Original subtitles

Previously on Love Is... There's something different about you.

I got a man, okay?

My man's name's Yasir.

I don't want them to think of you as just another guy I'm dating.

You have a generous heart. And there are times when it's just wide open, and

that's a good thing. But you do have to be discerning about who you give it to.

I'm gonna tell my daddy that you left me in L .A. for another woman.

I appreciate you helping me out. I've been carrying you longer than Jordan's

been carrying the bulls. Except I ain't got no rings to show for it.

Find out if he steps on your toes, or if he can lead, or if he knows how to let

the spotlight be on you.

What are the last books you read?

Fire Next Time by James Baldwin.

I mean, recent books.

Did you read A Game of Thrones?

I haven't got around to that. Tuesdays with Maureen?

No. Laurel K.

Hamilton's Bloody Bones.

I don't make reading about white people my priority.

It's about a boogeyman.

Is he black?

Thank you for coming in so early today. You are one of several great candidates

and you will hear from us soon.

This is my fourth interview.

You sure you don't want me to demonstrate my book shelving abilities?

No, we know you can do the job.

It's shelving books.

Today was something of a chemistry experiment.

You did great.

Demetrius. Back then, the corporate culture had termed diversity higher.

Before that, it was urban. And before that, it was African -American, Negro,

colored, nigger. Any attempt to define the other.

It had us lined up like toothpicks, matches in a box. Anyone would do. Just

one and use it accordingly.

Well, I'm not a toothpick.

I'm not a match in a box.

I'm a man.

And that's what I wanted and needed Nuri to see.

So I decided to outmaster the master and go back and get that job.

That's a really good one.

Yeah, I bet. Enjoy.

You do know I just interviewed with you?

Yeah. Yeah, sir.

Yes, sir.

Why, did you come back to school me on more black literature?

No, I came to thank you. Just so we're clear, you did not get the job. I know,

know. I meant for the opportunity.

I just... I'm sorry.

I screwed up. I just quit smoking.

Dude, dude, me too.

And it is killing me.

Yesterday, I murdered an old woman in my head for paying with pennies.

I'm on the edge, too.

I just take the interview to a job I really wanted.

Just talking about cigarettes makes you want to smoke one.

I got a Lucy in the office if you want to head out back.

Tempting.

But I made a promise to my girl.

That's beautiful.

I just want to stop coughing up brown stuff.

You know, I could use a battle buddy in this war on nicotine.

And that book you're holding? 40 % off.

With an employee discount.

Hmm? Stop lying.

You want it?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Come on.

Come over here for a minute.

Ooh.

Ramadan is over.

I finished back today, so it's my Eid.

Eid marks the end of Ramadan, right?

Right. And as I remember, it's filled with feasts and celebration and gifts.

Yes, it is. I like food and gifts. Would you give me?

Sorry. I think I messed up your presentation.

Allah promised that with 30 days of fasting and atonement, blessings will

You are my blessing.

My gift from Allah.

So, here's your feast, pasta and wine.

And here's your gift.

The art of dramatic writing.

A great writer can only be greater.

Thank you.

I got that with my employee discount.

I don't know what to say.

If I knew it was eat, I would have gotten it.

Wait. Employee discount like a discount you get when you're an employee?

Like an employee with a job.

You caught that. And a paycheck?

I hope so.

Oh, my God, baby.

I know you don't like being called baby, but my baby's got a job.

Find everything okay? Yep.

I like it.

I told you.

All you needed was your mama to help you focus and get it done.

I don't know what you were doing buying that ugly used mess you bought.

Well, this is vintage.

And newly reupholstered.

Oh, look who's here.

He got a key.

Hi, baby.

Mary, come on now.

I'm sorry.

Hi, manly man.

Ah, that's more like it.

Well, hello. Well, hello yourself.

Mommy, meet your Sierra. Your Sierra, meet Mommy.

It's Carol. And give me a hug.

Handshakes don't tell you nothing.

Okay.

Good energy.

It's nice to finally meet you, Carol.

I've heard a lot about you. As I have you.

Well, don't you two look cute.

So what's this?

