yours truly

written by

Tiana Sa'De

Address
Phone
E-mail
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
KOURTNEY and MADELAINE stand at front of the room. RUBY
stands behind them smoothing down the lapels of her red suit.
Completely shocked members of the executive board stare at
smug looking Kourtney and Madelaine. Ruby turns to face the
crowd behind her. JACK and CASPER approach the women angrily.
JOSEPH enters the room unnoticed.
JACK
(addressing Ruby)
So, you're our boss now?

RUBY
No, I'm not.
CASPER
Oh, thank God because--
RUBY
Because you're fired? Yeah, you
are. Both of you.
JACK
(visibly perplexed)
You can't do that!
RUBY
As the CEO, I can do as I please.
CASPER
Bullshit.
RUBY
Starting with firing you two then
giving Kourtney and Madelaine their
jobs back.
Kourtney and Madelaine nod to each other and smile cocky
smiles.
JACK
This isn't legal. You have to be
joking right now.
RUBY
The only way your contract is
terminated is if you are. If you
choose to leave, you will be fined
and I'd hate to tell you the amount
of zeros after the first digit.
CASPER
That can't be real.
 2.

RUBY
(holding out file folder)
Here, read it for yourself.
Casper snatches a file folder from Ruby and searches through
the folder for his contract with Jack at his side. He reads
the fine print over and over again. The executive board
members look up at the two men with fear in their eyes.
Casper looks up angrily. Joseph stands quietly by the door -
a proud smile on his lips.
JACK
Fuck no, fuck this, and fuck you,
Ruby Ramsey.
CASPER
We are the backbone of this
company. You can't get rid of us.
JOSEPH
(addressing Casper and
Jack)
Just get out of here.
Everyone turns to look at Joseph. Capser's dumbstruck and
stands with his mouth hanging over. Jack walks over to Joseph
with a pleading look in his eyes. Casper follows in suit.
JACK
It was your idea! This is you're
fault!

JOSEPH
I'm man enough to admit my faults.
Are either of you?
CASPER
Oh, fuck off, Joe!
JOSEPH
Did either one of you say, "Hey
let's not do this? This is wrong?"
Because I don't remember that
happening.
JACK
Don't you dare throw us under the
bus!
CASPER
If we have to go then you need to
fire Joseph, Ruby! He's a grown man
who needs to be responsible for his
own actions.
 3.

RUBY
He'll be dealt with later. Now, get
out of my conference room before I
call security.
Casper and Jack glance over to Joseph who opens the door for
them to leave and they exit. Ruby nods and smiles at Joseph
then turns her attention back to the rest of the people in
the room.
RUBY (CONT'D)
Now, let's get started on what
we're here to talk about, shall we?
Mr.George, have a seat. Our other
authors will be here in a few
minutes.
CUT TO:

INT. OFFICE - DAY

RUBY is going over some paper work and finalizing the name
change of Yours Truly Publishing Company. MADELAINE and
KOURTNEY are also in the room typing on their laptops on the
sofa. JOSEPH knocks softly at the door.
RUBY
(standing up)
Come in.
JOSEPH
(entering)
Hey, I was - Oh, I didn't know you
were busy. I'll come back later.
KOURTNEY
We'll leave. Maddie wanted an iced
coffee anyway.
MADELAINE
You want anything, Rubes?
RUBY
I'm good. Thanks, girls.
Glaring at Joseph, Kourtney and Madelaine exit the room. Ruby
gestures for Joseph to sit on the gray love seat in the far
corner of the room. She sits beside him, nervously looking up
at Joseph who hasn't taken his eyes off the her since he
walked in.
JOSEPH
What have you been up to, Ruby?
 4.

RUBY
Avoiding you.
JOSEPH
I see... considering I haven't been
'dealt with' yet.
RUBY
Is that why you're here?
JOSEPH
I'm... here today to admit my guilt
and let you know how sorry I am for
treating you horribly that day.
RUBY
Hmm. Continue.
JOSEPH
You did not deserve to be talked to
or about that way. I was being
selfish and greedy--
RUBY
Don't forget manipulative.
JOSEPH
I was very manipulative, Ruby...
RUBY
And a dick... I'm done now.
JOSEPH
(laughs softly)
I was. All I'm asking for is
another chance to be with you for
real this time. I'm so in love with
you, Ruby Ramsey.
RUBY
I accept your apology, but I don't
want any kind of romantic
relationship with you or anyone
right now. I want to focus on my
career and myself.
An awkward silence settles over the room. Ruby is staring at
her hands contemplating everything she's just said and what
she's just been told. Joseph is still staring at her with
love and regret in his eyes. He starts to move his hand to
touch hers, but stops himself.
 5.

