Rent: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical (64 page)

(THE MAN moves to MIMI and holds out a small plastic bag of white powder.)

(Fade out.)

30. Take Me or Leave Me

Any location and JOANNE's loft

MARK

Valentine's Day ... pan across the empty lot. Roger's down at Mimi's, where he's been for almost two months now, although he keeps talking about selling his guitar and heading out of town. (Still jealous of Benny) ... God knows where Collins and Angel are.... Could be that new shantytown near the river or a suite at the Plaza.... Maureen and Joanne are rehearsing.

JOANNE

I said-once more from the top!

MAUREEN

I said no!!

MARK

That is if they're still speaking this week.... Me? I'm here. Nowhere. (Lights up on the scene.)

JOANNE

And the line is, "Cyberarts and it's corporate sponsor, Grey Communications, would like to mitigate the Christmas Eve riots ..." What is so difficult ... ?

MAUREEN

It just doesn't roll off my tongue. I like my version.

JOANNE

You-dressed as a groundhog-to protest the groundbreaking .. .

MAUREEN

It's a metaphor!

JOANNE

It's ... less than brilliant.

MAUREEN

That's it, Miss Ivy League!

JOANNE

What?

MAUREEN

Ever since New Year's, I haven't said boo. I let you direct. I didn't pierce my nipples because it grossed you out. I didn't stay and dance at the Clit Club that night 'cause you wanted to go home ...

JOANNE

You were flirting with the woman in rubber.

MAUREEN

That's what this is about? There will always be women in rubberflirting with me! Give me a break.

MAUREEN

(MAUREEN pouts in JOANNE'S direction.)

Kiss, Pookie.

JOANNE

It won't work.