Bloomington

Betrayal?

Jackie stands in front of the camera, trying to muster a smile for the promotional shoot. Her mind, however, is consumed with worry for Catherine and Ethan. Tommy notices her distracted demeanor.

TOMMY (concerned) Hey, Jackie, you seem a bit off today. Is everything okay?

Jackie's eyes flicker with a mix of emotions, hesitant to reveal too much.

JACKIE (trying to keep it together) Something urgent came up. Catherine had to fly back to Bloomington for a family matter. It's just a lot to handle right now.

Tommy's face lights up with an opportunity, his eyes narrowing with intent.

TOMMY (sympathetic) Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Jackie. If you need someone to talk to or help you through this, I'm here for you. We could grab dinner after the shoot, just to take your mind off things.

Jackie hesitates, feeling torn between her loyalty to Catherine and the desire to escape her worries for a brief moment.

JACKIE (politely) Thank you, Tommy, but I really need to focus on taking care of things at home. It's important to be there for Catherine right now.

Tommy, undeterred, takes a step closer to Jackie, his voice filled with insistence.

TOMMY (persistent) I understand, but let me be there for you, Jackie. I care about you. Don't push me away when you need someone by your side.

Jackie's patience wears thin, her voice growing firmer as she asserts herself.

JACKIE (resolute) Tommy, I appreciate your concern, but I need to handle this on my own. I have responsibilities and commitments. Please respect that.

Tommy's face falls momentarily, disappointment evident in his eyes. However, he quickly regains his composure, offering an alternative solution.

TOMMY (suggestive) Alright, Jackie. How about I come with you and help out? I'm sure Catherine wouldn't mind having some extra support. We can all be there for Ethan together.

Jackie sighs, realizing that reasoning with Tommy might take more time and effort than she can afford right now.

JACKIE (reluctantly) Fine, Tommy. If you insist on coming, just remember that Catherine and Ethan are my priority. I need to go home, cancel our weekend plans, and book a flight to Bloomington for the weekend. But please, respect my boundaries and my relationship.

Tommy nods, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes as he agrees.

TOMMY (trying to reassure) Of course, Jackie. I'll be there for you in any way you need me to.

As they wrap up the photoshoot, Jackie can't shake off the heaviness in her heart. She knows that the coming days will bring challenges, but she's determined to prioritize Catherine and the well-being of Ethan. Jackie and Tommy head out from the studio and take Jackie's car to the hotel. They hop out of the car and Jackie tells her driver that she won't be needing him for the rest of the night since she does not plan on going out. She has to go and take care of the weekend plans since she will have a busy week until then.

Jackie enters the room, her mind preoccupied with the impending tasks she needs to handle. Tommy follows closely behind, observing her with a mix of curiosity and hidden motives. Jackie begins searching for her laptop charger, her frustration evident.

JACKIE (frustrated) Ugh, where did I put that charger? I need to get things organized for the weekend trip. It's always a mess when I'm in a rush.