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lesson 16
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Steve Jones has completed Act 2 Draft 1
What I learned doing this assignment is that 3 scenes could do the same job in one scene.
INT. VOR’S CLINIC – DAY
BEGINNING: Vor instructs Peep to get Harry out of his way.
MIDDLE: Vor plans for the next delivery on the assumption that Harry will be out of the way.
END: Vor tells Keenan to get the next illegals set up with the last shipment again.
INT. WORPLE CLINIC – WORPLE’S PRIVATE QUARTERS – NIGHT
Peep is curled up on the sofa asleep like a cat.
Worple enters. He goes to the couch and strokes Peep’s head until he wakes.
Peep is delighted to see his master. He jumps up, hugs him and dashes off. A few seconds later he returns with a glass of wine for Worple.
WORPLE
Thank you Peep. What a day, oh what a day. you’d think I’d seen it all at my age but no. Today I met a policeman and he asked me a bold question.
Peep looks curious.
WORPLE (cont’d)
He asked me boldly if I was smuggling something into Mars using illegal immigrants as mules.
Peep looks angry.
WORPLE (cont’d)
I know. The cheek. And we have one last delivery to come and this (SHOUTING) FUCKING INSECT (CALM AGAIN) could provide the spanner that gums up the works if you’ll pardon a mixed metaphor.
Peep chuckles slightly then puts his hand on Worple’s forearm.
WORPLE (cont’d)
Well, maybe there is something you could do for me. I don’t want to put you out but you are tremendous at clearing the rubbish away after a party. Would you consider clearing this piece of trash away?
Peep nods frantically and jumps around the room in delight.
WORPLE (cont’d)
Well, that’s agreed then! You are so good to me Peep. So good. Now, in that case, I must make one quick call before I can settle into my evening.
Peep nods and returns to the kitchen.
INT. WORPLE’S LIBRARY – SAME
Worple enters his library and heads to the desk. He sits.
WORPLE
Call Keenan Belissimo.
An image of static appears above the desk and after a few seconds it clears and Keenan’s face appears.
KEENAN
Yes?
WORPLE
Is the last delivery ready?
KEENAN
Of course. I’ve pulled out the stops and…
WORPLE
Miss Ellis has pulled out the stops.
KEENAN
Some, but I implanted the thing.
WORPLE
Well, I’m sure we’re all very grateful.
KEENAN
I thought you had problems up there. Isn’t a cop sniffing up your skirt?
WORPLE
What a colorful colloquialism. Everything is in hand and the last delivery will be safe at this end. I need your blood oath that it is safe with you.
KEENAN
Blood oath?
WORPLE
There is nothing more important to me and nothing I won’t do if anyone prevents me from achieving my goals.
Keenan gulps comically.
KEENAN
Everything this end is ship shape. And Carina is babysitting the Kants all the way.
WORPLE
Don’t tell me their names. Pass on my message to Miss Ellis then will you?
KEENAN
Of course and…
Worple cuts him off.
WORPLE
What an oil slick.
Worple heads for the library door. He calls Peep as he leaves the room.
WORPLE (cont’d)
Peep, where is my robe?
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Subject line: Stephen Maynard Has Completed Act 2 Draft 1
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” there’s a lot of work to be done to get this, but I’m beginning to see a framework.
Outline any scenes that you haven’t gotten to yet from Act 2.
Write out those scenes.
EXT. BEACH – DAY
Johnny uses a stick of driftwood to scrawl stock market ticker symbols in the sand.
Chuey watches unimpressed.
JOHNNY
Let’s try a few more.
Stevie smooths out the sand with a foot and holds his phone for Johnny to see.
Johnny scratches out five more stock symbols.
Chuey cocks his head and looks up at them. He looks out to sea.
STEVIE
This ain’t gonna work.
Johnny looks at the phone and scribbles five more symbols in the sand.
Chuey runs over to a symbol and indicates, tail wagging.
MONTAGE – PLAYING THE MARKET
— Stevie and Johnny open a brokerage account and deposit some money.
— They buy a stock and watch it climb in value.
— Stevie and Johnny write stock symbols in the sand. Chuey picks three stocks.
— They celebrate as they watch their portfolio of three stocks increase in value.
