After Kim hastily stuffs her belongings in a cardboard box,
She lugs the box to McKellan’s, walking as fast as she can to get there.
The bar is empty and desolate,
And she slides easily into one of the worn wooden barstools.
With her mind racing frantically and her fingers shaking with energy,
Bartender
What’ll it be, Kim?
Bartender
It’s probably too early for tequila, huh?
Kim
Listen Donny, can I just have a seltzer water?
Kim
I feel like I need to do some thinking.
Donny
And… in case you forgot, I AM a bartender…
Donny throws his towel elaborately over his shoulder.
Donny
So it’s basically MY JOB to be here to listen…
Donny
If you need to dissect your life.
Donny
I won’t even try to give you any advice.
Donny puts up his hands with his palms facing up and Kim laughs.
With his portly belly and shaven head,
Donny is the kindest-looking person she knows.
Kim
All right, I’ll take you up on this offer.
Kim takes a deep breath, but her lips start to quiver.
Kim
I was fired from my job today.
Kim
Well, I guess I wasn’t technically fired.
Kim
But it felt like it - they were backing me into a corner
Kim
And then I just… Quit.
Donny
You SHOULD take a stand when they aren’t treating you well.
Kim rests her folded arms on the bar,
And throws her forehead down, her entire upper body sagging.
Her whine comes out muffled and mumbled.
Kim
Oh my god! What about rent?!
Kim
I just quit. I can’t afford to quit out of nowhere!
Donny
Yes, but you don’t have to go to work tomorrow?
Kim laughs a little, but it’s forced.
She looks up at the ceiling so tears didn’t spill over her lower eyelids.
Kim
I guess you’re right - I don’t have to go to work tomorrow.
Kim
God, that’s such a weird feeling.
Donny
In a good or a bad way?
Kim
I think… I think it’s good.
Donny
Then that settles it!
Donny
This can be a positive experience.
Donny
Maybe it’s a good thing that you’re not working at your old job.
Kim forces herself to laugh again, but this time she can’t keep up the front…
A tear rolls down her cheek.
Donny
Aw, don’t cry, kid.
Donny
Here, have some of your seltzer to rehydrate yourself.
He smacks two pints of seltzer down in front of them as if they were beers,
and then holds one of them up, ready to propose a toast.
He looks her in the eyes solemnly.
Donny
To unexpected, GOOD surprises.
When Kim says nothing, he bangs the pint back down on the bar.
Donny
Kim! Don’t make me throw you out of this bar.
Kim
You would NEVER do that. I’m your favorite customer.
Kim
Not to mention, one of your big spenders.
Donny
But that doesn’t mean I won’t throw you out…
Donny
For not saluting the bartender’s toast.
Donny
I’m not taking no for an answer.
And then scowling, picks up her pint very slowly.
Kim
To unexpected surprises.
Donny
That was more of a mumble than a ‘cheers’
Donny
And you left out the word ‘good’
Donny
But because you’re my favorite customer…
Donny
I’ll let you get away with it.
Kim nods and then looks down at her sketchbook.
Suddenly, her fingers want to draw again,
And this time, it’s not because she’s upset.
It’s because that’s who she is - an artist.
Donny
Go ahead. Go back to those drawings you always like to do.
Donny
But I’m here if you need me, all right, kid?
Kim
All right. Thanks again, Donny.
But in those few seconds,
Inspiration seems to get locked in a box inside her head.
Her mind is everywhere - racing through questions and anxieties.
What will her parents think of her losing her job?
Whisper about her behind her back? Laugh?
Donny interrupts her panic.
Donny
What’s the face for, kid?
Donny
I thought we talked through this.
Donny
You don’t get to keep your problems to yourself in my bar.
Donny
If something’s bothering you - talk it out.
Donny
You can do it. Tell me.
Donny
What’s worrying you now?
Donny
You can trust me, remember?
Donny
You’re one of my favorite customers
Donny
And I’m just here to listen, not to judge.
Kim laughs shakily again, lowering her head.
She takes another deep breath.
Kim
It’s just… I’m worried about what people are going to think.
Kim
And that I’m not supposed to worry about that stuff anymore…
Donny places a hand on Kim’s shoulder.
But he’s cut off suddenly, when the door slams open.
For the second time in one week,
A very disheveled Neil Morris walks into McKellan’s Pub.
Or perhaps, the correct word is RACES in.
His tie Is loose and his hair is sticking up in every direction,
Mussed in that sexy bedroom style Kim likes.
Neil
I came as fast as I could.
And at the very sight of him -
Kim knows everything will be okay.
