Giovanna has been in Paris shooting new scenes for a film she’s starring in called “Fatal.” Hugh has been working on his play and is currently at home rehearsing a scene for acting class with a new student named Sissy. Sissy’s looks are reminiscent of Kim Basinger when she was in her early twenties.
They’re rehearsing a scene from “Smooth Talk,” a film made in 1985 about a young woman who flirts with a dangerous man in the suburbs of Northern California with no understanding of the consequences that will follow.
Hugh is in a 60’s costume wearing a short-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up and jeans. Sissy is in shorts and a tank top. They’re both a little old for the characters, but it’s Hugh’s choice of something that would be interesting to work on. He’s insisted that they both dress as the characters even though it’s just the first read-through of the scene.
Hugh enters, playing air guitar as a small boom box is blasting.
H: “Hey, I told you I’d be by didn’t I?”
S: (Reading from the script.) “Hey, do I know you?”
H: “You’re cute. I’m your lover, Connie. You don’t know what that means but you will.”
Hugh is much more prepared than Sissy and she’s a bit intimidated. Hugh moves toward her.
S: Oh, Hugh I didn’t prepare. I thought we were just reading the scene today.
The front door opens and in walk Giovanna and David, having just come from the airport.
G: (Calling out as she’s reading a text on her phone.) Hugh I’m back! I finished a day early and here I am!
She looks up and sees Hugh and Sissy. She’s surprised to see them.
G: Oh, should I go out and come in again?
Hugh is totally thrown and feels awkward.
H: No of course not! Welcome home! I wasn’t expecting you today.
G: Apparently not. And who might this be?
H: Oh, sorry. This is Sissy, she’s just started class and we were rehearsing.
G: Let me guess. Something from “Smooth Talk?”
S: How did you know?
G: (Smiling) Just a lucky guess.
David puts Giovanna’s suitcases down and walks over to Sissy and extends his hand.
D: Hi, Sissy, I’m David Shapiro, Giovanna’s agent. Can I offer you a ride home?
S: (Turning to Hugh) So I guess we’re done for today?
H: Yea, sure. How about Friday afternoon to get together again?
S: That sounds good! See you then. (Turning to Giovanna) So nice to meet you.
G: And you too. I’m sure we’ll see each other in acting class.
David and Sissy leave.
H: So how was Paris?
G: Wonderful. The new scenes are crazy good.
H: Are you tired? Do you want to go out for dinner?
G: I’m exhausted. I think I’ll just take a hot bath and go to bed. Want to join me?
H: Of course. (As they start for the bedroom) What do you think about Sissy in the part of Donna, Lombardo’s young girlfriend in the play?
G: (Smiling at Hugh) I think she’s perfect. Darling, would you mind bringing my bags?
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