Ronald Guttman

Ends 12/31/12. Four Years Later (1937-1938). Mildred continues to expand her restaurant empire, but her business success is tempered by a major rift with Veda--who ends up in the company of society loafer Sammy Forrester. After months with no communication, Mildred learns of Veda's success as a singer and vows to win her back.

Ends 12/31/12. Miniseries Finale. Though her initial efforts to reconcile with Veda fail, Mildred does reconnect with Monty. Meanwhile, Veda's singing career takes off under Carlo Treviso and a new manager. After a stream of financial indulgences, Mildred ends up in a bind. Urged to ask Veda for a loan, Mildred returns home to a shocking revelation that will change her life forever.

Ends 12/31/12. 1931-1933. In the wake of tragedy, Mildred moves forward with her restaurant. As things begin to boom, Mildred gladly welcomes Ida--her former fellow waitress at the diner--to help manage the frenzy. Later, she reconnects with Monty, whose lethargy tests the bonds between Mildred and Veda.

Four Years Later (1937-1938). After expanding her Glendale eatery to include a Beverly Hills luncheonette, Mildred and Lucy, her best friend and junior business partner, eye Laguna Beach as the site for a new oceanfront restaurant, with a seafood-and-steak menu. However, Mildred's business success is tempered by a growing rift with Veda, who despairs when her longtime piano teacher dies and a prospective replacement, well-known conductor Carlo Treviso, is less than complimentary. Stung by rejection, Veda ends up in the company of society loafer Sammy Forrester, whose mother surprises Mildred with shocking allegations about their children. When Mildred confronts Veda, an emotional argument ensues and Mildred angrily throws her out of the house. After months with no communication between the two, Bert tells Mildred about Veda's success as a singer on the radio. Listening to Veda sing, Mildred is pained by her daughter's estrangement, and is determined to win her back.