This is a film script I created for my final project during my undergraduate studies. I changed a lot from the first versions of this script, and it was a huge challenge to write a negative protagonist, though I was actually pleased with it by the time I sent it off – which is a rare feeling for me (I’m the first to criticise my own work)!
I changed the premise of this script many times. Though ultimately, my intention for this script became to illustrate the toxicity of failing to address one’s true self, since, more often than not, those who refuse to accept themselves tend to project their issues onto those around them through abusive behaviour. The purpose of this script was to follow the journey of the protagonist from denial to acceptance.
[Approximate Runnng Time: 30 Minutes]
2022 © D.E. Kendall
Vanity
Cast List
Karen: thirties, solicitor, keeping divorce a secret
Haley: thirties, graphic designer, in a relationship
Jo: ‘Jody’, thirties, pub manager, single mother of one
Ina: ‘Christina’, thirties, mother of three, married
Mel: ‘Melissa’, thirties, museum curator, single
Angelo: twenties, bartender and male model, Italian
Lily: early twenties, waitress
FADE IN:
1 INT. COCKTAIL BAR. EVENING.
Busy Friday night. Dimly lit, trendy cocktail bar in Cardiff. LILY talks to KAREN, INA, and MEL at the bar.
LILY
I’m so sorry, but I can’t show you to the booth until the rest of your party arrives.
Karen gestures towards booth with glass.
KAREN
We’ve paid for use of that booth from seven fifteen. What time is it?
MEL
(looking at watch)
Seven thirty-five.
KAREN
Typical. Haley holding us up, yet again.
INA
Again? We haven’t all met up since- well, you know.
FLASHBACK. FIVE YEARS AGO.
Karen aggressively shouting at doorman of a theatre. Heavily pregnant Ina leans on wall and fans herself with a theatre pamphlet, while Mel talks on brick-like mobile phone and JO flirts with man smoking near the entrance until he gives her a cigarette.
HALEY arrives with mobile phone to ear, waving tickets; she is obviously flustered and breathless for rushing. Haley and Mel end conversation, put mobile phones away.
Ina, Mel, and Jo turn to Haley. Haley bursts into tears. Jo and Mel comfort Haley, as it’s clear she says, ‘He didn’t make it’.
Karen turns to the others, rolls her eyes, then approaches Haley with her hand outstretched for the tickets. Haley slaps Karen across the face with force.
Ina, Jo, and Mel stare at Karen and Haley in disbelief.
Karen strides over to her white 2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 parked in a disabled bay nearby. Karen gets into car, tyres screeching as she speeds away.
END OF FLASHBACK. PRESENT DAY.
MEL
I’ll call Jo, find out where they are.
Mel takes mobile phone from handbag to make a call. Karen and Ina continue conversation between themselves as Mel awaits an answer.
KAREN
Wow, that phone belongs in a museum.
INA
Haven’t seen a phone like that since the nineties! I guess she does like artefacts, though. Speaking of artefacts, how’s Neil?
KAREN
Fine. Another drink?
INA
(pointing at bartender)
Only if it’s on him.
Karen waves to bartender working at the other end of the bar. Mel almost gives up call when it’s answered.
MEL
Hey- Yeah, we’re here. Everything okay?
(pause)
Oh, right- Mm hmm.
(pause)
No, we’re downstairs, to the right.
(pause)
Great. See you in two!
Mel ends call, then turns to Karen and Ina.
MEL (CONT’D)
They’ll be here any minute.
KAREN
Finally! About time.
INA
(turns to bartender)
Another martini, please.
ANGELO
Si, signoria. Right away.
INA
(swooning, turns to Karen)
Wow, he’s lovely. Is that him?
KAREN
(blushing)
I told you that in confidence.
INA
Come on, what’s he like? Dish.
ANGELO slides a martini across the bar to Ina.
INA (CONT’D)
Gracias, señor.
