Take Time to Dance (2025) Movie Script
1
(gentle music)
- Hello.
- Hello, I'm Thomas Masters.
I called and spoke with Mr. Ruskin.
- Yes, Mr. Masters.
Your case has been assigned to Ms. Davis.
She's expecting you,
- Ms. Davis?
- Yes, sir.
- Is there a reason Mr. Ruskin
isn't going to handle the case?
- He assigned your case to Ms. Davis.
- How long has she been with you?
- About nine months.
- Look, I have a serious issue.
It would be helpful to speak
to somebody who's not a rookie.
I need to talk to a person who's married,
understands family issues.
(Mr. Ruskin knocking)
- Melanie, this is Thomas Masters.
Thomas, Melanie Davis.
- It's nice to meet you, Mr. Masters.
- Hello.
- Thomas and I met a few years
ago at a business function.
I was sorry to hear about
what happened with his wife.
When he explained his situation to me,
I felt you were the
best person on our staff
to handle his case.
So, I'll let you two take it from here.
- Thank you, Mr. Ruskin.
Please, have a seat, Mr. Masters.
- Thomas.
- I had what I thought
was a pretty strong case,
and she got the judge to go joint custody.
- Who was the judge?
- [Harrison] Mackenzie.
- Figures.
If you had Wallace, I bet it
wouldn't have gone her way.
- Maybe not.
She's a very good attorney though.
- And she's a very good looking attorney.
- Yeah.
You got eyes for her?
- [Will] Maybe.
- You two don't have the best rapport.
- If only I can meet her outside of court,
then she could see my charm.
(Harrison scoffing)
- You still do this?
- [Will] What?
- Dance?
- Yeah, why?
- She dances.
- Who?
- Davis.
- Wait, what's this?
- She takes ballroom dance lessons.
- How do you know?
- Hey, I hear things.
- Where does she take 'em?
- I don't know, but you're an attorney.
Kendall and Kendall, father and son.
I'm sure between the two of you,
you can figure that information out.
(Will chuckling)
- I love my wife and children very much.
She's always felt the same way.
We have a great marriage.
We read the Bible together every night,
do lots of things with the kids.
Now she suddenly wants out.
It makes zero sense.
I want to save my marriage,
keep my family together.
- I understand, and I would like to help,
but it sure would be nice if
we knew what the problem was.
- I told you, she won't tell me.
I have no idea.
- Do you think that
she's having an affair?
- Candice?
Never.
She's as loyal as can be.
Finest Christian woman I know.
- And she hasn't told you anything?
- Just that she's had
enough and wants out.
- Had enough of what?
- She won't tell me.
- Where's she staying now?
- At Melissa Pearl's,
they're friends of ours.
- And are the children living with you?
- Yes, she picks 'em up
from school every day
and brings 'em home, stays
with them until I get there.
- Is Melissa Pearl married?
- Yes, but it's just the two of them.
- Are you friends with Mr. Pearl?
- Good friends, but it is a
little uncomfortable right now
given the circumstances.
- Cami, next time you see
Melanie Davis in court,
find out where she takes
ballroom dance lessons.
- And how do you propose I go about that?
- Tell her you're interested.
- But I'm not interested in that.
- Tell her your boyfriend
wanted to dance with you
the other night, you didn't know how,
so you're thinking about learning.
- I don't have a boyfriend.
- That's even better, you
never have to follow up on it.
(Cami scoffing)
- I don't think so.
- I need to find out
where she takes lessons
and how long she's been dancing.
- Why don't you ask her yourself?
What's this?
- You'll get another
If I like your answers.
(Cami scoffing)
- Heavenly Father,
please bring the Masters
family back together.
Please don't let this divorce happen.
Show me what I can do to help.
Direct my mind and my steps.
In Jesus' name I ask and pray, Amen.
(gentle music)
(bright music)
- Hey there.
- How is everybody?
- We're good.
Any big court case today?
- No, not today.
- Elena, you gotta think
about big court cases.
Melanie's a divorce
attorney, not homicide.
- That's right, I keep forgetting.
(friends chuckling)
- They picked a theme for the showcase.
- What'd you hear?
- They're calling it "A Time To Dance."
We're gonna showcase
everything they teach here at the studio,
plus, this year, we're having a dinner
and a singer for a few of the dances.
- Oh, that sounds good.
- Yeah, last year we just danced,
but this year, with a singer and dinner,
we are hitting the big time.
(friends laughing)
- Yeah.
- I think that'd be really good.
- I think so too.
- I could finance you my report.
- This is where she takes lessons.
She's been dancing for four years.
Her favorite dance is the waltz.
- You know I've been dancing on and off
for about seven years,
but never ran into her.
How come?
- Well, it could be because she moved here
less than a year ago.
- Where's she from?
- Do you know how to use the internet?
Just type in "Melanie Davis attorney,"
and you'll find out where
she went to law school
and all sorts of information like that.
- Thank you.
I appreciate the advice.
- Thank you.
Oh, I also found out she's going
to the country dance
hall this Friday night.
- Yeah, I've been there.
- That tidbit of info is free.
(gentle music)
- Hey, Harrison, you doing
anything Friday night?
- Not that I know of.
- I'm going to the dance hall.
There'll be a band playing country music.
Come with me.
- I don't dance.
- You ain't gotta dance.
Just observe.
- Nah, I don't think so.
- There is food.
It's good too.
- I don't know.
- There'll be some ladies there.
They're mostly older, but some our age.
My treat.
Oh, heart
Don't break
On me this time
(country music)
I'm tired of the pain
Every time she walks out
- Not very many people.
- It's because we got
here early to get a seat,
but it'll be packed.
Now, usually some of the
older folks dance early,
like what you're seeing here.
The younger crowd will start coming.
You'll see.
- What's that dance they're doing?
- It's the East Coast Swing.
It's a triple step,
triple step, rock step.
And we need to get you out there, huh?
- No.
No, it wouldn't be triple step,
it would be trip over my step.
Food was good though.
- Told you.
Look who just graced us with her presence.
Oh, heart
Don't break
On me this time
- Did you know she was
gonna be here tonight?
- No.
It does make sense though.
Her dance studio's just down the road,
and I bet those are some
of her dance friends.
Oh, heart
Don't break
On me this time
- Show time.
This time I'm over hurt for good
There ain't no doubt
- Melanie.
Surprised to see you here.
Didn't know you were a dancer.
Gonna introduce me to your friends?
- These are my friends.
- Cute.
Thank you.
- This is Melissa,
Katherine, and Elena.
Hey.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you ladies.
My name is Will Kendall.
I'm an attorney in family law,
just like your friend here.
There was time when you meant
- Would any of you like
to do a little waltz?
(gentle music)
- I will, cowboy.
'Cause I didn't see
Anything
- It seemed to me you knew
what you were doing on the dance floor.
- Yeah, I'm okay, I get by.
- [Harrison] How long did
you stay after I left?
- [Will] They just played one more set.
- Dance with Melanie?
- No.
- [Harrison] Why not?
- Because you gotta make her jealous.
Just dance with her friends.
- Jealous?
What makes you think
she's even interested?
- Because I know women.
Since Friday night,
she's been thinking about me all the time.
- I think it might be
the other way around.
Look, Will,
from what I know about
Melanie, she's a Christian.
A real one.
I don't think she'll
go for a guy like you.
- What do you mean a guy like me?
- She probably wants a man
who's serious about Christ.
- Hey, I go to church.
- When?
- Christmas, Easter.
(Harrison scoffing)
- She wants a little more than that.
- Yeah, well, I'll make her
a believer in me one day.
You'll see.
- In the weeks before your wife left,
did you notice anything unusual from her?
- No.
- Nothing at all?
- No, she was perfectly
normal, like always.
- Was she any less romantic towards you?
- No.
- She gone for any period
of time in the last year?
- No.
- Gone overnight anywhere?
- Her mother was in the hospital.
She went to visit her.
- Where does her mother live?
- [Thomas] Asheville.
- When was this?
- About two months ago.
- How long was she there?
- Over and back four days.
- So, three nights?
- [Thomas] Yes.
- Other than that, no trips?
- No.
Look, Ms. Davis,
it makes no sense why she would want out.
I can't even believe I'm having
this discussion with you.
- I'm sorry, sir.
I really am.
- Why is this happening?
- That's what we're trying to find out.
(gentle music)
- Hello, I'm Mallory.
I'm the class instructor.
- Nice to meet you.
Will Kendall.
- Oh, Elena and Katherine
said you might come.
- Yeah, I danced with both of
them some last Friday night.
- They said you're pretty good.
- I don't know about that,
but I have been dancing on
and off for quite a few years.
- So, how come we haven't
seen you around here then?
- I was at another studio
for a little while,
but took some time off.
You'll start to see me.
- You know, we are getting
ready for our studio showcase.
It's the biggest event of the year for us.
You can always use leans.
Maybe you can be one of our dancers?
- Maybe.
- Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow, crossover.
Turn.
Fifth position.
Back to basic.
Okay, good.
Everybody switch partners.
(gentle music)
Prime up.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow, crossover.
Turn.
Fifth position.
Back to basic.
Okay, good.
Everybody change partners.
- Elena, you can go.
- You sure?
- Yep.
- [Mallory] Frame up.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow, quick, quick, slow.
(gentle music)
(Harrison knocking)
- Well?
- Well, what?
- Did you go?
I did.
- And?
- It went great.
The teacher, Mallory, is a real pro,
and I enjoyed dancing with
the ladies in the class.
- Did you dance with Melanie?
- No.
- How come?
- It's a class where you rotate partners,
and every time it was my
turn to dance with her,
she sat it out.
(Harrison chuckling)
- Well, you were right.
She has been thinking about you,
how to avoid you.
- Hey, just gimme a little time.
- I'll give you a whole career,
I don't think you're getting
out of the batter's box.
- Appreciate the encouraging words, buddy.
- Just think of me like an umpire.
I call 'em like I see 'em.
(playful music)
- She wants out, sir,
and he doesn't know why.
She hasn't given him a reason
and he doesn't have a clue.
- She's gotta be seeing somebody.
- He says no.
In fact, he insists never.
From what I can tell, she's
been very loyal to him,
her children, and the different
activities that she does.
- That's gotta be something.
- This woman is a model Christian
who does everything right.
Her reputation seems flawless.
- Why would a woman like that
all of a sudden change course?
- I don't know.
- It's like she's gone from
one extreme to the other,
but why?
Is there somebody else you
could talk to about her?
- You said you were on good
terms with your mother-in-law,
is that still true?
- [Thomas Masters] Yes, very good terms.
- I'd like to meet with her,
do you think you could set that up?
- [Thomas Masters] She lives in Asheville.
You gonna drive over there?
- Yes.
Try to make the appointment
for 2:00 PM on Friday,
then let me know.
- [Thomas Masters] Let
me see what I can do.
- Thank you.
(gentle music)
(keyboard clacking)
- You ready to go to lunch?
- In about two seconds.
(keyboard clacking)
- You read this?
- [Harrison] What?
- This?
- Yes, I read it.
- [Will] Really?
- Read it every day.
- Seriously?
- Seriously.
- Why?
- It's the word of God.
- [Will] Who says?
- Says God, who wrote the book.
You should read it sometime.
- I'm okay.
It's not for me.
- Sure it is, it's for everybody.
(gentle music)
- I sincerely appreciate you
meeting with me, Mrs. Henry.
Not many women would do so
under the circumstances.
- Well, I'm actually
still kind of in shock
that it's even happening.
I always thought my
daughter adored Thomas.
They've gotten along
extremely well over the years.
I just feel horrible for the children.
- You know, Thomas can't understand
why Candice wants the divorce.
Do you have any idea?
- Honestly, I don't.
She won't say a word about it.
- When was the last time you
talked with your daughter?
- Oh, we talk a couple of times a week.
- Do the two of you get along?
- Oh yes, very well.
- When was the last time you saw her?
- When I was in the
hospital, she came over.
- How long did she stay here?
- Oh, just a couple of days.
- Two?
- Yes, turned out to be nothing serious.
- So, she was here just two nights?
- [Mrs. Henry] Yes.
- Your daughter, she grew
up here in Nashville?
- Yes, born and raised.
- Did she see anyone
else while she was here?
- Some of her high school classmates.
The father of a good friend
was in the room next to me
when I was in the hospital,
and when Candice came to
see me, she ran into her.
Then several of them
got together for a day
and had sort of a mini-reunion.
(Melanie chuckling)
- I see.
- Are you sure I can't get
you something to drink?
- Oh, no ma'am.
Thank you.
- Oh, I love sweet tea, I
drink it throughout the day.
(duo chuckling)
This is my favorite mug.
My daughter got it for me.
Do you like tea, Ms. Davis?
- More of a coffee girl myself,
but I have a favorite cup too.
(Mrs. Henry chuckling)
If you don't mind me asking,
how did Thomas and Candice meet?
- Oh, they have a unique story.
They both met and were
saved on the same day.
- Really?
- Yes.
They met in college.
Thomas was starting his junior year
and Candice was a freshman.
One of the campus ministries
had a special speaker,
and they both went to it.
And when he gave an invitation,
they both realized they didn't
have Christ in their life,
even though they were raised in church
and involved in youth
group and all of that.
So, that night,
they truly trusted Jesus
for their salvation,
got involved in campus
ministry and started to date.
- That's very interesting.
- Oh, they have a wonderful testimony
of how the Lord's worked in their lives.
- Thomas doesn't want
this divorce, Mrs. Henry.
- Yes, I know.
And I don't want it either.
- This doesn't add up or make any sense.
- No, it does not.
- Well, thank you very much for your time.
I have to be getting back now.
- You've come a long way
for such a short visit.
- And I really enjoyed speaking with you.
- Oh.
- [Melanie] Thank you
again for letting me come.
- You're welcome.
I will see you out.
(gentle music)
(dancers chattering)
- Hey, Melanie?
I met with Candice Masters,
and she really would like
to settle a outta court.
You wanna stop by sometimes,
see if we can knock this out?
- When?
- When's good for you?
- Tomorrow.
- Okay.
How about 6:00 PM, we can
discuss it over dinner?
My treat.
- How about I come to your office at 3:30?
- All right.
Yeah.
Yeah, that should work.
Hey, are you gonna dance with me tonight,
or play time out whenever it's your turn?
