Nash & Tess [2005, July]

[Tess is dropped off by the carriage driver at a fancy restaurant]
Tess: Five bucks is not going to get me a glass of water in a joint like this. But maybe I can find some lonely executive having a liquid lunch, and then voila -- spending money.
[She sees a handsome young man -- Nash Brennan -- pull up to the curb in a hot car]
Tess: Forget about the liquid lunch. Plan B is looking much more exciting.


[A woman nearby sees Tess checking Nash out]
Woman: You have good taste. If I was single and 10 years younger -- hmm --
Tess: Well, the guy's hot enough, but that car is smokin'.


[Nash and Tess's first meeting]
Tess: Hey. Nice car.
Nash: Thank you.
Tess: And I just bet the best table in the house has your name on it.
Nash: As a matter of fact, it does. Do you want something?
Tess: Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Nash: What are you saying?
Tess: Buy me lunch.


Nash: You want me to buy you lunch?
Tess: That's right.
Nash: Why would I do that?
Tess: Because I'm cute, and you're apparently single. And I really like your car.
Nash: Uh-huh. That's not much of a reason to feed you.


Tess: What, no girlfriend? Tough day at work? Pork bellies take a nosedive?
Nash: Do I look like a commodities trader to you?
Tess: A commodities owner to me.


Tess: Anybody that pulls up in a car like that has got to have some spare change in his wallet to buy a pretty girl lunch.
Nash: This kind of thing usually work for you, or am I some kind of a test ride?
Tess: I always get what I want.
Nash: Well, there's a first time for everything, isn't there?
Tess: Are you serious? You're turning me down?
Nash: Flat.


Nash: Maybe next time, you should pick on someone a little more in your own league.
Tess: What's that supposed to mean?
Nash: You're just a little too bridge and tunnel.


Tess: Who the hell do you think you are? What, you show up here in your $100,000 car and your, what, $2,000 jacket? And you think you can talk to me that way?
Nash: Hmm, you do need lunch. You're hysterical.
Tess: No, I'm not hysterical, honey, I'm pissed.
Nash: It's your blood sugar. You know, there is an all-you-can-eat over on 74th and Broadway. On your way over there, you could mug some little kid for his lunch money. And while you're at it, steal his scooter, since you obviously need a ride.


[After Nash has headed into the restaurant, Tess marches over to his car and tries to get inside]
Valet: What are you doing? Are you crazy?
Tess: No, but my husband is. Give me the keys.
[The valet, named Fabian, is reluctant to give Tess the keys to the car]
Tess: Fabian. You saw how my horrible husband just spoke to me right now, didn't you? Yeah. He's a pig. And I am not about to go inside and sit with him, make nice with his business partners just so he looks good, not after the way he spoke to me. All I really want to do is get in my car, just go home. My keys?


[Nash comes outside just in time to see Tess driving off in his car]
Nash: You let that -- that woman take my car?


Nash: I've never met that woman before in my life.
Fabian: She said she was your wife, sir.
Nash: My wife?
[Tess drives by, honking the horn. Nash smiles]
Nash: My wife. Well, we'll just see who wears the pants in this family.


[Nash has stopped the car with an anti-theft device]
Tess: Um, what did you do?
Nash: What did I do? You think this baby doesn't come with all the latest technology?
Tess: An anti-theft device?
Nash: "Theft" being the operative word, yeah.


[Tess follows Nash to the house party he's attending in the Hamptons]
Tess: Hey. Remember me?
Nash: Vaguely. What are you doing here?
Tess: Well, it's a party. And I love parties.
Nash: You followed me here?
Tess: Well, why not? Seems like a good enough time. And I'm always looking for a good time.


Nash: You know, I don't know what game you're playing, but --
Tess: (trying to cozy up to him) Oh, games? Games you want, huh? I know cricket, I know polo, strip poker.
Nash: Mm-hmm.
Tess: But if it's a more one-on-one thing that you're looking for, then --
Nash: Look, you got the wrong guy. I'm not into games. Now if you'll excuse me. (he leaves the room)


Nash: Have you seen Bruce?
Woman: He's up there. (she gestures to where Bruce and Tess are talking)
Nash: Oh, this should be good.


