love, cupid and the23rd floor

7/30/2019 Love, Cupid and The23rd Floor

1/24

LOVE, CUPID AND THE 23RD FLOOR

Written by

Ben Long

1646 Central Church Rd.(423) [email protected]


2/24

FADE IN:

INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT

A large window in an upper class apartment overlooks thePortland skyline, Oregon not Maine. Ice CLATTERS in a glassfrom the kitchen.

GABRIEL (O.S.)I cant believe it, my firstassignment and I blow it. I tried,I really did, it was that damnelevator. She shouldnt have...

DANIEL (O.S.)Thats not up to us, only they candecide. Were here simply to make

it stick. Granted when youve gotone this easy...

SIGH.

GABRIELI know it was perfect.

DANIEL (O.S.)Alright settle down, just startfrom the beginning.

DANIEL and GABRIEL suited up, appear out of the kitchen and

walk down the hallway into the last room on the right. Thedoor halfway closes behind them. They stand at the foot of abed looking over a still body.

GABRIELIt started as expected terribly.

Smoke rises from underneath their snap-brimmed fedoras.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK - INT. APARTMENT BUILDING LOBBY - DAY

PAPARAZZI stand crammed outside the door, cameras FLASH andmuffled questions call out. Amidst the chaos out squeezes anactress in her early twenties LIBBY MARTIN a year past herprime and closing in on average looking.

The DOORMAN quickly allows her in.

DOORMANMs. Martin.


3/24

LIBBYIm so sorry, truly.

He quickly struggles to shut the door.

PAPARAZZILibby, are you happy to be single?

Libby turns and for a moment to mentally stab him, thenstorms off. Heading for the steps she notices the doormangiving way to the raging tide. Reluctantly she ducks into theelevator.

ELEVATOR

Libby presses 23. Just before the door closes an awkwardlycharming GRANT TAYLOR, a typical twenty five year old with

the exception of his Cary Grant style fedora that he willnever pull off, steps on and presses 19.

GRANTThanks, some crowd huh?

Libby nervously and disdainfully rolls her eyes.

LIBBYYouve got to get off.

She press the 2 button. The elevator stops and the doorsopen.

GRANTExcuse me.

LIBBYYou have to get off, what everyoure going to ask. I have nocomment for you.

GRANTHold on, this is a mistake.

LIBBYNope no mistake. Now please.

Libby begins digging through her purse and pulls out a can ofperfume. Grant smiles at it first then realizes her actualhostility and backs out of the elevator.

HALLWAY

Libby quickly presses the close button.

2.


4/24

GRANTYou know youre really putting mebehind.

The doors start to close.

GRANT (CONTD)You cant treat people like this.

Grant stands their a moment bewildered.

GRANT (CONTD)Youre kidding me.

He turns and hurries off down the hallway.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - DAY

Grant waits for the elevator with a large plant in his hands.The door DINGS and he grabs the plant just before he entershe notices Libby biting her nails nervously and remembers.

GRANTExcuse me I know this must lookstrange...

LIBBYThe plant or you?

GRANTYoure not going to kick me off areyou?

LIBBYNope.

Grant smiles and starts to step on.

LIBBY (CONTD)Because Im not letting you on.

Grant stops and gives Libby time to enjoy her little joke.

GRANTYoure joking right?

Libby pulls out the perfume and the doors begin to close.Grant sets the plant back down, a very annoyed rage fills hiseyes.

CUT TO:

3.


5/24

INT. STAIRS - DAY

Grant sits on the steps smoking a cigarette, behind him asmall no smoking sign sits. A DOOR opens a few floors abovehim forcing him to put it out but a part of the ember falls

inside his shoe. Quickly he rips off his shoe.

Libby looks down from the top of the stairs and sees a shoeless Grant lying on the ground holding his foot.

LIBBYIf youre going to smoke at leastopen a window.

Grant quickly recognizes Libby.

GRANTThats funny, I wouldnt have

thought you for the manners type.

LIBBYSorry about that, I dont likeelevators. I despise them really.

