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Thursday, December 23, 2004
It's Christmas time in Oakdale, and Henry and Katie are putting up their tree at the cottage. Henry is wrestling with the lights, dressed in a white shirt, tie, and festive plaid vest, when Katie comes downstairs. "Come share the pain, Bubbles," he calls. "You're doing great," encourages Katie. "That's not the kind of help I had in mind," says Henry. "Well, don't worry. As soon as you're done with all the lights, you don't have to help decorate. You can go shopping," says Katie. "Hmm? And leave you alone? Not a chance," says Henry. Katie assures him it's OK. "How is it okay if it's the holidays and Mike hasn't shown up yet?" asks Henry. But Katie is confident he will. "Uh-huh. He's a busy man. He thinks you're happily married. Just tell me again why you think he'd sign up for this?" asks Henry. "Because Simon asked him to. And he wouldn't let him down," says Katie confidently. "Mike wouldn't let Simon down? My brain just hit, like, a speed bump there. Mike and Simon, buddies for life now?" asks Henry sarcastically. "Okay, okay -- I get it. So he wouldn't let me down. I left Mike a message asking him to help me decorate the tree," says Katie. "Oh. I'm surprised he didn't get a police escort for that kind of an emergency. Bubbles -- I'm sorry, but I don't think your plan is gonna work," says Henry. "Oh, he'll be here. Wait and see," says Katie. Now Henry and Katie are both working on the lights. "You know, Katie, sometimes the direct route is the best. Honesty. You know, laying all your cards on the table," says Henry. "Who are you?" jokes Katie. "I know. I know, I know. But I've been thinking about this and -- this is Mike we're talking about," says Henry. "Yeah, exactly. I can't go up to him and say, 'Hey, Simon and I are through. Here I am. Take me.' He would freak out. He would feel like it was deja vu, like he was getting his heart broken all over again," says Katie. "Well, maybe, okay. But it's you we're talking about. I think he'd get over it," Henry tells her. "Yeah, probably. If he was alone. But he's not alone. He's involved with Jennifer. So he'd feel like he had to choose, all of a sudden. And you know Mike. He would take the high road. He would choose Jennifer. Because he would feel obligated and like it was wrong to abandon her," theorizes Katie. "Okay. So he takes a little extra time and lets her down easy," says Henry. "No, he wouldn't let Jennifer down. In fact, he would avoid me like the plague. Because he wouldn't want to be tempted. I would never see him," says Katie. "So you do get to see him, but you're unavailable," clarifies Henry as they begin to string the lights on the tree. "Right. I get to see him, spend time with him. He starts to feel secure and safe, and then all of that old chemistry takes up," plots Katie. "So -- he's eating his heart out for you, but you're still attached to Simon -- why does this sound familiar?" says Henry. "I'm not attached this time," Katie corrects him. "So, at some point during this scenario, you do tell Mike the truth, then?" asks Henry. Katie agrees, "When he's good and hooked, and one little white lie won't matter. Then this fling with Jennifer will seem like the distraction that it is, and all of a sudden, he will realize how in love with me he is. Good, huh?" "Kathryn, all I can say is that is so perverse, all I can do is salute you," says Henry. "It'll work. I love this tree," says Katie. "You would. It's as twisted as your logic. I can't believe you spent good money on it," says Henry. Katie thinks it's perfect. "No, there were perfectly perfect trees back at the lot," says Henry. Katie asks him if he remembers the tree she and Mike had last year. "Yes, I do. I do. It was worse than this one. It was a little mongrel of a tree -- which Mike will remember as soon as he sees this one," says Henry. "Without me having to say a word," agrees Katie. "You are good. You are," says Henry. "Count on it. By the end of this afternoon, Mike will be one step closer," predicts Katie. "You sure you don't mind making yourself scarce while Mike's here?" Katie asks Henry. He says no, he has some shopping to do. "Oh, Henry, don't spend your money on me," says Katie. "What? I didn't catch that. What did you..." teases Henry. "Well, I'm here with my best friend in the world, in my house, with my family for Christmas," says Katie. "Did you just turn down merchandise?" asks Henry, shocked. "Okay, well, don't spend a lot. There's only one thing I want that I don't have," says Katie. "And is he on his way? Is that him at the door right now?" asks Henry as the doorbell rings. Katie answers the door with a cheery "Merry Christmas!" before she realizes it's Jennifer. "Merry Christmas to you, too," she says. "Jennifer, hi. Can I help you?" asks Katie politely. "Oh, we're here to help you. Your message said you needed extra hands to decorate the tree," says Jennifer. "That we do. Okay. Yeah. Come on in," says Katie. Jennifer explains that she and Mike were on their way over when he was stopped by a client, but he'll be here soon. "Hey, Jen, good to see you. The more the merrier. I gotta go," says