Transplants
An hour-long TV comedy/drama. A look at life within a beloved Seattle cafe and the misfits who keep it afloat.
Screenplays
INT. CHEESECAKE FACTORY - NIGHT
IGWEBUIKE "IGGY" ALI (a first-generation Nigerian immigrant in his mid 20s) sits alone at a two-top. He bounces his knee. On his chest is a name tag: Hello My Name Is: Iggy.
A BUZZER sounds and circus music follows. The legs of chairs DRAG across the floor. Dozens of MIXER ATTENDEES move about. Behind them hangs a banner: "MEET SEATTLE PRESENTS: MAY MEET AND GREET".
Y'all know what to do; all the folks from Group A: go find yourself a friend.
ALAN (20s, square-jawed white dude, shirt tucked in but otherwise like he'd just come from a day on the farm) walks to Iggy's table. He sets his cocktail glass on the table, and then his can of Red Bull.
May I have this dance?
Alan laughs at his own joke.
Only if you promise to keep us on the ground.
Alan sits. His laugh fades.
What's that?
Iggy nods at the can of Red Bull.
Your drink. The can. (imitating the ad's delivery) It gives you wings.
Oh. I wasn't being serious about the dancing.
I know. Neither was I--
The music stops. The room settles.
(O.S.):
Two minutes starts now, friends! Make 'em count!
There's silence between Iggy and Alan as CHATTER from other pairs fills the restaurant.
Iggy, huh? What kind of name is that, tiny dancer?
It's short for Igwebuike. It's Nigerian.
It's a mouthful. You know, when you started talking, I thought to myself, 'this fella must be a long way from home,' but then it came to me that, 'well, duh, Alan, everyone here is. That's the damn point.'
Where are you from?
Wichita, Kansas.
The air capital of the world. Very cool.
(impressed, surprised):
No shit. (beat) How'd you come by that?
I read about many American cities for my citizenship exam.
You pass that sucker?
10 out of 10. They try to stop you after you've answered six correctly, but I insisted.
An overachiever--I like that. Safe to assume you don't have plans of going back, becoming a citizen and all?
No, never. I'll visit, of course, but no, America is my home now.
Good on you, Ig-booky. Good on you. I'll drink to that. No, let's drink to Wichita. (takes drink) Could tell you a lot of stories about goddamn Wichita. I'm shocked you've even heard of it, honestly, overachiever or not. So many people on the coasts don't know what the hell's going on in the middle of the country. And, I had no idea know how fresh off the boat you might be.
Alan takes another gulp of his drink and pours in more Red Bull. Then it dawns on him that what he's said might not have been the best thing to say...
(cont'd):
Jesus Christ, I'm sorry. It's just a figure of speech I grew up hearing. I meant like the Queen Mary kind of boat. Like a boat coming to Ellis Island. Not like a slave ship, you know?
I understand. And I don't think I'm offended.
Alan sighs relief and takes another gulp of his drink. He empties the can of Red Bull into the glass.
(smiling):
But, you might want to think about notsaying that in the future.
Alan nods. There's silence between them for a few seconds...until the BUZZER sounds and the circus music resumes.
(standing):
Nice chatting with you.
Likewise.
Alan walks off to his next table and over to Iggy walks JOSE (30s, very much an indoor cat). Jose sits down in the chair across from Iggy as quickly as he can, without eye contact or introduction.
(cont'd):
Hello?
(eyes still down):
Hi.
How are you--?
Iggy tries to find Jose's nametag, but Jose is slouched enough that his nametag is crinkled with his shirt.
(cont'd):
--I'm sorry, I can't see your nametag.
The circus music stops. Jose straightens his back so that the nametag itself is visible. But, as they have been written in a different language, Iggy squints at the letters.
Can you read it?
Is that... Sanskrit?
(polite enough to at least try to hide his disappointment):
It's Ehlnofex.
Where is that spoken?
Umbriel and Ehlnofey. (when it's clear Iggy has not a clue what he's talking about) Skyrim.
CUT TO:
GINGER (30s, crunchy in every way) sits across from Iggy.
You've only been here a couple of months, too? That's rad!
Yes, yes, it has been interesting. Good, but interesting.
(polite enough to at least try to hide his disappointment):
Any luck with jobs yet? It's rough out there, man.
I was very lucky. I had a job lined up before I came.
What!? No way! Where do you work? (laughing) Are they hiring?
They're always hiring.
Oh god, it's not fucking Reclipse, is it?
Iggy sits awkwardly, not wanting to answer.
CUT TO:
VASILY (50s, could've been a hit man; could still be a hit man) sits across from Iggy. The glow from his phone screen lights up his face as he scrolls and scrolls. And scrolls.
Good news? (in an American accent) Did we finally plant our flag on Mars?
Vasily glances up from his phone, unamused, then returns his attention to the phone.
(cont'd):
I went swimming with sharks when I was a teenager. Many times. And no cage.
Vasily continues scrolling.
(cont'd):
Sorry. I'm not sure why I shared that. I think you make me nervous.
Vasily continues scrolling.
Iggy looks off in thought.
(cont'd):
I swallowed a battery once.
Vasily glances up at Iggy again... but this isn't just a glance. He sets his phone on the table; Iggy has his attention.
(cont'd):
A button battery. It's small, but it could've killed me. I was five years old. I'd found it in a box with a bunch of other things. But it was that battery that my brother keyed in on. Older brother, of course. He dared me. And I didn't have enough backbone then to say no. After I told my mother, she freaked out, as you'd expect, and rushed me to the doctor.
And?
Iggy lets the moment hang. He suppresses a feeling of victory but in the silence, he grows more and more dejected...because he realizes all he has left is:
I pooped it out.
Vasily shakes his head and resumes scrolling his phone.
CUT TO:
Sarah (20s, here to mingle) sits across from Iggy, glass of wine in her hand. She laughs at something Iggy has said–harder than Iggy had expected.
You're very funny, Iggy.
Thank you, and you're very kind for saying that.
You must do well with the ladies.
I like to think that my wife finds me charming, but you'd have to ask her.
Sarah laughs. And laughs. And laughs.
Iggy doesn't want to leave her hanging, so he smiles.
Sarah raises her left hand; there's a ring on her finger.
(jokingly):
Yeah, I like to think my husband finds me charming, too.
I'm sure he does.
Sarah's face grows more serious.
I don't have... I'm not... Wait, your ring is real?
Yes. Very much so.
Iggy watches Sarah grow more and more uncomfortable.
Nobody who's married comes to this kind of thing!
CUT TO:
Iggy stands behind Jose, looking over his shoulder at his phone screen as he plays Skyrim.
Wow. This is beautiful. And you're clearly a very skilled player. I certainly wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of your sword.
CUT TO:
Iggy hands Ginger a business card.
(cont'd):
This is the recruiter that helped me. I know he has several other companies and organizations he's involved with. So maybe he'd have a good fit for you somewhere.
CUT TO:
Vasily continues scrolling his phone.
