04x05 - All the Time in the World

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Chesapeake Shores...

[KEVIN] We have an announcement to make.

We just got married.

[EMMA] The offer Mark Hall made me...

I'd get a record deal

if I could convince you
to come on tour with me.

Why weren't you honest with me?

You and me, Mick... What are we doing?

I think we're sitting here,
having a nice dinner.

I'm serious.

[MICK] I don't know where
we're going with all this,

but right now I'm just
having a terrific time

just sitting here with you.

I could do... lunch.

All right.

[CHUCKLING]

[♪♪♪]

I can't find the chocolate.

Yeah, I can't find the oregano.

Well, it's probably in the spice rack.

Well, I can't find that either.

Did we forget to buy a spice rack?

David, I'm worried.

That we don't have a spice rack?

Relax, we have four days till we open.

Plenty of time to buy a spice rack.

No, I'm worried about my
parents getting back together,

or whatever they're doing.

I know I'm not supposed to care

or be bothered, but...

I care, and I'm bothered.

Well, I don't really
think it's up to you.

It is their life.

I know, but how do we know

that they've even thought this through?

Well, maybe they've changed.

Maybe this time will be different.

Yeah, I hope so.

At least this time I have you.

- We're in this together.
- [LAUGHING VOICES APPROACH]

- Just the two of us.
- Alone...

[BREE] I can't wait for
your wedding dinner!

... with my entire family here.

[ABBY] Neither can I.

[SARAH] Just don't play
football with Paulie and Joe.

I still need chocolate.

- Oregano.
- [KEVIN] Let me get this straight.

So you don't have school tomorrow?

It's a teacher prep day.

- [MESSAGE ALERT CHIMES]
- Yes, so there's no school for the kids,

the parents have to work,

and it is the one day
that I can't be home.

More snacks!

[ABBY] So I wouldn't be
asking for volunteers

- to watch Carrie and Caitlyn, but...
- [GIRLS GIGGLING]

You're prepping with a
cute schoolteacher?

No, I have a deposition in Baltimore.

You're born for depositions.

You're going to be so good.

- And?
- And I am having breakfast with Jay

to discuss the play, but
it is purely business.

That sounds like a date.

- It's not a date.
- Definitely a date.

I agree with Jess,

but Kevin and I have
some free time tomorrow,

and we'd love to hang out
with Carrie and Caitlyn.

Thank you.

I wish I could watch them later,

but I have rewrites, because
my play's in previews...

and breakfast is a date.

Okay, I am trying to
save my career here,

and we are all obsessing over breakfast.

Well, we could be obsessing
about Mom and Dad.

What?

So they're trying again.
It's not a big deal.

[ABBY] Yeah, I actually
think it's admirable.

I mean, think about everything
they have been through.

Well, all I know is Bree's to blame.

What? Me?

It was your book that
brought them together.

It did not.

Did it?

No...

Oh, it might have.

[DOORBELL RINGS]

What's that?

What's this?

We wanted to do something
special for you.

- Shall we?
- Yes.

All right, one, two, three!

[GASPING IN DELIGHT]

It's perfect.

[ELECTRICITY CRACKLING]

I love it! Aw...

[HUM AND LAUGHTER OF BUSTLING CROWD]

And watch the EQ in the
fade on the drums.

Because of the high ceilings,

it can really overpower the vocals.

Hey, hey, sorry I'm late.

I had a meeting I couldn't get out of,

but if you want to go over
numbers now, I'm happy to...

I was ready three hours ago,

but right now, I have a club to run.

You know, the band's sound-checking,

and we've got a food
delivery within the hour.

No offense, Mick, but
for the last month,

you've made it nearly impossible
for me to run this club.

I mean, everything's dual signature.

You know, I can't just
drop everything I'm doing

and track you down every
time I need you to sign off.

Sorry, I've had a lot on my plate.

Yeah, so did I when you
took the club from me.

Well, that was different.
You weren't here.

Yeah, and neither are you,
even when you are here.

You know, it's one thing
to be a silent partner.

It's another to go completely silent.

I mean, this club is my top priority,

and if you can't make it one of yours,

then I think we have a problem.

♪ Plane ticket already paid ♪

♪ I'm gone, but it don't mean nothing ♪

♪ I'm close even though I'm far away ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ That's how I remember you ♪

♪ Stuck here on the red-eye special ♪

♪ I can't wait to see you again ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ So don't think of
me not being around ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ Just listen for the
sweet, sweet sound ♪

♪ Of the taxi pulling up the driveway ♪

♪ I'm coming home soon... ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ I'm coming home soon... ♪

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

- Hey.
- Hi.

Finally figured it out.

My muffin recipe?

[CHUCKLES]

No, that's always going
to stay a secret.

That's true.

What I want to do.

- What?
- I'm going to paint again now.

Megan... What's it been,
almost years now

that you've helped other
artists' dreams come true,

and now you're inspired, finally,

to do it for yourself?

It's about time.

I think so too.

Uh-oh, look who just emerged
from their dungeon.

- Temporary furlough.
- Oh.

Is there anything we can do to help?

I'm not sure there's
anything anyone can do.

Well, I'm here if you need me.

Thank you.

And, Mick?

I've decided I'm going to paint.

I'm going to set up a studio
and just see what I can do.

Well, that's great, Megan.
I'm proud of you.

Connor, you're early.

Looks like I'm right on time.

[CHUCKLES] Uh, you cannot eat that.

Oh, Abby, you're not going
to be able to eat both.

Trust me.

What's this?

Indexed and catalogued, local Maryland

and supreme court rulings

on whistleblowing and whistleblowers,

with relevant facts, circumstances,

and aspects of the law
with particular relevance.

Wow.

Thank you. You did not have to do that.

Don't worry about that.

I kind of enjoyed it.

You enjoyed research?

Okay, not really, but
I enjoyed the change.

Uncle Thomas is gearing
up for the Hubert case,

a huge trial in New York,

and I have been, and will be,

glued to my computer
doing more research.

Well, I'm glad my life
is entertaining to you.

Okay, no, seriously, you can't eat that.

No, it's all good.
I actually don't mind butter

on my pancakes anymore.

So...

Mom and Dad.

Huh. Really?

- I thought you'd be upset.
- Upset?

Nah, they want to try
again, after all this time?

That takes insane bravery.

Or just insanity.

- What, you don't approve?
- Mm-mm.

No, quite the opposite. I mean...

wow, to be able to forgive

after everything?

Yeah.

I guess you gotta go
after what you want.

Like eating my breakfast?

[LAUGHS]

Oh, Jay, good to see you.

Uh, sorry about that.

Do you want me to order
you another one, or... ?

No, no, I'm good. Sally's always serves

too much food anyways.

That's very true.

Uh, I'll see you later?

Thank you, Connor.

- Yeah, of course. See ya, Jay.
- Later.

- Yeah.
- [CHUCKLES]

[MOUTHS] I like him.

So did I get the thumbs up or down?

- Uh, does it matter?
- Well, with your family, yeah.

- Yeah, I think it matters a lot.
- Well, it was a thumbs up.

- Great.
- Do you want some of my pancakes?

No, no, I'm good, thank you. I'm fine.

Well, the toast and eggs look untouched.

Nothing really bothers you, does it?

I mean, did you... did learn
that from teaching third grade?

Uh, no. No, actually.

Learning that led me to
teaching third grade.

I was...

I was working on my Master's in
marine biology at Woods Hole,

spending most of my time
on offshore trawlers,

analyzing Atlantic mackerel populations,

when I just...

I finally decided to switch careers.

Give up counting fish?

Shocking, I know.

No, I thought of the lives of the people

who mattered most to me,

besides my family, and
they were all teachers...

and I realized that life

wasn't supposed to go
in a straight line,

and that if I wanted to turn,

I could just do it. Turn.

Wow. I mean...

I can't imagine giving up something

I've wanted my whole life.

