22/10/2013 River City

It's OK. I can see why you're fed up there.

You're the smart one, so you say.

I've yet to see evidence of it, myself.

Why are you not out there getting yourself a career?

You went in...to check to see if everything was OK,

and ended up hitting a 78-year-old man over the head.

I didn't hit anybody.

So how come his wife found him unconscious, you standing over him?

He fell! I was helping him.

You brought that thief Greg into our home and he took every last penny,

then some wee ned wanders in off the street and takes whatever's left.

Stella, I do want to change.

Then gonnae show me?

I don't want to hear it, I want to SEE it.

Otherwise we're done.

Zinnie Hassoun. Pippa Valentine.

OK, dinner, soon.

We thought you were dead.

No, I was just in Shieldinch.

MUSIC: "Pull Up To The Bumper" by Grace Jones

# Pull up to the bumper, baby

# In your long black limousine

# Pull up the bumper, baby

# Drive it in-between

# Pull up

# To it

# Don't drive

# Through it... #

Someone's made an effort.

Who are you trying to impress?

Wouldn't you like to know?

Well, it's nobody in here, that's for sure.

Do you know who she's meeting? No idea.

Some man of mystery, eh?

Eh, who said anything about a man?

Ooft. Looks like somebody got dropped off at the wrong pub.

You look great.

And you look...expensive.

THEY LAUGH

That dress is designer, judging by the cut. I'm impressed.

And he's not easily impressed, believe me.

I'm Robbie, local fashionista and upholder of good taste.

Or at least I try to be, but it's not easy with this lot.

Nice to meet you, Robbie.

So, is this who you're meeting, then?

Right, this is Stevie. He runs the place.

Lovely to meet you. It certainly has character, Stevie.

You better believe it.

So, are you ladies here for the evening?

Sadly, no. I'm whisking Zinnie away to some boring old West End restaurant.

If only we'd known this place was here.

Next time, then, eh?

Well, I need another drink. Lassies...?

What do you want to do? Have one here or just head straight off?

I'll get my coat. Aye, we might have known.

Don't let the decor put you off, it's a really friendly place.

I can see that.

Right, let's go. OK, thanks. ..Bye.

Cheerio.

As soon as I challenged him, he admitted it was

all about fancying me and not any suitability for the job.

But you took it anyway?

No, been there and got the T-shirt.

It's all offers of a drink after work,

whining on about how his wife doesn't understand him,

and the next thing you know,

he's trying to get you up against the filing cabinets.

But it was a great job.

Where I am now is great.

And I'm my own boss and not beholden to anyone.

Are you making good money?

Ever since I left uni, I've made good money.

Not many people can say that, not in this climate.

So, how is life in Shieldinch?

Well, you saw for yourself. Dull.

But you've got plans.

Oh, yeah, I'm going to get back to uni,

get my degree and start earning some proper money, like you.

My earning power's got nothing to do with my degree.

In fact, if I'd knew then what I know now,

I never would have gone to university.

I'd have gone straight into work. You don't mean that.

Don't get me wrong, I had four great years,

learnt a lot about myself and the law,

but you come out the other end with no guarantees and in massive debt.

Then it's all down to you and how you deal with it.

You started a business.

Best thing I ever did.

You still haven't told me what it actually is...

Oh, er, no, we didn't order that.

I did.

Thanks.

I wanted to make a toast.

Champagne on a school night.

Oh, live a little, Zinnie.

And anyway, we've got something to celebrate.

To old friendships and brighter futures.

I'll drink to that.

What's this? My business card.

"Opulence Agency"?

What do you sell? Luxury items?

You could say that.

I tell people I sell dreams.

I'm serious.

What kind of dreams?

Male ones, mostly.

Take the guy who was desperate to hire me just because he fancied me.

The one whose wife didn't understand him?

Well, what if I could have given him exactly what he wanted

in a safe environment, where no-one felt hurt, no-one got used -

an environment where everyone got what they wanted?

What could you possibly have wanted from HIM?

At that time, the chance to earn some money.

Are you saying what I think you're saying?

Is this a brothel? No!

It's an escort agency. Isn't that the same thing?

It's a million miles away from being a brothel.

