A warm summer Saturday night beneath a clear, star-filled sky. The wedding reception is in full swing inside a beautifully lit venue.
The Man steps outside wearing a black tuxedo. His bow tie hangs loose around his neck, and the top button of his shirt is undone.
He looks ahead and notices a woman sitting alone. She wears an elegant black dress with gold earrings, a gold necklace, and gold bracelets. A traditional Japanese fan moves gently in her hand as she tries to cool herself.
They smile at each other. They know one another.
The Man begins to approach her, dancing like Michael Jackson.
Woman
Heehee! (high-pitched)
The Man
Annie, are you okay?
Woman
Actually... no. It's so hot in there, and this fan isn't doing much anymore.
The Man gently takes the fan from her and begins fanning her.
Woman
Ah... thank you.
She leans in closer, pulls out a vape pen, and takes a drag.
The Man
Baby M, I told you to let me know whenever you're feeling hot so I could come cool you down. I feel like you still don't trust me.
He shakes his head dramatically.
Baby M
Sorry I left you alone in there. I hope you didn't cry.
She playfully looks into his eyes before taking another drag.
The Man
I felt very alone. I only have eyes for you, Baby M.
Another Man steps outside.
Another Man
Hey guys! The bride is looking for you both. She wants pictures!
Baby M
Why only eyes for me?
The Man
It's simple, really.
Another Man realises he's being ignored and steps back inside.
I was having a great time at dinner, catching up with The Bride. I hadn't seen her in two years, you know.
It was also Thursday... my favourite day of the week.
Baby M
That's my favourite day too!
They both pause and share a laugh.
The Man stops fanning her.
The Man
I was catching The Bride up about my new job...
...then you walked in.
You walked into a room full of strangers with the biggest smile on your face. I thought it was beautiful that someone could walk into a room like that already smiling.
Baby M (laughing)
You were the only person I didn't know in that room, silly.
She takes the fan from him and begins fanning him instead.
I liked the story The Bride shared about how you two became friends. I thought it was sweet what you did for her; it made me curious about you.
The Maid of Honour pokes her head outside.
Maid of Honour
Picture time, guys! The photobooth's closing soon!
A song drifts through the open doors. It's "All the Parties" by Drake.
Maid of Honour runs to the dance floor.
The Man
Tuuuuune!
They both start nodding their heads and dancing to the beat.
Baby M laughs, resumes fanning herself, and takes another drag of her vape.
Baby M
You said you're a Jodeci fan.
What's your favourite song?
The Man
Come & Talk To Me.
Baby M
Nope.
That's a red flag.
The Man
Why? It's a great song.
Baby M
Only womanisers pick that song.
You need a different favourite.
The Man
Songs like that give me the confidence to come talk to women like you.
Baby M
So... you're admitting you're a womaniser?
The Man reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a small portable electric fan.
He switches it on and points it toward her.
The Man
What's your favourite Jodeci song?
Baby M
Forever My Lady.
The Man
That's beautiful.
They stare at each other a moment.
Baby M
(softly) What's your favourite Jodeci song...?
The Man
My Heart Belongs to You.
Baby M reaches for The Man's hand.
Baby M
I love that song, maaaan.
They smile at each other.
Baby M offers her vape to The Man.
He takes a drag.
The Man
Should we head back inside?
Baby M
Let's Stay a little while.
She pats the empty space beside her.
The Man switches off the fan and sits beside her.
- End -