The Last Call
an audio play by Ernio Hernandez
MUSIC: Fade in on middle of a song. Guitar music plays a few bars, voice sings over final notes.
AHOTE (into microphone) …So, just get out of here, take the keys to my truck, ’cause frankly my dear, I don’t give a fuck.
SOUND: A “woo” amid light applause.
AHOTE Thank you. I am Ahote Black. I’m gonna take a little break now and be back in a few.
SOUND: A guitar and gear being set down.
AHOTE Oh, if that’s the one you came for, the rest of my setlist is nothing like it and I don’t want to piss anyone off, so… have a good night.
SOUND: A few claps, awkward laughs.
SOUND: Phone dialing and picked up.
SKY (answering, through phone) Hey Maya, what’s up?
MAYORCA Oh, Sky, you’re a sound for sore ears.
SKY You need me to come in, don’t you?
MAYORCA I know it’s your night off, and I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t Ahote’s last night. Two! I have two of the damn millennials on the schedule and neither one has even texted. And they can’t be bothered to actually pick up a call.
SKY That’s not how phones work now, Maya. (exaggerated sigh) Let me put on a bra and I’ll be right down.