So I just love the relationship between Jim and Mac - the history, trust, and mutual respect...it seems to be the ideal mentor/protégée type relationship. This scene takes place in season 2, after Mac finds out Jim gave the interview to Hallie and he comes back to NY.

Jim comes into the newsroom, nodding at the other staff, greeting them subtly, but clearly trying to get through the newsroom without drawing too much attention. He knows he has to face Mac, and he just wants to get it over with. He hates disappointing her, after all she has done for him - the opportunities she has given him and all she has taught him. He doesn't really regret what he did, and he is prepared for the consequences, but he hates the thought of losing Mac's trust. Jim knocks on the door as he enters the open door to Mac's office.

"Hey," he says, trying to sound casual. She looks up from her desk and gives him a smile.

"You're back!" She says brightly, glad to see him, even though she is not looking forward to this conversation either.

"I just got back," he says, then rushes right in, "Listen, Mac, I'm sorry. I know-"

"Wait." She holds up her hand and he stops. She stands up and walks to the door, closing it. Then she turns to him, and puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you all right?"

He knows what she's doing. She's been his mentor and boss for years, and while she hasn't really upbraided him often, she has done it a few times, and he's seen her do it to others enough to recognize what she is doing. She is making sure he isn't having some sort of breakdown before she rakes him over the coals. He appreciates that she is acknowledging how out of character it is for him to default on his job responsibilities like this.

"I'm ok," he says, but he won't meet her eye. He really does hate the idea of her being disappointed in him. She pats his shoulder and nods at the chair.

"Sit down," she says, not harshly. He does, and she walks behind her desk and sits down, putting her elbows on her desk and leaning towards him. She looks at him, but he is still looking down.

"Jim, look at me." She says firmly. He does and her tone softens.

"What happened?" She asks. "Because I know you wouldn't give away an interview like that for no good reason. And you know a crush on a girl is not a good enough reason. It's not like you. We both know that. So what happened?"

"Mac, her boss was...so insulting and demeaning. He was calling her names on the phone; treating her like a...like...well, not like a reporter. She was trying, she just...she really needed it."

"More than you did?"

"Yes."

Mac pauses, considering what to say next.

"I'm sorry," he says again. "I know you probably had to answer some questions about why you let me go to New Hampshire at all, and I know I didn't really give you much to show for it, and..." he sighs. "I know this is a fireable offense. So just tell me what I need to do, and I'll do it."

"What?" She asks. "You can't think I was going to fire you?!"

"I don't know who else knows. I didn't know if you would have to."

"Fair enough. But I don't think anyone else knows. And if they find out, I will handle it. Don't worry about that, understand? I can't have you being afraid."

He nods, understanding. She would cover for him, but he can't give her anything else to have to cover for. And they both know that being afraid only leads to mistakes and oversights.

"I understand," he assures her. "I'll give you my best work, Mac, you have my word. I won't let my personal life interfere anymore. I know that's what I did when I went to New Hampshire, and I know that's what it looks like I did when I gave away the interview. It just seemed like the right thing to do. But I understand the position that puts you and the show and the network in, and I take full responsibility for that. I know I took advantage of the fact that you trusted me, and I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

She raises her eyebrows at him, smiling. "It's like you knew my whole speech."

He smiles back. "I've heard them a few times."

"Ok," she says and pauses for a moment before saying. "I know you understand. You are a great journalist, Jim Harper, and you are also a good person. As your EP, I can't approve of what you did, but as a human being...there is something to be said for putting other people first."

"Thanks, Mac. And I'm sorry. Again."

"Ok, I think we are done with this. You have work to do. Your best work, are we clear?"

"Yes ma'am."

She nods at the door and he stands up to leave, but she stops him as he reaches the doorway.

"Jim?" She says, and he turns back around.

"Yes, ma'am?" He knows he has to walk a thin line for awhile, and figures being deferential won't hurt.

"I do trust you."

He smiles. "Thanks."

"Best work," she reminds him. He nods.

"I will," he promises, and heads to his desk.