Mickey (on the phone)      … Well, I’d rather you checked. It’s a favourite place of hers so she’s as likely to be there as anywhere else … yes, check again. This is important. You have my number? … Thank you.

He puts the phone down and turns to Anthony.

Mickey      Did you check the bathroom?

Anthony      Twice.

Mickey      What about the tank?

Anthony      There’s nothing. Look, I’d prefer not to be doing this.

Mickey      I can’t help that. (He dials a new number.) I’m calling The Ivy.

Anthony      I’d like to go to my room.

Mickey      Don’t be stupid. We have a crisis here.

Anthony      We don’t have a crisis. She did a great show and just went out to celebrate.

Mickey      She never just ‘goes out’. And don’t tell me I can’t recognise a crisis, because I can. (His phone call is answered.) … Yes, I need to speak to the restaurant manager … It’s Mickey Deans … Mickey Deans … Judy Garland’s fiancé … (This time it works.) … Thank you. (To Anthony.) Could you keep looking?

Anthony      I’ve looked everywhere.

Mickey (into the phone)      … Yes, hi. – Is Judy Garland there tonight? … Well, I need you to break your policy and tell me, because we have an emergency here … She isn’t? Then why the big charade you asshole?!

He slams the phone down.

Anthony      I guess we won’t be eating there again.

Mickey      I can’t think of anywhere else. Jesus! … What about your queer friends, can’t we call them?

Anthony      None of them were watching the show tonight – and I resent you calling my friends –

Mickey (dismissing the sentence)      Oh, shut up.

Anthony      Fine. Goodnight, Mickey.

He heads for the door.

Mickey      No, no – come on, I need help here.

Anthony      I don’t give a monkey’s.

Mickey      If she comes in drunk, it’s gonna take both of us.

Anthony      I was hired as a pianist.

Mickey      You were hired as Judy Garland’s pianist. That’s a wider job description.

Anthony      … You know, saying ‘please’ might help a little.

Mickey      Okay – ‘Please’ … Please! … What? You want me to buy you chocolates as well?

Anthony      No, but I’d at least like a drink.

Mickey      Fine. Whisky?

Anthony      Soda water.

Mickey      Oh right – the hard stuff.

Mickey      pours out a glass of whisky for himself and a soda water.

Anthony      sits.

Mickey      … I can’t believe she gave me the slip. She had the stage door guy distract me.

Anthony      The blond? Yes, he distracts me too …!

Mickey      brings over the drinks, Anthony takes his.

Anthony      Cheers.

Mickey (pointed)      … Bottoms up!

Anthony      gives Mickey a weary smile and they both drink. Nothing said for a moment. Mickey sits also.

Mickey      … Are you single?

Anthony (mock surprise)      I’m sorry?

Mickey      It’s a question, not a proposal.