CHECK, PLEASE Written by Marcus Smith

ii. CHARACTERS THE RESTAURANT Ronnie o'Deare - Mid 20s, recent grad school graduate, restaurant owner, logical, grounded in reality at all times Tommy Paulson - Mid 30s, cook, always serious, focused, thinks most of the people he works with are idiots Theresa Franks - Early 20s, assistant prep cook, calm, mildmannered, addicted to Twitter and Facebook, An'More Alexander - 19 years old, host, college freshman, very book smart, but lacks common sense, easily distracted by life Brandon Louis - 19 years old, dishwasher, college freshman, ladies man, but humble with it Linda Hopps - Mid 30s, manager, wild, spontaneous, has always been classified as the "fun one" Edward Young - Late 40s, custodial, very soft spoken and withdrawn, kind of creepy Bradley Peaton - Early 20s, server, the nicest asshole you will ever meet Paula Abdul - Early 30s, server, a mother of three who attempts to stay hip, also hates her name Rebecca Flynn - Late 20s, bartender, a blunt individual who is never afraid to speak her mind The Servers - small group collectively known as the Servers, featured EXTRAS The o'Deare Family Jack o'Deare - Mid 60s, lawyer, Ronnie's father, running for Senate, uptight and strict, very condescending, Louise o'Deare - Late 50s, businesswoman, Ronnie's mother, compassionate, yet has her condescending moments also Daniel o'Deare - Late 20s, lawyer, Ronnie's brother, handsome, successful, Jack's favorite son

COLD OPEN FADE IN: 1 INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - DAY Thomas Young, affectionately known by staff as Tommy, is pre-setting dessert plates in the back of the kitchen. Theresa, a young assistant chef, walks into the kitchen. THERESA Hey, Tommy. Whats going on up front with Ronnie? TOMMY I dont know, Im back here so I really cant see whats going on up front with Ronnie. THERESA Well, hes talking to people with some cameras. I think its the news. Tommy continues to work on the dessert plates, as Theresa stands there, idly, waiting for him to respond. TOMMY Why the hell are you standing there watching me? THERESA Oh, we were done talking? Tommy shakes his head, and Theresa walks away awkwardly. Just then, restaurant owner Ronnie ODeare, enters into the kitchen. RONNIE Hey, you guys listen up. ANGLE: Theresa peeking around the corner, dropping her cell phone quickly into her apron. BACK TO: RONNIE (CONTD) I saw that, Theresa. With the phone, there, put it away. Anyway, Ive got some great news. 1

2. Tommy continues to work on the dessert plates, effectively ignoring Ronnie as he speaks. RONNIE (CONTD) Tommy, give me two seconds, please. TOMMY Someones got to keep working around here. Ive got 150 dessert plates to make, and only an hour to do it. Im working hard here on these desserts. RONNIE I know, I know, but this is real important, okay. Tommy throws down the brownies he was holding in his hands, and begrudgingly gives Ronnie his full attention. RONNIE (CONTD) Thank you. Now, like I said, Ive got pretty good news. I just got done talking with some local TV producers who... ANGLE ON: Tommy, rolling his eyes, trying not to fall asleep... BACK TO: RONNIE (CONTD) Want to do a reality show focusing on us! Waiting for an excited reaction from the crew, he is disheartened to find that they dont share his same enthusiasm. RONNIE (CONTD) Come on guys, get excited! A reality show...about us! THERESA Why would anyone watch a show about us? RONNIE Because, were fun. Were a fun group of people with an amazing restaurant. Just as he speaks those last words, lights begin to flicker in the kitchen.

3. RONNIE (CONTD) (looking at the celing lights) Been meaning to get that worked out. TOMMY Im not doing it. RONNIE What? What do you mean, youre not doing it? Everyone needs to participate. TOMMY Thank God, my name isnt everyone. Ronnie walks over to Tommy, and begins to speak with him in private. RONNIE I need all the staff to be on board with this. Its free publicity for the restaurant and you of all people know that we need the business. Just, Tommy, be a team player will you? Tommy looks at Ronnie, intently, shrugs his shoulders with defeat, and continues to work on his dessert plates. TOMMY Fine, whatever, but no one better get in my way. Now, leave me alone, I need to finish these damn plates. He turns to Theresa to ask her question, but stops when he and Ronnie both notice that she is more interested in her phone than hearing what they have to say. ANGLE ON: Theresa, laughing at her iPhone, notices their staring after a few moments. THERESA (stammering) Im not twatting. Tweeting. Tweeting, Im not on Twitter. I dont have an app for that. ANGLE: AnMore, the restaurants only host, walks into the back kitchen and notices the dessert plates scattered around.

