The Interview

(Opening Scene: Man sitting and sifting at a file at his desk when there is a knock at the door…)

Secretary: Excuse me, Mr. Lomez? Your ten o’clock is here. Should I send her in to see you?
Lomez: Thank you Rosaline, send Miss Johnson in.
(In walks a fairly attractive young woman in her twenties)
Lomez: [in friendly voice] Ah! Come in. Please, Miss Johnson isn’t it? [Girl nods and Lomez stands to greet her. Both reach out to shake hands] Please have a seat. My name is Mathew Lomez and I will be conducting your interview here at Brant, McCarthy’s, and Schneider.
Johnson: Thank you. [Both take seats and Lomez begins to shuffle some papers on his desk]
Lomez: So, Miss Johnson, why do you want to work for Brant, McCarthy, and Schneider?
Johnson: [smiles] Well, ever since I can remember, I have always dreamed of becoming a lawyer. I want to work for your company because it can give me valuable experiences toward obtaining that dream someday.
Lomez: It says here [pointing to the file in his hand] that you attended Ball State University, and your major there was pre-law. Is that correct?
Johnson: Oh, yes. That is true. I was in the top ten percent of my graduating class as well.
Lomez: [glances down the file and nods] Yes, yes I see that. Very good, and now down to the brass tax. Exactly what are you looking for in our company, Miss Johnson?
Johnson: [smile fades to a frown] I don’t believe I fully understand the question, sir.
Lomez: [nonplussed] Er… What exactly do you see yourself doing for us at Brant, McCarthy, and Schneider?
Johnson: [frown grows longer] I feel a little uncomfortable about answering such a question.
Lomez: [stammered and surprised] Whah? Er… Well, yes, okay. Er… Well, how about this, what kind of experience do you have?
Johnson: Excuse me?! Mr. Lomez! I believe that kind of questioning is a little too personal for my liking. Let’s keep my sex life where it belongs—out of your business!
Lomez: I—urgh—No! Sex life? What? No, no, no, you have it all wrong! I just am trying to ask what else have you done that could qualify you for this job?
Johnson: You pig! Is this whole firm like you? Pigs… Why are you asking me these sorts of questions? Do you interview everyone in this manor or just women like me? You don’t think we’re cut out for this type of work [stands up and tears begin to well in her eyes], do you? My mamma warned me about fools like you in the work force—
Lomez: Miss Johnson! Please do sit down. I apologize if I said anything to offend you, but—
Johnson: Offend me?!
Lomez: Yes, I apologize if what I said offended you, I meant nothing lurid with my questions, but was merely trying to establish prior working experience to grade you upon where you would best serve our firm. I am sorry we have gotten off on the wrong foot, please do sit down, and maybe we can try and start from scratch. From now on I’ll try to keep my questioning very specific toward reaching our goal today, which is namely finding out whether you will have a future seat in one of our many fine offices. [Johnson appears to be settling and Lomez offers the seat again, this time with a sweeping hand gesture]. And if you just take your seat again, we can move along with the interview.
Johnson: More like an interigation if you ask me. [pauses] Well, alright then, but no more harassment.
(Hesitantly Johnson agrees to sit. As she sits, her body language is very stiff, but after a few seconds her appearance begins to soften and a sincere smile grows upon her face. Soon she is sitting as if nothing had transpired)
Lomez: [chirpily] Okay, okay, well, let’s see here… Miss Johnson—
Johnson: Call me Susan.
Lomez: Okay, Miss Susan—
Johnson: No, just Susan will be fine.
Lomez: Alright, Susan—
Johnson: May I call you Matthew?
Lomez: What? Oh, yes, yes you may. Susan, what—
Johnson: Thank you Matthew.
Lomez: [frustrated but attempts a feeble smile] Susan, what exactly can you give this firm?
Johnson: [slaps Lomez and stands up] Why, I never! Never in my life! You’re a sick, sick man Mr. Lomez. [mockingly] Matthew!
Lomez: But—but, Susan?
Johnson: Don’t call me that, pig! What’s wrong with you men? Women are more than play toys and housewives. Wake up to the twenty-first century Mr. Lomez. You can’t treat us this way any longer! We, I am not going to take this any longer. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from my lawyer! Pervert… pig!
(Johnson storms away and towards the door. She opens and slams the door as she walks out violently. Lomez just stares at the door in disbelief and shakes his head.)
Lomez: Sheeesh… Women! Hmmmph… weird gender…
(There is a knock on the door. The secretary pokes her head through the door)
Secretary: Mr. Daniels is here to see you sir.
Lomez: Thanks Rosaline. Send him in please.
(She opens the door wider for a gentleman dressed in a nice suit. He enters the room and the secretary closes the door behind her)
Daniels: Hey, Matt… lose another one, eh?
Lomez: [sighs] yeah, weird gender aren’t they?
Daniels: Yup. Well, don’t let it get you too down.
Lomez: I know. I won’t. I just don’t understand it. What am I saying wrong?
Daniels: I dunno… [grinning] Probably nothing at all. Perhaps it is just something in the water… But even so, I am sure you’ll get a temp for Margaret.
Lomez: Yeah, I suppose your right. [sighs] But I wish she didn’t have to leave.
Daniels: Me too. When’s the baby due?
Lomez: Sometime next week. [sighs again] I just didn’t realize how much I needed her expertise. I hope she comes back soon.
Daniels: Yeah, I know what you mean. [sighs himself] Nobody, I mean nobody, could give head quite like Margaret. [toothy grin towards Lomez]
Lomez: [smiling broadly himself] Yeah….

(fade out)

-sib-