Ending of “A Table For Three”
{The final chapter of “A Table For Three” an example of theater as comedy in one act}
Tami: Rob, you don’t have to be so rude.
Chris: Yes, really I’m just asking a question, Rob. So what do you say Tami? Are you serious about the relationship?
Tami: Well, I don’t know… it’s really too early for me to tell.
Rob: Too early?
Chris: Excuse me Tami, but I think your halibut is getting a bit cold. You really should take a bite, it’s wonderful.
Tami: Oh, that’s true, I should. (She takes a bite of her food.)
Chris: How is it?
Tami: Very good actually.
Rob: Please, this is no time for eating.
Chris: Well now, Rob, we are in a restaurant and just because you don’t like your ribs doesn’t mean the rest of us shouldn’t eat our food.
(Rob is speechless. Tami eats another bite.)
Chris: It’s good then?
Tami: Oh yes.
Chris: Do you mind if I…do you mind if I try a little?
Tami: Of course not. Go ahead.
Chris: Thank you. (He takes a fork, leans over and tries some, savoring the bite.) Hmmm… that’s wonderful. Do you mind if I have a little more?
Tami: Go right ahead.
(Chris takes another bite and ends up sitting down next to her and they join in the meal together. Rob lets out a great sigh of disgust and puts his head in his arms on the table.)
Chris: Is something wrong, Rob?
(Rob just makes a strange noise as he keeps his head in his arms.)
Chris: (shrugs his shoulders and turns back to Tami, smiling) You know, if you’re still unsure about this relationship with Rob, or if things don’t work out with him, I’m quite available.
Tami: Really?
(Robs sighs again.)
Tami: Oh I don’t feel right about that, being on a date with Rob and all.
Chris: Well, Rob doesn’t seem to be the nicest person in the world and you really just need to get to know me before you know for sure.
Tami: Well I…
Chris: Okay, okay. What is your favorite kind of food? Fish?
Tami: Yes, I suppose so, but…
Chris: And there you go! We already have something in common. What kind of music do you like? Jazz? Rock? Pop?
Tami: Well, I like all of those I think. It depends on the…
Chris: Astounding! Superb! And so do I. Amazing, isn’t it? And what is your political party?
Tami: I’m a democrat.
Chris: Are you? (a little taken) Oh. Well, I’m a republican, but…that’s all right, that’s all right.
Rob: (looks up suddenly) You’re a republican?
Chris: Oh yes.
Rob: So am I. A Reagan fan?
Chris: Absolutely. The best.
Rob: Definitely. I mean trickle-down economics is brilliant.
Chris: Well, we’ve got to take personal responsibility for our money. We can’t have the government deciding where it will go.
(They lean over and get into the discussion.)
Tami: Guys?
Rob: (ignoring her) Exactly, personal responsibility is the key. And what about those Bush’s?
Chris: (smiling) Now there’s a father and son! How did Clinton ever get in office?!
Rob: (chuckling) I don’t know, the draft dodging horn-dog!
(They both chuckle.)
Tami: Guys, I’m not feeling so well. (She gets up and gets her purse.) I think I need to get going.
Rob: That’s great, Tami. (still looking at Chris) Anyway, what was your name again?
Chris: Chris.
Rob: Well Chris, I’m a member of the Republican national convention and we’re looking for some helpers with the upcoming campaign. I don’t know if you’d be interested but…
Chris: Oh I’d love to help out! What do I need to do?
(Tami pouts and storms out of the restaurant. Rob and Chris barely notice her leave and shrug their shoulders.)
Rob: Well, I can get a hold of my friend and he can hook you up with the paper work and…
(The lights go out except for a spot on Chris.)
Chris: Hey, at least I get my tip!
(Lights out.)
The End.