Ina pulls a fresh martini towards herself, spilling a little, while sliding an empty glass towards Angelo – who collects empty glass and returns to serving customers lined up at the bar.
KAREN
That’s Spanish, Ina. Angelo’s Italian. God, you’re embarrassing.
2 EXT. CROWDED HIGH STREET. EVENING.
Bustling Friday night in Cardiff city centre. Streets crowded with people in superhero costumes. Jo and Haley are weaving through the crowds.
JO
(looking at smartphone)
Oops. It’s seven thirty-five already.
HALEY
Seriously? Can’t believe this. Why today?
JO
Not our fault the train was delayed. What the hell are all these idiots doing? Isn’t Halloween for, like, a month.
HALEY
There’s some sort of comic convention in the student union, or something.
JO
How do you know that?
HALEY
Jess is going with some work friends.
JO
How’s it going? Any better?
HALEY
Don’t ask.
JO
Who books a table for seven fifteen, anyway? What was wrong with eight or eight thirty?
HALEY
She’ll find a way to blame me. Not looking forw-
Someone walks straight into Haley, almost knocking her off her feet as they shove her out of their way.
HALEY (CONT’D)
Ow. Sorry, excuse me.
JO
Don’t apologise! What an ars-
Jo looks down at smartphone ringing in her hand.
JO (CONT’D)
It’s Mel.
Jo answers call.
JO (CONT’D)
Hi- Are you all there?
(pause)
Train was delayed. So sorry! Is Karen livid?
(pause)
Are you upstairs? In that bar with a-
(pause)
Ah, right. We’re just ‘round the corner. Should be two mins, tops.
Jo slips smartphone into pocket, as she and Haley wait at crossing with hordes of other people.
HALEY
Bet Karen blames me.
JO
Don’t be like that. Karen’s just, well, Karen. The only thing ‘perfect’ about that woman is her Instagram feed.
HALEY
I haven’t seen her since the day Grandpa died. It’s been five years and I guarantee she’ll find a way to make the train delays my fault.
JO
Come on, Hal. She’s not that bad. Karen’s just wired that way. Struts around like she’s on that TV series, what’s it called? You know, that one with all the lawyers. Haley shrugs.
JO(CONT’D)
Suits. Acts like she’s on Suits because she’s a partner in Neil’s law firm.
Crossing lights flicker to green, Haley and Jo are almost carried across road by sheep-like crowd herding them to the other side.
HALEY
Whatever. Think we’re here.
Jo and Haley stop outside entrance to cocktail bar and look up to observe the building.
JO
Looks super busy. Not exactly Covid-friendly.
HALEY
Come on, let’s get this over with.
3 INT. COCKTAIL BAR. EVENING.
Haley and Jo greet Karen, Ina, and Mel by the bar. They exchange friendly hugs and pleasantries.
INA
(shouting, hint of drunken slur)
Lily! Lily! Over here!
MEL
(embarrassed)
She hasn’t been ‘out out’ since our last proper reunion, apparently.
JO
She’s always been a lightweight.
KAREN
(looking at Haley)
At least she arrives on time.
HALEY
The train was delayed.
Haley looks over to Jo with a ‘told you so’ expression. Lily approaches.
INA
(sloshing glass in direction of booth)
We’re all here now. We’d like to go to our booth, if you please.
KAREN
(whispering to Jo)
Who died and made her queen?
LILY
(forcing a smile)
Of course. This way.
The five friends follow Lily through the queue still crowded at the bar and navigate their way to the booth.
LILY (CONT’D)
(gesturing towards booth)
Here you are. Can I get you any drinks?
Characters clamber awkwardly around a small table in the booth – Ina’s handbag knocks salt shaker off table. Mel retrieves salt shaker as others settle into seats.
INA
(raising glass to Lily)
I’ll have another of these.
KAREN
(to Lily)
Me, too.
Mel squeezes past Ina and Karen to find her seat.
MEL
(quietly)
May I have a gin and tonic, please?
