Scene: The Aftershock
FADE IN:
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE – NIGHT
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the glittering skyline of TORONTO. The room is a study in minimalistic luxury: white leather sofas, white orchids, a white marble bar. This is the epicenter of a “Miami White” party.
The bass from the club below is a distant heartbeat. The party is winding down. Only a select few remain.
SEPEHR ANSARI (30s, impeccably dressed in a white blazer, exuding calm authority) sips a glass of champagne. He looks out at the city lights, a satisfied smile on his face.
Across the room, JOE JUKIC (30s, lead singer ruggedness contrasting with the chic white surroundings) is laughing with his bandmates, the members of 4SKIN. They are the rock-and-roll splash of color in the monochrome room.
Joe breaks away, grabs two glasses of amber whiskey from the bar, and walks over to Sepehr.
JOE
(His voice is a little hoarse, from singing or shouting)
Sepehr. Incredible.
He hands one glass to Sepehr.
SEPEHR
(A slight bow of the head)
Joe. Thank you for coming. I’m glad the vibe was to your liking.
JOE
(Laughs, a short, genuine burst)
“To my liking?” Man, after thirty cities, a hundred generic green rooms, this…
(He gestures to the entire room, the view)
This is art. You curate an experience. It’s not just a party.
Sepehr’s eyes light up. This is the recognition he works for.
SEPEHR
That is the highest compliment. From you? It means everything. What you and 4Skin built… the anthems… it has a soul. To have that energy in my room tonight…
He shakes his head, almost in disbelief.
JOE
The honor’s ours. Seriously. We get dragged to these things all the time. But tonight… tonight we stayed. We wanted to.
Joe clinks his glass firmly against Sepehr’s.
JOE (CONT’D)
You’re not just a planner. You’re a conductor. And tonight, you made us feel like the guests of honor at the best symphony ever.
SEPEHR
Then the feeling is mutual. To have the voice of a generation appreciate the world I’ve tried to build… from my roots in Tehran to this…
He looks out the window again.
SEPEHR (CONT’D)
It confirms the mission. It was an honor to party with you, Joe. With all of 4Skin.
They stand in comfortable silence for a moment, two masters of different crafts sharing a moment of mutual respect, looking out at the sleeping city.
JOE
Next time you’re in London, the whiskey’s on me. Might not be as pristine, but the stories will be better.
SEPEHR
(Smiling)
I would expect nothing less.
FADE OUT.