SNOW DRIFTS

Neil Stratton

EXT  OCEAN  DAY

Bright flashing colours become tropical fish darting about in joyful
abandon.  Suddenly a giant eye looms up from behind a rock and
they all scatter in panic.

INT  RECEPTION  DAY

Observing Dingle bending down at the fish tank, the receptionist
chooses her moment with surgical precision.

RECEPTIONIST
She'll see you now.

Dingle jerks up and staggers backward to avoid a collision.  He
straightens his tie, as though a fail-safe method for restoring
dignity.

RECEPTIONIST
First on the right.

Dingle hesitates uncertainly.

DINGLE
I just go in?

RECEPTIONIST
Would you like me to hold your hand?

DINGLE
No.  I mean under different
circumstances that would be a very
tempting offer.

He braves a smile, which bounces off a stone wall of indifference.  
He marches past, glides back around to collect his briefcase and
sails on through with only a hint of sideways glance.

INT  RONNIE'S OFFICE  DAY

Ronnie's fingers tap-dance on the desk.  She watches them with
the bored resignation of a judge who knows enthusiasm is no
substitute for talent.  Dingle hovers by the open door before
knocking.

RONNIE
I sent for you, so knocking is an
unnecessary piece of showmanship.

DINGLE
Right.

He quickly steps inside.

RONNIE
Please be seated, Mr Ding-a-ling.

Dingle complies before correcting.

DINGLE
My name is Dingle.

Ronnie
Yes I know.  I have your application
here.

Dingle clears his throat, which makes him cough.  Ronnie looks up,
unimpressed.

DINGLE
If I seem a little nervous, it's because
I'm not used to being at the mercy of
someone so young and attractive.

Ronnie's eyelids show no sign of a flicker.

RONNIE
Yes, I suppose that doesn't happen
to you very often.

Dingle adjusts his tie.  Ronnie flicks through papers like someone
who's done a course in reading at the speed of light.

RONNIE
Everything seems to be in order.  
However I still have some questions.  
After all we're a bank, not Santa
Claus.

DINGLE
I see.

RONNIE
Did you know most people say I see,
when really they don't?

DINGLE
Right.  Or is right not right?

RONNIE
Well if you don't know right from
wrong, I can hardly lend you money,
can I?

DINGLE
I definitely know right from wrong.

RONNIE
That's not what you were saying a
moment ago.  You're not
schizophrenic, are you?

DINGLE
Certainly not.

RONNIE
Split personality?

DINGLE
No.

RONNIE
Well okay then.  So where were we?

DINGLE
I'm not entirely sure, but I believe
there was a Santa Claus in there
somewhere.

RONNIE
Oh yes, North Pole Productions.  Now
there's an enterprise with seriously
bad cash flow.

She straightens the papers on her desk, making sure they're in
perfect alignment.

RONNIE
So, Mr Dingbat, let's look at your
projections, which in the face of
today's chilly economic climate, seem
rather -

DINGLE
You called me Dingbat.

RONNIE
I'm sure I didn't.  For all I know, you're
a lot smarter than you look.

Dingle swivels his head, checking the room.

DINGLE
Are we on camera?  Because I'm not
signing any waver.

RONNIE
Can we please focus on the matter at
hand?

Dingle tugs on his tie, ensuring another coughing fit.

RONNIE
Now optimism isn't always a bad thing.  
Like, say, a harmless flutter at the
races, and I'm a big fan of the
outlandish hats women wear on such
occasions.

A bewildered Dingle tries to follow the line of argument.

RONNIE
However, Mr Ding-a-ling, when it
comes to business -

DINGLE
We're back on Ding-a-ling.

RONNIE
I'm sorry, what?

DINGLE
My name is Dingle.

RONNIE
Yes.

DINGLE
Say it and listen to yourself.

RONNIE
Dingle.

She waits.

RONNIE
Was that okay?

Dingle reluctantly nods.  The phone rings.  Ronnie snatches it up.

RONNIE
I'll call you back, I'm with a Mr
Ding-dong... Yes it is and he's very
sensitive about it.

INT  SCROGGINS' OFFICE  DAY

Ronnie sits motionless in her chair while Scroggins does an orbit.  
He wears his usual look of perplexity, as though continually
surprised at finding himself a bank executive when, with his flowing
white mane, he would've made a perfectly good orchestra
conductor.

SCROGGINS
Miss Blackwell - Ronnie - why are you
here?

RONNIE
A client complained.

SCROGGINS
And why is that?

RONNIE
He's a complainer.  Some people are
like that. They go through life
complaining.

Scroggins nods, unconvinced.

SCROGGINS
Perhaps we could focus less on the
client and more on yourself.

RONNIE
Okay.

She waits patiently.  Scroggins sits down and starts cleaning his
glasses, tossing in a question like an afterthought.

SCROGGINS
So what happened?

RONNIE
I was just doing my job.

SCROGGINS
And where in your job description
does it outline your duty to insult
clients?

RONNIE
If people insist on having silly names,
they bring it on themselves.

SCROGGINS
And I suppose you also consider
Scroggins a silly name?

RONNIE
A name's only silly when it doesn't
suit the person.  You're definitely a
Scroggins.

Scroggins reflects a moment on her remark before deciding it
doesn't go anywhere.  He puts down his glasses.

SCROGGINS
I've been through your personal
records, and I notice you've had very
few days off since the funeral.  

RONNIE
I'm not very good at holidaying by
myself.  Maybe it's a defective gene.  
Do you think there's a test for it?  
They can screen for all sorts these
days.

Scroggins stares at her nonplussed.

SCROGGINS
Ronnie, when you speak, do you
actually hear the words you're saying?

RONNIE
I'm sorry?

SCROGGINS
Never mind, forget holiday.  Let's call
it time-out.

RONNIE
My parents gave me time-out when I
spilt raspberry coke over their brand
new sofa, and believe me, it really
was an accident.

SCROGGINS
They had raspberry coke then?

RONNIE
I mixed it myself.

Scroggins shakes his head in wonder.

SCROGGINS
What young people get up to in their
spare time.

He drums his fingers on the desk while he thinks.

SCROGGINS
So - not a holiday, not time-out.  Think
of it as an investment in your future.  
Time off now  will pay ample dividends
later.

Getting no reaction, he nevertheless ploughs on.

SCROGGINS
Who can you stay with?  Friends?

RONNIE
They've been very good, but they're all
busy people with busy lives.

Scroggins nods sympathetically.

SCROGGINS
Even so, I'm sure there must be
someone.  You have a brother, right?  
The sculptor.

RONNIE
He's busy sculpting.

SCROGGINS
I visited Florence in my younger days.  
Saw the David.  Very big, especially
for a guy who fought Goliath.

He smiles at Ronnie, getting blankness in return.

SCROGGINS
Tell me about your brother.

RONNIE
He does abstracts.

SCROGGINS
He must lead an exciting life.

RONNIE
No he sculpts.  He doesn't have a life.

SCROGGINS
In that case, he can't be too busy for
his sister, can he?

He takes Ronnie's stillness as lack of objection.

SCROGGINS
Good, then it's all settled.

EXT  MOUNTAIN ROAD  DAY

White Rabbit, Jefferson Airplane

Ronnie's car glides along the road as it winds its way up through
mist-covered firs.

INT  STUDIO  DAY

Dolan moves slowly in the eerie blue light, his wireless sensor
gloves sculpting air like a high-tech form of tai-chi.  The light
changes to blinking red.  He rips off his visor, more in frustration
than alarm.

EXT  LODGE  DAY

A large clearing spreads out like a giant welcome mat to Snow
Drifts Lodge.  In contrast, the long low-slung building seems
merely tolerated by the surrounding wilderness.

Ronnie pulls a large bag from her car, swings around and drops it
in fright.  Dolan smiles.

RONNIE
You did that on purpose.

DOLAN
Just sharing the surprise.

RONNIE
I did text.

DOLAN
You know I never read 'em.

RONNIE
Why not?

DOLAN
Because just when you thought small
talk couldn't get any smaller, they
invented texting.

He picks up the bag and starts to move off.

RONNIE
Hang on.

She pulls out other bags while Dolan watches in bemusement.

DOLAN
Right, there's a big bag and a little
bag, and all sizes inbetween.

RONNIE
I like to be prepared.

DOLAN
Ronnie, there are only four seasons
in the year.

They head for the lodge, performing their juggling act.

RONNIE
I thought the studio was sound-proof.

DOLAN
The computer told me.

RONNIE
What did it say?  You have female.

INT  LODGE / KITCHEN  DAY

Dolan plonks down her bags and goes into the kitchen.

DOLAN
Grab a seat.

RONNIE
I haven't unpacked.

DOLAN
Coffee first.

RONNIE
You're mad at me.

DOLAN
How do you get mad from coffee?

RONNIE
I don't know, who says coffee and
madness can't go together?

Dolan speaks into a remote.

DOLAN
One espresso and one....

He looks at Ronnie.

RONNIE
Irish.

DOLAN
It doesn't do Irish coffee.

RONNIE
Gee, I guess you'll just have to make
it yourself.  I hope the computer
doesn't get offended.  Why doesn't it
have a name?

DOLAN
You mean like HAL?

RONNIE
Yeah.

DOLAN
How about Kay for komputer?

RONNIE
Or krappy idea.

LATER

Dolan and Ronnie face off over steaming mugs, as though daring
the other to take the first sip.

DOLAN
So what happened?

RONNIE
A holiday happened, that's what.

Dolan gives a noncommittal nod, as though reserving his right to
scepticism.

