scene 25

sc 24

EXT. JOHN'S/JAN'S PATIO - DAY

Floaties in the pool. John and Jan in terry cloth robes at the table, looking at STREET VIEW OF TOM'S/WANDA'S HOME. The license plate on the Subaru wagon in the port is blurred.

JOHN: Funny. She was just beginning to tell Cedric about Hunter and Thomas Travis Walker.

JAN: Besides Jackson, what's the closest you've been to Laramie.

JOHN: Cheyenne, my second year at Buford for an E-P-A vee Wyoming coal depo. Second week in January.

JAN: Tropical?

JOHN: Twenty-below every morning and a slapping wind that added to the pleasure. 

JAN: Where did you stay?

JOHN: The Plains Hotel. Like Robert Kennedy and Ernest Hemingway before me. 

JAN: Fancy place?

JOHN: Fancy enough. Now the historic plains, I believe, and once upon a time the Governor’s Mansion for Nellie Davis Taylor Ross, the first female governor in the United States. 

JAN: Learn something new.

JOHN: If I recall her name correctly, in which case I wonder why. You, closest to Laramie.

JAN: Fort Collins for a sorority sister's wedding the summer before Duke.

JOHN: Last time in a mobile home.

JAN: Not actually in but on the doorsteps of however many were in the park we did Halloween when I was a six. 

JOHN: Had I not asked.

JAN: It was a Friday that year so we made a weekend of it. 

JOHN: Where did you stay.

JAN: The Del Marcos.

JOHN: Classic. Costume?

JAN: I was Dorothy.

JOHN: From Kansas.

JAN: Yes. But where in Kansas.

JOHN: Liberal, later.

JAN: Correct.

JOHN: Did David suit up?

JAN: Lone Ranger.

JOHN: How many times did he hear who was that masked man as you walked away?

JAN: About the same number of times I was asked to click my heels three times.

John puts arm around her, Jan scoots into him. They stare at Tom and Wanda's home.

JAN/JOHN: Funny how...

JAN: You first.

JOHN: How Tom's arrival has stirred up these ancient recollections. 

Pause.

JAN: Are we ancient, John?

Pause.

JOHN: No. We are not.

He stands, extends hand to Jan, who takes it, stands. John leads her into house and out of view. BREEZE SINGS THE CHIMES.

scene 24

sc 23

EXT. DECK - CABIN IN THE WOODS - DAY

KATE and CEDRIC, 70-somethings, at repose in their respective chaises, their phones and bottled waters on the varnished tree trunk table between them. Kate in running shoes, jeans, unbuttoned denim blouse over tee, sleeves rolled to elbows. We can't see what on her laptop has her attention. We can see Cedric is reading Foglost. Tan work boots, new jeans, belt cinched at prominent gold buckle. Untucked corduroy long-sleeve over tee. Gold watch. 

Single-level Mountain Handsome surrounded by lodgepole pines. Wood, windows, stone. The chaises share the cedar deck with a shaded grill and fire pit near where the deck meets a small meadow surrounded by lodgepole pines. View through big window behind them to the room with the fireplace and TWO CATS looking out from different levels of cat tree. Occasional SONG OF WILSON'S WARBLER.

CEDRIC: What can you tell me about Hunter's upbringing?

JAN: What I can recall. On the way?

CEDRIC: Sure. 

JAN: Whence the sudden curiosity?

CEDRIC: Not so sudden, just getting around to asking. And piqued by certain subtleties regarding our man in the boat.

JAN: Ah. 

CEDRIC: Who was just met the fog.

JAN: Not another word, Cedric. 

CEDRIC: Sorry.

JAN: Well, I did presume fog might be involved.

She closes laptop.

JAN: Ride in five.

John checks watch, marks page, closes book.

JAN: Hunter never met his father. When you get to short stories, start with Honda Knot.

JOHN: Hmm. Okay.

JAN: Do you know what a Honda knot is.

JOHN: I do. 

