THE STORY OF BETH

by Rock Shaink Jr.

fade IN:

INT Townhouse living room -Thanksgiving nIGHT

An attractive array of ADULTS are gathered in this festively decorated New York City townhouse.  CATERERS diligently offer mixed drinks and canapés as the guests mix and mingle.

The doorbell chimes as the MAID scurries to let in MIKE KALVIN and BETHANY BELYEAH.  Mike, in his early thirties, is wearing an overly festive turtleneck and is beginning to show a receding hairline. Beth is a late-twenties, conservatively dressed, vision of innocence.  She wears a nice dress, not too flashy, but elegant.  They intertwine with the crowd.

The doorbell chimes again, this time revealing EVAN PELCHET And RENEE GAYLE.  Evan is a mid-thirties, unassuming kind of handsome, with brown hair and a slight smile.  Renee looks the part of an empowering businesswoman in her early thirties.  A two-piece suit, short brown hair, and light makeup complete her image.

iNT TOWNHOUSE kitchen -LATER

Evan sits alone tucked away on the floor.  He's drinking a beer under the unapproving eyes of the caterers.

Beth sneaks in, trying to flee the party.  She is almost hovering over Evan when he finally speaks.

Evan

Trying to escape?

beth

(surprised)

Oh.  No, I just needed to find...

Beth looks around for something, finally settling for a fork.

bETH

Well, yes, maybe I am.

Evan

Here alone?

bETH

No.  I'm with someone.

Evan

That boring?

bETH

No, they...well, maybe a little.

Evan

Aren't they all though?

BETH

Some are nice.  I met a few....

Evan

Oh don't worry; I don't blame you for escaping.  There's only so much mingling anyone should have to live through.

Beth smiles in agreement, loosens up and sits by Evan.

bETH

I know.  I always picture these parties as what it's like to be famous.

Evan

Only in New York.

bETH

What do you mean?

Evan

In New York any kind of celebrity is seen as a conversational target.  Every guy on the street feels that if a celebrity is in public, that's reason enough to strike up a conversation.

bETH

Really?

Evan

Sure.  I remember seeing Derek Jeter down on Forty-Second by the library, surrounded by people who felt obligated to a conversation with him.

bETH

Well he deserves it; I hate the Yankees.

Evan

I have to agree with you there.  I think that's the kind of thing I love about New York- the abrasive manner of the people.

bETH

I hate it.

They share a laugh.

bETH

Okay maybe I don't hate it.  But I'll admit I'm not that big a fan of the city either.

Evan

(sarcastically)

How can you not fall madly in love with this city?

bETH

It's too- I don't know, stuffy.  You don't know ninety-nine percent of the people, but at least twenty percent of them know what you're doing.  In fact, I don't think I've had any privacy in the past five years.

Evan

I guess that's just something you get used to. 

Evan takes a swig from his beer.

eVAN

So how did you end up in New York if you blatantly despise it?

BETH

Try being a modern dance instructor in rural Ohio!

Evan

Modern dance.  I've always wondered how  someone becomes involved in that?

bETH

I was really into cheer-leading growing up...

(off Evan's look)

I know what you're thinking.  All cheerleaders are blonde and can barely spell their names.

Evan laughs as he moves to the fridge.  He offers Beth a beer as he grabs himself another.

bETH

No thanks, I shouldn't.

Evan begins to close the fridge door.

beTH

Well- maybe one.

Evan opens the beer and hands it to her.  He leans against the counter.

beTH

Anyway, I was doing all of these contests for the cheerleading thing, and I started to realize how mundane it was.  So I applied to a local arts school; and as the instructor would have put it...

Beth stands and does a small hand pirouette.  She leans on the counter opposite Evan.

bETH

I discovered myself.

Evan

So why the big city of loathe, not somewhere else?

bETH

I was offered a job instructing for a dance school over on the West Side, and the rest is history.

Evan

So you live somewhere you hate, so that you can teach something you love.

They both share a smile.

bETH

Balanced, right.

