05x18 - A Writer of Dubious Talent

[bunniefuu]

[WHISPERING INDISTINCTLY]

Adam! [LAUGHING]: Stop it!

Aw. If only he had a dollar
for every time he's heard that.

You know, every time
I see the two of together,

I re-realize that it wasn't a dream

when I walked in on you
two pawing each other

- six months ago.
- Wait. Six months?

Oh, we should have a
celebratory anniversary picnic

- and hike together.
- Aw. That sounds great, but I can't.

We have an obstetrician
appointment this morning.

Yeah, we sure do,
and Liam's got a full day, which means

it's just me and Stacey and no one else.

I'll take a rain check
on the date, though.

My lower back's been k*lling me,
so it's probably best

- I stickto flat land anyway.
- Oh, no.

I'll give you a massage later.

- Thank you.
- We had a deal. You weren't

gonna talk about this
stuff in front of me.

- I never agreed to that deal.
- [STACEY SIGHS]

- Uh-huh.
- We'll see you when we get back.

- I'll be here.
- Oh, we know.

LIAM: It's the best thing

I've read in...
I don't even know how long.

You know you're not my student
anymore, right?

There's no need to suck up to
me for a better grade, Liam.

Look, if this isn't a best seller,
I don't know what is.

It's really five years old?

Why haven't you ever published it?

I never thought it was ready,

which is why you're
the first to read it.

I'm a little superstitious.

I don't show drafts to many people.

Look, I get it.
No one's read mine either.

And no one will until I can come up

- with a k*ller ending like yours.
- I'm here

when you're ready to show me. After all,

I'm supposed to be mentoring you,
not the other way around.

It's due any minute, right?

Yeah. Yeah. Don't remind me.

I've just had so many
distractions lately.

I mean, my press junket today
and my movie premiere tomorrow.

I mean, look,
I-I am thrilled, obviously.

It's just...
I don't know, finding time isn't easy.

That's why, whenever I have a deadline,

I drop off the grid and head
out to a secret hideaway.

Really? That's a great idea.

- Where do you go?
- I said secret hideaway.

You're gonna have to find your own.

FALLON: Did a spa throw up in here?

Oh. This is what I call

the Adam Carrington prenatal
wellness experience.

Thank you. I'm gonna walk Stacey through

some light stretches in
a soothing environment.

Sciatica pain is a real
concern for pregnant women.

You're a real concern to me.

I'm an in-house physician
that can be really helpful

to you and my girlfriend in
this last stage of pregnancy,

so you should be grateful.

Grateful? Okay.

All right, that's it. Everybody out!

Thank you. Off you go.

Look, I have put up
with your relationship

with our surrogate because I
don't want to upset Stacey.

But once she gives birth,

your charm will wear off
quicker than the epidural.

Well, we'll see about that, but I think

you're being shortsighted
about this whole situation.

Do you know how many people

would k*ll to have an on-call doctor?

One that was chief of
staff of a major hospital?

Yeah, exactly.

- Was.
- That was due

to Amanda's vindictiveness,

not my performance.

And while we're on the subject,
I was wondering,

is there any possibility

that you might help me get reinstated?

I want to ensure

that Stacey has the care she needs,

and I can only do that
if I go back to work.

Are you kidding?

At this point,
you're just a glorified vet.

And I wouldn't even trust you with Bo,
so... no.

[BO BARKING IN DISTANCE]

I still can't believe

we have a full afternoon of interviews.

This is more publicity than I've
had for any film I've ever done.

Well, being married
to a Carrington comes

with a spotlight,
so we might as well use it.

Plus, you're a pretty
big name these days.

Though not as big as our star

- Janelle Crowley.
- Thanks.

And sorry no one knows your name at all.

Don't take it personally.
You'll get there, or not.

Okay, I've got to hit a deadline

for my publisher, so I won't be around

to keep the peace, so at the junket

can you stick to talking
strictly about the movie?

All right?
Not how much you two annoy each other?

I know one of us will be
completely professional.

Which would have to be me,
since I'm still not sure

what your profession is,
unless it's judgmental,

self-absorbed multimillionaire.

I'll take that over humorless,
finger-licking

"artist."

And, yes, those were air quotes.

Yeah, see, this is the stuff
I'm talking about, guys.

Can we please not give
the press any fodder?

No fodder. [CLICKS TONGUE] Got it.

