1.

GOAL TO GO

Episode 3.38

“Draft”

by

David Polk
 2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Billy and

Gabrielle holding hands on a flight to Los Angeles.

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. O’CONNELL CONDO – DAY

MOVERS lug furniture into a fabulous high-rise condo.

VALERIE (O.S.)
No! Not there!

A MOVER stops in his tracks with a heavy END TABLE. From

his expression we know it’s been a tough morning. Valerie
O’Connell, stylishly casual in Ann Taylor, crosses to him.

VALERIE
That one goes in the study. The other
one goes in the second bedroom.

MOVER
Yes, Mrs. O’Connell. Sorry, Mrs.
O’Connell.

The mover walks toward us and rolls his eyes as he carries

the table down the hall. Valerie sighs impatiently, turns
and goes back to her sister, Jeni Kim, who is admiring the
spectacular view of Seattle.

JENI
This place is awesome, Val. I love
your view.

VALERIE
It’s really the location that makes it
great. Richard can walk to the
hospital and I’ll have a short commute
to work too.

JENI
My sister the profiler. Do you get a
gun to go with the badge?

VALERIE
Unfortunately, yes. And technically,
no one in the FBI has the title of
(MORE)
 3.

VALERIE (CONT’D.)
“profiler.” That’s just TV stuff.
Officially I’m a Special Agent with the
National Center for the Analysis of
Violent Crime.

JENI
La-Dee-Da. You’re still a Fed. That
had to go over like a lead balloon with
Mom and Dad.

VALERIE
I know they expected me to hang out a
shingle and become a shrink after I got
my Ph.D., but spending all day
listening to people whine about their
feelings wasn’t going to work for me.
Solving crimes is more important.

JENI
At least you married a doctor. They’ve
got to give you credit for that.

The sisters share a smile. The mover interrupts.

MOVER
Excuse me, Mrs. O’Connell.

VALERIE
(a cool look)
Yes.

MOVER
If you don’t mind, me and the boys are
going to break for lunch now.

VALERIE
Fine. But don’t take more than 30
minutes. I want all the major pieces
in place before my husband gets home.

MOVER
Yes, ma’am. Of course.

The movers file out, leaving Valerie and Jeni alone.

VALERIE
So what is it you were so excited to
tell me about?
 4.

JENI
Well...I’m in love, Val.

VALERIE
(pleasant surprise)
That sounds great. Who is he? Tell me
about him.

JENI
Well...”he” is a “she.”

Beat. Valerie stares at her, her eyes hardening.

VALERIE
You’re not serious.

JENI
Yes. I am serious.

VALERIE
Jennifer, lots of girls are curious,
and college is a place to experiment
but...

JENI
I’m not experimenting, Val. Bella and
I love each other.

VALERIE
Bella?! Your roommate?!

JENI
Yes.

VALERIE
Have you completely lost your mind?!
You’re screwing a girl in the house!

JENI
I thought you’d be more understanding,
Val. I thought you could help me when I
tell Mom and Dad.

VALERIE
(floored)
Are you insane?! Mom and Dad would
kill me right before they kill you!
 5.

JENI
They accepted Richard. It took a
while, but they accepted him. They
could come around for Bella too if you
help me. I know they would, Val.

VALERIE
Richard’s white. He’s not a freakin’
girl! You’re a Delta. Bella’s a
Delta. Deltas aren’t dikes, Jennifer!
(then, panicked)
Does anyone in the house know?!

JENI
Is that why you’re being such a bitch?!
God forbid the illustrious Valerie
Kim’s reputation should be soiled
inside the hallowed halls of Delta
House.

VALERIE
I’m being a “bitch”, bitch because once
again you’ve demonstrated that you have
absolutely no self-control. How many
episodes of Girls Gone Wild are you
going to star in before Mom and Dad
find out what a slut you are? If I
don’t talk some sense into that
scrambled egg head of yours who will?!

Jeni wilts under her older sister’s imperiousness.

JENI
Why can’t you accept that this is what
I want? That this is who I am?

VALERIE
Look Jennifer, you want to be a LUG,
fine. But for God’s sake have enough
sense not to screw one of your own
sisters in the house!

JENI
I’m not a “lesbian until graduation.”
I’m in love with a woman and who
happens to be a member of the same
sorority.

We can almost see Valerie’s wheels turning.

 6.

VALERIE
You have to end it with Bella...

JENI
What?! I’m not breaking up with Bella!

VALERIE
(ignoring)
...And one of you has to move out of
the house. By one of you I mean her.
Running for president is tougher if you
don’t live in the house.

JENI
I don’t want to be Delta president!

VALERIE
Don’t be ridiculous. Why do you think
Kelsey was so hard on you as a pledge?
Delta presidents aren’t elected,
Jennifer, they’re selected.

JENI
What the hell makes you think I want to
follow in your footsteps?! I don’t
want to live a lie the way you are!

VALERIE
(thrown)
What?!

JENI
The perfect daughter! The perfect
student! The perfect president! The
perfect wife! Your whole life is a
perfect lie! Why would I want that?!

VALERIE
My life isn’t a lie.

JENI
Is too!

VALERIE
(in Korean)
Take it back, Younger Sister.

JENI
(in Korean)
No! I won’t live a lie like you do!
 7.

VALERIE
(in Korean)
I said take it back, you ungrateful
little whore!

JENI
(in Korean)
You’re the whore!
(off Valerie’s reaction)
Bella’s my soul mate. Is Richard
yours? Well, is he?!

Valerie is “this close” to slapping Jeni’s face when –

NINA (O.S.)
(calling out)
Helloooo! Is anybody home?

The sisters turn to see Nina Miller push open the front
door. She’s holding her baby daughter Darcy in her arms.
Valerie lets go of Jeni’s arm and instantly transforms from
Dragon Lady to “Perfect” Valerie.

VALERIE
(warm smile)
Nina! You made it!

She crosses to Nina and they hug. Valerie kisses the baby.
As she does, Nina clocks Jeni’s mood.

NINA
So did North Korean invade South Korea
or what?

Valerie and Jeni exchange a look. Then Jeni bursts into

tears and storms down the hall into a bathroom.

NINA
I guess the North won.

SMASH TO TITLES.

END OF TEASER
 8.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. BOONE HOME - DAY

The Boone home is modest but solidly Middle Class. There

isn’t a flat surface that doesn’t have a football plaque,
trophy or framed newspaper clipping honoring RICKY BOONE,
high school All-American. Billy Donahue sits at the dinner
table with the straight-laced MR. AND MRS. BOONE and their
strapping son Ricky (18).

MRS. BOONE
I’ve read up on you, Coach. You have a
reputation for grooming quarterbacks
but Achilles Addams is the only one
who’s amounted to anything. And you
didn’t even recruit him. He just
showed up on campus one day.

BILLY
I’ve never spent much time reading my
own press clippings, Mrs. Boone, not
even when I was making Pro Bowls in the
NFL. Achilles has come the farthest,
for sure, but we’ve had some success
with our quarterbacks at Wa Tech. Jake
Randall was coming along well until he
suffered a career-ending concussion
against Fresno State four years ago.
Nate Hughes is behind Achilles on the
depth chart; he’s done well whenever
we’ve called on him. Nate’s a red shirt
junior, so Ricky would have a heck of a
time winning the number 2 spot.

MR. BOONE
You telling us Ricky won’t have a
chance to start for two years?

Billy answers as much to Mrs. Boone as to her husband.

BILLY
I like to think one of the things you
learned about me when you did your
research is that I’m a straight
shooter. Ricky’s a fine quarterback –
one of the best in the country – and I
want him at Wa Tech. But I can’t see
him starting ahead of Nate.
 9.

MRS. BOONE
What if Achilles Addams enters the
draft and turns pro? Ricky would have
a shot at beating out this Nate boy and
playing sooner, wouldn’t he?

