Wish (Act 1)

8/7/2019 Wish (Act 1)

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FADE IN:

EXT. COAST HIGHWAY (SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA) - DAY

A green MGB convertible wends its way along, top down and headingfast toward the sinking sun.

INT. CONVERTIBLE - DAY (MOVING)

Behind the wheel is TOM HANLIN (30s), a natural charmer with casualaplomb. He doesn't bother with any "hands-off" phone. Business forhim is hands-on and personal, now more than ever:

TOM-- But it's got nothing to do withme. If Peter wants to fire theparty people, let Peter pay theparty piper. I don't have enoughtime for proper due diligence as itis.

INT. POWERSERVE - AMANDA'S OFFICE - DAY

AMANDA MCKINLEY, V.P. Sales and Marketing, tall, beautiful, razorsharp. She paces while talking into her headset.

AMANDASo you said in front of the boardbefore throwing your littleconniption. We all heard you, Tom.

INTERCUT:

TOMPosition, Amanda, I argued myposition with passion and finesse.You used to like that.

AMANDAYou used to lead with passion andsense. The old you would neverhave freaked out liked that --

TOM-- I did not freak out --

AMANDA-- You freaked out while Peter kepthis cool and now you --

TOM-- Peter wants this merger --

AMANDA-- You weren't at the meeting!You're barely ever here anymore.

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2.

AMANDA(CONT'D)Even when you are it's like you'resomeplace else. Where are you,Tom?

TOMRight here, Amanda, and still I'mthere for you. Why you doing this?

AMANDABottom line, you're in charge ofthe Snork! signing. It's business,strictly and personally. That iswhat you taught me, isn't it?

TOMYou're making it sound pretty lesspersonal to me.

AMANDAYeah, and you're being paranoid.

BLIP!--Amanda hangs up on him. Tom can't believe it.

TOMParanoid? How could I be paranoidif I'm not paranoid about my ownparanoia? Who said that?

On which the cell CHIMES. Tom answers quick.

TOM (CONT'D)I'm not paranoid!

INT. CUBICLE - DAY

TIGHT SHOTS of a MYSTERY NERD whose face we cannot see--Birkenstocksover socks, Band-Aids on several fingertips. He huddles over thephone, speaks hushedly, disguising his voice:

MYSTERY NERD(into phone; heavy voice)

Mr. Hanlin?

INTERCUT:

TOM

Who's this?

MYSTERY NERDCall me...

His eyes dart about, searching--there's nothing but Snork!paraphernalia everywhere. He regards the pliable squeeze-relaxer inhis free hand, a colorful chipmunk character.

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3.

MYSTERY NERD (CONT'D)Call me, Alvin... ator.

TOMWhat can I do for you, Alvinator?

A SNORK! BOSS drops a stack of papers in Alvinator's "In" box

SNORK! BOSSOn my desk before you leave.

ALVINATOR(regular whiney voice)

Yes, ma'am, right away.

TOMHellooo?

Alvinator gives Boss a mean little finger behind her back, hunchesinto the phone again:

ALVINATORTom, you still -- Are you there?

TOMI'm thinking I'm not --

ALVINATOR-- No, wait! It's about the Snork!deal.

TOM

What about Snork!?

ALVINATORWe're -- they are over-valued.

TOM And this would be news to?

ALVINATORTen times over-valued.

EXT. SIDE OF ROAD - CONTINUOUS

Tom pulls over and climbs out of his car. Traffic whipping pastmakes it hard for him to hear.

TOMNo way. Two times, definitely,three maybe, not ten.

ALVINATORThe books are cooked.

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4.

TOMI've reviewed Snork!'s finances.The numbers are solid, it's theirprojections I have a problem with.

ALVINATOR(whispers)

Check out the Simmons deal.

TOMI can't hear --

ALVINATORThe Simmons deal.

TOMHow do I contact you if --

The line goes dead. Tom scrolls the phone's menu, keys for lastnumber received: CALLER ID BLOCKED.

TOM (CONT'D)Now who's being paranoid?

EXT. BEACH BUNGALOW - DAY

An old but well kept place in a row of similar places, with a van outfront. Tom climbs out of his car and steps onto the porch. He takesa solemn breath.

INT. BEACH BUNGALOW - LIVING ROOM - DAY

HELEN (50s) directs two burly packers with the names SAM and CHADstenciled on their shirts. The place is filled with boxes andwrapped furniture.

HELENPlease be careful with thatplatter, it's quite fragile.

Chad tosses it into a box with a THUD. Helen SIGHS, turns to findTom in the doorway.

