Today has been one of the worst days of Roman's life. First of all, he seemed to be the only member of his family who didn't know exactly what Waystar had done in the 90s that was so bad. It's possible that he wasn't listening when they talked about it. When Hugo sent him the link to the article alleging abuses on cruises, he scrolled down impatiently until he saw the name Lester McClintock and his stomach dropped. Oh fuck.
Then he had to sit on a panel listening to Kendall and Shiv trying to out-bullshit each other, knowing that he was the spare part, the third wheel, the clown. Then because his sister had called their father a dinosaur on stage, Logan had logically turned around and smacked Roman in the face. He was aware of Kendall yelling at their father, of Ken and Shiv both trying to comfort him, but he was also aware of Gerri talking to Logan, assuring him that Shiv's words had played well. It sounded like she was comforting his father.
After his emergency visit to the dentist, he goes straight back to his apartment. He's slumped on the couch holding an ice pack to his face when Gerri calls him.
"Hey," he says, still sounding a little strange from where his mouth is swollen.
"Hey," she says. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Good as new."
"I'm sorry."
"What for? You weren't the one who pissed off my dad."
"I'm sorry I couldn't go to you, when he hit you." He wishes she wouldn't say it like that. "I had to look professional."
"Yeah, I know." He feels slightly better. "So are you just calling to check on me, or does Dad want me to sign an NDA?"
"Of course I'm calling to check on you. But if you want…" Her voice grows husky. "We could have one of our special conference calls?"
"I'm not really in the mood," he says honestly. "But maybe you can stay on the line while I watch TV?"
"Sure. What are you watching?"
He flicks over to his father's news channel, where the new bullshit slogan We hear for you is scrolling across the screen. "ATN."