Underdog

SCENE ONE INT. COLLEGE DORM DAY

HIP HOP MUSIC PLAYING

JACE, a tall, average-built nerd, is lying in bed, one knee up, while wearing headphones and throwing his basketball up and down. His phone vibrates. He stops throwing the basketball and grabs his phone next to him. He sees it's COREY. He answers it and goes back to throwing his basketball.

JACE

Sup, Corey.

HIP HOP MUSIC SOFTENS

COREY

Yo, Jace, why aren't you at the court? You better not be reading any damn books.

JACE

You know, that doesn't sound like a half-bad idea.

COREY

I swear to god, I will burn all your books.

JACE

You and what lighter, broke ass.

COREY

Says the guy who hasn't been showing up to work for the past two weeks.

JACE catches his basketball and sets it down on his bed.

HIP HOP MUSIC FADES OUT

JACE

Yeah. And thank you again, man, for covering for me. I... I didn't think it would hit me this hard.

COREY signs.

COREY

Still thinking about Dianna, huh?

JACE sits up in his bed.

JACE

It's been a few months since we split and- I don't know, man. I feel like I won't find anyone as good as her.

COREY

Well, you won't know that if you try. Did you get Tinder like I told you?

JACE

I did.

COREY

Good. And have you matched with anyone?

JACE

I have. Two.

COREY

Aye, attaboy Jace.

JACE

I already took them out on a date at the cafe. The one near campus.

COREY

Nice! So, what are you thinking? You see a second date in your future.

JACE

Hmm...

CUT TO:

SCENE 2 INT. CAFE DAY

JACE and HEATHER are sitting at a table for two together. JACE is wearing semi-formal attire with glasses. HEATHER is a beautiful woman, tall and alluring. Wearing a nice long dress and heels.

SERVER

Hello, I'll be taking care of you two today. Can I get you both anything to drink?

HEATHER

I'll take a Sauvignon Blanc, please.

SERVER

With pleasure. And for the gentleman?

Camera pans to JACE, visibly sweating

JACE

I'll take some water too, please.

SERVER

Right away, sir.

SERVER walks off.

JACE (V.O.)

Oh, dear god, she's so hot. Why did she match with a nobody like me? Maybe she felt pity, or maybe she lost a bet. Damn, that would be depressing if that were the case.

HEATHER

So, are you going to ask me a question?

JACE breaks out of his trances.

JACE

Oh, oh yes of course. Uhm, what are your hobbies?

HEATHER

You asked me that already.

JACE

Wait, what?

HEATHER

When we matched, you asked me a series of questions. I'm pretty sure you sent multiple repeat questions.

JACE laughs awkwardly, HEATHER rolls her eyes. SERVER returns with their drinks

SERVER

Here you two are. And are you ready for apps?

HEATHER

We'll have the Mozzarella sticks and that will be all.

SERVER

Right away.

SERVER leaves as the two drink

HEATHER

I'm going to go to the bathroom.

JACE

Okay, just don't have too much fun with me.

JACE nervously, forced a laugh as HEATHER made for the exit.

JACE

The bathroom is the other way.

SERVER comes back with the appetizers.

SERVER

Oh, your date left. I could have told that was going to happen. By the way, here is your check.

JACE takes the check from the SERVER.

SERVER

Hey, there's something written on this napkins. It says something about losing a bet. Huh, whatever that means. Anyway, let me know when you're done.

SERVER leaves. JACE looks stunned as we

FADE TO:

SCENE 3 INT. CAFE MIDDAY

JACE is in a different outfit from his first date and is now meeting Zuri, a sporty-nerdy geek, much like JACE.

JACE

I am having a great time.

ZURI

I am too. You're not like other guys, Jace. I sense something different in you.

JACE

What can I say? Guess, I'm built different.

They chuckle.

ZURI

I'm serious. You seem like you're open to trying new things and really letting yourself out there. I like that in a man.

JACE

Oh yeah.

ZURI

Come here, boy.

They lean in to kiss.

RALPH

Zuri!

They break away, and ZURI looks to see RALPH approaching.

ZURI

Ralph! Oh god.

JACE

Ralph? Who's Ralph?

RALPH walks up to your table. ZURI stands up to talk to him.

ZURI

I didn't think you would be here.

RALPH

You think you can pull a fast one on me and me not know it?

JACE

Would someone care to explain what is happening?

ZURI

Well, now you know. So, what do you think?

RALPH looks up and down at JACE. JACE is taken aback me RALPH eying him.

RALPH

Yeah, he seems cool.

ZURI

Because I would really want this one to work out.

JACE

Whoa, whoa, back up the hell up. What are you two talking about? Who is this guy?

ZURI

Oh, right, Jace, this is my other boyfriend, Ralph.

JACE

Other?

ZURI

We're in an open polyamorous relationship. We both have one other partner, and we're looking for someone to join our "adult group party." It will be fun! We're making three batches of chocolate cake!

RALPH

And if you're lucky, you can lick my batter.

Beat. WAITER walks in frame.

WAITER

Here's your check.

WAITER walks out of frame.

CUT TO:

SCENE 4 INT. COLLEGE DORM DAY

JACE

I may quit the dating scene for now, Core. Maybe forever. Later man.

FADE TO BLACK