(cont'd):
The sickest I've ever been was when I took an entire plate of shuku shuku to my room--it was a mound, Vasily, I'm telling you, a mound--and I didn't stop until every crumb was licked off. You seem like a sweets guy to me, too.
CUT TO:
Iggy points Alan out to Sarah.
Oh, he's handsome.
Very. And, he came across to me as very available. A bit ignorant. But very available.
Alan drinks more Red Bull.
(cont'd):
And very energized.
Well. Hello, Wichita.
CUT TO:
The Mixer Coordinator stands in the center of the room.
Annnd, that's all, folks! Did you have a great time, or what?
Nobody responds because nobody is listening--nobody except for Iggy, who sits alone. Everyone but Iggy stands or sits next to someone else, talking. Even Vasily sits next to someone, a man in his 50s, and together, in silence, they scroll their respective phones.
(O.S.)
(cont'd):
While I hope you'll be taking the friendships you made here tonight out into the world, mark your calendars: next month's Meet and Greet will be held at Red Robin, down on the waterfront. (louder, as chatter grows) So not here. Red Robin next month, down on the waterfront. And yes, in case you're wondering, when it comes to the onion rings there, I am a two tower kind of fella.
Iggy takes a sip of water, stands, puts on his raincoat and leaves the restaurant.
EXT. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE - NIGHT
Iggy walks in the rain toward Puget Sound. He puts his hood up. EXTRAS walk around him, their own hoods up, or their umbrellas open.
Iggy stops on 3rd Ave. and waits for his bus--the number 5 bus.
Everything is loud. The RAIN. Cars DRIVING. Buses that aren't Iggy's coming and going. Tires SPLASHING puddles. HORNS. When the bus arrives, Iggy boards, pays with his phone, and takes a seat. He looks out the window at the dark, wet city. The bus has only a few other people on it. Compared to outside, it's very quiet. The bus's WIPERS going back and forth, back and forth.
His phone VIBRATES with a new text message. He unzips his rain jacket and pulls it from an interior pocket. The message is from his wife, CHIOMA. Chioma is stored in his phone by name, but with three heart emojis at the end. The message says: "I made up the couch in case any of your friends need to crash."
Iggy smiles. He types, "You're the best", adds a kissing emoji and hits send. As he goes to put his phone back in the same pocket, his hand scuffs over his nametag, which he then peels off. He looks it over, then folds it in half and puts it in a different pocket.
EXT. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG - AFTERNOON
ALEXANDER "PREZ" HAMILTON (40s, beneath the casualness is a man who wastes no motion) walks out of a large, two-story craftsman house turned eatery-slash-market, and past a few CUSTOMERS sitting on the front porch. On the front door, in a retro typeface: THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG.
He continues past other businesses for a stretch before jogging across the four lanes of Phinney Ave. to beat traffic from both directions. Once across, he enters Woodland Art & Frame.
INT. WOODLAND ART & FRAME - AFTERNOON
A mishmash of a store. There are houseplants in the window. Books along one wall. Pithy pop culture merch planted among puzzles and art supplies.
Alex--the only patron other than GERALD, an 80-something regular--walks to a corner of the store where there are a variety of party banners on display--a wide enough variety to overwhelm Alex. He locates the cheapest option, grabs a handful of them, turns around, and heads toward the counter.
On the way he passes a bin of wrapping paper. He does a double-take and then gets a closer look at the bin. In the bin rests a very, very ugly roll of fish-themed wrapping paper--the apple of Alex's eye. He gently shakes his head, as if saying, "Naa," to himself, and resumes his path toward the counter. But then he stops...
CUT TO:
MILLIE (60s, her 10,000th day on the job) swipes the fish wrapping paper's barcode across the reader.
$61.47. Need a bag, Prez?
Naa, that's okay.
Alex reaches into his back pocket but... there's no wallet.
He pats his other back pocket and his front pockets but...nothing.
(cont'd):
You take Google Pay, right, Millie?
Millie puts on her readers and looks at the screen in front of her.
Let's give it a whirl.
Alex opens up Google Pay, within which he finds one--and only one--payment method he has nicknamed "Personal." He holds his phone to the card reader, but...
A noise indicates that his payment method has been declined. Millie hits a couple of buttons.
(cont'd):
Ready for round two.
Alex tries again. Declined.
(under his breath) Awesome. (to Millie) Can we put that on hold and I'll be right back? I'm so sorry, Millie.
(loudly):
If Gerald gets within six feet of it, I'll take his ass out with my cane.
(popping out from behind a shelf):
Huh?
(to Alex):
It'll just be here at the counter, sweetie.
Thank you.
I/E. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG - AFTERNOON
Alex walks through the main dining room--what was once a living room. He nods and says hello to multiple CUSTOMERS who recognize him. RED (19, believes he's destined for greatness) buses a table nearby.
Billie was looking for you.
(still walking):
She's the one who sent me out.
(O.S.):
That's what I said.
Alex walks into the kitchen--what once was the kitchen of the home and, after some additions/renovations, has become the kitchen of the shop. ANTON (30s, always on the hunt for what's hip) and NELL (20s, ultra-talented...when she wants to be) work the service counter, talking with customers, making drinks, grabbing pastries from the case.
Behind them JUAN (40s, the menu maker, a believer of "less is more," particularly when it comes to words) and MIKAL (20s, clever and committed) prepare food: sandwiches, sides, the pastries that fill the case at the counter. Mikal puts finishing touches on a tres leches cake.
(still walking):
Damn Mikal, that looks awesome.
Alex slows to touch foreheads with Juan--their standard greeting to one another.
Abby's fave.
Alex walks down the hall, past the bathrooms and cleaning closet, and into the office, one side of which is very clean and the other quite cluttered. There are two desks. Two office chairs. A couch.
Alex closes the door behind him and everything is quiet. He sits down at the clean desk, logs into his computer and opens a browser. He navigates to his personal banking information. $31.88 remaining in the checking account shown.
He scrolls to recent transactions. Groceries. Gas. Run of the mill, until, at the top, a pending transaction to... FRED HUTCH CANCER CENTER for $3,000.
Alex takes this in... then opens a new tab and goes to the homepage of a different bank. He logs in. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG, the business account is named. $46,874.31.
He pulls out his phone and accesses Google Pay, into which he tries to input the account information before him. No dice.
He tries again. Nada.
And again. Nope.
Goddammit.
BACK YARD
BILLIE (30s, the only one who thinks she has something to prove) stands on a ladder, stringing bistro lights through trees. MAX (20s, soft-spoken but quick-witted) stands on the ground in a food-splattered apron, feeding her the lights. Alex walks out of the shop and into the back yard.
(before Alex has even made it three feet past the door):
Has Roger called? He said he'd be dropping the keg off at 4.
What keg? I thought we'd agreed on backstock.
It's 30 people.
You said it was 20.
Abby invited some more.
Jesus.
What was I supposed to say? 'No, you can't invite anyone to your party.'
Do we need more food then?
She said not to worry about it.
And...?
So don't worry about it.
That's rich coming from you.
Max snickers.
(to Max):
Weren't you off at 3? That's a long ass day, man.
Anything for Abby.
The cordless phone on Billie's hip RINGS.
