scene 33

scene 32

EXT. FOREST - DAY

In a clearing in the distance Jackie, Sess and Claire prepare lunch on a picnic table. Beyond them the horses nibble grass where they are tied to a rudimentary post.  

We HEAR THEIR FOOTFALL before Hunter, Tom and Chloe walk into foreground and stop at a ponderosa pine. Tom looks up at its considerable height, Hunter and Chloe do the same. 

TOM: Any idea why they're called ponderosa pines?

CHLOE: Pinus ponderosa. Because they're ponderous. Which is to say of considerable weight, as far as the tree goes. It can mean something else depending on context. But I'm sure you know that.

TOM: Well, don't be too sure. But I reckon it can mean slow, or somethin' like it. 

CHLOE: Yes. Maybe slow and awkward, or something like it.

TOM: Do ya speak any other languages besides Latin?

CHLOE: I don't speak Latin but I do know a few terms. I remember pinus ponderosa from an eighth grade flora and fauna class. I'll be starting my fourth year of high school Spanish.

TOM: Hijole. I reckon that puts ya there in the fluent category. 

CHLOE: I reckon I can navigate it well enough. How about you?

TOM: Un poquito de español. Suficiente para meterse en problemas.

HUNTER: Traslación, por favor.

CHLOE: Tom says he speaks enough Spanish to get in trouble. I'd bet he knows enough to get out of trouble, too.

TOM: It's come in handy a couple times. 

CHLOE: Any of those times one you'd be willing to share?

TOM: One of 'em.

CHLOE: Before you leave?

TOM: Maybe on the way home.

Chloe extends hand, they shake.

TOM (CONT.): How 'bout you, Hunter.

HUNTER: What little I remember from two years of high school French.

TOM: Any particular reason ya took French?

HUNTER: Yes. Charlotte Charboneau. Call it a crush.

TOM: Maybe more on that later?

HUNTER: We can do that.

Jackie gets something from the underside of the picnic table, holds it up and RINGS IT LIKE A TRIANGLE DINNER BELL.

TOM: Chuckwagon flashback.

Hunter leads them to the table.

HUNTER: One you could share?

TOM: Sure. Be like bein' there again. And not the old days chuckwagon that you might imagine. But we stilll called it that.

HUNTER: Where being there?

TOM: Alongside the San Saba River south a Menard, Texas on a cold December day.

PICNIC TABLE 

Jackie, Sess and Claire watch them approach. And indeed a triangle bell on the corner of the table, chained to its underside.

SESS: So what can you tell us about Tom's relation to Hunter.

JACKIE (BEAT): That they just met. 

SESS: Fast friends.

JACKIE: More later.

SESS: K.

scene 32

scene 31

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Two recliners aimed at television, lampstand between them. Opening to hallway and crucifix on wall above candle and bible on stand. Woodburning stove in corner near rocking chair. Cowboy hat, John Deere ballcap, University of Oklahoma football helmet on hat rack near front door. 

CLAIRE'S DAD, 60-ish - socks, overalls over t-shirt - reclines on couch under window that frames the small front yard, neighbors' homes across the leafy street, and the water tower behind and above them, ARDMORE in blue across the metal gray holding tank.

His feet propped on the coffee table with Field and Stream magazine and phone. He's reading Foglost, turns page. His PHONE CHIRPS, he marks page, sets down book, looks at phone.

CLAIRE'S DAD: Well good goddamn.

A moment later CLAIRE'S MOM, 60-ish - socks, jeans, SOONER FOOTBALL t-shirt - arrives in hallway opening

CLAIRE'S MOM: What did you just say?

He hands her the phone, she stares at the photo of Hunter and Claire smiling at the camera from their saddles, Sierra Blanca Peak in the background.

CLAIRE'S MOM: Well shit howdy. Let me see that author thing.

He opens Foglost to the about the author page, she compares the images.

CLAIRE'S DAD: That's him.

CLAIRE'S MOM: Or his doppelganger. Maybe she'll get his autograph. 

CLAIRE'S DAD: So I guess Cecilia's cousin knows him.

CLAIRE'S MOM: Jackie.

CLAIRE'S DAD: Jackie. Knew it was J something.

CLAIRE'S MOM: How's the lawyer sailor doing?

CLAIRE'S DAD: Slowly sinking, a shark just now on the scene..

CLAIRE'S MOM: Zoinks.

CLAIRE'S DAD:  Yep. What smells so good? 

CLAIRE'S MOM: Banana bread. 

CLAIRE'S DAD: Yum.

CLAIRE'S MOM: She looks happy.

CLAIRE'S DAD: She should. She's in love.

CLAIRE'S MOM:  Yes she is. What if they get married?

CLAIRE'S DAD: I'll have to buy a suit.

She smiles, comes to him, quick kiss.

CLAIRE'S MOM: How does he work?

CLAIRE'S DAD: In mysterious ways.

CLAIRE'S MOM/DAD: Love you. 

She winks at him, leaves into hall out of view. FAINT DOG BARKING. He turns to look out the window at a 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL ride a bicycle into and out of view. He opens Foglost, resumes reading.

scene 31

scene 30

EXT. DEPOT PARK - LARAMIE, WY - DAY

Ruth and Wanda on a bench in the leafy park where the historic train depot meets the railyard and the trains on its tracks. OTHER PARKGOERS include TWO DOGS at play.  

DAISY: How is Tom's Las Cruces layover going?

WANDA: Well. Extended another day. Horseback riding today in the Ruidoso area. He'll leave in the morning.

DAISY: Pictures?

WANDA: I asked him to take some. 

DAISY: Have you ever been to Ruidoso?

WANDA: No. You?

DAISY: A long time ago. Clem had an army friend who lived with his wife and two kids in El Paso. We drove up for the horse racing one day. Pretty area. Little river through town.

WANDA: Did you decide on the biodegradable urn?  

DAISY: I did. It's a little sailboat I'm going to put on Mirror Lake.

WANDA: I love it. 

DAISY: You and Tom have to be there.

WANDA: We'll be there.

DAISY: I was looking at pictures of that Bear Lake trip they took.

WANDA: Those are some great ones. 

DAISY: Wanda.

WANDA: Daisy.

DAISY: Tom told Clem about Hunter. 

WANDA: I know. He told me the day after they took that drive. 

DAISY: That's when Clem told me. He said he felt like he'd be leaving with a secret if he didn't. Told me Tom would tell me too when he was ready. I feel like I'm keeping a secret, or not being honest, by pretending I don't know why Tom is laying over in Las Cruces. Or maybe I don't know and shouldn't have said a thing. 

Wanda scoots closer, puts an arm over Daisy's shoulder.

WANDA: I'm glad you did, sweetheart. I was feeling like I was being less than honest with you.  Yes, that's why Tom's in Las Cruces. And yes, he was going to tell you when he comes back.

She gets phone from purse, scrolls, shows Daisy a photo (TBD) of Tom, Hunter and Chloe.

DAISY: Oh my goodness. Who's the young lady?

