Episode seven
SCENE ONE - INT. - JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING
A week has passed. JACK is at a table in their sparsely decorated kitchen, dressed in a dark blue suit with a cup of coffee near by for "nourishment". He is concentrating as he circles with a red pen what appears to be a want ad and then prints in big block letters, "Jennifer".
JENNIFER comes stumbling into the room, dressed in her bathrobe. She yawns and scratches her head making her hair a little wild.
JENNIFER: (sleepily and through half-closed eyes) Mmmm ... Jack is that you?
JACK: (standing up) In the flesh. Good to see you up and about, sleepyhead.
JENNIFER: It's only seven-thirty Jack.
JACK: (kissing her cheek) Uh huh. But the early bird catches the uh ... Well he catches something.
JENNIFER: (facing him) The worm, Jack. The early bird catches the worm.
JACK: (shrugs and walks to the table to pick up his coffee) You've always been the worm lover, not me. (starts to walk out with his coffee and then points at the paper) That's for you. I'll see you later.
JENNIFER: (glancing at the paper, she rolls her eyes and smirks) Wait! Jack where are you going?
OUT on JENNIFER rushing out of the kitchen
SCENE TWO - INT. - JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM - EARLY MORNING
JENNIFER coming into the living room as JACK is putting on his coat
JENNIFER: Where are you going Jack?
JACK: Work.
JENNIFER: Why won't you tell me what this job is that you're so busy doing all the time?
JACK: It's just a job Jennifer. Something to pay the bills. (He pats his coat pocket looking for his keys)
JENNIFER: It's dangerous, isn't it? And that's why you won't tell me what it is.
JACK: It's - no it's not dangerous. Although I have a feeling that after today it's going to get worse, perhaps dangerous on occasion. (BEAT) Why don't you give me a kiss for luck?
JENNIFER: I don't kiss men who keep secrets from me.
JACK: (turning and exaggerating his motions as if to get reactions from her) I think I better just go. (walks off, pausing to grab his keys from the table)
JENNIFER crosses her arms, trying to not follow him, but it proves unsuccessful.
JENNIFER: (to herself) Ooohhhh, sometimes that man -
She rushes after him and goes into the foyer only to find him leaning against the wall, grinning and waiting for her.
JACK: Going somewhere in that outfit?
JENNIFER: No, I - uh - I just wanted to make sure you -- (glancing at the door) you locked the door.
JACK: Oh well, if that's all, rest assured, I'll lock it. (turns to leave)
JENNIFER: Oh no you don't.
She grabs his arm to stop him and then wraps her arms around her neck to kiss him. When she pulls back he is smiling at her
JENNIFER: What?
JACK: No minty fresh breath this morning, Jennifer Rose? (She swats at his arm and he is laughing)
JENNIFER: I don't know why I even bother with you, Jack.
JACK: Because I'm so charming. (He reaches in his pocket and then tosses something to her) Take care of that problem before I get home, Miss Horton. (She catches the object he threw at her and looks at it. It is a mint and she can't help but laugh at his teasing.) I will see you later.
JENNIFER: Maybe.
She smiles as he closes the door behind him and then locks it. He is making goofy faces at her through the glass. After he leaves she walks over to the bottom of the stairs.
JENNIFER: (calling up) Abigail, are you ready for school?
ABIGAIL: (V.O.) Almost mommy.
JENNIFER: (to herself) Good, just enough time for a cup of coffee before I get dressed. (looks back at the door) And time to try and figure out just what you're up to Jack Deveraux.
OUT on JENNIFER.
SCENE THREE - INT. - JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE - MID-MORNING.
A few hours have passed and JENNIFER comes into the living room carrying some bags. She puts them down on a chair and tosses her keys to the table, removes her coat and then heads for the kitchen.
JENNIFER: (looking around and grabbing an apple from a basket on the counter) We still need to shop some more this weekend. (biting into the apple, she picks up a pencil and pad and goes to the table to sit) Now let's see here, I can cross off the extra towels I just bought and the new rug for the back door. I need another set of sheets for Abby's bed and I still need some curtains for that upstairs bathroom ... maybe blinds would be better (she begins to tap the pencil absentmindedly. She notices the newspaper with her name written at the top and smiles thinking of JACK) What is this Jack? The want ads? A little hint I suppose that I need to start pulling my weight around here financially. (She gets up to get a glass of water, bringing the paper with her and mumbles) It's not as though I don't want to contribute - (begins reading the ad as she drinks her water, her eyes grow wide over the rim of the glass) Now why would Jack ... (smiles, realizing) He knows I miss it.
