SYNOPSIS:

Running a family deli isn’t exactly what Adam has chosen for his future but when his grandfather takes ill he returns home to do the right thing at the wrong time in his life.

HELLO DELI

FADE IN: NEW YORK CITY - INT. BROKERAGE OFFICE -DAY ADAM FELDMAN, fashionably dressed, Wall Street all the way, sits at his desk, almost married to the telephone. He reaches for a cigarette with an appeasing, polite smile. Another stressful breath as he finishes the call. The phone rings. Another cigarette. Another stressful breath. Another appeasing smile. Again the phone rings. He looks at the phone but walks away. Halfway toward the door he glances back, then by the next ring he answers. He looks down at his solid gold Rolex watch, touching it as he reminds himself why he has it. It’s the calls ... the stress ... the smiles ... the money. EXT. MANHATTAN - NIGHT There’s a slight snow flurry or two in the air. Adam gets out of the limo and is immediately greeted by the DOORMAN. Adam smiles hello as the doorman holds the door open. CHICAGO EXT. DELI - NIGHT We see the bright lights showing off Chicago’s most successful deli. It’s dinner time and there is a long line of patrons. As the minutes pass, the patrons are getting hungrier and louder. MOLLY, almost too cute, sparkling eyes and an adorable smile, enters. She tries to push her way into the overly crowded restaurant. Even when she is being pushed, she smiles politely. MADELINE, hostess from hell, gives Molly a look. MADELINE (chewing gum) Hey, missy, where the hell do you think you’re going? Wait your turn! MOLLY I have an appointment with Mr.Feldman. Madeline laughs. MADELINE Yeah, that’s a good one! Just give me your name and we’ll get you in as soon as we can. Got it? Suddenly, out from the kitchen walks ZACH, no mistake he’s the picture image of a grandfather. He’s got spunk and more than enough energy to compete with any man half his age. Just ask him, he’ll tell you. Molly watches this happy-go-lucky man energized with something very special. Zach looks out into the crowd and without a second thought blows a whistle, silencing the crowd. Within seconds you can hear a pin drop. ZACH Okay. Now that I have your attention, here’s the deal. If you can all try to be civil to each other and wait your turn, everyone gets a free dessert and a dozen bagels to go. As if God has just spoken, the customers and their screaming children begin to assemble in an orderly fashion. Zach smiles at Molly when he notices her in the crowd,and motions for her to come closer. ZACH (hugs Molly) I’m so glad you decided to come. MOLLY Wouldn’t have wanted to miss this for the world. You have them eating out of the palm of your hand. ZACH (proudly) I’m so glad you noticed. You’re right. I do have them eating out of the palm of my hand. From the swinging doors of the kitchen several of the SERVERS dance out to the rhythm of the “LIMBO ROCK,” while carrying mounds of chopped liver and crackers. Once the patrons begin to eat and Zach senses a happier crowd, he motions for Molly to follow him. NEW YORK INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT As Adam puts his key in the door, he hears singing. MALE VOICE (singing) You’re nobody till somebody loves you ... you’re nobody till somebody cares ... (FRANK SINATRA SONG) INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT Adam can’t help but smile as he listens to MARTIN, his housekeeper. Martin is quite humorous and definitely a ladies’ man, especially when he sings and tells jokes. MARTIN (waves) You’re early. ADAM You’ve got a date tonight? Martin shakes his head yes. MARTIN How did you know? ADAM You always sing that song before a date. MARTIN (looking oddly) I do? Adam nods his head as he walks over to the sofa and slips off his shoes. Momentarily he falls back against the sofa pillows, ready to fall asleep, but knows he can’t. ADAM Who with? Anyone we know? Martin shakes his head no, just a date. Martin mixes a martini for his boss. MARTIN Olives? Adam nods his head, motioning for more olives. By the time Martin mixes the drink, it’s an olive drink with a touch of martini. MARTIN (CONT’D) Bad day? ADAM Yep. As bad as they come. How can you tell? MARTIN The more olives the worse the day. Adam shrugs his shoulders. ADAM Oh well. Whatever ... it pays the bills. After pouring himself a drink, Martin has a seat on the opposite sofa. MARTIN Before I forget, your grandfather called. He wants you to reconsider his invitation for Thanksgiving. ADAM I don’t think so, not this year. MARTIN He made it clear he won’t take no for an answer. I promised you’d go. ADAM Thanks, I needed that. MARTIN How would it look if your housekeeper, best friend, chief cook and bottle washer came and not you? ADAM It would look the same way it did last Rosh Hashana and Passover ... and every other holiday I don’t show up for. With a nod, Martin is in agreement. MARTIN (Licking his chops) Oh, that chopped liver is to die for. ADAM (reminiscing with a smile) His chopped liver is so good it jumps right off the plate. MARTIN You bet it is. If I could find myself a woman just like your grandfather I’d marry her in a minute Adam snickers. ADAM You get married? Never. MARTIN (smiles) It could happen, you know. Stranger things have been known to happen. ADAM Not to you they don’t. You’re the guy who knows where’s he’s going and gets there. You’re never late, always on time and fun to be with. Martin accepts what Adam has said as a compliment. ADAM (CONT’D) Guys like me need guys like you. You can have fun without trying. MARTIN Guess fun wasn’t on the agenda at Princeton. Adam nods, agreeing. ADAM Did Zach mention if my father was coming? MARTIN Not coming. So what do you say we go? ADAM Was there a doubt you could talk me into it? MARTIN Not really. Adam nods, realizing the power Martin has over him. MARTIN Oops ... almost forgot, your beloved bride-to-be called. Martin lifts his hand, showing all five fingers. MARTIN Five times! Twice she dialed wrong, and twice she forgot she had already left a message. Actually it was on the fifth call that I pretended she had dialed wrong. After that, who cared? ADAM She might not be perfect, but she certainly is beautiful. Martin mumbles to himself as he leaves the room. MARTIN Whatever moves you. CHICAGO INT. DELI - NIGHT Zach and Molly are chatting. MOLLY Mr. Feldman, I’ll try my best not to disappoint you. ZACH First things first. Call me Zach, everyone does. INT. MOLLY’S APARTMENT- NIGHT PHILLIP WAINRIGHT, a distinguished-looking man, dozes off waiting for Molly. Pretending to be wide awake, Phillip sits up quickly when he hears the key in the door. MOLLY Sorry I’m late, but I was on a job interview. Phillip’s eyes widen with surprise. PHILLIP (stands up) A job, whatever for? MOLLY (evasive) I like to work. It keeps my mind going. Isn’t that why most people work? Phillip shakes his head, not understanding at all. PHILLIP Marry me and you’ll never have to worry about having anything to do. You’ll do what my mother has done for years. You‘ll have the Woman’s Club, charities and luncheons. MOLLY (unenthusiastic) That’s not really for me. I’m sure your mother loves it, but me, I don’t think so. Phillip takes Molly in his arms and kisses her romantically. Unfortunately, it’s not the kiss she had hoped for, but then again Phillip is not the man of her dreams. Molly, wishing it was right but knowing it’s not, pulls back. MOLLY You’re wonderful, but ... PHILLIP Oh no. Not the dear John speech again. NEW YORK CITY INT. LUXURY APARTMENT- NIGHT GABRIELLA, exquisite but fragile and definitely aware of her overwhelming sex appeal, watches TV as she waits for Adam. When the doorbell rings, she walks backwards to the door holding her TV remote. Adam, feeling somewhat romantic, takes her in his arms ready to make mad passionate love to her. Gabriella hurriedly heads back to the couch. GABRIELLA (annoyed) What on earth is so important that couldn’t wait till “Angie Flemming” is over? You know that’s my favorite program. Adam, just about to answer, gets shushed ... GABRIELLA (CONT’D) It’s almost time for a commercial. Give me a minute. Adam sits down, waiting. Shaking his head unable to imagine how anyone could care so much about people you don’t know. Gabriella, watches, biting her nails every step of the way. She’s on pins and needles and she’s talking to the TV. She’s a soap opera addict and doesn’t even know it. GABRIELLA (CONT’D) (shouts out) Meredith ... don’t do it ... there’s another woman ... oops ... too late. What a fool! ADAM (mumbles to himself) Yeah, what a fool! Boy, this shit gets old. CHICAGO INT. O’HARE AIRPORT - DAY MUSIC/BACKGROUND - “I GET AROUND” - BEACH BOYS Adam and Martin watch as the other passengers’ luggage comes off the conveyor belt. Theirs doesn’t. Several minutes pass without even a glimpse of their luggage. ADAM (to Martin) Screw it. Let’s go. We’ll stop at Neimans. If they don’t have it we don’t need it. INT. CLOTHING STORE - DAY A SALESMAN walks toward Adam holding his hand out for a friendly handshake. He’s waited on Adam before. Adam points to Martin and himself ...giving him Carte blanche to clothe them as fast as he can. SONG/BACKGROUND - “KNOCK ON WOOD” - DISCO VERSION Martin comes out of the dressing room wearing his underwear. Adam laughs as he throws him a shirt to put on. Martin leans over, almost losing his shorts as he picks up the shirt. Adam then motions for the salesman. ADAM He’ll take it. SALESAN Which ones? ADAM All of it! Martin comes back out of the dressing room, extravagantly dressed and dancing to the beat of the music. He’s more than happy with his new look. INT. HOTEL -NIGHT Adam and Martin are in the dining room with two beautiful WOMEN, a blonde who keeps laughing and a straight-laced librarian type, with beautiful eyes and a great smile. MARTIN Here’s to the longest night ever. Martin looks up. He’s talking to God. MARTIN Thank you dear God for what I’m about to receive. They have just clicked their glasses after Martin’s toast when the blonde moves closer toward Adam, almost in his lap and the librarian type puts her hands right smack on Martin’s family jewels and gives them a nice hearty squeeze. Martin gulps his drink down and begins to sing. MARTIN You’re nobody till somebody loves you ... you’re nobody till ... MARTIN (CONT’D) (whispers to Adam) Sorry, man, slight mix up. But a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. On that note, Martin and the librarian are out of there. Adam lifts his glass and motions for the waiter as the blonde gets way too close to him. ADAM More olives please. INT. HOTEL SUITE - DAY Adam and Martin are having coffee. ADAM (CONT’D) So much for a night on the town. MARTIN Sorry, man. Did anything happen? Adam nods. MARTIN (CONT’D) (leans closer) So how was she? ADAM Drunk. I got her drunk, put her in a cab and went to bed. Martin is disappointed. MARTIN By yourself? Adam happily nods yes. ADAM Enough about us. It’s time to call Zach. If I know my grandfather he probably knows I’ve been in. He knows every damn person in the city. By now I’m sure someone has told him. Martin laughs. ADAM (CONT’D) Hey, I forgot to thank you for talking to Gabriella for me. I never seem to win. Martin looks at Adam strangely. MARTIN This isn’t a war? ADAM Oh but it is. Gabriella’s parents can’t seem to understand why I can’t spend yet another boring Thanksgiving with them at the club. MARTIN If my memory serves me correctly, which it usually does, you couldn’t wait till you got accepted to that so-called boring club. ZACH That’s true. A bunch of bullshit socialite hotshots trying to accept an outsider. MARTIN I’ll thank you not mention those lovely people who help pay for my most modest of salaries. Adam smiles as he listens. ADAM Modest? MARTIN (kidding) Modest? ADAM (kidding back to Martin) When I leave this world I want to come back as you .. .modest salary and all! INT. DELI -NIGHT It’s a little after four in the afternoon. The servers are getting ready for their shift. Molly watches as DIXIE, a blonde, middle-aged, attractive enough waitress with several years on Molly begins to show her the ropes. DIXIE Ever done this before? MOLLY Not exactly. Dixie gives Molly a look of “you got to be kidding.” MOLLY (CONT’D) I’ll learn as I go. Dixie nods. DIXIE If you’re still here tomorrow. MOLLY I’ll be here bright and early. In the meantime the rest of the SERVERS are in the process of the rather mundane job of preparing the tables for the dinner crowd. BACKGROUND MUSIC - “ROSE GARDEN” - LYNN ANDERSON Boring as it is, in unison all the waitresses and waiters place the evening specials in the menus and change ketchup, mustard and sugar containers to the beat of the music. INT. KITCHEN- EVENING - CONTINUOUS Three chefs, WILLIS, black, very tall, with a mustache; ENRICO, a very handsome Italian man with a strong accent; and LEO, Chinese and perfectly built, are getting ready for the dinner crowd. The kitchen is steamy, and the chefs are overheated. Large pots of soup are on the burners. Off to one side of the kitchen there are two BUSBOYS throwing cucumbers into big vats of pickles as if they are shooting baskets. Off to the other side of the kitchen are big vats of boiling water where another BUSBOY is dropping bagel dough into the boiling water. Leo’s hands are in the chi method of relaxation. Both hands are resting on his lower abdominal muscles while he takes deep, long breaths. As soon as he finishes his breathing exercises, Leo turns up the volume on the radio. LEO Hit it guys! Suddenly the overheated cooks and busboys form a line as they dance to the beat of the song, “EVERYBODY HAVE FUN TONIGHT” - WANG CHUNG. ZACH takes off his apron, walks out of the kitchen toward the deli takeout counter. INT. DELI COUNTER - NIGHT Behind the deli counter are three deli employees MORRY, short and pudgy, NATHAN, tall and lanky, and GERALDINE, plain Jane type, are slicing meat and filling orders. Per usual they are not speaking to each other. ZACH Rumor has it you three are in another one of your tiffs. Is this true? No answer. Geraldine walks over toward the deli slicer, impatiently waiting to slice some meat. Accidently, she brushes against Nathan and he immediately pushes her. Zach walks behind the counter and stands between all three of them. ZACH (bothered) That does it. Time out! Zach places a sign on the deli counter.