Tag: flemington

By
William E. Spear

Volume 2, Issue 17

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Full Transcript –

IT SUITS HER, Episode 17

ORIGINAL DATE: 21 November 2023

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and under)

Hello. My name is William Spear and your are listening to The 3:57.
The current series is called IT SUITS HER.

The story is going to launch in a moment but we have a few words from our friends at MADISON ON THE AIR. Three, two, one . . . Ignition, baby!

(Insert Madison on the Air promo)

Thanks, Madison, I needed that cup of coffee. Back to our show.

Maxie’s celebratory dinner plans with Celia have evaporated in the wake of her reunion with her parents. He is alone in Nick’s Italian Bistro and his spirits are as flat as the tonic water in his glass.

At the moment, he could give Scrooge a run for his money.

And now, Episode Seventeen of . . . IT SUITS HER.

(Theme for Nick’s Bistro fades up and under)

Maxie stared at the Courts leaving and slumped. Everyone was celebrating but him he said to Nick.

“But you are having a role in Mister Tony’s new play. That is worth celebrating.”

“You’re right,” said Maxie. “Bring me your most expensive bottle of tonic water and a fresh lime.”

“Now that’s the new Mister Maxie I am remembering.” Nick called to the bartender: “One vodka tonic . . . holding on the vodka.”

The faux cocktail was delivered and raised in honor of the season.

Tony appeared: “Hiya Maxie. I was hoping you’d still be here. You didn’t end your record did you?”

Maxie spit out the tonic and wiped his mouth: “No-o-o. But I thought you had some last minute negotiations.”

“It was tense but I managed. Saw Ceel and her parents.”

Maxie marveled: “This is the first Christmas they’ve shared in five years.”

Tony agreed: “Lovely family. We wished them a Merry Christmas on their way out.”

“We?” asked the confused Maxie.

Tony smiled: “Me and my last minute negotiations. Just made the deadline for Christmas.”

It sounded serious and Maxie wondered if it was anything that he could share. Tony shook his and smiled. Nick approached the table: “Mister Tony, may I be bringing the same for you?”

“Two, Nick – I have a friend. I’ll be right back.”

Maxie deadpanned: “He has a friend Nick. Did you know that? Everybody has someone except me.”

Nick called out: “Two vodka tonics – holding on the vodkas – for Mister Tony. Unlike Mister Maxie, he has a friend.”

Maxie was feeling a bit sorry for himself and insisted on two more. “One for me,” he said. “And another one for me in case a friend shows.”

Nick called out: “Two more – holding on the vodkas – for Mister Maxie. And take his keys.”

That’s when a memory from ten years ago spoke: “Hello, Max.”

It was Agnes. Maxie’s wife.

(Theme for Nick’s Italian Bistro fades up and under)

You’ve just listened to Episode Seventeen of IT SUITS HER.

Series theme is through the courtesy of Michael Kobrin. Theme for Nick’s Bistro is by AudioCoffee. Both are at PixaBay.

The Three Fifty-seven is written and produced by William Spear.

Thank you for listening. And Maxie . . . here’s a few more tonics with fresh lime. You’re going to need them.

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and out)

By
William E. Spear

Volume 2, Issue 16

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Full Transcript –

IT SUITS HER, Episode 16

ORIGINAL DATE: 14 November 2023

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and under)

Hello. I am William Spear and this is The 3:57 by the aforementioned. You are listening to our current series called IT SUITS HER.

The story is going to start in a moment but we have a few words from our friends at MADISON ON THE AIR. Before the promo starts, we advise to strap yourself in.

(Insert Madison on the Air promo)

Thanks, Madison, I needed the boost. Now back to our show.

Maxie has been sipping tonic and limes for two hours waiting for Celia at Nick’s Italian Bistro. It was almost midnight as Nick the owner offers a holiday greeting: “It is the last few evenings before the day before the morning of Merry Christmas.”

Max still doesn’t know what that means.

With Celia a no-show for dinner, Maxie concedes the night is over in Episode Sixteen of . . . IT SUITS HER.

(Theme for Nick’s Italian Bistro fades up and under)

“I guess,” Maxie said to Nick. “She got a better offer.”

A familiar voice entered their conversation: “Not a better offer. But an overdue part. Hi, Max. I have someone I’d like you to meet.”

Maxie wondered if it was the young man who kept calling her.

“It’s my mother and father,” she said and spun around to make introductions. “Mom, dad . . . this is Argosy Williams.”

“Mister Williams,” Celia’s mom spoke first. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. We’ve seen lots of your films.”

