Meeting Ms. Leigh (2024)

[bunniefuu]

To be honest,

I'm a little shocked we're here right now.

You know, the morning after.

I mean, you never stay the night.

My roommate, Jessica,

says I should stop hooking up with you.

She says you can't trust a

man who won't spend the night.

She's thinks she's so smart.

But you finally did.

And I don't know, I think this could be

the start of something

good for the both of us.

What the f*ck does Jessica know anyway?

But between you and me,

I think she's just jealous.

She thinks you're using me,

draining our emotional bank account.

I think she just needs to get f*cked.

Like, I can't remember the

last time she had someone over,

and I think it's starting

to get to her head.

Like a couple of days ago,

she tried to tell me numerology isn't real.

Can you believe that?

Like, take us, for example.

You can tell I'm a five because

of my adventurous spirit

and boundless energy.

And you're clearly a one,

emotionally distant and you

take life a bit too seriously.

But maybe if you opened up a little bit,

we'd balance each other out.

We'd inspire each other to

higher planes of consciousness.

Imagine how that'll help your writing.

I don't mean to pry,

but it's the only thing

you do talk about when

we're not hooking up.

Don't get me wrong, I

love when you come over,

but I need more.

Sometimes I feel like

you're not even here with me.

I never know what's going on with you.

Getting anything meaningful

out of you is a chore.

Just give me something, Carter.

So, how is your writing going?

I'm sorry,

Taylor. But this isn't working.

What do you mean?

I mean, we've been

hooking up for, what, a month?

In that month, we've had some

good times, some great sex.

Yeah, we have.

I like you. And I like

spending time with you.

I even slept over last night

and you know I don't do that.

I like you, too.

Because I thought this

would yield some inspiration.

Inspiration?

Yet I'm left uninspired.

I'm not feeling anything.

You know what I mean?

And how can I possibly hope

to write anything worthwhile

if my heart is left unignited

and my soul just grounded, unable to soar?

What the f*ck does that even mean?

What the f*ck is this? Like, say something.

You're a writer. Use your f*cking words.

What else do you want me to say, Taylor?

Jessica was right about

you. You're just using me.

sh*t, she'll never let me hear

the end of this, that smug b*tch.

Who's Jessica?

Wow. This is your problem, Carter.

It's no secret.

How do you expect to be inspired

when you don't give anything?

You haven't even made a

single deposit into our EBA.

EBA?

Yes, our emotional bank account.

But I'm sure you don't

remember that either.

It's our account of trust,

and do you know a few

easy ways to make a deposit?

How?

By listening, by sharing something.

But you just take and take

and take and give me nothing.

I want to be there for you.

I want this to work, but I

need you to be in it with me.

I'm here, aren't I?

I'm giving you my time.

What could be more valuable than that?

I could be writing,

or better yet, finding

inspiration elsewhere.

f*ck you, Carter.

So I guess this isn't

working for either of us then?

f*ck you.

f*ck.

Strange as it seems, been

having this dream, yeah, yeah

I grab my keys and cruise

down the street, yeah, yeah

I try to fly but I fall down mmm

Somebody come wake me up now

Feels like dj vu

I'm living the worst day

over and over again

Rescue me, 'cause I feel like a fool

Stuck in dj vu

I'm living the worst

day over and over again

Wake me up to another dream come true

Stuck in dj vu

I've been getting thirsty

for that one special friend

Wake me up to another dream come true

Got the Netflix series callback.

I go in next week.

Hell yeah! Congrats, brah.

Yo, this could be it like the big one.

This for one of the leads, like.

Let's go!

Let's go! You gonna k*ll it, brah.

Man, thanks, man.

You've been working

way too hard not to, man.

I appreciate it, like for

real. What happened to you?

Taylor spilled my coffee on me.

By accident?

No, I ended it between us.

Oh my God. You just

can't help yourself, can you?

What?

Can't help but get into

some dramatic a*s sh*t.

Oh, I'm dramatic?

Yeah.

So we're gonna pretend

whenever you and Tonya break up,

you don't Drake and drive?

Look, first of all,

"Take Care" is a f*cking classic

and there's absolutely nothing wrong

with getting in touch with your feelings.

You guys probably broke up this morning.

Last night, actually.

And yes, I did take a

drive to go clear my head.

Boy, "Marvin's Room" really hit sometimes.

I rest my case.

Hold up. I have my moments, but you?

You, Mr. Drama, Professor Extra, out here,

searching for somebody to ignite

your soul or whatever the hell.

Whatever, brah.

That's why you my n*gga though.

You trying to get drinks later?

I don't know. I gotta get some work done.

I lost the Slamhouse contest.

For real?

Damn.

You good, man.

Like for real. You gonna get your shot.

Yeah.

Anybody else home?

Who knows?

Hey, mom.

- Hey, sweetie.

- I'm here with your father.

Hey, bud.

So what's up?

Well, I got your

text this morning about rent.

Yeah. I think I might

be a bit short this month.

We talked about this.

I know, but I had to take a few days off

to finish the script for

the Slamhouse contest.

I figured if I won, I'd

be set for this month.

Did you hear back yet?

I didn't get it.

We believe in

you, sweetie. We really do.

But it's getting too expensive

for us to support you

from across the country.

Maybe if you came back

home, you can work here...

I need to be here.

I need to be in the thick of things.

It's not the same back home.

We understand,

son, but it's been five years.

We're not saying give up, but

maybe you should look

for other job opportunities

so you can support yourself.

I mean, you are almost 30.

I know.

Son, you know, there's always

a spot here at the office.

You're always welcome back.

Thanks, Dad.

We'll help you this month,

but if it happens again...

It won't. I'm working on something new.

And if it doesn't work out,

I'll come back home and take that job, dad.

But I just need one more shot.

Okay...

All right. Knock

it out the park, bud.

Love you, guys.

Help me, please.

Come on.

Hey, hey, hey

I can imagine

what it's like to have wings

Hey, hey, hey

Flying around with fairytale things

Hey, hey, hey

But it's more stress the more I grow

Hey, hey, hey

More money come up, more money go

Hey, hey, hey

Look, I was 5, I played outside

I rode my bike, I flew my kite

I took a nap, I hated baths

I threw my cap, there wear no apps

And 26 ain't the same

Now the lease say my name

Now the lease is five page

Hey, hey, hey

Is this real time? Is this my time? Aye

Hey, hey, over here,

I don't seem to age

And over there, they still get gray

No time without disgrace

Liked it better when I was 8

I liked it better when I was free

I liked it better when I could be me

No judgment aye

Just loving aye

Just peace, just peace,

magic dreams come again

Take me back to Neverland

Magic dreams come again

Write something!

