Nyayo House - Jamie Wyant

by Jamie Wyant
© 2008

CHARACTERS

KANINI        A young Kenyan woman (25)
JILL           An American businesswoman (around 50)
DENNY         Jill’s husband (mid-50s)
STEWART       Denny’s son (late-20s)
FRIDA        A Kenyan student, Kanini’s friend (20ish)

TIME: The present. June through March
PLACE: Chicago, Illinois
SETTING: A kitchen with counter stools, additional dining space, and office/desk space. The garden is visible through the patio doors.

Scene One: New Shoes

(A significant party is at hand. Plates are stacked, cloth napkins folded, stemware, etc. All are standing ready to be deployed to the garden.)

(KANINI and JILL enter. KANINI is carrying shopping bags from a clothes buying trip, JILL carries grocery bags)

KANINI

I will show them to you immediately we are finished in the kitchen. These shoes they will be so perfect for your outfit.

JILL

I don’t think there’ll be time–

KANINI

“I don’t think there will be time.” Don’t you worry, there will be time — That looks heavy. What did you buy? With all the food already in this house–

JILL

We needed vodka and with my sisters, more gin never hurts.

(JILL pulls a box of Frosted Flakes from her grocery sack.)

JILL (continued)

Then I thought that in the morning we should have a traditional family breakfast.

KANINI

My god, I remember that day. You picked me from the airport. I was so tired. Thirty hours from Nairobi. And the coat. I never saw anything like that coat.

JILL

It was January. I thought you would freeze.

KANINI

So big. I was lost inside that coat. I could not believe you wanted me to–

JILL

Until you got outside.

KANINI

Ten degrees below zero. Fahrenheit.

JILL

A warm Chicago welcome.

KANINI

I thought, “This is impossible.” And the drive home, here. I am looking at the trees, bare branches. They are dead. I thought, “All that firewood, but not a living tree.” Why did I come to this place, freezing and dead? And cars, everywhere. When I was a child, we thought the white people could not walk. Only they could drive past us on the road. I never saw white people walk until I came to Nairobi. Did you know that? Never thought they could walk.

(KANINI finds a bunch of bananas in her grocery sack)

KANINI (continued)

I see you have remembered these.

JILL

Who could forget. The look on your face. Frosted Flakes and bananas—

KANINI

I was looking at you, thinking, “She is eating that raw?” Like a monkey, she is eating that plantain raw. Does she expect me…?

(KANINI breaks off a banana and imitates a monkey eating).

JILL

(Imitates Kanini’s accent.)

Like a monkey. Ooh, Ooh, ooh. Ah, Ah, Ah.

KANINI

Hey monkey, want another banana? Want me to cook some up for you, like a person, or do you prefer them raw?

(DENNY enters unnoticed)

JILL

Ooh, ooh…

DENNY

Umm, ladies.

KANINI

You mean monkeys don’t you? Have a banana?

DENNY

That’s fine. I thought you should know the caterer will be here in 20 minutes. I think you should be getting dressed.

KANINI

No banana? Banana daiquiri?

(JILL hands liquor bottles to Denny)

JILL

Here, the bar in the garden.

DENNY

There isn’t much time.

JILL

I understand.

KANINI

Banana bread?

(A doorbell CHIMES)

JILL

Oh shit. They are way too early.

KANINI

Don’t worry. It is for me.

(KANINI exits)

KANINI (continued)

Banana pudding?

JILL

The bar. Outside.

DENNY

Twenty minutes.

(DENNY exits.)

JILL

You’re right, twenty minutes. How about you get dressed when you want to get dressed and I get dressed when I want to?

(KANINI and FRIDA enter. FRIDA carries a balloon bouquet.)

JILL

Frida. Aren’t you early?

KANINI

Don’t worry, she has not arrived. She has come to help.

FRIDA

Good afternoon, mum. Kanini, this I brought for you, very American.

KANINI

Very American, and so…

FRIDA

To celebrate “Master of Business Arts”. Look at you. I am thinking she is American, not a village girl from Meru collecting firewood with a baby on your back and another in your belly. Not the tea lady bringing mandazis to the office girls, or even an office girl. Master of Business Arts!

JILL

Finance.

(FRIDA presents the balloons)

FRIDA

Master of Business Arts, Finance, even better.

KANINI

Asanti sana, Frida. You are over kind I think.

FRIDA

Not at all.

JILL

It’s lovely, Frida. Where did you get it?

FRIDA

From the flower shop, by the college

JILL

By the college, you could have had it delivered.

FRIDA

Delivered? That would be extra, mum.

JILL

Well of course. Oh, right.

FRIDA

Now, I think the arrangements… mum?

JILL

Well see, already done. Sara did the flowers this afternoon.

KANINI

Everything is ready?

JILL

Pretty much.

KANINI

(Mimics Denny)

Twenty minutes ladies. Time to… Time to try the new shoes.

FRIDA

New shoes?

KANINI

I love new shoes. I picked them for Jill to go with her dress.

FRIDA

New shoes, see, you are no longer African.

KANINI

You just wait, when you have been in America for even one year. You just wait. Besides, the shoes they are for Jill.

FRIDA

Missus, I think you should try the new shoes. Kanini, where are they? The new shoes, Kanini.

(KANINI searches pulling clothes and a shoe box or two from shopping bags.)

KANINI

I am searching. Look at this, from Nordstrom. And this, Boston Store. And here, from Macy’s. I found them. What do you think? A perfect match, don’t you think?

JILL

They are lovely, you know. When you pulled them out, I thought, “She knows what I like.”

KANINI

(KANINI holds her nose and speaks with a Midwestern nasal twang.)

“Heels, but not too tall. Don’t want to break an ankle, you know. I’m not as young as you girls.” Have I heard that?

JILL

Look at them. They’re great. A little tight, maybe, but… You know, I was truly sorry to see these pointy toed things coming back into fashion, but these shoes make me… Don’t you think they… I mean these shoes are nice.

KANINI

Ah, that’s good. Can you walk in them? I mean, do they fit? They won’t fall off? You won’t fall off?

(STEWART enters)

JILL

I think I might be able to struggle through the evening…. As long as you promise not to leave my side so I can lean on you. Oh you know, maybe it would be better if I just got my mother’s wheelchair… These are as cute as a bug’s butt.

KANINI

They come in pink and a bright green too.

FRIDA

Bug’s butt?

JILL

Well, I wouldn’t wear them to a funeral. Maybe Denny’s, but anyone else, it’d be in poor taste. Don’t you think? (Beat) Stewart, how did you get… I mean, I didn’t even know you were coming.

STEWART

Well, here I am. I mean…. Anyhow.

JILL

No RSVP, no call?

STEWART

RSVP? I’m family. I used to live here.

JILL

But you don’t… I mean, the caterer. We don’t.

STEWART

Expect twenty percent no shows, at least.

JILL

Sure, of course, I already. I’m just thinking–

STEWART

Don’t worry I won’t take a plate. I’ll just slip into the kitchen and glean from the trays coming back, like the help.

JILL

That’s not what I meant. I’m just…– Well, Stewart. I am delighted to see you. Denny, your son is here.

STEWART

So, what’s the menu.

KANINI

Buffet.