Celia’s dad went next: “THE TERMINUS is my favorite. The one scene where-“

Maxie cut him off: “It’s where I say “If you’ll excuse us, Sarah, I fear you’ve discovered what we’ve worked so hard to keep hidden.””

Mr. Court corrected him: “No, it’s where the husband and wife welcome back their daughter after she’s been gone for five years.

Maxie smiled and bowed to Mr. and Mrs. Court: “You have a special daughter.”

Mr. Court thanked him for helping Celia to get a job and Maxie returned with, “My pleasure.”

Celia pulled him aside: “Max, can I take a rain check on dinner? We have some catching up to do.”

“Of course. I’ll see you Monday morning. Merry Christmas, Ceel.”

“Merry Christmas, Max.”

Mrs. and Mr. Court wished Maxie a Merry Christmas and left the bistro amazed they really met Argosy Williams. “And he’s so nice,” said she. “Even nicer than in his pictures,” said he.

Nick waved goodbye to them and turned to Maxie: “The Courts are a very lovely family, Mister Maxie. I am applauding what you did.”

Maxie sighed. “They deserve a Merry Christmas. . . . At least someone does.”

(Theme for Nick’s Italian Bistro fades up and under)

You’ve just listened to Episode Sixteen of IT SUITS HER.

Series theme is through the courtesy of Michael Kobrin. Theme for Nick’s Bistro is by AudioCoffee. Both are at PixaBay.

The Three Fifty-seven is written and produced by William Spear.

Thank you for listening. And, Maxie, don’t quite leave yet.

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and out)

WES

By
William E. Spear

Volume 2, Issue 15

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Full Transcript –

IT SUITS HER, Episode 15

ORIGINAL DATE: 7 November 2023

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and under)

Hello. This is The 3:57 and I am the host, William Spear. You’re listening to our current series called IT SUITS HER.

The story is going to start in a moment but first a few words from our friends at MADISON ON THE AIR.

(Insert Madison on the Air promo)

Thanks, Madison, and now back to our show.

The once hostile Celia and Maxie have gone from mutually assured disdain to merry delight due to their conversation with producer Tony Marks. The unemployed Celia now has a job and the unauditioned Maxie has been cast.

Help them celebrate success while they enjoy dinner right here in Episode Fifteen of . . . IT SUITS HER.

(Theme for Standing in the Cold)

Tony waved as he walked away: “I’ll see you both on Monday. And, Maxie, welcome back.”

Tony disappeared into the cold and dark. The two former combatants turned and smiled at each other.

“That,” said Celia. “Was incredible.”

Maxie praised his new Assistant: “You were brilliant. You deserve the job from Tony.”

Celia refused to take any credit: “I only got the job because Mr. Marks wanted to cast you.”

“Tony’s not that nice,” declared Maxie. “However, getting a job and landing a part deserve a celebration. Let’s have dinner.”

“Can I meet up with you?” Celia asked. “I have a phone call to make.”

“Sure thing,” Maxie agreed. “It’s Nick’s Bistro two blocks down and one block west. Best pasta in the county.”

Celia thanked him and asked: “By the way, what gig were you coming from?”

Maxie shrugged his shoulders and said it was nothing important.

She pressed for details and reminded him she was his Assistant.

He thought it over and decided to tell her: he worked in the Men’s Section of Scherzer’s Department Store. Over near the traffic circle. He had come from a big holiday sale.

Then he changed the subject saying: “Make your phone call and meet me at the restaurant in fifteen minutes. Ask for Nick.”

(Theme for Nick’s Bistro fades up and under)

Two hours later and Maxie was seated at a table in Nick’s Italian Bistro working on his third tonic and tonic. He called to Nick asking the time.

“It is being past eleven thirty, Mister Maxie,” said Nick. “I am perhaps thinking that your companion will not be joining you tonight.”

Maxie nodded: “Perhaps I am thinking you are right. I mean, you’re probably right. Plus it’s almost midnight and I have to work tomorrow.”

Nick added: “And it is the last few evenings before the day before the morning of Merry Christmas.”

Maxie shrugged: “I guess she got a better offer.”

(Theme for Nick’s Bistro fades up and under)

You’ve just listened to Episode Fifteen of IT SUITS HER.

Series theme is through the courtesy of Michael Kobrin. Theme for Standing in the Cold is by SoulProdMusic and theme for Nick’s Bistro is by AudioCoffee. All are at PixaBay.

The Three Fifty-seven is written and produced by William Spear.

Thank you for listening.

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and out)

WES

By
William E. Spear

Volume 2, Issue 14

~~

Full Transcript –

IT SUITS HER, Episode 14

ORIGINAL DATE: 31 October 2023

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and under)

Hello. This is The 3:57 by William E. Spear. I am the host, William Spear. This episode of IT SUITS HER is coming from a dark and cold street in front of Smart Styles tailoring shop in Flemington, New Jersey.

