He appreciates his wife's supportive tone and fierce defense of his efforts. It makes him smile inside, knowing she has his back. While he doesn't share with her the phone call he overheard, or the fact that Shonda is calling him like a stalker, due to him not wanting her to get more upset about her nonsensical antics.
He tables that info and just agreeably says, "I agree babe. But, you know how she is. She doesn't think anyone else is as capable as she is, of running a set. And, gets defensive when she thinks someone is trying to outshine her." Kira shakes her head as she replies, "You've been on that show since day one honey. And, never once have you tried to upstage her. So why would she think you'd do it now?"
He again agrees with her, but replies, "You're right. I wouldn't do that to her. Or anybody else. But, this business is shady. And she's had some backstabbing done to her in the past with other shows she's ran. Remember the debacle with Private Practice, and some of her recent issues behind the scenes with Grey's."
Kira understands his point and nods, but says, "Well, first of all I'm not convinced those issues weren't caused by her anyway. And second, Tom that was how many years ago? Not to mention those were totally different casts and crews. Hell, she can't carry that grudge around forever. She needs a fucking therapist, with her paranoid ass."
He almost spits out his soda after hearing her remark, as he laughs and says, "Damn babe, really? You're going to make me choke over here. I'm eating." She laughs as she responds, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you choke. Are you okay?"
As he wipes up the spilled soda and some food particles that spewed as he tried to curtail his laughter. He says, "Yeah. I'm good. But that was funny." She smiles as she responds, "I'm glad it made you laugh. But, I am serious at the same time. She really does need to let that angry black woman thing go; because it's unwarranted.
You all work too hard and too well together for her to treat you all like you're disposable or you're on the take. You're all well established in your careers and have duality in this business anyway, concerning on camera and behind the scenes credits. So, there's no need for anyone to try to steal anything from her. Her behavior is fucking absurd, and it needs to stop."
He pauses momentarily, as he thinks and eats. Once again he has to agree with his beloved; it's the same thing they all talk about in confidence when they vent about her. She acts more like a prison warden than an executive producer and creator of the show sometimes. But, at this point they're almost four seasons in, and there doesn't seem to be a way to stop the bleeding now. That ship has sailed.
She hears his pause and says, "Are you there babe?" He snaps from his thoughts as he swallows his last bite of his sandwich, and replies, "Yeah. I'm here. Sorry. I was in thought about what you just said. While I agree with you; it's tiresome to deal with her. I don't see any way it can, or will stop. She's got the ear of the network president and to be honest, the network isn't going to reign down on her, because it would be a public relations nightmare. Ergo, as long as the show continues to do well; she has them by the balls."
She knows he's right, but still doesn't like what he's going through. So she revisits the last conversation they had about his career choice. "With that being the case honey. I really think that's why considering reducing your time on that set is more feasible. You don't have to be there babe, especially with the new found success of How To Get Away With Murder. This project was supposed to be your opportunity to escape the craziness that is Shonda."
He understands her point and says, "I know Kira; I didn't say I was staying here indefinitely. We've only had one season release with the new show, and while it's gotten some good reviews. It's still in its early stages. We don't know if it's going to get a second season yet. So, it wouldn't make sense to jump from certain to uncertainty, burning bridges along the way out the door."
She agrees with him but says, "Yeah. But, you weren't exactly jumping over the moon about it when Peter asked you to join his team." He nods as he replies, "True. I've just been with this cast so long, I can't imagine leaving without hesitation that's all."
Kira hears his nostalgic tone and replies, "You're longing for the past babe. You know as well as I do, the set isn't the same today as it was when the show started. The feel of the set and the interactions pale in comparison. Even the promo tours leave allot to be desired these days; hence Tony and Kerry missing the last batch. And we are all waiting to see how Shonda punishes them after the holiday break."
Again, he has to nod in agreement. He can't refute anything she's saying. Yet and still, he replies, "I hear you. And while I can't argue against what you're saying. I just want the details with this new offer to settle in first, before I leave Scandal for good. It's the responsible and smart thing to do."
Understanding she isn't going to say anything to change his mind 100% in this moment. But, also feeling she has to get one more word in about it. She says, "Okay. Fair enough. It's totally your decision honey. But, just one more thing. Think about all of the peace you have on Peter's set, because you're not dealing with Shonda. Due to her not having creative control of that set. And, you said yourself, you've enjoyed the on camera and behind the scenes work you've gotten since the project started. Those two things are definite reasons why leaving Scandal behind, makes sense."
Just as she ends her sentence he hears a call waiting beep and looks at the caller id. He shakes his head as he sighs, seeing it's Shonda. And, he has to admit; removing her from the equation would be instrumental in reducing the unnecessary stress in his life, and make his job allot easier.
In that moment he says, "Yeah. It's been great loving going to work again, and enjoying the people I work with, including Peter." Kira feels optimistic that her husband is finally considering the project in a positive light; and follows with, "I'm glad you're warming up to the idea honey. I promise, I won't bend your ear about it anymore for now."
He smiles as he says, "For now huh?" She chuckles as she replies, "Hey, a liar I'm not. So I can't say I won't mention it again. Because I will." They both laugh together, appreciating her knowing herself and him agreeing with her.
This isn't going to be the last time they speak about this situation. And if he's being honest, it's the main reason behind him not telling her how badly Shonda is raging as they speak. He knows he needs to pull the trigger on leaving, but he isn't going to do it until he feels he's really ready, and that's all that can be said about it.