Author's Note: This series of scenes takes place after "So Much Better," which I'm assuming occurs on a Friday. I'm also planning to, in the next chapter, cover the Saturday and Sunday before Elle starts the internship on Monday. It's a little tricky building the connection between Emmett and Elle while also leaving enough space between them for the big payoff number "Take it Like a Man." I also hope that I've built up the idea of how morally sound they both are so that it's evident Emmett would never make decisions based solely on the fact that he's attracted to Elle nor would Elle ever do anything to purposefully lead Emmett on. I feel like the latter is really important to point out for this chapter because I want it to be clear that at no point is Elle purposefully coming on to Emmett. She's not playing coy. She's just being Elle: genuine and honest. I want to be explicit about that in case that doesn't come across (though I obviously hope it does). Also, while writing this, I automatically typed "Margot" and suddenly realized that I'd been spelling her name without the "t" all this time. I have no idea why... or why I suddenly spelled it right this time. Oops. Sorry, Margot. I'll get it right from now on. And sorry this note was so long.
"Can't Help Wonder"
Recommended Playlist: SO MUCH BETTER
INT. EMMETT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
EMMETT sits at his desk, dressed in pajama bottoms and a
t-shirt. He looks from a folder while typing on his laptop.
Several boxes and folders are stacked around him. He is
intensely focused on his work.
A knock at the door barely gets his attention as he
continues typing. He stands up, his fingers still on the
keyboard until the knock sounds once again.
He sighs and marches over to the door, flinging it open.
EMMETT
(exasperated)
Can I--
ELLE stands in his doorway looking gorgeous in a pink,
knee-length spaghetti-strap dress and heels.
EMMETT
(softer)
...help you?
He glances down at her outfit as his impatience quickly
evaporates. He looks up at her with a curious smile.
EMMETT
Hi.
ELLE
Hi. And, yes, you can.
She glances over his shoulder into the apartment. He gets
the hint and steps aside to let her in. She stops in the
middle of the living room, glancing from his desk to him.
ELLE
I can see that you're busy.
Emmett nods, running a self-conscious hand through his hair.
ELLE
But I believe we both accomplished
something noteworthy today.
EMMETT
Agreed.
ELLE
Therefore... we should celebrate.
Emmett glances down at her dress, new meaning hitting him.
His eyes drift to his desk then move back to Elle.
ELLE
What do you think?
EMMETT
I think... it's important not to
get ahead of ourselves.
ELLE
What do you mean?
EMMETT
I mean that... we have no idea
what's going to happen on Monday.
Maybe we should wait to celebrate
until we actually do something.
Like win the case. Or until, you
know, I make associate and you...
get named... "intern of the year."
Emmett heads back toward his desk.
EMMETT
But that's going to require work.
He makes a sweeping gesture toward all the boxes.
ELLE
Oh, come on. It's Friday night. You
have the rest of the weekend to
work. In fact, I would love to
help. All day Saturday and Sunday.
I'm yours. Whatever you need.
Emmett turns back to her, tempted.
ELLE
All you have to do is get dressed
and go out with me tonight.
EMMETT
And where would we be going... exactly?
Elle smiles.
ELLE
Meritage. The restaurant. Dinner.
On my parents. Congratulations to
me and thanks to you for your help.
Emmett narrows his eyes.
ELLE
My mother suggested. My father
insisted. I made the reservation
for seven.
EMMETT
Seven people?
ELLE
Seven... o'clock. Two people.
Emmett sneaks another glance at all the stuff on his desk.
ELLE
And, I swear, we'll make sure your
work gets done before Monday.
He looks at her skeptically.
ELLE
What do you have to do, anyway?
EMMETT
It's nothing complicated, just
time-consuming. I have to sift
through all the files the D.A. sent
over, pull the important stuff then
sort it into a usable system.
ELLE
Well, that's perfect. I'm an
organizational whiz.
EMMETT
Uh... ?
Emmett shakes his head in amusement.
EMMETT
Do you remember that time you
couldn't locate your textbook? Or
how, just the other day, it took
you thirty minutes to find the key
to your dorm room... in your purse.
ELLE
Just because one's personal life is
a little... messy, well, it doesn't
mean they don't know how to keep
their professional life in order.
Rather than concede her point, Emmett says nothing.
