As they enter the living room, everybody is bright eyed and bushy tailed, and there are no signs of hangovers. Right away, Olivia sees Harry and Abby laughing and talking in the kitchen. She notices how sublty they're touching one another in conversation, and how close they're standing. She wonders if anybody else is noticing it too. But, she still decides to keep it to herself. Still, at some point they're certainly going to have a chat about what she witnessed this morning.
Moving on, the morning flies by as they get the backyard cleaned up, and they share a hearty meal together. The conversation is light and fun, and everybody enjoys themselves. It's decided that they'll go grocery shopping together before going their separate ways. With Drew and Stacy going home and Fitz, Harry, Abby and Olivia hanging out a bit more at the house afterwards.
As they relax for a while, before leaving, There's a knock at the door. Abby looks at the ipad and says, "It's Tasha." Olivia replies, "Good, I hope she has some news for us." Abby replies, "I know right."
When she opens the door she sas, "Hey girl. Come on in." She enters as she replies, "Hi, thanks. I hope I'm not interrupting. I was going to call, but decided to stop by instead." Abby replies, "No interruption at all, we are just relaxing."
As she enters the living and dining room area, she sees multiple people sitting and chatting, and Olivia looks over at her and says, "Thanks for coming by. We appreciate you following up. We were just about to head to the store."
She smiles as she responds, "No problem. I can relate to having errands to run. I am off today and handling a few myself." Abby, now standing near her says, "Sunday is the errand day for most folks, unless you go to church. Then its both church and errands."
They all smile as Tasha replies, "True. But anyway, I wanted to stop by and let you know what we found out so far about the incident at the pool. I didnt get alot of the details till very late."
Olivia nods as she replies, "Understood, "What did you find out?" She responds, "In a nutshell. It turns out someone from your party was involved after all, along with a few of our neighbors. The party attendee is Jake Ballard." Abby is in shock as she responds, "Really? What happened?"
Tasha replies, "Based on the video from the pool area. And the stories we gathered from both parties; Jake and a few guys were hanging out at the pool, drinking and talking, until an altercation broke out between James Pollard, Michael Phillips and Jake."
Olivia replies, "How does one person get into an altercation with two strangers?" Harry seizes the opportunity to say, "I mean, it is Jake. So it's not a total shocker, is it?" The group nods in agreement, and share a smile, but Olivia urges as she responds, "What caused them to fight?"
Tasha sighs as she replies, "Michael saw a battery pack on Jake's back, under his shirt when he bent over. And when they asked Jake about the recorder, he got defensive and punched James when he pressed him about recording their conversation. James of course responded back with force, and the result was us being called by some other neighbors and Jake having a black eye, broken nose, and some other minor injuries."
Olivia and Fitz share a look when they hear about the recording device. And Stacy adds, "Wow. He's lucky that's all he got. Recording people without their permission is just wrong, not to mention creepy." She nods as shs replies, "You're correct. And it's illegal. Which is why he stopped talking, and asked for an attorney when he realized we are working to salvage the audio."
Olivia is confused about her reply, and asks, "What do you mean salvage it?" She replies, "Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention, during the scuffle between James and Jake, Michael took the battery pack and recording device off his body and smashed them, along with his phone. Then threw both into the pool."
Harry outwardly asks, "Damn, what in the hell were they discussing that made him react that way?" Drew sighs as he adds, "Clearly not something on the up and up, that's for certain." They all agree as Tasha replies, "Right. But nobody is willing to discuss what was being said as of yet. They all have attorney's and are remaining silent. Since they now realize they're all going to have charges filed against them."
Fitz agreeably replies, "Remaining silent is their best bet at this point. If that audio recording is restored, Jake is facing a possible 5 year sentence per recording."
Abby is shaken by his response as she replies, "Wow. I didn't know that." Olivia adds,. "Most people don't until they're arrested and charged. And all you can hope for in that instance is leniency from the court."
Drew responds, "Yeah. But he's a reporter. So couldn't he just say he was doing it for work?" Tasha advises, "Yeah. He can. But then his employer would have to admit they asked him to break the law, making them liable." Harry chimes in, "So basically if anything can be recovered from the audio tape. He's screwed."
