SCENE ONE – FLASH FORWARD – INT. HOTEL – BALLROOM
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, RAYA, JAYLIN, and AUSTIN are sitting on chairs on the stage holding microphones.
THE PRESS are sitting in chairs set up in the audience.
SOFIA is standing at the podium on stage as the moderator.
SOFIA: We’ll take one final question.
THE PRESS all clamor to be chosen.
SOFIA gestures to PRESS MEMBER 1 in the front row.
PRESS MEMBER 1 stands with her microphone.
PRESS MEMBER 1: Yes, I just have one final question for Olivia.
SOFIA: Of course.
PRESS MEMBER 1: There have been some rumors swirling about your romantic involvement with one of your castmates. Has your on-screen chemistry finally turned into an off-screen romance?
LIV hesitates to answer and looks over to Austin and Sofia for support.
AUSTIN and SOFIA smile.
LIV turns to JAYLIN and takes his hand, sparking a reaction from THE PRESS.
LOLA, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and RAYA all look surprised.
PRESS MEMBER 1: Well I think I speak for everyone when I say that we all would love more details behind this story.
LIV: Of course. Let me start from the beginning.
SCENE TWO – OPENING THEME
The opening theme plays.
SCENE THREE – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – FASHION CLOSET – B-ROLL
Some B-roll shots of the fashion closet are shown.
SCENE FOUR – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – LIV’S OFFICE
LIV is busy working on some clothing sketches.
JAYLIN knocks on the open door.
JAYLIN: Hello.
LIV looks up and smiles.
LIV: Hi.
JAYLIN: Thanks for agreeing to do this.
LIV: Of course. Thanks for picking me. It’s a huge honor.
JAYLIN: Absolutely.
SCENE FIVE – LIV’S CONFESSIONAL
AUSTIN: So you’re officially a stylist now?
LIV: Yes. I was fortunate enough to work with Kourtney Castro this summer and that has started to open a lot of doors for me in the fashion world. So when I was approached by Jaylin to work for him as a stylist, I couldn’t pass it up.
AUSTIN: So are there any big events that you are currently styling him for?
LIV: Yes. Individually, he’s going to be doing his press tour with his cast mates for the new season of his show, so I’ll be doing some looks for that in the next few weeks. But this week I’ll be styling him for our docuseries press event.
AUSTIN: That’s going to be a lot of fun.
LIV: Yes it is.
SCENE SIX – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – FASHION CLOSET
LIV and JAYLIN walk in.
LIV: Welcome to L&O’s Fashion Closet.
JAYLIN looks around in awe.
JAYLIN: Wow. This makes my closet look like a joke.
LIV: Well I put a lot of work into it.
JAYLIN: I can tell. This is amazing.
LIV: Thank you.
JAYLIN: So what’s our first step?
LIV: I’m glad you asked.
LIV rolls out her large dual dry-erase and bulletin board with pictures of a good number of Jaylin’s past looks.
JAYLIN: Now I’m impressed. You really did your research.
LIV: I like to get to know my clients’ style as much as I can before I start creating new looks. I’ll want to take you out of your comfort zone a little bit and try out some new things.
JAYLIN: Sounds good.
LIV: But before I do anything, I will need all of your measurements.
JAYLIN: Of course.
JAYLIN takes off his jacket.
LIV grabs her designer’s notebook and measuring tape before she heads over to the pedestal positioned near the middle of the room.
LIV: Come on up.
JAYLIN steps up onto the pedestal.
LIV begins to do his measurements and writes them in her notebook.
JAYLIN: I don’t know how you manage to have any free time with all of the things that you do.
LIV: Well, I like to stay busy.
JAYLIN: I can tell. So what do you do for fun?
LIV: I usually spend time at home. I normally have friends over to hang out, but everyone’s so busy these days and Aria’s on tour. I’ve mostly been hanging out with Jaxon.
JAYLIN: So you’ve never really just gone out for a night on the town?
LIV: Not recently, no.
JAYLIN: Well we really ought to do something about that. You’re missing out.
LIV: I’m not missing much.
LIV finishes up recording the rest of the measurements.
LIV: And now that I have all of your measurements, the fun can begin.
JAYLIN: Yeah.
JAYLIN steps off of the pedestal and grabs his jacket.
JAYLIN: Well I think that I at least owe you dinner as a thank you for doing this.
LIV: Oh, you don’t have to do that.
JAYLIN: I know. But I want to.
LIV: That’s really sweet, but I already have plans.
JAYLIN: Oh okay. Rain check then?
LIV: Sure.
JAYLIN: Cool. See you tomorrow.
JAYLIN heads towards the door.
LIV: Bye.
JAYLIN exits.
SCENE SEVEN – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – LIV’S OFFICE
LIV enters the office and begins to pack up her things.
SCENE EIGHT – LIV’S CONFESSIONAL
LIV: A lot of times, I can be perceived as an extrovert who’s always ready for a night on the town. But that honestly just comes with the “It Girl” title. I honestly don’t mind a nice night in with my friends and family just hanging out. So tonight I’m gonna be hanging out with Jax for a little movie night and I have to head home to change before he comes over.
SCENE NINE – INT. LIV’S CAR – AFTERNOON
LIV gets into her car and sets her purse in the passenger seat. She starts her car and pulls out of her parking spot.
The reality show style ends for this episode.
SCENE TEN – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – LIVING ROOM
SAPPHIRE CAMERA CREW MEMBERS are taking some B-roll shots of the loft.
AUSTIN approaches them.
AUSTIN: Looking good guys.
JAXON is bringing some snacks in from the kitchen for the movie night with Liv. He can’t help but side-eye the production.
AUSTIN walks over to JAXON.
AUSTIN: Hey, great job today.
JAXON: Thanks, I guess. But you didn’t notice anything weird about the stuff we shot for the show today?
AUSTIN raises his eyebrows.
JAXON: I’m barely in it. Liv and Jaylin got all of the screen time.
AUSTIN: Yeah. It was all intentional. Nothing personal against you, of course. But I thought it would make more sense artistically to really play up the role of the “jilted lover”. I’m hoping it will add a little bit of mystery about you.
JAXON: I don’t need that.
AUSTIN: Well you might not, but the doc does.
JAXON looks at him in disbelief.
AUSTIN: Trust me. It’ll be great.
AUSTIN pats JAXON on the shoulder before he walks off.
JAXON forces a smile that quickly disappears.
SCENE ELEVEN – INT. LOLA’S DRESSING ROOM
LOLA is sitting at her vanity on the phone.
MAYA is sitting on the couch.
LOLA: So we’re all set for the recording session this afternoon?
LOLA pauses for the response.
LOLA: Great. Yes, I will be stopping by. Okay. I’ll see you then.
LOLA hangs up the phone and turns to face MAYA.
LOLA: Sorry about that.
MAYA: It’s fine. Do you know how many business calls you’ve had to sit through with me?
LOLA: 500?
MAYA: Probably. God, I love having a few days off.
LOLA smirks.
MAYA’s eyes wander to the roses in the vase on her vanity.
MAYA: I love the flowers by the way.
LOLA: You should. You sent them.
MAYA’s eyebrows furrow.
MAYA: No I didn’t.
LOLA grabs the card that came with the roses and hands it to her.
LOLA: Are you sure?
MAYA takes a quick glance at it.
MAYA: I mean, yes these are my initials, but I didn’t send this.
MAYA hands her back the card.
LOLA: Well if you didn’t, who did?
MAYA shrugs her shoulders.
LOLA thinks for a moment, before she comes to a realization and stands.
LOLA: Come with me.
LOLA and MAYA exit the room.
SCENE TWELVE – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – RECORDING STUDIO
DOMINIC is sitting at the grand piano in the booth, playing an instrumental piece.
LOLA and MAYA enter the studio and watch him in admiration as he plays.