(upbeat music)
- Get inside.
Yes, they fouled him.
- Yeah, but look who they fouled.
Wouldn't he get two free throws?
- Yeah, that's probably
why they fouled him.
- Look at that.
52%? We're gonna lose.
- What's the matter on?
You got a bundle riding on the game?
(group laughing)
- I don't gamble, this is my team.
- He missed, awe.
- Hey, don't be so happy about it.
- You shouldn't be on the team
if you can't make a free throw.
- You guys have money on the game.
- We don't, Elena.
(group groaning)
- He missed again.
- Hey, who's side are you two on?
- Wait, Eschenhower stole the ball.
Let's go.
- Let's go.
- Let's go, yes, yes!
Escher's like a 90% free throw shooter.
- [Ron] Let's go, Esch.
- Says he's 92.4 from line, how much time?
- 1.2 seconds.
- Okay, down one, shooting two.
Esch on the line.
We got this, come on, Esh.
- Ron, you and Brad
must have your whole
paycheck on this game.
- Katherine, you've been
hanging out with Elena too long.
(Elena and Katherine laughing)
(group groaning)
- He missed.
- What's going on with these guys?
- Come on, Esch.
- Pressure's on.
(group groaning)
What is happening?
- Did he miss again?
- What?
He missed them both?
92% for Lyman, he missed them both?
He never misses.
- [Ron] I can't believe it.
- [Brad] We shoulda won this.
Down by one, Esch
shooting two and we lose?
- I can't get anywhere with her.
She must have something against men.
- Do you even know anything about her?
- No, not really.
She's beautiful, that's what I know.
- Has she ever been married?
- I don't think so.
- But do you know?
- No.
- Maybe you should do a
little research on her,
see what you can find out.
- I'd like to get a date with
her and find out that way.
- You can't even get a dance with her,
you're hoping to get a date?
(playful music)
- You know, for a man
who says he has faith,
you have no faith.
(Harrison chuckling)
- In all my years as an attorney,
I've never seen anything
like this Masters case.
I read your report.
What's going on?
- Not sure.
- They seem like they've
had a great relationship
since day one.
- And that's why I don't think
she really wants a divorce.
Her silence is saying
that to me loud and clear.
I think she's running from something
and doesn't know how to deal with it.
- What's she running from?
- Don't know.
But, here's a thought for you.
A person who's great at something
has the hardest time dealing with it
when they make a mistake,
kinda like a basketball player
who shoots 92% at the free throw line,
that person rarely misses.
And when a 50% shooter misses up the line,
no one thinks anything of it.
But when a 92% shooter misses,
the fans can't believe it.
When that same shooter misses two in a row
and loses the game,
they're on the foul line the
next day practicing for hours
even though they don't even need it.
Here's my point, that 92%
shooter misses 2 in a row
and goes to the extreme
and reacting to it.
- And you think Mrs. Masters
might be that shooter?
- Maybe something she never
thought would happen did.
- Even if that's true,
why get a divorce?
That seems pretty drastic.
- If you're a perfectionist,
and maybe she is,
you tend to go to the other extreme
when something unexpectedly goes wrong.
- From a seemingly perfect
marriage to a divorce?
- If your reputation is flawless
and you did something to erase
that reputation overnight?
(gentle music)
She was in the hospital
on the 18th and 19th
and there was a man staying
in the room right next to her.
I'm just trying to
figure out who that was.
Can you give me that information, please?
I understand.
Thank you anyway.
(gentle music)
Thomas?
I need to speak with
your mother-in-law again.
Can you text me her number please?
- He's driving her crazy with his religion
and she wants out.
- My client doesn't wanna lose his wife
or see his family break up.
- Well, I'm sorry.
Look, let's just split
everything down the middle,
and she gets custody, he
pays alimony, child support.
It's that simple, we're done.
- We're not gonna just give up the kids.
He's a good father.
Do you ever try to save a marriage?
- My job is a divorce attorney,
not a marriage counselor.
- We go to court.
- Ms. Davis?
We are gonna make your client
look like the most religious fanatic
the court has ever seen.
The judge, especially if we get Wallace,
is going to think his wife and children
are living with a real extremist.
Do you follow my line
of thinking, counselor?
Melanie?
You're gonna lose.
You haven't got a prayer.
- What was that?
- I said you're gonna lose.
- No, the second part of what you said.
- You haven't got a prayer.
- Thanks for the meeting.
(gentle music)
When you were in the hospital,
you said that Candice met up
with some of her high school friends,
do you remember any of their names?
- [Mrs. Henry] Yes, I remember them.
- Oh, could you tell me what they were?
- [Mrs. Henry] Well, let's see.
There was Tim Sharp.
Mindy, Mindy Leonard.
Douglas Combs.
And...
Oh, Kathy Wilber.
- You had also mentioned that
they had sort of a mini-reunion,
do you know if they went anywhere?
- [Mrs. Henry] Yes, they went
to Hot Springs for the day.
- I see.
Okay, thank you.
Oh, oh, oh, and before I forget,
what high school did Candice go to,
and what year did she graduate?
(gentle music)
They were king and queen of the prom.
- Hey, Will.
Did some research on Davis for you.
- Yeah?
- From what I can tell,
she's single, never married,
born and raised in Lima, Ohio,
went to law school in her home state,
and then got a job here in Knoxville.
- Does she have any family here?
- I didn't see anything about that,
but I don't know for sure.
- She's probably all alone here then.
- If you mean no family, maybe.
But, I would think her friends
are the people she goes to church with
and the people she dances with.
Well, most of the people she dances with.
(Will chuckling)
- Thanks for the info, buddy.
- Okay, A couple of
announcements before you leave.
Our showcase is in five weeks,
it'll feature dancers from this class,
as well as Daniel's advanced class.
The rehearsal schedule is now out,
so grab 'em when you leave,
they're on the table.
Please note that during
the week of the showcase,
we'll be rehearsing at
the Capitol Theater.
Secondly, we'll be having
our celebration dance
a week after the showcase at
the fountain in this year.
Good food, nice little
dance floor, dress-up event,
open to the public.
It should be a fun night,
so mark that on your calendars as well.
Great job tonight, everybody.
Thank you for coming.
- [Dancers] Thank you.
(gentle music)
- Hey, Melanie,
look at this.
We're partners for the showcase,
and we're doing the final dance?
I knew you could only
dodge me for so long.
- I'll have to get that changed.
- Hey.
Look, Mallory put us
together for a reason.
Don't mess with fate.
See you at the first rehearsal, partner.
- Mallory?
You matched me with Will.
I'd like to decline.
- We're ending the showcase with the waltz
and the two of you are
my best waltz dancers.
- But I would prefer else but him.
- He'll be a good partner for you.
I've paired everyone correctly.
This is gonna be great.
- Will is a pretty good dancer.
- Yes, he is.
- And he's so tall.
He's like, what, 6'10?
- No, he's not.
He's 6'2 or '3.
- Well, when you are 5 feet
tall, he looks like 6'10.
(friends giggling)
And he's not bad looking either.
- Sounds like somebody's
interested in him.
- Well, he's a dancer.
Tall, and good looking.
Nothing wrong with that.
- No there isn't.
- Melanie, do you know
if he has a girlfriend?
- I don't know.
- Is he Christian?
- Don't know that either.
I don't know Will on a personal level,
just in the courtroom.
- I see.
- Do you guys mind if I ask you
a question before you leave?
Are either one of you a perfectionist
when it comes to a particular thing?
- Oh, I am.
- What's that?
- I'm a clean freak.
- A clean freak?
- Yeah.
My apartment is always clean
because I clean it every night.
Like, tonight, I'll go home
and I clean up before I go to bed.
- But you've hardly been there today.
- That's right, but I still clean it.
- Well, how do you
react if it's not clean?
- I don't know because
I always keep it clean.
(Melanie chuckling)
Why did you ask?
- Well, we're dealing
with this case at work
where a seemingly happily
married Christian couple
is all of a sudden getting a divorce.
The husband doesn't want
it and doesn't know why,
and the wife won't give
him a reason for it.
- Ask her husband if she's a clean freak,
because if she is and he left
something around the house,
she's gone.
(Katherine scoffing)
No, I'm not kidding.
I couldn't marry a man that
is messy around the house,
regardless of how much I love him.
I couldn't do it.
- You really mean that?
- Yeah.
- That's pretty extreme.
- That's very extreme.
- I'm not saying it's right,
I just couldn't handle it.
I have to marry a man that
is clean around the house.
Plus, I have to marry one
that is a good dancer,
tall, and good looking.
(Melanie laughing)
(gentle music)
- I'm headed home a little early.
Don't work too late, young lady.
- I won't.
I was just looking at this
new case that came in today.
- Is everything all right?
- Mr. Ruskin?
Sometimes I wonder if I'm
cut out for this profession.
You and I deal with pain every day.
- Yes,
we do.
- The Bible says that God hates divorce.
I can see why,
brings pain to everyone who's involved.
The person who wants out is hurting.
The person who doesn't
want out is hurting.
Children always suffer,
and in most cases, never really recover,
and somehow I'm supposed
to ease some of that pain
with helping to finalize a divorce?
- Melanie, I went to college
for marital counseling,
got my master's in it,
and then I changed course
went to law school.
And, well, here I am,
but my heart has always
been to help save marriages.
When I hired you, I told
you this firm was different.
That's what I meant about it.
We're not just here to
help people get a divorce.
God intended for couples
to stay married for life,
that hasn't changed.
I know you believe the same.
Marriage is a wonderful blessing
when you find the right person,
but if two people are together
and they're not right for each other,
eventually, most of them
are gonna find their way
to a divorce attorney.
Now, it's not God's will,
but it happens,
and he knew it would.
I had to reconcile in my mind
why I would go into family law.
- I struggle with that sometimes too, sir.
- That's because you know God's intent
is for couples to stay married,
for families to stay together.
The issue becomes a
hardness of one's heart.
We all can be hardhearted at times,
that's why there's divorce.
I would say 99% of people who get married
are happy on their wedding day.
In God's eyes, two become
one, so what happens?
Over time, things change.
People change, situations
change, life changes.
Somebody wants out, and
then we have to divide one,
and there's gonna be pain.
We all do things that aren't God's will,
and I'm not justifying
it, just stating a fact.
- I understand.
- My goal is always restoration,
because I believe that that's God's heart.
But if that can't happen,
then we're here to help people
be fair in their divorce,
if there's such a thing.
I also see myself as an
advocate for the children,
because somebody has to be their defense,
and that is a big part of what we do.
- I wish I could wave a magic wand
and everybody who's married
be happy and stay together.
- The stay together part,
people can do that if they really want to.
The be happy part,
that's a personal choice.
You have a good night, young lady.
- You too, sir.
(gentle music)
- The studio's running an
introductory special right now.
Two private lessons, a group class,
and a free social for
the price of one lesson?
Now, that's the deal.
- No thanks, not interested.
- How could you not be interested?
Every woman loves to dance.
- Well, this one loves to play tennis.
- How about you, buddy?
- No, I don't play tennis.
(Cami laughing)
- Dance lessons?
- I don't think so.
- You can dance with as
many women as you want.
Beats any dating website.
- I'm not into those either.
- Don't you want a lady?
- Didn't say that.
- Well, if you want one,
you gotta get in the
game and play the field.
- I like the sidelines for now.
- Speaking of in the game, are you yet?
- In the game?
- With Ms. Davis?
(playful music)
- I'm working on it.
- Melanie,
this showcase is the one
fundraiser we do for the year,
it has to be good.
- I'd be happy to be in it and help,
but I will not dance with Will Kendall.
- May I ask why?
- You may ask, but it doesn't
mean I'll give you an answer.
- Mallory, any thoughts?
- You wanted to close
the show with the waltz?
Melanie and Will are
my best waltz dancers,
that's why I put them together.
- Katherine loves the waltz,
I'm sure she would be happy to do it.
- Yeah, but you're my best.
- I'm sorry.
I really am, but I won't dance with him.
It was a great lesson
tonight, Mallory, thank you.
You two have a good evening.
(gentle music)
- Do you know what's
going on with those two?
- Not exactly.
They're both attorneys.
I think the one attorney has
the hots for the other attorney
and the other attorney wants nothing to do
with that one on her name.
- I see.
Perhaps Melanie would do this,
she can work on the
routine with another dancer
and Will can do the same,
then they'll have just a
few rehearsals together
prior to the showcase.
Minimize the time they spend
together, what do you think?
- Sounds good to me.
- Me too.
- Okay, next class, I'll ask her.
- We're going anywhere tonight?
- I don't think so.
- I want a man in my life.
(Melanie laughing)
- [Katherine] Why?
- What?
Don't you want a man?
- Yes, but only if he's the right one.
I've had enough of the wrong ones.
- I signed up for another dating site.
(Melanie laughing)
I hate those things.
Have you ever been on one?
- Yes.
- Melanie?
- Nope.
- You've never been on a dating site?
- No.
- I think I've been on all of them.
(friends giggling)
I hate those things, it's just...
(Elena sighing)
I want a man in my life.
Someone really special.
- The Lord can bring you the right one.
- But he hasn't, and I'm 28 now.
I'm getting over the hill.
Plus, all the good ones are already taken.
(friends chuckling)
- Did God create the world?
- Yes.
- Did God create every man?
- Yes.
- Can God bring you the right one?
At any time, tonight,
tomorrow, two years from now?
Case closed, have patience.
- Spoken like a true attorney.
- How can I have patience
when I have none?
I hate waiting on things.
- Me too.
- You know, I learned a
lesson about waiting once.
It changed my perspective on it.
- Okay,
what?
- Well, my older brother is
married and he has a 9-year-old,
and she loves roller coasters.
Her favorite one is the Sky Coaster.
- I've been on that, I love that ride.
- Yeah, me too.
Well, every year we go as a family,
and this last year we got
there right when it opened
and went straight for the Sky Coaster.
There was no line for it.
So we got on, we rode it.
And when it was over, my
niece looked at me and said,
"Aunt Melanie, that was fun,
but not as fun as I remember."
And I said, "Yeah, I agree."
So we got off and we walked around
and did some other things,
and then she wanted to ride it again,
only this time there was a line
and we had to wait about 30 minutes.
