Hidden Palms s01e03 Episode Script

Previously on Hidden Palms - I'm Johnny.
I just moved in.
- I know.
- You gonna blame me forever? - I don't blame you.
I'm trying, Johnny.
Well, I suggested you not marry Bob.
I suggested we not move to Palm Springs.
I used to be friends with Eddie.
He lived in your room before you.
Palm Springs isn't exactly the most happening place.
Summers tend to suck around here with all this heat.
Makes people crazy.
That would be Greta.
My advice: stay away from her.
What's wrong? Something's haunting you.
My dad killed himself.
- Who's the girl? - She's a friend.
- Where'd you meet? - Rehab.
Johnny, you must introduce us.
You look like trouble.
Make no mistake.
Cliff can be manipulative and dangerous.
I told you, Greta was Eddie's girl.
I don't wanna freak you out, you know.
You're living in his room.
How did he die? Eddie killed himself.
Just wondering who's sending me these e-mails.
I'm Eddie.
I'm Eddie.
Eddie, stop.
Stop.
- I'm trying to study.
- Studying is for wimps.
Okay, that that does it.
Give me the camera.
Okay.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Eddie Nolan: existential voyeur.
How ya doin'? You're in a dark place.
What is going on in that mind of yours? Trust me, you don't wanna know.
You sound so mysterious.
Something is going on, okay? But I can't talk about it.
- You said we could talk about anything.
- I can't, Greta.
I can't.
Please.
No more.
Taste, huh? It's a new recipe, Mango-Nut.
You don't even have to cook it.
It's like pudding.
Screw the waffle.
Grab the bowl.
Let's get back in bed.
You know, there has been a serious lapse in our newlywed status.
- Can't have that.
- No, we can't.
Is that coffee I smell? Morning, Nikki.
- How'd you sleep? - Mm, great.
I love your guest room.
Oh, the thread count, Mrs.
Hardy, very comfy.
Hey, uh, thanks for letting me camp out here.
You guys rock.
- How long is she staying? - Not sure.
Your mom and Bob are humping in the kitchen.
I think you gave 'em a bum rap.
I like 'em.
They're very cute.
Beats my family nightmare any day.
Did you call your dad? You gotta face the music.
It's time.
- They need to know where you are.
- You don't know my family, Johnny.
I have really bad DNA.
No, my dad, the man's crazy.
He gets ballistic.
And you'll deal.
I'm worried about you, Nik.
You know the sober drill: we face our demons, deal with them one day at a time.
I'll call today.
I promise.
What's going on over here? Did you get another stalker message? No, I was just - reading up on this Eddie guy.
- No, you should let that go.
It's not good for your psyche.
You know, you do have to sleep here.
Just wondering who's sending me these e-mails.
"You've been warned.
" What kind of cryptic message is that? That's Greta's old boyfriend, huh? Oh, he's cute.
For a dead guy.
Wonder what he was like, you know? What Greta saw in him.
Are we jealous of Dead Guy now? No.
Curious.
I mean, he did kill himself.
That hits a little close to home.
Wonder why he did it.
Is that blood on the ceiling? They painted the room, Nik.
Why would someone send me a dead guy's blog? Go to his web page.
- Check out his buddy list.
- I did.
It was shut down a month after he died.
Someone sent me an archive clip.
My money's on Neighbor Boy.
Why would Cliff do that? You're cute, but naive.
Here's the deal: Cliff's obsessed with Blonde Chick, always has been.
Never had her because of Eddie.
Now Eddie's gone, and you're here taking over.
It's given him a rash.
You got all of that? You met them once and you were drunk.
Your little buddy Cliff isn't hard to read.
He's playing with you.
He's screwing with your head.
He's a crafty one.
Dark.
Dangerous.
Kind of hot, actually.
Yeah, but it doesn't make any sense.
If Cliff wanted me to stay away from Greta, why wouldn't he just say so? He usually gets the point.
Because not everyone's dealing with their demons, Johnny.
Some of us are the demons.
- I'll get this little one, honey.
- Thanks, sweetie.
Oh, good morning, shug.
Would you help us, give us a hand? - With what? - With Travis' things.
He's gonna be staying with us for a little while.
- What? No, Mom.
- He needs a place to stay, honey.
His condo is not finished yet.
No, no, wait.
Mom, he can find another place.
