Sideways Page #37

JACK:

It's okay. I've got Triple A.

EXT. 101 FREEWAY - DAY

From in front of the Saab, we see its now CRUMPLED HOOD and

FENDER, a couple of BUNGEE CORDS holding the whole thing

together.

EXT. PALOS VERDES STREET - DAY

The Saab approaches the end of the line.

EXT. ERGANIAN HOUSE --DAY

AT THE FRONT PORCH --

Miles has helped Jack carry his bags and the wine. He plops

the last case down.

MILES:

Well. That about does it.

JACK:

Why don't you come in?

MILES:

Uh-uh. You're on your own.

JACK:

So I'll see you at the rehearsal.

MILES:

Yeah.

They give each other a brief manly back-slappy hug.

JACK:

Love you, man.

MILES:

Back at you.

Miles heads toward the curb.

JACK:

Hey, don't pull away till they see

the car.

MILES:

(over his shoulder)

Yeah.

(turning around)

Hey, why wasn't I injured?

JACK:

(big smile)

You were wearing your belt.

BACK AT HIS CAR --

Miles gets in and watches through the side window as Mrs.

Erganian opens the front door and welcomes Jack with shock

and dismay. Jack points back at --

MILES raising one hand in a feeble wave. The camera slowly

MOVES CLOSER as he continues to watch --

JACK --

weaving his story of woe. He's a great actor when he wants

to be. Mr. Erganian and a mortified Christine come to the

door too. Mr. Erganian takes a few steps toward the car to

get a better look.

VERY CLOSE ON MILES --

watching the drama play out. Then his eyes drop as he

momentarily loses himself in melancholy. This reverie is

interrupted by --

THE VOICE OF AN ARMENIAN PRIEST

Startled, Miles turns to look at --

A PRIEST:

who is singing the BLESSING OF THE RINGS.

We are now in --

INT. ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH - DAY

The church is packed.

CLOSE ON THE RINGS as the priest holds them aloft.

If those rings could talk... Jack shoots a quick look at

Miles, who looks right back. The priest continues his

blessing.

EXT. ARMENIAN CHURCH - DAY

AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS --

The WEDDING FAMILIES greet the exiting guests in a RECEIVING

LINE. Smiling and exuberant, Jack seems utterly at home as

the new groom.

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEPS --

Miles watches the scene, not without melancholy. Then --

VICTORIA (O.S.)

Hey, Miles.

Miles turns and looks up to see Victoria, standing one step

above him. Just behind her is her NEW HUSBAND. He exudes the

quiet confidence of a successful businessman who played

college football, takes expensive skiing and sailing

vacations, and hasn't read a novel since high school.

MILES:

Hi, Vicki.

(taking her in)

You look beautiful.

VICTORIA:

Thanks. Um, this is Ken Cortland, my

husband.

From his spot hovering over Miles, Ken leans down and offers

his hand.

KEN:

How are you?

MILES:

Hi. How you doing? You're a lucky

guy.

KEN:

Thanks.

(to Victoria)

I'll wait for you at the car.

(to Miles)

Nice to meet you, Miles.

MILES:

Ken.

Exit Ken.

MILES:

That was big of him.

VICTORIA:

Yeah, he's good that way. Very

considerate.

MILES:

That's great.

VICTORIA:

So how're you doing?

MILES:

Since the last time we spoke? I don't

know. Could be better. Could be worse.

VICTORIA:

So what's happening with your book?

MILES:

Universally rejected. Strike three.

VICTORIA:

Oh, Miles. That's awful. What are

you going to do?

MILES:

Back to the drawing board, I guess.

Or not. So... you're married.

Congratulations. You look happy.

VICTORIA:

I am.

MILES:

Seems like everyone's getting married.

A year ago it was all divorces. Now

it's all weddings. Cyclical, I guess.

VICTORIA:

I guess.

Just then a BLACK LINCOLN NAVIGATOR pulls up alongside the

curb. The passenger side window is halfway down, and the

sounds of Adult Contemporary Jazz waft out. Victoria gives

Ken a little wave.

MILES:

(shifting gears)

Well, let's go have some champagne,

shall we? Toast all the newlyweds.

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