NO HARD FEELINGS
Written by
Gene Stupnitsky & John Phillips
OVER BLACK
We HEAR a RUMBLE... and it's getting LOUDER
A TOW TRUCK
Coming at us, filling up the SCREEN
ANOTHER ANGLE
Montauk Tow painted on the door. We follow the truck as it
moves past several sizable homes on an upscale street. It
stops at the smallest house on the block.
A CHARMING COTTAGE
Nestled on a half acre of prime Hamptons real estate.
Landscaped with love.
THE TOW TRUCK
Reverses into the driveway, and backs up to a BLACK TOYOTA
CAMRY with Uber/Lyft decals.
A long STINGER extends from the tow to the Camry's chassis.
The DRIVER jumps out, secures an under hook to the chassis.
He hits a lever and the Camry is lifted off the ground.
THE FRONT DOOR
Flies open and MARGOT CHAPMAN, maybe 30, -- scrappy,
impatient, a rascal, even -- bolts out of the house. She
cinches her ratty bathrobe closed as she runs over.
MARGOT
Stop stop stop stop!
(to Driver)
Gary! What the fuck?!
Gary pauses the lift mechanism.
GARY
Court order for asset seizure. Gotta
pay your property taxes, Margot.
MARGOT
No, this is a mistake. I'm
negotiating a payment schedule.
GARY
I guess they're done negotiating.
2.
MARGOT
So they're taking my car? I'm an
Uber driver. I can't pay off their
fucking taxes just bartending.
GARY
Not my problem.
MARGOT
So you're okay with these rich
assholes coming to Montauk and
building their summer palaces which
then triples our property taxes? It's
all of our problem.
GARY
No, my problem is you went radio silent.
MARGOT
(beat)
... Is that what this is about?
GARY
No. I also have a contract with the
county. I'm just saying an
explanation would've been nice for
why I never heard from you again.
Gary presses the lever and the tow boom continues lifting the
Camry onto the flatbed. Margot panics.
MARGOT
Wait! You're right. Look, I was
scared, okay? The feelings I had
for you were just really intense.
So I ran. It was stupid. Can you
just stop for one second?!
He stops, turns to her. His face a mix of emotions.
GARY
Is that true?
MARGOT
Yes! Last night I was doing laundry
and thought "I miss that fucker."
GARY
Really?
MARGOT
Yes, really, ya big dummy.
3.
She punches him in the shoulder. He softens, but then behind
Margot, a GORGEOUS GUY exits the house in his underwear and
begins doing squats on the lawn. Gary's face falls. Margot
continues, unaware.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
I miss us! I miss hearing about
what the Jets are doing wrong and
what you would do differently if
you ran the team.
(then)
Just say my car wasn't here. Please.
GARY
You're a piece of work, y'know that?
Gary hits the lever, the Camry continues being lifted. Margot
looks back, sees the Gorgeous Guy exercising.
MARGOT
Who, him? Oh, that's just my cousin.
Gorgeous Guy waves at them.
GORGEOUS GUY
Buenos dias!
MARGOT
(to Gary, explaining)
He's from Spain.
Gary ignores her, continues to secure the Camry.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
I swear on my life he's my cousin.
Gorgeous Guy comes up from behind, nuzzles Margot's neck and
cups her breast. She gently pulls his hand off.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Second cousin.
GARY
I wanted closure and I guess I got it.
MARGOT
(feels bad)
Gary, come on... it was just sex.
GARY
Well now you can run from even more stuff.
(hits tow lever)
Since you don't have a car.
4.
The Camry secured, Gary gets back in his truck.
GARY (CONT'D)
(starts truck up)
My sister was right about you.
You're a bad person.
MARGOT
That bitch got arrested for elder abuse.
GARY
There's something seriously wrong with you.
MARGOT
You think you're perfect? You're...
(thinks)
...indecisive. Which is annoying.
(then)
Look, I'm sorry. Can I at least get
a ride to the Claw? I'm bartending.
GARY
Hmmm. I just can't seem to decide.
Gary drives off. Margot inspects the court order in her hand.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - LATER
Margot, in a restaurant polo, ROLLER BLADES to work, taking
up much of the road. A line of cars behind her HONKS. She
waves them off.
MARGOT
Go around!
EXT. STRIP MALL - STARBUCKS - LATER
Gary's truck parked off to the side, the Camry still on it.
Margot ROLLS past and exits the frame. After a beat...
Margot ROLLS BACK INTO THE FRAME.
She pats her pocket, pulls out her keychain, the FOB still
attached. She presses the fob, hears the DOUBLE BEEP. She
thinks for a long moment, then, glances to make sure no one's
looking...
INT. STARBUCKS - SAME
Gary steps to the front to order.
5.
GARY
Gimme one of the banana breads. Actually,
wait. Lemon loaf. No, wait...
In the b.g. Margot opens the truck door and crawls in.
EXT. TOW TRUCK - SAME
Margot randomly presses different buttons and levers.
INT. STARBUCKS - SAME
Gary stares at the pastries as the barista waits,
impatiently.
GARY
Yeah, let's go with the banana bread.
In the b.g., the flatbed begins lowering.
EXT. TOW TRUCK - SAME
Margot now frantically removing the pins from the wheels. She
slips inside the Camry.
INT. CAMRY - CONTINUOUS
Margot starts the engine. Music BLASTS. She turns it down,
then shifts in reverse, and... nothing. She SLAMS the gas.
INT. STARBUCKS - SAME
As the barista hands Gary a croissant, we HEAR a loud
SCREECH. Gary turns to see --
A PLUME OF SMOKE RISING from the tires spinning in place as
the Camry strains to break free from the under hook.
I/E. CAMRY - SAME
A small crowd has gathered to watch this mechanical tug of
war. Phones are raised, recording. Gary BOLTS out.
GARY
What the hell are you doing?!
MARGOT
Trying to save my house, Gary!
6.
He gets to the truck and hits a lever. The Camry immediately
goes perpendicular, hanging like a captured shark, with only
its front tires on the ground.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Noooo!
Margot turns the wheel and SLAMS THE PEDAL causing the Camry
to TWIST AND FLIP OVER. The Crowd gasps.
A beat, then the door opens and Margot falls several feet to
the ground. She stands on her rollerblades, surveys the
crowd, the damage, and Gary.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
You know what, just tow it.
EXT. COURT HOUSE STEPS - DAY
Margot, rollerblades slung over her shoulder, exits with her
PUBLIC DEFENDER, 50s, rumpled suit, ponytail.
PUBLIC DEFENDER
What were you thinking, Margot?
MARGOT
I don't know. I just reacted.
PUBLIC DEFENDER
One more infraction and you lose your
license.
MARGOT
Lotta good a license does when I
don't have a car.
She hands him the court order, he scans it as she takes off
her shoes and changes into her rollerblades.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
My mom left me that house. It's
paid off. Can they do this?
PUBLIC DEFENDER
If you haven't paid your taxes they
can. Good news is you have until
September first. That's all summer.
You'll pay it off.
MARGOT
Not without a car, man.
Margot rollerblades away.
7.
INT. LOBSTER CLAW - DAY
An open-air restaurant/bar on the beach. Margot cuts lemons
as she preps the bar. A WALL STREET type, 50's, sunburnt,
enters talking loudly on his phone. Margot clocks him, goes
back to cutting lemons.
WALL STREET
(on phone)
Yeah the new place is right on the
water, you gotta come out.
As he comes up to the bar, he shouts his order to Margot.
WALL STREET (CONT'D)
G&T with lime.
MARGOT
We don't open until noon.
He glances at a clock on the wall -- 11:57.
WALL STREET
It is noon.
MARGOT
See the little hand? It's 11:57.
Annoyed, he throws a TWENTY in the tip jar.
WALL STREET
Now what time is it?
She looks at the clock.
MARGOT
11:57.
He stares at her, uncomprehending. He reaches in the jar to
grab his tip back. With cobra quickness, she grabs his wrist.
As they grapple...
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Why don't you go wait in your boat and
I'll sound the foghorn when we're open.
WALL STREET
What the hell is your problem?
The small struggle is finally broken up by the owner, FERN,
50s, lesbian, salt of the earth.
8.
FERN
Hey, hey! C'mon, Margot. Sir, I can
make that drink for you.
WALL STREET
Fuck this.
(exiting)
You need to fire her.
FERN
I've tried. She won't leave, Sir.
Fern turns to Margot, pissed.
FERN (CONT'D)
You can't start the season like
this. I don't love these people
either, but they keep the lights
on. Summer's when we make all our
money. You know this.
MARGOT
I know. I'm sorry, Fern.
FERN
(comforting)
You know what helps me?
Margot look at her, hopeful.
FERN (CONT'D)
Folding napkins.
(then, deadpan)
So why don't you go help Sara with that.
INT. LOBSTER CLAW - LATER
Margot folds napkins. Her co-worker and friend, SARA (30s,
extremely pregnant) scrolls Craigslist on her phone.
SARA
This car's only a thousand. No that's
just for tires.
MARGOT
Great. I can't even afford tires.
SARA
Here's one without tires.
MARGOT
We've looked everywhere, we're not
gonna find anything.
(MORE)
9.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(then)
And I'm losing hundreds of dollars
every day I'm not driving.
VOICE (O.S.)
You could sell your kidney.
REVEAL Sara's husband, HENRY, 35, in a charter boat jacket,
sits behind them, whittling. He has a beer in front of him.
HENRY
Or your hair, your eggs, your
plasma. Our bodies are cash cows.
People don't understand that. I
read about a guy in Cambodia who
sold his feet.
SARA
(re belly)
Henry. I can feel our children
getting dumber.
HENRY
I'm trying to help. I'm a solutions
orientated person.
(to Margot)
You should rent it out.
MARGOT
No. I can't stand the thought of
these rich fucks living in my house.
HENRY
I meant for porn shoots.
SARA
Holy shit. Read this.
MARGOT
(takes it, reads screen)
"Free Buick. This is going to sound
strange, but our son is starting
college in the fall and we want to help
him. He's a wonderful young man,
extremely smart but socially very shy.
He's never had a girlfriend. We're
looking for an attractive, kind and
intelligent woman, 20-22, to "date" him
and boost his confidence before he
leaves for college in the fall. In
exchange, we'll give you a free, 2013
Buick Regal, clean, rust-free, 40k
miles. Serious inquires only."
(MORE)
10.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(then)
"Date" is in quotes.
HENRY
I bet that means sex.
SARA
My husband the code breaker.
MARGOT
This has to be a joke, right?
HENRY
Have you seen these helicopter
parents? They do everything for
their kids. This is just the next
logical step.
SARA
But if it is real...
They consider it for a beat. Henry is incredulous.
HENRY
You guys aren't serious? Margot
won't even rent out her house so
why would she rent out her...
y'know?
SARA
Henry, the adults are talking.
HENRY
What? Oh, because I'm a man I can't
express an opinion on this?
MARGOT SARA
*
Yeah. Exactly.
Fern enters, takes a tray of folded napkins, turns to Henry:
FERN
Yeah, and you have a Roadrunner
tattoo covering your entire back.
Don't think you should be telling
anyone what to do with their body.
Fern leaves.
HENRY
That's rude.
(then)
And Margot, really?
11.
MARGOT
(shrugs)
I have sex with random guys all the
time. I'd love if they gave me a
Buick when it was over.
HENRY
I guess...
SARA
Babe, you don't know this, but
women have sex for reasons you
can't even imagine. Do you know how
much "just get it over with sex"
I've had with you?
Henry gasps. Then nods.
MARGOT
I had sex once to get out of playing
Settlers of Catan.
SARA
I had sex once because I didn't
want to commute the next day.
MARGOT
I had sex once because I wanted to
go to New Hampshire.
SARA
I had sex once on a first date
because I thought the guy was gonna
kill me.
HENRY
Who?
SARA
You.
HENRY
(charmed by this)
You thought I was going to kill
you? I thought you were going to
kill me, haha.
SARA
(to Margot)
Still might.
12.
I/E. OLD CARGO VAN - NIGHT
Sara pulls up to Margot's house, takes Margot's hand. Henry's
in the back seat.
MARGOT
I just know my mom would've wanted
me to fight to keep this house.
SARA
I say you do what you need to do.
MARGOT
Hey, it would be the fastest way to
get a car.
HENRY
Yeah, he'll cream his shorts as
soon as he sees you. Then you can
drive right home haha.
Sara glares at her husband.
HENRY (CONT'D)
No, because he's eighteen, not
because Margot's so hot.
Another glare. Henry sighs, gives up.
MARGOT
Thanks for the ride.
(inside joke)
I love you, Gus.
SARA
Love you, Gus.
Margot exits the van. Henry unbuckles to move up front.
SARA (CONT'D)
No, you stay back there.
EXT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Margot, exhausted, opens her front gate. It SQUEAKS. She
opens it closes it several times.
LATER
Margot, pen flashlight in her mouth, fixes the hinge. She
swings the gate to test it. Satisfied, she goes inside.
13.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE -- KITCHEN - LATER
The house is furnished with little money but lots of care.
Photos of Margot and her mother throughout the years.
Margot cooks some rice, goes through her mail -- mostly bills
with "PAST DUE" stamped on them.
LATER
Margot eats a simple dinner alone at her kitchen table.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - MORNING
Various shots.
- Margot has her tools out, replaces a doorknob.
- Margot carefully repaints a window frame.
- Margot prunes carnations from her garden.
- Margot mows her lawn, stops the lawnmower and takes in the
house, thinks...
