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FADE IN:

INT. AUDREY’S TOWNHOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING

Jack wakes up and smiles when he sees Audrey asleep in his arms. He looks at the clock, then leans over and kisses her neck softly to wake her. She groans.

AUDREY

(groggily)

What time is it?

JACK

It’s almost six…

AUDREY

What time did we go to bed?

JACK

A little after three.

She sits up and glances around, looking confused.

AUDREY

Are we in my house?

Jack chuckles.

AUDREY

What?

JACK

You’re just adorable, that’s all. Good thing you never had to sleep in the middle of the desert on enemy territory…you would be seriously compromised by how disoriented you are when you wake up.

AUDREY

Shut up.

JACK

You’re going to have to make me.

She smiles and kisses him softly. He sits there smiling at her for a moment, stroking her hair gently.

JACK

You’re so beautiful.

She smiles, then stifles a yawn.

AUDREY

Why did you keep me up so late?

JACK

Because you’re beautiful and irresistible and I can’t keep my hands off you.

AUDREY

My dad noticed how tired I was yesterday…he’s not going to buy the “having nightmares” line forever.

JACK

So then you’ll have to think of a new excuse.

She rolls her eyes but can’t help grinning when she sees his expression. He leans over and kisses her forehead.

JACK

C’mon sleepyhead. We’ve got to get up…

AUDREY

Not yet.

She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him playfully, a mischievous look forming in her eyes as she trails her lips down his neck and nuzzles her face against his chest.

JACK

Your father’s going to notice if we both come in late for work.

AUDREY

We have a little extra time…

Jack opens his mouth to protest but she silences him by kissing him again. Realizing he’s not going to be able to pull himself away, he wraps his arms around her and runs his fingers through her hair as he deepens the kiss.

FADE OUT.

TWELVE HOURS LATER

FADE IN:

int. parking garage - pentagon - arlington, va

Jack looks around to make sure there is nobody around before taking Audrey’s hand as they walk to his car. Audrey is finishing up a cell phone conversation.

AUDREY

Alright, thanks a lot. I’ll let him know…I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. You too…bye.

She hangs up the phone.

JACK

You look happy.

AUDREY

Yeah, um, I just heard back from the hotel…they upgraded my dad to the presidential suite.

JACK

I thought Marcie booked the rooms last week.

AUDREY

She did. But she booked three rooms next to each other.

JACK

So you had your father moved so we could stay in the same room without him noticing.

AUDREY

(blushing slightly)

Yeah.

JACK

I love the way you think.

She grins.

JACK

So does Marcie know about us?

AUDREY

Yeah, um, she kind of figured it out…but she promised not to say anything.

She stifles a yawn.

JACK

Sleepy?

AUDREY

Shut up. It’s your fault.

JACK

I know. Guilty as charged. I’m sorry.

He grins sheepishly, making her soften a little.

AUDREY

Alright, you’re forgiven. I guess it wasn’t all your fault, and I can’t say I regret it. But that puppy dog “one more time” look is not going to work anymore. I need my sleep.

JACK

Understood. Except tonight, I have an excuse to keep you up late.

AUDREY

What’s that?

JACK

As a West Coast native, I feel it’s my duty to prepare you for the change in time zones.

Audrey laughs.

AUDREY

Except I’m not flying out until Sunday.

JACK

(wistfully)

I know…you sure you can’t come with me?

AUDREY

Yeah, I’m sure. What am I going to tell my dad if he asks why I’m not flying with him as scheduled?

JACK

I don’t know…tell him you want to visit your brother, or that you’d rather spend your weekend where it’s seventy degrees and sunny instead of suffering in this frigid climate. Is it always this cold in March?

AUDREY

It varies. It should start to get warmer soon…then we’ll probably get one last blast of winter, then a lot of rain in April. You still haven’t gotten used to having a real winter, have you?

JACK

I just wish it would snow…then it would at least be a real winter. Right now it’s just freezing cold.

AUDREY

I swear to G-d, you’re like a little kid wishing for a snow day.

JACK

Audrey, I haven’t seen snow since I was in basic training. I’ve never had a “snow day” in my life. I once had half the day off because of an earthquake, but considering our house almost got destroyed it wasn’t exactly a vacation.

