ROOM SERVICE
FADE IN:
INT. HOTEL - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Elegant. Clean.
Coming from the elevator - shouting. The doors open. Losing his temper at a cute hispanic MAID,
a well groomed MAN in an impeccable suit storms out, heading straight toward his room.
Afraid, she follows with caution.
MAN
You calling me a liar? ARE YOU CALLING
ME A LIAR!?
Despite the accent, her voice is soft and sweet.
MAID
No. No. Please. The other guests...
He swipes his keycard at the door. It unlocks. And he holds it open for her to see...
MAN
Then what the hell is this?
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUING
The room is spotless. Pristine. Except for a piece of open luggage, wrinkled clothes sprawled out
around it.
The Maid enters, surprised by the mess.
MAID
No. When I cleaned - this wasn’t like this.
MAN
When did you finish?
MAID
An hour ago.
MAN
Uh-huh...
He studies her. Is she lying?
MAN
And beside you and me, who else has a
key to the room?
MAID
Whatever other guests you’re with.
MAN
My daughter? You saying my daughter’s
a thief!?
Maid hesitates to answer. This angers him even more. He moves in on her. She backs away,
almost trembling.
MAN
Is that what you’re saying?
She doesn't know what to say.
MAN
Maybe in El Salvador you raise your kids
to become thieves. But in Estados Unidos
we’re a little more responsible.
MAID
No that’s not what I...please. I’m sorry.
I’m sure it’s just...
MAN
What? Just what?
MAID
I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.
He calms down a bit. But moves in closer, looking directly in her eyes.
MAN
Did you take my watches?
She’s confused.
MAID
What?
He keeps on her. Face to face. Direct eye contact. Judging her. Examining her.
Then backs away.
MAN
I don’t care about the clothes. Okay? I
could care less. But the watches. The
three gold watches that I packed in here
as well. And we’re not talking about some
cheap Timex. They make cars that cost
less than these puppies.
MAID
I’m sorry. Honestly. I don’t know...
After a moment, he reaches for the phone.
MAN
Okay. Don’t move.
EXT. CITY STREET - LATER
16 year old HEATHER is on her cell.
HEATHER
...that’s OK. I understand....Alright...I’m
sure you’ll find ‘em...OK...Love you too.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - SAME TIME
MAN
Alright...have fun at the show. Bye, baby.
He hangs up. Looks at the Maid.
MAN
So. I’ll ask you again. Who took my
watches? Cause my daughter sure as hell
didn’t.
CITY STREET - SAME TIME
With a few FRIENDS, Heather turns to a GUY in a hooded sweat shirt. She slips him a gold watch.
He slips her a baggy of pills.
PENTHOUSE SUITE - SAME TIME
Maid just shakes her head. Shrugs. Trying not to panic.
Man laughs. He’s not buying it.
MAN
It’s like this. I sell jewelry. To distributors.
Been doing this for years. And I’ve dealt
with theft before. Actually that’s not true.
My lawyer - has dealt with theft before.
And I come out on top every time.
He prepares to leave.
MAN
So excuse me. I need to speak with your
Manager.
She leaps up-
MAID
No no! Wait. Please.
Stops him.
MAN
What.
MAID
I’m not trying to blame your daughter. I
really mean no disrespect. But. I didn’t do
this. I cleaned your room and that was it.
He laughs. Gives her a funny look. Puts his hands on her shoulders.
MAN
What’s your name, sweetheart?
MAID
Viviana.
MAN
Okay Viviana. Let me tell you about my
one and only child. She’s sweet sixteen.
You understand?
VIVIANA
Yes.
MAN
You remember when you were sweet
sixteen?
VIVIANA
Yes.
MAN
Of course you do. You were young, sweet
and innocent. Right?
VIVIANA
Yes.
MAN
Yes. Right. Well guess what? That’s my
baby. Young. Sweet. And innocent.
Viviana is clearly uncomfortable with all this.
MAN
But you. You’re not sixteen anymore.
You’re older. And as we get older - we
lose that innocence. Don’t we?
VIVIANA
Look. Please...
MAN
No. You listen to me. I have an
exceptional relationship with my daughter.
We’re very close. She understands that
her happiness depends on the success of
my business. So why would she steal?
More shrugging from Viv.
MAN
You want me to make a big deal about this?
