EXT. WANT TO HAVE COFFEE? - DAY

Vera, Carl, and Carl's father come out from the federal building and stand on top of the stairs leading to the doors. It is a beautiful, sunny day. The traffic is light, and everything is well under the sun. Vera and Carl look at each other, a bit awkwardly.

VERA

So. Do you want to go have coffee some day? I want to hear how you became such a stickler for sticking to the rules.

CARL

Er. Yeah.

Carl's father looks at his son and shakes his head.

CARL'S FATHER

Son, isn't it time you introduced me to the young lady.

CARL

Er. Right. Father, this is my co-worker, Vera. Vera, this is my father.

VERA

Hi, nice to meet you, Mr. Y.

CARL'S FATHER

Nice to meet you too, Miss X. And yes, miss, he'd be delighted to see you again. I'm so happy that he's finally found a girl who'll speak to him twice.

Carl looks at his father and shakes his head.

CARL

Er, father, I think you may have...

CARL'S FATHER
(Interrupting.)

No need to pretend, son. I was awake this morning when she left the house. Tell you what. Why don't the two of you go have coffee, or whatever you want to do, right now. I'll be fine. I'll take a cab back home.

Carl's father starts limping down the stairs in a determined manner. Vera and Carl look at each other.

VERA
(Smiling with one side of the mouth.)

I think he overheard something and misunderstood. He probably thinks I really am sweet and innocent. This is going to be interesting.

CARL
(Wailing.)

But I don't even like you!