Goodrich (2024) | Transcript

Goodrich (2024)
Director: Hallie Meyers-Shyer
Writer: Hallie Meyers-Shyer
Stars: Michael Keaton, Mila Kunis, Danny Deferrari, Carmen Ejogo, Michael Urie, Kevin Pollak, Vivien Lyra Blair, Jacob Kopera, Nico Hiraga, Laura Benanti, Andie MacDowell

Plot: Andy Goodrich is a 60-year-old Los Angeles art dealer who hardly sees his family, and his boutique gallery is starting to fail. One night, he’s awakened by a phone call from his younger wife Naomi who informs him that she has entered a 90-day rehab program for prescription pill addiction. Furious that Andy hadn’t even noticed she was having issues with substance abuse, she informs him that she is leaving him and asks that he not contact her. He drives to the rehab facility anyway, where he’s turned away. Without Naomi around, Andy is shown to be out of his depth with his nine-year-old twins Billie and Mose, missing school dropoff and arriving late the following day. He lies to them and says that Naomi is staying with her mother in St. Louis but the kids quickly hear from their classmates that she is in rehab. Andy befriends their classmate Alex’s single father, Terry, a part-time actor who is struggling with his own husband leaving him three years earlier.

Andy has a tense relationship with Grace, his 36-year-old daughter from his first marriage, since he was also always at work when she was growing up and she was primarily raised by her mother, Ann. Andy asks Grace for help with watching her younger siblings and they begin to speak more regularly. Grace is pregnant with her first child with her husband Pete, an otolaryngologist, whom Andy doesn’t think is good enough for his daughter. Andy’s accountant informs him and his business partner Cy that their artists aren’t bringing in enough revenue to offset high rents and labor costs. He sets out to secure the art from the estate of Teresa Thompson, a recently deceased painter, through her daughter Lola. Andy continues trying to balance parenting Billie and Mose, repairing his relationship with Grace, and saving his business with a deal with Lola over the next couple of months. His ex-wife Ann and Grace both recognize that he looks like he’s in a healthier place. After Lola agrees with Andy to sell her mother’s art, he begins preparing the gallery for the exhibit. Lola suddenly backs out, however, and Andy is forced to close his business, having run out of options. He throws a farewell party, and he and Grace reflect on what’s next for him: traveling; parenting; and becoming a grandfather. He agrees to take her to her next doctor’s appointment while her mother is out of town and Pete is working.

On Christmas Eve, Naomi suddenly arrives home and announces that she’s feeling better but still wants to move forward with their divorce. This visit makes him forget to pick up Grace for her appointment, and she shows up at the doctor’s office in an Uber instead. She unloads decades of fury at Andy: his absence during her childhood; his unreliability; and her jealousy that he’s only recently matured, and her younger siblings get that version of him. The atmosphere quickly changes, however, when her water breaks, a few weeks earlier than expected. Andy rushes Grace to the hospital and stays with her until Pete shows up. She has a brief scare where the baby’s heart rate is abnormal and she might need an emergency Caesarean section, but Pete calms her down, and she’s able to deliver. Andy watches tearfully, knowing his grandchild will have a wonderful father. Grace delivers a healthy baby girl, and Andy holds her, while Billie and Mose, the new baby’s aunt and uncle, respectively, watch on.

* * *

Goodrich (2024) | Transcript

[phone rings]

[phone rings]

[Andy groans]

[clanging]

ANDY: Shit.

[phone beeps]

Hello?

NAOMI [over phone]: Andy.

Yeah. Naomi?

W-Wait, where are you?

How come you’re not home?

NAOMI: I’m-I’m sorry to wake you in the middle of the night.

ANDY: Hey, what’s going on?

Where are you?

NAOMI: Listen, I’m gonna tell you, but I don’t want you to freak out, okay?

ANDY: Wait a minute, freak out?

What’s going on?

You’re scaring me.

[clears throat]

Are you okay?

NAOMI: Yeah. No, I’m okay. Um…

I’m gonna be fine.

But, Andy…

[sighs]

I’m in rehab.

ANDY: No, hon, seriously, where are you?

NAOMI: I’m in rehab.

You’re what?!

NAOMI: No… [stammers] That’s why I said don’t freak out!

Okay? I checked myself in, like, an hour ago.

[stammers] Didn’t you notice I didn’t come home?

ANDY: Wait a minute. Hold on.

Wait. [clears throat] Wait a minute.

What are you talking about?

Why would you…

[scoffs]

Why would you be in rehab?

For what?

NAOMI: Because I need help, Andy. Why else?

ANDY: Wait a minute. What…

[scoffing]

Wait a minute.

[stammering]

What are you talking… I don’t understand.

Okay, hold on.

Are you telling me…

Help with what?

[scoffs]

This is amazing.

You didn’t know?

Know what?

Oh, my God. Unbelievable.

[scoffs] Naomi, I don’t know…

Unbelievable.

I-I-I don’t…

Of course.

Thought you were lying there in bed with me.

No, I don’t know…

[scoffs] Honey. Honey, look.

[sighs] Naomi, look, sometimes you probably drink a little too much.

Oh, Andy, come on.

It’s not good, I know.

But, you know, everybody does that.

But rehab? You’re crazy.

No, it’s not…

It… Listen, it is not the drinking.

I have to take something to wake up.

What?

And I take something to go to sleep.

And I… I’ve seen every doctor in L.A.

I even had to drive to Orange County.

Orange County? What the…

You… [stammers]

Yeah.

Wait a minute. This is, like…

Honestly, honestly, I’m telling you, this is so insane.

I feel like I’m hallucinating or something.

Of course you didn’t know.

Of course you didn’t know.

Why would you know?

You’re out the door every morning before I can get a word in, and you’re out every night for work.

We lead totally separate lives, and I’m just…

I’m invisible.

[scoffs] So this is my fault?

How can you know nothing about my life?

I have this enormous weight, and I’ve been carrying it around for so long.

And I cannot do it anymore.

Wai-Wait a minute, wait a minute. [exhales] Wait. Okay.

This is just not true.

How can you say that? [scoffs]

This is just not true.

Then enlighten me.

ANDY: Okay. You’re upset. I get that.

But, h-honey, I know you. You’re a wonderful mother.

I’m sorry.

[Naomi sighs]

The woman I live with…

Andy.

…doesn’t have a drug addiction.

Andy.

You just don’t.

Hey. Hey.

You’re not hearing me.

You’re not listening to me.

I’ve checked into a rehabilitation center called Journeys.

Journeys?

It’s on Malibu Canyon Road.

It has yellow walls and a woman at the front desk named Cecile, and I am staying here for 90 days.

[scoffs] Wait a minute. What?

I got to go.

90 days?

Take care of the kids, Andy.

90 days?

You’ll do great.

Wait, no. No, no, no.

[stammers]

I’m coming up right now.

Just stay put, and we’ll talk.

NAOMI [distorted]: No, don’t come…

Can’t… I can’t hear you.

[garbled speech] Wait, you’re cutting out.

No, I said don’t come, Andy.

Look, look, h-here, I’ll be up there in an hour.

No.

I’ll be up there in an hour.

We’ll drive back down here and we’ll talk about it.

[sighs] Andy, dodo not come.

[distorted]:

I am… you.

I c… I can’t hear you.

I’m leaving you.

[scoffs]

What?

I’m leaving you!

♪ ♪

[elevator bell dings]

[soft chatter]

[phone rings]

[indistinct announcement over P.A.]

[groans] DOCTOR:…deep breaths, in and out, in and out.

GRACE:

I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

I’m sorry I’m late.

No, no, it’s okay. Don’t worry.

[groans] Hi.

I wish we could start without you. Hi.

Mm.

So how did it go?

I don’t know why this is still a thing.

I should not be this afraid to tell my female boss that I’m pregnant.

Uh, Grace, this happens every day.

Come. Flip with me.

Okay.

[grunts, sighs]

Okay.

Hello, both of you!

Hi.

Dr. Verma, I’m so sorry I’m late.

Oh, that is totally, totally fine.

Okay.

How are you two doing?

Actually, I’m-I’m having really bad heartburn.

Oh, no.

Here.

Mmhmm.

Is that, um… is that normal?

Uh…

Well, we had Thai last night.

Couldn’t that be why?

I think it could be why.

[phone rings]

I would just avoid fried food or spicy food at this stage.

GRACE: Okay.

Well, let’s just add that to the list.

No spicy food, no fried food, no caffeine, no alcohol,

no sushi…

No sex.

[scoffs]

Actually, perfectly fine to have sex.

Good, even.

I knew it. I’m-I’m a doctor, for God’s sake.

‘Kay.

Mwah. I knew that wasn’t true.

[phone rings]

Okay.

Okay.

All right.

Just take a look, shall we?

[heart beating steadily]

Do you hear that sound?

It’s the sound of a perfectly healthy heartbeat.

[phone rings]

Just answer him.

No, baby.

It’s fine. It’s okay.

DR. VERMA: Grace, my advice to you, as always, is relax.

Everything looks fantastic.

And I will see you guys back in a month.

PETE: Great.

Okay. Thank you.

DR. VERMA: Of course.

PETE: Oh, Dr. Verma, can I ask you a question?

Yeah. Will you follow me?

You good?

Yeah. For sure.

[phone ringing]

[door closes]

What’s up, Dad?

Naomi’s in rehab.

What?

She’s addicted to pills, apparently.

And-and-and she’s left me.

We’re separated, I guess.

Jesus.

Wait, seriously?

Yes. Seriously.

What about the twins?

Do they know?

[groans, mutters]

I’ll talk to them tonight.

Dad.

I will. I already told them Naomi had a doctor’s appointment this morning.

You didn’t seem really surprised when I told you Naomi’s in rehab.

Did you suspect something about her?

I don’t know. I guess it’s not, like, that big of a shocker.

Not a shocker?

What’s that mean?

Oh, look, uh, let me… let me…

Hey.

…let me call you back from the car, okay?

Let’s go.

I-I got to go.

ANDY: Okay. But, wait, did you know she was taking pills?

Dad, I got to go.

I’ll call you right back.

God, is there traffic all the time?

[smacks lips]

PETE: What is it? What’s he want?

Well, so, Naomi checked herself into rehab and she left him.

Stop. What…

Wait, wait, what’s she in rehab for?

Prescription drugs, I think.

How did he not tell you about this before?

[scoffs]

‘Cause he didn’t know.

Who doesn’t know that their wife is addicted to drugs?

♪ ♪

What the fuck?

This looks like a country club.

Jesus.

Hi. I’m Andy Goodrich, and I’m here to see Naomi Parsons.

She checked in last night.

Hello.

[stammers]

Oh. Hi.

Sorry.

That’s okay.

All right, let me check on that for you.

And Ms. Parsons is expecting you?

Yeah. No.

I mean, not really.

But I’m her husband.

So…

Right.

Well, I am so sorry, Mr. Goodrich.

We’re not at liberty to confirm or deny that Ms. Parsons is here.

No, I know she’s here.

[chuckles]: I mean…

I mean, I know she’s here ’cause she told me she’s here.

I didn’t know that she was checking in, so yeah.

And I understand that.

And I will let her know that you’ve stopped in.

[sighs] Well, no, just tell her I’m here now.

I mean, you don’t have to…

Here I am now. Just-just… let her know.

I wish I could, but I just can’t.

Do you have, like, some sort of a…

I don’t know, say, somebody… a little higher up? Yeah.

Oh. Yeah, sure.

And I’m afraid she’s just gonna tell you that Ms. Parsons has pulled both her and our consent to speak with you.

Okay.

Okay, look…

I can leave a message.

I’ll leave a message.

Okay.

I want to see my fucking wife!

[phone ringing]

[gasps]

I’m sorry.

Hello?

WOMAN: Hi.

I’m calling from Crosswinds Park Elementary School.

Yeah.

Is somebody coming to pick up Billie and Mose?

