Loma Vista: Episode 1. Pilot

   In the Midwestern City of Loma Vista, a growing metro in it's state, and two of the major names in town, Thomas, and Duncan are engraved in the history, as the Thomas family moved  from the South as William Thomas Sr and his wife, Myrtle Thomas for work, and William made a name for himself in real estate, and his children with the exception of Scarlet, followed suit, as William Thomas Jr worked from a mechanic, to become one of the Nation's leading Automobile Dealers, with Thomas Auto, and his Older Sisters, Barbara, and Ann, working for Thomas Holdings, ran by the Son of William Thomas Jr, and the late Elizabeth D. Thomas, Lorenzo Thomas Sr. The Duncan family are highly regarded as they too worked their way up, but with help with Ernest Duncan's wife, Jean's payout from her Indian heritage, helped Ernest create his dream, with a chain of Grocery Stores, called Duncan's, and Jean, opening her own Casino in the 1970s on Lake Pittman, called Sullivan's River Casino. Their children, Elizabeth, and Miranda, but called Randi, helped their Mother run Sullivan's River Casino. After the passing of Ernest Duncan, and Jean Sullivan Duncan, Duncan's was bought by Thomas Holdings, and ran by Felicia Miller, and Sullivan's River Casino was bought by Elizabeth D. Thomas, and she ran it until her sudden passing, and passed to her Son, Lorenzo, as Randi sold her part, and bought a bar on the Lake Pittman Marina named "Randi's Place", co-owned by her Youngest Daughter, Matilda, but known as Tilly, and Son, Zach, as her Granddaughter, Sarah, helps her Grandmother manage one of Loma Vista's most popular hangouts. Both families share history, and they join together as Elizabeth has passed away, at the Thomas Crypt, as a funeral takes place, and the entire family gather to say goodbye. Both families take the passing hard, especially Lorenzo, as he cries throughout the entire funeral, and falls to his knees, as his Mother's being buried, comforted by all. One week later in Loma Vista.

    At Lorenzo and Nikki's Mansion, in the wealthiest area of Loma Vista, Lorenzo sits in his study, as he reads his Mother's Diary, as his Wife, Nikki Houston Thomas walks inside, and kisses her Husband, and gently asks him, stroking his hair "How are you feeling baby?" Lorenzo sighs "It's so hard." Nikki sighs "I know. I felt the same way when my Father passed. I was a little girl, but wish I could have knew him." Lorenzo tells his Wife "Well, you did gain one in mine." Nikki reminds Lorenzo "Now I do, but when we first got together, he hated me." Lorenzo holds his Wife's hand to his chest, and smiles "Well when he saw you, he softened up, and never forget Mama." Nikki tears up, and apologizes, as Lorenzo asks "How's Junior?" Nikki tells him "He's having a hard time, but he graduates very soon, and going to college here in town thankfully." Lorenzo is quiet, as Nikki holds her Husband, as there's a knock at the door, and Nikki walks downstairs, and opens the door, as her Father in Law, William Thomas stands on the other side, and Nikki asks him "How are you?" William walks inside, and hugs Nikki, and sighs "Well as can be expected." Nikki sighs "It's pretty bad here too." William asks "Where's my Son?" Nikki tells him "Upstairs, where he's been the past two weeks." William sighs with sadness "He needs to open up and cry, and move forward. Elizabeth would want that." Nikki responds "I know Dad, but he was very close to her, she was the only one.." William goes "That he listened to?" Nikki laughs "He is so damn stubborn thanks to you and Elizabeth." William quips "Well Nikki, it runs in our family. And more on my side." Nikki goes "Yup." William tells Nikki "Well, I'm going to my office and check on things, and tell him I stopped by." Nikki tells him "I will." William leaves, as Nikki looks around the living room, and looks up the stairs, as she has a look of pain in her eyes, as Lorenzo sits in his office, and smokes a joint, looking at his Mother's picture, with tears in his eyes.
