Setting: The Penthouse
Time of Day:  Early Evening

John has just come down from talking to Belle.  Marlena is waiting in the living room mindlessly thumbing through a magazine.

Marlena:  How did it go?

John:  Surprisingly well.  You were right.  Again.

Marlena:  (She notices that he seems down and wonders did more go on than he is ready to talk about.)  Wanna talk about it?

John:  Not really.  I'm just scared because I don't know how I'm supposed to feel.  (Changing the subject.)  What time did you say Philip would be here?

Marlena:  (Marlena is caught a little off guard by John's sudden change in direction.)  Um, seven.  I told her we'd give her some privacy, so if you've got any errands you need to take care of, tonight would be a good time to do it.

John:  Do you really think that is a good idea?  Leaving her alone with him?

Marlena:  I've never known Philip to have a violent streak.  Besides, Belle told me Brady was due home around six.  I'll feel better knowing he is here with her, because we really should let her do this on her own.

John:  (He knows Marlena is right about Philip and it would be better for Belle to be on familiar ground.  He sighs and then answers her earlier question.)  I don't have anywhere I need to go.  What about you?  I assume you'll be in Salem for a while to help Belle.

Marlena:  Yes, I will be here for her the whole way.  Tonight, I figured I'd use this time to check into a hotel.

John:  A hotel?  No way.  That's out of the question.  This is your home.

Marlena:  (She is a little surprised at his remark.)  Don't you think that would be a little odd?  (She didn't have to spell it out.  John knew she meant that it would be odd for them to be living under the same roof again.)

John:  Fine.  I'll check into a hotel.

Marlena:  No way.  You've been living here for years.  I'm not kicking you out.

John:  Well, I'm not letting you stay at a hotel.

Marlena:  Then we're gonna have to come to some sort of compromise.

John:  You will take our bed... (he trailed off because he realized what he just said) and I'll take the guest room down here.

Marlena:  I wouldn't feel right coming in here and taking over our old bedroom.  That's yours now.  I'll sleep in the guest room.

John:  Look, we compromised, didn't we?  Now, just let me do this for you.  I'm not having my... (John wanted to say wife.)  I'm not going to let you sleep anywhere except your bed.

Marlena:  Fine.  But if this doesn't work out I'm checking into a hotel.

John:  Deal.  Now.  How about some dinner?

  Marlena:  You mean, you and me?
 

John:  I think we've got a lot to talk about.  Suddenly how our family of three has turned into a family of five.  Well, with you back and a little one on the way.  Come on, let me take you to dinner.  I'll bet you haven't been to Chez Vous in years.

Marlena:  (She wondered if he had ulterior motives.)  No, I haven't.  I'll go get changed. (She instinctively turned to walk up the stairs before remembering that she has not lived here for years.  She stopped and flashed her trademark smile at him.  And she pointed at her luggage.)  I guess being here just feels natural.  I seem to have forgotten my things aren't up there yet.  Could I talk you into carrying my bags upstairs for me?  They're kinda heavy.

John:  (He smiled back.)  I dunno.  What's in it for me?

Marlena:  (She flashed him a wicked grin.)  I'm letting you take me to dinner, aren't I?
 
 

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