BILLY BUG CALLER CHARLIE CINDY DANCING_PRESENTS_TOGETHER DANNY DR_HANK FANS_TOGETHER JEANETTE JIM JOLENE LOCAL_MAN MARY MONICA NANCY NED OLD_LADY PATTY QUINN RADIO REPORTER_1 REPORTER_2 REPORTER_3 TOM ZANE FANS TOGETHER zane! zane! zane! BILLY Honestly, there’s nothing to worry about. Our boy’s just building anticipation. BILLY Oh what’s that? Ok, yes I’ll be right there. I’m so sorry, I have to go. BILLY Suits can’t even come out of their luxury box to yell at me? Someone PLEASE tell me why Zane isn’t on stage? ZANE Not so silent of a night after all. BILLY Get more fireworks ready for the finale, I want this place lit up. You! I need to get into the dressing room now! JIM Joining us now is runaway specialist Dr. Hank, Doc, has Zane simply run away? DR HANK To me this seems like a cry for attention. Celebrities feed off of the public’s adoration. If we keep looking, we’re simply enabling this type of behavior. DANNY Order’s up! What do I gotta do around here, Cook and serve? Oh, look who’s joining us! JEANETTE I know, I know. I ‘m sorry. I had to drop Quinn off at my moms. LOCAL MAN Thanks Jeanette. DANNY Keep showing up late, and you won’t have to worry about dropping her off. CINDY Dad, you know threats only work if you follow through right? DANNY Quiet, or I’ll fire the pair of ya. TOM There she is. The girl of my dreams. What do you say Jeanette? Ever had a guy sing to you before? JEANETTE Hmmm, not since yesterday when you did it. TOM Well, you my daisy, are always welcome! And I’m gonna follow it up, by checking another thing off your bucket list. I’m taking you out Friday! What do you say to that? JEANETTE I appreciate the offer Tom, but I’m busy. CINDY Tom, you are a gluten for punishment. TOM Saturday then? And if you’re busy then, Sunday? You gotta have one night off don’t you? JEANETTE I really don’t Tom. TOM Danny, can Jeanette have tonight off to go out with me? DANNY She’s off at four. OLD LADY Give a fella a chance Jeanie. TOM Yeah Jeanie, give a fella a chance. JEANETTE At four, I’m headed straight over to my next job. Then I have a full night of studying. I’m sorry Tom, I just. I don’t go on dates. TOM Alright, I’m hearing ya loud and clear. You need some you time. Straight shooter, that’s one of the things I love about you. I’m not gonna chalk this one up to a loss. I’ll see you later okay? I’m counting on all of you to convince her for me now. CINDY If that boy could bottle persistence, he’d be a billionaire. RADIO I’m starting to think this whole “where’s Zane” thing, might be a promotional stunt to get us to play more of his music. Caller, where do you think Zane is? CALLER All I know is I can’t stop crying. Can you please play, “Can’t stop crying”, by Zane for me? RADIO Coming up here on Z- PATTY I come out here for peace and quiet. PATTY Do I even need to ask if you know why I pulled you over? ZANE Going a little quick, I imagine. PATTY A little quick is putting it lightly sir. Snow like this and reckless driving gets folks killed. License and registration. ZANE Sorry ma’am. You’re absolutely right. ZANE Problem officer? PATTY You’re Zane Gunther! ZANE My whole life now. PATTY Mr. Zane. Or, Mr. Gunther rather. I am your hugest fan. I saw you in Dallas in Oh eight, and I am not ashamed to say you had me bawling like a little baby with that voice of yours. ZANE Very kind of you to say. PATTY Can I ask, what the heck are you doing here? Everybody on the radio and tv are sayin’ this whole missing person thing was a publicity stunt to get us t- ZANE I’m here to think a bit. And I’m hoping to stay out of the public eye for a while. You think this meeting could be just between you and me? PATTY A secret between me and Zane Gunther. Oh, I don’t know? PATTY Of course! Yes sir. You don’t have to worry about me. ZANE Thank you, I appreciate it. PATTY Oh, and um. Just sign here please. ZANE Is this my ticket? PATTY Forget the ticket, this is for me. Maybe something personal? If it’s not too much to ask. ZANE Only seems fair, for cutting me a break. PATTY Maybe love Zane? I don’t know? Your call, just a suggestion. PATTY Well thank you sir, for making today the best day of my entire life. You have a good day. Oh, just for me, I promise. P.S. I’m the only one on duty today, so you can go ahead and drive as fast as you like. ZANE Nice meeting you deputy. QUINN That doesn’t make sense? JEANETTE I don’t know what to tell you sweetie. QUINN So they just have a second house they don’t live in? JEANETTE Yup. QUINN Like a spare tire? JEANETTE Now you got it. QUINN And you clean it every week even though no one’s been here? JEANETTE People with crazy money, find crazy ways to spend it. QUINN Could we live here? It’d be better than living with Grandma? JEANETTE You don’t like where we live? QUINN I do. But this place is awesome. We could put Grandma’s house inside this house. JEANETTE I think the mailman might get confused. QUINN I could put up a sign an- JEANETTE Quinn! QUINN I’m sorry. It was an accident. JEANETTE It’s my fault. I put you up there. JEANETTE I’m just about finished, we can see if Grandma has one like it at the store. CHARLIE It’s the darnedest thing. I set it down outside, I come back and it’s gone. NANCY Pete’s sake Charlie, this has to be the ninth one. CHARLIE Ten actually. But who’s counting? NANCY Make sure you keep this one inside this time. CHARLIE Maybe I’ll leave it outside on purpose, so I have a reason to come see you. CHARLIE Afternoon ladies. JEANETTE Thank you. Another bunny Charlie? CHARLIE What can I say? Guess I’m clumsy. JEANETTE You ever going to go out with him? NANCY Me and Charlie? He just comes in for my bunnies. He’s not looking at me that way. I thought you were working? JEANETTE I was. Jeanette is looking around through the mugs. QUINN I broke a mug at the fancy people’s house. NANCY Oh dear. QUINN Mom’s replacing the mug for the person who’s never there. JEANETTE It’s about doing the right thing. You don’t have