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INT. - NY TIMES NEWSROOM, BEN & DANA'S DESKS - LATE AFTERNOON

The deadline rush is just over. BEN & DANA prep for tomorrow. MIKE asks so that BEN can overhear:

MIKE

So, Dana, why should I bet on you?

DANA & BEN look up, surprised. MIKE tries to study both. They're still getting past the new tension between them.

DANA

I don't know. Isn't that funny. I'm sure Ben has some sort of game plan.

BEN

I'm sitting right here.

DANA

I just can't lose a bet like this.

BEN

How come?

DANA
(in his eyes)

Because I wish I could.

BEN, impressed again, is sucked into wondering if DANA is serious or just playing a tactic. She knows he can't tell.

INT. - SAINT'S BISTRO - EVENING

MAUDE is at the bar. BEN sidles up and gesture for two beers.

MAUDE

Thought you didn't date co-workers. Or is this another desperate attempt to make me jealous?

BEN

Just because there's a bet going on, doesn't mean you can't blow me.

MAUDE

You better read the fine print. And I'm looking for a meal, not a snack.

Ouch. Just then BEN hears names being yelled: