SCENE ONE – INT. LOLA AND MAYA’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
The sun has begun to set in the city.
LOLA and MAYA are sitting on the couch eating takeout and watching TV.
MAYA glances over to LOLA who has barely touched her food.
MAYA grabs the remote and turns the TV volume down.
MAYA: Okay, you’ve been noticeably quiet all day and now you’ve hardly touched your dinner. That doesn’t sound like my sister.
LOLA sighs.
MAYA: Is everything okay?
LOLA: Far from it, actually.
MAYA: Stressed about tomorrow?
LOLA: You have no idea.
MAYA: Well, it’s natural to be nervous. But you guys are gonna be TV stars. That’s gonna be huge for L&O.
LOLA sets her food down on the coffee table.
LOLA: It’s not just the show that I’m stressed about. I agree that it’s definitely gonna bring some huge exposure for us. It’s more about the company that’s producing it.
MAYA: Sapphire?
LOLA: Yes. It suddenly feels like I’m a 16-year-old intern again.
MAYA: Lo, when you started working there, you were in a very bad place. The last thing you want to do is fall back into old habits.
LOLA: Well, I kind of already did.
MAYA: What do you mean?
LOLA: I kind of work there now.
MAYA: What?!
LOLA: Shh!
LOLA quickly looks around as if other people are in the apartment.
MAYA: Don’t shush me. It’s just us. What did that heartless hag do to get you to work there again? Blackmail you?
MAYA sets her food on the coffee table and grabs her phone.
MAYA: Well two can play that game.
LOLA: What are you doing?
MAYA starts to dial a number.
MAYA: I’m calling my partner. I’m about to file a lawsuit.
LOLA snatches the phone out of her hand.
MAYA: Hey!
LOLA: There is no need to file a lawsuit, okay? I chose to do it.
MAYA takes a deep breath.
MAYA: Go on.
LOLA: A few weeks ago, I was really struggling after my failed attempt to confess my feelings to Sam, especially after meeting his beautiful world traveling ex-girlfriend.
MAYA: Understandable.
LOLA: And quite honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was gonna be able to handle staying at Rose and working with him. I would’ve completely understood if he wanted to get back with her, but I didn’t want to be around to see it. So I kept my options open and I reached out to Sofia personally, not as a kid, but as an adult this time.
MAYA slowly nods as she processes what she’s being told.
LOLA: I didn’t think she’d accept me with open arms, but she did. Probably had more to do with getting back at Sebastian than helping me, but it doesn’t matter. It’s a trial run right now with no strings attached, but we had a deal. My work there stays secret.
MAYA: And what exactly is your work there?
LOLA: In short terms, I’m in charge of overseeing transitions for different departments. The biggest one being music right now. They’re in the process of signing a whole bunch of new artists.
MAYA: Well that’s pretty cool. But I can’t say that your team will share that opinion.
LOLA sighs.
MAYA: Haven’t you guys had enough secrets between all of you already?
LOLA: This is different. I didn’t take this job with any malicious intentions. I just needed some time and space to get over Sam and I’m getting there. Once their music department is launched, my interim will be over and no one has to know.
MAYA: And you really think that you can pull off working for two companies?
LOLA: Yes. It’s all about time management. We have a really good groove now at L&O and I trust my team. I will only go to Sapphire on my days off, not counting the days that we’re there for the series filming of course.
MAYA: Well it sounds like you got it all figured out. But no matter what happens, you know that I am on Team Lola, always.
LOLA grins at her before she and MAYA share a sweet hug.
SCENE TWO – INT. LIV’S APARTMENT – LIV’S BEDROOM – EVENING
LIV pushes the clothes in her closet with one hand while holding her phone in the other.
LIV: What do you wear for something like this?
ARIA: [Over the phone] I’m surprised you don’t have yours and everyone else’s outfits figured out yet. I thought that would be your first job as soon as you found out about this project.
LIV: Yeah I tried, but Austin wanted everyone to dress more “relatable”.
ARIA: [Over the phone] Got it.
JAXON: [Off-screen] Oh God!
The smoke detector in Liv’s kitchen starts to go off.
LIV’s eyes widen.
ARIA: [Over the phone] What was that?
LIV: Oh, I accidentally left something on the stove. Gotta go.
LIV hangs up the phone and runs out of the closet.
SCENE THREE – INT. LIV’S APARTMENT – LIV’S KITCHEN – EVENING
Smoke is spread out all over the kitchen.
LIV enters the kitchen coughing to find JAXON standing on a chair waving LIV’s newspaper around to clear the air. He’s wearing an apron that clearly shows that he’s been baking with flour.
