Writer's Workshop

I've written a lot of scripts and stories about monsters. I'm very comfortable noodling on vampires and werewolves and other creatures that go bump in the night (quite rudely and loudly, if we're being honest). Writing genre fare is my wheelhouse and I don't diverge from that very often. Write what you know, they say, and man do I know (and love) classic monsters.

With that said it is fun to branch out from time to time. I have a few draft ideas I've come up with for more grounded stories, ones not involved horror monsters or sci-fi themes. None of those are far enough along to share (although I really should revisit them), but this idea came to me while I was just out, wandering around, and suddenly I had to write it. A romantic comedy about a woman who finds herself falling into a poly relationship. We'll discuss details below, but for now, enjoy the first half of "Thruple" (absolutely a working title and I wish I had something better for it):

Thruple (Working Title): Part 1

FADE IN.

EXT: CALVIN'S BAR, NIGHT.

We see a pretty standard mid-town bar, populated by some people on the outside sitting at tables, more people slowly funneling in to enjoy a bit of fun. Poppy, but unobtrusive, music pumps out from the place as the evening crowd steadily descends. It's not super busy there tonight, just a nice group of people to keep the place feeling "active".

INT: CALVIN'S BAR, NIGHT.

We start at a table where four women -- CLAIRE, MAGGIE, DEB, and TRACY -- all sit, having drinks and chatting.

DEB:

-it was going well, then he got all handsy.

TRACY:

I thought you liked that from a guy, DEB.

DEB:

Sure, TRACE, on a second date. Or maybe a third. Not on the first. That's when you get to know each other.

TRACY:

Over the pants stuff only.

DEB slams her drink back.

DEB:

Exactly!

She looks at her drink.

DEB:

I'm dry. Who's turn is it.

TRACY:

I got last round. MAGGIE?

MAGGIE:

I grabbed the time before.

DEB:

CLAIRE?

CLAIRE:

Uh, I'm DD. You guys get to buy my soda all night.

DEB reaches into her purse and grabs out some cash.

DEB:

Will you get them for us? My treat!

CLAIRE sighs but grabs the cash, getting up. She's the tomboy of the group and, while dressed nicely, she's not wearing anything particularly girly. She pulls her sweater over her and heads up to the bar.

CAMERA: FOLLOW SHOT.

CLAIRE dodges through the crowd as she slowly moves around the various chatting groups. She gets up to the bar itself and waves at the BARTENDER for attention. She turns and sees a guy sipping on a beer. She can't help but appraise him, seeing him dressed nicely in a good looking leather jacket, and when he turns, noticing her stare, she blushes and turns away.

JAMES:

I was partial to Van Gogh myself.

CLAIRE looks over.

CLAIRE:

What?

JAMES smiles.

JAMES:

The button on your sweater. It's a Monet haystack painting.

She looks down, and then fingers the button on her chest.

CLAIRE:

Oh, I forgot I had this on. Got it from a museum.

JAMES:

I like it. Monet's work is lovely.

CLAIRE:

Yeah, I, uh, liked the colors.

She pauses and, seeing as he's still looking at her, she smiles.

CLAIRE:

I like your coat.

JAMES:

Thanks.

He reaches out his hand.

JAMES:

I'm JAMES.

CLAIRE shakes his hand.

CLAIRE:

CLAIRE.

She tries to wave the BARTENDER over again, but no luck.

JAMES:

HEY! OVER HERE!

CLAIRE looks shocked as JAMES yells to get attention, but the BARTENDER heads over.

BARTENDER:

Can I help you?

JAMES:

The lady would like...

CLAIRE:

A whiskey sour, an appletini, a raspberry daiquiri, and a Dr. Pepper.

The BARTENDER nods and goes off to make the drinks.

JAMES:

Which one is yours?

CLAIRE:

The soda.

JAMES:

Designated driver?

CLAIRE smiles.

CLAIRE:

Yep.

JAMES turns to her more and leans on the bar.

JAMES:

And if I were to have bought you a drink on, say, some other night, what would it have been?

CLAIRE pauses.

CLAIRE:

Hmm, if I'm honest, a chocolate martini.

JAMES:

Those are good, but I can't have anything that sweet before dinner.

