. (Pacey hands him the business card.) Call information in Scranton and get a number. Check his references. He insisted.
Ray: The phone numbers right here on the card, Pacey.
Pacey: Call information, Ray.
(A moment later Ray gives Pacey the phone.)
Pacey: Pacey Witter.
Miller: Witter? John Miller. Are you the young fellow with the restaurant down on the river Mike Potter’s been telling me about?
Pacey: I guess that would be me.
Miller: If you’re thinking about hiring him, there’s some things you should know.
Pacey: I’m going to put you on speaker phone if you don’t mind. My manager is here.
Miller: When I hired Mike four years ago to wash dishes, he told me up front he was an ex-con. Since then he’s done everything you could do in my restaurant including handle my deposits. I’ve done everything in my power to keep him here but he wants to be with family. What else do you want to know? (Ray nods, okay)
Pacey: That’ll about do, Mr Miller. Thanks. (Pacey looks at Ray.)
Ray: Hire him.
(Scene: On location near Lake Tahoe. Nikki is directing scene outside a house being used in the film. The actors are Sandra Bullock and Buzz Lipnicki. Dawson is watching just off set. He looks irritable but is intently focused on the lines being spoken.)
Nikki: Cut. Now, let’s go back to..............
Dawson: Let’s take twenty, everybody. (To Nikki) What are we doing? We rewrote that scene. It doesn’t work the way it is. (Turns to Sandra) Sandra, you’re doing fantastic. It’s not you at all.
Nikki: Dawson, I just want some tape to show you that you’re wrong. It’s going to take a total of 15 minutes.
Dawson: Enough! I want to see you in your office. (He storms off and enters a trailer about 100ft away followed closely by Nikki)
Nikki: Dawson, Dawson, Dawson.....(shaking her head) You’re becoming quite the actor, boss.
(She flings her arms around his neck and they kiss as she works on unbuttoning his shirt.)
(Scene: Joey’s guest bedroom where she still sits working on her laptop, but this time she is actually typing and smiling. She appears to be happy. The phone rings.)
Joey: No! Leave me alone. Just when I get started............(she picks up the phone) Hello.
Pacey: It’s me, babe. Are you okay? That hello was a little............not you.
Joey: (smiles) Hi, sweetie. I’m fine. I’m just trying to get some things caught up and the phone keeps ringing.
Pacey: I’m sorry, but this is important.
Joey: It’s okay. Is anything wrong?
Pacey: I know you’ve had to ask Karl for a lot of favors lately but can you get off tomorrow and come here a day early?
Joey: What is it? A problem with Mindy?
Pacey: No, not at all. She’s great and excited. Can you get it?
Joey: I’m actually already off. I took today and tomorrow off too. Like I said, I wanted to get some things done around the apartment.
Pacey: Great. I’m sure the apartment’s fine. I’ve already reserved you a ticket for tonight. It’s at the station under your name for the 5:38. Can you make it on time?
Joey: (looks at her watch) Sure, I think so, but Pacey, what’s the big secret. You’re obviously not telling me something.
Pacey: Your Dad’s here, Jo.
Joey: He’s there? Right now? With you?
Pacey: He’s here, not more than 100 feet away. He looks really good, Jo. We’ve had a nice talk.
Joey: (warily) You and my Dad? And he hasn’t killed you?
Pacey: (laughs) It’s cool, Jo. He knows all about us and he’s fine with it.
Joey: Pacey, are you sure this is my Dad? Has Bessie seen him yet?
Pacey: (laughing) Jo, we’ll explain it all to you when you get here. You’re still going to have to hurry to make that train tonight. Love you. See you tonight.
Joey: Bye, Pace. (Joey looks at the receiver as if she doesn’t believe it and hangs up. Joey goes to the closet, gets a suitcase and opens it on the bed. The first thing she packs is her lap top.)