Well, for me it was realizing

that I wanted a lot of things in life,

and it was just merely a
matter of choosing one.

Do you ever regret it?

Only when people eat my breakfast.

[LAUGHING]

Hey, do you want some company today?

What, during my deposition?

Well, not during.

That would be awkward.

I was thinking after.

Don't you have to prep for prep day?

Yes, I do, but I have a feeling

you're going to need a juice
box when you're done.

[CHUCKLES]

All right, I'm going to dig in.

[BREE] "Still think about it, actually.

That, and American football...
Quarterback."

"So you're a failed
rockstar quarterback...

that can't... eat... fish."

Deep into previews and still rewriting?

Yup, it can always be better.

Last night, it seemed that the audience

wanted a button on the scene,

and I kind of like the
callback to Act One.

Yeah, I like it too.

Have you given any thought to
your other writing assignment?

My other what?

The note from the playwright?

For the program?

I haven't given it any thought.

[CHUCKLES]

Well, considering you're
a best-selling novelist,

people are going to expect
something impressive.

[EXHALES NERVOUSLY] No pressure.

[CHUCKLES]

I'm sure it'll be great.

So, a little pressure.

Just a little.

So I'll see you this
afternoon at our Q&A?

Yep. Can't wait.

Oh... and I'd add "tone-deaf."

"So you're a tone-deaf failed
rockstar quarterback."

If you're gonna go for the callback,

you might as well go all the way.

I love you.

[♪♪♪]

Oh, no! [LAUGHING] What's the score?

- [CARRIE] We're up - .
- Hey.

- Uncle Connor!
- Uh, I heard Nana has lunch inside.

- Come on, I'll race ya!
- Okay.

Yay!

[KEVIN] You know, pretty soon,

we will be doing this with our own kids.

So how many?

Well, I was thinking... football team?

Wow. Okay, that is a lot of O'Briens.

Yeah.

You know, we never really
talked about numbers.

There's a lot of things
that we need to talk about.

[♪♪♪]

This is the opposite of talking.

- We'll get there.
- [CHUCKLES]

A whole football team?

Maybe just the offense.

You busy?

No.

I'm just, uh... running the numbers.

I was hoping we could talk.

I know you're still upset
about me not telling you

what Mark Hall said.

I just don't like being
left in the dark,

and how do I know you
weren't considering it?

I told him no, Trace.

I know you did.

I wasn't going to let him use me

to get you back on tour.

[SIGHS]

I'm sorry.

I thought you were hiding it from me,

and when you've been in the
business as long as I have,

sometimes you don't know who to trust.

Trace...

it's not every day you meet someone

who makes you feel safe

and believes in you,

that doesn't want to
take away who you are.

You're different,

different from what I know...

and I like that.

I like you.

[CLEARS THROAT AWKWARDLY]

Now look who's hiding.

[CHUCKLING]

I'm not exactly hiding. It's just...

I was, uh, I was thinking
about grabbing some lunch.

You want to join me?

Yeah. I'd like that.

All right.

[♪♪♪]

Okay, thank you.

Tell me you have good news.

The power company is
sending somebody out

this afternoon.

This afternoon?

I thought you were going
to try to fix it.

No, no, no, no.

Last time I tried to
mess with electricity,

I blew up my parents' Christmas lights.

- That's not that bad.
- I set the lawn on fire.

Oh. Yeah, that's bad.

[DOORBELL RINGS]

- Power company, maybe?
- Maybe.

Hi!

We're here to check in.

What? Now?

- Hi! Nice place.
- Hi there.

Uh-oh.

Uh-oh?

This says we're open already.

Oh, that kind of "uh-oh."

Well, we're not supposed
to open till next week.

- We have no food.
- Or electricity.

And the mattresses haven't
even been delivered yet...

- So we're a B&B...
- Without the "B" or the "B."

[CONNOR] Admiral...

what course shall we be takin'?

It be morning soon,

so point the bow toward the rising sun.

Aye, aye, Admiral,

but what if there not be land?

Yes. What if...

