EPISODE 21
Written by : Bre L. Drew
Last Time On Town and Country
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Courtney told Steven that she is willing to give him another chance in spite of him keeping the truth about having a family from her.
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Lorraine was let go from the newest dance production of her dance company.
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Taking advice from Shauna, Max decides to commit to photography as a profession.
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Over the phone Sean tells Louise that it is time for them to tell the girls about their " arrangement."
LOCKHART LAKE COTTAGE
By the time in which Louise got home from the farm the other day , it was too late in the evening for Sean Lockhart to bring up the conversation of informing their teenage twin daughters, about Louise already knowing about him being with another woman. Instead of letting them think that she was just as much in the dark as they were. Lying down on their king size bed in their bedroom half watching CNN on their television that is hanging from the wall, Sean turns to see Louise coming out of their bathroom in loungewear consisting of a dark navy silk tank and shorts. For a moment he couldn't take his eyes off her still impressive cleavage. Deciding that it is no time like the present to address the elephant in the room.
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" We still need to tell the girls about our " situation." Sean addresses
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Louise stops brushing her hair in the mirror at his statement. " And like I told you over the phone yesterday, no, the twins already know too much, they shouldn't have to know what is or isn't going on in and out of our bedroom Sean. "
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Sean sighs. " You're going to hear me out whether you like it or not."
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JOJO'S CAFE
Courtney Covington along with her brother Max step out of a warm Sunday morning into a nearly empty café, a far cry from the usual hustle and bustle this place experiences on the daily.
John Mayer's "Your Body Is a Wonderland " is playing on the sound system.
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The siblings' approach the counter where they receive their breakfast orders and beverages. The two of them then find a table near the window where they start eating.
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" After dropping out of NYU, traveling around the world. I think I finally found something that I can possibly make a living at. " Max confesses.
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He decides to confide in his sister about his photography. Surprisingly he had first talked about it with Shauna Jackson of all people.
" You know prostitution is illegal in this country right? " Courtney teases him.
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Max points his fork at her. " Leave the comedy to me ." he then uses the utensil to dig into his omelet. " I've been taking photos while I've been traveling in South America." And I was told that I should give it a shot, so that is what I'm planning to do. "
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Courtney grins. " That's awesome. "
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It's time for me to grow up, " Max says with a sense of realism.
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" I'm glad you're able to get some time to catch up with your big brother," Max says through mouthfuls of French Toast.
Courtney sips her green tea smoothie. " Sorry work has been crazy, not to mention some developments in my personal life. "
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Max raises his eyebrows anticipating the follow through of her last comment.
" I made up with Steven. "
Max takes a drink from his venti size cup of coffee.
"What? " Courtney asks
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" Well if it's what you want then Mazel Tov to you. " Max responds more uninhibitedly than Courtney thought.
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He remembers a couple of days ago when Courtney was caught off guard at the sight of her boyfriend Steven's unknown ex-wife and son miraculously appeared at the dinner that was at Franklin Farm. She was so stunned that she left without saying a word. Now forty-eight hours later the two are now back together.
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She puts a small piece of honeydew in her mouth. " It is what I want I realized that he made a mistake by not telling me he had a cute son and a bitch of an ex-wife. But I can't necessarily condemn him from keeping something from me like I did with not being honest with him about being a Covington " Besides Steven and I need to focus on what we have and what we can eventually build. "
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Max chuckles. " I take it that you met the former Missus Sullivan?"
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Oh yeah, I "- Courtney realizes that her phone was ringing. She accepts the call. " Hi, Dad --- " Right now? -- All right, I see you in about twenty-five minutes bye. "
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" The Corporate Woman returns, " Max says
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" Dad wants to see me about something . " she fills him in. Courtney didn't understand why her father wants to see her at work on a Sunday morning since none of the staff will be there until tomorrow.
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" I guess I'll come with you since I drove, " Max says
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" Let's get this food to-go. by the way, I forgot to compliment you on your new Porsche. " Courtney says
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" If I have to deal with the constant criticisms from the old man then I had to at least treat myself with something opulent." Max explains himself.
FRANKLIN FARM : MAIN HOUSE
Typically Sunday mornings out on Franklin Farm move a tad slower than the rest of the days of the week. Peter tended to get out onto the land earlier so he can have more time to be with his wife and family and this morning was no exception as various members of the Saunders clan were around the table eating another one of Sarah Lynn's breakfasts.
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"Anyone else wants any more waffles? " Sarah Lynn Saunders asks her husband, youngest daughter, nephew, and great-nephew who were all eating.
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"No thank you I am full." Steven Sullivan answers he then pats his stomach for effect.
