FADE IN:
INT. DESMOND MANOR – AFTERNOON
A busy day at Desmond Manor. Nikki’s father, DONALD DESMOND, 45, is entertaining TOMMY HILFINGER, 40, a world-renowned designer who is making a presentation as–
A series of MODELS 20s, dressed in Haute Couture pieces from his spring line strut around the room.
TOMMY
Each of these are my original designs. The only ones in the world until my fall line debuts in September.
DONALD
I’m sure everyone will love them when you present them at the charity fashion auction Sunday afternoon Tommy.
TOMMY
Has Mrs. Desmond purchased any of my designs?
DONALD
No, but my daughter Nicole really loves your clothes.
RUMSFELD 61, the family’s polished British servant chimes in as he serves beverages.
RUMSFELD
Yes, Miss Desmond enjoys your apparel so much that we’re considering buying shares of stock to offset the cost of her clothing purchases.
Tommy laughs as he takes a soda.
TOMMY
I can’t wait to meet her.
Tommy gets his wish as–
BAM! Nikki and Candice rush in. The girls are surprised at the sight of the models in the living room.
CANDICE
Are we in the right house?
Nikki looks around.
NIKKI
Yep. Around the fashion show is the same old furniture.
A shocked Candice looks over at the sofa at–
TOMMY HILFINGER
Who smiles at her.
CANDICE
Is-is that Tommy Hilfinger?
NIKKI
Looks like it. Wow. My own private fashion show with designer originals? Thanks Dad–
Donald smiles and laughs at his daughter. Candice gasps at being in the presence of a real-live celebrity.
DONALD
I don’t think so Nicole. Girls, Tommy stopped by to show me the designer originals from his the new fall line he’s going to auction off at the charity fashion show we’re hosting Sunday Night.
NIKKI
Wow, a Tommy Hilfinger fashion show here! Man, this is so awesome!
Both girls get excited upon hearing the news. Nikki lights up as Tommy Hilfinger springs up off the sofa and extends his hand.
DONALD
Tommy, this is my daughter Nicole and her friend Candice.
TOMMY
Pleased to meet you Nicole.
Candice is still awe-struck. Nikki smiles and shakes Tommy’s hand.
NIKKI
A pleasure Mr. Hilfinger.
Candice is frozen in shock as Tommy extends his hand to her. Nikki–
CANDICE
Plea-Pleas–
NIKKi
She’s just a little shy. But she’s glad to make your acquaintance.
puts her hand in his. Tommy smiles at Candice, shakes her hand, then looks Nikki’s suit up and down.
TOMMY
I see you’re wearing a suit from my spring line.
NIKKI
Yeah, I’m a big fan of your fashions.
TOMMY
The colors really flatter you. Do you see anything you like in my originals?
Nikki blushes at the compliment. She looks at the dresses the models are wearing and spots–
A SLINKLY RED WHITE AND BLUE COLORBLOCK KNIT DRESS
And smiles.
NIKKI
I love this dress.
Tommy smiles and puts on his sales pitch.
TOMMY
This dress is the flagship of my new fall line. The colorblocks represent my new flag logo which will be seen on all my fashions from here on in.
NIKKI
It’s so me–
DONALD
And so expensive.
Tommy tries to make the sale.
TOMMY
It’s for charity Donald. Come on–
Donald keeps his checkbook in his wallet.
DONALD
I don’t know about an original, but we’ll see about the factory version in a couple of months.
TOMMY
Oh well, I tried. Okay ladies, go get changed.
Tommy and the models hurry up the stairs to get changed. Candice finally snaps out of it-
CANDICE
…Pleased to meet you Mr. Hilfinger.
Nikki smiles as–
A few HOURS LATER
INT. NIKKI’S BEDROOM – EVENING
A luxurious bedroom fit for a spoiled princess. Furnished with a white canopy bed, white furniture, stuffed animals, and all the amenities a spoiled teenage girl would enjoy. BAM! Nikki and Candice rush in to find–
THE COLORBLOCK FLAG DRESS LYING ON HER BED
Nikki lights up as she picks it up.
NIKKI
Oh my God– It’s the dress!
CANDICE
You think they left it behind?
NIKKI
They wouldn’t leave Tommy’s flagship original behind on purpose. Dad must have wanted to surprise me.
Nikki hurries over to the–
FULL LENGTH MIRROR ON THE CLOSET DOOR
And puts the dress up to her.
NIKKI
Man, I’m gonna look so hot in this. I can’t wait to wear it–
Donald walks in. He grimaces as he sees her with the dress. Nikki lights up and smiles as she rushes up to him to give him a hug.
NIKKI
I knew you bought it for me! Thanks so much Dad!
Nikki’s Dad gives her a somber look as he breaks the embrace.
DONALD
I didn’t buy it for you Nicole.
Nikki’s smile twists into a grimace.
NIKKI
What do you mean? It was on the bed–
DONALD
One of the models left it there when she was changing.
Nikki pouts and folds her arms.
NIKKI
Should have known it was too good to be true. Good presents always have a box.
DONALD
I’m sorry Nicole.
Nikki hands her father the dress. Donald takes it. Nikki broods until the–
NEXT MORNING
INT. DESMOND MANOR KTICHEN – MORNING
A quiet Saturday morning. Donald strolls into the kitchen and plops into a chair at the kitchen table as Rumsfeld pours him coffee.
RUMSFELD
Sir, Mr. Hilfinger called regarding the dress that was left here–
DONALD
Yeah, I’ve got it in the foyer closet. Is he going to send someone to pick it up?
RUMSFELD
He said you could hold onto it until the show.
DONALD
He’s being very carefree with his originals–
RUMSFELD
Not when it comes to a sale sir.
DONALD
I am not buying Nicole that dress–
RUMSFELD
Mr. Hilfinger is betting on a father’s love. It’s a wager retailers usually win.
DONALD
This is a no sale.
RUMSFELD
So you feel no remorse about taking a dress away from Miss Desmond that she covets?
DONALD
I’m not getting Nicole started on buying designer originals. I can barely keep up with the bills for the off-the-rack stuff she buys.
Donald is interrupted as–
A sullen Nikki clad in a white bathrobe slinks into the kitchen. The air is tense as she flops into a chair at the kitchen table folds her arms and pouts. Rumsfeld breaks the ice.
RUMSFELD
Good Morning Miss Desmond.
NIKKI
Good Morning Rumsfeld. Father.
Donald isn’t fazed by Nikki’s icy greeting.
DONALD
Good morning Nicole. Still upset about the dress?
NIKKI
No, I’m not happy about having a Tommy Hilfinger original taken from me. But thanks for
asking.
DONALD
Well, I’m not happy about spending twenty grand on a dress.
NIKKI
Come on, I probably spend that much on clothes in a month–
DONALD
Actually, from what I added up from the last three credit card bills you spent about $5,768 dollars a month on clothes.
Nikki is surprised.
NIKKI
That little? I really need to ask you for an increase in my clothing allowance-
DONALD
You could work for your clothes like other kids–
Nikki cuts her losses.
Nikki
I like my Sundays off.
DONALD
I’m sure.
When the manipulation doesn’t work, Nikki jumps out of her seat–
NIKKI
I’m gonna head over to Candice’s. From there we hit Rodeo Drive.
DONALD
You’re going out to spend more money on clothes?
NIKKI
Hey, if I can’t wear Tommy’s originals, I’ll have to settle for off-the-rack.
Nikki jumps out of her seat and hurries out of the kitchen. Donald turns to Rumsfeld–
DONALD
She’s showing some maturity. No tantrum this time.
RUMSFELD
You’re falling for that ruse sir?
DONALD
She’s not getting that dress Rumsfeld.
RUMSFELD
Are you willing to wager on it sir?
DONALD
Money?
RUMSFELD
You pay me a fair wage sir, but I’ll take a week off.
DONALD
Deal.
Donald and Rumsfeld shake on the deal as-
LATER
IN THE LIVING ROOM
BAM! Nikki and Candice dressed in designer suits and hats are back from shopping with smoothies and no shopping bags.
NIKKI
Man, I can’t believe they didn’t have anything my size.