any like this do you? NANCY Hard to tell from just the handle. JEANETTE Hopefully this will do. Can you watch Quinn while I drop this off? NANCY Sure! Who wants candy? QUINN yes! JEANETTE Don’t ruin your teeth! They cost a lot. QUINN I won’t. JEANETTE I was talking to Grandma. JEANETTE Tom, what is this? TOM Wait, wait. Hear me out. JEANETTE Tom, you’re not listening to me. TOM No, I am. See, I heard what you said in the diner and I know you’re on your way to study. JEANETTE Yeah. TOM So I’d like to present myself as your new study buddy. JEANETTE Really, and the picnic basket? TOM I made dinner for us, so you have one less thing to worry about. Well actually I bought dinner since I’m a horrible cook and all. JEANETTE Tom, that’s very sweet, but I have to run and take care of something. NANCY Hey now, it’s not polite to barge into people’s business. Let’s you and I, just watch from the window. TOM I can go with you. JEANETTE No, you can’t. I have to go to a client’s house and return something. Then I have a few other errands. TOM Well then, give me a list of your errands and I’ll pick them up while you’re making your return, then when you’re finished give me a call or text and. Jeanette cuts Tom off. JEANETTE Tom. This is super sweet. Honestly, the nicest thing anyone’s done for me in a long time. But I just can’t. Please understand. QUINN Did Tom ask her to go on a picnic in the winter? NANCY It certainly looks like that. QUINN Does walking in the opposite direction mean no? NANCY I think it does. Love is a complicated thing. But never-mind that, come on, let’s eat candy, and watch scary movies. JEANETTE These aren’t going to match. ZANE You can take one if you want. Jeanette screams, almost dropping the mug she was replacing. She climbs down and regains her composure. JEANETTE You scared the heck out of me. What are you doing here? ZANE I was trying to relax and take a shower, but seeing a woman standing on my kitchen counter kind of ruined that. JEANETTE This is your house? JEANETTE I’m sorry. I’m Jeanette. Your cleaning lady. ZANE Makes more sense then. I’m Zane. You do a great job. JEANETTE Thank you. ZANE Really get in there, huh? JEANETTE Actually, I was trying to replace a mug that I accidently broke. JEANETTE See I was cleaning, and Quinn, that’s my daughter, was sitting on your counter, normally I never bring her, but my mom was busy and. JEANETTE I really hope that mug wasn’t special. ZANE This was my mom’s. JEANETTE Oh. ZANE She used to let me use it on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons, and eat my cereal out of it. JEANETTE Sir, I am so sorry. Please, if there is anything I can do to make it up to you, I- ZANE I’m kidding. I have no idea what mug this is, it came with the house. JEANETTE That is the worst trick anyone every played on me. I am glad I didn’t break your dead mother’s mug though. Is this how you treat all your employees? ZANE I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Honestly, thank you so much for replacing it, you didn’t have to do that. JEANETTE Right. I’m glad you like the mug, now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get going. ZANE It was just a little joke, you don’t have to leave. JEANETTE Rich people. ZANE Look, I just called to tell you I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me. JIM That’s a phone message sent to Billy, Zane’s long time manager. It’s the latest clue in a game fans are calling, “Where in the world is Zane Gunther?” JIM Back with us again is Dr. Hank, our runaway specialist. Doctor, tell me what do you think of this tape? DR HANK Funny you should ask Jim, because I heard this tape a few days ago and I’ve prepared something for you. May ? JIM Please. DR HANK When we run Zane’s message backwards, like so. ZANE Em tuoba yrrow tnod esaelp DR HANK There!! Right there, you clearly hear the word Ohio. Zane is in Ohio! Solved it! JIM Not sure I heard that. DR HANK This is why I’m the president Jim. MARY Any idea how they got your phone message? BILLY No ma’am, I do have a theory that while I was sleeping, one of- MARY Why were you sleeping? BILLY What do you mean? MARY Do you know how I got to where I am? BILLY I was going to say a deal with the devil, but. That would mean you aren’t the devil. MARY I’m going to let that slide because it made me smile. MARY I got here by working. All the time. No breaks, no sleeping, no life. That’s why trash TV has never gotten my phone and intercepted my messages, that’s why none of my talent ever walked away from a sold out stadium. Are you seeing a difference between you and I? BILLY I think I am. MARY So if it were me. I’d give up on everything else, and make sure that I found the most profitable star on our roster. BILLY How do you propose I do that? MARY He’s obviously on some lost artist “touchy feely” woe is me, search. So I suggest you get back to your “Good ol’ boy” roots and get looking. BILLY Mary, I have a lot of other acts, I can’t just- MARY Why are you still talking? I could have sworn I just told you word for word what to do? MARY Oh, and since you seem to have trouble reading between the lines. If you don’t bring back Zane, you’re fired. NANCY Didn’t hear you come in. Quinn made you supper. JEANETTE Thanks. NANCY Quite the show outside the store today. JEANETTE You saw that huh? NANCY Is Tom such a bad guy? JEANETTE Mom please. I don’t want to talk about this again. NANCY I know, I know. I’m not prying. I’m just saying it wouldn’t hurt to put yourself back out there. Been a while now. JEANETTE Stop. JEANETTE I know you mean well. And I don’t want to fight. But you have to accept that I’m never going down that road again. I can’t. NANCY It’s your life. I just want you to be happy. JEANETTE I still have a lot of studying to do so- NANCY Got it. Don’t stay up too late. JEANETTE Focus on the work. NED Hey Jeanette, can I see you a sec? JEANETTE Sure Ned, everything okay? NED Please. JEANETTE I know