But, your degree was...

Made no difference to me getting a job.

And I'd already worked for the agencies when I was a student.

I worked for one for eight months to pay off some debts.

That sounds pretty sordid.

I can assure you it was never sordid.

It was interesting and fun and it paid for my first flat

when I was doing my law apprenticeship.

In fact, though I didn't know it at the time,

working for that agency WAS my real apprenticeship.

Best thing for shock's a good stiff drink.

We have some champagne.

THEY LAUGH

So what did you actually have to do as an escort?

Be smart, beautiful, careful.

Did you ever have to, like... you know...?

I'm not ashamed.

The men were there to be taken and I took them, pure and simple.

I used what I had to get what I needed.

Men do it all the time, why shouldn't we?

Oh, thanks.

Tell you what, you wouldn't have to pay me to go with him!

You're drunk!

We're going Dutch, right? Yeah.

Thanks.

MACHINE BEEPS

Oh, wait. I'll just try it again.

Don't worry. You get the next one.

I've got this.

How many keys does one person need?!

They're for the Mini Market and for here.

So, you're a key holder?

A trusted and valued employee of the mighty Mini Market?

I don't feel so valued at the moment, actually.

Will pinot grigio suit?

At this stage in the evening, anything alcoholic suits.

Oh, my...

What?

I get it now.

Get what?

Why you dropped out of uni.

Why you're stuck here in a dead-end job.

You had a baby!

You should have said something,

I wouldn't have thought any less of you.

In fact, I would have understood your situation more.

Well, it's not my baby.

Come on, Zinnie.

What is going on?

We just thought we'd come back, have a drink.

You look like you've had quite enough already.

Have you seen the time? OK, sorry.

I'm sorry, we didn't realise how late it was.

My name's Pippa.

I'm Leyla, Zinnie's cousin.

It's just that Grace is going to be up again in an hour.

Is that your baby's name? Grace?

Leyla, will you just tell Pippa that it's not my baby?

It's not Zinnie's baby.

What time are you in work tomorrow?

First thing. Then, maybe you should think about getting some sleep.

SHE LAUGHS

Look, maybe I'll just leave the drink.

No, you don't have to go yet.

I'm working really early tomorrow anyway, so...

Why do you have to make her feel so unwelcome?

I've been asleep for less than two hours, think I hear someone

breaking in, come down and find two drunken girls in my kitchen.

I'm sorry if I'm not breaking out the vol-au-vents

and making small talk.

THEY LAUGH

Listen, next time you fancy a bit of glamour, just give me a call.

How about tomorrow evening?

I'll pick up a taxi outside.

Really nice to meet you.

Mm, nice.

Why did you have to go

and throw a damp blanket over what had been a really good evening?

And why can't you tidy up in here?

BIRDS CHIRP OUTSIDE

MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

Hey.

Hey. How was your night?

Well, it was great. Until we came back here.

Does your friend...?

Pippa.

Does Pippa live in Shieldinch?

No. She lives in central Glasgow.

I'm sorry if I appeared rude.

You WERE rude.

It's just things are pretty tough here at the moment.

I'm doing my best to keep everyone happy.

You're doing great.

Actually, I have been thinking about going back to uni...

BABY FUSSES It's OK. I'll go, sweetheart.

Zinnie, could you make up a bottle? I've got to get to work.

It'll only take a minute. It'll take at least five.

I can do it. Are you sure? Yeah.

OK.

So, anyway, like I was saying,

I'm thinking about going back to uni and finishing my course...

That's great. I'll fetch her down, you heat up the milk.

Did you bring the milk in on your own?

Och, it wisnae that heavy.

I'll get my apron on.

Stella?

This is stupid.

We cannae go on tiptoeing around each other all day.

Well, I really don't know what to say to you. I do.

There's nothing for you to feel bad about.

I cannae blame you for what your brother did.

Right.

Friends again?

Friends.

Actually, I nearly did my back in carrying that lot.

So, I'm glad you're here to help.

What time do you call this? I'm only five minutes late. Er, try 12.

I'm meant to be at the suppliers' and these shelves are needing restocked.

The sky's not going to cave in because the cheesy snacks aren't out on display, Bob.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means, get some perspective.