Celia has been fired and Maxie has missed his audition.

And, Maxie has admitted his drinking problem. But he assures her he hasn’t had one in five years, six months, two weeks, one day, and seventeen, or rather as she would later correct, eightteen minutes.

As they stand there, they are joined by a voice that means nothing to her but a world of failures to him.

How does he handle this? Stay tuned for Episode Fourteen of . . . IT SUITS HER.

(Theme for Standing in the Cold)

Maxie winced at the voice: “The auditions are over, aren’t they?

The voice responded: “Yes, Max, the auditions are over. Who’s your friend?”

Celia – the friend – offered to step away, but Maxie stopped her: “No, please stay.”

Maxie turned for the introduction: “This is Celia Court. Her friends call her Ceel. And Ceel,” he turned to her. “This is Tony Marks.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Celia,” nodded Tony.

Celia echoed his words.

Tony stared at Max neither disappointed nor angry: “We waited for you. What happened?”

Maxie played the role as he had so many times before: “The shop was closed when I got here. Ceel argued with the owner to re-open but he wouldn’t listen.”

Celia interrupted: “That’s not exactly . . .” Maxie cut her off: “Finally he got my suit and when I pointed out that his tailoring wasn’t acceptable, he blamed Miss Court.

“That’s shocking,” said Tony.

“As if that isn’t enough,” Maxie went on. “He fired her on my account.”

Celia tried interrupting again: “What really happened was . . .” This time Tony cut her off: “That’s unfortunate.”

“On top of that, she’s studying at university to be President of her own global business.” He was building to his crescendo.

“Wow! She must be smart,” was Tony’s response.

Maxie gently closed in to ask a favor: “So even though I missed the auditions – and you’re probably sore at me – and I caused her to lose her job, do you know of any positions that might be opening up for her?”

Tony looked back and forth between them and finally said there was an Assistant job opening on Monday.

Celia was overwhelmed: “That’s incredible. Thank you, Mr. Marks.”

Maxie was skeptical: “Who’s the job with? I want to interview her new employer.”

“It would be one-sided,” Tony admitted. Maxie was confused.

“She’s “your” Assistant,” said Tony. Maxie’s confusion doubled: “I don’t have a job.”

Tony congratulated Maxie on getting the part and explained he heard the shop owner fire Celia: “You took the blame and spun a nice little fable for me.”

“I’m not much of an actor if I can’t fool you, Tony.”

“Maybe. But you’re more of a gentleman than you were in THE TERMINUS. We start rehearsals Monday morning at nine A-M and I’ll see you there. You too, Miss Court, uh, I mean, Ceel.”

Maxie could not thank Tony enough and offered to buy dinner. Tony wondered if he meant Nick’s Italian place.

“I’ll ask Nick to serve us personally,” Maxie said and added it would be like old times.

“Tempting offer, Max, but I have to decline. Last minute negotiations. But you go without a drink for another five years, six months, two weeks, one day, and eighteen minutes-“

Celia announced it was now twenty-one minutes. Approximately.

Tony accepted Celia’s correction: “And twenty-one minutes and I’ll accept then.”

They shook hands and Tony asked where Maxie had been lately.

“Performing here and there. I had a gig earlier tonight,” said Maxie. Tony added he hadn’t seen his name anywhere and Maxie offered to tell him later.

“Fair enough,” said Tony as he walked away. “I’ll see you both on Monday. And, “Maxie”, welcome back.”

He disappeared into the cold and dark.

(Theme for Standing in the Cold)

You’ve just listened to Episode Fourteen of IT SUITS HER.

Series theme is through the courtesy of Michael Kobrin. Theme for Standing in the Cold is by SoulProdMusic. Both are at PixaBay.

The Three Fifty-seven is written and produced by William Spear.

Thank you for listening and . . . congratulations on the new job Celia and, Maxie, like Tony said, “Welcome back.”

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and out)

WES

By
William E. Spear

Volume 2, Issue 13

~~

Full Transcript –

IT SUITS HER, Episode 13

ORIGINAL DATE: 24 October 2023

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and under)

Hello. This is William Spear, host of The 3:57 by William E. Spear. Thanks to Maxie and Celia for hosting the program while I recovered from too many milkshakes.

This is the current series called IT SUITS HER.

Maxie has gotten his suit – all puns are intended – but at a price well beyond the twenty dollars he paid. Celia has been fired from the Smart Styles Tailoring Shop. They are standing in the dark in cold weather.