4. Without making any acknowledgement of his other co-workers, he walks over to one of the brownie plates and begins to eat one of them. TOMMY Seriously, AnMore, youre gonna do that? AnMore turns and looks back at Tommy, who along with Ronnie and Theresa, stares at him with disbelief. ANGLE: Ronnie glances over, nervously, at Tommy. AnMore doesnt say anything, but continues to chew on his brownie. Once done, he turns back to the dessert plate, grabs another brownie, and walks out of the kitchen. Tommy prepares to lunge after him, but Ronnie steps in the way, blocking him. RONNIE Dont hit him. SMASH TO BLACK: END OF COLD OPEN

5. ACT ONE FADE IN: 2 INT. RONNIES OFFICE - DAY 2

Ronnie is sitting at his desk, papers piled in front of him, speaking into the telephone. RONNIE (into phone) Yes, thats sounds great. So, you will be here tomorrow at noon? Thats fantastic, thank you so much. Okay, bye bye. He hangs up the phone, and leans back into his chair, satisfied with how the conversation just went. A few moments later, the intercom from the phone buzzes. RONNIE (CONTD) (pushing the intercom button)

Yes?

ANMORE (V.O.) Ronnie? Ronnie, can you hear me? RONNIE Yes, AnMore, thats what happens when you push the intercom button. I can hear you. ANMORE (V.O.) Well, you have some visitors up front. RONNIE Who are they? AnMore doesnt respond. Shuffling can be heard on the other end of the phone. THEN: ANGLE ON: AnMore, looking slightly confused, places his hand over the phone... BACK TO: 3 3

6. 4 INT. RONNIES OFFICE - DAY ANGLE ON: Ronnies slightly annoyed face... ANMORE (V.O.) (whispering to the visitors) Who are you again? JACK (V.O.) (yelling) Tell him its his GODDAMN parents!! ANMORE (V.O.) Its your goddamn parents, Ronnie. RONNIE Thank you, AnMore, I got that. Ill be right up. Ronnie jumps out of his seat to leave, but not before straightening his tie in the mirror behind his door. He takes a deep breath, then exits his office. 5 INT. RESTAURANT - FRONT OF THE HOUSE - DAY 5 4

Ronnie parents, Jack ODeare and his wife, Louis ODeare, are standing at the host stand, attempting to hold small talk with AnMore. ANMORE And thats why I cant go swimming alone. JACK Your life is so dumb, young man. LOUISE Be nice, Jack. (to AnMore) That was a lovely story, AnMore. She mispronounces his name as (AN-MOO-RAY) instead of the correct pronunciation (AHN-MORE). ANMORE Thats not how you say my name. LOUISE Yes it is, dear. Ronnie enters the front of the house, and walks over to his mother and gives her an excited hug.

7. RONNIE MOM! How are you? LOUISE Hows my youngest son doing? RONNIE Great, actually, just great. Ronnie turns to his father. RONNIE (CONTD) (extending his hand) Dad. How are you? Jack contemplates shaking his sons hand, but Louise gives the look and he obliges, extending his own hand. JACK Just fine, son. Just fine. RONNIE So, what do I owe this pleasure of you all stopping by? JACK Son, is there somewhere private where we can talk? I dont want the help knowing our business. RONNIE (slightly offended) No, no, Dad, thats okay. We can talk out here. Were a family here at the restaurant. There are no secrets. (referring to AnMore) AnMore is like family to me. We speak openly. ANGLE ON: AnMore, smiling slightly at the compliment he just received, continues to work behind the host desk... Ronnie walks over to AnMore and places his hand on his shoulder. RONNIE (CONTD) How was that brownie, slugger? Tommy was going to kill you back there. ANMORE It was really good. I like brownies.

