LAD World
[Recap: Liza won the custody fight for Marty. But her ownership of the TV station is still in jeopardy, Hollings Holdings still want their money back. Tad and Liza almost kissed a few weeks ago - nothing since.]
Part 16: V Night.
There`s a victory celebration in Liza`s house: all the well wishers came to congratulate Liza: Marian, Hayley, Jacob, Angie, Belinda, Joe is also there talking to Tad.
Liza comes from upstairs, watching her house full of friends and can`t help but smile.
Marian: (spotting her daughter) Darling, how is the little one? How my grand son?
Liza: Sleeping like an angel, mother. Nothing seems to disturb that kid! (she says with a laugh in her voice)
Marian: I remember you were the same way when you were just a little girl. (to the room) My Liza could sleep thru earthquakes.
Liza notices Tad in deep conversation with his father. Their eyes lock. Belinda picks up on the vibes and pulls Liza to the couch for a conference.
Belinda: (looking over at Tad`s who is doing his best not to stare at Liza) So?... What`s going on with you two??? (coyly)
Liza: (surprised) Us two?
Belinda: Yea, you and Tad.
Liza: (playing innocent) Nothing. There is no *us*.
Belinda: Not since that date?
Liza: It was not... (lowering her voice to a whisper) It was not a date!
Belinda: I`m sorry I had the definite impression that you had dinner alone, with Tad not so long ago.
Liza: It was not a date-date. I mean even if he almost k......(she stops herself before revealing too much)
Belinda: (happily) He kissed you!
Liza: NO! I said *almost*, *almost*! And anyway, we haven`t been alone together since that time.
Belinda: So you haven`t even talked about it?
Liza: There`s nothing to talk about, Lindy. No kiss...
Belinda: (interrupting) But you really wanted it....
Liza: Maybe but.... that was... is just my hormones talking!
Belinda: (disappointed) Oh.
Liza: And by the way, you were right.
Belinda: Of course, I`m right!... About what?
Liza: You said I should ask myself if I am ready for a serious relationship, right? (Belinda nods yes) And.... the answer I get right now is *no*. Especially with Tad.
Belinda: Why not?
Liza: Because. Because I know him too well. I know his faults, his limits and he knows mine.
Belinda: I thought that`s what makes this perfect, Liza. You know where *not* to go!
Liza: (not listening to Belinda) ...And look what happened when I even considered it, I lost focus! I almost lost Marty and I`m about to lose the station.
Belinda: Now, we both know that has nothing to do with your relationship with Tad!
Liza: There is no relationship! It`s just my hormones running wild. And it`s time for me to take control of them.
Belinda: Just like that?
Liza: I`m happy with what we have now. Just friendship. You know? If it isn`t broke, don`t fix it.
Belinda: What happened when you explode?....
CUT - On the other side of the room, Joe notices his son staring at Liza.
Joe: Well this is quite the celebration.
Tad: I guess it`s not everyday you get to beat Adam Chandler (Tad`s eyes wonder towards Liza).
Joe: (trying to get his attention) You want to tell me about it?
Tad: (startled) What?
Joe: Come on Tad! You`ve been staring at her all night long.
Tad: No, I haven`t.
Joe: Let me give you a word of advice, son. Don`t try to push things with Liza.
Tad: Things?
Joe: A relationship. She`s obviously on the rebound.
Tad: After what Adam did to her?? No, I think we`re beyond rebound here.
Joe: So you thought about it?
Tad: <sighs> (finally he confesses) I think of nothing but! ...It`s funny after looking for someone ...Dixie, Hillary... They all tried very hard to get me to change, not really accepting me... Turns out this girl I’ve known since I was ten and who used to fight me like crazy, does accept me ....
Joe: You think she will accept you?
Tad: She already does.
Joe: Yes, but she`s your friend. Not your wife or your lover. Different expectations come from a relationship. Besides like I said, I believe Liza isn`t ready for a relationship with you, or anyone else for that matter.
Tad: (exasperated) Why am I doing this? You don`t even like Liza.
Joe: No. I like her... Your mother doesn`t like Liza - both of them. Look, I just think that you should pull back a little before things get out of hand. Or you and she might get hurt (Tad looks for another answer) Not because she`s a bad person but because she`s been thru a lot...