STEWART

Steam table fare? Don’t worry, I really won’t be eating anything. You know, I could have done the catering…I wouldn’t give you steam table stuff… I’d set up in here, prepared on site, you know. The whole shebang, soup to nuts. It would have cost you less, than… Who is doing this gig? Not the Armenian.

KANINI

I wanted simple.

STEWART

Plastic forks, paper cups, sequin dresses and hooker shoes?

JILL

Stewart.

STEWART

Oh please, I’m joking. Kanini’s like a sister, aren’t you Kanini? Who’s your little friend?

(DENNY enters)

DENNY

We didn’t think you could wedge us into your busy schedule, graduations, weddings, society affairs. How will Chicago high society get by without the only straight souse chef–

STEWART

Jesus you guys. Why wouldn’t I? I’m family. I don’t need an invitation.

DENNY

You got one though didn’t you? An invitation? One arrived in the mail. An invitation arrived in the mail? RSVP, requested a response. Oh wait… Don’t tell me you brought a gift too. No gifts it said. No? No gift? Then you got the invitation?

STEWART

You know, don’t worry I’m not eating. I’ll tend bar. I can’t imagine you hired a bar tender. No charge. I won’t water the drinks like you, but I’ll tend bar. Will that make you happy?

DENNY

I’m a responsible host. I don’t want anyone getting drunk.

STEWART

Be honest, you’re cheap.

JILL

I’m writing the check for this one, Stewart, not your father. The bar tender is already arranged and—

STEWART

You know, I’m sorry.

JILL

There isn’t any need. Kanini and I would be happy if you would join the party.

STEWART

It’s just that sometimes, when he gets started.

JILL

You get started right back?

STEWART

If you say so.

KANINI

Stewart, please join the party.

DENNY

They’ll be here in any minute.

JILL

Who, Denny? Who will be here any minute?

DENNY

The caterers.

JILL

And?

DENNY

You ladies should get dressed.

JILL

I don’t have to be dressed for the caterer, Denny. I’m writing the check. I’m pretty sure they’ll take the check even if I’m, you know, not dressed.

DENNY

Ah. As long as you’re here, Stewart, I want to re-arrange the tables.

JILL

Denny, it’s been taken care of.

DENNY

No, no. I have an idea. I’m not an event planner, but wouldn’t it be better to arrange the tables so that there are clear lines of sight from the—

JILL

It’s been taken care of. Don’t move anything.

DENNY

Right. Drink, Stewart? I’ll show you the bar.

(STEWART and DENNY exit)

JILL

That went well. These are beautiful, the shoes, you know. They’re perfect.

(JILL’s cell phone rings; she checks the caller id.)

JILL (continued)

I should take this. Jeff. No, Kanini and her girl friend are here. Why what’s up? That is good news. Have you run it past Hassert yet? No, Monday should be soon enough. Wait. (To Kanini) I should get dressed. Jeff. We can talk about Metro… You are coming tonight aren’t you? Good, we can talk about Metro when you get here. We need to get straight on the Asians, though. I don’t trust them.

(JILL exits.)

JILL (continued)

I mean I know it won’t work without them, but I don’t trust them. So, we need to get straight on the Asians…

(FRIDA has been examining the price tags as she folds the clothes that Kanini scattered over the backs of the dining chairs)

FRIDA

How are you affording this?

KANINI

Which do you like? This one? The suit?

FRIDA

Kanini, these dresses. How are you affording?

KANINI

If I am going to make my way in America, I have to make a good impression. I have a job now. A good job. Midwest Financial Services.

FRIDA

A big company?

KANINI

I think so, three states and in Canada too.

FRIDA

Then you have an immigration card? They have sponsored you for a work permit.

KANINI

Oh no. No, no. It is not a permanent position. I have a year after graduation to work. A full year to, to find a way to stay.

FRIDA

Permanently? In America? I thought you would return to Kenya. Your home. Our home.

KANINI

Why should I? To Kenya? To corruption and banditry? To marry a Kenyan man so I can cook for him and make babies, and work and earn and do everything while he sits under the tree telling stories and getting drunk with his worthless friends? I will not go back.

FRIDA

Kenya is our home. There are many good men there. Your father is Kenyan, is he worthless? Do you disrespect even your own father?

KANINI

My father, my father was educated by the Jesuits before independence. There are not any like him today. My father, leave my father out of this.

FRIDA

I could not turn my face away from my people, my family. I miss them so much. Even today, I was thinking, I was thinking, why did I ever come to this cold place, this hard place. People, they do not look at you. They are over busy, they talk over fast. How can you choose this place?

KANINI

Frida, I know your experience. When I first came… It is a hard place, no one to talk to. So confusing, everyone talking with their big American accent. (Does an East African imitation of American speech) Always two, three, four decisions, “Which will it be?”, and you cannot understand. This is English? They are speaking English to me? And to be alone, these people they are always alone, even when they are together. They don’t touch. They stand so far away. They are in a hurry, always looking at their watch. Wait, girl friend, you have been in America only two months. I have been three years. This is a good place. These are good people. You will see.

(STEWART and DENNY are heard outside.)

STEWART

…with a year, maybe eighteen months, it would give me the opportunity I need. I really need to make a splash, an impression.

DENNY

Stewart, a year, eighteen months, on my dime? I’d need more than a couple these to even feign interest in your little scheme. It won’t happen, my boy.

KANINI

We should go.

(STEWART and DENNY enter.)

STEWART

Ah, Kanini.

KANINI

We are just now going.

FRIDA

To get dressed.

KANINI

For the party, any minute, you know.

(FRIDA and KANINI exit.)

STEWART

Hey, whose your… I could pay you back, after a couple of years, I’d be set. I have connections. In Chicago I have connections to get noticed.

DENNY

So use them, your connections. Use them now. Get who, the mayor, to support you, or is it one of your “artsy” friends?

STEWART

Not for this. In a couple years, sure, but not this. I’d have to, you know, repay the loan, fast.

DENNY

You’d have to repay my loan in a timely manner.

STEWART

It’s really not the same. Really. I wouldn’t ask. But I have a plan. A business plan and–

DENNY

You. You have a business plan. My son has a business plan. Hear that everybody. My son, with a semester… oh not quite a semester at the University of Illinois School of Business has a plan. Did you write it in crayon?

STEWART

Dad. Dad, now come on. You know why that didn’t work. We’ve been over it. Christ, we’ve been over this a hundred—

DENNY

I pulled strings. Your grades weren’t good enough for a community college. Will it be any different this time?

STEWART

Hundred, more like five hundred fucking times we’ve been over this.

(JILL enters)

JILL

Stewart, will you be staying the night?

STEWART

I thought I pitch up. Don’t want to drive dru– uh, that late, you know, might fall asleep on the Dan Ryan or something.

JILL

Of course. Use the guest room in the basement, will you? You know where the sheets are. Same old place.

STEWART

The basement? What about my room?

JILL

We weren’t expecting you.

(JILL exits)

DENNY

I busted my butt to get you into that school, any school.

