He responds, "No, I can't. I guess I never thought about it like that. You make a good point." Kerry touches his thigh under the table, and he realizes instantly how high strong he must be coming across. He is suddenly aware of his anger and his blood pressure level rising.
Feeling like he can help soften the mood, Columbus says, "The innocence project does remarkable work, I saw a recent case they worked on, where a group of men were cleared for a rape and murder twenty years ago." Jeff says, "I saw that story; one of the guys didn't have any family left. He was an only child, and his parents died while he was in prison." Katie replies, "My goodness, that's terrible." Darby asks, "So what happened to them afterwards?"
Columbus replies, "Well, in this case they got a small settlement from the state. But basically, they are dumped back into society and expected to be able to cope. It just seemed like a set up in my mind. I can't imagine walking into prison at 18 and coming out middle aged." Josh says, "They must feel like they are in the twilight zone. I mean, cell phones weren't invented when they went to prison."
Tony feeling calmer, now responds, "That's true. Reentry into society can be a challenge for anyone who's incarcerated for several years. But luckily, the innocence project does work with counselors to help the inmates' transition better. Nothing's perfect, but it helps them have a better chance at making it, without incident."
Josh says, "It sounds like a great cause. I had no idea you were involved." Tony responds, "I know, and I am sorry for snapping at you Josh. I get pretty worked up about it, and sometimes I lose myself." Josh replies, "No apologies necessary Tony, it was a bone headed comment." They smile at each other, and both feel it's water under the bridge already.
Kerry says, "Well, now that we are confident Tony isn't going to kill Josh. Who's ready for dessert?" They all laugh at her response, and they put in their dessert orders. During dessert, Tony and Kerry are in their own world, as they whisper to each other, and laugh among themselves.
It's an interesting moment, as Columbus keeps the conversation going giving them cover. Everyone partakes in the conversation, as Columbus talks about the upcoming episode. Everyone agrees, the excitement is building for sure, and it's going to be a great finale for their first season.
They spend the next hour breaking down suspicions of how it will end. But everybody knows by now, there's no way to predict endings with Shonda at the helm.
They end their meal with laughs and smiles, as they go their separate ways. Kerry and Tony leave together, and Bellamy spots them getting in the car together. As Katie and Darby come out behind her she says, "Those two spend a lot of time together." Katie says, "Who are you talking about." Bellamy replies, "Tony and Kerry. They are together all the time. Doesn't that seem odd to you?"
Darby replies, "No it's not odd, considering they know each other, and are friends." Katie replies, "I agree, when his daughters and sister were here; they were like a family. So it's clear their close."
Bellamy responds, "I guess. I just wonder why they always go off by themselves. I wonder what his wife would think about their alone time." Katie responds, "Funny, you weren't worried about his wife when you were trying to climb into his lap an hour ago. Sounds to me like somebody's jealous."
Darby feels the tension and sees how Bellamy is looking at Katie. She's hopeful she takes her response as playful. Bellamy suddenly realizes her jealousy is showing, and feels embarrassed.
The silence is leading to great discomfort. So Darby gives her a break and says, "No worries girl, he's absolutely gorgeous. I get the jealousy you're sporting, due to the attention he gives Kerry. He's quite the charmer."
Bellamy feels a bit more at ease, and doesn't reply to Katie. Instead she says, "Yeah, I guess you're right Darby." As she finishes her sentence, her car is brought around, and she says, "Okay, this is me ladies. See you later." She gets in her car and Darby and Katie smile at her and wave as she drives off.
When she leaves Katie says, "Why'd you bail her out?" Darby replies, "Because while watching her squirm is entertaining to a degree. We need to keep the wheels on the wagon. Just because the show is called Scandal, doesn't mean we need to make it the mantra of the show."
Katie discerns that Darby has picked up on the connection between their lead stars too, and replies, "Good point Darby, you're right. We need to keep the speculation to a minimum." Darby replies, "Agreed." Their cars come around, and they say good-bye.
Despite their own thoughts of what's going on between their lead cast members, they are not willing to say it out loud because it doesn't serve any great purpose. Keeping things on a positive pace, is something that will benefit all of them in the end.
As Tony and Kerry lye on the couch together, with Josie laying at their feet. They talk about their day. She asks him about Bellamy's change in demeanor at the table. He explains that when she touched his thigh, he brushed it off his leg quickly and she got the picture. Especially when he told her, that the seat is occupied.
She smiles as she hears his rejection of her behavior, and it explains the sour puss look on her face, when she returned to the table. He sees her expression and says, "Why are you looking like that?" She responds, "Because, I am happy you shut her down. She's getting out of control." He responds, "I know, and I will handle her. I don't want you two having beef."
She responds, "I will let you handle it. I trust your judgment." He smiles as he says, "Good. I appreciate that." They seal the moment with a kiss, and he thinks about their shoot.
So he asks, "So what did you think about today's shoot?" She replies, "Well, it certainly ended differently than what I am used to." He smiles as he says, "I hope so." She hits him lightly, and he kisses her lips sweetly.