AUDREY

Awww, you poor thing…

JACK

Shut up.

AUDREY

Make me.

JACK

Gladly.

He stops walking, turns around, and kisses her gently. They continue walking, still holding hands.

JACK

I still think you’re crazy to stay in this freezing cold weather when you could be in nice, sunny L.A. with me.

AUDREY

Jack…maybe next time. Besides, don’t you want some time alone with your daughter? You haven’t seen her since Thanksgiving.

JACK

Yeah, but I’m anxious to introduce you to her.

AUDREY

I’ll get to meet her in a few days. I’m looking forward to it too.

JACK

Will I get to spend time with you Sunday night, at least?

AUDREY

Yeah, I think so…I don’t think we have anything scheduled until Monday.

A moment later, he stops.

JACK

Damn it.

AUDREY

What’s wrong?

JACK

I left my flight confirmation on the printer.

AUDREY

Do you mind if I wait here? My shoes are hurting.

JACK

Why don’t you just go ahead? I’ll see you later tonight.

AUDREY

No, I can wait.

JACK

Sweetheart, it’s freezing. You go ahead to your car…I’ll pick you up at seven.

AUDREY

You sure?

JACK

Yeah…go.

AUDREY

Alright. I’ll see you in a little while.

She glances around, then leans in and kisses him goodbye.

TAD WILLIAMS sees this through the rear view mirror of his car.

Jack walks back towards the building, and Audrey continues walking toward her car. Tad gets out of his car and walks toward her. Audrey does not look happy to see him. She self-consciously takes out a little mirror and wipes the smudges off her lips as Tad approaches.

TAD

Audrey Raines. Fancy meeting you here.

AUDREY

Leave me alone, Tad.

TAD

So I see you decided to loosen up a little.

AUDREY

Paul and I are separated.

TAD

Gee, that’s too bad. I see you haven’t wasted much time, though. So who’s the lucky guy?

AUDREY

It’s none of your business. And if you breathe a word about this to anyone, I will press charges.

TAD
Ah, I see. So you’re slumming and you’re embarrassed about it.

AUDREY

You know I’m not like that. He works for my dad, and I don’t want to cause problems for him.

TAD
Don’t worry, sweetie. Your secret’s safe with me.

He places his hand on her shoulder.

She flinches and shakes it off.

AUDREY

Don’t touch me.

TAD
Geez…I was just being friendly. I guess I was wrong…you haven’t loosened up a bit.

AUDREY

Go away.

TAD

Alright, alright, I’m on my way out. You have a nice weekend, sugar.

She sighs, exasperated.

Jack approaches, looking confused.

JACK

Is there a problem?

TAD

No, no problem at all. Just saying hi to an old friend. You’re a lucky guy…just don’t forget that.

JACK

I won’t.

Jack wraps his arm around Audrey protectively, and they walk away from Tad.

JACK

What was that all about?

AUDREY

It’s nothing…don’t worry about it, okay?

JACK

Okay…

AUDREY

I promise, there’s nothing going on…

JACK

I know. I trust you. Just want to make sure you’re okay…you seem upset.

AUDREY

I’m fine.

She takes his hand reassuringly.

JACK

You sure?

She smiles and kisses him passionately.

AUDREY

Satisfied?

JACK

For now.

They approach Audrey’s car.

AUDREY

Where’s your car? Is it near here?

JACK

No, remember, I parked it in the outdoor lot this morning, so we would come in from separate entrances?

AUDREY

Oh yeah. So why’d you come back out this way?

JACK

Just wanted to make sure you got to your car okay.

She rolls her eyes and smiles.

AUDREY

Want a ride to your car?

JACK

Sure, why not?

AUDREY

Come on.

JACK

Don’t I have to pay the toll first?

AUDREY

Yeah. Cash or EZ-Pass?

JACK

How’s this?

He kisses her softly.

AUDREY

(smiling)

That works. Get in.

FADE OUT

ONE HOUR LATER

fade in:

INT. TOWNHOUSE - ALEXANDRIA, VA - BEDROOM

Audrey is putting on her lipstick when she hears the doorbell ring.

