INT. CANDLELIT LOUNGE – NIGHT
Lisa Ann sits across from Gigolo Joe, a half-finished glass of red wine between them. Joe leans forward, his silver suit catching the dim light, listening intently as Lisa speaks with uncharacteristic vulnerability.
LISA ANN:
You know, Joe… I’ve been in this business a long time. Too long, maybe. But I don’t want to end it alone.
GIGOLO JOE:
(smiling softly)
Loneliness is the only thing colder than an empty bed. Tell me, Lisa, what kind of man could melt that frost for you?
LISA ANN:
(pauses, searching for the words)
I’ve always had a soft spot for military men. Not the macho kind, but the ones who’ve seen things… and can forgive me for mine. Someone who doesn’t judge me by my past indiscretions, but sees the woman who still wants a family.
GIGOLO JOE:
Forgiveness… the rarest currency of all.
LISA ANN:
(smiles faintly)
You ever see An Officer and a Gentleman? Richard Gere carrying Debra Winger out of the factory? That’s… that’s what I dream of. Not a fairy tale, just a man who lifts me up and says, you’re worth it.
GIGOLO JOE:
(leaning back, thoughtful)
A gallant soldier with arms strong enough to carry you, and a heart gentle enough to carry your story.
LISA ANN:
Exactly. And… I’ve planned for it, Joe. I froze my eggs years ago. I want children—still. I want to give them the love I never thought I deserved.
GIGOLO JOE:
(reaches out, touches her hand reassuringly)
Then a husband you shall have. I will search this world, Lisa, for a man who has marched through battles and come back with kindness in his chest. A man who sees Lisa Ann not as a fantasy, but as a future.
LISA ANN:
(whispers, with hope breaking through her practiced bravado)
Do you think such a man exists?
GIGOLO JOE:
(smiles knowingly)
Lisa… every woman’s dream man is out there. Sometimes, it only takes the right guide to lead him to her. And that guide… is me.