The Layman's blog: "The Layman's World"

HEART TO HANG ONTO (Lights rise on a bar. The Bartender is cleaning up behind the bar and pouring beers from the tap. Johnny Boy sits on a stool, head down on the bar. Danny is sitting alone at a table on stage left, playing his guitar. There are customers seated sporadically around the room at tables, drinking and talking amongst themselves. Children run noisily through the room, laughing and playing. The Bartender comes out from behind the bar to serve the drinks he has just poured.) BARTENDER: Here ya’ go, friend. (Sets drink on the table) Drink up, now. How’s little Kenny doin’? Got hisself a toucha’ the flu, I hear. . . CUSTOMER 1: (Picks up the beer and takes a sip) He’s doin’ better, thanks ‘Tender. I expect he’ll be out playin’ ball again in a day or two. I’ll let my Frannie know you was askin’ about him. BARTENDER: No trouble at all. You let me know if ya’ need anything else. (Walks off to another table) CUSTOMER 2: (Waves) How ya’ doin’, ‘Tender? BARTENDER: (Sets a beer on the table) Oh, I’m good as can be. Can’t see any reason for complainin’. Not t’day, anyway. How ‘bout you? CUSTOMER 2: Good, good. I’m good. . . (Takes a drink) Well. . . If I’m honest, things are tough. Still tryin’ to square things with Uncle Sam. Hot one t’day, eh? BARTENDER: Aye, it is. (Turns to leave) You hang in there. Now drink up, drink up. That beer ain’t gettin’ any colder. Heh. (Moves on to a third table to pick up the empty glasses, wipes the table down with his towel, addresses the audience) There are men up here who fish. They ain’t seen too much else o’ the world. Most are like me an’ always lived in this little town. A fisherman’s town. My bar is a fisherman’s bar. (Gestures to the room) Most o’ these men work the boats. Some o’ the women work in the markets, but most jus’ watch after the kids. (Moves to another table and gathers the empties) It’s a simple life we got here. (Wipes down the table) I’m the bartender. An’ that’s how folks call me. Like as they don’t even remember my name anymore. I’d expect the younger folks don’t even know I ever had a proper name. . . (Considers) ‘Course it’s just ’Tender for short. An’ no the if they’s talkin’ right to me, stead of about me. (Turns away with the empties and walks to another table, turns back to the audience) Folks talk about each other a lot, ‘round here. Favorite pastime. Small town’s rumors jus’ millin’ around. (Chuckles) Most come here to do their socializin’. Boys an’ girls on dates. Gents havin’ a drink at the end o’ the day. (Gestures to a BOY behind him) Timmy over there jus’ had his ninth birthday here. . . (Pauses, thinking) ‘Course, they brought their own cake. I ain’t ever really served food. (Sets glasses on a table and wipes it down, CHILDREN run by loudly) Slow it down. Slow it down, now. This ain’t no racetrack, y’know. (Snaps a BOY with his towel, BOY stops and rubs his stinging bottom) Heh heh. Gotcha’ that time, didn’ I? Ya’ rotten apple. (Pats the BOY’s head playfully) Now get on yer way, y’hear? An’ tell yer ma’ I says she oughta’ teach ya’ some indoors manners! (Turns back to the audience) A’yup. I reckon a little town needs a place like this. Ain’t got much in the way o’ tee-vee ‘round here. Don’t even own a set m’self. No local paper t’ speak of, neither. Ya’ wanna’ know what’s goin’ on in town? Ya’ come here. Somethin’s hot off the presses every night in this place. (Picks up the glasses, tosses towel over his shoulder) Which is to say people are doin’ most o’ their gossipin’ over their beers. Oh, I s’pose it ain’t the really good stuff. That ya’d have t’ get from ol’ Nora Metcalf. . . Heh. But outside o’ her sewing circle, this is the best place in town t’ hear the latest. An’ I guess I do my share to keep the hens cluckin’. CUSTOMER 3: (Walks in from stage right) Jeezus Christ on a crutch. . . Feel like I’m boilin’ out there. How ya’ doin’, ‘Tender? Things good? BARTENDER: Oh, I ain’t complainin’. How’s yer day? CUSTOMER 3: Been as good as it could, I guess. BARTENDER: Y’need somethin’ t’ wet yer whistle, then? CUSTOMER 3: Oh, you read my mind, ‘Tender. Beer always sounds good, this time o’ the day. BARTENDER: (Approaches CUSTOMER 3) Now. . . Y’know yer tab’s comin’ due on Friday. I ain’t runnin’ this place for my health. CUSTOMER 3: Well. . . About that. . . The catch ain’t been so good, lately. Whole season’s been— BARTENDER: Yeah, yeah. Whole season’s been rough. I know it. I got my bills t’ pay too, y’know. CUSTOMER 3: (Considers) Hmph. I got me a charter for the