CARLA:
(Curt)
You lost?
YOUSEF:
(Smiling politely)
No, I’m here for dinner. I heard the burgers are good.
CARLA:
(Skeptical)
This is an American diner.
YOUSEF:
(Still calm)
And I’m an American. Born and raised in Ohio, actually.
CARLA:
(Scoffs)
You just don’t look like the kind of people who come here.
YOUSEF:
What kind is that?
(Beat. Carla doesn’t answer.)
YOUSEF:
Let me guess—someone who speaks English without an accent, looks like they played baseball in high school, and listens to country music?
CARLA:
I didn’t mean it like that.
YOUSEF:
Sure you did. You just didn’t expect me to understand it.
(A MANAGER walks by, noticing the tension.)
MANAGER:
Is everything alright here?
YOUSEF:
Depends. Is this place open to Americans, or just a specific kind?
MANAGER:
(Shooting Carla a look)
Sir, of course you’re welcome here. Carla—take your break. I’ll handle this table.
(Carla stiffens and walks away without a word. The manager smiles apologetically.)
MANAGER:
We’re glad you’re here. First time?
YOUSEF:
Yeah. But I hope it’s not the last.
