FADE IN
INT. TRENDY CLUB - NIGHT
1996 - Credits roll over a man in nice club. His name is ANDY
ROGERS, 25. He is wandering around the club drinking a soda
looking at women. He is a plain man, out-of-style-glasses sit
perched upon a once-badly broken nose that is featured
prominently on his face. If you look up computer geek in the
dictionary, his picture may be displayed. It's been a while
since he has seen a barber, but it is entirely possible that
he cuts his own hair. His choice of clothing more functional
than stylish; off-brand khakis and a too-large button-down
shirt adorn with the remains of lunch. He tries to approach a
woman and is shot down just by a timely raise of her eyebrow.
INT. VENTURE CAPITALIST OFFICE - MORNING
Andy pitching his website, SellitFree.com to venture
capitalists. He points to a simple hand-made chart. The chart
reads "Estimated Home Internet Users" It has columns showing
1997, 1998, 1999.
The VC's glance at each other skeptically.
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER
Andy is walking out, rejected again.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Andy on a bad date. Andy is on a date and looks very
uncomfortable sitting across from woman. He spills some sauce
on his shirt and she laughs at him.
INT. ANDYS APARTMENT - NIGHT
A dark apartment. Sparse, but clean. The only light comes
from a brightly-lit aquarium. Colorful fish swim happily in
the well-kept aquarium. The door opens, it's Andy and he's
carrying a bag from the fish store and one from McDonalds. He
walks over to the tank and greets the fish.
ANDY
Hey Bill, Jeff, Larry, Meg..
where's Pierre? Oh, there you are.
How are you guys tonight?
He opens the bag from the fish store.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Here's a new friend.
Andy slides in bag with filled with water and another
brightly colored fish into the top of the aquarium.
ANDY (CONT'D)
This is Linus. Linus say hi to
Bill, Jeff, Larry, Meg and Pierre.
He reaches in the bag once more and pulls out a bag with
blood worms, a tropical fish treat.
ANDY (CONT'D)
And a special treat because I've
been working so much lately.
He feeds the fish their treat and sits in front of the tank
to eat his own dinner.
INT. ANDYS OFFICE - LATE NIGHT
2002 - In a small office, Andy is hunched over a computer
typing furiously. He reaches for his Pepsi. It's gone. He
looks at his cheap watch. 3:15 a.m. He yawns then slides down
to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag.
INT. OFFICE BUILDING - AFTERNOON
2005 - The camera follows the halls and meeting rooms of a
medium size company. Inside the office building, people in
their 20's and 30's are partying hard. Expensive bottles of
champagne are being poured over heads. Half-naked men and
women run wild, kissing and hugging each other. This is what
75 instant internet millionaires looks like. The camera stops
at an opened office door. A nameplate on the door reads
Andrew Rogers.
INT. NICE EMPTY OFFICE - AFTERNOON
An older Andy sits in a much larger office now. A bottle of
beer sits on his desk. He is talking on the phone while
holding up a check and looking at it. An older man sits
across the desk from Andy. He is INVESTIGATOR BOB, a large,
scary man.
ANDY
(looking at the check)
I said I can't help you.
(beat)
Yes, I was the president. But, I'm
not anymore.
(beat)
Why am I here? Good question.
We finally see the check he has been staring at. It is a
check for $130 million dollars!!
ANDY (CONT'D)
You will have to take it up with
the new legal department.
(beat)
Their number? Sure here, let me
transfer you.
He hangs up without transferring the call and opens a large
envelope and retrieves three files. The names on the files
are: ROBERT HEALY, MELISSA WHISBY, and PHIL CUMMINS. He looks
at them as a young man knocks on the open door. Andy looks up
to see JASON, early 30's, head programmer. Jason is holding a
bottle of champagne as he leans against the door.
ANDY (CONT'D)
What do you need Jason?
JASON
Thanks for the party.
ANDY
Don't thank me. I'm not paying.
JASON
Well thanks anyway. It's been quite
an experience working for you.
ANDY
Okay, anything else?
Jason is bummed. He thought that finally Andy would become
one of them, maybe become have a little fun.
JASON
You going to come have some drinks
with us?
ANDY
I don't know. I'm a little busy
wrapping things up.
JASON
I understand. I'll leave you alone.
ANDY
Thanks Jason.
From behind, an attractive young woman grabs Jason and starts
kissing him. They fall out of the doorway.
Andy smiles and goes back to the files, opening the first
file, Robert Healy. Pictures scatter on the desk.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Sorry Bob. Things are a little
crazy around here.
INVESTIGATOR BOB
I tracked down all of the old
friends you ask about. I had my
assistant record a cassette with
all the information that's in the
files.
Andy is looking at various pictures on his desk. Picture of
Bobby at graduation, pictures of two dirty boys ages 8 and
10, his wife, their house, his place of employment, their
minivan.
INVESTIGATOR BOB (CONT'D) (V.O.)
(CONT'D)
Robert James Healy, Bobby, thirty
four years of age, born Detroit,
Michigan, Graduated from Redford
Township High School, barely,
married to Theresa Ordman. They
have two kids who are headed for
reform school. He's a press
operator for Moore Machine
Engineering for 13 years. Bobby's
supervisor, Ken Trellac, owes big
gambling debts. Bobby and Theresa
owe $18,000 in credit card bills.
Bobby owes $84,000 on the house. He
drives a rusty four-wheel-drive
pickup. Theresa is a part-time
records clerk at a local hospital
and drives an eight year old mini
van. They make about $44,000 with
her salary. Hobbies include
drinking beer and baseball cards.
Andy almost smiles.
ANDY
Still into baseball cards.
INVESTIGATOR BOB
Your friend isn't exactly living
the American dream.
ANDY
He wasn't my friend.
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Westland Elementary School - 1979"
A group of eight-year-old boys are gathered around a boy
sitting on a smaller boy. The smaller boy, Andy, is almost
crying. The larger boy, Bobby, is obviously enjoying being
the tormentor.
BOBBY
I want that baseball card.
ANDY
No, it's mine.
BOBBY
It's just one card. I want it or
else.
ANDY
No!! My dad gave it to me. You
can't have it.
BOBBY
So what? Have him get another one
for you. Oh, I forgot, he's dead.
ANDY
It's special. Get off me!!
Andy is struggling. Bobby is enjoying the torture.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Get off of me. I gotta go pee.
Andy really has to go. He begs.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Please Bobby, I really gotta go.
Bobby just laughs. Tear wells up in his eyes. He stops
struggling. Andy wet his pants. Bobby notices and jumps off
Andy.
BOBBY
Shit, Andy did pee his pants!!!!
The other boys laugh at the smaller boy.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
(Laughing)
Hey Pee Boy.
The other boys gather around Bobby, joining his laughing.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
(Chanting)
Pee Boy. Pee Boy. Pee Boy.
The other boys join in the chant. Andy runs away, crying.
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Westland Elementary School - 1981"
Bobby and Andy, now 10 year old boys, are fighting. Actually
only Bobby is fighting, Andy is trying to avoid the kicks and
punches of the larger Bobby.
BOBBY
You told on me for copying, I know
you did, you little snitch. I got
suspended for three days. My dad's
going to kill me.
ANDY
I didn't-
The flurry of punches subsides and Andy lifts his head to
look and is greeted by a hiking boot to the nose. Andy is out
cold. Bobby reaches down and into Andy's pocket. He pulls out
a baseball card. A 1954 Topps Al Kaline card. Andy's father's
favorite player. Andy's prize possession.
BOBBY
I told you I'd have this card one
day.
The screen goes black.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Andy asleep in a hospital bed, his face and head bandaged.
The unseen doctor speaks to Andy's unseen mother.
DOCTOR (V.O.)
He has a concussion and a severely
broken nose that require surgery in
the future. He need to stay
overnight and we will release him
in the morning. Just a precaution.
A tear slides down Andy's cheek.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Redford Union High School - 1988"
Nerdy Andy is now 17 and trying to talk to a girl by her
locker. He is attempting to ask her on a date.
ANDY
If your....um..not doing anything
...would.. would .. you like…
Bobby comes strolling down the hall in his varsity jacket,
surrounded by some teammates and cheerleaders. He runs his
hand through his cool mullet.
BOBBY
(Yelling to the girl Andy
is about to ask out)
Is Pee boy going on a date? Better
watch out, he might pee on you
while you are making out!!
The boys and girls all laugh at the comment. Andy looks down,
red-faced, ashamed. As Bobby walks away, Andy looks up at
him, eyes burning with years of hatred.
The girl he was asking out is ashamed too. She just turns and
slowly walks away.
INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE - EVENING - PRESENT DAY
SUBTITLE:"A Former High School Star Athlete – Present Day"
A sloppy, overweight Bobby is sitting on the couch with the
television remote and a can of beer. His dirty t-shirt barely
covers his beer belly. He is only in his 30's but appears
much older. Baseball cards are sitting on the table in front
of him. Bobby looks reverently upon them, his pride and joy.
His boys chase each other, wrestling around the living room.
Bobby belches loudly.
BOBBY
Hey, you animals, go outside. I'm
here with my cards.
The boys turn and flip him off then run out the front door.
Bobby smiles like a proud father and finishes the beer.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
Hey, T, bring me a beer.
His wife THERESA, 32, comes in the room, putting in an
earring. She could still be pretty with a little work, but
can't afford the time or money to do anything for herself.
THERESA
Bob, dinner is in the crock pot.
I'm late for work. Can you get your
own beer?
BOBBY
Come on… just get it you're up. I'm
tired, I work all week. I put food
on the table. At least you could
get me a damn beer.
As usual, she does as ask. It's just easier than arguing.
THERESA
Fine. Will one beer be enough, or
should I pack you a cooler?
Bobby thinks about this. Not a bad idea.
BOBBY
Do we have a cooler?
She brings the beer and walks away.
THERESA
(under her breath)
Maybe a catheter so you don't have
to get up to use the bathroom?
BOBBY
What?
THERESA
Nothing.
INT. ANDYS OFFICE - LATER - PRESENT DAY
Andy gets up and looks at his former employees having fun,
bring happy.
INVESTIGATOR BOB
Do you want me to go over your
other two friends?
ANDY
They weren't my friends. I'll read
them later.
Andy looks around and finds an envelope. He hands it to
Investigator Bob.
ANDY (CONT'D)
That will cover everything
including the flights and hotel
room, and the cameras.
Investigator Bob opens the envelope and looks at the check.
He is very satisfied.
INVESTIGATOR BOB
Thanks. The cameras are fantastic.
The guy who built them can't tell
the difference.
ANDY
Where are they going to be placed?
Investigator Bob counts out loud.
INVESTIGATOR BOB
The lamp cam for the living room,
one in the coffee maker in the
kitchen, a radio cam for the
bedroom and two clock cams for the
business office.
ANDY
He put one in the coffee maker?
INVESTIGATOR BOB
He's a savant with those things.
Use to make them for medical use
but that got to boring for him.
ANDY
How far does the server need to be
to pick them up?
INVESTIGATOR BOB
Suppose to have a range of about a
thousand feet.
ANDY
Awesome. When are they going to be
ready?
INVESTIGATOR BOB
Give me a week. Then set up the
server and watch them anywhere you
have internet access.
ANDY
I am truly impressed. I'll be
calling you soon.
Andy rises. Inspector Bob gets up and shakes Andy's hand.
INVESTIGATOR BOB
Whatever you need, Mr. Rogers.
INT. ANDYS APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
Andy's apartment is almost bare except for a few boxes.
Moving men are there picking them up. Some people are there
carefully catching the fish and placing them in a bucket.
Andy is on the phone.
ANDY
Hey, Mark, it's a done deal. I got
the big check.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Seated in a nice office, Mark Goss, 34, is lawyer without
looking like a lawyer. Dressed casually, he may be lacking
the killer instinct that most motivated lawyers have. Maybe
it's because he's just made millions on the sale of Andy's
company. Mark picks up a check.
MARK
I got one too. They sent it Fed-Ex.
And a shirt.
ANDY
How's everything?
MARK
Everything's all set. I'm in the
new office right now.
INT. ANDYS APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
ANDY(O.S.)
Good. I have some things to take
care of first, then I'll be there.
I emailed you a list of more people
I want hired. They work for Cummins
Information Service.
MARK
Didn't you use to work there?
ANDY
Same place. Hire them and get a
list of their customers. I want to
put Cummins out of business.
MARK
What do I offer them to leave
Cummins?
ANDY
Won't have to offer them much, Phil
is a cheap ass. Don't use my name.
MARK
Got it. Anything else?
Andy picks up the Bobby file from the desk.
ANDY
I need you to hire a woman. Her
name is Theresa Healy. She's a
records clerk at Mott Hospital. Pay
her forty-five or fifty grand and
benefits.
MARK (O.S.)
What do you want her to do?
ANDY
Anything she's remotely qualified
for.
MARK (O.S.)
Old girlfriend?
ANDY
Wife of a schoolmate.
MARK
(repeating)
Wife of a friend.
ANDY
He wasn't my friend.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - AFTERNOON
MARK
Got it. I'll get her hired.
Anything else?
ANDY (O.S.)
Not that I can think of. I'm
finally getting my nose fixed. I'll
be in for a few days recuperating.
MARK
See you when you get here.
INT. ANDYS APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Andy walks over to Ginny, the young woman catching his fish.
ANDY
Are they going to make the trip
safely?
GINNY
Yep, they should be fine. I'm going
to fly them out myself. They will
have their own seat. Just call when
the new tank is set up.
ANDY
Great, I will. May be a couple of
months until I'm settled.
GINNY
No problem. You must really like
these fish to spend this much. Most
people who move just flush them
down their toilet.
ANDY
I could never do that, they aren't
just fish, they are my friends.
INT. BANK INTERIOR - MORNING
Andy is waiting for the bank manager. The customer leaves the
bank manager JOE PRISOCK, greets Andy with a hearty
handshake. JOE is an young man who dresses like a Wall Street
Banker.
JOE PRISOCK
Andy, my man. What's going on?
How's everything?
Joe has a knowing smile.
ANDY
Excellent. It's excellent.
JOE PRISOCK
Internet godfather made you an
offer you couldn't refuse. It's
awesome.
Andy's turn to smile.
ANDY
More than I expected. I'm not
complaining.
JOE PRISOCK
Those venture guys are so pissed
they didn't have a piece.
ANDY
They didn't want to talk to me when
I started it. You did. And I
appreciate that.
JOE PRISOCK
They like low risk, risk. I like to
invest in the idea. And you had a
great idea. And I appreciate the
stock options.
Andy smiles.
ANDY
I need to do something with this
check. I need some cash too.
He hands Joe the check, who looks at it. He tries to be cool,
but can't help it.
JOE PRISOCK
Fuck me. That's a shitload load of
numbers.
ANDY
(Smiling)
I need some cashiers checks.
JOE PRISOCK
How much?
ANDY
I don't know. Enough to buy a
couple houses, cars.
JOE PRISOCK
I'll make it a half million in
cashiers checks.
ANDY
I want to leave 20 million in your
bank, 20 million transferred to
this bank account in Detroit.
Andy hands him a slip of paper.
ANDY (CONT'D)
And the rest transferred to a
brokerage account.
Hands him the last slip. Joe writes down the information.
JOE PRISOCK
How much cash do you want?
ANDY
How much do you have here?
Joe smiles.
JOE PRISOCK
Got time for lunch? My treat.
INT. TOPLESS BAR - AFTERNOON
Andy and Joe are in the bar sitting at a VIP table. Strippers
swarm them like, well, like strippers on a couple of
millionaires. Mounds of twenty dollar bills litter the table.
Joe notices Andy's discomfort.
JOE PRISOCK
Loosen up. This is supposed to be
fun.
ANDY
I'm having fun.
He's not having very much fun. He actually looks scared.
JOE PRISOCK
You look like you rather be hunched
over a computer.
It's the truth, he would rather be over a computer.
ANDY
I'm okay. I just don't relate well
to women face-to-face.
Andy looks slightly uncomfortable as a stripper rubs her
fake breasts on his face.
JOE PRISOCK
It doesn't look like you're face-to
face right now.
Joe laughs. Andy doesn't.
JOE PRISOCK (CONT'D)
What are you going to do for the
rest of your life?
He backs away slightly. He is clearly afraid of her.
ANDY
I'm not sure. I think I have enough
to live on for a while.
JOE PRISOCK
You're 33?
ANDY
Yep.
Joe does mental mathematics.
JOE PRISOCK
You can spend six thousand a day in
here until you are 92 years old.
Andy looks around. Smiles a little.
JOE PRISOCK (CONT'D)
You staying in the area?
ANDY
No. Going home to Michigan for a
couple months. Going to get a new
car and take my time going there.
Unwind.
JOE PRISOCK
What kind of car?
ANDY
Not really sure yet. Thinking about
a Saab Wagon.
Joe is nearly disgusted.
JOE PRISOCK
Are you sure you're 33?
Andy nods.
JOE PRISOCK (CONT'D)
Then why are you buying a station
wagon that is designed for an upper
middle class housewife to drive
their kids to tennis and piano
lessons?
ANDY
It's not a station wagon.
JOE PRISOCK
Yes it is.
ANDY
They are safe, reliable.
JOE PRISOCK
That how you want people to think
of you? Safe and reliable?
A stripper comes between them. Joe speaks to her.
JOE PRISOCK (CONT'D)
Crystal, what do you think of a man
who drives a Saab wagon.
CRYSTAL
(dismissive)
I don't really think of them.
JOE PRISOCK
And why is that?
CRYSTAL
Because they are family men who are
booooorrrrrrring.....
Joe looks at Andy.
JOE PRISOCK
See?
ANDY
So I should base my car-buying
decision on what a woman who takes
her clothes off for a living
thinks?
JOE PRISOCK
Can you think of a better reason?
Andy thinks about this.
ANDY
What do you suggest Crystal?
CRYSTAL
Something fast. Exotic.
JOE PRISOCK
Porsche. Definitely Porsche.
EXT. PORSCHE DEALERSHIP - AFTERNOON
Andy pulls into the dealership and parks his 1993 Honda
Accord. He is dressed casually, jeans and a generic polo
shirt, old running shoes, carrying a briefcase.
