INT. RESTAURANT

ANN and FANG, both in their early twenties, sits at romantic restaurant table dressed for a first date. FANG is a bit overdressed –vest and tie, but classic instead of hipster. Old couple, RUPERT and BETTY, sit at adjacent table.

FANG

You look so lovely today.

ANN

(flustered)Thank you.

FANG

Well, you look lovely every day. I remember seeing your smile from across the room and thinking, “My god! I have to meet her.”

ANN giggles.

FANG

(takes her hand) I just want to say, no matter what happens tonight, I am just so happy to be here in this moment with you.

ANN

(breathless) Oh wow.

FANG

(leans in to her) What was that again?

ANN

(leaning in to him) Oh, I just said–

FANG goes in for a kiss.

WAITRESS enters looking overworked and crabby.

WAITRESS

HiMyNameIsMeganAreYouReadyToOrder?

FANG

Good evening. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?

WAITRESS

It’s Megan.

FANG

It’s so good to meet you Megan. You look lovely today.

WAITRESS

(taken aback) Uh…thank you.

FANG

Oh my pleasure. I saw your smile from across the room and thought, “My god! I have to meet her!” And here you are.

WAITRESS

(flustered) Really?

FANG

Of course! Could you give us another minute to order, please?

WAITRESS

(giggles) Ok.

FANG

Thank you so much, Megan.

WAITRESS walks away.

FANG takes Ann’s hand.

FANG

Hello again.

ANN

You saw her smile from across the room too?

FANG

You don’t think she has a nice smile?

ANN

It’s fine, I guess.

FANG

And she looks like she’s had a busy day. I just wanted to be nice.

ANN

But–

WAITER walks by with a pitcher of water.

FANG

Oh, hello there.

ANN

What?

FANG

You look lovely today.

WAITER is surprised but giggles. FANG places a hand gently on WAITER’s sleeve.

FANG

I saw you from across the room and thought, “My god! I have to–”

ANN

What are you talking about?

FANG

The water. I’m parched.

WAITER refills his glass, smiling into FANG’s eyes.

FANG

Thank you so much.  

WAITER walks away reluctantly.

ANN

Look, Fang. This is a little disturbing.

FANG

(genuinely hurt) You find me disturbing?

ANN

No, no. I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry. I just meant, you are so charming–

FANG

Thank you.

ANN

You’re welcome. But you’re so charming to EVERYONE it just doesn’t feel genuine. It doesn’t feel like anything you say is real.

FANG

I am so sorry you feel this way.

ANN

Oh it’s alright. It’s just —

RUPERT turns and taps FANG on shoulder.

RUPERT

I’m sorry to disturb you folks, but would you mind taking a picture of my wife and I?

FANG

Of course! I would be honored.

FANG gets up and takes two or three shots with RUPERT’s phone. He walks to the couple and shows them the pictures on the phone. 

FANG

You look so lovely. 

RUPERT

Thank you! 

FANG

No, thank you for letting me a part of this moment. As soon as I saw you two from across the room, I thought, “My god! I have to meet them!” And here you are.

All three of them lean in for a three-way kiss.

ANN

Fang!

FANG

Excuse me. I must return to my lovely date.

RUPERT and BETTY giggle. FANG sits down and takes ANN’s hand.

FANG

Isn’t it so inspirational to see such a lovely older couple?  

ANN gets up to leave.

ANN

You know what? I really don’t think this is going to work out.

FANG

I am so sorry to hear that. But if that is how you really feel, I respect your decision.

FANG takes her hand.

FANG

I still think you are an amazing person and I hope we can still be friends.

ANN

(hesitant now) Really?

FANG

Truly.

ANN leans in to kiss him again, but catches herself in time and leaves.

FANG picks up his glass of water.

FANG

(at his water) You look so lovely today.

Blackout