(Feet on desk; phone receiver under chin- aren’t we cool)

(Inhale smoke) “You know how I always say, “look on the brighter side?” (Exhale smoke)

(p a u s e) “No, I don’t mean like marry me” (scoffs)

(Swings feet off desk; suddenly stubs out unfinished cigarette under shoe, burns hole in carpet, smoke swirl rises)

(p a u s e) “But would you? You know, marry me?” (Stare at toes)

(Swings feet back up onto desk, takes out new cigarette from pack in breast pocket)

(Lights cigarette) “You’re right. That wouldn’t be the brighter side.” (Exhale smoke)