8. THEN: AnMore, suddenly, leans over, grabs the small trash can next to him, and begins to throw up into the can. ANGLE ON: Jacks disgusted face ANGLE ON: Louises pale face... ANGLE ON: Ronnies embarrassed face... ANGLE ON: AnMore, who smiles, ever so slightly at his latest embarrassment... ANMORE (CONTD) (to Ronnie) Im allergic to brownies. Its the chocolate. RONNIE (to his parents) We can talk in my office. Good idea. JACK

Ronnie and his parents head towards the back of the restaurant, while AnMore wipes the corners of his mouth with a linen cloth. 6 INT. RONNIES OFFICE - DAY 6

Ronnie opens the door to his open, quickly scanning for any imperfections, then motions for his parents to have a seat in the chairs before them. RONNIE So, whats really going on? JACK Is it true that youre having a reality show? RONNIE How did you even hear about that? ANMORE (V.O.) I told them. Ronnie aggressively pushes the intercom button, canceling communication between the two phones. RONNIE Get off the line, AnMore.

9.

JACK Son, that is not a good idea. RONNIE And why is that? JACK I dont think you need to bring more attention to your restaurant. Plus, its not a good look for me. RONNIE First of all, what does my restaurant have to do with you? And secondly, I make the decisions around here, not you. LOUISE Listen, I think what your father is trying to say is that he just wants to make sure that this is the best move for you. JACK Wrong. What Im saying is that since I am running for the Senate this year, I dont need my son on national airwaves making a fool of himself. RONNIE Its always about you. JACK Youre damn skippy. And it could have been about you too if you would have gone to law school. RONNIE Here we go. LOUISE I dont think we need to bring this argument up right now, boys. JACK We had everything planned out for you. You were to follow in my footsteps, and carry on the family name. (MORE)

10. JACK (CONT'D) Instead you decide to open this third world McDonalds and hire retarded Hungarian babies as your staff. AnMore opens the door, apparently eavesdropping on the conversation, and interjects: ANMORE Im actually half black, half Indian. And the doctors say Im not legally retarded...yet. RONNIE (to AnMore) Get out! (to Jack) If thats the reason why you came down here, to berate me and disrespect my restaurant, Im sorry you wasted your time. JACK Heres the deal son: Youre not going to do this reality show, and youre going to close down this godforsaken dump once and for all. Ronnie cant believe what he is hearing. He takes it all in, walks over to his office door, and motions for his parents to leave. LOUISE Please, Ronnie, just think things over. Make sure this is the right decision. RONNIE Mom, I appreciate your concern, but Im a big boy. I can handle this. Louis walks over to her son and kisses him the cheek, and exits the office. Jack follows behind, saying nothing to Ronnie. Ronnie slams the door behind them, and throws himself into his desk chair. CUT TO: 7 INT. RESTAURANT - FRONT OF THE HOUSE - DAY 7

Jack and Louise are exiting from the office, heading towards the front door, where the run back into AnMore at the host stand.

11. ANMORE Thank you all for coming down. It was nice to see you again. LOUISE You too, AnMorice. Once again, Louis pronounces AnMores name wrong, something he takes great offense. ANMORE Its AnMore. My name. Like AHHHN, then the word more. Its not hard, maam. JACK You know, kid, you annoy me. ANMORE And your toupee freaks me out. JACK (patting his hair) What toupee? You know-. Tell me, where do you live? Whats your address? ANMORE 2643 Lucas Ave. JACK Good. (to Louise) Remember that address for me, will you? Thats going to be the first place I demolish under eminent domain when Im elected into office. ANGLE ON: AnMore reacts sadly and disturbed by the statement Jack just made to him... Jack and Louise finish putting on their coats and exit the restaurant. ANMORE (under his breath) But where are my cats going to live? Fucker.

12. 8 INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - AFTERNOON 8

Tommy has finished making his dessert plates, and is putting them away in the refrigeration units. Theresa is cutting up various fruits and vegetables on the main line. THERESA So, what do you really think about this reality show? You think were getting paid? TOMMY I dont care either way. All I know, is that its going to be a pain in my ass. THERESA I dont know. I think it will be kind of fun. You know, being on T.V. and such. Millions of people watching you. TOMMY Yeah, because so many people are going to be interested in watching us cut carrots. Nothing exciting happens around here. Period. Just then, dishwasher Brandon Michaels, a young college freshman, comes rushing through the back kitchen door. BRANDON (throwing off his bookbag) Im not late, I swear. Im not late. TOMMY Youre late. BRANDON No, Im not. Tommy steps in front of Brandon, and places his watch in Brandons face. TOMMY What time does that say? BRANDON I dont know, its upside down. Tommy corrects his hand position.

13. TOMMY

Now?