So we waited, we rode it,
and then my niece was
so excited and she said,
"Aunt Melanie, that was so
much more fun this time."
And I said, "Yeah, it was."
And then it hit me.
Why was it more fun?
It was the exact same ride as before,
only this time we had to wait for it.
The waiting actually made the ride better.
Maybe God knows something that we don't
about why he makes us wait.
(gentle music)
(lawyers chattering)
- Melanie.
Hey, do you have a minute?
- [Melanie] Sure.
- I was just handed the
Murray case yesterday,
and I saw you were the attorney
from your firm handling it.
Have you had a chance to look it over?
- I have.
- Well, I read it yesterday,
and from what I can see,
I'm supposed to represent a
man who has repeated calls
to the police for domestic violence,
has cheated on his wife multiple times,
and he filed for sole
custody of their kids.
- Yes, we saw all of that.
- I'd like to settle out of court.
Why don't you draw up
whatever you think is best
for your client, and
I'll get mine to sign it.
If there's one thing I can't tolerate,
it's a man who hits
women and is unfaithful.
It doesn't fly with me and
it doesn't fly with God.
It never has, and it never will.
I don't care what his reasons are.
- Sounds to me like
you're defending my client
more than your own.
- I'm just trying to do what's best
for all the people involved.
Do you wanna draw it up,
or do you want me to?
- No.
I'll speak with my client and
get something over to you.
- Have a great day.
(gentle music)
- Melanie.
Daniel had an idea.
You can work on the final
routine with someone else
and Will can do the same,
and then the two of you can run it
just a few times before the showcase.
It would really minimize
your time together.
What do you say?
- I say no.
- Melanie, we are going all
out for this production.
We're charging a lot for a
ticket, this has to deliver.
I need you.
You're my best waltz dancer.
Please reconsider.
- I'm sorry.
I gotta get ready for class.
- Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow, quick, quick, slow.
(gentle music)
Okay, good.
Okay, same partners.
(gentle music)
- I wonder if they're gonna
put that in the showcase.
- Hi.
- I'll be right back.
(gentle music)
(Melanie knocking)
- I will dance with Will
on the night of the showcase
under one condition.
- Okay.
- No prior rehearsal.
I practice with someone
else and he does the same.
- Melanie, you gotta rehearse it with him.
- I won't do that.
Now, I love this studio
and I love both of you,
but that's the best I'll offer.
He learns his part, I learn mine,
we dance it just the one time.
- All right, if that's
the way it has to be.
I'll get a partner for
you and let you know
when the first practice is.
- Okay.
- Have a good evening.
- Goodnight.
- Daniel, they have to rehearse.
- Do you want Melanie
doing the last waltz?
- Yes.
- Do you want Will?
- Yes.
- Okay then.
I'll take a look at the routine
and see if I need to make any changes
knowing they won't be
rehearsing it together.
- It'll be pretty embarrassing
if one of them slips up.
Daniel, are you sure you wanna do this?
- I don't know.
Let me give it some more thought.
- There's no reason for
my wife to divorce me.
We've always had a great marriage.
We've gotta stop this.
- I'm sorry this is happening,
Mr. Masters, I truly am.
- The Devil's attacking my
family, that's what this is.
What,
Ms. Davis, don't you believe
the Devil attacks families?
- I didn't say anything, sir, but I do.
I do indeed.
- Have you ever been married, Ms. Davis?
- No, sir.
- Ever been in a long-term
relationship with a man?
- No, sir.
- So you're telling me
you've never been married,
never been in a long-term
relationship with a man
and you are the one representing me?
Ms. Davis, you can't possibly
understand my situation.
- I can tell you what I do
understand, Mr. Masters,
I've studied the law for years,
and my Bible for years.
I've studied them both extensively
on what they say about
marriage and relationships.
Your wife is using the law to divorce you.
That's all that the court knows,
but we both know that
this is a spiritual issue.
It's what I'm trying to solve and discern
so we can keep your family together.
Would you please sit
down for a moment, sir?
Mr. Masters,
if your wife committed adultery on you,
could you deal with that?
- Candice didn't commit adultery on me.
- What if she did?
- She would never do that.
I told you, she's the finest
Christian woman I know,
probably anybody knows.
She would never do anything
to hurt me or our family.
- What if she did?
Would it hurt?
- Of course it would
hurt, what do you think?
It would kill me.
- Could you forgive her?
- Stop asking me questions
I don't have to deal with.
- I don't think that
any one of us on our own
could forgive something like that,
but I do believe that Christ
can forgive through us.
- Ms. Davis, Candice was not
unfaithful in our marriage
and did not commit adultery on me.
I don't know why you keep going there,
and I don't know why she wants out,
and apparently neither do you.
I just know that I want this
nightmare to end very soon.
Now, I have to go.
- Mr. Masters?
Do you and your wife ballroom dance?
- No.
No, we don't.
- Have you ever done it before?
- No.
We're not interested in it.
- When God brings your
family back together,
one night,
set everything aside,
even the Bible study,
and take some time to
dance with your wife.
She'd really like that.
I look forward to dancing
with my husband one day.
(gentle music)
- Okay, I was on my way
out, I got your text.
Let's hear this idea.
I'm all ears.
- So, I've been thinking
about this last dance
with Melanie and Will,
knowing her request.
I spoke with Stephanie and I
went over the show with her.
She'll sing four times.
She'll open the show and close it
with a couple of songs in between.
- I have three songs from her,
but I don't have the closing one yet.
- Neither did I, til she sent me this.
(piano music)
- [Mallory] What is it?
- A new song she just recorded.
- What's the dance?
- Nightclub.
- You said you wanted
to close with the waltz.
- I did, but if we use this
song, it's gotta be nightclub.
- It's a pretty quick nightclub.
- Yeah, but it works, I tried it.
- If you close with the nightclub,
we should have Melissa and Ken dance it,
not Melanie and Will.
- We've got Ken and Melissa
doing two-step, right?
- Right.
- Plus, they're in the opening segment,
and now I've got 'em in a group waltz.
So, they're set.
- Okay.
- Let's remember, the
purpose of the showcase
is to demonstrate the dances we do,
not to win a competition.
And I think we can close
the show differently
than what we were gonna do
and use Melanie and Will to do it.
- Daniel, she doesn't
wanna dance with him.
- I get it, I get it.
But we've got everyone else scheduled,
so let's just leave what we have.
- All right.
- And I told you I had an idea.
I want to tell a story
with this last dance,
and we can put this on
stage with a little set.
We'll have a couple tables
set up like a little club.
It's late at night and there's
only two people still there,
Melanie and Will,
sitting at different tables.
Stephanie has one last
song to sing in her set.
She starts to sing a song.
Will walks over to Melanie
and asks her to dance.
She shakes her head no.
- Kind of like real life.
- Yeah, that's what gave me the idea.
Anyway, Will goes back to
his table, feeling lonely,
and then decides to dance
a little by himself.
You know, just going through some steps,
a lonely guy wanting to dance
one last song with somebody.
Melanie notices this
and feels sorry for him,
and finally decides to dance with him.
When Stephanie hits the
chorus, they start dancing.
By telling this story,
it lets me minimize the actual dance
and give them a simple routine
knowing they won't be
rehearsing it together.
What do you think?
- I think Stephanie is a beautiful voice.
- What do you think?
- They don't know nightclub very well.
- They don't have to with
the way I'm gonna do this.
I'll ask Melissa to practice with Will,
and Ken with Melanie.
It sets the stage for that lonely feeling
I think a lot of people in the audience
can really relate to.
We're opening with a happy, upbeat tune,
I say we close it like this.
(gentle music)
- I'd like for you to take over my case.
You put me with an attorney
who's never been married,
she's never even had
a long-term boyfriend.
What does she know about marital issues?
- Thomas,
I've been doing this a long time,
and believe me, Melanie is
who you want helping you.
We all know what your goal is here,
that's for your family
to come back together.
That's what we always hope for
with anybody that comes through our door
asking for our services.
Most of the cases we
handle end in divorce,
but we try our best to solve
family problems if we can.
That's good to hear,
but I'd still like for
you to take over the case.
Every case that comes through here, I see.
I've read everything that
Melanie has written on it.
I know what she's doing and
she and I have discussed this.
I can't promise your family
will come back together,
but I can say with confidence,
Melanie will find out
why your wife wants out.
So please, trust me on this?
I put her on your case for a reason.
- So, how's the dance deal going,
or whatever you're getting ready for?
- It's called a showcase.
They're serving a dinner with it too.
You gotta come see it.
It's a week from Saturday.
- Sure, I'll check it out.
- Yeah, we start rehearsing
at the theater on Monday,
rehearse a few nights leading up to it.
- Big-time event.
- It's a fundraiser for the
studio to help keep them going.
- I see.
- Then, to answer your
question, dance is going good.
Mallory's a terrific instructor
and a very good dancer.
But, it's Melanie I wanna dance with.
- Well, I mean, you'll get
your chance that night, right?
- Yeah, but I wanna dance with
her in practice, you know?
Spend some time with her.
- You're lucky she's dancing with you.
- You know, you say things like that.
You make me out to be
a bad guy or something.
- I didn't mean it like that.
It's just, she's not interested
and you can't seem to get the message.
- Not interested?
- Yeah, if she were,
she'd be practicing this
thing with you, right?
And I told you why, she's a Christian.
It means a lot to her.
In fact, it probably means
more to her than anything.
- I'm a Christian.
- Are you?
Have you received Jesus into your life?
If I ask if you've been born again,
do you know what that means?
Do you believe that Jesus died
on the cross for your sins,
was buried, and rose
again on the third day?
That's the gospel.
Does anything I just said
make any sense to you?
I suggest you read the Bible, my friend.
For your own soul's sake.
- It's just a religious book.
There are a lot of 'em out there.
- The Bible is the word of God,
Jesus Christ, Lord and
Savior of this world.
- You're sure about that?
- Yeah.
- Okay.
Tell me what makes you so sure.
Why do you believe in Jesus?
Tell me, I wanna know.
- In the Bible, there's
a book, "Gospel of Mark."
It's the one I've read the most.
In "Mark: Chapter One," Jesus
heals a man with leprosy.
You know why?
Because he has power over disease.
In "Mark: Chapter Two," he
heals a man sick of the palsy.
Do you know why?
Because he has power over sickness.
In "Mark: Chapter Three,"
he commands the unclean spirits, devils.
Do you know why?
'Cause he has power over demons.
In "Mark: Chapter Four," he
calms the storm and the sea.
You know why?
'Cause he has power over nature.
And then in "Mark: Chapter Five,"
he raises a 12-year-old
girl from the dead.
And do you know why?
Because Jesus Christ has power over death.
Just what he did in
those first five chapters
is enough for me to believe in Jesus.
- I'm okay, man.
Don't you worry about me.
- You may be okay in the here and now,
but it's the there and
where I'm concerned about.
- The there and where?
- Yeah, eternity?
Heaven?
Hell?
- Hey, the only thing I'm concerned about
at the moment is a female
attorney, you understand?
- Yeah.
Yeah, I understand.
- You know, if she is such a Christian,
this seems pretty judgmental to me.
- What do you mean?
- That I'm not as religious as her.
- No, it's about being
like-minded in the faith.
- Well, I've got a little surprise for her
the night of the showcase.
- What's that?
- At the very end of her dance,
I do a dip where I have
her in my arms like this,
and when I get her there,
I'm gonna kiss her.
She'll be defenseless,
have no way of stopping it.
- Wait, what?
- I'm gonna kiss her
while she's in my arms
right there in front of everybody.
What's she gonna do, embarrass herself?
Not a chance.
- You can't do that.
- I can and I'm gonna.
- Come on, man.
That's high school stuff, it's not right.
- She's gonna love it.
- You're delusional.
- Yeah, that's me.
Crazy Kendall, huh?
- Seriously, man.
You're obsessed.
I got your check.
(gentle music)
- Okay, sound and lights
both have a lineup
and are ready to rehearse.
- Thank you, Mallory.
Okay, dancers, we're
gonna start at the top
and slowly run through this.
Mallory will be your stage manager.
On the night of the performance,
I'm going to be giving a brief
introduction to our guests.
Then I'll exit the stage
and the music will begin.
Now, I'm not gonna be doing
my introduction tonight,
so we're just gonna
start on the music queue.
All right, everybody?
Here we go.
- Melanie.
My wife and I are coming, you know.
- Coming?
- To your dance presentation,
I just bought the tickets.
- Well, thank you, sir.
I really appreciate that.
- Now, she better not try to
get me to take dance lessons
after she sees this thing.
- Why?
Would that be so bad?
- Yes, it would.
(Melanie chuckling)
You've heard about people
having two left feet?
Well, I've got three.
I'm not kidding, I cannot dance.
I noticed the Masters case
on the docket for next week.
You all set to go?
- I think so.
- Did you ever find out why she wants out?
- I've been praying that
she'll change her mind.
- I pray that too.
Melanie?
You mind if I ask you a personal question?
- No, sir.
- Do you want to be married someday?
- Why do you ask?
- Just curious.
- Yes, I would.
- Are you seeing anyone?
- No, sir.
- I know it's none of my
business, but may I ask why?
- Because I've been waiting on the Lord.
- Care to elaborate?
- Let me put it this way, Mr. Ruskin,
the most important
decision a person will make
in a relationship is who they'll marry
and spend the rest of their life with.
And in most cases, a decision
gets made pretty hastily.
Our hearts can deceive us.
And so, for me, the key is to be patient,
to wait for God's timing for his choice
and then make sure it's right.
I don't wanna make a
mistake with who I marry.
I've seen enough and
learned a lot about marriage
and divorce with this job.
- And even when you have a good marriage,
it isn't always easy.
- I understand, but if I may, sir?
I don't think that marriage
has to be difficult
or hard like it is for people
with supposedly good marriages.
- Why do you say that?
- Because marriage to me
is like a ballroom dance,
you have to find the right partner.
- Marriage is like a ballroom dance?
- Yes, and it can be beautiful
from start to finish.
The man is the lead,
the woman, the follow.
But he doesn't lead like a dictator,
or harshly, or with forced moves.
His leads are gentle,
yet firm enough so you know what to do,
and anything good takes time.
You don't just go out on the dance floor
and perform a beautiful waltz.
It takes hours of practice
to get the dance moves
and technique right.