EXT. MODERN BEACH HOUSE - DAY
Margot roller blades up to the end of the driveway. She looks
up at the steep incline to the gate, sighs.
EXT. DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Margot struggles up the driveway, going more sideways than
up. The LANDSCAPERS watch dispassionately.
MARGOT
Jesus fucking Christ.
Margot grabs hold of a branch for support. She turns to see:
The garage is open and inside is -- a 2013 emerald green
BUICK REGAL. Margot stares at her life raft.
The branch SNAPS and she begins rolling backwards.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Fuck nooooo!
14.
EXT. FRONT GATES - LATER
Margot marches up to the gate, her blades in her hands. She's
sweaty and one knee is skinned. She presses the speaker.
MARGOT
Hello? Allison? It's--
A moment later the gates part to reveal a modern structure of
glass, wood, and steel.
Waiting at the front door are ALLISON and LAIRD GLADWELL, a
well-tanned, white couple in their early 50s. They both wave.
ALLISON
Margot, hi!
MARGOT
Hello.
She hugs Margot like a long lost friend.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Oh. Okay.
ALLISON
Thank you so much for coming. This
is my partner, Laird.
Laird, barefoot, in linen pants, puts his arm around Allison.
LAIRD
It's a true honor. Welcome.
ALLISON
(to Laird)
She's pretty, right?
LAIRD
Yes, very pretty.
Margot smiles as they talk about her like she's not there.
HALLWAY
Allison and Laird lead Margot down a corridor with floor to
ceiling windows. Tasteful sculptures and modern art. The
faint sound of NPR can be heard.
A HISPANIC WOMAN works a stain on the rug nearby.
LAIRD (CONT'D)
Inez, no interruptions.
15.
ALLISON
(to Margot, explaining)
Inez helps us with the house.
LAIRD
She's family.
She nods at Margot, returns to scrubbing.
SUN ROOM
A spectacular view of the Atlantic. Margot sits in an
enormous chair across from Allison and Laird. She dabs at her
sweat with a napkin.
A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN in athletic wear enters with a beautiful
spread: grapes, crackers, cheeses. She sets the tray down on
the coffee table and exits. Margot eyes the spread hungrily.
ALLISON
Thanks, Bonnie!
(then)
Bonnie helps us with the house.
LAIRD
She's like an organizational
genius. She's family.
ALLISON
So, Margot, tell us about yourself.
Where are you from?
MARGOT
Here, actually. Born and raised.
ALLISON
A local! Well I'm jealous. You get
to live in paradise all year long.
LAIRD
(points to masonry)
See these stones? All local.
MARGOT
I thought I recognized a few of them.
A beat. They realize she's kidding.
ALLISON
She's funny!
Margot makes a silly face, spreads some cheese across a
cracker, inhales it.
16.
MARGOT
Wow, that is some good cheese.
LAIRD
Feel free to bring some home with
you. We'll have Inez wrap it up.
ALLISON
So, Margot, I meant to ask on the
phone: how old are you?
MARGOT
I know you're looking for someone
early to mid twenties. I'm slightly
older.
ALLISON
How old, may I ask?
MARGOT
Well, I just turned twenty-nine.
ALLISON
When?
MARGOT
Last year.
LAIRD
So you're twenty-nine?
MARGOT
Yes, last year.
Allison and Laird share a confused look.
ALLISON
And how old are you right now?
MARGOT
One more year older.
LAWYER
So thirty?
MARGOT
Yeah. Thirty-one.
Another look between them.
ALLISON
That's older than we were thinking.
17.
MARGOT
May I be frank? I assume I'm here
because you haven't found anyone
yet. And the reason you haven't
found anyone is because young girls
are idiots. It's not their fault,
they're young. But this is your son
we're talking about. What you need
is someone who looks like a peer,
but is mature enough to handle this
with the tact and sensitivity the
situation requires.
ALLISON
(beat, then)
Good answer. You're good.
LAIRD
And normal. It's been really hard
to find someone normal.
ALLISON
The economy's too damn strong.
LAIRD
We're just worried about our son.
He's such a wonderful young man:
sensitive, loving, extremely
bright.
ALLISON
He's brilliant. He's going to
Princeton in the fall.
MARGOT
Heard of it.
ALLISON
The only problem is he's never
dated anybody. We're worried he's
falling behind... socially.
LAIRD
And he's always on his phone. It
makes him anxious and depressed.
LAIRD (CONT'D)
He's unhappy.
ALLISON
Laird was unhappy when he was
Percy's age.
18.
LAIRD
I was.
ALLISON
And you know what helped him? We
started "dating" right before
college -- and Laird thrived.
LAIRD
Thrived.
ALLISON
And that's what we want for Percy.
He just needs a little nudge.
Margot nods as she inhales another salami/cheese cracker.
MARGOT
(mouth full)
So how does this work? Honor system?
LAIRD
That. And we know his passcode.
MARGOT
And he's not gay?
ALLISON
We've seen his internet history.
It's graphic, but it's not gay.
LAIRD
We were hoping he was gay. It would
explain things. He's an introvert.
ALLISON
And we've tried everything: Setting
him up with girls at school, family
friends' kids. Nothing's worked.
LAIRD
We're just really worried about
him. We can't send him off to
college like this. We just can't.
His voice trails, he gets emotional. Allison takes his hand.
MARGOT
That's why you called a professional.
(immediately)
Not a "professional." Just a woman
who needs a car.
(then)
(MORE)
19.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Speaking of which -- not to look a
gift horse in the mouth -- but does
it have to be a Buick?
LAIRD
It's just what Dad drove. He refused
to buy German or Japanese cars.
MARGOT
Because of the war?
LAIRD
No, he hated foreigners. He'd shout
"they come here and take what's ours!"
Margot looks around the fancy living room.
MARGOT
I know the feeling.
(then)
I'm fine with money, too...
ALLISON
Yeah, thing is, Laird's a lawyer...
LAIRD
(chuckles)
Yeah, that's solicitation. But I
think you'll find the Buick is of
equal or greater value for services
provided.
MARGOT
(nods)
... Cool.
ALLISON
As for protection-
MARGOT
Oh, I'm on the pill. Or do you mean
condoms? I'm all stocked up.
LAIRD
Then great! Just date Percy and the
Buick's yours.
ALLISON
And get to know him. He's a great kid.
LAIRD
But also date him. Date him hard.
20.
ALLISON
Laird.
MARGOT
I'll date his brains out.
LAIRD
(to Allison)
She gets it.
Something off screen catches Margot's eye.
MARGOT
Is that him?
She points at a FRAMED FAMILY PICTURE on the wall. Allison
and Laird have their arms around PERCY (skinny, anime t-
shirt, glasses) in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Oh yeah, I see the resemblence.
LAIRD
He's adopted.
MARGOT
Still a resemblence.
ALLISON
We couldn't have children, so Percy's
been a blessing for us.
Margot puts her hands over her heart, touched.
LAIRD
Oh, and -- I don't see this
happening -- but if Percy meets
someone the "organic" way...
ALLISON
We always prefer organic.
LAIRD
What I'm saying is: the deal's off
if you're beaten to the punch.
MARGOT
Well. I better get to work then.
Allison and Laird laugh, but Margot's not kidding.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(looks around)
Sooooo is he up in his room, or...
21.
LAIRD
Oh, no. No, he's not home.
ALLISON
Yes, he can't know about this.
LAIRD
He would be destroyed, and it would
obviously defeat the purpose of
helping his confidence.
MARGOT
Of course.
ALLISON
Let's bring up Percy's summer
calendar.
They both get on their phones. Margot makes a face -- he has
a calendar?
LAIRD
(off phone)
From 10 to 6 he volunteers at the
shelter.
LAIRD (CONT'D)
We thought you could go in there
like you're looking to adopt a dog.
MARGOT
That is so sweet. I love dogs. I
can't wait to meet Percy.
Inez appears with a satchel of cheese. Allison and Laird
share a smile, stand.
LAIRD
(extends his hand)
Very nice to meet you, Margot.
There's your cheese.
MARGOT
(surprised)
The cheese means we're done?
ALLISON
(warmly)
We'll be in touch.
Over MELANCHOLY ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC...
22.
INT. PERCY'S BEDROOM - DAY
A ship-in-a-bottle and an Incredible Hulk figure on his shelf.
Daredevil and Green Lantern comics sequentially organized. A
framed "Dragon Ball Z" animation cell on beside a poster of
Odd Future. A Princeton sweatshirt hangs off a chair. Two pill
bottles on his nightstand.
In the middle of it all is Percy. He lies on his covers,
staring at the ceiling.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
Percy sits at the kitchen table, mindlessly scrolling on his
phone. Allison serves him a sandwich, the corners cut off.
EXT. SAG HARBOR BAY - DAY
Laird pilots the boat while Percy looks at his phone.
INT. PERCY'S BEDROOM - DAY
- Percy plays heavy metal on his electric guitar. He's okay.
- Percy plays a video game.
- Percy watches TikTok. Two GIRLS in boxers and t-shirts do a
choreographed dance.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
Percy, in a helmet and neon vest, cautiously bikes along the
fog line, wincing as a car whooshes past.
EXT. BEST FRIENDS - PARKING LOT - DAY
Percy locks up his bike, heads inside. Beat. He quickly
doubles back to make sure that his bike is locked, giving the
bike lock numbers another cautionary scramble.
INT. BEST FRIENDS - EARLY EVENING
An upscale animal shelter. Fancy dog food and toys line the
walls. Lots of barking.
Margot enters, dressed to impress in a revealing outfit. She
spots Percy giving a wiener dog a scalp massage. He notices
Margot, quickly looks away.
23.
She smiles and starts towards him when a chunky, confident
man of 20, CRISPIN, sprints over in a "I RESCUED MY BEST
FRIEND" shirt.
CRISPIN
Hi, can I interest you in some unconditional
love? Looking for something to slobber on you?
MARGOT
(off Percy)
Can he help me?
CRISPIN
He mostly works with the dogs. I
deal with people.
MARGOT
You have a weird energy. I want him.
Rejected. But he's used to it, quickly recovers.
CRISPIN
Percy! Can you help this lady?
Margot frowns at being called "lady." Percy nods, nervous.
Margot struts over, gives him a flirty smile.
MARGOT
Well hello there.
PERCY
How can I help you, ma'am?
Margot smiles, grits her teeth.
MARGOT
I love your shirt.
Percy looks down at his anime shirt - a ghastly demon with a
sword exploding out of its face.
PERCY
.... Thanks.
MARGOT
Really cool cartoon.
PERCY
It's not a cartoon. It's anime.
MARGOT
Yeah, animated. That's what I said.
(then)
Mind if I touch your wiener?
24.
PERCY
... What?
She points to the dog.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Oh. Yeah.
Margot bends down and pets the wiener dog. Percy nervously
pulls out his phone, begins scrolling.
MARGOT
(flirty)
That doesn't mean you can get on
your phone. I need your help.
PERCY
(puts phone away)
Sorry. Uh, what kind of dog are you
looking for?
MARGOT
I wish I could save them all. Which
is the most fucked up?
Percy thinks, then opens a nearby cage. Out comes a GERMAN
SHEPHARD.
PERCY
This is Milo. He's really sweet.
He was a drug dog for the state
police but got addicted to c-o-c-a-
i-n-e.
MARGOT
Cocaine?
Milo goes nuts, barking and howling.
PERCY
Milo! No!
(to Margot)
If he hears the word he gets
triggered.
Percy struggles to put Milo back in the cage.
MARGOT
Sorry, Milo, I'm fresh out.
(clocks Percy's side eye)
And I'm high on this beautiful
life. So which one do you think I
should adopt?
25.
PERCY
Not sure. I'd need to ask you a few
questions first to make sure you're
a suitable candidate.
MARGOT
By all means. If you feel the need
to take me in the back and inspect
me.
PERCY
Not you specifically. We have to do
it with everyone. It's the rules.
MARGOT
(beat)
... Cool.
INT. BEST FRIENDS - BACK OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Pictures of happy owners and their new dogs hang on the wall.
Percy takes a seat at the desk. Margot sits across from him.
He pulls up the questionnaire on the laptop.
PERCY
(typing)
Margot. Chapman.
MARGOT
I should have a name tag right here.
She jiggles her breast. He doesn't notice.
PERCY
Spouse?
MARGOT
Currently single. Thank god, too.
It's more fun. You can be
spontaneous, y'know.
PERCY
(as he types)
Unmarried.
(then)
Children?
MARGOT
Too young. Having fun still.
Meeting new people. I love that.
26.
PERCY
(as he types)
Childless.
Margot frowns, her flirting is not working.
PERCY (CONT'D)
And why do you want to adopt a dog?
MARGOT
Because I can't have dogs of my own.
(joke dies, quiet)
Kidding.
PERCY
(continuing)
What do you plan to do with the dog
if you move?
MARGOT
I'm not moving.
PERCY
But what if you do?
MARGOT
I won't. I've lived here my whole
life. I love it here. I'm not going
anywhere.
PERCY
Well if you've never done anything
different, how do you know you
won't like something else better?
MARGOT
Is that on the questionnaire?
PERCY
Sorry. No. I didn't mean to pry.
MARGOT
Pry. Pry me open. I promise I'll
lay myself bare.
She gives some strong eye contact. Uncomfortable, he looks up
at the clock.
PERCY
I should start closing up.
MARGOT
Awwww, but I have more questions.
What should we do?
27.
PERCY
You can come back another day.
MARGOT
Or I can give you a ride home and
we can keep talking?
Margot gives her best thousand watt smile. Percy considers.