INT. PORSCHE DEALERSHIP - MOMENTS LATER
He walks in and looks at the black 911 GT2. He opens the door
and climbs inside. The leather feels fantastic. This car is a
young mans dream machine. A salesman walks over. He is
dressed in an ill-fitting double breasted suit(off the rack,
not tailored), wearing too much cheap cologne. He is not in
the mood to answer questions or waste his time with this
young man.
SALESMAN
Can you be helped?
He yawns and checks the time on his fake Rolex.
ON WATCH
It ticks, not sweeps. An obvious fake, "Rolex" is spelled
"Rolax"
ON ANDY
ANDY
Actually, you can. It is exotic,
how fast does it go?
SALESMAN
(very snotty)
It's very, very fast and very, very
expensive.
This salesman is a complete asshole.
ANDY
What about the mileage? What kind
of mileage does it get?
SALESMAN
People who can afford the fine
piece of German craftsmanship do
not have to worry about the price
of gas.
The salesman turns his back and walks away.
ANDY
(Loudly)
What about people who can afford it
but are interested is conserving
fuel?
Andy thinks about how stupid the gas mileage argument is and
walks out the door.
EXT PORSCHE DEALERSHIP - MOMENTS LATER
Andy is at his old car. He looks around at the Porches. He
wants one.
ANDY
Fuck him.
Andy starts walking back in the dealership.
INT. PORSCHE DEALERSHIP - MOMENTS LATER
Andy walks over to a desk where a young man, BRENT is
working. Brent is a low-key salesman and he looks like he
should be selling Chevys to hard working folks, not high-end
luxury sports cars.
BRENT
Hi, can I help you sir?
ANDY
I hope so, how much is that car?
BRENT
Do you mean the black GT2? Nice
car.
ANDY
Yes, I want it. I want to drive it
out the door today.
Brent punches some numbers on the computer.
BRENT
Car, taxes, title, delivery, prep,
total of $196,830.
ANDY
That the only one you have?
BRENT
I'm afraid it is the only one we
have at this time.
ANDY
Then I'll have to take this one.
How much commission will you make
on this car?
BRENT
I'm not sure, I've never sold a
GT2.
Andy feels empowered by the money. It's intoxicating. His
demeanor even his physical stance is transformed.
ANDY
What's that other salesman's name?
(pointing to the other
salesman)
That asshole who wouldn't sell me
the car.
BRENT
His name is Chris.
ANDY
(shouting)
Hey Chris.
Chris looks over and rolls his eyes.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Hey polo, come here, I want to show
you something.
Chris walks over to them. Andy smiles at him.
ANDY (CONT'D)
I want you to watch this.
Andy opens his briefcase and removes a thick stack of $100
dollar bills. Chris is unimpressed.
CHRIS
That's just wonderful. Get a new
printer? Or are you a drug dealer?
Andy smiles.
ANDY
(to Chris)
I want you to tell me to stop when
I get to the amount of commission
for selling this car.
He starts counting the bills out. After about 40 of the $100
bills.
BRENT
I think that's about right..
Chris scoffs at this.
CHRIS
How would you know? It would be
more, much more.
Andy counts out about 20 more.
ANDY
This closer?
CHRIS
Yes, that's close.
Andy takes the money and hands it to Brent. Brent stands with
his mouth open.
BRENT
What is this?
ANDY
It's a bonus.
Brent is speechless. Andy turns to Chris.
ANDY (CONT'D)
How's it feel there, polo? That's
about six grand sitting in his
hand. It could be yours, you could
be celebrating tonight, bragging to
all your salesmen buddies about
your big sale, but you fucked up.
You couldn't even give me the gas
mileage. You were too big, too
important. How's it feel now,
sporto?
Chris turns and walks away.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Here sporto -
Andy throws a hundred dollar bill on the ground.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Thanks for your most valuable time.
And another thing, real Rolex hands
sweep, they don't tick. Just for
future reference.
Chris stops and considers picking it up, but his pride
doesn't allow him to bend down. He covers his watch with his
hand and walks away.
Andy turns back to Brent.
ANDY (CONT'D)
When can you have it ready?
BRENT
Ready to what?
ANDY
Ready for me to drive off the lot.
In the background Chris walks near the hundred dollar bill on
the floor and casually tries to move it with his foot.
BRENT
About two hours.
ANDY
I want it. I'll leave some cashiers
checks for part and I'll pay the
rest in cash when I pick it up,
okay?
BRENT
(Astonished)
Yes, sure, fine. But we have forms
to fill out to satisfy the
governments prying eyes, you know.
ANDY
Everything is straight. Call
whoever you need.
BRENT
Great.
ANDY
Can you suggest a restaurant close
and pick me up when it's ready?
BRENT
Yes, absolutely, I'll come pick you
up myself. Do you have a trade-in?
ANDY
Great. No trade-in. You'll need
these.
Andy gives him some cashiers checks, his drivers license and
turns to leave. Brent sits, still stunned at what has just
happened. Just before he leaves, Andy turns.
ANDY (CONT'D)
By the way, what kind of mileage
does it get?
EXT. BUS STOP - AFTERNOON
Andy pulls his car into a parking lot next to a bus stop. He
pulls his duffle bag and briefcase from the back seat and
walks over to a 50ish woman standing, waiting for the bus.
ANDY
Ma'am? Excuse me, but I was
wondering if you have a car?
WOMAN
(Backing slowly)
Yes, I have a Cadillac and a
Jaguar, I just ride the bus for the
stimulating odors.
(beat)
Do you think I would be waiting for
the bus if I had a car? What do you
want anyway?
ANDY
I want to give you my car.
(he points to it)
That green one over there. I have
the keys and title right here.
He pulls the title out of the briefcase.
WOMAN
Is this real? Are you crazy? Get
out of here, you're scaring me.
Andy moves closer. She readies her purse to hit him.
WOMAN (CONT'D)
I'll hit you if you come any
closer…
He backs away.
ANDY
Really, I want you to have it, I
just sold a business and have lots
of money. I'm buying a new car and
I want you to have my old one. It
runs well.
WOMAN
(looking around)
Am I on TV? Is this one of those
reality shows?
She smiles, looking for a camera.
ANDY
Please, take it. Here, I'll give
you some money for insurance, too.
Her eyes light up.
WOMAN
You're going to pay me to take your
car? Well, I don't care if you are
crazy honey, I do need a car.
She reaches for the stuff from his hands and quickly backs
away.
ANDY
Thank you very much, it means a lot
to me that you get this car.
The woman checks the VIN, making sure it's all legitimate.
She is satisfied that it is the right car.
WOMAN
What kind of mileage does it get?
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Andy is sitting there listening to a small tape recorder play
the assistant reading the highlights of the next file,
Melissa Whisby. Pictures show her then and now, was and still
is pretty. Her daughter, her house.
ASSISTANT'S VOICE (V.O.)
Melissa Marie Whisby. Married at
20, now divorced. One daughter,
Samantha, who is six.
Works as an administrative
assistant. Makes $8.75 an hour. Ex
husbands whereabouts unknown. Owns
a small house in a deteriorating
part of town. No boyfriend. She
drives a ten-year-old Taurus.
EXT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Westland Elementary School Playground - 1982"
Andy walks near a group of girls. The tallest, an 11-year-old
Melissa, calls out to Andy.
MELISSA
Hey Pee-boy, when are you going to
get that nose fixed? I can't even
look at you look at you while I
eat.
The girls laugh.
ANDY
It costs a lot of money to get that
done.
MELISSA
And we can all tell by your clothes
that you're poor.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
I guess Pee-Boy is Poor Pee-Boy
The girls laugh and point at him.
EXT. SCHOOL GYM CLASS - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Pierson Junior High School Gym - 1985"
A junior high gym class is in session. In half the gym some
boys play basketball. Some boys just stand around and watch
the girls on the other side of the gym. Andy stands alone
watching a cute girl talk with her friends. They giggle and
point at Andy. He shyly looks off to the side, secretly
hoping they are talking about him. The camera pulls back to
a 14-year-old Melissa is sneaking up on unsuspecting Andy.
Most of the girls are watching Melissa. She sneaks up behind
and pulls his shorts down. His privates are out for everyone
to see. The other kids laugh. Andy runs off, tripping on the
shorts around his ankles.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Redford Union High School - 1989"
Andy standing by his locker. Melissa and her cheerleader
friends walk past.
MELISSA
(to her friends)
(pointing to Andy)
There's Poor Pee Boy. You know he
looks at my boobs the whole hour in
English. It's so degrading.
The kids all laugh. She comes closer to him. She's so close
he can smell her. She thrusts her ample chest toward him.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
Here, touch them, poor pee boy.
Andy edges away, afraid of her. Afraid of them.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
(moving closer)
C'mon, touch them pee boy, touch my
boobs. Please?
Andy backs away.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
(pointing down to his
crotch)
Look!!! Pee boy's got a little
erection!!
There is a mixed reaction of laughter and squeals of disgust.
Andy turns red and runs away, as the kids laugh.
INT. MELISSAS HOME - MORNING
SUBTITLE:"A Former High School Prom Queen – Present Day"
Melissa is now a single mother raising a daughter. The former
prom queen has been reduced to raising her daughter, by
herself, living barely above poverty level. Samantha, a
beautiful six year old, is sitting in the hallway surrounded
by her clothes.
MELISSA
C'mon, you're going to be late
baby.
SAMANTHA
I hate these clothes. The other
kids make fun of me.
MELISSA
I'm sure they don't. I think you're
exaggerating a little. Six-year
olds don't notice clothes.
SAMANTHA
Yes they do. All the kids wear
Tommy or Baby Phat. Nobody wears
clothes from Wal-Mart.
Samantha walks with her head down.
MELISSA
Some kids wear them or Wal-Mart
wouldn't sell them.
EXT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Samantha is finally dressed. They walk out and climb into the
rusting Taurus. Melissa turns the key. It won't start. Shit.
Not again.
SAMANTHA
I guess I'll walk.
INT. RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Andy is at a table reading the file. Brent, the salesman,
walks to the table. He startles Andy.
BRENT
If you're not done, I'll come back.
ANDY
No, I was just finishing up.
Please, have a seat.
Brent sits across from Andy and hands him the keys.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Did you eat? Would you like
something?
BRENT
No, I just had a sandwich, thanks
anyway. The car is all set, I dried
it myself. It's beautiful.
ANDY
Yes, it's great. Anything I should
I know before I drive it to
Michigan?
Brent thinks for a minute.
BRENT
Buy a radar detector and condoms.
It's a magnet for cops and women.
EXT. PORSCHE DEALERSHIP - AFTERNOON
Andy stuffs his duffle bag and briefcase in the passenger
seat and slips behind the wheel. The clutch is slowly
released and the sleek car rolls out the driveway. And he
stalls it. Even the car is embarrassed. He starts it and
finally drives away.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Redford Union High School - 1988"
Andy is walking out the school door when a voice calls to
him.
GIRLS VOICE
Andy, wait up.
Andy turns and sees that it's Melissa. He's very confused.
ANDY
I didn't know you knew my name.
MELISSA
Don't be silly. Of course I do.
She's up to something he feels.
ANDY
Usually I'm Pee-boy or geek or hey
you.
MELISSA
Those are just nicknames, everyone
has them. I didn't realize that it
bothered you.
ANDY
Well since this is the first time
you've talked to me, you couldn't
have know it bothered me.
MELISSA
Well let's forget all that stuff,
we are almost graduates now.
ANDY
Uh-huh.
Waiting for the punch line.
MELISSA
I don't know if you heard, but my
date can't make it down for the
prom. Some fraternity thing. I was
wondering if you would mind going
with me?
Andy can't believe it.
ANDY
You're kidding right? What's the
matter with all the other guys?
MELISSA
They all have their dates already.
Please, I can't miss my own prom.
Her eyes well up, she's almost crying.
ANDY
I don't know. Bobby going with you
guys?
MELISSA
No, we can't stand him either.
Please, will you do it?
She breaks down and cries. Andy relents.
ANDY
Okay. I'll go with you.
Her face brightens.
MELISSA
Really? You'll go?
ANDY
Yea.
She hugs him tightly. He even smiles a little.
MELISSA
That's so great. I'm excited.
ANDY
So what do I do? I've never been to
one.
MELISSA
We are all chipping in on a limo. I
already paid our share. Just rent a
tux and be ready at 7:30. We are
going to cruise around and drink
for a little while before the prom.
Does that sound like something you
want to do?
Andy is genuinely happy, maybe his luck is changing.
ANDY
Yea, sure, that sounds great.
EXT. ANDYS MOMS HOME - EVENING - FLASHBACK
Andy is standing outside his home dressed in a baby blue
colored tux with a corsage. He keeps looking up and down the
street for the limo. Still convinced that it's a trick.
Suddenly the limo appears and stops in front of the house.
The door opens and to Andy's surprise, Melissa exits the
limo.
MELISSA
Are you ready?
ANDY
Yea, I guess.
He's very stiff and unsure.
MELISSA
Come on, liven it up a little.
They climb inside the limo.
INT. LIMO - MOMENTS LATER
The in-crowd greets Andy like they've know him for years.
GUY 1
Here's a beer, Andy, let's get the
party started.
The guys all yell and act like teenage guys. Andy takes the
beer, open it and takes a swig. He nearly gags, not yet
having acquired the taste for beer.
INT. LIMO - LATER
Music plays over the kids partying. Andy is even enjoying
himself.
GUY 2
Hey, beers almost gone. We are
going to need to get more.
Guy 1 opens the limo divider and talks to the driver. Andy
turns to Melissa.
ANDY
Where are we going?
MELISSA
Somewhere in Detroit that sells to
anyone with money.
EXT LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
The limo pulls up to the liquor store in a bad area. People
loiter outside the store.
GUY 2
Andy, you're closest to the door,
go grab us a case of Bud.
ANDY
Are you sure they will they sell to
me?
GUY 2
They will sell to anyone with
money. Do you need cash?
Andy is gaining confidence with his new friends.
ANDY
No, I got it.
Andy exits the limo.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - MOMENTS LATER
Andy walks quickly toward the door. A man speaks.
MAN
Hey man, you got a dollar?
Andy looks down, not wanting a confrontation and walks by him
into the store.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - MOMENTS LATER
Andy comes out of the door carrying a case of Budweiser. The
limo is gone. The man speaks again.
MAN
I think your friends took off.
Andy just dies inside.
MAN (CONT'D)
Looks like you're not going to be
needing all those beers. Mind if I
grab me one?
Andy is resigned to his fate. He hands the man the entire
case of beer.
MAN (CONT'D)
Thanks man.
EXT. HIGHWAY - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
Andy drives down the highway in his new Porsche, music
blaring.
EXT. WHITE BUILDING - DAY
Andy pulls into the underground parking garage to a beautiful
white building that has no signs telling us what is inside.
He finds a spot and pulls the Porsche in.
INT. WHITE BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER
Inside the building, Andy is ushered into a large waiting
room. The beautiful receptionist knows his name, and speaks
to him.
RECPTIONIST
Good morning Mr. Rogers, Dr.
Katzman will be with you in a few
minutes.
ANDY
(nervous)
Thank you
RECEPTIONIST
Don't be nervous, it's much easier
that an IPO or an SEC inquiry.
Andy laughs at her business jokes. Smart, funny and
beautiful. Andy looks at the original oil paintings on the
walls. An impressive collection.
Dr. Katzman enters the waiting room.
DR. KATZMAN
Good to see you Andy. Feeling well?
ANDY
Yes, fine, a little nervous, but
good.
DR. KATZMAN
That's normal. We'll laser the eyes
today and do the nose tomorrow. You
should be out of here in four or
five days.
INT. OPERATING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Inside the eye doctor's operating room, Andy is undergoing
laser surgery to correct his eyesight.
INT. OPERATING ROOM - MORNING
Inside Dr. Katzman's sterile operating room, Andy is
undergoing plastic surgery to have his prominent nose done.
INT. RECOVERY SUITE - DAY
Andy is sitting in his recuperating suite, which could pass
as a high rollers suite in Las Vegas. He is reading a book
about picking up women. His nose is covered with a bandage.
He picks up the phone and dials a number.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - DAY
Mark is at his desk.
MARK
TM Computer Associates.
ANDY (O.S.)
Hey Mark.
MARK
Who is this? Andy?
INT. RECOVERY SUITE - DAY
Andy in the suite.
ANDY
Yea, I'm a little bandaged up from
the surgery. Everything going okay
there?
MARK (O.S.)
Yep, going really good. Got the
guys hired. They are killing
Cummins.
ANDY
Great.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - DAY
Mark is at his desk.
MARK
When will you be here?
ANDY (O.S.)
About a week. Have to heal a
little. Keep me posted.
MARK
Okay, I'll E-mail you updates every
day. I'm not sure why you're doing
all this, but is it going to be
worth all this trouble?
INT. RECOVERY SUITE - DAY
Andy in the suite.
ANDY
It better be, I've been thinking
about this for years.
INT. DOCTOR KATZMAN'S OFFICE - MORNING
Andy is sitting in a chair while Dr. Katzman is cutting the
bandages off. A pretty nurse is standing near, assisting Dr.
Katzman. They remove the bandage.
DR. KATZMAN
Looks good.
NURSE
Yes. Very nice work Doctor.
Andy is hopeful.
ANDY
Do I look much different?
NURSE
You remember that girl from "Dirty
Dancing" who got her nose done?
ANDY
Yea, no one recognized her. She
hasn't worked since.
DR. KATZMAN
It's a big change, you'll like it.
The nurse offers a mirror, but before we see his face...
INT. HAIR SALON - DAY
Inside a trendy salon, we see Andy from behind, hair cut into
a stylish cut with highlights.
STYLIST
Much better now, I didn't know if
we could do it Andy...
ANDY
It looks great, I feel like a new
man...
Shown from the neck down. He pays for the haircut and gives
the stylist a $100 tip.
INT. OPTICAL STORE - DAY
A fancy optical store where Andy is buying sunglasses. His
face is still hidden.
INT. JEWELRY STORE - DAY
A fancy jewelry store where Andy is buying a real Rolex. His
face is still hidden from us.
