EXT. BIG ED'S TIRES
Peter Lassiter gets out of his car. Kenny approaches Lassiter, who
has a flat tire.
KENNY
How are you doing today ?
LASSITER
It just blew out on me.
Do you have a tire like that ?
Jack walks back outside the store. Then, Jack approaches
Kenny and Lassiter. Lassiter faces Jack.
LASSITER
I seem to have some sort of a blow out here.
And Jack tapping Kenny on shoulder.
JACK
Why don't you let me take this one, Kenny ?
KENNY
Okay, chief.
Kenny nods, then heads back inside.
JACK
Peter Lassiter.
LASSITER
Do I know you ?
JACK
Not exactly. I've seen you on CN BC. You look taller in real
life.
INT. BIG ED'S TIRES, JACK'S OFFICE
Jack leaning back in his chair, behind the desk of his cluttered,
cramped office.
JACK
Truth is, Mintz was so busy timing his wife's breathing, he
didn't realize that Med Tech needed Global more than the
other way around. Ten days, two weeks tops, they would have
approached you with an offer. I'm willing to bet anything it
would have been 130 billion, not 122.
Jack smiling.
JACK
The trouble is, Peter, you had a pussycat running the show.
What you needed was a Doberman.
Lassiter, sitting on the little chair across from Jack, an intrigued
look on his face.
LASSITER
I'm impressed. I really am. Now, about my car.
JACK
Sure. We're gonna have to special order that tire, so it'll
be ready in a couple of days.
Lassiter nods, then takes a business card out of his wallet.
LASSITER
All right. This is my office address.
Lassiter thinking. Then,
LASSITER
Why don't you drop off the car yourself ?
Jack smiles. Door opens.
EXT. LASSITER BUILDING - AFTERNOON
Jack pulling up to the building in Lassiter’s Rolls...
He gets out of the car, walks to the building, feeling good, confident,
stopping to gaze up at the skyscraper...he breathes in deeply, then heads inside...
INT. LASSITER BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
Jack enters, instinctively tossing the car keys to the
SECURITY GUARD...the guard looks at him like he’s crazy...
INT. LASSITER BUILDING CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER
Jack and Lassiter walk together...
LASSITER
We’re really more of a boutique operation, as you can see...
JACK
But you're not interested in boutique dollars...I get it...
They walk into...
INT. ALAN MINTZ’S OUTER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Past the assistant’s desk...
MINTZ’S ASSISTANT
He's expecting you, Mr. Lassiter.
INT. ALAN MINTZ’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
It’s Jack’s old office but you wouldn’t know it from the decor...lots of country pine, a fabric sofa, and a
play pen where the bar used to be. Jack enters, immediately struck by the difference...
LASSITER
Alan, this is Jack Campbell...the one I was telling you about...
Mintz, a confident look on his face, gets up from the
desk and goes to shake Jack's hand.
ALAN
Of course.Jack. Hi.
They shake hands.
JACK
Mr. Mintz.
ALAN
No, just call me Alan. We like to cultivate a very casual atmosphere here.
Jack looks around.
JACK
I can see that, Alan.
A chuckle from Mintz.
ALAN
What can I tell you ? You have kids, Jack?
JACK
Uh,actually, yes. Two of them. good ones.
Another laugh from Mintz.
ALAN
Great,great.Why don’t you have a seat?
Peter mentioned that you were an avid CNBC watcher but didn’t say
whether you had any actual Wall Street experience?
Jack’s a little taken aback by the question, not realizing
he was walking into an interview...
He crosses his legs, trying to get comfortable.
JACK
Um,I was a sales associate, at E.F. Hutton.
ALAN
A broker, Really? And now you’re in the tire business?
JACK
That’s right. And auto supply.
ALAN
In the retail end, I understand.
Jack nods...
JACK
We get about 60 percent of our business from automotive service.
ALAN
And do you mind me asking what kind of sales you did in the last year ?
Just ball park.
Jack pauses, analyzing the situation...the patronizing questions,
the smirk on Mintz’s face...
JACK
We did 1.7 million in total revenue.
ALAN
1.7. That's great. And what do you project|for this year ?
He stops, takes a moment, looking at Mintz and Lassiter
then ...a confident smile.
JACK
I think we're gonna have a banner year.
Sales are up almost 20 percent in the first quarter,
and we just landed|a major trucking company account.
ALAN
You did ? That's great.So that puts you just a tad over two million ?
