Secret Santa

A One Act Christmas Comedy

By 

Deborah A. Hodge

Secret Santa

 Copyright 2010 

by Deborah Hodge

All Rights Reserved

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Cast of Characters

Susan Swanson is the older sister. She is twenty-eight years old. Her husband, Jay Swanson, a soldier in the military and is on deployment in Iraq. Susan and her sister Jennifer run a resort hotel on the North Carolina coast. The hotel has been in the family for four generations. Susan and Jennifer’s parents died in an automobile accident. Since that time, the hotel has been the two girl’s responsibility. Susan is very concerned that they might lose the hotel because their father took out a mortgage with balloon rates for repairs. Interest rates have gone up and right after Christmas a huge payment comes due. Susan loves Jennifer, but when the local banker’s son becomes interested in her, Susan encourages the romance, hoping that it will end in marriage. Since Henry’s father is the banker, whose bank holds the mortgage, Susan believes he will be more sympathetic to their situation if Henry marries Jennifer.

Jennifer Randall is the younger sister. She is a very attractive twenty- three year old who loves her sister and the hotel. She dates Henry because her sister encourages her to because his father holds the mortgage on their hotel. She has known Henry all of her life. He is an eligible bachelor with great prospects, but he is rather conceited. Unknown to Susan, Jennifer has fallen in love with Jason Scott, an employee at the hotel, but because of her sister’s urging her to marry Henry as a solution to the mortgage problem, Jennifer does not allow her relationship with Jason to progress beyond friendship. However, when Henry proposes, she struggles between loyalty to Susan, her family, and her love for Jason. Jennifer confides in Kara Hanson, a friend since childhood.

Jason Scott is twenty-six. He is a handsome young man, who has only been working for the hotel for about six months. He is in love with Jennifer, and believes that she loves him. However, she will not allow their relationship go beyond friendship. Jason believes this is because she wants to marry for money. Unknown to Jennifer or anyone else at the hotel, Jason Scott is really Jason Scott Nettleton, the son of a rich oilman from Dallas. Because of the betrayal by his fiancée, Lisa, Jason dropped out of sight and ended up at the resort hotel in North Carolina. Susan needed another employee. He needed a job and a place to stay. Even though he is afraid that Jennifer is a “gold-digger” like Lisa, he is quite upset when Henry proposes to Jennifer.

Thomas Randall is the twenty five year old loveable, hotel employee who has worked there for years. Even though he is very accident-prone, Susan and Jennifer keep him as an employee because they consider him part of their family. He has been in love with Kara Hanson for years.

Kara Hanson is twenty-three and has been Jennifer’s friend since childhood. Kara is from St Louis and is the daughter of a wealthy executive.

Henry Blakemore is the twenty-seven year old son of the local banker. He has been a conceited, bullying snob for most of his life. His attitude is that he is better than everyone else is because he is the banker’s son and has had nice things all of his life. He attended a prestigious northeastern university and after earning his MBA, he came home to take a position in his father’s bank. When Henry returned home, he was amazed at what a beautiful and attractive woman, Jennifer Randall had become. He asked her out several times before, she said yes. They have been dating for approximately six months. He has concluded that she would make him a perfect wife. Her sister, Susan manipulated Jennifer to go out with him. She wants them to marry.

Hillary Loftis is twenty-six. She is Jason’s best friend and assistant at Nettleton Corporation. When he called needing her help, she hopped a plane in Dallas and immediately came to North Carolina. She handles the mortgage pay-off for him and helps make Jennifer jealous so that she would admit her true feelings for Jason. She also advises Jason that his suspicions that Jennifer is a gold-digger are wrong.

Jay Swanson is Susan’s husband, who gets leave to come home for Christmas.

Bill Hanson is Kara’s father.

Sheila Hanson is Kara’s mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Blakemore are Henry’s parents.

Hotel Guest can be either male for female. This is the person Thomas hits with a mop and spills his/her coffee.

6 to 12 Walk on parts. 

Hotel cook

Bell hop(s)

1 or 2 more hotel employees

At least six to eight hotel guests to enter and exit to the lobby or through the hall on cue can be added.

Secret Santa

Setting: It is Christmas time at a resort hotel somewhere on the North Carolina coast of the U.S.  The hotel is a family hotel left to two sisters by their deceased parents. The hotel has a hefty mortgage with a balloon rate. A huge payment is about to come due and the sisters do not have the money. The older sister’s husband is in the military and has been deployed overseas. The older sister is urging her younger sister to marry the local banker’s son in order to solve their mortgage problems. He is interested in her, but the interest is not necessarily mutual. 

Act I Scene I

Scene 1 begins in the hotel lobby which is decorated for Christmas, which is only a little over a week away. The hotel is a popular spot for Christmas vacationers and has few vacancies. Susan is at the hotel desk. The lobby is entered from a hallway. The hallway has the main entrance, a stairway to the rooms and the entrance to the hotel restaurant is through the hallway opposite the stairway to the rooms. Jennifer enters from the upstairs direction of the hallway, sees her friend Kara, a friend and frequent guest at the hotel. Jennifer goes to greet Kara, who is seated on a sofa in the lobby area.

Jennifer---- (With genuine warmth) Hey, Kara. When did you get here?

Kara--------- About fifteen minutes ago. Susan told me that you were busy with housekeeping matters.

Jennifer-----Yep, you know how it is in a small hotel.

Kara---------- (playfully) Actually, I don’t know. We super-rich folks hire people to do things like that.

Jennifer------ (pretending to be offended) I was about to tell you that it’s good to see you, but if you’re going to act like a snobby super-rich girl, I don’t think I am.

Kara----------I was going to say how good it is to be back here, but if you’re going to act like an offended super-poor girl, I won’t.  (They both laugh and hug each other.)

Jennifer------It is good to have you back.

Kara--------It’s good to be back. You know how I love being here for Christmas. 

Jennifer-----Are your parents here?

Kara--------No, but they’ll be here, Christmas Eve. I came on ahead because I wanted to see you. So how are you doing? 