INT. CLOTHING STORE DAY
A mens clothing boutique where Andy is buying a new wardrobe
with the help of some pretty and anxious saleswomen.
SALESWOMAN 1
Those Gucci pants look fabulous
with that sweater...
He isn't sure about the adoration, but he's getting use to it
pretty quick.
SALESWOMAN 2
You are not getting your old
clothes back, they are going right
into the trash...
She throws his clothes in the garbage.
INT. CLOTHING STORE DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Andy is trying on clothes and shoes at a furious pace. Arms
reach in with more clothes. One hand pinches his ass. The
curtain is opened to reveal a new Andy. His face looks
completely different. The nose it in proportion with his
face. He is surprisingly handsome.
INT. CLOTHING STORE - DAY
At the cash register, Andy is gathering his bags...Saleswoman
#2 slips a business card into one of his many bags.
SALESWOMAN 2
(whispering into his ear)
It's got my home number, please
call me.
Andy walks out with a big grin.
EXT. SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT - LATER
Andy gets to his car and realizes that he can't fit all of
his bags in the small car.
The Porsche squealing out of the parking lot, his old duffle
bag left on the ground, like a butterfly's discarded cocoon.
EXT. HOTEL BAR -EVENING
In a small, dark hotel bar, Andy is having a beer at a table,
contemplating dinner, and going over some notes. The bar
isn't crowded, but there is a few people mostly businessmen.
The waitress approaches.
WAITRESS
Can I get you another beer?
ANDY
Yes, and the salmon appetizer,
please.
WAITRESS
No problem.
Andy looks at his notes. Phillip Cummins file....
INT. CUMMINS OFFICE - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Cummins Computers Inc. - 1995"
The office is small, intimate. Eight young men sit at
computers, typing furiously. A man with huge glasses that
make his eyes look like giant insect eyes walks in the room.
This is PHIL CUMMINS.
PHIL
May I have your attention please?
The programming comes to a halt. All eyes are on Phil.
PHIL (CONT'D)
It has come to the attention of
management, me, that someone here
has used the office internet
connection to look at dirty
pictures. As we all know, this is
against company rules.
Phil looks directly at Andy.
PHIL (CONT'D)
Now, I don't want to embarrass the
person who visited these sites, one
being blondbimbos-dot-com, another
being nastysluts-dot-com. Lets just
say that we wish to have you men
working, not looking at naked women
performing unnatural acts. Some
with farm animals.
The guys laugh, most looking at Andy.
PHIL (CONT'D)
Andy, I want to see you in my
office.
Andy follows Phil into Phil's office.
INT. PHILS OFFICE - DAY
Phil sits in his chair, a little smirk on his face. Andy is
obviously pissed about being singled out.
PHIL
Anything you want to say?
Andy is ashamed and pissed off.
ANDY
Everyone here goes on the web. You
know that.
PHIL
Not as much as you.
ANDY
I'm not on more than anyone else.
PHIL
I log the sites that each computer
visits during the day and the
duration. You want the print out?
ANDY
I can't believe you spy on us.
That's got to be against the law.
It's fascist.
PHIL
No, it's totally within my rights
as a business owner. I see
everything you do while you are
here. I am Big Brother.
Andy sits there.
PHIL (CONT'D)
You have nothing to say?
ANDY
Yes, I need to get back to work.
Phil is steaming, but he needs Andy.
PHIL
One more time, and you're gone. If
I need to set an example, I will.
ANDY
That's not fair.
PHIL
Fair is what I say is fair. I'm the
boss. I write the checks.
Understand?
ANDY
But-
PHIL
(interrupting)
I don't want but's. I want you to
work. I want it done now, and I
want it done right.
Andy gets defensive.
ANDY
For all I do, I don't get any
credit for anything.
Phil stand up, face red.
PHIL
You get the credit I give you. You
want more credit, you become the
boss.. Right now, you're a goddamn
geek who can program. That's all.
You're not even that good at it.
Andy is really angry, almost on the verge of tears.
PHIL (CONT'D)
What? Are you going cry?
Christ...get out..
Andy gets up and walks to the door.
PHIL (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Stay off the porno sites, pervert.
His coworkers laugh as Andy goes to his desk, deletes the
program he was working on and walks out the door.
INT. PHILS OFFICE - DAY
SUBTITLE: "Cummins Information Service - Present Day"
Present day. Phil is sitting at his desk, barking orders into
the phone, being a complete asshole.
PHIL
I don't care if your kids are sick,
get your ass in here.
He listens.
PHIL (CONT'D)
Then quit, it's your choice. I
don't give a shit. I can find a
million of guys that can program.
He slams the phone down.
The camera pans around the office. There are now three times
as many programmers. Business is good. Phil's voice comes
over the intercom.
PHIL (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Jeff to my office.
A man in his 30's gets up and walks to Phil's office.
JEFF
Hey Phil, you wanted to see me?
PHIL
Jeff, made too many errors last
month.
JEFF
I realize that. My son was sick and
my mind wasn't on work. He's doing
better now though.
PHIL
(Uncaring)
I don't need excuses. You cost this
company, my company, money.
JEFF
I'm sorry, it won't happen again.
PHIL
I know it won't. You're fired. Pack
your things and leave the building.
Jeff is in shock.
JEFF
You can't do this. I have a family.
My son has doctor bills.
PHIL
Yes. I'm afraid I can do this. You
should have thought about that
before.
Jeff is furious. Phil is unconcerned.
JEFF
(seething)
You…
Jeff is so pissed he can't talk. Phil just points to the
door. Jeff gets up, a defeated man.
INT. HOTEL BAR - EVENING
Andy puts down the notes and notices a beautiful woman
sitting down at the table next to him. She looks over and
smiles politely.
SUSIE
Hi.
ANDY
How are you?
SUSIE
I'll be glad when this week is
over.
ANDY
Rough week?
SUSIE
Very rough. My son is home sick and
I'm here working. I feel like a
terrible mother.
ANDY
I'm sure his dad is taking good
care of him.
SUSIE
Dad doesn't take care of anything
but himself, that's why I divorced
him. My son is with my mom.
ANDY
Can I buy you a drink?
SUSIE
No, that's okay. Expense account.
She's confident.
ANDY
What do you do?
SUSIE
I'm a corporate trainer. Software.
And you? What are you doing in here
in the middle of nowhere on a
Tuesday night?
ANDY
Going home. Literally. I'm going
back to the Detroit area. for a
while anyway.
SUSIE
From where?
ANDY
San Jose.
SUSIE
Ah, another Silicone Valley
tragedy. Run out of capital?
Underfunded?
Andy smiles shyly.
ANDY
Well, actually we got bought out.
SUSIE
Bought out good or bought out bad?
ANDY
Good, very good.
SUSIE
That's great, a success story. What
did you do?
ANDY
Programming, mainly.
SUSIE
You don't really look like a
programmer, but I guess that's a
bad stereotype, huh?
Andy smiles at the memory of his former self.
ANDY
Not really.
SUSIE
I'm Susie, by the way.
ANDY
You look like a Susie, you know,
kind of perky. I'm Andy.
They shake hands.
SUSIE
Nice to meet you Andy.
ANDY
Nice to meet you Susie.
INT. RESTAURANT - LATER
At a table, Susie and Andy are finishing a second bottle of
wine and sharing some slightly drunken conversation.
SUSIE
So what are you going to do? You
can't just retire at 33. You'll go
crazy.
ANDY
I have some things planned.I
started a small computer company,
maybe some subsidized housing for
the disadvantaged,. After that, I'm
not sure.
A mischievous look in his eyes.
SUSIE
Housing for the disadvantaged?
That's a nice idea. Have some
fun planned somewhere along the
way?
ANDY
Yes, lots of fun. I'm planning some
surprises for some special people
who have made an impact on my life.
SUSIE
That's great. Some teachers? Old
friends?
ANDY
Yes, and a special boss who treated
me a little different for everyone
else.
An slim devilish smile crosses his face.
SUSIE
I'm sure they will all enjoy seeing
you.
ANDY
Yes, something I'm sure they will
remember for a long, long time.
They both smile, for obviously different reasons.
ANDY (CONT'D)
You wanna go for a ride?
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - MORNING
Hung-over, but feeling great, Andy, a silly grin on his face,
is checking out of the hotel.
DESK CLERK
Was everything to your satisfaction
sir?
ANDY
Yes, everything was perfect, thank
you.
Andy signs the credit card receipt and walks out the door,
almost in a daze.
EXT. PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER
The Porsche is parked at an odd angle. A bra hangs from the
rear view window.
Andy climbs in and starts the car. He tosses the bra out the
window. He changes his mind, climbs out, and picks it up.
The Porsche burns rubber out the driveway and squeals the
tires when it hits second gear.
INT. PORSCHE - DAY
Driving down a freeway, doing about 90, Andy is on the phone.
ANDY
Hey Mark, I should be in around
6:00 or 7:00 a.m.
INT. MARK'S OFFICE - DAY
MARK
Driving through the night?
ANDY (O.S.)
Yea, it feels good, you know, just
driving, no thinking about work. No
programming. It's nice.
MARK
What are you thinking about?
INT. PORSCHE - DAY
ANDY
All the fun I'm going to have.
What time will you be in the
office?
MARK (O.S.)
I'll be there at 7:00. You know
where it's at, right?
ANDY
Yea, I'll meet you there.
Andy hangs up. The music kicks up and the Porsche goes even
faster
EXT. SMALL OFFICE BUILDING - MORNING
Andy is asleep in his cramped car. A thud awakens him from a
restless sleep. He looks up to find Mark looking at him. Andy
exits the car. Mark finally gets a good look at Andy.
MARK
Wow, they really did a job on you.
ANDY
Do I look much different?
MARK
Much? You could have come up to me
anyplace else and I wouldn't have
known you.
Andy Grabs his briefcase
ANDY
Good. That's what I wanted to hear.
They walk into the building.
INT. MARK'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Mark and Andy sit opposite each other at Mark's desk.
MARK
Here are the keys to your
townhouse, everything's been
delivered. Six month lease. Paid in
advance.
Mark hand him the keys.
ANDY
Thanks. How's business?
MARK
Great. Easy to do business when
profit isn't your main motivation.
Andy opens the briefcase and sets the folders on the table.
Melissa's picture falls out. Mark notices.
MARK (CONT'D)
New girlfriend?
ANDY
Have you ever known me to have a
girlfriend?
MARK
Okay, bad question. So who is she?
ANDY
Someone I went to school with.
MARK
You want me to hire her too?
ANDY
No, I'm going to help her in my own
way.
Andy slides Melissa's folder to him.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Remember that cheerleader who
looked down at everyone at school?
The bitch who was the queen of the
school.
Mark picks up the folder.
MARK
Sure, we had one at my school, the
one who had the male teachers
wanting to see what was under that
sweater. I know the type.
ANDY
She's now a divorced woman with a
little girl, a mortgage, a deadbeat
ex-husband, and a eight year old
Taurus.
Andy smiles.
MARK
There's nothing sadder than an ex
prom queen driving a car that she
wouldn't be caught dead in the back
seat of when she was in high
school. What about her?
ANDY
Made my life hell.
MARK
How did she even notice you?
Usually girls like that don't
notice guys like you that far below
her social circle.
ANDY
I wasn't that far down.
A little indignant.
MARK
Yes you were, I saw the pictures. I
know exactly who you were because I
was you in my high school. I didn't
even rate an insult. Our prom queen
wouldn't know me from Bill Gates.
Why are you going to help her?
ANDY
Who says I'm going to help her?
MARK
What are you going to do?
ANDY
Give her exactly what she's looking
for. A single, rich guy to take her
away from all her troubles.
MARK
And then?
ANDY
And then leave her worse than she
started.
MARK
Wow, that's cold.
ANDY
Tell me you wouldn't want to get
even with those assholes who messed
with you.
MARK
It does sound pretty appealing.
Andy peeks out at Theresa.
ANDY
Is Theresa she excited?
MARK
Completely. She can't believe the
money she's making.
ANDY
Good.
MARK
What did she do to you?
ANDY
Nothing, I have never met her. It's
her husband.
MARK
How is hiring her going to piss him
off?
ANDY
You'll see. I have to go, a little
low income housing foundation needs
starting.
MARK
I'm not sure I want to know.
Andy gets up.
ANDY
I need your car, mine's a little -
uh - noticeable.
MARK
I've noticed. I forgot something.
Mark reaches in his drawer and pulls out a small box. He
hands the box to Andy. Andy opens it and pulls out a business
card with the name Andy Gates name on it.
ANDY
Nice.
EXT. VERY NICE NEIGHBORHOOD - MORNING
Andy pulls up in front of a house in Mark's Volvo. He looks
at some papers and looks up, checking the address. He gets
out and walks to a house. A woman in her 60's opens the door.
ANDY
Mrs. Heigle?
MRS. HEIGLE
Yes, who are you?
Andy extends a hand.
ANDY
I'm Larry Applewhite. I represent a
group of investors that are
purchasing homes in the area.
Mrs. Heigle shakes his hand.
MRS. HEIGLE
Really? Why are you purchasing
homes in this area?
ANDY
We have a number of rich foreign
businessmen and their families who
wish to relocate here from their
homelands because of recent
internal struggles. I'm sure you
have heard of their troubles.
She has no idea what he's talking about.
MRS. HEIGLE
Oh, my. Yes, I have.
ANDY
Because they wish to live in the
same area, I am authorized to offer
you up to twice the market value
for your home and an additional
$75,000 for your home furnishings.
Her eyes light up like she's got all sevens on the slots.
MRS. HEIGLE
(very excited)
Why, I'll have to talk to my
husband, but I'm sure he will be
delighted to sell. You know we have
been looking to downsize anyway.
ANDY
Could you be out in a week if I
through in an additional $20,000?
MRS. HEIGLE
Oh, my.
EXT. ANOTHER HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Andy walks up to the door and knocks. A pretty, young woman
in her 20's answers the door in a outfit from a local
novelty bar/restaurant. A button says "Welcome to O'Shannons"
ANDY
(checking his list)
Mrs. Davis?
YOUNG WOMAN
I'm sorry, The Davis' are on
vacation, I'm just here watering
plants for them. I live next door.
Andy checks the address book. It can't be. Phil's wife?
ANDY
You are Mrs. Cummins?
YOUNG WOMAN
Close. I'm Mrs. Cummins daughter.
Well little Lisa grew up to be a knockout.
ANDY
(improvising)
Hi Lisa, you just saved me a trip
to your house. I'm doing some
demographic research for marketing
research and would like to ask you
a few questions.
LISA
How did you know my name?
Is he busted? How did he know?
ANDY
(pointing to her chest)
It's on your button
LISA
(slightliy embarrassed)
Sorry, forgot I was wearing this,
but I do have to go now. I have to
work in a little while.
ANDY
(smiling)
O'Shannons?
LISA
(smiling back)
The button again, right?
ANDY
Yep.
Andy looks at the outfit and her body for maybe a second too
long.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Well, I'll let you go to work now,
Lisa.
LISA
Thanks, good luck with the research
thing.
She closes the door. Wow. What a knockout.
INT. VOLVO - AFTERNOON
Andy is driving the Volvo, talking to Mark on the cell phone.
ANDY
Yes, my venture in real estate went
well, I'm buying a house.
(beat)
I'll tell you over drinks, an hour.
How about O'Shannons?
EXT. O'SHANNONS - LATER
Andy is in Mark's Volvo waiting for him. The Porsche roars
into the parking lot, into the empty spot next to Andy. Mark
looks over at Mark and smiles.
They exit the cars and begin walking in.
MARK
Just being in that car changes a
guy. I think I'm hard.
ANDY
Yea, it's pretty nice.
MARK
Nice? That's all you can use to
describe this beautiful piece of
machinery?
ANDY
It's just a car. You put gas in it
and it goes.
Mark is appalled.
MARK
You don't deserve that car.
ANDY
Did you stall it?
Mark is ashamed.
MARK
Twice.
INT. O'SHANNONS - MOMENTS LATER
Typical chain restaurant/bar. Cute servers, decent-but-bland
food. Andy is looking around, searching for Lisa. Andy spots
Lisa serving a group of people drinks. She is smiling and
joking with the customers. Andy talks to the hostess.
ANDY
(pointing toward LISA)
We'd like a table over there, near
the window.
The hostess grabs a couple menus and leads them to their
table. They sit.
MARK
Why are we here? I wanted a good
steak and a cigar, not buffalo
wings and single administrative
assistants.
ANDY
(pointing to LISA)
Her.
MARK
Who?
ANDY
(pointing)
The waitress right there.
MARK
I believe they are called servers
these days.
ANDY
I wasn't aware there was a
difference.
Mark is looking at her.
MARK
Cute. Who is she?
ANDY
Phil Cummin's daughter. I met her
this morning when I was house
shopping.
MARK
Phil your ex-boss? You were trying
to buy Phil's house?
ANDY
No, his neighbors' house.
MARK
Why?
ANDY
So college students will have a few
places to study or unwind a little
after school.
MARK
I see.
LISA comes to the table.
LISA
What can I get you guys?
She recognizes Andy and smiles.
LISA (CONT'D)
Hi, did you get all your research
done?
ANDY
Yes, I did thank you.
LISA
That's good, sorry I couldn't help,
you know, job and everything.
Andy smiles.
ANDY
I'll have a Labatts.
MARK
Two.
Lisa smiles brightly at both of them.
LISA
Two Labatts. I'll be right back.
She turns and leaves. Mark's eyes follow her ass.
MARK
Research?
ANDY
She was at a neighbor's house, I
had to make something up.
MARK
Now about the house.
ANDY
About the houses. Well, Phil is a
complete fanatic about his house,
his lawn, everything.
EXT. PHILS HOME - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
SUBTITLE: "Years earlier…"
Old Andy is standing on Phil's porch waiting for Phil. He
watches some young boys playing baseball in the street. Phil
comes out of the house as the ball lands on his perfectly
manicured lawn. He rushes out the grab the ball.
PHIL
(screaming, almost
foaming)
THAT'S IT!!!! IT'S MY BALL!!!!
The boys cower in fear.
PHIL (CONT'D)
I told you. STAY OFF MY LAWN!!!!!
