A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I apologize for the delay in updating. Life has a little on the crazy side and has gotten in the way of writing. I hope you're all staying safe. Thanks for staying with me! You get a nice long update. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Monday rolled around before everyone knew it, and with it, the return to work and school. Bianca dropped Miranda, AJ, and Gabby off at school before going to the Miranda Center while Marissa took Danny and dropped him off at daycare before she headed up to her office. Both Bianca and Marissa had plans with co-workers to watch Nora's interview on 'Good Morning America' which was scheduled for the 8:00AM portion of the show. They weren't the only ones who would be watching that morning with particular interest. Those acquainted with or had any connection to the case were situated in front of televisions with their eyes and ears at the ready.
After dropping her things off in her office, Marissa headed to one of the firm's many conference rooms. Along the way, she was met by Ellie who was holding a cup of coffee for her boss.
"Good morning. I thought you might like this while we watched the interview."
Marissa smiled and took the offered cup. "Good morning, and you would be right. Thank you. I hope you have one for yourself."
"I do. I thought about bringing some popcorn, but I think it's a little too early for that."
"I think you're probably right about that."
"Besides, Mr. Stevens ordered bagels for everyone, and they are currently being set up in the various conference rooms."
"Wow. Bryce didn't mention him doing that. I have to admit that I'm glad to hear it. I wanted to get here a little early this morning so I didn't have a chance to grab anything at home before I came in. You and Bryce saved me a trip to the food cart in the lobby."
"Glad to be of service. We better head to our conference room before Brian and Brandon get there and grab our favorites."
"You're right. That's definitely something they would do. Let's go." Marissa laughed as the pair headed down the hallway.
/
"Good morning, Bianca."
"Good morning, Jan. How do you always beat me in here?"
"Not always." Jan smirked. "I wanted to make sure I got here early today so I could coffee ready for everyone."
"And I'm in charge of breakfast! I come bearing bagels!" Aya said as she joined her boss and co-worker. "Good morning."
Bianca smiled. "Good morning. Things were a little crazy at home this morning so neither Marissa nor I had a chance to eat anything before we had to leave. Remind me to tell your boss to give you both a raise."
"We're on it!" Aya laughed. "I'll go put these in the conference room."
"Everything else is set up in there." Jan said.
"Okay. I guess I'll just drop my stuff off in my office, and I'll be right there." Bianca turned and headed to her office to lock up her purse and briefcase.
/
Erica sipped her coffee as she watched 'Good Morning America' and patiently waited for Nora's segment to air. Kendall and Greenlee along with employees of Fusion got themselves situated in the office as they waited. Jessica, Jo, and Greg were gathered around a TV while they had their breakfast. Krystal and Opal had the restaurant's TV tuned into the ABC morning show as well. Throughout Pine Valley, similar scenes played out as well.
/
"The segment is starting!"
The commercial ended and Robin Roberts appeared on screen.
"And we're back. Our next story is one that has been gaining national attention recently and is quite disturbing. It involves the sexual abuse of female gymnasts, young women and girls. It started in a small town in Pennsylvania and has spread on a national level. One that now involves USA Gymnastics. With us to discuss this is Nora Buchanan. She is the District Attorney of Llanview, Pennsylvania and has also been appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania to a task force investigating these allegations. Good morning, Nora. Thank you for joining us."
"Good morning, Robin. Thank you for having me."
"So, Nora, what can you tell us about this scandal? How did you become involved?"
"A former gymnast contacted my office and reported what had happened to her when she was on the Llanview University Gymnastics Team. She had gotten injured and was sent by her coach to the team's doctor for treatment."
"That would be Coach Stephen Pritchard and Dr. Jerry Landry?"
"Correct. What she received was anything but medical treatment. She was assaulted by someone she was trusted, and when she reported it, she was ignored, brushed aside. Two others came forward at this time. While we were investigating those cases, I was contacted by an attorney that I'm friends with from Pine Valley, Pennsylvania. A young woman came to her for help. Her story was eerily similar to the ones that I had heard."
