A group of people have a chance to see thier future through the aid of a specialty item. |
At the start of the show, Julie is setting bottles of syrup and organizing the coffee bar. She is reaching for something under the counter as Sally walks in stage right, carrying a box. Soft jazz music is heard. Julie continues her work. JULIE Hey ya’ Sal, you’re late. SALLY I know, Julie. I had to bring this. JULIE What is it? SALLY What we need to keep this business going. Julie stops cleaning to focus on the conversation. JULIE If it’s not a grand, I don’t want to see it. SALLY It’s better. JULIE What’s better than a thousand dollars? SALLY A pound. JULIE A what? SALLY A pound of our new secret ingredient. JULIE Not again. Julie continues straitening bottles and general clean-up. SALLY No, listen. This is different. Sally sets down her things, moves a few bottles out of the way and begins to unpack the package. JULIE Last time you said that, a costumer spent an hour in the bathroom. SALLY Let me explain. I was writing to my aunt in Mexico about our business “The Grind” and how we’re not making ends meet. JULIE Right. SALLY But she called me about something that can keep us out of the red! JULIE OK. Lay it on me. Julie begins to make herself a cup of coffee. SALLY What’s the one thing our costumers always struggle with? JULIE (referring to coffee) You want one? SALLY No thanks. What do you think? JULIE I’m not really in the mood for games, Sally. SALLY Come on, just humor me, will ya? JULIE For you. Ok, what’s the question again. SALLY (playfully frustrated) What do our costumers struggle with? JULIE I don’t know. A social life? SALLY No. JULIE Then what? SALLY I figure there are three reasons why our costumers drink coffee here. One, to socialize with friends - JULIE And us. SALLY Yes, and with us. Two, to be entertained by our eclectic assortment of fabulous music. JULIE Thank you. SALLY You’re welcome. And three, to solve their problems. JULIE Yet, they don’t solve; hence why we have so many regulars. SALLY (Tries to rebuttal, but stops short). Ok. True. But work with me here. JULIE Sal, if we solve their problems, then we will loose their business. SALLY Julie, that’s not the point I - JULIE We’re not doing so hot here, financially. SALLY I know, Julie. I know. Listen. My aunt may have provided the answer we need to stay in business. JULIE Alright. What is it? SALLY My aunt Francine sent me this mosaic art piece, that when it is spun, it shows the viewer the answer to their problem. JULIE You are so gullible. SALLY No, Julie it works. JULIE Did you try it? SALLY Well, JULIE Then how do you know it works? SALLY My aunt is an archeologist. She is very respected in her community. She wouldn’t send me a piece of junk. JULIE Yeah? Wasn’t this the same aunt who sent you a gift for your 20th birthday? SALLY Yeah. JULIE And the gift was - SALLY Ok, I get it. But this is different. JULIE Sally, she sent you a collection of sticks she found in the dirt. SALLY Those sticks are covered with pictographs, which tell the history of an ancient culture. JULIE Yeah? What do those pictographs say? SALLY I don’t know. But I do know this is different. JULIE Whatever. It’s just another cheap trick. SALLY Ok, Miss DeNile. Why don’t you try it? Sally places the mosaic on the counter. Sally approaches, sets down her coffee and spins the piece. She stares intently into the center of the piece. JULIE (Enthusiasm galore) Sally, Sally! I see it! SALLY (equally excited) What? JULIE (deadpan) Nothing. SALLY Of course you see nothing. It only works in combination with this. Sally pulls out a bag from the box. The bag contains a reddish ingredient. JULIE What is that? SALLY It’s a special herb that is grounded from a specific flower that is located where my aunt is digging. JULIE That’s great, but what is it? SALLY I’m not sure. JULIE So you want me to try. SALLY Please? JULIE If I end in the bathroom, I am holding you personally responsible. SALLY You got it. JULIE So, this is perfectly safe? SALLY According to my aunt, yes. She wrote that she uses it as a spice for her cooking. JULIE Have you had her cooking before? SALLY Yeah, when I was twelve. JULIE Was it any good? SALLY I remember spending the