Both sit silent for a moment as a CATERER walks between them.

bETH

How about you?  What do you do?

Evan

Well- when I'm not writing about the Yankees, I tend to write about my love for the city.

Beth stares at him nervous.

Evan

Kidding.  Seriously though, I write fiction, and I watch the Red Sox.

bETH

Wow, that's amazing!

Evan smiles, the smile he's done a million times when someone realizes he's a writer.

betH

I didn't think anyone liked the Red Sox anymore.

Evan's smile falters.

Evan

What's not to like?  Six painstaking months a year followed by an "almost".

He swigs his beer as Beth pats his arm in playful sympathy.

bETH

So, what kind of fiction?

Evan

Probably nothing you've seen.  A few books, small time stuff.  Nothing they're making a movie out of.

Beth's eyes light up.

BETH

Wait, I know where I know you from.  You teach a seminar at the New School, don't you?

Evan hangs his head in mock shame.

Evan

Guilty!

bETH

I've seen your picture around town.  Is it just for fiction?

Evan

Just fiction.

bETH

(curiously)

Good money in fiction?

Evan

Livable.

bETH

Why don't you write screenplays?

Evan laughs.

Evan

I swear- you're my agent in a woman's body.

bETH

What?

Evan

My agent, he's been riding me to write a screenplay for years.

bETH

So why don't you?

evAN

And she goes for the jugular.

(beat)

I guess it has something to do with- well, I guess I'm afraid of destroying a good story.

Evan swigs his beer, and thinks.

evAN

Besides, what's wrong with fiction?  Doesn't anyone read anymore?

bETH

When I can't afford the movie.

Beth smiles playfully.

bETH

So what are you writing now?

Evan

I'm working on a novel about...

Mike walks in mid-sentence.  Evan and Beth straighten up. 

Mike

There you are!

evAN/beth

Yeah!

Beth and Evan exchange glances as Mike notices Evan.

mIKE

Hey buddy, where the hell you been?  You know Renee's been searching!

Evan lifts his beer and shrugs.

mIKE

Oh, Evan I want you to meet my date:

Evan, Beth; Beth, Evan.

Evan

Wonderful to meet you.

bETH

Likewise.

They shake hands and smile.

Evan

I suppose I should go find the significant other before she calls in a search party.

mIKE

We'll be out in a second.

Evan exits the kitchen.  Mike leans to the fridge, and grabs a beer.

mIKE

That's the guy I was telling you about.  We've been best friends since high school.

Beth watches him go.

mIKE

He's a great guy.

Caterer

They're serving dinner now.

iNT TOWNHOUSE living room -cONTINUOUS

Beth and Mike exit the kitchen and head upstairs to the dining room.  Beth watches Evan wrap his arm around Renee.  They laugh with the COUPLE they are talking with.

mIKE

If they'd had me cook dinner tonight, we would have eaten on time.

Beth breaks her glance and smiles at Mike.

iNT TOWNHOUSE dining room -lATER

An immense dining table is surrounded by some thirty or so PEOPLE.  An array of designer clothing is draped upon this upper class mix, ranging in age from their twenties, to their late forties, with a few exceptions.

As the HOST finishes up her speech Evan turns his attention to an unaware Beth.

host (O.s.)

And I want to thank you all for being part of what has become a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition...

Evan's glance returns to the host as the people raise their glasses in cheer.  Evan and Beth meet eyes until Renee leans in and kisses Evan full on.  He opens his eyes to Mike raising his glass to him for a personal cheer.

iNT TOWNHOUSE living room -lATER

Evan and Renee are arm-in-arm saying their "good-byes" at the door.  Evan turns to Mike and Beth as the maid returns with the wrong coat.

renee

(belittling)

No, this isn't my coat either.  Black with grey, not black and grey.

Evan watches Beth excuse herself from Mike.

Evan

Honey, why don't you go with her to find your coat.  I'm going to go say bye to Mike.

rENEE

I guess I'll have to if I want to leave tonight.

Evan follows behind Beth, but is pulled aside by MARCUS.  Marcus is a man in his late forties.  Both his clothing and demeanor are quite conservative.

marcus

Evan, my friend.  How's the writing?

Evan looks to the hall Beth has retreated to, and back to Marcus.

evAN

Good, good.  How are things with you?

maRCUS

Alright.  Work is well.

evAN

How is Renee doing there?

marCUS

Great.  She's moving right up the ladder.   In fact, I may get a raise for recommending her.

evAN

I knew she was perfect for the job.

Evan looks to the hall again as a WOMAN exits.

evAN

Marcus, really great to see you, but you'll have to excuse me, I really have to use the rest room.

maRCUS

Of course, if you have to go, then you have to go.

iNT TOWNHOUSE lower hall -cONTINUOUS

Evan turns the corner to see Beth standing behind an ELDERLY WOMAN in the bathroom line.  He quietly slides behind her unnoticed. 

Evan

Hi!

bETH

(startled)

My God.  I didn't see you!

The elderly woman acknowledges the new addition to the line behind her.

elderly woman

(in a loud tone)

Hello!

Evan

Hi!

bETH

Hi!

eLDERLY WOMAN

Isn't this party lovely!

bETH

Absolutely.

Evan

Wonderful!

eLDERLY WOMAN

Except that artichoke spread.

(attempting to whisper)

Makes you gassy.

Evan and Beth nod their heads in agreement.

Evan

Well I hope it was worth it.

eLDERLY WOMAN

What's that dear?

Evan

Oh.

(raising his voice)

I said, "Yum," I like it.

A MAN exits the bathroom, and the elderly woman makes her way in.  Evan and Beth stand silently until they're alone.

Evan

Mike's a good guy.

bETH

Yes, he is.

Evan

Not boring.

bETH

No.

(startled)

Oh.  No!  I didn't mean he was boring.

Evan

Don't worry about it, I can keep a secret.

Beth winces.

Evan

At least until my next novel.

Beth playfully hits him in the arm.  This creates an awkward comfort between them.  They stand silent as the elderly woman exits the bathroom.

eLDERLY WOMAN

False alarm.

Both smile as the elderly woman farts.

eLDERLY WOMAN

(to Beth)

You may want to wait a few minutes though dear.

Evan

(to the elderly woman)

Let me escort you back to the party.

eLDERLY WOMAN

Oh, why that would be lovely.

Evan

(to Beth)

See you at Christmas.

bETH

What?

Evan

Christmas.  Same thing, someone else's house.

eLDERLY WOMAN

Did I ever tell you about the time I ate crab cakes at this...

Beth watches Evan escort the woman to the main room.

BETH

(to Evan)

Didn't you have to use the bathroom?

eXT basketball court -dAY

It is a winter day.  The courts have been shoveled off, leaving piles of snow along the side.  Evan and Mike play a game of one-on-one.

Evan

So, how was New Hampshire?

MIKE

Same as it was when we went to school there.

Evan

Figured as much.

mIKE

Except that I was looking at it all from the living room couch after eating half a turkey.

Evan

We ate quite a bit ourselves.

mIKE

I saw your parents at the town parade.

Evan

They weren't too pleased we couldn't make it this year.  But, by the time Renee was out of work, and...

mIKE

Hey, you don't need to feed me excuses.

Mike half steps to the left, then slips right to the hoop.  They return to the point to go again.

mIKE

Yeah, they were sad you didn't make it. But they asked me the craziest thing.

Evan

What?

MiKE

They wanted to know...

(beat)

Nah, never mind!

Evan

What?!

mIKE

It's nothing, never mind.  Promised I wouldn't tell.

They both grin at each other.

Evan

Wouldn't tell?  We tell each other everything.  And half the time it's things I still wish I didn't know.

mIKE

Everything?

Evan

Everything!

Mike stops for a moment.

mIKE

What color undies was Renee wearing last night?

Evan

(playfully)

Screw you!

mIKE

(mocking Evan)

Everything!