(one-sided phone conversation):
Chicken and the Egg, this is Billie. Yup. Mmhmm.
(whispers to Alex while Billie talks on phone):
Is Viv coming tonight?
(one-sided phone conversation):
You are definitely not the first person to call about that today, but I appreciate you letting us know.
(whispers to Max while Billie talks on phone):
Naa.
(one-sided phone conversation):
We’re open until six today.
(whispers to Alex while Billie talks on phone):
Bummer. Viv’s rad. She sick or something?
(one-sided phone conversation):
Yes, usually, but we’re closing a little early to set up for a special event.
(whispers to Max while Billie talks on phone):
No, no, she’s better than ever.
(one-sided phone conversation):
Yup, you too, have a good day.
Billie hangs up the phone.
That was #8 today, Prez. We have to do something about the website.
They can GPS to us, we’re on Instagram. Uber Eats. What do people need that they can’t find there?
I don’t know, Prez, but we need to fix it.
Sure. Someday.
Soon. Someday soon.
Alex shrugs.
Billie sighs.
(cont'd)
(still working on lights):
Did you get the banners like I asked?
My phone won’t stop freaking out and I left my wallet in the van.
Van? What’s wrong with your truck?
Viv dropped me off this morning.
Why is your phone freaking out?
I don’t know. Frank told me it was good to go.
Wait, you let Frank set up your Google Pay?
Yeah. So?
Bad move.
He has an IQ of like 80, that’s what.
Ten points higher than yours.
(to Max):
Here, hang onto this for a sec.
Billie hands Max a string of bistro lights and steps down from the ladder.
Didn’t he tell you that you could set up more than one card?
If he had, I don’t think I’d be here talking to you right now.
Billie reaches into her jeans pocket and pulls from it a rubber-banded bundle of plastic cards. Bus card, driver’s license, debit cards, etc.
(cont'd)
(to Max):
Ten years I’ve known her and from day one...
Shut up.
Billie hands Alex a card. He looks at it closely and sees that it’s a Visa gift card.
Do you know how much money’s left on it?
No clue.
Billie climbs the ladder and goes back to stringing bistro lights.
Can I have another card just in case?
That's the only one I have.
You just had like twenty in your hand.
Expired.
Bullshit. Give me your phone then, and I can pay with the shop’s card.
I don’t have it on there.
Why wouldn’t you?
Because I’m not the owner of the damn place, Alex.
But you’re the manager.
Billie sighs.
(cont'd):
Here, I’ll go log in to the bank and add it to your phone right now. Then I’ll go pay.
Just go get the banners!
I can't without a way to pay!
I gave you a card!
INT. WOODLAND ART & FRAME - AFTERNOON
Alex swipes Billie’s gift card. Millie watches her computer screen.
That took off eleven dollars and thirty-eight cents.
Of course it did. (sighs) Okay. Give me, I don’t know (looks at watch)... Give me an hour or so.
Just take it, hon.
No, no, that’s okay, Millie, it’ll just take me a bit.
Prez, just take it. I know you’re good for it.
Thank you.
See you in a few hours.
INT. IGGY’S APARTMENT - DAWN
All dialogue in Nigerian, SUBTITLED.
The apartment is small. A studio whose bones are outdated. There's a tasteful partition between the sleeping area and the rest of the apartment. Modern furniture and decoration, with vibrant colors throughout.
Iggy sits on the couch, holding his phone for a FaceTime call with his brother, TAYO (30s, very used to getting his way).
It's afternoon in Nigeria, and, as we see through Iggy's phone sceen, Tayo walks while he talks, through a lively Lagos.
Have you pitched Katos all of your terrible ideas yet?
(no stranger to Tayo's ribbing):
He isn't even the CEO anymore.
Who is?
Stewart DeYoung.
How much more can a name scream, 'colonizer'?
On Iggy's phone screen, Tayo passes by a small, distinctly green building.
Wait, go back, Tay Tay. Was that the bakery?
(rolls eyes):
I told you last month: yes, they're still using the website you built them.
Tayo continues walking, away from the bakery.
No, no, not that! Go back and buy some puff-puff and let me watch you eat it.
You're sick, baby brother.
Yeah, homesick. You know how hard it is to get Nigerian anything here?
Psh, all you've wanted since you were a little boy is sweets. And there you are in the land of sweets, asking to watch me eat. You must drive Chioma crazy with that shit.
Chioma turns from her chair in the corner of the room, smiling, paintbrush in hand and canvas and easel in front of her. She's very pregnant.
You'd think Iggy's the one that's pregnant.
(laughs) No doubt. How are you, my dear? How has my nephew been growing?
Baby boy is good. Kicking and squirming... and kicking some more.
We have no idea when he sleeps.
Certainly more than his mama does.
Going to be running circles around you two right out of the womb! Man, it's crazy how soon he's coming. Crazy, too, that none of us here will meet him for, what, years?
Iggy's face tightens. He looks to Chioma, mostly contains an eye roll, and then looks back at the phone screen.
You sound like Mom.
They offered him the job when they offered him the job, Tay Tay.
Yes. But baby brother applied when baby brother applied. Didn't you, Igwebuike? And, it turns out, had you waited just a while longer, you would've been able to work for Reclipse without ever leaving.
Working from home...it doesn't work like that. I still have to be in the country.
So as long as you're wearing American underwear and plopped on an American couch, you're good?
It's not like that--
(interrupting):
Igwebuike's job is no walk in the park. He works very hard.
And baby brother worked very hard to make his overseas dream come true. Yes, I know. All those English lessons, all those maps on his wall, all those times he lugged his computer from cafe to cafe. It's all anyone talked about when we were kids, and it's all anyone talks about now. (in a higher octave) 'What a hard worker Iggy is!' (and again) 'There's just no standing in the way of that Iggy.'
Stop talking like I'm not even--
Chioma shakes her head; she's heard enough.
(interrupting):
We wish you could be here too, Tay Tay. We wish the whole family could be.
Here's an idea, Ig: you walk right into that colonizer's digital office and you tell him what an asset I would be. You tell him your big bro has vision. Vision, Igwebuike. Next thing you know he'll begging to fly me in and get me all set up. Begging!
I'll get right on that.
Good, good. I just got to the restaurant so I have to get going. I love you both.
We love you too. Say hi to mom and dad for us.
I will. And you kiss that belly for me.
Of course.
Love you, Tay Tay.
The call ends. Iggy takes a deep breath.
That wasn't too bad.
Chioma continues painting. She shrugs.
Iggy stands and walks over to Chioma. He wraps his arms around her shoulders. She kisses his arm and together they look at the painting-in-progress: a flamingo standing in water, one foot in and one foot out.
(cont'd):
Self-portrait?
(grinning):
You think you're so charming.
Iggy laughs. He kisses her cheek and walks toward the kitchen.
Charming? No. But do I have vision? Absolutely.
Chioma laughs.
(cont'd)
(O.S.):
Let me make you breakfast--eggs sound good?
