9. The Dotted Line

From the stage, India pleads with Cassie to commit to Dating the Volcano God.  Skeptical of the director’s casting choices, Cassie learns that fellow actors Norma Peiper and Vincent Palma have agreed to roles in the show. 

Cassie chastises India for pairing her with Rosenquist to secure funding for the musical.  India dismisses the concern, suggesting that sleeping with the magnate might be an improvement over Cassie’s failed marriages.  Cassie offers a snide retort, and India storms into the wings.  Addressing the empty auditorium, Cassie receives the applause of an unseen spectator.

Setting aside a draft employment agreement, Cassie welcomes Margaret to her home.  Margaret takes Cassie’s measurements and compliments her figure.  Zelda interrupts the costume fitting to ask whether Cassie has reviewed and approved the contract.  Cassie disparages the show, its script and costumes.  Predicting financial success, Zelda encourages Cassie to take a chance on the production.

Margaret snaps several photographs of Cassie.  Seeing the images of herself, Cassie criticizes her weight. Zelda answers a knock at the door to find a man in search of Cassie.  In a state of undress, Cassie turns away the visitor.  The telephone rings but is ignored.

 Sharon announces herself from the hallway, and Zelda admits her.  Zelda reveals a note left by the gentleman caller.  Cassie enumerates her reasons for disfavoring Dating the Volcano God, including the expectation that she sleep with Rosenquist.  Sharon marvels at the reference to the tycoon and asks Cassie for an introduction.  

Margaret encourages Cassie to join the production, and Zelda promises that the arrangement will be lucrative.  The phone rings, and Cassie unplugs it from the wall.