"This other attorney is?"
Nora followed Robin's prompt. The two women had done a brief pre-interview the day before, and Robin was well aware of most of the details. Like a good interviewer though, she let Nora provide the details. "Marissa Tasker. She is a partner at Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery, Cortlandt, and Tasker, and an excellent attorney. Her client was the first victim to come forward publicly. She put a face to the victims."
"That would be Tessa Mendes, correct?"
"Yes."
"I saw her interview with 'The Banner'. It was very powerful, very brave."
"I agree. That's very indicative of not just Tessa but her whole family. Tessa going public had a ripple effect and resulted in a few things happening. First, it led to charges against Jerry Landry. He was arrested and is being held without bail. Second, it opened the flood gates. Other victims have come forward and gone public with their stories. Third, this is now a national story and not limited to Llanview University. It involves USA Gymnastics. Jerry Landry was the team doctor for not just Llanview University but also for USA Gymnastics, and that is where a large number of victims are coming from. Fourth, these victims are getting the help they need to finally begin the healing process with many of them working with the Miranda Center."
"The Miranda Center, for viewers not familiar with it, works with victims of abuse, and they do excellent work. They are based in Pine Valley but have opened Centers in other locations."
"Yes, they have. I cannot speak enough about them and the work they do, the services they provide." Nora would love nothing more than to sing Bianca's praises but didn't, per Bianca's request. "In addition to the help they are receiving from The Miranda Center, Marissa's firm is representing the majority of the victims."
"How many victims are we talking about?"
"As of this morning, a total of 187 girls and young women have come forward. Sadly, we expect that number to rise."
Robin couldn't hide her shock. "187?! That is horrifying."
"I couldn't agree more."
"Going back to something you said earlier about Marissa Tasker representing victims. You expect civil cases then?"
"Oh yes. I've spoken with Marissa, and I'm not overstepping when I say that there will be civil litigation. She gave me permission on that. I will, however, let her speak as to who those cases involve."
"What about criminal charges? Will there be more against Jerry Landry or anyone else for that matter?"
Nora quickly glanced at her cellphone and nodded. "As a matter of fact, yes. While we have been doing this interview, several arrests have been made along with additional charges having been filed against Jerry Landry."
"Who else is being arrested?"
"Primarily, Vincent Turner, the Athletic Director of Llanview University, Stephen Pritchard, the coach of the Llanview University Gymnastics Team, and Terrance Angleton, president of Llanview University."
"The president of Llanview University?"
"Yes, we have evidence that all three men knew what was happening and did nothing to stop it. In fact, they covered it up. Their actions along with their inaction and indifference allowed this continue for years, and as a result, countless others were victimized. In addition to the assaults, these victims were threatened with expulsion from not only their gymnastics teams but from Llanview University. They were also threatened with legal action."
"Am I safe in assuming that this would be where Ms. Tasker becomes involved?"
Nora let her knowing smile provide her answer to that question. "That would be a safe assumption. I do want to make a correction. I've used the term 'victims' today, and I feel like I'm doing a slight disservice to this group. I've spoken with them, and they prefer to call themselves 'survivors'. To say they are brave would be an understatement. The courage they have shown is astounding and very humbling to witness."
"I couldn't agree more. We will continue to follow this story and keep these survivors in our thoughts. Thank you for joining us today, Nora."
"Thank you for having me, Robin."
/
"187?! I can't … I feel sick." Greenlee broke the silence in the Fusion offices after the interview. "Did Marissa or Bianca ever …"
"Say how many victims there were?" Kendall shook her head. "No, they didn't. I knew there were a lot, but I had no idea it was that many. I know Bianca is helping a number of them at the Miranda Center, but I'm not sure how many. As for how many Marissa is representing, I have no clue. I think it's a majority, but I don't have a number. You know her though. She keeps things close to the vest when it comes to her clients."
Greenlee nodded. "True. I just can't wrap my head around all of this."
"Same. The administration just turned a blind eye to everything. How can you do that and live with yourself?"
"I don't know. I think Marissa and Nora will make them pay for their inactions though." Greenlee paused for a moment. "Do you think the show's going to reach out to Marissa to interview her?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if they did." Kendall said.
/
The group watching the interview at the Miranda Center was only mildly surprised by the number that Nora had given. They had been helping many of the survivors. Those they weren't helping, they had recommended counselors or agencies for assistance.
"Nora did an amazing job." Aya noted.
"She really did. I'm not surprised though. She strikes me as someone quite formidable." Jan added.
Bianca chuckled. "That she is. You definitely don't want to be on her bad side."
"How's Marissa doing?" Jan asked.
"She's okay. It helps that she has a good team to help her. Plus, she's talking to someone and not keeping this all bottled up."
Aya nodded. "Good. I know it's helped me with processing all of this."
"Me too." Jan looked at Bianca. "I'm glad you suggested it for us."
Bianca knew the volume of new clients could possibly overwhelm her staff so she suggested they talk to someone to help them process everything. She knew it would be a benefit to her staff in addition to their new clients. Bianca practiced what she preached and had seen her own therapist a few times since all of this had started. Marissa followed her wife's example and had a few individual sessions with the therapist as well.
"Well, it's important for all of us to get the help that we need. You know as well as I do that if we don't, this could easily overwhelm us, and then, we wouldn't be able to help anyone. Marissa has encouraged her team to do the same." Bianca said.
"I can't help but wonder how many more victims he has out there."
"I'm not sure, Jan. The only thing we can do right now is to help the ones we know about and be prepared for any others that may need our help."
Aya nodded. After all this time, she was still amazed by Bianca. Her inner strength and quiet leadership had made the Center what it was. Bianca was truly its heart. "We will be."
"Yes, we will." Jan agreed.
Bianca looked around the room and saw every member of the Center's staff nod. Words couldn't express how proud she was of them. Before she could say anything else, her cellphone rang, and she saw it was her wife. Bianca stood and headed out of the room. "I need to take this. Jan, could you take over the meeting?"
"No problem."
Bianca returned several minutes later and sat down.
"Is everything okay?" Aya asked.
"That was Marissa. 'Good Morning America' wants to interview her tomorrow."
"I can't say I'm surprised."
"Neither am I. Marissa thought it might happen."
"Is she going to do it? Is she going to New York?"
Bianca nodded. Marissa had discussed the possibility of her granting interviews with the girls and had explained the positive aspects of that for their cases. It was Tessa's interview with 'The Banner' after all that had opened the floodgates and given many of them the courage to speak up. Marissa had promised all of them that she would keep them informed about when she was going to do an interview because the last thing she wanted was for them to be blindsided. She had also discussed the possibility of interviews for them as well, whether now or in the future. Most importantly, Marissa had promised them that she would never force them to do anything they were not comfortable with, and they were grateful for that.
"Yes, she will be doing the interview, but she will be doing it remotely. With Jo's wedding this weekend and her work on the case, she just doesn't have the time to make the trip. The show agreed."
"That sounds exactly like Marissa. So, I guess we all know what we're doing tomorrow morning." Jan smiled.
"What about Kendall, Greenlee, Jo, your Mom? Do they know yet?" Aya asked.
"I'll be letting them know when we get done here. So, back to our agenda." Bianca was able to wrap up the meeting several minutes later and then headed back to her office to make some calls.
/
The next morning, Marissa was up earlier than usual. She needed to get to the office to prepare for her interview on 'Good Morning America' as well as go over a few items with Ellie beforehand. A production crew from the show arrived late the previous afternoon to set things up in the conference room her team used for the interview which would take place that morning.
When her alarm sounded, Marissa quickly turned it off, got out of bed as carefully as possible so as not to disturb Bianca, and made her way to bathroom to get ready for the day ahead. Marissa had been very quiet, but Bianca had still woken up. The brunette got out of bed, and after making a quick stop in the guest bathroom, she headed to the kitchen to make breakfast for her wife. Bianca knew Marissa would be so focused on what she had to do that morning that would more likely than not skip breakfast. That wasn't going to happen, not on Bianca's watch.
A short time later, Marissa walked into the kitchen and smiled at what greeted her. When she had gone back to the couple's bedroom after she had finished getting ready, she wasn't surprised the least bit to find that Bianca wasn't there, and she instantly knew where her wife was and what she was doing. It was something she herself had done in the past.
"You know you didn't have to get up and make me breakfast, don't you?"
Bianca glanced up and smiled when she saw her wife. "I know, but I wanted to. Good morning."
Marissa walked over to her wife and kissed her. "Good morning. Thank you for doing this."
"You're welcome. Grab your coffee and have a seat. Breakfast is almost ready."
Not seeing a mug of coffee for Bianca, Marissa fixed mugs for both of them and then sat down at the kitchen table. She sighed when she took her first sip of coffee. A moment later, Bianca placed a plate in front of Marissa with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, and then placed one for herself next to the mug of coffee her wife had made for her and sat down.
"This is great. Thank you again for getting up and taking care of me."
"You're welcome." Bianca didn't point out that this was something Marissa had done for her. She didn't need to. It was simply one of the things they did for each other. "How do you feel about today?"
"I'll be honest. I'm a little nervous. I know that I've spoken in front of juries and other groups before, and I've not had a problem. This is different though. This is national television. I'm not going to lie. It's a little intimidating."
"I get it and would probably feel the same way if I were doing it. Here's the thing though. There is not a doubt in my mind that you've got this. Those girls trust you and for good reason. They know how much you care about them and about getting justice for them and helping them heal. They know that their wellbeing is the most important thing for you. You can do this. Just believe in yourself like I believe in you, and you'll kill this interview."
Marissa gave Bianca a loving kiss. That pep talk was exactly what she needed. "I love you."
Bianca smiled brightly seeing that her words had their intended effect. "I love you too."
/
Marissa arrived at the law firm's offices a few minutes later than she had originally planned. However, having breakfast with Bianca was totally worth it. Bianca's pep talk was exactly what she needed to tackle the day that lie ahead of her. When Marissa entered the lobby, she saw Ellie in line at the food cart.
"Good morning."
Ellie smiled and greeted her boss. "Good morning. Would you like me to grab you some coffee?"
"Thanks, but I'm good. Bianca took care of me." Marissa held up the travel mug Bianca had made for her.
"Why am I not surprised?" Ellie chuckled.
"I know, right? Have you been upstairs yet?"
"No, this is my first stop. I don't think any of the GMA crew are here yet though. They were asking about the best places to get coffee close by yesterday, and we know this is the best place. Isn't that right, Seth?"
The cart's operator smiled in reply. "I think so, and it's good to hear you think the same. Can I get you anything, Marissa?"
"Any other day, I'd say 'yes', but Bianca took care of me this morning, Seth."
"Since it's Bianca, I'll forgive you. You're a lucky woman."
"Oh, I know."
"She's lucky too."
Marissa raised an eyebrow. "Thank you. Coming from you, that is high praise indeed."
"You're welcome. Here you go, Ellie. Oh, I've only seen the regulars coming through this morning."
"Thank you!" Ellie took her coffee and bagel and paid the man. "Thank you for the information as well."
"I talked to the building manager, and the lobby's television will be set to 'Good Morning America' so I'll be watching you. Good luck, Marissa."
"Thanks, Seth. I appreciate that." Marissa wasn't surprised that Seth knew what was going on. She knew he overheard things the lawyers and staff discussed while they stood in line and could put things together. "I better get up to the office and take care of a couple of things before the crew gets here. Have a good day, Seth."
"You too."
"I'm ready to go with you, Marissa. See you, Seth."
/
"How was Marissa earlier, Bianca?" Aya asked. Their group was settled in the same conference room as they were the day before.
