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♪
(dog barking in distance)
♪
(woman giggling)
(sensuous giggling)
Group: Surprise!
Roger?
Ashley, what are you doing home?
What am I doing...?
I'm throwing my husband a birthday party.
Wow.
♪
Ash...
Wait, Ashley... Ashley, wait!
Five years, Ash. Five years.
You can't just end it over some fling.
It just did.
Happy birthday.
(hitting table)
♪
(ship's horn sounding)
♪
I just got the most interesting call.
Oh?
From none other than Mrs. Jacqueline James.
(gasping) The restaurateur?
Yes! She wants to meet.
She's renovating an old location,
and she's interested in one of my murals.
Ah! She saw the work you did at Bodega's?
I guess so!
- Aw, that's amazing! - Right?
Ashley, it's so nice to hear you get some good news.
I know.
Tess: You know, I can't believe it's been a year
since you and Roger split.
Since I left him, you mean.
Yes. One whole year since you were brutally robbed
of the ability to trust another human being.
Eh, I wouldn't go that far.
- I mean, I trust you. - Yeah.
I trust my dad. I trust the weather guy on TV.
Oh, no, don't trust the weather guy.
- No, he lies. - (chuckling)
I do think you should start dating again, though, you know,
- just for practice. - Uh-uh.
So, I'm on this new dating app, and...
Pass. I'm good.
Look, they're a lot better than they used to be, I swear.
What's your kickback?
10% off my subscription for every new referral.
Hmm. Okay.
And you, um, you may have already signed up.
What?! Tess! What did you do?
I just-- I took some of your pictures and I plugged them in,
and then... voila!
Voila what?
Don't tell me I've already gotten messages.
Obviously, yeah. You're breathtaking.
Wait, what photo did you use? Let me see that.
It's cute.
Oh my-- Tess!
No. Okay, you know what? I don't want to see it.
Just purge the account in some digital fire.
I'm not interested.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
We have both put a lot of work into this.
Have you been replying on my behalf?
No, no! I would never.
I just, you know, provided a door for others to knock on.
It is up to you if you want to answer.
Yeah, no.
I don't know.
No, no.
Fine.
(music plays softly)
♪
♪ I...
(sighing)
Fine.
"Spiritual vegan." Okay.
"I'm an open book, ask me anything."
Sure you are, buddy.
Hmm.
Hello, Marco.
(app chiming)
♪
(phone chiming)
What?!
♪
♪ Come together...
Jacqueline: It is so nice to meet you, Ashley.
I'm Jacqueline.
Don't mind the dust, the kitchen's been closed
- for the renovations. - Wow, what a space,
Yeah, my pride and joy.
Passed down for three generations.
But, like everything in life,
we must adapt to the times or be left behind.
Which is why I rely on the talent of youth
when we're redecorating.
Now, I am picturing one of your mixed media pieces here.
- Filling the pace. - Okay.
I am having some electrical upgrades done
while you complete the mural,
if you can meet the deadline, that is.
I am scheduled to reopen the first of the month.
First of the month. Um...
Tight, but yes, I can do it.
Wonderful. How soon can you start?
Uh, actually I'd love to get started right away
- if possible. - Fantastic.
- Grant? - Mm-hm?
This is Ashley Morris.
She's gonna be working here with you.
- Hi. - Hey.
Here is a key, you can just let yourself out.
And, uh...
I can't tell you how excited I am to see the finished product.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Grant: I can never find my tools.
(rattling) Crazy.
- Oh. - (cell phone chiming)
Grant: I pack my own back and I can even find my own tools.
Excuse me.
(giggling)
Is it a wrong number?
No. Sorry.
My friend signed me up on this new matchmaking site,
so now I get a...
little dopamine jolt every time my phone dings.
- Sounds exhausting. - Yeah.
- And horribly addicting. - Yeah.
It's a waste of time anyway.
Romance is my curse.
Okay, okay, now you just sound like a defeatist.
(chuckling)
I have a feeling that things are gonna turn around for you soon.
Thank you.
♪
(clearing throat)
Ashley, hey. You there?
- Marco? - Ashley?
Can you hear me? I think we have a bad connection.
- Oh. - Okay.
Hey. I think-- yep!
- There you are. - Hi.
Marco: And you look beautiful.
Wow.
Your pictures do not do you justice.
Thank you. You too.
I mean, you look nice. I like your suit.
Marco: Oh, this old thing? No, this is a job requirement.
It's a uniform like any other.
Where are you right now?
I'm just at the office, it's-- it's boring.
To be honest, I wish...
I wish I did something more like what you do for a living,
you know, working with your hands,
crafting your own designs.
Oh, you make me sound like some avant garde artist.
I'm basically just a glorified tile setter.
Ashley, you sell yourself short.
I've seen your portfolio, remember?
Your work is stunning.
Thank you.
You know,
I've gotta admit, this whole thing feels a little strange.
I mean, dating someone I've never actually met in person.
Don't get me wrong, I've been really enjoying
our conversations.
But they don't quite replace the real thing, do they?
Yeah.
Which is why, I, um--
All right, I'd like you to indulge me in something, okay?
Okay.
Close your eyes.
Ashley: Okay. (giggling)
Marco: Now, I want you to picture that we're at
a charming little bistro in Paris.
Just down the slope from Montmartre.
There's a table right in the back.
- Can you see it? - I think so.
There's a candle flickering.
You can feel its warmth against your skin.
We dimly recall having ordered,
but we don't remember what or when.
The conversation is flowing, the wine keeps coming.
And you and I can stay there at this little place we created
as long as we want.
♪
(birds chirping)
Tess (on phone): And you fell asleep together?
What are you, 16?
Is he gonna invite you to the sock hop next?
No! We just lost track of time, you know?
He was telling me about his childhood,
and I told him about my mom,
and, you know, losing her so young.
That was like, our fifth night in a row.
- It's crazy. - Hey!
- Oh no, Roger is here. - Tess: At the restaurant?
I gotta go, I'll call you back.
Who's that guy, Ashley? Did you find a new partner?
You didn't think I'd hear about you poaching my commissions?
Roger, we don't work together anymore, remember?
And if you were up for this job,
I'm only finding out about it now.
I'm just trying to put food on my table too, Ashley.
I didn't know you'd be my competition.
We're not competitors. We do very different work.
I'm not letting you steal anymore gigs from me.
- I'm warning you. - I'm not stealing.
- What is this? - It's a letter from my lawyer.
Demanding you to stop using our company's name.
- You agreed to this. - I changed my mind.
(door banging open)
What was that about?
Nothing.
Just... it's fine.
Roger and I used to own this business together,
and after our divorce, we agreed I'd keep the name
as long as I'd buy him out.
I guess he's already running out of patience.
Grant: Are you-- are you okay?
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
It just makes me so angry that he thinks he can just
force his way back into my life still, you know?
- Anyway, let's go. - Okay.
♪
Ashley: Well, well.
If it isn't Santa Claus!
- Oh, it's arrived! - Yes!
- That's wonderful. - Marco, I...
I can't accept this, this is too much.
I just want you to feel comfortable on your trip.
You said the restaurant had to be empty
for the painters this weekend, right?
It's my chance to fly you out here to see me.
Honestly, after the day I had today, I mean,
a weekend getaway sounds amazing.
Oh, no, it's something with your ex again?
Um, Roger?
You know what, it doesn't matter.
Let's talk about something more exciting.
Like, how am I going to come all the way from Rockport,
Massachusetts to the beautiful island of Little Inagua?
Well, Ashley, that's a... that's a good question.
My secretary will book you a first class fare.
A car will come and pick you up to take you to the airport,
and all you need to do is pack.
Let me spoil you.
Okay. Sounds great!
(giggling)
(cell phone ringing)
- Is something wrong? - (Marco sighing)
Yeah, I gotta take this.
Okay.
Marco: Ashley, I have to go, but I will see you so very soon.
Yeah, sure, see you soon!
(hitting key to end call)
(squealing)
(giggling)
(sighing)
(cell phone ringing)
(ringing continues)
Marco?
Ashley, hey.
Hi, it's really late here.
Sorry, is everything okay?
Listen, I'm so sorry to call you like this,
but, um, seems like I've had a bit of a setback.
I was robbed tonight.
Oh no!
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Are you all right?
Marco: Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
They didn't get into the safe, but...
They did steal my main hard drive,
which my secretary informs me has passwords
to all my accounts.
Oh my God.
Marco: Now I'm gonna be on the phone with the banks
all weekend trying to access these accounts.
And I can't believe it,
but it looks like I'll have to delay our vacation.
(sighing)
That's awful.
I mean, I wish it could still work, it's just a few days.
Port fees are due tomorrow.
And I've been told that even a slight delay
in material shipments and I'll be out of work.
It's the cost of doing business on an island.
Yeah.
So, do you want to reschedule?
Ashley, this was my only vacation window
for weeks, or months.
I was so looking forward to seeing you.
Yeah. Me too.
But hey, we still have our video calls, right?
And we can try again in a few months.
Um...
I mean, is there anything I can do?
What are these port fees?
That's the irony, it's the-- the money's not even the trifle,
it's the timing that's crucial.
I see.
So how much do you need right now?
$8,000.
(exhaling)
$8,000?
I mean, um...
if I loaned you some money,
you think you can get it back to me by, like, next week?
Ashley, no. No.
No. Thank you so much, but I can't let you do that.
Not even if it's for a good reason.
- I mean, I want to help. - Ashley.
- No. - It's okay.
It's fine, it's temporary, right?
And then we can sort it out when I'm there.
I mean, trust me, I could really use a vacation right now.
(sighing)
Okay, but only-- only because I want to see you so badly,
and only because I know you'll get that money back
in no time, okay?
Alright, I'm sending you the account number.
Okay.
Thank you, Ashley. Thank you for trusting me,
and for being a true romantic.
This is only the start of our wonderful adventure.
Good night.
(sighing)
♪
(sighing)
♪
(clearing throat)
There she is!
Clarissa!
Wow, you look incredible.
No, it's so good to see you.
Hey, have you given any more thought
to our little rendezvous?
I promise, this is just the start
of our wonderful adventure.
(chuckling)
What the hell were you thinking, Ash?
(sighing)
♪
(phone line rings)
Automated Recording: We're sorry,
the number you have reached is not in service.
Please check the number or try your call again.
What?
(phone line rings)
Automated Recording: We're sorry,
the number you have reached is not in service.
Please check the number or try your--
♪
Tess: Ashley?
Are you home?
It's that bad, is it?
(sniffling)
I mean, it's not even about the money,
but it's about all the lies and all the time invested.
You know, all the stupid mind games.
I mean, it's also about the money.
Yeah, so, how much did you loan him?
$8,000.
(coughing)
I don't understand.
Didn't he buy you lavish gifts?
A designer bag?
No, that was a cheap fake, Tess.
I can't believe I fell for that.
I mean, I'm such an idiot. God.
All I wanted in my life was just a little adventure, you know?
And look at me now.
(sighing)
We should go to the police.
Ashley: I did.
They put me on hold for like, 45 minutes
and then they finally took my statement.
And they're like, "You can call back any time after Tuesday
"to file a report."
- And that's it? - Yeah.
I mean, I wasn't exactly given the impression
that online romance scams are a priority these days.
I can't-- I can't...
I let him in, I just... I let him distract me
from my life, from my career, from my common sense.
I mean, what was I thinking?
I just... I just want to forget about it all,
like it just never happened, you know?