She sets the glass down and looks at the paper again. Then she slaps it against her hand
JENNIFER: Well I'd hate to disappoint him when he went to all this trouble to let me know about the job.
OUT on JENNIFER'S huge smile as she walks out of the kitchen
SCENE FOUR - INT. - LIVING ROOM - NOONTIME
It is a few hours later. JENNIFER is arranging some family pictures on a shelf in the living room. The sounds of BILLIE HOLIDAY can be heard coming from the CD player as JENNIFER hums along.
JENNIFER: (admiring her arrangement) That's not bad, not bad at all.
The phone rings and she walks over to answer it, still glancing at the shelves. ONE-WAY
JENNIFER: Horton-Deveraux residence. (BEAT) This is Jennifer Horton. Oh you did receive it, that's great! (SEVERAL BEATS) This afternoon? Uh ... wow I didn't think you'd want to see me so quickly. (BEAT) Oh of course, I understand you need to get someone to start as soon as you can. (BEAT) Three would be fine. Thank you Miss Simpson.
She hangs up the phone
JENNIFER: An interview. I need to figure out what I'm going to wear (starts to go to the stairs) Oh no, first I need to find someone to watch Abby for me. Hmm ... Grandma or Hope?
She picks up the phone and dials. TWO-WAY
HOPE: Hello.
JENNIFER: Hi Hope, it's me.
HOPE: Jen, how's the house? How are all of you adjusting?
JENNIFER: (smiling) We're fine. The house is beautiful and in desperate need of several quality shopping excursions to purchase more items for it, but it's really coming along nicely.
HOPE: Good, I'm sorry we haven't been over to see it yet.
JENNIFER: Don't be silly, we've only been here a few days and we're so busy getting settled in that we really wouldn't know what to do with visitors if we had them. (BEAT) Anyway, I called because I have a favor to ask you.
HOPE: Sure, what can I do for you?
JENNIFER: I have a job interview this afternoon at three and Abby gets out of school at 2:15. I was wondering if I could drop her off for a couple of hours?
HOPE: Of course. Are you sure you'll have enough time? I could pick her up for you instead.
JENNIFER: No, it's on the way and I enjoy picking her up from school.
HOPE: Okay. So are you going to tell me about this job?
JENNIFER: It's - I'll tell you what. I'll tell you all about it once I get it. But I can tell you that it would be a dream come true if I did get the job.
HOPE: I'm glad to hear that. You deserve some happiness Jen. (BEAT - we hear JT crying) Oh, Jen, JT is waking up and I've got to feed him. I'll see you and Abby later.
JENNIFER: Sure. Thanks Hope.
HOPE: Anytime.
JENNIFER hangs up the phone and sighs
JENNIFER: Actually, it would be half a dream come true, but it's a start.
OUT on JENNIFER'S hopeful face
SCENE FIVE - INT. - SPECTATOR OFFICES - MID-AFTERNOON
JENNIFER is walking into the offices of the SPECTATOR. She smiles as she glances around the newsroom. Then she walks over to a desk.
JENNIFER: Excuse me, sorry to bother you. Could you tell me where I might find Mary Simpson?
The reporter doesn't look up, just points in the direction of a desk across the room.
JENNIFER: Uh ... thanks (walks away) I think. Not the friendliest bunch. (reaching MARY'S desk) Mary Simpson?
MARY: (very friendly) Yes and you must be Jennifer Horton. (glances at the clock on the wall) Punctual, the boss will like that. We've had a lot of applicants, but no one that seemed to click with our owner. I think you just might be exactly the person we need around here.
JENNIFER: (surprised) Thank you.
MARY: Just head on in there. He's expecting you.
JENNIFER: Just walk right in like I own the place? (MARY nods) Well, I've - I think I remember the way. Thank you Mary.
MARY: Good luck. (As JENNIFER walks into the office) This should be fun.
JENNIFER walks into the editor's office. There are a few changes but otherwise it looks very much like it did when JACK ran the paper. The chair behind the desk is facing away from JENNIFER and she seems mesmerized by being back in the office.
JENNIFER: (softly) I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same.
At that moment the chair spins around, revealing JACK sitting there. He leans forward on the desk.
JACK: It's funny, I was just thinking that myself.
OUT on JENNIFER'S shocked expression
SCENE SIX - IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER rushes around to his side of the desk and pulls him out of the chair.
JENNIFER: Jack, what are you doing here? Did Hope tell you where I was? (BEAT) Are you interviewing too? Are there that many openings?
