Piece for March 4th

(two men sit at a table in a bar)

A: Stop that, you’re making me nervous.

B: Stop what?

A: Looking at me.

B: Why?

A: I told you, its making me nervous.

B: I like to look at you, you like being looked at. What’s the problem?

A: I don’t like being looked at like that.

B: Like what?

A: Like I’m meat or something.

B: Or something? No, just meat.

A: I hate you.

B: No you don’t. That would be beyond your emotional dexterity.

A: God! Where do you come up with such shit?

B: Kiss me.

A: For God’s sake!

B: Kiss me.

A: No.

B: (mocking his tone) Yes.

A: Not here. Are you crazy?

B: Why not here?

A: It’s public.

B: Look around you. This public doesn’t give a damn.

A: I give a damn.

B: What do you mean by that?

A: Buy me a drink and shut up about kissing.

B: If I buy you a drink, will you kiss me?

A: Buy me whiskey and I’ll consider it.

B: Kiss me first. I detest the taste of strong drink.

A: That’s a laugh. You reek of it.

B: Yes....I reek.

A: Why do we come here? I hate this place.

B: Where else would you want to go? People know us here well enough not to notice us.

A: Then you admit it. You’re as ashamed as I am.

B: Ashamed. Yes, I am ashamed of you, William. That is why I let you into bed with me every morning, not out of lust, but because I am made delerious with shame. Shame is the sweetest if not the most pretty of bedmates. It allows one to wallow in self importance.

A: Christ. Forget I said anything.

B: I wish I could forget a lot of things you’ve said to me, but I seem to remember them much longer than you do.

A: Are you going to buy me a drink or just keep jabbing me with pins?

B: Yes.

A: Yes, what?

B: Both.

A: You drive me crazy.

B: You drive yourself crazy. I just get amusement out of watching.

A: Everything is a little game with you, isn’t it?

B: Leave me, then.

A: Simple as that?

B: Simple as that. Get out.

A: You’d miss me.

B: I’ve already been missing you for months. Right now, right now you’re not much to miss.

A: You’re not happy?

B: I’m always happy, but I’m not in love with you if that’s what you think.

A: I can’t believe this....maybe I should leave.

B: It might be good for you.

A: Good for me? You want me to go?

B: Look, I’m not throwing you out, I want you to stay, as long as that’s what you want.

A: But only on your conditions.

B: William, my conditions are simple. If I’m not satisfied, I’ll leave. If you’re not satisfied, you should leave.

A: That simple.

B: Why make it more complicated?

A: I can’t live like that.

B: Then don’t.

A: I don’t want to discuss this any more. (laughing) It sounds like we’re breaking up.

B: Breaking up? Are you serious? Look, I never said I wanted to marry you. I wanted to sleep with you. We did, we do, its great. If you think there’s more to it, or if you think you can lose me, then its already finished.

A: Why are you doing this?

B: What?

A: Hurting me?

B: Sorry, I didn’t mean to.

A: Ten minutes ago you wanted to kiss me, no it feels like its over between us.

B: (in a rage) It!? "IT"?? What is "it"?

A: Us.

B: For the love of God, you’re like a fucking baby inside, aren’t you. You’re a baby in old man’s clothing. (pause, he stands) I’m leaving.

A: What? Wait, I’ll get the car.

B: I want your things out of my place tomorrow. You can stay there tonight, I won’t be home, but don’t let me see you again.

A: What?

(B exits, no backward glance. Black out.)