day in the bathroom. JULIE Sally! SALLY I’m joking, I’m joking. She is fine cook. JULIE Girl, seriously. I’m doing this as a friend. SALLY Thank you. You won’t regret it. JULIE So what do I do? SALLY Add a pinch of this to your coffee and stir it up. Julie does so. JULIE Ok, now I spin this piece of art? SALLY Wait, first you got to think of a problem. JULIE Way ahead of you. SALLY Now take a sip, and spin the art. Julie takes a sip. JULIE Not bad. It adds a nice - Julie takes another sip. It adds a nice nutty flavor. So far so good, Sal. Julie spins the art and stares into the mosaic. Julie takes a step back, and places her coffee down. She is in shock and awe. JULIE Sally, I saw it. I actually saw it! SALLY What? JULIE I saw how we can save the coffee shop! The bell rings announcing the arrival of a costumer. He saunters in obviously overwhelmed by something. He makes the way to the counter. JULIE It’s so simple, Sal. It’s beautiful. We - Sally cuts Julie off. SALLY (To Joe.) What can I get ya, Joe? The usual? JOE Yeah. Thanks. SALLY (Starting to pull together the order.) You alright? JOE (putting the money on the counter.) Yeah. Actually, no. I lost my car keys. You haven’t seen them? SALLY (Bringing coffee to Joe.) Sorry, no. JOE Thanks. I have no idea where they could be. I can’t get to work tomorrow if I can’t find them. SALLY I loose things all the time. I usually retrace my steps when I loose my stuff. Have you tried that? JOE Yeah, it’s the first thing I did. Julie nudges Sally and Sally nods in agreement. SALLY I might have something that will help. JOE Yeah? What is it? Julie takes a teaspoon and dips it into the herb bag, and places it into Joe’s cup. Julie then stirs the coffee. JOE What’s that, a new coffee brand? SALLY (To Julie) I think you put too much in, Jules. JULIE (To Joe) Yeah, you could say that. Ok, Joe. Take a sip of our “special coffee”, spin this beautiful art piece and tell us what you see. Joe does so. JOE The medicine cabinet! Joe runs off stage without his coffee. SALLY That worked fast. I hope he is ok. JULIE I’m sure he’s fine. Why don’t you give it a try, Sal? The bell sounds announcing two costumers, who enter talking about the best job in the world. BRAD I just want there to be some sand, and tons of sun. MARK You’re not going to find much of that here, unless you want your next job to be on the coast. BRAD That wouldn’t be so bad. Better than being unemployed. MARK That’s right. SALLY Later, Jules. What can I get you fellas? BRAD How about a job? SALLY We’re not hiring right now. BRAD Alright, how about a coffee? SALLY You want the house or a special? BRAD Oh, I get a choice? What are you going to get, Mark? MARK I don’t know yet, Brad. Get what you want, my treat. JULIE (To Mark) Can I get you something? MARK I’m just here with my friend. I’m helping him find a job. JULIE What a good person you are. MARK No, I got problems of my own. JULIE Yeah, we all do. BRAD What are you talking about? MARK How I have problems. BRAD Well compared to me, you’re a saint. MARK Yeah, I think I’ll have a cup of the house brand. Julie begins to make the coffee. SALLY Hey Jules, Grande cappuccino for my guy. JULIE Coming up. Do they get the special? SALLY Yeah. BRAD What’s the special? SALLY Something we’re offering today. BRAD Cool. The door sounds to announce another costumer entering. TRICIA Moring, Sal! SALLY Hey, Tricia. TRICIA How’s it going so far? SALLY You know, same ol’ same ol. Julie hands the coffee to Mark and to Brad. Mark hands some money to Julie who places it in the drawer. Julie leans over to explain the mosaic to the guys. SALLY The usual? TRICIA Yeah, hun. Thanks. Sally pours Tricia a cup of coffee and adds the spice to it. SALLY You got to try this new special mix. TRICIA Yeah? What is it? Tricia takes a sip, and moves over to a side to have a private conversation with Sally. JULIE Alright, now give this a spin and tell me what you see. Brad spins the mosaic, and starts to become surprised. BRAD I see myself getting an application from Home Depot. MARK Are you sure you’re doing that right? You’re no Mr. Fix-it. Brad takes another sip, and spins again. JULIE Hey, one turn, buddy. Give your friend a chance. Brad ignores