As her company leaves, Janet returns with Josie in tow. Kerry plays with her for a bit, before allowing Janet to take her and Isa back into the room. Just as Janet walks away with both of her girls. Kerry's phone rings.
She answers the phone seeing its Judy. She answers the phone with a smile. "Hello Judy." Judy replies, "Hello Kerry, how are you?" She responds, "I'm honestly dead tired, but this too shall pass." Judy responds, "Ahh yes. Working mothers know that feeling all too well. Especially with a newborn. My goodness, I recall those days."
Kerry decides to ask her a burning question, "How did you endure it?" Judy replies, "Honestly, I don't know. I think something inside us as mom's kicks in, and we just get it done. We're fearless that way. And, it helps when you have support; that's a key factor I can't stress enough. Use your support systems Kerry. Your sanity will thank you."
Kerry nods in agreement, it's exactly what she and her mom has talked a lot about. It's tough being a working woman, but being a working mom is an entirely different level. Something she is new to doing, and finding her way as it happens.
Understanding her point Kerry says, "I couldn't agree with you more. Support is a big factor. I know that I have the best help a mom or wife could ask for though, so that's covered in spades." Judy grins as she replies, "I would have to agree with you there. You're very blessed. Just don't forget to rely on him and others to step up to help you. They can't help you if you don't ask for help. That's a lesson I had to learn myself with my first child." She takes in her response, and it feels like she was on the phone with her and her mother when they had the same discussion.
Kerry takes solace in knowing that Judy, a powerful, successful, beautiful, intelligent working mom understood her position, and she too struggled a bit to balance her life before finding a process that worked for her and her family. She replies, "I completely understand what you're saying Judy. We are figuring it out one step at a time how to put together a plan that works for us, and so far so good." Judy responds, "Well, I can tell you're doing a great job. Because you're speaking in terms of we, and not I. So, that's a great start. So congrats to you for taking that step; it's a great accomplishment." Kerry smiles as she says, "Thank you. I appreciate that. It means a lot coming from you." Judy replies, "You're welcome. I'm here to help. And, with that said, I wish this was a social call. But, it's not."
Kerry has a seat on the couch as she replies, "Uhoh, what's going on?" She responds, "Well, there's nothing to worry about. I am on top of it. But, I wanted to let you know about it, in case you read or heard anything about Nnamdi's latest child support court hearing."
Kerry sighs, shaking her head as she says, "Oh God. What's going on now?" Judy replies, "He was hauled into court for not paying his child support for his oldest daughter. And this ex-lover was called to testify in court on behalf of child's mother to verify he is hiding assets." Judy pauses, allowing her to take it all in. She knows it can't be easy to hear.
Thankful for the pause. Kerry processes the information slowly but surely. For the life of her she wants to scream. But she knows that wouldn't go over well under the current circumstances. So instead, she closes her eyes and takes a few deep breaths.
She feels her anxiety levels reduce, and she finds her words as she asks, "So what happens now?" Happy she's remaining calm; Judy replies, "Nothing. The testimony happened in a closed court. So the identity of the gentleman is not public. And the judge has already rendered his ruling. I spoke with Nnamdi and he's working with an accounting firm to ensure the child support payments are being made monthly and on time."
Kerry responds, "Why didn't he just do that in the first place?" Judy says, "Honestly, I would tell you what he said when I asked him that question. But, I don't want to piss you off more than necessary." Understanding it was probably a bullshit reason, she agreed to let it go. But she needed to understand why this situation isn't something she should worry about. So she asks, "So if everything is handled. Why would I have to be concerned? People know he has other children."
Judy responds, "Yes. They do. But, they don't know he has child support issues. Or about his gay lover testifying. That of course would be a land mine we don't want exploding." Completely forgetting about the ex-lover testimony element of the story. She says, "Oh my goodness. I completely missed that part. What's wrong with me?"
Judy kindly and playfully says, "Other than you needing a nap. Nothing is wrong with you Kerry. But don't worry about it. I am here to catch everything you don't, okay?"
She takes a breath and smiles as she replies, "Thank you very much for all you do Judy. We can't thank you enough." Judy responds, "You're welcome. It's my pleasure. Just know that some of the details of his child support court woes did make the low level blogs. But, just like the stories surrounding the birth certificate. No notable publications have picked up the story, and because you don't speak about your private life anyway. You don't have to worry about being asked any questions. Our only dilemma is keeping him out of trouble going forward. We will be restarting the in person appearance portion of the public relations intervention soon."
Kerry quickly asks, "How soon? I only ask because the holidays are coming and Tony's dad is ill. So, I would really rather spend time with the family over the holidays, instead of appearing with him somewhere." Understanding her concern, she says, "I'm sorry to hear about his health. Sam, is such a fun loving guy. I hope he recovers soon." Kerry replies, "Thanks. We do too. I hope to hear more about him today. That reminds me, after we hang up I need to call Tony to check in."
Judy responds, "Understood. Well, I will let you go. Since we have a few appearances yet to air, like the BET and Image awards. We can easily push the other appearances to the spring. The MET will be a start." She agreeably says, "That's perfect. Thanks again Judy." She replies, "You're welcome Kerry. Talk to you soon, take care." She responds, "You too."
After hanging up the phone she takes a second to digest what she's just heard. But, the seconds are brief as her phone once again rings. She answers the phone, seeing it's her husband.