CUT TO:
INT. BEST FRIENDS - MAIN AREA - CONTINUOUS
Margot and Percy breeze past Crispin at reception.
PERCY
Is it okay if I leave early?
MARGOT
(sweetly)
You can finish alone, right? Bet
you do it all the time.
CRISPIN
Uhhhh...
MARGOT
Thanks.
They exit. Crispin is shocked.
CRISPIN
.... Okay then. Approved.
EXT. BEST FRIENDS - PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER
Margot and Percy approach Sara/Henry's VAN. Percy stops in
his tracks.
PERCY
This is your van?
ANGLE on the windowless pedophile van.
MARGOT
It is for tonight.
PERCY
There's no windows.
28.
MARGOT
(winks)
More privacy.
Beat. Percy grows uncomfortable.
PERCY
Actually, I just remembered I rode
my bike here.
He unlocks his bike. Margot opens the back of the van.
MARGOT
Plenty of room for it.
She takes it, throws it in the back.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
You can sit up front with me. Get in.
He just stands there.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(smiles)
I won't bite. Unless you want me to.
He cautiously gets in.
PERCY
Don't bite me.
I/E. VAN - MOMENTS LATER
Foghat blares on the radio. Percy nervously fiddles with his
lapbelt.
MARGOT
I mean yeah, whatever, I've been
with girls a couple times.
(singing along)
"Slow Ride, take it easy."
PERCY
Where's the rest of my seatbelt?
MARGOT
That is a lap belt. Just pretend
you're on an airplane. I'll be your
flight attendant.
PERCY
Why is the flight attendant flying
the plane?
29.
MARGOT
Because I've killed the pilot and
taken the plane over. You're my
hostage.
She takes a hard right turn.
PERCY
You didn't signal.
MARGOT
Nobody signals.
PERCY
(looks around)
This isn't the way to my house.
MARGOT
We're taking the scenic route.
Percy looks in the back of the van: Harpoons, ropes, cages.
Might as well be torture equipment.
PERCY
Where are we going?
MARGOT
It's a surprise.
Percy tenses, then covertly takes his phone out, begins
texting "Kidnapped Help" to his parents. Margot snatches it.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Gimme that! You guys and your phones.
Panic sets in. His face frozen in fear.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(singing)
Move to the music!
She "sexy dances" while driving as she pulls into her
driveway, turns off the car. She hears a faint rattle, looks
over to see Percy, back turned to her, his arm moving up and
down rapidly. Nothing but the sound of heavy breathing.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
What'cha got down there?
Percy wheels around, thrusting out a can of MACE he was
shaking, blasts her in the eyes while screaming.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
AHHHHH! FUCK!
30.
Margot opens the door, falls out of the van, staggers around
blindly. Percy jumps out, runs around back -- and into
Margot. He screams, MACES HER AGAIN.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
AHHHH!!!! STOP!!!!
She GASPS for air.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Whyyyyyy?
PERCY
You tried abducting me! You put me
in a van and took my phone!
MARGOT
If I were kidnapping you, you think
I'd give you all my personal
information first?
Percy considers this for a beat.
PERCY
I guess that's true.
MARGOT
Couldn't you just use your rape whistle?
PERCY
Why would I have a rape whistle?
MARGOT
WHY DO YOU HAVE MACE??
(then, polite)
Sorry. Can you please get the hose?
Percy looks around, spots a hose, grabs it and runs it back
and aims it at her. He presses the nozzle... nothing.
PERCY
It's broken!
MARGOT
Did you turn the water on?
PERCY
You have to turn the water on?
MARGOT
Are you fucking with me? Turn the spigot.
Percy runs back to the house with the hose and examines a
fuel gauge.
31.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
That's the gas meter. Over there.
He sees it, turns the spigot, comes back to Margot.
He BLASTS her in the face with the highly pressured water.
She puts her hands up to stop it.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Fuck! Ow! Gimme that!
She twists the nozzle, lowers the pressure and sprays herself.
She finally exhales.
PERCY
I don't know how to work the
equipment. We have gardeners.
MARGOT
Percy... I wasn't trying to abduct
you. I just thought you were cute.
PERCY
You think I'm cute?
MARGOT
Yeah, back when I had retinas.
PERCY
(thinks, then)
Maybe we should go on a date then?
Or we don't have to.
MARGOT
No, I want to. Just gimme like half
an hour to flush out my contacts.
PERCY
I didn't mean now. I meant tomorrow.
MARGOT
Fine. Yes. Great.
Percy retrieves his bike from the back of the van.
PERCY
See you tomorrow then?
MARGOT
(thumbs up, winces)
Can't wait.
He smiles the smallest of smiles then bikes away leaving
Margot on her lawn, wet, red and exhausted.
32.
EXT. LOBSTER CLAW - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Margot and Sara sit on the curb while Henry opens all the
doors and windows of the van. Margot holds a wet rag to her
eyes.
MARGOT
I can't believe this kid is going
to Princeton. He's dumb as shit.
HENRY
He's not dumb, he's just scared of
the world. They're all like this.
They grow up encased in bubblewrap.
SARA
My cousin, she's nineteen and still
lives at home. Doesn't drive,
doesn't go to parties. Always on
her phone.
MARGOT
Well, I need the van again
tomorrow.
HENRY
It's gonna take a week to air this
thing out and Sara's pregnant, she
can't be breathing these fumes.
You've lost van privileges.
(points off screen)
Ask Fern for the claw car.
ANGLE ON
A DODGE NEON wrapped in vinyl "Lobster Claw" marketing.
MARGOT
Yeah, that'll drop his panties.
They stop talking as a pretty local girl, MELANIE, walks by,
gets into a late model Porsche.
MELANIE
Hey guys!
They wave back, ad lib hellos. After she passes...
HENRY
(conspiratorial)
Y'know, you could do what Melanie's
doing and get a sugar daddy. You
won't need to worry about a car. Or
property taxes.
33.
MARGOT
The whole point of this Buick thing
is that it's quick.
(off Melanie)
I'm not gonna be on call to some
rich asshole all summer. So if you
see me doing that, it means I've
compromised who I am and you can
kill me. Because I've given up.
(beat)
But ya know, good for Melanie.
SARA
Honestly, sounds like he was just
nervous. A date could be good.
MARGOT
(in her head)
I need to be making money. I need
that car.
SARA
Listen. Go on a date. Get drunk
together. He'll loosen up. It'll be
fun!
Margot looks at Sara, an idea forming...
MARGOT
Of course. We'll just get drunk
together. Why didn't I think of
that?
EXT. TOWNIE BAR - NIGHT
Pool table, juke box, neon beer signs. Margot finishes a
beer. Percy looks out of the place amongst the older crowd.
MARGOT
I'm so glad we're doing this. A date was
a great idea.
PERCY
Can I ask you a question?
MARGOT
Shoot.
PERCY
Am I allowed to be here?
34.
MARGOT
Oh, yeah. I know the owner. It's fine.
(looks around)
Where's the waitress?
PERCY
He said it's okay?
MARGOT
Yeah. He put it in writing. I got
it notarized and everything.
(then, softens)
Look, you're going to college soon,
you should get used to being in a
bar.
PERCY
(considers)
Okay.
(then)
I just hope my parents don't see
that I'm here.
MARGOT
(looking around)
Do they come here?
PERCY
No, they track my phone.
MARGOT
(beat)
Wow. Okay.
(looks around)
I need a drink.
PERCY
Why?
MARGOT
I've been tense.
PERCY
(concerned)
Is everything okay?
MARGOT
Yeah, it's just -- I barely know
you, but I'll just tell you.
She moves closer, presses her breasts against his arm.
35.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
And I had a dream about you. It was
really intense. Don't ask.
Percy pulls out his phone, nervously scrolls.
PERCY
Okay.
MARGOT
You ever have one of those?
Percy thinks, puts his phone down.
PERCY
Actually, yeah.
She moves even closer.
MARGOT
Tell me.
PERCY
You know Harley Quinn? From Suicide
Squad?
MARGOT
(no idea)
... Sure.
PERCY
I had a dream I wouldn't let her
adopt a dog, so she locked me in
one of the dog cages and dragged me
back to her hideout. Very intense.
MARGOT
(confused)
... And then you banged?
PERCY
What? No! I kicked at the cage and
screamed until finally Inez came in
my room and woke me up.
MARGOT
(beat)
How the fuck is that a sex dream?
PERCY
You asked if I have intense dreams.
36.
MARGOT
You're right. I should've been more
specific.
A WAITRESS comes over.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Alright, here we go. Makers neat.
And my friend here will have a...
PERCY
Pepsi.
Margot's face falls.
WAITRESS
We only have Coke.
PERCY
Hmm.
MARGOT
No, Percy, no. He'll have a beer.
PERCY
(searches menu)
In that case I'll have... an O'Doul's
beer, please. Thank you.
MARGOT
(annoyed)
You sure?
PERCY
Oh wait, you guys sell daiquiris?
Margot brightens.
MARGOT
Only the best in Montauk!
PERCY
I've always wanted to try one.
(then, dramatic)
One virgin daiquiri, please.
The Waitress leaves. Margot quietly fumes.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Oh they have Big Buck Hunter. Cool.
Do you have any quarters?
MARGOT
You don't want an adult beverage?
37.
PERCY
Oh no, I don't drink.
MARGOT
Never?
PERCY
Never.
MARGOT
You're eighteen. You're not even
curious about drinking?
Percy pulls his phone out, scrolls.
PERCY
I won't like it.
MARGOT
But what if you do.
PERCY
I won't.
MARGOT
(referencing Percy)
Well if you've never done anything
different, how do you know you
won't like something else better?
The Waitress returns with drinks.
WAITRESS
Manhattan for the lady and a virgin
daiquiri for the young man.
MARGOT
(to waitress)
Stay close.
The Waitress leaves. Margot puts her drink down, studies
Percy for a beat.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Drinking's a social lubricant.
You'd benefit. You wouldn't need to
pull out your phone every time you
got nervous.
PERCY
I'm not nervous.
Margot takes Percy's straw, puts it in her bourbon and pushes
the straw towards his mouth. He purses his lips, resists.
38.
MARGOT
It's time to learn. You're going to
college in the fall. C'mon. Open hatch.
Baby bird. Eat your vitamins.
She pokes at his mouth with it.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Let me in. Boop. Beep. Bop.
VOICE (O.S.)
Margot Chapman as I live and breathe.
REVEAL a townie in an Islanders shirt. Margot forces a smile.
MARGOT
Hi, Travis.
Travis is drunk. Which makes it hard to pretend he's not
heartbroken and angry.
TRAVIS
I thought you died or something
cause I suddenly stopped hearing
from you.
Percy watches with relief, thankful for the distraction.
MARGOT
Nope. Still alive, still thriving.
TRAVIS
I don't know if you heard...
He holds up his hand, showing off a wedding band.
MARGOT
(genuine)
Hey, that's great! Congratulations.
I'm really happy for you.
PERCY
Congratulations.
Travis looks at Percy, trying to get a beat on him.
TRAVIS
Anyway, your little disappearing
act was the best thing that ever
happened to me.
MARGOT
Well it sounds like you're doing
great. It was great catching up.
39.
TRAVIS
Big time. She's fucking amazing.
She speaks three languages and
she's hot as fuck. She's so fucking
hot it's like I don't even know why
she's with me. The sex is
incredible, too. Hottest girl I've
ever been with.
MARGOT
That's great. Is she easy to clean?
Is her vagina dishwasher safe?
TRAVIS
No, she's a real person. Unlike you.
MARGOT
What part of Russia did they mail her from?
TRAVIS
Best of all, when I told her I
loved her, she said it back instead
of running away like a coward.
MARGOT
That must have been an exciting second date.
TRAVIS
(to Percy)
Careful with this one. She's slippery.
Travis staggers away. Margot gulps her drink.
PERCY
Can I ask you a question?
MARGOT
What?
PERCY
Is that your ex boyfriend?
MARGOT
(laughs)
Travis? Uh, no. More of a friend.
PERCY
Really? Cause it seems you don't like him.
MARGOT
You met him. Did you like him?
PERCY
I didn't have sex with him.
40.
Beat.
MARGOT
Want to? I can call him back over.
PERCY
I just don't understand why you'd
have sex with someone you don't like.
MARGOT
(thrown)
Because I was drunk. Or lonely. Or
sad. And it was Christmas. Okay? I
don't know, who gives a fuck? Let's
just have fun.
Margot downs the rest of her drink.
PERCY
Do you need alcohol to have fun?
Beat. Margot glares at Percy.
MARGOT
Some nights I don't drink at all. I
just get super high.
PERCY
Hmm. Can I ask you a question?
Margot loses it.
MARGOT
You don't have to ask me if you can
ask me a question every time, dude.
Just ask the fucking question.
PERCY
I'm just trying to get to know you.
Margot looks out the window, clocks the empty beach.
WAITRESS
Another virgin daquieri?
PERCY
Yes, please.
MARGOT
No. We're leaving. Pay the bill and
meet me outside.
PERCY
Where are we going?
41.
EXT. BEACH - ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER
They walk on to the beach.
MARGOT
I had a lot to drink in there, I
think I'm drunk.
Percy looks around.
PERCY
I think it's closed.
(off sign)
Yup. After 8. Closed.
MARGOT
Good. We'll have it to ourselves.
PERCY
We could get in trouble. And it's
not even sunny.
MARGOT
This is better. Nobody can see us.
PERCY
(worried)
Yeah, there's no lifeguards.
MARGOT
Good. We can skinny dip.
Margot hooks her fingers in his belt loops, draws Percy
closer.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Let's get you out of these jean shorts.
