INT. MANSION – BEDROOM – DAY
Tessa is in front of a mirror, primping herself for her date night. Her evening dress is hanging over the door. The CAMERAMAN and assorted hangers-on are watching/taping her. She starts to unbutton her shirt but then looks over at them.
TESSA JONES
Do you mind?
They all begin to crowd out of the bedroom. Tessa grabs the arm of the Cameraman as he heads out the door.
TESSA JONES
Hey, I feel like this Claire girl is getting most of the camera time.
CAMERAMAN
No offense lady, but there’s more chemistry going on there.
He pats his camera.
CAMERAMAN (CONT’D)
Makes for better shots.
Tessa leans in closer.
TESSA JONES
How about, tonight, at the hotel suite, I make sure the curtains stay open. If you film from outside the hotel, you should catch it. I’ll show you some real chemistry.
Tessa passes him a fifty-dollar bill. The Cameraman considers it and shrugs.
CAMERAMAN
Sure.
TESSA JONES
Tonight, at the hotel suite. Don’t forget.
EXT. FRONT OF THE MANSION – SUNSET
David holds the limo door open for Tessa, who’s dressed like an old Hollywood movie star. Again he waits as the cameraman and Nelson get into the car before he gets in.
INT. LIMOUSINE – SUNSET
David and Tessa hold up their champagne glasses.
DAVID VERDIN
Cheers.
He doesn’t wait for Tessa, just downs the glass.
EXT. RESTAURANT PATIO BY THE OCEAN – NIGHT
It’s the same restaurant from Claire’s date. Tessa has only picked at her plate. She’s talking while David does his best not to listen. He’s obviously had a few too many at this point, and is downing another glass of wine.
TESSA JONES
I really missed you after I left. It made me realize that I’d made a mistake.
David flags down the WAITER.
DAVID VERDIN
You don’t do Jaeger shots here, do you?
WAITER
No sir, sorry sir.
DAVID VERDIN
Just another glass then, thanks.
TESSA JONES
Are you listening to me?
David looks at her in an exaggerated fashion, as if studying an elephant with two trunks.
DAVID VERDIN
YOU ARE READING
Love in Reality
RomanceDavid Verdin is the CEO of a company that sells as-seen-on-TV products. He wishes he were sitting on a pile of money, but he hasn't had a good idea in years, and he hasn't been exactly responsible with his earnings. So when his friend offers him the...
