Writer’s Shop Talk: Jim Meets Maddie (A Scene from ‘Reunion: Coda’ in Screenplay Format)

I’m excited to share an excerpt from my upcoming novel, Reunion: Coda. In this scene, our protagonist, Professor Jim Garraty, is at a pivotal moment in his life. He is about to meet the woman he will fall in love with during a serendipitous encounter set against the backdrop of the Moonglow nightclub, with its swinging tunes and nostalgic decor. While I don’t plan to adapt this novel into a screenplay, this exercise highlights how the vibrant world and compelling characters of Reunion: Coda could easily transition to the silver screen. And so, we fade in…

INT. MOONGLOW NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT

TIME: February 18, 2000

FADE IN:

The Moonglow nightclub in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood is alive with the sounds of pre-recorded swing music and lively conversation. The club is decked out with World War II relics – flags, helmets, and propaganda posters. The walls warn: “Loose Lips Sink Ships” and “The Man Who Relaxes is Helping the Axis.” The tables are a mix of wood and metal, cluttered with antique radios and telephones.

AT A BOOTH:

JIM, a semi-renowned World War II historian, nurses a bottle of Heineken. He looks around, absorbing the ambiance.

JIM (V.O.)

It’s noisy here. Then again, big-city nightclubs aren’t supposed to be quiet. Especially on a Friday night. And especially when they’re the new hotspot in the city that doesn’t sleep.

CUT TO:

THE SWINGING MILLERS on stage, taking a break.

JIM (V.O.)

I’m at the Moonglow, an old-school joint in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. It’s decked out with relics from the Second World War. The music never stops here. Even when the band takes five, a tinny recording of “Moonlight Serenade” drifts from the speakers. It’s Friday night, and I need to unwind.

JIM glances at the bottle of Heineken in his hand, feeling the chill of the condensation.

JIM (V.O.)

I’m curious about this place. I’m not here to hook up, but some company wouldn’t hurt. Maybe someone who shares my passion for history, someone who can make me laugh and think at the same time.

A VOICE breaks his reverie.

MADDIE (O.S.)

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

JIM swivels around to see MADDIE, clutching a bag from Book Culture that is, naturally,  stuffed with books. Her caramel hair cascades in loose waves. Her hazel eyes are expressive and vibrant, catching the dim lights. She’s wearing a sky-blue dress that hugs her curves. She’s breathtaking.

JIM (V.O.)

And she’s a complete stranger. But something about her reminds me of someone I used to know.

As she steps closer, JIM catches a whiff of her perfume – jasmine and orange blossom.

JIM (V.O.)

That scent…I remember it from…South Miami?

MADDIE shifts the heavy bag of books in her arms.

MADDIE

I don’t mean to be rude, but I really need to put this down before I drop it. It’s a hazard, you know. Someone could trip over it and get hurt.

JIM snaps out of his trance and gestures at the chair.

JIM

Sorry, no, it’s not. Please, sit down.

MADDIE nods her thanks and slides into the chair with grace. She looks around the crowded nightclub with curiosity, then turns her attention back to JIM.

MADDIE

So, what brings you here?

JIM

I’m here for the music. I love the Big Band era. Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman… They don’t make them like that anymore.

JIM points at the stage where the Swinging Millers are about to resume their performance.

JIM

And this place has a great vibe. It’s called Moonglow, after all.

MADDIE

(smiling)

It does.

JIM

You’re a swing fan, too?

MADDIE

Sometimes. I prefer classical music, but I’m not picky about genres. It depends on my mood, really.

JIM

I enjoy classical music as well. Beethoven is my favorite, but I also like Bizet, Albeniz, Rodrigo, and Brahms.

MADDIE

Those are some of my favorite composers. Who else do you like?

JIM hums a few bars of a familiar melody, tapping his fingers on the table. The Moonglow is buzzing with chatter and laughter, but he doesn’t mind. He looks at MADDIE and sees a spark in her eyes.

MADDIE

Mozart, right? The flute and harp concerto?

JIM

(nodding)

You have a good ear. It’s one of my favorites.

MADDIE

It’s so beautiful and romantic.

JIM scans the room for a waitress, feeling a bit thirsty. He spots one carrying a tray of drinks and waves her over. She approaches and smiles politely.

WAITRESS

What can I get you?

JIM

Yes, please. I’ll have another Heineken.

JIM turns to MADDIE.

JIM

What about you? Do you want something to drink?

MADDIE

I’m not sure. It’s my first time here at the Moonglow. What do you recommend?

JIM

Why don’t you ask the waitress? She probably knows the best cocktails here.

MADDIE

(to the waitress)

What’s your favorite cocktail here?

WAITRESS

Well, I really like the Sidecar. It has cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It’s sweet and tangy and very refreshing.

MADDIE

That sounds good. I’ll have a Sidecar then.

WAITRESS

Okay, one Heineken and one Sidecar coming right up.

She takes JIM’s empty bottle and walks away.

JIM

The drink is on me, by the way.

MADDIE

Thank you for the drink. That’s very kind of you.

JIM

My pleasure.

JIM realizes he hasn’t introduced himself.

JIM

By the way, I’m Jim. Jim Garra…

He stops himself before revealing his full last name.

MADDIE

Madison. But my friends call me Maddie.

JIM

Maddie. That’s a nice name. It suits you.

JIM wonders why she’s there with him, but doesn’t ask. Not yet.

FADE OUT.