Time: 1988. Mason and Julia are both in Pebble Creek for Eden and Cruz's wedding. Unfortunately, Mason and Julia have been having trouble with their relationship, because of Mason's hesitancy to make a commitment to Julia. The trouble became so bad that Mason moved out of Julia's beach house. They arrived in Pebble Creek together, but only out of necessity, since Mason had car trouble. He is still skittish about the future. For that reason, Julia goes off to do her thing and Mason, as usual, gets drunk. He is miserable and tries to drown his sorrows. However, C.C. catches Mason alone and attempts to lecture his son.
C.C. walks into the lobby of the lodge, seeing Mason drinking while sitting, then reclining on a sofa. He goes to stand behind Mason, who suddenly sees his father and acknowledges his presence...in his own way.
"Hello, Dad. Please don't say you'll join me."
With an annoyed and exasperated tone, C.C. wonders aloud, "Do you always have to pick a public place to make a spectacle of yourself?"
Mason is quick with a retort. "Well, would you rather I make a spectacle of myself in private?" Mason gives a laugh. "I thought part of the point of making a spectacle was that people are around to enjoy it?"
C.C. asks about Julia. "Where is your better half?" In reply, Mason motions toward the bottle of wine.
C.C. elaborates, "I was talking about Julia."
Mason sounds a bit peeved as he fills C.C. in. "I wish I knew. I've been looking all over for her. She seems to have gone off on her own merry little way." Mason sips his wine.
With a telling "Mmm hmm", C.C. walks around to go and sit next to Mason. He asks, "What did you do this time?"
Mason plays dumb. "Well, what makes you think I've done anything?"
C.C. is not buying Mason's coy act. "Please, Mason, please. Hmm?"
Mason makes an excuse. "She's very independent."
C.C. is not easily dismissed. "Well, she damned well better be, considering that you packed your bags and moved out."
Mason, rather tipsy, replies, "Look who's talking?"
C.C. seems to be desperately trying to get through to his son. "What are you going to do, my boy, put away this relationship just like all the others? I thought you cared about this woman?"
Mason responds, "I do."
C.C. mimics Mason's response. "You do. You always do, but you just can't make a commitment. Is that right?"
Mason uses C.C.'s words to his own advantage. "Isn't that a case of the pot calling the kettle feckless?" Mason again sips his wine and glares at his father.
C.C. doesn't take the bait. He only says, "I happen to think she's good for you."
Mason, the ultimate avoidance expert, declares, "I have a headache."
C.C. has some final words for his son. "You may regret it, Mason. Julia's an attractive woman. She's not gonna wait around for you forever."
C.C. gets up and walks out of the room, leaving Mason alone. It's apparent that C.C.'s words have affected him. He grabs the wine bottle and stands up. Staggering over to the window, he is just in time to see Julia and the horse groomer riding horses together. Mason is not happy. "Why, that son of a...Nobody does this to Mason Capwell!" In a flash, Mason is off to "take care of business."
