Characters

Meg Blessing-Hart: 37 year old Interior designer. Married to Wyatt for eleven years. Meg is ambitious, young and on a fast track to the vice presidency Maverick Designs.

Wyatt Hart: 38. Married to Meg. This is his second marriage. Successful contractor and Meg's support for eleven long years.

Act One Scene One

At the rise of curtain we see a wide-open floor plan of a city loft apartment. There is an artful mixture of exposed brick and modern wood beam accents infused with an industrial chic decor. There is a fireplace on the back wall surrounded by an antique table with a phone, a chaise lounge and bookcase. A large artwork clock hangs prominently above fireplace. Clock should be dramatic and functional. Off Center (toward stage left) is a large, thin red sofa with clean lines. Or any sofa that is visually unique but not practical (great to look at, uncomfortable to sit in). There is a dark wood chair and a sculpture-like coffee table. The space is flanked by identical double-doors. Stage right doors lead to kitchen, stage left, to bedroom. Everything is in its place: meticulous.

There is a single gold and leopard print high heeled shoe lying under the dark wood chair. It should be noticeable to the audience. Wyatt is talking on phone, his back to audience, pacing. He is wearing a sharp looking suit.

Wyatt

Yes. Tuesday will be fine. Yes. Fine.

Meg

(calling from the bedroom) I'll be just another minute!

Wyatt

No, no, really. Tuesday is fine. Yes. Three o'clock. On the steps. Yes.

Meg

(from bedroom) Wyatt!

Wyatt

The front steps. Got it. Yes, I'm sure. I won't. Liz, really... (Rushes into room hopping on one foot, putting a shoe on the other. She is wearing a tasteful gold cocktail dress)

Meg

Wyatt! (Wyatt shakes his head while trying to concentrate on phone call) Have you seen my shoe? (Meg frantically searches under sofa.)

Wyatt

No, I haven't...not always. I am sure. Look, (Meg taps his shoulder as she looks under the pillows on sofa) Look …

Meg

Honey!

Wyatt

(vigorously shakes head "no") Apparently there is a crisis here. I gotta go. (exasperated) Yes! Tuesday, three o'clock, front steps. (Pause) Wait, let me get a pen... (Wyatt turns toward Meg who is staring at him with hands on hips. Wyatt signals for a piece of paper and pen.)

Meg

Have...you...seen...my...shoe?

Wyatt

(handing over phone, whispering loudly) No, Meg. No shoe. Can you please get me a pen? (Meg hobbles and wobbles to desk and pulls out pen/paper. Limps awkwardly back to Wyatt. Wyatt takes pen/paper. Meg curses, continues to search for shoe. Wyatt scribbles.) Yes. I have now written it down in permanent ink. Happy? Yes. I won't. Fine. (hangs up)

Meg

Who was that?

Wyatt

Who?

Meg

Wyatt? On the phone. Who was on the phone?

Wyatt

Oh. Liz. (Meg pauses briefly then resumes her search. Wyatt sits down on couch and then jumps up as if he has sat on something. Meg eagerly moves forward as Wyatt pulls out a leopard print purse. Meg curses)

Meg

Can you help me, Wyatt? The party starts in an hour.

Wyatt

That's it? I tell you my ex-wife was on the phone and you don't have anything to say?

Meg

Your ex is of no concern to me.

Wyatt

This is new.

Meg

I have more important things to think about.

Wyatt

Like the party?

Meg

Can you please lend me a hand?

Wyatt

Truly, I am impressed with your restraint.

Meg

I really need that shoe.

Wyatt

(still holding purse) What's the big deal? Put on another pair. You have hundreds of them.

Meg

I can't just pick another pair. For Christ's sake, Wyatt. These shoes are Manolo's(pointing to left foot) and they are the only shoes that go with this (points to dress)dress... (Meg snatches up purse that Wyatt set on sofa arm) And this purse.

Wyatt

Of course they are.

Meg

What?

Wyatt

Nothing. Where did you see your shoe last?

Meg

Where did I see my shoe, last? What kind of question is that? Where did I see my shoe last? It's not a missing child, Wyatt. It wasn't kidnapped on its way to catch the goddamn school bus. It wasn't last seen anywhere. It has always been in my closet in the shoebox where I found this one (Points to foot, again. Meg stumbles. Phone rings)

Wyatt

Hello? O, hi baby. No, no you aren't bothering me... (Meg continues her search) Yes, I've already talked with your mother and I will pick you up at three o'clock.

(Meg looks around her, and then heads speedily back into bedroom, limping comically) Yeah, me too. I miss you. Things? How are things?

