Sunday, January 10, 2016

Scene 2

Justin finishes at Kohl's and drives home. Theme music plays. Scenery of Shakopee, Minnesota in the background. Justin pulls into the garage and shuts off the car. Looks at bag of plates and sighs. Enters the house. Betsy is in the kitchen. Justin gives her a kiss on the neck.

Justin: I have a surprise for you.

Betsy: You do? 

Justin: Yeah, I found something I liked better.

Betsy: Better than what?

Justin: Better at Kohl's. You'll like it; I know you will.

Betsy: But, Justin, we needed plates. We have guests tomorrow, remember?

Justin: Oh, I got plates. Did I get plates? I got plates! 

Justin reaches into bag and displays what he bought.

Betsy: And, that's a surprise? 

Justin: Yeah, do you like them? I know about plates. These are metallic-edged resin with a balanced core; dishwasher safe, and art deco finish. I know plates, Betsy. 

Betsy: What is wrong with you?

Justin: I'm just showing enthusiasm for understanding plate-itonic nuance. Kinda like when I chose the hot air balloon that looks like the fat lady bending over? I know art, Betsy. 

Betsy: No, I mean... those are the exact plates I asked you to buy! Did you forget? 

Justin: Well, instead of focusing on me forgetting, maybe we could highlight the fact that we have the same refined taste in discount far east faux ceramic design. 

Betsy: I love you. (kisses him)

Justin: Good, because I can't be late for my tournament tonight.

Betsy: Tournament? You said we'd go to dinner. I didn't want to cook tonight remember? 

Justin: The tourney is at Stubbie's, Betsy. You can come with. They have wings and shit. And like pina coladas. 

Betsy: who drinks a pina colada at a foosball tournament?!

brief pause, then simultaneously, they both say "Lenny and Hal."

Betsy: I'm not going to Stubbie's Justin. Every time I go there, I sit at the bar fending off creeps while you and Mike smash someone in a game. Do you realize you're the only team that laughs when you make a shot? What's so funny?

Justin: I can't help it. It's funny! Believe me. And Stubbie's needs you. It has the ambiance of a Montana goat barn. It's a lot better when you go there.

Betsy: Well, I'm not wearing a skirt.

Justin: Fine, but you know I play better when you wear a skirt.

Betsy: What is wrong with you?

Justin: Remember, it doesn't matter what's wrong with me. The important thing is what I do about it.

Betsy: And what, exactly, is that?

Justin: Formative stages, Betsy. Brilliant plans don't just fall out of the sky.

Betsy: Neither do wives in skirts at Stubbie's.

Justin takes a shower, shaves, and gets ready for tournament; Funny uniform donning in front of mirror, psyching himself up. Final step - putting the sweatband on his head.

Betsy sees him emerge, ready to go to Stubbie's.

Betsy: What is that?

Justin: It's just a mole; it's probably nothing.

Betsy: No, not the mole; the headband!

Justin: Well, if you know what it is, why are you asking?

Betsy: Because who the heck wears a headband? It's 2017!

Justin: They're coming back. You can't keep these things down forever. They're too useful.

Betsy: Well I'd like to use it to strangle Mike for scheduling this tournament.

They emerge from the garage, Justin driving. Car scene. Justin still wearing headband.

Betsy: Do you really need to have that on right now?

Justin: You know I like to hear Foreigner before a tournament.

Betsy: Not the radio; the headband!

Justin: If I take it off now, there'll be a red splotch.

Betsy (sarcastically): Really? What shape will it have?

Justin: It'll be in the shape of a headband.

Betsy: Oh, so it'll look like you wear a headband.

Justin: Exactly

Betsy: Which, you do.

Justin: Okay, I need to concentrate now.

Betsy: You're driving fine.

Justin: I'm not concentrating on driving; I'm simulating the tournament in my head.

Betsy: Mike's unpredictable; how can you simulate what he's going to do?

Justin: Well, if don't, who will?

Betsy (exasperated): Why does anyone have to?

Justin: You're sitting next to the southwest metro champion. It didn't happen accidentally. We mock what we do not understand.

Betsy: Thanks Chevy Chase.

Justin: You remember Spies Like Us.

Betsy: We watch it once a year!

Justin: Traditions are important.