(Scene:) Boardwalk outside of the Icehouse. Joey and Mindy are walking up to the entry after coming in from the train station. Pacey sees them coming and meets them near the front of the outdoor dining area. Across the patio we see Mike on his hands and knees under a table.)
Pacey: Hi, babe. (Hugs her and tries to kiss her but she turns her face and says in his ear.)
Joey: What is going on here? Mindy says you gave my Dad a job. What were you thinking?
Pacey: Now, Jo. Wait just a minute.
Joey: Is that..............? (notices her Dad for the first time) Pacey. You’ve got him scrubbing the deck?
Pacey: (laughs) Jo, he’s a compulsive clean freak. He’s over there showing Ben and Jeff how to clean the table legs with a toothbrush. (Mike hears the laughter and looks up to see Joey. He stands, tentatively and waves. Joey, smile, cuts her eyes at Pacey and hurries across to her Dad’s embrace.)
Joey: Daddy, it’s good to see you. I’m ashamed, it’s been so long.
Mike: It’s my fault too, sweetheart. You look beautiful, Joey.
Joey: Dad, what are you doing? Mindy said you’re working here..........for Pacey.
Mike: That’s right. Your young man was good enough to offer me a job. I’m moving home, Joey.
Pacey: And we’re lucky to get him. Ray and I called John Miller, who your Dad has worked for the last four years, and he gives your Dad absolutely rave reviews. (Joey looks at Pacey questioningly) And with Mindy leaving, Ray is excited to get some experienced help.
Joey: That’s great, Dad. You’re moving home.
Mike: Joey, I’ve been away from my family way too long.
Joey: Are you staying with Bessie?
Mike: I was but, ...........
Pacey: He’s going to be subletting my place, Jo.
Joey: Pacey, he can’t afford your place.
Pacey: Sure he can, Jo. It’s nothing fancy and besides, he makes damn good money. (Pacey grins)
Mike: I’ve got to get back to the boys, Pacey. Joey, we can catch up tonight, okay? (He kisses her on the cheek and goes back to work.)
Joey: Pacey!!
Pacey: Now, Jo, hold on just a minute. I know what you’re going to say. Here, (he holds up the car keys) take my keys. Go to the apartment and get some rest. I’ll be home no later that ten and we can talk this out. Your Dad is going to Bessie’s tonight.
Joey: (Resignedly) Oh all right. I’ll see you then.
(Scene: Pacey’s Capeside Apartment. Joey is again working at the lap top and seems to be back on track. The clock reads 8:15 and she knows she has and hour or so to work. The door bell rings. Joey looks up in frustration and rolls her eyes. She gets up and starts toward the door, then comes back, logs off and closes the lap top. Then she answers the door.)
Jack: Joey! (He grabs Joey up in a big hug.) What’s it been, 3 months?
Joey: I don’t think it’s been that long, Jack. Come on in.
Jack: Actually, it’s pretty dark out here already and I’ve got a bunch of Mindy’s stuff I brought over. Can you help me out with a porch light?
Joey: (flips a switch) Maybe I’ll even help you carry some in. Is Mindy still working? (They walk to the car to get a load and then return)
Jack: Yeah, right up until the last minute. She does have tomorrow off though.
Joey: That’s some tough boss she’s got.
Jack: So, I see you brought your laptop. How’s the writing going?
Joey: Jack! That was supposed to be a secret.
Jack: Even from me? (Smiles) You know Andie can’t keep a secret from me, Joey. So?
Joey: Today, for the first time since I started, I’ve been able to write. It’s exciting but I keep getting interrupted.
Jack: As in me?
Joey: Just one of many Jack. (Joey grins)
Pacey: Hi, guys. (Pacey and Mindy come in with another load of boxes. He sits them down, shakes hands with Jack and kisses Joey.)
Joey: Mindy, let me just make room for those over here. (She hurries over to the table and moves the lap top into the bedroom and returns it to the suitcase.)
Mindy: You didn’t need to do that, Joey. There’s plenty of room. (Unencumbered, she walks over to hug Joey.) I’m so excited. I’ve never seen any place like New York before.