HELEN (CONT'D)Tom, hi. You're so quiet, I didn't

hear you.

She opens the screen door to let him in.

TOMGot held up.

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5.

HELENWe're almost done. Just a couplemore boxes in here and they'llstart on your father's den.

She leads Tom into --

THE DEN

A warm, rustic room, full of wood and crammed with the prizedpossessions acquired over a lifetime.

Tom spots a framed photo on the fireplace mantel. It's of a boy on afishing trip, squished between loving parents holding a marlin.

HELENThat was his most favorite one. Hemissed your mother so much.

TOMYou were a good friend to him,Helen.

HELENI couldn't fill that hole.

TOMI don't know if I can do this.

HELENThen don't. I'm happy to staywhile the packers finish up.

TOMSalvation Army's coming tomorrow.

And I need to.

Tom forces a smile, resisting tears. Helen looks like she wants togive him a hug but holds back.

HELENTom, remember who he was and carrythat with you. You are still yourfather's son

TOMWithout him? I wonder.

Sam steps in carrying an empty box.

SAMLooks like this is it. Shouldn'ttake more 'an a couple hours.

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(more)

He sets the box down and starts dumping stuff into it; no regard forsentiment. Tom reacts, moving to stop him with --

TOMYeah -- Great job guys, but I thinkI'll take it from here.

Sam plucks the photo off the mantel. Tom snatches it back.

HELENDon't do this to yourself, Tom.

TOMI don't want people pawing throughmy dad's stuff. Some of it meantsomething to him once. It allmeans something to me.

Off Helen's nod, Sam lumbers back into the living room.

HELENBut what will you do with it?

TOMPut it in storage 'til I figurethat out.

HELENDon't suppose you want some help?

(off shake)Can I at least arrange the storage?

Tom relents and Helen leaves him to pack up a room full of memories.The front door BANGS shut. He loosens his tie and gets to it.

INT. BEACH BUNGALOW - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Late. Tom skids a full box out of the den, looking tired. He grabsanother box and heads back into --

IN THE DEN

A fire burns in the fireplace, and though lots has been packed intoseveral boxes labelled "storage," there's still much to do. Tompicks up what looks like a stuffed gopher glued to a surf board.

Does it go in the new empty box for donations, or the one filled withstorage stuff? The gopher is so kitschy, Tom's choice seems obvious.

He notices the gopher's smiling and smiles back, chooses the keeperbox at the last instant looking like he might cry.

TOMGet a hold of yourself, man.

(puts it in box; then)

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7.

TOM(CONT'D)Okay, no more stuffed gophers,that's progress.

He opens a large cabinet only to find it stuffed top to bottom witheven more gophers. Tom slams it shut, puts his back to it as thoughthey might bust out. He focuses on his father's decanter collection.

While most are obviously empty, he quickly finds a white bottle in

the back. Tom rubs the grimy label. It's Malibu rum.

TOM (CONT'D)Malibu? You bet I bu.

He twists off the top. A syrupy vapor floats from it forming a thickcontrail around him. Tom takes a whiff, goes to drink, but only morevapor flows out. He shakes it like a bottle of ketchup. Behind him,an extravagantly bejewelled hand reaches out and taps his shoulder.

GENE (O.S.)(flatly)

Your wish is my demand.

Tom whips around to find GENE GENIE (late 30s to 4000) in fullregalia, a blend of Hip Hop meets Old West. Tom YELPS and falls backinto the packing box while Gene stands listing woozily.

TOMWho are you? What do you want?

GENECocktail?

Extricating himself from the box as Gene yawns, Tom swipes the

stuffed marlin off the wall to defend himself.

TOMStay right there. I got this fish -- and I do know Tae Bo!

GENENo, it's cool.

TOMSeriously, I'm not screwing around!

He takes a ballpark swing at Gene. The marlin sticks in mid-air as

Tom whirls around empty-handed.

GENEOkay. I'm just still, you know, alittle woozy.

TOMWhat?

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8.

(more)

GENEMy bottle?

Tom regards the suspended marlin, the bottle he still holds, theoutrageously dressed being in front of him.

TOM

What are you, like some kind ofgenie?

GENEI have been described in thoseterms.

TOMYou expect me to believe that?

GENEBelieve whatever you want, I knowwho I am.

TOMWhere's the turban and goofyslippers?

GENEYou see a genie on TV and suddenlyyou're an expert on Aramaicmythology? You think we don'tyearn to break free and assert ourown unique style? Typically human.

TOM Aren't you supposed to be in alamp?

GENE And you're a rum snob, too?

