You make it hard for me to breathe.
In drama scene from eplay, “Memory Lane” Tori is seeing apartments with her real estate agent and unintentionally visits where she grew up.
GALLAGHER: Just take the time you need. (beat) You’ve — we’ve – I’ve shown you apartments all over town, but you aren’t really giving me any insight into what it is exactly you want. I’m afraid I’ve run out of ideas to help you.
TORI: Giving up already?
GALLAGHER: Well, we’ve met since nine this morning, and it’s now (checking his watch) past seven in the evening, and my office is closed; I still have to get back across town to drop off the keys. (beat) If you need some time or if you wish to see more properties, we can schedule another day for showings.
Tori lights another cigarette.
TORI: I can’t afford a damn thing.
GALLAGHER: You can’t?
TORI: Nope.
GALLAGHER: Maybe we should leave. I don’t want any trouble.
TORI: Trouble? (She bursts out laughing.) What trouble?
GALLAGHER: I’m just saying that I’m already working — we’ve been together all day and –
TORI: You’re tired. Fed up with me perhaps? Unsure? Do you think I’m unstable?
GALLAGHER: No, I wasn’t saying that?
TORI: Perhaps I am unstable. (She pulls out a flask.) Do you mind?
GALLAGHER: Actually, I do. We should get going.
TORI: Still a free country? (she drinks.) Have some.
GALLAGHER: I can’t.
TORI: You can’t or you won’t.
GALLAGHER: Both.
TORI: You’re an adult.
GALLAGHER: I’m perfectly aware that I’m an adult.
TORI: It won’t do you any harm. (extending her flask to Gallagher)
GALLAGHER: No, I’m okay, thank you.
TORI: Gallagher. That’s an Irish name, and this is just a bit of brandy.
Pause.
Gallagher takes hold of the flask and drinks. He motions to hand it back to Tori.
Another. Have another…please.
Gallagher drinks.
Tori takes the flask.
There you are. That wasn’t so bad after all, was it? Besides, you just finished telling me that your office has closed for the day, so technically you are no longer working. Therefore, there are no penalties for the well-being of your job. Hmm! Loosen up, have some bounce in your step. Loosen your tie.
Tori looks at Gallagher.
Would you mind?
GALLAGHER: Huh?
TORI: Loosen your tie. You make it hard for me to breathe.
Gallagher loosens his tie.
There you are… better?
GALLAGHER: Actually, yes.
TORI: It’s “Yes, actually.”
GALLAGHER: What?
TORI: You should have responded with “Yes, actually,” not “Actually, yes.” (beat) How long have you been in real estate?
GALLAGHER: Six months.
TORI: And you like it?
GALLAGHER: It’s alright.
TORI: Is that what you want?
GALLAGHER: What?
TORI: An alright life? Or do you want something more?
GALLAGHER: I don’t know.
TORI: Why don’t you know?
GALLAGHER: I don’t know.
TORI: You don’t know, you don’t know… interesting… SAD, but interesting how much someone doesn’t know.
GALLAGHER: Mrs. Claridge, I really think we should get going.
- To read the full one-act ePlay, find purchase link below:
In the one-act eplay, “Memory Lane” real estate agent Gallagher shows apartment hunter Tori a property that makes her take a step back from life. 1 Woman, 1 Man. Drama.