The smoke detector turns off.
LIV: So I’m starting to see why Sam has forbidden you from cooking in your apartment.
JAXON continues fanning the air.
JAXON: You cause one little kitchen fire and suddenly you’re a danger to society.
LIV: Well—
JAXON: I really thought that bakers were just the artists of the kitchen, but I guess I was wrong.
LIV: Not really. But it is a craft that needs to be practiced. Next time with my supervision.
JAXON: Deal.
JAXON steps off the chair.
JAXON: Well I guess there’s no homemade celebratory docuseries cake for us tonight.
LIV: Well I wouldn’t say that.
JAXON furrows his brows.
JAXON: What do you mean?
LIV smirks and goes into the fridge. She pulls out a small tray of homemade cupcakes that she made herself.
JAXON: You made cupcakes?
LIV: Yeah. Lo taught me. I had some down time before you came over and wanted to try a recipe for myself.
LIV sets the cupcakes on the island.
JAXON: Okay, but if you already made cupcakes, then why did you let me go through all the trouble of baking tonight when you knew I’d fail?
LIV: Because it was very funny.
LIV teases him with her smile.
JAXON’s jaw slightly drops.
LIV turns to grab two cupcakes and holds one out for him to take.
JAXON: You know what? You’re right. It was funny.
LIV goes to take a bit of her cupcake.
JAXON smashes it in her face.
LIV gasps dramatically, causing JAXON to laugh.
JAXON: But that was funnier.
LIV wipes some of the frosting off of her face.
LIV: You did not just do that.
JAXON: But I did. I guess you’ll have to—
LIV grabs another cupcake and smashes it in JAXON’s face in retaliation.
JAXON: Okay, I suppose I deserved that. Let’s just call it even.
LIV: Agreed.
LIV sneakily grabs her phone out of her pocket and holds it up to take a picture.
LIV: After I post this picture of L&O’s frosted flake.
JAXON: You wouldn’t dare.
LIV: Oh, but I would.
LIV’s finger hovers over the post button before she stops herself and her face drops.
LIV: Actually, I probably shouldn’t.
JAXON: How much longer do we have to keep this a secret?
LIV: I guess we’ll see how things play around this series, but hopefully not much longer.
JAXON’s small grin shows that he’s not completely satisfied with her response.
LIV: Now are you going to help me clean up my kitchen before you go?
JAXON: Yeah, I got ya.
JAXON brings some dishes over to the sink to wash them.
LIV looks over at him and smiles.
SCENE FOUR – OPENING THEME
The opening theme plays.
SCENE FIVE – INT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – LOBBY – MORNING
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON are near the entrance conversing with each other.
LOLA enters the building and approaches them.
LOLA: Hey guys.
LIV: Hey. You look great.
LOLA: Likewise.
SKYLAR: Well I guess we should get going. Who’s driving?
LOLA: None of us.
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON all look confused.
BRIANNA: What are you talking about?
SCENE SIX – EXT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – MAIN ENTRANCE – DAY
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON walk out of the doors and stop when they see the shiny black Yukon XL pull up to the curb.
JAXON: Sweet, Lo. You booked a car for us?
LOLA’s response has a hint of shade in it.
LOLA: Not me. This car was courtesy of our new partners.
SAM: You don’t sound so enthused.
LOLA: That’s because this is the first step of the infamous suck-up routine.
LIV: While I appreciate your cautious approach Lo, I think you can ease up a bit. None of us are getting sucked in by Sapphire.
THE SAPPHIRE DRIVER gets out of the vehicle.
LOLA: Sure.
THE SAPPHIRE DRIVER: Lola Montgomery?
LOLA: That’s me.
THE SAPPHIRE DRIVER: Great. Sofia has arranged this ride for you and your team. Feel free to help yourself to our complimentary drinks and snacks inside.
LOLA: Thanks.
THE SAPPHIRE DRIVER opens the rear door.
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, JAXON, and LOLA all thank him as they climb into the car.
THE SAPPHIRE DRIVER closes the door behind them and gets back into the car.
The Yukon pulls off from the curb and begins to head down the street.
SCENE SEVEN – INT. YUKON – DAY
LOLA, SAM, and JAXON are seated in the middle row.
LOLA, a bit annoyed by their coincidental seating arrangement, attempts to distract herself by scrolling through her phone.
JAXON grabs a snack from the snack bin.
JAXON: You talk to Raya today?
SAM: Yeah. She’s got a few different job interviews lined up.
JAXON: That’s great.
SAM: Yeah.
