WARREN
I’m really sorry I couldn’t make your play last night-
PHILIP
(without looking up)
Oh, don’t worry about it-
WARREN
You know Leilah was there, but-
PHILIP
Yeah-
WARREN
She was raving about it. (bangs his head symbolically) I’m kicking myself now for not trying to get a cover earlier-
PHILIP
Really, it’s-
WARREN
(removes a bouquet of flowers from the bag)
I know it’s not like giving them to you if I was there, but-
PHILIP
(takes them, is coming apart)
Aw, Warren you shouldn’t-
WARREN
I’m sure you knocked ‘em off their feet, buddy.
PHILIP
Thanks, thanks a lot.
(beat)
PHILIP (CONT’D)
(realizes)
...Hey, how did you know I’d be here this morning? I mean at this exact time, I’m usually not-
WARREN
That’s the thing...I’m not going to fool with you since you’re my friend.
(beat)
Those were actually for Leilah. We got in a fight late last night, after your play.
Philip looks down.
WARREN (CONT’D)
But don’t worry, cause you deserve ‘em anyway! (examines his watch, plastic with a James Bond logo) Hey, I gotta run, but good to see you - and good job!
He walks off towards the counter and brushes shoulders with a busy graduate student on his way out. Warren turns and watches the student exit. He smiles and shakes his head. Philip sits with a stillness and continues to stare at the page, reading and re-reading the review as his tea grows cold.
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