Look, can you finish this for me, please? Highlight of my day.

Do you want this job or not?

Of course.

It was always my dream to serve the people of Shieldinch with

stuff they could generally do without.

What's going on?

Look, I do everything I can to make things

easier for you around here and all I get is attitude.

Does "doing everything" include employing Scarlett part-time?

I didn't have a choice in that.

That was Head Office insisted I get somebody in. I tried to fight it.

You're the boss around here, aren't you? If you'd fought it,

I very much doubt that Head Office would have pressed it home.

Fact is, Scarlett needed a job, and she's family, so you found her one.

That's not fair.

No. What's not fair is you cutting my hours and putting me down

as part-time so you can save money on my benefits.

And you wonder why I've got attitude?

Hey, Murray.

Hey.

What's this?

I never thanked you properly for being there for me,

so I bought you a wee gift.

Don't you like it?

Of course I do.

I don't feel like I was much help.

No, you made me see things clearly.

So this flask is just a wee token of my gratitude.

I hope it'll be useful.

Right, Stella, I'll only be about ten minutes.

Take as much time as you want.

That's nice.

What?

Gina's here to see you.

Show her in.

Right you are, O Lord and Master!

In you go, hen.

What can I do for you?

I think I've come up with a way to get the cafe sold

to the benefit of both of us. Oh, aye?

Buyers are reluctant to take on a shareholder they don't know.

Then they do a bit of research into you,

and they're even more reluctant. Come on, I'm a pussycat.

So, I want to make you an offer.

You hand over control of your shares, until the cafe is sold,

and then I'll pay you the money back for them.

Have I got "mug" tattooed on my forehead?

We can sign papers, if you don't trust me.

I don't trust anybody.

I really need this.

I can't move forward until it's done.

Firstly, I don't do business on sob stories,

and secondly, I don't deal in promises.

So 30,000 in my hand, and the place is all yours.

I cannae say fairer than that.

And a latte when you've got a minute, Stella.

Oh, aye, it's all right for some, isn't it?

Swanning off when you're needed behind the counter.

Stella's being run off her feet here. I can manage fine.

Yeah, that's the whole point, isn't it?

It's up to management to manage, not to the staff.

She's just winding you up. Yeah, so what's new?

You OK?

I went to see Lenny Murdoch, to ask him if he'd hand over his shares

until after the sale's completed.

And what did he say?

What do you THINK he said?

You have to find some way of getting that money back to Dad.

Well, you know I would suggest selling my body,

but I don't know if I'd have that many takers.

How do you know if you don't try?

There you go. Two pieces and cheese, two tuna and a slice of fruit cake.

You off somewhere, Murray?

Up to Loch Ard for a bit of fishing.

Staying overnight and then back tomorrow.

This is going to come in very handy when I'm out on the loch,

waiting for a bite. Thanks, Gina.

You're welcome. I hope things work out for you soon.

So, what's with the hipflask?

I just wanted to say thank you, for him being there for me.

You know, the last time I tried to sell this place?

He is a decent guy.

If you keep him away from bricks and plate-glass windows.

But I suppose when you compare him to Greg and the other rats

you've been involved with, a smashed window pales into insignificance.

What were you in for again? I think Stella's forgotten your order.

A latte, and I'm going to have a pastry.

And Murray's got money.

If you were still with him,

you wouldn't have any of your present troubles.

Hang on a minute.

What? The hipflask.

You're not softening him up, are you?

What?

Buying him a wee present and then moving in for the kill.

I'm not after his money.

Why not? I think it's a great idea.

I mean, Greg took advantage of you and went off with your money.

You could do the same for Murray.

That's not why I gave him the gift.

And unlike Greg, I happen to have a wee bit of self respect.

But at the end of the day, it's not you that's suffering, though, is it?

It's Dad.

Look, I asked Murray for financial help before and he said no.

I'm not going back there.

Chances are, he's still feeling guilty about that.

I am not asking Murray for money.

Not in a million years, OK? So just you forget it.

Pippa?

Hey. Oh, hey.

I don't know about you, but I'm only now starting to feel human.

You don't have any paracetamol, do you? Yep.