SAM glances over to his right and sees LOLA scrolling. He clears his throat before he attempts to break the awkward silence between them.
SAM: Are you excited about today, Lo?
LOLA continues to scroll through the phone as she talks to him.
LOLA: Are you?
SAM: Sure, but I would rather talk about you.
LOLA sighs.
LOLA: Well I honestly am doing this project for Austin. Otherwise, I don’t really have much of an interest in having my life be on camera.
SAM: Well okay then.
SCENE EIGHT – INT. YUKON – DAY
LIV, SKYLAR, and BRIANNA are seated on the back row.
SKYLAR and BRIANNA are taking selfies.
LIV is on her phone. She opens her messages when she sees that she has a new one from Aria.
ARIA’S MESSAGE: Good luck on your first day!
LIV smiles when she looks at the picture that Aria sent with it, a photo from Aria in one of her tour outfits making a heart with her hands. She loves the message and sends three hearts in reply.
SCENE NINE – EXT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – MAIN ENTRANCE – DAY
The Yukon pulls up in front of the building.
The camera focuses on the Sapphire Entertainment sign.
SCENE TEN – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – LOBBY
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON all enter the lobby.
BRIANNA smiles as she takes video footage while they’re walking.
SOFIA approaches them with her assistant SARA.
SOFIA: L&Os, welcome!
BRIANNA: It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Moorland.
SOFIA offers them a friendly smile.
SOFIA: Likewise. And please, call me Sofia. If you’ll all follow me.
SOFIA and SARA lead everyone down the hall to the theater.
SCENE ELEVEN – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – STAGE A – MAIN STAGE
SOFIA, SARA, LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON walk in.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON look at the sets in amazement.
JAXON: Wow. These sets are incredible.
SOFIA: I thought you might appreciate them, Jaxon. We restored an older theater for our soundstages and rehearsal spaces.
JAXON: Nice.
SOFIA: So how are you all feeling?
SKYLAR: Look, I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that I’m a little nervous. I mean, I’m no stranger to being in front of the camera, but that’s a lot easier to do when you have an idea of what you’re filming. We know this series is gonna be about us, but what exactly?
SOFIA: Fair question. I honestly do not have you all scheduled to officially start filming until next week. This week is all about establishing your parts and getting comfortable with it so that filming will feel more natural to you.
SAM: That sounds great. So where do we start?
SCENE TWELVE – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – STAGE A – WRITERS ROOM
SOFIA opens the door.
SOFIA: Our Stage A Writers Room. This is where all of your creative ideas will come to life.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON walk in and sit at the table.
SOFIA: Well I have a meeting to get to, but Austin will be joining you guys shortly.
LOLA: Thank you, Sofia.
SOFIA: Of course. Best of luck to you all.
SOFIA exits the room.
LOLA: Well, this is gonna be fun.
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and JAXON are all on their phones.
LIV: Relax Lo. It’ll be fine.
SAM’s phone begins to ding excessively to the point where it draws everyone’s attention.
SAM quickly pulls it out to turn the ringer off.
LOLA: Well you know what’s not fine? The fact that this room isn’t a no-phone zone because it should be.
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON all look up at her.
LOLA: Look, if we want this show to succeed, we have to be completely focused. Does everyone agree?
AUSTIN enters.
AUSTIN: Well I sure hope you do because I hope that this project will change your lives…for the better of course.
AUSTIN makes his way to the front of the room.
AUSTIN: Thank you all for being here and agreeing to do this. It really means a lot to me.
LOLA: Any time.
AUSTIN: Let’s get started.
AUSTIN grabs a dry erase marker off of the dry erase board.
AUSTIN: So I’m sure you’ve all been wondering what this series is going to be about.
SKYLAR: Our work lives?
AUSTIN: To a certain extent. But I have to say I’m a little more curious to see your out-of-work lives as I imagine our viewers will be as well.
LIV: Austin, I really don’t think that our lives are that exciting.
AUSTIN: I see your point which is why sometimes you have to make it exciting for the cameras. Create a story that viewers would find entertaining.
JAXON: So you want the series to be more like reality TV?
AUSTIN: Yes, but not cheesy.
SAM: So how do we do that?
AUSTIN: We need ideas that are gonna bring a little bit of a shock factor.
SKYLAR: Like murder? Cause if that’s the case, I’m killing Sam, strangling Jax—
LOLA, LIV, BRIANNA, SAM, JAXON, and AUSTIN all look disturbed.
AUSTIN: No, Sky. That’s not a reality vibe, that’s a true crime.
SKYLAR: Whatever.
