oldEpisode Four-hundred-ninety-four: Jack
and Jennifer Have an Interesting Dinner
Party with the Hortons and Kate Roberts,
Who Is Very Interested in Their Attic.

[Air date early March, 1993]

 

SCENE ONE: A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, JACK IS JUST GETTING HOME. AS HE APPROACHES THE FRONT DOOR BILLIE ACCOSTS HIM.

 

BILLIE: Not so fast Deveraux!

JACK: Billie Reed.

BILLIE: Where have you been?

JACK: I've got a better one. Why are you following me?

BILLIE: Haven't you gotten any of my messages?

JACK: I most certainly have and I plan to answer them as soon as I know something.

BILLIE: Well when is that, next month, next year? We are running out of time. I need that money.

JACK: You don't think I know that.

BILLIE: Well you don't act like you know it Jack. I mean have you called Titan Publishing? Have you made any effort at all to get that book published?

JACK: Please, just keep it down. Jennifer's inside.

BILLIE: Well the book is on Kate Roberts' desk. All she has to do is read it.

JACK: How many times do I have to tell you, Kate Roberts' desk is owned by Victor Kiriakis. I don't want him having any more leverage on me than he already has. You may not value your honor and dignity but I plan to hang onto the last vestiges of mine.

 

JENNIFER OPENS THE FRONT DOOR.

 

JENNIFER: Hi, I thought I heard you drive up.

JACK: Yes, you thought correctly. I did.

JENNIFER: Hi Billie.

BILLIE: Hi Jennifer, how's it going?

JENNIFER: Good. I'm just trying to get this....

 

THE OVEN TIMER RINGS.

 

JENNIFER: That's it. That's my stuffed mushrooms. All right, they're done. I've got to put the leg of lamb in the oven.

JACK: Leg of lamb?

JENNIFER: Yes, leg of lamb.

BILLIE: You sound like quite a cook.

JENNIFER: I'm not. I usually just nuke everything in the microwave.

JACK: That's right, she does.

JENNIFER: You don't have to be so quick to agree Mr. Deveraux.

 

SHE NUDGES HIM WITH HER ELBOW.

 

JACK: I'm just surprised that's all. I didn't know. Are we expecting someone tonight?

JENNIFER: Yes. I forgot to tell you. Kate Roberts is coming over for dinner.

JACK: Kate.... Roberts.

 

BILLIE HAS A BIG GRIN ON HER FACE.

SCENE TWO: AT HER OFFICE, KATE SENDS THE MANUSCRIPT OUT TO A READER FOR FEEDBACK THEN TELLS EVERYONE THAT SHE IS HAVING DINNER AT SOME PLACE SPECIAL.

SCENE THREE: BACK AT THE HOUSE.

 

JACK: Kate Roberts.

JENNIFER: See we made this deal. If I let her interview me, she has agreed to come on my show.

 

THE OVEN TIMER RINGS AGAIN.

 

JENNIFER: Oh, that's my brie. Listen I gotta go. Look when you kiss Abby hello come down and help me set the table after that. Goodbye Billie.

BILLIE: Bye.

JACK: Aaaah....

BILLIE: Oh this is perfect Jack. This is perfect.

JACK: We're obviously very busy now. You're going to go, aren't you?

BILLIE: No, this is a chance for you to get the inside scoop.

JACK: I don't want the inside scoop. I don't want to have to do anything with any of this.

BILLIE: All you have to do is find out if she's read the book or not.

JACK: It sounds very simple, doesn't it?

BILLIE: Yeah.

JACK: She'll talk about the weather and suddenly I'll say have you read the book by Miranda Miller. Excellent segue don't you think?

BILLIE: Jack, it's perfect. You just have to be yourself. Just be your charming self. I mean she never has to know that you submitted the book. She'll never know.

JACK: You just don't understand do you? Victor is a serious threat to me. He wants The Spectator. He's going to get too close if I let him near this book.

BILLIE: Well I don't think you understand Jack. If we don't get this money we are history.

 

BILLIE LEAVES.

SCENE FOUR: A SHORT WHILE LATER, JACK AND JENNIFER HAVE JUST ABOUT FINISHED GETTING READY WHEN THEY HEAR THE DOORBELL.

 

JENNIFER: That can't be Kate. She's too early. I didn't tell her this early. Or maybe I did tell her this early. I don't remember.

JACK: Well maybe you did then.

 

JENNIFER OPENS THE DOOR, IT IS ALICE AND TOM.

 

ALICE: Hello darling.

JENNIFER: Hi, how are you?

ALICE: I'm fine.

 

SHE HANDS JENNIFER SOME DESSERT.

 

TOM: Something smells good.

JENNIFER: Well yes. There's this wonderful roast in the oven.... I don't believe it.

