Thirtysomething1987

Melissa Steadman:
I told her I didn't want the store. She had a heart attack.

Elaine Steadman:
Honey, the last three months have been one long heart attack.

[Melissa falls back on her bed to stare at the ceiling]

Elaine Steadman:
Melissa? Melissa, what happened tonight has nothing to do with you.

Melissa Steadman:
But I still feel like it's my fault.

Elaine Steadman:
Because you stood up for yourself?

Melissa Steadman:
[sitting back up] I always knew one day we'd have to deal with the store. I used to think if all else failed that, you know, I could fall back on that. But all else has failed lots of times and... it's just that the store isn't my life.

Elaine Steadman:
Melissa, it's just not worth anything anymore. It's like a... it's like an old delicatessen where you go to have the waiters insult you. Daddy's been trying to get her to sell it for years.

Melissa Steadman:
So why did she pick me? Why didn't she give it to you?

Elaine Steadman:
I never gave her the chance. I never wanted it. I had Daddy. I had you. I never actually said 'no' to her. I still can't. Melissa, sometimes I'm just amazed at your courage.

Elaine Steadman:
[Elaine pulls out a pack of cigarettes. She looks at her daughter's expression] Don't tell Nana. She thinks I've stopped.

Melissa Steadman:
[going over] Can I have one?

Elaine Steadman:
I thought you stopped.

Melissa Steadman:
I did.

Elaine Steadman:
[handing her daughter a cigarette, disappointed] Oh, sweetheart.

[the two light up and smoke for a moment]

Elaine Steadman:
What are we going to do about her?

Melissa Steadman:
Do you realize this is the first time you're asking me instead of telling me?

Elaine Steadman:
Really?

[the two continue to smoke in unison]

Elaine Steadman:
So, what should we do about her?

Melissa Steadman:
Beats me.

Elaine Steadman:
[smiling] See? that's why I never asked you.