Thank you.

I know she gets under your skin,

but don't let her provoke you,
all right?

I promise if you can just get
through these next two days,

you'll never have to see her again.

It can't happen soon enough.

JEFF: Game's over, Blake.

- You got me.
- I told them to let you in

because I was feeling generous,

but I'm not in the mood for mysteries.

Let me enlighten you.

For the past six months,
I've been buying back

Colby Co. assets, everything except

the music and robotics division because,

well, I couldn't find them.

Until today

when I discovered that you own them.

Well, that explains why you're here.

Your accountants must have screwed up

when they filed the annual report

for your shell company.

Or you leaked it just to provoke me.

No, I did not do that.

Remind me. I will have them all fired.

But your asset liquidation
last year was just

too good to pass up,

so I sold some overseas
real estate to pay for them.

And they've continued
to be profitable, so,

seems like a pretty smart move,
if I do say so myself.

I'll pay you ten percent above
market value to get them back.

I'm not interested in selling.

All that IP was created

when you worked for
Carrington Atlantic anyway.

So these companies are back
with their rightful owner... me.

You know, I told myself I'd
never go to w*r with you again

because I didn't want
to sink to your level.

But this is personal.

So I hope you're ready to suffer.

Do I look worried?
Because I am not worried.

Well, you should be.

Well, I'm not!

♪

Jeff? Did we have
a meeting I forgot about?

Uh, no. No,
I just thought I'd stop by and check in.

See if there was any
updates on who might own

- my Colby Co. assets.
- I hate to be

the bearer of bad news again,

but it-it truly does
seem like a dead end.

I mean, I stopped pursuing it when,
um, the trail went cold.

Right. Unless it's because that
trail led to Carrington Manor?

Look, I know Blake bought the companies.

Pretty sure you do, too.

Okay, yes, yes, but in my defense,

I was in a very difficult position,
okay?

Being caught between you

and my father... it's not... pleasant.

I mean, can you blame me for
trying to stay out of it?

Maybe not, but I do know how you can

- make it up to me.
- Anything. Name it.

Convince Blake to sell
me back my companies,

and we'll call it even.

Anything but that.

You know that that's never
gonna happen, okay?

- Blake is never gonna...
- [P.A. BEEPS]

WOMAN [OVER P.A.]:
Paging Amanda Carrington.

Second floor nurses' station.

Sorry. Just excuse me for one moment.

Yeah, of course. I'll, uh... I'll wait.

Okay, come on, come on, come on.

That was odd.

- They said they didn't need me.
- Huh.

You heard the page, too, right?
I'm not losing my mind, am I?

Yeah, I totally heard it.
That's really weird.

- Uh, anyways, I need an answer.
- Look,

I just don't think
Blake's gonna go for it.

And this is above my pay grade, okay?

- There's too much history.
- Exactly.

Look, you haven't been around
for a Colby-Carrington w*r.

Things can get ugly, so if there's

anything you can do, please do it.

WOMAN [OVER P.A.]:
On-call nurse to Radiology.

On-call nurse to Radiology.

Thank you for the tea. It's perfect.

Mmm.

You're perfect.

Besides, it's the least

I could do since Fallon
shut down the rest

of the wellness experience
I had planned for you.

The tension between you and Fallon is...

It's a lot.

And I know our
relationship isn't helping,

so I've been thinking,
maybe we should take some time apart.

For your sake.

No. No, absolutely not.

Just until the baby's born.

You just need to ignore Fallon.

She's a first-time mother,
and she's concerned about her baby.

But don't let that affect us.

I mean, she can't even see
how helpful it would be

to have me reinstated at the hospital.

If we weren't together,
she'd probably see that.

Ooh.

Collecting eights?

- Ah, nothing gets past you, huh?
- [LAUGHS SOFTLY]

Which is why you know that
taking a break isn't the answer.

Getting Fallon to see
that I'm on her side

is the only thing that
will win her over.

Well,
if anyone can figure out a solution

to win her over, it's you.

Even if you can't figure
out a way to b*at me.

- Gin.
- Oh, wait. We were playing gin?

[LAUGHS]

I miss you already.

Don't forget to text me when you arrive.

Although I'll know where you
are because I track your phone.

Fallon, I'm going
to La Mirage for one night.

