The last morning · Night Swimming (the screenplay)

INT. JORDAN'S STUDIO APARTMENT (BEDROOM) -- MORNING

Kate wakes up fully clothed, glancing over at Jordan, who is sleeping with his hand across her abdomen. She slowly pulls her arm off her stomach, stirring him awake.

JORDAN
You don’t have to sneak away.

KATE
I know. (smiling, she kisses him on the forehead)

Kate slides out of bed and stands, looking at Jordan.

JORDAN
You know, you could move in. We could have this night again and again.

KATE
I know, but I can’t.

Jordan reclines back on his pillow, staring at the ceiling.

KATE
(CONT'D)
Chris was telling me your birthday is coming up.

JORDAN
Yeah, on the 4th of next month.

KATE
Really? That soon? Wow. Tell you what, ask me again on your birthday.

JORDAN
(smiling)
Okay. Sounds like a plan. So, you’re gonna think about it?

KATE
Yes.

JORDAN
Promise?

KATE
Okay, don’t be annoying. (laughs) I just want to make sure I graduate high school.

JORDAN
Of course, if you have any problems in school... you could move back home.

KATE
Well, I don’t know about that. But I’ll think about it. You have some work to do now anyway. Get on your feet, and I’ll answer you on your birthday.

JORDAN
Pinky swear me.

KATE
What’s a pinky swear?

JORDAN
The most unbreakable promise you can make.

KATE
Um, okay...

Jordan sits up, extending his pinky. She laughs, then kneels on the bed and wraps her pinky around his.

KATE
(CONT'D)
This is so gay.

Jordan pulls her down onto him. She resists at first but then folds her arms on his chest and lays her head down.

JORDAN
You know that if you don’t give me an answer... I get to keep that pinky.

KATE
Mmmm... that’s what every girl loves to hear in the morning. Pink thievery is so damn hot...

JORDAN
Not a thief, but a pinky entrepreneur... that’s all.

KATE
Oh yeah, that’s very sexy and all...

Kate quickly breaks the moment, moving in for the kill.

KATE
(CONT'D)
So, do you mind if I throw you a birthday party?

JORDAN
Who said I was having one?

KATE
You have to; it’s "your" day.

JORDAN
I’ve never really had one...

KATE
Never?

JORDAN
Well, just a close family get-together. A quiet deal, you know?

KATE
Well, that’s boring... I’m gonna throw you an awesome one.

JORDAN
If you want, but not a lot of people.

KATE
Not a problem, just these guys and me; I’ll pinky swear you...

JORDAN
Hell no! That would cancel out the current standing pinky contract. You can’t fool a pinky businessman; you’d do well to remember that.

Kate gives Jordan a weird look, presses herself off his chest, and motions backward off the front of the bed

. She grabs a towel and her backpack, heading into the master bathroom.

KATE
God, I’m moving in with a psycho. (speaking under her breath)

JORDAN
Who said you were moving in? (yelling)

KATE
Your mom! (yelling)

JORDAN
Ha... ha. Man, that was old.

Kate slams the door of the master bathroom.

* * *

EXT. JORDAN'S HOUSE -- AFTERNOON

Jordan stands outside his apartment with a cell phone in hand, dialing a number. Chris stands next to him, writing in a little notepad.

KATE
Uh..... hello?

JORDAN
Kate, where are you? Are you still moving in? I’ve got Chris to help as well.

KATE
I can’t talk right now...

* * *

INT. JOSH'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Kate is on the phone while Josh curls up in a corner, shaking.

KATE
Sorry, I can’t right now... I’ve run into some problems. Let’s cancel right now...

JORDAN
Why? Are you in trouble? I canceled a transaction to do this... I’m losing a lot of money.

KATE
I’m sorry, but I just can’t right now... don’t worry... I’m just having some issues to deal with. (frantic)

JORDAN
Fuck, alright... so when will I see you?

KATE
Tomorrow.

JORDAN
Well, tomorrow I’m leaving for Miami for a pickup. I’ll be out for a couple of days.

KATE
Well, I’ll call you before you go. For now... I have to go. Bye.

Kate hangs up and looks over at Josh.

* * *

EXT. JORDAN'S STUDIO APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS

JORDAN
Jesus, what a mindfuck...

CHRIS
Don’t stress it; her friends are junkies. She’s probably just helping one out right now.

JORDAN
Yeah, you’re probably right...

Jordan looks up at the sky, shakes off the bad mood, and checks his watch.

JORDAN
(CONT'D)
Well, it’s three now... if she doesn’t call by 5:30... you wanna go?

CHRIS
You know I can’t do that shit... sorry man, but remember, my dad? Yeah, he’s a cop...

JORDAN
Yeah, yeah... okay...

* * *

INT. JORDAN'S STUDIO APARTMENT -- LATER

Jordan lies on the couch, waiting for Kate's call... but it never comes. He falls asleep and wakes up later, around 8 PM.

He glances at his watch and suddenly jumps up, screaming.

JORDAN
Shit! Fuck, fuck, fuck, monkeyfucker!

He rushes over to the phone on the dining room table, picks it up, but sees no missed calls. He dials Kate's number again. No answer.

* * *

INT. JOSH'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Kate’s phone is on vibrate as the camera pans out, revealing her in bed with Josh.

* * *

INT. JORDAN'S STUDIO APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Jordan calls Miguel, his drug dealer.

JORDAN
Shit, Miguel... sorry man... I’m running much later than planned... did it come in yet?

MIGUEL
Well, that depends... where the fuck are you?

JORDAN
I just ran into some problems; just answer the question, please...

MIGUEL
Okay... the shipment is late as well. It'll be here around 6 AM. Seems like you and the ship are chronologically linked.

JORDAN
Finally some good news, great... I’ll be there in six hours.

MIGUEL
Come and get a room; I’m not moving until around 3 AM tomorrow night. But it would be nice for you to make an appearance around 8:30 AM.

JORDAN
Sounds great; you’ve come through for me again.

MIGUEL
It’s fine; we’ll talk about it when you get it. Give me a call as soon as you get it.

JORDAN
Will do.

MIGUEL
I’m not going to be doing this forever, and I need you to know these guys because this is probably the last time I set you up.

JORDAN
Quitting the game?

MIGUEL
It doesn’t last forever; I’ve got a baby on the way. It’s time to grow up and live the real life.

JORDAN
I see, well... I’ll see you around 8:30 AM.

MIGUEL
Yeah, see you then... bring your starlight... things have been getting hot lately.

JORDAN
"Starlight"? What the fuck is a starlight? Sounds like some Rainbow Bright shit...

MIGUEL
It’s your gun, asshole...

JORDAN
Oh, seriously? Shit, okay... thanks for the warning.

MIGUEL
Okay, I’m out.

JORDAN
See you then.

Jordan gathers his things and walks out the front door. For some reason, he feels like it may be the last time he sees this place. He turns and looks through the door before closing it behind him.