For that matter, I don’t recall sending an invitation to either one of you. But you’re here now, and that’s all that matters.

He takes the guys’ heads and pushes them together into a kiss, which they continue as.…

ALEX (CONT’D)

I’m sure we’ll find a way to entertain ourselves.

CRANK! Alex pulls on the chain, which he has threaded through a hook on the ceiling. Jake’s and Marc’s manacled arms are raised above their heads.

EXT. WOODED ROAD—NIGHT

A black sedan hugs a curve and wipes frame.

INT. BLACK SEDAN—NIGHT

Drew drives. He and Thalia sit in silence for a while, their faces occasionally illuminated by headlights passing in the opposite direction.

THALIA

Why does he hate me?

Drew sits in his silence.

THALIA (CONT’D)

All I tried to do was love him, but it was never enough. He’s getting stranger, Drew. When he looks at me now, it’s so vacant.

DREW

Alex is very much concerned with the shape of things, with form. Admittedly he can be hot and cold at times, but the beauty of it is there’s no guessing with him. One always knows where one stands in his eyes. If you stop fulfilling a function, his attention is drawn elsewhere.

THALIA

What about you? He barely recognizes you exist.

DREW

We have our way. I anticipate his needs. I’m not seeking acknow-ledgement, I’m in his service.

THALIA

That sounded straight out of a butler’s handbook.

DREW

Actually it was, and surprisingly it hasn’t failed me yet.

INT. ALEX’S HOUSE—GREAT ROOM—NIGHT

Drew enters the front door to witness the party still in full swing. He glances around and then steps out.

TRACK Drew’s shoes walking down a hallway through the house.

UP a grand staircase and down another long hallway.

PAUSE in front of a set of heavy oak doors.

ALEX (O.S.)

Not tired yet? If you keep trying to get away, how do you expect me to do a good job?

JAKE & MARC (O.S.)

(muffled yells)

ALEX (O.S.)

Gentlemen, it’s a standard practice to bring a gift for the host of a party. I understand being absentminded but I don’t forgive it. I’m forced to take a gift for myself, and you’re offering so many attractive options.

JAKE & MARC (O.S.)

(more muffled yells)

PAN UP to Drew’s face. He eagerly presses his ear to the door, his face painted with longing.

He reaches down and strokes the front of his pants as we TRACK AWAY from him, down the long hallway.

INT. ALEX’S PRIVATE GYM—NIGHT

Beads of sweat glisten on Alex’s forehead. He grunts and clenches his teeth.

Sweat soaks his shirt. He focuses intently on his bicep curls.

INT. FLASHBACK—JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL RESTROOM—DAY