(OUT TO DINNER) ZACH (to the deli counter workers) Go eat, and don’t come back till you raise those blood sugars. Just as soon as they’re out of the picture, Zach puts up another sign. (OPEN FOR BUSINESS) INT. RECEPTION DESK- DINING AREA- EVENING Zach pulls out a cigar from his pocket and lights up. Now he’s ready to rock and roll. He stands on a chair and calls out. ZACH Guess who’s coming to dinner? As soon as he has everyone’s attention, he proudly smiles. ZACH Adam will be here soon. I’m going to pretend I don’t know that he’s been in Chicago since yesterday, so no one tell. Dixie and Molly talk among themselves. MOLLY And who is this Adam person? DIXIE Zach’s grandson. He’s got the cutest little ass you’ve ever seen ... not to mention those eyes ... Simultaneously, DANNY AND BILLY, twin brother waiters, interrupt. BILLY& DANNY (at the same time) Didn’t you say you’re over this man thing? DIXIE Yeah, but I’m not dead yet. And besides ... Dixie holds out her ring finger. DIXIE This finger is getting lonely. It needs a nice shiny diamond to even out the skin tone. Mr. Right is on his way. MOLLY I hope he knows where to find me. DIXIE Oh, he’ll find you. Remember - one never knows what tomorrow brings. He could walk right in that door and, bingo, it’s love! Or maybe it’s hate. EXT. DELI - NIGHT A black limo pulls in front of the deli. Out step Adam and Martin. Martin peers inside. MARTIN What a business your grandfather has! ADAM You bet he does. This place paid all my father’s gambling debts and put me through school, fraternities, sports cars and anything else I could have wanted. MARTIN (nudging Adam) It’s the chopped liver, isn’t it? INT. DELI - NIGHT Zach pushes his way through the crowd, smiling every step of the way. He’s a happy man. Martin gives Zach a great big hug. MARTIN Zach, you’re the best. Thanks for inviting me. ZACH Boychick, you’re like family. Hell, you’re better than family. You were picked. With blood you get what you get and that ain’t always good. As Adam hugs his grandfather he notices Molly, but Molly pretends to be very uninterested. ZACH (CONT’D) So, how’s my favorite grandson? ADAM (can’t take his eyes from Molly’s) I’m your only grandson. ZACH Like I said, my favorite grandson. We’re going to have the greatest Thanksgiving ever. ADAM We? Molly continues to nonchalantly look Adam’s way. She’s most definitely attracted to him. Dixie whispers to Molly. DIXIE Just look, don’t touch. MOLLY Why? He’s just another guy. DIXIE No he’s not. Take another look. He most definitely isn’t like anyone else. Song in background - “JUST ONE LOOK” Adam’s eyes focus back toward Molly, who still pretends not to be even slightly aware of his existence. DIXIE (CONT’D) (nudges Molly) Hon, remember what I said. Just look, don’t touch. He’s had lots of women. Real heartbreaker, that Adam. Molly can’t believe how handsome he is. She couldn’t for the life of her remember when she felt this way, certainly not when she looks at Phillip. Martin reaches out for Zach’s hand. MARTIN So who do we have to know to get some of that delicious chicken soup of yours? ZACH Follow me, boys. Martin puts his hand on Zach’s shoulder as they walk. MARTIN Boys. I like that. It’s been a while since someone called me a boy. ZACH Well, you’re boys to me. Martin pulls Adam alongside of him as he begins to sense Adam’s distance. MARTIN (whispers to Adam) Hey, buddy. What the hell’s going on? Pretending not to hear, Adam doesn’t answer. INT. DELI - DAY DIXIE (To Molly) You want to give it a go? MOLLY (bites down on her lip) Do you think I’m ready? It seems as though the customers are used to good service. What if I screw up? DIXIE We all fuck up one time or another. If they notice, so what? They just won’t come back again. Dixie points to table three. DIXIE (CONT’D) Go. Get out of here. You’ll do fine. After all, look who trained you. As Molly approaches the table, she’s glad to hear a familiar voice. PHILLIP WAINRIGHT You didn’t think I was going to miss this, did you? Molly, relieved to see him, smiles. Businesslike, Molly takes out her order pad. MOLLY (looks at Phillip) So what’ll it be? PHILLIP You. Marry me and let me take you away from all this. I’ll pay off your credit cards and then we’ll spend the rest of our life traveling and learning about each other. Molly smiles, wishing she could take him up on his offer, but she can’t. INT. KITCHEN - EVENING - CONTINUOUS As ZACH, Martin and Adam enter the kitchen, Adam tries to whisk away the odors and aromas. Adam’s suit is far too expensive to get that salami and chopped liver smell from penetrating into his jacket. ZACH (to Adam) You hate this place, don’t you? ADAM (lying with a straight face) Of course not. How could I? I was raised here. It was our life ... your life. ZACH It’s more than that. It’s tradition! And there’s nothing wrong with tradition. It’s who we are. Adam smiles, reminding himself of the endless conversations on the subject. ADAM But I wanted New York and success. ZACH And you got it. Did you think you wouldn’t be able to make money in Chicago? (very proud of himself) I’ve made my share of money, and I never had to go anywhere else to do it. THANKSGIVING INT. ZACH’S HOME -EVENING Background Song - “MAMA SAID THERE’D BE DAYS LIKE THIS” - Zach’s home is filled with GUESTS, including employees from the deli and their families. Martin is munching and chatting, having the time of his life, while Adam,stuck in a corner,is chatting with someone he doesn’t know or care to. One would say he is definitely not having the time of his life. We watch as Adam tries to sneak away, but as always Zach is watching over him. Holding up his handkerchief, Zach white flags Adam. ZACH (a little out of breath) Are you okay? ADAM I should ask you that. You’re out of breath. Why? ZACH Oh that! Probably made just one too many matzoh balls. ADAM (slight sarcasm} For another one of your quiet family Thanksgiving dinners. Is there anybody in Chicago you didn’t invite? Zack patiently awaits the answer. ZACH The mayor ... no actually I did mention it to the mayor, but he was going out of town. Adam gives a “I should have guessed” look. ZACH (CONT’D) Just kidding. Are you really upset with me? ADAM No big deal. I’m used to it. Zach gives his grandson another one of his great big hugs. ZACH Just like I’m used to you coming in a day early and staying in a hotel. You didn’t think this would get past me, did you? Before leaving the room, Zach gives him a kiss on his cheek. ADAM No, not really. But l still love you. ZACH I love you too, even though you still think you can fool me. EXT. ZACH’S HOME - NIGHT Adam is sitting on the porch of his grandfather’s moderate but comfortable home. Suddenly his thoughts all turn to the taxi that has just pulled up in front of the house. Molly, looking very beautiful, steps out of the taxi and with no uncertainty Adam begins to feel a hell of a lot better. At first Molly doesn’t notice Adam watching her, but as she smooths down her hair and straightens her dress she feels someone watching her. When she looks up, she notices Adam, who is trying very hard not to be noticed, but it’s too late. Adam very embarrassed, doesn’t let on. MOLLY Hey. ADAM (clears his throat) You look fantastic. Red is most definitely your color. MOLLY (flattered) Thanks. I’m not used to someone noticing me. ADAM Don’t tell me no one notices you. I really find that hard to believe. SONG- BACKGROUND- ELVIS- “I WANT YOU I NEED YOU” For one uninterrupted moment, Molly and Adam look into each other’s eyes, studying one another. Adam imagines a large ballroom with just the two of them dancing romantically, flowing across the dance floor. Adam holds Molly tightly, but when the music stops she’s gone. Back to reality. Adam has a strange look on his face. MOLLY Are you okay? Adam nods yes, holding out his hand in introduction. ADAM Adam Feldman. MOLLY (feeling a bit awkward) I know. Your grandfather mentioned you. Acting like a nervous school boy, Adam tightens his already perfect tie. Molly, not wanting to overstay her welcome, begins to move inside. ADAM (calls to her) Your name ... you never told me your name. MOLLY (turns back toward Adam) Molly. ADAM Molly what? MOLLY Just Molly. Adam remains on the porch by himself, but not for long. Martin joins him, carrying a plate of chopped liver and crackers. MARTIN (chomping on a cracker) This is soooo good. Have a bite. ADAM (joking) You haven’t stopped eating since we got here. MARTIN (very content) I know. It goes with the territory. I can’t come to Chicago and not eat. Zach would be very disappointed if I didn’t gain at least five this visit. INT. ZACH’S HOUSE - EVENING Molly smiles as she leans back against the wall, trying to gather her thoughts. Dixie, who is still alone, walks over toward Molly. DIXIE I saw you talking to number one grandson. MOLLY We weren’t really talking. DIXIE Looks like talking to me. Actually, I think it looked more like flirting. MOLLY It wasn’t. DIXIE Whatever you say. Their conversation is cut short by the guests scrambling around in confusion. EXT. ZACH’S HOME - NIGHT An ambulance and pulmotor pull up in front. INT. ZACH’S HOME- NIGHT - CONTINUOUS The guests clear the way for Adam as he follows the paramedics in. ADAM (talking to anyone that will answer) What happened? WILLIS It’s Zach. He’s not well. For a moment Adam stands back unable to think his grandfather isn’t the Rock of Gibraltar he has always known him to be. ADAM (seriously upset) He’s never been sick a day in his life. Zach sits up after he’s been secured on the stretcher. He motions for Adam, whose face is as white as a ghost, to come closer. His voice is weak but he still needs to get his say. ZACH (to Adam in a whisper) Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll be back sooner than you can pack your bags and move back to Chicago. Adam smiles at his grandfather, knowing damn well that isn’t even a possibility. Funny thing is, he knows it too. ADAM (to paramedics) I’ll ride with you. EXT. ZACH’S HOME - NIGHT Just as the ambulance is about to pull away, Martin pounds on the door. MARTIN I’m going with you. INT. AMBULANCE -NIGHT Adam motions for the paramedics to open the door. Martin climbs in. MARTIN I thought you might need me. Adam is relieved. ZACH (whispers) He needs you. He really does. INT. HOSPITAL- EMERGENCY ROOM - NIGHT Mumbling to himself, Adam paces back and forth. Several minutes later a female doctor enters, very pretty young woman in her thirties. DR. MARGARET SUMMERS, dark black hair and flawless skin, reaches for Adam’s hand and with a very hearty grasp she greets him. DR. SUMMERS Hi, I’m Margaret Summers, your grandfather’s doctor. I should warn you. There have been many before me. ADAM That doesn’t surprise me. But thanks for filling me in. So, is he going to be okay? MARGARET SUMMERS I’ve got patients half your grandfather’s age with not even a quarter of his spunk. ADAM He’s got spunk alright. DR. SUMMERS He’s feeling better but we’d like to keep him here for a couple of days just to make sure the medicine I gave him checks out. However, I’m not sure your grandfather won’t try to escape. ADAM He’ll stay. DR. SUMMERS That’s what you say, but it seems as if your grandfather has already demanded his things. ADAM (confident) He’ll stay. DR. SUMMERS Do you think you can try to get him to stop smoking those smelly cigars of his? Adam isn’t shocked by his behavior. ADAM That sounds about right. INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT - Right before they enter Zach’s room, Dr. Summers turns toward Adam. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT Martin and Zach are playing gin. DR. SUMMERS (to Martin) I’m not even going to ask how you got in here. Zach responds with a smile. DR. SUMMERS (CONT’D) (trying to be serious) Mr. Feldman you’re shameless. ZACH How else do you think you get to my age? Nothing like a good shot or two of Chivas Regal and a good cigar. And sometimes even a good piece of ass. Slightly embarrassed, Dr.Summers makes her way toward the door. DR.SUMMERS (signals with a wave) Tomorrow. Oh, and tell you friends they can come out now. Adam grasps onto Zach’s arm and gives an affectionate squeeze. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Minutes later, when the coast is clear, Martin whistles to the others. BACKGROUND MUSIC - “LOVE TRAIN” The closet door opens and out come Leo, Willis, Enrico, Danny, Billy, Geraldine and Nathan. Moments later the drapes open, and Dixie and Molly ease out. DIXIE We better leave before we’re thrown out. As they leave, they each kiss Zach goodbye. DIXIE (CONT’D) (gives Zach an extra hug) Get some rest. ZACH When I die, I’ll rest. Dixie gives Zach a big smooch. DIXIE Amen to that. Zach reaches under his pillow and is just about to light up a cigar when Martin grabs it away. MARTIN These will kill you. ZACH Something’s going to. Martin grabs the cigar away. MARTIN Well, not these. All of Zach’s visitors leave in single file except for Molly. Zach motions for Molly to come a little closer. He whispers something in her ear Molly smiles and leaves the room. Just as she is about to leave, Adam swings the door open wide right into Molly. MOLLY Damn. Adam pats her shoulder. ADAM Sorry. Guess I should have knocked. ZACH Guess you should stop being in such a hurry. Believe me, you can’t bring back time you missed. ADAM I can try. ZACH Bullshit! Later- When Zach is certain he’s alone, he reaches under the pillow and takes out another cigar. He’s startled when the door opens. Martin enters and takes away her cigar. MARTIN Any more under the pillow? Zach shakes his head no. He thinks for a moment, and hands over two more cigars. INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT Exhausted, Molly falls back against her bed. She kicks her shoes off, gets comfortable and then ... There’s a knock on the door. Not wanting to, Molly lifts her very tired body out of bed to answer the door. MOLLY (calls out) COMING! INT. DOORWAY - NIGHT - There stands Phillip, looking well-rested for one in the morning. He’s holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. PHILLIP Have I told you lately that I love you? Molly smiles as she takes hold of the bouquet of flowers. MOLLY (lightheartedly) You might have mentioned it once or twice. Come in. I’ll make you a cup of coffee. INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT Quietly, Molly and Phillip are sipping coffee. Phillip takes hold of Molly’s hand. PHILLIP Why are you so damn stubborn? Right now you could be in Hawaii or somewhere like that. Being poor isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Is it? INT. ZACH’S HOME - BEDROOM - 4 A.M. When the alarm clock goes off, Adam quickly shuts it off. Martin enters holding a bugle. He puts it to his lips and blows loudly to the tune of the standard Military Reveille...dah...dah dah... da... dah...da! Adam jumps up. ADAM What the hell is going on here? What time is it? MARTIN It’s 4 a.m. and we’ve got work to do. Remember the promise we made to Zach? ADAM It’s coming to me. But just as it’s coming, it’s leaving. We’ll go in later. They won’t miss us. MARTIN Remember, it was the only way we could get him to stay in the hospital. You know he’ll be calling the deli and we won’t be there. Then what? ADAM We must have been crazy. I can’t run the deli. MARTIN If you can run a multi-billion dollar clearing house, I think you can figure out how to run a deli. INT. BATHROOM - MORNING BACKGROUND SONG - “IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING” - THE RASCALS Adam has just taken his shower and is standing in front of the mirror shaving when he imagines Molly in the room with him. He pinches his skin, making sure he hasn’t gone mad. ADAM (talking to himself) You crazy son of a bitch! You don’t even know this woman. Martin’s back. MARTIN (looking around) Who are you talking to? ADAM No one. MARTIN (strange look on his face) Is there anything else I should know about you? ADAM By now, you know it all. Martin gives Adam a brotherly look and then nods. INT. BEDROOM - MORNING Upbeat music is playing in the background while Adam is deciding what to wear. Adam opens the bags of new clothes, shirt, tie, socks and shoes, all perfectly coordinated. No sooner is he dressed with his new sport coat and pants when he realizes he isn’t dressed exactly for deli work. He then puts on a more subdued sweater and pants, takes another look and shakes his head, no way. Then again ... he changes into a more comfortable look, a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Just as he is finished getting dressed, Martin enters with a tray of coffee. When Martin gets a look at the getup Adam is wearing, he shakes his head in disbelief. MARTIN What the fuck are you doing? Applying for a coaching job? Adam agrees this is pure insanity, so he changes back into to his clothes. MARTIN (CONT’D) If you don’t move your ass we’ll miss the breakfast crowd. If Zach finds out it won’t matter what the hell you’re wearing. ADAM You got that right. Martin jokingly pulls Adam toward the door. ADAM (CONT’D) (smiles) This kind a reminds me of my school days. I used to miss the bus at least three times a week. MARTIN And then what? ADAM I stayed home from school and found myself a card game. INT. DELI - MORNING Martin and Adam are late. The servers are doing their best to get the customers in and out, that makes for a successful breakfast shift. The deli counter workers are behind the counter arranging containers and silverware for the lunch crowd. Martin, trying to be considerate, smiles at one of the female customers on her way out and then nudges Adam to do the same. Adam obliges Martin, nods to the customer and then walks on. MARTIN (kiddingly whispers to Adam) Smile. Remember how we practiced this. Adam gives Martin an “okay I get the message” look as he walks over to the ever-so-unfriendly MADELINE, who looks down at her watch. ADAM Good morning, Mattie. MADELINE It’s Madeline to you. ADAM (gets the message) Okay Madeline. Good morning. Madeline nods, accepting his mistake. MADELINE (heavy sarcasm) Well, I guess you made it for the dinner hour. ADAM It’s only 6:30 a.m. MADELINE In restaurant years that’s late ... very late. The bagels are made at five a.m. Zach’s here by 4:30,and not a second later. ADAM Then I guess that’s when I’ll be here. Molly, who had been watching Madeline childishly reprimanding Adam, walks by on her way to the deli counter. MOLLY ( smiling sweetly) They say once you get used to her, she’s not half bad. ADAM And which half might that be? MOLLY Haven’t figured that out yet. Molly picks up an apple muffin on her way back toward the coffee bar. She feels Adam’s eyes on her and is hopeful she won’t do anything stupid like drop the muffin or slip and fall. Molly doesn’t drop the muffin, but she does walk right into the coffee bar. Spilling coffee everywhere, she nervously reaches down to wipe up her mess when she is suddenly stopped by Adam,holding a rag. Molly looks up. Adam’s eyes romantically lock with hers. Madeline steps in front of them. MADELINE Now whose idea was this? ADAM I doubt Molly planned this. Molly responds with a thankful nod. CUT TO: Dixie motions for Molly to meet her in the kitchen. INT. KITCHEN - DAY DIXIE Don’t let her get to you. MOLLY She won’t. DIXIE Sometimes I don’t think she’s human. Madeline, seemingly ticked off, follows Dixie and Molly. MADELINE What do you think is wrong with this picture? DIXIE You’re in it! DIXIE (CONT’D) ( chewing gum in Madeline’s face) Yep... there sure as hell is. You’re in it. Dixie lets out a roaring, unfeminine laugh. MADELINE (grinding her teeth) That’s not what I meant. Follow me. DIXIE What did you mean? MADELINE Take a look at table three. DIXIE Oh him. That jerk never tips me. With a little bit of luck and bad service he won’t sit at my station. MADELINE Well I sure as hell wouldn’t. SONG - EYE OF THE TIGER - The conversation between Madeline and Dixie has become quite loud. Molly, trying to put closure to this disagreement, steps between them and ends up with a bloody nose. By this time everyone is watching...taking bets. CUT TO DELI COUNTER Morry, while slicing lox,looks over toward Billy and Danny. MORRY What’ll it be? BILLY & DANNY Ten on Dixie. MORRY ( as he slices) Twenty on Madeline... she got stood up last night. BILLY & DANNY Again? Morry nods yes. MORRY Twenty it is. By this time Adam makes his way to the deli counter. ADAM Does this happen often? MORRY A couple times a week. Madeline has just put Dixie in a headlock when Martin tries to stop them. Dixie squirms,trying to get out of the head lock but can’t, so when she spots a glass of water she becomes inventive. Suddenly Dixie’s one up. She tosses the water, expecting to hit Madeline. Oops, it’s over. Martin gets it. As if nothing out of the ordinary has happened, Dixie and Madeline, mumbling obscenities, go their own way. Molly’s nose is bleeding and Martin is water-logged. With napkin in hand, Dixie comes to Martin’s rescue, wiping him dry. MARTIN A guy could get used to this. INT. KITCHEN - MORNING Adam rushes in. ENRICO Looking for something, Mr.Adam? ADAM (overwhelmed) Ice. I need some ice. Enrico nods his head, realizing this is something that should be done pronto, so he does it. He wraps the ice in a towel. ENRICO Tell Miss Molly we hope she’s okay. INT. OFFICE- MORNING While Adam is gone, Molly pulls out a compact from her pocket. She shakes her head in disbelief. No more bleeding but, wow, is she swollen. By the time Adam returns with the ice, Molly is just about ready to leave. ADAM And where do you think you’re going? Adam hands Molly the ice wrapped in a towel. MOLLY Back on the floor. ADAM I don’t think so. You’re swollen. MOLLY Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve got to get back to my tables. ADAM I’ll get someone else to pick up your tables. You should always put ice on a bruise. Words to live by, a la Zach Feldman. MOLLY (insistent) Sorry, but I have to get back where I belong. (serious) You understand about these things don’t you? Adam smiles, realizing Molly has just put him in his place. INT. HOSPITAL - DAY Zach is eating lunch when Dr. Summers enters. ZACH Well, I’m still here. DR. SUMMERS And to what do we owe this good deed? ZACH I promised Adam. DR. SUMMERS The guy’s got charm. Zach smiles with pride. ZACH You bet he does. He’s my grandson. Adam knocks and enters. ZACH (CONT’D) Speaking of the angel himself. What are you doing here during lunch? ADAM Not to worry. Martin’s there and, if you ask me, he’s the better choice. What do I know about the restaurant business? Zach makes a face as he sips a spoonful of soup. ZACH You know a hell of a lot more than this hospital does. If you can’t make good soup, it’s downhill all the way. Not to mention they don’t even have salami on the menu. Dr. Summers puts her stethoscope on Zach’s back. ZACH (CONT’D) Remember when I taught you how to make chicken soup. DR. SUMMERS Breathe for me. Zach breathes in. ADAM (kidding) Best day of my life. Haven’t made it since. DR. SUMMERS Again. Breathe... Zach shakes his head, wondering what to do with this boy. ADAM ( looking at Dr. Summers) Is he ready to be discharged? DR. SUMMERS A few more tests just to be sure, and then he’s out of here. ZACH How many tests? DR. SUMMERS One or two. ZACH (proud) Okay, but then that’s it. I feel like I could live another seventy some years. ADAM If anyone could it, it would have to be you. ZACH (to the doctor Isn’t my Adam terrific? You know I raised him after his mother died. She died when he was only five years old. Nora was lovely, just like a daughter to me. Becoming fascinated by Zach’s story, Dr.Summers sits down on the edge of Zach’s bed. ZACH (CONT’D) Then my son Victor remarried a woman just like him. You know how they say opposites attract, well not in this case. Understandingly, Dr.Summers nods. ZACH (CONT’D) They both loved the nightlife. They gambled all night, every night. Rarely won and I ended up paying their debts. Adam’s eyes anger as he thinks of his father. ADAM And when there was no money they stopped coming around. End of story. By this time Dr. Summers is completely absorbed, teary eyes and all. ZACH To make a long story short, my son gave me something very special. He gave me Adam to love. Adam stands up. ADAM Well, I think it’s time to go. Molly rushes in carrying a bag. ADAM (CONT’D) Hey! MOLLY Hey! Molly starts to open the bag. ZACH Now we’re talking food. Dr. Summers reaches for the bag and takes a peek. She reaches inside and pulls out a kosher salami. DR. SUMMERS I don’t think so. INT. DELI - NIGHT The deli has officially closed for the night. The waiters and waitresses are setting up the tables for the morning rush while the busboys are mopping the floors. Molly, completely exhausted, is seated at a table by herself, sipping a milkshake. Adam, drinking coffee at another booth, pretends not to notice Molly, but actually he hasn’t missed a beat. Martin, undoing his tie, joins Adam. MARTIN So how does it look for going back East? ADAM (glancing at Molly) As soon as Zach’s better ... we’re out of here. MARTIN Let’s move here. Then everyone will be happy. I’ll have soup and chopped liver whenever the hell I want and you’ll ... ADAM Have to leave everything I worked so hard to achieve. New York is my home. You know my life is there. I can’t let anything get in the way, not now. MARTIN Meaning Molly? Adam looks at Martin like he’s crazy. ADAM No, Gabriella. MARTIN (lightly intercedes) You know, “out of sight, out of mind.” Minutes later, Madeline motions for Adam to join her at the register. Adam smiles at Dixie as he nears the register. ADAM ( to Dixie) Pretty long day. DIXIE You had two no shows tonight, so Molly and I worked an extra shift. ADAM Thank’s for pinching in. You girls have all been wonderful. DIXIE There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Zach. Love that guy ... even though he’s a tough old koot. Their conversation is put to an immediate halt when Madeline gets impatient. MADELINE Adam, I need to speak with you. Now! INT. CASH REGISTER - NIGHT Adam leans his elbow on the counter. ADAM