MANNY DELGADO, dressed in a burgundy velvet blazer that would look appropriate on a 60-year-old poet, stands at the kitchen island. He is meticulously mixing drinks with a cocktail shaker.
He pours the liquid into two flutes, garnishing each with a perfectly curled twist of lime peel.
He walks into the living room where SOPHIE, a cute girl his age, is sitting on the edge of the sofa looking like she wants to be anywhere else.
MANNY "A Sparkling Cider reduction with a twist of lime. For the lovely lady."
He hands her the glass with a small bow.
SOPHIE (Taking it) "Oh. Thanks, Manny."
She takes a small sip. She gives him a tight smile—the universal symbol for "I am being polite "
MANNY "So, Sophie. I sensed some tension earlier. Is everything alright?"
Manny and Sophie start talking , Sophie to pass some time and Manny as he was interested.
SOPHIE (Sighing, putting the drink down) "Sorry. I just... I push people away. It's my defense mechanism."
MANNY (Sitting next to her, voice dropping to a soothing baritone) "It's hard to like someone when you don't like yourself. But you should know... you have many good qualities. You are attractive, bright, witty. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes."
Sophie looks at him. Her eyes soften.
SOPHIE "You are such a good friend, Manny."
Manny freezes.
MANNY "Friend? Is that where this is headed?"
SOPHIE "Friendship lasts longer."
Manny stands up. His face falls, but he straightens his blazer, retaining his dignity like a gentleman .
MANNY "Not this one. I have friends, Sophie. I am looking for romance. If that is not on the table... Happy New Year."
He walks away toward the dining room.
INT. DUNPHY HOUSE - DINING AREA - CONTINUOUS
AMAN is sitting at the dining table across from LILY. There is a pile of poker chips (mostly candy and quarters) in the center.
AMAN "Hit me."
Lily deals him a card.
Manny walks up, looking like he just lost a war, holding two glasses of cider. He sets one down in front of Aman.
AMAN (Picking up the glass) "Don't mind if I do."
Aman glances at his cards. He smirks. He lays them down on the table.
AMAN "Full House. Read 'em and weep."
Lily stares at the cards. She throws her hand down in disgust.
LILY "Damn."
AMAN "Language, Lily. But yes, damn indeed. Pay up."
Lily begrudgingly pushes a pile of Skittles toward him.
Manny pulls out a chair and sits down heavily. He looks like he's carrying the weight of the world .
AMAN (Sipping the cider) "How did it go?"
MANNY "Friendzoned. Again. Immediate classification as 'brother material.' I am apparently a 'good friend.'"
INT. LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Manny looks at Aman with desperation in his eyes.
MANNY "How do you do it, Aman? Every girl I try getting, I get friendzoned. Am I too intimidatingly handsome? "
Aman sets his cards down. He looks at Lily.
AMAN "Lily, close your ears. Earmuffs."
LILY (Sighs heavily) "Fine. But you owe me a skittle."
She covers her ears with her hands, looking bored.
AMAN "It's not your looks, Manny. It's the vibe. You give off 'soft and cuddly.' You offer them tea and sympathy. Subconsciously, they take you as their teddy bear and this is their tea party."
Manny looks horrified.
AMAN "You're a comfort object. Until you grow up—and until girls mature enough to appreciate you as guy —you have less chance."
MANNY "Damn."
AMAN "Just gotta wait a few years. Or... there is a kind of girl who likes this type now."
MANNY (Perking up, hopeful) "What type? Tell me. I am open to all types."
AMAN "The Crazy Type. The ones who want a pet. You better get away from them the moment you are done."
Manny shudders.
MANNY "Man, my love life seems hopeless. Do you have any other advice for me? Anything?"
Aman looks at him. He hesitates.
AMAN "You won't like it. And I feel like it's wasted breath."
MANNY "Tell me. I would do anything. Please, Aman. I am desperate."
AMAN "Exercise."
Manny gasps. He recoils .
MANNY "Exercise?! But my constitution! I have flat feet! I get winded walking to the mailbox!"
AMAN "You are going to hate yourself in two years, Manny. Some muscular jock is going to call you fat and take away the girl who prefers a sexy, hot date rather than a sophisticated nerd. That is the law of the jungle. And the jungle is ruthless."
Manny looks down at his stomach. He grabs a handful of velvet.
MANNY "Well, that's true... but what can I do? No matter what I try, I never get slimmer. It's genetics. I am built for comfort, not speed. I am a Delgado!"
AMAN "Liar. You have Gloria genes, Manny. Your mother is a force of nature. You just have to move, and everything will fall into place. Stop eating cake and start running."
Manny stares at Aman. He grits his teeth. He looks at the cider. He looks at his reflection in the glass.
AMAN "How about it? Tomorrow morning. I get you up. We run. No excuses."
MANNY (Taking a deep breath) "Okay. Fine. Make me a machine."
INT. STAIRCASE - MOMENTS LATER
Suddenly, heavy footsteps stomp down the stairs.
Luke's date, ASHLEY, storms down, looking totally freaked out.
ASHLEY "Sophie, let's go. This house is weird. "
Sophie jumps up from the couch, relieved to have an exit strategy. She looks back at Manny for a split second before grabbing her coat.
SOPHIE "Bye Manny!"
The two girls run out the front door without looking back.
LUKE appears at the top of the stairs, red-faced and furious.
LUKE (Screaming at the closed bedroom door across the hall) "I HATE YOU! YOU RUINED IT!"
HALEY (O.S.) (From behind her door) "You will thank us later! "
Aman picks up his cider, clinking his glass against Manny's.
AMAN "Happy New Year, Manny. Set your alarm for 6 AM."