"As Fate Would Have It"
Written by
Katherine L. XXXX
XXXX XXth Street
Rock Island, IL 60201
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
kat@clevertitania.com
WGA Registration #1280465
“As Fate Would Have it”
SUPER: “Fate…”
SUPER: “def. Death, destruction, or ruin.”
Unknown (V.O)
So negative.
SUPER: “def. The universal principle or ultimate agency by which the order of things is presumably prescribed; the decreed cause of events; time.”
UNKNOWN (V.O)
Huh?
SUPER: “def. The Fates, Classical Mythology. the three goddesses of destiny, known to the Greeks as the Moerae and to the Romans as the Parcae.”
UNKNOWN (V.O)
(audible sigh)
Getting bored now...
SUPER: “def. That which is inevitably predetermined.”
UNKNOWN (V.O)
Well, that’s closer.
SUPER: “def. An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future; destiny.”
UNKNOWN (V.O)
Oh forget it. Let me make this easy for you. You only get so many chances, but if you follow one through, and keep your eyes open, you’ll get where you are meant to be. Let me give you an example...
fade in to wide:
It is an extremely large hotel lobby. It’s not crowded, but on the full side.
We are moving from face to face, as if searching the crowd. There’s a sudden uproar by the main doors and we move quickly to see the cause. A 30-ish man, dressed in jeans and a cut off t-shirt, enters the lobby with a small entourage. There is a fair amount of screaming fans being kept out by hotel security. We watch from a distance, as the man crosses the lobby. There is a voice nearby.
Amanda
Is that?
We turn to observe two women, also 30ish, who are sitting in some arm chairs. One is well dressed and polished (AMANDA), the other is more casual (ELLIE).
Ellie
(looks up and frowns)
Yes. Sad, isn’t it?
Amanda
Sad? He’s one of the hottest recording artists right now. He’s got women crawling over each other to reach him, and probably more money than you and I will make in our lifetimes.
Ellie
Exactly.
Ellie sighs sadly and looks down at her notebook.
Amanda
(shakes her head)
I remember a time when you would’ve given anything just to talk to him.
Ellie
(not looking up)
People change.
Amanda
You haven’t changed since you were 24. In fact, I think that hat is a good 10 years old.
Ellie
(smiles at her notebook)
Eight; and I didn’t mean that I changed.
Amanda
His last album was decent.
Ellie
(looks up)
No it wasn’t.
Amanda
You can be such a snob about music.
Ellie
(frowns)
No I’m not. I love all kinds of music, even the kind of music he’s doing now. If poppy and sexy songs are what you enjoy and are good at, it can be great music. Steve Lauer is not a pop artist, he’s a pop star. There’s a difference. He wrote songs that were about passion, destiny, being true to yourself. But I’m guessing he hasn’t listened to them for a while.
Amanda
You’ve thought way too much about this.
Ellie
You think too much about tube tops, I never comment on it.
Amanda
(laughing)
I’ll tell you this; I’d pay good money to watch you say that to his face.
Ellie
(smiles)
Keep your money. I’d do it just to watch your reaction.
Amanda watches Steve and his manager walk into the elevator, and sighs as the door closes.
Amanda
You gotta admit though, he’s seriously cute.
Ellie
I may be a musical snob, but I’m not dead.
Amanda
Ah, a chink in the armor. She’s got a soft spot after all.
Ellie
(gives her a wily grin)
I’m not a nun. I do appreciate an attractive man. But it takes more than looks to make a person interesting.
Amanda
(sigh)
Well I am definitely interested.
Steve and Jerry come out of the elevator on their floor. Steve is obviously not happy.
Steve
Jesus Jerry, I thought you said no crowds! What the hell was that?
Jerry
I’m sorry about that man, I don’t know what happened. I thought the label had this handled.
Steve
I’m so tired.
Jerry
It’s all good man. We’ll get you settled in, you can chill...
They both stop as they hear a gaggle of screaming girls and turn to see a large group of cheerleaders coming towards them.
Steve
(close up)
Oh you must be kidding.
Steve is only wearing a tank and he’s flinging the shirt he was wearing around. He is pacing back and forth and pissed.
Steve
They ripped my shirt! They actually ripped it! This is ridiculous. We couldn’t get into this fricking city without every Western University cheerleader...
Jerry
(interrupts)
Actually I think they said they were from Northwestern.
Steve
Whatever! First the charter schedule is all screwed up, so we’re here almost 12 hours later than we’re supposed to be. I have to be on stage in 6 hours, and I’m tired and I feel like shit. And now I’m molested by fucking cheerleaders.
Jerry
I’m sorry about this man, let’s just try to relax and...
Steve
(interrupts with desperation)
I don’t care who you have to pay, blackmail or bawl Jerry. I want in another hotel by the end of the day, and no one had better know I’m there!
Amanda and Ellie are still sitting. Amanda is people watching, but Ellie is still staring at her notebook. Amanda looks at her with annoyance.
Amanda
Would you give it a rest already? It’s all taken care of.
Ellie
I’m just checking one last time.
Amanda
It’s all done. It’s up to the venue people now. Can’t we just relax? Come on, scope the crowd with me. There’s got to be some single guys hanging out here we can hijack for some dancing.
Ellie
(smiles without looking up)
You know your mind only has one track, and it’s on a loop.
Amanda
(laughs)
Well grab a mike and sing along. Come on, let’s have some fun. We haven’t been to Chicago in over a year.
Ellie
(irritated)
We should’ve been here six months ago.
Amanda
Yeah, well, Max is a prick. What’s new?
Ellie
I shouldn’t have…
Amanda
Uh huh. Don’t go there. We’re not going to start Max bitching. I want to have some fun.
Amanda grabs the notebook from Ellie.
Ellie
Hey!
Amanda
You’re done with work.
(puts notebook in Ellie’s purse)
Let’s find some hotties and paint the town. Come on Ellie, I need this break, and so do you.
Ellie
(smiles and sighs)
Ok. I’ll scope.
(looks for a second)
I’m starving.
Amanda
Well that lasted for a few seconds.
(looks around unhappily)
Maybe we should try the restaurant.
Ellie
Let’s go.
They get up and walk out of the lobby towards a hall way. They pass a door to a service area, and Amanda stops, looking through the window.
Amanda
Hmm, here comes your boyfriend.
Ellie
(turns back)
Huh?
Amanda points to the window.
Ellie looks in and can see Steve and Jerry coming toward the door from a service elevator. She gives Amanda a sarcastic look over her comment.
Ellie
Cute.
Amanda
You should talk to him.
Ellie
What?
Amanda
Go on, you were his biggest fan once.
Ellie
(cynical)
That was a long time ago.
They both step back to avoid the doors as Steve and Jerry come barreling through. Neither of them can see the men’s faces as they are passed. Amanda walks over and whispers to Ellie.
Amanda
You think he needs career advice, go for it. I dare ya.
Ellie
(gives her a sly look)
Ok, fine.
Ellis starts to follow Jerry and Steve.
Amanda
(panics and hisses)
I was kidding!
Ellie
(turns and walks backwards for a few steps)
Hey, you said I should try to have fun.
Ellie turns around again and keeps walking. Amanda follows her, at a distance. Ellie hits a hallway and sees Jerry and Steve outside, having left through a glass side door. She walks out the door and Amanda is watching from the hall, in shock.
Steve’s back is to Ellie, so he doesn’t see her approach.
Ellie
Mr. Lauer?
Steve turns around in a huff and gives her a pissy look.
Ellie
I’m...
Steve
(interrupts)
Jesus, can’t you people just leave me the hell alone?!
Ellie gives him a startled look, then eyes him with contempt.
Ellie
It figures.
Steve looks surprised as she walks away haughtily. Jerry is also looking after her in shock.
Steve
Excuse me?
Ellie turns back as she uses her room key to open the door. Her expression is even chillier.
Ellie
No, I don’t think I will.
Ellie walks into the hotel. Steve is staring after her, speechless.
Amanda
(quickly following a pissed Ellie)
Didn’t take it well?
Ellie
Never got a word in, not even my name. He blew up as soon as he saw me.
Amanda
Wow, really? I’ve never heard of him doing that before. Maybe he’s having a bad day.
Ellie
Probably. Though that doesn’t excuse it. He was a real ass. Forget it. Let’s eat.
There is a big musical festival taking place in an enormous park. The place is packed and there are a lot of booths, set up along a corridor area, selling merchandise, food and drinks.
Steve is sitting on a couch. Jerry is on the phone, but is apparently on hold.
Steve
It figures... what do you think she meant?
Jerry
Let it go man.
(into the phone)
Yes. Ok, great.
(he hangs up and talks to Steve)
I’ve go a car meeting us after your done, and reservations at Seasons. We should be out of here before the pass holders get backstage.
Steve
What pass holders?
Jerry
(hesitantly)
I forgot to tell you. Avery Records has promo packets for 50 ready to toss into the audience. Each of them has a backstage pass in it. They’re going to throw them out in big balloons while DTD is playing.
Steve
(looks very tired suddenly)
This has got to be a joke.
Jerry
I only found out today. Someone at Fields was supposed to let us know but...
Steve
I can’t deal man. Not after today. Not after that... What the hell did she mean by that?
Jerry
Who cares? Just forget her. We’ll be out of here before DTD is off stage.
Steve
I need air.
Steve gets up and leaves the dressing area.
Amanda and Ellie are walking toward the stage area, in a back section not open to the public. They are carrying boxes. Ellie looks irritated.
Ellie
I told you something was going to go wrong.
Amanda
It’s not our fault the venue people lost the packets.
Ellie
Like Max will care if we don’t get these things ready in time.
(stops)
Oh no. Tell me you have the balloons.
Amanda
They’re in my box.
Ellie sighs. They start walking again and make to navigate around a tent. Ellie barely avoids running into Steve.
Steve
Excuse...
(recognizing Ellie)
You again! What, are you following me?
Ellie
Oh get over yourself.
Steve
What are you…
Ellie
(interrupts)
I don’t have time for this.
Ellie skirts past him and keeps walking. Amanda gives him a sheepish grin and follows Ellie. Steve stares after them, shocked by her again, and then he mutters to himself and continues away from the stage.
Amanda is using a gadget to hold a balloon mouth open so she can insert a packet. She ties it closed and sits back against a box.
Amanda
(sigh)
Done.
Amanda looks at Ellie and realizes she didn’t hear her. She is standing by a set of draperies, looking onto the stage. The crowd can be heard cheering, but clearly this is a popular singer, more than a well respected singer.
Amanda
(smiling)
How’s the show?
Ellie
He’s doing that dumb ass hip hop thing again.
Amanda
Huh?
Ellie
You know, the hopping forward with his hips thing.
Amanda
(makes a lustful sound)
Oh, that.
Ellie turns and gives her a ‘puhleas’ look. Then she turns back to watch Steve singing.
Ellie
(sigh)
Such a waste.
Ellie turns back to Amanda.
Ellie
We could’ve been done 15 minutes ago if you’d have let me help you.
Amanda
Nope. I did 2 more than you did. Now you owe me.
Ellie
(laughs)
Ahh, that’s what you were up to.
Amanda
Yep.
Ellie
So, what’ll it be?
Amanda
Dinner at Seasons.
Ellie
Ouch, pricey.
Amanda
Expense accounts baby.
Ellie
(smiles)
Oh yeah. But we’ll never get a reservation now.
Amanda
I called this morning, and we got lucky; they had a cancellation late last night. I got us reservations in an hour.
Ellie
(grins)
Sweet.
Ellie and Amanda are clearly enjoying themselves and their meal.
Amanda
If heaven has food, it’ll taste like this.
Ellie
And it’ll make you taller, thinner and improve your complexion.
Amanda
(smiles)
Well, yeah, that’s a given.
Amanda is looking across the room. She stops, with her fork halfway up, her eyes wide and her mouth agape.
Ellie
Hello? You gonna eat that?
Amanda suddenly puts her fork down.
Amanda
You know what. I’m stuffed. Let’s get doggie bags and jet.
Ellie
(frowning)
What? What about dessert?
Amanda
We’ll go to TRU later.
Ellie
I thought we were having lunch there tomorrow. We planned that before we left.
Amanda
So, not like we’ll run out of choices.
Ellie
What’s with you?
Amanda
Nothing, let’s go, ok?
Ellie suddenly realizes that Amanda is looking over her shoulder at something. She turns around before Amanda can stop her, and she sees Steve sitting at a table very near them.
Ellie
Oh shit.
Amanda
Can we go?
Ellie
(sighs)
Fine.
Ellie calls the waiter over and asks him to wrap up the rest of their food. She doesn’t see Steve look around and see her, but she hears pieces of him talking just as the waiter brings out their to-go bags.
Steve
...can’t believe... following... stalker...
Amanda also hears this and narrows her eyes at Steve, though he can’t see her around the waiter.
Amanda
Forget him Ellie, he’s an asshole.
Ellie
(smiles)
Not so interested anymore?
Amanda
Less and less.
They get up to leave. Amanda takes a path away from Steve, but looks alarmed when she realizes that Ellie is heading right for him. Steve and Jerry stop talking.
Ellie walks past, then stops. She turns back to them and stops so her hip is almost touching their table. She leans in a little so he can hear her clearly.
Ellie
(quietly)
By the way, we got here 20 minutes before you did, asshole.
Ellie turns to leave and lightly bumps the table, spilling Steven’s bottled water onto his lap. He jumps up and watches her leave, stunned as he wipes water off the front of his pants. Ellie catches up to a smiling Amanda at the door. Amanda gives Steve a haughty look and follows Ellie out of the restaurant.
Ellie and Amanda walk outside for a few blocks, and then Ellie stops in mid-stride.
Ellie
I shouldn’t have done that.
Amanda
Yes, you should’ve.
Ellie
I wasn’t pushing it a little.
Amanda
I was just glad you didn’t sock him.
Ellie
(grins)
I considered it.
Amanda
(looping her arm through Ellie’s)
Let’s go dancing.
Ellie smiles and she and Amanda continue down the street.
Ellie and Amanda are dancing, while a VO of a precise male voice begins.
UNKNOWN (V.O)
Maybe I should explain who I am, before we go any further.
(MORE)
UNKNOWN (V.O) (Cont’d)
My name is Fatum, but you can call me FATE. Now I know what you’re thinking, and I have never touched a spinning wheel. You see, before anyone knew who those three chicks were supposed to be, I was there. And by the way, just to clarify, there are such things as coincidences. I am just one being, and there are way too many people in this world to be guiding them all at the same time. The big ‘fate’ thing was not my idea. You see, back in the day, I decided I needed a break. The problem was, a short time for me, is a long time for you guys. By the time I got back from my sabbatical, some knuckle head decided that fate was this omnipresent concept which guided the whole world. Like I have time for that. It was hard enough to do my job in the old days, but with six and a half billion people on the planet now, I’m lucky if I have enough spare time to watch an episode of Lost once in a while. I’m not touching everything at all times. I have to focus my attentions where they are needed. And I don’t know the destiny of all things and people at all times.
(MORE)
UNKNOWN (V.O) (Cont’d)
I see someone, and I sometimes know where they are supposed to end up. My line is to nudge them onto the right path to get there. And once in a while, I’ll spot two souls who are meant for the same destination. Those are tricky, I have to tell you. And so far, these two are already turning out to be more trouble than I have patience for. But I won’t give up on them... yet. Like I said; you only get so many chances. Oh, and one more thing. She’s right about Steve. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that she’s doing much better, but that guy is not in a good place. Don’t believe me, take a peek…
Steve is talking to himself in the mirror.
Steve
(deep breath)
You can do this man.
We see him get dressed and leave the house.
Steve is there, with Jerry. There are also a few suits.
Steve
So you’re not going to release the album?
Suit #1
Not as is, no. I’m sorry Steven, but from a marketing standpoint, we cannot move forward unless you’re willing to make certain changes.
Steve
Which means cutting those three songs?
Suit #2
I’m afraid so.
Jerry
Then we’ll take it to another label.
Suit #3
That is, of course, you’re option.
Steve
I don’t understand this. This is the sound I had when you signed me. My first album...
Suite #2
Never turned gold.
Steve
(stiffly)
I see. Fine, we’ll see who else is interested.
He gets up and he and Jerry leave.
Steve and Jerry are eating lunch. Steve is clearly not focusing on his meal.
Jerry
How’s the chicken?
Steve
(pushing his food around)
It’s okay.
Jerry
Maybe...
Steve
(looking up)
What?
Jerry
I’m just thinking out loud. What if we cut two of the songs and kept…
Steve
No. We shop it around.
Jerry
I’m not sure…
Steve
Jerry, there are already 12 songs that aren’t... I need this Jerry. They may not be the best songs I’ve ever written, but at least there’s something of me in them. I’m not willing to let it go without a try.
Jerry
(sighs)
Ok then. We’ll shop it around. I’ll start setting up meetings for next week.
Steve stares at his plate, a frown on his face.
Jerry
Relax man. Some lucky label is going to pull off a great coo getting this record from Fields.
Steve
(looks up)
Huh?
Jerry
So, if you’re not thinking about the album, what’s got you looking so glum? Tell me you’re not still thinking about that girl in Chicago.
Steve
It’s just so weird. Fans aren’t usually put off so easily.
Jerry
You did snap at her pretty good.
Steve
It didn’t dissuade the cheerleaders. I mean sure, she was pissed at the hotel, but after...
Jerry
I still can’t believe that stunt she pulled at the restaurant.
Steve
Exactly. And at the concert, she acted like I had done something to personally offend her. She dismissed me like I was... I don’t know.
Jerry
Like I said, forget it. Not like you’ll ever get to... no way.
Steve turns to see Ellie walking into the restaurant. He stares, blinking.
Steve
Oh my god. Do you think she’s actually following me?
Jerry
No way man. She didn’t even look over here. Unless...
Steve
What?
Jerry
Do you remember doing that interview here a few months ago, I think it was Entertainment Weekly?
Steve
Yeah, so?
Jerry
The reporter mentioned what restaurant you were at. She could just be scoping... maybe we should go.
Steve nods and calls for the check. Steve keeps looking around for Ellie, but she never comes back out of the restaurant. As they leave, he turns to look back again. Finally he turns away, looking somewhat disappointed.
Ellis is sitting on a stack of crates in a corner. She’s swinging her legs and munching on a plate of food. She smiles at one of the cooks near her. He’s right around her age, cute, and chopping vegetables at lightening speed.
Bobby
I’m really sorry about lunch El.
Ellie
No problem, really. You know I love the food here. Has Carl called yet?
Bobby
Yeah, just a few minutes before you got here. 6lbs 11oz, they named her Arabella. She and Tiffany are fine.
Ellie
Awesome.
Bobby
So, I haven’t seen you in almost a month.
Ellie
(sheepish)
I know, works been hectic.
Bobby
How was Chicago?
Ellie
(frowning at her plate)
It was ok.
Bobby
(notices her look)
Just ok? You were really looking forward to that trip.
Ellie
There were a few problems, but Amanda and I got to have some fun, so it balanced out.
Bobby
What problems?
Ellie
Nothing major. So, how’s the new cookbook coming?
Bobby
(narrows eyes on her)
You haven’t avoided a question like that since college, and back then it was just because I was a kid and you didn’t want to talk about guys with your pesky brother.
Ellie
It’s nothing.
