EPISODE #100 (SEASON 3 FINALE)

Episode # 100

Air Date: Friday August 14, 2019

Time of Day: Same Day; Afternoon

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Mike Larry

Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

Dear Readers,

Well, this is it, the 100th episode of ‘There’s Always Tomorrow.’ I can’t believe it! I originally came up with the concept of this soap opera in the summer of 2016. I quickly fell in love with the fictitious characters I had created in the made-up town of Thorne Hill, Illinois. I couldn’t stop writing episode after episode when I had gotten the bible for the show made out completely. And, I couldn’t imagine that from those pages of the long story document, to that first episode that I released in June of 2018, that the show would turn out to be one of the greatest things I had ever written.

Before you read this episode, I must send out a special thank you to Mike Larry. Mike is my energetic and creative executive producer and even better co-head writer. I can’t imagine doing this show without him. He is absolutely amazing. I’m not only lucky enough to have him work on this show with me, but also be a true and kind friend.

With all that being said, I won’t keep you any longer. So, without-further-ado, please enjoy the 100th episode of ‘There’s Always Tomorrow’!

At Philip’s Apartment, in the Bedroom, Philip is laying on top of Jennifer. Both of them are under the satin sheets, making love. They are kissing. Philip begins to kiss Jennifer’s neck. Seconds later, he gets off of her and lays next to her. Jennifer props herself up in bed by her arm.

JENNIFER: That was amazing.

PHILIP: Yes, it was.

JENNIFER: Totally worth the lunch break.

Philip lets out a laugh.

PHILIP: How is the boutique coming?

JENNIFER: It’s going good. I just can’t believe I have an actual store now.

PHILIP: You deserve it. You’ve worked very hard for it.

JENNIFER: Yes, I have. You know, Andrea stopped by today.

PHILIP: Oh yeah? How is she doing since giving birth?

JENNIFER: She’s doing quite well. And, my nephew is doing well too. But, she didn’t exactly come over to the boutique to talk about Pierce. She came to talk about my parents and the murder. Joshua told her everything.

PHILIP: About my parents?

JENNIFER: Yes.

PHILIP: Is she going to keep it quiet like you want everyone to do?

JENNIFER: She will. She knows that by doing so, all of us can move on from what happened and start fresh. It is what’s best.

PHILIP: Very good. Look, I hate to make love and dash, but I do have to meet up with my Uncle Quent and thank him for wanting to send all of us to Greece.

Philip gets out of bed and begins to get dressed.

JENNIFER: Thank him for me too. I still can’t believe he’s being so generous. And, I can’t believe that we’re actually getting married in Greece. 

Philip leans over the bed.

PHILIP: We’re gonna have one of those epic weddings.

JENNIFER: And, it will only lead to an epic love story.

Jennifer smiles, leans in, and kisses Philip.

At Lindsay’s Apartment, in the Living Room, Lacey (Lindsay’s Split Personality) is looking in the living room mirror. She smiles.

LACEY: I can’t believe I’ve kept this masquerade up for so long. God, Lindsay’s family is so stupid. But, it’ll all be over soon. Before we know it, Lindsay will have everything she has ever wanted. We will have everything we ever wanted.

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. Lacey goes over to the door.

LACEY: (opening the door) Carter, hi. It’s good to see you.

CARTER: Hello, Lindsay. Can I come in?

LACEY: Certainly.

Lacey steps aside and lets Carter in. She then closes the door, turns around, and walks over to Carter, who is now by the coffee table.

LACEY: Well, you’re here by the deadline I requested that you make a decision about what you want in this life for us and (touching stomach) this baby.

CARTER: Yeah, you’re right, I am here.

LACEY: I take it that means you made a decision?

CARTER: I did. This all ends today.

On the Whitmore Private Island, at the Main House, Judith is standing on the porch that overlooks the private beach. She is sipping on a margarita.

JUDITH: I’ll be home by tomorrow. Oh, God only knows what’s waiting for me.