Tad: (interrupting) A lot of it with me....
Joe: (getting on with his speech) And now she might not be so sure of herself - never mind another person.
Tad: She can trust me!
Joe: Is that what this is all about? You want to prove to yourself that you can be trusted?
Tad: No, this is about me being stupid years ago! From the very first time I saw her, I was ten and I knew. I was just too stupid to realize it....
Joe: There`s been a lot of muddy water under that bridge since then, Tad. Life is complicated now. You both have sons to consider.
Tad: Jamie loves Liza! And I couldn`t love Marty more if he were my own son.
Joe: All I`m saying is just to be careful and patient.
Tad looks miffed.
CUT - Later that night, Tad is the last guest to leave Liza`s house.
Tad: (picking up glasses in the living room) Let me help you out with cleaning up.
Liza: Don`t be silly. I`ll do that tomorrow, I have a feeling that by the time the day is over, I`ll have nothing but time to clean up.
Tad: Come on, you`re going to beat Holly too!
Liza: You got a few millions to spare? (she jokes)
Tad: I`m sorry.
Liza: Don`t be. After the week I just had and what happened today... I almost lost my son today. (with tears in her voice)
Tad: (hugs her) Almost.
Liza: (smiles) Almost! Thank you God. ... Losing the station doesn`t seem all that important right now... maybe a year ago, but now... I`ll survive. I have my family, my friends... what really matters....
Tad: Are you sure you want me to go... I could stick around we could talk strategy or play cards or....(he stops himself before he would reveal what he really wanted to do)
Liza: No, I`m all right... really... you`re sweet. I just need a good night sleep and maybe a prayer. A miracle would be nice, but I already got my share today...
Tad gives Liza a long hug.
Liza: Thank you. You`ve been wonderful.
Tad: Hey! Anytime. I mean that. (he smiles at her) Besides, my life would be such a bore without you in it. (long uneasy pause as they break the hug).
Tad walks out.
Liza: Get some sleep, you`ll need it with your new boss. If you think I was tough...
Tad: (smiles) I`ll pray for a miracle. (He naturally approaches her to kiss her, their eyes lock, he hesitates and finally Tad gives her a peck on the cheek, he caresses the cheek slightly, they smile) Good night Liza Colby.
Tad walks away.
Liza: (looks at him feeling very sorry that he didn`t kiss for real, she whispers) Good night Tad Martin.... (She says with a shy smile and then closes the door)
End of part 16
LAD World
[Liza won custody of Marty. At the party afterward, Liza denied unconvincingly that she has romantic feelings for Tad. Dr Joe warned Tad not to get too involved with Liza. Liza is getting ready for Holly`s takeover of her TV station.]
Part 17: Winner takes all
It`s morning in Liza`s house and still in her bathrobe, Liza walks into Marty`s nursery. Marty is awake and playing in his crib. His face lights up when he sees his mother.
Liza: (all smiles) Hi!!! Well, aren`t we quiet this morning? hey? (she takes him in her arms and kisses his forehead, he smiles back) Oh! Sweetheart, I love you so much.... You know what? Today, mommy is going to come home early and we`ll make an outing of it! Is that all right? Maybe the park? Would you like that? You don`t have to worry about anything, Marty. Your mom will always take care of you. Always... (she kisses him)
Marian walks into the room.
Marian: Darling? You`re not dressed yet! It`s not like you to be late for work.
Liza: (Liza puts Marty down in his crib and gets some of his things) What am I going to do, mother, fire myself for tardiness? .... For the first time ever, I am really not looking forward to this day at work.
Marian: You really think she`s going to do this? I mean I know Holly can be a pain but....
Liza: She`s going to do this and she will enjoy it.
Marian: What did you do to her all these years ago? I mean it`s not like you had any control over Roger. Unless..... (Marian has a disturbing thought that stops her quickly on her tracks)
Liza: Mother???
Marian: Nothing, darling (trying to hide a worried look)
Liza: Anyway, it doesn`t matter anymore, mother. It`s a done deal. (Liza takes Marty back) Now if you`ll excuse me, I`m going to give my son his morning bath.
Marian: Liza (Liza stops), you don`t have to worry about anything, I will take care of you.
