We(re Half Way There(
Episode 2: Wide Open Frontier
By Bryant McLemore
INT.- ANTHONY AND SCOTT(S ROOM-MORNING
Both SCOTT and ANTHONY snuggling each other as they sleep, covers half on their torso. SCOTT kisses ANTHONY while gazing at each other.
(Seductive music plays in background)
Plays with SCOTT(S head
ANTHONY
I still love your hair!
SCOTT
And I still love your lips they are so sweet!
They kiss again for a while.
ANTHONY
I am so glad you are with me!
Cuddle each other
ANTHONY
In my arms, we could be like this forever
Turning face up
SCOTT
Yeah, but it is morning and nothing can be
done in bed
Getting up slowly
ANTHONY
Ahh, leave it to you to spoil a moment
Rubbing his pecks.
SCOTT
Someone has to wear the pants in here
Sitting up
ANTHONY
Look, I also wear pants too you know
SCOTT
I mean out of bed and taking on some
responsibilities, Ant.
Bare chest and in boxers, he gets up and leaves to drawer.
SCOTT (CONT'D) V/O
And beside I have a little thing called
responsibility to live up to.
Laying face up
ANTHONY
We(ve been here but a week and you are
already up and out.
ANTHONY then sits up.
SCOTT
Well if you don(t remember this is not a vacation
we are here for a purpose.
He continues fiddling in drawer holding some underpants.
ANTHONY
(Seductive tone)
Can we just wait for that purpose for at least
another few more hours or so?
Drags up and goes to him.
SCOTT
We did that yesterday and the day before
that and so on(
Grabs him from behind him from behind
ANTHONY
And the problem with that is…
Kisses his neck.
ANTHONY (CONT'D)
Besides, if it works then why stop a good thing?
SCOTT turns face to face
SCOTT
Because you don(t get something for nothing, baby.
Pecks his nose and goes to bathroom
ANTHONY
And what may I ask you have done?
Follows him
SCOTT
Uh News flash, I have a 4.0, the tons of football
scholarships and may we not forget that was vote
to be valedictorian not to mention my other job
experiences(.
Facing the mirror and prepping to shower.
ANTHONY
May I remind you, Mr. Grey! We haven’t
finished high school, remember?! And I don(t
think in the real world a 4.0 and acting. manager
at Chicken World consider anyways experience!
Leans on bathroom door
SCOTT
You(re not helping any, man.
Getting in the shower
ANTHONY
With what, Scotty? Reality?!
(Beat)
Sticks head out
SCOTT
(Sighs)
I thought we(re in this together.
Water runs as ANTHONY enters in.
ANTHONY
Putting the wagon in front of the horse?!
I want us to make it but we have to just
relax man. We(re not in dyer straits there(s
plenty of time and lots to do.
SCOTT V/O
Well I don(t know about you but I(m gonna
at least try for something than wait for a dream
to drop in my lap.
ANTHONY
Well l you work here(
SCOTT
Oh no! I refuse to work as a maid anyways
I want to give him more than minimum wage.
ANTHONY
I told you there is no problem here Scotty(.
SCOTT
Well I have a problem here, Anthony, I don(t
like doing nothing! And I was Assistant Manager
thank you!
ANTHONY
[Sighs]
Yeah, yeah right (.and where are you gonna start?
SCOTT
I do have a Godfather that can hook me up.
Maybe something decent like.
ANTHONY
Suit yourself man!
Passes by ANTHONY.
SCENE ENDS
INT.-CARLA AND NIKKI(S APARTMENT/BEDROOM-MORNING
The dimly lamplight flaring in CARLA and NIKKI(S dark bedroom as NIKKI barely tries to sleep and a uniformed CARLA gets ready to go to work grabbing her gun and badge out of her nightstand in which it drops and awakened NIKKI.
NIKKI slowly looks up tiredly at CARLA and gives her a slight smile.
CARLA
Sorry about that I(ll be a sec( I wish I
were in your shoes right now with you
NIKKI
Why you need to protect the woman you love
and the good citizens here
As CARLA reaches over to give her a peck, NIKKI then turns back over to sleep.
CARLA
They can get someone else if we didn(t need
all that money.
Prepping her hair NIKKI moans back to her as if she was halfway listening.
CARLA
Sweetie you don(t know how lucky you have it
Setting on the bed getting her shoes on
NIKKI
[Listening]
Hmm, how that(s?
CARLA
You have time to sleep most of the day, don(t
have to worry about risking your life while you
save some jackass who doesn(t appreciate your
assistance and with that joint of yours, you practically
party most of the night(
Sitting up
NIKKI
For your information, I have only a few hours
of rest I need before I have to get up to salvage
the shitty paper work that was left from the last
owners some years back for this (party joint, (
that I trying to keep together with the little strings
budget, while trying to dodge every bullet the
sleazy debtors and maintenance jerk, to whom
because I(m a woman, thinks they could to
swindle me And don(t get me started over.
the customers.
CARLA
It still beats having the shit I to go through
Getting her stuff in a small black tote bag
NIKKI
Well that may when have our family.
She smiles laying back down
CARLA
(Indifferent)
I have a solution for that(. we won(t one.
Looking in the mirror for the last time
NIKKI
And why not?
Turns towards CARLA.
CARLA
[Avoiding the subject]
Look, I don(t want to talk about it!
Heading out the door. NIKKI then stops her.
NIKKI
[Sitting up]
Well I do and I want to know why?
Becoming agitated with the questioning. She stops and drops her bag
CARLA
[Sighing and talking with a low voice]
You are always bothering me over some little shit?
Tries again to leave. NIKKI stops her
NIKKI
[Stopping her again]
Because it means something to me, I thought
when was with you we could have a future together.
Grabbing her blanket in anger
CARLA
[Head turns to NIKKI]
Not with some smelly ass whining, screaming
brat all over the place!
