Sideways Page #15

WE OPEN OUR EYES TO SEE --

Jack spraying his feet with some Dr. Scholl's product.

WIDE --

Miles pulls himself out of bed and slouches toward his

suitcase.

JACK:

F***ing chick in the Jacuzzi --

goddamn, Miles, f***ing going nuts

up here. Whole place is wide open.

Assylvania.

Jack does some actor's weird warm-up stretch.

MILES:

So what should I wear?

JACK:

I don't know. Casual but nice. They

think you're a writer.

As Miles begins to dig through his suitcase, Jack flips open

his cellphone and speed-dials.

JACK:

Don't you have any other shoes?

Miles glances as his shoes sitting sadly on the floor.

JACK:

(into the phone)

Hello? Oh hey, baby, just checking

in. Not much. We're about to go out

for dinner, probably be out pretty

late, so I thought I'd say goodnight

now. I know, I love you too. I miss

you.

EXT. LOS OLIVOS - NIGHT

The boys get out of the car and walk along a timbered sidewalk

in this tourist town with wine tasting rooms and gourmet

restaurants.

JACK:

Please just try to be your normal

humorous self, okay? Like who you

were before the tailspin. Do you

remember that guy? People love that

guy. And don't forget -- your novel

is coming out in the fall.

MILES:

Oh yeah? How exciting. What's it

called?

JACK:

Do not sabotage me. If you want to

be a lightweight, that's your call.

But do not sabotage me.

MILES:

Aye-aye, captain.

JACK:

And if they want to drink Merlot,

we're drinking Merlot.

MILES:

(dead serious)

If anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving.

I am not drinking any f***ing Merlot!

JACK:

Okay, okay. Relax, Miles, Jesus. No

Merlot. Did you bring your Xanax?

Miles takes a SMALL BOTTLE from his pocket and rattles it.

JACK:

And don't drink too much. I don't

want you going to the dark side or

passing out. Do you hear me? No going

to the dark side.

MILES:

Okay! F***!

Miles quickly POPS A XANAX. Jack gives him a final look in

the eye.

JACK:

We're going in.

INT. LOS OLIVOS CAFE - NIGHT

The boys enter this cozy if crowded restaurant and exchange

words with the HOSTESS. Then they notice --

MAYA AND STEPHANIE

at a booth waving at them. They look great.

MILES AND JACK:

make their way to the table, Jack wearing a broad, confident

SMILE.

AT THE TABLE --

Jack plops down next to Stephanie, while Miles politely eases

in on Maya's side. Jack touches a hand to Stephanie's bare

neck and massages it meaningfully.

JACK:

How you doin' tonight, beautiful?

STEPHANIE:

Good. How're you?

JACK:

Great. You look great.

(including Maya)

You both do.

STEPHANIE:

Not so bad yourself.

Meanwhile Miles looks over at Maya and purses his lips in an

affable if uncomfortable smile. Then --

MILES:

What are you drinking?

MAYA:

A Fiddlehead Sauvignon Blanc.

MILES:

Oh yeah? How is it?

MAYA:

(sliding the glass)

Try it.

As Miles swirls the wine and takes a sip, he begins to relax.

MILES:

Nice. Very nice.

MAYA:

Twelve months in oak.

MILES:

On a Sauvignon Blanc?

MAYA:

I know the winemaker. She comes in

the restaurant all the time.

MILES:

This is good. Little hints of clove.

MAYA:

I know. I love that.

LATER --

A WAITER finishes listing off the specials.

WAITER:

...medallions of pork with a dusting

of black truffles served with a root

vegetable foulon and wasabi-whipped

potatoes. And finally a Copper River

salmon grilled on an alder wood plank.

And that comes with roasted new

potatoes and steamed watercress.

The four diners exchange looks of delight.

WAITER:

And who gets the wine list?

Miles raises his hand and takes the leather-bound book.

MAYA:

(teasing)

I guess Miles wants it.

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