"She was good and ready to tackle the interview. She really wants to do right by her clients, and I know she will."
Jan nodded. "I have no doubt that she will either. Am I safe in assuming there are watch groups around Pine Valley again this morning?"
Bianca chuckled. "I think that is a fairly safe assumption. I talked with Mom, Kendall, Jo, Jessica, and a few others last night to let them know about Marissa's interview. I'm sure they spread the word as well." Bianca knew that Nora and Viki would be watching too. Marissa had told them she had agreed to the interview, and they assured her that they would be watching. "Oh, they're getting ready for her segment."
/
Robin Roberts appeared on screen after the commercial break. "Welcome back. Our next interview is a follow up to one we did yesterday with Nora Buchanan, the District Attorney of Llanview, Pennsylvania, who is investigating allegations of sexual abuse within not only the gymnastics program at Llanview University but USA Gymnastics as well. This investigation now involves a task force formed by the governor of Pennsylvania. Today, I'm joined by Marissa Tasker who is a partner at the law firm of Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery, Cortlandt, and Tasker in Pine Valley, Pennsylvania. She is the lead counsel representing a number of the victims of the alleged abuse, and she is joining us from her firm's offices. Good morning, Marissa. Thank you for joining us this morning."
Marissa appeared on screen and smiled. "Good morning, Robin. Thank you for having me."
"So, Marissa, what can you tell us about this?"
"I have to first state that I have been given permission to discuss the following points publicly with you. My first client was Tessa Mendes. She was given my name by a mutual acquaintance and asked if she could talk with me. I agreed to meet with her, and what she told me in that meeting shook me to my core. Tessa is a gifted athlete and was offered a gymnastics scholarship to several schools. She chose to attend Llanview University. While she was competing in a meet, Tessa was injured. She was instructed by her coach, Stephen Pritchard, to see the team's doctor, Dr. Jerry Landry, for treatment. It was during these treatments that the abuse from Landry took place. Tessa reported the first incident to Coach Pritchard. He said he would investigate it. In the meantime, he ordered her to continue seeing Landry. If she refused, he would revoke her scholarship. The assaults continued during these sessions. A few weeks later, Tessa was called into a meeting with Coach Pritchard. Also, in that meeting were the Llanview University Athletic Director Vincent Turner, and the Llanview University President Terrance Angleton along with Landry. Tessa wasn't told that any of the others would be in attendance. She thought the meeting would be just between her and Coach Pritchard.
Basically, that ambushed her. Four men in power, one of whom assaulted her, and Tessa. For obvious reasons, I can't go into the particulars, but during this meeting, Tessa was threatened with expulsion if she said anything to anyone about what happened. They allowed her to take a medical leave, and she came home to Pine Valley. I became involved soon afterwards. Tessa told me about the treatments Jerry Landry performed. I would like to point out that these were not any type of medical treatments that I had ever heard of. Nor were they any medical treatments that several of the medical doctors I've consulted have heard of. Once she was home, the harassment of my client began in earnest."
"Do you have proof of this harassment?"
"Oh, yes, I do. It's well documented and has been authenticated." Marissa's smile would send chills up the spines of those she was directing it towards.
"I'm sure you are aware of the arrests that were made yesterday regarding this case. Could there be criminal charges in relation to this harassment?"
Again, Marissa's smile in response to the question was almost predatory. "I am aware of the arrests and have the utmost faith in Nora Buchanan and her team in pursuing convictions. At this time, that is all I'm at liberty to say. I don't want to jeopardize any potential criminal cases."
"I understand. Nora said yesterday that there were 187 known victims and that number could go higher. How many of that number are you representing? Do you agree with her assessment of that number increasing?"
"We are representing 152 survivors, at this point in time. Sadly, I do agree with Nora about that number increasing."
Robin shook her head with that answer. "I noticed you referred to them as survivors. Nora did the same yesterday. How are they doing?"
"As well as can be expected. What happened to them will never go away. They will always carry the scars of what happened with them. Our focus is to first get them the professional help they need to heal. We're working with several organizations, depending on where they live, for this."
