A/N: We take a series of Meetings as we ramp up production. Took me all 7 days to write, Almost didn't get this out, my dog decided to eat roach killer, thought he was going to die. He's okay though... he is just gonna feel crappy forever, but damn if pet poison control isn't expensive. Enjoy the chapter~ S.K.
Chapter 2: meetings
Jade and Tori confront feelings
As the pivotal meeting wrapped up, the unspoken tension between Vic and Jade lingered in the air, creating a narrative thread of unresolved emotions. Vic, with a heart that beat beat erratically, felt compelled to delve into the uncharted territories of their relationship.
"Are you headed back to Atlanta?" Vic's inquiry echoed with a subtext of longing, a silent query about the untold possibilities waiting to unfold.
Jade, her eyes revealing a depth beyond words, admitted, "Catching the redeye back home." The room held a pregnant pause, an anticipation of the twists and turns their story might take.
Seizing the moment with documentary finesse, Jade extended an invitation, a gesture loaded with unspoken promises. "Hang out with me for a bit. We can lounge by the pool until it's time for me to go."
Vic responded with a subtle smile, "Sure thing. Need a ride?"
The atmosphere in Jade's hotel room crackled with creative energy as the two women settled in. However, Jade's realization about forgetting her bathing suit added a playful twist to the unfolding drama. Vic, seizing the opportunity for banter, smirked at Jade across the room.
"Just an excuse to get me in your hotel room, huh?" Vic teased, settling against the headboard.
Jade mirrored the smirk, admitting, "You know it."
As they lounged, the conversation shifted to the creative direction of the reboot. Vic expressed her desire for more control over the project, a sentiment that resonated with Jade.
"Yeah, I already have an idea for the beginning," Jade shared. "I think we should all have input on what our characters are doing."
Vic, leaning against the headboard with knees pulled closer, listened intently. Jade outlined her vision, incorporating elements of their real lives into the characters. Vic's character, inspired by the vibe of Julia Michaels, would navigate the music scene after coming out.
"My character would be married to Avan, and a couple of kids because hell it's been since high school. She used to be cool, not so cool anymore. But Avan and Liz are separating," Jade continued, weaving the narrative.
Vic contemplated the proposal, recognizing the depth of Jade's thought process. "That sounds cool."
As the characters took shape, Jade envisioned the school as a crucial setting. Vic, now a working teacher, would bring life to the middle school, intertwining their characters with those of Avan and Liz.
"That's a pretty developed idea," Vic remarked.
Jade, with a hint of sarcasm, replied, "I've had years to think about it."
Their conversation flowed seamlessly, the camaraderie of old friends blending with the creative synergy of collaborators. Yet, beneath the surface, an undeniable tension simmered, a silent acknowledgment of the complex history they shared.
"What is happening here?" Jade whispered, feeling the palpable energy.
"You're feeling it too?" Vic replied, acknowledging the unspoken current.
"Of course I do," Jade admitted, hugging the pillow tightly. "I always do."
The atmosphere shifted the weight of years and unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Vic dared to ask the question that lingered in the silence, a question that cut through the carefully constructed barriers.
"Then why'd you go with him?" Vic's inquiry, tinged with pain, echoed in the room, revealing the rawness beneath the surface.
Jade, lacking a clear answer even after sixteen years, didn't respond. The tension escalated, and Vic, expressing her own hurt, asked about Jade's choice to marry an older man.
"Why did you think marrying an old-ass man like him was a good idea?" Vic questioned, closing the distance between them. Jade met Vic's gaze, and in a moment of vulnerability, the unscripted reality of their connection took over.
Vic pulled Jade into an embrace, their lips meeting in a kiss that transcended scripts and roles. At that moment, the real Vick and Jade converged, unfiltered and unrestrained by the narratives of their past. As quickly as it began, Vic left the hotel room, leaving Jade standing in the aftermath of a kiss that stirred dormant emotions.
Tori and Cat squash beef.
Vic wandered out that evening, unable to bear the emptiness of her home. The weight of the monumental show news and the overwhelming emotions from the meeting with her friends—especially Jade—encased her. Jade always had a way of affecting her, a lingering presence that never ceased to overwhelm.
Dressed casually in sweats and a hoodie, Vic sought solace in a drink. A voice interrupted her thoughts. "Did she go back to her Groomer already?"
Recognizing the only person who openly addressed Will in that manner, Vic turned to Cat. "She should be halfway home by now."