Billy takes a drink from his tall glass of iced tea.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY – SUNSET

Gabrielle Woods sits in a comfortable chair in front of an

inviting fireplace, working on her LAPTOP computer and
talking into her Bluetooth phone.

GABRIELLE
I’ve interviewed Albert Puljos several
times and he’s reasonable. His agent’s
the prick. Look, send Albert a text
message and let him know you work for
me. That should help.

She looks up as Billy comes in the revolving door, spots

her and crosses the lobby to her.

GABRIELLE
Look, Raj, I’ve got to go. Talk to you
tomorrow.

She removes the phone, smiles as Billy arrives.

GABRIELLE
So does Wa Tech have its next star
quarterback?

BILLY
Not sure. I’m starting to wonder if
the “Old Donahue Charm” has worn off.

GABRIELLE
(inviting smile)
Why don’t we just go find out?

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Billy and Gabrielle make passionate love all night long...

 10.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Billy and Gabrielle are asleep in each other’s arms. The

room phone RINGS. Billy reaches to answer it as Gabrielle
rolls over.

BILLY
(sleepily)
Hello?

CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
Billy?

BILLY
(waking)
Charlotte. What’s up?

CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
Apparently, not you. What’s the line
on Ricky Boone?

BILLY
Sixty-forty. I think waving the red
shirt might’ve scared them.

CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
Maybe the Old Donahue Charm’s wearing
off, Billy.

Billy glances at Gabrielle, still sleeping peacefully.

BILLY
I don’t know. I might still have a
little something left.

CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
As thrilled as I am to hear that, the
reason I’m calling, Billy, is to tell
you the verdict in the Wall Henderson
case came in this morning.

BILLY
(sits up)
And?

CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
The jury found for the university.

BILLY
(underwelmed)
Hmmm.
 11.

CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
Iris believes, and I agree with her,
that the jury sided with us mainly
because of you, Billy.

Gabrielle sits up. She and Billy look at one another.

CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
Sasha’s phones have been ringing off
the hook since the verdict was read.
Expect reporters at the airport when
you arrive this evening. Have a good
flight back, Billy.

Billy hangs up the phone. Gabrielle reads his concern.

GABRIELLE
Baby, what is it?

BILLY
That was Charlotte...She said the jury
sided with me and against Wall.

GABRIELLE
You won?

BILLY
(dissatisfied)
Yes...I won.

INT. GALE’S OFFICE – DAY

Gale Donahue is working at her desk. Mathilda “Mattie”

Weiss comes in and puts a large parcel on her desk.

MATTIE
This came via messenger from Pennebaker
Industries.

GALE
Thank you, Mattie.

MATTIE
It’s the board’s read-ahead material.
Ms. Symington said to expect it a few
days before the board meeting.

Gale opens the package, reacts to the 3-inch-thick BINDER.

 12.

GALE
The meeting is tomorrow morning.

MATTIE
I’ll prepare a synopsis for you. It’ll
be ready after lunch. Speaking of
which, Charlotte will meet you at the
gym; the two of you will go to lunch
after your workout.

INT. GYM SPINNING ROOM – DAY

In a room full of WOMEN cyclists, Gale and Charlotte Webb

have worked up a sweat on spinning bicycles.

GALE
You’re looking so fit and strong,
Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE
Thank you, Gale. I’ve gone months
without treatment. The doctor thinks I
may have had a total recovery.

GALE
(warm smile)
I knew you would, Charlotte. I knew
you would.

INT. CAFÉ – DAY

Charlotte and Gale have lunch.

CHARLOTTE
How is Duncan coming along?

GALE
Marvelously. He’s quite a handful,
though. He’s walking now and talking
up a storm. Keeps me on my toes.

CHARLOTTE
He seems to be doing wonders for you,
Gale. It’s noticeable. You wear
Motherhood very well.
 13.

GALE
(beat)
I know I can never replace Maria, but I
want to give him all the love that she
would have given him.

CHARLOTTE
With that love and Harold’s money,
Duncan won’t have much to worry about.
Now, if he could just develop a nice
jump shot, he’ll have the total
package.

GALE
(laughs)
Sorry, Charlotte. I’ve already lost
one son to golf. I won’t lose another
to basketball. My Duncan will be a Big
12 quarterback, just like my Billy.
Count on it.

INT. SEATTLE’S BEST – DAY

Valerie and Nina talk over coffee. Valerie bounces baby

Darcy on her knee.

NINA
They’re not the first girls in the
house to go muff diving. Remember Mel
and London? Total lezzies.

VALERIE
(re: Darcy)
Nina, please. In front of your own
daughter?

NINA
She’s 18-months old. She doesn’t know
what we’re talking about. And don’t
try to change the subject, Big Sis.
This isn’t about Jeni and Bella and
what they do when the lights go out.
It’s about you and Achilles.

VALERIE
(beat)
Do you think I’m living a lie?
 14.

NINA
You’re the one with a Ph.D. in
Psychology, what do you think, Doc?

VALERIE
You were there, Nina, you know what
Richard and I had to go through before
my parents finally accepted him.

NINA
It didn’t hurt that his family’s
loaded.
(off Valerie’s reaction)
Hey, just keeping it real, girlfriend.

VALERIE
Whatever. So what was I supposed to
do? Just throw it all away because
some new guy comes along, we fool
around for a few months and I go soft
in the head? Let’s just play that
conversation out with my folks, shall
we?
(sweetly sardonic)
“Mom, Dad. Just called to tell you I’m
breaking up with Richard. You know,
the rich white med student it took two
years for you to even acknowledge
existed. Yes. You see there’s this
super hot guy I just met. He’s a
freshman. Yes, that’s right, four
years younger. What’s his major? Um,
he hasn’t decided yet, but it doesn’t
matter really because he’s a football
player. No, not soccer; the kind of
football where big dumb guys run into
each other. And, oh, Mom, Dad, did I
mention that he’s from the hood.”
(bitterly)
Come on, Nina! I’m not Mr. Rourke,
you’re not Tattoo and this isn’t
Fantasy Island.

NINA
Tattoo? Why the hell would I be
Tattoo? He’s Asian, isn’t he? You
should be Tattoo.

VALERIE
Nina! I’m serious. I really want to
know what you think.
 15.

NINA
Okay, Big Sis, here goes. I think if
you really loved Achilles you wouldn’t
have married Richard a year ago. And I
think if you really believe that you
and the boy from the hood are
“destined” to be together, you wouldn’t
stay married to Richard now.

VALERIE
(wounded)
So Jeni’s right? I’m living a lie?

NINA
I think you’d be happier if you stop
lying to yourself.

OFF Valerie considering...

INT. FOOD KING – DAY

Bob Garcia is frustrated. He’s searching for something on

the shelves and not having any luck. A cute STOCK GIRL (16)
sees him and comes to help.

STOCK GIRL
Hi, Coach. Can I help you find
something?

BOB
Yeah, do you still carry Fruit Loops?

STOCK GIRL
(looking)
I’m pretty sure we do...Here we go!

She finds a box and hands it to him.

BOB
Thanks. They’re for my 5-year-old son.

STOCK GIRL
No problem. I still eat them too. So
I saw on the news that you and Coach
Donahue are almost done recruiting.

BOB
Just about. I just came back from a
trip this afternoon. Coach Donahue
should be back this evening.
 16.

STOCK GIRL
Get anybody good? We could sure use
some help in the secondary with Dallas
graduating.

Bob smiles, likes the girl’s interest and enthusiasm.

BOB
We’ve got a few good prospects.
National signing day is in a couple
weeks. We’ll know for sure by then.
You sound like a pretty big fan.

STOCK GIRL
(big smile)
The biggest, Coach! My mom’s taken me
to every home game since I was eight.

BOB
That’s great.

Bob notices who is walking down the aisle toward them and
his demeanor changes instantly. When Elyse Johansson sees
him she stops in her tracks. She instinctively clings to
her 5-year-old son Graham, turns around and hurries away.
Her reaction stuns Bob, hurts even more than seeing her.