[groans]

BILLIE and MOSE: Dad.

Sorry. I said I was sorry.

I mean, what do you want me to say?

[groans] I didn’t realize it was a half day, and I was far away, so…

It’s just so embarrassing not getting picked up.

I mean, it’s, like, pretty much the worst feeling in the entire world.

It’s like the worst feeling in the entire world or it is the worst feeling in the entire world?

Hey, if you don’t want me to talk like I’m from L.A., don’t raise me in L.A.

Hey, hey, hey, don’t do that.

You’re gonna scratch the dining room table.

Come on.

Where’s Mom?

She would never forget.

Yeah, and Mom always leaves a glass of water by my bed at night, and she didn’t last night.

Yeah.

I-I wanted to tell you guys something about Mom, okay?

[clicks tongue]

Uh…

What gives?

Mom had to go back home for a little while to see Grandma.

Mom’s in St. Louis?

I thought you said she had a doctor’s appointment this morning.

Yeah. No.

I’m sorry. I said that because I didn’t…

want you guys to worry.

But Mom had to go back and see Grandma because, you know, she’s not feeling very well.

It’s nothing serious, but, you know, sh…

And, you know, she’s getting older, so Mom wanted to go back and be with her for a little bit.

Grandma’s the same age as you.

No, she’s not.

No, she’s not. She… Sh…

Good deal older than I am.

But, anyway…

So, it’s just gonna be us then?

Yeah.

Just us.

It’s gonna be fun, right?

Be good.

Right?

I’m gonna go play Forza. Hey, wait, I get to use the computer first today!

MOSE: Whoever gets to it first gets to use it first.

BILLIE: You used it two days over the weekend.

MOSE: I did not…

[door closes]

BILLIE: Mom says we’re not supposed to have this much gluten, you know.

She says it’s bad for our guts.

Honey, honey, honey.

Put a paper towel down.

You have to respect wood.

It sounds like Mom’s maybe making you… a little bit crazy.

Tell you why.

‘Cause gluten happens to be…

[whispers]:

delicious.

Mmm!

That’s some good gluten.

Okay, want me to make you a plate?

Um, we do it ourselves.

Okay.

[imitating Julia Child]: Well, then bon appétit!

Dad, are there nuts in that?

Why? Are you allergic?

Mose is.

Mose. Oh, shit, I forgot.

Jesus, spit.

Spit, spit. Here, gimme.

Mose. Give it to me.

Oh, my God.

Spit. Spit.

Come on! Dad.

Jesus.

[sighs]

Pasta with butter and cheese.

Specialty of the house.

Mom puts salt in the water.

Good tip. That’s a good tip.

Salt, salt, salt, salt.

I see pepper.

I don’t see…

Top shelf.

Oh.

Kind of far for salt.

Here you go. Some salt.

Hey, Dad, can we watch TV while we eat?

Can’t we just talk?

I’m going out tonight, and… and, uh…

[refrigerator door closes] I don’t know.

Just rather spend time together before I go out.

Where are you going?

Got a thing.

What kind of thing?

Dinner thing.

We’re eating dinner right now.

I know.

But this is a dinner-work thing.

I’m gonna meet a new artist.

Who’s babysitting us?

Tali.

Did you know Tali was in the Israeli army?

That’s why I hired her.

Did you know that she smokes cigarettes outside?

That’s new information.

Thank you.

I’m gonna talk to her about that.

This about the smoking?

She’s a narc, that little girl.

No, it’s not about the smoking, but, you know, if you could, you know, maybe do a few less cancer-causing habits around the kids, that’d be a good thing, okay?

[slurps] No, uh, what I wanted to say is…

Naomi’s gone away.

And, uh…

I’m gonna need an extra hand.

No problem.

Where she go? Rehab?

You knew about this?

[clicks tongue]

Andy, of course I know.

Course I know. Good for her.

It’s good. She’s getting help.

Why are you stressed?

[scoffs]

You didn’t know?

I didn’t know.

Ah.

Andy, this is not good.

I know.

Listen, I’ll help, okay? I understand.

Marriage is tough, okay?

Yeah, yeah.

My-my husband is a gay.

What do you mean your husband is a gay?

Eh, my husband is gay.

He lives in Tel Aviv.

Very good-looking boyfriend.

I mean, uh, ma-mash wow!

[speaks Hebrew]

Don’t blame him. [chuckles] Wait a minute, he’s a gay?

He’s got a…

he’s got a boyfriend?

Why are you still together?

Why not?

Andy, loosen up.

What time you’ll be home?

3:00, 4:00 in the morning?

No. Like, 11:00.

What do you mean, 3:00 in the morning?

Okay.

♪ ♪

[phone ringing]

Hey! Becca. You’re back.

Hey!

Yes.

How you doing? How you feeling?

So much better.

Good, good.

Thanks, Andy.

I’m glad you’re back.

Hey. Careful.

Don’t drop that, boys.

Yeah.

Perfect.

Good.

JONNY: Oh, good, you’re here.

Finally.

The sign outside.

Yeah.

Killing me. Looks horrible.

Worse every day.

Get me a second quote for a new one, okay?

8,000.

8,000? [groans]

I’ll-I’ll get a third quote.

Yeah.

How did dinner go last night?

I don’t know.

Think he’s talking to a lot of people, which is, you know, cool.

Did he call?

Uh, no.

But Dev did, and y-you’re not gonna like this, but he decided to give the piece that you wanted to sell to Inga to his mother.

Get… Are you serious?

God. You know what, get him on the phone.

I’ll-I’ll talk… No.

Get me the mother.

Okay. And just a reminder… you have Back-to-School Night tonight.

Naomi asked me to put it on your schedule

in case you can make it.

Okay.

Do all the parents do that or is that, like, an optional thing?

[phone ringing]

I-I don’t… I don’t know, man.

I’m 27.

Cy’s in your office.

You guys had a meeting with an accountant, like, 15 minutes ago.

Yeah, yeah.

GREG:

Andy, you asked for it in black and white, so…

Look, I can’t control the market, right?

I mean, you know, nobody needs a painting.

Let’s rewind for a sec. So you took a loan out from the bank to meet your obligations, but there are salaries to pay here, Andy.

Too many for what you’re bringing in.

I’ve been telling you this for months.

Yeah, we’ve been discussing that.

Oh.

It’s just… coming up on the end of the year, we’re not sure it’s the best time

to let people go.

Right.

GREG: Guys, come on.

You’re just covering costs.

And then each month, the tidal wave rolls through again.

You have to borrow from Peter to pay Paul.

At some point, Peter goes broke.

May I?

Please.

Andy.

I think, in fact, it may be time to consider relocating.

I know we’ve been here 26 years, but the rent is killing us.

Cy.

[chuckles]:

Come on.

There’s history here, you know?

[stammering]

28 years, by the way.

GREG:

Andy, look at it this way.

Your artists just aren’t commanding the prices that the real estate demands.

Right?

Last month, I suggested selling inventory at a reduced rate.

And we tried that, but…

ANDY:

He’s right. We tried it.

I can’t reduce any more.

I’ll lose all my artists.

Can’t do it.

Uh-huh.

Got this young guy right now.

I’m telling you, there’s heat…

am I right, Cy? all around this kid.

Yeah.

Oh.

ANDY: Dev’s great. People love him.

Really good.

Has he sold yet? No.

I-Is that whose work is out there now?

Yeah.

Oh. Yeah.

[scoffs]

Look, here’s the thing… you guys… you guys are in debt.

And at some point, the faucet gets turned off.

Look, we’ve been having these meetings once a month for, what, seven months, and there’s been no improvement.

In fact, things have gotten worse.

I’d say, without a new show… and a fruitful one… you are looking at, I don’t… like, a few more months.

Tops.

I’m sorry.

CY: When we first moved in, it was us, a tattoo parlor and a toy store.

Now it’s just, you know, sneaker shops, and half the block is an Apple Store.

MALE VOICE [over phone]: All of our agents are currently busy assisting other callers.

[grunting]

Press one to have an agent call you back.

Representative.

[grunts]

Sorry, I didn’t catch that.

Would you like an agent to call you back?

God, this thing is defective!

[grunts]

Sorry, I didn’t catch that.

[groans]

Would you like an agent to call you back?

Representative!

Sorry, I didn’t catch that.

[groans]

[call waiting tone] Sorry, I didn’t catch that.

Dad, I can’t talk right now.

I’ve been on the line with the delivery service delivering my changing table for 45 minutes.

I have to call you back.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Just give me a second.

Honey, hey, I really need your help tonight, pal.

I’m in a bind here.

There’s a thing at school.

Uh, it slipped my mind.

Tali can’t stay, and I need somebody to watch the kids.

Could you watch the kids for me tonight, please?

[scoffs]

Gracie, come on.

What do you say?

No.

No. I’m sorry. No.

Really?

Yeah. Really.

Why not?

Because I, you know, have, like… a million things going on.

I don’t know. I-I have work and I’m pregnant and…

Okay.

I-I don’t want to.

Wait. Look, I really need your help, babe.

Really, honestly.

I mean, I-I never ask you for your help, do I? I don’t.

I mean, I’m under such stressful… Oh, God.

You have no idea how stressful the circumstances are right now.

Honestly. So I just need you…

It’ll be for a couple of hours.

That’s it…

couple of hours, okay?

This is me begging you.

I’m begging now, okay?

I’m begging you, my daughter, for help.

‘Kay?

How often do I ever do this?

Like, when do I do this?

Do you really want me to answer that?

Lately. Lately.

I was just gonna say “lately.”

I was just gonna say it.

I was gonna say, “When-when-when d… lately I asked you… honey?”

♪ ♪

How long are you pregnant for?

Nine months.

Ten, technically.

And how much longer until you’re finished?

[exhales]

Three and a half more months.

Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?

No.

We want to be surprised.

Why?

Pete does.

Actually, I really want to know.

What do you hope it is?

A girl, obviously.

Sorry.

I get it.

Right.

Are you excited to be a mom or not really?

Yes.

Okay, so, uh, you guys… must be hungry.

Uh, let’s see, what’s your dad got here?

I bet he’s got, like, pasta with butter and cheese.

Why do you always say “your dad”?

Isn’t he all of our dads?

Well, I’m 27 years older than you, which is basically unheard of for siblings.

Except maybe in L.A.

Wait, you’re 36?

Is your mom good at math?

‘Cause you definitely didn’t inherit that skill from my father.

Our father.

Oh, right. Okay.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

ANDY: Hey.

[gasps] Oh.

Hi, Daddy. Oh.

I don’t… I don’t know why I just called you that.

Hey, Dad. Wha-What-What are you doing home so early?

What’s up?

Uh, you know me. I ducked out early.

Look at you. How you doing?

Hi.

Good.

Man, oh, man, oh, man.

Get bigger every day.

You look fantastic, kiddo.

Really. Look so good.

Hope it’s a girl.

Dad.

ANDY: I do.

Sorry. It’d be great.

Can’t believe my baby’s having a baby.

Yeah.

You hungry?

I’m starved.

Do I have any food?

GRACE: So, you go to things like this now?

Parent/teacher conferences?

Yeah.

What are you talking about?

I did all that stuff with you.

Never.

Oh, come on.

Geez, Grace, give me a break.

What do you want from me?

I did my best.

Do we not have a good relationship?

We do.

It’s just that when I was Billie and Mose’s age, I hardly saw you.

There were trips to London and Switzerland, Miami, New York.

I mean…

[sputters]

you practically lived at the gallery.

I mean, it’s okay, but let’s be honest… I was there, too.

We went to New York together, you and I, remember?

[laughs]

Once. We went once.

Yeah! Remember, we had such a nice time?

We went to see, uh, uh, the Rockettes.

I took you to Serendipity.

Am I not the president of your fan club?

I am.

That piece you wrote about the death of arthouse theaters, that was great writing.

I showed it to everybody in the office.

They loved it.