"Nora mentioned The Miranda Center."
"Yes, it is an excellent organization based here in Pine Valley. The Miranda Center has several offices around the country. If they are not in a certain area where a girl is, they have been able to locate another organization that can provide any needed support, such as the Women's Crisis Center. Again, that is our first priority. The second is to help them get justice and prevent something like this from ever happening again. They don't want anyone else to go through what they did and still are. Hopefully, we can help them get justice, and by doing so, it will also help with their healing."
"When you mention justice for them, what do you mean exactly?"
"Well, Nora is handling the criminal aspect. We are looking at civil remedies. Some of these girls have lost their scholarships. They have large medical bills for injuries that were never properly treated. This is in addition to the physical, psychological, and emotional abuse they suffered. Dreams of pursuing careers in gymnastics were severely damaged. All of these girls loved gymnastics and gave their blood, sweat, and tears to it for years. Now, it's hard for some of them to just watch a competition on television let alone compete in one themselves. So, again, our focus is to help them heal, get them the help they need to do that. Part of that is to hold those who did the abuse as well as those that turned a blind eye, covered it up and let it continue by their inaction accountable, and on the civil side, it's to hold them financially responsible. Through our work, I've learned the two main reasons those in power did nothing to actually help these girls were financial and image. Their fear was that if this became public, they would take a hit in both of those. They weren't concerned at all about the girls whose care was entrusted to them. They promised the families they would take care of these girls as if they were their own, and they failed them all in the most horrific way. They were more concerned about what it would look like if this came out and the amount of money that would be lost. These organizations are learning that now."
"I notice you say 'we' when referring to the legal efforts. Why is that?"
"It's simple. I'm not doing this by myself. It would be quite daunting given the number of clients we have. After my initial meeting with Tessa, something told me she wasn't the only one. My discussions with Nora started to reinforce that feeling. After Landry's arrest, the floodgates opened. The firm's other partners threw their entire support behind this undertaking. This became my team's primary focus. We quickly realized we would need more hands on deck to represent the girls properly, the way they should be represented and should have been from the very beginning. The partners met, and we agreed that associates from other divisions would be loaned out to work on this. I have to tell you that every person at this firm has volunteered time to work on this. I couldn't ask for better support, a better team to work with. I only wish there was enough time for them to be recognized at this point. We have a great deal of work ahead of us, but I know we're up for it and will give everything we have. These girls deserve nothing less."
Robin could see the passion Marissa had and was positive the viewers could as well. "I'd like to go back to something we talked about earlier. According to Nora Buchanan, there are currently 187 known victims of which you are representing 152."
"That's right. If I could just make one correction, they prefer to be called survivors."
"You're right. Nora told me about that yesterday. I stand corrected. We've mainly talked about Llanview University, but it's not the only institution involved."
Marissa shook her head. "No, it isn't. Jerry Landry served as a team doctor for USA Gymnastics. What a lot of people may not know is that in addition to supporting elite and Olympic athletes, USA Gymnastics serves more than 150,000 athletes in approximately 3,000 clubs around the country. I'm sure most people are aware that involvement in gymnastics programs begins at an early age in these clubs. As such, the majority of my clients, including the youngest, are now from those programs."
"The youngest is how old?"
"My youngest client is 11 years old." Marissa paused to steady her voice. "The abuse started when she was 10. To my knowledge, she is also the youngest in the criminal cases at this point."
"10?!" Robin was shocked when she heard the age and took a few moments before she continued. "I'd like to ask you something if I could. It's on the personal side."
Marissa nodded, having an idea what the question would be. It wasn't one they had discussed in their interview prep, but it was one she expected given the information she had just shared. "Go ahead."
"How do you handle all of this? You have children."