Henry, heading for the door with his coat. Katie tells him not to be gone too long. "I won't. You girls have fun," he says. "We will," says Jennifer. "Yeah. You bet," smiles Katie. Mike has just said good-bye to his client at Al's when Henry comes in. "Hey! I thought that was your car outside," he says. "Henry. You're eating here?" asks Mike. "Never," laughs Henry. "I was just -- no, I was just passing by. I've gotta get some tinsel. The tree trimming party, you know." "Ah. I'm on my way. Hopefully, Jen got there by now," says Mike. "Hopefully -- hopefully, your ex and current girlfriends are spending quality time together? Ah, that some men's fantasies, I'm sure, but..." says Henry. Mike asks him if he thinks it's a bad idea. Henry says no, he's just amazed that Jen would want to go. "No more amazing than Simon asking me to take care of Katie. All right, what's up with that?" asks Mike. "Huh?" says Henry, playing dumb. "Well, with our history, it's not like the guy trusts me," says Mike. "Well, obviously he trusts Katie and is perfectly comfortable with you being around. Of course, I'm only guessing," says Henry. Mike asks if he's talked to him and Henry says only briefly. "Why didn't he ask you to take care of Katie? He knows what a good friend you've been to her," wonders Mike. "Well, maybe he's threatened by me, you know?" suggests Henry as Mike laughs at the idea. "Or maybe it's a gesture to you. He's such a big man, he can even withstand having you around," says Henry. "You still don't like him, do you?" asks Mike. "As long as Katie is ecstatically happy, that's all that matters," says Henry diplomatically. "Me, neither," agrees Mike. "I always rooted for you, Mike. I always rooted for you," says Henry. Mike says that's water under the bridge now. "Hmm, water freezes this time of year. It stays in place," observes Henry. "Don't worry. I've moved on. You know, it's kinda funny how you can live in the same town with the most amazing people and never know it," says Mike. "You mean Jennifer? Yeah, she is -- you know, I'm actually kinda surprised, Mike. I mean, it seems like just yesterday you were never gonna date again. And then, all of a sudden, it's Jen, all the time," says Henry. "Well, I mean, it wasn't just yesterday. I mean, we haven't seen you for, what? Quite awhile there," says Mike. "Yeah. 90 days, 10 off for good behavior. And then I come home, and -- boom! It's Mike and Jen!" says Henry. "It happened the right way, you know? We became friends first, really being sure, no old baggage to hold us back," explains Mike. Henry asks if he's happy, and Mike says he is. "It feels good for a change. Look, we should get to that store before it closes, all right?" "Hmm, what?" asks Henry. Mike reminds him that he's buying tinsel. "Yeah! Right, right. Of course. Let's get going. Katie's waiting, and we're missing a party," says Henry. Meanwhile, back at the cottage. Katie and Jennifer discuss Christmas trees, life, and love. Much to Katie's dismay, Jennifer admits that she thinks Mike might be "the one" for her, just like Simon is for Katie! The boys come back and Henry enters with a "Ho, ho, ho! Look who I found!" "Hey, you guys. Get in here and help," says Katie. "Looks like you guys need it. You barely touched the tree yet," observes Mike. Jen says they were saving some for him. "Yeah. So -- what have you ladies been up to?" asks Henry. "Girl time," says Katie vaguely. "Yeah. It was great," says Jennifer. Katie turns to Henry and mutters through a fake smile, "Totally great." Katie and Mike reach for the same ornament and share a moment, recalling the tree they had last year. They're interrupted by Jennifer and Henry coming back in the room. Mike asks Jen if she's ready to go, he has some errands to run. "Yeah, yeah. Thank you for asking us," says Jen. "Oh, it wouldn't have been the same without you," says Katie generously. "Well, I had a lot of fun. Maybe we could do it again," says Jen. "Yes, we should. Actually -- why don't you guys come over for Christmas dinner? I'm not good at cooking for less than four people, so there'll be tons of food. Please? I won't take no for an answer," begs Katie. Mike reluctantly agrees, and Jen says they can do the family stops earlier in the day. "Great, great, great. It's a party. I'll make the eggnog," says Henry. "No. No, you won't, or else we'll never make it outta here," says Mike. "You guys can crash here. We'll see you kids tomorrow," laughs Henry. Jen and Mike say their good-byes and leave. Outside the door Jennifer pulls some mistletoe out of her pocket, and Katie peeks out the window just in time to see them kiss. "Katie, I think we have to come up with a new plan. Okay? This is more serious than we thought," says Henry. "No kidding. Oh, that girl will leave teeth marks on the door if I try to kick her out of Mike's life. She made that very clear," says Katie. "What? What the hell happened while we were away?" asks Henry. Katie says they just chatted. "That doesn't sound like chat material," says Henry. "Don't worry, Henry. Jennifer's good, but I'm better. She won't know what hit her." Today’s episode was directed by Michael Eilbaum and written by Melissa Salmons.
Transcripts from TVMegasite Henry: Come share the pain, Bubbles. Katie: You're doing great. Henry: That's not the kind of help I had in mind. Katie: Well, don't worry. As soon as you're done with all the lights, you don't have to help decorate. You can go shopping. Henry: Hmm? And leave you alone? Not a chance. Katie: It's okay. Henry: How is it okay if it's the holidays and Mike hasn't shown up yet? Katie: I am not worried. He'll be here. Henry: Uh-huh. He's a busy man. He thinks you're happily married. Just tell me again why you think he'd sign up for this? Katie: Because Simon asked him to. And he wouldn't let him down. Henry: Mike wouldn't let Simon down? My brain just hit, like, a speed bump there. Mike and Simon, buddies for life now? Katie: Okay, okay -- I get it. So he wouldn't let me down. I left Mike a message asking him to help me decorate the tree. Henry: Oh. I'm surprised he didn't get a police escort for that kind of an emergency. Bubbles -- I'm sorry, but I don't think your plan is gonna work. Katie: Oh, he'll be here. Wait and see.
Henry: You know, Katie, sometimes the direct route is the best. Honesty. You know, laying all your cards on the table. Katie: Who are you? Henry: I know. I know, I know. But I've been thinking about this and -- this is Mike we're talking about. Katie: Yeah, exactly. I can't go up to him and say, "hey, Simon and I are through. Here I am. Take me." He would freak out. He would feel like it was deja vu, like he was getting his heart broken all over again. Henry: Well, maybe, okay. But it's you we're talking about. I think he'd get over it. Katie: Yeah, probably. If he was alone. But he's not alone. He's involved with Jennifer. So he'd feel like he had to choose, all of a sudden. And you know Mike. He would take the high road. He would choose Jennifer. Because he would feel obligated and like it was wrong to abandon her. Henry: Okay. So he takes a little extra time and lets her down easy. Katie: No, he wouldn't let Jennifer down. In fact, he would avoid me like the plague. Because he wouldn't want to be tempted. I would never see him. Henry: So you do get to see him, but you're unavailable. Katie: Right. I get to see him, spend time with him. He starts to feel secure and safe, and then all of that old chemistry takes up. Henry: So -- he's eating his heart out for you, but you're still attached to Simon -- why does this sound familiar? Katie: I'm not attached this time. Henry: So, at some point during this scenario, you do tell Mike the truth, then? Katie: Of course. Henry: Oh, good. Katie: When he's good and hooked, and one little white lie won't matter. Then this fling with Jennifer will seem like the distraction that it is, and all of a sudden, he will realize how in love with me he is. Good, huh? Henry: Kathryn, all I can say is that is so perverse, all I can do is salute you. Katie: It'll work. I love this tree. Henry: You would. It's as twisted as your logic. I can't believe you spent good money on it. Katie: It's perfect. Henry: No, there were perfectly perfect trees back at the lot. Katie: Henry? Henry: Yeah. Katie: Do you remember the tree that Mike and I had last year? Henry: Yes, I do. I do. It was worse than this one. It was a little mongrel of a tree -- which Mike will remember as soon as he sees this one. Katie: Without me having to say a word. Henry: You are good. You are. Katie: Count on it. By the end of this afternoon, Mike will be one step closer.
