jencallaghan

[jencallaghan]

emmymovska.

“any chance you have any experience with breaking into someone else’s phone? i may have left my ex a drunkenly embarrassing voicemail that needs to disappear pronto.”

Breaking into someone else’s phone? That wasn’t a skill Jennifer had acquired, nor ever cared to. Frankly, it just seemed like it was an action that asked for trouble. Plus, technology wasn’t exactly her forte, so much so that she had to ask her loyal, so far unfazed assistant to set up all her devices. “Unfortunately for you, I don’t. I barely know how to use Instagram.” She laughed rather plainly, offering them a shrug. “The library on the next block seems to be teeming with computer nerds, perhaps there’d be a brave soul there to help you with your little task? But if I were you, I’d sit with the embarrassment. It happens to the best of us.” Did it really, though?

[jencallaghan]

sebastianmorales.

—

As Jen spoke, Sebastián couldn’t help but feeling he was simply along for the ride. It wasn’t a feeling he often indulged in most other areas of his life. He was used to being in control, preferred it. But with her, things were different. Everything was different, really. She was direct, and in a way, he simply wanted to follow wherever she led, free from all the ties that bound him down everywhere else.

He was quiet for just a beat too long before he shrugged, almost lazy. “I don’t know enough about ‘em. I guess I don’t have any room to judge. I’ve been known to swipe a smoke when I get too jumpy.” Holding her gaze for a moment, he smiled in return, his foot tapping hers beneath the table - subtle. “I’ve been fine. I don’t have to tell you how insane this Keaton story has been.” He shook his head then, almost regretful. “We don’t have to talk about work. We can talk about….” He shrugged, leaning forward, a little closer to her. “Anything else. Except the vape guys.”

Jennifer couldn’t help but admire the man before her - he was everything she loved in another person... intelligent, witty, charismatic, good. He was simply hypnotic to gaze upon, often causing her to avert her focus from his figure in the studio, otherwise the prying eyes of the CNN insiders may catch onto the weakness she’d developed. He was her weakness. He enthralled her, challenged her when it was needed... even though the logical part of her brain warned her to run, there was no way she could stray from him. In her life, it was certainly a first.

“Oh, don’t think I’m judging by any means. You’ve seen the bottom drawer in my dressing room, right? I’ve got a pack stashed away. I told my assistant I quit, but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” A light, almost sweet sounding laugh left her lips, which then curved into a smile as soon as she felt his foot graze hers, instinctually giving a nudge back. The playful flirtation felt natural, a chemistry that surely had to be sensed by the others surrounding them. If only Sebastián’s wife were to see them then! It left her wondering what Mrs. Morales made of the pair of them together, looking as if they were made for each other.

The mention of Aaron Keaton provoked a grimace from the blonde, her instant reaction to lift up her glass to take a much needed sip. Even just thinking about it exhausted her. It was definitely the story of the moment, taking up much of their recent air time. “Oh, darling, don’t even start me.” Darling. Good fucking work, Jen. Really fucking subtle.

“How’s the family?” A pause accompanied with a raised brow. “The wife know you’ll be home late?” Being Jennifer Callaghan, she simply had to pry. The topic of his wife and kids weren’t brought up too often, unless it was absolutely necessary. She may have been a serial mistress, but she did have a heart. Especially when there were children involved. Home wrecking was never her intention.

[jencallaghan]

[jencallaghan]

special delivery for @sebastianmorales

where: a bar in the Upper East Side

time: friday, 8pm

Friday nights, despite not being on camera again until Monday, were usually spent in the studio organising herself from the week ahead. It was a typical Jennifer thing to do. Overwork. She’d become used to using her career as a way to distract herself from the clusterfuck that had become her personal life. Tonight, however, the blonde found herself spending her evening in the company of a man who she’d become wholly consumed with genuine, heart-racing, butterfly inducing feelings for. Sebastián Morales. Even just catching his gaze made her feel like a lovesick school girl, and it felt utterly overwhelming. Had Jennifer Callaghan softened? Only time would tell.

