Eboni
[Slowly getting to her feet.]
Well, place that tip on the coffee table before you leave or I’ll deduct it from your pay. You know I’ll call to find out how much it was. If you want to be paid like baggers, we can do that. I’m going to get me some rest.
[When she makes it to the side of Frank, she stops and stares at him and just shakes her head.]

Frank
Go on up stairs now.

[Eboni exits stage right]

Nathaniel
Why is she so mean?

Joseph
She wasn’t always like that.

Mary J.
Yeah. She’s been that way since Uncle Paul died. She hasn’t cried, been out to the grave, or been back to church since.

Leon
Yeah Nate, you just started working here. I’ve been with the business since we laid the first carpet. Mr. Scroggins and I were real close. I didn’t have a father, and I looked to him for a lot of fatherly advice. I thought she would have made me part owner after his passing, but she’s seemed to be angrier with me than anything.

Frank
(Having a serious moment)
Have a seat over here, Leon, and let me break it down to you.

Leon
[Leon takes a seat in Mrs. Eboni’s chair.]
Tell me, Mr. Frank.


Frank
You see, Leon, Eboni and Paul didn’t have a son of their own, and for the most part, Paul thought of you as his son. You guys worked so closely together that you even began to pick up some of Paul’s mannerisms. So when she sees you, sometimes I think she’s reminded of what she feels the Lord never gave her and took from her.

Leon
(A look of enlightenment appears on Leon’s face.)
I never thought about it that way.

Frank
Yeah, my sister is in a bad place right now, but the Lord’s going to see her through.

Joseph
Baby, let’s go and get something to eat. Nate, why don’t you and Leon come along?

Nathaniel
No, I’m going to have to pass. I need to run by Long-Mart to pick up Darius’ medicine.

Mary J.
(Concerned)
How has he been?

Nathaniel
Better, but we still think he’s going to need an operation sometime soon. I may have to get a second job because Kim had to quit her job in order to watch after him.

Joseph
How’s the little prophetess doing?

Nathaniel
Trinity? She’s still walking around as if she’s Mrs. Bynum.

Joseph
(Smiling and shaking his head)
She is something else.

Mary J
Nathaniel, do you mind if we all say a little prayer for Darius?

Nathaniel
By all means, please.

Mary J
Baby, could you lead us into prayer for Darius?

Joseph
No problem.
[Joseph leads everyone into prayer.]
Amen.

Joseph
(Smiling and shaking his head)
You ready, baby?

Leon
I’m going to get out of here, too.