Bobby
Eleanor.
Ellie
(grins)
Don’t make me hurt you.
Bobby
(smiles and then turns concerned)
El, what happened?
Ellie
Fine. First off, the venue people lost the packets, so Amanda and I had to rush over with replacements and put them in the balloons, which sucked.
Bobby
I would imagine. Did Max find out?
Ellie
Yes, and he chewed my ass for it.
Bobby
Little prick. After everything he owes you, too.
Ellie
I’m over it.
Bobby
Have fun with that. I’ll choose to continue being pissed. He should be answering to you, not the other way around.
Ellie
Nothing I can do about it now.
Bobby
You should’ve done something about it then.
Ellie
There’s no guarantee Avery would’ve...
Bobby
Don’t keep making excuses. You’re too quick to justify Max’s behavior and your own. You need to stick up for yourself more, be more assertive.
Ellie
(a quick laugh escapes from her)
Funny you should say that.
Bobby
(grins)
Uh oh. What did you do to him?
Ellie
Not Max, something else happened in Chicago.
The movement in the kitchen picks up, as does the noise, and we can no longer hear Ellie talking to Bobby.
Bobby is staring at her in shock and amusement.
Bobby
You didn’t!
Ellie
Oh yes I did. You should’ve seen the look on Amanda’s face.
Bobby
I’d rather have seen the look on his face.
Ellie
It was a low blow.
Bobby
(laughs)
Bad pun alert.
Ellie
Guilty.
Bobby
It is weird though, that you kept running into him like that.
Ellie
Coincidence. We were there for the same festival.
Bobby
I don’t know, maybe it’s something more.
Ellie
(scoffs)
Oh come on. Like Steve Lauer is part of my destiny or something? Let’s not start getting silly.
Ellie takes a big bite of food.
Bobby
Speaking of which, do you remember my friend Tom?
Ellie
(looks up, mouth full of food, in mock terror)
No.
Bobby
What?
Ellie
(whines, still trying to chew)
Bobby, no.
Bobby
(irritated)
It’s just dinner.
Ellie
(finally manages to get her bite down)
Robert!
Bobby
Don’t make me call mom.
Ellie
(narrows her eyes)
You suck.
Bobby
(smiles and kisses her cheek)
But you love me just the same.
Ellie
(grins reluctantly)
Maybe, but right now I don’t like you too much.
Ellie walks out of the restaurant and down the street. She is smiling, enjoying the day.
FATE (V.O)
You know, I don’t usually mind when people see my handiwork and assume coincidence. After all, it usually is. But sometimes it does bug me. It’s not as if I keep pushing her at Tom Jones or something. The guy she’s been a besotted fan of four years shows up three times in one day. She could at least entertain the possibility I’m at work here. It would make my job easier. Oh, well. I guess I’ll have to be a tiny bit more obvious.
Ellie hales a cab.
Ellie tells the driver the address and sits back to relax. The radio in the cab is playing, and after a few seconds, one of Steve’s songs comes on. She grimaces, staring at the radio. Suddenly she’s less peaceful, almost depressed. The cab stops, and a man who’s apparently waiting for one opens the door.
When Ellie gets out and stands up she see’s that the man holding the door is Steve. He stares at her, obviously surprised.
Steve
You again? It’s becoming more difficult to believe this is accidental.
Ellie
(narrows her eyes at him)
Try harder.
Ellie walks away again, leaving him standing there. He watches her walk down the block.
Cab Driver
You getting in or what?
Steve looks at him, obviously having forgotten he was holding the door. He pauses, then closes it.
Steve
Sorry man, I changed my mind.
The cabbie gives him an aggravated look and drives away. Steve turns to go after Ellie, but he can’t see her anymore. He starts walking in the direction she was going, but after a few minutes he gives up and hails another cab.
Steve takes out his cell phone and dials.
Steve
Jerry, hey it’s Steve. Listen man, the weirdest thing. I just saw her again.
(beat)
Yeah, she did. She was getting out of a cab on Hollywood, and I opened the door, and there she was.
(MORE)
STEVE (cont’d)
(beat)
It has to be; how would she have ended up...
(beat)
Yeah, I was at Tony’s, getting fitted for a suit.
(beat)
When?
(beat)
And I mentioned on the show that the suit was from Tony’s?
(beat)
Damn. I have to stop talking so much during interviews.
(beat)
No, she barely said two words to me and she just…dismissed me again and walked away.
(beat)
I don’t know, I just don’t know. She doesn’t come off as stalker girl, you know.
(beat)
No.
(beat)
Because I’m not going to have some retired cop follow me around waiting for her to show.
(beat)
Do you really think she could be dangerous, to something other than my pants?
(beat)
I don’t want to think about this right now. I’ll talk to you about it tomorrow.
(beat)
Later.
Steve hangs up the phone and sits back. The same song comes on the radio that Ellie was listening to in the other cab. Steve grimaces and closes his eyes, trying to block out the sound.
Jerry and Steve are walking out of an elevator in front of a set of glass doors. Avery Records is etched on the glass. They walk into the office.
Jerry
How you feeling buddy?
Steve
I’m fine.
Jerry
You pumped?
Steve
(not bothering to feign enthusiasm)
Yeah, Jer, I’m pumped.
Jerry
Alright, let’s do this.
(to the receptionist)
Jerry Parrish and Steve Lauer; to see Benjamin Avery.
Receptionist
One moment please.
She hits a button on her phone and talks into her headset. Steve looks around at the gold records hanging in the lobby. He seems depressed and listless. Jerry doesn’t even seem to really notice.
Jerry
By the way, any more appearances by your little friend?
Steve
(sounding slightly disappointed)
No.
Jerry
Well, that’s good. Look, I know it’s been a rough week, but I have a good feeling about this one. I think Avery will be more open too...
Receptionist
Mr. Avery’s assistant will be down momentarily, to take you to his office.
Jerry
Alrighty!
(turns to Steve)
So, how you doing man?
Steve
(irritated)
I told you, I’m fine.
Jerry
Ok, so remember what I said. We’re going to go in there talking fast and hit them hard. I promise you, I know how to talk my way around these kinds of guys.
A young woman in a smart suit, with a professional demeanor, walks up to them. She reaches her hand out and they each shake it.
Anna
Mr. Lauer, Mr. Parrish, I am Anna Kersey, Mr. Avery’s assistant.
Steve
Nice to meet you.
Jerry
(flirting sleazily)
Very nice.
Anna pretty much ignores Jerry and talks to Steve.
Anna
If you’ll follow me please.
Anna turns and walks down the hall. They follow her. Jerry makes a motion to Steve to check out Anna’s ass. Steve gives him a dismissive look, which Jerry fails to notice. Anna takes them to a door along an outer wall. She opens the door and gestures them to enter.
They enter a large office with the blinds drawn on glass walls. Avery is sitting behind a desk, talking on the phone. He smiles at them and gestures to them to please give him a few minutes to complete his call. Anna turns to them.
Anna
Can I get either of you anything; coffee?
Jerry
I could use a cup.
Anna
How do you take it?
Jerry looks like he’s going to give a slimy remark, but Steve gives him a look so he stops.
Jerry
Two sugars.
Anna
And you, Mr. Lauer?
Steve
Black, thanks.
Anna leaves and they stand there for a few minutes waiting for Avery. Anna walks in with their coffee just as Avery is hanging up the phone. Anna waits near the door while he greets them.
Avery
Mr. Lauer, pleasure to meet you.
He reaches out and shakes Steve’s hand. Before Steve can reply, Jerry grabs Avery’s hand and shakes it, too enthusiastically.
Jerry
Mr. Avery. Jerry Parish. It’s an honor to meet you sir.
Steve looks at Jerry with a little contempt. Avery sees right through Jerry, but he behaves cordial.
Avery
Please, have a seat.
He gestures to two chairs in front of his desk. They both sit, and Anna returns, setting their coffee on a table between the chairs.
Steve
(to Anna)
Thank you.
Anna smiles at him in a friendly way, but there’s definitely a flirtatious nature to it. She walks to a couch along one wall and sits with a notepad.
Avery
So, gentlemen, let’s get straight to business, shall we? Why are you shopping for a new label Mr. Lauer?
Jerry
(before Steve can answer)
We’re looking for a change of scenery, Mr. Avery.
Avery
(annoyed by Jerry’s answering the question)
Is that right, Mr. Lauer?
Steve
(shudders as he takes a drink of the coffee)
Not entirely.
Jerry looks nervous.
Steve
Fields has decided not to take their option on my new album Mr. Avery, and so we decided to see if someone else might be interested.
Avery
I’m impressed with your honesty Mr. Lauer. Can I call you Steve?
Steve
Certainly.
Avery
I’m going to try to return the favor, Steve. I’ve listened to what you’ve got, and I’m not saying it’s a bad album. It’s good, but there are some marketability issues I have.
Jerry
Yes, we were thinking that too.
(trying to stay in the conversation)
But artistically...
Avery
(interrupts)
I think you’ve strayed too far from what works. You’re last two albums were highly successful. As it stands, I don’t see this one following in their footsteps.
Jerry
Well, I think you’ll find that...
Steve
(interrupts)
So you’re not interested?
Avery
I’m not saying that. You’ve got some great stuff on here. I really think Leather and Lace would make a great single. I just think you need more of that sound. If you were willing to replace a few tracks with songs more in that style, I think we could do business.
Jerry
We could do that, couldn’t we Steve?
Steve
(ignores Jerry)
Which songs?
Avery
Sleep Again, Fire Within and Scent of Lavender.
Steve
(sighs)
I see.
Avery
I’ve had A&R send over some songs in our library, as well as a few potential covers we own the rights to. I’m sure we can agree on some songs that maintain the sound your fans prefer.
He hands Steve a list of songs.
Steve
I know some of these writers, they’re pretty good. I did a song with Tim Franklin on Touched.
(turns over pages)
These covers are a little overdone though, don’t you think?
Avery
Some, maybe, but I think there are a few that could be given a fresh sound. What do you think?
Steve hesitates.
Jerry
(leans in)
Steve?
Steve
(looking very passive)
I think we can make this work.
Avery
Excellent! I’ll have Anna get the ball rolling.
He stands up. Steve and Jerry also stand. Avery comes around the desk and shakes both of their hands. Anna gets up from the couch in the corner and walks over to them.
Avery
If you gentlemen will excuse me then, I’ve got to get to my daughters piano recital. I look forward to working with you.
Avery leaves. Anna hands Steve and Jerry each a business card.
Anna
Welcome to Avery Records, Mr. Lauer.
Steve
Thank you.
Anna
I’ll be in touch in a few days with the contracts and to arrange studio time to record the new tracks. I’ll have demos of the new songs sent around by tomorrow. Please let me know as soon as you’ve decided which ones you want to include on the album.
Steve
Ok.
Jerry
(excited)
Absolutely, babe, we’ll get right on it.
Anna
(gives Jerry a derisive look)
If you’ll follow me.
Anna leads them out to the reception area.
Anna
Have a good afternoon, gentlemen.
(MORE)
ANNA (cont’d)
(with a coy smile at Steve)
I look forward to working with you.
Steve and Jerry leave the lobby and head towards the elevator.
Jerry
Well, I think that went well.
Steve looks at him, as if he said something supremely stupid.
Jerry
We could still tell him no, keep looking for someone...
Steve
(dejected and tired)
No, 5 labels is my limit. Pretty soon, the buzz is going to turn so negative no one is even going to take the calls.
Jerry
(hesitantly)
I’ve already started running into that.
Steve
Forget it. Maybe they’re right. Stick to what works, right?
Jerry
(gives him a trite pat on the shoulder)
You know what, I gotta hit the head. I’ll call when the demo’s come in and we can take a listen, ok?
Steve
Sure.
Jerry
(hugs him, which Steve doesn’t return)
This is going to be great man; a new label, a chance to branch out. Are you psyched?
Steve
Sure Jerry.
Jerry
Fantastic. I’ll talk to you later, ok?
Steve
Yeah, later.
Jerry walks away as the elevator door opens. Steve gets on the elevator.
Steve doesn’t see Ellie in the back behind some other people. She does see him, and she tries to stay out of sight. At the next stop, the other few people get off, and as he turns to let them past, he sees her. The doors close just as he’s reaching for them.
Steve
(turns to her angrily)
Will you just stop following me? This is getting ridiculous.
Ellie
You’re right, it is getting ridiculous. You got on the elevator after me, numb nuts! I know we keep running into each other, and I don’t know why either, but for the last time, I am not following you.
Steve
Whatever.
Steve leans against the wall of the elevator, avoiding her. Suddenly, the elevator stops mid floor. Steve starts hitting buttons, a little panicked.
Steve
No no no no no. This is not happening.
Ellie
Do you really think that’s going to help?
Ellie pushes past him and grabs for the emergency phone. Steve grabs for it too, and ends up ripping it out.
Ellie
Smooth move dumbass!
Steve
Did you do this, plan this? Is this some sort of stalker thing?!
Ellie
Are you warped?
Steve
So, you’re a trekkie too?
Ellie
Shut up or you’re not going to have to worry about being trapped in this elevator.
Steve
And why is that?
Ellie
(look of menace)
Because I’m going to put your lights out.
Steve
Not really playing down the crazy angle with that statement.
Ellie
(screeches)
You are such an arrogant ass. They have to know we’re stuck; it shouldn’t be that long until they get us out. In the mean time, just don’t talk to me!
Ellie sits down in, leaning into one back corner of the elevator. After a few seconds, Steve sits in the other back corner. They sit in silence for a long time.
Steve
Do you have any gum?
Ellie looks at him as if he’s insane.
Steve
What? I had a lousy cup of coffee and I can’t get rid of the taste.
Ellie sits sulking for a few minutes, then she digs around in her purse and pulls out a pack of drops. She pops one in her mouth and tosses them at him.
Steve
What are these?
Ellie
Aquadrops. The taste should get rid of the coffee, and they help with dry mouth.
Steve
Thank you.
Ellie
Whatever.
They sit in silence again.
Steve
So do you carry these around for any particular reason?
Ellie
Why are you still talking?
Steve
Come on, we’re stuck here, for whatever reason. Are we really going to sit in silence the whole time?
Ellie
Only in a perfect world.
Steve
Okay. So you’re going to sit there and sulk, even if it’s hours.
Ellie
Go to hell.
Steve
Ouch.
Ellie
Ouch? Did you say ouch? You know what, even while you’re offering a supposed olive branch you’re still insinuating that I had anything to do with this. Blow me.
Steve is trying to suppress a laugh. He’s struggling and she is getting more irritated.
Ellie
Don’t.
Steve busts up and is grabbing his sides he’s laughing so hard. Ellie tries not to get into it, but pretty soon she’s smiling, and then she’s laughing too.
Steve
(trying to catch his breath)
Blow me? Seriously? Are girls allowed to say that?
Ellie
It’s called equal opportunity baby.
They both laugh some more, but then they end up in a slightly awkward silence.
Steve
(struggles)
Look... I’m... I’m sorry. Ok? You’re right. Every time this has happened... I shouldn’t have suggested... I know you’re not responsible for this.
Ellie
Wow that was touching.
Steve
Jeez, do you have to be so pissed? I’m trying here.
Ellie
Do you know that asking me for a piece of gum is the first thing you’ve said to me that wasn’t condescending and/or completely obnoxious?
Steve
No it’s... shit. Shit, I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ve been a real prick; I don’t know what the hell came over me. My mother would’ve whooped my ass if she’d ever heard me talk to someone the way I’ve talked to you. I didn’t realize...
Ellie hesitates. She looks like she’s not sure he’s being sincere or acting.
Ellie
Did you mean a word of that, or are you just tired of sitting here in silence?
Steve
Do you have to be so pessimistic?
Ellie
Yes.
Steve
(surprised by her answer)
Ok. Yes, I meant every word. Though, in the interest of full disclosure, I am also getting sick of the quiet.
Ellie
(gives a begrudging smile)
Ok, then I accept your apology.
Steve
Wow, you’re easy.
(she gives him a look)
Sorry, not how I meant that.
Ellie
Sincerity is important to me. And I’m also not an idiot. There had to be a reason you acted that way the first time we met. Unless you’re a complete asshole, and I don’t think many people can hide being an asshole from the world. Not when they’re seen by as many people as you are.
Steve
There was, and I don’t think I’m an asshole. How does one know they are an asshole?
Ellie
(grins)
In my experience, they don’t.
Steve
(laughs)
Yeah, I guess you’re right. That morning had been pretty crappy. And then I got mobbed by a group of Northwestern cheerleaders. And while I know women would be quick to assume a guy would like that, it’s not always true.
Ellie
(smiles)
I ran into those girls in the restaurant at breakfast. As irritating as I found them, I imagine any decent guy would be at least half as irritated.
Steve
Huh. Was that a compliment?
Ellie
A general statement of fact, nothing more.
Steve
(flustered)
Ok, dumb question. If you’re a fan, why aren’t you at least a little easier to talk too?
Ellie
I’m not a fan.
Steve
Excuse me?
Ellie
I’m not a fan, at least not anymore.
Steve
Look, I know I was a jerk that day, and since then, of course. But I’m trying here.
Ellie
It has nothing to do with that. I wasn’t a fan by the time that happened?
Steve
So, when were you a fan?
Ellie
When you made good music that actually came from your heart.
Steve
Excuse me?!
Ellie
You know, about 5 years ago, before you sold your soul to the label and the endorsement deal.
Steve
Ok, now I really mean it. Ouch.
Ellie
Oh come on, you can’t really tell me it’s not true, can you?
Steve
(scoffs)
I don’t expect someone who’s not in the entertainment business to understand this but...
Ellie
So, going back to asshole mode, huh?
Steve
Oh, I should play nice with the person who just verbally bitch slapped me?
Ellie
(laughs)
I have to remember that one.
Steve
I don’t find anything funny about this.
Ellie
Look, I’m sorry if that hurt your feelings. But I won’t lie to you. I used to be a fan. You wrote some great music. I used to lie on my bed, eyes closed, listening to your songs. They made me feel... awake.
Steve
Awake?
Ellie
Yeah, like getting the things you said made me feel aware of the world in an amazing way.
Steve
(touched)
Really?
Ellie
Yes. And, in the interest of full disclosure, that’s what I was going to tell you when I walked up to you that day. I was going to tell you how talented you are, and how disappointed I am in what you’ve become. I imagine it would’ve been the last thing you wanted to hear, if you’re day was already going lousy.
Steve
Can’t argue with that?
Ellie
Look, I know you think people don’t get it, but I do. I don’t imagine there’s any way to have any kind of real career in any kind of entertainment job without the occasional compromise. But honestly, has it occurred to you that you’ve gone beyond compromising at this point?
Steve
(contemplative)
I don’t know. I lost track of where the line is a while ago.
Ellie
And that alone doesn’t worry you?
Steve
Sometimes.
Ellie
Maybe it’s not my place to say these things, but how often does someone get an opportunity like this? Plus, is it really so harsh for someone who loves the work you’ve done, the work that was truly part of you, to say she hates the stuff you’ve been pushed to do?
Steve
(thinks for a few seconds)
Damn it!
Ellie
What?
Steve
Do you have to make such a convincing argument?
Ellie
(smiles)
Sorry. Debate club.
Steve
(smiles back)
There’s a shocker.
