10 After

Emily: Oh girl, you know it. And what did he say? No! Really? JENNIFER, 50, walks up to her.

Jennifer: Excuse me, I’m looking for - Emily puts her finger up to stop her.

(laughs loudly)

Emily: Well, you know what I woulda done... You know me! Jennifer coughs to get Emily’s attention. Emily covers the phone and sticks her ear out toward Jennifer. Jennifer doesn’t get it. Emily twitches her head again and gives Jennifer a look. She’s waiting.

Jennifer: I’m sorry, is that some sort of a signal? Are you trying to tell me something?

(to Jennifer)

Emily: Ugh, hold on girl, there’s some old chick here bugging me. Yes?

(clears throat)

Jennifer: Old chick? Bugging you... really? Isn’t this your job?

Emily: You don’t know what my job is.

Jennifer: Okay...? I’m looking for Michael. Is he free?

Emily: Mr. Donnely... is not available at the moment, no.

Emily: Yeah, girl. So like I said... no, I’m talking to you now.

Jennifer: Do you know when he will be?

(to Jennifer)

Emily: You’re welcome to wait and find out. Emily turns away from Jennifer.

Emily: Okay so, the way I see it, there’s 2 things you can say to him. 1, he can’t talk to you like that. It’s not the 1990s! But 2, if he does apologize AND buys you that necklace, you good. Am I right? Kendra? Hello? Dialtone. Emily looks down and sees Jennifer’s finger on the switchhook. Emily turns to Jennifer and fumes.

Emily: Ohh..... So it’s like that. Jennifer nods directly to Emily.

Jennifer: It’s like that. Just like that. Emily takes a deep breath to stay calm.

Jennifer: Now speaking of age, I don’t know how old the girls Michael has working here are these days, they seem to get younger and younger... What are you, 17? 18?

Emily: 21.

Jennifer: Oh good, so you’re legal. And can presumably operate a telephone system based on that impressive display you’ve already demonstrated.

Jennifer: 3. Now, would you be a doll, pick up the phone, dial Michael, and tell him that his mother is here to pick him up for lunch? Emily’s whole demeanor changes.

Emily: Oh my goodness, Mrs. Donnely! That you?! You look so beautiful today! Is it 1 o’clock already?

(confused)

Jennifer: 10 after.

Emily: Time flies, right?! Michael has told me so much about you. I’m actually joining you two for lunch today! It was supposed to be a surprise. But this is the lunch where we tell you about us...

Jennifer: Us?

Emily: Mikey and me. We’re a couple.

Jennifer: Michael and I - Nevermind. Emily picks up the phone.

Emily: Mikey, your mommy’s here. Emily smiles at Jennifer who sighs.