Karen shot such a piercing glance at Jack that he defensively put up his arms fearing she might physically lash out at him.
"Huh?" Will chimed in, not really believing what had just been said.
Karen, her secret out, knew it was no use trying to hide the fact any longer.
"Yeah, it's true. I started divorce proceeding last month," she sighed. "I'm not going to forgive Stan, not this time! Even though it means losing everything I have. I expect any day that the divorce will come through. He's jerked me around for the last time!"
"Losing everything?" Will and Grace cried out simultaneously.
"Stan granted the divorce only if he didn't have to pay her alimony," Jack explained.
"Isn't this a bit hasty?" Will said, as shocked as the rest. "Have you given any thought to what this is going to mean for your future?"
Karen snorted at the mention of 'future' and then replied, "Believe me, Wilma, I have done noting but think about it for the last two months."
Grace was flabbergasted. "But all your money, limos, condos, clothes, jewels…you're giving that all up just because he screwed around a little?"
"Honey, there are more important things than money and jewels," Karen spouted.
Grace almost fainted when she heard those words, and from Karen of all people! "L-li-like…what?" Grace stuttered.
"Self-respect," Karen said softly.
"This is going to rock New York society," Grace gasped.
"Let it rock, honey," was Karen only reply.
"Why don't you give me a few days and I'll see what I can do for you?" Will offered.
"Thanks anyway, sweetie," Karen responded, patting Will on his hand, "but it's already gone too far. Don't bother yourself."
"Uh, I still think this is a mistake, somehow," Will grumbled.
"Karen," Grace said looking sadly at her employee, "No matter what happens, you know you can count on us for whatever you need…anything."
"Oh, thank you, honey. That means a lot to me," Karen responded in an untypically tender fashion, "but I've made my plans already." Then turning to Jack, "C'mon, Poodle. We've entertained these people with our good news and sparkling company for long enough," Karen said standing.
"Well, don't forget, we all have tickets for the theatre Friday night," Will reminded. "It's for A Wedding and Two Funerals. It's supposed to be the biggest comedy hit of the year."
"Yeah, that sounds like a real belly buster of an evening," Karen sarcastically retorted, the wall of defensiveness snapping back in place.
"Oh, c'mon, Kare. It'll be fun. Give yourself a chance," Jack insisted.
Oh, all right," Karen grudgingly consented. She knew it was no use arguing against three other people. As Karen and Jack reached the door, Karen suddenly turned and said, "Goodbye, Grace. Goodbye…Will. See ya around sometime, huh?"
Several eyebrows shot upwards. Karen hardly ever referred to Will by his proper name. Jack and Karen left with Will and Grace speculating in their wake, little suspecting the events that would unfold for them on Friday evening.
Once out in the hallway, Jack started towards his apartment door.
"Wanna come over for a nightcap, Kare?" he offered.
"Not really. Let's just ride around for a while…okay, hon?" Karen suggested.
When Jack and Karen were back in her limo, Jack suddenly asked, "What about Rosario?"
Karen stifled another sob. "Ro-ro-Rosie! Darn it, Jack! Why did you have to mention that?"
Jack just looked bewildered.
Karen was silent a few seconds, then said, "Of course - I'll have to let her go. I won't be able to afford to have a maid when I won't be able to afford myself!"
Jack felt badly for Karen knowing what a close relationship she had with the El Salvadorian housekeeper – even thought they insulted each other constantly, they were as close as sisters.
"Of course, I'll make sure she gets a generous severance. Then she can go back to Cubanella or Panamanium or wherever the hell she's from and start that kid's school she's always mouthing…off…about," Karen sputtered. She couldn't keep it inside any longer. Then the floodgates opened.
Jack just hugged her and let he cry herself out. Even Driver's lower lip was trembling. They rode around the streets for quite a while. Finally the chauffeur dropped Jack back at the Riverside complex.
As he exited the vehicle he said, "Let me think about this. There got to be some way to work things out. So…I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Mmm…maybe," Karen said vaguely.