CANDICE
Told you to go last week. All the small sizes always sell out first.
Nikki hands Candice her smoothie and heads over to the–
FOYER CLOSET
And finds Tommy’s original. She takes the dress out and frowns.
NIKKI
If only I had twenty grand I could be wearing this–
CANDICE
How’d you know that was there?
NIKKI
Dad probably put it there to have on hand when Mr. Hilfinger comes to get it. He’s so predictable.
CANDICE
You’d think he’d know how you are around clothes–
Nikki sizes the dress up to her and ponders–
NIKKI
You’d think. It looks like it’ll fit me–
CANDICE
Nikki…
NIKKI
I always wondered what I’d look like in a designer original.
Candice gives Nikki a look.
CANDICE
I think you should put the dress back. You don’t want to get your Dad in any trouble–
Nikki smiles at Candice and tells her–
NIKKI
Just gonna try it on real quick.
A reluctant Candice carries the smoothies and follows the eager Nikki upstairs to–
NIKKI’S BEDROOM
Where Nikki hurries behind a changing screen in the corner. She tosses her suit on the top of the screen as Candice warns her–
CANDICE
Look, what if your Dad comes home?
NIKKI
He’s out playing golf with Rumsfeld. And Rosa’s gone to Encino for the weekend.
CANDICE
All I know is if your Dad comes home while you’re in that dress I’m outta here–
NIKKI
Don’t worry. We’ve got the house to ourselves for hours. Man, this material feels so smooth against my skin–
CANDICE
Just like that leather belt’s gonna sting against your behind–
NIKKI
Oh, I don’t think I’m gonna get any violent reactions when I’m seen in this.
Nikki steps out of from behind the screen–
And looks fabulous in Tommy’s original.
CANDICE
Wow! You look great!
NIKKI
I feel great. Do you think I have what it takes to be a supermodel?
Nikki sashays over to the full length mirror on the closet door and strikes a pose.
CANDICE
In that dress definitely.
Nikki
And the shoes and hat I’ve got on now go great with it. Man, if I was on the catwalk right now, Naomi Campbell would be getting jealous–
Nikki struts up and down the bedroom striking poses in the full length Mirror. As she pretends to head back down the imaginary catwalk posing Candice calls–
CANDICE
WORK IT GIRL!
NIKKI
You know I got it going on. Look out Tyra Banks, I’m coming your way–
Candice joins in the fun striking mock poses. They’re having fun until–
SPLASH! The smoothies Candice is holding are all splattered all over the dress.
NIKKI
AAAAGGGGHHH!!!! THE DRESS!
CANDICE
OH MY GOD! I’M SO SORRY!
Candice rushes into the suite’s bathroom–
And hurries out with a wet towel. Nikki jumps back as–
NIKKI
AAHHHH! Cold! Cold! Smoothie ice!
Candice assesses the damage.
CANDICE
It’s all over the white section. We’ve gotta pre-treat so it doesn’t bleed and make a stain. Take it off so I can soak it.
Nikki gives Candice a look before telling her–
NIKKI
I can’t take it off.
Candice
Why not? Is there something wrong with the zipper?
NIKKI
The zipper is fine.
CANDICE
Then why can’t you take it off?
Nikki grits her teeth and tells Candice–
NIKKI
I ain’t got no draws on under this dress.
CANDICE
And why aren’t you wearing any underwear Nicole?
An embarrassed Nikki mutters–
NIKKI
…I wanted to feel like a supermodel.
The fun is over as–
DOWNSTAIRS IN THE LIVING ROOM
BAM! A happy Donald and Rumsfeld are returning from their game on the links.
DONALD
Man, I can’t believe the game we had. I shot a 68!
RUMSFELD
Yes sir, even Jack Nicklaus would be envious of your play today.
Donald looks down at the sofa where Nikki’s Gucci purse is sitting.
DONALD
Looks like Nicole is back from shopping. I better go check the damage.
Donald takes Nikki’s purse and heads–
upstairs
As he calls–
DONALD
NIKKI! NIKKI! YOU UP THERE?
