EXT. TOWN SQUARE

We come in on a shot of one of Tom's political posters being taped onto Fashions. We follow Casey, who taped the poster, to pull back and reveal a crowd of denizens and media surrounding Tom, who is standing at a podium giving a speech. Lisa and Margo stand close by, gleaming.

Tom: If I am reelected as District Attorney, I promise to clean up crime here in Oakdale. No more will you have to worry about crime rates raising because they won't with me in office.

Reporter#1: I may be getting a little personal, but will you possibly being reelected have any effect on marriage to Commissioner Hughes?

Tom: Doubt it. We'll be working side by side. Not the first time we've done it.

Tom looks back and smiles at Margo. She recipocates.

Emily (OC): Mr. Hughes, will you become bored with the position like you did last time?

Tom: No . . . (realizing) Emily . . .

Lisa: Oh no.

Emily pushes her way to the front of the crowd. She holds out her tape recorder.

Emily: I just want to jog your memory along with these people. Last time you were DA, you stepped down, correct?

Tom: (annoyed) Yes.

Emily: You declared at that time that you were over law, correct?

Tom: Yes, I was but--

Emily: Now you do understand why the people of Oakdale would be a bit skeptical about you stepping into the position again, do you?

Tom is at a loss of words. Margo facepalms while Lisa shakes her head in disgust.

Tom: Yes. I would.

Reporter#3: Seeing as Ms. Stewart--

Emily: Mrs. Ryan . . .

Reporter#3: My apologies. Seeing as Mrs. Ryan is here and brought this up, wasn't this also around the time that you worked for her, which lead to you have a child out of wedlock with her?

Tom: Yes, but--

Voice (OC): OK. OK. That's enough. You guys are taking all the fun out of an election for me.

Everyone turns to the side to see Carter Wallace, Tom's competition, standing with a big grin on his face.

Lisa: (to Margo) Who is he?

Margo: The competition.

Lisa: (intrigued) Oh.

On Carter waving and smiling for the flashing camera like a true politician would,

CUT TO

EXT. TOWN SQUARE

We pick up where we left off. Carter moves through the crowd and makes his way onto the podium to join Tom but not before he and Lisa exchange glances--chemistry exploding.

He joyfully pats Tom on the back, playing up the crowd. Tom is fuming once again, as he doesn't appreciate Carter taking over his event.

Carter: Oakdale!

Crowd: YEAH!

Margo elbows Lisa, who joined in. Then shoots a look at her letting her know to no participate.

Carter: Are you ready sick of these half a**ed young bucks promising you one thing, but doing the other?!

Crowd: YES!

Carter: Are you tired of your streets not being safe for your children because of fear of gangs and pedophiles?!

Crowd: YES!

Carter: Are you tired of these so called cops (glances back at Margo) not doing their jobs to the best of their abilities?!

Crowd: YES!

Carter: Then vote for me because I promise you, unlike my competition, (pats Tom again) that I'll clean Oakdale up. I'll send a shockwave, a message that will have criminals fleeing this town. Our streets will safe again for children to run and play. I'll work with the Mayor and Commissioner, yet call them out when they aren't serving you . . . (points at everyone) Serving you! Vote for Carter Wallace, the OG that'll set Oakdale free.

The crowd goes into an uproar of cheers. Carter basks in the cheers and looks over at Tom. Carter shrugs his shoulders, letting him know that the game is on, before basking in the cheers again.

Meanwhile, Lisa watches on intrigued. Charismatic, sexy, and hands on -- a man that Lisa needs, a man that Lisa wants.

CUT TO

INT. JAVA

Mo sits off to the side going over some papers when Casey, exhausted, enters with flyers. Mo looks up and likes what she sees.

Mo: D*mn. Talk about needing some of that cream in my coffee.

Mo has to get his attention. But how? She walks up the counter playing clumsy and bumps into Casey, thus causing his flyers to fall all on the floor.

Mo: (a bit over the top) Oh my God! How clumsy of me!

Casey: No problem.

Mo kneels down to help him. While helping, she takes a whiff of Casey, unbeknowest to him, and smiles.