I was cutting it pretty close this morning, but if you check the card, I made it on time. NED No, no, it’s not about the time. JEANETTE Oh. Okay. So are you giving me a raise then? JEANETTE I was just kidding, I’m not asking for a raise. NED I have to let you go. JEANETTE What? NED I know it’s close to Christmas, and trust me when I say, I’ve been out trying to get enough business, but a few things fell through, and I just can’t keep you on anymore. JEANETTE Is this about the mug? NED No? What mug? JEANETTE Ned, I’ve worked for you for four years, you could at least have the decency to tell me the truth. I replaced it, he said it was fine. NED Jeanette, let’s not make this harder than it has to be. Now, that’s your last cheque, I gave you an extra week. I wish I could do more but. JEANETTE Alright. Thank you. I appreciate that. NED If you want, I can call around for you, see if I can find you som JEANETTE No thank you. DANCING PRESENTS TOGETHER It’s that time when we cheer, when we all gather here. Just in time, for the best time of the year! MONICA Sorry. I knocked it, let me fix your bow. JOLENE Okay, stop, stop! Monica sweetheart, what are you doing? MONICA Right. See, I noticed the candy cane had fallen over, and I wanted to pick it up before anyone tripped over it. JOLENE Good thinking. MONICA Just doing my part! JOLENE Okay everyone take a break while we fix this. JOLENE If you’re trying to hide, you’re going to have to wash that God awful cologne off your neck. ZANE I thought you liked how I smell? JOLENE I’m going to give you some tough love hon. It smells worse than a skunk in a hot diaper. ZANE I missed you. JOLENE I missed you too, fancy pants. JOLENE I like this. Makes you look real. ZANE Well good. Cause I could use a dose of real. JOLENE So what was it? Girl break your heart? Blow all your money on terrible cologne? ZANE How many times you think I sang last year? JOLENE I don’t know? Forty? ZANE Zero. ZANE The insurance company says it’s too risky for me to sing my own shows. Tell me I gotta lip sync. JOLENE Things have changed, haven’t they. ZANE It’s not what I signed up for. JOLENE You think this is what I wanted to do? JOLENE I miss the good ol’ days too. Slugging gear, hanging out late singing songs on the porch. But they weren’t all they were cracked up to be either. Nostalgia’s gotta funny way of putting a nice spin on things. ZANE I know. And I’m grateful. I am. But to be honest, if it ain’t writing and singing, I just can’t do it anymore. JOLENE Don’t get me wrong, We’re friends first, but you are one hundred percent letting me down. ZANE How many people were there? JOLENE I don’t know? Most of them I guess. I didn’t stop to see, I just pulled my pants back on, and got out of there as quick as I could. ZANE What was Chris doing? JOLENE You kidding me? Who do you think had their phone out the quickest to film it? ZANE You married him. JOLENE Lord help me, I did. MONICA I’m sorry, you can’t go in there, we’ve got a closed set thing. JEANETTE I’m not here to see your show! JOLENE This one of yours? JEANETTE You know, if you were that upset about the mug you could have had the decency to say it to my face. I’m sorry it broke, I am. But I tried to do the right thing. ZANE Ok. JEANETTE And another thing. You might be rich, but some of us have to work really hard for a living. Some of us have people who count on us, so think about that the next time you call to get someone fired over a stupid mug. ZANE I didn’t call anyone. JEANETTE You didn’t? ZANE Nope. I actually love that mug you got me. It’s my new favourite. JEANETTE So. You didn’t call my boss and have me fired? JOLENE I think this is what you call, real awkward. JEANETTE I’m really sorry. I thought that you were mad and. You know what, I’m just going to say sorry, and leave it at that. JOLENE Hey! JOLENE Want a job? JEANETTE You have to be joking? JOLENE You want one or not? JEANETTE Um, yes. What would you need me to do? JOLENE I have no idea. But anyone who’s got stones big enough to yell at Zane Gunther like that, I’ll find something for you. JEANETTE Great. I guess? When would you like me to start? JOLENE Come by in the morning. JEANETTE I’ll be here. Thank you. I’m going to go now. Because of. JEANETTE My yelling. See you tomorrow. JEANETTE Hey, it’s me. No, nothing’s wrong. Well, actually I got fired. JEANETTE It’s okay, I got another one. I know, it’s been a crazy morning. I’ll be home in a bit to tell you. JEANETTE Okay, gotta go. JEANETTE Hey there. ZANE Hi. Glad I caught you. JEANETTE About that. Sorry again. I know I kind of jump to conclusions, and you didn’t deserve that. ZANE I’m glad you did, I was feeling bad about the mug thing. I was hoping to make it up to you. Dinner maybe? JEANETTE Like, a date? ZANE Sure why not? I mean, unless you’re married? JEANETTE I’m not. Um. Thank you, but I. Dating’s just not something I do. Sorry. ZANE No apology needed. Just felt bad about the joke, and wanted to make it up to you. You have a nice day. JEANETTE You too. BILLY Hey, how’s it going? BILLY Hello? BILLY Don’t mean to pry you away from the redneck internet there. CINDY I haven’t seen him. BILLY Who? CINDY Zane Gunther. That’s why you’re here. Same as the other slickers. BILLY That obvious? CINDY So unless you need a cup of horrible coffee or a slice of mediocre pie, I can’t help you. DANNY I heard that! BILLY Same old Cindy. CINDY How’s that then? BILLY It’s me. Bill. CINDY I know you? BILLY Billy goat. CINDY Little Billy goat, you gotta be kiddin’ me! BILLY Yup! Okay, this is more demeaning than fun. CINDY Do it. BILLY No, I don’t do that anymore. I always hated it when you made me do it as a kid. CINDY Do it. BILLY To be honest Cindy, it took me a lot of time and therapy to get over it, so- CINDY Do it, and I’ll tell you where Zane is. BILLY Hey Cindy, you sure have come a long way since working in your dad’s diner. BILLY And, I’m in the air again. CINDY Man, everybody