Disclaimer

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FRIDAY

In the conference room, Dana is staring blankly at a piece of paper on which hardly anything was written. Beside her, Natalie colored the margins of an injury report with her pen. Across the table, Jeremy studied a full-page spread in Horse Illustrated on riding to music.

Dana: We have nothing.

Dan: We do have some quotes.

Dana: Yeah, we sure do. When CSC asked the Yankees to speculate about the trade rumors, they declined to comment. The agents of the possible players involved also issued a "no comment." In fact, the rumor itself called a press conference to issue a "no comment."

Dan: At least that will take up some time.

Jeremy looks up from his magazine.

Jeremy: It says here that it's the rider's own rhythm that affects the horse, rather than the music

Dan: You mean the horse won't break into the Charleston if you ride to Ella Fitzgerald?

Dana looks up from her piece of paper.

Dana: You do the Charleston to Ella Fitzgerald?

Dan: Well, I really don't have that much free time.

Isaac slowly walks into the conference room.

Isaac: Any word?

Dana: Nothing new.

Dana hands Isaac the piece of paper. Isaac glances over it and hands it back to Dana.

Isaac: What is going on here? Did everyone decide to take a vacation after the Winter Games?

Dana: We've been working really hard on it.

Isaac: Effort doesn't give us a good show. Results give us a good show. We would like to break news first in this business, and at the very least, at the same time as ESPN and Fox Sports. But when we start coming in woefully last, that is when I start becoming concerned- and to be sure, the network will be concerned.

Dana: I'm sorry, Isaac.

Isaac: And everyone in here also understands that there will be no more pranks?

Dana: We discussed this in two rundowns yesterday.

Isaac: I just want to be sure everyone understands.

The groups moans out a "Yes" in unison.

Natalie: Are we still allowed to do things to relieve tension?

Isaac: As long as it doesn't involve the destruction of property-

Isaac notices a smile on Natalie's face.

Isaac: -or it doesn't keep people from doing their job in a timely fashion.

The smiles disappears from Natalie's face.

The group sits in silence.

Jeremy: I was wondering if you- Dana or Isaac- would have time to look at this segment on the musical freestyle. I know you're both very busy. But I think this segment would ultimately be worth the time. I've made some changes from the original, and I think it's even interesting to the masses now.

Dana: Jeremy?

Jeremy: Yeah?

Dana: I don't care if they are riding Wildfire. We're not airing it.

Jeremy: So this week is out of the question.

Dana glares at Jeremy.

Jeremy: Nevermind.

-----

Later that evening, Dan and Casey are sitting at a bar. Each of them are half-way through their beers, and Dan munches on some pretzels from a bowl in front of him.

Dan: It's a strange time.

Casey: Yes, it is.

Dan: There's endless surprises ahead.

Casey: Yes, there is.

Dan: It's a strange time.

Casey: You've already stated that.

Dan: You would think Rebecca would have contacted me sooner.

Casey: Actually, she didn't contact you. You happened to run into her on the street.

Dan: In a city this size? Among all the citizens, professionals, and tourists, what are the odds of us running into each other?

Casey: Pretty good, I say.

Dan: Why?

Casey: You both work on the same block.

Dan: It's a large block.

Casey: But not as large as New York City.

Dan: True.

Casey: Maybe she felt obligated to do something after your meeting on the street.

Dan: She could have just said, "I'll call you," and just never called me.

Casey: Did she call you?

Dan: Yes. Reservations are set at the French Laundry.

Casey: It sounds like a date.

Dan: It's not a date.

Casey: Have you told Jo?

Dan: Yes.

Casey: Really?

Dan: Well, she kinda' found out.

Casey: What did you do?

Dan: I didn't do anything.

Casey: Danny.

Dan: I couldn't help that Rebecca called and left a message on my answering machine. I couldn't help that Jo was there when I listened to my messages.

Casey: How did she react?

Dan: I was honest and explained everything.

Casey: So, she doesn't think it's a date?

Dan: It's not a date.

Casey: Does Rebecca know it's not a date?

Dan: She never mentioned that it is a date.

Casey: You said she's buying dinner, right?

Dan: Well, yeah.

Casey: Sounds like a date to me.

Dan: Everything will be fine. I'm in a good relationship with Jo, and I'm not going to jeopardize it. I have ex-girlfriends, and I'm sure she has some ex-boyfriends lurking about.

Casey: Lurking?

Dan: Well, they're out there. Anyway, when an 'ex' reappears, it doesn't give just cause for overreaction.

Casey: And what did you tell me when Lisa wanted to get back together with me?

Dan: That's different.

Casey: How so?

Dan: It's Lisa.

Casey: I see.

Dan: I haven't had any contact with Rebecca in over a year. I don't know what has been happening with her and she suddenly reappears in my life.

Casey: She has a habit of doing that, doesn't she?

Dan: What's that supposed to mean?

Casey: It means that whenever serious decisions need to be made about your life, Rebecca seems to pop-up like she's a "whack-a-mole."

Dan: What serious decisions have I been making?

Casey: The first time was when our jobs were on the line and you were talking about going to L.A. This time is when you are ready to commit to a serious relationship with Jo.

Dan: I am in a serious relationship with Jo.

Casey: You won't be if you keeping treating Jo like she's a yo-yo.

Dan: You're really into toy allusions tonight, aren't you? Yo-yo and "whack-a-mole."

Casey: Earlier tonight, I helped chaperone a party for one of Charlie's friends. Try spending four-and-a-half hours watching video games, playing carnival games, and eating greasy pizza. Anyway, you can't let Jo think you're being anything but honest.

Dan: I'm being honest.

Casey: Just don't let anything happen between you and Rebecca.

Dan: It's just a harmless dinner. It's a chance to catch-up and hopefully, answer some unresolved questions.

Casey: You have her telephone number?

Dan: Yeah.

Casey: There's a pay-phone over there. Give Rebecca a call and resolve your questions.

Dan: But I wouldn't get a free meal out of it.

Casey: True.

Dan: It isn't greasy pizza and hundreds of kids running around and screaming at the top of their lungs. It's the French Laundry. This is the milieu. It's taking it easy and enjoying the finest French cuisine.

Casey: But is a good meal worth jeopardizing your future?

Dan: Casey, I'll be fine. Nothing's going to happen.

Casey: Okay.

-----

SATURDAY

JoAnne walks into the newsroom. She walks over to Jeremy's desk.

JoAnne: You're the one calling for assistance?

Jeremy: Yeah. My computer just isn't working. It isn't responding to my commands, and in fact, I believe it isn't even recording my key strokes.

JoAnne looks over the computer. She reaches over and flips a switch.

JoAnne: It was turned off.

Jeremy: Well, am I flush with embarrassment.

JoAnne: Come on, Jeremy. You could have figure that out in a second. What's going on?

Jeremy: You have a minute?

JoAnne: Well I anticipated a serious problem with the computer, especially since you were the one who made the call. I set aside plenty of time to try and fix this. I never would have guessed you had just cut the power.

Jeremy: Well, everyone is entitled to a mistake every now and then. Let's talk in the conference room.

Jeremy and JoAnne enter the conference room.

JoAnne: What's up, Jer-bear?

Jeremy: How are you doing?

JoAnne: I'm fine.

Jeremy: And the situation with Dan and...

JoAnne: Rebecca?

Jeremy: So, you've heard?

JoAnne: Dan told me all about it.

Jeremy: Okay.

JoAnne: I'm fine with it.

Jeremy: Okay.

JoAnne: You're not fine with it?

Jeremy: Oh, I trust Dan in this situation.

JoAnne: That's good.

Jeremy: I'm just concerned that you don't trust him.

JoAnne: If this is what you wanted to talk about, then I am leaving.

JoAnne opens the conference room door.

Jeremy: What about your living arrangements?

JoAnne: What about them?

Jeremy: Has Dan told you about his concerns over Connor?

JoAnne: A million times.

Jeremy: But he still approves of it?

JoAnne closes the door and remains inside the conference room with Jeremy.

JoAnne: No, Dan doesn't even pretend to like my living arrangements.

Jeremy: But still, he doesn't try to stop you living with Connor.

JoAnne: He hasn't verbally stated that Connor has to leave. He questions my decision on having him as my roommate. Is it a good thing that he didn't try and stop me?

Jeremy: What do you mean?

JoAnne: Because if he tried to stop me, it would be because he wanted to move in himself.

Jeremy: And now you're worried that Dan isn't serious enough about you to withstand the return of Rebecca to his life?

JoAnne: She had him tied up in knots. Danny didn't know if he was coming or going. I felt something. I felt it the second I met Danny... but, but I don't know... I just don't know if he can go through another round of whatever it is she does to him.

Jeremy: Dan loves you Jo. You do know that?

JoAnne: He, uhhh... Dan slips into Prince Charming mode when he thinks something's wrong. He's so damn good at that, at making me fall in love with him over and over again. He makes my heart race, gives me that giddy feeling... But I don't want that Jeremy. I don't want someone who's going to have to keep winning me back when he screws up. God, I love Dan, but I need a more mature relationship.