RONNIE
A holiday can happen to anyone, you
know.  Sometimes when they least
expect it.

DOLAN
You came alone.

RONNIE
Well, that's hardly my fault, is it?

DOLAN
Ronnie, you've always had guys
drooling over you, yet you expect me
to believe you couldn't rustle
someone up?

RONNIE
Okay, I'll drive back in the morning.

DOLAN
You're welcome here anytime.  I just
wouldn't have minded a warning.  A
real warning.

RONNIE
You mean like - look out, here comes
Ronnie, batten down the hatches?

DOLAN
You'll get bored, and I can't create
around bored people.

RONNIE
I'm not people, I'm your sister.  And I
won't get bored, I've brought books,
I'll go for walks.

Dolan drinks his coffee.

INT  ART GALLERY  DAY

Guzzleby, proud maker of such earthly delights as pizza-flavoured
ice cream and peppermint yoghurt, barely nods at the paintings,
completely snubs the ceramics then comes to a dead halt, his path
blocked by something large in glossy black resin.  He bends down
to investigate the title of the sculpture, then roams around its
twisting mass of strands, as though the key lay in finding the right
angle.

Vanessa approaches and smiles.

VANESSA
Not to everyone's taste, but certainly
one of my favourites.

GUZZLEBY
No no, I like it.  But what does it
mean?

Vanessa's cellphone rings.  She checks the caller then answers
snappily.

VANESSA
I'm with a client.

EXT  FOREST  DAY

Dolan strolls along a trail, ignoring the scenery for his sat-cell.

DOLAN
It's an emergency.

VANESSA
What's happened?

DOLAN
Ronnie's here.

VANESSA
That's the emergency?

She rolls her eyes.

DOLAN
Yeah, how am I supposed to work?

VANESSA
We're by your piece 'Memory'.  My
client's interested to know its
meaning.

DOLAN
I don't know, what's the price tag?

VANESSA
Can you be a little less metaphysical?

She mouths the word 'artists' to Guzzleby.

DOLAN
I can't remember.  Old age.

VANESSA
I don't know why you're so worried
about turning thirty, when as
everyone knows, senility doesn't
strike till you're forty.

She turns to Guzzleby.

VANESSA
It's about how our past becomes our
own mystery, which we try to solve
through memory.

Guzzleby, an avid fan of mystery novels, nods in recognition and
returns to the sculpture to start sleuthing.

DOLAN
So, can you get away?

VANESSA
You want me to babysit your sister?  
Your fully-grown sister?

DOLAN
Well, whatever the correct term is for
adults.

VANESSA
As a matter of fact,  I am too busy -
busy selling your stuff so you can
afford to ring me on your fancy
satellite phone.

Guzzleby catches her eye and taps on the sculpture.

GUZZLEBY
I'll think about it.

VANESSA
That's good.  Art is all about
reflection.

DOLAN
So you agree then?

VANESSA
What?

DOLAN
I need space to reflect.

VANESSA
Where are you now?

Dolan glances about, as though fearing ambush.

DOLAN
In the forest.

VANESSA
So how much space do you need?

DOLAN
Look on it as a holiday.  When was
the last time you had a break?

VANESSA
My definition of a holiday is a break
from you.

DOLAN
You sound stressed.  It'll do you good.

Vanessa closes her eyes a moment.

VANESSA
I can't spare long.

She snaps the phone shut in obvious exasperation.  Guzzleby,
lingering at another sculpture,  nods and smiles in sympathy.

GUZZLEBY
Artists.

INT  BATHROOM  DAY

Porcelain, Moby

Ronnie floats in a bubble bath.

DOLAN (off)
Ronnie?

RONNIE
In here.

Dolan enters and spins around.

DOLAN
Thanks for the warning.

RONNIE
I'm all bubbled up.  You should try it
some time.

DOLAN
Ronnie, I drink bubbles, I don't swim
in them.

Ronnie eyes his jacket.

RONNIE
Where are you going?

DOLAN
The village.  Won't be too long.

RONNIE
I'll come too.

DOLAN
I'm leaving in five.

RONNIE
Deal.

DOLAN
I mean five seconds.

RONNIE
Deal.

DOLAN
You can be ready in five seconds?

RONNIE
No I'll be naked.  If you want to
parade your sister around naked,
fine, but people might ask questions.

DOLAN
Okay, you little brat, you've got fifteen
minutes.

He goes out.  Ronnie sinks down under water.

EXT CAFE  DAY

Dolan and Vanessa sit en terrasse under a less than
Mediterranean sun.  

DOLAN
We could go inside.

VANESSA
Or you could tell me the reason for
this clandestine meeting.

DOLAN
We need to find a story.

VANESSA
We have a story.  You can't handle
your own sister.

DOLAN
Yeah, that's really helpful.

VANESSA
Okay then, I'm here to crack the whip.

DOLAN
Kinky.

VANESSA
As your agent.

DOLAN
Even kinkier.

Vanessa looks over his shoulder.

VANESSA
What happened to clandestine?

Dolan spins around.

DOLAN
Damn, eyes like a hawk.  Act
nonchalant.

Ronnie bounds up.

RONNIE
Sprung!

DOLAN
Look who I bumped into.

VANESSA
Hi.

Ronnie takes a seat.

RONNIE
My brother thinks I'm an imbecile.  At
least now I know why he was acting
suspiciously.

Vanessa gives Dolan an amused smile.

VANESSA
Indeed.  Why act nonchalant, when
you can act suspiciously?

RONNIE
Don't get me wrong, I think it's great
you and Dolan have finally got it
together.  Just let's forget the
subterfuge, huh?

Dolan turns to Vanessa, who merely shrugs.

RONNIE
So how do you get a coffee?

DOLAN
You have to go inside and order it
yourself.  That's how we do things
here.  We're hardy mountain folk.

Ronnie goes inside.

VANESSA
At least now we've got our story.

Dolan smiles weakly.

EXT  FOREST  DAY

Vanessa lags behind an oblivious Ronnie.  She sits down on a
fallen tree.

VANESSA.
Ouch.

Ronnie rushes back in alarm.

RONNIE.
What's wrong?  Have you hurt your
ankle?

VANESSA.
No, I was attacked by a sudden thirst.

She pulls out a flask from her jacket.

VANESSA.
Have you seen someone die of
dehydration?   Never pretty.

Ronnie waits impatiently as Vanessa takes several swigs, then
jumps up.

RONNIE
Okay, let's go.

VANESSA.
Hey girl, what's the rush?  Are you
late for a tree?

RONNIE
I breathe recycled air at work all day.  
Aren't I allowed to go a little wild?

VANESSA
I have natural venting, and we natural
venters prefer to enjoy the scenery.

RONNIE
I am enjoying it.  Besides, these trees
all look alike.

VANESSA
I bet they say the same about us.

Vanessa puts away her flask but remains seated.  Ronnie fidgets.

VANESSA
Why are you hanging out with your
brother?  You should be on some
tropical beach with a bronze hunk.

RONNIE
Maybe I just haven't met the right
bronze hunk.

VANESSA
Honey, there are no right bronze
hunks.  That's the whole point of
them.

Ronnie grins.

RONNIE
You're wicked.

She moves off.  Vanessa reluctantly follows

RONNIE
Has Dolan been talking to you?

VANESSA
What do you mean?

RONNIE
He thinks you get over someone just
by clicking your fingers.

VANESSA
That's because it works so
well for him.

Ronnie studies her a moment.

RONNIE
It'll be different with you two, I know it
will.

VANESSA
I doubt that.  But it doesn't matter.

RONNIE
Why not?  Don't you believe in love?  
Are you, like, too sophisticated?

Vanessa sighs.

VANESSA
You have the wrong idea about me.

She stumbles.

VANESSA
Ouch.

RONNIE
How can you be thirsty again?

VANESSA
It's my ankle.

She sits down and rubs it.

RONNIE
Your ankle makes you thirsty?

Vanessa looks up at her.

VANESSA
Yes, Ronnie, my ankle makes me
thirsty.

EXT  LODGE  DAY

Dolan slides his fingers along the sleek lines of the sports car,
crouching low like a panther ready to spring, while Scott basks in
the reflected glory.

DOLAN
You can afford this?

SCOTT
No, the finance company can.

Dolan holds out his hand.

DOLAN
Keys.

SCOTT
No-one drives this baby but me.

DOLAN
I'm assuming you didn't come all this
way just to show off your new toy.

SCOTT
So you'll hear me out?

DOLAN
I can listen and drive at the same
time.

Scott tosses the keys in his hand while he decides.  Dolan does a
neat intercept.

SCOTT
Just remember, finance companies
aren't all about the love, they also
have a nasty side.

EXT  MOUNTAIN ROAD  DAY

Dolan speeds along the winding road.

INT  SCOTT'S  CAR  DAY

Scott grips his seat with white-knuckled intensity.

SCOTT
I'm not fussed about making ninety,
but I wouldn't mind seeing tomorrow.

DOLAN
Chill, I know these roads.  With the
SUV you've got to be so careful.  This
is something else.

He swerves.  Scott braces.

DOLAN
So, is everyone on holiday?

SCOTT
I've moved on.

DOLAN
You were fired.

SCOTT
I want to be creative.

DOLAN
You're in sales, you've already got
poetic licence.

SCOTT
Can we pull over?  I can't talk and
pray at the same time.

EXT  REST AREA  DAY

Scott pretends to be absorbed by the scenery while Dolan sits at
the log table, headphones plugged into a laptop.  He pulls them off
and leans against the car.

SCOTT
So what do you think?

DOLAN
Handles like a dream.

SCOTT
I meant the presentation.