Ellie reaches into her bag and pulls out a couple packs of cookies. She slides a little closer to him and hands him one.
Ellie
I wouldn’t recommend eating them all at once.
Steve
(touched)
Thanks.
(teasing)
You keep cookies in your purse?
Ellie
(gives him a smirk)
I’m a little hypoglycemic, jerk. I keep a snack with me, in case I need it.
Steve
(tries to give them back, concerned)
Then you should keep these.
Ellie
(smiles)
It’s ok. I’m sure we won’t be in here long enough to worry about it.
Steve
You don’t know that. We shouldn’t risk it.
Ellie
I’m fine, and we would have to be in here an awfully long time for something bad to happen. Seriously, I heard your stomach grumble earlier. Have one.
Steve
(begrudgingly)
Ok, but just one.
Ellie
Ok.
Steve
So, what can we talk about that doesn’t involve you reducing me to a male model holding a guitar?
Ellie
You’re not that bad... yet.
Steve
Yet?
(wounded and defensive)
Jesus, you really don’t pull any punches, do you?
Ellie
Nope. I know you think I have no tact, but you’re wrong. I do know that there is a time and a place for certain things. But you ask me an honest question, and I can’t give you a bullshit answer. I respect you too much for that.
Steve
Respect? You call this respect?
Ellie
Yes, I do.
(MORE)
ELLIE (cont’d)
(gets irritated)
You are better than this peppy crap you’re putting out there, and I won’t lie to you about that. You are talented. You wrote things that touch people’s hearts and minds. You wrote beautiful melodies that stirred people’s souls. The last single you had was called “Gimme a Piece of That”!
Steve sits in silence for a while. He tries to talk a couple of times but he can’t get anything out, so he slips into silence again. Ellie is just staring across the elevator, but she keeps casting worried glances at him.
Ellie
(sighs)
I’m sorry.
Steve
(surprised)
For what?
Ellie
Maybe I do need to learn a thing or two about timing.
(he looks at her confused)
What I mean to say is, maybe this is also a situation where my opinion of your career wasn’t the best thing to tell you.
Steve
Or maybe the opposite is the actually true.
Ellie
What do you mean?
Steve
Maybe, stuck here, forced to think about what you’re saying, is exactly when I needed to hear it.
Ellie
(stunned)
Really?
Steve
I’ve been staring a long time, looking for that line, terrified that I left it far behind me. I guess I’ve known that it was back there all along. I just wish I knew when I crossed it.
Ellie
(hesitantly)
Maybe it doesn’t matter anymore.
Steve
What do you mean?
Ellie
It seems to me, that when you’re that far off of your path, instead of backtracking, what you really should do is start a new one. Shortest way between two points is a straight line.
Steve
Do you really think it’s that easy to get your bearings again? If you’re so turned around you couldn’t find the way back if you tried?
Ellie
(heartfelt)
Just think of it this way. Don’t focus on trying to be the man you were before, just figure out how to be the man you wanted to be then.
Steve
I don’t know if I can even do that.
Ellie
(comically exasperated)
Well, if you’re not even going to try…
Steve
(irritated)
You think it’s so easy?
Ellie
(patient but earnest)
Of course it won’t be easy. I’m not saying it will be. And frankly, it shouldn’t be. Integrity should be something you have to fight for. But isn’t it worth it? Don’t you remember what it felt like to look out on a crowd who were listening to you and your words with appreciation and awe? Don’t you remember what it felt like to write something that was like a translation of your emotions? Something that stirred you, something you were passionate about?
Steve
Yes, I do.
Ellie
Wouldn’t you give almost anything to feel that way again?
Steve
Yes, I would.
Ellie
Then do it.
Steve
(frustrated)
It’s not that simple. There are other people who depend on what I do; my agent, people who work for me, with me. And what am I going to do, huh? Tell the record companies to go to hell and start doing club gigs in Anaheim?!
Ellie gets up on her hands and knees and is sitting between his knees. She looks him straight in the eye as she talks, passion in her voice. She’s almost in tears.
Ellie
Start off by writing one thing that makes you feel like a songwriter again and not a pop star, and then make sure people hear it! Just take that one step, and see how it feels. I’m not suggesting you to throw away everything you have, just try to be the artist that I believe you were meant to be.
Steve stares in her eyes for a moment, transfixed, and then he reaches out and grabs her. He pulls her face in and kisses her passionately. They make out heavily for a few seconds and she pulls away, breathless. She gets up and stands on the opposite corner of the elevator, staring at a random point on the wall. Steve gets up and reaches out for her, but she shy’s away from him, so he leans in the corner next to hers.
Steve
What’s wrong?
Ellie
Why did you do that?
Steve
(contemplative)
I don’t exactly know. I just know I wanted to, and I couldn’t seem to help myself. Did you really not want me to?
Ellie
Oh sure, any woman would right, so you just assumed I did.
Steve
(hurt)
That’s not what I meant.
Ellie
Forget it.
Steve
Ellie, it is Ellie, right? I thought I heard your friend call you that at the restaurant.
Ellie
Yeah.
Steve
I felt something, when you were talking to me. I felt like you felt something. I kissed you because I wanted to, and I really believed you wanted me too. Not because of who I am, or even how I look, but just because there was something happening in that moment. Can you honestly tell me I was wrong?
Ellie
(sighs)
Maybe you weren’t wrong.
Steve scoots a little closer to her along the wall.
Steve
(teasing)
Maybe?
Ellie
(looks at him and is trying to suppress a grin)
Don’t do that.
Steve
(scoots a little closer)
What?
Ellie
(can’t suppress the grin)
Seriously, stop it.
Steve
(scoots in way close)
Stop what?
He leans in and kisses her again. It’s soft and tender this time, not so rushed. After a few seconds she pulls away again and again goes into the other corner.
Steve
(hurt)
Ellie, what’s wrong?
Ellie
Look, I do like you. Ok? You’re a talented guy, and I suspect you’re a pretty good guy too, inside.
Steve
Thank you.
Ellie
But I just don’t want to go down this road, ok?
Steve
What do you mean?
Ellie
I think you have too much going on right now, in your head, to do this. I think that there’s distinct a possibility that you’re reacting to something that has nothing to do with you and me, but with the feelings this conversation has brought up.
Steve
You’re saying I’m caught up in the passion of your words and nothing more?
Ellie
Yes.
Steve
I disagree.
Ellie
I’m not willing to take that chance.
Steve
Why not?
Ellie
Two reasons. The first is that I am not inclined to let myself get caught up in you, just to find out that I was some kind of rebound from a life altering moment. The second is that I really believe you want to make the kinds of changes we’re talking about, but it has to be something you do for you, and no one else. If we let this thing get... you might try to change for the wrong reasons.
Steve
(sighs)
Can’t it just be that I like you, the way you think, the way you talk, your honesty, the way you constantly surprise me? Can’t it just be that all of those things make you more and more attractive to me, and I want to express that?
Ellie
Like I said, I’m not willing to take that chance.
Steve slides down the corner to sit on the floor and puts his head back in frustration. After a few seconds, she sits down next to him and lays her head on his shoulder.
Ellie
(sarcastically)
Would you start thinking of me as a rabid stalker again if I asked if we can be friends?
Steve
(smiles)
No.
Ellie
(puts her head up and looks at him)
To the first part or the second part.
Steve
(looks down at her smiling)
To the first part.
Ellie
(smiles)
Good.
Steve reaches over to find a pack of cookies. He takes one out and puts it in her mouth.
Steve Eat something.
Ellie grins and takes a bite of the cookie and grabs the rest of the cookie from her mouth. She smiles across the elevator and chews.
They have peeled off a couple of items of clothing, but are still decently covered. It’s obvious they’ve been talking for a little while. They are laughing so loud that they don’t hear the ding, but they both wobble a little as they feel the elevator move. After a couple of seconds it stops and the doors open. There is a maintenance worker, Avery, and Jerry. Steve and Ellie are still smiling when the doors open.
Steve
Hey Jerry.
Jerry
(looks panicked when he sees Ellie)
You ok man?
Steve
I’m good.
Jerry
(reaches in and helps him up)
You sure?
Steve
Really, I’m fine.
Avery pushes past them to help Ellie up.
Ellie
Hello Mr. Avery.
Avery
Ms. Madsen, are you alright?
He pulls her into the hall.
int. office building hallway
Ellie
I’m fine sir.
Steve
You know her?
Avery
Of course. Ms. Madsen works in our marketing department.
(to Ellie)
When we found out about the stuck elevator, Mrs. Peyton was concerned you were in there, since she was expecting you back from the printers any moment, and you hadn’t arrived yet.
Steve
(to Ellie)
You work here?
Ellie
(smiling)
Yep.
Steve
Why didn’t you say that?
Ellie
And ruin your fantasy that I was a deranged stalker who plotted trapping you in an elevator so I could have my wicked way with you?
Steve
Brat.
Ellie laughs.
Avery
(still concerned)
Are you sure you’re alright? Do you need medical attention? You were in there a long time, and we were worried, with your condition...
Ellie
(reassuring)
Honestly sir, I’m fine.
Avery starts to guide her down the hall.
Avery
We should get you something to eat, just to be safe. And then I want you to take the rest of the day off.
ellie
Sir, that’s not necessary, plus I have a lot to do this week.
Jerry
(pulling lightly on Steve’s arm)
Come on man; let’s get you some fresh air.
Ellie stops for a second and looks back at Steve, smiling.
Ellie
See you around.
Steve
(returns her smile but is reluctant to move)
It seems likely.
Ellie smiles, then turns and allows Avery to lead her down the hallway. Steve takes a few steps with Jerry, then pulls away from him and runs after Ellie.
Steve
Ellie! Hang on.
Ellie stops and turns back to him. She is concerned by the look on his face. He pulls her off to the side so the others can’t hear their conversation.
Ellie
What’s wrong?
Steve
Work for me.
Ellie
(surprised)
What?
Steve
Work for me, help me. Help me to be the man I was trying to be, in the beginning.
Ellie
Steve, I don’t know how…
Steve
You can be my... personality consultant.
Ellie
(laughing)
Oh come on. That doesn’t sound just a little crazy?
Steve
No, it makes sense. You can help me to not slip. Be around to tell me when I’m being an asshole.
Ellie
You want to pay me to call you an asshole?
Steve
No, I mean yes, well not just that. Help me to follow through.
Ellie
(touched)
I told you, you can only do this for yourself.
Steve
A little support wouldn’t hurt.
(MORE)
STEVE (cont’d)
(almost whispering)
You know I’m not going to get it from anyone else.
Ellie
If you want support, that doesn’t cost anything.
(Steve doesn’t understand)
We’re friends, right?
Steve
(smiling)
Right.
Ellie
So, friends support each other, free of charge. You don’t have to hire me to be anything, but I can be your friend.
Steve
Really?
Ellie reaches into her purse and pulls out a note pad and a pen. She writes something down, then she rips off the sheet and hands it to him.
Ellie
(pointing to numbers on the paper)
Cell. House. Work.
Steve
(smiles and points to the notebook)
Can I borrow that?
Ellie hands him the notebook and the pen. He writes on it and hands it to her.
Steve
(points to numbers)
Cell. Home. Studio line.
They exchange a smile as he hands her back the notebook, and she turns to go. He touches her arm, and she turns back.
Steve
Friends can hug, right?
Ellie
(smiles shyly)
Sure.
He hugs her, just long enough to make her think about pulling away, but he stops before the thought can fully form. They exchange another smile, and both leave.
Steve’s listening to demo songs, frowning.
FATE (V.O)
Ok, now we’re getting somewhere. I know the elevator gag was a little hammy, but I was getting desperate. I don’t control it all, you know. Navigating people into constantly run into one another is difficult. I couldn’t get them near each other for a week, so when I saw a golden opportunity for a captive audience, I took it. Now that they’re at least talking, this will move along better.
(MORE)
FATE (V.O.) (cont’d)
Though he’s certainly not helping me now. Three days ago he’s macking on her in an elevator, and now he won’t pick up a phone? He keeps reaching for it, but he chickens out. She would’ve had to be the skittish type too. If he could’ve gotten her to agree to a date I wouldn’t be so worried, but I need more from them then just friends.
Steve shuts off the music and paces the room. After a few seconds, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the piece of paper from Ellie. He hits the speakerphone on the table, waits for a dial tone, and dials.
FATE (V.O)
That’s better. Finally got your nerve, huh? Alright, now let’s see how he does.
After a couple of rings, Ellie answers.
Ellie
Hi Steve.
Steve
(grins)
Already put my numbers on your speed dial huh?
Ellie
(sounding self conscious)
Yeah.
Steve
Listen, any chance I could get a little friendly support?
Ellie
(laughs)
What do you need?
Steve
Someone to eat dinner with so I’m not alone with my thoughts.
Ellie
(hesitates)
Steve, I...
Steve
I’m not asking you out Ellie. Just come over. We’ll order a pizza. Please?
Ellie
(silent for a few seconds)
Ok, what’s the address?
Steve grins and the sound cuts out while he gives it to her.
FATE (V.O)
That’s my boy.
Steve opens the front door to reveal Ellie. She’s wearing jeans and a cut off t-shirt. Steve smiles brightly at her, and she is shy but obviously happy to see him too.
Steve
Hey.
Ellie
Hey.
He reaches out and hugs her, which she returns after a few shocked seconds. He holds on a little too long this time, and she clears her throat. He pulls back, looking embarrassed.
Steve
Come in.
He stands back to let her into the house. She smiles to him and walks in. Steve takes Ellie on a tour of the house, starting with the main floor, and then they go to the second floor. Steve stands in a doorway and gestures in.
Steve
And this is the office.
Ellie pokes her head in with interest, then follows him down the hall.
Steve
That’s my room over there
He gestures to a door at the start of the hallway as they head back towards the stairs.
Ellie
Do you mind if I...
Steve
(grins and leans against a wall)
You want to see my bedroom?
Ellie
(narrows her eyes at him and smiles)
You can tell a lot about a person from their bedroom.
Steve
Well, if it’s for educational purposes... please.
Steve opens the door for her. Ellie walks in and he follows, looking at her reaction. The room is sparse and neat, mostly in white. There is a flat screen on one wall, and a huge round bed on the opposite. Ellie suppresses a giggle.
Steve
(frowns)
What?
Ellie
A round bed, really?
Steve
(smiles)
Decorator’s idea. It didn’t seem so goofy when she suggested it.
Ellie
(looking around)
Well, you’re certainly neat.
Steve
Cleaning woman.
Ellie frowns, looking around more, as if she’s searching for something.
Steve
What?
Ellie
(realizing he caught her look)
Nothing. Can I see the studio?
Steve
As soon as you tell me what that look was about.
(she hesitates)
Ellie?
Ellie
I don’t want to... we don’t... I don’t want to upset you.
Steve
Why would you upset me?
Ellie
Like I said, you can usually tell a lot about someone from their bedroom, but... there’s so little of you in here. It’s like...
Steve
The music.
Ellie
(sighs)
Yes.
Steve looks around frowning, as if he’s never seen the room before.
Steve
You’re right.
Ellie
I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said...
Steve
(walks to her and stands in front of her)
No. Honesty, right? I don’t want you to lie to me, ok? You’re the one I can count on not to do that.
Ellie
(smiles brightly)
Right.
Ellie walks around him toward the door. When she’s about to leave the room she turns and looks at him over her shoulder.
Ellie
Didn’t you mention pizza? I’m starving.
Steve grins and follows her out of the room.
Steve and Ellie are in the control room, eating pizza and listening to a song. The song ends and Steve looks at Ellie expectantly.
Ellie
It’s pretty good. I really dig the chorus.
Steve
Dig? How old are you?
Ellie
(grins)
34, but I have an old soul.
Steve
(laughs)
So, you like it?
Ellie
It’s a good song. It has a good range too; it’ll compliment your voice.
Steve
That felt evasive.
Ellie
There’s nothing wrong with the song. Frankly, it’s better than anything that was on your last album.
Steve
You bought Acrobat?
Ellie
Amanda has a 15 year old niece. I borrowed it.
Steve
I should’ve guessed. So... spill it.
Ellie
(sighs)
I was hoping you wanted me to listen to something you wrote.
Steve
(looks down)
That’s going to have to wait.
(reaches for a control)
I’ve got another good one. The writer’s young, but he’s talented.
Ellie
(puts her hand over Steve’s)
If you want me to be honest with you, you have to be honest with me. What were you doing at Avery’s, Steve? Don’t you have one more album on your contract at Fields?
Steve
How you do you know that?
Ellie
I work for a record company; you think I don’t know what goes on in the industry? Plus...
Steve
What?
Ellie
I’ve been waiting for you to be done with Fields. I kept hoping that... when your contract was up...
Steve
I’d make an album you liked again?
Ellie
Well, I’d have tried to say it with a little less condescension, but yes.
Steve
You’re going to have to wait a little while.
Ellie
(understand dawns)
Fields doesn’t want the new album.
Steve
No, they don’t.
Ellie
Why?
Steve
Three songs.
Ellie
Which you wrote.
(he nods)
So you’re shopping it.
Steve
I was.
Ellie
(excitedly)
Avery took it, as is?
Steve puts his head down and rests it on his hands.
Ellie
(sad)
Avery took it, but not with your songs. And you gave it to him, because you didn’t want to go back to Fields with your tail between your legs.
(he doesn’t answer)
How many labels?
Steve
(without looking up)
Four.
(sighs)
The songs aren’t good anyway.
Ellie
Then write better ones.
Steve
(looks up in frustration)
It’s not that easy.
Ellie
(gets up and paces)
We had a talk about easy, remember? You asked me to help you not cave, and you’d already done it. Why am I even here?
Steve
I wanted to see you.
Ellie
I should go.
Steve
(stands up)
No, please don’t. Ellie...
Ellie
(stops, staring at him)
What do you want from me Steve?
Steve
I thought we were friends.
Ellie
You don’t want me to be your friend.
(starts pacing again)
You don’t want me to tell you the truth. You want me to tell you that it’s ok you gave up, that you did your best than accepted reality. But you don’t answer to me Steve. I’m nobody, just a fan. You have to decide who you want to be, and it seems you made up your mind already.
Steve
I thought you weren’t a fan.
Ellie
Right now? No I’m not. But what’s left of your creativity, I’m a fan of that. But it won’t wait. If you keep your music at arms length, eventually it will go away, and it might not come back.
Steve
The next album.
Ellie
The next one you’ll have to do Field’s way. And then, Avery will be chomping at the bit to get a long term contract out of you, if this album does well. And it will, as long as you keep shaking your ass. And the next thing you know, 15 years will be gone. And you won’t look so much like a pop star anymore, and the teenagers will stop panting. And you’ll end up telling stories about dating Cora on the newest season of The Surreal Life!
Ellie stops and they stare at each other, both breathing heavily. Steve looks horrified.
Ellie
Shit, shit.
(turns away)
I’m sorry.
Steve
Do you really think that’s my future?
Ellie
It’s what I’m afraid of.
Steve
And it bothers you, doesn’t it, almost as much as it bothers me?
Ellie
Yes. Even more, now that I’ve actually gotten to know you a little.
Steve
I’m lost Ellie, I know that. I could use a little direction.
Ellie
(turns to look at him)
Start by not sitting down and letting the traffic pass you by.
Steve
(frustrated)
You want me to fight for songs that I even know are mediocre? They’re not good Ellie!
