Chapter 2: The Pursuit
505 Words
INT. VANE TECH OFFICES - CONFERENCE ROOM - NEXT DAY
Julian sits at a glass table. MARCUS (35), his CFO, is typing furiously on a laptop.
MARCUS
So, the gala was a success. We raised three million for the charity. The press loved your speech.
JULIAN
(Staring at a photo on his phone)
Did we find her?
MARCUS
Who? The angry textile woman?
JULIAN
She had a name tag. Maya Chen. She works for "Thread Bare" restoration.
MARCUS
Yes, I found her. I also found the bill for the dress. $50,000. It’s paid.
JULIAN
I don’t care about the dress, Marcus. I care about her.
MARCUS
(Stops typing)
Why? She yelled at you.
JULIAN
Exactly! She didn't ask about the IPO. She didn't compliment the jet. She just called me a giraffe. It was... refreshing.
MARCUS
Julian, we are days away from the biggest tech launch of the year. We don't have time for you to chase a woman who thinks you’re clumsy.
JULIAN
I’m not chasing. I’m apologizing. Properly.
SCENE 3: INT. THREAD BARE WORKSHOP - DAY
A cozy, cluttered space. Spools of thread line the walls. Maya is scrubbing a different stain on a different fabric with a toothbrush. Sloane is sitting on a pile of vintage coats, eating a bagel.
SLOANE
So, you yelled at a billionaire.
MAYA
I lectured him. There’s a difference.
SLOANE
And then you ran away.
MAYA
I walked briskly. I have dignity.
The bell above the door jingles.
Julian walks in. He looks out of place in his tailored suit among the dust and thread. He looks around, spotting Maya immediately.
Maya freezes. The toothbrush stops moving.
SLOANE
(Whispering loudly)
Is that him?
MAYA
(Internal Monologue)
Hide. Hide behind the loom.
Julian walks over. He holds out a small, black velvet box.
JULIAN
Ms. Chen.
MAYA
(Without looking up)
If you’re here to pay me for the ruined dress, the client already paid me. You can go.
JULIAN
I’m not here for the dress. I’m here for you.
Maya finally looks up.
MAYA
For me? Did I stain your ego? Because I’m not qualified to remove stains from fragile masculinity.
JULIAN
(Smiling)
No. I’m here because you were the only person in that room who didn't want anything from me. I want to apologize.
He opens the box. Inside is a vintage, silver thimble. It’s beautiful.
MAYA
(A beat)
You bought me a thimble?
JULIAN
It’s 19th century. French. I read your bio. You like history.
MAYA
(Trying not to be impressed)
It’s a nice thimble. But I don't date clients. Especially ones who destroy my work.
JULIAN
Who said anything about dating? I just want to buy you a coffee. To talk. About textiles. Or how clumsy I am. Whatever you want.
MAYA
I’m busy.
JULIAN
I’ll wait.
He pulls up a chair. He sits. He smiles.
Maya looks at Sloane. Sloane gives her two thumbs up.
MAYA
(Sighs)
Fine. One coffee. But if you mention your private jet, I’m sewing your mouth shut.
JULIAN
Deal.
- Writer
