CAL
You ready to conquer the world, Dessi Blue?
Tilda rolls her eyes and Dessi laughs.
DESSI
Yeah, I just need to find my passport before…
She trails off when Tilda pulls the passport from the pocket of her dress and offers it begrudgingly.
DESSI
I know you don’t want me to go.
TILDA (TEARS IN HER EYES)
It ain’t gonna be the same if you leave, Dessi. I feel it. Not ever again.
DESSI
It’ll be better than ever. I know it will.
TILDA
You ain’t got no crystal ball, Bama.
Cal honks from below.
CAL
I’ll come up and help with your bags.
Dessi steps back into the apartment from the fire escape and closes her suitcase, grabs her purse, and shoves the passport inside.
DESSI
I gotta go. Tilda, you coming to see me off?
Tilda walks to the window and stops.
TILDA (WITH A SAD SMILE)
This is as far as I go.
Dessi walks to the window and kisses Tilda passionately, not caring who sees. With a choked cry, she grabs her suitcase, opens the apartment door, and leaves with Cal.
THIRTY-TWO
Canon
“You ain’t slick.”
I glance up to stare at Monk, lounging by the craft services table, not sure I even want to know what he’s talking about.
I don’t.
Without responding, I place a slice of smoked salmon on my plate.