wondered what happened to you! Went off to the city huh? BILLY Yeah. I actually got an executive job. I manage Zane, so I came looking for him, thinking he might have come home. Looks like I was right, so where is he? CINDY Oh, I got no idea. BILLY You said if I did the billy goat, you’d tell me where he is? CINDY Well how else was I supposed to get you to do it? BILLY Always good to see you Cindy. CINDY Welcome home Billy! JOLENE Woah, I got two employees for the price of one did I? JOLENE And two hours early! I like this! JEANETTE I’m sorry Jolene, normally my mother helps me look after Quinn, but today she can’t, so I have to watch her. JOLENE Now how hard can it be finding someone to watch this angel? QUINN That’s what I keep saying? JEANETTE Can she sit off to the side? I brought plenty of colouring books to keep her busy. JOLENE If it were up to me, I’d say you could stay all day! But sadly, cause of the work being done, it’s considered a bit dangerous in here. QUINN Dangerous? JOLENE Let me show ya. JOLENE Morning Monica! MONICA Morning! JOLENE No idea why we let her hold that. JEANETTE I suppose, this isn’t a great start to a new job. JOLENE You know I do know someone who could probably help you out. Used to baby-sit my girls back in the day. JEANETTE That would be great. Who is it? ZANE Looks like I’m being brought out of retirement. JEANETTE Thank you so much for doing this. ZANE No problem. Happy to have the company. Now I heard you like to eat snakes and eyeball pie right? QUINN What kind of information did you give this guy? JEANETTE I put all of her colouring books in there, but if she gets bored, I put a few of her dolls in as well. ZANE Hopefully you labeled them, so they don’t get mixed up with mine. JEANETTE Jolene said I should be done around four. Is that okay? ZANE No problem at all. Any allergies? JEANETTE Nothing. Thanks again. I really owe you. ZANE Don’t worry about it, the date tonight makes us even. JEANETTE Sorry? ZANE That was the agreement right? I told Jolene I’d be happy to watch Quinn here, as long as you agreed to go on one date with me. JEANETTE Um. She forgot to mention that. ZANE Oh. Well I suppose if you don’t want t- JEANETTE Yes. You watch Quinn. We’ll go out, just don’t call it a date. See you at four. ZANE A non date, date it is. JEANETTE Thanks again! ZANE You cool with ice cream for breakfast? QUINN Wow, your backyard is so big I can’t even see your house from here. ZANE Yeah, maybe it’s a bit bigger than it needs to be. QUINN How come you never live in this house? ZANE Because I bought it for my brother. QUINN Then why isn’t your brother here? ZANE Because he decided he was more suited for the big city. QUINN Do you like your brother? ZANE Very much so. QUINN Are you rich? ZANE What kind of question is that? QUINN How come you aren’t married? ZANE Don’t know? Never met the right girl I guess. QUINN My mom’s a girl. ZANE I noticed that too. QUINN She used to be married. To my dad. But he’s dead now. ZANE I’m really sorry to hear that. QUINN I don’t remember him. It happened when I was little. He was a hero. ZANE Wow. You’re a lucky girl to have a hero for a Dad. QUINN Do you have kids? ZANE Never had the pleasure. QUINN Why don’t you have any Christmas decorations up? ZANE Well, I forgot to bring my decorations with me. QUINN You should at least put up a Christmas tree. ZANE Christmas trees are my favorite! QUINN Is that sled yours too? ZANE Yeah, I figured after we finish Mr. Snowman here I could take you to a pretty sweet toboggan hill right through those trees. QUINN I’ve never been, is it fun? ZANE Never been tobogganing? Why’s that! QUINN I don’t have a sleigh. I’ve seen other kids on them, it looks like a lot of fun. ZANE Well my dear, you are in for a very special treat. ZANE How about an early Christmas present? QUINN Really? Like mine forever? ZANE Yeah of course! Every kid needs a sled. ZANE What’s wrong? I thought you liked it? QUINN I do. Sorry, I don’t get a lot of presents. ZANE You know what? I didn’t get a lot of Christmas presents when I was your age either. QUINN How come? ZANE Well. ZANE I was just like you. Well, not exactly like you, I was a little boy. ZANE But it was just me, my brother and my dad. He worked really hard, but unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot for presents. QUINN What about Santa? ZANE Well of course Santa brought us something. QUINN I don’t ask Santa for expensive things anymore. Last year, I asked him for a game system, but I guess he couldn’t make it. Mom said it was probably hard for the elves to make electronics. ZANE I imagine elves making electronics would be tough. QUINN He brought me these gloves instead. They’re pretty good right? ZANE I think those are the best gloves I’ve ever seen. JEANETTE Do you think they’re alright? Would you mind if I just give them a quick call? JOLENE You worry more than a cat in a sketchy restaurant. You think just because he’s famous he can’t look after her? Zane watched my gir- JEANETTE He’s famous? JOLENE Don’t tell me you honestly don’t know who Zane Gunther is? JEANETTE I don’t really have time for T.V. JOLENE Damned if that boy ain’t the biggest country star in the world right now. Plus he was born here. You really have no idea? JEANETTE I didn’t grow up here. JOLENE Not a lot of people move to this town. People born here usually do everything they can to get out. JEANETTE After my husband died, I needed a place for Quinn and I to stay. My mom offered to help out. JOLENE I’ll tell you what, give me a hand with these lights and you can knock off early to go get your little one. JEANETTE Thanks Jolene. For all of this I mean. JEANETTE I take it you had fun? QUINN I’m Zebra girl, and Zane is my sidekick. JEANETTE Is that right? And what’s your name? ZANE Zebra girl two. What else? Jeanette giggles as Zane acts like this is normal. JEANETTE Go get your things please. JEANETTE Thanks again for watching her. I hope