Ellie
Then make them better!
Steve
It’s too late!
Ellie
Then ask for more time!
Steve
(blinks)
What?
Ellie
(calmly but with conviction)
Talk to Avery. Tell him what you want. Ask him to give you some time. A month. Ask him for one month, to make the music you want to make.
Steve
(surprised at her idea)
Do you think... would he?
Ellie
(touches his arm)
He’s a good man. Sure, he looks at the bottom line. It’s his job. But he also cares about the product. And he cares that the artists are as happy with the end result as the accountants are. Be straight with him, and if he believes that it matters to you, I think he will.
Steve
(smiles)
You respect him.
Ellie
Yes, I do.
Steve sits down and puts his head in his hands again. Ellie pulls a chair in front of him and sits.
Ellie
What?
Steve
I’d give just about anything to know that you look like that when you’re talking about me.
Ellie
(smiles)
I already do. Just ask Amanda.
Steve
I disappoint you.
Ellie
Oh shut up.
(Steve looks up in surprise)
When you ‘disappointed me’, I didn’t even know you. I’m your friend, not your judge. What I think shouldn’t...
Steve
Maybe it shouldn’t, but your opinion is important to me.
Ellie
(smiles)
The feelings mutual.
Steve reaches out and touches her face for a second.
Steve
I don’t know about this. Even if he says yes, what if I can’t fix the songs in time?
Ellie
The way I see it, you have three choices.
Steve
Three?
Ellie
Yes. One, you quit.
Steve
Quit?!
Ellie
Yeah, quit, retire, whatever. Sell the house, give the album back to Fields, and fulfill your contract, take the money and... I don’t know, move to Europe or something. Just walk away.
Steve
I never considered that possibility.
Ellie
Is it what you want?
Steve stares at her, speechless.
Ellie
You’re not happy; you have to do something to get happy. Is that what you want?
Steve
(firmly)
No.
Ellie
(smiles)
Ok. So option 2; do nothing. Keep things the way they are, and...
Steve
I know. The Surreal Life.
Ellie
(giggles)
Yes, something like that. Or, option 3. Ask one man, one question. I know it’s scary, but honestly, which option has the least risk and the greatest possible reward?
Steve
(smiles)
Will I ever win an argument with you?
Ellie
Not likely, but feel free to keep trying.
Steve
If I do this, will you help me?
Ellie
You want me to go with you, to see Avery?
Steve
No, I have to do that alone.
Ellie
I agree. Just you and him; no one else, not even Jerry. Definitely not Jerry.
steve
(laughs)
He’s not that bad.
(she makes a face)
He stuck by me, in the beginning. He’s a good guy.
ellie
(smiles)
If you say so, I’ll believe it.
Steve
What I mean is, will you help me with the songs?
Ellie
(grins)
I’m not a song writer.
Steve
I know, I mean, will you be my sounding board. Help me figure out what’s missing from them. Be my muse, Ellie.
Ellie
Wow, that’s a daunting request.
Steve
You know my voice; you can help me find it again.
Ellie thinks for a second.
Steve
Come on, I’ll give you a thanks in the liner notes.
Ellie
(giggles)
Well, how can I refuse an offer like that?
steve
You really are easy.
She playfully punches his shoulder. Steve gives her a huge grin and grabs and hugs her.
Ellie is lying on a couch. She’s looking at sheet music. Steve is sitting in a chair, doing the same, but he keeps glancing at her.
Ellie
(sits up groaning)
I have to go home.
Steve
What? We were just...
Ellie
Staring blankly at notes so long our eyes are about to melt?
Steve
(sighs)
Ok, yes, but...
Ellie
I have to be up in...
Ellie looks at her watch and then throws her head back against the couch.
Ellie (cont’d)
... five hours?!
She gets up and starts stacking papers.
Steve
(quietly)
Ellie?
Ellie
Yeah?
Steve
Can I talk to you about something, not work related?
Ellie
(sits back down)
Of course you can. What’s up?
Steve
(hesitantly)
You know Avery’s assistant, Anna?
Ellie
Yeah.
Steve
She called me today, and...
Ellie
She asked you out?
Steve
How’d you know?
Ellie
(face pretty blank)
Someone said she was pretty flirty with you the other day.
Steve
I guess she was. So, what do you think?
Ellie
About?
Steve
If I should...
Ellie
(interrupts)
Steve, if you get into a fight with you girlfriend, if you get dumped, decide to dump, or need advice on dumping in general, I’ll gladly lend a shoulder and an ear. Hell, if you just need someone to vent to about your dates, I’m your girl. But I’m not so sure about asking me who you should date.
Steve
(backpedals)
I’m just asking what you think of her.
Ellie
I don’t know her that well. She can be a little cold, to the office staff, but you get used to that from the execs and their assistants, and especially the wanna-be execs. I have no idea what she’s like outside the office. She could be a party animal for all I know.
Steve
You don’t like her.
Ellie
I don’t like to presume what someone is like at home, but I wouldn’t call her a friend. But it doesn’t really matter.
Steve
Why not?
Ellie
You’re a big boy, if you like her, go out with her. It’s none of my business.
Steve
(trying to hide his hurt at her answer)
Do you ever...?
Ellie
Date?
Steve
Yeah.
Ellie
(avoids his face, picking up papers again)
Yes, I date. In fact, I have one on Saturday.
Steve
(face falls)
You do?
Ellie
Yep. Yet another friend of Bobby’s.
Steve
Your little brother?
Ellie
Uh huh. He hates it when I call him that. Which is fair, since he’s 6’1”. He’s also relentless. I keep telling him they’re too young. The last one was 24. What am I going to talk to a 24 year old about?
Steve
(grins to hide his chagrin)
Maybe he thinks you need more than talk.
Ellie picks up a throw pillow and tosses it at him. They both laugh.
Ellie
I gotta get to bed. Walk me out?
Steve gets up and walks her to the front door. Along the way he slips his arm casually around her waist. She doesn’t seem to mind.
When he opens the front door, she is standing where she was earlier, and he leans in to hug her again, though this time he doesn’t linger too long.
Ellie
So what time do you want to meet Avery?
Steve
Huh?
Ellie
I did a favor for Nina, his secretary, last year. I can get you in a lot faster than if you just called to make an appointment.
Steve
(smiles)
What did I do to deserve you?
Ellie
(blushes)
There’s a loaded question.
Steve
(grins)
I’m free all day, just let me know when.
Ellie
I’ll call you in the morning.
She kisses his cheek and leaves. Steve watches until she drives away. A smile slides over his face as he closes the door.
Ellie is at her desk. She’s on the phone. Amanda is sitting at her desk, which faces away from Ellie’s. She’s listening to the conversation.
Ellie
Thanks Nina, you’re a doll.
Ellie clicks a release button and hits one button on the phone.
Amanda
(hushed)
You’ve got him on your speed dial already?
Ellie
Shh.
(into the phone)
Hey, it’s me. I’ve got you 15 minutes at 11:10. It’s not a lot of time, but should be plenty.
(blushes)
Shut up.
(beat)
Meet me downstairs at 10:50. I want to go over a couple of things before your meeting.
(beat)
Yes, I know I rock.
(beat)
Ok, bye.
She hangs up. Amanda is grinning broadly.
Amanda
Going to a lot of trouble for someone you were ready to deck a few weeks ago.
Ellie
(giggles)
It’s not that much trouble.
Amanda
How late did you say you were there last night?
Ellie
Don’t start. We’re just friends.
Amanda
I’m just saying, if I had a friend like that...
Ellie gives her a knock it off look and Amanda shuts up and turns back to her desk.
Ellie is sitting on the side of a large planter waiting when Steve gets out of a cab and walks over to her. She stands, smiling.
Ellie
Hey.
Steve
(nervously)
Hey.
Ellie
How you feeling?
Steve
Fine.
Ellie
(grins)
I’m not Jerry. How are you feeling?
Steve
(sighs)
Right. I feel like I could hurl at any moment.
Ellie
(giggles and steps closer)
Take a deep breath, and then give me a big hug.
Steve does, squeezing her tight before letting go. He keeps his arms loosely around her, but she’s focused on his eyes.
Ellie
Better?
Steve
Yes, actually.
Ellie
Good.
(she steps back and keeps eye contact)
Ok, just a few things. First off, don’t lie, and don’t omit. Avery does his research. He knew more about you than Jerry does before you ever set foot in the building. An unpleasant answer is better than a false one.
Steve
Got it.
Ellie
Also, look him in the eye. Don’t flounder, be direct. Be the first to reach to shake hands, he considers it a sign of confidence. Don’t be cocky, but don’t simper. You can show your nervous, but also maintain a strong expression. And don’t...
Steve
Ellie, if you keep going, I’m going to need another hug.
Ellie
(smiles)
Sorry. Just be honest, and make sure he knows how important this is to you.
Steve
Ok. I gotta go. Ride up with me?
Ellie
I’m not keen on anyone knowing we’re hanging out just now. I don’t want a lot of questions. Amanda’s already being a pain in the ass. Besides, I think you should walk in there alone.
Steve
You’re probably right.
Ellie hugs him again. After they let go, Steve walks towards the building. He turns as Ellie calls out.
Ellie
When you’re done, send me a blank text. I’ll meet you back down here.
Steve
(smiles)
Ok.
Avery is sitting at his desk when Nina escorts Steve in. Avery comes around and sits on the front of his desk, gesturing to Steve to sit in the same chair as before. Before Steve sits, he holds out his hand and Avery shakes it.
Avery
So, what can I do for you Steve?
Steve
I wanted to talk to you about the three songs on the album.
Avery
Steve, I’m sorry, but I can’t...
Steve
Excuse my interrupting, but I’m not asking you to put them back, at least, not as they are. I know they’re not very good.
Avery
(blinks)
I’m afraid I don’t understand.
Steve
I’m here to ask you for the chance to make them better.
Avery
I’m sorry?
Steve
One month. Give me one month to make them good enough. If I can’t do it in time, I’ll record whatever replacements you want.
Avery
(considers)
This will require some changes in our release plans.
Steve
I realize that.
Avery
So why?
Steve
Because I’ve lost my voice sir, and I need to get it back. I need some of myself in this album. I have no one to blame but myself, for what’s happened to my music. I spent too much time listening to advice and not trusting my own instincts. I want, no, I need to find my way back. That’s why I took the option and shopped the album when Fields didn’t want it. But when several labels balked, I panicked. I gave the album to you, because you were the first person to be direct and honest about cutting the songs. You didn’t try to candy coat it. I appreciated that. But I still want this album to be more than it is right now, and I’m hoping you’ll give me the chance to make that happen.
Avery
I appreciated your honesty.
(thinks for a second)
And if I’m not happy with what you have in a month…?
Steve
I record which ever songs you choose.
Avery
Ok, you have one month.
Steve
(shocked)
Really?
(stands up and shakes his hand enthusiastically)
Thank you, sir. You have no idea what this means to me.
Avery
I think I do. I don’t want an album that the artist doesn’t even like. This is your work. I’m not the architect, just the contractor. But I get to say, “I helped build that,” and it’s a pretty cool gig.
Steve
Ellie said you felt that way.
Avery
Ellie? Do you mean Ms. Madsen?
Steve
(annoyed at himself for mentioning her)
Yes. She’s a friend. She has a great deal of respect for you. To be completely up front, this was her idea. But I promise you, I am committed to making this happen.
Avery
The smartest man knows when to take advice from a smart woman. And she is a very smart woman.
Steve
(grins)
Yes she is.
Steve is sitting where Ellie was when she walks out of the building. He is grinning broadly, and she runs to him. When she’s close, he stands up, catching her and spinning her around once.
Ellie
He said yes?
Steve
He said yes.
Ellie
(whoops)
Yes!
Steve gives her a big smacking kiss on the lips.
Steve
It happened exactly like you said. He listened, I told me how important it was for me to be happy with the album, and said ok.
Ellie
I told you. He’s a good guy.
(hugs him again)
I have to get back inside.
Steve
No, come on. Let’s go get lunch.
Ellie
I can’t, I’m swamped.
(pulls away and backs toward the door)
I’ll be over at 6. Should I bring food?
Steve
(smiles)
No, I’ll make dinner.
Ellie
You cook?
Steve
I cook.
Ellie
What a coincidence...
(she grins)
... I eat.
Ellie turns around and walks into the building. He stares after her.
Steve is wearing a ratty old apron and he’s tending to several things on the stove. Ellie is sitting at the island, reading sheet music. She tries to casually reach for a pack of cookies sticking out of her purse. He sees her.
Steve
Don’t even think about it.
Ellie
(pouting)
I’m starving.
Steve
It’s almost done.
Ellie
(snappy)
You said that 20 minutes ago.
(sigh)
I’m sorry. I missed lunch, and I get kind of cranky when...
Steve
You missed lunch? Why didn’t you say something?!
Ellie
It’s not that big a deal.
Steve
Set the table. It’ll be ready in 5 minutes.
Ellie starts going through cupboards and drawers, trying not to get in his way, but they end up tangling a few times. At one point, Steve turns around and Ellie’s back is to him and she starts to back up into him. He grabs her upper arms to steady her.
Ellie
Oh, sorry.
She doesn’t notice him smelling her hair. The sound goes down as Ellie sets the table. Steve brings out the food and they eat and talk.
FATE (V.O)
This is getting a little frustrating. I knew Ellie was going to be difficult, but I was counting on Steve to be a little more overt. I’m all for chivalry, but I’ve got two people to fix, not just one. And I can’t work on this forever. And what’s with the dating other people crap? Man, humans can be so dense. Why keep playing the field when the one is standing in front of you?! Maybe I need to give Steve a little more insight into our girl here. Ellie knew his problems off the bat, but I don’t think he gets hers yet. And while Ellie’s plan to get Steve out of his rut is good, it means I may only have a month to get her going. Like I said, I do have other obligations. Maybe we need a little family drama to get move things along. Luckily, I can count on Ellie’s dating habits to bring that on. No, I’m not going to make it happen. But I know it’ll happen. Kinda how we all knew that the boy’s asthma would almost kill him, and his sister’s insane water glasses, all over the house, would save the day.
She and Steve are in the kitchen. Ellie is sorting laundry on the kitchen table. Steve is cooking.
Steve
Do you have a meat tenderizer?
Ellie
In the spice rack.
Steve
No, not the spice, an actual tenderizer. Looks like a mallet.
Ellie
(frowns)
No.
Steve
(frustrated)
I can’t believe this kitchen, do you ever cook?
Ellie
(smiles)
Does grilled cheese count?
Steve
(gives her a look)
No.
Ellie
You’re the one who insisted on cooking. I was fully prepared to order in.
Steve
You eat out too much; it’s not good for you.
Ellie
Well, you’re just going to have to make do.
Steve
Can’t we just go back to my place; I’ll make us a great...
Ellie
No. I’ve barely been home all week. Look at this place. I haven’t had a chance to clean house much, and I’m running out of clean clothes.
Steve
You’re right, I’m sorry. I know I’m monopolizing your time.
Ellie
It’s my choice, but I do have to get some things done tonight, and we need to work, so finish up and I’ll start a load.
Ellie picks up a basket and starts to leave. The doorbell rings. She huffs and puts the basket down.
Ellie
Right after I answer the door.
Steve
(as Ellie walks out)
Please let it be a door to door skillet salesman.
Ellie sticks her tongue out at him and goes.
Ellie opens the door. Bobby is standing there, looking irritated.
Ellie
(smiles)
Hey baby brother, what’s up?
Bobby walks in briskly, and turns on her.
Bobby
I need to talk to you.
Ellie
(concerned, she puts her hand on his arm)
What’s wrong?
Bobby
Ellie, I am...
Steve walks in, holding a mixing bowl, and Bobby stares at him in shock.
Steve
How about a whisk?
(realizing he’s interrupting something heavy)
Oh, sorry.
Bobby
What is he doing here?!
Ellie
(sighs)
It’s a long story.
Steve
(looks at Ellie’s hand on Bobby and says stiffly)
You must be Tom.
Ellie sighs and walks into the kitchen. She comes out a second later and hands Steve a whisk.
Ellie
Bobby, this is Steve. Steve, this is my brother Bobby.
Steve
(smiles relieved)
Oh.
(reaches out to shake his hand)
Nice to meet you.
Bobby
(shakes his hand suspiciously)
You too. Ellie, I need to talk to you.
Steve
Don’t mind me, I’m just making dinner. There’s plenty, if you want to stick around.
Bobby
No, thanks. I have plans tonight. I just needed to talk to Ellie for a few minutes.
Steve
I’ll be in the kitchen, you two talk.
Ellie stands, looking at Bobby. Bobby gives her an inquisitorial look.
Bobby
A few weeks ago you were marinating his jeans, and now he’s making you dinner?
Ellie
I’ll tell you all about that later. Just tell me what’s wrong.
Bobby
Tom is what’s wrong.
Ellie
You’re here about Tom?
Bobby
You haven’t called him back. He’s left you two voicemails since Saturday, and you haven’t returned one of them. You promised me that you’d give this one a chance.
Ellie
(irritated)
Jesus. I’m worried something is really wrong and you’re pissed because I haven’t called your friend back?! I’ve been busy.
Bobby
(looks at the kitchen door)
Apparently.
Ellie
Knock it off!
(quieter)
We’re just friends.
Bobby
Good, then call Tom. He said you guys had a nice time.
Ellie
We did. We had a nice dinner; he took me to an exhibit at the Science Center. It was... nice.
Bobby
And?
Ellie
And what?
Bobby
And why are you now blowing him off? Or do I need to ask?
Ellie
(sighs)
You know what, I don’t have time for this. I have laundry to do, and I need to clean up, and Steve and I are working on something.
Ellie walks over and hugs him, which he barely returns.
Ellie
I’ll call you tomorrow, ok?
Ellie goes into the kitchen, and Bobby stalks after her.
int. ellie’s apartment - kitchen
Ellie walks into the kitchen and grabs a laundry basket. Bobby, even more pissed, follows her. Steve looks like he can’t decide if he should leave the room, but a boiling pot demands his attention, so he stays.
Bobby
Don’t you walk away from me. We need to talk about this.
Ellie
Not tonight. I’m busy.
Bobby
You’re always busy. I am your brother; I will not make an appointment.
Ellie
(not looking at him)
Bobby, would you just...
Bobby
You can’t keep avoiding me on this Ellie. And I don’t want to hear again about how you’ve got, “too much going on right now, in your head” to have a relationship.
(Steve looks at Ellie, clearly hurt, but no one notices)
It’s getting old. Ever since dad...
Ellie slams the basket down on the table, startling Bobby and Steve. She swings around and glares at Bobby.
Ellie
Don’t.
Bobby
You can’t keep closing yourself off like this. What would he say if he knew...
Ellie
(louder)
Don’t!
Bobby
(looking sad and less angry)
I just want you to be happy.
Ellie
I am perfectly happy.
Bobby
You’re content, that’s not the same thing. Just give Tom a chance.
(no one notices Steve flinch)
He’s a nice guy.
Ellie
I’m sure he is, but there’s just nothing there. I’m sorry.
Bobby
(angry again)
And there never will be if you don’t give any of them a chance!
Ellie
If you don’t like the way I treat your friends, stop setting me up with them!
Bobby
Fine!
(she flinches and he softens)
Damn it Ellie.