You know, I was actually just going to call you.

To see if I got home OK?

Yeah, about that.

I'm sorry. Leyla had had a bad night with the baby and took it out on us.

It's OK. I can see why you're fed up there.

I mean, you're a grown woman and she treats you like a teenager.

"Maybe you should think about getting some sleep..."

So how much? After last night, the least I can do is get you these.

It happens to the best of us. Not to you, I bet.

Not for a while, actually.

You know, I was thinking about your agency...

Oh, really? I mean, I don't know how it works, but...

Well, if you've got any questions, why don't you come by the office?

We could meet up for a late lunch, have a chat?

I can't get out of work.

Zinnie?! Bob's back!

Well, you're a resourceful girl, Zinnie, I'm sure you'll find a way.

Let's say 1:30?

The address is on the card I gave you.

Did you not see the boxes? I was serving a customer.

This is a chance to change your life, Zinnie. Call me.

What's SHE selling? Insurance? More "reassurance".

Right, those boxes must have been sitting there since they were delivered.

Come on, give me a hand getting them in.

You know...I don't feel so good, actually.

I think something in my sandwich might have been off.

Do you think I was born yesterday?

Uh, oh, no, I feel really sick.

Come on, you've been fine all morning,

and then, as soon as there's work to be done, you're sick?

Do you want me to throw up all over the pick and mix?

What would Health and Safety say?

Anyway, you can get Scarlett to cover.

I'm sure she'll be happy with the hours.

Thank you for being so understanding.

HE SIGHS

Aren't you supposed to be at work?

I've got a job interview.

BABY CRIES

She can't still be hungry, can she?

I just fed her, like, ten minutes ago.

She probably just needs a cuddle.

I think I just stress her out.

Unfortunately, they don't come with an instruction manual. Come on.

Is no-one going to wish me luck?

Good luck. Maybe we could try and close the curtains this time,

see if that helps.

No. I gave you the address earlier, Andrea.

It's the Lochaber Hotel on Galveston Street.

Get there.

All go? Always IS in here.

It's not what I expected.

You were expecting a dingy dump

with pictures of semi-naked girls all over the wall?

Something like that. Take a seat.

So, what did you want to know?

Just everything. How it works?

It's simple, really. A girl agrees to sign up with us,

I put her on the books along with a photograph and a brief CV.

Clients check her out.

Then, if she's lucky, someone agrees to go on a date with her.

And the date consists of?

Dinner. Chat.

A bit of flirting

and hopefully an enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Let me ask you a question.

What's the biggest thing missing in your life right now?

Independence, a career?

And how could working for me help you with that?

I guess if I had more money, I'd have more choice.

And you couldn't earn enough working in the shop?

You're joking. Especially now Bob's reduced my hours.

So, in order to move forward, you need money.

I can give you that.

At the end of the day, you are running an escort agency.

I run a service, and not one of my employees works for me

out of hardship, ignorance or desperation.

I'm very careful about who I employ.

They know how it works and they know the boundaries.

Does that go for your clients as well?

I don't stand for any form of coercion or mistreatment.

Everyone knows the rules, everyone sticks to them.

And my girls hold the power, always.

Do you think...I could do it?

Well, that's not up to me. That's up to you.

It doesn't sound that hard.

It's really not. It's the easiest money you'll ever make.

The best advice I can give you is to go into it with your eyes wide open.

What...kind of money are we talking?

The starting rate's 300 an hour

but you can earn up to 500 and beyond.

Well, what do you have to do for ?500 an hour?

Well, like I said, my girls always hold the power.

No-one's forced to do anything they don't want to do.

But equally, if the girl's enjoyed her night,

then she's free to do whatever she wants and earn what she can.

I'm not interested in anything other than dinner and conversation.

But you are interested?

Bring it on.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Hello? 'It's me.'

I've got a date for you this evening, if you're interested.

That was quick.

'And he seems very keen to meet with you.'

His name's Richard. He's a businessman.

'So, what do you think?'

Will he know it's my first date?

I'll make sure he does.

And that it's just dinner, nothing more.

'I'll make sure that's clear also.'

So?

Um...

It'll be 300 extra pounds in your pocket by the end of this evening.

