Off the Record sample
She tells him that she is no stranger to blind dating, whereas he claims she’s his first. Not surprisingly, she has lots of questions. In this extract, they reveal their respective occupations, their views on money, then finish with outdoor activities and travel. And, yes, you will spot a certain familiarity in his lines.
F Next box to tick; I’m a teacher. How about yourself? I’d guess… something in finance that keeps you really busy.
M 9 till 5, eight days a week, under pressure. (Pause) I don’t like Mondays.
F All for…
M Money, money, money. Can’t buy me love.
F Money isn’t everything for me. I wouldn’t call myself…
M A material girl?
F But I’d love a shot at being be rich. Wouldn’t you?
M Imagine. Wouldn’t it be nice? I should be so lucky.
F You’d get plenty dates… for the wrong reason. I’d love more leisure time. Then more outdoors, less indoors. I’d rather not be…
M A whiter shade of pale.
F But you look the outdoor type. I can imagine you striding along…
M The long and winding road. The air that I breathe, running up that hill. Ain’t no mountain high enough. I can see for miles.
F I’d like to travel more. And be more reckless.
M Wild thing.
F Like seeing a live volcano up close doing, you know… what volcanoes do.
M Great balls of fire. Hot stuff.
F (sounding impressed) Spectacular! What about you? Have you travelled far?
M All over the world. I get around.
F How about Europe? Have you a favourite city?
M Vienna.
F And a favourite European country?
M (thinking hard about this reply) Grease.
F You must have a favourite place in the whole wide world.
M America. Simply the best.
F What’s the most exciting thing you did there?
M I shot the Sheriff.
F You’re kidding… I hope. What did you like best?
M California girls.
F I’d rather know about your favourite cities.
M Chicago.
Pause
F Cities plural?
M New York, New York.
F You made it there? And where else?
M Massachusetts, Galveston, Memphis Tennessee. By the time I get to Phoenix…
F You’ll be exhausted. Anywhere special you didn’t quite make?
M Twenty four hours from Tulsa.
F I bet you’re longing to…
M Get back? I left my heart in San Francisco.
F So, if the U.S.A. is your “A” choice, what would be your “Z”?
M Xanadu.
F Sounds exotic. I’ll bet you know many different languages.
M Voulez-
F But after all your travels, it must be good to be…
M Homeward bound.
F Who knows where we’ll go on holiday in the future.
M Go your own way. Walking on the moon?
F What would the weather be like there? I hate wet days like this.
M Just walking in the rain. The sun ain’t gonna shine any more.
F Since you love the great outdoors, I wondered where you live.
M In the country.
F I can picture a lovely cottage. I bet you enjoy barbecuing.
M Smoke gets in your eyes.
F But you can still enjoy a beautiful garden.
M I never promised you a rose garden.
F What do you enjoy doing there?
M I can hear the grass grow.
F I’d rather watch the paint dry.