EXT. LINUS' MANSION - NIGHT (LATER)
James walks with Marco. They approach REESE, KEENAN, and XANDER late 20's), as they all take shots off a tray from Gus.
MARCO - Just in time.
Marco takes two shots and hands one to James. They all cheers and take the shot. James grimaces (starting to get drunk).
MARCO (CONT'D) - Guys, this is James Ritter. I wanted to introduce him around.
REESE - You were in One Night in Europe, right?
JAMES (in awe) - Yeah... That's me.
KEENAN - Well, I'm Keenan, pleasure.
JAMES - I know exactly who you all are.
(correcting)
Not-not in a creepy way, but it's --
REESE - We get it.
JAMES - It's just that this is a dream come true. I can't believe it.
MARCO - Actually, Xander here is working with us on that project I was telling you about.
(to Xander)
Told James here, he should come on with us. Keep that high going from his last project.
Xander shurgs -- why not?
XANDER - The more, the merrier.
James takes a sip but is met with the sound of only ice.
KEENAN - That ice taste good?
Everyone laughs. Keenan grabs another drink from Gus.
KEENAN (CONT'D) - Here, this might be better.
JAMES - Yeah, sorry. I-I'm just a little nervous.
XANDER - Little nervous?
REESE - For what? We don't bite.
James sheepishly laughs. Marco looks to Keenan -- you got the stuff?? Keenan takes out a bag of coke.
KEENAN - This'll help the nerves.
He holds out the bag for James. James appears hesitant.
KEENAN (CONT'D) - Take it.
James looks to everyone -- all eyes on him.
JAMES - Yeah?? I dunno... I never really got into it.
REESE - Please, you're an actor in LA. There's no way.
MARCO - One little line won't kill ya, will it?
An uncomfortable beat. They pressure James with their stare.
JAMES - Fine, fuck it.
James acquiesces. Keenan pours a line of coke on a credit card and holds it for James.
XANDER - There you go!
They all watch James begrudgingly lean in to snort the line.
JAMES - Do I just snort it, or...?
MARCO - Yeah, just one quick snort.
James winces. He SNORTS half the line and pulls back. He appears nearly in pain, as he wipes his nose.
REESE - Ah! He couldn't finish it.
They all laugh at James' expense, as James gets his bearings.
MARCO - I have him covered.
Marco takes the credit card and finishes the coke. As the excitement subsides, James looks around with slightly widened eyes. They all eagerly await his reaction.
KEENAN - Well??
The coke kicks in for James.
JAMES - Fuck that hits you.
ANTHONY (O.S) - Well, well, well...
Anthony walks up to the group.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - I see you're taking care of my James
MARCO - Your little James just did his first line.
Anthony puts his arm around James like a proud father.
ANTHONY - Finally, came around!
James smiles from his acceptance from everyone.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - But I gotta run.
(to James)
You can stay if you want.
(jokingly)
Seems like you're in good hands.
MARCO - We'll take care of him.
ANTHONY (to James) Is that good with you?
JAMES - Yeah-yeah I'll stay here.
ANTHONY - Perfect.
(to everyone) Have fun guys.
They all say their "bye's" as Anthony exits. Xander calls out to a Staff Member.
XANDER - Another round!
YOU ARE READING
LA Monster (Screenplay)
General FictionAfter visiting Los Angeles for just four days, I knew I had seen enough to write -- what I believe -- is an eerily accurate depiction of what this place means to a lot of people. LA Monster is a screenplay about an aspiring actor that moves to Los...