Andy can just look in amazement at Phil's outburst. Phil runs
out and grabs the ball. He walks back with an evil grin on
his red face.
PHIL (CONT'D)
Little bastards.
INT. O'SHANNONS - MOMENTS LATER - PRESENT DAY
Andy and Mark are at the table.
ANDY
I'm going to turn the house into a
party house.
MARK
Sounds fun, but how are you going
to get people to come to a party to
someone's house that they don't
know?
ANDY
Just like fishing, got to use the
right bait.
MARK
Which is?
ANDY
Alcohol and music.
Mark is impressed and maybe a little worried.
MARK
What's your plan with her?
He nods to Lisa.
ANDY
Plan? Nothing.
A smirk comes across his face.
MARK
You must have something in mind,
you wouldn't have come here...
ANDY
I don't know. Do you think it's
overkill messing with his daughter?
Mark picks up the menu.
MARK
Overkill is spending a few hundred
thousand on a house just to piss
him off.
Andy shrugs.
ANDY
Yea, but I'll get some of the money
back when I sell it. How's Phil's
business?
MARK
Dwindling at an alarming rate.
It's not a hard sell, though,
Cummins has been overcharging them,
and the service isn't the best.
They were really understaffed. I'm
paying a guy to work there and
slide me information.
ANDY
Damn, that's a great move.
MARK
Possibly illegal too, but I haven't
checked into that.
Lisa appears with their beers.
LISA
Two of Canada's finest. Anything
else, guys?
ANDY
Not sure yet.
LISA
OK, I'll check back in a little
bit.
She turns and walks away. Both guys watch her shapely ass.
MARK
I think she likes you.
ANDY
(laughing)
I think she's a little out of my
league. She's smart, funny,
beautiful.
MARK
You're right, she's in my league.
ANDY
And probably has a boyfriend.
INT. O'SHANNONS - LATER
Lisa is taking away their dinner plates.
LISA
You guys all set? Another beer?
Dessert?
ANDY
No, I'm good, thanks.
MARK
I'm good, stuffed.
LISA
Can't take all the excitement here?
The guys smile at her.
MARK
Where do you go for excitement?
LISA
Usually the library.
ANDY
What are you studying?
LISA
Getting my masters in education.
MARK
That must keep you busy, bet your
boyfriend hates that you can't
spend much time with him.
LISA
No boyfriend. The last one was
tired of competing with school. He
lost.
Andy gets up.
ANDY
Please excuse me.
Andy goes to the bathroom.
MARK
Would you mind if I ask you a
personal question?
LISA
Sure as long as it's not about a
part of my anatomy.
Cute and funny.
MARK
Would you like to go out for coffee
sometime?
LISA
I don't drink coffee, but I love a
cold beer.
EXT. PARKING LOT - LATER
Andy and Mark are leaving O'Shannons. The parking lot is
partially full. Mark throws Andy the keys.
ANDY
Do you mind driving the Porsche?
Lisa saw me in your Volvo and I
don't want her to see me in my car.
I don't think she'd believe a
marketing man would drive a
Porsche.
MARK
Sure, but you owe me.
Andy tosses the keys back.
ANDY
Thanks for understanding.
MARK
Going home?
ANDY
Have a stop to make first, then
home.
EXT. CORNER BAR - EVENING
Andy is sitting in the Volvo studying the file on Bobby.
There is a picture of his boss, KEN TRELLAC. Ken is a
painfully skinny man in his 40's. Not exactly the picture of
health.
ANDY
(to himself)
Okay, Ken Trellac, bookie's name is
Big Alan. No last name.
Andy walks into the corner bar.
INT. CORNER BAR - NIGHT
It's very smoky, noisy. Typical blue-collar bar. Mostly men
sit at the bar watching a ball game on TV, a few are
scattered at tables. Others play pool or darts. Andy looks
around then sits at an empty seat at the end of the bar with
the best view of the entire bar. A bartender comes over.
BARTENDER
What can I get ya?
ANDY
Beer, Labatts.
The bartender walks away. Andy surveys the bar, looking for
Ken. Not there yet. A loud voice comes from the pool tables.
Andy looks over. It's Bobby who is there playing pool. The
bartender brings his beer, and takes the money. A voice from
behind him speaks.
KEN
Anyone sitting here?
Andy turns to face KEN. He looks like his picture, tall,
painfully skinny, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.
ANDY
No, nobody sitting here.
KEN
OK, thanks. Hey Billy, can I get a
Bud?
The bartender, Billy, brings Andy's change and Kens beer.
KEN (CONT'D)
Who's winning?
ANDY
Not sure, just got here myself.
They watch the game in almost silence, except for the urging,
moans and groans from Ken, who has bet a bundle on the game.
KEN
Shit, I can't believe I'm having
this fucking year.
ANDY
Losing your shirt?
KEN
Shirt, pants, my whole fucking
wardrobe.
ANDY
Damn, that sucks.
KEN
Fuckin' Tigers. Never have any
pitching.
ANDY
(softly)
Big Alan still hassling you?
Ken turns.
KEN
What?
Ken is not sure he heard him right.
ANDY
I said is Big Al still fucking with
you?
Ken looks at Andy, sizing him up.
KEN
You're too small to be collecting
money, look too clean to owe him
money. What do you know about the
Big Alan, and what do you know
about me?
Andy sits quietly, looking at Ken. A tense minute later.
ANDY
You owe the bank a load on your
house, and owe Big Al over $15,000
and the interest is killing you.
Ken looks at Andy.
ANDY (CONT'D)
You're a supervisor at Moore
Machine Engineering and make about
thirty-five grand a year.
KEN
So who the fuck are you? A cop?
Fed?
ANDY
No, I'm not anything like that.
Ken takes a drink.
KEN
So what do you want?
ANDY
I'm the guy who's going to pay off
your debts. If you want me to help
you.
KEN
So what, now I owe you. I fail to
see how this is going to help me.
ANDY
It will. You aren't going to pay me
back with money. You're going to do
something for me.
Ken laughs.
KEN
What the fuck? Do I have to kill
someone?
ANDY
No, nothing illegal.
KEN
Hey, I ain't gay. I ain't doing any
strange sex shit with you.
ANDY
I'm not asking you to do anything
sexual. Don't flatter yourself.
Ken is more at ease.
ANDY (CONT'D)
All you have to do is fire someone.
KEN
Who?
ANDY
Robert Healy.
Andy points to him over playing pool.
KEN
Bobby? Hell, I'll do it tomorrow.
When do I get the money?
ANDY
He can't know I paid you to fire
him. You have to find a reason.
Make something up, I don't care. If
he doesn't get fired, or finds out,
I will buy Moore Machine
Engineering and close the place.
KEN
You can do that?
ANDY
Tomorrow if i want.
Andy is dead serious and it shows.
KEN
No problem.
ANDY
And I'm only paying the interest
until I know he's gone and until I
know he doesn't know. I don't want
you two cutting a deal.
Andy is surprised how easily he slips into this role.
KEN
He don't mean that much to me.
Andy is watching Bobby play pool.
ANDY
Is he any good?
KEN
At his job?
ANDY
Pool.
KEN
He's pretty good, thinks he's
better than he really is.
INT. BAR - AT THE POOL TABLE
Bobby is strutting around, enjoying beating the guy.
INT. BAR - AT THE BAR
ANDY
Does he always act like an asshole?
KEN
Pretty much. It's even worse when
he's trying to show off for a
woman.
ANDY
But he's married.
KEN
Not after a few beers, he's not.
INT. BAR - AT THE POOL TABLE
Bobby is waving a five dollar bill around, enjoying his win,
browbeating the loser.
BOBBY
Damn, you suck. Why do you bother
to bet money?
INT. BAR - AT THE BAR
ANDY
Still a fucking asshole.
Andy reaches his hand in his pocket and peels off a couple
off hundred dollar bills. He tosses them in front of Ken.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Here, a little bonus.
Ken grabs them and quickly puts them in his pocket, nervously
looking around.
EXT. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP - MORNING
Andy is walking around looking at cars.
ANDY
So what does Melissa usually do
right after work?
INT. MARKS OFFICE - MORNING
Mark is seated at his desk talking on the phone.
MARK
(reading a report)
Picks up her daughter from the
sitter, then grocery shopping, or
fast food for dinner. Where are
you?
EXT. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP - MORNING
Andy is walking around the lot looking at cars.
ANDY
Mercedes dealer. How should I
approach her?
MARK (O.S.)
I don't know, you knew her. What
was she like?
ANDY
I didn't know her at all. She gave
me a hard time in school, but I
never knew her personally. All I
knew was what a bitch she was to
me. I don't know how to meet a
woman with a kid. What do you say
to them?
He stops at a nice S500.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - MORNING
Mark is seated at his desk talking on the phone.
MARK
Maybe flatter her or something.
Give the kid some candy.
ANDY (O.S.)
Yea, sure, she'll think I'm a child
molester or something.
MARK
I have complete faith in your
ability to pick her up.
She's broke and lonely. Which one
are you getting?
EXT. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP - MORNING
Andy is walking around the lot looking at cars.
ANDY
I just don't know if I can be
convincing enough. I think it's
going to be hard to fake interest
in her. Maybe the S55 AMG Sedan.
MARK
You'll be alright. She's got to be
lonely. Nice choice on the S55, but
the mileage isn't very good.
ANDY
It's okay, I'm not really worried
about the mileage.
MARK
Mind if I keep the Porsche a little
longer?
ANDY
No problem. I feel a little funny
driving it.
MARK
That funny feeling is called
testosterone.
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Andy is waiting out in the parking lot of the building
Melissa works in. He sees her get into her aging sedan. She
starts it and pulls out.
EXT. STREET - MOMENTS LATER
Andy follows close behind. She stops at a house and goes
inside. She comes out with her daughter. Andy follows them to
a Walmart.
INT. WALMART - BOOKS - MOMENTS LATER
Andy is following them at a safe distance.
SAMANTHA
Mommy, can I get this book?
Melissa looks at the price tag. It's too much.
MELISSA
I'm sorry honey, not this week..
SAMANTHA
I never get anything.
Melissa and Samantha walk away. Andy picks up the book she
wanted and puts them in his basket.
INT. WALMART - CLOTHES - MOMENTS LATER
Melissa is looking through sale jeans for Samantha. Andy
moves closer, looking at the jeans also.
MELISSA
You need new jeans, go try these
on.
SAMANTHA
I don't like them, they're not
cool.
MELISSA
Sam, jeans are jeans, go try them
on.
SAMANTHA
Mom, nobody wears these. They all
wear Tommy Girl or Polo or Baby
Phat.
MELISSA
Little girls do not need sixty
dollar jeans that they will outgrow
in six months.
SAMANTHA
But Mom.
Andy smiles at them. Melissa notices Andy standing there
watching them.
ANDY
I'm sorry, but watching you and
your daughter reminded me of my
sister and her daughter. I miss
them and watching you two made me
feel a little homesick.
This relaxes Melissa a little.
MELISSA
Where are you from?
ANDY
California.
MELISSA
Are you here on business?
ANDY
No, I'm here for good.
MELISSA
By choice? Who leaves California to
come here?
ANDY
Yes, I knew some people in the
computer business here that needed
a hand. So now I'm a business
owner.
MELISSA
God if I was in California, I'd
never come back here. Sun, sand.
ANDY
I missed the change of seasons.
MELISSA
Hard to take that nice weather all
the time?
ANDY
Something like that.
MELISSA
What does your company do?
ANDY
We do computer repairs, custom
programming, networks. Just about
anything computer related.
MELISSA
Business doing well?
ANDY
Yep. Pretty good, very good
actually. Everybody needs their
computers working.
SAMANTHA
Us too, our computer is broke
again.
Andy looks down at her.
ANDY
Well, I will just have to do
something about that then, won't I?
MELISSA
That's okay, we don't have the
money to get it fixed right now.
ANDY
(handing her a business
card)
Here. I have some new technicians
that I need to test. No charge to
you. As a matter of fact, you would
be doing me a favor.
MELISSA
I don't even know your name, I'm
Melissa and this is Samantha.
ANDY
Andy R...Gates, no relation. Nice
to meet you, Melissa, Samantha.
He almost slips up but catches himself. Melissa smiles for
the first time. Melissa is still wary. Is this a scam?
SAMANTHA
Please, Mommy, I need it for my
homework.
MELISSA
You sure it won't cost anything?
ANDY
Nothing at all.
Melissa looks at Sam and Andy. She's got nothing to lose, the
computer is dead anyway.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Call me tomorrow. I'll arrange to
have it picked up.
MELISSA
I guess there's no harm in trying.
ANDY
Like I said, you're doing me a
favor. I appreciate it.
Melissa smiles for the first time.
MELISSA
Great, I'll call you tomorrow.
SAMANTHA
Thank you.
MELISSA
We have to go now, thank you again.
Andy watches them go.
INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING
Mark and Lisa are seated at a table in a very nice
restaurant. They are both enjoying a nice bottle of wine.
LISA
So why aren't you married, doing
the corporate law-firm thing?
MARK
I don't like to work for anybody.
LISA
All lawyers work for someone.
Somebody pays them.
She takes a sip.
MARK
True, I guess what I meant was that
I don't want some senior partner
pressuring me to bill hours so he
can retire to Miami a few years
early.
LISA
Did law pay for that Porsche?
Perhaps a gift from Daddy or an
appreciative drug defendant?
MARK
Law did. I have a old college
classmate who I did some work for.
I got stock instead of cash and
they got bought out.
LISA
I thought it would be more
intriguing, like a drug dealing
defendant had to pay you with the
car because he had his cash seized.
Maybe the proceeds from a bitter
divorce.
MARK
No, just a lucky business deal.
More wine?
LISA
Yes, please.
Mark pours her another glass.
MARK
What about your family? What do
they do?
LISA
My dad owns a computer business.
They sell systems and do support,
custom programming.
MARK
Why aren't you in the family
business?
LISA
As much as I love my dad, I could
never work for him. He can be
rather.....abrasive.
MARK
Sometimes bosses have to be that
way to run a business.
LISA
I guess, he's had a hard life. His
dad died when he was very young.
Him and my grandma were very poor.
That's what drives him to succeed.
He thinks a man is a failure if he
doesn't have money.
MARK
Well money isn't everything.
LISA
(flirtatiously)
Says the man driving the obscenely
expensive Porsche.
He smiles. Quite a woman.
INT. PHIL'S HOUSE - LATER
Mark and Lisa are on the porch after their date.
LISA
Come in for a drink?
MARK
Sure. I'd like to meet your
parents.
LISA
They turn in pretty early. Maybe
another time.
They walk into the living room. Mark sits while Lisa walks to
the kitchen.
LISA (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Beer good?
MARK
Perfect.
Lisa walks back in carrying two beers. She hands Mark one.
MARK (CONT'D)
Thank you.
LISA
Thank you for dinner.
They lean in and kiss.
INT. ANDYS CAR - SAME TIME
Andy is watching them on his handheld computer.
INT. TM COMPUTER ASSOCIATES - MORNING
Andy is sitting at his desk. Mark walks into Andy's office,
very happy after the date.
ANDY
Let me guess. A great date that
ended up with a some serious
kissing and what I believe to be
second base last night.
Mark is floored. How the hell did he know that? Andy laughs.
He hits a few keys on the keyboard.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Come here.
Mark goes over to the computer. He sees Phil's living room,
kitchen and living room, all live on the computer. He's
slightly pissed, but impressed nonetheless.
MARK
I didn't see that.
An assistant rings in.
ASSISTANT
Andy, Melissa Whisby on line two.
ANDY
Thank you
Andy picks up the phone and pushes line two.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Good morning Melissa, how are you?
INT. MELISSAS HOUSE – MORNING
Melissa is sitting on her bed getting ready for work.
MELISSA
I'm good thanks. Still want to
repair my computer?
ANDY
Absolutely. I'm going to bring you
a loaner to use while yours is
being repaired.
MELISSA
You don't need to. We have gone
this long without it. We can go a
little longer.
ANDY
It's standard procedure. We do it
with all our customers.
What is your address and when will
you be home?
MELISSA
I'm home every night after 6. 4480
Negaunee. Redford.
INT. TM COMPUTER ASSOCIATES – MORNING
Andy at his desk.
ANDY
Great, someone will be there
tonight to deliver and set up your
loaner and pick up your computer.
MELISSA
I really appreciate this. Thank you
again for your kindness.
Andy is a little shocked by the genuine appreciation in her
voice.
EXT PARTY HOUSE - LATER
Andy is closing on the house. Andy, the former owners and the
agent are busy signing paperwork. Most of the furniture is
still there, but the house has no personal items. A check and
a handshake complete the deal.
INT. ELECTRONIC STORE - AFTERNOON
Andy is walking around in a large electronic store with two
laptop computers in his arms. He stops at some huge speakers.
A salesman approaches him.
SALESMAN
Hi, can I help you?
ANDY
I think you can. I like loud music.
Real loud.
SALESMAN
Loud, like feel-the-floors loud?
ANDY
No. Loud like annoy-the-neighbors
three-blocks-away loud. You have
anything like that?
The salesman smiles.
SALESMAN
I think I can help you.
INT. PARTY HOUSE – DAY
Andy is in the attic with one of the new laptop computers. He
is clicking along furiously, slowing to look at some papers
next to him. He stops typing and looks very happy. The camera
pans around to show the computer screen. The four cameras in
Phil's house are working perfectly. Andy can even control the
cameras from the keyboard.
INT. NICE DEPARTMENT STORE - DAY
Andy is in the girls section. He is looking at girls jeans
and cannot believe the price. He walks up to the register and
buys them anyway.
INT. NICE LIQUOR STORE - AFTERNOON
Andy walks into a large beer and wine store. He walks up to a
man with a clipboard behind the counter.
ANDY
Excuse me? Are you the manager?
The man turns to face Andy.
MANAGER
Yes, how may I help you?
ANDY
My company is going to be having
some parties and am going to need
some alcohol. A lot of alcohol.
MANAGER
How many people are you expecting
to attend?
ANDY
I'm not sure, five or six hundred
maybe.
MANAGER
Wow, quite a lot of people. You'll
need a variety of wines, liquor,
mixers, beer. Did you want to go
economy, mid or top shelf.
