scene 33

[Re meeting Gil, nix scene 3. It serves no purpose.]  

sc 32

INT. GREAT ROOM - DAY

Limestone rancho, windows to Live Oaks.

Fireplace, two whitetail buck mounts on each side of chimney, longhorn steer horns above the mantel lined with framed family photographs. 

Leather furniture, pool table, wall-mounted big-screen TV, framed print of José María Velasco Valley of Mexico painting.

Minibar in a corner, neon Victoria beer sign, off, Mexico flag. Opening to hallway. 

GIL, 70-something - huaraches, old jeans, unbuttoned plaid over tee - in a rocker near a lampstand in a corner near the big window a couch and two recliners face over a knee-high table. He's reading Foglost through glasses propped on the bridge of his nose. Phone on lampstand.

MARIA, early-40s - socks, corduroy bellbottoms, mustard-colored long-sleeve tee with BROWNSVILLE GRL in brown across the front - appears in hallway in stealth mode, slowly approaching. She stops at the entrance, watches Gil. He turns a page. 

MARIA: Knock knock.

GIL: Who's there?

MARIA: You weren't startled at all.

GIL: Breeze came in through the screen door, turned the corner enough to bring your soap. Or shampoo. Lavender?

MARIA: Lavender.

GIL: I like it. Try again.

MARIA: Knock knock.

GIL: Who's there?

MARIA: Ida.

GIL: Ida who?

MARIA: Ida forgotten Tom and Wanda arrived yesterday had I not seen it on the calendar.

Gil marks page, closes book, places on lampstand, turns to Maria.

GIL: Tomorrow. And just Tom. Wanda's staying back with a friend whose husband just passed.

MARIA: Oh.

GIL: And big news.

MARIA: Drumroll.

GIL: They're moving down.

MARIA: Down to where?

GIL: Here. Well, Kerrville. They and Ruth are buying a house.

MARIA: That is big news.

GIL: Recent decision. Tom and Ruth are gonna drive around, check a few open houses.

MARIA: Wow. Time frame?

GIL: They'd like to be here before winter arrives there.

She enters, approaches Gil.

MARIA: Whatcha readin'?

Gil shows her the book.

MARIA (CONT.) Your guy. 

GIL: Came out Thursday.

MARIA: What's it about?

GIL: A man on a boat on a lake. Alcoholism. Loss and despair. 

MARIA: Keeping up his cheery tone.

GIL: Yep.

They both look to the soccer ball that rolls into big window frame, pursued by ROBERTO, 16, and RICARDO, 14, both in shorts, tennis shows and tees, neck and neck in their race to the ball, following it out of frame.

GIL (CONT.) He's caught up to him.

MARIA: Yep.

GIL: I thought I'd let Robby drive the Corvette.

MARIA: Oh boy. 

GIL: With your permission, of course.

MARIA: Of course. Ricky's gonna be jealous.

GIL:He knows the schedule.

MARIA: Doesn't mean he likes it.

GIL: He also knows that doesn't change the schedule.

Gil's PHONE VIBRATES. He picks up, stares at it.

MARIA: Speaking of fishing, your attention sure is hooked.

He hands her the phone. She looks at a selfie Tom has taken that includes Jackie, Hunter and Chloe surrounding a carved wooden bear, woods in the background.

MARIA (CONT.) Who's he with and where are they?

GIL: I'm guessing the Ruidoso area. He met someone he knows in Las Cruces and is spending the night.

She hands phone back.

MARIA: Can I see the book, please?.

He hands her Foglost, she opens to the author page featuring a headshot of Hunter looking at the camera, Organ Mountains in the background. The accompanying blurb reads:

"H.C. Hardyn is the author of two other novels, Trabuco and Isleton, and Honda Knot and Other Short Stories." 

MARIA: Speaking of Las Cruces, those sure look like the Organ Mountains.

GIL: They do.

Maria shoots him a look, hands back the book.

MARIA: And the man in the picture Tom sent sure looks like H.C. Hardyn. Wouldn't you agree?

GIL: I would.

MARIA: Dad.

GIL: Maria. I'll let Tom tell you more when he gets here.

Maria nods her head.

MARIA: Can't wait. Lunch in half an hour.

Gil nods. Maria leaves into hall. The soccer ball comes back in the other direction. The two boys chase it out of frame as previously. Gil opens the book to the author page, takes it in, opens to the page he's marked, resumes reading.

from Final to Finalesque

For the Record, re realizing plenty of tweaking still to do, mostly re where to place exposition. Late arrival of Kate and Cedric will prove handy (and less clunky) in that regard.

So, yeah, not quite as near Complete as I'd thought (and hop4ed) but it's alright; all toward finding Fnal Form. 

So yeah, there'll ber another blog, after I shape this to Almost The End.

After these man years, what's a little more time.