Hey,

what's a pirate's favorite letter?

[TOGETHER] "R"!

Oh, you'd think it be
"R," but it is the "C."

Time for this one to
be walkin' the plank!

It's not in the...

[CONNOR LAUGHS]

I'll sign the documents, but
I haven't read them yet.

Listen, I can't delegate,
and I can't just give up

everything else I've got
going on right now.

All right. Okay. Thanks.

- Hey, Grandpa.
- Yeah?

Do you want to practice with us?

Oh, you know what, honey?

I think that might be just
one admiral too many,

and besides, today I have
to be a landlubber...

but thanks, Caitlyn. Appreciate it.

[IN PIRATE VOICE] Arr... !

[CONNOR CHUCKLING] Hey,
uh, why don't I meet you

on the upper deck, and I'm
going to go talk to Grandpa.

- Okay.
- Okay.

- I'll race you there!
- Hey, Dad?

- Yeah?
- Um, listen, uh...

[CAITLYN] Let's do this.

I was... I was wondering...

with everything going on with Dilpher,

um, do you need any help?

Oh, you know, I know you're busy,

but thank you. I appreciate it.

No, I am, but, uh, I mean it.

- If there's anything you need...
- No, that's okay, it's okay, Connor.

I really, I've got it under
control, but thanks.

Okay.

Hey.

- Hi.
- I'm here for oregano and Dad.

Oregano, no idea. Dad, in his office.

Got it.

Hey, Dad.

Hey, you must be excited
about the inn opening soon.

Uh, actually, it's already open,

just without the beds or the breakfasts,

- so that's going great.
- Oh, good.

Anything I can do?

Do you have time to make beds?

Not really, but I thought
I should just ask.

Thanks.

So... um...

you and Mom?

What's going on there?

Just...

We're just, you know, I guess, uh...

taking it slow,

you know, um, step by step.

Good.

So baby steps.

Yeah, baby steps.

Okay.

Thank you.

[MEGAN] And my spare bedroom's
going to be perfect, you know,

with the northern light
coming through those windows.

You need to get Mick to
help you with the studio.

Nah.

He's too busy. I'm not going to ask him.

- Well...
- So what do you think of this?

- Oh.
- It's perfect.

It's almost exactly like
the studio I used to have.

That one's great,

but you need Mick to help you.

Let him.

Maybe I should.

We didn't talk enough
when we were married,

and that was a mistake.

Darling, you two since
then have learned a lot.

I hope we've learned enough.

The pie looks too good.

- I'm leaving.
- [LAUGHING]

Hey, Trace!

Megan, hey.

Oh, this is, uh, this is Emma.

She works at the Bridge.

Hello, Emma.

Hope he's not working you too hard.

As bosses go, he's okay.

Well, as carpenters go, he's amazing.

I love what you did for the
set for the school play.

- Thanks.
- Have you seen 'em?

I'd love to take a tour.

Well, if you're going to do it,
you'd better hurry up,

because tonight is closing night.

I'll see if my boss will
give me a night off.

You know, we should probably
get inside and order,

but it's good to see you, Megan.

Yeah, you too.

- Bye.
- Bye.

[KEVIN] I don't know,
it's kind of weird. I mean,

we talked about our lives together,

but we may have neglected
some of the details.

Hmm...

Oh, you didn't tell her about
the football team, did you?

[SIGHS]

- Just the offense.
- [GROANS]

O'Brien runs for the foul line.

She passes, and it's a three-point sh*t

for an O'Brien hat trick.

Nope, none of that.

None of that was right.

- [MIMICS ROAR OF CROWD]
- Have you seen sports?

What? Those were all sports words.

[LAUGHS] Anyways...

I just feel like we went from
being engaged to married

in just three weeks, and...

we may have skipped a few conversations.

Hmm...

Well, at least now you have a
lot of time to talk about it.

That's true.

[CHUCKLING]

What about you?

How are you doing with everything?

Well...

my novel just broke top ,

and I have a play opening this week.

- Wow.
- Yeah.