WANDA: That's Chloe, Hunter's seventeen-year-old daughter. She's about to start her senior year of high school in San Luis Obispo. 

They look at each other, big smiles.

DAISY: Ruth must be happy to hear about this.

WANDA: Probably already prepping the family tree for a new branch.

Wanda puts phone in purse. 

WANDA: Lunchtime?

Daisy nods. They get up walk to end of building, turn out of view.

scene 30

scene 29

EXT. MOUNTAIN MEADOW - DAY

Surrounded by forest from which the riders emerge in pairs, side by side, led by Sess and Claire, followed by Jackie and Chloe, then Tom and Hunter, twenty or so yards between each pair riding toward forest at the far side of the meadow.   

WITH TOM AND HUNTER

TOM: How often do you get to see her?

HUNTER: Her spring breaks, the last few weeks of her summer vacation, every other birthday and Christmas.

TOM: You and her mother on good terms?

HUNTER: Barbara. Yes we are.

TOM: What does she do?

HUNTER: She's a photographer and teaches a class at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. 

TOM: How 'bout her folks?

HUNTER: John and Jan, retired attorneys in Paso Robles.

TOM: Well that ain't too far from San Luis Obispo, is it?

HUNTER: Half hour drive, an hour by train.

TOM: Are they in good health?

HUNTER: Yes. They swim a few times a week and do a forty-minute walk every day.       

TOM: You mentioned y'all wouldn't be here in a week.

HUNTER: Motorcycle tour that will include a couple days in Tucson to check out the town and campus.

TOM: She's thinkin' about goin' to school there.

HUNTER: Among other places. Barbara tells me she thinks there's a lean toward Oregon.

TOM: Does she have a boyfriend? Or girlfriend?

HUNTER: Not that I'm aware. 

TOM: Do ya worry about her?

HUNTER: Only constantly. 

WITH CHLOE AND JACKIE

JACKIE: Are you enjoying the college decision process?

CHLOE: Mostly. I mean, it's great to have choices.

JACKIE: Right.

CHLOE: I could be better at not worrying about making the wrong one.   

JACKIE: Is surfing a factor at all?

CHLOE: Not so much. I could go to Santa Barbara or Santa Cruz but to be honest it's too close to home. 

JACKIE: Wanna get away?

CHLOE: I do. What informed your decisions?

JACKIE: Undergrad I wanted to go away too, but my dad got sick so I stayed home and went to U-N-M.

CHLOE: Home being Albuquerque?

JACKIE: No. Home being here. I grew up on the Mescalero Apache reservation, down the road from Sess. 

CHLOE: Oh.

JACKIE: University of Washington because of my ex-husband. 

CHLOE: Are you in contact with him? To be super nosey.

JACKIE: Not nosey at all. And no, no contact. Someday, maybe, we'll see. Do you have a special friend?

CHLOE (PAUSE): No. 

JACKIE: Pause.

CHLOE: An attraction, I guess. I don't know. I want to focus on, you know, the business at hand.

JACKIE: I get it. 

CHLOE: How long have Sess and Claire been a couple?

JACKIE: A little over a year.

CHLOE: Claire lives in Oklahoma?

JACKIE: Yes, but not for much longer. She and Sess are going to buy land a build in Mayhill, a small town an hour-and-a-half south of here.

CHLOE: Cool. 

JACKIE: Tom seems alright.

CHLOE: He does. Thanks for getting him a horse.

JACKIE: That's all Sess. But I'm very happy she could.

CHLOE: Me too.

WITH SESS AND CLAIRE

CLAIRE: I haven't seen that Jackie smile in awhile.

SESS: Sparkly, isn't it? 

CLAIRE: She and Chloe seem to be hitting it off.

SESS: She was a little worried.

CLAIRE: Chloe's cool.

SESS: Agreed.

CLAIRE: So who's the cowboy to Hunter?

SESS: Surprise visitor., all I know.

CLAIRE: Hmm.

SESS: Right?

CLAIRE: Butter's got a little pep in his mosey.

SESS: I noticed. 

CLAIRE: The cowboy's talking to him.

SESS: I heard. 

CLAIRE: What do you think his relation to Hunter is.

SESS: Feel it more than I think it. Family. Blood.

They stop at the forest, turn to watch the others approach and arrive.

CLAIRE: Uncle?

SESS: At least.

Jackie and Chloe arrive.

SESS (CONT.): How we doin'?

CHLOE/JACKIE: Great. Jinx.

SESS: Ready for a little uphill? 

Chloe nods.

JACKIE: Great view at the top.

CHLOE: Cool.

SESS: Then on to lunch.

Hunter and Tom arrive.

SESS: Gentlemen.

TOM/HUNTER: Ladies.

SESS: So far so good?

HUNTER: Merely fantastic.

TOM: Best time I've had in awhile.

CLAIRE: Speaking of in awhile, Sess and I notice Butter's got some giddyup we haven't seen.

TOM: He's a wonderful horse.

SESS: He's come a long way.

CLAIRE: He likes to be talked to.

TOM: I noticed.

SESS: So did we. 

TOM: Any particular reason you put me on him?

SESS: Yes. 

CLAIRE: You didn't see his ears perk and his tail swish when you spoke?

TOM: I did. First horse I had was a palomino.

CHLOE: What was his or her name?

TOM: His name was Beau.

SESS: Would you mind telling us a littlr more about Beau over lunch?

TOM: Be happy to.

CHLOE: Any uphill riding tips?

SESS: We have a little climb around the bend.

Tom gestures as he speaks.

TOM: Well, ya wanna lean forward, keep your weight in your heels and your hands low with a loose rein .so your horse to use her neck for leverage and balance. But prob'ly better if I show ya when we get there.

CHLOE: It's a date.

SESS: Let's.

Sess and Claire lead the group into the woods and out of view. 

scene 29

scene 28

INT. GREAT ROOM - DAY

Limestone floor and fireplace surround. Archway to hall. Leather furniture includes arrangements aimed at fireplace and wall-mounted TV. Longhorn steers above fireplace, flanked by two whitetail buck shoulder mounts on each side. Mini-fridge and bar, pool table, and Gil in chair near lampstand at big window to oak and Ashe Juniper woods. He's reading Foglost. turns page before MARIA, 40ish - sandals, faded jeans, t-shirt with BROWNSVILLE GYRL across front - arrives in archway.

MARIA: Knock knock.

GIL: Who's there?

MARIA: Ida

GIL: Ida who?

MARIA: Ida forgotten Tom and Wanda are here if I hadn't seen it on the calendar.

GIL: Change in itinerary. Tom arrives tomorrow, Wanda's staying home to be with a friend whose husband recently passed. 

MARIA: Oh. Where'd the boys go?

GIL: Treehouse.

MARIA: That didn't take long.

GIL: No time for grampa.

MARIA: Oh stop it. All they talked about on the way up was getting it done to make you proud.

GIL: Really?

MARIA: Really. Whatcha readin'?

Gil shows her the book.

MARIA (CONT.) Your guy.

GIL: Just out. 

MARIA: What's H C looking like these days?

Gil shows her the about the author flap.

