Chapter 1: Setting the Scene

As the evening unfolds, the atmosphere is charged with mixed drinks and even more mixed messages.

Myrna, on the left, muses, "I have no idea what she’s rambling on about."

William, sitting nearby, replies, "Me neither. Maybe she’s talking about stock options, considering her comments about alternatives."

Bartender, overhearing: "I could clear this up for you in a heartbeat, but let’s just say your tips tonight haven’t earned you the privilege."

Maureen, on the right, raises her glass: "Here’s to our bright future! Or at least to this night!"

Myrna adds, "Still in the dark here. But hey, she’s been downing drinks like there’s a prize waiting, so she likely doesn’t notice we’re mocking her."

William quips, "It’s oddly captivating, like a train wreck you can’t look away from. Someone could blog about this."

Bartender interjects: "Five bucks, and I’ll spill the tea. Give a little to get a little."

Maureen nods: "So we’re all on the same page about benefiting from this?"

Myrna responds, "I won’t agree to anything without reading the fine print. Last time, I ended up in a not-so-subtle film about love on the Isle of Capri."

William chimes in, "I had a similar experience, playing a strict headmaster at a boys’ school in Scotland. I should have suspected trouble when the costume designer fitted me for plaid leather pants."

Bartender exclaims, "This lady is clearly trying to lure you into a three-way! The tip jar is right there. Use it!"

Maureen turns to the bartender: "Why stop at three? What time do you finish up?"

Myrna reacts, "A three-way? You mean a sexual encounter? I thought we were supposed to omit any hint of that from movie scripts after Hedy Lamarr’s infamous scene in that German film."

William adds, "And I too am still sore from those dreadful leather pants! I’ve been limping ever since that sauna scene at the academy. Humidity can lead to unexpected awkwardness."

Bartender mentions, "By the way, Maureen is quite affluent and pays well for actors willing to film in Capri or Scotland. The tip jar, by the way, is still there."

Maureen smiles, "And Greece, let’s not forget that spot. The sunlight is stunning this time of year."

Myrna considers, "Well, I wouldn’t be against exploring options. Bette Davis seems to be snagging all the good roles in the U.S., so it might be time to look internationally."

William reflects, "Despite the discomfort, I did look rather dashing in those leather headmaster pants. Perhaps a conference call with our agents is in order?"

Bartender cautions, "Hold on, Slow and Talky. I feel a shift in the energy here. Years of observing misguided drinkers tell me Maureen might have just taken a sip too far. Brace yourselves."

Maureen declares, "I can’t stand anyone here and I’ll never fund another movie again."

Myrna remarks, "Well, that escalated quickly. This is what I get for considering the logistics of a three-way. I’m not sure I have the right furniture for that."

William sighs, "I was already contemplating the tax benefits of wearing festive yet sadomasochistic attire in a foreign land. That dream is dead now."

Bartender explains, "If you’d tipped me decently, I might have warned you. We bartenders see things. The next phase of her drunken journey is confusion and accusations."

Maureen suddenly shouts, "Where’s my olive? Are we in Cairo? What’s with all these sandstorms and frisky camels? This hotel’s brochure didn’t mention this, and someone will pay for it or my name isn’t Cleoflatra!"

Myrna observes, "Wow. She really jumped on that crazy train fast."

William quips, "Welcome to Hollywood."

Bartender adds, "Or Cairo. The customer is always right, especially those with hefty bar tabs."

Maureen grumbles, "Pyramids are ugly and I despise them."

Myrna suggests, "I think we’ve had enough. Shall we make our exit?"

William agrees, "Great idea. Let’s hurry."

Bartender pleads, "But the tip jar…"

Maureen interrupts, "Stop those people! They might have my olive!"

The scene then shifts to a local diner, where Maureen awakens to find she has ordered twelve plates of biscuits and gravy along with a slice of cherry pie…

Meanwhile, across town, as far away as possible…

The Purloined Olive exclaims, "Thank you for rescuing me from that dreadful woman’s glass as you dashed for the exit. Her crazy tongue was getting way too close."

William replies, "I can relate. I barely escaped a similar fate."

Olive asks, "Have you ever been impaled by a plastic sword and tossed into a toxic sea of chaos?"

William replies, "Indeed, I have. In that terrible film about spoiled kids at a prep school in Scotland. They made me wear plaid!"

Olive notes, "It sounds like you haven’t moved on. Have you sought help?"

William explains, "Since then, I have. I even have an appointment with Dr. Brian at Bonnywood Manor tomorrow."

Olive says, "Good luck with that choice."

William inquires, "Wait, do you know something I don’t?"

Olive hints, "Maybe. But my tip jar is empty, so…"

Chapter 2: The Aftermath