It’s your word against mine. You’re just a
maid. A servant. You think Mr. Hughes is
gonna believe you over an esteemed guest
who pumps good money into his hotel
chains?
She’s speechless.
MAN
I know Hughes. We go back. He won’t
be happy to learn that my stay here has
been less than comfortable. Less than
satisfying. Less than what his reputation
promises.
Silence for a moment. She is really stressed now. Completely intimidated. He allows her a
chance to respond.
VIVIANA
All I can tell you is I did not interfere with
your property. I just did my job. I cleaned
your room.
MAN
Uh-hu.
VIVIANA
I cannot afford to lose my job. I have an
eight-year-old son. It’s just me and him.
Her eyes beg him to understand. He doesn’t seem to give in.
Then she moves to the end of the room. Draws the curtains over the windows. Then moves to
the door.
MAN
Where you think you’re going?
She opens the door and peaks outside the
HALLWAY
Empty. Not a soul. She then returns inside the
SUITE
and selects DO NOT DISTURB.
MAN
What are you doing?
She says a little prayer in Spanish, crosses her heart, and kisses the cross around her neck.
After a moment, and a deep breath, she slowly moves closer to him.
And begins unbuttoning her uniform...
VIVIANA
Maybe...we can just...forget about all this.
MAN
Whoaa!
He laughs. Completely thrown off. From his reaction, she pauses for a moment. Almost second-
guessing herself. But then continues.
MAN
Hold on there girl.
He can’t stop smiling. She undoes the two top buttons, revealing sumptuous cleavage, snug in
a white bra.
MAN
Jesus...
VIVIANA
What?
He says nothing. Just shakes his head.
Reluctant and uncomfortable, she continues to unbutton. The stiff, bland uniform slowly gives
way to her soft, tender figure.
MAN
You think I’m gonna let you off the hook
this easily?
She stops. Collects her thoughts.
VIVIANA
Look. Without this job, I can’t feed my kid.
Can’t put clothes on his back. This is seven
hundred dollars a week. Medical with ten
dollar co-pay. I can’t get that anywhere else.
So...
There goes the last button. The uniform drapes like an open robe. Her body pushing through.
But she stops, again. As if unsure she can go through with it. She just stands before him.
Waiting for him to make the next move.
But he doesn’t do anything, yet. Just observes. How inviting. Curves in all the right places.
Perfect skin. Ready for the taking. But at the same time - Sad. Desperate. And pitiful....
She clenches her fists. Tense and nervous.
He can see it. And actually looks at her with genuine sensitivity. Takes a moment for the words
to come out...
MAN
You got a son, huh?
VIVIANA
Yes. Miguel.
She says his name softly - and it kills her. Her eyes water.
MAN
Where’s his dad?
She says nothing. Just shrugs and looks away. Either she doesn’t know. Or is just avoiding the
question.
MAN
Yeah. Heather’s mother left me. Spent
more time in court than at home. Lots a
fun. She got the Mercedes. I got Heather.
Tough job to do all alone.
For the first time, Viviana smiles. There’s a connection. Common ground. She nods in agreement.
MAN
I can handle it. But you. Seven hundred
a week for cleaning up after rich, spoiled
slobs...
She nods.
They keep eye contact for a moment. She doesn’t move. She can’t tell what it is he’s about to do.
He looks uncertain. But smiles at her.
Then he reaches for his wallet. Thumbs through. Peels away a few Hundred’s. Counts ‘em. Not
enough. Takes the rest. Counts again...
MAN
What do you know - fourteen hundred.
Double your paycheck. That’s a brand
new wardrobe and a feast for Miguel.
But as far as HMO's - you're on your
own.
She gives him a puzzled look.
VIVIANA
What...?
He smiles.
MAN
You heard me.
VIVIANA
Oh my god...
She covers her mouth in disbelief.
MAN
Don’t worry. The watches are insured.
Overwhelmed by his sudden turn of generosity, she can’t control the tears. She pulls her
uniform together, about to button it back up.
VIVIANA
I don’t know what to say.
But he reaches out, preventing her with one hand ...
MAN
Well if you’re offering me your body -
least I could do is pay for it.
...and offers the cash with the other.
VIVIANA
Wait a minute! What!?
This knocks the wind out of her.
MAN
Hey. Your idea.
VIVIANA
You can’t be serious?
He smiles like a little boy.
MAN
I don’t know. Am I...?