Yeah.

You okay?

Yeah. Just working.

Mm-hmm.

I'm about to go in like 30. You coming?

I don't know. I gotta get some work done.

Come on, man. Just a couple of drinks.

I don't know, bruh. I need to focus.

You've been in here all damn day.

From the sound of it, you need a break.

I need inspiration, Mitch.

Carter, if you need inspiration,

you'll find it out there, not in here.

I'm broke.

I just asked my parents for help with rent.

Jerry's bar tending tonight.

Free drinks?

Free drinks.

I'll be ready in 15.

My n*gga.

I had glory turn

into sad stories of mad gory

A crying blood all for my

dying love like flying doves

Yo, I just wanna be free

But the devil on...

You got this.

Ooh Wee

So you really done with Taylor?

Uh-oh.

Yep.

You a cold dude, man.

When you said you were spending the night,

I thought it was getting serious.

Look, man, I tried.

I thought spending a little

more time with her might help.

But whenever I'm with her,

all I'm thinking about is

what I should be working on,

or how is this helping me

to become a better writer?

Nothing was pulling me to engage

and I don't have time to invest

in something going nowhere.

I'm almost 30.

Dude, you're 27. Relax.

You have three more years.

You know, I think Taylor might have helped.

I mean, you guys were only

hooking up for like a month.

You barely even knew each other.

Wait, how long have we

been sharing that room?

I don't know. Four years...

Sounds about right.

And you know, in that time,

I just realized I've never seen

you date anybody longer than a month.

Your point is?

And it's always the same damn story.

She didn't ignite my soul.

What the f*ck does that even mean?

It means there was no reason for me

to stay longer than I needed to.

Professor Drama at his finest.

Look, you think that love will help you

write something transcendent, right?

Of course.

Okay, well, in order to

be in love, you have to give.

And right now, you're just taking.

Yeah, I know. Emotional bank accounts.

What the f*ck are those?

What are you talking about?

Nothing, Dr. Love.

But, look, forgive me for not wanting

to share my life story

with every girl I'm f*cking.

That's not what I'm saying.

But look, you gotta

eventually let one of 'em in.

You gotta let one of

these relationships grow.

Mitch, a muse isn't

someone you grow fond of.

A muse is someone who

enchants you immediately.

Okay. Do you.

But what if you don't win this contest?

Are you really going home?

I mean, it's been five years.

I've been spinning my

wheels for five years. Nothing.

I love those short films you did.

Same here.

I'm also a big fan of your specs.

If only you were judging

one of those contests, Mitch.

Don't worry. It'll happen.

But when?

We're still eating ramen every other night,

sharing a room,

living with more roommates than rooms.

I'm tired of this sh*t.

It's like a f*cking hostel in here.

No offense.

f*ck you, Carter.

Is that all anyone can say today?

Forgive me for wanting

more, for having a dream!

Professor Extra, chill, my n*gga.

Nobody wants to live like this forever.

It just takes time.

What's so important about 30 anyway?

I don't know.

It just seems like I should have

my sh*t together by then, right?

I mean, who knows?

We're in entertainment.

I've been going out on auditions for years

and I'm just now getting to a point

where I'm going out

for a real leading role.

Can you imagine if I had

given up when I was 27?

This sh*t can pop off anytime.

But if you give up...

I know. If I give up, it'll never happen.

Exactly. You do listen to me sometimes.

Look, it's the pursuit of the dream

that forces life changing events to occur.

You're right.

I know!

Hold on.

Car's here. Let's find

you some inspiration.

Amen to that.

My guy.

My guy!

What's good?

Boy, it's about

to be a game seven here!

Yeah, they're gearing up

for this huge Netflix series.

I'm in the running for one of the parts.

One of the leads?

Well, it's not the lead per se.

Well, it's more like a guest appearance.

But I mean, that can

turn into a recurring...

Cool.

There he is.

Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!

Man, what's good, boys?

- What's good, Jerry?

- My guy.

Man, what's it looking like tonight?

- It's looking good, man.

- Yeah?

It's looking real good.

Y'all might even get a little lucky.

- Come on, Jerry.

- Come on, Jerry.

You know it's never luck, ever.

Hey, man

you hear back about that Netflix series?

No, bro, I'm telling you.

It's like really a banger, too.

Like one of them ones, what the?

- There he go.

- Yep. Yep. That's my dog.

Are you waiting for someone?

Do you need something?

Better ice breakers.

Can I get you a drink?

I already have one.

Yeah, of course. I was just...

And I'm waiting for someone.

Oh.

My bad.

Guess I'll just go then.

But whoever it is, they are really lucky.

You give up pretty easily, huh?

Well, I was hoping my humbling acceptance

of rejection would be endearing.

Surprisingly, it was.

Does your offer still stand?

Of course.

What do you want? Yo, Jerry.

Another Cape Cod, please.

Cape Cod.

Vodka cranberry.

Really? I didn't know it

was called anything else.

Now you know.

My name's Carter.

Amber. Amber Leigh.

It's nice to meet you, Ms. Leigh.

You come here a lot, huh?

Why you say that?

That little exchange

right there was just a little too smooth.

You didn't give him a card so

I'm guessing you have a tab,

or more likely you know

him and he takes care of you.

Is this where you pick up all your girls?

The majority of them.

You trying to pick me up?

I am. How am I doing?

You're not failing.

So what do you do?

Is that the only thing

people care about in this city?

Whatever we do takes

up majority of our time.

Seems reasonable to ask what that might be.

Well, I'm still figuring that out.

Really?

Yeah. Really.

You seem too put together

to be figuring things out.

Looks can be deceiving.

How old are you?

How exciting.

How old do you think I am?

Doesn't matter.

Good answer. But really, how old?

Mid 30s?

Good guess. How could you tell?

Well, first off, you ordered a Cape Cod.

And secondly, your hands.

I can usually tell by a woman's hands.

Really?

