The Podcast

The podcast is still recording. D’Nisha sits behind the microphone, focused on the conversation. The studio lights glow softly around her as she finishes the final part of the episode.

Wayne watches from across the room.

When the recording ends, D’Nisha removes her headphones and takes a deep breath.

D’NISHA

That was a good episode.

Wayne smiles and walks toward her.

WAYNE

Yeah, it was. But I got an idea.

D’NISHA

What kind of idea?

WAYNE

You hungry?

D’NISHA

A little.

WAYNE

Then come have dinner with me.

D’Nisha pauses and looks down at her phone. She knows Anthony is waiting for her at home.

D’NISHA

Wayne, Anthony is probably waiting for me at home.

WAYNE

I’ll tell him.

D’NISHA

You’ll tell Anthony?

WAYNE

Yeah. Don’t worry about it.

D’Nisha hesitates before finally agreeing.

D’NISHA

Okay. But don’t let me stay out too late.

WAYNE

I got you.

Anthony Waits

Meanwhile, Anthony is sitting inside the house. He checks the time and looks toward the front door.

D’Nisha still hasn’t arrived.

Anthony picks up his phone and checks for a message. Nothing.

Minutes pass. Anthony becomes more restless.

ANTHONY

Where is she?

He walks around the room and checks his phone again.

Anthony decides to call D’Nisha.

The phone rings, but there is no answer.

Anthony tries again. This time, the call doesn’t go through.

ANTHONY

Her phone is off?

His expression changes. Worry begins to take over.

ANTHONY

Something isn’t right.

Dinner Together

Wayne and D’Nisha sit across from each other at a restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed.

D’Nisha smiles as Wayne tells her a funny story from the podcast.

D’NISHA

You really had to say that?

WAYNE

I’m just telling the truth.

D’Nisha shakes her head. For a moment, she forgets everything waiting for her at home.

WAYNE

You look happier when you’re not stressed.

D’Nisha’s smile fades slightly.

D’NISHA

I’ve just had a lot going on.

WAYNE

I know.

WAYNE

That’s why I wanted you to get out tonight.

D’NISHA

Thank you.

The dinner continues. Neither of them realizes how worried Anthony has become.

The Ride Home

Dinner finally ends. Wayne and D’Nisha leave the restaurant and get into Wayne’s car.

D’NISHA

It’s later than I thought.

WAYNE

I’ll get you home.

D’Nisha nods. The drive is quiet. They talk occasionally, but D’Nisha keeps checking the time.

D’NISHA

Anthony is definitely going to wonder where I am.

WAYNE

I’ll explain.

D’NISHA

You told him already, right?

Wayne pauses. For a brief moment, he doesn’t answer.

WAYNE

Yeah… I’ll handle it.

D’Nisha accepts the answer and looks out the window.

The Car Arrives

Anthony is still inside the house when he suddenly hears a vehicle approaching.

He looks toward the window. Headlights shine across the house.

ANTHONY

Is that her?

Anthony rushes toward the door and steps outside.

The car stops nearby. Wayne gets out. D’Nisha steps out as well.

Anthony freezes.

His eyes move from Wayne to D’Nisha. He wasn’t expecting to see Wayne.

D’NISHA

Anthony…

ANTHONY

Wayne?

Wayne remains quiet.

D’NISHA

Anthony, I can explain.

ANTHONY

Explain what?

D’NISHA

We just went to dinner.

WAYNE

Yeah. I took her out.

The Truth Comes Out

ANTHONY

You took her out?

D’Nisha looks uncomfortable.

D’NISHA

Wayne said he was going to tell you.

Anthony looks directly at Wayne.

ANTHONY

You said you told me?

Wayne doesn’t answer immediately.

Anthony realizes what happened. Wayne never told him.

Anthony’s disappointment turns into heartbreak.

ANTHONY

I waited for you all night.

D’NISHA

Anthony, please—

ANTHONY

You turned your phone off.

D’Nisha looks down.

ANTHONY

And you never told me she was with you.

Wayne remains silent.

The Moment That Breaks Anthony

D’Nisha turns toward Wayne.

D’NISHA

Thank you for dinner.

WAYNE

Anytime.

Anthony watches them.

Then, unexpectedly, Wayne and D’Nisha share a kiss.

Anthony sees everything.

His entire expression changes. The noise around him seems to disappear.

D’NISHA

Anthony…

Anthony looks at her. His eyes are filled with hurt.

ANTHONY

I trusted both of you.

D’NISHA

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

ANTHONY

But it did.

Anthony turns around and walks back toward the house.

D’Nisha stands frozen. Wayne watches Anthony disappear through the door.

The door slowly closes.

Inside the house, Anthony stands alone. He looks down at his phone. The unanswered calls to D’Nisha are still on the screen.

Anthony slowly sits down. His heart is broken by what he witnessed.

Outside, D’Nisha looks toward the closed door.

D’NISHA

Anthony…

There is no answer.