KAREN
(turns to Mel)
Speak up, Mousey.
HALEY
(to Karen)
Leave her alone.
JO
(loudly, waving)
Yoo-hoo, Emma Stone lookalike, over here!
LILY
(turns to Jo)
Yes?
JO
We’ll have two margaritas, please.
LILY
(forcing a smile again)
Certainly. I’ll just be a moment.
Lily rushes away.
KAREN
(to Haley)
Branching out, are we?
HALEY
(to Karen)
What?
KAREN
Well, don’t think I’ve seen you drink anything other than beer. What’s going on? Lost a bet?
HALEY
(to Jo)
Fancy a smoke?
JO
(proudly)
I don’t smoke anymore. I vape.
KAREN
(loudly, across table)
Those things are deadly. I read an artic-
HALEY
(sarcastically, to Karen)
Well, I heard on the news Botox was deadly, so you have that in common.
(to Jo)
Let’s go.
Haley and Jo manoeuvre out of the booth, and through the queue at the bar, towards the entrance.
KAREN
(quietly, to Ina)
Wow, someone forgot to take her nice person pills today.
INA
(loudly, to Karen)
Need to powder my nose. Where are the loos?
MEL
(pointing)
Think they’re over there. Under that huge, neon ‘Ladies’ sign.
4 EXT. OUTSIDE COCKTAIL BAR ENTRANCE. EVENING.
Haley lights cigarette, taking a few drags while Jo sets up a purple vape pen.
JO
I swear smoking was easier than this.
(exhales)
Thanks for sticking up for me with Karen.
HALEY
Told you she’d blame me.
JO
Wasn’t aimed at you, I don’t think.
HALEY
(exhales)
I don’t get her problem. I’ve apologised again and again for the theatre incident. I was in a bad place. Couldn’t take anymore of her-
JO
What happened between you two anyway? You lived together in uni, you were best friends. I get that she was being a cow, but did she really deserve that?
FLASHBACK. SIX YEARS AGO.
Crowded night club with strobe lighting and loud dance music pulsing through the smoky atmosphere.
Karen holds cocktail glass and Haley holds beer bottle while talking in foreground. Jo and Mel in background laughing at Ina, who’s drunkenly dancing the macarena to the song Heaven by DJ Sammy.
Haley leans towards Karen, who whispers in Haley’s ear. Haley’s taken aback and steps away. Karen drops her glass and, as the glass smashes, she grabs Haley’s t-shirt, pulls Haley near, then kisses her.
Haley freezes. Karen stops kissing Haley when distracted by Ina crashing to the dancefloor.
Haley rushes away. Karen watches Jo and Mel drag Ina up off the floor, then turns to find Haley has gone.
END OF FLASHBACK. PRESENT DAY.
HALEY
Thought you’re on my side, last I checked?
JO
‘Course I am! Why else would I bother coming to these stupid ‘uni reunions’?
HALEY
To have a break from Lana.
JO
True.
HALEY
How’s she finding college?
JO
Alright, I think. She never tells me anything anymore.
HALEY
You’re her mum, that’s totally normal.
JO
(exhales)
I just don’t want her struggling with A-levels the way she struggled with GCSEs, you know?
HALEY
Decided what she wants to do?
JO
Wants to be a lawyer.
HALEY
(exhales)
Not another one?
JO
She doesn’t want to be a solicitor, like Karen. She wants to work with charities and stuff.
Haley stamps out cigarette butt, as Jo drops vape pen into her handbag.
HALEY
We’d better go back in.
JO
Hope my drink’s arrived. Need it after work this week.
HALEY
What happened?
JO
Nothing terrible. Pub’s now showing Sky Sports and the place has been manic. Two of my team quit and-
Haley and Jo continue their conversation as they re-enter the cocktail bar and meander to the booth.
5 INT. LADIES’ TOILETS. EVENING.
Karen and Ina are stood next to one another, peering at their reflections in mirrors above the sinks as they fix up their hair and make-up.