ALICE: Darling, what's the matter? We're early. Your grandfather's always rushing me out the door.

JENNIFER: No, I'm sorry. I feel awful. I completely forgot that it's your anniversary.

ALICE: Oh you didn't forget. You sent us that wonderful bouquet of flowers.

TOM: And the lovely card. Your grandmother cried all day.

JENNIFER: No, I didn't forget your anniversary. I completely forgot that I invited you for dinner tonight. I'm sorry.

JACK: Oh well let's just come inside. It's a little warmer inside and we can discuss this whole debacle.

JENNIFER: Jack, you're not going to believe what I just did.

JACK: I believe it.

JENNIFER: I was so excited about Kate Roberts' interview that I completely forgot I invited them over for dinner.

JACK: I believe it. Really, I believe it.

JENNIFER: I'm so sorry. I feel awful.

ALICE: All right, now don't apologize anymore. We're just going to go and we'll come back some other day.

JENNIFER: No, you're not going to go. I want you to stay. There's plenty of food and it'll be great. We'll just have a little dinner party.

TOM: Well if you weren't expecting us....

JENNIFER: No grandpa please. I want you to say. Besides, Kate will enjoy meeting both of you I'm sure. I mean who wouldn't? You're always the life of the party.

ALICE: Oh the life of the party. Tom are you prepared to put on a lampshade and dance on the table?

TOM: I was planning on doing that.

JENNIFER: You're the best. I love you. I love you so much. All right come on. This is going to be great. Everyone's going to relax. It's going to be a wonderful night.

 

JENNIFER TAKES TOM AND ALICE TO THE KITCHEN.

 

JACK: Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night [This is allusion to Margo Channing (Betty Davis) in All About Eve].

SCENE FIVE: THE DINNER PARTY BEGINS WITH JENNIFER'S STUFFED MUSHROOMS. JACK HANDS OUT DRINKS.

 

JACK: Here, you can wash them down.

ALICE: These mushrooms are wonderful Jennifer. What did you put in them? Can you put that down for me darling?

 

JACK TAKES BACK ALICE'S DRINK AND SIPS A BIT OUT OF IT BEFORE PUTTING IT DOWN.

 

JENNIFER: Well actually it's your recipe grandma.

TOM: I thought they were familiar.

JACK: How's the child doing?

JENNIFER: She's sound asleep. Bless her little heart.

JACK: I think I'll just go check on her myself.

JENNIFER: No, you're going to stay right here with my family. We're going to enjoy ourselves.

 

THE DOORBELL RINGS.

 

JENNIFER: That's Kate. All right everyone just relax and enjoy yourselves like you're having a good time.

JACK: (To Alice) Kate Roberts.

ALICE: Yes.

JENNIFER: Hi Kate, come on in.

 

KATE GIVES JENNIFER A BOTTLE OF RED WINE.

 

KATE: I hope you like a Bordeaux.

JENNIFER: Oh yes, that's wonderful. You didn't have to do this.

KATE: What a charming little house.

JENNIFER: Thanks. I think you've already met my husband Jack.

KATE: Jack.

JACK: Ms Roberts.

JENNIFER: And my grandparents. Dr. Tom and Alice Horton.

TOM: Hello.

KATE: Nice to meet you.

ALICE: Ah, oh, wait.

TOM: What's wrong?

oldEp494A

ALICE: I know you.... don't I? (Beat) You know it's the eyes, the shape of the face. I may be terrible with names but I certainly never forget a face.

KATE: It's possible you've seen me before. I did live in Salem for a while but that was so long ago.

JENNIFER: Really! You never mentioned that.

KATE: Well it's been almost twenty years. I just didn't think it was a big deal.

ALICE: Oh, did you ever go to that church up on Hills Point?

KATE: No, no, never did.

ALICE: Well maybe I met you with Mickey. Now my son, Mickey Horton. Does that ring a bell?

TOM: Alice, let the lady relax.

ALICE: Oh I'm sorry but you know I'm terrible Tom. Once I.... well it drives me crazy if I can't place someone.

JACK: It drives me crazy if I go to a party and can't get a drink. Ms Roberts, can I get you something?

KATE: Club soda would be great if you've got it.

JACK: I'll join you. I need something too.

JENNIFER: Let me take your coat.

KATE: Oh thank you.

JENNIFER: Did you have any trouble finding the house?

KATE: No, no, you gave perfect directions. And it really is a perfect little house.

JENNIFER: Thank you. It really is perfect for us.

KATE: I can see how it would be. Can I take a tour, take a look around?

JENNIFER: Well sure. You know what why don't I give you a grand tour of the whole house as soon as we finish dinner.

KATE: Terrific.