Jeremy walks over and hugs JoAnne.

Jeremy: So what happens if you screw up?

JoAnne pulls back and looks at Jeremy in the eyes.

-----

Dan and Rebecca are sitting at a table at the French Laundry. They've already ordered their meals, and they are having a conversation as they patiently wait.

Dan: How come we never ate here before?

Rebecca: I don't know. It's a really nice place.

The two exchange smiles.

Dan: So what has Rebecca Wells been up to over the past year?

Rebecca: A lot has changed. I got a new job, and within six months, I was promoted.

Dan: Great.

Rebecca: As you know, I've been in therapy.

Dan: I continue to see my shrink.

Rebecca: It helped me examine my life and see what was going on. I was able to determine what was good for me and what was bad for me.

Dan: And I was... bad for you?

Rebecca: No, Danny. On the contrary, you were very good for me.

Dan: Thank you.

Rebecca: You were so patient and kind. You were gentle and understanding. I truly appreciate what you did for me when we were together.

Rebecca reaches across and grabs Dan's hand. Dan calmly looks at their clasped hands.

Rebecca: Thank you for being you.

Dan: You're welcome.

Rebecca lets go of Dan.

Rebecca: So tell me, Danny. What is new in your life?

Dan: Not a whole lot. I'm still working for CSC.

Rebecca: I saw where Casey is no longer doing broadcasts. He has his own show on HBO.

Dan: Yeah. The network kinda' fumbled the ball on that one.

Rebecca: Anything else?

Dan: Not really.

Rebecca: Have you been seeing anyone?

Dan: Since when?

Rebecca: Since we broke up.

Dan: Yeah. I've dated a few women. I've been seeing someone pretty steady recently.

Rebecca: Really? Anybody I know?

Dan: You might know her.

Rebecca: Who is it?

Dan: It's Jo. I've been seeing JoAnne.

Rebecca: I see.

Dan: I just want you to know that nothing happened between Jo and I while you and I were dating. I just wanted you to know.

Rebecca: Thank you.

Dan: I don't want you thinking that our breakup was because of that.

Rebecca: I couldn't picture you cheating on me, Danny.

Dan: Oh.

Rebecca: You're a great man.

Dan: Okay.

Rebecca: Any woman in the world should be happy to have you.

Dan swirls the water in his glass.

Dan: You know, Jeremy has been working on this horse feature.

Rebecca: How is it?

Dan: I saw it. It's dead-ass boring.

Rebecca: Alright. How is Jeremy? How's married life treating him?

Dan: Actually, Jeremy and Natalie called off their wedding.

Rebecca: Oh, I'm sorry.

Dan: It was for the best. They've gone their separate ways for now.

Rebecca: Wow. Is there a chance they might get back together?

Dan: There's always a chance.

Rebecca: Have you ever thought about us getting back together?

Dan: It's funny you should mention that... there's a chance we could get back together... there's a chance we could be hit by a meteor... there's a chance I could just have a massive heart attack and die right here on this table.

Rebecca: If you haven't thought about it, Danny, it's alright.

Dan: Well... I thought about it every now and then.

Rebecca: Oh.

Dan: Actually not much of the "now," but much more of the "then." Why? Have you thought about it... much?

Rebecca: Yeah.

Dan: This is a really nice restaurant.

Rebecca: Yes, it is.

Dan: Just look around. The lighting, the artwork, the setup, the atmosphere. It just feels like Paris. I bet the food is just wonderful. By the way, where is our order? I'm sure it shouldn't take this long. Actually, when you look around this restaurant and see it is packed, I guess patience would be the best strategy. I can't wait until we try this food. I can't believe-

Rebecca: Danny, I'm engaged.

Dan stares at Rebecca.

Rebecca: I'm sorry to just blurt it out the way I did, but I thought you should know.

Dan: Oh. You're engaged?

Rebecca: Yes.

Dan: I guess congratulations are in order.

Rebecca: Thank you.

Dan: Ummm... Hmmm... Anybody I know?

Rebecca: No.

Dan: Okay. I guess that's good in a sorta' kind of way.

Rebecca: His name is Clifford.

Dan tries to speak, but he stops himself.

Rebecca: You wanted to say something?

Dan: Well... Yeah... How long have you been seeing him- Clifford?

Rebecca: We've been dating for about four months.

Dan: Four months?

Rebecca: Yes. I know a lot of people think this is sudden, but this relationship I'm in right now feels so comfortable.