Jennifer-----Okay.

Kara--------Okay… From what I’ve heard you’re better than okay.

Jennifer----How’s that?

Kara------- I hear you’re almost engaged.

Jennifer-----For a girl who’s only been here for fifteen minutes, you sure know a lot.

Kara--------Tell me about this dream man.

Jennifer---- (with candor) ---I wouldn’t call him a  dream man.

Kara--------Well, tell me about this wonderful man.

Jennifer------ (continued candor) ----I wouldn’t call him  wonderful.

Kara---------Tell me about this  extremely nice man.

Jennifer------ (With a pained look on her face) ---I wouldn’t call him  extremely nice.

Kara--------What would you call him?

Jennifer----- (searching for the right description) ---He’s uh….

Kara---------Wait, all you can say is, “he’s uh,” and you’re going to marry him.

.

Jennifer----That’s what Susan wants.

Kara--------But, what do you want?

Jennifer----I don’t know what I want.

Kara--------Then, you shouldn’t get married.

Jennifer----I know, but….

Kara--------But, nothing!  It seems I arrived just in time. I won’t allow you to marry a man you don’t want to marry.

Jennifer----That’s just it. I don’t know if I want to marry Henry or not.

Kara--------Henry?

Jennifer----Henry Blakemore. You know Henry.

Kara-------- (with great disapproval) ---Yeah, and I can’t believe you would even consider marrying Henry.

Jennifer----- (trying to believe what she’s saying) ----Henry’s not  too- bad.

Kara---------Henry! Henry Blakemore is an  insufferable, - conceited -snob.

Jennifer----- (with a tortured look on her face)--Not  all the time.

Kara-------- (with conviction) ---He has been all the time that I have known him.

Jennifer--- (trying to sound convincing) ---Well, - maybe -you don’t know him as well as I do.

Kara-------Nor, would I ever want to.

Jennifer---You’re being very rough on him, don’t you think? After all, I’m probably going to marry him.

Kara------Yeah, but why? It is obvious that you don’t have feelings for him.

Jennifer----What makes you say that?

Kara--------Because I know you.

Jennifer---Yeah, you do.

Kara--- You’re honestly considering marrying Henry.

Jennifer—(with a sigh)—Yep.

Kara-----Even, with all you know about him.

Jennifer---- (with another sigh)--Yep.

Kara---- (quite concerned)—That doesn’t make sense. (Jennifer shrugs her shoulders.)  Something’s not right. What’s going on? 

(Before Jennifer can explain, they are interrupted by Jason, a handsome young man who works at the hotel.)

Jason------I’m sorry to interrupt you ladies, but (speaking directly to Kara) I believe you are Miss Hanson.

Kara----- (Quite taken with his good looks)—I surely am, and who might you be handsome.

Jason----I am the one Miss Swanson told to get your bags from the car and take them to your room.

Kara---- (flirting)—That’s great. I’ll be glad to show you to my car.

Jason—(looking at Jennifer with embarrassment) That won’t be necessary Miss Hanson. If you’ll just give me your keys, I’m sure I can find your car without any trouble.

Kara----I left my keys at the front desk.

Jason---I believe you forgot to do that.

Kara---- (a little embarrassed) Really! (her pockets and realizing that she does not have then)--I’m sorry, but I don’t seem to have them with me. They’re in my room. I’ll run right up and get them.  (Kara goes to her room to get her keys.)

(Jennifer and Jason are left alone to wait for Kara’s return,)

Jason----Nice girl.

Jennifer---Yeah, she is, and I believe she’s rather taken with you.

Jason----- (joking)—Really, I hadn’t noticed.

Jennifer----Yeah.

Jason-----How about a walk later?

Jennifer----You know I can’t. I have a date with Henry.

Jason----We could go before Henry comes or better yet, you could cancel your date.

Jennifer----Why would I do that?

Jason------Because you like me better (Jennifer acts shocked at his statement) ---Don’t look so shocked…. you know you do.

Jennifer----I don’t know anything of the sort.

(Jennifer folds her arm and turns away, as Kara returns in a hurry.)

Kara---- (still flirting) ---Here you are handsome. Are you sure that you don’t need some help?

(Hearing Kara’s voice Jennifer turns toward her.)

Jason---Thanks, but I’ve I got it. (Jason turns to leave.)

Kara----- (grabbing his arm as he turns away) ----By the way handsome… haven’t I seen you somewhere before?

Jason---- (Smiling as he turns back toward Kara)—Don’t you think that line is a little stale.

Kara-----Yeah, it would be if it was a line, but I’m serious. You look familiar to me.

Jason----I’m sorry, but I don’t think we have ever met.

Kara---- (flirting)--My misfortune.

Jason---- (Noticing that Jennifer face betrays jealousy, he flirts back.)—Or maybe, (as he flashes a broad smile) ----it’s my misfortune.

(With much interest, Kara watches him leave. With jealousy, Jennifer watches Kara watching Jason. Jennifer rolls her eyes and shakes her head. Kara sees her.)

Kara-----What? He’s a good-looking, single guy

Jennifer--- (sounding a disapproving) ----Uh, huh

Kara----He is single, isn’t he?

Jennifer--- (trying to sound sincere) --- Yep. He is.

Kara-------Who is he?

Jennifer-----Jason Scott

Kara--------What happened to Thomas?

Jennifer---------Nothing. He’s still here. We decided we needed another guy to help him, and Jason needed a job. Susan hired him on the spot…  By the way, Thomas took a few days off. He’ll be back on Friday. He’ll be very glad that you’re here.

Kara--- (very unenthusiastically)—Yeah… (enthusiastically) Well, I’m glad Jason’s here. This Christmas has tremendous prospects.

Jennifer--- What about Matt?

Kara-------Oh, that’s old news. I dumped him six weeks ago. Let’s get back to Henry and you.

Jennifer--- (protesting)--Do we have to?

Kara----- (firmly)-I think we do. I want to know why you would even considering marrying a man that you obviously do not care about.

Jennifer--- (protesting)--I care about him.