JAN: Have you ever tied one?

JOHN: I have not. But I will read the story.

JAN: Hunter's mother died from lung cancer on her thirty-third birthday. Hunter was six. His grandparents raised him. More on the way.

JOHN: When will I meet him?

She picks up when her PHONE RINGTONES A MAN YELLING "FORE."

JAN: Chloe's graduation.

(into phone after second FORE) Hey. I might have to call you back. Bob and Kell are picking us up for lunch at Creekfeet.

(She stands, Cedric stands, pockets phone.

JAN: I'm here. Jesus, you won't believe the timing. I was just introducing Cedric to the CliffsNotes of Hunter's backstory. And Chloe's there. 

Wow. 

(CAR HONKS TWICE.) 

Johnny, I'll call you right back.

K. Oh John, send any pictures.

Love you too. 

(She pockets phone, tucks laptop. The cats bond out of view.)

CEDRIC: Bullet point?

JAN: I'm wrong about Hunter having not met his father. More when I hear more from John.

They walk to house, enter, leave view.

scene 23

scene 22

EXT. HUNTER'S HOUSE/DRIVEWAY - DAY

Cloudless blue sky. WHIR OF GARAGE DOOR OPENING, revealing Hunter, Chloe and Tom. Hunter and Chloe in hiking boots, jeans, long-sleeve tees, sunglasses propped on ballcaps. Tom cowboy per always, plaid western shirt. 

Hunter into Rover to back it to the street, Chloe leads Tom to truck. 

CHLOE: Cool truck.

TOM: Like it?

CHLOE: Dig the two-tone.

TOM: This was my dad's last truck.

CHLOE: Really?

TOM: Yep. Picked it up in San Antonio on his way home from an Oilers game. 

CHLOE: Oilers?

TOM: Football team that don't exist anymore.

CHLOE: Oh. Can I see inside.

TOM: Course ya can. Need to get my sunglasses anyway.

He opens the door, gets sunglasses from sleeve on driver's visor. Hunter parks Rover on street, gets out, walks to Tom and Chloe.

CHLOE: Love the saddle blanket.

TOM: That's new. Dash and radio ain't original, obviously.

Hunter arrives.

CHLOE: This was Tom's dad's last truck.

HUNTER: Really?

CHLOE: Yessir. 

HUNTER: Eighty-six?

TOM: Five.

HUNTER: It's in great condition.

TOM: I try to stay on top a things. Don't drive it much. Ordinarily we'd be in the Subaru.

Something catches Chloe's eye.

CHLOE: Yonder comes a convertible.

Tom and Hunter turn to watch the Alfa Romeo Spider, top-down, approach.

HUNTER: Heeere's Jackie.

Hunter walks to street and like an aircraft marshaller guides the driver, JACKIE, 50ish, long hair in a tail under SKI APACHE ballcap, to driveway and garage. Tom closes truck door, pockets keys, stands with Chloe watching Jackie arrive.

TOM: Nervous?

CHLOE: I spent all my nervous on you.

She winks, Tom smiles. Jackie parks in the garage, gets out - cowgirl boots, jeans, untucked and unbuttoned denim shirt over tee - quick kiss with Hunter, gets backpack from passenger seat, takes Hunter's hand.

JACKIE: And I was nervous about meeting Chloe.

Hunter leads Jackie to Tom and Chloe, Tom removes hat.

HUNTER: So, without further ado, Jackie, it's my pleasure to introduce you to Chloe and Tom. Tom and Chloe, Jackie.

Jackie extends hand to Chloe, they shake.

JACKIE: Finally.

CHLOE: Right?

JACKIE: Ready for some saddle time?

Chloe nods. Jackie extends hand to Tom, they shake.

JACKIE (CONT.): Tom, you look like maybe you've got soke saddle time under your belt.

TOM: Some. Wanna thank ya for havin' me along.

JACKIE: I'm happy to have you along. Speaking of belts, that's a mighty fine buckle.

