GET A GRIP
Nova and Garbage Bag Johnny sit in chairs in the office of PRIME’s President and CEO, Lindsay Troy, staring around at the ambience and decor. Nova flips open his cigarette pack for a quick butt-count. GBJ picks something out of his beard and holds it up to examine it, concerned.
“The Queen of the Ring” sits across from them in her chair, which you may notice is constructed out of gold and silver championship belts. If you’re wondering if this looks familiar, yes, it is the same one.
Anyhoo, LT’s hands are clenched into fists that no stress ball would dare attempt to ameliorate.
Nova looks at Troy.
Johnny looks at Troy.
Troy scowls at them both.
They look at each other, then back at Troy.
Lindsay Troy: Guys…this needs to stop.
Nova and GBJ exchange a glance.
Lindsay Troy: I love that you went all-in on Survivor after a couple of disappointing losses. I’m thrilled about it, honestly. You didn’t sit around and pout, and that’s commendable. But this “Future of Wrestling” shit…is too much.
She slowly un-clenches her fists and runs a hand through her curls.
Lindsay Troy: This stuff with “future” old-man versions of you running around, showing up in matches…I don’t know where you found these guys, or how they keep getting access backstage without credentials…
She shakes her head.
Lindsay Troy: …but it needs to stop. This is a wrestling company. Where people wrestle.
Garbage Bag Johnny: (Turning to Nova) Was last week the scary maze or the gross food-eating competition? I don’t remember…
Lindsay Troy: Okay, people eventually wrestle.
Troy looks to Nova.
Lindsay Troy: This isn’t NFW, Caes. Craig Miles isn’t here to green-light time-travel or robots or spaceships made out of weed.
She takes a deep breath and looks at them both.
Lindsay Troy: Just…tell me that we’re done with this, okay? Done with “Future Nova” and “Future GBJ” and traveling back in time to change or relive the past. Can you tell me that?
Nova and GBJ stare at her blankly.
Lindsay Troy: Guys. C’mon.
Nova: What…
He pauses, searching for words.
Nova: …the hell are you talking about, Lindz?
Nova turns to GBJ, pointing a finger at Troy.
Nova: Do you have any idea what she’s talking about?
GBJ slowly shakes his head in bewilderment.
Garbage Bag Johnny: I thought this was going to be about getting my Golden Ticket back.
Nova: Lindz…homie…I’m sure this…(gesturing around the office)…has all been a LOT. No doubt you’ve been under a ton of stress. And we think you’re doing a great job! Don’t we, Johnny?
GBJ flashes a thumbs-up.
Garbage Bag Johnny: Great job.
Nova: But time-travel? “Future Nova?” “Future GBJ?” Old-man versions of us?
He bursts into a fit of laughter, gripping his sides. For his part, GBJ enjoys a more restrained chuckle.
Nova: (Wiping his eyes) Oh, man…that is good. I’m worried about you, girl, but that is good stuff. Have you thought about taking a vacation? Some time for yourself?
Troy sits in shock. Nova gets out of his chair and motions to Johnny.
Nova: C’mon, bud, we gotta go do whatever the thing is. And you…
He points a finger at the Queen of the Ring.
Nova: You take five and try to pull yourself together.
Nova leaves the office and GBJ lags behind for a second.
Garbage Bag Johnny: But yeah, if you know how I can get that Golden Ti-
GBJ is interrupted by a death glare and a finger…no, not the middle finger. Troy’s just pointing at the door. Johnny nods awkwardly and exits.
Lindsay Troy is mid-sigh-of-relief when Nova pokes his head back in the doorway, grinning broadly.
Nova: “Time-travel”…get a grip!
He ducks back out, leaving Troy still slack-jawed behind her desk.