Batting a Thousand, a Screenplay Act II part III

Fade to:

Shawn at first base and the ball is hit to him and he tags the

base.

Another batter comes up and the pitcher throws a pitch that is

hit into left field where it is caught by the outfielder.

Fade to:

One of Shawn’s teammates at the plate and he hit’s a base

hit.

Shawn steps up to the plate and the pitcher throws a ball

way outside.

The catcher is standing up, they’re pitching around him.

Fade to:

Shawn stands on first and the batter hit’s a ball to the shortstop

and they throw a double play.

Fade to:

A Yankees player stands at home plate and the pitcher throws

a pitch down the middle.

The batter hits it out of the park.

Fade to:

Shawn at the plate looking at the score board, Senators 0,

Yankees 1.

Bottom of the ninth, two outs. Shawn looks in front of him

and sees a teammate on second base.

The pitcher winds up and delivers a pitch, one swing and

Shawn connects with ball.

It flies far. He runs fast and when he rounds first he sees

the ball land deep in left field, it didn’t go over.

He sees his teammate scoring, and he rounds second when he can

see the ball being picked up.

He looks at the third base couch waving him on.

He puts his head down and runs.

He rounds third and when he gets close to home he sees the

catcher tense up, the ball is coming in.

He throws his body down and slides.

He slides through the catcher but his knee hit’s the

catchers cleat and he reaches down to grab it.

He notices it is covered in blood, all he sees is the Umpire

standing over him with his arms out.

UMPIRE: Safe.

EXT. PARK — DAY

Shawn sits on a park bench with a jacket on, the fall leaves are

bright and covering the ground.

He sits there with a cup of coffee, relaxing.

He watches some geese swim around in a pond.

When he hears a woman’s voice behind him.

ANGEL: Shawn?

He turns around to see Angel standing there with a cup of

coffee also.

She walks around the park bench and sits down beside Shawn.

ANGEL: Is this seat taken?

SHAWN: It is now.

ANGEL: How’s the knee?

SHAWN: Fine, I’ll be out the rest of the playoffs, but no problems for next season.

ANGEL: Well that is good. How is Megan?

SHAWN: Fine. She wants to get married.

ANGEL: That sounds great. I am happy for you, it is what you always wanted.

SHAWN: Why do you do that?

ANGEL: Do what?

SHAWN: Act like everything is fine between us, like nothing happened.

ANGEL: I don’t act like nothing happened, I just know that it is best to not bring it up. We can’t be together and we both know that.

SHAWN: Why?

ANGEL: Because it is easier.

SHAWN: How hard is it just to do what is in your hearts?

ANGEL: Maybe you should ask yourself that question.

SHAWN: I loved you.

ANGEL: I know you did, but you chose Megan and I chose not to leave Charles.

Angel gets up and pauses,

ANGEL: Good luck in the rest of the series, and I hope you can be happy just being my friend.

She strolls away, slow, up the paved path away from the

pond.

EXT. DUGOUT — NIGHT

Shawn sits in the dugout in uniform but he is just watching the

game.

Shawn looks at the scoreboard.

It is the bottom of the eighth inning, Yankees lead 5-0.

Shawn then puts his head in his hands as he watches a teammate

pop up to get another out.

The Senators head out onto the field. Shawn is helpless

sitting in the dug out watching the action from the bench.

The pitcher throws a strike down the middle, and then two

more.

Three strikes in a row. One down.

The next batter comes to the plate and waits for the pitch, it too

is across the plate and a strike.

Then one to the outside, strike.

One low, strike.

Six pitches and two outs.

The next guy comes to the plate, he is the biggest hitter on

the team, he is huge.

He steps in the box and the pitcher wastes no time, one

pitch, fastball down the middle.

The batter swings, boom! It is high and long. It could be

gone, but the left fielder makes a stunning catch over the

wall.

Three outs.

The Senators leave the field.

Ready to win the game.

One batter runs to the plate. He waits for the pitch and

then he gets it.

Down the middle, he connects with the ball and it goes over the

first basemen’s head and falls short in the outfield. Base

hit.

Vaughn comes up to bat and he draws four balls in a row,

they walk him intentionally. He moves to first.

Runners on first and second.

The next batter comes up and pops up but he moves the

runners to second and third.

The next batter comes up and he waits for the pitch.

The pitcher waits and waits and finally decides on a pitch.

He delivers and the batter lays down a bunt up the third

base line.

The runner on third begins to run but sees the catcher get

the ball.

He heads back and slides into third.

The bases are loaded and the next batter comes up.

He waits for the pitch, he gets it and slams it deep.

Homerun.

5-4. Winfield walks up to Shawn and sits down next to him.

WINFIELD: How do you feel?

SHAWN: You want to play me?

WINFIELD: Pitcher is up after the next batter. We could use you. They will probably pitch around Garcia knowing that we don’t have a pitcher left in the bullpen, so we shouldn’t pinch hit. But I say fuck it. Either way we’re going home tonight without a win, I say give’em a show. This why you’re not on the DL tonight.

SHAWN: I’m game. What’s one time going to hurt?

WINFIELD: Good, when they walk Garcia I’ll sub you, don’t move until then.

SHAWN: Okay.

Winfield is right when, Garcia steps to the plate the

catcher stands up and moves to the outside of the plate,

after his four pitches Garcia trots to first base.

The pitcher starts to walk to the batters box when Winfield

hollers at the Ump and they have a meeting.

Shawn stands up and walks out of the dug out.

The fans go crazy.

He picks up a bat laying on the ground near the on deck circle.

He, strolls to the batters box with the crowd screaming.

Shawn steps in, rubs his foot in the ground to get good

traction with his cleats.

He puts the bat on his shoulder and waits for the pitch. He

looks down the line and sees Garcia leading off.

He sees the pitch coming and watches it go by him in the

dirt.

UMPIRE: Ball one.

The next pitch comes.

He swings and connects the ball is soaring, it could be a

homerun, and then it starts to hook left, like a bad golfers

tee shot. It sails just past the pole on the foul side.

The next pitch is delivered and Shawn can’t get a read on it

and watches it fly by, down the middle, strike.

The pitcher cocks his head to the side and waits.

He finally nods and the pitch is delivered.

He swings and with a mighty blow he cracks the ball hard,

the bat splintering into a thousand pieces. The ball is

flying high and deep into centerfield, and Shawn is running

hard to first when he sees the centerfielder make a huge

catch as the ball starts to sail over the wall.

Out.

INT. BEN’S OFFICE — DAY

Ben sits at his desk, feet kicked back and his keyboard on his

lap.

He hears a knock on the door.

BEN: Come in.

Shawn enters the room.

He carries his head low. He sits in his usual chair, and flops

his head back into the seat, hard.

SHAWN: Yeah?

BEN: Well the season is over, what do you plan to do for the next four months?

SHAWN: I don’t know, I thought about heading to Mexico for a few days with Megan. She has a shoot down there and asked me to go, she said she would be working a lot but there was plenty for me to do on my own.

BEN: I think that is wonderful idea. Sipping margarita’s on the beach while I’m freezing my ass off.

SHAWN: Is that why you called me here? There is bad news isn’t there, I could hear it in your voce. I have known you for too long Ben.

BEN: They decided not to let St. John go and they’re going to play him next year, after he heals.

SHAWN: So he’s got first, where am I? I can’t play outfield and they’re not letting Garcia go at third, he had a hell of a year.

BEN: Roosters.

SHAWN: What, but I have a contract.

BEN: They are honoring it, they put you back down, and bring you up when they need you.

SHAWN: So I’m not full starter?

BEN: No.

SHAWN: So what are my other options?

BEN: As of now, Mexico. Let me work on it and I will give you a call in a couple of days. Maybe I can find another team.

INT. SHAWN AND MEGAN’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

Shawn opens the door slowly and quietly, he places the keys on

a table near the door and enters the living room.

He turns a corner and makes his way to the kitchen.

He opens the fridge and pulls out a beer twisting the cap.

He makes his way down the hallway to the bedroom when he pauses.

He hears moaning coming from the bedroom, he opens the door

and sees Megan nude on top of her modeling partner. She

throws her head back and sees Shawn standing in the doorway.

He looks at the beer bottle in his hand and he throws it with everything

he has and the bottle shatters against the wall just above

the headboard.

He turns and walks out of the apartment.]

Megan doesn’t even follow.

INT. BEN’S OFFICE — NIGHT

Shawn steps off of the elevator and into the waiting room of Ben’s

office, he doesn’t see Holly so he makes his way down the

hall to Ben’s office.

He sees Ben’s light on and doesn’t knock, he just walks in.

Shawn steps back when he sees Ben on top of Holly on his desk.

Shawn again doesn’t say anything. Holly sees him about the

time he walks in and screams.

He turns, slamming the door behind him.

He can hear Ben pleading with Holly to stay where she is.

The door opens and Ben comes flying out, buttoning his pants

as he runs down the hall trying to catch Shawn before he

gets on the elevator.

Shawn just watches as the door closes in Ben’s face.

EXT. PARKING GARAGE — NIGHT

Shawn is about to get into his car when he hears Ben calling

for him.

He doesn’t turn, but instead, just stands there, waiting.

Ben finally reaches him out of breath.

BEN: Shawn, I’m sorry.

SHAWN: For what? I’m not the one you are cheating on.

BEN: I’m sorry you had to see that.

SHAWN: Not because you are betraying Abigail, but because I had to see that, how selfish are you? I thought I knew you. I would expect this from Kenny, but not you. I would have given anything to have what I thought you and Abigail had.

BEN: I already told her we had to end it, it only happened once, and she seduced me again. I Don’t know what to do.

SHAWN: Tell her and get some help. I will be here for you guys, but you better tell her or I will. I love you, but man your wrong on this one and I can’t let Abigail end up like me.

BEN: Like you?

SHAWN: She was with him tonight.

BEN: I am sorry.

SHAWN: I guess I will be freezing my ass off here with you.

The door from the office building to the parking garage

opens and Holly steps through it. She makes her way to her

car and gets in. Ben just watches.

BEN: She won’t be back.

SHAWN: You know it is for the best.

BEN: I know. Next time I am getting a sixty year old secretary.

INT. GOLF SHOP — DAY

Shawn stands in a golf shop looking at new clubs with Kenny and

Ben. He picks up a club and swings it, and places it back in

the rack and moves over to look at some putters.

KENNY: So, how are you holding up?

SHAWN: Pretty good I guess. Actually I am a little bothered by the fact that it didn’t take me long to get her out of my system.

BEN: What do you mean?

SHAWN: It’s been two months and I haven’t seen her, and I don’t care. I don’t wat to see her.

KENNY: Not even a little?

SHAWN: No, the times I do think about her are memories I don’t care to remember. I laugh at some things, but for the most part she is like a high school friend that went away to a different college and you almost forget about them. Every once in awhile you might think “I wonder how their doing” but the thought is gone almost as quick as it came.

BEN: That is great.

SHAWN: But Angel, on the other hand, I think about her all of the time.

BEN: She is still around, maybe you should give her a call.

SHAWN: Our last conversation wasn’t a pretty one. I think she hates me.

KENNY: She still wants to be friends, right?

SHAWN: Yeah.

KENNY: So be her friend.

SHAWN: I can’t. I love her. I thought I loved Megan, but I didn’t. I was comfortable and I as trying to please her. It was never about pleasing each other.

BEN: I say go find Angel and try again. If she is the one you love, you have to do it.

KENNY: (looking at his watch) Ben is right. I have to go.

Kenny leaves the pro shop and the door dings as he opens it.

BEN: So have you thought about

SHAWN: Sure, like what?

BEN: Do you want to play for the Roosters or should I be trying to find you a new home.

SHAWN: At the moment I will play for anyone who wants me. I would love to play pro, but if that can’t happen then I will play what I can.

BEN: I’ll have to see what I can come up with.

INT. SHAWN’S APARTMENT — DAY

Shawn enters his apartment that he once shared with his girlfriend,

now it feels empty, even though there is still all of the

furniture inside.

He picks the mail up off of the table next to the door as he puts

down his keys.

As he flips through them we see a bill, another bill, a magazine,

and sale bill.

Then he comes to a envelope that is nicer than a bill or

junk mail.

It is ivory color and has calligraphy on the front, his name and

address, no return address.

He tears open the top and pulls out an even more impressive card,

it is an invitation.

He opens it and anger overcomes him.

He quickly makes his way to the kitchen and to the trash

can, where he tosses it in.

He picks up the phone, and dials a number by heart.

SHAWN: Ben, she’s getting married.

BEN’S VOICE(on Phone): Who?

SHAWN: Megan. And she sent me an invite.

Ben’S VOICE(on Phone): Are you going?

SHAWN: No.

INT. BEN’S HOME … NIGHT

Shawn sits on the couch at Ben’s home with Ben, Abigail, Kenny

and Nicole.

It is Christmas time and the group sits around in sweaters, exchanging, and

sipping on wine.

Shawn hands Ben a gift, a small box wrapped in shiny red

paper and a gold bow. Ben opens the gift and is shocked by

what is inside.

He reaches in a pulls out a baseball.

BEN: What is it.

SHAWN: A baseball.

BEN: Thank you.

SHAWN: It is my first homerun ball.

BEN: I can’t take this. It means too much to you.

SHAWN: The way I see it is that I wouldn’t have that ball if it wasn’t for you.

BEN: Shawn,…

SHAWN: Take it.

ABIGAIL: ( standing) Anyone care for another glass of wine?

SHAWN: I’ll take one.

KENNY: What are your plans for the upcoming season?

SHAWN: What are you a reporter? I don’t like reporters.

KENNY: You liked one.

NICOLE: (standing ) Your such an asshole.

KENNY: What?

 

Batting a thousand Act II part 2

INT. MOVIE THEATER — NIGHT

Shawn is still in his t-shirt and jeans as he walks up to

the counter and in front of him he sees Angel.

She appears to be alone.

He reaches in front of him and taps her on the shoulder.

She turns around and smiles.

       ANGEL

      Hey, what are you doing here?

      SHAWN

    I came to buy a car, I think I’m in the

     wrong place.

    ANGEL

    Ha, Ha, what are you coming to see?

SHAWN

I thought about the new Nicholas

Sparks movie but I don’t know.

ANGEL

I heard it was awful, I got a

ticket to the new Rock movie, you

should join me.

SHAWN

Ha,

ANGEL

What?

SHAWN

Nothing, sorry

(to the cashier)

I’ll take one for the one she is

seeing.

The man takes the money and gives him a ticket.

They walk to the concession counter and buy some candy and

popcorn, when they are blinded by flashes. When Shawn looks

up all he sees is a man running away with a camera in his

hand.

SHAWN

Bastards.

ANGEL

Come on you know you love it, you

haven’t had it happen long enough

to bother you yet.

SHAWN

Yeah, I kind of like it.

They make their way down the hallway and into the theater

and find their seats.

INT. SHAWN AND MEGAN’S APARTMENT — MORNING

The alarm clock wakes Shawn from his sleep and he rolls out of

bed.

He stubbles down the hallway to the kitchen where he finds Megan

sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a

paper in front of her.

It is obviously a tabloid.

He pauses in the doorway and runs his fingers through his hair.

He moves to the fridge and opens the door.

He pulls out the milk and takes a drink from the carton.

MEGAN

I wish you wouldn’t do that

SHAWN

Sorry, you don’t drink it anyway.

MEGAN

What is this shit?

She tosses the paper at him.

He looks at the picture on the cover and sees him at the concession

stand with Angel.

SHAWN

It is two friends watching a movie.

MEGAN

No you two were not just friends.

SHAWN

You don’t know what we were. And if

I remember correctly you were the

one who left me.

MEGAN

Yeah well I am back.

SHAWN

Me too. That is the end of this

conversation.

MEGAN

I would like it if you didn’t see

her anymore.

SHAWN

I would like it if you didn’t work with

Brody anymore.

MEGAN

His name is Adrian, and I don’t

have a choice about who I work

with.

SHAWN

Then this discussion is over. I

have to go to practice.

EXT. BEN’S HOME — DAY

Ben is having another barbecue at his house.

The whole gang is in attendance again.

This time with an addition. Nicole and Kenny have had their

baby, a little boy.

Kenny holds him showing him off to everyone.

Ben and Shawn are sitting at a table outside with a beer in

front of them.

BEN

You have been on fire. I think this is

probably the best I have seen you play.

SHAWN

Yeah, well, I have been lucky.

BEN

What’s up, you seem down today.

SHAWN

I got into it with Megan yesterday

about Angel. And now she is here.

BEN

What is the problem. I thought you

two were over.

SHAWN

We are. I ran into her at the movie

theater the other day and we sat

together.

BEN

So what is the big deal?

SHAWN

That was my point. I love Megan,

and she was the one that done me

wrong, I have given her no reason

to not trust me.

BEN

Maybe she thinks your going to

retaliate for what she did to you.

SHAWN

I’m not that kind of guy, Ben, and

I would hope that the woman I asked

to marry me knows me better than

that.

BEN

She did say no.

SHAWN

Don’t remind me. I better be going,

I don’t want this to turn ugly.

BEN

The food isn’t even done yet.

SHAWN

Sorry. I have to make it work this

time.

Shawn gets up and leaves only to meet Angel in the doorway.

They pass glances, and he moves on.

Angel sits next to Ben at the table.

ANGEL

What is his problem.

BEN

He was reamed by Megan when the

pictures of you two at the movies

made the tabloids and he wants to

avoid another fight.

ANGEL

Sure, I understand. Charles wasn’t too

happy either.

BEN

How are you two doing?

ANGEL

Fine I guess, the wedding is on

hold. He said that he wasn’t quite

ready since we are so far apart

now.

INT. GYM — DAY

The three guys are working out like normal. Shawn lays on

the bench and Ben is spotting him and Kenny is standing off

to the side checking out the women.

SHAWN

Kenny, your wife just had a baby

for Christ’s sake, do you think you

could stop being a creep for one

hour.

KENNY

Sorry, you are starting to sound

like Ben.

SHAWN

So anyway, even after I left the

other day, I still ended up in an

argument with Megan, over something

that didn’t even happen.

BEN

I don’t know what to tell you. I

can’t say that I would leave because the

truth is I probably wouldn’t.

SHAWN

I wonder what would have happened

had I not let Megan in that night.

The fact is that Angel was, and

still is, with Charles, and I can’t

do that to a guy, even if I don’t

know him.

BEN

For once, I don’t have any advice.

If this was about baseball I could

help you, but when it comes to the

game of love, man, I am just as

fucked up as anybody.

SHAWN

No, you guys have it great, I just

hope I can find something like you

and Abigail have. Even half that

would be great.

