i cant remember if i've told you how bad my memory is. so, i'll tell you now. this, above all other reasons is why i have made it a point not to lie! i mean really, it's not about ethics and morals and things as trivial as that. it's about keeping stories straight. see example below:

INT. TUPELO HONEY RESTAURANT - EVENING

ME and JULIE approach hostess weak and shaky from hunger. Crowds of people are waiting to be seated.

HOSTESS

how many?

ME

four

HOSTESS

is your entire party here?

ME

not yet

HOSTESS

well, we can't seat you until you are all here

ME and julie confer. ME tells julie that KATIE doesn't even get off work until 7pm and then has to drive all the way to restaurant. decision is made to change the number to dine just to get a table. julie is nervous about the plan but ME does it anyway.

ME

we're actually only having 3 for dinner please, under julie.

HOSTESS

ok, we'll be able to seat you soon.

ME

thank you

EXT. sidewalk, drumming circle heard in background, julie and ME are seen walking and chatting, avoiding being accosted by drunken political fanatic expounding loudly about his beliefs.

julie's friend, GAIL approaches and they embrace, introductions occur just as hostess calls julie's name, the three move inside to be seated.

INT. seated at table, drinks are ordered, gail and julie spending much time reminiscing and catching up. the three are avoiding ordering until katie arrives.

waitress approaches table for the 3rd time to get dinner orders. ME, feeling nervous attempts to remedy the situation.

ME

my friend just called me and we invited her to join us. she should be here any minute and then we'll order.

HOSTESS

(frustrated)

OH! well we are not supposed to seat you until your whole party is here.

ME

well, she just called. we didnt know she was coming.

HOSTESS

i'll check with the manager to see if that's ok. maybe if you can get your friend's order then we can go ahead and put all of your orders in.

hostess leaves to confirm with manager of restauraunt that this is indeed acceptable. ME looks at julie and gail and shrugs.

HOSTESS

ok, that will be fine. I'll go ahead and take your orders.

all three orders are placed for meals

ME

(reaching toward pocket for emphasis)

oh and i couldnt call my friend to see what she wants because i dont have my phone.

long uncomfortable silence as the lie is fully realized.