It's just a couple of days.
A week at the most.
It's silly to pay for a hotel when we've got all this room here.
- You barely know the guy.
- No, you barely know him.
- I've been dating him for three months.
- I know a leech when I see one.
Nonsense.
He is good solid stock.
So you behave.
If I can put up with your shenanigans, you can do this for me.
Hey, Cliffy, grab a bag, will ya? So what's his problem? Is it me? Oh, he's just being protective of his mama.
He thinks you're gonna take me for a ride.
How did he know that.
Don't bitch at me.
Put Dad on.
None of your business.
Look, Stevie, I don't really need to hear it from you too.
Put Dad on.
Then I'll hold, damn it.
Screw it.
Was that your dad? Yeah.
- And? - The usual, he screamed a lot.
Well, I'm sorry, Nikki.
He's driving down in the morning to pick me up.
Can I stay one more night? Sure.
You know, my mom's cool.
She's just concerned.
Like a normal parent.
You're lucky.
I wouldn't go as far as to say that.
I've had a falling out with that word.
Yeah, it's all relative.
Come on, let's go.
It's our last day together.
Let's go have some fun.
It's so friggin' hot here.
- I need a drink.
You want something? - I'll get 'em.
I wouldn't trust me either.
Johnny boy.
I didn't know you were such a Lothario.
I don't quite follow.
Well, you got Greta doing loops.
No small feat, considering.
And then there's this Nikki, who is taking roost in your house.
- No, Nikki and I are just friends.
So life's all about Greta? - Is that a problem? - No, not at all.
It's good for her.
Get her back out there.
Back in the mix.
After Eddie died, she was like a walking zombie.
Very morose and troubled.
You kown something, be careful with her.
She can be a little up and down.
You know, you talk about Greta like you two are more than friends.
Quit fishing, Johnny.
Greta was all Eddie's.
Greta and I are inconsequential in your quest.
Now, Nikki on the other hand, she's of interest.
I don't think she's the right girl for you.
Come on, Johnny.
- You can't hog all the pretty girls.
- Seriously, Cliff.
She's had a rough time lately.
I don't think she's ready.
You're just attracted to the damaged and sordid ones, aren't you? You and I are gonna be good friends.
Okay then, as my good friend, you stay away from Nikki.
Got me? So touchy.
But if that's what you want, Johnny, sure.
Hands off.
I appreciate it.
Hey.
Where's your partner in crime? Nikki's at the pool.
Yeah, how's she doin'? Good, I think.
It's hard to say.
You know, sobriety's a slippery slope.
One minute you're fine.
The next, boom.
It's very Jekyll and Hyde.
And who am I with at the moment? The good doctor, I hope.
But, you know, it's hard to say.
Like I said, any second.
How was our second kiss? I'm going for number three.
What took you so long? I didn't know you were waitg for me.
I thought you were Johnny with my drink.
What are we imbibing today? Nothing.
Zip.
I am zero proof alcohol.
Hmm, how goes it at the Hardy house? I see a lot of activity over there.
Yeah, I see you too, perched at your windowsill.
I've been curious as to the sleeping arrangements.
We all spoon in the master bedroom, the whole family, communal style.
Titillating.
I'm in the guest room, you pig.
Well, if it gets too crowded, I'm only a window away.
Where'd you go? What do you mean? Your mind went south somewhere after kiss three.
You don't miss a thing.
Okay, what gives? Spit it out.
It's just, it's not your favorite subject, and I was hoping to avoid it with kiss four looming.
Shot in the dark.
Eddie? I've talked to him.
Online.
It's crazy, huh? What are you talking about? Someone keeps sending me instant messages claiming to be Eddie.
Even sent me a link to his blog.
Well, I can assure you it's not Eddie.
Well, I know that, obviously.
It's just I can't figure out why anybody's screwing with me.
Nikki thinks it's Cliff.
Of course it's Cliff.
It reeks of him.
Yeah, but why? You know, why would he pull a prank like that? Is there something that I need to know? Something that I'm missing? - No, Johnny.
- 'Cause I don't get that guy at all.
There's There's something off.
I told you, Cliff's a prankster.
He takes pride in it.
It's his thing.
His whole friendship with Eddie was based on practical joke after another.
It's infantile, I know, but Yeah? Yeah, I wouldn't worry about it.