STOCK GIRL
People say Achilles is going to declare
for the NFL draft next week.

BOB
(coming back)
I’m sorry, what?

STOCK GIRL
The rumor is that Portia laid down the
law after the Sugar Bowl and wants him
to leave too when she graduates in May.

BOB
I really don’t know...Look, thanks for
the cereal.

Bob brushes past the girl. Goes after Elyse. He finds her
a few aisles over.

BOB
Elyse.
 17.

She wants to run but feels cornered. A WOMAN SHOPPER

reading a label glances at her and at a Bob, smiles at Bob.

WOMAN SHOPPER
Hello, Coach Garcia.

BOB
(to woman)
Hello.
(then)
Elyse – professor Johansson – hello.

ELYSE
(nervous, covering)
Hello, Coach.

BOB
Do you have a minute?

ELYSE
Sorry, Coach, but I’m really in a bit
of a hurry. Graham’s late for his play
date.

Graham is getting into mischief on a bottom shelf.

ELYSE
Come on Graham, Sweetie. Put that
down. Let’s go.

She grabs the boy’s wrist and walks away. Bob watches them
go. The woman shopper clocks his lament.

INT. STUDIO APARTMENT – SUNSET

Bob sits on the sofa in the tiny apartment. He lifts a

half-empty BOTTLE OF JACK DANIELS and downs a large gulp,
stares at the television.

ON TV

A SPORTS ANCHOR reports and we see VIDEO FOOTAGE of

Achilles Addams in action on the field then in glamour
shots off the field with his wife, Portia.

SPORTS ANCHOR (V.O.)

With the deadline for declaring for the
draft next Tuesday, rumors continue to
fly that Addams has decided to forgo
(MORE)
 18.

SPORTS ANCHOR (V.O., CONT’D.)

his senior year of eligibility to enter
the NFL. The university and Addams
have been tight-lipped, but unnamed
sources close to Addams’ wife Portia
say that they both plan to leave
Maitland after she graduates in
May...In other Sea Devils news, a jury
has found that Washington Tech and head
football coach Billy Donahue did not
cost former defensive lineman Walter
“Brick Wall” Henderson a shot at a
lucrative NFL career when Donahue
suspended him for participating in a
frat house sexcapade three years ago...

VIDEO FOOTAGE of Billy facing camera lights and taking

questions from reporters at the airport...

Bob puts the bottle on the table...Next to a .38 REVOLVER.

INT. DONAHUE HOME – NIGHT

Billy enters the darkened foyer, puts his travel bag on the
floor. We track with him to the kitchen, where he grabs a
BOTTLE OF WATER from the fridge...

INT. DONAHUE MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT

Billy opens the door and enters quietly. He goes to the

bed, finds Gale sleeping peacefully. Next to her is baby
Duncan. OFF Billy admiring them we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

 19.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. CLASSROOM – DAY

CLOSE ON a 2-karat diamond engagement ring on a woman’s

caramel-colored hand. PULL BACK and we see that hand and
ring belong to Portia Addams. She’s sitting near the front
of the class, paying close attention.

JEAN-LOUIS (O.S.)
Just a word before we end today’s
class. Some of you may have heard a
rumor that I plan to leave the
university.

Professor Jean-Louis Tissot is at the front of the

classroom.

JEAN-LOUIS
Well the rumor is true. My country,
Benin, has been especially hard hit by
the global recession. I feel compelled
to do my part to help the people of my
country, where need is great and
resources are few. So I will return to
Benin after the spring semester. I’ll
be taking an indefinite leave of
absence from the university.

Students react, disappointed to be losing a favored

professor.

JEAN-LOUIS
(smiles)
I thought it best to tell you about
this now, before the rumor mill had me
plotting a terrorist attack or some
such nonsense.
(students laugh)
So, until my departure, we will carry
on normally. That’s all for today.

Students begin to file out of the classroom. Portia

gathers her things and stops by the professor’s desk.

PORTIA
You’ll definitely be missed here,
professor. But what you’re going to do
in Benin is so much more important.
 20.

JEAN-LOUIS
Thank you, Portia. If rumors are to be
believed, I won’t be the only one
leaving Washington Tech earlier than
expected, will I?

PORTIA
(coyly)
I really couldn’t say, professor. Lee
has until Tuesday to announce his
decision. We want to wait until then.

JEAN-LOUIS
(a sonorous laugh)
Portia, I wasn’t talking about
Achilles. You’ve worked very hard to
graduate ahead of schedule. Everyone
knows this. Portia, you are much more
than the wife of our famous quarterback
or the “trophy girl” on the billboards.
I hope you haven’t forgotten this.

PORTIA
(smiles)
No, I haven’t forgotten. But thanks
for the reminder, professor.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

The Pennebaker Industries board of directors is meeting.

Parker St. John presides over the meeting. The newest
member, Gale - stunning in Chanel - listens intently.

PARKER
And now moving to the last item on the
agenda...

That’s the cue for Florence Symington to direct TWO

ASSISTANTS to distribute handouts of a slide presentation
that is also being projected on a wall screen.

PARKER
The Trustees of the Pennebaker
Endowment for Education and the Arts
has recommended a donation of $14
million to the Maitland Memorial
Stadium Fund. As you all know, support
of Washington Tech’s academic and
athletic departments was a great source
(MORE)
 21.

PARKER (CONT’D.)
of pride and joy for Harold. The money
will be used for ongoing general
improvements to the stadium. I think
you will all agree that as this is a
nominal sum in the grand scheme of
things, and, given our illustrious
founder’s affection for his alma mater,
the recommendation of the Trustees
deserves our unanimous approval.

BOARD MEMBER 1
(with pride)
Here-here. I wholeheartedly endorse
this recommendation and move that the
board appropriate the funds.

PARKER
Do I hear a second?

BOARD MEMBER 2
I second. And might I add, anything
less than a unanimous vote would be
criminal.

PARKER
All in favor.

A chorus of “Ayes” go around the table.

PARKER
Very well –

GALE
Excuse me.

PARKER
Yes, Mrs. Donahue?

GALE
As I read the recommendation, it
stipulates that the funds are to be
used to erect a memorial to Harold
within the stadium proper.

Board members futilely flip through the handout to find

this. It’s not included. Parker looks at Ms. Symington.
 22.

MS. SYMINGTON
Yes, Mrs. Donahue, that is correct. As
part of the general improvements
project, a modest memorial to Mr.
Pennebaker is to be constructed.

PARKER
Given all that Harold has done for the
athletic program – the football program
in particular – I’m sure you would
agree that a small memorial to him is
appropriate, Mrs. Donahue.

GALE
Oh, I most certainly do, Parker.
Harold was the strongest supporter of
my husband becoming head football
coach. We are acutely aware of his
generosity. And his vision.

PARKER
Of course, then, now that we’ve voted
unanimously –

GALE
The recommendation also stipulated that
Memorial Stadium is to be renamed the
“Harold J. Pennebaker Memorial
Stadium”, yes?

MS. SYMINGTON
Yes, that’s correct. The renaming
would take effect at the beginning of
next season.

PARKER
(charmingly placating)
Mrs. Donahue, is there...a problem?

GALE
No, Parker, no problem. It’s just that
Harold, God rest his soul, was not
alone in his devotion to Maitland and
Washington Tech. His wife, Maria, was
also a tremendous benefactor.

BOARD MEMBER 1
Mrs. Donahue, what are you suggesting?
 23.

GALE
I’m suggesting that the memorial to
Harold be expanded to include his wife,
Maria, who, like Harold, was taken from
us too soon, but in her time in
Maitland contributed greatly to our
community.

Awkward looks around the table.

BOARD MEMBER 3
Mrs. Donahue, as you know, Harold and
Maria were in the midst a rather messy
divorce. It seems highly unlikely that
he would want a memorial to carry both
of their names.

GALE
(ignoring)
And with the well-being of their son
Duncan in mind, I think it would be
most appropriate to rename the stadium
“Harold and Maria Pennebaker Memorial
Stadium.”

