Mallory, lets talk business, just for a minute. You know the scenario for tomorrow night?

Well, my service told me what you told them. But why don't you go over it so there's no misunderstanding?

OK. We're entertaining a wealthy businessman from out of town. I'm trying to get him to finance my new product, so I want him to have the best time possible.

OK.

I'm meeting with him during the day. Then We're taking him here for dinner, dancing. My fiancé will be with me. You're his escort. And?

And, I go back to his hotel with him.

I don't expect it will come to that. You'll be posing as a friend of mine. Your job is to get him to like you and have a good time here. But if he does ask you to go back to his hotel with him?

(As she leans forward, putting her hand on his) It's alright. I know tonight is kind of an audition for tomorrow night. I can handle this. (Smiles) You can relax.

Relax. When do I get to relax? Here's the point. He must never know you're from a service. If he wants you to go back to his hotel, he must think you are going because you want to, because you like him.

(Again, smiling, warmly) I really do understand. This is about the male ego. There's nothing I understand better than the male ego.

OK. Good.

Also, I understand why We're coming here. You won't impress him with the food here. But it's a fancy enough, special-occasion enough place so that I can wear a slinky, sexy dress without seeming out of place. Right? (Owen grins a bit sheepishly) Right!

(Laughing) Right.

There is one thing I don't understand. Can I ask you a question?

Shoot.

I guess I can tell you that much. Trade secrecy, mostly. My idea is both original and commercial. I think so, anyway. At a bank, too many people get to know about it. I think that's a risk. Venture capital firms will give you money but they then take control. So I'm looking for an angel. That's my Mr. Wynan.

Only?Mr. Wynan will know what your product is.

He's already signed a non-disclosure agreement.

You feel safe with that?

It's the best I can do.

I was just curious. Thanks for answering my questions.

Those were good questions.

Then can I ask just one more?

Sure.

What does your fiancé??

Ellen.

What does Ellen think about your using an escort service to win over your Mr. Wynan? Is that kind of thing normal in business?

Jeez! When you ask just one more question, it's a doozy.

You don't have to answer.

It's OK. I think I'm flattered that you're interested enough to ask. (Pauses to think) Ellen? She's holding her nose and going along with it. She doesn't really understand why I need to resort to subterfuge in order to get my company funded.

To be honest, neither do I. Do you really need to?

In fact I don't know. That's what the trouble is. It isn't clear that this is necessary. I probably would get the money without bringing you into this. Or at least, Mr. Wynan would probably make a rational decision one way or the other based on business considerations.

So, then, why do this?

Because of that "probably." I've never met Terry Wynan face to face. I don't know him. There are so many imponderables. For example, suppose I didn't do this, but it's a mistake because he expects to be entertained. Or, suppose he says no to my proposal for what he thinks is a good reason, but I don't think it's a good reason. So I would always wonder if I should have entertained him more to grease the process. Or, suppose that he enjoys himself so much that he gives me the money just to have reasons to come back here and do it again. But if I hadn't done this he wouldn't have. Would have, could have, should have?

Do all business people think like this?

God I hope not.

Maybe you're underestimating him. Maybe Mr. Wyman is all business.

Yes, maybe. I just don't know. Look: this is my shot at the brass ring. Not just for me, to bag a big business success. Sure I want that. But it's financial security for Ellen, too. Security which would give her the freedom to do anything she wants with her life. Any career she wants, no career at all if she wants, staying home with kids if she wants, doing good for others, becoming an artist, whatever she chooses. Isn't that worth going for too? So I just don't want to take any chance on blowing this.

So in that sense, distasteful as it may be, you are doing what you have to do.

Thank you for being understanding about this. When I try to explain it, I sound foolish.

No, I see where you're coming from. But this is costing you, isn't it? With Ellen.

It's costing me. It's costing us.

Be that as it may, you're doing what you have to do.

We'll meet you here tomorrow at 8:00?

Yes. And good luck with your meeting during the day.

Thanks. I'll need it.

No. Wrong attitude. You're good, right?

Yes.

Your product is great, right?

Yes.

Well, I'm terrific. Let me tell you: between, you, your product and me, Mr. Wyman is dead meat.

(Laughing) I'll keep that in mind. (Owen gets up from the table. Mallory follows his lead.)

And Owen? (He looks at her) Thanks for dinner. I had a good time.

Me too.

Act I, Scene II

Terry

Owen, my man, your friend Mallory is terrific. She's smart. She's drop dead gorgeous. And now I find out she can dance, too.

Don't lay the blarney on so thick, Terry. She might start believing it.

(Looks at Mallory appraisingly) I think she knows she's special.

I think that Terry thinks that flattery will get him somewhere.

A boy can dream, can't he?

Terry, I'm shocked. Shocked!

(Sardonically) Have some more wine, Terry.

Oh, Ellen. I'm just trying to revive the lost art of flirting. Is that so bad?

No, I guess not. I'm sorry.

Is it OK if I flirt with you, Mallory?

Oh, yes, actually I like it. Sometimes I enjoy being a girl. (Ellen shoots her a "look")

That sounds refreshingly old fashioned.

Are you old fashioned?

I guess so, in some ways, but in other ways not. It's hard to sort out.

What do you mean?

Like? well? I do enjoy being a girl, as in the song. I like being taken out, being pampered, getting flowers. I like having a man around to hold me, sometimes. Oh, hell, just having a man around. So that's old fashioned. But what is new fashioned? Equal treatment with men in the workplace? I'm for that. Equal legal rights? Certainly. Freedom from harassment? Reproductive choice? I'm for all those. So does that make me new fashioned, or am I still old fashioned.

(Admiringly) You're one of a kind. (Ellen shoots him a look)

Maybe old and new fashioned aren't good categories.

Maybe Mallory wants it both ways. Maybe she wants to be pampered, and she also wants to reap the benefits of women's struggle for equality.

Ellen. What are you doing?

That's OK, Owen. Maybe she's right. (To Ellen) Do I have something to be ashamed of?

The song you're quoting. Do you know what that song actually says?

The lyrics? Not really. Just the title.

I didn't think so. The lyrics are about being happy because you have a new hairdo and your hair is in curlers. About drooling over dresses and talking on the phone for hours with a pound and a half of cream on your face.

That doesn't sound so awful. It seems dated, maybe, but harmless.

No, Owen. It's not harmless. It's a very negative message. It portrays women as weak, helpless and dependent. And that subverts the struggle for equal treatment, which is still going on and is far from finished.

Where did this come from? Subverts the struggle? You sound like a socialist pamphlet.

Are you disagreeing with what I said?

Not really. I just think Mallory's point was not unreasonable. She wasn't espousing a whole political philosophy based on a silly song whose lyrics she doesn't know. She was just asking why men and women can't have equal rights and still enjoy each other's differences. Why does feminism have to come with such an attitude?

An attitude?

Hostility to men.

Because it's a man's world.

There's an attitude!

There's a fact.

And you want to change it? Or reverse it and make it a womans' world.

If reversing it is necessary to end to glorification of everything shallow, superficial, trivial and banal that men associate with women, then so be it. When I see an end to male hostility and misogyny, then you can talk to me about attitude.

What has gotten into you tonight?

I'll thank you not to patronize me.

OK, but I don't think Mallory was glorifying superficiality. I think?

(Interrupting) Owen. Thanks for stepping in to defend my cause, but I think I need to do that myself. Ellen, I'm sorry if what I said caused all this upset. I never meant to offend anybody. Perhaps that song title was an unfortunate way to express what I meant. I didn't mean that it's good to be stuck in traditional roles with superficial values. I only meant that playing those roles sometimes helps keep warmth and romance in a relationship. It's like a vocabulary for expressing affection that most people understand. If a man brings me flowers sometimes, and I cook a special meal he likes sometimes, it's just a way of showing we like each other, not a political statement. If a man buys me jewelry and I buy him football tickets, I understand that's indulging in gender stereotypes, but if we both are happy, it's also deepening the bond between us and that's the most important to me. I can't feel bad about that.

