Page 28 of Cat's Outta the Bag

Alexis: Emergency girls’ day required. I think everyone’s off today, right?

Allison: Yes, but you’ll have to come here. It’s my weekend with the kids.

Tristan: I’ll get donuts, everything ok?

Alexis: Yes? No?

Alexis: Honestly, I don’t know how I feel. I just need my girls right now.

Kiki: We ride at dawn. I’ll bring the wine. And maybe a nutcracker?

***

“Ok, the kids are in the basement with their movie bribe. They won’t come upstairs unless they need more popcorn. Spill.”

We’re gathered in Allison’s cozy living room, Tristan and Allison sharing the couch, while I occupy the armchair, clutching a pillow like it’s a life vest. Nique is seated on the floor, ominously cracking walnuts. Apparently, she wasn’t just making a joke when she suggested bringing a nutcracker. I cringe as she joyfully cracks another. I really hope she isn’t imagining someone specific while she does that.

Taking a deep breath, I explain what happened. Starting with the paparazzi, Dr. Jordan’s comments, me picking up a shift, and our fight. If you could even call it that.

“I think I’m more upset by how quickly he just gave in? I never want him to think that he can’t have feelings about something, even if they’re directed at me or something I’ve done. How could that bode well for our future if he’s constantly stifling himself?”

All three sit back, quiet at first. Allison, probably unsurprisingly given her current marital status, chimes in first.

“Sweetie, you know I love you, right?” I nod. Allison has her mom voice on, which means I’m about to receive a bit of tough love. “Your job will ruin your relationship if you and Jason don’t sit down and establish some rules of conduct.” I open my mouth to argue, but she just puts her hand up, clearly not done.

“Phil and I are struggling right now because we didn’t do that and he let his work consume him to the point where I no longer had a husband and partner, but someone who occasionally slept in our bed and paid our bills. You need guardrails. A clear understanding of when, where, and how your job takes precedence over personal things. You two need to establish when it’s ok to skip something in favor of work, and when it’s not. The caveat being things that are life threatening, of course. But if you don’t have this conversation, you two will keep finding yourselves in this situation, and it might eventually break you.”

I nod, trying to absorb what she’s saying. She’s probably right, she and her husband have been in counseling for nearly a year now. This is probably something they learned in therapy.

“Allison’s right, you two need to be clear on what’s important to you both. You’re so used to only being beholden to yourself that it will probably take some trial and error to learn how to navigate things as a couple. But you’ll get there. And you’ll always have us to lean on.” Tristian reaches across and squeezes my hand. Her reassurance is a balm to my frayed heart. I love these women more than I can truly express.

“And if you can’t figure it out, I’ve got the perfect nutcracker to use. For intimidation purposes only, of course.” Kiki waves the heavy metal instrument around, winking, causing us all to laugh and groan at the same time. She’s definitely a ballbuster, and that’ll probably never change.

“Thanks, I feel better now. And you’re right, Jason and I need to talk about it in depth.” I take a healthy gulp of wine and turn toward Allison. “Now that we’ve solved all my problems, what about you and Phil? You’re coming to the end of the year you set. Any changes?”

Allison sighs and takes her own large sip. “Yes and no. In many ways, Phil has done everything I’ve asked. Shown me that he’s committed to healing our marriage and not letting his work get in the way again. But part of me isn’t ready to trust him. I’m feeling a little lost.”

“What has your marriage counselor said about it?” Tristan reaches over and takes her free hand, squeezing it like she did for me.

“Well, she’s encouraged me to let him back home. To trust him again. Because technically, he’s done everything that I’ve asked of him, and more. She says it’s unfair to not give him the chance to keep proving himself.”

“You know I’m the last person to jump to a man’s defense, but I’ve seen how amazing you and Phil are together, and I think your therapist is right. It’s time to let yourself be happy again.” We all turn and stare at Kiki like she’s suddenly grown two heads. “What? I can be nice to men when I want to. And if anyone with a penis deserves a second chance, it’s Phil. I mean come on, guys…. It’s Phil.”

We all nod because she’s not wrong. Phil is one of those guys who draws everyone into his sphere and makes them feel seen and welcome. When we first heard of their marriage troubles over a year ago, we were all shocked. I can’t describe the relief I feel for my friend that she and her husband seem to be making things work. If they can do it, so can Jason and I.

Chapter 22

Jason

The last twenty-four hours have been hell. So, when a hand suddenly claps my shoulder from behind, I nearly jump out of my skin. I have no idea how long I’ve been standing at the Craft Services table for. “Dude, jumpy much? You know you can have a donut. We’re not kids anymore, there’s no one on set who can chastise us for eating some sugar.”

I turn to find Eddie, a longtime friend and colleague, standing next to me, eyeing the donuts. Despite my shitty mood, I smile, exchanging a back slapping hug with him, “Hey, man. What’re you doing on set?” Eddie had left the Agent Smith franchise a couple films ago, so it’s been a while since he’s been on set.

“Didn’t you hear? They’re having Olena and I film a flashback scene. Apparently, the footage they already had didn’t quite fit the emotions they were looking to evoke for her final fight.” He shrugs, snagging a chocolate glazed donut and fitting the whole thing in his mouth. “It happened to fit into my schedule, so I don’t mind coming in and getting some extra cash. How’s filming going in general? Are you ready to say goodbye to Agent Smith?”

As he’s talking, a vague memory comes to the surface about adding some flashback scenes. Everyone wants to go out with a bang with this final installment. As for me? I’m just ready to set this franchise aside and move on. After nearly ten years, it’s time.

“Mostly ready. It’s definitely time to move on. I’m just not sure what’s next.”

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