TOMYou're a genie? Okay, my mind's alittle fried, I'm tired, I'mbrandishing a carp. Obviously,this is some post-stress mourningquarter-age-crisis thing --

GENEWhat's your name?

TOMTom?

GENETom, right. That's nice.

(checking things out)

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GENE(CONT'D)I like what you've done to theplace, so old world in a post-modern revisionist kind of way.Got some brown cubist thing going.You just move in?

TOMNo, it was my dad's. He died

recently.

Gene SIGHS.

GENEYou do need a drink.

POOF!--two tall exotic drinks appear in the hands of TWO SUPERMODELS. One rubs Gene's tummy, the other nibbles his ear.

Tom reacts. The marlin drops out of the air.

GENE (CONT'D)No?

POOF!--the Models vanish but Gene retains one drink.

GENE (CONT'D)I suppose you wanna skip thepleasantries and get to it, Tom?

TOMShouldn't you be calling me"master"?

GENEWe no longer use the "m" word.

TOMWhatever. I get it. If you're agenie, I got wishes coming, right?

Gene hoists himself onto the desk and gets comfortable. He has agood long sip of his drink and SIGHS, regrettably.

GENEWish.

TOMYou're granting me only one wish?

GENEDownsizing. There's only a finitenumber of wishes left and they mustbe managed accordingly.

TOMYou're kidding, right?

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GENEYou've only got yourselves toblame. "I wish my dot-com wouldIPO and make a gazillion dollarsbefore I develop a viable businessplan." "I wish I had the abs of anOlympic gymnast even though I'm

allergic to sit-ups." You guysblew through wishes in the Ninetieslike Brando blows throughcreampuffs. The well's dry, Tom.Why do you think Nasdaq tanked?

TOMWhere's that leave me?

GENEWell, I just got e-mail from ourGrant A Wish Foundation -- it's anonprofit. I've been selected tobestow a wish to three winnersselected in a random drawing.

TOMBut you said I have only one wish.

GENEExactly.

TOMSo I still get it.

GENEOh, sure. But in order to grantyou your wish you have to helpfulfill their wishes.

TOMThrow 'em a lamp or bottle orwhatever you do, you're the genie.I earned my wish.

GENETom, you rubbed my bottle. If yourub my belly you'd be earning it.

Rub my belly?(off no interest)

C'mon, it's a win-win situation.You get a wish, they get a wish.

TOMWhat are we talking, specifically?

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11.

GENEThree days, three wishes, threewishers. After the wish of each isfulfilled, you get your wish, butyou must figure out what theirwishes are first.

Tom eyeballs Gene hard, looking for a crack. Finally:

TOM All right, I'll play along.

GENEThen let's meet our contestants --Flabazom.

A CRACKLING electric lasso appears. Gene swirls it expertly, snapsit at the bottle Tom still holds and--POOF!--a giant genie homeentertainment system is roped out of it, complete with big screen TV.

The room erupts into flashy gameshow glitz and canned APPLAUSE. Genedons a glittering "tuxedo" and gameshow host schtick:

GENE (CONT'D)Lucky wisher number one is Mr.

Anoop Dubey.

ON TV: A slick "Inside Story"-type segment airs on GNN (Genie NewsNetwork) --

GENE (CONT'D) A Scorpio with a love of naan bread

and fear of damp sponges, Anoopowns Casa De India, a local eateryblending traditional meals from hisimmigrant past with exotic newflavors inspired by the Latin-

American experience. Anoop is afamily man at heart, his belovedwife and children both his greatestjoy and constant frustration.

ANOOP SEGMENT ON TV:

* ANOOP DUBEY presents Customers with "Casa de India" menus; in the

kitchen, he adds spice to whatever simmers in a pot; exotic dishesare delivered to happy customers --

* In their apartment, Anoop wears a Dodger's cap and watches baseballon TV, really getting into it; POONAM, his wife, gives him a kiss --

* At the restaurant, Anoop's daughter, NIDRA (19) has fallen asleepdoing the books; Anoop's son, PRANAY (17) arrives dressed in a hip-hop waiter's uniform, over-sized pants hanging low to expose hisshorts. Exasperated, Anoop just shakes his head.

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GENE (CONT'D)(next intro)

Flabazom. And here's lucky wishernumber two, Dionne Barboza. Atypical pre-adolescent teenager,Dionne enjoys eating fast food withher only friends and trying to stop

her enormous feet from growing anylarger. Though already anaccomplished pianist, deep downDionne dreams of tickling adifferent set of ivories.

