scene 18

Previous.

EXT. HUNTER'S PATIO - NIGHT

Hunter, Chloe and Tom around the table, post-dinner, remnants on plates pushed to center.

HUNTER: So do you and Wanda have any plans for your twenty-fifth?

TOM: We do. Goin' to Hawaii.

CHLOE: Cool. Been before?

TOM: First time for both of us.

CHLOE: Excited?

TOM: We are. Not so much the flyin' part but ain't much of a way around it. I bet y'all been.

Hunter nods.

CHLOE: I learned to surf there.

TOM: Funny ya say that. Wanda thinks I'm just woofin' but I'm thinkin' about takin' a lesson. 

CHLOE: You should.

TOM: Can't speak from experience but I figure the worst that can happen is I fall off and I'm bettin' it's a softer landin' than comin' off a horse, which I done plenty a times. And it's just down the beach from our hotel.

HUNTER: Where are you staying? 

TOM: First two nights at Waikiki then three more at a place up the coast called Kailua. 

CHLOE: How did you meet, if you don't mind me asking. 

TOM:  Like I said, y'all can ask me anything ya want. Me and Wanda met at an alcoholics anonymous meeting in Boise, Idaho. Married a year to the day later. 

CHLOE (two beats): Did you go on a honeymoon? 

TOM: A week in Galveston, Texas.

CHLOE: I know where Galveston is.

TOM: Betcha knew where Boise is, too.

He winks, she smiles.

TOM (CONT.): Casserole was delicious, Chloe.

CHLOE: Thank you.

TOM: Think I could get that recipe from ya before I head out in the mornin'?

Chloe nods. Tom pushes himself away from the table.

TOM (CONT.): Sure hate to be the party-pooper but it's a little past my bedtime and I know my wife and sister are waitin' to hear how the day went.  

CHLOE: What will you tell them?

Tom stands. 

TOM: I'm gonna tell 'em the family tree's growin' a new branch. If y'all don't mind.

Chloe and Hunter shake their heads.

HUNTER: I'm up early, Tom. If you are too, I'll be right here with coffee.

TOM: I am too and I'll be right there with ya. 

HUNTER: Quick question.

TOM: Yessir.

HUNTER: Have you read my books?

TOM: Sure have. Close to finishin' Foglost but I left it home on the nightstand. I've read the others twice. Would you mind if I asked ya a couple questions about yer writin' sometime?

HUNTER: Of course I wouldn't mind. 

TOM: Thank you.

HUNTER: Where are you in Foglost? 

TOM: Bob just settin' out in the rowboat.

Hunter nods.

TOM (CONT.): Night y'all.

HUNTER/CHLOE: Goodnight, Tom.

Hunter and Chloe watch Tom walk to the kitchen door, enter kitchen, out of view.

HUNTER: Well.

CHLOE: A new branch. 

HUNTER: Hypothetical question.

CHLOE: K.

HUNTER: If Jackie's cousin can wrangle another horse, and assuming Tom is willing and able to come along, would you be cool if he -

CHLOE: Yes. Way cool.

Hunter nods, gets phone from pocket, speaks into it.

HUNTER: Jackie.

THUNDER.

[CUT TO: 

19. EXT. HUNTER'S HOUSE/DRIVEWAY - DAY

Wet but blue sky. The garage door opens. Tom follows Chloe to the truck, Hunter gets in the Rover and backs it to the street.

CHLOE: Cool truck...]