PERCY
What about riptides?
MARGOT
You're right, here comes one now.
Margot gives his shorts a tug.
PERCY
Careful! You're gonna rip them.
He pulls them up.
MARGOT
(flirty)
Yeah, I am.
42.
PERCY
They were a gift.
MARGOT
From who, Richard Simmons?
PERCY
No, my mom.
MARGOT
(tugs)
C'mon. I wanna see your pussy.
PERCY
(conflicted)
I don't know...
Margot gives up, lets go. Tries another tactic.
MARGOT
Guess you're just not attracted to me. Or
maybe you think I'm ugly...
PERCY
What? No.
MARGOT
Seems like it.
PERCY
I don't!
(quiet)
I think you're really pretty.
MARGOT
Yeah?
Sensing an opening, she moves closer to him.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Pretty where?
(takes off her shirt)
Pretty here?
(slips off shorts)
Or pretty here?
She stands before him naked for a beat, then runs into the
water. [note: lit and shot respectfully, of course]
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(calls out from sea)
Nothing bad will happen. I promise.
Percy deliberates. Margot in the water does look inviting.
43.
PERCY
What about sharks?
MARGOT
None here!
PERCY
Jellyfish?
MARGOT
Out of season!
PERCY
Flesh eating bacter--
MARGOT
GET THE FUCK IN HERE RIGHT NOW!
PERCY
Okay, I'm going to trust you.
He quickly undresses (leaving on his glasses) and doggy
paddles out to her.
MARGOT
See? That's not so bad, right?
She puts her arms around him.
PERCY
I just hope there's no riptides.
Margot moves in to kiss him when --
VOICE (O.S.)
FUCK HER! FUCK HER IN THE BUTT!
ON THE BEACH
THREE PREPPY TEENS (two boys and a girl) watching and
whooping and drinking beers.
IN THE WATER
PERCY
What're they doing?
MARGOT
I don't know.
(waves)
Hello!
The leader waves back, a stupid grin on his face.
44.
LEADER
Whatcha up to over there?
MARGOT
(shouting back)
Just doing our taxes.
LEADER
(points to their clothes)
These yours?
MARGOT
Yeah, no need to fold `em.
Loud giggling as the Teens pick up their clothes.
PERCY
They're taking our clothes!
MARGOT
Put it down!
SIDEKICK
Eat this dick!
The LEADER puts Percy's jean shorts on his head like a
jester, does a jester dance.
MARGOT
I'm warning you!
GIRL
Bye, sea bitch!
The three leave with their clothes, their laughter fading
away as they disappear down the shore. Percy freaks. Any
chance of sex is now gone.
PERCY
You said nothing would happen! We
need to find an adult.
MARGOT
Percy, you are an adult.
As he considers this, Margot begins to swim away.
PERCY
Where are you going?!
She POWER STROKES parallel to the shore. She's a great
swimmer.
FARTHER DOWN THE BEACH
45.
The Teens walk along, going through their haul. The Leader
pulls a condom from Margot's shorts.
LEADER
Jackpot.
They don't notice an enraged Margot emerging from the water,
buck naked. She scoops up a fistful of sand.
MARGOT
C'mere, cunts.
They turn, surprised to find a soaking wet angry naked woman
quickly approaching. Margot is fearsome.
SIDEKICK
Oh shit-
Margot HURLS the SAND in his face.
SIDEKICK (CONT'D)
OW!
He grabs his eyes, drops the clothes.
GIRL
Whoa, whoa, relax-
MARGOT
(to the girl)
What about you? You want the business?
Margot KICKS the girl HARD in the crotch.
She groans in pain, drops to her knees. Two down. Only the
Leader left. Margot retrieves her bikini top and brandishes
it like a whip.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
You think it's cool to steal clothes?
LEADER
(points to girl)
It was her idea! I don't want the
business!
She reaches for his head. He flinches. She grabs the shorts.
MARGOT
These jean shorts were a gift!
LEADER
I didn't know! I'm sorry.
46.
MARGOT
Now get outta here!
They just stand there, in shock. Margot raises the back of
her hand.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
You want a fresh one?
They stagger away among murmurs of "crazy" and "sea bitch."
MARGOT (CONT'D)
And stay outta Montauk!
IN THE WATER
Percy watches Margot approach with their belongings. She
drops them on the sand before returning to the water. She
paddles over to Percy.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
So where were we?
She puts her arms around his shoulders, tries to kiss him.
PERCY
What happened over there?
MARGOT
I got our clothes back.
She goes to kiss him again. He pushes her away.
PERCY
Did you beat up those kids?
MARGOT
No. They apologized.
PERCY
I heard screaming.
MARGOT
That was the apologizing.
PERCY
I don't like this. Something's
really wrong with you.
MARGOT
They had our clothes, keys, phones,
wallets. I got them back. What
would you have done, nothing? You
should be thanking me!
47.
PERCY
(high-pitched)
I was coming up with a plan!
MARGOT
A plan to call your parents?
(mocking)
"Mommy, Daddy, teens stole my denim
panties!"
(then, sweet)
I'm sorry, that was mean. Let's
fuck.
PERCY
... No?
Margot smacks the water in frustration.
MARGOT
WHY NOT!?
PERCY
Because you're scary! It's like
you're trying to eat me or kill me.
MARGOT
What a waste of time, man. I feel
sorry for you. I'm done.
She swims towards shore.
PERCY
I feel sorry for you. You drive a
freaking lobster car.
MARGOT
Hey, at least I'm not scared to drive.
She picks up the pile of clothes and heads to the car. Percy
emerges from the water,
PARKING LOT
Margot gets to the claw car, throws Percy's clothes on the
passenger seat. She gets in and gets dressed. Percy, naked,
runs up to her door, tries it -- it's locked.
PERCY
(bangs on window)
Gimme my clothes!
Margot tosses his clothes out to him. He picks up his shorts,
feels the pockets.
48.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Where's my phone?
(then)
Is it in your car?
MARGOT
(quick look)
Nope.
PERCY
You barely even looked!
MARGOT
It's not in here, Percy.
PERCY
Just check! My parents need to be
able to know where I am.
MARGOT
(blows up)
Why? What if they don't?!
Margot doesn't wait for an answer, throws the car in reverse.
Percy instinctively jumps on the hood, still naked. A
determination we haven't seen before.
PERCY
Gimme my phone!
MARGOT
Percy, get off the hood.
PERCY
Not until I get my phone.
MARGOT
Guess we're doing this.
She throws the car into gear and slowly drives across the
parking lot with Percy on the hood. She exits on to a --
SERVICE ROAD
They pass several people who look on in amazement.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
I will drive to fucking Chicago.
Don't fucking test me.
She picks up speed, 15... 20...25. A curve up ahead, then:
HEADLIGHTS
49.
An 18 WHEELER blows by, inches from the car. Percy SCREAMS.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Oh shit.
PERCY
Let me off! Let me off!
MARGOT
(shaken)
Yup! I'm pulling over
More HEADLIGHTS approach. They belong to
A POLICE CAR
Going the other way. The COPS clock the bizarre scene of a
naked teenager on a lobster car hood.
FLASHING LIGHTS
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Fuck!
The POLICE CAR hits the brakes, begins executing a three-
point-turn on the narrow country road.
Margot slams the steering wheel in frustration. It's over.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Idiot!
She starts to slow down a flashing red light and ringing bell
announce a train approaching up ahead.
Margot checks her rearview mirror to find the COP CAR
struggling with the turn. Then back at the crossing gates.
The COP CAR finally rights itself, speeds towards Margot.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(thinks, then)
I'm on probation, I can't lose my
license!
MARGOT FLOORS IT.
Percy SCREAMS as the lobster car RACES towards the descending
gates. Percy looks back, sees the gates dropping.
PERCY
What the fuck are you doing!?
50.
The CLAW CAR accelerates across the tracks just under the
closing gates. Margot brakes. Percy still clings to the
hood, eyes shut tight. He slowly opens them, looks around.
Percy then looks at Margot, almost in awe.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Holy fucking shit.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Percy, still high from their close call, excitedly peaks
through the blinds facing the street.
PERCY
I don't see any cops out there. I
think we lost them!
Margot pulls a candle from a drawer, lights it.
MARGOT
Are you sure? Keep looking.
PERCY
I can't believe we drove across the
train tracks. I thought we were
gonna die!
MARGOT
You were really brave, holding onto
the hood like that. Most guys would
have fallen off. But not you.
(downs her drink)
We need music.
PERCY
Yeah!
(then)
What? Why?
Margot exits the room. Percy sits down on the couch, takes a
look around the space.
PERCY (CONT'D)
(calls out)
I like your house! Cozy.
MARGOT (O.S.)
Thanks! The bedroom's the best
part. I'll show it to you later.
Suddenly music starts BLASTING.
51.
Margot re-enters holding a bluetooth speaker. She sets the
speaker down, starts grooving to the music.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
DANCE PARTY!
Margot grooves around him. She's weird and uninhibited. He
bobs his head, trying to look supportive.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Dance with me!
Percy shakes his head no, still bobbing supportively. Margot
pulls Percy to his feet.
PERCY
Okay, okay, you got me. I'm dancing.
Percy bobs his head. Margot sways closer and closer to him,
syncing up with his bobbing. She pulls him in and they bob as
one for a couple beats. He sits back down. She turns off the
music.
MARGOT
WHEWW!
(then)
You wanna see the bedroom?
PERCY
Maybe in a little bit.
Percy nervously scratches his neck. Margot takes Percy's
glasses off.
MARGOT
We can go slow.
PERCY
Mm hmm. The slower the sexier.
He itches his cheek. He scratches his armpit. He scratches
his back.
MARGOT
You okay?
PERCY
Yeah, I'm a little itchy.
She studies his neck.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Does it look weird?
52.
MARGOT
It's fine.
PERCY
My back itches, too.
She lifts up his shirt, exposing his back, covered in hives.
MARGOT
Jesus.
He stands, checks himself out in the mirror.
PERCY
(mortified)
Oh God.
MARGOT
People normally get rashes after
they have sex.
PERCY
This happens sometimes when I get
nervous. I'm sorry.
There will be no sex tonight. They sit quietly as Percy
scratches himself. She looks at him for a beat, stands up.
MARGOT
I'll be right back.
She exits.
LIVING ROOM - LATER
They're on the couch. Margot is applying anti-itch cream to
Percy's back.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
This is for surf board rash, but it
should do the trick.
PERCY
I'm so embarrassed.
MARGOT
Don't be. I went as a baby to a
Halloween party. My crush was
there. And as we were hooking up we
both realized that I had gotten a
diaper rash from my costume. I was
26.
53.
PERCY
You didn't wear underwear?
MARGOT
Diapers are underwear.
PERCY
No, they're not. Diapers are like
wearable toilets.
MARGOT
Well I didn't use it.
They laugh.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
There's a smile. You should smile
more. You have a great smile.
PERCY
I don't have a lot to smile about. I'm
really fucked up.
MARGOT
Oh you're the one? I read about you.
(then)
Come on, Percy. Everyone's fucked up.
PERCY
I hate leaving my room.
MARGOT
I've lived in this house my whole life.
PERCY
You've lived in one house in one
town? You're like a character in a
children's book.
MARGOT
(smiles)
I love it here. People look after
each other. There's a community.
PERCY
Yeah, I guess that makes sense.
MARGOT
I did leave once. Packed my life
into my car and drove across the
country to surf every beach in
California.
54.
PERCY
You drove across the country alone?!
MARGOT
Yeah. I wanted to do something
totally new.
PERCY
Weren't you scared of getting murdered?
MARGOT
I was eighteen, I didn't really
think about it.
PERCY
That's all I think about.
MARGOT
I made this special surfboard. It
had a map of every California beach
I was going to surf.
PERCY
(impressed)
You surfed every beach in California?
MARGOT
Oh, no. I only made it as far as
Colorado and turned back.
PERCY
After all that you turned back?! Why?
MARGOT
My mom got sick. I had to take care
of her.
PERCY
Why couldn't your dad do it?
MARGOT
Because he was in the city with his family.
PERCY
(realizing)
Ohhh. So your mom--
MARGOT
Was his receptionist...
(then)
It was a mess. He disappeared. Had
his lawyers clean it up. They gave my
mom this house for us to go away.
(MORE)
55.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(then)
Lift up your arms.
She applies cream under his arms.
PERCY
Well I'm adopted.
MARGOT
Oh yeah? How's that been?
PERCY
How much time do you have?
She smiles.
PERCY (CONT'D)
It's complicated. Probably why I
spend so much time alone. Having
Jean in my life helps.
MARGOT
Who?
PERCY
My old nanny. Jean basically raised
me. You guys kinda remind me of
each other. You guys should meet!
MARGOT
Yeah, maybe.
(then)
Turn around.
Percy turns and faces Margot. She applies cream to his chest.
PERCY
Sorry I couldn't have sex with you
today. I know I'm being a tease.
MARGOT
... That's okay.
PERCY
Maybe we can spend the day together
tomorrow? Then I promise I'll put out.
Margot hides a laugh.
MARGOT
Okay.
56.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Percy and Margot bike/rollerblade with rescue dogs pulling
them on leashes.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Margot and Percy play keep-away from the dogs with a tennis
ball, throw it back and forth as the pack chases them.
INT. BEST FRIENDS - DAY
Margot and Percy shampoo dogs. Crispin watches them laughing
together.
INT. ARCADE - LATER
- They play skee-ball. Percy hits the center ring. Tickets
fly out.
