第39页
As the tune ends, Rose leans down to the little girl.
ROSE
May I cut in, miss?
JACK
You're still my best girl, Cora.
Cora scampers off. Rose and Jack face each other. She is trembling as he
takes her right hand in his left. His other hand slides to the small of her
back. It is an electrifying moment.
ROSE
I don't know the steps.
JACK
Just move with me. Don't think.
The music starts and they are off. A little awkward at first, she starts to
get into it. She grins at Jack as she starts to get the rhythm of the
steps.
ROSE
Wait... stop!
She bends down, pulling off her high heeled shoes, and flings them to Tommy.
Then she grabs Jack and they plunge back into the fray, dancing faster as
the music speeds up.
CUT TO:
86 OMITTED
87 INT. THIRD CLASS GENERAL ROOM
The scene is rowdy and rollicking. A table gets knocked over as a drunk
crashes into it. And in the middle of it... Rose dancing with Jack in her
stocking feet. The steps are fast and she shines with sweat. A space opens
around them, and people watch them, clapping as the band plays faster and
faster.
FABRIZIO AND HELGA. Dancing has obviated the need for a common language. He
whirls her, then she responds by whirling him... Fabrizio's eyes go wide
when he realizes she's stronger than he is.
The tune ends in a mad rush. Jack steps away from Rose with a flourish,
allowing her to take a bow. Exhilarated and slightly tipsy, she does a
graceful ballet plier, feet turned out perfectly. Everyone laughs and
applauds. Rose is a hit with the steerage folks, who've never had a lady
party with them.
They move to a table, flushed and sweaty. Rose grabs Fabrizio's cigarette
and takes a big drag. She's feeling cocky. Fabrizio is grinning, holding
hands with Helga.
JACK
How you two doin'?
FABRIZIO
I don't know what she's say, she don't know what I say, so we get along
fine.
Tommy walks up with a pint for each of them. Rose chugs hers, showing off.
ROSE
You think a first class girl can't drink?
Everybody else is dancing again, and Bjorn Gundersen crashes into Tommy, who
sloshes his beer over Rose's dress. She laughs, not caring. But Tommy
lunges, grabbing Bjorn and wheeling him around.
TOMMY
You stupid bastard!!
Bjorn comes around, his fists coming up... and Jack leaps into the middle of
it, pushing them apart.
JACK
Boys, boys! Did I ever tell you the one about the Swede and the Irishman
goin' to the whorehouse?
Tommy stands there, all piss and vinegar, chest puffed up. Then he grins and
claps Bjorn on the shoulder.
ROSE