JACK
That's right. And that would make us number one in our market
A raised eyebrow from Mintz.
Mintz and Lassiter follow Jack with their eyes as he crosses the room to the desk,
pours himself a glass of water...
JACK
Look, I know our paltry little two million in sales is about what you
spend on office supplies in a year. And I know some regional trucking
company account is nothing compared to a sixty billion dollar merger.
ALAN
No, no, no.I'm not trying to knock|the tire business. It's okay. I get it.
JACK
I'm in your shoes, I'm thinking the same thing, but here's the deal.
Business is business.Wall Street, Main Street. It's all a bunch
of people getting up in the morning,trying to figure out how they're
going to send|their kids to college.It's just people, and I know people.
Jack's confidence is throwing Mintz off, but Lassiter appears intrigued...
ALAN
Oh,I’m sure you do.
JACK
Take you, for instance, Alan.You have a certain energy about you,
an active kind of energy.I wouldn't be surprised if you drank about 16
Diet Cokes a day.You're an excellent father, but you feel guilty about
the time you spend away from home.You drink bourbon, but you
offer your clients Scotch. And your wife decorated this office.
A laugh from Lassiter as Mintz sits there stewing, a caught look on his face.
LASSITER
He certainly has your number.
JACK
You're a little tougher, Peter. For one thing, you like expensive things.
Lassiter smiling proudly
LASSITER
That’s easy. You've seen my car.
Jack chuckles
JACK
You smoke Hoyo de Monterreys.
You're a Scotch man,single malt,
not because it's trendy but because
you've been doing it for 40 years,
and you stay with what works.
Lassiter smiles sweetly.
JACK
You have two great loves in your life,
your horses and this company.
Lassiter's impressed.
JACK
And you're a man who prides himself
in finding talent in unusual places...
LASSITER
How would you know that?
Jack smiles.
JACK
Because I'm here.
On Lassiter...nodding his head. Mintz,
a plastered-on smile.
JACK
I'm prepared to do whatever it takes
to get this job. I'll start wherever I
have to start. I'll park cars if I have to.
Jack looks into Lassiter's eyes.
JACK
The biggest part of judging character is
knowing yourself. And I know this,
I can do this job.I can.
Give me a chance,Peter,
I won't let you down.
Lassiter returns Jack's gaze with equal intensity.
In a moment, he turns to Mintz.
LASSITER
Alan, why don't you show Jack around ?
INT. LASSITER BUILDING CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER
Jack and Alan walking side by side down the
hallway...EMPLOYEES passing them by, greeting
Mintz, Mintz waving back...
ALAN
This is our war room.We did seven major deals
in here last year, three of them...hostile.
Jack is not particularly impressed.
JACK
Seven?
ALAN
Yeah. You get a kind of a feeling from..
They turn a corner, coming into a deserted section
of the corridor.
Mintz stops, turning to Jack. Jack returns Mintz's
gaze with a quizzical look.
ALAN
Can we cut the shit,here for a minute?
Where did you get that information?
Did you go through his wallet?
Did you surf some Net?
Jack's a little taken aback.
ALAN
It doesn't really matter because that
circus act you pulled back there may
have dazzled Lassiter,but it doesn't
do shit with me. Even if you get this
job,which I highly doubt,let me just
give you a word of warning.Peter Lassiter
gets tired of his pet projects very,very quickly.
I've got that big office because I prove
myself to him year after year.
Nobody is gonna come in here and turn the
old man's head, especially not some tire
salesman from New Jersey. So if you're
cautious and you're quiet, you watch
yourself and stay away from Lassiter,
maybe, I'll think about keeping you on
here after he gets bored with you.
Do we understand each other?
Jack stands there, staring at Mintz,
silent, expressionless.
Jack laughs out loud.
JACK
Alan!
JACK
God, you really are different.
Alan is staggered.
ALAN
Excuse me?
JACK
I mean,wow!
Jack holds Alan's shoulders.
JACK
I'm impressed.I'm impressed. Good for you.
Alan is staggered again.
ALAN
Are we understanding each other ?
JACK
Yes, Alan,I understand you.
ALAN
Okay,then.
JACK
Good.
ALAN
Good.
Jack laughs.
JACK
Okay.
ALAN
Okay.
Jack smiles at Alan one more time, then turns...
JACK
Alan!
Jack heads down the corridor, whistling a happy tune,
leaving Mintz standing there, bewildered.