here, and continues to describe what he sees. BRAD I now see a beautiful woman who works with me in the paint department. MARK Ok, Romeo. Let me try. Mark takes a sip, and spins the mosaic. MARK Ugh, what is in this? JULIE It’s regular house blend. Mark takes another sip. MARK Oh, it’s pretty good. Mark looks into the mosaic. BRAD What do you see, man? MARK I see this beautiful red car in a parking lot. Mark spins the mosaic again. MARK I see myself driving away in the car. Tricia is now interested in what is happening besides her. TRICIA What’s going on? BRAD My friend is going to steal a car. TRICIA You really shouldn’t do that. MARK (Hitting Brad) Dude, I think I bought it. BRAD You got that kind of money saved up? MARK I am employed. BRAD Apparently, I will be soon too. Tricia steps in. TRICIA Let me try this. Tricia spins the mosaic. SALLY What do you see, Trish? TRICIA I see myself walking on a beach in Hawaii. SALLY What are you doing there? TRICIA I have no idea. Brad and Mark head over to a table and begin discussing their future. SALLY Give it another spin. Tricia does so. TRICIA I now see a really cute guy walking toward me. What is this? SALLY One of our little toys. TRICIA Have you tried it yet, Sal? SALLY I’ll get a chance. TRICIA Go on. I want to see what yours is. The bell announces another costumer. SALLY Soon. (To Grant) What can I get you, sir? GRANT I’ll take a double espresso. MARK (yelling at Brad) No it’s not! Everyone looks to Mark, who looks rather embarrassed for drawing attention to himself. They both go on discussing. SALLY Double ex, Jules. That’ll be $3.50. Grant pulls out the money, which in turn, Sally places in the drawer. Julie places the coffee on the counter, and leans in to whisper to Sally. JULIE I think we should start charging for each spin of the art piece. SALLY (To Tricia) What do you think, Tricia? TRICIA I would pay to see my future. GRANT What is this? SALLY It’s a piece of art that you spin. When you drink your coffee, it shows you what you want to see. Give it a try. GRANT How much? Sally looks to Julie, who places her two fingers on her face, as if she is rubbing an itch. Sally catches the reference. SALLY Two bucks a spin. GRANT Why not? I need all the help I can get. Grant gives two dollars to Sally, spins the mosaic, and peers into it. GRANT I don’t see anything. JULIE Here’s your double. TRICIA You got to take a sip of your drink first, silly. Grant does so, and spins again. GRANT That’s it, that’s the most beautiful thing I have seen. TRICIA What is it? GRANT Look for yourself. TRICIA I don’t see anything. GRANT You can’t see it? It’s incredible! (To Sally) Can I get a pen and a napkin? TRICIA What is it? The bell announces the entrance of Joe. JOE I’m back, ladies. GRANT It’s going to be my masterpiece. Grant runs with his pen and napkin to a table and begins to furiously draw a picture. Julie holds out Joe’s coffee. Joe takes it. JOE Thanks. I can’t believe I was so absent minded to leave my keys in my medicine cabinet. Your coffee works like a charm. Joe goes to a table to sit and to think about how wonderful it is that he has his keys. The bell announces the arrival of another costumer. SALLY What can I get you? SETH I don’t know yet. Can you give me a minute? SALLY Take all the time you want. JULIE While you’re deciding, why don’t you give this a try? SETH What is it? JULIE Just a fun game to pass the time. TRICIA Give it shot. It’ll only cost you two bucks. Seth pulls out his wallet, and lays two dollars on the counter. SETH Why not? College student dropouts have all the time in world. JULIE Before you spin, here’s a coffee, on the house. SETH Thanks. Seth takes a sip. He anxiously finishes the cup of coffee. JULIE What is it? TRICIA Yeah, what did you see? SETH I need to get back to school. And I know what I want now. JULIE What’s that? SETH I’ll take a latte. JULIE What size? SETH You better make it a grande. Seth pulls out his wallet and pays. JULIE That’ll be $4.50. Sally begins to make the drink. While Seth is shocked by the errors of his ways. Tricia leans over to give him some comfort. Sally gives him his drink. The bell announces the arrival of more costumers. Brad and Mark are heard arguing again. BRAD