As Judith takes a sip of her margarita, Stuart walks up to her.

STUART: Hi, darling.

JUDITH: Hi.

STUART: I just got the final call from the pilot. Everything is ready to go for later tonight. We’ll be home before you know it.

JUDITH: Good.

STUART: You seem a little shaken up today. Is everything okay?

JUDITH: I’m doing just fine, Stuart.

STUART: Judith, as of last month, we’ve been married twice. Also, we’ve been together for over 30 years. I know when something is wrong with you.

JUDITH: Can’t get anything passed you.

STUART: Exactly. So, tell me the truth. What’s going on? I thought we had settled all of your worries that you had.

JUDITH: Not even close, Stuart.

At a Law Office, in a Conference Room, Michael and Cynthia are sitting around a conference table with their lawyers, Mrs. Prescott (representing Cynthia) and Mr. Lang (representing Michael). Cynthia is looking through a pack of papers.

MR. LANG: As you can see, Mr. Anderson is being more than generous. You get half a million dollars, the summer home in Calabasas, and finally, you get to keep anything he ever gave you in the marriage. Such as, jewelry, clothing, novelty items, etcetera.

MRS. PRESCOTT: This is a very good offer, Mrs. Anderson. I advise that you sign the papers. That way, you walk out with a generous settlement.

Cynthia looks at Michael from across the table.

MR. LANG: If you need, we can give you two a moment?

MICHAEL: I think that’d be a good idea, Mr. Lang. Thank you.

MRS. PRESCOTT: I’ll be right outside if you need me.

Mrs. Prescott and Mr. Lang collects their things and leaves the room. They shut the door behind them. Cynthia closes the packet of papers.

MICHAEL: Are you doing okay?

CYNTHIA: How do you think I’m doing? Michael, we’re ending our marriage. We’re calling it quits. You expect me to sign these papers and walk out that door like nothing ever happened.

MICHAEL: Cynthia…

CYNTHIA: I know what I did was wrong. I know that. And, I probably poured salt in your wounds by moving in with Carter. By the way, you should know that ended.

MICHAEL: Ended? What do you mean?

CYNTHIA: Carter told me that your daughter offered him the chance to go back to her and be a father to their baby, only if he left me. He couldn’t exactly refuse not being in his child’s life.

MICHAEL: I’m sorry.

CYNTHIA: No, you’re not. You know, Michael, I know that the person who had the affair is never supposed to have feelings, right? Never supposed to air their grievances. Well, after everything we’ve been through, I think I deserve to do that much. And, before I even open the ink pen to sign these papers, I’ve got a few things to say.

At the Jackson Family Home, in Andrea and Joshua’s Bedroom, Andrea is at the foot of her and Joshua’s bed. She is laying Pierce down in his crib.

ANDREA: Shhh. Shhh. Shhh. Go to sleep, darling. Mommy loves you.

Andrea leans down and kisses Pierce on the forehead.

ANDREA: (singing) You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please, don’t take my sunshine away.

Andrea looks down at Pierce in his crib. He is sound asleep. Andrea smiles at her precious, baby boy. She then walks out of the room.

In the Hallway…

Andrea shuts the door peacefully. In the mirror, across from her, she sees that she is clearly a mess. She walks up to the mirror.

ANDREA: Well, you’re definitely mom.

Back on the Whitmore Private Island, at the Main House, Judith sets her margarita down on the porch’s table. She then sits down across from Stuart at the table. They hold hands.

JUDITH: This has been hard for me, you know. It has been hard to try and navigate where we stand with those back in Thorne Hill. Stuart, we’re going home to a place where only a few key people know our darkest secret. Those people could rock our world at any moment. However, I still feel as though it’s one-hundred percent necessary to go back. I still have a lot of life left in me. You do too. We still have to make something of this second round of marriage. I just need to know that you’re still on my side.

STUART: Judith, I will tell you this until I’m blue in the face, I am completely committed to you and this journey you want to take us on to mend fences.

JUDITH: Thank you, darling. I love you.