(Meg comes racing from bedroom through living room and into kitchen. From there where we hear pots and pans banging around, things crashing while Wyatt's conversation continues, then she scrambles back toward bedroom, tossing pillows from sofa, opening doors and drawers on her way until finally going back into bedroom. This part of the scene should be comical bordering on slapstick. Wyatt looks on in amusement until she is out of sight.)

Wyatt (CONT'D)

I'd say things were pretty normal. (Wyatt's demeanor changes as Meg goes into bedroom) What? No, no. I haven't really told Meg, yet. It's, uh...not a good time. Yes. Tonight. After the party, yes.

Meg

(from bedroom) Wyaatt!

Wyatt

Coming, Meg. (Wyatt hangs up and heads toward bedroom. Meg comes back out of bedroom just as Wyatt reaches the door. They stand face to face and it is awkward. Meg then goes around Wyatt to the desk across the room. Wyatt hangs and shakes his head. Meg opens a drawer and pulls out cigarettes. She lights up and then notices something in drawer. She pulls out a brochure, staring at it but keeping it in from Wyatt's view. Wyatt turns and slumps against door frame.)

Wyatt

Meg, we're going to be late. (pause, turns toward Meg) Meg? Meg puts brochure back in drawer. She looks stunned for only a moment, then she stiffens.

Meg

Right. We are going to be late. Can you help me find my shoe? This is important for me. This evening is important.

Wyatt

It's a party, Meg.

Meg

It's more than a party and you know that. It’s a chance to network. (Wyatt searches around half-heartily for Meg's shoe.) This isn't the same as one of your frat-boy, testosterone-laden, Texas hold 'em beer bashes. This is important to my career. (Wyatt pauses his search.)

Wyatt

Why do you do that?

Meg

What?

Wyatt

Insult me.

Meg

I wasn't insulting you

Wyatt

What would you call it?

Meg

Look. I am sorry if I was short. Its just that the clock is ticking and my shoe is missing and...

Wyatt

And, its just a party. You can miss one, you know. You can relax, a little.

Meg

Relax? If I relaxed, we wouldn't have this apartment or these things.

Wyatt

Things. That's what it boils down to, isn't it?

Meg

Wyatt, stop. I'm not going to do this right now. Look at the time!

Wyatt

Money. Things. Possessions. Life isn't just about money. But you don't see that, do you? All you care about is a damn designer shoe to match your designer dress.

Meg

You're being ridiculous. (half audibly) It’s a Manolo Blahnik, for Christ's sake. (Wyatt recoils) I care about the shoe because I have to get to the dinner party.

Wyatt

What did you pay for this missing shoe? $200? $300?

Meg

Stop acting like a baby. And stop acting like money isn't important. You and I both know what it is like to not have money and it wasn't fun, was it?

Wyatt

You know, that is where you and I disagree...

Meg

(sarcastically) It’s not the only area, is it?

Wyatt

I loved our lives back then. (Wyatt goes over to Meg and throws his arms around her) You and me curled up on the futon eating Campbell's soup we were happy, then. (Meg moves out his grip and goes about looking for show. Now dejected and angry:) Now...now we have things and possessions and a damn sofa that looks more like art than a place to sit your ass. (Wyatt opens his hands wide and spins) Possessions (picking up items for emphasis). The right wine, the right art, the right shoes...

Meg

(interrupts with a laugh) You want to know what the shoe cost? OK, it cost five hundred and eighty dollars (Wyatt spots the missing shoe lying under the dark wood chair.) I Won't go back to how it was.

Wyatt

What was wrong with how it was?

Meg

I won't be poor, again. Not like that.

Wyatt

You are talking about him, not me. Our lives were just fine, Meg.

Meg

He abandoned us! My mother was pulling clothes and food from dumpsters!

Wyatt

I know, Meg...

Meg

We slept in cars for two years, Wyatt, two...fucking...years before he decided to come back.

Wyatt

Do you think that is what I would do? (Meg throws up her hands to dismiss Wyatt). All this shit is because you don't trust me.

Meg

I Won't ever have that life, again. (Wyatt reacts. He is stung by the comment.) I won't be shit on by another man

Wyatt

(hurt) You really think that I...

Meg

If the shoe fits.

Wyatt

You've become so cold.

Meg

What?

Wyatt

Nothing. Forget it. (Wyatt uses his foot to push the shoe further under the chair out of Meg's view.)

Meg

Forget it?

Wyatt

That's exactly what I want to do. Forget it.

Meg

What does that mean?

Wyatt

Nothing.

Meg

What do you want to forget?

Wyatt

Meg, stop it. Look for your shoe.

Meg

Is it the party? Do you want me to forget the party? My career?

