Paul, All and others in “The News”

How do I look?

Fine.

How’s my breath? (blowing his breath at Hannah)

Fine!

Paul, I don’t know why you’re so nervous. It’s just a date.

No. It’s not just a date. It’s a date with Linda.

Yeah, and you’re so special about Linda.

Well, she’s sophisticated. She’s intelligent and she’s a grown-up.

Ooh. So what’s she doing with you?

Don’t say that. Look, I really want this to work out. I really like her.

Ooh!

So is this Linda the newsreader then?

Yes.

Excellent. Because I didn’t buy a newspaper this morning and I just wondered if she could run over the main headlines with me.

Don’t you dare. When she comes here, she’s off-duty.

(screeches) Okay, everyone, relax! All right.

I’ll get it.

How’s my breath?

Aw! Paul, would you stop doing that?!

Okay. Here goes.

Hi.

Good evening. I’m Linda Lewis.

So, how was your weekend?

Boating on the lake. Great success. Dinner at an Italian restaurant overpriced. And finally a walk on the beach.

Great. So are you ready?

Yes.

Well, I thought maybe we’d go to this Mexican restaurant.

No. A meal at the seafood restaurant. Tables are booked. Then coming up in the next hour a trip to the cinema.

Ah, that sounds like a much better idea. I don’t know what I was thinking. Come on, let’s go. Yeah.

See ya.

Bye.

Very good evening to you.

Mmm.

(to Tina) I thought she was supposed to be off-duty.