ANDY
No wine, just lots of liquor and
beer.
MANAGER
For that many people, you'll
probably need a 12 or 15 kegs of
beer. Any preference on what kind?
ANDY
Nope, lots of shot glasses too.
MANAGER
Any specific liquor? Premium?
ANDY
Whatever is popular now, vodkas,
the stuff college kids do shots of
now.
MANAGER
Jagermeister and Red Bull is a very
popular drink. Flavored vodkas.
When are you going to need all of
this?
ANDY
I need it Friday, is that going to
be a problem?
MANAGER
No, I can put in an order today. It
will be here early Friday morning.
I'll need a deposit.
ANDY
No problem. Can you deliver it?
MANAGER
Yes, but its extra.
ANDY
That's okay, put it on this credit
card.
He hands the manager a credit card.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Keep the number on file. I want a
new delivery of everything every
Friday.
The manager is a little shocked, but happy.
EXT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - EVENING
Andy pulls up in front of Melissa's house. He is still
driving Mark's Volvo. It is a small home, but well-kept. The
neighborhood is in a bad part of the city. He pulls up and
takes a new laptop in it's box and a bag from the back seat.
He walks up to the front door. Samantha comes to the door.
ANDY
Hi Samantha, how are you?
SAMANTHA
Hi.
(yelling to Melissa)
Mommy, it's that computer guy from
Wal-Mart.
Melissa walks to the door. She opens the door and ushers him
in. The house is small but well-kept.
MELISSA
Hi, I didn't expect you to show up
personally. I thought one of your
guys would come pick it up.
ANDY
Well, I had other things to bring
over, too.
He holds up a bag.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Remember when I was telling you
about my niece in California, well
I was so touched by seeing you two
together, I wanted to. Well-
Andy doesn't know how to explain the bag.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Do you mind?
MELISSA
What is it?
ANDY
A few things I picked up. Can I?
Melissa is unsure.
MELISSA
I guess it's okay.
Andy hands the bag to Samantha.
ANDY
(to Samantha)
Here...these are for you.
Samantha opens the bag and is amazed at all the things. Its
the jeans and books that she wanted.
SAMANTHA
Mommy, look!! Baby Phat jeans!!
MELISSA
(warily)
Were you following us in the store?
Andy is genuinely embarrassed.
ANDY
I wasn't at first, but I missed my
niece so much, watching Samantha
made me feel so much better. It's
the least I could do.
Melissa seems more at ease with this explanation. Andy picks
up the computer box. Time to change the subject.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Here's your loaner computer. Like a
quick course on it?
He starts taking it out of the box.
MELISSA
No, I think I can figure it out.
ANDY
Are you sure?
MELISSA
Yep, I'm the go-to girl at work
about these things.
ANDY
Have you guys eaten dinner?
SAMANTHA
Not yet, we couldn't figure out
what we were going to eat.
MELISSA
Would you like to join us for
dinner?
ANDY
Well, I was hoping you would join
me for dinner.
Melissa isn't sure.
SAMANTHA
Wow, I love to go out to
dinner...where are we going?
ANDY
Anywhere your Mom wants.
Melissa smiles. She doesn't have this opportunity often.
SAMANTHA
Mommy, can we go to Chuckie
Cheeses?
MELISSA
Honey, I don't think Mr. Gates
wants to go to a children's
restaurant for dinner.
ANDY
Andy. Please. Anywhere is fine with
me. What's a Chuckie Cheeses?
SAMANTHA
It's a wonderful place, with games,
and everything. It's my favorite
place in the world.
Andy smiles at her beaming face. The icing melts a little.
ANDY
Then I think we should go there,
Samantha.
INT. CHUCKIE CHEESE - EVENING
Andy and Melissa are having plastic cups of beer and watch
Samantha play. Melissa catches him watching.
MELISSA
You're enjoying this, I can tell.
How come you're not married with
kids yet?
Melissa is right, Andy is enjoying watching Samantha play.
ANDY
Never found the time or the right
woman. I spent most of my 20's
hunched over a computer.
MELISSA
I wish I had, instead of getting
married right after high school.
But then I wouldn't have her.
They watch Samantha.
ANDY
Where's her father?
MELISSA
Hard to say, last time she got a
letter, he was in Colorado. I've
given up trying to get any support
from him. It's hard on her though,
Daddy can't do anything wrong in
her eyes.
ANDY
That's too bad, I'm sorry.
Samantha comes up to them.
SAMANTHA
Mommy, I'm all out of tokens.
MELISSA
Sorry, babe, no more money.
SAMANTHA
Awwwwww
Andy reaches into his pocket and pulls out a five dollar
bill. He hands it to Samantha.
ANDY
Here, go have fun.
Samantha smiles brightly.
SAMANTHA
Thank you!!
Samantha runs off.
MELISSA
You didn't need to do that.
ANDY
I know I didn't, but it makes me
feel great watching her have fun.
MELISSA
I don't want pity. We are doing
okay just by ourselves. I can't
give her everything she wants, but,
who gets everything they want?
Silence. She's a proud woman.
ANDY
So what were you like in high
school?
MELISSA
Me? I don't know. Not many people
liked me, I don't think.
ANDY
That's surprising, you look like
the popular type.
MELISSA
I don't think I treated people very
nice. I was a cheerleader,
popular..you know...
ANDY
I know the type.
More than she knows.
MELISSA
What about you? You look like you
were a jock, baseball maybe?
Andy smiles.
ANDY
The closest I got to a baseball was
getting them thrown at me in gym
class. I was the computer geek. I
had one date in high school and it
ended very badly.
He takes a sip of beer.
MELISSA
Lucky you. I had to fight off high
school football player's hands
every Friday and Saturday night.
Andy laughs.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
Now all those guys who were the big
shots are thirty pounds overweight,
sitting at the bar, reliving those
high days. Do you miss high school?
ANDY
Not in the slightest. It was the
worst time of my life. I think
that's a reason I never wanted to
have children because I didn't want
them to go through what I went
through.
MELISSA
Was it really that bad?
ANDY
Sure was. Got beat up, laughed at,
it was terrible. What about you? Do
you miss high school?
MELISSA
I guess in a way I do. But I traded
an education for a social life. I
didn't do as well as I could have.
Instead of studying and going to
college, I wanted to have fun.
ANDY
Was high school the high point of
your life?
She pauses. He's hit a vulnerable spot.
MELISSA
I guess. I had lots of friends. I
was homecoming queen and everyone
thought I had it made. But I
didn't. I had the same problems
everyone else had. I was insecure,
I had my own troubles. I just hid
them like most teenagers.
ANDY
Hard to believe someone with your
self-confidence would have been
insecure.
MELISSA
This isn't self-confidence. It's
life. I won't let Sam make the same
mistakes. She's going to study and
go to college.
Andy looks at her with respect.
EXT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - LATER
Andy is carrying Samantha into the house.
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER
She's asleep on his shoulder. Andy lays her in her bed. He
touches her head
SAMANTHA
(still sleeping)
G'night Daddy.
A chill runs down Andy spine, just hearing those words....
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER
Andy and Melissa walk to the living room. They both start to
speak.
ANDY
Would..
MELISSA
Tha...
They laugh.
MELISSA
Go ahead.
ANDY
No, you go first.
MELISSA
You go.
ANDY
Would you like to do this again?
MELISSA
Yes, I would, but I'd like to cook
for you, I don't see you cooking up
a home cooked meal for yourself
very often.
ANDY
I would like that very much.
MELISSA
Good, when would you like to join
us?
ANDY
What's today? Tuesday? How about
Thursday? They should have your
computer done. I'll deliver it and
make sure everything is working.
MELISSA
That sounds good, Samantha will be
excited.
Andy picks up the computer and leaves with a smile on his
face. A smile that scares him a little.
INT. PHIL'S COMPUTER PLACE - DAY
Phil is working at his desk, going over some numbers. He
looks around then slides a finger up his nose.
INT. ANDYS CAR - SAME TIME
Andy is watching Phil on his PDA. He laughs at Phil's finger
in his nose.
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - EVENING
Music plays over Andy having dinner at Melissa's house. They
are having fun, enjoying each other's company.
INT. PHIL'S COMPUTER PLACE - MORNING
Phil is working at his desk, clearly frustrated. The phone
rings. Phil answers it.
PHIL
Cummins Information Systems
(he listens)
yes Mr. Ashley, I know you
(he listens)
If you give me a couple days, I
will have someone out there
Phil is left holding a dead line. Another customer is gone. A
young man knocks on his door.
ED
Hey Phil.
PHIL
What do you want? Aren't you
suppose to be working?
Ed sits in the chair across from Phil.
ED
Phil, I'm leaving, I got another
offer.
Phil stands up.
PHIL
(angry)
You're leaving? After all the
things I've done for you, you're
going to fuck me. You ungrateful
prick. When is your last day?
Phil gets up and walks toward the door before turning around.
ED
It was going to be two weeks from
today, but I think it was
yesterday. Consider the four hours
I worked today as my gift to you,
bitch.
Ed walks out. Phil picks up a stapler and throws it against
the wall. He grabs his chest and reaches for his heart
medicine.
INT. SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - EVENING
Andy, Melissa and Samantha are having dinner at a seafood
restaurant. Andy is looking over the menu while the waiter
waits for him to order.
ANDY
I'll have the grilled chicken and
wild rice.
The waiter writes down the order.
WAITER
Thank you.
He takes the menus and leaves.
MELISSA
You don't like fish?
ANDY
I like fish, I just like to watch
them swim around in a tank.
Samantha laughs.
SAMANTHA
I had a goldfish, but he died.
ANDY
I'm sorry to hear that.
SAMANTHA
It happens.
Andy smiles at this precious little girl.
INT. ANDYS CAR - EVENING
Andy, Melissa and Samantha are going home after having
dinner. The car is very quiet.
MELISSA
Who needs some music?
SAMANTHA
I do.
MELISSA
Any CD's?
ANDY
I'm afraid not.
Melissa turns on the radio. Static. She pushes the buttons.
None of the stations are programmed.
MELISSA
You don't like music?
ANDY
I don't really listen to music
much. I don't know anything
popular.
MELISSA
Sam and I will have to make you
one, some good music.
ANDY
That would be great.
Samantha smiles in the back seat.
INT. UPSCALE POOL HALL - EVENING
Andy and Investigator Bob walk into the pool hall. They walk
around, watching the players. He sees a crowd of people
watching a game. Investigator Bob points to a woman
surrounded by people watching a game in progress.
INVESTIGATOR BOB
That's her. She's damn good.
Andy looks through the maze of people and sees an attractive
woman playing. She is good. Really good. She beats the man
soundly. The crowd leaves. Andy makes his way over to her.
ANDY
That was very impressive. You
should give lessons.
SARAH
Actually, I do give lessons. Fifty
bucks an hour.
ANDY
So you're a professional.
SARAH
Yes, need a lesson?
ANDY
Actually, I want you to teach
someone else a lesson.
SARAH
A gift for someone?
ANDY
Something like that.
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE – NIGHT
A knock on the door. Samantha opens it to find Andy standing
there with his hands behind his back. She's excited to see
him.
SAMANTHA
Hi Andy!
ANDY
Sammy!! How are you cutie?
She blushes at his comment.
SAMANTHA
Mommy, Andy's here.
MELISSA (O.S.)
Well let him in, silly.
She opens the door, trying to look behind his back.
ANDY
Hey, don't peek!
She laughs.
SAMANTHA
Is it for me?
ANDY
Maybe….
SAMANTHA
What is it?
She giggles. Melissa comes in.
MELISSA
What are you two laughing about?
SAMANTHA
Andy has something and he won't let
me see what it is.
Melissa looks at Andy: I hope you didn't bring her anything
else.
ANDY
It's nothing big.
He gives her a fish bowl with two goldfish swimming happily.
Samantha squeals with delight. Melissa smiles.
SAMANTHA
Can I keep them Mommy?
MELISSA
I can't say no now.
Andy gets a mock glare from Melissa.
SAMANTHA
What should I name them?
ANDY
I always name my fish after people
I like and admire.
SAMANTHA
Let's see. I like my kindergarden
teacher so I'll call this one Ms.
Hoff.
MELISSA
What about the other?
She thinks about this.
SAMANTHA
His name is Andy.
She smiles broadly. Andy is touched.
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - LATER
Andy and Melissa are watching TV on her couch, holding each
other.
MELISSA
Can I get you anything?
ANDY
No, I'm good.
A noise from the hall. Samantha appears.
SAMANTHA
Mommy, I can't sleep. I need a
story.
Melissa gets up.
MELISSA
Sure honey.
SAMANTHA
Can Andy read it to me?
Melissa turns to Andy who smiles.
ANDY
I'd love to read you a story.
Samantha smiles a huge smile.
EXT. STREET, COLLEGE DORMS, BARS - DAY
Andy is passing out flyers, advertising parties at the house
he bought. Handing them out on college campuses.
INT. PHIL'S HOUSE - LATER
Mark and Lisa are on the porch after another date. They enter
the house.
LISA
Staying for a drink?
Mark looks around for the camera.
MARK
No, I have to be in court in the
morning.
INT. MOORE MACHINE - MORNING
Bobby is standing by his press, sipping coffee, not working.
The P.A. system sounds.
P.A.
Bobby to the office, please.
Bobby hears this and rolls his eyes. Then starts off to the
office.
INT. KENS OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Ken is sitting at his messy desk. Bobby walks through the
door.
BOBBY
Yo, what's up? I'm not being
productive sitting in here.
Bobby flops down in a chair across from Ken.
KEN
You haven't been very productive at
all lately, Bobby. They are letting
you go.
Bobby is floored. He can't believe it.
BOBBY
You're shittin' me. What the fuck?
I work hard every day.
KEN
Wasn't my call.
BOBBY
This is fucking bullshit.
Bobby stands. Ken holds up an envelope.
KEN
Sorry Bob. Please clean out your
locker. I have your last check for
you right here. They decided to pay
you for the entire week, if you
don't make this hard.
Bobby reaches for the check. Ken pulls it back.
KEN (CONT'D)
I'll bring it to you in the parking
lot when you're through cleaning
out your locker.
INT. TM COMPUTER ASSOCIATES OFFICE - MORNING
Theresa is working at her desk. Her phone rings.
THERESA
Good morning, this is Theresa.
BOBBY (O.S.)
(offscreen)
They fired me. I don't have a job.
THERESA
What happened? What did you do?
BOBBY (O.S.)
(offended)
I didn't do anything, they just
fired me.
THERESA
They had to fire you for some
reason, what did they say?
Mark calls Theresa. Bobby is still talking to her.
THERESA (CONT'D)
I have to go now, Mark needs me.
BOBBY (O.S.)
I'm talking to you right now.
THERESA
We can talk later. Things will be
fine, I'm making more than you were
anyway.
BOBBY (O.S.)
(pissed at that statement)
Yes, I remember.
She hears something in the background. Pool balls crashing
against each other.
INT. CORNER BAR - DAY
Bobby at a pay phone at the bar.
THERESA (O.S.)
Where are you?
BOBBY
Having a beer. It's been a rough
day, I need to relax.
THERESA (O.S.)
It's not even eleven o'clock.
BOBBY
So? It's not like I have anything
to do.
THERESA (O.S.)
You can get home and start the
dinner, do some washing.
BOBBY
I don't know how to do that stuff.
He takes a big drink of beer.
THERESA (O.S.)
Come on, Bob, help me a little.
He looks over at the pool tables and is waved over.
BOBBY
Got to go honey, my game.
THERESA (O.S.)
Bob, don't -
Bobby hangs up on her and walks away.
INT. TM COMPUTER ASSOCIATES OFFICE - MORNING
Theresa is working at her desk. She slams down the phone.
THERESA
Asshole.
INT. PARTY HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Andy is in the party house. A knock on the door. Andy walks
over and opens it. It is a young man, JEREMY, 23. He is
carrying a clipboard.
JEREMY
I have a delivery out in the truck.
Andy look out at the van. The liquor and beer.
ANDY
Great.
JEREMY
Where do you want it?
INT. PARTY HOUSE - LATER
The kitchen is full of beer and alcohol. Full kegs sit on the
floor. Jeremy is finally done bringing it all in. He hands
the clipboard to Andy.
JEREMY
I need you to sign this, please.
Andy signs the paper.
ANDY
Thanks.
Andy pulls out a twenty and tips him.
JEREMY
Thanks man. You must be having a
kick-ass party.
ANDY
Hopefully. Why don't you come over,
bring some friends.
JEREMY
Really? That would be awesome.
Jeremy notices the kegs of beer getting warm.
JEREMY (CONT'D)
You better get those on ice. They
will get warm.
Andy forgot about this. He pulls out a hundred.
ANDY
Can you help?
JEREMY
I would, but I have another
delivery. Go to Home Depot and grab
some garbage cans. Fill them with
ice and you're all set.
ANDY
I'll do that. Thanks.
EXT. PARTY HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Andy pulls up, his backseat full of garbage cans. A Best Buy
truck sits in the driveway. A Jeep with three guys sits in
front of the house. Andy gets out of his car and walks to the
Jeep.
ANDY
You guys here for the party?
GUYS
Yea… (ad lib)
ANDY
I need some help getting ready, you
guys interested in earning some
money? Like a hundred each?
GUYS
Hell yea… (ad lib)
INT. PARTY HOUSE – LATER
The kegs are on ice. The stereo booms, interrupted by some
static on the radio. Andy and the guys are enjoying a few
cold ones.
GUY 1
Have any CD's?
ANDY
No, do you needs some?
GUY 2
Yea, this radio shit isn't going to
get it. We need some shit they
don't play on the radio.
GUY 3
A Playstation 2 and some games
would be cool too.
Andy reaches in his pocket and pulls out a wad of bills. He
starts peeling hundreds off.
ANDY
A grand buy enough fun?
GUY 1
Two would make it really sweet. We
could get a ping-pong table. Play
some beer pong.
Andy peels off more bills and hands them to the guys.
GUY 2
Man, this is awesome. You are going
to have a kickass party tonight.
EXT. PHIL'S HOUSE - EVENING
Phil is out watering his manicured lawn. Mark arrives in the
Porsche. Phil looks appreciatively at the gleaming car.