DIONNE SEGMENT ON TV:

* DIONNE BARBOZA (14), a redhead with braces and brightly coloredberet, at her school locker listening to headphones. She watches thePopular Girls strut past; Dionne with mom (RHONDA) and dad (BILL) atsome fast food joint, bored; Dionne in her bedroom, paints her toenails; wraps her feet with duct tape --

* Dionne at piano lessons, playing a solemn piece to the approval ofher instructor (PEEBLESNEEP), she rolls her eyes, uninspired --

* Dionne at a school dance, watches a COUPLE kiss. The Boy spiesher, winks, and Dionne looks away, embarrassed.

GENE (CONT'D)(next intro)

Flabazom. And last but not least,let's meet wisher number three, thelovely and talented Margaret

Frazier. Margaret has apredilection for fresh-pluckeddaisies, enjoys pancakes for dinnerand the smell of newly sharpenedpencils. Single and an only child,she runs her own business planningparties and special events, andadores both children and othersmall animals alike.

MAGGIE SEGMENT ON TV:

* MAGGIE FRAZIER, late-20s, does a cartwheel in front of her newly

opened storefront as KADIJA HORNE snaps a picture; a sign reads:"Maggie's Merry Party & Special Event Planning Perfectionists" --

* Maggie picks daisies, hands them to a baffled and somewhatfrightened ELDERLY MAN in a walker --

* An extravagant outside party; a band plays; Clowns and Acrobatsperform; and the 2-YEAR-OLD it's for plunks his cotton candy onMaggie's head while his MOTHER beams proudly.

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POOF!--The gameshow glitz vanishes leaving the wishers' faces freeze-framed on TV. Gene's back in his regular costume as Tom goes over tothe screen and scrutinizes Maggie's radiant face.

TOMThis one? Savvy, single woman withan entrepreneurial spirit,

teetering on the dark side ofthirty. Crunch it anyway you like,what she wishes for is a man.

GENEYou can tell just like that?

TOMReading people is my job.

GENEYou do non-humans?

Tom inflates at the challenge, studies Gene closely.

TOMInherently carefree, fun-loving bynature, you resent being expectedto conduct yourself as othersexpect, but cringe at the thoughtthey may not marvel that you can.You have purpose, power, a pinch ofpanache, yet would rather slackthan assume the responsibility thatcomes with exercising it... And

it's because of humans. Thousandsof years spent popping in and outof a bottle just to grant somegreedy desire. You offer us afield of dreams, we wish it pavedwith gold. We're all about me andyou don't approve.

GENE(a beat; doubtful)

Only a pinch of panache? You havethree days.

Gene tornadoes back into the bottle, along with his homeentertainment system leaving Tom standing in silence. He looksinside the bottle, sees nothing. Heads into --

INT. BEACH BUNGALOW - LIVING ROOM - SAME

Nothing here but stacked boxes and wrapped furniture. Tom smirks itoff, sits in the big chair. He eyes the shadows. Falls asleep.

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14.

EXT. BEACH BUNGALOW - DAY

Tom's car still parked out front. A couple of JOGGERS pant along thehighway shoulder.

INT. BEACH BUNGALOW - DEN - DAY

Tom awakes in the chair looking like a man in need of coffee. Hewinces at the kink in his neck, then reacts to what he sees --

REVEAL entire room packed into neatly stacked boxes. Tom gathers hisfeet, knocks the Malibu bottle rolling.

TOM...That's good rum.

There can be no other explanation. He grabs his tie and the photoand heads out, all the while trying to stretch out the kink.

THE MALIBU BOTTLE

left rocking on the floor, its screwtop long gone.

INT. POWERSERVE - JULES' OFFICE - DAY

Young accountant JULES VARNAN answers the phone:

JULESPowerServe, Jules speaking.

INT./EXT. TOM'S CAR - DAY (MOVING)

Tom on his cell, driving into the city. He's cleaned up and in a newchange of clothes.

TOMJules, you got a minute?

INTERCUT:

JULESHey boss, what's up?

TOMI need you to double-check the

Snork! financials.

JULESOur people have been over it adozen times.

TOMThis is something specific, underthe name Simmons.

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15.

JULES(jots it down)

You got something?

TOMProbably nothing, but I got a calland --

A storefront catches Tom's eye and he does a double-take --

WHAT TOM SEES - STOREFRONT

The sign above it: "Maggie's Merry Party & Special Event PlanningPerfectionists," just as it was last night.

BACK TO SCENE

JULESTom? You okay?

TOMYeah, I...

JULESHey, been meaning to ask,everything all right with your dad?Haven't seen him in a while.

TOMListen, I gotta go. You're on it?

JULES

Like buffalo on a wing.