DOLAN
You and mini-you make a great team.

SCOTT
It's about all of us.

DOLAN
Grolman?

SCOTT
He's brilliant.  You know he speaks
seven languages?

DOLAN
Unfortunately all at the same time.

SCOTT
You just have to focus on design and
leave the rest to me.

DOLAN
'I'm going to take over the world' is
not a business plan.  Unless of
course your name's Bill Gates.  And
even Bill Gates isn't Bill Gates any
more.

SCOTT
Dude, this is my chance to break out
of the rut.

DOLAN
What do the others say?

SCOTT
Nothing. You're the first.

DOLAN
You'll let me know.

SCOTT
You don't understand.

DOLAN
What?

SCOTT
You're my anchor.

Dolan tosses him the car keys.

DOLAN
I'll think about it.

SCOTT
Sure, take as long as you need.  Five
minutes, ten minutes, go mad.

Dolan gets in the car and waits.

SCOTT
Yeah, that's really wild.

INT  LODGE  DAY

Dolan and Scott line up beer bottles like little soldiers on parade.

SCOTT
So how's Ronnie?

DOLAN
She's fine.

SCOTT
And she's here on holiday?

DOLAN
Uh-huh

SCOTT
With you.

DOLAN
Uh-huh.

Scott mulls this over.

SCOTT
You know what I think?

DOLAN
Yeah, you think a few beers makes
you an expert on women.

SCOTT
I think she's not over Julio.

DOLAN
It's none of your business.

SCOTT
On the contrary, I reckon I could do
something about it.

DOLAN
But you won't.

SCOTT
Why not?

DOLAN
Because I'm telling you, she's off
limits.

SCOTT
You're turning Snow Drifts into a
convent.  Fair enough.

DOLAN
Listen up.  She spun out at work so
she's here to chill.  That means no
complications.

Vanessa stumbles in, helped by Ronnie.  She collapses onto a
sofa.

DOLAN
What happened?

RONNIE
She was attacked by a root.

VANESSA
I'm fine.  I just need to rest my ankle.

Ronnie surveys the scene.  

RONNIE
Working hard, I see.

SCOTT
Yeah, I'm pitching.

RONNIE
Well I hope you're not driving back in
that condition.

SCOTT
Pitching a deal.

VANESSA
In that case you should be talking to
me.

SCOTT
Hi Vanessa, how's things?  Apart
from the ankle.

VANESSA
About your idea.  I'm also his
business manager.

DOLAN
That's right.  We were waiting for you.

Ronnie ponders Vanessa's ankle.

RONNIE
I think you should bathe it in warm
water.

VANESSA
I suppose.  But first let's hear Scott
out.

Ronnie glares at Scott.

RONNIE
Can't you see she's in agony?

VANESSA
Agony's a little strong.

Ronnie grasps Vanessa's ankle.

RONNIE
So this doesn't hurt?

VANESSA
Owwwww.

Ronnie turns to Scott in triumph.

RONNIE
See.

VANESSA
Don't do that.

RONNIE
I was demonstrating.

VANESSA
I know.  Please don't.

DOLAN
I've invited Scott to stay a few days,
so there'll be plenty of time later to
work through his proposal.

He eyes Ronnie warily.

DOLAN
Unless you have any objections?

RONNIE
Me?

SCOTT
Apparently I'm complicated.

RONNIE
Dolan, I'm not here to interfere with
your life.  And I'm sorry for ruining
things for you and Vanessa.

DOLAN
What are you talking about?

RONNIE
The root didn't really attack her.

DOLAN
No kidding.

RONNIE
I was walking too fast.  I must have
been hyperventilating on the fresh air.

SCOTT
Yeah, lethal stuff.

DOLAN
Ronnie, calm down.  Nobody's
blaming you for anything.

VANESSA
Come on,  let's get that water running.

She hobbles out with Ronnie's aid.  Scott gives Dolan a
questioning look.

SCOTT
You and Vanessa?

Dolan shakes his head.  Scott nods sympathetically.

SCOTT
Poor kid.  She's losing it.

EXT STREET  DAY

They all pile out of Dolan's SUV.  Dolan hands Ronnie a list.

DOLAN
Okay, I suggest we split up into two
teams and meet back here in an hour.

SCOTT
Like commandos?

DOLAN
Yeah, commandos with shopping
lists, that plays.

RONNIE
Who do I get?

DOLAN
Scott.

RONNIE
Why Scott?

DOLAN
What's wrong with Scott?

SCOTT
Nothing, I'm feeling fine.

RONNIE
Okay but I want to do the galleries,
and we'll need at least two hours.

SCOTT
We?

RONNIE
We're a team, remember?

SCOTT
Yeah, that's for the supplies then we
do solo missions.

DOLAN
And what's your mission?  The pub?

SCOTT
Hey, if they go to all the trouble of
brewing their own ale, the least I can
do is show up.

DOLAN
Two hours if you both stick together.

RONNIE
I don't need a babysitter.

DOLAN
It's not about that.  It's about Scott
broadening his interests.  Right,
Scott?

Scott weighs up Dolan's tone.

SCOTT
Just galleries?

RONNIE
And the handcraft places.

Scott pales.

SCOTT
What if there's embroidery?  What do
I do then?

RONNIE
I guess you whip out your crucifix.

She marches off.  Scott rounds on Dolan.

SCOTT
What happened to cool it?

DOLAN
Cool yeah - frosty no.

SCOTT
I have only two settings - cool and
cooler.  That's a great exit line, don't
you think?

DOLAN
Exit lines only work if you actually exit.

Scott heads off in pursuit of Ronnie.

VANESSA
Are you sure you know what you're
doing?

DOLAN
What am I doing?

Vanessa merely smiles.

DOLAN
How's your foot?

VANESSA
I do not need a walking stick.

DOLAN
You're saying that because you
haven't found the right antique model.  
I saw one the other day with a carved
lion's head.

VANESSA
Was it good for whacking a human
head?

DOLAN
Okay, maybe you don't need one
after all.

EXT  CAFE  DAY

Vanessa and Dolan coffee al fresco.

VANESSA
So how's the work going?

DOLAN
It's tough.  You're an artist, people
think you sit around in cafés drinking
coffee.

VANESSA
God knows where they get that idea.

Dolan watches people go past until he becomes aware of
Vanessa scrutinising him.

VANESSA
Why do you think Ronnie's here?

DOLAN
It's quiet and peaceful.  A perfect
refuge.

Vanessa looks unconvinced.

DOLAN
What?

VANESSA
She has all these friends and yet she
comes to you.

DOLAN
Because they all have lives and
apparently I don't.

Vanessa smiles disbelievingly.

DOLAN
I'm only being honest.  Growing up,
we weren't that close.  There's five
years between us.  When you're kids,
that's a big deal.

VANESSA
I'm an only child, so don't expect me
to get your maths.

DOLAN
She was always surrounded by loads
of friends.  Have you ever tried talking
to a gaggle of giggling girls?

VANESSA
I was one, remember.

DOLAN
Well I never had the patience.

VANESSA
Perhaps if you'd learnt to talk to her
and her friends, you'd see women as
more than just sleeping partners.

DOLAN
I do.  Look at us.  We're friends.

VANESSA
We slept together.

DOLAN
And did I let that ruin our relationship?

Vanessa shakes her head apologetically.

VANESSA
I didn't mean to bring up the past.

DOLAN
Okay, you want the real truth?  She
was Daddy's girl.  There was no room
for me.

Vanessa eyes him with curiosity.

VANESSA
Why do you never talk about your
father?

DOLAN
He was an investment banker.  He
could've been a tennis pro but he
chose the fun option.  What else do
you want to know?

VANESSA
What did he think of your career
choice?

Dolan shrugs.

DOLAN
There was never any outright
opposition.  I guess he saw art like
tennis.  Something you did as a
hobby before getting a real job.

VANESSA
You think he'd be proud now?

DOLAN
I'll never know.  My parents died
before I started making decent
money.

VANESSA
So you're not a sports champion,
you're not a pillar of the business
community.  You think any of that
matters to Ronnie?

Dolan looks at her blankly.  She sighs.

VANESSA
I guess I do have to spell it out.  
Ronnie looks up to you.  She always
has, but you never noticed.

DOLAN
So what do you want me to do?

VANESSA
Just try not to be so lost in your own
little world.

DOLAN
Thanks for the guilt trip.  You should
do package tours.

VANESSA
Sorry, I'm not usually a guilt person.

DOLAN
So what do you feel guilty about?

VANESSA
Getting mixed up with self-involved
guys.  Why do I never learn?

DOLAN
Because you never had any brothers
or sisters to teach you the futility of
trying to change people.

VANESSA
Touché.

INT  LODGE  NIGHT

Scott puts down the Jack of Hearts.  Vanessa plays the Queen,
taking the trick, round and game, leaving Ronnie furious.

RONNIE
Why didn't you call hearts?

SCOTT
Because I don't have X-ray vision.

DOLAN
Except when it comes to women.

They all drift away from the table onto sofas except Scott, who
prowls around.

SCOTT
So what's the verdict?

DOLAN
Guilty as charged.

SCOTT
I mean about my proposal.  It's not
just a video game, it's a portal to a
life-changing experience.

Dolan shoots Vanessa a quizzical look, which she promptly
returns in spades.

DOLAN
We're thinking about it.

SCOTT
What's to think about?  A simple yes
or no.

DOLAN
No.

SCOTT
Think about it.

DOLAN
Okay, what's your projected rate of
return?  When people invest,  it's not
usually for love.

SCOTT
The sky's the limit.

