Stephen Adly Guirgis

Jackie is a former drug dealer who has just been released from prison to join the American workforce. His girlfriend, Veronica, however, still uses cocaine and other drugs. One night, Jackie finds a hat in Veronica's apartment. Realizing it is not his, he accuses her of cheating, going to his drug and parole counselor, Ralph D., for help. Meanwhile, Ralph's wife, Victoria, has "had it up to here with his helium".[3] Jackie obtains a gun. Ralph insists that he not keep it, so he gives to his cousin Julio for safekeeping. Jackie reveals that he had slept with his previous AA counselor, which may be part of the reason Veronica mistrusts him. Later, Veronica is entertaining a lover, which is revealed to be Ralph. They had slept together a handful of times while Jackie was in prison. Meanwhile, Jackie gets the gun back and returns the hat to its owner, then throws it on the floor and shoots it. He talks about this with Victoria, who is tired of Ralph's cheating and begs Jackie to sleep with her. She reveals to him that Veronica and Ralph have slept together. Jackie shows up a Veronica's apartment drunk, accusing her of cheating, hurt because they had been in love since high school. When he gets loud, she hits him with a bat. Julio takes Jackie in. He reveals that he is grateful because, years ago, Jackie did an unexpected kindness for him. Jackie wants to confront Ralph and Julio is willing to cover his back, claiming to be a "Van Damme." Jackie goes to Ralph's. The two men try to fight it out, but end up futilely wresting on the floor. Ralph admits he slept with Veronica, but he's through with that and would like to be friends with Jackie. Jackie refuses to accept his friendship and returns to the apartment to pick up his things. He has broken parole by shooting the gun and is heading off to prison for a short stint. He tries to tell Veronica he loves her, but she runs out of the room, unwilling to listen. He leaves. A few moments later, Veronica comes out of hiding and calls his name.