Katie: You sure you don't mind making yourself scarce while Mike's here? Henry: Oh, I've got a little shopping I have to do. Katie: Oh, Henry, don't spend your money on me. Henry: What? I didn't catch that. What did you -- Katie: Well, I'm here with my best friend in the world, in my house, with my family for Christmas. Henry: Did you just turn down merchandise? Katie: Okay, well, don't spend a lot. [ Henry chuckles ] There's only one thing I want that I don't have. Henry: And is he on his way? [ Doorbell rings ] Is that him at the door right now? Katie: Okay, ready? This is it. Make it sound casual. Henry: Yeah, okay, okay, okay. I'm ready. Katie: Merry Christmas! Jennifer: Merry Christmas to you, too. Katie: Jennifer, hi. Can I help you? Jennifer: Oh, we're here to help you. Your message said you needed extra hands to decorate the tree. Katie: That we do. Okay. Yeah. Come on in. Jennifer: Mike and I were on our way over from Al's, and a client stopped him. Some emergency. But he'll be here as soon as he can. Hey, Henry. Henry: Hey, Jen, good to see you. The more the merrier. I gotta go. Katie: Really? Henry: Yeah, I've got some things I need to take care of and pick up, you know? Katie: Oh -- well, just don't be long. Henry: I won't. You girls have fun. Jennifer: We will. Katie: Yeah. You bet.
Henry: Hey! I thought that was your car outside. Mike: Henry. You're eating here? Henry: Never. Mike: I didn't think so. [ Both laugh ] Henry: I was just -- no, I was just passing by. I've gotta get some tinsel. The tree trimming party, you know. Mike: Ah. I'm on my way. Hopefully, Jen got there by now. Henry: Hopefully -- hopefully, your ex and current girlfriends are spending quality time together? Ah, that some men's fantasies, I'm sure, but -- Mike: You think it's a bad idea? Henry: No. No, I don't think it's a bad -- no, no, I'm just -- I'm amazed Jen wanted to come. That's all. Mike: No more amazing than Simon asking me to take care of Katie. All right, what's up with that? Henry: Huh? Mike: Well, with our history, it's not like the guy trusts me. Henry: Well, obviously he trusts Katie and is perfectly comfortable with you being around. Of course, I'm only guessing. Mike: So you haven't talked to him? Henry: Briefly. Mike: Why didn't he ask you to take care of Katie? He knows what a good friend you've been to her. Henry: Well, maybe he's threatened by me, you know? [ Mike laughs ] Or maybe it's a gesture to you. He's such a big man, he can even withstand having you around. Mike: You still don't like him, do you? Henry: As long as Katie is ecstatically happy, that's all that matters. Mike: Me, neither. Henry: I always rooted for you, Mike. I always rooted for you. Mike: Thanks, but, you know, that's water under the bridge. Henry: Hmm, water freezes this time of year. It stays in place. Mike: Don't worry. I've moved on. You know, it's kinda funny how you can live in the same town with the most amazing people and never know it. Henry: You mean Jennifer? Yeah, she is -- you know, I'm actually kinda surprised, Mike. I mean, it seems like just yesterday you were never gonna date again. And then, all of a sudden, it's Jen, all the time. Mike: Well, I mean, it wasn't just yesterday. I mean, we haven't seen you for, what? Quite awhile there. Henry: Yeah. 90 days, 10 off for good behavior. And then I come home, and -- boom! It's Mike and Jen! Mike: It happened the right way, you know? We became friends first, really being sure, no old baggage to hold us back. Henry: You're happy? Mike: Yeah, I am. I am. It feels good for a change. Look, we should get to that store before it closes, all right? Henry: Hmm, what? Mike: Well, aren't you buying tinsel? Henry: Yeah! Right, right. Of course. Let's get going. Katie's waiting, and we're missing a party.
