Thanks so much for the reviews! Makes me feel a little less lame for updating at 3 in the morning.
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Café, New York, 4 days later
Lori: *typing*
Bailey: *walks over, places coffee on table, sits* Who's laptop?
Lori: Mine. I bought it.
Bailey: What are you doing?
Lori: Transferring some money around so some of my...debts get paid.
Bailey: *opens newspaper* I see. Oh hey, look, they found out what happened at that restaurant.
Lori: *lifts eyes*
Bailey: It was a gas line break in one of the clothing stores down the road. It says here that the blast cascaded down the street, damaging at least 5 businesses and killing 30 people.
Lori: *looks down at laptop*
Bailey: Not what you expected on vacation, huh.
Lori: *typing*
Bailey: You know, Scott just was released from the hospital yesterday. You should go see him.
Lori: I have some things to do today.
Bailey: When's the last time you saw him?
Lori: When he was lying on the pavement beside me.
Bailey: He'd probably like to see you.
Lori: Let me guess, he's back at work.
Bailey: Yeah. The guy's nice but very stubborn.
Lori: *nods*
Bailey: Come on, let's go see him.
Lori: No.
Bailey: Why?
Lori: I'm not here to go play with boys, I'm here to visit my grandmother. Although she sleeps a lot.
Bailey: Scott's worth it.
Lori: *closes laptop*
Bailey: You're not happy that he's okay?
Lori: That's not it.
Bailey: Then what? You've been quiet for the past 4 days. Did the prospect of death rattle you or something?
Lori: *shakes head* I've just been tired.
Bailey: Maybe it's because of all the pain pills you're on.
Lori: I'm not on any.
Bailey: What? Why not?
Lori: A few bruises and cuts are something a warm bath and relaxation can cure just fine.
Bailey: Um, have you looked in a mirror? You got more than a few bruises and cuts. And by the way, the way you've been walking, I'd think you have a broken rib. You should have stayed at the hospital longer than an hour.
Lori: I hate hospitals and I don't have health insurance. That's one more bill I'm not excited about paying.
Bailey: So you'd rather be in pain?
Lori: No, I'd rather stop talking about it.
Bailey: *nods* Okay, fine. I'm just trying to get inside your head, that's all.
Lori: Believe me, you don't want to be inside my head. *grabs laptop, stands* So are we going or what?
Bailey: Uh where?
Lori: To see Scott. You wanted me to, so let's get it over with already.
Bailey: *stands* Are you going to stop being grumpy?
Lori: I'm in a city I hate, my bank account is officially empty, I feel like I just got hit by a train and I only have myself to blame. I'll stop being grumpy when I get a new personality.
Bailey: Could be PMS.
Lori: *glares*
Bailey: I'm going to call us a cab. *walks away*
Lori: *shakes head*
Office
Bailey: *knocks on door*
Lori: *looks around*
Bailey: *peeks through window* He's on the phone. Ooh he looks relatively good.
Lori: *crosses arms, bangs head on wall*
Bailey: You sure you don't want some Tylenol or something?
Lori: No.
Bailey: They're not addictive.
Lori: *looks at Bailey, glaring*
Bailey: Sorry. Forget I asked.
Door opens
Scott: *smiles* Hi, sorry, I was speaking with one of the CEOs.
Bailey: It's okay. Look who I brought! *points to Lori*
Scott: *looks at Lori*
Lori: *frowning*
Scott: Come on in.
Inside office
Bailey: So how are you feeling?
Scott: Sore. But not too bad, could have been a lot worse. How are you, Lori?
Lori: Super.
Bailey: She's in a bit of pain.
Scott: I see. You do look terrific though.
Lori: I hate you and your stupid little health plan.
Scott: *nods slowly* You're welcome to have a seat if you'd like.
Lori: *sits in Scott's chair*
Bailey: I think he meant one of these ch-
Lori: *looks at Bailey*
Bailey: Shutting up.
Scott: *sits on desk* It's actually good timing that you're both here, I was going to call you. I'm testing out some recipes and I need someone to sample them.
Bailey: Ooh recipes for what?
Scott: A fundraiser that our company's having this year. They have one every year with a theme and this year it's supposed to be eclectic dishes from around the world. Our branch got Contemporary American.
Bailey: Not exactly worldly. Very Upper East Side though.
Scott: They probably sent it out that way on purpose. Anyway, the managers from each branch have to put something together. It's supposed to boost morale or something before the fundraiser.
Bailey: So you get to use your kitchen afterall.
Scott: *smiles* For your information, I do use my kitchen. Anyway, are you two going to come over tonight?
Bailey: I'm definitely there. Lori's coming too.