Did Cy email you?

Yes, yes, he did.

You know what, this conversation’s really stressing me out.

I got, I got work I have to do.

I have to clean out the coat closet to make room for all the baby stuff.

My back hurts like hell.

And I have a human head wedged between my ribs.

So if you’ll excuse me.

Ah.

You know what?

You must really love what you do to be away from your kids to do it, because I’m already wondering, do I really care about the dumb shit that I write about?

And I haven’t even met my kid yet.

I might not even like them.

What do you mean, dumb shit?

You don’t write dumb shit.

You’re a great writer.

What are you talking about?

Why? Are you thinking about quitting?

You’re the senior entertainment writer.

I know my title, Dad, thank you.

You know, forget I said anything.

And… you’re welcome for watching your kids.

Where are you going?

Have some pi…

I was just gonna say thank you.

If you gave me a chance, I was just about to say thank you.

What, does Pete want you to quit?

You know, what is your deal with Pete?

Huh? He’s a fantastic person.

He’s next-level reliable, he’s sweet, he’s a brilliant doctor.

He’s not the type of guy that would ever, ever ask me to quit my job.

I…

What?

What? What?

Nothing.

I mean, I… I mean…

To be honest, he’s an ear, nose and throat doctor.

But that’s okay. I mean, not…

[laughing]: Oh, my God.

So an ear, nose and throat doctor isn’t a cool enough job for you, huh, Mr. Cool Guy?

No, no, no, look, I do.

I like him very much, I do.

I really like him.

I do. [stammers] He’s, he’s a nerd, and that’s okay, it’s…

Some people are nerds.

Okay, you know what?

No, I’m not gonna get stressed out.

It’s not healthy, and I’m already way too stressed out!

Okay, okay.

Now, don’t get so stressed.

Just relax. We’re just talking.

You know what, you…

you have a complex about traditional things.

It’s not a direct offense to you that I don’t follow your La bohème school of living life in reverse.

I want order.

I wanted to get married and start a family and, I don’t know!

Okay, maybe, maybe I’m just future tripping here and thinking that I don’t want to leave my baby to go write profile pieces on some TikTokers.

Okay, you’re not making any sense right now.

Because first you said you don’t even know if you’re gonna like the kid, and now you’re quitting your job just to spend more time with them.

So it’s-it’s…

[sighs] I’m processing.

Okay.

This is my process.

I get it, I get it, okay.

I’m just processing.

Wait, I get it now, okay, just don’t get stressed.

What do you want me to do to help?

Just help!

Dad, don’t ask, just do.

Okay, I’m-I’m just better when I’m told how to help.

I’m just…

Oh, my God, I wish I could record this conversation and play it back for my therapist.

[chuckles] See, does Pete know how funny you are?

Yes, he does.

Okay.

Do you want to really help?

Yes.

Okay, come shopping with me for some baby stuff.

Pete’s on call all week.

And-and-and the stores are crowded on the weekends.

And I just don’t have the patience to go by myself.

Done. Done. Set. Play…

[stammers]

[sighs]

It’s, it’s kind of far away.

No, I want to go, I… Honey?

I love hanging out with you, so I’m good.

Let’s go. I’ll just go no matter how far it is.

Any day next week.

Okay.

Tuesday, can’t.

And, uh, I’m not sure about Thursday, but just…

Just-just email me your availability, okay?

Okay.

Okay, good, can’t wait.

Okay.

Love you.

Okay, great.

You’ve never looked better ever.

[chuckles]

♪ ♪

BILLIE: Hey, Dad?

ANDY: Hmm? Did you see our self-portraits in the art room at school?

I did.

I thought they were fantastic, really.

Your use of sunlight is, ooh, so sweet.

And, Mose, you’ve got this kind of Basquiatish vibe going,

which I’m totally digging.

[phone vibrating] Very abstract. Very good.

Very, very good.

Hold on, I got to get this.

Hey. What’d you think?

Tell me that piece is not you.

Huh? Really?

BILLIE: Dad?

Really?

ANDY: Me, I think it’s stunning.

Dad, what’s “rehab”?

Gonna m…

H-Hold on a minute.

Yeah, ring you back.

Bye. Excuse me?

A girl at school said that her mom said that that’s where our mom is.

Is that true?

No, it’s not true.

It’s absolutely not true.

Who told you that? What girl?

I’m gonna call her mother.

I’m just gonna Google it if you don’t tell me.

Okay.

Okay, look.

Rehab is a place where people go who aren’t feeling well.

They go there to get to feel better.

But that’s not where your mom is.

Mom’s in St. Louis.

She told us yesterday.

When did you talk to your mother?

She calls us after school.

BILLIE: Why is that weird?

It’s not weird. It’s not weird.

It’s not weird at all.

It’s good.

It’s good.

Come on, come on, shortstop.

Grab your, uh, grab your backpack.

We got to get going.

BILLIE: What are you gonna be for Halloween this year, Mose?

MOSE: The alien/car from Forza.

BILLIE: What?

That doesn’t even make sense.

Dad, can we go Halloween shopping soon?

Halloween?

It was just summer.

Holy mackerel.

Come on.

We’re gonna be late for school.

Okay.

Our school is really strict about tardiness.

Okay, okay, okay.

Okay, let’s go.

[phone vibrating] Hi, Cy. It’s Billie.

Can he call you back?

[door closes]

We’re late for school.

How’d you get my phone?

Hey, ask him if he saw the article in the Times.

Did you see the… He saw.

Okay.

Hey, tell him to have Jonny get a number on the daughter.

Can you have Jonny get a number on the daughter?

Name?

Lola, Lola Thompson.

Lola, Lola Thompson.

All right, he’ll be in in an hour. Bye.

Okay, let’s go.

Where are our lunches?

You can’t get them at school?

I pay all this money for the school and they don’t feed you?

If you ever took us to school, you’d know that they only give us lunches on very special days like Taco Tuesdays.

And today is not one of those days.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, come on.

Just get in the car. Let’s go.

We’ll pick something up on the way.

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, come on. Hey.

Sorry we’re late. We’re…

Oh. Sorry. ‘Scuse me. All right.

Bye.

Bye. See you.

Yeah, hey, hi. We’re late a little bit.

Hi.

Um, these are my kids.

They’re in, uh, third grade.

Fourth grade.

They’re in, uh, fo…

Uh, they’re in, uh…

What’s your teacher’s name?

The one with the hair?

Uh, Miss G, you mean?

Yeah, they’re in Miss G’s class.

Um, do you have a doctor’s note?

Uh, yeah, no, we’re-we’re just, you know, good old-fashioned late.

I’m gonna have to mark them both as tardy then.

Dad!

[Mose groaning]

ANDY: No, no, this is my fault.

This is on me.

This is my fault.

I was reading a thing in the paper.

I forgot about the lunches.

And, uh, next thing you know, boom, it’s 8:00.

So…

[chuckles softly]

I’m sorry.

That’s not how this works.

Tardy.

No.

It’s 8:07.

That’s not… That’s really not even late, seven minutes.

Come on, you’ve never been late for a lunch or something like that?

It’s not a big deal. Just…

Hi, hi, hi!

Sorry we’re late! [groans]

Hey! Oh, not a problem, Terry.

Welcome, Alexander. [chuckles]

[Terry chuckles]

Hey, Alex.

[chuckles] Okay, come here.

Come here, buddy.

Okay. Sorry, buddy.

I’m so sorry.

What’s with this guy?

[whispering]: Alex is epileptic.

He’s always at the doctor.

Ah.

[grunts]

I love you so much.

[Terry speaking indistinctly]

♪ ♪

[children giggling]

Hey.

Hey. How you doing?

Oh, hey. Hi. How are you?

Hey.

Boy, they are strict around here, aren’t they?

Yeah, they’re pretty cool with us,

but they can be kind of nuts about tardiness.

Yeah.

I’m Terry, by the way.

Alexander’s in class with Billie and Mose.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I know. Yeah. Hi. Andy.

Yeah. Yeah, I, uh, saw you briefly at the Back-to-School Night

but didn’t get a chance to…

Yeah.

Hey.

If I’m out-of-bounds here, tell me, but…

uh, Billie told me about your little guy, Alexander.

Mm.

And, uh, sorry to hear. That-That’s rough, man.

Oh.

I’ve got…

Oh, geez. I’m sorry.

No, it’s okay. I’m-I’m…

[laughs]

[cries] I’m fine.

[laughs]

I’m so sorry.

No, I’m fine.

Hold on a minute. Hold on a minute.

I’m okay.

Here. Here.

Everything sets me off. I’m an actor, so, uh…

Oh. Yeah. It’s clean.

Oh. Thank you. That’s-that’s…

[both laugh]

Thank you. I’m an actor, so all my emotions

are, like, right here.

Oh, sure. Yeah.

What kind of stuff do you do?

[clears throat]

Little bit of everything.

Mostly graphic design.

[both laugh]

Yeah. You know. Yeah.

Sure. It’s hard.

Yeah, I do graphic design when I’m not shooting something, and… lately, I’m never shooting anything.

Oh, geez. Oh, man. There I go again.

No.

This is so embarrassing.

[chuckles]

No. No.

Look at that.

Oh, wow.

Two of ’em, right there.

Very good.

Once again, clean.

Thank you. [laughs] I’ve just… I’ve been off since my husband left us.

I’m sorry to hear that. That’s…

Thank you.

How long has that been?

Three years.

Three? Ah.

Yeah.

And he’s only seen Alex one time

since he left.

In three years?

Yeah. Can you believe that?

That’s… Sorry, I don’t know the guy, but that’s kind of schmucky.

Yes. Thank you.

It is schmucky.

Yeah.

Yeah. It was all just “too much” for him.

But Alex and I are good.

We’re in a total groove with everything.

[inhales deeply]

We got him on the right medication.

His doctor is Aplusplus.

Oh, good.

But, um…

Yeah, but then someone asks you how your day’s going

and suddenly you’re crying at drop-off.

Yeah.

[stammers]

Well…

Uh…

I’m actually…

kind of in the same boat.

Little bit.

Oh.

Yeah. Yeah.

Naomi and I are… Oh, yeah.

Shut up.

Yeah.

Ah. That’s why she missed Back-to-School Night?

Well, sort of.

She-She’s, uh… seeing somebody.

Oh.

Yeah.

Professional help.

Oh.

There’s a little bit of a drug thing.

Drug issue. Ish.

Oh.

You know, she…

she was doing drugs, so…

Coke.

No, no, no.

Oh.

No.

[chuckling]

No. Prescription pills.

Oh.

I’m the husband.

I don’t even know about it.

Right?

Well…

No, no. I mean, what’s that say about me?

I don’t… Is this too much?

‘Cause I’m… Should I…

No. Oh, God, no.

Seriously, though.

No, come on.

I’m the guy…

I’m supposed to know…

I mean, tell me, am I in denial?

Am I just dumb? I don’t know.

Yeah, yeah. Want to sit?

Let’s sit. Absolutely.

Maybe she just needed a break from it all, you know?

From me. You know?

You should see the rehab center, by the way.

It’s like the Four Seasons.

Who do you think’s paying for that?

[chuckles softly]

[sighs]

Well, she’s taking the steps towards recovery.

That’s… that’s good, right?

Families overcome these things.

Yeah, I know.

But she didn’t clue me in.

I had no idea.

She didn’t let me know what she was going through, and now I’m the bad guy.

I got to tell you something…

you’re real easy to talk to.

Has anybody ever told you that?

[chuckling]

Thanks. That’s, um…

How-how does she sound when you talk to her?

Every time I call, they won’t let me… I can’t see her.

They won’t let me talk to her.

I’m completely in the dark.

Mm. [sighs] My advice, you know, keep trying.

Yeah.

Keep calling.

[groans]

I got to go. Um…

Good luck.

Oh. Thanks. Yeah.

Take care, Andy.

Yeah, sure.

You got this, mama.

