TAG TO THE DANCING WEASEL
FADE IN
ESTABLISHING – DAYTIME
TRACKING SHOT ON Amanda's car driving down a country road
DISSOLVE TO:
CLOSE IN on the inside of the car. We see Lee is driving. Amanda is in the passenger seat.
AMANDA
I'm sure glad he liked having the painting after all. I was afraid he was going to chew you for taking it to his house.
LEE
(raising his eyebrows and glancing at Amanda)
It was an educated guess. Besides, he would have chewed you too if he'd been in a bad mood.
AMANDA
(looking cocky)
He would not have. He likes me.
LEE
(shaking his head in disbelief)
Really? I've known him for ten years, Amanda. I'm pretty sure you would have taken the blame.
AMANDA
(antagonizing him)
Oh, well, he didn't call you when he needed help. He called me.
LEE
(pouts)
Amanda!
She giggles.
Let's not fight about it, alright? Let's say he likes us both, shall we?
AMANDA
I guess he does.
(beat)
Lee?
LEE
(his eyes on the road as they reach the highway)
Hum?
AMANDA
Did you call me pretty?
The car swerves as it merges into traffic. Fortunately, there are not too many cars at that time of day.
Watch out!
Lee slows down, his hands gripping the steering wheel.
Lee?
LEE
(huffs)
Hum?
AMANDA
You didn't answer my question.
We see Lee press his lips together.
LEE
I would if I understood what you meant. You're not making any sense.
AMANDA
Oh, come on! Don't play dumb with me.
LEE
(glancing towards her, looking aggravated)
No, really. You want me to answer your questions, you start by being consistent.
She bites her bottom lip and crosses her arms on her chest.
And stop skulking. It's not my fault I don't understand you.
She slaps his arm viciously and turns to him.
AMANDA
Well, let me make myself clear then, Stetson. And don't you think for a moment I'm going to let you go down easy. Harry said you called me pretty. Did you call me pretty, Lee, or are you telling me Harry Thornton is a liar?
She folds her arms on her chest once more, her eyes boring into him. He pouts but doesn't answer.
I'm waiting, Stetson!
LEE
(infuriated)
Alright, alright. He asked me what you were like so I tried to be as thorough as possible. That's all. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?
He glances towards her. She smirks.
AMANDA
I asked you a simple question, Lee. You're the one making a big deal out of it, not me.
He falls silent, concentrating on traffic, and takes the exit.
He also said you'd follow me blind through a blizzard at midnight.
He pouts, looking cornered.
Stop squirming.
She rubs his shoulder.
I'd do the same.
He glances towards her and smiles.
Thanks, partner.
She keeps her hand on his shoulder. They fall silent. He parks the car in front of his apartment building and kills the engine. He sighs and turns to her.
I don't like to talk about these things.
AMANDA
I know. I guess I pushed you too hard.
She rubs his arm.
I didn't know you saw me that way, that's all.
He looks her in the eye.
Really? I mean, Amanda, do you ever take a look at yourself in a mirror? You don't need anyone to tell you you're pretty.
She shrugs.
I'm not saying I don't like myself. I'm just saying I didn't think you saw me that way. After all, I'm not your type.
LEE
And what is my type, pray tell?
AMANDA
Sexy and sophisticated?
He rolls his eyes.
LEE
I'm not even going there, OK?
He leaves the car and rounds it to open the door for her, offering his hand.
She hesitates then takes it.
He closes the door, keeping her hand in his.
Look, I'm offended that you're seeing me that way. I don't wanna fight about this so let's say this. I told Harry you were pretty. I meant it. Shall we say tomorrow at nine? Q bureau?
He lifts her hand to his lips and drops a kiss there, looking her in the eye.
AMANDA
(she hesitates then nods, her eyes twinkling)
See ya, pretty boy.
FREEZE ON Lee's stunned face
FADE OUT