ELLE
Besides, you haven't seen how I
turned ten boxes of miscellaneous
contact information into the
organized, cross-referenced Delta
Nu Alumna Database in less than
twenty-four hours.
EMMETT
I'm scared to even ask.
ELLE
All you need to know is it was
very, very, very organized.
Emmett considers.
ELLE
Come on, Emmett. Please? We both
deserve to celebrate.
Elle gives Emmett a pleading, puppy-dog look. Emmett throws
his head back and groans.
EMMETT
I really hope you're this
convincing in a courtroom.
Elle grins. The lights go down.
EXT. MERITAGE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The restaurant facade has large windows that show several
tables and a dance floor. The maître d' stands at his station.
Emmett and Elle walk up together. He wears khakis and a
white shirt. His tie is draped over his shoulder. He's
mostly neat, but still pretty scruffy around the edges.
ELLE
So I think I bought more navy today
than I've purchased throughout the
course of my entire life.
Emmett chuckles.
EMMETT
Being conservative is probably
wise. Particularly since this is a
murder trial, but... promise you'll
still show up as Elle Woods on
Monday morning, okay?
Elle smiles.
ELLE
Oh, don't worry. I know how to use
accent colors and accessories to
my advantage.
Emmett smiles as they stop in front of the restaurant.
ELLE
Oh, your tie. Do you want me to...
She steps over to him, turning up his collar, but he steps
back from her, playfully swatting at her hand.
EMMETT
I can handle it. Why don't you go
in and see if the table is ready?
Elle looks at him curiously.
ELLE
(confused)
Okay. I'll see you inside then?
Emmett nods and watches her enter the restaurant, concern
immediately showing on his face once she is inside.
He begins pacing back and forth while trying,
simultaneously, to tie his tie. He accidentally tangles it
in a knot then fights to loosen it.
In the background, Elle talks cheerily to the maître d'
inside the restaurant.
EMMETT
Oh... what the hell? What the hell?
What the hell... am I doing? What
the hell was I thinking? What the
hell is with this damn tie?!
Emmett yanks the tie from his neck and examines it. He takes
a deep breath then glances over his shoulder at Elle who
watches him through the window with a bemused smile.
She holds up her hand and mouths "five minutes." He nods
then walks to the side so that she can no longer see him. He
puts the tie back around his neck.
EMMETT
(singing)
Hard for me to pretend... that she
could intend... to be more than a
friend. The same also goes for me.
Cannot let myself see... her as
more than a friend.
Emmett's PEER JURY files quietly onto the stage. They are
all dressed like Emmett, but their assorted colored ties are
already knotted neatly around their necks.
EMMETT
Still, I have turned my whole world
upside down trying hard to fit her in.
Starting to realize just how naive I've been.
Joey clears his throat. Emmett turns and sees the Jury. He
grumbles and shakes his head.
EMMETT
What?
Mick nods his head slightly toward the restaurant. Emmett
looks to see Elle sitting in a chair near the window,
waiting patiently for the table and for Emmett.
The entire restaurant goes into a frozen tableau. A bright
spotlight hits Elle, another shines on Emmett.
Across the stage, Emmett smiles. Finally, he let's himself
see, really see, Elle. His face lights up.
EMMETT
Gentlemen...
He watches her for a moment more then turns back to the guys
with a pleasantly confused smile playing on his lips.
EMMETT
(singing)
Is this what you've been hinting at?
Have I really been missing that?
Man, she looks so great. Is this
really a date? No, it's not. I am sure.
Joey turns Emmett to Mick so that Mick can work on Emmett's tie.
Emmett doesn't fight it. He barely notices.
EMMETT
But. Would a real date be all that
bad? She's the best friend I've
ever had.
The guys look around at each other, insulted. They shrugs it off.
EMMETT
Still, I cannot help wonder...
if it's more.
Mick finishes the tie and gives Emmett a thumbs up.
EMMETT
Hey, guys?
They crowd around him, listening to what he has to say.
EMMETT
Sorry I've been so mean. Should
have seen between my own stupid
denials. But it looks like I get it
now and can live without all those
stupid denials.
JOEY
Did... he just admit--
Mick puts a hand on Joey's chest to silence him. They let
Emmett speak:
EMMETT
Hey, remember way back in the fall
when you claimed she caught my eye?
It was something you... said I
could not deny.
DANNY
You did try.
PEER JURY
Shh.
Emmett floats a few steps closer to the window.