I'm heading to the bathroom. Mallory?

No thanks, I'm fine.

(Ellen leaves the table)

(To Terry) I wish you hadn't witnessed that.

Don't worry about it. Do you know what brought it on?

No. Well, that's not true. I suspect she thinks I'm paying more attention to Mallory tonight than to her.

(Gesturing toward her sexy dress) Now why on earth would that be?

(Terry and Owen laugh)

Mallory, how come some wonderful guy hasn't come along and swept you off your feet?

Terry. That's awfully personal.

Forgive me, Mallory. I didn't mean to pry.

It's OK. I didn't take offense. Somebody did come along, but he didn't turn out to be as wonderful as I thought. We've been separated more than six months. The divorce is in process.

I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm starting to get over it. I just needed some time to lick my wounds. This is my first big night on the town since. I've been looking forward to it. Thanks for thinking of me, Owen. Terry is a real gentleman.

I'm just old fashioned enough to take that as a compliment. (All laugh)

As intended.

Well, you're welcome, Mallory. It's been a pleasure.

For me, too.

Speaking of pleasure, Terry, it's not very late. How 'bout if I let you take me to one of the hottest night spots in the city. It's a scene.

That would be different. You may have noticed, I'm not very "hip."

I noticed. It's sweet. Anyway, I want to take you to Joy's. You must have heard of it. The place where there are more people outside waiting than there are inside? But I have a connection. I can get us in right away.

A connection? You know the owner of Joy's?

(Coquettishly) If you don't know, I'm not going to tell ya?. Hey, a girl's got to have some secrets. A little mystery is a good thing. So, are we going?

It could be fun.

At the least, you'll have a story to tell your friends back home.

OK. Sold.

(Turns to Owen) How about you and Ellen.

I don't know. I've got a full day tomorrow following up on our meeting. But I'll ask her. If she wants to go? (He looks around to see if she's coming back. She is.) Here she is now.

(Taking her seat) So what have you three been plotting.

Something, actually. Mallory and Terry are heading off to Joy's. Are you interested?

No, I'm tired. A hot bath sounds good to me.

Maybe that's a good idea.

(Looking at Owen) Maybe a cold shower would be good idea.

(This precipitates an embarrassed silence during which no one looks at anybody else.)

Why don't you two scoot and have a good time. We'll stay here and pay the bill. Terry, I'll get that stuff together for you by the end of the week.

Whenever it's ready, I'll consider it. I like your product idea. But you have to understand. The question is not whether your idea is good or bad. The question is whether investing in it is more or less favorable than other opportunities available to me. So, we'll see.

(Terry, Mallory and Owen get up)

(Shaking hands with Owen) Owen.

Terry.

(Shaking hands with Ellen) Ellen, a pleasure to meet you.

Likewise, Terry.

'Bye, Mallory.

(Owen sits down with Ellen. Both are silent for a while, absorbed in thought. Then, a conversation conducted much more in sorrow than anger:)

I can't understand the way you were tonight.

(Sullen) You can't understand.

No, I can't understand. What did you expect to gain from you behavior tonight.

My behavior!

Yes, your behavior. To begin with, you were negative to Mallory all evening, as though she were some kind of rival. How was that supposed to look in Terry's eyes? What could he think? And worse, you were uncommunicative with Terry himself. You ignored him all evening.

Anything else?

Yes, me. You were so cold to me they could have shut off the air conditioning and let you chill the whole place down. And that crack about a cold shower, my god! I couldn't even figure it out, but it was hostile, no mistaking that. Ellen, you humiliated me tonight.

Too bad you felt that way.

Too bad? You're not even sorry now? We were with the person who could hold the key to the entire future for both of us, and this is the time you choose to humiliate me. Why, Ellen? What did you think you'd get out of that? That's what I can't understand.

I humiliated you? Did it ever enter that self absorbed brain of yours how you humiliated me tonight?

(Taken aback) How is that?

Owen. You couldn't take you eyes off that woman'that girl!?for one second from the moment she arrived. You fawned over her every word like some deranged puppy. You spent all night alternately flattering and defending her. How was that supposed to make me feel?

But Bunny, that was according to plan.

There. See? That's the first time you called me Bunny tonight. Why? Because you didn't want to act affectionate with me in front of her?

Ellen. Bunny. Don't be silly.

Silly? Is it really? Tell me anything you said to me all night that was in any way warm or supportive toward me!

I can't remember everything I said.

No, you were too busy gawking at her in that dress.

She was supposed to look attractive, for Terry, that was her job.

And your job, I suppose, was to fawn over every word she said? "I enjoy being a girl," give me a break. And that was just the last of a cornucopia of dumb things she said tonight and every time, there you were piping up with a sappy commentary in her support.

I intended to build her up, for Terry, that was my job.

That's sooo bogus. It wasn't your job to gush over her like a teenager with raging hormones. You let your hormones take control, and they weren't gushing over me.

(Owen considers this, then?)

Even if what you say were true? which I'm not admitting?

(Interrupting) Yet.

(Can't help smiling a little at Ellen's understanding) ?not admitting? why did you behave the way you did?

I was hurt, Owen. People in pain don't always react rationally. I was hurting? am hurting?because you ignored me.

But still?

Don't you see? The only way I could drag your attention away from Mallory tonight was to pick a fight with you. I was trying to get your attention Anything to stop the pain. And nothing worked. You went blithely along sucking up to her as if I weren't here at all. Which, in your mind, I wasn't. That's what hurt.

But how can you be jealous of Mallory? We're engaged, and her, I'll never see again. I love you, and her I don't even know and never will.

Because you want to know her. She had an effect on you that I never had. I know that men enjoy looking at women'this wasn't that. You weren't just attracted by her, you were excited by her as a person. Can you look me in the eye and deny that? It's worse than if you were just attracted to a sex object. It makes it personal.

(Thinks for a while, then) Even if that were so, what difference would it make? I'll never see her again. We're going to be married. I wouldn't ever cheat on you, you know that.

I do know that. What I'm afraid of is that you're going to want to. Going to regret being married to me. We're not even married yet. Your excitement about me, about us should be at its peak. Some peak. Tonight it was more like death valley.

Oh, come on now. Bunny, I love you dearly.

Perhaps so. I'm not sure what that means to you. But I just realized tonight'dearly isn't passionately. If you had a passion for me, you wouldn't have been so enchanted by Mallory, and I'd feel a lot safer.

I wasn't enchanted by Mallory.

I saw what I saw and felt what I felt.

What are you trying to tell me?

Owen, don't you see? If you're not passionate about me, someday you will be passionate about somebody. If not Mallory, then someone else. It will happen. Then where will I be?

Ellen, you'll be with right with me. If I marry you, it's for good.

What good is that if you don't want me? If you want someone else, but stay with me out of some kind of obligation? That's not good enough for me. I need to trust our relationship absolutely. To trust that I'm safe with you emotionally. That can't happen if you're just settling for me. How can I feel safe when I'm always afraid somebody will come along and sweep you off your feet, like Mallory did?

Ellen, I'm really sorry. I'm sorry I got you upset. I certainly didn't mean to hurt you. But you're making up this whole scenario that isn't going to happen. Maybe I did screw up tonight, but it doesn't mean what you think. What we have together is wonderful. The warmth in our relationship, the contentment, the peace, the understanding, the friendship. The sex, too. These are all part of my love for you. What are my chances of finding all that again with somebody else? Do you think I would risk all we have over some momentary infatuation? Raging hormones, as you call it?

I don't know.

The answer is no. Remember the time we asked directions?

(Smiling at the memory, takes over) and laughed so hard we couldn't stop for 20 minutes? We had to pull over and stop the car.

See? Moments like that are part of our closeness. Our intimacy. Finding the same things funny. Sharing memories. Bunny, our relationship works. It's terrific. I'm not going to throw it away.

I love you so much I get scared.

I understand. Everything is OK. You don't have to be scared. Give me your hand.

(They hold hands across the table)

I'm? I'm sorry about how I acted in front of Terry. I know I came off like a first class bitch. I can't imagine what he thinks of me.