[Tess explains to Bruce what happened when she met Nash]
Tess: So, I was going to have lunch in the city. This hot guy pulled up, and his car was even hotter. I hit on him and he turned me down. What can I say? Three strikes and I was out.
Bruce: You're kidding.
Tess: Impossible but true. Anyways, I threw the teeniest of tantrums, took his car on a little joy ride. Then he got all pissy about it. So one thing led to another -- yada, yada, yada -- to make a short story long, I followed him here.


Nash: I thought I told you to leave.
Tess: No, you didn't, actually. You excused yourself. It doesn't matter because Bruce really wants me to stay and it's his party, so --
Nash: Does Bruce know that you're a car thief?
Tess: Actually, it's a hobby. And, yes, he does. Actually, he thinks it's one of my most endearing qualities.


[Nash approaches Tess again]
Tess: Hello. I knew you couldn't stay away from me for long.


[Nash has just accused Tess of taking his wallet]
Tess: Are you actually accusing me of stealing your wallet?
Nash: I know it's a big stretch since you stole my car.
Tess: I borrowed it. Anyways, I gave it back.
Nash: I took it back.
Tess: So what's the big deal?
Nash: The big deal? The big deal is you're a klepto.


[Bruce demands to know who Nash is and why he's at the party]
Tess: (to Bruce) What have you been doing all summer? Don't you recognize him? &He is from the hit reality TV series "The Vanquisher." He's the million-dollar playboy who wrestled three alligators blindfolded, who swung across a stream on a wire that he shot from a bow and arrow.


Tess: Aren't you going to thank me?
Nash: For what? Stealing my wallet, my car, and making up that stupid "Vanquisher" story?


Nash: Is everything a game to you?
Tess: Yeah, and I play for keeps. Apparently, you do, too, being the Vanquisher.
Nash: You lie very well. Comes with practice.
Tess: I'll take that as a compliment.


Tess: (to Nash) You know, you can tell a lot about a person by looking in their wallet. Not only do I know your name's Nash, I also know that you're a member of a very exclusive health club in New York, where I'm sure you play squash or racquetball. Bet you look adorable in your starched whites. Let's see, what else, what else, what else, what else? You're not really the sentimental type, though. You don't have any pictures at all, except for the one that came with the wallet. Cute dog.


[Tess puts Nash's wallet down her blouse and urges Nash to come and get it]
Nash: (to Tess) I got a feeling this is going to be the most memorable day of your life.


[Tess puts on a bit of a strip show out on the diving board of the pool where a big party is going on]
Nash: Bit of an exhibitionist, aren't you?
Tess: What can I say? When you got it, flaunt it.
Nash: (looking her over) Oh, you've got it.
Tess: What do I got?
Nash: This. (he pushes her into the pool)


Tess: I hate you!
Nash: Oh, yeah? You're going to hate me even more in a minute. (gesturing toward her panties, which came off when she hit the pool water, and are floating nearby)


[Nash grabs Tess' panties out of the water before she can reach them]
Tess: Give them to me.
Nash: You know, you stole my car, you stole my wallet. I tell you what, how about I keep these and we call it even?
Tess: This is not even funny. Throw them to me.
Nash: Why don't you come out and get them?


Tess: Will you just give me my --
Nash: Your, your what? What would you call these things, anyway, underpants?
Tess: Panties.
Nash: Panties. Right. And why would any red-blooded American male -- that's me -- give back these --?
Tess: Because they're mine.
Nash: Ah. You know, you think a lot of things are yours -- cars, wallets --


Nash: Somebody's got to teach you a lesson. It's wrong to steal.
Tess: And you're going to punish me?
Nash: Nah. I'd have to care to do that.


[Tess gets out of the pool and Bruce approaches her]
Bruce: (referring to Nash) Your friend grabbed his clothes and took off.
Tess: Oh, no friend of mine.
Bruce: Yeah? Really? Then why are you upset to see him go?


[Nash witnessed Bruce slipping a roofie into Tess's drink...he tries to stop her from drinking it but is too late]
Nash: Don't!
Tess: (to Bruce) I thought you said he left.
Nash: No, still here, but you're not going to be for long.
Tess: I'm not going anywhere.
Nash: That's what you think.
Tess: What the hell are you talking about?
Nash: Ask your host.