OK.

Great.

How about we keep it simple and have you meet at the same restaurant,

say 7:30 in the bar?

7:30, fine.

Fantastic. I'll e-mail over the details.

Back again?

I'm leaving the trip till next week.

What about your sandwiches?

I had them for lunch.

You just can't stay away from here, can you, Murray?

Make me a nice coffee, Gina? I'm gasping.

Well, it can't just be the quality of the coffee

that keeps you coming back.

That and the homely ambiance.

Well, make the most of it,

because who knows what changes the next owner will make?

That's if Gina ever sells the place.

Will you stop pestering the customers, please?

We're conversing. Right, Murray? Right.

Must get lots of time to think about things when you're fishing.

Yeah, you do.

So, when you're sipping from your hipflask...

..spare a wee thought for Gina.

Latte to go.

Thank you.

Hope she didn't bend your ear too much.

Would you let me buy you dinner tonight?

As a thank-you for the flask.

Murray, I wasn't looking to start a back-and-forth thing.

If not dinner, how about a drink?

One drink.

For old times' sake.

Och, I don't know.

Just two old friends having a drink. Where's the harm in that?

I'll even drink mine out the flask.

SHE CHUCKLES

I'm anticipating you're going to have some cash-flow problems

when the new consignment comes through.

You don't trust us to handle it?

You, yes. You and Kennedy?

Billy'll dae what he's telt.

He doesn't strike me as being a man who likes to take orders.

Believe me, if he thinks he's going to be making big money,

he'll do whatever we say.

Can I take that as an assurance?

You can take that whatever way you want.

Look, as things stand,

you've got nowhere to hide this money, short-term.

So, I'm going to put you in touch

with someone who can help you out in that regard.

This is a list of small businesses up for sale in the immediate area.

And what, you're proposing we buy one of these?

I'm proposing you buy two or three.

The name at the top is that of a financial advisor

who'll be able to give you advice and support.

What's this?

Holding meetings behind my back?

I've given Lenny a list of possible new businesses to buy up

in the area. Places that can be used to hide large amounts of cash.

That's a bit above and beyond the call of duty for a lawyer, is it not?

Working for the Spaniards requires a certain amount of...flexibility.

It's great that you're so hands-on, Paul,

but the bottom line is

that you've only really got the Spaniards' interests at heart.

Am I right or am I wrong?

Well, in this situation, happily,

the interests of my employers and yours coincide.

If you get caught with your trousers down again, so do they.

And I'm not about to let that happen.

Any problems, you know where I am.

If we're going to be buying up businesses,

we're going to have to come up with ready cash. And quick.

What, you agree with him? There's no reason no' to, is there?

Look, why don't you get out there, eh? See what you can turn up.

Right, I'll see who I can put pressure on then, will I?

PIANO PLAYS, PEOPLE CHAT

I'm just waiting for someone.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Is that Zinnie?

Yeah, who's this? Look behind you.

I'm Richard.

And do you always ring to check out your dates first?

You were calling to see who answered their phone,

and if she wasn't up to your expectations, you'd have walked out.

Am I right?

In that case, the fact that I didn't walk out can only be a good thing.

What if you're not up to MY expectations?

Well, I apologise.

But at least let's have a drink and see if I can grow on you.

They do the best cocktails here.

Why don't you choose me one?

There can only be one.

A Whisky Sour for me, please and a Sophisticated Lady.

So, who's the lucky lady, then?

What do you mean?

Not very often you're in here dressed up to the nines,

buying G You must be meeting somebody.

And a pint, please.

Avoiding the question. Must be somebody special.

Just serve the drinks, Stevie.

It's always the quiet ones.

I don't know about that, Zinnie. I can certainly see you as a doctor.

In a white coat and glasses, my hair up.

I take off my glasses and shake out my hair, right?

You're taking it somewhere else - not me!

I like a girl who has ambition, who's not standing still.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

I like a guy who likes a girl who has ambition. Excuse me.

I'm really sorry, I have to take this. Work?

I'll be five minutes.

What the hell do YOU want?

That's not very friendly after all this time.

I thought you were in Spain.

'Got too hot.

