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turning to page one
We HEAR MUSIC under a room full of people all talking at once, as Lester and Carolyn enter a hotel ballroom. We FOLLOW THEM as they pass a SIGN that reads:
GREATER ROCKWELL REALTOR RESOURCES GROUP
CAROLYN
--everyone here is with their
spouse or their significant other.
How would it look if I showed up
with no one?
LESTER
Well, you always end up ignoring me
and going off--
Inside the ballroom, well-dressed real estate professionals stand in clumps, chatting. Catering waiters serve hors d'eouvres.
CAROLYN
Now listen to me. This is an
important business function. As you
know, my business is selling an
image. And part of my job is to
live that image--
LESTER
Just say whatever you want to say
and spare me the propaganda.
CAROLYN
(spots someone)
Hi, Shirley!
(to Lester)
Listen, just do me a favor. Act
happy tonight?
LESTER
(grins stupidly)
I am happy, honey. Carolyn's jaw
tightens, then:
CAROLYN
(spots someone)
Oh! Buddy!
She drags Lester toward a silver-haired MAN and his much younger WIFE. We recognize the Man as BUDDY KANE, The Real Estate King.
CAROLYN (CONT'D)
(shakes Buddy's hand)
Buddy! Buddy. Hi! Good to see you
again.
BUDDY
It's so good to see you too,
Catherine.
CAROLYN
Carolyn.
BUDDY
Carolyn! Of course. How are you?
CAROLYN
Very well, thank you.
(to his wife)
Hello, Christy.
CHRISTY
Hello.
CAROLYN
My husband, Lester--
BUDDY
(shakes Lester's hand)
It's a pleasure.
LESTER
Oh, we've met before, actually.
This thing last year. Or the
Christmas thing at the Sheraton.
CONTINUED: (2)
BUDDY
Oh, yes.
LESTER
It's okay. I wouldn't remember me
either.
He LAUGHS. A little too loudly. Carolyn quickly joins in.
CAROLYN
(forced gaiety)
Honey. Don't be weird.
She smiles her most winning smile at him. He knows this persona well, only it's never pissed him off as much as it does right now.
LESTER
All right, honey. I won't be weird.
(his face close to hers)
I'll be whatever you want me to be.
And he kisses her--a soft, warm kiss that speaks unmistakably of sex--then turns to the others and grins.
LESTER (CONT'D)
We have a very healthy
relationship.
BUDDY
I see.
Carolyn's smile is frozen on her face.
LESTER
Well. I don't know about you, but I
need a drink.
He crosses off. Carolyn, Buddy and Christy watch him go.