When the last scene is shot, and Tom yells, "Cut!" Everybody claps as he says, "That's a wrap peeps! Good job!" He joins them in the applause as he says, "Well done everybody. It all looks amazing so far. I appreciate your focus and dedication. I know it's tough to stay locked in, with the distraction of the holidays around. But you all kicked butt. Thanks for powering through. And we will see you on the flip side of the holiday break." He sees Dave and Christine waving as they leave out, satisfied with what they've seen.
Meanwhile, the majority of the cast and crew also say their good-bye's for the most part and begin clearing out. Tom looks at his watch and sees it's only 3:30. Happier than a fat kid with cake, he thinks, Damn, we kicked ass.
Kerry walks over to him as he packs up, and says, "Good job boss. I see the execs came to see you shine." He smiles as he replies, "Yeah. Apparently they got wind of the changes I proposed to Shonda previously, and started using on the new project's set. So, they wanted to see it in action." Kerry happily grins as she responds, "That's great! From what I saw they seemed impressed. But, wait till Shonda finds out though?"
He sighs as he says, "She already did. She called when I was talking to them and they both told her how pleased they were." Kerry chuckles as she replies, "I'm sure that really stuck in her craw." He nods as he says, "I'm sure you're right; but she didn't show it on the call of course. So, let's see what she says when she knows they're not listening."
Kerry nods in agreement as she responds, "I agree. There's bound to be hell to pay later. Tony and I aren't foolish enough to believe we will go unscathed either, after we didn't show up on the publicity tour. But, at this point, almost four seasons in, it doesn't matter anymore."
Tom is interested in her remark; it basically recaps his wife's sentiments. At this point it's every person for themselves. He responds, "I can't say I disagree. Kira and I had the same chat earlier. She's pushing me to cut ties with the set direction over here, and stay with the HTGAWM to escape this madness." Kerry assuredly nods as she replies, "Well, I have to be honest; I was surprised when you told me you were running the set today. I figured with the new project up and running, you would've stayed away."
He sighs as he says, "It was tempting. But I guess I'm so comfortable here." She understands but replies, "Comfort is an enemy of success. You can't grow when you're comfortable Tom. And you deserve the opportunity to continue to show tour talents, both on and off screen. Besides, you wouldn't be leaving Scandal all together. You'll still be needed from time to time in different capacities I'm sure, just like now."
Regardless of her pretty much repeating what his wife said to him, her response hits him different as he says, "You make a good point. Are you sure you haven't been talking to Kira?" She chuckles as she says, "Not about this, no. But, she's a smart cookie and if she's telling you the same thing. I think it goes without saying we can't both be wrong."
H nods as he says, "Fair point lady. Hey can I walk you out?" She looks around and sees everyone has truly cleared out, and she says, "Yes. Sure." As they walk out he asks, "Have you heard from Tony?" She nods as she says, "Yes. I have. Sam is doing better. He's awake and flirting with nurses, as well as complaining about the food." Tom laughs as she says, "Well sounds like he's almost back to rare form."
Kerry laughs as she replies, "True. I'm glad to hear he's on the mend. Tony's staying a few more days though, till he's released to go home." Tom responds, "Makes sense, you guys are going to spend Thanksgiving there anyway right?" She replies, "No. We weren't. We were going to do Thanksgiving in NY with my family. And, Christmas and New Year's with Tony's. But, I think it makes sense to change it, now that Sam is getting over his current health bout. In addition to his congestive heart failure diagnosis we're contending with."
Tom sighs as he responds, "Damn, I forgot about that. That's why this pneumonia diagnosis is so scary I bet." As they reach her car, she says, "Exactly. It all depends on how Sam rebounds, that will determine if we keep our original plans for Thanksgiving or change them." Tom nods as he says, "That's understandable. I surely hopes he makes an upturn. Losing a parent is tough, but around the holidays is even tougher."
Kerry agrees, but wants to end the conversation on a lighter note. So she says, "Enough about our trials; what are you and the family's holiday plans?" He smiles as he says, "Well, Kira's family are coming over and we are going to fry a turkey" She gives him a suspicious look as she asks, "Wait, Kira is going to trust the main protein to you, with matches and oil?"
He can't lie, he has to laugh too as he cleans up his comment by saying, "Okay so maybe her dad and uncle are going to actually fry the turkey. But, I will be present and I am providing all of the tools." They both laugh as she says, "Now that sounds about right, and fun too by the way."
He agrees, that does sound better. Much better than the potential of blowing up their house or setting himself or someone else on fire by mistake during the process of trying to fry the turkey. He's no fool, he's seen the You Tube fried turkey disasters.
As their laughter settles he says, "Well, I am going to let you go Kerry. I gotta get home. Enjoy the break. And, give Tony my regards, okay?" She smiles at him a she replies, "Sure thing Tom. Thanks again for everything. We appreciate you. And, tell Kira and the kids I said hello." He nods as he walks away saying, "Sure will. Bye." She waves as she says, "Bye."
Ready to go home for the day, she looks at her watch and sees it's just after 4'oclock. She takes a breath and heads to her trailer, where she sees Janet has already packed up everything. Appreciative of her efforts, they load the car with Josie and Isa, along with their treats and toys and head home.