Kara------ (adamantly)—Jen you  care about everybody. So, what’s up with marrying someone you don’t love?

Jennifer---- (pleading)—If I tell you, you have to promise that you won’t tell Susan that I told you.

Kara---- (reluctantly)—I guess.

Jennifer----Kara you can’t tell anybody.

Kara---- (unenthusiastically) ----Okay. I won’t tell.

Jennifer---I’m considering marrying Henry because… (Reluctant to say the reason aloud, she stops. It is apparent to Kara that Jennifer is having difficulty admitting why she is marrying Henry.)

Kara------- (To help her out Kara tries to draw out the remainder of Jennifer’s confession) ---You are marrying Henry because… (Jennifer still has difficulty admitting why she is marrying Henry.)----Let’s try this again.  You are going to marry Henry because….

Jennifer------ (finally she spits it out) ----Because of his father.

Kara---- (interrupting) –Because of his father! What does his father have to do with it?

Jennifer--- (confessing) ----His father holds the mortgage on the hotel.

Kara-----So?

Jennifer----So, there’s a huge payment due January 3rd and Susan and I can’t pay it. If we don’t, Mr. Blakemore is going to foreclose on our loan and we’ll lose the hotel.

Kara----I get it. You think that if you marry Henry, Mr. Blakemore won’t foreclose.

Jennifer----Exactly!

Kara----But, Jen

Jennifer----No, buts. We can’t lose the hotel. It’s been in the family for four generations.

Kara----Yeah, but there are some things a person shouldn’t do for money.

Jennifer---I’m not doing it for money. I’m doing it for Susan.

Kara------I have it. I’ll pay the January payment. That’ll give you time to come up with another solution.

Jennifer---That’s sweet, but I can’t take your money.

Kara----Why not?  We’ve been friends forever, and besides, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you from marrying Henry.

Jennifer---The problem isn’t just the January payment. It’s the mortgage and the balloon rates. The interest rates have gone up and we can’t make the payments.

Kara---I thought business was good here.

Jennifer---It is, but not enough to pay the huge payments.

Kara---Have you thought about taking on a partner?

Jennifer---Then, it wouldn’t be a family business.

(Their conversation is interrupted by Susan.)

Susan-----What are you girls up to?

Kara------Oh nothing.

Susan-----Nonsense, you’ve been chattering like magpies.

Jennifer---We were just reminiscing about the past.

Susan------ (To both of them with great enthusiasm) ---- We’ve all had some great times here, haven’t we?

Kara-------Yeah, I was telling Jen how much I love Christmas at the hotel.

Susan-----Yeah, (Directing her words toward Jennifer, who looks away.) I just hope we can continue to have great times here.

Kara---- (Noticing Susan’s intent) ---Me too.

Susan----- (Rising) Well, I guess I’d better get back to work.  You two have fun. (Susan goes to the front desk.)

Kara----- Not very subtle was she.

Jennifer—She didn’t know you knew what she meant.

Kara------Yeah, but I do. We’re going to figure out a way, besides Henry to solve your problem. 

Jennifer---- (With a huge sigh) ---There isn’t a way.

Kara-----I could talk to my father. I’m sure he’d help.

Jennifer--- (Scolding Kara) ---Kara, you promised not to tell…. (Kara reacts to the scolding)---- Anyway, Susan would not go for it. She’s determined to keep this a family business. (looking at her watch) Its five-forty-five and Henry’s picking me up at six.

Kara---- (Very sarcastically) Good old, conceited, insufferable, Henry. I can’t wait to see him.

Jennifer---Promise you’ll be nice.

Kara----- (Smugly) -----I don’t have too. I’m not marrying him.

Jennifer--- (Looking at her watch again and pleading) ----Please be nice.

Kara—I’ll try, but I’m not sure it’s in my nature when it comes to Henry.

Jennifer—(looking one more time at her watch) ---I have to go get ready. Would you like to help me?

Kara—(spying Jason who has entered)—If it’s all right, I believe I’ll stay here and amuse myself.

Jennifer—(As she rises to leave, she realizes Kara is watching Jason.) ---- Okay, but don’t annoy the help.

Kara----- (Still watching Jason with conquest on her mind) Just get ready. I promise he want be annoyed.   (Jennifer crosses to go get ready. Unknown to Jennifer, but witnessed by Kara, Jason watches Jennifer as she leaves. After Jennifer exits, Kara goes over to where Jason is.)

Kara---- (flirting) --What time do you get off work handsome?

Jason----Around six.

Kara---- (very sweetly, but flirting) ----Would you like to go to town to get a bite to eat?

Jason----A little pushy aren’t you.

Kara-----No, I’m a girl, who knows what she wants and goes after it.

Jason---- (chuckling)—Oh, I see and what you want would be … (he points to himself).

Kara----- (chucking)—A little sure of yourself, aren’t you.

Jason----Not as sure as I am of you.

Kara---- (Pretending to be offended) ----Is that right? For your information, since Jennifer is going out with Henry, what I want is a dinner partner. I thought that might be you. However, I guess not.

Jason----- (Thinking she might be serious) ------I could eat… if you are sure that all you want is a dinner partner. 

Kara------ (still flirting)—That’s all I want… (she winks)...for now.

(Jason raises his eyebrows and widens his eyes. Kara laughs. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Henry. He surveys the room, but doesn’t see Jennifer. He looks at his watch impatiently. He marches to the desk where he speaks rather loudly to Susan. Kara and Henry’s conversation should be quick, mutual, unfriendly banter.)

Henry--- (Annoyed and demanding) ----Where’s Jennifer?

Susan----I’m not sure.

Kara----- (Irked by his demanding attitude)--She’s making herself beautiful for you… though heaven only knows why.

Henry---- (Seeing Kara, he marches over)----Well, Kara Hanson. I see you haven’t changed.

Kara---- (Kara looks him over)----Ditto, Henry.

Henry---- (Very rudely)--I hope your visit to our town will be a  short one.

Kara---- (snidely) ---I’ll just bet you do.