SCENE SIX: DINNER IS FINISHED, JENNIFER BRINGS OUT A CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR DESSERT.

 

JENNIFER: Here we go.

ALICE: Jennifer, don't tell me you baked that.

JENNIFER: I won't tell you that because I didn't. I bought it at the bakery.

JACK: It's no matter. I'm sure that it will do for an anniversary cake. Perhaps you'd all like to join Jennifer in singing....

JENNIFER: Happy Anniversary.

JACK: Happy Anniversary, yes.

 

THEY ALL START TO SING AND JACK IS JUST A TAD OFF-KEY. ALL THE WHILE ALICE IS STARING AT KATE.

oldEp494B

ALL: Happy anniversary to you, happy anniversary to you, happy anniversary to.... grandma and grandpa. Happy anniversary to you.

JENNIFER: And many many more.

JACK: Here, here. I'll drink to that.

ALICE: I'm going to help you get the plates.

JENNIFER: Yes, we'll be right back.

 

JENNIFER AND ALICE GO TO THE KITCHEN. KATE STARTS TO WANDER AROUND THE ROOM. SHE PICKS UP A PICTURE OF JACK, JENNIFER AND ABBY.

 

JACK: (To Tom) Excuse me.

 

HE WALKS OVER TO KATE.

 

KATE: She's beautiful.

JACK: Yes. Thank you. She is. (Beat) So have you.... read any good books lately?

KATE: Ah good books? Well actually I haven't had time to settle in my work to have time for books. Although there is one that Victor wants me to read and when the boss wants you to read something....

JACK: You read (Pronouncing it as "reed") it. I mean.... you read (pronouncing it as "red") it?

KATE: Well actually I turned it over to a reader and if she thinks it's worthwhile then she'll give it to me and if I like it.... the rest is publishing history.

JACK: Oh well how very illuminating. Thank you.

JENNIFER: All right. I know, while the coffee is brewing why don't I take you on that tour of the house like I promised?

KATE: Great.

JACK: Okay.... oh.

 

JACK REALIZES THAT HE IS NOT INVITED.

 

JENNIFER: Okay, let's go.

SCENE SEVEN: JENNIFER IS SHOWING KATE AROUND UPSTAIRS. KATE IS ALL EYES AND EARS LOOKING AROUND THE HOUSE. SHE AND JENNIFER COME BACK DOWNSTAIRS.

 

JENNIFER: So eventually when we can afford it, we'd like to tear up all the carpet in the bedrooms and refinish the hardwood floors. And then one of the bedrooms we'd like to turn into an office. I mean it's kind of small but we'll make it work.

KATE: Do you have an attic?

JENNIFER: Yes, why?

KATE: Well there was a wonderful article in our home magazines about renovating space. And I just bet that your attic would make a perfect office.

JENNIFER: You really think so?

KATE: Yes and I imagine with a window you'd have a fabulous view.

JENNIFER: Yeah I have maple trees that I could look right out.

KATE: If I could take a look at it, I could tell you if it would work.

JENNIFER: Oh no, no, no. It is filthy. It's dirty. It's dusty.

KATE: Attics are supposed to be like that. Renovating is my hobby. I'd like to see if I'm right.

JENNIFER: Well if you're sure.

KATE: Absolutely.

JENNIFER: Well okay. Jack, the coffee should be ready. We'll be back down in one more minute.

JACK: You're going back?

JENNIFER: We're going to the attic.

JACK: Again?

 

ALICE AND TOM ARE LOOKING AT THE PHOTO ALBUM OF ABBY.

 

ALICE: Oh isn't she adorable. Now how old was she when that was taken?

JACK: Huh?

ALICE: The one with the ribbon in the hair.

JACK: Aaaah....

 

THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

 

JACK: Ah, oh, ah, I think.... I don't.... I think maybe a week, maybe two. I'll get the door.

 

IT IS BILLIE.

 

BILLIE: Any luck?

JACK: No, my luck has just run out. I'm in the middle of a private dinner party. Do you know what private means?

BILLIE: Oh.

 

SHE WALKS RIGHT IN.

 

JACK: It means.... don't come in.

BILLIE: Dr. and Mrs. Horton. It's so nice to see you. Please don't get up.

TOM: Hello.

ALICE: Where have you been?

BILLIE: Well I've just been around. I've been working hard for Jack.

TOM: Oh keeping him busy, huh.

BILLIE: That's right. Boy, Jack and I have our work cut out for us, don't we Jack?

JACK: We certainly do. Speaking of work, we have a little business meeting right now. So if you'll excuse us.

ALICE: Yes of course. You just take your time because Tom and I are having great fun looking at pictures of our great grand daughter.

JACK: Wonderful.

BILLIE: How nice.