KAREN
Can’t believe how much of a nightmare Haley’s being.
Ina stares intently at her own reflection.
INA
Yeah, she’s a right moody cow.
Karen leans over sink to look closely at herself in mirror as she applies lipstick.
KAREN
Must be a gay thing. You know that girlfriend of hers has been cheating?
Ina leans over sink to inspect fake lashes in mirror, then re-adjusts them.
INA
Really? You know that how?
KAREN
What can I say? I’m an expert researcher. Apparently, that Jess girl only uses Hal for her money.
INA
Mmm hmm. Isn’t that what you did when you and Neil got together?
KAREN
(blushing)
That’s different, we’re married.
Ina fumbles with fake lashes and they fall into sink.
INA
Damn it! Paid a fortune for these.
Karen admires her lipstick in the mirror, then fusses with her hair.
KAREN
At least I tried to help Hal. She had nothing after she came out and her parents ditched her. I got her a job and that’s the thanks I get.
Ina stares despondently into sink.
INA
Humph is going to kill me. My parents couldn’t look after the boys, so he cancelled drinks with his golfing buddies to babysit.
Karen is still fussing with hair and admiring herself.
KAREN
Why can’t she just- Wait, Humphrey’s babysitting his own kids?
INA
(turning to Karen)
He works hard. I don’t have a-
KAREN
(turning to Ina)
Didn’t he get drunk last weekend?
Ina looks down to straighten her dress, avoiding eye contact with Karen.
INA
They’re work socials. I don’t work, and-
Karen looks down at Ina, still fussing with her dress.
KAREN
Shouldn’t let him treat you like that. If Neil stopped me from going out, I’d-
INA
Sleep with a bartender?
(pause)
We’d better get back.
Ina straightens up, wobbles slightly, then slings handbag over her shoulder.
INA (CONT’D)
They’re probably wondering where the hell we are, and I need another drink.
Ina leads the way as they navigate through queue at the bar and return to the booth.
6 INT. BOOTH IN COCKTAIL BAR. EVENING.
Haley and Jo arrive at booth just as Karen and Ina return. Drinks have been delivered. There’s a lot of awkward shuffling and handbags hitting faces as all four try to squeeze back into their seats. Jo reaches out to save a glass from tipping over.
JO
Woah, Ina. You almost spilled Mel’s drink!
INA
(stifling a giggle)
Sorry! I’ve had one too many.
KAREN
(sarcastically)
Try five too many.
MEL
(quietly)
It’s alright, honestly. Thanks, Jo.
HALEY
(to Mel)
So, how’s work? Saw your Insta the other day, how amazing was that sculpture?
MEL
(blushing)
Thanks. It’s going really well. That sculpture is amazing, but you should see the paintings arriving next week.
HALEY
Yeah?
MEL
(excitedly)
Yeah, they’re incredible. Apparently, they were found in this elderly gentleman’s garage! They’re valued at-
INA
(loudly)
Sounds delightful, Melly. But we’d all like to hear this exciting news you have.
KAREN
(mock-whispering to Jo)
Wonder if she’s finally found a man?
HALEY
(shocked)
Karen, what the hell?!
KAREN
Sorry, or girlfriend. We’re all advocates here.
HALEY
(sarcastically)
‘Course you are.
KAREN
(loudly)
What’s that supposed to mean?
JO
(with overt cheer)
Come on, everyone. Some of us haven’t managed to finish a drink yet. Get swigging!
(to Mel)
So, what’s this big news?
MEL
(shyly)
I’ve been promoted to curator.
Jo leans over table to hug Mel.
JO
That’s awesome, congrats!
HALEY
(brightly)
Well done! Are your parents pleased?
MEL
Thanks! They’re so happy they’re having a little get-together at theirs next weekend. You’re all invited.
JO
(jokingly)
Will there be cake?
MEL
Of course. And you’re welcome to bring Lana.