'In more ways than one.'

So, now you're back here to make our lives a misery again.

Talked to your dad, have you?

'Should I have done?'

I'm sure he'll be in touch any time soon.

I'm calling in an old debt. 'How old?'

'I lent him eight grand ten years ago. Time he coughed up.' Richard?

I'm not discussing this over the phone. Meet me tomorrow.

Busy tonight, are you?

I'm not dropping everything to deal with you

and your sordid machinations.

You always did like to turn a phrase, didn't you?

And you always did like to stir up trouble, Uncle Billy.

I tell you what.

You come up with a time and a place and I'll be there.

You want another one? Yeah.

Yeah, I will, Stevie, thanks.

You look lovely, Gina.

I thought I was being stood up.

I wouldn't do that.

Gin and tonic, not too much tonic.

You remembered!

Richard?

Richard, I'm here.

Thought you'd left. I just went to the bathroom.

Sorry about the call. It was a family matter.

Nothing serious, I hope.

Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow.

You know what? I'm ready to get out of here.

What do you say we move on?

I'm...not sure I should be doing that on a first meeting.

I'd like to take you to another bar, that's all.

Make the most of your company while I've got it.

Oh, right... I promise, I don't bite.

Not unless asked. Let's have one drink at the other bar, at least.

Then I'll make sure you get home. OK.

I was surprised you said yes.

Och, Murray, I need my friends right now.

So, maybe the time we spent together doesn't look

quite as grim as it did before?

It was never grim.

For me neither.

And for the record, I never liked Greg.

He never struck me as somebody you could trust.

Tell me about it.

And while we're dissecting recent relationships,

I...

I was seeing Miriam on and off.

Oh?

It's over now. Was a very casual thing anyway.

OK.

SHE SCOFFS

What's so funny?

It was no big secret, you and Miriam.

Everybody knew.

Eileen said you're still having trouble selling the Oyster.

I've never felt so bad about anything in my whole life.

I've just got to get my dad's money back to him.

She had no right talking to you about it.

She's worried about you.

She's worried about my dad and Liz.

The answer to both problems seems to be to buy Murdoch out.

Yeah, like I could afford to.

You know I'd do anything to help you.

Murray, you're a good friend.

You always have been.

But, no...

..there's nothing anybody can do. Yes, there is.

I'll lend you the money.

No.

No, no.

I couldn't ask... You don't have to. I'm offering.

Another drink?

When you said you'd get me "home", I did think you meant mine, not yours.

What did you say you did for a living?

I'm in property. Buying and selling. Bars and restaurants mainly.

I spend most of my time at my house in Edinburgh,

but this place is handy for when I've got business in Glasgow.

And you have to get your dates through an agency?

The only people I meet are other developers, site managers

and estate agents. There's not a lot of scope for romance.

Is that what you're looking for - romance?

I'd like to think I'm a bit of a romantic, aye.

So, this nightcap.

What do you fancy? What have you got?

Most things.

I also use the flat for meetings and negotiations.

And what am I?

A meeting or a negotiation?

You are a very special and welcome guest.

I just need to powder my nose.

Through there, second door to the right.

So, er...

A wee rum and Coke would be nice.

TOILET FLUSHES

Thanks.

Would you think less of me if I asked you to order that taxi?

Nothing could make me think less of you.

What if I asked you to order it for the morning?

No Murray?

No.

He walked me home, though.

Ever the gent.

So, did you ask him for the money?

He...offered it. Right out of the blue.

Well, it wasn't quite right out of the blue, was it?

It was for me.

Good girl. You softened him up and went in for the kill.

That's not what happened.

Well, you can paint it any way you like. As for me, I'm proud of you.

SHE SIGHS

Hello, Richard.

You all right?

Aye, very nice.

Looks like there's plenty of money in legitimate business after all.

You should try it sometime.

Old dogs, new tricks.

Anyway, what do you want to do - do you want a coffee or something?

This isn't a social call, Uncle Billy. Dad's not happy.

You surprise me.

Are you seriously calling in a debt from ten years ago?

Look, you probably don't feel it up there in your ivory tower,

but times are hard.

I have to look past family connections.

Have you spoken to Mum?

