As she sits on her couch; she ponders what is going to happen next. She's never been this nervous before; it's just an audition, nothing new. She's auditioned for different projects several times; but she has never been this anxious about the outcome. She wants this part; she needs this part. It will do wonders for her career. It's an iconic role with a premise that's never been done before. She got good vibes from Shonda Rhimes, the head writer and creator of the show. But this is Hollywood, and nothing is guaranteed until you're signing a contract.
As she waits patiently for the phone call that will change her life; she gets a text from her mother and father. They are wishing her well. She smiles, they are so sweet and supportive, and she appreciates them immensely. She sends them a thank you reply, and as she puts her phone down on the couch, a call comes in. It's her agent and manager. She freezes for a second, unsure of what to do.
It's the call she's been waiting for; she takes a breath, and answers the phone. She says, "Hello Robin; how are you?" She hears a cheerful response in return, as she says, "Hello Kerry; I am good thanks. How are you today?" She replies, "I'm doing well, thanks." She's sensing her anticipation and anxiety. So Robin says, "Well, I am glad all is well with you. Listen, I just spoke to Shonda, and you got the part of Olivia Pope!" Kerry screams as she says, "Oh my God really!" Robin shrieks as she replies, "Yes, you got it, congratulations! This is huge Kerry."
Kerry agrees as she says, "Yes it is. Thank you so much Robin. I appreciate you calling me to tell me. I have been a wreck wondering about this. I can't believe it. I am so happy!" She responds, "I know you have; it's stressful waiting for a call back. But it's so worth it when the call back comes, and its good news."
Kerry responds, "That's very true." After breaking the news to her about the initial announcement. She and Robin go over some of the details of the contract and privileges that have been negotiated. She is beyond thrilled with the salary and the terms of the agreement, and agrees to sign on. However, she has one question. She asks, "Hey Robin did she say who the leading man is?"
She replies, "No, but she has some guys in mind." Kerry responds, "Well, I hope she picks someone soon; I am anxious to get to know the full cast. The cast party is tomorrow. So I'd think she has a good idea of who she's choosing by now." Robin replies, "Yeah I agree; but I am sure she's narrowed it down. She's probably just waiting on an acceptance call or something. But I am sure you will get a final word by tomorrow. So I wouldn't worry about it."
Kerry agrees with her; she figures she'll find out soon enough. For now she just wants to celebrate getting the role. She responds, "You're right. I am sure it will be fine; I'll let it go. But if you happen to stumble across the information, please call me." She responds with laughter as they both share in the laugh, and Robin says, "I sure will. Take care Kerry." Kerry replies, "I will. You do the same."
After her phone call she sits back on the couch; she is ecstatic at the news. She calls her family to let them know, and as always her parents are very excited for her. They talk about some of the particulars; but when her mother asks about the leading man. She can't answer her. But she doesn't dwell on what she doesn't know; just on what she does.
After the celebratory phone call to her parents; Kerry slips back into thought once again. She thinks to herself; who could play the role. As soon as she says it, she thinks of men old enough to fit the bill. She kicks around a few names and then one in particular sticks out.
She smiles as she says out loud, "No, not him." But she can't really dismiss the idea. She then thinks back to the last time they were together; not since the last political rally 3 months ago, where they had a huge disagreement, has she seen him or talked to him. Amidst some hurt feelings and frustration, they agreed they should break it off. It seemed like the best thing to do given the situation.
As she stands on the balcony of her house; she looks at the ocean, and it's beautiful. Her thoughts are broken by licking on her ankles. She looks down and sees Josie. Her new Yorkshire terrier. She was left in her hotel room, the night before she last saw him. She knows he bought her. He said she should never be alone, and this was his way of leaving a piece of him with her always, inconspicuously. She loved her instantly, and she's grown to be a big part of her life.
She picks her up and holds her close; after watching the waves for a while. She goes back inside and makes some calls to secure an apartment near the set. There's no way she's going to want to commute to Santa Barbara from LA every day. Once she's done with the particulars; she packs up some clothes for several weeks, and gets ready for her extended trip for work.
Today's the day; it's the first day of work per say. It's the casting party, where the cast meets and starts to get familiar with one another, before they start shooting. Kerry was up for a while the night before, reading up on her costars. But the one title still blank is the lead male role. Despite that lack of detail; she is very impressed with the quality of acting skills in the group. She's familiar with some of them from her stint on the play scene.
Doing plays, she's met tons of people, who have since transitioned into film and television. Her thoughts again go to him. His love of theater is yet one more reason they click. His success on Broadway, and his affinity for the arts brings them both together in such an exciting way, she can't deny. He is more than a sexy face, with a banging body, and crazy sex skills. Damn, what he does to her. She snaps out of her haze, as the car pulls up to the door of the building, and the driver opens her door.
When she exits the car, and walks into the building she is ecstatic. She is shown to her trailer as well as given a quick tour of the grounds. When she enters the room where the casting party will be held; she sees rows of chairs and food on the table. She also sees a group of women huddling and talking. She walks in and introduces herself, and everyone is very nice. Bellamy, Darby, and Katie are all very pleasant and very pretty, especially Bellamy, her eyes are gorgeous.
After talking with the ladies for a moment; they are interrupted by the sound of men laughing. When they all turn around; in walks Columbus, Guillermo, Jeff, Henry, Dan, and Josh. The ladies check them all out, as women often do. Quickly Kerry hears Bellamy say, "Damn, Columbus is hot."
Katie looks at Kerry and says, "Don't mind her, she's single." Kerry replies, "Yeah, me too; it's rough for the single ladies." Bellamy asks, "Wait, you all don't think he's hot?" Kerry responds, "He's actually a friend of mine; sort of like a brother to me. So no I don't. But he's attractive so, I get why you're attracted to him." Darby and Katie both weigh in and agree; he's definitely attractive.
As the gentlemen notice the ladies, they all come over and introduce themselves. Columbus and Kerry share a hug, and so does she and Dan. They'd worked together before in theater, so it was good to see them again. As they all get acquainted the room begins to fill up with more people joining them. After about thirty minutes the room is completely full, and Kerry understands the need for all the chairs.
At this point Shonda and all of the other writers, and producers are present. In addition to some network executives, and everyone is having a great time. As Kerry and the other ladies continually talk about the show, and its premise, they also want to know who the male lead is. Neither one of them have any idea of who it could be, and the anticipation is driving everyone crazy.