INT. COMPANY - DAY

Trista finishes waiting on a customer and walks back to the to the bar where Rocky is sitting, sipping on a shake. She sits next to him.

Trista: (sighs) Time for a break.

Rocky: Good. Maybe now we can have that picnic you promised.

Trista: But this is a break. I still have another shift to go.

Rocky: Don't worry about it.

Trista: Rocky, I can't...

Rocky: (grinning) But you promised...

Trista can't deny that smile and she knows it.

Trista: Let me go and tell your dad.

Rocky: Who cares. Let's just go.

Rocky grabs Trista's hand.

Trista: Lead the way.

Rocky grabs the picnic basket and leads Trista to the door when Lillian enters, blocking them.

Lillian: Hi guys.

Rocky rolls his eyes at the sight of Lillian.

Trista: Hello Mrs. Raines, how was work?

Lillian: Just great. (turns to Rocky) Hello.

Rocky: (dully) Hi.

Trista elbows him. He gives her the "what?!" look and she shakes her head in disappointment.

Lillian: So...umm...where are you two headed?

Rocky: Out.

Rocky drags Trista out the door leaving Lillian hurt.

INT. SPAULDING MANOR - DAY

Alan sits on the couch, downing a glass of bourbon when Caroline (Hope) enters carrying three different ties.

Caroline: Which one?

Alan: The blue one.

Caroline: I was leaning more towards the red one.

Alan: Why red?

Caroline joins Alan on the couch.

Caroline: Because the red matches well with your eyes.

Alan: You say?

Caroline: Of course.

Alan: That's awkward. My ex-wife, Hope, use to say that.

Caroline is nervous.

Caroline: (uneasy) Hope? You mean -- mean the one who is Alan Michael's mother?

Alan: Yep. (gets up and walks to the door, staring outside) So sad that she is no longer with us.

Caroline continues to squirm.

Caroline: She -- she is with you. In spirit.

Alan: I know. Just wish she was here. With me. Physically.

Caroline jumps up and begins to leave the room when,

Alan: Wait. Do you think that I should really go through with hurting Alan Michael?

And on Hope fishing for an answer,