Unfortunately, I can. But what's done is done. We both screwed up tonight. The disaster was mutual. Let's just put it behind us. Deal?

Deal.

(Still holding hands, both are lost in their own thoughts for a while. Then the waiter comes with the bill. Their hands part as they notice his approach.)

Here you are, sir. Did you enjoy your meal?

(Owen and Ellen stare at him, then look at each other, and burst out laughing.)

Act I, Scene III

Dennis

So, what happened?

Good news, bad news. Good news, I got everything on tape. Bad news, they didn't say nothin?.

That adds up to what? No news?

Maybe big news. I think Owen is fallin' for Mal, and vice versa.

That's interesting. How do you know?

I don't know. I think so. The way they reacted to each other. Just different stuff. Also, the fiancé, Ellen, she was pissed the whole time. Later when she went to the john, Owen said it was because he was paying too much attention to Mal. That got my attention. He knew it and he couldn't stop himself anyway. Afterwards, after Mal and Terry took off, he 'n Ellen had a big row about it. Then they made up. You'll hear it all when I send over the transcript.

Mal and Terry took off?

Oh, yeah. She suggested they go to Joy's. He went with her.

Did you follow them there?

Nah. Big chance a' bein' seen and recka'nized. Small chance a' hearin' anything useful in all that racket in there.

OK, Vic, what would you suggest to follow up on this?

Tap his phone line at home. That's illegal, though, so I charge extra.

Figures. Am I in trouble if you get caught?

Potentially. But that won't happen. I've done this many times. It's no big risk. The only problem's if somebody gets suspicious while We're breakin' in.

How does that work?

I send one a' my guys over with a locksmith I know. Truck n' all. People jus' think it's a lock repair. And I got it covered. We post a lookout in case he comes home unexpectedly. We make up a phony work order, so if somebody questions my crew, they got paperwork and it all comes off as an innocent mistake. Anyways, that never happened yet.

Then we put in a tap with a local transmitter. Park a car within range a' the transmitter, get a recorder goin?. Done.

Done?

Yeah. Don't go back it when it's over. Just leave the tap where it is. Drive the car away. Done. While it's goin? on it costs ya. We gotta rent the car, have somebody listen to the tapes?

You recommend this?

If ya wanna? find out what's goin' on, that's what ya do. It's up to you.

All right, let's try it for a while.

How 'bout Mallory's phone?

You think I'm made of money?

How about Mallory's office phone here? What if she talks to 'im from here? What's the point a' doin' his home if they talk from both their offices? The extra expense is small, comparing.

Son of bitch, where does it end? All right, all right.

(Grinning) You're cute when you're angry.

(Smiling, relaxing) Just get to work, Victor. (Phone rings. Dennis answers, holding his hand up to signal Victor to stay put. To phone?) OK, good. I'll be right out to get her. (Hangs up) That's Mal now. How about waiting in my back office (gestures in that direction) and listening on the intercom? (Switches on intercom) Maybe you'll hear something useful.

You got it. My time is yours when my meter's running.

Dennis

So, what happened?

It went OK, I think But I didn't learn very much. I didn't learn what his product is. Just that Terry may be interested. Owen's going to put together a business plan and Terry will look at it. I was afraid to ask questions. I was afraid they'd get suspicious.

Tell me about the evening. Maybe you'll remember something.

OK. We met at 8:00 at Savoy Tower. Owen introduced me as an old friend. Owen brought his fiancé Ellen. We had drinks, dinner. Talked about everything, it seems. Movies, the OJ trial, the Mayor's race, real estate prices. Everything except business.

Did you ask?

At one point I did. I said, "How was your meeting?" Owen said, "Fine," and that was that.

What else? How did it end?

Oh, yes, I got Terry to take me to Joy's afterwards. I got your friend Steve to let us in. I thought being alone with me, plus a few more drinks, might loosen his tongue. It didn't.

And you didn't pump him there?

No, afraid to. Afraid if I got too nosy he'd get suspicious.

What did you think of Owen?

He's great!

Great?

(Realizing she's probably said the wrong thing) I didn't mean great. He's a nice guy. That's all.

It's all right, you're allowed to like him. I just want to know what he's doing. How was he great?

I liked him, I'll admit. We seem to understand each other very well.

All right. But before you start fantasizing, you told me he's engaged.

Yeah, that's a problem all right.

A problem? Are you getting stuck on this guy? You only met him twice.

Yeah, I know. Oh, I don't know.

What about his fiancé.

I don't know. She sounded annoyed at him all evening. Then she went off to the bathroom and Owen said she was mad because he was paying too much attention to me.

Was he?

(Grinning) I did have one hell of a dress on. Hey, he's only a man. What can you expect?

(Amused) And you're a woman, for sure. I'm getting the picture. All right. Let's think about the next step.

Next step? I thought you just wanted me to do last night.

There's more.

How much more?

Wherever this leads, you're part of it.

You want me to keep spying on Owen?

Until we know what his product is, yes.

Whoa. Wait a minute. I don't know if I can do this. I'm not prepared for this. It's not me. I don't know if I could pull it off even if I wanted to. Why not get somebody else who can do this? A private detective or something.

You're perfect for the job. You can handle this.

Is this a requirement for my job?

No, Mallory, it's not. But it is a requirement for your future advancement, if you expect any help from me. And if you are contemplating any future with this guy Owen, it's a requirement for that too. (Pauses) Mal, you're smart but you're hopelessly naive. I'm going to start your real world education right now. All right?

Do I have a choice?

Don't be a wise ass. I still pay your salary. All right, look, Mallory, I know you're upset with me right now and think I'm awful. Just hear me out. Then you can think about it and reach your own conclusion. Isn't that fair?

It's fair, I guess.

Good. (Switches on intercom.) Sandy, could you ask Kathy to come up here in about ten minutes?

Sandy

(Through intercom.) Will do.

Dennis

Mal, in a way, you were on to something just now. About whether you have a choice. Because that's what life is about: making choices..

And you want me to choose to spy on Owen?

I want you to understand the choice in all it's complexity before you make it either way. Now, I have a stake in a software company. Nothing wrong with that, right?

No.

Now, I also own a stake in an escort service. Perfectly legal, right?

Legal, maybe, but?

But you don't approve.

Not really.

What exactly don't you approve of? A woman going out to dinner and a show with a man?

Of course not that. I guess it's what the man expects afterwards.

We very carefully explain to every customer that he?or she'should have no expectations about afterwards. That our service is escort only.

Maybe, but I suspect that most customers take that as some kind of legal disclaimer. I think most expect, well, sexual favors, I guess you'd say'to be available anyway.

Right. Right on both counts. Still, what the women do on their own time is not company activity and strictly their own business.

See?!?

See what? Don't you agree that what women do on their own time is their own business?

Well, but, you're putting them in a situation.

Objection. We're not putting anybody anywhere they do not choose to be. We're not luring runaway teenagers off the streets. These are all adult women 21 years plus. They are contract employees, just like any other business has. We file standard 1099 forms with the IRS. We provide benefits.

The situation they choose to be in?

Isn't right.

Is their own choice. They know exactly what they're getting into. We tell them what they're getting into. Do you object to adult women making informed choices about what they do with their own time?

But it's dangerous.

Sure, a little. So is meeting a guy at a bar. So is using a dating service. So is answering a personal ad. If you merely look at the abuse statistics, so is getting married.

(Exasperated) Dennis?

Dennis, what? You don't believe the abuse statistics? Look. We give our women self defense training. Safe sex training. We give them a 2-way message pager and our office is open 24 hours so they can page for help. It isn't perfect, but we do everything we possibly can. Meanwhile, our clients are not anonymous. If they're thinking about trying anything, they know we've already established their identity through the credit card charge. But honestly, is danger really the issue? If it were safe, then it would be all right with you?

No.

No. Danger is a red herring. So tell me.

How can I talk about this? You're my boss.