Same with the relationship.
It takes time to get to know one another,
to love one another,
to truly care for that other person,
like a dance with the right partner.
A relationship can be
beautiful from start to finish.
- You're gonna talk me into
this dance stuff, aren't you?
(Melanie chuckling)
I like your reasoning, counselor.
- Thank you, sir.
- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,
and thank you for coming
to our showcase tonight.
You've honored us by your
presence and support,
and I certainly hope you enjoyed the meal.
My name is Daniel Griffin,
owner of Champion Ballroom Center.
Throughout our program tonight,
we will be demonstrating all the dances
that we teach at our studio.
Your program guide will let you know
which dance is being performed.
Also, our special guest
singer, Stephanie Young,
will be performing on four
dance numbers tonight.
So, that is an added bonus
to this year's showcase.
And let me just state
that all of the dancers
that you'll see tonight are students.
In fact, the average
age of our students is,
let me say it this way, over 29.
(audience chuckling)
So if you think you're
too old to start dancing,
we hope that some the performers tonight
will change your mind.
(audience chuckling)
Dance has been my life and
living now for many years.
I love dance and I love music,
and when you put the two together,
something really special happens.
Plus, I'm a Christian,
and I'm reminded what
the Bible says in that
in everything we do,
do it all for the glory of God,
and that is the goal of our studio.
With that in mind,
we now present to you with
this year's showcase entitled.
"A Time To Dance."
(jazzy music)
When a Bluebird sings
Say hello to spring
All the flowers start to grow
It's the way I feel
'Cause I know it's real
The moment you say hello
Something happens
when you hold my hand
The moon even starts to flow
I'm so happy I don't have to feel sad
So happy my heart wants to feel glad
Feelings better than sunshine
Don't you know
I'm so happy when you're beside me
So happy it sets my soul free
Dance away all my troubles
Let them go
Evenings end
When love begins
Comes brighter than the sun
Take a midnight twirl
Atop the world
- Melanie, I'm really sorry to bother you,
but I saw you weren't in the first dance.
Do you have a moment?
- Yeah, what's up?
- Look,
I don't know how to say this
without it sounding childish.
- What is it?
- Will is planning on kissing
you during your dance tonight.
I guess there's a part where
he lowers you in his arms
and you're pretty defenseless.
I just thought you should know.
- Thank you for telling me.
- That's all.
- Harrison,
why did you tell me that?
- If you'd ever like to
get a bite to eat sometime,
I'd be happy to tell you.
- Yeah,
sure.
Feelings better than sunshine
Don't you know
(dramatic music)
(bright music)
(upbeat music)
(gentle music)
(salsa music)
(gentle music)
(romantic music)
(upbeat music)
(country music)
- Okay, you're next.
He knows the routine, you can do this.
(country music)
(audience applauding)
(gentle music)
Like a flower that blooms
Like a soft summer breeze
He makes everything new
Gives life to our dreams
There'll be rivers to cross
There'll be bridges to build
I will never be lost
If you're with me still
As the wind
Sweeps through the valley
Where the ocean
Meets the sky
And the birds
Singsong forever
In his love
I can fly
When it seems
Your heart is breaking
And your life
Is lost in time
Your souls must've been forgotten
In his love
You can fly
(audience applauding)
- Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,
for coming out this evening.
We'll see you on the dance floor.
Good night.
(audience applauding)
(dramatic music)
- Mrs. Pearl,
what is your observation of the marriage
between Thomas and Candice Masters?
- Candice...
Candice the finest Christian woman I know.
She's been very good to Thomas.
Thomas is a good man,
but he is very zealous about Christianity
and what he believes.
- Do you feel they have a good marriage?
- To everyone on the outside, yes,
but on the inside, I wonder.
- And why do you say that?
- Thomas is very strong
and set in what he believes,
and I think she lives in...
bondage and fear.
She doesn't wanna make him mad,
so she goes along with everything he says.
- Bondage?
Fear?
And you are good friends with
both Mr. and Mrs. Masters?
- Yes, we're good friends
and we have been for years.
- Have you ever talked to Mrs.
Masters about this before?
- No.
- May I ask why?
- Because it's her marriage,
and I respect that.
- Look, Mr. Kendall, I don't
blame her for wanting out.
Thomas is a nice man, we all love him,
but he is too strict and too
hard on her and the kids.
That's what I see.
- Thank you, Mrs. Pearl.
Your witness.
- Mrs. Pearl,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- Yes, I have.
- To your best estimate, how
many times have you been there?
- I would say a few times.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
(gentle music)
- Candice is the kind of
person who won't make waves
to save peace in her family.
She will
give in and simply do as Thomas says.
- How long have you known Mrs. Masters?
- About 10 years.
She and I lead a women's
Bible study at the church,
and we've been doing
so for about that long.
- Do you feel you know her well?
- Yes, yes.
We speak quite often.
- Does she ever complain
about her husband?
- Never.
Candice isn't like that.
She will put up with you
before she would complain about you.
- Does it shock you that she
wants out of her marriage?
Hey,
feel free to speak your
mind Mrs. Gringeri.
- No, it doesn't shock me.
Thomas is a good Christian man,
but he's very
precise about what he believes,
and he expects his wife and children
to believe exactly as he does.
I don't think that they
can think for themselves
or are allowed to disagree with him.
- Thank you.
Your witness.
- Mrs. Gringeri,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- No, I have not.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
(energetic music)
- Mr. Masters, you have 3
children and they are ages 11,
7, and 5, is that correct?
- Yes.
- And is it true that
you only let them watch
religious programs?
- Christian.
They watch things that are Christian.
- Is it true that you only read
the King James version
of the Bible to them?
- Yes.
It's because I believe it to be
the most accurate English translation.
- The King James Bible,
which has archaic language
with these and thees and thous
and words like lovest and givest.
Do you tell your children you lovest them,
or do you say you love them?
- I say I love them,
and I explain the Bible
to them as we read it.
- To make sure they believe
exactly the way you do,
isn't that right, sir?
- Objection.
- I withdraw the comment.
My apologies.
No further questions.
Your witness.
- Mr. Masters,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- I've driven through,
but I don't recall ever having stopped.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
(keyboard clacking)
- Mrs. Masters,
why do you want out of the marriage?
- Because I can't take it anymore.
Thomas is too demanding
with the Bible, too strict.
He shoves it down her throats
morning, noon, and night.
- Shoves it down your throat?
- Yes, sir.
- Any other reason why you want out?
- I've had enough.
It's too hard to live with
him, I can't do it anymore.
- Thank you, Mrs. Masters.
Your witness.
- Mrs. Masters,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- Yes.
- How many times have you been there?
- Many times, mostly when I was younger.
- Do you remember the last
time that you were there?
- Yes.
- When was that?
- It was earlier this year
when my mother was sick.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
That's our time for today.
Court is adjourned
until 10:00 AM tomorrow.
- Ms. Davis?
Why didn't you defend me in there today?
They all lied or exaggerated like crazy,
I'm not the man they described in there.
And what was all this about Hot Springs?
- You told me you wanted to
try to save your marriage.
- That's right.
- Well, that is exactly
what I'm trying to do.
Now, let me ask you this,
are you willing to make the changes
you heard in that courtroom today?
- What?
I told you, they all exaggerated.
- Let's assume for a moment
everything said about you was correct.
Are you willing to humble
yourself and ask the Lord
to make whatever changes he needs to do
to save your marriage and family?
- It was all an exaggeration.
(gentle music)
- God allows things to
happen in life, Mr. Masters,
that we don't understand,
that we can't understand,
just like your situation.
Why is your wife, who is a
wonderful Christian lady,
and you, a strong believer in Christ,
why are you both one day
away from getting a divorce?
- I don't know.
I know that I don't wanna
lose my wife and family.
- And I've been faithfully praying that
that doesn't happen, sir.
- After what I heard in there today,
I'd say we haven't got a prayer.
- Pardon me?
- I said we haven't got a prayer.
I don't understand why you didn't
do anything in there today.
I told Ruskin I wanted
him to handle my case.
- Mr. Masters,
I don't really know you.
I don't really know how
your marriage has been
all these years,
but as a fellow believer in Christ
and in this final hour,
the best thought that
I can give you is this.
Pray,
and accept.
Pray to the Lord to make
whatever changes he needs
to make in your heart and hers,
then accept what he does or does not do.
I'll see you tomorrow.
(gentle music)
- Mrs. Masters,
yesterday you testified that your husband
shoved the Bible down your throat.
Can you explain what that means?
- Just what I said.
- Well, how did he shove
a Bible down your throat?
It must have been a lot
smaller than this one.
- He didn't do it literally.
I was speaking figuratively.
- Mrs. Masters, are you a Bible believing
born again Christian?
- Yes, I am.
- Do you believe the
Bible to be the inerrant,
infallible word of God?
- Yes, I do.
- So if your husband was
preaching from the Bible,
wouldn't that be a good thing?
- You don't understand,
he is somewhat of a tyrant with the Bible,
always preaching, always
demanding, always correcting.
No matter how hard the kids and I try,
it's never good enough for him.
- Do you believe that God
could change your husband
so that he wasn't so
demanding or correcting
or always preaching?
- I suppose.
- You suppose or you believe it?
- I believe it.
- Knowing your husband like you do,
if he told you he wanted to
change, would you believe him?
Mrs. Masters?
- Yes.
- Mrs. Masters, if you
had committed adultery
on your husband and you knew
he would forgive you 100%,
would you be willing to go back
to your marriage and family?
- Objection, speculative.
- Sustained.
- I'll reword, Your Honor.
Mrs. Masters,
if a married woman had committed
adultery on her husband
and she knew he would
forgive her completely
and unconditionally take her back,
do you think that woman
would go back to him?
- Possibly.
- In your view,
would that be a Christ-like
act by that husband?
- Yes.
- Objection.
Judge Wallace, she's trying to
get the witness to say things
that aren't based on any
established fact in this case.
- Sustained.
Ms. Davis.
- From what I can tell, Mrs. Masters,
you're a woman who
sincerely follows the Lord,
who always goes the extra
mile, always takes the loss,
who always tries to treat everyone right.
People have testified on your behalf
that this is true about you.
Even your own husband
says you are the finest Christian woman
that he has ever met.
The pressure to maintain that reputation
must be very difficult.
None of us are perfect, Mrs. Masters,
nobody but Christ himself.
So please, don't feel that you
need to carry that pressure
to be perfect in every way.
Let Jesus and his cross
alone be your perfection.
- Your Honor, is this a
church service with a sermon,
or is there a question here for my client?
- Acknowledged.
Ms. Davis?
- As much as we try to
follow Christ in this life,
Mrs. Masters, there's an enemy
on the outside, the Devil,
and an enemy on the inside,
our own sinful self.
So, life for the Christian
is a spiritual battle
in the physical world.
Admitting that we've failed or sinned
in the eyes of God is a good thing,
it's not something to be ashamed of.
And the reason is this,
we're all sinners.
We all fail,
we all fall,
we all do things that we shouldn't do
or even thought we would do.
So my plea to you, Mrs. Masters,
is to cling to the grace
of God in this very moment.
- Your Honor, has this become
a counseling session now?
Because I still haven't heard
a question from my client.
- Ms. Davis,
do you have any more
questions for this witness?
(gentle music)
- Your Honor, are there any
more questions for my client?
- [Judge] Ms. Davis?
- Your Honor?
- Ms. Davis.
(gentle music)
- Mrs. Masters, when you
went to visit your mother,
did you meet up with any
old high school classmates?
- Yes.
- Did a group of you go to
Hot Springs for the day?
- Yes.
- Was one of those classmates
your old high school boyfriend?
- Yes.
- Did that day trip turn
into an overnight stay
in Hot Springs?
- Yes.
- Mrs. Masters,
did something happen that
night that shouldn't have?
(somber music)
- I just got back from court.
Robin told me.
No divorce and they're reconciling.
- Yes, sir.
- I'm very happy to hear that,
especially for the children.
So, what happened?
- She had a one-night affair,
said she couldn't even
believe it happened.
And was very ashamed of herself,
but in the end, told Thomas
she didn't wanna get a divorce.
- It was quite an extreme
reaction, filing for divorce.
- We've all done things
that don't make sense, sir.
We all react to situations
in different ways.
- That we do.
How's Thomas doing?
- He's relieved, but also stunned.
And I think he also sees.
- Sees?
- You can have a great zeal
for the Lord and his word,
but you can't force other
people to have that same zeal.
All you can do is share what
you believe to be the truth,
let it go at that.
Everyone has to believe for themselves,
including your own family.
- You did a very good job
handling this case, Melanie.
- Thank you, sir.
- Almost every case
that comes in our office
ends in divorce.
This one didn't.
(gentle music)
- Hello, Melanie.
- Hello.
- You look lovely this evening.
- Thank you.
- How did you find out she had an affair?
I asked her early on in the
case if she was seeing someone
and she said, "Absolutely not."
Seemed innocent to me.
- Any one of us can fall in a moment.
- But how did you find out?
I don't lose many cases.
- You didn't lose anything.
I'm very glad they're
not getting a divorce.
You should be too.
- I am.
I am glad about that.
Would you care to dance?
- No, thank you.
- What do you have against me, Melanie?
Well, what is it? I'd like to know.
- I think you're a man
who always has your
best interests at heart.
- And I can see why you're still single.
- I didn't know being
single was a bad thing.
- [Dave] Melanie, would you like to dance?
- Sure, Dave.
- [Will] Melanie?
- Excuse me.
- You never answered my question.
- Which one?
- How did you find out she had an affair?
- I prayed about it.
(bright music)
- Hello.
- Hello, I'm Jeremy Hillmire.
I called and spoke with Robin.
- Yes, that's me.
- Oh, hi.
I have an appointment with Ms. Davis.
- Yes, sir.
You are a few minutes early,
and she has someone in her office.
I'll let her know you're here.
- Thank you.
- Have you ever been to her office before?
- No, it's first time.
- Okay, may I ask how you
came to know about us?
- A good friend of mine
recommended your firm,
and he specifically recommended Ms. Davis.
- [Robin] May I ask who recommended us?
- [Jeremy] Yeah, his
name is Thomas Masters.
(gentle music)
(bright music)
(gentle music)
- Hello.