GRANTWhy? You act like you own that one.

Libby smirks and rolls her eyes at the barb.

LIBBYIm not sure, something about the

idea of falling at any moment getsto me.

GRANTDepends on why youre falling.

LIBBYVery clever, good luck with,whatever it is youre doing.

Grant realizes how ridiculous he looks, embarrassed hesmiles. Libby continues on her way down the stairs.

CUT TO:

INT. LOBBY - DAY

Libby walks through the lobby heading for the stairs andnotices Grant waiting at the elevator. She lets out a sigh ofanxiety and walks over. The door opens and the two step on.

4.


6/24

ELEVATOR

Grant presses the buttons and the doors close. Libbycontinues to glance over awaiting a conversation. HoweverGrant simply stares forward.

The elevator stops at his floor and he steps off.

LIBBYYoure not going to say anything?

GRANTAnd chance not making it to myfloor. No Im just happy I made it,maybe next time Ill try hello.

Libby smiles and bites her lip flirtatiously as she watchesGrant walk away.

BACK TO THE PRESENT.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Gabriel and Daniel stand in the kitchen as the kettle toSCREAMS.

DANIELSo this is where you get the call?

GABRIEL

Not yet, a few days went by beforethey met again.

DANIELAnd?

GABRIELThats when they made theagreement.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK - INT. HALLWAY - DAY

Grant bolts out of his room into the hallway and sees a groupof people loading into the elevator.

GRANTHold it, wait.

The door closes just as Grant reaches it.

5.


7/24

GRANT (CONTD)Damnit.

Grant bangs against the door then checks his watch and runsfor the stairs.

STAIRS

Grant frantically runs down the steps, halfway down he passesLibby making her way up. She smiles but Grant continues ongiving just a wink.

GRANTYou cant run from your fears.

Libby leans over the railing and watches him run down thesteps.

LIBBYIm not.

Libby turns back to the steps.

LIBBY (CONTD)I just prefer the stairs.

Libby continues up the steps.

CUT TO:

INT. LOBBY - NIGHT

A sullen Grant walks across the lobby to the elevator. As hepresses the button he notices Libby walking out from thestairs.

GRANTYouve got to be getting tired ofthat.

LIBBY

Maybe if I went down them like you.What was that about anyway?

Grant looks away from Libby.

GRANTI was suppose to be somewhere atthree and as usual I forgot.

LIBBYDid it work out okay?

6.


8/24

GRANTNo, no it didnt.

LIBBYIm sorry.

GRANTWeve all got are hang-ups,youve got elevators, Iveappointments.

LIBBYIll trade yah.

Grant smiles at the thought, DING the elevator doors open.

GRANTWell Ill see you later.

LIBBYYeah.

Grant gets on as Libby walks across the lobby. Just beforethe door closes Grant stops it and calls out to her.

GRANTHow about we help each other?

LIBBYHows that?

GRANTIll meet you here everyday...

Grant checks his watch.

GRANT (CONTD)Four and well ride up together.

LIBBYIm usually busy at four. How aboutsix?

GRANTI can do six.

LIBBYGreat, see you at six.

Grant steps back into the elevator and smiles as the doorcloses.

CUT TO:

7.


9/24

INT. LOBBY - EVENING

Libby waits at the elevator door, after a moment she checksher watch and glances around the room. Suddenly Grantstumbles through the doors into the lobby.

GRANTWait, I made it.

He quickly rushes over to the elevator out of breath.

LIBBYNo you didnt make it. Youre sixminutes late.

GRANTThats darn good for me.

The two step onto the elevator.

ELEVATOR

Grant removes his hat and presses 19 then looks over toLibby.

GRANT23?

LIBBYYes.

The two stand in silence for a moment.

LIBBY (CONTD)Now what?

GRANTWell I was thinking about thattoday and I figured weve gotenough time for about one questionand answer.

Silence again.

LIBBYWell whats the question?

GRANTI didnt get that far.

Libby smiles briefly

8.


10/24

LIBBYOkay whats your name?