Henry--- (Irritated) ----What’s that supposed to mean.

Kara-----It means that your hope is in vain. I’m staying here through New Years.

Henry--- (sarcastically) ---Too bad for you!

Kara----- (Irritated) ----What’s that supposed to mean.

Henry----It means things have changed since the last time you were here.

Kara------ (sarcastically) ---Have they now?

Henry-----I’m sure that Jennifer has told you that  we are a couple now. 

Kara------- (with quick retort) ----Yep, you know what they say.

Henry------ (still irritated, but wondering where she’s headed) ---What’s that?

Kara-------Bad news travels fast.

Henry-----Look Kara, I know that you  don’t like me. Well, hears a news flash. I don’t like you. 

Kara---- (dripping with sarcasm) ---Henry, I am  sooo crushed.

Henry----- (extremely irritated) ----Here’s another news flash “funny girl”.  I love Jennifer and I’m going to ask her to marry me tonight. (The audience is able to see Jason’s reaction to Henry’s statement, but no one else.  It is apparent that he is not pleased.)

Kara----- (sarcastically)—What- makes- you- think -she’ll say yes?

Henry------ (Very conceitedly) ---Because she loves me… (Kara laughs slightly)--- (With head, held high and chest puffed out) ----- and besides, she knows… I am a great catch.

Kara------- (laughing) ---You have to be kidding.

Henry----- (Speaking through clenched teeth) ----I am most assuredly not kidding. Therefore, I hope that you can find ways to amuse yourself without Jennifer. She’ll be tied up with me during the holidays. 

Kara------ (With great energy and sarcasm) ---Awwwh…I hate to see anyone tied up, but in you’re case I’ll make an exception.

Henry------ (still irritated) ----What are you talking about?

.

Kara-----You….I’d like to see you tied up and thrown off a cliff.

Henry----- (With forceful anger)--Kara Hanson, I-hate- you.

Kara----- (Very pleased to respond) -----Ditto Henry!

(Their conversation is interrupted by Jennifer’s entrance. Jason, Henry, Kara and Susan stop to admire her attractiveness)

Kara--- (encouraging her friend) ---Jen, you look beautiful.

Jason--- (with great admiration) ----Yes, she does.

Susan---Sis, you look great.

Henry--- (very annoyed at Jason’s admiration of Jennifer) --- Jennifer, you’re wearing too much make-up. You know how mother feels about that.  We’re meeting dad and her at the restaurant.

Jennifer--- (embarrassed) I’m sorry. I didn’t know we were meeting them. I’ll go right up and take some of it off. (Jennifer retreats upstairs.)

Henry----- (looking at his watch impatiently) ---Hurry Jennifer. You know how mother is about punctuality.

Kara----- (very upset) ---Henry you’re such a  jerk!

Henry--- (very arrogantly and angry) ----I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand.

Kara-----Understand what? That you don’t want a  wife …you want a doormat.

Henry---Well, Jennifer understands me even if you don’t. 

Kara---Oh, I understand. That’s the problem.

Henry----Poooof.   (He turns away from Kara and as walks toward Susan…Jennifer returns. Henry inspects her as she comes down.)  You look fine my dear.

Kara--- (to Henry and spoken with dripping sarcasm) ----I supposed that means she passes Mother Blakemore’s requirements.

Henry---- (glaring at Kara)--We’d better be going before I give Kara a piece of mind.

Kara----- (to Henry)—Yep, you’d better get going. I’m not sure you could  spare a piece of your mind. (Henry grunts. Jennifer gives Kara a “please stop it look, But Kara can’t help herself.)--- Jen, I would tell you to have a good time, but considering whom you are with, I believe that is impossible.  (Henry appears to be ready to explode when Susan interrupts.)

Susan---- (Putting her arm around Henry and Jennifer to hurry them out the door.)----Henry look at the time. You two will be late. Remember your parents are waiting.  Have a good time.  (Henry glares at Kara as he and Jennifer leave.)

Susan –Kara, you shouldn’t be so mean to Henry.

Kara---I’m afraid I can’t help it.

Susan---For Jennifer’s sake, you need to try.

Kara---I’ll try, but I won’t promise anything.

Susan--. Do you have any plans for dinner tonight?

Kara---Actually, I do. (looking at Jason) Your handsome employee and I are having dinner together.

Susan— Be nice to him. I’d like to keep him around.

Kara-----Not a problem.  (To Jason) --It’s five after six, are you ready to go eat?

Jason---- The produce man was supposed to make a delivery at 5:45. Let me go stow that away and we can leave.

Susan---- (to Jason)--I’ll take care of that. You two go eat.

Jason-----Are you sure?

Susan----Of course, I’m sure.

Jason-----Okay, let’s go.

(Jason and Kara exit to go to the restaurant in town. Susan exists through the side door to take care of the produce.

                                                Curtain Closes/Black Out

                                                      Act I Scene 2

(Kara and Jason are seated on one of the couches in the hotel lobby. There is no one else there. They are caring on friendly banter about themselves and dinner, When Henry and Jennifer enter, and it becomes apparent to Kara that Jason is very much attracted to Jennifer.

Kara-----I had a good time tonight. 

Jason----Hey, isn’t that my line. After all, you invited me.

Kara-----I was fishing. Since you didn’t say it…I thought I would so maybe… you’d tell me that you had a good time.

Jason----But, if I told you now, you’d never know if I really  had a good time or was just being polite.

Kara-----So, did you have a good time?

Jason----Yes, I did.

Kara-----Are you just being polite?

Jason----Should I answer your question politely?

Kara-----Politeness is not bad, but honesty better.

Jason----Well then, I had a very good time. You’re a nice girl.

Kara------And, how do you feel about nice girls?

Jason-----I like nice girls.

Kara------Really... (Just as Jason began to nod his head affirmatively, Henry and Jennifer enter. They stop at the entrance from the hallway. They are completely focused on each other and a discussion that was underway. They are oblivious to anyone else’s presence. Though they weren’t really trying too, Kara and Jason overhear their argument. Kara observed Jason’s face and demeanor as they heard the discussion. It was obvious that he was very affected by the whole conversation between Henry and Jennifer.)