DOLAN
Help me out here, Ronnie.

RONNIE
Me?  What's it got to do with me?

DOLAN
You're a loans officer.

RONNIE
No, I'm a loans officer on holiday.

DOLAN
Come on, play along.  Think of it as a
game.  Like charades.

SCOTT
Are you calling my venture a charade?

DOLAN
Scott, I'm trying to help out here.

Scott nods warily.

SCOTT
So how does this game that's not a
charade work?

DOLAN
Pretend Ronnie's interviewing you for
a loan.

Scott sets himself in front of Ronnie.

SCOTT
I'm wearing a tie.

RONNIE
No you're not.

Scott faces Dolan accusingly.

SCOTT
I thought we were supposed to be
pretending.

RONNIE
I don't give people money just
because they've got their head in a
noose.

SCOTT
So how many loans have you dished
out to tie-less guys?

RONNIE
I've never been given the chance.  
Julio never wore a tie and he was
successful.

SCOTT
That was because he was perfect
and perfect people don't need to
wear ties.

DOLAN
Scott.

SCOTT
What?

DOLAN
You're applying for a loan, remember?

SCOTT
So?

DOLAN
So watch the tone.

RONNIE
I'm not saying he didn't have faults.  
He just wasn't a tie-maniac.

DOLAN
Guys, please.  Can we focus? 
Scott's not wearing a tie, so he's
halfway there, right?

RONNIE
I still like a good suit.

SCOTT
It's Armani.  With a black T-shirt.

RONNIE
As long as it's not too tight and clingy.
Guys with too tight and clingy make
me feel like I'm between them and a
mirror.

SCOTT
I agree.  Tight and clingy works better
on women.

Dolan shakes his head wearily.  Vanessa gives him an amused
smirk.

EXT  LODGE  DAY

2000 Miles, The Pretenders

Snow has fallen overnight.  Ronnie twirls about rapturously while
the others watch on.

RONNIE
Isn't it gorgeous?  I wish it snowed
back home.  Imagine going to work in
the snow.  That would be so romantic.

VANESSA
Your sister has a novel idea of
romance.

DOLAN
You cynic you.  What could be more
romantic than corporate slaves
trudging through slush?

SCOTT
I'll show her the true meaning of
snow.

He sets about compacting.  Ronnie doesn't notice until he takes
aim.

RONNIE
Scott, I forbid you to throw that
snowball.

SCOTT
That only works if you stomp your foot
at the same time.

As Ronnie starts to protest further, the snowball explodes in her
face.

RONNIE
You're gonna die.

They both rush to build arsenals.

VANESSA
I think all wars should be fought with
snowballs.

DOLAN
It'll never catch on.

Ronnie and Scott pelt each other mercilessly.  Out of ammo, they
tumble to the ground, still locked in mortal combat.  Suddenly they
stop.  Ronnie looks up into Scott's eyes.  He gives her a quick kiss.  
For a moment time itself seems to be holding its breath, then she
angrily shakes him off and storms back to the lodge

DOLAN
The idiot.  I warned him.

VANESSA
Forbidden fruit.  Yes that always
works.

INT  LODGE  DAY

Gloomy silence envelopes the coffee-drinkers like a miasma.  
Finally Dolan cracks.

DOLAN
Anybody want to say anything?

SCOTT
Don't look at me.  I've already
apologised.  Apparently it wasn't
good enough.

RONNIE
I didn't realise I was supposed to give
it a five-star rating.

SCOTT
I mean you still think I'm a
sex-maniac.

RONNIE
I don't think one kiss makes anyone a
sex-maniac.

SCOTT
So why do you look at me like I'm
one?

RONNIE
All right, you're a sex-maniac.  
Satisfied?

SCOTT
Sex-maniacs are never satisfied.  
That's why they're sex-maniacs.

DOLAN
Stop.  That conversation is over.  
Now, what are your plans today?

SCOTT
Plans?  It's snowing.

RONNIE
It snowed.  Past tense.

SCOTT
And it'll snow again.  Future tense.

DOLAN
Listen up.  I have to work and you
don't.  So I stay and you go.  Where I
don't care.

VANESSA
So why did you ask?

DOLAN
Thanks, Vanessa.

Vanessa flashes a 'You're welcome' smile.

RONNIE
I just want to read my book.  I don't
see how that interferes with your
work.

SCOTT
Nobody likes a page-rustler.

Ronnie gives him a withering look before returning to Dolan.

RONNIE
What if we promise to behave?

SCOTT
Meaning me?

RONNIE
What if Scott promises to behave?

DOLAN
Okay, I have an apology to make.  I'm
sorry you think this matter is up for
discussion.

He goes off to his studio.  Ronnie immediately rounds on Scott.

RONNIE
It's your fault we're being booted out
into the cold snow.

SCOTT
What happened to snow being
romantic?

RONNIE
You happened.

Vanessa gets up.

VANESSA
Let's go see the sights.  We leave in
half an hour.

She goes out.

RONNIE
I like the way people give out orders
then march off.

SCOTT
And don't be late.

He leaves, pleased to ignore the face Ronnie pulls at him.

INT  STUDIO  DAY

Vanessa enters as Dolan is about to don his visor.

VANESSA
You owe me.

DOLAN
I know.  Table for two this evening?

VANESSA
A start.

DOLAN
You'll be okay?  I mean with Ronnie
and Scott?

VANESSA
If they get too much, I'll head into
Firmont and lurk about in cafés.

INT  LODGE  NIGHT

The group burst in, headed by Ronnie, who gapes at Dolan.

RONNIE
Wow.  Get  you.

Dolan ignores her for Vanessa.

DOLAN
What happened?

VANESSA
I did ring.

DOLAN
Yeah, to say you'd be late.  Not late
late.

RONNIE
Scott was navigating, so naturally we
got lost.

SCOTT
If you do it deliberately, it's called
exploring.

VANESSA
When do we leave?

DOLAN
Thirty minutes ago.

VANESSA
I'll be as quick as I can.

She heads off to her room.  Ronnie jiggles.

RONNIE
So where are we going?

DOLAN
Sorry, I only booked for two.

Ronnie's face falls with a thud.

SCOTT
And you're a crowd.

RONNIE
Please let me come.  Pleeeease.  I
don't even mind if Scott tags along.

SCOTT
What am I, the family dog?

DOLAN
I know I'll regret this.

Ronnie gives him a quick hug and bounces out of the room.

SCOTT
She's playing you.

DOLAN
At least she's perky again.

SCOTT
It's all about getting your attention.  
Even if it means spoiling your
romantic tête-à-tête.

DOLAN
There is no romantic tête-à-tête.

SCOTT
I rest my case.

DOLAN
I prefer to look on it as damage
control after your mauling today.  
What the hell were you thinking?

SCOTT
I don't overthink kisses.  They just
happen.

DOLAN
Despite my warning.

SCOTT
I thought she wanted me to.  She
looked at me with those eyes of hers.  
You do understand?

DOLAN
She used her own eyes to look at you.  
Got that part.

SCOTT
Better get changed.  Don't want to
be late.  Or should that be: late late
late?

Seeing Dolan's expression, he scarpers.

INT  RESTAURANT  NIGHT

Ronnie mulls over the menu as though considering a cryptic
crossword.

RONNIE
I wish I knew what I felt like.

SCOTT
I feel like eating.  Where's our
waitress?

DOLAN
A good waitress can sense when a
table is ready to order.

SCOTT
So, Miss table, are you ready to
order?

Ronnie ignores him, turning to Dolan.

RONNIE
What do you recommend?

SCOTT
I recommend you get a move on.

RONNIE
Do I look like I'm talking to you?

SCOTT
Yes.

RONNIE
I meant before.

SCOTT
What if Dolan recommended the
roasted scorpion in tarantula sauce?

DOLAN
Okay, that's enough.  I'll do the
ordering.

SCOTT
That's hardly fair.  I know what I want.

DOLAN
Unfortunately for you, goading
Ronnie isn't on the menu.

Ronnie gives Scott a gleeful smirk.  Dolan glances about for the
waitress.  Vanessa indicates with a nod.  He turns to discover her
standing right behind him.

SCOTT
She learnt that at the ninja school of
waitressing.

WAITRESS
What would you all like?

DOLAN
Ronnie and Scott will have the special
of the day.

SCOTT
But we don't know what it is.  It could
be poison.

The waitress gives Scott a professional smile.

WAITRESS
Yes.  Yes it could.

DOLAN
Make it three so we can all die
together.

VANESSA
Am I allowed to choose for myself?

DOLAN
Of course because you're not Ronnie
or Scott.  

VANESSA
Then I choose the special.

SCOTT
Like the four musketeers.  All for one
and all that.

RONNIE
It's the three musketeers.

SCOTT
Yeah but there were four of them.

DOLAN
And a bottle of the house red.

WAITRESS
We do have an extensive list.

DOLAN
I know and normally I would.  But fine
wine goes with fine conversation, not
the bandying about of musketeer
statistics.

The waitress nods and leaves.

RONNIE
Were we embarrassing you?

DOLAN
Forget it.

SCOTT
For the record, it was Ronnie who
made the fuss about the number of
musketeers.

RONNIE
I stopped talking about them ages
ago, so you're the fusspot.

DOLAN
Shut-up, the both of you.

VANESSA
They were just talking.

DOLAN
They can't talk without going for each
other's throat.

SCOTT
Hear that, Ronnie?  You have to
leave my throat alone.

RONNIE
And who else do you think he was
referring to?  Your evil twin?

DOLAN
That's it.  Find another table.

RONNIE
No, please.  I promise I'll ignore Scott,
no matter how provocative he gets.