JOSEPH
(standing to leave)
I should go then.
RUBY
You can stay if you want. I don't
mind the company.
JOSEPH
I'm actually working a new book and
I want to keep working on it.
Hopefully you like this one better.
As Joseph leaves, Ruby releases a longing sigh and packs up
her brief case to head home. Joseph walks down the hallway
more upset than he was when he first walked in Ruby's office.
He disappears around a corner.
CUT TO:

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY

RUBY sits quietly on a couch in a minimalist office. DR.
COLLINS walks in with a file folder and takes a seat next to
Ruby - looking her in the eyes.
DR. COLLINS
You're much more calm than I was
expecting you to be.
RUBY
I already had the feeling... My
periods have always been off, but
not like this.
DR. COLLINS
That's a side effect of the
Gardasil shot you got when you were
in middle school. And not that it's
100% effective, I thought you were
on birth control.
RUBY
(releases a long sigh)
I guess I forgot some days... and
then forgot all together.
DR. COLLINS
I see.
RUBY
So, what are my options?
 6.

DR. COLLINS
What do you mean? Do you want an
abortion? To put the baby up for
adoption?
RUBY
Nothing like that. I- I know the
father... I just want to do this on
my own.
DR. COLLINS
Well, there are tons of programs
for single mothers. I can give you
a pamphlet if you'd like.
RUBY
I would, thank you.
Dr. Collins puts his hand over Ruby's. Ruby looks up a bit
worried now, holding his gaze. She lays her head on the man's
shoulder who wraps an arm around her.
DR. COLLINS
Ruby...
RUBY
What? You think I should tell him,
right?
DR. COLLINS
If I were him, I would want to
know.
RUBY
But he doesn't deserve to know
after what he did to me! I didn't
deserve any of that!
DR. COLLINS
But you aren't a spiteful person so
don't try and be one.
RUBY
(sitting up on the couch)
He hasn't talked to me since I told
him I didn't want to be with him
two weeks ago.
DR. COLLINS
I see. I'll call you sometime
tomorrow and we'll work out an
appointments schedule.
(MORE)
 7.
DR. COLLINS (CONT'D)
In the meantime, you should make an
effort to talk to him.
CUT TO:

EXT. OUTSIDE - DAY

RUBY walks out the doctor's office and down the street to a
nearby restaurant to meet MADELAINE and KOURTNEY for lunch.
Ruby joins the two women at their outside table.
RUBY
(taking a seat)
I hate eating outside.
KOURTNEY
(looking over to Madelaine)
Guess whose idea it was.
MADELAINE
It's nice out today. Not too sunny,
not too chilly.
KOURTNEY
My hair is sticking to my lip
gloss.
MADELAINE
(rolling eyes)
How was your meeting, Rubes?
RUBY
It was great. Some really exciting
things are coming up soon.
MADELAINE
We can't wait to see your plans
come full circle.
KOURTNEY
Speaking of exciting things,
Joseph's new book is coming a long
well, in my opinion.
MADELAINE
What's it about?
KOURTNEY
It's a memoir actually, but...
Ruby zones out the conversation thinking about the life
that's growing inside of her.
 8.

She puts her hands on her stomach and smiles a bit, feeling
warm on the inside because as anxious as she is, she's never
been more excited.
KOURTNEY (CONT'D)
Ramsey... Ruby... Rubes...?
RUBY
Huh?
MADELAINE
Welcome back to Earth.
RUBY
I'm sorry. I was thinking about
something that happened in the
meeting today.
KOURTNEY
Well, I was talking about Joe's
book and I really don't want to
repeat myself.
RUBY
I'd rather not hear any spoilers
until it's finished anyway.
MADELAINE
Yeah, just in case she hates it.
Ruby and Kourtney exchange annoyed looks yet they're smiling.
MADELAINE (CONT'D)
What? Too soon?
A waitress brings over the appetizers and a bottle of wine
that Madelaine and Kourtney ordered prior to Ruby's arrival.
Ruby declines a glass of wine and takes a glass of water
instead. The women chat for over an hour then head back to
work.
CUT TO:

INT. OFFICE - 9:00 PM

RUBY is laying on the couch in her office, looking out at the
city view. Soft knocks hit the door and JOSEPH pokes his head
in.
RUBY
What?
 9.