Yeah. And at your age,

they're particularly easy to spot.

Why is that?

Because they glow.

In my experience,

I found that women blossom in their 30s,

and are especially radiant.

You dance?

You're on a roll.

Splish, splash got me seeing color

Under the sky

Van Gogh, you're so undercover

Discover my light

'Cause we're going hard tonight

The gallery is on fire

Burning down, burning down

You're so avant-garde

Won't you wake me up, so unusual

You're so avant-garde

All your stranger ways

make me fall in love

You're so experimental

Experimental

You're so experimental

Experimental

Step back, I have never seen this

My boy.

Yeah.

Like I said, one of the leads.

Really?

Yeah. Really.

Move me once more

Cause we're going hard tonight

We'll paint the town

just like a starry night

Picture me in all the golden light

The gallery is on fire

Burning down, going down

You're so avant-garde

Won't you wake me up, so unusual

You're so experimental

Wake me up, experimental

You're so experimental

What?

Nothing.

It's just really cute

when a girl puts your shirt on afterwards.

It's like a sign of a job well done.

Well done indeed.

You know, you're my first...

Black guy.

How'd you know?

There's only so many things

you could have said after that.

So you've been in this position before?

A few times.

What happens next?

What do you mean?

I mean, what does the girl say next?

Usually, something

about how big my d*ck is,

you know? 'Cause I'm black.

Makes sense. But then what?

I don't know. We go to sleep.

I'm not big on talk afterwards.

Why's that?

I'm just not.

So is that the reason you

brought me back tonight,

to f*ck a black guy?

Honestly?

Yeah.

Not entirely.

But I mean, I'd be lying

if that didn't add a layer of intrigue.

So why did you?

I don't know.

I liked you and I could tell you liked me.

I wanted intimacy

and your spirit was warm.

My spirit was warm?

Yeah.

You seemed earnest and real.

I like that.

So why'd you try to pick me up?

You have a thing for older women?

Doesn't every guy at some point?

I mean, I've been with a few

who are a couple of years older than me,

but never anything like this.

Oh, yeah? How was this?

Well, like I said, I've

never had anything like it.

That's good to know.

But me approaching you

had nothing to do with your age.

Yeah?

What was it then?

I thought you were enchanting.

It was like you were glowing.

Yeah?

My hands right?

All of you, really.

Nobody has ever said that to me before.

That's a shame.

But you also seemed interesting,

and I really need interesting right now.

Interesting how?

Like, there's a lot going on up there.

You don't want to know

what's going on up there.

Oh, but I do.

So who were you waiting for tonight?

I don't know.

What do you mean, you don't know?

I was waiting for someone,

but I didn't know who I was waiting for.

Okay.

What does that mean?

I went there tonight because

I wanted to feel something.

I wanted to be pursued, desired.

You get that urge a lot?

Lately? Yeah.

So no boyfriend then?

No, but I have a husband.

sh*t.

Yeah.

Water?

Please.

I was right. You are interesting.

That's one way to put it.

Is this the first time?

Yeah, if you can believe that.

I do.

Is it yours?

What, have I ever slept

with a married woman?

Yeah.

No, this is a first.

I don't think I would

have done it if I knew.

Why, because of that?

Yeah, you know

the sanctity of marriage and all.

Well, you're clearly not a virgin.

What about premarital

sex? Sin is sin, right?

Touch.

I guess I figured as

long as I wasn't married

or hooking up with anyone who was,

God wouldn't mind as much.

That's morally convenient.

This doesn't mean I'm a saint.

Just that I'm consciously

trying to be decent.

Why'd you do it?

My husband was f*cking his assistant.

Really doesn't get any

more clich actually.

Can't lie. That makes

me feel a little bit better.

I wouldn't want to be

responsible for ruining your marriage.

Understandable.

How'd you find out?

I went through his phone.

The pictures and texts

weren't hard to find.

I confronted him, we had it out,

and he left a few months ago.

You haven't seen him since?

Here and there.

I stay at our place in the bay

and he got an apartment in Oakland.

You think you'll work it out?

I don't know.

We're actually gonna talk

about it when I get back on Sunday.

It's been months, right?

Why wait until tonight to find someone?

I didn't. I've been out.

Been to a lot of bars.

Met a lot of guys.

But I never found who I was looking for.

I guess I was looking for you.

But why me?

That's what I'm trying to figure out.

You never said what you do.

You never asked.

Well?

I'm a writer.

Oh

Anything I've seen or read?

Probably not. But I

have some stuff out there.

Yeah?

Are you working on anything right now?

Yes and no.

How do you do that?

Yes. Technically,

I'm working on a script.

No, I haven't written anything yet.

Why is that?

No inspiration.

Is that always a requirement?

No, but like anything else,

if I only worked when inspired,

I'd never get anything done.

But in this case it is.

And why is that?

Because nothing I've written yet

has truly resonated

with those who have to judge whether

it's good or not.

Meaning my previous sources

of inspiration weren't authentic enough.

What does that mean?

That I have not yet felt what I need

to feel to be the writer I want to be.

Little dramatic, but

I follow you.

My friend says that all the time.

Says what?

That I'm dramatic.

Well, I would assume that a propensity

for the dramatics

would be an occupational hazard.

I agree.

I have this room until

Sunday. Stay with me.

You're married.

Separated.

I usually don't stay the night.

Why is that?

I have my reasons.

Well, I'm not asking you to move in.

Just stay the weekend.

I'd really love the company.

Okay.

So when you do write,

what do you write about?

Love.

Like romance?

Everything about it.

The way it manipulates us,

the way it gives mothers the strength

to lift cars off their children,

but it can also cause people

to take their own lives.

When I was in high school, my cousin,

and honestly one of my

best friends at the time,

he slit his wrists

because his girlfriend dumped him.

Can you imagine?

You don't even know how much

you don't know when you're 16 years old,

but this feeling,

this longing for someone else convinced

him life was now meaningless

because a girl said it was over.

That's fascinating. And

to be real, scary as f*ck.

Did he die?

No, but he was

institutionalized for a while.

His family moved away

and I never saw him again.

I'm sorry to hear that.

It's fine.

I actually don't tell people that,

especially women I've just slept with.

You've never talked about it before?

No, I guess it was

just one of those things

that I compartmentalized.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

So have you ever been in love?

No.

So how can you judge?

How can you even write about it?

I mean, that's my problem.

I have love in my life.

My parents, my siblings, my friends.

I've had my share of girls.

Some of them I even really liked,

but I wouldn't cry over any of them,

let alone die.

That's unfortunate.

For my craft, yeah.

But personally, I don't know.

Why would I want to fall

in love with someone only

for them to end up in some hotel room

with another guy?

Touch.

And what happens if I do,

and it ends because everything does

and I lose my sh*t?

What if I try to k*ll myself,

or worse, hurt them because they dumped me?

People do crazy sh*t

when they love too deep.

Wow.

Is that why you don't spend the night

or pillow talk?

You just hit and run.

More like I hit, hit, hit then run.

You won't feel anything

worthwhile that way, sweetie.

Maybe, but I don't think longevity

legitimizes feelings.

I suppose,

there's something to

be said about longevity.

I mean, when you haven't

experienced something,

it's easy to judge, easy to speculate.

But I've been in it

and I can tell you, yeah,

that flame fades if you don't both

shield and protect it.

But when it's raging and

you're both basking in its glow,

there's nothing like it.

That person, for better or worse,

is perfect in your eyes.

And you'd do anything to see

them smile or protect them from pain.

Because when you're in it long enough,

their joy and sorrow are yours.

And when it gets like that,

you take on a small part of that person

and they take on a part of you.

And you'll both carry

that with you for the rest of your lives.

Wow.

I get that as much as I can.

But I do think you can have

that same flame in a

tryst that lasts only days.

I guess anything's possible.

And to feel something like that

is to be able to draw on a well of

infinite inspiration.

So what you were looking for tonight

was a muse?

Yeah.

You don't go looking

for something like that, dear.

It finds you.

But when will that be?

Like, I want to do great work now.

You remind me of him.

Who?

My husband.

When he was younger.

Must be some male thing.

So eager to be great.

What does that even mean?

I don't know.

It's kind of like, you know...

Hold that thought.

These might help.

Are those edibles?

Yeah. They're gummy bears.

I bought 'em earlier.

They're supposed to be strong.

How are those gonna help?

Trust me, what you're trying to describe

is very abstract and quite subjective.

So these might help

crystallize those thoughts.

Besides, I bought them

intending to eat them

so that's what I'm gonna do.

Come on.

Open up. You get two 'cause you're bigger.

Your turn.

So what, we wait 15-20

minutes till they kick in?

Yeah, give or take.

What do we do till then?

Just keep going.

About greatness?

Yeah.

Do you know who Preston Sturges is?

No.

He was this writer and director

in the 1930s and '40s.

The first of his kind.

And during this period of five or so years,

writes and directs a string of

bona fide classics.

"The Great McGinty", "Christmas in July",

"The Lady Eve", "The Palm Beach Story",

"Sullivan's Travels", "Hail

the Conquering Hero",

"The Miracle of Morgan's Creek".

And depending on how you feel

about "The Great Moment",

and "Unfaithfully Yours",

his streak doesn't end until the late '40s.

Wait, so you want to direct too?

Yeah. I've made a couple of short films,

but yeah.

That's the dream, to direct what I write.

Wow.

Ambitious.

If you're gonna dream,

you gotta dream big.

So what kind of movies did Preston make?

Mainly screwball comedies.

But his dialogue,

impeccable, ahead of his time.

And his films, masterstrokes.

This was a man who by his late 20s

was a failed inventor

and songwriter with no clear direction.

And in an act of spite

towards a former lover,

writes a play that launches his career.

Love is a hell of a motivator.

I mean, look at this,

I'm talking about his work today.

That's great work. That's greatness.

And that's what you want?

I want my life to have purpose.

I want to write something

meaningful that lasts.

Something that'll get me my own apartment

and kick-start my career.

And hopefully, people will read

or watch that thing I created

and decide they too

want to create something.

That's a thing worth striving for,

at least to me.

Yeah. I agree. But

not everyone wants that.

Some people just want to exist.

How about them?

Then they can do that.

You can live however you want to live.

That's the beauty of it.

It's not always that simple.

Why not?

People, society,

they force their beliefs on you.

Some people are never given the chance

to live their own life.

What are you doing?

You're wearing my shirt

and I was getting cold.

Plus this is comfortable as f*ck.

I think I'm starting to

feel those gummy bears.

Really? I don't think

I'm feeling mine yet.

At all.

I think everyone gets a chance

to live their own life.

For some, it's just much harder

to get that opportunity.

But as long as you keep fighting,

it's yours and it makes for a better story.

sh*t happens. Horrible sh*t.

But I really do believe

all of it serves a purpose

if you can ride it out.

I suppose so.

But what if you're not

sure what your purpose is?

What if you've lost your way

or you don't even have one?

I think we're always right

where we're supposed to be.

And everyone has a

purpose, whether big or small.

But who am I to judge

how big or small a person's purpose is?

True.

But if you'll indulge me for a second.

Yeah.

In the end, I don't

think anyone's purpose

is more important than anyone else's.

In the eyes of God, it's all equal.

In fact, I think each of our purposes

actually serve each other.

It's like, we're all different ingredients

in this massive cosmic cake.

And when we pursue whatever

it is our hearts truly desire,

we not only release our own

unique flavor into the cosmos,

but we inspire others to do the same,

producing this divine dessert.

It's the pursuit of the dream

that causes life changing

encounters to happen.

You end up at the right

place at the right time

to meet the right person, like you and me.

You and me?

You and me.

I like that.

That actually reminds me of my mom.

How so?

She's a teacher, and

she's one of those teachers

who really loves what they do.

It's not a job to her, but

a privilege and a duty.

She really invests in her students

like they were her own kids.

I mean, I can't even

tell you how many times

over the years they've

come back to thank her.

You said when we pursue

what our heart desires,

we inspire others to do the same.

Reminds me of all the lives she touched.

Sounds like an amazing woman.

What about your dad?

I don't know. He walked out on us.

I'm sorry.

Me too.

What?

I don't normally tell people that.

I usually just say he

died before I was born.

I guess it's just one of those

things you compartmentalize.

I feel you.

Do you have any kids?

No.

I've never had that motherly instinct.

I guess my mom kept my share for herself.

I mean, I love kids, other people's kids,

mainly because you don't

have to take 'em home with you.

It sounds so horrible

out loud, but I don't know.

I've just never had that urge.

My husband used to feel the same way.

He wants them?

Yeah.

And you don't?

No.

You think you'll ever change your mind?

Who knows?

What are your parents like?

Kind, loving, steadfast.

They worry about me at times,

but it all comes from a good place.

Worry about what?

Typical stuff like, am I

eating anything besides noodles?

Am I homeless on skid row?

Will I ever get a real job?

I actually told them if I

don't win this next contest,

I'm going home.

Do you think you'll win?

Depends if I ever write anything.

I'm sure it'll come to you.

Hey, come here.

What are we doing?

My husband and I used to do this.

It's a breathing technique

to harmonize our energies.

I think there's something really powerful

about two souls in sync,

and I want to be in sync with you.

Okay.

Call me Bluetooth.

Do you believe in higher

power, spirits, souls?

Honestly, I'm high

enough to believe anything.

Well, you have this cross

and you were talking about God before.

Do you think he's real?

I do.

Do you?

I definitely think there's

more to life than what we see.

When I'm stressed, I

like to go to the beach.

And when I look out at it all,

it never fails to put

everything into perspective.

How insignificant I am,

let alone my problems.

The water reaches further than I can see

and is deeper than I can imagine.

Blown this way and that by a force

I can neither hold nor a see.

An entire ecosystem

thrives beneath its surface,

warmed and sustained by a giant ball

of fire floating in the

sky millions of miles away.

But why, and for who?

Me, you, God?

Questions for a much less

stimulated mind than myself.

But I do think our

insignificance is our freedom.

All of this is gonna continue

on to some extent long after we're gone.

So in the meantime,

we might as well put this time to good use,

try to do our best, be our best,

and leave it a little better

than how we found it.

You're adorable.

My head's spinning.

A little too adorable.

No, seriously. I think

I need to lay down.

Okay.

Come here.

I've never talked to

someone like this before.

I've never met someone like you.

I think I'm...

Shhh...

Just having fun.

A lot of fun...

How are you feeling?

Fantastic.

I could get used to waking up to you.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

I plan to.

Did you sleep at all?

A little bit.

- Yeah?

- I just woke up myself.

I got some room service some is on

the table if you're hungry.

What were you doing?

Just a little work.

Yeah?

Yeah.

So really,

what do you do? This place is beautiful.

I'm in real estate.

What kind?

Commercial.

My husband and I have

a very successful firm.

Oh

How does that work now?

That's what I'm trying to figure out.

If we officially split, do I buy him out,

does he buy me out?

And if I sell, what do I do then?

Do you like real estate?

Yeah, it's been good to me.

It's been kind of me and

my husband's shared passion.

We work well together.

It's been like that

since we met in college.

I make this trip a couple of times

a month to check on our accounts.

I'm good at managing relationships

and talking to people and

he would close the deals.

We made a dashing power couple.

When we first started, I,

we both had this dream

of building an empire.

I can understand that.

Sure you can. But things changed.

How so?

We got older.

He just turned 40 this year

and we started wanting different things.

Sounds like you could use a fresh start.

Maybe.

You want to shower and get out of here?

I'd love some fresh air.

Yeah, sure.

Does it count if you take a shower

and get back into the same clothes?

Well, that depends.

Did you wear those clothes

all day yesterday or only last night?

Only last night.

Well, the jeans should be good.

You can wear this shirt for now

and we can get you another

one on the boardwalk.

Whatever you say Mrs. Leigh.

Amber is fine.

Come on. Where's the fun in that.

You're my Mrs. Robinson.

Shut up!

So did you play any sports?

Why, 'cause I'm tall and black?

Yeah.

I played basketball in college.

Look at you!

Yeah, it was my first love.

Well, you're in LA, so I'm

guessing you're a Lakers fan?

Not so much, but I was

a big, big Kobe fan though.

Yeah, I was actually

in line to board a plane

when I heard about that accident.

It was so tragic.

Yeah, it was.

The whole city mourned for weeks.

On some level, I think always will.

But if I took anything

away from his death it's that

if we dedicate the short amount of time

we have to the pursuit of

greatness, then it's attainable.

Well, you're consistent

in thought at least.

That's what it takes.

So you had no professional aspirations?

Of course, but I

discovered I had other loves

and had I given basketball all I had, so.

How about you? You're pretty fit yourself.

Thanks. Personal

fitness is a passion of mine.

I run.

And in high school, I

danced and played soccer.

Actually just started dancing again.

How's that going?

Pretty good. It's different

than what I'm used to.

How so?

It's a pole dancing class.

Are you any good?

I mean, I'm starting

to get the hang of it.

But, you know, it's fun and it keeps

me motivated to stay in shape.

I have to come see you perform.

Not a chance, and it

won't be for a few months.

Come on. I'll make the time.

That's sweet, but no.

No, seriously. I'll come

to the Bay and then...

Sweetie, this isn't a permanent thing.

It ends tomorrow. I'm married.

Separated.

Let's just enjoy the time for now.

f*ck the future.

Sure.

You ever notice

how most interracial couples

are black guys with white girls?

I guess so.

Why do you think that is?

Do white girls have a black

guy fetish or vice versa?

I think it's a mutual

fetishism. Can I be honest?

Always.

Black guys have always had this stigma

you know, like they're off limits.

My mom didn't care either way,

but the girls I grew up with,

their parents wouldn't stand for it.

You don't bring a black guy

home unless you want a fight.

And anything like that

is immediately attractive on some level.

Plus, all the talk about

how big you guys', you know...

Makes a girl very curious.

I feel you.

With white girls, it's

a little bit different,

but also very similar.

If you bring a white girl home,

you'll get the typical flack like,

"You couldn't find yourself a black girl?"

Which annoys the hell

out of me. But I get it.

There's this feeling that

if you get a white girl,

you've made it or you're on your way.

So I understand the resentment.

But at the same time,

you like who you like.

I mean, I've been with all sorts of women.

Black girls, white girls,

Latinas, Asians, Indians.

I love women.

Oh, really?

I do. I'm an artist.

They're my greatest asset.

Shut up.

I'm just being honest.

I remember this one time,

I took this girl out and she was white.

And her dad was not a

fan of black guys at all,

which he made very clear

throughout the course of the night.

I mean, every couple of minutes,

he was blowing her phone up,

and eventually she read

me some of the texts.

It was this f*cked up sh*t like,

"DON'T COME HOME TONIGHYOU f*cking n*gg*r LOVER!"

In all caps.

What the hell? That's horrible.

I know, right?

So later that night while we're hooking up,

I kinda start laughing to myself

because I feel like I'm doing

my ancestors a solid by

f*cking this r*cist's daughter.

Wow. What do you want me to say to that?

Congratulations?

I'm just saying, I agree with you.

The forbidden is attractive

because at one point,

this was truly forbidden.

I know.

So all these girls and you've

really never been in love?

No. They didn't seem worth the risk.

The risk? That's one way to put it.

I told you, love's the biggest risk.

My cousin tried to slit his wrists.

So how are you ever gonna

write about it convincingly?

Well, my theory is you can have

the high and inspiration

of love without the pain.

Just keep your relationship

short and passionate.

You don't need to fall

in love with your muse.

But that hasn't worked.

Doesn't mean it won't.

Let's keep walking.

Okay.

What?

You ever notice how things

in life work differently for you?

What do you mean?

Well, you're a beautiful,

blonde white woman in America.

That's like the ultimate cheat code.

Have you ever heard

of David Foster Wallace?

Yeah. I'm actually surprised you have.

Why? Because I'm blonde?

Well, yeah.

Well, I have. I actually love to read.

Thank you very much.

So you've read his stuff?

I mean, sort of.

I picked up this little

book once in a bookstore

and it was basically a

commencement speech he gave.

I read it on the spot

and it stuck with me ever since.

Aren't you full of surprises?

Real estate exec, pole dancer, avid reader.

Not your typical blonde.

No. Far from it.

Well, anyway, in this

speech, he tells this story

of these two fish

swimming along in the ocean.

And while on their way,

they pass by this wise,

old fish going the opposite direction.

And when the wise old

fish passes by, he says,

"Morning, boys. How's the water?"

The two fish don't respond.

They just keep going

along until a bit later,

one turns to the other and

says, "What the hell's water?"

That's kind of how it is, you know.

At first you're just going through life,

totally unaware of this obvious

thing until someone brings

it to your attention

and the glass shatters.

You realize that things

are a little different for you,

that you can get away with

things someone else can't,

that people treat you a certain way.

Have I used that to my

advantage at times? Of course.

Wouldn't you?

Well, yeah, because I have.

It's like when I was playing basketball,

people treat you differently

when you're good at something.

They just let things slide.

I think we're all suckers

for proficiency or status or beauty.

Yeah, me too.

You know, what's interesting though?

Hmm?

How people treat you when

you're no longer that thing.

Go on.

So when I first started to

introduce myself as a writer,

I'd get these funny looks like,

this basketball player's gonna write?

Yeah. Okay.

And I get those same looks

when my stories weren't

about the hood, sl*very, or sports.

Suddenly, the respect they

had for me as a hooper had

this patronizing undertone

and it's been insanely frustrating.

Like, I'm capable of more

than one thing, you know?

And besides that, there are

other black stories to be told.

And I want to tell them.

sh*t, I'm going to tell them.

I know you will.

I'm so serious.

Me, too.

Beautiful song.

Real tragedy,

the homeless situation here.

Yeah, it is.

I can't even imagine.

I've actually been there.

Seriously?

Thankfully, it was only

for the first couple of

weeks I was out here.

Slept in my car until I found a place.

You don't realize how nerve-racking

it is not having a place to chill,

let alone call your own until you don't.

So over a long enough period of time,

yeah, I could definitely see

how it can break someone.

Where are you from?

Ohio. Have you been?

No, but I know you can get

a lot more for a lot less there.

True. But winter's a b*tch.

I mean, we pay for this weather out here

and most days, it's actually worth it.

Yeah.

So where's God there anyway?

What do you mean?

The homeless people.

I mean, how can there be so much suffering

in the midst of so much wealth?

Wouldn't a loving God intervene?

I guess that's my problem with God.

I just, I don't understand

why. I don't get it.

I don't think we're supposed to.

I was reading somewhere

how some scientists spend

their entire lives working

on a single question.

I mean, that right there says it all.

Whoever or whatever

put all this into motion

had to not only understand those questions,

but the countless others

we haven't even asked yet.

I mean, I can get behind

the idea of a supreme intelligence,

but the idea of that

intelligence being all loving,

is where I have trouble.

Why?

Just everything,

I mean, kids being gunned down at school,

cops sh**ting the people

they're supposed to protect,

people living and sh1tting

in the streets of these wealthy cities.

I mean, just the other day

I saw a homeless guy pull

down his pants and

take a sh*t in the middle

of Hollywood down the side of a building.

And the worst part of it

was nobody even cared,

they just continued on

like nothing was happening.

What do you want me to say?

I don't know. What do you think?

Can we sit for a sec?

Sure.

I do think God is all loving.

I think he's so loving, he

allows us to do whatever we like.

But at any time if we need him

and decide to change our ways,

he's right there to help

and forgive us if we want it.

What do you mean by right there?

The way I see it,

God's walking beside

each and every one of us.

Like how people imagine guardian angels.

So right now, God's here

individually with you and with me.

The beauty of it is that

even though we both have

different relationships with him

and different levels of belief in him,

neither relationship is more important

to him because God doesn't show favoritism.

So at any point, either of us could ask

him for something and he'd listen.

So he's a genie. We

just have to make a wish.

I didn't say that.

It's more like when you're a

kid and you ask your parents

for something and that same

thing is something your parents

want to give you so they

don't hesitate getting it for you.

Yeah.

When you're in tune with God,

which means you're spending time

with him and building

a relationship with him,

then the things you want start to change.

Therefore, the things you pray for change.

And suddenly, you start

to see things happening

around you because now you're asking

for the things he wants to give you.

I'm hearing you, but I'm not convinced.

Well, I'm not trying to convince you.

You asked what I thought.

Well, if I were God,

the first thing I'd do would be to wipe

out all the people who

choose to hurt others.

I feel you, but that's the beauty of God.

Like, he values the

life of the worst sinner

just as much as the greatest saint.

And I think that's what's

hard for us to wrap our heads

around because we don't think like that.

Well, yeah, I know I don't.