- They sit inside a TWO-PLAYER Halo-type fighting game.
CLOSE ON
Percy's avatar decapitates Margot's avatar.
PERCY
Sorry.
POP-A-SHOT
Percy shoots. Margot blocks him.
MARGOT
Now we're even.
INT. ARCADE - DAY
They play Dance Dance Revolution together, dancing in sync.
TICKET COUNTER - LATER
They dump their tickets on the counter and scan their prize
choices.
EXT. ARCADE - LATER
They sit on a bench. Margot wears a novelty beer helmet with
two sodas in it, a STUFFED PANDA at her feet.
57.
Percy reaches into his bag of prizes, pulls out a Nerf
football, continues digging.
PERCY
Alright, I have a prize for both of
us. Close your eyes.
(she does)
And stick out your finger.
(she does)
Now you're stuck with me forever.
Margot opens her eyes. Looks down to see her finger in a --
PERCY (CONT'D)
Chinese finger trap!
MARGOT
Ha.
She yanks her finger, pulling Percy's hand with it.
PERCY
Wait.
Margot pulls again.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Stop pulling away.
MARGOT
You're pushing.
PERCY
Yeah, you need me to get out, you
can't do it alone. Push in.
She pushes in. Their fingers easily slide out.
PERCY (CONT'D)
See?
MARGOT
Yeah, but you can't just Chinese
finger trap someone. It's fucked
up.
They sit there for a beat, quiet.
PERCY
I bet if we went to high school
together we'd be friends?
MARGOT
Uh, yeah. Don't you?
58.
PERCY
I didn't have a lot friends. I didn't
go to dances or anything.
(then)
I bet you were Prom Queen or something.
MARGOT
I didn't even go to prom.
PERCY
Nobody asked you?!
MARGOT
Everyone asked me. And I had a date
and a dress and everything. Just
didn't work out.
PERCY
Why?
(pause)
Sorry. It's none of my business.
Beat.
MARGOT
I wrote my biological father. I had
this fantasy he would read it and
then drive over and apologize to my
mom and me for leaving us. And then
the morning of prom I got the letter
returned to me. It was unopened.
After that, I couldn't go to Prom. I
couldn't do anything for a while. I
told my date I was sick and just
stayed home and cried.
PERCY
Sounds like we'd be friends.
She laughs.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Would you ever reach out to your dad?
MARGOT
Pfft. Fuck no. He left, he can reach out.
Percy has a strange look on his face.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
What?
Percy kisses Margot.
59.
It's a long kiss. And a weird kiss as his eyes stay wide
open. But it's sweet. They pull apart. Percy wipes his mouth
with the back of his hand.
PERCY
Sorry if that was too wet.
MARGOT
No, don't apologize. That was
perfect wetness. You're a great
kisser. So do you want to-
BUZZZZZ.
PERCY
(checking phone)
Oh Jean's here!
MARGOT
Who?
PERCY
My nanny, remember?
(Raeding)
"Meet at the ice cream stand."
MARGOT
I don't have much time before I have
to bartend. I thought we could go
back to my place.
PERCY
We have all summer. Come on!
He takes her by the hand.
EXT. ICE CREAM STAND - DAY
Margot and Percy approach the stand. Percy lights up.
PERCY
Jean! Jean!
An ELDERLY WOMAN turns towards them.
MARGOT
It's so nice to--
She walks right past Margot revealing a MAN in his 30s,
athletic, older brother vibes. He points at Percy.
JEAN
What's happening, Big Time?
60.
Percy and Jean execute an elaborate handshake. He turns to
Margot, smiles warmly.
JEAN (CONT'D)
So this is the famous Margot.
I've heard a lot about you.
PERCY
(blushes)
Aw, Jean! C'mon, man.
MARGOT
(confused)
And you're... Jean? Percy's nanny?
JEAN
(good-natured)
Mr. Mary Poppins.
Percy laughs. Margot laughs nervously.
JEAN (CONT'D)
Who wants ice cream?
LATER
Margot and Jean stroll down the pier eating ice cream.
JEAN (CONT'D)
It was just a couple summers during
college when Percy was in middle
school. Our parents are friends.
But we stayed close. We've become
friends and I care about him a lot.
Pull back to REVEAL Percy is holding Margot's hand as the
three of them walk. Margot looks extremely uncomfortable.
PERCY
(licks ice cream cone)
Jean's like my older brother.
MARGOT
That's great. How old are you?
JEAN
Twenty-seven. You?
MARGOT
Yeah.
(quickly, to Percy)
Show Jean what we won at the arcade.
Percy digs into the prize bag, pulls out the Nerf football.
61.
PERCY
Check it out, Jean. Margot won it.
Jean
Nice, Margot!
(then)
Remember, Percy? Flagpole pattern,
go long!
Percy darts away to receive the pass. Jean chucks the
football way past Percy. It rolls off the boardwalk and down
onto the sandy beach.
PERCY
I'll get it!
Percy races off.
MARGOT
He's so fast. Little motor on that guy.
Jean turns back to Margot, no longer smiling.
JEAN
What do you want?
MARGOT
Excuse me?
JEAN
It's his parents' money, not his.
MARGOT
No!
JEAN
You like little kids or something?
MARGOT
Do I like little kids? You're a
fucking male nanny, bro.
JEAN
It was a summer job. And men can be
nannies.
MARGOT
They can. But they shouldn't. Cause it's
weird.
JEAN
This isn't about me.
62.
MARGOT
Are you even allowed to be here?
There's middle school a hundred
yards away.
JEAN
(not biting)
What do you want from him?
MARGOT
Same thing as you. I wanna date him.
JEAN
(darkens)
Did Percy tell you I work for the
government now?
MARGOT
Lemme guess: child services?
JEAN
I don't know what you're doing with
him. But if you hurt him, I will
hurt you.
He stares her down as Percy returns with the football, out of
breath.
PERCY
I had to wrestle a dog for it, but
I got it.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Sara and Henry are sitting on the couch.
MARGOT (O.S.)
Okay, ready? I'm gonna bring it out.
Margot enters holding a NURSERY MOBILE with a dozen handmade
surfboards.
SARA
Oh my god, Margot! You made this?
MARGOT
Yeah, figured it might help get
them into surfing early.
Henry examines one of the little surfboards.
63.
HENRY
(concerned)
This one has a shark bite.
SARA
Let's try it out!
MARGOT
I think I have batteries somewhere.
KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Margot searches through her drawers. Takes out some plastic
bins, looks under some papers. A letter catches her eye. She
picks it up. It's the returned letter from her father.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Margot snaps to, sees a MAN -- 30, slicked-back hair, pleated
slacks, dress shirt and tasseled loafer -- smiling and waving
at her back door. She opens it.
MAN
Margot!
MARGOT
(at a loss)
I'm sorry. Have we-- uh--
MAN
It's Doug Hines! We went to high
school together.
Margot stares, trying to place him.
DOUG
I ran varsity track? Drove that
cherry red Miata? Nothing?
(then, reluctant)
I had sex with Mrs. Walsh, the
Spanish teacher.
MARGOT
Doug Hines! Yeah, you were on tv.
Didn't Mrs. Walsh go to jail?
DOUG
Mrs. Hines did. Then we got married.
He flashes a wedding ring.
64.
DOUG (CONT'D)
But, ya know, they never run that
story. It's a double standard, too.
I'm sure you date older guys.
MARGOT
Actually, I only date teenagers.
DOUG
Hey, have you been hanging out with
my wife?!
They share a laugh.
DOUG (CONT'D)
Anyway, so I'm a realtor now. I
don't have to tell you this is a
fabulous neighborhood. A half acre
on this street? Name your price.
MARGOT
I have company, but it was good
catching up, Doug.
She starts to shut the door. He puts his foot to stop it.
DOUG
Hear me out.
MARGOT
Why?
DOUG
Because if you don't pay off your
lien, the county will fire sale it.
You'll might get half of what this
place is worth. Let me list it so
you can get full price.
Margot slams the door. We HEAR Doug through it.
DOUG (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Hasta la vista, Margot! I'll slide
my card under.
She picks up the card up and tosses it and exits.
We HEAR the opening of Supertramp's Breakfast in America.
"Take a look at my girlfriend..."
65.
INT. PERCY'S ROOM - DAY
The music continues as Percy puts a tuxedo on. He checks
himself out in front of a mirror, adjusts his bow time.
INT. MARGOT'S BEDROOM - SAME
Margot pulls out an old PROM DRESS, still in its plastic.
INT. LIMO - NIGHT
Margot and Percy sit in the back of a stretch limousine.
PERCY
Was this a stupid idea?
MARGOT
(smiles, touched)
No, I love it. We're finally going to prom.
PERCY
(nods)
I have something for you.
He pulls a corsage from his inside jacket pocket, puts it
around her wrist. She's touched.
She opens her purse, produces a white carnation and pins it
on Percy's lapel.
MARGOT
It's from my garden.
They both sit there.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
You look very handsome.
PERCY
So do you.
Beat. She takes his hand.
EXT. BOSTWICK YACHT CLUB - HOSTESS STAND
Margot waits while Percy checks in with the hostess. She
peeks inside, clocks the dimly lit bar area where a mix of
moneyed older men and beautiful young women flirt. She eyes
them curiously.
66.
INT. YACHT CLUB RESTAURANT - LATER
Margot and Percy are halfway through their dinner. Margot is
laughing. They're having a good time.
MARGOT
You're scared of the Meg? A
dinosaur shark?
PERCY
They existed. And we can't prove
they're extinct.
VOICE (O.S.)
Percy?
He looks up to see NATALIE, 17, Asian, friendly and cute.
PERCY
Natalie, hey!
He gets up. They hug awkwardly. Margot clocks a possible
rival.
NATALIE
I haven't seen you in forever. My
parents said you're going to Princeton?
PERCY
Yup!
NATALIE
I'm applying too, for next year!
How funny would it be if we went
there together!
MARGOT
So funny.
PERCY
Oh, sorry, this is Margot. Margot,
this is Natalie. Our parents are
friends.
NATALIE
Nice to meet you. Are you friends
with them too?
Margot gives her best fake smile.
MARGOT
Nope!
Beat.
67.
PERCY
What about you? Excited for senior year?
NATALIE
Yeah, but I look at the freshman
girls and I feel like...
Natalie tries thinking of the word, looks at Margot.
NATALIE (CONT'D)
Like a million years old now.
Margot swirls her drink. Natalie's thrown by her presence.
NATALIE (CONT'D)
Well, it was good to see you. I
don't know what you're doing later
but I'm going to a party. There'll
be Princeton people there.
MARGOT
(fake nice)
We have plans, but thanks so much.
NATALIE
Oh.
(to Percy)
I'll send you the address just in case.
MARGOT
No need.
NATALIE
Can't hurt.
MARGOT
(pointed)
Might hurt.
NATALIE
(on her phone)
And sent.
(then)
Nice meeting you, Miss Margot.
She walks away. Margot glares at her, turns back to Percy.
MARGOT
Jeez, I don't recall ordering a
phony bitch before our appetizers.
PERCY
Natalie? She's like super nice.
68.
MARGOT
I think she farted. Do you smell that?
PERCY
(sniffs)
No.
They eat for a bit.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Did you know Princeton's only three
hours from here?
MARGOT
I did not.
PERCY
Yeah. It's an easy trip. I could
come back every weekend if I wanted
to.
MARGOT
Why would you want to?
PERCY
... To see you. Or you could visit me.
Percy studies Margot, sees how uncomfortable she is.
MARGOT
Maybe. I don't really do long
distance...
That's not the reaction he was hoping for.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Look, why don't we just get through
prom together first. Then we can
worry about all of that stuff.
PERCY
(stung)
I guess.
Percy stares at his plate, forlorn.
MARGOT
You'll probably get sick of me, anyway.
PERCY
I won't.
69.
MARGOT
You don't know that. Maybe you end
up wanting to hang out with someone
your own age.
PERCY
Like who?
MARGOT
(shrugs)
Fuck if I know. Natalie?
PERCY
You just said she was a phony bitch.
MARGOT
And you said she was super nice.
No one knows anything.
PERCY
(frustrated)
I don't understand what you want.
MARGOT
I want you to relax and have fun tonight.
Percy puts down his fork, stands.
PERCY
I wanna go.
INT. LIMO - LATER
Percy and Margot sit across from each other.
MARGOT
You alright?
PERCY
(cold)
Yup.
MARGOT
I don't want you to be mad at me.
PERCY
I'm not.
MARGOT
I just want to be realistic.
PERCY
Me too.
70.
The limousine stops. Margot looks out the window.
HER POV
A fancy Hamptons estate.
MARGOT
Where are we?
PERCY
I need to hang out with people my
own age. Like you said.
He exits the limo. Margot follows.
MARGOT
I didn't mean tonight.
PERCY
Then don't come.
MARGOT
(sighs)
It's a bunch of college kids.
PERCY
There'll be high school kids too.
MARGOT
Let's just go back to my house.
PERCY
Do whatever you want. I need a drink.
Percy goes inside.
MARGOT
(to herself)
Drink?
Margo reluctantly goes in.
INT. HOUSE PARTY - CONTINUOUS
It's mostly TEENAGERS recording each other on their phones.
Other kids post videos of what they've just filmed. Some
partygoers are commenting on posts of the party, while others
comment on the comments. In the corner, a few hardcore kids
talk to each other without filming it.
Margot enters. Glances skitter between the Partygoers -- get
a load of her. They go back to their phones. She walks off.
71.
AT THE BAR
Margot spots Percy pouring himself a stiff drink. She heads
over. She picks up the bottle he just poured, examines it.
