Week 15, Day 102 - "Truckin'"

“Truckin’”
Written by Joe Janes
4/30/09
102 of 365

CAST
Debra, 40s
Sean, 40s

(Lights up on Sean and Debra riding in the cab of a semi-truck. Sean is driving.)

DEBRA

So, Sean…

SEAN

Yeah?

DEBRA

That little restaurant was nice.

SEAN

You mean that big restaurant was nice.

DEBRA

I did. I did. Who doesn’t enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet?

SEAN

And did you?

DEBRA

Get all I can eat? Yep. I believe I did.

SEAN

Thanks for meeting me there. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to meet you at the airport. They’re a little weird about me pulling up to the pick-up area in this thing.

DEBRA

You’re truck is huge.

SEAN

Thank you.

DEBRA

You drive this thing everywhere?

SEAN

Everywhere except the airport. And anywhere there’s an overpass with less than fifteen feet clearance.

DEBRA

Even to work?

SEAN

Everywhere.

DEBRA

I never dated anyone who had a truck, before.

SEAN

Good. That means I’m unique. Why don’t you walk on over here and sit closer?

DEBRA

Sit closer where?

SEAN (reaches back and pulls out a milk crate and sets it next to him)

Here you go. Sit right here. (She does.) Better, isn’t it?

DEBRA

I don’t feel as safe.

SEAN

You’re plenty safe. This is a big ass truck. Nothing safer. Um, hold on to my seatbelt.

DEBRA (she does)

I think I’d feel-

SEAN

Here. Let me pull over. (He does. We hear air brakes and gears shifting and grinding as he comes to a stop.) That better?

DEBRA

Yeah. That’s better. Thanks.

SEAN

Pretty night. You get a good view up this high.

DEBRA

Uh-hunh. Sean. Can I say something?

SEAN

Sure, Debra.

DEBRA

It’s nice to meet you in person after weeks on-line.

SEAN

Ditto.

DEBRA

You’re not exactly what I expected.

SEAN

Really? You’re exactly what I thought you’d be. Maybe prettier, though. (He winks.)

DEBRA

I thought you worked in the import industry.

SEAN

Oh, I see. Yes, I did. But I don’t anymore. I went into business for myself.

DEBRA

Recently?

SEAN

Just last week.

DEBRA

I see.

SEAN

I transitioned from buying and selling to distribution.

DEBRA

This truck isn’t just for fun, then.

SEAN

Oh, it is. It’s a helluva lot of fun. But, yeah, it’s also where I work. I’ve always wanted to drive a truck, so, hey, I’m following my dream. Seize the day! That sort of thing.

DEBRA

Well, that’s a good thing, I guess.

SEAN

Getting laid off helped me make the decision.

DEBRA

Hmm.

SEAN

Best thing that ever happened to me. Really, really. Took all my credit cards and bought this sweet rig.

DEBRA

How about we get out of your workplace go back to your home? Give me a tour of your house. Relax with some wine.

SEAN

Okay. (He stands, takes her hand, and takes a step back from the chairs.) Welcome to my humble abode.

DEBRA

You live in a truck.

SEAN

Oh, it’s made for it. That shelf pulls down into a bed. And, if you still want some wine, there’s some Thunderbird and paper cups in that cubbyhole.

DEBRA

I thought you owned a townhouse.

SEAN

Owned is right. The bank owns it now. And good riddance. Nothing but a pain with all those bills and room.

DEBRA

Sean. I’m not sure about this. At all. I think you’re in a time of transition. You need to work things out.

SEAN

I see. You’ve already made a decision about me.

DEBRA

I’m here. I came all the way from Ohio to be with you for the whole weekend. We may as well make the best of it. (Picks up a coffee can.) Hey, I’ll make some coffee. Is there a foldout kitchen I’m not seeing?

SEAN

That’s where I poop.

DEBRA

Ew.

SEAN

Don’t open the lid.

(Blackout)