Maxine runs a Travel Agent brokers from home.
Scene opens with Maxine involved in a TELEPHONE CONVERSATION in her work office/spare bedroom.
Maxine:
No, no, it’s alright Mrs Worthington I have it here, hang on [shuffles papers on desk], yep here it is ‘Japan’ [holds travel brochure marked ‘Germany’]
It has a lovely… [Flicks through pages] …er, war museum.
[Pause as Mrs Worthington speaks, unheard]
I know you did Mrs Worthington, and lived to tell the tale, to everyone you meet. That probably wasn’t the best idea.
Personally I think Japan's best tourist attraction is… [ Flicks to a page showing two Germans in cycling shorts eating ice creams. Sounding desperate ] …the people.
Yes, uh hu, You'd like to meet who sorry? Chairman Mao? I think you’ll find he 's dead Mrs worthington, plus I think he was actually Chinese.
[Chuckles], I’m sure they say the same about us Mrs Worthington. [Changing subject quickly] Will Mr Worthington be going with you?
He’s not with you anymore, right. I’m very sorry, did he go peacefully?
[Listening] uh hu, yeah, really, out onto the street! Well good for you, he got what he deserved. That’s why a lot of them employ secretaries nowadays. It's not on, is it.
[Looks at wedding photo with oversized magazine cut out of Jose Mourinho's face blu tacked crudely over her ex-husband’s face]
Men can be such cheating ba- ...backstabbers.
I suppose it means more space around the house for you though hey [puts feet up on desk]. Anyway, how long were you thinking of going for Mrs Worthington?
OK. It is a very long way to go for a day-trip you know; it’s almost an 18 hour flight each way.
[A chubby young girl appears at the doorway to the office, trying to get Sara’s attention]
Yes, on a plane, that’s right.
[Turns to the girl in the doorway and rolls her eyes. Continues phone conversation]
No, no buses. Only planes.
How much will it cost? [Scrambles around on desktop through piles of disorganised papers, knocking most to the floor, out of reach.]
I’m afraid the system’s just crashed Mrs Worthington, can I call you back in ten. I just need to negotiate the best price for you with my colleague.
[Looks at girl in doorway]
Well that’s the kind of top class personal service you get from Stones. Don’t go anywhere Mrs Worthington. Ok. Bye for now.
[Hangs up phone, and swivels round on chair]
What is it Jenny? I’m pretty rushed here.
Jenny:
What’s for dinner?
Maxine:
I’m going out tonight so you’ll have to make yourself some fish fingers. Put them in the oven with some micro-chips.
Jenny:
Fish fingers. That’s not very healthy.
Maxine:
They've got 3 omegas in them now, and cod liver oil or something. It's brain food, so eat the whole box.
Jenny:
[pretends to smile] Where are you off to then?
Maxine:
I’m actually going to a speed dating night with Angie.
Jenny:
[Mockingly] Speed dating? [laughs]. That’s where loads of ugly single people go to find other ugly single people, isn’t it?
Maxine:
We prefer to be called ‘horizontally challenged’ nowadays Jenny. Anyway, sod off, I’m working.
Jenny:
You were chatting to some old coffin dodger for half an hour with your feet on the desk. I can't wait 'til I work for you.
Maxine:
I can't wait 'til your old enough to start paying for your own fish fingers 'cause the way things are going we're gonna be stealing food from next door's bird table pretty soon.
Jenny:
Well I'm not getting a job, I'm going to be a singer.
Maxine:
Really. Who you gonna be? Michelle McManus.
[Jenny storms out, banging the door. A cork memo board falls off the wall. Maxine holds her head in her hands. Title music begins to play]