BEN

Its not that pretty on the inside.

SHAWN

What have I been missing?

BEN

Maybe some other time. Right now this

is about you.

KENNY

I am no expert either, but I think

that you won’t be happy until you

do what your heart tells you. Its

talking, just listen, it won’t lead

you in the wrong direction.

BEN

Listen to this asshole, for once the

fucker actually has some good

advice.

EXT. BASEBALL STADIUM — NIGHT

The lights are shining bright as Shawn steps up to the

plate.

He faces the same pitcher as his first time at bat in the majors.

He watches as the pitcher winds up and delivers.

He swings and misses the first pitch.

He looks up at the scoreboard. 0-0.

The pitcher winds up and throws the ball again.

Shawn swings and connects with it, it flies down the left field line

but stays fair and bounces into the corner.

He runs toward first, rounding it heading to second. He

stops on second base.

A runner scores. 0-1

Shawn stands on second and he watches the third base couch

and Shawn nods.

The pitcher delivers and the ball bounces behind the catcher

as Shawn takes off stealing third.

The batter hit’s the next pitch into short right to get a

base hit and Shawn scores. 0-2

The next batter is up and the pitcher delivers a pitch that is called

a strike.

The batter backs up relaxes and steps back in.

He then swings at the next pitch and connects into a pop up

and is out.

Fade into:

Shawn stands at the plate again when he looks up the score

board. Fourth inning, 2-2.

The pitcher winds up and delivers a stunning fastball in and low,

ball one.

Then he delivers a sinker, ball two.

Shawn steps back, relaxes and steps back in.

The pitcher throws another fastball low and outside, ball three.

Shawn steps out again. He looks at Winfield standing in the

dug out, he is pointing at the bleachers. Shawn steps back

in. The pitch comes and Shawn swings at it goes deep, real

deep.

He runs toward first only to see it get caught by the centerfielder.

Fade into:

Shawn standing at first with his glove and there is a runner

on first leading off.

He looks up at the scoreboard. Top of the ninth, one out and

2-2, he watches as the pitcher delivers a fast ball and the

batter swings and hits right to Shawn.

He catches it and tags the runner and tosses the ball to the

pitcher covering first to get the batter out. Double play.

He runs back to the dug out and sees Winfield.

WINFIELD

Your up Mallory. All we need is one

run and we’re in the playoffs. No

pressure.

He pats him on the back as Shawn heads to the plate.

Shawn watches as the pitcher sits up.

He throws and the ball goes right by him. Strike one.

He stretches his neck and waggles his bat.

Pitch two comes and it is another fastball down the middle. Strike two.

He steps out and then right back in.

The pitcher releases the pitch and Shawn swings connecting

and he just drops the bat.

He watches it fly out of the park. Disappearing in the

lights of the stadium. They made it.

INT. SHAWN AND MEGAN’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

Shawn lays on the couch, relaxing from a hard night.

He wears only a pair of boxers, with a beer on the table in front

of him.

He flops his feet on the table and turns on the television

with the remote.

The lights go dim and Megan peeks her head around a corner.

She has her hand on the light switch, she is being very

seductive.

Shawn can see the pink teddy hanging down, way above the

knee as she throws her leg out.

As she steps from behind the wall, he can see her perfect

body, nearly all of it, in the dim light.

She walks toward him like she is on the runway.

He drops the remote as she nears him, and he kicks the beer

over. As she steps over the spilling beer.

She slides the straps off of her teddy and it falls into the

liquid.

She straddles him and puts her hands on his face. And kisses

him softly.

MEGAN

Shawn?

SHAWN

Yeah?

MEGAN

I love you.

SHAWN

I love yo……u too.

MEGAN

Shawn, remember when you gave me

the ring and I turned you down?

SHAWN

How could I forget.

MEGAN

I want to apologize for that.

SHAWN

You hurt me, but you were honest

and you should be. Maybe not that

brutal, but honest.

MEGAN

I think I am ready.

SHAWN

Ready for what?

MEGAN

You know, to be married. You are

well on your way as far as your

career goes and I have a steady gig

with Michael modeling his

lingerie.

SHAWN

Is that one of his pieces, because

I like it a lot. Tell him thank you

for me.

They start kissing and rubbing each other. Shawn pulls away

and looks at her.

SHAWN

But do you love me more then you

did then?

MEGAN

I have always loved you Shawn.

SHAWN

Then why weren’t the Roster’s good

enough.

MEGAN

This has nothing to do with

baseball, Shawn. She rolls off of

him, covering up with a decorative

pillow.

SHAWN

Yes it does. I am doing the same

job now as I was then.

MEGAN

But your famous now. SHAWN Is that

all you want? Fame?

MEGAN

I have my fame, I don’t need yours.

She jumps up and picks up her teddy

as she storms out of the room.

MEGAN

And clean up your goddamned beer.

INT. DUGOUT — NIGHT

Shawn sits on the bench in the dugout with his team and Ben comes

up to the back door that leads to the tunnels. He is in

jeans and a t-shirt.

SHAWN

You don’t look real professional

tonight.

BEN

Here as a fan, not business.

SHAWN

Cheering for the Yanks.

BEN

Yeah. Good luck tonight.

SHAWN

We’ll need it, we’re down 2-1 in

the series and their a tough team.

BEN

You guys can do it.

Ben turns and heads back down the tunnel.

Batting A Thousand, Act II Part I

INT. ANGEL’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

Shawn and Angel are sitting on her couch with a wine glass apiece.

They sit close and Angel has her head on his shoulder. They are

watching ESPN as Sports Center recaps the game they were

just at.

Angel leans forward to the table were the half empty bottle of

red wine is sitting and grasps the bottle by the neck.

ANGEL

Would you like another?

SHAWN

Sure.

Angel pours him another glass and they linger, hold each others

stare for a moment and lean in, slow, and finally their

noses touch. Mouths almost there.

SHAWN

I thought this was just a drink.

ANGEL

It was.

They finish moving in and their lips touch. It is a soft, passionate

kiss that lasts only seconds.

Angel pulls back, sets the bottle on the table and reaches for

Shawn’s shirt.

She finds the bottom of it and pulls it over his head. Then she

grabs the bottom of her shirt and pulls it slowly over the

top of her head, revealing her blue lacy bra.

They move to her bedroom were she falls, pulling him to the bed

on top of her.

EXT. PARK — DAY

A bench sits next to a small pond with a fountain in the middle.

Shawn and Angel sit on a blanket thrown on the ground.

On the blanket sits a picnic basket and paper plates with sandwiches

on them.  A bottle of wine sits in the middle with two

plastic cups filled up and sitting next to the plates.

ANGEL

So you aren’t weirded out about the

other night are you?

SHAWN

No, why would I be?

ANGEL

I don’t know, we just weren’t

supposed to do that.

SHAWN

It seemed right though, didn’t it?

ANGEL

Yeah, it kind of did. But I am

still engaged to Charles.

SHAWN

I know.

ANGEL

Maybe in a different time.

They look out at the pond.

Shawn takes a drink of his wine.

SHAWN

It was good sex though, right?

ANGEL

(laughing)

Yes, it was very good.

Angel takes a drink of her wine.

ANGEL

Was it good for you?

SHAWN

Oh my God, I have never had any

that good before.(laughs)

ANGEL

It was pretty average wasn’t it?

SHAWN

Yeah, but even average sex is good

sex.

Angel takes another drink and looks at her watch.

ANGEL

Oh shit, I have to go.  I have to

get back to work.

She jumps up and pulls Shawn up with her.

ANGEL

Thank you for lunch, we will have

to do it again.

SHAWN

Still no dates, huh?

ANGEL

I would love to, but you know.

She gives him a peck on the cheek and walks away.  She looks

over her shoulder a few steps into her journey back to work

and blows him a kiss.

Shawn chuckles and begins to pick up the blanket.

INT. SHAWN’S APARTMENT — DAY

Shawn is fresh out of the shower, he has a towel around him and

is dripping wet.

He talks into a speaker phone, he is in his bedroom and looking

through his closet.

SHAWN

I know, Ben, but I really like her.

BEN

But she hasn’t broken up with her

fian…Charles.

SHAWN

She shouldn’t, we’re just friends.

BEN

No matter what Kenny says, friends

shouldn’t do what you guys did.

SHAWN

You seem a little touchy, buddy.

BEN

Well, you guys are both my friends

and I don’t want to see either one

of you guys get hurt.

SHAWN

No one is going to get hurt, we

both know what happened was a one

time thing. Something that won’t

happen again.

BEN

I don’t like it. What are you doing

tonight, I have an extra ticket to

the hockey game.

SHAWN

Angel and I are going to a play and

then out to dinner.

BEN

Shit.

Buzz, Buzz. The intercom system goes off and Shawn moves to the

speaker on his wall. He pushes a button.

SHAWN

Come on up.

(Back to the Phone)

That is her now and I haven’t

gotten dressed yet so I have to go.

I will talk to you tomorrow, enjoy

the game.

BEN

Shawn I really think you should

stop and think about what your

do…

Shawn doesn’t let him finish before he pushes a button on

the phone and disconnects him. Shawn is getting dressed when

he hears a woman’s voice behind him but it’s not Angel, it

is Megan.

MEGAN

I had forgotten how nice your ass

is.

Shawn is startled and throws his towel back around himself with

his pants halfway up. She moves over to him and wraps her

arms around him and begins to kiss him.