BACK IN NIKKI’S BEDROOM
The girls scramble to come up with a plan. Candice bolts for the door. Nikki grabs her–
NIKKI
Hey, where are you going?
Candice goes full black.
CANDICE
Girl, I told you I did not want to be here when your father caught you in that dress–
NIKKI
Look, just relax. Are there any Laundromats around here?
CANDICE
Our maid goes to this place in the Valley–
Nikki grabs her suit off the screen and rushes into the suite’s bathroom. FWOOSH! Water can be heard rushing into the bathroom sink as–
A half-dressed Nikki races back out and calls out to her father–
NIKKI
I’M IN MY ROOM DAD!
Who comes into the bedroom as–
Nikk
i darts back into the bathroom to turn off the water while–
DONALD
Hey Candice, where’s Nicole?
A nervous Candice is about to answer. A–
Fully dressed Nikki steps out of the bathroom with a smile on her face.
NIKKI
Sorry, had to go wash my hands. Had a little accident with a smoothie. Trying to clean it up.
Donald looks at the floor. Candice blots the smoothie up off the carpet with the towel in her hands.
DONALD
Just want to find out what’s the damage from this weekend’s shopping spree.
NIKKI
Nothing.
Nikki’s Dad is surprised.
DONALD
You’re kidding me?
NIKKI
Nope. Couldn’t find a thing to fit me.
DONALD
So you’re telling me you didn’t buy anything?
Nikki holds up a smoothie cup.
NIKKI
All I got was a smoothie.
Donald smiles as he hands Nikki her purse.
DONALD
Sorry you couldn’t find anything. Maybe you’ll have better luck next time.
Donald walks out and closes the door behind him. Candice turns to Nikki and tells her–
CANDICE
All you got was a smoothie! Girl, you so devious!
Nikki hurries back into the bathroom to retrieve–
The wet dress.
NIKKI
Hey, I told the truth. Looks like the stain is almost out.
CANDICE
Yeah. We better head over to the Laundromat. Hold on- how are you gonna get it out of the house?
Nikki grabs a bag out of her closet.
NIKKI
Gonna say I’m taking a suit to the cleaners. Then I’ll steam it and sneak it back downstairs tonight.
CANDICE
Man, you always have all the angles covered.
NIKKI
Just using some of the tactical planning I use when I’m going to a sale.
Nikki hurries into the bathroom and a few minutes–
LATER
They rush with the dress in a bag downstairs to the–
LIVING ROOM
Where Rumsfeld is cleaning his golf clubs. He meets them at the door.
RUMSFELD
And where are you off to so abruptly Miss Desmond?
NIKKI
I’ve got to get a suit cleaned for school on Monday. I wanna get it there before the cleaners closes.
RUMSFELD
Very well Miss Desmond. Have a good evening.
NIKKI
Thanks. See you later Rumsfeld.
Nikki and Candice head out the door as–
Donald rushes out of the kitchen with a soda.
DONALD
So where’s Nicole off to?
RUMSFELD
She said she’s going to the dry cleaners sir.
DONALD
Guess I’ll go rent a tape then.
RUMSFELD
Perhaps you could see Mr. Schwarzenegger’s Total Recall. It’s on video now.
Donald smiles.
DONALD
Sounds like a plan. Let me get a jacket–
Donald hurries over to the foyer closet as–
DING DONG! The doorbell rings. Rumsfeld opens the door to greet–
Tommy Hilfinger and a crew of construction workers.
RUMSFELD
Good Evening Mr. Hilfinger. What can I do for you?
TOMMY
I came by to see about setting up the patio for tomorrow’s fashion show.
Donald smiles at Tommy.
DONALD
Rumsfeld will show everyone where to set up on the patio.
RUMSFELD
Right this way gentleman.
Rumsfeld leads the crew though the living room and into the kitchen. Tommy turns to Donald and inquires–
TOMMY
So are you excited about the fashion show tomorrow?
DONALD
Definitely. I took good care of your flagship dress. It’s in this closet. You want to take a look at it?
Tommy still sees an opportunity to make a sale before the show.
Tommy
Nah, I trust you.
