Hud1963

[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.]

Hud Bannon:
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.

Hud Bannon:
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.

Hud Bannon:
[unruffled] So they tell me.

[She flicks away her cigarette. As always, she is honest.]

Alma:
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.

Hud Bannon:
[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.]

Hud Bannon:
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.]