East Side, West Side Page #7

Since I was 12 years old.

Look, Rosa, I'm an old, beat-up guy.

- You're 21. You see, I've...

- Wait. I'll say it for you.

I had a crush on you when I was a kid.

When you went away, I built it up.

But no matter how you slice it,

it was just a kid's crush. Right?

Don't you think so, too?

Well, I have to, don't I?

I don't know much,

but I do know one thing,

you can't make anyone feel

what they don't feel.

Oh, I could get smarter, prettier,

learn to play a bugle standing

on my head, and it wouldn't help.

If you don't love me, you don't.

That's all there is to it.

Rosa, honestly, did you...

Did you really think

that you were in love with me?

I wasn't sure.

I was hoping

I'd have the chance to find out.

But I'm not going to, am I?

It's Jessie, isn't it?

Yes, it's...

It's Jessie.

But even if it wasn't, I'd still have to

straighten this thing out with you.

All right. It's all straightened.

Stop looking as if you're at a wake.

There must be a million guys in New York

as good-looking as you,

richer, and better dispositions,

and suits that fit.

Why, it shouldn't take me

more than an hour

to meet a couple of dozen of them.

And when I do...

Look at little dirty-face talking big,

will you?

- Rosa.

- Talking, huh?

- Mark Dwyer, Jock Ardley.

- How are you?

- May I join you?

- Well...

If you don't mind waiting

for about three minutes.

We have a little unfinished business.

Well, if it's business you're gonna finish,

I'm willing.

I'll be at the bar.

Well, I'm in business. How about you?

Oh, I was out of business before I started.

Home-wrecking isn't exactly my beat,

you know.

Oh, look.

Big of you to spare me a little time.

You sure that Lorrison dame won't mind?

Felice, do you want a drink,

or do you want to make a scene?

I don't care which, I'd just like to know.

- Who's that?

- That's Alec Dawning,

the guy who socked Brandon

at Del Rio the other night.

For any particular reason?

Oh, something about that Lorrison dame.

He goes around with her, too.

Is that the Amazon with him?

No. I don't know who that is.

- She sure is a big one.

- Look, I gotta run.

Jessie.

Now, what are you gonna say to her?

"Goodbye. It's been very nice.

"And if you need any dragons killed,

just let me know."

Roughly.

Mark, you said home-wrecking

wasn't your beat.

Well, if Brandon keeps fooling around

with people like Isabel,

soon maybe there won't be

a home to wreck.

Well, for Jessie's sake, I'm trying to hope

that he won't keep fooling around.

- Think I'm a stuffed shirt?

- Yeah,

but I like what the shirt's stuffed with.

On your way out, send in the second team.

Warm up, partner.

Well, Rosa, what will it be?

Josephine. Josephine.

Yes, Mrs. Bourne.

If Mr. Bourne calls before you leave,

tell him we're all packed,

and that I've gone for a drive

with Mr. Dwyer.

- I'll be back before 6:00.

- Yes, Mrs. Bourne.

I hope you have

a very nice time in Virginia.

Thank you.

I'll take it. It's probably Mr. Dwyer.

Hello?

I beg your pardon?

Yes, this is Mrs. Bourne.

Yes, Miss Lorrison.

I know who you are.

But I can't imagine what possible reason

you could have for calling me.

Of course, you realize that's ridiculous.

There's no point in giving me

your telephone number or your address.

Very well, if you insist.

Please don't waste your time staying in,

I have no intention of seeing you.

Fred, this is Mrs. Bourne.

Would you get me a taxi, please?

I'll be right down.

Thank you.

Fred, if a Mr. Dwyer arrives

before I get back, please ask him to wait.

- I won't be long.

- Yes ma'am.

Hey, Jess.

Mark, I've just left a message for you.

- What did it say, April fool?

- No, that I'd be back soon.

I have to visit a friend of mine.

She's been ill.

Well, where does she live?

- 60, Washington Square.

- Oh, I'll drive you there.

- Take care of the cabbie.

- Sure.

Liberated it from an old friend.

So, everything is all straightened out

and you're going away, huh?

What? Oh, yes. Everything is fine.

Is this the way you usually look

when everything is fine?

I want to talk to you, Mark.

Rosa just made a speech for me.

Suppose I make one for you.

You were having

a little difficulty yesterday,

which might have made me think

that your marriage was shaky.

But you love your husband,

and the crisis is over,

therefore, any further talk

of my love for you,

which you hope

that I didn't mean seriously,

must naturally stop

at this moment, right?

Just about.

I like you, Mark, I hope we'll be friends.

I don't want you to be unhappy,

that's why I hope you weren't speaking

seriously last night.

No, don't worry, Jess.

I'm not 19. I've heard a rumor that

people don't always get what they want,

and that happiness

isn't the natural state of man.

I would like to be sure

of one thing though,

that you're really all right.

I think I am.

Bran and I...

Well, we've had a problem

between us for a long time.

Last night,

he made a decision that should end it.

Will she let it end?

Yes, I know about it.

A great deal depends on Isabel Lorrison,

doesn't it?

I hope not.

What number Washington Square

did you say that was?

60. Am I taking you far out of your way?

No, my stop's in the Village,

same direction.

60, Washington Square.

Oh, I thought you'd change your mind.

Did you?

If I were in your place,

I think I'd be a little curious, too.

Want a drink?

- I have your husband's favorite brand.

- No, thank you.

All right, you're late,

and I am going to a cocktail party,

so I'll wind this up fast.

I'm back, and I'm going to stay back.

That is no longer a matter of concern

to my husband or myself.

Did you stand outside the door

rehearsing that?

No, it came easily, because it's true.

I'm not especially interested

in marrying Bran anymore.

Oh, you have other means of support?

Better means.

It would just be simpler

if you would let him go.

But if you don't,

I want to tell you what to expect.

This time it's going to be different.

This time he's not going to sneak

a few minutes with me

when he can get away from you.

This time, you'll see him

only when I don't want him.

Is that clear?

You're not difficult to follow.

Sorry I'm not more subtle,

but you must remember,

I haven't had your advantages.

When your mother was busy

being the great lady at the theater,

mine was in a burlesque show

on 14th Street.

And when your mother sent you

to Miss Cavanaugh's School

for nice young ladies,

I was slinging hash.

Oh, you learned how to pour tea properly,

and how to cross your legs

at the ankles only.

And the plain pumps make you a lady,

but putting bows on them

make you something else.

You learned how to make

a good marriage.

But like all your kind,

you think by marrying a man

you've done enough.

Well, there's one thing Miss Cavanaugh

forgot to teach you,

something I learned,

how to keep a man,

how to keep him wanting you.

My husband doesn't want you.

He's finished with you.

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