What’s so important that couldn’t wait? MADELINE We have a serious problem. Madeline tries to stay focused but she can’t help but keep her eyes on Molly. CUT TO: Molly, almost too tired to finish her milkshake, struggles to keep her eyes open. Carrying a plate of food - corned beef, pickles, fries and anything else that would fit on the plate - Dixie sits across from Molly. DIXIE (to Molly) Kid, you did a great job. Molly’s eyes fill with disbelief. MOLLY You wouldn’t just be saying that would you? DIXIE Hell no. One thing’s for sure - I never lie. Sometimes I’m too honest, just ask my ex-husbands. That is, the ones that haven’t kick the bucket yet. CUT TO: Adam waits for Madeline to make her point. He motions for her to get the story rolling. MADELINE It’s really, really serious! ADAM (irritated) Yes, you’ve already mentioned that. MADELINE The checks aren’t balancing at Molly’s station. ADAM Maybe one of the customers walked out without paying. MADELINE And maybe they didn’t. ADAM (annoyed) How much money are we talking about? MADELINE (sure of herself ) Twenty nine dollars and thirty two cents to be exact. Adam gives Madeline a “who gives a shit” look. He then reaches inside his pant pocket and takes out a fifty dollar bill and tosses it on the counter. ADAM (questioning her intelligence) And if you’re over, what do you do then? Madeline gives him an “are you crazy” look. Adam picks up the donation can that is sitting on the counter and holds it up. ADAM (CONT’D) Make an donation! MADELINE Well I never. ADAM (sarcastic) Then maybe you should. INT. DELI KITCHEN -DAY BACKGROUND MUSIC - SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY Willis, Enrico and Leo are so busy doing the end of the night cleanup, they don’t notice Adam watching them. ADAM (loudly) Isn’t anyone else tired? Molly enters the kitchen, walks up to Adam and shouts in his ear. MOLLY (trying to make him hear) We’re all exhausted but we can’t let ourselves ... Adam motions for Molly to meet him in the dining area. The cooks continue singing along with the music. INT. DINING AREA -NIGHT The same night. ADAM You can’t let yourselves what? MOLLY We can’t let ourselves worry about being tired or we’d never be able to get up in the morning and do the same thing the next day. ADAM So you are tired? MOLLY Exhausted, but we all have to do what we have to do. We all have bills that need to get paid. Adam is impressed with her honesty. Adam’s cell phone rings. Answering, he chooses to take the call in Zach’s office. INT. OFFICE - NIGHT Adam sits down and puts his feet up on the desk. (INTERCUT PHONE SEQUENCE) ADAM Hey babe, you okay? Gabriella is in bed eating popcorn. ADAM (CONT’D) Is the popcorn good? GABRIELLA The best. Hey, how did you know I was eating popcorn? ADAM (looks at his watch) Well, if I’m not mistaken you’re watching this morning’s soap opera tapes. Gabriella munches. Adam shakes his head, wondering how he ever really became attracted to her. GABRIELLA (kidding) Well you’re wrong! They got preempted by some special news bulletin. ADAM A world-wide crisis. GABRIELLA Something like that. Gabriella has just spilled the popcorn all over the bed and is attempting to eat it faster than it can fall off the bed. GABRIELLA (CONT’D) Got to go, hon. EXT. DELI.- NIGHT Molly is standing at the bus stop when she hears someone calling out her name. When she turns back, she sees Adam running toward her. Martin, curious, follows. Dixie, curious, follows. Adam takes Molly in his arms and presses his lips romantically on hers. ADAM I’ve wanted to do that since the very moment I saw you. MOLLY Me too. After they kiss again, they look at each other in quite a different fashion. She’s in love and afraid and he’s in love and confused. When the bus arrives Molly walks up the stairs without saying goodbye. Adam grabs her hand, not wanting her to go, but Molly pays her fare and sits down. Adam motions for the driver to give him a minute. ADAM I can’t let you go home now. MOLLY (notices everyone watching) I have an early shift tomorrow. ADAM Me too, but who cares ... so we’ll be tired. By this time the passengers and the driver are involved and listening to every word. ADAM (CONT’D) (nervously confessing) Molly, this thing is crazy but I can’t stop thinking about you. MOLLY (confused) You can’t? ADAM No, I can’t. MOLLY You don’t know anything about me. Right then and there they kiss. The passengers applaud. As they leave, a woman calls out. WOMAN PASSENGER Way to go honey. Way to go. In the background we see,with smiles on their faces, Dixie and Martin walking back toward the restaurant. INT. LIMO - NIGHT Awkward at best, Molly finds herself admiring the Limo. MOLLY Your limo? ADAM When I’m in Chicago. Molly touches the seat. MOLLY Smooth. It’s very smooth. Adam can’t look any other way except right into Molly’s eyes. ADAM I want to kiss you, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop. MOLLY I liked when you kissed me, but I don’t know. We barely know each other. Adam reluctantly agrees. MINUTES LATER Adam and Molly are all over each other. LATER THAT NIGHT INT. MOLLY’S APARTMENT -NIGHT Adam knocks several times and it appears that he isn’t leaving until Molly answers the door. INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT Molly throws on her robe as she walks toward the door. MOLLY (VO) Come on Phillip ... I need my rest ... and, no, I haven’t changed my mind. Marriage is out of the question. Molly’s eyes widen with surprise as she opens the door. MOLLY (CONT’D) Oh boy! You’re not Phillip. ADAM (eyebrow raises) No, but I’m curious. Adam enters. ADAM (CONT’D) Who’s Phillip? MOLLY Adam ... why are you here? ADAM (bites down on his lip) I don’t know. I thought ... Never mind what I thought. I should go. Molly agrees. MOLLY It’s too soon for all of this. Minutes later, Molly and Adam are once again all over each other. MOLLY (CONT’D) (kidding around) We have to stop meeting this way. INT. ZACH’S HOME - NIGHT - Just as Adam is about to walk upstairs, he hears loud laughter. Lots of it. Realizing Martin has a female guest, Adam quietly slips into his old bedroom. INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT Adam looks around. Nothing has changed. Time seems to have stood still in this room. His grammar school and high school photos still surround the room, along with colorful baseball pennants and more than a few trophies. INT. ZACH’S HOME - MORNING BACKGROUND SONG - “BORN TO BE WILD” BY STEPPENWOLF Adam is awakened by Martin nudging him. MARTIN (very alert) Wake up, sleepy head. The day is about to begin. Adam waves his hand for Martin to go away. MARTIN (CONT’D) It’s either this or the bugle. Immediately, Adam sits up. ADAM (very sleepy) No bugle! Please, no bugle! INT. LIMO - MORNING Martin pours Adam some coffee. MARTIN How was your date last night? ADAM You first. MARTIN Sweet, very sweet. Didn’t need Viagra. So far so good. Martin motions for Adam’s answer about his night. MARTIN (CONT’D) Balls in your court, my man. ADAM (beginning of a smile) It was memorable ... yes, that’s exactly what it was. MARTIN (twinkle) Memorable? It was memorable? Don’t tell me this might be the real thing. Martin just stands there, watching Adam squirm. ADAM It might be, but it’s not part of the plan. MARTIN Screw the plan. Go with the heart. EXT. CAR - MORNING Dixie has just pulled up in front of Molly’s apartment. Smiling from ear to ear, Molly gets in. INT. CAR- DAY -(CON’T) Dixie, feeling quite good begins to sing the song, “YOU’RE NOBODY TILL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU.” MOLLY Looks like you had yourself some night. Was he that good? Whoever he is. DIXIE He was great, and let me tell you - for his age he really went the mark. A real love boat kind of guy. MOLLY Meaning? DIXIE We rocked and we rocked and we rocked some more. It was as perfect as it can be. Terrific, mind-clearing sex. The no-strings-attached kind of sex. Molly is not surprised by Dixie’s enthusiasm and candor. DIXIE (CONT’D) It doesn’t get any better than that. Molly smiles, certain she could never be that candid. DIXIE (CONT’D) (curious) Is he as good as he looks? MOLLY ( self-conscious ) It wasn’t like that. It was... DIXIE Don’t you dare say it was spiritual ’cause I’ll throw up. With a tush and eyes like that, if you didn’t you know what with him ... you’ve lost it, girl. And I mean it. MOLLY (questionable look) Didn’t you tell me to stay away from him? DIXIE I did, but isn’t it a little too late? MOLLY (cautiously thinking) No. Not yet. I’m only in love with him. Maybe when I get to know him I won’t even like him. This wasn’t supposed to happen. EXT. ZACH’S DELI - MORNING As the limo pulls up in front of the deli, Adam and Martin quickly get out. There’s lots of commotion and shouting going on. Fire trucks are parked in front of the deli and firefighters are rushing inside. Adam races toward the front door but is stopped by a fireman, badge name COLLINS. FIREMAN COLLINS Sir you can’t go inside. No one is allowed in. ADAM (upset) I’m not just anyone. I’m Adam Feldman, Zachary’s grandson. Collins takes Adam aside. FIREMAN COLLINS It doesn’t matter if you’re the Pope, you can’t go inside. I know Zach. He’s one hell of a guy. But you still can’t go in. Not till we say it’s safe. ADAM (pushing to go inside) This deli means everything to him. FIREMAN COLLINS I know that, but you still can’t go inside. ADAM You don’t understand. Collins is holding Adam back. COLLINS (shouts) Look, maybe you should know something about this call. Your grandfather isn’t just the owner of the deli, he’s one of the most generous men I know. We’re not going to let anything happen to this place. Realizing the firemen are doing their best, Adam steps back. Wouldn’t you know, Martin walks out of the deli. MARTIN (walking toward Adam) You won’t even have to close down. It was just a little grease fire. ADAM (surprised) How the hell did you get inside? MARTIN (matter of fact) I know the right people. ADAM Thank God you do. Let’s not tell Zach. No need for him to be upset anymore than he already is. INT. DELI - MORNING Just as Adam and the others are allowed to get back in the deli, Adam’s cell phone rings. INT. HOSPITAL- DAY Adam answers. ZACH (on phone) So I heard you had some excitement this morning. ADAM (on phone) Excitement? What excitement? ZACH’S VOICE (on phone) A little bit of extra smoke? You don’t have to pretend. We’ve had grease fires before. Not to worry. ADAM (on phone) Oh ... the smoke. How did you find out? Adam mouths to Martin - “Zach knows” - pointing to the phone. ZACH I have friends in high places, plus a very good radio scanner. INT. DELI - MORNING - CONTINUOUS The commotion lets up and everyone is back as they were. The customers are demanding and the employees are temperamental. Everyone’s on overdrive. A customer, MR. WALLENSTEIN, middle-aged man with a mean look about him, wants what he wants, never taking no for an answer. WALLENSTEIN (loud) I don’t give a shit if you had a fire or not. I came for a hot breakfast and I’m going to get one, just like I do every other day of the week. MOLLY (trying to be polite) Sir it’s impossible. MR. WALLENSTEIN Nothing is impossible. I want the same breakfast I have every day. I don’t like change. That’s why I’ve stayed married to the same woman for the past thirty years. Dixie walks by. DIXIE (mockingly mumbles to herself) Lucky woman. Adam approaches. ADAM (businesslike) We’re terribly sorry but we’re lucky to be open at all. MR. WALLENSTEIN You call this luck? I want a hot breakfast. Now! Pronto! Whatever! Adam is becoming angry. Martin watches Adam from the other side of the deli. He picks up the telephone. Adam’s cell phone rings. ADAM Yeah ... MARTIN Adam Feldman this is your conscience. Whatever that nutcake says to you be cool. Don’t lose it. You know what they say, the customer is always right. Adam looks across the room and sees Martin. ADAM (nods) And what book is that from? MARTIN (kidding) Don’t know the name, but I’m sure Barnes and Noble has it. MR. WALLENSTEIN (stands up) Who do you have to know here to get some service? I want a hot breakfast today. Not tomorrow, today! Madeline struts her stuff over toward Mr. Wallenstein’s table. MADELINE (gutsy) Okay... you want hot, I’ll give you hot. Madeline mashes a bagel, butter and cream in a bowl and joyfully pours in some hot water. Voila... MADELINE (CONT’D) So now what do you think about your hot breakfast? In a huff Madeline returns to her register. By this time all eyes are on Mr. Wallenstein, who grabs his newspaper and heads for the door. ADAM So that’s the last of Mr. Wallenstein. Dixie walks by. DIXIE He’ll be back tomorrow. Adam motions for Molly to meet him in his office. INT. BATHROOM - DAY -CONTINUOUS Molly splashes cold water on her face. Dixie enters. DIXIE You’re too young for hot flashes, so what gives? MOLLY I bet he’s going to fire me. DIXIE Girl, you’ve lost it! INT. OUTSIDE THE OFFICE - DAY CONTINUOUS Molly straightens out her uniform, smooths her hair, takes a deep breath. Then another breath, and yet another, until she can hardly breathe at all. She knocks on the door. ADAM (OS) Come in Molly. Nervously, she enters. INT. OFFICE - DAY- CONTINUOUS Adam, looking more attractive than ever, walks toward Molly. MOLLY (on the defensive) You know I really need this job. I have lots of bills because ... Adam locks the door, turns toward Molly and gathers her in his arms. ADAM What is it? You’re shaking like a leaf. Adam backs off for a moment to