A Date
NEW YORK - PARK
Noah and his father are running in a park, their breaths heavy and chests heaving as they race. Anthony wins and smiles as he looks at his son. "Nice try, son," he says, patting him on the back. Noah looks a little disappointed but takes it in stride. "Maybe next time," he says with a shrug.
Anthony notices that Noah seems upbeat and asks him about it. "You seem upbeat this morning. Did you have fun with Lucy last night?" he asks. Noah's expression changes as he remembers their fight. "Actually, we got into a pretty big fight," he admits.
Anthony offers his advice, telling Noah to apologize. "You want my advice? Apologize. Even if it was her fault. Flowers, maybe some jewelry if she's really upset. Always works for your mother" he says with a chuckle. Noah is hesitant, "I don't know. I think it may be for the best." which surprised his Dad "Wait a minute, you guys broke up?"
N: "Yeah, I guess we did."
but Anthony encourages him, saying, "Lucy is a great girl." "I know. But I'm just not sure if she's the girl for me," Noah explains.
Anthony is surprised to hear that they broke up. He reminds Noah that they've been dating since kindergarten "But you guys have been dating since kindergarten." "So I keep hearing. "Noah said and asked if he loved her "I mean, you love her, don't you?". "Yes, I do. I just think it might be good for us to take a break, you know," Noah says, trying to explain his feelings.
Anthony disagrees, saying that they shouldn't give up just because things are hard. He brings up Eleanor Evans, "Maybe not right now. Eleanor Waldorf is gearing up to take her company public and I've been cording her for a month to let me handle the deal."
"You should get it," Noah says, encouraging his father.
"I will get it... if you just help me out a little bit." Anthony agrees but asks for Noah's help.
"You love her, she loves you. It's just a rough patch, that's all. You don't give up just because things are hard. Not in business or if your family is depending on you," he says, looking at his son with determination. Noah looks at his father in disbelief, unsure of what to do.
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IN - THE PALACE HOTEL
Ben was standing nervously at the reception of the hotel, in front of the Concierge who was holding Mila's cell phone. The Concierge was looking at him suspiciously and asked, "How did you know it was Miss Hart if you didn't read it and if you are not a guest at the hotel what were you doing there?" Ben was fidgeting with his hands and replied, "What? Uhm, look, when Prince Charming found Cinderella's slipper they didn't accuse him of having a foot fetish."
The Concierge was not convinced and retorted, "And you are Prince Charming? Well, there is Miss Hart now..." Ben was looking around nervously and pleaded, "No, no, no, no..." But it was too late, the Concierge had already called out, "Ruby!" Ruby turned around and walked over to the reception, giving Ben a quick glance. As she glanced in his direction, her attention was immediately drawn to his striking features - his chiseled jawline, piercing eyes, and a smile that could melt anyone's heart. However, her gaze then shifted towards his attire, which seemed to be in stark contrast with the luxurious surroundings of the hotel. The clothes he wore appeared worn out and tattered, almost as if they had seen better days. Despite this, there was something intriguing about him that captured her interest.
The Concierge asked, "Do you know this young man?" Ben was still looking nervous and replied, "She doesn't know me. Nobody knows me. It's cool, it's fine." Ruby was looking at him with a smile on her face and said, "Uhm, from last night, right? I'm sorry about that." Ben turned to her and asked, "Do you remember me?" He then turned back to the Concierge and said, "She remembers me."
The Concierge informed Ruby, "Well, he claims he found your cell phone." Ruby thanked Ben, "Oh, you found it." Lilith, Ruby's mom, walked over, carrying a cloth bag. Ruby greeted her, "Hey, mom." Lilith was excited, "Guess what I found for you... a dress for 'Kiss On The Lips'. I saw the invitation on the nightstand."
Ruby was hesitant and replied, "Oh, Uhm, I'm not going to that." Lilith was surprised and asked, "What do you mean? Lucy's throwing it." Ruby explained, "Yeah, uhm... see the problem is I... by the time I got the invitation... I uhm, actually already had plans." Lilith was curious, "Plans with whom?" Ruby hesitated and replied, "My friend."