BRIANNA: How about romance?
LOLA, LIV, SAM, and JAXON all have a similar reaction for their respective reasons.
BRIANNA: I mean that seems to be what entertains a lot of viewers watching TV these days.
AUSTIN: Yes. Of course.
AUSTIN writes “Romance” on the dry erase board.
AUSTIN: I did kind of already have that in mind for one of you.
LIV: Who?
AUSTIN: You.
LIV: Me?
AUSTIN: You seem surprised.
LIV: Yeah. A little bit.
AUSTIN: Look, I am painting you as L&O’s It Girl in this show, so a romance for you with a fellow cast member would be the most natural fit.
JAXON: You mean with me?
LIV shifts in her chair uncomfortably.
AUSTIN: Oh, no. Of course not. If we really want to go off without a hitch, it would really suit us to have a well-known name attached to the project.
LOLA: Like who?
AUSTIN: I was thinking of one of Sapphire’s newest clients, Jaylin Thompson.
BRIANNA perks up.
BRIANNA: Jaylin Thompson?
LIV: You’re joking right? He’s one of the biggest child stars of our generation.
SKYLAR: And a notorious thief who stole Liv’s heart.
LIV quickly turns to give SKYLAR a death glare before looking back at JAXON who is taking everything in.
LIV: Yeah when I was a kid.
AUSTIN draws an arrow from “ROMANCE” and writes “Liv + Jaylin”.
AUSTIN: So you’re familiar with his work. Excellent. Moving on. Now another successful part of a show is having some kind of antagonist and it may be a bit of stretch, but I was hoping it could be you Lola.
LOLA: Me?
AUSTIN: Please don’t hate me. I’ll admit when we first met, I got those kinds of vibes from you, but I completely understand if you don’t want to do it.
LOLA: I’ll do it.
SAM: Wait, seriously?
LOLA: Yes. Do you think I can’t?
SAM: No. It’s just that if you do that, people who don’t know you would perceive you that way.
LOLA: Well maybe that it is who I am.
SAM: But—
LOLA cuts him off.
LOLA: I appreciate your input, but I don’t need it. If you want an antagonist, Austin, you’ve got one.
AUSTIN: Great.
As AUSTIN turns to write “ANTAGONIST —> LOLA” on the board, BRIANNA, SKYLAR, LIV, and JAXON all give each other awkward looks.
SAM has now officially begun to confirm LOLA’s hostility towards him.
SCENE THIRTEEN – EXT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – STAGE A
SKYLAR and BRIANNA are walking.
SKYLAR has her phone in her hand.
BRIANNA: Well that was the world’s most awkward brainstorming session.
SKYLAR: Tell me about it. Look I don’t know what is going on with Lo and Sam, but it can’t be good.
BRIANNA: Right? I mean how did we go from the summer of inseparable besties to this?
SKYLAR: I could think of a reason.
BRIANNA: Sam’s ex?
SKYLAR: Exactly.
BRIANNA: Okay, but who cares that she’s back?
SKYLAR: Apparently Sam does since he has seemed to spend almost every waking minute with her since she’s been back.
SKYLAR hands BRIANNA her phone that shows RAYA’S profile, Sam being present in almost all of her recent posts.
BRIANNA: Oh. Well that would explain that.
BRIANNA hands SKYLAR her phone back.
BRIANNA: So what? We just have to deal with a jealous Lola for the foreseeable future?
SKYLAR: I wouldn’t necessarily call this jealousy. It seems more like hurt. I mean Lola probably feels stuck because she doesn’t feel comfortable telling him how she really feels now. And it seems like the best way for her to cope with that is to ice him out so it hurts less. Trust me, I’ve done it before.
BRIANNA: But that’s so stupid. If anything, it’s just gonna wreck their friendship.
SKYLAR: I know, but I think the best thing we can do for the both of them is try to keep the peace, at least until this docuseries is finished. And if it comes down to it, I will put them both in check.
BRIANNA: Sounds like a plan. So do I get to know who these crushes are that you had to ice out or are you just leaving that up for speculation?
SKYLAR: Why do you wanna know so badly?
BRIANNA: Because up until this moment, I didn’t even know you had crushes. You told me that you fly solo.
SKYLAR: And that’s still true because I never dated anybody, at least nothing serious anyways.
BRIANNA pulls out her phone with a mischievous smirk on her face.
SKYLAR: What are you doing?
BRIANNA: Calling Austin. I think we have a romantic in the group already.
SKYLAR: Bri!
SKYLAR attempts to grab her phone.
BRIANNA: Hey Austin, it’s Bri.
