SCENE 1: BROOKE REVEALS WHAT SHE WITNESSED

The atmosphere inside Larry’s house is unusually quiet. Larry is sitting on the couch, going through his phone, when Brooke walks into the living room with a serious expression on her face.

She looks uncomfortable, as if she has been carrying something important in her mind and can no longer keep it to herself.

Larry immediately notices that something is bothering his daughter.

LARRY

Brooke, what’s going on? You’ve been acting strangely since you walked in. Is everything okay?

Brooke takes a deep breath and sits down across from him.

BROOKE

Dad, there’s something I need to tell you about Sharra. I wasn’t planning to get involved in your relationship, but after what I saw, I don’t think I can stay quiet anymore.

Larry puts his phone aside and gives her his full attention.

LARRY

What happened? Did Sharra do something?

BROOKE

I recently went over to Sharra’s house, and when I got there, I saw something that honestly shocked me. Dre was sitting there with her.

Larry’s expression changes immediately. He recognizes the name. Dre is Sharra’s ex-boyfriend, someone Larry believed was no longer involved in her life.

LARRY

Wait a minute. Dre? Her ex-boyfriend? What was he doing at her house?

BROOKE

That’s exactly what I was wondering. But Dad, this wasn’t the first time. From what I’ve noticed, Dre keeps showing up at Sharra’s house. It’s like he has never really left her life.

Larry leans forward, trying to understand what his daughter is telling him.

LARRY

Are you telling me that Sharra has been seeing Dre behind my back?

BROOKE

I’m telling you that whenever you’re not around, they seem to find time to be together. And the worst part is that Sharra keeps acting like she has nothing to do with him anymore.

Larry shakes his head in disbelief. He had trusted Sharra’s explanations, believing that whatever history she had with Dre was completely behind them. Now, Brooke’s revelation is making him question everything.

SCENE 2: DRE’S INFLUENCE OVER SHARRA

Brooke realizes that simply telling Larry about seeing Dre is not enough. There is something else he needs to understand.

She moves closer and continues explaining what she has noticed.

BROOKE

Dad, there’s something else. Dre doesn’t just visit her. He also talks negatively about you whenever he gets the chance.

Larry looks at her with a confused expression.

LARRY

What do you mean? What has he been saying about me?

BROOKE

He’s constantly putting things in Sharra’s head. He makes negative comments about you, questions your intentions, and tries to make her believe that you’re the problem in the relationship.

Larry becomes visibly irritated.

LARRY

So this man is coming into my relationship, sitting with my woman, and talking about me like I’m some kind of enemy?

BROOKE

That’s what it looks like, Dad. He’s always making accusations and encouraging her to see everything you do in a negative way.

Larry stands up and begins walking around the living room. His disappointment is slowly turning into anger.

LARRY

I don’t understand why Sharra would allow another man to disrespect me while she’s supposed to be building a life with me.

BROOKE

That’s what I don’t understand either. If she really has nothing to do with Dre, why does she keep allowing him around?

LARRY

I’ve been giving Sharra my trust, my time, and my support. Meanwhile, she might have been allowing someone else to come between us this entire time.

BROOKE

I just don’t want you to keep getting hurt because you’re believing everything she tells you.

SCENE 3: LARRY CONFRONTS SHARRA

Later that day, Larry decides that he cannot continue pretending everything is normal. He calls Sharra and asks her to come over because there is something important they need to discuss.

When Sharra arrives, she immediately notices the serious atmosphere. Larry is standing near the living room window, while Brooke is sitting quietly on the couch.

SHARRA

What’s going on? Why did you ask me to come here?

Larry turns around. His face is filled with disappointment.

LARRY

I think you already know that something isn’t right between us. But today, I want some honest answers.

SHARRA

What are you talking about? If there’s a problem, just tell me.

LARRY

I heard something about you and Dre.

For a brief moment, Sharra’s expression changes. She tries to hide her surprise, but Larry notices it immediately.

SHARRA

What about Dre? Why are we talking about him?

LARRY

Because apparently, he’s still very much involved in your life. Brooke told me she went to your house and found him sitting there with you.

SHARRA

Seriously, Brooke? You’re going around telling Larry what happens at my house now?

BROOKE

I’m not making anything up. I saw Dre sitting with you. I don’t understand why you’re acting like it never happened.

SHARRA

You don’t know the whole situation. Just because someone visits me doesn’t mean there’s something going on between us.

LARRY

Then explain something to me. Why did you keep telling me that Dre was no longer part of your life?

SHARRA

Because I don’t have anything going on with him. You’re making this into something bigger than it is.

LARRY

Really? Then why does he keep coming around whenever I’m not there?

SHARRA

I cannot control who decides to visit my house. If Dre shows up, that doesn’t automatically mean I’m doing something wrong.

Larry lets out a frustrated laugh.

LARRY

That’s convenient. You expect me to believe that you have no control over a man who keeps showing up at your house, but somehow you have an explanation for everything.

Sharra raises her voice, but Larry refuses to back down.

LARRY

I’m listening to what I’m being told, and I’m looking at the situation in front of me. You haven’t given me one convincing reason to believe that you’ve been honest.

SCENE 4: BROOKE REFUSES TO STAY SILENT

Sharra turns toward Brooke, clearly frustrated that her daughter has brought this information to Larry.

SHARRA

Brooke, why are you so determined to create problems between me and Larry? You should have minded your own business.

Brooke stands up. She has reached her limit with Sharra’s attempts to turn the situation around.

BROOKE

I’m not creating anything. I didn’t tell Dre to come to your house. I didn’t tell you to keep seeing him. I simply told Dad what I witnessed.

SHARRA

You don’t understand what happens between adults. There are things you shouldn’t involve yourself in.

BROOKE

Then why do you keep putting everyone in this position? If there’s nothing happening with Dre, why can’t you just be honest about why he’s always around?

SHARRA

You always think you know everything.

BROOKE

No, I don’t. But I know what I saw, and I’m not going to pretend I didn’t see it just because you don’t like being questioned.

Larry watches the confrontation. He realizes that Sharra is focusing more on blaming Brooke than answering the questions he has been asking.

LARRY

Sharra, stop turning this into an argument about Brooke. She’s not the one who needs to explain anything to me.

SHARRA

So you’re just going to believe everything she says?

LARRY

I’m going to believe that something is seriously wrong here. And instead of helping me understand the situation, you’re attacking the person who brought it to my attention.

SCENE 5: LARRY MAKES A FINAL FINANCIAL DECISION

Larry takes a moment to collect himself. He looks at Sharra and speaks in a much calmer but firmer voice.

LARRY

You know what? I’ve thought about this, and I’m done.

SHARRA

Done with what?

LARRY

I’m done paying your expenses. I’m done financially supporting you, and I’m done putting myself in a position where I keep giving while you continue doing whatever you want behind my back.

Sharra’s eyes widen. She was expecting an argument, but she wasn’t expecting Larry to make such a serious announcement.

SHARRA

Are you seriously saying you’re not going to help me anymore?

LARRY

That’s exactly what I’m saying. From this day forward, you’re responsible for yourself. I’m not paying your bills, covering your expenses, or providing financial support.

SHARRA

Larry, you can’t just make that decision because you’re upset about something Brooke told you.

LARRY

This isn’t just about what Brooke told me. It’s about everything I’ve been noticing and the fact that I no longer feel like I can trust you.

SHARRA

So what happens to everything we’ve been building together?

LARRY

What have we been building if you can’t even be honest with me about another man being around you?

LARRY

If Dre is the person you want to spend your time with, then go ahead. Be with him. Live your life with him. I’m not going to compete with another man for a place in your life.

Sharra stares at him. She realizes that Larry is no longer threatening to walk away just to make a point.

SCENE 6: SHARRA IS TOLD TO LEAVE LARRY’S LIFE

Sharra struggles to accept what is happening. She looks at Larry, hoping he will reconsider his decision.

SHARRA

So that’s it? You’re just going to throw everything away because of this situation?

LARRY

You’re the one who allowed this situation to happen. I’m simply choosing not to remain in it.

SHARRA

You haven’t even given me a chance to explain myself properly.

LARRY

I’ve given you opportunities to be honest. But every time I ask you a question, you turn it into an argument.

SHARRA

I never thought you would treat me like this.

LARRY

And I never thought I would have to question whether my own partner was secretly entertaining her ex-boyfriend.

SHARRA

Are you happy now? Is this what you wanted?

BROOKE

I never wanted you two to reach this point. I wanted Dad to know the truth. That’s all.

LARRY

Don’t blame Brooke for the consequences of your own decisions. If you want to leave my life, you’re free to do that. I’m not going to stop you.

LARRY

If Dre means so much to you, then go and be with him. I’m not holding you here.

Sharra has no immediate response. For the first time, she understands that Larry may genuinely be ready to move on without her.

SCENE 7: LARRY CHOOSES TO KEEP BROOKE WITH HIM

Just when Sharra thinks the conversation is over, Larry makes another announcement. He turns toward Brooke and then looks back at Sharra.

LARRY

There’s one more thing we need to discuss.

SHARRA

What else?

LARRY

Brooke is staying with me.

SHARRA

What? What do you mean she’s staying with you?

LARRY

I mean exactly what I said. I want Brooke here with me. I’m not going to let her get caught in all this confusion and drama.