People talk about loneliness as if it is a bad thing.
In the dramatic scene from Hotel Lobby, Carlotta and Davide meet for the first time after a few previous failed attempts.
DAVIDE: Would you prefer a booth?
CARLOTTA: Sure.
DAVIDE extends his hand to CARLOTTA, and they sit in a nearby booth.
DAVIDE: What are you drinking?
CARLOTTA: Vodka.
DAVIDE: Vodka?
CARLOTTA: I know. It’s a cheap drink, but it doesn’t disturb my stomach.
DAVIDE: You look perfect, Carlotta.
CARLOTTA: I do?
DAVIDE: Just how I pictured you.
CARLOTTA: (uncomfortably smiles)
DAVIDE: (smiling) You don’t like compliments?
CARLOTTA: No, I — I’m not quite used to it these days.
DAVIDE: I find that hard to believe. Is that a… ?
Davide points to the wedding ring on Carlotta’s finger.
CARLOTTA: …Yes.
DAVIDE: I thought…
CARLOTTA: No, I’ve been married for eight years. (beat) We are no longer together. We haven’t been for quite a while now.
DAVIDE: Sorry.
CARLOTTA: You shouldn’t be the one apologizing.
DAVIDE: But—
CARLOTTA: Do you enjoy your job?
DAVIDE: … I do.
CARLOTTA: What made you choose me?
DAVIDE: Your voice. It mystifies me. Am I allowed to compliment you?
CARLOTTA: You may.
DAVIDE moves closer to CARLOTTA’S neck.
DAVIDE: No perfume?
CARLOTTA: I don’t wear perfume.
DAVIDE: You don’t need to.
CARLOTTA: Thank you.
DAVIDE: What made you choose me?
CARLOTTA: When you first said my name, I liked the way you said it. (beat) What are you drinking?
DAVIDE: Oh, I…waiter? (to CARLOTTA) Would you like a refill?
CARLOTTA: I’m already on my third one.
DAVIDE: Really?
WAITER: May I help you?
DAVIDE: Brandy, please.
WAITER: We have a Korbel, would you like to start with that?
DAVIDE: Yes, thank you.
WAITER: And for the lady?
CARLOTTA: I’m fine for now, thank you.
WAITER leaves.
DAVIDE: You must have gotten here early.
CARLOTTA: I did. I just felt like I needed a drink to wind down. I’m sorry I cancelled on you before.
DAVIDE: I understand.
CARLOTTA: I didn’t mean to ignore your message either.
DAVIDE: I thought you had forgotten about me.
CARLOTTA: I did. Well, I tried to.
DAVIDE: But you didn’t…
CARLOTTA: I just found it strange, the whole thing. You know, I need to understand it better; it’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like this.
DAVIDE: I know, it’s strange. I haven’t accepted an offer in a year.
CARLOTTA: …What makes you decide?
DAVIDE: Decide?
CARLOTTA: On whose offer you wish to accept.
DAVIDE: It has to happen naturally. Also, nothing forced. If I see that there is an awkwardness of some sort, it usually doesn’t pan out.
CARLOTTA: Then why did you —
DAVIDE: Things are different with you.
CARLOTTA: Are you not interested in an actual relationship with anyone?
DAVIDE: No. I…no.
CARLOTTA: We all have our reasons.
DAVIDE: I enjoy being alone.
CARLOTTA: Life can get lonely.
DAVIDE: Yes.
CARLOTTA: People talk about loneliness as if it is a bad thing.
DAVIDE: Do you think it is?
CARLOTTA: To be alone… is freedom. Real freedom. We’re eventually going to die alone; why not try living alone?
DAVIDE: I am getting used to it.
CARLOTTA: There are things you can do alone that you can not do with people.
DAVIDE: Such as?
CARLOTTA: Think. People don’t allow others to think. I like to think back, to when life was better.
DAVIDE: To when you and your husband were in love.
CARLOTTA: Perhaps.
DAVIDE: A feeling like that isn’t as unknown as it seems.
CARLOTTA: You understand it, don’t you?
DAVIDE: Unfortunately.
- To read the full one-act ePlay, find purchase link below:
In the one act eplay Hotel Lobby, Carlotta meets with Davide, a much younger and charming hired escort for the night, but after their meeting, her original intentions become altered. 1 Woman, 1 Man. Drama.