Once DOMINIC is finished playing, LOLA turns on the producers’ mic on the sound board to speak to him.
LOLA: Wow.
DOMINIC looks over at her.
LOLA: Save some talent for the rest of us, Torres.
DOMINIC smirks and stands up to join LOLA and MAYA outside of the booth.
DOMINIC: I was just messing around.
MAYA: Messing around? That was amazing.
DOMINIC: Thank you. So what brings you down here?
LOLA: Well I thought I would check in all of the new Sapphire clients to make sure you’re settling in nicely. I know stepping into a world like this can be a lot.
DOMINIC: It certainly is a step up from the coffee shop.
MAYA: Well with your talent I have no doubt that you will be getting your flowers.
LOLA: Like roses.
LOLA smirks at him.
DOMINIC is quick to catch on.
DOMINIC: Ah, yeah. I guess I wasn’t as discreet as I could’ve been. But I hope you liked them.
LOLA: I did. Thanks.
DOMINIC: Of course. Have you started filming yet?
LOLA: Not yet. Sam and I don’t start until next week which is good since we’re heading out of town in the morning.
DOMINIC: Oh. Where to?
MAYA: Our family house. It’s about an hour away from here.
LOLA: And we just found out that our dad is selling it, so we’re going to help him pack up.
DOMINIC: Well, I’m sorry to hear that.
LOLA: Don’t be. It’s been a long time coming.
DOMINIC: Well if you guys need any help, I’m here.
MAYA: Thanks. We appreciate it.
DOMINIC checks the time on his phone.
DOMINIC: Oh, my session’s gonna be starting soon, so I should get ready.
LOLA: Of course. Well good luck.
DOMINIC: Thanks.
LOLA and MAYA exit the studio.
DOMINIC grins and heads back into the booth.
SCENE THIRTEEN – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – RECORDING STUDIO HALLWAY
LOLA and MAYA are walking side by side.
MAYA: Okay, that guy is totally into you.
LOLA: No he isn’t.
MAYA: Oh come on. The guy got you roses and offered to help you pack up our family’s house and you think that he’s just being friendly?
LOLA: Okay, I see your point. But I guess I’m just hesitant to go there with him, especially since my luck in the romance department has been pretty terrible.
MAYA: I get it. You know you could always start by just going out as friends. Isn’t he going to Sapphire’s gala too?
LOLA: Yeah.
MAYA: Well that’s perfect. You can start off there and see where it goes.
LOLA: We’ll see. Besides, my love life is clearly not my top priority right now because you and I have more important things to discuss.
MAYA: Like what?
LOLA: Like going home. I know that a lot of old wounds might be opened by going back there and I want us to be able to communicate with each other.
MAYA: Well it might not be as bad as you think.
LOLA: You’re right. Letting the house go might be the best thing for all of us.
MAYA: Yeah.
MAYA attempts to hide her guilt behind a smile, but fails.
SCENE FOURTEEN – INT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – LOBBY – CAFÈ
BRIANNA is paying for her drink at the counter.
SKYLAR enters the building and sees her.
THE CASHIER hands her back her card.
BRIANNA: Thank you.
SKYLAR walks up to her.
SKYLAR: Hey Bri.
BRIANNA turns to face her.
BRIANNA: Oh hey.
BRIANNA steps out of line.
BRIANNA: What are you doing here so late?
SKYLAR: I was gonna ask you the same thing.
BRIANNA: Well I feel like time is one thing we don’t have when we now have to balance being TV stars and publications employees.
SKYLAR: I know right?
SKYLAR and BRIANNA walk over to an empty table and sit down.
SKYLAR: Speaking of which, we never really got a chance to talk about the whole Sofia situation with the hosting job.
BRIANNA: I still think it’s insane. Pitting us against each other like that?
SKYLAR: I know. But at the same time—
BRIANNA: It’s an incredible opportunity that we shouldn’t just pass up.
SKYLAR: Exactly.
BRIANNA: So maybe we should just make a pact.
SKYLAR: What kind of pact?
BRIANNA: That no matter what happens with this job, we don’t let it affect our friendship.
SKYLAR: I agree.
THE BARISTA calls out Brianna’s name.
BRIANNA gets up to grab her drink.
SKYLAR’s phone dings prompting her to check it. She sees that it is a text from Devyn.
DEVYN’S TEXT: I can meet today.
SKYLAR texts back.
SKYLAR’S TEXT: Great! Meet me at Peyton’s at 6.
BRIANNA walks back over to Skylar with her drink in hand.
BRIANNA: Hate to cut this short, but I should get back to work.
SKYLAR: Yeah me too.
BRIANNA: See you later.
SKYLAR: See ya.
BRIANNA heads towards the elevator.
SKYLAR looks back at her phone and sees that Devyn liked her message.
SCENE FIFTEEN – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
LIV is sitting on the couch while JAXON finishes cueing up the movie.
LIV: I don’t know how you convinced Austin and his camera crew to take a night off, but I’m glad you did.
JAXON: It wasn’t that hard. I just told him that his time would be better spent on filming Pretty Boy and he agreed. He wants to focus more on your story with him than ours.
JAXON joins her on the couch.
LIV: That’s so stupid, especially since it’s all fake. But if I’m being honest, I’m starting to have a hard time differentiating fantasy from reality. Jaylin wants us to hang out off set.
JAXON: And what did you say?
LIV: That I don’t mind it if it improves our work performance, but I’m planning on making it clear that it is staying strictly platonic.
JAXON: Good.
JAXON presses play on the movie.
He and Liv cuddle with one of the blankets on the couch.
SCENE SIXTEEN – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – RECORDING STUDIO
The outro for Dom’s song can be heard as LOLA enters the studio to see DOMINIC finishing up his session in the booth.
THE SAPPHIRE PRODUCER speaks into the mic.
THE SAPPHIRE PRODUCER: Thanks Dominic. That was great. Let’s call it a night.
DOMINIC takes off his headphones and gently places them on the microphone before he exits the booth.
THE SAPPHIRE PRODUCER and STUDIO ENGINEER nonverbally acknowledge LOLA as they exit the studio.
DOMINIC smiles when he sees LOLA.
DOMINIC: Hey, Lo. I thought you’d be home packing right now.
LOLA: I should be, but I had something to ask you first.
DOMINIC: What’s up?
LOLA: I was wondering if you would like to go with me to the gala.
DOMINIC: Seriously?
LOLA: Yeah.
DOMINIC: Well I’m flattered and all, but I have to say I’m a little surprised. I thought if you would be going with anyone from work, it would be Sam.
LOLA Sam and I aren’t together. And if I know him, he’ll probably end up going with Raya.
DOMINIC: Got it. Then I’d be honored to be your date.
LOLA: Okay great. Looking forward to it.
DOMINIC: Me too.
LOLA glances at her phone to check the time.
LOLA: Look, I should really get home to pack.
DOMINIC: Of course. Have a safe trip.
LOLA: Thanks.
LOLA heads towards the door and stops to look back.
LOLA: Goodnight, Music Man.
DOMINIC softly chuckles.
DOMINIC: Goodnight, Grumpy Cat.
LOLA turns to exit the studio with a huge grin on her face.
SCENE SEVENTEEN – INT. PEYTON’S CAFÈ – EVENING
SKYLAR enters the cafè. She stops and looks around to try to spot DEVYN. Once she does, she begins to approach her.
DEVYN is sitting in one of the booths wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap drinking her coffee.
SKYLAR greets her.
SKYLAR: Hey.
DEVYN looks up at her.
DEVYN: Hey.
SKYLAR sits in the booth across from her.
SKYLAR: Thanks for agreeing to meet me.
DEVYN: Of course.
SKYLAR: Are you sure that you have time for this?
DEVYN: I’m unemployed, Sky. I’ve got all the time in the world.
SKYLAR: I’m sorry.
DEVYN: It’s not your fault.