STEWART

Still on that? OK, look. I get it. Get a knife. Here, get a knife. Take it and stick it in my throat. I fucked up. You know I get you’re a little disappointed in me. I have yet to live up to your academic standards. I have yet to register on the, I don’t know, Chronicle of Higher fucking Education, list of…, list of…, I don’t know, list of sons who haven’t fucked up, haven’t fucked up, yet. Mea culpa. Forgive me father for I have sinned. You know maybe… maybe I couldn’t, maybe I couldn’t understand all the theory, the math, I mean, even the writing.

Maybe I should never have tried. But I am not a failure. Oh sure, I embarrassed my father. The professor’s son who can’t even get through Biz 101, failed every fucking quiz.

“You know he dropped out. “ “Before the end of his first semester, I hear.” “What a … “ What’s the Latin for fuck up? By the way, bunch of fucking gossips. You guys are a bunch of old maids gossiping in the market. Oh excuse me, the agora. Gossips. That, that, that tape has been playing in my head for five years. And they’re right, that committee in there. Fucking gossips are right. I don’t measure up to my professor father. But I am not a failure. I can cook, you know. My Carciofi won a gold medal at the Culinary International Salon. That’s right a gold medal. Me, a success for once. Pretty damned good, eh? I can cook. I can cook and I have a plan. And you know what, it isn’t written in crayon, or, or… magic marker. One of my artsy friends helped me, that’s right, but no crayon. My business plan is presented as a, a, comic book. It’s a comic book. That’s right, it’s a comic book. And, and, and the people I know, the money people, they, they, they like it.

(Doorbell chimes)

(END Scene One)

Scene 2: Sequential Illustrations

(It is early next morning. The detritus of last night’s party covers all but one of the counters.)

(DENNY sits at the cleared counter space. He is reading the classified ads from the Sunday paper as he waits for the coffee to brew. JILL enters talking on her cell phone.)

JILL

No, I don’t think so. Well, because I think it’s important that we have Metro lined up on this before we bring the Asians in. So, about the other thing. We were talking about earlier. You’ll get back to me on that, right? No, before I get to the office. Ten minutes. I will. Ya, Bye.

DENNY

What’s up?

JILL

Nothing.

DENNY

Nothing?

JILL

Nothing. What’s Stewart up to?

DENNY

I’m just going to say, I didn’t hear “nothing” going on. What’s up with Metro?

JILL

Video conference. What’s Stewart up to?

DENNY

Are you blowing me off?

JILL

Yes, dear.

DENNY

OK.

JILL

What’s up with Stewart.

DENNY

Another harebrained idea; this time with a business plan. Coffee’s ready. You know it tends to run all over the counter if you don’t get the pot in there just right.

JILL

Are we talking sleek, fleet, and nimble?

(They are each getting their own breakfast. Talking but not really listening. This is routine.)

DENNY

Sorry?

JILL

Stewart.

DENNY

What?

JILL

Is Stewart’s plan harebrained as in sleek, fleet, and nimble, responsive to changing market conditions, or did you mean something else?

DENNY

It’s a comic book.

JILL

What’s that dear?

DENNY

A series of sequential illustrations that incorporate short bits of text containing dialogue, sounds, or narrative.

JILL

What?

DENNY

Sequential illustrations, bits of text.

JILL

Are we still talking about Stewart?

DENNY

We are. My son wrote a business plan as a comic book, a medium that portrays a story through a series of sequential illustrations that incorporate short bits of text containing dialogue, sounds, or narratives.

JILL

Really?

DENNY

Yep.

JILL

A comic book?

DENNY

Mmm, Hmmm.

JILL

Any good?

DENNY

It’s a comic book, for god’s sake. How can it be any good?

JILL

Why?

DENNY

Why what?

JILL

Why can’t it be any good?

DENNY

It’s a comic book.

JILL

I understand it’s a comic book. Why can’t a comic book be any good?

(DENNY finds Stewart’s plan.)

DENNY

Look at it. It’s twelve, fifteen pages at the most. Most of that is pictures. My students turn in outlines longer than this.

JILL

That’s it?

DENNY

What? You need more coffee? The pot’s full.

JILL

No. That, in your hand. That’s it. The comic book?

DENNY

This? Yah.

JILL

Let’s see it.

DENNY

What. Don’t tell me you’re–

JILL

Let me see it.

DENNY

You can’t be taking this seriously.

JILL

Have you read it?

DENNY

I’m not going to. It’s a joke. No one will.

JILL

You haven’t read it?

DENNY

He’s twisting my nose. I’m the butt of his joke.

(JILL takes the comic book)

JILL

I don’t know. It’s tight, focused. This looks pretty good. He got his customers pegged, high-end pampered, the competition, industry perspective. He does know a lot of people in Chicago. Is he gay?

DENNY

What? I don’t think so.

JILL

How’d he get so connected so fast? Look at this. He even covers what he’s asking for, how he’ll use the money and a payback schedule.

DENNY

He isn’t serious. How can… a comic book business plan? What makes you think he’s gay?

JILL

I don’t. I just wonder how he got so connected. You know…. You should look at this.

DENNY

He isn’t serious.

JILL

No. You should look at this.

DENNY

Ya? No. He isn’t serious.

JILL

I mean it. This is good.

DENNY

Yes, dear.

JILL

Are you blowing me off?

DENNY

Yes, dear.

(JILL puts the comic book in her briefcase.)

JILL

OK. Mind if I…?

DENNY

Be my guest.

(KANINI enters)

KANINI

Good morning.

DENNY

It isn’t a business plan.

JILL

Good morning, Kanini. Your right, it isn’t a business plan, but it’s a pretty good pitch. It’s tight. The pictures really punch it up. It’s a good pitch. So, did you enjoy the party?

DENNY

I thought it went pretty well. Your sister was her typical self.

JILL

I was talking to Kanini. Did you expect her to be anyone else?

DENNY

Oh, sorry. Not really.

KANINI

It was nice, such a nice party. I did not want it to end.

JILL

Well. I’m afraid it already has.

KANINI

I know, but…

JILL

The caterer will be by around ten to pick up his stuff. Will you be here?

(JILL’s cell phone rings.)

JILL (continued)

Jeff? Not, yet. 10 minutes. No, I’m walking out the door. Hang on. Kanini, I’m late. I’ve got a video conference. So, will you be around? Great. Oh, by the way, have a look at this.

(JILL hands Stewart’s comic book to KANINI.)

JILL (continued)

We’ll talk when I get back. (To Phone) Jeff? You there? OK, so what did you find out…

(JILL exits)

(END Scene Two)

Scene Three: Morning Coffee

(Later the same morning. The detritus of last night’s party has been removed. KANINI is busy with the comic book, note making, and consulting her laptop. STEWART enters.)

KANINI

Stewart. I didn’t know– I thought you went home last night.

STEWART

Didn’t plan to. Slept downstairs. The room Jacki and Kent like.

KANINI

I don’t know why. There are guest rooms upstairs. They are not so—

STEWART

Musty. Maybe they like their privacy. Besides, they have a separate bath; upstairs shares.

KANINI

I would not prefer the basement. I do not like going down there even to wash the clothes, to do the wash.

STEWART

It has its advantages. You can make plenty of noise down there and no one’s the wiser. Besides, I wasn’t expected. Any coffee?

KANINI

Did you enjoy the party?

