Not in the Script

2

Brylee Evans wasn't the type to overthink things. That was part of what made her successful - she trusted her instincts, whether it was on stage, in an interview, or, apparently, when texting SNL head writer Colin Jost.

Since their late-night walk, they had been texting back and forth, the conversation as easy and quick-witted as their in-person banter. It wasn't flirty - not exactly - but there was an undeniable energy to it. Like a game of verbal ping-pong neither of them wanted to end. 

So, when her phone buzzed that afternoon, she didn't even hesitate to check.

CJ: Revenge plan is in motion. Expect the unexpected.

Brylee smirked, leaning back on her couch.

BE: If you're sending a bucket of slime to my hotel room, I'm blocking your number.

A moment later, another text popped up. 

CJ: Damn, I'll cancel the order.

Brylee shook her head, grinning.

-----

A few hours later, Brylee was getting ready to hang out with some friends when another text from Colin came through.

CJ: You free tonight? If you're brave enough, I have an idea.

Brylee raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

BE: That depends. Am I walking into a trap?

CJ: No comment. But I promise it involves no fake lava.

That was all she needed to hear.

BE: Fine. Where am I going?

A minute later, an address popped up. Some small comedy club in the Village.

Brylee narrowed her eyes. Oh, this should be interesting.

Colin was sitting at a back table, watching her with an amused smirk as she approached.

"You made it." he said, gesturing to the seat in front of him.

"Still deciding if that was a mistake." Brylee shot back, sliding into the chair.

Colin just grinned. "I figured if we're gonna keep throwing shade at each other, we might as well do it in the right setting."

"Next up, we've got someone new to our stage - actress, comedian, and, according to Google, the woman who just made Colin Jost look like a fool on national television... Brylee Evans!"

She shot Colin a quick glare as she stood. "You set me up, didn't you?"

Colin, looking completely innocent, just sipped his drink. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Shaking her head, Brylee walked toward the stage, grabbing the mic. 

"Hey, guys. So, uh... this wasn't my plan for the night. But apparently, Colin Jost is on a mission to ruin my career."

A few laughs. She took a breath.

"Seriously, I agreed to get a drink with him, and now I'm here. This is why you don't trust SNL writers. One minute, you're hosting the show, the next, you're doing unpaid stand-up at a place that smells like bad decisions and vodka."

The crowd laughed, the tension easing. Brylee felt herself settle in.

"You know, I've always respected stand-up comedians. Because this? This is terrifying. At least when I bomb in a movie, I get a second take. If I bomb here, I just have to pretend I meant to be unfunny and hope you guys feel bad enough to clap."