I/E. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG - DUSK/NIGHT
The bistro lights are on in the back yard. There's a bonfire going. A charcoal grill cooking various things. There's CHATTER outside as more and more people arrive to the party. Strung from one tree to another, beneath the bistro lights hangs one of the banners that Alex purchased at Woodland Art and Frame. Except there has been a sloppily-written modification made to the banner: "Good Luck" is printed, and beneath it, written is "Abi-grail". Various pictures have been attached to the banner as well--Abby with all of her coworkers at different times.
Alex sits at the desk on the clean side of the office. He's wearing a button-up shirt and a blazer. His beard is trimmed. This is 'cleaned up' for Alex and it looks good.
He stares at the computer, again at the Chicken and the Egg's bank information. The page he's on has an external transfer set up for $8,000.
Billie walks into the office carrying two glasses and a bottle of mezcal.
Alexander Hamilton, the most vile of our founding fathers, what are you doing in here? Your whole staff is partying in the back.
Alex grins. He calmly exits the browser and closes his computer.
Billie hands Alex a drink. He sniffs it.
I had a feeling tonight was going to hurt.
Better let Viv know she's about to have big baby Prez on her hands. Wait, she's coming right? (Has a realization) Oh god, I haven't asked about her. I feel like such a fucker. Is she feeling better? How did that one appointment go?
It was fine, everything's fine. She's good. Everything's normal. Just a scare, you know?
Yeah?
Yeah.
(relieved):
Good. That's good. That's great. Cheers to that.
Alex and Billie clink glasses and put one down the hatch.
You doing okay?
Billie looks at him curiously.
(cont'd):
I've been trying to pick my moment for weeks now.
I'm fine... I think. I'm not sure if anything has set in. But it's only three months, right? Three months at sea, (rolls eyes) stacking fucking fish. She'll come back and we'll pick right back up. (beat) She'll smell awful. But it'll be okay.
I hope so. You two are great together. And I mean great. Seven months you've been together now, yeah?
(smiles at him knowing):
That's right.
That's no small thing. The two of you are no small thing. It's okay to be scared of losing it... because it is scary. Three months without your lover is going to feel like twelve, and it's not like you're going to know how the experiences she's having are going to change her. It's okay to be scared of that.
There are few things in this world that make me cringe the way I do when I hear you say, 'lover'.
I know.
It's an all-female fishing boat. Did I tell you that?
Like a take back the sea kind of thing?
One butch at a time, man.
Abby? Butch?
Oh, she'll surprise you. She's all polite and cuddly here, and that's definitely a part of her. But my girl's killed and stuffed a fucking forest.
Stuffed? Like... taxidermied? (after Billie nods) No way.
Way. You should ask her about it sometime.
I plan to.
(stares off, then comes back) It's better that it's all women, right? Don't you think?
As opposed to...?
Dudes.
Sure?
Billie groans. Alex grabs her hand.
Hey. You got this.
Thank you.
CHATTER ramps up from outside.
(O.S.):
She has arrived, everyone!
(O.S.):
Abby's here!
The CROWD in the back yard cheers.
Alex stands.
Shall we?
Billie nods and together they walk out of the office and into the hallway that leads to the back yard.
ABBY'S GOING AWAY PARTY MONTAGE
Alex and Billie join the party in the back yard. 20-30 people stand around drinking. Billie and ABBY (30s, most years of which were spent taking care of someone else) hug and kiss.
People sit around picnic tables, talking...
Others play games like cornhole...
Alex stands by the dessert table by Mikal, eating.
Dude, this tres leches is so good.
Thanks, Prez.
Alex takes another bite. Savors it.
Jesus Christ.
I have something even better planned for the weekend.
Yeah?
My mom used to make it all the time.
I love me a Mama Horowitz special.
MONTAGE CONTINUES
More people arrive to the party...
Some people smoke in the alley...
There's a line for the bathrooms inside the coffee shop... and there go Abby and Billie, past them, arms around each other's waists.
VIVIEN (30s), Alex's wife, arrives to the party, holding the hands of ROSIE (6) and SELMA (4) – she and Alex's daughters.When Alex spots them, he hustles over. Rosie and Selma run to him.
Daddy!
Alex picks them up, one in each arm.
I missed you guys so much today!
He sets them down and crouches to their level.
(cont'd):
How was school? What'd you learn?
I learned about rivers.
I learned about cats.
Oh yeah? That's amazing. Did you know that there are actually big cats out there that love the water?
Nuh uh.
Yes huh.
Alex stands.
(cont'd):
Remind me to show you some videos on leopards tomorrow. They'll blow your mind. (whispers to Vivien) You should really be resting, hon.
They wanted to see you. I wanted to see you.
Yeah?
Yeah. (beat) And, it's Abby.
Alex kisses Vivien's head.
(cont'd):
I'm good. Where is Abby, anyway?
Alex turns.
I don't know. She was just out here. (to Rosie and Selma) Let's get you two some food.
END MONTAGE
THE OFFICE
Abby pulls up her pants.
That was a nice surprise.
Yeah?
Very nice.
Good. I'm glad.
They sit together on the couch, sipping their drinks awkwardly.
My dad called me earlier.
Shit. Really?
I saw the call come in but I couldn't bring myself to answer. He left a voicemail.
What'd he say?
He talked about how much money he made the summers he spent up there. How he invested it all and that's how he bought his first house.
Fuck off, Robert.
Right?
I hate that he tried to call you. Are you okay?
Not really. It kind of threw me, you know? Made me wonder if the reason I'm doing this isn't for me, but in some weird way it's something I'm doing for him.
I get it. But Ab, you do you. You always have. You chase things that matter to you. And this matters to you, not to fuckin' Robert.
Billie puts her arm around Abby. Abby puts her head on Billie's shoulder.
Hey Bill?
Yeah?
Three months isn't a short time... so if you decide you want to see other people...
(interrupting):
Stop.
... I'll understand.
Three months is nothing.
It is not. And I just want you to be happy. So if some 10 walks in here, and you feel something, go for it, okay?
Shut up.
Billie puts her hands on Abby's cheeks and brings her face to hers.
(cont'd):
I love you. You're the only 10 I've ever met. And when you come back smelling like stinky fucking fish guts, they're gonna have to reset the scale because of how hot you'll be.
Abby and Billie laugh. They kiss. Abby returns her head to Billie's shoulder.
(fighting tears):
I love you, too.
They sit like this for a beat, party CHATTER in the background, until...
(O.S.):
All right, everyone, gather around. Yeah, yeah, turn it down a bit.
The music's volume is turned down.
(O.S.)
(cont'd):
Thanks Mikal. That's right, bring it closer, everyone, come on in, all family here. Where is she? Can't see her. Will the real Abby Cadabby please stand up?
Billie and Abby smirk.
Nooooo.
You knew it was gonna happen.
And that it was going to be cute. Yes, I know.
Billie and Abby stand up. Abby grabs a couple tissues from the box on the desk.
CUT TO:
BACK YARD
Alex stands on a step stool beneath a well-lit tree, looking out into the crowd. He spots Billie and Abby coming out of the building.
Aha, there she is.
The crowd turns and claps and hollers. Abby and Billie walk over. Rosie, Selma and Vivien give Abby and Billie big hugs.
(cont'd):
There are a lot of faces out here tonight that these eyes haven't seen so if my staff will indulge me I figured I'd start at the top. Well, near the top, anyway. Hello to you all. My name is Alex. I'm the owner of The Chicken and the Egg. Which is where you are right now, in case you've had too much to drink and had forgotten (waits for laughter to quiet). It'll be nineteen years ago this fall that I came to Seattle. I'd never stepped foot in the place. Had only seen it on screen, really. And I honestly had no intention of moving. I was just wandering, if you will. And the fu---(looks at his kids), the effing place just bit me. Let me be clear, because it's important: it bit me. The trees, the water, the sky, the energy here. Not the people. No, the people I met then were largely... terrible. Yeah, they were terrible. They were transplants, like I was, and they were mean. They were sad. They were cold. And it just didn't make sense to me. But more than that, it made me so mad to think that people like that were going to take this beautiful thing and make it just as terrible as they were. So even as I nearly went bankrupt, instead of bailing, I stayed, and a vision started to take shape, of what would become this place. I didn't know it was going to be... (waves his arms) this. I didn't know it was going to have the name that it does. But the vision was clear: to build a place that would bring people together--- good people, thoughtful people, kind people.
START INTERCUT
EXT. SEATTLE STREET - DAWN
Billie hands Abby a small gift, wrapped in the fish wrapping paper from Woodland Art & Frame (Millie's store). Abby laughs at the wrapping paper, then opens the gift. It's a charm bracelet, and on it are two charms: a chicken and an egg.
Abby and Billie hug. They wipe their eyes.
Abby gets in her Uber.
(V.O.):
One thing I didn't know then but has become clear to me over the years is that it all starts with who you hire, with who it is you choose to build the thing with.
I/E. SEATAC AIRPORT - MORNING
Abby's flight takes off.
EXT. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG - NIGHT
Because you can't build anything wortha damn by yourself. You just can't. And I'm lucky. I mean, look at you all. Look at how you care for one another. It's rare. (looks directly at Abby) And I have you to thank for so much of it, Abby.
Crowd lets out a contained, "Woo!"
(cont'd):
Seven years ago you interviewed. Seven! Seems like it was just last week, doesn't it? I was looking back at the paper work from that interview the other day, and... (pulls out paper from his pocket and unfolds it) I saw that I'd written three notes. Abby, I wrote that instead of shaking my hand upon meeting me you gave me a hug.
Abby laughs. The crowd laughs.
(cont'd):
You remember that?
(still laughing):
Yes!
It was the first time an interviewee hugged me, and though I can't say I'd be thrilled if another one pulled the same trick, I'd say it all worked out just fine. (looking at paper) The second note I wrote was that you were a community builder. Which, of course, is true. And the third thing I wrote was, "asks great questions." (looks directly at Abby) And Abby, you ask them of your coworkers. You ask them of your friends.
I/E. JUNEAU, ALASKA AIRPORT - AFTERNOON
Abby's plane lands.
GLORIA (50s, who beneath a hardened flannel exterior is a
sugar-loving grandma) holds a sign with Abby's name. Abby
locates it and walks over.
Abby introduces herself but Gloria's not having it. She waves Abby along.
They walk the airport, to...
Gloria's truck.
(V.O.):
You ask them of the world, and of yourself. This quality is rare.
EXT. HARBOR - DAWN
Gloria parks the truck. She gets out and gives Abby a hug... lots of progress since the airport.
(V.O.):
It's a gift that you've brightened all of our lives with. And it'll serve as a guide for you on adventures like the one you're about to go on.
Abby walks to "Cornerless Baby," the fishing boat, which she then boards. Other crew members pass as she meets KATHLEEN, the captain (50s; if she's been laid before, she called all the shots and efficiency, not pleasure, was top priority), who doesn't even try to meet her enthusiasm halfway.
One such crew member is JORDAN (20s, skeptical and protective; plenty of bark and bite), who intentionally runs into Abby, and who then glares at Abby as if she'd been the one to cause the collision.
WANDA (50s, a real mama bear) watches it all from the other side of the small room.
(V.O.)
(cont'd):
Abby, you are smart. You are thoughtful. You are kind. You are brave.
EXT. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG - NIGHT
You're one of the best people I know. Thank you so much for gluing all of us together.
Alex steps down from the step ladder and walks toward Abby. Abby, teary-eyed, wraps her arms around Alex.
Thank you.
You'll always have a place here, okay?
Unable to form words, Abby nods.
Several STAFF MEMBERS in the crowd are teary-eyed. So is Vivien, and Millie.
Alex, still embracing Abby, waves his arm as if to say, "Come over." The STAFF listens and comes over, and so do Alex's kids.
EXT. CORNERLESS BABY FISHING BOAT - DUSK
The Cornerless Baby motors across the bay.
Abby stands on the deck, alone, taking in her surroundings. She smiles.
END INTERCUT
INT. IGGY'S APARTMENT - MORNING
There are three monitors on the standing desk in front of Iggy. Behind the desk is a window with a view that lets us know that we're definitely not on the first floor.
Iggy wears headphones; we hear his MUSIC. Uptempo jazz. He TYPES and TYPES, barely blinking. Text populates open coding files. He's moving quickly... but this is Iggy at normal speed. He's speedy and nimble.
An application on one of the screens FLASHES and a PING sounds--the notification that a direct message has arrived.
Iggy opens it. The message is from BRETT, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, whose identifying thumbnail picture is him in alpine trekking gear, having just reached the top of some peak. The message reads: "devon's asking for your draft"
Iggy, whose name reads IGWEBUIKE, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER and whose identifying thumbnail is a picture of he and Chioma, replies, "now?" and continues coding. Another message from Brett: "asap". Iggy shakes his head. He replies, "np," and continues coding...
And then he receives a new direct message--FLASH, PING--this time from DEVON, PROJECT MANAGER. Her thumbnail picture is she and her tiny dog, snuggling. The message reads: "Hi Igwebuike, where are you with your code? I have a stakeholders' meeting in just a few and am going to present it."
Iggy lets out a big SIGH--which is loud in the otherwise silent apartment.
Chioma sits at their kitchen island, pen in hand. She looks over to Iggy's corner and sees him fuming. She goes back to filling out paperwork.
Iggy replies (taking extra time to place proper grammar), "Hi Devon, it's coming along, not too far away. I'm not sure I can have it ready in a few. I'm sorry."
Before Iggy can even get back to a single line of code, another message from Devon: "Just send what you have then." Iggy sighs again.
(in Nigerian, subtitled):
Maybe if I didn't receive messages all day, it'd be ready!
Iggy types to Devon, "Okay, will do," then starts saving everything out and packaging it as best he can for the coming attachment.
Meanwhile, Devon continues messaging him. FLASH, PING. "Thank you," she says. Then, after Iggy has once again closed out and moved on (FLASH, PING): "How far along would you say it is? 75%?"
Iggy types, "90%". To which Devon--FLASH, PING--says, "Nice."