STUART: I love you too. Now, let's tie up loose ends, so we can get back to Thorne Hill and kick some ass to jumpstart our lives all over again.

Back at Lindsay’s Apartment, in the Living Room, Lacey comes off from hugging Carter. She has a wide smile on her face.

LACEY: I’m so glad that you’re coming home to me and this baby.

CARTER: Lindsay, you must know that I appreciate you letting me back into this baby’s life. But, I do feel bad for what I had to do to Cynthia. Things didn’t end well for us. It was difficult to kick her out essentially.

LACEY: Carter, it was the right thing to do. Plus, even though it pains me to give her a compliment, she is smart. She was very well off before she married my father. And, she can be that once again. She’s resourceful.

CARTER: That she is. She started over after we ended our marriage. She always comes out swinging. No matter what.

LACEY: Yeah, that’s great. Paying her one compliment was quite enough. Let’s not make it a ‘woo-hoo for Cindy Lou’ party.

CARTER: I guess you’re right.

LACEY: Of course I am. So, when can we move your stuff in?

CARTER: I can do it today.

LACEY: Good. Very good. Before you know it, our family will be complete. You, me, and this baby. Absolute perfection.

Back at the Law Office, in the Conference Room, Michael leans back in his chair.

MICHAEL: Go ahead. I’m all ears for whatever you have to say.

CYNTHIA: Thank you. Michael, when I met you, I didn’t know that I could love any man ever again. Carter cheated on me. That’s why our marriage ended. And, the night he showed up on our doorstep, I was shocked to see him. I couldn’t believe it. Better yet, I couldn’t believe Lindsay was dating him.

MICHAEL: That was a shock to all of us.

CYNTHIA: Yes, it was. Anyway, when I saw him again, all those feelings for anger and sadness came flooding back. I was a mess. My first mistake was hiring him during my CEO tenure at Anderson Manufacturing. I should’ve never made the head of Public Relations. I should’ve never kissed him that night he took me out to dinner. I should’ve never had sex with him in the first place. And, I should’ve never engaged in that affair after you took me back. I’m admitting what I did wrong here. I just want you to know that I’m not fully to blame. I know that sounds selfish.

MICHAEL: There’s the word of the day.

CYNTHIA: But, it’s true. You practically pushed me away. You took your daughter’s side every time. You, in many regards, never even forgave me for just kissing Carter. Michael, I have dreaded this day for a long time. However, I realized this morning that I was so prepared for it.

MICHAEL: What does that mean?

CYNTHIA: It means that I knew all along that this day would come. The writing has been on the wall for a long time now. I’m just sorry that we couldn’t erase it.

Cynthia opens up the packet of papers and flips a couple of pages. She then picks up a pen and signs her name in full. Cynthia then gets up and goes to Michael. She leans in and kisses him passionately.

CYNTHIA: Goodbye, Michael. I will always love you, darling.

Cynthia collects her things and walks out of the room. As Michael watches on, a tear strolls down his cheek. He sniffs and wipes it away.

Back at Philip’s Apartment, in the Living Room, Jennifer is sitting on the couch. She is drinking a glass of red wine and looking through a fashion magazine. As she flips to the next page in the magazine, there is a knock heard at the door. Jennifer sets the magazine next to the glass of wine on the coffee table. She then gets up and goes to the door.

JENNIFER: (opening the door) Hi, can I help you?

MAN: I have a delivery for Miss Jackson.

JENNIFER: I’m she.

MAN: Great. Will you sign for it?

JENNIFER: Of course.

The Man hands Jennifer a clipboard. She signs with a pen and hands it back to him. The man then puts the clipboard under his right arm and picks up a rather large and long box.

MAN: Where would you like this?

JENNIFER: On the couch is fine.

Jennifer moves aside and the Man enters with the box. The side of the box reads Lillian’s Bridal Shop. The Man sets the box on the couch.

JENNIFER: Thank you so much.

MAN: Certainly. Have a good day.

JENNIFER: You too.