    At Randi's Place, situated on the Lake Pittman Marina, Randi Camden, and her Youngest Daughter, Tilly Miller, sits at the bar, as they have a drink, and Randi sighs "I miss Elizabeth." Tilly quips "About time you opened up Mom." Randi laughs "On my Mama's side, we keep our emotions hidden. Felicia is a classic example. Work. Home. Work.." Tilly asks "And what do we do?" Randi looks around, as she quips "We have benefits." Tilly's Daughter, Sarah Blair, walks over, and asks her Mother and Grandmother "Want another glass of wine?" Randi tells her Granddaughter "Well another one would be perfect sweetie." Tilly asks her Daughter "So tell me about your date tonight?" Sarah sighs with shyness "Not even happy hour yet, and I'm getting asked questions about my love life." Randi goes "I'd like to know who he is. I love to hear love stories." Sarah shakes her head, as Tilly laughs "It's serious. I know that look." Sarah sighs "Ok. I'm seeing Blake Walton." Randi takes a drink, as Tilly asks her Daughter "Uncle William's Nephew?" Sarah reminds them "Well we aren't blood related. Our sides of the family only contains Lorenzo and the evil Step-Mother, the bitch." Randi rolls her eyes, as she tells Tilly "I can't see how Jack's stayed with her all these years. She's such a damn snob." Tilly quips "I feel bad for poor Sissy, having to deal with her at work." Randi assures Tilly "If anyone can handle Ann, it's Felicia, you know how the two of them get along." Randi and Tilly share a drink, and a laugh, as Sarah checks her phone, and finds a text from Blake, and smiles with love in her eyes.
    Meanwhile at Bannister Tower, in the heart of Loma Vista, at Thomas Holdings, Ann Miller arrives, and walks into Felicia Miller's office, as Felicia looks at her Step-Mother, and snarls "Hello Ann." Ann snaps at Felicia "We got some problems." Felicia goes "And what is this about Ann? Because I don't want to hear your shit." Ann asks Felicia "It's about your Niece, Sarah. Do you know she's seeing my Nephew?" Felicia sarcastically goes "Oh incest Mommy Dearest? She's seeing Lorenzo!" Ann snaps "Hell no! It's Blake. And that's not happening. I don't approve of it." Felicia responds "Well who in the hell would expect to listen to you? You have no damn say over it." Ann asks "Want to keep a job here? I have no trouble firing my own Step-Daughter." Felicia loses her cool, as she snaps back in a loud tone "And what would my Father, your damn Husband think about that bitch?" Ann looks at Felicia, and warns her "Sit back down, and don't dare touch my fur. I have been married to your Father for 20 years, and you need to accept it, and shut up. And tell that also to your siblings, and have a talk to YOUR Niece or I will." Ann walks out, as Felicia fumes, and snarls "Damn bitch." Felicia's Brother, and Randi's Youngest Son, and Ann's Step-Son, Zach Miller, walks inside, and asks "What's her problem today?" Felicia sighs "It's Sarah, and her love life." Zach shakes his head, and sighs with disgust "She only thinks about J.R., and she's never been nice to me. She was only close to Aunt Elizabeth, and our Grandparents." Felicia quips "Hell they could get along with her. And we know Aunt Elizabeth had her way of connecting with people." Zach goes "It didn't pass on to Lorenzo." Felicia shakes her head, and reminds Zach "The two of you have always fought like brothers." Zach goes "He's also another person who can get along with Ann." Felicia asks "So what's brought you here besides to see your Big Sister?" Zach tells his Sister "I need to discuss something about Aunt Elizabeth." Felicia sighs with frustration "I'm working on it. Lorenzo's hurting." Zach reminds his Sister "I need it." Felicia goes "Shouldn't have blown that money on that failed investment." Zach walks out, as Felicia sits back, and takes a deep breath, as she sighs "What one hell of a day." Felicia calls Lorenzo, and the phone goes to voicemail, as Felicia sighs "My poor cousin."
