
Setting- O’Connell’s Pub in New York. The buyers, except Candy, are sitting at a long bar on stage left. There are a few tables stage center stage. Mr. Green is sitting by himself at one of the tables. There is a bartender behind the bar.
SUSIE
Where is our socialite? I called the office, and Lucy’s dimwit assistant said Candy’s last appointment was at 4:00.
DAVID
Relax, Susie. This is supposed to be team building time. Have some peanuts.
(Candy walks in with huge shopping bags. She’s dressed all in black with a pale pink knit cap.)
CANDY
The party’s on! I’m here!
SUSIE
Oh goody.
CANDY
Sorry. I wasn’t planning on shopping, but Angie told me about this sale at Macy’s and I couldn’t resist.
LUCY
Hi, Candy. How were your appointments?
(Everyone ignores Lucy’s question.)
DAVID
How was our fabulous buyer’s day in market?
CANDY
Fabulous, of course!
LUCY
I found some new jeans at Hot Jeans for the Back to School catalog. They have zippers on all the pockets.
SUSIE
I was at Hot Jeans looking at the Back to School sweaters. They showed them with some new zipper pocket jeans. I worked a great price with my friend Anna. Could be a great outfit for the catalog.
DAVID
Awesome, Susie! That’s what I’m talking about- teamwork! I’ll send Lucy over there tomorrow.
LUCY
Hey, I saw them first! Is anyone listening to me?
(No one reacts to Lucy’s protest. Instead they talk amongst themselves.)
(To herself) I can’t take this anymore. It’s like I don’t even exist! I wish I could be beautiful!
(She notices a man sitting in a booth. He looks at her, and beckons her over to him. Lucy hesitates, but gets up and joins him at his booth.)
Are you a jeans vendor? I’m with my buying team right now. I can’t really talk.
MR. GREEN
No, I work in a very different business. I came over when you called.
LUCY
Sir, I’ve been sitting with my co-workers. I haven’t used my phone since we arrived.
MR. GREEN
Oh I heard you loud and clear. Especially the part about your wish. Came straight away, I did.
LUCY
(embarrassed and confused) You heard my wish? That’s ridiculous. No one usually listens to me, well, except my assistant.
MR. GREEN
That’s where I come in, Miss Lucy. It’s my profession, you see. Granting wishes.
LUCY
How do you know my name? (She looks around the pub suspiciously.) Where are the cameras? Is this one of those makeover shows? Did Sean put you up to this?
MR. GREEN
(chuckling) Makeover? My services are much more powerful than hairstyling and makeup. My colleagues think I’m foolish to deal with humans, but I find it rewarding. I sell glamour.
LUCY
You’re a magazine editor? I don’t understand.
MR. GREEN
Long before fashion magazines, Brazilian blow outs, and mascara, I’ve been transforming women into irresistible beauties. Glamour doesn’t just change your looks- it changes how others look at you.
LUCY
You can change how other people look at me? Without a makeover? That doesn’t even make sense. Look, mister, there must be a catch. I’ve been a buyer too long to not recognize when something sounds too good to be true.
MR. GREEN
My customers are always satisfied with the results.
LUCY
(She sits and stares at Mr. Green. Then she looks over at her co-workers, who are deep in conversation and don’t even realize she’s gone. Then she turns back to Mr. Green.)
Even if I believe you, which I’m not sure that I do, how much does this “glamour” cost? My credit cards are all maxed out.
MR. GREEN
Not a problem, miss. I don’t want your money.
LUCY
How can I pay you then?
MR. GREEN
I always find that if customers really want your product, they’re willing to pay anything. You’re a healthy young woman. As short as human lives are, you still have at least 50-60 years ahead of you. All I require for payment is one year of your life. It’s a small price to pay for continual success and the adoration of everyone you meet. Even David will notice you.
LUCY
How do you know about David? (She looks over at David at the bar who is listening attentively to Candy.) One year of my life? What kind of a payment is that? Are you crazy or something? (She stands up.) I’m going back to my group. You’d better be gone before I rejoin them, or I’ve have the bartender throw you out.
MR. GREEN
Calm down, my dear Lucy. There’s no need to get worked up. You called me, after all. Sit down, and think this through. (She reluctantly sits back down.) I know this is a big decision. Take your time. Glamour is a big step. Think about what it would be like to the center of attention. How successful you could be. Everything you ever wanted- fame, romance, power.
LUCY
How would I put on this “glamour?” Do I need to drink something foul, or have an operation? I hate hospitals!
MR. GREEN
Relax! All I will need is a few strands of your hair.
LUCY
Hey, you’re not making a clone of me, are you?
MR. GREEN
(chuckling again) Don’t worry, my dear. I don’t believe in that test tube stuff! That magic’s too risky! Now, are you willing to pay my price, or are we done here? I’ve got other customers to see.
LUCY
(Still not really believing him, she pulls out a few strands of her hair and hands it to him.) Not sure I really believe you, but I’m just desperate enough to give you a chance. What’s one year anyway?
MR. GREEN
(He rubs the hair between his palms, mumbles a few words, and then extends his hands toward Lucy.) There, it’s done.
LUCY
But I don’t feel any different. (She pulls out a mirror out of her purse.) I look exactly the same! Are you a con man?
MR. GREEN
I’ve dealt sincerely with you, my dear. Go over and rejoin your friends. You will see the fruit of my labor.
LUCY
You’re a strange man, Mr… I don’t even know your name.
MR. GREEN
(rising to his feet and taking his hat) You can call me Mr. Green. I’ll be in touch.
(He leaves)
LUCY
(to herself as she walks back to the bar) Mr. Green, really? In an Irish pub? Sounds like some kind of faery alias or something. Why did I even talk to him?
(Suddenly, the rest of the buyers stop talking amongst themselves and turn to stare at Lucy like they have never seen her before.)
LUCY
(Feeling uncomfortable) Why are you guys staring at me? Is there something on my face? (She starts rubbing her face.)
DAVID
Excuse me. I didn’t mean to stare. May I ask you to join us?
LUCY
(sarcastically) Very funny, guys. I’m plain old Lucy, remember? The one you always ignore?
CANDY
(Surprised) Lucy? Wow! What a makeover! You look as fabulous as me!
SUSIE
(With respect) There’s something different about you. Not only the way you look, but there’s a fierceness about you. No vendor would have a chance against those piercing eyes.
LUCY
(To herself) Mr. Green was right. (To the others) Come on, everybody. It’s still the same old me. You’re just seeing me differently, that’s all.
DAVID
Please join us! We were just talking about the Back to School catalog. We’d all like to hear your ideas.
(Fade to black)