SKYLAR gently places her hand on Devyn’s.
SKYLAR: It doesn’t have to be for me to feel bad.
SKYLAR places her hands in her lap.
DEVYN: I’m just trying to make sense of it all. One day things were normal and we were happy and the next, everything changed. I haven’t even really spoken to my sister since the girls and I decided to split. The only thing that really brought us all together recently was Bri’s article.
SKYLAR: Well I’m glad that you brought that up because that’s sort of what I wanted to talk to you about.
DEVYN: What, did Bri change her mind? Cause I can respect that.
SKYLAR: No, quite the opposite, actually. She’s actually very excited to tell Wildwave’s story. But I think that there’s an entirely different story that lies beneath this one.
DEVYN: About what exactly?
SKYLAR: You.
DEVYN chuckles.
DEVYN: You’re joking, right?
SKYLAR: No. Look, everyone knows that Wildwave broke up, but what they don’t know is why.
DEVYN: Irreconcilable differences.
SKYLAR: Yes, but also your musical integrity. People should know that you were the advocate for that.
DEVYN: And who exactly is going to tell that story if Bri is already busy with one?
SKYLAR: Me.
DEVYN: Really?
SKYLAR: Yes. I want you to tell your story on my podcast.
DEVYN: And that sounds great, but if I do that, wouldn’t that be sending the wrong message? I’d still be separated from the girls.
SKYLAR: Yes, but if we’re being honest, the chances of you all being separated after this story comes out is inevitable. People are going to look at you as the girl who broke up the band. This gives you a chance to tell your story before the girls’ story becomes the only story.
DEVYN thinks for a moment.
DEVYN: And what do I tell Bri?
SKYLAR: Nothing. I will handle that.
DEVYN: Okay.
SKYLAR softly grins at her.
SCENE EIGHTEEN – EXT. THE LUXE – MORNING
Transition from night to morning.
LOLA and MAYA are finishing putting their bags in the back of Maya’s car.
MAYA leans against the car as LOLA puts her last few bags in.
MAYA: Well at least you packed light this time.
LOLA: Okay, take it easy, Miss Sarcastic. I’m technically taking work with me. Liv wants me to try on some looks for the gala so I can pick one.
MAYA: Got it.
LOLA places her last bag in and closes the trunk.
MAYA: Speaking of the gala, how did Operation Date Dom go?
LOLA: Successful.
MAYA: That’s great!
LOLA and MAYA hug.
MAYA: I’m so happy for you.
LOLA: Thanks.
MAYA: Well we should get on the road. Don’t want to hit traffic.
LOLA: Let’s do it.
MAYA walks over to the driver’s side of the car and gets in.
LOLA walks over to the passenger’s side of the car and gets in.
SCENE NINETEEN – INT. SAPPHIRE WARDROBE SUITE
DOMINIC is trying on his suit jacket for the gala.
SAM enters the room.
SAM: Hey.
DOMINIC turns and faces him.
DOMINIC: Hey man. I’ll be out of here in a minute.
SAM: Oh, take your time. I‘m early.
SAM sits on the couch and pulls out his phone.
DOMINIC turns to admire his outfit in the mirror.
SAM: Nice suit.
DOMINIC: Thanks. I really need to make sure that I look good, especially now that I have a date.
SAM casually scrolls through his phone as the conversation continues.
SAM: You do?
DOMINIC: Yeah.
SAM: Nice. So who’s the lucky lady?
DOMINIC: Lola.
SAM looks up from his phone, a bit taken aback.
SAM: Lola?
DOMINIC: Yeah, but I don’t think it’s anything serious. She probably just wanted to go as friends.
SAM: I doubt it. Lola doesn’t really do dates unless it’s what she really wants.
DOMINIC: Well, you would know.
SAM’s tone of voice shifts.
SAM: What do you mean?
DOMINIC notices the shift.
DOMINIC: You guys are close friends, right?
SAM collects himself.
SAM: Yeah. Not so much these days.
DOMINIC: Well she does have a lot on her plate, so I wouldn’t stress about it.
SAM’s response is not entirely convincing.
SAM: Right.
DOMINIC takes his suit jacket off and hangs it back on the clothing rack.
SAM twiddles his thumbs as DOMINIC grabs his things and checks the time on his phone.
DOMINIC: And as much as I would love to stay and hang out, I have a session to get to.
SAM: Good luck.
DOMINIC: Thanks.
DOMINIC exits the room, leaving SAM to sulk and sit with his thoughts.
SCENE TWENTY – EXT. PEYTON’S CAFÈ – BACK ALLEY
JAXON enters the alley, a bit on edge. He sees a white van parked in the alley and approaches it with caution.
AUSTIN is sitting in the driver’s seat and rolls down the passenger side window.
AUSTIN: Get in, Takeda.
JAXON: Not until you tell me why the hell you called me here.
AUSTIN: Get in and I’ll explain.
JAXON sighs and gets into the van.
SCENE TWENTY ONE – INT. VAN
JAXON: What’s this about?
AUSTIN: The show.
JAXON: What else?
AUSTIN: I want you to know that I took your grievances to heart and am going to be including you more in the footage.
JAXON: Great, but what does that have to do with us meeting in the back alley of a coffee joint?
AUSTIN grabs his iPad with a live feed of Peyton’s Cafè.
JAXON takes a glance at it.
AUSTIN: You know what this is?
JAXON: Peyton’s.
AUSTIN: Exactly.
JAXON: And why are you showing me a live stream of it? Are we stakeout partners now too?
AUSTIN: No. We’re creators and I am one step closer to getting the hook I need.
AUSTIN zooms in on LIV and JAYLIN sitting at a table meeting for breakfast.
JAXON: Wait a minute, you’re spying on Liv and Jaylin?
AUSTIN: Someone’s finally catching on.
JAXON: They’re just having breakfast as friends. Why are you recording it?
AUSTIN: Because you guys aren’t giving me much to work with as far as your acting is concerned, so I have to get things organically.
JAXON narrows his eyes at AUSTIN.
JAXON: So why am I here?
AUSTIN: Because I’m sending you in there. This is your chance to tap into that jealousy we’ve been looking for.
JAXON: I am not jealous of Liv and Jaylin.
AUSTIN: Well you should be. Because there’s definitely some potential for a relationship there.
JAXON: You’re insane.
AUSTIN: I’m just trying to do my job. Are you going to do yours?
JAXON takes a deep breath.
JAXON: I can’t do this.
AUSTIN: And that’s where you and Jaylin are different. He’s a professional at this. It’s not going to be long before he wins Liv over with that superficial charm of his.
JAXON: Well it’s not gonna work on her. And you’ve really gone too far this time.
AUSTIN: I’m sorry. I thought you wanted this series to be a reflection on your lives.
JAXON: And it isn’t! Not when you’ve got some egotistical playboy trying to get with my girlfriend!
AUSTIN is visibly taken aback.
JAXON realizes what he’s done, but he doesn’t even care.
JAXON: Yes. Liv is my girlfriend. So excuse me if I’m a little annoyed having to play her jilted lover. If anyone should’ve been her love interest, it should’ve been me.
AUSTIN: I see your point, but unfortunately it’s too late so we’ll have to keep the story as written, especially with this panel Friday. And I think I speak for everyone when I say that it would be in everyone’s best interest to keep things professional for it.
JAXON: Oh, I’ll keep things professional because I won’t be on it.
AUSTIN: I’m sorry?
JAXON: You can ask me to lie about a lot of things Austin and you have, but I’m not gonna stand in front of a group of real people and lie about my relationship. So if you put me on that panel, I won’t speak.
AUSTIN: Fine. Then you can sit this one out. At least Liv is willing to cooperate with me.
JAXON: Because she feels like she doesn’t have a choice. She’s got a lot more at stake than me. She already faces enough backlash on a daily basis just for who she is. The last thing she needs is for people to blackball her too.
AUSTIN: And you have no problem with it happening to you?
JAXON: No, because I never signed up to be a TV star. I am a graphic designer for Rose Publications who got distracted by the idea of fame. But that doesn’t matter anymore because I refuse to trade my integrity to get it. I’m done with this.
JAXON opens the door to get out of the van, slams it shut, and walks down the alley.
AUSTIN sighs in frustration and grabs his phone. He dials Sofia’s number.
AUSTIN: Hey, it’s me. We have a little problem.
SCENE TWENTY TWO – EXT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE
A “For Sale” sign is out in the yard.
Maya’s car pulls into the driveway.
MR. MONTGOMERY opens the front door and walks out. He waves when he sees the car.
LOLA and MAYA get out of the car.
MR. MONTGOMERY: There’s my girls.
MAYA grins and jogs to hug him.
MAYA: Hi dad.
LOLA stands awkwardly behind them.
MR. MONTGOMERY awkwardly grins at LOLA.
MR. MONTGOMERY: I know you’re not really a hugger, but do you think you can spare one for your old man?
LOLA: Of course.
LOLA gently hugs her father.
MR. MONTGOMERY and MAYA briefly make eye contact during the hug before he and LOLA separate.
LOLA: I gotta say that I’m a little surprised that you reached out. I figured we’d all just continue to retreat to our own corners.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Well I figured that I owed you both a jingle before you found out about the sale of the house on your own time.
MAYA: And we appreciate it.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Let’s go inside and we can talk more.
LOLA, MAYA, and MR. MONTGOMERY walk up the steps and go into the house.
SCENE TWENTY THREE – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – CONFERENCE ROOM
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and SAM, are all sitting at the table.
JAXON is pacing.
SKYLAR: What do you mean he just removed you from the panel?
JAXON: Exactly that, Sky. I’m not going to be on stage with you guys.
LIV: Well this is just insane.
BRIANNA: Where’s Lola? Shouldn’t she be here for this?
LIV: She’s out of town. How did we let this happen?
SAM: More like how did we not see this coming. Austin will do whatever it takes to make a great show, even if it’s at our disposal.
SKYLAR: Well I think someone needs to talk some sense into that boy. Where’s Sebastian?
SAM: Out of the country.
LIV: So we handle this ourselves.
SKYLAR: And how exactly are you planning to do that?
LIV stands.
LIV: I’m gonna go find Austin and tell him to put you back on the panel or he’s gonna see the wrong end of his own camera lens.
LIV starts to head towards the door, but JAXON steps in front of her.
JAXON: Whoa, Liv. Look, I appreciate that, but I don’t regret getting myself kicked off that panel.
LIV: Why?
JAXON: Because I don’t want to hide our relationship anymore.
SKYLAR and BRIANNA both turn towards each other in shock.
SAM smirks.
SKYLAR: Wait, what?
LIV and JAXON both accept the inevitable and face their friends.
JAXON takes LIV’s hand and she joins him at his side.
JAXON: Yes, we are a couple and I really don’t want to hide it anymore, at least from all of you.
LIV: Jax is right. The last thing I wanted was everyone being in our business, especially now that our names are a little more out there than we’ve been used to. But you guys aren’t everyone and you deserve to know the truth.
BRIANNA: Well I’m happy for you guys.
SKYLAR: Me too.
SAM: I am just glad that I don’t have to keep it to myself anymore. It was getting tiring.
SKYLAR: And on behalf of Aria, I’ll say this. Break her heart and I’ll break you. Got it?
JAXON gulps as LIV snickers.
JAXON: Got it. That did sound freakishly like her.
SKYLAR: Good.
BRIANNA: So what are we going to do about the panel? If Austin’s so unhinged that he was willing to ask Jax to lie for it, then there’s no telling what he’s gonna make the rest of us do.
JAXON: I don’t know, but you guys can’t afford to be removed from the panel too. Sofia’s already given me an earful today over the phone.
SAM: God, I can’t wait until all of this is over and done with.
LIV: Same.
BRIANNA: Well, we should all get back to work on our actual jobs while we still have them.
SAM: Right. I’ll see you guys later.
SAM heads out of the conference room.
SKYLAR and BRIANNA follow him.
LIV turns and faces JAXON.
LIV: J, I am so sorry about all of this.
JAXON: It’s not your fault. How were we supposed to know that Austin was gonna turn into a bloodthirsty clout chaser?
LIV: You deserve to be up there with us. It’s not fair.
JAXON: No it’s not. But it’s just business and besides, I’d much rather be in the audience and admire my “It Girl” girlfriend.
LIV: Oh God. Please don’t call me that, not unless you want me to start calling you “Jilted Jaxon”.
JAXON smiles.
JAXON: Alright. Fair enough. But at least we don’t have to sneak around here anymore.
LIV: True, even though I don’t think we were really fooling anyone.
SAM enters the conference room again holding a paper in his hands.
SAM: Yeah, you weren’t. And I kindly request that you keep the PDA here to a minimum. If Lola were here she’d agree with me.
LIV: Got it, boss.
LIV’s eyes glance down to the paper in Sam’s hand.
LIV: Now are you gonna tell us whatever that is?
SAM: It’s something that I need to discuss with you, privately if you don’t mind.
LIV: Okay.
JAXON: It’s cool. I have some cover art to work on for our latest issue, so I’ll see you guys later.
JAXON kisses LIV on the cheek before he exits.
LIV: What’s up?
SAM: I think it’s really great that you and Jax finally came out to us about your relationship, but you should see this.
SAM gives LIV the paper. She scans it briefly.
LIV: What is this?
SAM: Talking points for the panel. It seems like your little blossoming relationship with Jaylin is gonna be a huge highlight and I want you to be prepared.
LIV: I don’t know how I can be. There’s no story there.
SAM: Maybe not to you. But you have to remember that Jaylin’s got a fanbase of over 3 million people and the second he associates with anyone new, especially a pretty girl, people talk. The news of your little impromptu coffee date this morning has already made its rounds on social media.
LIV sighs.
LIV: Oh God. That wasn’t even a date and Jaylin had to have known something like this was gonna happen.
SAM: Exactly.
LIV: What am I gonna do?
SAM: Honestly, you’re gonna have to shut this down before it’s too late.
LIV: How?
SAM: I don’t know, but I figured that you at least deserved a heads up.
LIV: Thanks Sam.
SAM: You’re welcome.
SAM exits.
LIV takes one last look at the paper before she storms out of the room.
SCENE TWENTY FOUR – INT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – LIVING ROOM
LOLA, MAYA, and MR. MONTGOMERY are sitting in the living room.
MR. MONTGOMERY: So you two have done pretty well in your respective fields lately. I can’t believe that I have a TV star for a daughter.
LOLA: I can hardly believe it myself. Things used to be much less complicated when I was just an editor for a digital magazine.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Well I have nothing but faith in you. Now what exactly is the show about?
LOLA: Pretty much an exaggerated version of our lives outside of Rose and I’m the show’s antagonist.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Really? Well that certainly is a challenge.
LOLA: Not really. I was already in an antagonistic role when I founded LM with Liv in the first place. It’s not that hard.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Are you sure? Honey, when you started working at LM, you were in a really dark place. We all were. Things here were not good and it was extremely painful—
LOLA: I know, dad. I was there. And I made peace with mom leaving. I really did. But you’re right. It wasn’t easy, but I’m healing.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Well I’m glad to hear that. And I hope that we can all continue to heal together.
LOLA: What do you mean?
MR. MONTGOMERY: I’ve been keeping a secret from you.
LOLA: Yeah, you’re selling the house. We know.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Not that. I’ve been seeing someone.
LOLA looks over at MAYA.
MRS. MONTGOMERY enters the room.
LOLA: Mom?
MRS. MONTGOMERY smiles.
LOLA: Did you know about this?