"I'm sorry I took her side when you broke up," Cat confessed. "I just felt she should have at least one of us on her side."
"Whatever, I'm over it now," Vic replied, her tone tinged with finality.
"Tori…" Cat began, then paused as Vic bristled at the name.
"Don't call me that," Vic cut in sharply.
"Right, Because you wanted to dissociate with Just Tori," Cat observed thoughtfully. "And here you are, embarking on something that is likely to be called Just Vic."
Vic met Cat's gaze, mulling over her words. "How do you figure?"
"Because this story is about the next phase of Tori's life," Cat explained. "Tori is reductive and childish. But Vic…"
Tori sighed, conceding. "You're right."
"Do you know why I never talk about our supposed feud?" Cat asked. "Because I don't have to. You speak for both of us, and 'the lady doth protest too much.' If I say nothing, people assume you're just trying to stay relevant."
"So I should stop talking about it?" Vic queried.
"Yes, you should definitely do that. Save it for your tell-all," Cat advised, a smirk playing on her lips.
Vic chuckled, realizing the irony in their dynamic.
Cat stood up, wrapping her arm around Vic. "I love you, Vic. Never forget that."
"Love you too, fam," Vic responded, reciprocating the hug.
"Let's give Just Tori a good ending," Cat proposed, raising her glass. Vic smirked, clinking glasses with her friend. "And figure out a way to make Will disappear." WIth that Vic began to laugh even harder.
The Full cast hangs out at Jade's.
The doorbell echoed through Jade's rental, signaling the arrival of Trina and her two bundles of energy. As Jade swung open the door, she was met with the vibrant energy of Gio, now six, and Bethany, five, both bursting with enthusiasm. Izzy, perched on her mother's hip, squealed in delight at the sight of her old friends.
"Hey, Aunt Jade!" Gio exclaimed, reaching up for a hug.
Bethany, equally excited, chimed in, "Look what I can do now!" She proceeded to showcase her newfound skill with an impromptu dance.
Jade chuckled, patting Gio on the head and giving Bethany an appreciative nod. "Impressive, as always. Come on in."
Trina, with a wide grin, carried on the playful banter. "Watch out, Hollywood. My little stars are here."
Jade ushered them inside, where Hanna, the au pair, was already stationed in the playroom. "Hanna's in there. She'll watch over them," Jade informed, glancing at the trio of excited kids already racing towards Izzy's room.
As the kids disappeared into the playroom, Jade and Trina exchanged knowing smiles. The joyous reunion of their children mirrored the enduring friendship between the two women,
"Come on We're in the flex room," Jade stated as the two of them kept going into the house… "Thirsty?"
"Yeah, why not, Alan is coming to get the kids later tonight He knows how it is," Trina stated.
Jade smirked. "He doesn't want to stay?"
"He may come for a bit," Trina said, then she smiled and looked at everyone. Andre and Vic sat on the sofa back to back reminiscent of their days on set. Beck and Cat were playing some video games on their phones. Robbie was watching them and commentating. "Hey Fam," Trina said falling onto the love seat.
"We're all here," Jade said heading straight to the bar to make Trina her drink. "They are giving us what we asked for, how do we take control of the situation."
"We already did, We pulled a 'Friends' Deal Man. Thanks for insisting Vic." Beck stated.
"Yeah that was cool of you, Andre said." They all said insisting that they all get paid the same per episode across the board. Some will get paid more than others because First off Vic was probably going to be on all episodes, but whoever was able to commit more time, got paid more, but it was fair.
"All I know is that It's not just about the acting for me anymore," Tori admitted, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I've been wanting to step into the director's chair for a while now. And We need another Exec from this cast. Love Carly but she was on that other show."
Jade nodded in agreement. "I've got some ideas too. I'd love to lend my voice to the scripts."
Cat, always the astute one, interjected, "You should be the showrunner, Jade. You've been thinking about this reunion project since our show ended."
Tori, contemplating the proposition, smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's true. I've been mulling over how this could come back together."
The rest of the group chimed in, expressing their support for Jade taking the helm. "You'd be perfect for it," Beck added, echoing the sentiment.
As they discussed their schedules, planning around tours, and other commitments, Andre, Cat, and Robbie mentioned their upcoming tours. "We need Carly on board," Cat suggested, referring to Carly, the executive producer.
"We'll need someone to navigate all these schedules," Andre noted, recognizing the necessity of a guiding hand.
