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.
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