Mo: (thought) Damn he smells good. A bit musty but that's because he's been working hard. Ain't nothing sexy like a man that's been working hard and he still smells good a little. Axe. Yes, axe. I recognize that smell anywhere. His sexy behind can drop the axe on--

Casey: Hey.

Mo snaps out of it.

Casey: Thanks.

Mo: (tossing her long mane--well weave, seductively) No problem. (extending hand) I'm Monique, by the way.

Casey: (shaking her hand) Casey. Casey Hughes.

Mo: (in a daze) Casey . . . Casey Hughes. (hits her) Hughes?!

Casey: Yeah. Is that a problem?

Mo: (laughing it off) Oh no. Just threw me off. Don't mind me.

Casey: (smiling) No. Tell me what's so funny?

Mo: Umm . . . (searching) That's the name of the doctor I met yesterday when I was Oakdale Memorial.

Casey: Oh. Which one?

Mo: (in though) Damn what's his name??? (then) Bob!

Casey: That's my Grandfather.

Mo: Oh is it? Such a nice man. I can see where you get your good looks from.

Casey: (bashfully) Thanks.

The two share a laugh when Allison enters. She instantly cues in on the two laughing and does not like it,

CUT TO

INT. SKIDZ

A shot of Meg bent over on the pool table. She's about to go for her shot as Ryder sits back and watches the view, which he likes. Meg takes the shot and jumps up and down screaming.

Meg: I win!

Ryder: Yeah. You did.

Meg places the stick on the table and heads back over to the bar. Ryder follows.

Meg: I'm so glad that you joined me for quick game. But I wanna apologize--

Ryder: No worries. Apology accepted.

Meg: Thanks. I've just had a hard time adjusting to sharing Eliza with that bit-- I mean Emily.

Ryder: Understandable. My birth mom went through a similar situation. Having to share me with my other mom who raised me. . . I feel your pain.

Meg: Glad someone understands. . . Now what do you want to drink?

Ryder: Oh no. Don't think so. Too early and I'm a bit of lightweight.

Meg grins at this revelation.

Meg: I find that hard to believe.

Ryder: I am. Two drinks and I am out.

Meg: Oh really? From beer?

Ryder: No. Beer is fine. It's the hard liquors that do me in.

Meg: I think they do us all in.

On Meg grinning like a chessire cat,

CUT TO

INT. JAVA

Mo is back at her table, alone and glowing when Jami enters. Mo waves her down. Then Jami joins Mo.

Jami: Sorry I'm late. I was helping MJ with some lab work.

Mo: Mmm hmm. You and this MJ-cat are getting real close.

Jami: We're just friends and collagues.

Mo: Whatever, boo.

Jami: So what have you been up too, little Miss. Fashion Designer?

Mo: Running errands. Filing papers. On the edge of killing your cousin.

Jami: Who? (leaning in) Barbara?

Mo: Yes. Talk about a Class A b*tch. That heffa got me working like I'm Kizzy off Roots. Slavery is over.

Jami: Mo!

Mo: She is. I respect her but she needs to get her back broke more often. Hubby ain't hittin' it right.

Jami pops Mo.

Mo: What?! (laughing) Could be that or she's going through menopause.

Jami gasps. The two then burst into laughter.

Jami: So you've been slaving all day? I find that hard to believe seeing as you were grinning when I walked in. Something else is going on.

Mo: Well I met this guy . . .

Jami: Go on.

Mo: He is so fine.

Jami: And?

Mo: He's a SAWB.

Jami: A what????

Mo: Keep up, sweetie. A sexy a** white boy. I thought American boys were on that racial hangup mess. I guess they've finally evolved like the European boys, and learned to appreciate dark chocolate.

Jami rolls her eyes. Mo is well known for her wacky acronoyms.

Jami: (sighs) Did I need to know that? What next? You wanna tell me his blood type?

Mo: (mumbling) Nawl. I'm sure it's no differ from yours. . .

Jami: Huh?

Mo: I said, don't hate because I'm getting some cream in my coffee girl.

Mo playfully pops Jami hands, yet quickly hesitantly laughs when she isn't looking.

Jami: Me? Hatin'? Never. I only congratulate.

Mo: Glad to hear that because you need to congratulate me now.

Jami: For what?

Mo: Because that SAWB is your cousin.