(to Ina)
Humphrey and the boys are also welcome.
INA
(condescendingly)
That’s nice, Melly. I’ll have to check with Humph but I’ll likely say no as he’s got plans. Plus, the boys have swimming on Saturdays.
(to the group)
Anyone else need a top-up?
JO
I’d like another.
HALEY
Me, too. Mel, do you want another? I’ll pay.
MEL
Are you sure?
JO
Girl, you’re not paying for any drinks tonight. We got you!
MEL
(blushing)
That’s so kind. Thank you, all.
KAREN
I’m not paying for everyone’s drinks.
HALEY
(to Mel)
Ignore her. It’s our treat.
INA
(shouting and waving)
Angie-Low! Yoo-hoo!
Angelo leaves the crowded bar and approaches the booth.
ANGELO
(to Mel)
Ciao, bello. How I may help?
MEL
(blushing)
I’d like another gin and tonic, per favore.
ANGELO
(smiling)
Parli Italiano?
Mel averts eye contact and nervously twirls straw in an empty glass.
MEL
Not really. A lady I work with is Italian and she teaches us phrases someti-
KAREN
(obnoxiously)
Are we ordering drinks, or what?
HALEY
(to Karen)
Leave her alone.
JO
Two margaritas over here. Thanks, Alonso!
KAREN
His name is Angelo.
JO
How do you know?
KAREN
It’s on his badge.
INA
(loudly)
And she slept with him.
Audible gasps escape Jo, Mel, and Haley.
KAREN
Christina! What the hell?!
INA
(shrugging)
What? Everyone knows.
JO
I didn’t.
HALEY
Neither did I.
ANGELO
(sheepishly)
I return when you ready to order.
INA
(shouting)
No! I need another martini.
KAREN
Need. Really?
HALEY
(under breath)
You’re one to talk.
KAREN
(to Haley)
Excuse me?
ANGELO
I just get drinks now.
Angelo rushes away and the group sit in awkward silence for a few seconds. Karen gets up, clambers out of the booth, then weaves through crowded bar to the toilets. Haley follows her.
7 INT. LADIES’ TOILETS. NIGHTTIME.
Karen pauses to take a breath as she walks through door into ladies’ toilets. Haley almost trips into Karen as she swings open the door.
HALEY
Whoops, sorry.
KAREN
What are you doing here?
HALEY
You want a number, or?
KAREN
Not what I meant.
Karen walks over to mirrors above the sinks, then re-applies lipstick.
KAREN (CONT’D)
No-one was supposed to know about my relationship with Angelo.
HALEY
You call one-night stands relationships? Hasn’t Neil cheated on you repeatedly?
Karen stops re-applying lipstick to make eye contact with Haley through reflection in mirror.
KAREN
How’s that girlfriend of yours?
HALEY
(avoiding eye contact)
Great, thanks. How’s work?
Karen returns to re-applying lipstick and admiring herself in mirror.
KAREN
Incredible. Just landed a mega client. Can’t give away too many details, though I will say it’s a famous drink company. Rhymes with yolk.
HALEY
Wow, that’s amazing!
KAREN
I know. How’s your little job going these days? Still making labels for kitchen roll?
HALEY
I don’t make the labels, I design them. You should know. But it’s good, thanks. I’m thinking of moving into advertis-
KAREN
That’s nice. Can you believe how sloppy Ina’s being?
Karen puts lipstick back into handbag.
HALEY
She’s not sloppy, she’s having a good time. Nothing wrong with that. You used to get wasted all the time. Like at that reunion six years ago-
KAREN
Yeah, well, Ina’s just embarrassing.
HALEY
How much has she had, anyway?
KAREN
Lost count after the seventh.
HALEY
Woah, she’s had more since I got here. Maybe we should keep an eye on her.
Karen returns to the mirror to fix her hair again.
KAREN
Or cut her off.