PARKER
Mrs. Donahue, perhaps we can table this
until after the shareholders meeting.

MS. SYMINGTON
Yes, that would be advisable. The
shareholders are in the ballroom and
the meeting begins in 5 minutes.

GALE
Very well. Let’s table it for later.

INT. GRAND BALLROOM - LATER

Over 300 SHAREHOLDERS fill the room. Parker is at a podium

introducing each board member, who stands in the front row
after his or her name is called. Each introduction is
followed by weak applause from shareholders.

PARKER
And last, but certainly not least, our
newest board member, Mrs. Gale Donahue.
 24.

Gale stands and the room erupts in thunderous applause. As

Gale basks in the familiar adoration, Parker realizes he
may have bitten off more than he can handle.

INT. LIBRARY STUDY ROOM – DAY

Jeni and Bella are studying.

JENI
Riley and Taylor graduate in May.

BELLA
(reading)
Uh-huh.

JENI
Their apartment’s nice, don’t you
think?

BELLA
(reading)
Yeah, sure, it’s alright.

JENI
I’m betting they’d let us take over the
lease when they leave.

Bella looks up at her.

BELLA
You mean move out of the house?

JENI
Sure, why not? It’s not like we can
really be ourselves in the house.
(smiles)
You know I’m a screamer.

BELLA
Yes, I know.
(then)
But you’re a legacy. You’re expected
to live in the house, aren’t you?

JENI
I don’t care about any of that. I care
about being with you, Bella. I know
we’ve got to hide our relationship “for
the good of the house,” as asinine as
(MORE)
 25.

JENI (CONT’D.)
that is. But in our own apartment we’d
be free to act like a normal couple and
have a normal relationship.

Jeni can see that Bella is torn.

JENI
What? You don’t want to live with me?
(then, hurt)
You want to break up?!

BELLA
Oh, no! No, that’s not it at all.
(takes her hand)
I love you, Jeni. I do.

JENI
Then what is it? Honestly, I don’t
want our being Deltas to keep us apart.
I told Val I’d quit the sorority before
I let that happen.

BELLA
You told Valerie about us?!

JENI
Yes...I had to tell somebody, Bella.
She’s my sister. And even though she’s
a raging bitch, she still loves me.

BELLA
Jeni...I want to move into an apartment
with you but...There’s something you
need to know.

JENI
If it’s about the money, I’m sure we
can swing it, even with chapter dues.

BELLA
It’s not the money, Jeni. God knows
it’s not that.

JENI
What then?

BELLA
It’s not easy for me to tell you this.
 26.

JENI
Bella, I want us to be totally honest
with each other, always.

BELLA
Yes. That’s why you have to know this
before you make up your mind about
us...Jeni, the nights that I go out –

JENI
It’s that Bill guy isn’t it? He’s
married, isn’t he?

BELLA
Jeni, it’s more than that.
(beat)
Jeni, I work for an escort
service...I’m a call girl.

JENI
(incredulous)
A what? Did you say “call girl?”

BELLA
Yes, Jeni. “Bill” isn’t one guy. He’s
a dozen guys. Most of them married.

JENI
You have sex with them? Like a whore?

BELLA
Not “like” a whore, Jeni.

JENI
Bella, I don’t understand! Why?!

BELLA
Because I’m good at it. Because it’s
how I can afford to go to a school like
this and be in a sorority like Delta.
Because I don’t want to ever be poor,
pinching pennies to get by and living
in some roach trap like my parents.

JENI
My God, Bella. But a whore!

BELLA
A high-end call girl. Jeni, I charge a
minimum of $1,500 a night and keep over
(MORE)
 27.

BELLA (CONT’D.)
half. I don’t sleep with anyone I
don’t want to and none of my clients
are pervs. I don’t do anything that –

JENI
That what, Bella?!

BELLA
...That I haven’t done for free.

JENI
Or that I haven’t done for fun. That’s
what you were going to say, right?

BELLA
(beat)
Yes.

The door opens and Portia steps in with Gracie Wellington.

PORTIA
Oh, I’m sorry. Gracie and I had this
room reserved for 4 o’clock.

Bella glances at the WALL CLOCK. It’s 4:05.

BELLA
We were just leaving.

As Bella and Jeni gather their things, Jeni is still

struggling with what she’s just learned. They move past
Portia and Gracie out the door. Portia notices that Jeni
has left a SHEET OF PAPER on the table. She picks it up.

PORTIA
You left this.

Jeni turns, takes the paper. When she does, she and Portia
lock eyes briefly. Even though they have no direct
conflict with one another, there’s no love lost between
them because of Valerie and Achilles.

JENI
Thanks.

After Jeni’s gone –

 28.

GRACIE
Brrr. I would’ve worn a thicker
sweater if I’d known it was going to be
this cold inside.

INT. BILLY’S OFFICE - SUNSET

Billy is at his desk, sipping a Scotch-rocks and watching a

local sports program on television.

ON TV

Felix Foxx talks with a panel of sports reporters:

FELIX (V.O.)
Young quarterbacks who’ve come out
early have had mixed results. One of
the bright spots in recent years was
Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets. He
left after his junior year at USC and
had a brilliant rookie season.

SKEETER BLACKLEDGE (V.O.)

Let’s not forget, Sanchez, like Matt
Leinert and Carson Palmer before him,
came up in a Pro-style passing system
at USC. Billy Donahue runs the spread
offense at Wa Tech. It’s great for the
college level, but spread quarterbacks
have traditionally had a tough time
making the transition to the NFL.

JOAN PARTRIDGE (V.O.)

That’s right, Skeeter. Hawaii’s Colt
Brennan and Texas Tech’s Graham
Harrell, like Achilles, picked opposing
defenses apart running the wide open
spread offense in college, setting
record after record. But Brennan has
been picking splinters out of his tail
since being drafted by the Washington
Redskins and Harrell’s playing Canada.

A KNOCK on the door gets Billy’s attention.

BILLY
Enter.

Achilles Addams enters.

 29.

ACHILLES
Hey, Coach.

BILLY
Achilles. Come on in, son.

Billy meets him by the sofa. Achilles looks at the

television. Billy grabs the remote control, turns it off.

BILLY
I hate reporters. All talk and nothing
to say.
(re: his Scotch)
Want one?

ACHILLES
Coach?

BILLY
You’ve made a big decision, son. One
drink won’t hurt you.

ACHILLES
Coach, I’m still in counseling ‘til the
end of the school year, you know.

BILLY
You’re no more an alcoholic than I am.

Billy turns over a glass on the table, pours a couple

fingers of scotch. Hands it to Achilles. They sit down.

BILLY
Now let’s talk about the press
conference.

INT. ACHILLES & PORTIA’S APARTMENT – DAY

Achilles and Portia are getting ready. She’s adorable in a

tailored dark suit and crisp white blouse. She looks at
him, doesn’t like what he’s wearing.

PORTIA
Not that jacket, Lee.

ACHILLES
What’s wrong with this jacket?

She takes it off of him. Regards his shirt.

 30.

PORTIA
You’re right, it’s not the jacket.

APARTMENT – MINUTES LATER

Achilles stands in front of a full-length mirror - same

jacket, different shirt - looking damn good.

PORTIA
That’s more like it.

ACHILLES
I don’t know why I have to wear a
jacket, anyway.

PORTIA
Because I said so, so stop complaining.

She brushes imaginary lint from his lapels, stops brushing

when they lock eyes.

ACHILLES
Portia. Are you okay? I mean with
what I’m doing.

She looks into his eyes as we...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE – DAY

The room is packed. REPORTERS and PHOTOGRAPHERS are joined

by STUDENTS and FANS. Sasha Mendez is at the podium. She
signals to an ASSISTANT. The buzz in the room dies down
when Charlotte, Billy, Portia and Achilles follow the
assistant out of a room and stand next to Sasha.