Tom ends the call and parks at a meter.

TOMBuffalo on a wing?

EXT. MAGGIE'S MERRY SHOP - DAY

Stuck between two nondescript businesses in a bland cinder blockbuilding, Maggie's is anything but. With colorful signage, awningsand thriving potted ficus, time and attention have been spent wheremoney was not. Kneading his neck, Tom approaches cautiously.

INT. MAGGIE'S MERRY SHOP - DAY

Half cluttered retail space, half cozy client-planning space, it'sjust the right balance of balloonage and business. Near the back,Kadija and Maggie confer over a table of swatches and sample binders.Tom enters, startles when the door makes a party favor NOISE.

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MAGGIEGood morning, c'mon in and join theparty. We'll be right with you.

He lingers uncomfortably at the front as they finish up.

KADIJA

But I thought Mrs. Grant said shewanted the blue pinstriping.

MAGGIEShe did say that, but what she wasreally trying to say is that shedoesn't, not really. It simplyhasn't occurred to her yet.

She fishes out a peach-colored linen and lays it on top of thechocolate cake pictured, covering a blue pinstripe swatch.

MAGGIE (CONT'D)See the difference? She says shewants blue pinstripes when shereally wants warmth and sunshine.

KADIJAI see it now. You are so good.

A high-five from Kadija and Maggie approaches Tom with vibrantintensity and hand extended.

MAGGIEHi, I'm Maggie.

Tom just stares. Maggie has to grab his hand to shake it.

MAGGIE (CONT'D) And you are?

TOMNice to meet you?

MAGGIEYou look like a man who could usesome assistance --

TOM-- Yeah, things seem really crazy --

MAGGIE-- Planning a special occasion?

TOMRight. You own your own businessplanning parties and specialevents. You adore small children.

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17.

Maggie nods, takes Tom under arm, leads him past her "Wall ofSatisfaction," a montage of photos depicting happy clients, mostlyinvolving kids' birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, etc.

MAGGIEThat's right. Maggie's Merry Party& Special Event Planning

Perfectionists will endeavor tokeep your event on target, onbudget, on time, every time youneed us. We can choose a site foryour event, facilitate all of yourcatering requirements, arrangespecial activities and games foryour guests, even provide liveentertainment. From birthdays tobar mitzvahs, cakes to clowns,decorations to decorum, we're hereto serve so you don't have to.

TOMLooks like a lot of happy faces.

MAGGIE Aren't they?

Tom looks around the room totally bewildered.

MAGGIE (CONT'D)So you do have a party to plan?

Tom pulls himself together, digs in his pockets for a business card.

TOMYeah, yes, actually I do. Acompany thing. I'm in charge. Icould really use some help.

Maggie glances at the card, tries to contain the excitement of whatshe sees on it. She shakes his hand vigorously.

MAGGIEGreat. So, how about I give you acall this afternoon and we'll workout the details.

TOMGreat. That'd be great, Maggie.Just...

MAGGIEGreat. So I'll call you on thephone when I call.

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18.

TOMOkay. I'll answer the call whenyou call me on the phone.

MAGGIEOkay.

Tom retrieves his hand and exits. Maggie stands there gazing at hiscard as Kadija approaches with a bundle of balloons.

KADIJAHe was cute. Bachelor theme party?

MAGGIEI don't think so...

She hands over the card. Kadija's eyes pop out.

KADIJAPowerServe Software? This is theone we've been waiting for, girl.This'll buy us at least six months.What do they want us to do?

MAGGIEHe didn't say. All I know iswhatever it is, we're going to makeit perfectious -- and I don't careif perfectious isn't a word, itshould be. Plus I forgot to ask.

KADIJA

Honey, it don't matter if it's theopening of a new elevator, it's whothey are that's gonna get you outof ready-made.

Maggie heads for the phone.

MAGGIEI have to call my mother.

EXT. POWERSERVE SOFTWARE - DAY - ESTABLISHING

A monolithic building in an expansive office park.

INT. POWERSERVE - EXECUTIVE LOBBY - DAY

Downplayed corporate and all business-casual, except for thereceptionist, CINDY, formal in her navy pantsuit. Tom strolls inwith his leather Tumi.

CINDYGood morning, Tom.

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19.

(more)

Under which Amanda appears with a sheaf of papers.

AMANDASo good of you to show up today.

WITH TOM AND AMANDA

As they make their way down the hall, Tom puts on a brave face,nodding good-naturedly to everyone they pass.

TOMI show up to work everyday, Amanda.It's why Peter and I started thiscompany, so I'd have a place to goeach morning when I wake up.