- Hello, I'm Thomas Masters.
I called and spoke with Mr. Ruskin.
- Yes, Mr. Masters.
Your case has been assigned to Ms. Davis.
She's expecting you,
- Ms. Davis?
- Yes, sir.
- Is there a reason Mr. Ruskin
isn't going to handle the case?
- He assigned your case to Ms. Davis.
- How long has she been with you?
- About nine months.
- Look, I have a serious issue.
It would be helpful to speak
to somebody who's not a rookie.
I need to talk to a person who's married,
understands family issues.
(Mr. Ruskin knocking)
- Melanie, this is Thomas Masters.
Thomas, Melanie Davis.
- It's nice to meet you, Mr. Masters.
- Hello.
- Thomas and I met a few years
ago at a business function.
I was sorry to hear about
what happened with his wife.
When he explained his situation to me,
I felt you were the
best person on our staff
to handle his case.
So, I'll let you two take it from here.
- Thank you, Mr. Ruskin.
Please, have a seat, Mr. Masters.
- Thomas.
- I had what I thought
was a pretty strong case,
and she got the judge to go joint custody.
- Who was the judge?
- [Harrison] Mackenzie.
- Figures.
If you had Wallace, I bet it
wouldn't have gone her way.
- Maybe not.
She's a very good attorney though.
- And she's a very good looking attorney.
- Yeah.
You got eyes for her?
- [Will] Maybe.
- You two don't have the best rapport.
- If only I can meet her outside of court,
then she could see my charm.
(Harrison scoffing)
- You still do this?
- [Will] What?
- Dance?
- Yeah, why?
- She dances.
- Who?
- Davis.
- Wait, what's this?
- She takes ballroom dance lessons.
- How do you know?
- Hey, I hear things.
- Where does she take 'em?
- I don't know, but you're an attorney.
Kendall and Kendall, father and son.
I'm sure between the two of you,
you can figure that information out.
(Will chuckling)
- I love my wife and children very much.
She's always felt the same way.
We have a great marriage.
We read the Bible together every night,
do lots of things with the kids.
Now she suddenly wants out.
It makes zero sense.
I want to save my marriage,
keep my family together.
- I understand, and I would like to help,
but it sure would be nice if
we knew what the problem was.
- I told you, she won't tell me.
I have no idea.
- Do you think that
she's having an affair?
- Candice?
Never.
She's as loyal as can be.
Finest Christian woman I know.
- And she hasn't told you anything?
- Just that she's had
enough and wants out.
- Had enough of what?
- She won't tell me.
- Where's she staying now?
- At Melissa Pearl's,
they're friends of ours.
- And are the children living with you?
- Yes, she picks 'em up
from school every day
and brings 'em home, stays
with them until I get there.
- Is Melissa Pearl married?
- Yes, but it's just the two of them.
- Are you friends with Mr. Pearl?
- Good friends, but it is a
little uncomfortable right now
given the circumstances.
- Cami, next time you see
Melanie Davis in court,
find out where she takes
ballroom dance lessons.
- And how do you propose I go about that?
- Tell her you're interested.
- But I'm not interested in that.
- Tell her your boyfriend
wanted to dance with you
the other night, you didn't know how,
so you're thinking about learning.
- I don't have a boyfriend.
- That's even better, you
never have to follow up on it.
(Cami scoffing)
- I don't think so.
- I need to find out
where she takes lessons
and how long she's been dancing.
- Why don't you ask her yourself?
What's this?
- You'll get another
If I like your answers.
(Cami scoffing)
- Heavenly Father,
please bring the Masters
family back together.
Please don't let this divorce happen.
Show me what I can do to help.
Direct my mind and my steps.
In Jesus' name I ask and pray, Amen.
(gentle music)
(bright music)
- Hey there.
- How is everybody?
- We're good.
Any big court case today?
- No, not today.
- Elena, you gotta think
about big court cases.
Melanie's a divorce
attorney, not homicide.
- That's right, I keep forgetting.
(friends chuckling)
- They picked a theme for the showcase.
- What'd you hear?
- They're calling it "A Time To Dance."
We're gonna showcase
everything they teach here at the studio,
plus, this year, we're having a dinner
and a singer for a few of the dances.
- Oh, that sounds good.
- Yeah, last year we just danced,
but this year, with a singer and dinner,
we are hitting the big time.
(friends laughing)
- Yeah.
- I think that'd be really good.
- I think so too.
- I could finance you my report.
- This is where she takes lessons.
She's been dancing for four years.
Her favorite dance is the waltz.
- You know I've been dancing on and off
for about seven years,
but never ran into her.
How come?
- Well, it could be because she moved here
less than a year ago.
- Where's she from?
- Do you know how to use the internet?
Just type in "Melanie Davis attorney,"
and you'll find out where
she went to law school
and all sorts of information like that.
- Thank you.
I appreciate the advice.
- Thank you.
Oh, I also found out she's going
to the country dance
hall this Friday night.
- Yeah, I've been there.
- That tidbit of info is free.
(gentle music)
- Hey, Harrison, you doing
anything Friday night?
- Not that I know of.
- I'm going to the dance hall.
There'll be a band playing country music.
Come with me.
- I don't dance.
- You ain't gotta dance.
Just observe.
- Nah, I don't think so.
- There is food.
It's good too.
- I don't know.
- There'll be some ladies there.
They're mostly older, but some our age.
My treat.
Oh, heart
Don't break
On me this time
(country music)
I'm tired of the pain
Every time she walks out
- Not very many people.
- It's because we got
here early to get a seat,
but it'll be packed.
Now, usually some of the
older folks dance early,
like what you're seeing here.
The younger crowd will start coming.
You'll see.
- What's that dance they're doing?
- It's the East Coast Swing.
It's a triple step,
triple step, rock step.
And we need to get you out there, huh?
- No.
No, it wouldn't be triple step,
it would be trip over my step.
Food was good though.
- Told you.
Look who just graced us with her presence.
Oh, heart
Don't break
On me this time
- Did you know she was
gonna be here tonight?
- No.
It does make sense though.
Her dance studio's just down the road,
and I bet those are some
of her dance friends.
Oh, heart
Don't break
On me this time
- Show time.
This time I'm over hurt for good
There ain't no doubt
- Melanie.
Surprised to see you here.
Didn't know you were a dancer.
Gonna introduce me to your friends?
- These are my friends.
- Cute.
Thank you.
- This is Melissa,
Katherine, and Elena.
Hey.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you ladies.
My name is Will Kendall.
I'm an attorney in family law,
just like your friend here.
There was time when you meant
- Would any of you like
to do a little waltz?
(gentle music)
- I will, cowboy.
'Cause I didn't see
Anything
- It seemed to me you knew
what you were doing on the dance floor.
- Yeah, I'm okay, I get by.
- [Harrison] How long did
you stay after I left?
- [Will] They just played one more set.
- Dance with Melanie?
- No.
- [Harrison] Why not?
- Because you gotta make her jealous.
Just dance with her friends.
- Jealous?
What makes you think
she's even interested?
- Because I know women.
Since Friday night,
she's been thinking about me all the time.
- I think it might be
the other way around.
Look, Will,
from what I know about
Melanie, she's a Christian.
A real one.
I don't think she'll
go for a guy like you.
- What do you mean a guy like me?
- She probably wants a man
who's serious about Christ.
- Hey, I go to church.
- When?
- Christmas, Easter.
(Harrison scoffing)
- She wants a little more than that.
- Yeah, well, I'll make her
a believer in me one day.
You'll see.
- In the weeks before your wife left,
did you notice anything unusual from her?
- No.
- Nothing at all?
- No, she was perfectly
normal, like always.
- Was she any less romantic towards you?
- No.
- She gone for any period
of time in the last year?
- No.
- Gone overnight anywhere?
- Her mother was in the hospital.
She went to visit her.
- Where does her mother live?
- [Thomas] Asheville.
- When was this?
- About two months ago.
- How long was she there?
- Over and back four days.
- So, three nights?
- [Thomas] Yes.
- Other than that, no trips?
- No.
Look, Ms. Davis,
it makes no sense why she would want out.
I can't even believe I'm having
this discussion with you.
- I'm sorry, sir.
I really am.
- Why is this happening?
- That's what we're trying to find out.
(gentle music)
- Hello, I'm Mallory.
I'm the class instructor.
- Nice to meet you.
Will Kendall.
- Oh, Elena and Katherine
said you might come.
- Yeah, I danced with both of
them some last Friday night.
- They said you're pretty good.
- I don't know about that,
but I have been dancing on
and off for quite a few years.
- So, how come we haven't
seen you around here then?
- I was at another studio
for a little while,
but took some time off.
You'll start to see me.
- You know, we are getting
ready for our studio showcase.
It's the biggest event of the year for us.
You can always use leans.
Maybe you can be one of our dancers?
- Maybe.
- Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow, crossover.
Turn.
Fifth position.
Back to basic.
Okay, good.
Everybody switch partners.
(gentle music)
Prime up.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Quick, quick, slow, crossover.
Turn.
Fifth position.
Back to basic.
Okay, good.
Everybody change partners.
- Elena, you can go.
- You sure?
- Yep.
- [Mallory] Frame up.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow, quick, quick, slow.
(gentle music)
(Harrison knocking)
- Well?
- Well, what?
- Did you go?
I did.
- And?
- It went great.
The teacher, Mallory, is a real pro,
and I enjoyed dancing with
the ladies in the class.
- Did you dance with Melanie?
- No.
- How come?
- It's a class where you rotate partners,
and every time it was my
turn to dance with her,
she sat it out.
(Harrison chuckling)
- Well, you were right.
She has been thinking about you,
how to avoid you.
- Hey, just gimme a little time.
- I'll give you a whole career,
I don't think you're getting
out of the batter's box.
- Appreciate the encouraging words, buddy.
- Just think of me like an umpire.
I call 'em like I see 'em.
(playful music)
- She wants out, sir,
and he doesn't know why.
She hasn't given him a reason
and he doesn't have a clue.
- She's gotta be seeing somebody.
- He says no.
In fact, he insists never.
From what I can tell, she's
been very loyal to him,
her children, and the different
activities that she does.
- That's gotta be something.
- This woman is a model Christian
who does everything right.
Her reputation seems flawless.
- Why would a woman like that
all of a sudden change course?
- I don't know.
- It's like she's gone from
one extreme to the other,
but why?
Is there somebody else you
could talk to about her?
- You said you were on good
terms with your mother-in-law,
is that still true?
- [Thomas Masters] Yes, very good terms.
- I'd like to meet with her,
do you think you could set that up?
- [Thomas Masters] She lives in Asheville.
You gonna drive over there?
- Yes.
Try to make the appointment
for 2:00 PM on Friday,
then let me know.
- [Thomas Masters] Let
me see what I can do.
- Thank you.
(gentle music)
(keyboard clacking)
- You ready to go to lunch?
- In about two seconds.
(keyboard clacking)
- You read this?
- [Harrison] What?
- This?
- Yes, I read it.
- [Will] Really?
- Read it every day.
- Seriously?
- Seriously.
- Why?
- It's the word of God.
- [Will] Who says?
- Says God, who wrote the book.
You should read it sometime.
- I'm okay.
It's not for me.
- Sure it is, it's for everybody.
(gentle music)
- I sincerely appreciate you
meeting with me, Mrs. Henry.
Not many women would do so
under the circumstances.
- Well, I'm actually
still kind of in shock
that it's even happening.
I always thought my
daughter adored Thomas.
They've gotten along
extremely well over the years.
I just feel horrible for the children.
- You know, Thomas can't understand
why Candice wants the divorce.
Do you have any idea?
- Honestly, I don't.
She won't say a word about it.
- When was the last time you
talked with your daughter?
- Oh, we talk a couple of times a week.
- Do the two of you get along?
- Oh yes, very well.
- When was the last time you saw her?
- When I was in the
hospital, she came over.
- How long did she stay here?
- Oh, just a couple of days.
- Two?
- Yes, turned out to be nothing serious.
- So, she was here just two nights?
- [Mrs. Henry] Yes.
- Your daughter, she grew
up here in Nashville?
- Yes, born and raised.
- Did she see anyone
else while she was here?
- Some of her high school classmates.
The father of a good friend
was in the room next to me
when I was in the hospital,
and when Candice came to
see me, she ran into her.
Then several of them
got together for a day
and had sort of a mini-reunion.
(Melanie chuckling)
- I see.
- Are you sure I can't get
you something to drink?
- Oh, no ma'am.
Thank you.
- Oh, I love sweet tea, I
drink it throughout the day.
(duo chuckling)
This is my favorite mug.
My daughter got it for me.
Do you like tea, Ms. Davis?
- More of a coffee girl myself,
but I have a favorite cup too.
(Mrs. Henry chuckling)
If you don't mind me asking,
how did Thomas and Candice meet?
- Oh, they have a unique story.
They both met and were
saved on the same day.
- Really?
- Yes.
They met in college.
Thomas was starting his junior year
and Candice was a freshman.
One of the campus ministries
had a special speaker,
and they both went to it.
And when he gave an invitation,
they both realized they didn't
have Christ in their life,
even though they were raised in church
and involved in youth
group and all of that.
So, that night,
they truly trusted Jesus
for their salvation,
got involved in campus
ministry and started to date.
- That's very interesting.
- Oh, they have a wonderful testimony
of how the Lord's worked in their lives.
- Thomas doesn't want
this divorce, Mrs. Henry.
- Yes, I know.
And I don't want it either.
- This doesn't add up or make any sense.
- No, it does not.
- Well, thank you very much for your time.
I have to be getting back now.
- You've come a long way
for such a short visit.
- And I really enjoyed speaking with you.
- Oh.
- [Melanie] Thank you
again for letting me come.
- You're welcome.
I will see you out.
(gentle music)
(dancers chattering)
- Hey, Melanie?
I met with Candice Masters,
and she really would like
to settle a outta court.
You wanna stop by sometimes,
see if we can knock this out?
- When?
- When's good for you?
- Tomorrow.
- Okay.
How about 6:00 PM, we can
discuss it over dinner?
My treat.
- How about I come to your office at 3:30?
- All right.
Yeah.
Yeah, that should work.
Hey, are you gonna dance with me tonight,
or play time out whenever it's your turn?
(upbeat music)
- Get inside.