SCOTT
So I'm provocative?

RONNIE
Extremely.

SCOTT
And you don't provoke?

RONNIE
I always get along with people, don't
I, Dolan?

DOLAN
Then you can prove it by sharing a
table with Scott.

RONNIE
Scott isn't people.  I'm not even sure
he's a person.

DOLAN
Move.  Now.

SCOTT
Which one?

DOLAN
The farthest.

RONNIE
But...

DOLAN
Just go.

The woebegone pair trundle off to take up their table-in-exile.  
Dolan breathes a sigh of relief.

VANESSA
Was that smart?

DOLAN
What do you mean?

VANESSA
You don't want them to get together,
but you make them share a table.

DOLAN
So I'd rather be sane than smart.

LATER

They enjoy their meal.

VANESSA
I really must get back tomorrow.

DOLAN
Why?  You're your own boss.

VANESSA
I have very demanding clients.

DOLAN
And this one demands you stay.

VANESSA
I'll be back in a few days.  After I've
tied up some loose ends.

DOLAN
All right, just don't expect me to get
any work done.

At this reminder, they both turn their eyes on Scott and Ronnie.

VANESSA
At least they're talking like civilised
beings.

DOLAN
They're talking.  The rest is wild
speculation.

Vanessa toys with her food.

DOLAN
Say it.

VANESSA
Say what?

DOLAN
Whatever's on your mind.

Vanessa sighs.

VANESSA
There's so much you miss, but when
it comes to your work, you're like a
bloodhound.

DOLAN
I value your opinion.

Vanessa laughs this off, then turns serious.

VANESSA
I think you could do better.

DOLAN
So put my price up.

VANESSA
That's not what I meant.  You know
you're my best-selling artist.

DOLAN
So what's the problem?

VANESSA
The people who buy your work are
mainly rich businessman with little
interest in art.  It's just something to
stick in the boardroom or lobby as
decoration.  For them it has no other
meaning.

DOLAN
Neither does music, apart from the
emotions it conjures up.

VANESSA
I'm not explaining this well.

DOLAN
Because you're dancing around the
point.

VANESSA
All right, your work is inoffensive.  You
need to take more risks.

DOLAN
Epater la bourgeoisie and all that?  
Promoting shock as the only true
value in art is not only old hat, it's also
a godsend for the untalented.

VANESSA
Oops.  Have I stirred up some
passion?

DOLAN
In so-called primitive societies, art was
the mainstay of culture.  Now the
artist is effectively side-lined.  Almost
an embarrassment.  I guess you can't
really blame artists for their antics,
they're desperate for attention.

VANESSA
Aren't we all?

DOLAN
You were goading me, weren't you?

Vanessa smiles and sips her wine.

DOLAN
I wish you'd let me order some good
stuff.

VANESSA
This is fine.  Some of my clients,
cheap wine is all they can ever afford.

DOLAN
So why do you keep them on?  
Future promise?

VANESSA
Actually no.  I simply enjoy their work
and like having it around.  Of course I
can't do that too often, and couldn't
at all without you.   

DOLAN
That's very touching, but you're in
business.  You must have a ruthless
streak.

VANESSA
I do, yes.  Your work is ridiculously
overpriced.  

DOLAN
And how do you get away with it?

VANESSA
You have the corporate touch.  Ironic,
given your anti-corporate sentiments.

DOLAN
Your pro-corporatism completes me.

VANESSA
Or maybe they're like matter and
anti-matter, cancelling each other out.

Dolan looks at her with something approaching regret.  She
launches brightly into a new subject.

VANESSA
So, ever had a real job?

DOLAN
Lots.  It was working in a chemical
plant that gave me the idea for my
resin.

VANESSA
Any suit and tie?

DOLAN
No but I once had a cubicle I felt I
was wearing.

VANESSA
Not a raging success?

DOLAN
Let's just say the mere mention of my
name gets them frothing at the
mouth.

Vanessa leans forward with a smile of anticipation.

VANESSA
Tell me more.

INT  CORRIDOR  DAY

Lauren steps into the corridor from the shower, adjusts her towel
then looks up to see Dolan.  She smiles in greeting.

DOLAN
Have we met?

LAUREN
Give me a clue.

DOLAN
I own the joint.

LAUREN
Then no.  But cool place.

Dolan shakes his head.

DOLAN
What the hell was Scott thinking?

He looks at her again.

DOLAN
Dumb question really.

LAUREN
There's a problem?

DOLAN
Yeah, my sister.

LAUREN
What, she's an old dragon?

DOLAN
My younger sister.

LAUREN
Young  dragon.  How does that work?

Hearing footsteps, Dolan spins around.

DOLAN
Ronnie, what are you doing here?

RONNIE
Don't you mean her?

DOLAN
I do, yes.  No I don't.  This is  - how do
you pronounce your name again?

LAUREN
Lauren.

DOLAN
Not Lauren ?

LAUREN
Is that French?

DOLAN
Never mind.

LAUREN
Hi.  You must be the sister.

RONNIE
I'm Dolan's, I'm not general purpose.  
Dolan, why doesn't she have any
clothes?

DOLAN
She's ... a model.  So clothes on a life
model would be pretty damn silly,
wouldn't it?

Taking advantage of Ronnie's confusion, he hustles Lauren
towards his studio.

INT  STUDIO  DAY

Lauren looks around, surprised at the spartan look and eerie
lighting.

LAUREN
What kind of studio is this?

DOLAN
Virtual.  Thanks for playing along.

LAUREN
What do you mean?  I need the cash.

DOLAN
No no, I do abstract.

LAUREN
Are you piking out?  Because I don't
like pikers.

DOLAN
How much do you want?

Lauren gives a casual shrug and drapes herself on the sofa.

LAUREN
Whatever the rate is.

Dolan takes out a bundle of notes from his wallet.

LAUREN
Plus I stay over.

DOLAN
You're missing the point.  I don't want
you here with Scott.

LAUREN
Yeah but I still need a place to crash
and who's gonna believe one
session?

Dolan narrows his eyes.

DOLAN
Am I getting a model or an
extortionist?

LAUREN
Two for the price of one.  A  real
bargain.

INT  CORRIDOR  DAY

Scott encounters the still bewildered Ronnie.

SCOTT
Seen Lauren?

RONNIE
The model?

SCOTT
What model?

RONNIE
The one with no clothes.

SCOTT
And that makes her a model?

RONNIE
No, being a model makes her a
model.  And why are you so
interested, apart from the obvious?

Scott treads warily.

SCOTT
Explain obvious.

RONNIE
Obvious is when something doesn't
need to be explained.

SCOTT
But you've seen her?  She was
having a shower.

RONNIE
Why on earth would I watch her
having a shower?

SCOTT
Let's start again.  Where is Lauren?

RONNIE
The studio.  Obviously.

Scott starts to move but she blocks his way.

RONNIE
I told you, she's naked.

SCOTT
Ronnie, I can handle naked women.

RONNIE
We all know you have a problem
restraining yourself.  Look how you
behaved with me and I was wrapped
up to the hilt.

SCOTT
Hey, it was one stupid kiss.  Why
can't you forget about it?

RONNIE
So it didn't mean anything?

SCOTT
Like what?

RONNIE
Like anything.  Why do you have to
act so dumb?

SCOTT
I'm not acting.

Ronnie looks away.

RONNIE
So you weren't serious then?

SCOTT
About what?

RONNIE
When you were kissing me, for God's
sake.

SCOTT
Ronnie, if I wanted to be serious, I
would've discussed Schopenhauer.

RONNIE
What did he know about kissing?

SCOTT
Heaps.

EXT  LODGE  TWILIGHT

Dolan and Scott walk in the snow.  Scott shivers.

SCOTT
I can see why you like it here.  You're
well placed for global warming.

DOLAN
Ice age is now our planet's normal
state, with occasional warm
interludes.  Venus is our past, Mars
our future.

SCOTT
Any cheerful thoughts?

DOLAN
Yeah.  If you're a connoisseur of
human stupidity, there's no better
time to be alive.

Short silence.

DOLAN
Why did you bring Laurel here?

SCOTT
Her name's Lauren, there's no Hardy.  
And the real question is, why did you
steal my girlfriend?

DOLAN
The pub pickup?   The one-nighter?

SCOTT
Hey, even Romeo and Juliet had to
start somewhere.

DOLAN
Look, I don't give a damn who or what
you do.  I just don't want Ronnie upset.

SCOTT
Because if Ronnie's upset, you can't
create.  Yeah yeah, it's all about you.

DOLAN
Forget about me, think about Ronnie.

SCOTT
You don't want me thinking about
Ronnie.

DOLAN
I mean show some consideration.

SCOTT
Okay, I consider your remark insulting.

Another short silence.

SCOTT
I kissed her and she flipped, so I
moved on.  What's the problem?

DOLAN
You.

SCOTT
See, you're an artist, and artists never
move on.  They keep on revisiting
things, like someone picking at a
scab.

DOLAN
You kiss her then bring back another
woman.  How do you think that's
going to make her feel?

SCOTT
She's not ready for another
relationship, I get that.  But not ready
for me to have one?

DOLAN
You kissed her.  She was vulnerable
and you kissed her.  You affected her.  
Why can't you see that?

Scott mulls this over.

SCOTT
So I'm still in with a chance?

DOLAN
Get this straight.  I don't want you
doing anything with Ronnie and I
don't want you doing anything without
her.

SCOTT
I understand but I don't understand,
because I can also talk in paradoxes.

Dolan heads back.  Scott continues on.  Dolan calls out.