Okay.

Thanks.

[chuckles] All right.

♪ ♪

I’m sorry for not being there for you more.

[groans]

I’m sorry, okay?

I just want to say I hope you’re getting the help you need.

I’ll be here for you.

And I miss you.

[phone rings]

Hello?

Naomi?

Hello? Naomi.

[Naomi sighs]

Okay. Okay.

I-I know it’s you.

Uh…

The kids told me… you call ’em after school, so I came home to talk to you.

Okay.

I can tell you’re not gonna say anything.

That-That’s okay.

I’ll-I’ll do all the talking.

Okay?

Okay. I came to see you.

I’m sure… sure you know that.

And I’ve called every day and left messages.

I don’t know… if you’ve gotten them or not.

[stammers] Actually, pretty sure you have, but…

I just wanted to say some things, okay?

I want to say…

I’m sorry for not being there for you more, for not even knowing to be there for you more.

I know things have been weird between us recently, and things have just… been off and I… I ignored it.

I’ve been wrapped up in the gallery and all the stuff that’s going on there, which is only getting worse, by the way.

[both sigh]

And I’ve been… I’ve been in my own universe.

I know I have.

And I’m sorry. I apologize.

I hope you’re getting the help that you need.

And I’m here whenever you’re ready.

I’ll just be here.

Okay? I’ll be here for you.

The kids miss you like crazy.

And I miss you.

Naomi.

[Naomi sighs] Okay, I get it. I get it.

You’re not…

you’re not gonna…

you’re not gonna say anything.

That’s okay.

So you can…

you can call back for the kids, and, uh…

I-I won’t answer.

I promise I won’t pick up, okay?

O-Okay. Okay.

I love you.

Okay.

[phone beeps]

[phone rings]

Okay, can you just explain why you’re not speaking with me?

MOSE [laughs]: Oh, my God.

[Billie giggling]

BILLIE: Okay, okay, okay. Watch this.

ANDY: Hey, guys, where are you? I’m leaving.

MOSE: But you need to press that button on top.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

BILLIE: I know.

Not inside. Not inside.

I’m pressing it.

Now make it go, like, around the lamp.

Make it come down. Come on.

BILLIE: Okay. Watch.

Okay, okay.

Let’s go.

Who got you that thing anyway?

You and Mom did.

Last Christmas.

Ooh. [giggles]

ANDY: Billie.

Come on, come on.

Oh, my God!

Relax.

Bring it down.

Give me the remote.

We’re having fun.

I’ve got to go.

Billie! Hand me the remote!

[gasps] You made me do that.

Billie!

What is wrong with you?

What did I just say?

Do you know how valuable that was?

It doesn’t matter.

We’re not even allowed to touch anything in this house anyway.

Yes, you are.

You’re just not allowed to fly a fucking drone in my house.

You finally said it.

Your house.

It’s your house!

I want Mom.

She likes us more than you do.

Really?

Well, Mom’s not here, is she?

♪ ♪

[doorknob rattles]

ANDY: Billie, I’m sorry.

I-I’m sorry I raised my voice and I used the f-word.

I was frustrated.

[doorbell rings] I yelled.

I shouldn’t have done it.

Will you accept my apology, please?

[doorknob rattles]

Come on, honey.

I have to leave soon.

[doorbell ringing]

[sighs] Hey, Tali, do you think you can get the door?

What does it look like I’m doing?

[Andy groans, scoffs]

Bill, the food’s here.

Please. Honey.

Just go!

You go out every night!

I have to go to work!

Somebody has to support the…

generations of children who hate me.

Bill, please.

Hey.

How ’bout if I stay in tonight?

We can watch a movie together.

How’s that sound?

[dramatic orchestral score playing] So great.

I can’t believe you guys have never seen this.

Where would we have seen it?

RICK [on screen]: My letter of transit?

I could use a trip.

It doesn’t make any difference about our bet.

You still owe me 10,000 francs.

RENAULT: And that 10,000 francs should pay our expenses.

RICK: Our expenses?

RENAULT: Mmhmm.

RICK: Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

♪ ♪

Come on. It’s perfect.

♪ ♪

[music shuts off]

So, what’d you think?

I mean, they didn’t even end up together.

That’s just, like… crazy.

I-I know.

That’s what makes it a, you know, really good love story, though, you know?

It’s kind of, uh…

what they call “bittersweet,” you know?

Hey, look…

relationships aren’t easy, pal.

How do you deal with having so many girls in your life?

[huffs]

Not very well, my friend.

Not very well.

It’s past your bedtime.

Let’s go.

D-Dad?

Yeah?

Is Mom ever coming back?

Of course she is.

Of course she’s coming back.

Why would you ask me that?

Just a feeling, I guess.

Hey, man, your mom loves you way, way, way too much not to come back.

Um… We’re doing all right, though, right?

[sighs] Yeah.

We’re doing pretty good.

All right.

Help me load up, uh, the belle of the ball.

Okay.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[birds chirping]

Dad, will you close that behind you?

Yeah, yeah. Yeah.

Thank you. Oof.

Here, let me get that.

Let me get those…

Dad, I’m fine.

I’m fine, I’m fine.

All right.

[mumbles] Oh.

Hey, do you have any food?

Like, any hummus or anything?

[laughs]

What? What are you…

[phone vibrating]

[Grace laughing]

Hello?

What’s up?

Hey, it’s me and Jonny, and we have some good news and some bad news.

Okay, give me the, uh… give me the good news.

JONNY: Okay.

No, give me the bad news, right?

All right, okay.

Never mind.

Just give me the good news.

Well, so…

Yeah. Go ahead.

All right.

Okay. So the good…

Hey, hold-hold on a second.

Bill, give me a second.

Grace.

What’d I say?

Bill.

Sorry.

So many kids.

Who can keep track?

I know. I’ll… Hold, hold on a second.

Hey. Hey. Hold on. Hold on.

Yeah. Okay, go ahead.

JONNY: Okay. Okay.

Well, the good news is that Theresa Thompson’s daughter isn’t meeting with anybody and she’s not taking any calls.

That’s good news?

She’s performing tonight in Hollywood. She’s a singer.

We think you should go down there and talk to her and see what you can do.

Just show up? I mean…

What kind of singer is she?

Uh… well, it’s…

looks like it’s some kind of a jazz club.

Oh. Cool.

Yeah, I can do that.

That’d be fun.

Uh…

Okay, what’s the bad news?

I spoke with Dev earlier, and, uh…

he’s leaving us, Andy.

I’m so sorry.

I-I didn’t expect that.

What did he say, exactly?

Why didn’t he call me?

Well, he’s nervous. He’s young.

ANDY: First shows are always tough, Cy.

We’ve been through this a million times.

We work hard for that kid, and then he just leaves us like that?

Did you tell him about the ad we took out in the L.A. Times? I told him about it.

But who’s he gonna blame for the work not selling? Himself?

Look, go down to this jazz thing, talk to Lola Thompson.

I know you.

And I know you can make this happen.

[door opens]

What’s wrong?

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

I have to go to this thing tonight.

Jazz club.

Check out this singer.

It’s for work.

Mmhmm.

Supposed to be a very hip little club.

You want to come with me?

Your place looks fantastic, by the way.

These chairs, are they new?

Nope. I’ve had them for about a year.

Really?

Just, uh, you never come over.

Stop it.

I come over all the time.

Yeah, okay.

I do.

What do you say? You and me, we’ll go out on the town tonight.

You and me, doing the town.

Mm.

Starts at 10:00. It’ll be fun.

There’s supposed to be some good sushi over there.

10:00’s a little rough for me lately, Dad.

Right.

Yeah.

Sorry. You’re right.

Yeah.

Well, what are you gonna do for dinner?

Why don’t you…

Hello, mi familia.

Hey, Pete. So how you doing?

[Pete chuckles]

Hey, Andy.

Hi, bub.

Thank you so much for taking her shopping.

I’m thrilled I didn’t have to go.

Sure.

GRACE: Uh, really?

PETE:

Yeah. I’m just saying.

You look very beautiful, by the way.

Me?

PETE: Uh-huh.

GRACE: You’re crazy.

PETE: I am not.

Also, I picked up from that Greek place you like.

GRACE: Yeah?

And the good froyo.

Oh!

Yum. [chuckles] Andy, I wish I knew you were still here.

I would’ve gotten more kebabs.

No, I’m good. I’m…

I’ll grab something to eat on the way.

Uh, hey. This was fun today.

Wait… No. Um…

Here, I got it.

No, stay.

Hold on.

Uh, Dad, why don’t you stay?

We can… we can figure this out.

Yeah.

There’s enough food.

Nah. Nah. I’ll be good.

I’m good. Really.

GRACE: Okay. Um…

Well… have fun.

Don’t worry about me.

I’m good. Thanks, kiddo.

See ya.

Later, Pete.

[lively jazz music playing]

Hey.

Oh, hi.

Ticket booth’s over there.

Okey doke.

Thanks.

Mmhmm.

Hi.

Hi.

How are you? Hey, is this the, uh, Lola Thompson show?

Uh…

Wait. Are you…

Lola…

Is… Are you with her, or…

No, she’s… Is she perform…

She’s supposed to be performing.

Wait.

Uh, yeah. Probably.

Uh, I think.

Yeah, actually, Lola Thompson, yes, she’s right there.

There it is.

Oh, good, good. Now what?

I mean, do we, uh…

Oh, it’s $20.

There you go. There you go.

Yeah.

But 25 if online.

No. I… we’re…

Here we are, paying now.

And it’s “a night of feminist works.”

Enjoy.

Oh.

Yay, women supporting women.

[cheering, laughter]

I’ve had an amazing time.

I feel like our periods are gonna be all synced up after tonight.

[laughter]

Thank you so much.

I’m out of here, guys.

You guys are fantastic.

Enjoy the rest of your night.

I should stop being desperate.

[cheering]

Let’s give it up for Lola Thompson!

♪ ♪

♪ Love ♪

♪ Love ♪

♪ I want to make love

to your existence ♪

♪ Drenched in the colors

of your energy ♪

♪ Then masturbate

to the memories ♪

♪ I want to lose myself

inside yourself ♪

♪ Until you find me,

confine me ♪

♪ To the freedom

of your prisons ♪

♪ Exist in the same place,

same time ♪

♪ Combine until your thoughts

slow-grind with mine ♪

♪ Combine until your

thoughts slow-burn with mine ♪

♪ Combine until your thoughts

slow-grind with mine ♪

♪ My, I want to drink

the sweat of your intellect ♪

♪ Reflect and watch

the night passion mark my neck ♪

♪ I want to make love

to my soulmate ♪

♪ Oh, shit… ♪

♪ ♪

LOLA [singsongy]:

Somebody gave me flowers.

[laughs] This is…

ANDY: Uh, excuse me. Uh, Lola?

Hi.

Hey.

Hey. Uh… First of all, that was a really interesting show.

I wasn’t, you know, ready for that.

But it was great.

Thank you.

Andy Goodrich.

Thank you.

Nice to meet you, Andy.

Yeah.

I was hoping we could…

chat for a little bit.

Well, I was on my way out, so…

I own the Goodrich Gallery, here in L.A.

[gasps] Oh. Okay. Yeah.

I was wondering if we could talk about your mother Theresa.

Your… your mother, comma, Theresa, not Mother Teresa.

I got you. Um…

I’m so sorry, but I’m not really talking to people just yet.

Yeah.

You know? I need…

just a little while to think things through.

She just passed.

Yeah, no, I get it.

Totally understand, really.

I just want to tell you I am such a fan of your mom’s work, like, for decades, and she wasn’t discovered till, you know, really late in her career.

Yeah, well, she was lucky.

She always said, “If you’re a female artist,

you’re bound…”

“Bound to be dead before you make any money.”

Yeah, I know.

She said that to me, too.

Hmm.

You know, I remember the first time I came across your mother’s work.