Wyatt

Knock it off, Meg

Meg

Or is it something else? What is it you want to forget, Wyatt? (Wyatt doesn't respond, turns and walks away) I found the brochure. (pause) The real estate brochure. I found it. Wyatt freezes. Phone rings.) Wyatt? (Wyatt moves to the phone) Don't answer it

Wyatt

Hello? Yes, hi Mr. Blessing. (Meg shakes her head to indicate she is not home to take the call. Wyatt picks up a packet of cigarettes by phone, pulls one out slowly and lights up.) Oh, fine. Yes. Meg? Oh, yes, she's here... (Meg gives Wyatt the finger) Oh, not too much, Mr. Blessing. We have a career critical dinner party to get to, but I'm sure she'd love to say hello before we go.

Meg

(loud whisper) You bastard.

Wyatt

(laughs) Yes, yes. I do, too. Of course I will. Would love to. Yes. Here's Meg, bye now. (Wyatt holds out receiver to Meg who grabs it angrily.)

Meg

Hi, Dad. Fine. No, everything is fine. Look, I am running late...dinner? Uh, I don't know, Dad... (Wyatt stares at Meg. He takes a drag, flicks ashes into tray next to Meg's elbow, making her move slightly out of the way. Their eyes meet before he turns, walks to the sofa and sits down. Wyatt is obviously uncomfortable on sofa and has to make many adjustments to figure out how to sit on it.) I'm overworked, right now. This is our busiest season for...yes. Dad, look, I got to go, now. Yes, that and...well, I don't know, Dad. I don't think I can make it out then. Okay. (pause) No, dad. I can't adjust my schedule for this. I don't know when. (resigned)I Know you have medical bills, Dad. I'll send a check. Look, let's quit playing games, here. I'll send the money, but I won't help you feel better about things. I won't visit, dad...ever. Check's in the mail. Bye. (Wyatt continues to smoke.)

Wyatt

You went from a wounded bird to bird of prey

Meg

You bastard. You did that to me on purpose. I told you I didn't want to talk to him

Wyatt

He's your father.

Meg

I know who he is. I know what he is, too.

Wyatt

He's sick. Terminal.

Meg

He's been dying all my life. (with less conviction) And when he wasn't dying, I wished he were.

Wyatt

I'm not excusing him, Meg. But, God you need to let up, find a fucking heart.

Meg

Did I ever tell you about my graduation?

Wyatt

(quiet) Yes.

Meg

He showed up drunk, looking like a fucking beggar...

Wyatt

Meg, really, I think...

Meg

and yelled and made cat-calls as they handed out the diplomas...

Wyatt

(hand through hair. softly) I remember.

Meg

(tearing up) ...and when it was my turn, what did he do?

Wyatt

He embarrassed you. Yes, I know.

Meg

(oblivious to Wyatt's indignation.) He comes up to the fucking stage, staggering, stinking of cheap booze, singing that damn song and... (There is a faint lull of background music: Sinatra's rendition of “I'm Getting Sentimental Over You.” It plays softly and continues to play over the next sequence of dialogue)

Wyatt

(half singing) I'm getting sentimental over you...

Meg

...and he stumbles up on the stage, turns to the audience and proceeds to tell them all how I used to wet the bed, (imitating Jack Nicholson, arms flung wide with grin) but look at me now! (Meg turns away to save herself from tears. A moment passes before Wyatt speaks)

Wyatt

(concerned) You have to let go.

Meg

(turns angrily and walks to desk) Like you, Wyatt? (Meg opens drawer and pulls out brochure) Are you letting go? (Wyatt doesn't react) Answer me, Wyatt. Are you letting go?

Wyatt

It's not like that, Meg.

Meg

Explain it, then.

Wyatt

(quietly) You were...soft, once.

Meg

Priceless! I was soft, I was feminine and helpless? Is that what you mean? Helpless and in need for rescuing?

Wyatt

No, Meg..

Meg

Well, I'll tell you something... I am not Lois Lane, and you, Wyatt, are no Superman! (throws brochure at Wyatt)

Wyatt

I just meant that you've changed...

Meg

Forget it, Wyatt. You've made yourself clear

Wyatt

Have I?

Meg

(holds back tears) Perfectly. (Meg walks toward bedroom, still with only one shoe on. She gets frustrated and rips off other shoe and throws it through bedroom door ahead of her. Wyatt gets up.)

Wyatt

Actually, Meg, I don't think I've been clear enough, lately. (Meg stops.)

Meg

(keeps back to Wyatt) What are you saying?

Wyatt

I've purchased the property (Meg stands stiffly) Meg, (he walks to her) I don't want this to be a thing. (Wyatt reaches out to touch her shoulder. Meg steps out of his reach and leans against the door. Wyatt drops his hand) I...I've tried.

Meg

Yes.

Wyatt

Really, I have.

Meg

Yes. (Meg turns and faces Wyatt.) I won't make this easy for you.

Wyatt

You're different. You've changed.

Meg

Yes.

Wyatt

I don't like you anymore.

Meg

And I can't give you kids, so you walk out? I want a career, so you leave? Can't handle the strong woman. You want them weak and feeble so you can feel powerful, huh?

Wyatt

Can't have kids? Now, whose being priceless. You can have kids, Meg, you just won't.

Meg

Yes, I mean won't. You knew that going in, you agreed...

Wyatt

No, Meg ,I didn't agree. I had hoped...and maybe that was wrong...to expect that you'd come around...Christ! You are creating a hollow, empty existence for yourself...for us.

Meg

Ouch. Well, what do you really think?

Wyatt

I think we...I...went into this blind. I kept telling myself that love...that love could conquer all!(pause...quietly) That with love, we could make it. (pause)

Meg

Don't stop now, you're on a roll

Wyatt

We made a mistake.

Meg

And there it is, folks. You know, you are just like him.

Wyatt

(explodes) I am not your father! (Music stops abruptly.) Damn it, Meg! We are not all your father! He ran away, Meg, but you...you're pushing me away! You can't see what is right in front of your face! (Wyatt composes. Meg's stiff facade cracks.)

Meg

This is how it is always going to be for me, isn't it?

Wyatt

No, not always. It won't always, not if you...

Meg

If I what?

Wyatt

Forgive.

Meg

You think I'm a monster?

Wyatt

God, no, Meg. You aren't a monster, but you have all this rage inside. You need to let it out.

Meg

I do let it out, Wyatt, on a daily basis. Isn't that why we are standing here right now falling apart? Because of my unlikable rage, uncontrollable rage?

Wyatt

He's your father. You're not just being destructive to yourself and him, Meg. (pause) If you went and talked to somebody...

Meg

Then you would stay?

Wyatt

(resigned) No, Meg. I won't stay. I can't come to you, anymore. (Wyatt walks over to shoe and picks it up. He walks over to Meg and holds out the shoe. )

Meg

You knew where it was all this time?

Wyatt

Not the whole time.

Meg

You didn't tell me?

Wyatt

I wanted to hurt you. (pause, silence from both) I think that I would only continue to hurt you if I stayed. Meg, I don't want this to continue, this self-destruction. I Can't be a part of it anymore. I want the house in the country, I want to raise kids and be closer to my daughter. I want a real family.

Meg

I can't go back there.

Wyatt

I am not asking you to go back, Meg. I am asking you to go forward. (Wyatt kisses Meg's head, lips. He gets up and walks out the door. The action should move slowly, painfully, as Meg fully realizes Wyatt has left. The action should encompass the emotions of anger (throw shoe, primal yell), to sadness (cry loudly) to acceptance (wiping tears, nose and composing herself). Meg eventually makes it to the phone and dials.)

Meg

Hello Connie, it's Meg. No, I'm fine. No, not stuck in traffic. Yes, I now how horrendous Van Ness is at this hour. No. I haven't left, yet. Well, yes...yes I know. Well, you see...yes, you see that's why...yes, that's why I'm calling. I know, I'm never late for anything (laughs uneasily), I have to apologize for that. (Meg lets the receiver go limp in her hand as she begins to focus on the shoe. She is only half-listening.) Uh-huh...yes...ummm... (Meg reacts as if she has just woken from a dream. She holds receiver tighter to her ear, stands erect and confident.) Connie? I'm not... (Meg picks up shoe, examines it.) ...going to be too late. Yes, I can be there in ten minutes. On my way. (Meg hangs up and further inspects shoe, looks around for the other one.) Can't win a fight against a Manolo Blahnik. (She hurriedly puts on a shoe, picks up purse from sofa and grabs jacket. Meg rushes over and opens door, pauses)

Meg (CONT'D)

Funny. (Turns toward apartment and looks around) I've gone years without knowing who I was or even what I was capable of… I've had to fight barefoot (adds quickly) and would again if I had to, but when I slip on these, shoes...Manolo, Dior,whoever...when I slip on these shoes, I become. (trails off) Become … becoming … became ... (Meg puts on shoe and extends her arms) Look at me now, daddy. (Phone begins to ring. Meg turns out lights and leaves. Phone continues to ring as "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" begins to play, sung by a haunting, acapella older male voice, sweet, but not perfect. Curtain falls.)