Mark, you don’t know what you are talking about. HUE So Kathy, let’s just say the merger goes through. How are he going to hand the PR people, let alone middle management? KATHY I don’t know, Hue, but we gotta figure this out right now. JULIE What can I get you two? KATHY I’ll have a decaf latte. HUE (Clearly not listening) Me too. But make mine a mocha. (Beat) And with caffeine. JULIE You got it. That’ll be $8 and a quarter. Hue reaches in his pocket for his wallet. Sally steps up to collect the money and place in the drawer. SALLY Care for a spin? KATHY What is this? JULIE Take a sip of this latte and find out. SALLY Cost of a spin will be two dollars. KATHY What happens when I do? SALLY Trust me, it’ll be worth it. Kathy pays Sally two dollars. She takes a sip of the latte and spins the mosaic. She watches it, and becomes shocked and surprised that she has to sit down. HUE Kathy, you ok? KATHY You have to try that! JULIE Here’s your mocha. Hue takes a sip, pays two dollars, and spins the mosaic. HUE Kathy, get George on the phone and tell him to set up a meeting with the board of Geotex Industries. I know how to work the merger! KATHY I know! I saw the same thing! HUE (To Sally) What is that thing? SALLY Did it help? HUE Yes! SALLY Alright, I’m glad it could be helpful. HUE Where did you find that? SALLY I’m sorry, privileged information. HUE I’ll pay you whatever you want if you just tell me. JULIE Sorry, it’s not for sale. Kathy pulls Hue. KATHY Hue, we got to focus on the merger first. Kathy pulls Hue to a table to start talking about the merger. Hue stumbles forward because he can not take his eyes off of the mosaic. TRICIA Well, girls. I best be on my way. SALLY See you tomorrow? TRICIA You bet. Tricia exits stage right as a new costumer enters. Cindy, a depressed woman, walks up to the coffee bar. CINDY (To Julie) Can I get a hot chocolate, please? JULIE Sure. That’ll be $2.50. You OK? Cindy shakes her head, trying to hold back tears. She pulls out the money from her purse. JULIE You want to talk about it? CINDY No. I’ll be alright. JULIE Let me get that hot chocolate for you. SALLY You want to give this a try? CINDY What is it? SALLY I bet it’ll make you feel all better. CINDY You’re telling me that this piece of junk will make me feel all better just after my boyfriend of four years dumped me for another woman? JULIE Men can be real jerks. Here’s your hot chocolate. CINDY But I still love him. Cindy takes a sip of her hot chocolate. That’s good. SALLY Go ahead, give it a spin. This one’s on the house. Cindy does. She gets a big smile on her face. She takes another sip of the hot chocolate. CINDY You’re right. That did make me feel better. SALLY What did you see? CINDY I saw my boyfriend, Brian. He came into this coffee shop and told me he wants me back, and apologizes for being a jerk. JULIE That sounds like a good future to me. CINDY Me too. I could live with that. (Beat) What is that thing, anyway? JULIE Our fun novelty toy. CINDY Is it for real? SALLY Was it real to you? CINDY Like watching a movie. I hope it is real. SALLY Me too. Sally leans back reflectively, as Cindy moves to a table. Me too. (pause) Hey, Jules. Is this what you saw when you looked to the mosaic? JULIE (unsure how to proceed) No, I saw something else. SALLY Yeah? What? JULIE Sally, something bad happens first. SALLY (becoming anxious) Julie, tell me. JULIE If I tell you, it may not happen. SALLY What? JULIE Sal, you gotta trust me. And for what it’s worth. I’m sorry. SALLY You’re freaking me out here. JULIE Please trust me. Everything will be OK in the end. The bell announces that costumers arrive. A couple enter. They are talking rapidly with each other, and head to a seat. After they sit, Mark and Brad approach the counter. SALLY I’m not sure about this, Julie. JULIE It’s OK. MARK Excuse me, ladies. My friend, Brad, and I are wondering if we could give your new toy a spin. BRAD You see, Mark and I have a disagreement that we need to settle. JULIE Sure, but the spin will cost two dollars. BRAD It was free before. JULIE We’re just trying to keep up with the economy. MARK How much? JULIE Two dollars a spin. MARK Sure. I can swing that. Just as long as I have enough for my