Tori, now enthusiastic about the showrunner role for Jade, nodded in agreement. "Let's call Carly. We can't do this without her," she said, affirming the need for Carly's expertise in managing the logistical intricacies of their diverse schedules.
Tori pulled out her phone to call Carly on Facetime. They tell her what they want, she thinks it is a great idea. Jade is pulled from the discussion because her phone rang and it is Will. "Hey lover," She answered in a flirty tone.
"Hey," smiled at her and then frowned hearing Beck's laughter in the background. He started to look her over. Jade is flushed from drinking, and the house is warm. "Who is that?" he asked.
She smiles, "Oh the gang's all here." She said and walked back to the Flex room 'Guys, Will says Hello." Her group of friends give the man a mixed reaction, where Trina smiles and waves and Tori and Cat roll their eyes. Beck just gives him a head nod and Robbie and Andre say "Sup man."
"What are you guys up to?" He asked.
"We're workshopping ideas for the show. I'm gonna be the showrunner." Jade stated with a smile.
"Wow… that's… Quite a commitment." He said.
"It certainly is a check," Jade stated getting a bit annoyed.
"Where's Izzy?" He asked.
"Playing with Bethany and Gio," Jade stated walking toward her daughter's playroom.
"Isn't it a little late for her to be up?" He asked.
"Are you questioning my ability to parent?" Jade said stopping short of the playroom and instead going into the Master bedroom.
"Sometimes I think I should." He said. "All those people in your house during Covid season, around my kid."
"What the Fuck?" Jade stated
"Am I lying? It's fucking October." He stated.
"I told you before, and I will tell you again," Jade said to her husband. "These people are my family. If anyone were sick they would not have come. What is your deal? I don't have you here, am I supposed to stay alone?"
"At least I would know who you were doing." He stated.
Jade laughed. "I have work to do, Will, I'm hanging up," Jade stated.
"You have to admit that when I met you. You were a little whore." He said to Jade. her insides went ice cold. "Hopping into bed with all of those little boys on that show."
"I was a kid," Jade stated.
"I remember how Ben and I had to physically remove you from your little love den to stop you from opening your legs to those boys."
Jade wrapped her arms around herself. Every time he reminded her of her experimentation.
Will and Ben had been privy to what it was like on set. They had seen the type of people They were. When Jade was Sixteen and Rob was 18 they were inseparable. Jade, had been seeing Will, unofficially for the better part of two months. And Jade was a hormonal mess. She hated any woman who could come up to her Thirty-seven-year-old boyfriend and flirt with him right in front of her because he was this cool musician. And he would just take her into his house and would make her want him so bad, finger her, and send her home to Cat.
She wanted him so badly. So one day when Ben was recording, she thought she'd make him jealous. So she and Robby just held each other. His arms around her made her feel safe, and she had just come from her trailer where Will had appeased her by fingering her. Will made her feel so special. He told her how mature she was for her age. And how there was no other woman for him. He told her he would wait for her but she was making it hard for him.
So she gave him a blow job, and all he gave her were his fingers. Jade was sexually frustrated, and she'd show him. So as she held Rob, she began to stroke his belly and she felt him go hard against her. "What are you guys doing?" Cat asked, and Jade pulled her into the hug with them.
When Cat gasped when she felt Rob's erection Jade pulled away. "I feel like we could just have this intense Threesome."
Ben lowered the camera and turned it off at that moment. "Whoa… that's going on the cutting room floor.
"Were you recording?" She asked.
"I was."
"That better not make it on YouTube." She admonished.
Cat giggled. "That's too bad. That sounded kinda fun."
"You'd do that?" Ben asked. Jade looked at Cat and Ben and shuddered. Will was one thing. But Ben… Ugh.
She had only done things with Robbie and Cat… and Tori. Beck and Andre were never part of that. He couldn't have her. Not that he hadn't, she just couldn't say that he had. And he used that to his advantage. "I- I have to go."
"Fine, have your fun." He said, "I am going to be back in L.A. in two weeks."
"M'kay," Jade whispered. She felt so dirty now, she hoped she could put it behind her and continue with the brainstorming.
"I love you, babe," Will stated.
"Me too" she answered subdued. "Bye."
She hung up her phone and she curled up in a ball on her bed. She needed to get the pain off her chest before she stepped outside of her room.
"Jade?" She heard Cat outside her door. She took a deep breath and dried her tears going into her master bath. She needed to wash this feeling away. "Jade?" She heard again.
"Yeah?' She yelled back when she was satisfied that she didn't look like she was crying.
