Den Rock Country Club

The whole show takes place in various locations of Den Rock Country Club, Cape Cod, MA. We are in the waiter station. The waiter station is basically a large walk-in closet, on the right there is a station with a computer monitor and a keyboard. Above this there are shelves. To the left is the cable box (large and old) wires and remotes. Next to that are more shelves with small table signs. In the back (visible) on the right there is a rack filled with different size tablecloths; these

are supposed to be organized, there are labels, and should get messier as the play goes on. Next to that are more shelves, there are unfolded napkins and a box with the folded napkins. There is one chair that hides behind the right wall and in front of the tablecloth rack. The room is varying shades of brown, dull. It feels cramped because of the poor organization.

ANDIE and DREW are always in varying forms of their uniforms. The shirt is a light blue, with the DEN ROCK logo. They each have a name tag. They should wear black pants, ANDIE wears an apron around her waist, DREW doesn’t usually wear his.

*Content warning: talking about sexual assault*

They shouldn’t be afraid to cut each other off.

Get creative while indicating the names of the scenes

SCENE 1: May, Memorial Day Weekend

ANDIE, 19, has been having a rough first day, she enters the waiter station area. She looks

around to make sure no one can see her. She leans up against the left wall, pulling her phone out

of her apron. She’s engrossed by it. She doesn’t know DREW is sitting on the chair that is hidden

away. DREW jumps out and scares her.

DREW: Boo!

ANDIE: Ah! Oh my god, uh I’m sorry, I was just looking—

DREW: (Laughing.) Oh shit, sorry, I thought you were Daniel. You're the new girl right?

ANDIE: That’s me. I’m Andie.

DREW extends his hand, almost bowing. They shake hands. They smile at each other.

DREW: Drew. Man you should have seen the look on your face!

ANDIE: I thought you were gonna bust me for my phone. Chris is just very picky, lots of rules. Lots of

rules about cups and how we angle them, he was very picky about that.

Beat.

You hide back there a lot?

DREW: Oh!

He pulls out the chair from its hiding spot.

Yeah, the best place to be, no one one can see you. But yeah, Chris is such a buzz kill. Two weeks ago, I think it was like my second shift and he was all like up in my business about how I was 10 minutes late.

He leans back to the hiding spot, pulling out a small paper basket of fries.

Fry?

ANDIE: I’m good thanks.

Beat.

Two weeks, huh? Between him and the kitchen I think I’m going to seriously lose my shit. I messed up so many orders tonight they probably hate me. When I was getting the dessert, I burned my hand on the ice cream scoop, cause I was trying to heat it up-- and I saw a few of the cooks looking all judgy and they were speaking in Spanish but I definitely heard them say my name.

ANDIE’S phone buzzes, she checks in, rolls her eyes, puts it away. Leans back on the wall.

DREW: Don’t take it personally, the guys in the kitchen are pretty chill.

ANDIE: This shift has been going on for like a million years. If it wasn’t the impending doom of my student loans I would be literally anywhere else.

DREW: That bites. If it was up to me I would be road tripping with my friends, but my mom wouldn’t get

off my back, “get a job you mooch!” My dad thought this place would be good for networking

ya know, lots of Villanova alums are members here.

ANDIE: Right...cool...

DREW: So, I’ve been talking to Mr. Blander, have you met him, older, wears suspenders? He always

orders the scallops? Well, if he is ever in your section, could we trade, I’m trying to win him

over.

ANDIE: Sure.

ANDIE’S phone buzzes again, she looks at it, more annoyed than before.

(To herself ) Oh my god.

DREW: I’ve seen that look. Relationship problems?

ANDIE: Huh? Oh, no, it’s just my mom. She’s newly single though if you’re looking.

DREW: Oh, I uh...

ANDIE: It’s fine.

Beat.

Why are old rich people so obsessed with martinis? I end up spilling 75% of the drink on my tray anyway. I mean we’re on the cape, shouldn't they all be drinking cape coders or something? Is it bad I’m already thinking about quitting?

DREW: Well, you know, the first day is always the hardest. Maybe you could score some workers comp with that ice cream scoop burn? And there is actually a trick to not spilling martinis, ancient secret, let me show you.

DREW takes a stray tray from one of the shelves out, grabs a wine glass.

Okay, wrong glass, but you just move it to the edge of the tray, and put your thumb on it, like this. Keeps it balanced.

ANDIE: Hot tip.

DREW: (Popping his collar up, not taking himself seriously) Stick with me kid, you’re gonna be a star!

Lights out.

SCENE 2: Mid- June

ANDIE and DREW are in the waiter station, it's a slow day, they are mid-gossip session. They

are sharing a bag of skittles, passing it back and forth.

ANDIE: No, I’m serious, it was wild! I wish you had been here. Everyone was so pissed at him!

DREW: I mean I would be pissed too!--

ANDIE: I know!--

DREW: This is the World Cup!--

ANDIE: At least they got their money back, I think.

DREW: Well, I was talking to Sarah who heard from Lucas, who found out from Daniel, you know the busboy not the waiter. Well apparently Vicky--

ANDIE: Ugh what did she do this time?--

DREW: Is like almost 30??

ANDIE: You’re kidding!

DREW: No really! I thought she was like maybe 21? What a weirdo, she’s always stealing the guys trays’ it is so annoying.

ANDIE: Maybe she has a crush on you. Maybe you’ll get married! We can even do the wedding here!

DREW: Very funny. He throws a skittle at her.

ANDIE: Oh! Oh my god, I can’t believe I almost forgot to tell you, Maddie and Lucas—

DREW: Let me guess--

ANDIE: Totally fucking! I thought Maddie had a boyfriend but I guess they have been hooking up since like last summer. I saw them leaving the staff bathroom together the other day. Imagine doing that at work.

DREW: (matter of fact, not really thinking before speaking) Well, on slow days like this one I guess it’s not crazy to-

ANDIE makes a face at this, DREW gets embarrassed.

You’re one to talk! I heard Joe and Mateo in the kitchen before talking about you and Eddy! Way to—

ANDIE: (A little excited) Wait, what? Me and Eddy what? Hold on I think someone is coming. Quickly they each grab some napkins and start folding them, after a moment they check, the coast is clear. Okay, what about me and Eddy?

DREW: You guys hooked up! Way to hold out on me, news of the summer!

(if they are still eating the skittles they should stop here.)

ANDIE: No, we didn’t? You’re kidding.

He is not kidding.

Beat.

He walked me to my car last night...what is he telling people?

DREW: Well.

Beat. He is uncomfortable.

He just said like, you know, you got to third base— don’t let it bother you.

ANDIE makes a face at this.

I mean he clearly can’t get any for real. I bet the guys in the kitchen don’t even believe him.

ANDIE: Work a party with someone one time! Are you shitting me? We didn’t even— ugh, what a douche.

DREW: Maybe you should talk to Chris?

ANDIE: Chris doesn’t care. He won’t do anything.

Beat.

Beat.

Beat.

Neither knows what to say.

DREW: One time in middle school someone spread this rumor about me, it was really embarrassing, but I ended up using it to win the student council election, and after that I was pretty popular- but that’s not the point. You could turn this around! Spin the story. Tell everyone he has a really misshapen pen—

ANDIE: Ugh, god, please don’t even make me picture that.

Beat.

What was the rumor?

DREW: They said I still wore diapers, which I totally didn’t but my slogan was like, “School stinks, but Drew doesn’t! A vote for him is a vote for more recess.” Which you know, in hindsight that’s probably why I won.

ANDIE: Wow. If they could see you now.

DREW: I’m sorry, Andie.

ANDIE: It’s ok. I mean it’s not, but thanks.

Whatever, its just a stupid rumor, and Eddy is a total meathead.

DREW: I know what will cheer you up. Let’s steal a golf cart! The cape is especially beautiful this afternoon and I give world class tours.

ANDIE: Chris will be so mad if he finds out.

DREW: Screw Chris.

ANDIE: Well...

DREW: It’s been dead all morning.

ANDIE: I don’t know.

DREW: Come on, no one would even notice we were gone. Picture it now.

(He puts one arm around her shoulder and the other motions ahead of them.)

The open road, the wind on your face, the sea is calling you.

ANDIE: You’re such a nerd. Let’s go.

The two leave quickly smiling.

Lights out.

SCENE 3: July 4th Weekend

ANDIE is sitting on the waiter station floor alone. Her hair is in a messy ponytail, her shirt is ruffled, and her apron is askew. She clearly is upset. 4th of July decorations stacked up, unorganized above her. Next to her is a box of unfolded red white and blue napkins.

DREW enters.

DREW: Yo!

ANDIE straightens up.

I scored us a muffin! Chocolate chip... what are you doing?

ANDIE: Nothing.

DREW: Are you okay? Did Chris yell at you about the table settings again, because I told him, I mean everyone thought they were fine.

ANDIE: No, it’s nothing and I don’t want to talk about it.

DREW: He joins her on the floor. Is it nothing, or do you not want to talk about it?