AMANDA And I thought you just wanted anexcuse to be near me. Spare me alittle alone time?

TOMI'm sure we can find a few leftovercandles here somewhere.

They head into --

TOM'S OFFICE

Spartan but comfortable. Amanda sits as Tom pulls the Yellow Pagesout of a drawer. She knits her brow, serious.

AMANDATom, you're starting to worry me --and Peter.

TOMGuess candles are out.

AMANDAWhat is going on with you?

Under which Tom flips through the phone book, entirely focused andfailing to look up at Amanda.

TOMWhat's going on, Amanda, is I seemto be the only person in thiscompany unwilling to acceptSnork!'s claims at face value.

AMANDAGive me some credit, okay? Youwent into that meeting just itchingto lift your leg and spray.

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AMANDA(CONT'D)This is about loss of autonomy andyour ego -- What are you lookingfor?

TOM A place to eat. I may be hungryafter I finish spraying all theneighborhood fire hydrants.

THE YELLOW PAGES

Under Restaurants, Indian: Casa De India

BACK TO SCENE

Tom rips the page out and pockets it. He regards Amanda fully.

TOMClearly I don't seem to know whatyou want anymore, so tell me.

AMANDAThis merger's good for all of us.You're either on the boat or you'renot.

TOM And you've decided I'm not.

AMANDAYour call, not mine. I'm throwinga preserver, now you gotta grab it.

Tom just stares at her, stone-faced.

AMANDA (CONT'D)Okay, fine. The signing party isFriday. This is what the eventplanners had come up with.

She sets the sheaf of documents on his desk. Tom's swipes it up.

TOMWhere we at?

AMANDA

Pretty much set top to bottom --Barbarella Pavrotia's performing,the media's primed, all you have todo is make a few calls and ensurethings happen as planned. So youwith me?

TOMThat's what I'd hoped to hear.

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21.

Before Amanda can respond, PETER MULLIGAN raps at the open door, fitand sunny, but a little awkward in his skin.

PETERHey, you two. Don't mean tointerrupt --

AMANDANot at all, I was just bringing Tomup to speed on the party.

PETERThanks for helping out with that,Tom, really. I know you still havereservations.

TOMWe all jump in where we can.

PETEROh, so Amanda told you about the"Light Your Fire" empowermentretreat we attended last weekend inSonoma.

TOMNo, actually she didn't.

PETERThat was their motto. "Jump inwhere you can."

AMANDAPeter jumped in and ran barefootthrough burning coals.

PETER And let me tell you, for those fewseconds, time stood still and Ibecame one with nature and all theforces in the universe.

TOMWith one force in particular,apparently.

AMANDAWell, you know how nature abhors avacuum -- or is it to vacuum?

(to Peter)We've got the Quarterline meeting.

TOMQuarterline? When'd that happen?

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22.

AMANDAJust their network guys. No needfor you to be there.

Tom might as well have been slapped in the face. Too stung torespond, he can't help but notice the white orthopedic shoes Peterwears. By the measured steps he takes exiting, his feet must be

pretty blistered. Amanda flashes a smile --

AMANDA (CONT'D)Big mwah. Thanks.

-- and closes the door behind her. Gene stands behind it wearingblack leather pants and a crop top with two BIKER BABES.

GENEI see what you're wishing.

TOMYou are real.

GENEGot that whole I'm-a-woman-with-power-who-likes-the-power-of-being-the-woman-you-want thing happening.

TOM A laser-guided smart bomb is whatshe is. A good partner.

GENESeeing she doesn't seem to have her

sights on you right now, you thinkmaybe I might...?

TOMNo, I don't think maybe you might.

Tom puts his back to Gene and looks out the window, kneading his kinkand fuming. The intercom BUZZES.

CINDY(on com)

Tom, you've got the IDT conferencecall in five... Meeting with

Wallach after... Then the HMOgroup.

TOM(wearily)

Got it, Cindy. Thanks.

Gene sidles up behind him, the abandoned Babes pout.

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23.

GENETom, forget about the girl rightnow. Think of the other things youcan wish for when we're done, fame,fortune, fabulous hair --

TOM

(quietly)What I wish is I were the man I wastwo weeks ago. Then there'd be noquestion about the girl.

GENEThere's always a question about thegirl. It's why they're shaped likethat.

Tom turns to respond, but Gene and the Babes have vanished.

CINDY(on com)

Tom, there's a Maggie Frazier onthe line. Says it's urgent, butIDT's waiting.

TOMTell her I'll call her back in acouple hours and put IDT through.

He cracks open his laptop and settles in uncomfortably for the longhaul. Still, he can't quite assuage this damn kink.