"Hey, Carly wants to set up a meeting for you to pick out your writer's room," Cat stated.
"Oh, Okay, Let me pull up my calendar," Jade said, picking up the phone from the bathroom counter and pulling up her calendar app as she walked toward the Flex room.
Cat stopped her before she reached the door. "What did that Motherfucker say?"
Jade shook her head. "Nothing I haven't heard before," Jade said and smiled. "I just miss him, that's all." She lied.
"Right." Cat decided to leave it like it was for now. But she swore if she ever caught him hurting her where she could see, she would bawdy him. "Okay, come on."
Jade nodded and followed her friend out to the group.
Jade, Tori, and Carly read over Jade's First Script
Sitting alone in this conference room, Vic and Jade felt awkward. They hadn't been alone together since they had kissed. They breathed a sigh of relief when Carly walked into the room. "Morning."
"Hey," Jade said with a smile. "I'm so excited. I can't wait to see what you think of the spec."
Jade handed out three scripts of a thirty-minute episode, thirty pages of story. The story of Just Vic, a workplace comedy style à la 'The Office,' 'Parks and Rec,' and 'Abbott Elementary,' begins with Vic coming out as bi. Vic doesn't know how to feel about it. She only reads along with her storyline. Vic has become trapped in the queer artist trap, and all they ever asked her to do was work queer spaces. She did queer movies and played gay venues, and she wasn't breaking the top.
Disillusioned, she met with Mr. Lange, the principal of the Lower Hollywood Arts School. He asked if she could be one of the working teachers for music. When she accepts, her gold-digging girlfriend leaves her because she thinks that Vic is going to be a star, and now she is just a teacher.
The next scene is about Ari and how she is this evil diva who's been married five times before she is thirty.
"I don't think Cat will like that," Vic said to Jade.
"It's an exaggeration," Jade said. Vic shrugged.
"If you say so," Vic stated and continued to read.
Ari and Leon work closely together, and no surprise there.
Vic moves in with her sister, in her parents' old house. Daniela is a talent manager and tells Vic that she should let her manage her. "Never mix business and family" is her motto. Then her sister asked her how that was working for her. So she decides to let her be the manager.
On the first day of school, she meets her fellow teachers. And Mattie is there as an acting teacher. Vic takes him in and comments on how hot he is now. And he looks at Vic and her tattoos and says she is some grown-up version of Tori now. She says, "I'm Just Vic."
Avan and Liz are married and arguing like always. They have a kid, a 12-year-old that gets into the Hollywood Arts lower school. The kid is a nerd, and Liz is a mamma bear. She and Beck are the "it" couple and have a status quo to uphold.
The kid is having trouble dealing with the fighting at school, and Vic notices. She reaches out to the kid's parents and makes an appointment. When the mom and dad show up together, Vic is shocked. Beck is thrilled, and Liz is upset and threatens to pull the kid out of the school. Vic convinces them to let the kid be. And when she asked if everything was okay at home, Liz yelled at her like she used to. "Some things never change."
The closing of the show is just Vic sitting on her sister's couch eating some mashed potatoes as a throwback to the previous show, and watching Ari and Leon on TV singing together.
She opens the door, and there is Liz, laughing at the fact that she is still living in the same place. Teasing her about not making it. Vic tells her how she is not going to give up on her dreams. Teaching is just a way to make sure others get to live the dream too.
"Or some inspirational shit like that," Jade said. "I kind of ran out of words… gosh Vega, your character was corny as fuck."
Vic laughed. "Yeah, we are kinda corny."
"I really like where this was going," Carly said. "It caught us up on all the characters; it's a decent finale we can put out if the pilot doesn't get picked up."
The two other women nodded.
"I still think the Ari situation is too close for Cat's comfort," Tori stated.
"Agreed," Carly said.
"Fine, I'll get together with Cat and workshop it," Jade said. "You think this is a go?"
"It's a great start; with this, we can start putting the sets together," Carly said. "Also, we need to get your writer's room together. Some of the jokes weren't hitting quite right."
"Awesome," Jade said.
"Well, see you at the writer's meeting," Carly said, picking up the script and taking it with her.
And the two were left alone again. "You are outing me kinda…"
"I want you to see the response you get," Jade stated.
Vic only nodded and stood. "I hope you come with me." She whispered and walked out of the room.
Jade sits there for a moment. She sighed, she needed to go pick Will up at the airport. She was dreading every second until he came. When he was in the mood he'd been these two weeks, he was insufferable. She had been having so much fun creating this show. And she was afraid he was about to suck all the fun out of it.
Jade meets with the writing team
Jade walked into the writer's room, her mind buzzing with excitement and a touch of nervous energy. It was her first meeting as the showrunner for "Just Vic," and she was eager to collaborate with the team of writers who would help bring her vision to life. The room was filled with a mix of seasoned writers and newcomers, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.
"Hey, everyone!" Jade greeted with a confident smile, taking a seat at the head of the table. "I'm Jade West, your showrunner for 'Just Vic.' I'm thrilled to be working with all of you on this project. Let's dive right in."
The writers, including seasoned scriptwriter Sarah, humor specialist Mike, fresh talent Emily, and the others, looked at her with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Jade could feel the creative energy in the room, and she was ready to harness it for the success of the show.
"I'd love for each of you to introduce yourselves and let us know which part of the story you're working on," Jade suggested, encouraging the writers to share their unique roles in shaping the narrative.
Sarah, with her years of experience, spoke first. "I'm Sarah, and I'll be handling the character development and overarching plotlines. Excited to delve into the emotional depth of these characters."
Next was Mike, known for his comedic flair. "Hey, I'm Mike. I'll be in charge of injecting humor into the show and making sure our audience has a good laugh. Comedy is my specialty!"
Emily, the fresh talent, chimed in. "Hi, I'm Emily. I'm thrilled to be here. I'll be working on the relationships and interactions between the characters. Ready to bring some heart to 'Just Vic.'"
As the introductions continued, Jade listened intently to each writer's background and area of expertise. The room buzzed with the exchange of ideas, laughter, and the occasional heated debate. Jade, with her experience in the entertainment industry and her intimate understanding of the characters, guided the team with a steady hand.
"Remember, we're not just creating a show; we're continuing a legacy," Jade reminded them. "These characters mean something to people, and it's our responsibility to do justice to their stories."
The writers, now connected by their shared purpose, were inspired and energized, ready to embark on this creative journey with Jade at the helm.
They reviewed the pilot episode and made some adjustments to the show, specifically to Cat's character. She no longer has five ex-husbands, but only one, and she is now starting to develop feelings for Robbie, whom she will meet during a visit to her alma mater. Ari and Leon were not well integrated into the main plot, so they worked on involving the B plot with the school.
INT. HOLLYWOOD ARTS - AUDITORIUM - DAY
The auditorium buzzes with students as Mr. Lang, the principal, steps onto the stage, a microphone in hand.
MR. LANG (With enthusiasm) Good afternoon, Hollywood Arts! Today, we have some special guests—Ari and Leon, accomplished artists in the entertainment industry!
Applause and cheers fill the auditorium as Ari and Leon step into the spotlight, waving to the excited students.
ARI (Into the mic) Hey, Hollywood Arts! It's so great to be back where it all began.
LEON We're actually here on a mission. We're working on a school-based music video project, and we need some talented dancers to join us.
Cue cheers from the students, eager to be part of the exciting project.
As Ari and Leon exit the stage, they're greeted in the wings by Mattie, now a teacher, and Vic. Ari, another former classmate, approaches awkwardly.
MATTIE (Grinning) Ari, Leon! It's been ages.
ARI (Smiling) Mattie, our old classmate! And Vic!
They share warm hugs, catching up on the time that has passed since their Hollywood Arts days.
VIC (Excited) Ari, Leon, it's like a blast from the past! What brings you back here?
LEON (Grinning) We're scouting for some talented dancers for our music video project. Thought, where better to find them than Hollywood Arts?
ARI (Playfully) And we get to catch up with some familiar faces while we're at it.
Vic notices the tension between her and Ari, but Leon seems oblivious to it. Ari's eyes wander over to Mattie, and she's instantly smitten.
ARI (Blushing) Mattie, you're looking even better than I remember.
MATTIE (Chuckles) Flattery will get you everywhere, Ari.
Vic feels a bit awkward, realizing the lingering crush Ari has on Mattie.
VIC (Light-heartedly) Well, it's great you guys are back. Hollywood Arts always welcomes its alumni.
As the four of them share a moment in the wings, Leon, Vic, and Mattie seem comfortable, while Ari's crush on Mattie remains palpable.
ARI (Smiling) Guess some things never change.
They share a friendly laugh, but the unspoken tension between Vic and Ari lingers, creating an undercurrent of discomfort.
FADE OUT.
Jade smiled thinking this new addition to her script tied it all together nicely bringing characters full circle, and that was exactly the kind of dynamic storytelling they needed for "Just Vic."
Jade nodded in agreement. "This is much better. It connects the characters to the heart of the show and adds depth to the storyline. Great call, everyone."
As they filed out of the room, Jade couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The writer's room was where the magic happened, and she was determined to make "Just Vic" a show that would leave a lasting impact.
Jade and Tori discuss their ship.
The meeting room pulsed with the vibrant energy of creative minds. Jade, Vic, Sarah, and Emily gathered amidst scattered scripts, their discussions swirling around the potential of Just Tori's revival.
Vic, exuding a palpable enthusiasm, relished the chance to lead the charge on the show's resurrection. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation, ready to embrace the weighty responsibility that came with this endeavor.
"So, here we are—Just Tori, back in the game," Vic beamed, her excitement infectious.
Jade, her spirit equally ignited, nodded with conviction. "We're breaking molds here. Time to venture into uncharted territories."
However, amidst their fervor, a hint of skepticism lingered in Sara's gaze. As the seasoned writer among them, she furrowed her brow. "Are we really diving into the LGBTQ narrative full-on with our main character?"
Emily, ever the advocate for progress, chimed in with her perspective. "Why not? It's about time we move past the queerbaiting tropes."
Jade leaned forward, her determination unwavering. "Precisely. Now that we have an openly LGBTQ lead, let's make their journey authentic. Elitoria becomes the real deal."
With arms crossed, Vic couldn't resist challenging Jade. "Does it sit comfortably with you, Jade?"
Jade's response was swift and unequivocal. "If it didn't, I wouldn't have championed it. Besides, iSam took a step in this direction with a new character. We're merely leading with our main protagonist."
Emily, echoing the need for change, nodded in solidarity, but Sara, cautious as ever, hesitated at this bold leap into the LGBTQ realm.
"Are we ready for such a bold narrative leap?" Sara's reservation was evident.
But Emily countered with unwavering support. "It's 2026; let's celebrate love in all its forms."
Lost in contemplation, Vic mumbled to herself, feeling the weight of the decision. "I might actually have to come out."
Sensing Vic's internal conflict, Jade reached out, offering a reassuring squeeze of her hand. "I've got your back, Vic."
Their interaction held a depth of history, an unspoken acknowledgment of their shared journey.
"Alright, it's settled. The ship will set sail," Jade declared, her resolve firm.
As Sara, still guarded, exited the room, the trio remained, unwavering in their commitment to push the boundaries of storytelling.
In the hush that followed, the weight of their choices settled in, setting the stage for what lay ahead—a reimagined journey for Just Tori, poised to redefine television narratives in an era ripe for change.
Rob Convinces Andre to do more than a cameo
The dimly lit basement echoed with the clack of billiard balls as Andre leaned over the pool table, lining up his shot. Robbie lounged on the nearby couch, sipping his beer.
"Jade showed me a draft of what she has. You're all over the script, man," Rob remarked, watching Andre contemplate his next move. "You play Vic's best friend. The only friend that didn't totally abandon her. They want you deep."
Andre straightened up, eyeing the cue ball with a hint of contemplation. "I don't know if I can get attached for a long time."
"But you ain't no guest," Rob retorted, his tone firm. He leaned forward, placing his beer on the coffee table. "You're gonna be pivotal, man. They're counting on you."
Andre sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I hear you, Rob, but I've got a lot going on."
As Andre pondered his next shot, a familiar ringtone pierced the air. Cat's name flashed on Rob's phone screen. He shot a quick glance at Andre, who raised an eyebrow.
Rob hesitated before answering, giving Andre a cautionary look. "Hey, Cat... No, no, I'm not busy. Just hanging out with Andre. Yeah, the basement. Why?"
As Rob listened to Cat on the other end, Andre's curiosity grew. He leaned in, trying to catch snippets of the conversation. The realization dawned on him, and he shot Rob a surprised look.
Rob, attempting to mask his unease, continued the conversation. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be there in a bit. No, no problem at all."
Ending the call, Rob sighed, meeting Andre's gaze. "Look, man, you can't tell anyone about this, okay? Cat and I are keeping it low-key for now."
Andre smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Your secret's safe with me, Rob. But this is some juicy stuff. Never thought I'd see the day."
Rob chuckled nervously. "Seriously, Dre, not a word to anyone. It's still kind of a secret."
Andre nodded a playful grin on his face. "Don't worry, Rob. I'm a vault."