Henry--- (holding her arm firmly and speaking with firmness)--Jennifer, I don’t understand. Why can’t you just give me your answer now? It’s not as if you’ve had a better offer. There is no better offer.

Jennifer—(pleading) I just need a little time.

Henry----That’s what I don’t understand. Why should you need a little time? I’m a catch and you know it.

Jennifer—Henry, please just give me a little time. Marriage is a big step.

Henry----But, marrying me would be the best step you’ve ever taken. You know I’m the answer to all of your dreams.

Jennifer---That maybe true, but I don’t want to jump into anything unless I carefully, thoughtfully consider it first.

Henry---But, Jennifer, my parents know that I was going to ask you tonight. What will they think if I have to tell them that you wanted to wait about answering me?

Jennifer---I hope they will think that I am a leveled headed girl, whose not swept away by emotions.

Henry---- (squeezing her arm so tightly it hurt)--They’ll probably think you’re a foolish girl or worse yet, they’ll think that their son is a wimp, who can’t handle his girlfriend.

Jennifer---- (trying to pull her arm away, while Henry was trying to prevent it)—Henry, you’re hurting me. (Henry doesn’t let go.) Henry let go. (Henry takes her by the other arm. Jason clears his throat loudly and Henry lets go.)

Henry --- (Looking to see who was there) ---We didn’t see you there.

Kara------- (Looking at Henry great consternation)--Yeah, you two seemed to be a little involved.

Henry---- (With irritation) ---Well, I guess I’ll be going now. Jennifer, I’ll call you in the morning.

Jennifer--- (Trying to force a smile, as Henry gave her a peck on the cheek)—Okay

Henry---- (As he stormed from the room, he muttered) --- Good night.

(Once he was out the door, Kara invited Jennifer, who was obviously embarrassed to sit down and talk awhile.)

Kara---Won’t you join us?

Jennifer---I wouldn’t want to intrude. I believe I’ll just turn in.

Kara-----Nonsense, you wouldn’t be intruding, would she Jason?

Jason---Of course, not, please join us.

Jennifer—(sitting down with trepidation) ---If you are sure, I wouldn’t be intruding.

Kara---- (trying to reassure her) –We’re sure.

(Jennifer sits down on the couch besides Kara. That positions her with Kara on one side with Jason on the other. Kara can see Jason’s face as Jennifer speaks to her, but Jennifer cannot.)

Jennifer—So, what are you two up to?

Kara---- We just got back from having dinner in town. 

Jennifer—(with look of surprise on her face, and a quick glance at Jason)—Oh, I see. (as she look back at Kara) I’m sure you had a good time.

Kara--- (Glancing at Jason and flirting)—That’s what Mr. Scott and I were discussing when you and Henry came in.

Jennifer--- (embarrassed again)—Oh, I see.  I am intruding.

Kara------No, you are not. Besides, I’d like to know about your dinner.

Jennifer---I’m sure you know a bit about my dinner. You probably heard Henry and me.

Kara-----Yeah, sorry. We did hear.  (Jennifer blushes with embarrassment and shoots a quick glance in Jason’s direction and returning her attention to Kara’s direction, has a look on her face that says please don’t discuss this while he’s here.)

Jason----- (Catching on)—If you ladies will excuse me, I have to get up early. I’m a working man remember.

Jennifer---- (Managing a smile) ---See you in the morning.

Kara------- (Flirting) ----Before you leave handsome, I’d like to ask you to dinner tomorrow night.

Jason----- (exerting his male prerogative) If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to do the asking the next time.

Kara------Sure, I’ll see you bright and early in the morning so you can ask me.

Jason----- (embarrassed) We’ll see.

Kara---- (flirting), We certainly will.

Jason--- (to both)—Well, good night. 

Jennifer---Goodnight Jason.

Kara-----Goodnight handsome.

Jennifer---Wow! Jason and you seem to have hit it off.

Kara----Yeah, I guess, we did. He’s a nice guy.

Jennifer--- (With much conviction)—Yes, he is.

Kara---- (Having noticed the tone in Jennifer’s voice)—How long has he worked her?

Jennifer---He’s been here for about six months. He came right after you were here in June.

Kara-----I see. How well do you know him?

Jennifer—Pretty well. We’re friends.

Kara----- (With a skeptical tone) ----Friends, huh?

Jennifer---Yes, friends.

Kara-----How much do you know about him?

Jennifer---Quite a bit.

Kara-----Where’s he from?

Jennifer----Texas, I guess.

Kara----You guess, I thought you knew about him. Did you know he went to Northwestern?

Jennifer----Yes

Kara------Did he graduate?

Jennifer---I don’t know. I never ask him. I don’t like to pry.

Kara----Asking is not necessarily prying.

Jennifer----It is when the person doesn’t seem to want to talk about the past.

Kara-----So you don’t really know that much about him.

Jennifer----Yes, I do. I know he’s very nice and very easy to talk.

Kara---- I’ve only know him but for twenty-four hours and I know that much.

Jennifer----Well, I know more than that.

Kara------Such as.

Jennifer----He’s very compassionate, a good listener has a good sense of humor, is hardworking and very dependable.

Kara----You sound like you are writing a reference letter. 

Jennifer---Isn’t that what you wanted?

Kara----No, what I really want is know about the friendly relationship you have with him.

Jennifer---What do you mean?

Kara----I mean I’ve noticed the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is looking, and…. I noticed how you looked when you realized that he had heard Henry and you arguing.

Jennifer---I was embarrassed. Wouldn’t you be?

Kara----Yeah, but I saw something more.

Jennifer---You’re mistaken.

Kara----Jen, I know you. I’m not mistaken. 

Jennifer---Yes, you are.

Kara----Well, I’m sure that I’m not mistaken about him.

Jennifer—Maybe, you are.

Kara-----Jen, I’m not. I saw that look in Matt’s eyes when he was looking at the girl for whom he dumped me.