Thank you.
I need to check one thing.
So, is he?
Not under his name.
Marco's not coming up anymore.
What if I try searching...
He's still active.
Oh, the nerve of this guy!
Why hasn't he been banned yet?
Well, I reported Marco's account,
this is a different one. Look, different name. Antonio.
Oh, so we report him again.
What if this just the tip of the iceberg?
What if there's more? Hold on.
Look, here's another one! Thomas!
Tess: Oh, and here he is on Seek And Date
- and LoveLife.com. - Wow.
This guy is a heartbreak factory.
It's like he's automated this crap.
Are you kidding me?
This guy is on every website?!
Look, he's using different names,
same cheesy pickup lines!
I mean, how many other Ashleys are out there?
Dozens, hundreds?
This is crazy.
You know what? What am I even doing wasting my time?
He doesn't even deserve it.
Yeah, but...
They do.
All the other women he's been scamming.
The people that came before you,
the ones that are gonna come after.
Guys like this bank on their victims doing nothing.
Yeah, because it's so damn humiliating to admit
you've been made a fool of, you know?
You know what? You're right. He shouldn't get away with it.
I should do something about this.
Yeah, I can help!
Okay, I'm gonna get in touch with some of these women.
- Really? - Yeah.
Maybe the police can't do anything about it,
but if we raise a big enough stink,
the dating sites will take notice.
Reputation means everything to these guys.
Okay, but where do we even start?
Where does everything start? The internet.
We're going to make an example out of this guy
for all the other fakes,
liars, and manipulators out there.
Con games have consequences.
Beautiful Dorothy. How are you?
Hey, have you given any more thought
to our little rendezvous?
These video conversations, they've been exciting,
they've been, exhilarating, but I just...
I really want to be near you. I want to be close to you.
I want to touch you, I want-- I want to dance with you.
Dorothy, I want to spoil you.
What's wrong?
Hey, is it something with your big sister again?
Dorothy, we talked about this.
You need to start standing up to her.
Thomas, I'm sorry to have to do this.
But there's something I have to ask you.
Sure, anything.
Um, is this you?
I mean, I can see some similarities in the jawline,
yeah, but no, come on,
I'm better looking than that guy.
(chuckling)
You can't ask me to disbelieve my own eyes, Thomas.
I know this is you.
The warnings are all over the internet.
My own daughter-in-law sent me the links.
You're notorious.
I trusted you, Thomas.
I confided in you. How could you do this to me?
You-- what kind of monster--
(call ending)
♪
"If you have been the victim of notorious romance scammer
"and con artist Marco Pastori, AKA David Best,
"AKA Fabio Torrance..."
(sighing)
"Please send your testimonials to ScammersStopped.net,
"or contact the Rockport,
"Massachusetts police department."
(slamming phone down)
Ashley.
Bitter Ashley.
(rock music playing)
(humming)
Wow. It's almost done.
Yeah!
You know, I've got to admit,
I'm going to be a little sad once I move on
'cause I was just starting to appreciate your playlist.
Aww.
One more day of touch-ups,
and let it all set, and that's it.
I just really hope Jacqueline will like the finished product,
- you know? - Oh, she's gonna love it.
Are you kidding me? It's fantastic.
I hope so. But it does look good, doesn't it?
And you met a tight deadline. She's gonna be thrilled.
So, why don't you look happy?
Oh, I am. I am.
I'm happy, I just...
I've got a lot on my mind, that's all.
Just going through a little bit of a financial hardship
due to some bad choices I made, but other than that,
- I'm fine. - I'm sorry to hear that.
Yeah, and you know, all the legal stuff with my ex-husband
looks like it might drain every penny I make on this, so...
Well, I'm gonna be sure to put your name out there
wherever I end up next. Absolutely.
I mean, once people see this,
the offers are gonna come pouring in.
- Really? - You'll see.
Oh yeah. It's great work.
Thank you.
Not that this is any sort of consolation,
or anything like that, but I was just about to head out
for a celebratory slice of pie.
- Don't make fun of me. - (giggling)
Um, just...
You're more than welcome to join me, if you want.
I mean, if you don't have other plans.
It would be my treat.
You know what?
A slice of pie sounds just about perfect right now.
- Yeah. - Great.
- Let's do it. - Let's do it.
When was the last time you had pie?
- I actually don't remember. - A long time ago, then.
Yes. (laughing)
(indistinct chattering)
Ashley.
Bitter Ashley.
(indistinct chattering)
Ashley: For real.
(engine starting)
♪
(chuckling)
(thudding)
(exhaling)
♪
Hmm.
Bitter Ashley.
Let me spoil you.
(clattering)
♪
(grunting)
(pieces clattering)
(shouting)
(panting)
♪
(Rockabilly music playing on stereo)
(Ashley laughing)
Mmm.
So?
What's the verdict?
Fluffy, yet crusty.
With just the right amount of cardamom.
Mm-hmm.
But I can't in good conscious
say it's the best banana cream pie I've ever head.
(inhaling sharply)
Okay, well, if you tell me where this other glorious
slice of pie is right now,
I promise I won't tell a soul. I promise.
Sadly that family recipe was lost
during my great migration out of North Dakota.
Many, many moons ago.
So, uh, you still thinking about that?
About what happened?
I suppose I'm thinking about a few things.
Just life, you know?
And how we meet people,
and how they just enter our lives
at the strangest times,
and how trust is literally the glue that holds it all together.
I mean, once that's gone,
then you've just got dust.
Yeah.
That's, uh, pretty heavy.
(laughing)
- My brain... - It's all right.
That's all right. I didn't mean that.
Sometimes I just, uh...
♪
Grant: What? What is it?
I.. I just--
I thought I saw someone I know.
Nothing, sorry. It was nothing.
Are you sure? 'Cause it didn't seem like nothing.