INT. SNORK! - BREAK ROOM - DAY

A coffee pot CRACKLES on the warmer. A hand with many Band-Aids onits fingertips pulls it off. Alvinator scowls at the black gunkscalded to the pot's bottom.

ALVINATORWould it kill anybody to just oncemake a new pot of coffee for thenext person? Geez Loueez.

He scrubs out the pot as a couple of SNORK! EMPLOYEES hangout nearby,sipping from their filled mugs.

SNORK! EMPLOYEE #1I heard our shares are going to gostratospheric with the PowerServedeal. Even the janitor's gonna beworth a million.

They CLINK their mugs in toast, Alvinator's dark cloud has no impacton their sunny day. He's intent only on making coffee.

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24.

SNORK! EMPLOYEE #2Hey, you were here for the startup,you got the stock options. Buyyourself a barista to make thecoffee.

SNORK! EMPLOYEE #1

No, he's one of those that cashedout early. What was it? "A checkin hand is better than ten thousandshares up the tush."

They barely contain themselves as Alvinator grabs his empty cup andstalks out. They CLINK mugs again.

INT. POWERSERVE - EXECUTIVE LOBBY - DAY

Cindy on her headset on, levels a withering look O.S. and stabs abutton on the PBX.

CINDYTom? Maggie Frazier for you.

TOM'S OFFICE

Tom on his computer. Sleeves rolled up, Red Bull in his hand.

TOMRight, party girl. Put herthrough.

CINDY

(on com)No, I mean she's here to see you.

MAGGIE(on com)

I don't have an appointment, whichhas been made very clear to me,thank you.

Tom can't help but smile at that.

TOMYou eaten, Maggie?

EXT. RESTAURANT ROW - DAY

Maggie carries her portfolio while Tom leads them down a busysidewalk lined by eclectic eateries.

MAGGIEParty girl?

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25.

TOMI meant it as in party planner, asin a consummate professional.

MAGGIEI know, I'm sorry I just showed up,but you said you'd call me back and

I trust when people say they'regoing to do something --

TOM-- I was --

MAGGIE-- Then when you didn't, itoccurred to me that the phone justwouldn't do anyway --

Tom brings them to a stop, directly outside Casa De India.

TOMDo you like Indian food?

MAGGIEOf course.

Tom opens the door.

INT. CASA DE INDIA - DAY

Already seated, scanning the menu, Tom's got water, Maggie, tea. Tomthoughtlessly kneads his neck as Pranay arrives to take their order,

instantly gravitating to Maggie like the flirt that he is.

PRANAYGood afternoon, almost evening.I'm Pranay at your service. Do yousee what you like?

MAGGIEIt's so hard to choose. I'll havethe lamb saagwala, and an order ofraita, and -- You like naan?

TOM

Never met one I didn't.

MAGGIE And an order of naan.

PRANAYExcellent. The lady does like whatshe sees.

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26.

MAGGIE And some murg soup to start,please.

PRANAYDelicious. And for you, sir?

TOMChicken curry, please. And is theproprietor of your fineestablishment here by chance?

PRANAYMy father, yes. I can get him --

TOMNo, I just, ah, always like to ask.

Pranay gives him a look, then turns his attention back to Maggie. Hetouches the back of her hand, ever so gently. Tom notices.

PRANAY And how is your tea, senorita?

MAGGIEWonderful, thank you.

Pranay collects their menus then, quite obvious, winks at Maggie andflashes his suave smile before trotting off.

TOMCan you believe that?

MAGGIEIt's sweet of you to get orneryabout it, but I'm not offended.

TOMWell, I am.

MAGGIEI'm sure he thinks you're cute,too.

TOM

You think? I'm not so sure.

MAGGIE Assuming Pranay hails from atraditional Hindu upbringing, he'saware that Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva,many of their most supreme godsweren't even realized until thatdefining moment when they firstinteracted with a woman.

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27.

TOM At the end of the day, who is?

MAGGIEExactly, so it stands to reason ayoung man such as he might feelcompelled to validate his sense of

spiritual identity in a similarfashion. I mean, think about it.It was the Tantrics, afterall, whobelieved that true Buddhahood canonly be found in the vulva.

(off silence)More information than you needed?

TOMNo, no, maybe you're right, or --

MAGGIEYes?

TOMMaybe he just wants to rub hisBrahna against your Vishnu.

Maggie's eyes flash wide, but she can't help but crack up.

MAGGIEHe's much too young and unaware ofwhat matters when courting a womanwith expectations of what he mightone day become.

TOMWhat might that be, exactly?