Lori: *rolls eyes*
Bailey: I'll even pick her up.
Lori: I'm not getting in a vehicle with you. You talk more than you drive and it probably scares the hell out of everyone else on the road.
Bailey: Hey, sometimes I watch the road.
Lori: No. Your car has no airbags and I'd like to keep some part of my face intact this week.
Scott: I could pick you up.
Lori: *lifts eyes*
Bailey: *raises hand* Can you pick me up too?
Scott: You have a car.
Bailey: Yeah but it's a little low on gas and I keep having these reoccuring nightmares where someone steals my car and runs it into the river.
Scott: *sigh* I guess it wouldn't hurt.
Bailey: YAY! *hugs Scott* You're the bestest best friend ever. *lets go* Can I stand through your sunroof and sing 80s show-tunes?
Scott: Will it get me arrested?
Bailey: Depends. Are you going to be singing them with me?
Scott: I only sing in the shower.
Lori: *half-smirks*
Scott: *looks at Lori* Is that a smile under there I see?
Lori: *clears throat, frowns* No.
Scott: *looks at Bailey* Of course not. She's pouting.
Bailey: *nods*
Scott: *looks at Lori*
Lori: *crosses arms*
Scott: I thought we discussed the pouting.
Lori: *stares at Scott*
Bailey: *lifts brow*
Lori: *stands, leaves*
Bailey: She uh, she seems angry with you.
Scott: Yeah, she does.
Bailey: Was it something you said?
Scott: No doubt. *stands* I'll go talk to her.
Bailey: Why don't you shove some pills down her throat while you're at it.
Scott: Don't go on my computer. I'll be back. *leaves*
Bailey: *looks at computer, smiles*
Women's bathroom
Lori: *turns on water*
Scott: *walks in, shuts door*
Lori: Isn't this a social no-no?
Scott: Are you okay?
Lori: *rolls eyes, grabs paper towel*
Scott: *leans against wall* I know this is going to sound like the typical male response but, what exactly did I do wrong? If it was the pouting comment, I apologize. The last thing I want to do is make you feel uncomfortable or...even more angry than you already were.
Lori: *shakes head*
Scott: I realize we haven't exactly spoken much since the whole...ordeal but I want you to know that if you need to talk, I'm all ears. Day or night.
Lori: *staring into sink*
Scott: *places hand on Lori's shoulder*
Lori: *pulls shoulder away*
Scott: *steps back* Okay.
Lori: *drying hands*
Scott: You know, I'm not completely opposed to monologuing in the Women's Room but it would be nice if there was a dialogue between us at one point too.
Lori: *scoffs*
Scott: Talk to me.
Lori: How about this. Get out.
Scott: *lifts brows*
Lori: *throws tissue into garbage can* If I don't want to talk to you, I'm not going to.
Scott: Fair enough. The offer still stands. *turns around, leaves*
Lori: *stares at door*
Office
Scott: Get away from my computer.
Bailey: BAH! *stands* I wasn't doing anything I swear! *lifts hands* I was only playing Solitaire.
Scott: *grabs chair, sits*
Bailey: So did you talk to her?
Scott: Um, I spoke to the wall. It may have bounced off and hit her though. I can't really tell.
Bailey: She's that mad over a stupid comment?
Scott: *grabs keyboard* I don't know.
Bailey: Did you tell her you were sorry?
Scott: Does that actually work on women?
Bailey: Depends what the transgression was.
Scott: *shakes head*
Bailey: So...are you still picking her up tonight or what.
Scott: I don't know.
Bailey: Men. You can't do anything right. Let
me talk to her. *leaves*
10 minutes later
Bailey: *walks in* She hit me.
Scott: *leans back in chair*
Bailey: She actually hit me. Her punishment will be to taste your terrible food tonight and by God if she complains or tries to run away, I'll tie her to the roof of your car.
Scott: Make sure to pat her down for weapons first.
Bailey: Cute.
Apartment, 9pm
Bailey: *laughs* Okay okay, I promise I won't laugh at your next 'interpretation' of the recipe.
Scott: *hands over spoon* You're already laughing.
Bailey: *grabs spoon* Just getting it out of my system.
Lori: *drinks wine*
Bailey: *chews*
Scott: Well?
Bailey: Not bad. I'm no chef but it would be perfect with salt.
Scott: There is salt.
Bailey: I said I wasn't a chef. *scoops food from pot* Here Lori, try it. Maybe you've got better taste buds than I.
Lori: *grabs spoon*
Bailey: So? How is it?
Lori: It's really really good.
Bailey: HA! See? She says it's good. Satisfied?