My father got my mother pregnant and left.

How could I value them the same?

I guess from God's perspective,

he understands people do

selfish sh*t when they're scared.

Scared of what?

Change, I guess.

Hmm.

You know what I prayed for yesterday?

What?

That God would send me help.

And?

I met you.

You want to watch the sunset?

Yeah.

So don't be offended

by what I'm about to say.

Hard thing to promise, but okay.

You don't seem like a black guy to me.

What?

That's incredibly offensive

and kind of f*cked up,

but I get it.

Is it because I'm not saying n*gga this

or n*gga that every word,

or because I'm not walking like this?

Come on. Geez.

Is it because I enunciate

when I talk or because I talked

about Preston Sturges instead of Spike Lee?

I guess.

Well, I am a black man. I love Tupac,

but that doesn't mean

I can't love The K*llers.

I mean, Singleton and Spike paved the way,

but that doesn't mean I can't relate

to some eccentric white guy who kind

of happen to see the world like I do.

You said you wouldn't be offended.

A hard thing to promise.

Let's sit.

But simply put, I'm a man,

and my interests shouldn't

limited to the color of my skin.

I mean, that's insane.

Look at all this.

Limiting yourself in a world of endless,

endless possibilities because

it wouldn't be black enough

to do this or that is honestly

a disservice to your soul.

I see your point, and I apologize.

It's okay.

Thanks. But no, it's not.

When I think about it, it

was a stupid thing to say.

But it's a real thing I felt.

I mean, black men on TV

are always portrayed so

violent, angry, masculine.

Masculine isn't horrible.

Hush, but you don't seem like that.

Ouch. That hurts.

Stop. I just mean that

you just seem like you.

I guess that's your point.

Pretty much, just like you're you.

People are always far more complex

when you get to know them.

Stereotypes are just a way

for us to avoid doing this.

People are lazy.

People are unpredictable.

They change on a whim.

To an extent. Some people

choose to stay the same.

True, which is why long

term relationships are so hard.

Take my marriage for example.

I mean, when we first got married,

we were head over heels

in love with each other,

ready to take over the world.

And for a while, that's

exactly what we did.

We built a successful firm,

but time passed, and one of us changed.

Suddenly, he wanted kids.

But we had decided years ago

it was just gonna be the

two of us and our career.

Nonetheless, he decided a family

was more important than the firm.

He felt we were established enough.

But I'm not 27 anymore.

I mean, I'm almost 40.

I don't even know if my

uterus can take that sh*t.

I was always enough for

him, but now he wants more.

And I don't know if I can give that to him.

Even if I did, I mean,

what if he decides he wants nothing

more to do with us and leaves.

He changed once, he could change again.

So naturally, we started

growing further apart

and we were no longer in sync.

I mean, it was little things at first.

You know, like we'd be in the shower

and I'd ask to pass the shampoo

and he'd pass the conditioner.

But those little things

grew to be big things.

One day I just woke up and no

longer recognized him anymore.

You think that's why he cheated?

Maybe.

So you're saying all this time

you've been together and

you've never changed at all?

I don't think so.

I think you were right when

you said people stay the same,

choose to stay the same, because I did.

All I wanted was him and

we were doing everything

we set out to do, so why

would I want to change?

I'm dissolving, I'm dissolving now

I'm dissolving, I'm dissolving now

So don't try and find me

Please no more questions now

I'm dissolving, I'm dissolving now

And will you stay in the dark with me?

Though I cry and I can't barely speak?

I've shifted so many times this morning

Who am I? I hardly know the story.

I'm unraveling I've been winding down

Hopefully evolving, I

guess we'll just find out

So please forgive me if

I raise my voice too loud

I'm dissolving to a whisper now

And will you stay in the dark with me?

Though I cry and I can't barely speak?

I've shifted so many times this morning

Who am I? I hardly know the story.

I think you're

too hard on yourself.

What?

You want to get a car or walk?

Car, but what were you saying?

I think you're too hard on yourself.

I think you'd be a fantastic mother

if you were with the right man.

Are you that man?

I could be.

What's the longest relationship

you've been in, sweetie?

A month, I guess.

And why is that? Because

of your theory on love?

Yeah, but you seem worth the risk.

Am I now?

What about not falling

in love with your muse?

I was wrong.

Sweetie, you like the idea of love,

but you don't want to actually feel it.

Because to do so, you'd

have to be willing to open up,

to be vulnerable.

I don't think you really want that

or you would've allowed

yourself to experience it by now.

My man has to be able to do that.

I almost left yesterday

when you went to the bathroom.

Not because you're married,

but because I could feel some part

of myself wanting to let you in.

And you're right. I don't do that.

So why'd you stay?

Because when I got up to go,

suddenly, I got this

feeling like God was saying

I was right where I needed to be

and that I'd be a fool to leave.

Amber, you got me wide f*cking open.

I think I'm in love with you.

So this is it

then, our last night?

Sadly.

But why?

Sweetie.

What? You said it yourself.

You and your husband are drifting apart.

You don't recognize him. He cheated on you.

I'm 10 years older than you.

So?

So that's a decade of

experiences you haven't had yet.

By the time you're my

age, I'll be almost 50.

I'm sure you'll be just as beautiful.

That's not the point.

And by then, we'll have a

decade of shared experiences.

We already talked about this.

Then let's talk about it again.

Don't you feel it, this energy between us?

You've ignited me.

It's like my wings have

finally caught this breeze

I've been waiting for, for so long, but...

But what?

I'm starting to get really nervous

because it feels like that breeze is about

to vanish and I'm going to fall.

Isn't this what you wanted,

to really feel something?

It is, and it's just as

f*cking scary as I thought.

I don't want to lose you.

We just met yesterday.

You don't feel it then?

I didn't say that.

So you do?

It's...

It's just not that simple.

You keep saying that.

Well, let's make it simple then.

You and me work. Boom. Simple.

I'm married.

Separated.

No, I'm married, Carter.

I can't leave my husband. He's a good man.

I thought I could, but I just can't.

Don't think I wasn't

tempted to run off with you.

I adore you.

I feel it, too.

In another time, who knows

what we could have been?

But in the here and now,

I have to go back and

hope he accepts me back.

You mean he should

hope you accept him back?

No.

sh*t.