MAGGIEWhy, a man, of course.

With this, last night's conclusion has been succinctly corroborated.Tom finally relaxes.

TOMOf course. They're all the rave inthe mosh pit. I'm hoping to become

one myself one day.

MAGGIEOf that, I have no doubt.

Pranay arrives with the food.

PRANAYHere you go. Chicken curry foryou. And especially for you...

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28.

He places Maggie's many plates in front of her and she digs right in.Pranay lingers.

MAGGIEOh my god, this is wonderful.

Tom agrees as Anoop approaches.

ANOOPHello, hello, welcome, thank youfor coming. How is everything?

PRANAYThis is my father, Anoop Dubey.

TOMTom Hanlin. Great place you gothere.

ANOOPHello, yes, thank you.

MAGGIEThis raita is excellent, Anoop.Homemade yogurt, yes? And thesaagwala! I haven't tasted muttonthis good outside of New Delhi.You used fresh fenugreek and if I'mnot mistaken, ground and toastedthe cardamom, didn't you?

ANOOP

Yes, myself. The old fashionedway, none of these modern mixes.

MAGGIEEverywhere you go, it's processedpowder. What's up with that? Butthis is resplendent.

ANOOPYes, what is up? It isresplendent, thank you -- Wait, youmust try my latest creations.

Anoop scrambles into the kitchen as Pranay flashes his "suavy" smileand heads off to another table.

TOMI think you've got another fan.

Maggie grins, savoring another mouthful. Anoop returns with a trayload of several other dishes.

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29.

ANOOPHere, yes. You must try this. Onthe house. I call it bhunita.

MAGGIEOh, like a little bhunna burrito.

TOMSome Indian-Mexican fusion thing?

ANOOPFusion implies a subtle blending ofdifferent flavors. This is morelike...

MAGGIEMmm, a collision.

ANOOPLike a collision. Exactly. Thespices of east and southwestcollide into an explosion of...

Maggie offers Tom a bite, which he takes.

TOMHari ole' --

ANOOPHari ole', yes. I call this onetacurry --

MAGGIELet me guess, a curry taco?

ANOOPNo. It is a taco curry. Oneshould not confuse one with theother. You like?

Maggie bites into it, loves it.

MAGGIE Anoop, it's madness.

ANOOPYes, it is madness.

Anoop sits to serve her another bite as Tom quietly checks out therestaurant for the first time, notices the odd sombrero and elephantpinatas. Nidra nods off at the cash register.

TOMYou're a regular Iron Chef, Anoop.Why isn't this stuff on the menu?

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30.

ANOOPPeople like traditional, butsomeday they will know there ismore to Indian food than missingcow.

TOM

I'm sure they will.

He goes back to kneading his neck. He's got Anoop sussed out.

EXT. CASA DE INDIA - DAY

Tom and Maggie emerge stuffed. They stroll up the sidewalk.

MAGGIEI think I'm going to explode.

TOMSo about the thing --

MAGGIEYes, the thing.

TOMIt's Saturday night at the Abbey.

MAGGIESounds pretty black tie on prettyshort notice.

TOM

Most of the details are in place.Should be a no-brainer --

MAGGIE-- No-brainer, thank you not --

TOM-- For someone of your considerableexpertise, I was going to add.

Under which Dionne Barboza slams out of "Piano Tutelage byPeeblesneep," her mother on her tail.

RHONDADionne, you stop this right now.

DIONNEStop this what right now? Mylessons? Gladly. Thought you'dnever ask.

RHONDAWatch where you're going --

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31.

Dionne nearly plows into Tom and Maggie. Tom reacts.

She stomps off to the car, leaving her mother exasperated.

RHONDA (CONT'D)I'm sorry. Kids today.

TOMKids every day.

RHONDAYou're telling me.

She climbs into the car where Dionne sits pouting. Just before theypull away, the electric windows go down.

RHONDA (CONT'D)I just wish I didn't have to takeanymore stupid lessons from him.

A grin parts Tom's face. He heads off, hurriedly.

TOMListen, Maggie, I gotta go. Dropby the office tomorrow morning andwe'll iron out the wrinkles.

He's already several yards away from her and gaining speed. Maggieseems unsure whether to stay put or chase after.

MAGGIEDo I need to make an appointment?

WITH TOM

nearly running.

TOMNo.

ON MAGGIE

MAGGIEOkay, I'll see you tomorrow then --Thank you!

TOM (O.S.)Thank you!

She stands there a moment, puzzled. She shrugs her shoulders --

MAGGIEToo many beans in the bhunita?

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Wish (Act 1)