— They sell the stocks, take the check to the bank and get cash.
END MONTAGE.
INT. GREYSTONE HOUSE – KITCHEN – DAY
Johnny pops the caps off three long-neck Coronors and hands a bottle to Stevie and one to Pearl.
He fills a saucer from his bottle and places it on the floor for Chuey. They all drink.
STEVIE
You done real good, Chuey.
JOHNNY
Six thousand seven hundred should
buy us some time.
STEVIE
Times running out. We gotta move.
PEARL
I have some money, boys. Buy more time.
Pearl mounts a three-step stool and rummages in the cabinet above the refrigerator.
Johnny steadies her as she climbs down carrying a rusty metal canister.
PEARL
I was saving this for when my boys graduated
College, but –
JOHNNY
You’re so sweet, Miss Pearl.
Pearl opens the canister, takes out a block wrapped in a red napkin, unwraps the napkin, and lifts two stacks of currency.
The boys separate the money into stacks by denomination. They do a count and make the tally.
STEVIE
You’re rich Miss Pearl. Three thousand
four hundred and seventeen dollars.
JOHNNY
That makes a total of ten thousand
one hundred dollars and gas money.
INT. BANK – DAY
The boys are ushered into Bradfors’s office. Bradford rises to greet them.
BRADFORD
Pearl’s boys, nice to see you again. Be
seated Gentlemen.
JOHNNY
Thanks for seeing us, Mister Bradford.
BRADFORD
What’s this about a payment on the Jackson
property?
Johnny produces the money and puts it on Jackson’s desk. Jackson takes the money and counts.
He touches a button on his intercom.
BRADFORD
Gertrude, prepare a receipt for Miss
Jackson… Ten thousand one hundred.
JOHNNY
Miss Jackson wants you to know that she
appreciates —
BRADFORD
You tell Miss Jackson I say it’s a pleasure,
and it’s a pleasure doing business with you
two astute young men.
STEVIE
You’re a gentleman, Sir.
Bradford rises goes around his desk, shakes hands with Johnny and Stevie, and ushers them to the door.
BRADFORD
Collect your receipt on the way out.
Johnny
We appreciate the breather, Sir. I think this
loan business can be resolved within a
couple of months.
BRADFORD
Ten thousand buys four days. Gentlemen.
Foreclosure proceedings will resume on Friday.
INT. EL CAMINO – MOVING – DAY
A grim-faced Johnny at the wheel, Stevie in the shotgun seat.
Silence but for the sound of the engine and tires on the pavement.
STEVIE
What a couple of losers… to think we
could beat the man at his game.
JOHNNY
We got to locate the forger, Dude. There’s no
other way.
STEVE
So we’re back to playing the man’s game?
JOHNNY
This time we play to win… Ubi est voluntas, ibi est via.
STEVE
Where there is a will, there’s a way.
EXT/INT. TREE – BRADFORD RESIDENCE – LIBRARY – NIGHT
Dawn reclines in pajamas, on a branch outside a second-story window, talking on her phone.
DAWN
(into phone)
She’s in for an oil change.
She goes quiet when she sees Bradford and Gordon enter the library.
DAWN (CONT’D)
(whispering)
Hang on. Your dad’s here! They’re in
the library.
She moves to conceal herself the the leaves and listens.
GORDON
He said we pay up or he goes to the Chronicle.
BRADFORD
We’ve got real trouble if this gets out.
GORDON
I’ll skin that little weasel alive. I’m calling mother.
He produces his phone, taps it, and waits.
GORDON
(into phone)
Mother, call JG.
He puts his phone in his pocket
BRADFORD
That scammin’ little son of a bitch! And here’s a
news flash. Those collector balls he sold us,
the signatures are forged.
Phone RINGTONE. Gorden takes his phone.
GORDON
Put mother on the phone… Someone I want
permanently silenced … I don’t give a shit how
you do it. Use your head… 231 Shadow Lane…
Dirty blond hair… five feet tall. ASAP.
Bradford goes to the open window, closes and locks it.
DAWN
(into phone)
Shadow lane? That’s my Uncle Gimmy’s house.
Call you right back.
INT. RANGE ROVER – NIGHT
Charlie at the wheel, Dawn riding shotgun, She lays her phone on the seat.
