Date Night Disaster: Fire, Flirting, and Family Drama

[INT. UPSCALE RESTAURANT – EVENING]

Charlie is sitting confidently at a table, dressed sharp, sipping a glass of whiskey. Across from him is Vanessa, a stunning woman laughing at one of his jokes. Alan nervously enters, holding a bouquet of flowers, clearly uncomfortable.

ALAN:
(whispering)
Charlie, why did you tell Vanessa I’m your “life coach”?

CHARLIE:
(whispering back)
Because you looked like you needed a pep talk. Plus, it sounded cooler than “chronically awkward brother.”

ALAN:
She’s laughing at you, not with you.

Jake walks in with a confused look, holding a menu upside down.

JAKE:
Hey, Dad, can you help me figure out what this menu says? I’m not sure if the “lobster” is a sea monster or a salad.

CHARLIE:
Jake, buddy, focus. This is a date, not a biology lesson.

[INT. RESTAURANT – LATER]

Vanessa leans in, intrigued by Charlie. Alan is trying to make small talk but keeps fumbling his words.

VANESSA:
So, Alan, “life coach,” huh? What’s your biggest coaching success?

ALAN:
Uh, well, I once convinced my brother not to date his ex-wife again.

Charlie snorts into his drink.

CHARLIE:
That was one of my greatest failures, actually.

[INT. RESTAURANT – EVEN LATER]

Jake accidentally knocks over a candle. The waiter rushes over.

WAITER:
Sir, please be careful.

JAKE:
Sorry! I thought it was a fancy lighter.

Vanessa laughs, Charlie looks amused, Alan facepalms.

TAG SCENE – [EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT]

Charlie and Vanessa walk out, hand in hand. Alan and Jake follow, both looking relieved.

CHARLIE:
Well, that went better than I expected.

ALAN:
Yeah, mostly because Jake didn’t start a fire.

JAKE:
Hey, I’m a quick learner!

Charlie winks.