MARIA (CONT.): Damn. Even handsomer. Organ Mountains. Right?

GIL: Looks like. 

MARIA: What's it about?  

GIL: A Houston attorney whose drinking has killed his marriage and is ruining his health and career takes a leave of absence, buys a boat, sails out of Galveston, encounters a freak fog event. I'm where he's bumped into something in the middle of the night.

Maria gets phine from pocket, hands it to Gil.  

MARIA:It chirped.

GIL: Where was it?

MARIA: Garage.

He turns on phone, stares at something, looks at Maria, hands her phone. She stares at a photo of Tom and Hunter looking at the camera from where they stand at Hunter's back yard stone wall, Organ Mountains behind them. 

MARIA (CONT.): That author flap, please. 

He opens Foglost to the flap, Maria compares the images, looks at Gil, hands him phone. He closes book.

GIL: I'll have to let Tom elaborate.     

MARIA: Can't wait. When are they coming over?

GIL:  Saturday.

MARIA: Tamales?

Gil nods. Maria leaves, stops in archway, turns to Gil.

MARIA: Kinda big?

Gil nods, Maria nods, leaves into hall. Gil compares the picture on his phone with the author page, puts phone on lampstand, resumes reading.

scene 28

scene 27

EXT.  FOREST - DAY

We hear but cannot see the WOODPECKER PECKING before it is silenced by the CUH-LIP CUH-LOP OF HORSES NEARING. The horses and their riders - Sess, Claire, Jackie, Hunter, Chloe and Tom - enter frame, move through and out of frame fanned out as if a search party. 

WOODPECKER PECKING.

scene 27

scene 26

INT. PSYCHOTHERAPIST'S OFFICE - DAY

Adobe. 

Computer, wooden smiling Buddha, candle, lamp and phone on desk facing window to fountain in courtyard. Swivel chair on wheels. Loaded bookshelf, three framed diplomas, Jackson Pollock print, potted plant and doorway DOC, 60-ish - huaraches, corduroys, untucked dress shirt, long hair in a tail - enters through, yellow legal pad in hand. 

He sits at desk, sets down legal pad, picks up phone, scrolls until his brow is furrowed by a photograph of Tom on one side of a six-foot tall wooden bear carving, Hunter on the other, both smiling at the camera, an arm around the bear.

DOC: Hmm.

He sets down phone, ponders, finally turns on computer.

scene 26

scene 25

EXT. DOUBLE-WIDE TRAILER IN CLEARING IN WOODS - DAY

SESS and CLAIRE, 40-something cowgirls from boots to belt buckles, bandanas and hats, sit on log bench on the deck facing the road that feeds the dirt driveway to the car port covering Jeep Wrangler (JK) with Oklahoma plates and old Husqvarna motorcycle with New Mexico plates.

Well behind the double-wide, a Ford F-450 Super-Duty pickup truck and the six-horse trailer hitched to it, near rudimentary horse barn and corral, and SIX SADDLED HORSES tied to a post. A Mescalero Apache flag on the right front passenger side of the truck. 

CLAIRE: How did they meet?

SESS:  Sat next to each other on a flight from Denver to A-B-Q.

CLAIRE: When?

SESS: About a month ago.

CLAIRE: First date?

SESS: A play at the community theatre in Cruces.

CLAIRE: What play?

SESS:  Come back to the five and dime.

CLAIRE: What does Hunter do?

SESS: Writer.

CLAIRE: Of?

SESS: Novels.

CLAIRE: One I might have heard of?

SESS: Foglost.

Claire turns to Sess, surprised, as the Rover drives into view..

SESS:  Company.

She stands, Claire stands, They walk to where Hunter parks near the port. All out of Rover , Hunter and Chloe get backpacks from trunk, all walk toward Sess and Claire.

JACKIE/SESS: Hey girl.

They embrace.

SESS: Trickle in the creek.

JACKIE: Nice.

Jackie and Claire embrace.

JACKIE: Hi, pleasant surprise.

They kiss each other on the cheek.

CLAIRE: Hey professor. 

JACKIE: How's the moviemaking?

CLAIRE: Brought the camera today. But I'll ask permission.

JACKIE: And I'll handle introductions. So, Hunter, Chloe and Tom, I'm happy to introduce my cousin Cecilia and her partner Claire.

(Verbal collage of hellos, his and nice to meet yous.) 

SESS: And let's go with Sess. 

JACKIE: Claire.

CLAIRE: So yeah, I brought a camera along to record the day for my You Tube channel. But only if I have everyone's permission. 

Chloe raises her hand, then Tom, then Hunter.

CHLOE: You just have to send the link.

CLAIRE: Deal.

SESS: Tom, I'm guessing you've been on a horse before.

TOM: Yes ma'am. 

SESS: A couple times.

TOM: A few.

Sess and Claire smile.

SESS: A few. 

TOM: Word is you have too.

JACKIE: It came up.

SESS: Well Tom, I'm glad you're along and I hope a leisurely trail ride isn't too boring for you.

TOM: Blessed to be along, thank you so much. All y'all.

SESS: So whaddaya say we saddle up and mosey along?

JACKIE: Let's.

Sess, Jackie and Claire lead Hunter, Chloe and Tom AWAY FROM CAMERA to the horses. We see Sess point but can't hear her assign the horses each walk to. Tom approaches the palomino at one end of the line. Unbeknownst to Tom, all stop to watch him assume the saddle in fluid motion. He tips hat at his audience. The others saddle up, all fall in line behind Sess - Claire followed by Jackie followed by Hunter followed by Tom - and ride at a saunter into the woods out of view.  

scene 25

scene 24

INT. ROVER - DAY

Hunter driving, headed northeast on Highway 70 through White Sands Missile Range in the Tularosa Basin, nearing White Sands National Park. Tom's hat in his lap.

TOM: When's the last time you were on a horse?

CHLOE: If a mule counts, then three years ago at the Grand Canyon.

TOM: I'd say a mule counts. Good time?

Chloe nods.

CHLOE: Have you been?

TOM: Once, sixty-somethin' years ago. Had an uncle, aunt and two cousins who lived in Flagstaff. My dad's brother Randy, his wife Opal and their two daughters Brenda and Paula. We drove out and stayed with them for a week, got up to the canyon one day.

CHLOE: We being whom?

TOM: Mom and dad, me and Ruth.

HUNTER: Drove out in what?

TOM: Mom's car. Sixty-two Buick Skylark convertible. First car I ever drove.

HUNTER: What was dad's car?

TOM: Pickup. Fifty-five Chevy thirty-one hundred. 

HUNTER: Classic.

TOM: Yep.

HUNTER: What became of it.

TOM: Totaled it when he hit a big buck outside San Angelo. 

CHLOE: What's a big buck?

TOM: Male whitetail deer.

CHLOE: Oh.

TOM: When's the last time you were on a horse, Hunter?

HUNTER: I don't mind. Since it counts, the same mule ride. How about you?

TOM: Couple months ago. We got friends with land and outside Sheridan. We get up there a couple times a year.

CHLOE: Wanda rides?