STEWART

Drank too much. Kept thinking I had a chance with one of your girlfriends. Thought I had a chance and ended up drunk, too much wine. Any coffee?

KANINI

My girlfriend?

STEWART

That little Asian chick.

KANINI

A little Asian… chick, friend of mine?

STEWART

Yeah, you know, she had on that sleek, blue number. Where’d she get that? Not locally, that’s for sure. Conservative but still hot. Showed off her… right. Showed off her personality, I guess, egghead but sexy.

KANINI

Dr. Li? Stewart! Dr. Li? Please not Dr. Li. She is an economic advisor to the Governor. She is married. She has children.

(STEWART is looking for a coffee mug.)

STEWART

That little thing. She looked young. So, is there any coffee in this house?

KANINI

What did you do? What did you say to her? She is my thesis advisor, a reference for me. Stewart.

STEWART

God, Kanini, give me a break. It’s not like I groped her. We talked.

KANINI

Talked. That’s nice. Talked about global monetary policy and the euro/dollar exchange rate or something personal?

STEWART

Huh? Oh, actually, we talked about the appropriate capitalization rate for valuation of an enterprise.

(STEWART finds a cup, starts looking again.)

KANINI

What is the appropriate capitalization rate?

STEWART

I don’t know. Did you get coffee this morning?

KANINI

No, tea. How did you get on to capitalization rates?

STEWART

I asked.

KANINI

About capitalization?

STEWART

Well, no.

KANINI

You said.

STEWART

Not about capitalization rates. I asked about financing a restaurant.

KANINI

Dr. Li is a macroeconomist.

STEWART

Not macaroni. Pasta, it’s an Italian restaurant.

KANINI

What?

STEWART

It’s a joke. Where’s the coffee?

KANINI

There. That is funny?

STEWART

Apparently not, Jennifer didn’t think so either. See, I asked her about financing when she told me she was your professor. Then she told me that she was a macroeconomist. And I—

KANINI

Tried the same pun?

STEWART

Yah, it must lose something in translation. Anyway, I asked her about financing and she told me all about venture capital and the return these guys are looking for. You know it’s pretty much out of my league. I mean way…. (Pours a cup) It’s cold.

KANINI

It’s noon. You call her Jennifer?

STEWART

Sure.

KANINI

Dr. Li?

STEWART

Why not? She’s not my professor. Just a hot chick I met at a party. Where do they keep the filters in this house?

KANINI

I have an additional question. Why are you interested in business financing? You are a cook.

STEWART

Souse chef, or that’s what they call me.

KANINI

I don’t understand.

STEWART

It means I am the deputy chef, you know second. But, it’s a corporate hotel, ritzy, but still a corporate hotel. I really don’t have much input. Everything, menus, suppliers, even process is decided for us.

KANINI

I thought– Jill told me you enjoy your work.

STEWART

I do. Always have. Really it’s the only time I feel…. Do you, you know, ever lose yourself? You know, when, when just the work is so, I don’t know how to say it. The heat and the rhythm and the aroma and all of a sudden, all of a sudden, you aren’t there. It’s just, just I don’t know someone else is there or maybe it’s just you. You’re alone and all the chaos is gone and there isn’t anyone in your head whispering. It’s just you and the fire and this wonderful food and then, then, then… well then it’s gone and they’re yelling for the sauce, and you drop the olive oil. But for that minute, for that five minutes, when everything is right and the sauce is, is, is perfect. Then, it’s then. When I’m cooking, I feel just, I don’t know, just perfect.

KANINI

I don’t– I never– How? No. No, I never felt that way.

STEWART

Geez, How’d we get onto that?

KANINI

We were talking about finance and—

STEWART

That’s right. Anyway, since I won gold at the International Salon. I’ve been thinking, “I want to try this.” I think I can make it.

KANINI

A restaurant? Is that what you are thinking?

STEWART

Yah. Chicago’s a great market.

KANINI

It will involve considerable risk. You have not proven yourself in the market. For a start-up business like this, generally, bankers and venture capitalists will pass. You should try to raise the money privately, you know, family and friends.

STEWART

I’m catching on to that.

KANINI

Your mother, your older brothers, Denny, you should ask them for financial help.

STEWART

I’m pretty sure that plan is a bust.

KANINI

Sorry?

STEWART

A bust. Maybe you’ve forgotten the discussion last night, Before the party? I mean it’s a good thing the pinot grigio was surprisingly quite good. I might have had to actually, you know,(Mimes a knife in the throat).

KANINI

But, you have the foundation of a “surprisingly quite good” business plan, captured in your presentation material.

STEWART

Presentation materials?

KANINI

The small booklet. There on the counter. Jill showed it to me.

STEWART

My business plan?

KANINI

I think, no. It is not a business plan.

STEWART

Yah, I know. Everyone, well, everyone with money’s already told me. I gave it my best shot. Now I, I don’t know what to do.

KANINI

Try again.

STEWART

What do you mean?

KANINI

Stewart, try again.

STEWART

But I don’t know what—

KANINI

Learn what to do.

STEWART

How? From who?

KANINI

Whom.

STEWART

From whom? I can’t ask my dad.

KANINI

Me.

STEWART

You?

KANINI

I think you have a chance.

STEWART

I can’t.

KANINI

Stewart, just now… I have not heard anyone talk of work in the way you have. How important is it?

STEWART

What do I do? I don’t know what to do. How should I approach it?

KANINI

I can help. But you must try again. The booklet is a beginning.

(END Scene Three)

Scene 4: Contingency Planning

(KANINI is at the desk working. STEWART is at the table reading from an extensive business plan.)

STEWART

Does this sound right, “The menu will be similar to St. Alban in London. It will feature starters such as hand-carved San Daniele ham with bread and tomato; and mains such as fish stew with Sardinian fregola and aged-beef tagliata.”

KANINI

Do people in Chicago pop over to London for dinner?

STEWART

No, of course not.

KANINI

So then, why…?

STEWART

Why what?

KANINI

Stewart, why would you say the menu will compare with St Albania in London?

STEWART

St. Alban.

KANINI

Who will know what that means? Why not say, “In Nairobi, the Carnivore Supper Club uses the similar breadstick.” Who cares about that? Think about your clients.

KANINI (continued)

You are opening a fine restaurant in Chicago. Not New York, not Paris, not London. Chicago, Illinois, Rust Belt of America. Write for those people.

STEWART

Yah, no, yah… of course. Sorry.

(STEWART returns to his composing for a bit.)

STEWART (continued)

You know, I couldn’t, I wouldn’t, I mean without you, without your help, I don’t think I could have, could have gotten half this far. Without your help, you know. It’s like you’ve been, I don’t know, like a mentor. I had no idea how to put all this together. Now, I mean, just look. Really, you know, it’s, it’s, pretty much there. And I wouldn’t have. Well, just, I mean, you know, thanks.

KANINI

The cart is before the horse.

STEWART

Hmmm?

KANINI

The cart is before the horse. Your words have overtaken events.

STEWART

Still, I don’t–

KANINI

We have not yet finished.

STEWART

But–

KANINI

Back to work.

(Jill enters talking on her cell phone.)

JILL

I’d say eighty thousand a week is a lot. Per thousand? I don’t think so. Not even half that. Not in the first year. No, do we have to go over that again?