MARGOT
This is vermouth.
PERCY
(annoyed, doubling down)
I know! This is my drink.
He walks off. She sighs, spots a keg outside.
KEG AREA - MOMENTS LATER
Margot waits impatiently to fill up her red Solo cup as TWO
WHITE BOY "INFLUENCERS" record a Tik Tok video at the keg.
TEEN #1
(into camera)
Yo, it's your boy Cameron B, kicking
off the summer right, at a sick party
in Montauk celebrating another "Mental
Health Awareness Day".
TEEN #2
Okay, now me.
He hands him his phone.
TEEN #1
Ready.
IPHONE POV
TEEN #2
(into camera)
Yo, it's me, Dash Gucci, and if you or
someone you know is being bullied--
Margot enters frame and starts pumping the keg angrily.
TEEN #1
Can you not do that while we're recording?
MARGOT
(pouring beer)
I'm just trying to get a beer. At a party.
TEEN #1
(to camera)
And that's what a bully looks like.
72.
He films Margot.
MARGOT
(fake mortified)
No, not the phone! Somebody help!
I'm being filmed!
She rolls her eyes and leaves.
INT. HALLWAY - LATER
Margots wanders the party looking for Percy. She passes two
beefy JOCKS in matching "Rye Country Day Wrestling" shirts.
One taps her on the shoulder.
JOCK #1
Hey, how old are you?
Margot stops, turns.
MARGOT
That's not a nice question to ask a woman.
JOCK #2
No disrespect. He loves cougars.
MARGOT
Excuse me?
JOCK #1
It's all good. I fuck with big cats.
And I heard wine tastes sweeter when
there's a little dust on the bottle.
JOCK #2
Bro! My dad said that, too. And he
legit owns a vineyard.
MARGOT
Here's a better idea. Why don't you two
climb in a wine barrel and blow each other.
Beat. They exchange a shocked look.
JOCK #2
(way too loud)
Homophobes are not welcome at my party.
Margot looks around, gets self-conscious.
MARGOT
I'm not-- I'm not homophobic.
73.
A PUNK GIRL suddenly appears holding a phone and filming
Margot. Margot jumps, surprised.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Where the fuck did you come from?
PUNK GIRL
Is this the homophobe?
MARGOT
Stop filming me! No comment.
JOCK #1
That's her.
(to Margot)
Say it again.
The Jocks also pull out their phones and film her.
JOCK #2
Say what you just said!
MARGOT
NO COMMENT!
Margot hurries away.
STAIRCASE - LATER
Margot walks up the staircase, trying to get around a group
of ASIAN GIRLS sitting on the stairs looking at their phones.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Have you guys seen Percy?
ASIAN GIRL #1
Wait are you his mom?
ASIAN GIRL #2
That's Inez.
MARGOT
What the fuck? How old do you think
I am? Actually, don't answer that.
ASIAN GIRL #1
He's with Natalie, upstairs.
ASIAN GIRL #2
In the bedroom.
They all giggle. Margot's eyes go wide. She steps over the
girls and sprints up the stairs.
74.
ASIAN GIRLS
Hey!/Watch it!
UPSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS
Margot looks around frantically. It's a long hallway with
lots of doors. People everywhere blocking her way. She
bulldozes down the hallway.
MARGOT
Move! Move! Move!
She FLINGS a FRAIL BOY aside. He cries out in pain.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Coming through!
She pushes TWO GIRLS aside, opens a door, bursts in.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Percy?!
A TEEN BOY alone on his phone. He looks up.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Sorry! Continue.
Margot shuts the door and runs down the hallway, opens
another door to find --
A BOY AND A GIRL, both on their phones. They look up. She
shuts the door, opens another.
THREE TEENS IN BED...on their phones. They all look up.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Does anybody fuck anymore?
She slams the door shut, tries another door, turns the
handle. Locked. She KNOCKS LOUDLY.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Percy?! Percy, open up!
She waits. Nothing. She jiggles the handle again
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Open the fucking door, Percy!
(waits, then)
If you don't open this door right
now you're in big trouble!
A crowd of Teens watch.
75.
RANDOM TEEN
Does his nanny have the power to
ground him?
Desperate, she backs up and attempts to kick the door open,
but her leg goes through the door and lodges halfway in it.
We HEAR a GIRL'S SCREAM from inside the room. A dozen phones
begin filming.
MARGOT
Damn it!
Margot awkwardly reaches her hand through the hole she's made
and unlocks the door from the inside. The door opens with
Margot still stuck in it.
HER POV
Percy and Natalie in bed, half naked.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON IN HERE?
Margot struggles to pull her leg out, ripping her prom dress
out of the splintered door. She finally does and stomps over
to the bed.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Did you fuck him!?
Natalie is terrified
NATALIE
No! I swear!
Margot, relieved, looks over at Percy, who is sitting up in
bed and dry-heaving. Natalie runs out.
PERCY
The room is spinning.
MARGOT
Percy, did you take something?
(slaps him)
Answer me! Pills? Powder?
PERCY
I took a pill.
MARGOT
Shit.
She leads to the master bathroom.
76.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Stick your finger down your throat
and make yourself throw up.
PERCY
I'm scared.
MARGOT
Just do it, Percy!
He tries, but doesn't go nearly far enough.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Deeper, Percy.
PERCY
I can't do it! Am I gonna die?
MARGOT
(with conviction)
Hold still. Open your mouth.
PERCY
What're you--
She grabs the back of his head and jams her finger down his
throat. After a brief struggle, he vomits into the toilet.
MARGOT
Do you feel better?
PERCY
Not really.
(then)
I didn't know you can't drink on Advil.
MARGOT
(stunned)
Seriously?
JOCK #1 (O.S.)
Found her!
Margot turns to see JOCK #1 with his PARENTS and several
partygoers in tow.
DAD
That the homophobe?
JOCK #1
(pointing at Margot)
Yup!
77.
MARGOT
Your fucking parents are here?!
MOTHER
You think our son would have a
party without our consent?
DAD
(gets in Margot's face)
Apologize to my bisexual son.
MARGOT
Fine, I don't care. I'm sorry.
DAD
Now get out. You don't belong here.
The Dad takes Margot by the arm. She pulls her arm away.
MARGOT
I don't belong here? You don't
fucking belong here! YOU THINK
YOU'RE MONTAUK?
PERCY (O.S.)
(slurring, to Dad)
You apologize to her!
REVEAL Percy.
He has his suit on, but not shirt or shoes. He holds on the
wall for support.
DAD
Both of you out. Now.
The Dad takes Margot by the arm again.
MARGOT
Step back. Step away from me.
PERCY
Leave her alone!
Margot yanks her arm away. Percy drunkenly lurches at Margot
and the dad. Percy hauls back, takes a swing at Dad but
Margot steps in and takes the punch to her throat instead--
PERCY (CONT'D)
Margot! Shit--
MARGOT
(clutching throat)
Ahhhhhhssssshittt....!
78.
PERCY
Margot!
Every Partygoer pulls out their phone to record.
INT. LIMO - MOMENTS LATER
They sit across from each other. She has a cold beer pressed
up against her throat. Percy sniffles.
MARGOT
(voice raspy)
Stop crying. I'm fine.
She cracks open the beer, takes a gulp.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(clears her throat)
Just had to wet the whistle.
Percy gets up and sits beside her.
PERCY
I just want you to know I would
never hurt you.
MARGOT
I know.
He kisses her. It quickly escalates.
PERCY
I'm ready for you.
MARGOT
Are you sure?
PERCY
Yes.
Clothes start coming off.
MARGOT
I have a condom in my purse.
She looks around for her purse.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Shit. I left it at the restaurant.
PERCY
It's okay. I bought a value pack.
79.
He pulls out a box of 24 condoms from his jacket pocket. She
slips out of her dress as he opens the value pack and
struggles to tear open a condom.
PERCY (CONT'D)
I can't find where to tear it.
MARGOT
Let me help.
She gently takes it and opens it as he watches her, drunk and
swooning. She removes the condom.
PERCY
I love you.
She slides the condom back in the wrapper.
MARGOT
Percy...
PERCY
You don't have to say it back. I
just want you to know.
MARGOT
You're drunk.
PERCY
So?
MARGOT
I don't think we should do this
when you're drunk. Not for your
first time.
PERCY
But I'm ready.
MARGOT
I think we should we wait.
PERCY
If that's what you want.
He gazes adoringly at her.
MARGOT
That's what I want.
He cuddles up to her, happy. She's freaking out.
80.
EXT. BOSTWICK YACHT CLUB - DAY
Margot rollerblades up to the hostess stand. An OLDER HOST
looks her over.
MARGOT
Hi, I left my purse here last
night.
HOST
Yes, you were dining with the
younger gentleman. I think I saw it
in the back. One moment.
Margot looks over at the bar to see Melanie (of the sugar
baby BMW) with a HANDSOME OLDER MAN. Margot just stares, her
face a mix of emotions.
HOST (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Here's your purse. Ma'am?
MARGOT
(snaps out of it)
Oh. Thank you.
She looks back. Melanie catches her gaze. Margot quickly
looks away and rollerblades off.
INT. ALLISON AND LAIRD'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Percy shuffles in, hungover but happy. Allison and Laird
exchange a look. He sits down, butters some toast.
LAIRD
Well look what the cat dragged in,
Allison?
Allison smugly whisks her matcha.
ALLISON
Fun night?
PERCY
Actually yeah. Really fun.
(checks his watch)
Shoot. I'm gonna be late for work.
ALLISON
You had a big night. Maybe went to
a party?
PERCY
I did.
81.
LAIRD
I'll drive you.
PERCY
Actually, can I drive? I was thinking
about getting my license. I could use the
practice.
LAIRD
My son, the driver. That's great.
PERCY
Yeah. If I have a car, it'll be
easier to see my girlfriend more.
ALLISON
Your girlfriend?
PERCY
Margot, yeah. She's older, but
she's really fun. And she doesn't
want to do long distance so I'm not
going to Princeton either.
Beat. Allison and Laird exchange a look.
LAIRD
What.
PERCY
I don't know, Margot's here, my
work is here, Montauk has
everything I need. It's paradise.
LAIRD
Percy, you're going to Princeton.
PERCY
I'm not.
ALLISON
What would you do?
PERCY
Work. Get a job.
LAIRD
Absolutely not.
PERCY
Here's a solution: I go to
Princeton... online. From here.
Everybody wins. Good, right?
82.
Laird presses his temples in an accupressure/meditation way.
ALLISON
(to Percy)
Why don't you wait in the car. Your
father will be out in a second.
Percy exits. A beat, then.
LAIRD
What the fuck was that?
ALLISON
What do you think it was? He's
obviously in love with her!
INT. GARAGE - TESLA - SAME
Percy sits in the driver's seat of his parent's Tesla Model
X. He tries out the controls, pretends to put an arm around
an imaginary Margot.
PERCY
(to imaginary Margot)
You relax. I'll drive. Also, I'm
getting into surfing.
Percy makes engine sounds as he pretends to steer.
INT. KITCHEN - SAME
Allison paces. Laird also paces. They're both pacing in
circles, but different circles.
LAIRD
She put this idea in his head. You
know why? She's angling for the
Tesla. Call her right now. I'm
gonna yell at her.
ALLISON
You're gonna yell at the only
person Percy will listen to? We
need her on our side. He's not
going to listen to us. He needs to
hear it from her.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - DAY
Margot lies on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her phone
buzzes. It's Allison. Margot snaps out of her daze, answers.
83.
MARGOT
I was about to call you. Listen, Percy
has gotten too attached and I can't do
this any--
INTERCUT W/ALLISON AND LAIRD
LAIRD
Forget about that deal. The car is yours.
Margot sits up, surprised.
MARGOT
Really?
LAIRD
You've gotten him out of his shell,
he's going to parties. He's
confident. It's all we wanted.
MARGOT
That's great!
LAIRD
You just have to convince him to go
to Princeton.
A look of guilt washes over Margot.
MARGOT
Yeah. Okay.
ALLISON
I have the title and transfer in my
office. We'll sign it over to you
today.
Margot exhales. Finally.
MARGOT
Thanks, guys.
GARAGE - TESLA - SAME
Percy checks out the controls of the Tesla. He turns it on.
INT. KITCHEN - SAME
Margot cuts out on the call.
ALLISON
Hello? Margot?
84.
GARAGE - TESLA - SAME
The car's bluetooth syncs. Margot's voice pipes in to the
cabin.
MARGOT (O.S.)
(bluetooth)
And everything you said about Percy
is true. He's become a friend.
(waits, get nothing)
Hello?
Percy quickly turns off the car, in shock.
INT. KITCHEN - SAME
ALLISON
Hello? Margot?
INT. GARAGE - TESLA - SAME
Percy sits in the car, gutted. He gets out of the Tesla and
goes back inside.
INT. KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Percy enters, sees Allison's phone on the counter. Unable to
resist, he quickly puts in her code and scrolls through the
text messages. His face falls as he reads.
INT. BEST FRIENDS - DAY
Percy lies on the floor, despondent. Crispin grooms an Afghan
Hound, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
PERCY
I just want to die.
CRISPIN
I got news for you, Percy. There's
only one good female in this world.
(to dog, baby talk)
And it's you, Missy. Isn't it?
Isn't it? Shu hsu hsu hsushu
The dog licks Crispin's face. He loves it.
PERCY
She never liked me. She was just
using me.
85.
CRISPIN
Your problem is that you're too nice.
PERCY
What do you mean "too nice?"
CRISPIN
Yeah! Chicks dig an asshole. She
walked all over you. I mean she was
eye-fucking me that day you guys
were shampooing dogs.
(points to himself)
Asshole.
Percy's phone buzzes. He checks it.
PERCY
It's Margot. She wants to see me
tonight. I don't know what to do.
CRISPIN
Well you've come to the right
person. As you know from our
conversations, I've been with a
plethora of women so I understand
the mindset.
(then)
Does she have the car yet?
PERCY
I don't think so.
CRISPIN
It's very simple. She broke your
heart. You break--
PERCY
Her heart?
CRISPIN
The car. That's what she cares
about. I'm playing 3D chess, keep
up. Nothing crazy. Break the
antenna off. Crack a headlight.
Off Percy, an idea forming...
INT. PERCY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Percy locks his door, pulls out a bottle of vermouth, pours
it a coffee mug. He takes a swig, winces.
86.
INT. DINING ROOM - LATER
Percy and his parents are having dinner. It's quiet. Percy
fidgets at the table.
LAIRD
Everything okay, bud?
PERCY
Can I try some wine?
Allison exchanges a look with Laird.
ALLISON
I think that would be fine. You're
a young man now.
He fills his glass to the brim, gulps it down.
ALLISON (CONT'D)
Okay.
The doorbell RINGS.
LAIRD
Are we expecting someone?
ALLISON
I don't think so.
FRONT DOOR
Laird opens the front door to find a surprised Margot. A
moment of terror passes between them.
Percy pops into frame with giant glass of wine.
PERCY
(cheerful)
Did I double book?
INT. DINING ROOM - LATER
They eat in tense silence.
PERCY
Mom, Dad, aren't you going to ask
Margot about herself?
LAIRD
Yeah, thanks Champ. So, Margot, where are
you from originally?
87.
MARGOT
Here. From here.
LAIRD
(points to wall)
See this stone work? All local stones.
MARGOT
I thought I recognized them.
Laird and Allison fake laugh. Percy watches them like a hawk.
They go back to eating in silence.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Mm. Great chicken. Moist.
ALLISON
Thank you. Conflict-free.
PERCY
Mom, you didn't make it. Inez did.
LAIRD
Be nice, Percy.
PERCY
The food is conflict free, but the
dinner isn't. Mom, maybe we can
throw the leftovers under the
stairs for Inez?
LAIRD
Percy. Enough.
MARGOT
Well, the important thing is that
it's delicious.
PERCY
I think the important thing is the truth.
Margot, Allison and Laird shift uncomfortably.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Speaking of which, I didn't
actually get the dates wrong. I
wanted Margot here tonight. The
truth is I wanted to introduce
everyone, but I didn't know how to
explain how old you are to my
parents.
Beat. They all laugh nervously, relieved.
88.
MARGOT
Well, I'm not that old. I know a
guy who married our high school
Spanish teacher. Forty year age
difference.
LAIRD
Well I hope he got an "A."
They laugh. Percy laughs a weird, bitter, angry laugh.
PERCY
Mom, Dad, aren't you going to ask
us how we met?
ALLISON
Uh, yeah. How'd you meet?
LAIRD
Was it an app?
PERCY
Margot, you want to tell them?
You know what, I'll tell them. It's
actually really random. Margot came
in to adopt a dog.
ALLISON
Awww.
PERCY
But I rejected her application
because she was totally
unqualified, but we still hit it
off. In fact, I had to mace her to
get her away from me and even that
wouldn't stop her! She was so horny
haha.
LAIRD
Percy? Be a gentleman.
Percy's phone BUZZES.
PERCY
It's Crispin. I have to take this.
You guys keep getting to know each
other.
EXT. DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Crispin straddling a ten-speed. He's in a camo shirt and
shorts. As Percy walks up, he raises a duffle bag.
89.
CRISPIN
I brought tools.
PERCY
We're in the middle of dinner so we
need to be fast.
CRISPIN
What're you having?
PERCY
Fish tacos. And salad.
CRISPIN
I fucking love salad.
(then)
Okay, let's put her in neutral and
roll her out.
GARAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Percy and Garett roll the Buick out. Percy looks back at the
house, nervously.
CRISPIN (CONT'D)
Let's start with the side mirror.
INT. DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Allison, Laird and Margot stare at each other nervously.
ALLISON
Did you tell him!?
MARGOT
No! Did you?
LAIRD
Of course not.
ALLISON
Well, he must know.
MARGOT
How can he know?
LAIRD
Have you talked to him about
Princeton yet?
90.
EXT. GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
Crispin pushes his weight on to the side mirror, trying to
break it off. No luck.
PERCY
I'll try.
CRISPIN
I'm way stronger. If I can't do it,
it can't be done.
PERCY
I'll kick it.
Percy kicks the mirror. Crispin joins in. Nothing.
CRISPIN
This thing's a tank.
PERCY
The tools!
CRISPIN
Good idea.
Crispin pulls out a CROWBAR. He walks around the car, popping
the hubcaps off. He examines his handiwork.
CRISPIN (CONT'D)
She's gonna hate not having hubcaps.
PERCY
What else?
MOMENTS LATER
The CAR HOOD is up. Percy and Crispin examine it. Crispin is
holding SCISSORS.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Which one's the brake wire?
CRISPIN
No idea. We can cut every wire.
Crispin moves to cut a wire.
PERCY
Wait. Isn't this dangerous?
CRISPIN
Not as dangerous as playing with a
man's heart.
(MORE)
91.
CRISPIN (CONT'D)
Try pulling that shit in the Middle
East.
(picks up crowbar)
We can smash the windows then.
PERCY
They'll hear that.
Percy leans against the front of the car, thinks.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Maybe this is a bad idea.
The Buick begins rolling backwards.
CRISPIN
Percy.
PERCY
No!
Crispin tries get a grip in order to slow the roll but can't.
CRISPIN
It's not stopping!
He grabs hold of the side mirror and is finally able to slow
the car down. They both breathe a sigh of relief.
PERCY
That could've been bad.
CRACK!
The side mirror BREAKS OFF
THE BUICK
Descends the steep driveway...
Gaining momentum...
SMASHING through the wooden gates...
Crossing the two lane highway...
And disappearing over the bluffs...
PERCY AND CRISPIN
Percy is motionless for a beat. Then a look of bewilderment
comes over his face. He shoots a puzzled look to Crispin.
MOMENTS LATER
92.
Percy and Crispin run to the cliff's edge and peer over.
THEIR POV
The Buick lies on the beach, upside down, one hundred feet
below. A smoldering heap of metal.
PERCY AND CRISPIN
They stand there in shock. Crispin turns to Percy.
CRISPIN
That'll teach her.
INT. PERCY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Percy shuffles in, dazed.
LAIRD
Hey! There he is.
Percy doesn't even answer, just grabs the wine bottle and
starts filling his glass.
ALLISON
Everything okay?
Percy gives his dad a "thumbs up", fills the glass to the
brim, then downs the entire glass.
MARGOT
You okay, Percy?
PERCY
(catching his breath)
I think I'm going to go lie down.
He gets up and walks out in a daze. Moments later, we hear
the muffled roar of guitar POWER CHORDS from upstairs.
MARGOT
(to Laird and Allison)
I'll go talk to him.
LAIRD
Make sure to bring up Princeton.
INT. BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Margot knocks, enters. Percy kicks out a metal guitar riff,
fast, precise, punishing...
93.
MARGOT
Percy? Can we talk?
He starts playing even faster. She unplugs the amp.
PERCY
I wasn't done shredding.
MARGOT
What just happened down there?
She sits on the edge of his bed. He puts the guitar down,
takes a shot of vermouth.
PERCY
I'm addicted to this shit now. The
dry kind's good too.
He sits beside Margot and immediately tries to kiss her.
MARGOT
What are you doing?
PERCY
Let's fuck.
MARGOT
How about we talk?
PERCY
Later.
Percy stands, begins unbuttoning his shorts.
MARGOT
Percy, I'm trying to talk to you.
Percy starts pulling his shorts down. Margot grabs hold of
them and pulls them back up. A short struggle ensues until --
PERCY
Ow, my wrist!
Percy gives up, lies down on the bed. Wounded teen energy.
MARGOT
Sorry. I care about you, Percy. But
I don't think we should do this.
PERCY
Since when? Because you hit on me.
You literally busted down the door
to throw a girl out of bed so
excuse me if I'm a little confused!
94.
Margot's conflicted. Unable to be honest, but doesn't want to
hurt him.
PERCY (CONT'D)
If there's something I don't know,
tell me. But if you want me to
believe you actually care about me
like you say you do...
He looks her in the eye, waiting for an answer he doesn't
want to hear.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Well?
Long beat.
MARGOT
(quiet)
Is this really what you want?
PERCY
... Yeah.
MARGOT
This will make you happy?
PERCY
Yup.
Long beat as Margot considers...
MARGOT
Okay. Let's do it.
PERCY
Great.
Percy gets under the covers. Margot joins him under the
covers. Clothes come off.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Now what?
MARGOT
Get on top.
Percy crawls on top of her. She studies his face, trying to
get a read on him. Percy starts thrusting.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Whoa. Slow down, cowboy. Let me
help you in the saddle.
95.
Percy instead pumps faster.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Percy, wait, you're just stabbing
my hip bone.
Percy is a jack-rabbit now.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Percy! You're not even-
PERCY
GAAAAAAAH--
Percy rolls over, panting.
PERCY (CONT'D)
I did it.
MARGOT
Percy.... that was my thigh gap.
Margot grabs a STUFFED ANIMAL, wipes her thighs off.
PERCY
By the way, your car's on the
beach. Crispin and I sent it over
the cliff.
MARGOT
What?
PERCY
Yeah. Sorry, but that's the price of
deception. That's what Crispin said.
Margot's face falls as she realizes he knows.
MARGOT
Percy...
PERCY
It's just like every single other
thing in my life -- planned by my
parents.
(then)
I had some kind of stupid idea that
you liked me. That we were friends.
MARGOT
We are friends. No, that's the
thing -- this is real.
96.
PERCY
I'm too nice. I am. I put too much
faith in people. I think the truth
is you can't trust anybody.
MARGOT
(in pain)
Oh god.
PERCY
I don't mean that in a bad way. Not
like everyone is untrustworthy or
something. Just like, don't expect
anything. Don't expect anything and
then you won't be disappointed.
He hands Margot her clothes. She slips them on under the
covers.
MARGOT
It wasn't personal. I was just
trying to save my house.
PERCY
Feels personal to me.
MARGOT
I was desperate.
PERCY
Thanks. You should go.
(unable to help himself)
The truth is, one day I'll be
living in Paris or something. And
I'll come back to visit Montauk and
you'll still be bartending or
whatever. Because you're trash.
Townie fucking white trash.
Margot just stares at him for a long beat, then --
MARGOT
How much money do your parents
have?
PERCY
Why don't you ask them? I know you
guys are close.
MARGOT
But he's rich, right? You don't
have to worry about money?
He shuts his eyes, fighting tears.
97.
PERCY
And that makes my life amazing. I
have no problems.
MARGOT
I owe forty six thousand dollars in
property taxes because people like
your parents keep moving here. And
I don't have a rich dad to help me.
Percy opens his eyes, turns to Margot and fixes her with a
hard stare.
PERCY
Well, you do. He just doesn't want
anything to do with you. And I
don't blame him.
He immediately regrets his words.
PERCY (CONT'D)
Wait. I didn't meant that. Margot,
I'm sorry! Wait.
And with that, Margot leaves. Off Percy, alone.
FADE TO BLACK.
Bright white sunlight streams into --
INT. MARGOT'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Margot awakes to the sound of BEEPING.
EXT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Margot opens her front door to find Gary unloading the busted
up Buick in Margot's driveway. The side mirror is hanging by
the wiring. The hubcaps are gone. A huge spidercrack runs
across the windshield.
MARGOT
What're you doing, Gary?
This isn't my car!
GARY
(checks paperwork)
Your name's on the title.
MARGOT
Well I don't want it.
98.
GARY
Not my problem.
He unloads the Buicks, climbs back into the tow truck cab.
MARGOT
What am I supposed to do with a car
that doesn't run?
GARY
Who said it doesn't run?
He tosses her the keys.
GARY (CONT'D)
Those things are built to last.
(still hurt)
Unlike us.
He drives away. She looks at the keys in her hand.
EXT. SURF LODGE - NIGHT
Two girls exit the hot spot, freeze when they see --
The Buick. Held together by duct tape. Margot stands outside
it, smiling. She opens the back door like a chauffeur and
motions inside. The girls hesitantly get in and Margot has to
smash the car door shut several times to get it to close.
INT. BUICK - NIGHT
Margot Ubers a DRUNK COUPLE making out in her back seat. Her
phone BUZZES with a phone call. It's Percy. She hits ignore.
INT. PERCY'S ROOM - SAME
Percy sinks back into his bed. He puts headphones on, blinks
away tears.
INT. BUICK - ANOTHER DAY
Margot drives. We HEAR Percy's voice.
PERCY VOICEMAIL (O.S.)
Hey, it's me. I really miss you.
I'm sorry about what I said. I was
just mad about the whole betrayal
thing. It's probably my fault, I
dunno.
(MORE)
99.
PERCY VOICEMAIL (O.S.) (CONT'D)
I just wish we could talk about
what happened. I'm just really
confused. But sounds like maybe you
don't want to. Um... okay, I miss
you. I'm around.
(then)
It's Percy.
CLICK. Margot hits the trash icon. We hear "MESSAGE DELETED."
Another message comes on.