JOSEPH
You okay? I was about to leave and
I saw your lights on.
RUBY
I'm tired and I don't feel like
going home because it's so far
away.
JOSEPH
My place is closer and you know
that you're always welcome.
RUBY
(sitting up on the couch)
I don't think I should.
JOSEPH
We're just sleeping and you can
stay in the guest suite.
RUBY
...Fine, but only for tonight.
CUT TO:

INT. BATHROOM (CONDO) - NIGHT

RUBY starts the shower water. She stares at her naked self as
the water heats up. Her baby belly isn't showing yet. JOSEPH
walks in.
JOSEPH
Rubes, I found some of your pajamas
and-- Sweet Mother of God...
RUBY
(wrapping self in a towel)
You seem shocked for someone who's
seen me naked more times than one.
JOSEPH
I wasn't expecting to see you..
this way... for a while.
RUBY
Assuming you'll see me naked again,
I see.
JOSEPH
Hoping if not anything else.
 10.

RUBY
You know we can't--
JOSEPH
I know you're only here tonight to
sleep, so I'll see you in the
morning, Ruby.
Joseph smiles softly and walks out the room and to his own
for the remainder of the night. Ruby showers then heads to
bed. She gets up around midnight and on her way to the
kitchen, she passes Joseph's room, finding him awake and
typing on his laptop. She gets her drink from the kitchen and
heads back to bed.
CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN - 6:24 AM

JOSEPH is cooking a steak on the stove whilst watching a TED
Talk on his laptop near him. RUBY walks in, tying her robe
around her. She walks up to Joseph and puts her phone on
the counter top.
RUBY
Why are you up so early?
JOSEPH
I always get up this early -
earlier actually.
RUBY
How earlier is earlier and for what
reason exactly?
JOSEPH
Earlier is 4:45. I have an
extensive morning schedule, but
nonetheless. Are you hungry?
RUBY
Very. Let me go pee again.
Ruby leaves her phone on the counter near Joseph and walks
out the room. Joseph continues cooking his steaks on the
stove. Ruby's cell phone vibrates and lights up, a text
message from DR. COLLINS pops up. Joseph reads it.
JOSEPH
(visibly confused)
Ultrasound appointments... over a
month pregnant... link to pamphlet
for single mothers... what?
 11.

RUBY
(reentering the kitchen)
Alright. I'm ready to eat now.
JOSEPH
Is it my baby?
RUBY
What?
JOSEPH
(holding up Ruby's phone)
You're pregnant, Ruby.
RUBY
(looking over text message)
Dear God... Joseph, I-
JOSEPH
You weren't gonna tell me?
Ruby takes her phone and walks out the kitchen and to the
guest suite. Joseph follows in suit, visibly angry, calling
after Ruby but she ignores him. As Ruby starts to shut the
door, Joseph squeezes his body through the door frame.
RUBY
I don't need you to help me raise
this child!
JOSEPH
Is that why you didn't want to get
back together? So, you could be
'Mother of the Year'?
RUBY
I didn't know I was pregnant until
a few days ago, Joseph! So don't
you dare go there with me!
JOSEPH
But why weren't you going...
(Calming himself)
You know what? I... actually
don't care. Get out my fucking
house, Ruby.
Shocked, Ruby walks out the room and the condo. Joseph stands
in the guest room with regret on his face. He goes to the
kitchen to look up the name of the single mom's pamphlet he
saw on Ruby's phone.
CUT TO:
 12.