I'm going through this for a reason. I won't be offended. It's not like I haven't heard arguments like yours before. So get it off your chest. You'll regret it if you don't take this opportunity to speak your mind. Tell me.

OK. OK. It leads to sex for money, and sex for money is'degrading. And you're encouraging it.

Good. The real issue is finally out on the table. Sex for money is degrading. Who says so?

Who says so? Everybody says so.

Everybody does not include the women who work for Eden Escorts. So it's not everybody.

How do you know that?

Because we make sure when we interview them for the job. Think about it, Mal. Our clients are executives, professionals, entrepreneurs. People who can afford a hefty tab for companionship on top of the cost of a night out. We want their repeat business, and their referrals. Do you think they'll enjoy spending an evening with someone who's looking ahead to degradation at midnight? Who doesn't want to be there? Who hates herself for being there? ?Mal?

Perhaps not.

For sure not. Mal, our women are students, career women, divorced women. They do it to make extra money, to get taken out to nice places, to get to meet executives, professionals, entrepreneurs. They all have one thing in common. They have all reached the point where they can decide for themselves what is or isn't degrading.

Everybody knows what's degrading.

Really? You're too young to remember, but forty years ago abortion was degrading. Now it's a fundamental women's right. Thirty years ago, homosexuality was degrading. Now it's merely a genetic happenstance. Degradation is not intrinsic in anything. It's just what society defines as such. So tell me this. Why does society define sex for money as degrading to women but not to men? For men it's an embarrassment that they can't get it for free, but not degrading. Just for women. Why?

I don't know. Why do you call it sex for money and not prostitution? What makes you squeamish about term? Maybe it's degrading for women because women regret it eventually.

That's surely possible for anybody with any decision. But listen to yourself. I'm telling you that these are strong women making independent decisions, and you insist that cannot be'solely because you don't approve of their decision. How condescending, how patronizing can you be?

You're good at arguing, but I can't approve of it.

Nor do I expect you to. I have no intention of asking that of you. I am suggesting that your approval or disapproval is irrelevant. I'm suggesting that when you judge me, you're really judging these women. I'm suggesting that you have no right to pass judgement on people you have not met and know nothing about. And I'm suggesting that their utter lack of concern over your approval or disapproval is something for you to admire and emulate.

(Silent for a while, then?) Why are you telling me this?

Mal, I'm talking to you about making choices because you have some choices to make, and I want you to make the ones that are really right for you, not just what you think other people would approve of.

What do you mean?

I'm getting there. You mentioned regret a minute ago. This is the point behind it all: regret is most likely when you make a decision based on what other people expect of you, rather than what you truly think or feel. The hard part is sorting out which is which.

Sandy

(Over the intercom.) Kathy is here.

Dennis

Good. Send her in.

Have a seat.

Hi, Mal.

Kathy?

Mal, I've asked Kathy to become your mentor. Do you know what that is?

A senior executive who helps guide my career.

Close enough.

Not that senior! (Laughter)

Assuredly not. Anyway, Kathy started with me much as you did. Associates degree, entry level position. Now she's managing director of my entire real estate business. It happened because she let me help her.

Mal, Dennis financed almost all of my college education?Bachelors and MBA. Without his help, I'd still be answering phones or ordering paper clips.

It's a program I have. Kathy was the first beneficiary. She did so well with it I've done it several times since.

Thank you.

You're welcome. Mal, this is not a gift, not a charity. It's an executive development program. Mutual benefit. You get a college education financed at no interest, and a guided career upwards in my group of companies. I get excellent people managing the companies I've invested in, all of whom are accustomed to confiding in me. They both talk to me and listen to me. So in each company where I have somebody placed, I know everything that's going on, and that in turn gives me some influence over what's going on.

Information is power.

Yes, but I just use it to help my companies become more successful. It's win/win all around.

Don't the people who run these companies object to your meddling?

Oh, sure, but I meddle anyway. One of them even has a nickname for me: "Further Ado." That's because further ado is a something everyone is happier to be without. Whenever the moment arrives to be "without further ado," people applaud. But I'm tickled by his nickname. It shows I'm doing my job.

What about the others.

Usually they come to realize the benefits of my counsel. If there's friction and it gets too great, I simply sell off my investment in their company and go on to other things. If people are not willing to listen to me, it means I misjudged their character and my investment was a mistake. I bail out of bad investments quickly.

Just an incentive to stay in my employ. As long as you work for one of my companies, repayment terms are very liberal. But if you leave, the loan converts to standard commercial terms at prevailing rates.

I don't know.

Well?I don't want sound negative or ungrateful.

I've never penalized anybody for speaking up. You can speak your mind. Please.

Well?it sounds generous. It is generous. But at the same time, it sounds like you would have an awful lot of control over me. If I disagreed with you, it wouldn't be just a job at stake. Now it would be a lot of additional debt, too.

I suppose that's true, theoretically. But in almost ten years with Dennis, I've never felt that. I've never felt like it was a sword hanging over my head.

Kathy's right. I don't look at the loan as a weapon to control anybody. It's just an investment that I expect to pay off well. Think about the scale of just one single business decisions: tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars?or more?in the balance. So you see, just one astute business decision can make me more than a college education costs. One bonehead decision avoided can save me that much. It's simple economics to have good people that I trust in key positions in businesses where I'm invested.

Forgive me for challenging you. But however you look at it, the leverage is still there. You may never have occasion to think about it because the leverage is implicit. For the person who owes you money, it may be in the background but it's never out of sight.

All right, let's accept that's how you feel?

Kathy, don't you feel that way?

No. I never thought about it.

Maybe you see eye to eye with Dennis about everything. I already know that I don't.

Mal, let's just stipulate that we won't always see eye to eye. Even that I would expect from you certain things that you would find unpalatable. Consider that a cost of the deal. Now weight that against the benefits.

Let me add that I've been low in business and I've been high. High is better.

I can see that.

Not clearly, I think, or you wouldn't be so ready to discount the benefits. Upper management means good money, for one thing. Don't underestimate the value of that. But more important is the feeling you get, from being a key member of a team. Sure, they say everybody's a member of the team, but that's just propaganda. There's always a core decision-making group'the brains of the organization. If you're not part of the brains, you don't have much impact on what happens, or how things turn out. And that's where the satisfaction of work comes from. Nowadays, it's called being in the loop. The loop is where important decisions are made. It's also where the fun is. Also, you get to do things your own way, at least somewhat. Being out of the loop is little satisfaction and less fun. You do want to have an impact on how things turn out, don't you?

Of course.

I should hope so. One of the reasons I hired you in the first place was that I liked your ambition. Remember what you said in your job interview? (Mallory shrugs, not getting the reference). You said you wanted to be accountable for results. That was good. It's the essence of management in one sentence, in fact.

But it's one thing to say it and quite another to do it. Successfully, that is.

Well, that's right. About fifty percent of all managers and executives are imposters. They don't know what they're doing, so they do more harm than good. One of the most effective things I can do, both in this company and my investments, is to improve that ratio. Hold back the tide of imposter infiltration. It's never ending. That's what executive development is about.

Can't I just work my way up the ladder?

Theoretically possible but very difficult. Extremely rare these days. You really need to have at least a bachelor's degree. A masters helps a lot.

I could get those on my own. Nights. Other people do.

Yes they do. But it's very, very hard. You have to be extraordinarily motivated.

If other people can do it, so can I. That's my plan.

Mal, if you do that, I'll be very impressed. It'll show determination and grit. But not necessarily good sense. It's doing something the hard way when there's an easier way.

Have you really thought this through? Between work and school work, you won't have a life. And it's years and years.

I have to do the same amount of work whether I take the loan or not.

But it won't be nearly as hard. It's not just a loan it's a management development program. We figure out an approach that works for both of us. Usually, it ends up something like a regular college co-op program. And we wangle some course credits for your work experience. Also, We're flexible about your work schedule. Remember, We're making a big investment in you. It only pays off if you succeed.

Can I think about it?