Dan: Well, good.

Rebecca: I've been able to turn around and leave the bad parts of my past behind.

Dan: I see.

Rebecca: That's why I wanted to thank you. You were there for me when I was in a vulnerable state. You could have done a lot of harm to me, but instead you were the perfect gentleman. You were supportive and strong. Tonight, I wanted to see- and I am glad to see- that you have moved on. You've found somebody that you're happy with.

Dan: I'll always have good thoughts of you, Rebecca.

Rebecca: And I will also of you.

A waiter comes by their table and sets their meals in front of them. Dan unfolds his napkin and tucks it in. He grabs a fork and begins eating. He looks up and notices Rebecca staring at him.

Dan: What? Did I forget something? Did you wish to say Grace?

Rebecca: No... it's just that this might be the last... nothing... nevermind.

Dan: What? The last what?

Rebecca: The last... the last time we have dinner together as single people.

Dan: Then let us share a toast.

Rebecca: Yes.

Dan and Rebecca hold up their wine glasses.

-----

Elliott walks into the control room during a broadcast.

Elliott: We don't have San Antonio.

Dana: Natalie?

Natalie hangs up a phone.

Natalie: We have contact through the cell phone, but no satellite contact.

Dana: We've got three minutes, plus a two-minute commercial break to get this fixed. Elliott what did you hear?

Elliott: All I could hear was "ssssshhhhhh" and the feed looked like a blizzard in Buffalo.

Dana: Dave?

Dave: I've got two-thirty. You make the call.

Dana slowly turns to Jeremy. Jeremy's eyes light up.

Jeremy: I can make it fit. I can make it three minutes.

Dana: Natalie?

Natalie: He needs to do it now. He's our backup plan.

Dana: Go.

Jeremy runs out of the control room.

Natalie: What's the backup to the backup?

Dana: There isn't one.

Natalie: We have four minutes to get back with San Antonio, we're hoping Jeremy can use only three minutes to cut thirty seconds off his piece to fit and to get it here in time, and we don't have a backup plan?

Dana: You're right, Natalie.

Natalie: Of course I am.

Dana: Take the wheel.

Natalie: Got it.

Dana gets up and hurries out of the control room. She briskly walks down the corridor to the editing room. She opens the door and sees Jeremy at the editing machine.

Dana: Stop!

Jeremy: What? You got back San Antonio?

Dana: No. Leave it as is. We'll drop something else to make it fit.

Jeremy: Great.

Jeremy grabs his tape and runs out of the editing room. Dana feels her forehead to make sure her head is still attached to her body.

-----

Dana finds herself sitting dazed in her chair inside the control room.

"Pageantry. Originality. Dedication."

Dana looks up to the monitors to see Jeremy's segment has begun.

"Unconventionality. Beauty. Passion."

Dana watches the segment reveal itself. It was probably boring to some, but it more like art than sport. The same things the people in the segment cared about were the same things Dana cared about.

Dana: I can't leave this job.

A puzzled Natalie looks over to Dana.

Natalie: What was that?

Dana: Nothing. It was nothing. This segment is just... beautiful.

Natalie: Okay.

Dana: Natalie? Look at this segment.

Natalie: I've had to review to four times already. I almost have it memorized.

Dana: It's beautiful.

Jeremy: Thank you.

Dana: No. Thank you, Jeremy.

Jeremy: It's not the music. It's the rhythm.

-----

Dana is sitting in her office and finishing up the final paperwork for the evening.

Dan knocks on the door and enters.

Dana: What brings you in here, stranger? I thought you had the night off.

Dan: I do.

Dana: How was dinner?

Dan: It was great.

Dana: You look so glum.

Dan: Oh. It's just that this was going to be the last time we see each other...

Dana: See each other, period?

Dan: See each other dressed up that nice. See each other like that. We had a good time.

Dan sits on the couch.

Dana: Okay. You sure you're okay?

Dan: Yeah.

Dana puts some papers in a folder and files it away.

Dana: I'm finished for the night. I'm going home.

Dan: Do you mind if I spend five minutes in here and make it "my time"?

Dana: Sure. Just close the door on your way out.

Dan: Thanks.

Dana gets up and walks over to Dan. She kisses Dan on his forehead.

Dana: You're a good man, Dan Rydell. You're heading in the right direction.

Dan: I know.

Dana: See you tomorrow.

Dana leaves the office.

Dan gets up and turns on Dana's stereo. He pushes the 'play' button on her CD player and the first song begins. The song playing is Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive."