Erin, Kimmy and Tiffany are sharing an al fresco lunch at a funky bistro.
Tiffany
So you have another date?
Erin
Yes. Will’s coming by to pick me up at seven tonight.
Erin
I would love for you to meet him.
Tiffany
Shoot, I have to work. But I want to meet him.
Erin
How about you Kimmy?
Kimmy
Oh, yes. I definitely want to meet him.
Kimmy
But I can’t tonight.
Erin
All right. But I’m bummed — I wanted you guys to meet him.
That evening, Erin nervously waits for seven o’clock.
At six-thirty, just as she’s letting the dog out in the backyard, the bell rings.
Apparently Will is anxious about tonight too.
She runs to the door and swings it open to—
Erin
What are you doing here?
Nymeria barks furiously from the back yard.
Charlie
What do you mean?
Charlie
I told you I’d come over.
Erin
Charlie, we broke up.
Charlie
I knew you were kidding about that.
He curls his arm around her shoulders.
She slinks out from under his arm.
Erin
I told you we were over.
Charlie
I know what you said. But I think we deserve another chance.
Erin
Charlie, take a moment. Think about it.
Erin
Do you really think we are a good match? Really?
Charlie
We’re good company for each other.
Charlie
And I don’t think a couple should give up on something like that so easily.
Erin
That’s not enough for me. I’m sorry.
Erin
I’ve been having doubts about us for a while.
Charlie
You never said anything.
Erin
I don’t know. I was hoping my feelings would change.
Erin steels her spine and takes a gulp of air to prepare for shat she was to say.
Charlie deserved the truth.
Charlie
Shit. I was worried it was something like that. Who is it?
Erin
He’s someone who is…
Charlie
On the same wavelength?
Charlie
That’s a bullshit excuse.
Erin
It’s not. Charlie, please understand.
Erin
I really like you. I want the best for you.
Erin
And I’m not the best for you.
Charlie
What you really mean is, I’M not the best for YOU.
Erin
I know it breaking up is hard, but it really is best for both of us.
Charlie drops onto the sofa, head in hand.
Erin
Listen, I know you’ll meet someone. Someone perfect for you.
Charlie
I just don’t want this to end.
Erin
That’s not a good enough reason to stay together.
They both still as the doorbell rings.
Charlie
Think I could sneak out the back?
Erin
Nymeria’s out there.
Charlie
Your dog always hated me.
Erin
I don’t know if I’d say hate…
Charlie
Then something like it.
He stands, straightens his jacket and throws back his shoulders.
Charlie
Let’s get this over with.
She opens the door to Will, who is wearing a full-length faux-fur cloak.
With a Hand of the King broach on his chest.
Charlie’s eyes widen. He glances from Will to Erin and then shakes his head.
Charlie
Okay. I think I get it now.
Erin hugs Will and leads him inside.
Erin
Will, this is Charlie.
Charlie nods and extends his hand.
The two men shake…eyeing each other guardedly.
Charlie
So you’re the new guy.
Charlie
Well, I’m not the kind of guy who stands in the way of someone else’s happiness.
He takes in Will’s appearance—the cloak, the broach, the whole shebang.
Charlie
I think you’ll make Erin happy.
Charlie leans closer to Will and smiles toothily.
Sketching a wave to Erin and Will, Charlie leaves, closing the door softly behind him.
Erin
Yes. I think so. That was hard.
He holds her then, for a long moment.
Will
So what do you think? Do you still want to go out, or should we have a quiet night in?
Will
We can order out and watch a movie…
Erin observes him contemplatively.
Will
HBO is re-running Game of Thrones.
Erin
Technically, that is not a movie.
Erin
But it’s an excellent answer.
Will
No doubt naked bodies and beheadings will take your mind off the kerfuffle with Sir Charlie.
Erin
Why thank you, good sir.
Erin
And perhaps later, one of those naked bodies will be mine…
Will
I certainly can’t say no to that.