she wasn’t too much trouble? ZANE No, you got a great kid there. How was working for Jolene? JEANETTE It was good. She mostly just has me run around and make sure everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing. ZANE Congratulations. That is ninety percent of the music industry. ZANE Now about that date. JEANETTE You can change your mind, I promise I won’t be offended. ZANE Well, I haven’t changed my mind, but since it’s a non-date I’ve decided I only want to take you out if you bring Quinn along. QUINN Can I mom? Please? JEANETTE How can I say no to that? QUINN yes! JEANETTE Pretty smooth inviting my daughter. ZANE Oh, I’m way smoother than that. JEANETTE It’s not a date! ZANE Ladies. They get out. QUINN Why are we back here? ZANE Oh, this is the super secret way. QUINN So cool! JEANETTE Where is everyone? ZANE I thought it would be nicer if we had the place to ourselves. QUINN Just us? ZANE I don’t like it when people talk during the movie. QUINN Can I pick the seats? ZANE Wherever you want. JEANETTE A bit much don’t you think? ZANE Nah, I know the owner. He gave me a good deal. Plus, I told him you were dying, so if you see him, you have to cough a bit. ZANE Don’t laugh, I’m serious. Can you limp? That might get us popcorn. QUINN Mom look at all this! JEANETTE Pick one. JEANETTE Anymore tricks up your sleeve Mr. Smooth? ZANE What? I’m not doing anything, we’re just on a regular non-date here. JEANETTE That was a very nice night. What do you say? QUINN Thank you Zane. ZANE That’s it? Are we all done? JEANETTE Did you want to go get some coffee? ZANE Well we could. But then we wouldn’t get to play this for the rest of the night. QUINN What is this? QUINN What the what? Are you kidding me? ZANE Nope. For the next two hours you can play as much as you want on your system. QUINN my system? ZANE All yours. QUINN Thank you so much Zane! This is the best day ever! JEANETTE Um, Zane, could I have a word? ZANE Sure. You get started, I’ll join in, in a sec. ZANE Sorry, I didn’t know what games she wanted, so I grabbed a few. There’s a gift card in there so she can pic- JEANETTE What is it you want? ZANE What do you mean? JEANETTE You try to butter us up by flashing your money around, buying up theatres. Then you show off, riding in like some white knight by giving her something I can’t. ZANE Hold on, that’s not what I was doing. JEANETTE I thought we were just going to go out. I was really clear that I don’t do this. I can’t have you trying to bribe my daughter just to get what you want from me. ZANE Now wait a minute. ZANE I bought the theatre out, because unfortunately, I can’t exactly be seen right now. I’m sorry it has to be like that, but my job makes it hard for me to enjoy a regular night. ZANE And as far as that game in there goes. I know all too well what it’s like to wake up on Christmas, after you’ve asked Santa for something, and find a pair of gloves. ZANE And I also know what it’s like to work your butt off, skip meals, so you can scrape together enough money to buy the best damn gloves you can to make sure your kid’s hands don’t fall off. JEANETTE Wait, I thin- ZANE I said one date, Or. Non-date or whatever. You held up your end of the bargain. I won’t bother you again, but I’d like Quinn to keep the system if that’s okay? ZANE Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go play some games with my new friend. QUINN Zane come on, we have to get out of the maze! ZANE Oh man, I don’t know how much of a help I’m going to be? TOM Why are you upset? I told you I wasn’t going to pick up the split. BUG Hey, isn’t that Jeanette? TOM Where? BUG Looks like your girl’s on a date pal. BUG Tom, come on, let’s go back to my place. Beers and cards. TOM No thanks. I might. I need to head home. BUG Tom, come on. Don’t leave. CINDY Another shake Tom? TOM No thank you. CINDY Morning Deputy. PATTY Hey there Cindy, how’s today grabbing ya? CINDY More than the hubby, that’s for sure. PATTY Unusually quiet there Tom. PATTY What’s his problem? CINDY You didn’t hear? PATTY Hear what? CINDY Seems that Jeanette’s got herself a mystery fella. PATTY Really? Didn’t think I’d ever see that. CINDY Not sure any of us did. PATTY Well speaking of mystery fellas, I got a bit of one myself. Actually, I’m not supposed to say anything. CINDY Hey now, this sounds juicy! PATTY uh-uh, I already said too much. Just leave it at that. CINDY Oh come on. Gimme a clue. PATTY Zane Gunther! CINDY Not really a clue is it? PATTY I pulled him over a little while ago. Didn’t even recognize him at first. Shaved off his beard, and cut his hair all short. Took a while, but now I prefer it like that. CINDY Shut the door. You did not pull over Zane Gunther. PATTY I did to! He’s driving an old highboy. Now she has Tom’s full attention. This is the truck she saw Jeanette and Quinn getting into. PATTY Made me promise to keep our little thing, a secret, so you know. If you don’t mind. Patty motions to keep it between them. Cindy lets out a belly laugh. CINDY Are you really sittin’ here telling me you’re dating Zane Gunther? PATTY Well I’m not saying dating. But, we enjoy when we get together if you catch what I’m laying down. PATTY Now what do you say? CINDY Holy crap, you’re dating Zane Gunther! PATTY I think I’ll keep working. He respects that I want a career. PATTY Guess he’s not a Zane fan. JEANETTE Think you have enough? ZANE Guess I just felt like chopping this morning. ZANE I’m not sure what you’re doing, but You really don- JEANETTE Please. JEANETTE I owe you an apology. You did something nice, and I was too busy finding a reason not to let you. JEANETTE It’s just. It’s always just been me and Quinn you know? And if I’m coming a hundred percent clean, I hated seeing you give her something that I can’t. JEANETTE Now you’re ready. JEANETTE First, we cut down one of those ZANE What? We can’t just steal a Christmas tree. JEANETTE This is your property ZANE It is? JEANETTE So my dad