CARLA again tries to leave the room
NIKKI
I know you didn(t mean that, Carly.
CARLA
Oh yes I do that(s why I can(t stand those
motherfuckers.
Opening the door and facing out
NIKKI
And why you(re good with the neighborhood
children, huh?
CARLA
[Turning her head to her]
They(re not mine and I don(t want any case close!
Marching out of the room slamming the door. NIKKI sits on the bed for a minute in disbelief.
SCENE ENDS
INT./EXT.-BED AND BREAKFAST/OUTSIDE DINNING AREA-MORNING
In the outside dinning area, GARY stands by the buffet table toying with the unappetizing mush-like substance that was brought by DAVID as the guests stop by the other items and sit to eat.
Repulsed.
GARY
You(re serving this(.?
Toying with it.
DAVID
Yes(And what(s the matter it!
GARY
Sweetheart, it(s um( mushy?
Exposing it
DAVID
[Offended]
It(s cream of wheat, thank you!
Snatches it and throws it down
GARY
[Sighs]
Ok?
DAVID
(Sarcastic)
Ha, ha ( for your information this happens
to be one of my childhood favorites[tasting it],
like you never had it before.
Hungry guest passing by the table in disgust over the mushy entree
GARY
Yes, but it was (.creamy.
DAVID
It(s still edible, can you do better?
Unenthusiastic
GARY
A three year old child can do better
DAVID
Well, I betcha( they(ll love it
Observing the guess reaction
GARY
[Mumbles]
If not gag (
A much older guest comes up to the concoctions toying with it then approaches DAVID.
GUEST
This a joke, right?
Offended he turns towards the guest
DAVID
What's that?!
Showing DAVID a sample bowl of the concoction
GUEST
[Dissatisfied]
You(re not serving this?
DAVID
Yes, we are and if you don(t like it(.starve!!
Throws the bowl back and walks off. Insulted GUEST, also walks off, GARY stops and consults him.
GARY
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Handing the guest and fruit and a muffin to compensate
GARY
It should be better next time(.
The guest is more demeaned by the gesture.
GUEST
[Outraged]
I thought this was supposed to be an escape
and getaway but this seems to be a disaster
it's yet episode I had to deal with that monster
and his rude and unnecessary behavior my
stay here (.
Snatching the items from GARY
GARY
You have to excuse him, we're currently
under staffed(.
GUEST
Yet another obvious flaw here
GARY
He(s under a lot of stress working
here by himself.
GUEST
At least he could have the courtesy to make BREAKFAST RIGHT!!
GARY
She not perfect sir, I wish there more I could do (.
GUEST
Yeah, get rid of that(idiot!!
March out of the dinning hall.
GARY
[Smiles]
Please come back again!
Frustrated GARY he walks over to DAVID.
DAVID
[Clueless]
What!
GARY
[Displeased]
What do you mean what David ( that was yet
another guess you scared off(.
DAVID
[Defensive tone]
Me, first of all his wasn't all that anyway
He needed to lighten up anyway
GARY
[Raising his tone]
But he was guest paying guest looking for quality service!
Interrupts
DAVID
[Melodramatic]
First of all you should know better since it is
just me, out of love, slave for you in the this
dreadful place with no proper assistance and
you expect me be superman I don't think so
Mr. Rhennes
GARY
I understand that you may need some help((.
DAVID
Some! Sweetie if you want grand help service
Start hiring more people!!
Sighs placing his hand over DAVID(S face rolling his eyes Finely dressed SCOTT enters goes towards buffet table.
GARY
(To SCOTT)
We(re up early today.
Greeting him
SCOTT
[Gives a slight smile]
(have a full day planned
DAVID
Oh, and what adventures are you up to, Scotty dear?
SCOTT
Work!
Looking at the unappetizing entrees
DAVID
Working man
SCOTT
Not yet anyways, looking though
GARY
Job hunting, huh?
SCOTT
[Nodding his head]
Gotta bring home the bacon.
Bites a fruit
GARY
You came at the nick of time we were
talking about looking for extra help(
SCOTT
At your office?
GARY
No, here helping with David clean whatever..
SCOTT
Nah thanks had enough of that shit back home
(anyways a friend of the family here can hook
me up with something.
GARY
Oh well just trying to help
SCOTT
No problem
DAVID
And is the other half joining you?
Puzzled for a minute.
SCOTT
Other(oh, Ant( No, he(d rather stay and
get his (beauty rest.(
GARY
That(s what he(s calling it!
CARLA enters to the buffet table picks up a muffin.
CARLA
Hey y(all [Examines the entrée], I thought this
was a bed and breakfast!
DAVID
It is(
CARLA
Then why are you serving this repulsive
goulash-looking shit like we(re in a
Thai prison!
With the same look of disgust on her face.
GARY
It(s David(s creation I have nothing to do with it
CARLA
Kinda figured that(.
DAVID
Hello no one appreciates my grandma(s
down-home southern Recipe!
CARLA
Uh, I don(t think you followed the it that
well honey.
Taking a juice and a fruit
SCOTT
This looks like a personal issue here I think
I(m gonna leave
DAVID
Wait you didn(t get any of grub sticks to
your stomach.
SCOTT
Uh, I already got mine here(don(t want to get,
uh too full, later.
SCOTT leaves
CARLA
[To GARY]
The boy is playing it safe
GARY chuckles as DAVID rolls his eyes overhearing them.
GARY
So what is up between you and the ole
lady at home?
CARLA
You know, tripping over little shit(you know how she is?
GARY
Well that(s how you know she love ya Carla
DAVID
We do it to you
CARLA
I don(t have to sleep nor eat your cooking; Anyways
I do love her like crazy it(s just that sometimes I wish
she would just put her mind on reality on certain issues.
GARY
What is she concerned about today
DAVID
Yes do tell the dish
As they gather to hear her story, a belated ANTHONY stumbles into the dinning area towards GARY, DAVID, and CARLA
CARLA
Ok, she wanted to(.
