Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? - Part 2"
Setting: Picks up exactly where Part 1 left off.
Authors' Note: This story is the product of a tag-team effort between by Lysa and Deb. The title for this story was borrowed from the film of the same title, directed by Stanley Kramer. Our thanks to the nice people who sent such lovely feedback. Your kindness is much appreciated.
"Lindsay! Marina! Sit down now!" Bobby commanded. Surprised at Bobby's taking control of the situation, everyone took their chairs. Sternly, Bobby said, "Now both of you listen up!"
Everyone's eyes were focused on Bobby, who stood at the foot of the table. "I am ashamed of both of you. I love you both, but I am totally ashamed of you and your behavior. You are intelligent and well educated women, both outstanding practitioners of the law. Yet just now you two acted like two naughty and spoiled little girls in dire need of a good spanking!"
"Could I watch?" Jimmy said jokingly, and rather inappropriately. Everyone glared at him except Marina, who smiled ands said, "If you play your cards right, you can participate."
In a slightly calmer tone, Bobby continued. "Has it occurred to either of you that you're family. You are sisters-in-law. OK, you don't have to be best friends, but you need to get along. If not for my sake, then for Dad and BJ. Besides, work is difficult enough without you two slashing each other's throats twelve times a day! Can't we all just check our egos at the door and try a little harder to be nice to each other?"
A long silence.
"I want to ask Lindsay a question," Marina said.
Bobby sat at the table. "Is that OK with you, Lindsay?"
"Yes." Lindsay replied, looking in distrust at Marina.
"Lindsay," Marina said in as calm a voice as she could manage. "I would like to know why you don't like me."
"I don't think we should play this game, Marina."
Bobby disagreed. "Maybe clearing the air will facilitate things."
Lindsay sighed and took a drink of wine. "Ask your question."
"Why do you hate me?" Marina asked.
"I don't hate you. I don't like you very much, but I don't hate you. I feel that way because you never let anyone forget that you're Marina Donnell, Super Lawyer. You flaunt all your accomplishments like you are the only person who ever got an award or a commendation. You treat people like they're your intellectual inferiors. You claim to be independent, but you cling to the men in your life to be your rescuer, your supporter, including Bobby and Jimmy. You're rude and pushy yet you expect others to feel sorry for you because you lost your mother when you were a kid. But, Marina, your private tragedy does not give you carte blanche to treat other people like crap." Lindsay paused, deciding that she'd said enough. More kindly, she said, "I apologize if all that hurts your feelings, but that's how I feel."
A long, uncomfortable silence.
Finally, Marina spoke. "Well, that was a lengthier response than I anticipated."
"Marina, is there anything you want to say to Lindsay?" Bobby asked, trying to be fair.
Marina thought a moment. "Yes. First, thank you for your candor. Rather frank candor, I should say. Second, I know I can be overly aggressive and demanding. I suppose it's some sort of compensation. Believe it or not, deep down I'm fairly insecure. I drive most people away even though I desperately want people in my life. Basically, that's what I've done to you and the others at the office." Marina stopped to take a sip of wine. In a rather sad tone, she said, "Third, as you say, I cling to Bobby. I always have. To be honest, in some ways, it hurts to see him married. He's not as available any more, and I resent you for that, even though I know I'm wrong to feel that way. Now Jimmy's in my life, and for once, I'm trying to settle down, live a normal life with friends, parties, maybe even marriage and children. All things I've never had. But it seems if I'm to do that, I'd better improve my interpersonal skills."
She took a sip of her drink and continued. "Also, think back. How often have I actually mentioned my accomplishments? You may be sick of hearing about me, and I wouldn't blame you, but you've been hearing about me from my brother, not from me!" Lindsay stopped abruptly just as she was about to open her mouth. She was going to deny what Marina said was true, but as she thought about it, it was true. Marina rarely spoke about herself; rarely spoke about anything really, unless directly asked. Bobby, however, was always going on and on about the GREAT MARINA DONNELL until Lindsay wanted to scream.
Lindsay responded, "I am not used to sharing my husband with another woman. I don't like having another woman dictate my life, and I don't like...." Marina cut her off. "How have I dictated your life? I would really like to know?" "Well, we had to have dinner tonight!" answered Lindsay. "I wanted to go see `A Beautiful Mind]!" "You think this was MY idea!!!" Marina asked angrily. "Having dinner in a house where I know I'm not welcome, finding out that my nephew hates me, being told I am never going to be a godmother, and finding out that I am not getting my mother's dishes all in one evening is not exactly my idea of a great time! Not to mention being verbally attacked! Lindsay, you had your opinions formed about me before we ever met and nothing I could have done would have changed them! Frankly, I am surprised at you, " she said, "You know how hard it is for a woman to succeed in this business. You know the pressure we have put on us every day! The big boys are always watching, waiting for us to mess up so they can either fire us and replace us with more good old boys, or blackmail us into sleeping with them. And if we're actually good at what we do, the other women hate us and there's more pressure! I thought you were above all that, above the politics. I am proud of my achievements, but I don't flaunt them. I didn't sleep my way to the top, I got here with hard work. If that makes you hate me, I say 'Fine!' You deal with your own demons, and leave me alone!"