TOM: Like it?

JACKIE: Very much.

TOM: This was my grandad's.

CHLOE/HUNTER: Really?

TOM: Yep. My dad's dad.

CHLOE: What was his name?

TOM: Randy. Randall Austin Walker. Won it in a poker game in Laredo.

HUNTER: I'd like to hear more about that.

CHLOE: Me too.

JACKIE: Me three.

TOM: It's a good story. Maybe on the way?

CHLOE: Do you mind if I record you?    

TOM: Course not.

CHLOE: Thank you.

HUNTER: So, shall we?

JACKIE: Let's.

Hunter activates the garage door closing, leads to the Rover.

JACKIE: Also, we have another late addition. My cousin's girlfriend is joining us.

HUNTER: The more the merrier.

Hunter opens the front passenger door for Jackie, who gets in. Chloe gets in behind Jackie, Tom behind Hunter, who assumes the wheel. All buckle up. Hunter starts the engine, drives away to road, stops, turns left, drives out of frame.

scene 22

sc, 21

EXT. HUNTER'S PATIO - NIGHT

Hunter, Tom and Chloe around the table post-dinner. Silverware on top of stacked plates pushed to center of table near glass pitcher of water, each with their half-empty glasses at hand. House lights off, starry sky. FAINT SPORADIC CRICKET CHIRP THROUGHOUT.

HUNTER: So Tom, do you and Wanda have plans for your twenty-fifth?

TOM: We do. Goin' to Hawaii. First time for both of us.

CHLOE: Which island?

TOM: Oahu. Doin' Waikiki the first few days, then a few more in a place called Kailua. I bet y'all been.  

Chloe and Hunter nod. 

CHLOE: I learned to surf at Maui.

TOM: Take a lesson?

CHLOE: My mom.

TOM: How old were ya?

CHLOE: Tenth birthday.

TOM: I reckon you're pretty good by now.

Chloe shrugs.

CHLOE: Not so much. Plenty of room for improvement.    

TOM: Wanda don't believe it but I'm set on takin' a lesson down the beach from our Waikiki hotel.

CHLOE: You should. And that's a great place to learn.

TOM: That's what I read. I'm sure I'll do plenty a fallin' but havin' fallen off plenty a horses, I'm bettin' the landin' will be a lot softer.

CHLOE: And it's warm water. That's cool.

TOM: So where do ya surf outta San Luis Obispo?

CHLOE: Pismo.

TOM: Water's prob'ly a little cooler than Hawaii.

CHLOE: Always a wetsuit. How cold does it get in Laramie in the winter?

TOM: Mighty cold. 

CHLOE: Below zero?

TOM: Plenty below plenty often, then ya add the wind and it can get a little uncomfortable. Ever been to Wyomin'?

CHLOE: My aunt Kate and her husband live in Wilson during the spring and summer. We're there every Fourth of July.  

TOM: So your aunt Kate is whose sister?

CHLOE: My grampa's. My mom's dad. John. My gramma is Jan.

TOM: Where do they live?

CHLOE: Paso Robles.

TOM: Well that ain't too far from San Luis Obispo, is it?

Chloe shakes her head.

CHLOE: Ever been to that part of California?

TOM: Closest I been was Bakersfield forty-somethin' years ago.

CHLOE: What were doing in Bakersfield.

TOM: Well, Chloe. I was whatcha call dryin' out. Know what that is?

CHLOE: Not drinking alcohol?

TOM: That's right. 

CHLOE: These days?

TOM: Me and Wanda will have a beer with friends after Thursday night square dance and a glass a wine when we're at Ruth's. We met at an A-A meeting. Married a year to the day later. On that note, I hope y'all'll excuse me to give 'em both a call before it gets too late.

Tom stands.

HUNTER: I hope you'll sign the guest book, Tom.

TOM: I will. Hope you don't mind signin' my copy of Foglost.

HUNTER: Happy to.

TOM: Chloe, thank you for a delicious supper. Hope ya don't mind sharin' the recipe.

Chloe nods.

HUNTER: I'm out here with coffee at sunrise, Tom, if you're up. 

TOM: See ya then. Goodnight, folks. 

HUNTER/CHLOE: Goodnight, Tom.

TOM: And thank y'all so much.

Hunter and Chloe watch Tom enter house, leave view.

HUNTER: If Jackie's could wrangle another horse, and Tom is able and willing...

CHLOE: Yes.

Hunter gets phone from pocket, speaks into it.

HUNTER: Jackie. 

scene 21

sc. 20

EXT. SCENIC HILL VIEW AREA - SUNSET

Jan in the driver's seat of the mid-80s Mercedes Benz 560 SL aimed at the ocean and rolling green hills, John in the passenger seat. They share the area with TWO MALE MOTORCYCLISTS, standing near their motorcycles, helmets on seats, taking in the sunset from the pullover off Highway 46 between the coast and Paso Robles, California.

John and Jan lean into each other to look at the selfie Chloe sent Barbara on Jan's phone.  

JAN: The Marlboro man in winter.

JOHN: Handsome fella.

JAN: (SINGS): I got spurs that go jingle jangle jingle.

JOHN (SINGS): As I go ridin' merrily along.

JAN/JOHN Kind eyes.

JAN: A little sad?

JOHN: Like Hunter's.

JAN: Sometimes.

JOHN: Sometimes.

JAN/JOHN: Not here.

JAN: Chloe looks what?

Pause.

JOHN: Pleased.

JAN: At ease.

The motorcyclists put on helmets, START ENGINES, ride away out of view and earshot. Jan puts phone on console.

JOHN: We'll meet him.

JAN: Maybe them. If there's a them.

JOHN: I feel better about this, Jan.

JAN: I do too, John.

JOHN/JAN: Let us pray.

They kiss, buckle up, Janb starts engine, drives to road and away in opposite direction of motorcyclists, out of view.  FAINT SEAGULL SQUAWK. 

scene 20 bookmark

sc. 19

EXT. HOUSE/DRIVEWAY - DAY

Describe. End of cul-de-sac in neighborhood with view to up-close Cerro San Luis Obispo. We HEAR THE ENGINE WHIR of the Porsche 914 before it comes into view around a turn. Barbara driving, steers into driveway, parks. DOG BARKING inside the house.

INT.  PORSCHE

Barbara gets phone from purse in passenger seat, stares at selfie Chloe has sent that includes Tom and Hunter at the patio table, sunset upon the Organ Mountains. She stares, finally puts phone in purse, gets out, walks to front door, opens, greeted by German Shepherd that comes out happy to see Barbara, who kneels to and hugs, leads dog into house, shuts door behind her.

scene 19 bookmark

scene 18

INT. RUTH'S READING ROOM - DAY

Describe. FAINT WARBLER SONG before FLOOR CREAK before Ruth enters, places framed selfie Wanda and Daisy were looking at on a floating shelf with three hardcover books, Foglost, Trabuco, and Breakfast Beers and other Short Stories, all written by H.C. Hardyn. She steps back to assess the arrangement, makes a slight adjustment, smiles, leaves room, FLOOR CREAK. 

scene 18 bookmark

sc. 17

INT/EXT. TBD - DAY

Daisy sees Wanda staring at her phone, then sit down, continuing to stare. Daisy approaches Wanda, who looks at Daisy before handing her the phone. OVER DAISY'S SHOULDER we see the selfie that Tom has taken that includes Hunter and Chloe where they stand at the rock wall that borders Hunter's back yard, the Organ Mountains behind them.

WANDA: Her name is Chloe.

Daisy smiles, hands Wanda phone.

DAISY: She's beautiful.

WANDA: Isn't she?

DAUSY: Ready?

Wanda nods, stands, pockets phone, she and Daisy leave through doors.