TOM: Since she was a girl in Idaho. How long you been ridin', Jackie?

JACKIE: Since I was a girl, with my cousin you'll be meeting. We did a little barrel-racing back in the day.

TOM: Alright.

HUNTER: News to me.

JACKIE: Now you know.

TOM: You know what barrel-racin' is.

CHLOE: Of course. When barrels race each other.  Yes, I've seen it on TV. So Jackie were doing rodeo?

JACKIE: Not so much, mostly casual weekend activity. Sess, my cousin, was pro for few years. How about you, Tom? Ever dabble in rodeo?.

TOM: I did, also briefly, like you. Junior rodeo. When I was a boy I raced a couple barrels myself.

CHLOE: Did you ever win?

TOM: I got couple buckles in a box somewhere.

HUNTER: Really?

TOM: Yes sir. Did some whatcha call tie-down ropin'.

CHLOE: That's the one the calves love so much.

Tom and Hunter smile.

TOM: Well I reckon it wasn't their favorite thing.

CHLOE: That would have been being branded.

Hunter shakes his head slightly. Tom's smile is bigger.

TOM: No ma'am. That'd be more like grazin' and roamin'. Brandin'

wasn't the favorite part a my job either, but it had to be done. I could tell ya more about that another time, if you're ever int'rested.

CHLOE: I am, thank you. And more about what your favorite part of the job was.

TOM: We can do that.

HUNTER: So Tom, no pro rodeo?

TOM: Well, I was aimin' for that. Uncle Sam had a different plan for me. Got drafted, went off to Vietnam.

Pause.

HUNTER: Maybe we could talk more about that sometime.

TOM: We can do that, too.

Pause. Tom looks at his window at the first sight of the dunes of White Sands National Park.

TOM (CONT.) I'm guessin' we're pretty near White Sands.

CHLOE: Good guess. Have you been?

TOM: I have not.

HUNTER: I thought we might stop by for sunset on the way home.

TOM: I'd like that.

He turns away from the window to see Chloe positioned to take a selfie that includes Tom. She does so, shows Tom.

TOM (CONT.): Maybe you can send that to me so I can forward it to Wanda and Ruth, 'cause they'd sure be tickled to see it.

CHLOE: We can do that.

.

scene 24

scene 23

EXT. RURAL CAFE - DAY

Brunch. Rustic, DINERS, indoor/outdoor seating, six motorcycles, helmets attached, in a row among the cars with California plates in the oak-shaded dirt parking lot. 

Barbara, John and Jan, outside seating, etc. CONVERSATION MURMUR, DISHWARE CLATTER., COLTRANE THROUGH SPEAKERS.  They sip their half-empty mimosas.]

BARBARA: Did you tell aunt Rachel?

JOHN: I did. She expects pictures.

BARBARA: Chloe will be taking them.

JOHN: She called wondering if Brian might be willing to build that deck she's been talking about.

BARBARA: I'll pass it along.

JOHN: I was going to tomorrow.

BARBARA: Good call. 

JAN: Has he started his lap pool yet?

BARBARA: No. Luka’s batting cage is there until he starts Cuesta. So. Anything come from middle name Travis?

JOHN: Yes. A street view of their three-bedroom house on a leafy street lined by similar across from a park.

BARBARA/JAN: Really?

JOHN: Patches of snow on the ground.

JAN: When did you find this?

JOHN: You were on the phone with Caroline.

JAN: Oh.

JOHN: And a cursory glance at a blog I'm pretty sure his wife keeps. A photo of a man named Clem who, per my quick read, was a friend who died recently. Something about he and Tom and fishing in the Snowy Range. I'll send the link.

BARBARA: Do. Thanks. Oh! Doh. I don't think I mentioned that Tom's sister maintains their family tree on an ancestry site.

JOHN/JAN: Really?

BARBARA:  I'll send the link when I get it from Chloe.

JOHN: Do. Thanks.

BARBARA: I don't know what's entailed in seeing that tree, probably signing up.

JOHN: I'll find out.

Barbara's PHONE RINGTONES A SPLASH SOUND.

BARBARA: Drumroll.

Barbara gets phone from pocket, stares at screen. 

JAN/JOHN: Drumroll.

Barbara hands Jan phone, John leans in to see the SELFIE CHLOE HAS TAKEN that includes Hunter, Jackie and Tom, all smiling at the camera from an elevated site with the Tularosa Basin expansive in the background and Sacramento Mountains in the farther distance.

JAN: We've been there.

JOHN: On the way to White Sands. It's the San Augustin Pass rest area.

JAN: Yes.

Jan finally returns the phone to Barbara, who stares at the picture before putting it in her pocket.

The WAITER, 25ish, comes out with their plates.

WAITER: Alrighty. The spinach quiche.

(He places it in front of Jan.)

JAN: Thank you.

WAITER: Enjoy. The frittata.

(He places it in front of Barbara.) 

BARBARA: Thank you.

WAITER: Of course. And the shakshuka.

(He places it in front of John.)

JOHN: Thank you.

WAITER: My pleasure. Are we ready for our mimosa refills?

JAN/JOHN/BARBARA: Yes.

They each finish the last of their mimosas, the waiter takes their glasses.

WAITER: B-R-B.

SIX 40-something FEMALE MOTORCYCLISTS - jeans, boots, leather jackets - come out from the cafe, walk to their motorcycles, start and rev their engines, roll to the road, let traffic pass, turn onto road and ride away, taking their ENGINE RUMBLE with them.

JAN/JOHN: She looks happy.

BARBARA: She does.

JOHN: I feel better.

JAN: Me too. You're right about Jackie being beautiful.

Waiter returns, refills their mimosas and waters 

WAITER: Alright, y'all.  If you need anything else, just flag me down.

JAN/JOHN/BARBARA: Thank you.

Water refills waters on neighboring table, leaves into cafe.

JOHN: A toast.

Re raises his mimosa, Jan and Barbara raise theirs.

JAN/BARBARA:  To?

JOHN: To the unexpected keeping us on our toes.

JAN: The unforeseeable opening our eyes wider.

BARBARA: The unknowable reminding us of wonder.

They clink glasses, drink, begin eating.

silly interlude Yi 1: process re finalizing re improvement

 

And at this point, finalizing is almost nothing but "weaving images."

scene 23

scene 22

[begin Act 2]

EXT. HUNTER'S HOUSE/DRIVEWAY - DAY

Tom's truck in the driveway, no bins on the street. The garage door opens with a MECHANICAL SOUND. Hunter gets in Rover, Tom and Chloe come onto driveway as Hunter drives the Rover to the street. Chloe leads Tom to the truck.

Tom dressed as usual, including hat. Hunter and Chloe in jeans, hiking boots, long-sleeve tees, Chloe's with PISMO across the front, MT. BALDY, CA across Hunter's. Chloe ballcap, Hunter wide-brim sunhat.  Her sunglasses propped on ballcap, Hunter's hang from shirt collar. 

CHLOE: Cool truck.

TOM: Like it?

CHLOE: Love the two-tone.

