By Misti Velvet Rainwater
Date: 31 January 2000

SCENE 21

SCENE 21-INT.-Pedro's Taco Shack. Day. 
Derek is behind the cash register. Hands
a lady customer her order.
Derek: Two tacos and a large Sprite. Have
a muy bueno day.
Lady: I don't speak Spanish.
Grabs the tray and walks off.
Ernesto, Derek's co-worker, approaches Derek.
Ernesto is 22 years old. His life ambition is
to someday be the manager of Pedro's Taco Shack.
Ernesto: Hey, man. You gotta be more friendly
to the customers, know what I'm sayin'? Smile a
little bit, talk to 'em in English. I know this is
San Antonio, but most white people only speak their
own language. They think you're mockin' them 'cause
they don't know any Spanish.
Derek: It's not enough that I have to wear a purple
polo and cook Mexican food and mop and fill soap
dispensers and carry out the stinking, rancid garbage
for minimum wage. I also have to kiss people's butts
and get a lecture on hospitality from the likes of
you? Look, Ernesto. No offense. But suck my balls.
Ernesto: Man, you don't need to be givin' me no
attitude. I'm tryin' to help you out. You don't like
it here, go to Wal-Mart or Little Caesar's.
Derek: Is Little Caesar's hirin'?
Ernesto: Yeah, man. They're always hirin'.
Derek: Cool. Well, Ernesto. It's been real. I'll
never forget you.
Takes off his shirt and throws it on the floor.
Clocks out. On his way out the door, he glances
at the lady customer who is sitting at a table
eating her tacos.
Derek: The cooks don't wash their hands, ya know.
The lady looks at Derek like he's crazy. He winks
and gives her a big smile.