Joey: And despite your advanced age, there’s going to be some serious learning time before you ever get to be out on your own.
Mindy: I’m sure it can’t be that bad.
Jack: It is, Min. Pacey’s sister, Gretchen got mugged last year. I think you should take it seriously. Well, there’s a little more at the house. Min, want to help me get the rest of it?
Mindy: Sure, Jack. I’ll be back later, guys.
Joey: Be careful guys. (Turning to Pacey) Okay, what do you have to say for yourself?
Pacey: First of all, you’re going to thank me.
Joey: (backing him up toward the dining table) Uh huh.
Pacey: Secondly you’re going to hug me and tell me how wonderful I am.
Joey:(Backing him to a stop against the table) Uh huh. Sit Down. (Pacey sits) Now talk.
Pacey: First, Jo, he was moving to Capeside, job or no job. He was planning on living with Bessie and they don’t need that drain on the B&B’s business. Secondly, he’s been working for 4 years in Scranton. He didn’t ask me for a job. I offered it. He told me he would take it only if I called and checked his references. He gave me the name and phone number of the owner.......
Joey: But Pacey, what if..........
Pacey: Hold on. I didn’t use the number. Ray called information and got the number. I called the owner. Jo he literally raved about your Dad. He said he tried everything to get him to change his mind. He trusts your Dad completely.
Joey: He said that?
Pacey: Jo, your Dad has done everything for the man from open and close his restaurant to handling his deposit. Babe, I know he’s hurt you too many times, but tell me this. Can you actually let your Dad scrounge around for a job when you can use him at your own restaurant?
Joey: Pacey, it’s not my ........
Pacey: Stop. (He waves his finger in front of her face and smiles.) Don’t you even think about questioning my commitment. They are our restaurants, Jo. Yours and mine........and those other guys, of course.
Joey: But Pacey, it’s just so hard for me to look the other way.
Pacey: That’s where I come in. Together we can do it. It’s not so hard.
Joey: But the apartment......I don’t care what you say. He can’t afford it.
Pacey: I kind of told him that I was giving him a pay supplement to help me pay out my lease. He’ll find his own place in 6 months.
Joey: (looking at Pacey with something like admiration in her eyes) You’re too much, Witter. Who would think of that?
Pacey: Jo, I’m not just saying this to be a good guy, or to make points. Your Dad knows his stuff and he needs a break. Somewhere down the line, we’re going to be glad we did this. Mark my words.. And now, my dear, I could use some sleep.
(They walk together to the bedroom. While Pacey undresses for bed, Joey takes her pajamas and lap top out and walks in the living room to turn off the lights. She sets the lap top down and returns to the bedroom She dresses for bed and brushes her hair.)
Pacey: We are just going to sleep, right?
Joey: (climbs into bed and snuggles up) This better not be because Mindy’s in the other room.
Pacey: No way. If that bothered me, I’d just put a sock in your mouth.
Joey: Hey! (Slaps him on the chest)
Pacey: Hey, yourself. That hurt.
(Scene: Dawson’s hotel room, Dawson and Nikki are in bed under the covers. He’s propped up against the headboard and she is to his side.)
Nikki: Sometimes, Dawson, you just have to trust professional writers. You still have a tendency to overanalyze. The hesitancy and the angst comes through just like it did in high school.
Dawson: So you’re saying I don’t get to the point. I’m not clear enough.
Nikki: In terms you’ll understand, you’re too verbose. Too many $50 words, full of psycho speak.
Dawson: Well, I’m surprised you can stand to be around me.
Nikki: Well, you can direct. You just can’t write.
Dawson: So now what?
Nikki: (crawls on top of him) I’m yours. Direct me.
(Scene: Living room, Pacey’s apartment, early morning hours. Joey is seated in living room typing on her lap top. She looks tired but excited. As she types she gets to the end of a phrase and makes a face like “Triumph” and goes on, a picture of success. She doesn’t hear the door to the guest room open and Mindy enter.)