AUDREY

(Yelling)

Be right there…come on in.

She finishes applying lipstick, gives herself a once-over in the mirror, and then jots down the stairs.

AUDREY

Hey…don’t you look handsome?

JACK

You’re beautiful…come here.

He pulls her toward him and kisses her softly. He then runs his hand down her arm and fiddles with the sheerish material on her blouse.

JACK

You sure you’re going to be warm enough?

AUDREY

Yeah, I’ll be fine…it’s not really that cold out.

JACK

Are you kidding? It’s frigid.

AUDREY

You know, maybe if you would get a real winter coat like I’ve been telling you to do ALL WINTER, you wouldn’t get so cold all the time.

AUDREY

This is a winter coat.

AUDREY

That’s it, California boy. I told you that the next time you tried to convince me that a thin leather jacket is a winter coat I was dragging you shopping.

JACK

No! Please…I’ll do anything.

AUDREY

Anything?

JACK

Somehow I don’t like where you’re going with this…how girly is it?

AUDREY

What?

JACK

Whatever chick flick you’re going to try to drag me to.

AUDREY

You know me too well.

JACK

Alright, I guess I owe you that anyway…although I honestly thought you would like Spiderman - there were definite political undertones.

AUDREY

Way too violent for me.

She places her hands on his chest and grins.

AUDREY

Besides, why do I need to watch some fictional superhero save the world when I have my own real-life superhero right here?

Jack blushes and chuckles a little.

JACK

If only it were as simple as “altruistic hero saves the world.” Unfortunately, in real life it’s not that one-dimensional.

AUDREY

I know it’s not.

She kisses him reassuringly.

JACK

You ready to go?

AUDREY

Almost. I just need to go get my coat.

She walks off. A minute later, she comes back wearing her coat and carrying a large wrapped present.

JACK

What’s that?

AUDREY

Your anniversary present. I know it’s not until Tuesday, but it’s kind of big to shlep out to California, so I figured I’d give it to you now. You’ll see why in a sec.

JACK

Okay…

AUDREY

Open it!

JACK

Yes, ma’am.

He opens the box and chuckles when he sees a nice, warm winter coat inside, along with insulated gloves and a nice scarf.

JACK

So I see you already saved me the trouble of shopping.

AUDREY

What do you think? Do you like it? They had a few other nice ones, so if you don’t like it I can exchange it.

JACK

No, it’s perfect. Thank you.

AUDREY

Try it on…let’s make sure it fits.

JACK

Okay.

He takes the coat out of the box and puts it on.

JACK

So what do you think?

AUDREY

Very handsome.

She smooths out the top of the coat as he puts his hands in the pockets of the new coat and takes out the crumpled paper. As he does this, he notices something that has a different texture, and pulls it out to see what it is, revealing a folded up piece of paper with something printed on it.

JACK

What’s this?

AUDREY

The other part of your present…read it.

JACK

Let’s see…Jet Blue ticket confirmation…

AUDREY

Wait, check the other pocket first.

Jack finds another piece of paper in the other pocket and unfolds it to read.

JACK

Reservation confirmation…Green Mountain ski lodge and resort?

AUDREY

I wanted to make sure you got to see snow at least once during your first winter on the East Coast.

JACK

Wow…you are amazing…thank you.

He pulls her close and kisses her softly.

JACK

There’s a ticket for you too, right?

AUDREY

No, just for you…I figured you’d enjoy the time alone with nature.

His face falls.

AUDREY

I’m kidding…of course there’s one for me too. You think I’m going to pass up the opportunity to watch you fall down and make an ass of yourself because you’ve never skied before?

JACK

I wouldn’t be so sure about that.

AUDREY

To be honest, I haven’t skied since grad school, so I’ll probably be a little rusty too.

JACK

C’mere.

He cups her chin and plants a series of butterfly kisses on her lips.

AUDREY

(between kisses)

We should go…before…we…get…distracted.

JACK

Yeah.

He kisses her one final time before putting on his new scarf and gloves, then taking her hand and leading her out the door.

I hope you like this so far. In the next chapter, I’ll explain about the guy who bugged Audrey in the parking lot, for those of you who were wondering about that, so stay tuned.

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