Jami: What???!!!!

Mo: You said you don't hate!

Jami: I'm not hating! But my cousin? Which one?!

Mo: (grinning) Casey.

Jami: Hold on, what a sec--wasn't he engaged? My Aunt Frannie mentioned it to my mom.

Mo: Not anymore. I asked him if he was seeing someone and he said he's newly single. Guess homegirl messed up. But I should thank her if I get the chance to meet her. That boy might be my future hubby and father of the kids. We're going out on a date real soon. Maybe we can double date? You and MJ. Me and Casey. I hope he ain't a scrub . . .

Mo is tapped on the shoulder. She turns to see Allison standing behind her.

Mo: Can I help you?

Allison: Yes. I've been watching you since I've arrived and I noticed you getting cozy with my ex-fiance.

Jami: (to Mo) Oh! Looks like your wish came true.

Jami takes a sip of her tea. Mo shoots a look at Jami before her looking back at Allison. The two stare each other down.

CUT TO

INT. WOAK (EDITING ROOM)

Luke is going over tapes when he hears a knock at the door.

Luke: Who is it?

No answer.

Luke: (sighs) You guys, I'm not in the mood today.

Luke opens the door and there is Noah. Noah charges at Luke and grabs him, kissing him passionately. Luke pushes him away.

Luke: Noah, what are you doing here and what are you doing?

Noah: I said I'd wait for you but not anymore. I'm here to take what's mine.

Luke: What?

Noah pulls Luke into a passionate kiss again. Noah hoist Luke onto the table, knocking over some tapes.

Luke: (while Noah kisses his neck) I broke up with you.

Noah: And now we're making up.

Noah wraps Luke's legs around him and kisses him. Luke gives in and goes along as he needs to sweat his edges out after the strenous few weeks he's had. Oh what the h*ll. Then,

Luke: (pushing him away) What about Kim?

Noah: She was leaving when I came in. We're here all alone.

Luke: OK. Well what about condom?

Noah digs into his pocket to reveal a magnum. Luke grins. Noah wraps Luke's legs around him and picks him up, slamming him into the wall and they continue to touch, kiss, lick, moan, groan, and . . .

CUT TO

EXT. TOWN SQUARE

The crowd has cleared away leaving only a few people, who are cleaning up, along with Tom, Margo, Lisa, Emily, and Carter (nearby).

Tom: (to Emily) I cannot believe you!

Lisa: I can. I knew she'd never change her spots. And people thought Paul could clean her up . . .

Lisa tuts.

Emily: I was reporting. You ought to know all about that, Tom. You were once a reporter with me when you were having a mid-life crisis.

Margo: But most reporters have some form of integrity.

Emily: And the ones that do are the ones complaining about newspapers not selling. I don't have that issue. The Intruder is always sold out. Recession my a**.

Lisa: A two bit, talentless wh*re.

Emily: You'd know, granny. The people in this town thought the same about you once upon a time.

Lisa goes to slap Emily but Margo steps in dragging her away.

Tom: This stunt you just pulled could ruin me!

Emily: Tom, I gotta sell stories. I have a child to feed.

Tom: And I'm starting to second guess whether or not I should've agreed to shared custody.

Lisa: You shouldn't've!

Emily: Oh, you'd say that! Seeing as you had no problem keeping Tom away from his father!

Lisa: You trailer trash . . .

Margo: Enough! You two stop it. You're giving Carter more ammo. (points) See!

They all look over to see Carter smiling and waving.

Tom: (to Carter) Loving this, huh?

Carter: (joining them) Actually, I don't. Family quarrels are normal. Plus the info you all are spewing is old news. If I am going to sling mud, it is going to be something that isn't well-known. But I can tell I won't even have to resort to that. You'll do yourself in, Hughes. (pointing to Emily) Or she will.

Carter exits but not before exchanging a smile with Lisa.

Tom: Emily! You better reel it in!

Emily: I'm doing my job!

Tom: Then find something else to write about! If you print one article about me or anyone in my family, you'll wish you would have never slept with me all those years ago!

Tom, Margo, and Lisa exit.

Emily: Trust me, I do.

On a shot of Emily, frustrated but fearful of what Tom might do,

FADE OUT