He didn't cheat, did he?

f*ck.

f*ck.

f*ck!

This is adultery.

I've ruined a marriage. Lord, forgive me.

I've ruined a f*cking marriage. f*ck!

Sweetie, nothing's changed.

Everything's changed!

It's one thing if he's

f*cking your assistant,

but another if he's at home wondering

how's his wife's trip going.

Breaking news, my guy. She's

getting f*cked by a black dude!

It's all the same.

It's just as much adultery

now as it was before.

Yeah, but it's easier on the conscience

the other way around.

Was it all a lie?

Is your name even Amber Leigh?

Does it matter?

Does it matter? Of course it matters!

I'm over here talking about igniting

my soul and spreading my f*cking wings,

and I don't even know your g*dd*mn name.

This is why I don't do this sh*t!

You don't have to be so dramatic.

Dramatic? I think I'm acting

pretty f*cking reasonably.

Do you know what you've awakened in me,

and you're just gonna go back to him?

And why the hell are you

so damn calm about all this?

Shouldn't you be sad, upset, something?

I'm calm because nothing

between us has changed.

I asked you to stay the

weekend. Nothing more.

Yeah, I lied about a few things.

He didn't cheat on me.

But we had been drifting apart

ever since he changed his mind about kids.

So that story about checking

his phone and the assistant?

I told you it was clich.

Took it from an airport novel.

I was worried if I told you

that he hadn't wronged me,

you might have left.

Damn right!

And I wanted you to stay.

Look, we do have an assistant, our nephew.

I don't think they're

sleeping together though.

That isn't funny.

I know. Can I finish?

I mean, we had gotten to the point

where he no longer touched me anymore

and he withdrew from

me and I allowed him to.

So I started looking

for intimacy elsewhere.

And the thing is I hadn't found

anyone worthwhile until you.

I didn't bring anyone else up to my room.

No one else even made it past the bar.

I feel so special.

Well, you should because

you saved my marriage.

How?

Your spirit and ambition reminded

me why I fell in love

with him in the first place.

But if I leave him for

you and I haven't changed,

wouldn't you just expect me

to put you in the same position later on?

I guess.

Like you said, people do selfish things

when they're afraid of change.

That's what I was, afraid.

Afraid of what it would do to my body,

afraid he'd abandon me and the kids,

afraid of not being a good enough mother.

Instead of embracing the chance

to grow with him, I just ran...

Like my father.

And I refuse to be like my father.

Maybe you're right.

Motherhood might suit me.

Being with you helped me realize all that.

I helped you realize all that?

Well, you got me thinking

along the right lines.

You see why I have to go back?

Of course.

Sweetie, I don't want this to end badly.

I asked you to stay the weekend.

I want you to stay tonight.

No, that's insane. f*cking insane.

I still don't even know your name.

It's Amber.

Come on.

It doesn't matter.

Look, we've had something that we'll carry

with us for the rest of our lives.

Something we both needed.

My feelings for you are real.

What matters besides that?

Why end something so

beautiful on a sour note?

Did you mean what you said

when you said you were in love with me?

Yeah, but what does that matter now?

I'm losing you.

Sweetie, you know why

your cousin hurt himself?

Yeah, because of this.

The girl he loved didn't want him back.

No.

Because of pride.

Love isn't meant to be possessed,

but felt and allowed to flow freely.

And it's when you try to control it

that tragedy is inevitable.

We found love here, you were right,

we found it in no time at all.

We have one more

night. Let it run its course.

Don't touch me. I can't do this.

You're so

You're so

You're so experimental

Experimental

You're so experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

sh*t.

If that isn't right on

brand, I don't know what is.

You really can't help yourself, can you?

I'm not in the mood, brah.

You didn't get her

number, Instagram, nothing?

No. I don't have her number.

I don't even know her name.

It's almost like it never really happened.

And if I didn't feel how I feel right now,

I would swear it was just a dream.

That wasn't no dream, man.

Your a*s been gone all weekend.

What was so special about her anyway?

What was so special about her?

That's like asking, why do birds sing?

Or why do suburban white kids

want to be black so damn bad?

Some things are just beyond

our understanding, brah.

I see Professor Extra

working on his thesis.

I'm being serious, man.

She really lit a fire in you, huh?

You have no idea. No idea.

Then you know what you need to do.

n*gga, what? No, I don't know.

Yeah, you do.

No, I don't. Like, I don't

even know what to feel.

I'm so f*cking mad I can't have her.

Why couldn't she choose me?

I got love in me now. Brah, I can feel it.

But at the same time, I get it.

I'm just so happy that I

got to meet her, that I...

Shut the f*ck up.

Yo.

I can't listen to this sh*t, bro.

You should be thankful.

You really feeling something here, finally.

And I pray, bro, I pray

that this is the only pain

that you feel from this situation.

And I know you not

thinking straight right now,

but she's married.

You know how messy that

sh*t would've got, right?

Sounds like you both got what you needed,

and you both should be thankful.

You know what you need to do.

So go do it.

You're a good friend, Mitch.

You know it, n*gga.

Now go write something, damn.

What you still sitting here for?

I've worked my whole life

What if I never get it right?

So many long nights, long nights

And If I'm uptight, that's

just cause I'm so tired

Don't have the money to burn tonight

So I'll work until I pass out

Pour some more espresso

Madness, yeah, I guess so

But it's a good night to

the write the way I'm feeling

I'll catch it in a bottle

so everybody can drink it

Here's to the dreamers,

painting the sky, hey

'Cause you've got the vision

And the courage to try and make a move

I'm making moves

I'm making moves

You work your whole

life hoping to be inspired

Whispers keeping you up at night

But don't give up when

you're three feet from gold

That dark night of the soul

is just how the story goes

Here's to the dreamers

painting the sky, hey

'Cause you've got the vision

And the courage to try and make a move

I'm making moves

I'm making moves

This one's for the dreamers

painting the sky, hey

'Cause you've got the

vision and the courage to try

And make a move

This one's for the dreamers

I'm making moves

Painting the sky

This one's for the dreamers

I'm making moves

Old Man Failure

Finally takes his flight

Drops to his knees and sighs

That's one crazy b...

That's one crazy light

Old Man Failure

Finally takes his flight

Drops to his knees and sighs

That's one crazy b...

That's one crazy light

That's one crazy light