Certainly. Here's what you have to weigh. On your own, you'll be sweating out school on top of work for years, you'll come out with a huge debt, and then you'll have to carve out a career on your own. In my program, you'll finish school years sooner with much less pressure, launch your salary escalation path much more quickly, come out with much less debt, and I'll have an investment in the success of the career that I will help you build. What's to choose?

I understand what you're telling me.

But I also have to tell you that I'm not actually offering this to you right now.

You're not?

No. I'm just telling you that the program exists, and I have you in mind for it. I haven't decided yet whether to invest in you.

Oh. Wait a minute. I think I see? You want me to spy on Owen first, and you're holding the college loan out there as?how would you put it?an incentive.

Mallory! He's trying to do something good for you.

That's all right, Kathy. I understand where she's coming from. But Mal, it's not so simple. I haven't decided because I'm still uncertain whether you have the right temperament to be a good executive. You are smart, competent, poised and perceptive?all important qualities. But I think a good executive also need to be a tough competitor. I'm not sure that you are.

How can you tell if you don't give me a chance to show it?

Your chance to show it is exactly what we've been talking about this whole time.

You mean doing Owen in is your measure of my management mettle?

Not doing him in. Just seeing if he'll tell you something that is useful to our business. This is your chance to show me you have the temperament to play competitive hardball. The toughness, the focus. The competitive juices. Those qualities that will make me want to invest in you and expect that it will pay off in the future. Successful executives aren't just competent, they also can't bear to lose. Can you?

I don't know.

Exactly. Neither do I. Maybe you have the temperament, maybe not. You've been feisty today, and I haven't seen much of that before. It's a good sign.

And I can show those qualities by spying on Owen.

If it makes you feel better, don't call it spying. Call it competitive intelligence. Every big corporation does competitive intelligence. Books and articles are written about it. Conferences examine it. Consulting firms specialize in it.

Then why does it make me so uncomfortable?

Why does it, Mal?

I don't know? It seems unethical.

It may be. There is no doubt some code of ethical conduct associated with competitive intelligence, and I expect at the very least that this is a violation.

So why should I do it?

Because sometimes doing something a bit unethical yields a big benefit. Then you have to decide whether it's worth doing.

A bit? Things are either ethical or unethical. You know when something is right or wrong.

Like sex for money? (Mallory doesn't answer) Now you're talking nonsense, Mal. Right and wrong change all the time. New laws pass every day that change them. Court decisions change them. Gambling was a sin, now the state runs a lottery. Unwed motherhood was a shame, then show business stars flaunted it and people ridiculed Dan Quail, now people say Quail was right and Murphy Brown wrong. Right and wrong are the quintessential moving targets. And that's just in this country. How about countries where they mutilate little girls? genitals and think nothing of it.

You don't condemn that?

Sure I do. It's brutal, horrific and altogether tragic. But I don't condemn the people as unethical. They're just doing as their culture tells them, that's all.

But with this?what, situation ethics??How can people trust you to deal with them ethically? How can I trust you?

Mallory, this is business, and trust in business is for fools. I trust nobody. Nobody should trust me. Business?just like international diplomacy?is about mutual self interest, not trust. As long as both parties to a deal stand to gain more than they lose, there's no need for trust. In fact, I go further. Trust is a negative, because it gets in the way of seeing clearly where the mutual self interest is.

Mal, this goes back to the loan. You stand to gain a whole lot. So does Dennis. Neither trust nor kindness is involved.

Mallory, where's the downside? That you decide you don't want to work for me and have to pay off a college loan, just like everyone else? So what?

No, the downside???

Mal?

I can't believe I'm saying this.

Mal?

Please don't take this the wrong way. I don't mean to insult you. It's just that?I worry that I might get too comfortable. I might get to enjoy the money, the status, being in the loop, all that, enjoy it too much. And if I do, then maybe my ethical standards slip into the background, sacrificed to the good life. And if that happens, then I'm no longer me. I've become somebody else. Somebody I don't admire.

Nice speech, Mallory, but wrong. If that's what happens to you, if that's what you do, then that's who you really are, and not the ideal paragon you imagine yourself to be now. Mal, I have no ability, much less the desire, to alter your core being. That was set in place before you were six. All I can do is offer you opportunities. How you respond to those opportunities is entirely within you, not me.

Dennis is right. If the real you is different from what you think now, you'll have to come to terms with that and not deny it.

Pretty well, I think.

Then tell me this. If you're so pure, how come you agreed to go out with Owen in the first place? Posing as one of my escorts, no less?

I don't know. I regret it now. I'm ashamed of myself.

Well, let's explore this a little. You're by nature a cooperative person? By nature inclined to be helpful? Instinctively eager to help her boss as a matter of course?

Yes, I would say that.

So whatever I asked you to do, your first impulse would be to agree?

Yes.

That's not bad, is it? To be predisposed to help your boss?

No.

Then?when I told you what I wanted, it was interesting. Different. Even exciting. Fun. Definitely an adventure.

On top of that, dressing up and going out to a fancy restaurant'twice?who wouldn't enjoy that?

I guess.

All these different factors pointing you towards doing it. All legitimate. The only fly in the ointment was the role playing? Is that right?

Yes!

Sure, I understand. That had to be scary, when I told you that you would have to pretend to be from Eden Escort. How were you going to pull it off? What about the danger? That had to raise some anxiety.

It did.

But then I explained that you were going to pretend to be an escort pretending to be a friend of Owen's, which was different. Suddenly, little danger. It's easy. Anxiety lifted. Clear sailing to do what you were predisposed to do, what you wanted to do anyway. Does that sound about right? Is that something to be ashamed of?

You make it sound innocent. By the way, how did you know what Owen wanted me to do?

That was his specification when he placed the order. He said he wanted somebody smart enough to pull it off. Mal, back to the point. I'm not saying innocent. On the contrary. I'm saying I presented you with an opportunity and you reacted naturally, instinctively, as a flesh and blood human being, in accordance with your true nature. Relishing the adventure. Strutting your stuff. So what?

It's my true nature to deceive two different people in two different ways in one evening? Three people, including Ellen.

So why didn't these qualms come up when you and Dennis were discussing this beforehand?

I don't know. That is precisely what troubles me now. I suppose I minimized it because I thought it was just this one time, so it didn't seem like a big deal. I guess it seemed more like a little game. It didn't seem important, ?cause it was just this one time. But now you want me to keep on going. To continue, to persist. That makes it different, somehow. A bigger deal.

You see the flaw in that, don't you? (Mallory shakes her head "no.") It's like a little bit pregnant. Not ten minutes ago, you were declaiming that something is either right or wrong, period. Ethical or unethical. Black or white. Pregnant or not pregnant. Now you're saying that your deceit last night seemed only slightly wrong, and somehow harmless because it was short in duration. A little bit pregnant. So which is it? Ethical black and white, or shades of gray?

We're not criticizing you, Mal. Not at all. We're just pointing out that decisions can be complex, with moral ideals only one element among many. If you hold up unrealistic standards, you're only going to keep disappointing yourself.

Would you still think it was a mistake if the last two nights turned out to be the best thing that ever happened in your life?

What do you mean?

You met Owen. What if that turns out to be the turning point in your life? You are attracted to him, aren't you? You've already told me that.

That's a stretch. It's a long way from attracted to him to turning point in my life.

But it's possible. He could be the one. You don't rule it out.

I guess not.

You would like him to be?

You're way far ahead of me in this. I've only met him twice.

But still, there was chemistry, wasn't there? Be honest. I can tell.

There was some chemistry.

If you hadn't made this "mistake," you would never have met Owen.

That's true.

Sure it is. And it would be wonderful if he does turn out to be the love of your life. I'm rooting for it, in fact. But the only way that can happen is if you continue with the competitive intelligence that I want you to do.

How do you figure that?

Let's just examine your options. Better yet, let's lay this out as if it were a business problem and see where the logic takes us.

Option	Owen	C.D./C.B	Conscience
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

All right. You've got five options I can think of. If you can think of more we'll add them. Each option is either favorable or unfavorable in terms of getting close to Owen. (Points to "Owen" column) We'll treat that as the primary goal. Also, each option carries with it further consequences which may or may not be favorable. I've called these CD for collateral damage and CB for collateral benefits. (Points to CD/CB column). Finally, you're worried about your conscience. Clear so far?