Oh, my new sofa.

Oh, pink sofa.

Yeah.

I think I finally got it right two sofas later.

Yeah, that'll look great in your office.

What about out here?

Nah, the other one's more neutral. The pink one is too creative, which is why

will look great in your office.

And this is also her space.

And I'm blessed that she's sharing it with me.

You really think my pink one will look better in the office?

I do.

You know, I admired Desir right away.

His ability to be decisive, his directness were sexy.

Oh, my. Very sexy.

But also intimidating.

I was very indecisive in my 20s, and I have come to accept that as part of my

process. But back then, I felt small around him.

For me, life was still about roses, fashion magazines.

But he opened my eyes to so much more.

Anything interesting?

Yeah.

I'm reading about how Frantz Fanon encouraged the colonized to reject the

dehumanizing domination of Western culture because that culture corrupted

leaders of the decolonized state, making them put their own interests above the

interests of the people.

Oh.

Deep stuff.

What are you reading about?

Paula Abdul marrying Brad Beckerman.

I was very smart.

Well, the most interesting thing about me at the time was what I had

accomplished. I had a Northwestern degree, a house, a career.

But around him and his foreign films.

Suddenly, I didn't accept my intelligence next to his.

So, I hear the sex is good.

Mom? Yes, it is.

Only thing is, I hear you go a little too long.

We're really close, and she's way out of line.

I didn't know that.

That would have been a nice critique to hear from Nuri. But it's in all effort

to make sure that she's as satisfied as I am. Excuse my language.

It ain't need me to be no minute man.

Well, just don't keep my baby up too long. Oh, don't worry.

We'll make sure that she get to work on time.

I'm fine with it.

I just am trying to learn to pace myself.

Mom. What?

Okay. All right, all right. Easier question.

What are you guys doing for Valentine's Day?

I don't celebrate corporate holidays.

Really?

I mean, Valentine's is a harmless holiday.

Actually, it's very harmful.

Before I'm done paying off all my Christmas debt, I'll be pressured to buy

plane ticket to the Big Apple, watch the ball drop with millions of people who

are looking to kiss a stranger for good luck so they can lose all that New

Year's resolution weight just in time to find a date to Olive Garden for

Valentine's Day.

What's wrong with celebrating love?

Nothing. But why should I be told when, where, and how to celebrate it?

It's a tradition.

Oh, we have our tradition.

We read books.

We listen to music, we watch movies, we hike, we go to the farmer's market, I

cook, she clean.

Our lives are filled with tradition.

I do feel loved every day.

So are you cool with no valentines?

If you want to celebrate it, we can do that. Do you want to celebrate it?

Guys, guys, can I just take in the fact... But the woman I love most in the

world is finally meeting the man that I love most in the world. Yeah, yeah,

yeah. But do you want to celebrate Valentine's Day? Inquiry reminds one to

Nuri. Well, not if he doesn't want to.

It's not that important to me.

Plus, we have our tradition.

Oh, yeah. What's that?

Me, my mom, my sister, my Aunt Audrey, and my Grandma Diddy, we have a single

ladies' day.

Oh, that's beautiful.

That sounds cool.

Yeah, it's fun.

My sister doesn't come anymore.

She has a boyfriend.

And I guess now that you have one, you don't have to come anymore either.

Grandma Diddy and them sounds like they'd be a lot more fun than I would

Well, all I'm saying is start like you want to finish.

So y 'all talk these things through and decide what y 'all want to do about this

and the couch.

That's good advice.

Thanks, Carol.

I may want to try the couch in the other room.

Hey, where are you going?

I'm going to whip up something to eat.

Oh. We would love if you'd stay for dinner.

Oh, no, I'm sorry.

I can't.

Okay. Again.

It was nice meeting you.

You're right.

Handshake don't tell you nothing.

That first meeting with Carol brought out every insecurity I had in my life.

I was earning a minimum wage.

Nuri was buying another sofa because she simply couldn't make up her mind.

I felt small.

I felt I wasn't a man.

I was so broke, I would take still water and shake it up to make it sparkling.

For real.

I didn't have any money in my pocket.

