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...]
