Work Text
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ACT I.
SCENE
Summer. Harbour-side coffeeshop, sparsely furnished, half-empty.
JAMES
sits by the window, looking at a potted cactus. The radio is playing.
[Enter LILY.]
James.
Hey.
Lily.
Hello again, James.
James.
Busy day today?
Lily.
[Gestures to the room.] Very much so.
James.
Any plans after you get off today?
Lily.
Perhaps.
James.
Perhaps, as in: we could go somewhere?
Lily.
Perhaps, as in: I'll go home.
[Enter SUCCULENT.]
Succulent.
[Indignant.] Very smooth James, truly. What else do you have in that brilliant mind of yours?
[Enter JAMES' EGO.]
Ego.
Oh come now, it's not as if it was our fault!
James.
That's truly a shame. I was hoping you would come to a little gathering I'm doing today.
Lily.
Perhaps you should have asked earlier, then. I already have plans. [Turns to leave.]
[Exit JAMES' EGO.]
James.
How about next week, then? And I won't take perhaps for an answer!
Lily.
[Pausing.] Perhaps.
[Exit LILY.]
Succulent.
You know what, that one's on us.
```
ACT II.
SCENE
Autumn. Harbour-side coffee shop, sparsely furnished, almost empty.
LILY
leans against the counter, sipping coffee. The radio is playing.
[Enter JAMES.]
James.
Heya, Lils.
Lily.
Tea as usual, I presume?
James.
How long do you have until your break?
Lily.
That'll be three pounds.
James.
Can I get one of the strawberry cheesecakes as well?
Lily.
[Pausing.] Aren't you allergic?
James.
Perhaps.
Lily.
That isn't--
[Exit JAMES.]
Lily.
--an answer, James!
```
ACT III.
SCENE
Winter. Harbour-side coffee shop, full of people.
JAMES
sits by the window, looking out.
SUCCULENT
sits on the window. The radio is playing (Christmas music).
Succulent.
You know she's busy this time of year.
James.
Succulent.
It isn't like she didn't enjoy the movies.
James.
Succulent.
Yeah, maybe that joke wasn't the best, but you really need to cut yourself some slack.
[Enter JAMES' EGO.]
Ego.
What do you know about jokes?
Succulent.
Just as much as you, smart-ass.
James.
[Slides a plate with uneaten cake around the table.]
[Enter LILY.]
Lily.
Hey, so sorry, quite busy this time of year.
```
ACT IV.
SCENE
Spring. Harbour-side coffee shop, packed to the brim.
LILY
makes coffee. The radio is drowned out by chatter.
[Enter JAMES.]
James.
Heya, Lils!
Lily.
Heya, I get off in ten.
James.
[Flowers held hidden behind his back.] Fantastic. The cake's on me today.
Lily.
[Turning.] You know you don't--
James.
[Flourishing.] Happy Valentine's Day!