figures that if the cat wont leave it alone, he’ll just put it up high enough so that Mr. Snuggles can’t reach it. ZANE I think I know where this story is going. JEANETTE So, three o’clock in the morning, we all hear a big crash. JEANETTE The tree’s on the ground, there’s a mess everywhere and Mr. Snuggles is sitting in the corner with the decoration in his mouth. ZANE Well, I’m going to put my favorite decoration right here, so I don’t knock over the tree when I want to play with it. JEANETTE So how long are you going to hide out here? ZANE I really haven’t thought about it, I’ve missed the peace and quiet. JEANETTE You like this small town? I hear most people can’t wait to get out of here. ZANE Most people want to get out of small towns because they’re looking for something. And they figure they’ll find it in a bigger city. JEANETTE And you? ZANE I’ve been to just about every big city there is, and I can tell you that finding happiness isn’t about how many intersections there are. JEANETTE Then how do you find happiness? ZANE It’s the people you’re with, and the experiences you have. Jeanette smiles as she listens. ZANE It’s about moments, no matter how big or small. Being happy isn’t only about big days, with big wins. Sometimes it’s just little moments. JEANETTE Like reading the paper while drinking coffee on Sunday mornings? ZANE Yeah. Or ordering a pizza and watching a movie. JEANETTE Listening to old records. ZANE That’s a good one. JEANETTE Or maybe helping a new friend decorate his Christmas tree. ZANE Friend? JEANETTE Aren’t we friends? ZANE I don’t think we’re friends. JEANETTE Why not? ZANE I don’t know. the way I feel about you is just different. JEANETTE Ok. JEANETTE Sorry. JEANETTE Hey sweetie, is everything ok? BILLY Hey Mary, I was just about to call you. MARY Good. I was worried I was calling you to fire you for not finding Zane? Where should I send your gift basket? BILLY Funny thing. I haven’t actually found him just yet. But I’m close. MARY How is that funny? BILLY I guess it’s not. Everything alright there? MARY I’m having some tension areas worked on while we talk. No breaks, remember? BILLY Right. Well, I’m headed over to a mutual friend’s place tomorrow. I just need a bit more time. MARY Zane’s next show is in three days. If he’s not there, neither are you. BILLY Got it. MARY I want to be clear. I mean, you’ll also be fired. BILLY Thanks for clearing that up. Enjoy the rest of you massage. ZANE Now that’s a good lookin’ Christmas tree, if I do say so myself. JEANETTE The decorations are a little eclectic, but you’re right somehow it works. ZANE Thanks for the help. JEANETTE One of the best non-dates I’ve ever had. ZANE Listen, I’m sorry if earlier, when you know. JEANETTE When we what, picked up the decorations at my mom’s store? ZANE No, after that. When. JEANETTE After that, it just made sense to move in with my mom, she’s been a huge help. Don’t get me wrong, she’s insane, but Quinn loves her to bits. Plus, it gives me time to finish school. ZANE On top of all this, you go to school too? JEANETTE Well. Online. I was pre-med when we got pregnant. Not exactly planned, please don’t tell her. So I had to put it on hold for a while, but I’ll get there. ZANE I believe you will. JEANETTE So what about you? You got your dream and then walked away? ZANE Being famous was never my dream. Unfortunately, something that sort of happened. Seems like that was the dream for everyone around me. JEANETTE So what was your dream? ZANE Maybe ask me another time. JEANETTE Oh, how mysterious! ZANE Gotta save something for the next date. Sorry, I mean non-date. JEANETTE Oh you think there’s a third nondate do you? ZANE Hey, do you play? JEANETTE Guitar? No, I am the least musically talented person you’ve ever met. ZANE You can’t be that bad. JEANETTE Zero. Ability. ZANE Well maybe you just need a good teacher. ZANE Scooch up. ZANE Here, put this hand here, and these fingers like this. JEANETTE Sorry. ZANE No, that’s okay. You’re not ready. I understand. JEANETTE What if I’m never ready? ZANE What if I never give up? ZANE I think that’s the pizza. Mind if I go hide? JEANETTE Not at all. I’ll get it. Maybe we can watch a movie? ZANE Sure. Sounds good. JEANETTE Zane. JEANETTE I might not be ready. But I’m really, really happy. And I haven’t been that in a very long time. ZANE As long as you’re happy, I can wait the rest of my life for you to be ready. JEANETTE How many? MONICA Seven. JEANETTE Okay, now close your eyes and take seven steps. JEANETTE Look. You’re right there. Seven to the tree and five more to the chair. Even in your costume. MONICA How’d you learn this? JEANETTE I had a blind roommate in college. It’s how she got around. She got really mad if I moved anything. MONICA I’m really glad you’re working here. JEANETTE Me too. MONICA Say, a couple of us are going to karaoke after work. I mean, I’m not singing or anything but. You should come. JEANETTE Thanks. But, I think I kind of have a Date. MONICA You could bring him along? Everyone going’s real nice, so no one will laugh at him if he’s no good. JEANETTE I’ll mention it. JOLENE Billy, I don’t know what else to tell you? BILLY Gimme a break. I just need to talk to him. JOLENE And I’d love to help you, but I haven’t seen Zane since last year. I can give you his number if you want? BILLY Oh, you have the number on the phone that I gave him? Perfect, let me get a pen. MONICA Zane Gunther in this town. Could you imagine? JEANETTE That would be pretty crazy. JOLENE You ever think if you can’t get a hold of him, maybe it’s cause he doesn’t want you to. BILLY Thanks. You know, you were my friend too. JOLENE Billy hold on. TOM You want to know where to find Zane Gunther? BILLY Um. Yeah. Have you seen him? TOM Are you going to get him out of here if I tell you? BILLY I don’t know? That’s certainly been the goal for most of my life. TOM That’s my deal. I tell you where he is and you take him out of here. BILLY