MARK
Hi, Mr. Cummins?
PHIL
Yes.
MARK
(reaching out to shake)
Mark Goss, nice to meet you.
Phil shakes his hand.
PHIL
Phil Cummins.
Mark looks over the lawn Just like Andy said, it's perfect.
Not a blade of grass out of place.
MARK
You have the nicest lawn on the
block.
A proud Phil looks over his pristine lawn.
PHIL
Thanks, takes lots of work to keep
it looking like this. That's a nice
car.
MARK
Thanks. Takes me where I need to
go.
PHIL
How does a young guy like you
afford a car that costs, what 60,
70 thousand dollars?
Phil looks at another car loaded with kids driving past.
MARK
Something like that
Phil just looks at him and the car.
PHIL
That's quite a bit for a car.
MARK
What's the point of having it if it
just sits in the bank?
Phil shakes his head.
PHIL
So what do you do that allows you
to spend that much on a car?
MARK
I'm a lawyer. I hear you're into
computers Mr. Cummins.
Phil is distracted by more cars pulling into the driveway of
the party house.
PHIL
Yes, I own a computer company. We
lease systems, custom programming,
that sort of thing.
MARK
A full service company. That's
great
Lisa comes out of the house. Both guys turn to her.
LISA
Hi Mark, I see you've met my dad.
MARK
Yes, we have been talking.
Lisa notices the cars at the neighbors.
LISA
Looks like the new neighbors are
having a party.
Phil looks over there.
PHIL
I don't like them already.
Lisa takes Marks arm.
LISA
Well, we better go.
MARK
Nice meeting you, Mr. Cummins.
PHIL
Yes. Same here.
Lisa and Mark climb into the Porsche and leave. Phil watches,
a little jealous. Phil looks at more kids pulling up to the
houses and shakes his head.
INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Theresa walks in the house. It is a complete mess. Beer cans
are strewn about the living room. Bobby is asleep on the
couch. She walks toward the kitchen, crushing a beer can,
waking Bobby.
BOBBY
Hey...I'm glad you're home, I'm
starved.
She is pissed. She walks into the kitchen, then back out to
the living room.
THERESA
You couldn't even clean up after
lunch?
BOBBY
You know I don't clean.
THERESA
Well, now that you have so much
free time, you should do a little
cleaning. The house was clean this
morning before I left, now it's a
mess.
Bobby is ignoring her.
THERESA (CONT'D)
I'm serious, you have to do
something.
He momentarily diverts his attention from whatever he was
watching.
BOBBY
I did do something, categorized my
cards by teams instead of
alphabetically.
The boys come running through.
THERESA
You're categorized your cards by
teams instead of alphabetically
when the house looks like this?
Have you checked their homework?
BOBBY
No.
THERESA
Have you even looked for a job?
BOBBY
No.
THERESA
If you don't get a job soon, you
should sell your baseball cards.
BOBBY
No fuckin' way. I love those cards
more than anything.
THERESA
Well, these days you seem to spend
more time playing with them than
you play with me.
BOBBY
(imitating her)
Well, they're in better condition
than you are.
THERESA
Oh yea? Just let me know when they
start supporting you, so I can stop
doing it.
Damn that hurt. Bobby looks almost wounded. Then he reaches
for a beer and everything is okay once again.
INT. PARTY HOUSE – NIGHT
College kids are partying hard. They are playing beer-pong in
the living room. The music is mainly rap and LOUD. Couples
wait outside the closed bedroom doors for their turn. It's a
bash of epic proportions.
INT. PHILS HOUSE - NIGHT
Mark and Lisa pull up back at Phil's house. The party is
raging. A small smile comes to Mark's face. Cars are parked
all over. Loud music comes from every window.
MARK
Your neighbors all have wild
parties at the same time?
LISA
No, they are all new, some new
people from overseas, I think.
MARK
They like rap?
LISA
Evidently.
They get out and walk up the driveway. Phil comes out.
LISA (CONT'D)
Dad, why are you up so late?
PHIL
(re: party)
Can you believe this? It's like
they put fliers up or something.
Mark notices something on Phil's car.
MARK
I think someone threw some gum on
your car.
Phil reaches for it. It's not gum. It's a used condom. A
freshly used dripping condom. The three of them are extremely
repulsed to the point of dry heaves.
EXT. PHILS HOUSE - MORNING
The neighborhood is trashed. Empty and smashed bottles are
everywhere. Furniture is on the lawn, along with clothes and
a few passed out kids.
Phil looks around at the houses and the destruction. His once
perfect lawn has two tire tracks across it.
PHIL
Shit.
Phil consumes some heart medicine.
INT. ANDYS CAR - AFTERNOON
Andy is taking Melissa and Samantha for a ride. They look
like a happy family.
MELISSA
I don't know why you won't tell us
where we are going.
ANDY
It's a surprise.
They pull into a Ford dealership.
MELISSA
Are you getting a new car? What's
wrong with this one?
ANDY
Too small. Not enough room.
The girls look at each other. They park and go into the
showroom.
INT. FORD DEALER - AFTERNOON
They go over to an Expedition. Samantha climbs in. Andy
ushers Melissa into the big truck.
ANDY
Climb in, see what you think.
MELISSA
I won't be driving it, it doesn't
matter.
ANDY
Yes, it will matter. I want you to
drive it. I'm buying it for you.
She climbs down and walks away.
MELISSA
No, you're not, I can't accept it.
ANDY
Please, you need a new car. Yours
barely runs.
Melissa turns to him and tells him her fear.
MELISSA
So I'll be driving around in a 40
thousand dollar vehicle until you
decide you don't want me around.
ANDY
That won't happen.
MELISSA
That always happens, guys like you
never stay around.
ANDY
I know you don't need me to buy it,
but I want to. I need to know that
you and Samantha are safe. Please,
just look at it, take it for a
ride.
INT. EXPEDITION - LATER
Melissa is driving the Expedition home, a worried grin on her
face.
INT. ANDY'S CAR - LATER
A smiling Andy is driving his car behind Melissa in her new
vehicle. Samantha sits next to him.
SAMANTHA
You make my mommy happy.
ANDY
I do?
SAMANTHA
Yes..she doesn't cry at night
anymore when I'm in bed.
ANDY
She cries?
SAMANTHA
She use to. I heard her.
Samantha reaches over and holds Andy hand. He's on the verge
of crying now.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
What kind of mileage does that
thing get anyway?
INT. PHIL'S BUSINESS - MORNING
Phil is prioritizing the bills for payment. The group
insurance bill is marked with a huge OVERDUE. He's going
broke, talking to clients that have jumped to Marks company.
PHIL
They are new, they are undercutting
my prices just to get your
business. In six months they will
raise their prices.
(beat)
You won't be able to come back,
I'll be out of business.
The customer hangs up. Phil slams the phone down. The phone
rings again. Phil answers.
PHIL (CONT'D)
This is Phil
(beat)
Yes, I'm aware that it's overdue.
(beat)
I'm trying the best I can.
(beat)
I already have two mortgages on my
home and they are overdue too.
Phil is suddenly holding a dead line. He looks at the phone
then goes back to the bills.
INT. ANDYS CAR - AFTERNOON
Andy smiling, watching the entire scene on a handheld
computer.
INT. CORNER BAR - NIGHT
Andy, Sarah and Mark walk into the bar where Bobby hangs out.
Bobby is there playing pool, being loud, being himself. They
sit and order drinks. Sarah goes to the table and puts her
quarters on the side of the table. She looks at Bobby,
suggestively smiling at him. She gets back to the table and
they watch the game.
ANDY
Can you beat him?
SARAH
Oh, yea. These tables are small,
wide pockets. I should beat him
pretty bad.
MARK
Are you going to play him for
anything?
SARAH
I'll let him win the first game,
tease him a little, then I'll
embarrass him.
ANDY
How are you going to do that?
SARAH
I'll let him gain a little
confidence, show a little leg, then
watch out.
The camera pans to the pool table where Bobby wins the game
and hi-fives his buddies.
BOBBY
OK, who's next....
Sarah gets up and goes to the table...
BOBBY (CONT'D)
You must be new here. Never seen
you before. I'm Bobby, some women
call me Big Bob..
She looks up at him and smiles shyly.
SARAH
I'm Sarah.
She puts the coins in and racks the balls.
BOBBY
What are we playing for honey?
SARAH
Sarah. We can play for a beer if
you want.
Bobby breaks, makes a few balls. Sarah isn't playing well,
she misses some easy shots.
ON ANDY AND MARK
They are watching Sarah and Bobby playing pool.
ANDY
How are things going with Lisa?
MARK
Really good. She's a great girl.
Woman.
ANDY
You don't have to do that for me.
Mark looks at him seriously.
MARK
I'm not. I'm doing it for me. She's
everything I want in a woman.
Andy can't believe this.
ANDY
But her father?
MARK
I'm not dating her father.
ON SARAH
Sarah is buying a beer for Bobby at the bar. She winks at
Andy and Mark on her way back to the table. She hands Bobby
the beer.
SARAH
Again?
BOBBY
Sure. What are we playing for this
time?
SARAH
Are you the adventurous type, Big
Bob?
Bobby looks at his friends and laughs.
BOBBY
Well sure, I'm up for just about
anything.
SARAH
Lets play a game for something
really fun.
BOBBY
Anything you want baby.
Bobby's friends laugh and shout...
SARAH
If you win, you can do anything you
want to me, for hours.
BOBBY
And what if you win?
SARAH
You owe me a hundred bucks and you
don't get me.
BOBBY
You're on baby!! Do you live far?
Because I'm going to want you as
soon as I sink that eight ball.
His friends laugh. Sarah racks the balls. Bobby breaks. He
makes a couple balls. Sarah walks around the table studying
the balls. She makes the first ball, a pretty simple shot.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
Hey she made one.
He and his friends laugh. Sarah lines up another shot and
makes it. And the next. Bobby's friends are laughing. Bobby
is getting more and more pissed with every shot she sinks. He
reaches in his pocket and counts his money. Sarah catches him
looking.
SARAH
Did you bet without having the
money to back it up?
BOBBY
I have the money, bitch.
He's getting pissed.
SARAH
Oooohhhh. I'm a bitch now.
She sinks another. And another. Finally she sinks the 8-ball.
Bobby's friend are laughing at him. He's so pissed.
SARAH (CONT'D)
Hey stud, you got my hundred bucks?
BOBBY
Fuck you. I'm not paying you shit.
You hustled me.
Sarah acts surprised.
SARAH
You're not going to pay me?
BOBBY
(angrily)
No, I told you, I'm not paying you
shit.
He throws his cue on the table.
SARAH
Okay. No problem.
Sarah walks over to the bartender. She whispers something in
his ear. He nods and walks over to turn down the jukebox and
the TVs. The bar is quiet.
SARAH (CONT'D)
(loudly to the entire bar)
Excuse me, please....does anyone
here know the guy in the blue shirt
near the pool table? Bobby is his
name, or as he likes to think of
himself Big Bob.
The bar patrons look at Bobby and laugh. Yes, they know him.
SARAH (CONT'D)
Well, tonight he played me a game
of pool. If he won, he could have
me-
Men in the bar hoot and holler.
SARAH (CONT'D)
-anyway he wanted-
Men in the bar hoot and holler more.
SARAH (CONT'D)
-but, if I won, he would owe me a
hundred bucks. Now, I would have
paid up if I lost. I didn't lose
though, I won. And guess what? Big
Bob doesn't have money to pay me.
The bar glares at Bobby. He's clearly embarrassed.
SARAH (CONT'D)
Now, I've played in a lot of bars,
but I can't seem to recall a man
ever playing for more than he had
in his pocket.
The patrons shout things at Bobby. Mark and Andy join in,
even egg the crowd on.
SARAH (CONT'D)
Now, I know in a pool hall, that
kind of shit would be enough reason
to get his ass beat. Since I'm a
little woman, I was wondering if
someone could help me with a way to
teach him a lesson about betting
without having money.
A large, tattooed man in a black leather motorcycle vest in
the crowd speaks up.
MAN
I'd be happy to kick his ass for
you darlin'.
Bobby doesn't look happy, in fact he looks scared.
SARAH
Awwwww, that's sweet, but, I don't
like violence. Lets think of some
other way.
EXT. CORNER BAR - MOMENTS LATER
Bobby is walking out of the bar, using a bar napkin to cover
his privates. The entire bar watches him walk out. They are
laughing at him, even his so-called friends. Sarah is in
front of them, holding his clothes.
SARAH
Since he's only using one napkin in
front, I'm guessing they call him
Big Bob because of his mouth.
Everyone laughs. Bobby continues walking.
INT. PHILS HOUSE - NIGHT
Phil is looking out the upstairs window, very upset. The
party is very loud and very crowded. Phil is on the phone.
PHIL
This is the third night in a row.
Why can't you do something?
Unhappy with the result, he slams the phone down.
EXT. PHILS HOUSE - NIGHT
A very drunk young man staggers over to Phil's and urinates
on his lawn. Phil is banging on the window in a fit of rage.
The drunk man waves a happy wave to him.
INT. ANDYS CAR - NIGHT
Andy is laughing in his car, watching Phil's fit.
INT. MORNING - BOBBY'S HOUSE
Theresa is running around getting ready for work. Bobby is
sleeping in the bed.
THERESA
Bob, get up, I have to leave. The
boys need to eat.
He turns over, covers his head with the pillow.
THERESA (CONT'D)
Come on, I need your help.
BOBBY
(yelling under the pillow)
GODDAMN IT!!! I'm fucking tired and
I want to sleep.
She's not in the mood to take any shit.
THERESA
Tired from staying out half the
night? You need to get up. Now.
BOBBY
(furious)
Who the fuck are you talking to?
I'm not one of the boys.
THERESA
Well at least they manage to clean
up after themselves half the time.
And where did your clothes go last
night? I could have sworn you were
dressed when you left.
BOBBY
Just go. I'm tired of listening to
you.
THERESA
I'm going to work. I want you out
when I get home. I've had enough.
BOBBY
Where am I going to go?
THERESA
I don't care. I just don't want you
here.
BOBBY
Maybe I'll go to Florida to stay
with my mom.
THERESA
I'm sure she will enjoy paying your
bills and cleaning up after you as
much as I do.
BOBBY
Just go.
THERESA
Don't even think about using any
household money either. Sell your
cards if you need money.
She leaves the bedroom, slamming the door. Bobby just groans.
INT. PHIL'S BUSINESS - MORNING
Phil is in his office. He is going over a bank statement. The
phone rings. He answers it.
PHIL
Hello, this is Phil.
The look on his face says it all. The call he's been
dreading. The bank.
PHIL(CONT'D)
Yes, I know it's a little late.
(beat)
What about equity in my business?
(beat)
I see.
He hangs up the phone.
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - EVENING
Andy and Melissa are sitting watching T.V., holding each
other. Outside a car races down the street. Some gunshots
ring out. The car squeals off again. Andy nearly jumps out of
his skin. Melissa is surprisingly calm and unaffected.
ANDY
What the hell was that?
MELISSA
Sounded like a thirty-eight. An AK
forty-seven is much louder.
ANDY
This isn't funny, it's dangerous.
MELISSA
It's my way of dealing with it. I
can't change the situation right
now.
ANDY
I can. I don't want you two living
in fear. This is dangerous.
MELISSA
No, we can't move. This is our
home.
ANDY
You can't live here. I'll buy a
bigger house. With room for all of
us.
MELISSA
We can't. I won't live with you.
Andy turns to her and gets down on a knee.
ANDY
Then marry me.
She looks at him astonished.
EXT. BOBBY'S HOUSE - DAY
Bobby is carrying the last things to his truck. A pillow,
sleeping bag and his prized baseball cards.
INT. PHIL'S BUSINESS - MORNING
Phil is in his office. His head is in his hands. He lowers
his hands, showing his tear-streaked face. He picks up the
phone, hits the PA button.
PHIL
(over the phone)
Will everyone please come to my
office?
INT. PHIL'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Phil seated at his desk. What's left of the crew is assembled
in his office.
PHIL
As you all know, we are losing
business rapidly. We don't have
enough money to last another month.
I've done what I can.
Phil starts crying again. They guys have never seen him this
way.
PHIL (CONT'D)
I am going to try to get you all
jobs at the new place. I know you
all aware of it. Most of your
former coworkers work there. Friday
will be our last day.
He breaks down.
INT. ANDYS CAR - SAME TIME
Andy is watching Phil on his handheld computer. He smiles.
ANDY
One down.
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - MORNING
Andy, Melissa and Samantha are in the Expedition, going to
look at houses.
SAMANTHA
Can I have a big pretty bed with
the thing on top?
MELISSA
A canopy?
SAMANTHA
Yep, a canopy. And I want a big,
pink stuffed teddy bear to put in
the corner. What do you want for
your room Mommy?
MELISSA
Oh, I don't know, maybe a big bed
and a whirlpool bath with a
television and a fireplace.
SAMANTHA
What about you Andy? What do you
want in your bedroom?
ANDY
Your mom. That's all I want.
Samantha laughs.
SAMANTHA
That's silly. Mom will have her own
room.
Andy and Melissa look at each other. No need to go into this
area right now.
EXT. HOUSING DEVELOPEMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Andy, Melissa and Samantha are out looking at houses. The
first is in a new luxury development. Expensive houses. They
park at the model and up to the house.
MELISSA
We don't need to live here, they're
so big.
ANDY
We are a family, we need the room.
MELISSA
Let's get something smaller, these
are too much.
ANDY
They are find. If you think they
are too big to clean, we can get a
cleaning lady.
INT. LARGE MODEL HOME - LATER
The agent is showing all of the features. A large kitchen.
Living room. Samantha is in a bedroom just standing there,
amazed at the size. She walks to the attached bathroom. They
watch her. She walks around the room.
SAMANTHA
This room is all mine?
They nod to her. She opens the door to a bathroom.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
A bathroom too?
Melissa walks over to the bathroom. It's huge.
MELISSA
This is bigger than our kitchen.
SAMANTHA
And I can have it any color I want?
They nod again.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Can I have a big fish tank full of
pretty fish?
ANDY
Yep, if I can come in here and
watch them with you.