(Jill looks over Stewart’s shoulder.)

JILL (continued)

Gupta, can you hang on a sec? Sorry, hold the line for a moment? Thanks. (To Stewart) St. Alban in London?

Well maybe eighty-five. I don’t know that you want to push it that hard. No, eighty-five is a stretch at this point.

(JILL turns and mouths to Kanini, “Call for pizza.” Exits.)

STEWART

What was that about?

KANINI

Wednesday night pizza.

STEWART

On the phone.

KANINI

That? The big Asian deal, Gupta Singh in Bangalor.

STEWART

She’s outsourcing to India? I thought it was China.

KANINI

Off-shoring, not outsourcing. I would never trust my business to a foreigner.

STEWART

Kanini, you are a foreigner.

KANINI

You cannot trust an Asian or Somalis. They are the worst. Cheating and robbing the people. Keeping their noses high. Keeping to themselves, they only trust other Asians. They are foreigners. Never doing honest work. Sitting in their shops like fat toads.

STEWART

So, I’m looking at mainly southern Italy, you know, think Puglia, Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia.

KANINI

I hate to see our jobs going overseas.

STEWART

You sound like a laid off machinist.

KANINI

Do you understand what it is like? No. How could you? Do you know what people will do to come to America, to stay in America? They struggle and work so hard. Do you know what they will do? Do you know what I would do?

STEWART

You? Why should you worry? Near as I can tell, you’ve got it pretty well it made. I mean, you’re smart, educated, pretty.

KANINI

I’m an immigrant holding a student visa and hoping for the green card lottery, praying for a little luck.

STEWART

What about Midwest Financial? Weren’t they going to sponsor you or something?

KANINI

Events have overtaken them in that regard.

STEWART

OK. That’s the second time. Events have overtaken, what’s that supposed to mean?

KANINI

They are not going to submit the immigration petition. Why should they bother now? By the time everything is arranged, my student visa will expire and I–

STEWART

Won’t be eligible. That’s terrible. I thought– Why didn’t they?

KANINI

The original plan they told me, I was to study independently to sit the CPA exam. They were to begin the Department of Labor certification. But they did not.

STEWART

They didn’t even start? Why not?

KANINI

We have been working on this plan together.

STEWART

No.

KANINI

We are working on this plan together and I have not–

STEWART

Kanini, no. You shouldn’t have. Jesus Kanini. Oh sorry. But, what are you going to do?

KANINI

I am not worried. I still have six months, almost six months, and there are options. Stewart, I wanted to help you. Not at first. I thought you were… like Denny thought. I thought you were–

STEWART

You thought I was a slacker.

KANINI

I thought, maybe. I don’t think so now.

STEWART

Still it’s true. I mean it’s not like I sit around watching TV or anything. So I’m not, you know… It’s just I can’t, I don’t know. I can’t seem to get going. No, I can’t seem to finish, or follow through, or something.

KANINI

You are creative. I think you are the most creative person.

STEWART

That’s just it, see. Ideas, they’re cheap, ten cents each. I, I don’t know, my brain it’s just, I don’t know, churning, churning. It starts like an idea and then all of a sudden I’m way over there in left field or falling off the end of the earth and I get, I get stuck, you know. Then, then I’m just, I don’t know, I can see, I don’t know, all the possibilities and every one of them with a thousand details to worry about, and I’m not, I’m not the detail guy.

KANINI

But you are.

STEWART

No. You’re the detail guy here. You’re the anchor. Me, I just spin, you know, fantasies. Never anything you can really hold on to. Never a solid idea, something you can build on.

KANINI

Look at this plan, Stewart. You look, just here, at this plan. Do you see what this is? Your plan, your vision, complete, detailed. You have imagined and you have researched. It is good work Stewart.

STEWART

You know what I see. I made that up. I see a blueprint of… What I see is ten thousand opportunities to fuck up. That’s what I see. I look at that and I want to throw up, my stomach goes…

KANINI

That is not what I see. This is America, with hard work, anything is possible. I believe this. We have worked very hard, together, this plan, it is ready. Believe this with me Stewart. Believe in our work.

STEWART

I’m scared. What if, what if no one shows up or there’s a gas leak? What if I– Really, what if I fuck up again. What if I don’t follow through? I mean there could be a lot riding on this.

KANINI

There is a lot riding on this. Stewart, I am depending on you.

STEWART

Jesus, isn’t that just like me.

KANINI

Don’t talk like that.

STEWART

Oh, sorry. Bad habit, I know. But what are you going to do?

KANINI

About immigration? There are things I can do. I have enough money to enroll again. If I pick up my studies full time, my student visa will be extended, same rules.

STEWART

A Ph.D.?

KANINI

There are other ways too.

STEWART

Like what?

KANINI

Other ways.

STEWART

The lottery?

KANINI

The green card lottery? Fifty thousand places, more than nine million applicants. Shall I hold my breath waiting for that?

STEWART

You wouldn’t… um, disappear, or run. Is there a term for that?

KANINI

Certainly, illegal alien. And if I had to, yes, I would stay illegally.

STEWART

What if you get caught? What will they do to you?

KANINI

No matter what Uncle Sam does, I am so not going back to Kenya!(Beat) Maybe I should just marry David.

STEWART

David? Jill’s son? That’s creepy. I don’t think. I mean he already has… That is, he’s…

KANINI

I know.

STEWART

So why’d you?

KANINI

Just searching… for a plan… to stay.

STEWART

A light hearted joke then?

KANINI

Not too…

STEWART

If you’re serious. Are you serious? Because if you’re serious, I’d, I’d look closer, if you’re serious.

(END Scene Four)

Scene Five: Entre Nous

(The scene opens with FRIDA and KANINI sharing a pot of tea. FRIDA looks more American, maybe wearing jeans.)

KANINI

There. The sugar is there and I have warmed the milk.

FRIDA

I do not understand Americans, how they take their tea bitter. When I was a girl, my mother she would make the children stop at two spoons of sugar. Will it be all right?

(FRIDA adds a third, then a fourth spoonful.)

KANINI

The exam, you did well?

FRIDA

If I could understand the big American accent I would do better. They let out so many letters when speaking. I listen, occasionally I understand. It is not English at all.

KANINI

And Joseph? Have you told your mother you have met an American?

FRIDA

I have not. I wonder if I ever will tell her. After the sacrifice my mother has made, so many years, always she told me I am the intelligent child, even though I am a girl. I am the first child–

KANINI

First girl child.

FRIDA

I am a girl, but that did not matter. My mother trained me, she guarded me, helped me. And always I made the good grades and she would tell me that I will be the first. Then when the priest told me, “Apply for an American scholarship,” and I did, and I earned one, she could not believe it. It was an answer from God for my mother. Now our family will be comfortable, we will buy land. Now I am to help my sisters and brothers. I am the eldest, I have, will have, an American education. In the village, people will respect our family. How do I tell her?

KANINI

You have met an American, he is helping you understand American culture. Things are different in America, men and women are expected to associate socially. It is important to learn as much as you can about American ways.

FRIDA

But how do I tell her that I am not coming home? That I will stay in America. Excuse me, I have been noticing there on your wrist. It is quite beautiful.