BRANDON 7 past Im not late. TOMMY Dont let it happen again, smartass. Brandon opens his bookbag and throws on his apron. ANGLE ON: Theresa, watching Brandon put on his apron, obviously enjoying this simple task more than others. Its clear that someone likes what shes see... Brandon walks over to the dish station, but not before grabbing some towels from behind the kitchen line. THERESA Hi, Brandon. BRANDON Hey, Theresa. How are you? THERESA Better. You know, I requested you as a friend on Facebook. Cool. BRANDON

THERESA Did you get it? The request? BRANDON (obviously lying) No. Oh, God, I havent even been on Facebook in so long. THERESA (undeterred) Thats okay. Ill try to send it again. When you get on, check out my profile page. Especially my profile picture. Theresa leans in closer to Brando, lowering her voice as she speaks. THERESA (CONTD) (seductively) Its really PG-13.

14. ANGLE ON: Brandon looking around the room, clearly uncomfortable by the advances being made towards him... Awkward Beat. Ronnie enters the back kitchen. RONNIE Hey, good, almost everyone is here. Can you all meet me in the dining area? I need to go over some things with you. TOMMY Is it about this damn reality show? BRANDON Reality show? What show? RONNIE Yes, and Ill explain everything again when everyone is here. Just, lets get this over with. 9 INT. RESTAURANT - FRONT OF THE HOUSE - AFTERNOON 9

AnMore is at the host stand, wiping down menus, occasionally smelling them after spraying them with the cleaning solution. Ronnie and the rest of the crew enter from the back, taking seats at one of the dining tables. RONNIE (calling from afar) Hey, AnMore, we need you back here, buddy. ANMORE Im kind of busy. He smells another menu. RONNIE (slightly embarrassed) Are you sniffing menus again? Awkward Beat. ANMore throws the menu down, and turns to head towards the group. Once AnMore is seated, Ronnie begins the meeting.

15. RONNIE (CONTD) Okay, great, so were just missing the servers? THERESA Theyre always late. RONNIE Its fine, Ill brief them later. Listen, I wanted to explain why I have decided to allow a reality show to document us. TOMMY Because youre a whore. RONNIE No, no, not even logical, that response. THERESA Because were trashy? RONNIE Even less logical. BecauseANMORE

Ronnie puts his hand to stop AnMore. RONNIE (shaking his head) No, AnMore. I didnt hear a question. (continuing) I decided to do this because, well, to be honest, things are tough. Were a new business, trying to find its footing in a rough economy. We need to draw attention to ourselves. Get people to want to come into our restaurant. If we dont(pause) Then its not only me who would be out of a job. Look, I know that this will be something to get used to, but I know it will only benefit us. Can you all stand united with me on this? The group looks around at one another. After a moment:

16. TOMMY Whatevers best for the business. Im in. THERESA

BRANDON Why didnt anyone even tell me? ANMORE I want a raise. And a pet monkey to keep me company. Ronnie, understanding who he is speaking with, decides to play along with AnMore. No monkey. RONNIE

QUICK ANGLE ON ANMORE ANMORE Raise and a handheld fan. QUICK ANGLE ON RONNIE RONNIE A quarter raise and cleaning solution that smells like lemon lime. AnMore raises his eyebrows upon hearing the last offer. He turns and looks at his fellow co-workers. ANMORE (satisfied) And that is how you play hardball and win. SMASH TO BLACK: END OF ACT ONE

17.

ACT TWO FADE IN: 10 EXT. RONNIES (THE RESTAURANT) - NIGHT 10

A couple walks by the restaurant, peers in the window, then, unimpressed, continues walking down the street. 11 INT. RESTAURANT - FRONT OF THE HOUSE 11

Ronnie is standing near the front of the entrance, welcoming the few guests that are entering to the restaurant. He walks over to the host stand, where AnMore is attempting to find tables for the guest. RONNIE (to one of the guests) AnMore will get you seated in just a moment, folks. Why dont you have a seat in the bar with Rebecca and shell talk care of you until your table is ready. Thank you. Ronnie turns his attention to AnMore. RONNIE (CONTD) What seems to the be the hold up? ANMORE Im nervous, Ronnie. RONNIE About what? ANMORE What if I cant do my job when the cameras get here? RONNIE Can you worry about this later? When you dont have people to seat?

