APPLES AND ORANGES
A Romantic Comedy
Rachel moistens her hand with her tongue in a slow, seductive manner. She sprinkles salt on her hand and positions a lemon wedge next to a shot glass of Tequila.
Blake is on the other end of the bar. Andy Mills, Blake's life-long friend comes in with a beautiful woman with blonde hair.
Blake glances back at Rachel, just as she set the empty glass on the bar and was sucking on the lemon wedge.
Christina Nelson is the woman who arrived with Andy. She comes around behind the bar and kisses Blake. Blake backs away but Christina will not release him.
BLAKE
Christy, I am trying to work here. You aren't supposed to even be back here.
CHRISTINA
(with a stern expression)
You don't work here. Why are you doing this?
BLAKE
I promised Armando that I would cover for him. I have to be here for that meeting in the morning anyway-
CHRISTINA
So you would rather help that creepy Cuban than be with me?
Blake shakes his head in disgust.
BLAKE
Nothing ever changes with you. Have you ever done anything for anybody without your own agenda? To be honest, I am getting to the point where I can't take you and your constant drama anymore.
CHRISTINA
(she ignores Blake and tries to pull him close)
You love it, and you know it.
BLAKE
(pushing her back)
Oh, God! How much have you had?
CHRISTINA
Enough to rock your world, baby.
She follows Blake as he draws closer to Rachel.
BLAKE
(speaking to Rachel)
How are you doing? Can I get you-
Christina interrupts.
CHRISTINA
(looking at Rachel)
She is fine.
Rachel held her tongue and the two women exchange dirty glances.
CHRISTINA
You are fine, right? Do you have to serve her...?
BLAKE
What the Hell are you talking about? Why would I not serve her?
Rachel leans forward with a suspicious curiosity. Christina whispers loudly.
CHRISTINA
She's Black.
Rachel is offended and about to say something when Blake steps between the two. He holds up his index finger to Rachel and turns to face Christina.
BLAKE
What?! You mean she has darker skin? Wow, you are a real piece of work. I can't believe I thought you could be the one, but you are just a...we are...We're over!
CHRISTINA
You're not serious. You need this.
She steps back to showcase her body. She cups her own breasts and moves in closer to Blake.
CHRISTINA
You know you want these.
BLAKE
You make me sick. Get out. I mean it.
He starts to direct her out from behind the bar. He turns to Andy, who was laughing at the situation.
BLAKE
Get this piece of shit out of this lounge. We are over.
Christina is infuriated and jerks her arm free from Blake's grasp.
CHRISTINA
You fucking asshole! You are making a big mistake. I can have any man I want, and you damn well know it.
BLAKE
Yea, right. Whatever.
Andy continues to escort her out of the lounge as she curses at Blake all of the way from the parking lot.
Blake tosses a towel over his shoulder and walks back down to Rachel.
BLAKE
I am so sorry about that. What was it that you needed?
Rachel smiles at Blake as their eyes meet. Both of them get lost in the other, while the world around them melts away.
RACHEL
You mean to drink? I have a lot of needs, you will have to be more specific.
BLAKE
(smiles)
Uh, yea, I- I am sorry you had to see that nonsense.
RACHEL
I loved it.
Blake gives her a curious expression.
BLAKE
How is that?
RACHEL
I loved it. Now I know you are single. Do you really want to know what I need?
Blake nods.
RACHEL
(sliding her room card-key over the counter)
I am in room 7170, and I am all alone in a strange place. I was hoping to meet someone who could, you know, help me.
Blake's piercing blue eyes dilate and he smiles. He catches the scent of her perfume as she stands up.
RACHEL
I hope you won't keep me waiting. I have trouble deferring gratification, if you know what I mean.
Blake looks around at the empty chairs and then at his watch.
BLAKE
It is 11:21 PM, that sounds like a good time to wrap things up on a Friday.
Rachel turns and slowly walks toward the lobby elevators. She could see Blake's reflection in the glass. He was staring at her ass and licking his lips. She stops and turns around quickly. Blake knew he was busted, but he didn't care.
BLAKE
(hurdles the bar)
Let me lock up.
RACHEL
I will be waiting for you. Don't disappoint me.
She disappears behind the elevator door as Blake stood at the lounge entrance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
As the elevator doors close her expression changes from a smooth, seductress to a bundle of nerves. She starts examining her reflection and trying to mold the contour of her long hair.
She decides to tie it back and pulls out a small band and held her purse between her knees.
She hears "DING" and turns to see two older people looking at her curiously. She is in such an awkward position that the older couple slowly back off the elevator.
RACHEL looks up and sees them leaving.
RACHEL
Oh, it's okay. I am just... I....wait. I-
They disappear behind the closing elevator doors
RACHEL
I am not crazy! I just met the hottest...guy.
