THE DINNER AMBER WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO SEE
INT. DAVE’S OFFICE – LATE AFTERNOON
The office is quiet.
Dave sits behind his desk, staring at his phone. He hesitates for a moment before dialing Evelyn.
The phone rings.
EVELYN
Hello?
Dave leans back in his chair.
DAVE
Hey, Evelyn. You busy tonight?
Evelyn pauses.
EVELYN
I thought we were supposed to go over the business proposal tomorrow.
Dave smiles faintly.
DAVE
We are. But I wanted to talk to you about something before then.
EVELYN
About the proposal?
Dave looks toward the office door.
DAVE
Not exactly.
His voice becomes softer.
DAVE
I was thinking we could have dinner tonight. Just you and me.
Evelyn sounds surprised.
EVELYN
Dinner?
DAVE
Yeah. Somewhere quiet. I don’t want to talk about work the whole night.
Evelyn hesitates.
EVELYN
Dave, are you sure that’s a good idea?
DAVE
I’ve been thinking about it all day.
A small silence.
DAVE
Please come.
Evelyn finally agrees.
EVELYN
Okay. I’ll meet you there.
DAVE
I’ll text you the address.
They hang up.
Dave places the phone on his desk.
He looks unusually relieved.
But someone has heard everything.
INT. DAVE’S OFFICE – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Amber stands just outside the partially open door.
Her expression changes.
She wasn’t trying to listen.
But now she can’t ignore what she heard.
Amber slowly steps away from the door.
AMBER
Dinner?
She shakes her head.
AMBER
That didn’t sound like a business meeting.
Amber walks down the hallway, trying to act normal.
But her mind is racing.
EXT. UPSCALE RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Dave pulls into the parking area.
He steps out.
Amber stops farther away.
She watches him walk toward the restaurant entrance.
Then she sees Evelyn arrive.
Amber’s eyes widen.
AMBER
Evelyn?
Evelyn walks toward Dave.
Dave smiles when he sees her.
Amber watches from inside her car.
Her expression slowly changes from confusion to suspicion.
AMBER
So this is what the dinner is about.
Dave and Evelyn enter the restaurant together.
Amber takes a breath.
She gets out of the car.
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Soft music fills the room.
Dave and Evelyn sit across from each other at a private table.
A waiter places menus in front of them.
EVELYN
I still don’t understand why you wanted to meet me tonight.
Dave looks directly at her.
DAVE
Because there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.
EVELYN
What is it?
Dave takes a moment.
DAVE
I don’t want you to think tonight is about business.
Evelyn’s expression changes.
EVELYN
Then what is it about?
Dave leans forward slightly.
DAVE
Us.
Evelyn looks surprised.
EVELYN
Dave…
DAVE
I’ve tried to ignore how I feel.
He looks down briefly.
DAVE
But every time we’re together, I realize I’m only pretending.
Evelyn remains quiet.
EVELYN
You shouldn’t be saying this if you’re not sure.
DAVE
I’m sure.
Outside the restaurant, Amber approaches the window.
She stops when she sees them.
EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Amber stands frozen outside.
Through the glass, she sees Dave and Evelyn talking closely.
Amber’s breathing becomes heavier.
AMBER
No…
She takes another step toward the window.
AMBER
This can’t be happening.
She watches Dave smile at Evelyn.
Amber steps away from the window.
AMBER
He told me it was business.
Her voice trembles.
AMBER
He looked me in the eyes and told me it was business.
Amber looks through the glass again.
Her shock turns into anger.
She reaches for her phone.
She considers calling Dave.
Her finger hovers over his name.
Then she stops.
AMBER
No.
AMBER
I’m going to hear this from him.
Amber walks toward the entrance.