Broth by Nevada Bromley
ACT I
The action throughout the play takes place in the living room/parlor
of Nell Bannister's boarding house. The year is 1969. The décor is
slightly shabby, with warm colors and a few touches of blue. There is
comfortable living room seating in one area. In another area is a
round table which is used for meals and projects. There are 4-5 wooden
chairs at the table. The furniture does not all match but the overall
décor creates a harmonious, homey appearance. A table, hutch or
sideboard upstage is available for drink glasses, etc. A painting of
a seascape hangs on one wall. A bible, a few books and magazines are
scattered around. There is a main opening to a hallway which leads
upstairs and to the exterior door (offstage). There is a separate
entrance to the kitchen on one side of the stage. Exits to the
backyard (to the boat) can be made through the kitchen or a separate
side exit, if preferred.
SCENE 1 [NELL, WATERS, JUSTINE, BRIDGET, WINSTON.]
(JUSTINE. is ironing a dress laid out on a towel on the
table. A second dress is draped over a chair.)
NELL. (At other side of table or at a desk, with notepad and pen,
reviewing bills. She calls out to WATERS, offstage in the kitchen.)
Mr. Waters? How is that broth doing?
WATERS. (From offstage.) It's coming along.
NELL. A little less salt this time!
WATERS. (Cheerfully.) Your wish is my command! (We hear him singing
"Haul Away, Joe" as he works. This should be heard, sporadically,
in the background during the following dialogue, without being
obtrusive.)
JUSTINE. You talk to him like he's a servant!
NELL. Oh, he doesn't mind. As a matter of fact, I think he likes it
when I'm straight with him. Makes him feel at home.
JUSTINE. (Holding up the dresses.) Which one looks better, Aunt Nell?
NELL. Well, that one says "no nonsense." It's more
professional, I'd say. Hmm. But that one fits you so nicely.
(BRIDGET enters carrying a funky handbag, a paper bag and one or two
books. She is wearing bell bottom jeans and a tee shirt.)
BRIDGET. I got the soap you wanted. I thought I would start with the
upstairs today.
NELL. That sounds fine. Have you got the change? (BRIDGET digs around
in her pocket and gives NELL some coins.)
JUSTINE. (Overlapping the previous action, holding up a dress.)
Bridget, um which one would you wear if you were going to a job
interview?
NELL. Now, don't bother her with that until you have an interview.
BRIDGET. Oh, that's alright. (She looks at the dresses.) I'd say
the blue one. Show them you're cool and together. Mrs. Bannister,
I have to be out again tonight. Is it okay if I leave by 7:00?
NELL. I guess so. Just as long as the bathrooms get done. And
don't wake anyone if you come in late again.
BRIDGET. Okay. (Exits to interior.)
NELL. All of a sudden she's burning the candle at both ends.
JUSTINE. Maybe she's got a boyfriend. Maybe he's a Hell's Angel
and she's too embarrassed to tell us!
NELL. Justine! For heaven's sake, don't get carried away. As
long as she does her work, it's her business who she dates.
JUSTINE. Ha! I bet you wouldn't say that if she came home with a
Hell's Angel. (WINSTON enters with life jackets.)
WINSTON. Well, I got them, but I still don't think it's
necessary.
NELL. You never know. What If you get out way out in the bay and
spring a leak? Or what if the engine dies?
WINSTON. (Nettled.) That engine is going to run like a top.
JUSTINE. I can't wait to go way out onto the ocean!
NELL. Well, you won't get me out there without a lifejacket and
paddles. Have you got paddles? Not that they'd do much good.
Imagine losing engine power and having to be towed in by the coast
guard mortifying!
WINSTON. (A little grumpily, but without rancor, as WATERS enters,
untying an apron from his waist.) You should have more faith.
WATERS. I put a sweet onion in this time. (Hands NELL the apron.)
I've got to run down to the aquarium to give the 4:00 tour.
Winston, if you ever get that boat fixed we can give tours in it.
Right in the big tank! Wouldn't that make an impression! (WINSTON
puts the life jackets down.)
JUSTINE. (Amused.) The sea lions wouldn't like that Mr. Waters.
WATERS. That they wouldn't. And either would the Board of
Directors. (He sings as he exits, exterior. JUSTINE is slightly
annoyed by his singing habit. The others take no notice.)
WINSTON. (Sits back in the recliner, picks up a bible or religious
tome from his stack of readings). The Quit Smokers are coming
tonight?
