Color Me Busted

Happy Tuesday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 5 of ZOMBIE & JULIET, more than sparks fly when uptown conservative girl Jool meets downtown liberal boy Rommy at the street fair ...


EXT. GREENWICH VILLAGE STREET - DAY
JOOL drifts down the street.
In complete delight with all the
sights, sounds and smells of the fair.

Taking pictures with her camera.
In her element.

She throws some money in a hat
in front of a STREET MUSICIAN.

Goes to a vendor.
Buys a bouquet flowers. Sniffs them.

Then buys a piece chocolate from another.
Eats it, savoring it.

MERK
Nudges Rommy.

MERK
Look. Someone dropped a
hundred-dollar bill on the sidewalk.

ROMMY
(still staring)
That’s nice.

MERK
Okay. You just stand there like a robot,
and I’m gonna go get another beer.

He walks away, shaking his head.
Jool comes into view.

Sees Rommy gaping at her.
Stops. Looks at him. Fake-angry.

JOOL
Drool much? Didn’t your mother
teach you it’s not polite to stare?

ROMMY
I’m -- sorry.

JOOL
It’s okay. Just busting your chops.

He comes out of his trance.
Faint hint of a smile.

ROMMY
Color me busted.

JOOL
(offers hand to shake)
Jool.

ROMMY
(shakes)
Rommy. Nice to meet you.
(beat)
Pretty name.

They stop shaking.
But don’t let go.

If this were animated,
we’d see an electric spark CRACKLE.

JOOL
It’s short for Juliet,
but I HATE that name.
It’s so corny.
(beat)
Is Rommy short for -- Romeo?

ROMMY
Worse. Short for Romulus.
Father’s a Trekkie.

They realize. Let go.
An awkward moment. Then --

ROMMY (CONT'D)
So you’re, uh --
enjoying the street fair?

JOOL
Yeah, it’s AMAZING.
We don’t have them where I come from.
It’s like another WORLD.

He looks at her expensive,
understated clothing. Realizes.

ROMMY
You’re -- from uptown?

JOOL
Yeah.
But I think I like it better downtown.

ROMMY
You’re a Kapp --

JOOL
Shhh. Don’t tell anyone.
What happens in Greenwich Village,
stays in Greenwich Village.

Pause.

ROMMY
You have -- the most beautiful eyes.

JOOL
(looks closely)
Yours are sad. Wounded.
Like you’ve been -
(beat)
I’m sorry. That was stupid.
I do that all the time.
I get too personal too quickly --
talk without thinking.
Some people say I talk too MUCH.
Oh, look -- there’s Chatty Kathy.

ROMMY
That’s okay. I like to talk.
I mean, talking’s good.
If people would just
talk to each other,
the world would be a --
(beat)
Would you like to get some ice cream?
(beat)
Sit and talk?

JOOL
I’d like that.

She leans in.
Kisses him on the cheek.

Then pulls away.
Surveys the damage.
Rommy’s face flushes a deep red.

ROMMY
Wh-what was that for?

JOOL
Just curious.
(beat)
I’ve never seen a boy blush like that.

PUSH IN ON Rommy’s face. Heart racing.

ROMMY
So, uh -- what’s your favorite flavor?