JACK: (sitting back down and ignoring JENNIFER'S questions) I will say that this chair is more comfortable than my old one. (taps the desk) Same ole desk though.
JENNIFER: You can't be sitting there when the boss gets in here for my interview Jack.
JACK: (playing along) Oh you're right of course.
JACK gets up from the desk, takes her hand and then they sit on the couch.
JENNIFER: So are you interviewing too?
JACK: Not exactly.
JENNIFER: How many jobs are open here?
JACK: A lot. (lowers voice) And there's more everyday from what I hear. The new owner is a bit of a tyrant.
JENNIFER: But Jack, I don't understand what you're doing here. Don't you have a job?
JACK: Yes.
JENNIFER: So why are you here and why did you leave me the ad this morning?
JACK: Well - I - after our conversation the other night I thought you were missing this place. And when I heard about the opening, I thought you might want to look into it. (BEAT) Tell me, now that you're here, do you feel the same way?
JENNIFER: (smiles) Yes.
JACK: It's not just that old nostalgic, sentimental feeling you get?
JENNIFER: No, I've missed the daily hustle and bustle. The excitement of working under a deadline and just beating it. (BEAT) But I'd be lying if I were to say that I wouldn't wish you were here too. That would make it just perfect.
JACK: I'm glad you said that. Come with me. (TAKES HER HAND) I want to show you something.
They go back out to MISS SIMPSON'S desk
MARY: Mr. Deveraux, Miss Horton. (BEAT) Is there something I could do for you?
JENNIFER: Actu -
JACK: Could you give me that paper I gave you earlier?
MARY: (smiling) Certainly. (She shuffles through some papers and then hands him the one he is requesting) There you go Mr. Deveraux.
JENNIFER: Jack what is going on here?
JACK: (To MISS SIMPSON) It's time for the big reveal. (turning to JENNIFER) This should explain everything.
He hands her the piece of paper
JENNIFER: Wh -
JACK: Go ahead (smirking) Read it.
JENNIFER: It's some sort of memo, Jack.
JACK: Go ahead.
JENNIFER: (reading from the paper) Please join me in welcoming our new managing editor, Jennifer Horton(looks up) Jack?
JACK: Keep reading. You're getting to the good part.
JENNIFER: Miss Horton has proven her talents in many capacities in a variety of mediums and will be an excellent addition to our paper during this transitional period. (BEAT) Jack Deveraux. Jack - you're - what? When? How?
JACK: Honing those reporting skills already. Why don't we step back into my office and see if I can't answer a few of those questions for you. (takes her arm and leads her to the office)
JENNIFER: (comprehending but still confused) Your office?
MARY: Welcome aboard Miss Horton! (picks up her phone and dials an extension) She's in!
OUT on MARY'S excited face
SCENE SEVEN - INT. - JACK'S OFFICE
A short time later
JENNIFER: (standing in front of the desk) So how did you find this money?
JACK: (sitting) I knew it was there all along. It was just a matter of figuring out how to claim it.
JENNIFER: So that's what you've been doing?
JACK: Well, it - it was part of what I was doing while you were in Ireland, yes. And as soon as I had the money, it was crystal clear to me what I wanted to do with it.
JENNIFER: So when did you buy the paper?
JACK: I made the initial inquiries before the coronation and bought it within a couple of days of our return home.
JENNIFER: (walking to his side of the desk) Well, why the big secret?
JACK: (smiling and teasing) I wasn't sure you wanted to do this. After all, you did desert us once before and I needed some sort of assurance.
JENNIFER: You practically pushed me out the door. I would have come back here in an instant if you would have asked me at any point -
JACK: (pulling her down to sit on his lap) Well maybe you should have marched right in here and told me you were returning. That is your usual style.
JENNIFER: Are you saying I am pushy? (drapes her arms around his neck)
JACK: Hmmm ... brazen and bold is more like it.
JENNIFER: And you're sneaky, manipulative, deceitful -
Their faces are close to each other almost touching
JACK: (softly) You always did know how to sweet talk me Miss Horton.
JENNIFER: (seductively) Well I don't know about you but I've had enough talking for right now.
They grin at each other and then she leans in and kisses him passionately
JENNIFER: Let's go pick up Abby and get some dinner to celebrate.
JACK: Better still (kisses her softly) Let's go home and celebrate and then pick up the child and go out to dinner.
JENNIFER: (smiling widely) I just love the way you think Mr. D.
OUT on them kissing again
END OF EPISODE SEVEN
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