You have got to be kidding!

No joke, Mallory. This is important to you, so let's treat it as an important decision. I know you're not accustomed to parsing decisions this way. But this is how business logic works: evaluate the costs and the benefits. But a decision is a decision is a decision. Every decision?personal as well as business?has consequences, good ones and bad ones, benefits and costs. So any decision can be sorted out by weighing the costs and benefits with logical analysis.

I don't know?

Dennis

If you want to become a business executive, you have to know how executives analyze decisions.

All right. We can try it, I guess. I can follow you.

More than follow me. You are going to do it along with me. That way the outcome will be your outcome. Whatever answer comes out, you are going to own it. You ready?

This is nuts, but I'm ready.

All right. Option One. Let's call it True Confession. (Writes "True Confession" on white board next to "1)") In this option, you confess to Owen that you deceived him, and you let me know you're doing it. Result: I fire you for insubordination, but that's of little consequence. At your level you can get another job easily. The main thing is Owen. How will he react. Tell me, what's the most important thing in his life right now?

His product?

You got it. His be-all and end-all right now. So, if you tell him you are really an industrial spy sent by your employer who owns a company that competes with his, just what do you think his reaction would be?

Not too good.

You've threatened his "baby." He goes ballistic, doesn't he?

Probably.

Not too good. So we put a minus sign under "Owen." (Turns to board and does that) Now, getting fired is not so great either. CD gets a minus. Conscience gets a plus. (Marks on board) Are you with me? You agree so far?

I can't really argue against it.

No you can't. Option Two. Let's say, "Confession Lite." (Writes on board) In this one, you confess to Owen but you don't tell me. That accomplishes saving your job as long as I don't find out about it. But Owen's reaction is the same. So it's no better than option one from that point of view. Minus under Owen, question mark under CD/CB. That OK?

OK.

What do I put under conscience?

A minus. It isn't any more OK to deceive you than it is to deceive Owen.

Good answer. (Puts marks on line "2)")

Maybe Owen's reaction won't be as bad as we've been assuming.

Maybe not. That's the dice you have to roll. But when you figure the odds, factor in where his head is, where his heart is, and where is passion is. Also, he has Ellen already. You saw last night that she loves him enough to be jealous of you. If you hurt him he can turn to her. Don't forget about that when you're thinking about tossing him this little grenade of yours.

Oh god.

Option three. Don't tell him what you've been doing, but withdraw from the project. I call that "Wimping Out." (Writes it next to "3)") Result: your self respect is intact for now, and you keep your job. But you sacrifice the loan and all my help with your career. But the worst thing is, you lose touch with Owen.

Why couldn't I just keep seeing him anyway?

If you withdraw from the project, then you're just dating a competitor. You can't date a competitor. That is a serious conflict of interest. If you did it anyway, you would have to keep it secret from me on pain of immediate dismissal. That means he couldn't ever call you here or pick you up. You couldn't be heard calling him. Every time you're out together, you'd run the risk of being seen. And'think of this?even if you were willing to endure all that, how would you explain all the furtiveness to him? How do you imagine a situation like that working without him wondering what in hell is going on?

I don't know.

On top of which, you've already acknowledged that deceiving me is as bad as deceiving him. Forget it. This a minus under Owen. Let's give a "?" under CD, since you're not sure you want the loan anyway. Conscience gets a "+". (Writes on board) You all right with this evaluation?

I'm OK with it.

Now option four: "Intentional Failure." (Writes on board) Here you pretend you're working on the project, but deliberately neglect to actually find out anything that's useful to me.

Whoa! That's heavy.

Yeah, it would take a devious mind to think that up.

(Laughing, to Dennis) YOU thought it up! (Dennis and Mallory join the laughter)

Indeed I did. Actually, this option has a certain short term appeal. You get to continue seeing Owen without betraying him. But you are deceiving him, and you are betraying me. That's a very heavy burden for someone with your kind of ethics to carry around. Not to mention the risk.

You mean if he finds out.

Yes, and if he finds out it's most likely to be from me. If you don't come up with some information pretty quickly, I will get suspicious. If I become convinced that you are holding back, I will tell Owen personally, you can count on it.

I don't see myself doing that. Everything I'm about'the whole point!?is to avoid the stress of violating my conscience.

Good. Intentional failure may be tempting on the surface, but it's highly stressful. Scratch option 4. Minus, minus, minus. (Enters on board) Finally, option five: Do the Project. (Writes on board) Result: Owen never finds out anything because I won't tell him and neither will you. Like I said, mutual self interest. Your relationship, if one develops, takes it natural course. That's a plus. (Enters) Then CB: double plus. Job, career?everything upside. (Enters) Ah, but conscience. Yes, you are going to have to keep a secret from him forever.

I hate that.

It's a factor. But don't imagine that the outcome is necessarily bad for Owen. More likely he will benefit from your secret.

Aren't you against him?

Not against him. I'm in competition with him. If I think his product is useless, or flawed, I won't do anything. Let him sink himself.

If it's not useless?

Several possibilities. I could race to copy his idea so his market advantage is diminished. More likely I would license his idea from him or just buy him out. In that case, you'd be doing him a favor.

You want me to give conscience a plus?!?

A bit much, eh? OK, let's give it a minus. (Does so) So, what do we have?

(The white board now looks like this:

Option	Owen	C.D./C.B	Conscience
1) True Confession	-	-	+
2) Confession Llite	-	?	-
3) Wimping Out	-	?	+
4) Intentional Failure	-	-	-
5) Do the Project	+	++	-

You've got this rigged.

Nothing of the sort. We did this together, remember? What is it telling you?

That I need to think about it.

By all means. Take a couple of days to think it over. Discuss it with Kathy if you'd like.

Mal, we can have a drink after work if you'd like.

Thanks, I'll let you know.

Think about what it means not to do this. Let me give you a tip about making decisions. Imagine you're 95 years old, on your deathbed, looking back on your life, thinking about what you did right and where you screwed up. Which of those columns is the choice you're making now going to be in?

Dennis and I have had this discussion several times over the years, Mal. What he means is that when you're 95, you don't give a hoot about other people's expectations. You only care about whether your life was the best you could have done for yourself. So, imagining yourself looking back from that perspective helps you sort out which choice is the real you versus which is based on expectations of others.

All right, Mal. Thanks for listening. I'll expect to hear from you in a day or two. By the way, here's his phone number in case you want to use it. (Dennis hands Mallory a business card) Kathy, thank you too.

(Dennis gets up and escorts Mal and Kathy to the door, watches as they go down the hall. Then he returns to his desk and activates the intercom.)

All clear, Vic. Come on in.

(Vic enters from back office)

So, what did you think?

You were masterful.

Oh, Vic, cut the crap. What do you think she's going to do?

She's going to do the project.

How do you know?

Sizing up her personality.

You don't know, do you?

Not a clue.

She'll go for it.

How do you know?

That's why I make the big bucks.

You have no idea.

I have no idea.

Act I, Scene IV

Owen. Thank you. Dinner was delicious.

I'm glad it came out OK. I'm glad you liked it.

You're a good cook. Somehow I'm not surprised.

Speaking about surprised? Three weeks ago, when you first called, it was my turn to be surprised. Still, I have to admit, in a corner of my mind I was hoping you would.

I wish I had known that then. I agonized. I almost didn't dare. I've never been so bold before.

What gave you the courage this time?

Mallory

For once I had a logical thought. I figured, what did I have to lose? If you didn't return my message, I was no worse off than before.

I'm amazed that your service gave you my number. They shouldn't have given you a client's number.

It's definitely against policy. I had to call in a favor. We're more than even now.

If I had complained to the service you both would have been fired.

Yes, but?I just didn't think you'd do that.

You're right. I wouldn't have. But that message that you left'that story about how you wanted to meet me for lunch to get some advice about a friend. That wasn't hard to see through.