- Congratulations, Bree, really.
- Thank you.

I just hope I can figure
out what to write

for this playbill thingy.

It's easier to write about
other people than yourself.

Really? Don't you always
write about yourself?

No, I write about the fictional
me, not the real me.

The fictional me has it all figured out.

Anyway, thank you for
watching the store.

- Yup.
- And don't put anything on sale

while I'm gone.

Full price!

[LAUGHS]

The hardest part's always
loading up after a show.

: in the morning in some
one-traffic-light town,

a bad night's sleep on
an old motel mattress,

listening to a rattling
air conditioner...

knowing you've got eight
hours behind the wheel

just so you can do it all over again.

That sounds tough...

and lonely.

Yeah... and no.

At least the hotels get better, right?

Well, if it's not where you want to be,

it's just four walls.

Yeah.

You know, you're really not
selling me on the road.

[CHUCKLING]

Well, that's the thing.

You know, I've had some of the
best times of my life on the road.

Your band becomes your family.

I love John and Leigh,
and I always will,

but it ain't easy.

You've got to really want it.

It's not easy leaving
the people you love.

Yeah, I know.

Ms. O'Brien, are you denying

that you released my
client's proprietary data?

When you say "proprietary data,"

are you referring to
the illegal activities

of the Porter Fund?

Alleged illegal activity,
and you're being evasive.

Well, alleged or not, there
was enough information

to open a federal investigation.

You were recently suspended
by Capital Management.

Why was that?

It's an internal matter.

Which we can subpoena.

And they will fight,

because that is also
proprietary information.

[VIDEO CAMERA CHIMES OFF]

Abby...

we don't want you,

but someone has to pay.

You give up Capital Management,

and in two months' time,

Hunter Drew & Associates will
offer you a VP position

with a % raise.

[SCOFFS]

So you're bribing me?

We're offering you an alternative.

You know, since I was suspended,

I have done cleanup duty
at my daughters' school.

I'm producing their school play.

I've taken them to gymnastics
four times a week,

and I've tucked them into
bed every single night.

That's heartwarming,

but I don't think you understand.

This is the best offer
you're going to get,

and if you don't take it,

we're going to keep coming after you.

You know, I don't think you understand.

If I don't teach my children
to stand up for what's right

regardless of the consequences,

then I've failed,

and to me, that is more important

than anything you can thr*aten me with.

So...

I think we're done here.

And as much as I love New York,

you know, I realized that

true theatre can be staged anywhere.

Hmm.

Next question?

So, Bree, where do you
get your inspiration?

Okay, inspiration... I would love to say

that it all comes from my imagination,

but that is not the case.

I think between my plays and my book,

most of my inspiration

comes from the people
that are closest to me,

my friends, my family,

- whether they like it or not.
- [LAUGHTER]

Wait, is your book based on your family?

[CROWD WHISPERING]

I mean, with the...

- [MURMURING AWKWARDLY] Nah...
- Let's jump to another question.

- That's a good idea.
- You, right there.

You have a question?

If we don't get the power back soon,

you can call me Laura Ingalls,

'cause this is Little House
on the Chesapeake Shore.

[GROANS] The electrician
couldn't fix it?

He said something about

corroded something or other,

or faulty neutral wire thingies?

Are you sure he was an
actual electrician?

Well, I'm paraphrasing
because I'm upset.

About your parents?

Well, kind of, but no, I'm upset

because this is not how
this was supposed to go.

We're supposed to have beds.

And power.

Yeah, that too.

At least your apartment
still has electricity.

It's like you live in the future.

Don't worry. No matter what,

we'll get through it together,

like peanut butter and jelly.

Like Pinot noir and Brussels sprouts.

- Oh, we are so meant to be together.
- I know.

[KEVIN] All right, so the
dumbest thing I ever did...

Now, you need to promise not to laugh...

but when I was five,

I broke my arm because
I jumped off the roof.

Why did you do that?

Well, I was dressed as Superman,

and I thought maybe I could fly.

Did you learn your lesson?

- Yeah, the second time.
- [LAUGHS]

Hey, you promised that you
weren't going to laugh.

No, it's just funny.

When I was five,

I tried to save a snowman
from jumping off our roof.

- Jumping?
- Mm-hmm,

yeah, Paulie and Joe spent an entire day

building this massive
snowman on our roof,

and then brought me outside

and told me I had to save him.

Did you?

I spent the entire evening

dragging out the couch cushions

to break his fall,

but the best part was the next morning.

Christmas Day...

we were all in our matching onesies

and reindeer antlers,

opening Christmas presents

while sitting on wet cushions.

Let's go back for a second.

Matching onesies and reindeer antlers?

Always, every Christmas.

[LAUGHING]

That sounds fun.

Yeah, it was.

[PAGERS BOTH RINGING]

Paramedics and engines, everyone.

[SHOP BELL JINGLING]

Five minutes?

Yeah.

They don't know the start time.

So how'd the kids do on their test?

Ah, pretty well, until
two of my students

thought that Benjamin
Franklin invented the kite.

[LAUGHS] Well, I mean, it's close.

That's true. Yeah, maybe I
can give them half credit...

- Hmm.
- ... but more importantly,

how'd it go for you?

Oh, well... like a kite in a storm.

At first it was reasonable,
then it wasn't,

and then they wanted me to take a deal,

which I didn't.

Then they threatened me.

Wow.

How'd that go?

Uh... I don't know. I left.

- Wow.
- Yeah.

[CHUCKLING]

So what's your position on picnics?

- Uh, generally favorable.
- Good.

Good. Warm day, soft blanket...

could be worse.

Could be.

You know, it's so funny, I just...

I realized that I like my job,

but I would be okay without it...

and then I think I've
made a huge mistake,

and I'm going to regret it,
and what have I done,

and I'm going to miss it, and...

[LAUGHS]

So what's wrong with that?

It's normal to think about
what might have been,

while leaving what you know.

You know, if it makes
you feel any better,

and you promise not to tell anybody,

I still can't fish every
time I watch Finding Nemo.

[CHUCKLES]

You've watched Finding
Nemo more than once?

Mm-hmm. I mean, I do teach
third grade, remember?

Yes.

Oh...

Uh, I'm not sure that this
is a juice box moment.

Well, I didn't think it was, either.

[GASPS]

[LAUGHING]

- Here you go.
- Thank you.

- All right.
- Wow, so fancy.

Mm-hmm.

It's better than Chateau Berry Blast.

I like Berry Blast.

Yeah, it's not too bad.

All right.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

[♪♪♪]

This is nice.

It is, isn't it?

Thanks for meeting with me.

I thought it'd be a good time to talk

and clear the air.

Look, I'm sorry for coming
down on you like that, Mick.

I know you're dealing with a lot.

It's just... you know,
I really need you involved.

I know, I know,

and as soon as all this
stuff with me blows over,

I'm going to make it a
priority, I promise.

You don't know when that's going to be.

Look, I've been thinking.

There's always another option.

What's that?

You sell me your half of the club.

I'd be happy to pay you
full market value.

You want to buy me out?

Why now?

Because the Bridge means
something to me, Mick.

It's always been my dream, not yours.

I'll always appreciate
what you did to help me,

but I'm giving you an out...

if you want it.

If I want it?

Let me think about it.

All right, great.

Well, judging from that smile,

it looks like the deposition went well.

Uh, it was great,

until I walked out...

[CHUCKLES]

but I think I made the right choice,

although I might have sent myself

into an early retirement.

[CHUCKLES]

So what's the plan now?

Actually,

I was hoping that you could
take me and the girls

sailing this weekend.

Oh, God, honey, I'd love nothing more,

but this Dilpher thing has got
me landlocked for a while.

Mm, right.

Well, maybe you need a deposition

to clear your schedule
and change your life.

Well, I'm not sure
that's what they're for,

but I'll try it.

Are these your notes on my stuff?

Oh, yeah, they're just scribbles.

I couldn't help myself.

I never thought about

reapplying for government exemptions

to mitigate construction overages.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Well, for three years in New York,

I handled most of the real
estate investment trusts

- for Capital Management.
- Huh.

Abby, I've got multiple
MBAs working for me,

and not one of them has
ever come up with this.

Well, I had a lot of time
with nothing to do, so...

You know, Nelson left me the boat

to remind me of what's important,

and I've been so focused

on trying to handle everything
myself, I think I...

I've forgotten what all this is about.

What do you mean?

Well, if you have some time,
I could use some help.

With everything that's been going on,

I need somebody that I can trust

to handle the day-to-day

and everything that I can't handle.

- It would just be temporary.
- Well, Dad,

Dad, of course.

I mean, whatever you need.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Thanks.

It'll cost you babysitting, though.

- Okay.
- [LAUGHS]

[♪♪♪]

I think you're the only O'Brien

that still comes here
on a regular basis.

Well, I couldn't live
without the hot wings.

[CHUCKLES]

So is Danielle coming to meet you?

No, we, uh... It's over.

Really? Sorry to hear that.

Yeah.

So, what are you working on?

Oh, the same old stuff.

I'm just catching up on some
research for Uncle Thomas.

I spent a lot of time doing
pro bono work for Abby,

whether or not she'll use it.

For Abby?

Why would she need a lawyer?

Because of the Porter Fund.

Wait, that was her?

Wow, if I'd have known, I would've...

No, no, hey, hey, hey,

it's okay.

I mean, it's Abby, she
always figures it out,

and, you know, she's got, uh...

she's got people to talk to.

Well, that's... that's good.

You know, I hate to think

that Abby didn't have
the support she needed.

Hey, Connor.

Yeah?

For what it's worth,

you've got great instincts.

Anyone would be lucky to
have you on their side.

I know I am.

Thanks, Trace.

[JESS GASPS]

All done...

Scones, muffins, wine,

and two cheese platters

ready for tonight.

Gran...

you are a lifesaver.

How did you do it?

I cranked up my oxygen...

and I would do anything for you.

Ah, you always have.

And I always will.

I wanted to ask you.

Um...

This whole Mom-and-Dad thing...

Jess, Jess...

I know there were times that you felt

that your mother and your
dad weren't there for you,

and you're right, they weren't,

because they knew that I would be,

and that you would never
be truly alone...

But you're not worried it's all
going to fall apart again?

No, I'm not, and you
shouldn't be either.

They're trying it now because
they feel safe to do it,

and no matter what, you kids
are going to all be okay,

and, Jess, you are never
going to be alone.

I'll always have you.

And David.

And David.

[CHUCKLING]

Thank you.

This is my daughter.

There you go...

and that includes your % off.

- Thank you.
- Hi.

Uh, Mom, what are you doing here,

and why... are we having a sale?

Kevin called, and he and
Sarah had to leave,

and I was thinking

I could help you move
up the bestseller list.

Sign these, please.

Oh...

That's actually not a bad idea.

Thank you.

How was Baltimore?

Not great.

Turns out I'm not very good
at talking about myself.

- Oh, honey.
- When I write,

it's always about the old me.

It's never about who I am now.

Hmm.

Well, then, who are you now?

Huh...

That is the question.

You okay?

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm just tired.

Yeah, me too.

You ever think about how we got here?

Yeah, I do.

There was a long time

where I thought I'd
never be happy again.

I didn't even think
it would be possible.

My dad always used to say

that we all live two lives...

one to learn,

and one to live.

I think I'm good with the football team.

But just the offense?

Offense, defense, water boys...

Okay.

[LAUGHS] Now you're scaring me.

[CONNOR] Gran, you home?

Oh, hey, Abby.

Hey.

Is Gran here?

No, she went to Sally's
with Dad before the play.

Oh.

How'd your deposition go?

Well, I used the research you
gave me for the first hour.

Well, I'm glad my hard
work went to good use.

Yes, then I threw my career
away right after that.

Don't ask.

Fair enough.

What are you working on?

It's my consolation price.

I'm just doing some work for Dad.

Really? Working for Dad?

Just for the moment.

He just asked me to help
him out with some stuff.

Huh.

Uh, when did he ask you?

Hmm...

I don't know, a few hours ago?

Hmm.

Connor, with all due respect,
what are you doing here?

I'm going home.

- You offered me a job.
- [CHUCKLES]

That's not good enough.

And you need me.

And why is that?

Because I single-handedly
b*at your law firm

in a case that I had no right to win.

You need me because I'm smart,

I'm aggressive...

Humble.

When necessary...

and you need me because I can help you

and your firm.

But while we do some environmental law,

mostly we do litigation.

And that's exactly why I got
into law in the first place.

Fine. I'm interested.

So how did you end up

going into environmental law?

Well... I let others
choose my path for me,

and I'm done doing that.

Hmm.

We lost this case to the city.

You have hours to show
me how we could've won it.

You want me to dazzle you.

If you want a job.

[STRUMMING GUITAR]

[♪♪♪]

I think your break's almost over.

Can I get five more minutes, boss?

That's not how it works.

Gonna have to dock you.

[CHUCKLES]

You know, I don't let
a lot of people in.

So no one knows the real Trace Riley.

Not a lot of people, no.

Because of the business?

Not just that.

When I was a kid,

my family wasn't big on
discussing their feelings.

Sometimes it's just easier that way.

So you don't get hurt.

So you get hurt less.

It's, uh... safer.

[CHUCKLES]

You know,

you don't have to protect
yourself around me.

You don't have to hide
how you really feel.

Your ride awaits.

- You all set to leave?
- Almost...

just finishing this note
from the playwright.

So you finally found out what
the real you has to say.

Uh...

yeah, kind of, I guess. Not really.

I did find out

why I was stressing out, though.

It's because I have nothing
to stress out about.

[CHUCKLES] Yeah, it's strange,

having everything work out.

Sarah and I are just... happy,

planning our future together...

our wedding dinner, everything else,

and I keep expecting that
I'm going to wake up.

I know, right, like
it's all just a dream?

Yeah, that it won't last?

But then I think maybe we deserve this.

You know, like, for just a moment,

everything's good,

and everything works out as we planned.

Well, we got through the day.

[ELECTRICITY CRACKLES]

[BOTH KNOCKING]

And tomorrow will be better.

Always is.

That reminds me, I got you a present.

Really?

It's okay if you didn't get me anything,

even though it was the first day,

and you should've, but... I'm kidding.

- Close your eyes.
- Now?

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Aw, a calendar.

So we will always know what day it is.

This would've been a lot more useful

than a spice rack.

It's okay, you don't
have to get me anything.

- Got it.
- Got it.

[♪♪♪]

Are you all right?

Well, I've been better.

It hasn't been a great
month for my reputation.

Yeah, well, it's really difficult

to see something that you've built up

just fall apart.

[SHUDDERS]

You know, I talked to Jess today,

and she is very concerned
about you and Megan.

Oh?

Yeah.

How do you feel about it?

Well,

I think you've always
had something special,

and I want you to be happy.

Thank you, Mom.

Admiral, what course will we be takin'?

It be morning soon,

so we point the bow
toward the rising sun.

Aye, aye, Admiral,

but what if there not be land?

- Then we'll be setting a new course.
- [WHISPERING] Okay, that's you!

- Let's go! Go, go, go!
- [ONSTAGE] Time to abandon hope!

Oof!

Trace... what are you doing here?

I told the girls I'd
come by and help out.

Oh, um...

thank you for, um, building the sets.

They look better than the originals.

[CHUCKLES] Yeah, no worries.

You know, I heard about the Porter Fund.

[CHUCKLES RUEFULLY]

You okay?

Yeah. Yeah, I'm better now.

Good.

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDS]

I, I'm... [CHUCKLES]

I have to go do a, uh...

- a costume change, so...
- Yeah, yeah, sure.

[♪♪♪]