INT. OFFICE - 11:30 AM

Joseph is in his office typing away at his laptop on his
memoir. Angry thoughts circulate his mind as he types faster
and faster, not thinking before it's written out on the
screen before him. KOURTNEY'S knocks on the door are the only
thing that has stopped his two-hour typing spree.
JOSEPH
Who the hell is it?
KOURTNEY
(walking in)
You're quite snappy this morning.
JOSEPH
I'm... having a bit of a problem,
yes. I apologize.
KOURTNEY
(sitting on edge of desk)
Well, I'm your friend, I guess, so
let's talk.
JOSEPH
It'a about... a book I was thinking
about writing.
Joseph explains the situation that happened with Ruby this
morning without giving away too much context. Kourtney let's
out a sigh as he finishes talking.
KOURTNEY
I think they're both wrong. He
treated her horribly so she has the
right to push him away, but now
there's a baby involved.
JOSEPH
And you think it's his right to be
in the baby's life, right?
KOURTNEY
(nodding head)
My dad wasn't around because my
moms pushed him away and it ruined
me in a way.
JOSEPH
How so?
KOURTNEY
There are some things that a dad
has to teach his daughter.
 13.

JOSEPH
How did you cope with his absence?
KOURTNEY
I don't think I did, but I'm an
adult now and he's the only parent
I talk to. My mom and her wife cut
me off when I found him.
JOSEPH
How does it feel only having one
parent?
KOURTNEY
Is this... Is this about your book
still?
JOSEPH
Yes, of course, Kourtney... Now,
how does it feel?
KOURTNEY
My dad gives me enough affection
and love that could be given from
two people. Kids need their dads.
They need both of their parents
around no matter how much the
latter dislike one another.
JOSEPH
Thank you for talking with me.
KOURTNEY
No problem, but don't make me feel
vulnerable again. The only person
that'll be happy about me opening
up is my therapist.
Kourtney walks out the room. Joseph rests his head in his
hands running over the idea of him being a dad within the
next year, but wondering why he can't be there for the child.
You can see the pain in his eyes. RUBY knocks at the door.
JOSEPH
(loudly)
Um, come in.
Ruby walks in and shuts the door. Joseph doesn't look up.
RUBY
Can we talk?
JOSEPH
I'd rather not.
 14.

RUBY
You said you didn't even want kids,
Joe!
JOSEPH
I also said that I don't want to
talk to you so leave.
RUBY
Let me explain myself at least.
JOSEPH
I'm really busy right now, Ruby,
and I really don't want to talk to
you.
RUBY
Be that way then.
Ruby walks out of Joseph's office. Tears brim her eyes as she
enters the elevator, but she holds them back and smiles,
politely chatting with the other people in the lift.
CUT TO:

INT. RUBY'S OFFICE - ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER

Ruby lays on a couch after a crying fit. The lights are off
and the windows are shut to obtain complete darkness. Joseph
enters without knocking. He shuts the door, leaning against
the wall, and turns the lights on a dim setting.
RUBY
Go away, please...
JOSEPH
You don't want me around, but the
child is mine. Let's talk about how
we'll deal with this.
RUBY
I said go away.
JOSEPH
You may not want me around, but you
cannot speak for our unborn child,
Ruby! It's not fair to the baby or
to me.
RUBY
(sitting up)
You lied to my face time after
time, Joseph.
(MORE)
 15.
RUBY (CONT'D)
I don't trust you and I don't trust
you to stay in this child's life.
JOSEPH
Fine... if that's how you want it.
RUBY
It is.
JOSEPH
I'd like to be there when you give
birth and I'd like you to send me
pictures and tell me things about
the baby. I want to know who they
are even if they don't know me.
RUBY
Sure, whatever...
Joseph starts walking to the door, but stops short and looks
back at Ruby. He shoves his hands in his pocket. Ruby doesn't
look up at Joseph.
JOSEPH
I get that I was a dick to you. I
apologized for it, but this is just
torture and you're being fucking
spiteful, Ruby. I don't deserve to
not be in my child's life and then
that child feels like I didn't want
to be around when I did... But
that's something you'll have to
tell our baby when they're old
enough to understand.
RUBY
Joseph-
JOSEPH
You've made up your mind and I have
to respect that.
RUBY
Joe!
JOSEPH
Bye, Ruby...
Ruby shouts after a visibly angry Joseph as he goes back to
his office. He slams the door behind him so hard that a vase
of sunflowers on a matte gray console table falls over and
breaks. Joseph walks over to a window, a single tear streams
down his cheek then another one. He's unable to fight back
his waterworks, falling to the ground, full on sobbing.