Page 31 of Penalty Shot

Elise:You would not have gone this far if you weren’t great, Randall. They want you on their team becauseyou’re valued. They believe in you and so do all the Mavericks fans.

Elise:Sometimes, when an understudy takes over a part because the lead can’t make it on stage, the audience is treated to a magical performance. When something is fueled by raw nerves, it’s charged with unimaginable energy.

Elise:Those shows turn out to be absolutely brilliant, Randall. That’s you.

Five minutes later…

Randall:No rehearsals tomorrow?

Elise:Way to change the subject.

Randall:Brilliant huh?

Elise:Brilliant.

April 15

Elise:I know you’re probably the one person I can text who doesn’t give a shit about this so I don’t even know why I’m telling you. Or maybe that’s why?

Randall:I give a shit about what’s happening to you so you should definitely tell me.

Elise:Maybe it’s easier to talk to someone who isn’t in deep with me, you know?

Randall:I’m in as deep as you need me to be.

Randall:Shit. Forget I said that. Didn’t realize how stupid it sounded till I read it. Sorry.

Elise:If this play bombs can I hide out in your fishing village and change my name? Bleach my hair bright blonde and pretend I have an eye patch? I’m assuming there are pirates since you’re so close to the water.

Randall:You better be joking with your identity altering scenario. A good friend would never let you bleach your hair because it is perfect as it is.

A few minutes later…

Randall:Elise, your play will not bomb. It will be AMAZING.

A few minutes later…

Randall:Hello? You OK?

A few minutes later…

Randall:I’m getting worried. Please don’t turn into a pirate before you text or call me again.

Elise:Or what?

Randall:Need me to drive to Cleveland to shake some sense into you?

Elise:I’m kidding. Although I did buy an eye patch.

Randall:Hey be serious. What’s this really about?

A few minutes later…

Randall:Tell me, Elise. Talk to me.

Elise:I expected the first rehearsal to be rough. I didn’t expect it to be a complete mess. The artistic director sat in and I swear all he did was scowl.

Elise:This isn’t just my first play to be performed, it’s also my directorial debut. There are so many talented people relying on me to know what the fuck to do.