Personal Business, One on One
November 2, 1989

SCENE: At the television station, WSPR, on and around the sound stage of "Johnny Bauer One-on-One". HOLLY and ROSS are walking around the corner to the sound stage, discussing Sam's recent disappearance with Dylan.

HOLLY: You couldn't have stopped her, Ross. Sam's seventeen and she's in love. At that stage, you don't listen, you just react.

ROSS: I just want her home safe.

HOLLY: Well, she's a good girl. She'll come back.

ROSS: Yeah, I hope so, and if that delinquent has laid a hand on her, I'm gonna strangle him.

HOLLY nods, and then, just as the crew starts to tape, notices ROGER sitting on the sound stage.

GILLY: Okay, we're on in FIVE, FOUR, THREE . . .

HOLLY: (yells) Stop tape!!! (quieter) Clear the set.

HOLLY marches up onto the sound stage.

HOLLY to ROGER: What the hell are you doing here?

ROGER: Nice to see you too, Holly.

HOLLY looks annoyed; ROGER looks pleased. It's another fine day in Springfield . . .

HOLLY, JOHNNY, CHELSEA, GILLY and ROSS have stepped away from the sound stage, but ROGER sits in the background, enjoying the havoc he has wreaked.

CHELSEA: We got the call an hour ago. You were locked in with Ross. It was my decision.

HOLLY: Oh, and what a great one.

CHELSEA: C'mon. Spaulding employs half of this town. The reorganization is front page news. It's a matter of interest.

HOLLY: Maybe Spaulding is, but not (She points to ROGER, and then confronts Gilly): And what's this about a cancellation?!

CHELSEA, GILLY, and HOLLY are now all screaming at once, but finally, we hear . . .

CHELSEA: If you're gonna yell at someone, yell at me. It was my decision.

HOLLY sighs.

HOLLY: No, I've a better idea. I'm gonna talk to him.

HOLLY turns to ROSS.

HOLLY: (mutters) Talk to him.

ROSS: All right. I'm gonna be in your office. You call if you need me.

HOLLY: Thank you.

ROGER pats the seat beside him, as HOLLY steps back on the sound stage, ruefully contemplating him.

ROGER: (Amused) Well, you want to do the interview?

HOLLY: You're not gonna use this station to promote yourself.

ROGER: I'm here on behalf of Spaulding.

HOLLY: Bull.

ROGER: To talk about the Blakewood Towers project.

HOLLY: Oh, I see. The loyal company man. Your project at Spaulding that you named for our daughter--now wouldn't this make you look like a devoted employee and family man? Just the sort of image you'd love to . . . .

ROGER: I had no idea that breaking our date would upset you so much.

HOLLY, outraged, glares at ROGER.

HOLLY: After all these years, the size and depth of your ego still amazes me.

ROGER: That was very kind of you, but there's no need to be upset. I was planning to reschedule our date.

HOLLY: Have you lost your mind ?!?!?!?

ROGER: You know, usually career women are more understanding about business appointments getting in the way of social time . . .

HOLLY: Now wait a minute! That dinner was your idea. I couldn't care less if you break it or keep it.

ROGER: Don't you even want to hear my excuse?

HOLLY: NO!!!

ROGER: Well, now that you ask, I was ironing out my contract with Spaulding.

HOLLY: Oh, I hope they have a good lawyer.

ROGER: They've got several. (He stands up.) Now, Holly, c'mon. This is not smart.

HOLLY: What?

ROGER: Well, you can't just block any mention of Spaulding on WSPR because you don't like me.

HOLLY: Watch me.

ROGER: Wouldn't you rather have the inside scoop? Your viewers would love it. You wouldn't even have to use me on the air.

HOLLY: (irresistibly interested) What inside scoop?

ROGER: (Grins) Well, meet me for dinner at seven and we'll discuss it.

HOLLY: You are insufferable!!! You think I'm gonna meet you for dinner just to ... ??!!!!

ROGER: Yes, yes -- I do. For insider information, I think even you can be a grown up and enjoy a pleasant business dinner.

HOLLY sighs in exasperation.

ROGER: Now surely you can put aside your personal feelings for one night.

HOLLY thinks for a moment, and then, as though agreeing in spite of herself. . .

HOLLY: All right. Seven o'clock.

ROGER: (immensely pleased, but trying not to show it.) That's my girl. See ya then.

ROGER walks off the sound stage, and HOLLY, teeth clenched and eyes gleaming, watches him leave.

Later that day, at Harley's hearing, ROGER and HOLLY pass each other as they leave the courtroom.

ROGER: I'll see ya at seven?

HOLLY: You sure you'll be through groveling for Alexandra by then?

ROGER: (glibly) We try to keep my subservience limited to business hours.

Next Scenes:
The Bridge Incident

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01/04/06 05:14:40 PM