A bit lame, huh?

A bit? You have a gift for understatement. I didn't believe it for a minute.

I'm glad.

How so?

Sure. If you knew I was just making an excuse to see you and you still said yes? It meant you felt the same way I did?you wanted to see me too.

Guilty as charged.

So, I'm glad.

A lot has happened in three weeks, hasn't it?

What happened is that lightning struck.

For me it did too. But for me it's also a crisis. Why couldn't we have met two years ago?

Two years ago I was looking forward to my wedding.

Are you ready to tell me about him?

I don't have any trouble talking about him.

Good. I've been holding back asking about your husband, for fear of bringing up something painful to you. Because of the way you talked that time with Terry about "licking your wounds."

Oh that. That was just a little embellishment for Terry's benefit. To get his sympathy. Actually, our breakup wasn't that difficult for me. In fact, I wanted it.

I'll talk about him--his name was Kenny, by the way?I'll talk about him on condition that you won't be jealous.

How about a deal: I can get jealous if I don't show it.

(Amused) Huh?

I just meant that if I care about you, I can't help being jealous of anyone who gave you happiness before. But as long as I keep my perspective it won't be a problem. My perspective is that Kenny is part of your past and I have a chance to be part of your future. Definitely, I have the better deal.. So even though I'm jealous it's not so hard to handle.

It's lucky you're so cute, ?cause you're very weird.

I hope you like?em weird.

I like?em cute for sure. OK, I'll tell you about Kenny.

Oh god, I'm really starting to fall in love with you.

I know.

You know?

Yes.

That's it? You know?

Owen. We've known each other maybe a month. We've seen each other how much?--maybe six or eight times? For lunch. And?minor detail?you're engaged to somebody else. Under the circumstances, what exactly do you expect me to say?

You've got a point. I shouldn't be so anxious to declare my feelings.

(Affectionately) It's a problem lots of men have. Premature declaration.

I deserved that. What about Kenny..

He was cute too, and charming and sexy. But also feckless. He kept changing jobs all the time, couldn't settle down in a career. He'd change his mind all the time about everything. He'd buy things on impulse that we couldn't afford. He'd get irritated at little things, lashing out, then later he'd be contrite. Gradually I came to realize he was not the man I wanted to be the father of my children.

Was he abusive?

Not in the way people usually mean. He didn't hit me. I would have been out the door in a second if he ever tried that. It was more subtle. He was moody. At the end I felt I was always walking on eggs so as not to upset him. But he always managed to get upset anyway. I don't know if you'd call that abuse. It was more a kind of passive aggression. All I know is that I was exhausted.

That says it all, that it was exhausting.

What do you mean?

What you said goes to the heart of my theory about relationships. Basically, I disagree with the notion that you have to work at a marriage to make it good. On the contrary, what makes a really good relationship is that it's natural for both people, so you don't have to work at it. Both parties can just relax and be themselves.

I like that so much about you.

What?

Your theories. I like them. I like that you think about things like that.

That's nice. Thank you. (Kisses her lightly) Anyway, the work in a marriage comes in when you try so solve a relationship problem by trying to be somebody you're not. That's a heavy burden to carry.

Walking on eggs.

Yes, exactly. That was you. Trying to be somebody you're not, just for the purpose of pleasing your husband. Think of the work all of that took. No wonder you felt exhausted.

But I wanted Kenny and me to make it.

I'll tell you what I think, but let me start at the beginning. You'll see how it comes back to you and Kenny.

Is this weird again?

Absolutely.

OK. I was just checking.

Owen

This qualifies. I think?it's my theory'that it all boils down to feeling good about yourself. I believe everybody'really everybody?needs to feel good about himself. Herself. And the way that happens is for somebody else to both understand and accept them. If you have that, it validates who you are and you feel good about yourself. When that happens on both sides, you have a good relationship. And it doesn't take work.

You don't think Kenny made me feel good about myself.

And that's because he didn't accept me as I am.

It seems that way to me.

And the more I tried to please him and failed, the worse I felt. About myself.

Exactly. Well, anyway, that's what I think from what you told me.

Then why did I love him in the first place?

Owen

Because he did understand you, didn't he.

I never thought about it this way? Looking back, I guess he did. Yeah. There were times when Kenny would have these insights about me that kind of blew me away, they were so true. Like?one time, I remember?it was very?it's amazing I remember it so clearly?it was very early in our relationship?just starting dating?and I was telling him about my family for the first time. And very quickly, it seemed almost right away, he said, "Your brother was the favorite, wasn't he? That must have been hard on you." And just like that, he cut right to the quick of my issue with my family. You're right. At that moment, it felt wonderful, just amazing, that someone understood me like that.

It does feel wonderful to be understood. It's very precious. That's why it makes you want a relationship to work. But if someone understands you and then doesn't accept you, it is sheer frustration.

You got that right!

I know. I can tell how your marriage was driving you crazy. It's not your fault that it ended, you know. You have nothing to blame yourself for.

But maybe if I had tried harder.

To what end?

To save the marriage.

Yes, but what was the point of that? If he didn't make you feel good about yourself?if he kept making you feel worse'then what was to save? Did you make him feel good about himself?

I tried.

That's my point. You tried so hard, for so long. You did your best.

But why couldn't I make him happy when I tried so hard?

Well, I don't really know. I never met him, of course.

(Teasing affectionately) That shouldn't stop you. I thought you had a theory about everything. (Kisses him)

(Smiling) I guess I do. I see I have a reputation to maintain. OK. Here goes. There are people who just don't feel good about themselves no matter what. Family dynamics, genetics, whatever the cause, you can't solve it. Maybe your husband was like that. I'm just thinking that your husband's life sounds like a constant quest for self esteem. One job after another, one enthusiasm after another, but he never finds what he's looking for because he doesn't know what he's looking for.

He had me. I thought he wanted me.

You weren't the source of his problem, so you couldn't be the cure. Meanwhile, he kept testing you, putting up obstacles, setting requirements. If you met his demands, it would show how much you loved him, and he thought that would make him feel better.

That's what I'm saying. You couldn't help him, because his problem had nothing to do with you. He just made it seem like you could help him, so when he never did feel better he could blame it on you for failing, instead of looking inward.

You're making a lot of assumptions about someone you never met!

That's true. I'm sorry. The great theorizer does get carried away sometimes. I apologize. I didn't mean to upset you.

No. Owen. I'm sorry I snapped at you. I don't know why I did.

What were you feeling just then?

(After thinking) I guess I was feeling defensive.

That's OK. You can tell me.

It just seemed that if my husband was such a loser, that doesn't say much for my ability to choose a mate.

Oh, Mal. You're such a sweetheart. It doesn't say anything at all about you except that you're human and made a mistake.

But if I'm such a poor judge of character, how do I know it won't happen again?

You don't know for sure. Nothing in life is guaranteed. But you're young. You were?what? 'twenty, twenty one? That's the time when everybody makes mistakes. The key is that you learn from them. You did. And when you realized you had made a mistake, you acted on it. You didn't let the situation drag you down, you fixed it.

I did, didn't I?

Yes you did. Aren't you proud of that?

Yeah.

You have every right to be. How did you feel the moment you told him you were leaving?

Well, right before, I was terrified of his reaction. But then, it was incredible, right when I was saying it, this amazing feeling of peace and calm took over completely.

And you knew right then that you were doing the right thing?

I did.

You did. OK, then. Mal, I hope you understand. Your marriage didn't end because your husband was a loser, or because you're so terrific. Relationships aren't really about the qualities of people. Criminals can have satisfying love lives. On the other hand, Mother Theresa had the best qualities you can imagine, but how many people ever wanted to marry her. It's all about how each persons makes the other feel about himself.

Come here. (Owen approaches and Mallory gives him a big kiss) OK, so, tell me this: How do I make you feel about yourself?

(Pretends to think, then wiggles his hands in the "so-so" gesture) Ehhh?

(Poking him playfully in the upper arm) You are pond scum. Do you know that?