If you ignore Cliff sometimes, he actually goes away.
You coming? Yeah, give me a sec.
I'll catch up.
What the hell is wrong with you? You know, I can remember a time when it was, "Hey, Cliff, good to see you.
" - "Hey, Greta " - Just stop it.
Usually I have a clue.
Usually I can see your spotty emotions trickling down the pike, but today I'm sick of it.
You pulled this crap with me.
You pulled it with Eddie.
And now you'r trying to do it to Johnny.
Yeah.
- I'm stumped.
- Stop with the games.
I know you're sending Johnny e-mails.
He knows it too.
No more, Cliff.
Enough is enough.
I mean it.
- Or what? - I'll tell the truth.
Come clean and let the chips fall where they may.
- Nah - I will, Cliff.
You're pushing me to it.
Just let me add a thought, if I may.
How do you think Johnny will respond to the truth? You think he's gonna want to touch you once he knows who you really are? Karen, darlin', over here! Honey, we are gonna have to hurry.
I pulled some strings and got us a full hour on the east court.
It gives us mountain shade.
It's softer lighting.
Well, I'll probably only last 20 minutes.
Well, you better get a second wind, 'cause tennis is just the warm up.
Honey, tonight we're all gonna go dancing.
I'm not sure tonight works for us, but I'll check with Bob.
Honey, you don't check with men.
Just tell 'em.
Travis? Yeah? Honey, tonight, right here, 8:00, dancing.
Whatever you say, babe.
You see how that works? Come on.
Come on, Kaylie, I need you.
I can't go home.
You know my dad.
Just pick me up in the morning, okay? Don't flake on me.
I need you this time.
Okay.
Thanks.
Leaving us already? Tomorrow.
Heading back to L.
A.
Cue the funeral dirge.
I can't believe you're giving up on Johnny boy so soon.
Contest over.
I officially concede to Greta.
Sash, tiara, the whole "always blonder than me" title.
Well, you have my vote.
Thanks.
But I lost in the talent competition.
My drunken dance number was a washout.
But you were extremely talented at the drunken part.
It comes from being a seasoned 12-stepper.
Oh, that's how you know Johnny.
I was wondering why he didn't drink.
Yeah, his party days are over.
And you? Yep, all gone.
Bye-bye.
Oh, that's too bad, it being your last night and all.
Hi, Johnny.
Hey, Liza, hi.
Could you help? I made a mess and Could you just like, - rub it off or whatever? - Yeah, sure.
I mean, I don't mind.
It's my job.
Usually it's little old ladies who ask, but, hey.
So you live right across the street from me? Yeah.
Did you know the kid who lived there before me? Eddie? Not really.
I mean, I knew him, but we didn't really run in the same circles.
Oh, yeah, what kinda circles do you run with? Uh, I don't really have a circle.
Just me.
I could spin around, you know.
Circle of one.
Thank you.
Yeah.
For the record, I don't believe in circles.
I'd better get back to work.
There you are, Straight and Narrow, two frozen, very virgin daiquiris.
Thank you very much.
Now, is this your office number or your cell? That's both.
Don't you move a muscle.
Can you tell the bartender here it's okay to charge drinks to your mom? This is Cindy.
She's a sports therapist.
She's helping me with an old knee injury I had.
From his NFL days.
You played in the NFL? Yeah, Miami Dolphins.
Three seasons.
Busted up my knee in the playoffs in '94, though.
That sucks.
That's what I said.
But hey, how many people can say they played in the NFL, right? Travis Dean, defense, free safety.
This guy played two seasons at Michigan State before being drafted in 1992 to the Miami Dolphins.
Looks like you have a fan, Travis.
Cut in traing camp, Never played a game in the NFL.
You really should Google yourself sometimes.
You're so bad.
I love it.
There you are.
Been looking for you.
Is everything okay? Yeah, I'm just headed home.
What's wrong? I'm fine, really.
No, that's not a "fine, really" look.
I just wanna go.
Hey, come on, Greta.
Talk to me.
If I wanted to talk, Johnny I would.
Trust me.
You have the number at the club and Bob's cell.
Mom, it's not the first time I've been home by myself.
I know, but Nikki's here.
And what, Mom? Afraid we're gonna burn down the house? I told you, she's leaving in the morning.
I'm worried about tonight.
Okay, we got some dancing to do.