Yes, they fouled him.
- Yeah, but look who they fouled.
Wouldn't he get two free throws?
- Yeah, that's probably
why they fouled him.
- Look at that.
52%? We're gonna lose.
- What's the matter on?
You got a bundle riding on the game?
(group laughing)
- I don't gamble, this is my team.
- He missed, awe.
- Hey, don't be so happy about it.
- You shouldn't be on the team
if you can't make a free throw.
- You guys have money on the game.
- We don't, Elena.
(group groaning)
- He missed again.
- Hey, who's side are you two on?
- Wait, Eschenhower stole the ball.
Let's go.
- Let's go.
- Let's go, yes, yes!
Escher's like a 90% free throw shooter.
- [Ron] Let's go, Esch.
- Says he's 92.4 from line, how much time?
- 1.2 seconds.
- Okay, down one, shooting two.
Esch on the line.
We got this, come on, Esh.
- Ron, you and Brad
must have your whole
paycheck on this game.
- Katherine, you've been
hanging out with Elena too long.
(Elena and Katherine laughing)
(group groaning)
- He missed.
- What's going on with these guys?
- Come on, Esch.
- Pressure's on.
(group groaning)
What is happening?
- Did he miss again?
- What?
He missed them both?
92% for Lyman, he missed them both?
He never misses.
- [Ron] I can't believe it.
- [Brad] We shoulda won this.
Down by one, Esch
shooting two and we lose?
- I can't get anywhere with her.
She must have something against men.
- Do you even know anything about her?
- No, not really.
She's beautiful, that's what I know.
- Has she ever been married?
- I don't think so.
- But do you know?
- No.
- Maybe you should do a
little research on her,
see what you can find out.
- I'd like to get a date with
her and find out that way.
- You can't even get a dance with her,
you're hoping to get a date?
(playful music)
- You know, for a man
who says he has faith,
you have no faith.
(Harrison chuckling)
- In all my years as an attorney,
I've never seen anything
like this Masters case.
I read your report.
What's going on?
- Not sure.
- They seem like they've
had a great relationship
since day one.
- And that's why I don't think
she really wants a divorce.
Her silence is saying
that to me loud and clear.
I think she's running from something
and doesn't know how to deal with it.
- What's she running from?
- Don't know.
But, here's a thought for you.
A person who's great at something
has the hardest time dealing with it
when they make a mistake,
kinda like a basketball player
who shoots 92% at the free throw line,
that person rarely misses.
And when a 50% shooter misses up the line,
no one thinks anything of it.
But when a 92% shooter misses,
the fans can't believe it.
When that same shooter misses two in a row
and loses the game,
they're on the foul line the
next day practicing for hours
even though they don't even need it.
Here's my point, that 92%
shooter misses 2 in a row
and goes to the extreme
and reacting to it.
- And you think Mrs. Masters
might be that shooter?
- Maybe something she never
thought would happen did.
- Even if that's true,
why get a divorce?
That seems pretty drastic.
- If you're a perfectionist,
and maybe she is,
you tend to go to the other extreme
when something unexpectedly goes wrong.
- From a seemingly perfect
marriage to a divorce?
- If your reputation is flawless
and you did something to erase
that reputation overnight?
(gentle music)
She was in the hospital
on the 18th and 19th
and there was a man staying
in the room right next to her.
I'm just trying to
figure out who that was.
Can you give me that information, please?
I understand.
Thank you anyway.
(gentle music)
Thomas?
I need to speak with
your mother-in-law again.
Can you text me her number please?
- He's driving her crazy with his religion
and she wants out.
- My client doesn't wanna lose his wife
or see his family break up.
- Well, I'm sorry.
Look, let's just split
everything down the middle,
and she gets custody, he
pays alimony, child support.
It's that simple, we're done.
- We're not gonna just give up the kids.
He's a good father.
Do you ever try to save a marriage?
- My job is a divorce attorney,
not a marriage counselor.
- We go to court.
- Ms. Davis?
We are gonna make your client
look like the most religious fanatic
the court has ever seen.
The judge, especially if we get Wallace,
is going to think his wife and children
are living with a real extremist.
Do you follow my line
of thinking, counselor?
Melanie?
You're gonna lose.
You haven't got a prayer.
- What was that?
- I said you're gonna lose.
- No, the second part of what you said.
- You haven't got a prayer.
- Thanks for the meeting.
(gentle music)
When you were in the hospital,
you said that Candice met up
with some of her high school friends,
do you remember any of their names?
- [Mrs. Henry] Yes, I remember them.
- Oh, could you tell me what they were?
- [Mrs. Henry] Well, let's see.
There was Tim Sharp.
Mindy, Mindy Leonard.
Douglas Combs.
And...
Oh, Kathy Wilber.
- You had also mentioned that
they had sort of a mini-reunion,
do you know if they went anywhere?
- [Mrs. Henry] Yes, they went
to Hot Springs for the day.
- I see.
Okay, thank you.
Oh, oh, oh, and before I forget,
what high school did Candice go to,
and what year did she graduate?
(gentle music)
They were king and queen of the prom.
- Hey, Will.
Did some research on Davis for you.
- Yeah?
- From what I can tell,
she's single, never married,
born and raised in Lima, Ohio,
went to law school in her home state,
and then got a job here in Knoxville.
- Does she have any family here?
- I didn't see anything about that,
but I don't know for sure.
- She's probably all alone here then.
- If you mean no family, maybe.
But, I would think her friends
are the people she goes to church with
and the people she dances with.
Well, most of the people she dances with.
(Will chuckling)
- Thanks for the info, buddy.
- Okay, A couple of
announcements before you leave.
Our showcase is in five weeks,
it'll feature dancers from this class,
as well as Daniel's advanced class.
The rehearsal schedule is now out,
so grab 'em when you leave,
they're on the table.
Please note that during
the week of the showcase,
we'll be rehearsing at
the Capitol Theater.
Secondly, we'll be having
our celebration dance
a week after the showcase at
the fountain in this year.
Good food, nice little
dance floor, dress-up event,
open to the public.
It should be a fun night,
so mark that on your calendars as well.
Great job tonight, everybody.
Thank you for coming.
- [Dancers] Thank you.
(gentle music)
- Hey, Melanie,
look at this.
We're partners for the showcase,
and we're doing the final dance?
I knew you could only
dodge me for so long.
- I'll have to get that changed.
- Hey.
Look, Mallory put us
together for a reason.
Don't mess with fate.
See you at the first rehearsal, partner.
- Mallory?
You matched me with Will.
I'd like to decline.
- We're ending the showcase with the waltz
and the two of you are
my best waltz dancers.
- But I would prefer else but him.
- He'll be a good partner for you.
I've paired everyone correctly.
This is gonna be great.
- Will is a pretty good dancer.
- Yes, he is.
- And he's so tall.
He's like, what, 6'10?
- No, he's not.
He's 6'2 or '3.
- Well, when you are 5 feet
tall, he looks like 6'10.
(friends giggling)
And he's not bad looking either.
- Sounds like somebody's
interested in him.
- Well, he's a dancer.
Tall, and good looking.
Nothing wrong with that.
- No there isn't.
- Melanie, do you know
if he has a girlfriend?
- I don't know.
- Is he Christian?
- Don't know that either.
I don't know Will on a personal level,
just in the courtroom.
- I see.
- Do you guys mind if I ask you
a question before you leave?
Are either one of you a perfectionist
when it comes to a particular thing?
- Oh, I am.
- What's that?
- I'm a clean freak.
- A clean freak?
- Yeah.
My apartment is always clean
because I clean it every night.
Like, tonight, I'll go home
and I clean up before I go to bed.
- But you've hardly been there today.
- That's right, but I still clean it.
- Well, how do you
react if it's not clean?
- I don't know because
I always keep it clean.
(Melanie chuckling)
Why did you ask?
- Well, we're dealing
with this case at work
where a seemingly happily
married Christian couple
is all of a sudden getting a divorce.
The husband doesn't want
it and doesn't know why,
and the wife won't give
him a reason for it.
- Ask her husband if she's a clean freak,
because if she is and he left
something around the house,
she's gone.
(Katherine scoffing)
No, I'm not kidding.
I couldn't marry a man that
is messy around the house,
regardless of how much I love him.
I couldn't do it.
- You really mean that?
- Yeah.
- That's pretty extreme.
- That's very extreme.
- I'm not saying it's right,
I just couldn't handle it.
I have to marry a man that
is clean around the house.
Plus, I have to marry one
that is a good dancer,
tall, and good looking.
(Melanie laughing)
(gentle music)
- I'm headed home a little early.
Don't work too late, young lady.
- I won't.
I was just looking at this
new case that came in today.
- Is everything all right?
- Mr. Ruskin?
Sometimes I wonder if I'm
cut out for this profession.
You and I deal with pain every day.
- Yes,
we do.
- The Bible says that God hates divorce.
I can see why,
brings pain to everyone who's involved.
The person who wants out is hurting.
The person who doesn't
want out is hurting.
Children always suffer,
and in most cases, never really recover,
and somehow I'm supposed
to ease some of that pain
with helping to finalize a divorce?
- Melanie, I went to college
for marital counseling,
got my master's in it,
and then I changed course
went to law school.
And, well, here I am,
but my heart has always
been to help save marriages.
When I hired you, I told
you this firm was different.
That's what I meant about it.
We're not just here to
help people get a divorce.
God intended for couples
to stay married for life,
that hasn't changed.
I know you believe the same.
Marriage is a wonderful blessing
when you find the right person,
but if two people are together
and they're not right for each other,
eventually, most of them
are gonna find their way
to a divorce attorney.
Now, it's not God's will,
but it happens,
and he knew it would.
I had to reconcile in my mind
why I would go into family law.
- I struggle with that sometimes too, sir.
- That's because you know God's intent
is for couples to stay married,
for families to stay together.
The issue becomes a
hardness of one's heart.
We all can be hardhearted at times,
that's why there's divorce.
I would say 99% of people who get married
are happy on their wedding day.
In God's eyes, two become
one, so what happens?
Over time, things change.
People change, situations
change, life changes.
Somebody wants out, and
then we have to divide one,
and there's gonna be pain.
We all do things that aren't God's will,
and I'm not justifying
it, just stating a fact.
- I understand.
- My goal is always restoration,
because I believe that that's God's heart.
But if that can't happen,
then we're here to help people
be fair in their divorce,
if there's such a thing.
I also see myself as an
advocate for the children,
because somebody has to be their defense,
and that is a big part of what we do.
- I wish I could wave a magic wand
and everybody who's married
be happy and stay together.
- The stay together part,
people can do that if they really want to.
The be happy part,
that's a personal choice.
You have a good night, young lady.
- You too, sir.
(gentle music)
- The studio's running an
introductory special right now.
Two private lessons, a group class,
and a free social for
the price of one lesson?
Now, that's the deal.
- No thanks, not interested.
- How could you not be interested?
Every woman loves to dance.
- Well, this one loves to play tennis.
- How about you, buddy?
- No, I don't play tennis.
(Cami laughing)
- Dance lessons?
- I don't think so.
- You can dance with as
many women as you want.
Beats any dating website.
- I'm not into those either.
- Don't you want a lady?
- Didn't say that.
- Well, if you want one,
you gotta get in the
game and play the field.
- I like the sidelines for now.
- Speaking of in the game, are you yet?
- In the game?
- With Ms. Davis?
(playful music)
- I'm working on it.
- Melanie,
this showcase is the one
fundraiser we do for the year,
it has to be good.
- I'd be happy to be in it and help,
but I will not dance with Will Kendall.
- May I ask why?
- You may ask, but it doesn't
mean I'll give you an answer.
- Mallory, any thoughts?
- You wanted to close
the show with the waltz?
Melanie and Will are
my best waltz dancers,
that's why I put them together.
- Katherine loves the waltz,
I'm sure she would be happy to do it.
- Yeah, but you're my best.
- I'm sorry.
I really am, but I won't dance with him.
It was a great lesson
tonight, Mallory, thank you.
You two have a good evening.
(gentle music)
- Do you know what's
going on with those two?
- Not exactly.
They're both attorneys.
I think the one attorney has
the hots for the other attorney
and the other attorney wants nothing to do
with that one on her name.
- I see.
Perhaps Melanie would do this,
she can work on the
routine with another dancer
and Will can do the same,
then they'll have just a
few rehearsals together
prior to the showcase.
Minimize the time they spend
together, what do you think?
- Sounds good to me.
- Me too.
- Okay, next class, I'll ask her.
- We're going anywhere tonight?
- I don't think so.
- I want a man in my life.
(Melanie laughing)
- [Katherine] Why?
- What?
Don't you want a man?
- Yes, but only if he's the right one.
I've had enough of the wrong ones.
- I signed up for another dating site.
(Melanie laughing)
I hate those things.
Have you ever been on one?
- Yes.
- Melanie?
- Nope.
- You've never been on a dating site?
- No.
- I think I've been on all of them.
(friends giggling)
I hate those things, it's just...
(Elena sighing)
I want a man in my life.
Someone really special.
- The Lord can bring you the right one.
- But he hasn't, and I'm 28 now.
I'm getting over the hill.
Plus, all the good ones are already taken.
(friends chuckling)
- Did God create the world?
- Yes.
- Did God create every man?
- Yes.
- Can God bring you the right one?
At any time, tonight,
tomorrow, two years from now?
Case closed, have patience.
- Spoken like a true attorney.
- How can I have patience
when I have none?
I hate waiting on things.
- Me too.
- You know, I learned a
lesson about waiting once.
It changed my perspective on it.
- Okay,
what?
- Well, my older brother is
married and he has a 9-year-old,
and she loves roller coasters.
Her favorite one is the Sky Coaster.
- I've been on that, I love that ride.
- Yeah, me too.
Well, every year we go as a family,
and this last year we got
there right when it opened
and went straight for the Sky Coaster.
There was no line for it.
So we got on, we rode it.
And when it was over, my
niece looked at me and said,
"Aunt Melanie, that was fun,
but not as fun as I remember."
And I said, "Yeah, I agree."
So we got off and we walked around
and did some other things,
and then she wanted to ride it again,
only this time there was a line
and we had to wait about 30 minutes.
So we waited, we rode it,
and then my niece was
so excited and she said,
"Aunt Melanie, that was so
much more fun this time."
