SETTING: TV Bingo continues after RODNEY stormed out. Recognizing the absurdity of the moment, SHARON shared a subtle laugh with RUSSELL, the man sitting next to her.
SHARON
New guy’s crazy, isn’t he?
RUSSELL
It’s the first time I’ve ever seen someone storm out of TV Bingo. But not the first time Rodney’s stormed out of a group situation. He used to do it all the time back at the network.
SHARON
Can we maybe not talk about my ex-husband again?
RUSSELL
I didn’t mean to bring him up but when he’s right here making a scene, how can I not?
SHARON pauses before answering.
SHARON
No. Rodney doesn’t live here. He can’t.
RUSSELL
Sharon, trust me. That was Rodney.
SHARON
He looked nothing like Rodney!
RUSSELL
When was the last time you saw him?
SHARON
Haven’t seen him since the divorce.
RUSSELL
And how long ago was that?
SHARON
Oh about 25, 30 years ago, something like that.
RUSSELL
Sharon, that was Rodney.
SHARON
What do I do? He hates me! And I hate him!
RUSSELL
I say you pay attention to your card, you’re about to get Bingo! I’ll go find Rodney.
SHARON
Russell, that’s a terrible idea.
RUSSELL gets up and wanders off to find RODNEY. He eventually catches up with him in a hallway upstairs, right as RODNEY was about to enter his room.
RUSSELL
Rodney!
RODNEY gets startled.
RODNEY
Whoa! Do I have a fan already?
RUSSELL
It’s me! Russell!
RODNEY looks at RUSSELL blankly.
RUSSELL
From KTN?
RODNEY
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
RUSSELL
Quite the first day, huh?
RODNEY
Well for one, my ex-wife is here. And now you’re here too so…yeah not the first day I was expecting.
RUSSELL
I don’t understand why you retired, Rodney. Aren’t you going to miss KTN?
RODNEY
We can’t all work until we’re 80.
RUSSELL
I didn’t work until I was 80, I worked until I was 72. And a young 72 at that.
RODNEY
Face it Russell, there’s no such thing as a young 72. And you’ve gotta be around 80 by now.
RUSSELL
I’m like the weather on a windy day: 79, feels like 50.
RODNEY
Is there a difference? That’s still outside the demo. And that’s kind of why I retired. I enjoyed my time at KTN, but I know when it’s time to step away from things. Like this conversation.
RODNEY enters his apartment and closes the door without inviting RUSSELL inside.
RUSSELL [under his breath]
If you knew when it was time to step away, you would’ve left a LONG time ago pal.
RODNEY [from inside]
HEARD THAT!
RUSSELL walks back down to TV Bingo, which is wrapping up. He sits down again next to SHARON.
SHARON
I got bingo! Won a free dinner for two.
RUSSELL
You gonna take your man?
RUSSELL puts his hand out to SHARON.
SHARON
No one else I’d even think of going with.