- So you don't want me coming with you, then?
- [LAUGHS]

Because I could really
use a night at a hotel.

- Well, then I'd really get no work done.
- Okay, fine.

You're probably right.
I should stay here.

Especially since Adam
has been playing doctor

with Stacey in more ways than one.

Oh, God. That's still a thing?

Oh, yeah. And now he keeps offering

to whip out his stethoscope

and use it. I don't want him

or his mail-order medical
license anywhere near the baby.

On second thought, I can totally stay

and stand guard outside her room.

Hey, stop, okay? I've got it covered.

You go write, and I'll see
you tomorrow at the premiere.

- We can celebrate all your amazing success.
- Okay.

Hey! Is that the pen that I bought you

when you won the Paysinger Award?

Yeah. Yeah,
I'm gonna take it with me for good luck.

- All right, well, go off and write a best seller.
- Okay.

Our call center's being
overwhelmed by angry customers.

High-paying customers.

- If we don't fix this soon...
- [WHISPERING]: What's going on?

[SIGHS] PPA planes can't take off.

The radio tower's
communication system is down.

Enough with the excuses, all right?
Just get the airplanes

back in the air ASAP!

- This seems like a bad time.
- It is.

So you might as well tell
me what you came to tell me.

Um, look, I just wanted to warn you

that Jeff is coming for his Colby Co.
divisions.

It's old news. I saw him this morning.

He's probably behind all of this.

He somehow hacked into our mainframe

and shut us down.

- [PHONE RINGING]
- Well,

speak of the IT devil.

Colby, you crossed the line this time.

JEFF: I don't know what you're
talking about. It's not my fault

if you use yesterday's technology

for your backwater airport.

I was only calling to see if
you've reconsidered my offer.

AMANDA: Jeff,
there's no need to do it this way, okay?

- We can discuss this.
- There's nothing to discuss.

If your father wants his airport

back up and running,
he knows exactly what to do. Bye now.

CRISTAL: Wait.

Jeff made you an offer for his assets,

and you turned him down?

Is that what this is all about?

What difference does it make?

He's holding PPA hostage,

and there will be no negotiation,

only retaliation.

My apologies for the room,
but with the press junket

for The Biggest Payday occupying
the Presidential Suite,

this is all we have.

So, it's technically your fault.

Don't worry, all right?

This is perfect.
I just need a quiet place

to write without distractions.

You mean, without Fallon.

Which, by the way, she already called

asking for your room number.

I told her you were in .

Yeah, but this isn't...

All right, yeah. Good call.

And I stocked the mini-bar
with all your favorite snacks

and beverages.

- What more could a writer want?
- If you see me out

of this room, force me back in.
My publisher's waiting.

If I don't get this last chapter done...
I'm a dead man.

I won't keep you any longer, then.

MICHAEL: Personally, I think

the world could do with more
romantic movies right about now.

[LAUGHING]: But,
I don't know, call me sappy.

NINA: While it's tempting

to take him up on that,
I'd have to agree.

Your Hot Tea Atlanta followers

- are absolutely gonna love this film.
- Yes, and, Nina,

I heard you're considering
directing a film

in Rio with an old flame,

Rocco Donovan, as the lead actor.

- Care to comment?
- Uh... [LAUGHS]

We-we dated back in film school.

And any chance of a reunion,

if you catch my drift?

Our readers would love to know.

I'd prefer we just stick
to talking about this film.

Janelle Crowley was normal,

the movie was on budget, and you're fine

working with your ex.

I need gossip.

So, what about
those leaked photos from set

of Janelle Crowley?

Oh, you mean Mr. Culhane's
girlfriend Sasha Harris?

The one in the movie?

Ex-girlfriend,
and that was a misunderstanding.

Did I mention that I
donated my producing salary

to the organization
Black Women in Cinema?

- I didn't know that.
- Yeah, I did.

You didn't ask.
You think I'm self-absorbed?

You two really rub each other
the wrong way, don't you?

- No.
- No. No.

We're totally... we're totally friends.

- We actually like each other.
- Mm-hmm.

Finally, something interesting.

So, first-time producer
hires his girlfriend

against the wishes of his director,

and girlfriend leaks
pictures to sabotage

the movie out of jealousy.

No wonder you two don't like each other.

Ex-girlfriend, okay? [LAUGHS]

And I think that
concludes this interview.