Yes, but sensitive, communicative pond scum.

(Hugging him, arms around each other's waists) Perceptive, insightful pond scum. (They kiss)

Warm, affectionate pond scum. (Kiss)

Absolutely loaded in the self esteem department pond scum.

(Grinning) That's true enough. My father once told me to watch out or I'd break my arm patting myself on the back.

Sounds like I would like him.

I think you really will. I think he'll like you too.

I will? He will? Owen, isn't that assuming a lot, under the circumstances?

Mal, I'm falling hard for you. You know that.

I like you too, Owen. But I can't afford to be hurt all over again. There's a minor complication here.

Ellen.

Duh. (Pause) I need to ask you something. I need an absolutely honest answer.

You got it.

I'm going to be totally open with you. Like it or not.

I like it.

I'm trusting you to understand what I'm saying, and why, and why now, and not to get mad.

That's OK, Mal. Over time, I expect to earn your trust completely. Now is a good time to begin.

OK. We both know why you asked me here, instead of going out again. Right?

I think so.

And we both know where this evening is supposed to be heading, right?

Well, then, what's wrong with this picture?

Ellen.

You understand why I have to ask?

I think I do. If I could cheat on Ellen, I could cheat on you too.

Right. So why did you invite me here?

When you ask a question, it's a doozy.

You told me that already once before. You're just stalling now.

I know. OK. It's just that now it's my turn to have to trust you to understand me. It's hard to take that leap.

Go for it.

OK. OK. I'm about to bare my soul here.

Go for it.

Here it is. I wanted to be with you here tonight because I care for Ellen so much. I know it sounds weird. Please hear me out.

I'm listening.

Ellen is a wonderful person. She's warm, caring, understanding. She's as nice a person as you could meet. And our relationship is very good. We understand each other. We accept and appreciate each other. We communicate. We have intimacy on all levels. We find the same things funny. It's the most comfortable relationship I've ever been in.

I see perfectly. She sounds awfully hard to take. How can you stand being with her, even for a minute?

Please, Mal. Hear me out. Now you come along. With you, I feel not just comfortable, but?electric. I don't know how else to describe it. It's amazing. You bring me to life at a level more intense than I've ever experienced. Than I've ever imagined. With you, my attention is twice as alert. My caring is twice as urgent. You know me?I'm rarely at a loss for words?but I can't find the words to describe how you make me feel. It's so powerful. It's like I've been in an emotional coma until now, and suddenly you've awakened me to a life of feelings. I don't know how else to say it. Electric.

So now what do I do? My heart, my gut, tells me this is for real. Permanent. I've found my soulmate. You're it. But my head?my head is saying: wait a minute. Wait a minute. How can you know that? After three weeks and a couple of lunches, how can you know that? All you actually know'this is my head talking?all you actually know is that you're infatuated with her. That doesn't make her your soulmate. Maybe she is, maybe she isn't. Maybe she returns the feeling, maybe she doesn't.

So what do I do now? You're free to test our relationship over time. Let it build gradually. Let it evolve naturally. See if it works. If it doesn't, it's cost you disappointment?heartbreak, maybe?but that's an intrinsic risk in starting any relationship. For me it's so much more complicated. I've got Ellen, yes. Do I throw Ellen overboard for you after three weeks? After six weeks? After six months but just lunches? It's a real dilemma for me, Mal. I know the two of us can't really build our relationship while I'm still engaged to Ellen. But how can I leave her if I don't know that you and me are the genuine article? I don't want to leave her if We're not for real. And what about her pain? Her anguish? How can I justify hurting her so much, if I'm not absolutely sure about us? She doesn't deserve to be hurt at all. Yet I can't just walk away from you either.

So, I've got to find out. I've got to find out if We're for real. And that's what tonight is about, Mal. When Ellen had to go out of town on business, it seemed like a good opportunity to?not to take advantage of her, or you?but to find out more about what we both need to know. If there is going to be an "us," I don't see how else we can get there. That's it. Speech over.

(Mallory is silent, taking it in)

Mal?

I don't know. I'm trying to figure out if that's profoundly sensible, or the most bogus rationalization ever from a guy wanting to get into a woman's pants. Bottom line is, you are planning to cheat on her tonight.

You're right on that score. It's even worse. I promised her I'd never cheat on her.

So just what am I supposed to take away from this confession of yours.

That my feelings for you are so strong that I'm willing to do something morally repugnant in order to find my way to the best solution for everybody.

Really. What if it's not that your feelings are so strong? What if it's that your moral repugnance is a whole lot weaker than you'd like to imagine it is?

That's harsh, Mallory. An unfair. I know how I'm always intellectualizing about things, but that doesn't change the situation. What would you have me do? You know, at the same time I was telling Ellen I wouldn't cheat, she was telling me she didn't want to marry me if I weren't passionately in love with her. If I were just settling for her. You can understand that, right? I imagine you would feel the same way. (Mallory acknowledges Owen's point with a nod) OK. So the fact is, I'm passionate about you. Wouldn't it be a worse kind of cheating if I dumped you and settled for her?

Maybe.

Bottom line, as you put it, neither one of us is ready to commit to each other quite yet. So, I ask again, what would you have me do?

I would have you kiss me this instant. (They kiss) I'm sorry. Do you realize how hard this is for me too? I keep thinking how hurt she would be if she knew what we were doing. In her bed. In her sheets. And then you almost seemed to write it off as some kind of experiment.

Mal! You know that's not true. If I'm anything, it is serious about this. I'm trying to figure out what's right.

I'm such a mess. I'm trying to figure out what's right too. I don't know either. Maybe we should get a whiteboard and list the plusses and minuses.

What?

Nothing. I was just thinking of something at work.

Forget it. It's nothing important.

Mal, you're questioning what I'm doing tonight. Rightly so. I'd wonder about you if you didn't. But by the same token, when I asked you here, you could have said no but you didn't. Why did you say yes?

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Please don't be flip, Mal. You're the one that initiated this exploration of my inner feelings. I'm glad you did. There's a lot at stake for both of us. I think it's important that we both understand what both of us are doing.

I don't understand what I'm doing here tonight. I'm so ambivalent.

You mean, about us?

About us and Ellen. About the difference between what I want and what I ought to want.

Wanting what's right for you is not so bad.

What do you mean?

Can I tell you what I really want?

Of course.

I want to stop talking and turn on some music.

That idea is brilliant. (Kisses her, then with faux formality?) Shall we retire to the music room? (He holds out his arm, which she takes as they enter the living room and approach the audio rack unit) Would you like to pick something? Whatever you'd like. Can I get you an after dinner drink? I have all the usuals, plus champagne.

Champagne?

I'd like to look at tonight as a celebration. Of two people who belong together finding each other.

Champagne it is. Let's celebrate.

You got it. (Owen goes to the kitchen area to fetch champagne while Mallory browses through his rack of CD's.)

Thank you. Me too. Don't you think they really are better than the stuff coming out now.

Much. You've got all the classics here!

I'm surprised you like them. They're before your generation.

I know. But they have real tunes you can sing, with a hook and actual melodies. I have my radios set the oldies stations. I know them all. What do you want to bet I can guess your favorite? One of your top ten of all time, anyway.

How could you do that? Out of so many thousands of possibilities?

Because I'm starting to get to know and understand you. I've just realized, for one thing, that you're a hopeless romantic. It is so sweet.

Hopeless romantic? Me? Nahhh.

Yes, you. You really believe in true romantic love. You doll it up with intellectual folderol about "self validation," but you're actually talking "some day my prince will come." Everlasting bliss. You not only believe it exists, but that you can actually have it. That is so cool.

Wow. I never thought of myself that way.

It's refreshing in a man. It means you care about relationships instead of only about yourself. So, what do you say?

If you guess right, what do I lose?

You don't lose. We both win. You have to take off your shirt for our first dance.

There's an offer I can't refuse.

Deal. OK. Let's try 1969.

Good start.

Dionne Warwick.

I've got you nailed. You're dead meat. (Smiles and starts singing)

Act I, Scene V