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                    TEENAGED GIRLS
       Gee, thanks, Mr. De Lavallade.  You're 
       the most.  We just love you.
 
                        JIMMIE
       I love you more.  Thanks for your
       support.  It means a lot to me.

The TEENAGED GIRLS float away on Cloud 9. 

                         JOE
       So, what do you think of the girls,
       Jimmie?  Aren't they the living end?

JIMMIE assumes his negotiation posture; playing his cards close to his vest.  He watches THE DANDRIDGE SISTERS going through their paces on the stage with a quiet smile and poker face.

                        JIMMIE
       They're not half-bad.  I'll give 
       you that.  
 
                         JOE
       Not half-bad?  Are you kidding me?  
       What're you talking about?  Are you  
       deaf and blind?
 
                        JIMMIE
                (chuckles)
       Not the last time I checked.