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" I would like another one please Aunt Sarah Lynn. " Evan Sullivan says. He is wearing a black graphic tee with the words I Got Mad Ninja Skills with two daggers on it.
" Yes, you may sweetie. " Sarah Lynn places one of her homemade Belgium waffles onto his plate
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"Where do you put all of that food away? " Steven asks in an impressive manner. He knew that Evan had been a picky eater when he was younger. He is amazed at the sight of how well he has eaten now.
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Evan shrugs "My mouth daddy."
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Laughter comes from all of the adults.
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Peter wipes his mouth with his napkin. " I'll tell you how Evan can put all that food away, he's a growing boy trust me all of that food will make him grow big and strong, " He then makes two muscles with his arms which Evan giggles at.
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" While Evan is getting taller, I'm getting bigger. " Martha Saunders remarks. She notices that she is putting on weight due to her pregnancy and since her first trimester is over. She notices that she is beginning to eat more due to not feeling sick every five seconds due to morning sickness.
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"What are you talking about? You look fine Martha. " Sarah Lynn says as she begins eating her scrambled eggs.
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"Thanks, Mom, " Martha replies with some unbelievability.
During the family talking and eating, the doorbell rings.
"I wonder who can that be?" Peter questions to no one in particular.
Martha grabs two strips of bacon from the casserole dish. " I'll get it."
Seconds later footsteps approach into the room as Martha leads Lorraine Sullivan into the kitchen in a grey open-front cardigan with a white camisole and blue jeans, her hair is straightened, with beaded sandals on her feet and a tote bag on her arm.
Whilst Steven, Sarah Lynn, and Peter exchange pleasantries it is still quite evident of the cumbersome rift between Lorraine and the rest of the Saunders clan due to the divorce and overall handling of Evan's custody.
" Lorraine, do you want any breakfast? " Sarah Lynn offers in spite of her grievance with her.
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"No, I already ate Sarah, " Lorraine says respectively to the older woman.
" Mommy " Evan gets out of his chair and runs into his Lorraine's arms as if he hadn't seen her for about a week.
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" Hey, did you have a good time with your daddy? " Lorraine queries
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Evan energetically nods his head.
" I didn't expect you to come out here to pick him up so early. " Steven says. He had planned after breakfast to take him to the movies and toy shopping before he had to relinquish him back to his mother.
"I missed my son so I decided that I will surprise him. " Lorraine states. She then gives a glare to the rest of the family and then to Steven. "Evan get your stuff so we can go back to the hotel. "
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"Come on big man," Steven says
The ex-spouses with their son leave out of the kitchen.
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"Lorraine couldn't let Evan spend the rest of the morning with his father?" Martha brings up.
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Peter remains silent thinking about he is the only one in the family, who knows that his sister brought Lorraine and her grandson to town to in order to drive a big enough wedge between her son and Courtney. That will make Daniel give her the shares of the farm to her. So that the two of them will have control of the farm's business. He now wishes that she was here instead of taking care of business at the stables this morning.
"Hopefully, everything will work out with them for Evan's sake he'll get equal time with both of his parents. " Sarah Lynn assures them.
COVINGTON GROUP
Both Max and Courtney got to Downtown Radcliffe with no traffic. They arrived at Covington Tower where they traveled to the twentieth floor, where their father's sizable office. The door was ajar when they entered they saw their dad in his most casual attire; an aloe-color Lacoste polo shirt with khaki pants and loafers. He is sitting behind his desk taking a drink of tonic water.
"Daddy, what's up?" Courtney asks taking a seat in one of the club chairs in front of him.
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"I have something important to tell you. "Daniel looks at Max with confusion knowing that his eldest child has made it abundantly clear that he has no fascination with coming to work for his own family company. Which makes Daniel frustrated because he knows that he can help groom his son to take over Covington Group like Patrick did for him.
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"Should I wait outside in the hall?" Max asks.
He felt like he shouldn't be present in this conversation between the two of them.
Courtney turns around to face him." No, stay Max, I have something to tell dad too. "
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Daniel takes another sip of his beverage "You know all of the relief efforts that the company has been doing in Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Maria. "
"I bet Covington Group got there a hell of a lot faster than Donald Trump did. " Max throws out.
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Daniel nods in sort of an agreement.
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"Dad I'm proud of the work that is going on down there but I don't get what's that have to do with me, " she says in confusion.
"I need someone to liaison media coverage from San Juan. I want the type of exposure that this company cares about people from different walks of life and cultures, and that is why I am sending you down there to be that person. Daniel smiles.
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"Really me dad?" Courtney says
"Yes, you have done wonderfully so far with the media here covering our relocation to Kentucky and avid postage on social media about the redevelopment in town you'll be an asset. "
"Yes I do it, dad --- uh when do you want me to go?" Courtney asks
"In a few days, you'll only be gone for three days."