Lori: *walks over to pot* Excuse me. *scoops food*
Bailey: *steps away* Wow, she even wants seconds.
Lori: Sorry, I haven't eaten
all day.
Scott: I could make you some dinner if you want.
Lori: No, I'm fine with this...what is it again?
Scott: Roasted Filet Minion with Braised Beef Ravioli.
Lori: You should definitely make this for your fundraiser thing.
Scott: *looks at Bailey*
Bailey: *smiles, walks away*
Lori: *throws spoon into sink, smiles* So, what's next?
Scott: Dessert.
Lori: One of my favourite meals of the day.
Scott: It's going to take some time to prepare. *grabs cloth, wipes counter*
Lori: *leans against wall, smiling* You know, men who can cook are
hot.
Scott: *looks at Lori* Uh, *laughs* I guess I'll take that as a compliment?
Lori: You should. You're kind of an everythin' man.
Scott: *lifts brow*
Lori: Strong, sensitive, good sense of humour,
great in bed.
Scott: *blinks* Sorry, what?
Lori: *bites lip*
Scott: Excuse me for a moment. *walks away*
Lori: *tilts head*
Living room
Bailey: *puts out plates*
Scott: *walks over* What the hell did you do?
Bailey: What?
Scott: She's a little...charged, if you know what I mean.
Bailey: *laughs, covers mouth*
Scott: Fill me in.
Bailey: *coughs* I sort of um, spiked her wine with whiskey.
Scott: *stares blankly* Whiskey.
Bailey: I thought she'd notice, I mean, it's probably not the best mix in the world. Evidently she didn't notice...and had a lot. It's cool though, she's probably not in much pain anymore. TADA!
Scott: *rubs face* I can't believe you did that.
Bailey: Hey, if it makes her more pleasant, I'll take it. Maybe you can find out what her problem is.
Scott: I'm not going to juice her for information while she's intoxicated.
Bailey: If you don't find out now, you might never find out.
Scott: I'd rather take that chance. Besides, it's her decision to talk to one of us and I'm sure when she sobers up, she won't be very appreciative of what you did.
Bailey: Okay okay okay, let me get this straight. She's willingly throwing herself at you, ready to spread out her...mind like a new map and you're not going to do anything. What are you, gay?
Scott: *frowns* Where you never taught respect and common sense as a child?
Bailey: I'm sure my parents tried slipping that in with all the Ritalin. The point is, there's something up with her and this is her last week here. What if you never see her again? Isn't it worth finding out if you can do anything at all to help?
Scott: Not while she's hammered.
Bailey: Okay you were sooo totally not like this a few years ago. Come on, you used to feel me up all the time.
Scott: I thought we were talking about getting her to talk, not getting her to drop her pants.
Bailey: When one is drunk, it's not always mutually exclusive.
Scott: No.
Bailey: Fine, I'll do it.
Scott: Feel her up?
Bailey: I haven't had
that many drinks. *walks away*
Kitchen
Bailey: Hiya.
Lori: *smiles*
Bailey: How are you feeling?
Lori: Fine.
Bailey: I bet. So...anything interesting happen lately?
Lori: Like what?
Bailey: Oh I don't know...you mad at Scott?
Scott: *walks in* Bailey, knock it off.
Bailey: *slaps Scott* You ruin everything.
Lori: *looks down at wine glass* Got any whiskey left?
Bailey: ...
Scott: *looks at Bailey, crosses arms*
Bailey: Aw man you knew?
Lori: *lifts finger* I know my alcogohol. *snorts* I don't think I said that right. *starts laughing*
Scott: *sigh*
Bailey: *elbows Scott* She's all yours.
Scott: Stop it.
Lori: Do you have one of those uh...y'know those thangs that tell *staggers backwards* the time and all?
Scott: Like...a watch?
Lori: Yeah one of those.
Scott: You have one on your wrist.
Lori: *looks at wrist* HOLY animal crackers it's almost 100 o'clock. *staggers back into counter, falls over*
Scott: *runs over*
Lori: WHOA! *lifts hands* Whoa whoa. Okay,
whoa. There's that dang gravity thing again. You ever notice it seems to get more pushy when you're havin' a hard time stayin' upright?
Scott: *kneels* Maybe I should take you home.
Lori: *smiles* Aww that's very sweet of you. I didn't know you were willin' to drive me 1000 miles.
Scott: I meant to your grandmother's place.
Lori: *grabs Scott by the collar* No no. She can't see me drunk. *puts finger up to Scott's lips* Shhhhhush, okie dokie? Wow...your lips are
soft.
Scott: *stands, takes Lori's hand*
Lori: *stands* You're a big strong man.