TOM: This was my dad's last truck.

CHLOE: Really?

TOM: Yes ma'am. Paid cash and drove it off the lot in Houston when he was there for an Oilers game.

CHLOE: Oilers?

TOM: Pro football team.

CHLOE: Oh.

Hunter parks, gets out, approaches them.

CHLOE: Can I see inside.

TOM: Course ya can. Need to get my sunglasses anyway.

He opens the driver's door, gets his aviators from window visor sleeve. 

CHLOE: Love the bench seat, too.

TOM: Ain't original, like the radio and a few other things.

Hunter arrives.

HUNTER: Mid-eighties.

TOM: Eighty-five.

CHLOE: This was his dad's.

HUNTER: Really?

TOM: Yessir. 

HUNTER: It looks to be in excellent condition.

TOM: I try to stay on top a things. 

HUNTER: How many miles?

TOM: Little over fifty-thousand. Dad didn't have it long and I don't drive it much. We got a Subaru Outback we'd normally be in but Wanda needs that for the week.

Chloe's attention is redirected to the red car approaching from the direction Tom arrived.

CHLOE: Yonder comes a roadster.

Hunter and Tom turn watch the 1994 Alfa Romeo Spider roadster, top down, approach.

HUNTER: Heeere's Jackie.

Hunter walks to the street, Tom shuts the door, follows Chloe away from the truck to watch Hunter hand-signal the driver, JACKIE, 40-something, to the driveway and garage, like an aircraft marshal directing jet to gate.

OM: Nervous about meeting Jackie?

JACKIE: I spent all my nervous on you.

She looks at hi, winks. Tom smiles. Jackie, sunglasses and long hair in tail, drives into the garage, met by Hunter, quick kiss, Jackie in cowgirl boots, jeans, untucked long-sleeve western-style shirt. She gets backpack from car seat, Hunter closes garage door, takes Jackie's hand, walks to Tom and Chloe.

JACKIE: And I was nervous about meeting Chloe.

HUNTER: Everybody's a little...anxious.

Tom takes off hat.

HUNTER (CONT.)  So, introductions. Tom and Chloe, Jackie. Jackie, Tom and Chloe. 

Jackie extends her hand. 

JACKIE: Chloe, it's so nice to finally meet you.

Chloe shakes her hand.

CHLOE: Good to meet you too, Jackie.

Jackie extends hand to Tom, they shake.

JACKIE: Tom, I'm happy you're able to join us.

TOM: Pleasure's mine, ma'am. And thank you so much for havin' me along.

JACKIE: We have another late addition in my cousin's girlfriend.

HUNTER: The more the merrier. 

JACKIE: Agreed.

HUNTER: So, shall we?

JACKIE: Let's.

They walk to the Rover. Hunter opens front passenger door, Jackie gets in. Hunter at the wheel, Chloe behind Jackie, Tom behind Hunter. Hunter starts engine, drives away in the direction Tom had gone to hide behind the neighbor's house but continues past it.

scene 22

scene 21

EXT. HUNTER'S PATIO - NIGHT

Hunter, Chloe and Tom around the table, each with a bottled water. Starry sky, crescent moon. FAINT INTERMITTENT CRICKET.

HUNTER: So Tom, do you and Wanda have plans for your twenty-fifth?

TOM: Yessir. Goin' to Hawaii.

HUNTER: Which island?

TOM: Oahu. Waikiki the first few nights, place called Kailua the last few.

HUNTER: Been before?

TOM: First time for both of us.

CHLOE: Are you excited?

TOM: We are. Not so much about the flyin' part but that's just part a the package. I bet y'all been.

CHLOE: I learned to surf on Maui.

TOM: Take a lesson?

CHLOE: My mom.

HUNTER: Wanda don't believe it but I'm plannin' on takin a lesson.

CHLOE: That's cool.

TOM: Figure the worse thatt can happen is me fallin', and I will, but I'm thinkin' it's a lot softer landin' then comin' off a horse. You ever surf, Hunter?

HUNTER: I dabbled when I was a kid.

CHLOR: Dad's a skier.

TOM: Alright. How 'bout you?

CHLOE: Snowboard. We're going to Jackson Hole over Super Bowl weekend.\

TOM: Been there before?

CHLOE: On the way to Yellowstone three summers ago. Dad has skied there.

HUNTER: A long time ago. I'm sure you've been.

TOM:  Me and Wanda did Yellowstone in the winter several years ago, and I had a friend in Wilson I used to visit.  TOM: Well y'all, I hate to be a party pooper but it's gettin' on my bedtime and I need to call Wanda and Ruth. Sure have enjoyed the conversation and hope we can do it again.

HUNTER: How 'bout tomorrow over breakfast.

TOM: That's a date. And Chloe, ya gotta give me the recipe for that casserole to give to Wanda, that was delicious.

CHLOE: I'm glad you liked it. Thank you. And I will.

Tom stands.

HUNTER: I'm right here at sunrise with coffee, Tom, if you're up.

TOM: Another date. Oh, and I hope you wouldn't mind signin' my copy of Foglost.

HUNTER: Happy to. And I hope you wouldn't mind signing the guest book.

TOM: Happy to. Goodnight, y'all, and thanks again for your kindness and hospitality.

HUNTER: Thanks for stopping by.

TOM: Real glad I did. See y'all in the mornin'.

HUNTER/CHLOE: Goodnight, Tom.

Chloe and Hunter watch Tom enter house, leave view.  

Chloe and Hunter watch Tom enter house, leave view. 

HUNTER: If Tom is able and would like to join us, assuming Jackie can wrangle another horse -

CHLOE: Yes. 

Hunter gets phone from pocket, speaks into it.

HUNTER: Jackie.  

[end Act 1]

scene 21

scene 20

INT. READING ROOM -  SUNSET

Small and cozy. Loaded bookshelf, comfy high-back chair and lampstand at window to small yard and sun setting on the big Ashe juniper tree on the other side of her fence. Foglost on lampstand. FLOOR CREAK a moment before Ruth enters, phone in hand, sits in chair, puts phone on lampstand, picks up Foglost, opens to page-mark near the end, reads, startled when her PHONE RINGTONES GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER SONG.

She picks up, looks at screen, stares and smiles at photograph of Tom and Hunter standing next to each other at the stone wall that fences Hunter's back yard, the Organ Mountains in the background. She sets phone down, picks up Foglost, page-marked near the end, opens to the About the Author note on the back flap, stares at photo of Hunter in plaid flannel and jeans semi-smiling at the camera, the snow-capped Organ Mountains behind him, above the blurb:

H.C. Hardyn is the author of two other novels, Trabuco and Isleton, and a collection of short stories, Bumps, Bruises, Burns and Band-Aids.

She opens Foglost to the page-mark, reads, looks out the window and smiles at the FAINT CALL OF A GLOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER.

scene 20

scene 19

EXT. LARAMIE RIVER GREENBELT TRAIL - LARAMIE, WY - DAY

Wanda and Daisy dressed as previously on a tree-shaded bench near the paved trail along the river, down from the Laramie River Historic Bridge. Occasional BICYCLIST and PEDESTRIANS on the trail behind them. They stare at the river.