Evan

Wait, that's right, I remember now. They were red- the same color I'm going to knock out of your nose.

Evan jokingly chases Mike around the court, still playing ball.

mIKE

Violence, look out.

Evan corners Mike.

Evan

Come on!

mIKE

Alright, alright.  They asked me if you and Renee were gonna get married soon.

A sudden mood spoiler stops both.

Evan

Oh!

mIKE

Yeah.

They sheepishly play on.

mIKE

So, what is happening with you two?  You've been together for what, three years?

Evan

Four.

mIKE

Any future plans?

Evan

I don't know.  In a way I feel like we already are married.  But other times, we're just two very different people.

They play silently for a moment.

Evan

What about you?  You ever think about it?

mIKE

What, marriage?  Maybe someday.  You know, if I meet someone worth it.

Evan

(intrigued)

What about Beth?

Mike misses his shot as Evan rebounds.

mIKE

Beth?  Beth's great- plus she's wild in the sack.  Loves it when I...

Evan

Okay, okay.  Seriously though, no plans?

mIKE

Who knows?

Mike steals the ball.

mIKE

You know what I do know?

Evan

What?

Mike pushes toward the basket.

mIKE

I definitely told your parents Renee was pregnant.

Evan

Funny!

Evan aggressively blocks Mike, who continues in for more.

mIKE

A little Evan on the way.  Told them it was going to be a surprise at Christmas.

Evan

Keep it going.

Mike shoots the final shot, winning the game.  They head towards the benches laughing.

EXT city street -DAY

Evan is bundled up and scurrying along a cold and snowy street.  As he passes, business OWNERS are busy decorating their shops for Christmas.  He enters a small diner.

iNT diner -cONTINUOUS

This nostalgic-looking diner is decorated with Christmas spirit.  Evan takes off his coat, and hangs his bag, while exchanging hellos with most of the STAFF and the counter girl JESSIE.

jessie

Hey Evan!  The usual?

Evan nods.

Evan

Thanks, Jessie.

Evan scans the booths and does a double take on Beth walking out of the bathroom.

bETH

What are you doing here?

Evan

Just getting something to eat.

bETH

(Re: Jessie's remark)

The usual?

Evan

I guess you could say I've kind of become addicted to their fries.

bETH

(confused)

O-kay?

Evan

Right!  So, what about you, I thought you lived uptown?

Beth points to SHANNON BRASHFORD.  An attractive and tall model type in her late twenties.

bETH

I do.  But, two times a week I meet my friend Shannon here for a late breakfast.

Evan looks at his watch.

Evan

Yes, I believe four in the afternoon would constitute a late breakfast, wouldn't it?

bETH

Better late then never.  Why don't you join us?

Evan

I couldn't.

(lifting his bag)

I have work to edit.

Beth grabs Evan's arm.

bETH

Come on, just for a minute.  I'll even share my toast and jam.

Beth pulls Evan to the table.

Evan

Oh, how can one resist the power of toast and jam.

bETH

(introducing)

Shannon, I'd like you to meet Evan.  Evan, this is Shannon.

Evan and Beth sit in the same side of the booth.

sHANNON

So, you're the writer Beth talks about.

Evan smiles at Beth.

Evan

I didn't know I was talked about.

bETH

I was telling her about Thanksgiving.

Evan

Oh, right.

sHANNON

And how handsome you looked.

Beth kicks Shannon under the table.

bETH

A-hem!

(embarrassed, to Evan)

Sorry.

Evan

Nothing to be sorry over.

Jessie arrives with Evan's fries.

evAN/BETH

Thanks Jessie!

The table shares a laugh.

bETH

Seriously, all the way to the Theater District just for the fries?

Evan

Well, if I told you I assembled a team and searched all the diners in the five boroughs for better, you'd think I was crazy, right?

Evan smiles at both laughing women.