Yeah. (clearing throat)
I think I've just been working a little too hard this week.
I'm starting to lose my mind.
Yeah, you and me both.
But no, like, what you were saying about trust,
I... I totally agree, you know?
Just the way the world works, it puts people on our paths
in some very serendipitous way, you know?
And you just... you don't know why,
you've just gotta go with it. You know?
♪
(rattling)
(thudding)
Bitter, bitter Ashley.
(scoffing)
Well, it's nice to finally meet the real you.
♪
(smashing)
♪
(keys jingling)
- Thank you. - You're so welcome.
This was nice, Grant.
I'm sorry we had to cut it short.
No, no problem.
Um, would you like some coffee
for your drive home, or...?
Uh...
You know, it's--
I'd love to, but it's getting pretty late.
I mean, we both just finished tough deadlines, and...
You know, I'm sure you want to get your rest, right?
Yeah. Okay.
Well, I guess I'll, um,
I'll see you later.
Yeah. (chuckling)
- Good night. - Sounds good.
Okay.
Actually, Ashley--
You know what? Coffee sounds really nice right now.
- Okay. - Yeah.
♪
(laughing quietly)
Ashley: ...she likes it.
(laughing)
Ashley: It'll be great, hopefully.
Well, this is me.
Grant: This is incredible.
- It's beautiful. - Mm-hmm.
Grant: Absolutely. You live here?
Yeah, it's actually my great aunt's place.
Grant: Wow, lucky you.
(giggling)
A lot of character, a lot of...
Yeah, a lot of history.
A lot of history.
That was unexpected.
Well, I love a surprise.
Don't you?
I do.
♪
(floorboards creaking)
What? What is it?
Nothing. Nothing.
You okay?
Yeah, yeah.
Um...
Let's go upstairs.
♪
- Wait. - What?
I forgot.
Is it regular or decaf?
(giggling)
♪
(floorboards creaking)
What? What?
- What is it? - Did you hear that?
Hear what?
I just heard something downstairs.
- Do you want me to take a look? - Yeah. Please.
Of course.
♪
(wind gusting)
♪
- Grant? - Yeah.
- You need to see this. - What?
Oh my God...
Oh my God!
Grant: It's just the glass, it's the glass.
They could still be here.
♪
We should call 911.
Okay, let's do it outside.
(birds chirping)
(knocking frantically)
- Tess. - Ashley, what happened?
Someone broke into my house last night.
- Oh, what? Are you okay? - I think so.
I mean, luckily I wasn't alone.
Oh. Oh?
- Grant was here. - Oh, okay.
Well, where is he now?
He's gone ahead to the restaurant.
I mean, the poor guy stayed up with me all night.
Oh, that's good. Did they take anything, or...?
That's the strange part. They didn't take anything.
I don't know. You know what?
- You wanna just come inside? - Okay. Yeah, of course.
Who would do something like this?
I don't know, but the crazy part is,
they were still here when I got home.
I mean, things could have gone much worse, Tess.
And they didn't take anything, so this wasn't a robbery?
No, I guess not.
I mean, this was the only thing that was damaged.
- It's broken. - Oh.
So...
This was personal.
You don't think Roger could have done it?
I mean, who else would have a reason?
I know. I mean...
Look, Roger's done some awful things,
but I can't imagine him being capable
of doing something like this, you know?
- What next? - Well, the police said
they'll still question him either way,
so we'll see what comes of it. But...
I don't know. I don't know.
Whatever happens, you're not staying here alone tonight.
Why don't you come stay with me for a few days?
I really don't want to stay alone,
but I also don't want to impose on you like that.
I know how much you like your space.
Oh, okay, alright.
I will make my chicken parm sliders.
Thanks, Tess. I owe you.
(cell phone chiming)
What is it?
Oh, great.
Something is up at the restaurant. It's Grant.
I gotta go. Come on.
Grant? Everything alright?
I just got off the phone with the police.
- Jacqueline is on her way. - Why?
- (gasping) - This is how I found it.
Ashley, I'm so sorry.
How could someone do this?
They broke everything!
If you were to start right away, do you think maybe
you could have this done before the opening?
'Cause what I could do is I could source the materials,
I could ask favors for you, if you need.
Ashley: I-I mean...
Replacing the materials alone could take... weeks,
and then having to redo all this.
Yeah.
Wait, was this the only damage that was done, nothing else?
No, they, uh, they got my tool bag,
which is like, about three grand worth of gear.
Oh, I'm sorry.
But I didn't see anything else. Just, um...
I mean, nothing like this.
You know what? They didn't even check the cash register.
I think this was personal.
Roger.
- It has to be. - Wait...
You think your ex would do something like this?
- You think he's this petty? - I don't know!
I mean, it's something I'm gonna have to ask him myself.
This is... this is insane.
It's okay, you don't have to do that, I'll take care of this.
- It's fine. - Jacqueline: I'm here!
Show me the damage.
Oh my God, it's true.
- Was anybody hurt? - No.
- What did they take? - Well, apparently
they took Grant's tools, but the cash register wasn't touched
and nothing else was stolen. Just...
Oh, this beautiful work.
Ruined.
Oh, that is such a violation.
I think I can still make this work if I could just
have a little more time, I can fix this.
You really think you can fix this?
Yes, if you could just give me...
- just another two weeks or so. - Another two weeks?
- I needed this ready by Friday. - I know.
I have my reputation on the line.
I have made commitments.
I...
No, I'm sorry, Ashley.
You know I'm a fan, but I cannot simply leave a wall bare.
We'll just have to get a print instead.
- Jacqueline... - Maybe a watercolor...
laminate, or something.
Your services will no longer be needed.
Phillip, can you get me the number
of that wallpaper prodigy?
Grant: Hey.
♪
(knocking)
(ringing doorbell)
(banging)
Ash, what are you doing here?