"I do. My wife and I have 4 amazing children. A case like this hits very close to home. There's really no way around it, and honestly, it would be difficult even if I didn't have children. Given the nature of this case, it's not something you can keep bottled up. To do my job properly and to be effective, I can't. So, I talk to people, not sharing any pertinent information when I do. I am lucky that I have a tremendous support system, personally and professionally. We've also built a support system for everyone working on this case. It's vital for their well-being as well as for their work. We've talked with professionals so we can better talk with, listen to, and help our girls."
"That's impressive that you're taking that approach."
"It's something we've learned over time. If I could just take a moment, I would like to say to the viewers that if you are a victim of abuse of any kind, there are resources available to help you. You are not alone. Please reach out for help. I'd like to thank the producers of 'Good Morning America' for agreeing to provide some phone numbers for organizations that can help."
"Yes, we will provide those numbers at the bottom of the screen following this interview and again throughout this broadcast as well as on our website. I just have one final question at this time. This is only the second interview you've given. The first being with 'The Banner'. Why is that?"
Marissa shrugged. "We're in the early stages of this fight and are being extremely careful about who we talk to. There have been stories in other media outlets that have not been based in fact. I want them to know that they will be addressed in due time. Trust me on that. Most of all, this isn't about me. This is about the girls and giving them their voice. They weren't quite ready to speak today, but when they are, you'll know. I have your number now, Robin." Marissa grinned.
Robin chuckled. "That you do, and I do look forward to hearing from you again. Good luck, Marissa, and I know I don't to say this, but take care of your girls."
"Thank you, and we will."
/
"And we're clear. That was great, Marissa. Thank you." Lori, the GMA field director, said.
"Thank you, Lori."
There was applause by the others watching the interview live in the conference room.
Caleb was smiling like a proud dad when he walked over to Marissa. "You did an incredible job. I knew you would. I'm proud of you, kid."
Marissa laughed. "Thanks, Caleb. That means a lot."
"He's right. Excellent job." Jack added.
"I appreciate it, Jack." Marissa's cellphone buzzed after having just been turned back on. She didn't want to be distracted with it going off during the interview. Marissa wanted her focus only on that. She knew if something important came up anyone trying to get ahold of her would know to reach out to Ellie.
Jack grinned knowing who was most likely calling. "Give Bianca my best."
"Mine as well." Caleb added as he left. "We'll talk later."
Marissa laughed and answered her phone. The caller id confirmed their suspicions. "Hey. Jack and Caleb send their best."
"Hey. I'm that predictable, huh?" Bianca laughed on the other end of the line.
"Not at all. Those two just know you. So, how did I do?" Marissa valued Bianca's opinion above everyone else's.
"I am so proud of you. You were amazing, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. Everyone here was clapping and cheering. I'm sure everyone there agrees with us. What did the partners say?"
"Caleb and Jack were here in the room along with the rest of my team. It was good to have their support, and they agree with you. Geoff and Bryce were watching from their offices. Oh, speaking of …"
"Great job, Marissa! You did us all proud." Bryce said as he poked his head in the conference room.
"Damn straight she did, and there was never a doubt in my mind. Tell Bianca we said 'hi'!" Geoff added as the two men hurried off to other meetings.
"Thank you both!" Marissa called out to both men. "Did you hear them?"
"I did, and I told you so."
Marissa laughed. "Yes, you did. I'm just glad I didn't let you down."
"That is something I don't see you ever doing. Did you hear from anybody else yet?"
"Just you so far. Of course, I just turned my phone back on. Oh, it just started going nuts."
"I'm guessing Kendall, Greenlee, Jo, Jessica, Mom, Cory and everyone else we know."
"Probably. I really do appreciate their support."
"Well, you definitely deserve it. I'll let you go so you can start answering them. Are we still on for lunch at Krystal's?"
"Definitely! Chili cheese fries are on me!"
"It's a date, Counselor! Love you!"
"Love you too!" Marissa disconnected the call and headed back to her office to answer the calls and texts coming in and do a little work before meeting Bianca for lunch. As she scrolled through her cellphone, Marissa saw a text from Tessa. It simply said, "Thank you." Tessa was her first call once she got to her office.
