Ceilia
How are you today, Peter?

Peter
Very good thank you… Actually not very good – thank you for asking.

Ceilia
Why? What's the matter?

Peter
Last night, I was walking home when I crossed the road and I was almost hit by a burger van.

Mary
Oh no, Peter, that's terrible. Are you OK?

Peter
Just a bit shaken. He was going so fast!

Ceilia
Why don't you come and sit down in the office until you feel a bit better.

Peter
OK

Gordon
Sorry I'm late – I had some extra-curricular activities. To be honest, I overslept – I've been working late doing another job.

Mary
You're moonlighting Gordon? Do you really need a second job?

Gordon
This is not any old job, sweetheart – this is an opportunity to manage a high-class American-themed restaurant. This is my future!

Mary
Are you sure?

Gordon
God's honest truth!

Mary
Hmm really. Look, I think you should tell Ceilia – to avoid any problems – honesty is the best policy.

Gordon
No no, I don't think we should tell her. Let's keep it our little secret. Anyway, I don't want her thinking I'm just working here out of sympathy.

Mary
No, of course not. Anyway, where is this 'high-class' restaurant?

Gordon
Oh, well, you wouldn't know where it is.

Mary
Try me.

Gordon
Well, it's currently parked… I mean located… on Canal Street, near the park.

Peter
That's where I was almost hit by that burger van. Look, I've got a photo of the van on my phone.

Ceilia
That's strange – that van's parked outside our restaurant. Maybe I ought to call the police?

Gordon
Let's not be too hasty. I'm sure there's a simple explanation.

Mary
Yes… I think there might be. Gordon, you may as well come clean. This high-class restaurant you're managing – it's a burger van, isn't it?

Ceilia
What's that Gordon? Flipping burgers in your spare time? How would you like to flip burgers full-time instead of working here?

Gordon
Let's not be too hasty. I'm just trying to make an honest living.

Ceilia
Well, if you're a decent and honest man, why don't you compensate Peter for the stress that you've caused him?

Peter
Thank you!

Mary
Now everything is open and above board – perhaps we could book a table at your 'restaurant' tonight?!

Vocabulary

to be honest
let me tell you the truth

God's honest truth!
it is the real truth/ I am not lying!

honesty is the best policy
it is better to tell the truth than to lie

come clean
tell the truth

to make an honest living
to work hard to earn some money

open and above board
completely honest

Credits

Gordon Grater: Neil Frost

Ceilia Spatula: Amina Zia

Peter Peppermill: Darren Benedict

Marigold Marcelo (Mary for short): Stacha Hicks

Written, produced and directed by: Rob Carter