Straight to the Top
Originally posted on February 25, 2009
Dolores: Mr. Williamson!
Asher: Oh hi, Dolores, what’s up?
Dolores: Mr. Williamson, I simply must have an answer to my request for assistance on the upcoming production. I filled out the proper paperwork at least three weeks before the holidays, but I still have heard nothing. If you want wardrobe to be ready, hiring help is of utmost importance.
Asher: Please, Dolores, have a seat.
Asher: *shuffles through some papers on a table* Ah, yeah, I remember seeing that request… ah… somewhere….. Hang on and I’ll…
Dolores: I had hoped it would have received consideration and been approved by now.
Asher: I’m sorry Dolores; with the holidays and my vacation time and all…
Dolores: You have never let your responsibilities slide before.
Asher: I haven’t let them slide this time, either. I’m just a little behind, that’s all, but getting away this time was really worth playing a little catch up…... *smiles* … Listen, if I ask Kaida to fill in some for you, will that suffice? Are you willing to work with her again?
Dolores: Hmmph. Well. Whatever other faults the girl has, she has always been a good worker. It was not my idea that she quit working in wardrobe.
Asher: No, but according to her side of things, there was some argument that made her reluctant to return. I don’t need to know what it was all about, but if you want your properly-requested assistance now instead of waiting for me to find someone, I’d advise you to make things right with Kaida. She’s thoroughly trained already and is going to be your best bet for getting caught up.
Dolores: *huffy* Very well, if I must….
*They are interrupted by Donovan, who enters in an impatient mood*
Donovan: Asher, a word if you please.
Asher: I don’t have time for a word right now, Donno. Can it wait until….?
Donovan: No it cannot wait. An important rule is being flagrantly disobeyed, and it needs to stop immediately.
Asher: Rule? What rule?
Donovan: The rule forbidding children on the premises, specifically.
Asher: There’s a rule about kids in the theater? I wasn’t aware of…
Donovan: Yes, there’s a rule – I’m aware of it, because it’s MY rule. Children are not to be allowed unless they are directly supervised by their parents, not here to be babysat by staff persons who are supposed to be doing their jobs.
Asher: If you’re talking about Stevie and Michaela being here once in a while, waiting for Pete to hand them over to his sister…
Donovan: Yes, that’s what I am talking about. I have expressly forbidden this practice and I’ve just discovered that Pete has continued to defy….
Asher: Hang on…. Hold up. I’m afraid we’re at cross-purposes, my friend. Because Pete came to me about his situation and I gave my permission for the girls….
*Enter Kaida*
Kaida: Asher! Kohana just told me the news!
Kaida: *rushes over and hugs him* This is SO exciting!
Kaida: *looks around and sees an impatient Dolores and angry Donovan* Ooooops. Hey there, Dolores. Hi Mr. Parkes.
Asher: Kaida, have a seat a minute while I finish up with…
*Enter Pete*
Pete: Hey boss, bad news - the number two sound board is toast. I’m thinking maybe that’s a good thing; now we can order that new one I found for you online….uh, that is, if the budget can handle it….*looks up* Ah, sorry. Guess I can just leave it with you then. Might as well take a look before I toss it into the dumpster.
*Enter Jeremiah*
Jeremiah: Yo Asher, I think I’m gonna need that ride up to school this morning after all. Can we leave like, soon?
Asher: OK, that’s it! Everybody just hang on a minute….
Asher: *hands keys to Pete* Pete, take my truck, get Jeremiah to his class, and while you’re on campus, drop the sound board off in the engineering lab. Those guys love to get their hands on stuff like this. Tell them I need it back by Monday.
*Exit Pete and Jeremiah*
Asher: Kaida, you’re helping Dolores today. You two work things out between you for good this time, or I’ll know why not. And Kaida?
Kaida: Yes?
Asher: Tell Kohana…. Never mind…. I’ll be seeing both of you later.
*Exit Dolores and Kaida*
Asher: Donovan – hate to pull rank on you, buddy, but it’s the only way to resolve this fast - I don’t have the time for a long debate. The arrangements Pete and Lucy have for passing off the care of the girls seem more than reasonable to me. They’re always well-supervised, so the physical danger is minimal.
Donovan: What do you mean, pull rank? You don’t outrank me. Not for the duration of my contract anyway. If I have to, I’ll go straight to the top, the owner, that guy Mulholland who signed it.
Asher: Uh, Donno, you really don’t want to do that.
Donovan: Since you won’t see reason, I don’t see that I have a choice. Sorry, Asher, I….
Asher: Have a seat, Donovan. Let me explain.
Donovan: I don’t think so. Like yours, my time is at a premium. I should have requested a conference with the man a long time ago.
Asher: The owner is not going to back you on this one, Donovan, I can guarantee it.
Donovan: I’m afraid I am going to need to hear that from him personally.
Asher: Then let me save you some time. I’ll just introduce you, and he ought to be able to clear up any questions about your contract. *goes over and closes the door*
Asher: Good morning, Mr. Parkes, and welcome to the Berkeley Theater. Asher Williamson, owner and operator.