Ashley (on mic): You just couldn't stand the thought of me
being happy, could you? You had to do something to ruin it.
I mean, how could you even do that?
That's just full-on cruel. I mean, wait,
was that you last night too, at my house, trying to scare me?
Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you? It's just...
You know what? Forget it. Just give me back the tool bag.
We can figure out the rest with the police.
What's this tool bag everyone is trying to talk to me about?
What?
Roger (on mic): I just talked to the cops about it.
And I will tell you the same thing I told them.
I was at Stever's birthday bash last night
and I've got eight guys willing to corroborate it.
Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to my day.
Ashley (on mic): Roger, please.
Are you telling me the truth, it really wasn't you?
Roger: Yes, Ashley, I am. It wasn't me.
You didn't destroy my mural?
Somebody destroyed your mural?
They just said it was a break and enter.
- Are you okay? - Don't.
Don't even try to comfort me right now.
That is way out of your jurisdiction.
Roger: Fine, screw it. We'll save it for the lawyers.
♪
(knocking at door)
♪
Who the hell are you now?
Look, whatever your problem is,
go figure it out someplace else, all right?
(groaning)
What the hell? Are you serious right now, pal?
I'm not your pal.
(blow landing)
You're going to jail for this!
(groaning)
(coughing, groaning)
Wait, wait, wait. What is this about?
Is this over cash? You want cash?
I've got nothing.
I've got a work truck. There's keys on the table.
Take them.
(groaning)
(panting)
You are going to tell me everything.
Every secret. every shame, every turn on, every turn off,
everything about your little marriage
with Ashley Morris, okay?
By the end of our little talk, I want you and I
to feel like husband and wife.
- What? - Okay.
Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.
Okay, okay.
(breathing heavily)
This is a nice place.
Tess: And you believe him?
I mean, he seemed pretty shocked by the news, so...
Well, if it wasn't Roger, who could it be?
Tess, I have this strange feeling
that it might be Marco.
No, Ashley, no. That guy is long gone.
Besides, he's probably hiding out in a basement somewhere
like the pathetic little troll his is.
- I hope so. - Guys like that
are both lazy and cowards, okay? He's not gonna come after you.
Trust me.
Yeah, but who would do something like that,
knowing how much it would hurt me, you know?
I don't know.
Oh. What did Mrs. Jacqueline James
say about the restaurant break-in?
- I think she fired me. - What?!
She was already looking for a replacement.
Oh, Ashley, I am so sorry.
It's fine.
You know, maybe it's for the best.
I mean, I'm back to tiling bathroom stalls
and laundry nooks,
and high school locker rooms, if I'm lucky.
And, um, you know, restaurants were a big step up, so...
Oh, hey, maybe you could have a new career as a scammer catcher.
(giggling)
Not to bring him up again, but our website
still keeps getting hits, every few days
there's like, a new story.
I feel like we did the whole country a favor
by exposing Marco.
Ashley (on mic): Part of me still thinks back
to all those nights that we stayed up sharing
- intimate stories. - Tess: No.
Throw those memories in the trash with Marco.
Besides, what happened with Grant?
Ashley: Grant...
♪
(car door closing)
♪
(water running)
(doorbell ringing)
Ashley?
Hello?
♪
Hey, Tess.
(gasping)
Ah, look, I'm sorry for barging in on you like this.
- You don't know me, I'm Marco. - (kettle whistling)
We have a friend in common. Ashley.
(kettle whistling)
Listen, what's about to happen, it's not me.
I don't want to do it. Just know,
it's Ashley's fault.
(whistling furiously)
Grant? Hi.
Did you do all this?
Yeah, I started sweeping just after you left,
so I guess I got a little carried away.
So I decided to make myself useful.
Check it out.
Ashley: Oh my gosh.
Grant: First I wanted to make sure that I found
all the right pieces, and then I started seeing
how it was looking all smashed up together like that,
and I just-- I thought it looked cool.
Yeah, it's like the Japanese pottery art.
You know, how they take something broken
and they turn it into something beautiful?
- Yeah. - Kintsugi.
Kintsugi, oh yeah,
I know exactly what you're talking about.
Grant, this is...
Thank you so much.
- This is unbelievable. - You're welcome.
I mean, I just wish it happened before I was fired, so--
No, you're not fired. No.
Don't worry about Jacqueline.
People usually get fired like six or seven times
- before it actually sticks. - (chuckling)
- What? - Yeah, I think I've been fired,
- like, three times now. - Really?
I think once she sees this on a grander scale,
she's-- she's gonna change her tune.
- I hope so. - It's true.
- I don't know, I just... - (cell phone ringing)
(ringing continues)
- Sorry, one second. - Yeah.
Hello?
This is she.
Okay.
Thank you. Thank you for letting me know.
What was that?
Roger was attacked last night.
- What? - It was the hospital.
I don't know what happened, they didn't...
Look, I've gotta go. I'll be back, okay?
Of course, yeah, yeah. Yeah.
- Ashley: Are you okay? - Roger: I'm fine.
I've been hurt worse than this roller blading.
You don't look fine.
Did the hospital prescribe anything to you for the--
You know what, actually, what about an ice pack?
You need an ice pack right there for the swelling.
- (groaning) - Sorry, sorry.
I'm okay. Look, Ashley, I owe you an apology.
Now that's the concussion talking.
Ash, I need you to listen to me, okay?
- Really listen. - Okay.
I had a lot of time to think last night at the hospital
just lying there.
I'm ashamed of the way I acted with you.
Fighting you, getting the courts involved.
It's the opposite of what you are to me.
I'm not your enemy.
I don't want you to worry about all that anymore, okay?
You can keep the company name.
It was yours to begin with, anyway.
That means a lot, Roger. Thank you.
You're welcome.
So, did you see who did this?