SKYLAR: Hang up the phone!
SKYLAR makes another attempt but BRIANNA dodges her.
BRIANNA: Hey, I got another romance idea for the show—
BRIANNA starts to run away causing SKYLAR to sprint after her.
SKYLAR: Bri! Get back here!
SCENE FOURTEEN – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – SOFIA’S OFFICE – DAY
AUSTIN has set up for his pitch session with SOFIA.
SOFIA is sitting at her desk.
SOFIA: So after Day 1, how do you feel?
AUSTIN: This is gonna be something. I gotta be honest, I wasn’t 100% sure where this show was gonna go, but these guys are giving me everything I needed and more.
SOFIA: So what do we have?
AUSTIN places Lola’s picture up on the board under the category “The Antagonist”.
AUSTIN: Lola is gonna be our antagonist.
SOFIA: Well that certainly checks out. And you really think she can pull that off?
AUSTIN: Trust me. You have no idea. I think there’s some serious tension between her and Sam.
SOFIA: Interesting. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on that. Proceed.
AUSTIN places Liv’s picture under the “It Girl” category.
AUSTIN: Olivia Keaton, L&O’s It Girl.
SOFIA: Of course.
AUSTIN: And there will be a romantic arc between her and a fellow co-star. How are things looking with Jaylin?
SOFIA: Just signed his contract this morning and is very much looking forward to being in this show.
AUSTIN: Perfect. And what’s a good TV show romance without a jilted lover?
SOFIA: Jaxon?
AUSTIN: Exactly.
SOFIA slowly nods her head in approval as AUSTIN places Jaxon’s picture under the “Jilted Lover” category.
AUSTIN: And of course the show can’t rely solely on romantic drama, so I figured why not bring some other relational drama into the mix? Now we know that for the most part, these guys have found a way to get along and work together as a team. But the one thing that will keep people on their toes is a good old fashioned rivalry.
SOFIA: And who would that be? Are you planning on bringing Stella Marshall into this project too?
AUSTIN: Yeah, no. Look, I’m all for doing what I have to do to get views. But if I don’t have a cast, I don’t have a show. We can’t afford to have the project completely derailed.
SOFIA: Good point. So who is playing your rivals?
AUSTIN holds up Skylar and Brianna’s pictures and smiles.
SOFIA: Skylar and Brianna?
AUSTIN: Yes. The group’s closest friends. No one would see it coming.
AUSTIN places the pictures up on the board under the “Enemies/Rivals” category, leaving one spot open.
AUSTIN: And last but certainly not least, you can’t have a well-rounded cast in a drama without a peacemaker and after today’s brainstorming session, Sam is definitely the one.
AUSTIN places Sam’s picture under the “Peacemaker” category before he turns back to face her.
AUSTIN: So we have a show?
SOFIA smirks.
SOFIA: We have a show.
AUSTIN smiles.
SCENE FIFTEEN – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
LIV and JAXON are sitting on the couch cuddling.
JAXON: So you’ve been thinking about the show too huh?
LIV: I did and I don’t know how I feel about it.
JAXON: Same. At least you are getting portrayed as the “It Girl”. I’m the loser who got rejected.
LIV: That’s just a stupid side plot. Believe me, I’d much rather have you as my love interest.
JAXON: I know. But Austin was right. A big name on the project would definitely help it succeed. As long as things stay strictly professional, I’ll be good.
LIV: Well that certainly is a promise that I can keep.
JAXON grins and kisses LIV’s temple.
LIV: But I can’t speak for all of us at L&O.
JAXON: And by “all of us”, I’m assuming you mean Lola?
LIV: Yeah. If everyday on set ends up like today did, I don’t know how much is gonna be left of this project.
JAXON: I agree. I mean Sam definitely senses something’s up. It’s just a matter of time before he officially confronts Lo about it and when that happens—
LIV: All hell will break loose.
JAXON: Exactly.
LIV: Where is Bubble Boy anyways?
SCENE SIXTEEN – INT. PEYTON’S CAFÈ – EVENING
The cafè is more crowded than usual for the open mic night.
SAM and RAYA are sitting at a table.
SAM: So how’d the interviews go?
RAYA: Pretty good, I guess. They said they’d let me know by next week.
SAM nervously plays with his straw.
SAM: Um, I’ve been trying to figure out how to say this without sounding kind of harsh…
RAYA raises her eyebrows.
SAM: I’m not sure that I’m ready to just pick up where we left off.
RAYA has a look of slight disappointment on her face.
SAM: I mean these past few weeks that we’ve been reconnected has been really healing from how we left things, but I’m not the same guy that I was when you left.
