TILDA
You ain’t gonna find my hand out asking for something I can get myself. They oughta be ashamed, charging Negroes twice as much when we ain’t got half what they got.
DESSI
Well, we know shame don’t come in white.
TILDA
Sho don’t.
She gestures to the red dress hugging her curves.
TILDA
But rent come in red.
Dessi pulls Tilda into a hug and kisses her neck.
DESSI
How about you let me find a way? Give me tonight to raise the rent. You know he can’t do it like I can.
They exchange a heated glance before Tilda shakes her head.
TILDA
That don’t pay the rent, Bama.
DESSI
Gimme ’til tomorrow. I’ll raise the rent. Come home with me tonight. Save all your kisses for me.
A tall black man dressed impeccably walks in and they pull apart.
CHARLES BUCHANAN
You girls ready? We got a crowd out there tonight.
DESSI AND TILDA IN UNISON
Yes, Mr. Buchanan.
VIEW OF SAVOY BALLROOM FLOOR
Dessi and Tilda rush out into the beautifully decorated ballroom, packed with dancers. The atmosphere is electric. Both bandstands are filled with musicians.
CHARLES BUCHANAN (TOUCHING DESSI’S SHOULDER AND POINTING TO A TALL MAN ACROSS THE ROOM)
Got you one.
Dessi’s head turns in the direction Buchanan points and she spots the man. She takes Tilda’s arm and whispers in her ear.
DESSI
Don’t forget. Gimme ’til tomorrow to get the money. Meet me back at the coatroom when the shift ends.
Tilda hesitates, nods, and then heads off for the man she’s supposed to teach to dance. Dessi approaches the one Buchanan pointed out, a tall, well-dressed man.
