Continued...
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Scene:
The Breeze Cafe.
Valerie Preston looks out the second-story window onto the pier below and slowly produces a smile. She sees the parents holding hands with their children as they enjoy the views and one another's company. For the life of her, she can't remember when her own parents took her and Rick out when they were younger. If there was ever such a time of enjoyment, it was usually spent with one of the caretakers they had. Her smile soon turns to disappointment as she realizes there is a part of her childhood that she can never have again- a part that no child should have been without.
"Daydreaming, eh?" A familiar voice asks from behind. Valerie whips around and noticed Terrence
standing behind her.
"It's not nice to sneak up on people," Valerie smiles. "It's been awhile, stranger."
"Yeah it has. I figured you would call if you wanted to hang out again."
"Well, your mother made it quite clear that she didn't want me anywhere near you. I was trying to avoid a restraining order." Valerie jokes, knowing that her sarcasm has some truth to it.
"Yeah, I have to agree that mom can be a bit tough to warm up to the ladies."
"The ladies? How many are you introducing to your mom?" Val raises a brow.
"Not that many, trust me. Besides, none of them have gotten the pleasure of getting their hair pulled by her."
"Oh yes, that's definitely one for the books. My God, I haven't had my hair pulled like that since I was in high school- now those were some memorable fights."
"Oh really? I can't see you as a fighter."
Valerie laughs, obviously it's quite clear that Terrence doesn't know her that well. "Trust me, I had my turn to the principal's office more than once."
"Really? Well, I love a woman with an aggressive side."
"I didn't say I was aggressive in bed," Val smiles. "Just in other areas in my life. Lets just say that I'm very protective of those that are close to me."
"Perhaps you and my mother have more in common than you think?"
"Felicia and I have nothing in common- don't ever spit such horrid words again." Valerie replies sarcastically.
"Oh come up, she means well. I still don't know what her problem is with you. She acted like she knew you already"
Valerie begins to have another flashback of that dreadful nightthe night that she was caught in bed with Felicia's husband.
"Look, I really need to get going."
"What? Why so suddenly?" Terrence inquires.
"I just have somewhere I need to be," Val does her best to lie. Deep within, she can't bear to look at Terrence for one moment longer. Not after knowing that she ended his mother's relationship with her husband.
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Scene: Trader Joe's. Northern Heights District.
Steve Summers is thankful for being out of the house right now. While he is glad Emily is healed up, he can't fathom seeing her all day at both the workplace and home. As most couples find out, too much is never a good thing.
After grabbing a few items and waiting his place in line, he finds himself behind a slim attractive blond that he hasn't seen around town before. She is probably nearing thirty and looks like she should be going down a cat walk in L.A. He can't stop staring at her magnificent curves and long straight blonde hair. After paying closer attention, he begins to hear that she is having trouble purchasing her items.
"Mam, I have tried the card three times now. I'm sorry, but it's been declined." The cashier repeats to her.
"There has to be a problem with your machine. Try again."
"Mam, do you have any other form of payment? Perhaps another card?"
The woman becomes embarrassed and Steve finds this to be the perfect opportunity to interject.
"My card was having problems here last week.there is something wrong with their machines here," Steve interrupts and locks eyes with the blonde.
"See, I'm not the only one!"
"Look, I have cash, why don't I take care of these items for you."
"No, I couldn't ask you to do that."
"I insist. It will be my good deed for the day. Please, allow me." Steve hands a hundred dollar bill to the cashier.
"Oh my God," she says as she pulls back her hair, "I have never met someone so nice."
Steve smiles back and realizes the attraction is mutual. He is unaware of what to say next...God knows it seems like a million years since he had flirted with anyone.
"I'm Stacey
," the woman introduces herself. "And you are?"
"Steve. Steve Summers." He extends his hand out to meet hers, but notices she looks away as if she's feeling more embarrassed by the moment.
"Is something wrong?" Steve inquires.
"Not really...I'm Stacey Sawyer. I don't know if the name rings a bell"
"Steve studies her name for a moment before it dawns on him. "Oh God, you're the new assistant that Emily just hired.right?!"
"Right. Well, it looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other in the future. God, this is so embarrassingNot the ideal way I wanted to meet you."
"Don't worry at all. Things like this happen. Like I said, my card didn't work here last week either." Steve knowingly lies to her to help try and ease the situation.
"Well, I appreciate it very much. I'll be sure to pay you back."
"Don't worry about it at all. Do you live close by here?" Steve instantly kicks himself for prying. He certainly doesn't want to come off too strong- especially if he's going to be working with her.
"I do, yes. Just down the street at the Pac Towers. I'm staying with my brother for awhile until I find my own place."
"Very nice. I'm kind of in a transition period as well," Steve reveals. "I just sold my house to my daughter not too long ago. Now I'm staying in a house up in Northern Heights."
"Very nice. Love the area." Stacey produces a perky smile. "Yeah, I grew up there."
"Oh did you?"
"Yeah, my parents still live there. I guess you could call them old money.as you could most of the area." Stacey instantly regrets saying such words- she certainly doesn't want to imply that Steve is 'old money.'
"I guess you could say that."
"I didn't mean you, sir."
"Sir? Now you're aging me even more!" Steve jokes.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Summers."
"It's Steve..just call me, Steve."
Stacey produces another flirtatious smile, "will do, boss."
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Scenes 1-2 | Scenes 3-4 | Scenes 5-6
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