Evan

No.  I used to live on Forty-Eighth and Ninth, above the Spanish restaurant- El Deportivo, I think?  Anyway, I came to town with very little money.  The diner was close, quiet and cheap.

bETH

And apparently they have the best fries.

Evan

No one compares.  Try them before you doubt their power.

bETH

No, thanks!

sHANNON

Can't.  Need to stay fit for the camera.

Evan

Model?

sHANNON

Actress!

Evan

Anything I've seen?

sHANNON

Only if you watch Saturday morning kid's shows.

Evan

Sorry, can't say that I do.

sHANNON

It's okay.  It seems that only the men I date do...and that's actually a bit scary.

Beth reaches for a fry and Evan playfully slaps her hand.

bETH

Ow!

Evan

Sorry, one-time offer.

Beth smiles and grabs a fry as Shannon's cell phone rings.

sHANNON

(on phone)

Hello!  What?  When?  Okay, where is it?

She frantically grabs a napkin and a pen from her bag.

sHANNON

Okay, great.  I'll be there in twenty.

Shannon hangs up her phone and grabs her things.

bETH

Good news?

sHANNON

Commercial audition.  Last minute call-back for a tampon ad.  I have twenty minutes to get to Union Square.

evAN

Don't want to be late for that.

Shannon frantically stands while gathering her things, as Evan and Beth share a laugh.

bETH

Good luck!

sHANNON

Thanks, I'll call you.  Evan, great to meet you.

Evan

You too, good luck!

sHANNON

Thanks.

Evan and Beth watch Shannon hastily exit the diner and jump in front of an oncoming cab.  They laugh until they realize the tension of them being alone.  They sit in silence for a moment.

Evan

Want to go for a walk?

bETH

Sure.

eXT central park -late afternoon

They walk along the plowed sidewalks of a snow-covered park.  The sun begins to fade.

Evan

I love the city in the winter.

bETH

And the fact that heat is included in my rent.

Evan

Well yes.  But I love what the snow does to the city.  It covers up everything, and displays it as a beautiful white cloud.  It allows you to forget what's really underneath, and to just imagine what you really want to be there.

bETH

It really puts a new perspective on the city, doesn't it? 

Evan stops and squares up to a bench.

evAN

Here it is.

Beth looks around and laughs.

beTH

What?

evAN

My favorite place in this city.

Evan wipes snow off the bench.

beTH

This is your favorite place?

evAN

Yes. 

Beth looks at the surroundings, and nothing special presents itself.

beth

Why?

Evan sits on the bench, and takes in his surroundings.

evAN

This is where I wrote my first novel.  I've always returned here because it is where I've done my best work, and had my best ideas.

Beth steps off the walkway towards the bench.  She stops, looks at her feet and laughs.

bETH

I forgot how much I love this sound.

Evan

What sound?

Beth steps around in the snow, making that SQUISH noise we all know. 

bETH

Listen to it.  I don't know why, but it's always been comforting.  A reminder of when we were kids, I suppose.

Evan steps off the path and walks around in the snow making the same noise.  He smiles innocently.

Evan

I guess it is.

bETH

Not as comforting as this though.

A snowball comes whirling into Evan's chest.  Beth laughs hysterically.

Evan

Oh, and you think that was funny!

Evan grabs a handful of snow and tosses it at a retreating Beth.

bETH

(giddy)

Missed me, missed me!

They continue throwing snowballs at each other.

eXT Central park west -lATER

Evan and Beth come walking out of the park covered in snow.

bETH

See, I told you.  Starbucks, Fifty-Ninth Street.

Evan

I swear I've walked by here a million times.

bETH

Well I'm here almost every morning before work.

iNT starbucks -nIGHT

Evan and Beth sit at a window seat dripping wet snow.  They sip their coffees, smiling at each other. (never eye to eye)

bETH

So Mike tells me you...

Evan's cell phone rings.

Evan

Sorry.

(on phone)

Hello!  Hi!  No, I'm still on the West Side.

Beth's smile fades.