MRS. MONTGOMERY: Yes, I did.
MRS. MONTGOMERY sits next to MR. MONTGOMERY. He takes her hand.
LOLA raises her eyebrows.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Your mother and I have decided to get back together.
LOLA: Oh.
LOLA glances over at MAYA and notices that her reaction is not a surprised one.
LOLA: Did you know about this?
MAYA: Yes.
LOLA slowly shakes her head.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Please don’t be mad at your sister. I asked her not to tell.
LOLA: Why?
MR. MONTGOMERY: Because I know that you don’t like to be distracted from work.
LOLA: This is not a distraction. This is an exception.
LOLA takes a deep breath.
LOLA: I just need a minute.
LOLA stands up and quickly goes upstairs, leaving her mom, dad, and Maya in the living room.
SCENE TWENTY FIVE – INT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – LOLA’S OLD BEDROOM
LOLA enters the room and closes the door. She sits on the edge of the bed and takes a deep breath.
SCENE TWENTY SIX – EXT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – MAIN ENTRANCE
LIV enters the building as a woman on a mission.
SCENE TWENTY SEVEN – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – AUSTIN’S OFFICE
AUSTIN is sitting at his desk, going through some of his notes for the upcoming days of filming.
LIV enters the office.
AUSTIN looks up at her.
AUSTIN: Oh, Liv. Hi. I wasn’t expecting you to still be here.
LIV: Well I wouldn’t have to be if it weren’t for this little stunt that you decided to pull.
AUSTIN: Look if this about the hidden camera thing—
LIV: To a certain extent, yes.
AUSTIN: In my defense, I wasn’t doing anything illegal. It was in the contract you all signed.
LIV: Yes, I recall. I just didn’t think you’d be crazy enough to do it and you did.
AUSTIN: Well I didn’t do it alone. I had a little help.
LIV: You mean Jaylin?
AUSTIN: Who else?
LIV: I just can’t believe it. He knew about this?
AUSTIN: Knew about it? It was his idea.
LIV scoffs.
AUSTIN: I know it sounds crazy—
LIV: It is.
AUSTIN: But this is exactly the kind of thing we needed to boost our viewership. They’re gonna love this.
LIV: And what about the people directly involved? You know there’s nothing legitimately going on with me and Jaylin.
AUSTIN: But there is with you and Jaxon.
LIV raises her eyebrows.
AUSTIN: He told me. And now it all makes sense as to why you’re both so uncooperative.
LIV: And that’s where you’re wrong. We’ve been plenty cooperative. We agreed to tell a story. And that’s all it’s supposed to be. A story. It was never about our personal lives.
AUSTIN: Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. Jaylin’s the expert here. I’m just doing what he thinks is best. If you want to discuss this with him, be my guest.
LIV angrily storms out of the office without another word.
SCENE TWENTY EIGHT – EXT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – MAIN ENTRANCE
SAM is waiting for his car to be pulled up by the valet.
LIV walks past SAM, who can’t help but look at her with a concerned expression as she storms off.
RAYA’s voice can be heard off screen.
RAYA: That can’t be good.
SAM turns and faces her.
RAYA: I swear Austin’s gonna push all of you to a breaking point by the end of next week at this rate.
SAM: Not if I can help it.
SAM pauses.
SAM: I think we need to start over.
RAYA: We do. And honestly, if I could scrap all of the crap that we’ve shot and start over with a completely new vision that has nothing to do with Austin or Sofia, this show could really be something special.
SAM: I wasn’t talking about the show, but I do agree. I meant we need to start over.
RAYA: I’m not following.
SAM: Clearly, we can’t control what Austin decides, but we can control what we do. So if you’re up for it, I would love for you to be my date to the gala on Friday night.
RAYA grins and decides to tease him back.
RAYA: Well, I’d have to check my schedule, but if I’m free, I would love to.
SAM smiles.
SCENE TWENTY NINE – INT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – LOLA’S OLD BEDROOM – EVENING
LOLA is in her room with her headphones on listening to music while packing up some boxes.
MAYA knocks on her somewhat ajar door and hesitantly enters.
MAYA: Hey, can we talk?
LOLA takes her headphones off and nods.
MAYA: Look Lo, I don’t even know how to begin to apologize—
LOLA: You don’t need to.
MAYA: Yes I do. I feel horrible. I should’ve just told you the truth. So if you want to yell at me or tell me off, do it. I can take it.
LOLA crosses the room and embraces MAYA.
MAYA is baffled.
MAYA: You hugged me.
LOLA: Yes, because I’m not mad at you.
MAYA: You’re not?
LOLA: No. I completely understand why you did what you did. And quite honestly, I’m not sure how I would’ve taken the news weeks ago, so it was probably for the best. But at the end of the day, this was what I wanted. A life making headlines and mom back.
MAYA: Well I’m glad that we’re all moving forward because mom and dad wanted to host one more dinner here before we go for you and your friends to celebrate the show.
LOLA: Ah. Nothing like a Montgomery dinner party.
MAYA: I know, right? So do you think they’d be interested?
LOLA: A chance to dress up and free food? They’ll definitely be here.
MAYA chuckles.
SCENE THIRTY – INT. THE LUXE – JAYLIN’S APARTMENT – HALLWAY
LIV knocks on the door.
JAYLIN opens it.
JAYLIN: Liv, hey. What are you doing here?
LIV: We need to talk.
JAYLIN: Come on in.
LIV enters the apartment.
JAYLIN closes the door.
LIV: Have you been online recently?
JAYLIN: Not today, no.
LIV: Well it seems that your fans have. For some reason, they think that you and I are pretty much an item. I don’t know where they got that idea from and honestly, I don’t really care. But someone needs to shut this down and I think it should be you.
JAYLIN: Liv, I don’t know how to tell you this…
LIV: What?
JAYLIN: I can’t shut this down.
LIV: I’m sorry?
JAYLIN: This is bigger than just me. Sofia is paying me a hell of a lot of money to keep this story going. And if I say something now, my job will be in jeopardy. My hands are tied and if you think about it, so are yours.
LIV: Well let me tell you what I think. I think that if you truly had any integrity, you wouldn’t have agreed to do this in the first place.
JAYLIN avoids eye contact.
LIV: I hope for your sake that you find some, but from here on out, you and I are strictly coworkers. Nothing more. Got it?
JAYLIN slowly nods.
LIV exits the apartment and slams the door.
SCENE THIRTY ONE – INT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – BACKYARD PATIO
Transition from night to morning.
LOLA is sitting at the patio table eating her breakfast.
MRS. MONTGOMERY walks out from the house.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: Good morning, honey.
LOLA: Morning.
MRS. MONTGOMERY joins her at the table.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: I know we sprung some pretty big news on you yesterday and judging by your reaction, I can see that you’re a little uneasy.
LOLA: Yeah. This is really big news that impacts our entire family. And if we’re being honest, I haven’t even seen you or dad in over a year because of all this. But at the end of the day, all I want is for you both to be happy and if our family is gonna be together again, I’m here for it.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: I’m really glad that you feel that way and I’m so glad that things are finally getting back to normal.
LOLA: So where are you guys moving to?
MRS. MONTGOMERY: A place that’s a little closer to the city, that way you and your sister will have us close by whenever you need us.
LOLA: That sounds great.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: Are your friends available to come to dinner tonight?
LOLA: Oh yes and they are very excited for whatever elaborate spread you’re gonna pull this time.
MRS. MONTGOMERY softly chuckles.
LOLA: Speaking of which, do I get to know what it is?
MRS. MONTGOMERY smirks.
SCENE THIRTY TWO – EXT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE
There’s a camera close-up of the Valentin’s logo on the side of the catering van parked in the driveway.
SCENE THIRTY THREE – INT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM
The Valentin’s food is all set up in a buffet style on the kitchen island.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and MAYA are mingling with their drinks in hand.