DOLAN
I hope you're carrying an emergency
beacon.

Scott does an abrupt turn.

INT  STUDIO  DAY

Dolan sketches Lauren lying on the sofa.  She listens in wry
amusement as vague metallic sounds swoop in and out.

LAUREN
What do you call this?

DOLAN
First there was hot jazz, then cool,
and now Absolute Zero.

LAUREN
Sounds like something robots would
make out to.  In zero gravity.

Dolan tries to concentrate.

LAUREN
Am I going to be immortalised?

DOLAN
I do abstracts.

LAUREN
So I won't recognise myself?

DOLAN
You will in the sketch.  Not if I sculpt.

LAUREN
So what'll you turn me into?

DOLAN
An idea.

LAUREN
People aren't ideas.  People are
people.

Dolan puts down the pad in frustration.

LAUREN
You don't like me talking?  I thought
drawing used a different part of the
brain.

DOLAN
Not with me.  It's all mixed in together.

LAUREN
So you're mixed up, huh?  Nothing to
be ashamed about.  Personally I
believe everybody's mixed up.

DOLAN
That's a very original concept.

LAUREN
I don't have to be original, I'm not an
artist.  I just do what I do and think
what I think.  In a way, that gives me
more freedom.

Dolan waits.

LAUREN
I'll shut up, right?

Dolan picks up his pad again.

DOLAN
I'm just not used to having my
thoughts constantly interrupted.

LAUREN
I'll be so quiet, you won't even know
I'm here.

Dolan tries to ignore her smirk.

EXT  LODGE  DAY

Ronnie puts on the finishing touches to a snowman as Scott
sidles up.

SCOTT
Your brother's not the only one with
artistic talent.

RONNIE
Anyone can build a snowman, Scott.  
Little kids do it.

SCOTT
Not me.

RONNIE
Never?

SCOTT
Nup.

RONNIE
I bet you were too busy throwing
snowballs.

SCOTT
Good times.

They face each other in awkward silence.

SCOTT
So what happens now?

RONNIE
What do you mean?

Scott nods toward the snowman.  Ronnie stares at it, nonplussed.

RONNIE
Nothing.  It's finished.

SCOTT
You just wait for him to melt?

Ronnie remains motionless.  Scott wonders about checking her
pulse.  Suddenly she erupts, smashing the snowman in fury.

RONNIE
I hate him, I hate him, I hate him.  I
hate him I hate him.

She rushes back inside.  Scott calls after her.

SCOTT
He probably didn't mean it.  He's just
a snowman.  What do they know?

INT  STUDIO  DAY

Dolan tries to draw, but now finds the silence an even greater
distraction.

DOLAN
So what are you doing here anyway?

Lauren maintains her dignified aloofness.

DOLAN
I'm sorry.

LAUREN
What for?

DOLAN
I said I'm sorry, don't string it out.

Lauren shrugs.

LAUREN
You're an artist.  You're entitled.

DOLAN
You really think so?

LAUREN
No I was being polite.  Actually I
thought you were a pain in the butt.

DOLAN
I'm just used to working alone.

LAUREN
Okay, so you have a valid reason for
being a pain in the butt.

Dolan resumes sketching.

LAUREN
I'm posing.

DOLAN
I mean in Firmont.

LAUREN
Just passing through.

DOLAN
On the way to where?

LAUREN
Somewhere else, I don't know.  I'm
Aquarius, we love freedom.

Dolan snorts.

DOLAN
Yeah, that's the thing.  I mean, who
doesn't?

LAUREN
So what's your sign?

DOLAN
Don't have one.

LAUREN
Right, you're from another galaxy.

DOLAN
Bummer about Pluto, eh?

LAUREN
If you knew anything at all, you'd
know Pluto rules transformation, so
transforming from a planet is entirely
in character.

Ronnie bursts in, distraught.

DOLAN
Ronnie, I'm working.

LAUREN
He hates being interrupted.  I've
learnt.

Ronnie glowers.  Dolan stands up and looks into her red eyes.

DOLAN
What's wrong?

RONNIE
Nothing.  I'll just sit here and watch.

LAUREN
Do I get extra for an audience?

Dolan's expression is glacial.

LAUREN
Just asking.

DOLAN
Go have a coffee.

LAUREN
So I'm being paid to drink coffee?  I
am being paid, right?

DOLAN
We'll call it a full session.

Lauren shrugs.

LAUREN
Your money.

She puts on her robe then swaps looks with Ronnie on the way
out.

RONNIE
Why are you drawing that slut
anyway?  You're abstract.

DOLAN
It's concrete to abstract.  Abstract to
abstract is just too... abstract.   And
since when do you talk about anyone
like that?

RONNIE
Since I stopped being a nice person.

She holds out her finger.

RONNIE
I want it off.

Dolan tries to work the ring loose, but it refuses to budge.

DOLAN
Have you put on weight?

RONNIE
No.

DOLAN
Well your finger's obviously swollen.  
It must be the emotion.

RONNIE
Whoever heard of a finger swelling
with emotion?

DOLAN
Just calm down and we'll try again
later.

RONNIE
No, get it off now.

DOLAN
I don't have the tools.

RONNIE
You've got lots of tools.

DOLAN
Yeah, in my other studio.  This is my
concept studio.

Ronnie looks at him blankly.

DOLAN
There's concept and execution.

RONNIE
I'm not asking to be executed.

DOLAN
Is it Scott?  Is he hassling you again?

RONNIE
It's Julio, it's Julio.  He promised to
love me forever, and how can he do
that when he's dead?

EXT  LODGE  DAY

Ronnie and Dolan pass by the sad remnants of the snowman.

DOLAN
What happened to him?

RONNIE
He exploded.

DOLAN
A combustible snowman.  They're
pretty rare.

RONNIE
We should report it to the Book of
Strange Phenomena.

DOLAN
Is there one?

RONNIE
There has to be.  You can't waste a
title like that.

They walk a few moments in silence.

RONNIE
When he died, you blamed him for
being reckless.  I know he was
reckless, but I didn't need to hear
that.  Not at that time.

DOLAN
It was only because he hurt my little
sister.

RONNIE
I wish I'd been in the car too.

Dolan takes her by the shoulders.

DOLAN
Don't say that.  Don't even think it.

RONNIE
Why not?

DOLAN
Because I only have one sister.  I
don't carry a spare.

Ronnie manages a brief smile before brushing him off.

RONNIE
You don't need people, Dolan, you
never did.  I'm not blaming you, that's
just the way you are.

DOLAN
What I need is for you to be happy.

Ronnie gives an awkward shrug.

DOLAN
I was wrong about Julio.  Yes he
loved risks, but he also loved life.  
And most of all, he loved you.

Ronnie's eyes glisten.

DOLAN
I don't want you to stop loving him, I
just want you to start living.

RONNIE
And how do I do that?

Dolan bends down and picks up her fallen glove.  Ronnie stares in
horror at the object in her palm.

RONNIE
Oh my God.

EXT  LODGE  TWILIGHT

I'll Never Be Your Maggie May, Suzanne Vega

Ronnie wanders the landscape alone.

INT  STUDIO  DAY

Dolan throws down his drawing.  Lauren maintains her pose on the
sofa.

LAUREN
Did I blink?

DOLAN
It's  me.

LAUREN
What's you?

DOLAN
I mean, it's not working.

LAUREN
Then it's me.

DOLAN
Why?

LAUREN
Because I'm supposed to inspire you.  
Not that it's easy.  You try being
inspiring when you're lying here like a
cold fish on a slab.

DOLAN
You want the heating up?

LAUREN
I'm fine.  But warm fish just didn't
sound right.

DOLAN
The trouble is, I never took this sort of
thing seriously, even in art school.  I
thought the motivation phony.

LAUREN
Yeah, I can imagine.  To you, the
whole world's phony.  Except for the
pure abstraction you conjure up in
your head.

Dolan gapes.

LAUREN
What, you think I don't have a brain?  
Besides, when you're lying like this,
you have plenty of time to think.

DOLAN
Okay, so what else?

LAUREN
What else what?

DOLAN
What other thoughts do you have?

LAUREN
You really want to listen?

DOLAN
Yeah.  Apparently I don't do enough
of that.

He indicates her robe.

LAUREN
I'm okay.

DOLAN
I'm not.  It's distracting.

Lauren sits up and leans forward provocatively.

LAUREN
So let's have a bit of distraction.

Dolan shows no reaction.

LAUREN
All right, I'll be a good girl.

She picks up her robe then hesitates.

LAUREN
So it's over?

DOLAN
We're still in session.  Only now you're
getting paid to think.

Lauren puts on the robe while eying him with scepticism.

LAUREN
You're taking the piss, aren't you?  I
don't mind, just as long as I know.

DOLAN
Think, or don't get paid.  Your choice.

Lauren flops back down on the sofa and screws up her face in
concentration.

DOLAN
I mean out loud.

Lauren's eyes dart around, as though looking for escape.  They
settle on the discarded drawing.  She pounces and examines it.

LAUREN
Hey that's not bad.  Can I keep it?  I
mean, I'll just be doing you a favour.

DOLAN
Not to mention the environment, for
stopping me burning it.

LAUREN
If you junk it, what does that say
about me?

DOLAN
Nothing.

LAUREN
I'm your muse, remember?

DOLAN
So start musing.

Lauren dangles the paper teasingly before him.

DOLAN
It's not worth anything, it's not signed.

LAUREN
Who said I was going to sell it?

Dolan smiles.  She presents the drawing.

LAUREN
Please.  Pretty please.

Dolan scrawls in compliance.