Bruce: Leave me to enjoy my time with the party princess here.
Nash: I can't do that.
Bruce: Well, how about I have you booted? Some of the guys here -- they're on the payroll, undercover security. All I have to do is snap my fingers.
Nash: And, what, you get some more of that white powder?
Tess: Oh, please. Does anybody do cocaine anymore?


Bruce: Who the hell are you giving me orders at my own party? And after all I was willing to do for you?
Nash: You know what? I don't want your help anymore. I got a problem, yeah, but I'll solve it my way, all right? But for now, get your slimy mitts off of her.


Tess: Just a 411 -- I'm not yours, not even a little.
Nash: Oh, I know. And that is just about the one good thing about this day.


Nash: (to Tess) You are turning into one of the worst pains in the ass in the history of my world.


[Nash speaks to Tess while she's asleep]
Nash: I really needed Bruce's help today. You have no idea what I gave up to come and rescue you. You have no idea. Do you? Nah, you wouldn't even if you were conscious. You just don't care. You're hot. Definitely interesting. But you're a pain in the ass. You're a spoiled brat. I didn't sign on for this. I didn't. You're not my problem.


[Nash picks the sleeping Tess up]
Bruce: What are you going to do with her?
Nash: I don't know.
[With Tess slung over his shoulder, Nash leaves the party]


[Tess wakes up in Nash's bed in his loft...he brings her coffee]
Tess: (surprised) You.
Nash: I don't know how you like it. Figured by the looks, you don't eat the sugar-free stuff.


[Tess panics because she can't remember the previous evening]
Tess: (to Nash) I don't like people taking me places I don't want to go. I don't like people taking my clothes off when I'm passed out. When I decide to have sex with somebody, it's on my terms. I decide when, I decide where, and especially who!


[Tess accuses Nash of drugging her to sleep with her]
Nash: You think I need to drug a girl to have sex with her?
Tess: I don't know. Do you?
Nash: Well, the correct answer would be no, but I think you already know that.


Nash: You were roofied, yes, but not by me. I saw someone putting something into your drink, and because I'm not twisted, I brought you back here so you could sleep it off.
Tess: So who drugged me, then?
Nash: The host of that fantastic party didn't want to leave. He's a real nice guy, by the way.


Nash: You just don't care about anyone but yourself, do you? You see something you want, you just grab it -- wallets, cars.
Tess: What can I tell you? I'm a magnet for the things that I need.
Nash: Well, I just hope you don't think you're a magnet for crashing.
Tess: This dump? Please. I wouldn't stay here if I was conscious.
Nash: Serves my needs.
Tess: Well, if you water it, it just might grow.


Nash: I guess I'm just willing to sacrifice for now till I get to where I want to go.
Tess: Which is?
Nash: Nowhere I'd want to share with you.


Tess: I spent the night here. You have seen me naked.
Nash: Your clothes were wet. I took them off. I put you in a robe.
Tess: And you didn't peek?
Nash: It was dark.


Tess: Oh, so you must be one of those chivalrous guys, huh?
Nash: Yeah, whatever.


Tess: So, what are you looking for?
Nash: Success.
Tess: Money?
Nash: Success. You wouldn't know what I'm talking about.


Nash: Where you got to go?
Tess: A ton of places. I'm very busy and important.


Tess: I do have a very full life.
Nash: Mm-hmm.
Tess: But if you haven't noticed, I like to get a little crazy sometimes.


Tess: (to Nash) Haven't you ever done something spontaneously, something spur-of-the-moment? Yeah, I could tell by your furniture the answer to that is no.


Nash: You don't have any money. And if you did, I wouldn't take it.
Tess: What makes you think I don't have any money?
Nash: Because you're a thief, and a bad one.
Tess: I'm not a thief by trade. It's more of a sport. And I will pay you back.
Nash: Hey, why don't you just pull it out of your offshore account, huh?


Tess: I will pay you back.
Nash: You want to pay me back, never steal my car or lift my wallet again.


Nash: What's your name?
Tess: Why do you want to know?
Nash: Well, because after everything we've been through, I'd say it's the least you could give me.
Tess: It's Tess.
Nash: Tess.


Tess: I was just talking to myself.
Nash: People have been institutionalized for less than that.
Tess: Hmm, really? It's just a habit. I guess I've never really had anybody interesting to talk to.
Nash: Well, now you do.


