Skin Hungry Read online

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  SKIN HUNGRY

  Copyright © 2020 by Erin Mallon. All rights reserved.

  www.erinmallon.com

  Book Cover + Interior Design by Qamber Designs & Media

  This play is dedicated to Delphi Harrington, a tremendous actor who has brought such love and life to Ruth over the play’s development.

  Delphi, you are a playwright’s dream.

  Characters

  Ruth, 70s

  Rowan, 20s

  Jim, 40s

  Gina, 30s

  Scene OnE

  Ruth sits alone in a library, surrounded by old-looking books. She “reads” one for a bit, then slowly, slowly lowers her nose to the page.

  Ruth: (inhaling) Mmmmm. Oh that’s delicious. (inhaling again)

  Oh God, yes.

  Rowan: Hi.

  She flings the books off the table.

  Ruth: (startled)

  Hi! I’m reading! I’m reading books in the library!

  Rowan: I can… see that. But maybe you should (he holds his finger up to his lips) “Shhhh.”

  Ruth: Yes of course. My apologies.

  He gathers the books and places them back on the table.

  Rowan: I’m Rowan.

  Ruth: Ruth.

  Rowan: You look like a Ruth.

  Ruth: Ok.

  Beat.

  Rowan: Do I look like a Rowan?

  Ruth: I’m not sure how to answer that.

  Rowan: It means “little red one.” What were my parents thinking, right? Little red one? I mean, am I a cardinal or am I a man? I’ll go ahead and answer that for you Ruth, I am a man.

  Ruth: I can see that, yes.

  Rowan: I gotta ask you though, Ruth: what are you DOING?

  Ruth: I was sniffing the books. I was sniffing the hell out of the books.

  Rowan: No, obviously you were. Who doesn’t like to sniff books? I meant, like, what are you doing to ME, girl?? I’ve been following you around on campus this afternoon because you’re just so damn radiant.

  Ruth: What? That’s-

  Rowan: Yeah, I’m drawn to your shit like the earth is drawn to the sun. Wait is that-? Wait. Like the moon is drawn to the earth? Fuck if I know. What I’m saying is that right now, one heavenly bodily is being pulled toward another heavenly body… and somebody’s rocket is about to land.

  Ruth: (Rising)

  I’m calling security.

  Rowan: That would be me! How can I help?

  Ruth: Wait, you’re...

  Rowan: Security, yep.

  Ruth: Aren’t you a little... small for that job?

  Rowan: I’m big where it counts, ladylady.

  Ruth: What?

  Rowan: What?

  Beat.

  Ruth: (Gathering her books)

  I’m going to go.

  Rowan: Shit. I came on too strong?

  He starts banging his head on the table.

  Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

  Ruth: Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!

  Rowan: Stupid!

  Ruth: STOP!

  Beat.

  Rowan: Ruth, I don’t mean to be critical, but again, this is the library. Voices down, please.

  Ruth: …Rowan?

  Rowan: Yes mam.

  Ruth: I feel like you’re flirting with me. In a very strange, but undeniably interesting way.

  Rowan: Accurate.

  Ruth: Why…?

  Rowan: …am I flirting with you?

  Ruth: Yes.

  Rowan: Why wouldn’t I?

  Ruth: For starters, you’re a child and I’m a senior citizen.

  Rowan: Senior citizen, my ass! You’re slammin!

  Ruth: Thank you. Nevertheless-

  Rowan: You’re welcome! Besides. Labels like that mean nothing. My cousin got mail from Aaaaaaarp! (clapping like a seal) when he turned 30.

  Ruth: Sorry. What?

  Rowan: Aaaaaaaarp? (clapping like a seal). You know: A-A-R-P. Old people club.

  Ruth: Oh. Ok.

  Rowan: Gosh, I’m nervous around you. You a freshman?

  Ruth: I mean, it’s my first time taking classes here, but I wouldn’t call myself-

  Rowan: Killer. I love freshman! I’m a junior. You dig older men?

  Ruth: Like... you?

  Rowan: Hell yeah, like me!

  Ruth: But you’re not actually-

  Rowan: ...older than you in age, no. But in collegiate wisdom? I got years on you, kid. I could show you a thing or two. (quick beat) Hey, you wanna get out of here? Let’s get out of here.

  Ruth: I don’t think that’s- I’m not in a place to-

  Beat.

  You know what? Yes.

  Rowan: (excited)

  Yes??

  Ruth: Let’s get out of here.

  Scene TWO

  Jim stands in the doorway of Gina’s apartment.

  Jim: Hi.

  Gina: Jim?

  Jim: Yeah.

  Gina: Gina.

  Jim: Hi. Thank you for- Should we- I don’t know how do you-? Do we shake?

  Gina: Sure, we can shake.

  They shake hands.

  Jim: I’m nervous.

  Gina: That’s ok.

  Jim: No like, that is my permanent state. Nerves. My nerves are just... nerving constantly.

  Gina: Well that’s part of the reason you’re here, yeah?

  Jim: Yeah.

  Beat.