Sure I saw who did this.
Not that I knew him, or anything.
- But he sure knew you. - Knew me?
He was acting crazy,
he was asking me all these questions about you.
He said to tell you, "Marco is coming."
Oh.
Now she knows.
What do you want, you psycho?
Like there aren't enough podcasts out there?
- You and Ashley are close? - Like sisters.
What do you want?
I just want my life back.
I want my livelihood back.
I want my reputation back.
I wouldn't mind being able to hold my head high
in my hometown.
Can you give that to me?
Did you have any of that to begin with?
You know, they say a man's reputation
is the most important thing he has.
More important than his words, his deeds, it outshines us,
it lives on after he dies.
Can you fathom the damage your little website did to me?
I know this woman. This is Dorothy.
Why do you have this photo?
Book club.
(chuckling)
You were plotting against me, too?
Hmm?
You were trying to destroy me?
You were trying to--
You know, they say a woman's reputation is her inner beauty.
God, could be anymore sexist? What are you gonna do,
spank me with a briefcase and--
(yelping)
I could destroy your reputation the same way
you and Ashley did mine.
(chuckling nervously) Oh my God.
All that time lying to her, spying on her.
You're obsessed.
She's gotten under your skin, so...
You should probably shut up now.
Okay.
Here's what we're gonna do.
(sighing)
Read that.
"My name is Tess Parks, I've known Ashley--"
Smile.
Smile!
"My name is Tess Parks,
"I've known Ashley Morris for a very long time.
"She is a ruthless liar and master manipulator
"out to ruin the life of every man she meets."
Okay.
Now what we're going to do
is make a little video
where you are going to say that,
and you're going to tell the whole world the truth
about the real Ashley Morris, your best friend.
- (door creaking open) - Ashley: Tess?
You home?
(water running)
Tess?
(water running)
Ow.
Tess, I'm standing in your kitchen
wondering where the hell you are.
Call me back, please.
(sighing)
(cell phone ringing)
Finally, I've been calling you all morning.
Where are you?
Marco: Ashley.
- Where is Tess? - (Marco chuckling)
You think you could attack me and I wouldn't defend myself?
What is this, revenge?
Is that why you're here?
This has nothing to do with revenge.
Then what do you want, Marco?
I want my reputation back!
I want you to publicly retract all the lies you told about me.
I want everyone to hear you confess.
Reputation? How?
I can't, it's long gone. I mean,
you can't put an explosion back in the bomb, Marco.
So there's no way to convince you?
(muffled yelping)
- How about now? - (phone chiming)
Oh my God, Tess!
No, no, no, no! Please!
What are you doing? Let her go, Marco!
She goes free the moment that you admit publicly
that you lied about me.
(whimpering)
I can't! How would I do that? I mean, it's not just me!
What do you want me to do, like, I'm not the only one
telling my story. There are hundreds of us out there.
Do you realize that?
Please let her go, please. She's done nothing to you.
Marco: She helped destroy my reputation!
She's done nothing? She couldn't do anymore!
Ashley: I don't know what you want from me, seriously.
I don't... (whimpering)
Look, um,
I'll do what you want, okay? I'll...
Just please don't hurt her, okay?
Um, you want-- you want public attention, that's what you want?
I'll do it, okay?
Um, maybe we can...
We can go somewhere together in public for everyone to see.
What are you talking about?
Look, um, the restaurant, okay?
They're having a grand opening tomorrow night.
Okay, and we can go there together,
like a real date, okay?
And everyone will see us together
and see what a gentleman you are,
and that's what you want, right? That's what...?
That's what...
No, you're trying to trick me.
You think that I'm just some...
...stupid little boy asking you out for pie.
No, I'm not a fool, Ashley.
(whimpering)
I swear, I will do it. Please, I will.
I'm not lying, just promise me you'll let her go, please.
Marco?
Are you there?
Okay, okay.
We'll do it your way.
But if I see even one cop there, just one,
you will never see your friend again.
So, how's tomorrow night at eight o'clock?
Yeah, yeah, tomorrow night. Eight o'clock, yeah.
(sobbing)
- Grant? - Hey.
Are you okay?
- No. - Come here.
No, I don't know what to do.
I don't know what to do.
- (crying) - It's all right.
It's okay. It's okay.
Talk to me.
I know who's behind all the break-ins.
He's been stalking me, the guy I told you, Marco,
the one I met online.
- It's him! - Right.
And he's the one who attacked Roger, and now he has Tess!
(stammers) W-what do you mean he has Tess?
He just-- he took her! He just took her.
He took her somewhere, I don't know--
- I don't know where. - Did you call the police?
No, I can't, I mean, he said he'd hurt her if I do.
I don't know what to do.
He told me if I do anything, he'll hurt her,
so I don't know if I should call the cops,
I don't know if that's... (sniffing)
This is all my fault. I shouldn't have done this.
I shouldn't have gone after him like that,
as if revenge was going to make me feel better.
No, no, no, it wasn't about revenge.
It was about justice, right?
We can't let people do this to us,
use our trust against us like that, right?
Yeah, but...
I mean, what have I done?
I don't know what to do now.
Like, it's just...
It's like, one thing after another, you know?
It all started the night we went out for pie,
and it's... it's, um...
- That's the night-- - What?
The night we went out for our pie.
Mm-hmm.
- He... - Ashley?
(breathing shakily)
Let's, uh, let's play some music, yeah?
- Just to lighten the mood. - Sure.
I'm just really depressed.
(playing rock music)
♪
Do you...
Do you think he's listening to us?
I know he's been listening to us.
What do you want to do?
I have a plan.
But first we need to take out the trash.
♪ ...the smoking gun
♪ This life's for having fun ♪
♪
♪ Blood blister
(clattering)
♪ Blood sister
Jacqueline: Ashley?
