 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Setting: In the atrium of the Capwell mansion.
Characters: Mason and C.C.
Premise: It's early in the morning. C.C. had spent the night with Santana and now
he's home packing his briefcase for work. Mason comes through the front door
wearing yesterday's suit. He's carrying his coat in his hand and his vest is
unbuttoned. His eyes are unfocused, and he's unsteady on his feet.
Mason: Morning.
C.C.: Well, you look like you've been out all night. Celebrating
something?
festivities.
C.C.: (Chuckles as he appears to be in a good mood). Hold on to that, that's not until Friday.
Don't push another year on me.
Mason: Yeah, but this is going to be a birthday you'll never forget. We're going to salute a
man who has never failed.
C.C.: Well, that's not exactly true. I've had my share of failures.
Mason: None that I know of. (He starts to go upstairs but stops.) Oh, I almost forgot, the
President of Unified Oil was trying to reach you last night. He tried the office, the yacht, the
yacht club, couldn't find you anywhere. I couldn't help him because I didn't have any idea
where you were.
C.C.: Well, if it's important enough he'll find me.
Mason: Where did you disappear to last night?
C.C.: I kind of fell off the face of the Earth, I guess.
C.C.: No, I wasn't playing poker. I was relaxing.
Mason: Relaxing? Oh, that's nice.
C.C.: Yes. It was very nice.
Mason: Somehow I can't imagine you relaxing alone.
C.C.: No, I wasn't alone. I was with a very enjoyable person.
C.C.: Yes, that's correct.
Mason: Anyone I know?
C.C.: (Changing the subject and becoming very serious.) Mason. I've noticed that you've
been drinking a little too much lately.
Mason: (Astonished) Not true!
Mason: (Stunned) I beg your pardon?
C.C.: Ever since you dropped out of politics you've lacked direction.
You don't seem to know what you want out of life.
C.C.: Well, I should hope that you want to be a success in the business of law, get married,
raise a family.
Mason: (Sarcasms showing through) Do you have a bride picked out for me, yet? Have you
decided how many kids I should have? I know you were disappointed in me when I dropped
out of the D.A. race, dad, but I thought you would have another career waiting in the wings
for me. What is it? What do you want me to do? Tell me, dad, the suspense is killing me.
much, you talk too much.
Mason: Now that's absolutely true. (He points at his father.)
That is an astute observation.
Mason: I know, I bet you were with a woman last night.
C.C.: I have no reason to discuss my personal business with you.
Mason: Why shouldn't you be with a woman now and then, dad? Makes you more human like
the rest of us mere mortals. (Laughs,) I never really thought about it but I assume you have
'certain' needs.
C.C.: Mason! I think you better stop. I don't like you talking to me that way.
Mason: Looks like I struck a nerve. I guess this person you were with last night means a great
deal to you, especially since you're trying to keep her a secret. Tell me, dad, just how special
is she?
an intimidating fashion and speaks firmly.)
Son, you better go up, and sleep this off.
Mason: (Unfazed) Well considering how angry
my prodding has made you, I guess she's
pretty special. Tell me dad, could this be my
next stepmother?