18. ANMORE I cant be judged. I dont like it. RONNIE I dont think anyone does. Here(grabs a few menus) Take some menus and do your job. ANMORE Im not used to people judging me. RONNIE (beat) To your face? ANMORE Now, millions of people are going to watching my every move. AndRONNIE (interrupting) Were really doing this now? ANMORE I cant handle the pressure. RONNIE (annoyed) Well talk about this later, seat the guests, and it will all be better. AnMore leaves the host stand and leads the waiting guests to their tables. Ronnie walks over to the bar, where Rebecca, the bartender, is polishing some glasses. RONNIE (CONTD) I dont know what Im going to do with him. REBECCA The kids a friggin moron. Still dont know why you hired him. RONNIE (trying to convince himself) Hes a good employee. I mean, hes a good kid.

19. REBECCA Hes an idiot. I still think you only hired because of Equal Opportunity and we had to meet some quota. Ronnie shakes his head. RONNIE God, I hope I made the right decision. REBECCA About hiring AnMore? No. RONNIE Not about him, this reality show. I hope this is right. REBECCA (comforting) How are you doing? RONNIE I dont know. Im really all over the place. Rebecca leans over the bar, moving in closer to Ronnie. ANGLE ON: Ronnie and Rebecca locking eyes with one another. You can see that, at one point, they cared deeply about the other. REBECCA You know, Im here to talk. I know. RONNIE

REBECCA If this is what you think is best for you being successful, then Im behind it 100%. Be happy, and dont let this get you down. RONNIE (taking her hand) You know behind all that fiestyness theres a person with a sweet heart. REBECCA (mouthing) Thank you.

20. Bradley, one of the servers, appears from around the corner and places a few plates on Rebeccas bar counter, then leaves. REBECCA (CONTD) (yelling) Hey, what the hell, dude? Get your dishes. Grabbing the plates, she follows after him. REBECCA (CONTD) I dont clean anything for you! Does my bar say Maytag somewhere? Just then, Paula, one of the servers, steps up to Ronnie with a concerned look on her face. PAULA Ronnie, I think they need you in the kitchen. RONNIE Why, whats going on? PAULA You may just want to check it out for yourself. Its nothing too big, just, wellWhat? RONNIE

PAULA Lets go back there shall we? Ronnie and Paula head down the aisle leading to the back of the restaurant, where commotion can be heard from the kitchen. 12 INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN 12

Rebecca, Bradley, and Brandon, are standing in complete amazement at the sight before them. Ronnie peeks around the corner to see Tommy holding AnMore in a chokehold. TOMMY Ill kill him. If he touches one of my dessert plates again, I swear, I will.

21. RONNIE Guys, what the hell? Stop! (to AnMore) Did you take another one of his brownies? AnMore, struggling to talk, manages to shake his head no, but when he opens his mouth, the answer is clear. ANMORE (mouthful of brownies)

No.

Ronnie walks over to Tommy and pulls AnMore from his clutches. AnMore gasps for air, then hides behind Ronnie. The rest of the servers and Rebecca cant help but laugh at what they just witnessed. BRADLEY Oh, God, that has got to be one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Idiots. REBECCA

Ronnie walks over to Tommy, in an attempt to calm him down. RONNIE What is the matter with you? I know you have a temper, but choking him? TOMMY I cant stand the little hermit. RONNIE I get the feeling youre not the only one, but you cant put your hands on him like that. I justTOMMY

RONNIE What is really going on? Whats getting to you? TOMMY (getting emotional) Its this damn show, Ronnie. Why do you have to go and screw up everything up? Were a failing business! (MORE)

22. TOMMY (CONT'D) Were only setting ourselves up for more failure! Well be a goddamn laughing stock...in front of the entire country! An embarrassment! ANGLE ON: The concerned faces of the staff: Rebecca, AnMore, Bradley, and Theresa. RONNIE (trying to convince himself) I have faith in us. TOMMY Yeah, well, Im getting the feeling youre the only one. Ronnie is taken aback from what he is hearing. He looks around at his employees, then turns back to Tommy. RONNIE (quietly, to all) Lets get back to work. I cant. Ronnie spins around. What? RONNIE TOMMY

TOMMY If you go through with this, I wont be apart of it. RONNIE What are you saying? Tommy, noI quit. THERESA TOMMY

AnMore comes out from behind Ronnie, surprisingly shocked at what he has heard. ANMORE All because I ate some brownies? Look, Ill make you some more. Tommy takes off his apron and throws it down to Ronnies feet, who just stands there, watching.