Evan

(on phone)

Oh nothing, just stopped for coffee.  Alright I'll pick it up.  Which cleaner?  Okay, that's the one on York, right?  Okay, I'll see you then.

(beat)

Right, what?  I did!  No, I just did. I love you.  Okay, bye.

Evan hangs up and looks back at an absorbed Beth.

Evan

Sorry about that.

bETH

(nonchalantly)

No problem.  She is your girlfriend, right.

Beth shines a fake smile.

Evan

Right, yes she is.

Beth looks at her watch.

bETH

Oh my, it's late.

Evan looks at his watch as Beth stands.

bETH

I'd better get going.  Lots to do before tomorrow.

Evan

Right.  And I've got dry-cleaning to pick up.

beth

Right.

eXT sTARBUCKS -mOMENTS LATER

Evan and Beth exit Starbucks, still sliding into their winter outerwear.  They stop, glance at each other and settle on a quick hug.

bETH

Goodbye.

Evan

See you.

They turn in opposite directions and walk off.  After a few steps Evan turns back, realizing he has one of her mittens.

Evan

Beth.

Beth hears him, but continues on.  Evan hastily walks toward her.

Evan

(yelling)

Beth.

Beth stops and hesitantly turns to come face-to-face with Evan.  Evan is visibly nervous.

Evan

I, um.  I have your mitten.

Evan hands her the mitten, and she sighs, expecting more.

beth

Thanks!

Beth turns to leave.

evAN

I, I also wanted to tell you I had a wonderful time today,

(looking at the darkening sky)

tonight, with you.

bETH

Me too.

Evan

And, I'm not sure if it's okay, but I thought maybe, if you wanted, we could do it again some time.

Beth looks at him confused.

Evan

As friends!

bETH

Right, friends.  Sure.

Evan

Okay, definitely.  Um, should I get in touch, or...

beTH

How about...  Well, my studio, it's called Danser.

Evan finds a pen and paper in his coat, and begins to write.  He stops almost immediately, and realizes he doesn't know how to spell it out, and hands them to her.  Beth writes the name of the studio down, and returns the paper to him.

Evan

D-a-n-s-e-r.

(beat)

French?

beTH

That it is.  Dance- danser.

evAN

Great name.  So then, I'll see you soon?

bETH

Okay.  Have a good night.

They are so close you expect them to kiss.  Beth hesitates, and then turns first.

iNT Evan & Renee's bedroom -nIGHT

The bedroom is a modern design, yet still holding some of Evan's conservative pieces.

Evan sits up in bed with his lamp on, and a book in his hand.  Next to him in the dim light is Renee, fast asleep.  Her body looks miles away.  Evan glances off at nothing.

iNT beth's living room -NIGHT

Beth sits on the floor of her artfully decorated, yet cramped one bedroom apartment.  Her entire apartment consists of one bedroom, and an everything else room resembling a studio split into areas.  She drinks wine, and holds a folded dance magazine, but she stares out at nothing.

iNT fancy restaurant kitchen -DAY

Evan enters through the back door of this elegantly large commercial kitchen and scans the room.

Mike enters from another door, his arms full of steaks.

mIKE

Hey, look who it is.

Evan

How's work?

Mike drops the steaks on the counter.

mIKE

Oh you know, cook, cook, cook.  About the same.  What about you?

Mike preps the steaks.

Evan

I was just walking through the neighborhood.  Thought I'd stop in and say hello.

mIKE

You want something to eat?  Just got these strips in.

Evan

No.  The maid put together some omelettes this morning, I'm still full.

Mike points to a cluster of bottles.

mIKE

Pass me that.

Evan looks a long line of seasonings that could be potential "that's."

Evan

Um?

mIKE

The white container with red writing.

Evan hands Mike the seasoning.

mIKE

Thanks.

Mike sprinkles the seasoning on the steaks.

Evan

So what are you doing tonight?

mIKE

I got tickets to that blues festival down in the Village.  Figure I'd take Beth out, show her a good time.

Evan

Sounds great.

mIKE

Why?  What are you doing?