GRANTGood one. Grant Taylor and I know

who are. Libby Martin, Americasdarling girl all grown up.

LIBBYUgh, just call me Libby.

DING.

GRANTWell it was nice to meet you Libby.

LIBBYLikewise Grant, same time tomorrow?

Grant nods, puts his hat back on and starts down the hallway.

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR - EVENING

Grant and Libby step onto the elevator.

GRANTFavorite food?

LIBBY

Steak. You?

GRANTSushi.

LIBBYGross, I cant eat anything raw.

GRANTCome on its not that bad.

Libby disgusted sticks out her tongue. DING Grant tips his

hat and exits.

CUT TO:


The two ride in the elevator.

GRANTPet peeve?

9.


11/24

LIBBYCell phones, I hate them, I refuseto have one.

GRANT

So much for asking for your number.

Libby smiles and relaxes her grip on the hand rail a little.

CUT TO:


Grant stands in the elevator, the door opens Libby with herback to him looks around checks her watch.

GRANT (CONTD)Any day now.

She quickly turns around and smiles in relief.

LIBBYYou had me worried.

GRANTAre you kidding, this is the bestpart of my day.

Libby smiles shyly and steps. The two remain quiet for amoment. Simultaneously the two turn to each other.

LIBBYFavorite desert?

GRANTDo you like sports?

The two pause for a moment.

LIBBYYes, sort of, not really.

GRANTDoughnuts.

LIBBY

Thats not a desert.

GRANTSure it is, it tastes great, itsgot sugar and its awful for you.

LIBBYI meant like cheesecake orsomething.

10.


12/24

GRANTI stand firm on doughnuts.

DING, Grant smirks and exits the elevator.

CUT TO:


Grant leans against the railing as Libby does a cute dancefor him.

CUT TO:


Grant happily follows Libby into the elevator.

GRANT (CONTD)Best day?

Libby ponders for a moment.

LIBBYThe first time I got a part in amovie. My agent called as I was onmy way to work, I just startedballing. I almost ran into the carin front of me. You?

Grant thinks for a moment.

CUT TO:

EXT. SUBURB HOUSE - DAY

A GRANTS DAD carries a new bike as YOUNG GRANT runs down thedriveway to him.

CUT TO:


Libby smiles endearingly at him.

LIBBYThats sounds sweet.

DING.

GRANTIt was.

11.


13/24

He lingers a moment then exits.

CUT TO:


Grant and Libby both enter the elevator visibly angry.

LIBBYWorst day?

Grant looks forward and even bigger scowl grows on his face.

CUT TO:

EXT. SUBURB HOUSE - DAY

Young Grant rides his bike on the sidewalk, a group of KIDSrun over, knock him off and take his bike.

CUT TO:


DING, Grant GRUNTS and walks off the elevator.

CUT TO:


A SWEET OLD LADY stands in between Grant and Libby.

GRANTBest date?

The old lady smiles.

SWEET OLD LADYI was sixteen.

CUT TO:

EXT. LOOKOUT POINT - NIGHT

A young couple in a 1950s convertible, lookout at the citylights. The YOUNG MAN slowly places his hand on the GIRLSleg.

CUT TO:

12.


14/24


The sweet old lady exits smiling, a mortified Grant and Libbystare straight ahead.

LIBBYI want to change my answer on theworst day question?

GRANTMe too.

The door closes.



Daniel and Gabriel sit in the living room drinking their tea.

DANIELHow much time did you have left atthis point?

GABRIELThree days, I decided thatsomething had to be done, so I...

DANIELThats against the rules.

GABRIELSomething had to be done, I wasrunning out of options. She wassuppose to be afraid.

Gabriel sips his tea, then sets it on the table.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK - INT. ELEVATOR - EVENING

Grant and Libby stand in the elevator neither speaking. DING

GRANTWould you like to go to dinner?

LIBBYCan you make it?

GRANTWell see, six?

13.


15/24

Libby nods as Grant walks off the elevator.