Works for me. TOM He’s staying at a big house outside of town. Turn left at the water tower, you can’t miss it. Billy realizes the house Tom’s talking about. He shakes his head knowing he should have thought of it. BILLY I know where you’re talking about. You sure he’s there? BILLY Thanks. TOM Why not me? ZANE Took you long enough. BILLY Can’t believe I didn’t check this place. ZANE Well, you said you didn’t want it. BILLY I thought you sold it. ZANE Figure you’d change your mind someday. Give you a place back home. BILLY In case you haven’t noticed, my times here weren’t quite as fond as yours. ZANE Home’s always gonna be home little brother. Can’t get away from that. BILLY Oh I’m still your brother? That’s good. I was thinking since you weren’t returning calls, that maybe you’d walked away from me too. ZANE Sorry I just needed some time. BILLY You really think I don’t want what’s best for you? ZANE I know you do. I figured if I left you out of this, you couldn’t get blamed. BILLY Well no chance there. Mary says if I don’t bring you back, I’m out of a job. ZANE I don’t know if I’ve ever said it, but I don’t care for her very much. BILLY Truth is, I didn’t come looking for you to save my job. I came out to make sure you were okay. ZANE Thanks. I’m alright. BILLY I see your fans are as rabid as ever. ZANE She’s not a fan. ZANE What’s wrong? JEANETTE I’m so sorry. I didn’t say anything, I think he saw something, or talked to someone. ZANE Calm down, who saw something? BILLY Crap. ZANE We have to go. REPORTER 1 Zane! How long are you planning on ignoring your fans? REPORTER 2 Is this your girlfriend?! Is she why you left music! Miss, how does it feel to ruin music? BILLY Move back! She’s hurt for crying out loud! REPORTER 3 Why did you leave your fans? Do you hate them? Zane Are you okay? ZANE We have to be quick. Just get Quinn and whatever you think you’ll need. ZANE Come on, they’ll be here soon. JEANETTE And then what? Zane walks back to her. ZANE What do you mean? We’ll go to the airport. I wanna get you far away from this. JEANETTE I know. But what happens after that. After a month? A year? ZANE I don’t know? We’ll have time to figure it out. Somewhere warm maybe? JEANETTE Zane, I don’t have the luxury of flying off in a plane until I figure it out. ZANE Oh no, it’s okay, I’ll pa- JEANETTE My life is here. I have my own plans. What if we go, and a week later you think you made a mistake? Or you meet someone better? ZANE What kind of person do you think I am? JEANETTE That’s just it. I honestly don’t know? This is what I meant. I can’t go through this again. ZANE I keep trying. I’m still trying. I know it’s hard for you, I’m not even asking you to meet me in the middle. I will go the whole way for you. You’re worth it. JEANETTE Can you honestly tell me that this will work? Can you stand here and promise me that if I uproot my daughter, we’ll all be happily ever after? ZANE No. Okay, I can’t. I can’t promise anything. But I’m standing here in the cold wet snow, begging you to come with me. And that’s not nothing. JEANETTE No, it’s not. And if this was just you and me, I’d already have my things packed. But when it comes to what I want, and what she needs, I’ll choose what’s best for her every day of the week. ZANE I told you, I’m not giving up. JEANETTE I know I am. ZANE A family. ZANE You asked me before what my dream was. It was never the music, or fame I just wanted a family. ZANE That would have been enough. JIM And the riddle of “Where’s Zane Gunther” gets solved, just as another starts. Everyone wants to know who is Jeanette Williams, and what do I have to do to switch places with her? JIM This simple small town single mom’s been swept off her feet. JEANETTE I’m sure there’s something better you can do with your time. JEANETTE You not talking to me now? JEANETTE Okay. I guess I’ll just have to eat both halves of this then. QUINN They said you made him leave. JEANETTE Well that was a waste of a perfectly good popsicle. QUINN I liked him. He was nice to us. JEANETTE Well Quinn, sometimes liking someone isn’t enough. QUINN You ruined it. JEANETTE I guess you can spend the day in your room. QUINN Fine! JEANETTE Go away! JEANETTE Stupid things! Nancy walks out. NANCY Hey, hey, what’s going on? Come on now, it’s alright. I’ve got this. JEANETTE I have to go to work. I sent Quinn to her room. NANCY Is everything okay? I’ll talk with her, She’ll be alri- JEANETTE Honestly, do whatever you want mom. LOCAL MAN They’re sayin’ he took off to Hawaii with his ex. A model. BUG That’s stupid. No one takes an ex to Hawaii. TOM Hey, I gotta get back to work, I got lunch. CINDY Hey! There she is! Zane’s other woman. PATTY Please. No more, I’ve been getting it bad enough from them. TOM Guess he left both of you behind. Heck of a guy. PATTY Well. Since I imagine you’ll be hearing about it soon enough. TOM Hear what? PATTY Nothing. But maybe, maybe, that I sort of, like, exaggerated a little about being with Zane or whatever. CINDY You don’t say? Well I for one am blown away by this news. TOM You didn’t go out with him? PATTY Not in a typical sense, no. CINDY Patty. PATTY You got me! No dating. No nothing. I got his autograph, and took a picture. Happy? Patty’s a loser. TOM I gotta go. PATTY Geez, you’re as bad as them. Calling me a liar. Can you believe that? CINDY Imagine that? Calling you a liar, because you told some lies. PATTY Right? JOLENE And bring up the red. JOLENE That’s gonna be the cue for the twinkles. JOLENE Come on kids, shows in a couple hours here. What do I gotta do to get my twinkles? Jeanette, can you get up there? JOLENE Jeanette? Sweetie, don’t tell me I lost you too. I couldn’t take that today. JEANETTE Sorry. I’ll get right on it. JOLENE Forget it. Come here. JEANETTE What about the lights? JOLENE They’ll still be messed up in five minutes. Grab a seat. JOLENE I wanted to sit you down, to ask you how do you think the show’s gonna go