Like Mother, Like Daughter A woman, Marlene Reagan Foxx, is fussing about the living room nervously, straightening the couch cushions, refacing the decorations on the fireplace mantle and the coffee table, etc. when her boyfriend, Tom Brad Newman, comes up behind her and puts his hands comfortingly on her shoulders. Just relax, he tells her, come on, sit down, she just needs to breathe and not stress out so much. He leads her to the bay window and sits down, taking her hands in his and gently pulling her down to sit too. She tells him she cant help but be worried this is her one chance to reconnect with Alyssa Alina Lopez, and she doesnt want to screw it up. Tom tells her not to worry, hes sure her stepdaughter is ready to make amends. Why else would she have accepted Marlenes invitation after all this time, if she still held a grudge? Marlene supposes that Toms right, and puts her hand on his cheek. Either way, shes glad he was willing to stick by her side this whole weekend, otherwise shed be an emotional wreck. He didnt have to do that. Tom kisses her hands and tells her of course, hell always support her no matter what. She knows that.
