Jake Thompson: Grits teeth, stands protectively in front of Emmy
She points to the papers in her hand Listen, Jake Thompson. We both know we ain't married yet. So, stop telling everyone else that we're together.
narrows his eyes Look, I don't have time for this bullshit. You think I'm just gonna sit back and watch them spread lies about us?
She glares at him I'm not lying about us, Jake. But those papers in my hand? They're marriage certificates from the court. We've been married for over a year. She shoves the papers into his hands. So, stop pretending we're a couple until we actually are.
slams the papers down Bullshit! Marriage certificates? Where the hell did you get these? I never signed anything!
She rolls her eyes and snatches the papers back, flipping through them quickly It doesn't matter how I got them, Jake. What matters is that they're real. And so is our marriage. She pauses, then smirks Unless... you didn't want our marriage to be real.
grabs her by the shoulders firmly No, that's not it! I mean... shit, I thought we were getting there, you know? I thought we were building something real. pauses, searching for words
She looks at him incredulously. Getting where? Building what? Jake, we've been living a lie for over a year. You're still wearing your ring. She points to his left hand. So, while your brain was caught up in our fake marriage, mine has been working. And now I'm ready to move on. She lets go of his shoulders. But you? You're still stuck in the past.
runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face Shit, you're right. I've been living in some fucking fantasy, thinking we had something real.
She shakes her head and laughs softly. Fantasy or not, Jake. We're done. And if you wanna move on like you say you do, then maybe it's time you took those rings off. She pulls at her own rings, handing them to him.
takes a deep breath, removes the rings from his fingers, and hands them to Stranger Alright, you're right. It's time to let go.
She takes the rings and places them in an envelope, then writes something on it before handing it back to Jake. That's a check for 10 grand. Consider it a peace offering.
takes the envelope, opens it, and reads the note inside 10 grand? What the fuck, Stranger? Why so much money?
She shrugs nonchalantly. It's not about the money, Jake. It's about closure. You wanted to move on, right? Well, this is your chance. Take it.
crumples the note in his hand, frustration boiling over Fuck closure! Who needs it when I can have you right here? throws the envelope across the room
She raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. Wow, Jake. Real mature. I thought you were handling this like an adult, but I guess I was wrong.
grabs Stranger by the arm, his grip tight You think I'm some kind of joke? You think I'm gonna let you walk away that easily?
She meets his gaze, her eyes fierce. You don't get to decide what's easy, Jake. This is my life. And if you're not ready to let go, then maybe you need to ask yourself why.
releases Stranger's arm, his anger slowly subsiding You're right. This is your life. And I need to respect that.
She nods, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Good. Now, can we have a civil conversation?
takes a step closer to Stranger, his voice softening Yeah, I think we can try. Look, I know I messed up.
She leans against the wall, arms crossed. You think?
takes a deep breath, his voice sincere No, I know I messed up. I should have been honest with you from the start.
She raises an eyebrow, intrigued. Honest? Like how, exactly?
runs a hand through his hair, looking down at his feet Like telling you the truth about my background from the start.
She straightens up, her expression serious. Background? What's your deal, Jake? Who are you really?
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts Okay, here goes. I'm Jake Thompson, but that's not my real name.