SASHA
Alright, why don’t we get started?
Thank you all for coming today. As you
know, tomorrow is the deadline for
underclassmen to declare for the NFL
draft. Achilles Addams and his wife
Portia have reached a decision. So
without further adieu...
 31.

INT. PLACES AROUND MAITLAND – CONTINUOUS

Fans eagerly watch the press conference on televisions and

computer monitors in homes, dormitories, fraternity and
sorority houses, the Sea Devils players’ lounge, etc.

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE – CONTINUOUS

Sasha motions to Achilles, who steps up to the podium,

stares into the faces and bright television lights.
Portia, the Good Wife, takes her place by his side.
Achilles speaks without notes, poised and confident in what
he has to say.

ACHILLES
Good morning, everybody. Thanks for
coming. Like Ms. Mendez said,
tomorrow’s the last day for
underclassmen like me to decide whether
they want to enter the NFL draft in
April. Since the Sugar Bowl, I’ve
given it a lot of thought. I’ve spoken
to Coach Donahue, Dr. Webb, my mother
and of course my wife, Portia. The
first thing I want to say is how
thankful I am to have played the last
three years at Wa Tech. This is a great
school and Maitland is a great town and
I love it here. My teammates, coaches,
the training staff, fans – everyone
associated with the football program –
have all been tremendous supporters.
You’ve made my experience here
extremely special. With your help I
feel like I’ve been able to accomplish
a lot both on and off the football
field...But there is still a lot more
we can do, which is why I’ve decided to
return to Wa Tech for my senior year.

He barely gets the words out when the room erupts with
raucous applause.

INT. PLACES AROUND MAITLAND – CONTINUOUS

The reaction is the same all around town.

 32.

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE – CONTINUOUS

Achilles smiles for the cameras. Portia does the same,

only she doesn’t mean it.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

 33.

ACT THREE

EXT. MOTORCYCLE – MOVING – DAY

We hear the powerful ROAR of a motorcycle engine. CLOSE ON

A SPEEDOMETER: 95 MPH.

Achilles and Portia fly down the highway on his Agusta F4.
They zoom past a POLICE CRUISER. It pulls out in pursuit.

EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD – DAY

Trooper Ivy Sandusky, who we recall from earlier Episodes,

steps out of her cruiser, puts on her hat and walks toward
the motorcycle. Achilles and Valerie are already off the
bike, waiting.

IVY
What is it this time, Achilles?

ACHILLES
Sorry, Trooper Sandusky. Kickoff is in
an hour and we woke up late. We spent
the night in Vancouver.

PORTIA
I tried to get him to leave the hotel
sooner.

IVY
(assumes sex held them up)
Really? Portia, we expect you to keep
him in line so we don’t have to.

PORTIA
(a look that confirms Ivy’s
assumption)
Sorry.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM – DAY

The stadium is near capacity for the Spring game, a

scrimmage between the Sea Devils’ first and second strings.
The news media are out in full force.

QUICK CUTS of Achilles running the offense, zipping passes

to Jet Johnson, Junior Tuiososopo and other receivers we’ve
yet to meet; running back Crash Davis juking past and
 34.

running over defenders; on the sideline Billy, Bob and

other coaches call plays and shout out encouragement.

We also FIND NEW RECRUITS, including quarterback Ricky

Boone, excitedly checking out the action – and the
CHEERLEADERS.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH – DAY

Felix and his broadcast partner Skeeter Blackledge take a

break from play-by-play for a live interview with Champ
Sussman and Charlotte. Sasha’s in the back of the booth.

SKEETER
The spring game is always a blast, but
this one seems to be even more
exciting, wouldn’t you say, Dr. Webb?

CHARLOTTE
Skeeter, you and I can remember spring
games where we had all of 25 people in
the stands, so yes, there’s definitely
more electricity in this year’s game.

FELIX
With Achilles coming back for his
senior season, hopes are sky high that
the Devils have a chance to redeem
themselves by making it to another BCS
bowl, maybe even the BCS National
Championship game.

Champ pipes up before Charlotte can speak.

CHAMP
I know I’m excited about seeing
Achilles play one more season. I’m
sure the loss in the Sugar Bowl left a
bad taste in his mouth and he’s got one
thing on his mind, taking the Devils
all the way to Promised Land.

SKEETER
(big smile)
Chancellor, that sounds an awful lot
like a guarantee!

Charlotte and Sasha react. “Jeez, there he goes again!”

Sasha gestures angrily to Skeeter to stop screwing around.
 35.

CHARLOTTE
(interrupts)
That would be fantastic, but as the
Chancellor knows all too well, next
year’s schedule will be even tougher
than this year’s...

CHAMP
Which is exactly why we’ll be able to
make a legitimate run for Number One in
the BCS rankings.

INT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (CONCESSIONS) – LATER

Champ, Charlotte and Sasha leave the control booth and head
back to their seats. Champ’s got a self-satisfied grin on
his face. Charlotte and Sasha, not so much. Champ spies
Bella and Jeni near the concessions.

CHAMP
I’m feeling like a hot dog. What about
it, Charlotte, Sasha? My treat.

CHARLOTTE
No thanks. Not in my diet.

SASHA
I should get back to the field, Champ.

CHAMP
Oh, come on Sasha. You can eat
anything and not gain an ounce.

She relents. Charlotte goes on her way. Champ and Sasha

walk up to the concession queue. Bella and Jeni are in the
line next to theirs.

CHAMP
(to all fans)
Great game, hey folks?!

FANS react “Yeah, great, Chancellor!” (AD LIB). Bella and

Jeni look at Champ; Bella plays it cool, Jeni can’t cover
her disgust; she has to turn away.

JENI
(to Bella)
I’ll meet you back at our seats.
 36.

BELLA
Okay.

After Jeni’s gone, Bella and Champ exchange a look. Sasha

is clueless about his relationship with the young “pro.”

SASHA
(glances at her watch)
Chancellor, I really need to get back
on the sideline. Sorry.

CHAMP
Alright. Thanks for setting up the
interview with the guys in the booth.

SASHA
(a mildly disapproving look)
Yes. We’ll talk about that later.

He shoots her a boyish grin and then she’s gone. He looks

at Bella again, who holds his lecherous gaze for a moment,
then turns and steps up to the order window.

INT. LADIES’ ROOM/PORTICO – DAY

Portia finishes washing her hands and checks her makeup.

Satisfied, she leaves the ladies’ room. She gets only a
couple of feet when she looks up at Valerie, who is
obviously waiting for her. Portia covers her surprise.

VALERIE
Hello, Portia, I’m Valerie.

PORTIA
Hello.

VALERIE
Do you have a few minutes to talk?

PORTIA
What about?

Valerie’s expression says, “You know.”

EXT. BEHIND ‘THE PIT’ – MOMENTS LATER

We hear raucous fans cheering in ‘The Pit’ section of the

stands. Portia and Valerie stand facing each other.
 37.

VALERIE
I know this must be awkward for you.

PORTIA
Not really.

VALERIE
Good. You know, you’re much prettier
in person than in your photos.

Portia stares at her for a beat, then –

PORTIA
Why don’t you just tell me what you
want, Valerie?

VALERIE
I don’t “want” anything, Portia –

PORTIA
Really? You just happen to show up at
a game where my husband is playing, you
ambush me outside the ladies’ room and
you expect me to believe you don’t
“want” something.

VALERIE
What I’d “like” is to try to explain
something to you.

Portia barely covers her contempt for Valerie.

PORTIA
I understand concepts of quantum
physics and astrodynamics that you
couldn’t even begin to fathom. I think
I’ll grasp anything you try to
“explain” to me.

Valerie barely covers her contempt for Portia.

VALERIE
Of course. Portia, I just wanted you
to know that I never intended to hurt
you, and I hope that there are no hard
feelings between us.

PORTIA
(girl are you crazy?!)
You sleep with my husband and I’m not
supposed to have hard feelings?
 38.

VALERIE
He wasn’t your husband the last time he
made love to me.