For the first time, they are simply and merely two people. There is no ex-movie star. There is no assistant manager. Just two individuals with fractured pasts and blank futures.

What’s next for them? Stay tuned for Episode Thirteen of . . . IT SUITS HER.

(Theme for Standing in the Cold)

Celia and Maxie are standing and nearly shivering. The evening has gone where neither expected.

She finally speaks: “I almost bit a hole in my lip to keep from laughing when you wanted a receipt.”

Maxie returned the humor: “And you pushed him over the edge when you asked.”

The cold temperature chilled their attempted humor laughter.

Celia nodded: “It’s a nice suit, though.”

Maxie let her know he was sorry about her job.

“There are plenty of other jobs,” she shrugged. “I can start over with someone else. But you missed your audition.”

Celia’s cell phone, muffled in her coat pocket, rang twice. Maxie paused but Celia shook her head “No” and said he could leave a message.

Maxie continued: “Anyway, the audition was a hundred to one shot that wasn’t meant to be. I’ll get another one.”

Celia smiled and considered her words carefully: “Were you really a drunk?”

“It never goes away,” he said. “I drank when I woke up, during the day, and at night to fall asleep. Didn’t even recognize my own kids.”

“You have kids?”

It was Maxie’s turn to be quiet. He shook his head “Yes”.

“Why didn’t you get help?” wondered Celia.

“I didn’t have the guts to let the world see the perfect gentleman was a lousy drunk,” said Maxie. “I lost everything – career, money, and family. I haven’t seen my wife or kids in a decade.”

“You have a wife, too?”

“That usually comes with kids,” he said.

A smile flashed across Celia’s face and quickly turned into a frown. Maxie assured her he was okay: “I’m recovering; haven’t had one in five years, six months, two weeks, one day, and . . . what time is it?

“Nine-seventeen,” she said.

“And seventeen minutes. Approximately,” he added.

From out of the dark and cold, another voice spoke: “That’s a long time to go without a drink. Are you sure it’s been five years, six months, and two weeks?”

Celia looked but did not recognize the individual.

Maxie smiled and went on: “Don’t forget the one day and seventeen minutes.”

Celia added: “Eighteen, now.”

The stranger spoke: “Hello, Max.”

“Hello.” Maxie winced: “The auditions are over, aren’t they?”

“Yes, Max, the auditions are over.”

(Theme for Standing in the Cold)

You’ve just listened to Episode Thirteen of IT SUITS HER.

Series theme is through the courtesy of Michael Kobrin. Theme for Standing in the Cold is by SoulProdMusic. Both are at PixaBay.

The Three Fifty-seven is written and produced by William Spear.

Thank you for listening.

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and out)

WES

By
William E. Spear

Volume 2, Issue 12

~~

Full Transcript –

IT SUITS HER, Episode 12

ORIGINAL DATE: 17 October 2023

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and under)

Hello. This is Celia Court for The 3:57. The regular host, William Spear, is still suffering from quote “too many milkshakes” endquote. Wink, wink. Maxie offered to host again but, candidly, I am better.

And welcome back to our current series called IT SUITS CELIA. Actually, the title is IT SUITS HER.

My boss, Mr. Clarkson, nicknamed The Porcupine, has returned to the Smart Styles tailoring shop and HE IS MAD! I lied about his wife calling to make him leave, I didn’t close the shop on time, and a customer, Maxie Williams, is still here.

He also took a few shots at Maxie’s career ending over a decade ago and about being a drunk. I was annoyed Maxie hadn’t volunteered that information himself.

Mr. Clarkson’s prickly cross-examination was like cutting a cake with a chain saw: pieces went flying everywhere. Listen here for the details of . . . Episode Twelve of IT SUITS HER.

(Theme for Smart Styles Tailoring Shop fades up and under)

The Porcupine, uh, Mr. Clarkson, repeated itself: “Miss Court, why didn’t you close the shop as I instructed you?”

“I tried,” I said.

“Then how’d the drunk get in here?” he demanded.

Maxie rolled his eyes and said it was enough with the drunk lines already.

I told Mr. Clarkson he walked in before I could get the key.

“To sleep off a bender?” growled Clarkson.

Maxie explained he stopped to pick up his suit for an audition, then looked at his watch, and said, “Holy schmoly, look at the time.”

I went to get Maxie’s suit but Mr. Clarkson stopped me.

“Please,” begged Maxie. “Just . . . let . . . me . . . have it.”

The Porcupine wasn’t budging so I played to its ego: “(SING-SONGY) He’s-a-big-movie-star. It’ll-be-good-for-business.”

