SCENE 2
(At the Bakery. Millie is kneading dough and grumbling to herself)
MILLIE
(Enter Emmy-Claire)
Good to see at least YOU’VE come to your senses!
EMMY-CLAIRE
Well I try to do the right thing. (Goes to put apron on)
MILLIE
And where is he?
EMMY-CLAIRE
Oh um he said he would be right along shortly – just wanted to ah cool off a bit.
MILLIE
Oh, I don’t mean to fly off the handle – Can you bring me some more flour - but what am I to do? (Kneading the dough hard) Since that rat of an ex-husband of mine flew the coop what can I do?. (Pause) I know, I know… He’s my boy… I love him – but you should be careful not to follow him just anywhere – I know he means well, most of the time… (To herself) Hope he’s not a slice off the old loaf.
(Customer enters) How are we today Mrs McNamara?
CUSTOMER
Fine thanks Millie and you?
MILLIE
Hanging in there - just… so what can we do for you today?
CUSTOMER
Let me see now…
MILLIE
(To Claire) My dear, let me explain something about Argyle. Despite his buoyant nature, he was a troubled child growing up. Sometimes didn’t sleep for days, which made him moody or something and so he never really got on very well with the other children.
EMMY-CLAIRE
I haven’t known him too long but he does seem like a sensitive soul.
ANNOYING CUSTOMER
Yes. Maybe (Shes the one, shes the one Yeah yeah yeah!) to take care of him.
MILLIE
Excuse me?
CUSTOMER
Oh I could have two rolls next to the fairy bread bin.
MILLIE
What? Ah … Those? ok. (I must be hearing things). Anything else Mrs McNamara?
CUSTOMER
Hmm yes let me see ...
EMMY-CLAIRE
I CAN see he is a bit of a handful at times Millie but I believe he Does mean well. He seems to get along with everyone down at the local.
MILLIE
Don’t mention THAT place, where is he anyway?
EMMY-CLAIRE
I don’t know. He said he’d be right along. You know I really do care about him… I hope he can get himself sorted out.
MILLIE
So do I.
CUSTOMER
He loves you too.
EMMY-CLAIRE
(Hearing things) Er… What’s that you say?
CUSTOMER
(To Millie) Some Boston buns, ooh two.
EMMY-CLAIRE
Did you hear that? (To Millie)
MILLIE
(Almost loosing her temper) Are you finished yet Mrs McNamara? (Packing her bread) Here you go!
CUSTOMER
Ah maybe, mm let me see…
EMMY-CLAIRE
Oh (To customer) I could’ve sworn you said something else.
(To Millie) Why do you want him to be a baker so much anyways?