This was an exercise for a writing class. It was my first attempt at writing in script format.

LUNCH

In a nice, warmly lit restaurant, a woman – ANNE – sits alone at a table for two, sipping a cup of coffee.

A man – MAX – approaches and sits in the remaining chair.

MAX: I’m here.

ANNE: You’re late.

MAX: Sorry. Traffic…

He flags down the waiter and orders a drink.

ANNE: How have you been?

MAX: All right. Why did you call, Anne?

ANNE: I wanted to meet so we could talk. I thought you should hear it from me.

MAX: Hear what? What’s up?

The waiter arrives with Max’s drink.

WAITER: Here you are, sir.

MAX: Thanks.

The waiter leaves their table.

ANNE: I’m getting married.

Max looks surprised, and sets his glass down on the table.

MAX: Married. You’re getting … married. Wow.

ANNE: What? What’s that look for?

MAX: It’s a surprise, that’s all.

ANNE: Look, I just didn’t want you to hear it from someone else.

MAX: What’s he like?

ANNE: He’s great.

MAX: That’s it? Just great?

ANNE: Cut it out, Max.

MAX: C’mon, I’m just curious about the guy. Especially since the last time we talked you said you weren’t ‘cut out’ for marriage. What’s changed in the past two years?

ANNE: A lot.

MAX: I guess.

ANNE: Let’s not fight. God knows we’ve done enough of that. Let’s just have some lunch.

Max reluctantly nods. They order lunch, and their food soon arrives.

ANNE: The wedding’s in April.

MAX: Why so far away? Ten months.

ANNE: I wanted to take it slow this time. Plus, I wanted to have it in the spring.

MAX: You always did love spring … and flowers.

ANNE: Yeah.

MAX: Remember that time we went to the city garden, and you picked all those flowers even though you weren’t supposed to?

ANNE (smiling): I tried to hide them in my coat but got caught –

MAX: And that old guy with the hose kicked us out.

They laugh fondly at the memory, but the laughter soon dies.

ANNE: I’m sorry, Max.

MAX: What for?

ANNE: I don’t know. All of it.

MAX: (pauses) I know. Me too.