SAMANTHA
I'd like that.
They continue through the house. Andy reaches into his pocket
and pulls out a credit card. He hands it to Melissa.
MELISSA
What is this?
ANDY
A credit card. I need you to
decorate our house.
MELISSA
No, I can't. I'll mess it up. I
don't know what you like, how you
want it decorated.
ANDY
You have good taste. You'll do
fine.
MELISSA
But it's your house.
ANDY
It's our house. For all of us,
right Sam?
SAMANTHA
Right.
Big smiles.
INT. SMALL BAR - EVENING
Bobby is sitting all alone at a small bar, not his usual
hangout. He looks terrible. He walks over to the pay phone
and drops a quarter in and dials.
INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE - EVENING
Theresa is sitting at the table helping the boys with their
homework. The phone rings.
THERESA
Hello?
INT. BAR - EVENING
Bobby on the pay phone.
BOBBY
Are you ready for me to come home
yet?
THERESA (O.S.)
Well, you're really trying to win
me back aren't you?
BOBBY
You know I'm not good at this.
INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE - EVENING
Silence. Neither of them talk.
THERESA
Where are you staying?
BOBBY
Do you care?
THERESA
I want to know where I should
forward the divorce papers.
INT. BAR - EVENING
Bobby on the pay phone.
BOBBY
That's not funny
THERESA (O.S.)
Show some initiative Bob. Get a job
and we can talk about fixing us.
BOBBY
I'm looking every day. There's just
not much work for what I do.
INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE - EVENING
THERESA
Well do something else then. Just
do something.
She hangs up the phone.
INT. BAR - EVENING
Bobby slams down the phone. He walks over to the bar and
reaches in his pocket. He doesn't even have a dollar, just
some loose change. He walks out.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Andy and Melissa, Mark and Lisa are having dinner at a very
fancy restaurant. A waiter pours the wine and walks away.
MELISSA
(to Lisa)
So how long have you two been
dating?
LISA
A little over a month.
MARK
Five weeks and two days.
Lisa looks at Mark, she's touched.
ANDY
I'm impressed.
LISA
That he knew to the day?
ANDY
No. That it's been over five weeks.
LISA
(to Mark)
Is this a new record, honey?
MARK
It's true, I haven't worked very
hard at some of my prior
relationships. But Lisa is worth
working for.
MELISSA
Will you please excuse me?
Melissa gets up.
LISA
I'll come with you.
Lisa and Melissa leave.
ANDY
Nice touch.
MARK
It's not an act, she's great.
ANDY
I'm telling Melissa tonight.
MARK
She's going to be devastated. She
looks at you with those eyes.
Andy knows this.
ANDY
The same ones Lisa has for you?
MARK
But I'm not setting Lisa up to tear
her down.
ANDY
No, but you're helping me destroy
her Dad's company.
Marks sighs.
MARK
I'm not happy doing it. I don't
want to hurt her.
ANDY
We're not hurting her. We are
hurting her father. The same one
who fucked me over. Who's side are
you on?
Mark looks up at Andy.
MARK
My side. I care for Lisa a lot,
more than I have cared for anyone
in a long time. And I have a
feeling it's going to end badly.
ANDY
So does marriage. You get married
and either you get a divorce or one
of you sees the other laying dead
in a casket. It works out bad for
everyone.
MARK
It's what you do in between the
time you get married and you're
laying there in the casket is what
counts.
INT. LADIES BATHROOM - SAME TIME
Melissa and Lisa are in applying makeup.
LISA
Andy seems like a great guy.
MELISSA
He is. My daughter adores him. He
was a little standoffish at first.
I don't think he's been around
children much. What do you think is
wrong with Andy and Mark?
LISA
What do you mean?
MELISSA
Any men their age not married must
have something wrong with them.
LISA
I'm wondering too.
They both laugh.
MELISSA
I really don't care. Andy is a good
man and good to Samantha. That's
enough.
EXT. PHILS HOUSE - EVENING
Phil and his wife are trying to sleep, but the loud music is
keeping them awake. Finally a pissed off Phil sits up.
PHIL
I've had enough, I'm heading over
there.
Phil bends over to pull on his pants and suddenly grabs his
chest. His wife looks at him anxiously.
MRS. CUMMINS
Are you okay Phil? Should i call
someone?
Phil sits.
PHIL
No, I'm fine, just need to sit
down.
He's not fine, he's scared.
INT. CARD STORE - EVENING
Bobby is in there bartering with the owner over the sale of
his cards.
BOBBY
C'mon. You know they are worth more
than that.
STORE OWNER
Sorry, that's all I can give you.
Bobby looks at the cards, his lifelong mission.
BOBBY
But there is an Al Kaline rookie in
there.
STORE OWNER
Sorry, that's all I can give you.
BOBBY
Fuck.
Bobby walks out the door.
INT. MELISSAS HOUSE - EVENING
Andy and Melissa pull up to Melissa's house. He's very
distant.
MELISSA
You've been quiet since dessert.
They get out of the car.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
Are you okay? What's wrong?
Andy sits on the porch. Melissa sits next to him. He doesn't
look at her.
ANDY
Just tired, that's all
MELISSA
You sure?
ANDY
Yep. That's all. You going up
tonight to pick out Samantha's
bedroom set?
MELISSA
She's so excited about it. Imagine,
furniture that actually matches.
ANDY
Where are you getting it from?
MELISSA
Hillside Furniture. They are a
little more expensive.
ANDY
That's fine, get whatever she
wants. I'm going to go now.
Andy gets up and gives Melissa a quick kiss.
MELISSA
Going to say bye to Sam?
ANDY
She sounds like shes busy. Give her
a kiss for me.
MELISSA
Okay.
Something's wrong but she can't figure it out. Andy gets in
the car and leaves.
INT. ANDY'S CAR - MOMENTS LATER
Andy is dialing a number on his cell phone.
ANDY
The truck will be at Hillside
Furniture within an hour.
(beat)
Just bring it to my office.
He hangs up the phone and drives off.
EXT. PHILS BUSINESS - EVENING
Andy drives up to Cummins Computers. The parking lot is
almost empty. Andy gets out of his car and walks to the door.
Andy knocks on the glass door. A young programmer comes to
and unlocks it.
ANDY
Is Phil here?
PROGRAMMER
Yes, he's in his office.
Andy's not sure where to go.
PROGRAMMER (CONT'D)
Follow me.
The programmer leads Andy through a once-busy office. Finally
Phil in his office, looking old and tired. Phil looks up and
brightens a little.
PHIL
Got your nose fixed, didn't you?
Andy is surprised at Phil recognizing him.
PHIL (CONT'D)
You look good. Being rich looks
good on you. I always knew you
would.
ANDY
Would what?
PHIL
Be a success. You had the drive.
Something about your resolve to get
something done.
Andy is a little embarrassed at the attention.
PHIL (CONT'D)
I tried to contact you, to tell you
how proud I was of you. You made a
fine business out of nothing.
Something to be proud of.
ANDY
Like you did. How's business?
PHIL
Good. Really good.
Said with no conviction.
ANDY
Hear you have been having a little
trouble with the competition.
PHIL
It's nothing. Minor setback. They
always are.
The brave front.
ANDY
I hear they got all your best guys,
your accounts, everything.
The word everything is about 8 syllables long. Phil realizes
that Andy did it. Phil's face is getting red. He wants to
yell. He tries to talk, nothing comes out. He grabs his chest
and falls face first on his desk. Andy walks out of Phils
office and walks past the programmer.
ANDY (CONT'D)
You should call 9-1-1, I don't
think Phil is feeling so well.
INT. HILLSIDE FURNITURE - EVENING
Melissa and Samantha are looking at a little girls bedroom
set. Samantha jumps on the bed, happy as can be. Melissa
smiles and nod her head. She can have that one.
At the register the salesman is trying to talk them into a
more expensive mattress set.
SALESMAN
The Beautyrest WorldClass has 850
coils where the Beautyrest
Exceptionale has 1230 coils. The
mattress with more coils will last
much longer.
MELISSA
She's six years old and weighs
about forty-five pounds. She will
do fine with the cheaper mattress.
He enters the information into the computer/register.
SALESMAN
Great, if there's nothing else you
need, the total is $1478.92.
She gives the cashier Andy's credit card. The salesman runs
it through.
SALESMAN (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, ma'am, this sale was not
approved.
Melissa is shocked.
MELISSA
Can you try it again?
The credit card is rejected again.
SALESMAN
So you have another card?
She is embarrassed. She can't leave quick enough.
MELISSA
No, that's fine, thank you.
She grabs Samantha's hand and walks out.
EXT. HILLSIDE FURNITURE - MORNING
Melissa is looking for the truck. The space where she parked
the truck is empty.
MELISSA
Shit.
She dials the cell phone.
ANDY(O.S.)
Hi.
MELISSA
Andy, someone stole the truck!!
No answer.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
Honey?
ANDY
The truck wasn't stolen. And the
credit card was canceled.
He hangs up. She can't believe it. She can only stand there.
EXT. BOBBYS TRUCK - NIGHT
Bobby is sound asleep in his truck. His head is on his prized
collection of baseball cards. He is awakened by something
hitting his windshield. He sits up in the seat and looks
around. He is in a Walmart parking lot.
He gets out of the truck and looks around at the near empty
parking lot. Satisfied that there is nobody looking, he
unzips his pants to take a piss. Suddenly lights are upon
him. Bright lights. Revolving lights. Police lights.
CUT TO:
Investigator Bob sitting in a nearby minivan, smiling.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - MORNING
Mark is sitting at his desk when a smiling Andy comes in the
door holding a the box containing Bobby's baseball
collection.
ANDY
Guess what's in the box?
MARK
(bitter)
Your soul?
ANDY
What?
MARK
Phil's in the hospital. Heart
attack last night.
Andy's composure doesn't change.
ANDY
And Bobby is in jail. Urinating in
public. Indecent exposure. Means
he's on the sex offenders list.
It's a good morning so far. You
didn't try to guess what was in the
box.
MARK
I don't care what's in the fucking
box.
Andy pulls out his prize possession, the 1953 Al Kaline
rookie card.
ANDY
A 1953 Al Kaline rookie card. The
very card my dad gave me before he
died.
MARK
I'm happy for you and your card.
Phil is in the hospital. Don't you
care?
ANDY
Not particularly, though I did make
sure 9-1-1 was called. In a way, I
actually saved his life.
MARK
You did?
ANDY
I was there.
MARK
You gave him a heart attack?
ANDY
No, years of stress and being an
asshole gave him a heart attack.
Fast food probably didn't help.
MARK
Melissa's called about ten times
already this morning. She's asking
me what's going on. I told her I
didn't know.
ANDY
I have about 20 messages from her
on my cell. She's pissed.
MARK
What's she pissed about?
ANDY
(proudly)
About the credit card I gave her
being cancelled while she was
shopping.
MARK
And having her shiny new Expedition
stolen while she was in the store.
She walked home from the store.
She was scared to death. Samantha
cried all the way home.
ANDY
Repossessed. It's mine, not hers.
Mark looks out the window. Melissa pulls in driving her old
car.
MARK
You have company.
Andy looks out the window.
ANDY
Shit.
Mark smiles.
EXT. TM COMPUTER ASSOCIATES - DAY
Card still in hand, Andy walks out the door to head off
Melissa before she goes inside. She rushes to him but stops
when she sees his expression; cold, distant.
MELISSA
Your cell phone broke? Why didn't
you return my calls?
ANDY
I got you calls. I ignored them.
She is totally confused.
MELISSA
Why? Why would you do that?
ANDY
How do you feel?
MELISSA
About what? What do you mean?
ANDY
How did it feel to be left
somewhere far from home? Kind of
scary, wasn't it?
MELISSA
Of course it was. I didn't know
what to do. The truck was gone, the
credit card didn't work.
ANDY
Did you ever do that to anyone?
Just leave them anyplace because
you thought it was funny?
MELISSA
Of course not. That's a shitty
thing to do to someone.
She's beginning to remember.
ANDY
What about pulling someone's shorts
down in gym class?
She's speechless.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Starting to remember? I look a
little different now.
She stares in disbelief.
MELISSA
That was you?
ANDY
Was me. Is me. Have you ever
thought of me in the past fifteen
years?
MELISSA
Not really.
ANDY
Not even to laugh about what all of
you did to me in school? Didn't you
tell the people you work with about
the time you pulled my pants down
in front of the entire gym class?
Andy is venting all of his years of frustration.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Remember me peeing my pants? Or
leaving me down in Detroit? I
walked all the way home. Got robbed
on the way.
Melissa looks hard at him. She thinks.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Yep, that was me. I don't look the
same, do I? The nose finally got
fixed. Remember when Bobby broke my
nose? I do, I remember it like
yesterday. As much as it hurt, it
didn't hurt as much as him taking
this.
Andy shows her the card.
ANDY (CONT'D)
This card was the last thing my
father gave me before he died.
Bobby took it after he broke my
nose.
Melissa doesn't answer.
ANDY (CONT'D)
He put it in my hand and hugged me,
told me he loved me. It was the
last time I heard those words from
him.
He starts tearing up and looks away.
MELISSA
I don't know what to say.
ANDY
Say good-bye.
Melissa breaks down and cries.
MELISSA
I thought you loved me. Thought you
loved us. How could you do this?
Samantha comes out of the car and sees her Mommy crying.
She's upset. Samantha hugs Melissa.
SAMANTHA
Mommy...Mommy..stop
crying..please..
Andy starts walking to the door. Samantha runs toward him,
grabs his leg.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Where are you going? You have to
make Mommy feel better, like you
did before.
ANDY
I'm sorry Samantha. I really am.
He walks away, leaving her on the sidewalk confused.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Andy walks into Marks office. Drained, confused.
MARK
That feel pretty good?
ANDY
Does it look like it felt good?
MARK
No, it looked like you just
destroyed a woman and her little
girl.
ANDY
I'd say that's a pretty good
description.
MARK
So what's next?
ANDY
With what?
MARK
You, your life, this mess you
created.
ANDY
There is no mess. I'm leaving town.
Moving somewhere warm and sunny.
There's nothing left here for me.
MARK
Going to go rub it in? Tell them
your grand plan in person?
ANDY
I don't know.
MARK
Go ahead, be proud. You planned
your whole life to destroy them,
may as well enjoy seeing them
miserable.
MARK (CONT'D)
What about this business?
ANDY
Close it. Sell the assets.
MARK
You can't.
ANDY
Why not?
MARK
The people who work here. The
innocent people who have families
and mortgage payments.
Andy hadn't thought that far ahead.
ANDY
Give them insurance and six months
severance.
MARK
That's your solution?
ANDY
At least they are getting that
much. Most business close and screw
their employees.
MARK
Melissa and Sam? Bobby and Phil?
What about them?
ANDY
They got what they deserved.
Mark is disgusted at Andy.
MARK
Samantha didn't deserve anything.
That little girl loves you. She's
in pain right now. Doesn't that
mean anything to you?
ANDY
What about me? What about my pain?
MARK
Your pain. You can have anything
you want right now, but you are too
bitter.
Every second since high school has
been about the month you've been
here. You did it. You accomplished
your goals. You got your card. You
got even with the people who pissed
you off and now you have so much
money you couldn't spend it all in
five lifetimes. What's next? Going
to ruin my life because I'm pissing
you off right now?
ANDY
No, I'm leaving.
MARK
Well you already ruined my life. I
love Lisa and I'm not going to be
able to be with her because of you.
Do you know what's that's like? To
love someone so much and not be
able to be with them?
ANDY
No, I don't.
Andy can't look at Mark.
MARK
You're going to die alone, a bitter
old man who can't mature beyond
high school.
INT. JAIL - MORNING
Bobby is sitting across from Andy in the county jail visiting
area.
BOBBY
Who are you? My court appointed
attorney?
ANDY
Nope. I'm the guy with your
baseball cards. Including a 1953 Al
Kaline card.
BOBBY
You came to visit me in jail to
tell me that you broke into my
truck and stole my baseball cards?
ANDY
And to tell you that I got you
fired, I gave your wife a job, I
had you embarrassed in front of
your friends, all of which got you
removed in your house.
Bobby sits staring at him.
ANDY (CONT'D)
I didn't steal all your cards. One
of the cards I was taking back. I
was surprised you still had it.
BOBBY
Which one?
ANDY
1953 Al Kaline.
Bobby sits thinking for a few minutes until it comes to him.
BOBBY
Pee boy.
ANDY
Yep
BOBBY
I'm going to beat your ass when I'm
out of here.
ANDY
By the time you get out of jail,
I'll be somewhere warm, sitting
around my pool, ordering something
to eat from my maid. And you will
be a homeless, unemployed,
overweight, soon-to-be-divorced
man.
BOBBY
I'll find you.
ANDY
You don't have the money to pay for
gas to get to Lansing.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
In the middle of nowhere, Andy is driving the Porsche
somewhere warm. He's getting nothing but static on the radio.
He sees the CD Melissa made for him and get it.. On the road
is an accident that happened about ten minutes ago. A mother
crying as her child is taken away on a stretcher. He pops the
CD in the stereo. Instead of a song starting, it's Samantha's
voice.
SAMANTHA (V.O.)
Thank's for everything Andy. You
are going to be the best daddy I
ever had. I love you.
The song "Put a Little Love on Your Heart" by Dusty
Springfield starts playing. He tears up and does a U-turn.
INT. MARKS OFFICE - EVENING
Mark is in his office. Andy walks in. Andy's changed.
MARK
Forget something? Some store clerk
shortchange you so you want to blow
up her house?
ANDY
I need your help.
MARK
Nope, I'm done. You spent all your
help from me. I'm not for sale
anymore.
ANDY
I love her.
MARK
You can't do this to her.
ANDY
I have to. I have to fix things.
With all of them.
MARK
I'm not sure it's possible.
ANDY
Can you help me? Will you help me?
MARK
You owe them. Big time.
INT. ALL NIGHT DINER - EARLY MORNING
Andy and Mark are going over the plan to make everything
right.
ANDY
I'll get Bobby his job back.
MARK
That's a start. He's still in jail.
ANDY
What do I do?
MARK
Contribute to the prosectors
campaign fund. That usually works.
