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THE TRUTH BEFORE THE TACOS
SCENE 1 — THE MEXICAN COOKOUT
The backyard is alive with music, laughter, and the smell of food cooking on the grill.
People are walking around with plates in their hands while Wayne enjoys himself near the grill.
Dave, however, looks distracted. His phone keeps buzzing in his pocket.
Dave checks the screen and sees another missed call from Amber.
He sighs and puts the phone away.
Moments later, Amber walks through the gate and heads straight toward him.
Amber:
Dave, tell me right now, why is Evelyn here?
Dave freezes. He looks toward Wayne, hoping his friend will somehow save him.
Wayne suddenly becomes very interested in the grill.
Dave:
Amber, I was going to tell you, but just give me a chance to explain.
Amber:
A chance? You ignored my calls all day!
Dave:
I wasn’t running from you. I was just trying to handle the situation.
Amber folds her arms. She is clearly trying to stay calm.
Across the yard, Evelyn can be seen talking to another guest.
Amber notices her, and the mood suddenly becomes tense.
SCENE 2 — WAYNE MAKES IT WORSE
Wayne walks over holding a plate of food.
He immediately senses the tension but decides to make a joke.
Wayne:
Bro, you better handle it before this cookout turns into a whole episode!
Amber:
Wayne, please stay out of this.
Wayne raises both hands and slowly backs away.
He knows he may have already made things worse.
Dave:
Amber, I respect you, so I want you to hear the truth from me.
Amber:
Fine. Then no more excuses tonight.
Wayne:
Looks like we’re serving truth before we serve tacos!
SCENE 3 — THE TRUTH COMES OUT
Dave takes a deep breath and looks directly at Amber.
The noise of the cookout fades into the background.
Dave:
Evelyn is here, Amber… but it’s not what you think.
Amber stays quiet.
She wants answers, but she also wants Dave to be honest with her.
Dave realizes that avoiding the conversation has only made everything worse.
Dave:
I should have told you sooner. I didn’t want you hearing it from somebody else.
Amber:
Then why did you keep telling me you’d call me back?
Dave:
Because I knew you were upset, and I wanted to explain everything properly.
Amber looks at Dave carefully.
Her anger begins to turn into disappointment.
She wanted honesty from the beginning.
SCENE 4 — EVELYN SPEAKS
Evelyn notices the tension and walks toward them.
Dave looks nervous, but Amber remains calm.
Evelyn:
Amber, I think you deserve to hear this from me too.
Amber:
Okay. I’m listening.
Evelyn:
I’m not here to cause problems. Wayne invited me to the cookout, and that’s the only reason I’m here.
Amber looks at Dave.
Dave quietly nods.
For the first time that evening, the tension starts to disappear.
SCENE 5 — WAYNE’S FINAL COMMENT
Wayne walks back over with another plate of tacos.
He looks at everyone and realizes the situation has finally calmed down.
Wayne:
So… are we good now, or should I cancel the tacos?
Amber:
We’re good. Just don’t make anything worse.
Wayne:
Me? I was just trying to feed everybody!
Everyone laughs.
Dave finally relaxes.
Amber accepts the plate Dave offers her.
The cookout slowly returns to normal.
Dave:
I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.
Amber:
Just be honest with me next time.
SCENE 6 — ONE MORE SURPRISE
Just when everyone thinks the drama is over, Wayne’s phone suddenly buzzes.
He checks the message and his smile disappears.
Wayne:
Y’all might wanna sit down.
Amber:
Why? What’s wrong?
Wayne slowly looks around the cookout.
Everyone waits for his answer.
Wayne:
Somebody else just said they’re coming to the cookout.
Dave and Amber exchange a confused look.
Evelyn looks surprised.
Wayne slowly puts his phone away.
Wayne:
And trust me… y’all are NOT gonna like this one.
THE DRAMA ISN’T OVER…
TO BE CONTINUE