DAWN
He’s still not answering.
CHARLIE
I love the pajama outfit.
DAWN
Can we speed up a little?
The Range Rover accelerates.
INT. GREYSTONE HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Stevie and Johnny sit looking at Johnny’s phone.
STEVIE
Try the Chronicle, items for sale.
Johnny taps his phone, searching.
JOHNNY
Looks like a buyer’s market for cars.
STEVIE
Try memorabilia, Yogi Berra.
Johnny taps his phone.
JOHNNY
Here we go.
(reading)
R-E-A-R Yogi Berra baseball for sale.
Best offer. Bring cash to 231 Shadow Lane.
STEVIE
Spelling and logic not his strong suits.
JOHNNY
Could be our man. Let’s go see.
EXT. 231 SHADOW LANE – NIGHT
The El Camino rolls up to a rundown yellow one-bedroom house. As it circles to the back, the boys note the Range Rover and a thrashed VW Beetle parked in the side yard. The pickup stops next to three plastic trash bins.
The boys get out and head for the back door.
JOHNNY
Wait in the truck, Chuey.
A black Hummer with a PEAKED-LOOKING THUG at the wheel rolls up and parks on the street.
A TALL SKINNY THUG climbs out from the back seat and assists a SHORT FAT THUG to the ground, he brings out two coils of cotton rope and pushes the door shut. The three head for the house.
INT. 231 SHADOW LANE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Stevie and Johnny enter and see Dawn helping Jimmy to put on a shirt. Charlie hurries in wheeling a carry-on bag.
DAWN
What are you doing here?
STEVIE
We need a word with this guy.
DAWN
Not now, please. We have to hurry.
Come on, Gimmy!
The three thugs burst in, Short Fat brandishing a chrome-plated revolver.
SHORT FAT THUG
Police business. Everyone stay where you are.
PEAKED-LOOKING THUG
Face the wall. Do like Gut says.
Tall Skinny throws Jimmy against the wall and brings his hands behind him. The others stand facing the wall
Peaked drops the coils, produces a tie wrap, binds Jimmy’s hands, picks up the coils, and stands panting.
SHORT FAT THUG
When you catch your breath you can tie up
the other four people.
PEAKED-LOOKING THUG
We ain’t got enough for four people, Gut.
We only got two ropes.
SHORT FAT THUG
Use your head, moron. Tie ‘em together.
Tall Skinny goes to Peaked, takes a rope end from each coil, and ties them together.
SHORT FAT THUG
Not the rope, you idiot, tie the people. Use
your head.
TALL SKINNY THUG
How am I supposed to tie people with my head?
LATER
Johnny and Charlie sit back to back on a chair with a rope coiled, elbow to armpit, binding them.
On the floor, Stevie and Dawn lay face to face, with a rope coiled around them.
DAWN
Stop struggling. The ropes are hurting me.
JOHNNY
You guys coming to the assembly? Me
and Stevie are doing the entertainment.
CHARLIE
Why are you talking about entertainment?
DAWN
Stop struggling!
JOHNNY
Call Chuey.
STEVIE
Not so fast. I think I’m liking this.
DAWN
Chuey.
JOHNNY
All together now, on three. Two and, three.
The four bellow in unison, CHUEY.
INT. EL CAMINO – SAME
Chuey’s ears go up. He jumps up and stands on the front seat looking out the open window.
THE FOUR VOICES (OS)
CHUEY.
He scampers to the doorsill, teeters, and jumps. He bounces on the trash bin’s lid, lands on the ground, and runs to the open door.
INT. 231 SHADOW LANE – LIVING ROOM
Chuey stands looking at the four trussed-up people.
JOHNNY
Good boy, Chuey. Untie us.
Chuey goes to Johnny and looks up.
CHARLIE
Untie your Stevie, Chuey.
Chuey runs over to Stevie and Dawn. He takes the knotted rope-end in his mouth and tugs, tightening the rope.
STEVIE
It’s woven through the coils, Chuey.
Gotta pull where it goes in.
Chuey bites the loop where the rope enters the first coil, pulls it up, and gnaws on it.
STEVIE
Take your time, Chuey.