Tasha nods as she replies, "That's exactly right. And beyond the possible felony charge, He has public drunkeness, and a resisting arrest charge to combat as well.. So, no matter what. He's going to need a good attorney to get him out of this jam. Whereas James and Michael may end up with better plea options, depending on what the recording reveals about what was discussed."
Olivia shakes her head as she replies, "That's insane. Are they still locked up?" She replies, "Yes. They'll be arraigned on Monday or Tuesday. And likely be released on bail as long as they don't have any priors."
They all take in her response and nobody can believe what they're hearing. Olivia breaks the silence as she responds, "Well, thanks for letting us know what happened. We appreciate the update."
She smiles as she replies, "You're welcome Liv. As things progress. Some detectives may be by to talk to you, since you know everybody involved. But, it's nothing serious." She smiles as she replies, "I figured that would be next." Tasha responds, "RIght. I'm sure you know the drill. Anyway, take care everyone."
As she leaves they all say, "Goodbye." And when the door closes, Harry says, "Well damn. You can't make this up. I know he's got to be super pissed at Mellie right now."
Drew asks, "Why do you say that?" He responds, "Because she invited him, and told him personal stuff about Liv, which motivated him to show up with the recording device, landing him in this clusterfuck of a mess he's in.."
They all consider his response, until Fitz replies, "You have a point Harry. Her invitation brought him here. But, his dumb decision to commit a felony is his own hill to die on. We're just lucky we didn't say anything worth recording."
Abby adds, "I think that's what makes it more ridiculous. He committed a felony and didn't even get anything worth recording. Not to mention the fact that if he did, Liv already has a gag order on all the publications regarding any stories involving her or Eddie."
Olivia sighs as she replies, "Point taken. It does truly seem like all of this was for nothing." Fitz nods as he responds, "Well, at least Jake managed to get a story, it's just too bad he's going to be in it." They all chuckle at his comment as Harry replies, "Good one bro. And it couldn't have happened to a more deserving person."
With everyone being of like minds that Jake is deserving of what he stumbled into. Their day carries on, as everyone works together to get the house in order, and it's not long before they make their planned trip to the grocery store.
After conversation it's decided Abby, Fitz, Liv, and Harry will ride together in Fitz's SUV and Drew and Stacy will ride together in Drew's car. After picking up some essential groceries between them. The guys and ladies separate to get additional items they need individually.
While walking together Stacy asks, "You think Mellie is going to be upset about you two went shopping without her?" Abby replies, "Probably, but what else is new? This will just be something to add to the list of what she can bitch about." They nod in agreement as Olivia responds, "I agree Abs. If it's not one thing, it will be another. But, I'm not falling for any of her deflection tactics. Either she stays on point with the main topics we address, or we don't talk at all." Stacy replies, "Dang diva. Tell us how you really feel."
They all share a laugh as Abby chimes in, "I know right." They all share a laugh and Olivia responds, "All I'm saying is we need to resolve all this tension and move on, before we damage our friendship and living situation permanently." Abby nods as she replies, "I think we all can agree on that one." Stacy adds, "Yes we can. And for what it's worth, I am sure you all will work it out. You always do." They all agree with her sentiment and make their way t the feminine care aisle to finish their shopping.
As the ladies finish gathering their remaining items, Abby gets a phone call. Seeing it's work, she takes the call and walks away from Olivia and Stacy. Stacy looks at Olivia and she says, "Looks important." Olivia shrugs her shoulders and says, "It's probably work. She mentioned they could call her this weekend."
She nods as she says, ":My roommate Carly goes through that too. She says clinicals can be a real bear when people in your peer group don't show up for theif shifts." Olivia agrees as she replies, "Yep. it always sucks when people fail to do their part in any job."
She agrees and takes the time to ask one other question she has been dying to address, as she asks, "So, how long do you think her and Harry have been sneaking around?" Olivia almost chokes as she replies, "Huh?" Stacy laughs as she says, "Drew and I saw them kissing last night before they went to bed. I thought it was just the tequila effect. But they've been rather cute to one another all day. Haven't you noticed?"
