Take Me to Euroheaven

SCENE 8

INT. ALI'S ROOM - DAY

Mini and Ali enter a big room with two beds. One side of the room is heavily used, the other side is not.

MINI

Here we are. That's your bed.

Mini takes out a bunch of things from a drawer.

MINI

Here are your towel, slippers, condoms and lube--

ALI

Why are you giving me rope?

MINI

It's our standard package. You can unpack there. The bathroom is right outside. Chill for a bit and I'll show you the rest of the house, OK?

ALI

OK, Mini, and thanks again so much!

MINI

Don't thank me. Just marry me.

After a peck on the lips, Mini leaves. Ali sits on the bed. Wistfully, he looks at a happy picture of David, Matt and himself on his phone.

Then he decides not to sulk, takes a deep breath and jumps up with a smile. At that exact moment, VLAD (30) walks in, fresh out of the shower but startled by Ali, he drops his towel. Ali covers his eyes, a naked Vlad covers his crotch. Then he grabs and wraps the towel around his waist.

VLAD

(in Russian) Oh shit! (in English) I'm so sorry!

ALI

No, I'm sorry, I scared you.

VLAD

You must be Ali; I'm Vlad.

Ali, still covering his eyes, extends his hand out to shake Vlad's, albeit not in the correct direction.

ALI

Vlad to meet you, Glad.

Vlad laughs and takes his hand.

VLAD

You can open your eyes now.

ALI

Don't worry, I saw nothing.

VLAD

(looks down) Should I be insulted?

ALI

(laughing) Thanks for sharing your room with me. I know Mini made you.

Vlad chuckles, gets behind a wardrobe door to get dressed.

VLAD

I'm happy to help. I meant to tidy up but couldn't find the time.

ALI

It's fine. I love these drawings.

VLAD

Thanks.

ALI

Russia's got talent! (pointing at the drawings) That's Sergey. That's Dima. Is the VB design your initials?

VLAD

Oh, yeah.

ALI

Either yours or Victoria Beckham's.

Vlad gets out from behind the door.

VLAD

Actually I like her too! When I was a child my sister had a Spice Girls band. And one of the girls was the, erm, Chicken Pox Spice, you know? So I used to stand in for Posh.

Vlad gives the peace sign like a Spice Girl. Ali laughs.

ALI

I was a baby.

VLAD

I can tell.

ALI

No, not the Baby Spice, I was an actual baby.

VLAD

(laughing) Oh, right.