NELL. Of course. They always come on Wednesdays. Why would this week
be any different?
WINSTON. I couldn't remember if today is Tuesday or Wednesday (Opens
a book and scans, half-listening to the conversation.)
NELL. Justine, you better finish up that ironing and hang those
dresses.
JUSTINE. I'm going with the blue one. (She removes the iron from
table and sets it aside. She could exit briefly to put it away, with
NELL calling out next line.)
NELL. That's nice. But you know it takes more than a pretty dress.
If you want to get hired, you've got to work on your skills. Have
you practiced the typing at all this week?
JUSTINE. Blech. I hate typing. Why don't they just put the keys in
alphabetical order? It makes no sense at all!
NELL. I don't know . That does seem odd. There must be some
reason for it.
JUSTINE. There is! They want to torture me!
NELL. Don't be silly. We really should get you some proper lessons.
After I figure out how I'm going to pay the gas and electric this
month.
WINSTON. (Slightly uncomfortable at the mention of money.) Well,
I'll just get that tree branch out of the tulip bed (Exits,
forgetting the life jackets.)
NELL. (Sighs.) Alright that'll be nice.
JUSTINE. He didn't pay the rent again?
NELL. Well, you know he would, if he had it. And he did repair the
screens and fix the kitchen fan. Thank goodness Mr. Waters always
pays right on time. Nine in the morning on the first day of the
month, without fail. And, the Quit Smokers are usually pretty good
about paying up.
JUSTINE. If you had more groups rent the living room you could make
more money.
NELL. Oh, I know Justine. Don't you worry about it. Just practice
your typing today.
JUSTINE. Well, when I get a job, I'll pay you rent and get you a fur
coat.
NELL. Don't be silly. I've never taken rent from family and never
will. Your mother would turn over in her grave.
JUSTINE. Well
NELL. Don't worry. Vincent will loan me a little. But, I'll hold
you to that fur coat! (Knock at door.) Oh for heaven's sake. I told
them they don't need to knock. That's probably Vincent now.
He's always early and he always knocks. (She exits, hallway. Her
voice is heard offstage.) Oh, it's you, Ned. Come on in.
SCENE 2 [GROCHOWICK, NELL, JUSTINE, VINCENT, LAURA, RUPERT,
JEFFERSON.]
GROCHOWICK. (Entering.) A little chill in the air. I should've worn
a sweater.
NELL. You're the first today.
JUSTINE. Hello, Mr. Grochowick.
GROCHOWICK. (A little awkward, shy, gruff.) Good day.
JUSTINE. How's the quitting smoking going?
GROCHOWICK. Oh, well…
NELL. (Speaking over him.) Mr. Grochowick doesn't smoke, dear.
GROCHOWICK. Never saw the point to it.
JUSTINE. Well why would you be part of the Quit Smokers, then?
GROCHOWICK. Oh, I don't know. it gets me out of the house.
JUSTINE. But, that's lying!
GROCHOWICK. (Amused.) Oh, don't worry. They all know.
JUSTINE. But, then why call it the Quit Smokers? It doesn't make
any sense!
NELL. Justine, mind your beeswax and take care of those dresses.
(JUSTINE exits with dresses, still confused.) I'm sorry
GROCHOWICK. No harm done.
NELL. Make yourself comfortable; the others will be right along any
minute now. (She gathers up the bills and sets them aside.) I've
just got to put a tray together. (She starts to exit to kitchen.
There is another knock. Oh, for heaven's sake! (She crosses to
door.) Vincent! I told you just come in. There's no need to
knock!
VINCENT. (Entering.) I can never get comfortable just walking into
someone's house without a by-your-leave. Hello Ned. Where's the
young lady? I brought her a little something (Hands her candy package
or small bag.)
NELL. She's practicing her typing. Peanut butter cups how
thoughtful but you do spoil her, Vincent!
VINCENT. Well, with what the girl's been through, a little
indulgence can't hurt. How any one show such a sunny face after her
mother being taken away…
NELL. (Cutting him off at "mother.") Thank you for bringing
these, that's very kind. (Sets candy aside.) And, I must remind
you, we don't say the C word around here. It's bad luck.
GROCHOWICK. I lost my father to that (Noise is heard from the
entry way.) That kind of thing it stays with you… (The rest of
the QS group enters, led by LAURA BIANCHI and RUPERT BEST. WARD
JEFFERSON trails a little behind.)
