A Room With Many Views

A Play in Less than Two Acts

by Tim Westfield

 

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Matt – Male

Tony – Male

Kevin – Male

Anthony – Male

Emily – Female

Diane – Female

Sarah – Female

Christine – Female

 

Setting: A hotel room on another continent. The present

 

(Lights up on MATT and EMILY talking.)

 

                                                            MATT

Oh my God. That was the longest tour I have ever heard of.

 

                                                            EMILY

The city was beautiful though.

 

                                                            MATT

It was, but I feel like I’m overexposed.

 

                                                            EMILY

Overexposed?

 

                                                            MATT

I’ve seen too much today.

 

                                                            EMILY

Oh, Matt. How could you get too much of this beauty?

 

                                                            MATT

I feel stuffed. I can only look at so much of it before it all blends together.

 

                                                            EMILY
What?

 

                                                            MATT

There are only so many pieces of art I can look at before I get bored. Each piece no longer means anything to me. They just look like the one next to it. And it all blurs and I feel like I’m missing so much. I could spend hours in a single room looking at the ten painting in it, but when there are hundreds of rooms that impossible. But somehow I don’t think you came in here to talk about art.

 

                                                            EMILY
Why would you say that?

 

                                                            MATT

(Sarcastically) I have no idea.

 

                                                            EMILY

Shut up.

 

                                                            MATT

All I said was that I had no idea why you would be here. Except perhaps to bitch at me about whatever traumatic event happened to you today.

 

                                                            EMILY

Come on, there could be other reasons for me to come talk to you.

 

                                                            MATT

Such as?

 

                                                            EMILY

Well I can’t think of anything right now.

 

                                                            MATT

I didn’t think so.

 

                                                            EMILY
Wait, I’ve got something.

 

                                                            MATT

Oh.

 

                                                            EMILY

I could be here to ask how you are doing.

 

                                                            MATT

I’m doing fine.

 

                                                            EMILY

Liar.

 

                                                            MATT

Why am I a liar?

 

                                                            EMILY

Because I know you’re not fine.

 

                                                            MATT

And why not?

 

                                                            EMILY

Because, you’re still in love with Christine.

 

                                                            MATT

It’s obvious, isn’t it.

 

                                                            EMILY

Yes. Yes it is.

 

                                                            MATT

I don’t know what to do.

 

                                                            EMILY

Neither do I. But I need to vent.

 

                                                            MATT

Okay. Now what did Anthony do today?

 

                                                            EMILY

Maybe I came for some reason other than to complain about Anthony.

 

                                                            MATT

Let’s be honest, the only reason you ever come talk to me is to complain about Anthony.

 

                                                            EMILY

And Sarah.

 

                                                            MATT
Yes, how could I forget about that boyfriend stealing harlot?

 

                                                            EMILY

Don’t humor me.

 

                                                            MATT

But it’s so funny.

 

                                                            EMILY

And that wasn’t funny either.

 

                                                            MATT

I’m trying to lighten the situation.

 

                                                            EMILY

I don’t appreciate you making light of this situation.

 

                                                            MATT

Fine. I’ll stop. What did you want to talk about?

 

                                                            EMILY

Anthony.

 

                                                            MATT

Obviously, but what specifically?

 

                                                            EMILY

He was such a jerk to me today.

 

                                                            MATT

What did he do now?

 

                                                            EMILY

He was ignoring me. I go up to him to talk to him and all he does is say hi and then he walks away.

 

                                                            MATT

Maybe he just wants to avoid a scene.

 

                                                            EMILY

I’m not going to cause a scene.

 

                                                            MATT

But you’re so good at causing them.

 

                                                            EMILY

Thanks. What do you think I would do that would cause such a scene?

 

                                                            MATT

I don’t know, but for some reason I could see a drunken screaming match in the middle of the night outside a bar, here in a foreign country.

 

                                                            EMILY

That’s ridiculous.

 

                                                            MATT

I know it is. But I could still see it happening. And then Sarah would walk by and you would flip out and have a nervous breakdown and I would have to carry you back to the hotel.

 

                                                            EMILY

You have such a high opinion of me.