Beat.

So you want to split the muffin or?

ANDIE: I’m not really in the mood to eat.

DREW: Okay something is wrong. Is there an alien in there? What have you done with Andie! I demand answers!

ANDIE: How’d it go with Blander?

DREW: Great! I’m all set for the internship in the fall.

Beat.

I cannot not eat this muffin.

ANDIE: That’s a double negative. But that’s really great, I’m glad. You’re gonna be great, remember me when you’re famous.

DREW: Would you just split it with me?

He breaks the muffin in half, gives her muffin top.

What’s up?

ANDIE: I didn't realize how many loans I had until like a month ago. My mom made it seem like they were hardly anything. She’s constantly freaking out about money, and I’m busting my ass off but I have to deal with Chris with the stupid settings, the decorations look fine! And now Eddy is—never mind.

DREW: Is Eddy saying shit again? Don’t let him bother you. I will seriously beat him up, I could probably get some of the busboys to help.

ANDIE: Eddy is whatever.

She shifts.

Never mind, thanks for the muffin. We need to fold these.

She gets up and takes the box of red, white, and blue napkins to a table outside the waiter station. She sits at the table. And starts folding the napkins intricately, DREW joins her, bringing the muffin, sitting next to her. He starts folding the napkin, but it looks wrong.

DREW: How are you so good at this?

ANDIE: Well, I’m not very good at actually waiting tables so. Besides, you should see the ones that Mariemakes, I mean she’s only been here for like 20 years but.

DREW tries again.

Okay, see you should fold it up not down.

DREW tries to mimic her but fails.

You are hopeless, who put you on napkin duty? Here.

She moves closer to him, they are shoulder to shoulder, she takes his napkin, they can do the whole hand accidentally touching hands thing, but this should not be a big moment, they should not jump back from it, just notice it and keep going.

You just need to make the creases more defined. See? Done.

DREW: Thanks.

They look at each other, their faces are very close.

ANDIE looks away first.

ANDIE: I hope they don’t make you fold napkins in Pennsylvania.

Beat.

I’m bored. Wanna play a round of “anywhere but here?”

They stop folding the napkins.

DREW: Hmmm, I think today, I would rather be on an island, having a party, eating burgers, and what? Who’s that? The Rock?? I didn’t think he’d make it!

ADNIE: You always pick that.

DREW: If it ain't broke, dont fix it.

He should at some point push the muffin to her.

ANDIE: I think I would rather be in...Hawaii? Yeah, hanging out on the beach, drinking a pina colada. God, it sucks we have to work tomorrow. I feel like the barbecue my family has on the 4th used to be the one time everyone got along.

DREW: But at least they are letting us watch the fireworks.

Beat.

You’re gonna stay for that, right?

ANDIE: Yeah.

DREW: So, family barbecue? That sounds fun.

ANDIE: Yeah, I guess. It’s probably going to be a huge mess this year with my parents. They are better though, I guess my mom forgave him for the gambling. Again. I can’t really keep track.

DREW: Family drama sucks. One time my mom got so mad at my dad for inviting his pregnant secretary to our mother’s day barbecue. It was very awkward. Huge misunderstanding.

ANDIE: Oooh, yikes.

DREW: Yeah.

Beat.

Also just for the record, I think your settings look amazing.

ANDIE: Thanks.

Beat.

Wait, wait who am I: (she starts doing an impression of their boss Chris, talking in a ‘older man voice’ it’s not great.) Andie, how ya doing today, honey! It’s a hot one, hey now, where’s that smile! Breaks over!

DREW: Wow, Chris is-is that you? Are you stuck inside a 20 year old girl's body! Blink if you can hear me!

ANDIE: Throwing pieces of muffin at him. Like you could do better.

She starts folding a napkin again.

Beat.

DREW:

Do you wanna get ice cream after work? Not here, somewhere else. Maybe the pier?

ANDIE: Sure, it’s a date.

(Oh snap! She said date!)

DREW: Andie?

ANDIE: Hm?

She looks at him. They look at each other.

DREW kisses her, she is taken a little bit by surprise but kisses him back. It’s gentle, nice. They break away from each other. They are both happy. ANDIE checks to make sure no one saw.

Beat.

So, 7?

DREW: Yeah, 7.

Lights out.

SCENE 4: Mid-July

The two are setting tables for a wedding, just think standard white decorations/nice flowers. There are a few tables and chairs, the waiter station is completely out of view. DREW is pouring water at one table, ANDIE is putting down forks and knives very meticulously. Two have been hanging out more since they kissed.

DREW: Come on that would be so cool though.