Mr. Clarkson mocked me: “No-no-no-no-no-no-no.”

Maxie mocked both of us: “Oh-for-crying-out-loud.”

I offered a compromise: “He’ll stand here all night and you’ll never close.”

Mr. Clarkson grudgingly realized the difficulty of his position: “All right. Give him the suit and get my money.”

Maxie turned to me: “How much does it come to?” and I turned to Mr. Clarkson: “What does he owe?”

Mr. Clarkson spoke through gritted teeth: “Seventeen-fifty.”

The merry-go-round spun again. Maxie turned to me: “All I have is a twenty. I swiveled to Mr. Clarkson: “All he has is twenty dollars.”

Quills flew from Mr. Clarkson: “There’s a two-fifty late fee!”

Maxie handed me the twenty dollar bill and, with a sly wink and grin, wondered if he could get a receipt. I signaled my understanding, accepted my role, and turned around: “Can he . . . ?”

Mount Porcupine erupted: “No! To the drunk: You have your suit, get out! To you, Miss Court: Grab your coat. You’re fired! To both of you: GOOD-BYE!”

With that, Clarkson, now my ex-boss, pushed us out of the Smart Styles tailoring shop, and slammed shut the door.

(Theme for Smart Styles Tailoring Shop fades up and under)

You’ve just listened to Episode Twelve of IT SUITS HER.

Series theme is through the courtesy of Michael Kobrin and additional music is by Lesfm. Both are at PixaBay.

The Three Fifty-seven is written and produced by William Spear.

Thank you for listening. And, by the way, look out for any stray quills from Mount Porcupine.

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and out)

WES

By
William E. Spear

Volume 2, Issue 11

~~

Full Transcript –

IT SUITS HER, Episode 11

ORIGINAL DATE: 10 October 2023

(Theme for It Suits Her comes up)

Hello. I’m Maxie Williams and this is The 3:57 by William E. Spear. Normally Spear is the host but he had too much milkshake and asked me to step in. This is our current series called IT SUITS HER.

I was within moments of getting my suit when Mr. Clarkson, owner of Smart Styles tailoring shop and Celia’s boss, returned.

Clarkson is not pleased about Celia’s lie earlier in the evening to get him out of the shop. He is further displeased about the shop not being closed.

Clarkson’s return is like pulling a loose thread: everything unravels. Listen to the details here on . . . Episode Eleven of IT SUITS HER.

(Theme for Smart Styles Tailoring Shop fades up and under)

It’s me, Maxie Williams, again. I am still without my suit, late for my audition, and now dealing with Miss Court’s boss.

It’s a trifecta of aggravation and Mr. Clarkson is leading the pack.

Clarkson barged in and barked at Miss Court: “You have a lot of explaining to do. First, my wife never called.”

“I can explain,” said Miss Court.

“Second,” continued Clarkson slightly louder. “The shop isn’t closed.”

“That can be explained, too,” she added.

“And, third,” said Clarkson at full volume and turning to look at me. “Who’s this guy?”

Celia answered that one right away: “He’s Argosy Williams.”

Clarkson’s confused face echoed in his voice: “Who is Argosy Jones?”

Celia and I slapped our foreheads into our palms and spoke together: “Williams. Argosy Williams.”

She went on alone: “Mr. Williams is a movie actor.”

Her boss bellowed: “Him? He hasn’t made a movie in ten years.”

I corrected him and said I made one eight years ago but it was really bad. Really, really bad.

“He says he was a big star,” chimed in Celia.

“WAS a star,” said Mr. Clarkson. “Now he’s a Has-Been.”

I made a mental note about not offering him a signed photograph.

Clarkson had mostly sprayed his venom at me. But I’ve had critics say worse. . . . I’ve also had family say worse.

Then he crossed the line. With all the pleasantry of being slapped in the face by a porcupine, he turned on Celia and said: “And you, Miss Court, are a Never-Will-Be.”

I stepped toward Clarkson and growled: “There is no need to address Miss Court in that manner.”

“Listen pal,” he said. “You drank yourself out of your career. Get out of my shop before I call the police.”

Celia turned to me and said: “You didn’t say anything about being a drunk.”

Well, it’s not exactly a resumé moment I confessed.

The Porcupine spoke again: “And, Miss Court, why you didn’t close the shop?”

(Theme for Smart Styles Tailoring Shop fades up and under)

You’ve just listened to Episode Eleven of IT SUITS HER.

Series theme is through the courtesy of Michael Kobrin and additional music is by Lesfm. Both are at PixaBay.

The Three Fifty-seven is written and produced by William Spear.

Thank you for listening.

(Theme for It Suits Her fades up and out)

WES