CLAIRE:

I already ate with my friends.

JAMES:

They serve food here?

CLAIRE laughs.

CLAIRE:

Yeah, you didn't know?

JAMES:

To be honest, this was just a pop in for a drink before-

The BARTENDER cuts in and sets down the four drinks with a tray.

BARTENDER:

Where should I take these?

CLAIRE points over to her table.

CLAIRE:

Uh, table over there.

Her friends wave and the BARTENDER nods.

BARTENDER:

That'll be 32 bucks.

CLAIRE sets the wad down, looks at it, then shoves it over.

CLAIRE:

Keep the rest.

CLAIRE:

Well, I should probably get back to my friends.

JAMES smiles.

JAMES:

It was nice meeting you, CLAIRE.

CLAIRE nods.

CLAIRE:

Yeah, you too!

She turns and starts to move away, then stops, thinks, and turns back. She walks back up to JAMES and, from her pocket, pulls out a card, setting it on the bar next to him.

CLAIRE:

This is me, and that's my direct number. If you maybe wanted to-

At this moment up comes GREGORY. He puts a familiar arm around JAMES and looks over at CLAIRE.

GREGORY:

Did you order drinks yet, hon?

JAMES tips his beer.

JAMES:

I wasn't sure how long you'd be and I know you hate it when the ice melts in your drink.

GREGORY shrugs and looks again at CLAIRE.

GREGORY:

Is she the waitress?

CLAIRE realizes she's been staring and takes a step back.

CLAIRE:

I... I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were gay.

GREGORY:

Hmm.

CLAIRE quickly moves off.

GREGORY:

What was that?

JAMES:

I'm pretty sure she was hitting on me until you arrived.

GREGORY:

Her? Really?

CUT to TABLE.

CLAIRE sits down quickly and starts absently sipping on her soda.

MAGGIE:

CLAIRE, you okay?

CLAIRE:

I just hit on a gay man.

The table erupts in laughter.

TRACIE:

First time?

MAGGIE:

Was he cute?

DEB:

He's gay. Of course he was cute.

CLAIRE hides her face in shame on the table.

CUT to BAR.

GREGORY:

She's pretty, but eh. I don't get you and girls.

JAMES:

I'm pretty sure your parents said the same thing to you about men.

GREGORY looks shocked, but in a playful way.

GREGORY:

Bitch.

Then he laughs.

GREGORY:

Fine, if you want to hang out with that straight-bait, be my guest.

He waves at the BARTENDER, but, as with everyone else, is ignored.

GREGORY:

HEY! A DRINK!

JAMES:

That's what I had to do.

GREGORY smiles and leans on his shoulder.

GREGORY:

Who do you think I learned it from?

FADE OUT.

FADE IN.

EXT: JAMES AND GREGORY'S APARTMENT, DAY.

We get the standard establishing shot of an apartment building. It's a nice enough place, better than some but not too upscale.

INT: JAMES AND GREGORY'S APARTMENT, MAIN ROOM, DAY.

GREGORY is sitting on the couch in their apartment, working on his laptop. A TV plays, but sits largely ignored as GREGORY taps away. Eventually, JAMES comes in and hangs his coat up by the door before setting his bag down nearby.

JAMES:

Hullo.

GREGORY:

Hey, there you are. You're home late. I was just starting to worry about you.

JAMES:

Yeah, I told you. I was popping over to grab tickets.

GREGORY stares at him.

JAMES:

For the show...

GREGORY stares at him.

JAMES:

At the Riot...

GREGORY nods and waves it away.

GREGORY:

Ah, right, Orgasm Biscuit.

JAMES sighs.

JAMES:

Sex Sandwich. My favorite band.

GREGORY:

It's a bunch of aging rockers playing covers, dear.

JAMES:

They have originals, too.

GREGORY taps for a couple and then pauses.

GREGORY:

You said "tickets." Plural.

JAMES:

Yeah. Aren't you going with me?

GREGORY:

Why would I do that.

JAMES:

Because you love me.

GREGORY:

Clearly you've misinterpreted the lengths I'll go for that love.

JAMES:

You went with me to one of their shows before.

GREGORY:

Yes. One. As agreed at the time. I paid my dues.