ANDIE: A dinosaur themed wedding? Are you 5?

DREW: The hashtag could be “A prehistoric love!” Or like I don’t know something like that.

ANDIE: All I want at my wedding is an open bar that someone else pays for, and good music.

DREW: That's so boring! Best day of your life and there isn’t going to be a theme!

ANDIE: It’s a wedding, not a middle school dance.

Beat.

Also the hashtag should obviously be, “love bigger than an asteroid.”

DREW: What! That’s awful.

ANDIE: (Jokingly points a fork at him) like you could do better!

DREW: Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, Blander was talking to his friends at Villanova and I might not even need to intern, I might get an actual position which would be insane!

ANDIE: That’s awesome! Congrats.

DREW: Are you still interviewing for that tutoring position?

ANDIE: Yeah it’s not til next week though. But Chris said that they could use me for weekends and stuff so I don’t know maybe I could do both?

DREW: Have you ever heard of having a life?

ANDIE: I need the money.

Beat.

DREW: Well, if you ever take a break, I was thinking. This weekend, you and me, WaterWorld!

ANDIE: Yeah! I mean, I have to see if I have enough money but—

DREW: No, no I would pay.

ANDIE: You don’t have to do that.

DREW: Would you stop being so stubborn? You shouldn’t be the only one looking out for you.

ANDIE: What’s that supposed to mean?

DREW: I know your mom is having a hard time, and I was talking to my parents, and they said they could help out, pull some strings.

ANDIE: What?

DREW: I told them your mom is having a hard time with money, I know you have a lot of loans... and you know and the stuff with your Dad gambling, they—

ANDIE: She stops what she is doing.

You told them what, exactly? I wish you had maybe like, talked to me about this first?

DREW: It’s okay, my parents are all over it, I think they are going to talk to your mom soon.

ANDIE: Okay, sure, but this is my family, my finances you’re telling to people I’ve never even met?

DREW: They don’t think any less of you! They want to help, this is a good thing. No need to be embarrassed.

ANDIE: Okay, but it is embarrassing.

DREW: Come on, it’s nothing, really.

ANDIE: You’re not listening.

Beat.

You get to walk around here, and do whatever you want. You show up late and goof off, no one cares, your one of the guys! I mess up a table setting and my head gets chewed off. You don’t even have to be here! You could have spent your summer at the country club your family is on the board of governors for. Okay, you’re here as a blip. I’m stuck here.

DREW: You wouldn't be stuck anywhere, if you just let me help--

ANDIE: I can take care of myself.

DREW: You’re smarter than this, this could make things way easier for you.

ANDIE: Sorry, I guess I’m not used to having everything handed to me.

DREW: That's not fair, I work hard too. You know at least I’m not going to keep working somewhere I hate! I’m working towards something bigger, something important— all you do is work and be sad about shit without changing anything—

ANDIE: God, you sound like Chris, “where’s that smile Andie?”

You know you don’t know shit—

DREW: Actually, I think I—

ANDIE: I don’t think you thought at all.

DREW: That’s not fair.

ANDIE: Life’s not fair.

DREW: Whatever.

ANDIE: Yeah, whatever.

DREW: Fine!

ANDIE: Fine!

There is a silence, feel out what is right.

We’re out of forks.

ANDIE exits.

Lights out.

SCENE 5: End of July

In the waiter station, ANDIE’S shift has just ended. She is getting her things together. As she leaves she runs into DREW who is coming in for his shift. They haven’t spoken since the fight, its not tense with anger, but it’s tense with awkward.

DREW enters.

DREW: Hey.

ANDIE: Looking for something in her bag.

Hi.

She looks up and sees it’s DREW.

Bye.

She starts to leave.

DREW: Are you not staying for the buffet?

ANDIE: What?

DREW: I saw on the schedule, you were on for the buffet tonight.

ANDIE: Switched with Maddie.

She starts leaving again.

DREW: Oh bummer. So how are--

ANDIE: Her phone buzzes.

Sorry, I gotta go.

ANDIE exits.

Lights out.

SCENE 6: Early August

ANDIE is back in the waiter station. She is sitting in the chair that was originally in the hideaway. Her shirt is untucked and apron messily draped on the counter next to her. Her hair is unkempt like she was just in a fight. She is crying softly.

DREW: Enters slowly, unsure. He sees ANDIE, he is confused. Andie?

ANDIE: She stops crying but is still clearly in distress.

Oh. I thought I was the only one here. I thought you left.

DREW: I did—I left my— what’s wrong?

ANDIE: Don’t worry about it.