Thank you very much, Clara Lucia.
We'll see you

- on the red carpet.
- You sure will.

Bye-bye.

Once this gossip gets out,

Liam is going to be furious with me.

You're overreacting, as usual.

All press is good press.

It's easy for you to say.
Didn't make you look like an idiot.

You'll end up fine, just like usual.

Sounds like a compliment,
feels like an insult, so...

- Don't be so touchy! Oh.
- Ow!

You just hit me in the face!

Uh, so you're not going to apologize?

- You didn't even give me a chance.
- You could have

chipped my tooth right
before the big night!

Stop being such a baby.
I barely grazed you.

I mean, if I wanted, I could do

some real damage to that body.

[SIGHS] Um...

that never should have happened.

Uh, uh, it was

just two adults with pent-up stress

that needed an outlet, right?

Right, consenting adults need
to release steam sometimes.

But that will never happen again.

Never.

- Thanks.
- Plus,

- I promised Liam that we'd be professional.
- Okay, so,

we'll just avoid each other
until the premiere party's over.

I can do all the red carpet press,
and you can make sure

the party runs smoothly.

Or we could

walk the red carpet side by side,

with smiles on our faces.
That way the press knows

that we actually get along just fine.

Professionally. Who knows? Maybe you can

use a hand on your next film.

So you want to work on my film?

That was just a little joke.

You probably have another ex

that can produce the film

that your other ex is starring in,

and then you can just
be surrounded by exes.

You know what? Maybe you're right.

And I can totally play nice for,
for the next hours.

[THUNDER CRACKS]

[YAWNS]

[CLOCK TICKING]

[THUNDER CRACKS]

Oh, come on, Ridley. Stay awake.

[SIGHS]

[SIGHS]

Ah, forget it. Who's thirsty?

[THUNDER CRACKS]

[GASPS]

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

[DOOR CREAKS OPEN]

Whiskey. Neat.

[SOUTHERN ACCENT]:
What's on your mind, son?

You look troubled.

[CHUCKLES] That obvious, huh?
I'm holed up here

to write a sequel to my
book The Biggest Payday.

It was a huge hit.
Maybe you've heard of it.

Don't read anything but the racing form.

[CHUCKLES]

Well, considering I can't get
any words down on the page,

you won't be reading this one either.

My wife and my publisher think
I'm finishing the final chapter,

but I'm stuck on page... .

Which makes me uneasy
'cause I'm superstitious.

We get a lot of superstitious
writers here at the hotel.

Like this guy. Big-time writer.

Always stays in Room .

Apparently,
he wrote two best sellers in that room.

Says he felt more inspiration there

than anywhere else in the whole world.

- It's his secret hideaway.
- You know, maybe I could

switch to that room,
channel some of that creativity.

Booked. Full house tonight.

Big event going on.

Well, maybe they'll switch rooms.

People can be reasonable.

I don't think that's a good idea, son.

You don't want to copy
what works for another man.

Could be riskier

than you ever dreamed.

What's that supposed to mean?

[THUNDER CRACKS]

- [LIVELY CROWD CHATTER]
- [SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey, what happened...
to the other bartender?

Been just me all night.

Maybe I should cut you off, huh?

No need.

, .

. So, four-twenty...

?

Hey, could you help me out here?

[COCKNEY ACCENT]: Oh, I don't know.
I've got a lot...

Oh, wow.
You're rich playboy-turned-famous author

Jack Liam Ridley Lowden.

Yup, that's me.

I follow you, you know.
On the social media.

Yeah, I'm a big fan. Yeah.

You got the kind of life a working stiff

like me would k*ll for.

Oh. I'm flattered.

Could I exchange an autograph

for a little help in finding Room ?

Oh, yeah.

- Yeah?
- Absolutely.

Follow me.

So, uh, why are you so
interested in finding that room?

Well, this is gonna sound funny,

but I'm looking for a little inspiration

to finish my latest book.

And I heard rumors about
this room being special.

[LAUGHS] Yeah,
I'm sure you'll get exactly

- what you deserve.
- Good.

Because my publisher will k*ll me

if I don't get this turned in soon.

Hope not actually k*ll you.

I mean, I suppose
that would make the signature

more valuable, wouldn't it?

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Y-You know what?
I think I can find it on my own.

Maybe just point me in
the right direction?

Let me get you that autograph first.

I can't find my lucky pen.