tonight? JEANETTE Um, good. Monica got the gingerbread houses done, s- JOLENE Stop. It was a trick question. I’m running this thing, I know it’s good. How are you holding up? JEANETTE I’m good. JOLENE Hmm. JEANETTE Not good. JOLENE There it is. Let it out. Even us tough gals gotta let loose once in a while. Okay, the rest of you scram! This show don’t need an audience. JEANETTE I think I blew it. JOLENE Nah. It just feels like you blew it because it wasn’t easy. Anyone can make an easy choice. JEANETTE Do you think I should have gone with him? JOLENE You’re a mom. And a damn good one. And that’s why you’ll always put that sweet girl’s needs before your own. JEANETTE Would you have gone? JOLENE Oh, in a heartbeat! You seen the behind on that boy? Jeanette laughs knowing she’s joking now. JOLENE But I am also a terrible mom. JEANETTE No you aren’t. JOLENE I cannot tell you with any certainty where my kids are right now. I think my husband has them, but I truly have no idea. BILLY It should be a simple meet and greet. Just a couple hand shakes with execs. BILLY Honestly, I can’t tell any of them apart, so don’t look at me to give you any names. I’ll probably use a lot of “pal” and “Hey you’s”. ZANE Okay. Billy notices Zane isn’t paying attention. BILLY After that, I figure we head into Mexico, maybe rob a bank? I’ve never done it, but it’s a bucket list thing, cool? ZANE Sure. Billy sees his brother is missing her. BILLY Say the word and we’ll go back. ZANE Hmm? BILLY Are you kidding me? Come on man, what are we doing here? ZANE She said she gave up. BILLY What did you tell ELR when they wanted to sign you. ZANE What? I don’t know? That was ages ago. I don’t remember that stuff. BILLY Well I do. They said they’d only sign you if you got rid of me. So you walked away. BILLY Sticking with the ones you love, doesn’t mean she didn’t want you. DANCING PRESENTS TOGETHER It’s that time when we cheer, when we all gather here. Just in time, for the best time of the year! TOM Jeanette? JEANETTE Tom. Um, I’m working right now. And to be honest, I’m not sure I- TOM Im not here, to ruin your night, or do anything terrible. I already did that. JEANETTE I guess that’s good then. TOM I was in the diner earlier and Patty was there. She said she made the whole thing up. JEANETTE Yeah. Patty does that kind of thing. TOM Wish I knew that before. TOM For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I was jealous, and stupid. Truth is, I think I believed Patty, cause I wanted to. JEANETTE I know you meant well. TOM Alright, since I don’t think I’m supposed to be back here, I should get back out in the seats. JEANETTE I appreciate it. MONICA It worked! I counted the steps and didn’t knock anyone over! JEANETTE That was so great! JEANETTE Hey um Tom. JEANETTE I want you to meet a friend of mine. This is Monica. TOM Cool, I love karaoke. MONICA I don’t normally look like this. Tom smiles. TOM That would be really weird if you did. You were really good out there. MONICA Thanks! I didn’t hurt anyone so, Yay me! TOM Woah, that’s how I base my day too. JOLENE Great job out there! Remember, get the suit off before you collapse from overheating. One last number. Who thinks we can pull it off without screwing it up? JEANETTE Last one! JOLENE See, I told you I knew what I was doing. JEANETTE Yeah, you did. JOLENE Hey, I saw a little girl out front who looks like she wants to see the finale with her momma. JEANETTE Really? I’m working. I can’t go ou- JOLENE You’re done for the night. Go on now, that’s an order. JOLENE I’m not sure what you’re smiling at, you’re supposed to be out there. JEANETTE Can I join you? QUINN I’m sorry I yelled at you. JEANETTE I’m sorry too baby. Fight forgotten? QUINN Already gone. JEANETTE Evening Charlie. CHARLIE Hi Jeanie. QUINN We were watching you on the side. JEANETTE You should be watching the show! NANCY In fact, it was more fun watching you count the steps and mouth the words. JOLENE Easy, easy, that’s enough of that. JOLENE Before we close, I wanted to say what an honour it has been to put this show on for you nice folks. JOLENE Had a whole lot of commotion in our town these last few weeks haven’t we? JOLENE So I thought we’d end this year with something different. See, almost every day I can’t seem to go around this town without someone asking me if I’m gonna play my fiddle at the concert. JOLENE And every year I say no. My playing days are behind me. JOLENE Oh settle down, you know I’d only talk about it if I was gonna do it. JOLENE Besides, when my friends ask me to play, I never say no. QUINN Mom! Mom look! It’s Zane! He sings! JEANETTE I know. BILLY Mary. Hello. MARY So I heard you found Zane, brought him to his show, only to turn around and let him play the Christmas festival in the tiny town of nowhere? BILLY That does seem to be true. MARY Well it is not often that I say this... Genius. I’ve sent a media blitz to the show to cover it. We’ll go with a Cinderella story. Big star, makes little towny’s dream come true. BILLY Wow. Genius! MARY When you get back, let’s talk about your raise and new office. BILLY Sounds great! Only problem is, I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. BILLY See, I’ve been giving it some thought. I think I’m going to start my own label. MARY You’re own label? What are you talking about? BILLY Bye Mary, it was horrible knowing you. ZANE Hey everyone. ZANE I know a lot of people have been wondering what I’ve been doing lately, and I wanted to say I was on a spiritual journey or something. But truth is, I was running away. ZANE And it wasn’t until I met someone that I realized, what I needed, was to be running back. ZANE I love you very much Jeanette Williams. ZANE Now if you all don’t mind, I have something I’d like to ask. ZANE When I saw you standing on my kitchen counter, I had no idea who you were but my heart already knew that you were the person I was going to spend my life with. ZANE Will you marry me?