(MORE)
BOBBY (cont’d)
(walks over and hugs her)
I just want you to be happy.
(kisses the top of her head)
I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you.
Bobby leaves. When Ellie hears the front door close she sits down heavily. Steve is torn and stands still, waiting for her to say something. She doesn’t look at him, but stands up and grabs the laundry basket.
Ellie
I’ll be right back. I need to get this started.
She leaves the room. He quickly shuts off the stove and oven and runs after her.
He catches up just as the elevator door is closing.
Steve sticks his arm in, the doors open, and he gets in with her, pushing the close button.
Ellie
What are you doing?
Steve
I thought you could use some company.
Ellie
What about dinner?
Steve
I turned everything off. I’ll finish when we get back upstairs.
Steve takes the laundry basket from Ellie. She is silent as they ride the elevator to the basement. They get off and he follows her down a short hall.
There are several washers and dryers, and a large table in the center of the room, for folding laundry. Steve puts the basket down on the table and hops up and sits on it as Ellie starts putting loads in the washing machine.
Steve
Need a hand?
Ellie
I got it.
Steve
You didn’t tell me the date went badly.
Ellie
It didn’t.
Steve
Then, what’s with...
Ellie
(interrupts)
I don’t want to talk about this.
Steve
Come on, after all that, you’re gonna clam up on me?
Ellie
(avoids looking at him)
Sorry about that. Bobby can get a little pushy at times.
Steve
He loves you, very much.
Ellie
I’m aware of that.
Steve
You also didn’t tell me Tom left you messages.
Ellie
(turns on him irritated)
You’ve barely said a word about your date with Anna.
Steve
Yes, but let’s focus on one disaster at a time, shall we?
Ellie
(grins reluctantly)
That bad?
Steve
Not exactly bad, just uneventful.
Ellie
I know what you mean.
Ellie turns her back on him to continue loading the washer.
Steve
So, no spark?
Ellie
None.
Steve
(Ellie doesn’t see the look of relief on his face)
Does Bobby fix you up a lot?
Ellie
Eight guys in the last year alone.
Steve
Yikes, I see what you mean by pushy.
Ellie
I think MOM got him started, but now he’s become determined. She’s worse. Always reading me the riot act, “You’re not getting younger... biological clock... grandchildren before I’m 60...” I know they mean well, but it’s getting really obnoxious.
Steve
How many second dates do you go on?
Ellie
(turns and glares at him)
What’s that supposed to mean?
Steve
Nothing. I just get the impression, from Bobby’s melt down, that most of his fix-ups don’t get more than one date.
Ellie
Care to guess how old Tom is?
Steve
24?
Ellie
No, ripe old 25. What the hell do I have in common with a 25 year old?
Steve
Some women would love to get fixed up with a bunch of 20-somethings, especially ones who call after the first date.
Ellie
Well, I’m not one of those women I guess. I mean, he was nice enough, and not immature or anything, but... forget it.
Steve
You’ve just got too much going on right now, in your head?
Ellie stops and looks at Steve. He looks hurt. She walks over and sits on the table next to him.
Ellie
Ok, I had that coming.
Steve
Were you talking about me, or you, in the elevator?
Ellie
Maybe both of us.
Steve
Do you think, maybe, you should’ve said that?
Ellie
(sighs)
Maybe.
Steve
What did Bobby mean, about your dad?
Ellie
(jumps down and goes back to the laundry)
I really don’t want to talk about this.
Steve
Well, I really do. What did he mean?
Ellie
It’s stupid, and he’s wrong.
Steve
Fine, what is he wrong about?
Ellie
(sighs)
When dad died, mom... she kinda fell apart. They were so much in love. You know how, you walk in on your parents making out in the living room, and you go, “Ew, gross.” And most parents will disentangle themselves and act all embarrassed? My parents didn’t. Dad would just smile at me and say, “One day you’re going to find a man who loves you so much, that he can’t stop touching you. He’ll need to be near you as often as possible, just like I need to be near your mom. So get over it.” Then he’d kiss her neck and make her laugh like some teenage girl. I moaned about it like any other kid, but I also loved that they were like that. But when he was gone, she was so lost.
(tearing up)
She could barely function when it happened. I had to help dress her for the funeral. After, when all the busy crap you have to do was over, she’d stay in the house, not talking to a soul, for days at a time. I got really scared. I wasn’t sure she could... survive, without him.
Steve is staring at Ellie’s back as she tries to get herself under control. He looks like he desperately wants to hug her, but he’s afraid she’ll realize how much she’s saying and stop.
Ellie
So one day, a few months later, she got up, got dressed and went out. She had A manicure, and a facial. She got her hair cut, and she went out with her girlfriends and got wasted. Bobby and I called every day, to check on her. When he couldn’t reach her in the morning, and she didn’t answer the phone that night, we both drove straight down. I was so scared. And we get to the house, and she’s not there, so we waited. Pretty soon, I’m calling the cops, and Bobby’s checking hospitals. Her friend Maxine dropped her off at 3 am, completely hammered, and singing Barry Manillow songs. She never would tell me why. We put her to bed, and the next morning at breakfast, I lectured the hell out of her. Finally, because I was sick of her smiling at me like a doofus, I asked her what had gotten into her. She said, “He would be so angry with me baby, throwing my life away because his is over. I won’t do that to him anymore. I loved him too much to hurt him that way.”
She’s quiet while she digs quarters out of her jeans and starts the machines up. Then she turns to Steve, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Steve
So, what did Bobby mean? What does he think all of that has to do with you’re dating MO.
Ellie
He thinks that I’m afraid of loving some one so much, that losing them could destroy me.
Steve
But he’s wrong?
Ellie
Yes, he is.
Steve
Are you sure?
Ellie looks at him defiantly. She grabs the laundry basket, sets it on a corner of the table, grabs the detergent and stalks past him, heading for the door.
Ellie
I’m hungry.
Steve closes his eyes for a moment, then he jumps down and follows her out.
They are both silent as they ride back up to her apartment.
FATE (V.O)
Interesting bit of trivia, for you folks at home. I had a hand in her mom and dad too. A hippie and a conservative, at least until she spent a few years with him. They were a tough job too. I was really proud of pulling that off. I should’ve guessed it would come back to bite me in the ass.
(MORE)
FATE (V.O.) (cont’d)
Like I said before, she’s not doing much better than he is. Oh well, at least we’re getting somewhere. I got a lucky break with Bobby pulling out that quote; definitely got Steve’s head back in the game.
Ellie is sitting at her desk, as is Amanda. Max is standing in front of Ellie’s desk, just short of yelling at Ellie. There are several people hearing everything he says.
Max
I don’t understand. I even got the poster started for you. Why are we having deadline problems now? We are already 2 days behind schedule.
(Ellie is just listening stone faced)
Well, Ellie?
Ellie Oh, are you through? I didn’t want to interrupt.
Max
(narrows eyes and holds hand out)
Please.
Ellie
Is there one point you’d like me to address first?
Max
(swallows but responds condescending)
Ladies choice.
Ellie
The first poster key isn’t done because the approval for the palette took 3 days. I can’t speak to why that is, or why we are having schedule delays. I can only tell you how long it took to get the approvals. Which is; to give you as much information as I can; about the same amount of time it took to get approval on the t-shirt designs.
Max
(menacing tone)
Well, now that you have your approvals, things should progress quickly. Don’t you think?
Ellie
Seems likely.
Max
Good. I expect to have the final posters ready to run in a week.
Ellie
(looks down without moving her head)
You want me to finish it.
Max
Very astute.
Ellie
I thought you wanted to do the final compiling?
Max
Well now I have to get us back on schedule, don’t I. Coordination will be key in the next week.
Ellie
(looks back up at him blankly)
Fine Max. I’ll have it ready.
Max
Good.
He walks away and people pretend they weren’t listening. Amanda turns around to look at Ellie, but Ellie doesn’t do anything but sit there. She leans up and talks in Ellie’s ear.
Amanda
(genie imitation)
Phenomenal cosmic power, itty bitty penis.
Ellie
(turns around laughing)
No fair.
Ellie eyes are tearing as she tries to hold in the laughter. After a moment her eyes turn sad and she’s trying not to cry.
Amanda
Come on.
Amanda gets up and drags Ellie down the hallway to an empty conference room. She drags her in and the closes the door behind them. She sits Ellie down on the table. Ellie is crying heavily, but only internally. Outside she barely has tears in her eyes. She is taking deep slow breaths to calm down.
Amanda
Traditionally you cry first, and then you start the whole Lamas thing.
Ellie
(smiles wanly)
I don’t have time to cry.
Amanda
Is time really the issue?
(stern look)
I don’t know how much more of this I can take Ellie.
Ellie
You can take?
Amanda
Yes, me. Maybe if I make it about me, about how hard is to see you let that weasel keep doing this to you, maybe then you’d do something.
Ellie
Look, Max is just trying to show he’s boss right now. After his first big project is off the line he’ll ease up.
Amanda
Do you even believe the crap you’re shoveling? Or do you just think I’m that stupid.
Ellie
(false smile)
Amanda, I really don’t have time for this. I have a lot to do tonight, and I’m supposed to meet Steve at my place at 6.
Ellie walks out of the room. Amanda just stares after her.
Amanda
(deep sigh)
I hope he has better luck than I do.
Fate (V.O)
So, that was Max. I just wanted to tell you not to worry, he’s not going to coast along forever. I’ve got stuff lined up for him down the road, I promise. Karma can be a real bitch. Not that I would ever say that to her face. As for Ellie and Steve, I think I’m going to hang back for a little bit and see how they do on their own. I’ve got some other work to check on anyway. Maybe, now that more cards are on the table, they’ll make better head way.
Ellie is lying on the couch, looking over one of the lyric notebooks. Steve is on the end of the couch with her feet in his lap. They are silent for a while.
Steve
Are you hungry?
Ellie
No.
They are silent again for a little while.
Steve
Do you want to go back to my place and swim? That usually relaxes you.
Ellie
No.
Steve
(looking worried)
I could give you a foot massage.
Steve starts to rub her feet. She jerks them away quickly, grinning.
Ellie
Don’t do that. I’m very ticklish.
Steve
(smiles)
Oh really?
Ellie quickly sits up, tucking her feet under her.
Steve
Do you wanna talk about it?
Ellie
(looks down at the notebook, upset again)
No.
Steve
Will you at least tell me what he did?
Ellie
What who did?
Steve
Oh come on, do you really think I don’t recognize a Max mood by now?
Ellie
(sighs)
He verbally bitch-slapped me in front of half the office.
Steve
Little prick.
Ellie
That’s the popular opinion.
Steve
(stands)
Let’s go.
Ellie
(looks up)
Where?
Steve
We’re going out.
Ellie
(whines)
We have work to do.
Steve
Not tonight. We’ve been working for weeks without a night off.
(MORE)
STEVE (cont’d)
(she starts to argue)
With the exception of the one Saturday night that didn’t do much for relaxing either of us. We’re going to have some fun.
Steve drags Ellie off of the couch and pushes her toward the bedroom, following her.
Steve
Come on. Let’s pick you something to wear.
Ellie
I can pick my own clothes.
Steve
Nope. You’ll take forever to decide.
(she stops and gives him a haughty look)
Because you’re in a bad mood, of course, not because you’re a girl.
Ellie grins and lets him push her into the bedroom.
Steve and Ellie are walking through moderate crowds. At one point, they are temporarily separated. When Steve catches up to her, he puts an arm around her shoulders, keeping her close. They walk around, riding a few carnival rides and playing some games. They go to a food stand. Ellie gets a jumbo corn dog while Steve gets pink cotton candy. She opens her mouth and he puts a bit in her mouth.
Ellie
(as they walk)
Is there some rule about dudes walking around with a bunch of pink cotton candy?
Steve
Should I comment on the five and a half foot tall woman holding the 2 foot wiener?
Ellie gives him a shocked and amused look. He keeps walking but she hangs back a second and kicks his butt.
Steve
(grinning)
Ow!
She tries to walk past him, but he grabs her from behind and tickles her.
Ellie
(squirming)
Stop, I’ll drop my corndog.
Steve wraps his arms around her shoulders, pushing her along.
Steve
Wouldn’t want that.
Steve navigates them to the arcade and stops in front of a bank of machines.
Steve
Here we are.
Ellie
(follows his look)
Ski-ball?
Steve
Yep. I’m a champion at this. I’m going to win you something big and stuffed, and we’re going to pretend that it’s Max so you can beat on it.
Ellie
(laughs)
Ok. But do I get to play too?
Steve
Sure.
(he gets quarters from an attendant)
But don’t be embarrassed when I make you my biatch.
Ellie
(grins)
I’ll try to contain my envy.
They start playing. Steve is doing pretty well, but Ellie is totally stomping him. Pretty soon he’s out of quarters and he’s watching her play. A few other people stop to watch too. When she’s out of quarters, there’s a hug pile of tickets on the floor. The bystanders clap for a second, and she bows. They move on, Steve is begrudgingly impressed.
Ellie
(picking up her tickets and starting to fold them into sections)
How’d you do?
Steve looks at his smaller pile.
Steve
I think I’ve just been taken in by a ringer.
Ellie
It’s all in the wrist baby.
Steve
(pouts)
Didn’t anyone ever tell you you’re supposed to let a guy win at carnival games?
Ellie
That only applies to dates. It’s perfectly acceptable to crush the fragile male ego of a guy friend.
Steve and Ellie walk to the redemption counter.
Steve
So you let dates beat you at ski-ball?
Ellie
I’ve never actually had a date take me somewhere with it.
Steve
(surprised)
Really?
Ellie
Yep. Do you bring dates here?
Steve
Not here. When I was younger, I’d take dates to Asbury Park in Jersey.
Ellie
So, why not here?
Steve
I guess, most of the girls I’ve dated in L.A... I didn’t think they’d be into it. Of course, most of them wouldn’t dream of letting me pick out their outfit either.
Ellie
Never cared that much about what I’m wearing. I shop for comfort more than style.
Ellie is counting tickets. Steve is looking at her sideways, smiling.
Steve
(quietly)
I noticed.
Ellie
(not hearing him clearly)
Hmm?
Steve
Nothing. So, what are we getting?
Ellie
Damn. We’re 10 short for the bunny.
Steve looks up and sees the blue stuffed bunny. He smiles.
Steve
So we’ll play another round.
(pulls out his wallet and looks)
Oh man, I’m out of cash.
Ellie
And you told me to leave my wallet at home.
Steve
Wait here.
Ellie
Where are you going?
Steve
(smiles)
Just wait.
Steve runs off. He goes all the way back to his car, and gets a box of car wipes out of the trunk. He opens the box, revealing some cash in a plastic baggie. He takes out a couple of 20’s. He then runs back. He goes straight to the ski-ball machine, plays a couple of quick games and runs back to Ellie. She’s relieved when she sees him, obviously concerned by how long he’s been gone. He hands her about 20 tickets.
Steve
I had to play two games, but we have some extra tickets for the next time.
Ellie
Where’d you get the money?
Steve
(quietly)
I keep a little cash stashed in the car, for emergencies.
Ellie
You ran all the way back to the car?!
Steve
Yes.
While she’s staring at him, he takes the tickets from her, giving them to the attendant. He points to the bunny and the attendant hands it to him. He hands it to her.
Steve
Your bunny.
Ellie
(hugging it tight and smiling shyly)
Thank you.
Steve
You won most of the tickets.
Ellie
(walks closer)
Not the important ones.
Ellie kisses him on the cheek, then turns away quickly. She pretends to be curious about a video game nearby. Steve smiles, watching her for a second, when the attendant hands him a piece of paper and a pen.
Attendant
Hey man, can I get an autograph?
Steve turns to him and takes the paper and pen.
Steve
Sure.
(he writes a message and signs it)
Here you go.
Attendant
Thanks man.
(quieter)
What happened to that model you were dating? She was hot.
Steve looks over at Ellie, who pretends not to notice him staring.
Steve
I’m trading up.
Ellie unlocks her apartment door then turns back to face Steve. She is still clutching the bunny.
Ellie Thank you, for tonight.
Steve
(plays with the bunny’s ear)
So, are you going whack the bunny?
Ellie
Huh?
Steve
That was the plan; a stuffed animal to take out your Max mood on.
Ellie
(smiles)
I couldn’t do that. He’s too cute. Plus, I already named him.
Steve
(grins)
Oh yeah?
Ellie
Sammy Davis Jr.
(Steve gives her an amused expression)
It’s the lip.
Steve
(laughs)
Cute. So, you do have a girlie side.
Ellie
(smiles)
I am a girl.
Steve
Sometimes I forget.
(she gives him a devilish grin)
Well, maybe forget isn’t the right word.
Steve runs the back of his hands along her cheek.
Steve
Ellie...
Ellie
(interrupts)
I’m having breakfast with Bobby tomorrow, so I’ll be over about 11, ok?
Steve
Ok.
(awkward pause)
El…
Ellie reaches out and gives him a quick hug. Then she turns and goes in without looking him in the eye.
Ellie
Night.
She closes the door. Inside, she leans against the door, trying to catch her breath.
Steve smiles and leans his head against the door frame.
Steve
(quietly)
Goodnight Ellie.
Ellie and Bobby are having breakfast.
Bobby
So, guess who I ran into last week?
Ellie
Tony Orlando and Dawn.
(Bobby laughs)
You said guess.
Bobby
No, smartass. My friend Jason, from college. Turns out, he moved to L.A. a few months ago. He got a job at that new restaurant on Sunset. Sounds like he doing well.
Ellie
Excuse me.
Ellie moves her plate to the side, and slams her head down onto it a couple of times, making the silverware and dishes clang together. Bobby throws apologetic looks to several nearby people who are looking at Ellie questioningly.
Bobby
Ok, drama queen. Knock it off. I’m just say...
Ellie
(lifts her head)
Please don’t. No more fix-ups, I beg you.
Bobby
Just have lunch with the guy. It’ll barely be a date.
Ellie
Bobby, please. I am so busy right now. Just lay off for a couple of months.
Bobby
(sighs)
Ok. I won’t mention it again.
Ellie
(pulls her plate back)
Thank you!
Bobby
So, how are things going with Steve?
Ellie
Good. He’s already got two songs ready. He’s having trouble with the last one, but it’ll get there.
Bobby
Anything interesting happening... non-musically?
Ellie
Shut up. We’re just friends.
Bobby
(grins)
That’s not what Amanda thinks.
Ellie
You need a girlfriend, now.
Bobby
What’s that supposed to mean?
Ellie
Maybe if you got caught up in your own love life, you’d stay out of mine.
Bobby
Ok, forget I said anything. How are things at work?
(she sighs heavily)
Max?
Ellie
He ripped me a new one yesterday. But Steve and I went out to the Pier last night.
(smiles)
Helped me detox.
Bobby
(grins)
You kicked his ass in ski-ball, I presume?
Ellie
(laughs)
Trounced him thoroughly. But then he...
(shakes her head)
... never mind.
Bobby
(curious)
What?
Ellie
It’s silly.
Bobby
What is?
Ellie
We were a few tickets short for this stuff bunny I wanted, and he was out of cash. So he ran all the way back to the car to get more, so he could play a couple more games to get enough tickets. It was... sweet.
Bobby
(smiles)
Sounds like it.
