Emma: leans against a tree, eyes glistening Remember when you called me 'mom,' darling? It felt so right!
Hoffman
smiling I remember, Emma. Those were simpler times, weren't they?
runs her fingers through her hair, sighing heavily God, I miss those days. It was like nothing could ever come between us. pauses, looking around Speaking of which, have you seen my gardening gloves? I can't find them anywhere. Hoffman: following her gaze Maybe they're in the shed. We should check it out together.
Hoffman
I'd love to, but I have an appointment with Mr.Martino. He said if I didn't show up today he would've caught a case
snorts Mr. Martino? Please, he's just another one of your clients who thinks he's above the law. You know I've always said he's a crook!
Hoffman
well you can't really blame him. He came from nothing. Now he's able to provide for his family because he has connections. My connections. He's payin' me good too so I don't really see why it's a problem
throws her hands up in exasperation Oh, Hoffman! Can't you see that this man is taking advantage of you? He's using you for his own gain!
Hoffman
he's not a crook. I met him when he was just a kid on the streets fighting for his life. That little Italian mouse had big dreams, and now he's making them happen. You know he never even involved me in his shady dealings. I just do the computer work so he doesn't have to
grabs Hoffman's arm, pulling him closer I don't care if he was a little Italian mouse back in the day!
Hoffman
would you like to go out to dinner tonight?
pauses, her eyes narrowing as she considers Dinner, huh? Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt. But don't think for a second that I'm letting you off the hook, mister!
Hoffman
laughs lightly You wouldn't have it any other way, would you? So where would you like to go?
crosses her arms, tapping her foot impatiently Look, Hoffman, I don't need some fancy-schmancy restaurant to have a good time.
Hoffman
please, let's just enjoy ourselves. We never get time like this anymore
During their dinner, Emma and Hoffman argue about their past relationship and current decisions
Hoffman
here's to staying at home more often and going out less.
slams her wine glass down on the table Hoffman, you think this is some kind of joke?
Hoffman
laughs nervously Emma, come on! Can't we just enjoy our meal without all the drama?
leans in, her voice rising Enjoy our meal? Is that what you think this is, Hoffman? A goddamn picnic in the park?!
Hoffman
well I mean it is a park. Look, Emma, I get it. We made some bad choices, but those days are behind us now. We have a beautiful life. Let's not ruin this over some old memories.
stands up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor You think this is about old memories, Hoffman? This is about our future!
Hoffman
alright then, Emma. Let's talk about our future now. What's going on in that beautiful mind of yours?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Fine, Hoffman. If you really want to know, I've been thinking about starting my own business.
Hoffman
that's wonderful! What kind of business are you thinking of starting?
straightens her posture, her eyes shining with determination I want to start a catering service, Hoffman.
Hoffman
sounds great! Do you need any help? I could help you set up an online business and advertise it.
smiles, feeling encouraged That would be wonderful, Hoffman! I knew I could count on you. reaches across the table and squeezes his hand
Hoffman
it's settled then! I'll set up the business while you work on the menu. We'll make a great team, just like old times
pulls out a notebook and pen, flipping through the pages Alright, Hoffman, let's start brainstorming some menu ideas.
Hoffman
chuckles How about we start with your world-famous spaghetti and meatballs? It's a classic!
starts scribbling down notes furiously Spaghetti and meatballs, eh? Not a bad idea, Hoffman. But let's give it a twist.
Hoffman
how about we add some prosciutto and arugula on top? It's a modern twist on the classic dish.
excitedly Yes! And we can call it "Classic Twist." It'll be our signature dish, Hoffman!
Hoffman
I'll start working on a spreadsheet for the business. We'll need to figure out the costs for ingredients and labor, and find a commercial kitchen space.
grins mischievously Labor, huh? Well, Hoffman, looks like we'll need to hire some extra help around here. I have just the people in mind.
Hoffman
hey, any friends looking for work?
raises an eyebrow playfully Well, I certainly do! How about we hire Mario and his brother Luigi to help out in the kitchen? They know their way around a stove better than anyone.
Hoffman
nice! The more the merrier. Now, about that commercial kitchen space...
winks Leave that to me, Hoffman. I have a few connections in the culinary world.
Hoffman
no doubt! You've always had a knack for getting what you want. Speaking of connections, what's the deal with your old boss? Is he still as, ahem, 'demanding' as he used to be?
smirks Oh, you have no idea, Hoffman. My old boss is still as demanding as ever. But let's just say I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Hoffman
I can't wait to see what you have in store for him. You were always one to keep your enemies close, weren't you?
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms You bet your sweet buns, Hoffman. I've got a few tricks that will make him beg for mercy.
Hoffman
hehehehe, I can't wait to see that.
Emma successfully convinces her old boss to donate a large kitchen space to their new catering business in exchange for her secret recipes
Hoffman
wow, Emma. That's quite the victory. So, what's next?
grinning triumphantly Next, we buy some fancy schmancy equipment and get this baby up and running!
Hoffman
it's your baby, Emma. You always knew how to keep the big bosses happy.
picks up her phone and starts texting furiously Time to call in some favors, Hoffman! I know just the people to get us the best deals on equipment.