weekend. . . We’ll see what comes of it, I guess. BARTENDER: Friday, y’hear? You drink up ‘til then. Have a seat now an’ I’ll go get ya’ that beer. Won’t be a minute. (CUSTOMER 3 sits down, BARTENDER speaks to audience) Like I said, I’ve been here most o’ my life. Pa was a fisherman. Skip’d his own boat. Any older folks here prob’ly worked for him, one time or another. Their wives, too. JOHNNY BOY: (Picks his head up from the bar) ‘Tender. . ? Bartender! (Looks around) Where’s my beer? I been waitin’ near a half-hour. . . BARTENDER: (Gestures to JOHNNY BOY, speaks to audience) This here’s John Albright. Called Johnny Boy since he was a kid. Few years back, he was likely t’ own this town. If he hadn’a had ‘is accident. . . (Shakes head) Like I said, he was an up’n’comer. (Walks behind bar, pours beer, brings out to CUSTOMER 3) Here ya’ go, friend. Shout out, ya’ need somethin’ else. (To audience) Me? I ain’t a fisherman. Never really had the knack for it. When Ma and Pa died, I sold the boat for a bit o’ profit. Bought this place right after and been runnin’ it ever since. I guess I’m whatcha’d call a fisherman’s helper. Given ‘em the oil for their axels. (Walks back towards the bar) A little libation never hurt anyone, y’ask me. (Walks back behind bar) JOHNNY BOY: Bartender!! I said where’s my beer!? BARTENDER: I’m comin’. I’m comin’. . . (Pours beer) JOHNNY BOY: (Mumbles to self) Man comes in here ev’ry eve’in. . . Oughta’ get ‘is drinks when he’s orderin’. . . BARTENDER: (Serves beer to JOHNNY BOY) Here ya’ go, ya’ loudmouth. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. (Takes a drink) Where’s my Sally. . ? S’posed t’ meet me here. . . BARTENDER: (Wiping down the bar) I ain’t seen her tonight, Johnny. JOHNNY BOY: Bah. . . Out parkin’ wi’ some lout, no doubt. Out wi’ some boy. . . (Drinks again) Can’t keep that girl away from the boys. Never could. Follows after he ma’, that way. It’s ‘er birt’day, y’know. . . BARTENDER: Issat so? Time does fly, huh? Seems she was a li’l girl jus’ yesterday. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. Nineteen t’day, she is. Sixteen years. . . (Sighs) Sixteen years since ‘er ma’ lef’ us. My Marie. (Drinks) BARTENDER: Been a long time ago, yep. JOHNNY BOY: Ain’t right what she did. Girl shouldn’ hafta’ grow up wi’out ‘er ma’. (Mumbles) Pinstriped city bastard. . . Hmph. (Drinks) Done the bes’ I could. . . BARTENDER: ‘Course ya’ did, Johnny. Sally’s a fine girl. You oughta’ be proud of ‘er. JOHNNY BOY: Proud? Bah. . . Whore wife. Whore daughter. (Drinks) I ain’t got much t’ be proud of, ‘Tender. BARTENDER: Now, you know it ain’t as bad as all that. . . JOHNNY BOY: No. . ? Well, where is she now? S’posed t’ meet me here. No one seen ‘er. Hangin’ ‘round wi’ them. . . boys. . . Ill intentions, the lot of ‘em. I keep tellin’ ‘er t’ watch out for ‘em. Ain’t a one of ‘em up t’any good. Too much like ‘er ma’, Sally is. (Takes a drink, shakes head) Looks jus’ like ‘er, too. . . (Sighs) BARTENDER: She does, yep. Beautiful girl, Sally. JOHNNY BOY: Y’know— (Drinks again) I ‘member the firs’ time I set eyes on my Marie. . . Back when we was jus’ kids. Prettiest thing I ever seen. . . Seein’ her ev’ry mornin’ was like t’ havin’ another sun t’ rise. An’ it was all for me. . . We was such a great team, too. My Marie. . . How could I know she was so false? BARTENDER: Well, it was a shock to us all, sure. JOHNNY BOY: Bahh. . . Shoulda’ known. All the rumor an’. . . innuendo tha’ was goin’ ‘round town. (Drinks) Thing is. . . I can’t hardly blame ‘er. She always had a taste for fine things. Deserved it all, too. An’ after this— (Pats his right leg) Man can’t work ain’t a man. Hmph. Bitch of a woman. . . (Drinks, BOY runs by) Hey, boy!! C’mere. . . Ya’ wanna’ do it? (BOY is hesitant) BARTENDER: Now, Johnny. . . Y’know I don’t like this. . . JOHNNY BOY: Awwwww, c’mon ‘Tender. No harm done. It’s his turn by now, I reckon. (Takes a pocket knife from his pocket, opens it, holds it out to BOY) Give it a try. . . (BOY takes knife, stabs it into JOHNNY BOY’s right leg, JOHNNY BOY laughs loudly) That’s right, son. (Knocks on leg) Wood. Got it caught up i’ the winch. Now get outta’ here. . . Heh heh. BARTENDER: Dammit, Johnny. . . Parents complain about that, y’know. Yer givin’ a fright to the kids. I wish you’d cut that out. JOHNNY BOY: Bahh. Left me when I was way down, she did. Bastard came to take my boat away. . . Well he took a damned sight more than that, eh? She loved life, so long as the money was comin’ in. . . Thing is. . . (Drinks) . . . we stood up front of a priest, t’gether. S’posed t’ be for richer and poorer. Sickness and health. . . Didn’t like me so much when I was poor an’ sick, I guess. . . Man that can’t work ain’t a man, y’know. . . Losin’ her was worse than losin’ the leg. BARTENDER: Well, you done alright with little Sally, y’know. That’s a comfort for ya’, for sure. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. Sally. . . Where’s my Sally, anyway. . ? S’posed t’ meet me. . . (Goes to drink, glass is empty) I’ll take another. BARTENDER: Comin’ right up. (Pours beer, serves to JOHNNY BOY) JOHNNY BOY: (Sighs) I ain’t got any money, t’day. . . BARTENDER: (Shakes head, frustrated) I’ll spot ya’ this one. But yer gonna’ have t’ pay up front for any more. This ain’t a charity kitchen, y’know. I got my bills t’ pay, too. JOHNNY BOY: I’m obliged. (Raises glass to BARTENDER, drinks) Sixteen years. . . An’ all o’ you sonabitches knew it, too. . . I heard all o’ what was gettin’ said, y’know. (Slams his glass onto the bar) An’ not one o’ you could muster it up ‘nuff t’ tell the cripple ‘bout ‘is slut wife. . . Thought we was men in this town. Friends, eh? (Drinks again) BARTENDER: Ah, Johnny. . . You got friends here. We was all on yer side. Folks jus’ wanna’ mind their own, is all. Keep their noses in their own roses. You’da done the same thing. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. I heard every bit o’ what folks were sayin’. Whore of a woman. (Pause) I hear everythin’ that’s said t’day, too. . . My Sally. Can’t keep ‘er ‘way fro’ them damned boys. Up t’ no good. Ill intentions, all of ‘em. DANNY: (Approaches the bar for a drink) Heya’, ‘Tender. Johnny. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. BARTENDER: Hey there, Danny. Music sounds alright, t’night. (Pours a beer for DANNY) DANNY: Thanks. Just somethin’ I’m practicin’ on. Can’t do it that well, yet. (Takes a drink) Y’know, I’m leavin’ in a couple of days. BARTENDER: That’s what I hear, yep. Got someplace to stay, huh? DANNY: Yeah. Rented a little room, already. Hunnerd-fifty bucks a month. It ain’t much, though. Roaches, prob’ly. Leastways, it’s a roof. Saved enough money this year to buy a new guitar when I get there, too. Still gotta’ find a job, though. BARTENDER: Well, then. Sounds like it’s pretty well worked out an’ in hand, eh? We’re gonna’ miss ya’ ‘round here, for sure. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. Bahh. . . (Drinks) DANNY: (Looks at JOHNNY BOY, frustrated) Yeah. . . Well, I’m gonna’ get back to it. Catch ya’ both later. (Walks back to his table, BARTENDER and JOHNNY BOY are both silent for a moment) JOHNNY BOY: That Mitchell kid’s the worst o’ the lot, y’ask me. (Lights rise on DANNY, back at his table) Been tryin’ to get my li’l girl to run off with ‘im like a damn fool. Boy ain’t got a practical thought in ‘is head. It’s that ma’ o’ his. Talkin’ nonsense to ‘im all his life. BARTENDER: He’s a hard worker, that Danny. Got a kind heart in ‘im, too. Seems that oughta’ count for somethin’, y’ask me. Boy can’t help who is ma’ is. JOHNNY BOY: (Mocking laughter) Hard worker? Worked awful hard at gettin’ my Sally to put out for ‘im. I walked in on ‘em once. . . (Slams fist on bar) In my own livin’ room. . . (Shakes head) Straight’nin’ ‘emselves up real quick an’ all. Like he was pawin’ an’ clawin’ an’ grabbin’ all on her. . . Oh, he’s a hard worker, alright. (Raises his glass, finding it empty) Eh. . ? Hmph. BARTENDER: (Turns to look towards DANNY) Awwww. . . They’re jus’ bein’ kids, I think. You was young once too, Johnny. Danny’s always semed like a good kid to me. (Lights fade on DANNY, rise again in the bar) JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. Gonna’ make ‘er do somethin’ foolish. Outta’ control, thanks t’ all them boys. Used t’ be such a good girl, too. . . BARTENDER: I think him an’ Sally was a good fit. . . For what that’s worth. JOHNNY BOY: Bahh. . . Ill intentions, the lot of ‘em. Never up t’ no good. (Pause, then speaks to self) Looks jus’ like. . . Awwwww, Marie. . . Why’d ya’ have to leave? Ain’t right for a girl t’ grow up without ‘er ma’. (Sighs) I’da’ gave ‘er ever’thing she wannid, too. And Sally. . . My two girls. . . Hmph. Things change, I guess. BARTENDER: That they do. Aye. JOHNNY BOY: (Turns his empty glass upside down on the bar) ‘Tender. . ? ‘Nother one, ya’ don’ mind? BARTENDER: Tol’ ya’, Johnny. Gotta’ pay first. JOHNNY BOY: Say. . . (Looks around the bar) Where’s my li’l girl, now? Sally? Nineteen on ‘er bir’day, t’day. . . (Walks to the door and looks outside, shouts) SAAAAAAALLLLLLLLYYYYYY!! BARTENDER: Hey, hey, now!! Mind yer manners, Johnny Boy! Get y’self locked up for loudness, ya’ don’ shape up. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. Out wi’ some thug, like as not. (Mutters to self) Ill intentions. . . (Shouts out the door) I SAID ILL INTENTIONS, THE WHOLE LOT O’ YA!! BARTENDER: Dammit, Johnny!! I tol’ ya’ t’ keep it down. Sherrif knows jus’ where this place is, y’know. (Pours a beer, sets it on the bar) Have a sit, here. I’ll put this one on yer tab. JOHNNY BOY: (Takes a seat at the bar, takes a drink) I hear what goes on wi’ my Sally, y’know. Always gettin’ caught up wi’ men an’ foolin’ ‘round. BARTENDER: ‘S ‘at so? Can’t say as I ever heard any o’ that. JOHNNY BOY: Pfft. Hell you ain’t. (Turns and gestures around the room) Half o’ yer patrons here prob’ly been wi’ her. . . What I hear. (Raises his voice) Y’think I ain’t hearin’ wha’s goin’ on, you buncha’— BARTENDER: Johnny. . . JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. (Drinks) Sorry. (Commotion as SALLY enters with the BOYS, they are laughing loudly) BARTENDER: (Waves to SALLY) Weh-heh-hell, now. If it ain’t our li’l birthday girl, herself. SALLY: (Waves back) Why don’t you boys pick a table. I’m just going to check on Daddy. (Walking away from the boys) I’ll be right back. I won’t be a minute. (SALLY comes over and puts her arms around JOHNNY BOY’s neck, gives him a kiss on the cheek) Hi, Daddy!! I told you I’d be here. I fixed dinner before I left the house. All you have to do is heat it up in the oven. And don’t wait up for me, ‘cause I’ll be out late. JOHNNY BOY: What? Out wi’ them? Buncha’ thugs. Ill intentions, the lot of ‘em. Nice girl woulda’ never been out wi’ that bunch in the first place. . . SALLY: Oh, Daddy. . . I told you I’d be out with my friends on my birthday. I’ll be fine. Now, don’t wait up for me. JOHNNY BOY: Don’ wait up. Pfft. . . (Pauses) Hey, Bartender! Where’s my beer, now? Been waitin’ a damned half-hour. . . (Puts head down on bar, passed out) SALLY: Umm. . . I think we’re all ready for some drinks, ‘Tender. BARTENDER: Natives’re restless, eh? Heh. Well, I think we can arrange somethin’ for ya’. (Starts pouring beers) You havin’ a good birthday, Angel? SALLY: Oh, yeah! We’re having such a great time. I got some really good presents, too. The boys take good care of me. BARTENDER: Hmm. Well. . . (Looks over at BOYS) I suppose they would, eh? (SALLY and BARTENDER pause, uncomfortable) I’ll have those drinks for ya’ in jus’ a minute. Now you get back t’ yer party, hear? SALLY: (Cheers up) Okay! We’re just over there. Thanks, ‘Tender. (DANNY approaches) DANNY: Hey, Sally. . . (SALLY walks off, not noticing DANNY) Hmph. (Mocks talking to SALLY) Oh, I’m good, thanks. Nice to see you, too. . . Pfft. BARTENDER: Ehh. . . Don’t mind her, boy. Girl’s got a bit o’ reputation, anyway. Little too eager to please, if ya’ get me. DANNY: She’s not like that. Not really. I know her. BARTENDER: Yeah? Well, I’ve known her as long as she’s been alive. I see how she is. (Pauses) Beautiful girl, though. Takes great care of her dad. DANNY: Lord knows he needs it. . . (Pauses, looks over towards SALLY, lights dim in the bar and rise on SALLY at her table) I hear the stories, y’know. Trust me, she’s not that way. Doesn’t wanna’ be, anyway. I don’t know why she hangs around with those guys. . . BARTENDER: Guess she jus’ figured out she can do better lettin’ them fellas take care of ‘er than Johnny Boy, here. (Pauses) Seems like that family’s. . . I dunno’. . . under a bad star or somethin’. DANNY: Yeah. . . I know it’s been tough on her, bein’ raised without her mom. I mean, who’s she s’posed to talk to about. . . bras and boys and stuff? (Gestures to JOHNNY BOY, still head-down on the bar) Him? Fat chance. BARTENDER: Y’know, I. . . (Pauses) I think you was good for her, Danny. So sad about that. It was nice to see her so happy all the time. These boys. . . (Gestures to the BOYS at SALLY’s table, shakes head) Eh, never mind. Goin’ on like an’ old man. . . (Lights rise again in the bar) DANNY: Y’know. . . BARTENDER: Whassat? DANNY: Sally only dumped me— (Glances at JOHNNY BOY, lowers his voice) She only dumped ‘cause of her dad. BARTENDER: Y’think so, eh? DANNY: Oh, yeah. I’m sure of it. He talks against me all the time. And have you heard how he talks to her? BARTENDER: Well, I— DANNY: Well, I have. . . (Drinks) He blames all of her troubles on her mom, but it’s really his fault. He’s— BARTENDER: Danny. . . DANNY: -been tellin’ her all of her life how she’s