Evan

Nothing.  Probably rent something.  Renee's out of town for work again.

mIKE

Come along with us?  I'm sure there'll be tickets at the door.

Evan

Actually, I think I might get dinner with Lisa.

mIKE

There you go!  You two, dinner, a movie, you know.

Mike stops prepping to make some sexual motions, closely resembling a rodeo cowboy.

Evan

What?  No, come on, I've been with Renee for four years.

Mike returns to work.

mIKE

Okay, but admit it, she's a fox. Hell, I'd jump on that opportunity in a heartbeat.

Evan

Well we're just friends.  Besides, I could never do that to Renee.

mIKE

If you say so, you're a better man than me.  I just hope your only reason isn't because you've been with Renee for four years.

Evan

What's that supposed to mean?

mIKE

Just saying.  This isn't a length competition. 

Evan

I know. 

(beat)

I love her, you know.

mIKE

You don't gotta convince me.

Evan

Okay. 

(beat)

Well, I'm going to run.  Have fun at the festival.  I'll talk to you later.

mIKE

Hey, I didn't mean anything by that length thing.  I'm just talking crazy, you know.

Evan

I know.

Evan exits out the back door.

mIKE

Tell Lisa I said hi.

iNT fancy italian restaurant -nIGHT

Evan sits at a table with LISA LANDOLFI.  She is an attractive Italian woman, slightly older than Evan.  She is dressed very fashionably.

Evan

And she's been on my mind ever since.

lisa

That's nothing!

Evan

Nothing?

lISA

Let's see.  You haven't slept together, kissed, or even talked on the phone.  You can get away with more than that in the meat-packing district and still have nothing.

Evan

But I want to.  That's the problem.  What does that say about my relationship with Renee?

lISA

It says you have a cock.  You're a man.

Both laugh as a passing WAITER gives Lisa a startled glare.

lISA

Seriously Evan, it doesn't say anything. You're just like everyone else in this department.  Do you think Renee thinks about you and only you?

Evan thinks about Lisa's comment.

lISA

You're human.  We all have a need to seek something new, a new stimulation.

Evan

I know, I know.  It's just this girl- I feel like she's more.  As corny as it sounds, she's what I've been looking for.  It feels like I had forgotten what I wanted until I met her.

lISA

Then maybe you need to take a look at what you want now, and what you want for the future.  You and Renee have been together for three years...

Evan

Four.

lISA

You can't always plot out your life Evan.  Maybe what you miss is the newness of you and Renee.  You need to mix things up at home.  Maybe what you feel now for...what was her name?

Evan

Beth.

lISA

Maybe what you feel for Beth is what you miss feeling with Renee!

Evan

I don't know.  I love Renee, I do.  It's just, Beth- she makes me feel something I haven't felt in a long time.  She makes me feel like the person I want to be.

Lisa sits up, somewhat taken aback.

lISA

Maybe you should call her.

Evan shakes his head.

Evan

I can't.

lISA

Why not?

Evan

She's Mike's girlfriend.

Lisa gives Evan a stunned look.

Evan 

(off Lisa's look)

I know, I know.  But it's not like I planned this.  I didn't sit and decide, I think tomorrow I'll start falling in love with my best friend's girlfriend, and while I'm at it, why don't I do it all right behind my girlfriend's back.

lISA

"Falling in love?"

Evan

Figure of speech.  I don't know what it is.  I have feelings for someone I can't have feelings for.

iNT dessert shop -dAY

Beth sits at a table in this '50s replica dessert shop.  She sits by the window enjoying her sundae; people watching.

eXT dessert shop cITY STREET -DAY

Evan walks along the street past the dessert shop.  He slows and back steps in front of the shop.  He sees Beth waving from inside.

iNT deSSERT SHOP -cONTINUOUS

Evan enters and walks to Beth's table.

Evan

Hi!

bETH

H-hello.

They're both nervous.

Evan

How have you been?

bETH

Fine, you?

Evan

Keeping busy, writing.

Both pause for a moment.