RUPERT. (While entering.) I tell you, Doris Day can't hold a candle
to Julie Andrews. Do you know Julie Andrews grew up dirt poor? She
sang in the streets of England during the blitz!
LAURA. Ick. Sticky sweet! You put the two of them in one movie you
would die of sugar shock. Instant diabetic coma. (She should carry a
large bag which she sets aside.).
RUPERT. How can you say that? Julie is brilliant. Brilliant! I
don't blame her for trying to look on the bright side. Think of
what she must have been through. Hello everyone, I brought us a
present today!
GROCHOWICK. Uh-oh. Not those dainty cakes again. What were they
JEFFERSON. Petit fours.
RUPERT. No, no. hold your horses. (Pulls a small bottle out of his
pocket and brandishes it.) Flavettes! (Reads out loud from the
label.) "Helps curb smoking and appetite." How about that! Kill
two birds with one stone.
LAURA. (Teasing.) You sure know how to snuff out a party.
RUPERT. (Playing along.) I beg your pardon?
LAURA. No cigarettes, no food, what's next? The return of
Prohibition? (During the next several lines, the Flavette bottle gets
passed around gradually, in no particular order, so everyone can take
a look.
JEFFERSON reads both sides. They eventually sit.)
JEFFERSON. I'd like to know what is in those things.
RUPERT. Who cares, as long as they work!
LAURA. Where on earth did you get them?
RUPERT. At the downtown Rexall, but I wouldn't be surprised if you
could get them at the supermarket…
JEFFERSON. Smoking and appetite. I wonder if they can back up that
claim. (LAURA pulls a bottle of Chianti out of her tote bag, finds a
glass and pours herself a drink.)
RUPERT. Now don't be getting all lawyerly on us, Ward. Here's our
chance to actually kick the habit instead of just yak, yak, yak.
GROCHOWICK. You want us all to be guinea pigs?
RUPERT. (Amused.) I tell you what. I'll try them for a week and -
if I haven't died a horrible death I'll report in. How's
that? (To LAURA, although he doesn't care who hears.) You'd think
I was asking them to shoot up smack. (She laughs.)
JEFFERSON. Have your heard yet when your son finishes his tour of
duty, Ned?
GROCHOWICK. Too early to tell. They don't want to let him go with
things the way they are. That's what you get for being the best in
your unit.
JEFFERSON. Next thing you know, they'll make him Lieutenant.
LAURA. Some reward. What's the point? So they all can wipe each
other out?
GROCHOWICK. You'd rather the Reds take over?
LAURA. Paranoid nonsense!
RUPERT. The communists would go into shock if they ever tried to take
over this country. Can you imagine? One night in Las Vegas and they
would be instant converts to capitalism. Slot machines, neon lights,
magicians, scantily clad dancing ladies who could resist?
JEFFERSON. (To LAURA.) The problem is you don't appreciate what's
being done for you. His son's risking his life to protect you.
Believe me, if the commies came here, you'd be singing a different
tune. They'd throw you in prison for subversion the second you
opened your mouth.
LAURA. Can someone please explain this to me again? Which ones are the
communists, the North Vietnamese or the South Vietnamese? I'm not
ignorant of what's going on in the world. I just can never keep my
directions straight. Ask me which is right or left! I won't be
able to tell you!
VINCENT. (To NED.) Regardless, I don't see how you can stand not
knowing where he is. And your wife!
GROCHOWICK. It's been very hard on her. I just can't seem to
bring her comfort. But, what can you do? We sacrifice he
sacrifices even more. That's the way it is.
VINCENT. Well, he'll be back in no time.
GROCHOWICK. (There is a pause and the mood drops.) I hope you're
right.
RUPERT. (Conciliatory.) We'll throw him a welcome home party all
the apple pie he can eat!
LAURA. We certainly will. We'll have a great celebration and
I'll even keep my big mouth shut. Rupert too. (WINSTON enters
unnoticed.) Maybe he'll even allow us to indulge in an adult
beverage. (GROCHOWICK manages a little smile at this.)
WINSTON. Excuse me, I forgot these (Picks up the life jackets.)
VINCENT. Winston, good to see you. How are the seminary classes
coming along?
WINSTON. We're on spring break. Uh, have a nice meeting everyone.
(Exits.)
JEFFERSON. I got a new client today. He's ripping mad because his
wife has fallen for some Andy Warhol type. Met him at one of those
run down art galleries where nobody buys anything.