(gasping)
I can't believe what you've done here.
The cracks and imperfections give it such character.
Yeah.
Like old dried leather in the desert sun.
Was this your plan all along?
Oh, no. No, this was all improvised.
It's like that Japanese pottery art.
Kisumi, I believe it's called.
Kintsugi.
Jacqueline: That's the one.
Yeah.
Oh, I only wish it wasn't too late.
I've already cancelled the reservations.
The reopening has been postponed,
I've resigned myself to sucking up the loss.
Well...
Actually, um,
Grant and I might have an idea how you can fill this place,
if you're willing to open tomorrow night
from a private, one-time seating.
Look, Jacqueline, I'm not the one who broke into
your restaurant and violated your pride and joy,
but if you help me,
if you give me a chance to set this straight,
I can deliver you the son of a bitch who did.
♪
I never had any doubt.
(chuckling)
(sighing)
(whispering) You ready?
(clearing throat)
Ashley, Ashley, I am begging you,
you can't go through with this.
You don't know what this guy is capable of.
Yes, you're still gonna be in public,
but you're still gonna be alone.
Not if you're there with me.
I... I can't, I won't.
I just, I can't watch you put yourself in danger like this.
You need to call the police.
Ashley: But then what's going to happen to Tess?
I mean, how could I live with myself if she gets hurt?
I'm sorry, Grant.
I've made up my mind, okay?
I'm doing this, with or without you.
Well, I'm sorry, Ashley.
It's gonna have to be without me, then.
I'm done.
- Goodbye. - Grant!
Grant!
Poor bitter Ashley.
Always being let down.
Well, I'll show her what a real man looks like.
(door slamming)
Good evening, welcome.
Your table is waiting.
Hello, good evening.
Thank you for coming.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hello, welcome. Thanks for coming.
(cell phone chiming)
Good evening, we have you right over here.
♪
Ashley.
- Hi. - In person, finally.
Wow, you look incredible.
Thank you.
Well, I'm here,
in public,
with you, for everyone to see.
So... where's Tess?
She's okay.
For now. The rest is up to you.
If you hurt her--
Don't be so pessimistic here.
Just give me your hand.
- What? - I said give me your hand.
Was that so hard?
You smell like cheap motel soap.
You're hurting me.
I'm just...
I was just trying to calm you.
Hey, fine. Whatever.
- Just... - (liquid pouring)
pretend like you're having fun.
To you.
- To me? - Yeah.
(glasses clinking)
For showing me how naive I was
about how the world works.
- I showed you that? - Yes, you did.
And so much more.
She is a ruthless liar and master manipulator,
out to ruin the life of every man she meets.
My name is Tess Parks.
I've known Ashley Morris a very long time.
(thudding at door)
...Ruthless liar and master manipulator.
- (thudding) - (grunting)
- (whimpering) - Tess?
- How did you find me? - Ashley did.
With some help.
(groaning)
- You all right? - Yeah.
Yeah, is she okay?
Yeah, she's fine. She's fine.
I'll tell you more on the way. Come on!
(soft jazz playing)
You don't like your wine?
Trying to keep my mind clear.
Hmm.
You haven't been on many dates, have you, Marco?
Well, I mean,
I seduce women for a living, Ashley.
"Seduce." Sure.
I mean, any idiot can seduce someone.
You just need to be shameless enough to lie
and tell people what they want to hear.
A pathetic grift.
I mean, it's not like you're earning a person's respect,
or having someone fall in love with you
or call you their friend.
You know, it requires empathy and honesty
to build a rapport.
But unfortunately you're way too scarred and too stunted
to make that connection.
Hmm.
Well, you would know.
Years of therapy trying to fix that broken marriage.
The pills, the depression.
Blaming everybody around you.
Never taking the time to really look inwards,
at the real problem.
I know you spoke to Roger.
- I'm sure he told you plenty. - Yeah, he did.
He told me the divorce really took a toll on you
at the end there.
You lost the car, you lost the house,
you lost every one of your friends, except for one.
Tess says hi by the way.
Go to hell, you creep.
Keep your voice down.
It scares you, doesn't it?
People staring at you.
- Laughing at you. - Shut up.
You know what, you think you can intimidate me?
I know everything about you?
All of your flaws.
You don't even know my first name.
Oh, yeah?
But I do know your first name.
Nicholas.
How?
Maybe I've done some digging too.
Nicholas Boczek.
Born January 23rd, 1982,
in a town called Red Bank in New Jersey--
- (cutlery clanging) - Shut up!
(whispering) I'll kill you.
You'll kill me?
Okay.
Are you going to kill us all?
And what is this?
This is your legacy, Nicholas.
All your conquests.
Here to meet the real you!
Well, the ones who were able to make it here
on such short notice, of course.
The many, many others send their coldest regards.
So, what, you guys started a club?
You guys-- do you guys meet every Sunday night
and bad mouth the man who broke your heart?
This is not funny.
Dorothy, you let her rope you into this? Come on.
How are the grandkids, by the way?
- Bite me, Thomas. - Hey.
So this is how you think you're gonna win? Hmm.
Ashley, I will make Tess disappear.
We've already won, Nicky.
Do you realize where you are?
We're in a room with you where you have no control.
Where we get a good laugh at you
the way you've been laughing at us this whole time.
Whatever. I'll just disappear.
There's a new site,
there's a new face, there's a new name.
Maybe I'll date one of your daughters in the future, hmm?
Or a lonely niece, so you guys can all get together
and exchange sob stories. Just the gals.
You think this is a joke?
You're not gonna be able to do any of that.
You see, you managed to dupe a very interesting group of women.
Clarissa, for instance,
she's spent over 12 years, working for one of
the most respected forensic accounting firms in the state,
and boy, they are savage when it comes to tracking wire fraud.