23. Tommy and Ronnie have an intense stare down. ANMORE (CONTD) (grabbing sugar and bowls) You just throw some chocolate and mix in here. Wheres some butter? Tommy, Ill make you more! ANGLE ON: Rebecca shaking her head, obviously annoyed with AnMore. TOMMY I tried sticking it out with you. Being the one person who stood next to you when you went against everyone. But this, a reality show? Its ridiculous. Youre not thinking with your head. Im not going to let you embarrass me, my pride is everything. Go then. RONNIE

ANMORE (to Tommy) You like powered sugar? Tommy turns around and exits through the back door. The rest of the staff stands there, shocked, at what just happened. Ronnie pulls himself together, puts on a brave face, and: RONNIE (holding back) We still have a restaurant to run. Theresa, take over. (to Rebecca) Back at the bar. (to the rest) Move! Everyone scatters. Ronnie enters his office, slamming the door shut behind him. SMASH TO BLACK: 13 BLACK SCREEN TEXT APPEARS: 2 Years Ago FADE IN: 13

24. 14 INT. ODEARE FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY A banner is hanging from the grand mantle piece inside the living room of the ODeare family home. The sign reads: Congratulations, Graduate! The living room is empty until a lone figure steps into view, and pauses in front of the mantle. It is Ronnie. He looks over the family pictures that adorn the mantle. He focuses on one in particular: a photo of the entire ODeare family (Jack, Louise, Ronnie, and his brother Jackson) together...and happy. THEN: LOUISE I remember when we all took that picture. It was such a hassle to get us all in one place, at one time, but it happened. RONNIE And we look so happy. LOUISE We were happy. RONNIE You were drunk. LOUISE I was drunk, but happy. They both laugh. Louise leans into her sons shoulder. LOUISE (CONTD) Congratulations, Ronnie. You deserve this. Ronnie cannot bear to look at his mother, fore he knows that by the days end he is going to break her heart. RONNIE Thanks, Mom. For everything. She pats him on the shoulder and wipes a small tear that was forming from the corner of her eye. LOUISE Now, you have to get straightened up. Everyone will be here momentarily. Louise exits the room, but not before straightening up a few pieces of furniture. 14

25. Ronnie turns back to the mantle, not seeing the figure standing behind him, watching. Angle: A young woman, early 20s, youthful. A face we recognize... REBECCA So, Mr. Graduate? Did you break the news yet? Ronnie turns around to find Rebecca standing besides him. He smiles slightly. RONNIE No, just trying to find the right time. REBECCA You know Im proud of you. For what? RONNIE

REBECCA For not being a bitch and actually going through with this. RONNIE You thought I would bitch out? REBECCA (playfully) Well, you can be a bitch sometimes. RONNIE (offended to an extent) I am not. REBECCA Remember that time you were supposed to tell your dad that you didnt want to go with him to Washington? RONNIE (embarrassed to admit) You know how my dad is. I was scared, a bit. REBECCA Spoken like a true bitch.

26. RONNIE Look, Im going through with this, okay. Im not backing out. Rebecca steps closer to Ronnie, locking eyes with him. Then, she suddenly embraces him and kisses him. REBECCA I know you wont. JACK (O.S.) Wont what? Jack ODeare walks into the room, followed by Louise, Ronnies brother Jackson, and a few family friends. Rebecca and Ronnie pull away from each other, and turn to face the group. RONNIE (thinking quickly) Wont be going to Phoenix anytime soon. I heard its a bitch city. JACK Good choice. The law schools there are absolute trash. Jack walks up to Ronnie and places his arms around Ronnie. Ronnie looks slightly uncomfortable as he is not used to his father showing any small amount of affection. But today was a different day than most. JACK (CONTD) Everyone gather round, gather round. I want to make a toast. Everyone grabs their respective drinks, as the attention turns to Jack. Jack never looked more proud of his son before this moment. JACK (CONTD) This day has been a long time coming. To be honest, I thought he would drop out a long time ago. That assumption lost me a $1000, but here we are nonetheless. LOUISE (raising her glass) I dont accept checks either.