DAISY: You're going to miss our balmy winters.

Wanda chuckles. 

WANDA: Balmy is the hundred and nine Ruth's thermometer showed yesterday.

DAISY: Thank goodness it's a dry heat like ours.

WANDA: Ninety percent humidity dry. 

DAISY: Icky sticky. How cold does it get in Kerrville?

WANDA:  Cold enough but nothing like here.  Light snow very infrequently. You'd like it. 

Wanda's PHONE RINGTONES the Willie Nelson instrumental, Bandera. She gets phone from purse, answers.

WANDA (CONT.):  Hey girl.

Yes I've heard the news. I'm with Daisy on that bench on the river trail about to begin the pitch to get her to move to Kerrville.

(This surprises Daisy.)

Certainly looking forward to hearing more tonight. I wonder if Gil knows.

Well send it.

K.

(Wanda hands phone to Daisy.).

It's Ruth.

DAISY: Hey sweetheart.

I'm fine, blessed in the good hands of your sister-in-law. Now waiting for this pitch about Kerrville. How are you?

Well good.

Okay. 

Love you too, angel.

Bye.

(She hands phone to Wanda.)

WANDA:  So let's facetime tomorrow. I need to see your beautiful visage.

Love you, too.

(She puts phone in purse, points to a male and female mallard duck in the river. They watch them go downstream)

DAISY: May I ask what the news your heard is?

WANDA: Oh, Tom's layover in Las Cruces. I scream?

DAISY: You scream?

WANDA/DAISY: We all do for ice cream.

They stand and walk arm in arm to the trail.

scene 19

scene 18

INT. HUNTER'S KITCHEN - DAY

Hunter and Chloe at the center island, looking through window over sink to Tom where he was in the picture she sent Jan and John. Her backpack, bag of groceries, his keys on center island. Chloe pockets phone.

HUNTER: Who did you send it too?

CHLOE: Gramma. They're on their walk.

HUNTER: They might be a little concerned.

CHLOE: Gramps texted to get his middle name.

HUNTER: That's on my list of questions.

CHLOE: Belt buckle?

HUNTER: Linked turquoise horseshoes on silver.

CHLOE: Bet he's got a pair of spurs.

HUNTER: If not a horse.

Tom turns from the view, walks to patio, looks up, sees them.

HUNTER: Showtime. 

He waves, leads Chloe to door to patio.

EXT. PATIO 

Tom arrives at patio, Foglost on the table. He sets hat near it, watches Hunter and Chloe come out through the door and approach, Chloe slightly behind Hunter, a partial shield.

HUNTER: Hey there.

TOM: Howdy.

HUNTER: Sorry for the delay, there was an accident at the ten twenty-five split. 

TOM: Ain't no delay. And I'm the one oughta be apologizin' for intrudin' like I am.

HUNTER: No worries.  Did you take a look around?

TOM: Yessir. Ya got a real nice place.

HUNTER: Tom, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter Chloe.

CHLOE: Hello.

TOM:  Hello, Chloe. Sorry to interrupt and intrude on your time with your dad.

CHLOE: It's okay. 

TOM:  If ya don't mind me askin', where did ya fly in from?

CHLOE: San Francisco, with a layover in Denver.

TOM: Alright. 

HUNTER: Are you thirsty, Tom?

CHLOE: I'll make some lemonade. If you'll excuse me, Tom.

TOM: Yes ma'am. Thanks for excusin' me.

Hunter and Tom watch her return to the house and leave view in the kitchen.

HUNTER: She's a little shy.

TOM: Well, got every reason to be wary, me landin' as if from outer space. How old is she? 

HUNTER: She'll be eighteen in November and a senior in high school in a few weeks.  She lives with her mother in San Luis Obispo. What if I hadn't known who you are?

TOM: I'd'a been turned around and askin' for directions back to Drippin' Springs Road. 

Through the window over the kitchen sink, we see Chloe arrive at the center island, attention aimed at Hunter and Tom.  

HUNTER: So one day seven years ago you decided to look up my mom.

TOM: Mostly like that. I'd thought about her and wondered over the years, did go online a a couple times to see if I could find somethin', but I never did. When we found her obituary I knew why I couldn't find nothin'. Not that I couldn't a tried a little harder. Me not bein' the savviest with a computer and navigatin' the internet prob'ly didn't help. Anyway, way it come to be is, me and my wife was lookin' for a place to spend a week to celebrate us both retirin'. 

HUNTER: From what, sorry to interrupt. 

TOM: You just jump in anytime ya want. Wanda worked for the post office, I retired as what's called a ranch foreman, or manager.

HUNTER: Maybe more on that another time.

TOM: I'd be more'n happy to.

HUNTER: Vacation location.

TOM: Yessir. Wanda mentioned Tahoe, she'd never been and wanted to. Asked me if I'd ever been. Told her once, a long time ago. I didn't exactly volunteer a whole lotta details but she picked 'em outta me, knowin' of course that she was diggin' toward some sorta news she hadn't heard before. So I just told her everything I could remember about it, most of that bein' about your mother.

HUNTER: Whom she'd never heard of.

TOM: She had not. Wasn't like it was a secret. Just never came up. Anyway, we told my sister, who tends to our family tree on the ancestry website we used to find your mother's obituary. 

HUNTER: They know you're here.

TOM: Yessir. And both of 'em more than a little surprised. Didn't have no plans other than ta take a picture. Then when I seen ya, when you seen me, I decided I'd be askin' for directions. Didn't want you to think I was some sorta stalker type.

HUNTER: How's the book?

TOM: Lovin' it. I'll finish it tomorrow night at my sister's. We've read everything ya've written. Wanda too. Including Honda Knot.

HUNTER: What did you think of that?

TOM: Plenty. 

HUNTER: What's your sister's name and where in Texas is she?  

TOM: Ruth. Two years younger. She's in Bandera, the town we grew up in. 

HUNTER: Where are you planning on moving?

TOM:  Kerrville, Half hour north.

HUNTER: I've been through. 

TOM: We're gonna looky-loo a few open houses, get the ball rollin'. Wanda would be along but she stayed home to be with a friend whose husband recently passed.

HUNTER: Other siblings?

TOM: No sir. We had an older brother who drowned when he was thirteen. Colby.

HUNTER: Parents.

TOM: Next to each and Colby in the Bandera cemetery. 

HUNTER: There are a lot of Tom Walkers in what constitutes the Texas hill country. 

TOM: Yessir. Met two myself. 

HUNTER: What's your middle name, Tom?

TOM: Travis. For my grandad on my mom's side. Travis Randall Meredith. 

HUNTER: A branch on the family tree Ruth tends to?

TOM: Yessir. That side as far back as Travis's great grandparents. Dad's a little farther. Or higher on the tree I guess you could say. .

HUNTER: Tom, it seems maybe a little warm even in the shade to take lemonade outside. How about we take it inside and you introduce to me this tree.

TOM: We can do that.

Tom gets book, puts on hat, Hunter leads them to dining room, neither noticing Chloe retreat out of view. They enter dining room, leave view in kitchen.

scene 18

scene 17

EXT. QUIET AND LEAFY RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

John and Jan in uphill powerwalk mode on a sidewalk shaded by trees along a street lined by vintage homes in various architectural styles. Each in running shoes, khaki knee-length shorts, polo shirts. John's ballcap advertises PEBBLE BEACH, Jan's INDIAN WELLS. Each with five-pound dumbbells in both hands which, added to the incline and their pace, have sweat-stained their collars and armpits and make their conversation breathy. Awhile before::   

JAN: Have you ever set foot in a pair of cowboy boots?

JOHN: Yes. Roy Rogers signature under the tree our first Christmas in Meridian Hills. 

JAN: Had I not asked.

JOHN: Our German Shepherd got hold of them.

JAN: Pop. 

JOHN: Pop. Yes. Very good, sweetheart. He also got to Rachel's white leather coat. Which put Pop in the doghouse for awhile. 

JAN: Have you told her about Tom Walker.

JOHN: Not yet. I want to wait for Barb's report.

A pause.

JAN: Gut feeling. 

JOHN: Positive. 

JAN: Me too.

JOHN: Hopeful. I'm finding it difficult to ignore his arrival coinciding with Foglost becoming a bestseller.

JAN: As am I. 

Pause.  

JAN: And we were worried about Brian.

JOHN: And weren't we wrong?

JAN: We were.

Pause.

JOHN: He says his son is going to play at Cuesta for a year, go from there.

JAN: He seems like a good kid.

JOHN: Kind of wonder why he's passing on Santa Barbara. 

JAN: Ask him Monday.

JOHN: I might. 

JAN: Closer to dad.

JOHN: Good reason. 

JAN: Good looking too.

JOHN: I noticed. I can't wait until he and Chloe meet.

JAN: Oh my goodness. Can you imagine such a scenario?

JOHN: Probably but I'll pass. We have scenario enough, I think.

Pause.

JAN: Besides which, Chloe will probably be in Eugene this time next year.

John stops, Jan stops.

JOHN: And how do we know that?

JAN: We don't. Thus only probably. Chloe's expressed thoughts and Barb's intuition.

JOHN: Hmm.

JAN: Right. Barbara wanted me to give you the heads-up. She's interested in their Environmental Studies program.

JAN'S PHONE RINGTONES SURF GUITAR. She sets down dumbbells, gets phone from pocket, stares at screen, hands phone to John, who sets down his dumbbells. We see OVER HIS SHOULDER  the photo taken through the window over Hunter's kitchen sink of Tom at the stone wall, hands in back pockets, hat on, gaze aimed at the mountains.

JOHN: The Marlboro man.

He hands her the phone, she pockets it, they pick up their weights, resume walk out of frame.

scene 17

scene 16

INT.  BEDROOM - DAY

Barbara and BRIAN, 50-something, presumably naked in bed under a sweat-stained sheet, eyes aimed at the slowly turning ceiling fan. A man's master bedroom lit by the sunlight through window to back yard batting cage, handsome wood fence, homes in oaky rolling hills beyond. Open door to bathroom. 

BRIAN: So what can you tell me about Tom and Hunter's mother.

BARBARA: I can tell you what I remember Hunter telling me. And you can read his short story Honda Knot for added color.

BRIAN: I will. 

BARBARA: One of my favorites. About out a rodeo clown named Walker Thomason.

BRIAN: I'll look for it. 

BARBARA: There's a link on Hunter's Wiki page to an interview in which he talks a little about it.

BRIAN: I thought he doesn't do interviews.

BARBARA: His one and only, with the editor of the high school newspaper Hunter started.   

BRIAN:  That's cool.

BARBARA:  Now she's a journalism major at Northwestern who's been promised Hunter's next interview after she graduates.

BRIAN: Nice.

BARBARA:  And that's how I'll segue into Olivia and Tom Walker. Speaking of college degrees, Olivia was an actress, dancer and singer who had just gotten her theatre degree and had gone to Reno to audition for a play at what was then the Pioneer Theatre. If Hunter told me the specifics I have forgotten how sometime around the audition, she met someone who somehow got her in at Harrah's for a revue in what was then called The Headliner Room. 

BRIAN: Later Sammy's Showroom.

BARBARA: That is correct, sir. 

BRIAN: Ed McMahon.

BARBARA: Thanks.

BRIAN: That was good.

BARBARA: Were you ever in Sammy's Showroom?

BRIAN: No. My parents have been and when it was the Headliner when they were in town to see Elvis.

BARBARA: I'd like to hear more about that.

BRIAN: Right after Olivia and Tom Walker..

BARBARA: So. Tom Walker was passing through Reno on his way from the end of a ranch job somewhere else in thew state, he told me where but I don't remember.

BRIAN: Did he tell you what kind of ranch?

BARBARA: Cattle. Ranch hand.

BRIAN: A cowboy.

BARBARA: Is how Olivia described him. Tom Walker, cowboy from Texas.

BRIAN: Do we know where in Texas?

BARBARA: Ah, your first do we know.

BRIAN: I've been saving it up.

She smiles, they kiss.

BARBARA: We do not know where in Texas other than hill country. No middle name. 

BRIAN: Passing through Reno on way to?

BARBARA: Mexico.  Flying to Los Angeles to meet a friend, drive from there. Something about fishing. So, moving along, they literally bumped into each other in the slots at The Eldorado. Spilled their drinks on each other. Commence conversation that ends with Tom's invitation to Olivia to join him the next day for a drive to and around Lake Tahoe and Oliva's acceptance. Tom picked her up the next morning in his rental Corvette.

BRIAN: Olivia's early twenties.

BARBARA: Twenty-two. Olivia did not remember Tom stating his age but guessed close to the same. 

BRIAN: So vroom.

BARBARA: Vroom. Eighty to Mount Rose Highway to the lake west of Incline Village, around the lake counter clockwise. 

BRIAN: Pictures?

BARBARA: Two. Olivia forgot her camera so picked up a Kodak instamatic in South Lake Tahoe. Both selfies she took of them. Chloe has the one in which she's at the wheel of the Corvette. More on that in a minute. Hunter has the other in which they're standing in the water at Zephyr Cove. Pants rolled up to their knees, arm around each other, smiling at the camera she's got in her right hand. It's in her left hand in the Corvette, right hand at noon on the wheel. And she did drive from Zephyr Cove to Carson City, by way of Carson City rather than back the way they'd come because of a fire near Spooner Lake. The Corvette selfie was taken on a vista point on fifty with a view of the Carson Valley. This is where I tell you that Hunter's middle name is -

BRIAN: Carson.

BARBARA: For the city where their stop for dinner led to a few more pulls on the slots at the Nugget which led to an overnight at what was then called The Pony Express Hotel, on Carson Street. The next morning they drove to Reno, had breakfast, a quote, long talk over coffee, end quote, then he dropped her off at the house of a friend where she was staying. They kissed, he watched her walk to the door, they waved, he drove away to return the Corvette. Neither had phone numbers to exchange. Hunter said Olivia told him it was meant to be.

