ALLISON and GARY are sitting next to each other at Fall Formal but looking in opposite directions.  After a few moments, ALLISON accidentally catches his eye, starts visibly, and quickly looks away.  GARY raises his eyebrows, leans over his seat, and peers in her face at far too close a distance.

GARY:  Allison?  Allison, is that you?

ALLISON:  Hm?  Yes?  Oh hi, Dr. Richardson! What are you doing here?  I never had you pegged for the artsy type.

GARY:  I can’t divulge all of my secrets in the office, you know.  Gotta stay mysterious somehow.  

ALLISON:  I see. (Pause.  ALLISON is visibly uncomfortable.  GARY is still leaning over his chair and watching her.)

GARY:  Speaking of the office, it’s been a while since you’ve come in.  You moving on with your life?  No more time for the old shrink?

ALLISON:  I’d really rather not talk about this in public.

GARY:  Oh come on.  You pay me to be confidential, after all.  You can trust me.  (He smiles in a way he thinks is pleading, but which comes off as a smirk.)

ALLISON (frustrated):  Only because you were the cheapest therapist my insurance covered.  And I’m certainly not paying you to sit next to me right now.  In fact, I think I see some friends in the back.  If you’ll excuse me…(she starts to stand up, but GARY grabs her arm and pulls her back down.)

GARY:  Those are your friends?  You have friends now? You told me that socializing with other people was your greatest source of anxiety.  Does this mean my therapy has been working on you?

ALLISON:  Dr. Richardson, this is not the place to discuss our…um…working relationship.

GARY (releasing her arm):  I succeeded!  I knew I could do it!  

ALLISON (sarcastically):  Good for you.  Now, I really should…

GARY:  Don’t leave now!  We need to move on to the next step!  How’s your love life?

ALLISON (shocked and frustrated):  Dr. Richardson!  Please! 

GARY:  You can cut out the “Dr. Richardson” baloney.  We’re on equal footing here.  My advanced degrees are unimportant at the moment.  Call me Gary.

ALLISON:  Gary, I’m really not comfortable…

GARY:  Ah!  So romance is still uncomfortable for you.  I see, I see.  (He rubs his chin thoughtfully.  ALLISON watches him, still suspicious. Suddenly GARY snaps his fingers.)  Got it!  This is perfect.  You can be my date, and—

ALLISON (firmly):  No.  I will not be your date.

GARY:  —and I can help you push your emotional boundaries.  And physical.  We definitely should work on your physical boundaries.  Watch this.  (He leans in and puckers his lips.  ALLISON slaps him.)

ALLISON:  This is incredibly unprofessional.  I…

GARY (rubbing his face but still grinning):  See?  You obviously have issues with physical intimacy.  You know what, how about I give you a free session tonight.  You can come over to my place after the show and we can work on this more.

ALLISON:  I have plans.

GARY:  You have plans!  Good for you! Any handsome fellas you’re seeing?  

ALLISON:  That’s not what I said.  (Inspiration strikes her) Actually, there is this wonderful WOMAN I’ve been spending a lot of time with. 

GARY:  Ah, the experimental phase.  You’ll get over it.  Wonderful, you say?  Doesn’t seem like she’s been helping you much with your personal issues.

ALLISON:  …she’s kind, funny, respectful of my personal boundaries…

GARY:  …which obviously isn’t working for you…

ALLISON:  …and she knows when to shut up.

GARY:  That’s not exactly the most important aspect in a relationship.  Sometimes you need someone who will push you out of your comfort zone.  Let me show you.

ALLISON:  No thank you.  It’s been great talking to you, but I think I’m going to go sit with my friends now.

GARY:  Well, I have your number.  I’ll call you, and we can work something out.

ALLISON (suddenly with a look of panic):  Uh, I changed my number.  I’ll call you if I need anything.  Thanks for the offer!  (She gets up and walks away.)

GARY (calling after her):  If you ever find that your needs can’t be fulfilled by a woman, I’m happy to…

ALLISON (without looking back):  Goodbye.