SCENE 1 — EXT. STEVE’S HOUSE — LATE AFTERNOON

The afternoon sun hangs over a quiet neighborhood.

Dave pulls his car into Steve’s driveway. He checks the folder sitting on the passenger seat.

Inside are documents related to the business deal.

Dave takes a deep breath and steps out.

He walks toward the front door and knocks.

STEVE

Dave? I wasn’t expecting you today.

DAVE

I know. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.

STEVE

No. Come in.

Dave enters. Steve closes the door behind him, still watching him with growing interest.

SCENE 2 — INT. STEVE’S LIVING ROOM — MOMENTS LATER

Dave places the business documents on the coffee table.

Steve sits across from him. She tries to focus on the papers, but her attention keeps returning to Dave.

DAVE

I wanted to talk to you about the business.

STEVE

Of course.

DAVE

I’ve been thinking about the offer. I want to make sure everything is clear before I agree to anything.

STEVE

That’s completely understandable.

Dave opens the folder and explains his concerns. Steve answers each question calmly.

DAVE

You know, I came here expecting this to be a difficult conversation.

STEVE

And now?

DAVE

Now I’m not so sure.

SCENE 3 — INT. STEVE’S LIVING ROOM — CONTINUOUS

The business discussion slowly fades into a more personal conversation.

Steve returns from the kitchen with two glasses of water.

DAVE

Steve, can I tell you something?

STEVE

Sure.

DAVE

I’m starting to like you.

Steve is surprised. For a moment, she says nothing. Then she smiles softly.

STEVE

I was wondering when you were going to say that.

DAVE

So you noticed?

STEVE

Of course I noticed. And honestly… I like you too.

DAVE

Really?

STEVE

Very much.

SCENE 4 — INT. STEVE’S HOUSE — LATER

Dave and Steve remain together, talking about their goals and future plans.

But behind Steve’s warm smile, another thought remains.

Her eyes briefly move toward the business folder on the table.

She knows Dave is considering whether to sign.

STEVE

You know, I think we could accomplish a lot together.

DAVE

I think so too.

STEVE

Maybe you should trust me.

DAVE

I’m starting to.

Steve smiles back, but her feelings and business intentions remain complicated.

SCENE 5 — INT. STEVE’S OFFICE — EVENING

Steve leads Dave into a small office where business documents cover the desk.

DAVE

So this is where you handle everything?

STEVE

Most of it.

STEVE

I wanted to show you the final version.

Dave takes the papers and reads through them carefully.

DAVE

Everything seems reasonable.

STEVE

I told you it would be.

DAVE

I still want to think about it.

STEVE

Of course.

STEVE

But I hope you know that I wouldn’t lead you into something that would hurt you.

DAVE

I believe you.

SCENE 6 — INT. STEVE’S OFFICE — MOMENTS LATER

DAVE

There’s something different about tonight.

STEVE

What do you mean?

DAVE

I came here to discuss business. But somehow, I ended up talking about everything except business.

STEVE

Maybe that’s not a bad thing.

They continue talking. Then Steve glances at the agreement again.

STEVE

Dave, if you really trust me, maybe you should make the decision tonight.

DAVE

You really want me to sign?

STEVE

I believe it’s the right decision for both of us.

Dave looks at the papers and considers her words.

SCENE 7 — INT. STEVE’S OFFICE — NIGHT

Dave picks up the pen and prepares to read the agreement one more time.

Suddenly, the office door opens.

Steve freezes. Dave turns around.

STEVE’S MOTHER

What is going on here?

STEVE

Mom! You’re home early.

DAVE

We were discussing the business deal.

STEVE’S MOTHER

The business deal? Then why does it look like something else is happening?

STEVE

Mom, it’s not what you think.

STEVE’S MOTHER

Then explain it to me.

SCENE 8 — INT. STEVE’S OFFICE — CONTINUOUS

STEVE

Dave came here to discuss selling the business.

STEVE’S MOTHER

And you were alone with him in your office?

STEVE

Yes, because we were talking.

STEVE’S MOTHER

And you?

DAVE

I came here for business. But Steve and I also talked about some personal things.

STEVE’S MOTHER

Personal things?

STEVE

Mom, please.

STEVE’S MOTHER

Is that the contract?

STEVE

Yes.

STEVE’S MOTHER

Has he signed it?

DAVE

Not yet.

SCENE 9 — INT. STEVE’S OFFICE — LATER

Steve’s mother leaves the room but remains nearby.

DAVE

I think she misunderstood everything.

STEVE

She’s protective of me.

DAVE

I understand.

DAVE

But before I sign anything, I want to make sure this is right.

STEVE

Of course.

DAVE

I like you, Steve. But I also need to know I can trust you.

Steve’s smile briefly fades. The question hits her harder than expected.

STEVE

You can trust me.

Dave studies her expression, then looks down at the contract.

SCENE 10 — INT. STEVE’S HOUSE — NIGHT

Steve’s mother watches from the hallway as Dave prepares to leave.

DAVE

I’ll call you tomorrow.

STEVE

I’ll be waiting.

Dave walks outside. Steve closes the door.

STEVE’S MOTHER

Steve. Tell me the truth.

STEVE

Yes. I actually like him.

STEVE’S MOTHER

Then be careful.

Steve looks toward the closed door.

The business deal is still on the table, but so is something much more personal.