DOLAN
It still won't be worth anything.

LAUREN
Maybe not now, but what say you pop
it and it becomes worth a bundle?  
Wouldn't that be cool?

DOLAN
It's customary to wait till someone's
dead before dancing on their grave.

Lauren swishes about the room then whirls around.

LAUREN
Can I take this off?  I think better
naked.

DOLAN
Or maybe you just want to divert
attention.

LAUREN
Maybe.

She takes a few thought-filled steps.

LAUREN
Or maybe it's because you look at me,
but you don't really see me.

DOLAN
So what do I see?

LAUREN
Okay, you might see me, but are you
really looking at me?

DOLAN
Are you just making this up as you go
along?

LAUREN
Damn straight.

She opens a cupboard and discovers paint tubes.

LAUREN
Hey, you paint.

DOLAN
Used to.

LAUREN
Paint me.

DOLAN
I don't even know where my brushes
are.

LAUREN
Who needs brushes?

She comes up close.

LAUREN
Palms.

DOLAN
What?

LAUREN
Just do it.

Dolan holds out his hands.  She squirts various colours on them
then removes her robe.

LAUREN
Now paint me.

Dolan puts a hand to her cheek.  The lights give a warning flicker.

LAUREN
What's that?

DOLAN
Scott returning.

LAUREN
It's like an alarm?

DOLAN
Yeah.  I'm normally here alone.

Lauren takes his hand.

LAUREN
And now you're not.

She slides his hand down over her shoulder and onto her breast.

LAUREN
I bet in art school you had it off with
the model, didn't you?

DOLAN
So?

LAUREN
So why can't you admit that in your
art?

DOLAN
Very clever.

He looks around for a cloth to wipe his hand.

LAUREN
I wasn't being clever.

DOLAN
No?

LAUREN
No.

They face each other, neither moving.  The door opens.  They turn
and see Vanessa.  Her face remains expressionless.

DOLAN
We were just ...

He breaks off for lack of inspiration.

VANESSA
I'm sure you were.  I'll leave you to it.

She closes the door.  Lauren looks at her breast and giggles.

LAUREN
Oops.  Like Fawlty Towers, huh?  
Kinda hard to deny.

DOLAN
We're done.

INT  CORRIDOR  DAY

Dolan catches up with Vanessa.

DOLAN
Where are you going?

VANESSA
To unpack then lie down.  It was a
long trip.

DOLAN
So you're not heading back?

VANESSA
Why should I?

DOLAN
Exactly.  Why should you?

Vanessa waits.

DOLAN
Okay, so let's go out for dinner.  Just
the two of us this time, I promise.

VANESSA
Thanks but as I said, I'm tired, and
that would be more driving.

DOLAN
So what do you want me to do?

VANESSA
Why should I want you to do
anything?  Why is everything always
about you?  Silly question, you're an
artist and all artists are egotists.

She goes into her room, slamming the door.

DOLAN
Right.  Glad we got that sorted.

INT  LODGE  DAY

Lauren sprawls on a sofa, twisting strands of hair around her finger
in a valiant effort to stave off boredom.  Others hold coffees while
staring at the blizzard, as though the window was a TV screen and
they were expecting normal transmission to be resumed at any
moment.  Only Ronnie appears oblivious, trapped with the heroine
in the labyrinthine gloom of a Gothic romance.

SCOTT
How's your book?

RONNIE
I haven't read it yet.

SCOTT
I can always tell after the first page.

RONNIE
Yes I'm sure you're an expert on first
pages.  I bet that's all you ever read.

LAUREN
I envy people who read books.

VANESSA
You don't read?

LAUREN
I watch movies.

RONNIE
Yes, all that effort in turning a page
while a movie, you just have to blink.

SCOTT
I knew a guy who never blinked.

RONNIE
Everyone blinks.

SCOTT
Yeah, everyone except him.

RONNIE
Then it's not everyone.

SCOTT
That's what I said.  Everyone except
him.

Dolan jumps to his feet.

DOLAN
If you're going to talk, talk.  But for
God's sake, not this dog chasing its
own tail.

Realising all eyes are on him and unwilling to make a longer
speech, he sinks back down into his chair.  As though to
compensate for the ensuing silence, the storm increases in
ferocity.

LAUREN
Why didn't his eyes dry out?

SCOTT
They were naturally watery.

LAUREN
So how does that happen?

SCOTT
Like I said, it was a natural thing.

RONNIE
Like some people are naturally stupid.

DOLAN
Change the damn subject or I'll
murder someone.

SCOTT
So who didn't have a great day
today?

DOLAN
I had a fantastic day.

SCOTT
I don't believe it.

RONNIE
That's what fantastic means -
unbelievable.

SCOTT
How do you figure that?

RONNIE
Because it comes from fantasy, as
opposed to fact.

LAUREN
So what we believe in isn't real?

VANESSA
What we believe in becomes our
reality.

Ronnie looks at Scott.

RONNIE
Why don't you say stuff like that
instead of wittering on about
blinkless people?

SCOTT
I've dropped the subject, so you must
be the one wittering.

Dolan jumps up again.

DOLAN
Enough.  It's one thing to drive each
other crazy, but the rest of us are
innocent bystanders.

Scott turns to Ronnie.

SCOTT
What's he on about?

RONNIE
I'll give you a clue.  It starts and ends
with Scott.

DOLAN
It's both of you.  Just get together
and give us all a break.

Ronnie and Scott are both speechless.  Ronnie recovers first.

RONNIE
You can't order me.

DOLAN
Yes I can.  Think of this place as a
ship and I'm the captain.

Ronnie glares at him then turns to Scott, still defiant.

RONNIE
And what do you think?

SCOTT
I think he wants us to sleep together,
and orders is orders.

Like a furious spectator at a tennis match, Ronnie returns to
Dolan.

RONNIE
And what if I refuse?  Are you going
to make me walk the plank?

DOLAN
I didn't say anything about sleeping
with him.  I'm talking about a date.  
One date.

RONNIE
How?  We're snowbound.

DOLAN
So have it here.

RONNIE
It's not a date if you don't leave the
house.

SCOTT
It's not a house, it's a ship.

DOLAN
We've got food, drink and a movie
library.  What more do you want?

RONNIE
A big screen.

DOLAN
Hey, you put on a visor, it'll be bigger
than King Kong.

Ronnie sighs dramatically then faces Scott.

RONNIE
Well go on then.

Scott glances at Dolan, who makes frantic gestures as much
threatening as encouraging.

SCOTT
So, how about it?

RONNIE
Is that how you ask someone out?

SCOTT
Yeah, works every time.

DOLAN
Scott.

SCOTT
What?

DOLAN
Not a good time for sarcasm.

SCOTT
Whatever I say won't be good
enough.

DOLAN
Ronnie?

RONNIE
Maybe that got him through high
school, but we're not in high school
anymore.

SCOTT
So tell us, what line did Julio use?

RONNIE
It wasn't a line.

SCOTT
If he asked you out, he used a line.

RONNIE
Okay, he said he'd never met anyone
as stunning and if I didn't go out with
him, he'd...he'd... he'd...

SCOTT
Well at least we know you're not
prejudiced against stutterers.

RONNIE
He'd die.  He said he'd die.

Everyone looks at Scott, who swallows but holds his ground.

SCOTT
Guess you saved his life then.

Ronnie's only response is to blink away her tears.

SCOTT
I'll go now.  I may be some time.

He heads for the front door.

RONNIE
Don't be an idiot.

Scott stops and looks around blankly.

SCOTT
Who - me?

RONNIE
Well do you see any other idiots here?

Scott resists the temptation to answer.

RONNIE
I don't want you to be Julio.

SCOTT
So who do you want me to be?

RONNIE
Scott.

DOLAN
Think you can manage that?

SCOTT
Don't worry, years of practice.

Ronnie waits.  Dolan gives Scott a shove.  He glares at Dolan
before striking a nonchalant pose.

SCOTT
So how about it?

RONNIE
What's 'it', Scott?  Define 'it'.

Scott gives a vague shrug.

SCOTT
'It' is a very big word.

RONNIE
No it's a very small one.

SCOTT
I meant big in concept.

RONNIE
Why do you have to be so grandiose?  
Why can't you just say 'Let's go see a
movie'?

SCOTT
I thought I did.

RONNIE
That's just the point, damn it, you
didn't.  You didn't.

SCOTT
Ronnie, would you like to see a movie
with me?

Ronnie freezes.  The others hold their breath.  Dolan finally
explodes.

DOLAN
For Chrissakes, Ronnie, you've put
him through hoops, you've put us all
through hoops.  We've tried.  Now it's
up to you.

Tears well up again in Ronnie's eyes.  Dolan starts to think he's
blown it.

RONNIE
What movie?

SCOTT
Huh?

RONNIE
You said a movie.  What movie?

SCOTT
Well I like action, but I'm easy.  As
long as it's not one where nothing
happens because they're too busy
giving each other meaningful looks.
There's only so many meaningful
looks a guy can take.

DOLAN
You can sort that out in the studio.  
Just go go go.

RONNIE
I'm not ready.

Dolan looks around for something to smash.

SCOTT
Dolan, no.  It's cool.   Another time.

RONNIE
I mean I haven't done my hair, I don't
have a clue what to wear.  

SCOTT
That's what I like about you.

RONNIE
That I'm clueless?

SCOTT
No, your naturalness.  In fact, if you
had a smeary face and wore greasy
overalls, you'd still look fabulous.

RONNIE
Why on earth would I have a smeary
face and be in greasy overalls?

SCOTT
I was just saying.