Jennifer----I thought you dumped him.

Kara----I did, after he dumped me. 

Jennifer----Kara, I’m sorry.

Kara---Thanks, but back to Jason and you.

Jennifer—There is no Jason and me. There can’t be. I have to be with Henry.

Kara---No, Jen….

(Their conversation is interrupted by a crashing noise in the front hallway, followed by a painful groan. They are startled and respond accordingly. When they realize they recognize the person groaning, they rush to see what has happened. When they get to the hallway, they realize that it is Thomas, who has fallen over his own suitcase. They help him into the lobby and into a chair.)

Jennifer—(Upon hearing the crash and the moan)—What in the world?  (Upon hearing the groan of pain)---That sounds like…

Kara---- (finishing her sentence) -----Thomas.

(They both rush to the rescue. They can be heard from the hallway.)

Jennifer---Thomas… (They help him into the lobby and into a chair)…..what happened? 

Thomas----I tripped over my suitcase and crashed into the table.

Kara-------How in the world did you do that?

Thomas---I was trying to be quiet. It didn’t want to awaken anyone.

Kara-----I think that maybe you might have awakened the dead.  (As she finished, Susan and Jason rush in. Susan is wearing her robe and Jason is wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt.)

Susan---- (Not seeing Thomas in the chair) What’s going on in here?

Jennifer--- (pointing to Thomas) ----Thomas tripped over his suitcase and crashed into the table in the hallway.

(Because they have been awakened by the crash, guests in robes begin appearing in the doorway of the hall. Susan reassures them that everything is all right.)

Susan-----Folks, everything is okay. There was a minor accident in the hallway. There is no reason to be alarmed. I’m sorry you were awakened. Just go back to sleep. (Afterward trying to comfort her guests, she fusses at Thomas.) Thomas, what are you doing here? You weren’t supposed to be back until Friday.

Thomas---Yeah, I know.

Susan----So, why are you here waking everyone up in the middle of the night?

Thomas--- (looking in Kara’s direction) I just decided to come back a little early that’s all.

Susan-----Yeah, well, I bet that was right after our phone conversation this afternoon when I mentioned that Kara was here.

Thomas—(caught)—Could be.

Susan----There’s no could be to it. Jason will you help me clean up the mess in the hall?

Jason---Sure

Susan----Thomas, why you don’t go to bed before you wake the whole town?

Thomas---I’m sorry Susan.

Susan---I know. You always are.

Thomas--- (As Susan and Jason go to clean up the hall)--I can’t help it if I’m a little accident-prone.

Kara-----A little?

Thomas---Okay, a lot.

Jennifer----That’s okay Thomas. We still love you.

Thomas----That’s because you have too. I’m family.

Jennifer--- (hugging him) ----Awwwh…we’d love you even if you weren’t family.

Kara---Not me.  (Thomas darted a very hurt look in her direction.)….I was just kidding.

Thomas--- (eagerly pouncing on Kara’s statement) ---so you love me.

Kara----- (quick on her feet) ---Like a brother.

Thomas----- (with great disappointment) ----Awwh.

Jennifer----Come on, Thomas, we’ll help you to your room.  (Kara and Jennifer help Thomas to his room, which is at the back of the hotel. Susan and Jason finish straightening the mess in the hallway. Susan goes to her room to go back to sleep. Jason starts in that direction and but realizes that he has left Thomas’ suitcase and returns to the hall to get the bag. While he is retrieving the bag, Jennifer returns to retrieve the bag. Just as she enters and walks toward the hallway, Jason enters from the hallway carrying Thomas’ suitcase.)

Jennifer----- (As they are walking toward each other) ---I was looking for that. 

Jason-------- (As she reaches for it) ---I figured Thomas might need it.  (As Jennifer tries to take the suitcase from him, Jason catches her hand. While holding her hand, he changes the subject.)   Jen, are you really considering marrying Henry?

Jennifer---- (Very uncomfortable with Jason holding her hand, pulls it away) ---Yes, I am.

Jason---- (pleading) ----But, Jennifer you can’t.

Jennifer---- (looking down) ---Sure I can.

Jason---- (tenderly pleading) ---But, Jennifer.

Jennifer--- (with a sigh) ---If you’ll excuse me, I need to take Thomas’ suitcase to him.

Jason-----I’ll do it. 

Jennifer----Thanks

(Jennifer’s room is upstairs. As she walks toward her room, Jason begins walking toward Thomas’ room at the back of the hotel. He stops turns, looks back at Jennifer and then continues. As Jennifer reaches the hallway, she stops turns and looks back as Jason goes through the door.)

                                             Curtain closes/Black out

                                                     Act I Scene 3

It very early in the morning, Jennifer is sitting by herself in the dark, in the hotel lobby. She is drinking a cup of coffee. Because of inner turmoil, she has not slept. Her answer to Henry’s proposal weighs heavily upon her. After a few minutes, Susan enters to begin her workday at the hotel. However, before she enters, Jennifer is heard uttering a prayer.

Jennifer--- (Very troubled, she utters a prayer aloud)—God, what am I going to do?

(Having entered while Jennifer was praying aloud, Susan overhears the end of her prayer.)

Susan---- (as she turns the light on) ---Who are you talking to?

Jennifer--- (squinting because of the brightness of the light) ---I was praying.

Susan---What are you doing up so early?

Jennifer----I couldn’t sleep.

Susan------Is there something wrong?

Jennifer----Henry asked me to marry him last night.

Susan----- (very excited) ----He did!

Jennifer---- (not excited) ---Yep.

Susan-----Why aren’t you excited? That’s what we’ve been angling for, isn’t it?

Jennifer----That’s what you’ve been angling for. I don’t know what I’ve been doing.

Susan------Yes, you do. You thought marrying Henry would be a good idea and the answer to our dilemma

Jennifer----No, that’s what you thought.

Susan-----Wait, a minute. You agreed.

Jennifer---Agreeing is not the same as being convinced. Nor is it the same as being able to go through with it.

Susan----Are you saying that you’re not going to marry Henry?

Jennifer---I’m saying that I don’t know.

Susan----Jennifer, you’d risk losing the hotel.

Jennifer---I’m saying maybe there’s another way. Maybe, we could find a partner.

Susan-----Find a partner!

Jennifer---Yes, find a partner. 

Susan-----How in the world could we find a partner at this late date?

Jennifer----Maybe, Kara or her father… (Susan interrupts.)

Susan-----Kara or her father…..no, you know this is a family business.

Jennifer---But, it would still be partly ours.

Susan-----Four generations of Randalls are counting on us, partly, won’t work. 

Jennifer---Four generations of Randalls don’t have to marry Henry. If they did partly might work.

Susan-----I don’t get this. Six months ago, you were thrilled when Henry asked you out.

What’s changed?

(Before Jennifer can answer, Jason enters from the door beside the front desk. His entrance interrupts their conversation.)

Jason---Good morning ladies.

Susan----Good morning.

Jennifer--- (very tentatively)—Morning.

(Jason walks over and sits down by Jennifer. Jennifer, who is very uncomfortable with his sitting so closely beside her, excuses herself.)

Jennifer---If you will excuse me, I think I’ll take a walk before we get so busy.

Jason-----Would you like some company?

Jennifer---If you don’t mind, I like to go by myself. I need to do some thinking.

Jason--- (As she rises to leave) ---Of course

Susan----- (As Jennifer is leaving) --- Jen, I’ll be available if you need to talk later.

(Jennifer shakes her head that she understands. Jason and Susan are left alone.)

Jason---- (with concern)—If you don’t mind my asking, is there something wrong with Jennifer.

Susan----- (with concern) ---She’s contemplating her future. Henry asked her to marry him.

Jason-----Yeah, I know.

Susan----You do.

Jason-----Yeah, Kara and I overheard them arguing last night.

Susan----- (with great concern) ---Arguing!

Jason----- (thinking her concern was for Henry’s treatment of her sister) ---Yeah, Henry was demanding that Jennifer give him an immediate answer to his proposal.

Susan----- (with concern) ---What did Jennifer say?

Jason----- (still thinking Susan’s concern is for Jennifer) ---She told him that she needed some time to think about it.

Susan----- (once again with great concern) ---Henry was upset.

Jason----Yep.

Susan----- (very, very concerned) ----How upset?

Jason----Very upset…I’d say.

Susan---- (with concern) ----Why would you say that?

Jason----Because he was hurting Jennifer.

Susan--- (shocked) ---Hurting Jennifer!

Jason----Yeah, he grabbed her arm and was squeezing hard. He was angry and talking loud.

Susan---- (still shocked) ---Squeezing her arm and talking angrily.

Jason----Yeah, that’s why Kara and I made our presence known.

Susan---- (With concern about the engagement being in jeopardy) ---Well, I can rather understand Henry’s point of view.

Jason-----What! Susan, I can’t believe that you’d take Henry’s side Jennifer’s your sister.

Susan----I know she’s my sister. I’m just saying that I understand where Henry’s coming from.

Jason----There’s not excuse for the way Henry was acting.

(As Kara enters, their conversation is interrupted.)

Kara----Good morning all. (She can see their faces as she comes closer.)---- or is it?

Susan--- (trying to veil her irritation)—It is. (Jason remains silent.)

Kara---How are you handsome?

Jason---- (unable to hide his irritation)—Fine.

Kara--- (Surprised by his tone and Susan’s tone.)---Oookay. Well... (before she can finish)

Jason----If you’ll excuse me, I guess I’ll get to work.

Kara----- (to Susan) ---Is everything all right?

Susan----Everything’s fine. If you’ll excuse me, I guess I’d better get to work.

Kara-----Oookay. (As Susan leaves) --- Sure, I’ll just sit here and be quiet.

(Thomas enters, sees Kara sitting on the couch and exits back through the door from which he came. Kara is seated on the couch looking at the morning paper. Thomas returns with a glass in his hand. He walks toward Kara. Susan, who’s at the front desk, calls to him before he gets to Kara.)

Susan------Thomas, could I see you a minute?

Thomas—(turning to answer her)—Sure, but first let me give this to Kara. (As he turns toward Kara)---Kara, I know how much you like Sprite. I thought I’d bring you one.

Kara----That’s so sweet, thanks. (As he’s walking toward her, he’s so caught up with the compliment, she gave him that he is not watching where he is going, and she trips and spills the drink all over Kara. She is drenched. She reacts.)

Kara---- (She is bristling.)-----Oooh

Thomas--- (pleading for forgiveness) ---I…am…soooo…sorry.  Please forgive me.

Kara--- (still bristling) ----ooooh… sorry, is that all you can say? Look at me!

(Susan hurries over with a towel. Kara grabs the towel, blots herself off, wrings her hair out as Thomas is still begging for forgiveness, as Kara storms upstairs to her room.)

Susan----Thomas, what am I going to do with you? (Thomas shakes his head in disgust.)—Go get a mop and clean up your mess. 

(Thomas dejectedly obeys. Customers enter and are standing at the front desk so Susan goes back to work. Thomas returns with a mop, and begins cleaning up his mess. A guest (can be a male or female) comes over to sit down with a cup of coffee and read his/her paper. Just as he/she arrives at the place where he/she is about sit and begins to sit down, Thomas turns with his mop and hits the guest and his/her coffee. The guest yells because the coffee is hot. Thomas apologizes repeatedly. Susan rushes over to defuse the situation. The guest storms off to his room. Susan chews Thomas out and orders him to send Jason out to clean up the mess. Thomas exits. While Susan deals with other guests who have come downstairs, Jason comes in to clean up the mess.)

Hotel Guest--- (after Thomas has knocked his/her hot coffee all over him/her and his/her paper.) ----Ouch!

Thomas---- (very apologetically) ---Sir/Madam I am so sorry. I didn’t see you there.

Hotel Guest—(shaking his/her hand and pulling at his/her closes because the coffee was so hot) ---You stupid, clumsy oaf!

Thomas----I know sir/madam. You’re right, but I didn’t mean to.

Susan--- (rushing over to respond to the commotion)—What happened?

Hotel Guest--- (indignantly) ---This…this…. (Thomas interrupts.)

Thomas---- (confessing) ---I spilled his/her coffee all over him/her.

Susan----Thomas!

Thomas-----I know. I know…This is not my day.

Susan------This is not your year! (Thomas drops his head.)-- Sir/Madam I am so sorry. What can I do to make things right?

Hotel Guest---Keep him a way from me.

Susan----Yes, sir/madam.

Hotel Guest--- (As he/she storms, off he/she mutters something under his/her breath. and then adds) ---- Ruined my whole day.

Susan—(as she is left alone with Thomas)—Thomas, two people in one day. What am I going to do with you?  (Thomas stands dejected and moves his shoulders and head to say I don’t know.) --- Go back the kitchen and send Jason out to clean up the mess. You stay there away from the guests.

Thomas---Do you want me to help the cook?

Susan-----For heaven’s sake no, the way you’re going you might burn the hotel down.

Thomas—(with dejection as he walks off)—Yeah, you’re right.  

(Susan goes back to the front desks to help guests who are waiting. Jason comes out with a bucket and rags. He goes over to clean up both messes. He mops first and then gets on his hands and knees to clean the rest up with the rags. He is hidden from Jennifer and Kara as they enter and sit with their backs to him.)

Kara---Have you been for a walk?

Jennifer---Yeah, I had some thinking to do.

Kara------About Henry and you?

Jennifer---Yes

Kara------Have you decided to marry him?

Jennifer----If I’m going to help save the hotel, I don’t see what else I can do.

Kara-----Jennifer, let me talk to Susan about taking on a partner. I’m sure my father would go for the idea.

Jennifer----Yeah, but Susan won’t. I ask her about it this morning. She said definitely no. We had a big argument about it.

Kara-----Jennifer you can’t marry Henry just to keep the hotel.

Jennifer---I don’t have a choice. We don’t have any other way to pay the mortgage.

Kara----After the way he treated you last night, I’d be afraid of what would happen if you were married to him.

Jennifer----Nothing would happen. I’ve learned how to handle Henry.

Kara----Really.

Jennifer---You just do what he wants.

Kara----Jennifer, that’s not marriage. That’s bondage.

Jennifer---It doesn’t have to be. He’ll treat me okay if I just let him be the boss.

Kara----Jennifer, no.

Jennifer---I don’t have a choice.

Kara----But, Jen

Jennifer----I don’t have a choice… (Noticing that many guests were gathering at the front desk)----- I need to go help Susan. I’ll see you later.

(Kara’s left alone. Jason is still hidden. Thomas enters and moves toward Kara.)

Thomas--- (apologetically) ---Kara, I just want to tell you again, how sorry I am about this morning.

Kara--- (hurriedly) ---Apology accepted. I’m late for an appointment. (She rises and starts to leave.)

Thomas—(as she is leaving) ----Have you seen Jason?

Kara---- (as she is leaving) ------No, I haven’t, but I’d like too.

Thomas—(a loud to himself) ---Maybe, he’s working outside.

(Thomas walks to the hallway and turns to go outside to look for Jason. Peeking to make sure the coast is clear; Jason gets to his knees, dials his cell phone and speaks briefly with someone. Once he is finished, he carefully gathers his clean materials and leaves while making sure that Jennifer doesn’t see him. After Jason leaves, Henry enters. Jennifer sees him and meets him.)

Henry----Jennifer, I know I said that I’d call, but I decided to come over. Could we go somewhere and talk quietly?

Jennifer----Sure---- (The lobby area with the sofas is vacant; she points to the area. Henry nods his head in agreement and motions for her to go first. They walk to the couches and sit down. )

Henry----Jennifer, I know that you think that I am here for my answer. (She nods her head yes.) However, you were right about my parents. They do think that you are a careful levelheaded girl, and they applaud your desire to think things through before you answer.

Jennifer---- (a little surprised) ----They do. What do you think?

Henry--- (firmly) ---Of course, I agree with them. Their opinion matters very much to me.

Jennifer—(knowingly) ----I know. Does that mean you are willing to wait for my answer?

Henry-----Yes, it does, but I really hope you’ll give me your answer soon. 

Jennifer----I hope so too. Henry, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to keep you waiting. This is just a big deal and I want to make sure for my sake and your sake that I make the right decision. I want my marriage to be for keeps.

Henry------I agree. Look, Christmas Eve is four days away. Maybe, you’ll have an answer for me by then.

Jennifer----I will. I’ll let you know by Christmas.

Henry----I know you know how much I love you… right.

Jennifer---Right

Henry-----And, I know I can trust you to make the right decision. 

Jennifer---Believe me, I’ll try.

Henry-----I know that you will and I’ll leave you make it without any interference from me. I’m going out of town on business for the bank. I’ll be back on Christmas Eve and I’ll have a big surprise for you.

Jennifer---What kind of surprise?  (Jason walks in from the front hallway.)

Henry-----If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, but I am sure that you’ll love it. Dad said that if would be a perfect Christmas/Wedding present.

Jennifer---- (puzzled) ---Your dad suggested it.

Henry------Yeah, he got the idea from Susan.

Jennifer---- (surprised) ---He did.

Henry------Yeah, I’m sure that you’ll be surprised and very pleased.

Jennifer----I will. (Jason is talking with a guest and without making it obvious, he has moved close enough to Jennifer and Henry that he can hear their conversation.)

Henry-----Yes, you will. (as he stands up) Well, I have to go. I’m leaving for New York in a few hours. 

Jennifer--- (as she stands)—New York?

Henry-----Yep---- (he hugs her as he says) See you on Christmas eve. (He gives her a peek on the cheek and hugs her again.) Bye.

Jennifer----- (as Henry turns to leave) ----Bye---- (Henry exits. Jennifer rises to go back to work. As she walks by Jason who is now the only one in the lobby besides her, he stops her.)