I just walked home from the bus, and she had just bought another couch because

she could not make up her mind.

She was light years ahead of me. First step.

And Carol knew it.

Balanced checkbook.

Balanced budget.

Mom's in the back.

What's the rate of it?

Oh, that just shows that I still owe my house and college loans.

But two months from now, there'll be no red in my loans either.

My whole life was in the red,

emotionally, financially.

Even my face was red with embarrassment because I had never balanced a budget

before in my life. The closest I came to anything like that was an argument I

had with the state about wage garnishment over child support.

And Nuri was taking bids for kitchen and bathroom remodels and trying to figure

out the costs of how to create a great room without ruining the integrity of

house. I mean, the house had more confidence than I did.

I couldn't contribute anything.

And watching her talk with the contractor, I felt like a child watching

two adults talk about grown folks' business.

So I'm like, tonight is about to be on like Gary's shirt.

My mama gave me this shirt. You need to give it back to her.

Make her wear it.

Just saying, you guys are suckers for buying into Valentine's Day.

Damn right I'm a sucker.

I'm going to be getting licked like a blow pop when my wife sees these

And then your father will be able to get a little peace and quiet, right?

Anthony, you have nobody, so your life is still a peace and quiet.

Finish him.

Yo, but for real, I'm with Nuri.

Valentine's Day is kind of for the birds. Well, Gary, that's just because

there's no love left in your marriage, right?

Valentine's Day isn't even about love.

It's about corporate dollars, cards, candies, and anatomically incorrect

-shaped jewelry.

Hey, is that what your man be feeding you? Because that sounds like some grade

-A pimping.

She is not running game normally. Oh, trust me. He is running a marathon.

All around your ass.

Valentine's Day is the biggest hurdle for a brother trying to create.

True. You look confused.

I am not confused. Let me help you. I am not confused. I am not confused.

It's very simple.

See, if you spend February 14th with a woman, y 'all go together. Period.

Look, the slogan is be mine.

But if you tell her, baby,

my grandmama just died. Oh, my God. I think I'm going to need some space.

I've got to out.

You give it a slip, and you live to fight another day.

I'm telling you. I call foul. A guy wouldn't fake his grandma's death to get

of a holiday.

Wrong. Man, I got dead grandmas for every occasion.

Listen to us.

Every brother got two blood grandmas.

Four plague grandmas.

Six church grandma.

Big mama. With the penny candies and that messed up hand.

See, that means he got 12 years of running dead granny before he got to

down and get his stuff together.

Come on.

He's playing you.

Plus, if Angela was here, she would confirm it.

Damn, I was on fire. Okay,

was the recorder going?

Oh, no, no, the battery was dead.

Where the hell is it? Will, bring your...

with wrangling ass on there.

All right, we got to write all that down for Marvin for later.

All right.

Padawan. Mm -hmm?

Good job getting the ball rolling.

Thanks for getting played.

The guys wouldn't let up about it either.

They're making a whole episode at my expense.

That's terrible.

But still kind of funny.

I 100 % disagree.

Oh, they just mad because you're unavailable now.

You got a real man now.

Instead of one of them busters you was dating.

The writers don't want me. They're like my brothers.

Who?

Giving a chance.

We'll hook up with their sister.

Ew.

Happy Valentine's Day, lover.

I always wanted to focus on this.

LaShawn, you in there, girl?

Ah, there you go.

Watch and learn, virgins.

She opens up the card, and inside, two tickets to Hawaii.

Does she get to take a better -looking, more successful guide? Otherwise, that

does not sound like a good gift. Shut up, Steph. We're here looking like a

nightmare. Let me get a couple of roses, man. Flowers for Angela. Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

Who's that from?

A secret admirer.

Oh. Oh.

Real suspect, Angela.

Call it sick, and now you're getting packages delivered?

HPD. Thank you, Norman.

Very sweet of you.

Oh, wait.

Oh, God, you don't observe Valentine's Day.

Oh, you look like you could use two.

Really?

Y 'all got to come outside and see what Big Papa got for me.

All right, go on. Get it started, baby.

Showtime.

