Jim: See anything good?
Sarah: It all looks delicious. I’m happy with eating here.
Jim: That’s what’s important.
Jim opens the door. A large crowd of people are in the narrow hallway, pushing up against each other.
Jim: Wait here.
Sarah: Okay.
He enters. While he’s inside, Sarah walks to the front windows of the restaurant, and peers in at the people eating. After a moment, Jim appears by her side, still looking in.
Jim: We’re in luck. They can seat us in about twenty minutes.
*beat*
Do you want to wait inside?
Sarah: It’s okay. I like it out here.
Jim: It’s cold.
She takes his hand, still looking forward.
Sarah: It’s not so bad.
*beat*
Jim: I think that man’s waiting on a date.
Sarah: What?
Jim: The guy in there. Right in the middle. He looks excited.
Sarah: I don’t know. Do you think? Maybe.
Jim: Oh come on.
Sarah: What?
Jim: Don’t pretend that’s not what you were doing. Putting thoughts into their heads, wondering what they’re thinking, what they’re doing.
Sarah: Well, I guess…
Jim: I know you better than that, Sarah.
Sarah: Just because I’m a writer doesn’t mean—
Jim: What’s that couple thinking?
Sarah: …He’s thinking about leaving her... he’s thinking about his secretary. But I think she’s just thinking about dessert, right now.
Jim: See?
Sarah: Fine. You’re right, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. Is it creepy to try to get inside people’s heads like that?
Jim: Sarah, it’s one of the things I love most about you.
*beat*
So they’re breaking up, huh?
Sarah: Not yet. But probably. Time wounds all heels or… however that expression goes.
Jim: You’re the English major here.
Sarah: Either way. What’s going on over there isn’t important. He’s happy, she’s happy, it all amounts to the same thing, for tonight anyway.
Jim: So if you weren’t thinking about them, who?
She points to the man sitting by himself.
Jim: Oh. Blind-date guy.
Sarah: Him, yeah, but I don’t think he’s on a blind date. Look at his eyes. He’s not just excited, he’s in love. See the way he’s fidgeting with his briefcase? I think he’s going to propose tonight. And to a wonderful woman.
Jim: …Wonder-girl is late.
Sarah: She just wanted to make sure she looks her best tonight, that’s all. It’s a special occasion.
Sarah turns her attention to the couple again. Jim notices her watching and draws her closer.
Sarah: Thanks… it’s cold.
Jim: I know.
An attractive woman passes by them, and the man looks up to see her pass by the window. He brightens immediately-- she doesn't seem to notice him. She then enters the restaurant.
Jim: You really think that guy’ll propose?
Sarah: I’m always at my most optimistic when I’m with you. It’s a good night. I don’t see why not.
The woman approaches the table with the man sitting alone.
Sarah: ...I love you.
The woman sits down. The man gently grabs her hands, and looks her in the eyes. After a few words, the woman starts crying, and then takes off her ring. The man looks horrified, then completely expressionless. He gets up, leaves the table and the restraunt, bumping violently past Jim as he goes.
Sarah looks close to tears.
Jim: Hey, let’s go inside and get warm. I’ll bet they’ll have a table for us any minute now.
Sarah turns and looks at him.
Jim: How about this. Let’s go back to my place. I can make you mac and cheese. Even some chocolate milk.
Sarah: That sounds delicious. I’m happy with that.
Jim: That’s what’s important.
4 more thoughts:
that was pretty cool. touching as well as sweet
Wow.
Very sincerely, thank you for that.
this is good.
I agree. very authentic. at no moment did the characters feel fake, there's a really special flow to this.
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