Look at you.
Mom, I can handle a night at home.
Karen, give the kid some space.
space.
Johnny, tell your mom what she wants to hear.
You can trust me, Mom.
- Say it one more time.
- You can trust me, Mom.
Excellent, now I'm going dancing with my beautiful wife.
Good idea.
Good night, Johnny.
Now where's the damn crack pipe? Your stalker's back.
What are you doing? I'm striking back.
Two can play this game.
"I told you, I'm Eddie.
" Eddie's dead, jackass.
So what are you wearing? Are you naked? What? Dead people can't have cyber sex? See, took care of that.
Nothing like a little homoeroticism to send a straight boy running.
Bingo.
Whatever you did, it just worked.
Told ya.
So, what happened today with you and Greta? She took off on you.
You saw that.
From what I've seen so far, you are dealing with one high-maintenance woman.
I don't know what happened.
One minute, everything's going great.
The next, I'm suddenly a leper.
- Did you ask her what happened? - I tried.
Not hard enough.
If she doesn't want to talk to me there's nothing.
Man up.
So she has a few issues.
Go, take care of them.
You're definitely equipped.
Go.
I can't leave you here all alone.
Sure you can.
I don't wanna sit here all night staring at the Greta bubble over your head.
Go.
I'll be here when you get back.
- But - Go.
Okay.
Going.
Did I tell you that you look stunning tonight? Yes.
Did I also mention that the most important element of dancing is eye contact? Karen, they're fine.
I know as his mother, it is impossible for you not to worry.
What? You gotta cut the cord.
He's a good kid.
He's doing well.
I think he's earned a little trust.
You're right.
So tonight, we just dance.
Surprise! What are you doing here? Oh, hello, you called.
Love this house.
Kaylie, I wanted you to pick me up in the morning.
Oh, is that what you said? Yeah.
Oh, my cell musta cut out.
No.
Kaylie, we can't stay here.
We can't go anywhere else.
We got dropped off.
What? Who dropped you off? Bobo.
But he'll be back.
Great house.
Did you meet Gina, Kip, and Spree? When exactly is your friend coming back? What's the rush? Come on.
What are you doing here? I'm a little confused, Greta.
Can we talk about today? You running off.
I don't get it.
We kissed.
Everything was fine.
Then something got into your head.
Or someone.
Eddie again.
- I don't wanna talk about Eddie.
- I was leaning more towards Cliff.
What about Cliff? I don't know, Greta.
Maybe you could fill me in.
Every time he comes around, it's like you turn into a different person.
What's the deal with you two? And don't tell me "nothing", because I know that something's going on.
To be perfectly honest, it's none of your business.
Look, I'm the one getting instant messages from your dead boyfriend.
So that sorta makes it my business.
Let it go.
It was a joke.
I'm not laughing.
You know, you say that you and Eddie were a couple, and Cliff says that you and Eddie were a couple, but the only two people I see acting like a couple are you and Cliff.
A lot happened before you got here.
Fine.
Fine.
I don't care about before.
I care about now.
And we were doing really good.
I know you felt it.
We're at the start here.
Just don't shut me out.
Whatever it is, you can tell me.
I'm sorry, Johnny.
Yeah Me too.
Yeah, that's my song! Come on.
Coasters, people.
Coasters.
Some kind of last minute AA meeting? Like a moth to a flame.
You know, I think my invitation got lost in the mail.
But I'll forgive you this time only.
My friends just stopped by.
This wasn't planned.
Yeah, aren't you going home soon? Yeah, and the mere thought of it drove me to drink.
That's my Nikki! I love this girl.
She never says no.
She can go from zero to party in five seconds flat.
- You're not Bobo.
- I could be.
Don't ask.
Where's Johnny boy? He went over to Greta's.
And left you all alone on your last night? Great, We need more booze.
Then I did understand your little interpretive window dance.
I need another drink.
Me too.
Where's Johnny's place? Over there.
See you inside.
You wear that on your jersey? They look happy.
And you? Are you happy? What more could I ask for? I'm with the hottest babe in the room.
And if you are lucky, you're gonna get to take her home.
Where her evil son awaits.
Come on, Cliff is just a boy.
He's all bark, no bite.
You'll win him over.
Travis? I'm over here.
Thanks for the text message.
Come on.
God, look at you.
There's the party girl.
That's me.
I thought you weren't drinking anymore.
I'll hop back on the sobriety train tomorrow.
I didn't know the boys and girls at AA were that laid back.
Yeah, well, that is the thing about being an alcoholic.
We have a very strong denial system that fits well with second chances, redemption, starting over.
All right.
And I'm just really good at the starting over part.
Pour.
Pour.
If you insist.
You can do this.
Excuse me.
You are the most hottest chick I've ever seen.
Really? Totally.
Something is going on, okay? But I can't talk about it.
You said we could talk about anything.
I can't, Greta.
I can't.
Please.
No more.
Wait, something really is bothering you.
Eddie, what is it? Sure you can handle it? Yes.
Think so.
I love you.
I love you too.
Oh, my God! It tickles.
Do it again.
Do it again.
All right, fine, we'll do one more, but then we have to switch.
Okay, fine.
Okay, get down there.
Which way to the pool, dude? Get out! It's a great party.
No, Liza, it's not.
Hey, party's over! Everybody out! I know.
I know.
Let's see What the hell, Nikki? I leave you alone for an hour and you throw a kegger? There's no cutting.
You gotta wait in line.
Show's over.
Go home! Everybody Dude, you are such a downer.
- What the hell is your problem? - Me? Nothing.
You? Maybe you're a little on edge.
Okay, get the hell out.
Now, all of you, get the hell out! What's your problem? You're my problem, Cliff.
You've been screwing with me ever since I got here.
Okay, party, not my idea.
All right, I'm just a guest.
I'm talking about it all: Nikki, Greta, sending me creepy e-mails from dead guys.
You need to calm down, Johnny.
I haven't sent you any e-mails, all right? Eddie was my best friend.
Why would I do that? And as for Greta, that's on you, buddy.
Now come on.
Relax.
Have a drink.
Stop it! That's enough! Break it Break it up.
Stop it.
Right through that door, ladies and gentlemen.
Please drive safely.
I didn't mean for this to happen.
Then how did it? I left Nikki for an hour.
Where is she? I don't know, here somewhere.
Passed out, I don't know.
I thought we were beyond this.
Well, I didn't drink.
- And that absolves you? - I'm sorry, Mom.
"You can trust me.
" Remember that? And whatever you have to say, just save it.
I'm afraid that's not an option.
I gave you a leash, and you hung yourself with it.
Now, I understand a lot of this happened because of Nikki, but she was your responsibility.
Johnny, that girl will take you down long before you make her better.
- Are you finished? - No.
You are not the only one hurting around here.
Well I'm sorry if my life has gotten in the way - of your golf game, Bob.
- Not me, pal.
Not me.
Your mother.
You know something? She wants to believe in you again.
She wants to trust you like she once did.
And you keep letting her down, and I don't know how much longer I can just stand by and watch it.
Better put some ice on that, sporto.
- Get the hell out of my room! - Tough words, Cliffy.
But can you back 'em up? Go ahead.
Take a shot.
Everyone else has.
You think I'm that dumb? I know better than to do something like that.
In here, honey! - What happened, baby? - Oh it's Nothing.
I fell.
Looks like somebody had a little too much to drink.
You have been drinking.
Well, I'm gonna go to bed.
Night, Cliffy.
What have I told you about drinking? What do you see in Travis, Mom? - The guy's an ass.
- You watch your mouth.
You are not gonna talk that way, young man.
Whether you are drunk or sober.
He's using you.
The man's a liar and a cheat.
Like every other man in my life.
Including your father.
So what's your point, Cliff? Really, what is your point? Looks like I missed some party.
So did I.
I just started walking, and this is where I ended up.
I hope that's okay.
I've been thinking about what you said, Johnny.
After everything you've been through, now you gotta deal with a crazy girl and her problems.
I don't think you're crazy, Greta.
You have a right to ask your questions.
I get it.
You live in Eddie's room.
You've got Cliff playing games with you.
I would want answers too.
I am asking those questions because of you.
Okay, Cliff and Eddie, those are roads that both lead to you, and I want to know you.
There are things I can't tell you.
- Things you wouldn't understand.
- Try me.
You're a wonderful guy, Johnny.
Greta, don't.
We're still at the beginning here.
We have a chance to stop things before they get started.
So that's why I'm here.
I don't wanna hurt you, Johnny.
I can't.