I immediately bought this really nice little piece, and I really wanted to represent her, but, you know, she had already gone elsewhere.

I’m telling you, here’s what I think we do: we-we raise her visibility, you know, which in turn’s gonna raise her price, but she deserves it, I’m telling you…

Sorry. [chuckles] My mind is going a million miles an hour.

I’m so excited talking about this.

Okay.

How do I know you’re not gonna just tag her into a show with other Black female artists?

ANDY: Solo presentation only. Look.

I know we’re only a little boutique gallery, but that’s to your advantage.

You’re gonna get approached by everyone, if you haven’t already.

Have you already?

Uh… no one else was the only man at my show tonight.

I go to every feminist works night I can get to.

[chuckles]

Okay.

Last thing before I cut you loose.

Everywhere else, you’re just gonna be one of, you know, ten or 20 different estates.

You’re just gonna be on the director’s todo list.

If you come with me, you get me.

Okay, this has been the longest day, and right now my mind is just on a hot shower, so…

I will come to your gallery.

Cool.

And we will meet more formally.

That is more than I’ve offered anyone.

Cool.

And yes, there are others.

[thunder rumbling]

How many others? I’m joking.

[thunder booms]

[electronic cackle]

[entry bell jingles]

TERRY: Okay, Halloween costumes!

Let’s do this.

[kids laughing, exclaiming] Okay, you guys know what you want?

Can we divide and conquer?

[growls]

[Andy chuckles]

Ah!

Nice, nice.

Wow.

Anyway, what was I saying?

You’re a loser.

Yes.

Eh… not my words, yours.

[laughs]

And you’re not.

Right.

Well, I’m told time heals all wounds, but…

I’m just sitting here, waiting, and no healing.

You know?

You just got to get out there, man.

Get out in the world more.

Look at you.

Really nice guy, good-looking dude, great dad.

Just gotta power through this thing, man.

Come on.

Thanks, Andy.

How about you? How’s your healing process going?

ANDY: Not good.

Still haven’t heard from Naomi.

I don’t know. Hate it.

I was over at my daughter and her husband’s house the other day.

You know, it was…

I don’t know, it was odd.

It made me feel like, uh…

…lonely, actually.

Yeah.

Yeah, lonely.

ALEXANDER: Dad! Dad, Dad!

Look at this Boba Fett costume!

TERRY: Cool!

There’s a jet pack and arm guards and an ammunition belt!

Aw. Man, this is really, really great.

You know what, bud?

It’s a little pricy.

I bet we could find something even cooler than this.

Oh. Okay.

Ooh, I don’t think so.

Love it. I love it.

Good find, dude.

Excellent find.

Stick it in the bag.

ALEXANDER: Yes.

That’s going with us.

Ah. No.

Andy, you don’t have to do that.

No, it’s on me.

No…

Forget about it, man.

Don’t worry about it.

We’ll get something else.

He’ll wear it one time.

It’s so not a big deal.

Don’t…

Thank you. That’s so nice.

Have you thought about telling the kids the truth about Naomi?

I mean, I’m sure they already have a hunch.

They’re so intuitive, you know?

They-they know so little, but they pick up on so much.

They’re funny like that.

I-I have.

It just… seems like the end of something for them, I think.

You know? I mean, they still believe in the Tooth Fairy.

They don’t even like it when their meat touches their vegetables on their plate.

Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad!

ANDY: Hey, hey, hey, hey!

What do we got? What do we got?

Uh-oh. Uh-oh.

‘Cause I got about five minutes of this place left in me.

Okay. I’m going to be a demented zombie, and Mose is gonna be a dead alien ghost.

It’s gonna be so awesome.

Okay. Okay.

I think I have a better idea.

[doorbell rings]

Trick or treat!

WOMAN [laughs]: Wow, what do we have here?

A hip old man and a beautiful young señorita.

Oh, look! Boba Fett! [laughs]

[sighs]

Okay. Give it back.

Okay, wait. Okay, I’ll trade you for this candy.

Hey. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Let me look here.

Dad, I already checked.

No nuts.

Thank you.

Let me doublecheck.

I’ll give you this one.

[indistinct chatter]

Boo!

[chuckles]: Oh, my God.

Andy, you scared me.

This house is incredible.

Yeah. Thanks.

It’s a nice house.

It’s so nice and cozy and chic and…

Yeah.

…like, perfect.

How long have you lived here?

Since, uh, 17? No, 18 years.

Oh, wow.

Yeah. 18 years.

Hey, you drink whiskey?

Uh, you know, I’m more of a rosé fella, but yeah, sure.

Thank you.

[chuckles] There you go.

Yeah. I bought it right after my, uh, divorce from Ann.

Oh, Ann.

That’s your older daughter’s mom, right?

Yeah. Right.

How long were you two married?

Uh, 14 years.

Hmm.

She’s in the art world, too.

Hmm.

She’s, uh, the director of the Walton Museum downtown.

Oh.

Yeah.

Museum director.

That’s a big job.

Yeah, it is.

Actually really knows the art world.

She’s pretty brilliant, I gotta say.

Which, uh, explains…

[jazz music playing]

…probably why she left me, but…

[laughs]

You know, this is actually really good.

Yeah, it should be.

31-year-old bottle there, pal.

What?

[coughs] Andy, are you nuts?

Don’t waste this on me.

I wouldn’t even know the difference.

Sure you would.

You’re a man of taste, I think.

And seem to be a guy who enjoys the finer things in life.

Anyway, just enjoy it.

How often do I get to, you know, drink with an elf?

Mm.

[grunts]

Okay, wow.

Is that a good okay?

Good okay? Bad okay?

Good, good…?

Well…

Fuck!

Oh, fuck!

Oh… Oh…

Let me start by saying sorry.

[sighing]: Oh, my God.

Dude. So not a big deal.

You know, I just… I’ve been out of the game so long.

Sure!

And I-I thought the roaring fire and the sexy music and the 30yearold whiskey…

I just, I don’t…

I-I thought things were getting romantic?

Right.

So, I could see a guy go, “Yeah, he’s…” but…

By the way, let me ask…

Do I seem gay, though?

Do I?

I am very uncomfortable right now.

No, dude. I’m telling you…

Anyway, um… [clears throat] Great seeing you, man.

[clears throat]

Alex! Let’s go!

You know what?

For the record, I’m way too young for you.

Well, that’s hardly the issue here, pal.

You told me to get out there.

Meet new people.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, but I didn’t mean me.

I wasn’t talking about me.

It was that 30yearold whiskey.

Shame on you for serving me that spoiled shit!

Dude, you had a little sip.

It wasn’t that big a deal.

No, no.

I said a silent “l’chaim” and I drank the whole thing.

[exhales]

This is so embarrassing.

And I am dressed like an elf!

Alex! We have got to go!

Dude, you have got to relax, man.

Seriously. Look.

My wife’s in rehab, my business has just gone to shit…

Some dude kisses me.

At this point, really, you want to know the truth?

Almost doesn’t fucking faze me.

Oh.

Guys.

[door opens]

ANDY: Can I talk to you guys?

Guys?

Are you dating Alex’s dad?

No, I’m not.

It’s okay if you are… we like him and all… but…

I’d have to tell Mom you’re dating a man.

Sure.

Sure. That’s understandable.

But no, we’re just friends.

But, you know, thank you for being so openminded.

I mean, honestly, I’m not sure if I believe anything you say.

You lied to us.

You and Mom both lied.

You know what?

You’re right. We did.

We shouldn’t have.

We didn’t want you guys to worry.

But we should’ve been honest with you guys.

I’m sorry.

So what’s the truth?

Where is she?

Okay, well… your mom wasn’t feeling like herself, you know?

So she started to do some things to make herself feel better.

Turns out those things weren’t good for her.

So, she decided, ’cause she’s smart, to go away to this place where there are lots of doctors, really good doctors, to help her feel better for real.

Is that what rehab is?

Yeah. Yeah, kind of.

Yeah, it’s kind of like when you’re, you know, when you get sick, you guys go to the doctor, you know?

Basically the same thing, except… it’s just gonna take a little longer.

Is she gonna die?

No, absolutely not.

She’s gonna be fine.

She’s gonna be better than before, even.

Is that why she took all those pills all the time?

Because she wasn’t feeling like herself?

Yeah. I didn’t know you knew that.

Well, I live with her.

It wasn’t really a secret.

Yeah. I wish I was as smart as you.

When is she coming home?

Well, it’s gonna take a little while, you know?

She’s gonna be there for a little while, but then as soon as she feels better, she’s gonna come right back here to us, to you guys.

Promise.

I know it’s not the same, but, you know…

I mean, I’m not going anywhere.

Okay? I’m right here for you guys.

Mm.

Okay?

‘Kay.

‘Kay.

Hey.

Perfect.

You want to see pictures…

…of where Mom is?

I don’t think so.

Okay.

I’d like to.

Okay, check it out.

Look. Come here.

Pretty, right?

MOSE: Mmhmm.

♪ ♪

So, third bid for the sign was more than the first and the second.

Ooh.

We can’t do that right now.

That’s just too expensive.

Maybe we’ll get one of those, uh, you know, those flags that…

Forget that… it’s a dumb idea.

I don’t even like those flags.

How about we just paint the sign on the window?

That could look cool, right?

Okay, yeah, we can do that.

All right. Work on that.

Okay. Will do.

Okay. Okay.

Um, and, uh, these came for you.

Some letters that you sent to Journeys rehab, I…

They’ve been returned.

Worth a shot.

I-I’m sorry, man.

No, we’re all right.

It’s all right.

Uh, what do you want to talk to me about?

You said you wanted to talk about something.

I did, um, but, you know, I don’t think now’s a great time…

No, no, no, it’s a perfect time.

I got stuff to do later.

What do you got?

Okay, um…

Andy, you know how much I love working for you.

Got another offer.

Actually, my buddy is opening a gallery in Portland and he wants me to manage it.

I-I just thought with all the…

all the changes going on around here…

I’m really…

I’m really sorry.

Are you crazy?

You have to do that.

This is a great thing for you, man.

Yeah? Cool.

Yeah.

I command you to do it.

You have to do it.

Seriously, man.

That’s a great gig for you, dude.

Thank you.

Congratulations, really.

Thank you, thank you.

[door opens]

ANDY: Hey, Lola. Wow, you came.

You know what I was thinking?

I’m gonna send an archivist over to your mom’s studio just to catalog everything.

Give the whole… whole thing some academic grounding.

You know?

Hmm.

You know, make it available to students.

I like that.

Yeah.

This piece… it’s really intense.

My wife painted that.

Mm.

Yeah, we’re separated.

I mean…

I don’t know why that matters.

Doesn’t matter.

That doesn’t matter.

JONNY: Hey.

Hey. Hi. Sorry.

Um, Billie’s on the phone.

I told her that you’re in a meeting, but she said that it’s important.

Hold on a minute.

I-I got to get this.

Yeah. Take your time.

My daughter.

ANDY: 30 seconds.

Hey. What’s up?

No, you can’t see that.

Because it’s PG13, that’s why.

Hold on. Sorry.

Don’t even try that.

Put Tali on the phone.

Yeah.

I didn’t say that.

I never said that.

Uh, 6:30.

I’m in the middle of something.

Turkey burgers, good idea.

Good call, I like it.

Yes, yes, yes. Go. Okay. Bye.

Hey. Sorry.

Oh, no, it’s okay.

How old is your daughter?

Uh, twins, actually.

Uh, they’re, uh, nine.

Nine?

Yeah.

Wow.

Moving into double digits, though, real soon. Yeah.

That is wonderful.

Yeah.

Great age.

It is a really good age.

Yeah.

Hi.

BECCA: Hey.

Is he…?

He’s in a meeting.

CY:

Oh, hey, look who it is.

Wow. Becca, can you…?

Yep.

GRACE: Hi, Cy.

Hello, sweetheart.

Aw, look at you.

You look great.

Thank you. You, too.

Well, thank you.

Yeah.

How you feeling? How’s it going with the…?

“With the…?” [laughs]

Good.

Good!

Yeah, no, I’m good, I’m good.

Oh, great.

Great, great, great.

He looks busy, huh?

Yeah. Yes.

Yeah…

I think he forgot about our hike.

No, I don’t think so.

Yeah.

I don’t think so, no.

Theresa Thompson’s daughter just popped in unexpectedly, which I have to say is very exciting.

This estate could be the answer to our prayers.

It’s been rough lately, so…

Very…

Oh.

I’m so excited about this hike the two of you are going on.

Outdoors, fresh air.

I know he needs his head cleared a little bit.

Sure.

ANDY: So sorry.

I knew I had something.

Damn it.

Something. [chuckles] Hey.

Lola Thompson, this is my very pregnant… and I think pretty mad at me… daughter, Grace.

Grace, Lola.

It’s so nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Uh, Dad, we can reschedule.

It’s fine.

No. No, no, no.

I’m just gonna do this, and we’ll go.

When are you due?

Uh, six weeks.

It is the most magical time.

I’m actually pretty uncomfortable. [chuckles]

[Andy chuckles]

Can I?

Yeah, of course.

LOLA: My daughter’s 17.

It all goes by in the blink of an eye.

Doesn’t it?

[chuckles]: Yeah.

Wait a minute, you…

I-I’m holding a breath work at my house tomorrow night.

What are you guys doing?

Would you like to come?

Please come. [chuckles]

Yeah.

LOLA: Yeah?

Yeah, I can… I can learn to breathe better.

♪ ♪

GRACE: Cy mentioned it like I should know.

Dad, what’s going on?

You’re so secretive.

ANDY: Well, things aren’t so hot right now.

The gallery, we can’t pay our rent, and…

Our artists aren’t selling.

I don’t know.

Hasn’t been… Hasn’t been my best year. [sighs] Are you thinking you might close?

No, no, no, no.

Oh.

I’ll figure it out.

I’ll figure it out.

Yeah, no, of course.

Of course you will.

Yeah.

The-The real estate will be, uh…

That’ll be big if we get that.

That’ll put us back on the map.

I don’t know, it kills me.

I look around the office and, man, I love these people so much.

I hate seeing them out there.

If they have to go look for a job, that’ll kill me.

I’ll tell ya.

Man, and I had everybody back in the day.

[chuckles]

I had such a good eye.

I don’t know, maybe I lost it.

Maybe I’m out of touch.

Hold on.

You didn’t lose anything.

And you’re very in touch for someone, mm…

you know, matur… mature.

My age.

Well, yeah.

Yeah.

[both chuckling]

I get it. I get it.

Yeah.

The problem is, I am not even remotely ready to be done yet.

I got so much more to give and I’ve got great ideas and things I want to do.

You know, I’m probably in my head too much these days.

You know how you do that?

Yeah.

You get up there and… I got a wife who won’t talk to me.

I got a shitty business…

Can we sit for a second?

[exhales]

Oy.

This is hard, this hiking thing.

[panting]

What? Don’t look at…

Honey. We’re not there yet.

I’m not looking.

There’s no look.

There was a look.

I’m gonna be fine. Come on.

Everything’s all right.

Okay?

Here. [sniffles] If life isn’t kicking your ass, it’s not doing its job.

[sniffles]

I am so sorry I laid…

Oh, come on.

I shouldn’t have laid all of this on you. I’m sorry.

[crying]:

No, it’s fine, honestly.

Honestly, this happens all the time.

I just… I can’t control it.

It’s fine. I promise.

Okay.

I just, I know how much your work means to you.

And I don’t know what to say.

I-I-I hate this, I…

I hate seeing you like this.

I hate being like this.

What can I do?

Nothing. I mean, we’re fine.

Don’t worry about it.

[sighs] Just don’t cry, ’cause if you cry, then I’m gonna cry and…

we’re up here in nature, crying.

I’ve never seen you cry.

[sniffles]

Really?

Okay, once.

One time.

I hated it.

Don’t do it.

[chuckles] Okay.

[exhales]

Noted.

[chuckles]

I’m gonna be fine.

Maybe I should cry.

[chuckles] Uh, well, if there was a time to cry,

this is… this is a good time.

Okay.

Things ain’t that great, but I won’t.

Not going to.

Me, neither.

I’m gonna be fine.

Me, too.

I promise you. Look at me.

We’re gonna be good, right?

Don’t worry about me.

I’m gonna be fine.

I’m always fine.

Come on, let’s go.

Let’s go climb a…

hill or something.

Come on. Oldie and preggers.

[exhales] Dad.

Oh, sorry, sorry.

GRACE [grunts]:

Okay.

ANDY: What year did the California gold rush begin?

What year was it?

Was it… 1848?

Thank you very much.

Nice! Nice!

And where was it first discovered?

That’s easy.

ANDY: Really?

Yeah.

Is it… uh, Sutter’s Mill?

Mose Goodrich, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you very much.

There you go.

How’s everybody feeling about our dual sleepovers?

Excited.

Very excited.

Me, too.

But what are you ever going to do without us?

Me? Huge party.

Big, big party here.

Yeah, catered.

BILLIE: Really?

People, celebrities.

Dad.

DJ.

What are you really doing?

No.

Billie and I have a thing.

I’m Billie.

I mean Gracie.

Sorry. Sorry, sorry.

There, that’s you.

That’s yours.

Let’s get going.

That lady at the front desk freaks me out.

She kind of scares me, really.

Did you pack me a chocolate chip cookie?

I did.

The kind I like?

Exactly. Crispy on the outside.

Nice and gooey and soft in the center.

Did I get one, too?

Yes, you did.

[whispers]: You got two.

[chuckles]

BILLIE: Hey! I heard that.

Hey, come on, come on.

Come on, come on.

[Mose chuckles]

[exhaling slowly]

[all inhaling deeply]

[exhaling]

Deep breathing brings you to a higher vibration.

Take it nice and slow.

Tune in to what’s happening inside your body.

Feel your stress reducing, your anxiety melting.

In the areas around your chest, your shoulders.

Tune in to it.

Tuned. I’m tuned right there.

INSTRUCTOR: Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth.

[exhaling]

Let your body move organically.

Now let’s bring some movement, involving your shoulders.

Your arms.

Now, chin to chest, and hold.

Open with breath.

[all inhaling sharply]

Yeah. Come on, guys.

Get out all of that negative energy.

Really get it out of you.

[breathing, laughing]

All of that trauma, it all lives in your body.

Shake it out.

I’m shaking.

And let go.

[all exhaling]

LOLA: Now you let the light in.

Through your toes.

Okay.

[exhaling]

Into your kneecaps, your mind, your heart.

[laughing]

[“Sanando” by Infinite Crescendo playing]

♪ Sanando, Sanando ♪

♪ Sanando, Sanando… ♪

Now, take it up a notch.

Come on. [laughs] That’s it.

♪ Sanando… ♪

[inhales deeply]

[exhales]

♪ Sanando, Sanando ♪

♪ Sanando ♪

♪ Sanando, Sanando ♪

♪ Sanando ♪

♪ Sanando, Sanando ♪

♪ See ♪

♪ We’re dancing ♪

♪ On the rim of the world ♪

♪ We’re dancing

on the rim of the world ♪

♪ We’re dancing ♪

[fading]:

♪ Sanando, Sanando… ♪

I want you to channel a word that describes what you feel you need most from the world right now.

We’re all going to shout our words at the exact same time

and release them.

Help!

I was… gonna count to three.

Sorry.

[laughing]

How you feeling, Goodrich?

Fantastic.

Yeah?

I didn’t… I didn’t know that I needed this.

Turns out, man, I really needed this.

[laughs] Honestly, th-thanks for inviting us.

This was really, uh, this was something.

Yeah. That makes me so happy.

Oh, good.

Yeah, I wanted to talk to you.

I-I’ve been thinking about this a lot.

Um…

I like the idea of being with a boutique gallery that really understands and gives us the attention that we deserve.

You know? And-and more than that, more importantly, I’m all about family, and… watching you tonight with your daughter, I-I…

It really spoke to me the kind of man that you are.

And, uh, I think that’s the kind of man, kind of person, that I want out in the world representing my mom.

Oh, man. Wow. That’s great.

[chuckles] Thanks. One night in Topanga, all of a sudden I’m a hugger.

[laughing]

This… Oh, wow, I can’t tell you, I am thrilled.

Just thrilled.

Yeah, I am, too.

I promise you, we’re gonna do great for you.

[sighs]

I know you will.

ANDY [exhales]:

I’m breathing right.

I’m back in business.

[car alarm chirps]

This… that was fun.

GRACE: Yeah.

ANDY: And it’s all because of you, you know that, right?

GRACE: Yeah, hardly, but I’ll take it.

ANDY: No, it was.

It was fun. Thanks, hon.

Let’s go do something.

Let’s celebrate. Come on.

Oy, it’s late.

Plus, what about your kids?

Don’t you have to go home?

Eh, they’re at sleepovers.

Come on, what do you want to do?

You can’t drink.

[laughing]: No.

Okay, let’s go get some ice cream.

You love mint chip.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Okay. I know a cute little place in Venice.

If we hurry, we can get there before it closes.

Let’s go.

[phone vibrating]

Hold on a minute.

Let me just do this.

Yello. Hello.

Hey, hi.

Calm down.

Do you have a temperature?

Yeah.

Okay, okay, okay.

I’ll come there.

I’ll come there.

I’ll be there in 30 minutes.

30 minutes is not a long time.

Do you want to stay on the phone with me?

It’s gonna be okay.

I love you, too, honey.

[sighs] It’s Grace.

I’m Grace.

It’s Billie. Sorry. Billie.

She’s not feeling well. Can…

Can we have a rain check on that ice cream cone?

Yeah.

Okay.

Yeah.

♪ ♪

[gate opens]

Hey, Ann.

Andy. Hey.

Hey.

Hi.

Hey.

Geez, I must be early.

Grace didn’t tell me you were gonna be here.

Well, me and the kids baked some cookies, and we just dropped them off.

How are you?

I’m, uh, you know…

No, I-I’m sorry.

Grace told me. I…

I feel for Naomi.

Yeah, okay. Thank you.

Thanks. Yeah.

Hey, congratulations.

You’re bigtime now.

That-that’s a great gig.

Way to go.

Yeah.

Yeah, thanks. Uh…

Yeah.

I’m crazy busy.

I travel nonstop, which I don’t love so much anymore, but I’ll slow down once the baby comes.

Yeah, sure, sure.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Anyway, how are you holding up?

You didn’t answer.

Uh, you know, okay, uh, surprisingly.

I’m-I’m okay.

You’re always okay.

Well…

[laughs] That was a compliment.

Didn’t feel like it, but, you know, it’s okay.

Wait, you got the Theresa Thompson estate.

Yeah. Yeah.

Oh, wow.

That’s major. Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, it’s good.

It’s good. Yeah, yeah.

You know, I think I turned you on to her.

Oh, I don’t think so.

[laughs] Why aren’t you at the gallery?

It’s almost 11:00.

This has got to be a first.

I don’t know, you know, go to the market, uh, drop the kids off at school, come here.

You at the market?

Me at the market.

I’m a market guy now.

Hey, if you’re early, you want to go get a cup of coffee or something?

Take a walk?

Come on, just say yes before, you know, before you think of an excuse.

♪ ♪

[indistinct chatter]

ANN: Oh, wow. Yeah.

Oh, wow. Just so stunning.

ANDY: She still has it.

Have you thought about, um…

[chatter continues indistinctly]

♪ ♪

[both chuckling]

Hey, let me ask you a question.

What do you think about Pete?

Oh, Pete’s great.

Really?

Yeah.

No, I-I like Pete.

It’s just that she’s so funny and Pete is, like, so not.