EMMETT
Getting what you've been hinting
at. For the first time I'm thinking
that... Miss Woods, comma, Elle is,
in a nutshell, a girl I could adore.
He stops to look at Elle in the window again. She turns and
gives him a curious smile. He wiggles a few fingers back to
wave. She nods for him to come in, but he holds up the "one
minute" index finger. She nods and turns away from him.
The guys high five behind his back, but Emmett turns back to
them uncertainly.
EMMETT
Or. Would a real date be really
bad? Is this notion just a passing
fad? But, man, I cannot help
wonder. Have got to wonder. Cannot
not not not not... not wonder.
Danny and Joey trade a confused look as they try to keep up
with and count the "nots."
EMMETT
No, I cannot help wonder... if it's more.
Emmett puts a hand to his chin to ponder the dilemma at
hand. The guys walk up hesitantly. Danny and Joey look to
Mick. Mick nods.
DANNY
Maybe you should feel this out.
Find out what tonight's about.
JOEY
Maybe you should jump right in.
Make a move and try to win... her
affection and her heart. Don't
think about where to start.
MICK
Don't think about much at all. Just
pretend this date's real and it
won't be bad. Maybe the best date
that you've had.
EMMETT
But Elle is my friend. Don't...
want that to end. Oh, of that I am sure.
PEER JURY
But! Dude!
DANNY
This is what we've been hinting at.
JOEY
Can you believe how you missed that?
He points toward Elle. Emmett's gaze follows.
EMMETT
I know, I can't help wonder...
DANNY
So go in there and try to be cool.
MICK
But also be sure you're still you.
EMMETT
Who else would I be? I can only be me.
JOEY
Well, if you want to score...
PEER JURY
Shut! Up!
Mick shoves Joey aside and steps up to Emmett.
MICK
Real or fake, this date won't be
bad. Probably the best you've ever
had. Then you will start to wonder,
she'll start to wonder, and soon
you two will be filled with wonder.
EMMETT
Already can't help wonder...
PEER JURY
No he can't help wonder.
EMMETT
I still can't help wonder...
PEER JURY
You know he's got to wonder.
EMMETT
I cannot help wonder... if it's more.
As Emmett sings the last, long note, he walks to the
restaurant with slow deliberation. Just as he gets to the
door, the lights go down.
INT. MERITAGE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The restaurant facade has been pushed aside. The tables and
dance floor are now totally visible. The maître d' stands
erect at his station. A waiter moves about the room.
In the background, the couples that fill the tables and the
dance floor are actually made of members of the Peer Jury
and GREEK CHORUS. Of particular note are Joey and Margot,
cozied up at a corner table.
Elle and Emmett sit together at a table in the foreground.
Their plates lay empty in front of them, but their wine
glasses are still half full.
ELLE
So... man... she really did sleep
with Callahan then?
He nods.
ELLE
Emmett, that's awful. I'm so sorry.
He shrugs.
EMMETT
Not any worse than what Warner did
to you.
ELLE
I don't know. At least he waited
until after he dumped me to cheat
on me.
Emmett cocks his head to the side wearing a "think about
what you just said" smile.
ELLE
Oh, you know what I mean.
Elle waves it off.
ELLE
Anyway. Any girl dumb enough to
cheat on a guy like you is so not
worth your time.
She reaches for her wine.
EMMETT
And any guy dumb enough to
willingly let go of a girl like
you... isn't worth yours.
She offers a grateful smile and takes a quick sip of wine.
She shakes her head, thinking of something.
ELLE
Wow.
Emmett raises an eyebrow.
ELLE
I just realized that I haven't been
on a date since Warner dumped me.
Elle shakes her head, contemplating the realization.
EMMETT
Me either. Since I proposed to Jan.
ELLE
That means this is my first date in
over a year. And yours, too.
Emmett narrows his eyes, interested in her wording. She
looks up to meet his curious gaze. She chuckles.
ELLE
And it's not even a real date.
EMMETT
(testing the waters)
Which is good... because... I don't
exactly approve of dating students.
For obvious reasons.
Elle laughs.
ELLE
Oh, please, Emmett. You're barely
three years older than me. It
wouldn't exactly be a scandal.
Emmett chuckles awkwardly, grabbing his own glass of wine
and taking a swig. A beat as a waiter takes their plates.
ELLE
Anyway, the odd thing is, as hard
as I've tried to sell you on the
whole notion of love--
EMMETT
Uh oh. Don't tell me Elle Woods is bitter...
ELLE
No. Not bitter. Better.
Emmett smiles.
ELLE
New and Improved. Focused.
Emmett nods.
ELLE
And I wouldn't be here without you
so... I'm glad it's you who's here
with me now... to celebrate the
first of many shared accomplishments.
Elle raises her wine glass. Emmett picks up his own glass
and grins mischievously.
EMMETT
To Forrest and Woods.
Elle starts to touch her glass to his, but she pulls it back.
ELLE
To Woods and Forrest.
He nods in mock defeat. She moves her glass back and clinks
it against his. They each take a drink.
A new song starts to play, catching Elle's attention.
Several couples move to the dance floor.
ELLE
You're lucky this isn't a real
date, especially not a real first
date because, if it were, I would
insist we dance right now.
EMMETT
In that case, you're lucky this
isn't a real first date because you
could insist all you wanted, but--
ELLE
Oh, what? You don't dance?
EMMETT
Recreationally? Not really.
ELLE
So... you've got no moves?
EMMETT
Whoa. Now... wait a minute. I've
got moves, okay? I've even been
known to bust one occasionally, but--
ELLE
Prove it.
She stands and walks over to him, holding her hand out to
him. He looks at her with a smile of resistance.
ELLE
Or were you bluffing?
He sighs, puts his hand in hers and stands up, letting her
drag him to the dance floor.
When they get there, Emmett puts his hand up for Elle to
grasp. He rests a tentative hand on her hip as she puts her
free hand on his shoulder. He, very aptly, leads her around
the dance floor. He even gently spins her out and back in.
ELLE
(laughing)
You really do have a few moves.
Emmett shrugs.
EMMETT
I took a class at the Y when I was
in the seventh grade. I can also
moonwalk, but that's more of a
second not real date kind of move.
Elle laughs. A beat passes as they float around for a moment
more, both looking more comfortable in each other's arms.
ELLE
You know, as far as real, actual
first dates go, dancing is simply
an essential activity in my book.
EMMETT
(chuckling)
Why... ?
ELLE
Well, think about it. A first date
is all about getting to know
someone, right? Getting close
intellectually... emotionally.
EMMETT
Sure.
ELLE
Dancing is a chance to get close
literally... physically.
Emmett nods, seeming to suddenly notice how close he
is to Elle. Literally... physically.
ELLE
And without any real risk. It's
intimate, but also... innocent.
She slides her arm around his neck so she can rest her head
on his shoulder. He closes his eyes and pulls her hand,
still in his, close to his chest.
EMMETT
I think I see your point...
Elle smiles as she and Emmett continue to dance. The lights
dim so that they are featured in a spotlight. Around the
restaurant, the Peer Jury and Greek Chorus sneak out of
their roles as extras so they can gather around and watch.
MICK
(singing)
Hard for him to pretend... that she
could intend... to be more than a friend.
SERENA
(singing)
The same also goes for Elle. It's
not like she can tell... he wants
more than a friend.
JOEY
But she has turned his whole world
upside down without even knowing it.
Joey turns to Margot who takes his hands in hers.
MARGOT
Give her a few more days... and she
will admit...
The large group gets animated as they couple off and join
Elle and Emmett on the dance floor.
GREEK CHORUS
Everything we've been hinting at.
She's too smart to overlook that.
Elle and Emmett pay them no attention, continuing their slow
dance amidst a sea of lively movement.
PEER JURY
Man, this is so great. Not much
time left to wait.
GREEK CHORUS
It won't be long before...
PEER JURY
They'll realize real dates aren't
that bad.
GREEK CHORUS
This one's the best they've ever had.
PEER JURY
And he will start to wonder...
GREEK CHORUS
She'll start to wonder...
PEER JURY/GREEK CHORUS
And soon these two will be filled
with wonder.
PEER JURY
And he cannot help wonder...
GREEK CHORUS
No she can't help wonder.
PEER JURY
Really can't help wonder...
GREEK CHORUS
God, they've got to wonder.
PEER JURY
They cannot help wonder...
GREEK CHORUS/PEER JURY
If it's more.
As the gang holds the big note, Emmett and Elle continue to
sway to the soft music only they can hear.
When the note ends, all lights cut out except for the
spotlight. After another second of dancing, that light dims slowly.
Fade to black.