Scott: Bailey, get her coat.
Bailey: But she's so much fun when she's drunk! *stomps*
Lori: *smiles*
Bailey: C'mon, can we keep her? Just for a little while longer?
Lori: Yeah, can we?
Scott: Did you do this on purpose?
Lori: A little.
Scott: *rolls eyes* Get your coat.
Lori: I don't remember where I put it. I have to search
everywhere now. Okay, unzip the pants, I'm goin' in.
Scott: Stay away from my pants.
Lori: You know, that line would have worked if you were smashed too. *staggers off*
Bailey: Now I know why she was high half her life. She's much more of a human being when she isn't herself.
Scott: That's a horrible thing to say.
Bailey: Yeah well it's true.
Scott: I much prefer her when she's in her right mind.
Bailey: She was in her right mind when she decided not to say anything about the whiskey.
Scott: *looks around* Where is she?
Bailey: I don't know.
Scott: Lori! *walks away*
Bailey: *sigh* What would they do without me?
Bedroom
Scott: *walks in, stops* There you are. What are you doing?
Lori: *staring down at coat* ...I wanna talk now.
Scott: No. You're not doing this in your condition, I'm going to take you home now. Put on your coat.
Lori: NO! Sit!
Scott: *stares at Lori*
Lori: Sometimes I just wanna be able to talk but I can't, okay? I'm not wired like everyone else, I can't just throw out all of my emotions and stuff just like that. Sometimes there's stuff I wanna say to you and everyone else but it just freezes inside me and I can't. It's like my head says it and and and then it won't come outta my mouth and it makes me mad.
Scott: *sits* So...what's going on?
Lori: I want a family.
Scott: *stares blankly* Uh huh...
Lori: An actual family. And I want it to be with someone that I feel
comfortable and
safe with. Kay, like, I'm just like every other girl out there too, alright, I fantasize about wedding dresses too.
Scott: *smirks*
Lori: And like, you almost DIED the other day and I almost did too but then we didn't and I don't want to almost die again unless you're there too. This whole week's been like a SIGN from like, Yoda or somethin'.
Scott: ...Yoda.
Lori: Well whatever you believe in. I'm just sayin', I'm tired of runnin' around the world without a future. 'Cause that's what my mom said, she said I was a good for nothin' bitch without a future. Who wants to have no future? That's like, barely havin' a present! You know what I mean?
Scott: ...Not entirely.
Lori: So this whole past couple of days, I've been sittin' there, y'know, 'cause it hurts to move and stuff and like, I was thinkin' that I don't wanna be sittin' there in the present without a future because then what's the point in livin' and then I thought about how I had to leave you again and then I started gettin' angrier and angrier but it's okay 'cause whenever I'm with you, I'm not angry or sad anymore. I actually feel NORMAL when I'm with you. I feel like one of those happy people in those clothing magazines walkin' down the street with their puppies, wearin' those overpriced autumn wear kickin' leaves all over the place. That's what I want.
Scott: You want to kick leaves?
Lori: I want to see what I'm missing.
Scott: ...
Lori: *looks down at coat* I know it'll never be perfect or anythin' but I don't need perfect. Heck, I'd kick tires around the block if it meant I had someone to come home to.
Scott: *nods* And you needed to get drunk to tell me this?
Lori: I wasn't planning on it but I guess Bailey's more useful than I thought.
Scott: What she did wasn't right and I apologize.
Lori: Stop apologizing, Scott. Then only person that should be sorry is
me. I acted like a bitch to you. You're so awesome to be so patient with me.
Scott: *grabs Lori's hand* Will you let me take you home now?
Lori: *shakes head* I don't wanna freak out my grandma.
Scott: She'll probably wonder where you are.
Lori: I'm an adult. She can't report me missing for at least 24 hours.
Scott: *laughs* Alright. You can stay here.
Lori: Good, I'm exhausted. *lays down, covers self*
Scott: N-...*sigh* fine.
Living room
Bailey: *drinks milk*
Scott: *walks over* Ever heard of a glass?
Bailey: *wipes mouth* Yeah, why?
Scott: *grabs carton* Go home.
Bailey: I thought you were taking Lori home.
Scott: She's staying here.
Bailey: *smiles* Oooh.
Scott: Get your head out of the gutter.
Bailey: So did she tell you what the problem was?
Scott: Yep.
Bailey: What was it?
Scott: None of your business.
Bailey: *rolls eyes* Let me guess, go home?
Scott: That's right.
Bailey: Alright but I'll find out sooner or later. Thanks for all the dinners.
Scott: Anytime.
Bailey: *leaves*
TBC...........................