RAYA: I can see that. That Sam would’ve preferred to keep his feelings to himself. And he certainly wouldn’t have come clean as easily on his own.
SAM: Yeah. And it’s not that I don’t think we could ever get back to what we used to be, it’s just complicated.
RAYA: Look, I completely understand. I don’t think we should rush back into anything either.
As SAM gives her a friendly grin, RAYA begins to gather her stuff.
RAYA: Look, I should get going. I have an early start tomorrow.
SAM: Okay.
RAYA stands and puts her backpack on her shoulder.
RAYA: Goodnight Sam.
SAM: Goodnight.
RAYA heads towards the exit.
SAM takes a sip of his drink.
SCENE SEVENTEEN – EXT. PEYTON’S CAFÈ – EVENING
As Raya exits the cafè, her phone rings. She stands near the curb to answer the call.
RAYA: Hello?
SOFIA: Raya King, this is Sofia Moorland from Sapphire Entertainment. How are you?
RAYA: A little surprised right now. How did you get my number?
SOFIA: A professor of yours recommended you to me. He said that you have a great talent for a future in the film industry and I could use you for a new project that I’m developing.
RAYA: I’m listening.
SCENE EIGHTEEN – INT. PEYTON’S CAFÈ – EVENING
The music playing in the cafè fades out.
OPEN MIC MC walks onto the stage.
OPEN MIC MC: Alright folks! Welcome to Open Mic night at Peyton’s!
The crowd cheers.
OPEN MIC MC: First up, we have someone who is no stranger here at Peyton’s, our very own Dominic Torres!
The crowd cheers as DOMINIC makes his way onto the stage with his guitar.
SAM looks towards the stage to watch the performance.
DOMINIC steps up to the mic.
DOMINIC: Thanks for coming out tonight.
DOMINIC begins to play a cover of “New Classic – Acoustic Version” by Drew Seeley.
SAM looks impressed as he listens.
After his performance concludes, the crowd claps.
DOMINIC smiles at the crowd and bows.
DOMINIC: Thank you.
DOMINIC exits the stage as the crowd continues to clap and cheer.
SAM claps.
DOMINIC high fives the OPEN MIC MC.
SCENE NINETEEN – INT. MAYA’S CAR – EVENING
MAYA is driving.
LOLA is in the passenger seat looking at her script notes.
MAYA: I cannot believe that you actually said yes.
LOLA: To a role that am I perfectly capable of playing?
MAYA: I never said that you weren’t. It just seems like a lot for you to take on right now. I can’t believe that your friends were okay with it.
LOLA: Well not everyone was. Sam had no problem voicing his concerns.
MAYA: What kind of concerns?
LOLA: Basically that the viewers of the show will get the wrong idea about me if I’m portrayed as the antagonist.
MAYA: I mean, he has a point.
LOLA rolls her eyes.
LOLA: Yeah and he also has a role of his own to worry about, so he can get off mine.
MAYA briefly takes her eyes off of the road to give LOLA a sympathetic look.
MAYA: I really hate seeing you like this.
LOLA: Like what?
MAYA: Hurt. Resentful.
LOLA: I’m fine.
MAYA: And a liar.
LOLA side-eyes MAYA.
MAYA: You may think you’re fooling your friends, but you’re not fooling me. And I know that you don’t want to hear it, but you need to. You’re acting this way because of a relationship that may not even exist at this point. You don’t know if Sam’s actually going to get back together with Raya or not.
LOLA: Yeah, well he’d be crazy not to.
MAYA: Well, at this rate, he’s not gonna want to be with you either.
LOLA: Ouch.
MAYA: I did say that you wouldn’t want to hear it. You know I’m a straight shooter when it comes to this stuff. Cut the crap, park your distractions at the door, and start acting professional. You can’t say it to your team and not follow through with it yourself.
LOLA: Okay, okay. I get it. I’ve been a hypocritical drama queen.
MAYA: But tomorrow you don’t have to be.
LOLA: And how the heck am I supposed to turn this around?
MAYA smirks.
MAYA: I think I have an idea.
SCENE TWENTY – INT. PEYTON’S CAFÈ – NIGHT
Most of the crowd has dispersed since it is close to closing time.
SAM remains at the table studying his notes for the show.
DOMINIC finishes cleaning the table next to him before he approaches Sam’s.
DOMINIC: Anything else that I can get you, man? The kitchen’s about to close.
SAM: How about some singing lessons? You were amazing up there.
DOMINIC: Thanks.