Closer.

scene 32

sc 31

EXT. MOUNTAIN MEADOW - DAY

The riders at a leisurely pace cross through tall grass to where meadow meets forest. Sess and Claire lead the way followed at some length by Jackie and Chloe, followed at a similar length by Tom and Hunter.  

TOM AND HUNTER

TOM: Are you and her mother on good terms?

HUNTER: Yes. Barbara. We are. And there's no better mother.

TOM: What does she do?

HUNTER: She's a photographer. And teaches a class at Cal Poly.

TOM: San Luis Obispo.

HUNTER: Yes. 

TOM: How'dya meet?

HUNTER: We worked for the same newspaper.

TOM: Her folks?

HUNTER: John and Jan. Retired attorneys in Paso Robles.

TOM: Well that ain't to far away, is it?

HUNTER: Half-hour. And there's a train.

TOM: Are they in good health?

HUNTER: They are. They swim a couple times a week, powerwalk every sunrise, and walk nine holes of golf every Saturday. And ski Jackson Hole when they're at John's sister's.

TOM: Does Chloe ski?

HUNTER: Snowboard.

TOM: You.

HUNTER: Ski. Been awhile. You?

TOM: If water skiin' counts.

HUNTER: When's the last time you water skied?

TOM: When we were down last summer?

HUNTER: At Ruth's.

TOM: Yessir.

HUNTER: Where?

TOM: Medina Lake, southeast a Bandera. Actually a reservoir. Got a friend with a boat. Ever been water skiin'?

HUNTER: My honeymoon. 

TOM: Where?

HUNTER: Tahiti. Took awhile to figure it out. 

TOM: But once ya did.

HUNTER: Good time.

Silence.

TOM: Do you worry about her?

HUNTER: Only constantly.

Chloe turns to them, waves. They wave back.

CHLOE AND JACKIE

JACKIE: I hear you've begun the picking a college process.

CHLOE: Yep. 

JACKIE: Does location matter?

CHLOE: Well, I'm leaning toward environmental studies. Berkeley, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz have good programs. 

JACKIE: And the latter two are surfing-friendly.

CHLOE: There's that.

JACKIE: Tom's story about taking a lesson was hilarious.

CHLOE: I reckon the landin's softer'n fallin' off a horse. 

JACKIE: I reckon it's not quite the dad time you were expecting when you got on the plane.

CHLOE: You reckon correctly. I reckon it wasn't quite the flight to Albuquerque you were expecting when you got on in Chicago.

JACKIE: You reckon correctly.

Chloe presents a high-five that Jackie meets. Their hand clasp is brief.

CHLOE: This is cool.

JACKIE: This is.

Ahead of them, Sess and Claire reach the woods, turn their horses to face the approaching riders.

SESS AND CLAIRE 

They face the approaching riders.

CLAIRE: Is it just me or does the cowboy seem to have a calming effect on Polly.

SESS: It is not just you.

CLAIRE: Probably no accident you put him on her. 

SESS: You saw that tail swish when she saw him.

CLAIRE: And a little giddyup I haven't seen before.

SESS: Like she wants to play a little.

CLAIRE: Who'da thunk?

SESS: Us.

CLAIRE: Jack's glowing.

SESS: I noticed.

Chloe and Jackie arrive.

SESS (CONT.) How we doin'?

JACKIE: Wheee.

CHLOE: What she said. 

CLAIRE: Couldn't ask for a better day.

All watch Tom and Hunter approach.

JACKIE: Speaking of better day, is it just me or does Polly seem to be having one?

SESS/CLAIRE: We were just saying. 

JACKIE: I did catch him whispering to her.

Tom and Hunter arrive.

SESS: Tom, this is news to you but we're in agreement that you have an impossible to not notice very positive effect on Polly. 

TOM: Well that'd be mutual. She's a sweetheart. 

He pats the palomino's neck.

CLAIRE: She's enjoying herself.

TOM: We got that in common, too.

SESS: Almost like she wants to pick up the pace.

Tom leans in to horse's ears. 

TOM: Whaddaya think about that, girl.

The horse swishes its tail.

JACKIE: Yes.  

The horse snorts.

CLAIRE: Please.

TOM: She raced?

Sess and Claire nod.

TOM (CONT.) Maybe not the best experience?

Sess and Claire nod. Tom handles the horse's mane.

TOM: Maybe she'd take a slow turn or two 'round them barrels back at the ranch.

Sess and Claire look at each other, nod.

SESS: Can't wait to find out. So, uphill to a view and great spot for a group photo, then on to lunch. 

CLAIRE: I'm gonna find a spot to shoot from.

Sess nods, Claire rides into the woods, quickly out of view.

CHLOE: Is she going to post her movie online.

SESS: She is. Link to the site for anyone interested.

Hunter, Chloe, Tom and Jackie are quick with their respective affirmatives. 

SESS (CONT.): To the top.

She leads the riders into the wood and out of view.

scene 31 bookmark

sc 30

A version of this to be edited into shape later. 

Add Claire's photo(s) to mantel.

scene 30

sc 29

EXT. PONDEROSA PINE FOREST - DAY

Shafts of high-noon sunlight,  WOODPECKER PECKING WOOD.  TRICKLING CREEK. FAINT CUH-LIP CUH-CLOP  of horses nearing before the six riders enter frame in single file, led by Sess, followed in order by Claire, Jackie, Hunter, Chloe and Tom at home in the saddle on the palomino caboose, reigns loose in the fingers of one hand, phone in the other, camera rolling, aimed at the procession ahead. 

Chloe turns to look at him, smiles, flashes thumbs-up with shoulder shrug, Tom returns the gesture sans shrug. Chloe turns back to the train ahead, Tom turns camera to self, winks, ends recording, pockets camera, the last of the riders to leave frame.

The last SOFT CUH-LIP CUH-LOP.

WOODPECKING.

scene 29

sc 28

EXT. AIRSTREAM TRAILER IN WOODS - DAY

SESS and CLAIRE, 40-somethng cowgirls from boots to belt buckles to bandanas and hats, sit on a log bench on the wooden deck facing the dirt driveway that emerges from the woods and stops at the car port covering a Heavy-Duty dual-rear-wheel pickup truck with New Mexico plates, a mid-80s Jeep CJ-7 with Oklahoma plates, and an old Yamaha enduro motorcycle.  

Behind them, solar panels, 6-horse trailer near a rudimentary barn near a corral in which three orange barrels are arranged in a cloverleaf barrel-racing pattern. TWO AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD DOGS supervise FIVE TEENAGE BOYS and FIVE TEENAGE GIRLS saddling SIX HORSES tied to a hitching post near a dirt trail leading past two large tents into the woods.   

CLAIRE: How'd they meet?

SESS: Sat next to each other on a flight from Chicago to A-B-Q.

CLAIRE: What does Hunter do?"

SESS: He's a writer.

CLAIRE: Of?

SESS: Fiction. A book of short stories and two novels.

CLAIRE: That have titles?

SESS: Yes. Short stories titled Trabuco Days, the novels are Isleton and Foglost. 

Claire, shocked, turns to Sess a moment before we HEAR THE ROVER'S ENGINE a moment before it emerges from the woods. Jackie waves from open window, Sess and Claire rise and walk to where Hunter parks at the port. 

CLAIRE: My dad's gonna shit.

Jackie, Hunter, Chloe and Tom out of Rover, walk to meet Sess and Claire.

CLAIRE (CONT.): Who's the cowboy? 

SESS: Guest of Hunter and we're not supposed to ask about their relationship.

CLAIRE: Hmm. They know I'm shooting video?

SESS: They do.

Jackie and Sess open their arms to each other.

JACKIE/SESS: Hey cuz. Jinx. Owe me a hug.

They embrace. Jackie winks at Claire, who flashes a peace sign. She and Jackie embrace.

JACKIE: What a wonderful surprise.

CLAIRE (into Jackie's ear): You're glowing.

Jackie winks.

JACKIE: So, introductions. Jackie and Claire, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Hunter, Chloe and Tom. Tom, Chloe and Hunter, my cousin Cecilia and her partner Claire.

All exchange variations of hello and good to meet you.

SESS: And let's go with Sess. Everybody saddle time?

Hunter, Chloe and Tom reply with their respective affirmatives.

SESS: Tom, I'd be willing to bet you've been on a horse before.

TOM: A few times.

SESS: A few times.

JACKIE: I'd be willing to bet it's closer to a few hundred.

TOM: That is prob'ly closer.

SESS: Maybe a few times at a gallop.

TOM: Not in awhile.

SESS: Like our horses. Maybe Jack talked about that.  

TOM: She did. It's a wonderful thing you're doin' with them and the kidds. .

SESS: Claire's brainchild. We're early into it, but so far so good. Let's go meet 'em. 

Sess, Jackie and Claire lead Tom, Hunter and Chloe to the hitching post.

CHLOE: Tom.

TOM: Yes ma'am.

CHLOE: If there's rope, would you show me how to tie a Honda knot.

Tom looks at her, she looks at Tom, Tom nods. 

TOM: I reckon there's rope. And I'd be happy to, Chloe.

CHLOE: Cool. Thanks.

scene 28

sc 27

INT. HOME OFFICE - DAY

Quaint and cozy.  Window to grassy back yard featuring oak tree.

Ruth at desk, opened ream of glossy paper and picture frame near printer that produces the Chloe and Tom Rover selfie. She stares at it, shaking her head and smiling. She frames it, leaves into hallway. FLOOR CREAK.

scene 27

sc 26

INT. SUBARU WAGON STOPPED AT TRAIN TRACKS CROSSING - DAY

Wanda and Daisy stare at the selfie Chloe took with Tom in the Rover as a freight train rolls by in front of them.  

DAISY: She's a sunbeam.

WANDA: Isn't she. It might be the power of suggestion but she sure fits Tom's description of Olivia.

DAISY: Clem's mother took after her granny almost like twins.

WANDA: There's a look in his eyes I've never seen before. How about that?

DAISY: That's a good thing. Isn't it?

Wanda nods.

WANDA: It's wonderful. 

A tear rolls down a cheek, she wipes it away, Daisy pats Wanda's thigh. They embrace. The train passes, revealing the bridge it has crossed over the Laramie River alongside the straight dirt road ahead of them into wide open land. The guardrail raises, Wanda pockets phone, drives over the tracks. 

EXT. TRACKS

The Subaru and train continue in their different directions. FAINT TRAIN HORN. 

.

scene 26

scene 25

INT. ROVER - DAY

Hunter driving northeast on Hwy. 70 nearing White Sands National Monument.  

TOM: When's the last time you were on a horse?

CHLOE: Does a mule count?

TOM: Yes ma'am.

CHLOE: Then three years ago at the Grand Canyon. Before that the pony ride at the county fair when I was seven.

HUNTER: When were you last on a horse, Tom?

TOM: May. We got friends with horses near Sheridan. 

CHLOE: Wanda rides?

TOM: She does. Ran barrels back in her day, if ya know what that is.

Chloe nods. 

CHLOE: Did you do rodeo?

TOM: When I was a kid.

CHLOE: What event or events?

TOM: Tie-down ropin'.

CHLOE: That's the one the calves like so much.

Tom smiles.

TOM: I wouldn't say it's their favorite thing.

CHLOE: I'm guessing that would be being branded.

Tom chuckles. Chloe's eyes meet Hunter's in the rear-view mirror. She winks.

TOM: My experience indicates otherwise. 

CHLOE: Did you do any pro tie-down ropin'?

TOM: That was the plan. Uncle Sam had a different one..

CHLOE: Vietnam?

TOM: Yes ma'am.

CHLOE: Drafted?

TOM: I was.

CHLOE: Army?

TOM: Yes ma'am. When's the last time you were on a horse, Hunter?

HUNTER: The same mule ride. And horseback with my grandfather on Catalina Island when I was eleven.

TOM: I been there.

HUNTER/CHLOE: Really?

TOM: Yessir. Not long after I came home from Vietnam I went to L-A with a friend to do some wranglin' on a movie set in Simi Valley.

CHLOE: What movie?

TOM: It was called Palomino Pat Rides Again.

HUNTER: I don't know that one.

TOM: Didn't get finished. Ran outta money. But not before we had a good day in Avalon. 

CHLOE: What did you do?

TOM: We drank. 

CHLOE: Do you drink now?

TOM: Me and Wanda will split a beer and watch Fourth a July fireworks and a glass of wine with supper when we're at Ruth's. Wanda and I met at an A-A meeting, married a year to the day later.

CHLOE: How long have you been married?

TOM: It'll be twenty-five years October eleven.

CHLOE: Plans?

TOM: We're goin' to Hawaii.

CHLOE: Cool. Which island?

TOM: Oahu. 

CHLOE: Have you been?

TOM: No. First time for both of us.

CHLOE: Had either of you been married before?

TOM: No for me, yes for Wanda.

White sand dunes come ino view.   

CHLOE: Does she have kids from that marriage? If you don't mind me asking.

TOM: Y'all can ask me anything. Wanda had a son who drowned when he was twelve. She and the boy's father divorced a couple years later. He had passed before Wanda and I met. There's your white sand dunes.

HUNTER: I thought we'd stop in on the way back for sunset.

CHLOE: Yay.

JACKIE So Tom, my cousin's girlfriend is bringing along her movie camera so I hope you're not camera shy and are okay with what she shoots being posted to her blog.

TOM: Fine with me so long as I link to show my wife and sister, who are both hopin' for pictures.

Chloe is quick with her phone to take a selfie that includes Tom. She readies phone to add a contact, hands phone to Tom.

CHLOE: Would you mind being a contact?

Tom shakes head.

TOM: I would not mind.

He adds his number, hands phone to Chloe.

CHLOE: The three-oh-seven.

TOM: The whole state.

Chloe sends the selfie. Tom picks up when his PHONE RINGS. He smiles at the picture, then at Chloe. 

TOM: Maybe we can get a coupler more a these before the day's over.

Chloe nods.  Tom forwards the selfie to Wanda and Ruth, pockets phone.

TOM (CONT.) Wish I could see their faces. 

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 on laptop. The license plate on a 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 her. Barrbara kneels to greet the dog, 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.