No. I didn't think so.

I don't need my wee sister's permission.

You said Dad borrowed eight grand from you. Yep.

If I give you the money, you have to promise never to contact him again.

That is the deal.

Alex, son...

..it was 8,000...

..but interest has accrued since then.

Ten years' worth.

Tell you what,

75 grand and I'll walk away a happy man.

Cannae say fairer than that.

You're late again.

Better late than never. I thought you were still ill,

so I had to phone Scarlett to come in again.

I would have called if I wasn't coming.

You're going to have to sort it out when she gets here.

Where's your tabard? It's in my bag.

Bob said you were sick.

What? No. I'm fine.

Actually, I'm more than fine.

Who are you calling?

Eh, helpline.

For consolidating your debts?

No, this one's called

"I Know We've Only Just Met, But Can You Change My Life Now, Please?"

Never heard of it.

PHONE RINGS

He came to find me.

Hey, Richard?

Hey! No, Richard, I'm here!

That's the first time I've seen you run for anything.

Did you speak to him? What, the guy in the motor?

No, the man in the moon. Yes, the guy in the car!

Briefly. What did he say?

He was asking about the pub and said he'd be back later on.

How, who is he?

So am I needed in the shop or no'?

Yep, full-time, if we both play our cards right.

You don't need the money?

MUSIC: "Push The Sky Away" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

# I was right, I was right

# The sun, the sun

# The sun was rising from the field... #

BABY CRIES ON MONITOR

Nic?

Shall I get her?

No, I should.

You've just made a cup of tea.

This is it, isn't it?

I mean, I'm going to be her mum for the rest of my life.

Well, they do leave home eventually.

I'm 17 and I haven't left home yet.

I'm saying nothing.

Look, you stay put, finish your cup of tea. I'll get her ready.

Thanks, Leyla.

For everything.

What are stepmums for?

# And if they think that you should do it the same

# You've got to just keep on pushing

# Keep on pushing

# Push the sky away. #

Oh, aye, somebody's been on a spending spree.

How much is Big Bob paying you?

I just had a wee windfall, thought I'd treat myself.

Lucky you. Actually, I could do with some treatments from you.

Like skin, hair, nails, the works.

OK. When?

Today. Like, now-ish.

We're pretty booked up.

Robbie, please. I need to look my best for this evening.

Are you meeting your glamorous pal again?

I just need to look fabulous.

Well, you're going to have to do it without my help, I'm afraid.

But "fabulous" is what you do best, isn't it? Right, thanks.

I just hope he's worth it.

Oh, he is.

DOOR CLOSES

Zinnie...

Are you not supposed to be at work?

I took the day off.

To go shopping? I needed some new clothes.

Are you not meant to be strapped for cash at the moment?

I got a store card.

You still owe rent for last month, you do know that?

Right, OK, I'll get it to you.

But only after you've splashed out on yourself?

Just don't start, Leyla.

I don't think you realise what a fortunate position you're in.

You've got a roof over your head, food on the table

and no-one hassling you for money.

A fortunate position?

Living with a screaming baby, a nagging landlady

and working in a dead-end job.

Oh, yeah, my life just couldn't get any better.

Well, if it's not suiting you, Zinnie, you know what you can do.

I'm working on it, believe me.

See you later.

You're going out AGAIN?

No, just thought I'd get glammed up to put the bins out.

It is called enjoying yourself. You should try it sometime.

Chance'd be a fine thing.

Don't wait up.

How are you doing, Billy? What can I get you?

An atmosphere would be nice. The place is like a morgue.

I'll have a wee goldie and the good lady'll have a gin and tonic.

Stevie, I'm expecting a visitor and I'll be taking him upstairs,

and I'll not be wanting to be interrupted, understand?

Understood.

If Lenny turns up, just keep him down here.

How am I gonnae do that?

Use your imagination. Right.

You didn't say you were meeting Alex.

Alex?

Can we get this over with as quickly as possible?

How are you, Mandy? Bearing up.

How was Spain? Lovely, actually.

Right c'mon. You stay here, pet. This'll no' take long.

Through there.

You glammed up again?

Am I missing something?

I'll have a wee rum and Coke when you're ready.