LAURA. Well, there must have been a problem at home if she went
looking elsewhere. What's your client like? Let me guess. Uptight?
Beer belly? Philanderer?
JEFFERSON. He's a perfectly normal man.
RUPERT. Is that so? I have to agree with Laura. There must me some
reason the wife jumped ship.
JEFFERSON. He's a reputable banker.
LAURA. Ha! I rest my case. How boring can you get?
JEFFERSON. (Teasing.) I'd tell you his name so you could go after
him for yourself, but confidentiality prevents it.
LAURA. I bet he plays golf too. No thank you!
RUPERT. Now, now, that's a stereotype! Haven't you learned
anything in those continuing ed. classes?
LAURA. I'll call it how I see it; it's my prerogative as a writer.
Is he looking for a divorce?
JEFFERSON. Maybe. He wants to have his ducks in a row, if it comes to
that.
LAURA. Just think, ten years ago a divorce would have been a scandal.
JEFFERSON. Oh, it's a scandal alright. Don't think things have
changed all that much. His competitors will be eating it up. Ten to
one, he'll buy the guy off.
GROCHOWICK. In my book, you should stick it out. Do what I do. Take
a night out once in a while. My wife says "get out and have a bit
of fun."
NELL. (Enters with tray holding mugs &bread.) Here we go, everyone.
Mr. Waters just made it this afternoon. (Sets tray down and starts to
pass mugs around. They all brighten, except for JEFFERSON who is busy
thinking about his new client.)
VINCENT. (While she is handing out mugs.) Ahhhh, that's the stuff.
(They make noises of agreement but do not take a sip before the
following toast.)
RUPERT. (Raising his mug.) Cheers everyone! (They all say "hear,
hear" or "to the Quit Smokers," and raise their mugs.) What's
Winston up to Nell?
NELL. Oh, he's fixing up the boat, can you believe it? That old
heap has been in the back yard forever.
GROCHOWICK. You think it might actually be sea worthy?
NELL. He seems to think so. Go on out and take a look. He'd love
to show it off. (They all express interest in the diversion and
shuffle out, some with mugs in hand. VINCENT is last.) Oh Vincent,
could I speak with you for a moment?
VINCENT. Of course, Nell. What is it?
NELL. It's a little embarrassing, but
VINCENT. Well, it can't be all that bad, but I can keep my mouth
shut if that's what's worrying you.
NELL. I know that I just hope it's not too much to ask
VINCENT. You need a favor?
NELL. (Uncomfortable.) I've been a little short on funds lately. I
wonder if I could borrow just a little bit to tide things over.
I'll pay you back, of course.
VINCENT. Of course. But, no need to pay me back.
NELL. No, no, I insist. I know you must not have much to spare. And I
can't take charity.
VINCENT. I'm doing okay. Don't worry about it. How much do you
need?
NELL. Would a hundred be alright?
VINCENT. (Hesitates briefly.) Sure, Nell, I can come up with that.
But, is everything alright? (JUSTINE appears in doorway, as if to
enter, realizes it is a private conversation and pulls back slightly.
She listens, unseen, worried.)
NELL. Yes, yes. It's just temporary, nothing to worry about.
VINCENT. Are you sure? You seem a little tired
NELL. No, it'll be fine.
VINCENT. Well Okay, if you say so ...
NELL. I do.
VINCENT. I'll go to the bank first thing in the morning.
NELL. Thanks, Vincent. and I will pay you back.
RUPERT. (Shouts from offstage.) Hey everyone, look at me, I'm a
figurehead! Anchors aweigh! (Laughter is heard as the lights go
out.)
SCENE 3 [JUSTINE, WATERS, NELL.]
(Later that night. Mr. WATERS is seated, sipping broth, reading a
magazine. JUSTINE is seated at the table attempting to type on a
manual typewriter, using a passage from an open book. She reads out
loud, slowly, hesitating as she attempts to locate the keys.)
JUSTINE. 'The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth
learning to his lips.' What on earth does that mean? (She looks at
the typed page, disgusted with the results.)
WATERS. Well, you're certainly getting practice with the T-Hs.
JUSTINE. (Pulls the return lever and starts again.) "Addeth
learning to his lips" (Her finger goes between the keys.) OW! (She
yanks out the paper.) That's it! I've had it. Arrgh! (She balls
up the paper, throws it.)
WATERS. You might want to try something easier, to start with.
JUSTINE. Are you saying I'm slow? Thanks a lot!