She turned to leave the table, then turned back. "And maybe it hasn't occurred to you," she said, her voice hard and cold, "That my accomplishments are all that I've had for a long time! If I talk about my work, its because that's all I have to talk about! I don't have a beautiful son and a happy marriage. I have work! I am not generally a social person. I just haven't had time. So maybe that's what you perceived as being cold. It might have been nice if you could have gotten to know me a bit before forming that opinion.
"Now let me tell you a few things! You are a damn good lawyer. One of the best I've ever seen, in fact, but you have no business giving people criticism on interpersonal skills. You don't treat people very well yourself. You have a tendency to be rude and you just bulldoze people who aren't important enough to get an audience with you. The way you treat Jimmy is shameful. If you are in a bad mood you take it out on everyone in the office, and they all clear a path for you, like you're the queen or something. So, if you are planning on fixing me, you'd better wait until you're perfect yourself." Bobby sat with his mouth half open. What had happened to their nice family dinner? "Reenie, Lindsay...." He didn't know what to say that would placate both of them. They had no idea how alike they were and he didn't think this would be a good time to point that out. Lindsay was seething silently. She wanted to tell Marina a few more things, but for Bobby's sake she didn't. She was glad when Marina got up and got her coat. "I'm sorry this didn't work out. Not surprised, but sorry. I think it's best if I leave now. Jimmy, you can stay if you like. I think I need to be alone for awhile anyway. Besides, I wouldn't want to CLING to you," she added. She walked to Bobby. He stood. Marina kissed him on the cheek. "We'll talk soon, ok?" she said. He hugged her. "All right. Are you ok?" he asked softly. "Always," she replied with a wan smile. Jimmy had stood up to follow her, but sat down as she made it clear that she wanted to be alone. She let herself out and as the door clicked behind her, the silence was oppressive. Lindsay was still furious with Marina, and also angry at herself for losing control.
Bobby sighed and resumed his seat at the table. He refilled his wine glass.
"I'd like some too, please," Lindsay said quietly. Bobby poured her more wine. Lindsay took a long sip. She set down her crystal wine glass then said quietly, "I'm sorry about what happened. However, in my own defense, I merely answered a question that Marina wanted me to answer."
"I know," Jimmy said. "The whole thing is unfortunate. In fact, I think I should go see if she's all right. Thank you for dinner. Your food was excellent, Bobby."
"Thanks. Feel free to stay if you want," Bobby said.
"Thanks but I need to go." Jimmy put his napkin on the table and stood. He put on his coat, thanked them again, and then left. He hailed a cab outside the building to take him home.
Bobby closed the door behind Jimmy. He sat at the table. "This was a lovely evening," he said softly but sarcastically.
Lindsay nodded in agreement.
They did not talk over the remainder of the meal nor while they began cleaning up. Lindsay hand washed the pink-flowered china dishes as Bobby tidied the kitchen and containerized the left-overs. He broke the silence when he finished working. "I'm going to go play with BJ."
"OK. I'm sure he wants some attention."
Lindsay let the china and crystal glassware air dry. She went to their bedroom to change to her dark blue satin robe. Seeking comfort from the ghastly dinner party, she put on `Jerry Maguire' with Tom Cruise, her `feel good' movie and sat on the bed to watch. Half way through the movie, Lindsay walked to the living room to check on their son. She saw Bobby and BJ filling and unloading BJ's red dump trunk. "Want me to put the little guy to bed?" she offered.
"I will." Bobby stood BJ up. "Ready for a bath and bed, sport?"
"Play!"
"We can play more tomorrow. It's already past your bedtime." Bobby carried BJ to the master bath.
Trying to smooth the angry waters, Lindsay followed and asked, "Mind if I watch?"
"This is your home. Do what you want," he replied cooly.
A moment later Bobby turned on the taps of the bath tub. He set BJ down on the thick ivory bathroom rug. He unbuckled and removed the red Oshkosh overalls then the tractor-print turtleneck. Lindsay closed the lid of the commode and sat. "Are you mad at me, Bobby?"