His towel falls to the floor.

Angel stands in the doorway, she sees Megan kissing Shawn

and him not stopping her, and she doesn’t say anything, she

just leaves, quietly.

EXT. PARK — NOON

The three friends stand in batting cages, all side by side. Balls

fly at them at ninety miles an hour and Shawn is the only

one connecting with the ball at all.

For several seconds the three continue to bat away. Finally Ben

drops his bat and walks to the edge of his cage.

BEN

Shawn you know you fucked things up

with Angel, right.

SHAWN

We didn’t have anything to fuck up.

BENÂ

You guys were once friends, and you

know she liked you.

SHAWN

She never told me how she felt and

the fact the Charles is still

around should be proof enough that

she doesn’t have any interest in

me. And besides, she’s the one that

never showed the other night.

BEN

You are a fucking idiot. She saw

you with Megan, nearly naked.

SHAWN

Fuck, you know that I never

intended to be naked with Megan, I

thought it was Angel at the door.

It doesn’t matter now anyway. Megan

is the one I am supposed to be

with. I have known that for years.

BEN

Yeah, well are you the one she is

supposed to be with?

Ben turns and walks away, leaving the batting cage in

INT. SMALL CAFE — DAY

Angel, Abigail and Nicole are at a small table sipping on wine,

except Nicole has a water.

Flowers are everywhere and the colorfulness of spring can be seen

out the window from fruit and flower vendors line the

street.

ABIGAIL

You know that isn’t how Shawn is. I

am sure there is a reasonable

explanation for what happened.

ANGEL

I don’t need an explanation. He

told me from the first time we met

that he was in love with her, no

matter how wrong she is for him. He also

had no reason to not be with her.

We don’t, nor did we, have a relationship

beyond that of a professional and

platonic nature.

NICOLE

(pretending like she is

coughing)

BULLSHIT!!

ANGEL

Just because we made an error in

judgment one night doesn’t mean

that we had anything emotionally

invested in it.

ABIGAIL

You care for him I can see it in

your eyes.

ANGEL

I have a Fiancé and he is wonderful

to me.

NICOLE

That doesn’t mean that you love

him, or should.

ABIGAIL

Do you?

ANGEL

I have to be going, I have an

interview in an hour.

She stands and throws some money on the table and walks away from

the conversation.

INT. BEN’S OFFICE — DAY

Ben sits at his computer, not working just staring at the screen

when his secretary comes over the intercom on his phone.

HOLLY

Ben, there is call on line two for

you. A Mr. Schumacher.

Ben comes to life. He sits erect.

BEN

Put him through.

He picks up the phone.

BEN

Hello sir… I’m doing fine, how

may I help you today? … Oh,

yes… sure, I will let him know.

No, he will be there first thing in

the morning. No, thank you.

Ben stands up and hangs up the phone, pushing a button.

Holly opens the door to the office.

HOLLY

Yes sir.

BEN

Would you get Shawn in here please,

I need to speak to him before I

leave today.

HOLLY

Yes sir.

INT. BEN’S OFFICE — DUSK

Ben sits behind his desk again when there is a rap on his door.

BEN

Come in.

The door opens and Shawn stands just outside.

He comes in and sits in the chair in front of Ben.

SHAWN

What is it, buddy? Holly said that

it was important.

BEN

It is. I have some good news and

some bad news.

SHAWN

Give me the bad first.

BEN

You will be taking some time off of

the Roosters.

SHAWN

Okay, the good news?

BEN

I got a call from Marvin Schumacher

this afternoon and they what you to

come play for the Senators.

SHAWN

For good?

BEN

It will be for a trail period. St.

John has an inflamed muscle in his

throwing arm. They want you to

replace Vaughn at first and moving him

to Left. Just until his arm heals.

SHAWN

That’s great news, my chance.

He stands and walks over to the picture window that looks

out over the city.

SHAWN

This is crazy, Ben. My dreams are

coming true. Shouldn’t I be

excited?

BEN

It just hasn’t settled in yet. You

will be.

SHAWN

I should call Angel and let her

know, I think she would like to

know.

BEN

I bet she already does.

INT. LOBBY OF AN OFFICE BUILDING — DUSK

Angel sits with her pen and paper in front of her talking to a

tall man with a dark complexion.

It is ST. JOHN. They are talking and she writing notes down.

ANGEL

So, do you know who will be taking

your spot in the line up, and is

this going to affect the alleged

trade deal from a couple of weeks

ago.

ST. JOHN

I was told that they where bringing

up a minor leaguer, Mallory, I

believe, and I can’t comment on the

trade deal.

ANGEL

Shawn Mallory?

ST. JOHN

Yeah, that’s him.

ANGEL

Thank you I think that is all,

again, thank you for your time.

She quickly leaves fumbling with her cell phone trying to place

a call.

EXT. BASEBALL STADIUM — DAY

Shawn stands  in the batters box at the stadium taking

An older man walks up to him, he is the manager of the Senators,

BOBBY WINFIELD. And he is carrying a uniform.

WINFIELD

Here boy, put this on. You may need

it for tonight. Nervous yet?

SHAWN

A little, sir.

WINFIELD

Have you thrown up yet?

SHAWN

No sir.

WINFIELD

Then your doing better than me on

first day. I didn’t even get to

practice because I spent the first

two days in the bathroom.

SHAWN

It’s still early, sir.

WINFIELD

Look around you boy, tonight there

won’t be an empty seat in the

house.

Shawn begins to scan the bleachers. They are all empty as he

moves around the stadium the view changes from day to night

and the seats are all full.

EXT. BASEBALL STADIUM — NIGHT

The crowd is roaring and standing on their feet. Shawn stands

at the plate. He is visibly nervous, tugging at his shirt

and messing with his helmet.

He can hear the roar of the crowd and is focused on the pitcher

standing on the mound in front of him.

He watches as the pitcher winds up and delivers the first

pitch and he watches it go by.

UMPIRE

STRIKE ONE!!

Shawn steps out of the box and rocks his head back and forth trying

to relax a little.

He steps back in.

The pitcher again winds up and delivers.

This time he swings missing it completely.

UMPIRE

STRIKE TWO!!

Shawn doesn’t move this time, he stays in the box ready for

the pitch.

He waits and the pitcher winds up and throws, Shawn blinks

and the ball is by him again.

UMPIRE

BALL ONE!

Again he stays steady waiting for the pitch and it comes.

Shawn swings and the ball is coming at him in slow motion.

He swings with everything he has and connects.

The ball flies deep into right field and Shawn takes off

like a rocket, running to first base, but hears the umpire.

UMPIRE

OUT!!

Shawn turns on the baseline and heads to the dug out. Winfield

stands at the steps waiting on the young player. As Shawn

jogs past him he pats him on the back.

WINFIELD

No problem, your first one is out

of the way.

The scoreboard shows that it is the second inning 0-0 it

transitions to bottom of the ninth visitors winning 6-4.

Back to the dug out and Shawn heads to the plate.

WINFIELD

Man on first and third, Vaughn is fast so a double should

tie it up.

Shawn jogs to the plate.

A new pitcher is on the mound.

Shawn again is very nervous. He wiggles the bat as the

pitcher winds up and throws the ball.

Shawn swings and connects but doesn’t move.

UMPIRE

HOMERUN!!

Shawn jumps up in the air and runs around the bases.

His teammates meet him at he plate and carry him off of the

field. He sees Winfield standing by the dug out.

WINFIELD

Or a homer will work too. Nice work

son.

INT. BEN’S OFFICE — MORNING

Shawn enters in a nice suit.

He sits in his usual chair in front of Ben’s desk and

relaxes until he is slouching in the big leather seat.

BEN

How are you doing?

SHAWN

Been busy. Seven road games will

take it out of you.

BEN

Well I have some good news. The

Senators want to offer you a full

contract, two million for two

years, that’s pretty good for a

rookie.

SHAWN

I’ll take it. I guess I shouldn’t

argue, that is a lot of money for

something I would do for free.

BEN

Your damn right it is.

SHAWN

How is Abigail doing I haven’t seen

her since I got picked up.

BEN

Great. Kenny and Nicole have been

scheduled a date for an inducement.

Two weeks.

SHAWN

I’ll be at home, I’ll have to come

by. How is Angel doing, I haven’t

seen her in a while either?

BEN

Good, I guess I haven’t seen her

either but her and Abigail are

keeping in touch. How is Megan.

SHAWN

Good… I probably need to be going,

it was good seeing you, next week

for lunch, we’re still on right.

BEN

Yep. How about I walk you out,

Kenny and I are going to work out,

you can join us if you would like.

SHAWN

No, Megan and I are going for

lunch. I haven’t seen her in a week

either.

EXT. BEN’S OFFICE — NOON

Shawn and Ben walk out of the front door when Megan pulls up

in a new red sports car, convertible, top down.

She looks beautiful in it, fits her well.

SHAWN

You like it?

BEN

Yeah.

SHAWN

Bought it this morning. I was

worried about the payments, but I

guess I don’t have to now, isn’t

that right?

BEN

No I guess not. I’ll see you next

week. Good luck on the diamond buddy.

Shawn jumps over the door and into the seat, and waves as Megan

speeds away.

INT. FANCY RESTAURANT — EVENING

Shawn and Megan stand just on the other side of a glass

door, he wears a designer suit and she wears a designer

dress.

They enter a nice restaurant and walk up to the maitre d where

Shawn leans on the podium and looks the small man in eye.