And I said, "Yeah, it was."
And then it hit me.
Why was it more fun?
It was the exact same ride as before,
only this time we had to wait for it.
The waiting actually made the ride better.
Maybe God knows something that we don't
about why he makes us wait.
(gentle music)
(lawyers chattering)
- Melanie.
Hey, do you have a minute?
- [Melanie] Sure.
- I was just handed the
Murray case yesterday,
and I saw you were the attorney
from your firm handling it.
Have you had a chance to look it over?
- I have.
- Well, I read it yesterday,
and from what I can see,
I'm supposed to represent a
man who has repeated calls
to the police for domestic violence,
has cheated on his wife multiple times,
and he filed for sole
custody of their kids.
- Yes, we saw all of that.
- I'd like to settle out of court.
Why don't you draw up
whatever you think is best
for your client, and
I'll get mine to sign it.
If there's one thing I can't tolerate,
it's a man who hits
women and is unfaithful.
It doesn't fly with me and
it doesn't fly with God.
It never has, and it never will.
I don't care what his reasons are.
- Sounds to me like
you're defending my client
more than your own.
- I'm just trying to do what's best
for all the people involved.
Do you wanna draw it up,
or do you want me to?
- No.
I'll speak with my client and
get something over to you.
- Have a great day.
(gentle music)
- Melanie.
Daniel had an idea.
You can work on the final
routine with someone else
and Will can do the same,
and then the two of you can run it
just a few times before the showcase.
It would really minimize
your time together.
What do you say?
- I say no.
- Melanie, we are going all
out for this production.
We're charging a lot for a
ticket, this has to deliver.
I need you.
You're my best waltz dancer.
Please reconsider.
- I'm sorry.
I gotta get ready for class.
- Five, six, seven, eight.
Slow, quick, quick, slow.
(gentle music)
Okay, good.
Okay, same partners.
(gentle music)
- I wonder if they're gonna
put that in the showcase.
- Hi.
- I'll be right back.
(gentle music)
(Melanie knocking)
- I will dance with Will
on the night of the showcase
under one condition.
- Okay.
- No prior rehearsal.
I practice with someone
else and he does the same.
- Melanie, you gotta rehearse it with him.
- I won't do that.
Now, I love this studio
and I love both of you,
but that's the best I'll offer.
He learns his part, I learn mine,
we dance it just the one time.
- All right, if that's
the way it has to be.
I'll get a partner for
you and let you know
when the first practice is.
- Okay.
- Have a good evening.
- Goodnight.
- Daniel, they have to rehearse.
- Do you want Melanie
doing the last waltz?
- Yes.
- Do you want Will?
- Yes.
- Okay then.
I'll take a look at the routine
and see if I need to make any changes
knowing they won't be
rehearsing it together.
- It'll be pretty embarrassing
if one of them slips up.
Daniel, are you sure you wanna do this?
- I don't know.
Let me give it some more thought.
- There's no reason for
my wife to divorce me.
We've always had a great marriage.
We've gotta stop this.
- I'm sorry this is happening,
Mr. Masters, I truly am.
- The Devil's attacking my
family, that's what this is.
What,
Ms. Davis, don't you believe
the Devil attacks families?
- I didn't say anything, sir, but I do.
I do indeed.
- Have you ever been married, Ms. Davis?
- No, sir.
- Ever been in a long-term
relationship with a man?
- No, sir.
- So you're telling me
you've never been married,
never been in a long-term
relationship with a man
and you are the one representing me?
Ms. Davis, you can't possibly
understand my situation.
- I can tell you what I do
understand, Mr. Masters,
I've studied the law for years,
and my Bible for years.
I've studied them both extensively
on what they say about
marriage and relationships.
Your wife is using the law to divorce you.
That's all that the court knows,
but we both know that
this is a spiritual issue.
It's what I'm trying to solve and discern
so we can keep your family together.
Would you please sit
down for a moment, sir?
Mr. Masters,
if your wife committed adultery on you,
could you deal with that?
- Candice didn't commit adultery on me.
- What if she did?
- She would never do that.
I told you, she's the finest
Christian woman I know,
probably anybody knows.
She would never do anything
to hurt me or our family.
- What if she did?
Would it hurt?
- Of course it would
hurt, what do you think?
It would kill me.
- Could you forgive her?
- Stop asking me questions
I don't have to deal with.
- I don't think that
any one of us on our own
could forgive something like that,
but I do believe that Christ
can forgive through us.
- Ms. Davis, Candice was not
unfaithful in our marriage
and did not commit adultery on me.
I don't know why you keep going there,
and I don't know why she wants out,
and apparently neither do you.
I just know that I want this
nightmare to end very soon.
Now, I have to go.
- Mr. Masters?
Do you and your wife ballroom dance?
- No.
No, we don't.
- Have you ever done it before?
- No.
We're not interested in it.
- When God brings your
family back together,
one night,
set everything aside,
even the Bible study,
and take some time to
dance with your wife.
She'd really like that.
I look forward to dancing
with my husband one day.
(gentle music)
- Okay, I was on my way
out, I got your text.
Let's hear this idea.
I'm all ears.
- So, I've been thinking
about this last dance
with Melanie and Will,
knowing her request.
I spoke with Stephanie and I
went over the show with her.
She'll sing four times.
She'll open the show and close it
with a couple of songs in between.
- I have three songs from her,
but I don't have the closing one yet.
- Neither did I, til she sent me this.
(piano music)
- [Mallory] What is it?
- A new song she just recorded.
- What's the dance?
- Nightclub.
- You said you wanted
to close with the waltz.
- I did, but if we use this
song, it's gotta be nightclub.
- It's a pretty quick nightclub.
- Yeah, but it works, I tried it.
- If you close with the nightclub,
we should have Melissa and Ken dance it,
not Melanie and Will.
- We've got Ken and Melissa
doing two-step, right?
- Right.
- Plus, they're in the opening segment,
and now I've got 'em in a group waltz.
So, they're set.
- Okay.
- Let's remember, the
purpose of the showcase
is to demonstrate the dances we do,
not to win a competition.
And I think we can close
the show differently
than what we were gonna do
and use Melanie and Will to do it.
- Daniel, she doesn't
wanna dance with him.
- I get it, I get it.
But we've got everyone else scheduled,
so let's just leave what we have.
- All right.
- And I told you I had an idea.
I want to tell a story
with this last dance,
and we can put this on
stage with a little set.
We'll have a couple tables
set up like a little club.
It's late at night and there's
only two people still there,
Melanie and Will,
sitting at different tables.
Stephanie has one last
song to sing in her set.
She starts to sing a song.
Will walks over to Melanie
and asks her to dance.
She shakes her head no.
- Kind of like real life.
- Yeah, that's what gave me the idea.
Anyway, Will goes back to
his table, feeling lonely,
and then decides to dance
a little by himself.
You know, just going through some steps,
a lonely guy wanting to dance
one last song with somebody.
Melanie notices this
and feels sorry for him,
and finally decides to dance with him.
When Stephanie hits the
chorus, they start dancing.
By telling this story,
it lets me minimize the actual dance
and give them a simple routine
knowing they won't be
rehearsing it together.
What do you think?
- I think Stephanie is a beautiful voice.
- What do you think?
- They don't know nightclub very well.
- They don't have to with
the way I'm gonna do this.
I'll ask Melissa to practice with Will,
and Ken with Melanie.
It sets the stage for that lonely feeling
I think a lot of people in the audience
can really relate to.
We're opening with a happy, upbeat tune,
I say we close it like this.
(gentle music)
- I'd like for you to take over my case.
You put me with an attorney
who's never been married,
she's never even had
a long-term boyfriend.
What does she know about marital issues?
- Thomas,
I've been doing this a long time,
and believe me, Melanie is
who you want helping you.
We all know what your goal is here,
that's for your family
to come back together.
That's what we always hope for
with anybody that comes through our door
asking for our services.
Most of the cases we
handle end in divorce,
but we try our best to solve
family problems if we can.
That's good to hear,
but I'd still like for
you to take over the case.
Every case that comes through here, I see.
I've read everything that
Melanie has written on it.
I know what she's doing and
she and I have discussed this.
I can't promise your family
will come back together,
but I can say with confidence,
Melanie will find out
why your wife wants out.
So please, trust me on this?
I put her on your case for a reason.
- So, how's the dance deal going,
or whatever you're getting ready for?
- It's called a showcase.
They're serving a dinner with it too.
You gotta come see it.
It's a week from Saturday.
- Sure, I'll check it out.
- Yeah, we start rehearsing
at the theater on Monday,
rehearse a few nights leading up to it.
- Big-time event.
- It's a fundraiser for the
studio to help keep them going.
- I see.
- Then, to answer your
question, dance is going good.
Mallory's a terrific instructor
and a very good dancer.
But, it's Melanie I wanna dance with.
- Well, I mean, you'll get
your chance that night, right?
- Yeah, but I wanna dance with
her in practice, you know?
Spend some time with her.
- You're lucky she's dancing with you.
- You know, you say things like that.
You make me out to be
a bad guy or something.
- I didn't mean it like that.
It's just, she's not interested
and you can't seem to get the message.
- Not interested?
- Yeah, if she were,
she'd be practicing this
thing with you, right?
And I told you why, she's a Christian.
It means a lot to her.
In fact, it probably means
more to her than anything.
- I'm a Christian.
- Are you?
Have you received Jesus into your life?
If I ask if you've been born again,
do you know what that means?
Do you believe that Jesus died
on the cross for your sins,
was buried, and rose
again on the third day?
That's the gospel.
Does anything I just said
make any sense to you?
I suggest you read the Bible, my friend.
For your own soul's sake.
- It's just a religious book.
There are a lot of 'em out there.
- The Bible is the word of God,
Jesus Christ, Lord and
Savior of this world.
- You're sure about that?
- Yeah.
- Okay.
Tell me what makes you so sure.
Why do you believe in Jesus?
Tell me, I wanna know.
- In the Bible, there's
a book, "Gospel of Mark."
It's the one I've read the most.
In "Mark: Chapter One," Jesus
heals a man with leprosy.
You know why?
Because he has power over disease.
In "Mark: Chapter Two," he
heals a man sick of the palsy.
Do you know why?
Because he has power over sickness.
In "Mark: Chapter Three,"
he commands the unclean spirits, devils.
Do you know why?
'Cause he has power over demons.
In "Mark: Chapter Four," he
calms the storm and the sea.
You know why?
'Cause he has power over nature.
And then in "Mark: Chapter Five,"
he raises a 12-year-old
girl from the dead.
And do you know why?
Because Jesus Christ has power over death.
Just what he did in
those first five chapters
is enough for me to believe in Jesus.
- I'm okay, man.
Don't you worry about me.
- You may be okay in the here and now,
but it's the there and
where I'm concerned about.
- The there and where?
- Yeah, eternity?
Heaven?
Hell?
- Hey, the only thing I'm concerned about
at the moment is a female
attorney, you understand?
- Yeah.
Yeah, I understand.
- You know, if she is such a Christian,
this seems pretty judgmental to me.
- What do you mean?
- That I'm not as religious as her.
- No, it's about being
like-minded in the faith.
- Well, I've got a little surprise for her
the night of the showcase.
- What's that?
- At the very end of her dance,
I do a dip where I have
her in my arms like this,
and when I get her there,
I'm gonna kiss her.
She'll be defenseless,
have no way of stopping it.
- Wait, what?
- I'm gonna kiss her
while she's in my arms
right there in front of everybody.
What's she gonna do, embarrass herself?
Not a chance.
- You can't do that.
- I can and I'm gonna.
- Come on, man.
That's high school stuff, it's not right.
- She's gonna love it.
- You're delusional.
- Yeah, that's me.
Crazy Kendall, huh?
- Seriously, man.
You're obsessed.
I got your check.
(gentle music)
- Okay, sound and lights
both have a lineup
and are ready to rehearse.
- Thank you, Mallory.
Okay, dancers, we're
gonna start at the top
and slowly run through this.
Mallory will be your stage manager.
On the night of the performance,
I'm going to be giving a brief
introduction to our guests.
Then I'll exit the stage
and the music will begin.
Now, I'm not gonna be doing
my introduction tonight,
so we're just gonna
start on the music queue.
All right, everybody?
Here we go.
- Melanie.
My wife and I are coming, you know.
- Coming?
- To your dance presentation,
I just bought the tickets.
- Well, thank you, sir.
I really appreciate that.
- Now, she better not try to
get me to take dance lessons
after she sees this thing.
- Why?
Would that be so bad?
- Yes, it would.
(Melanie chuckling)
You've heard about people
having two left feet?
Well, I've got three.
I'm not kidding, I cannot dance.
I noticed the Masters case
on the docket for next week.
You all set to go?
- I think so.
- Did you ever find out why she wants out?
- I've been praying that
she'll change her mind.
- I pray that too.
Melanie?
You mind if I ask you a personal question?
- No, sir.
- Do you want to be married someday?
- Why do you ask?
- Just curious.
- Yes, I would.
- Are you seeing anyone?
- No, sir.
- I know it's none of my
business, but may I ask why?
- Because I've been waiting on the Lord.
- Care to elaborate?
- Let me put it this way, Mr. Ruskin,
the most important
decision a person will make
in a relationship is who they'll marry
and spend the rest of their life with.
And in most cases, a decision
gets made pretty hastily.
Our hearts can deceive us.
And so, for me, the key is to be patient,
to wait for God's timing for his choice
and then make sure it's right.
I don't wanna make a
mistake with who I marry.
I've seen enough and
learned a lot about marriage
and divorce with this job.
- And even when you have a good marriage,
it isn't always easy.
- I understand, but if I may, sir?
I don't think that marriage
has to be difficult
or hard like it is for people
with supposedly good marriages.
- Why do you say that?
- Because marriage to me
is like a ballroom dance,
you have to find the right partner.
- Marriage is like a ballroom dance?
- Yes, and it can be beautiful
from start to finish.
The man is the lead,
the woman, the follow.
But he doesn't lead like a dictator,
or harshly, or with forced moves.
His leads are gentle,
yet firm enough so you know what to do,
and anything good takes time.
You don't just go out on the dance floor
and perform a beautiful waltz.
It takes hours of practice
to get the dance moves
and technique right.
Same with the relationship.