Now...

Is this where you're living nowadays?

It belongs to a pal.

You've got pals? Things really are looking up for you.

Anyway, you're planning on doing some business

over this side of town?

I go wherever I think I can make money.

We're not all that different, then, are we?

If you're eyeing up premises on this patch,

you're gonnae need local knowledge.

I can do my own research.

No research can beat street-level nous, you know that.

I know you can shove your nous where the sun don't shine.

HE CHUCKLES

Alex, son,

see, you think that being family gives you the right

to give me cheek, don't you?

I promise not to give you cheek, if you promise not to insult

my intelligence by making veiled threats to my business, Uncle Billy.

Can I get you a drink?

I thought you'd never ask.

Are you going upstairs? It's been a long day.

Want a half?

Aye, why not?

No Billy?

He's upstairs with his nephew. They're having a private meeting.

Was it something I said?

The usual, please, Stevie.

I'll take it through there.

What's that? It's the money Dad owes you.

There's never 75 grand in there.

There's 8,000.

That's not what we agreed.

Eight grand's on the table, take it or leave it.

75 grand or nothing.

Nothing's fine by me, Billy.

What's going on here?

You're not the only one who can have private meetings.

Lenny Murdoch.

Birds of a feather, eh?

Working with Uncle Billy must represent

a pretty low point in a fairly low career.

Do I know you?

He's my nephew - you met him when he was about three years old.

You want any more, you have to go through my lawyers for it.

And they eat people like you for breakfast.

And stay away from my family.

BILLY SIGHS

Waste not, want not.

Alex.

Richard. Hey.

Hey, it's me. Zinnie.

What are you doing?

Um, I heard you were coming here tonight,

so I just thought I'd come and meet you.

Why?

Well, be...

Because I thought we...had something...special.

We did.

We had a special night that had a beginning, a middle and an end.

That's not how it felt.

I thought you understood.

I'm sorry if you thought there was more to it.

Isn't there?

I hired you for the evening, Zinnie.

I hired you because I'm separated from my wife and I don't want

to complicate my life with other relationships at the moment.

You're married? And I've family in there,

so I can't be seen with you. Do you understand?

I'm sorry.

What else did he say? That he was married.

Oh, God. I feel terrible.

Let's have a reality check here.

He didn't pick you up in a bar, he booked you through my agency.

He wanted a hassle-free encounter with a beautiful young woman

and that's exactly what he got.

But he was so nice.

What did I tell you about going into this with your eyes wide open?

I thought I had. You need to grow up, Zinnie.

If this is what growing up is about, then you can keep it.

Maybe this'll make you feel better.

What is it? Your earnings.

How much is in there?

1,000.

Seems like you two had a good night.

I know I could make you a lot of money.

A lot of money.

You can...

You can take me off your books.

This isn't for me.

I think you're making a big mistake.

No, I MADE a big mistake.

Well, if it was, it was a pretty lucrative one.

Don't spend it all at once.

How was your evening?

Educational.

I didn't get a chance to tell you how lovely you looked earlier.

What's this? It's rent.

This month and last, plus next month's up front.

Zinnie, are you sure you can afford this?

Yeah, I don't need all those clothes.

I'm going to take them back tomorrow.

Thank you very much. This will make a real difference.

Look, I'm so sorry I haven't been there for you lately.

Things have been pretty hectic around here.

I know.

Look, how about I make you your favourite? Toasted cheese?

You need to remember this is your home too.

Yeah...

..this is home.

The man is lending me ?30,000.

Do you not think I should show him a bit of gratitude?

Of course.

But we both know how far Murray's hoping that gratitude will go.

The Oyster? I'm telling you, Lenny, that place is your dream.

You'd be a fool to let it slip through your fingers.

Pippa, it's Alex. Yep, you've got a problem with one of your girls.

Stop calling Richard. I won't have you scaring away my clients.

I've got the money.

I've changed my mind, the deal's off.

Dad, there's something I want you to have.

When Murdoch wouldn't sell, I didn't know what to do.

So you just thought you'd start giving my money away

with no hope of paying it back?

You lied to me, Gina.

In my book, that makes you as bad as Greg.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd