Beginnings: SCENE FIVE

INTERIOR EMILY’S OFFICE — DAY
EMILY SITS AT HER DESK, TALKING ON THE PHONE.

EMILY
No, I’m in Clearwater…(WRITES ON A PIECE OF PAPER)Clearwater, Florida… I have a dog with tattoos that identify you as the breeder. Can you give me information about the dog?


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE DESK, TALKING ON THE PHONE

ESTRELLA
Well, yes, Moxie’s ready. Teeth are clean and his coat’s ready for his weekly grooming … Just promise you won’t put pink bows on him this time … Can’t, Gordon. Everyone’s tied up … Sure, come on over and get him. It’s been two whole days since we’ve seen you.
(CALLS OUT TO CYNTHIA) Cyn, will you get Moxie ready for Gordon? He’s on his way over.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR EMILY’S OFFICE — DAY
EMILY SITS AT HER DESK, TALKING ON THE PHONE.

EMILY
My understanding is that this dog was handled by your kennel … That’s what the breeder said … Yes, those are the tattoo numbers … Yes, I’ll hold.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA SITS AT THE DESK.
CYNTHIA ENTERS CARRYING MOXIE, A SHELTY

CYNTHIA
We’ve had our little walk and Mr. Moxie is ready to go.

ESTRELLA
(TO MOXIE) Ay, Perrito, can you smile for Estrella? Let me see those pearly whites.

CYNTHIA
He’ll do anything for a treat.

ESTRELLA
Won’t we all?

GORDON TUDOR PATRICK ENTERS

GORDON
Darlings!

CYNTHIA
(LAUGHING AT MOXIE, WHO IS WRIGGLING MADLY IN HER ARMS) Okay, okay! I know you’re excited to see Uncle Gordon.

GORDON
(REACHING TO TAKE MOXIE FROM CYNTHIA) What have you gotten into, Moxie? Just look at that hair!
(TO ESTRELLA AND CYNTHIA) Ladies, you look wonderful.

ESTRELLA
(TO GORDON) New shirt?

GORDON
You wouldn’t believe the sale that White’s is having.

ESTRELLA
Sheets, too?

CYNTHIA
(TO ESTRELLA) Don’t start with me.

GORDON
Obviously I’m missing something delicious.

CYNTHIA
No, you’re not.

ESTRELLA
(TO CYNTHIA) Surely you’re not going to deprive our Gordon of a reason to celebrate.

GORDON
Champagne celebrating?

CYNTHIA
(TO GORDON) Armando is going to show in New York.

GORDON
THE New York? New York City? That New York?

CYNTHIA
One and the same.

GORDON
Darling! When do you leave and what are you wearing to his show?

CYNTHIA
He leaves in three days.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR EMILY’S OFFICE — DAY
EMILY SITS AT HER DESK, TALKING ON THE PHONE.

EMILY
Yes, Clearwater … Florida … Would you give me that number, please?
(SLAMS PHONE DOWN)


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA SITS AT THE DESK.
CYNTHIA STANDS AT THE COUNTER. GORDON IS HOLDING MOXIE

EMILY ENTERS, FURIOUS

EMILY
That’s it! I’ve had all the evasion I’m going to stand for. Doesn’t anyone take responsibility any more?

GORDON
You do.

EMILY
(TO GORDON) We have a lost greyhound who’s fighting for his life back there, and not one soul willing to speak up for him.
(BEAT)
Is this Moxie’s grooming day?

GORDON
This is his lucky day.
(BEAT)
(TO EMILY) Is your greyhound going to make it, Doc?

ESTRELLA
(TO EMILY) What’s with the phone calls?

EMILY
I’ve got five numbers and been put on hold seven times.

ESTRELLA
Give me the list.

CUT TO:
INTERIOR CRATE AREA — DAY
A.MICHAEL SITS ON THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF A LARGE STAINLESS STEEL CRATE. HE HOLDS THE GREYHOUND IN HIS ARMS, CAREFUL TO HOLD THE IV LINE OUT OF THE WAY AS HE CRADLES THE DOG.


(CONTINUED)