[laughs]

Uh, he’s nice, you know.

Yeah, but yeah, who cares?

He’s gonna be a great dad.

Yeah, you’re probably right.

She’s the great one.

Oh, my God, she’s fantastic.

You say that like you just met her.

No, I mean, we’ve been spending a lot of time together.

That’s…

You did a great job, Ann.

Really.

You were always willing to, you know, give anything up for the family.

Thanks. I admire that. Really.

You see, that’s the difference between me and you.

I never saw it as giving anything up.

[car door closes]

Ann. There you are.

Oh. [laughs] Um, Andy, this is Barry Klein.

Nice to finally meet you.

Nice to meet you.

ANN: Oh, that’s right.

We’re taking Grace out to lunch, if you want to join us.

You know, I would, but I got to go to the gallery, and then I got a…

I got a thing I got to do.

But I’m gonna see you at Christmas anyway at Gracie’s, right?

Actually, um, we’re going to New York for the holidays.

You know, quick trip before the baby comes.

Can’t beat Christmas in the city, eh?

No, you can’t.

It’s gonna be beautiful.

It’s gonna be great.

Thanks. Shall we?

Uh, yeah.

Take care, Andy.

♪ ♪

[indistinct chatter and giggling]

BECCA: Hey, that’s pretty good, guys.

Lola Thompson’s here.

Oh, already?

Okay.

Definitely not Swiss Mocha, I can tell you that.

Okay.

Whites will make you crazy.

Simply White.

Simply White. Okay.

That’s the color.

Hey, hi.

Hey.

You’re early.

That’s okay, that’s okay.

That’s a good thing.

That’s a good thing.

PR team’s not here yet, and I have got a ton of stuff to go over with you.

First, come meet my kids.

Yeah, Andy, wait. Wait.

Um, I came early ’cause I need to talk to you.

Okay.

Yeah, there’s really no easy way to say this.

Um, it’s not personal, okay?

[chuckles]: Okay.

I want you to know that.

Oh, I should just say it, I guess.

Um, I gave the estate to another gallery.

One in New York.

They flew out here, and they, uh, they-they lined me up with a huge buyer already, promised me aa show in every city.

New York, London, Paris.

We… we even got accepted to Basel.

Yeah. Wait a minute.

Is this a done deal?

Yeah, it is.

I just signed the contracts, and… you know, we didn’t have any, so…

No, we didn’t.

We didn’t have a contract ’cause all we had was, you know, your word.

[sighs] Andy.

Let me ask you something.

The whole thing about, you know, family and everything, what was that? Was that…

That was true, of course.

This wasn’t an easy move for me.

I-I wasn’t looking for this.

They pursued me.

The offer was just…

It’s a lot of money, Andy.

I’m a 50yearold single mom.

I know, I know…

BILLIE: Dad, help!

It’s Alex!

[siren wailing]

♪ ♪

Excuse me.

Hi. I’m looking for Alexander Koch.

He was brought in about an hour ago. I’m his father.

NURSE: Okay, uh, room 702, down the hall, to the right.

Okay, thank you.

[heart monitor beeping]

[rapid footsteps approaching]

TERRY: Hey.

I was shooting all the way in Burbank.

Here’s the deal.

The seizure, mild.

It was the fall, okay?

Yeah, yeah.

Okay, okay, here’s the plan.

They’re gonna keep him overnight, just to make sure he doesn’t have another episode, right?

Yeah.

And as soon as he’s okay, they’re just gonna send him home in the morning, and everything will be okay.

He was so great, man.

He was so brave getting his stitches.

He must have been so scared.

I can’t believe I wasn’t there.

Oh, come on, don’t beat yourself up.

He’s gonna be fine.

Honestly, don’t worry about it.

I’m sorry I took my eye off him.

No. God, come on.

Hey, you got a gig, huh?

Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

A guest spot on a soap.

That’s good.

Yeah.

How’d it go?

Eh, all right.

All right, good.

I finished it.

You want some tea or something? Coffee?

No. No, no, no, no.

You sure?

No, you should go.

It’s late. You should…

No, no, no, I’ll stay here with you.

No, no. Thank you. I’m fine.

Okay.

Okay, okay.

All right.

Hey, don’t worry, he’s gonna be fine.

Don’t worry.

You look worried. Come here.

There.

Thank you.

All right. Take it easy, buddy.

Oh, yeah, nope.

All right, sorry.

[elevator bell dings, doors slide shut]

♪ ♪

[breathing shakily]

[sniffles]

[crying softly]

[sighs]

[elevator bell dings, doors slide open]

[quiet chatter]

[keys jingle, lock clicks]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[sighs]

Hey.

How you doing, man?

Thanks for coming.

Wouldn’t miss this.

Thank you very much.

Onward.

Thanks, buddy.

Hey, Doc.

Hey, love you, man.

Thanks, man.

Ed, you came.

I can’t believe it.

I just can’t believe Goodrich is closing.

Hey.

Well, here we are.

Yeah, here we are.

How you feeling, boss?

Like I’m having an out-of-body experience.

Mmhmm.

Yeah.

Who invited the accountant?

Jesus, look at him.

Yeah, hi.

Hey.

I’m gonna go up and say a few words.

Yeah, okay. Listen.

I love you, pal.

Love you, too, buddy.

Hey.

I couldn’t have done this without you, you know.

I want you to know that.

[tapping on glass]

[guests applaud]

Hi. Hey.

First off… [clears throat] I just want to thank everyone for even coming tonight.

This is, uh, this is a special night.

A sad one, but, you know, monumental for me.

This is big.

You know, the Buddhists say, in the end, there are really only three things that matter:

how much you’ve loved, how gently you’ve lived and how gracefully you let go of the things that really weren’t even meant for you.

I haven’t lived that gently.

[laughter]

And, uh, I think you all know I have a little hard time letting go of things.

[laughter]

But then there’s love.

Yeah. Man.

And the love, I mean, I feel so much love here tonight.

And I have to tell you, I have loved this gallery, boy, with everything I’ve got.

You know, when you see something with your eyes, like, you know, schoolchildren, let’s say, crossing the street in maybe a little bit of falling rain or the way that morning sun, you know, comes right through your window and hits a bowl of fruit on your kitchen counter…

Or, even better…

[chuckles]

[sighs]

…that smile on your daughter’s face.

[clicks tongue]

You know, you… you close your eyes and you think, “I have to remember this.”

Because, in that moment, that’s a piece of art.

That’s just art.

Oh, boy. Okay.

Well, this has been a long journey, folks.

But it’s been the ride of my life.

Hey, thanks for coming.

[guests applaud]

♪ ♪

[sighs heavily]

They all come at the end.

Dad.

Eh, it’s true.

Hey, it was so nice to see everybody.

Honestly, it was great, but, really, did kind of feel like a guest at my own funeral, you know?

Well, if you ask me, I think this is actually a really good thing.

Yeah?

Yeah, like a whole new chapter.

Yeah, maybe.

Hey, I’m gonna get to see the kids a lot more, travel a little bit.

Maybe even take some tango lessons.

And you’re gonna be a grandfather.

[gasps]

Oh, come on, Goodrich, it’s just a word.

Okay, I got to…

I got to sit down.

[Grace groans]

No, no, don’t worry about it, Dad.

I got it.

Honey…

No need to help me.

Honey, you don’t have to nail me at every given opportunity.

Nicely done, thank you.

Oh.

[Andy sighs]

Grandfather.

Yeah.

Grandfather’s like a guy with bushy eyebrows and a walking stick and a tweed jacket.

I feel like you’re describing the old man from Up.

[both laugh]

Look, I know this conversation is gonna be held against me at some point, so can we just kind of, you know, delete it from the transcript and let it be known that I am really, really excited about the baby.

In fact, the word “ecstatic” comes to mind.

Here.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I am extremely pregnant.

Ah, you’re fine.

You’re-you’re fully baked.

You’re good. Trust me, I’ve been through enough pregnancies.

I know.

[laughs] Drink with me.

[sighs]

Speaking of being an expert in this field, um, I have my last doctor’s appointment before Christmas tomorrow, and it’s getting a little uncomfortable to drive.

Mom’s in New York and Pete has to work, so…

Now…

I was wondering if you…

Your old man is very, very, very available.

He would take you.

Gladly.

Kidding me? Can’t wait.

Thanks for coming tonight, honey.

I know, but still, it was nice.

Come on.

[sighs]

You know, this kind of feels like an end of an era for me, too.

ANDY: Hmm.

Well, this midlife crisis is no walk in the park, I’ll tell you that.

I didn’t realize you were planning to live till 120.

Please don’t, okay?

[laughs] I don’t think I can afford the therapy bills.

[laughs]

Ooh, that was nice. 120.

Oh, my God.

Hallelujah.

[“Jingle Bells” by Johnny Mercer playing]

[indistinct chatter, laughter]

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells,

listen to them ring ♪

♪ Bringing all the happiest

wishes they can bring ♪

♪ Oh, jingle bells,

jingle bells ♪

♪ Let’s have a ball ♪

♪ Happy New Year, everyone ♪

♪ Merry Christmas, all. ♪

[song ends]

Merry Christmas. [chuckles] You’re home.

Yeah, I’m… I’m done.

I’m out, so…

God, it’s so quiet in here.

Where are the kids?

They’re at their friend’s, some… Alex’s house.

Oh.

Yeah, I-I know his dad a little bit.

I can’t wait to see them.

Look, I’m so sorry.

I-I should’ve called.

I just, um…

I didn’t…

I didn’t really know if you would want to see me.

No, I mean, I knew the 90 days were up ’cause I got this little reminder on my phone…

[both chuckle]

…that went off, so… of course I want to see you.

Andy…

Why did you have to do it like that?

I would’ve helped you.

I didn’t know what else to do.

You know, I was scared.

I was so scared.

And I didn’t abandon our family.

I-I really hope that you know that.

I know. I know.

I just did not want them to see me like that.

I know.

It’s not how I want them to think of me.

I know. I know.

[sighs]

I know that.

Okay.

I’m sorry, Naomi.

It’s, like, the simplest thing to say, but…

this is the…

first time I’ve had a chance to say it while actually looking at you.

Thank you.

Anyway, um, I’m on the other side now.

And-and I’m…

And I’m doing good.

You know, recovery, it’s just such a journey, but I’mI’m starting to feel more like myself.

Great. Good, good, good.

Hey, I really want to help you this time, okay?

‘Cause I’ve been doing a lot of reading about it and, uh…

I just really want to help you, okay?

I love you.

I’ve been…

I’ve been doing, um, a lot of thinking.

I’ve had a lot of time to think, and we are gonna… be better as friends.

Oh. Okay.

[chuckles softly]

Deep down, didn’t you kind of always know that… we weren’t gonna make it?

Uh…

Actually, I can’t say that I did, no.

[Naomi chuckles]

Didn’t see that one.

[Naomi laughs]

We’ve got a lot to be grateful for.

Yeah.

You know, we got two beautiful kids and… you’re gonna be a grandfather.

Yep.

Yeah, about…

Oh, shit.

[tires squealing]

[line ringing]

Come on, come on, come on.

[line continues ringing]

GRACE [recorded]: Hi. You’ve reached Grace…

Ah, geez.

[line ringing] If you leave a message, I’ll call you back.

Shit.

Hi. You’ve reached Grace.

[groans]

ANDY: Gracie, honey, I’m on my way.

Okay? Okay, okay.

Ah, fuck.

[line ringing]

GRACE [recorded]: Hi. You’ve reached Grace. If you leave a message, I’ll call you back.

Honey, I’m on my way, okay?

I’ll be there in a few minutes.

[horns honking]

Right there is fine. Thank you.

[tires screeching]

[horn honking]

Oh, my God.

I’m here.

[scoffs] You remembered you were supposed to pick me up?

No, I know, honey.

I called Pete, and he said to meet you here.

I tried to reach you.

[Grace groans] What happened, huh?