Liza: I know, mother. Thank you. (Liza kisses Marian on the cheek and goes off to the bathroom with Marty).
Marian: (biting her lower lip) Holly, why are you doing this?
CUT - Same morning. The Valley Inn dining room. Tad is sitting at his breakfast table, talking on his cellphone, he looks desperate and disappointed.
Tad: .... I understand (listening) Still in the Philippines?? What is it with Roger Thorpe and the jungle?.... (listening) No, I understand. You still have my number, right? (listening) Right!. Urgent. OK. (listening) And thank you. (he hangs up the phone, frustrated) Stupid jungle!!!!
Edmund: The frustration of the TV World??
Tad: Edmund? Hi!
Edmund: Problems?
Tad: You wouldn`t have a few millions to spare?
Edmund: Not since the last time I checked my bank account.
Tad: I didn`t think so.
Edmund: What`s going on?
Tad: In short, if Liza doesn`t come up with a few millions today, she will lose the station.
Edmund: You`re kidding?
Tad: I wish. An investment corporation called Hollings - does that ring a bell? (Edmund shakes no) - Hollings acquired her loan for the station, they want the whole thing now, which of course, she doesn`t have.
Edmund: Adam?
Tad: If it smells like a pig....
Edmund: Would the new owners be willing to keep Liza as the station manager? She`s not exactly an amateur in this business.
Tad: I doubt it. Hollings is headed by Liza`s aunt, Holly Colby and she`s in major revenge mode right now.
Edmund: Revenge?? Why?
Tad: Good question.
Edmund: Her aunt? Why have enemies when you have family? So Liza could be leaving town soon?
Tad: (A look of panic comes across his eyes) I don`t think so, I mean if she were to leave Pine Valley and take Marty with her, Adam would give her another custody battle and she doesn`t want that.
Edmund: Still. Liza has to make a living, I can`t see her baking cookies `till the kid hits 18.
Tad: What about Tempo? Liza is brilliant and she`s a great writer and she did train in journalism.
Edmund: But it`s not television.
Tad: But she`s still a great journalist, who knows a good story when she sees one and holds on to it like a dog with a bone. She has a knack for a good story.
Edmund: Tempo could use someone like... And since Adam doesn`t own Tempo anymore, I`m sure she would appreciate the independence.
Tad: More than you know.
Edmund: You think she might be interested?
Tad: Absolutely.
Edmund: Look, let me discuss this with Brooke and maybe we could do some business? All right?
Tad: Just don`t tell Liza that it was my idea, she`s also very proud....
Edmund: No problem, Tad... I have to go, see ya!
Edmund leaves a less worried Tad.
CUT - Later that morning. Liza`s WRCW`s office.
Holly sits in Liza`s chair, swirling, her eyes wonders. Liza`s desk is clear of anything personal. A few piece of paper lay about. Holly wears a peaceful, reserved smile on her face, but soon she turns stoic again as she spots a framed picture hidden behind books on the mantle. It`s a picture of Liza with Marian who is holding baby Marty. Holly takes it and observes it intensely, her eyes turn to ice. Liza walks into her office and stops cold when she sees Holly.
Holly: Well, I didn`t think you`d show up.
Liza: Why not, it`s still my office?
Holly: For about 5 minutes. Do you have what my investors are asking for?
Liza: No. (Liza notices the frame that Holly is still holding)
Holly: Good. Rudy hasn`t packed your things for nothing. They`re at the entrance desk. You can give me your keys and pass, right now. And sign here (she points to some legal papers - Liza drops her keys and her pass, signs the papers) ...Good girl.
Liza: The picture. I want the picture.
Holly: (with all the sarcasm she can gather) You know, I know how you feel. I empathize. Really. (smiles) Congratulate me, dear, I now have a television station.
Liza: You can tell Adam to go to hell. I`m not leaving this town. I may not have this station but I still have my family, my friends and my son. And there`s nothing you or he can do about that.... (Liza walks out, her head held high)
Holly: Don`t let the door hit you on the way out.... (pause) Let`s see what we can do about the friends part. (She takes her phones and waits for an answer) Iris? Please locate Tad Martin for me....
