CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP - 17

SCENE 25

INT. GOLDEN GATE RESTAURANT/MEN'S ROOM - CONTINOUS

          Bruce is seen in the men’s room feeling derelict. As he ends his urination, he begins to swear resentfully not minding the older male stranger in the restroom.

STRANGER

Is everything alright? Are you alright?

BRUCE

Yeah, yap.

STRANGER

But you don’t look alright to me.

BRUCE

So why do you ask?

SCENE 26

INT. GOLDEN GATE RESTAURANT/MRS ETIM'S TABLE - CONTINOUS

TOM

              I was surprised when you told me you’re not married – though I was glad as well because it means I still have a strong chance...

Bruce appears from the men’s room. As he approaches, he stares resentfully at Tom who observes it. Bruce does not return to his seat with Amara but takes a vacant seat adjacent Tom. Bruce begins to gawk at Tom.

MISS ETIM

              ...A strong chance at what?

TOM

              Proposing marriage to you.

Miss Etim chokes on the glass of wine she's drinking.

TOM(CONT'D)

What?

MISS ETIM

              I think we should take it slow, Tom. We’re just starting to know each other again…

Tom is unable to bear Bruce’ indignant look:

TOM

Can you, er, excuse me a moment?

Stands and walk towards Bruce.

TOM(CONT'D)

 Hey, do I know you?

BRUCE

              (Retorts)

Do you know me?

TOM

              Isn’t that what I just asked you?!

BRUCE

              That’s why am also asking if you know me.

TOM

              You know, I don’t admire the tone in your voice and I certainly do not appreciate the way you’ve been eyeing me. How did a lowlife like you get in here by the way?

BRUCE

Who're you calling a lowlife?

Miss Etim approaches and interjects.

MISS ETIM

              Is there a problem here, Tom?

TOM

              That’s what I’m trying to find out.

MISS ETIM

              Bruce, what's wrong?

TOM

              You know this guy?

MISS ETIM

              Bruce is my Personal Assistant.

MISS ETIM(CONT'D)

(To Bruce)

Are you not supposed to be seated there with Amara?

Amara approaches too.

MISS ETIM(CONT'D)

(To Tom)

They’re here with me.

TOM

              You’re lucky am in a very, very good mood tonight. Nobody’s P.A talks to me like that. None!

MISS ETIM

              It's ok, Tom, let’s go back to our table.

TOM

Can you believe this guy?!

MISS ETIM

I’ll take care of him later. Come on.

TOM

No, I want him taking care of now. I want him to apologize to me right now.

MISS ETIM

Apologize to him, Bruce.

BRUCE

I'm not gonna apologize to him. I didn't do anything wrong.

MISS ETIM

Bruce, apologize to him right now.

Bruce looks round and sees how everyone in the restaurant are staring. Amara is embarrassed with the treatment melted out to Bruce.

BRUCE

Never.

He walks out the restaurant.

MISS ETIM

              I'll take care of him later.

They move back to their table.

TOM

              You'd better. What the heck is he doing here anyway?!

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