(notices she’s embarrassed so he changes the subject)
So what are we doing for your birthday?
Ellie
(sighs)
Is it that time of year already?
Bobby
(shakes his head)
As if you don’t know it’s Friday, less than a week away.
Ellie
(grins)
You wanna make me dinner?
Bobby
I was hoping for something a little more festive. We could drive down and spend the weekend with mom.
Ellie
I can’t take off for two days right now.
Bobby
You haven’t seen her in six months.
Ellie
Oh believe me, I know. She’s threatened to put a banner on her My Space page, counting how long it’s been.
Bobby
(grins)
She already did. It went up last week.
Ellie
(pauses with a her fork half way to her mouth)
She didn’t?!
(Bobby gives her a duh face)
Oh my god. Maternal guilt in cyberspace. Next thing she’ll be auctioning off a date with me on EBay.
Bobby
(laughs)
I don’t think she’s there yet. But you hit 40 single, and I’ll include a meal from a four star chef in the auction.
Ellie
(gives him a dirty look)
Thanks.
Bobby
My pleasure.
Ellie
Actually, would you want to have dinner on Saturday, instead of Friday? Mandy wants to hit the clubs later that night to celebrate.
Bobby
Sure, we could do that.
Ellie
Great. Then Steve and I can work Friday night and Saturday afternoon, and I can sleep in on Sunday. I know Amanda won’t let me go home before 3 am.
Bobby
If then.
Ellie
(waves for the check)
Speaking of which. I gotta get going. I said I’d be over to Steve’s around eleven.
Bobby
(sighs)
Ok. Back to the grindstone huh?
The waiter walks over and sets down the check. Ellie signs it, gets up, and walks over to give Bobby a kiss on the cheek.
Ellie
A muse’s work is never done.
Ellie leaves. Bobby watches her go, then he gets a look on his face like he’s had a bright idea. He takes out his cell phone and dials.
Bobby
(into the phone)
He Mandy, it’s Bobby. I’ve had a sudden inspiration.
Amanda and Ellie are having lunch.
Amanda
Oh, he’s cute.
Ellie turns and looks at a man walking by in a nice suit. He catches Ellie’s glance and gives her a slightly flirtatious smile. She returns it noncommittally. He continues walking and sits at a table, with another man, about 5 feet from them. He casts another glance at Ellie as he talks to his friend. She looks away and focuses on Amanda.
Ellie
You saw him looking at me, didn’t you?
Amanda
(innocent smile)
What?
Ellie
You knew we’d make eye contact. That was mean Mandy.
Amanda
Getting you to notice a cute guy scoping you out is mean? Hello. Best friend. In the male vernacular, I’d be known as a good wing man.
Ellie
(laughs)
Well you’re grounded. I don’t need a date right now. And I certainly don’t need to be picked up in a park on my lunch hour, thank you.
Amanda
(not quite under her breath)
You need a lot more than that.
Ellie
Wow, subtle.
Amanda
(stubborn grin)
You haven’t had any action since Kyle, am I right? And how long ago was he, three months?
Ellie
(wry grin)
My sex life is none of your business.
Amanda
Do I have to wear a little name tag that says, “Hello, my name is Best Friend?” Of course it’s my business.
Ellie
You know, there are some drawbacks to having a best friend.
Amanda
Don’t make me smack you around.
Ellie
(smiles)
Fine. Kyle and I went out 4 months ago. Ok?
Amanda
Sweetie, have you ever heard the expression, “Use it or lose it?”
Ellie
Yes, and I believe I’ve also heard the expression, “It’s just like riding a bike.” Neither of which are all that sexy if you ask me.
Amanda
Valid point. So the last good time you had was Kyle. And, if I recall correctly, Kyle was strictly a Chinese lay.
Ellie
(eyes bulge)
What?
Amanda
(grins)
You know, satisfying at first, but an hour later you’re hungry again.
Ellie
(laughs loudly)
That is wrong on so many levels.
Amanda
What you need is a good German romp.
Ellie
Don’t tell me, I beg you.
Amanda
When you’re done, you can’t imagine ever being hungry again, and all you want to do is drift off to sleep.
Ellie
(holding in more laughter)
You need professional help.
Amanda
Is Lauer a German name?
Ellie
Don’t make me get out my pepper spray.
Amanda
(grins)
Blinding me might be a bit of overkill sweetie. I’m just saying, a girl’s got needs.
Ellie
(smiles with eyes narrowed)
Well stop worrying about my needs.
Amanda
(gossip mode)
Ahh, so we are getting a little with the hottie hip-hop man.
Ellie
(laughs)
Oh god, I would love to see his face if you ever called him that.
Amanda
Skirting the question?
Ellie
No. I told you, we’re just friends.
Amanda
Friends with benefits?
Ellie
(gimme a break look)
Mandy, please.
Amanda
You did say he was a good kisser.
Ellie
I wish I had never told you any of that.
Amanda
Sucks to be you.
Ellie
(smiles)
Often.
Amanda
(more serious)
He likes you.
Ellie
(quietly)
I know.
Amanda
So?
Ellie
It’s not a good time Amanda.
Amanda
And when will it be?
Ellie sits quietly, eating her sandwich, and avoiding Amanda’s eyes.
Amanda
(sighs)
Ok, I get the hint. Letting it go. So, what do you want for your birthday?
Ellie
After last years present, I’d take just about... anything else.
Amanda
(smiles)
How can you still say you didn’t have fun.
Ellie
I like objectifying sexy men as much as the next girl, just not in my living room.
Amanda
You’re mom thought he was hot, especially with the whole UPS uniform thing.
Ellie
(sarcastic)
Yeah, and that didn’t make it more disturbing. If Bobby ever ends up in therapy, it’ll be over that afternoon.
Amanda
(giggles)
You told me he was working.
Ellie
Well he was supposed to be. Poor guy. He gets off early to surprise me and...
Amanda
(laughing)
He ends up being the one surprised.
They both shake with laughter.
Ellie is walking down the hallway. Avery is approaching, going the other way. They stop to greet each other.
Ellie
Good morning, Mr. Avery.
Avery
Good morning Ms. Madsen, and happy birthday.
Ellie
(surprised)
How did you know it was my birthday?
Avery
I’m not sure. I must’ve heard someone mention it.
Ellie
Well, thank you.
Avery
By the way, would I be pushy if I asked how the songs are coming along?
Ellie
The songs?
Avery
For Steve Lauer’s new album.
Ellie
(blinking)
How did you…?
Avery
He told me the time request was your idea.
Ellie
(frowns)
I didn’t know that. I hope that’s not a problem, sir. I know it’s not my place to get involved with the talent, but...
Avery
Helping a friend is not overstepping your job title, Ms. Madsen. Besides, I am as interested as you are in helping Steve find his way again. I never liked how Fields handled him. I’m hoping, when his obligations to them are fulfilled, that he’ll consider making Avery his home.
Ellie
(smiles)
I was thinking the same thing. I think he’ll be happy here. I know how important it is to you, that the music we produce has substance over style.
Avery
Yes, he also mentioned you had a high opinion of my work philosophy. I was very flattered to hear it.
Ellie
(blushes)
It’s going well. I’m sure that you, and he, will be happy with the work he’s done.
Avery
Don’t you mean the work the two of you have done?
Ellie
He’s the songwriter. I’m just helping him keep his eyes focused on where he wants to be.
Avery
Well, he’s very lucky to have you. I’m off for the day. You have a good weekend.
Ellie
You too sir.
Ellie walks to her desk. She is in a pleasant mood. She starts doing paperwork. A coworker walks up with a stack of papers and hands them to Ellie with a sympathetic smile. Ellie looks at a sticky note on top of the stack and reads it aloud.
Ellie
These need to be redone ASAP with additional locations attached.
(looks up)
Max?
Coworker
Max.
Ellie
(sighs)
Fun, fun.
Coworker
Happy birthday, by the way.
Ellie
(smiles)
Thanks.
The coworker goes. Ellie takes a deep breath and starts going through the paperwork. Her mood has soured.
Ellie lets herself in with a key. She’s carrying take out bags. As she walks into the house she’s calling out to Steve.
Ellie
Hey, it’s me. I hope you didn’t cook. Mandy got me in the mood for Chinese food last week, never ever ask me how, so I got take out.
Ellie walks into the dark living room, sets down the bags on a table by the doorway, and reaches for the light switch. Suddenly the lights come on.
Everyone
Surprise!
Ellie jumps as the room is filled with noise. There are at least 20 people in the room. There is a big banner hanging which reads, “Happy Birthday Ellie.” There are balloons everywhere. Steve is standing in front of the crowd, wearing a goofy party hat. Bobby and Amanda are right behind him. He walks over and puts an equally goofy hat on Ellie. Ellie stares in shock at everyone, then looks at Steve with a slightly forced smile.
Ellie
(aside)
What did you do?
Steve
(kisses her on the cheek, which mellows her smile)
Happy birthday.
He leads Ellie to the crowd, and she starts saying hello to people. Bobby grabs her for a big hug.
Bobby
Happy birthday sis.
Ellie
I can’t believe you guys did this.
Bobby
(hands up in innocence)
I just called Mandy.
Mandy
(hugs her)
And I just called Steve. He did the rest.
Steve
(leans in and says in her ear)
Including your big surprise.
A 50-ish woman with a kicky style, comes through the crowd.
Ellie
Mom?
Melinda
(she hugs Ellie)
Hi sweetheart.
Ellie
Mom, what are you doing here?
Melinda
This nice young man calls and tells me he’s planning a surprise party for my baby. What am I going to do, skip it and go to my yoga class?
Ellie smiles. Bobby drags Miranda away for a drink.
Ellie
(to Steve)
You called my mother?
Steve
(grins)
Come on. Plenty of people to greet.
Steve leads her through the room, his hand at the small of her back. She’s so caught in saying hello to everyone that she doesn’t really notice, but a few people do, including Amanda. Ellie is surprised to see Avery come forward and hug her.
Ellie
Mr. Avery?
Avery
Ms. Madsen. I was so worried I blew the surprise earlier. I wasn’t supposed to mention that I knew it was your birthday, and it just went right out of my head.
Ellie
You covered it well. I didn’t have a clue.
Avery
I guess those drama classes in college paid off.
(grins)
Happy birthday, again, my dear.
Ellie
Thank you so much for coming sir. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Avery smiles and Steve excuses himself and Ellie, to let her get cleaned up. Ellie greets a few more people as they make their way to the kitchen. Bobby hands Steve a drink when he passes.
When they get into the kitchen, Steve puts the drink in her hands and sits her down at the island. She takes a big swig of the drink and leans on her elbows. He busies himself taking hors d'oeuvres out of the oven. Then he takes a plate of them out of another oven where it’s been warming. He sets them in front of Ellie.
Steve
Eat. I’m sure you haven’t since lunch.
Ellie
(picks at the food)
I can’t believe you did all this.
Steve
(pointed look)
I can’t believe I had to find out it was your birthday from Amanda.
Ellie
(sighs)
I don’t like to make a big deal out of it. It’s just another day. I wish you hadn’t gone to so much trouble.
Steve
(a little put upon)
Ellie, for the last few weeks you have practically put your life on hold to help me. You’ve given me so much; all I want to do is celebrate you a little.
Ellie blushes. She eats quietly for a few minutes, avoiding his glances.
Ellie
This is delicious.
Steve
Thank you. I usually make those ones with steak, but I know you prefer chicken. I think they came out pretty good.
Ellie
They’re amazing, really...
(quickly)
I can’t believe you called my mother!
Steve
(grins)
She’s a very cool lady. Though she’s a little agitated that you don’t call, or visit, more often. It seems she only knew about me from Bobby.
Ellie
I don’t tell my mother every time I make a new friend. That’s what the holidays are for. Besides, I’ve been busy. Speaking of which, can we really afford to take another night off right now?
Steve gives her a frustrated look, then walks around the island. He turns her to face him.
Steve
What’s wrong? I get you’re not big on birthday parties but...
Ellie
(smiles tiredly)
I’m sorry. I’m just tired, and this afternoon was hectic, and I was looking forward to relaxing a little, and I’m just...
(bows her head, almost getting teary)
I’m sorry.
Steve
Ellie, please, don’t let Max ruin tonight, for either of us. Ok?
Ellie
I’m sorry.
(He hugs her tightly)
I really do appreciate all this. I’ll try to lighten up.
Steve
Just stop apologizing and smile, for real, that’s all I want.
She pulls back and gives him a glowing smile. He smiles back, and they get lost in each others eyes for a second. Steve reaches up to touch her face, but she quickly pushes him back and stands up.
Ellie
I should get back in there. I am the guest of honor. Don’t want people to accuse me of being antisocial.
Steve
(closes his eyes in frustration)
Ellie...
He opens his eyes to see her grab another hors d'oeuvre from the plate and pop it in her mouth. She leans up and gives him a quick peck on the cheek, before leaving the room in a hurry. Steve takes a deep breath, smiles sadly, and starts getting food off the pans onto plates to distribute.
Ellie is talking animatedly to different people. She’s not exactly avoiding Steve, because she keeps looking over at him, but she doesn’t hover near him for long. He is sitting on a bench near the patio doors. He is having sporadic conversations as he watches her, not aware that the longing is written all over his face. Amanda plops down by him, giving him a wistful eye.
Amanda
I wish I could help you.
Steve
With what?
Amanda
(casts a glance at Ellie)
She may be inclined to pretend you two are just friends, but I don’t expect that from you.
Steve
(smiles)
Sorry. Could you help me? I’m afraid my best advisor is not inclined to direct me here.
Amanda
You’re best advisor?
(he nods his head in Ellie’s direction)
Oh, right. Like I said, I wish I could. But I don’t have any good advice. I’m her best friend, and I don’t have a clue how to get through to her. Though...
Amanda trails off, clearly contemplating something.
Steve
(hopeful)
What?
Amanda
Well, I can’t offer advice, but maybe I can offer a little insight into our strange friend.
Steve
I’m all ears.
Amanda
I imagine you’ve already heard the words, “It’s just another day? “
Steve
(grimaces)
I have.
Amanda
The truth is, that only applies to her, as far as she’s concerned. You should see some of the things she’s done for my birthday; and Bobby’s last one was a night to remember. It’s only hers that she tries to gloss over.
Steve
I don’t get it. Why?
Amanda
Why? I don’t know if I even know that, but I can give you a prime example. When Ellie was in freshman year of college, she had this professor; Mr. Freeman. He was a real sleaze-ball. He hit on her a lot, always asking for a word after class and getting a little handsy while giving her some lecture on her work. He was fairly subtle at first, but it got worse as the semester went on and she kept blowing him off. I mean, kept... you know what I mean.
Steve
(grins)
Yeah.
Amanda
As I was saying, eventually, he flat out tells her, if she wants a good grade in his class, she should be more cooperative. And do you know what she did?
Steve
What?
Amanda
Not a damn thing. She kept him at arms length, and he blew her GPA with a C. Ellie’s never gotten a C in anything. But she never said anything to anyone about it. Not a soul. So, almost a year later, she’s walking by the bathrooms in the dorm, and she hears crying. She goes in and finds this girl bawling on the floor. Ellie eventually coaxes her into spilling her problems. It turns out that she’s got Mr. Freeman this year, and he’s pulling the same shit on her that he did on Ellie. She’s really freaking out. He hasn’t gotten pushy yet, but he’s getting there. But, no matter what Ellie says, the girl won’t go to the dean. Her family’s pretty conservative, and she knows it’ll be a huge scandal, and she doesn’t want to expose them to it. But she’s also on a scholarship, and she can’t afford to get a bad grade in this class. Finally Ellie tells her to do nothing. She says she will handle it.
(MORE)
AMANDA (cont’d)
She tells the girl to just keep acting exactly as she has been and if he gets out of hand, to just disengage herself quickly and get away. She promised her that by the end of the semester, she’d have it taken care of.
Steve
How did she think she could do that?
Amanda
It was pretty smart actually. First she buys two identically mini-cassette recorders. Then she scopes the room the girl’s taking Freeman’s class in, and finds a good spot to sit in the room to hear everything up front with a cassette recorder tucked away under the chair. Then she starts auditing the class right before Freeman’s. Every day, she goes into this class, and at the end, carefully swaps the recorders so no one notices she has two. Funny side note; the class she audited was a marketing course. Her major until junior year was accounting.
(Steve smiles)
So a couple weeks go by, and she finally gets what she was waiting for. She’s got a recording of Freeman giving a very familiar speech to the girl; assuring her that her grade will suffer if she isn’t friendlier. Ellie goes right to the dean.
(MORE)
AMANDA (cont’d)
She tells him this big story about how she accidentally left the recorder after her class, and when she was reviewing it, to find her teachers lecture, she recognized Mr. Freeman’s voice. And since she took his class the year before, she was curious about the lecture, so she listened to it. And then she found this awful scene at the end of the lecture, and she felt it was her duty to tell someone. There was an immediate investigation; though Ellie made sure they didn’t look too hard for the girl on the tape. Freeman resigned, there was a ton of local press. It was a mad scene. Ellie took a lot of shit over the next year, I can tell you. A lot of people figured she was actually the girl he had been harassing, because the tape was never made public. Of course, if they had heard it, they would’ve known better. Her voice is much deeper than mine.
Steve
(staring in wonder)
It was you?
Amanda
Not many people know that. I’m not even sure Bobby does, though I think Miranda has always known. My point is; she didn’t fight for herself.
(MORE)
AMANDA (cont’d)
But for a strange freshman girl, crying in a bathroom, someone she didn’t know from Adam, for that girl she fought. It’s just who she is. What she wants isn’t nearly as important as what anyone else wants. She’s looked after me ever since. She got me the job at Avery. And I can tell you, Max has only ever talked to me once, the way he talks to her. She made sure of that. She’ll take it, but she won’t let him dish it to me, ever.
Steve
(looks at Ellie again, while she pretends not to notice)
I understand.
Steve watches Ellie reach into her pocket and pull out a cell phone. She sees the Caller ID, winces, and excuses herself to the hallway. Steve excuses himself from Amanda and follows Ellie out.
Ellie
Sorry, say that again?
(beat)
I really can’t tonight, I’ll look at them...
(beat)
I’m right in the middle of...
Steve walks over and grabs the phone from her hand. She tries to grab it back but he’s already walking toward the living room.
Steve
(into the phone)
Is this Max?
(beat)
This is Steve, Max. Hold a moment please.
Steve walks up to Avery, handing him the phone. Avery looks at him questioningly. Ellie walks up in time to here Steve answer his look.
Steve
Mr. Avery, would you mind explaining to Ellie’s department manager why she can’t do whatever it is he wants her to do tonight.
Avery
(smiles)
Gladly.
(into phone)
Mr. Dieter, this is Mr. Avery.
(beat)
No, actually I’m at Steve Lauer’s house. We’re here for Ms. Madsen’s birthday party, so whatever it is you need so urgently will have to wait until Monday.
(beat)
Not a problem, I’ll tell her you have it covered, and of course, that you wish her a happy birthday.
(beat)
Yes, yes, have to go now.
Avery hangs up the phone and hands it back to Steve, smiling. Ellie is gaping, and she throws herself down on a couch.
Steve
(to Avery)
Thank you.
Avery goes back to the conversation he was having, not noticing Ellie’s distress. Steve sits next to Ellie and hands her back the phone.
