(Marie walks up to the door leading to J...

(Marie walks up to the door leading to Joe’s room but behind her, Frank has his hand over his brow. As Marie is about to open the door)

FRANK Wait.

MARIE What?

FRANK Should I be doing this?

MARIE Doing what, Frank? You’re seeing your friend that is in a coma.

FRANK Not that. I’m talking about going public without Joe. This is Joe’s dream.

MARIE Exactly. This is Joe’s dream. How do you feel if he would wake up to find out that the company is going under, Frank?

FRANK It’s not going under. It’s all about timing, Marie. This is how the business works. Joe had to get that through his head.

MARIE So when will we go public?

FRANK I don’t know. That’s the problem.

MARIE Frank, you don’t know a damn thing. That’s the problem. This is not up for discussion. You and Joe signed the papers and that’s final. In a month, you can have all the regrets when Vitas goes public but today you will get of that high horse and see your friend.

FRANK Hey, listen. This has nothing to do about me not wanting to see him, Marie. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.

MARIE Then why stop me before we go into the room? Are you afraid Joe will hear you? Get pissed because his friend let him down again?

FRANK I never let him down. That was an isolated situation that he got tangled up in. I paid my debt and you seem to never let it down.

MARIE Because it hurt Joe, Frank. It hurt him for you to throw his name down with you. You both are Vitas. When you make a decision on the behalf of Vitas, you’re making a decision on the behalf of Joe.

FRANK And he’s not here. We don't know how long he will be held up.

MARIE That act accordingly, Frank. Stop being such a child.

FRANK You think I like operating the company from across the world. No. But I respected Joe’s wishes. I understand that he got caught up in my mess but I was the one who went to prison because it was my doing. Joe even assured that. As far as I’m concern, me and Joe are even.

MARIE (chuckles) You’re even?

FRANK If only you knew.

MARIE What does that mean?

FRANK Joe has his ways. You and I both know that. What in particular? A laundry list but maybe even you know more about that than me. I’m not going into details about what kind of person my friend is when he is laying up in a bed fighting for his life. I wont. If I’ve done nothing for Joe in these thirty plus years of our friendship, I will grant him that.

MARIE Don’t expect anything in return.

FRANK Oh, that is what you think? I want something?

MARIE You want everything, Frank. Don't act like it.

FRANK Tell that to your husband. I got into that sh#t for Joe too. You said it yourself, “When you make a decision on the behalf of Vitas, you’re making a decision on the behalf of Joe”. Joe knew all about it and the only reason I did time was because I tried to cover it up... which Joe also knew about. Don’t act like Joe is a saint. You of all people should know that. I’m here because my friend needs me. I sure you’re also wondering why Joe has had this epiphany and wants to go public.

MARIE I have an idea now.

The door opens, Adele ENTERS

ADELE Oh, I’m sorry, Marie.

MARIE Don’t be sorry. A friend of Joe’s was coming to visit. Frank, this is Adele. She is Joe’s live-in care. Adele this is Frank. Joe’s friend and business partner.

ADELE Nice to meet you.

(Adele anxiously holds out her arm while Frank sensually takes hold of her hand in both of his. He grabs her hand and kisses while simultaneously squeezing her elbow with his other hand.)

FRANK The pleasure is all mine.

(Adele awkwardly takes this as Marie shakes her head, She steps between the two.)

MARIE Remember we talk about that sexual harassment thing?

ADELE Ma’am?

MARIE Not you, love. Frank! Make nice and leave the poor girl alone.

(Frank doesn’t break eye contact from Adele.)

FRANK Whatever you say, Doc.

(to Adele)

Adele was it?

ADELE Yes.

FRANK Adele, have you ever thought of working in medical technology?

MARIE Frank, no. She’s not here for that.

FRANK Okay, Marie. My God. Can you let a man live a little?

MARIE I did. His name is Joe. Now get going.

FRANK Alright. It was a pleasure to meet you, Adele.

(Frank holds out his hand again, but Marie quickly pushes him through the doorway and closes the door behind.)

ADELE He’s such a dog.

MARIE A pig to be exact.

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