Woman of the Year Banquet
[July 2002]

Scene 1 - Rae Cumming's Woman of the Year Banquet

Gabielle came down the stairs wearing a low cut dark red dress. She appraoched Max, who is talking to Roxy.

Max: (holding his drink) I didn't invite you to the party because I didn't think it was your kind of party.

Roxy: Hey, you don't know me very well. (takes Max's glass and drinks it) Any kind of party is my kinda party.

Gabrielle: Max, I need to speak to you.

Max: Now?

Gabrielle: Yes. Very important.

Max walks away with Gabrielle and leaves Roxy alone with her drink.

Gabrielle: I am worried, extremely worried about Al.

Max: Give it a rest, would you?

Gabrielle: No, I'm not going to give it a rest because he won't give it a rest. He will not accept that Jen wants to be with Christian.

Max: Just give him time.

Gabrielle: We have given him time. I really feel that he needs professional help. What do you think about asking Rae Cumming to take him on as a patient? Because then at least we would know that h was getting care from a qualified professional.

Rae Cumming stands there and listens to Gabrielle.

Scene 2 - Gabrielle and Max are standing and watching Roxy chase a waiter carrying a tray of hor d' oeuvres.

Max: The last time I saw a mouth like that, it had a fishhook in it. [Gabrielle laughs] Don'---No, don't go there, please.

Gabrielle: As hysterical as your marriage is, I am still very, very concerned about our son.

Max: Gabrielle, he doesn't want help.

Gabrielle: But perhaps we could talk to him and convince him.

Max: He almost married the girl, all right? Of course he's going to have a tough time getting over her.

Gabrielle: Max, spending your life fixated on someone who will never love you back is a---is a terrible way to live.

Roxy: (stubbling back) Oh, this place is really swell. [looks aGabrielle]

Gabrielle: Nevermind, Max. I'll go talk to Rae Cummings myself. [walks away]

Roxy: (to Max) Honey, if this Rae is so great, maybe she can give us a little marriage counseling.

Scene 3 - Roxy and Max are sitting at a table together while Gabrielle is at the table behind them.

Gabrielle: Dr. Rae Cummings taking over somebody elses identity? I can't believe it. Not to mention a friend. And then how many years she got away with it.

Max and Roxy: Sounds like something you would do. [they give each other weird looks]

Scene 4 - Roxy stands up at her table and Gabrielle watches curiously.

Roxy: Looks like the woman of the year award is up for grabs. Hey, hubba-hubba, did you hear anything I just said? [Gabs smiles]

Max: Yeah, hilarious.

Roxy: Why are you being so mean to me? I didn't do nothing.

Max: Yeah, you did. I don't want you getting the wrong idea.

Roxy: Huh?

Max: I don't like you Roxeanne. Don't like you one bit. [leaves]

Gabrielle: [gets up] Hey, hey, don't listen to him. He's crazy about you and he just can't admit it.

Roxy: (reapplying her lipstick) Oh, you think so?

Gabrielle: I'm an expert on Max, and he's head over heels.

Roxy: Yeah, then why does he treat me like I'm nuclear waste?

Gabrielle: Well, probably because he's afraid of his feelings, that's all.

Roxy: Hey, Gabby, since you the expert on him, how do I get him to show his feelings?

Gabrielle: Well, have you considered a makeover?

Roxy: Well, what do you think this is?

Gabrielle: [pats Roxy on the shoulder] Not nearly enough, dear, not nearly enough. [leaves]