Date Night

INT. DIZZY’S JAZZ BAR

In a dimly lit upscale bar, JILL, a woman in her early 30s , slightly chubby, dressed in a black cocktail dress is sitting at the bar alone, scrolling through her phone. A message pops up on her phone from BEN that reads “Sorry! I will be there soon!” She rolls her eyes and knocks back what’s left in her martini.

JILL

I’ll have another one, please.

RALPH, a bartender in his late 40s takes her glass away and begins making her a new drink. He’s used to this routine.

RALPH

So, who’s the lucky guy this week?

JILL

If he’s not here by the time I’m done with this drink, he’ll have to find his luck elsewhere.

Jill laughs to herself and Ralph smirks.

JILL (CONT’D)

His name is Ben, he seems normal. He’s a personal trainer, has a dog, no kids, career driven. Here look

Jill puts her phone in Ralph’s face showing him some photos of Ben from his Instagram. His photos show him living an active life, posing with his dog, working out with clients, rock climbing etc.

RALPH

Seems normal.

Ralph passes Jill her second martini.

JILL

Normal but he’s wearing a hat in every picture. He’s probably bald.

RALPH

And what’s wrong with that?

Ralph smiles and points to his bald head.

JILL

Not that there’s anything wrong with that! I just want people to be more honest with what they present to the world. You own your baldness, and I respect that!

Ralph nods along sarcastically.

RALPH

I think your date is walking in now, bald as ever!

Jill turns around and sees BEN, a bald man in his mid 30s dressed in athletic wear and black sneakers approaching her with open arms, smiling.

BEN

Jill! It’s so nice to finally meet you, sorry I’m late, meeting with a client ran a bit later than expected.

Ben hugs Jill who seems more relieved than happy, and then takes a seat next to her at the bar.

JILL

I’m glad you could make it and fit me in your tight schedule. What are you drinking?

Jill hands Ben the cocktail menu from the bar.

BEN

Hmmm, I’m not really sure. I don’t drink that often.

JILL

Oh with the whole fitness thing?

Ben smiles and nods.

BEN

Yes, it’s a whole lifestyle you know?

JILL

I’m familiar, I used to work out with a personal trainer years ago. Didn’t stick with it though. His regimen was too strict for me, I love fries too much.

Ben laughs as he picks out his drink from the menu.

BEN

I’ll have a glass of Merlot, please.

Ralph smiles in acknowledgement.

RALPH

Right away Sir.

JILL

Thanks, Ralph.

Ben takes a panoramic look around the bar, scoping out the place.

BEN

I like it here! Do you come here often?

JILL

Yeah, I used to come for happy hour years ago back when I worked a few blocks down from here. Now I’m quite the regular here, I just love the music.

BEN

The music is great, way better than the top 40 garbage they play at the gym over and over.

Ralph pours Ben’s wine and hands Ben his drink.

BEN (CONT’D)

I feel a little underdressed here, I’m surprised they let me in.

Ben laughs and takes a sip of his wine.

JILL

They’re not that strict here with the dress code. As long as you’re not wearing flip flops, a tank top or a hat you’ll be fine.

BEN

Yeah they did ask me to remove my hat before coming in actually, but I really don’t mind.

Jill makes eye contact with Ralph for a split second before responding to Ben sarcastically.

JILL

Really? You don’t mind? That’s a surprise!

Ben looks at Jill a bit confused.

BEN

Why is that surprising to you?

JILL

Well, you don’t have any photos on your Instagram without a hat on. Don’t you think that’s a bit misleading to women who are interested in you? You should be more confident in the way you look and be more straight forward.

BEN

Wow.

JILL

Don’t get me wrong, I think you look good bald! I just think you should own it. Women like when men are upfront and honest. When you hide things it’s just not a good look when the truth comes out.

BEN

The truth?

JILL

Yes, the truth. The BALD truth. It’s really ok though! I just like to be honest with people. I think it’s important to start any relationship that way.

BEN

Relationship? Jill, I think you

Jill quickly interjects

JILL

No, I didn’t mean like “RELATIONSHIP” relationship, I’m just speaking about relationships in general.

Ralph looks on curiously while drying off some glasses from a distance behind the bar.

BEN

Oh ok. So you think it’s important for you to know if your personal trainer is bald or not?

Jill laughs

JILL

Personal trainer? What makes you think I need a personal trainer?

Ralph moves in closer as the awkwardness builds. Ben looks more confused than ever.

BEN

Isn’t that why we’re meeting today?

Dumbfounded, Jill looks off into the distance for a few seconds in silence.

BEN (CONT’D)

You DM’d my professional account, wanting to meet up. I thought you were looking to hire me. Honestly, I think you could use some help. But not from me.

Ben leaves a $20 bill on the bar and gets up to leave.

BEN (CONT’D)

Thanks Ralph, have a good night.

Ben walks out of the bar while Jill is still sitting in silence.

RALPH

Another one?

Jill snaps back into reality.

JILL

Yes, please.