INT. CORPORATE APARTMENT - DAY
A double door opens and Jack leads Kate into this huge
duplex. Kate looks around, taking the place in.
JACK
Keep your eyes closed. Hold on.
Kate is laughing.
JACK
Go ahead. Open your eyes.
JACK
Welcome to Xanadu...
The place is incredible...marble floors, architectural
lines, high tech fixtures, elegant modern furniture...
it’s striking but not at all homey like the Jersey
house.
JACK
Pretty incredible,isn't it?
KATE
It's like a museum.
JACK
Uh-huh.
Jack nods.
KATE
So what's the big surprise ? You didn't rent this for the
weekend, did you ?
JACK
Think... bigger.
KATE
For the week ?
Jack chuckles.
JACK
This place is a perk, Kate.
KATE
A perk ?
JACK
Mm-hmm.
KATE
For what ?
JACK
A company called P.K. Lassiter Investment House... uses it to
attract new executives.
Kate’s confused.
JACK
I'm going into arbitrage, honey. It turns out I have a knack
for it.
KATE
Jack, what are you talking about ?
I'll be making twice what I make now, plus a hefty bonus.
That's just to start. And we can live in this apartment...
practically rent free... until we find a place of our own.
Kate just looks at him, in shock. Then...
KATE
Are you out of your mind ?
JACK
I don't think so. This is gonna be a better life for all of
us. We can put Annie and Josh into private schools.
KATE
Annie goes to a great school, Jack.
JACK
I'm talking about the best schools in the country here.
KATE
What could you possibly be thinking about ? What about my job
?
JACK
Well, this is New York City. It's like the needy people
capital of the world. Your Jersey clients aren't a tenth as
pathetic as the ones you could find here.
KATE
I can't even believe you're talking about moving back into the
city. thought the reason we left was because we didn't want to
raise the kids here.
JACK
No. No. This is the center of the universe. If I were living
in Roman times, I would live in Rome. Where else ? "Today
America|is the Roman empire. New York is Rome itself." John
Lennon.
KATE
Jack !
Jack’s starting to struggle...
JACK
Okay, you know something ? I'm detecting, like, a funky
tension here. This was supposed to be|a happy day, so guess
what ? I don't need this. We don't have to live here. Forget
it. I'll commute. I'll drive to work.
KATE
God !
Jack’s back on his heels...seeing his dream picked apart...
KATE
In traffic, it's over an hour each way. That's three hours
every day. - When are you ever going to see the kids ?
He’s frustrated...he pauses a moment to gather himself. Then...
JACK
Kate. You're not understanding me. I'm talking about a
perfect life, a great life. Everything we pictured when we
were young. The whole package. You said so yourself. Life has
thrown us a few surprises. We made sacrifices. Well, guess
what ? Now I can finally get us back on track.
A sad chuckle from Kate.
JACK
I can do that, Kate. I want to do that. I need to do that as a
man ! For all of us. Please just think about this for one
second. No more lousy restaurants. No more clipping coupons.
No more shoveling snow.
KATE
Then get a goddamn snowblower, Jack !
KATE (CONT’D)
Don't go get a new career without
even telling me about it! And don't
--don't take Annie out of a school
she loves. Don't move us out of a
house we’ve become a family in.
Kate stands there, wounded...
JACK
You're--You're--
(appealing to her)
Don't you see? I'm talking about us
finally having a life...that other
people envy.
Silence. Kate looks him in the eye ? a deep, piercing look...
KATE
Oh, Jack. They already do envy us.
Kate picks up her bag and walks out of the apartment.
OMITTED
INT. ANNIE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Annie is in a nightgown, practicing her violin. Jack walks in.
It’s all he can do to hold back cringing at the missed notes. Annie
finishes the piece, lowering the bow.
Annie starts PLAYING again as Jack looks at the dresser. She has 20 or
so family photos lined up and down its sides...
Jack studies them...in every one Jack’s face is totally contented. Jack
studies them, looking at his own face.
Annie lowers the bow, watching him...
Jack turns to her.
She smiles, then starts PLAYING again. He turns back to the pictures...
INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, DEN - LATE
Jack...standing in front of the desk, nursing a drink.
He looks at Lassiter’s business card, sitting on the surface of the desk...
He gazes around the room...his eyes coming to rest on a bookshelf...a book...
He moves toward it...looking at its spine...it’s a tattered copy of Vonnegut's
“Cat’s Cradle.” He pulls it off the shelf, there’s something inside...a
bookmark...
...a PAN AM ticket jacket sleeve...
...inside...a boarding pass...”From: London/Heathrow,
To: New York/JFK, 10/4/87.”
He looks at it...something’s not right...
JACK
From London to New York.
(looking up)
I came back.
Then...a NOISE...
Jack turns and sees Kate walking into the doorway, standing there...She sees
Jack holding the Pan Am ticket sleeve.
A quizzical look from Jack.
KATE (CONT’D)
When you got on that plane, I was sure
it was over. I left the airport afraid
I'd never see you again. And then you
showed up the very next day.
(a wistful smile)
That was a good surprise.
She continues into the room, leaning against a bookshelf.
KATE (CONT’D)
You know, I think about the decision
you made.
Jack watches her as she lets out a small sigh.
KATE (CONT’D)
Maybe I was being naive, but I believed
we would grow old together in this house,
that we'd spend holidays here and... have
grandchildren come visit us here. I had
this image of us all gray and wrinkly, and
me... working in the garden, you repainting
the deck.
Kate smiles gently as she pictures this.
KATE (CONT’D)
But things change.
(pausing)
If you need this, Jack, if you really need
this, I mean really need this, I will take
these kids from a life they love, and I'll
take myself from the only home we've ever
shared together... and I'll move wherever
you need to go. I'll do that because I love
you, and that's more important to me than
our address.
Kate smiles lovingly at Jack...she walks over to him, kisses him gently on
the forehead.
KATE (CONT’D)
I choose us.
She turns and heads out of the room, leaving him there, the boarding pass still
in hand, staring lovingly at her as she goes...
INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
Jack walks into the room...
The lights are off, Kate already in bed sleeping.
He undresses for bed, unable to take his eyes off Kate.
Finally, he lifts the covers and climbs into bed next to her, moving closer to
her, putting an arm around her, drawing her in...
In her sleep, Kate nestles in Jack’s embrace. He savors the feeling, then closes
his eyes as...
They lay there...side by side...together...a single person.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING
The morning light streams into the room. Kate opens her eyes. Jack’s not in bed.
A look of curiosity.
Then, she hears LAUGHTER from outside.
She goes over to the window...opens the blinds... revealing...
Jack in the backyard, LAUGHING with joy, playing in the snow with Annie and Josh.
Kate watches...a satisfied smile sweeping across her face...
EXT. CAMPBELL HOUSE BACKYARD - SAME TIME
...Jack reaches out and snags Annie...she CACKLES in delight...
The three of them fall over onto the soft white snow...
The laughter from the kids is uncontrollable, Jack’s joy is just as palpable...
Finally, Annie stops laughing and grabs Jack around the neck, hugging his tight.
ANNIE
(whispering in Jack’s ear)
I knew you’d come back.
JACK
Oh, Annie. I love you.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Jack walks over to a utility shelf, fishing around until he finds a bag of rock
salt...he grabs it, sees it’s empty...
And then he hears it...the sound of a BICYCLE BELL RINGING, echoing through the room.
A shudder passes through his body...
He turns and sees Annie at the open garage door, sitting on her bike, ringing the BELL.
It’s an eerie moment for Jack...
JACK
What are you doing?
ANNIE
(a curious look)
Ringing my bell.
On Jack’s anxious face...
OMITTED
CHAPTER FIFTEEN ? SAYING GOODBYE
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT
On Jack...crouched down in an aisle of this local convenience store...checking out
the bags of rock salt...
He looks at the price tag on one of the bags...
JACK
4.99 ? It's just salt, for God sakes.
CASH
Ninety-nine cents, darling.
On the entrance to the store...the door opens, a YOUNG GIRL, 17, enters, an average suburban teenager...
She glances at a fashion magazine, picks up a package of gum...
From the POV of the cashier, we see the girl approach the counter...
On Jack, crouched down in the aisle. He grabs a bag of salt from the
shelf.
Jack registers the voice...he rises slowly, looking over to the front
counter...where he sees...
Cash, dressed in a typical chain convenience store uniform, ringing
up the teenager...
An excited smile from Jack at the sight of Cash...
CASH
Out often.You.Jack !What's up ?How you feeling, baby ?
Then...the color drains from Jack’s face...
JACK
Why are you here ?
Jack moves toward Cash at the counter...
The girl eyes Jack curiously, then removes a dollar bill from her
pocket and slides it across the counter to Cash...
CASH
Here's your change, darling.Five, six, seven, eight,nine,
oh-one.
Cash reaches into the register, taking out change for ten dollars...
he hands the girl $9.35...
The girl looks at the money, realizing that Cash has given her the wrong
change...
CASH
Is that rock salt ?Look at you, man. Went and got all
domestic|and everything. You really figured some things
out, huh ?
The girl looks at Cash talking to Jack...
JACK
You're not sending me back.
The girl hesitates...Cash turns to her...
CASH
Everything okay ?
TEENAGE GIRL
Yeah.
JACK
Hey, did you hear me ?
CASH
Wait a second.
Cash ignores Jack, watching the girl as she heads to the door,
hesitates a moment, then walks out...
A look of disappointment on Cash’s face as he reaches into his pocket,
pulling out a little notebook...
Cash looks at Jack.
JACK
I'm talking to you.
Jack scoffs.
JACK
You see that ?
CASH
Character. And for what, for nine bucks ?|That's just so
disappointing.
JACK
I'm not going back. You understand me ?
Cash looks at him, compassion on his face.
CASH
Okay, relax, Jack.
JACK
You can't do this.You can't keep coming in and out of people's
lives, |messing things up. It's not right.
Jack throws six bucks on the counter...
CASH
A glimpse, by definition, is an impermanent thing, Jack.
JACK
I've got kids. I'm going home.
Jack walks determinedly toward the exit. He stops and turns at the door...
Cash follows him with his eyes, a proud look on Cash’s face as Jack
leaves...
INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, JOSH’S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
Jack walks to Josh. He’s sleeping soundly.
Jack gently kisses Josh on the head, careful not to wake him.
INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, ANNIE’S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
Jack is standing over Annie, kissing her on the cheek.
ANNIE
Is it morning yet ?
JACK
No, honey.Go back to sleep.
She closes her eyes as Jack stands there for a moment looking at her,
sadness all over his face.
JACK
Take care, Annie.I'm going back to|the mother ship.
Finally, he turns to go...
INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
The clock reads, “11:17.” Kate is already in bed as Jack walks in.
KATE
Hey.
Jack approaches her, sitting on the bed...
JACK
Hey. These past few weeks, I know I've done some--some
unusual things.
Kate nods.
KATE
It's been interesting, that's for sure.
JACK
I've done some good things, too, though, haven't I ?
KATE
You've been Jack Campbell, |and that's always a good thing.
She kisses him on the cheek.
He takes her arms in his hands and looks her in the eyes.
JACK
I need you to remember me, Kate. How I am right now...at this
very moment.I need you to put that image in your heart and keep
it there. Keep it with you no matter what happens.
KATE
Are you okay ?
JACK
Yeah. Yeah.Please just promise me.You have to promise me, because
if you don't, then|it's like it never happened,and I don't think
I can live with that.
She’s a bit confused but she couldn’t be more in love with him.
KATE
I promise.
JACK
Promise me again.
KATE
I promise.
JACK
Okay.
KATE
Now come to bed.
Jack stands up, heading toward the door.
JACK
Soon.
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - LATE NIGHT
Snow begins to fall...
Jack with Lucy on a leash, walking side by side, his
mind elsewhere...
Lucy leads him around a corner...to a large open
field...
Lucy stops. She looks back at Jack, then out to the
open field.
Jack removes the leash. The dog bounds happily out
into the field, looking for just the right spot.
Jack puts his hands in his coat pocket...pulls out a
half-eaten roll of PEPPERMINT LIFESAVERS, puts one in
his mouth...
He looks up at the sky, snow gently falling onto his
face. It's cold but beautiful...peaceful and
still...the air clean and crisp...
INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
The room is dark...
Jack enters, sees Kate sleeping soundly in bed.
He sits down in a chair and watches Kate asleep, a sad
look in his eyes...
As he continues to watch her, to listen to her, his own
eyelids appear to grow heavy...
He tries to fight the sleep...opening his eyes...
focusing on her...but it's no use...
Finally, he closes his eyes...falling into a deep
sleep...
INT. JACK'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - MORNING
A PHONE RINGING
Jack, flat on his back in bed...Light streams onto
his face ...he stirs...
THE PHONE STILL RINGING...
Jack reaches over to Kate's side...there's no one
there.
Pull back to reveal...his old Manhattan apartment...
his old dressy clothes strewn on the floor...
Jack sleep still in his eyes, reaches over...he's not
wearing any pajamas...picks up the phone...
JACK
(groggy, dazed)
Yeah. What time is it ?
Okay. Yeah.
He drops the phone...turns back over...lets his eyes
stay closed for another moment...then...
His eyes open...
He looks around...sees his shirtless torso...then his
old apartment.
INT. JACK'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
...Jack walks to the door just as...
The doorbell RINGS. He stops, then cautiously opens
the door, seeing...
PAULA, wearing a long overcoat and a wide smile on her
face.
PAULA
Waiting for me by the door,
huh?
Jack looks at her.
JACK
Paula.
Paula opens her coat ? the only thing she has on
underneath is a sexy little teddy.
JACK (CONT'D)
(momentarily
distracted)
Wow.
PAULA
(smiling)
Merry Christmas...
JACK
(confused)
Christmas? It 's not
Christmas.
Jack stares at her, totally confused...
PAULA
(lasciviously)
It's whatever you want it
to be, Jack.
JACK
It's not Christmas.
Jack walks right by a shocked Paula and heads out the door,
practically running down the corridor.
PAULA (CONT'D)
Jack?...Jack!
EXT. GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE - MORNING
Jack's Ferrari speeds down the bridge, toward Jersey...
EXT. CAMPBELL HOUSE - MORNING
Jack's Ferrari pulls up in the driveway and he hops
out. He races to the front door, POUNDING on it...
A MAN in a Van Heusen shirt and Hagar slacks answers.
Jack stares at him in shock.
MAN
Can I help you?
JACK
Is Kate here? Does Kate live
here?!
MAN
Kate? No. There's nobody
named Kate here.
JACK
Of course not.
MAN
You okay?
JACK
No.
Jack walks off, beleaguered.
INT. FERRARI - DAY
Jack driving...a CELL PHONE RINGS.
A curious look on Jack's face, it's been a while since
he's heard that sound.
JACK
(answering phone)
Hello?
ADELLE (O.S.)
Santa Claus, where are you?
Everybody's here.
JACK
Adelle?
ADELLE (O.S.)
You 're a half an hour late. The
emergency strategy session, trip
to Aspen? Is this ringing any bells ?
Everybody is panicked here, Jack. Jack?
Finally, Jack shakes his head, defeated.
JACK
I'll be there in 20 minutes.
INT. LASSITER BUILDING, CONFERENCE ROOM - NOON TIME
It's a beehive of activity...
Alan is working the phone.
ALAN
No, I'm not gonna go talk to them until
I have something to talk to them about.
Steve, I don't care if it's Christmas day.
We're in a crisis here.
Jack enters, still reeling from his experience, taking
a moment to observe the action...
Mintz spots him...
ALAN
(into phone)
Wait a minute. Jack just walked in.
I'll call you back.
He hangs up the phone as all eyes in the room turn to
Jack, immediately fixating on how disheveled he looks.
ALAN (CONT'D)
Jack. Thank God that you're--
You're here. Are you all right ?
JACK
(in a daze)
What's going on here?
ALAN
What's-- Well, it's not good.
Bob Thomas has been talking to a
European drug company, Jack, and
we don't know which one. They're
gonna let Bob buy a minority stake,
and let him keep running the entire
company. Global knows. I don't know
how they know, but they know and
they're up in arms. They think that
somehow we should have been prepared
for this. Prepared ! Oh, God, we're
in trouble.
Jack looks at Alan for a minute.
JACK
You know something, Alan.
Somewhere inside of you, there's a
much more assertive person.
Alan looks at him, confused.
ALAN
Is this another one of those
Sun Tzu Art of War tricks?
A sad laugh from Jack.
JACK
No.
ALAN
So what are we gonna do,
Jack?
Jack wallows for another moment in his own sadness...
ALAN (CONT'D)
Jack.?
Jack snaps out of it, turning to Alan and the rest of
the group...
JACK
I'll tell you exactly what
we're going to do. You're
going to do whatever you
have to do to find out...
JACK
...which European company he’s been talking to.
Then I’m going to clean myself up, fly to Aspen,
and drink egg nog with Bob Thomas. His wife and
kids will be playing in the background in the snow...
while I convince him that the European company...
is the devil...
and Global is the answer to his prayers.
Then I’m going to spend four hours skiing... alone.
Completely and utterly alone. I’m going to do that
because that is my life, that is what’s real...
and there is nothing I can do to change that.
Jack leaves the office to the shocked stares of his team.
EXT. BROADWAY - DAY
Jack’s limo makes its way downtown.
INT. LIMO - SAME TIME
Jack in the back seat of the limo, sadly looking out
the window, watching the buildings pass by...
He turns away, looks at the phone...haltingly picks it
up...
JACK
(dialing 411)
For Manhattan...Kate Reynolds...
I need an address too...
Jack jots something down on a business card. Then he
hangs up the phone, thinks a moment, looks out the
window, then turns to the driver...
EXT. KATE’S BUILDING - DAY
Jack’s limo pulls up outside this house on Washington
Mews...
Jack gets out...
INT. EAST SIDE APARTMENT BUILDING, HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Jack stands outside an apartment door. He hears The
Clash’s “London Calling” BLARING from inside.
He rings the bell...the volume of the music gets
lower...
LORI
It's very fragile, so I want you to be very
careful with it, okay? It's valuable. It's
over 300 years old. You'll probably need a
few guys to carry it.
REMOVER
All right.
LORI
The painting is also very, very old, so take
extra care. It means a lot to Kate, okay?
Kate’s assistant, LORI, 20s, opens the door...Jack
exchanges a curious look with her.
LORI
Yeah? What?
Are you from the shipping company?
JACK
I’m Jack Campbell...I’m an old... friend
of Kate’s.
The woman looks at him, then walks back inside...
LORI (O.S.)
Kate! Some guy’s here!
Beat. Jack waits anxiously at the door. Then...
KATE (O.S)
(to Lori)
Did you call the airline like I asked you
to do? It's like two hours...
Jack’s eyes come alive as Kate appears wearing jeans
and a white blouse...except for her hair, she looks the
same.
KATE
Jack.
JACK
Kate...
KATE
God, it’s been a long time.You look...
She searches for a kind word, but he looks terrible.
JACK
You look great.
KATE
Thanks.I..Come on in. Come on in.
I'm just doing some...
She looks at him another moment, then turns...
KATE (CONT’D)
(yelling inside)
Lori, do you know where those boxes...
Kate walks inside, Jack follows her in sheepishly.
INT. KATE’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
...Jack accidentally knocks into a stack of boxes,
sending a GLASS CANDY DISH CRASHING to the floor,
SHATTERING it...
JACK
(bending down)
I'm sorry...
LORI
No, no, no! You know what...
KATE
Jack. Don’t.. Please. I don't even care.
Oh, great. Thank you.
Jack looks up at...a beehive of activity ? Lori on the
phone, boxes stacked everywhere, TWO MOVERS packing
up...
JACK
...What’s going on?
KATE
(searching around)
...I’m moving to Paris.
(to Lori)
Hey,Lori, have you been that box?
It says “Jack”on it. I put it with the
rest of the Salvation Army stuff.
LORI
(to Kate, with attitude)
Do you want me to look for the box or call
the airline, Kate?
KATE
Hey, kind of under a little pressure here.
LORI
Hey, kind of giving up Christmas day for my
ex-boss here.
Jack watches this back and forth.
KATE
Hey,didn’t seem to mind offering to help when
she was opening the Prada bag I gave her.
LORI
Maybe it’s by the wardrobe boxes...
Thank you.
Kate heads over to some tall wardrobe boxes.
JACK
...so you’re moving...
KATE
...Yeah, to Paris. My firm has an office there.
I’m going to be heading it up.
JACK
(stunned)
Paris. Paris, France?
KATE
(searching the boxes)
That’s the one...
JACK
So you’re not at a non-profit firm?
KATE
(a chuckle)
God, no, not with what they pay me...
JACK
Are you married ?
KATE
No, I never got married, Jack. You ?
JACK
Not exactly.Look, could we take a minute here,maybe go get
a cup of coffee or something ?
LORI
I'll go for a cup of coffee.
KATE
Yes.
A relieved smile from Jack...
KATE
I found it.
LORI
Congratulations.Your earlier flight was canceled,but I got
you out of Kennedy on United at 7:00.
KATE
Excellent.
LORI
Am I good or what ?
KATE
Yes, you're brilliant.Thank you.
LORI
You're welcome.
KATE
Here you go. It's just some old stuff of yours.
Jack stands here, looking at the box, then at Kate...
JACK
Do you ever think about us, Kate ?About what might have
happened ?
A bemused LAUGH from Kate. Then she sees he’s not laughing...
KATE
Jack, I'll tell you what.If you're ever in Paris,look me up
and we'll go have that cup of coffee, okay ?Or cafe. Or cafe
au lait.
One of the movers passes by Jack carrying a box...
KATE
Oh, wait. No, no, no, no !Don't close that up.I will never
find this box again. Well, I marked it.Just be more
specific next time.We 'll leave it open then.I was just
trying to close it up.
JACK
Make a right here.
DRIVER
Sir, you're gonna be late for your flight.
JACK
We're not going to the airport.
EXT. VAN WYCK EXPRESSWAY - NIGHT
Jack in his Ferrari, racing down the highway at 120 MPH...
He looks at the clock, it reads, “8:46.” He opens up
the throttle...
EXT. KENNEDY AIRPORT, UNITED TERMINAL - MINUTES LATER
Snow is falling as Jack’s car races up to the terminal then stops.
He jumps out. An AIRPORT SECURITY GUARD sees him...
GUARD
You can't leave this here.You can't park here !
INT. UNITED TERMINAL - SECONDS LATER
Jack looking at the board. The nine o’clock to Paris - Gate 8A.
Jack sprints toward the gate...
INT. UNITED TERMINAL, GATE AREA - SECONDS LATER
...and gets there just as the flight is boarding.Jack looks through
the crowd, spotting Kate near the front of the line, about to hand
her ticket to the gate attendant.
He pushes through the throng of people, drawing some annoyed stares,
finally making his way over to Kate.
JACK
Kate !
Kate turns and sees Jack, a look of puzzlement on her face.
JACK
You can't go. Don't get on that plane.
KATE
Jack ?
JACK
Please, let's just go have a cup of coffee.That's all I'm
asking for.I'm sure there's another flight to Paris tonight.
KATE
Jack.What are you doing here ?Do you need closure ?Because if
you do, after all these years,you got it.I'm okay. I'm fine.
I--I was heartbroken, Jack,but I got over it, I moved on,
and...you should move on too. Okay ? I'm sorry.I just can't--
I've gotta go.I-I--I'm sorry, Jack.I'm sorry. Excuse me. Can
I just--I'm sorry. I was here.
JACK
We have a house in Jersey !We have two kids.Annie and Josh.
Annie's not much of a violin player, but she tries real hard.
She's a little precocious, but that's only because she says
what's on her mind.And when she smiles-- And Josh,
JACK
And Josh,he has your eyes.
He doesn’t say much, but
we know he’s smart.
He’s always got his eyes open,
always watching us...
Sometimes you can look at him and just know...
he’s learning something new.
It’s like witnessing a miracle.
Kate’s expression has sifted from annoyance to curiosity.
JACK
The house is a mess, but it’s ours.
After 122 more payments,it's going to be ours.
Jack begins walking slowly toward Kate...the world of
the airport going on around him, Jack not caring...
JACK
And you,you’re a nonprofit lawyer.
That’s right.You're completely nonprofit.
But that doesn’t seem to bother you.
Kate raises an eyebrow. It’s something she’s thought about.
JACK
And we’re in love.
After 13 years of marriage,
we’re still unbelievably in love.
You won’t even let me touch you til I’ve said it.
I sing to you.Not all the time, but definitely on
special occasions.
Jack walks into a piece of carry-on luggage sitting by a
row of passengers.
JACK
And we've..we've dealt with our share of
surprises,and made a lot of sacrifices
but we stayed together.You see, you’re a better
person than I am,and it made me a better
person to be around you.
Kate is perfectly still, Jack’s words echoing in her ears.
JACK
I don't know.Maybe it was all just a dream.
Maybe I went to bed one lonely night in December,
and I imagined it all,but...
I swear, nothing’s ever felt more real.
He’s right in front of her. She can’t take her eyes off him.
JACK
And if you get on that plane right now,
it’ll disappear forever.
Silence. Jack and Kate in their own little world...
airport business going on around them.
JACK
I know we could both go on with our lives,
and we’d both be fine.
But I’ve seen... what we could be like together.
And I choose us.
Jack’s words resonate in her ears. He gently touches a
hand to her arm.
JACK
Please, Kate.One cup of coffee.
You can always go to Paris.
Just... please, not tonight.
She stands there, frozen, staring into Jack’s eyes,
searching for the answer.
KATE
Okay, Jack.
Jack and Kate, framed in the window of a nearly empty
airport coffee shop...through the window, we see snow
falling outside.From a distance we see them.
TALKING and LAUGHING over a cup of coffee.
THE END
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