Tess: Who am I, huh?
Nash: That was the question, yeah.
Tess: Why don't you tell me who you want me to be.
Nash: Ha!


Nash: I mean, you. I mean, you obviously come from money -- anybody can see that -- but you're broke in New York City, you're stealing wallets, cars --
Tess: Borrowing --
Nash: Whatever.
Tess: I'm just complicated and unpredictable.


[Nash thinks that Tess is running away from someone]
Tess: So now that's it. Now -- now I'm, what? I'm a -- a runaway bride or a beaten wife or some other lame male fantasy of a damsel in distress? Please -- God, get over yourself.


Tess: The only thing I know about this bracelet is that it's gold and is about to be hocked. I like to steal things, remember?
Nash: I thought it was borrowing.
Tess: Whatever.


Tess: If I don't get something to eat soon, I am going to pass out right here on the mean streets of New York, so feed me or get out of my face.
Nash: Are those my only options? Because I'm just more compassionate than that. You know, I'm not the kind of guy who can abandon someone in the street when I know that they can't take care of themselves.
Tess: What do you want from me? I mean, I know it's not sex -- ha-ha -- because you've had plenty of opportunities, and you've blown every one.
Nash: You know, maybe I just want to be able to go to bed tonight and know that I'm not going to get up in the morning to find you sleeping on a subway grate.
Tess: Well, I don't need your help, Mr. Compassionate.


[Nash asks Tess what her story is and she remains quiet]
Nash: Wow. For someone who talks constantly, you sure shut up quick.
Tess: Why interrupt you when you have all the answers?
Nash: You know what? I got nothing, lady. So throw me a bone here. Do you have anything to offer besides those blue eyes and this body that just won't quit?


Tess: You know what? I don't need anything from you.
Nash: Ah! You're not looking so hot, Miss Independent.


[Tess warns Nash to go away and he actually leaves]
Tess: (muttering to herself) What is the story with this guy? He does what you tell him to do? The day I need help from somebody like that is -- ooh -- is right now. Oh, this is going to be bad.


[Nash brings Tess lunch]
Tess: You know, what's up with you? One second you're a jerk, and the next second you're bringing me pork products?
Nash: I guess I'm just complicated and unpredictable.


[Tess is approached by another man]
Man: Hey.
Tess: (flirty) Hey.
Nash: Yeah, just keep on going, man. Trust me.
[The guy leaves and Nash turns to Tess]
Nash: We're feeling better, are we?
Tess: Jealous? I just needed something to sustain myself.
Nash: Huh.
Tess: Mm-hmm. Nice to know I've still got it, though.


Nash: You know, there are guys who won't make themselves look like an idiot just to get close to you.
Tess: Really?
Nash: Mm-hmm.
Tess: Haven't met many of them.
Nash: Well, welcome to New York City, where girls like you are a dime a dozen.
Tess: Really?
Nash: Oh, yeah.
Tess: And I bet you've had all of them.
Nash: I don't want them all.


Tess: A hot girl doesn't do it for you? What are you, gay?
Nash: Just because a guy is not willing to trip all over himself to get some attention from you does not mean he's gay, okay?
Tess: Well, it does, pretty much.
Nash: Maybe I just have higher standards.
Tess: Right, right. No, I've seen your place.


Tess: So, Nash, what is it that you do look for in a woman?
Nash: I don't know. She's got to make me laugh. Somebody who's smart, easy to be with. I don't know, somebody -- somebody different. Definitely somebody who can take care of herself.


[Tess wants to hail a cab in spite of not having any money]
Nash: You know, it's a funny thing about New York taxis -- they like to get paid when they drop you off.
Tess: I can deal with it, okay? And I know how to take care of myself.


[Nash's apartment is invaded by Tess and her hard-partying friends]
Nash: So, who are these people? What are they doing here?
Tess: Well, I met Jake and Holly at this really cute little wine bar down in the meatpacking district, and some of their friends showed up, and, well, the party just kind of took off from there.
Nash: And you couldn't have just stayed at the cute little wine bar?
Tess: Well, it got boring and we didn't want to go home and we couldn't decide where else to go, so, well, I figured you like to party, so it's kind of like a party takeout. We bring the party to you.
Nash: You know, a party is one thing, but a gang of strangers destroying my house is just --
Tess: Come on. Nobody's destroying anything.
[Suddenly there's the sound of glass breaking -- one of the party-goers has broken Nash's vase]


Tess: What are you getting so worked up about? It was just a piece of junk.
Nash: It was mid-century. I found it at a flea market for 50 bucks, but it's worth hundreds.
Tess: Really? It's dingy. I'll pay you back, okay?
Nash: With what? You're broke, remember?
Tess: Well, then I'll go to the flea market tomorrow and get you a new one, a better one.