SAM: If this coffee shop gig doesn’t work out, you should seriously consider a career in the music industry.
DOMINIC: Oh believe me, I have. This job is paying for it.
SAM: Gotcha.
SAM closes his binder that has the Sapphire logo on it, leading DOMINIC to glance down at it.
DOMINIC: You work at Sapphire Entertainment?
SAM: At the moment, yes. But it’s just for a project.
DOMINIC: Nice. Well maybe I’ll see you there.
SAM: You work at Sapphire too?
DOMINIC: Yes. I was recently signed as one of their newest recording artists.
SAM: Sweet. Well, congratulations.
DOMINIC: Thanks. That means a lot. Look, I gotta finish cleaning up so I can close up, but it was nice to meet you—
DOMINIC pauses.
SAM: Sam. Sam Smythe.
DOMINIC: Sam.
SAM: You as well.
SAM and DOMINIC shake hands.
SCENE TWENTY ONE – INT. STAGE A – WRITERS ROOM – MORNING
An entire slew of homemade baked goods are laid out on the table.
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM and JAXON enter the room engaged in various conversations.
The conversations die down when they all see the table.
BRIANNA: Whoa. What’s up with the spread?
SAM: Jax, what part of “You are banned from cooking in our kitchen until further notice” did you not understand? I mean, it’s nice that you’re improving though.
JAXON: Hey man, it wasn’t me. Liv?
LIV: Not me.
LOLA’s voice can be heard off-screen.
LOLA: It was me.
LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM and JAXON all look up at the door and find LOLA standing in the doorway.
SAM: You did this?
LOLA: Yeah. Can we talk?
SCENE TWENTY TWO – INT. STAGE A
SAM and LOLA are walking side by side.
LOLA: I owe you an apology. I know it’s been a weird couple of weeks.
SAM: Yeah it has.
LOLA: I was in a tough spot and I let it get the best of me. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.
SAM nods slowly as she continues.
LOLA: Truthfully, I’m kind of still in it, but I’m doing everything that I can to work through it.
SAM: I can help. I’m an excellent listener and problem solver.
LOLA: I agree, but this is something that I kind of need to work through on my own.
SAM: I respect that.
SAM and LOLA’s hands nearly brush as they’re walking, but LOLA pulls hers away.
SOFIA and DOMINIC approach SAM and LOLA while having a separate side conversation.
SOFIA: Lola, Sam, so glad that we ran into you. Sam, Dominic mentioned that he met you last night at Peyton’s.
SAM: That’s right. Nice to see you.
DOMINIC: Likewise.
DOMINIC smiles at LOLA. She reciprocates it.
Sofia’s phone rings.
SOFIA: Oh, I have to take this.
SOFIA walks off leaving SAM, DOMINIC, and LOLA together.
SAM: Oh Dominic, this is Lola. Editor-in-chief of L&O Magazine.
DOMINIC: Oh, I know. We met. Nice to see you again, Grumpy Cat.
LOLA snickers.
LOLA: You too, Music Man.
SAM gives the two of them a weird look.
LOLA: So you’re a Sapphire artist now?
DOMINIC: Yep. But that’s nothing compared to what you guys are gonna be here.
LOLA: Oh please. It’s nothing.
SOFIA walks back up to them.
SOFIA: Hate to cut this short, kids, but Dominic and I have to get to a meeting.
DOMINIC: Right. Well, I guess I’ll see you guys around.
LOLA: Yes you will and welcome to Sapphire.
DOMINIC: Thanks.
SAM is immediately reminded of his first interaction with Lola. Seeing her interact similarly with Dom unsettles him and he’s not sure why.
As SOFIA and DOMINIC head off, SAM and LOLA continue to walk.
SAM: So, “Grumpy Cat” huh?
LOLA: Yeah. We met at a cafè back home. Long story short, I was having another really rough night and he got me through it. It was really sweet.
SAM: Well I’m glad he could be there for you.
LOLA: Me too.
LOLA’s phone dings. She grabs it out of her pocket to check it.
LOLA: Oh, it’s Liv. We should probably get back inside.
SAM: Yeah.
LOLA heads back towards the soundstage, completely unaware of SAM’s disappointment written all over his face before he follows her.
SCENE TWENTY THREE – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
SAM and JAXON are playing video games.
JAXON: So how do you think it went today?
SAM: Okay, I guess. I mean I don’t really have to act much for my part.
JAXON: What do you mean?
SAM: That I’m not gonna have a problem trying to keep the peace with everybody. I’m already doing it enough off camera as it is.
JAXON: So I take it you and Lola didn’t really work things out?