Max puts his arms around his sister congratulating her.
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"So what did you have to tell me?" Daniel remembers
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"Steven and I talked things out yesterday and we're starting over." Courtney replies
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Daniel shakes his head as he stands up from his desk. He thought that he was getting what he wanted, which is ultimately the finality of his daughter being involved with that punk. Even though it is going to cost him the 20 % stake of Franklin Farm Ltd. to that woman.
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"You can't be serious? " Daniel tells her
"What does this have to do with you? " Max demands
Max knows that her happiness is the priority whether they like it or not.
"I'm talking to your sister, now why are you letting that man who lied to you about having a child back into your life over and over again? "
Courtney stands up " Dad I love you, but the last time I checked I don't need your permission when it comes to who I can or cannot date.
She leads Max out of the office suite.
Daniel picks up a photo of his three children that was taken two years ago in Times Square off his desk starting directly at his daughter. " I will not let Steven Sullivan break your heart Courtney if it's the last thing I'll do. "
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FRANKLIN FARM : MAIN HOUSE
The Sullivan family are currently upstairs of the Main House in the spare bedroom which consists of a hodgepodge of items such as a full-size bed, Sarah's sewing machine, two bookshelves full of various books ranging from culinary to the Farmer's Almanac. It is also where Evan slept the night and now is packing his backpack.
"Thank you for taking Evan, " Lorraine says
Steven keeps one eye on their son then he focuses his attention on her." He is my son too. " If you need more time to yourself I don't mind taking him for a little while longer Lorraine. " I wanted to tell you that Courtney and I reconcile. " Steven tells her.
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Knowing she might not care about his love life but as co-parents, it is important to keep her informed as to whom he is dating. Besides he did not want her to be blindsided if anyone else would've told her.
Lorraine puts her purse on the desk. " So you and the little girl our back together how sweet. "
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" Courtney is an adult, we don't need people telling us were making a mistake. " Steven says diffusing her wisecrack.
Lorraine folds her arms onto her chest. " Life has a funny way to knock you on your ass when you least expect. "
Steven notices his ex-wife's voice is somewhat more solemn then it was a few minutes ago. He goes over to his son who is about to zip up his bag and tells him to go downstairs into the kitchen. Evan quickly does what he is told.
" All right what's going on? "
Lorraine chuckles. " I could never get anything past you, couldn't I? "
" No,"
Lorraine sighs. " Lexington Dance Company cut me from performing in an upcoming production."
She then takes a seat on the made bed which Steven follows. He knows what ballet means to her and how hard she has worked in order to maintain her career.
"What are you going to do?" he asks
" I am thirty-four years old, I can't just go out there to audition to be a principal dancer anymore. " I don't know what I'm going to do? " She then reaches for her ex-husband's hand and then she lets go.
"That is why our little boy is going to stay here."
"Are you sure? I know you have work. " Lorraine says
" I can still go in and out of the clinic besides I hadn't seen my son for a while now. " Steven says
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Lorraine nods " All right and thanks for listening to me ramble on I know we're exes so you really don't h-. "
Steven cuts her off. "It's okay. "
"Thank You, "
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LOCKHART LAKE COTTAGE
Louise is taken back by her husband's sudden dominance.
"I think it is your pride, as usual, is getting in the way of not telling our daughters that you know about me and Tricia. "
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Louise turns around when the name of the whore he is occupying his time with his whore's name mentioned. " I thought I told you that I did not want that woman's name said in this house. " with venom in her tone.
Sean gets out of bed. " This is my house too and if I want to say her name then I can. "You didn't see Tanner getting emotional with me or Lynn telling me that I need to keep my pants up I mean they're sixteen years old, their not children anymore. "
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Sean knows it is important that the girls know about their arrangement so they can get the full picture of how both of their parents both kept the truth from them for going on two years now.
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"Oh I get it, you don't like being the bad guy in Lynn and Tanner eyes so you want all of this shit to come out so you can feel some sort of absolution of you breaking up this family. " she sums up
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Sean clears his throat. "You know what I'm going to get out of here so you can calm down and see some sense," He then grabs his wallet off the dresser.
Louise puts her hands on her hip. "Do you know what today is?"
" You know what Lou I don't really care what day it is." Sean replies
She mocks. " I'm not your whore so you probably don't remember on this date twenty years ago we were pronounced husband and wife, happy anniversary darling. "
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Sean is about to convince his wife that their anniversary is next week or so until he realizes today's date which makes him filled with horror that once again he is a screw up in their marriage.
END OF EPISODE
ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
The teens start their first day of school.
Max and Shauna gets more closer.
Daniel schemes.
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