Nash: Get rid of these people, all right?
Tess: Why, you're not having fun?
Nash: Do I look like I'm having fun?


Nash: What possibly possessed you to think that you could show up here again?
Tess: I don't know. I guess I sort of missed you.
Nash: You missed me? Why do I find that hard to believe?
Tess: Don't get all full of yourself or anything. It's not like I want to be best friends.
Nash: Oh, what do you want?
Tess: I want to just have fun. You like to have fun, right? We were having fun at that party until -- well, until that guy drugged me.


[Tess claims she won the gold bracelet in a poker game]
Nash: Oh, come on, you're lying. And I'll bet you're not much better of a bluffer, either.


[Tess tells Nash that she and Jessica are "twins"]
Nash: You're kidding me. There's another one of you out there?
Tess: Yeah. Jess and Tess. Pretty lame, huh?
Nash: Oh, no, I think it's kind of cute.


[Nash and Tess are kissing]
Tess: What am I doing? I don't even like you.
Nash: Yeah, I don't like you, either.


[Tess turns Nash down]
Nash: You know, we got names for girls like you.
Tess: Really? Really?
Nash: Yeah.
Tess: Choosy?
Nash: No.


Nash: Put your clothes back on.
Tess: Why, or you won't be able to control yourself?
Nash: Oh, don't worry, that's not going to happen. It's over. You're -- you're a buzz kill.
Tess: Really?
Nash: Yeah.
Tess: Wow. That message hasn't reached the rest of your anatomy yet.


Tess: I just follow my gut instincts.
Nash: Oh, and your instincts are telling you to tease?
Tess: I'm trying to be honest with you here, okay?
Nash: Hey, don't let taking your clothes off get in the way of that.


Tess: Look, I like sex -- I love sex, actually, and you're really hot, and kissing you was -
Nash: A mistake.
Tess: It wasn't a mistake. It was great. Sex with you would be great, I can tell.
Nash: But you're saving it for someone you don't like to kiss?
Tess: I just don't want to ruin things.
Nash: Ruin what?
Tess: What we have.


Nash: So tell me what it is you think that we've got.
Tess: Sort of an un-friendship, an alternative friendship, if you will.
Nash: Well, I guess that makes sense since this all started with you stealing my car.


Tess: See, you're broke.
Nash: I'd like to think of it as financially challenged.


Tess: You're different. Something tells me once you set your sights on something, you'll do what it takes till you get it.
Nash: Better bet on that.


Nash: There is something I do before I go to bed, if you're into it.
Tess: Isn't that usually a solo activity?
Nash: (laughing) That's very funny.
[Nash goes to open up the window]
Tess: Whoa, that's even weirder.
Nash: Oh, you got a sick mind.


[Nash shows Tess the night sky from his window]
Nash: Look right up there.
Tess: (looking up) I don't see anything.
Nash: Yeah, know, you can't see it. It's too bright with the streetlights.
Tess: You -- you can't see what?
Nash: The galaxy Andromeda. They say she's the daughter of Cassiopeia.
Tess: There?
Nash: Yeah. Right up there. I mean, just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there.
Tess: So every night before you go to bed, you sit by your window and look up at a bunch of stars that you can't see?
Nash: Yeah.
Tess: Yeah, what's the point?
Nash: I don't know. I think it's about a lot of things -- faith, knowing that she's there even though you can't see her because the streetlight's too bright. But when I look up there, I just -- I imagine I'm in another place, a place where the sky is so clear that I could just reach up and touch her. When I imagine myself in that place, I can smell the air, I can -- I can hear the quiet. I just -- I forget that I'm here. I'm there.
Tess: Where?
Nash: Another me. Another time.


[Nash wants Tess to sleep on the floor while he takes the bed]
Tess: Why can't we just sleep in the bed like we did last night?
Nash: Well, because it might ruin what we have. You know?