And Indra, well, let's just say she knows a few folks
who just love a good excuse to doxx a scammer.
Great profile password, by the way.
"Hot Lady Slayer 85."
Hilarious.
I mean, with the amount of talent standing in this room,
I'll be shocked if you're able to show your face
on any social media platform ever again.
That's, of course, if you're not already on your way to jail
for kidnapping and assault.
You let me go or Tess rots.
Tess, right. That reminds me.
Do you remember Nancy?
Yeah, you probably don't,
because it's been almost two years since you broke her heart
and stole her life savings.
Well, Nancy is now a manager at Parkway Motels.
Ever heard of them?
Did you know they actually take a digital snapshot
of every single one of their guests?
For security purposes.
It's over, Nicholas.
You're not going to fool or hurt anyone else again.
officer: Right there!
♪
Back up or I'll kill her.
Ashley.
Woman: You can't run, Nicholas. You're surrounded.
- Just let her go. - My name is not Nicholas.
It's Marco, stop calling me that,
and back the hell up!
Grant: Ashley, do what he says, okay?
Ashley, just stay calm, okay? We're coming to get you.
Just stay calm.
(whimpering)
(thudding) It's locked!
- (siren whooping) - (dog barking)
(Ashley grunting)
Stop struggling!
(Ashley whimpering)
Please. Just stop.
Okay, okay.
Okay, okay, over here.
- Over here. Sit. - No!
- Sit down! - No!
(panting)
- Give me your hands. - No!
Give me your hands! Give me your hands!
Stop!
Man (Distantly): Let her go, Marco.
- Ashley: This is useless. - Marco: Shut up.
What do you think you're doing?
Marco: Shut up.
- Shut up! - This is pointless.
- You're trapped here. - Shut up!
Shut up! Shut up!
Shut up!
(whimpering)
You never stop talking, do you?
Hmm?
- That's better. - Grant: Ashley!
- (banging at door) - Ashley!
Marco: Okay.
- Now... - Please just stop.
What did I say, hmm?
Man (Distantly): You don't have any more chances here, Marco!
(Ashley grunts)
Man (Distantly): You need to let her go.
Okay.
Stay here, or I'm gonna cut your throat, all right?
- Grant (Distantly): Open it! - (thudding)
- Ashley! - (thudding)
I'm coming!
(phone ringing)
(thudding)
Man (Distantly): Listen, Marco,
- you don't have a lot of time-- - (thudding)
- (Ashley gasping) - (phone ringing)
(voices overlapping in distance)
Woman (Distantly): Marco. Marco--
Marco: I'm gonna take you home,
and we're going to make a little video.
Where you're gonna tell everybody this was your idea
because you're just a bitter, dejected--
Because I rejected you.
And you're gonna tell everybody that I'm actually
a really good guy, that I'm a gentleman.
And it's all gonna be fine.
Hmm?
"My sweetest Gloria, my moon and my stars.
"I promise you, this is just the start
"of our wonderful adventure.
"Let me spoil you."
- Put that down. - Are you kidding me?
You even stole the lines off a book?
You couldn't even come up with your own lies, you creep?
Marco: Shut up. You wouldn't understand.
It worked on you.
"Happy birthday, to my dear Nicholas."
So you do have something you care about
more than yourself, huh?
Ashley, put that down right now.
Is this really how you see yourself?
Some third rate cover model?
You're pathetic.
It's about love. Okay?
That is what all you women want, but none of you know what it is.
You all proved that today.
Okay.
I'll put it down. Sure.
(thudding on door)
(man grunting outside)
(man shouting indistinctly outside)
(grate clattering)
(grunting)
(grate clattering)
(chuckling) See?
(phone ringing)
- (voices overlapping outside) - (phone ringing)
(chuckling)
You're not going anywhere.
Ashley, what are you doing?
- Stay right there. - Put that down right now.
Ashley, that is irreplaceable.
- That is very special to me. - Don't!
- Ashley-- - Don't move!
- Don't come close to me. - Come on, Ashley!
Just put...
Ashley. Ashley. Ashley!
No! No! No!
(thudding)
(grunting)
(shouting)
- (thudding) - Grant!
He's in here!
Right here.
- Woman: He's out cold. - Man: Good. Get his arm.
Woman: I got him.
- Ashley, are you okay? - I'm okay.
Grant: Okay. It's over. It's over.
- I just wanna go home. - Okay.
♪
Well, that was a lot messier
and more frightening than you promised, Ashley.
I know.
And we couldn't have done it without you, Jacqueline, so...
Thank you, and I'm really sorry for all the trouble.
Oh, please.
I haven't had this much fun since the mid-1990s.
(chuckling)
And the publicity?
They will be gossiping about this night for years.
(chuckling) I guess so.
- Tess: Ashley! - Tess, you're here!
Oh, you know me, I'd never miss a restaurant opening.
Are you okay? I mean, shouldn't you be in the hospital?
Oh, and miss all this fun?
No, really, I'm okay.
I'm okay thanks to you and to Grant.
And to all of you.
(sighing)
Now, who wants to buy this hostage a drink?
(chuckling)
♪
Grant: Ash? Check this out.
Someone just wrote a new article about your mural.
- Really? - Yeah, look.
"It was the perfect backdrop to a memorable evening
"of fine dining and high drama."
(laughing)
Sounds pretty accurate to me.
Yeah, I mean, I guess any publicity is good publicity.
Well, no, babe,
people are starting to take notice.
It's a really great start.
Yeah. Yeah, you're right.
Yeah.
(chuckling) You're not still reading that, are you?
Oh yeah, I'm just getting to the juicy part.
See, when you actually immerse yourself in one of these,
- they're kinda riveting. - Oh, really?
Okay. Do you want some alone time then?
A little private moment with the book.
All right.
Get back here! (chuckling)
It's not that riveting.
♪