PORTIA
What do you take me for, one of those
seditty sorority sluts you’re used to
pushing around? Think again, Sis.

VALERIE
I know you’re brilliant in the
classroom, Portia. But even with all
of that brainpower, you still haven’t
figured out why Achilles can’t get me
out of his system, have you?

PORTIA
(matter-of-fact)
A man likes to put it on a bitch in
heat once in a while. When he’s done
he kicks the bitch to the curb.

VALERIE
(smiles)
That’s right, Portia, I am a bitch.
And Achilles is a man. You have me to
thank for that. When he left you back
in high school he was a boy. Handsome,
charming and oh so conceited. But it
was all an act. When he got here he
was unsure of himself, afraid that he
wasn’t good enough to fit in. It’s why
he was so attracted to me. He knew
that I symbolized success here. He
couldn’t do enough to win my approval
and prove that he wasn’t just another
dumb jock. So I set the bar high and I
made him work hard for it...Along the
way I got into his psyche. Learned his
hopes, his fears...his desires.
Especially his desires. I opened a
whole new world of pleasure for him,
Portia. Gave him what wanted even
before he knew he wanted it. And
because I created those needs, only I
could satisfy them.

PORTIA
Talk about conceited. You’re so full
of shit your slanted eyes are brown.
 39.

VALERIE
If you had actually gone through with
pledging Delta, you’d know that to
become president you have to be a
strong, self-assured woman who knows
how to get what she wants...and how to
keep it.

PORTIA
Well, looks like you failed on the keep
it part, Prez.

VALERIE
I don’t think so. Do you know why your
“husband” passed on the draft? I mean
the real reason?
(Portia reacts)
With you going to Princeton Law School
in the fall, why would he stay in
Maitland of all places?

PORTIA
He came here to get his degree. He
promised his mother he would.

VALERIE
Of course...And of course he has no
idea that I’m living in Seattle now.

We glimpse a crack in Portia’s armor. It doesn’t go

unnoticed by the Ice Princess.

VALERIE
He’ll always want me, Portia. I’ve
made sure of that. It doesn’t take a
genius to see what’s going to happen
after you’re gone.

PORTIA
So you can see into the future? Tell
me, Valerie, what do you think’s going
to happen next?

Valerie is smugly giving it some thought when Portia BITCH

SLAPS her hard, drawing blood from the corner of her mouth.

PORTIA
Bet you didn’t see that coming did you?

Portia leaves her standing there, tasting her own blood.

 40.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM – DAY

Achilles is doing post-game interviews on the field near

the tunnel. Reporters come up one at a time for brief Q&A
sessions. Sasha keeps them moving – 4 questions and out –
like clockwork. After talking to Achilles, each reporter
moves to another player – Greg, Jet, iPhone Sitren, Ronnie
Taylor, Kwame Epstein, Brew Brewster, etc.

Portia is on the field with Gale, Charlotte and Gracie,

watching the interviews. Portia looks up into the Pit,
sees Valerie standing far back, not wanting to be seen but
wanting to be found. They lock eyes even at a distance.

SASHA
That’s all we have time for guys.
Thanks. Thanks a lot.

The interviews are over. Achilles looks at Portia and

smiles. She smiles back at him before he turns and walks
into the tunnel with teammates, never realizing Valerie was
there. Portia looks back into the Pit for Valerie, but she
has disappeared.

INT. DONAHUE GREAT ROOM – SUNSET

Billy, J.R. Donahue and Dallas Morales are seated around a

speakerphone talking to Billy’s agent, Jerry McGuire (yes,
“that” Jerry McGuire).

JERRY (O.S.)
I just got off the phone with Mel Kyper
10 minutes ago. Right now Dallas is
projected to go somewhere between the
fourth and fifth rounds. But Mel says
Oakland was blown away by his workout
at the NFL combine in Indianapolis and
might be willing to trade up to take
him midway through the third.

BILLY
Al Davis is a head case and the Raiders
organization is a total freak show. No
way that’s good for Dallas as a rookie.

JERRY (O.S.)
“Freak show” is being kind, Billy.
Regardless, if the Raiders do take him
in the third, that could mean 75-to-100
grand more if he signs early.
 41.

Dallas and J.R. exchange a look. “Wow!”

DALLAS
I always did like the Raiders.

JERRY (O.S.)
Dallas, don’t get caught up in “like”
and “dislike.” I had to learn the hard
way that “it’s not show friends, it’s
show business.”

BILLY
And it’s not just about the money
either, Jerry. Dallas isn’t signing
early with anybody to make a few extra
dollars.

J.R.
A few extra dollars? Dude, 100 grand
is more like a boat load of extra
dollars.

BILLY
Look, Jerry, you know my philosophy on
contract negotiations.

JERRY (O.S.)
Yeah, I know, Billy.

DALLAS
Your philosophy?

BILLY
Jerry?

JERRY (O.S.)
Your father thinks you go in on your
own, without an agent, to negotiate
your initial contract. Once a team
makes what they consider their “best
and final” offer – say $3 million over
3 years - you tell them you want to
think about it. Then you go to an
agent and tell him that he can keep 50
percent of anything he gets you over
the $3 million.

DALLAS
(to Billy)
No shit? Is that what you did after
you were drafted by the Jets?
 42.

BILLY
Jerry?

JERRY (O.S.)
No shit.

INT. DALLAS & CAT’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Cara “Cat” Trzcinski is reclining on the sofa, watching the

“Wizard of Oz” on television. Dallas comes out of the
kitchen eating a PINT OF ICE CREAM. He stands behind the
sofa, watching with her for a moment.

DALLAS
I don’t get why people like this movie.
It’s stupid.

CAT
You’re stupid for not getting why
everybody likes it.

DALLAS
Thanks. So Jerry thinks Oakland will
trade up to draft me in the third
round.

She ignores him. Picks up the REMOTE CONTROL and turns up

the volume. He clocks her coolness.

DALLAS
(mocking)
Wow! The Raiders! That’s great,
Casanova! Totally awesome!

CAT
Do you mind? I’m watching a movie.

DALLAS
What’s bugging you, Red?

CAT
Other than you interrupting my movie?

DALLAS
Cara, I thought you were fine with
this. You said you were with me no
matter what I chose to do. Remember?

CAT
Am I with you, Dallas? Really?
 43.

DALLAS
What’s that supposed to mean?

She gets up and heads to the kitchen. He follows. As she

opens cupboards, searching for something –

DALLAS
I’m a little bit lost, here. We talked
about this a dozen times. You knew
that if I had a chance to go in the
fourth round or higher, I’d give the
NFL a shot.

She comes up empty in her search, starts to walk past him

out of the kitchen. He grabs her arm.

DALLAS
Cara, talk to me. What’s the problem?

She struggles to keep her emotions in check.

CAT
Oakland, Denver, Chicago, what
difference does it make where you go?
Wherever you go, it’s without me.

DALLAS
Red, babe...

CAT
You’re right, Dallas, we’ve talked and
talked about what all of this means for
you. But not once have we talked about
what any of it means for me.

DALLAS
I...I guess I just assumed –

CAT
Yeah, you “assumed.” And what happens
when you assume?

She goes back into the living room, sits on the sofa. He
joins her.

CAT
I was so happy for you when you and
Coach connected after the Sugar Bowl.
And when you went to Indianapolis for
your workout at the combine, I knew you
(MORE)
 44.

CAT (CONT’D.)
needed to stay focused. You didn’t
need me getting into your head with any
emotional girlie bullshit. But now
it’s real. Next week you’ll get
drafted into the NFL. And next month
you’ll graduate and leave Maitland.

DALLAS
Red, just because I’m leaving Maitland
doesn’t mean we’re done.

CAT
Please, Dallas, don’t piss on my head
and tell me it’s raining. Long
distance doesn’t work. And besides, I
know you.

DALLAS
What the hell do you mean by that?

CAT
You’re not going to turn into a monk.