Nash: I got to say I respect you for having put the brakes on back there. It was -- mature.
Tess: Wow, I've never been called that before.


Tess: So why don't you take the floor?
Nash: Oh, I'm sorry, but I'd like to be able to move tomorrow.
Tess: Oh, really? How chivalrous of you. That's great.
Nash: Oh, haven't you heard? Chivalry's dead. Oh, and I got to apologize in advance. I'm told that I snore.


[The next morning...]
Nash: Hey, Tess? It's time to wake up.
Tess: How did I get in the bed?
Nash: Eh, you looked kind of uncomfortable, so I took your place on the floor.
Tess: Well, I thought giving up the bed was against the rules.
Nash: Mm-hmm. I made an exception.


Tess: So you're playing nice today?
Nash: Ooh, you think that's nice? You're going to love this.
[Nash holds his hands up and starts raining cash all over Tess]
Tess: Oh, my God! What are you doing?
Nash: Oh, I had these friends who got married. They did this with all the cash and checks that they got as wedding gifts. They said they didn't know what was better, the cash -- cash, cash -- or the sex.
Tess: Sex is always better.


Nash: Look, I didn't want to wake you up, it's just I was so pumped, I had to tell somebody about this.
Tess: What, that you robbed a bank?


Tess: (to Nash) I'm always telling people money can buy happiness.


[Nash offers to help find Tess an apartment]
Tess: Why can't I just stay here?
Nash: You want to -- you want to live with me?
Tess: No, I don't want to live with you. I'm not looking to shack up with anyone. I just need a place to crash for a week or two -- three, tops.


Nash: You know, I'll reinvest, enough to get a little closer to actually achieving my dream and maybe enough to help you get on your feet.
Tess: So I'm your charity case now?
Nash: I just assumed that you needed a little shove in the right direction.
Tess: Really? Well, I'll tell you what you can shove.


Nash: So you really don't have a job?
Tess: Do you?
Nash: I'm a day trader.
Tess: I meant a real job. Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say that out loud?


Nash: So you don't work?
Tess: I'm a writer.
Nash: Uh-huh. What do you write?
Tess: Fiction, about people, relationships. Actually, at this very moment, I'm doing research.
Nash: What kind of research?
Tess: Life experience. I've led a very sheltered life.
Nash: Mm-hmm, I'll bet.
Tess: Well, haven't you ever wanted to break out? Haven't you ever been so full of life and not been able to live it? I'm finding myself, I'm finding my passion, I'm finding my muse.
Nash: So you don't work.
Tess: You don't call that work?


Nash: Hey, I mean, you know, I've only fed you, I've housed a complete stranger for two days. Why would I expect you to give me anything other than that bad-ass attitude and a whole lot of sexual frustration?
Tess: Ooh, I sexually frustrate you?
Nash: Oh, no. I always get together with a broad and end up sleeping on the floor.


Nash: (to Tess) You know, I found out today that I am one step closer to achieving my dream, and the first thing I could think of was coming back here to shower you with cash.


Nash: You know what, Tess? You're a lot of work, and I got a lot to do.


[Nash has followed Tess to the restaurant where she was meeting with Jessica's financial advisor]
Tess: What are you doing here?
Nash: You wrote this address down on a piece of paper next to the phone in my apartment.
Tess: And you followed me here? That's a little skeevy.


Nash: Me -- I'm a pretty level-headed guy, you know? Eye on the prize and all that, but for some reason, when I'm around you, I just can't focus on what it is that I'm supposed to be doing.
Tess: Which is?
Nash: Making money.


Nash: (to Tess) I worry about you, okay? I think about you. I think about what you want. I think about where you're going. I think about -- most of all, I think about who is this girl who sets me so off balance that half the time I feel like I could just fall flat on my face.
Tess: So I vex you, that's it.
Nash: I'll bet you've vexed a lot of guys in your day.


Tess: It's sweet of you to worry about me.
Nash: Yeah, well, someone's got to.


Tess: You were in the process of apologizing to me. Please continue.
Nash: I thought I just did.
Tess: No, I think what you were doing was giving me examples of how I'm interfering in your life, so --
Nash: Right. Okay. Back at my place, I realized that I'm always busting your chops for never being straightforward with me. And I realize that I am always pulling the same act with you. I'm just not used to spending this much time with someone.
Tess: I'm sorry. If there was an apology somewhere in there, I must have missed it.


