Scene 7 – Set 10 (Mike and Jenny’s Living Room) – Song #19
The scene opens with the doorbell ringing. JENNY looks out of the peephole and opens the front door. MIKE looks clearly disheveled. He hasn't been home for two days.
MIKE
I would have used my key, but it doesn’t work.
Jenny just stares.
MIKE
Jenny, I know you’re upset. But honest, this is all a big mistake. If you would just hear me out, I know we can work this out.
JENNY
Mike, I’m doing all the work around here while you’re out late every night trying to get the club to just break even. I know your career is important, but its hard on me. You’re always around women and catching you in a lie in the arms of an old girlfriend is more than I can take. I’m through playing this game. It's unfair, and I can't win.
MIKE
But Jen.
The music to the Song # 19 – “Life Is Sweeter On My Own” – begins. Mike sits down on the couch as the song begins. Jenny plays to Mike and the audience.
JENNY
Spending last night home alone, missing you again.
‘Though I don't mind the time you spend with friends.
But terror left me numb with pain.
Your friends dropped in last night, you lied again.
Visions running wild with you help me to forget
that running wild is what you’ll do and turn hope to regret.
We’ve tried to work this out before but all I ever get
is a little bit deeper in love and less of it.
Well I have tried to justify why we should start brand new.
You’ve tangled me in your lies so long, I’m afraid of catching me with you.
You cheat and lie, then wonder why I’d rather live alone.
Married life is sweeter on my own.
When I said, “I Do!”, I meant forever.
But you broke my trust just for lust.
Now you swear this time you'll be true …
Forever? Or never? Awe whatever!
Well I have tried to justify why we should start brand new.
You’ve tangled me in your lies so long, I’m afraid of catching me with you.
You cheat and lie, then wonder why I’d rather live alone.
Married life is sweeter on my own.
Yeah, married life is sweeter on my own.
Music ends.
MIKE
Are you sure about this?
JENNY
For the sake of the children, we need to remain civil to each another. You can have your clothes. The house is off limits. We'll divide evenly the things we own together. Agreed?
MIKE
This is not the way I want things to work out.
JENNY
Your personal things are in the back yard.
MIKE
Can’t we talk this out?
JENNY
You can talk to the dog.
Jenny has her arms folded with one foot forward and her head is turned toward the audience. She is done talking.
MIKE
Jenny, what about a place to stay? I can’t live out of the club forever.
JENNY
Here’s a note from your children. They’ve come up with a solution to your problem.
Jenny hands Mike a note that has apparently been written by the children. Reluctantly, Mike takes the note and exits through the kitchen door. The lights go down. The curtain closes. End of Scene 7, ACT II.