  I think I’ll be pretty good at this actually. I went to a rock climbing class once in my 20s and the instructor said my thighs and buttocks are fairly firm. Does that help?

  Gina: That has absolutely nothing to do with it.

  Jim: Ok. (quick beat) So, should should I...?

  He moves to enter.

  Gina: BEFORE YOU COME IN!!!

  Jim: Yes! Ok! What?

  Gina: If you’re planning on chopping me up into tiny pieces, you should know that I never see clients without my 6 foot 5, 297 pound roommate Claude being present in the apartment. He won’t bother us, he’ll stay in his room the whole time, unless of course he hears my murder beginning, at which point he’ll make an appearance, and you’ll need to murder him as well, which I can assure you will be a hassle. You don’t w
ant a hassle do you?

  Jim: No, I - I hate hassles.

  Gina: Fantastic. Me too. Come on in then.

  Jim: Great. Great.

  He enters.

  Beat.

  Jim: So... do we go right to your- oh! Maybe this is not a bed thing? Is this a couch thing? Sorry, I don’t know how this works.

  Gina: It works however you want it to work. Bed, couch. Your choice.

  Jim: Oh. Ok, uh. I think... yeah, you know, let’s do the couch thing. I think the couch is... yeah.

  He bounds toward the couch.

  Gina: I do need to be paid first though.

  Jim: Sure! Right! It’s...?

  Gina: Eighty dollars cash for the hour.

  Jim: Of course.

  He hands her the money.

  Gina: Thank you. Before we dive in, we need to set the ground rules. And of course, you need to browse the menu.

  Jim: Great. Let’s take a looky. (Beat) Let’s do... I dunno, 3? Do you like Number 3?

  Gina: It’s not about what I like, it’s about what you want to experience.

  Jim: I think I’d like to experience Number 3. Gosh, 5g looks nice too though. Shit, 8a? You pick you pick you pick, I’m happy with whatever you pick.

  Gina: Fair enough. We’ll start seated and facing each other. Is that ok with you?

  Jim: Sure. Of course.

  Gina: Great. (Beat) Now let’s take a moment, allowing our bodies to settle into the cushions…

  Jim: My god you’re pretty.

  Gina Oh.

  Jim: Is that ok to say? Can I say that to you?

  Gina: It’s fine. Speaking the truth is encouraged in this space.

  Jim: Great. You’re pretty.

  Gina: Thank you. Ok. First of all, thank you for taking care of yourself.

  Jim: You’re welcome?

  Gina: Are your clothes freshly laundered?

  Jim: I’m not sure what-

  Gina: When I approach you, will I be welcomed by freshly laundered linen or will I be accosted by soiled slacks and fragrant fabrics?

  Jim: Um...

  Gina: Either is fine, I just want to be prepared.

  Jim: Pretty sure they’re... clean-ish cotton? How bout you? There’s definitely a smell coming offa you. A good smell, I think. It’s… how to describe it? Robust? A powerful, musky sort of-

  Gina: Dear god, do not say musky! No woman wants to smell musky!

  Jim: I’m saying I like it though! I like your musk!

  Gina: IT’S PATCHOULI! IT’S SUPPOSED TO CREATE A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE JIM!

  Jim: IT IS GINA! I FEEL SO RELAXED!!!!

  Beat.

  Gina: Just. Connect with your breath.

  Jim: K.

  Gina: May I thread my fingers through yours?

  Jim: Sure, yeah.

  Gina: Are you ok with my thumb being the uppermost digit in our clasp, or would you prefer it to be yours?

  Jim: Sorry, what?

  Gina: Well I wouldn’t want you to feel dominated by my thumb. My thumb is happy to be second in line if that makes you feel more comfortable.

  Jim: Either way is... fine. Can you just-?

  Gina: Alright. Here I go.

  Silence. Is he enjoying it? Hating it? It’s affecting him.

  Jim: You know what, you’re right you’re right, my thumb would be happiest on top please.

  Gina: There you go. See? That’s why I asked. Better?

  Jim: Yeah, that’s better, thank you.

  They sit in silence a few moments.

  Gina: May I stroke your head?

  Jim: Um. This one? Up here?

  Gina: Yes, that one. What did you think I-

  Jim: No, of course. Stroke my head, this head, yes please.

  Gina: I want to be clear here, Jim. I will not be touching you in your bathing suit areas during this session. Or any session. Do you understand that?

  Jim: Yes, I - I understand that.

  Gina: Good. (Beat) I’m stroking your head… your – this head.

  Jim: Yes.

  Gina: How does that feel?

  Jim: Nice. It’s... tingly and... nice.

  Gina: Good. May I place my head on your shoulder?

  Jim: Sure, sure.

  She does.

  Gina: How does that feel?

  Jim: Good.

  Gina: I notice you’re becoming aroused, Jim. What would you like to do about that?

  Jim: I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to-

  Gina: It’s ok. It’s perfectly natural. We always say “if a client gets an erection or a “her-ection” there’s no need to panic.

  Jim: Oh good, because I was panicking-

  Gina: But we do need to talk about it. This is a safe space Jim, you haven’t done anything wrong.