Nash: (to Tess) I'm apologizing for assuming that you needed to be rescued when you so obviously don't. I have never met someone with such self-confidence that they can walk into the streets of New York City without a dollar in their pocket and know that for a fact they could make something happen without breaking a sweat. As much as I hate to admit it, I envy you.


Nash: I've had you in the sack. It didn't do it for me.
Tess: Huh. Well, that's only because you ended up on the floor.
Nash: Ah, but I respected myself in the morning.


Nash: You know, a week ago I couldn't have afforded a coffee in this place, but I seem to have run into a little bit of luck lately. Would you have lunch with me? We could go Dutch.
Tess: You know what? I think I'm going to let you get this one.
Nash: I thought you might.


Tess: You know, I bet you wish you'd never met me. Your life would've been so much easier.
Nash: And why do you think I want "easier"?


Tess: Are we drinking?
Nash: Ooh, I am not coming to this place and not hitting the wine list. (to the waiter) We'll have the Chateau Villefort, please.
Waiter: A very good choice, sir.
Nash: Thank you.
Tess: Hmm. Well, if you wanted to impress me, it's just better to lead with vodka shooters.
Nash: You know, a crust of bread and a fine wine is all I need. You'll live longer, too.


Tess: You have all the answers, don't you?
Nash: All the ones that count.


Tess: So what else does it for you? Besides wine and me.
Nash: If I could see the water at Battery Park, if I could watch the sun set behind the Statue of Liberty every day, I would die a happy man. I know that money won't make me happy, but I want to be secure. I want to work hard. I want to earn what I get so that I can appreciate the finer things that I get.
Tess: Like lunch with a beautiful woman.
Nash: For starters.
Tess: So go on.
Nash: I love the way the world brightens around you when you smile. Until I met you, my -- my apartment was a place to be endured until I saw you sleeping in my bed. Now I can't wait to go back because I know that you will be there.
Tess: (impressed) Wow.
Nash: Two weeks ago, I had a plan, and I was putting it into action. But now I daydream. I daydream about you. I daydream about you in that pool in the Hamptons, half of me wanting to throttle you for going through my wallet, and the other half wanting to jump in there and finish what we started last night.
Tess: (in wonderment) And I was just looking for somebody to party with.
Nash: You know, if you would trade on your brains and your personality half as much as you rely on that smoking body of yours, there'd be no stopping you. You scare the hell out of me, Tess, because I could change my plans for you. And I've never done that for anyone.
[Nash suddenly gets out of his chair]
Tess: Where are you going?
Nash: I cannot make a speech like that and not make an exit.
[Nash turns and leaves the restaurant. A woman at a nearby table, who was listening to Nash's speech, leans over to talk to Tess]
Woman: He's a keeper, baby. Hold on to that one.


[Tess is curious about a picture of a vineyard she found in Nash's loft]
Nash: It's -- it's just some land in California. I -- it's wine country.
Tess: And?
Nash: You ever hear of God's country? That's it. Nothing but fresh air and land and more land. You can actually see the stars at night.
Tess: Ah. Andromeda.
Nash: Yeah. Like she's in your own backyard.


[Nash and Tess discuss his dream of moving to California and opening a winery]
Tess: What about your family? Can they help?
Nash: Yeah -- uh -- it's not an option.
Tess: Why not?
Nash: Because I'm on my own.


Tess: Well, I think you're going to get your vineyard.
Nash: What makes you say that?
Tess: Well, because you're just like me. You get what you want.


Tess: You almost had that down payment in your hand last night. Somebody doesn't get that close to their dream and just junk it. I know that much. And in the meantime, we're going to have to find something for you to do besides watch fruit grow.
Nash: You think it's that easy?
Tess: I don't know. You grow some grapes, get somebody to stomp on them, pour in some alcohol, put it all in a bottle. What, am I wrong?
Nash: Oh, you are amazingly, beautifully, colossally wrong.


[Nash gives Tess a wine tasting]
Nash: It's my personal collection. I have been saving it for a special occasion.
Tess: Well, cheers. (she drinks down some wine) Mmm. This stuff's good.
Nash: Good, glad you like it.
[Nash realizes that Tess is practically chugging the wine]
Nash: Ah. All right. Hold on, though.
Tess: What?
Nash: Well, it's -- it's not a shot of Tequila. It's a glass of wine and there's a reason why we call it "tasting."