car. BRAD You’re not going to be buying a car. Like a said earlier. If you know your future, how do you know you will do everything your supposed to do? Maybe since you already know your future, you’ll make a mistake along the way, and they future you think will happen doesn’t happen. What then? MARK (pause) You are not making any sense. You believe that this thing will show my future, and that it will change drastically if I turn left on to Clancy Street as opposed to right? That doesn’t make sense. BRAD I just think it is better to not know the future, and just enjoy the happy surprises that come along the way. Mark waves Brad off, pulls out the two dollars, takes a sip of his coffee, and spins the mosaic. BRAD What do you see? Mark steps away in horror. MARK I’m in that beautiful red car - BRAD I know, the car you apparently bought. MARK I just saw myself crash into a pickup truck. (beat) I think I die. BRAD (joking) I guess you should have turned left onto Clancy Street. MARK (hitting Brad on the arm) I’m serious, man. I just saw my death. BRAD That can’t be. Let me try. Brad pays the two dollars, takes a sip of his coffee, and spins the mosaic. BRAD (Excited) I see myself at my wedding! MARK Who’s the girl? BRAD Everyone is waiting. (Beat) Now people are leaving the chapel. Brad steps back from staring at the mosaic. She doesn’t show up to the wedding. JULIE Listen, fellas. This is just a cheap parlor trick. There is no way this can show anyone’s future. I think you guys have a very active imagination. The last couple to enter the stage approach the coffee bar. CHARLES What’s this about? SALLY It’s just a silly game we got here. GLORIA Let me try it. MARK (To Gloria) Here, drink this. He hands her his drink. GLORIA I don’t drink coffee. BRAD You’re in a coffee shop, you know. GLORIA I know, I just drink tea. CHARLES I drink coffee. He takes a sip of Mark’s coffee. CHARLES Ugh, what is this? MARK House blend. Charles takes another sip. CHARLES Not bad. What do I do now? JULIE Pay two dollars, and give this thing a spin. Charles does. MARK What do you see? CHARLES (looking at Mark) I see you. MARK No, in the thing. Mark points to the mosaic. CHARLES Wow! Gloria, you have to see this! Gloria leans in. GLORIA I don’t see anything. What do you see? CHARLES I see it. I see our completed invention. Gloria, we are so close! GLORIA Let me try. Gloria pays the two dollars, and takes a big gulp of Mark’s coffee. MARK Hey! Gloria spins the mosaic. CHARLES What do you see, Gloria? GLORIA My wedding day, and everyone is there! CHARLES How does Anthony look? GLORIA (pause) I’m not marrying Anthony, Charles. (Beat) It’s you. Gloria, terrified of this, turns to leave the stage. I better go. I’ll call you later. As she is about to exit, Gloria turns back and gives Charles a kiss on the cheek. She then exits stage right. As she leaves, Brian walks in. He rushes up to Sally. BRIAN Excuse me, have you seen a girl [describes the actress playing Cindy]. SALLY Yeah. She’s right over there. Brian rushes over to Cindy. BRIAN Cindy? CINDY Brian! What are you doing here? BRIAN Cindy, I have come to realize that I acted like a jerk. I need you back. Will you please forgive me? At this point, everyone is watching this event unfold. Sally and Julie are shocked. Cindy runs into Brian’s arms and they embrace. They turn to leave together. As they are about to exit stage right, Cindy turns. CINDY Thank you. Julie and Sally share a shocked look as each person from the tables head to the mosaic. JULIE Sally, you know that bad thing I was telling you about? SALLY What about it? JULIE It’s about to happen. The costumers all start taking tremendous gulps of coffee, through dollars at Sally and Julie, and spin. It seems if everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of the future. There is yelling and shouting and pushing. In a moment of confusion, the mosaic drops and shatters into a several pieces. Everyone freezes. Sally is trying to hold back tears. The mob quickly points fingers and accuses each other. One by one, they come to their senses, and remember their manners. CHARLES I’m sorry, was that valuable? Sally nods her head. CHARLES Let me pay for that, and for any other damage