HALEY
Bit harsh. Anyway, I need to pee. So-
KAREN
(turning to Haley)
Right. I’d better get back out there, see if Ina wants water or something.
Haley enters toilet stall as Karen leaves.
8 INT. BOOTH IN COCKTAIL BAR. NIGHTTIME.
Karen weaves through bustling bar area back to booth. Jo, Ina, and Mel chatting over fresh round of drinks.
JO
Everything alright?
KAREN
Great, thanks. Is that mine?
Karen reaches across table for a glass of wine.
JO
Weren’t you drinking martinis?
KAREN
I was, but there’s none here.
JO
I think that’s Ina’s wine.
INA
It’s fime. Fime. Finer. She can have it. She’s already ordered me, like, seven. No, eight-
KAREN
Slow down, there. We all know how terrible you are at maths, Ina. So, what’s new with you?
JO
Nothing much. Lana’s started her A-Levels.
KAREN
What’s she studying?
JO
Well, she couldn’t decide betw-
Haley returns to the table.
INA
(slurring)
Where’s that Tess woman?
HALEY
How much has she had while I was in the loo?
MEL
I think she said-
KAREN
(interrupting)
Too many. She’s had too many.
INA
(loudly)
Not Tess. Isn’t it Bess? Or, maybe, Ness?
HALEY
Are you talking about Jess?
INA
(almost spills drink)
Yes! That’s the one. Where is she?
HALEY
(embarrassed)
Out with friends.
INA
(loudly)
Wasn’t she ‘sposed to be here?
HALEY
It’s a work thing. She can’t wait to meet you all.
KAREN
(sarcastically)
It would seem so.
Karen gets up to leave as Ina distracts the others by frantically searching through handbag for smartphone on the table in front of her.
MEL
What are you looking for?
INA
My phone.
MEL
Why?
INA
(hiccups)
So, Melly, I can check on the kids. Humph hasn’t babysat on his own for, like, sixth years. So, I need to make sure he’s alsmight.
MEL
Sixth? All smite?
INA
You know, all is right.
MEL
(pointing to smartphone)
Is that your phone, right there?
Ina’s smartphone starts ringing.
INA
(with melodramatic surprise)
Yes, it is, Melly. You’re th- Oh, it’s buzzing in my hand.
MEL
Maybe you should answer it?
INA
(tapping smartphone aimlessly)
I can’t get this damn thing to-
Haley reaches across table to take smartphone from Ina.
HALEY
I’ll answer it.
(answers call)
Hello? No. Ina’s, um-
In attempt to ogle Angelo, Ina slips out of seat and slides onto floor like a sack of potatoes. Mel and Jo rush around to help Ina back up onto the seat.
HALEY (CONT’D)
Occupied, right now. Can I take a message? Oh, hi Humphrey.
INA
(to Jo, slurring)
Can’t you stop spinning for a second, I need to find who is it on the whatchamacallit.
HALEY
(holding phone away from face)
It’s your husband. Says he wants to know when you’ll be home.
Ina steals straw from Mel’s glass, slurps wine with it.
HALEY (CONT’D)
(returning to call)
Yeah. Think you’d better pick her up- That bad, yes. No taxi will-
(call ended, turns to Jo)
Not happy, but he’s picking her up.
Ina slumps onto pile of coats beside Mel.
JO
It’s like she’s never been drinking.
HALEY
Before today, I haven’t spoken to her in months. Last message I received was on Facebook, when she tried to get sponsors for Greg’s Africa school thing.
JO
She sent me that message, too.
MEL
Greg’s the oldest, isn’t he?
JO
Yep. When I asked her to sponsor Lana for Red Nose Day on Facebook she refused. Said I should let Lana do her own fundraising. (air quotes) Builds character.
HALEY
Hypocrite.
Ina begins to snore loudly, drawing attention.
MEL
Isn’t Greg the same age as Lana?
JO
Yep. Unlike Lana, he’s advanced in all subjects, apparently.
