One Man Band
In this unlikely love story, Jax, a scruffy street musician, wins over a coffee shop barista with his heartfelt performances and attitude. As Lyla gets to know him, she uncovers his big secret and reasons behind his street gigs.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
JAX ZANDER, 30's, scruffy and dark-featured, is
passionately strumming his guitar at people walking into
the shop and standing over a bucket of change. LYLA, a barista in her early 20's, short and freckled, stands watching in her apron, waiting for her shift to start.
JAX
If you're going to enjoy a free
show, can I at least get a coffee?
LYLA
Oh, a show? I thought you were
learning and by the sound of it,
that this was your first practice
session.
JAX
Ha ha, very funny. So is that a no
to the coffee then?
LYLA
Let's make a deal. You will get one
single coffee out of me today if you
play something a little more upbeat.
You're scaring our customers away.
Lyla maintains eye contact with Jax as she swiftly walks
into the coffee shop. Jax scratches his head and
strums 'Brown Eyed Girl' by Van Morrison. Lyla quickly snaps
her neck toward the window and walks out smiling, coffee in
hand.
LYLA (cont'd)
Better.
Lyla winks and heads back inside as more people gather to
listen to Jax play.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jax empties his bucket of change onto the floor and kneels
down to count it. He frustratingly looks up at a photo of
him with two bandmates on his dresser and tears well up in
his eyes.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Jax is setting up in front of the shop as Lyla glances over
her shoulder from a nearby bench and catches his eye.
EXT. PARK BENCH - DAY
Lyla is sitting with her friend CASSIDY, a thin brunette
model wearing designer clothes.
LYLA
What do you think about the musician
over there?
CASSIDY
He's alright for a homeless guy. Not
my type of music though.
LYLA
He is not homeless! Oh my gosh, just
because a guy isn't flaunting gucci
and LV does not make him poor.
CASSIDY
Don't tell me you like him. Lyla,
you and Ryder broke up like 4 days
ago. Besides, you're used to the
high life. I don't think you'd last
5 minutes with a busker.
LYLA
Ryder was a dick and I need
something different now. What girl
doesn't want a guy who can write her
poems and love songs? I bet you he's
a real romantic.
Lyla and Cassidy giggle, stand up and embrace each other.
Lyla walks towards the coffee shop for her shift.
CASSIDY
Call me after your first date!
Lyla blushes and hurries into the shop without
acknowledging Jax.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT
Jax wanders around the shop for a place to sit while eyeing
the muffins up front. He seats himself in the corner near
the back.
LYLA
You're still here? My god, don't you
have a job?
JAX
What do you mean? I'm a one man
band. You saw me playing out there,
or learning as you like to call it.
LYLA
Oh. You make good money today?
JAX
Your customers aren't exactly
generous.
LYLA
You know there's a fancier shop just
three blocks away near the big fat
mansions. I bet you could make a lot
more over there.
JAX
Not my crowd.
LYLA
Yeah, they can be a bit, um,
judgemental.
JAX
Yeah, at least over here they shit
talk you to your face.
LYLA
Who's been shit talking you?
JAX
You, yesterday.
LYLA
Sorry for trying to brighten up the
place, I like tips too you know.
JAX
You brighten up the place plenty.
Lyla turns around quickly to hide her foolishly big grin
and swipes a muffin from the counter while no one is
looking. As she shuffles back to the table, her coworker
turns to place her hand where the muffin once was with a
look of confusion. Lyla conceals the muffin and places it
in front of Jax.
JAX (cont'd)
Wow, a Barista and a thief, who
would have known.
LYLA
Oh be quiet, I haven't seen you eat
all day.
JAX
Well surely I'll pay for this, I
don't want you to get in trouble.
LYLA
Nah, it's fine. Think of it like a
down payment on the future shit-
talking I'm bound to do.
JAX
Can't wait.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jax lays in bed holding the framed photo of him and his
bandmates out an arms-length in front of him.
JAX
This girl at the coffee shop is a
real sweetheart, you guys would have
loved her.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Cassidy strolls in wearing a fur coat and leather boots.
CASSIDY
So, has the famous musician made a
move yet?
LYLA
Famous? Just yesterday you were
calling him homeless. Starting to
warm up to the idea?
CASSIDY
You seriously haven't seen the news?
Your boyfriend is the Jax Zander,
from Running Boys, the band. You
know, that one that was in tour bus
crash out in Austin last month. It
was all over social media.
LYLA
Whatever sick joke this is, it's not
funny Cass.
CASSIDY
No seriously, look!
Cassidy flashes her phone to Lyla, showing an article about
Jax's life after the crash. Featured in the photo was a
side-by-side comparison of him on tour in his rocker-chic
clothes and now, scruffy, wearing flannel and standing
outside of the coffee shop.
LYLA
Oh my god.
CASSIDY
Look at you, another rich guy. You
just have all the luck with men.
LYLA
Ugh, you're so vain. I can't believe
he didn't tell me. What's he doing
in this part of town anyway,
performing on the streets? Surely a
guy like him has better things to
do.
CASSIDY
I can think of one reason he's been
hanging around here.
Cassidy and then Lyla turn to face the front window of the
store to see Jax with his hands in his pockets, now
sporting a fresh haircut and leather jacket, staring
lovingly at Lyla.
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