What do you want, Melvin?

I'm sorry I woke you. I - I - I - S-Simon -

[He half turns to leave.]

I wasn't asleep.

What a break.

Is it a secret what you're doing here?

I had to see you.

[Beverly Connelly, who is behind the door, is hearing their conversation.]

Because?

It relaxes me.

[He laughs.]

I'd feel better sitting outside your apartment on the curb then any other place I can think of or imagine.

[He is suddenly serious.]

No, no, no, no, wait. That's - that's overstating. I'd rather be sitting inside on the steps because I don't want to get my feet in the gutter. What would that serve?

Stop it! Why can't I have a normal boyfriend? Why? Just a regular boyfriend that doesn't go nuts on me! I -

[Beverly butts in, and Carol turns to her.]

Everybody wants that, dear. It doesn't exist.

I -

[to Melvin Udall]

Oh, I'm - I'm sorry.

No.

I - I - I didn't mean to interrupt.

[She disappears into the apartment. Melvin is hopeful.]

Boyfriend.

[Carol looks at Melvin.]

Come in and try not to ruin everything by being you.

Maybe we could live without the wisecracks.

Maybe we could.