Interrupts
ANTHONY
Hi ya guys !
Picking up a plate and filling it with the muffins and fruits
GARY
Thought you were getting your beauty sleep.
ANTHONY
Beauty(. Well, uh, the bed was getting kinda
cold and lonely so I decided to come and grab
me something to eat.
CARLA
Anyways I was saying she wanted to have
children!
GARY
And what(s the problem with that(
CARLA
Thing is( I don(t want children
GARY
Why?
DAVID
I always pictured you guys as parents,
cop woman, and her down to earth wife
almost better than mine.
GARY
What kid wouldn(t want two of the best mothers?
ANTHONY
Or father!
Both CARLA and GARY give an unpleasant look after ANTHONY(S thoughtless statement.
ANTHONY
[Clueless]
Did I miss something?
DAVID
Yes sweetie, now eat
Placing the mush on ANTHONY(S plate and eats.
CARLA
Anyways, I just don(t want any right now(and
she doesn(t get it
DAVID
Maybe you don(t get it
CARLA
Get what, she never mentioned or hinted anything
like this in our seven years we(ve been together.
GARY
You of all people should clue it in
CARLA
And what is there to know
MARIE and LEAH enters
DAVID
Someone(s clock is ticking
CARLA
[Looking lost]
Her what?
Interrupting as she greets GARY and DAVID
LEAH
Biological clock, Carla baby!
Greets CARLA
CARLA
I know that I have one too and you(re not too
far either my sister
MARIE
Not for me thank god
Studying the (mush(
MARIE
[Sarcastic]
M, m, Mmmm!! What do we have here( look
David(s own mush!
Point the spoon at LEAH and both laughing
MARIE
Want some!
LEAH
Why not, I like to die from the fresh cooking
here ala chef Davy!
MARIE
So, what(s this talk of baby all about?
Picking up a fruit and coffee
GARY
Our good Nikki wants to have children
ANTHONY
And she doesn(t(
MARIE
And what is it to us(
DAVID
She brought it up, honey.
CARLA
[Irritated]
Which I shouldn(t have!
GARY
But you did, and you have to tell.
LEAH
You got me curious, now I want to know
Interrupting
MARIE
For Christ(s sake, can you leave the woman alone,
if she doesn(t want to talk about it so be it.
CARLA
Amen! I just don(t think it(s right for a kid
to be raised by two mamas.
Everyone(s turn their head in shock while ANTHONY continues to eat more of DAVID(S (mush(.
GARY
You(re joking right?
CARLA
Nope, dead serious!
LEAH
Carla, I(m surprised, out of all people to say
something like that!
DAVID
Especially being in a nine year relationship with
another woman?
CARLA
Our relationship has nothing to do with
children besides if God wanted two women
would have to have children he given us the
equipment to.
LEAH
You don(t necessarily need to be equipped
DAVID
That(s right, what does equipment have to
do raising a love child that(ll love you
regardless.
CARLA
Because every kid needs a mother and a father
to be complete otherwise it(s unnatural.
LEAH
So if Greg and I had children versus you guy
it is natural
CARLA
That(s God(s divine plan
DAVID
If you and Greg had a decent contact with
each other that(d be a miracle
ANTHONY
Up until a few years ago my father raised me so
what(s the problem
CARLA
You at one time had a mother
ANTHONY
Yeah but she died when I was five or six
CARLA
And your father I(m sure didn(t look for
another man to raise you with him
ANTHONY
No, he likes women but that doesn(t
make a difference
DAVID
Tell it. . .
Swinging his arms him
LEAH
Exactly, you guys are more capable to have
children as any other normal couple.
GARY
So what do you think of someone like Dave
and I or Anthony and Scott?
CARLA
Hey y(all can do what you wanna do, though I(d pray
for the child to have to eat David(s cooking, I(d love
you the same I just think it isn(t practical at this time
LEAH
Are you kidding this is 1990 next the last
of the century, If a person wants to have
and raise a child and they(re gay I say
why not.
CARLA
Well I don(t and won(t.
GARY
But Nikki does!
CARLA
That will be between Nikki and me right now
let me and let try to stomach something
MARIE
Face it, you can(t derail a preacher(s daughter,
Just let her be lets change the subject.
DAVID
How about talking of your disappointment
that you baby Tamara is gone and your stuck
here watering plants
GARY
Yeah aren(t you shocked that she was taken up by
that agency that Lee, and you trashed so much
MARIE
Ok, may have I had my doubts but she(s
doing something and no I am not upset that(s
she(s gone temporarily thank you!
Gazing her attention at DAVID.
LEAH
Well it(s a vacation for me and the phone,
now I only have one child here
MARIE
And that(s why you don(t have children huh Leah
LEAH
And you(re saying(
MARIE
You know what sweet cakes
DAVID
Ladies save the cat fight for the plant you
have to water.
To ANTHONY
LEAH
So what are you doing up Anthony
ANTHONY
What do you mean?
MARIE
I thought you and your playmate would be in
bed most of the day like y(alls usually do.
GARY
Scott left him to get a J-O-B, now he(s wondering
here alone and bored.
LEAH
So the other half is out in the real world
also, great for him.
GARY
And you should be too tiger
ANTHONY
I well soon but(.like to take my time
GARY
This won(t be for forever
CARLA
Have to go out and be I a responsible man.
ANTHONY
Ok you guys are beginning to sound like Scott!
GARY
Got to give it to him, unless you like to work here.
DAVID
And believe me we do need the help.
CARLA
I can attest to that!
ANTHONY
No thank I can(t barely clean my room.
GARY
You gotta start somewhere.
ANTHONY (CONT'D)
Yeah, but where?
CARLA
Nikki has mentioned that she is looking for
a server at her joint you are eighteen, at least.