DALLAS
(beat, looks in her eyes)
Cara...look. You know, I remember the
first time I saw you. You and Cake
were in a booth at Josephine’s with
those two assholes. I don’t know what
it was, but I couldn’t take my eyes off
of you. And then, when you came over
and cheated me at pool –

CAT
You sucked and you lost.

DALLAS
(sexy smile)
You cheated.
(beat)
Red, I’ve been with a few girls...

CAT
Just a few?

DALLAS
Let’s just say a few more than you.
(that puts her in her place)
What I’m trying to say, Red, is I know
(MORE)
 45.

DALLAS (CONT’D.)
what I want...and you’re it. That’s
not going to change because I’m in
Oakland or Denver or Chicago or at the
freaking North Pole. I’m going to love
you for the rest of my life, no matter
where I am. I only want you, Cara.

Tears stream down her face.

DALLAS
How’s that for emotional girlie
bullshit?

CAT
You’re such a little bitch!

They kiss deeply. CAMERA PANS to the TELEVISION, where

Dorothy Gale is clicking her ruby red heels and saying,
“There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home...”

INT. DELTA HOUSE – DAY

Riley Cartwright comes into the house. She finds Bella

studying with other Deltas in the Great Room.

RILEY
Hi, Bella.

BELLA
(gets up)
Riley, hi!

They go to the foyer. Riley pulls a LEASE from her bag.

RILEY
Here’s the lease. You and Jeni both
have to sign it then just drop it off
with Mrs. Trzcinski. You can move in
at the end of May.

BELLA
Thanks a million Riley. We’ll sign and
take it over tomorrow.

RILEY
I know you’ll love the apartment. But
are you sure about this? I mean, has
Jeni talked to Valerie about leaving
the house?
 46.

BELLA
(smiles)
It’s all good, Riley.

INT. BELLA & JENI’S ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

Jeni is studying on her bed. Bella comes in smiling.

BELLA
Riley dropped off the apartment lease.
I’ve already signed. You just have to
sign here.

Bella holds out the lease. Jeni doesn’t even look up.

JENI
I’ll look at it later.

BELLA
Okay. Everything okay?

JENI
Yeah, sure. Fine.

Bella’s not buying it. She sits on the bed.

BELLA
Jeni, what was that about always being
honest with each other?

JENI
(beat, then perturbed)
You saw how he looked at you at the
game? Jesus, Bella, he’s old enough to
be your father.

BELLA
Jeni...

JENI
Why do you have to do it with him of
all people? You said you can choose.

BELLA
It’s business, that’s all. Look, when
you go for a physical, you don’t think
anything of taking your clothes off for
the doctor, right? Well, it’s the same
thing with me and Sussman.
 47.

JENI
Except the doctor is really the
chancellor and he’s screwing my
girlfriend’s brains out every week.

Bella reaches to touch Jeni’s hand but Jeni takes it away.

BELLA
(beat)
I’ve got some more studying to do
downstairs. I’ll leave the lease on
your desk.

Bella stands and crosses the room, pauses at the door,

looks at Jeni, who stares down at her book. Bella exits
and closes the door behind her.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

 48.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. GARCIA HOME – DAY

Mimi Garcia opens the front door to her husband, Bob. She
turns away and he comes inside.

BOB
Is Donnie ready?

MIMI
I’ve got to get him dressed.

BOB
(irritated)
Mimi, you said be here at 4 o’clock.
It’s 4 o’clock and I’m here...

MIMI
(bitchy)
You don’t have anyplace else to be,
Bob. Wait.

She goes upstairs. Bob waits then goes to the kitchen.

INT. GARCIA KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

Bob pulls a FRIED CHICKEN THIGH out of the fridge, bites

into it. It needs something. He puts the thigh on the
counter, goes through the spice rack. Finds what he wants.
He sprinkles the thigh. While he’s eating, he notices a
stack of BILLS. In the pile, one stands out.

ECU – THE BILL

A medical invoice. One word sticks out: “Abortion.”

RETURN TO SCENE

Bob puts the chicken down. Picks up the bill, anguish

mixes with growing anger as he reads.

DONNIE
Daddy! Daddy!

Bob is startled by his 5-year-old son, Donnie, rushing into

the kitchen. Bob scoops him into his arms.
 49.

BOB
(covering)
Hey, Big Guy!

Mimi comes in with Donnie’s overnight back pack. Bob looks

at her and she immediately knows something’s up. Then she
notices the bill in his hand. She reacts.

DONNIE
Daddy are we going to the movies?! Are
we going to the movies?!

BOB
Yes, Big Guy. But first let Mommy and
Daddy talk for a minute.
(puts the boy down)
Go wait for Daddy in the living room,
okay, buddy?

DONNIE
Okay, Daddy! But hurry!

The boy leaves, excited. Mimi steels herself.

BOB
(holds out bill)
Tell me this isn’t what I think it is.

MIMI
What do you think it is, Bob?

BOB
Don’t play dumb, Mimi!

MIMI
Keep your voice down.

He puts the bill right in her face.

BOB
(on the edge)
How could you do this?! How could you,
Mimi?! How?! Without telling me!

MIMI
My body, my decision.

BOB
(lashing out)
But it was my child!
 50.

MIMI
(beat)
Says who?

He SLAPS Mimi with a backhand that sends her into the wall.
She recovers, wipes the blood from her mouth. They glower
at each other. Then Bob storms out.

DONNIE (O.S.)
Daddy! Daddy, Daddy, the movies!

We hear the front DOOR SLAM. Then Donnie’s bawling.

INT. DONAHUE HOME – NIGHT

The DOORBELL RINGS. Gracie answers it. It’s police chief

Sal D’Agostino. He’s wearing a dour expression.

GRACIE
Hello, Chief. Is everything alright?
(then, panicked)
Is it J.R.? Is he okay?

CHIEF
Everything’s fine, Gracie. I just need
a minute with Coach and Mrs. Donahue.

GRACIE
Mrs. Donahue’s in Seattle overnight for
a board meeting. But Coach is here.

She just looks at him. He makes a facial expression.

CHIEF
Would you mind getting him?

GRACIE
Oh, sorry.
(turns, shouts)
Coach! Chief D’Agostino’s here!

CHIEF
(sardonic)
Thanks, Gracie.

GRACIE
(grins)
No problem.

She heads out and Billy comes in, greets the chief...
 51.

INT. GABRIELLE’S CONDO – NIGHT

The front door opens and Gabrielle enters. She puts down
her briefcase and computer bag, crosses the dark living
room, turns on a lamp. She doesn’t see Gale sitting in a
chair behind her. When Gabrielle turns around she almost
jumps out of her skin with fright!

GABRIELLE
My God!!!

GALE
I’m sorry, Elle, did I startle you?

GABRIELLE
How the hell did you get into my
house?!

GALE
That’s a question I’ve often asked
myself about you.

GABRIELLE
(regaining composure)
We both know the answer to that
question don’t we, Gale?

GALE
(beat)
Yes...I suppose we do.

GABRIELLE
What are you doing here?

GALE
Please, Elle, sit down.

GABRIELLE
This isn’t your house and you’re not
welcome. So tell me what you want so
you can get the hell out.

GALE
As you wish. Tomorrow morning, your
ex-husband will be arrested in New
Orleans and charged with hiring a drug
addict and his 22-year-old girlfriend
to kill Billy.
 52.

GABRIELLE
You crazy, pill-popping, hallucinating
bitch. Get out of my house and take
your filthy lies with you.

GALE
Oh, I’ll leave, Elle. But you know
what I’m saying is true. You know that
carjacking wasn’t just a coincidence.

GABRIELLE
I don’t know any such thing. But I do
know the Seattle police will arrest you
if you don’t get your narrow ass up out
of my chair and out that door in the
next 30 seconds.

Gale rises slowly. Comes eye-to-eye with Gabrielle.

GALE
I blame myself, really. If I’d just
stuck with plan A instead of scaring
you away, we wouldn’t have come to
this.

