FADE IN:
EXT. MENDY'S RESTAURANT ----- NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY -- NIGHT
Reporters with cameras, line up as limousines pull up in front of the restaurant. In one of the limos, the entertainment "The Band" arrives.
As they leave the limo, they stop to sign autographs.
A sign in the window reads: "FREE BEER WITH COUPON ONLY".
INT. MENDY'S RESTAURANT - NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY -- CONTINUOUS
The TV shows Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve. Balloons decorate the walls and fixtures.
DAVID, 26, sits at the bar adding a bobbi pin to his blue suede yarmulke. SAM, 28, fit and good looking, sits next to David.
DINA, a very pretty 35, makes her way through the crowd.
DAVID
Hey Sam, see that lady that just walked in?
Sam turns around. He scans around the room. Dina sits in the corner.
SAM
Yeah I do. What about her?
DAVID
I'm going to introduce myself to her.
SAM
She's way out of your league dude.
DAVID
Au Contraire Sam. Looks like she could use some company. Besides, what harm could there be in talking hmm?
SAM
Suit yourself.
David calls to the bartender.
DAVID
Let me have a bottle of Chardonay please?
The bartender nods and disappears.
SAM
Always the gentleman huh...?
The bartender returns. David pays the bartender and takes the wine and glasses. David moves to where Dina sits. He puts the wine down next to her.
Dina looks surprised.
DAVID
Hi. What's a pretty lady like you doing celebrating New Year's Eve by her lonesome?
DINA
Actually, I'm waiting for someone.
DAVID
Well, mind if I keep you company until then?
DINA
I don't think that's a good idea.
David sits down and opens the bottle of wine.
DAVID
Why? What harm can come from me sitting here?
The question hangs in the air.
David pours Dina a glass.
Dina hesitates.
DINA
Hell, one glass won't kill me.
She drinks it up in one gulp.
DINA
A friend was supposed to meet me here by midnight
She looks at her watch.
DINA
(Under her breath)
Guess they aren't coming. Sucks to be alone on New Year's.
DAVID
I'll spend New Year's with you if you'd like.
He smiles.
DAVID
After all, a beautiful lady like yourself shouldn't be alone.
DINA
Thanks but aren't you with your friend back over there?
David turns to see Sam being approached by SAM'S WIFE(30's)
DAVID
Nah, he's cool. Trust me, he's not alone.
She smiles.
The crowd begins the countdown to 2004.
PARTY CROWD
5.....4....3...2..1. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
The bartender uncorks wine, the crowd throw streamers, and blow party whistles as they begin to sing Auld Lang Syne. After a second or two, the band chimes in.
On TV, Dick Clark's wife kisses him.
Caught up in the moment, David and Dina kiss.
Sam and his wife appear over Dina's shoulder
SAM
Happy New Year dude.
Sam "checks out" out Dina.
SAM
(Looks at Dina)
Nice to meet you. I'm Sam. Take good care of my friend here.
He smiles at both Dina and David as he and his wife head toward the exit.
DINA
I.....uh think I better head home.
DAVID
So early?
DINA
Yeah, just not in a mood to party.
She gathers her things as she stands up to leave. David grabs her arm.
DAVID
Was it something I did or said?
DINA
It was nice meeting you.
She makes her way through the crowd. David follows.
EXT. MENDY'S RESTAURANT - NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY -- CONTINUOUS
She hails a taxi. She glances at David as she gets in.
INT. DAVID'S HOUSE -- MORNING
David lies asleep in bed.
The phone rings.
David stirs.
David reaches blindly for the phone.
INTERCUT AS NEEDED.
DAVID
(sounding groggy)
Hello?
SAM
Davey? How did it go last night after I left?
DAVID
It didn't. She left a few minutes after you did.
SAM
Oh?
DAVID
Yeah.
SAM
What happened?
DAVID
I have no idea.
SAM
It's just that the two of you looked cute together.
DAVID
Thanks. But you know how women are.
SAM
No one does. You just got to keep casting that line. You know what I mean?
David looks over at the clock. It reads 7:55AM.
DAVID
Look, Sam, I gotta go before I'm late to work. I'll catch you later.
He hangs up the phone and heads toward the shower.
EXT. UNITED STATES POST OFFICE -- DAY
The American flag flies full staff as the post office trucks pull into the lot.
David waves to JOE,(32), as he passes him on the post office steps.
DAVID
Good morning Joe. Off to do your rounds?
JOE
Nah, just getting some mailbags out of my truck. They have to be refilled before they head out, you know what I mean?
David nods as Joe walks away.
INT. UNITED STATES POST OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
David makes his way across the lobby.
CO-WORKER 1
Morning David.
CO-WORKER 2
Nice day Dave isn't it?
INT. SORTING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
As David sorts the packages, he comes upon a thick manilla envelope. Upon further examination, he sees that it's addressed to "Dina Silverstein, 3700 45th Street."
DAVID
(under his breath)
Hmm, I wonder.
He writes the address on a piece of paper and puts it in his pocket.
INT. SAM'S PIZZERIA -- LATER
DAVID
I was at work today sorting through the mail and I got this.
He pulls out of his pocket the address and drops it on the counter.
Sam finishes up making a pizza takes a pie out puts another one in.
When he's finished, he takes the paper, looks at it then hands it back to David who puts it back in his pocket.
Sam washes his hands then motions to David to follow him to a table.
SAM
I wonder if this means anything?
DAVID
Probably just a coincidence.
SAM
Maybe, maybe not. There's only one way to find out.
DAVID
You don't mean-----
Sam nods his head
SAM
Why not? It's worth a shot. Right?
Sam gives him the evil eye look with a grin on his face.
When a CRASH is heard, Sam turns around, notices some plates filled with food fall to the floor.
SAM
Excuse me a moment.
Sam gets up, locates one of the busboys.
SAM
(to busboy)
When you get a chance, clean up that mess behind me.
He walks back towards David.
SAM
Sorry about that. So, where were we?
DAVID
I was saying that I never did get her last name.
SAM
So it's worth a shot. What do you have to lose? You getting this information is probably a sign.
DAVID
Could be.
SAM
There's only one way to find out.
(Beat)
Look David, no harm in trying. If it's meant to be you'll know.
DAVID
And if it's not?
SAM
You'll now that to but you won't know unless you try. How do you think I found my wife?
His eyes light up as he smiles.
DAVID
This is against my better judgment Sam but like you said, I got nothing to lose.
SAM
Nope. So when will you go?
DAVID
Tonight, but you're going to drive me.
SAM
If that's what's gonna get you to go sure. Gotta get back to work see you later.
INT. SAM'S CAR -- EVENING
David moves around restlessly while Sam drives to the address David wrote.
SAM
Hey, why so quiet?
DAVID
Just nervous is all.
SAM
Nothing to be nervous about. She's a normal person just like you and me.
Moments later, Sam pulls up to the curb a few inches away from the house.
SAM
We're here.
DAVID
Now or never I guess then.
SAM
Yes.
Sam reaches over David and opens the door.
SAM
Don't worry, I'll stay until you tell me not to or your thrown off the property whichever comes first.
He smiles.
DAVID
Thanks, I think.
Nervously, David steps out of the car and heads straight toward the house.
EXT. OUTSIDE DINA'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
Slowly, David walks up to the steps of the house as he turns around to look back at Sam who motions to him to keep going.
When he finally gets to the door, he stands there momentarily before he RINGS the bell.
After about a minute of silence, David turns around and heads back toward the car when he hears the door opening.
DINA
Yes? Can I help you?
David makes his way back towards the door slowly and nervously but with a surprised look in his eyes.
DAVID
Um.... It's you.
Dina has a confused look on her face.
DINA
Excuse me?
DAVID
From the party the other night remember?
DINA
How did you find me?
DAVID
I work in the post office. I just came here to find out why you left suddenly from the party?
She stands in the doorway.
DINA
You need to leave.
DAVID
But I thought maybe I offended you in someway and I couldn't stop thinking about it. And if I did, I came to say that I was sorry and I didn't mean to.
DINA
You need to leave..... NOW!
DAVID
Why?
DINA
Leave or I call the police.
David heads back to the car.
INT. SAM'S CAR -- CONTINUOUS
SAM
Well?
DAVID
I was wrong. It's not her. Let's go home.
INT. DINA'S HOUSE/HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Dina slams the door shut as her husband MORDECHI, a big husky 48 year old, enters the hallway.
MORDECHI
Who was that?
DINA
Just some jerk who thinks they know me. I wouldn't worry about it.
MORDECHI
Sounded like a guy's voice.
Dina quickly changes the subject.
DINA
Dinner's ready. Let's eat.
(yelling upstairs)
KIDS, SUPPERTIME!
One by one, the kids arrive into the kitchen.
INT. SAM'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER
A quiet drive back as David breaks the silence.
DAVID
See, Sam? I told you it was the wrong house.
SAM
Not sure. That looked just like her.
DAVID
Then why give me the cold shoulder?
SAM
Maybe she doesn't like you?
He has a smirk on his face.
DAVID
I don't know about that. Back at the party she seemed interested.
SAM
But we went down to her place and you were rejected.
(pause followed by a beat)
We can try again.
DAVID
I'm not a stalker Sam.
SAM
Never said you were. But my gut feeling tells me that it's fate that brought you two together at the party.
DAVID
Really?
SAM
You know me for how many years now? Have I ever been wrong before? Trust me Dave, it's fate and if it's meant to be, it will happen. Everything comes from G-D. You'll see. You'll thank me later.
INT. DAVID'S HOUSE-DEN -- NIGHT
David turns on the light as he enters the room. He turns on the computer as he settles into his chair.
Within minutes, the voice of AMERICA ON-LINE says: "You've Got Mail" and "Welcome." Seconds later, he receives an IM from the screen name LOVER GIRL 36.
They talk for awhile. As David chats, he looks up at the clock and notices he's been chatting for over two hours. He types up one last message to Lover Girl 36:
COMPUTER SCREEN
Well sweetie as always I had fun talking with you but it's getting late and I have work tomorrow. Do you think we can finally meet?
It takes a second for Lover Girl to respond.
LOVER GIRL 36
Mmm. I'd love that. In fact, I look forward to it. Let's meet for lunch. I know of this great place where we can meet. My treat.
She types in the place and time. David searches for pen and paper.
He continues typing.
COMPUTER SCREEN
Thanks, got it. I look forward to it. Can't wait. Good night and sweet dreams. Smooch.
LOVER GIRL 36
Right back at ya.
David logs off, turns off the computer, and heads to bed.
EXT. YESTERDAY CAFE -- AFTERNOON
David pulls up to the curb slowly. The cafe's design looks something out of the 1950's. He searches around for his date from all sides. He notices a newspaper slot. He reaches into his pocket takes out fifty cents puts it in and grabs a copy putting it under his arm as he makes his way inside.
INT. YESTERDAY CAFE -- CONTINUOUS
David looks around. He sees that he's being waved at. He walks towards a back booth. As he gets closer, a grin appears on his face.
DAVID
Um, hi?
Lover Girl 36, his "internet buddy" turns out to be:
DINA
Hi. I'm____
DAVID
Dina.
A shocked expression upon David's face.
DINA
Is something wrong?
DAVID
No. It's just that I never thought It would end up being you.
DINA
Excuse me?
DAVID
I'm sorry. Your Lover Girl 36.
DINA
Yeah, so?
DAVID
My name is David. We met at the New Year's Eve party a few nights back remember?
DINA
Wait. Your the schmuck that came to my house.
A smile.
DAVID
Yes. May I join you?
DINA
I guess your the date so be my guest.
INT. YESTERDAY CAFE -- MOMENTS LATER
DAVID
So, I really meant no harm by it.
DINA
How did you find my address anyway?
DAVID
I work in the post office. I saw a package with your name on it and put two and two together and figured it was you.
DINA
But it was sweet of you though.
DAVID
Then why the cold shoulder when I showed up?
DINA
Well, it's just that my husband was home and----
David cuts her off.
DAVID
Your husband?
She nods.
DAVID
Wow. I had no idea.
David pours himself water as Dina slouches down.
DAVID
What's wrong?
DINA
I can't let them see me.
DAVID
Who?
DINA
Them.
She points to the front. David looks around. Notices a couple dressed modestly.
DAVID
What about them?
DINA
If they see me, they will tell my husband.
DAVID
So?
DINA
Just tell me when they leave.
EXT. YESTERDAY CAFE -- MOMENTS LATER
The couple look through the window. The girl stops in her tracks as she looks in to the window again. She nods her head sighs and heads back to her car as she reaches for her cell.
EXT/INT. DINA'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER
Dina puts her seat belt on and starts the car.
DAVID
I had a great lunch today. Thank you.
DINA
Look, had I known who you were, I would never had agreed to this.
DAVID
I'm sorry.
DINA
It's not your fault.
DAVID
I just don't understand why you were afraid of those two people who came in before.
DINA
Because they can get me in trouble.
(a beat)
Probably have already.
DAVID
Huh? What are you talking about? I don't understand.
DINA
I have to go.
She closes the passenger window and drives away as fast as she can.
DAVID
Strange.
INT. SAM'S PIZZERIA -- EVENING
DAVID
She acted strange. When I ask her certain questions, I get the cold shoulder. She quickly changes the subject.
SAM
Hmm... That is interesting. Why is that?
DAVID
I was hoping you'd know.
SAM
Sounds like she's keeping something from you. You can ask Cindy. You know with her being a women and all maybe she knows something.
DAVID
Don't want to get your wife involved.
SAM
No?
David jumps out of his seat. He raises his voice. The entire place turns and looks at him.
DAVID
She did tell me she's married.
SAM
You're kidding.
DAVID
Wish I was Sam but...
(beat)
I think I'm in love with her.
SAM
Your crazy.
DAVID
Crazy in love maybe. I'll see you later.
He stands up. Sam holds him back.
SAM
Where you going?
DAVID
Going to play detective.
He smiles and heads towards the doorway.
SAM
(under his breath)
I hope you know what your doing.
EXT. OUTSIDE DINA'S HOUSE -- LATER
David quietly pulls up to the curb. Turns off the engine as he makes his way towards the front door. Flowers in hand, he reaches for the bell but ducks when a plate flies out of the window towards him.
DAVID
What the hell?
David makes his way to one of the side windows. Yelling can be heard throughout.
INT. DINA'S HOUSE/DEN -- CONTINUOUS
MORDECHI
What right do you have hanging out with someone other then me?
He slaps her across the face.
MORDECHI
I want to know his name.
DINA
You don't understand.