LATER
Chuey leaves the frayed loop, returns to the knot end, takes it in his mouth, pulls out a short piece of rope, and backs up thrashing the rope left to right as he goes.
He returns to the frayed end of the rope coiled around Stevie and Dawn, takes it in his teeth, and braces himself.
Stevie and Dawn roll, unwinding the coil from abound their bodies.
JOHNNY
Good boy, Chuey.
EXT. BANK – NIGHT
Bradford sits at his desk talking on the phone.
BUSSER sound.
Bradford taps his intercom.
GERTRUDE’S VOICE (OS)
Three gentlemen to see you.
BRADFORD
Do they have an appointment?
GERTRUDE’S VOICE (OS)
They have a big box.
BRADFORD
(into phone)
They’re here, mother. I’ll call you back.
He hangs up.
BRADFORD
Send them in, Gertrude.
Bradford rises, goes to a walk-in vault, and pulls the door open.
Short Fat enters and stands holding the door open.
Peaked and Tall Skinny carry in a coffin-sized box.
BRADFORD
Over here, Gut.
Bradford steps into the walk-in vault.
The Thugs follow, put the box down, and stand waiting.
BRADFORD
What are you waiting for? Get him out.
The thugs pull Jimmy out and stand him up.
Bradford slaps Jimmy.
BRADFORD
You little shit.
(to Short Fat)
Put a good beating on him.
The three thugs pounce on Jimmy and gleefully commence beating him.
INT. NEWPORT BAY COLLEGE GYMNASIUM – DAY
Noisy kids mill about on the crowded floor, now arranged with rows of folding chairs and a platform stage.
Stevie enters carrying Chuey and a dunce stool. He steps up on the platform, sets the stool, and places Chuey on it.
STEVIE
Take your seats, Barbarians. Prepare
to be entertained. Ladies may proceed
to the front.
The kids scramble for chairs. Dawn, Charlie, and several other girls take front-row seats.
Johnny enters wearing a cape and a dunce hat. He steps to the platform and stands at the far side posing.
TALL DORK
Let’s get the show on the road.
STEVIE
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the
great Jonathan.
CHUEY
Welcome to the debut of the world’s greatest
ventriloquist.
The kids applaud.
SHORT DORK
Johnny’s lips moved. We’re not impressed,
Oh, great one.
JOHNNY
Observe my puppet dog and watch closely.
STEVIE
Who will lend me a sock?
A kid tears off his shoes, removes his socks, stuffs one into the other, and tosses the wad at Stevie.
He catches it.
STEVIE (CONT’D)
A belt? Anyone? A belt?
Dawn removes her belt, rolls it up, and tosses it to Stevie.
Stevie goes to Johnny, stuffs the socks wad into his mouth, puts the belt around his head, and tightens the gag in place.
Johnny raises his arms with a flourish and throws the focus to Chuey.
CHUEY
(to Charlie)
You’re lookin’ good there, Charlie. Want
to fool around … again?
The kids roar with laughter.
SHORT DORK
Let’s have no more of that.
CHUEY
Shut up.
(to Dawn)
Hi Sweets. I like the way you stripped off that belt.
Get up here and show us some skin.
CHARLIE
That’s humiliating!
Charlie and Dawn get up and make for the door.
DAWN
Stevie Miller, you will never speak to me again,
not ever again.
CHARLIE
And that goes double for you, Johnny Grant.
They run out, crying.
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ACT 2
INT. DELORES HOME – DAY
Delores and Mauri have breakfast before starting their day. Mauri pours a glass of peach juice and places the platter of bacon on the counter between them.
DELORES
Mauri, I might be late coming home today.
MAURI
Mom, you said you were going to start looking out for yourself and not working late.
DELORES
I know but I have lots to take care of since I returned from vacation.
INT. DELORES’ OFFICE – DAY
Everyone in her department has left for the day. Delores is on her computer.
Delores returns to occupying her time online, but it doesn’t serve her. Searches for Lyle online.
INT. DELORES HOME – NIGHT
Delores gets home from work and sees Mauri has gone to bed. She grabs some fruit from the refrigerator and goes to her laptop. Delores calls Kendra to share what she found online.
DELORES
Hey Kendra, sorry to call so late, but I had to share this with someone.