"I'm mad at both of you." BJ's diaper went into the pail. BJ went into the tub. "That whole histrionic scene could have been avoided. I grant you that Marina was as much at fault as you, but it didn't have to happen at all."
"You said we should clear the air," Lindsay reminded him.
"I know, and that was a mistake on my part." He began washing his son. "Look, Lindsay, there's no point rehashing what happened tonight. We know who said what and we can't change a word of it. Life goes on. Let's forget about the whole mishap."
Lindsay nodded. "OK." Feeling a little better, she returned to their room and `Jerry Maguire'.
A few minutes later, Bobby carried BJ to the nursery. He dressed the boy in white fleece 1-piece "Baby Dior" jamies. He then carried BJ to the master bedroom. "BJ wants to say good night," Bobby handed Lindsay their son.
Lindsay cuddled him closely. "You didn't get much attention tonight, sweetie. I promise to be more diligent tomorrow. We'll go to the park and play on the swings if the weather is decent." BJ reached for a handful of her silky hair. "I love you so much, BJ. I hope you know that."
"He does," Bobby assured her.
Lindsay kissed him twice. "Good night. Sleep well and dream lovely dreams." She kissed BJ again and handed him back to Bobby.
Bobby told BJ the story of "The Three Little Pigs" then put him in the crib. "Here's your horsey, son." BJ took the beloved stuffed toy into his arms. Bobby bent to kiss BJ's forehead. He tucked the Pooh quilt over the baby's shoulders. "Night, BJ. I love you very much." Bobby turned off the Pooh and Gang lamp then left the room.
He went to the living room and found the re-run of `The Sopranos' on HBO. Mob stories were his feel good movies. Getting another glass of wine, Bobby sat on the sofa to watch Tony and crew and wish that their evening had gone very differently.
On Monday morning, Lindsay drove to the courthouse for a 9:00 a.m. hearing. Bobby drove alone to the office. There, he noticed that only Lucy and Ellenor sat in the bullpen. "Where is everyone?"
"Marina called in sick. Eugene volunteered to help Jimmy with his rape trial jury selection. Lindsay is in court. Here are your messages."
Bobby reviewed his messages as he entered his office. He hung up his coat and sat at his desk.
That was when it saw it.
An envelope addressed to him, written in his sister's handwriting. It was marked: PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL.
Bobby slowly opened the envelope, wondering, 'What now?' He read:
Setting: Picks up exactly where Part 1 left off.
Authors' Note: This story is the product of a tag-team effort between by Lysa and Deb. The title for this story was borrowed from the film of the same title, directed by Stanley Kramer. Our thanks to the nice people who sent such lovely feedback. Your kindness is much appreciated.
"Lindsay! Marina! Sit down now!" Bobby commanded. Surprised at Bobby's taking control of the situation, everyone took their chairs. Sternly, Bobby said, "Now both of you listen up!"
Everyone's eyes were focused on Bobby, who stood at the foot of the table. "I am ashamed of both of you. I love you both, but I am totally ashamed of you and your behavior. You are intelligent and well educated women, both outstanding practitioners of the law. Yet just now you two acted like two naughty and spoiled little girls in dire need of a good spanking!"
"Could I watch?" Jimmy said jokingly, and rather inappropriately. Everyone glared at him except Marina, who smiled ands said, "If you play your cards right, you can participate."
In a slightly calmer tone, Bobby continued. "Has it occurred to either of you that you're family. You are sisters-in-law. OK, you don't have to be best friends, but you need to get along. If not for my sake, then for Dad and BJ. Besides, work is difficult enough without you two slashing each other's throats twelve times a day! Can't we all just check our egos at the door and try a little harder to be nice to each other?"
A long silence.
"I want to ask Lindsay a question," Marina said.
Bobby sat at the table. "Is that OK with you, Lindsay?"
"Yes." Lindsay replied, looking in distrust at Marina.
"Lindsay," Marina said in as calm a voice as she could manage. "I would like to know why you don't like me."
"I don't think we should play this game, Marina."
Bobby disagreed. "Maybe clearing the air will facilitate things."
Lindsay sighed and took a drink of wine. "Ask your question."
"Why do you hate me?" Marina asked.
"I don't hate you. I don't like you very much, but I don't hate you. I feel that way because you never let anyone forget that you're Marina Donnell, Super Lawyer. You flaunt all your accomplishments like you are the only person who ever got an award or a commendation. You treat people like they're your intellectual inferiors. You claim to be independent, but you cling to the men in your life to be your rescuer, your supporter, including Bobby and Jimmy. You're rude and pushy yet you expect others to feel sorry for you because you lost your mother when you were a kid. But, Marina, your private tragedy does not give you carte blanche to treat other people like crap." Lindsay paused, deciding that she'd said enough. More kindly, she said, "I apologize if all that hurts your feelings, but that's how I feel."
