[It has been an hour or so since a drunken Hud attempted to rape Alma. Now, at the bus station, she remains seated as he approaches. She watches him coolly, while helping herself to a smoke. Hud just stands there, looking down at her.]
Well, it looks like we're losing a good cook. [He smiles] Maybe we should've boosted your salary. [She gazes at him but doesn't say anything] You're not letting that little ruckus we had run you off, are you?
Alma [evenly]
So far as I can get on a bus ticket.
Are you claiming I'm the first guy who ever put his foot in your door? [She shakes her head negatively] But I'm the first one who ever got rough, huh...? Well, I'm sorry. That wasn't my style. I don't usually get rough with my women. [He smiles again] I generally don't have to.
Alma You're rough on everybody.
[unruffled]
So they tell me.
Alma [She flicks away her cigarette. As always, she is honest.]
You want to know something funny? It would have happened eventually, without the roughhousing. You look pretty good without your shirt on, you know...The sight of that through the kitchen window made me put my dish towel down more than once.
[wry]
Why didn't you speak up sooner?
[She shrugs. The bus appears beside them, and its door swings open. Alma rises. Hud puts her suitcase in. As she places a foot on the step, he pulls Alma back into his arms and kisses her. It takes a moment, and then she responds unabashed. The ardent embrace signifies what might have been. Finally, they separate again. Hud looks rueful.]
I'll remember you, honey. You're the one that got away.
[She gets onto the bus and it goes, leaving him standing there on the pavement.]
...Where's my Jack Daniels?
Alma Brown I'd say you already drank it.
Alma Brown [Hud nuzzles one side of her neck from behind]
I don't like sudden passes.
Well, there's another coming up on your right.
Alma Brown [He nuzzles the other side of her neck]
Don't you ever ask?
The only question I ever ask any woman is, "What time is your husband coming home?" Now come on, let's get our shoelaces untied.
Alma Brown I've been asked with more finesse in my day.
[Hud backs off at last]
I wouldn't want to come off crude. Want some perfume?
Alma Brown Sure; how about some colored beads and wampum, while you're at it?
Whatever I need to make you trade.
Alma Brown Thanks, but I've done my time with one cold-blooded bastard; I'm not looking for another.
It's too late, honey. You've already found him.
Alma Brown You and your car smell like Chanel #5. You weren't riding the range this afternoon, were you?
Alma Brown How does Truman Peters's wife make time for you, in the middle of the day?
She just drops everything for me, honey.
Alma Brown I guess it beats housework, doesn't it?
[Hud sits with Alma on her bed]
You're a fine housekeeper, a fine cook, and a fine laundress. What else are you good at?
Alma Brown Taking care of myself.
A piece of corn-silk like you shouldn't need to.
Alma Brown That's what my first husband used to tell me. Then he took my wallet and my gasoline card, left me stranded at a hotel in downtown Albuquerque.
What did you do, wear your curlers to bed? Is that why he made for the hills?
Alma Brown He was a gambler. He's probably up at Vegas right now, dealing all night and losing it back in the daytime.
Man like that sounds no better than a heel.
Alma Brown Aren't you all?
Honey, don't go shooting all the dogs just because one of them's got fleas.
Alma Brown I was married to Ed for six years. Only thing he was ever good for was scratching my back where I couldn't reach it.
Alma Brown Off and on.
Well, let me know when it gets to bothering you.