KANINI

The necklace is matching and the earrings. Stewart has given them to me.

FRIDA

Stewart?

KANINI

Yes, we are planning to –

FRIDA

Marriage?

KANINI

To run the restaurant together, strictly business.

FRIDA

And the jewelry, that is…?

KANINI

Simply friendship.

FRIDA

Ah, friendship.

KANINI

Yes, friendship. Unless, the Employer Sponsorship fails.

FRIDA

You are!

KANINI

Between us, we have a plan, first try the EB-2 process, if that fails, we will…

FRIDA

I thought there was something.

KANINI

Strictly a business contingency.

(Jill and Stewart ENTER. Stewart carries an overnight bag)

JILL

So what do you think? Are we ready to sign?

KANINI

(To Frida) Don’t say anything.

STEWART

Ready to… I, I,I haven’t had time. You need to…

JILL

No, yah, I know.

KANINI

Stewart? I am not expecting you today.

STEWART

I, I, I thought you’d be out.

KANINI

We decided to take our tea here.

STEWART

So you could warm the milk.

JILL

Hello, Frida. You look like you’re, I don’t know, like you’re feeling at home. You don’t look so lost as you used to. Past the culture shock?

FRIDA

Not completely. I am still lost when I do the food shopping, too many choices, and the cinema movies, too many choices. Telephone plans, dresses, jeans, shoes, too many choices.

JILL

I was with you for a minute there, but shoes? Kanini, is it possible to have too many choices when it comes to shoes?

KANINI

Maybe, but not dresses.

JILL

I can understand, though. But it’s good experience if you’re going to be a marketer. That’s your major, right? Marketing?

FRIDA

I have changed to nursing.

JILL

Nursing? You’re interested in that?

FRIDA

There is a severe shortage.

JILL

That’s true.

STEWART

Oh I see, green card, eh?

KANINI

She wants to stay. She has a new… friend.

STEWART

A new boy friend?

FRIDA

Joseph.

JILL

Very nice.

FRIDA

He was my… Last term he was the teaching assistant.

JILL

So, he’s an American? (To Kanini) That’s an option for you too, you know. I always thought–

FRIDA

Kanini is already planning–

KANINI

To enroll again. I am planning to enroll again. Already, I have saved five thousand dollars for tuition.

STEWART

You know, I should… (He indicates the overnight bag.)

KANINI

I have been accepted in the Accounting program at Milwaukee.

JILL

I hadn’t heard. Have I heard? You told me this already didn’t you.

KANINI

Last week.

JILL

(To Stewart)Put that in your old room. There are clean sheets and a towel there for you too.

(STEWART exits)

JILL (continued)

I’ve been so busy with, you know. Is that tea? Any left?

FRIDA

It is already cold. Shall I?

(FRIDA starts to clear the tea service but does not get very far.)

JILL

Would you dear? (To KANINI) Listen, have you seen his final draft? It’s as good as anything I ever saw. He’s got the creative drive, that’s obvious. But it’ll take more than that.

KANINI

He understands that, I think.

JILL

Between us, he needs someone who understands the nuts and bolts outside the kitchen, the business end.

KANINI

Stewart, I think, has a better grasp of the situation than you realize.

JILL

Oh, I’m not saying… It’s clear from the business plan that he learned a lot since, you know, the comic book. But, planning aside, when it comes to real world problems Stewart hasn’t, well, he hasn’t had the best track record on follow through. I want him to engage a manager.

FRIDA

Has he not already engaged someone?

KANINI

Frida! (To Jill) Does he know this?

JILL

I think so. I think I mentioned it. So, I’ve been asking around. I think I found someone who could really help him out on the management side.

(STEWART enters)

JILL (continued)

Settled in?

STEWART

Yah, thanks.

JILL

Need anything, something to drink?

STEWART

I’ll have a beer, or… What are you having? Is that tea?

KANINI

It is cold. I, I… I will… I will put the kettle on. So, Stewart, where did you and Jill have dinner?

STEWART

Entre Nous

KANINI

The French?

JILL

Very.

KANINI

Market research or celebration?

JILL

Too early to celebrate.

STEWART

How about you two? Where’d you two have dinner?

FRIDA

The African Student Union put on a traditional meal, peasant food.

STEWART

Nothing wrong with peasant food. Almost all the dishes I’ll serve are based on peasant food.

KANINI

Dishes you will serve? Stewart?

STEWART

Not just me. I mean, I meant I’ll be the chef, prepping…

JILL

That’s what I want to talk about.

KANINI

(To Stewart) Excuse me, can you help me with this?

(KANINI and STEWART remove the tea service)

KANINI (continued)

Jill is talking about our business, Stewart. We have carefully thought the plan. Tell her we have established a management structure.

STEWART

I can’t tell her.

KANINI

Why can you not tell her?

STEWART

She’ll want to know who.

KANINI

Then tell her. She knows me.

STEWART

No, she’ll want to know about, about the contingency.

KANINI

Why is it her business? We are to be partners.

STEWART

Kanini, you and I can’t afford restaurant space in The Loop. With her help I’ll, we’ll–

KANINI

What kind of help?

STEWART

Hundred seventy-five.

KANINI

One hundred seventy-five thousand dollars?

STEWART

We can go upscale right away.

KANINI

She wants ownership?

STEWART

Sixty-two percent.

KANINI

Controlling interest? We can’t allow sixty-two per… (Beat) You have already agreed.

STEWART

No, I only…

KANINI

Stewart, look at me. You have already agreed.

STEWART

I, I, I haven’t agreed.

(STEWART gestures helplessness.)

KANINI

Were you going to tell me?

(END Scene Five)

Scene Six: The EB-2

(The next morning. The scene opens with DENNY waiting for coffee to brew and reading and marking the classified ads. KANINI enters. She is dressed as she was last night.)

DENNY

Look what the cat dragged in. Coffee is about ready.

(KANINI doesn’t respond)

DENNY (continued)

You OK?

KANINI

Sorry. Good morning.

DENNY

Where you and Frida out late? You look like frayed around the edges there.

KANINI

I am fine.

DENNY

You’re sure?

KANINI

Yes.

(They each proceed with their morning coffee ritual, alone together.)

DENNY

So, how are things?

KANINI

What things.

DENNY

I was thinking about work. How are things at… work, made VP yet?

KANINI

No.

DENNY

Now, where is it again?

KANINI

Sorry?

DENNY

Where is that you work again?

KANINI

Midwest Financial Services.

DENNY

That’s right. Everything going OK there?

KANINI

Fine, as well as to be expected. Why?

DENNY

I was just wondering. I thought. Well, I just thought the hours would be demanding.

KANINI

I don’t understand.

DENNY

No? I was just wondering. Isn’t it a long way from here? Aren’t they downtown?

KANINI

On the North Side.

DENNY

A long commute. Have you thought about taking an apartment?

KANINI

Apartment?

DENNY

Closer to the office. I was looking through the classifieds. There are vacancies

KANINI

An apartment?

DENNY

I really think it might be better for you. I mean you’re what? Twenty-six years old.

KANINI

Twenty-five. Do, do you want me to leave?

DENNY

It’s not that. More the time. You could meet someone. I mean it could be better to live on your own.