A long, uncomfortable silence.
Finally, Marina spoke. "Well, that was a lengthier response than I anticipated."
"Marina, is there anything you want to say to Lindsay?" Bobby asked, trying to be fair.
Marina thought a moment. "Yes. First, thank you for your candor. Rather frank candor, I should say. Second, I know I can be overly aggressive and demanding. I suppose it's some sort of compensation. Believe it or not, deep down I'm fairly insecure. I drive most people away even though I desperately want people in my life. Basically, that's what I've done to you and the others at the office." Marina stopped to take a sip of wine. In a rather sad tone, she said, "Third, as you say, I cling to Bobby. I always have. To be honest, in some ways, it hurts to see him married. He's not as available any more, and I resent you for that, even though I know I'm wrong to feel that way. Now Jimmy's in my life, and for once, I'm trying to settle down, live a normal life with friends, parties, maybe even marriage and children. All things I've never had. But it seems if I'm to do that, I'd better improve my interpersonal skills."
She took a sip of her drink and continued. "Also, think back. How often have I actually mentioned my accomplishments? You may be sick of hearing about me, and I wouldn't blame you, but you've been hearing about me from my brother, not from me!" Lindsay stopped abruptly just as she was about to open her mouth. She was going to deny what Marina said was true, but as she thought about it, it was true. Marina rarely spoke about herself; rarely spoke about anything really, unless directly asked. Bobby, however, was always going on and on about the GREAT MARINA DONNELL until Lindsay wanted to scream.
Lindsay responded, "I am not used to sharing my husband with another woman. I don't like having another woman dictate my life, and I don't like...." Marina cut her off. "How have I dictated your life? I would really like to know?" "Well, we had to have dinner tonight!" answered Lindsay. "I wanted to go see `A Beautiful Mind]!" "You think this was MY idea!!!" Marina asked angrily. "Having dinner in a house where I know I'm not welcome, finding out that my nephew hates me, being told I am never going to be a godmother, and finding out that I am not getting my mother's dishes all in one evening is not exactly my idea of a great time! Not to mention being verbally attacked! Lindsay, you had your opinions formed about me before we ever met and nothing I could have done would have changed them! Frankly, I am surprised at you, " she said, "You know how hard it is for a woman to succeed in this business. You know the pressure we have put on us every day! The big boys are always watching, waiting for us to mess up so they can either fire us and replace us with more good old boys, or blackmail us into sleeping with them. And if we're actually good at what we do, the other women hate us and there's more pressure! I thought you were above all that, above the politics. I am proud of my achievements, but I don't flaunt them. I didn't sleep my way to the top, I got here with hard work. If that makes you hate me, I say 'Fine!' You deal with your own demons, and leave me alone!"
She turned to leave the table, then turned back. "And maybe it hasn't occurred to you," she said, her voice hard and cold, "That my accomplishments are all that I've had for a long time! If I talk about my work, its because that's all I have to talk about! I don't have a beautiful son and a happy marriage. I have work! I am not generally a social person. I just haven't had time. So maybe that's what you perceived as being cold. It might have been nice if you could have gotten to know me a bit before forming that opinion.
"Now let me tell you a few things! You are a damn good lawyer. One of the best I've ever seen, in fact, but you have no business giving people criticism on interpersonal skills. You don't treat people very well yourself. You have a tendency to be rude and you just bulldoze people who aren't important enough to get an audience with you. The way you treat Jimmy is shameful. If you are in a bad mood you take it out on everyone in the office, and they all clear a path for you, like you're the queen or something. So, if you are planning on fixing me, you'd better wait until you're perfect yourself." Bobby sat with his mouth half open. What had happened to their nice family dinner? "Reenie, Lindsay...." He didn't know what to say that would placate both of them. They had no idea how alike they were and he didn't think this would be a good time to point that out. Lindsay was seething silently. She wanted to tell Marina a few more things, but for Bobby's sake she didn't. She was glad when Marina got up and got her coat. "I'm sorry this didn't work out. Not surprised, but sorry. I think it's best if I leave now. Jimmy, you can stay if you like. I think I need to be alone for awhile anyway. Besides, I wouldn't want to CLING to you," she added. She walked to Bobby. He stood. Marina kissed him on the cheek. "We'll talk soon, ok?" she said. He hugged her. "All right. Are you ok?" he asked softly. "Always," she replied with a wan smile. Jimmy had stood up to follow her, but sat down as she made it clear that she wanted to be alone. She let herself out and as the door clicked behind her, the silence was oppressive. Lindsay was still furious with Marina, and also angry at herself for losing control.