“I don’t understand vaping.” She began, eyeing a pair of young men standing at the bar ingesting whatever ridiculous flavoured vape pen they’d got their hands on. “What is the point? It’s just as bad as cigarettes. I don’t see it as much of a healthier alternative.” A soft chuckle escaped, turning her attention back to the man across from her. It was a difficult feat to be alone with Sebastián in public without raising eyebrows, but sometimes it was nice to be able to spend time together outside of the confines of her apartment or dressing room at the studio. “But enough about that.” Shaking her head, she offered him a smile. “How have you been?”

[jencallaghan]

THROWBACK. The younger years.

[jencallaghan]

🚶

𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠.... 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂 𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒔-𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒏.

jennifer’s mother. sixty-five years old. retired human rights attorney.

The daughter of a businessman, the Ellis name was well-known across the country. Her father made his fortune as the CEO of a media company, setting up his wife, children and grandchildren for the lavish life he wasn’t lucky to have in his boyhood. He had always been passionate about giving back, and passed that onto Natasha who became a human rights lawyer, and unsurprisingly, she excelled in her field. To this day, she is still known for her work on several high profile cases.

Jennifer is a lot like her mother, and in some ways, that is a compliment, but in other ways, even just hearing those words cause the journalist to grimace. Natasha is a cold, aloof figure who’s job and the things she’d seen in her lifetime has her teeming with cynicism. Her heart is gold, but with her own scars and her loveless marriage, the spark she once had has diminished.

[jencallaghan]

ofhotheads-blog​:

Send me a 🚶 and I’ll introduce you to an NPC in my muse’s life.

[jencallaghan]

fruitblr​:

Rosamund Pike opens and eats a pineapple without a knife on Instagram (February 18, 2021)

[jencallaghan]

scnguineous.

Leaning on the bar counter, Nikolai watched as the potential customer he was talking to earlier made his way out, bringing the glass once again to his lips, returning it empty and placing on top of the counter.

The phone screen lit up, followed by a low growl from the man as he read the notification. Tucking the device back into his pocket, Nikolai was about to make his way out when he felt the small figure bump into him, frowning for a moment “No problem, Miss, I hope you didn’t get hurt” began, offering his best polite smile “Well, if that’s the case the next round its on me. What do you like to drink?”

A small smile formed on Jennifer’s face at the man’s gracious reaction. Perhaps her pessimism had plagued her too long for her to immediately expect a disgruntled response, especially from New Yorkers. “No, no, I’m perfectly fine.” She reassured, eyeing the man for a moment - still wracking her brain to place where she’d seen him before. Although, with her schedule teeming with events and parties, it was highly likely they’d simply crossed paths there. She was internally kicking herself for not getting to know him sooner. Handsome, tall, charming... he was just her usual type. Too bad she was unofficially off the market, but it didn’t hurt to admire the sight in front of her. “Ah, you’re too kind. Thank you.”  Making her way to the counter, she leaned against it for a moment. “Let me guess... you’re a Scotch drinker. For some reason I don’t take you as a wine sort of guy.”

[jencallaghan]

i know you like just what you see when i walk by,

you take your time and you travel my world with that look in your eyes.

[jencallaghan]

STATUS ╱ closed, special delivery for @scnguineous​

LOCATION ╱ barbarella bar.

“I don’t know what I’m doing here. I’m still in my work clothes, and I’m sticking out like a sore thumb,” Jennifer spoke quietly into her phone as she stepped inside Barbarella Bar for the first time. It wasn’t one of her usual haunts, and it showed. The eyes of patrons almost bore a hole inside the journalist’s skull... perhaps they recognised her, or simply noticed she felt vulnerable in a place where she felt she didn’t fit.

Pressing end call only to tuck the device into her purse, she made a beeline for the bar, her mind so set on getting some liquor into her system that she accidentally bumped into a taller figure. “Oh, god. I’m sorry.” She apologised, a faint smile meeting her eyes. Seemingly the man in front of her felt familiar, but she couldn’t quite place where they might’ve met in the past. “Ah, did you get any of the drink on you? I can buy you another one if you’d like. I’m not in my right mind today.”

[jencallaghan]

davestoll.

-

Why did nobody ever seem shocked when he revealed he was divorced? To look on the bright side, he supposed, it helped to ease any doubts he may have had about terminating the marriage, but those came far and few between as it was. Home life just didn’t seem to be something he was cut out for, and it never had, which was surely a subject his therapist could give some extensive thoughts on. In that regard, Jen fit into his life like a glove. Their priorities  were the same. They were both schmoozers, bullshitters, and neither of them tried to hide it from the other. It was a silent deal in the most political of ways, strictly business – except for when it wasn’t, of course.

“Seeing someone?” he repeated, shifting in his chair in order to face her better. David’s emotions always showed through in a muted way, which was exactly how he felt them: like the strain of watching a television show just one volume setting too low to make out the words being said. They were there, he could make them out, but they were background noise. The incredulity was present on his face, though, taking form in the shape of a smile. “Jennifer, I don’t think you could have said anything that would shock me more.” 

Dave sipped his drink, taking a quick glance around the room. Jen played the very public role of the spotless spokesperson just as well as he did, which made keeping an outward guise of professionalism easy. Still, he had to remember to be on his best behavior. “Bachelor life, sure,” he waved away her question with a lighthearted scoff. Marriage wasn’t likely to fit into his plans any time in the near future. “It’s kind of a bummer, actually – flirting with the interns just doesn’t have the same thrill anymore.” He quirked an eyebrow at her, his eyes flitting down her body. “So who’s the lucky man? I didn’t think the word exclusive was in your vocabulary.”

Eyes glued to the man like a hawk as she watched him react to her somewhat casual remark about what had been going on in her personal life. She couldn’t help the smirk resting on her face. “Really? It’s not that hard to imagine...” Her words were said jokingly, though, she’d never exactly ruled out finding the one. The timing had never been right, and neither had the men. Although, ever since becoming entangled with her latest beau, she felt that spark. Even envisioning a bright, happy future with him, but it didn’t seem possible. Now, though? She had sex, fine liquor, and lots of it. 

Dave was easy to be around. She’d enjoyed his presence from the moment they had become acquainted. In Jen’s line of work, it was hard to maintain a lot of friendships, but she had a bunch of people who meant a lot to her. He was one of them. His stupid jokes, that smile... it embarrassed her to even admit that he caused an affect on her. “I can imagine. It loses its excitement when the gold band is off your finger and the wife isn’t breathing down your neck.” Chuckling, she bit down on her bottom lip briefly. “You wouldn’t know him.” Probably a lie. “It’s not at the moment, but you never know...” There was a little hopeful glint in her eye as she spoke of her mysterious lover, but she knew it was best to let that topic rest.

“So... would an invitation back to my apartment lack the excitement now that you’re no longer spoken for?”

[jencallaghan]

Jennifer Callaghan’s official Instagram.

[jencallaghan]

manicxmemories.

Open to: Literally anyone Time: Afternoon/evening Location: Outside your character’s doorstep ((Please feel free to message me if you wanted to plot anything specific with it!))

Cyrus knocked on the door with intensity. He’d known at this point in his career that the strength of his knock could actually yield results, the harder it was the more likely someone would answer the door. If for anything, just to get him to stop. In her personal life, he was rather reserved, and soft spoken. But professionally he was able to speak with some authority, and push himself outside his comfort zone. The door opened slightly, and Cyrus pulled out with his free hand his badge to identify himself.  “Evening. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions? Something happened in this neighborhood. Any information I could get would be helpful,” he said. In his other hand was a manila envelope. containing one of the few leads he had. “I promise, it won’t take very long, do you mind?” he added, insisting he enter. If someone were to witness anything they were far more likely to admit it in the safety of their home, rather than a location where neighbors could see or hear. 

Clad in her activewear, Jennifer had just returned from a jog, her blonde hair looking as disheveled as ever, and she certainly didn’t feel up to entertaining any desks. All she had on her mind in that moment was an afternoon nap... or another strong coffee. 

