Page 119 of Score
Who woulda thunk, huh? Me singing in Paris? And London? And all them places? Mama near ’bout fell over when I told her. I can’t believe it.
Tilda rolls her eyes.
CAL
Well, you better believe it. We’re leaving soon! And you’re the main attraction.
TILDA
Where’s the booze in this place? I need a drink.
DESSI
Not just me. The whole band. I ain’t never been out the country. Have you, Tilda?
TILDA
No, and I don’t need to. New York got everything I want.
CAL
Wouldn’t you like to go someplace where Negroes are treated with a little respect? Look at JosephineBaker, making more money than God over there in Paris. They say she rides through the streets wearing furs and diamonds.
DESSI
You think we’ll get to see her?
CAL
I’ll make sure you do, Dessi.
Tilda watches the trumpet player and Dessi, a scowl on her face as she lights up a cigarette.
CAL
And what would you say if I told you next week, we’ll be up on that stage?
DESSI (WIDE EYES)
What stage? Who?
CAL
Us—you, me, and the boys. They booked us to play here at Café Society next week. Wanted to surprise you!
Dessi stands and throws her arms around Cal’s neck.
DESSI (PULLING BACK TO LOOK IN HIS FACE)
I don’t even know what to say.
TILDA (SOURLY AS THE LIGHTS BEGIN LOWERING)
I say sit down ’cause the show ’bout to start.
A white man in a suit steps to the center beside the piano.
MAN