ANTHONY
Yeah
CARLA
Well it isn(t full-time and it(s at night, but you
can make at least three hundred tops if you play
your cards right.
GARY
You should take it
ANTHONY
Ok I will
CARLA
Great I(ll tell Nikki and you(ll probably start tomorrow
ANTHONY
Cool!
GARY
Welcome to the working world!
Shakes his hand
DAVID
[Mock crying]
Can(t believe me baby is going to be an Alice Hyatt!
ANTHONY smiles
SCENE ENDS
INT. (MARCUS BRADLEY(S OFFICE- DAYTIME
In the quiet office building SCOTT enters to the RECEPTIONIST(s desk, as a few employees are either in the seats or pacing the floors.
RECEPTIONIST
May I help you sir?
SCOTT
Yes is there Mr. Bradley in?
RECEPTIONIST
Yes he is but he(s busy at the moment!
SCOTT
Well can you tell him that Scott Grey is here,
he should know me he(s a family friend
RECEPTIONIST
And the purpose of the visit?
SCOTT
I want him to help me with a job!
RECEPTIONIST
Do you have an appointment to see him?
SCOTT
Why do I need an appointment he should
know who I am?
RECEPTIONIST
There are several his knows, sir but without an
appointment I nor he can(t help you a much,
if you want to wait I can try to get him it may
take awhile.
SCOTT sighs and nods then sits very discouraged
SCENE ENDS
INT.-FLORAL SHOPPE ( DAYTIME
Almost dead and empty nursery, with flora and fauna surround the ambience. A bore MARIE fondles with paper and other items at her desk post down across the entrance. She picks up the phone and decides to call TAMI(S room. Phone rings a very youthful person answers.
PERSON ON LINE v/o
(hotel how can I help you
MARIE
Yes room 563 please
PERSON ON LINE v/o
Hold on
Playing with a pencil thinking of TAMI
TAMI v/o
Hello
MARIE
So how(s my little Christy Brinkley
TAMI v/o
Hey baby I(m so glad you called
MARIE
Well I have to you never had a chance
to call me since you(ve came down there
TAMI v/o
Oh I(m so sorry, but I was incredibly busy
for the past few days(
MARIE
Busy what? For a few pics, I thought you(d
have I more downtime for parties, rubbing
elbows with the star and shit
TAMI v/o
I thought so too but there is a hell a lot
more to it(A lot more I wish I can give
more detail but I have to go soon another
retake shoot.
MARIE
Ok but please call me
TAMI v/o
I(ll try to if not now soon
MARIE
You better or I(ll come down there and hunt
down and you don(t wanna know what I(d do next...
TAMIv/o
Oh I bet I wouldn(t like it
MARIE
But I would(
TAMIv/o
Oh, let me go before you get me into trouble
MARIE
That(s what I was hoping to do
TAMIv/o
You would(bye, sugar
MARIE
Love ya(
A dial tone is heard before she could complete her sentence. She shrugs her shoulder and continues to wait in boredom.
SCENE ENDS
INT.- MARCUS BRADLEY(S OFFICE-DAYTIME
After hours past, SCOTT sits impatiently flips through magazines waiting. He looks at his stares at the receptionist with an evil glare. Finally a well-dressed med build black older man walks out overlooking SCOTT looking occupied and reading his messages who barely misses him He jumps out of the seat and tries to flag and his attention.
Muzak is play continuously in the background
SCOTT
Mr. Bradley!
Goes up and grab his arm
SCOTT
Mr. Bradley!
Not knowing who is grabbing him, tug it back and angrily turn around
M. BRADLEY
What do you(.
SCOTT
It(s me Scott from Louisiana..
M. BRADLEY
Mr. Scott Grey, I haven(t seen you since(you were
Yah high….
SCOTT
Yep, it(s been along time sir
M. BRADLEY
Your father and mother are well?
SCOTT
Uh, they’re still there…I guess…sir(
M. BRADLEY
So what brings you up here?
SCOTT
I come to stay with some one Mr. Bradley sir!
M. BRADLEY
Wonderful, I hope it(s a lovely woman?
SCOTT
Well sort of..
M. BRADLEY
And what are your plans here
SCOTT
That(s why I(m came to talk to you, I looking
for a job and since you and my dad are close
and you helped I was wondering(
M. BRADLEY
Oh I(d be happy to help(what are you
looking for(.
SCOTT
Office work I guess..
M. BRADLEY
Office work meaning(
SCOTT
I(I don(t know, maybe answer phones,
work on file and computers(
M. BRADLEY
Great where did you finish school it?
SCOTT
I( I didn’t school yet...
M. BRADLEY
Oh, So you’re attending Georgia State or
Tech, Morehouse, Clark…?
SCOTT
Uh….I didn’t actually… finish… high school …
Laughing
M. BRADLEY
You’re kiddin’?!
SCOTT
No...But I do have a 4.0 have like a few
scholarships to like…Howard…Berkley
…and…Oh! I was vote to be valedictorian
and most like to succeed(
Breaking out in full laugher
M. BRADLEY
I hate to break it to ya, but, Scott, this is
the real world?! And having very little
backing that you do, ain’t enough to compete
(
SCOTT
I know but at least I can do something
important(maybe hoping something a like your
assistant or something(.
M. BRADLEY
Only thing I can think about is, mailroom
assistant and security attendant, or maintenance
technician….
SCOTT
I was looking for something more than a janitor
or security guard…
M. BRADLEY
With just a 4.0 and no High School diploma(
I can see, as when you were little, with some
aspiration but what you want and you have
don’t match…
Places hand on his shoulder
M. BRADLEY (CONT'D)
Look the best thing to do now is to go back
home, and finish school.
SCOTT
Yeah but…
M. BRADLEY
I hate to see a young brother like you with
so much to offer…beaten up here
Looks at the clock to the right of him
M. BRADLEY (CONT'D)
(Gotta run I hope to see you soon... and
remember what I said now.