SAM: Kind of, but it’s hard to do that when we’re not being 100% honest. All I know is that she’s been struggling with something and she won’t tell me what it is. And it just sucks because I used to be the person that she came to with stuff and now she won’t. But at least I know why now.
JAXON raises his eyebrows.
JAXON: You do?
SAM: Yes. She’s confiding in someone else.
JAXON: And that’s a bad thing?
SAM: No. But given the current circumstances of our lives being more public now, I think that we should really be careful about who we associate with.
JAXON: What’s this guy’s name?
SAM: Dominic. Dominic Torres. He’s one of Sapphire’s newest musicians who works at Peyton’s.
A baffled look crosses JAXON’s face.
SAM: What?
JAXON: You’re worried about a guitar playing barista? This dude sounds completely harmless. I get the trust issues, but I think we can ease up a little bit.
SAM: Jax, it’s my job as the peacemaker to stay vigilant. I need to make sure that this guy is not gonna cause any problems.
JAXON: Whatever helps you sleep at night.
SCENE TWENTY FOUR – INT. VALETIN’S – EVENING
BRIANNA and KEELEY are sitting at the table.
BRIANNA: Thank you for meeting with me.
KEELEY: Of course. The pleasure is all mine. I should consider it a blessing just getting face time with you right now.
BRIANNA: Oh please. I’m just Brianna Lozano, a Rose Publications journalist.
KEELEY: Who also happens to be getting ready to star in a reality series.
BRIANNA chuckles nervously and twiddles her thumbs.
BRIANNA: Right.
KEELEY takes a sip of her drink.
BRIANNA: Can I be honest with you about something?
KEELEY: Sure.
BRIANNA: I’m not sure I’m ready for this. I mean, yes, this is an incredible opportunity. But I’ve always been comfortable with being behind the camera. I write. I tell stories. I convey the truth.
KEELEY: And you can still do all of that. You have to remember that you’re not alone in this. And yes, there are going to be moments when it’s gonna be a little daunting. But you have to remind yourself that you are there for a reason; to tell your story. And no one can take that away from you. I know that you can do this.
BRIANNA offers her a warm smile.
Brianna’s phone dings on the table, prompting BRIANNA to glance at it.
BRIANNA: Thanks Keels. Now as much as I hate to cut this dinner short, I have to get going. Austin just gave all of us a little assignment ahead of filming tomorrow.
KEELEY: What assignment?
SCENE TWENTY FIVE – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – STAGE A – EVENING
AUSTIN and the SAPPHIRE CREW MEMBERS are setting up all of the equipment. AUSTIN does a voiceover as it is happening.
AUSTIN: It’s nothing major, just a little opening monologue to introduce your characters. And don’t worry. They won’t be published. I figured it would help all of you as you prepare to get into your roles. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
SCENE TWENTY SIX – INT. LOLA AND MAYA’S APARTMENT – LOLA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
LOLA is lying on her bed in her lounge clothes with her laptop in front of her. She has a blank Google Doc open, but hesitates to type anything. She takes a deep breath before she begins to type.
SCENE TWENTY SEVEN – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – STAGE A
AUSTIN is doing his final walk-through as the SAPPHIRE CREW MEMBERS are heading out for the night.
AUSTIN: Thanks again, guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.
THE SAPPHIRE CREW MEMBERS engage each other in various conversations as they exit.
SOFIA enters.
SOFIA: Well if it isn’t Sapphire’s Steven Spielberg.
AUSTIN smirks.
AUSTIN: Stop.
SOFIA: How are things looking?
AUSTIN: Pretty good. The stage is all set.
SOFIA: Excellent. And our stars?
AUSTIN stumbles over his answer.
AUSTIN: They’re doing okay, I guess.
SOFIA: That didn’t sound very convincing.
AUSTIN sighs.
SOFIA: What’s going on?
AUSTIN: Look, no one’s more excited than I am to tell the L&Os’ story, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I was still a little nervous. And I knew that I was taking the risk by choosing non-actors as my subjects, but still. I mean they literally decided to put their differences aside and work together to create a great show.
SOFIA: You say that like it’s a bad thing.
AUSTIN: It is a bad thing. I had high hopes for this series because of everything that I pitched to you. Viewers love to see drama unfold on their screens. But those guys are not professional actors. They are not gonna want to fake drama if the show is supposed to be a reflection of their real lives and there’s a possibility that it’s going to affect their performance for the cameras.
SOFIA thinks for a moment.
SOFIA: Then we make the drama real.
AUSTIN: What do you mean?
SOFIA smirks mischievously.
END OF EPISODE
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