Hey, wait up!

[ S-STYLE JAZZ PLAYING]

Oh...

[CROWD MURMURING]

Um...

sorry to interrupt.

I'm guessing this isn't room ?

[LAUGHS]

You're that novelist, right?

The one who just had his book
made into a Hollywood movie?

You know,
I seem to get recognized a lot here.

Take a picture with me.

- Oh, um...
- [PHONE CAMERA CLICKS]

I really should go.

I-I don't think I was invited.

How about if I invite you upstairs?

This party is like death warmed over.

- I'm sorry. I'm married.
- So am I.

Meet me in five minutes, room .

That's your room?
I've been looking for you.

Well, you found me.

And here's a preview of what's to come.

Oh, I can't wait for you to
show me all your talents.

I bet you're pretty creative.

In more ways than one.

- Hey, wait. Hang on.
- [GASPING]

- [CROWD MURMURING]
- Hey.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

The writer stabbed that
poor woman to death.

WOMAN: The writer stabbed
that poor woman to death.

What?

No!

No, no, no, no. No, it wasn't me.
I did... I didn't do it!

- [THUNDER CRACKS]
- Hey! Hey.

Did you see someone come through here?

A k*ller just att*cked this poor
woman downstairs right after

she was saying the
nicest things about me.

Okay, well,
people die at hotels all the time.

She was stabbed to death!

All right, she was trying
to help me find room .

Well, I still have, like,
three rooms to clean

before my shift's over,
so that's what I'm worried about.

Wait, wait, wait, wait!
Do you know the bellhop?

The one with the crazy eyes?
He looks suspicious.

- That guy?
- Yeah.

He wouldn't hurt anyone.
He's a bookworm.

Like, I mean, he just gave me this book.

Oh, my God, that's you!

I knew you looked familiar.

Wow. Now I'm impressed.

Yes. Thank you. That's very kind of you.

- So, what else have you written?
- Nothing... yet!

- That's why I'm here.
- Oh.

Well, now I'm less impressed.

It's not as easy as you might think!

Okay, now you're creeping me out.

Why don't you go back to your
room and do a bit of writing?

No one likes a one-hit wonder.

Yeah, and no one likes
a sassy housekeeper either.

I need to find room .

- [WOMAN SCREAMS]
- [THUD]

WOMAN:
And now he k*lled the housekeeper.

MAN: And now he k*lled the housekeeper.

WOMAN : Now he k*lled the housekeeper.

MAN : Now he k*lled the housekeeper.

[ALARM BLARING]

God, no.

Ah, damn it!

[PANTING]

[YELLS]

[GROANS]

[GRUNTING]

[BEEPS]

[PULLS DOORKNOB]

- [BEEPING]
- God!

Come on. Come on!

[BEEPING]

- Work! [GRUNTS]
- [BEEPS]

[SIGHS]

[PANTING]

[GASPS]

[THUNDER CRACKS]

- What are you doing here?
- I came to help

with your writer's block by
bringing you some fresh towels

just in case you want a hot bath.

[GROANS]

[GASPS]

My pen.

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

[GASPING]

Who are you?

What do you want?!
I just want to finish my book.

Sorry.

I can't let you do that, Liam.

Yeah, we both know

that you're a hack who doesn't deserve

any praise or encouragement.

And your best writing days are over.

As are all your days.

- [GASPS]
- [KNOCKING]

Whoa, whoa. Easy.

Are you trying to serve
me into next week?

Are you okay?

You look terrible.

Oh, God, I just had the worst dream.

Other people's dreams are so boring.

- There was a k*ller loose in the hotel.
- And yet

- you're still going to tell me.
- People were being m*rder*d.

I thought it was Adam.

- You know what? Never mind.
- Good.

Because corpses are
terrible for business.

Luckily, it was just a dream. [CHUCKLES]

So if you, uh, slept,

I'm assuming you finished your book?

Because, I mean,
you only had one chapter to finish.

I only have pages written.

pages?!

[LAUGHING]:
Wha-What did you do all night?

Actually, what have you been
doing the last six months?

I have writer's block, okay?

Which is a problem
because my editor's going

to be asking me about
it tonight at the party.

Listen, I'm sure

this has happened to
other writers before.

You can just level with her.

I don't know if I can.

[PANTING]

Can you just promise me
you won't say anything

to her or Fallon?