I may have caused. MARK I would like to pay for that as well. I’m sorry. Others chime in. People start pulling out checks and cash. Julie’s eyes start to widen as she sees the amount of money pouring in. People start to exit. After all have left, Julie finishes the counting of the money. JULIE We did it, Sal! We got enough money to pay for at least three month’s rent! We don’t have to close! SALLY (faking excitement) That’s great. That is just great. JULIE What’s wrong? Sally doesn’t respond, but instead starts to pick up the pieces of the mosaic. JULIE Can I help? SALLY No, I got this. Why don’t you take your break. JULIE I’m sorry, Sally. I should have told you. Julie places the money in the drawer. SALLY You’re right. If I knew it would break, I wouldn’t let those people touch it. And we’d have to close the coffee shop. JULIE I am sorry that you never got a chance to use it. SALLY That’s OK. What kind of life would I lead without a few happy surprises? JULIE Just out of curiosity, what would you want to know? SALLY (Pause) I would want to know what my husband would look like. JULIE Yeah? What would you hoped he look like? SALLY [Describes the characteristics of the actor playing Zack]. But, you know, Jules. It’s not my place to know. (Pointing up.) I rather leave it in more capable hands. JULIE (Pause) I’m still sorry you didn’t get the chance. SALLY (Pause) Go take your break. I got this. JULIE You sure? SALLY Yeah. Julie exits stage left. Sally picks up the pieces and places them on a dish. She arranges the pieces, putting the mosaic back together. She places the plate on a turn table, and slowly lets it spin. She places the turn table on a table and sits down. She sits for a moment thinking. She gets up, gets a cup of coffee, and is about to add a spoonful of spice. She stops midway through and places it back. She takes the mosaic and places it in the trash. As she heads back to the counter, the bell announces the arrival of a customer. SALLY What can I get you? ZACH Hi. How are you? SALLY Fine. And you? ZACH Better now. SALLY Great. What can I get you? ZACH What’s your favorite here? SALLY I’m a fan of the mocha. ZACH I’ll have that. SALLY Coming right up. That’ll be $3.50. Zach pulls out his wallet and pays. He then heads over to a table to sit down. Sally finishes the drink, and looks over to Zach, who is unaware that she is watching. Sally looks up. SALLY Thank you. Sally brings the drink over and places it on the table. ZACH Thanks. Zach takes a sip of his drink. Hmm. That’s a good mocha. Did you add some special ingredient for it to taste so good? SALLY Nope. Just made with love. ZACH Well, that certainly tastes good. SALLY I’m glad you like it. ZACH (Pause) Hi, I’m Zack. SALLY I’m Sally. ZACH Would you like to sit down? I would love the company. SALLY So would I. Zach takes another sip of his mocha. ZACH You’re not waiting for anyone, are you? SALLY Not anymore. Julie enters once more, and catches sight of Sally sitting with Zach. Julie smiles. The bell rings announcing the arrival of another character. JULIE Hi. Welcome to The Grind. KRISTIN Thanks. (Pause – unsure how to continue) Hey, is this the place where I can see my future? JULIE (Catching a glance over to Zack and Sally, who do not notice her looking.) Not anymore, but I can get you a cup of the greatest coffee in town. KRISTIN Shoot. I was hoping I would get a chance. JULIE If I knew you were coming, I would have saved it for you. KRISTIN (Chuckles) Right. Well I guess I will have a regular house blend. JULIE That’ll be $2.50. Kristin hand the money over. Just out of curiosity, what would you want to know about your future? KRISTIN I don’t know. Receives coffee. Thanks. I guess I would just want to know. JULIE (Looking to Sally) Yeah, but I guess then we wouldn’t get to enjoy life’s happy accidents. KRISTIN I guess you’re right. Maybe life wouldn’t be as fun with knowing how it would turn out. But then again – JULIE Take it from her, sis (pointing to Sally) Everything works out in the end somehow. Everything works out in the end. Julie starts to clean up the coffee bar, while Kristin sips her coffee. Sally and Zack are still conversing at a near by table when the lights begin to fade out. |