Tommy walks out to meet the crew. Donald walks over to the foyer closet opens it and doesn’t find the dress as-
Rumsfeld walks out.
RUMSFELD
Sir, are you having trouble finding something?
Donald emerges from the closet in his jacket with a puzzled look.
DONALD
I can’t seem to find Tommy’s dress–
RUMSFELD
It has to be there sir. You put it there last night–
Donald closes the closet door with a grim look on his face.
RUMSFELD
Did you find it sir?
DONALD
(Slapping belt in his hand)
Nope, but I did find a belt.
RUmsfeld
I take it you believe Miss Desmond is in possession of Mr. Hilfinger’s original?
Donald
We’ll see if it turns up tonight.
RUMSFELD
So you’re not going to look in Miss Desmond’s room for the garment Sir?
DONALD
And miss my movie? Nah, First I’ma watch Arnold kick some butt. Then I’ma whup some behind.
Rumsfeld returns to supervising Tommy’s crew while Donald puts on his jacket and walks out to the video store.
Across town Nikki and Candice arrive at-
INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT
A grimy inner-city place for cleaning clothes. Filled with commercial washers, dryers, arcade games, and few customers. Nikki and Candice hurry in with the stained original. They rush over to a–
WASHING MACHINE
And contemplate how to clean the stain. Nikki unrolls the dress out of a towel–
NIKKI
Okay, the pre-treating got most of the stain out. Now to wash out the residual smoothie–
CANDICE
Nikki, are you sure this is a good idea?
Nikki
Candice, this is gonna work out. Trust me.
Candice examines the label in the dress.
CANDICE
The label says Dry Clean Only.
NIKKI
Hey, I’ve done this a dozen times with dry clean only dresses and they all came out fine. We run this through the gentle cycle then the dryer and it should be okay.
Nikki eyes a–
VENDING MACHINE
And ponders what soap to buy as–
NIKKI
Now…What kind of soap should we use on knit?
Candice notices–
A BIG GUY, 30s, walking from behind a series washing machines across the room dressed in only a button down shirt, tighty whiteys and spice tan boots.
CANDICE
Nikki, maybe we should go back to my house–
Nikki
And have everyone find out I ruined Mr. Hilfinger’s original? I don’t think so–
CANDICE
I just don’t feel safe here–
NIKKI
Look, I am not getting my behind torn up because you’re scared of being in the Valley–
CANDICE
That man over there has no pants on.
Candice can’t stop staring as–
He notices.
BIG GUY
What? What you looking at?
Candice tries to calm the hostile stranger by playing it off.
CANDICE
Nothing. Nothing at all.
BIG GUY
What? You ain’t never seen a brotha in his briefs befo’?
Nikki looks out for Candice.
Nikki
Not in public. But if that’s how you want to roll, then work it.
The Big Guy warns them–
BIG GUY
Don’t be looking at my booty.
The Big
Guy struts over to a series of chairs on the other side of the Laundromat and has a seat and casually reads his newspaper. Nikki and Candice get back to cleaning the dress.
NIKKI
I think I’m gonna use Woolite on this.
Nikki puts change into the vending machine and gets a sample bottle of Woolite. Candice is still doubtful as–
Nikki pours detergent on the stained spot and dumps the dress in the front-loader. It’s a tense wait as 45 minutes–
Later
She takes the dress out of the machine and–
sighs a sigh of relief when–
The stain is gone.
NIKKI
It’s out. Now all we have to do is toss this in the dryer and we’re home free.
CANDICE
Do it on high heat. I just want to get out of here–
Before Nikki puts the dress in the dryer, the big guy in his underwear puts down his paper, jumps out of his seat and chimes in-
BIG GUY
Nah, sista you should dry that on low heat.
NIKKI
Cleaning advice from the man with no pants. Thanks, but I think I’ll be fine–
BIG GUY
Look, I just had an accident with some Mexican food–
NIKKI
In the front or the back of your pants?
BIG GUY
The front of course.
Candice
Well that explains a lot. When you said you had an accident I got scared–
BIG GUY
Damn, what you think I did mess on myself?
CANDICE
Well, you did have Mexican food.