TOM: And great cake.

BILLIE: Yum, I'd love some.

JACK: Yes, later, maybe.

 

JACK PUSHES HER BACK OUT THE DOOR.

 

JACK: Think for a second. If Jennifer sees you for the second time in one evening, she's going to start getting suspicious.

BILLIE: Where's Roberts? Is she still here?

JACK: She's still here. She's upstairs getting a tour of the house.

BILLIE: Well, did you ask her about the book?

JACK: I didn't have to ask her. She told me that one of her readers is reading it unfortunately so excuse me. I have to go.

BILLIE: No wait. There's something else.

JACK: Something else?

BILLIE: Yes. I want you to get Austin a gig on Jennifer's show.

JACK: A gig?

BILLIE: Yes. He needs the money and you owe me big time.

JACK: Wait a minute. How am I supposed to do something like that?

BILLIE: Well you're just going to have to figure it out along with how you're going to get that book published. Let's just see how clever you are.

 

SHE PINCHES HIS CHEEK VERY HARD AND LEAVES.


SCENE EIGHT: UPSTAIRS, JENNIFER TAKES KATE TO THE ATTIC. JENNIFER TELLS HER THAT SOME OF THE BOXES ARE NOT THEIRS AS THE PREVIOUS TENANT LEFT THEM THERE. THE BABY CRIES AND JENNIFER LEAVES KATE TO SEE TO ABBY. KATE LOOKS THROUGH THE BOXES UNTIL SHE FINDS THE ONE SHE'S OBVIOUSLY LOOKING FOR. SHE OPENS IT AND REMOVES A SMALL BOX WHICH CONTAINS A GOLD CHARM WHICH IS HALF A BROKEN HEART. SHE HOLDS IT UP AND LOOKS AT IT LOVINGLY. KATE LEAVES AND GOES BACK TO HER OFFICE WHERE SHE GETS OUT A CHARM BRACELET AND ATTACHES THE BROKEN HEART TO IT. IT APPEARS THAT KATE IS THE ONE OF THE PREVIOUS TENANTS, AND THE DIARY WAS HERS.

SCENE NINE: BACK AT THE HOUSE.

 

JENNIFER: All right, now next year I promise you we are going to throw you a huge anniversary party.

TOM: Oh no, no. This one was perfect.

ALICE: It was absolutely lovely, thank you both.

JACK: Ah, you don't have to thank me. I really take no responsibility for it.

JENNIFER: You did set the table, honey.

JACK: I didn't.

TOM: And a good time was had by all.

JENNIFER: Well that's cause you made it a good time. I'm so glad you came.

ALICE: And we're so glad we did too and it was so good meeting Kate Roberts. Well it was an unexpected treat.

JENNIFER: You really liked her didn't you?

ALICE: Hmmmm, yes.

JACK: This way.

TOM: We'll see you.

JACK: Yes, we'll see you.

JENNIFER: Drive carefully, okay.

JACK: You, ah, take care. Take care. Watch that ice.

ALICE: Goodbye.

 

OUTSIDE, ALICE IS REALLY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE SHE KNOWS KATE FROM. SUDDENLY IT DAWNS ON HER THAT KATE USED TO LIVE IN JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE BUT HER NAME WAS NOT ROBERTS.

SCENE TEN: INSIDE, JACK AND JENNIFER ARE CLEARING UP.

 

JACK: Wait a minute. You mean she didn't ask you anything about yourself?

JENNIFER: Jack she pushed for this interview and it never happened. Doesn't that seem a little strange?

JACK: It strikes me as very strange when you were up there, twice! What did you talk about?

JENNIFER: The house. She kept asking me all these questions about the house.

JACK: The house? She didn't.... she didn't ask you anything about the show?

JENNIFER: The show? It's like she completely forgot that I even had a show.

JACK: You know it may feel like I feel that way sometimes but it's not true.

JENNIFER: What do you mean?

JACK: I mean it may seem like I don't wonder what's going on with your show. But I do.

JENNIFER: Well everything's fine. I mean everything's great. Actually Philip's very excited that we have Kate Roberts on the show.

JACK: Oh.... anyone else in the lineup?

JENNIFER: Ah no, not at the moment actually.

JACK: Hmmm, I know how important it is for you to get those ratings up. Aaah, ever consider a musical guest?

JENNIFER: Well no but I haven't completely ruled it out either.

JACK: Well good. I'm just.... thinking. A musical guest is a good person to think of.... musically, that is.

JENNIFER: Well good. I'll remember that.

JACK: Good.

 

JENNIFER GOES BACK TO THE KITCHEN THINKING JACK IS WEIRD.

 

[Transcribed by Carol Vaughan
added material by Sally A. Wilson]