- [BIRDS SINGING]
- [EXHALES]

FALLON: Stacey?

Oh, hey.

Sorry to interrupt.

I just want to see if you
changed your mind at all

- about coming to the premiere tonight.
- Oh, thank you again,

but as much as I'd like to,

I think it's probably
best that I stay home.

At : , my feet just

swell up, so...

But please congratulate Liam for me.

I will, I will, and do you need anything

from me before I go?

No, I think we're all good.

I've got my yoga, I've got my snacks.

Adam made me a cup of tea earlier,

and later I think we're
just going to relax.

Well, I guess
I'll see you later tonight.

- Stacey?
- Ooh.

- Stacey, you okay?
- Ooh.

Oh, God, you're not having contractions,
are you?

Because I haven't picked out an outfit

for the baby yet or for me.

[LAUGHING]: No, it's-it's nothing.

It's, um...
Ooh, it's just a false contraction.

It happens... ugh... sometimes
in the third trimester. It's...

Okay, well, I'm glad you told me

because I was worried there for...

- [GROANS SOFTLY]
- Stacey?

Stacey, are you sure you're okay?

Actually, I'm feeling kind of dizzy.

Stacey?! Stacey?!

Please, someone help!

Somebody help! Oh, Stacey.

Okay, her symptoms are
consistent with heat exhaustion,

which could lead to heatstroke, which is

incredibly dangerous,
so I need to act now.

- The EMTs will be here any minute.
- Go get me

some cold water and damp towels.

The colder, the better, all right? Go!

Go, go, go, go!

I'm gonna get you back
on your feet, all right?

Just a few drops of this...

there you go...

and you're gonna feel
as good as new, promise.

- What was that?
- Uh, that was just, um, saline solution.

- [GROANING]
- To help with dehydration.

- It should kick in pretty quick.
- FALLON: Okay.

I've got water, I've got a towel.

- Hi. Hi. Here, here, have some water.
- Hi.

- Thank you.
- Mm.

Okay, this is gonna cool you down,
all right?

Here we go.

I don't... know what happened,

but I feel so much better.

Maybe I just got overheated?

Well, as you know,

pregnancy does leave you more
susceptible to heat, so...

You just weren't aware
that you overdid it.

FALLON: Okay, so,

you're sure? You're fine? I don't know.

I feel like we should go
to the ER or something.

No, she's-she's fine.
The EMT's gonna come check her out.

Fallon, I'm so sorry.
I should have known

better than to work out in this heat.

You should go to Liam's party.
I-I'm fine.

I don't think that's a good idea.
It's fine. I can stay.

Please. If you miss this because of me,
I will feel terrible.

Okay. All right, I'll go,
but if anything happens,

will you please text me immediately?

And keep an eye on her.

I'm on it.

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]

MAN: I loved it.

WOMAN: The movie was amazing.

MAN : Had me in tears at that point.

- Well...
- Mm.

I'm glad that went well.

I think we convinced all the reporters

that we don't hate each other,
even Clara Lucia.

You know, it's funny how people mistake

artistic conflict for bad blood.

Exactly. I mean,
I'm a very passionate person

when it comes to my work, and...

other things.

[LAUGHS SOFTLY]

Are you actually considering

going to Rio to do a movie with your ex?

Well, there's really nothing

keeping me here in Atlanta, so...
who knows?

I mean, it's not like

we don't make movies here in Georgia.

I mean,
we are the Hollywood of the South.

Well, I haven't decided
what I'm gonna do yet.

I guess you'll have to read all
about it in Hot Tea Atlanta.

Michael, I wanted to thank you

for bringing me onto the movie.

I did love seeing my
name on the big screen.

- You're welcome.
- You're lucky you got me

before I won the NordicStar contest.

You wouldn't be able to afford me now.

- Right.
- That was a joke.

What's going on with you?

Oh.

This is about Nina.

You definitely got between
the sheets with her.

- Am I right?
- What? No!

- Why would you even say that?
- When I dropped off

her clothes for the photo sh**t,

you two were at arm's
length the whole time.

Then I saw you just now,

talking in low tones,
inches from each other,

the look in your eyes.

Only one thing could make
that much of a difference.

Fine. But it was a huge mistake.

She and I drive each other crazy.

Crazy in love,
it seems. You should think about that.

Trust me.

