The Game Page #5

ILSA:

You did? How is he?

NICHOLAS:

Okay. I think he's into some sort of

new personal improvement cult.

ILSA:

(nods, at a loss)

Well... send my love, if you see him

again.

Nicholas nods. Ilsa leaves.

CUT TO:

INT. VAN ORTON MANSION, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

Nicholas uses mitts to remove a dinner plate from the oven,

sets it on a waiting tray: huge cheeseburger and hand-cut

french fries, perfectly presented.

Nicholas picks up a CUPCAKE with a B-day candle in it.

CUT TO:

INT. VAN ORTON MANSION, DEN -- NIGHT

Nose-bleed-high ceilings. Cavernous fireplace. THREE TVs

in the ENTERTAINMENT WALL, the largest showing CNN.

Nicholas is seated in a chair facing his meal, pouring a

glass of champagne.

He toasts to no one, takes a sip. The PHONE RINGS.

Nicholas looks to it, hesitates. He hits SPEAKERPHONE.

NICHOLAS:

(to speakerphone)

Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

(from speakerphone)

Happy Birthday, Nick.

NICHOLAS:

(looks at watch)

Eleven forty. You almost didn't make

it this year.

Nicholas uses a REMOTE to MUTE BERNARD SHAW on the TV.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

Did you have a great birthday?

NICHOLAS:

Does Rose Kennedy have a black dress?

You know my parties. I went not

once, but twice through the

spanking-machine.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

I can only imagine. How are you?

NICHOLAS:

Connie asked me the same thing today.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

Connie, really? I always liked him.

NICHOLAS:

Anyway...

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

I just thought this... might be

difficult for you.

NICHOLAS:

Just another birthday.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

I meant because of your father.

NICHOLAS:

That's right. He was forty, wasn't

he? Hadn't thought about it, to tell

you the truth, thanks for the

reminder.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

Why do I call you... ?

NICHOLAS:

I honestly don't know. Listen, give

my best to Doctor Mel and Rachel....

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

Sue has a little brother on the way.

We just did the ultrasound.

NICHOLAS:

No kidding? An official nuclear

family. You must be pleased.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

We are. We couldn't be happier.

Nicholas smiles thinly, bored, waiting for more.

NICHOLAS:

Well, so... thanks for calling. I've

got some work here...

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

I should let you go.

NICHOLAS:

Take care of yourself.

ELIZABETH (v.o.)

You too, Nicholas. I mean that, I

really do.

NICHOLAS:

Um-hm. Good luck. Bye.

He PUSHES OFF the PHONE in the middle of her "goodbye." He

uses the t.v. remote to give BERNARD SHAW back his VOICE.

Nicholas eats, watching the news. He takes out the business

card Conrad gave him, looks at it, puts it on the table.

The card:
"Consumer Recreation Services."

Nicholas sits back, chewing. He stares at the ceiling.

FLASHBACK/GRAINY HOME MOVIES -- 1960'S -- DAY

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