[Tess is reluctant about continuing with the wine tasting]
Nash: You came by here in the middle of the night with your hipster friends. I let you show them your idea of a good time, let me show you mine.
Tess: Well, I guess if you put it that way --
Nash: All right. Come on, sit down. Try another. Sit. Okay, take one. Swirl it.
Tess: Like this? (she demonstrates)
Nash: Yeah -- no, a little smoother, slower. All right. Now take your nose to the rim. Smell the fruit. It's so juicy, so ripe. All right, now take a sip but don't swallow. Don't swallow. Just let it sit on your tongue. Let it flow over your tongue. Feel the layers of textures fill your mouth. All right, now swallow. What do you think?
Tess: I think I'm getting it.
Nash: (smiling) Yeah, you're getting it.


Tess: You know, I think this wine is going to my head.
Nash: Oh, don't worry. A good wine won't give you a hangover.
Tess: Well, it's doing something.
Nash: Uh-oh. In vino veritas.
Tess: What does that mean?
Nash: Means "In wine there is truth."


Tess: (to Nash as she looks at the picture of Napa Valley) You know what? I could really see you here. Wandering through the grapes, nagging at them, telling them to hurry up and grow.


Tess: I hope all your dreams come true someday.
Nash: What do you dream of, Tess?
Tess: Well, I don't. I live for the moment.
Nash: Oh, come on, you got to dream. What's the one thing that you'd die for, the one place you're always trying to get to?
Tess: Oh, what, the Emerald City? Heaven?
Nash: If you don't dream, what's the point?
Tess: The point of what?
Nash: Oh, the point of waking up, the point of struggling, the point of getting through the day.


Nash: I've asked you before. You always avoid the question. In vino veritas. What do you really want, Tess?
Tess: I want to stay here, forever.
[Nash is struck silent]
Tess: Wow. Speechless. That's a first for you, Nash.
Nash: Just a little surprised, that's all.


Nash You know, for what it's worth, it's easier when you know where you're going.
Tess: Like your vineyard?
Nash: Yeah. You know, maybe you need a vineyard of your own so you can stop trying to lead someone else's life.


Tess: You know, I've finally figured out that you can't run away. You just can't get far enough. I need to get stronger so I can finally let go of the old me.
Nash: You know, maybe there's a reason you're holding on to that life, whatever it is.
Tess: Well, you know what? There was -- until now. But I finally believe that I could be that other person. I can have my own dreams.


[Tess and Nash are out on the fire escape throwing a bunch of her clothes out onto the street below]
Tess: Did you see that guy's face when my camisole landed on his head?
Nash: Oh, he thought it was a gift from the gods.


Tess: I'm going to go out and see Holly. Remember, the girl from the party the other night?
Nash: Oh, the home invasion? Yeah.
Tess: Yeah, something like that. Well, she has a pair of my favorite earrings in her purse, and she lives in the neighborhood so I just figured we'd hook up.
Nash: I thought you were going to let go of your other life.
Tess: All but my favorite earrings.


[Nash has tracked Tess down in a restaurant]
Tess: You're still here.
Nash: Uh-huh. What are you drinking? Oh, look, here's a nice little cab. It's undernourished and -- ooh -- overpriced, but, hey, it is New York City.


Tess: I mean, you sure kissed me like you liked it.
Nash: I never said I didn't like the kissing.


Nash: I'm an investor -- you know. You're just a high-risk commodity, Tess.
Tess: Wow. You struck me as the kind of guy that likes to take chances. I guess I was wrong about that.
Nash: Some chances just don't pay off.


Nash: You know, every time you leave my apartment, I don't know if I'm ever going to see you again, and then when I do, you bring a three-ring circus with you. Okay, you're stubborn, you're secretive, and you're throwing me off my game, and I swore that would never happen.
Tess: If you're looking for a safe bet, I'm not it. Is that what you want?
Nash: No, it isn't.


["Todd"/Victor Jr. has tracked Tess to the restaurant, and she sees him and freaks out]
Tess: You got to keep that guy away from me.
Nash: I will if you tell me why.
Tess: Listen, you said before you never know when I'm coming back to your place, right? Well, if that guy catches me, I am never coming back.