Ellie
(staring at the ceiling)
You shouldn’t have done that.
Steve
You’re right.
(she looks at him)
You should’ve done that.
Ellie
That’s only going to cause more problems you know?
Steve reaches down, grabs her feet and pulls them up on his lap. He rubs them, careful not to tickle her.
Steve
You’re not going to think about him for the rest of the weekend, that’s an order.
Ellie
(grins haughtily)
You’re not the boss of me.
Steve
No, I’m not. However...
(calls out to Avery)
Mr. Avery?
Avery
(looks over at them)
Yes?
Steve
Would you do me one more favor, and tell Ms. Madsen that she’s not to think of work at all until Monday?
Avery
(smiles and looks at Ellie)
Not so much as checking your email, Ms. Madsen.
Avery winks at her and reenters his conversation.
Ellie
(grins at Steve)
You don’t play fair.
Steve
(smiles brightly)
I never promised to.
Ellie enters the apartment and flips on the light switch. She’s on her cell phone.
Ellie
(into phone)
Ok, I’m home, safe and sound.
(beat)
Yes it was silly.
(beat)
Because I took a cab home. It’s not as if I was at risk of running off the road if you
didn’t keep talking to me.
(beat)
Then why on earth did you insist on me staying on the phone with you?
(beat)
What?
(beat)
Where?
She turns and sees a small box sitting on her mantle. She walks over and picks it up.
Ellie
You already gave me the jewelry box, which I adore.
(giggles)
I assure you, I already had stuff to put in it.
(beat)
Ok.
She unwraps the box and opens it. Inside is a beautiful necklace. It’s a simple silver chain, with a hanging green gem, about the size of a flat walnut, dangling loosely from it. She gasps as she sees it.
Ellie
Steve, you shou….(smiles) Ok, I won’t say it. (beat) It’s beautiful. (beat) Thank you. (beat) Ok, I’ll see you in the morning. (pauses with a big grin) Yes, I will. (beat) Goodnight.
Ellie hangs up the phone and sits heavily in a chair, staring at the necklace, tears in her eyes.
Ellie is straightening up, and Steve is pretending to adjust the tuning board, while he’s actually watching her. She finds a stack of papers sitting in a folder underneath a table. She starts looking at them curiously.
Ellie
What are these?
Steve sees what papers she has and looks panicked. He tries to grab for them but she moves away.
Steve
No, Ellie, don’t.
Ellie reads. Her eyes, glued to the pages, get wider and fill with tears. When she’s done, she looks up at him, and smiles brilliantly.
Ellie
When did you write this?
Steve
Mostly during the day, when you’re at work.
Ellie
It’s...
She loses the thought as she rereads the pages, captivated by the words on the page.
Steve
I’m not sure it’s done.
Ellie walks over to him. He’s avoiding her eyes, afraid of what she’s going to say. Just as she reaches him she throws her arms around him and gives him a huge hug. He’s stunned for a second, then he breaks out in a huge smile and pulls her even closer. After a few seconds she pulls back and stares at him in wonder.
Ellie
So we pull Sleep Again, and we’re done.
Steve
(confused)
What?
Ellie
It’s not working, we’ve been trying for days. Fire Within and Scent of Lavender are in great shape. I mean, they’re not perfect, but they’re not gonna get closer. I think they’re a nice transition actually, from the newer sound, back to the old. But this, this is the destination.
She pulls away and goes for another pile of sheet music.
Steve
Ellie?
Ellie
(looks up at him, still smiling)
What?
Steve
I didn’t write it for the album.
Ellie
(looks at him affectionately)
I know.
Steve
I wrote it for you.
Ellie
(smile lights up more)
I know.
Steve
Ellie...
Ellie
(stops him)
I know you wrote it for me, and I love it. It’s so beautiful. But it shouldn’t only be for me. All your fans should get to hear this, not just this one.
Steve
(grins)
When did you become a fan again?
Ellie
(holds up the pages, almost crying)
When I read this. This is it Steve, this is what I’ve been waiting 10 years for. This is you.
Steve
No, it’s you.
Ellie
So maybe it’s both of us.
(smiles with mirth)
How long did it take you?
Steve
A couple of days, I finished the night Bobby came over to your place.
Ellie
(concerned)
So you’ve had it done for over a week?
Steve
Yeah.
Ellie
Why haven’t you showed it to me?
Steve
I wasn’t sure...I didn’t...
(he struggles for a moment then looks her in the eye)
I was afraid of disappointing you again.
Ellie
(smiling brilliantly, tearing up again)
Do you know what I want to do?
Steve
What?
Ellie
I want to lie on my bed, with my eyes closed, listening to...
(holds up papers)
... this.
Steve
(unsure but smiling)
Really?
Ellie
Steve, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.
Steve
(smiles brighter)
You haven’t heard it yet.
Ellie
Oh yes I have, it’s already on a loop in my head.
(points to a note on the page)
You’re really nailing this note here too.
Steve
(almost laughing)
Care to hear it live?
Ellie
(grins)
Please?
Steve grabs his guitar, takes the pages from her, and sits down on a stool. Ellie sits on the couch, pulls her legs up under her, grabs a pillow and hugs it tight, waiting. Steve plays the song for her.
Steve
(singing She Is The Music)
“I know you’ve heard this tale before/I’ve heard it once or twice myself/But perhaps that doesn’t matter/It’s just such an easy one to tell//I was lost, and she found me/I was sinking, she pulled me up//She helped me find the man/I always wanted to be//She found my voice//She is the music/The sound that fills my heart/She is the passion/The one who fanned the spark
(MORE)
STEVE (singing cont’d)
When no one knew what was in my heart/She taught me how to fight/When I was caught in the dark/She brushed the clouds aside, and filled my life with light//I was torn, and she mended me/I was sad, she made me laugh//She found my voice//She is the music/The sound that fills my heart/She is the passion/The one who fanned the spark//There’s nothing I can ever give her/To thank her for everything she’s done//I just hope, that she’ll take this song”
Ellie is hugging the pillow tightly and tears are slipping down her cheeks.
Ellie
Definitely better live.
Steve is smiling, also with tears in his eyes. Ellie takes a deep breath.
Ellie
I’ll talk to Nina tomorrow morning. I know Avery had a big meeting planned with the board tomorrow afternoon, but it had to be changed. He’ll have a lot of free time already. I know she can get you in.
Steve
Now? We still have almost a week.
Ellie
You don’t need it.
Steve
But maybe we should work more on...
Ellie
(puts her hand on his arm)
Steve, it’s time.
Steve
I’m scared.
Ellie
I know, but you don’t have to be. Avery is not going to say no to you tomorrow.
Steve
You don’t know that.
Ellie
(grins broadly)
I do now.
Steve
(returns her grin)
Ok.
Ellie smiles again, she leans back and takes a deep breath. As she turns her head, she sees the clock.
Ellie
Wow, I gotta go.
Steve
(frowns)
Oh come on. Stay, let’s eat junk food and have some wine. Let’s just relax.
Ellie
I gotta be in to work early; I have to finish the posters for the DTD launch.
Steve
(scowls)
Max was supposed to be doing that.
Ellie
He got bogged down; I’m taking care of it.
Steve
That little prick.
Ellie
Do you believe in De ja vu?
Steve
Didn’t you already ask me that?
(she smiles but he’s irritated)
Ellie, when are you going to do something about this?
Ellie
No lectures tonight, please.
Steve
And how much credit is he going to give you this time?
Ellie
He started the posters, I’m just...
Steve
(irate)
No, he did not! He took the test layout he had you make, said move this and this and then said he had them started!
Ellie
Well, technically...
Steve
Why do you put up with this? Tell Avery about what he did with the layout for Cold Irons.
Ellie
I can’t, it’s too late.
Steve
Why?
Ellie
It’s been three months, and I have no proof. It’ll be my word against his. And with nothing to back me up, they’ll have no choice but to fire me.
Steve
Then let them, it’s better than putting up with that asshole.
Ellie
I like my job. I like where I work. I have friends, I have...
Steve
Your friends want you to do something!
Ellie walks over to him and puts her hand on his arm.
Ellie
Not tonight, please?
(pleading)
I’m so happy. Don’t. Not tonight, ok?
Steve
(tamps down anger)
I’m sorry, but Ellie, it has to stop.
Ellie
Not tonight.
Steve
(sighs)
Ok.
Ellie
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Steve
(grins)
Which is a Friday, if I’m not mistaken.
Ellie
(smiles)
I believe you are correct.
Steve
So tomorrow night, we celebrate, provided we have something to celebrate.
Ellie
We will celebrate.
Steve
Promise?
Ellie
I promise.
Steve hugs her, lingering, but she doesn’t pull away.
Ellie is pacing near her desk. Amanda is watching her, biting her finger nails.
Amanda
Would you relax?
Ellie
(looking at Amanda pointedly)
You’re going to need a manicure.
Amanda realizes what she’s doing, looks down at her fingernails and grimaces.
Ellie
(resumes pacing)
How long has it been?
Amanda
21 minutes, and counting.
Ellie
That’s a long time, do you think it’s a good sign?
Before Amanda can answer, Max walks up and talks to Ellie, who stops to look at him.
Max
Ellie, we have a problem.
Ellie
What’s wrong?
Max
(holding up a poster)
This color is all wrong. We need something more red. I need you to stay late and get this fixed. It has to be to the printers by 10.
Ellie
It’s Friday.
Max
I’m aware of that.
Ellie
(frustrated)
Can’t you do it, Max?
Max
I have plans tonight.
Ellie
(irked)
So do I!
Max
Well, I’ll guess you’ll have to reschedule.
Max shoves the poster at her and walks away.
Ellie
(quietly)
Son of a...
Ellie pulls out a color chart from her desk and looks at it.
Amanda
You can’t be thinking of doing this?
Ellie
(pacing again, but angry this time)
What choice do I have?
Amanda
Go after him! Tell him no! Do what you’d do if it were me.
Ellie
Don’t you dare start that now.
Amanda
Don’t you dare tell me not to. Ellie, you were my hero once. Why in the hell won’t you be your own?
Ellie
Mandy...
Ellie stops suddenly and grabs her cell phone from her pocket. She looks at the screen and sees a text message. She turns excitedly to Amanda. All worry seems to melt as they both remember what they’re waiting for.
Ellie
Did you find an empty floor?
Amanda
(smiles)
Yes, eleven. It’s the last one being remodeled, but the contractors are on another job today. The place should be deserted.
Ellie sends a quick text message, then looks up at Amanda.
Ellie
(grins)
I’ll be back.
Amanda
Fingers crossed.
Ellie smiles at her and leaves.
Steve is getting off of the elevator. There’s nothing in the room but building supplies and some scaffolding. Ellie is sitting on a rough table, swinging her legs excitedly. She has a big, expectant grin on her face.
Steve
(looking around)
Why are we meeting here?
Ellie
I wanted privacy. It’s being remodeled. So?
Steve
(blankly)
So what?
Ellie
(gives him a glare)
Don’t be an jackass.
Steve
Oh, you mean did Avery like the songs?
Ellie
Steve...
Ellie
(walks slowly toward her)
Because Avery did like the songs. In fact, Avery loves the songs. Avery is very happy, and eager to finish the recording and get my new album, My Voice, featuring three songs written by Steve Lauer, on the shelves. And Avery is also very excited, to start promoting the album’s first single, She Is the Music.
Ellie’s eyes are huge and she looks speechless. He runs the rest of the way, grabs her off of the table, and spins her around, over and over. They are both screaming in triumph and laughing.
Ellie
(grinning at him)
I told you.
He spins her back to the table and sits her down on it, standing between her knees, with his hands on her hips.
Steve
(staring in her eyes)
I know you did.
Before Ellie can pull away, Steve moves in close and kisses her passionately. Ellie is stunned for a second, but quickly returns the kiss. They kiss for several minutes, then Ellie pulls away, leaning her head on his chest. Steve kisses the top of her head.
Steve
So, are you ready to celebrate?
Ellie
(winces)
About that.
Steve pulls back and she looks up at him. He looks wary.
Steve
What?
Ellie
I’m sorry, I can’t.
Steve
What are you talking about?
Ellie
The posters aren’t ready. They have to be to the printers by ten, so I’ve gotta stay late.
Steve
(steps back from her)
The posters aren’t ready? The ones you came in early to finish?
Ellie
It turns out the color isn’t...
Steve
(spits out the word)
Max.
Ellie
I’m sorry.
Steve
You promised me, Ellie.
Ellie
Tomorrow, we’ll celebrate; I’ll show you this great diner...
Steve
No.
Ellie
(worried)
What do you mean, no?
Steve
This has to stop. I want you to go upstairs, and I want you to tell him, “No.”
Ellie
I can’t do that.
Steve
What you can’t do is keep taking his crap. You’re nothing more than his whipping girl. He takes credit for your work, treats you like shit, and acts like he’s entitled to.
Ellie
I can’t afford to lose my job.
Steve
Yes, you can. You’ve got me, Bobby, Amanda, your mom. And with your contacts, you’ll be in someplace new in a week.
Ellie
Steve, please.
Steve
(paces away angrily)
Damn it Ellie! You keep talking to me about being true to myself, fighting for what I want, but you’re a hypocrite!
Ellie
(hurt)
Please don’t do this.
Steve
(turns to her sharply, stalking toward her)
I am in love with you, Ellie.
Ellie
(trying not to cry)
Please, don’t.
Steve
And you love me too, I know it. But you won’t let me in, you hide away. You tell me to take chances, but you’re locked up in this little world and you won’t let go of it. And you won’t take one step that could risk changing things.
Ellie
No.
Steve
I see it. Amanda sees it; Bobby, your mom. Why won’t you?
Ellie
Steve, please.
Steve
(pleading eyes)
Tell me you love me.
Ellie
(crying)
Steve, you know how important our friendship is to me.
Steve
(throws his arms up and walks away again)
Damn it! I am not your friend.
Ellie
(choked up)
Please, don’t say that.
Steve
I am the man that loves you, Ellie. And you love me, but you won’t even say it. You’re too afraid, and you won’t face your fears, no matter how many times you’ve told me to do it. Ellie, I wrote songs about love, but I had no idea what it really was. Now I know. And I guess I also finally understand disappointment too.
(sadly)
I’m disappointed in you.
Ellie breaks down and sobs into her hands. Steve starts to go comfort her, but he stops himself, and walks to the elevator, pushing the down button. Ellie looks up as it dings. She slides off the table and takes a few steps. She pleads with her eyes for him to stay. Steve backs in, never taking his eyes off of hers.
Steve
I love you Ellie. When you’re ready to tell me, you know where to find me.
The elevator door closes, and Ellie crumbles to the floor, crying.
Steve is taking very measured breaths. He leans into a corner, slides down to sit, and pulls out his cell phone and hits a speed dial button.
Steve
(into phone)
It’s Steve.
(beat)
She’s still on eleven. She needs you.
Steve hangs up the phone, buries his head against his knees and starts to sob.
Amanda is tapping her foot while it travels. When it opens, on the 11th floor, Ellie is still on the floor, hugging her knees, sobbing.
Amanda runs to her, sits down beside her and Ellie scoots into her arms. Amanda holds her while she cries.
Series of shots – Ellie and Steve apart
A) Ellie sitting on her bed, her eyes red, while Amanda and Bobby can be seen talking in the other room.
B) Steve, in his studio, trying to read sheet music, until he gives up and tosses it across the room.
C) Melinda and Ellie sitting in Ellie’s living room. Ellie is silently staring out the window. Melinda gives her a worried look.
D) Steve and Jerry are in a meeting with Anna and Avery. Steve is clearly distracted, and Avery keeps passing worried glances at him.
Steve is fixing a sandwich. We can hear Jerry’s voice, and Steve reacts to a phone mounted on the wall.
Jerry
Look Steve. You’re about to make music history and your hiding in your house like a hermit. Just call her already, this is getting ridiculous.
Steve
I can’t keep chasing after her Jerry. Sooner or later, she is going to have to meet me half-way, or there’s no point.
(the phone beeps)
I’ve got another call Jerry.
jerry
I’ve got some contracts to go over anyway. I’ll give you a call in the morning.
steve
Ok, I’ll talk to you later.
(Steve grabs the receiver and hits a button on the phone)
This is Steve.
(beat)
Hey Bobby, what’s...
(his eyes go wide)
I’ll be there in 15 minutes!
Steve shuts off the phone and dashes for the door, leaving everything on the counter.
int. hospital
Steve runs into a hospital ER. He’s asking a nurse at the desk for information on Ellie, when Bobby and Amanda see him from the waiting area. They get up and start walking toward him.
Bobby
Steve.
Steve
(sees them and rushes over)
Where is she? Is she ok?
Amanda
She’s alright.
Steve
(relieved, trying to catch his breath)
What happened?
Amanda
I knew she wasn’t eating much, but I didn’t realize she’d just... stopped. We don’t know for how long. Her blood sugar got really low, and she was out cold when I went to check on her after work. But she’s ok. They’ve got it under control. They’re going to want to keep her overnight.
Steve
(sits down in a chair)
I shouldn’t have left her like that, I knew...
Amanda
(sits by him)
This is not your fault.
Bobby
You did what you had to do.
Steve
(looks at them)
You’re her best friend and her brother. Aren’t you supposed to hate my guts right now?
Bobby
I love my sister, faults and all. But I won’t pretend you were responsible for what happened.
Amanda
You should know, when she told us, she never blamed you. She was pretty hard on herself actually.
Steve
There’s a shocker.
(deep breath)
I don’t know what to do now.
Bobby
Go home.
Steve
(looks at him shocked)
I have to see her.
Amanda
No. We’ll tell her you came, but you should go.
Steve
I can’t. I have to...
Bobby
You have to force her make a choice.
Steve
(stands up)
What is wrong with you? She’s lying in a god damn hospital bed and you’re telling me to use tough love?!
Miranda
Yes, he is.
Everyone turns and sees Miranda standing there, watching them. She has a sad look in her eyes. Bobby walks over and hugs her close. He keeps his arm around her shoulder as they walk back over to Steve and Amanda.
Bobby
She’s ok mom. The doctor said she’ll be just fine
Miranda
I heard.
Miranda hugs Amanda, then turns and gives Steve a big hug.
Miranda
Go home Steve.
Steve
(trying not to cry)
Miranda, I can’t just go, not without seeing her.
Miranda
You have to.
Steve stares at her, speechless.
Miranda
She’s been so afraid, for so long. When her father died... I know how my reaction affected her. I should’ve done something, said something. I should’ve tried to make her understand that it was ok. That the pain was... just another part of loving him. I should’ve done something more to stop it before it came to this point. She has to stop hiding, and you have to stop letting her. We all do. I’m proud of you for walking away that day; I want you to know that. You didn’t leave because she wasn’t treating you right, you left because she wasn’t treating herself right. It has to stop. Go home. We’ll keep pushing her, keep talking to her. We’ll bring her back to herself, back to you.
Steve looks like he wants to argue, but he can’t find any words to counter Miranda’s. Finally he nods. Miranda gives him a hug and kisses his cheek. He turns to Amanda and hugs her, kissing the top of her head. He turns to Bobby, putting out a hand to shake. Bobby grabs his hand and pulls him into a guy hug. He returns it gratefully. Then he gives them all a supportive smile and starts to leave. He turns back as Miranda speaks.
Miranda
She loves you, you know.
Steve
(gives her a small smile)
I know, but could you explain that to her?
Miranda smiles and Steve turns and leaves.
Steve gets in his car. When he gets in he leans his head against the hands on top of the steering wheel and closes his eyes.
FATE (V.O)
Damn it! It happened again. I take off for a little bit, and everything falls to hell. I’m with Steve on this one. I understand what Miranda is saying, but it fucking sucks.
(sigh)
I don’t think I can do anything else to help Ellie at this point. And I can tell you, feeling helpless is very frustrating for me, but sometimes I have to let them do things on their own, and no random “coincidental” acts are going to fix this. I also feel somewhat responsible for this. If I hadn’t pushed them together... no, I won’t go there. She needs him, and he needs her. That’s my job, and I’m not going to apologize for it. I just have to trust in them, same as Steve. I’ve given Ellie enough chances. More than most people get. She has to open her eyes now.
Ellie is in her hospital bed. She’s awake, curled up in a ball, looking miserable. Miranda, Amanda and Bobby come in. Miranda goes over to her and Ellie sits up and hugs her.
Ellie
Mom, I’m so sorry. I was so stupid. I promise you, I’ll never let this happen again.
Miranda
Shh, it’s ok baby. It’s going to be ok. The doctors will be here in a minute.
Ellie
Doctors?
Miranda
Dr. Benchley and someone from psychiatry.
Ellie
(flips out, crying)
Mom, I promise you. I swear to you. I wasn’t trying to kill myself. I wasn’t trying to die.
Miranda
I know baby, but you weren’t trying to hard to live either.
Ellie
(sobbing)
Mom please. I just want to go home.
Miranda
And you’re going to. We’re taking you home in the morning. But you’re going to start getting help, ok. You have to deal with this. No more hiding.
Ellie
Mom, please, I just...
Miranda
(firmly)
No. Ellie, you have never been self destructive, but you have been self neglecting. It ends now. I told you that your father would’ve been angry with me, for the way I was after he died. Well, he’d be angry with you too. You may never have fought very hard for yourself, but you don’t fight anymore at all. The only thing you fight is what you want. No more. You’re getting help, and you’re taking your life back, starting today.
Ellie cries on her mothers hands. The doctors walk in. Ellie looks up at them.
Dr. Bletchley
Ms. Madsen, this is Dr. Simon. He’d like to talk to you.
Ellie takes a deep breath and calms herself. She wipes the tears from her eyes and sits up. She reaches out to shake his hand.
Ellie
(with a welcoming smile)
It’s nice to meet you Dr. Simon. I’m Ellie.
Dr. Simon
It’s nice to meet you too Ellie. How are you feeling?
Ellie
(pauses to smile at her mom)
Awake.
Ellie and Amanda are walking off the elevator. Ellie looks a little tired, but otherwise good.
Amanda
I still think you should’ve told Avery you were in the hospital, taken a few more days off.
Ellie
No. That would just be hiding again. I told you, I’m not going to do that anymore.
Amanda
(hugs her as they walk)
I’m so proud of you. You really scared me.
Ellie
I scared myself. But I can’t stand that I scared you guys like that. Dr. Simon says it’s actually ok to start off trying for the people I love, as long as I work hard at finding a way to do it for myself too.
Amanda
What about Max?
Ellie
I don’t know what I’m going to do about Max... yet. But I’ll think of something.
Amanda
(smiles)
I remember that voice. I haven’t heard it since college.
(Ellie smiles)
What about Steve?
Ellie
(sighs)
I have even less a clue what to do about him. I’ll go see him in a couple of days, and I’ll figure out what I’m going to say when I get there.
Amanda
(grins)
Sounds like a plan to me.
Ellie is sitting at her desk, staring at her computer. Steve comes walking down the hall with Avery, and Jerry. Anna is walking toward them, and Avery stops to talk to her. Steve looks over at Ellie’s desk. Amanda goes to grab a piece of paper and sees Steve. She gives him a sympathetic smile, and he gives her a grateful one, then looks at Ellie. Amanda whispers at her and she looks up to see Steve staring. She takes a deep breath and gives him a small smile.
Ellie
(mouthing silently)
Hi.
Steve
(smiles a little, and is also mouthing silently)
Hi. You ok?
Ellie
(nods, mouthing)
Yeah.
Steve
(mouths)
I came to the hospital, but...
Ellie
(smiles, mouthing)
I know.
Steve starts to mouth something else, when Anna puts her hand on his arm possessively, to draw his attention to the fact that Avery is talking to him. He looks away from Ellie, and she looks down. She’s trying not to cry when Max walks over and stands in front of her desk.
Max
I need the cost breakdowns for the Pittsburgh show.
Ellie
(looks up, just realizing he’s there)
What?
Max
(to her as if she’s stupid)
I need the cost breakdowns for Pittsburgh, now.
Ellie
(tired)
I’m in the middle of something Max.
Max
I don’t care.
Ellie
(irritated)
What?
Max
(leans in)
Whatever the hell is wrong with you, get over it, and get your ass to work. Now.
Max starts to walk away. Ellie is stunned for a second but then gets a quizzical look on her face. When he’s a few feet away, she talks loudly, so that the whole room hears her clearly.
Ellie
Max.
Max
(stops and turns to her with attitude)
What?
Ellie
Fuck you.
There are a few gasps, and everyone is watching as she stands up and walks around to sit on her desk. She crosses her arms and stares at him defiantly.
Max
What did you say?
Ellie
I’m sorry, was I unclear? Let me elaborate.
(she picks up a packet of papers from her desk and walks over, pitching them at him)
I did them last night. Now, take your breakdowns, and shove them up your ass.
Amanda throws her hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh out loud. Several people snicker, and there are a lot of people smiling. Anna looks appalled. Avery is stunned, but also takes note of the rest of the offices reaction. Jerry smiles with admiration. Steve is breathing heavily and a grin is forming.
Max
(a little spooked, but hides it with derision)
Who the hell do you think you are? You work for me, remember?
Ellie
(grins)
Not anymore, asshole. I am sick and tired of your shit. I am tired of you taking credit for my work. I’m tired of you treating me like your errand girl. I am sick of you talking to me like I am something under your shoe. Go to hell, you little prick. I quit.
Ellie walks past him dismissively. He stares after her, stunned. Ellie walk straight to Avery.
Ellie
Mr. Avery, I want you to know, that I’ve loved working here, and I have a great deal of respect for you. I’m sorry about that scene.
(grins)
Well, maybe not exactly sorry. And this one, I have no remorse for.
Ellie walks over to Steve. He looks down as she takes Anna’s hand off of his arm, and his expression says he didn’t realize it was still there. She gives Anna a slightly haughty smile, takes Steve’s arm, and pulls him a few steps away.
Ellie
I’m sorry.
Steve
(hesitant, but encouraging)
That was amazing.
Ellie
Would you get me out of here?
Steve
(he mimics her tone)
Out of here...
(winks)
or out of here?
Ellie
I love you.
Steve’s starts breathing heavily and looking at her with hope. He starts to reach out and touch her face, but he still holds back.
Steve
Ellie?
Ellie
(smiles)
I’m in love with you. I’m sorry I wouldn’t say it. I’m sorry I let myself get so lost, and I promise, I’ll find my way back to the person I wanted to be.
(sobs)
I’m sorry I disappointed you. I can’t write you a song, but I’ll do anything else I can to make it up to you. Can you ever...
Steve grabs her and kisses her passionately. Applause erupts in the place, which Amanda and Jerry join in on enthusiastically, stunning Max from staring at them in a stupor. Avery is smiling slightly, and Anna looks confused. They finally pull apart, and rest their foreheads against each other, with their eyes closed.
Steve
(quietly)
I love you.
Ellie
I love you too.
Steve pulls her against him to hold her close. After a second, he looks up at Avery.
Steve
I’m sorry Mr. Avery, but we’re going to have to reschedule our meeting. I’m taking my girl out to celebrate.
Ellie smiles and tightens her arms around him.
Avery
(smiles)
Not a problem Steve, but before you do that, could I have word with your girl?
Ellie
(looks at Avery)
Sir, I’m sorry about...
Avery
(interrupts her)
What exactly did you mean, when you said, “I am tired of you taking credit for my work?”
Ellie
It doesn’t matter anymore.
Amanda walks over before Avery can talk.
Amanda
She means the layout for the Cold Irons album press. She did it, all of it. He took it, and said it was his.
Avery looks at Max, who has an indignant look on his face.
Max
I did not!
Steve
(looks at Max with venom)
You are such a liar. She also did every bit of work on the DTD poster, which I’m sure you also took credit for.
Avery
(eyes narrow at Max)
What do you have to say to this?
Max
It’s not true.
Amanda
I can prove it.
(everyone looks at her)
Ellie can’t draw cartoons for shit.
(to Avery)
Sorry sir.
Ellie
(smiles with mock pride)
Thanks.
Max
What does that prove, that she’s incompetent too?
Steve starts to move toward him, but Ellie pulls him back.
Amanda
I drew that gnome on the layout for her, which she was going to give me credit for.
(looks pointedly at Max)
It’s still on my computer.
Max
That doesn’t prove anything!
(to Avery)
She’s her best friend, she could’ve taken the picture from the site work I did and put it on her computer.
Amanda
I haven’t touched the file since before Ellie was done with the layout. It still has the time stamp from the last time I saved it, which was almost 2 weeks before you presented it as yours.
(to Ellie)
I’d forgotten all about it. I found it, about a week ago, but I didn’t think it was the right time to talk to you about it.
Amanda runs over to her computer. Everyone follows, Avery in the lead. She pulls up a folder on her computer, and points to the time stamp. Avery looks in and nods, and then she double-clicks on the file. A small cartoon gnome appears on the screen.
avery
(turning to Max) Mr. Dieter, what do you have to say to that?
Avery points to the gnome and Max’s eyes are huge. He keeps trying to talk, but can’t manage to form any words.
avery
(clearly angry) You know, I suspected something like this. You were never talented enough to create that layout.
Max looks like he’s going to argue, but Avery cuts him off, turning to Anna.
avery
Ms. Kersey.
anna
Yes sir?
avery
Please see Mr. Dieter to his desk, watch him pack his personal belongings, then take him to HR to process his termination papers.
Max tries to argue again, but Avery turns to Ellie, dismissing him. Anna hustles him away.
avery
Ms. Madsen, why didn’t you tell me this sooner?
ellie
Sir, that’s an incredibly complicated question.
avery
Very well, we’ll discuss it later. In the mean time, it seems I have a department head position which requires filling.
ellie
(stunned) Sir, I don’t mean to be ungrateful for your support but technically... I did just quit.
avery
Perhaps. But then again, you just gave your notice to someone who no longer works for Avery Records.
ellie
(smiles)
True. But sir, are you sure...
avery
(interrupts her, smiling)
Ellie, I hired you for the same reason I bought Steve’s album. I saw the potential.
(MORE)
AVERY (cont’d)
I’ve been waiting patiently for you to be ready to lead this department, because I knew you were the perfect one for the job. And when Tim left, I was ready for you to step up to the plate. But when it appeared that wasn’t going to happen, I had to choose someone else. Now that that has turned out to be a bust, I would very much like to give you the opportunity you should’ve had earlier, particularly since it is appears that you are also over certain...
(smiles)
... communications issues you were having previously.
Ellie smiles, with tears in her eyes.
steve
She’ll take it.
Avery chuckles and Ellie gives Steve an ornery grin.
ellie
I think we just established that I can talk for myself. (to Avery) Thank you for this sir, and I promise to do everything I can to exceed your expectations, despite how high they clearly are.
Avery smiles and gives Ellie a fatherly hug.
avery
I have no doubt you’ll manage it, regardless. Now...
(to the crowd watching)
Everyone back to work.
(MORE)
AVERY (cont’d)
(to Ellie)
With the exception of you, my dear. I think you can afford to take a long weekend before beginning your new duties.
Ellie
Um, sir, it’s Tuesday.
avery
You’re point, Ms. Madsen?
Avery smiles, which Ellie returns. Avery starts to turn away, as the bulk of the office starts bustling to look busy.
steve
Speaking of time off...
Avery turns back. Ellie gives Steve a look to the effect of, “Are you insane?”
steve
(grinning)
I have a tour coming up in not that long.
Ellie smiles at him. Avery watches them with soft eyes.
avery
Oh, I have a very good feeling about this album. And as you have the potential to be a big part of the Avery Records family very soon, I think it could be argued that the promotion for this tour requires constant attention from the department head. Provided of course, that her department comes up with some promotional suggestions that would necessitate an on the road liaison. Hmm, perhaps I meant to say coordinator.
Everyone, including some people pretending to work, chuckles.
avery
Have a lovely weekend.
Avery turns and leaves. Ellie turns to Steve and wraps her arms around his neck. She starts to kiss him, but quickly breaks off in shock.
ellie
I can’t believe you asked him about time off!
steve
(chuckles)
Darling?
ellie
(grins)
Yes?
steve
Shut up.
Steve leans in and kisses her. The sound fades out.
fate (v.o)
Ok, now I have two options here. I can pull back right now, and we’ll just assume things went right from here. Like, we’ll assume they didn’t find out they both are used to sleeping on the same side of the bed, when Steve gets a real one, or that one of them is a closet smoker and the other is a neat freak. But honestly, can you stand that? I know I couldn’t. In this day and age, you nut jobs find every ludicrous reason to ignore the perfect person standing in front of you. So I’ll just save you the frustration of the unknown, and we’ll take a little look-see.
STEVE walks out on stage. The crowd cheers and he gives them all a nod with his cowboy hat tipped down low. They get louder.
steve
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I know there’s gotta be one or two of you in my crowd.
The audience cheers and laughs.
steve
Folks, I’m going to make you a promise tonight. I am going to do everything in my power to entertain each and every one of you.
Women...
(cheers from the women)
I promise to make your thighs quiver.
(hoots and catcalls)
Men, just keep watching the women, you’ll thank me later.
The crowd laughs and cheers again.
steve
But I have to confess to you all, that I’m a little worse for the wear tonight.
(The crowd awws, a happy/guilty grin comes over his face)
I’m afraid I didn’t get much sleep last night.
The crowd hoots and cheers. Steve makes swatting gestures and shakes his hand, clearly he’s just playing at being appalled.
steve
Now, why you all gotta assume the worst of a man?
The crowd laughs, and pretty soon Steve is as well. He starts nodding.
steve
Ok, yes, that was involved, but still. Not the point. Friends, I am going to tell you something that is going to get me one of two things. It will either get me another sleepless night.
(pauses while the crowd goes wild)
Or... it will get me a night on the couch.
(the crowd awws again, and some women boo)
Now it’s true... I am hoping for the former. But I’m willing to deal with the latter as well. Folks, as many of you know, it’s been a very good year. The last album, My Voice, left rave reviews in its wake.
(pauses for the crowd to settle)
And I’m even looking at a couple of cool little nick-nacks for the “Steve Rock’s Room.” Cause you know we all should have one, don’t you?
(The men cheer)
But something far more amazing than all that happened and I want to tell you all...
(he pauses and puts the mike back on the stand)
Actually, hang on a sec.
Steve runs rather comically to the backstage area. He reemerges, carrying Ellie around her waist. She is laughing and bats at his back once. The crowd is laughing and cheering as he jogs her up to the mike.
steve
Hey folks, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.
Steve turns Ellie around and makes her face the crowd. He pulls her against his shoulder and wraps an arm around her waist. She is laughing the entire time.
steve
Say hello.
ellie
(laughing, she gives a little wave)
Hello.
The crowd applauds and several of the men catcall.
steve
Now you say “thank you”, for their warm greeting.
ellie
(shakes her head at him, then addresses the crowd)
Thank you, the “Hot Damn” I heard from one guy really helped.
The audience laughs and cheers, as they had done earlier for Steve. Steve is laughing and buries his head in her neck, which elicits some hoots from the audience.
ellie
Oh, please don’t encourage him.
Steve looks at her sternly, and the audience laughs, though the women are more vocal.
steve
Can I introduce you now?
ellie
(she looks at the crowd with irony)
Now, that would be too obvious.
They playfully bicker, to the audience’s delight.
steve
You are such a pain in the...
ellie
Hey, careful, this is a family show.
steve
You’re killing me here. May I just introduce you now?
ellie
Much better. Yes, you may.
steve
Thank you.
They both turn back to the audience, with silly grins on their faces. Steve wraps his arms around Ellie’s waist and she lays her head on his shoulder.
steve
Ladies and Gentlemen; allow me to introduce to you, Mrs. Ellie Lauer, my wife.
The crowd cheers as Steve lifts her left hand with his own, showing their matching ring set. They are both wearing a Celtic knot set in slightly wider band of silver. His ring is just a little bit thicker than hers.
steve
I just wanted to introduce you properly. People, this is Ellie.
(cheer)
Ellie, these are my people.
Ellie turns towards in his arms, so she’s faced against his side. She smiles.
ellie
Hey, don’t forget. I’m one of your people to. I started out as just another one of your people.
steve
True, but I think they’ll understand that you’re now my favorite of my people.
The crowd awws and cheers. Ellie kisses him tenderly, which elicits more reaction from the crowd. Ellie pulls away from the kiss with a grin, while Steve buries his head in her shoulder.
ellie
(to crowd)
Yes, ladies, that’s how I did it, right there.
The women laugh and cheer, and Steve is clearly chuckling as he comes up and gives her a quick kiss.
ellie
Now play some music for these people already.
Steve
(smiles and tips his hat)
Yes ma’am.
He gives her a peck on the cheek. She turns to go, but acts like she just forgot something, and turns back.
ellie
Oh, and I’m sorry boys, but the...
(air quotes)
“...Steve Rock’s Room” isn’t going to be around much longer. It’s about to be put to much better use.
Steve laughs as she grins at him and starts to walk offstage. Suddenly his eyes go big, as he realizes what she’s hinting at. He gives the “one second” gesture to the audience and runs to stop her. He gets to her before she is off stage.
insert: cu of steve and ellie
Steve looks at Ellie in shock and tenderness. He has to talk a little loudly to be heard over the crowd, even near the back of the stage.
Steve
(out of breathe)
Seriously?
Ellie
(grinning)
I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t have done that, but I couldn’t help it.
steve
Are you serious?
ellie
(smiles broadly)
Yes, I am
The crowd goes wild as they see Steve nodding emphatically after Ellie nods. He starts screaming and picks her up and spins her around. Then he gives her an almost in appropriate kiss
steve
I love you so much.
ellie
I love you too.
(kisses him)
Now get your ass out there and play.
She kisses him again, and then walks offstage. He stares after her a second, then runs back out to address the crowd.
steve
Folks, it would appear next year is only going to be better yet!
(pauses while the crowd cheers)
I don’t know about you all, but I’m ready to rock!
Steve’s band comes out and they start getting a beat going. The music quiets.
fate (v.o.)
So, you might be wondering one thing. Why would I put so much effort into those two? Well, there are two reasons. First, Ellie is right about Steve’s music. It’s good stuff. And you have no idea how much use I can get out of a good song. Music is a great source of inspiration, and it comes in handy in my line of work. The second reason is...
(single laughing sound)
... they deserve each other. What can I say; I’m a bit of a romantic.
The music comes back up.
Fade out.
© CleverTitania.com 2009