Something come up with the kids?

Did you forget?

What was it, Dad?

Uh, well, uh, Naomi showed up.

Oh. Okay, well, I’m glad that she’s up and running.

Maybe now I can just go back to being someone you call from the car.

Or when you need to know what temperature to bake a potato.

Oh, Gracie, come on.

Are we done here?

Because I’m late for a doctor’s appointment because of you.

I’m sorry. Look, the woman just showed up at my house.

What was I supposed to do?

I haven’t talked to her in 90 days.

I have to talk to her.

No, I get it, I get it.

Priorities. I get it.

No, honey, come on.

Look, I’m only a few minutes late.

[groans] I’m here now.

Let’s just go upstairs.

You don’t get it, do you?

Get what?

I waited for you like an idiot.

I’m so sorry. I feel awful.

I hate letting you down.

[laughing]:

You hate letting me down?

Yes, I do.

You’ve let me down my whole life.

This… This is nothing.

This is a doctor’s appointment.

How have I let you…?

Don’t answer that.

Let’s go upstairs.

I thought you changed.

I really did.

I thought you’d grown up.

And-and you know what?

Maybe you have.

But it’s all for them.

I’m not a part of that.

I’m a part of the original cast.

I don’t get to reap the benefits of the new and improved Andy Goodrich who makes you pancakes and shows you old movies.

No, no, I got the never available, never home, never asked you how your day was Goodrich.

Honey, this is really not good for you right now.

Oh, really?

‘Cause I think it is.

I-I think it’s really good to get things off your chest that you’ve held in for 30 years.

I’m mad at you.

And I have been for as long as I can remember.

Just aa steady stream of mad with spurts of liking you in between.

Do you know how hard it is for me to watch you be father of the year all of a sudden?

Do you know how painful it is for me?

They get a version of you that I never had.

I-I never even got to live with you past the age of 11.

I don’t even remember what you look like in pajamas.

We’re just friends, you and I, but-but they have you, all of you.

Th-They get you, and I never did.

But do you know who shows up for you?

Do you know who’s always there for you? Me.

I know.

For better or for worse, man.

Because I’m the only person that loves you as much as you love yourself.

And another thing.

D-Do you know why I married Pete?

Because he’s nothing like you.

And maybe that, maybe that’s why you don’t like him.

Okay, honey, please.

Do you know that every time I-I see you, I want to run into your arms and slap you?

I mean, it’s the single most confusing thing in my life.

Because nobody, nobody can break my heart like…

Oh, my God.

What? What’s going on?

Oh, my God, it’s happening and I’m with you!

What? What’s happening?

I’m sorr… What?

It, Dad! It!

Are you sure?

Yes, I’m sure.

Okay. This is okay.

The doctor last week told me that I was on track for full term, but I’m not due for three and a half more weeks.

Okay. Okay.

And-and I’m not dilated.

And this isn’t supposed to happen

with your first baby.

Right.

Oh, my God, Mom is in New York and Pete…

No, we’re good.

Pete. Okay.

What do we do?

Y-You got to call Pete.

You got to call Pete and you got to tell him he’s got to grab the bag.

Got it, got it.

Should we go upstairs?

No, Dad, we have to go to the hospital!

Got it. Let’s go. Okay.

W-Will you call Pete?

Where’s your car?

ANDY: Come on. Come on. Here. Hey.

Pete. Pete, Grace is in labor.

We’re on our way to the hospital.

Let’s go. Come on.

It’s go time.

Tell him to grab the bag.

Hey, grab the bag, dude.

And the slippers by my bedside.

Okay, and grab the slippers, her slippers, on her side of the bed.

Yeah, and, uh, and my cozy robe, not the one that I blow-dry my hair in, the other one.

Grab the cozy robe, not the other one, not the hair-drying one.

What else?

Aromatherapy spray.

Aromatherapy.

Don’t forget the aromatherapy spray.

Oh, oh, oh, oh!

And the cord blood kit.

It’s over by the front door.

Do you want to talk to him?

[screaming]

ANDY: Okay.

Okay, sweetie.

You’re having a contraction.

Squeeze my hand.

Just, there you go.

Squeeze that.

[Grace groans]

There you go.

You’re doing great.

It’s almost over.

Worst is over.

Dad?

Yeah?

I’m really glad you’re here.

Me, too, babe.

Me, too. I’m so glad.

I’m really sorr… [screams]

Squeeze this one for a while.

I’m okay now, Dad.

I’m okay, I’m okay.

I’m okay right now.

Okay. Come on.

Yeah, I’m okay.

Oh, and I’m sorry about all the horrible things that I said to you.

Please, don’t even think about that.

Don’t worry about that.

You’re hormonal.

No, no, I meant them.

I just shouldn’t have said them.

It was really mean of me, and I hate when I get like that, and I’m really sorry.

Don’t worry about it.

It’s okay.

[sighs]: Okay.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Hey.

Yeah?

You’re having a baby tonight.

Yeah.

In fact, this baby might be born on Christmas.

[sighs] It’s the most religious thing I’ve ever done.

Well, Grace, you’re progressing really fast.

So, if you’re comfortable with the epidural, I think we should move ahead with it.

Okay, I-I actually was kind of hoping to go without that, if that’s okay.

It could slow things down but will definitely help with the pain.

[screaming]

Yeah. Okay. She wants that.

Okay, looks like I’m gonna be here for a little while, but I’ll call you as soon as the baby’s born, okay?

Yes, I promise.

I promise.

I know.

I’m glad she’s home, too.

Okay. Okay, love you.

Okay, love you. Hey, Pete.

Oh, God.

Come on, Pete.

Hey.

Whoa. You all right?

How is she?

She’s good.

Oh, good.

Come on. Come here.

[panting]

Hey.

Hey.

Hey. [laughs]

You okay?

How is she doing?

Oh, she’s doing great.

I think the feeling’s starting to come back in my hand.

I’m gonna be a dad.

You’re gonna be a dad.

[laughter]

Good luck with that, Pete.

[indistinct chatter, announcement over P.A.] Uh-oh.

Hey, Grace?

We are gonna go ahead and turn you on your side, okay?

GRACE: Wait, what? Pete!

Wh-What-What’s happening?

I don’t know what’s happening.

DR. VERMA: Hello, everybody.

Okay, let’s see what’s going on.

Oh, okay, so your contractions are just one on top of the other and the baby’s having a hard time normalizing its heart rate.

So, let’s put her on her other side. Here we go.

So, Mom and Dad.

GRACE and PETE: Yeah.

This is the plan.

I’m gonna just wait for a couple of minutes, see if the heart rate normalizes by itself.

We want to see the heart rate go up.

And if not, I’m gonna go in and perform an emergency C-section.

Wait, what?

Oh, my God.

Hey, let’s just talk through this, okay?

Hey.

Yeah.

Let’s just talk through this.

Okay.

Okay? The baby’s gonna be just fine, I promise.

Hold my hand. Hey.

We’re gonna bring the baby home to that beautiful gender-neutral nursery you set up.

And we’re not gonna sleep for like six months, but it won’t matter.

And then, before you know it, it’s gonna be the first day of school.

Can you believe that?

But I’m gonna be a basket case.

But you, you’re gonna be solid and put together.

A total ace.

And then you’re gonna break down in the car.

[chuckles]

And we’re gonna have great family vacations.

Because you make the best itineraries.

Yeah. And we’re gonna take a picture of us holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa like that.

And we’re also gonna make a ton of mistakes.

But then we’re gonna have a second kid…

GRACE: Oh. [laughs]

PETE: And we’re gonna make less.

[Grace chuckles]

I think our baby’s gonna be really embarrassed by us for a while in high school.

Especially me. I know it.

But we’ll get through it.

And we’re gonna have each other.

Right?

Yeah.

And then college.

We’re buying sheets for an extralong twin?

How did that happen?

[takes deep breath]

I think our baby’s really gonna miss us when they go to college.

Mmhmm.

Yeah.

PETE: And I think we’re gonna get ourselves a little apartment on the East Coast.

Have ourselves a little renaissance.

It’s gonna be so great, Grace.

And it’s just starting.

Right here, right now.

Yeah.

I love you so much.

I love you.

[sniffling]

Dad, are you crying?

No.

No, not at all.

Okay, baby’s heart rate is coming back up.

Good job, Dad.

Oh, wow.

DR. VERMA: Take a quick look.

PETE: You sure?

[chuckling]: Yeah.

Okay, great.

DR. VERMA: Let me take a look.

Okay. I think we’re ready to push.

You ready, Grace?

I-I…

PETE: You got this.

I’m ready.

Yes, you are.

Okay.

You got it.

DR. VERMA: All right, she’s ten centimeters.

Pushing. I’m gonna…

Everyone, step out who’s not essential, please.

I’m gonna step out of here.

Okay.

NURSE: Okay. Just relax.

Hey, sweetie.

Yeah, Dad?

One more thing, you know, before I go.

[Andy sniffles]

You know you’re my soulmate, right?

Just wanted to tell you.

That’s it.

Okay, I’ll…

Okay, let’s do it.

DR. VERMA: Okay.

Let’s go.

DR. VERMA: Let’s do this.

[indistinct chatter]

[door closes]

[“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra]

♪ Have yourself ♪

♪ A merry little Christmas ♪

♪ Let your heart be light ♪

♪ Next year ♪

♪ All our troubles ♪

[vacuum whirring loudly]

♪ Will be out of sight… ♪

DR. VERMA:

Grace did beautifully.

Okay. Good.

She rested. Baby’s healthy and, I don’t always say this, but adorable.

[both chuckling]

Thanks. That’s great. Man.

Thanks very much. Boy…

Phew. That was scary.

You were great.

You were really great.

Man, I didn’t think that…

[sighs] I’d get this emotional.

Thank you.

Oh, please, well, don’t apologize, and you are welcome.

Thanks.

Wait a minute. I almost forgot.

It’s a girl.

♪ Faithful friends

who are dear to us ♪

♪ Will be near to us ♪

♪ Once more… ♪

Knock, knock.

GRACE:

It’s a girl.

[laughing]:

How about that?

PETE: She was amazing, a superhero, really.

ANDY: Oh, I’m not surprised.

Of course, she is a superhero.

How you feeling, honey?

Oh, man, I am exhausted.

Oh, you meant Grace.

Yeah. [laughs]

Yeah.

I’m happy.

Yeah, I’ll bet.

Yeah.

You know, babies are not supposed to be this gorgeous.

She’s beautiful.

Right?

Yeah.

Oh, so cute.

Pedro.

[chuckles]: Hey.

Way to go, buddy.

You did good. You did great.

You’re a good dad.

[door opens]

BILLIE: Can we come in?

Oh, yeah, come in, come in.

Yeah, come here.

Come on, come on. Come on.

Aunt and Uncle are here.

Merry Christmas.

BILLIE: She’s so cute.

Aw.

[“True Love Will Find You in the End” by Spectrum playing]

BILLIE: Oh, I love her little nose.

That’s so cute.

MOSE:

Yeah. Me, too.

[indistinct chatter, laughter]

GRACE:

Dad?

You want to hold the baby?

Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here.

Of course.

You remember how?

I do.

Okay.

Like riding a bike.

Hold your little head up.

[muttering]

♪ True love will find you

in the end ♪

That smell.

[baby grunting]

♪ You’ll find out just who… ♪

I’m your granddad.

Welcome.

♪ Don’t be sad ♪

♪ I know you will ♪

♪ And don’t give up until ♪

♪ True love will find you

in the end ♪

♪ This is a promise

with a catch ♪

♪ Only if you’re looking

can it find you ♪

♪ ‘Cause true love

is searching, too ♪

♪ But how can it recognize you ♪

♪ Unless you step out

into the light ♪

♪ Don’t be sad,

I know you will ♪

♪ And don’t give up until ♪

♪ True love will find you

in the end. ♪

[song ends]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[music fades]