BIG GUY
Girl, get yo mind out the gutter. Seriously, the insides of a burrito fell in my lap, and I had on these Versace Jeans that cost me $350 straight. And you can’t be letting tomato sauce set in nothing cause it ain’t coming out after that. So a brotha did what he had to do.
NIKKI
I hear you. I’d probably be standing around in a Laundromat in my draws if I messed up a pair of Versace jeans–
CANDICE
No, you’d be standing here buck naked, Ms. I ain’t got no draws on under this dress–
NIKKI
Why are you busting me out in front of people–
CANDICE
You’re the one who wanted to feel like a supermodel–
NIKKI
And you’re making me look like a sucker right now–
The Big Guy comes between Candice and Nikki and breaks up the squabble. He takes the dress from them and tells them–
BIG GUY
Chill, chill sistas, ain’t no need to be fighting. Seriously though, you don’t want to dry no knits on no high heat. Have that joint you got there the size of a Barbie dress.
The big guy sets the dryer and puts the dress in–
BIG GUY
Yo, take that joint out in 45 minutes when it’s kinda damp, then go home and press it out. Have it looking brand new.
NIKKI
Thanks.
BZZT! The timer tells the big guy’s pants are ready and–
BIG GUY
There go m’ pants. Check ya’ll out later.
He heads over to the dryer and- pulls out a pair of Versace jeans, kicks off his shoes and steps into them, back into his boots and heads out.
Nikki
Pretty decent guy.
Candice rushes over to the dryer to turn it up.
NIKKI
What are you doing?
CANDICE
Turning it up. I just want to get out of here before more of L.A.’s more colorful characters show up–
Nikki turns it back to where the Big Guy left it.
NIKKI
Look, just leave it.
CANDICE
You’re gonna trust the advice of a crazy man?
NIKKI
Sometimes crazy makes sense.
Candice pouts and fold their arms as Nikki anxiously watches the dryer. A little–
LATER
INT. DESMOND MANOR – NIGHT
Donald is relaxing on the sofa. The sounds of construction workers can be heard working in the back as–
BAM! Nikki and Candice rush in. Donald turns off the TV and jumps off the sofa as–
DONALD
Hey girls.
NIKKI
Hey Dad. What’s going on back there?
DONALD
Tommy’s people are setting up for tomorrow’s auction. I’d like to know where his dress is.
Tommy comes into the living room and asks–
TOMMY
Yes, why would Nikki know where my dress is Donald?
Nikki realizes she’s got no way out of this without making her Dad look bad. She pulls the damp dress out of the bag and confesses–
NIKKI
Cause I kinda borrowed it.
Donald loses it. He snatches the dress from Nikki and barks–
DONALD
Why is Tommy’s dress wet?
As Nikki blurts out a confession–
NIKKI
I was trying it on and a smoothie got on it–
Candice bolts for the door.
CANDICE
I guess that’s my cue. I’ll see you in two weeks when you come off punishment–
DONALD
Might be a month.
After Candice leaves the room gets tense. A nervous Nikki looks over and sees the belt on the sofa–
NIKKI
Dad, I’m sorry–
DONALD
Sorry? Girl, you knew this dress wasn’t yours–
NIKKI
I just wanted to know what an original felt like–
Donald
Now you gonna know what a old fashioned behind whuppin’s gonna feel like. Go to your room.
NIKKI
I don’t like waiting. Can I have my beating now?
DONALD
Girl, I will whup no behind before its time. Now go on upstairs and wait for the punishment for your crime.
Nikki shuffles upstairs. Donald tries to smooth things over with Tommy.
DONALD
I’m really sorry Tommy. How much do I owe you for the dress?
Tommy takes the dress from Donald and examines it.
TOMMY
Nothing.
DONALD
But Nicole ruined one of your originals–
TOMMY
No, the dress is fine. Your daughter did a great job of cleaning this. A little steam to take care of the wrinkles and it’ll be ready for the show tomorrow night.
DONALD
So you’re not upset?
TOMMY
It’s okay Donald. You should be proud to have a daughter like Nicole.
DONALD
What do you mean?
TOMMY
Compared to some of the stunts my models and interns pull at my fashion shows, it’s refreshing to see someone actually take responsibility for something they did.
DONALD
Still, I don’t like the fact that she snuck around–
TOMMY
She didn’t want to make you look bad. Sure she was being mischievous, but I wouldn’t be too hard on her.
DONALD
You have a point.
Donald heads up to–
NIKKI’s BEDROOM
Where Nikki clad in shorts and a T-shirt cringes when her father enters the room.
DONALD
Nikki what happened to your clothes?
NIKKI
I don’t dress for beatings.
Nikki turns around and asks her father to–
NIKKI
Just keep the choppin’ above the waist. I wanna wear a short skirt to school on Monday.
Nikki tenses in anticipation of the belt going across her behind as her father tells her–
DONALD
Have a seat Nicole.
NIKKI
You’re not gonna beat me?
DONALD
No, I’m not gon
na beat you. I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you, but I’m not gonna beat you.
Nikki sits on the bed. Her father takes the chair from her desk and sits down. He stares at her tensely and asks–
DONALD
So why’d you take it?
NIKKI
I just wanted to know what an original felt like. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try it on–
DONALD
But you knew it wasn’t yours.
NIKKI
I mean, the stuff at the store isn’t mine either. But I try it on–
DONALD
But you get permission from the staff at the store before you put it on so they’d know you weren’t stealing–
Nikki realizes what she did was wrong.
NIKKI
I didn’t know I was stealing–
DONALD
If you don’t get permission to take something from someone, it’s stealing.
NIKKI
I didn’t meant to get you in any trouble with Mr. Hilfinger–
DONALD
Did you ever think about what could happen to me if you couldn’t get that stain out?
It hits Nikki in the head.
NIKKI
You’d be on the hook for a Tommy original and you’d lose a client–
DONALD
And you would be wearing that dress stains and all for the rest of the year instead of being grounded for two weeks.
NIKKI
Seems like I’m getting off easy.
DONALD
Not really. You still have to apologize to Tommy.
Nikki follows her Dad back downstairs to the–
LIVING ROOM
Where Rumsfeld is talking to Tommy.
Tommy
Is everything okay?
DONALD
Yeah. Nicole has something she’d like to say to you.
NIKKI
I’m really sorry about taking the dress Mr. Hilfinger. I hope what I did doesn’t cause any problems between you and my Dad.
TOMMY
It’s okay. Donald and I go way back.
NIKKI
Wish I could go back and ask to try on this dress. It was a perfect fit–
Tommy
Well, I was going to let you have the dress after the show. It was going to be my way of saying thanks to Donald for hosting the auction here.
Nikki feels like a heel.
NIKKI
Man I blew it. I could have had a Tommy original–
TOMMY
Oh you’re still going to get the dress. You’re just going to have to wait until your father takes you off punishment to get it.
Nikki lights up.
NIKKI
Oh, thank you so much Mr. Hilfinger!
Upon winning the bet, Rumsfeld lets Donald know–
RUMSFELD
I’ll be taking my week off starting this Sunday sir.
Tommy
Looks like you’re going to be short of servers for the auction tomorrow night.
Donald looks at Nikki and smiles at Tomm–
DONALD
Not really…
Nikki catches her Father’s smile and grimaces–
AT THE FASHION SHOW
Clad in a gray maid’s uniform carrying a tray of beverages past Rumsfeld, Tommy, Candice, and Donald who take drinks–
DONALD
Thank you Nicole.
NIKKI
This is not how I wanted to spend the fashion show!
DONALD
It’s better than spending it up in your room. Maybe you’ll ask before your take something next time.
Rumsfeld
Speaking of dresses, you look quite smashing in that maid’s uniform.
Tommy gets in on the fun.
Tommy
Yes, I heard that you’re going to be wearing it all next week as part of your punishment.
CANDICE
Looks like the perfect fashion statement for a punishment.
Nikki storms off with her tray growling–
NIKKI
THIS...STINKS!
FADE OUT:
THE END
ALL ABOUT NIKKI
EPISODE 1.10
“ALL ABOUT BLACK”