look at her. Molly eyes are filling up with tears. ADAM (CONT’D) (confused) Did I do something? MOLLY (still crying) You’re going to fire me, aren’t you? ADAM Fire you? Why on earth would you think such a thing? MOLLY I don’t know. Isn’t that what you called me in for? Adam takes her in his arms and kisses her. ADAM Actually this is what I called you in here for. Realizing she isn’t getting fired, Molly kisses him back. INT. OFFICE - AFTERNOON Adam pours Martin a drink and freshens up his. MARTIN Isn’t it a little early for a drink? ADAM Yes, it certainly is, but I need to talk about something. Adam paces like a nervous schoolboy. ADAM (CONT’D) I think I’m in love. MARTIN Good for you! You should be. You’re getting married in a couple of weeks. ADAM It’s not Gabriella I’m talking about. MARTIN Okay. Let’s hear. ADAM Martin, do you believe in love at first sight? MARTIN (kiddingly) Obviously you do. Martin motions for Adam to have a seat. MARTIN (CONT’D) I think we need to have a little father-to-son chat. ADAM Screw the father-and-son business. Just talk to me. Agreeing, Martin nods. Their conversation is put on hold as the telephone rings. INTERCUT PHONE SEQUENCE Martin clicks on the TV ADAM (CONT’D) Hey. LANNIE, attractive, mature office assistant is the caller. LANNIE If you don’t get back soon, I’ll scream. Adam, realizing she gets a bit hyper, tries to calm her. ADAM As soon as my grandfather is out of the hospital, I’ll be back ... I promise. Just hang in, you’re doing a great job. You don’t need me. Lannie takes a breath. ADAM (CONT’D) Now that‘s a good girl ... take another breath ... and another ... whoa! Be careful, not too many ... remember what happened last time... Lannie gets woozy. ADAM (CONT’D) Lannie ... answer me ... Lannie ... are you there? LANNIE (getting herself together) I’m there ... I mean ... yes I’m here. ADAM When I get back you can take a vacation. LANNIE If I live that long. ADAM It’s on me. A present to you. Anywhere you want to go. Lannie smiles. LANNIE Anywhere? I guess I’ll hold on. Martin clicks the TV off when he sees Adam hang up the phone. MARTIN How much this time? ADAM A vacation. She’s got me right where she wants me, doesn’t she? MARTIN I think I’ll go for the fifth on grounds anything I might say will and can be ... ADAM Okay. Okay. Message received loud and clear. INT. DELI - NIGHT Molly and Dixie are sorting out the roll baskets. DIXIE I never thought you’d catch on this quick. The deli business is one hard business. I was kind of surprised Zach hired you without much experience. Molly half smiles. DIXIE (CONT’D) It’s just not his style. MOLLY I have a confession to make. But you have to swear to God you won’t say a word of this to anyone. DIXIE Promise not to tell. Cross my heart and hope to die ... MOLLY What’s with the cross your heart? Aren’t you Jewish? DIXIE Yes, but I always wanted to do that. Seems like such a religious thing to do. Molly chickens out and walks away. Dixie pulls her back. DIXIE (CONT’D) Okay, my lips are sealed. MOLLY Well it was Zach’s idea. He put an... Molly, feeling guilty, decides not to say anything. MOLLY (CONT’D) I can’t. It’s not important. Just forget I said anything. DIXIE I can’t do that. Come on, let it out. You’ll feel better. MOLLY (talking fast) Zach placed an ad in the paper, and I answered it. He liked me and I liked him. DIXIE So what? Lots of people find jobs in the paper. Nothing new about that. What’s to confess? No big deal. MOLLY It wasn’t in the want ads. It was in the personals. Dixie’s eyes opened wide. DIXIE Oh my God. Zach handpicked you for Adam. Did you get paid? Embarrassed but relieved, Molly shrugs her shoulders. MOLLY Dixie pulls Molly into a private office in the back. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize Adam is in the adjoining room. INT. OFFICE - NIGHT Adam listens closely. INT. OFFICE - NIGHT - DIXIE So you’re saying Zach hired you for Adam and you got paid for it. Isn’t that called ... MOLLY Embarrassing comes to mind. INT. OFFICE -NIGHT Adam leaves the office in a huff. ADAM (mumbling) Fuck ... this is humiliating. INT. OFFICE -NIGHT - MOLLY Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Zach wants him back in Chicago and as you know he can be very persuasive. How could I say no? Who knew I was going to fall in love with him? For the first time in her life, Dixie is speechless. ONE MONTH LATER INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY Laying on the bed is a luxurious beaded wedding dress, white satin gloves and a perfectly formed lace veil. Beside the dress lay the invitation to the wedding. CUT TO INVITATION Mr. Zachary Feldman requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of her grandson Adam Lewis Feldman to Gabriella Elliana Griffith daughter of the late Mr.& Mrs. Franklin Griffith on Saturday the third of January at half after six o’ clock. The Four Seasons - black tie INT- HOTEL - NIGHT The elegance and en-vogue style of the wedding is one of a kind. The RABBI is just about to pronounce Adam and Gabriella man and wife when we see Gabriella’s maid of honor, Lannie, helping her lift the veil so she can sip the wine. For a split second before breaking the glass, Adam sees Molly standing before him. GABRIELLA (whispers) Adam are you okay? Adam nods yes. ADAM I’m fine. The guests applaud as Adam breaks the glass. CUT BACK TO INT. KITCHEN - COUNTRY CLUB - NIGHT Another wedding. First dance of the evening. Molly and Phillip are dancing as if they are in love. Phillip is. CUT BACK TO INT. WEDDING BALLROOM - NIGHT Adam and Gabriella are dancing beautifully to the music, calling attention to the glamour of their marriage. After a few minutes of their wedding dance, many of the guests join them on the dance floor. Zach approaches Adam from the side and taps his shoulder. ZACH Can we talk for a moment? Gabriella agreeably walks away as the music changes. Zach takes hold of Adam’s arm and walks him into the lobby. INT. LOBBY - NIGHT Zach sits on the couch. He motions to Adam. ZACH Sit. Adam knows what’s coming next. ADAM Okay, I’m ready. ZACH (to Adam) You can’t even fake it can you? ADAM No, not really. ZACH You don’t love her do you? ADAM No I don’t. Zach shakes her head, certain this was his fault. ZACH You’re still mad at me, aren’t you? Adam shakes his head no. ZACH (CONT’D) If it’s any conciliation, I interviewed over one hundred young women. She was perfect for you. Molly loved you. ADAM Oh really. I’m sure the money you gave her was just what she needed. How much was I worth? Zach takes out his wallet and hands Adam the check. ZACH She never cashed it. If you would have let her explain you might not have been so mad at her. The money was to pay for her father’s medical care. He was a very sick man. ADAM You know him? ZACH Knew him. He died last week. She loved you, but she also loved her father. What would you do? ADAM I’ll call her ... I’ll apologize. Maybe she’ll... Zach shakes his head no. ADAM (CONT’D) What are you saying? ZACH She got married today. It’s too late. Zach gets up. ZACH (CONT’D) I think we should go in. The groom’s an important part of the wedding, don’t you think? INT. DINING ROOM - DAY Adam is reading the newspaper and drinking his coffee when Gabriella, still half-asleep enters the room. GABRIELLA (holding a bowl of popcorn) It feels great being alone, doesn’t it? ADAM Alone? What are you talking about? GABRIELLA (munching) With Martin still on vacation. Adam goes back to reading the newspaper. ADAM (CONT’D) (lifts his head up) Don’t you ever get sick of eating popcorn? Gabriella shakes her head no. GABRIELLA Don’t you ever get sick of reading the paper? ADAM No. Maybe if you tried it, you would like it. GABRIELLA Who wants to read all that bad stuff? I get my education my own way. Without warning, Martin saunters through the french doors smiling with a fresh pot of coffee. MARTIN (mumbles to himself) You get you education from Search For The Rainbow ... stay tuned for the previews ... Gabriella gives Martin a dirty look. MARTIN (CONT’D) (smirking) Good morning, Mrs. Feldman. Sleep well last night? GABRIELLA (surprised) I didn’t know you were back. MARTIN Obviously. As he pours the coffee, Martin whispers in her ear. MARTIN (CONT’D) Get a life! EXT. PHILLIP AND MOLLY’S HOME - DAY A limo pulls up to the estate. GRETA, the nanny - blond hair, willowy and very attractive - waves hello as she waits for Phillip to help Molly and their newborn son, ALEXANDER, out of the limo. Greta carefully takes hold of the baby and brings him inside. Phillip grasps onto Molly’s hand and gives a tug. PHILLIP How about a walk? Molly smiles, but shakes her head no. MOLLY How about a little later. PHILLIP Indulge me for a minute or two. Molly agrees. Just as soon as they were alone like a young school boy Phillip takes Molly in his arms and kisses her. MOLLY (surprised) Why Phillip Wainright, I do declare. Is this the man I married or is this ...? Phillip interrupts. PHILLIP This is a man who has never been happier. You have no idea how happy you have made me. A son. I never imagined anything so wonderful happening to me. Phillip places a small box into the palm of Molly’s hand. PHILLIP (CONT’D) My appreciation. Molly opens the box. She is so surprised she can’t speak. In the box is a gloriously magnificent emerald ring, too many carats to imagine. Phillip slips the ring on Molly’s finger. For the first time since they had been married Molly puts her arms around Phillip and kisses him. This time she means it. MOLLY (whispers) Thank you. INT. HOTEL - NIGHT Adam and Gabriella continue to steal the show as they dance at a black-tie dinner reception. With every turn Gabriella scans the room for other men. Every once in a while, a man takes her seriously and she responds with a seductive smile. ADAM Is there any man in this room you haven’t come on to? GABRIELLA Adam Feldman, you’re jealous. How sweet. Adam dances toward the door. GABRIELLA (CONT’D) I’m not ready to leave yet. It’s early. And besides ... there’s only re-runs on tonight. Adam gives her a look. ADAM Well, looks like I’ll be going home without you. GABRIELLA We also ran out of popcorn. ADAM Now there’s a world problem we need to handle. Gabriella, insulted, moves back toward the dance floor, looking for a partner. It takes only a second before Gabriella is in the arms of another MAN. Instead of being jealous, Adam feels relieved. EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING -DAY The DOORMAN greets Adam as he is about ready to enter his limo. He hears a lot of commotion. Suddenly, from way down the street, Adam sees Gabriella on the back of a motorcycle. The DRIVER, long-haired and tattooed, cycles right up to the curb. Gabriella, not realizing Adam is watching her, kisses her motorcycle hero with a double dose of passion. Adam watches with shock and distaste. Gabriella jumps off. Adam glares at her. GABRIELLA Adam meet Jackson, Jackson meet Adam. JACKSON Hey man. Adam answers with a unfriendly grunt. Gabriella lifts her dress from her feet so she can walk. GABRIELLA Jackson loves popcorn. ADAM And that means? GABRIELLA It doesn’t mean anything other than we have something in common. You and I have nothing in common. Adam is quite sure what she’s trying to tell him. GABRIELLA (CONT’D) I’m leaving you. ADAM For popcorn? Gabriella laughs. GABRIELLA For love. This is the first time in my life that I really have fallen head over heels. Jackson gets off his bike and gives Gabriella a great big bear hug, so much so you can barely see her. Adam shakes Jackson’s hand. ADAM More power to you! EXT. ESTATE HOME - DAY A limo is on its way down the winding driveway. Molly, glamorously dressed with a large fashionable hat and sunglasses, steps out legs first. DRIVER Mrs. Wainright, will you be needing my services later on? MOLLY I don’t think so. It’s just me and Alexander today. INT. BEDROOM - DAY -CONTINUOUS Molly takes off her hat, lays it on the bed and walks over toward her dresser. Preoccupied, she opens her dresser drawer and reaches underneath her jewelry box, taking out a newspaper clipping. Caption - “Socialite Gabriella Elliana Griffith to wed Adam Lewis Feldman” ... she takes one more look at the picture and then tears it up. SIX MONTHS LATER INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT Adam holds back his tears as he walks over toward Zach, who is hooked up to a machine. Martin is in the background. ZACH (faint whisper) It must have been that last cigar. As usual, Zach’s words relax him. In the quiet of the night, Adam sits at his grandfather’s side, holding his hand as he drifts in and out of sleep. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING Martin and Adam, both in need of a few hours of sleep, are trying very hard to be cheerful. Zach opens his eyes and smiles. ZACH (not too much strength in his voice) You boys look terrible! Martin quietly walks away, giving Adam and Zach some privacy. ADAM (holds Zach’s hand tightly) I need to tell you something. Zach motions, it’s not necessary. Adam proceeds. ADAM (CONT’D) If I’ve been selfish I’m sorry. You have always been there for me and I’m afraid I wasn’t always there for you. Zach shakes his head that isn’t true. ZACH (whispers) You have been my greatest joy. Just watching you grow into a man was worth it all. I’d do it again. INT. HALLWAY - MORNING - CONTINUOUS Adam motions for Martin to come back in. ADAM Zach wants to talk to you. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING Martin sits beside Zach. MARTIN Zach, I want to thank you for allowing me to know what it’s like to have a grandfather. Adam’s damn lucky to have you in his corner. ZACH And you. Martin smiles. MARTIN And me. ZACH (sweetly smiles) If something should happen to me, help Adam. He’s not as strong as he likes everyone to think he is. Martin agrees. INT. BATHROOM - DAY CONTINUOUS Molly is in the bathtub, bubbles are everywhere. Greta knocks on the door. GRETA Mrs. Wainright, there’s a phone call for you. MOLLY (answers back) Please take a message. Molly lays her head back as she soaks in the tub. Again, Greta knocks on the door. NANNY They say this can’t wait. Molly wraps herself in a oversized bath towel. MOLLY (on phone) Yes, this is Molly Wainright. Molly listens. MOLLY (CONT’D) Oh my God ... I’ll be right there. Tears stream down Molly’s face. INT. HOSPITAL - AFTERNOON Molly enters a private room where two DOCTORS wait. MOLLY (nervously afraid) What happened? Is Phillip dead? Take me to his room. Please someone, tell me what has happened! Molly is asked to sit down. FIRST DOCTOR Your husband has been in a very bad car accident. MOLLY (she takes a breath) How bad? SECOND DOCTOR He needs surgery right away. It doesn’t look good ... but we’re going to give it our best shot. MOLLY How bad is bad? FIRST DOCTOR He’s critical. He might not make it through the night. Molly stands there listening, but the words don’t make any sense. SECOND DOCTOR I’m so sorry to have to have to tell you the bad news. We’re going to try like hell to reverse the odds. MOLLY I hope you can. INT. HOSPITAL CAFETERIA - AFTERNOON As they drink their coffee, Martin and Adam, both mentally exhausted, face each other in silence. Martin glances over toward the check-out counter. Molly is paying her check. At first Martin says nothing. Too late ... Adam has just spotted her. She’s more beautiful than he remembered. Adam gets up and walks out after her. INT. HALLWAY -AFTERNOON - CONTINUOUS ADAM Molly? Molly is that you? Recognizing the voice, Molly turns around. ADAM (CONT’D) Can I buy you a cup of coffee? Molly’s heart pounds. MOLLY Hello Adam. ADAM Can we talk for a minute? MOLLY I don’t think so. It wouldn’t be such a good idea. ADAM I should have explained why I just up and left. MOLLY It’s not necessary. Your grandfather did a great job. Molly walks away. Not wanting her to leave, Adam takes hold of her hand. MOLLY (CONT’D) Look ... whatever was, was. Right now my husband’s in surgery. He’s been in a horrible car crash. I need to be available if the doctors need me. Adam understands, but still he wonders if there will ever be a chance for them to be together. ADAM Do you love him? Molly nods yes as she walks away. Molly takes a minute to collect herself, wondering why he is there. She turns back toward Adam. MOLLY I didn’t mean to be rude. You must be here for a reason. ADAM Zach’s having heart by-pass surgery. MOLLY I had a feeling it was something like that. Give him my best. He’s a great guy. Adam acknowledges with a nod. As Molly enters the elevator, Adam watches. Martin ends the silence as he walks up to Adam, trying to console him. MARTIN You really do love her, don’t you? ADAM More than I thought. I guess Zach knows me better than I know myself. I should have put my faith in Zach’s choice. INT. LADIES ROOM - DAY Molly leans back against the wall, covers her face with her hands and begins to cry. MOLLY Damn you Adam Feldman! Damn you! INT. OPEN HEART WAITING ROOM - AFTERNOON Adam and Martin are pacing in opposite directions when the surgical door opens and out walks Dr. Summers. ADAM Well, how did he do? DR. SUMMERS He did great. He’ll be back at the deli before you know it. He promised to give me his recipe for chopped liver. ADAM Well then, you’re practically a family member. EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT Adam is on his way down the stairs when he sees Molly getting into a limo. He calls out to her. By the time she turns around, Adam is right beside her. ADAM (very happy) Zach’s going to be fine. Molly politely smiles and then attempts to get into the limo. Adam places his hand on hers, trying to stop her from leaving. ADAM (CONT’D) Have lunch with me tomorrow? MOLLY Sorry Adam. I’m busy. ADAM It won’t take long. I need to talk you. MOLLY (takes off her sunglasses) My husband is dead and all you can think about is setting the record straight. So if you’ll excuse me I need to get as far away from this place as I possibly can. ADAM I’m so sorry. What can I do for you? MOLLY (with certainty) Forget we ever met. It’s best that way. Speechless, Adam watches the limo pull away. INT. DELI - NIGHT Standing on a table, Dixie speaks into a microphone. DIXIE It seems like we’ve got something to celebrate. Zachary Feldman has come through his heart surgery with flying colors. Was there ever a doubt? The patrons applaud. DIXIE (CONT’D) In his honor lift up your glasses as we say mazel tov! Adam and Martin walk through the door as the celebration begins. MARTIN (fondly looking at Dixie) I just love that woman. Adam, amused, pats Martin on the back. ADAM They say if you live long enough you see everything. G-d did make a woman for you, didn’t he? MARTIN I actually think he has. INT. ZACH’S DELI - MORNING It’s four in the morning and Adam is the first one there. After he turns on the lights, he looks around the deli with a sense of pride and admiration. FLASHBACK/BLACK & WHITE The restaurant is very crowded. Adam is seven years old and has a deli apron on. He is very busy putting the bread baskets on the tables and pouring water. Zach proudly walks over to him, whispers in his ear and gives him a big hug and kiss. END FLASHBACK EXT. CEMETERY - DAY The service for Philip Wainright has just ended. Because of the huge turnout, the traffic is being disbursed by several POLICE OFFICERS. Molly’s parents, JOSEPH and SALLY, stand beside her trying to comfort her. Molly glances over behind the hill and sees Adam standing alone, watching. Many of the well-wishers stop to offer condolences to Molly, but as soon as she can get away, she walks toward Adam. Adam meets her halfway. ADAM It seems that your husband was very well-liked. MOLLY He was. But let’s face it, you didn’t come to here to tell me that. ADAM You’re right, I didn’t. MOLLY Then what did you come for? ADAM For you. I wanted to be here for you. MOLLY (trying to be sincere) For me? I don’t think so. Don’t you have a wife or something like that to go home to. ADAM What if I told you I made a horrible mistake. MOLLY (cold stare) Go back to New York. ADAM We could give it a try. What do you think? MOLLY Go back to New York. Adam pulls her closer. Embarrassed, Molly’s face flushes. MOLLY (CONT’D) This is my husband’s funeral. Please go. INT. MOLLY’S ESTATE HOME - EVENING Dixie walks into the living room with a smile on her face. She plops down in a chair right across from Molly. DIXIE That little one is a handful. Agreeing, Molly nods. DIXIE (CONT’D) So what did Adam say to you? Molly hesitates before answering. MOLLY He wants me back. So he says. DIXIE And? MOLLY I told him to go to hell. DIXIE Did you mean it? MOLLY Actually, I think I did. One of the most generous men I have ever met has just died. Right now nothing else seems important. INT. DELI - NIGHT It’s after hours. Martin and Adam are at the counter. Adam is drinking a cup of coffee and Martin is behind the counter making himself a banana split. Adam watches as Martin carefully composes the sundae as if it were a symphony.(MUSIC IS SYMPHONIC ARIA) With gusto, Martin scoops out vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream. Following the pattern of the music, he then takes whipped cream and dances over the ice cream before he slathers on nuts and chocolate syrup. Ending his production, he holds up a spoon and twirls it in the air, offering Adam a taste. Adam shakes his head no. MARTIN So what’s on your mind? When you say no to ice cream we’re all in trouble. What’s really going on? ADAM (serious) I’ve run out of ideas. Molly won’t take my calls or see me. She wants nothing to do with me. I can’t concentrate. MARTIN That’s love for you. ADAM I’m not sure I like being in love. It’s easier if you’re not. MARTIN (overzealous) Well, I damn well love being in love! Martin reaches into his jacket and takes out a small box with a diamond ring inside. Adam’s eyes open wide in surprise. ADAM You’re kidding, of course. Martin’s smile is inviting. ADAM (CONT’D) When did all this happen? I thought you were a lifer. You know, a different woman every night, a hug, a kiss, a whatever ... MARTIN I guess Dixie’s my whatever. IOWA INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT Molly and her parents are seated at the table. Molly is stirring her coffee over and over and over again. Her father takes hold of her hand. JOSEPH Enough. You’ve been stirring your coffee for ten minutes. SALLY Actually it was ten minutes, twenty seconds. But who’s counting. Molly knows what they want. MOLLY You think it’s time for me to go back home, don’t you? SALLY You’ve made a life for yourself in Chicago. You have a beautiful home and lovely friends. MOLLY So we’ve outstayed our welcome. SALLY Selfishly, your father and I want you here but it’s time for you to start over. You’ve had some bad luck, but luck changes. MOLLY Some bad luck? I think I’ve had a little bit more than some bad luck. JOSEPH Is this my little girl talking? Where’s the fight? Where’s the ‘I know where I’m going and nothing can stop me’ attitude? MOLLY That little girl is a woman who seems to have an uncanny way of choosing the wrong men. I’m going to stay right here in Iowa. That’s where I belong! Sally shrugs her shoulders as she winks at her husband. SALLY Okay, if safe is what you’re looking for, then stay here for the rest of your life. JOSEPH (winks) Right ... fine with us. If giving up is what you need to do, than do it! MOLLY Then it’s settled. I’m staying. What’s wrong with safe? CHICAGO INT. DELI - DAY It’s lunchtime. Customers are lined up out the door waiting to get in. The tables are all filled and the climate is noisy. The deli counter meat cutters are very busy, making takeout sandwiches. Adam watches as Dixie helps the bus boys pour coffee and clean the tables. Martin, taking names, motions to Adam they need a table for ten. In Spanish, Dixie tells the busboys. ADAM (to Dixie) Nice job. DIXIE Spanish is the language of the future. Martin walks over to Adam. MARTIN (whispers) Is she terrific or what? INT. KITCHEN - DAY The cooks are busy cooking and the servers are busy grabbing their bread baskets and pickle barrels. The music rocks. The busboys come flying through the doors, dancing and dipping to the music. Adam enters the kitchen looking for Martin. ADAM (shouting over the music) Anybody see Martin? INT. BASEMENT OF DELI - DAY Martin and Dixie are entangled in a very romantic position. The only sounds we hear are the moans and groans of pleasure. INT. DINING AREA -AFTERNOON - CONTINUOS Adam takes a fast glance. Still no Martin. Adam walks back toward the reception area and continues seating the customers. Madeline gives him a look. MADELINE (sarcastic as usual) Nice of you to come back. Moments later Martin strolls in, straightening his shirt out as he walks. Adam puts his arm around Martin. ADAM Walk with me. Madeline gets a little provoked as she watches both Adam and Martin leave the floor. INT. OFFICE -DAY Adam and Martin are seated across from each other. ADAM Word has it you know where Molly is. MARTIN I do. ADAM (motions “out with it”) So, where is she? MARTIN Are you sure about this? Adam gives a look of certainty. MARTIN (CONT’D) She’s in Iowa. ADAM What the hell is she doing there? MARTIN She’s staying with her parents. Remember - you didn’t hear it here. Adam nods, acknowledging the secrecy. INT. DELI - DAY Adam and Martin have just finished seating the last of the lunch crowd and are on their way toward the deli counter. Geraldine is very busy slicing corned beef when she hears her name being called by a man, EDDIE HOFFENBERG. Eddie is not too attractive, wearing black thick lens glasses with quite a few extra pounds around his middle. EDDIE Gerry, is that you? Oh Gerry. Quickly, Geraldine turns around. GERALDINE What’ll it be? EDDIE It’ll be five years, ten days. (looks at his watch) Six hours and ten minutes since I‘ve seen you. Geraldine puts on her glasses and moves closer to him. GERALDINE Eddie. Eddie Hoffenberg. Their eyes meet with a sense of newness and desire. Geraldine is just about to reach for Eddie’s hand when she gets a nosebleed. GERALDINE (CONT’D) Oh, my God! Gallantly, Eddie takes her by the hand and sits her down. She smiles in appreciation. Eddie, who has now decided to work his way into a marriage proposal, kneels on one knee. EDDIE Geraldine Noodelman, will you do the honor of marrying me? GERALDINE Have you gone crazy? EDDIE Yes...no..I mean yes. I’m crazy in love with you. I’ve never stopped loving you. GERALDINE (bloody nose stops) Me either. Just as they are about to kiss, a cranky woman wearing a long fur coat taps Geraldine’s shoulder. WOMAN (sarcastic) If you wouldn’t mind I need some help. I need some corned beef, salami and roast beef. And I need it on the double, fast, pronto ... GERALDINE Hey lady, can’t you see I’m busy? Geraldine tosses her apron toward the lady. GERALDINE (CONT’D) Get your own corned beef, bitch. WOMAN (indignant) Well I never... GERALDINE Well I’m going to. EDDIE (shouts ) Then you’ll marry me? The entire restaurant