And stares at the woman as if he can’t believe his eyes.
Shane
What are you doing here?
Sadie gives me a once over…
And then instantly dismisses me.
I can tell she doesn’t see me as any sort of competition.
She has looks that nearly compete with Shane’s.
Sadie
Why do you think I’m here?
Shane’s mouth grows hard.
They both speak at the same time.
Even though Shane said ex…
If this is who he used to date…
How could he be interested in someone like me?
Having a little fun with a bigger girl?
Even though he usually “dates in his weight class?”
Or maybe he doesn’t want any reminders of his ex…
So he chose someone totally opposite?
I refuse to be humiliated again.
I start backing toward my apartment.
Lulu
Well, I’ll leave you to it then.
Shane takes a step forward as if to stop me.
Shane
Lulu, you don’t have to leave.
I can’t seem to meet his eyes.
Lulu
No, really, it’s okay.
Lulu
You should handle this.
Lulu
I’m going to go inside.
He bends down, trying to catch my gaze.
Shane
I’m not letting you escape into that apartment.
Shane
Because I know what will happen if you do.
I don’t know how to respond.
I hate that he knows me so well.
He reaches out with both hands to cup my cheeks.
I finally let myself look into his eyes.
Shane
We were having such a good time.
Shane
I don’t want this ruining our date, Lulu.
Grabbing both our attentions.
Sadie
I’m sorry, but did you just say date?
The annoyance in her voice is evident.
My mouth suddenly feels as dry as a desert.
This is exactly what I was afraid of.
Shane drops his hands and turns toward her.
Shane
And before you say anything…
Shane
Just know that your opinion on the matter is irrelevant.
Sadie’s mouth falls open.
Sadie
How can you say that?
Sadie
I came all the way out here to see you!
Shane
I didn’t ask you to do that.
Shane
And frankly, I don’t know why you’d waste your time.
Shane
We broke up, remember?
Shane
What we had wasn’t healthy.
I try to take another step toward my apartment…
Wanting nothing more than to remove myself from this situation.
But Shane moves to block my way again.
Sadie watches him with shocked eyes.
She’s looking at him as if she doesn’t recognize him.
Sadie
Who is this woman to you, Shane?
Sadie
When we haven’t even been broken up for a year?!
Shane
Lulu is not a rebound—
Sadie
I’ve been pining for you.
Sadie
Thinking about how to fix things between us…
Sadie
And you’ve been out dating and living the good life?!
Sadie
How could you do this to me…to us?
Shane lets out an exhausted sigh.
When he finally speaks, his voice is laced with conviction.
Shane
Sadie, we want different things out of life.
Shane
We have different values.
Shane
We tried to make it work for years…
Shane
But you and I both know it’s not possible.
Shane
And as for who I’m dating…
Shane
I don’t owe you any explanations.
Shane
You have no right to stand outside my apartment and judge me.
Shane
Or make my date uncomfortable.
Shane
So do us all a favor and go home.
There’s no doubt that Shane means business.
And a flicker of worry flashes in Sadie’s eyes.
I can practically see her changing tactics.
Her beautiful face transforms with sadness.
Sadie
Okay, okay, I’m sorry.
Sadie
Just let me say what I came here to say.
But fear keeps me frozen in place.
I should have known something like this would happen.
I finally find a guy who likes me for me…
Then another — prettier — girl comes and steals him back.
Shane goes to speak, but she cuts him off.
Sadie
And you…you were right all along.
She steps forward and puts her hand on his arm.
Sadie
I want to make this work between us.
Sadie
No more saying yes to every party and event.
Sadie
No more staying out until all hours of the night.
Sadie
I’m done with all that.
Sadie
You’re all I care about.
Sadie
I know you wanted more time with just us…
Sadie
And I’m ready to give that to you.
Shane shakes off her hand and steps back.
Shane
It’s too late, Sadie.
Shane
And those aren’t the only reasons I ended things between us.
Shane
Now please, just leave—
Sadie’s voice cuts him off again.
It’s high-pitched with desperation.
That takes Shane by surprise.
He blinks a few times as he computes the news.
Shane
Why would you do that?
She has his attention now…
She puts her hand on his arm again.
Sadie
I’m willing to move here.
Sadie
I’ve already started sending out my resume.
Shane looks utterly confused.
Shane
You said Portland is the last place you’d ever want to live.
Shane
You said you’d never move away from California.
Sadie waves away his words as if they’re old hat.
Sadie
It doesn’t matter what I said before.
Sadie
Being without you made me realize that…
Sadie
You’re more important to me than any old job.
Sadie
I’ll move anywhere as long as it’s with you.
Sadie
I just want to be together, Shane.
Sadie
Happy and in love like old times.
My heart is pulsating with pain.
I refuse to bear witness to this reconciliation any longer.
I roughly push past Shane.
I practically run toward my apartment…
And I close the door in both of their faces.
I sag with disappointment and slide down to the floor.
But I can’t make out what else is said.
Then a few minutes later…
I hear the door to Shane’s apartment close.