Ben then showed Lilith a flyer for his dad's concert and introduced himself, "Eh, yeah, hi, nice to meet you Misses Hart. I'm Ben... Madden." Lilith was skeptical and asked, "What are you and Ben Madden doing?" Ruby was blushing and staring at Ben's sexy looks and replied, "We... uhm..." Ben interrupted and showed her the flyer, "Eh, we're going to a concert tonight."
Lilith recognized the band and said, "Lincoln Hawk?" Ben confirmed, "Yeah, 'Rolling Stone' named them one of the 'Top 10 Forgotten Bands Of The '90s'." Ruby was impressed, "Whooh! I'm a huge fan." Ben smiled at her, "Uh-hum." Lilith was disappointed, "Well, this party would have been the perfect opportunity for you to announce your return but I guess I'll just keep the dress for myself." She walked off, leaving Ruby and Ben alone.
Ruby thanked Ben, "Thank you." Ben replied, "Yeah, no, I... it's not a problem, really." He then started walking off. Ruby called out to him, "So pick me up at eight?" Ben was surprised, "You really go out with some guy you don't know?" Ruby shrugged and replied, "Well, you can't be worse than the guys I do know."
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IN THE JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Lucy sat across from Noah at a cozy Japanese restaurant, the soft lighting casting a warm glow over the table. As they picked at their plates, Noah broke the silence with an apology. "Thanks for meeting me. Look, Lucy, I really hurt you and I know that and I want to fix it."
Lucy's face remained impassive as she listened to Noah's words, her gaze flickering over his features. She knew he was trying to make amends, but part of her still felt the sting of betrayal. "Really? And how are you gonna do that?" she asked, her voice calm.
Noah looked earnestly at Lucy, his brows furrowed in concentration. "I'm gonna put everything in the past. I'm not gonna see Ruby again or even talk to her. It'll be like she doesn't exist."
Lucy nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on Noah's face. "I think that's a good idea. Let's not mention it again. You gonna eat that?" She picked up a piece of sushi from Noah's plate and popped it into her mouth, savoring the delicate flavors.
Noah's expression softened as he watched Lucy eat. "That's it? 'Cause you were pretty upset last night... I mean, should we talk about this?"
Lucy's demeanor changed, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "There is nothing to talk about. I overreacted... you say it's in the past, it's in the past. I'm sure you have no feelings for her anymore. I just feel bad for Mila... she'll really miss you. What time does the limo come?"
Noah sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Eight."
Lucy smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. "Perfect." In Noah's mind, he couldn't help but admire Lucy's ability to remain composed and level-headed, even in the face of emotional turmoil. He knew he had a lot of work to do to make things right, but he was grateful to have her by his side.
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IN THE MADDEN'S ART GALLERY
As Lilith walks into the Madden's art gallery, Huck can't help but notice her stunning appearance. her blonde hair cascades down to her shoulders, bouncing lightly with each step, and she's wearing a stunning, shiny white dress that seems to glow in the dim lighting of the gallery.
Huck is surprised by her presence but manages to greet her with a smile.
"Lilith! Are you shopping for some more art to match your furniture?" Huck jokes as Lilith approaches him.
Her eyes scan over Huck, taking in his black, styled hair and striking handsome features. She can't help but feel a twinge of attraction for him, despite their complicated past.
"Why is my daughter going to one of your concerts?" Lilith asks, trying to hide her emotions.
Huck responds nonchalantly, "Cause we're awesome."
Lilith couldn't help but notice the tattoos that adorned Huck's strong biceps as he spoke. They looked almost edible and she felt a sudden urge to be choked by them. She quickly snapped out of her thoughts and focused on the conversation.
"With your son?" Lilith asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Ben's got a date with Ruby?" Huck replied, with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Hmm," Lilith hummed, her eyes narrowed.
"Well, our kids were about to meet, it's a small island," Huck explained.
"You're sure it's not some ploy you're using my daughter to get to me? Now that your wife left you?" Lilith asked, suspicion creeping into her tone.
"How do you know about Alison?" Huck asked, surprised.
"Like you said: Small island," Lilith replied, with a smug grin.
"Oh, I get it: You hear about Alison, use your daughter as an excuse to start something," Huck said, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Yeah, in your dream!" Lilith retorted.
"Well, you are in my dreams, Lily... and one of them in particular involves finding you in the back of a Nine Inch Nails bus with your shoes in your earrings and Trent Reznor... oh, that happened!" Huck teased.
Lilith rolled her eyes. "No need to rehash details of decades past. So I moved on."
"Yeah, from Chanter lane to Paris until you switched up rock stars for billionaires," Huck said, his tone turning bitter.
"You think you're so cute. Washed-up band, crappy so-called 'art gallery'," Lilith sneered.
"Well, not all of us have settlements from multiple divorces to sustain us," Huck shot back, the tension between them palpable.
"Just stay out of my life, Huck!" Lilith said, her voice cold and left.
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IN THE HOME OF THE MADDENS
Jenny and Ben are standing in front of a full-length mirror, admiring their reflection. Jenny is wearing a fabulously sewn black dress that hugs her curves perfectly. She looks stunning with her hair tied up in a messy bun, and her makeup is flawless. Ben is also dressed to impress in a sharp suit, and his hair is slicked back and he exudes confidence.
Jenny exclaims, "You're going out with Ruby, and I'm going to 'Kiss On The Lips'. Who said this family wasn't cool." Ben nods in agreement and replies, "Well, listen, I don't want to be late, but you're looking great."
As Ben leaves, Huck comes home, and they pass each other in the hallway. Ben reminds Huck, "See you at the concert, right dad." To which Huck hesitates and responds, "I, uhm... ok."
Huck sees Jenny and walks over to her, awestruck by his daughter's beauty. "Oh my god, my daughter is a woman," he exclaims. Jenny rolls her eyes and responds, "Dad, you could just tell me I look nice instead of turning this into a sermon on the passage of time."
Huck continues to compliment Jenny, "You look like... your mother."
Jenny smiles and thanks him. "Thanks."
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IN LUCY'S BEDROOM
Lucy stands in front of a full-length mirror, admiring her reflection wearing a beautiful brown dress. Her brown hair falls seamlessly down her back, framing her face perfectly. As she twirls around, Eleanor, her mother, enters the room and greets her daughter with a smile.
"Lucy, let me see how it looks! Why are you wearing that one? Didn't you see the dress I left on the bed?" Eleanor asks curiously.
Lucy, still admiring herself in the mirror, responds, "I like this one."
Eleanor, a bit disappointed, remarks, "This one is not as elegant a choice as that one."
Lucy, a bit taken aback, questions, "Why do you care so much?"
Eleanor, with a hint of concern, replies, "Because I love you. Lucy, you will never be more beautiful or thin or happy than you are right now. I just want you to make the most of it."
Lucy, realizing that her mother only wants the best for her, agrees, "I guess I have time to change."
Eleanor, noticing Lucy's hair, adds, "And put some product in your hair. The ends are dry."
Lucy runs her fingers through her hair and notices that it does look a bit dry. She nods and heads towards her dresser, ready to make the necessary changes.
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IN THE LIMOUSINE
Lucy, Nate, Aiden, Isabel, and Katy are joyfully chatting and laughing. They are sipping on champagne and clinking their glasses together in celebration. The music is blasting in the background, adding to the vibrant ambiance of the party. They are all excited to be on their way to the party and having the time of their lives.
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IN THE PALACE HOTEL
Ben enters the grand gallery of the Palace Hotel, his eyes search the room for Ruby. And there she is, standing, looking breathtakingly beautiful. His heart skips a beat as she turns to him and their eyes meet. He can't help but notice the way her long hair cascades down her back, and the elegant black dress she's wearing, that hugs her curves perfectly, making her look even more stunning.
As he approaches her, he can feel his jaw tightening, trying to hold back his emotions. He takes a deep breath and tries to compose himself, but he can't help but feel a rush of adrenaline as her eyes lock with his. His hair, perfectly styled for the occasion, frames his chiseled face.
His old black shirt and brown pants, accentuate his muscular figure, truly impressive. He stands tall, towering over her, but at that moment, he feels small in her presence. The way she smiles at him, with a twinkle in her eyes, makes his heart melt. He can't help but smile back, feeling like the luckiest man in the world.
And then she laughs, a sound that fills the room and sends shivers down his spine. He can't help but feel drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. At that moment, nothing else matters, and all he can think about is how lucky he is to have her in his life.
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IN THE 'KISS ON THE LIPS' PARTY
Aiden, Isabel, and Katy are standing at the bar, Aiden spots Jenny in the crowd. His deep voice echoes through the noise of the party, "Who's the newbie?" As Jenny walks past, Aiden's hunter eyes follow her every move. Katy responds, "Jenny Madden. She's a freshman." Aiden smirks and replies, "I love freshmen. They're so..." Isabel interjects, "...fresh?" Aiden chuckles and adds, "Exactly!"
Without wasting any time, Aiden walks over to Jenny, his masculine presence taking over the room. He introduces himself, "Hi, I'm Aiden." Jenny nervously responds, "I know, uhm, I mean, hi, I'm Jenny." Aiden's gaze intensifies as he looks at her handsomely, and he reaches out to touch her hand. Jenny's face turns red with embarrassment as Aiden brings her hand to his lips and kisses it gently. "It's nice to meet you," Aiden says in a low voice, causing Jenny to feel weak in the knees as she gazed into his eyes. With a shy smile, she whispered, "You too."
"Thanks" Aiden replied with a smile
Looks like little Jen might end up with a new boy and a ticket to the inner circle. Or will A end up with another victim? I told you I love parties.
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NEW YORK
Ruby and Ben walk down the busy streets of New York, surrounded by the bright lights and blaring sounds of the city. Ruby looks stunning in her elegant dress, while Ben's cool and casual style is effortlessly charming.
As they approach the back entrance of the club, Ruby seems self-conscious about her outfit and asks Ben if she's overdressed. "So I'm a little overdressed, aren't I?" Ben reassures her with a smile, "Honestly, I don't really have a problem with your appearance."
Ruby grinned mischievously and asked in a playful tone, "Oh, so you're a groupie?" She leaned in slightly, waiting for Ben's response with eager anticipation.
Ben's expression was a mix of amusement and uncertainty as he replied, "Well, not quite." He shifted his weight slightly.
Ben leads Ruby towards the band unloading their equipment, and introduces her to Huck. "Ruby, I'd like you to meet Huck Madden. Dad, this is Ruby." Huck greets Ruby warmly, "Ruby Hart. Oh, I don't know how I know that. Nice to meet you." Ruby is surprised by the recognition, but reciprocates with a friendly smile, "Nice to meet you too"
Huck: "You guys are a little early. It's gonna be a while before we take the stage."
B: "Yeah, I may have slightly overbudgeted it for travel time."
Huck's bandmate hoists his guitar into the air, prompting Huck to excuse himself and tune it. "I should go tune that. Excuse me. Enjoy the show! Son, talk to you later." Huck says before leaving. Ben bids him farewell, "Yeah, see you."
Ruby is amused by the encounter and asks Ben, "So you took me to meet your dad on our first date?" Ben seems a bit flustered but amused as well, "So this... this is a date? Ah, maybe I should have worn my loafers then... and dress down a little bit."
The club's surroundings are bustling with activity as people come and go, while the band's equipment and instruments add to the vibe of the place.