IT’S NOT ALL PLASTIC SMILES AND HAVE A NICE DAY IN C.A.

INT: RALPH’S SUPERMARKET, LINCOLN BLVD, VENICE, CA

TOM is carrying an overloaded hand basket, looking in vain for some assistance.

NERYS, a hideous, overweight, deli-counter worker is leaning against the cake table

TOM

Excuse me –

(Nerys looks up with a look of sheer disgust)

TOM

(cont’d)

Can I ask you for some help?

NERYS

Well, not really, I’m on my break. What is it you want?

TOM

Erm, well. Ah. I can’t seem to find chicken stock, would you be willing to spare me a second to tell me where that is?

NERYS

Chicken…What?

Chicken… stock?

(incredulous)

TOM

Yeah. Erm. Like... erm... stock cubes

NERYS

Stockcubes?

(grins conspiratorially with her co-worker)

What the hell is that? No, we don’t do that sir.

(Starts to turn her back)

I can’t help you if I don’t know what you’re talking about, sir...

TOM

You know, erm, stock. For making soup. Gravies, that kind of thing?

NERYS

(coldy staring him in the face with her dead, beady eyes, this has wasted too much of her break already)

There's a stock room, but it's for employees only, sir.

TOM

No, no. Erm... OK!...

(hits on the magic word)

Bouillon!

(with the American pronunciation - 'booleon')

NERYS

(already turning back to her colleague, eyes rolling)

Aisle ten.