New York Moment: LXVI

(Ray’s Beauty Supply on 8th Avenue. ISAAC enters, looking for ethnic hair products for his ethnic hair. He stands, looking at a shelf of products, in between two employees.)

EMPLOYEE #1: Hey, Rick, you need help?

(Beat.)

EMPLOYEE #1: Rick! You need help? Hey Ricky. Ricky. Hell-o.

(He steps into ISAAC’S view, shouts into ISAAC’S face.)

EMPLOYEE #1: Yo, do you need help?
ISAAC: Oh my god, I’m sorry. No, I don’t. I thought you were talking to someone named Rick.
EMPLOYEE #1: Right, I was talking to you.
ISAAC: What?
EMPLOYEE #1: Your name’s Rick, right?
ISAAC: No.
EMPLOYEE #1: Come on.

(Beat.)

ISAAC: Sorry, that’s not my name.
EMPLOYEE #1: I know who you are. Your name is Rick.

(Beat.)

ISAAC: No, it’s not.
EMPLOYEE #1: Your name isn’t Rick?
ISAAC: Nope.
EMPLOYEE #1: What’s your name?
ISAAC: Isaac.
EMPLOYEE #1: Hmmmm.
ISAAC: That’s my name.
EMPLOYEE #1: Come with me, lemme show you something.

(He leads ISAAC to the back of the store, where another EMPLOYEE is sitting.)

EMPLOYEE #1: Yo, Tony. What’s this guy’s name?
EMPLOYEE #2: … Rick. Ricky somethin’.
EMPLOYEE #1: Yeah, right?
ISAAC: Sorry, I’m not Rick.
EMPLOYEE #1: He says his name is “Isaac.” Code name Isaac!
EMPLOYEE #2: (to ISAAC) Yeah, you’re a celebrity.
EMPLOYEE #1: Yeah, you’re famous. We know.
EMPLOYEE #2: I just saw you in a magazine.
ISAAC: That’s not me.
EMPLOYEE #1: Aw yeah, that’s not you, my man. Whatever you say.
ISAAC: I’m serious — I’m not a celebrity. I’m not famous.
EMPLOYEE #1: I don’t believe you.
ISAAC: Well, sadly, it’s true.
EMPLOYEE #1: Aw, you leavin’?
ISAAC: Yes, I am. Thanks.
EMPLOYEE #2: An honor to have you in the store! Come back any time; we help you!
EMPLOYEE #1: Take care, my man!
ISAAC: Thanks!

FIN.