CUT TO BLACK
END
FADE IN:
INT. HOTEL - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Elegant. Clean.
Coming from the elevator - shouting. The doors open. Losing his temper at a cute hispanic MAID,
a well groomed MAN in an impeccable suit storms out, heading straight toward his room.
Afraid, she follows with caution.
MAN
You calling me a liar? ARE YOU CALLING
ME A LIAR!?
Despite the accent, her voice is soft and sweet.
MAID
No. No. Please. The other guests...
He swipes his keycard at the door. It unlocks. And he holds it open for her to see...
MAN
Then what the hell is this?
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUING
The room is spotless. Pristine. Except for a piece of open luggage, wrinkled clothes sprawled out
around it.
The Maid enters, surprised by the mess.
MAID
No. When I cleaned - this wasn’t like this.
MAN
When did you finish?
MAID
An hour ago.
MAN
Uh-huh...
He studies her. Is she lying?
MAN
And beside you and me, who else has a
key to the room?
MAID
Whatever other guests you’re with.
MAN
My daughter? You saying my daughter’s
a thief!?
Maid hesitates to answer. This angers him even more. He moves in on her. She backs away,
almost trembling.
MAN
Is that what you’re saying?
She doesn't know what to say.
MAN
Maybe in El Salvador you raise your kids
to become thieves. But in Estados Unidos
we’re a little more responsible.
MAID
No that’s not what I...please. I’m sorry.
I’m sure it’s just...
MAN
What? Just what?
MAID
I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.
He calms down a bit. But moves in closer, looking directly in her eyes.
MAN
Did you take my watches?
She’s confused.
MAID
What?
He keeps on her. Face to face. Direct eye contact. Judging her. Examining her.
Then backs away.
MAN
I don’t care about the clothes. Okay? I
could care less. But the watches. The
three gold watches that I packed in here
as well. And we’re not talking about some
cheap Timex. They make cars that cost
less than these puppies.
MAID
I’m sorry. Honestly. I don’t know...
After a moment, he reaches for the phone.
MAN
Okay. Don’t move.
EXT. CITY STREET - LATER
16 year old HEATHER is on her cell.
HEATHER
...that’s OK. I understand....Alright...I’m
sure you’ll find ‘em...OK...Love you too.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - SAME TIME
MAN
Alright...have fun at the show. Bye, baby.
He hangs up. Looks at the Maid.
MAN
So. I’ll ask you again. Who took my
watches? Cause my daughter sure as hell
didn’t.
CITY STREET - SAME TIME
With a few FRIENDS, Heather turns to a GUY in a hooded sweat shirt. She slips him a gold watch.
He slips her a baggy of pills.
PENTHOUSE SUITE - SAME TIME
Maid just shakes her head. Shrugs. Trying not to panic.
Man laughs. He’s not buying it.
MAN
It’s like this. I sell jewelry. To distributors.
Been doing this for years. And I’ve dealt
with theft before. Actually that’s not true.
My lawyer - has dealt with theft before.
And I come out on top every time.
He prepares to leave.
MAN
So excuse me. I need to speak with your
Manager.
She leaps up-
MAID
No no! Wait. Please.
Stops him.
MAN
What.
MAID
I’m not trying to blame your daughter. I
really mean no disrespect. But. I didn’t do
this. I cleaned your room and that was it.
He laughs. Gives her a funny look. Puts his hands on her shoulders.
MAN
What’s your name, sweetheart?
MAID
Viviana.
MAN
Okay Viviana. Let me tell you about my
one and only child. She’s sweet sixteen.
You understand?
VIVIANA
Yes.
MAN
You remember when you were sweet
sixteen?
VIVIANA
Yes.
MAN
Of course you do. You were young, sweet
and innocent. Right?
VIVIANA
Yes.
MAN
Yes. Right. Well guess what? That’s my
baby. Young. Sweet. And innocent.
Viviana is clearly uncomfortable with all this.
MAN
But you. You’re not sixteen anymore.
You’re older. And as we get older - we
lose that innocence. Don’t we?
VIVIANA
Look. Please...
MAN
No. You listen to me. I have an
exceptional relationship with my daughter.
We’re very close. She understands that
her happiness depends on the success of
my business. So why would she steal?
More shrugging from Viv.
MAN
You want me to make a big deal about this?
It’s your word against mine. You’re just a
maid. A servant. You think Mr. Hughes is
gonna believe you over an esteemed guest
who pumps good money into his hotel
chains?
She’s speechless.
MAN
I know Hughes. We go back. He won’t
be happy to learn that my stay here has
been less than comfortable. Less than
satisfying. Less than what his reputation
promises.
Silence for a moment. She is really stressed now. Completely intimidated. He allows her a
chance to respond.
VIVIANA
All I can tell you is I did not interfere with
your property. I just did my job. I cleaned
your room.
MAN
Uh-hu.
VIVIANA
I cannot afford to lose my job. I have an
eight-year-old son. It’s just me and him.
Her eyes beg him to understand. He doesn’t seem to give in.
Then she moves to the end of the room. Draws the curtains over the windows. Then moves to
the door.
MAN
Where you think you’re going?
She opens the door and peaks outside the
HALLWAY
Empty. Not a soul. She then returns inside the
SUITE
and selects DO NOT DISTURB.
MAN
What are you doing?
She says a little prayer in Spanish, crosses her heart, and kisses the cross around her neck.
After a moment, and a deep breath, she slowly moves closer to him.
And begins unbuttoning her uniform...
VIVIANA
Maybe...we can just...forget about all this.
MAN
Whoaa!
He laughs. Completely thrown off. From his reaction, she pauses for a moment. Almost second-
guessing herself. But then continues.
MAN
Hold on there girl.
He can’t stop smiling. She undoes the two top buttons, revealing sumptuous cleavage, snug in
a white bra.
MAN
Jesus...
VIVIANA
What?
He says nothing. Just shakes his head.
Reluctant and uncomfortable, she continues to unbutton. The stiff, bland uniform slowly gives
way to her soft, tender figure.
MAN
You think I’m gonna let you off the hook
this easily?
She stops. Collects her thoughts.
VIVIANA
Look. Without this job, I can’t feed my kid.
Can’t put clothes on his back. This is seven
hundred dollars a week. Medical with ten
dollar co-pay. I can’t get that anywhere else.
So...
There goes the last button. The uniform drapes like an open robe. Her body pushing through.
But she stops, again. As if unsure she can go through with it. She just stands before him.
Waiting for him to make the next move.
But he doesn’t do anything, yet. Just observes. How inviting. Curves in all the right places.
Perfect skin. Ready for the taking. But at the same time - Sad. Desperate. And pitiful....
She clenches her fists. Tense and nervous.
He can see it. And actually looks at her with genuine sensitivity. Takes a moment for the words
to come out...
MAN
You got a son, huh?
VIVIANA
Yes. Miguel.
She says his name softly - and it kills her. Her eyes water.
MAN
Where’s his dad?
She says nothing. Just shrugs and looks away. Either she doesn’t know. Or is just avoiding the
question.
MAN
Yeah. Heather’s mother left me. Spent
more time in court than at home. Lots a
fun. She got the Mercedes. I got Heather.
Tough job to do all alone.
For the first time, Viviana smiles. There’s a connection. Common ground. She nods in agreement.
MAN
I can handle it. But you. Seven hundred
a week for cleaning up after rich, spoiled
slobs...
She nods.
They keep eye contact for a moment. She doesn’t move. She can’t tell what it is he’s about to do.
He looks uncertain. But smiles at her.
Then he reaches for his wallet. Thumbs through. Peels away a few Hundred’s. Counts ‘em. Not
enough. Takes the rest. Counts again...
MAN
What do you know - fourteen hundred.
Double your paycheck. That’s a brand
new wardrobe and a feast for Miguel.
But as far as HMO's - you're on your
own.
She gives him a puzzled look.
VIVIANA
What...?
He smiles.
MAN
You heard me.
VIVIANA
Oh my god...
She covers her mouth in disbelief.
MAN
Don’t worry. The watches are insured.
Overwhelmed by his sudden turn of generosity, she can’t control the tears. She pulls her
uniform together, about to button it back up.
VIVIANA
I don’t know what to say.
But he reaches out, preventing her with one hand ...
MAN
Well if you’re offering me your body -
least I could do is pay for it.
...and offers the cash with the other.
VIVIANA
Wait a minute! What!?
This knocks the wind out of her.
MAN
Hey. Your idea.
VIVIANA
You can’t be serious?
He smiles like a little boy.
MAN
I don’t know. Am I...?
CUT TO BLACK
END