KENDRA
It’s fine, I’m up. What’s so urgent.
DELORES
I searched online and found a new post with pictures of Lyle, and I guess this is Cindy together at an event.
KENDRA
I thought you were going to stop looking. Let it go, Delores, you’re making yourself miserable.
DELORES
I know you’re right, but…
KENDRA
But nothing. You need to get some sleep; we have an early day tomorrow.
DELORES
I’m letting go. Go night, Kendra.
INT. GYM – DAY
Delores slowly comes out of the funk she’s been under and joins Mauri and Kendra as they prepare to go to the gym; she has a different attitude.
DELORES
I’m ready for our bike race today.
MAURI
It’s about time, but you’re still going to lose.
KENDRA
We’ll see about that I’m feeling energized this morning.
They finish their work out and Delores has scheduled them for the sauna.
MAURI
Mom, sorry, but I have to leave. I’ll take an Uber to class. See you all later.
Delores and Kendra give her a hug and then head for the sauna.
INT. GYM SAUNA – DAY
They find themselves alone in the sauna, which is perfect for Delores.
KENDRA
Spill girl. What’s up? You are usually in a hurry to get to your office.
DELORES
Nothing, I just want to take some time to cool down.
KENDRA
You’re talking to me. It’s that guy, right? James? You’re avoiding him.
DELORES
I can’t avoid him; we work for the same place, but I don’t have to see him first thing when I get in. He always meets me at the elevator, whether it’s flowers, pastries, coffee, or something.
KENDRA
And what’s wrong with that? He’s showing you he’s interested.
DELORES
I know, but it’s a lot.
KENDRA
Delores, James showed you long before Lyle he was interested and you said it was too soon after Trevor’s death. Now, Lyle has turned out wrong. James is still here.
DELORES
I know.
KENDRA
To me, James was and is the relationship you can commit. Think about it.
DELORES
I will. Let’s go so we can both get to work.
INT. DELORES HOME – NIGHT
Mauri, Delores, and Kendra are together for a movie night. Mauri places two pizzas that were delivered on the island.
MAURI
It’s two against one Mom; you have to watch the romantic comedy. We’re tired of the murder mysteries you always choose.
DELORES
Your movie is so unrealistic. I’m just saying.
KENDRA
Suck it up. You’re just mad they haven’t written the script for your life.
They all laugh. The doorbell rings, and Mauri goes to answer it.
VICKI LYNN, 19, follows behind Mauri into the living room.
VICKI LYNN
Hi, Mrs. Chaney. Hi, Ms. Perkins. I hope I’m not interrupting.
Kendra waves.
DELORES
Hello Vicki, welcome to movie night. The more, the merrier.
MAURI
Sorry, guys. I forgot Vicki, and I have a project to complete. We’ll be up in my room.
DELORES
All right, your loss.
Mauri hands Vicki two sodas, grabs one of the pizzas, and the girls head upstairs.
INT. MAURI’S ROOM – NIGHT
Both girls are on the bed eating with books and laptops.
MAURI
Thank you for coming Vicki. I need to finish this tonight because I’ll be away on the weekend.
VICKI
Oh, you’re going with your mom’s new boyfriend.
MAURI
No, he’s not her boyfriend, he’s her co-worker. But he is cute.
VICKI
Is he the guy she vacationed with?
MAURI
No. I think she was job hunting. She was thinking of moving. It’s fine with me because I will have graduated.
VICKI
At least you get to go on a weekend getaway.
MAURI
I won’t if we don’t get finished tonight. Enough about my mom’s lonely life.
Vicki can’t help but laugh and Mauri grabs her book.
INT. DELORES’ LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Kendra brings the popcorn to the sofa and places it between them, and Delores pours two glasses of wine.
KENDRA
Okay, spill. I want to know about your lunch date with James.
DELORES
It was nothing. I told you we just discussed the camp.
KENDRA
So, you’re going.
DELORES
Mauri and I are going.
Kendra gives her the side-eye and turns up the volume on the movie.
EXT. MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK – DAY
Two buses pull into Malibu Creek State Park. The doors open, and a huge gathering of excited young people and their chaperones file out.
Delores and Mauri get off and retrieve their duffle bags, followed by James.