(JILL enters)

JILL

Good morning. Coffee ready yet? Kanini, are you all right? You left so abruptly last night. I was worried you might be ill.

KANINI

I am not ill.

JILL

You sure? You look a little ragged.

KANINI

Denny has already told me. I am not ill.

JILL

Aren’t those the same clothes?

KANINI

I am not ill. Do you think I should take an apartment?

JILL

What were you two talking about?

KANINI

Apartments.

DENNY

Closer to the office. There are vacancies.

JILL

What are you getting at?

DENNY

Nothing. I was looking through the classified ads. I saw these and I thought…

KANINI

Do you think it would be a good idea?

JILL

Sure, if it’s what you want. Once you have your feet on the ground.

DENNY

She’s been in America for three years. How much time does one need.

KANINI

I did not know.

JILL

Denny, just what is it you are trying to do here? Are you trying to be offensive?

DENNY

I am simply trying to inject, inject a thought, a thought into the planning. Kanini has finished her MBA. She has a job, a good job, responsible. She puts in long hours, very long hours to judge by it. And the commute, the commute time can’t help. Look it’s not like I want her to leave. I’m not proposing that. I’m–

JILL

Just trying to inject a thought.

DENNY

Yes.

JILL

Into the planning.

DENNY

Yes.

KANINI

He has a point.

JILL

What?

DENNY

Thank you.

KANINI

I should have thought this myself. I have been staying here so long, I think of this place as my home, of you as family.

JILL

We are.

KANINI

But, I am… I should plan. The time has come.

KANINI (continued)

In Kenya, I would live with my father and my mother until I was married. Here, here I should… It is different here. Denny is right. The time has come. (To Denny) May I have that?

(KANINI takes the classified ads and EXITS.)

DENNY

Is there something with her?

JILL

Like what?

DENNY

I don’t know. She–

JILL

She was strange last night. We were having tea, or something, when she and Stewart, I don’t know. I seems like they had a fight or something. Kanini ran off. Then Frida started and, you know how sometimes you just don’t understand what’s going on with them?

DENNY

Kenyans?

JILL

Yah.

DENNY

Cultural gap.

JILL

Last night was more of a chasm. Stewart wouldn’t talk about it. I asked him but wouldn’t say, flat out refused, and then, he… It was all so strange. I never got to finish talking with Stewart.

DENNY

With Stewart?

JILL

Yah.

DENNY

You’re not still thinking of–

JILL

As a matter of fact, Denny, I am.

(STEWART enters with packed overnight bag and a bound document under his arm.)

STEWART

Any coffee?

DENNY

Well, now we can find out.

STEWART

What we?

DENNY

Jill was just telling me that you two are going into the restaurant business.

STEWART

We’ve talked.

DENNY

Do you really think, Stewart, do you really think you’ll be able to deliver. How much are you in for?

JILL

I don’t think it’s your business.

DENNY

My wife and my son are cooking up a business, sorry about the pun, but it’s none of my business? How is it none of my business. I mean, I’m not a lawyer, but I think there must be something about common property.

JILL

Not really.

STEWART

There isn’t?

JILL

No.

DENNY

You checked?

JILL

No, but I know.

DENNY

Well how, why do you think it’s worth the risk. He doesn’t have the experience.

JILL

He’s a souse chef. He runs a hotel kitchen.

DENNY

Business experience. When’s the last time you balanced your checkbook?

STEWART

I don’t have a checkbook.

DENNY

See what I mean.

JILL

How do you…?

STEWART

Debit card, credit cards, on-line. I’m paperless.

JILL

Really, how’s that working out? I’ve been thinking–

DENNY

That’s still my point. No business is paperless. Do you handle paperwork, invoices, accounts receivable?

STEWART

No.

JILL

Do they have receivables?

STEWART

I don’t know, I’m not the one.

DENNY

But you have to be. There won’t be anyone else. It’s not like a big corporation.

STEWART

Listen, I just want to have the best risotto.

DENNY

See what I mean.

(KANINI enters with a small suitcase then exits, unmarked by the others.)

JILL

He’s got it–

DENNY

You can’t just worry about the risotto. It’s a business. What about credit card receipts, payroll–

JILL

His business plan–

DENNY

Negotiating the lease? Oh his business plan, the comic book business plan?

JILL

You’re not being fair. Do you think I’d put a hundred seventy-five thousand dollars into a start-up–

DENNY

A hundred seventy-five. Oh my god, the world turned upside down. Are you nuts?

JILL

Denny, your son has– I don’t know how. Anyway, Stewart has written the best business plan I’ve seen in, well, maybe ever.

(KANINI exits)

DENNY

Jill, I can tell you for a fact, my son Stewart, might make a great cannoli, but he can’t write. You didn’t sit with him.

JILL

People do amazing things when they want something badly enough.

DENNY

You didn’t sit with him here, at this table. You didn’t spend countless hours on his reading lessons and writing lessons.

JILL

Well, someone wanted it… enough to write a damned good business plan.

DENNY

You want it badly enough to–

STEWART

I never wanted it.

DENNY

He never wanted it.

STEWART

I never wanted it. Kanini did. She’s the one.

JILL

Kanini?

STEWART

Yah. We, we’re going to–

JILL

But there must be hundreds of hours in this.

STEWART

Yah.

DENNY

What about her job?

STEWART

Well, she didn’t…

JILL

She’s like family. She thinks of us as family. In her mind, she owes the family.

DENNY

You let her do your writing for you?

STEWART

No, yah, no, at first I didn’t. She was, you know, just… Well, sort of coaching. She was just coaching me every week or so.

DENNY

Then?

STEWART

Then, well, then, then, then, she was just, I don’t know, so good at it. She was so good at it that, well she sort of, I don’t know, she just sort of took the lead.

DENNY

And you let her.

STEWART

Well, yah. She was–

JILL

When?

STEWART

When what?

JILL

When? How long?

STEWART

Well, since the party.

DENNY

What are we talking about, Stewart? What party?

STEWART

Well, since she finished.

DENNY

June? Last June?

JILL

Stewart!

STEWART

It was her idea. You don’t understand; it was her idea. I would never have… I didn’t know what to do. I was just trying the, the, the comic book thing, just trying to and then she, after the party she got me, she has a vision for the restaurant, my, my… our, it’s our restaurant. See I cook, it’s my kitchen, but she does the–

JILL

So last night when I told her– You never told her did you? You never told her I was involved, did you? Why not? Stewart, why not? Why didn’t you tell me?

DENNY

What about her Green Card?

STEWART

We have that covered.

JILL

Why the secrecy? I don’t understand that.

DENNY

What about her Green Card?

STEWART

We were trying, first I tried to get Employee Sponsorship, you know EB-2, professionals with advanced degrees.

JILL

Wait, you were doing this through Midwest?

STEWART

Who?

JILL

Her employer.

STEWART

No, no, through the restaurant.

DENNY

But it doesn’t exist.

STEWART

Yah, but–

JILL

Stewart, without payroll records, the Department of Labor isn’t going to–

STEWART

I know that now.

DENNY

You haven’t even incorporated, have you?

STEWART

I figured they wouldn’t expect records, if it I said it was a sole proprietorship.

JILL

Even the self employed have to file income taxes.

