She smiles as she says, "Hello there handsome. I was just thinking about you." He smiles as he replies, "All dirty thoughts I hope." She giggles as she says, "You're incorrigible. You know that, right?" He chuckles as he replies, "Yeah. I know it. How is my beautiful wife today?"
She takes a breath as she responds, "I am doing well. Tired. But, well enough to push through. I am heading back to the studio in a few minutes to finish my day. But more importantly, how are you and your dad doing?"
He responds, "Well, he's complaining about the food, and he proposed to two of his nurses so far. So, I think he's doing pretty well." She laughs as she says, "My goodness, it surely sounds like he's in good spirits." Tony agrees as he says, "Yeah. He woke up and saw me, and he's been chatting ever since. Liz says I was his spark. I guess me being here was more important than I thought."
She smiles as she replies, "Yes. It was. I'm glad you went babe. I think he's glad to see you too. Has Robert and the gang been there too?" He replies, "Yeah. Actually, we are all about to go grab a bite to eat soon. We're just waiting for a few others to show up. Liz just went to pick up Tess since she's done shooting for the day."
Kerry is happy to hear he is in better spirits, and that he has family around him. It's what he needs in a time like this. She supportively replies, "That's great babe. Tell the family we send our love. And we will see them soon."
He nods as he says, "I will. How are my other two girls?" She replies, "They are well, missing their daddy." He grins as he responds, "I miss them too. I miss all of my girls. Especially my beautiful, sexy wife." Her cheeks get warm as she beams, and replies, "Awe babe. I can't wait to see you. How long are you staying?"
He says, "With his current improvement, I will stick around for two more days if that's okay." She nods as she responds, "Yeah, of course. That's totally fine babe. I can wait." He hears something different in her voice and asks, "What's going on Ker? Talk to me."
She didn't want to worry him, but she did want to talk to him about her and Judy's conversation in person. Knowing he's sensed something in her speech, so he's not going to let it go. She says, "It's really nothing. Judy called to tell me about Nnamdi's recent court date for child support." He sighs as he replies, "Again? Why doesn't he get that handled? That's why they have accountants for God's sake."
She agrees as she responds, "Yes. I know. Judy says she worked with him to get it handled. But, the bigger detail is apparently the child support has been increased because one of his lovers testified at the hearing that he was hiding assets." Tony replies, "Good grief. This is like being trapped in the Twilight Zone. So what happens now?" She explains Judy has handled it, so there's nothing that needs to be done other than him staying out of trouble.
Tony hears her, but says, "This is insane Ker." She sighs as she replies, "I know babe. I'm so sorry we're dealing with this. I know its complete unnecessary bullshit." He hears the sorrow in her voice and doesn't want to pile on, it doesn't matter now. They're in this together.
Sweetly he responds, "It's not your fault he's a fuck up babe. At least he's only associated with you in name only." She nods in agreement as she replies, "Amen to that. Thank you." He smiles, hearing the smile in her voice as he asks, "What are you thanking me for?" She replies, "For being the best thing that has ever happened to me and being willing to endure all of this, just because you love me. I simply can't thank you enough babe." He adores her response and replies, "You are always welcome Ker. You don't have to thank me. But at the same time, your appreciation is noted."
She grins as she responds, "Good. I'm glad." He asks, "So what time are you heading back to the set?" She looks at her watch, and says, "Looks like I have about an hour before Lynn and the crew will be here." He replies, "Okay. Well, as much as I hate to let you go. I will let you take a nap before you have to get back to work okay?"
She doesn't want to hang up either, but she can't lie. A nap sounds spectacular. And with the reshoots she has to do being very physical. Getting recharged isn't a bad idea. So she responds, "Okay my love. I will try to get some rest. Thank you for calling." He replies, "You're welcome. I will call you later tonight." She responds, "Okay. Love you." He replies. "Love you too. Bye." She says, "Bye." And hangs up the phone.
Deciding to capitalize on some sleep, she sets her alarm on her phone and lays down on the couch. Initially, she's not sure what an hour of sleep will do for her, but she's willing to try.
As Tom prepares for the reshoots, he has everything lined up a bit early. So when Kerry shows up, they can get started. He goes back to his office, and as he rounds the corner he sees Shonda's office door is open.
He checks his watch and thinks, she shouldn't be here this early. But, since she is. He decides to test the waters to see what he's working with in regard to her temperament.
As he walks toward her office door he hears voices. He immediately stops. On one hand, he wants to turn and go the other way. Eavesdropping isn't his style. But, on the other hand, he can't be faulted for over hearing something if the door is open.
Inching closer, he hears a conversation taking place. From what he can make out; Shonda is on speaker and she's talking to her secretary Melisa. Melissa says, "Most of the cast and crew are gone for the day. But they're shooting the reshoots this afternoon." Shonda replies, "Who gave the authority for that to happen?" Melissa responds, "Tom has been running the productions. So I guess it was up to him."
Angrily Shonda yells, "Who in the hell does he think he is? This is my show! I make the decisions around there not him, and I will not be shown up. First Tony is MIA and now Tom thinks he's going to steal my production from under my nose. No way in hell is that going to happen! Just wait until I get him on the phone. And the next time something like this happens. You'd better dammed well call me and let me know; or you will be out of a job. Do you understand?" Melissa timidly responds, "Yes mam. I understand."
The next thing heard is a dial tone, and Melissa saying, "Oh my God she needs help." Over hearing her response Tom feels for her, but also agrees with her.
Hearing Melissa get up from her desk and not wanting to be caught outside the door. He ducks into the men's bathroom. Just as the door closes behind him, his phone rings. He can tell by the poltergeist ring tone it's Shonda. He says to himself, here we go. As he prepares to take the call.
Thank you for reading my fan fiction tale. So much unfolded in this installment. I'm hopeful it's kept your interest and I've done your curiosity justice. What did you think of Nnamdi's impending drama with child support court? How long do you think they'll be able to keep those details under wraps? I know some of you guessed that the call Tony got was about his dad; seeing our parents sick, can be a real strain, especially when we lose them. It may be the natural order of life, but it still sucks.
It was great to see Darby and Katie hanging with Kerry again in the story right? What did you all think of Bell's shunning? Fair, or no? For me, it is what it is. Of course in the next installment we find out what happens when Shonda converses with Tom, and believe me. After that, the hellraising continues as Tsunami Shonda reaches land. So, take cover. See you all again in the next installment of Timing Is Everything!