(This month’s writing prompt is First Date: Write about someone’s first date. What happens?)
Lights up on a living room. ANDREW, young and nervous, sits in a chair. His eyes wander restlessly around the room. An older man, WILLIAM, enters. He is wearing a robe, and appears vaguely smug.
WILLIAM
(To someone offstage)
Take your time. I can babysit the lad for two minutes.
(To Andrew)
They always say it’ll be two minutes, but I know better than that. I’d take off your shoes if I were you.
Andrew shifts uncomfortably, then bends down as if to take off his shoes.
WILLIAM (CONT’D.)
Good grief, son, I didn’t mean it literally. You sure are nervous, aren’t you?
ANDREW
A little, sir. I never…quite know what to say at times like this.
WILLIAM
Nothing to say, really. It’s my job to sit here and be intimidating, and it’s your job to sit there and be intimidated. Can I get you a drink?
ANDREW
Just water, sir.
William grabs a bottle of water from the sideboard. He pours some into a glass and hands it to Andrew.
WILLIAM
I don’t believe you would have lasted back in my day. I always expected to be greeted at the door with a scowl and a shotgun. Never happened, though, to my eternal gratitude.
ANDREW
(Smiling slightly)
Thank you for not perpetuating that particular stereotype tonight. It was enough of a struggle to actually get the date. If you don’t mind my saying so, sir.
WILLIAM
(Chuckling as he pours himself some water)
That comes from my side of the family — we’re all stubborn as hell.
ANDREW
I’m beginning to see that.
The two men chuckle.
ANDREW (CONT’D.)
Thank you for being so welcoming, sir. Not everyone around here would be so kind.
WILLIAM
(Shrugging and smiling)
The way the world works, I wouldn’t be surprised.
(Standing raising his glass)
A toast to the happy couple. To Andrew and Liam’s first date!
Andrew stands, and the two men clink their glasses together. Stage lights fade to dark.