27. JACK (turning to Ronnie) Ronnie, I know I have been hard on you over the years, but that was, honestly, because I didnt like you. But now, after today, I may actually start telling people youre my son. Im glad you made the most of college, and Im even more proud of the fact that you have decided to follow in your old mans footsteps and head to law school. Jack places his arms around his son, a move that Ronnie is, slightly, taken aback by. Affection has never been their strongest suit with one another. DadRONNIE

JACK (continuing on) Law school is going to be a challenge. Youre going to face a lot of obstacles that most men would never dare to overcomeRonnie continues trying to find a moment where , but comes up empty handed each time. Once Jack starts, its hard for him to stop. JACK (CONTD) I remember when I was a fresh young student entering law schoolRONNIE Jack, Ive gotJACK (acknowledging Ronnie) Just a moment. (continuing with his speech) I remember that I was scared as hell. And for a split second, I doubted myself. ANGLE ON: Rebecca grabbing Ronnies hand, squeezing it gently. He gets the hint. Dad, stop. RONNIE

28. Jack turns to his son, a look of anger crosses his face as he being interrupted. Their audience is silence. No one moves. All attention is on Ronnie. JACK Is there something that you need to say? Something more important? A taunt. Ronnie needed to keep a clear head, defying his father as he was about to do was an arduous task. RONNIE Yes. There is something I need to say. JACK You better be dying. Thats the only excuse Ill take for you interrupting me. Ronnie took a moment to think before he spoke, one of the few things he learned from Jack. He looked over to his mother, whose face was filled with confusion. RONNIE Ive been thinking about this long and hard. ANGLE ON: The front door to the home opens and a familiar figure slides in unnoticed. Ronnie continues. RONNIE (CONTD) My entire life Ive always wanted you to be proud of me. All of you. I always wanted to live up to the ODeare name. But I wasnt being honest. Not with you, or even myself. (to Jack) DadJACK (sternly) Jack. RONNIE (correcting himself) Jack. I am grateful for everything that you and mother have done for me.

29. JACK Spit it out. ANGLE ON: The figure that walked through the door reveals himself to be, Tommy. He watches on along with the handful of people. Ronnie notices him, and out the corner of his eye, so does Jack. RONNIE Im not going to law school. The bomb was dropped. Stunned looks flashed across the faces of their friends and family. Jack steps away from his son, while Louise tries to understand what she is hearing. Ronnie continues: RONNIE (CONTD) All my life, I felt that I could never tell you what I really wanted for fear of being judged or abandoned. I lived with that feeling for my entire life. JACK Well, you were right. RONNIE You will let me finish. I kept telling myself that I would be nothing without my family. Nothing without the great Jack ODeare standing behind me. I would be a nobody. But then I realized: I was already a nobody. (looks over to Rebecca) Until I met Rebecca. He grabs her hand, a gesture that even takes her aback for a moment. JACK You little, harlot. RONNIE (angrily) You will treat her with respect. This woman showed me that I am somebody, that I can live outside of your shadow. She showed me how to finally accept who I am. Louise finishes her drink, then sets it down on the end table beside her, missing the placed coaster.

30. LOUISE Why couldnt you tell us this in private? Why now, Ronnie? Why now? RONNIE If there is one thing that I learned from my father, its that if you are going to do something, do it BIG. LOUISE What are you going to do with your life now? You dont have a job. You have no career. JACK You hear that? You have nothing. RONNIE Im following my dream. Im opening my own restaurant. LOUISE A restaurant? Where did this-? What are you talking about? RONNIE Ever since I was little, I wanted to open my own restaurant. Have something that I could call my own. JACK You need money to do that. And, oh, thats right, you have nothing. Remember? A voice from the back of the room, speaks loudly in response to Jacks last statement. Everyone in the room splits down the middle, revealing, Tommy, as the one who spoke. TOMMY You have me. JACK What in Gods name are you doing here? Tommy steps forward. TOMMY Im here to support, Ronnie. JACK Get out. You have no place here.

31. TOMMY Not before I do what you should have done. (turns to Ronnie) I want to help. What? RONNIE

TOMMY Let me help you open your restaurant. JACK This is bullshit. How can-? RONNIE

TOMMY Dont worry about that. Just know, Im always going to have your back. After all...thats what brothers are for. Ronnie smiles, as his brother, Tommy, extends his hand. Ronnie looks over at his father, who stares disapprovingly, then back to Tommy and meets his hand for a shake. Thank you. RONNIE

Jack, unable to control his anger, turns around, grabs a corner of the hanging banner, and furiously begins to rip it down. He takes one more glance back at his family, then storms out of the room. Louise, stands there, not knowing what to do. She looks back at her two sons, takes them both by the hand, and: LOUISE I love you, boys. This may not be something that I want, but I will support you. Your father will come around. We will work through this. She smiles lovingly at them. She straightens her clothing and motions for the guests in the room to exit into the foyer. She follows behind them, but before she leaves, she notices she missed the coaster when setting down her wine glass. Louise grabs the rim of the glass and gently places the it on the coaster.