Bobby sighed and resumed his seat at the table. He refilled his wine glass.
"I'd like some too, please," Lindsay said quietly. Bobby poured her more wine. Lindsay took a long sip. She set down her crystal wine glass then said quietly, "I'm sorry about what happened. However, in my own defense, I merely answered a question that Marina wanted me to answer."
"I know," Jimmy said. "The whole thing is unfortunate. In fact, I think I should go see if she's all right. Thank you for dinner. Your food was excellent, Bobby."
"Thanks. Feel free to stay if you want," Bobby said.
"Thanks but I need to go." Jimmy put his napkin on the table and stood. He put on his coat, thanked them again, and then left. He hailed a cab outside the building to take him home.
Bobby closed the door behind Jimmy. He sat at the table. "This was a lovely evening," he said softly but sarcastically.
Lindsay nodded in agreement.
They did not talk over the remainder of the meal nor while they began cleaning up. Lindsay hand washed the pink-flowered china dishes as Bobby tidied the kitchen and containerized the left-overs. He broke the silence when he finished working. "I'm going to go play with BJ."
"OK. I'm sure he wants some attention."
Lindsay let the china and crystal glassware air dry. She went to their bedroom to change to her dark blue satin robe. Seeking comfort from the ghastly dinner party, she put on `Jerry Maguire' with Tom Cruise, her `feel good' movie and sat on the bed to watch. Half way through the movie, Lindsay walked to the living room to check on their son. She saw Bobby and BJ filling and unloading BJ's red dump trunk. "Want me to put the little guy to bed?" she offered.
"I will." Bobby stood BJ up. "Ready for a bath and bed, sport?"
"Play!"
"We can play more tomorrow. It's already past your bedtime." Bobby carried BJ to the master bath.
Trying to smooth the angry waters, Lindsay followed and asked, "Mind if I watch?"
"This is your home. Do what you want," he replied cooly.
A moment later Bobby turned on the taps of the bath tub. He set BJ down on the thick ivory bathroom rug. He unbuckled and removed the red Oshkosh overalls then the tractor-print turtleneck. Lindsay closed the lid of the commode and sat. "Are you mad at me, Bobby?"
"I'm mad at both of you." BJ's diaper went into the pail. BJ went into the tub. "That whole histrionic scene could have been avoided. I grant you that Marina was as much at fault as you, but it didn't have to happen at all."
"You said we should clear the air," Lindsay reminded him.
"I know, and that was a mistake on my part." He began washing his son. "Look, Lindsay, there's no point rehashing what happened tonight. We know who said what and we can't change a word of it. Life goes on. Let's forget about the whole mishap."
Lindsay nodded. "OK." Feeling a little better, she returned to their room and `Jerry Maguire'.
A few minutes later, Bobby carried BJ to the nursery. He dressed the boy in white fleece 1-piece "Baby Dior" jamies. He then carried BJ to the master bedroom. "BJ wants to say good night," Bobby handed Lindsay their son.
Lindsay cuddled him closely. "You didn't get much attention tonight, sweetie. I promise to be more diligent tomorrow. We'll go to the park and play on the swings if the weather is decent." BJ reached for a handful of her silky hair. "I love you so much, BJ. I hope you know that."
"He does," Bobby assured her.
Lindsay kissed him twice. "Good night. Sleep well and dream lovely dreams." She kissed BJ again and handed him back to Bobby.
Bobby told BJ the story of "The Three Little Pigs" then put him in the crib. "Here's your horsey, son." BJ took the beloved stuffed toy into his arms. Bobby bent to kiss BJ's forehead. He tucked the Pooh quilt over the baby's shoulders. "Night, BJ. I love you very much." Bobby turned off the Pooh and Gang lamp then left the room.
He went to the living room and found the re-run of `The Sopranos' on HBO. Mob stories were his feel good movies. Getting another glass of wine, Bobby sat on the sofa to watch Tony and crew and wish that their evening had gone very differently.
On Monday morning, Lindsay drove to the courthouse for a 9:00 a.m. hearing. Bobby drove alone to the office. There, he noticed that only Lucy and Ellenor sat in the bullpen. "Where is everyone?"
"Marina called in sick. Eugene volunteered to help Jimmy with his rape trial jury selection. Lindsay is in court. Here are your messages."
Bobby reviewed his messages as he entered his office. He hung up his coat and sat at his desk.
That was when it saw it.
An envelope addressed to him, written in his sister's handwriting. It was marked: PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL.
Bobby slowly opened the envelope, wondering, 'What now?' He read: