INT. - TRENDY BAR - EVENING
BEN (early 30s, smart casual) nervously approaches a table close to the entrance, where an attractive young WOMAN stands smiling. A sign: "DR PAVLOV'S SPEED DATING" greets him.
BEN
Hi, I'm here for the speed dating.
WOMAN
Welcome. Have you registered?
BEN
Er, yes... Ben Smith?
BEN presents his credit card as the WOMAN starts flicking through a list on sheets of paper.
WOMAN
Smith Smith Smith... we get a lot of Smiths (hyena-laugh to self). Ah, here -
A BELL sounds. The woman stops in her tracks and smiles politely at BEN.
WOMAN
If you'll just excuse me?
BEN nods and waits. Pause. He fidgets between looking at his watch and anxious looks around the bar. Soon a SECOND WOMAN arrives at the desk.
SECOND WOMAN
Can I help you?
BEN
I'm here for the speed dating? Your colleague was just helping me...
SECOND WOMAN
Oh yes, let me see.
The SECOND WOMAN tidies up all the papers on the desk.
BEN
Hang on that was me there! Ben Smith.
SECOND WOMAN
Oh I'm sorry Mr Smith.
She begins to search through the list. Suddenly a BELL rings.
SECOND WOMAN
Sorry Mr Smith, if you'll excuse me?
And the SECOND WOMAN leaves. BEN's face drops.
CUT TO:
LATER
BEN is standing at the same table, alone, manic with agitation, playing with his hair and twitching nervously. Papers are strewn all over the table. A YOUNG WOMAN arrives and smiles at him.
YOUNG WOMAN
What can I do for you?
BEN pauses for several deep breaths.
BEN
I've been here for nearly an hour and all I've had is a series of short, meaningless and ultimately fruitless conversations with attractive young women.
YOUNG WOMAN
Well, that's speed dating sir. Maybe it isn't for you?
ENDS.
> 
