Shonda isn't a fan of her approach; but she isn't in a position to quibble. So she says, "Fine. I'll do my part. But they have to stop being so damned obvious. I can only do so much." Judy appreciates her concession on this matter; she stands as she prepares to leave, and she replies, "Dually noted. It was nice seeing you again Shonda."
Shonda smartly responds, "I can't say the same." Judy smiles as she says, "I'd imagine not. If I were you I wouldn't want to see me coming either." Shonda inquisitively asks, "What's that supposed to mean?"
As Judy looks her in the eye, she says, "It means the fact that you'd even set anything into motion like this; taking this kind of risk is unbelievably laughable. So if I were you I'd be embarrassed for getting caught being vengeful and careless."
Shonda doesn't take kindly to her reply, and angrily says, "I've had enough of your disrespectful attitude toward me. I've heard you out, and even cooperated, and yet you're still trying to come for me. I refuse to tolerate any more of this bullshit. You will respect me!" Judy smiles as she responds, "Let me give you some advice. Respect is earned, not given Shonda." Shonda scoffs, "I've worked damn hard and earned everything I have. So don't talk to me about earning a damn thing. I don't have an issue with earning my place in the room of the elite. Therefore automatically earning respect from my peers and beyond."
Judy sighs as she says, "You just don't get it do you?" Shonda asks, "What don't I get?" Judy says, "While your professional accomplishments are impressive Shonda, and do warrant respect. I can't say the same for your personality. You have an issue with how people are treating you; but you don't make the connection to how you're treating them."
Shonda's anger spikes at her criticism, as she says, "You don't know what you're talking about. Everyone respects me. I run the show literally and figuratively. Nobody does anything without my say so; I require and demand respect from everyone."
Judy takes a breath, as she says, "You're right; you certainly demand respect from everyone else. But the point you're missing is if you extended that same offer of respect and dignity to others off the top. You wouldn't have to demand it; it would be extended. You earn respect by respecting others; not by demanding it from them and treating them like garbage. That's not how it works."
Shonda scoffs, "I believe we're done here. I'm not entertaining this any longer. What you think of me is irrelevant." Judy is now angry herself, and normally. She doesn't let conversations like this bother her. But as she reaches for the door knob; she responds to her retort before leaving her office by saying, "It's obvious you do care about what people think of you. If you didn't. You wouldn't spend so much time trying to hide your insecurities around not being good enough from rearing its ugly head. And I have news for you; being overly aggressive and insulting, exposes that insecurity. It doesn't hide it. Again, finding yourself a therapist would be my best advice to you Shonda. Before you do something that's not fixable to ruin your success. Because I have no doubt; when those walls come tumbling down, it will be because of you."
Shonda is thrown by her reply, but yells at the door as it closes "Get out!" To which Judy hears on the other side of the door, and thinks to herself, gladly.
Despite knowing that the conversation she had with Shonda was needed; she is saddened by the fact that it had to happen, and she feels badly for Kerry and Tony. Because she knows that there's no way Shonda isn't going to exact revenge on them in some way, shape, or form. In her head, she wishes them good luck.
Three Weeks Later
It's been an interesting and busy few weeks for the cast and crew. When the news broke that Henry wouldn't be returning. Something that nobody was happy about; but most expected. They all managed to keep it together and remain positive. The bright side was, that the change was made early enough to where it didn't set back shooting, and the best part was that the ratings are soaring.
The biggest surprise for Kerry and Tony is that Shonda has been almost nonexistent during this time. She's allowed Peter Nowak to take over writing duties for their characters, and the material written for them has been nothing short of amazing so far; which is why at this point the show is at its highest point of claim. Sparking the attention of actual president of the united states Barack Obama. Everyone is stoked about the show's popularity, and are insanely proud of the success of the show. In large part due to their hard work and dedication. The show is getting substantial press and is clearly being viewed as one of the best shows on television.
With everything going so well, it's hard to believe that a few weeks ago things appeared to be setting up to be a real bear for Kerry and Tony on set. However, it's been just the opposite, and they've both secured prime screen time to boot working together directly.
Despite how well everything appeared to be though; Tony had his suspicions and those proved to be right. Because he got confirmation of something happening behind the scenes when he got a call from Tom Verica. Apparently, he learned that his contract was pulled and reviewed. Which normally means a change could be on its way pertaining to his employment on the show. So he wanted to give him a heads up.
Tony took the call as a positive one; but Tom didn't understand why he was so calm about it. Until he learned about his exit clause. An exit clause is one that will determine how a character leaves a roll and it also the amount of money the actor receives upon leaving.
When Tom learned of the technicalities surrounding his contract; he understood why he was calm, and jokingly asked if he could get the name of his attorney. Knowing everything would still work out to his advantage, gave Tony no reason to panic. In fact; it gave him every reason to smile. He would've given anything to see the look on her face when she heard about the clause in his contract.
After discussing the possibilities of an impending change occurring with Kerry, as well as how the clause works; today they are both ready to face what could be the shift they expected. As they gather in the conference room with their cast mates; they are coming off of an extended weekend. So everyone has plenty of stories about their time off. Kerry and Tony elected to spend their together at their house in the hills. A space they both now see as their place of peace. As everyone catches up the mood in the room is happy and refreshing.
However, the pleasant mood shifts, when the door opens and in walks Peter and Shonda. Everyone acknowledges them, and exchanges pleasantries; before Shonda hands out the scripts for the next episode.
Once everyone has their scripts, they move around to the designated seating, based on the script, and begin the table read. By seating, it's apparent to Tony and Kerry something is definitely going on. This confirms their suspicions are real. But are completely unbothered.
By the end of the table read; the reaction of everyone around them is palpable. But the look of calm on Tony's face; when he looks up to see Shonda looking back at him, has to be the most interesting moment of all. This is their standoff, and the point of no return.
Thank you for reading my fanfiction tale. In the next installment we find out Shonda's next move, and how Tony and Kerry respond to it. We also find out what happens when the popularity of the show; ends up opening the door for more personal drama to unfold for them. All this and more in the next installment of Timing Is Everything. Additionally, be sure to check out my other stories; With or Without Prejudice, Realizing the Dream, and the The Path to Vermont.