Evan

You know, I haven't heard from you since...

Mike returns from the bathroom.

mIKE

Look who it is.

Evan is startled.

Evan

Mike, hi!

mIKE

What are you doing here?  You hate sweets.

Evan

Oh, I saw Beth and...

Evan eyes Mike's coat.

Evan

Your coat.  Thought I'd stop in and say hello.

Mikes gives Evan an off-beat look.

mIKE

My coat?  O-kay.

Evan feels Mike's coat.

Evan

(convincingly)

Well it is a nice coat, isn't it?  Hard to miss.

Mike eyes his coat, then Evan.

mIKE

Yeah, it is a pretty nice coat, isn't it. 

Mike begins to sit.

mIKE

You staying?

Evan

No, I can't.  I have to meet my agent downtown.  Big meeting.

mIKE

Okay.  What are you doing later?  Wanna shoot hoops?

Evan

Give me a call.

mIKE

Alright, see you later.

Evan

Bye.

Evan turns and exits, but pauses once outside.  Once out of Mike's view he waves to the aware Beth.

mIKE

Do you think he was acting a little weird around me?

bETH

(giggling)

I don't know.

iNT Drew's office -dAY

Evan is lying on the leather couch of an elegantly designed office.  He is reading a copy of VARIETY and drinking an EVIAN.

DREW HEIFETZ, a tall and lanky, yet handsome Englishman in his late thirties enters the room.  He is closely followed by four ASSISTANTS fighting for his time.  He spots Evan.

drew

That's what I like to see.

He signs a few papers then dismisses the assistants with a wave of his hand.

Evan

Me laying across your leather couch?

Drew circles around his desk to the bar.

dREW

No.  You thinking of finally writing films.

Drew lifts a bottle of scotch as Evan sits confused.

dREW

Drink?

Evan realizes the copy of "Variety" he's holding.

Evan

No.  And not quite.

dREW

It's too bad.  I've been doing a lot of work in film.

Evan

Not for me.

Drew tops off his glass, ignores Evan, and moves over to the chair beside the couch.

dREW

Slowly involving myself more-and-more in production.  A few commercials, I make the connections, and I already know the people.  Speaking of which, we were talking about you the other day.

Evan

Me?  What about?

dREW

About buying the movie rights to one of your books, having you adapt.

eVAN

Not interested.

dREW

That's what I told them.  So they suggested we just find a fresh college grad and hire them to adapt it.

Evan's face shows a calm distress.

Evan

Fine.  If you want to buy it, it's yours.

dREW

Good.  That's what I  told them.

They sit silent for a moment.

dREW

So do you have any pages for me?

iNT Evan & RENEE'S APARTMENT OFFICE -NIGHT flashback

Evan sits staring at his blank screen.  The cursor blinking away, producing nothing.

iNT drew's office -day

Evan

I have pages.  I'm just reworking them a bit before..

dREW

Before? Before I die?

Evan

(solid)

I just want them to be right.

dREW

Still battling with the writer's block, are we?

Evan

No.

dREW

I've often wondered what you teach in your seminars, when you yourself can't write?

Evan

I can write.  It's just a momentary thing.  The holidays and everything.

dREW

The holidays didn't start over the summer.

Evan

(annoyed)

Really?  Thanks for pointing that out.

Another silent moment.  Drew sips his drink and smiles.

dREW

Did I tell you about this woman I met?

Evan

No.

dREW

The other day we were shooting a commercial.  Beautiful that one.

Evan leans back and looks at Drew with amusement.

Evan

What does she do?

Drew pauses; embarrassed.

dREW

I know what you're going to say.

Evan

About what?

Drew braces himself for the reply.

dREW

She's an actress.

Evan sits back with a big grin.

Evan

He's fallen.

Both share a laugh.

dREW

I know, I know, but she's great.

Evan

They always are in the beginning, aren't they.

DREW

I'll chance the "I told you so".

Both laugh as Drew gets up for another drink.

dREW

How about you?  How's life?