no good. (Pauses) Y’know, it’s no wonder she’s afraid to leave this town. . . She’s got no confidence. I used to tell her all the time that she oughta’ just pack up. Get as far away from here as possible. Just leave that house and get away from Johnny Boy, for good. (Pauses again, looks over at SALLY) She’s just scared, is all. I know she wants to change. BARTENDER: Lemme’ give ya’ some advice, boy. . . DANNY: Oh, here we go. . . (Drinks) BARTENDER: Now, I’m serious, here. You gotta’ move on. Don’t wanna’ be pinin’ for her when yer in the city, y’know. Ain’t much longer now anyway, eh? DANNY: I know, I know. . . BARTENDER: (Picks up the tray of beers) I gotta’ run these over, now. DANNY: It just isn’t right, the way people talk about her. (Drinks) BARTENDER: No. No, I s’pose it ain’t. . . I’ll be right back. (Takes drinks to SALLY’s table, serves them) Here y’are, birthday girl. (Nods to the BOYS) Boys. You kids gettin’ on good, tonight? SALLY: Oh, ‘Tender, I’ve had such an excellent time. I can’t imagine better company on my birthday. These boys will keep me out of trouble, too. (Pauses) ‘Course I’m nineteen now. I suppose I could stand to get in a little trouble, now and again. (Winks at the BOYS) The night’s still young, I guess. (SALLY and the BOYS laugh) BARTENDER: Hmph. Well. . . You boys treat her right, y’hear? Wouldn’t want it getting’ ‘round that yer all ungentlemanly. Shout when ya’ need somethin’ else. (Walks away, cleaning up tables and picking up empty glasses) SALLY: You boys know that Daddy disapproves of this, horribly. He keeps goin’ on about you and your ill intentions. I keep tellin’ him. . . (Drinks) I keep tellin’ him that I just don’t get on as well with the other girls. I suppose that makes me a man’s woman. . . I don’t mind, though. Girls are so damned catty, sometimes. (The BOYS all nod and mutter in agreement) You boys are never anything but sweet to me, though. (Drinks) I’d have a devil of a time pickin’ just one of you. (Looks over to DANNY, still standing at the bar) Besides, I don’t think it’s the right time in my life for a steady boyfriend. I’m too young for settling down, right now. (A group of three GIRLS walks in, laughing and making noise, they hush suddenly and compose themselves when they see SALLY) Oh. . . They’re just jealous. (The GIRLS sit at a table near DANNY) DANNY: (Watches GIRLS for a moment, mutters to himself) Gotta’ move on. Don’t wanna’ be pinin’ for her. . . (Drinks, goes over to GIRLS’ table) JOHNNY BOY: (Wakes up from the bar, spills beer) Hmm. . ? ‘Tender? Been wai’n a half-hour. . . BARTENDER: Sorry, Johnny. Gotta’ gimme’ yer money first. (To JOHNNY BOY) Right back. (Leaves to pick up empty glasses) JOHNNY BOY: Where’s she. . ? (Looks around, goes to SALLY’s table) ‘Ere she is. . . My bir’day girl. . . C’mere an’ gimme a hug. . . SALLY: (Embarrassed) Daddy. . . JOHNNY BOY: Whassat. . ? Don’ wanna’ hug the ol’ man. . ? Bahh. . . (Stumbles) Y’know. . . I jus’ ree-lized I ain’t tol’ ya’ happy bir’day t’day. . . SALLY: It’s okay, Daddy. . . I’m— JOHNNY BOY: Nah. . . No. . . I shoulda’ tol’ it to ya’, by now. (Composes himself, smooths his hair down, shouts) HAPPY BIRTH— (Stumbles) -bir’day. . . SALLY: (Covers her eyes, embarrassed, speaks to BOYS) Just a moment. . . (Stands up, leads JOHNNY BOY back to his seat at the bar) JOHNNY BOY: Happy bir’day, Marie. . . SALLY: I’m Sally, Daddy. . . JOHNNY BOY: Tha’s right. . . My Sally. My li’l girl. . . SALLY: Why don’t you sit down and relax for a while. . . I love you. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. Relax. . . On my ass all day. . . (Sits) SALLY: I know, I know. But you look a little tired. . . Have you eaten? I have your dinner waiting at home. . . JOHNNY BOY: Home? Ain’t got nothin’ at home. I ain’t tired. Jus’ need ‘nother beer. . . (Leans on bar) Where’s my beer, now. . ? Wai’n for. . . half-hour. . . SALLY: (Looks around, embarrassed) It’s okay. It’s okay, Daddy. ‘Tender’ll be back in a minute. Just relax here. I’m gonna’ get back to my friends. . . JOHNNY BOY: (Turns to SALLY, irritated) Back to yer friends? Who? Them thugs? Where you been wi’ them, anyway. . ? SALLY: Daddy, hush. . . (Whispers to JOHNNY BOY) We haven’t been anywhere. Just at Rick’s house, then here. Please don’t make a scene, okay? (Looks around) JOHNNY BOY: Pfft. Don’t make a. . . I’ll make a— (Raises his voice) I’ll make a scene if I feel a mind to! My baby girl’s out wi’ every hooligan in town an’ it’s a scene, I’d say. (Stands, stumbles a bit, SALLY catches him and eases him back into his seat) Ugh. . . Y’ smell like a hooker. An’ why’re ya’ made up like that, eh? Hmph. Painted up like a whore an’ out wi’ four boys. . . Oh, yer ma’d be proud, for sure. Bahh. . . Whore wife, whore daughter. . . SALLY: (Quietly) Daddy! Shhhhh. . . Please. . . JOHNNY BOY: Fine, then. Fine. Go back to it. . . (Waves SALLY away) I tol’ ya’ ‘bout them boys, y’know. SALLY: I’ll check on you later, okay. . ? (Moves away from JOHNNY BOY, wipes her eyes) JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. Fine. SALLY: (To BOYS) I’m just gonna’ go to the ladies’ room an’ freshen up a bit. (Walks off quickly, obviously crying, DANNY watches her walk by) BARTENDER: (Returned to bar with empty glasses, starts washing dishes) How we doin’, Johnny? JOHNNY BOY: Bahh. . . We’re shit. Spot me a beer, ‘Tender. Would ya’? BARTENDER: Nope. I’m engagin’ in too much charity, lately. I can’t be givin’ the stuff away, an’ you already got a tab long as yer arm, y’know. Bank’s gonna’ be after me, one o’ these days. JOHNNY BOY: Banks. Pfft. Lemme’ tell ya’. . . BARTENDER: Yeah? Whassat? JOHNNY BOY: (Serious, but drunk) Don’t ever trust bankers. . . Or any city folks, thinkin’ on it. . . They come ‘round lookin’ for some quaint small town fun. . . BARTENDER: Seems that way, don’t it? JOHNNY BOY: All they want’s t’ take wha’s mine. . . Why would a guy wear a tie anyway, eh? All tight up ‘round ‘is neck like that. BARTENDER: Eh. Some fashion statement. Status symbol. JOHNNY BOY: I’ll tell ya’ why. . . BARTENDER: Go on, then. JOHNNY BOY: I’ll tell ya’. . . It’s t’ help choke down all ‘is own goddam lies, that’s why. Honest man ain’t wearin’ a tie, y’ask me. BARTENDER: Might be ya’ got somethin’ there, at that. Heh heh. JOHNNY BOY: ‘S true. . . Tha’s what I know. (Gets up, unsteady, walks around the room) Need ‘nother beer. . . (To CUSTOMER 3) Spot me for a drink, eh. . ? CUSTOMER 3: Can’t do it, Johnny. You know the catch’s bad this year. I’m tryin’ t’ fatten my wallet, too. JOHNNY BOY: (Irritated) Pfft. Fine, fine. . . (To himself) Catch’s bad. . . Bahh. . . (Moves to next table) Spot me a few bucks. . ? (SALLY comes out of the restroom, walks toward her table) DANNY: (Gets up from his table with the GIRLS) Pardon me. . . (Goes after SALLY) Sally. . . SALLY: Hmm. . ? (Stops) Oh. Hi, Danny. . . DANNY: Hi. . . (Fidgets nervously) Umm. . . I, uh. . . I wasn’t able to buy you a present. All my money’s goin’ into moving. SALLY: Oh. . . Well, that’s okay. I understand. DANNY: Say, Sally. . . I was just thinkin’ that—since I’m leavin’ in a couple o’ days, an’ all—that we might go out to a movie tomorrow night or something. Y’know. . . before I go. . . (The GIRLS whisper behind them, DANNY looks their way) Since I’m leavin’. . . SALLY: Danny. . . (Considers) No. I told you. It’s over. And you know, I did ask you to come out with us, tonight. You said you couldn’t make it. DANNY: Well, I— SALLY: Typical of you, though. You know, you could never keep me entertained. Always talkin’ about your music an’ leavin’ town. You’re so goddam impractical. DANNY: (Irritated) I’m impractical? I just want something better for myself than this. . . (Gestures around the room) I want that for both of us. You deserve better than what you get here, Sally. Your dad’s fillin’ your head with his poison— SALLY: Poison. . !? DANNY: -all the time. You’re better than what he says, y’know. You’re better than who he makes you think you are. SALLY: Oh, you’re one to talk. Your mother fills your head with these ridiculous ideas. If she was such a big shot, then why did she end up here? DANNY: (Frustrated) She came here after dad died because— SALLY: Sure, sure. I know the story. “She gave up her dream so she could be a better mama to me and give me a normal childhood.” Well, why are you so unsatisfied with a normal life, then? Isn’t this what mama wanted for you? DANNY: (Considers quietly) No. . . No. Ma’ wanted me to appreciate the things I have and not take things for granted. She wanted me to be a hard worker and to go after the things I want. Not like the folks ‘round here—like you—who think this is the only life you can ever have. Just fishin’, drinkin’, an’ gossipin’ all the time. (Points to JOHNNY BOY at the bar) Ol’ Johnny Boy’s got you convinced that you can never have more than this. He’s keepin’ you down, Sally, believe me. SALLY: (Pauses for a moment) Danny. . . I need to know that I’m number one. I deserve something secure. I won’t be second to some insane notion of bein’ a star. What do you think your chances are, anyway? Hm? ‘Bout a million to one, I’d bet. DANNY: Well, it’s not— SALLY: A zillion to one. What kind of life do you think you’re gonna’ have there? Oh, I’ll keep the bird in my hand, thank you. DANNY: (Quietly) I jus’ thought we could be good team, is all. . . You an’ me. We used to be a good team. . . SALLY: Well, Daddy needs me here. I don’t think he could get along on his own. . . With his leg an’ all. (Pause) And we were a good team, Danny, but you’re not gonna’ keep me hangin’ on, waiting for you to. . . make it big. I have a life here that’s just fine. Maybe it’s not much, but it’s a life in the real world. (The GIRLS continue to look and whisper) DANNY: Hmph. The real world, huh? You hear the things that people say about you, around here, Sally. I know you do. Is that real? Is that what you believe? SALLY: Well, you say a lot too, Daniel Mitchell. You know that? I wonder how much o’ that is true? (Both pause) Danny, I don’t have time for. . . dream chasing. DANNY: That’s always been your problem, Sally. (DANNY turns to leave) Happy birthday. SALLY: (Puts her hand on DANNY’s shoulder) Hey, Danny. . . (DANNY stops and looks back) Have a good trip, okay? Make sure to write. (DANNY nods to her and walks up to the bar, SALLY speaks to herself) I’m not just gonna’ wait here for you to come back, Danny. I won’t. . . (Turns to the GIRLS, who still stare) What are you lookin’ at? Piss off!! (Dries her eyes, walks back to the BOYS) Okay. . . I’m all better. Now, where were we? JOHNNY BOY: (Still panhandling, comes to DANNY at the bar) Hey. . . Hey, city boy! DANNY: (Sighs, shakes head) Hey, Johnny. . . JOHNNY BOY: Pick me up a beer, eh. . ? Pay ya’ back. DANNY: Johnny Boy. . . I don’t think you— JOHNNY BOY: Y’ don’ think? Huh!? You gotta’ problem now with a grown man havin’ a beer on his eve’in. . ? That stuck-up ma’ o’ yers teach you that, too? She teach ya’ tha’ yer better than us small town folk. . . an’. . . DANNY: What are you—? JOHNNY BOY: That high-minded woman teaches ya’ bullshit all yer life. . . An’ now ya’ think the cripple can’t have a beer?!! DANNY: Hey! I didn’t— (BARTENDER hurries over) BARTENDER: Hey, Johnny. . . Why don’t you have a seat over there, eh? I’ll spot ya’ another beer. JOHNNY BOY: Y’said money first. . . BARTENDER: Well, I’m feelin’ a bit more generous than I thought. (Points to the end of the bar) Now, go have a seat. Beer’ll be up in a sec. JOHNNY BOY: Hmph. (Walks off, sits) DANNY: ‘Tender, I didn’t do— BARTENDER: I know, boy. I know. (Pours a beer) You know ol’ Johnny Boy never really starts no trouble. DANNY: Yeah. . . Y’know, he’s had it in for me forever. I don’t know what he has against me. BARTENDER: He’s just a little drunk, I reckon. DANNY: Pfft. A little? BARTENDER: (Chuckles) Well, y’know how it’s been for him. DANNY: Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I’m fine. I ought to be used to this from him, by now. BARTENDER: Why don’t ya’ play some more for us, eh? I feel like a little music, myself. (DANNY nods to BARTENDER, goes to sit with his guitar) (BARTENDER serves beer to JOHNNY BOY) JOHNNY BOY: Thanks, ‘Tender. . . (Drinks) BARTENDER: Eh. No trouble, friend. Grown man shouldn’t have to beg like that. Small price to help save yer pride, I s’pose. JOHNNY BOY: I ain’t got much t’ be proud of. . . Used t’ have more than this— (Points at his glass) -t’ look f’ward to. . . (Sighs) Long time ago. . . (Drinks) My Marie was like an angel, y’know. . . It nearly hurt t’ keep lookin’ at ‘er when she’d smile. . . All I ever wannid was t’ make ‘er happy. . . Could’na ever known. . . ‘N now look a’ my Sally. . . Followin’ in ‘er mama’s footsteps, sure ‘nuff. (Raises voice and ponts around the room at the crowd) Every damned las’ one o’ ya’ ‘swanted a go at my Sally. . . Ain’t ya’!? (Walks over to Sally’s table) My li’l girl. . . Dunno’ any o’ you thugs crowdin’ her. Jus’ tryin’ t’ get inta’ her pants, like as not. . . SALLY: (Stands up and grabs Johnny Boy’s arm, trying to pull him away) Daddy. . . C’mon, let’s go sit— JOHNNY BOY: (To Sally) Like as not, you let ‘em, too. . . Eh, girl? Jus’ can’t keep ya’ from takin’ after that tramp of a mother o’ yers, can I. . ? (To the boys at Sally’s table) An’ you punks. . . All o’ ya’. . . BARTENDER: (Hurries over to Johnny Boy and Sally) Now, Johnny, you just calm down now. . . Y’hear? JOHNNY BOY: (To the boys) You think I don’t know what you’re all after?!! You think I don’t know what you’ve all been doin’ to my li’l girl? An’ here you all are, like as yer gonna’ take turns, now. . . SALLY: (Pulls at Johnny Boy’s arm) Daddy, please. . . Maybe you should go home. . ? Dinner’s still waiting for you, y’know. Just heat it up, like I told you, and— JOHNNY BOY: (Jerks his arm away from Sally) Home?!! You wanna’ get rid o’ me. . . again. . . so you can act the whore with these guys? Huh?!! SALLY: (Looks around, embarrassed) Daddy. . . Please. . . JOHNNY BOY: (Waves her away) Eh. . . Yer jus’ like yer goddam mother. . . Always painted up like sluts, the both o’ ya’. . . (Salutes the boys at the table) Have a good time, boys. . . (Danny comes up behind Sally, puts his hand on Sally’s shoulder) DANNY: Sally. . . SALLY: (Near tears) Daddy. . . It’s my birthday. . . DANNY: Sally, come on— JOHNNY BOY: That’s right!! Nine-teen today! Guess you can get drunk and sleep with any sonnabitch you want to, now, eh? Well, I hope you have a great time. . . (Everyone is crowded around the scene, but not interrupting) (The Bartender moves between Johnny Boy and Sally) (Sally crosses her arms and puts her head down, trying not to cry) BARTENDER: Now, Johnny. . . Come on. Let’s not ruin everybody’s night. Come back and sit. I’ll pour ya’ one. . . It’s on me. (He addresses the small crowd) Everyone hear that? This round’s on the house. Let’s all jus’ relax and enjoy ourselves. . . (The crowd starts to disperse) (Johnny Boy turns to go back to the bar) (Danny stays to comfort Sally) DANNY: Hey. . . SALLY: (Composes herself) It’s okay. . . He’s drunk. He just gets a little upset when he drinks. . . It’s— DANNY: (Angry, shouting) Damn it, Sally!! Quit making excuses for that man! Him and his damned condition, both! JOHNNY BOY: (Whirls and charges up to Danny) My condition?!! Only condition I ever had was tryin’ to keep you and every other damned punk from gettin’ into my li’l girls panties. . . An’ YOU are the worst. Sellin’ all that glitz about the city. . . Got her all confused an’ turned against me. . . (Danny is still holding the tray, standing nose-to-nose with Johnny Boy) DANNY: You son of a bitch. You’re the one who— (Johnny Boy punches Danny hard in the jaw, knocking him down) SALLY: DADDY!! Stop!! BARTENDER: JOHNNY!! (Sally and the Bartender kneel down by Danny and help him up) JOHNNY BOY: You ain’t takin’ my Marie away from me, god damn it!! SALLY: (Steps over to Johnny Boy, yelling into his face) I am Sally!! Do you hear me?!! SALLY!! And mom left you because you’re a lousy, stinking drunk!!! And I hate you!! JOHNNY BOY: (Slaps Sally across the face) Your mother was a no good whore!! Just like you. (Danny tackles Johnny Boy to the ground, punching him while he’s down) DANNY: Don’t you EVER touch her again!! (The boys pull Danny off of Johnny Boy) (Several men pull Johnny Boy up from the floor) (Sally is crying and the Bartender hands her a handkerchief to dry her eyes, she moves in between Danny and Johnny Boy) DANNY: Sally. . . I— SALLY: Danny. . . It just can’t work between us. I’m no good for you. . . (She turns to Johnny Boy) I’m no good at all!! (Sally runs out of the bar, in tears) DANNY: Sally!! (The crowd calms down and gradually goes back to their chairs and drinks) (Danny wipes blood from his nose with a towel and takes a seat at the table on stage left) (Johnny Boy goes back to his seat at the bar and buries his head down in his arms) (The Bartender walks behind the bar and comes back with a mop to clean up the spilled beer on the floor, he speaks to the customer) BARTENDER: (Addressing the audience) Well, well. . . Heh heh. Had us a floor show, tonight. No, no, no. . . That one’s on me, like I said. (He mops the floor) Yeah. . . Johnny Boy’s a character, alright. Misses his wife somethin’ terrible, y’know. Truth is that no one ‘round here ever liked her much. Thought she was of low character, they said. Heh. Quite the gold-digger, that Marie. Left her family for a richer man. Any woman that’ll do that? Well. . . Might be better off without her. (He sweeps up the broken glass) Well. . . I guess I’m gonna’ see Danny off. Might as well send ‘im home now, I guess. I imagine he’ll be back soon enough, though. His ma’ may notta’ belonged here, but he does. Prob’ly make a great fisherman, really. You can see it in his face. (Looks back towards Johnny Boy, at the bar) Now. . . What do I do with him? (Scratches head, considering) Eh. . . He’ll sleep it off right there, I imagine. Be better, tomorrow. I know he gets a little outta’ control, sometimes. . . But he is my best customer. Good business to take care of the reg’lars, y’know. (He nods to the audience) You take care, now. LIGHTS FADE TO BLACK CURTAIN FALLS THE END