Iggy drags his saved files from one screen to the next, dropping them into his conversation with Devon. "Thanks," Devon replies.
Iggy says, "Of course," and then yanks his headphones off and tosses them on the desk. He walks into the kitchen without saying a word to Chioma, rips a banana from its bunch and walks back to the corner of the apartment.
We stay with Chioma as she goes back once more to the paperwork in front of her: an application for childcare at Stepping Stones Daycare Center. She provides information throughout the form.
Moments later...
Iggy lets out something of a growl. Chioma sighs and watches him.
(cont'd)
(in Nigerian, subtitled):
No shit there are bugs! I told you it wasn't ready! I told you and you didn't listen.
Chioma closes her eyes. She takes deep breaths. Then, she sets the paperwork down, stands, grabs her coat from the hook and, unbeknownst to Iggy, leaves the apartment.
She rides the old and slow elevator down, one hand on her belly. Floor 6, Floor 5, Floor 4, 3...
She steps outside. She takes a deep breath. And another.
CUT TO:
Iggy and Chioma are eating dinner. MUSIC plays softly, but otherwise there's silence.
Chioma clears her throat. They speak in Nigerian, SUBTITLED.
Is there anything you want to do tomorrow, after the tour? Maybe the Space Needle, finally?
I have to work.
They're opening the daycare up just so the two of us can visit.
I know they are.
This'll be the third Saturday in a row that you'll--.
(interrupting):
Chioma, I know. But I don't really have a choice.
Oh, I have no idea what that must feel like. I'm excited to hear all about how difficult that must be for you. Go on, tell me.
When it's clear Iggy knows not to continue, Chioma stands and starts putting away food.
(standing):
Let me take care of that.
I've got it.
No, no, you should sit.
You sit down!
Iggy shakes his head. He sits.
(cont'd):
I warned you, Igwebuike... do you remember that? You came to me with the job offer and I told you that I was concerned. I told you that I was concerned about you working for a company so big. I told you that I was concerned about the timing of the move. And do you remember what you said? You told me not to worry. You told me that the work-from-home thing would be temporary--
(interrupting):
That's what they told me.
I know they did, but we have been here for months and you've been miserable every single moment. Do you realize that? Do you realize that when you storm around here all day, stressed, that you are making me stressed? Does that ever cross your mind? Does it ever cross your mind that by having us chase this dream of yours you've given me a front row seat to watching you wilt?
Silence.
I'm sorry. Stress on you is stress on the baby, too. I'm really sorry.
I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to be happy.
Chioma walks to Iggy, sits on his lap and hugs him as best she can over her belly. They stay like this for a beat.
(cont'd):
Maybe it's worth asking Devon whether or not you can work from Lagos.
Iggy lets go of the hug.
Why would I ask her that?
Because, my love... Because as much as you're going to love this baby--as much as you already do--him entering this world isn't going to remove the stress you have. It's going to add to it.
We're not going back to Lagos. We're just not.
I'm not saying we have to. I'm just saying that if things don't improve, we can't take it off the table. I want my husband back. Not just in spurts. Not just an hour per week. I miss him. I miss you.
(searching for solutions):
I'll message Devon now and tell her I need to be at the tour.
(working her pregnant self back to her feet):
I'll be fine. Just do me a favor.
Anything.
(working her pregnant self back to her feet):
Start small. Don't do a minute of work tomorrow in the apartment. Get out of this (waves her hands) space. Go somewhere you've never been.
EXT. ALEX'S HOUSE - DAWN
The storage barn door opens and there stands Alex. He walks in and wheels out a bicycle.
He pumps its tires.
He lubes its chain.
Wipes its frame.
He straps on his helmet.
Puts his panniers on the bike's rack.
A BUZZING sound starts offscreen. Alex locates the source: through the bathroom window he sees Vivienne, in a nightgown, facing a mirror as she shaves her head with electric hair clippers.
Alex watches for a moment.
He receives a text from Juan: "Done. Should receive a notification in a sec."
Alex receives a notification from the bank: "External Transfer Completed."
He texts Juan the "person taking a bath" emoji. Juan replies with a thumbs up emoji.
Alex stores his phone. He watches Vivienne for another moment before mounting his bike and pedaling down the driveway, to the quiet residential street in front of his mid-century home. Near the street sits his truck. And in the truck's window is a FOR SALE sign.
I/E. CORNERLESS BABY FISHING BOAT - NIGHT
The fishing boat chugs along in a calm sea. There's a sister ship nearby, SUCK OUR DOCK, in lockstep.
Abby and her fellow CORNERLESS BABY CREW MEMBERS are asleep
in their bunks.
An ALARM sounds.
Abby wakes up. The rest of the crew members wake up. They exit their bunks and start gearing up, yawning all the while but also moving swiftly.
What's that mean?
A few crew members leave the bunk area. Wanda waits for Abby to finish gearing up.
It means salmon.
UPPER DECK
Wanda and the other crew members move swiftly. They tie knots. They secure lines. They twist and they turn and they bend.
And Abby follows, looking for a place she can jump in; for a task that she understands.
What can I do?
(to crew):
Faster, ladies, this is what we're here for! (to Abby) Just watch for now. First time is confusing as hell, but by day three, you'll be moving around like them.
Abby continues following Wanda around the deck as she checks in with the other crew members.
(cont'd):
You good? You good? Good to go?
Without turning around, Wanda gives a thumbs up to Kathleen, who stands at the wheel above them.
Kathleen raises a walkie talkie and speaks into it, then nods.
There's the sound of a gear coming to life, of the net that has been deployed being pulled up through the sea and back to the boat.
The net is half full of flopping salmon, and dangling over the deck. Crew members guide the net down as the captain lowers it.
Abby stares--not having a role to play yet, not knowing how to feel...
The net is opened and onto the deck pour all the salmon that had been inside. One crew member uses a broom to sweep the fish to an opening in the deck.
(cont'd):
That's nothing. Five years ago, that net would've been full. Overfished, these parts. Come with me.
Abby follows Wanda across the deck and downstairs, to a lower level, to the processing deck. She hands Abby a small knife.
(cont'd):
I take it you've gutted fish before?
A crew member retrieves a fish from the pile that's accumulating beside the table they stand at. They gut the fish, then move it down a conveyor belt where another crew member situates the gutted fish for storage.
Abby nods.
Wanda grabs a fish.
(cont'd)
(while gutting fish):
Just clean all this shit out. And you're good.
Abby fights her gag reflex; the smell is atrocious.
Wanda hands Abby the knife she just used.
(cont'd):
Hard to fuck up. So don't fuck up. I'll check on you in a couple hours.
Abby nods. As Wanda leaves, JORDAN, early 20s, makes soft but audible BLEATING noises. Abby, the noises suggest, is a little lamb.
(cont'd)
(walking offscreen and up the stairs):
Keep it up, Jordan, and I'll kick that narrow little ass.
Jordan and MAE (20s, Jordan's tag-along) laugh.
Abby situates a fish on the table before her. She stares at it.
Abby guts the fish, holding her breath as she slices and pulls.