 

                                                            MATT

I try. But now if you’ll excuse me I have to go take a shower before dinner. I want to look nice for our last meal here.

 

                                                            EMILY

I should go too. I’ll stop by again before dinner.

 

                                                            MATT

Okay, see you then.

 

(EMILY exits. MATT beings preparing for his shower. TONY enters.)

 

                                                            TONY

Hey Matt. How’s it going?

 

                                                            MATT

Oh, hey Tony, I’m doing okay, and you?

 

                                                            TONY
Well since you asked…

 

                                                            MATT

Why do I feel like I’m going to regret having asked that question?

 

                                                            TONY

Because you probably are.

 

                                                            MATT

I know. So what happened.

 

                                                            TONY

I had a minor run-in with Diane.

 

                                                            MATT

How did I know you were going to say that?

 

                                                            TONY

You’re a psycho. Or a Psychic. One or the other.

 

                                                            MATT

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

 

                                                            TONY

Anytime.

 

                                                            MATT

So what happened with Diane?

 

                                                            TONY

I was walking around on one of the breaks from the tour and she came up to me as if nothing was wrong, and then started trying to flirt with me.

 

                                                            MATT

Oh, God.

 

                                                            TONY

So I looked at her and said “What are you doing?”

 

                                                            MATT

You know that sets her off. Did this actually seem like a good idea at that time?

 

                                                            TONY

Yes. Okay, so now it seems like a bad idea.

 

                                                            MATT

A very bad idea.

 

                                                            TONY

A very bad idea. But at the time she was being annoying so I decided to annoy her back.

 

                                                            MATT

Did I ever mention how mature you are?

 

                                                            TONY

Did I ever mention how mature you are?

 

                                                            MATT

And being a copycat is the way to go?

 

                                                            TONY

Exactly.

 

                                                            MATT

So what happened?

 

                                                            TONY

She got pissed and stormed off.

 

                                                            MATT

Why do I feel like our big dinner tonight is going to be eventful?

 

                                                            TONY

Because the tension is so thick that even a butter knife would cut it.

 

                                                            MATT

I think even a dull spoon would suffice.

 

                                                            TONY

Speaking of which. I’m taking a shower.

 

                                                            MATT

But I was going to…

 

                                                            TONY

You snooze you lose.

 

(TONY exits to the shower.)

 

 

                                                            MATT

I really don’t think he will ever learn. Why can’t he just stop antagonizing her at every opportunity?

 

(A knock is heard.)

 

                                                            MATT

Come in it’s open.

 

(SARAH enters)

 

                                                            MATT

Oh, hey Sarah

 

                                                            SARAH

Hello. What’s going on?

 

                                                            MATT
Nothing much, except apparently our roommates got into it again.

 

                                                            SARAH

Will those two ever learn?

 

                                                            MATT

No, I don’t think so.

 

                                                            SARAH

I’m just tired of listening to them complain all the time.

 

                                                            MATT

I know what you mean.

 

                                                            SARAH

How many times have you heard Tony complain about Diane.

 

                                                            MATT

About as many times as you’ve heard Diane complain about Tony, but I feel like you get it more.

 

                                                            SARAH

And if that’s not enough there is the whole Anthony situation.

 

                                                            MATT

I was wondering what was going on between the two of you.

 

                                                            SARAH

Do you want me to fill you in?

 

                                                            MATT

Sure, why not?

 

                                                            SARAH

It started when Anthony and Emily were still together.

 

                                                            MATT

I heard about that.

 

                                                            SARAH

I don’t think I’m too high on Emily’s list right now.

 

                                                            MATT

Trust me, she has let me know exactly were you stand.

 

                                                            SARAH

And where is that?

 

                                                            MATT

You don’t want to know.

 

                                                            SARAH

I thought not.

 

                                                            MATT

But you and Anthony…

 

                                                            SARAH

While they were together we were flirting all the time, and it was clear they were going to break up so one night we got a little close, and then started making out. When all of a sudden Anthony just stops and says that it was enough and walks out, and since then he hasn’t said two words to me.

 

                                                            MATT

Do you have any idea why?

 

                                                            SARAH

No. Has he said anything to you about it?

 

                                                            MATT

No. Not at all.

 

                                                            SARAH

Oh, that’s weird. By the way, how are you doing?

 

                                                            MATT

Fine.

 

                                                            SARAH

Okay, well tell Tony that he’s a mean, evil man and that I hate his guts, at least for the next fifteen minutes, until Diane changes her mind again.

 

                                                            MATT

Will do.

 

(SARAH exits.)

 

                                                            MATT

Why do they always come to me to complain?

 

(ANTHONY enters.)

 

                                                            ANTHONY

Because you’re such a good listener.

 

                                                            MATT

Anthony, I didn’t see you there.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

I just walked by and saw Sarah walking out and I was wondering what she was doing in here.

 

                                                            MATT

As you heard, she was complaining.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

About me, probably.

 

                                                            MATT
In fact she was. What happened with that?

 

                                                            ANTHONY

You want the story?

 

                                                            MATT

Enlighten me please.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

Well, when Emily and I were breaking up Sarah and I were starting to flirt a lot, and then one night she kissed me and I kissed her back, but then it just wasn’t doing anything for me. I just wasn’t feeling anything and that is when I realized she wasn’t the right one for me. So I left and haven’t talked to her since.

 

                                                            MATT

Don’t you think telling her something would have been better than just walking away and avoiding her?

 

                                                            ANTHONY

I have no idea what I should say.

 

                                                            MATT

How about what you tell her what you told me?

 

                                                            ANTHONY

Tell her that? She would kill me.

 

                                                            MATT

It’s the truth.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

Sometimes honesty isn’t the best policy.

 

                                                            MATT

I don’t know about that. I feel like avoiding the issue is only going to hurt matters.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

Like you don’t avoid Christine?

 

                                                            MATT

Ouch. That’s not cool. Do you want me to relate to Emily and Sarah what you just told me?

 

                                                            ANTHONY

Of course not.

 

                                                            MATT

Then I would appreciate it if you kept the comments to a minimum.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

You’re doing that well huh?

 

                                                            MATT

I’m doing fine.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

If you say so. Well I have to go get ready before dinner. I may stop by again later. Bye.

 

                                                            MATT

See you.

 

(ANTHONY exits.)

 

                                                            MATT

Sometimes I just want to smack him for being such an idiot. Then again I often want to smack myself for being an idiot. Why can’t I just tell Christine how I really feel. Tell her that I don’t just like her, but that I love her. Christine I love you. That’s not that hard is it?

 

(CHRISTINE enters.)

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Hey Matt. What’s going on?

 

                                                            MATT

Hi Christine. Nothing much, how about you?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I’m just a little tired, that was a long tour today.

 

                                                            MATT
I feel like we walked through half the city.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Same here.

 

                                                            MATT

You had fun though, right?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I did. Did you?

 

                                                            MATT

I guess.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

You guess?

 

                                                            MATT

Well, I’ve been preoccupied with things.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Things? What kind of things?

 

                                                            MATT

Oh, its nothing important. Why did you stop by?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

No reason really just wanted to see what you and Tony were up to.

 

                                                            MATT

Well, I was going to shower, but Tony jumped in before I could.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

That’s Tony.

 

                                                            MATT

It certainly is.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Well, I should probably go get ready for dinner. I’ll stop by later.

 

                                                            MATT

See you later.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Bye.

 

(CHRISTINE exits.)

 

                                                            MATT

Bye…Why didn’t I say something? Why couldn’t I just tell her how I feel and then let things be? It would help me so much if I could just tell her. Why do I feel so awkward whenever she walks into the room?

 

(KEVIN enters.)

 

                                                            KEVIN
Because she is an amazing girl.

 

                                                            MATT

I really have to close my door.

 

                                                            KEVIN

Yeah, you should consider doing that. You’re lucky she wasn’t standing outside listening in.

 

                                                            MATT

She wasn’t was she?!

 

                                                            KEVIN

No. She wasn’t. Don’t freak out, I know how you feel.

 

                                                            MATT
I’ve heard that before.

 

                                                            KEVIN

No, I really do know how you feel, on different levels too.

 

                                                            MATT

How?

 

                                                            KEVIN
Well, I had a crush on Diane for a really long time before I said anything to her, and that was sheer torture. And then there’s something else?

 

                                                            MATT

What?

 

                                                            KEVIN

You probably don’t want to hear this.

 

                                                            MATT

Just tell me.

 

                                                            KEVIN

If you insist. I also have a crush on Christine.

 

                                                            MATT

WHAT?!

 

                                                            KEVIN

Relax, okay. It’s not a big deal.

 

                                                            MATT

How is it not a big deal? Please explain to me how this is not a big deal.

 

                                                            KEVIN
Because I would never act on it.

 

                                                            MATT

Really? Why?

 

                                                            KEVIN

For a number of reasons. The biggest one being that her ex-boyfriend Dave, is my best friend.

 

                                                            MATT

That’s true. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m glad he ended up not coming.

 

                                                            KEVIN

I can see why you would say that, but you have to admit it would be fun if he were here.

 

                                                            MATT

For you maybe.

 

                                                            KEVIN

Okay, so maybe you wouldn’t want him here, but I would. And I also wouldn’t do that to you. But honestly, did you think no one else would ever develop a crush on Christine?

 

                                                            MATT

No, but… I just…

 

                                                            KEVIN

Someday some guy is going to come along and catch her fancy, and you’re just going to have to deal with that.

 

                                                            MATT

Just like you have dealt so well with the Tony and Diane situation?

 

                                                            KEVIN

There is a distinct difference there. Tony is a womanizer who takes advantage of women in moments of weakness. I know he’s one of your best friends, but take a look at his track record. He and Christine had their whole thing right after she had broken up with Dave. And then he gets on Diane right after we broke up.

 

                                                            MATT

He admitted to me that the Christine thing was stupid, and it was one night, but you had broken up with Diane long before any of that happened.

 

                                                            KEVIN

I guess, just watch out for him. I don’t want him to stab you in the back again.

 

                                                            MATT

I would trust Tony with my life.

 

                                                            KEVIN

But would you trust him with your girlfriend?

 

                                                            MATT

(Pause.) She was never my girlfriend. Unfortunately.

 

                                                            KEVIN

And that could be part of the reason why. Have you ever considered that?

 

                                                            MATT

You know I have to get ready for dinner. I’ll see you later Kevin.

 

                                                            KEVIN
See you.

 

(KEVIN exits.)

 

                                                            MATT

Tony’s right, Kevin can be a manipulative bastard sometimes, but he does have a point. Tony has hurt me so many times, so why do I still trust him? I need a drink. I wonder if any of that wine is still in the fridge.

 

(MATT pours a glass of wine. DIANE enters.)

 

                                                            DIANE

Can I have a glass of that?

 

                                                            MATT
Diane. I guess this room is the place to be.

 

                                                            DIANE

That’s what Sarah said.

 

                                                            MATT

Did she really?

 

                                                            DIANE

Yes, apparently she was bitching to you about Anthony.

 

                                                            MATT

Apparantly I am a good one to receive all the complaining.

 

                                                            DIANE

You are a good listener. But what about you? Is today a good day or a bad day?

 

                                                            MATT

Today is a bad day.

 

                                                            DIANE

This trip must be rough on you.

 

                                                            MATT

It is. What about you?

 

                                                            DIANE

It’s been hell. Having to deal with both of them. And then watching them bicker. It’s been an interesting experience to say the least.

 

                                                            MATT

So what is the deal with you and Tony.

 

                                                            DIANE

What did he tell you?

 

                                                            MATT

I just want to hear what you have to say?

 

                                                            DIANE

I went up to him today just to talk, to try to set things right. And he just gets all moody and starts telling me off. And all I was trying to do was say hi. Where is he? I came here to talk to him.

 

                                                            MATT

He’s in the shower. He should be done soon.

 

                                                            DIANE

Okay then. I’ll be back in a few.

 

                                                            MATT

See you later. But please, try not to get into a screaming match when you do finally see him.

 

                                                            DIANE

Don’t worry we won’t.

 

(DIANE exits.)

 

                                                            MATT

The shower’s stopped. Finally. Now I can get some piece and quiet in the shower. The only time I get to myself it seems.

 

(TONY enters, just from the shower.)

 

                                                            MATT

Took you long enough.

 

                                                            TONY

It takes a long time to primp myself for all the ladies.

 

                                                            MATT

Oh God. Speaking of ladies, Diane stopped by, she wanted to talk.

 

                                                            TONY

This does not bode well.

 

                                                            MATT

She wasn’t the only one to stop by either. Everyone did. It was kind of freaky. And now apparently they are all going to come back right before dinner. This is not going to end well. They all complain to me and want me to fix their problems.

 

                                                            TONY

Go take your shower and relax. You need to chill out. You can’t help everyone.

 

                                                            MATT

I know. But it can’t hurt to try.

 

                                                            TONY

Go take your shower.

 

                                                            MATT

Yes, master.

 

(MATT exits.)

 

                                                            TONY

And you’re wrong. It can hurt to try. I can see how much it hurts you when you try and please everyone. That boy just needs to learn that he can’t help everyone solve all their problems. Especially when he has his own problems.

 

(DIANE enters.)

 

                                                            TONY

Were you waiting outside for him to get in the shower or something?

 

                                                            DIANE

We need to talk. And no I wasn’t

 

                                                            TONY

Why do we need to talk? Haven’t we talked enough. It seems like whenever we talk we always end up making out and nothing ever gets resolved.

 

                                                            DIANE

I would have figured you liked it like that.

 

                                                            TONY

Ha. Ha. Very funny. Unless I’m mistaken, you were involved in those kisses. It takes four lips to kiss.

 

                                                            DIANE

And the attacks begin.

 

                                                            TONY

And the avoiding of the subject begins.

 

                                                            DIANE

Avoiding the subject? I don’t avoid the subject.

 

                                                            TONY

Yes, you most certainly do. Whenever I tried to have a serious talk with you, you would get all silly and revert to childish games or to kissing me. That’s what I call avoiding the subject.

 

                                                            DIANE

Maybe I wouldn’t avoid the subject if you didn’t try to have deep meaningful talks on the state of our relationship every five minutes.

 

                                                            TONY

At least I was serious about this relationship.

 

                                                            DIANE

And you think I wasn’t?

 

                                                            TONY

Honestly, I don’t think you were at all.

 

                                                            DIANE

You bastard. I’m not going to take this.

 

                                                            TONY

You’re not?

 

                                                            DIANE

No. I’m leaving

 

                                                            TONY

That’s it, just run from your problems. It will fix them I swear.

 

(DIANE exits.)

 

                                                            TONY

I can’t believe her sometimes. What does she expect? Does she want everything to be perfect, like it was before? I’m sorry I can’t forget what happened. And I can’t pretend it didn’t like she does.

 

(KEVIN enters.)

 

                                                            KEVIN

I figured it would be you.

 

                                                            TONY

Get out of my room!

 

                                                            KEVIN

Not until you give me an explanation.

 

                                                            TONY

An explanation of what?

 

                                                            KEVIN

Why the hell did Diane just leave here crying?

 

                                                            TONY

That’s between me and her. And I’m not going to tell you. So why don’t you go ask her? Oh right, that’s because she doesn’t want to talk to you.

 

                                                            KEVIN
That’s not true. Not true at all.

 

                                                            TONY

Then go ask her to tell you.

 

                                                            KEVIN

How about you just tell me. Or I’ll…

 

                                                            TONY

Or you’ll what?

 

                                                            KEVIN

Just tell me.

 

                                                            TONY

No.

 

                                                            KEVIN

You really are a prick. You know that?

 

                                                            TONY

I’m a prick. I don’t dump girls for no reason and then refuse to acknowledge them.

 

                                                            KEVIN
No.
You just take advantage of girls at their weakest.

 

                                                            TONY

What?

 

                                                            KEVIN

You like girls on the rebound.

 

                                                            TONY

You and Diane broke up months ago.

 

                                                            KEVIN

What about Christine?

 

                                                            TONY

Screw you.

 

                                                            KEVIN

Are you going to tell me she wasn’t on the rebound? I can’t believe that you would do that. Diane. That’s cool. I don’t like it, but that I can deal with, she was a single girl, and she has bad taste, but so what. But Christine. She’s too good for you. And she had just broken up with Dave.

 

                                                            TONY

I know it was stupid. That’s why I stopped it.

 

                                                            KEVIN

So you stopped it, but you should never have started it. You took advantage of Christine. Christine. And that’s not the worst part.

 

                                                            TONY

What, pray tell, may that be?

 

                                                            KEVIN

How in the hell could you do that to Matt? He’s your best friend, and you know how he feels. How he has felt for a long time. You knew all that, and yet you still did what you did, and that it why you are a prick.

 

                                                            TONY

Get out of my room.

 

                                                            KEVIN

The truth stings, doesn’t it.

 

                                                            TONY

Out!

 

                                                            KEVIN

I’m may be leaving. But the guilt isn’t leaving anytime soon.

 

(KEVIN exits. TONY steams for a bit. CHRISTINE enters.)

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Are you okay? You seem upset.

 

                                                            TONY

That bastard.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Who?

 

                                                            TONY

Who do you think?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

If I had to guess I would say Kevin.

 

                                                            TONY

How did you know?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE
I’m psychic.

 

                                                            TONY

Very funny.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I thought so. Why did you two go at it this time?

 

                                                            TONY
The same reasons as always.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Diane.

 

                                                            TONY

And other reasons.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Other reasons? What other reasons?

 

                                                            TONY

You don’t want to know.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Just tell me.

 

                                                            TONY

Fine. It was you.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Me?

 

                                                            TONY

Yes you. Don’t tell me you don’t know why.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

But that was nothing. It was stupid.

 

                                                            TONY

I know that, and you know that, but he thinks that I was trying to take advantage of you while you were in a weakened state.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Well, I had just broken up with Dave.

 

                                                            TONY

I know. Which is why I stopped before we did anything we would regret.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I’m glad you stopped it.

 

                                                            TONY

With that and then Diane, he seems to think I’m some sort of creep who takes advantage of girls on the rebound.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I can see why he would think that.

 

                                                            TONY

But you know I’m not like that. That’s why I stopped.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I know. Does Matt know about what happened with us?

 

                                                            TONY

Wait, you know he has a crush on you?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Well, one night he mentioned that he, liked me, really liked me. And I told him we were just friends.

 

                                                            TONY

I thought something happened he went to meet you and then came back very sad for some reason which he would explain.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

That’s the explanation. So did Matt hear about it?

 

                                                            TONY

Yes. Kevin told him about it one night. Kevin tried to pass it off as an innocent comment and that he assumed that Matt already knew. But I think he just wanted to get Matt mad at me. He’s a creep.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Wow, so what did Matt do?

 

                                                            TONY

He was pissed, but only for a day. He doesn’t let anything bother him for long. With a few notable exceptions.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

What are the exceptions?

 

                                                            TONY

Well, I can only think of one, but it’s a long story.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I have time.

 

                                                            TONY

I don’t want to right now. Maybe later. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to go down to the bar. I need a drink after that. See you later.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

See you.

 

(TONY exits)

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Wait, this is your room. Do you know where Matt is? Okay…. I guess I’ll get going.

 

(MATT enters from the shower.)

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

So you were in here.

 

                                                            MATT

Oh. Hi. I didn’t know you were out here.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I didn’t know you were in there. Nice towel.

 

                                                            MATT

Um.. Thanks. Standard Hotel Issue.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I know. I’ve seen a few like that in my room.

 

                                                            MATT

I would have guessed as much. Did you see where Tony went?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Yeah. He just went down to the bar to get a drink. Apparently that wine wasn’t strong enough.

 

                                                            MATT

Why did he need a drink?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

He just got into an argument with Kevin.

 

                                                            MATT

Not again.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

But it apparently wasn’t about Diane.

 

                                                            MATT

Then what would it have been about.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE
You have no idea?

 

                                                            MATT

No. Do you?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

No, but I think it had to do with another girl.

 

                                                            MATT

Another girl! Who?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I was hoping you could help me with that one.

 

                                                            MATT

I don’t have any ideas.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

None at all?

 

                                                            MATT

No.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Well then, I’ll go ask Emily if she has any ideas.

 

                                                            MATT

You’re going?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Yes, I’ll stop by if I can figure something out.

 

                                                            MATT

Thanks.

 

(CHRISTINE exits. KEVIN enters.)

 

                                                            MATT

So you got into another argument with Tony. What was it about this time? Because according to Christine it wasn’t about Diane.

 

                                                            KEVIN

It wasn’t. It was about Christine.

 

                                                            MATT

What?

 

                                                            KEVIN

He took advantage of her, and screwed you over. He’s a bastard.

 

                                                            MATT
I’ve heard all this before. Why did you come here?

 

                                                            KEVIN

I came in to talk to you about something, and now I can’t remember what it was. I’m still so pissed at him. He deserves to… I don’t know what.

 

(DIANE enters.)

 

                                                            MATT

Hi Diane.

 

                                                            KEVIN

Hello.

 

                                                            DIANE

Hi Matt. Kevin.

 

                                                            MATT

This sure is awkward.

 

                                                            DIANE

You’re comments don’t help things at all.

 

                                                            MATT

I was just trying to lighten the mood.

 

                                                            KEVIN

Well don’t.

 

                                                            MATT

Can’t you do this someplace other than my room.

 

                                                            KEVIN
Do what? We haven’t done anything yet.

 

                                                            MATT

Yet, I’m waiting for the inevitable screaming match.

 

                                                            DIANE
We don’t get into those kinds of fights.

 

                                                            MATT

Now that I think of that it’s true. You two are fairly well behaved. You just ignore each other at all costs.

 

                                                            KEVIN

It’s better than fighting a lot.

 

                                                            DIANE

I don’t know if I agree with that.

 

                                                            KEVIN

I don’t like fighting but apparently you do.

 

                                                            DIANE

So you just don’t talk to me.

 

                                                            KEVIN

I find it an adequate arrangement.

 

                                                            DIANE

You would.

 

                                                            MATT

Guys lets not do this now. We’re all going out to dinner tonight. Remember.

 

                                                            KEVIN

Okay.

 

                                                            DIANE
Fine.

 

                                                            MATT

Good.

 

(TONY enters.)

 

                                                            MATT

You’re timing is impeccable.

 

                                                            TONY

Thanks. What are they doing here?

 

                                                            KEVIN

We were just talking to Matt. If you don’t mind.

 

                                                            TONY

This is my room, and I do mind.

 

                                                            MATT

Calm down guys. I really don’t want to deal with this right now.

 

                                                            TONY

I’m fine as long as they are.

 

                                                            DIANE

You are the one who is always causing trouble.

 

                                                            KEVIN

She’s right for once.

 

                                                            TONY

Ganging up on me now? That’s great.

 

                                                            MATT

Stop it.

 

                                                            KEVIN

At least someone can trust me when I’m on their side, and I won’t stab them in the back.

 

                                                            TONY

Go to hell.

 

                                                            DIANE

I think you’re the one headed there.

 

                                                            TONY

And I don’t think I’m the only one who has thought about it.

 

                                                            KEVIN

What?

 

(ANTHONY and SARAH enter.)

 

                                                            ANTHONY

It’s a regular little party in here.

 

                                                            SARAH

How is it going guys?

 

                                                            TONY

Diane, why don’t you tell Sarah what happened the other night in Anthony’s room.

 

                                                            SARAH

What?

 

                                                            TONY

Go ahead Diane. Unless you want me to tell it.

 

                                                            DIANE

Sarah, I’m sorry, we were both a little drunk.

 

                                                            SARAH

What happened?

 

                                                            TONY
Anthony and Diane got a little close and a little comfortable the other night in Anthony’s room.

 

                                                            DIANE

Nothing happened.

 

                                                            TONY

But it came very close.

 

                                                            SARAH

What?

 

ANTHONY

Tony, you are a jerk.

 

                                                            TONY

Kevin started it.

 

                                                            KEVIN

How the hell did I start it?

 

                                                            TONY

You came in here started arguing with me for no reason. That’s what set this all off.

 

                                                            MATT

Stop please. We have dinner reservations.

 

                                                            TONY/KEVIN

Shut up Matt.

 

                                                            MATT
This couldn’t get any worse.

 

(EMILY enters.)

 

                                                            EMILY

What’s going on in here?

 

                                                            MATT

Emily, for your sake, leave now.

 

                                                            EMILY

I want to know what’s going on.

 

                                                            TONY

Well it’s just come out that Diane and Anthony got up close and personal last night.

 

                                                            EMILY

What?

 

                                                            SARAH

My thoughts exactly.

 

                                                            DIANE

But nothing happened.

 

                                                            MATT

Would you please stop it.

 

                                                            EMILY/TONY/KEVIN/SARAH

Shut up!

 

                                                            EMILY

I want to hear more.

 

                                                            ANTHONY

You would.

 

                                                            EMILY

What’s that supposed to mean?

 

                                                            ANTHONY

I don’t know.

 

                                                            SARAH

You never know do you?

 

                                                            DIANE

He’s not the only one.

 

                                                            KEVIN
Was that at him or me?

 

                                                            DIANE

Both of you.

 

                                                            TONY

Comparing me to him. That’s an insult.

 

                                                            KEVIN

Yeah. To me.

 

                                                            MATT

Calm down please. All of you.

 

                                                            ALL

SHUT UP!

 

                                                            MATT
NO! I will not shut up. Here you are. All of you complaining about all of this. At least you had someone at some point. At least for a little while you had your happiness.

 

(CHRISTINE enters unnoticed by MATT.)

 

                                                            MATT

All I’ve had is the pain of loneliness. Of never being able to tell her how I truly feel. Of never being able to tell her that I really and truly love her and that she is the only one for me. That I think about her all the time and that I can only imagine what it would be like to be with her. I love her, and I’ll never be able to tell her that.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

You just did.

 

                                                            MATT

Umm…ahh…. hi.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Would you all please leave?

 

                                                            ALL

(Sure, no problem ect.)

 

                                                            TONY

(To MATT.) Good luck.

 

(Exeunt all except CHRISTINE and MATT.)

 

                                                            MATT
So.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

So.

 

                                                            MATT

How much of my little speech did you catch?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I think I caught most of it.

 

                                                            MATT

I have no idea what to say next.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Then I’ll start. I can’t say that I’m one-hundred percent surprised, but I didn’t really think it was such a big deal to you.

 

                                                            MATT

I love you. And I have for a long time

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I know. I just heard you say that. And so did all of our friends.

 

                                                            MATT

Sorry about that, but they all knew already anyway.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I figured they would have known. I don’t feel embarrassed.

 

                                                            MATT
I certainly do.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Don’t be. It was really sweet.

 

                                                            MATT

You think so?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Yes, I do. That was the sweetest thing that anyone has ever done for me.

 

                                                            MATT

Really? Thanks.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

You’re welcome.

 

                                                            MATT

So, what’s your answer?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I wasn’t aware that I had been asked a question.

 

                                                            MATT

Fine then. Will you go out with me?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I already say no once. What makes you think this time will be different?

 

                                                            MATT

Because before it was no big deal, it was just a passing thought. And tonight was.. well.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

A huge deal. I know.

 

                                                            MATT

So what’s your answer.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Honestly, I had been thinking if I was really making a mistake in not saying yes before.

 

                                                            MATT
You were?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Yes I was, and so I’ll take this as a sign and say yes.

 

                                                            MATT

I don’t know what to say.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Then don’t say anything and just kiss me.

 

                                                            MATT

What?

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

You heard me.

 

                                                            MATT

If you insist.

 

(They kiss.)

 

                                                            MATT

That was amazing.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Thanks.

 

                                                            MATT

So what do you think the chances are that dinner will actually happen tonight.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

I don’t know, but if it doesn’t work out we could always change the reservation from eight to two.

 

                                                            MATT
And send Tony and Kevin.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

Just to see which one would come back alive?

 

                                                            MATT

Exactly.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE

We should probably go try and round them up.

 

                                                            MATT
Let’s hope they can remain civil for one meal.

 

                                                            CHRISTINE
With this group, that’s asking a lot.

 

                                                            MATT
Tell me about it. On second thought. Don’t bother.

 

(BLACKOUT)

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