STEWART

It’s complicated.

DENNY

It’s naive.

JILL

When that didn’t work, you planned to, what?

STEWART

Get married. She didn’t know about the EB-2. Well, she knew I was trying, she didn’t know–

DENNY

That you buggered it up.

STEWART

Thanks, dad.

JILL

You plan to marry Kanini?

STEWART

We plan to marry each other.

JILL

Are you in love?

STEWART

No, of course not. (Beat) It’s business.

JILL

You can’t.

STEWART

Why not?

JILL

She’s family.

DENNY

She isn’t, not really.

JILL

It doesn’t matter. We have to fix this.

DENNY

You two… You buggered this one Stewart.

JILL

Stop that. Go get her. No, not you. Denny, go get her. We have to fix this.

(DENNY exits)

JILL (continued)

What were you thinking? When I was talking about bringing in outside management, what were you thinking? Were you thinking you could talk me out of it? Did you think the money was coming without strings?

STEWART

No, I only…

JILL

Stewart, look at me. You agreed.

STEWART

I, I… I haven’t agreed.

(STEWART gestures helplessness.)

JILL

What were you going to tell her?

STEWART

I didn’t. Couldn’t we, you know, I don’t want your outside management. Kanini knows the business, I never wanted… God, how did I get here. This is not my life.

(DENNY enters)

DENNY

She’s not here. Her car’s gone and there no one… her room is… She’s not her. There’s a note.

JILL

Let me see it.

DENNY

For Stewart, it’s for Stewart.

JILL

Read it.

DENNY

Her room looks like she packed maybe. You know, her closet door is open and… It just looks like she grabbed stuff.

JILL

Well?

STEWART

(Reading)

She’s…

DENNY

Jill, listen, I think she left.

JILL

Of course she left. Her family just–

STEWART

She’s… It says here she’s, let’s see, she does not understand, how Jill has become involved in our plan. Best thing is… wait. She’s driving to… a Mr. Odinga, from her village in Meru District. He’s a registered nurse… from the same church. He’s in… damn, her writing is so shaky, in, aw shit. She’s headed for Carlton, Texas, Texas … with Frida, I think. No, Frida knows the contact. Oh, he’s her cousin or something.

JILL

Fuck. Oh fuck. You stupid… you little, you selfish little…

DENNY

Take it easy.

JILL

Don’t tell me to take it easy. A little black girl driving alone to Texas

STEWART

She’s a grown woman.

JILL

She’s Kenyan. She gets lost… She doesn’t read maps. I don’t think they taught them that. You stupid fuck.

(JILL slaps STEWART, once, then twice then starts at him)

JILL (continued)

What were you thinking? Why didn’t you tell me what was going on.

(DENNY pulls JILL off STEWART)

DENNY

Take it easy.

JILL

Let go of– Do not tell me to take it easy. I’m walking away. No, no I’m not. When is the last time you cared for somebody, anybody, either of you? When, Denny? How about you Stewart? I’ll tell you. Never. I don’t think you, either of you really cares about anyone. I’m bleeding here. I’ve lost her confidence, her trust… She’s my, my friend.

DENNY

Take it easy.

JILL

She’s the only one in this house, the only one I could, talk– Kanini is the only real friend I have. And now, she thinks it was me, because you, you little coward, you sack… God, every time I– Look at me. I’m standing here bleeding. Look at me you, and you. I’m here in front of you bleeding. And you, you tell me, what? You have no idea what I am carrying along. Do not tell me to take it easy. Now, now I am walking away.

(END Scene Six)

Scene Seven: Footsteps

(Weeks later. There are a few packed moving boxes in one corner.)

(JILL enters with another box. She is in pajamas and a robe. She spends time getting the box just right on the stack of boxes. She then pours herself a mug of coffee. She sits, stirs, gets up. Finally she settles, for a moment she tries to distract herself with a magazine, but ends just staring at nothing.)

(KANINI enters carrying keys and an empty box.)

KANINI

(Soto voce)

I have come for my belongings and to (Beat) return the key.

JILL

Would you like a cup? I could make tea.

KANINI

I have come for my belongings.

JILL

Sure. They are… I’ve… There.

KANINI

Thank you.

(They take a long moment to assess each other.)

JILL

Listen. I could help.

KANINI

It’s not necessary.

JILL

I want to, help.

KANINI

I don’t understand.

JILL

I want to. Please.

(KANINI shakes her head almost imperceptibly, reluctant to disturb the equilibrium.)

JILL

Have you… Have you heard from…

KANINI

Stewart? No.

JILL

I thought he might, through Frida

KANINI

No.

JILL

Coward.

(Another long silence.)

KANINI

I don’t think. Stewart never wanted it you know, the restaurant. The thought, it terrified him.

KANINI (continued)

He is simple, here, in his heart and in his mind. Denny should love him. Do you know where he is?

JILL

He left the hotel staff, we know that. We haven’t heard from him or of him beyond that.

KANINI

I understand why Stewart did (Beat) what he did. He is not strong. It was quite easy for me to persuade him. He could not think alone. I understand why he did, but Jill, I try, I cannot understand how you could. What have I done? Was it our plan for my Green Card? It was strictly a business arrangement.

JILL

No.

KANINI

When I was coming, do you remember the problems I had to get a passport? So many times I traveled to Nairobi, to Nyayo House. That is the name. Nyayo House, it means footsteps. You see, when government first planned that building, we were a young country. Nyayo House named footsteps because we were to follow in the footsteps of Jomo Kenyatta, our George Washington. We were to follow in the footsteps of freedom loving people, America. Nyayo House, the principal government building. And today what? Shall I tell you? Nyayo House represents the rot our dreams have turned to, the most corrupt public office in Kenya. I thought I left Nyayo House in Kenya. I did not. I brought here with me. I came to know Stewart and I could see that he was not strong. He could never plan a business. His heart is full and his imagination, my god, ask him sometime to tell you what he dreams. But I could see he was lost. His father would not help him, and you? I don’t think. Did you close the Metro deal? So I took him into my hand, like a small bird.

Carefully, I nurtured the plan, the business plan. And he came to know, he could not, without me he could not succeed. And my goal, my permanent resident card, the green card was just here, just in my palm. The little bird was Stewart, was the green card. Then you, Jill, interrupted. And the little bird had wings. Maybe I am cursed. I think we all are cursed. Why did you sponsor me? When you visited my parents’ home in Meru, you were the one to ask me. I never dreamed. Why did you bring me here to America. I believed you. When you told me of the possibility of life in America, you made me believe. America is a great liar. The stories tell you it admires generosity, honesty, courage but at the end it doesn’t. It worships money and celebrity, that’s what it admires.

We come from all over the world to learn your ways, to study at your universities. You welcome us; you show us your generosity. The stories tell that anyone can prosper. Success is simply hard work. But we cannot prosper here. We are not allowed. We come to America to study, but we cannot stay. Tell me, who I would have hurt. What American’s job would I have taken? There was no opportunity that I did not make. There is no American– I should go now.

JILL

Kanini, I didn’t know. We can fix this. We have to fix this. Believe me, I didn’t know. I hope we can fix this.

(They contemplate this.)

KANINI

I should go.

(END Play)