It's midafternoon and Kerry is beaming with joy, as she hangs up the phone with Liz. She checks off the conversation on her list, and continues to smile, until she hears a voice say, "What are you so giddy about?" She turns around and says, "Colby, don't sneak up on people." He laughs as he says, "How is it sneaking up on you? I went to the bathroom, in your apartment like three minutes ago. Did you not expect me to come back?"
They share a laugh, as she says, "Good point. Trying to keep this birthday gathering a secret from Tony, is driving me nuts. I just got off the phone with Liz though, and she says he's still clueless. So I guess we are still in the clear." Columbus replies, "Well, if you pull this off, it will be a tremendous feat. He's quite nosey. He keeps asking me why I'm still in LA, and I am running out of stories to tell."
Kerry knows he's struggling not to give up the secret, and she appreciates his efforts. So she responds, "Thanks for playing along Colby, I know it's a burden. But it's almost over." He replies, "Thank God. Tomorrow can't come soon enough." She smiles as she says, "I agree."
He sees Josie come into the living room, and he calls to her. She jumps up onto him, and he holds her, as they sit on the couch. He asks, "So where is the guest of honor for tomorrow night's festivities?" She smiles as she says, "He's at a business meeting for a project he's trying to launch. He's been working to get it done for quite a while." Colby asks, "What's the project?"
She replies, "He and a colleague wrote the premise for a show called the divide. It's about the great work of groups like the innocence project." Colby replies, "Wow that sounds major. I take it they are having trouble finding funding huh?" She nods as she says, "Yeah, it's a heavy topic; so of course networks are scared to touch it, because it's not a guaranteed ratings bomb."
Colby says, "I hear you. It's sad that more shows with real content, aren't more popular. You'd think people would tune in, for the sake of the drama around it." Kerry replies, "I agree. But the reality is, people don't want to be reminded of how bad things are in this country, when they sit down to watch TV." Colby says, "You may have a point there. It just may be too real for people you know. They probably figure they can watch the news, if they want to be depressed or pissed."
Kerry says, "I really think that's why he's having trouble shopping the project. I think people are aware of the issues we have as a country, but the question is, will they tune in to watch a show about it weekly?" Colby replies, "That's truly the question of the day. For the network, it's all about the money for sure, and like you said, will there be an audience big enough for the network to take that risk?"
Kerry says, "I think there's an audience out there for the show. But I think the network has to be realistic about the ratings they will get. If they can find a network that's willing to stand behind it, it will be a tremendous success."
Colby asks, "Is he starring in it?" She responds, "No, he's directing it. Which is another challenge, because of course he'd probably get a better response, if he was featured in it, kind of piggybacking off of his popularity from Scandal." He nods as he says, "Yeah that is another obstacle to hurdle. But it's not impossible. Like you said, if he finds the right network. He will be fine."
Kerry appreciates his support for Tony, and says, "Thanks Colby. You're a great friend." He smiles as he says, "Yes. I am, aren't I?" They laugh together, until his phone rings. He looks at the caller id and says, "Damn, here we go." She already knows it's his wife, and she prepares to bear witness to the drama.
He answers the phone, and the conversation doesn't disappoint. It starts out crazy from the start, and goes from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. The way they argue always makes her wonder how or why they are still married. But he always has the same answer. It's because of the kids. She can't blame him; she knows how important the children are to him, and if she's being honest, perhaps she'd make the same decision if it were her.
The conversation is brief, but volatile. When he hangs up, he looks over at her, and he says, "Sorry about that." She responds, "It's cool. But talk to me. It sounds like things are getting worse. What's going on?" He sighs as he says, "Things were getting better, but she's stressing me out Kerry. She went from showing up on the set making a scene for no reason, to now spending money like it's going out of style. Then when I try to tell her about it she flips out."
She remembers the onset issues he's talking about. The embarrassment he faced was terrible. She also knows about the meetings with Shonda about him being late at times too, and she knows Shonda is a stickler for professionalism, so he doesn't have many more chances.
She feels terrible for him. He's her friend and she wants to help him. So she responds, "I know that's stressful for you Colby. But canceling her credit cards without telling her, doesn't make things any better."
The look he shoots her tells her he doesn't like what she said, and she's not sure what he's going to say next. But he says, "You're lucky I love you girl." She laughs as she says, "Yes, I am. I agree with that. But you also know I'm right. If you're going to stay married; you've got to figure out a better way to communicate." He sits back on the couch, as he says, "Look at you. Now you're the relationship expert huh?"
She smiles as she says, "You know that I am far from perfect Colby. But one thing I have learned, is communication is the key. Without it, any relationship will fail." He responds, "Point taken, and you're probably right. We definitely need some help in that department. But hell, I can't communicate with someone I can't talk to." She nods as she says, "I completely understand your point. I wish I had a way of telling you how to fix it. Sorry."
He smiles at her as he says, "Hey, you're not a real fixer. You just play one on TV." She smiles at him and they share a laugh, as Josie settles next to her, and she pets her, while they continue to chat.
Time flies by, and before long, Colby says, "I'd better get going before Tony gets back. I don't need another interrogation." She laughs as she says, "I understand. Thanks for coming by." He responds, "Hey now; don't get it twisted. I am here to see my girl Josie. You're just extra." She laughs at him and he smiles in return, as they share a hug, and she walks him out, after he says good-bye to Josie.