Week 29, Day 203 - “Mandingo Rex"

“Mandingo Rex”
Written by Joe Janes
8/9/09
203 of 365

CAST
Steve, late 20s
Cherry, late 50s
Gigi, early 20s

(Circa late 1980s. Steve, dressed in his best double-breasted shiny gray suit with shoulder pads, skinny tie and pushed up sleeves, mullet and mustache, sits at his desk going over some papers. Cherry enters quickly and presses her body against the door. She wears a fedora and a trench coat. Steve notices her. She throws her hat and drops her trench coat revealing a red teddy and black stockings.)

CHERRY

Steven, don’t fight it. You have all these women throwing themselves at you, including that tramp secretary of yours, but you know it’s me you really want. It’s always been me, it always will be me. I’ve earned you.

STEVE

Mother…

CHERRY

I’ve booked us the Hydra Room at the El Ranchero Fantasy Motor Lodge. It’s ours from 4pm to 6pm.

STEVE

You haven’t seen me naked since I was in diapers.

CHERRY

I brought some of those, too.

STEVE

It’s not right. Please leave.

CHERRY

You came from my womb. Don’t you want to come back and visit?

STEVE

It’s not the Wisconsin Dells, Mother. Go. Before I call security.

CHERRY

This is the gratitude I get. I gave you the milk from my bosom.

STEVE

I know, I know…. (He opens up his briefcase and takes out a small bottle of milk.) And you can have it back. Please, stop leaving these in my mailbox.

CHERRY (taking bottle)

Fine. I’ll go. You know where to find me, if you change your mind.

STEVE

The Hydra Room.

CHERRY (putting coat back on, Steve hands her the hat)

Till 6pm. Tick-tock, tick-tock.

(She opens the door to leave. Gigi is there. They give each glaring looks as they pass.)

GIGI

Mr. Burke. You have several messages-

STEVE

Anything work related?

GIGI

No. All of them are from older women propositioning you. There’s also a bouquet of flowers in the lobby from the all the female residents at the Riverview Nursing Home. Along with an offer to share their prescription drugs with you. And one of the residents sent along this.

(Gigi unfolds a large pair of white granny panties. Steve sighs, takes them and puts them in his briefcase.)

GIGI (continuing)

Mr. Burke. You’re a very handsome man, if you don’t mind me saying so.

STEVE

Thank you, Gigi.

GIGI

Why are so many older women, including your own mother, so attracted to you?

STEVE

Why, Gigi? That answer is simple. Because I am attracted to them.

GIGI

Really? You find older women attractive? More attractive than young, nubile women, such as myself?

STEVE

Older women are like fine wine. As they age, they become more graceful, fuller-bodied. Their bouquet becomes sweeter, more exotic. Their lips full of confidence. Oh, sure, sometimes they get too dry and you end up spitting out pieces of cork. And sometimes they have sediment on the bottom, and when you buy them at a restaurant, they cost more, but that’s the price you pay.

GIGI

I wish I were old.

STEVE

Aw, Gigi. You’ll be old and slightly haggard some day.

GIGI

You’re just saying that.

STEVE

No, I mean it. One day, your breasts will start to sag, your hips and thighs will spread like chunky peanut butter. You’ll get those little knots of varicose veins in your legs, the kind that look like fireworks. Soon your spine curve like a question mark and people will think you’re looking for lost change. And you know what, Gigi? You’ll be the sexiest woman around.

(Gigi throws herself at his feet.)

GIGI

Oh, Steve! Take me as I am, now. I’ll get older. Sooner than you think. I’ll take up smoking and only order drinks that annoy the bartender. I’ll stay up late and sit too close to the TV. I’ll buy a dog. The small, yippy kind. I’ll complain more in restaurants and use a little card to figure out the tip. Just give me a chance.

STEVE (bringing Gigi to her feet)

Gigi. Please. Don’t put your eggs in this basket. There are men out there, good men, who like young women. You’ll find them if you go to the right bars. Now, dry off those tears and get back to your desk.

(Gigi puts herself together as Steve walks her to the door.)

GIGI

Thank you, Mr. Burke. You’re the best boss a gal ever had.

(She exits. Steve sits at his desk. His phone rings and he picks up.)

STEVE

Steven Burke… Yes, Mother, I know… Tick-tock, tick-tock…

(Blackout)