SHAWN

Two for Mallory

MAITRE D

Sure, right this way Mr. Mallory

They follow the man to a small table near the back of the

dining room when they are met by Angel and Charles walking out.

Angel reaches out and gives him a hug.

ANGEL

Shawn, it is so nice to see you.

How have you been?

SHAWN

Good, living the dream.

ANGEL

I know I have been watching. Good

stats. Too bad you haven’t played

all year, ESPN thinks you would

have been rookie of the year.

SHAWN

Yeah, well, I am having fun.

ANGEL

You remember Charles?

SHAWN

Sure, nice to see you again. And I

guess you remember Megan.

ANGEL

Yes.

MAITRE D

Sir your table is this way.

SHAWN

I guess I better be going before

they give my table away.

ANGEL

(whispering)

You wouldn’t be missing much.

They hug again and walk their separate ways.

INT. SHAWN AND MAEGAN’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

The two are sitting on the couch watching television, actually

he is flipping channels.

He is bumming in his t-shirt and jeans.

She has on a sweats outfit, probably just done working out.

SHAWN

What do you say we catch a movie.

MEGAN

Look at me, I can’t go out like

this. But go if you want, I’ll

catch up on some reading.

SHAWN

Huh, a model that can read, that’s

unbelievable.

MEGAN

Shut up.

SHAWN

Come on, we can catch a Nicholas

Sparks book turned into a movie. I’m

sure there is one out.

MEGAN

There is, but I know it won’t be as

good as the book.

SHAWN

They never are. Then we can catch

the latest Rock movie.

MEGAN

Hum, you are a mans man.

SHAWN

What, Kenny says he’s a good actor.

MEGAN

What does Kenny know, if they don’t

have tits and ass he probably

doesn’t even know who they are.

SHAWN

Come on we haven’t been out in a

while.

MEGAN

We’re both famous now, we can’t

afford to go out. Everyone will

look at us and wonder why we’re not

watching in our private theater,

when are we getting that anyway.

SHAWN

Fine I will go by myself. Don’t

wait up.

MEGAN

I won’t.

Batting a Thousand Act 1part 1

FADE IN:

EXT. JEWELRY SHOP — DUSK

The small brick storefront with a large glass window faces the
quite street and has the name Thurman’s Fine Jewelry
elegantly painted on it.

An older man, heavy set and short stands outside the door, waiting
impatiently.

A young man walks up the sidewalk, in a suit. He appears to be
about twenty-five and has an athletes build. He has short
light hair and his strong masculine face is clean shaved.
His name is SHAWN MALLORY and he is late.

He walks fast up the sidewalk almost running, until he reaches
the door and the man holds it open for him.

The man locks the door behind them.

INT. JEWELRY SHOP — DUSK

They walk to the counter and Shawn automatically begins pointing
at rings.

SHAWN
I’m sorry Mr. Thurman, the game
went into extra innings.

MR. THURMAN
Not a big deal son. but what you
are doing, here, now this is a big deal. A
lifetime of commitment. It’s
special, when you find someone that
you care about you gotta do it
right.

SHAWN
Is that the husband in you or the
salesman talking.

MR. THURMAN
I’ll be honest son, it’s a little
of both.

SHAWN
I think I like that one right
there.

MR. THURMAN
I said this was something special,
didn’t I?  I have something just
for you under the case.

He reaches under the case and pulls out a black box, he places
it in front of Shawn and opens it.

Inside is a beautiful diamond ring.

MR. THURMAN
I only show this to the ones that I
feel are lucky, I can see when
someone has it by looking into
their eyes and I can see it in
yours.

SHAWN
I do?

MR. THURMAN
Tell me about her.

INT. MEGAN’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

A beautiful woman stands in front of a full length mirror in an
stunning red evening dress. She is tall, about 5’11” and
built like a model. She has long dark hair and deep green
eyes. She is MEGAN WRIGHT.

The door behind her opens and it is Shawn carrying a dozen pink
roses.

She stands stunned and places her hand over her mouth.

He is very handsome in his black tux.

SHAWN
Megan, you look stunning.

MEGAN
Thank you, as do you.

SHAWN
These are for you.

MEGAN
They are beautiful. Let’s go put
them in some water.

She gives him peck on the cheek as she passes him.

They move into the kitchen where she pulls a vase from beneath
the sink and turns on the faucet.

MEGAN
So how did the game go? I worked
late and didn’t get a chance to
listen.

SHAWN
We lost again.

MEGAN
To who, the Mud rats?

SHAWN
No, this series was against the Beavers.

MEGAN
Wait, aren’t you guys the Cocks?

SHAWN
No, Roosters.

MEGAN
OH, that’s funny.

SHAWN
Anyway, that isn’t important. I was
going to do this after your show
tonight, but I think you’ll like it
better this way.

MEGAN
What are you talking about?

Shawn gets down on one knee on the kitchen tile.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring case and opens
it.

Megan again gasps and looks shocked. She stubbles backwards and
leans against the sink.

SHAWN
I love you, and we have been
together for seven years now and I
think it is time we move to the
next phase. I know everything about
you and you know everything about
me. I know this probably seems
sudden but its not. You have been
it for me since college and I know
that we will be happy forever. I
guess what I am trying to say, very
badly I might add, is will you
marry me?

Megan stands, still as a calm before the storm, with her mouth
agape.

INT. RESTAURANT — NIGHT

The restaurant is very fancy, white linen and proper plate settings.
It isn’t real busy which could mean it is pricey.

Five people sit at a table, two couples.

The odd person out is Shawn.

The two guys are BEN HAYWOOD and KENNY LAWSON, they are his best friends.

Ben is shorter than Shawn built similar with dark hair and a
dark complexion and Kenny is small all around, short about
5’5″ and weighing no more than one hundred and thirty
pounds.

The girls are their wives, ABIGAIL HAYWOOD and NICOLE LAWSON both
are very pretty, but do not compare to Megan.

Abigail has short blond hair and Nicole has long dark hair.

Nicole is pregnant.

BEN, KENNY, ABIGAIL, AND NICOLE (NEARLY
IN UNISON)
NO?!

BEN
I can’t believe she said no.

ABIGAIL
Maybe she just got scared I’m sure
she’ll think differently tomorrow.

KENNY
You don’t change your mind in one
day, what are you crazy?

Nicole slaps her husband on the arm.

NICOLE
I think what he means to say is you
might want to give it a few days.

KENNY
Yeah.
(but shakes his head no)

BEN
So, did she say why she didn’t want
to get married?

SHAWN
Lets see, I don’t have a decent
job, meaning I’m playing minor
league ball and not for the
Yankee’s. She isn’t ready for that
kind of commitment and oh, she
thinks she may be in love with her
male model partner on her last
shoot.

BEN
Oh. Sorry.

KENNY
Look at it this way, you can get
with some of her hot model friends
now.

Nicole slaps Kenny on the arm again as the waiter approaches the
table.

ABIGAIL
One more will be joining us, can
you bring him a…

SHAWN
Beer please, house is fine.

EXT. GYM — DAY

The modern building stands in between old brick front buildings.

It is made of glass, so everyone passing by can see in. See
all of the beautiful people working out and toning their
perfect bodies.

The building is not only pleasing to the eye, but also what is
inside is as well. It is marketing at its best, or worst.

Three or four people walk in and some walk out.

INT. GYM — DAY

The guys are at a free weights bench. Shawn lays on it and
Ben is spotting for him.

Kenny stands back and watches three pretty ladies walk by.

He notices everything about them, but they hardly even
notice his existence.

They are big breasted and blond, very fake looking.

KENNY
How are you ladies doing?

They just snicker and keep walking past, but they point at Shawn,
and shake their heads, one acts as if she is cooling herself
with an imaginary fan.

BEN
Kenny, cut it out. What have I told
you about that shit. One more time
and your staying home from now on.

SHAWN
Come on, leave him alone, that’s
just Kenny.

KENNY
Yeah, Come on, I ain’t hurting
nothing. So, Shawn, you hit any of
her friends yet?

SHAWN
No.

KENNY
Why not, it’s been two weeks, its
time to move on.

SHAWN
When you love someone it takes more
than a couple of weeks to get over
it.

KENNY
I ain’t talking about getting over
her, I’m talking about pussy,
that’s it. Model pussy.

BEN
Shut up! Don’t listen to him Shawn,
I know what you mean. If anything
ever happened to Abigail and me, I
would be devastated. I couldn’t imagine
hooking up with anyone after only two weeks.

SHAWN
No, I want pussy, don’t get me
wrong, I’m horny as hell. Shit, my
Cinemax is getting a workout. But
not emotionally, I’m not ready for that.
Megan is still in my heart.

KENNY
Fuck man, look at that brunette. I
think she’s checking me out. I’m
gonna go talk to her. Kenny leaves
and Ben and Shawn switch places. Ben
takes the bar off of the rack and
begins to push it up and down.

BEN
Now that dumb ass is gone,
seriously, is it like that.

SHAWN
Yeah, I know it sounds stupid and
you’re my manager, you don’t need
to know these things.

BEN
Friends always come first.

SHAWN
I know. She was everything to me. I
don’t know how to survive without
her, and her goddamn underwear
commercial seems to come on every
five minutes, I can’t even watch
TV.

BEN
I thought you were only watching
Cinemax.

SHAWN
Ha, Ha. Hey, here comes Kenny. I
think he got shot down.

