The calm in the air between them feels good; but is interrupted by her alarm on her phone. As she reaches for it he says, "Looks like your meeting time is approaching." She turns it off as she says, "Yes. it would appear to be the case. Would you mind cleaning up the kitchen for me while I get ready?" Cooperatively he responds, "No. I don't mind. Go ahead. I've got this." She kisses him and quickly gets up as she walks out saying, "Thanks babe. You're the best." He responds, "You're welcome."
With her off to get ready for her meeting he does as he's asked, and cleans the kitchen. While washing the dishes he turns up the baby monitor, and looks at the display to check on Isa. She's sleeping soundly, which makes him grin seeing his baby girl resting comfortably. He thinks to himself, one day he will be able to hold her publicly and everyone will know she's his. But, until then. She's his private bundle of love he wouldn't trade anything for.
While finishes up his domestic duty, his wife showers and changes her clothes. She's getting dressed as she rethinks her and her husband's talk this morning. Although he gave her a rousing speech about them being in this together, and him backing her 100%. She knows he's about over all the drama that has been brought onto them by the fake marriage farce, and she feels terrible about it.
She then thinks about a question Robyn, her friend and manager asked her a few days ago. She asked, if the shoe were on the other foot. Would she be willing to play her husband's role? It took her a moment, but she had to admit she'd be significantly hesitant. The amount of guilt she felt in that instance was palpable. How can she ask him to do something for her, and their love, she's unsure if she'd do herself?
She simply doesn't have an answer to the question, and she's not sure she will ever be able to answer it. Her mind shifts again as the final alarm for her meeting goes off. She checks her look in the mirror, and gives it an approval. Despite the informal relationship between her and Judy. She still wants to look presentable.
Upon walking out of the bedroom she sees Isa's bedroom door is cracked. She walks over to it and peers inside, seeing her husband sitting in the rocking chair, watching her through the crib slats. She wants to go check on him, but doesn't want to wake their daughter. And, she has to meet with Judy in less than five minutes. Deciding to leave him to his baby watching duty, something admittedly he loves to do. She slips off to her home office for her meeting.
When she gets to her office she grabs a coconut water from the fridge and has a seat at her desk, with the laptop already cued up for the meeting. It's then she remembers the talking points she wanted to bring up in the meeting, and pulls them up on her phone.
As she reviews them she sees the one entry she completely forgot about. She sighs as she says, "Damn it. I forgot about that conversation Tony and Shonda." Just then, the skype call comes through. She turns her attention to the screen and smiles at Judy as her image appears.
Right away they both speak, exchanging pleasantries. And, Kerry comments on a painting in Judy's background. "Woe that painting is amazing." Judy beams with pride as she replies, "Thank you. My husband painted it." Kerry is in shock as she responds, "My goodness he's really talented." Judy smiles as she says, "Thanks. I will let him know you like it. It's just a hobby of his. He says it helps him destress." Kerry nods as she responds, "Good for him. We all need healthy outlets for stress." Judy agrees as she says, "yes mam. We should all be so lucky but to have such a creative stressful outlet at that." Kerry smiles as she responds, "Amen to that."
As Judy prepares to begin the meeting, amidst the niceties being out the way. She asks, "Are we waiting on Tony to join us, or are you flying solo this trip?" Kerry replies, "I'm flying solo. He's taking care of Isa and also helping with the delivery of the Christmas decorations that are being delivered." Judy grins at her as she responds, "Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving huh? I'm impressed. I don't have the guts to touch Christmas décor till after December 1st."
They share a laugh, and Kerry follows with, "I know. Generally I wouldn't be doing it this early either. But we're heading to New York at the end of the week for Thanksgiving. And since we normally put the tree up the weekend after turkey day. This way, it will be up when we get back and we can just enjoy it." Judy hears her but cuts to the chase as she replies, "Sounds like somebody is vying to make their baby girl's first Christmas perfect."
Kerry nods in agreement as she says, "Busted." They again chuckle together, knowing that we as parents do anything and everything for the first baby's first everything. Even if they don't remember it, we do. So it has to be big and has to be perfect.
With both of them ready to get started. Judy says, "Well, I will try not to hold you long. Most of this is really just a recap of what we previously discussed. You'll be happy to know Nnamdi's child support situation has been officially resolved. He's set up with an accountant who is responsible for making sure the payments are made monthly." She interjects, "What about his request to increase his monetary compensation?"
Judy reassuringly replies, "Oh, he changed his tune quickly when he realized I have video of his last club escapade, available for the world to see. So, instead he signed the secondary agreement we established advising if he defaults in his child support payments, we will reroute the remaining balance of his stipend to cover the funds. And, as compensation, you will get a percentage of all bookings he makes with your connections."
Kerry is gob smacked, she had no idea he tried to get more money; but she's elated to hear she not only shut him down, but worked to her best interest to secure a return on her money, all without her having a clue it was going on. While resolving the matter flawlessly and discreetly.
After hearing her out, Kerry releases a sigh of relief as she replies, "I'm flabbergasted Judy. I had no idea he tried to get more money." She nods as she says, "I know. I would've told you about it. But I had to make a judgment call. And with everything going on with Sam, and then Tony's conversation with Shonda. I figured it was best if I took care of it."
She agreeably says, "That makes sense. I'm certainly glad you're on our side." Judy smiles as she responds, "That's kind of you to say. But, remember I told you in the beginning these situations can be complicated. It was just a matter of time before he showed his hand. it's honestly common for people to try to shoot their shot, when they think they have a chance to make an extra dollar or two. But, I'm confident he's learned his lesson. I left quite the impression on him and his attorney. Who I have no doubt was behind his push for requesting more funding."
She agrees with her. He was probably urged to do it. But she asks, "Out of curiosity do you think this new agreement will work to keep him out of trouble?" She knows she wants to hear yes. And she wants to say it to her. But, she knows that wouldn't be prudent. So she responds, "We can certainly hope it works. But, we can't be too sure. He's unpredictable. But we're doing a much better job managing him. I can say we will be ready and waiting to help resolve whatever he gets wrapped up in."
She understands her response, there's no way to guarantee he won't do something else that warrants attention. All they can do is be prepared for when he does do what he does best, which is cause unnecessary trouble. Agreeing with her she replies, "Understood. Thanks for being honest with me. And going above and beyond to take care of this for us. We really appreciate you." Judy smiles as she says, "Of course. Always."
She then takes a breath as she says, "Now, let me ask. How's Sam doing?" She takes a moment as she responds, "Thanks for asking. He's doing better. We talked to him yesterday and he was in good spirits, sounding like himself. But, this health bout has been hard on him and the family. I think we all are getting a real sense of his mortality right now, and it's allot to bear. But, we're doing our best."