CUT TO:

INT. LOBBY - NIGHT

Libby scans the lobby for Grant. DING, grant stands next to aset table inside the elevator.

GRANTHungry?

Libby smiles as grant pulls her seat out for her.

LIBBYAbsolutely.

ELEVATOR

Grant pulls out a note and presses the floor numbers written.

LIBBYI havent eaten here before.

GRANTOh youre going to love it.

DING, a WAITER hands them two glasses of water and steps off.

LIBBYYou know the atmosphere is quitenice.

GRANTYeah personally, I think its themusic that really pulls it alltogether.

DING, the door opens and the WAITER lays two plates down infront of them.

WAITERPollo caprese.

GRANTI went ahead and ordered for you, Ihope you dont mind.

The door closes.

LIBBYNot at all.

14.


16/24

The two try their food through the next couple of floors.

LIBBY (CONTD)This is really good.

GRANTBest restaurant in all of Portland.

LIBBYVery exclusive. Whats it called?

GRANTGoing up?

Libby smiles and takes another bite. DING, a YOUNG COUPLElooks on.

GRANT (CONTD)

Sorry itll be clear on the waydown.

The door starts to shut and the girl slaps the man on thearm.

GIRLWhy cant you do that?

Libby laughs as Grant smiles affectionately at her.

GRANTAlright the question of the day is,

what is your most embarrassingmoment?

Libby ponders a moment.

LIBBYWell I wasnt the coolest kid inschool.

GRANT(Sarcastic)

Really.

Libby tosses some parsley at him.

LIBBYAnyway, I finally got asked to promand I was so excited. I had my newdress on and my date was such sweetguy. It was the first time I feltsexy. So we get to the dance andwere having great time.

15.

(MORE)


17/24

Then suddenly the music stoppedright as I was letting out a bigfart.

Grants eyes widen as he tries to hold back.

LIBBY (CONTD)Everybody heard it.

Grant starts laugh.

LIBBY (CONTD)Sadly school didnt get much easierafter that.

DING, another WAITER takes the plates and places two desertsbefore them.

LIBBY (CONTD)Okay your turn.

GRANTI was a freshman.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK - INT. DORM ROOM - NIGHT

Grant makes out with SKINNY GIRL on a couch. After a momentGrant stops and awkwardly licks his lip.

GRANTShit.

SKINNY GIRLWhat?

GRANTI think my nose is bleeding.

The skinny girl gets up and runs to mirror and turns on thelight. Blood surrounds her mouth, she SCREAMS and runs out of

the room. Grant remains on the couch holding his nose.

END FLASHBACK.

INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Libby cracks up laughing.

LIBBYWhat did the poor girl do?

16.

LIBBY (CONT'D)


18/24

GRANTI dont know I never saw her again.

LIBBYAww.

DING, the 23rd floor light illuminates above the door.

LIBBY (CONTD)This is my floor.

GRANTYou have a choice, you can get offhere or continue up to the 30thfloor

Libby stands and presses the 30 button.

CUT TO:

INT. 23RD FLOOR HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Gabriel waits outside the elevator. The number passes 23 anda bewildered panic comes over his face.

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS

Grant finishes his dinner.

LIBBYWhat exactly is one the 30th floor?

GRANTThe roof.

LIBBYOh, the roof?

GRANT

Yes.

LIBBYI dont do well with heights youknow.

GRANTI know the suddenly thought offalling.

17.


19/24

LIBBYPrecisely.

GRANTNot to worry, its all been taken

care of.

Anxiety begins to wash over Libbys face.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROOF - NIGHT

Strings of lights hang over the roof top lighting a smalldance floor. Libby and Grant step out of the roof door.

GRANT

I promise its safe.

Libby smiles and relaxes as the music begins to play. The twodance at the end Grant leans in and kisses Libby.



Daniel moves to the edge of is seat.

DANIELWhat were you doing? That wouldhave been perfect.

GABRIELShe wasnt suppose to go up. Shewas suppose to get off on herfloor, quickly feel guilty and rundown the steps to his floor. Whereshe would be waiting for him.

DANIEL

You couldnt have gone up there?

GABRIELNo the elevator was too crowded.

DANIELOkay, so this has been over twelvedays now correct?

18.


20/24

GABRIELAt midnight that night the deadlinehad passed.

DANIEL

Okay you missed the deadline, itshappened to all of us. This is thepart I dont get. Why did you stayaround afterwards?

GABRIELI wanted to see if they reallyneeded us.

DANIELOf course they do. Were more thana bunch of babies with bows andarrows.

Gabriel glares out the window at the city.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK - INT. LOBBY - EVENING

Libby walks over to the elevator where a sign reads UNDERMAINTENANCE. She looks around for a moment and walks to thestairs.

Moments later Grant enters the lobby and reads the sign he

turns around waits for Libby.

CUT TO:

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Grant sits in a conference room watching the clock pass six.

CUT TO:

EXT. SIDEWALK - DAY

Libby stands on impatiently waiting on the DIRECTOR.

LIBBYHow much longer?

DIRECTORIts going to be a while sorry.

19.


21/24

Libby hears church bells CHIMING in the distance. A softpanic comes over her and she turns to an EXTRA.

LIBBYWhat time is it?

The extra checks his watch.

EXTRASix on the dot.

Libby sadly sighs and takes a seat on a bench.

CUT TO:

INT. LOBBY - DAY

Grant waits at the elevator when it opens Libby walks out.The two stop surprised by one another.

GRANTHey.

LIBBYHi, I havent seen you in a while.

GRANTI know, Ive been swamped at work.

LIBBY

Me too.

GRANTWhen will you be free again?

LIBBYIm actually leaving for theairport, Ive got to go on locationfor a couple of weeks.

GRANTOh, well I guess Ill see you when

you get back?

LIBBYYes for sure.

Libby leans in and kisses him on the cheek.

LIBBY (CONTD)Im sorry.

Grant smiles and starts to walk onto the elevator.

20.


22/24

GRANTSee you soon.

The door closes and Libby hesitates to continue for a momentbut does.


EXT. ROOF - NIGHT

Gabriel stand on the roof looking out over the city.

DANIELIts a shame, it goes so fast.

GABRIELCan it without us?

DANIELMaybe a long time ago, but Ivenever seen it. The connection mustbe made.

GABRIELBut they were perfect for eachother.

DANIELIts not are call.

GABRIELIt doesnt seem fair thats all.

DANIELFate is always fair, it goes up andit comes down. Its as consistentas the tides.

Lightning FLASHES in the distances as a storm moves in.

CUT TO:

EXT. APARTMENT - DAY

Rain pours down as the Doorman opens the door for GRANTcarrying his last box. Grant places the box in the back of amoving truck and closes it up.

DOORMANIs that everything?

21.


23/24

GRANTYeah.

Grant looks up at the building a moment then puts on his hat.

GRANT (CONTD)Except for my heart, its stucksomewhere on the 23rd floor.

Grant walks around the truck and gets in.

CUT TO:

INT. NEW LOBBY - DAY

Grant sets a two boxes on the ground and waits for theelevator. DING, he grabs the two boxes and steps onto the

elevator

ELEVATOR

A HOODED GIRL shares the elevator with him.

GRANTYou lived here long?

The girl doesnt respond, Grant takes the hint and looksforward. The girl then removes her hood. Grant stares onshocked to see Libby. They stare deeply at each other for a

moment.

LIBBYIm sorry I didnt come back.

GRANTIm sorry too, I dont know whathappened. It just all fell apart.Like the cards were stacked againstus.

LIBBY

It certainly seems that way doesntit. To tell you the truth Ivenever been a fan of fate.

Grant moves closer to Libby.

GRANTIts such a silly thing.

Libby steps to Grant.

22.


24/24

LIBBYNever helped me any.

The two kiss then suddenly the lights flicker and theelevator stops. The couple smiles and continues kissing.

FADE OUT.

23.

love, cupid and the23rd floor

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