Act I, Scene I

The audience can hear people talking and approaching the house. Front door opens, and Marge enters the living room with Gordon following close behind. They both stop in the middle of the room, between an old TV and a 50s style sofa.

Gordon: Do you love him?

Marge: Well, that's a funny sort of thing to ask me, now, isn't it?

Gordon: You do, don't you?

Marge: Honestly, Gordon. I thought you knew me better than that.

Gordon: Then why? Why put yourself through this?

Marge: He's a nice boy. And he has...prospects.

Gordon: Oh, please Marge. You never cared about any of that.

Marge: A woman can't make a living on her own. Not here, anyway.

Gordon: Do you at least like him?

Marge: He's a perfectly likable boy.

Gordon: I asked if you liked him.

Marge: Well, yes. I suppose I do. He listens, you know? Really listens...most of the time. (Gordon looks like he's about to raise protest) Well, that's more than I can say for most people; you know it is. (Gordon sighs and nods, takes a seat on the couch. Looks to Marge.) Oh, Gordon. Don't look at me like that.

Gordon: And how am I looking at you, dear?

Marge: Like I'm...like I'm about to make some terrible mistake. Well you listen to me, mister. After five years of dating numerous screw-ups and unfit bachelors I finally found someone I can rely on.

Gordon: But do you love him?

Marge: Gordon...

Gordon: You don't, do you?

Marge: Love is a luxury I can't afford. If I waited around for it, I'd die without a penny to my name.

Gordon: Marge.

Marge: Gordon, I am nearly twenty-five years old. If I don't do this now... (trails off)

Gordon shakes his head.

Marge: Well, what would you have me do?

Gordon: I don't know. But, suppose you do...go through with this, and then one year from now you find another perfectly likable guy, with prospects, that you do fall in love with. What then?

Marge: What then? I stay married, then. That's what happens. (Sighs and takes a seat next to Gordon).

Gordon: But-

Marge: Gordon, love isn't all that goes into a marriage. And I doubt it's all that a person gets out of one.

Gordon: Funny that you should be saying that, when I'm the one who's married, here.

Marge: (sighs) Well then, set me straight Mr. Gordon Baker. Why's it so important, being in love? What, does it make you wake up every morning with a warm, fuzzy feeling in your gut?

Gordon: Oh ha, ha, Marge. (pause)

Marge: I'm waiting.

Gordon: Well...it makes for a strong relationship. The feeling, at first it's this sort of shock, that you could care about anyone else so much. And then you realize how happy they make you. You just...never want to leave them. Which I think is good, for a marriage.

Marge: I'll give you that. (Gordon nods. Long pause follows.)...It sounds special.

Gordon: Indeed. Haven't you ever felt it before?

Marge: ...Not once.

Gordon: You've never even come close?

Marge: Well, I wouldn't say that. (gets up to leave) I ought to be going, Gordon. Good night, dear. And...tell Mrs. Baker I said hello. (moves for the door)

Gordon: Sure thing, Marge. (door closes behind her). Sure thing.