She takes a breath and responds, "Yeah. I noticed. But I'm not speaking on it until they both acknowledge it. I think that's only fair." She agrees as she responds, "That's more than fair. I didn't mean to come off as gossiping, if I did." She smiles as she says, "It's fine Stacey. I know you mean well. And I didn't take it as gossiping at all. Just more of confirming what we all have seen." She nods as she says, "Exactly. I like the way you think, lady." They share a laugh as Abby approaches them having ended her call.
As Abby walks back toward them, she hears the tail end of the conversation and asks, "What did I miss?" Stacy recovers quickly as she replies, "Girl nothing. Is everything okay? Your call looked intense.: She sighs as she responds, :Yeah it's fine. That was the clinic. Kevin didn't show up for work. So they called me to fill in."
Stacy has an instant attitude as she replies, "Wait. So he bailed on you last night, and said he'd catch up with you today to make up for it. But, he didn't go to work and now you're being asked to fill in for him. How does that make sense?"
Olivia agrees with her sentiment as she adds, "It doesn't. What did you say to them, Abs?" She sighs as she replies, "I told them it was unlikely I'd be coming in. it's not my weekend, and I need a break."
Stacy nods as she replies, "Good for you. I hope you don't give in. And you check your friend too. Because he's dead wrong for doing this to you." Abby smiles loving her support, but she responds, "He's wrong for bailing. But he can't control who they call to fill in. It's just a crumby coincidence that it happened to be me."
She sees her point, but responds, "Regardless. He's got some explaining to do, if you ask me." Olivia agrees as she replies, "Yes indeed he does. And believe me. He will get his chance."
As they nod in agreement, they grab the items they need and proceed toward the check out. However, when they get in line. Abby's phone rings again. And, this time it's Kevin. She shows Olivia her phone, and she says, "Go ahead and take it. I'll take care of your stuff." She nods as she replies, "Thanks,I'll zelle you the cash." Olivia smiles as she responds, "Cool Beans." Abby hurriedly steps out of line and goes outside to take the call.
Olivia can see her on the phone through the window, and she can tell the call is hot from the start by her body language. What she wouldn't give to be able to read lips a bit better right now. Her thoughts are interrupted though as Harry comes up behind her, and asks, "Hey, what's up with Abby?" She responds, "Oh. just some work stuff came up. So she stepped out to take a call."
Remembering a conversation he had with her last night about her internship, he responds, "Oh. Okay. Looks intense. Hope it all works out. I know she's been a little irritated about how things have been going with her peer group lately."
At first, Olivia thinks to herself, you have no idea. Then, remembering what she witnessed this morning between them. It's clear they may be a little more than just hook up buddies after all. Why else would she disclose her work issues to him? Nonetheless, she replies, "Yeah, it's a last minute type thing." He nods, accepting her answer and she feels somewhat bad, because what she said isn't completely true. But, it's not her story to tell..
As they progress through the line; by the time they exit the store Abby is off the phone and standing by Fitz's truck, talking to Harry. When the remainder of the group approach them, Olivia notices that Harry goes to get in the car with Drew and Stacy, as he waives at Olivia and Fitz, saying, "See you at home Fitz. Bye Liv."
Fitz asks, "Hey, where are you going? I thought you were hanging out with me at Liv and Abby's." He replies, "I was, but Abby has a work thing to tend to, so I am going to head home." She chimes in, "I'm sorry to break up the plan guys. But, it's unavoidable." Olivia initially is shaken, as she tries to process what she just heard.
Luckily, Fitz keeps the conversation moving as he says, "Damn, that bites. We were looking forward to kicking both your asses in Spades, right Liv?" She finds her words as she responds, "Right. Maybe next time." Both Harry and Abby nod, as Abby says, "We'd better get moving before the ice cream melts."
Right on time Drew yells, "Hey Harry, we are about to roll out. Are you coming?" He waives as he responds, "Yep. I'm on my way, See you guys later." They all say goodbye, and Fitz replies, "You ladies can get in the car. I've got the bags."