SAM and JAXON are talking to MR. MONTGOMERY.
LIV looks over at the island.
LIV: How do you Montgomery’s do this?
MRS. MONTGOMERY walks up to them.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: We can be very persuasive.
LIV: Clearly.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: Well, everyone. Let’s eat.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, MAYA, SAM, JAXON, MRS. MONTGOMERY, and MR. MONTGOMERY head into the kitchen to start getting their food.
SCENE THIRTY FOUR – INT. HOTEL BALLROOM
The ballroom is set up for the gala.
SOFIA and AUSTIN are doing their walk through.
SOFIA is checking things off of her list on her clipboard.
SOFIA: Everything looks good.
AUSTIN’s aura makes him appear to be disinterested.
AUSTIN: Yes it does.
SOFIA looks up from her clipboard.
SOFIA: Something wrong?
AUSTIN: Yes. It feels like everything is starting to fall apart with the series.
SOFIA: Let me guess. Now that the reality of filming a show like this has begun to sink in, some of our stars have started to voice their discontent?
AUSTIN: Exactly.
SOFIA: Well, I don’t want this project derailed by anything, so we’ll just have to get things back on track.
AUSTIN: How?
SOFIA: I’m not sure. But we will figure it out after this gala, okay?
AUSTIN: Okay.
SCENE THIRTY FIVE – INT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – DINING ROOM
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, MAYA, SAM, JAXON, MRS. MONTGOMERY, and MR. MONTGOMERY are all sitting around the table eating dinner.
MR. MONTGOMERY is talking to SKYLAR and BRIANNA.
MR. MONTGOMERY: So let me get this straight. They are putting the two of you against each other for a TV hosting spot?
SKYLAR: Pretty much.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Wow.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: And you two are okay with that?
BRIANNA: Not with the intentions behind it, but we both agreed to play fair. And I don’t think either of us would do anything to intentionally sabotage the other. Right, Sky?
SKYLAR is caught off guard for a moment, but maintains her composure.
SKYLAR: Uh, right.
SKYLAR takes a sip of her drink.
MR. MONTGOMERY turns to SAM.
MR. MONTGOMERY: And what role are you playing in the show, Samuel?
SAM: I’m the peacemaker, sir. Very fitting for me. I’m actually kind of glad that I didn’t get a bigger role than that, especially since the magazine is still running.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: I must say that I’m very impressed that you all are capable of handling all of that. I know it’s a lot.
LIV: Yes it is.
MAYA turns to LIV.
MAYA: But it must be kind of exciting for you, working with Jaylin Thompson.
LIV: Well it certainly is an adventure.
MR. MONTGOMERY: Who’s Jaylin Thompson?
MAYA: He’s one of the biggest TV stars right now and he just so happens to be Liv’s love interest.
JAXON becomes noticeably tense.
LIV: Rumored love interest.
MAYA: Yeah, for now.
LIV: Trust me, there’s nothing romantic in the cards for us. I just want to focus on myself.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: And I can respect that. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself before entering a romantic relationship.
LIV awkwardly smiles.
LIV: Right.
LIV sips her drink, completely oblivious to JAXON’s uncomfortable expression next to her.
SAM, SKYLAR, and BRIANNA all notice it on their end, but choose not to vocalize it.
MR. MONTGOMERY: What about you, Jaxon? Anyone special in your life?
JAXON forces a smile.
JAXON: No sir. Like Liv said, we’re all about focusing on ourselves.
Everyone at the table picks up on his tone.
JAXON clears his throat.
JAXON: If you’ll all excuse me, I think I need some air.
JAXON stands and walks out the door leading to the pool and patio.
The entire table is silent for a few moments before MRS. MONTGOMERY breaks it.
MRS. MONTGOMERY: Dessert anyone?
SCENE THIRTY SIX – EXT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – BACKYARD PATIO
JAXON is standing on the patio, trying to maintain his frustration and anger.
LIV walks out and joins him.
LIV: Hey.
JAXON stares straight ahead and doesn’t respond.
LIV: Are you okay?
JAXON: No, I’m not okay.
LIV sighs.
LIV: This is about what I said in there isn’t it?
JAXON: I mean it wasn’t bad enough that we’re lying to the rest of the world, but now we’re lying to our friend’s parents too?
LIV: Jax, I promise you that we won’t have to keep this a secret for much longer.
JAXON: Yeah, you keep saying that. But it just feels like we’re repeating old patterns. Have you not learned that every time we think something in our lives is going to be harmless, it ends up spiraling out of control? The Lies Project. The docuseries. Our decision to keep our relationship a secret.
LIV hangs her head.
LIV: You’re right. And I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to do.
JAXON: You could start by telling the truth.
LIV: Jax, you know I can’t do that. It’s not that simple. As soon as I say anything about what’s going on between you and me, Austin is gonna try to get me kicked off the show.
JAXON: Maybe. But I think it’s worth the risk. Clearly you don’t.
LIV is at a loss for words.
JAXON: You know what? I think I’m gonna call it a night and head out early.
JAXON begins to head back towards the house.
LIV gently grabs his arm to stop him.
LIV: Wait. We should probably talk about tomorrow.
JAXON: Right. Another public event that I have to attend solo while I watch my girlfriend pretend to be with Mr. Perfect. I can’t wait.
LIV: You don’t have to say it like that.
JAXON: Like what? It’s the truth and I swear if I didn’t have to be there on behalf of L&O, I wouldn’t be.
LIV: I don’t know what to say.
JAXON: Well I do. I think that if I’m going to that gala solo, I might as well leave it solo as well.
LIV: What are you trying to say? That you don’t want to be with me anymore?
JAXON: Of course I do. But not like this.
JAXON gently takes LIV’s hand.
JAXON: I hope that for our sake, this isn’t forever. But I think that I just need some space to decide if this is what I really want.
LIV’s voice begins to crack and she sheds a tear.
LIV: Okay.
JAXON kisses LIV on the cheek before he exits out of the backyard gate leading to the front of the house.
LIV watches him exit.
SCENE THIRTY SEVEN – INT. MONTGOMERY HOUSE – LOLA’S OLD BEDROOM
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and MAYA are sitting in the room. Liv has just finished filling them in on what happened.
MAYA: Geez. I’m sorry Liv. If I hadn’t brought up the Jaylin thing in the first place—
LIV: Then Jax and I would still be in the situation that we’re in. He had the right to feel the way he did. The secret dating was starting to feel like a game that nobody wanted to play.
LOLA: You could’ve told my parents that you guys were together. They wouldn’t have told anybody. Trust me. My dad’s so old-fashioned that he hasn’t changed his profile picture on Facebook in over a decade.
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and MAYA chuckle.
LIV: I just got so accustomed to hiding my relationship from the world that telling people I’m not in one has become second nature to me and I don’t like it.
BRIANNA: What about Jaylin?
LIV: It’s very hard to kick him in the shin every time I see him, but I’m keeping things strictly professional. Based on what Jaylin said, things could go very badly if I come forward with the truth now. But honestly, I just want us to be happy.
BRIANNA: So what are you going to do?
LIV contemplates her choices.
SCENE THIRTY EIGHT – INT. HOTEL BALLROOM
Upbeat music is playing.
THE GALA GUESTS are convening on the ballroom floor.
SCENE THIRTY NINE – EXT. HOTEL ENTRANCE
Numerous cars are arriving for the gala at the hotel entrance.
SCENE FORTY – INT. HOTEL BALLROOM – TOP OF STAIRS
GALA GUESTS are having their pictures taken by PRESS MEMBERS at the top of the stairs before they head down to the ballroom floor.
SKYLAR and BRIANNA are walking towards the line for photos.
SKYLAR smiles when she sees DEVYN as the last person waiting in line.
SKYLAR: Do my eyes deceive me or has Devyn Santini finally come out of the shadows and in a dress no less?
DEVYN turns and faces them with a grin.
DEVYN: Very funny, Sky. I figured it was time for me to be in the public’s eye again. I have no reason to hide.
BRIANNA: You certainly do not. And I’m glad you came.
DEVYN: Thanks.
SCENE FORTY ONE – INT. BALLROOM
SAM and RAYA are on the ballroom floor talking to some other guests as the song comes to a close.
SAM’s eyes glance over to the stairs. His eyes are locked in.
LOLA and DOMINIC are standing at the top of the stairs.
LOLA locks her arm with DOMINIC’s before the two begin to walk down the stairs.
LOLA: Thanks for coming with me.
DOMINIC: Of course. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
SAM averts his eyes before he’s caught staring.
As LOLA and DOMINIC make their way onto the ballroom floor, the camera pans back up the stairs to the floral wall where LIV and JAYLIN are posing for their pictures.
SCENE FORTY TWO – INT. BALLROOM – TOP OF STAIRS
LIV and JAYLIN are quietly talking in between the various pictures and poses.
JAYLIN: I’m really sorry about all of this. I can talk to Jax if you think it would help.
LIV: It wouldn’t and I think you’ve done enough.
Once they are finished taking photos, LIV and JAYLIN head towards the top of the stairs.
JAYLIN positions his arm for LIV to link hers with.
JAYLIN: Shall we?
LIV: Let’s do this.
LIV and JAYLIN start to walk down the stairs.
JAXON walks behind them and stands at the top of the stairs, attempting to keep a strong front.
SCENE FORTY THREE – INT. BALLROOM – STAGE
THE ORCHESTRA has taken their seats on the stage with their instruments.
SOFIA walks onto the stage with a microphone.
SOFIA: Good evening everyone and welcome to this year’s Sapphire Rising Stars Gala. If you would all please take your seats.
THE GALA GUESTS all find their ways to their tables.
SOFIA: Thank you so much for joining me this evening to celebrate a new group of stars that is destined to make an impact in the entertainment world. And boy, are you in for a treat. Please help me welcome to the ballroom floor, two of Sapphire’s newest pro dancers, Brielle Bryant and Michael Le.
THE GALA GUESTS clap to welcome BRIELLE and MICHAEL to the ballroom floor.
SOFIA exits the stage.
An instrumental version of “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman” is played by THE ORCHESTRA.
BRIELLE and MICHAEL dance to the music together for a powerful contemporary dance.
LIV glances over to JAXON who is sitting two seats away from her at the table. She then focuses her attention back on the performance.
SCENE FORTY FOUR – INT. BALLROOM – LIV’S DREAM SEQUENCE
The music builds.
The ballroom floor is filled with a light fog to enhance the dream sequence.
LIV and JAXON are both dressed in white outfits, dancing together in front of everyone.
As the music dies down, LIV is snapped out of the dream sequence.
SCENE FORTY FIVE – INT. BALLROOM
BRIELLE and MICHAEL finish their dance.
THE GALA GUESTS clap.
LIV watches the two of them in admiration as they bow and share a hug and kiss. She smiles.
SCENE FORTY SIX – INT. HOTEL – MEETING ROOM
LOLA is standing in the room making a business call on behalf of Sapphire.
LOLA: Yes.
SAM enters the room without her knowledge.
LOLA: Yes I will see you there tomorrow. Okay. Bye.
LOLA ends the call.
SAM: Working at a party, Lo?
LOLA: It was important.
SAM: It always is. But since we’re talking about work, we really need to proofread the lastest spread for publishing next week.
LOLA: Right. Which one is that again?
SAM raises his eyebrows.
SAM: The summer recap.
LOLA: Oh. Right. Sorry I’ve just a million things going through my mind right now.
SAM: It’s all good. Are you ready for the panel?
LOLA: As ready as I’ll ever be.
SAM: You know, you really don’t have to play the part that Sofia wants you to play.
LOLA: You’re right. I don’t, unless I want to lose my job. This panel is already short of one L&O as it is. I don’t want to do anything else to jeopardize it.
SAM: I get that.
LOLA: I can’t believe that Liv and Jax have been dating this entire time. Actually, I can believe it. What I can’t believe is that they didn’t tell us.
SAM: Well they had their reasons. It seems like all of our relationships are complicated lately.
LOLA: Did you decide to get back together with Raya?
SAM: Not yet. I’m just taking it one day at a time.
LOLA nods in understanding.
SAM: What about Dom?
LOLA: I don’t think we’re there yet. It’s still brand new.
SAM: Well as long as he treats you right. You don’t deserve anything less.
LOLA grins affectionately.
LOLA: We should probably go get ready for the panel.
SAM: Yeah. And that better be all the work you’re doing for the rest of the night cause the second I see you glued to your phone, your masked dance partner just might have to swoop in and save the day on the dance floor.
LOLA is caught off guard.
LOLA: Wait a second. How did you—
SAM: Oh come on. You and the girls weren’t fooling anyone, at least people who knew you.
LOLA: Well that certainly was a night to remember.
SAM: Kind of hard to forget.
LOLA: Funny how quickly things can change.
SAM: I know, right? But I must admit that sometimes I do miss it.
LOLA: Same. I can’t even believe I’m saying it, but I would do anything to get back to where we were.
SAM: You mean when you and I were nearly at each other’s throats?
LOLA: Exactly.
SAM and LOLA softly chuckle.
There’s a brief moment of silence between the two.
SAM: You know, there’s something that I’ve been keeping from you about that night.
LOLA: What?
SAM: After our dance, I saw you on the balcony.
LOLA comes to a realization.
LOLA: Oh.
SAM: I just wanted to see if you were okay, but I was worried that you knowing of my presence would only escalate things.
LOLA: It might have.
SAM: And I couldn’t ask this then, but I have to ask it now.
LOLA: What is it?
SAM: Did you run off because you figured out that it was me?
LOLA: No. If I’m being honest, I had no idea that it was you.
SAM: Oh.
LOLA: But I’m glad that it was.
SAM: Really?
RAYA stands in the doorway, but is quick to hide when she sees Sam and Lola alone.
LOLA: Look, I’ll kill you if you tell anyone this, but no guy has ever asked me to dance before you did.
SAM: I don’t find that entirely convincing. Is that because boys were too scared of your father to ask?
LOLA: He was too busy being wrapped up in his work back then to really notice who I was associating with, but that’s all behind us now. Still, I can’t even describe how it felt to feel so free and happy during that dance.
A heartwarming grin forms on SAM’s face.
LOLA: I don’t know if I’m ever going to feel that way again.
SAM gently grabs her hand.
SAM: Trust me. You will.
When SAM and LOLA’s eyes meet, there’s an unspoken tension between the two.
Outside of the room, RAYA takes a deep breath and enters.
RAYA: Hey.
SAM is hasty to drop LOLA’s hand as the two face her, completely flustered.
SAM: Hi.
RAYA: The panel’s about to start.
LOLA: Right. Thanks.
LOLA exits the room with a warm smile on her face.
SAM and RAYA remain.
RAYA: Is everything okay?
SAM: Never better.
RAYA is not pleased with the answer, but decides not to push.
SAM extends his hand out for RAYA to take.
SAM: You ready?
RAYA: Yeah.
RAYA reluctantly takes his hand for the two to exit.
SCENE FORTY SEVEN – INT. HOTEL – BATHROOM
LIV stands at the sink doing a touch up on her lips before the panel.
BRIELLE enters the bathroom.
LIV greets her with a friendly smile.
LIV: Hi.
BRIELLE: Hi.
LIV: You’re Brielle, right?
BRIELLE: That’s me.
LIV: Gosh, I can’t believe I’m meeting you.
BRIELLE: Took the words right out of my mouth. You have no idea how much of an inspiration you’ve been to me.
LIV: Oh stop. That’s nothing compared to you. Your dancing is incredible.
BRIELLE: Thank you. I swear I might have to steal you from Jaylin to be my stylist.
LIV: That would be amazing.
BRIELLE: Although I’m sure he wouldn’t be too happy that I’m attempting to poach his girlfriend.
LIV’s smile begins to fade.
LIV: Oh, we’re not—
BRIELLE: I’m sorry. I just assumed—
LIV: You’re fine. That situation is just complicated.
BRIELLE: Let me guess. You’ve been forced to be with him to try to tell a story that isn’t there?
LIV: Uh, yeah. How did you—
BRIELLE: Because I’ve been exactly where you are. When I first started working as a professional dancer, I was pushed to be romantically involved with a colleague.
LIV: Michael?
BRIELLE: Oh please. I wish.
LIV: So what happened?
BRIELLE: I realized that I wanted my relationship to be mine and I was willing to sacrifice it all to get it.
LIV: And it all worked out?
BRIELLE: Eventually. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t easy. But it was all worth it because now I can be with the one I want to be with. And you just saw it out there, which means I did do something right.
LIV: Wow.
BRIELLE: Look Liv, I can’t make you do anything, but you have to decide if you want to choose your career or your happiness.
SCENE FORTY EIGHT – INT. HOTEL – BALLROOM
Scene One continues.
LIV and JAYLIN are still holding hands.
LIV: The rumors are true.
THE PRESS murmurs in the audience among themselves.
JAXON is standing near the refreshments table watching the panel. He makes his way to the stairs, unable to witness what he believes is about to happen.
He catches LIV’s eye, prompting her to drop Jaylin’s hand.
LIV: But I’m not with Jaylin.
THE PRESS reacts.
JAXON pauses for a moment, but continues to walk up the stairs slowly.
PRESS MEMBER 1: So who are you romantically involved with?
LIV glances over to AUSTIN and SOFIA, who are both giving disapproving looks.
LIV: The most talented and amazing guy on the planet.
LIV stands and gestures to the stairs.
LIV: Mr. Jaxon Takeda!
JAXON stops halfway up the stairs and turns around in surprise.
THE PRESS react once more.
LIV smiles and exits the stage, making her way towards the stairs with swiftness.
JAXON’s smile grows as she jogs up the steps to him.
LIV and JAXON stand together on the stairs and hold hands.
LIV and JAXON kiss.
LOLA, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, RAYA, SAM, THE GALA GUESTS, and PRESS all verbally “awe”.
AUSTIN and SOFIA attempt to hide their displeasure behind false smiles while JAYLIN sits in his seat awkwardly.
LIV and JAXON gently separate from their kiss and brush noses.
LIV: I want the world to know.
JAXON beams as he kisses LIV more passionately than the first kiss.
Cameras flash in their direction.
BRIELLE smirks from her seat as she watches them.
JAXON picks LIV up for a hug and spins her, blissful and elated that he and Liv no longer have to hide their relationship from the public.
SCENE FORTY NINE – INT. HOTEL – BALLROOM
Some time has passed at the gala.
THE GALA GUESTS are all mingling, sitting at their tables, or on the dance floor.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, JAXON, DOMINIC, and RAYA are all on the dance floor.
BRIANNA is dancing with SKYLAR and laughing.
BRIANNA: Okay, I’m gonna go get some punch.
SKYLAR: Okay.
SKYLAR continues to dance as BRIANNA exits the dance floor.
SCENE FIFTY – INT. HOTEL – BALLROOM – REFRESHMENTS TABLE
DEVYN grabs some punch.
BRIANNA approaches her.
BRIANNA: Hey.
DEVYN: Hey.
BRIANNA: Quite an eventful evening, huh?
DEVYN: Tell me about it.
BRIANNA: Well things are only going to get more interesting from here on out. Which reminds me, I don’t mean to pry, but I really need your answer as to whether or not you’re willing to be featured in my article with your sister and the other girls. I’d like to start working on it as soon as possible.
DEVYN: You might want to talk to Sky about that.
BRIANNA: I did. She said she’d talk to you about the project.
DEVYN: She did talk to me about a project, just not yours.
BRIANNA’s eyebrows furrow.
SCENE FIFTY ONE – INT. SAM’S CAR
SAM is driving while JAXON is in the passenger seat.
SAM: Tonight was something else.
JAXON: I’ll say. It felt so good to see Austin eat his words.
SAM: And you have no regrets?
JAXON: None. We’re happy and that matters so much more to me than this stupid series. And what about you? How was your night with Raya?
SAM: A little weird, especially since she left early, but I’m sure we’ll find our way back again.
JAXON’s face drops as he opens up one of his work emails.
SAM glances over at him while trying to keep his eyes on the road.
SAM: What’s wrong?
JAXON: Nothing. Nothing at all.
SAM: Obviously it’s something. Your lying is not getting any better.
JAXON sighs.
JAXON: We all just got an email from Sebastian. He’s coming back early.
SAM: Why? I thought he wasn’t supposed to come back for a few more weeks.
JAXON: He wasn’t. Oh God, this can’t be good.
SAM: No. No it cannot.
SCENE FIFTY TWO – HOTEL ENTRANCE
LOLA and DOMINIC exit laughing.
DOMINIC: Thanks for the fun night, Grumpy Cat. Keep it up and you might just be getting a new nickname.
LOLA: I’m not opposed to that. And thank you. We should do this again sometime.
DOMINIC: Absolutely.
SOFIA walks out behind them.
SOFIA: Lola, can I have a word with you alone?
LOLA: Sure.
DOMINIC: I’ll go pull the car up.
LOLA: Okay.
DOMINIC walks off.
LOLA turns to face SOFIA.
LOLA: Quite a fun night, huh?
SOFIA: For some, yes. Others, not so much.
LOLA: What’s wrong?
SOFIA: It would take me a lot less time to tell you what isn’t. I think it’s clear to all of us involved that the show is starting to take a turn for the worse.
LOLA: Can’t fight you on that one.
SOFIA: We have one more chance to get it right.
LOLA: And you’re telling me this because?
SOFIA: I think that you have the chance to turn this whole thing around.
LOLA: And what about Sam?
SOFIA: I would agree that he’s equally as important, but we can’t have a peacemaker if we don’t have someone who’s disturbing the peace.
LOLA: And how exactly am I supposed to do that?
SOFIA: Channel Lola 1.0. I know she’s in there somewhere.
LOLA: I don’t know, Sofia.
SOFIA: Just trust me. Everything is going to be fine.
DOMINIC pulls the car up to the entrance.
SOFIA: Look, it’s getting late. Why don’t we discuss this more in the morning?
DOMINIC gets out of the car to open Lola’s door.
LOLA: Sure. Goodnight Sofia.
SOFIA: Goodnight.
LOLA gets into the passenger seat.
DOMINIC closes the door.
DOMINIC: Goodnight.
SOFIA: Goodnight.
DOMINIC walks around the car and gets back into the driver’s seat.
SOFIA waves as the car pulls off.
AUSTIN joins her at her side.
AUSTIN: Well I’m not gonna be getting any sleep tonight.
SOFIA: And why is that?
AUSTIN: Well someone has to come up with a plan to undo all of the damage those L&Os have caused.
SOFIA: No worries, Austin.
AUSTIN: Okay, you seem awfully nonchalant about all of this.
SOFIA: That’s because I already have a plan.
AUSTIN: Which is?
SOFIA: Let’s just say that it’s not gonna be long before those L&Os find out what their leader is really up to at Sapphire.
AUSTIN smirks.
AUSTIN: Now that would be some real drama for the cameras.
SOFIA: Exactly.
AUSTIN: And I heard that my uncle is coming back to town.
SOFIA: Couldn’t be more perfect.
AUSTIN: No, it couldn’t.
AUSTIN and SOFIA both head back inside the hotel.
END OF EPISODE
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