Walking the opposite direction
SCOTT
Yeah, thanks a lot!
Disappointed he stands rubbing his pants.
SCENE ENDS
INT. - BAILEY(S BED AND BREAKFAST LOBBY-AFTERNOON
A few guests sit and lounge while David drags down the area looking as if he is
cleaning when he is socializing. ANTHONY. Sits in a love seat by a desk
Approaching him
DAVID
[melodramatic]
With Gary and Scott and now you going out
in the working world a bitch like me is gonna
be all alone.
ANTHONY
Well you have me most of the day do have the
guests here and Scott and Gary at night(.
DAVID
Oh please, it's not the same to see no wonderful
people all the time and besides I don't know or
give a damn for any of these sons of sands
A very athletically build guest walk by. Catching DAVID'S attention
DAVID
Or some I maybe(.
Checking the guest's ass out as he walk
ANTHONY shaking his head on DAVID'S antics.
DAVID
He's eye candy honey completely different.
Enters GARY
GARY
What is eye candy dear?
Walking towards DAVID
DAVID
You of course dear!
Pecks him on the cheek
GARY
I thought I was more than that.
DAVID
You are( eye candy too that I can touch!
Places his arm around him
GARY
Funny, I thought you were talking about Mr. Flannery's ass
DAVID
Oh honey I won't!
GARY and ANTHONY look at each other in disbelief
ANTHONY
We were talking about how quiet minus us.
GARY
Oh, he'll be ok he's been alone before
DAVID
Not before are babies come(
GARY
All have to grow up sometime(
DAVID
And all leave me doin' the chores( now I
know how Cinderella feels(
Enters SCOTT slow and dismayed
GARY
Speaking of... Here comes the
DAVID
How was it!
Gives a flushed look
GARY
That bad, huh( well as they say, tomorrow
is another day!
SCOTT
[Exhausted]
Uh, huh!
Sits on the sofa by ANTHONY
GARY
For any confiscation Anthony followed in
your foot step in assort and found something
DAVID
With Nikki at her club bringing in some dough
ANTHONY
I guess I took you advice(well he mentioned
that you were out looking for job and that you
thought I should do the same, well to make a long
story short Carla hooked me and I'll be working
nights starting tonight, isn't that great!
Sarcastic
SCOTT
Yeah, great!
Looking less enthusiastic
ANTHONY
I know it's a bitch right now(maybe I can
get you a gig there(.
DAVID
Nah, I'll be alright!
GARY
You sure because my offer still stands here..
DAVID
And I do need the help and company.
SCOTT
[Superficial smile]
Nah really I'm straight, as you said, tomorrow is
another day.
Gets up
SCOTT
Ah, I'm bushed I'm going to bed(T!
Congratulations, I'm happy for ya really, see
y'all.
Walking up the stairs. They all look at him with concern and confusion
SCENE ENDS
INT. LUCINDA'S FLORAL SHOPPE-AFTERNOON
Closing time and LEAH prep sand arrange the flowers and plants before leaving while MARIE greeting the last customer out and locked the door.
Leans on the door
MARIE
[sighs]
I thought she'd never leave
LEAH
Tell me about it she might as well have
camped here.
MARIE
You might give her idea!
Going to the tell
LEAH
How? she's not here now.
Sweeping for floor
MARIE
What on your agenda for tonight.
LEAH
Probably the same as any night, nothing
MARIE
That's what you get when you get with a man!
LEAH
Hey, I work long and hard for that guy(
MARIE
And got nothing in bed
LEAH
And the same for Tami I presume!
MARIE
Oh, completely different on fem on fem, you
should try it sometimes!
LEAH
Not a chance missy, I've seen enough share
of fem/fem for me to appreciate what I have(
MARIE
Shit, speak of which(.
Stops what she's doing and goes to the phone at the desk
LEAH
Your not call her again on(
MARIE
No.. I'm calling for pizza!
LEAH
No your not, didn't you say she called and say
she'll call before she leaves.
MARIE
No I called her baby!
LEAH shakes her head
INT.- GRAND HOTEL IN FLORIDA-AFTERNOON
In a somewhat crowded room party-filled atmosphere with beautiful woman and guys, as TAMI and company runs around half drunk. Phone rings and a partygoer picks up
PARTYGOER
Yo!
Laughing , yelling, and loud music in the background
MARIE v/o
Yes, is there a Tamara Martinez there?
PARTYGOER
[talking louder]
Uh, hold on!
Partygoer looks around and shouts for TAMI who is busy having fun with some guys chasing her
PARTYGOER
She's unexposed for the moment may
I take a message for her!
INT.- LUCINDA' FLORAL SHOPPE- AFTERNOON
LEAH still counts money in the dim lighted background
MARIE
Just tell her that her baby called.
PARTYGOER v/o
Sure will!
MARIE
Thanks!
Slams the phone
MARIE
Mother Fucking!
LEAH
Told ya a waste of time!
Finishes counting
LEAH
Look, Greg will not be home for long,
wanna hang?
Puts arm around her
MARIE
I'll ok (know what, why not?
LEAH
Just give me a minute!
Goes to the back room. MARIE holds the broom then throws it down.
SCENE ENDS
INT. ---CARLA AND NIKKI ROOM---NIGHT
NIKKI and CARLA lays up in bed, NIKKI reading with a dimmed light as CARLA lies bored and restless. CARLA then tries to tempt NIKKI by rubbing her leg against her thigh. NIKKI slightly agitated moves away. CARLA then pauses sighs and tries again by nudging
her face on her neck.
Shoving her away
NIKKI
Will you stop it!
CARLA
What, I can't get any lovin'(.
Cranky
NIKKI
I'm not in the mood, now get!
CARLA
Nikki I thought you loved baby(.
Rubbing on her stomach
NIKKI
I told you, I'm not in the mood!
Pulling her hand back.
CARLA
I know what can.
