Kerry gives up as she replies, "Fine. I think you're wrong about what's going to happen when I talk to her. So, I will be gleefully willing to bust your bubble afterwards." Tony shrugs his shoulders as he says, "If I am wrong Ker. You know I don't have a problem admitting to it. But, if I am right. Ten bucks says that by the time she's done playing mind games with you; she's going to make you think you need to apologize to her; which is really what she wants by the way." Kerry rolls her eyes, as she says, "Whatever Tony. I'm done discussing this."
Worried about the fallout from this conversation; he says, "Kerry, I know you're not a fan of how I feel about Shonda. But, can we please not let this disagreement ruin our morning?" She wants to say it's too late for that. But, she knows going to work upset isn't going to help matters, and at the end of the day. They are just agreeing to disagree. They sit in silence for a moment and he doesn't push her. He gives her, her time.
She notices his patience, and in their moment of silence cooler heads prevail, as she asks, "Did you want pancakes?" He smiles knowing that's her way of agreeing to put this behind them. She sees his smile and says, "You're charm isn't going to work." He leans toward her, and she falls back onto the bed smiling. He looks into her eyes, as he says, "I don't want to fight. I love you." She nods as she says, "I don't either. I love you too." They share a kiss, which settles them and eases their mood.
Wishing they had more time, but knowing they don't. They get up post kiss, prepare and eat breakfast together. When breakfast is done, he asks, "What time are you leaving?" She responds, "In the next twenty minutes. Why?" He replies, "I was just asking who was leaving first. Since we can't drive together anymore." She responds, "I know. It sucks. But, it's for a good reason."
As they stand in the kitchen, by the sink. He takes her into his arms as he says, "Yes. I know. But it still sucks." She smiles at him, and he smiles in return as they share another kiss that clears their minds, and they forget about their feuding earlier. When the kiss breaks, he grabs his keys and they say their good-bye's.
When he leaves, she fills the dishwasher and straightens up the kitchen. She then has a seat on the couch for a moment. Suddenly she thinks about his comments about Shonda. She can't believe his closed minded view of her; but at the same time she can't necessarily refute his view either, with absolute certainty. In the end, it's his opinion, and he's entitled to it. Besides, he's known Shonda longer than she has.
Nonetheless, she still feels like Shonda gets a bad reputation at times, because she is a no nonsense type, and when you're in a male dominated field. You have to be tough, and you have to be able to run with the big dogs, or they'll call you weak. She then begins to wonder if he'd say the same thing about Shonda, if she were a man. Although he's never been one to express any issues with women being in control. She can't help but feel a slight sense of sexism in his comment.
As she ponders the subject a bit further. Her thoughts are interrupted by her phone ringing. She answers as she looks at the caller id. She smiles as she says, "Good morning Robyn." Her agent responds, "Good morning lady. I was just calling to say happy first day back at work. Are you stoked?" Kerry sighs as she says, "Yes and no. I am excited, but you know this thing with Shonda is hanging over my head."
Robyn responds, "Yeah, I know Kerry. But, it is what it is. I think you've done all you can, to keep this professional. The ball is in her court." Kerry replies, "I hear you. I was thinking about talking to her about it today. What do you think?" Robyn responds, "Honestly, I don't think it's necessary. But, if you want to talk to her. I think you should do it. Just keep an open mind, and understand you can't control what she says. Her feelings are valid just like yours are valid. It doesn't make either one of you right or wrong. As long as you go into it with that mindset, and you're not trying to convince her of anything, you'll be fine." Kerry nods as she says, "Thanks Robyn, I appreciate your advice, and positive view."
By her tone, Robyn smiles as she asks, "Hmm did Tony have an opposing view?" Kerry shakes her head as she says, "Girl, that's an understatement. He basically said it was futile, because it won't solve anything. Because she's too controlling and manipulative to have the conversation. Can you believe that?" Robyn takes a breath as she says, "Well Kerry. It's his view of her. It doesn't mean he's wrong, it's just how he sees her. So yeah I can see him saying that."
Kerry is floored by her responds. She pauses and then says, "Damn, I did not expect that response from you." Robyn laughs as she says, "I'm just being honest Kerry, and speaking from what I've observed of her. She tends to rub guys the wrong way, because she tends to put herself in competition with them, and anyone else she deems a threat to her authority." Kerry asks, "Wait, so you don't see her as just being strong, and in charge?"
Robyn takes a breath as she replies, "Look, you know that I am all for being powerful, successful, and demanding respect. But, being overzealous and rude isn't a celebration of feminism. It's just bad behavior. And Shonda tends to do that a lot. Not to mention her incessant need to remind people she's the boss. People already know that she's the boss, and constantly coming at people; especially men, on an octave 10 just because. Can be a turn off."
Kerry is in awe of what she's hearing; for clarification she asks, "Really Robyn? Is that how you see her?" Robyn nods as she says, "Yes I do. Her approach when she's in meetings with men, verses women is completely different, until of course the woman challenges her and then she can get it too., just as bad as the men, if not worse. And, if you haven't seen it; it's probably because you haven't paid attention to it, or you haven't given her a reason to show that side of her yet." Next time, watch for it and let me know if you see it."
Kerry replies, "Damn, now you've got me thinking that maybe Tony had a point." Robyn smiles as she says, "Maybe he does Kerry. If nothing else he's getting you to think, and there's nothing wrong with that. It keeps the relationship fresh." Kerry knows Robyn is rarely one to be neutral when she and Tony have a disagreement. She normally says something negative about their relationship, or she just stays mute, so they don't end up in an argument. But it's clear, their previous conversation worked, and she's trying to be more supportive. This warms Kerry's heart; so she smiles as she replies, "Yes it does. Thanks Robyn. I appreciate you listening to me blab, and being so supportive."