VOICEMAIL (O.S.)
Yo, it's Frank. I had a lot of fun
with you the other night. There's a
new restaurant I wanna take you to
called--
Margot hits a button. "MESSAGE DELETED."
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - DAY
Margot at her laptop, a spreadsheet open. The date tells us
we're now in mid-August. The DOORBELL rings.
I/E. MARGOT'S HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - MOMENTS LATER
Margot spies through the peephole, sees Jean standing there,
sighs then opens the door. He's in a suit.
MARGOT
I knew it! Alright, let's hear it.
(helping him along)
"My name is Jean and I'm a
registered-"
JEAN
Remember when I said I worked for
the government?
Beat. Margot looks at him, nervously.
MARGOT
You CIA?
JEAN
Worse.
(hands her an envelops)
IRS. And I have friends at the
Suffolk County's assessor's office.
(MORE)
100.
JEAN (CONT'D)
And your property taxes are going
up. Way up.
INT. THE LOBSTER CLAW - NIGHT
Henry, Sara and Margot have a post-work nightcap at the bar.
MARGOT
That old nanny really fucked me. I was
on track too. I don't know what I'm
gonna do next year.
HENRY
Just sell it. Your place is way
nicer than ours. You'll never have
to worry about money again.
MARGOT
(good-natured)
Who would protect you from Sara?
Sara and Henry share a look.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
What's that look?
HENRY
Sara has something she wants to
tell you.
SARA
Thanks, Henry.
(sighs, to Margot)
We're selling our house.
MARGOT
Oh.
SARA
We're moving to Florida. It's closer
to Henry's parents. It'll be nice to
have the help with the babies...
MARGOT
You're selling?
HENRY
This market is on fire. Remember Doug
Hines? The guy with the red Miata who
fucked the Spanish teacher? He's our
broker. He's good.
101.
MARGOT
You're letting these people run you
out of town.
SARA
We're choosing to move on with our
lives. This is what makes sense for
us.
MARGOT
If you say so. My mom would have
wanted me to fight for my house.
SARA
Your mom wanted you to be happy.
And you don't seem happy.
MARGOT
(angry)
I am happy!
SARA
You'll figure it out. You always do.
INT. BOSTWICK YACHT CLUB - NIGHT
It's happy hour. Margot, dressed elegantly, sits at the bar
and looks around. Various YOUNG WOMEN with OLDER MEN populate
the restaurant.
A few of the older men look Margot's way, but she avoids
making any prolonged eye contact.
LATER
Margot sits at the bar, nursing a martini. The HANDSOME OLDER
MAN she saw with Melanie earlier comes in, bellies up to the
other side of the bar.
OLDER MAN
Hey Jeff. The usual.
He pulls out the Wall Street Journal. Margot eyes him
intently. The Bartender comes over.
BARTENDER
Anything else?
MARGOT
Nope. And you can put this on his tab.
The bartender nods, brings the bill over to the older man and
whispers to him. He nods to the bartender and clocks Margot.
102.
She fixes her hair and downs her drink as he approaches.
OLDER MAN
(off empty chair)
May I?
She nods and he sits.
MARGOT
(nervous)
Hi.
OLDER MAN
(smiles warmly)
Hi.
(then)
Are you nervous?
MARGOT
Actually, yeah.
OLDER MAN
What's your name?
Beat. Margot just looks at him sadly.
OLDER MAN (CONT'D)
(thrown)
What's wrong?
MARGOT
Guess I was hoping you'd recognize me.
He looks at her quizically.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Because I recognize you -- every
time I run away from a mess I
created. Every time I choose the
easy way out and hurt somebody
because of it.
She pulls out the letter, slides it over to him. His face
falls as he realizes.
OLDER MAN
(off letter)
So what are you here for? Money?
MARGOT
No. I'm here for closure. I've been
waiting for you to explain why you
disappeared on us. Then I realized
you were never going to do that.
(MORE)
103.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
So I'm here to tell you I'm done
waiting and I'm moving on with my
life.
(then)
Thanks for the drinks.
She walks off.
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
Margot sits at her mother's grave, lost in thought.
EXT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - DAY
Margot pounds a FOR SALE sign into the front lawn.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
As Doug Hines points, Margot signs escrow papers.
INT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - DAY
Margot removes the photos of her and her mother off the wall
and puts them in bubblewrap.
EXT. MARGOT'S GARAGE - DAY
Margot pulls out her custom California map surfboard.
EXT. BODY SHOP - DAY
A mechanic pulls out the Buick. It's been completely fixed,
good as new. Margot smiles, impressed by the work. She gets
in, sees "Montauk Towing" directly across the street. Gary
walks to his truck.
MARGOT
(to Mechanic)
I'll be right back.
We stay in the car as Margot gets out and jogs over to Gary.
EXT. MONTAUK TOWING - MOMENTS LATER
Gary stiffens, nervously glances about at the sight of
Margot. Margot says something to him. Gary nods. She keeps
speaking to him. He looks down, nods some more. Margot now
hugs him. He hesitates, then hugs her back.
104.
INT. BEST FRIENDS - DAY
Crispin plays with Milo, the former drug dog. Margot enters.
MARGOT
Hey. Is he here?
CRISPIN
No. He quit.
MARGOT
(deflates)
He won't return my calls or texts.
Will you tell him I was here?
CRISPIN
Absolutely fucking not.
MARGOT
Really?
CRISPIN
Yeah. Really.
Margot nods, heads to the exit and opens the door.
MARGOT
(yells back in store)
COCAINE!
Milo goes insane, barking into Crispin's face.
EXT. LAIRD AND ALLISON'S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
Margot pulls up to the gate, hits the intercom.
MARGOT
Hi, it's Margot. Can I talk to him?
ALLISON
He's not home.
MARGOT
(disappointed)
Oh. Okay. I understand.
ALLISON
(beat)
But why don't you come up?
DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Margot and Allison talk in the driveway.
105.
ALLISON (CONT'D)
You wouldn't believe it. He's never
home anymore. And he got his license.
He's seeing someone.
(whispers)
He's not a virgin anymore.
MARGOT
What kind of car did she get?
ALLISON
About that. He's still pretty upset
with us. Understandable.
(introspective)
Maybe sometimes we try to do too
much for him.
MARGOT
Nooooo.
ALLISON
Am I detecting sarcasm?
MARGOT
A little.
(then)
I'm glad to hear he's doing well.
It's a relief.
EXT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - DAY
Henry, Sara and Fern help Margot finish loading up a U-Haul
trailer. Henry slides the trailer door closed.
HENRY
That's the last of it.
MARGOT
Thanks for helping me.
HENRY
Thanks for giving us all your furniture.
Margot looks at the house.
SARA
You want to take a last look? Make
sure you didn't forget anything?
106.
INT. MARGOT'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Margot enters. Every single personal article now gone from
the room. She takes a last look around, then walks out the
door.
EXT. MARGOT'S HOUSE - DAY
As Margot watches the house recede in the side view mirror.
I/E. BUICK - DAY
Margot's at a traffic light with the U-Haul attached. She
spots Natalie crying on a bench. She's wearing a cocktail
dress and her makeup is running. Margot pulls over.
EXT. STREET - BENCH - MOMENTS LATER
Margot walks up.
MARGOT
What's wrong?
Natalie looks up, flinches. Margot sits down beside her.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
You okay?
NATALIE
(shakes her head)
It's Percy.
MARGOT
(alarmed)
What happened?? Is he okay?
NATALIE
No. He's an asshole!
MARGOT
(beat)
Percy?
NATALIE
Ugh, we started hanging out a
couple weeks ago. It was really
fun. And... we ended up having sex.
I thought he was my boyfriend. And
then I found out he was talking to
two other girls.
107.
MARGOT
Again, this is Percy we're talking about?
NATALIE
When I asked him about it he
totally cut off contact. He just
disappeared. He was never like
this. I don't get it.
Margot deflates.
MARGOT
This is my fault. I created a fuck
boi.
NATALIE
I feel like an idiot. I got all
dressed up and he completely
ignored me.
MARGOT
(realizing)
Just now?
INT. BUICK - MOMENTS LATER
Margot drives, Natalie rides shotgun.
NATALIE
It's up here on the right.
Margot pulls over and parks. Shuts the engine off.
MARGOT
I'm sorry about that night at the
party. I shouldn't have yelled at
you like that.
(then)
I was drunk.
NATALIE
That's what I thought.
MARGOT
(sighs)
No. I wasn't. I was just... shitty.
NATALIE
That's what I thought.
(then)
How are you gonna get in? There's a
guest list.
108.
Margot reaches for Natalie's name tag, peels it off. She
flinches.
NATALIE (CONT'D)
I'm still scared of you.
INT. HAMPTONS MANSION - LATER
Hedge fund money. Margot, now with Natalie's name tag
affixed, walks through the mixer looking for Percy. Most of
the middle-aged ATTENDEES are stealing glances at Margot.
She sees Laird and Allison, quickly turns, walks a different
direction. She spots Percy with other INCOMING FRESHMAN
listening to several RECENT ALUMNI.
RECENT ALUM #1
And there's several Eating Clubs to
choose from.
RECENT ALUM #2
If you make it to junior year.
Lame laughter. Margot walks over joining with laughter.
MARGOT
Well I can't wait to get eaten at
Princeton.
Percy freezes, terrified. The other guys all check her out.
RECENT ALUM #1
You're a prospective student?
MARGOT
Yeah, Princeton's my safety school.
She grabs Percy by the arm and drags him off.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
I've been trying to get in touch
with you.
He yanks his arm away, heads for the exit.
EXT. DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
Percy walks to his car, Margot catches up.
MARGOT
Please don't shut me out.
109.
PERCY
I don't owe you anything!
MARGOT
But I owe you something. I walked away,
left you to your anger and your grief.
I'm sorry, Percy. I'm so sorry.
Percy walks up to a Volvo SUV, gets in. She approaches, goes
for the handle. He locks it before she can open the door.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Open the door, Percy.
He starts the car, begins to pull away. She impulsively jumps
on the hood.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Stop!
He brakes.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Just get out and talk to me.
PERCY
Get off the car. I don't want
anything to do with you. I don't
want to be in your shitty life.
MARGOT
I know my life might seem kind of
depressing to you, and you know, in
a lot of ways it is. But there's
some good stuff in it. Maybe I
never told you about it, but
there's some really good stuff in
my life. And a lot of it has to do
with you. The time we spent
together still matters, even if it
was a lie, because you felt
something honest and pure for
someone else.
PERCY
Fine, we'll do it your way.
EXT. HAMPTONS MANSION - CATERING TRUCK AREA - MOMENTS LATER
Caterers on their smoke break look up as Percy, with Margot
on his hood, pass them.
110.
MARGOT
The Percy I met at the beginning of
the summer wouldn't have done that
to Natalie watch it--
The other driver swerves, HONKS. Percy casually flips him
off. With Margot obscuring his view, he misses the turn to
the main road and blindly turns onto a sandy --
BEACH PATH
Margot clings to the hood. A war of wills.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Fuck. This is scary. I can't
believe you did this.
PERCY
You're blocking my line of sight!
MARGOT
Well I'm not getting off until you
promise you won't be like me!
Percy swerves into a few trash cans. Garbage flies up onto
Margot and the windshield. He puts on the windshield wipers.
They smack her in the face.
PERCY
Had enough!?
MARGOT
No! Promise me!
BEACH
He drives through some beach umbrellas. They smack Margot in
the face and body. She maintains her grip.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Promise you won't be like me!
Percy keeps driving. Margot looks back, sees several
PARTYGOERS drinking around a BONFIRE.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
(looking back)
Um, Percy?
People scatter as the Volvo careens towards the bonfire.
WHOOSH
111.
The car runs through the bonfire. They emerge on the other
side, with Margot partially on fire.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Ahhhhhh!
PERCY
Oh shit!
He pulls a hard left, heads right toward the ocean, then
SLAMS on the breaks. Margo goes flying into the ocean,
disappears under the water.
Percy rushes out of the car. He pulls her from the shallows.
They fall onto the sand, panting, exhausted.
EXT. BEACH - LATER
Margot and Percy sit on the sand.
PERCY
I can't believe you jumped on my hood.
MARGOT
I can't believe you drove with me
on your hood.
PERCY
I can't believe you didn't let go.
MARGOT
I can't believe you got your license.
PERCY
I can't believe you sold your house.
MARGOT
... Yeah.
Beat.
PERCY
Where are you gonna go?
MARGOT
California, to start. After that--
She shurgs, happy.
PERCY
You got a car?
112.
MARGOT
Actually I fixed up the Buick.
PERCY
(laughs)
Wow. That thing was busted to hell.
MARGOT
It looked busted, but it was solid
inside. It just needed some love.
Percy nods. They look out at the water for a beat.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
I should go.
She stands. He stands.
PERCY
Are you coming back?
Margot shrugs.
PERCY (CONT'D)
If you do, say hi. If you're horny
or whatever. I'm kidding.
She laughs. Natalie approaches from the beach entrance.
MARGOT
Be nice to her.
Percy nods.
MARGOT (CONT'D)
Well, I guess this is it.
They stand for a beat... Then Margot embraces him with fierce
intimacy. They hold each other for a long beat.
PERCY
Margot?
MARGOT
(turns back)
Yeah?
PERCY
I promise.
Percy goes and sits down next to Natalie. He takes his hand
in hers as the sun goes down over the water.
113.
EXT. MONTAUK - LATER
The Buick passes a "Leaving Montauk" sign. Margot smiles,
finally free.
FADE OUT.
|