The Man leaves. Once Jennifer hears the door shut, she begins to open the box. She then picks up the top part of the gown that’s in the box.

JENNIFER: Oh my gosh. It’s finally coming together. Finally.

Jennifer smiles down at the wedding gown.

Back at the Jackson Family Home, in the Bathroom, Andrea is now wearing a pink robe. She puts her hair up into a hair clip and then turns on the shower. She feels the water to make sure it’s hot enough. She then takes off her robe and puts it on the robe hook that is on the door. She then slowly walks over to the shower and opens the shower curtain. She gets in and closes the curtain. Andrea then begins to go under the water and let’s it cleanse her face. She then reaches for a shower loofah bath sponge. She then reaches for a bar of soap and rubs it into the loofah. Andrea sets the soap down, and starting at her legs, begins to rub the loofah on her body. She makes her way up to her arms and raises her right arm. She washes it. And, then, moves onto her left arm. She washes the arm and then begins to wash underneath it. But, she stops.

ANDREA: What? What was that?

Andrea sets the loofah down. She then takes her hand and feels around the inner part of her left breast.

ANDREA: Oh my god. That’s a lump. I have a lump in my breast.

The camera zooms in on a concerned Andrea.

END OF EPISODE 100

EPISODE #99

There’s Always Tomorrow Wednesday 8/12/19

Episode 99

Time of Day: New Day; Morning

At Mimi’s Cafe, Taylor is standing at the front counter, ordering a beverage. As she does so, Michael enters the establishment.

BARISTA: Can I get a name on your order, miss?

TAYLOR: Whitmore.

The Barista smiles and writes the name on the cup. A curious Michael follows Taylor as she goes over to a table and sets her purse down.

MICHAEL: Excuse me, did you just say Whitmore for your order?

TAYLOR: (turning around) Yes. Who are you to ask?

MICHAEL: I’m Michael Anderson. I know the Whitmore family very well. I’ve known them all my life in fact. But, I don’t recognize you at all.

TAYLOR: That’s because I’ve lived in California my whole life. Quentin never believed in introducing me to anyone in Thorne Hill. He wanted to keep up the whole ‘I needed to get away’ act.

MICHAEL: I see. So, are you telling me you’re connected to Quentin?

TAYLOR: Well, duh. Keep up, Mr. Anderson. I’m his wife.

BARISTA: (calling out) Order for Whitmore!

Taylor walks off. A shocked Michael looks on.

At The Grape Escape, in the Executive Office, Melissa comes around from her desk and walks over to a small filing cabinet. She opens the second drawer and goes through some of the files. She picks one up, opens it, nods, and goes back over to her desk. Before she can sit down, there’s a knock at the door.

MELISSA: (turning around/calling out) Come in!

Jamal enters.

MELISSA: Hey, brother.

JAMAL: Hey, sis.

Jamal shuts the door and goes to Melissa.

JAMAL: Nice nameplate on the door. Chief Financial Officer. Very nice.

MELISSA: Yes, well, I worked very hard for that position. Thomas had me in mind for it way before we even thought about a flirtation.

JAMAL: I didn’t say a word. I’m very proud of you. Mom and dad would be too.

MELISSA: You think?

JAMAL: Oh yeah. Definitely. You are doing the most, sis. Before you know it, you’ll be in the top tier of this town.

MELISSA: Damn right.

At Anderson Manufacturing, in the CEO Office, Kimberly is over by the bar cart. She is pouring herself a cup of coffee. As she turns around and takes a sip, there’s a knock at the door. As she goes to the door, she sets her mug down on the desk. She then opens the door.

KIMBERLY: Well, hello, you.

QUENTIN: Hi.

Quentin kisses Kimberly.

QUENTIN: You got a sec?

KIMBERLY: For you? Always. Come on in.

Kimberly steps aside and Quentin enters the office. Kimberly then shuts the door, turns around, and walks over to Quentin.

KIMBERLY: Can I get you anything? My assistant just sent up a fresh pot of coffee. And, I’ve got cream and sugar. I know how you like it.

QUENTIN: No thank you.

KIMBERLY: Okay. So, what brings you by?

QUENTIN: I needed to see you right away. I have a little situation that I’m involved in. You mean a lot to me, Kimberly. That’s why I wanted to let you know firsthand what’s going on, before anything gets twisted.

KIMBERLY: Quentin, I don’t understand. What’s going on?

QUENTIN: As you know, I lived in California for five years. And, in those five years, I met someone by the name of Taylor Williams. Taylor showed up on my doorstep last night.

KIMBERLY: Okay. Whatever. Fine. Some old girlfriend shows up on your doorstep. Doesn’t phase me one bit. If she wanted to see you, then that’s fine. I’m not really the jealous and insecure type. I think that has always made women look rather weak.

QUENTIN: Kimberly, listen to me. She was more than an ex-girlfriend to me. Additionally, she wasn’t coming up here for just a visit. You see, Taylor and I were married. And, we’re still married. Taylor tracked me down to talk about our divorce.

After a short pause, Kimberly slaps Quentin.

At JJ's Boutique, Jennifer is unpacking boxes. She has just opened up a new space. As she puts a crystal vase on top of the front counter, Andrea enters the establishment. She smiles as she looks around and goes to Jennifer.

ANDREA: Jenn, this place is absolutely gorgeous.

JENNIFER: Hey! What are you doing out and about?

Jennifer hugs Andrea.

ANDREA: (coming off hug) I was just dying to see your very first non-online store. I can’t believe that everything is coming together so nicely for you.

JENNIFER: It really is. You know, I planned to do this long before I went into that coma. If only I hadn’t taken that bad fall.

ANDREA: Jennifer, stop.

JENNIFER: Pardon?

ANDREA: I know that the coma slowed your plans for expansion of your business. However, you don’t have to hide the real reason that you went into that coma from me. I know exactly why you did. I know what happened that fateful night. Joshua told me everything. You don’t have to hide anymore.

Back at The Grape Escape, in the Executive Office, Melissa and Jamal are sitting across from one another at the office’s personal conference table.

JAMAL: And, you get a view of the whole city. Is there any perk that you aren’t getting from having this job at this company?

MELISSA: Company car. But, my Mercedes will do just fine.

JAMAL: True. I remember how overjoyed you were when mom and dad bought you that car. It was one hell of a birthday present.

MELISSA: Well, you’re right about that. Turning 30 was worth it.

JAMAL: True.

MELISSA: So, tell me more about this plan for the expansion of our family’s company. I don’t want to get in the way of your conflict with my new father-in-law. That is why I want to throw you a word of caution.

JAMAL: What do you mean?

MELISSA: Michael has made some racist comments about our family before. He has apologized profusely. But, I just want to make sure you know who you’re getting involved with. I feel as though, if you go after him, he’ll smear your reputation from this way to Sunday.

JAMAL: First off, I’m not scared of some racist ass. Michael may have good whiskey, but he clearly doesn’t have a sense of good business. I get it. He built one of the biggest companies in the country from scratch. However, I’ve taken our family’s luxury furniture store out of the basement and rebooted it completely. Also, with my business partner coming to town very soon, it’ll all be set in my favor.

MELISSA: Business partner? Who is working with you on this project?

Before Jamal can say anything, his phone begins to ring. He retrieves it from the breast pocket of his suit jacket.

JAMAL: (standing) Speaking of business partner, excuse me.

Jamal walks away a few steps and answers the call.

JAMAL: (on the phone) Sam, how the hell are ‘ya?

SAMUEL: (over the phone) I’m good, J. I want you to know that I booked my flight to Thorne Hill and signed the lease on my apartment today.

JAMAL: (on the phone) Very nice. Let me know when you officially get here. We need to start work on this expansion project ASAP. As of last night, I came to find out that we have a competitor. I don’t want them getting in the way.

