Aftertaste Page #15

Season #1 Episode #1

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MELODY RAE:

How do you know any of this?

GRETCHEN:

Trust me. I've known Peter a long time.

But if you don't give him a chance soon,

he will give up trying.

MELODY RAE:

Why does it matter to you?

(beat)

Are you interested in Peter?

GRETCHEN:

Me?! Oh gawd, no! I am totally not

interested in Peter. He's not at all my

type. Derek's my type. I've had a crush

on him since the third grade. But don't

tell him! Promise me you won't tell.

MELODY RAE:

Oh, I totally won't. But seriously. . .

Since the third grade?!

(beat)

That's a long time. Why aren't you

together? I mean, he's a true sweetheart.

He's such a good guy, and I can totally see

you two together.

GRETCHEN:

Really?! Aw. Well, he's never pursued me

and I just don't think he likes me in that

way, you know?

67

MELODY RAE:

Are you kidding me, girl? I can guarantee you that he likes you. I see the way he looks at you. He's just not the assertive, pursuing type, that's all. It's not his style. He was raised with values, to respect women. He's a gentleman. Besides, he probably doesn't even suspect you like him and that's why he hasn't asked you out. I mean, theoretically, it doesn't make sense why he and Peter are even friends.

(beat)

Listen, you need to ask him out. Seriously! That would work for him. He likes the girl to be in charge. Trust me.

GRETCHEN:

Really? You think so?

MELODY RAE Yes! I know so.

GRETCHEN Okay, I will then!

INT. PETITE PAWSLATE AFTERNOON - LATE JUNE

Melody Rae indiscriminately clips her left hand with scissors when doing a trim on a dark brown—haired Shih Tzu named Midori

MELODY RAE Ouch...that hurt.

Exits room leaving assistance with dog, to grab an adhesive and gauze from the receptionist's first aid kit at her desk, Lee, her secretary walks away from her desk to organize the toys and magazines in the lobby. Melody Rae scoots the chair over to retrieve the first aid kit right as the automatic front doorbell Rings and in walks Peter.

PETER:

Ah, yes, um, just the person I wanted to see. (nervously places a wrinkled

map on the counter)

I know, I know. You want nothing to do with me. I accept that. I'm not here for me. I

don't know if Gretchen told you, but a few

of us go up every Fourth of July to a rodeo

at Green Valley. Well, this year it's on a

Friday, so that's awesome. Anyway, um,

Gretchen asked me to invite you, and bring

you a map, so you can easily find where to

go, um, that is if you decide to join us.

Melody Rae smiles while applying a Band—Aid to her injured hand.

PETER:

This is the easiest route to drive.

(points to road on map)

MELODY RAE:

Oh, okay, um, thank you.

(beat)

I'm not sure if I can take a day off,

though.

PETER:

I understand, sure. But just know, I promise I' 11 be a total gentleman. If you decide to go that is. I promise. I am just inviting you as a friend.

MELODY RAE:

I' 11 think about it.

Peter attempts to fold the map and then hands it to Melody Rae in a wadded clump. He tips his baseball cap, and then walks out of the salon.

INT. MELODY RAE'S COTTAGEFRIDAY, JULY 4

REVEAL:
Clock in Melody Rae's house says 4 0' clock.

Melody Rae walks into her house, looks in the Mirror.

MELODY RAE:

Fine!

Melody Rae loads her tent, sleeping bag, red Carhartt Jacket and red luggage into the back of her 1986 blue Ford pickup.

JEALOUS GIRL—30, blonder short, waitress.

TESSA TAYLOR-33, British, extrovert, average height, flower shop owner.

SEAN TAYLOR—43, British, melancholy, tall conservative, owner of an Insurance firm.

EXT. GREEN VALLEYLATE AFTERNOON

Melody Rae approaches the Green Valley exit and turns toward the rodeo campgrounds. After parking in the public parking area, she steps out and begins walking along the gravel road toward the camp sites. After a bit of walking and feeling lost she hears a familiar voice followed by a distinctive laugh.

PETER:

Oh snap!

Melody Rae looks and sees it is Peter. She tiptoes over and quietly approaching him from behind, while gesturing to those who saw her in the group to be quiet. Peter gets suspicious.

PETER:

What's goin' on? What are you guys lookin' at me like that for? Wus up? My fly undone?

(looks down)

Melody Rae swiftly nudges the back of his hat, causing it to fly forward off his head and hit the ground. He turns around with indignant eyes, until he sees who is teasing him. He gives his loud signature laugh, spilling some of the whiskey from his red plastic solo cup. He seizes Melody Rae in a tight squeeze and kisses her cheek. Everyone laughs.

PETER You came?

MELODY RAE Yep.

PETER Did the map help?

MELODY RAE:

Oh yeah, definitely...I needed it, thanks.

It was a good map.

PETER Good. I'm glad.

Peter is abruptly snagged by. Derek and Sean to engage in a game of horseshoes at the horseshoe pit in the center of the campground.

PETER:

Don't go anywhere. I’ll see you soon.

(he winks)

Gretchen puts her arm around Melody Rae and walks her to their group campsite. As they approach the campsite, an unrecognizable girl is sitting in a Coleman chair and glaring in her direction.

JEALOUS GIRL I'm outta here.

(storms off down the road)

MELODY RAE:

Who was that? Is she okay?

GRETCHEN:

Oh yeah, totally, don't worry about her. We are so happy you made it. Yay!

(beat)

She's an old friend of ours who grew up in Mount Shasta with us. I'm pretty sure she was hoping to hook—up with Peter later tonight. But she knows Peter is not gonna do that. . .now that you' re here.

MELODY RAE:

What??? I am NOT hooking up with anyone!

She and Peter can do whatever they want.

I do not want to be thought of as a man

stealer.

GRETCHEN:

Oh honey, you don't get it, do you? Peter

has it bad for you. I mean, big time. He

already lost interest when he saw you here.

You know, he's always asking about you

when you’re not around? He'll say,

“Where's the kid?” I don't know why he

calls you that. I think it's because

you're silly and playful.

MELODY RAE:

Are you kidding me? I need a drink. . . a really strong drink.

GRETCHEN:

Whiskey?

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