  Jim: Great. Though I think you should probably stop stroking me for a minute.

  She stops.

  Gina: So? What would you like to do about it?

  Jim: …about my... erection?

  Gina: Yes.

  Jim: Honestly?

  Gina: Yes.

  Jim: Well… honestly I would like to fuck you with it.

  She leaps to her feet.

  Gina: Jesus Christ!

  Jim: Wrong answer?! Was that the wrong answer???!

  Gina: Hell yes that was the wrong answer! You pervert! Get out!

  She starts beating him with a throw pillow.

  Jim: I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!

  She’s beating him toward the door.

  Gina: Get out!

  Jim: I’m not murdering her, Claude! She’s yelling but I’m not murdering her!

  Gina: Claude doesn’t exist you idiot!

  Jim: (popping his head back in the door)

  Oh gosh. He really should, Gina! That’s so dangerous you being here by yourself!

  Gina: Get! Out!

  Jim: You’re right. Bye-bye now. Thanks for the- (quick beat.) Bye.

  She slams the door.

  Scene Three

  We hear giggling in the dark. Rowan and Ruth are outside the library, smoking.

  Rowan: Girl, you’re so cool. If I could, I’d give you pockets in every skirt you own.

  Ruth: You - Why?

  Rowan: The patriarchy is screwing you with lack of pockets, right?

  Ruth: Oh. I didn’t realize.

  Rowan: Yes! The girls here are always talking about how unfair it is they don’t have pockets and we guys do.

  Ruth: Well, I uh-

  Rowan: You’ll forgive me when I say women brought it on themselves, yeah?

  Ruth: How do you-?

  Rowan: Well you get purses, right? You get purses! Now you want pockets too? Sorry, but you outsourced your pockets when you decided to carry purses. True story: I tried carrying a man purse once? The world wasn’t ready for it. Worst day of my life. Not true. I’ve had worse, but truth be told, I’ve never had a better one than this day here, the day I met you.

  Silence.

  Rowan: No response?

  Ruth: Oh. Are you done talking?

  Rowan: Do I talk too much?

  Ruth: No actually I- I like it. My husband... isn’t much of a talker, so-

  Rowan: Shit, you’re married?

  Ruth: Wasn’t much of a talker. Wasn’t. Sorry. Using the past tense just feels… disrespectful to him somehow.

  Rowan: Word. I get that. The spirit lives on and all, right? Like Bruce is probably here with us right now, wondering why I’m hitting on his woman.

  Ruth: Sorry... who is Bruce?

  Rowan: Your husband?

  Ruth: My husband’s name… was Dennis. Why would you think it was Bruce?

  Rowan: I’m intuitive like that. I mean, how cool would t
hat have been if I was right, right? I would’ve blown your effin mind. I do that at parties and stuff. I don’t ask people’s names, I just sorta feeeeeeel it out. If a guy looks like a Dave, well then for that moment, he’s Dave. I holler out “Dave!! What’s up buddy!!?” Most of the time his name ends up not being Dave, but man, when it is??? When his name IS Dave??? That’s magic. (Quick beat.) Doobie?

  Ruth: Huh?

  Rowan: Would youbie likey more doobie? I feel like I’m hoggin’.

  Ruth: I didn’t think young people called them doobies.

  Rowan: I’m not most young people.

  They smoke.

  Rowan: So. You diggin HCC?

  Ruth: I am.

  Rowan: Classes ya takin?

  Ruth: Accounting Principles for Non-Accountants, Figure Drawing 101 and Ethiopian Cuisine for Beginners.

  Rowan: Wow.

  Ruth: Well I’m not taking for credit, so… just trying new things. You? What are you taking?

  Rowan: The yooszh. All the requisite stuff.

  Ruth: You mentioned being a junior. Isn’t community college typically a 2-year program?

  Rowan: Yeah. Had to take some time off last year. Got behind. (changing the subject) Got kids?

  Ruth: Um. Yes. A son, yes.

  Rowan: Oh man! Lemme guess. He about my age?

  Beat.

  Ruth: No. No he’s not.

  Rowan: (laughing)

  Oh good! ‘Cause that would be awkward, huh?

  Ruth: It would, it sure would!

  They laugh together.

  It’s silent a moment.

  Rowan: You look sexy when you smoke, Ruth.

  Ruth: What are you doing?

  Rowan: What do you mean.

  Ruth: With me. Here. What are you doing?

  Rowan: Hangin. Smokin. Flirtin.

  Beat.

  I can… stop.

  Ruth: No, I -

  Rowan: Haven’t you ever felt an immediate connection with someone?

  Ruth: … I have.

  Rowan: Me too. With you. I saw you sniffing the shit out of those books in the library, and for the first time I felt this like… internal pointer finger in my heart just go… (aiming and popping his chest in her direction) “Her. Her. Her! Her! Her!”

  Ruth: Ok, wow, that’s-

  Rowan: Did you feel it too? With me?

  Beat. She doesn’t know what to say.

  S’ok. From what I understand, I’m an acquired taste.