I wrote this short scene as an exercise for a writing group I joined. I didn’t intend it to be anything more, but I am interested in the characters, so I may develop it further.
First Date
by
James Beattie Morison
www.dynamiclethargyfilms.ca
***
INT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
It is late and there are only a few other people in the
restaurant. MARCEL, a waiter, in his late 20s stands next to
a table. JEFFERY, a man in his late 50s or early 60s, uses a
credit card machine to pay the bill. SUSAN, a woman about
the same age sits across from Jeffery. Jeffery finishes with
the credit card machine and returns it to Marcel.
MARCEL
Thank you very much. I hope you
enjoy the rest of your evening.
Marcel smiles at Jeffery and walks over to the kitchen door.
Once he is behind Jeffery, he turns briefly to give a slight
nod to Susan. Susan smiles back. Marcel stands by the
kitchen door and scans his eyes across the people in the
restuarant. Jeffery and Susan sit in silence for a few
moments. They both look slightly embarrassed.
SUSAN
I really enjoyed our time together
tonight. I liked your funny
stories.
JEFFERY
I enjoyed your stories too.
They are both silent for a few seconds.
SUSAN
We must thank Clarice for
suggesting we meet.
Jeffery smiles and nods.
SUSAN
I haven't been out on a real date
for a long time. I don't know what
the dating rules are nowadays.
(pause)
I hope I'm not breaking any of them
if I ask you out.
(pause)
It'll be my turn to pay.
JEFFERY
I don't know the rules either.
(pause)
We can make the rules whatever we
want them to be.
(pause)
and yes, I accept your invitation.
SUSAN
Good. I see that you've been
properly trained.
Jeffery gives a gentle laugh and smiles at Susan.
JEFFERY
My wife was a good teacher.
They both are silent for a few moments. Each preoccupied
with their own thoughts. Jeffery frowns while Susan's face
shows a glint of anger.
SUSAN
Training my ex was like teaching a
dead parrot to play the piano.
Jeffery looks up and gazes off into the distance. Susan
notices that Jeffery is distracted. She briefly brings her
hand up to her mouth.
SUSAN
You really miss her, don't you?
Jeffery nods and looks down at the table. He breathes
heavily. Susan watches him in silence.
SUSAN
I'm sorry.
Jeffery nods again, then looks up at Susan. His eyes
glisten. His voice is hoarse.
JEFFERY
Don't worry. I'll be OK.
Jeffery pulls out his cell phone and checks the time.
JEFFERY
I guess we better call it a night.
Susan and Jeffery get up and walk toward the exit.
SUSAN
I'll give you a call Thursday.
Jeffery nods and gives her a wan smile. After they leave,
Marcel comes over to clean up the table. As he picks up the
dishes, he looks out into the parking lot. Jeffery gets into
his car and drives away. Susan watches him go. She turns
toward the restaurant and gives a thumbs up. Then she gets
into her car and drives away. Marcel smiles.
***
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