ALEX's HOUSE - DINING ROOM EVENING
JACK, very dressed up, is putting the final touches to a beautiful table setting. He's very excited about something. He stands back and has a look. Smiles in satisfaction. But wait ... He sees a flower whose position is less than perfect. His adrenalin soars with panic ... he rushes over ... repositions the offending leaf ... steps back ... not sure. He walks around the table, eyes focused on the flower. He examines it from every possible angle. He realises what's wrong. He picks up the whole arrangement, stops, turns it a millimetre to its left, and replaces it. Stands back. Satisfied. He hears someone at the door. JACK puts his hand to his heart. JACK: (praying) Please, please, let this go well. He heads to the door. Stops. Crosses himself: "Father, Son, Holy Ghost". Beat. He checks that God saw that. ALEX walks in the front door. ALEX: (O/S) Hello? Jack? JACK: In here ALEX enters and sees the table. ALEX: (surprised) Wow ... this looks great! JACK beams with pleasure. ALEX gives JACK a quick kiss of affection and appreciation. JACK: Well, I knew you'd have a long day at work, and I had the whole day off, so I thought the least I could do was to feed the man meat. ALEX: Great - I'm starving. I'll just change into something more comfortable. ALEX notices JACK's good clothes. ALEX: (covering) You know, like a tuxedo? They laugh. ALEX: I'll just go wash up ... ALEX exits. JACK, meanwhile, checks his reflection in a shiny spoon, pats his hair, and puts the flower arrangement back to how it was in the first place (a millimetre to the right). He exits (to the kitchen). JACK: (Calling out) I hope you're hungry. ALEX: (Calling back) Starving. JACK returns with two entrees. ALEX arrives at the same time. JACK: Good. If sir would like to take a seat. ALEX sits and JACK serves the entree. END OF FIRST PAGE |