End of part 17
--
--Millie
LAD World
[Recap: Liza won custody of Marty but lost the station to her aunt Holly Colby-Thorpe. Liza and Tad are not dealing with their feelings for each other. They almost kissed a few weeks ago]
Episode 18: Daddy`s little girl
Holly is sitting in Tad`s office, admiring the pictures on his desk. They`re mostly pictures of Jamie. But one of the pictures, slightly tucked away catches her eyes, it`s a photo of Liza with Marty in her arms. Holly hints a faint smile. Tad enters his office.
Holly: (without turning around) You`re late.
Tad is startled and goes back to his door to check the name on it. It still reads *Tad Martin*.
Tad: Well, you know how it is, time is relative. All you know all about relatives, don`t you Holly?
Holly: (she turns to him wearing the same smile) Iris has been paging you for more then 30 minutes now. I expect you to at least be polite and answer your pager.
Tad: I`m sorry, let me introduce myself: Tad Martin, *not* your lap dog. So you might as well stop the whistling.
Holly: (gets up and slyly approaches Tad) But, Tad, you might enjoy my lap...
Tad: (smiles at the come-on) What do you want? (Holly gives him a dirty look) Let me rephrase this one: Do you have any business to discuss? `Cause I`m kinda busy right now (shuffling papers on his desk).
Holly: I`m your boss, what ever I say *is* business.
Tad: (panic invades his voice - Holly is annoyed) You saw Liza????
Holly: *She* was on almost on time. Now, we have business to discuss....
Tad: Well that`s just peachy (he takes the picture out of her hands, as if to protect it)
Holly: I have plenty of ideas.... For the show, of course.
Tad: Oh I bet you`re just full of it... (he looks at the picture) But right now I have other more important things to take care of, so you might want to put a lid on it, I have to go.... Excuse me.
Tad just leaves a very mad but in control Holly behind. She knows full well where Tad went.
CUT - Liza`s house.
Marian is getting ready to leave for work, she`s looking for something but can`t seem to find it.
Marian: Now, where did I leave those papers? (She looks under a box of toys and find what she was looking for. She comes across a gold watch left on fireplace. Larry Colby`s name is on it, leaving Marian with a sad look on her face) I`m so sorry, Larry.
Marian leaves the watch where she found it and takes her briefcase. Liza comes thru the door, her face hides any emotion. Marian is surprised.
Marian: Liza? You`re here? (trying to read her daughter`s expression)
Liza: Where else would I be, mother? This is home.
Marian: She did it, didn`t she? .... Well?
Liza stays silent.
Marian: Well, shouldn`t you be with Belinda planning your next attack?
Liza: It`s over, mother. I don`t have the station anymore. And I am not going to waste time and effort on a fruitless, hopeless revenge plan. I`m not going to turn into Holly Colby-Thorpe 15 years before my time. The battle is over.
Marian: It`s not like you to give up....
Liza: (interrupting) Where`s Marty?
Marian: Upstairs with Petra. ... But darling, did she say why she was doing this?
Liza: It doesn`t matter anymore, mother. What`s important is that I promised Marty a nice walk in the park today, and I will keep my promise.
Marian: Of course, darling. (Liza goes upstairs - Marian to herself) Well if Liza is not going to find out the whys, I will! (Marian gets out)
CUT - Later on, in the park. Liza is pushing the stroller along on a beautiful early spring day.
Liza: (to Marty) Oh look at that, it`s still here! (she comes across a tree with some carved words on it, Liza takes Marty in her arms, the carving on the tree reads *LC was here*) You see this, my daddy carved that long time ago (she touches the tree). Your grand father was a good man, Marty. You can be very proud of him, like I was (she kisses Marty on the cheek). I remember the day he did this, I was 10. I had lost some contest in school, I was so disappointed with myself. He said this was one way to make my mark. I remember he said that all the possessions, all the awards in the world could never replace what was in my heart. I didn`t understand him at the time but now I do.... You`re in my heart, Marty, and whatever happens, you will always be there. (Marty smiles at her, she tears up) Oh I miss you, daddy, so much....
Tad: I thought I`d find you here.
Liza: (startled, hiding her tears) What are you doing here?
Tad: I ditched the new boss.
Liza: You shouldn`t do that, Tad, she`s very powerful.
Tad: I don`t really care. I wanted to see you.
Liza: I have nothing to say.... How did you find me?
Tad: I remembered when you were pregnant you used to come here once a week, to gather strength, so I figured....
Liza: You know me too well.....(she puts Marty back in his stroller, making sure he’s warm)
Tad: Wanna talk about it?
Liza: What?... There`s nothing to say, I lost the station. And you`re stuck with a new boss...
Tad: I can handle her.
Liza: That`s what I said... You should listen to her, you know. She knows what`s she`s doing, she`s very good at it.
Tad: She wants to make sure we don`t stay friends.
Liza: At first, she`s going to measure you up, find out what you`re made of. She will probably keep you very busy for a while.... well... at least ... that`s what *I* would do (she smiles)... it`s what I did (Tad smiles back, remembering her comeback). Everything I know in this business, I learned from Holly. You should be wise and listen to her, she knows what she`s doing... (Her eyes tears up, she turns her back away from Tad and he gets closer to her, he puts his arms around her and hugs her. She feels safer. She wants to put her head on his shoulder but gently pulls away instead, feeling that things could quickly get out of hand)... So, what are you going to do? (She starts to walk about with the stroller, Tad follows her).
Tad: (getting the feeling he shouldn`t push things) Wait to play my ace, I guess.
Liza: What ace?
Tad: My contract is up in May, remember?? We haven`t got around to renew it...
Liza: I forgot that! Boy, she`ll be pissed.
Tad: What about you?
Liza: I`m fine.
Tad: (skeptical) Sure?
Liza: No, really. I`ll take a week off, enjoy my son (they both smiles), and then I`ll see... I`ll be better off than you (she laughs). Hey if a man like Roger Thorpe couldn`t handle her....
Tad: What is it with that Thorpe fellow anyway? I kept trying to get in touch with him for the last two weeks, it`s like the guy knows exactly what`s going down and just doesn`t want in.
Liza: I don`t know.... (they stop walking) Roger is a mystery. The man has been in love with Holly since she was 15 and he was 17. That will never stop. I never saw him when my dad was alive. But than afterwards, things changed somewhat.... I remember, Roger would show up in my life without warning: at my college graduation or at conferences. I would get some award and he was there, stuff like that. He would say he was just in town by chance. But then, he would just disappear for months at a time. And when Marty was born, all he did was send some flowers... He knows Holly is in town. Maybe that`s why I haven`t heard from him since?
CUT - Station manager`s office
Holly is sitting on the top of her desk, watching tapes of The Cutting Edge with Tad Martin, her face is peaceful and a sad smile comes to her lips everytime, Tad is on camera.
Marian: Well aren`t we getting comfortable?
Holly: (surprised at first but quickly amused by Marian`s appearance) Let me call security and get you on my black list, Marian.... (she takes the phone and dials #1) Security, to my office, please.
Marian: You think you`re funny. Why are you doing this? Why are you so intend on destroying my daughter`s life?
Holly: (getting in Marian`s face) Oh I think you know.....
Marian: (getting uncomfortable, avoiding Holly`s look) Larry would be so disappointed in you, Holly. He always had you in the highest esteem but this.... this would break his heart.
Holly: Don`t bring my brother into this. You know very well he has nothing to do with this. Nothing. (she sits back behind her desk with fire in her eyes)
Marian: He`s her father.
Holly: Yes, well... (she hesitates before saying more) She`s her mother`s daughter, isn`t she?
Marian: Why not punish me instead, then?
Holly: Oh it`s so much more fun this way, like a two for one sale....
Marian: You`re really gone crazy, Holly.
Holly: Don`t play innocent, Marian, it doesn`t suit you. It never did... How long did you think it would take me to find out??? I mean you always did like 17 years old boys, didn`t you? But then, you just had to keep in touch? Or was it his idea? Did Larry know? Never mind, I don`t care and I don`t want to know .....
Marian: You`re making a mistake...
The security guard enters the office.
Holly: My mistake is wasting my time talking to you, right now. I have a station to run. Good bye Marian. (to the security guard) Take her out of my station. I don’t want to see her here again, ever!
End of episode 18
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--Millie