8. INT	PRECIOUS’ HOUSE	DAY

STEPHEN IS SEATED INSIDE THE LIVING ROOM AND FACING PRECIOUS WHO SITS DIRECTLY OPPOSITE HIM. THERE IS A GLASS OF WINE SEATED ON THE TABLE BEFORE HIM. HE CONTINUES TO STARE HARD AT PRECIOUS FOR A SECOND OR TWO WIHTOUT SAYING ANYTHING UNTIL A LOOK OF DISCOMFORT APPEARS IN PRECIOUS’ FACE AND SHE SIGHS AND SPEAKS…

PRECIOUS

How long more do you have to stare at me like I am a doll in a shop that you want to buy?

STEPHEN

(Sighs) I was just studying your features. If I must be your pretend boyfriend, I should be able to remember every single aspect of your features. 

PRECIOUS

So? Are you satisfied with what you see?

STEPHEN

I don’t have to be satisfied. The way you look does not matter to me.

PRECIOUS

What kind of a reply is that?

STEPHEN

(Sighs) Lady, I am an actor. Carol made me understand that my job with you starts and ends with me going with you to visit your folks. I am not supposed to be worried about how you look. 

PRECIOUS

Yes. But I expect some decency and respect when you speak about me. 

STEPHEN

What you need is a man to show you love, care and attention before your parents. My work for you starts the moment I get to your parents. Not before then.

PRECIOUS STARES AT HIM INTENTLY AS HE STARES BACK, FOR A SECOND OR TWO IN SILENCE BEFORE SHE RISES TO HER FEET WITH A STERN LOOK IN HER EYES…

PRECIOUS

I am sorry but I don’t think this is going to work between you and me.


STEPHEN

(Rises to his feet) Good. I’ll be on my way then.

JUST THEN, THE DOOR OPENS AND A HARRIED LOOKING CAROL WALKS IN A HUFF, AN APOLOGETIC SMILE ON HER FACE…

CAROL

Hello, guys. Sorry I am late. I was held up in a meeting in the office. So where are we?

PRECIOUS AND STEPHEN DO NOT SAY ANYTHING AS THEY GLARE AT EACH OTHER TERSELY…

CUT