becomes quiet as they wait for her answer. GERALDINE (shouts back) Yes. Yes, Eddie Hoffenberg, I’ll marry you. SONG IN BACKGROUND - “IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE NEVER MAKE A PRETTY WOMAN YOUR WIFE” MARTIN (nudges Adam) Ain’t love grand? INT. HOSPITAL - SOLARIUM - DAY Adam and Zach are seated at a small table. ZACH I’m going home tomorrow. ADAM When did they tell you that? ZACH They didn’t, but tomorrow morning is when I leave. They’ve had me here long enough. ADAM Come on, you just can’t do whatever you want. ZACH Why the hell not? I always have. ADAM Because you’re not a doctor. Or have I missed something? ZACH You have missed something. Love! You’re missing the best life has to offer. ADAM Isn’t that just like you to change the subject. Zach takes a good, hard look at his grandson. ZACH So how’s this new woman in your life? Adam’s eyes fill with curiosity. ADAM What woman? ZACH The woman you’re in love with. ADAM What are you talking about? ZACH I raised you, and you damn well better believe I know you. So tell me. Who’s the lucky girl? Adam is amused at his grandfather’s insight. ADAM One guess. Zach mouths the name Molly. ZACH It’s always been her, hasn’t it? Adam smiles with a sense of relief. He finally has what it takes to be truthful. EXT. MOLLY’S PARENT’S HOME - DAY Molly’s parents are watching TV when they hear a loud thump. Joseph quickly walks toward the stairs. JOSEPH What in the world are you doing? With her son in one hand and her suitcase in the other, Molly thumps down the stairs. MOLLY I just called a taxi. It’s time to hit the road. Greta’s meeting me at the house later. Sally stands at the staircase watching her daughter, proud of how brave she really is. Joseph winks at his wife, realizing their plan had worked. SALLY It’s Adam, isn’t it? MOLLY You bet it is. INT. DELI - DAY Adam throws on his jacket and waves goodbye to Martin. MARTIN (calls out) Where to? ADAM Iowa. EXT. IOWA ROAD - DAY - CONTINUOUS Adam, driving, hums along with the song on the radio. BACKGROUND - “I THINK I LOVE YOU” - PARTRIDGE FAMILY EXT - MOLLY’S PARENTS’ HOME As Adam walks up the porch stairs, Sally greets him with a very hearty welcome handshake, as does Joseph. ADAM Do you think Molly will see me? JOSEPH I bet she would. Adam takes a deep breath, confident his mission was going well. JOSEPH (CONT’D) But she’s not here. ADAM (disappointed) She’s not here? Where is she? Sally points that-away. SALLY Chicago. CHICAGO INT. ESTATE - NIGHT SONG - FAST PACED SONG Molly pulls out her rollers and throws them in the sink before she runs into the shower. Realizing she has just ruined her hair, she showers quickly and when she gets out of the shower she towels off the soap she didn’t wash off. She gels her hair and hopes for the best. INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT- CONTINUOUS SONG - “I AM WOMAN” - HELEN REDDY Molly pulls out several outfits from the closet. Standing in front of the mirror, she changes everything right down to her panty hose and bra. She looks over at the clock, realizing she had better make it fast. Suddenly, from the corner of her eye she spots a basic black dress, pulls it off the hanger, puts it on, fluffs up her hair and doesn’t look back. INT. KITCHEN NIGHT Greta is feeding the baby with great enthusiasm. Molly stands back, watching how nicely Greta and Alexander have taken to each other. One less worry. INT. DELI - NIGHT The moment Dixie notices Molly, she runs over to her and gives her a great big hug. Molly takes a few deep breaths before going any further. DIXIE You look great. And that dress ... it’s to die for. Molly grabs onto her dress. MOLLY Oh, this old thing? Molly glances from front to back of the deli. DIXIE He’s not here. MOLLY Oh, that’s okay. I’m not exactly sure what I would say to him anyway. Getting into a dramatic role. DIXIE (smiles) Oh, my darling Adam ... my life is miserable without you ... please love me ... just love me. Molly can’t help but laugh. MOLLY Not my style. She smiles to herself. DIXIE It sure the hell is mine. MOLLY Maybe it should be mine. Madeline interrupts their conversation in her usual unappreciative way. MADELINE (sarcastic) And I suppose you’re here for a job. DIXIE Where have you been? This is a lady of style and leisure. She’s not going to work here! She’s got bucks. Molly shakes her head yes. DIXIE No? Again Molly shakes her head yes. DIXIE (CONT’D) Yes? You mean like yes, you will be working here? MOLLY You bet. I was happy here, so here is the best place for me now. DIXIE And Adam. Molly shrugs her shoulders. MOLLY Whatever. The deli is closed. Enrico comes out of the kitchen and walks toward Dixie, who is getting the tables ready for the morning shift. DIXIE Did you ever feel like you never leave here? ENRICO Yes, everyday. Enrico nods, sharing her view. ENRICO (CONT’D) Martin called while you were on break. DIXIE I thought I saw him tonight. He was here wasn’t he? Enrico nods yes. ENRICO He was, but he wants you to meet him outside at exactly eleven bells. DIXIE What for? Enrico shrugs his shoulders. ENRICO Beats me. EXT. DELI -NIGHT BACKGROUND SONG - “MIDNIGHT HOUR” - WILSON PICKET A black CARRIAGE with a HORSE and all the trimming are parked outside of the deli. The moment Dixie walks outside, Martin - dressed formally, black tuxedo and top hat - hands her one red rose. Dixie’s eyes are filled with wonder and amusement as Martin escorts her into the carriage. INT. DELI - NIGHT Enrico watches from the deli window. ENRICO (calls out) Come quickly. You must see this! Everyone in the deli watches. INT. CARRIAGE - NIGHT DIXIE For a moment I thought I had died and gone to heaven. MARTIN Don’t tell me no one has ever done anything like this to get your attention. DIXIE Are you kidding? Only in my dreams. Martin reaches into his pocket and takes out a small black jewelry box. He flips it open and shows an exquisite diamond ring. MARTIN Dixie Daniels-Mason-Fitzpatrick-Schwartz, will you marry me? I’d like to take my place in your Husband Hall of Fame. DIXIE ( flabbergasted ) Oh my G-d! Martin, I didn’t think you had it in you. MARTIN Neither did I. Martin takes a moment to breath before Dixie answers. MARTIN (CONT’D) So will you? DIXIE You’re damn straight I will. EXT. NIGHT - CARRIAGE The carriage continues on into the darkness of the night. INT. MOLLY’S HOME- NIGHT Molly has just taken off her makeup. Her hair is pulled up on top of her head and she is drinking a Pepsi when the doorbell rings. MOLLY I’ll get it, Greta. Not expecting to see Adam standing before her, Molly almost chokes on the Pepsi. MOLLY (CONT’D) Adam. ADAM That’s me. MOLLY Now that we’ve got that straight, come in. Adam looks around the house. When he realizes they are alone, he takes Molly in his arms and kisses her. Molly can barely breathe. ADAM Before you say another word, don’t. Molly agrees. ADAM (CONT’D) We are not going to ruin the best years of our lives talking about what has happened in the last couple of years. We’re going to say, the hell with it all, and live our lives. Molly shakes her head okay. ADAM (CONT’D) We are going to begin from right now ... this very moment and we’re not going to look back. Okay? MOLLY Can I talk now? Adam nods yes. MOLLY (CONT’D) Okay. ADAM That’s all you’re going to say? MOLLY For now. Molly closes the door with her leg and they kiss again. INT. SMALL WEDDING CHAPEL - DAY The wedding is just about over. Adam is the best man and Molly is the matron of honor. The ceremony is over. Martin and Dixie are now married. The guests, including the entire deli staff and Zach, applaud as Dixie and Martin quickly leave the room. INT. HOTEL BALLROOM - NIGHT In as much as Dixie and Martin are not your average run-of-the-mill couple, neither is the wedding reception. Dixie walks over to the band leader, BARRY POSSERELLI, requesting a song. Barry’s mouth drops open as Dixie whispers in his ear. BARRY We have a request from our lovely bride, Dixie. She invites everyone to join her in a salute to her hometown, Dallas Texas! Grab yourself a partner, man or woman, woman or man. We’re on our way to square dance heaven. Shocking everyone, Barry becomes the caller and motions to his band to start playing. Dixie, disappointed with the pace of the music, lifts her dress to her knees and walks on stage. She grabs a fiddle and begins to play at exactly the pace she wants. The fun begins as she calls the moves. Right after the square dancing is over Dixie, out of breath, walks over to Adam and whispers in his ear. He nods yes. Dixie walks up center stage. DIXIE Well we have a very special event, and boy will this ever be a surprise. Adam, in his usual collected, fashion-forward way, steps center stage. ADAM Thanks Dixie. And thanks Martin, my man. Martin smiles as he waves to him. ADAM (CONT’D) There’s something I have to say that can’t wait. The rather loud, fun-loving crowd becomes quiet after Dixie whistles. ADAM (CONT’D) I’ve never really been a good public speaker but I think it’s time the world knew how I feel. Molly, where are you? Molly’s face is beaming as she hears her name being called. She waves to him. ADAM (CONT’D) Will you marry me, and spend the rest of your life with a guy who loves you more than he ever thought possible? Molly runs up on the stage. As they embrace, Adam lifts her up and kisses her with everything he has. Everyone applauds. EXT. HOTEL ROOM -NIGHT Molly is helping Dixie get ready to leave. She throws her dress on the bed. DIXIE Time to throw it out. Molly doesn’t quite understand why. DIXIE (CONT’D) This is the last time I’m going to wear that dress. MOLLY You’ve worn it before? DIXIE Damn straight. It’s my good luck dress. MOLLY You’re kidding, aren’t you? DIXIE Nope. Worn it to all my weddings. Maybe you’d like to get married in it? MOLLY Thanks, but I think I’ll start with a fresh one. EXT. HOTEL - NIGHT The guests are waiting for Dixie and Martin as they are on their way out. It’s honeymoon time. Molly is lightheartedly handing out bags of rice to throw as the newlyweds walk out the door. Molly’s on the lookout. MOLLY (CONT’D) (happily shouts) They’re coming! Adam slides his way through the crowd, ducking out as the guests begin to throw rice. Lots of rice. Molly made sure of that. ADAM (whistles to Martin) Hey you ... wait up. Adam hugs Martin. ADAM (CONT’D) Man, am I going to miss you. Who could possibly take better care of me? MARTIN Molly. She loves you. You’re not all that hard to take care of, although it is a full-time job. Just make sure you have plenty of green olives. ADAM You sure you don’t want to change your mind and come back to New York with me? Dixie would love New York. Martin doesn’t understand. MARTIN What New York? I thought you might be moving back to Chicago. Adam shrugs his shoulders. ADAM I don’t know if I can leave everything behind. That’s been my life for such a long time. Dixie, not paying any attention to what they are saying, gets a bit impatient. DIXIE Martin, we’ve got a plane to catch. As the limo driver opens the door, Dixie gets in while tugging Martin’s sleeve. DIXIE (CONT’D) Come on hon, we got to go. MARTIN In a minute, babe. ADAM (serious) I’m getting cold feet. Again Martin and Adam have a farewell hug. MARTIN Molly is a wonderful girl. You’d be a fool to let her go. Don’t do it. INT. LIMO -NIGHT Dixie snuggles close to Martin. DIXIE So what couldn’t wait? MARTIN He just had some questions. Like “where is this, where is that?” DIXIE Molly can handle him. MARTIN (mumbles) I sure hope so. INT. MOLLY’S HOME- NIGHT Molly is in the shower. MOLLY (to herself) You’re going to tell him tonight. It’s going to be fine. The truth is good, very good. Just say, “Adam, remember the night we ... well anyway Alexander is your son ... so how do you like that?” As Molly reachers for her towel, she makes a decision. MOLLY (CONT’D) (to herself) You’ll tell him tomorrow. Yes, that would be better. Tomorrow! INT. DELI - NIGHT Adam enters. Zach is having a bowl of soup when she sees Adam, who is looking a bit unsettled. Zach waves him over. ZACH So what do I owe for this visit? ADAM (pretending to be cheerful) It’s free. Adam peers into the bread basket and pulls out a bagel. As he bites into the bagel, he looks away. ZACH I’m not going to like what you have to say will I? Adam shakes his head no. ZACH (CONT’D) Okay, put the cards on the table. ADAM I’m going back to New York. Zach continues to finish his soup. ADAM (CONT’D) Aren’t you going to say anything? ZACH Do you want me to? ADAM Yes and no. But don’t. Just let me talk for a minute. Zach motions for him to go. ADAM (CONT’D) I don’t really think I’m marriage material. I do love Molly, but I don’t know if I can really be there for her ... or for that matter, anyone else. ZACH You’re scared, aren’t you? Adam nods yes. ZACH (CONT’D) Does Molly know? ADAM I’m going over there right now. ZACH What can I say? Do what you have to and hopefully Molly will be around when you’re ready. But, don’t forget the simple pleasures of life, that’s what really counts. I just hope you won’t just let it all pass you by. For a moment or two, Adam just sits there wondering if he is indeed letting it all pass him by. INT. AIRPORT - DAY Molly kisses Adam goodbye. MOLLY I’m going to miss you. Please come back soon. Adam, uneasy, kisses Molly goodbye. ADAM I’ll be back as soon as I straighten things out. It’s not going to be too long. Tearfully, Molly watches the plane take off, afraid she may never see him again. INT. RESTAURANT - DAY Molly waits. Like a speeding bullet, Dixie rushes in. Dixie kisses Molly’s cheek and then sits down. DIXIE (motions for the waiter) Hello ... hello. Molly can’t help but laugh. MOLLY You really are something. DIXIE So I’ve heard. MOLLY How was the honeymoon? DIXIE (proudly) It’s not over yet. So what gives? Molly lights up a cigarette. Dixie points toward the smoke. DIXIE (CONT’D) What the hell is this all about? Smoking? You always hated smoke. Molly gives her friend a look expressing her sadness. MOLLY Adam went back to New York. DIXIE Without you? MOLLY (starts to cry) Yes, without me. Dixie reaches over and accidently spills the water and knocks over a couple of plates, the basket of rolls and the salt. DIXIE Can’t take me anywhere! Breaking up the sadness, they both laugh. Dixie picks up the salt and tosses it over her left shoulder. DIXIE (CONT’D) We don’t need anymore back luck, now do we? Molly grabs the salt shaker and tosses it over her shoulder. MOLLY We most certainly don’t. THREE YEARS LATER EXT.O’HARE AIRPORT - DAY The plane has just landed on the runway. The TECHNICIANS are attaching the stairs to the airplane. Adam, briefcase in hand, is the first to leave the plane. INT. DELI - DAY It 8 a.m. For the first time since Adam can remember, the restaurant is closed. He locks the door behind him and posts a sign on the door. The sign reads - “Due to the death of Zachary Feldman, the deli will be closed on Monday and reopened on Friday. Thank you for your support and understanding.” Adam walks through the deli, listening to the sounds of silence. He walks up and down the aisles, reminding himself of everything he grew up with. With a sense of pride and regard for the deli’s success, Adam overviews it all. When Adam sees a newspaper on one of the tables, he sits down and opens the paper to the obituaries and reads out loud. ADAM (reads allowed) Zach Feldman died at Evanston Hospital of a heart attack after attending the annual Dance O’Thon. Zach Feldman was loved by all who knew him. He was especially loved by the Chicago Police and Fire Departments for his good will. He is survived by his son Victor Feldman, grandson Adam Feldman and a great grandchild Alexander. Adam takes a breath as he repeats. ADAM (CONT’D) Great grandchild Alexander ... Oh my G-d, I have a son. Adam’s concentration is interrupted by a knock on the front door. As Adam walks to the front of the deli, he looks outside. The limo waits. ADAM (CONT’D) (mumbling to himself) His great grandchild Alexander. As he locks the door, he hears a familiar voice shouting out to him. MARTIN Adam, it’s me. EXT. PARKING LOT- DAY - CONTINUOUS When Adam turns around, he sees Martin waving him on. MARTIN (hugging Adam) I thought you might need a friend. Are you okay? Adam says nothing as he gives Martin another hug. MARTIN (CONT’D) You haven’t slept, have you? ADAM Nope. MARTIN And you read the obituary? Adam shakes his head yes, reminding himself of how well Martin knows him. ADAM Ride with me. We’ll talk. You didn’t know about Alexander, did you? MARTIN I found out the same way you did. INT. CEMETERY - DAY After the service, Adam motions for Molly to wait up. She doesn’t. As he nears her, she begins to move faster and farther away. He reaches for her hand but Molly, afraid of letting her defenses down, pulls back. MOLLY I’m sorry about Zach. He was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. I really loved him. Adam with an agenda. ADAM Why didn’t you tell me about Alexander? MOLLY Would it have made a difference? ADAM I’d like to think it would have. Molly shrugs off his words. ADAM (CONT’D) Are you coming back to the house? Molly shakes her head no. ADAM (CONT’D) Don’t you think we need to talk? Certain there’s nothing more to say, Molly shakes her head no and walks away. Adam follows. ADAM (CONT’D) Can’t we begin from this point in time? MOLLY (turns back) That’s not possible. I’m here because of Zach. I respected him and I wanted to say goodbye. Nothing more. ADAM And I thank you for that. Adam stands directly in front of Molly. ADAM (CONT’D) Tell me you don’t care about me. Can you tell me that? If you can I’ll walk away and never bother you again. Molly doesn’t answer. She just walks away. ADAM (CONT’D) (calls out to her) What about Alexander? MOLLY Now that you know, we’ll work something out. INT. ZACH’S HOME - DAY The RABBI, Adam, FAMILY,and FRIENDS assemble after the funeral to say a prayer in the traditional Jewish Shiva house. A female NEIGHBOR approaches Adam. NEIGHBOR So will you be selling? Adam looks at her oddly. ADAM Selling. Selling what? The neighbor pats his cheek. NEIGHBOR Don’t worry darling, I’ll get you a realtor if you need one. Oh, and by the way, I have a niece. She’s about your age. Adam, pretending to be listening, nods his head. NEIGHBOR (CONT’D) She’s not too pretty, but she makes a great brisket. What do you think? Adam smiles and walks away. He doesn’t answer because he wasn’t exactly sure of what she was proposing. Martin motions for Adam. MARTIN (to Adam) You are the most sought-after male in the whole crowd. ADAM Not particularly flattering when you stop and think about who the hell is in this room. Look around. The crowd consists of overweight balding men twice his age, stuffing there faces with food. INT. LAWYER’S OFFICE - DAY Adam, stressed out, arrives late. The receptionist motions for Adam to hurry into the conference room. Molly, frazzled, rushes in after Adam. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY JAKE GOLDENBERG, slightly overweight attorney, smiles as Adam enters. ADAM Sorry man. Traffic. As Adam walks toward the table and views the others, his stress heightens. Reassuringly, Jake nods. Martin is seated at one end of the table. VICTOR, Adam’s father, serious-looking and definitely out of place, is at the other end. Immediately, Jake looks at Adam, trying to catch his attention before he gets out of whack. Adam nods okay. Ready to begin, Jake stands and clears his throat. JAKE Before we begin, please allow me one moment. Agreeably, they all nod. Molly enters. Jake motions for her to have a seat. From the moment Molly walks into the conference room, Adam makes no attempt to hide the fact that he is watching her. Molly’s heart is pounding, but she decides to move her eyes away from his. JAKE (CONT’D) Zach Feldman has been my client for years. He wasn’t a relative of mine, but losing him is definitely going to change my life. He was my first client and boy am I going to miss him. He was definitely one of a kind. Nervously, Victor pretends to play drums with a pencil as he listens. Adam glares at Victor to stop. He does. As Martin looks into Adam’s eyes, he realizes his friend is more than tense. JAKE (CONT’D) Zach insisted that his family know that his decisions stand firm. Right or wrong, they are not to be changed. Jake pulls out the paperwork and begins to read. JAKE (CONT’D) The deli will be divided 75/25. Seventy five to you Adam, twenty five to Alexander, when he is of age. Adam nods in agreement. JAKE (CONT’D) It was always your grandfather’s wish that the deli be passed on through the generations. You know how he loved tradition. Adam smiles, knowing that to be the truth. Molly tries not to focus toward Adam, but she wants to. JAKE (CONT’D) We then come to his stock portfolio. Which, if I might add, is quite substantial. Adam’s shock is seen by his facial expression as Jake hands over the portfolio for him to read. ADAM Oh my God. Martin, you were right - it was the chopped liver. JAKE The entire portfolio goes to you as you see fit. ADAM He never mentioned a thing to me. After all, I am a stock broker. Jake laughs. JAKE Your grandfather was very well attuned to what kind of work you do, but he had been with the same broker since his first investment. And you know how loyal he was. Adam grins, reminding himself how loyalty was one of his grandfather’s golden rules. Making sure everyone is still paying attention, Jake continues. JAKE (CONT’D) His home goes to Martin because he knew Martin would take care of all of his things like no one else could. Martin smiles, proud of how Zach felt about him. JAKE (CONT’D) There is a fund set up for Alexander’s college education and also a private ongoing fund for the Chicago Police and Fire Departments that will continue. In awe of his grandfather’s accomplishments, Adam shakes his head. Molly’s eyes fill with tears on how generous a person Zach really was. ADAM (peers into his father’s eyes) And Victor. What does Victor get? JAKE Zach never missed a cue. The lights go down and a secretary from the firm enters with a CD player. ZACH (VO) And to my dear son Victor, who will undoubtedly show up because when he smells money he’s there. He can be a real son of a bitch and user ... but I love him. I would hope my grandson Adam will see fit to employ his father if Victor should needs a job. But as for any monetary funds, he isn’t due to get even a penny of my money. Only he knows how much money I invested in him throughout the years. Embarrassed by the truth, Victor leaves. INT. MOLLY’S HOME - DAY BACKGROUND SONG - “SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME” Molly places the roses that had just been delivered to her on the piano. She reads the card. MOLLY (VO) Everyone deserves a second chance. Even a jerk like me! Lovingly, Adam. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Adam is laying on the couch, flipping channels as he tries to concentrate on TV, but can’t. He is sipping on a martini filled to the brim with green olives. He keeps looking over toward the phone, hoping it will ring, but it doesn’t. The grandfather clock chimes midnight. INT. MOLLY’S HOME - NIGHT Molly paces back and forth, deciding whether to call or not. Every time she nears the phone, she shakes her head and keeps pacing. INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT Molly leans over the sink and looks at herself while she splashes her face with water. She moves closer ... and closer ... and closer. MOLLY (to herself) Call him, you fool. Call him! INT. MOLLY’S HOME - NIGHT At 3 a.m., the doorbell rings. Molly looks out the window and smiles as she opens the door. MOLLY (CONT’D) I thought you were never coming. Adam, feeling lucky, grabs Molly close to him. ADAM Marry me. MOLLY Haven’t we been here before? ADAM We have. And I knew you wouldn’t trust me, so I took the liberty of planning this myself. I wasn’t about to lose you again. Adam walks over toward the door and waves. INT. MOLLY’S HOME - NIGHT In walk Martin, Dixie and the rabbi. Molly is too shocked to offer any objection. BEGIN WEDDING MONTAGE SONG - “YOU’RE NOBODY TILL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU” - FRANK SINATRA Adam gets down on his hands and knees and asks for Molly’s hand in marriage. Molly is powerless to resist. The rabbi stands before them. Adam takes hold of Molly’s hand and squeezes tightly. As the rabbi recites the marriage vows, Martin and Dixie repeat their vows. The rabbi looks to Martin for his participation. Quickly, Martin places a glass on the floor. As Adam stomps on the glass, the marriage is confirmed. Adam and Molly kiss. Dixie does the honors. She pours each of them a glass of champagne. END WEDDING MONTAGE. The glasses click. RABBI Mazel Tov. EXT. CEMETERY - DAY Adam is standing in front of Zach’s grave, looking down. ADAM I wish you could have been there last night. You always knew Molly was the right girl for me, and am I thankful it wasn’t too late. Maybe I didn’t tell you enough, but nobody could ever have given me more insight as to what really counts. It’s the simple pleasures of life that make me smile. Thank you for being you. Adam puts a few stones on top of the stone, just to let his grandfather know he was there. ADAM (CONT’D) I love you, Zach Feldman. ONE YEAR LATER INT. DELI - DAY It’s late afternoon and the servers have just started to get ready for the dinner rush. Molly, Alexander and Dixie have just entered the deli. Martin and Adam are in a back booth having a cup of coffee. After a few laughs, Adam sees Victor walk in. MARTIN Well I’ll be a ... look what the cat dragged in. What do you think brings your father here? ADAM Imagine coming in here. He’s got ... MARTIN What are you going to do? ADAM I don’t know. Victor walks over toward Alexander, who by this time is a tad wild, and leans down. VICTOR Hello, Alexander. ALEXANDER (strange look on his face) Who are you? By this time, Adam has decided to see what Victor wants. Adam nods hello to Victor, and Victor responds with the same. ALEXANDER (CONT’D) (to Adam) Daddy who is this man? Adam takes a long silent look at Victor before he answers. ADAM Alex, this man is your grandfather. Unsure of what to do next, Victor lifts Alexander up and gives him a great big hug. VICTOR (to Adam) Thank you son, thank you. Adam walks back toward the kitchen with a sense of relief, certainly a feeling of surprise overwhelms him. INT. DELI.KITCHEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS As Adam enters the kitchen, Zach is standing there watching his every move. (Adam can’t hear or see his grandfather) Smiling with pride, Zach kisses Adam’s forehead. Adam brushes his hand over his forehead as he feels something but doesn’t know what. ZACH (to Adam) Thanks, you’re an angel. VOICE FROM ABOVE (strong tone) Zach ... Zachary Feldman ... you’ve got that wrong. You’re the angel and it’s time to come home. ZACH (shrugs his shoulders) Who knew? BACKGROUND MUSIC - “THOSE WERE THE DAYS” - FADE OUT