DREW: Come on—

ANDIE: Eddy.

DREW: (Angry, but not at her) What did he do? Are you okay?

ANDIE:

Beat.

We were closing the bar together. I was wiping down the tables.

Beat.

We were just talking, and then he started making himself a drink, I told him he shouldn’t because they keep inventory. He told me he was friends with everyone so it didn’t matter. Things got weird and he just starts, just like all up in my face, and he was saying I only got tips because everyone wanted to fuck me. He got all touchy and told me if I wanted, he has a special room here? He grabbed me and kissed me, okay that’s it. You can go now.

DREW: Visibly upset, should not pull focus. He kneels next to her. He doesn’t know what to say. There is a silence, feel it out, let it sink in.

Oh my god, Andie... I don’t know what to say.

ANDIE: That’s ok.

DREW: No! It’s not ok, this isn’t okay. I’m going to beat the shit out of him.

ANDIE: No, Drew, please just... just leave it.

DREW: Are you going to call the police or something? Did anyone see it?

ANDIE: I don’t know.

DREW: What a piece of shit.

Beat.

ANDIE: It was happening all summer.

DREW: What?

ANDIE: Not like this. Just flirty at first, I don’t know, I didn’t even think of it. He was a little too touchy, whatever, right? He was like that with all the girls. But then he was saying things about me. Like I wouldn’t hear about it? Or I would be into it? You hear all this, “Be nice, why don’t you smile, I bet you like it, it’s not personal, don’t let it bother you,” bullshit. Where’d that get me?

Beat.

It’s bullshit.

Bullshit.

DREW: I didn’t realize.

ANDIE: Yeah.

Beat.

DREW: Can I do anything? Are you going to report it?

ANDIE: (Not sure what he can do, not sure of what she wants to do.) I don’t know.

DREW starts to say something but stops.

Beat.

ANDIE: She’s really thinking. Report it, pretend it never happened. She lands on report it. Stands up. There is a new found determination.

Drive me.

Lights out.

SCENE 7: End of August, Closing of the Summer Celebration

DREW is outside, the waiter station can’t be seen. He is standing behind a wooden railing

looking out into the audience.. In the distance you can hear the ocean. At his feet lining the fence

are little lanterns with candles in them. The feeling of claustrophobia has melted away, there is a

freedom about it.

ANDIE enters, wearing street clothes, holding an evenople.

ANDIE: Hey.

DREW: (a little surprised) Hi. What are you doing here?

ANDIE: Well, I had to pick up my check.

DREW: So it’s official?

ANDIE: Yup, no longer a valued Den Rock Country Club team member.

DREW: How does it feel?

ANDIE: Pretty good. Freeing.

Beat.

DREW: How are you?

ANDIE: I’m better. Coming back is weird, got some looks in the kitchen.

Beat.

You probably heard, but Eddy got fired. I wasn’t the only person he, you know. Chris didn’t really have a choice. The board of governors is upset, damaging Den Rock’s rep or whatever.

DREW: Andie, I’m so sorry.

ANDIE: It’s okay. I’m doing okay. I started seeing someone at the community center, talking through my shit.

DREW: That’s good.

Beat.

And, hey, I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you first before going to my parents about money. It wasn’t cool.

ANDIE: It wasn’t. I know you just wanted to help.

DREW: I just don’t want you to feel like you know--

ANDIE: It’s ok, really. And I’m sorry for calling you entitled.

DREW: You didn’t say that.

ANDIE: Yeah but I was thinking it. I don’t like not talking to you.

Beat

DREW: I’m happy to see you.

ANDIE: Me too.

They look at eachother.

DREW: (Clears his throat, looking away.) Well, you’re just in time for the Closing of the Summer Ceremony.

He kicks at one of the small lanterns.

This is like Valentine's Day made up events.

ANDIE: (About the lanterns) I think they’re cute.

DREW: I mean yeah. But come on “closing the summer” it's just an excuse to get drunk.

ANDIE: I’ll take that excuse. I’m kinda sad the summer is over. I mean parts of it sucked. But, I don't know it was mostly fun.

DREW: Does “mostly” include me?

ANDIE: (She pretends to think about it.) Yeah.

DREW: So, what now?

ANDIE: Well, I did quit. Being unemployed has really opened up my schedule.

DREW: My shift is basically over...

ANDIE: Let’s go.

The two look at each other. ANDIE extends her hand out to DREW. They hold hands. It’s sweet.

They exit.

The lights go out but you can still see the lanterns glowing.

End of play.

Written Spring 2020

Art Credit: Helene Graham