ANDY
Do you know him?
MARK
The prosecutor? Of course.
ANDY
Can you do this for me?
MARK
I can.
ANDY
Okay, will you?
MARK
Yes.
Andy goes down the list.
ANDY
I want you to give the computer
company to Phil.
MARK
I'm going to? No, I'm afraid not.
MARK (CONT'D)
What an I gonna say? "Hey Phil, I
ruined your company and your
reputation you took years to build,
but here take this one. Sorry." And
I hope you don't mind if I marry
your daughter.
ANDY
I'll do it. He won't have to know
you were involved.
EXT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - EVENING
Samantha is playing on the front lawn. Andy pulls up in the
Porsche and gets out. Samantha looks at him.
ANDY
Is your Mommy home?
SAMANTHA
Yes.
ANDY
How are you?
Samantha turns away.
ANDY (CONT'D)
You don't want to talk to me?
She shakes her head no. Melissa comes to the front door.
MELISSA
Did you want something?
ANDY
Yes.
MELISSA
The fish maybe?
ANDY
I want you back. You and Samantha.
MELISSA
(cooly)
Really. This another attempt to
play out your little revenge
fantasy? Didn't make us cry enough
last time?
ANDY
I love you, both of you. I want to
be with you.
MELISSA
Not again.
ANDY
I didn't know how wonderful and
caring you would turn out to be.
What a great mother you would
become.
Melissa has heard enough.
MELISSA
Just stop. You're the first man I
cared enough about to even think of
letting Samantha get close to. You
put on a good act, we thought you
loved us.
ANDY
I do love you. Both of you. I want
to take care of you both.
MELISSA
Then how could you do this to us?
Andy can't even look at her.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
God, you must have really hated me.
Was I that terrible?
ANDY
I hated what you did. I never knew
you. I just knew a girl who hurt
me.
Melissa stands.
MELISSA
You're right, I was a girl. I was
stupid. Maybe you should have tried
to know me before trying this
bullshit charade. And you have
gotten your revenge, so leave. Now
leave. The only two men she has
gotten close to have both left her.
She thinks it's her fault.
ANDY
Please, let me stay. I love you
both. I want to take care of you
both.
MELISSA
Sorry, we are not for sale. I'm not
interested in an immature man who
spent quite a bit of time and money
just to make me and my daughter
miserable.
ANDY
I'm sorry.
MELISSA
Who else did you do this to?
Andy is silent.
ANDY
Bobby.
Melissa laughs.
MELISSA
Bobby Healy? You wasted your time
on that loser? God, all you had to
do was just look at him and know
that he got what he deserved. So
what did you do to him?
ANDY
I don't really want to say.
MELISSA
Come on, be proud of what you did.
Brag about it. If this was high
school Bobby would brag about it.
ANDY
I had him fired.
MELISSA
And?
ANDY
And put in jail.
MELISSA
Anything else?
ANDY
(hopefully)
I got his wife a good job when he
got fired.
MELISSA
I'm sure it wasn't out of the
goodness of your heart. So do you
feel better now?
ANDY
Of course not. I feel like shit.
MELISSA
This isn't high school. This is
life.
ANDY
I'm going to make things right. For
you, for Bobby and his family.
MELISSA
Don't do anything else for us. You
have done enough.
ANDY
But I want you.
MELISSA
You had me, had us, but you decided
that pride and revenge were more
important than love.
Melissa turns and walks in the house.
INT. CORNER BAR - EVENING
Andy walks in and sits at the bar. The bartender comes up.
ANDY
Bud please.
The bartender walks away without a word.
ON THE DOOR
Ken comes walking in the door. He takes the seat next to Andy
without seeing it's Andy.
The bartender brings Andy's beer. Ken looks at Andy.
KEN
Shit.
He starts to walk away.
ANDY
I was hoping you'd be here.
KEN
Why? Got someone else's life I can
fuck up?
ANDY
No, nothing like that.
Ken sits. The bartender brings Ken a beer.
KEN
That man, Bobby, lost his family
because of you. Well you and me.
ANDY
I know.
KEN
A family needs a Daddy. Even if he
is an asshole. A Daddy is a Daddy.
A husband is a husband.
Ken takes a long drink of beer.
KEN (CONT'D)
Does it feel good to throw away
money just to ruin someone?
ANDY
Not anymore.
KEN
Why did you do it then? Why did you
make me do it?
ANDY
I thought I would feel better. He
treated me very badly growing up.
Tormented me.
KEN
Well he couldn't have caused too
much damage, you seem to be doing
okay.
ANDY
I am.
KEN
Then why did you want to do it?
Just because you could?
ANDY
I wanted him to feel the pain I
felt when he fucked with me.
KEN
Well you caused him a lot of pain,
that's for sure. Are you happy now?
ANDY
Not really. Not yet
KEN
Going to take his wife and kids
too? You took the rest of his
manhood, may as well fuck his wife.
ANDY
I don't want to do anything else. I
came here because I want you to
give him his job back. I'll pay
you.
KEN
I'll hire him back but I don't want
anymore of your money. I don't like
you. I may not have a great life,
but at least I know who I am. I'm
not totally satisfied with the way
I turned out, but I'm content. I
come here, I have a few beers, I go
home, I go to work. Why couldn't
you just be happy being rich?
ANDY
I though getting even would make me
happy.
KEN
Why couldn't you come back as the
high school success story? Rub
everyone's nose in your money.
What's the saying? Living well is
the best revenge.
ANDY
I am a success.
KEN
No you're not. You're a miserable
person. It's oozing out of you.
Andy takes a drink of his beer and walks out.
EXT. JAIL - MORNING
Theresa is waiting outside of the county jail. A tired and
disheveled Bobby is surprised to see her. He walks to the van
and opens the door.
BOBBY
Thanks. How did you know I was
here.
THERESA
Mark told me. He got you out. The
charges were dropped he said.
BOBBY
How the hell did your boss know I
was in jail?
Something is very strange.
THERESA
Ken called the house. You can have
your old job back.
BOBBY
Fuck that asshole. I'm not going
back there.
Theresa glares at him.
THERESA
Am I dropping you off at your truck
for good or are you coming home?
Bobby relents.
BOBBY
Same pay?
THERESA
Yep, just like you never left.
EXT. BOBBY'S HOUSE - LATER
Theresa and Bobby pull up to their house in their vehicles.
Andy is sitting in the Porsche in front of their house.
Investigator Bob is in his car behind Andy's. They all exit
their vehicles. Theresa is surprised.
THERESA
Hi Andy. What are you doing here?
ANDY
I need to talk to you and your
husband.
BOBBY
Well if it isn't my old friend
Andrew.
Bobby looks at him and start walking toward him. Investigator
Bob steps forward. Bobby does not want to mess with him. They
all enter the house and sit.
THERESA
Bob, how do you know Andy?
BOBBY
Old buddy from school days.
ANDY
Buddy? I was your punching bag.
THERESA
So why are you here Andy?
ANDY
The reason for everything. I'm the
reason Bobby was in jail.
BOBBY
Everything?
ANDY
Your job, her job, jail.
They stare at him in disbelief.
THERESA
How did you do all that?
ANDY
I paid people. To fire you. Hired
Theresa, who is doing a great job
by the way.
She smiles.
BOBBY
Why the fuck did you do it? You
like going around messing with
peoples lives?
ANDY
Some things you did to me, Bobby.
Bobby looks at him and studies him.
THERESA
Bob, what's he talking about?
Bobby looks down.
ANDY
In third grade, a sadistic bully
wouldn't let me go to the bathroom,
so I wet my pants. Growing up, your
husband never let me or anyone else
forget it.
THERESA
Bob, is this true?
BOBBY
We were just kids, Christ. We all
did crazy shit to each other.
Joking around and fights are part
of being a kid.
ANDY
It wasn't joking to me. I was hurt.
THERESA
So you did all this just to get
even? Hard to believe you went to
all this trouble.
ANDY
What about the kick in the face?
The night in the hospital? My
father's 1953 Al Kaline rookie
card? Want to tell her Bob?
THERESA
So why are you telling us this now?
ANDY
Because what I did was wrong. I
don't want to cause anymore
problems, I want to make it up to
you.
BOBBY
How are you going to do that?
ANDY
I'm got you your job back. The
charges were dropped.
THERESA
I think that's enough. What about
my job, Andy?
ANDY
It's yours for as long as you want
it.
THERESA
So why did you do it?
ANDY
I thought it would make me feel
better. Maybe it would make the
pain I felt growing up go away.
THERESA
Did it?
ANDY
Not yet.
Andy hands her a piece of paper.
ANDY (CONT'D)
Here is my phone number and the
address of a house I own. It's not
in very good shape, but I'm paying
to have it remodeled. I hope you'll
take it.
Andy reaches in his pocket. He pulls out an envelope and
hands it to Bobby.
ANDY (CONT'D)
I want you to have this too.
Bobby starts opening it.
THERESA
What is it?
BOBBY
Cash.
THERESA
We can't accept it. Bob, give it
back.
ANDY
Please keep it.
EXT. BOBBY'S HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER
Bobby and Andy are on the porch by themselves.
BOBBY
So you did okay for yourself.
ANDY
Yea, pretty good.
BOBBY
What did you do to get all the
money?
ANDY
Internet. My business got bought
out.
Bobby looks out at the Porsche.
BOBBY
That's pretty nice.
ANDY
Thanks.
BOBBY
Is it fast?
ANDY
Extremely fast.
BOBBY
Take me for a ride?
Andy tosses him the keys.
ANDY
You drive.
The new friends walk toward the Porsche.
INT. JEWELRY STORE - DAY
Andy walks into a expensive jewelry store. An attractive
woman is there to greet him.
SALESWOMAN
Hello, is there anything I can show
you?
ANDY
I'm looking for an engagement ring.
SALESWOMAN
What style are you interested in?
ANDY
I don't know, something nice,
something classy.
SALESWOMAN
What is your price range?
ANDY
No range. I want something perfect.
Something that says I love you
totally and completely.
SALESWOMAN
Totally and completely four or five
figures?
ANDY
Six figures.
SALESWOMAN
(shocked)
Six figures?
EXT. MELISSAS HOUSE - EVENING
Andy stops in front of Melissa's house. He gets out and walks
to the house carrying a ring box. He tries to knock. He turns
around and walks away.
MELISSA (O.S.)
Couldn't face me?
Andy turns around.
ANDY
Afraid to.
MELISSA
That's fine. Samantha and me are
use to having men walk out on us.
Something I'm sure she will get use
to.
Andy starts to walk up to the door.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
Don't bother, we've had enough
pain.
He holds up the ring box.
ANDY
For you.
She won't touch it and turns away.
MELISSA
Please leave.
She slams the door.
EXT. HOSPITAL - AFTERNOON
Andy walks up to Phil's room. Mrs. Cummins is outside the
room.
ANDY
Mrs. Cummins?
MRS. CUMMINS
Yes?
ANDY
Mrs. Cummins, I'm Andy Rogers, I
use to work for Phil. Do you
remember me?
She is pleasantly surprised. She ushers him in.
MRS. CUMMINS
Oh yes, of course. Phil talks about
you all the time. Brags to everyone
who will listen that he knew you
when you were young. Likes to think
he inspired you, but I think he
just likes to think things like
that.
Andy is very surprised.
MRS. CUMMINS (CONT'D)
You heard about the heart attack
then?
ANDY
Yes, I did. Is he going to be okay?
MRS. CUMMINS
Yes, he will need angioplasty when
we get insurance again. But he
should be fine.
ANDY
Can I see him?
MRS. CUMMINS
Sure, he's resting in bed. Come and
say hi. He will be thrilled to see
you.
ANDY
I'm not so sure.
INT. PHILS ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Phil is laying in hospital bed. He looks up at Andy and looks
away. He's not happy.
PHIL
Come to finish me off?
ANDY
No, come to help you out.
PHIL
Finishing me off would be helping
me out.
ANDY
I came to help. I need to make it
up to you.
Phil exhales deeply. His heart rate drops.
PHIL
Why did you put me out of business?
ANDY
I don't know. Revenge. Rid myself
of some pain.
PHIL
So you ruin my business to make
yourself feel good?
ANDY
Seemed like the right thing to do
at the time.
PHIL
And now?
ANDY
Not such a good idea.
PHIL
I'm sorry you felt like that. I had
a business to run.
A man's family is the most
important thing in the world to
him. My family needed me to make a
living, to prosper, you can
understand that, can't you?
ANDY
I couldn't then. I do now.
PHIL
How are the guys working out for
you? Are you taking care of my...
the customers?
ANDY
I don't want this company, the day
to-day aggravation. I'm through
being in business. I want you to
run it. I'll be a minority owner.
PHIL
After running me out of business,
you want to give your company to
me?
ANDY
I already told you, I'm through
being a businessman. There are
customers who need you. Men who
need jobs. You are the best man to
run it. We'll be partners.
PHIL
I'm not in a position to turn you
down. I'll have to take the
charity.
ANDY
I'm trying to make it up to you,
it's not charity. Just repaying you
for the damaged I caused. I don't
want to see these good men lose
their jobs.
Phil smiles.
PHIL
I don't like what you did, but
you're doing the right thing for
people who need you.
Andy smiles.
PHIL (CONT'D)
Anything else?
ANDY
Now about your neighbors house....
EXT. PARTY HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Men are repairing and cleaning the party house that was
almost destroyed by the parties. Bobby and Theresa are
walking up out of it.
EXT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Andy has hired a band to serenade Melissa. He sends the ring
to her tied to a helium balloon. She pops it along with his
dreams. He leaves the ring on the ground and walks away
devastated.
INT. MELISSA'S OFFICE CUBE - DAY
Dozens of roses are on every available horizontal surface of
her small cube, even on her chair. She returns from lunch and
starts throwing them away.
INT. MELISSA'S OFFICE CUBE - DAY
Melissa sits at in her cube working. A woman's voice comes
from over the cube.
VOICE
Melissa, go to the window.
Melissa goes to the window and joins her co-workers who are
staring at an object in the sky. Melissa finally sees what
they are looking at. It's blimp with a message"
"Melissa, I'm sorry, Marry me, Love Andy"
Melissa just sighs and closes the blinds.
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Melissa is sitting on the couch reading a story to Samantha.
The phone rings.
MELISSA
Hello?
ANDY (O.S.)
Please don't hang up
MELISSA
Please stop all of this. The calls
at work. You're going to get me
fired. Or did you buy my business
too?
ANDY (O.S.)
No, I didn't buy it. Did you go out
and get the ring that night?
MELISSA
Yes.
ANDY (O.S.)
Is it there?
Melissa picks up the box.
MELISSA
Yes, I have it.
ANDY (O.S.)
What are you going to do with it?
MELISSA
Give it back.
ANDY (O.S.)
So I can come see you and Samantha?
MELISSA
Some day, maybe. Not now. It's too
soon.
ANDY (O.S.)
When will I know?
MELISSA
You'll know. Bye Andy.
Melissa hangs up and looks at Samantha.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
Was I too mean?
Samantha shrugs her shoulders.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
You sure?
Samantha shakes her head no.
INT. MELISSA'S HOUSE - DAY
Melissa and Samantha enter the house. Melissa puts the mail
on the table. There is a small box in the mail. Next to the
mail an answering machine blinks with messages. Melissa plays
the message. It's from Andy.
ANDY (V.O.)
Melissa, Words cannot express the
pain I feel, knowing I hurt you and
Samantha the way I did. I have
worked hard to get where I am
today, but would give it all up,
just to be with you two again. I
have finally felt every love song.
I want to be your partner in life,
to take care of Samantha. I will
understand if you don't want to see
me again, but I have started a
college fund for Samantha and
funded it through the state of
Michigan college fund. They will
be sending you information. It is
non-refundable, so please use it
for her education. Know that I love
you both completely.
The line clicks off. Samantha looks at Melissa with hopeful
eyes. Melissa opens the small box. It's Andy's prize baseball
card. It's in a plastic case. A note on it says "Please give
this to Samantha"
EXT. ANDY'S BACK YARD - AFTERNOON
SUBTITLE: "Two months later"
An outdoor wedding is taking place. The camera shows the legs
of the guests, the aisle, then finally the camera pans up on
the groom and the best man. It's Mark that's getting married,
Andy is the best man. Phil is there smiling.
EXT. FRONT OF THE HUGE HOME - AFTERNOON
Melissa and Samantha pull up in to the circular drive of a
huge house. A valet opens the door and escorts Melissa out of
the car. They both gaze up in amazement.
INT. FOYER OF THE HUGE HOME - AFTERNOON
As they walk into the grand foyer, a host greets them.
HOST
May I have your invitation, please?
Melissa hands the personalized invitation. The host reads the
invitation.
MELISSA
Pretty fancy, huh?
Samantha smiles brightly.
HOST
Ah. Ms. Whisby and this must be
Miss Samantha.
SAMANTHA
Yes, it's me.
HOST
Please follow me.
The host leads them up a beautiful winding staircase. They
come to a door.
HOST (CONT'D)
Miss Samantha, you may put your
coat in here.
INT. SAMANTHA'S ROOM – MOMENTS LATER
The host opens the door to a room every little girl would
dream about: TV, video games, the canopy bed and stuffed
animals everywhere. A huge aquarium, Andy's old aquarium full
of colorful fish. Samantha's name painted on the wall.
Samantha is speechless. Melissa is choked up. Samantha walks
around the room in a daze. Melissa fumbles in her purse. She
takes the ring out and puts it on.
The host ushers them to another room.
HOST
Please, follow me Ms. Whisby.
INT. MASTER SUITE – MOMENTS LATER
He opens the door to the room. It is a huge bedroom with a
jacuzzi next to the window, a fireplace and a huge bed.
SAMANTHA
Mommy, did Andy build these for us?
MELISSA
Yes, honey, he did.
She reaches over to touch the ring on her finger.
EXT. GARDEN - MOMENTS LATER
The guests are seated. Lisa and Mark are exchanging vows.
Andy is the best man. He looks a little sad. He looks toward
the back of the garden. He sees Melissa and Samantha and
smiles. As they smile back, Melissa touches her ring once
again. Andy sees her touching it and knows they will be
together.
FADE OUT