BRIAN: Do we know whether birth control was involved?

BARBARA: Olivia used a diaphragm. Ninety-four percent success rate. I laughed and cried after he told me that Olivia had when he told he wore number six in high school. BARBARA: Olivia came home, moved in with her parents, had Hunter. Olivia was adopted. Both here parents had just retired. Fast forward to get through it, Olivia went back to school, her parents, George and Nadine, took care of Hunter. She got her master's and started a theatre arts program at the high school she'd graduated from. She and Hunter moved to an apartment not far from her parents, Hunter started kindergarten. She dropped him off in the morning, his grandparents picked him up at the end of the day. Okay. So. Olivia was a smoker. A half-pack a day. Tom apparently smoked too. Halfway through Hunter's seventh grade year, Olivia was diagnosed with lung cancer. A year and a-half later she died. Now tell me about your parents and Elvis in Reno, please. 

scene 16

scene 15

EXT. EL PASO INT'L AIRPORT SHORT-TERM PARKING LOT - DAY

Hunter pushing roller-bag and Chloe with backpack walk through the lot toward the Rover.

CHLOE: Do we know if you have half-siblings?

HUNTER: We know that I do not. We know that he has a sister in Texas he's on his way to see because they and his wife are buying a house there. We do not know where in Texas there is. Are you upset that I presumed you'd be okay with him staying overnight.

CHLOE: No. I totally trust your judgment. I mean you left a stranger with a pickup truck to your house for three hours. And I was nervous about meeting Jackie.

HUNTER: Well Jackie's nervous about meeting you.

He CHIRPS the Rover, it's LIGHTS FLASH.

CHLOE: Horse day still on?

HUNTER: Still on. She'll be by around ten.

He opens the trunk, puts in roller-bag, Chloe adds backpack, gets in front passenger seat, Hunter behind the wheel puts key in ignition.

CHLOE: Dad.

HUNTER: Daughter. 

CHLOE: You're, like, not even fazed. Or seemingly.

HUNTER: Seemingly. Factually, I'm stupefied. Buckle up, sweetheart.

They buckle up, Hunter starts engine, backs out of frame,

FAINT JET ENGINE WHINE.

scene 15

scene 14

EXT. OUTDOOR PEACH MARKET - DAY

RUTH, 70-something - running shoes, knee-length shorts, sunglasses hanging from collar of short-sleeve tie-dye KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD tee, sunhat - stands near a table under tree shade, bag of peaches and her purse on table, one of a A DOZEN SHOPPERS examining or purchasing peaches and their byproducts. A view to vehicles in the dirt parking area, all with Texas plates. 

Gil arrives, puts his bucket of peaches on table, Ruth gets phone from pocket, aims camera at Gil, records.  

RUTH: Guess who just called to say he's spending the night in Las Cruces in the guest room of a house on Motherlode Trail.

Gil processes this, clearly surprised.

GIL: Híjole

RUTH: I'll say.

Ruth stops recording, pockets phone.

GIL:  He did it.

RUTH: He'll leave in the morning. 

GIL: Another branch on the family tree. 

RUTH: This calls for a beer.

GIL: Vamos.

They get their peaches and walk out of frame.

scene 14

scene 13

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

A guest room. Bed aimed at big wall-mounted TV and dresser drawers below it. Remote on one of the nightstands on each side of the bed. Matching lamps on both. Art TBD on wall above bed. Tom's hat on rack near open door to hallway near closet.  

Desk at window to patio, yard, Organ Mountains. Lamp, unsolved Rubik's Cube, etch-a-sketch and pen and pencil on guest book on desk. Swivel chair under. Telescope in corner near desk, potted Bird of Paradise in another. Tom's suitcase on bed.

KNOCKING OF BOOTS ON HARDWOOD before Tom enters, sits at desk, stares out window, finally gets phone from shirt pocket, speaks into it. 

TOM: Ruth. 

You and Gil in Fredericksburg? 

Hunter's house. I'll be spendin' the night and leavin' in the mornin'.

You there?

Understandable. Wanda was a little thrown off too. 

Didn't have no plans other'n to take a picture.  We'll talk more when I call tonight. 

He's off to El Paso to pick up his daughter at the airport. I'm in his guest room.

Real nice. Gotta gym, theater, great view of the mountains. I took a few pictures I'll send. Wouldn't mind a picture of Gil's face when ya tell him.

K, more tonight.

Love you too.

(He pockets phone, opens suitcase, gets the grey hardcover book titled Foglost and written by H.C. Hardyn from its place atop his western style shirts. The book is marked with a ribbon indicating a book almost read. Tom puts on his hat, leaves room with it, BOOTS KNOCKING ON HARDWOOD fading then silent moments before he appears in window, sits at patio table, opens book, reads.)  

scene 13

scene 12 

EXT. ALBANY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY - LARAMIE, WY - DAY

Wanda and DAISY, 70-something, come out the front doors dressed similarly in tennis shoes, knee-length shorts, untucked long-sleeve blouses, purses slung over shoulders, walk to parking lot, in which each of several vehicles have Wyoming plates. They head toward a newish Subaru Outback parked under shade of tree.

WANDA: Oh. I know what I was going to tell you.  

DAISY: Bated breath.

WANDA: The Lincoln is having matinee showings of Last Picture show both Saturday and Sunday, if you're up for the drive to Cheyenne.

DAISY: I am absolutely up.

WANDA: I'll get tickets.  

DAISY: Brunch at Buttercup?

WANDA: Mind reader. Maybe a stop at Creekside for coffee before the drive home?

DAISY: Coffee and their lemon croissant.

Wanda opens purse for keys.

WANDA: I'll stick with the blueberry muffin.  

Wanda opens driver's door.

DAISY: By the way sort of, I was thinking Dragon for dinner tonight.

WANDA: It's a date.

Wanda unlocks passenger door, they get in.

INT. OUTBACK

Wanda puts key in ignition, Daisy props purse in lap, Wanda reaches to place hers under the well of the seat behind Daisy's, brings it back when her PHONE RINGTONES an instrumental of the Townes Van Zandt song, If I Needed You.  She answers.

WANDA (CONT.)  Hey hon'.  

Sitting with Daisy in the Subaru in the library parking lot after returning our books. Where are you?

(Her facial change expresses her utter surprise. Daisy takes note.)  

WANDA: I'm here. I can hear you. 

Well, call me tonight, okay?

And maybe, Tom, take a picture, or two, or three.

Okay.

I love you too.

I'll be waiting.

(She puts phone in purse, purse in back of Daisy's seat.)

DAISY: More bated breath. 

WANDA: Tom met someone he knows in Las Cruces. He's at his now and spending the night.

DAISY: Someone you know?

WANDA: Know of.

DAISY: You seem more than a little surprised.

WANDA: A little. Up for a drive to the lake?

Daisy nods, knowing Wanda's shaken. Wanda puts keys in ignition, starts engine, backs out of frame.