Come on, Birdie. I have no idea. All right.

If you're going to do it, do it.

Angela? Eric?

What the hell are you doing up here?

You know this is where I come when the poor decisions I make in life start to

bother me.

Oh.

Well, I was here first.

You don't even know him like that.

Let me help this girl find herself real quick.

Then we'll finish this in my office.

Angela, what are you doing?

Valentine's Day?

I've been stressed on script.

I need to get broke off.

Can I tell you a secret?

What? That you love Valentine's Day, but you ain't doing it? Because you're

trying to please your man?

How'd you know? Because you're in love, stupid.

Am I that predictable?

Everyone knows Valentine's Day is a corporate holiday.

You see, I ain't blowing nobody's mind with that revelation.

He was so convincing, though.

This might just be a piece of paper.

And some ink.

With a poem and a dash of glitter.

But it made me feel like that.

Even if it was just for one day.

That's the mark.

That's a lot.

I guess you got to go all out with the gift when you just want to show your

woman that you love her once a year.

When you get an Aston Martin with a tricked -out sound system, it's kind of

if you get a gift once a year.

You want an Aston Martin, Nuri, with a tricked -out sound system?

Sometimes.

The interior was butterscotch leather.

It was perfect.

I'm learning all kinds of things about you today, huh?

It looks good.

Do you need help with anything else?

No, that's it.

Okay. Well, your people will be over here shortly, so I'm going to go ahead

get on out of here.

Have fun. I'll see you tomorrow.

You going to Ruby's?

I'm going to my spot.

Which is Ruby.

Don't do that.

Don't do what?

I do still technically live there.

I know I'm over here all the time, but I do live there. I'm going to my spot.

On Valentine's Day.

On a day which I do not celebrate.

But you're going to be with your ex on the day for Lover's.

If I believe in that.

Babe, it's just any old day to me.

February 14th. I'm just going over there to give you some space so you can spend

some time with your family, that's all.

I mean, do you want to cancel with your mom and then hang out with me?

No.

Then I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah. Is that you?

Spring cleaning?

Out with the old, in with the new.

Found a pack of smokes under the couch.

Yeah, I'm trying to quit.

Health is wealth.

Guess what?

I got a job.

Really?

Congratulations.

Got rid of me, got you a new life, huh?

Hi, it's Audrey. Long time no see. Yeah, honey, we need to talk.

Oh, hey. How you been? Oh, I'm doing well. You would know that if you called

stopped by to see me a little more than you do.

I'm sorry, I've been working. I know you've been working. Well, don't be a

stranger. How you doing? I can't complain.

Oh, yes, you can.

Okay, Auntie Audrey, what are you about to say that will probably hurt my

feelings? Well, I... Hold on.

Okay, now I have my flogation on.

The only thing I want to know is why the hell you let this man off the hook on

Valentine.

Auntie, can we drink more first?

And I see you done lost some weight behind this man who's got your nose wide

open. Auntie, he's a really good guy.

Look.

He got me an owl bookmark for Eve.

Girl,

this is an earring taped to a piece of string.

Well, you can't see the beauty in it if you're looking for something else.

She shut you up. Thank you, Grandma Diddy.

Now, for real, what's going on between you and this boy? Yaseer doesn't observe

this holiday.

But from what I hear, he is observing his ex -girlfriend right now. It's where

he lives, and they're just friends.

It has been 24 hours.

You talk too much.

Hurry, am I supposed to lie when they ask about your love life?

Listen, it's going to pay off in the long run. Don't smother him. Because

is the foundation of any relationship.

Thank you, Grandma. Yes. I like Yaseer. I think he's well -mannered, he's

articulate, highly educated, and very handsome.

Carol, you just described a sociopath. He's a really good guy, okay?

This month with Yaseer has been more fulfilling than...

Any month with every guy before him.

Oh, yeah?

How?

Because he makes me happy.

Oh, so does Malik Yoba every Thursday night on Fox.

But I didn't let that man move into my house. I just let him come by once a

week.

And I hear he's got a kid, too. Oh, Lord, now don't tell me that. Tell me it

ain't so. Why did you do this? Because we are trying to save you.