WATERS. (Flustered.) No, certainly not. I, uh…
JUSTINE. What do you know about it, anyway?
WATERS. I only meant .
JUSTINE. What? What!
WATERS. Well, perhaps if you were to practice with something you
wanted to write it would go a little more smoothly.
JUSTINE. Like what?
WATERS. I don't know. (Teasing.) A recipe for chocolate cake?
JUSTINE. Mr. Waters! Be serious.
WATERS. Well, okay. (They both think.) How about a letter to
someone?
JUSTINE. Who? Who would I write to? (Pause.) I know Cathy.
I'll write to Cathy.
WATERS. Is that the classmate of yours who used to come over to visit?
The blonde girl with the big teeth?
JUSTINE. I'm going to hand write if first. Quiet, please, Mr.
Waters! (She finds paper and pencil and begins to write. WATERS goes
back to his reading.) Dear Cathy. Huh. I should write "Not So Dear
Cathy." Hmm. (She banishes this thought and begins nicely.) Dear
Cathy, How are you? I hope you are enjoying being a senior. It must
be fun to lord it over everyone else. When is graduation? Believe it
or not, I am getting ready to interview for a job as a secretary.
I'm typing 60 words a minute! (Waters, half-listening, is quietly
amused by this lie. She does not notice.) So, how is everyone? Do you
all still sit at the window table in the cafeteria? Is Mrs. Hawks
still giving you the evil eye when her blood sugar drops? I have no
idea what's going on because no one invites me to their house. No
one even calls me on the phone. You would think that I have leprosy or
something. (Sarcastically.) "HA HA." (Pause. She stops writing but
continues to speak.. WATERS starts to notice the change in tone.) What
did I ever do to them or to her? I was always there for her no
matter what, even when I didn't feel like it. She's such a
hypocrite. What a fake. (She turns to WATERS.) This is Cathy, acting
all nice: (Mimicking Cathy.) "Oh, Justine, you are such a hoooot! I
can see it now, Justine: When we're little old ladies we'll be
hobbling around the canals of Venice, flirting with the Gondoliers."
(She starts to sniffle.) She's such a liar!!
WATERS. Are you alright, Justine?
JUSTINE. (Rising.) I hate her, I hate them all! They're all
hypocrites!
WATERS. (Unsure what to say.) Perhaps a simple greeting card .
JUSTINE. (Cuts him off angrily, very loud.) What would you know
about it?
WATERS. (Flustered.) Well, the 9 to 5 isn't for everyone no need
to type if you're a florist, for example.
JUSTINE. I'm not talking about the typing!
WATERS. No, no of course not .
JUSTINE. You don't get it.no one gets it ! Why does every little
thing I try to do have to be so hard? (NELL. enters on this line.)
WATERS. (Goes to get the bible JUSTINE. was originally using for
practice.) Maybe a different verse, let's see
JUSTINE. (Ripping or smashing up the letter. NELL enters.) Forget it!
Just forget it!
NELL. What on earth is going on? (JUSTINE runs into her arms, crying.)
WATERS. Just a little typing practice…
NELL. Oh, dear. Now, now. Come to bed, honey. (She holds JUSTINE
close.) I'll tuck you in and we'll talk as long as you want.
I'm sorry, Mr. Waters…
WATERS. I'll heat up a cup of warm milk.
JUSTINE. (Meekly.) Broth please, Mr. Waters. (She and NELL exit.)
WATERS. Broth it is. (He exits to kitchen.)
SCENE 4 [BRIDGET, RHONDA, CRYSTAL, WATERS, NELL, VINCENT.]
No light change. Only a few seconds have passed, so the scenes should
flow together. BRIDGET, RHONDA and CRYSTAL enter cautiously from
exterior. They are in loud, shiny go-go girl regalia, with
mini-skirts or shorts, fishnet or psychedelic stockings and high
boots. They may have light jackets or sweaters over their work
gear.)
RHONDA. (Looking around.) Hey, this is pretty nice!
BRIDGET. Shhh! Just sit down and don't make a lot of noise. If she
finds out what I'm doing, she'll kick me out. It's in my room,
I'll go get it wait here; I'll be right back. (Exits.)
CRYSTAL. (Sitting down, with relief.) My feet are killing me. I
swear, if they don't get some new songs in the jukebox I'm gonna
freak out.
RHONDA. Amen to that.
CRYSTAL. They should get a real stereo system. Then we could bring
our own records.
RHONDA. Those navy boys always want me to dance to Aquarius. You ever
try to find a steady groove with that song?
CRYSTAL. Oh, yeah, I know. The beat is all over the place.
RHONDA. You know what doesn't make sense to me? I'm shaking my
thing and thinking if you boys want peace and love, how come you're
running around in the armed forces shootin' people, you know? Do
they even know what that song's about?
CRYSTAL. I don't think the navy shoots people.
RHONDA. Bombing then. One of those war things. Take your pick.
They're not handing out milk and cookies over there.
CRYSTAL. Oh, those guys are okay. They're not stingy with the tips,
that's for sure.
RHONDA. I guess.
CRYSTAL. Brian laid a ten dollar bill on me tonight! How do you like
that!
RHONDA. Huh. Why do those navy guys always think they've gotta
impress us? It's like a disease or something. Why don't they just
relax and enjoy the show?
CRYSTAL. You know why he likes me? Cause I don't just stand there
and shake my hips. I put my whole body into it, you know? Sometimes,
I'll have my arms do the guitar, and my hands do the sax, and I'll
throw the bass in there too. I can get three different things going
on all at once.
RHONDA. I'm just saying, those guys like to act big. Like the one
you saw me with tonight. I'm working the floor and he says, can I
buy you a drink. So I order a split of champagne figuring he won't
have the bread for that but if he does I'll get my cut on the sale.
Next thing I know he orders Dom Perignon with two glasses! I bet
he's gonna regret that tomorrow. Show off.
CRYSTAL. Oh, Rhonda, he's probably just sweet on you. Haven't you
heard of chivalry?
RHONDA. Huh. If any of those guys want respect from me they should
play it like it is. Sit across from me and drink a beer. Maybe then
I'll believe you're the real thing
.
CRYSTAL. Brian says he has to keep his head together in case they get
called out, so he's drinking soda. (Sighs.) He's got the most
gorgeous smile. (BRIDGET enters.) Too bad they made him shave off that
beautiful hair.
BRIDGET. (Flipping through pages.) Here it is. Gloria . Steinem.
That's the name I was trying to remember. She's the women's
liberation lady. Listen to this: "The median income of white women
employed full time is less than that of white men and Negro men."
RHONDA. Well, I coulda told you that. Everyone knows women are at the
bottom.
CRYSTAL. Median income?
BRIDGET. I think that's sort of like average. You know, average
income of white women.
RHONDA. What about black women?
BRIDGET. (Scanning.) It doesn't say.
RHONDA. Huh, some women's libber.
CRYSTAL. Dancers and hookers are at the bottom,
that's for sure. Course, when you think about it, you've got your
garbage men and
BRIDGET. (Overlapping.) Will you please pay attention! Ms. Steinem
wants to change things for all women. You know what that means?
RHONDA. Yeah, I might not have to shake my butt, or wash my old
man's skivvies but however you want to dress it up it's still
work, work, work. It's my destiny to work my butt off. Yours too.
BRIDGET. Well, I'm not going to spend my life cleaning this house
and dancing at that hole in the wall. I've seen what happens when
girls ...women get too into that scene. Next thing you know they're
going hard core or working the street. Already, I can't walk down
Jay Street without some pimp running a line on me.
RHONDA. Yeah, like just because you do a little dancing to get by you
must want to be "under management."
BRIDGET. I'm getting out of that hole-in-the-wall as soon as I can.
CRYSTAL. Come on, it's not so bad. For one thing, you don't have
to pay for refreshments while you're working. The last place I
danced, they made you pay for every little thing, even bar nuts or a
soda. I thought they were gonna charge me for drinking the water.
RHONDA. (Reconsidering.) You know it wouldn't be bad to be a lady
lawyer. No one's gonna push you around if you're a lady lawyer.
There's big money in that
BRIDGET. That's what I'm saying. We need to aim higher.
RHONDA. Then, if your old man ditches you for a newer model, you can
sue! That would get his attention.
CRYSTAL. (Talking to "the man.") What's that my dear? You say
you're sorry?
BRIDGET. (Joining in.) Yeah, you're sorry alright.
( WATERS enters unseen. He's carrying Justine's broth.)
RHONDA. And, you want me to take you back? Well dream on, sugar lips!
(Sees WATERS.) Oh!
WATERS. Good evening, ladies. (They stop short.)
BRIDGET. Mr. Waters!
[end of extract]