BEN
Good, I can’t have Nicole think I
am a contributor to his behavior.

KENNY
I think she’s into me.

SHAWN
Did you get her number?

KENNY
No, she’s playing hard to get. Ben
get up, let me show her what I got.

EXT. BALL PARK — DAY

It is a small stadium, can definitely tell it is a minor league
ball park, but nice enough the owners put a good amount of
money into it.

Shawn is at the plate with a net around all of him except
for straight out. He takes batting practice and he knocks
the balls deep.

Ben walks up on the outside of the net and begins talking to
his friend.

Shawn holds up his hand to the pitcher.

He walks out of the net and hands the bat to another guy who waits
to take his turn.

BEN
Hey buddy, how you doing today?

SHAWN
Alright I guess, how about you.

BEN
Can’t complain. You about done?

SHAWN (yelling)
Coach, my manager?
His coach is sitting in the dugout watching practice.

COACH
You done good, go.

SHAWN
Come on, I’ll change.

BEN
I think I’ll wait in the car.

EXT. SIDEWALK BISTRO — DAY

The sidewalk dining area is gorgeous. Umbrellas cover the tables
and flowers set on them.

It is packed with people and waiters in black pants and
white shirts with black bow ties are scattering around,
filling glasses and taking orders.

Ben and Shawn approach the Maitre d’ and are taken to one of
only few open tables.

They sit and are immediately approached by a server.

BEN AND SHAWN (IN UNISON)
Beer.

SERVER
Very well.

BEN
So how did practice go?

SHAWN
Good, Coach didn’t work me very
hard today.

BEN
Well you did the win last night.

SHAWN
We won, as a team.

BEN
You hit the game winning home run.

SHAWN
Yeah, you’re right. (chuckling) So what’s up?
Why you taking me to lunch?

BEN
Nothing really, okay, it is kind of
cool. Word is the Senators are
looking at you. Especially after
last night.

SHAWN
For what. Their full. They have St.
John and Vaughn for first. They
can’t fit me anywhere, I ain’t no
good in the outfield.

BEN
I heard that their wanting to get
rid of Vaughn for an outfielder and
a pick, because he hasn’t been
doing what they expected.

SHAWN
Wow, that’s cool, but I don’t see
it happening, probably just gossip.

BEN
Maybe. What are you having?

SHAWN
It wouldn’t seem right without
Megan, I thought we would share
this news together.

BEN
Well maybe she would want to know,
maybe it would change her mind…Â

A stunning woman walks up to the table, She has a dark complexion,
brown eyes and dark hair. She is ANGEL WILSON.

Wearing a white skirt suit, the jacket in her hand and the white silk
blouse loose at the top.

Shawn stares at her lovely body and her beautiful face, she
is breathtakingly gorgeous.

ANGEL
Ben, Ben Haywood is that you?

Ben stands.

BEN
Hi, Angel nice to see you again.
Sit, please.

ANGEL
I can’t I really have to be going
but how are you?

BEN
I’m fine, and yourself?

ANGEL
Great, just got a job with S. I. I
am in town for a while now covering
the Senators. How is Abigail?

BEN
Great. Hey here is my card, the
home numbers on the back, give her
a call she would love to hear from
you. Oh, where are my manners? This is
Shawn Mallory.

ANGEL
I know who he is, I watched the
game last night. And what a game it
was, four RBIs and a homerun to win
the game. Shawn stands.

SHAWN
You like baseball?

ANGEL
Love it, sort of have to, its my
job. Hey listen, nice talking to
you guys but I have an interview
with Tony Vaughn in about twenty minutes,
across town.

Ben kisses her on the cheek.

BEN
Call Abigail, she’ll love it you
back in town.

ANGEL
I’ll do that.

Ben and Shawn sit back down.

INT. ANGEL’S OFFICE — DAY

It is a very modern room with a view overlooking the city.

She has pictures on the walls of her with ball players also several
framed Sports Illustrated Magazines.

She sits behind a desk with the computer turned on. She
types away when there is a quiet knock on the door frame.

Angel looks up to see an older man.

He is thin with dark hair, but it is patchy with gray. He wears
a blue suit with a yellow tie, his name is JOHN SHLISHKY,
and he is her boss, the editor of the magazine.

ANGEL
Come in, sir.

JOHN
Please, call me John, everyone
does.

ANGEL
Okay, John, have a seat. How can I
help you?

JOHN
Your working on the Tony Vaughn
story, right?

ANGEL
Yes, sir.

JOHN
We just got word that the Yankee’s
turned down the offer, lets hold on
the story until we know more, this
isn’t done yet.

ANGEL
Yes, sir, but what should I do in
the meantime.

JOHN
You’re the star reporter, do you
have any idea’s?

ANGEL
Shawn Mallory.

JOHN
Who?

ANGEL
He is the first baseman the
Senators were looking at to replace
Vaughn in the lineup.

JOHN
Who does he play for?

ANGEL
The Roosters.

JOHN
The Senators minor league club?

ANGEL
Yes.

JOHN
I don’t normally like articles
about triple A players, they’re
usually all hype, with no “we told
you so” payoff, but I trust you,
you are the best. Can you get an
interview?

ANGEL
I happen to know his manager.

JOHN
Get on it then. Have it on my desk
by Friday morning.

He gets up and walks out of the room, and Angel picks up the phone,
and dials.

ANGEL
Hello, Abigail…This is Angel
…Fine how are you…

Batting a Thousand Act 1 part 2

EXT. SIDEWALK BISTRO — DAY

The bistro is packed again, among the customers are Angel
and Shawn, sitting at a small table near the back, close to
a brick wall, away from the sidewalk.

She has a pad of yellow legal paper and a pen, he has a
beer.

They are laughing and cutting up, getting along great. A waiter
interrupts them.

WAITER
Could I bring you guys another
round?

SHAWN
Please.

The waiter exits.

ANGEL
I just want to thank you for doing
this interview for me. I need a big
scoop to get my career rolling.

SHAWN
Well, your welcome, as they say a
friend of Ben’s is a friend of
mine, and I am flattered, but, I
don’t think I’m your big break.

ANGEL
Can I ask you one more question?

SHAWN
Sure, I don’t know what we haven’t
covered, but shoot.

ANGEL
You have been linked to Megan
Wright, the supermodel, are there
any truths to the rumors that you
two could be possibly be…

SHAWN
I appreciate the opportunity to do
this interview and that S.I. would
even be interested in a triple A
player like myself, but I don’t want
to answer anymore questions, so
thank you Ms. Wilson, but I have to
get to practice.

Shawn stands and throws a twenty on the table.

SHAWN
The drinks are on me. Goodbye, and
nice seeing you again.

Shawn heads for the exit, passing the waiter with the drinks on
a tray.

INT. BEN’S KITCHEN — NIGHT

It is a very modern and beautiful kitchen. Shawn is there with
the two couples again.

He stands by the island that sits in the middle of the large kitchen,
surrounded by red cherry cabinets, and stainless steel
appliances.

He has a knife and a cutting board in front of him with some vegetables
on it cutting them up. He leans the cutting board over a
boiling pot that sits on the stove and dumps them in.

They all move to a large cherry table and begin talking, when
the doorbell rings.

ABIGAIL
I’ll get that, it is probably the
final member of the dinner party.

BEN
Who is it?

ABIGAIL
You’ll see, it’s a surprise.

Abigail leaves the room.

SHAWN
So have you heard anymore about the
Senators deal?

BEN
No, last I heard the Yankee’s
turned down the offer. But the deal
is still out there for anyone who
wants it.

SHAWN
I would love to go pro.

KENNY
Yeah can you imagine all the fame,
it would be great.

Abigail enters the room with Angel following.

ABIGAIL
Everyone, this is Angel. Angel that
little twerp over there is Kenny,
the beautiful lady with the bun in
the oven next to him is his wife Nicole.
You know Ben, and this handsome
gentleman is Shawn.

SHAWN
We’ve met.

ANGEL
Yeah I did a story earlier in the week for S.I.

ABIGAIL
Well, I guess you won’t mind
sitting next to him then.

INT. BEN’S KITCHEN…EVENING

They all take their seats and begin passing food around.
They are laughing, and talking.

Men are huddled at one end of the table and the ladies at
the other.

Shawn gets up to get him another beer out of the fridge, almost
simultaneously Angel stands with her glass.

SHAWN
What can I get for you while I’m
up.

ANGEL
No need, I’m up. Abigail do you
need another glass of wine.

ABIGAIL
Sure.

Angel and Shawn end up at the island at the same time, Angel reaches
for the wine bottle only to notice that it is empty.

ANGEL
Abigail, your bottle is empty.

ABIGAIL
Oh, I’ll show you where we keep the
wine.

SHAWN
I’m up, I can show her.

ABIGAIL
Okay.

Shawn and Angel exit the room headed down the hallway to another
room.

INT. MEDIA ROOM AT BEN’S HOUSE…EVENING

They enter a room that has a bar on one wall and big screen television
on the other.

SHAWN
This is Ben’s media room, mainly we
just watch sports in here. It is
right over here, behind the bar.

Shawn makes his way to the bar and reaches behind and pulls out
a bottle of red wine.

SHAWN
Merlot okay?

ANGEL
Perfect.

EXT. BEN’S HOME — NIGHT

Angel and Shawn are outside of Ben’s home near a sidewalk were
the guest’s cars are parked.

They are talking and laughing.

Angel reaches out and touches Shawn’s hand and laughs at
something witty that Shawn had just said.

