Bloomington

Will Catherine leave?

Catherine and Jackie step out of Tommy's trailer, their faces filled with disbelief. They walk to Jackie's trailer, away from prying eyes.

Catherine paces back and forth in Jackie's trailer, frustration etched on her face. Jackie sits on the couch, her brows furrowed, as they engage in a heated conversation.

CATHERINE (stunned)

I can't believe he reacted that way, Jackie. I thought he would understand and respect our relationship.

JACKIE (disheartened)

I know, Catherine. It's like a slap in the face. We trusted him, and now it feels like everything's changed.

Catherine reaches out, taking Jackie's hand in hers.

CATHERINE (agitated)

Maybe... maybe I should just go back to Bloomington, Jackie. It's clear that my presence here is causing more tension with Tommy and the entire situation. I don't want to hinder your work or jeopardize your career.

Jackie's eyes widen in disbelief, her voice tinged with frustration.

JACKIE (angry)

Are you seriously suggesting that you should just leave? After everything we've been through, you think it's best to walk away?

Catherine stops pacing and looks directly at Jackie, her expression conflicted.

CATHERINE (defensive)

No Jackie I don't want to leave. I never want to leave unless you are coming with me. But I cannot help but wonder if the next few months will be easier if I am not here/ I don't want him to make things harder on you. It's just... It feels like my being here is causing more harm than good. Maybe it's better if I give you space to focus on your work without any distractions.

Jackie stands up abruptly, her emotions pouring out.

JACKIE (frustrated)

Distractions? Catherine, you are not a distraction! You are a part of me, a part of my life. I can't imagine my world without you. You're not someone I can just let go.

Catherine's eyes soften, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and love.

CATHERINE (teary-eyed)

Jackie, I love you, and I want what's best for you. If that means giving you space to navigate this situation, then maybe it's what I should do.

Jackie steps closer to Catherine, her voice trembling with emotion.

JACKIE (emotional)

What's best for me is having you by my side, Catherine. We face challenges together, and we find solutions together. I can't bear the thought of losing you. Please, don't entertain the idea of leaving.

Catherine takes Jackie's hands in her own, her grip gentle yet firm.

CATHERINE (softly)

I don't want to leave, Jackie. But I also don't want to cause more harm than good. We need to find a way to navigate this, together.

Jackie nods, her eyes filled with determination. They share a tender embrace, as Jackie places a soft kiss on Catherine's lips. Having so much tension between them and not knowing what comes next adds passion to that kiss as Catherine deepens the kiss and embraces Jackie tighter to show her that she wants her more than anything.

--

After calming down they decide to head out and go see Wade in order to keep him in the loop about their situation with Tommy.

Catherine and Jackie walk into Wade's office, Wade looks up from his desk, sensing the seriousness of their presence.

WADE (surprised)

Catherine, Jackie, what brings you here?

Catherine takes a deep breath, her voice steady.

CATHERINE

We need to talk, Wade. It's about Tommy and the situation surrounding his behavior.

Jackie steps forward, her gaze fixed on Wade.

JACKIE

We saw Tommy today at the studio as you know. Decided to tell him that Catherine and I are together and that we would appreciate it if he acted professionally and kept our off-screen act to a minimum.

CATHERINE (cuts in)

We expected him to respond in a more friendly manner, considering that he sees Jackie as a friend. But instead, we were met with aggression. He went on to say that Jackie is meant to be with him instead of me and that he will wait for her.

JACKIE

I basically told him to not have any fantasies and we walked out. But I am worried Wade. I don't want to cause drama but I can't help but think he will try to do something to mess with my relationship.

Wade leans back in his chair, with a concerned look on his face.

WADE (sincerely)

I'm sorry to hear that, Jackie. I wasn't aware of the extent of the issue.

JACKIE

We need your support, Wade. We need you to address this issue with Tommy and make it clear that his behavior is unacceptable.

Wade nods, understanding the gravity of the situation.

WADE (rest assured)

I appreciate you both coming forward with this. I will have a serious conversation with Tommy about his conduct. No one should feel uncomfortable or compromised in the workplace.

Catherine and Jackie exchange a glance, a sense of relief washing over them.

CATHERINE (grateful)

Thank you, Wade. In the meantime, Jackie and I were thinking about maybe renting out a place to stay in for the next few months until Jackie is done shooting.

JACKIE

We just want to be able to keep as much of our privacy as we can. Especially with this whole mess regarding Tommy, we don't want to be living close to the studio.

Wade rises from his chair

WADE

You have my word, Jackie and Catherine. I'll address this issue with utmost seriousness. And as far as your living situation, I'll contact a few agents I know and get them in touch with you. Maybe they can show you a few properties they have.

JACKIE & CATHERINE

Thank you, Wade. We will appreciate it if you could do that for us.

As they are about to walk out of Wade's office, Wade calls Jackie.

WADE

Hey Jackie... I know Mark is not here anymore, and I can never replace him. But you have my word that I will protect you. It is the least I can do.

Jackie gives Wade a hug, making sure he knows that she appreciates his kind gesture. She pulls away, and heads towards the door where Catherine is waiting for her. The two head back to the car and drive back to the hotel.