It takes time to get to know one another,
to love one another,
to truly care for that other person,
like a dance with the right partner.
A relationship can be
beautiful from start to finish.
- You're gonna talk me into
this dance stuff, aren't you?
(Melanie chuckling)
I like your reasoning, counselor.
- Thank you, sir.
- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,
and thank you for coming
to our showcase tonight.
You've honored us by your
presence and support,
and I certainly hope you enjoyed the meal.
My name is Daniel Griffin,
owner of Champion Ballroom Center.
Throughout our program tonight,
we will be demonstrating all the dances
that we teach at our studio.
Your program guide will let you know
which dance is being performed.
Also, our special guest
singer, Stephanie Young,
will be performing on four
dance numbers tonight.
So, that is an added bonus
to this year's showcase.
And let me just state
that all of the dancers
that you'll see tonight are students.
In fact, the average
age of our students is,
let me say it this way, over 29.
(audience chuckling)
So if you think you're
too old to start dancing,
we hope that some the performers tonight
will change your mind.
(audience chuckling)
Dance has been my life and
living now for many years.
I love dance and I love music,
and when you put the two together,
something really special happens.
Plus, I'm a Christian,
and I'm reminded what
the Bible says in that
in everything we do,
do it all for the glory of God,
and that is the goal of our studio.
With that in mind,
we now present to you with
this year's showcase entitled.
"A Time To Dance."
(jazzy music)
When a Bluebird sings
Say hello to spring
All the flowers start to grow
It's the way I feel
'Cause I know it's real
The moment you say hello
Something happens
when you hold my hand
The moon even starts to flow
I'm so happy I don't have to feel sad
So happy my heart wants to feel glad
Feelings better than sunshine
Don't you know
I'm so happy when you're beside me
So happy it sets my soul free
Dance away all my troubles
Let them go
Evenings end
When love begins
Comes brighter than the sun
Take a midnight twirl
Atop the world
- Melanie, I'm really sorry to bother you,
but I saw you weren't in the first dance.
Do you have a moment?
- Yeah, what's up?
- Look,
I don't know how to say this
without it sounding childish.
- What is it?
- Will is planning on kissing
you during your dance tonight.
I guess there's a part where
he lowers you in his arms
and you're pretty defenseless.
I just thought you should know.
- Thank you for telling me.
- That's all.
- Harrison,
why did you tell me that?
- If you'd ever like to
get a bite to eat sometime,
I'd be happy to tell you.
- Yeah,
sure.
Feelings better than sunshine
Don't you know
(dramatic music)
(bright music)
(upbeat music)
(gentle music)
(salsa music)
(gentle music)
(romantic music)
(upbeat music)
(country music)
- Okay, you're next.
He knows the routine, you can do this.
(country music)
(audience applauding)
(gentle music)
Like a flower that blooms
Like a soft summer breeze
He makes everything new
Gives life to our dreams
There'll be rivers to cross
There'll be bridges to build
I will never be lost
If you're with me still
As the wind
Sweeps through the valley
Where the ocean
Meets the sky
And the birds
Singsong forever
In his love
I can fly
When it seems
Your heart is breaking
And your life
Is lost in time
Your souls must've been forgotten
In his love
You can fly
(audience applauding)
- Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,
for coming out this evening.
We'll see you on the dance floor.
Good night.
(audience applauding)
(dramatic music)
- Mrs. Pearl,
what is your observation of the marriage
between Thomas and Candice Masters?
- Candice...
Candice the finest Christian woman I know.
She's been very good to Thomas.
Thomas is a good man,
but he is very zealous about Christianity
and what he believes.
- Do you feel they have a good marriage?
- To everyone on the outside, yes,
but on the inside, I wonder.
- And why do you say that?
- Thomas is very strong
and set in what he believes,
and I think she lives in...
bondage and fear.
She doesn't wanna make him mad,
so she goes along with everything he says.
- Bondage?
Fear?
And you are good friends with
both Mr. and Mrs. Masters?
- Yes, we're good friends
and we have been for years.
- Have you ever talked to Mrs.
Masters about this before?
- No.
- May I ask why?
- Because it's her marriage,
and I respect that.
- Look, Mr. Kendall, I don't
blame her for wanting out.
Thomas is a nice man, we all love him,
but he is too strict and too
hard on her and the kids.
That's what I see.
- Thank you, Mrs. Pearl.
Your witness.
- Mrs. Pearl,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- Yes, I have.
- To your best estimate, how
many times have you been there?
- I would say a few times.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
(gentle music)
- Candice is the kind of
person who won't make waves
to save peace in her family.
She will
give in and simply do as Thomas says.
- How long have you known Mrs. Masters?
- About 10 years.
She and I lead a women's
Bible study at the church,
and we've been doing
so for about that long.
- Do you feel you know her well?
- Yes, yes.
We speak quite often.
- Does she ever complain
about her husband?
- Never.
Candice isn't like that.
She will put up with you
before she would complain about you.
- Does it shock you that she
wants out of her marriage?
Hey,
feel free to speak your
mind Mrs. Gringeri.
- No, it doesn't shock me.
Thomas is a good Christian man,
but he's very
precise about what he believes,
and he expects his wife and children
to believe exactly as he does.
I don't think that they
can think for themselves
or are allowed to disagree with him.
- Thank you.
Your witness.
- Mrs. Gringeri,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- No, I have not.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
(energetic music)
- Mr. Masters, you have 3
children and they are ages 11,
7, and 5, is that correct?
- Yes.
- And is it true that
you only let them watch
religious programs?
- Christian.
They watch things that are Christian.
- Is it true that you only read
the King James version
of the Bible to them?
- Yes.
It's because I believe it to be
the most accurate English translation.
- The King James Bible,
which has archaic language
with these and thees and thous
and words like lovest and givest.
Do you tell your children you lovest them,
or do you say you love them?
- I say I love them,
and I explain the Bible
to them as we read it.
- To make sure they believe
exactly the way you do,
isn't that right, sir?
- Objection.
- I withdraw the comment.
My apologies.
No further questions.
Your witness.
- Mr. Masters,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- I've driven through,
but I don't recall ever having stopped.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
(keyboard clacking)
- Mrs. Masters,
why do you want out of the marriage?
- Because I can't take it anymore.
Thomas is too demanding
with the Bible, too strict.
He shoves it down her throats
morning, noon, and night.
- Shoves it down your throat?
- Yes, sir.
- Any other reason why you want out?
- I've had enough.
It's too hard to live with
him, I can't do it anymore.
- Thank you, Mrs. Masters.
Your witness.
- Mrs. Masters,
have you ever been to Hot
Springs, North Carolina?
- Yes.
- How many times have you been there?
- Many times, mostly when I was younger.
- Do you remember the last
time that you were there?
- Yes.
- When was that?
- It was earlier this year
when my mother was sick.
- Thank you, no further questions.
- The witness may step down.
That's our time for today.
Court is adjourned
until 10:00 AM tomorrow.
- Ms. Davis?
Why didn't you defend me in there today?
They all lied or exaggerated like crazy,
I'm not the man they described in there.
And what was all this about Hot Springs?
- You told me you wanted to
try to save your marriage.
- That's right.
- Well, that is exactly
what I'm trying to do.
Now, let me ask you this,
are you willing to make the changes
you heard in that courtroom today?
- What?
I told you, they all exaggerated.
- Let's assume for a moment
everything said about you was correct.
Are you willing to humble
yourself and ask the Lord
to make whatever changes he needs to do
to save your marriage and family?
- It was all an exaggeration.
(gentle music)
- God allows things to
happen in life, Mr. Masters,
that we don't understand,
that we can't understand,
just like your situation.
Why is your wife, who is a
wonderful Christian lady,
and you, a strong believer in Christ,
why are you both one day
away from getting a divorce?
- I don't know.
I know that I don't wanna
lose my wife and family.
- And I've been faithfully praying that
that doesn't happen, sir.
- After what I heard in there today,
I'd say we haven't got a prayer.
- Pardon me?
- I said we haven't got a prayer.
I don't understand why you didn't
do anything in there today.
I told Ruskin I wanted
him to handle my case.
- Mr. Masters,
I don't really know you.
I don't really know how
your marriage has been
all these years,
but as a fellow believer in Christ
and in this final hour,
the best thought that
I can give you is this.
Pray,
and accept.
Pray to the Lord to make
whatever changes he needs
to make in your heart and hers,
then accept what he does or does not do.
I'll see you tomorrow.
(gentle music)
- Mrs. Masters,
yesterday you testified that your husband
shoved the Bible down your throat.
Can you explain what that means?
- Just what I said.
- Well, how did he shove
a Bible down your throat?
It must have been a lot
smaller than this one.
- He didn't do it literally.
I was speaking figuratively.
- Mrs. Masters, are you a Bible believing
born again Christian?
- Yes, I am.
- Do you believe the
Bible to be the inerrant,
infallible word of God?
- Yes, I do.
- So if your husband was
preaching from the Bible,
wouldn't that be a good thing?
- You don't understand,
he is somewhat of a tyrant with the Bible,
always preaching, always
demanding, always correcting.
No matter how hard the kids and I try,
it's never good enough for him.
- Do you believe that God
could change your husband
so that he wasn't so
demanding or correcting
or always preaching?
- I suppose.
- You suppose or you believe it?
- I believe it.
- Knowing your husband like you do,
if he told you he wanted to
change, would you believe him?
Mrs. Masters?
- Yes.
- Mrs. Masters, if you
had committed adultery
on your husband and you knew
he would forgive you 100%,
would you be willing to go back
to your marriage and family?
- Objection, speculative.
- Sustained.
- I'll reword, Your Honor.
Mrs. Masters,
if a married woman had committed
adultery on her husband
and she knew he would
forgive her completely
and unconditionally take her back,
do you think that woman
would go back to him?
- Possibly.
- In your view,
would that be a Christ-like
act by that husband?
- Yes.
- Objection.
Judge Wallace, she's trying to
get the witness to say things
that aren't based on any
established fact in this case.
- Sustained.
Ms. Davis.
- From what I can tell, Mrs. Masters,
you're a woman who
sincerely follows the Lord,
who always goes the extra
mile, always takes the loss,
who always tries to treat everyone right.
People have testified on your behalf
that this is true about you.
Even your own husband
says you are the finest Christian woman
that he has ever met.
The pressure to maintain that reputation
must be very difficult.
None of us are perfect, Mrs. Masters,
nobody but Christ himself.
So please, don't feel that you
need to carry that pressure
to be perfect in every way.
Let Jesus and his cross
alone be your perfection.
- Your Honor, is this a
church service with a sermon,
or is there a question here for my client?
- Acknowledged.
Ms. Davis?
- As much as we try to
follow Christ in this life,
Mrs. Masters, there's an enemy
on the outside, the Devil,
and an enemy on the inside,
our own sinful self.
So, life for the Christian
is a spiritual battle
in the physical world.
Admitting that we've failed or sinned
in the eyes of God is a good thing,
it's not something to be ashamed of.
And the reason is this,
we're all sinners.
We all fail,
we all fall,
we all do things that we shouldn't do
or even thought we would do.
So my plea to you, Mrs. Masters,
is to cling to the grace
of God in this very moment.
- Your Honor, has this become
a counseling session now?
Because I still haven't heard
a question from my client.
- Ms. Davis,
do you have any more
questions for this witness?
(gentle music)
- Your Honor, are there any
more questions for my client?
- [Judge] Ms. Davis?
- Your Honor?
- Ms. Davis.
(gentle music)
- Mrs. Masters, when you
went to visit your mother,
did you meet up with any
old high school classmates?
- Yes.
- Did a group of you go to
Hot Springs for the day?
- Yes.
- Was one of those classmates
your old high school boyfriend?
- Yes.
- Did that day trip turn
into an overnight stay
in Hot Springs?
- Yes.
- Mrs. Masters,
did something happen that
night that shouldn't have?
(somber music)
- I just got back from court.
Robin told me.
No divorce and they're reconciling.
- Yes, sir.
- I'm very happy to hear that,
especially for the children.
So, what happened?
- She had a one-night affair,
said she couldn't even
believe it happened.
And was very ashamed of herself,
but in the end, told Thomas
she didn't wanna get a divorce.
- It was quite an extreme
reaction, filing for divorce.
- We've all done things
that don't make sense, sir.
We all react to situations
in different ways.
- That we do.
How's Thomas doing?
- He's relieved, but also stunned.
And I think he also sees.
- Sees?
- You can have a great zeal
for the Lord and his word,
but you can't force other
people to have that same zeal.
All you can do is share what
you believe to be the truth,
let it go at that.
Everyone has to believe for themselves,
including your own family.
- You did a very good job
handling this case, Melanie.
- Thank you, sir.
- Almost every case
that comes in our office
ends in divorce.
This one didn't.
(gentle music)
- Hello, Melanie.
- Hello.
- You look lovely this evening.
- Thank you.
- How did you find out she had an affair?
I asked her early on in the
case if she was seeing someone
and she said, "Absolutely not."
Seemed innocent to me.
- Any one of us can fall in a moment.
- But how did you find out?
I don't lose many cases.
- You didn't lose anything.
I'm very glad they're
not getting a divorce.
You should be too.
- I am.
I am glad about that.
Would you care to dance?
- No, thank you.
- What do you have against me, Melanie?
Well, what is it? I'd like to know.
- I think you're a man
who always has your
best interests at heart.
- And I can see why you're still single.
- I didn't know being
single was a bad thing.
- [Dave] Melanie, would you like to dance?
- Sure, Dave.
- [Will] Melanie?
- Excuse me.
- You never answered my question.
- Which one?
- How did you find out she had an affair?
- I prayed about it.
(bright music)
- Hello.
- Hello, I'm Jeremy Hillmire.
I called and spoke with Robin.
- Yes, that's me.
- Oh, hi.
I have an appointment with Ms. Davis.
- Yes, sir.
You are a few minutes early,
and she has someone in her office.
I'll let her know you're here.
- Thank you.
- Have you ever been to her office before?
- No, it's first time.
- Okay, may I ask how you
came to know about us?
- A good friend of mine
recommended your firm,
and he specifically recommended Ms. Davis.
- [Robin] May I ask who recommended us?
- [Jeremy] Yeah, his
name is Thomas Masters.
(gentle music)
(bright music)