Ahh, there you go, Little Lamb.
Abby passes that fish along. She situates another one. Holds her breath. Guts it. Passes it along.
(cont'd):
Gonna have to take a breath sometime.
Getting there.
Abby situates a fish. Cuts.
Do me a favor and keep those chunks you're destined to spew out of my hair and off my rubber.
Abby pulls the guts out of the fish and passes it along.
You've been my target since I stepped on this boat.
Is that right?
You seem like someone who appreciates a good ralphing.
Abby starts gutting another fish.
(cont'd):
A vomit-seur.
Jordan and Abby laugh.
Another half-net of salmon rains through the openings in the upper deck.
I/E. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG - CONTINUOUS
DAWN
Billie walks the hallway. It's quiet inside, save for noise coming from the kitchen... which is exactly where Billie goes.
Mikal pulls a couple of trays from the oven; on them are puffed little squares.
Whoa, what are those?
Coffee-flavored Chin Chin. They're usually fried, but my mom always baked them when I was growing up.
Mikal slides two more trays into the oven. He returns to the cooked trays and seasons the Chin Chin, handing Billie a piece when he's done. Billie pops it into her mouth.
Holy hell.
Billie pulls her phone from her pocket and snaps photos of the Chin Chin.
(cont'd):
You and your creations are about to take over our feeds, man.
Woot woot.
The phone in the office RINGS offscreen. Billie looks at the clock above the oven: 5:47am; early for an office phone call. Billie puts her phone away and walks out of the kitchen and toward the office; the office phone's RINGING gets louder as she gets closer.
Good shit, Mik!
(O.S.):
Thank you!
Billie sits at her desk--the messier of the two--and looks at the caller ID before picking up: FONTE.
(one-sided conversation):
Hey Omar, how are you? I'm good. What's up.
Billie's brow furrows. She gets up and closes the door.
(one-sided conversation, cont'd):
Tomorrow's order? No, no, Alex hadn't said anything. Yeah, I'll chat with him when he gets here. And then I'll give you a call back. Yeah. Sure. Of course. Thanks, Omar, bye.
Billie hangs up the phone.
CUT TO:
LATER
Alex arrives on his bike. He's sweaty and winded. He takes a moment to gather and to tidy all that has become disheveled.
CUT TO:
Billie sits in the office, using her computer.
(O.S.):
Good morning, Mikal. Max. Good to see you. Liddie, hello, how are you?
Alex walks into the office.
(cont'd):
Good morning.
You're moist.
I am.
Alex opens up his panniers and pulls out a change of clothes. He undresses.
(unfazed; still staring at her screen):
You biked in from Shoreline?
Used to ride much further than that every day. And then holy shit did I get old.
I'm sure it'll come back in no time.
Like riding a...
Alex waits for it... and then when Billie takes the bait:
(at same time):
Bike.
Alex pulls on a new shirt.
Deodrant?
Billie opens her top drawer, grabs a stick of deodorant and tosses it Alex. Alex catches it.
(cont'd):
Thanks.
Hey, can I talk to you about something?
Eesh.
What?
Anytime you use that polite tone with me it usually means some hammer is about to drop.
It does not.
Alex shrugs. He tosses the deodorant back to Billie. Billie puts it back in the drawer.
West Wing it?
Billie stands and follows Alex out of the office. The WALK AND TALK commences. They walk by the drink counter, where Max stands, and where customers wait to place their orders. Alex grabs a bus tub.
Omar called.
Omar... from Fonte?
Yeah.
And?
He said that an order hadn't been placed.
That's true.
Which isn't exactly what Billie had expected to hear...
They reach the primary seating area. JERRY and THERESA (70s, happily married couple, 45 years and counting; Chicken and the Egg regulars) walk in.
(at same time):
Good morning!
(struggling to keep her anger in):
Good morning.
How are you two today?
Sluggish!
This strapping body of mine is in need of some caffeine.
Glad to hear it, Jer. Enjoy.
Jerry and Theresa get in line. Alex and Billie start grabbing dirty cups and plates from nearby tables and placing them in the bus tub.
You mind telling me why that is, Prez?
You're really gonna make me say it?
Say what?
You don't think I know that the first place you'd look after a call like that is the spreadsheets? And that the place after that is the bank account?
I would have, yes, but I haven't been able to log into the bank's site all morning.
Really?
Really.
That's weird.
I know it's weird. The whole damn thing is weird, which is why I'd really like you to key me in on why you didn't tell me sooner about dropping Fonte. Or, if you'd be so kind to oblige, why you didn't consult with me about it at all before doing so.
With the bus tub full, Alex leads Billie back toward the counter. He places the bus tub on a table near ZEKE (17, tall, in line to receive a basketball scholarship), a dishwasher.
(to Zeke):
Toss me that rag?
Zeke tosses Alex a rag.
(to Zeke):
Swish. Thanks, Z.
Alex walks back out to the primary seating area and starts wiping a table. Billie follows.
(cont'd):
You've had enough going on that I--
That's such bullshit, Prez. So you think I'm soft, that's it?
Is that what I said?
You think I can't handle it?
I didn't say that!
You made me manager for a reason.
Yes, eight years ago I did. And I've kept you in the role of manager for--
Iggy walks in through the front door with a backpack on. We stay with him as he walks to the counter and gets in line.
(O.S., interrupting):
What, so you can watch me squirm?
(O.S.):
What are you talking about? Sure, I put you in charge so I could watch you squirm. It's actually the only thing that gets me fired up these days. A day spent here, watching you and everyone else with power spiral? Whoo, Vivien, here I come, baby.
Alex's and Billie's voices become stronger as they near Iggy. He watches them. Jerry and Theresa walk past on their way to the seating area, unfazed by the argument.
You don't get it. You've put one hand in my pocket, Alex!
I've done what?
Behind your back!
Right! Right. You've tied one arm behind my back.
Iggy watches Billie and Alex turn down the hallway. A door closes and their voices are muffled.
Customers move forward in line.
(to Iggy):
You ready?
Iggy wakes up from the daze and approaches the counter.
(cont'd):
Don't mind them. That's just... yeah... (not seeing the point in trying to explain) that's just how they are sometimes. What can I get you started?
I'll have an Americano please.
Tall?
Yes, please.
Max starts making Iggy's drink. Iggy grabs his phone and shows Max the screen--the photo posted on Instagram of the coffee Chin Chin.
(cont'd):
And I saw that you had coffee Chin Chin today?
Oh yeah. They're so good. Would you like some?
Yes, please.
You got it.
Max grabs a small bowl and fills it with Chin Chin.
Did you make them?
Me? Oh god no, that was my guy, Mikal. Everything he makes just hits different.
Is he here?
Max hands Iggy the Americano and the Chin Chin.
Naa, you just missed him, actually. He's our baker, so he's here and out by the time we hit snooze.
Does he happen to be Nigerian?
I don't think so...?
I ask just because... three months I've been in Seattle and this is the first time I've seen Chin Chin.
Oh no way!
More CUSTOMERS file behind Iggy; the line is getting quite long.