As she pulled open the door tentatively, the blonde found herself to be rather surprised by the presence of a detective on her doorstep. If something had happened, surely she’d be the first person to know about it. “Oh! Yeah, sure. Is everything okay?” She questioned with a raised brow, moving to the side for the taller man to step inside. “I didn’t realise there was an incident, and honestly, I might not be much help... I’m at work more than I’m at home. I leave early, and come home late, but I’m happy to any questions you might have. I’ve also got security cameras, if that’ll help you with anything.”

She offered him a concerned smile before gesturing for him to follow her into the living room, a large open plan space adorned with only the finest decor money could buy. Even just by looking at her home, anyone would be able to tell she did well for herself.

[jencallaghan]

maureenkeaton.

She’d wanted to stop by and surprise Phoenix while he was at work - though, Maureen supposed, she should have expected that he might have been in a meeting, or otherwise busy, or, possibly, not even there. Except that all of those thoughts hadn’t fully occurred to her until she’d already gotten into the studio and gotten a pass - luckily she was a familiar enough face that security hadn’t even given her an ounce of trouble with getting a pass. Especially when she’d promised that she wasn’t here on business per day and that nothing she saw would go to the Times, unless they’d already gotten word of it.

The baked goods (wrapped, of course, in a knitted cozy) would hopefully stay fresh until Phoenix returned from wherever he was - if he even was anywhere else, because before she had even made it back to the offices, she ran into someone else, and by the time she’d made certain that the pyrex container hadn’t fallen on the ground, the other figure was apologizing and Maureen shook her head, looking up. Jennifer Callaghan. Of all the people to literally run into, it would have been her luck to run into one of the only people in the industry that admired in any way that came close to how she admired Aera. Maureen very much doubted that she’d ever admire anyone as much as she admired her editor-in-chief, but the fact that she’d almost made Jennifer Callaghan spill her coffee set her cheeks on fire.

“No - I’m sorry, I should’ve been looking out.” She shook her head. “I do have a pass.” She grabbed it, flipping it over in her hand to show the woman. “I was going to visit a friend - Phoenix? He - well, I baked some things and I wanted to see if he wanted to try them out.” She adjusted her grip on the container and stuck out a hand. “Maureen Keaton, I write for the Times.”

"It’s fine.” Jennifer reassured, her stern expression softening just a tad. Of course, she could be intimidating, but deep down, beyond the Armani suits and the razor sharp blonde bob, she was a reasonable person. Sometimes you just had to do a little digging, or if you were lucky, she’d see something special in you from first glance. 

The mention of her friend, Phoenix, caused the woman to raise a brow, wracking her brain to place a face to the name, although, she was met with little luck. There were so many people working at CNN, it was almost impossible to remember everyone. “What department does he work in? There’s a few different meetings going on at the moment, perhaps he’s in one of those. It’ll probably only be another twenty minutes... although, that’s a very loose estimate. It’s not uncommon for the meetings here to go for a little too long.” Her own words provoked a chuckle for her as she took another look at the other. “Otherwise I can send my assistant to find him for you.” 

Maureen Keaton. For some reason, that name seemed vaguely familiar. More so the surname. Had they met before? The revelation that she was a journalist opened up the obvious possibility, but after a few moments, the pieces of the puzzle begann fitting together. “You don’t happen to be related to Chief Keaton, do you?”

[jencallaghan]

davestoll.

–

A slight shake of his head served to refute her statement on Julian being a hard man to work for. He was, of course, but Dave rarely thought of the man as his boss. It was a question he’d gotten countless times, but all of the work he put in felt like a mutual effort. Operating from the shadows, pulling the strings behind the scenes and then performing their act to a hoard of ravenous journalists – he and the governor had it down to a complete science, and it worked well. 

The side-eye he shot her made it clear that her subtle snooping hadn’t gone unnoticed, but the look of amusement on his face still remained. “I trust him with my life. Great boss, amazing friend – the governor this great city deserves.” He met her eyes evenly as he purposely laid it on thick, cheeky smily in place. “And you can take that straight to CNN, princess.” In other words, that’s all you’re going to get. 

Around Jen, he always had to remain on high alert. While the certainly enjoyed each others’ company, he knew that she would take any bone he dropped and run with it without hesitation. It was what made her so dangerous – and challenging, which rendered her irresistible to him. 

David tapped his glass against hers. “Thrilled, eh?” He took a sip of his drink, keeping his eyes on her as he did so. “Well consider me thrilled as well. Usually I have to do a bit more work to get you excited.” The mention of his ex caused him to scoff. What’s her name. He held up his left hand in response, displaying his ringless finger. “Happily divorced. Shocked?” His divorce was fairly recent, but he kept himself so busy with work that he rarely had time to think about it – and therein lies where his marital problems stemmed from. “What about you? Sexting Prince Harry, or something along those lines?”

The subtle, light-hearted jibe thrown her direction in regards to her clearly not so stealth snooping caused the journalist to chuckle heartily. “Ah, thank you, Mr. Stoll, that’ll certainly make waves in our studio.” Over the years, she’d mastered the art of playful sarcasm. Initially acquiring it in her college years, as that particular genre of humor wasn’t a thing in her upbringing... or any type of humor, actually. The Callaghan family was proof that money couldn’t buy everything. Jen had at least made her efforts to conform into someone with a relatively decent, charming personality.

“I’m glad I’m met with enthusiasm, then.” Not that she doubted he was happy to see her, but because it meant she wasn’t simply another woman in his bed. That she, at least, made an impression on him beyond sexual gratification. Despite her influence and relevance, she often counted on adoration from others to build up her self-esteem. “I can’t say I’m shocked about the fact you got a divorce, but rather shocked that it took you this long.” A quiet laugh left her lips, then. In her opinion, Dave didn’t seem like the marrying type. When they were seeing each other, she assumed there were other women keeping him satisfied away from his other half. Men these days rarely seemed fit for marriage. At least that was Jennifer’s experience.

“Sexting Prince Harry? Please. He wishes.” She scoffed playfully, grimacing slightly at the thought. “I’m... seeing someone, if that’s what you’re asking.” Revealing details of the man in question wasn’t an option. She worked with him, and to top it all off, he had a wife. A CNN sex scandal would the last thing on earth she needed in her life. Why did all her relationships have to be so.... complicated? “It’s not exclusive yet, though. I’m not the type to rush in committed relationships so easily...” Taking a sip of her drink, she shrugged. “I assume you’re enjoying the bachelor life then? Unless you’ve found a second Mrs. Stoll?”

[jencallaghan]

WHO: @maureenkeaton

LOCATION: CNN studio

As per usual, CNN was a madhouse behind the scenes, a constant rotation of assistant scurrying through the halls to do their superior’s dirty work, stressed producers having scathing words to interns... it was never a dull day to be there, and in all her years there, Jennifer had become accustomed to it. In fact, she didn’t know anything else. A high-stakes environment was almost comforting to her.

“Cora, I need another coffee. Make it quick too, I have a dinner meeting I have to get to soon.” The blonde’s words sounded monotone as she handed her now empty coffee cup to the younger blonde assistant walking beside her. In the beginning of her career, she would have felt sick at the thought of barking orders at people, especially those who weren’t as high up in the studio’s hierarchy as she was. There was an blatant sense of entitlement about it. Utter disrespect. Perhaps she’d been in a man’s world, career wise, for too long. She hated that the prominence she’d obtained changed her in a way, and sometimes it took her friends and family to call her out on it for her to actually realise it.

Turning into the next walkway, the journalist felt herself clash with an unfamiliar figure. Blonde, tall... surely she would remembered this particular individual... surely they weren’t an intern. “Oh. Sorry.” She offered plainly, offering them a smile. “Do you have a pass to be back here?” Her eyebrows quirked curiously. She just had to check... the amount of crazy, far right-wing maniacs who tried to get into the studios was quite alarming. Although, this person certainly didn’t fit that description.