MAURI
Mom, this place is gorgeous. I can’t wait to hike up to the M.A.S.H. site and take pictures.
DELORES
There’s a schedule, Honey, and you’ll have to wait and follow the leaders’ directions.
JAMES
Mauri, don’t worry; that’s the first activity on the itinerary. We also have a trail ride scheduled. Can you ride?
MAURI
Awesome. Yes, I can. Thank you so much for allowing me to attend with my Mom.
JAMES
You’re welcome. We’re happy to have you in our Jr. Counselors Group.
James helped Delores and Mauri pitch their tent.
BEGIN MONTAGE
-Delores and Mauri sit around the campfire with James close as they make s’mores.
-Mauri works in Mess Tent for Breakfast and enjoys interacting with other counselors
-Group arrives at M.A.S.H site, and Mauri, Delores, and James take pictures at all the landmarks.
-Delores leads a group of campers on a trail ride. They explore the rock formations.
-The day ends around the campfire with singing.
END MONTAGE
EXT. YOUNG CAMP – DAY
James and Delores take an early morning hike on their last day of camp.
JAMES
Delores, I can’t thank you enough for assisting me with the camp.
DELORES
No thanks needed. I enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed seeing Mauri so involved and happy.
JAMES
Yes, I think I have a new friend. She’s a lovely young lady.
DELORES
Thank you, I think so.
James stops them by the lake, and they take in the view. He takes advantage of their alone time, moves closer to her, and takes her hand. To his surprise, she allows it.
JAMES
I hope you don’t mind, but I had the cook pack our breakfast.
DELORES
Good thinking. I starving after the hike up here.
James grabs the blanket from the backpack and lays out the breakfast. They sit and eat, enjoying the warmth of the sun and stunning views.
DELORES
This is the second time you’ve provided me with a feast in the wilderness. Is this your hook, Mr. Price?
JAMES
That all depends; is it working?
Delores grins, picks up her juice, and touches his in a toast.
INT. DELORES’ HOME – NIGHT
Delores sits on the sofa, opens her laptop, and ventures into the Book Lover’s Group.
Kendra comes downstairs from assisting Mauri with her project, flops down next to Delores, and catches her on the site.
KENDRA
I thought you agreed not to go into the group anymore?
DELORES
I’m checking the new book list. I also wanted to upload a couple of critiques I completed.
KENDRA
You’re looking for Lyle.
DELORES
No, I’m not.
KENDRA
I see you. You have the ‘Who’s Online’ list open. You don’t need that for critiques.
All of a sudden, a private message bubble appears. Delores freezes because she can only see the last name, Collins.
INT. DELORES KITCHEN ISLAND – NIGHT
Kendra gets up, heads to the kitchen, grabs two glasses and pours them some wine.
Delores picks up the laptop and follows Kendra into the kitchen.
KENDRA (Cont’d)
Are you going to respond? Maybe he’s ready to talk.
Delores clicks on the bubble, and an audio message appears. She pushes play. A woman’s voice is heard.
AUDIO MESSAGE
You still looking for my husband? I told you, we’re back together. You’d be wise to go about your business!
Delores was stunned. She quickly exited the group.
KENDRA
OMG! Delores, she is a stalker!
DELORES
This is over for me. I’m not going to deal with her. I don’t even know this woman. I only spoke to her that night and haven’t had any other contact. Why is she doing this?
A tearful Delores closes her laptop and moves to the living room.
INT. DELORES LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Delores leaves the laptop on the island and retreats to the living room. She curls up on the sofa with her wine.
Kendra tries to console Delores.
KENDRA
Well, she won’t be able to get to you now.
Delores sits staring off into the distance. Kendra snaps her fingers in her face.
KENDRA (CONT’D)
What are you thinking?
DELORES
What did I do to deserve this? I merely responded to a gentle, kind man. At least that’s what I thought.
KENDRA
You did, but you can’t shut down.
Delores’ cell rings. She looks at the display, and it’s James.
She sends the call to voicemail.
KENDRA
Who was that?
DELORES
James.
KENDRA
Why did you answer? Girl, check the message and call him back.
Delores looks at Kendra for a moment and then at her phone as she receives a text message from James.
Message reads: Good evening Delores, I didn’t want to disturb you, but you said you’d go to the play with me tomorrow. I’d like to pick you up around 6:00 p.m. Does that work for you?
DELORES
I forgot we’re supposed to go to a play tomorrow night. I’m not going.
KENDRA
Call him, text him, whatever, but do one of them and let him know you’ll be ready.
INT. DELORES’ KITCHEN – NIGHT
Delores puts her phone down and returns to her laptop in the kitchen.
KENDRA (CONT’D)
What are you doing? Delores let it go.
Delores logs on to the site and immediately sees an audio message waiting. Kendra is looking over her shoulder.
KENDRA (CONT’D)
Don’t!
Delores searches for the link to terminate her membership and executes it.
DELORES
I wasn’t.
KENDRA
Good. Here’s your phone, now send James the message.
Delores looks at Kendra, knowing she is not going to give up. She laughs and takes the phone.
Kendra watches her type, grabs her belongings, and heads out the door.
KENDRA
See you tomorrow.
INT. THEATER LOBBY – NIGHT
Delores and James greeted several of the counselors, NATALIE EDWARDS, RHONDA GATES, AND BARRY MIMS, who were a part of the Young Camp.
Micheal Lee and his wife, CAROL, walk up and stands next to them. James shakes his hand gives Carol a hug.
JAMES
Good evening, all. Great to see you, Michael. You know Delores and the Young Camp Crew.
MICHAEL
Yes, hello, Delores. This is my wife, Carol.
DELORES
Hello, nice to meet you, Carol.
BARRY
What’s up, man? Great to see you both.
RHONDA
Hey, you two.
NATALIE
Good evening.
DELORES
Great to see you all as well. This was an outstanding performance.
All agree and start to call out different moments.
JAMES
That was my favorite scene. We are going to say good night.
James takes Delores’ hand.
JAMES
How about coffee and a little dessert?
DELORES
Sounds good.
JAMES
Michael, would you and Carol like to join us? We’re heading to Ms. Chriss Bakes Coffee and Dessert Bar.
CAROL
We’d love to. I heard that place is deletable, but Michael has an early morning meeting, and we’re going to go home.
MICHAEL
She’s right. Delores, it was a pleasure seeing you. You two enjoy.
James continues holding her hand and leads her through the crowd.
INT. COFFEE SHOP – EVENING
Delores and James are seated sipping coffee at Ms. Chriss Bakes Coffee and Dessert Bar. The WAITRESS walks up to take their order.
JAMES
I hope you like this place. I’ve had the strawberry pound cake, and it’s amazing.
DELORES
I saw that on the menu and the Peach Glazed Pound Cake, but the brownies look good as well.
WAITRESS
May I take your order?
DELORES
I’ll have a Chocolate Ganache Brownie.
JAMES
I’ll take the Peanut Butter Blondie.
DELORES
I’d also like to have a half dozen strawberry shortbread cookies to go. James, I’ll pay for those separately.
JAMES
Nonsense.
(To the Waitress)
Please put everything on my bill.
WAITRESS
I’ll be right back with your order.
DELORES
This is a lovely place. I’ll definitely come back.
JAMES
So, I’m happy you’ve recovered from the camping. I was looking forward to seeing you again without all the other people around. Did Mauri enjoy herself?
DELORES
Yes, she did. Mauri is trying to plan another trip. Thank you for including her.
JAMES
She’s a lovely young lady. I was happy to have her there to assist. The girls in her class loved her. I have a set of thank you cards from all of them for her. It’s in the car.
The waitress returns with their orders on a rolling cart with two pots of coffee.
WAITRESS
Here you are, Chocolate Ganache and Peanut Butter Blondie. I’ll place these pots of coffee here; the red top is decaf.
The waitress places everything, including their to-go order, extra napkins, water, and coffee.
DELORES
Good food and excellent service. I have to make sure I tell everyone about Ms. Chriss Bakes Coffee and Dessert Bar.
JAMES
I’d love to share some of the many hidden gems I’ve found around Los Angeles with you. Tell me what foods you like, and we can check them out.
Delores paused before responding, remembering how sharing everything she liked with a guy first didn’t play out very well.
DELORES
Tell you what, I’ll trust you to figure out the best places to explore.
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