Roderick’s Visit to Tiara

The Angelista house, sunset hours…

Roderick responded to Tiara’s call. What else could he do? Alive, dead, or revived, Tiara is and will always be the love of his life.

And he is hers. That’s why she called him. Somehow, she has to pry him from Suzy Strummer’s arms and get him back to her recently recovered life.

Roderick still isn’t sure if it was a good idea to come, but here he is anyway.

Tiara: Welcome, hon. I’m so glad to see you again.
Roderick: I’m glad to see you too, dear.
Yeah, for a moment, Roderick can’t help but succumb to his ex-wife’s charms, but unfortunately for her, that doesn’t last.

Roderick: So? What can I do for you, Tia?
(Isn’t it obvious? Oh well, she’ll be glad to explain it to him.)
Tiara: Well, I think you’ll agree that we need to get our life and our marriage back.
Roderick: What? No, I… Tiara, you know that’s not…
Tiara: Come on, Rod, before I died, we were incredibly happy, why can’t it be that way again?
Roderick: You know well why.

Tiara: Because of Suzy Strummer? Oh, please, Rod. She will never make you as happy as I do; she can’t compete with me, and you know it.
Roderick: If you don’t mind, I’d rather we not talk about Suzy.
Tiara: Okay, we’ll leave that alone for now.

But once they’re out on the terrace…
Tiara: Why can’t we talk about her? Or about how you still have feelings for me? Are you afraid to hear the truth?
Roderick: Tiara…
Tiara: No, seriously, Rod, why can’t we discuss that?

Roderick: You invited me over to have a good time in your pool, so if you don’t mind, that’s exactly what I’m going to do now.
Tiara: Damn it, Roderick, at least have a drink with me first. Or are you afraid I’ll put something in your glass?
Roderick: Of course not, you don’t need to resort to tricks like that.

That was music to Tiara’s ears. It means she still has a hold on Roderick. Good to know!

So, without a second thought, she jumps into the pool after him.

Roderick: I always loved your pool. The water is so warm here despite the weather outside.
Tiara: The water temperature isn’t exactly what you loved about this pool.
Roderick: That’s kind of true.

Tiara: We used to have so much fun skinny dipping here. We could try that again.
Roderick: Really, at our age?
Tiara: I don’t know about you, but I feel younger than ever.
Roderick: And that’s how you look, but not me.
Tiara: Oh, come on, Roddy. Don’t be so modest.

Roderick has started to feel a little… restless, so he suggests they go get a drink to change the subject.
Roderick: (To himself) I have to keep myself in check; Suzy trusted me enough to let me come here. I can’t fall for Tiara’s charm. I’d never forgive myself if I did. Maybe it’s best to just cut and run.

Roderick: Tiara, um, I had a great time swimming with you, but… I think I have to go now.
Tiara: What? Already? But we didn’t even get a chance to talk.
Roderick: I don’t think we have much left to talk about.

Tiara: What do you mean we have nothing left to talk about? I did die, but I came back. I’m here and I’m still your wife legally. If you and Suzy won’t accept that, I’ll sue you both.
Roderick: If you think that’s necessary, then go ahead.
Tiara: Are you saying you’re okay with me suing you?
Roderick: No, but I know once you set your mind on something, there’s no stopping you.

Tiara: (Sobbs) You know I could never sue you. Suzy, maybe, but you? Never!
Roderick: That’s not much comfort, I must say. Oh, by the way, she and Doreen are waiting for me, so I need to leave. I’ll call an Uber.

Tiara: Not yet, Roderick, please. If this really is goodbye, then you won’t mind staying a little longer, right?
Roderick feels like he’s starting to falter. If there’s one thing he can’t stand, it’s seeing Tiara cry. And in that bikini, oh my…

Roderick isn’t just faltering; he’s completely under her spell now.
Roderick: You look beautiful, you know that?
Tiara: (Wiping her tears) R-Really?
Roderick: Yes. And the Bridgeport lights make you look even more gorgeous.
Tiara: (To herself) Yes! Take that, Suzy Strummer.

Roderick: Here, these are for you.
Tiara: Flowers? Oh, Roddy, you didn’t have to.
Roderick: You deserve far more.
Tiara: Okay, I’ll accept them only if you stay.
Roderick: Well, your wish is my command.

Lala: (As she falls asleep) Yeah, it’s going to be a long, long night… Stupid Roderick, you’re so predictable. Sorry for poor Suzy Strummer.