Mindy: Joey? What are you doing?
Joey: (reflexively slams the lap top shut. She closes her eyes knowing she’s been caught.) Mindy, it’s not what it looks like.
Mindy: (laughs) And what does it look like?
Joey: (embarrassed) You know.
Mindy: Okay, then, you don’t have a cyber-boyfriend. So what are you doing?
Joey: (shocked) You don’t believe me.
Mindy: Of course, I do, Jo. It’s none of my business why you’re up in the middle of the night on a computer when you have HIM in there.
Joey: Okay. I’ll tell you. I’ve got this crazy thing bothering me. I’ve always wanted to write. I just never believed I could. I want to try now, but I’ve got this thing about letting Pacey know.
Mindy: Why, Joey?
Joey: He’s just so damned........supportive.
Mindy: Joey, that’s just crazy.
Joey: (pouts) I know.
Mindy: Well, you should go to bed. If you woke me up, you’re going to wake him up too.
Joey: I guess you’re right.
(As Joey is putting away the lap top and turning off the lights, Pacey is seen scurrying toward the bed through the half opened bedroom door.)
(Scene: Parking lot at the Icehouse. Joey stands talking to Mike, Pacey to Ray and Jack, Mindy is across the parking lot talking to 5 boys wearing Icehouse work uniforms.)
Joey: I guess we’re getting Mindy out of here just in time. (She smiles)
Mike: She’s a pretty girl, but she can outwork all five of those young men. Ray says he misses her already.
Joey: (puts her arm around his waist) But you’re going to change all of that.
Mike: Don’t worry, Jo. I won’t let you down.
Joey: (Turns to him and looks eye to eye) Dad, you don’t owe me anything. Please don’t feel like you have to prove anything to us. I just want you to be happy and in my life for good. Okay?
(Cut to Pacey, Ray, and Jack)
Pacey: I won’t be able to be here nearly as often.
Ray: We’ll be fine, Pacey.
Jack: So things are really taking off for you, Pacey. I’m really happy for you. Imagine. A third restaurant.
Pacey: Yeah, well. I have mixed feelings. It’s probably too soon and an awful lot of work, but I’ve known from the beginning that the investors wanted one in Boston.
Jack: Look at the bright side. Capeside becomes a nice midway point between the two cities.
Pacey: That’s true. I may end up wishing I was living here.
Jack: Keep your fingers crossed. We’d love to have you both back.
Pacey: (calling out) Mindy! Let’s go! (To Ray) Enjoy your raise and remember, use Mike but use him your way. No pressure from me.
(Cut to Joey and Mike)
Mike: I know I’m going to like it here, Jo. I’m home with Bess and my grandchild. And this job......I didn’t expect this. Do you know, to these people, Pacey can practically do no wrong.
Joey: Believe me, Dad. He does a lot wrong. I just seem to be obsessed with forgiving him.
Mike: (Gives her a hug) I’m glad you’re happy, honey.
Joey: (Calls out) Mindy! Let’s Go! (To Mike) Bye, Dad. (She kisses him goodbye then gets in the passenger seat. Pacey climbs in the driver’s side and waves at everyone then drives to where Mindy stands with her back to the car. Pacey gets out, opens the back door, takes Mindy’s hand and puts her in the car. Then he returns to the front seat and drives away.)
(Scene: Juice Bar just off Central Park. Andie and Gretchen are eating frozen juice bars and watching the TV screen over the bar. The server turns up the volume for them as they listen to the E network.)
Reporter: This footage was taken last night in Lake Tahoe where we see Sandra Bullock and her frequent escort, Dawson Leery, entering their Lake Tahoe hotel. The couple is in Lake Tahoe filming the upcoming Spielberg production, “Almost Home”.
(Gretchen and Andie just look at each other and bite off a big chunk of frozen juice bar.) |
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