HALEY
Don’t take it personally. People like Ina are just wired that way.
JO
(amused)
Har har. Seriously though, why do we bother reuniting with these people?
The volume of Ina’s snoring increases exponentially.
MEL
Because we went to uni together, it’s nice to catch up, and this weekend used to be our ‘reunion ritual’.
HALEY
(sarcastically)
Yes, I’m having a wonderful time catching up with Karen.
Haley leaves the booth and goes outside.
9 EXT. OUTSIDE COCKTAIL BAR ENTRANCE. NIGHTTIME.
Karen pays stranger for a cigarette, and smokes for a few moments before Haley joins her.
HALEY
Thought smoking didn’t agree with your lifestyle?
KAREN
Sod off, Hal.
HALEY
What’s up with you?
Karen flicks cigarette onto ground, stamping it out with the heel of a stiletto. Haley lights a cigarette.
KAREN
Still can’t believe Ina told you lot about Angelo.
HALEY
Look, it’s wrong, but we know Neil-
KAREN
Truth is, I’m not with Neil anymore.
HALEY
Since when?!
KAREN
(avoiding eye contact)
Few months.
HALEY
Was it because of the bartender?
KAREN
Give me one of those.
Haley gives Karen a cigarette, then lights it for her.
KAREN (CONT’D)
(exhales)
I swear it’s your fault Neil never trusted me.
HALEY
Why?
KAREN
If you hadn’t gotten me drunk that night, Neil would’ve believed me when I told him nothing happened.
HALEY
But something did happen, you-
KAREN
Got you that job, didn’t I? Even after th-
HALEY
(turning away)
You deserved it.
KAREN
You’re lucky I didn’t press charges!
HALEY
(turning to Karen)
I should’ve pressed charges after what you did the year before.
KAREN
(staring at cigarette)
I knew you better than you knew yourself.
Haley exhales cloud of smoke while staring at Karen.
KAREN (CONT’D)
Look, I won’t apologise. At least you could admit who you were after that.
HALEY
You cannot take credit for who I am.
KAREN
(avoiding eye contact)
I can. But, it’s time I admit my truth.
Haley exhales nervously.
KAREN
You know in that text I said Neil had an affair with some Valerie woman?
Haley nods, relieved.
KAREN (CONT’D)
There was no Valerie.
HALEY
What?
KAREN
(turning away)
Neil never cheated on me. Lost my job six months ago. Fought with Neil, went out alone, and Angelo was just there.
HALEY
You’re unbelievable. Poor Neil.
KAREN
Come on, Angelo can get free drinks. All Neil could get me was bored. As if you wouldn’t cheat on whatsherface given a chance.
HALEY
Jess. And no, I could never do that.
KAREN
You’re not better than me.
Haley stays silent and flicks cigarette butt onto ground.
KAREN (CONT’D)
Please don’t tell the others.
10 INT. BOOTH IN COCKTAIL BAR. NIGHTTIME.
Ina is so inebriated that Lily and Angelo stop what they’re doing to check on her.
LILY
What’s wrong with her?
ANGELO
Too much of the drink.
LILY
How much has she had?
JO
Thought she’d had two or three, but she’s had twice that and then some.
Karen and Haley return to the booth.
KAREN
Oh my God, what’s happened?!
JO
One minute she’s perving poor Angelo, the next she’s snoring like a-
KAREN
We’d better get her outside.
Ina stirs. Karen and Haley help Ina up and walk her out of the building. Lily walks away.
ANGELO
Kay a good friend, no?
JO
Kay?
ANGELO
Yes. We met few months back.
JO
Didn’t you have a one-night stand?
ANGELO
(taken aback)
No, no, no! Kay live with me.
MEL
Karen lives with you?
ANGELO
Si. Her husband find us when should be working in Americas. They fight. She leave.
Jo and Mel stare at Angelo in stunned silence.
ANGELO (CONT’D)
Now we live in flat, on Westgate Street.
FADE OUT