GABRIELLE
(stunned)
What?!

GALE
The car. The kaboom. Funny thing is I
felt so guilty afterward. I know, you
wouldn’t expect that of me, would you?
I think it’s because Billy forgave me
so completely after I confessed to him.
Can you believe that? That’s why I’ve
pretended not to know he’s been
screwing you all these months. Just my
way of giving my “man” what he needs.

Gale goes to the door. Gabrielle is still trying to get

her head around it all. Especially the part about Billy
knowing that Gale tried to kill her...

GALE
Good girl talk, don’t you think, Elle?
(wicked smile)
Goodnight...

Gale exits. OFF Gabrielle...

 53.

INT. BELLA & JENI’S ROOM – DAY

Jeni’s lying on her bed, staring at nothing. Bella comes

in, notices the unsigned apartment lease on Jeni’s desk,
right where she left it.

BELLA
Jeni, I told Mrs. Trzcinski we’d get
the lease to her a couple of days ago.
She’ll have to rent to someone else if
you don’t sign it.

Bella goes and sits on the bed, takes Jeni’s hand.

BELLA
Don’t you still want this, Jeni? I do.

A long beat.

JENI
You’ll stop when we graduate?

BELLA
Yes. By then I’ll have enough money
for us to go away and start someplace
new together. I promise.

JENI
(looks in her eyes)
No other women. Promise me.

BELLA
I promise.

Jeni gets off the bed, goes to her desk, signs the lease.

INT. ACHILLES & PORTIA’S APARTMENT - DAY

Achilles and Portia sit on the sofa, eating and watching

ESPN Sports Center on television.

ON TV

VIDEO FOOTAGE of David Benjamin doing the perp walk from a

police cruiser into a police station, then VIDEO FOOTAGE of
Gabrielle reporting from the sidelines and in-studio. An
ESPN ANCHOR reports:
 54.

ANCHOR (V.O.)
New Orleans police say the popular NBA
All-Star and two-time league MVP has
not been formally charged with
anything, but is being questioned in
connection with an alleged murder for
hire scheme. No details of the
reported plot were released, but
sources close to the case say the
target may have been Benjamin’s ex-
wife, former ESPN reporter Gabrielle
Woods, who police say was the victim of
a stalker two yeas ago...

ACHILLES
Wow, that’s messed up. I did a lot of
interviews with her.

PORTIA
Please, Lee, do we have to watch that
while we eat?

ACHILLES
Sorry.

He clicks off the television with the remote.

PORTIA
Lee, can we talk about something?

ACHILLES
Yeah, sure. What is it, baby?

PORTIA
Lee...What made you come back for your
senior year?

ACHILLES
Portia, we talked about this. You know
I didn’t want to go out like I did in
the Sugar Bowl. I want to win a BCS
National Championship.

Beat. She looks at him, knows there’s more to it than

that, but she doesn’t want to argue. Not anymore.

PORTIA
I know all about that, Lee. And I know
what we’re telling people publicly –
“You promised your mom you’d finish
your degree.”
 55.

ACHILLES
Why do you say it like that? It’s
true. I’ll get my degree next
December. And the championship is in
January...Baby, I see something’s going
on in that giant brain of yours so why
not just tell me what it is?

PORTIA
(beat)
Lee, I’ve been thinking about what I
want to do when I leave here in May.

ACHILLES
I thought you had that all figured out:
Princeton Law, Law Review, a couple of
years working for some big Manhattan
law firm, then the United Nations...

PORTIA
That’s always been the plan, ever since
Daddy decided it would be that way.
And it’s what I’ve been striving for
for as long as I can remember, but...

ACHILLES
But what?

PORTIA
Lee, I’ve spent my whole life following
someone else’s plan, doing what other
people needed me to do - Mom, Daddy,
you...Marcus, even this damn
university. And it’s not like I have
any regrets. I don’t.

ACHILLES
Portia, you’re not making any sense.
What are you talking about?

PORTIA
I’m talking about following my own plan
for the first time in my life, Lee.
Doing what I need to do for me and
nobody else.

ACHILLES
And what’s that?
 56.

PORTIA
Lee, the times I’ve felt my life had
the most meaning were when I was doing
missionary work in Africa with Daddy.
That’s what I’m going to do after I
graduate.

ACHILLES
Okay. But you’ll be back in time to
start law school, right?

PORTIA
I’m not going to law school, Lee. I’m
going to live in Africa and work for a
relief mission.

ACHILLES
Come on, girl, stop talking crazy.

PORTIA
I need to do this, Lee. I’m going to
do this.

ACHILLES
Wait a minute. You’re not talking
about going back to Africa with that
professor are you?!

Her eyes tell him it’s true. Achilles can’t believe what
he’s hearing. He stands up, angry.

ACHILLES
Oh, hell no! Hell no! You are not
going to Africa with that asshole!

PORTIA
I’m not going with him, Lee. But I am
going.

ACHILLES
Bullshit, Portia. No freakin’ way!
You hear me, no way!

PORTIA
Lee...you don’t need me.

ACHILLES
And that professor Tissot does?! I’ll
tell you what he needs, he needs to get
you away from me so he can get what
he’s been after all this time!
 57.

She stands and goes to him. Gently strokes his face and
holds it in her hands, looks in his eyes to calm him.

PORTIA
I love you, Lee. I always will. But
I’m going to do this because it’s what
I need to do. You can’t stop it.

ACHILLES
And what about him?

PORTIA
What happens, happens.

Her words go through his heart like a sword. He’s dying.

ACHILLES
But, Portia...please...

PORTIA
I’ve forgiven you for everything, Lee.
Everything.
(he knows she means Marcus)
You can forgive me this one thing.

Tears roll down his face. She wipes them away, kisses him
gently on the lips then holds him in her arms.

INT. MARTINIQUE WOODS’ HOME (ELLE’S BEDROOM) – NIGHT

CLOSE ON a cell phone that’s ringing with a DISTINCTIVE

RINGTONE. WIDEN to reveal Gabrielle curled up on her
childhood bed, ignoring the ringing phone. It’s obvious
she’s been crying. WIDEN FURTHER to reveal her mother,
Martinique Woods, enter the room with a tray of food.

INT. DONAHUE STUDY – NIGHT

Billy has his cell phone on his ear, listening.

GABRIELLE (V.O.)
It’s Gabrielle. Leave a brief message
and I’ll call you back as soon as I
can. Bye.

Beep.
BILLY
Elle, baby, it’s me again. Please call
me back...Please.
 58.

INT. DONAHUE GREAT ROOM – NIGHT

Gracie is playing with Duncan as Gale looks on lovingly.

Gale looks up as Billy walks by in the hallway. He pauses
and they exchange a look: he simmers; she’s cool.

INT. STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT

ON TV

As Felix reports we see VIDEO FOOTAGE of Dallas – game

highlights of his big hits, interceptions, kick returns –
and photos of him with Cecilia, Billy, Gale, J.R. and Cat.

FELIX (V.O.)
...Morales, the senior out of East Los
Angeles, was taken in the third round
of the NFL draft by the Oakland
Raiders. Scouts had him tabbed to go
in later rounds, but the speedy, hard-
hitting defensive back upped his stock
after a superb performance in the Sugar
Bowl. Morales is now the third Sea
Devil recruited by head coach Billy
Donahue to go in the early rounds of
the NFL draft, a clear sign that the
program is coming into it’s own...

ANGLE ON Bob sitting on the sofa, not paying attention to

the television. Instead, he’s focused on the bill from the
abortion clinic clutched in his hand. In his other hand is
a bottle of Jack Daniels. He drinks the last of the
whisky, drops the bill and slams the bottle on the coffee
table. Next to the .38 revolver from our earlier scene.

Bob picks up the pistol, grips it, feels the weight, stares
at it for a long beat. Then he puts the gun barrel in his
mouth...

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT

ANGLE ON the apartment door. A single gunshot rings out

as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE