[IPHONE]

(SIMONE): Do you know when you’ll be home, love?

(JORDAN): things r shit rn, but it’s gonna be ok boo, i promise. love ya lots x

1 MISSED CALL FROM: CLEO

(CLEO): Max, I just heard about the bar! I’m so sorry! Let me know what you need!

[NEWS ALERT]: Victor Feng: ‘The Spice District fire is a tragedy, but it further proves that San Myshuno is in a state of neglect.’

[DIALOGUE]

(RITA): Max! I didn’t think you’d be here yet.

(MAX): They let me back in about an hour ago. Only to the flat though.

(RITA): Right…Well we should probably see the damage for ourselves.

(MAX): …Oh, um I’m not sure if- [Off Rita’s look] Okay well I’ve got some unopened masks upstairs, we should probably put them on incase of fumes.

[***]

(RITA): …Fucking hell.

(MAX): …Yeah. I’m sorry.

(RITA): What for?

(MAX): I don’t know, you left OSB in my care and it’s literally gone up in flames. I know how hard you worked to establish this place and I’ve only ever tried to honour that but-

(RITA): -Max you’re rambling. Why don’t we step outside for a bit? Get some air.

[***]

(RITA): I can’t remember if you smoke or not.

(MAX): Only socially, and I kinda quit that but…fuck it.

[They smoke in silence]

(RITA): [Exhaling] Max, you have nothing to be sorry for. You’ve done an amazing job with this place and with…everything I’ve asked of you. In fact, if anyone should say sorry it’s me. I should have never put you in that position with Luis. 

(MAX): You wouldn’t have asked if you didn’t think I could handle it.

(RITA): I know, but still. You’re young and you shouldn’t have to deal with all this. It’s funny, even before the fire I’d been thinking about coming back for a bit. My sister’s doing better and it’d been a while since I’d checked in with you. I thought that once I saw it again I’d realise how much I missed it all but…I don’t. I haven’t.

(MAX): Rita…

(RITA): I think it’s time to sell this place Max. Rid us both of the burden. 

(MAX): It’s not a burden! Not to me! It’s my home! And what about the others?!

(RITA): [Sighing] Look Max I'm sorry, I’m not doing this to hurt you. I know you’ve been through it lately. But you’re what? 26? You’re gonna land on your feet. You all will. If you’re worried about money, I’ll make sure you’re not left high and dry but I don’t have it in me to run this place anymore, and you deserve to not have it weighing on your shoulders. You won’t get it right now, but I’m doing you a favour.

(MAX): [Coughing] Ugh, fuck this.

SFX: Packed bar, sounds, music playing

----

(MAX): You wanted to see me? 

(RITA): Take a seat Max. There’s someone I’d like you to meet. 

Max Sits down

(RITA): This is Luis. He’s a family friend.

(MAX): Nice to meet you.

(RITA): I want to start by saying how much I’ve come to value and trust in you in the short time you’ve been here. You’ve worked your way up and you command the team with ease. 

(MAX): Thank you. That means a lot.

(RITA): Of course. Now, as you know, my sister’s had some health issues. The surgery went well, but she now needs someone to look after her during recovery. I have to be that someone. I want you to take over things while I’m gone.

(MAX): Oh! Um. Yeah, course I will. How long for, can I ask?

[Rita and Luis share a look]