    Meanwhile back at Lorenzo and Nikki's Mansion, Lorenzo gets off the phone, as Nikki walks inside his office, and asks "Who were you talking to baby?" Lorenzo answers "Family." Nikki asks her Husband "Why are you torturing yourself in here reading Elizabeth's diary Lorenzo? It isn't helping you move on. I know it's hard, but you have to do it." Lorenzo mumbles "I'll get out of my private office soon. May jump off the damn balcony." Nikki yells "Stop that! You are CEO of Thomas Holdings, and majority owner. You have family that loves you, our kids, me." Lorenzo closes the diary, and locks it in a safe, and puts the key in his pocket, and pulls out a pistol from his desk, as Lorenzo tells his Wife "I'm going to the shooting range." Lorenzo walks out, as Nikki takes a deep breath, and says to herself "Family. Shooting Range..." Nikki eyes the safe, and has a thought, and makes a phone call. As Lorenzo heads out of the door, Lorenzo Thomas Jr, Lorenzo and Nikki's Son, walks inside, and notices his Father's gun, as he asks "What's going on Daddy?" Lorenzo looks at his Son, and asks "How are you feeling?" Lorenzo Jr starts to cry, as he goes "I miss my Mamaw." Lorenzo snaps "Stop the damn crying." Lorenzo Jr asks his Father "What's wrong with crying. It's called grief." Lorenzo snaps back "I know what in the hell it is Junior! If you want to cry, find somebody else to cry around. I don't want to damn see it!" Lorenzo storms out in an angry fury, as Nikki walks downstairs, as Lorenzo Jr cries to his Mother "I don't know what's going on with Daddy. He just snapped on me for mourning Mamaw." Nikki holds her Son, and tells him "He mourns in his own way. He is in denial."
   At Randi's Place, William walks inside, as Randi greets her Brother In Law with a hug, as does Tilly and Sarah, as Randi asks William "How are you faring?" William goes "It's hard, but I'm trying to move forward." Tilly sighs "Lorenzo isn't taking Aunt Elizabeth's well." William tells his Niece "Nikki's taking care of him, and I'm grateful for that." Randi snarks "I can't stand her. Such a bitch." Tilly gasps "Mom!" Sarah also turns, as Randi tells William, Tilly, and Sarah "Well I don't like her. Never have. She married Lorenzo for money and to take the family company!" William responds "Nikki's an excellent woman, and her and Lorenzo have the perfect marriage. As did Elizabeth and I. We had our problems, and didn't live together in the end, but we never stopped loving each other, or having sleepovers." Tilly looks at her Uncle, as Randi's eyes widen, and she laughs, as William eyes the pool table, and asks Randi "Want to shoot a round of pool?" Randi accepts, as she reminds William "I am going to clean the floor with you. I always do." William goes "I think you're a pool shark." Randi responds in a confident tone "I'm the best." Tilly watches on, as she motions for Sarah, as she walks over, and Tilly holds her Daughter's hand, as they watch Randi and William shoot pool, as Randi's winning, and Tilly smiles "Something you should learn. Mom loves this."
    Meanwhile at the offices for William's chain of Automobile Dealerships, called Thomas Auto, Ann walks inside, as her Son, J.R. Miller sits at his desk, and Ann tells her Son "Now come give Mama a hug." J.R. hugs his Mother, and asks her "Aren't you hot in that damn fur coat?" Ann sighs "No. I am hot enough, I have aged damn good, and still have a kick in my step." J.R. laughs, as he tells his Mother "I'm about to meet with Lorenzo. Did you get a phone call from him?" Ann responds "I didn't. My phone was off. I was having a lovely visit with Felicia. And ran into Zach as I left." J.R. sighs "Mama.." Ann tells her Son "I can't help it my Jackie slept with Elizabeth's Sister and fell in and out of love with her." J.R. tells his Mother "It's you who has the problem with Randi, and her children. I don't give a shit one way or another." Ann goes "That's my boy. Now let's meet with Lorenzo. I know he needs his Aunt Ann right now." J.R. goes "Yes he does. He's going through hell." Ann tells J.R. "I know he is. Know that feeling all too well."