SAMUEL: (over the phone) No problem. I completely understand. Listen, I better get off of here and finish looking over some projections. I’ll send you my analysis after I’m finished.

JAMAL: (on the phone) Thank you. Bye, Sam.

Jamal hangs up his phone and turns around. Melissa stands.

MELISSA: I can’t believe you. You picked Samuel of all people to be your business partner? You know that man is a snake.

JAMAL: Yeah, well that snake has made our family millions.

MELISSA: How long has he been working for our family’s company?

JAMAL: A long time. And, if he helps me close this deal, he’ll be working for our family for even longer. He’s smart and he’s an incredible asset.

MELISSA: Just be careful with what sharks you decide to swim with. I wouldn’t want you to get bit unexpectedly, brother.

At JJ’s Boutique, Jennifer is standing by the main counter, putting a dozen roses into the crystal vase on top of the counter.

ANDREA: Jenn, if you need to talk, I’m here.

JENNIFER: All I’ve done since I’ve gotten out of my coma, is talk about it. To Philip. To Joshua. The people who knew at first. Hell, I haven’t even been looking for Vargas.

ANDREA: Vargas? Who’s that?

JENNIFER: I guess Joshua didn’t tell you about that. Vargas was Judith and Stuart’s old bodyguard slash hit man. He is the one who led me to find out the truth.

ANDREA: Oh. Why haven’t you looked for him?

JENNIFER: Because, I’m trying to move on. Everyone who knows the truth is trying to move on. I don’t mean to be rude, Andrea, but please, just move on as well. Don’t make this out to be some big deal. I beg of you.

Back at Mimi’s Cafe, Taylor is standing over by the coffee counter. She is pouring sugar into her latte and stirring it. Michael comes from the front counter, carrying a cup of black coffee. He sits it down and begins to pour creamer into it.

TAYLOR: Can I help you?

MICHAEL: I’m just someone pouring creamer into their coffee.

TAYLOR: Seems like more than that is going on right now. I think that you want to know all the details of Quentin and I’s relationship.

MICHAEL: To tell you the truth, I would love nothing more than that. Tell me, are you back here in town to reclaim your man?

TAYLOR: Something like that. You see, Quentin up and left me while I was at a bridal expo. I’m a wedding planner and I was gone for about a week to further the success of my business. By the time I went back to California, my home was sold and I had an EMail from his lawyer. Divorce papers.

MICHAEL: Damn. That’s rough. I’m sorry.

TAYLOR: Thanks.

MICHAEL: Can I tell you something?

TAYLOR: Go ahead.

MICHAEL: I think Quentin is making a fool of himself. He’s dropping you for my sister. Yet, you seem like a walk in the park. He should’ve stayed with you in sunny California.

TAYLOR: Whoa. Wait. You’re that Michael Anderson? Your sister is Kimberly?

MICHAEL: That’s right. I went to high school with another Michael Anderson. But, I’m not him of course. He’s some loser on Wall Street in New York City.

TAYLOR: I see. Very interesting.

MICHAEL: What do you say we sit down together.

TAYLOR: Sure.

Taylor and Michael walk over to a table and sit.

Back at Anderson Manufacturing, in the CEO Office, Quentin rubs his cheek.

QUENTIN: I guess that I deserved that.

KIMBERLY: That and so much more. How could you do this to me, Quentin? Why do you continue to keep secrets from me? I thought you were cheating on me with that one woman you revealed to me to be a business associate. We got past that misunderstanding. But, there’s no getting past this.

QUENTIN: What are you saying, Kimberly?

Kimberly walks over to her office door and opens it.

KIMBERLY: I’m saying that a misunderstanding, I can forgive. However, you being married still, regardless of trying to get a divorce, I cannot. Quentin, this is it. We’re done. Get out of my office right now and don’t call me.

After a pause, Quentin walks to the door.

QUENTIN: Goodbye. For now.

Quentin walks off. Kimberly shuts the door and takes a deep breath. The camera zooms in on her, she is clearly disheartened.

END OF EPISODE 99