32. Slowly, but surely, everything would be back in order. END OF ACT TWO

33. FADE IN: INT. RONNIES OFFICE Ronnie, a half a bottle of whiskey next to him, has his face planted into desk, seemingly passed out. After a moment, a few knocks begin to come from his office door. He doesnt respond. The knocks continue. time: RONNIE (stupidly) GO AWAY! Jingle of keys can be heard coming from the other side of the door. The door in unlocked and Tommy walks into frame, staring at Ronnie with a look of disbelief and annoyance. TOMMY They told me you locked yourself in here. RONNIE I told you to go away. TOMMY Now, when did I ever start taking orders from you? RONNIE What do you want? You quit, remember? Tommy throws the keys onto the desk, and takes a seat. He slaps the top of Tommys head, trying to gain his attention. TOMMY I own half the place. Much more paperwork would be involved if I did quit. And I hate fucking paperwork. RONNIE (lifting his head, exasperated) What? TOMMY Im sorry I bailed on you. He responds this

34. RONNIE What do you have against us doing this? TOMMY I dont want us to be made to look like friggin idiots. We wont. RONNIE

TOMMY Look, we live in a day where if you do one of those shows, you end becoming a joke. I put everything I got into this place, for you, and I wont have us go down like that. RONNIE Were already going down. (defeated) God, I dont know what I was thinking. I should have known I wasnt going to be able to do this. Jack was right. TOMMY Dont go talking stupid. Okay? I know things have been tough with the business. Everyone got hit. RONNIE This show-I honestly believe will help us make it. National TV. Millions of people watching. Seeing OUR restaurant every week. You cant buy that kind of publicity. TOMMY Who are these people even doing the show? It better not be Ryan fucking Seacrest. I hate that chick. RONNIE No, these people are the real deal. Theyre working with NBS, the big time. Tommy, you said you would always have my back. I need you, bro. WE need you. Tommy takes in all what has been said. He thinks about the embarrassment he could potentially face with doing something like this. How it could backfire in all their faces.

35. But then, he looks his brother and sees the passion in his eyes. He couldnt let him down. They were in this together. TOMMY Fine. I trust you. A wide grin comes across Ronnies face. He jumps from his chair and hugs his brother. RONNIE (adlib) Thank you. Thank you. TOMMY Get off me. Get off me. Ronnie settles down. TOMMY (CONTD) If we do this, we make this the best goddamn show anyone has ever seen. RONNIE All were doing is being us. (sincerely) Thank you. TOMMY Youre welcome. As they finish their conversation, sniffles could heard coming from the room as if someone was crying. THEN: ANMORE (V.O.) (crying) I knew you two would work it out. Im so happy. RONNIE (into the intercom) Have you been listening this whole time? Silence. RONNIE (CONTD) (pressing) AnMore? Beat.

36. ANMORE (V.O.) (defeated)

Yes.

Tommy and Ronnie look at each other and cant help but laugh. AnMore, believing he is off the hook, begins to laugh to. TOMMY (into the intercom) You dont get to laugh. Ok. ANMORE FADE TO BLACK. INT. RESTAURANT - FRONT OF THE HOUSE Tommy and Ronnie can be seen heading towards the front door. AnMore is at the host stand cleaning and clearing it for the night. Ronnie and Tommy reach the door to leave, but not before Tommy turns to AnMore. ANMORE (feeling Tommys glare) Im almost done. Ill get off the clock. TOMMY Hey, I wanted to apologize about earlier. Im sorry for...choking you. ANMORE And I apologize for eating your brownies. TOMMY Speaking of those, did you make me another batch? ANMORE Yes, yes. I did. TOMMY That was nice. Didnt exactly expect you do it. AnMore says nothing, but smiles. Smiling as if he is not telling the whole truth.

37. ANGLE ON: Ronnie, staring at AnMore strangely. THEN: Anmore bends over and throws up in the trash can next to him. RONNIE (disgustingly) Oh, God. TOMMY What the fu-? RONNIE He ate the brownies. TOMMY He ate the brownies? ANMORE (wiping his mouth) I ate the brownies. They all stare at one another, wishing they werent there. AnMore breaks the silence, doing the only thing he could of: He runs. ANMORE (CONTD) PLEASE DONT HIT ME! I MAKE MORE! FADE TO BLACK. Sounds of AnMore crashing into chairs can be heard over the black screen. ANMORE (V.O.) (CONTD) Wheres the butter? WHEREs THE BUTTER?? END