(cont'd):
Well, people are loving them, so maybe you'll always have a place to come and take a bite or two. Have a good one. (to new customers) How are you guys doing today?
Thank you.
Iggy walks into the seating area and sits at an empty 2-top. He sets his coffee and Chin Chin on the table, then pulls his laptop case from his backpack, and his laptop out of the case. He plugs the laptop into the outlet beneath the table. He takes the lid off of his coffee so it can cool, then a bite of Chin Chin.
He closes his eyes. Savors that bite. Grins.
CUT TO:
Alex sits in his office chair. Billie sits on top of her desk, arms crossed.
Look, losing Abby hurts. One person can't replace her, so you're looking at hiring two newbs at a minimum. And hiring is always expensive.
I know, Prez, but people quit working here every year... and we've never once dropped a supplier as a result.
I just have a feeling, Bill. I don't know how to explain it. Just something telling me that it's time to tighten up the belt, you know?
Fonte's been good to us.
I know they have.
(walking to the bathroom attached to the office) :
Their coffee is great. Everything's always on time. They give us discounts. (peeing offscreen with the door open) That doesn't happen everywhere.
As Billie pees, Alex quickly logs into The Chicken and the Egg's bank account.
They're also pretty damn expensive, even with the discounts. Always have been.
He clicks to transaction history and... is RELIEVED to see that no recent withdrawals are shown.
(cont'd):
But, yeah...I know. Believe me, I do. But, when you're worried about being strapped for cash, if you aren't careful it won't be the supplier you're cutting... (over the sound of the toilet flushing) it'll be your Mikals you're saying goodbye to. Your Maxes.
(walking back into the office):
Product versus people. I get it.
You can find a Fonte anywhere. A Mikal, or a Max, or an Abby... they can't be replaced.
You should've called Omar, Alex. You shouldn't have burnt that bridge.
I called Lana.
Omar's boss?
How big of a piece of shit do you think I am? I wouldn't just ghost Fonte. Lana and I go way back. How she handled it with Omar--or didn't handle it--is none of our business.
(shrugs):
Okay. Okay. But you should've talked to me, Prez. You know you can't leave me in the dark on something like this; having to scramble like an asshole just to start piecing things together is humiliating.
You're right. I should've come to you. I'm sorry.
Billie nods.
What's next then?
Alex rubs his face.
I'll call the bank and get the login sorted.
Billie nods.
(cont'd):
I need to start my IV though.
Alex gets up and walks out of the office. Billie follows. They walk behind the drink counter and Alex starts preparing his own coffee.
Do you have a new supplier in mind?
What? We're getting a new supplier?
Billie nods.
(to Billie):
A few, yeah.
Want me to get in contact with them this morning?
I was going to, but sure, go for it.
What about our website?
What about it? Spending a bunch of money on that doesn't really fit with tightening the belt.
I've told you, you dinosaur: it wouldn't be a bunch of money, not to upgrade from a piece of shit to, I don't know, a lesser piece of shit that actually loads.
It'll cost more than you think. Either we'd have to hire someone to do it, or I'd have to spend hours and hours on YouTube figuring shit out.
I'd definitely vote for someone else to be spending their hours on YouTube.
I second that.
It's too much, Bill.
It might be more cost effective to do that than, I don't know, sending Zeke around with flyers for open mic night.
With a better return, too.
Bill, it's too muich.
Iggy approaches the counter.
Excuse me.
We can look into getting on more apps then. DoorDash, Postmates...
I've been thinking about ditching the ones we already use. They all take huge cuts. And I'm not about to start charging $6 for a black coffee.
Excuse me.
Hey, how was your Chin Chin?
Alex and Billie stop talking and look to Iggy.
It was delicious, thank you. Everything I was looking for. (to Alex) Hello. (to Billie) Hello.
Glad to hear you liked it. Is there anything we can help you with?
I couldn't help but overhear some of your conversation... and I think it's I who may be able to help you.
I/E. "CORNERLESS" FISHING BOAT - CONTINUOUS
Abby steps out of the processing deck. She climbs halfway up the stairs that lead to the top deck and sits. Takes deep breaths. Lets the sun hit her face. She's pale, tired.
She stays there, unblinking, for a moment.
She stands, walks back down to the processing deck and resumes work. TIME PASSES in a MONTAGE:
Abby cleans equipment on the processing deck...
Wanda shows Abby around the upper deck, pointing to different pieces of equipment...
She instructs Abby on a type of knot; Abby practices and practices...
Abby watches as another half-net of salmon is brought on board...
Abby guts a fish and passes it down the line... And another... And another....
Abby acts like she's going to barf on Jordan...
Abby cleans more equipment as night falls...
Abby wipes down her gear and hangs it up outside of the bunk area. She climbs into her bunk and closes her eyes but then... the same ALARM as before sounds. Fish. Abby climbs out of bed and re-gears...
Another half-net of salmon is brought on board...
Abby guts another fish. And another. And another. And another. And another, until the MONTAGE ENDS and...
Abby sits on her bunk, exhausted. She rubs her hands. It isn't very lively, but other crew members talk among one another.
Wanda sits by Abby.
Let me. (starts massaging Abby's hands) Have to stay ahead of these knots, or these little mitts of yours will cramp--and always at the worst time.
What the hell are you doing out here with touch like this, Wanda? You should be somewhere warm, giving massages to some dewy-skinned elites.
I did, actually, for a long time.
Really?
Sure. I was really good at it, too.
What made you stop?
My husband was a fisherman. Denny was his name. He didn't stay in the bay, not like this. He'd go out there-out there. I never took the chance to tag along. So a couple years after he died I decided that I wanted to try it. Thought maybe it'd bring me closer to him.
How'd he die?
Well, for as long as I knew Denny, he'd always said that when you're at sea, things can change in a flash. So when the forecast said there'd be some clouds and rain, what that really meant was that a storm would swell up and split the boat in half.
Silence as Wanda continues massaging Abby's hands.
Well, does it? Does it make you feel closer to him?
It does, actually. And it makes Lola feel closer to him, too--that's our daughter, she's over on Suck Our Dock. (chuckles) God I hate that name. She's like him, though. Just loves it out here.
Is there a rule or something about you guys being on the same boat?
There is if you ask her.
CREW MEMBERS return to the bunk area, bleating in unison.
Do me next, Wan!
No, me next!
Shut it.
What about feet? You do feet, right?
Not those feet.
Wan, how come you didn't do that for me on my first day?
If I recall, on your first day you had spewed chowder all up in your hair. (over everyone's laughter) I wasn't going to come within ten feet of you.
Jordan sticks her tongue out at Wanda and lies down on her bunk.
Wanda pats Abby's hands and stands.
(cont'd):
(nods at Abby's charm bracelet) Love that, by the way. (to the group) See you in an hour, ladies. Make it count.
Wanda taps Jordan's knee as she walks out of the area.
Goodnight, Wanda.
The lights go out.
The sound of crew members SETTLING into their beds. Closing their eyes.
Abby rolls to her side, wide awake. She continues where Wanda left off, the charms on her bracelet bobbing as she massages her own hand.