   At the home of Barbara Thomas, the oldest of the Thomas siblings, Blake walks out of his room, as Barbara asks her Nephew "Where are you going Blake? You are dressed up." Blake tells his Aunt "Lorenzo's called a meeting." Barbara asks "And what about?" Blake answers "I don't know Aunt Barbara, but I'm honored to get the call." Barbara takes a deep breath, and warns her Nephew "I think now I figured this out Blake, and I don't want you being involved. If it's what I'm thinking, hell no." Blake asks "Did you get invited?" Barbara checks her phone, and goes "I didn't, and now that we know I'm not invited, you won't go." Blake pleads "I have longed for this moment!" Barbara quickly snaps back "And if you want to die young, it's the best way to do it!" Blake tells his Aunt "I'm an adult, so treat me as one." Barbara snaps "Ok. And I'll be sure to pass that along to your Mama also." Blake walks out in a fury, as Barbara rolls her eyes, and sighs "Just turned 18 and thinks he knows everything." Blake gets inside his car, as he gets a text from Sarah, and calls her, as he heads to meet with his Cousin.
   Back at Lorenzo and Nikki's Mansion, Nikki sits inside the living room with Lorenzo Jr, as there's a knock at the door, and Nikki answers the door, as Lena Houston, Nikki's Mother stands on the other end, and Nikki hugs her Mother, as Lena asks "How's Lorenzo?" Nikki sighs with fear in her eyes "Not well. He left, apparently to the shooting range." Lorenzo Jr asks his Mother and Grandmother "Do any of you think this is one of those legendary Thomas family gatherings?" Nikki looks at her Son, and nods, as Lena tells her Daughter and Grandson "I have some good news. Guess who's getting out of prison?" Nikki goes "For real Mama?" Lena hugs her Daughter, and cries "Your Brother's getting a state pardon. I'm certain my wonderful Son In Law had a role in this." Nikki has a thought, and responds, with concern in her eyes "I will be glad to see Tyrone regain his freedom." Lena responds "Amen baby girl, and remember Lorenzo pulled those strings to get him out." Lorenzo Jr goes "Family gathering. Uncle Tyrone getting released. Something is wrong with this." Lena snaps at her Grandson "Don't start on me about Tyrone." Lorenzo Jr heads to his bedroom, as he shakes his head, and Nikki tells her Mother "I couldn't get excited in front of him. He's still mourning Elizabeth, and Lorenzo hurt his feelings earlier." Lena responds "Well Nicole, if you didn't baby him, he'd be tough, like Tyrone." Nikki goes "And remember why Tyrone's in prison Mama." Lena quickly responds "White cop, a black man defending himself. That's exactly what happened." Nikki sighs "Part of it, but we both know there's more to it than that." Lena asks Nikki "Tell the maid I'd like a coffee with a shot of scotch." Nikki walks into the kitchen, as Lena looks at a picture of Elizabeth, and sighs with sadness "Things will never be the same without you." Nikki meanwhile walks out, with coffee, as Lena asks her Daughter, in a gentle tone "Tell Mama how you are holding up. I know you were very close to Elizabeth, and she became one of my best friends." Nikki starts to cry, as Lena opens her arms, and holds Nikki, meanwhile in Lorenzo Jr's bedroom, Lorenzo Jr looks into the mirror, as thoughts enter his mind, and looks over to a makeup kit.