JAMES:

But I got two tickets.

GREGORY:

Well, find someone else to go with you, then. I have work to do, and I just opened a bottle of wine, and I'm absolutely not going to see Handjob Croissant.

JAMES comes over and kisses GREGORY.

JAMES:

I know you're doing that on purpose.

GREGORY looks innocent.

GREGORY:

Doing what?

JAMES:

You know the band name.

GREGORY:

Perhaps. But I'm still not going.

JAMES pauses, then pats his pockets and finds CLAIRE's card within. He pulls it out, then gives a nod.

JAMES:

You cool if I ask CLAIRE to go?

GREGORY doesn't look up from his work.

GREGORY:

Who?

JAMES:

The girl from the bar.

GREGORY stops and thinks. Then he waves his hand again.

GREGORY:

Sure. Have fun. But while you're out I'm getting Thai food.

JAMES looks a little grumpy.

JAMES:

From Downtown Spice?

GREGORY:

Oh yeah. And I'm eating it all.

JAMES:

That's cruel... but okay.

JAMES walks off to the kitchen.

INT: JAMES AND GREGORY'S APARTMENT, KITCHEN, DAY.

JAMES taps CLAIRE's number into his phone, then rings her up. After a pause, the phone connects.

CLAIRE (VOICE):

Hello?

JAMES:

Hey, this is JAMES... from the bar.

CLAIRE (VOICE):

Oh. Yeah. The gay guy.

JAMES:

Actually I'm not... Anyway, I've got two tickets for a show tonight at the Riot. Sex Sandwich is playing and-

CLAIRE (VOICE):

Oh my god, I love them. I had all their albums back in high school.

JAMES:

Yeah, they're great. Did you wanna go?

CLAIRE (VOICE):

When?

JAMES:

Tonight at nine. Sorry if that's short notice but-

CLAIRE (VOICE):

No, no! I can make that work. You wanna meet there?

JAMES:

Sure. Say around 8:15 so we can get in and get drinks?

CLAIRE (VOICE):

Sounds great! See ya there! And thanks for inviting me!

JAMES hangs up and heads back into the main room.

INT: JAMES AND GREGORY'S APARTMENT, MAIN ROOM, DAY.

JAMES:

CLAIRE is in.

GREGORY:

Hurray, someone to go see terrible music with you.

JAMES:

I've gotta get ready.

GREGORY:

Have fun. And don't come back smelling like a girl!

EXT: THE RIOT, EVENING.

The Riot is a pretty standard rock club, set on the fringe on a nice part of town. Nice enough to have only cool posters plastered on the side of the building, but not nice enough to avoid some graffiti. CLAIRE stands outside, dressed in grunge chic, checking her phone, when JAMES walks up looking cool and casual.

JAMES:

Hey.

CLAIRE:

Hey, JAMES.

JAMES:

You ready to go in?

CLAIRE nods.

CLAIRE:

Sure.

They head inside, with the bouncer checking their tickets.

INT: THE RIOT, MAIN CLUB, EVENING.

MUSIC: MID-90s ROCK, LOW AND INVITING.

The lights are up in the club, with string lights overhead. It looks nicer inside than you'd expect from the outside. The two head over to a side of the club, in a spot where they can see the stage but not get crowded by the loose collection of people there.

JAMES:

I'm glad you like this band. GREGORY hates them.

CLAIRE smiles.

CLAIRE:

He's your boyfriend?

JAMES taps his finger.

JAMES:

Husband.

CLAIRE:

Oh, nice! How long?

JAMES:

A... little over four years... Yeah.

CLAIRE laughs.

CLAIRE:

You weren't sure though.

JAMES laughs too.

JAMES:

I had to check the calendar in my head.

CLAIRE:

Well, it is nice hanging out with a guy where I don't have to worry about being hit on. You're my first gay friend.

JAMES:

Yes, well... I'm not gay.

CLAIRE:

But you're married to a man.

JAMES:

Yes. But I also like women.

CLAIRE:

Oh... OH! I'm sorry, I just assumed.

JAMES:

It's cool. Most do. Anyway, the band. I'm glad you like them.

CLAIRE nods.

CLAIRE:

Yeah. My friends hate them, too, but I've always liked rock. And Sex Sandwich is so good.

JAMES:

That's what I tell GREGORY, but he still refuses to come to a show. He already said he's glad I can drag you here instead. Well, he was more sassy about it.

CLAIRE laughs.

JAMES:

Favorite album?

CLAIRE:

Hold the Mayo.

JAMES:

Ooh, their early EP.

CLAIRE:

It's great. Their early sound was so-

JAMES:

Gritty.

CLAIRE:

Yeah! And sexy. Like, the bass...

JAMES:

Hit you in your gut.

CLAIRE:

Made you wanna...

She looks at him and blushes. JAMES smiles.

JAMES:

You want a drink?

CLAIRE:

Sure.

JAMES:

Just a soda?

CLAIRE shakes her head.

CLAIRE:

No. I walked here. Just get me whatever you're having.

JAMES:

Cool.

She starts to reach for her purse but he waves her away.

JAMES:

I was taught the gentlemen always pays on a date.

CLAIRE smiles. Then she stops and thinks.

CLAIRE:

I'm gonna hit the restroom. Be right back.

JAMES:

No worries.

They each walk off.

INT: THE RIOT, LADIES' ROOM, NIGHT.

CLAIRE walks in and sees a row of sinks. She stops at the closest, two sinks down from GOTH GIRL, who is there, working on her makeup. CLAIRE stares at the mirror for a long beat, eyes wide, skin pale.

CLAIRE:

This is a date?!

GOTH GIRL looks over at her, side-eye, in the mirror. Then she slowly pushes over her makeup kit.

GOTH GIRL:

Borrow these.

CLAIRE looks down, then at GOTH GIRL, and smiles.

CLAIRE:

Thanks!

INT: THE RIOT, MAIN CLUB, NIGHT.

CLAIRE comes out, looking more put together, and JAMES is back in their spot to the side, holding two beers. The club is more full now, with people steadily milling in. JAMES hands her a beer when she arrives, and then they both lean back against the wall.

JAMES:

You look nice. Touched up your look.

CLAIRE:

You noticed.

JAMES:

I'm married to a gay man. Of course I noticed.

CLAIRE:

You like?

JAMES smiles warmly.

JAMES:

I do.

SFX: CROWD CHEERING

At this point the lights start to dim and the bands comes out on stage. The crowd cheers and the band waves. JAMES and CLAIRE tap their plastic beer cups together, a toast to the music.

LEAD SINGER:

We are Sex Sandwich and this first track is from our new album, "Hard Loaf".

SFX: CROWD CHEERING.

MUSIC: GRUNGE ROCK.

FADE OUT.

End of Part 1:

I'm calling this show "Thruple" because, well, I don't have a better name for it. Not yet. It's a girl and two guys who are kind of finding their way through a poly relationship so, yeah, "Thruple". It makes sense, but I don't think it's the best name for the series. It's too on the nose. I would have gone with "Two Guys and a Girl" but that was already taken. "Thruple" will do for now.

This is, honestly, a script I could see actually getting produced at some point. I like the vibe of it and it's certainly cheaper for a studio to produce a stage-set romantic comedy than a monster movie or anything else I normally write. If someone out there is with a studio and wants to make a comedy about a poly relationship, I have just the script for you, haha.

As far as the make up of this relationship, I went with two guys and a girl for very specific reasons. For one, I don't feel like this is a relationship style that is featured in too many shows or movies. I can think of plenty of films and shows where a guy ends up falling for two girls and keeps the relationship with each one secret, or media where a guy meets a lesbian girl and fulfills one fantasy of his or another. But a show or movie were two dudes are together and then one of them gets a girl as well... I can't think of any. It's a different angle and one I think is interesting to explore.

Also, yes, I wanted to avoid that whole "fantasy" angle. A dude ending up with two chicks is the stuff of porno. A girl meeting a guy she likes and having to balance spending time with him while he also spends time with his other man, that's not porn. That's... life? For some people it would be. Being poly isn't anything new, but it's certainly new on TV, and I think it makes for a compelling story (far more so than "dude bangs two chicks" or whatever).

Anyway, we'll talk more about the plot machinations when I post the second half. That will come next week.