Nibbling on her neck again NIKKI becomes more irritated
NIKKI
Carla, please!!
CARLA
What is your problem, woman?
NIKKI
I'm just bothered right now(.
CARLA
That is not like you sugar
NIKKI
Well it is today(
CARLA
Is it something at work(
NIKKI
I don't wanna talk about it
CARLA
It's something I did
Giving her a long dirty look
NIKKI
[Sighs]
No!
CARLA
[Frustrated]
You're worrying me with this, girl!
NIKKI
It's what you said this morning!
CARLA
What did I say(.
NIKKI
You know what you said
CARLA
No, I don't I wouldn't ask(.
Remembering
CARLA
Oh, the baby thing! ( You worked up because
I don't want kids(
NIKKI
Yes! That tells me that you don't love me enough(
CARLA
Enough for what(.[sighs]Now girlfriend,
you know better than that after almost ten
years(.
Sitting up more
NIKKI
After all that don't you want something extra
other than just us, and it's been nine years
Carly Poo, darling!
Rising her voice
CARLA
I'm not enough(
NIKKI
Are you jealous that I may not(.
CARLA
No, I'm not jealous damn it! If you want to
know I just don't think is right for a kid to be
raised in an unwedded family
NIKKI
Honey, if you don't remember, we are married!
CARLA
A real marriage, Carla, not this spiritual bullshit!
(Beat)
NIKKI
So you don't love me.
Fed up CARLA walk out of bed
CARLA
Lord, I'm going somewhere to get sleep
if I can get anything!
Mumbling while ravishing through the closet for a blanket and pillow. NIKKI also pissed, turn off the lights and turns over. CARLA gate out and heads for the door NIKKI sits up as soon as she turns the knob.
NIKKI
Well do you!
CARLA
What... yes I love you
Stops
NIKKI
So what the problem!
CARLA
I don't want to raise a child in our condition
right now!!
NIKKI
And that condition is(
CARLA
It is neither ethical nor natural for a child to have
two mamas, ok! We are not at the right people
or time(
NIKKI
Anything is possible Carla, I thought
you'd believe that(
Standing up
CARLA
(Pauses)
What gonna happen if something happens
to you or me, Nikki I mean, with where I'm
working at and you with your bar, and lord
knows what happen if one of us dies who
gonna have one
NIKKI
Will sometimes things can work itself
out Carly(
CARLA
You go ahead and believe that, while I sleep
and get ready to live in the real world tomorrow
Leaves it room with a door slams and NIKKI standing in the dark
SCENE ENDS
INT.- BAILEY'S B'N'B/ ANT. AND SCOTT'S ROOM-LATE EVENING
SCOTT tries to sleep still bother about earlier, ANTHONY walks in and turn on the light. SCOTT rises up as ANTHONY walks towards him.
ANTHONY
Man, they weren't kidding when they said I would
make over three hundred
Showing SCOTT the various bills
ANTHONY
See?
SCOTT gives a look of tired anger.
SCOTT
Yeah, look I'm trying to sleep
ANTHONY
What the matter?
SCOTT
Nothing, I just had a long day and I want to
get a fresh start tomorrow!
ANTHONY
I could make even fresher
Grabbing him by the side
SCOTT
Anthony, please, good night!
Turning over ANTHONY slowly turns off the light.
SCENE ENDS
INT./ EXT.- B'N'B OUTSIDE DINNING AREA- DAYTIME
Some guest sit and dine on what breakfast is at the buffet table. GARY and DAVID stand at the same table as GARY looks at yet another concoction that DAVID made.
Staring at turn ill-made entrée
GARY
Baby love you but, you need to take
cooking lessons!
DAVID
It is still edible, see?
Taking a spoon and tasting it
DAVID
Just a little burned!
GARY
That is killing my business!
Enters CARLA who looks at the food in disgust
CARLA
You really need to hire another cook Gary!
DAVID
Why, they got me you just haven't had any
of my home cooking?
CARLA
Yes I have and some us like to live when after
they eat here!
Enters ANTHONY
ANTHONY
[Unenthusiastic]
Hi guys!
DAVID
Here comes someone who can appreciate
my cooking!
Greeting him with a peck on the cheek
DAVID
Hey sweetie, here you go!
ANTHONY looks oddly at it
ANTHONY
[Cranky]
What hell is that?
CARLA
[Chuckles]
Appreciation, huh?
DAVID
My baby just had a rough night after last night
after working all night
Rubbing his back, ANTHONY sits down
GARY
By the way how was your first night working here
ANTHONY
Great, but that isn't the reason...
GARY
Uh oh, trouble in paradise again
Enters MARIE and LEAH
MARIE/ LEAH
[Interrupts]
Hi guys!
DAVID
The flower girl minus Tami
MARIE
Please don't start!
Focus back on ANTHONY
ANTHONY
[Continues]
I've done great last night, three fifty
DAVID
You go!
ANTHONY
It(s just Scotty!
GARY
Uh oh, trouble in paradise again
DAVID
What happened this time!
CARLA
Probably not as bad as mine
DAVID
Jesus, is everyone sleeping on the wrong
side or what?
CARLA
You don't wanna know
LEAH
It(s the baby issue, Nikki didn't take it well.
CARLA
Like I said you don't wanna here my side.
Enters NIKKI she sees CARLA and tries to ignore her
CARLA
Well here she is you ask her, I'm out of here.
Everyone waves bye, she walks out crossing with NIKKI
CARLA
Hey baby!
NIKKI ignore her, she shrugs her shoulders and leave
LEAH
Rough one...
NIKKI
I don't wanna speak; I'm all about positivity today
how's everyone doing?
GARY
I don't know about anyone else but David
and I am fine
ANTHONY
Great, Nikki!
NIKKI
No problem, had any trouble?
ANTHONY
Not there but home that's another story
GARY
Lay off Scott he's just having few problems looking
for I job not everyone is lucky to get some like you.