RONNIE
I know and I was wondering why you
were picturing me in smeary face and
greasy overalls.  Perhaps you'd rather
go out with a mechanic.

DOLAN
How long do you need?

RONNIE
According to Scott, one millisecond.

DOLAN
How long do you want?

RONNIE
One hour.

Scott whistles.  Dolan turns on him.

DOLAN
One hour, okay?

SCOTT
Okay, but after that I'll be asking:
Where the bloody hell are you?

RONNIE
I wouldn't expect anything less of
your infinite charm.

SCOTT
Ronnie, this is no time for sarcasm.

DOLAN
Scott.

SCOTT
What?

DOLAN
Let's go sort out the selection.

SCOTT
Ronnie hasn't told me what she likes.

RONNIE
Surprise me.  And I want that to be in
a good way.

LATER

Rejoining the group, Lauren perches on the sofa and watches
Scott doing a balancing act along an imaginary line.

LAUREN
What've I missed?

DOLAN
Nothing.

LAUREN
Talkwise.

DOLAN
Looking to the stars for signs of
intelligent life.

LAUREN
So what's the latest goss?

DOLAN
We're being astronomical.

LAUREN
I reckon they're worth every cent.  
Tightrope.  Is that a movie?

SCOTT
This isn't charades.

VANESSA
Don't talk to him.  If he falls, it'll be on
your conscience.

DOLAN
Just sit down and relax.

SCOTT
There's nothing more relaxing than
being on a high wire.

VANESSA
Unless you're actually on a high wire.

DOLAN
What are you stressed about?

SCOTT
I don't know, what if she doesn't
show?

DOLAN
Where can she go?  You've got her
cornered.

SCOTT
I remember you saying when she was
younger, if somebody mentioned the
word party, she could be ready in five
minutes.

VANESSA
Yes, Dolan's used that one on me a
number of times.

DOLAN
For openings and stuff.  They weren't
dates.

Vanessa nods reflectively.

LAUREN
Hey, Vanessa, when you caught us
fooling around before, that's all it was -
fooling around.

DOLAN
Thanks, Lauren, really helpful.

Ronnie enters looking radiant.  Scott overbalances, falling in a
heap.  Dolan shakes his head wearily.  Scott bounces back up.  
He stares, unable to speak.

DOLAN
For God's sake, say something.

SCOTT
You look ... you look...

He turns to Dolan.

SCOTT
She looks out of my league.

DOLAN
Not to me.

Scott tries again.

SCOTT
You look like Veronica.

Dolan pulls a pained expression but Ronnie smiles demurely.

RONNIE
Thanks but you can call me Ronnie.  
Everyone does.

I Can Only Give You Everything, Them

Two silhouettes writhe against a swirling backdrop of colours.

INT  KITCHEN  DAY

Dolan grabs a fruit juice and takes a seat at the bar to watch
Ronnie performing a fry-up.

DOLAN
Is that to re-build his strength?

RONNIE
I suppose you think I'm a tramp.

DOLAN
You know I don't think like that.

RONNIE
So you're not at all surprised?

DOLAN
I'm very surprised.  But hey, you're a
grown woman.

Ronnie nods slowly, as though not entirely convinced of the latter.

RONNIE
If you were Dad, what would you say?

DOLAN
Scott's not good enough for you,  
Julio wasn't good enough for you.  
Uncanny, huh?

RONNIE
And what do you think?

DOLAN
You sleep with a guy first then ask my
opinion?

Ronnie attempts a careless shrug.

RONNIE
It's probably just something I needed
to get out of my system.

She continues with her cooking, not noticing Dolan's troubled look.

EXT  LODGE  DAY

The snow lies dying under the late afternoon sun.  Ronnie mourns
its passing.

RONNIE
I can't believe after yesterday's storm,
it's nearly gone.  So sad.

Dolan strides on, ignoring their surroundings.

RONNIE
What's wrong?

DOLAN
I want the old Ronnie back.

RONNIE
She's dead.  She died in the crash.

DOLAN
What are you going to do about
Scott?

Ronnie gives him a teasing grin.

RONNIE
Guess you'll just have to wait and see.

Getting no response, she sighs.

RONNIE
I don't know.  And honestly, right now
it doesn't matter.

Dolan stops and faces her.

DOLAN
Are you happy?

RONNIE
Why do you always go on about my
happiness?  Are you happy?

DOLAN
I'm an artist, we're not supposed to
be happy.  Buyers would demand
their money back.

Ronnie bends down and scrambles to scrape together a snowball.
Dolan watches, unimpressed.  She flings snow at his face.  He
smirks.

DOLAN
That was an excuse for a snowball.

RONNIE
Oh yeah?  Let's see you do better.

Dolan grabs her and pushes her face down into the snow.  She
staggers to her feet, spluttering indignantly.

RONNIE
That's cheating.

DOLAN
So what are you going to do?  Report
me to the Snowball Association?

RONNIE
Worse, I'll have you thrown out of the
Snow Kingdom  and I shall rule in your
stead as the Ice Queen.

DOLAN
You know what I do to pretenders to
the Throne?

RONNIE
No, what?

DOLAN
Snow down the back.

Ronnie squeals and runs for safety.

EXT  LODGE  TWILIGHT

Ronnie and Dolan return to find Vanessa loading up her car.  She
gives Ronnie an amused smile.

VANESSA
You're looking a lot brighter than
Scott.  What did you do to the poor
boy?

Ronnie blushes.

DOLAN
She sucked the life out of him.

RONNIE
You're so lucky not having a brother.  
They show no mercy whatsoever.

Ronnie puts her arm around Dolan's neck and pretends to
strangle him.  They tussle for a bit then Dolan breaks free and
paddles on the car roof.

DOLAN
So what's the deal?

VANESSA
The deal?  The deal is I have a
business to run.

DOLAN
You couldn't stay a bit longer?  Not
even to watch Ronnie make
mincemeat out of Scott?  

Ronnie thumps Dolan on the shoulder.

DOLAN
Hey, I'm not your punching bag.  
You've got a boyfriend for that.

Vanessa eyes Ronnie with curiosity.

VANESSA
Is that so?

RONNIE
Dolan doesn't know anything.  It
might just be a casual fling.

Vanessa gives her a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

VANESSA
Come and see me when you're back
in town.  We'll make a night of it and
you can fill me in on all the gory
details.

DOLAN
That sounds like a female conspiracy.  
I think I should tag along.

RONNIE
Strictly no men, right?

VANESSA
Natch.  Useless creatures, who
needs 'em?

DOLAN
But seriously, are you sure it's safe to
drive?

VANESSA
I've waited all day for the snow to
melt.  It's okay.

They regard each other a moment, neither speaking

VANESSA
Well I must fly.

DOLAN
Thanks for coming.  It made a
difference.

VANESSA
I'm not so sure, but I guess I did learn
something.  Anyway, we're all getting
cold standing around here.

Dolan gives her a brief hug.  She gets into her car and roars off.  
Dolan turns to find Ronnie glaring at him.

DOLAN
What?

RONNIE
My idiot brother.

DOLAN
What am I missing?

RONNIE
A heart.

DOLAN
So that's a brain and a heart?

RONNIE
Why did you let her go?

DOLAN
The conditions are safe.  What was I
supposed to do?  Kidnap her?

RONNIE
Yes, that's what I'm about - violence
against women.

Dolan suddenly remembers.

DOLAN
My fault, I gave you the impression
there was something between us.

RONNIE
Why?

DOLAN
It's complicated.

RONNIE
So try the truth.  It's simpler.

DOLAN
Ronnie, you know nothing about our
relationship.

RONNIE
So there is one?

DOLAN
Of course.  She means a lot to me.

RONNIE
So what are you waiting for?

DOLAN
You don't understand.

RONNIE
So explain to me.

Dolan paces about in search of the right words.

DOLAN
It just wouldn't be fair.  On Vanessa.

RONNIE
Why?

DOLAN
Because... because I can't serve two
mistresses.

RONNIE
Dolan, you're married to your work.  
You'll only have one mistress.

Dolan considers.

DOLAN
What would I say to her?

RONNIE
Very little, I suggest.  That way you
might avoid screwing it up.

Dolan is torn between hesitation and indecision.

DOLAN
You really think..?

RONNIE
Just get behind the damn wheel.

EXT  MOUNTAIN ROAD  NIGHT

Beautiful Collision, Bic Runga live in Chch

Vanessa speeds through the falling darkness.

EXT  REST AREA  NIGHT

Vanessa stands waiting in the headlights of her car as Dolan pulls
up in his SUV and jumps out.

VANESSA
What the hell's wrong with you?

DOLAN
Didn't you see me signalling?

VANESSA
I saw a madman.  I don't as a
rule stop for madmen.

DOLAN
Aha, but you did.  Not that I'm
admitting to be a madman.

VANESSA
So tell me.  What's so life or death?

DOLAN
I don't want you to go.

VANESSA
That's it?  That's life or death?  Your
ego is truly your greatest work of art.

DOLAN
I never said anything about life or
death.  

VANESSA
Dolan, that truck nearly wiped you out.

DOLAN
I had stacks of time.

VANESSA
Look, whatever your problem is, you
deal with it.  I've had enough.  I have
other clients.

Dolan moves closer.

DOLAN
I am dealing with it.

VANESSA
You're not making any sense.

She turns away.

VANESSA
Just let me go.  Please.

DOLAN
Ronnie was right.  I don't have the
words.

He takes her in his arms.

VANESSA
What are you doing?

DOLAN
This.

He kisses her.

DOLAN
Any complaints?

VANESSA
One.  What took you so long?

END