SHAWN
I want to apologize for the way I
ran out of the interview the other
day, it’s just that I haven’t
really talked too much about Megan,
and the…

ANGEL
It is Okay, I was out of bounds, I
should have stuck strictly to
baseball questions, S.I. isn’t the
National Enquirer. Abigail told me
all about it over the phone
yesterday.

SHAWN
Still it didn’t give me the right
to act like a jerk. So I would like
to make it up to you by taking you
out for drinks and show you around
the city sometime.

ANGEL
Thank you, but, there is something
you should know about me. I have a
Fiancé back in New York.

SHAWN
No harm, its not a date, just
friends.

ANGEL
Sure, although, I did go to college
here, so I do my way around.

SHAWN
But I know were the ball players
like to spend their down time.

ANGEL (quickly)
It’s a date, oh, friends.

SHAWN
How about Friday night.

ANGEL
Pick me up at the office, I have to
work late getting my article in.

INT. SAM’S PLACE — NIGHT

Shawn and Angel enter the bar, it is high class.

They are all in Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren suits, and
two thousand dollar shoes.

The women show off designer dresses.

The bartenders are wearing tight black dress shirts and look
as though they are male models, probably are.

The waitresses also look like models in slim black dresses.
Shawn and Angel walk in, both stunning.

Shawn is in a black Giorgio Armani suit with a navy blue tie and
a white shirt.

Angel is in a red dress that has two thin spaghetti straps and
A v low in the neck revealing stunning cleavage, and the back cut low
to reveal all of her back, . Her hair is down and wavy.

They make their way to the bar and Shawn steps up the
bartender.

SHAWN
Miller Lite and a Cosmo, please.

BARTENDER
Thirty-five dollars. Shawn hands
the bartender two twenty dollar
bills, the bartender doesn’t even
offer change, and goes right into making
the drink with flair.

ANGEL
Wow, that was neat.

SHAWN
Let’s get a table. They move to a
corner table.

ANGEL
Wow I wish I had my camera, I think
the entire Senators team is here,
and half of the Yankees. It is
amazing to me that they play like
they did tonight and then go out to
the same bar.

SHAWN
It is just a job to these guys.

ANGEL
And it’s not to you?

SHAWN
Sure it is a job, but it’s much
more than that. I haven’t even
reached the majors yet, so I’m not
blinded by all of the money.

The live band in the corner slows the music down, and Shawn
looks at Angel

SHAWN
Would you like to dance?

ANGEL
I would love to.

They walk to the dance floor and begin dancing.

SHAWN
So who is this mystery man I have
heard so little about.

ANGEL
His name is Charles and he is
stockbroker in New York.

SHAWN
Oh, rich guy?

ANGEL
Hardly, he only started, but he is
with one of the biggest investment
firms in the city, entry level.

SHAWN
So he is minor leaguer too, sounds
like we have a few things in
common.

ANGEL
You do, I think you two would get
along great.

SHAWN
So how did you two meet?

ANGEL
Well we worked in the same office
building, before I started with
S.I., I worked at a sleazy
tabloid…

SHAWN
Oh, now I know why you asked that
question, second nature, huh?

ANGEL (chuckles and rolls her eyes)
Anyway, he asked me out for coffee
and the rest is history.

Shawn looks over Angel’s shoulder in the direction of the door
to see Megan entering with the male model guy.

SHAWN
Oh, great, Megan’s here.

ANGEL
Don’t worry, I got it covered.

Megan walks up to Shawn and Angel and she is already
stumbling as she greets them with a laugh.

MEGAN
Shawn…how are you doing?

SHAWN
Fine.

MEGAN
Why are you here?

SHAWN
It’s a bar, Megan, I’m drinking.

MEGAN
Who’s your little friend, a wannabe
model?

ANGEL
My name is Angel and I am reporter
for Sports Illustrated. Who’s your
friend, a wannabe man?

MEGAN
Listen bitch, this doesn’t concern
you.

ANGEL
No you listen, bitch, you are no
longer with Shawn so this, right
here, doesn’t concern you.

Megan and the male model turn and walk to the bar, and she
turns her heel on the way, everyone starts laughing at her.

ANGEL
What do you say we get out of here
before I throw up?

EXT. SIDEWALK — NIGHT

A yellow cab pulls to a stop next to a small narrow row
house which is red brick with eggshell trim, it extends
three stories with a balcony on the roof.

The passenger side rear door opens and Angel slides out
first then followed by Shawn.

He walks her up the steps to the front door. She reaches out and
gives him a hug, and a kiss on the cheek.

ANGEL
Thank you for such a fun evening. I
really needed that.

SHAWN
No, thank you, I was the one in
need of cheering up.

ANGEL
Well, I guess I will see you later,
I have to get up early in the
morning, but how about some lunch
tomorrow.

SHAWN
Sure, how about 11:30.

ANGEL
You know anyplace nice.

SHAWN
I think know a couple.

ANGEL
Goodnight.

SHAWN
Good…night.

He turns and walks down the steps , stopping halfway,
hands in his pockets looks over his
shoulder and sees that she is watching him, he shrugs and
gets in the cab.

She watches it as it disappears down the street.

INT. BEN’S OFFICE — DAY

Ben sits behind his desk with a young beautiful woman on his
side with a short skirt suit on.

She takes notes on a legal pad. She is early twenties, with
blond hair and firm build. Her name is HOLLY MURPHY, she is
his secretary.

Shawn knocks on the door frame of the open door, and Ben waves
him in.

Holly pats the desk as she walks away. She doesn’t give
Shawn a second look, just moves past him.

Shawn struts over to his friend’s desk and sits in a brown leather
chair.

SHAWN
Who was that?

BEN
My new secretary.

SHAWN
And…

BEN
And, what?

SHAWN
What’s her name? When did she
start, and why haven’t you told me
about her?

BEN
Her name is Holly and she started
about a week ago, and I didn’t know
that who I hire for a secretarial
position was something that would interest
you.

SHAWN
Come on, Ben, she’s hot, of course
I would be interested.

BEN
You are starting to hang around Kenny to much.
What can I do for you?

SHAWN
Any news?

BEN
Nothing in a few days. How did last
night go?

SHAWN
Fine, why? You know she has a
fiancé and I’m not that kind of
guy.

Shawn gets up and walks around Ben’s desk to look out of the
big picture window.

SHAWN
I ran into Megan last night, with
Angel.

BEN
What happened?

SHAWN
She was being a bitch, as usual.
But you know, I don’t care how mean
and hateful she can be at times, I
have seen her for who she is and I know
in my heart that who she’s
pretending to be now, isn’t who she
is.

BEN
Maybe the person that you thought
she was is the person she’s not.
What are you doing for lunch, I
have reservation’s at Murice’s.

SHAWN
I am picking Angel up for lunch at
11:30.

BEN
Take my reservations, I think she
would like Murice’s.

SHAWN
I couldn’t do that, it must have
been hard to get them.

BEN
Sure, but Abigail has a doctor
appointment today and can’t make
it. They’ll just go to waste if you
don’t use them.

SHAWN
If you insist, but I have to get
going if I’m going to make it, I’m
not really dressed for the
occasion.

Shawn reaches out and hugs his friend, and walks out of the office,
meeting Holly in the doorway.

EXT. ANGEL’S OFFICE — DAY

Shawn waits by the steps in front of her office building.
The steps leading to the front door are long and steep.

People are beginning to gather on them to eat lunch, the
ones that bring a sack lunch.

Through the big glass doors walks Angel, lovely with her
hair pulled up in a ponytail.

She waves at Shawn as she pushes the door open.

Shawn notices that she holds it open for a man following
her.

He doesn’t recognize him. He wears an expensive suit and carries
a briefcase.

They are with out a doubt having a conversation.

As she reaches Shawn near the bottom of the steps she
realizes something, suddenly hitting herself in the head with the palm
of her hand.

ANGEL
We were having lunch today, right?

SHAWN
Yeah.

ANGEL
I’m sorry, I forgot.

SHAWN
No big deal.

ANGEL
This is my fiancé, Charles Butler.

CHARLES
(holding out his hand)
Nice to meet you, I have only been
in for about an hour and I feel as
though I know you already.

SHAWN
(shaking his hand)
I have heard a lot about you as
well.

ANGEL
Charles is only in town for the day
and I promised him I would spend
the day with him. I got off work
and everything.

SHAWN
Hey, listen, its not a big deal.

CHARLES
Your more than welcome to join us
for lunch.

SHAWN
No, you guys spend the day
together, you don’t get alone time
very much.

ANGEL
Now, what are going to do?

SHAWN
I’ll hit the batting cage or
something, don’t you worry about me.

ANGEL
I’ll see you later?

SHAWN
Sure.

Angel leans in and gives Shawn a hug and then she makes her way
to the curb with Charles following behind.

They hail a cab and they are gone.

INT. BEN’S HOUSE — DAY

Ben and Abigail are throwing another party, this time it is
a Bar-B-Que.

Everyone is there.

Abigail, Angel and Nicole are in the kitchen cooking side dishes
and the guys are outside on the patio near the grill.

The girls are standing around the island gossiping.

NICOLE
So have you and Shawn kissed yet.

ANGEL
NO!, I have a fiancé whom I love
very much.

ABIGAIL
Yeah but he is hot.

ANGEL
We’re just friends.

NICOLE
I’ve kissed friends before, and I
have to say that none of them were
that hot.

ANGEL
Okay, I would like to, but I’m,…

NICOLE
You’re, what?

ANGEL
Nothing.

ABIGAIL
Come on you can tell us.

ANGEL
Its, just that, I’m…not a slut
like you guys.

NICOLE
Bitch.

They laugh and slap her with towels.

EXT. BEN’S HOUSE — DAY

The guys stand around the grill also gossiping. They are trying
to get the grill lit, but it is giving them trouble.

The steaks are sitting on a table near the grill, raw.

KENNY
So have you… ya’ know, yet.

SHAWN
Since when have you been at a loss
for words?

KENNY
Come on, so have you?

BEN
Kenny, what have I told you about
this kind of behavior?

KENNY
I just have to know, look her, she
is freaking hot. That ponytail is
great, when did she start wearing a
ponytail. And those glasses she has
on, Jesus Christ.

SHAWN
Dude, calm down. No I haven’t and I
don’t think I would tell you even
if I had.

KENNY
Why?

SHAWN
Never mind. When are you going to
get that thing lit I am starving
and it looks like the girls almost
have their part of the work done.

The fire flares up.

BEN
Here we go.

Angel walks out the sliding door and over to Shawn.

INT. SHAWN’S APARTMENT — MORNING

Shawn lays in his bed all stretched out, snoring.

The phone breaks the silence startling him awake.

The phone rings a second time and the machine picks up and
it is Angel on the other end.

ANGEL
Hey, if you’re there, pick up, I
have a surprise for you. Shawn
rolls over and grabs the phone.

SHAWN
(barely awake)
Yeah?

ANGEL
Please tell me you have absolutely
nothing to do today.

SHAWN
I have absolutely nothing to do
today, except sleep.

ANGEL
Get up, I have an extra press pass
for the game today and I would like
you to come.

SHAWN
(now awake)
Sure, I have to take a shower and
get dressed but I can meet you
there in an hour.

ANGEL
Gate 4.

EXT. STADIUM, GATE 4 — DAY

Angel is waiting by the gate when Shawn surprises her from around
a corner.

He is like a kid going to his first major league ball game.

SHAWN
So, how close will we be?

ANGEL
Real close.

Angel walks up to the older man working the gate and flashes the
press passes and he waves them through.

Shawn follows her closely as she weaves in and out of the crowd,
kids in a mile long line to buy a ball a park wiener and
adults in an equally long line to buy an overpriced beer.

She finally stops at a big heavy door with a magnetic strip swiper
for a lock. She runs the press pass and Shawn could hear it
unlock.

When the door opens it reveals stairs leading down, Angel enters
and Shawn follows.

They descend the stairs until the only light that can be
seen comes from the florescent track lighting that runs
on the ceiling.

At the bottom of the steps there appears a long hallway with a
bright light at the end and doors all down both sides, none
of which are marked as to what they are.

They make their way up the slight incline toward the light.

When they reach the end Shawn realizes that it is the field. As
he exits the corridor he looks to his left and sees that he
is in the home team dugout.

SHAWN
This is great. Thank you so much,
this is a dream come true.

ANGEL
No it’s not.

SHAWN
What do you mean.

ANGEL
Your dream is to be here as a
player, and it will happen, I’ve
watched you play, but this is as
close as I could get you. The rest
is up to you.

EXT. ANGEL’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

The two sit on her steps of the building talking, sitting close.

SHAWN
Being in the dugout today really
made the dream seem closer than
ever.

ANGEL
It is close, I can feel it.

SHAWN
I would love it, you know, what it
would be like to live your dream. I
have wanted to do this for as long
as I can remember. Playing ball in an
empty field with homemade bases and
a worn out balls and gloves. The
first glove I ever played with was
my stepfathers. He gave it to me
when I mentioned to my mom that I
wanted to learn how to play. I have
played a lot of big games since
that afternoon but nothing
compares.

ANGEL
Someday you’ll find a game that
compares.

SHAWN
I hope.

ANGEL
Would you like to come up for a
drink?

SHAWN
Sure, but what about Charles.

ANGEL
It’s just a drink.

SHAWN
I thought you meant a drink.

INT. ANGEL’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

Shawn and Angel are sitting on her couch with a wine glass apiece.

They sit close and Angel has her head on his shoulder. They are
watching ESPN as Sports Center recaps the game they were
just at.

Angel leans forward to the table were the half empty bottle of
red wine is sitting and grasps the bottle by the neck.

ANGEL
Would you like another?

SHAWN
Sure.

Angel pours him another glass and they linger, hold each others
stare for a moment and lean in, slow, and finally their
noses touch. Mouths almost there.

SHAWN
I thought this was just a drink.

ANGEL
It was.

They finish moving in and their lips touch. It is a soft, passionate
kiss that lasts only seconds.

Angel pulls back, sets the bottle on the table and reaches for
Shawn’s shirt.

She finds the bottom of it and pulls it over his head. Then she
grabs the bottom of her shirt and pulls it slowly over the
top of her head, revealing her blue lacy bra.

They move to her bedroom were she falls, pulling him to the bed
on top of her.

Lover’s Painting

image from google

Mist hung heavy in the late fall afternoon as Abby stepped out of the taxi and onto the cobblestone street. Bushes sat behind a long wrought iron fence lining the perfectly manicured lawn that surrounded the three story turn of the 20th century mansion. The gate stood ajar so Abby helped herself up the walk dragging her wheeled suitcase behind her.

The wrap around porch squeaked as Abby’s foot landed just in front of a big blue door and placed her fingers around the big brass door knocker and rapped gently. In echo of the porch the also door squeaked as it opened. This place could use some oil Abby thought as a small man’s face appeared just inside the foyer. Darkness hid the rest of the man but Abby could size him up from his tiny head.

“I’m here to see Mr. Stanford.”

“Yes, you must be Abby McIntyre. Please enter.” he said with the wave of a hand.

Abby stepped in through the door and into the grand foyer her eyes drawn to a beautiful shining mahogany staircase that ran winded up three floors. Abby heard a door open and close and a strange clacking sound.

Soon another slight gray haired man met her gaze from the top of the stairs. His step slow with the aid of a walker.

“Good evening Ms. McIntyre,” he said as he finally reached the bottom of the stairs with his walker clacking the entire way. Abby watched as he passed Renoir’s and Picasso’s and Van Gough’s and Rembrandt’s.

“Good evening Mr. Stanford, it’s good to see you again.”

They leaned in and Abby could feel his brittle bones behind his wrinkled skin. Flesh around his frail tired eyes seemed to droop more by the second.

“I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get around.”

“I understand, its okay, you are just in time I believe.”

“Can I see it?”

“Absolutely,” he said taking her hand. “It is why I called you.”

They strolled hand in hand down a long hallway to another wing of the large home. “You know you remind me of someone I knew years ago Ms. McIntyre.”

“I guess I just have one of those faces.”

“I believe it is more than that, Ms. McIntyre.”

“It is beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

Her eyes lay upon the most beautiful painting she had ever seen. The fourteen by fourteen canvas was small by most standards and it wasn’t by a famous painter. As a matter of fact it was the only known painting that the person ever completed, a self portrait of him and his lover, a dark haired woman who lay on his chest, her face hidden by his hands on either cheek. He gazed down, appearing to gaze into her eyes. However the mans face and begun to crack and peel with age and it was Abby’s job to restore the beautiful painting to its original grandeur.

“It is a shame someone of this talent only did the one painting, isn’t it?”

Stanford pointed to tarp covering a painting that sat on an easel. “When you finish you restoring the painting, I’ll show you that this isn’t the only painting he completed, and I’ll show what the woman on his chest looks like. But it is a surprise, Ms. McIntyre.”

She turned and opened her case and opened it up revealing an aray of paints and scalpels and brushes.

“Ms. McIntyre, I will leave you to your work. If you need anything the butler will get you whatever you need.”

“I think I have everything I need in my case.”

“Your room is just down the hall. I will not see you until you are complete. It was nice make your acquittance.”

“As yours, Mr. Stanford.”

After three weeks of work and when the face reappeared Abby saw the most beautiful man she had ever laid eyes on. There was a rapping on the door behind her.

“May I enter?”

She recognized the voice of her employer. “It is your house.”

A warm strong hand fell upon her shoulder. Abby’s blood ran cold as she turned and saw a young man before her.

“I’m sorry,” she said, “you must be Mr. Stanford’s son.”

“Ms. McIntyre, may I call you Abby?”

“Sure, I guess.” she stood as still as a statue.

“May I show you the painting Abby?”

“Please.”

As the man removed the tarp her heart skipped, leaped from her chest like a frog. The face she stared at sat staring back at her and it looked as though she were looking into a mirror. And the man that stood beside her looked like a spitting image of the restored painting.

“Is that?”

“Yes, Abby.”

“Are you?”

“Yes Abby, thank you by the way. You saved my life.”

“But how?”

“I honestly don’t know, I just know that as my painting ages I do as well, and I also know that restoring it restores my youth. I know that yours never ages but you will. My curse is I must watch you age and die, but my gift is that I get to spend a lifetime with you before that.”

Abby sat quite, staring into the deep blue eyes of the dark haired stranger that she had fallen in love with over the last three weeks.

“Abby, would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Yes.” she said it without even thinking, like the answer just came out with no control over her mind.

Evening fog sat on the cobblestone street as they as she walked arm in arm with the new love of her life. And she knew he walked arm in arm with the love of his many lifetimes.