· · ·

96INT. HENRY’S APARTMENT. NIGHT.

Henry’s bedroom is filled with paintings and sculptures from the fifties and sixties. He puts on a slow jazz record and sits down across from Etheline at a small table with a vase of roses, two bottles of wine, and three candles on it.

Henry has on pale-blue silk pajamas. Etheline wears a cream silk nightgown. The doors to the balcony are open, and there is a gentle breeze. They look at each other fondly for a minute.

HENRY

Would you like another glass of wine?

ETHELINE

Yes, please.

Henry refills Etheline’s glass. He clinks his glass against hers and takes a small sip. She drinks her whole glass all at once. Henry looks uneasy. Etheline says suddenly:

ETHELINE (CONT’D)

Maybe we’re rushing things, Henry.

HENRY

(relieved)

You’re right. It’s awkward sitting here

in our pajamas and everything. We don’t

have to do this right now. Let’s just

try and have a nice time.

ETHELINE

OK.

Henry gets up and changes the record to a more upbeat number.

HENRY

Yes, I think we’re both a little uneasy,

and there’s no need for us to force

anything. There’s no hurry. Let’s just

-

ETHELINE

Actually, I should go.

Silence. Henry nods. He looks disappointed.

HENRY

Can I, at least, offer you some dessert?

Henry points to a dessert cart with a lemon meringue pie, two cheesecakes, a bowl of strawberries, a chocolate mousse, and a crepe suzette on it. Etheline hesitates. Henry quickly strikes a match and sets the crepe suzette on fire. His napkin catches on fire, and he dips it in his water glass.