Morning Show Mysteries: Death by Design

I wonder what's keeping Marian?

I know she had that meeting with Gretchen

to go over sketches for the studio redesign,

but that was hours ago.

I still can't believe it's been two years since we last saw her.

Not enough Marian and too much Jasmine.

That sister of hers

is about to drive me and Maurice cuckoo!

Aunt Cassandra, I know this turned out to be

a little more work than we bargained for,

but we did agree to host Jasmine's birthday party.

Because Marian asked us to,

and because it's her birthday, too.

Not that anyone would know it,

because it's all about Jasmine out there.

Aunt Cassandra...

be nice.

It is her birthday.

I think that the cake needs to go over there.

Thank you for taking care of this for me.

You are a peach.!

Ooh...!

I can't believe these are gluten-free.

Gosh. Billie is such a star.

I... I can't.

Okay. Go! Take them.

I'm gonna move this table

and then I'm going back to the kitchen,

where it's safe.

You know, it's so hard to stay mad at Jasmine.

I mean, she's just so... chipper.

I'm working on it.

How did Billie rope you into this?

No, not Billie.Lucy.

Lucy is the one who offered my services as a favor.

A very big favor.

Did I hear my name?

It's all plugged in.

I didn't know that Jasmine and Marian were identical twins.

Yes. They used to switch all the time

when they were young.

Used to get into all kinds of trouble.

I'm pretty certain

that this is the least-creative thing I've ever done.

Jasmine must've called me 50 times.

These will be on the buffet table,

waiting for you.

Hi, Aunt Cassandra.

Hi. Hi, Riley.

Those are great, by the way.

Gluten-free. Billie's own recipe.

Yum.

You should just take a picture.

I just wanted to wish Hera happy birthday,

but she's been so busy.

Well, she is the birthday girl,

which makes her more popular than usual.

Yeah, but, Lana...

we're her best friends.

I would take my cue off of Jaz, Riley.

If she wants to hang out, she'll let you know.

You know what she's like.

I wish Stacey were here.

It's always more fun when we were all together.

Yeah. Well...

just because the four of us are all friends

doesn't mean we have to hang out all the time.

There's your opportunity, Riley.

Sorry.

Happy birthday.

Um, what I've been trying to tell you is--

Are you trying to ruin my birthday?

But I've left you three messages.

Then stop.

Now is not the time for whatever this is.

Real friends...

Just go home, okay?

Before you ruin the party for everyone else.

But I-I-I--- Go.

I am done with you.

You're gonna regret this.

I'm sorry.

Everyone! Please! Come on.

It is time for cake!

Hey. What's going on out there?

I think Jasmine just kicked Riley out of the party.

What? You're kidding. What happened?

I don't know,

but it's the first birthday party

that I've ever been to

where I wanted to leave before I got a piece of cake.

Ian's lucky he had an excuse to miss tonight.

Yeah, well, Ian really wanted to be here,

but he had a father/daughter dance with Emma.

Well, I guess it's time to light the candles.

Okay. I'm right behind ya.

Happy birthday, my love.

Thank you.

Is this what I think it is?

I like to let Aaron know exactly what I want

and, that way, there are no surprises.

And I always like to make my beautiful wife happy.

Aww.

It's beautiful.

A perfect heart.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I have some bad news, though.

Marian is not gonna make it tonight.

She's feeling a little under the weather.

Well, I'm sure she'll be fine,

and we all know that Marian is not a party person.

Okay...

No. No, no.

You're not leaving now.

Come on. Sweetie.

It's very late for me already. I gotta get back to the office.

It is my birthday.

You're telling me that these investors can't wait

one more night?

You know we have competitors out there.

We have to get the software ready before they do.

Okay.- 'Kay?

Love you.

Love you, too.

Sorry Marian couldn't make it.

I think the last time I saw her was a couple years ago

at that charity event we went to...

That was fun!

Because it was like we were twins! You remember?

We even wore the same green dress.

That's right.

Well, at least she gets to recuperate

in that Metro Grand Hotel.

Well, has anyone seen Stacey?

I mean, I thought that she, at least, would come,

even if Zach didn't.

Yeah, the-- the boys are sick.

Okay.

Well...

Well! I would just like to thank

all of my wonderful friends who made the effort

to come out tonight

and celebrate with me-- thank you.

Yeah.

Thank you.

You know what?

My dress gets wrinkled, so be it. Come on!

Okay!

More presents!

Careful, careful. They're very fragile.

And-And the big one sin first, please.

Hello?

Hey, Mom!

It was a great night.

Yeah, lots of people came out.

No, Marian was--

you know, she wasn't feeling well.

You know Marian, she's not much of a party person.

I know.

It was great, though.

"Big presents."

"You're a peach."

Well, I don't think

it's necessary to go all the way over to the hotel.

Well, yes, I know it's Marian's birthday.

Look out!

I'm sorry you went through that.

You were lucky Maurice came back with your purse when he did.

Neither of you noticed

the driver or make and model of the car?

No, I-I was on the phone.

And then he tried to save me.

Thank you.

Some coffee?

Um, I only drink decaf this time of night.

Sorry to be a bother.

Ian?

Thank you.

No, no. Let me do that.

I gotta go back to the kitchen and finish up in there anyway.

Can you think of anything else?

Well...

I don't want to get a friend in trouble...

Yes?

Well, Riley was pretty upset

when she left the party tonight.

Upset enough to run you over?

Well...

Riley can be a little...

off.

You know, overly emotional, anxious.

She's just very possessive of our friendship.

I didn't really hear what happened,

some kind of a disagreement,

and then Riley took off.

Jasmine's the one that loves drama.

I just can't imagine Riley doing something like this.

So you think it was an accident?

Probably.