/
"There she is! Pine Valley's best and brightest lawyer!"
Marissa laughed. "I don't know about that, Opal, but thank you."
"You're welcome, and you are, so hush! You're the first one here by the way. Would you like an iced tea?"
"You read my mind. I would love an iced tea."
"Go have a seat, and I'll bring it to your table."
"Thank you!"
"She's right, you know."
Marissa glanced up and smiled. "Hi, Krystal. Thank you."
"You were definitely something in that interview. I'm very proud, and your Mom and Dad would be too. I definitely saw both Roy and Lydia."
"You did?"
"Yes, I did."
"She's not the only who did." Jessica nodded at Krystal who returned the nod before going to help a customer.
"Hi, Jessica. Yeah?"
"Most definitely. Well done, Marissa Lynn." Jessica hugged Marissa tightly. "I'm very proud of you and so are your parents. I know Roy and Lydia are smiling down on you and bragging to anyone they can."
"Thank you." Marissa choked out. Hearing that from the two people who knew her parents meant the world to her.
"Marissa dear, you did a wonderful job in that interview." Erica praised her daughter-in-law as the two shared a hug.
"Thank you, Erica."
"You're welcome. Jack couldn't stop singing your praises when I talked to him after it."
"Caleb was the same, and you know that's saying something with him." Jessica added.
Marissa laughed. "That is true. Both of them were in the room when I was doing the interview for moral support. It definitely helped."
"Rissa."
Marissa turned and smiled brightly as Bianca entered the restaurant. The couple shared a loving kiss before they sat down at their table. "Hey."
"Hey, yourself. I'm sorry I'm late. We had several calls after your interview. Some were related to your case. They asked for our help which we will be giving them. I wouldn't be surprised if both you and Nora hear from them soon."
"I have mixed feelings about that. I'm glad they're asking for help, but I hate hearing there are more, even though I expected it."
"I know. I feel the same." Bianca turned to her Mom and Jessica. "Is my wife amazing or what?"
Jessica nodded proudly. "She definitely is."
"I agree, sweetheart." Erica added, equally proud.
"Stop. You'll give her a big head!" Kendall smirked as she and Greenlee joined the group. "It was a hell of an interview. Great job, Marissa."
"Thanks, Kendall."
"What she said." Greenlee teased. "Seriously though, you were awesome."
"Thanks, Greenlee."
"I know I can't be the only one who's surprised by that."
"Hi, Jo." Marissa greeted her friend.
"Hi, Marissa. Greenlee's right. You were awesome."
"'Greenlee's right.' Man, that sounds good." Greenlee grinned.
Kendall rolled her eyes. "It doesn't happen all that often, does it?"
"Yeah, I don't hear it as often as it happens. It's sad that my brilliance isn't recognized as it should be."
"I'm so glad we've made this all about you."
Greenlee simply grinned at her best friend. Neither was serious. They knew this was Marissa's moment. They also knew that said redhead would deflect. This was their way of helping her out, and her smile told them she appreciated it.
"So, who have you heard from?" Jo asked.
"I talked to Tessa and several of the girls. I'm sorry for not getting back to all of you."
Jessica waved her off. "We can wait. How were they?"
"They were good, and they thanked me for starting to give them a voice. They've been taking a beating in 'The Intruder', and they are really starting to want to get their side out. Don't be surprised if 'The Banner' does something to help with that."
"You talked to Viki?" Bianca asked.
"Yes, she called, and we talked for little bit about interviews with some of the girls. I talked to Nora as well, and she gave me an update on yesterday's arrests. Someone is already talking. It's going to start to get even more interesting on that front in a few days."
"I'm definitely intrigued by that." Kendall said.
"Join the club. Okay, enough about me. We have a wedding in few days!" Marissa smiled and glanced at Jo who was beaming.
/
A/N: The information regarding USA Gymnastics and the number of athletes and clubs is from an article I read online awhile ago. Unfortunately, I can't remember the source. Next up, Jo's wedding! See you soon!