    At Randi's Place, Randi and William finish their last round of pool, and Randi holds out her hand, and laughs "I warned you about playing a round with me." William hands his Sister In Law $100.00, and goes "I swear you cheat." Randi acts surprised, and asks "Who? Little old me? Never." At the bar, Tilly watches on, with content in her eyes, as Sarah sits next to her Mother, and tells her "Looks like Grandma and Uncle William are feeling better." Tilly responds "They've been doing this ever since I was a little girl. Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle William versus Mom and Grandma. Now it's Mom versus Uncle William." Sarah smiles "Well, maybe one day we can shoot a round with them." Tilly quickly tells her Daughter "Hell no! Mom's a pool shark." Randi hears her Daughter, as she and William walks to the bar, and Randi goes "Am not! I just know how to win." William goes "Tilly's right, you are a damn pool shark." Meanwhile Zach walks inside, with disgust on his face, as Randi hugs her Youngest Son, and asks him "What's wrong Zach? Go visit Felicia this morning?" Zach sighs "Yes, and Ann was there, and she stuck up her nose at me, and made a money noise when I saw her." William goes "I can't explain my Sister. And won't even try." Zach tells everyone "I can tell you what she is, a bitch!" William looks around, and tells Randi "I'll be getting my $100 back." Randi hugs William, and whispers "Yeah. I'll will it to you William, because you'll never beat me at pool." William walks out, as Zach asks his Mother "Are you growing close to Uncle William?" Tilly snaps at her Brother "Shut up Zach! Always jumping to the third degree." Zach looks at his Mother, as Randi yells "Not how you're thinking Son! I will never remarry. I loved Clint, and William loved my Sister. And sadly Jack loves Ann, how I have no damn idea, but he always loved her more than me." Sarah meanwhile tells everyone, as her phone rings "Speaking of the devil, she's calling me." Randi, Tilly, and Zach look at Sarah, as she presses ignore on her phone, as Randi warns her Granddaughter "I imagine she knows about you and your new boyfriend." Sarah yells "We're dating!" Tilly warns her Daughter "You never seen it yet, but I'm certain you are about to see what Felicia, Zach, and I have seen our entire lives." Randi's eye grow red, as Zach fills Tilly in on his visit with Felicia, and Tilly warns her Brother "I think you are going to be shit out of luck going to our Cousin for help, and only fuel the war." Zach tells his family "Felicia's working on it." Randi tells her Son "Felicia can only do so much, but with Ann involved, and Lorenzo, whom you don't get along with.." Zach snaps "Damnit! I need that money before I lose everything!" Randi pulls out her checkbook, and asks "How many zeros next to the one?" Zach tells his Mother "I don't want your money Mom. Lorenzo loves "family", so let's see how damn serious he is." Zach walks outside, as Tilly rolls her eyes, and Randi shakes her head, with dread in her eyes.
    At Sullivan's Casino, Lorenzo arrives in his Mother's former office, as his Cousins, Matt, and J.R. have gathered, along with Ann, as Ann hugs her Nephew, and asks Lorenzo "How are you? You look like you haven't been doing so good." Lorenzo gets emotional, as he sits at his Mother's former desk, and Matt asks his Cousin "So why did you call this meeting?" Blake walks inside, as he tells everyone "I had to show I.D. to the security. May want to tell them to ease up on me Lorenzo." Lorenzo nods, as Ann glares at her Nephew, and Blake asks his Aunt "What's with that look Aunt Ann?" Ann snarks "Does Scarlet know you're seeing somebody?" Blake snaps angrily "None of your damn business!" Ann warns Blake "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. I forbid it." Lorenzo grows angry, and yells "Alright! Enough about the bullshit! Let's start discussing why we're all here." J.R. asks his Cousin "Time to indoctrinate our little Cousin Blake into the family business Lorenzo?" Lorenzo nods, as Matt tells them "If my Mama knew I was still involved in the business, she would kill me." Ann sighs, as she lights a cigarette "That's Barbara. A damn worrier." Matt warns his Aunt "I don't know what's pissed you off, but don't start with me." Ann looks over at Blake, as Lorenzo tells his family "I have been reading Mama's diary, inside was a piece of paper." Lorenzo gets emotional, as he continues "She disappeared, and then out of the blue, she passed away." Ann cries "The last time I saw my best friend.." J.R. holds his Mother, as Lorenzo reminds Ann "Mama always thought the world of you." Ann responds tearfully "I always loved her like the Sister I wish I had, and she wished she had." Lorenzo meanwhile pulls a gun from his pocket, and motions for Blake, as he tells his Cousin "Welcome to adulthood Blake. Here's a gift, and you pass this to the next to follow." Blake holds the pistol, with pride, as J.R. asks Lorenzo "So who are we going after cuz?" Lorenzo passes around a piece of paper, written by his Mother, as everyone grows silent, and Ann grows enraged, and turns to her Nephew Blake, with her eyes growing red, as Lorenzo tells them "It's time for a wake up call."

                      Dedicated in loving memory to my Mother, Sarah Beth Ellis, 1950-2015.