There's nothing to think about.

I got to be honest.

You don't look like someone

who just had their book
turned into a big movie.

Not that I would know what
that would look like, but...

- it has to be more exciting than this.
- [LAUGHING]: Yeah. No.

It's great. It's just, um...

TONI: Congratulations!

Oh, God, it's my editor.

Big news. The powers-that-be

want to rush your next book to print

to capitalize on this success!

You're still going to send it
this week, right?

I can't wait to read it.

You know, I don't know.

I just, um...

Uh, I'm not sure it's ready yet.

Don't be modest, Liam.
I'm sure it's great.

Yes, yes, of course he'll send it.

Right, yes. I will...

I'll send it over this week.

Great! [CHUCKLES]

JEFF: Well, I hope you're here

to deliver the conditions of surrender.

- Not quite.
- So, what?

Just a fun, social visit?
Because I'm kind of busy.

Too busy to apologize for hacking

into my tablet?

Because I'm pretty sure

that that hospital page
"calling me away"

while you were in my
office was your doing.

That's how you hacked into PPA,
isn't it?

Okay, I may have uploaded
some malware onto your tablet

so that when you logged into
the Carrington Wi-Fi at home,

I could get into any
Carrington computer.

I'd apologize, but I did tell you
things could get ugly.

For someone so smart, you should realize

that Blake isn't the
only one in charge there.

Fair point, but I don't know if
Cristal's willing to negotiate.

- She is.
- Security didn't tell me

- you brought a friend.
- We all want this over

before there's any more damage.

I can definitely make a fair
offer to buy back the companies.

After what you did, I'm not sure
fair is part of the equation.

I want market value plus %.

I'm liking this new,
savvier Cristal Carrington,

so I'll go to .

But what about Blake?

Is he going to try and quash this?

CRISTAL: Don't worry about Blake.

I'll handle him.

Oof. I've been trying to avoid
that Hot Tea Atlanta reporter

all night. It is exhausting.

Don't worry. I took care of it.

Well, my agent took care of it.

And I don't know what
she promised that writer,

but there won't be any salacious
behind-the-scenes article.

- Perfect.
- So...

I guess this is it.

Unless

you want to lend me your private jet

to save me a few hours down in Customs?

Unfortunately,

this judgmental, self-absorbed

multimillionaire doesn't
actually own his own jet.

Well, yet.

Looks like I'm flying commercial, then.

My ex is out, by the way.

Changed his mind.

Like people do sometimes.

Yeah.

Bon voyage.

Did you really just say "Bon voyage"?

She's not going on the Love Boat,

which is ironic, since

she's clearly the woman of your dreams,

and you just let her walk away.

Woman of my dreams?
It's more like nightmares.

We didn't get along for one
minute on that movie sh**t.

She drives me crazy!

And you still haven't figured
out why that fabulously talented

and beautiful woman drives you nuts?

There's nothing to figure out.
Even if there was,

what difference would it make?

Nina couldn't get out
that door fast enough.

That girl was in no rush.

In fact, she was lingering,

just waiting for a
reason to stick around.

You could tell all that
just by watching us?

Well, I was eavesdropping, too.

None of this matters, Dom.

Just because... we made one...

great mistake upstairs

does not change the fact
that she has been mad at me

from the day we met.

Did you just... lick your fingers?

Oh. Yeah, I'm sorry.

I-I must have caught that from...

- Mmm.
- [HISSES]

You're right.

She's the one!

I got to go.

Hmm.

Nina, wait!
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!

Don't drive off until you hear me out.

Okay, sure, when we first met,

you thought I was a judgmental,

self-absorbed rich guy.

And maybe I thought that
you were bossy and stubborn.

But that's because we
didn't know each other.

But now I hope that you can see
past your first judgment of me.

Yeah, and... because I-I can see you

for who you are.

You are confident,

you're beautiful,

you're so incredibly talented.

[PANTING]

And the truth is...

I'm crazy about you,

questionable table manners and all.

[CAR DOOR OPENS]

- Thanks, buddy.
- What the...?

♪

♪ But I ♪

♪ I know that it's been worth ♪

- ♪ The wait ♪
- [CAR DOOR CLOSES]

[CAR DRIVES AWAY]

Wrong car, dummy.

♪ Yeah, it feels like springtime ♪

But right words.

I stopped when I got
a text from Dominique.

She said it's obvious I was
head over heels for you.

[EXHALES]

And what else did she say?

That you're one of the
most amazing men she knows.

And that if I leave,

I would be walking away
from the best thing

that ever happened to me.

Which is debatable.

[CHUCKLES]

But I am willing to be persuaded.

♪ Somebody like you ♪

♪ And every time I close my eyes ♪

♪ I thank the Lord that I've got you. ♪

I appreciate you coming.
You really didn't have to.

Of course.
I wanted to offer my congratulations

and watch you get celebrated.

And now that I have,
I should probably go.

[LAUGHS] Y-You're sure you can't
stay for the rest of the party?

I'd love to, but I'm off to my
secret hideaway with my manuscript.

I need to finish addressing your notes.

If it's ready,
I'd be happy to take your manuscript

and give you my notes finally.

Um...

Look, I have a confession.

I'm nowhere close to being done.

- With the final chapter?
- With of all the chapters.

I think I'm terrified to fail.

It's just,
the more encouraging everyone is,

the more I want them to stop,

because it's just putting
more pressure on me.

Doubting yourself is just

another way of not
facing the blank page.

Look, we've all been there.

But determined writers find a way.

Thanks.

I think I really needed to hear that.

For the record, I'm not saying

that I wrote a Pulitzer Prize
winner with this new novel,

especially since no one
has read it but you.

But I finished,
and you'll find a way to get there,

too, Liam.

- Professor, you're-you're bleeding.
- Am I?

Professor Kingston! Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Help!

Professor Kingston, come on.

- How was the premiere party?
- I left early.

I know you told me Stacey's fine,

but I needed to see for myself.

Also, you left this on the credenza.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

And Stacey really is fine.

All right?
You don't have to worry about her.

Thank you for staying so calm

during all of that.

You almost seemed like a real doctor.

Well,
I was just a physician doing his job.

Even though I'm not chief of staff,

I did go to medical school.

Well, about that.

I'm, uh... I'm gonna talk to Amanda

about getting you your job back

when I take Stacey for her follow-up.

Thank you.

- I really appreciate that.
- Oh.

And, uh, Stacey wanted to know

if you could send up your,
uh, special herbal tea.

- Apparently, it helps her sleep.
- Mm.

No. I-I just don't have any left,

but, um, Stacey should just

drink some water anyway.

Doctor's orders.

Besides, you...

you never really know what's
in those herbal blends anyway.

Yeah. You're right.

- Well, good night.
- Good night.

Maybe even some dangerous mushrooms.

[GARBAGE DISPOSAL WHIRRING]

- You betrayed me.
- Where have you been?

- I've been trying to reach you.
- Really?

Was that before or after you decided

to sell my Colby Co.
assets without telling me?

- It's not that simple.
- My own wife undermined me.

- Seems simple to me.
- I wanted

our planes and shipping routes
back to normal, which they are.

And I got our computer systems upgraded

and secured by Jeff himself.

That's like giving the bank robber

the combination to the vault!

Why would you give Jeff Colby anything?

Because this w*r was
spiraling out of control.

Those companies are rightfully mine.

Is that why you neglected them?

You only bought them out of revenge.

- Wha...
- And that's no way to run a business.

No offense, I don't need you to
tell me how to run a business.

I'm not the one

that went behind my partner's back

and sold assets out from underneath him.

- You should have consulted me.
- Like you consulted me

when Jeff first approached you
about buying back the companies?

It didn't even occur to you to ask me,
did it?

I'm the one who should be insulted.

This was the right decision for
the business, and you know that,

which is why I'd do it again.

SAM: Yeah, I'm-I'm sorry.

That's everything I
can think of right now.

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

So, they think he d*ed of an aneurysm.

A sudden bleed in his brain.

Yeah.

I'm so sorry, Liam.

I know how much he meant to you.

I knew him a little bit.

He sometimes liked to write here, too.

He always wanted the same room.

- Let me guess. Room ?
- Yeah.

- How'd you know?
- I guess he must have said something to me.

Well, don't b*at yourself up, okay?

They said there was nothing
anyone could have done, so...

I should make sure the crowd is
clear so they can get through.

Thank you, Sam.

[SIGHS]

Hey, could you give...

Excuse me.
Could you give this to the EMTs?

It-it belonged to the victim.
His family might want it.

Thank you.