Enters SCOTT with a different chipper attitude
SCOTT
What's up guys?
GARY
Told ya, doing good!
SCOTT
Of course just need to start over again that's all!
Goes to kiss ANTHONY
SCOTT
Hey!
ANTHONY turns away and walks out
SCOTT
What's up with him... oh well I gotta go see y(all?
GARY quickly grabs SCOTT.
GARY
Wait! Look I wish you luck
SCOTT
Oh thanks!
GARY
And I know you are tired of hearing it but my offer
still stands.
SCOTT
I'll be fine!
GARY
You sure(
SCOTT
Yep! now let me go!
Walks out
GARY
There he goes again!
MARIE
Never gives up!
DAVID
I know I like that in a man stubborn and who
can stand there ground!
GARY
It would help to be a little grounded though
LEAH
At least he know what he wants
GARY
But will he have the sense to know how to get it.
MARIE
He will learn even if it takes a kick in the ass.
SCENE ENDS
EXT. OVERVIEW OF ATLANTA- LATER DAYTIME
SCOTT is seen in various parts of the city being and various employment agencies and businesses, being turned down by. every establishment. Disappointed SCOTT is seen sitting at a city park bench.
SCENE ENDS
EXT. A BEACH IN FLORIDA- DAYTIME
A photo crew is out in a half empty beach with TAMI and three waify female models getting ready to get shot. A few of the preps and costume assistants prep her up. The photographer, very spunky and energetic readies the models and TAMI who is seen standing between them with words of encouragement. The photographer's assistant rushes over and whispers something his ear. Photographer whispers back and then the Assist. Leaves.
A close up of TAMI is now seen
SCENE ENDS
EXT.- ARAGON WAY- DAYTIME
A police car with the logo Atlanta P.D. is seen drive slowly policing the neighborhood.
INT. POLICE CAR-DAYTIME
Inside CARLA and with her a partner FRANK CAPILLO, thirty-something and slightly over weight Italian guy, sitting quietly as nothing goes on.
CARLA
Ain't this a bitch(?
FRANK
[in a deep northern accent]
Beats risking your ass shot on duty or something like that
CARLA
What is the meaning of being a cop if you don't
utilize your skills
FRANK
It's not about skills more than it's about survival
CARLA
Risking your life comes with the territory they didn(t
didn(t they teach you that up in New Jersey?
FRANK
They also taught me the value of staying alive for your
loved ones.
CARLA
Well the love ones I have don(t think I
value them as much
Sarcastic
FRANK
Gee, I wonder why
CARLA
What is that supposed to mean
FRANK
You act as if you don(t have a life after you
take off that badge
CARLA
I do(I can(t love my job also, Capillo!
FRANK
You can love trash cans for all I give a shit, but
I think just know that someone you love knows
you are there by there side especially if you have
children.
CARLA
Please don(t start on that!
FRANK
What, Nikki(s bugging you on that, Adams
CARLA
Her and the rest of the world!
FRANK
You know I would think that being a lesbian
you would want children more.
CARLA
And why would say that!
FRANK
I mean, two women two mother( that(s paternal(
CARLA
Maternal you mean!
FRANK
Yeah that and you with the brats here, you and
her I see you treat them as you own(
CARLA
Well it ain(t gonna happen with this one, let the
be for those who are meant they children, and
man and woman.
Pauses for a moment
FRANK
Well I can relate to that being raised catholic
and all, but personally I think God doesn(t care
who raise a kid, man and woman, woman and
woman cat and mouse who gives a shit, just as
long as someone teaches them right and wrong
that(s all that matters, that what I think.
CARLA is silent
SCENE ENDS
INT.- B(N(B LOBBY- DAYTIME
DAVID sits talking to a few good looking guys, ANTHONY comes down stairs and goes
Towards the door
Interrupting
DAVID
Another day ?
ANTHONY
And another dollar.
DAVID
I heard that!
Continuing back with the guys. SCOTT enters flying by ANTHONY towards the step
ANTHONY
(Anything yet!
SCOTT
[snaps]
Does it look like I have!
ANTHONY
I was just asking you a question!
SCOTT
If you need to know , I haven(t so why don(t
you go and making you five hundred or whatever
Rushes the stairs, bumps into a guest
DAVID
Ouch! Someone has a headache!
SCENE ENDS
INT. B'N'B / RM #14- LATE NIGHT
As both GARY and DAVID are sleep, GARY, is awakened by a distant noise. He sits up looks around, then gets up and puts on his rob on and walks out.
INT. B'N'B/ LOBBY-KITCHEN- LATE NIGHT
Goes pass the empty lobby following the ramblings and an amazing aroma to kitchen, where he sees a few pots and skillets cooking. Baffled he looks through and tastes what’s in them. SCOTT then comes of the pantry out holding some items without notice of GARY.
GARY
I thought I was dreaming!
Startled SCOTT drops the foods
SCOTT
Sorry, when I'm upset I cook !
GARY
And a damn good job at it I must add.
SCOTT
Well it's a little something my mom taught me.
GARY
She taught you well I must add, now I found
your hidden talent that Tony didn't tell me
about(
SCOTT
I'm more than just cooking and such(
GARY
I didn't say that we weren't it's just been so
long since there was real cooking in here(
Going to get a plate
GARY
You don't mind(
SCOTT
Nah, if you don(t me (., I will clean it up soon
GARY
I'm not complaining believe me(
As getting the plates he notice the cabinets well organized
GARY
(So that is where it was
SCOTT
Yeah, I had a little time so I rearranged
the cabinets and such it needed it
Plates up the entree
GARY
Scott, you are a god sent do you know that
SCOTT
Why?
GARY
Are you crazy(straightening out our bed
and breakfast!
Pointing
SCOTT
Look I don't me it a routine hobby(
GARY
But you do a hell of a job!