Katie: Oh, Henry is taking forever, isn't he? Jennifer: Well, maybe we should get started. Katie: Well, no, we can't until Henry gets back with the tinsel. I don't wanna decorate the tree without tinsel. Jennifer: Oh, we always put the tinsel on last, anyway. Come on. Come on, let's get in the spirit. Katie: This is so sweet of you, by the way, to give of your time like this. Jennifer: Oh, I love decorating trees. Katie: But I'm sure you have last-minute shopping to do. I mean, I know how it is with the business, you know. No time to do anything till the 11th hour. Jennifer: Well, it's okay, actually. I, for some reason, was really organized this year and got all my business gifts done early. Katie: Oh, but your family. I mean, what about getting everything done for them? You probably still have that to do, right? Jennifer: To tell you the truth, I -- I really hate the big, prepackaged, madison avenue buying frenzy. I decided this year to spend my time and attention, not just my money. So this is exactly how I want to be spending today. Katie: That is so -- deep. [ Jennifer laughs ] Jennifer: Is it? I just think it's fun. Jennifer: You miss him, don't you? I mean, who wouldn't? Katie: What? Jennifer: Simon. I mean, who wouldn't miss their husband at Christmas? But, Katie, you don't have to put on a show for people. We understand. Katie: No, I'm -- thanks, but I'm okay. Simon will be here as soon as he can. Jennifer: Do you like being married? Oh, I'm sorry. That's personal. Katie: No, no, it's okay. Jennifer: I just mean -- being married is so different from dating. Katie: I love being married. And you're right. It is different from dating, you know, where you never know what the guy's really thinking. Is he serious or just using you until the right thing comes along? Jennifer: Well, surely you didn't feel that way with Mike. Katie: No, Mike and I always knew it was the real thing. But then, of course, Simon came home. Jennifer: You know, you're a very lucky woman. To find that love twice. To end up with the love of your life and still have the other guy as a friend, that's very special. Katie: He is a very special guy. They both are. Jennifer: I know. Well, at least about Mike. But, you know, at first, I felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, you know? Katie: No, I don't. Jennifer: Well, it was just like -- every time, I was waiting for him to become a jerk, you know? And it never happened. Over and over and over, he -- he just makes me so happy. Katie: That's great. Jennifer: It is, isn't it? I mean, you must have felt that with -- with your husband. That knowing that this is the one. Katie: Oh, you think -- Mike is the one for you? Jennifer: More and more every day.
Jennifer: Oh, Katie, that must've been weird. Katie: What? Jennifer: Well, me saying that -- I'm falling in love with Mike. Katie: Why would it be weird? Jennifer: Look, Katie, I know you still care about him. And you probably feel very protective towards him. And you wanna make sure he's with someone who makes him happy. Katie: Yeah, well, that's the least Mike deserves. And, yeah, maybe I do worry sometimes that he'll -- settle. You know? I mean, he's so easygoing, so willing to fill in the blanks. I really was concerned about him when we split up. Jennifer: Well, then you'll be happy to know that he healed. And, believe me, he didn't settle for anything. You can ask my sister, Nikki. Or ask half the girls on staff at memorial. Katie: What, they went after Mike? Which ones? Jennifer: It doesn't matter. He was having none of that. Katie: Until you. Jennifer: Katie, I just want you to know that you don't have to worry. I'm not gonna take Mike for granted, and I will make him happy. Henry: Ho, ho, ho! Look who I found. Mike: Hey. Katie: Hey, you guys. Get in here and help. Mike: Looks like you guys need it. You barely touched the tree yet. Jennifer: Oh, we were saving some for you. Henry: Yeah. So -- what have you ladies been up to? Katie: Girl time. Jennifer: Yeah. It was great. Katie: Totally great.
Katie: I'll flip you for it. Mike: It's yours. Katie: Thanks. Mike: This tree's a real improvement over last year's. Katie: Hey. Last year's tree was my favorite. Ever. Mike: That explains why you got that one. There's a big hole in the back. You need an ornament back there or something. Katie: Hey -- thanks. For helping. Mike: No problem. Jennifer: Ah, that is a gorgeous tree. Mike: You ready to go? I have to run some errands. Jennifer: Yeah, yeah. Thank you for asking us. Katie: Oh, it wouldn't have been the same without you. Jennifer: Well, I had a lot of fun. Maybe we could do it again. Katie: Yes, we should. Actually -- why don't you guys come over for Christmas dinner? I'm not good at cooking for less than four people, so there'll be tons of food. Please? I won't take no for an answer. Mike: Uh -- sure. You know, if you don't mind? Jennifer: As long as we do the family stops earlier in the day, I'd love to. Henry: Great, great, great. It's a party. I'll make the eggnog. Mike: No. No, you won't, or else we'll never make it outta here. Henry: You guys can crash here. We'll see you kids tomorrow. Jennifer: All right. Katie: Bye. Jennifer: Bye. Katie: Oh, so I'll call you about the time. Mike: Okay. So how was it? Really. Jennifer: Really, it was fine. How do you feel about tomorrow? Mike: Good. You know, I wanna decorate my place. I still haven't put up a wreath yet. Jennifer: Oh, well, then I can give you your first Christmas present. I was gonna put it on a cap and make you wear it. Henry: Katie, I think we have to come up with a new plan. Okay? This is more serious than we thought. Katie: No kidding. Oh, that girl will leave teeth marks on the door if I try to kick her out of Mike's life. She made that very clear. Henry: What? What the hell happened while we were away? Katie: We chatted. Henry: That doesn't sound like chat material. Katie: Don't worry, Henry. Jennifer's good, but I'm better. She won't know what hit her.
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