Enters DAVID
DAVID
What is going on in here(
DAVID
I didn't know you can order out this late.
GARY
I didn't he made this..
Hands him a taste
SCOTT
It's nothing (.
DAVID
Hmm, it's great are you kidding?
GARY
Told ya, regular Julia Childs!
DAVID
Almost as good as mine!
Both GARY and SCOTT stare at each other
GARY
Oh.. come look at this!
Showing the well organized cabinets and space
DAVID
I was meaning to do that all week(.
Investigating the cabinets
DAVID
You have saved me an extra chore let me tell you..
GARY
And I wonder why you don't have anything yet?
SCOTT
Because I'm not looking in this profession,
I consider myself better
DAVID
You and me both honey!
GARY
Then what( look it may not seem like a noble
profession but if you're good at it (.
SCOTT
Too good for it!
GARY
What are you looking for?
SCOTT
I want to make money boquo, ya know have
my own business!
GARY
In what?
SCOTT
I don't know! Anything that can get me more
money like Donald Trump.
GARY
With that scoot it takes know what you want and
going to school for it just doesn't happen up in the
air(what did you're connection say the other day.
SCOTT sits
SCOTT
The same thing you said and Anthony and
everyone else.
GARY
Don't you think you may need to listen to them
sometime(.
SCOTT
Yeah, but I don't want to spend the rest of my life
working behind a kitchen or anything.
GARY
How do you think the best get anywhere(I'm not
here to make a speech but maybe starting at the
bottom still not as degrading as you think
(Beat)
ANTHONY walks in, exhausted
ANTHONY
Is there a party in here(?
DAVID
No we're just dinning on your baby(s meals(
you didn't tell us your man can cook
GARY
And clean!
ANTHONY
Now you know
Grabbing a plate and
DAVID
If this was true we would've grabbed him earlier
ANTHONY
It wouldn't happen; common work is too
demeaning for him
Rolls his eyes at him, SCOTT looks clueless then passes by NIKKI and MARIE enters
NIKKI
Oh my god , food
Looking in the pots
MARIE
This is 624 Aragon Way right
Over NIKKI(S shoulder
GARY
I should and why are you ladies not at home
MARIE gets some places
NIKKI
Can a sister see her friend and gets some grub
DAVID
Y'all never can here before for food when I was cooking
MARIE
That's why
NIKKI
Now who is responsible for this then
GARY
Scott
MARIE
there is some good for him after all
GARY
Yeah , I just wish he would see it
SCOTT
Alright I'll do it
GARY
Do what?
SCOTT
What you've been begging me to do
Sarcastic
GARY
I don't beg, I just offer.
SCOTT
So what are you looking for (
Joking
GARY
Who says I was looking!
SCOTT
Come on, now(.
GARY
Ok, Ok just someone to help out with David
cook maybe a little cleans and maybe(.
SCOTT
[sighs]
Deal!
GARY
[joking]
For?
SCOTT impatiently gazes
GARY
Ok, you start tomorrow or at break of dawn
SCOTT
Deal!
They shake to confirm the deal.
MARIE
You guys got yourselves help
DAVID
Finally now I can work other serious stuff like
looking pretty.
NIKKI
Better then how I feel right now!
MARIE
Nor I!
Enters GREG and LEAH
LEAH
She'll be ok, let it rest
MARIE
I can't help it, I have heard from her for a while!
GREG
Probably shooting(is that food!
NIKKI
Yeah Scotty made it get some.
GREG grabs some plates
MARIE
She's been busy all week
DAVID
That's what models do!
MARIE
And forget about the one they love
Enters TAMI
TAMI
Not if they(re stupid!
MARIE turns around smiles and runs to TAMI
TAMI
You miss me?
MARIE
Not really just wondering!
TAMI
Hmm!
She kisses and embraces MARIE
DAVID
Do we have to see this we're eating?
LEAH
Oh David where's your sense of romance
GREG
Yeah how would you fell after Gary leave after
awhile and comes back
LEAH
A lot like I would
DAVID
Shit you got the breeders doing it!
Enters CARLA, GARY and everyone still eating as DAVID
DAVID
Thank god , come and arrest these people
for indecent behavior.
CARLA
I'm not here to arrest anybody babe.
GARY taking notice
GARY
So what's up?
CARLA
Just checking to see if Nikki is here?
NIKKI looks back and continues eating
GARY
Here she is!
Carla goes to her
CARLA
Watcha doing!
NIKKI
What do you think!
CARLA
I deserve that, huh ?
NIKKI
No comment!
CARLA
Can I have some?
NIKKI
Yeah just get a plate there's plenty left
CARLA
Is that what you say to the future mother
of your child.
She stops
NIKKI
That not funny!
CARLA
I'm serious if you are
NIKKI
How are we gonna!
CARLA
You said before we'll figure it out!
Hugs her
DAVID
(To SCOTT)
You must have but something in the food Scott
because everyone is in the mood.
SCOTT shrugs his shoulders
GARY
Does it feel to be employed?
SCOTT
Ok, I guess.. wait a minute!
Goes towards ANTHONY whose still eating
SCOTT
[smiles]
Hi!
Uninterested
ANTHONY
Hi !
Smiles
SCOTT
You heard (
ANTHONY
Yep, congratulation!
SCOTT
The same to you!
Both smile and kiss. GARY and DAVID over viewing the happy couples
DAVID
I don(t get it!
GARY hands him a plate
GARY
Just shut up and eat!
Shoves some food in his mouth
THE END
CAST FEATURED
GARY RHENNES
DAVID NEWMAN
ANTHONY FOX
SCOTT GREY
NIKKI PATTERNS
CARLA ADAMS
MARIE CONNERS
TAMI MARTINEZ
LEAH PHERSON
GREG LOWELL
MARCUS BRADLEY
FRANK CAPILLO
RECEPTIONIST
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER(S ASSIST.
1