You're right.

Honey, he's using you. No. He's making you look stupid.

Love does that, Auntie.

Isn't that why all of you are still single?

Okay. Now, see, Carol, that's all that private schooling.

And stripped away all her home training. You said you loved Jaseer.

Why did you lie about liking him? Why would you lie about not liking

Day? I didn't lie. I'm celebrating it right now. No.

You're celebrating Singles Day.

So you must be single.

Okay, fine.

You want to know the truth? I would rather be with you here today. Well,

admitting it is the first step. So that I didn't have to spend it with any of

you. Oh, hallelujah, damn.

I'm glad somebody finally said it. Because I am tired of this lame -ass

tradition slash drive for JJ party we've been having since 91.

Now, the first year was cute.

But now, we are just pathetic.

I could be at home in bed with a bowl of popcorn watching Wheel of Fortune.

I'm sorry, Grandma. I had too much champagne.

No, you didn't. Don't drink alcohol.

Don't ever make excuses for how you really feel.

Life is too damn short.

Well, at least mine is.

Okay? No, I am just happy we can go.

Oh, come on, Audrey. Maybe we can still catch the final showcase.

Let's get out of here.

Okay, bye, baby.

Okay.

Bye, sweetheart.

Bye, baby.

Happy Valentine's Day.

For my time.

Love you.

Can't we go in and just air everything out?

I'm good.

We're really not.

No, we are.

I have flashbacks, but I'm happy you got a job.

What is it?

Stocking books.

It's minimum wage, but it's a step in the right direction.

At least you can finally walk on your own two feet.

I have to admit, it does feel good.

I bet.

Speaking of being on your own feet, somebody's all held up.

On the outside.

You still want to air it all out?

Why are you here?

Because I thought we were roommates.

I want to fix a week deal and I got three weeks left. Two.

Two? Mm -hmm.

You're confusing me.

Just when I start to unravel from you, you pull my string

and show up on Valentine's Day.

And I allow myself to think in that brief moment that

maybe, maybe, maybe she just... You know, if he don't shake it, you're going

bounce back to me. You're the one that's confusing.

You haven't even looked my way until somebody else wanted me.

Let's stop. No, let's not stop. I get it. No, you don't get it. I thought we

were airing it out.

Okay, go ahead.

Ruby, you don't want me.

I laid on that couch for five months, and you touched me twice.

I directed that yoga video for you. That you never finished. We didn't finish

editing it because we ran out of money.

But maybe now that I'm back on my feet, maybe we can put a budget together and

figure out how to finish it.

I still believe in it.

And it can help both of us. See?

There you go again talking about us. Come on, T. I can't win, man. I can't

The loser, okay? You're the loser. Yeah, because the real is you're probably

going to go win with her.

You quit smoking.

You got a job.

And what pisses me off is that I'm the one who got you ready.

Ruby.

I'm not kicking you out, and I'm not confused anymore. Thank you. Thank you

clearing that up.

Okay? But I just can't see your face for about an hour.

So if you have somewhere else to be, go be there.

Sorry.

Okay, you have to help me understand this.

And I will.

You've known this guy less than a month, right? Correct. And you need to drink

this, Mom, so you don't get hungover.

Why are you already putting his needs ahead of your own?

He doesn't celebrate the holiday. Big whoop.

You know what? You have been so disrespectful to me behind this boy.

boy. Well, is he a man?

Oh, because he doesn't make a six -figure salary? Suddenly he's not a man?

You know what? I'm just going to go in and say this.

I think you need to go to New York, sit down, and rework that five -year plan

you had with Derek. Instead of running around here all willy -nilly with some

guy who's just getting started in his life. I can't even get Derek on the

to break up with him.

His fear is right here.

And he wants me.

That's because he ain't got nowhere to go.

He does, and he's there right now. He was just homeless, and then you give him

the keys to the city.

Laurie, don't be so desperate to keep Yaseer around that you give him

everything. Mom, he's not like my father.

Really?

Because that's exactly who he looks like.

Yaseer's a Muslim.

Your father was a Muslim.

Your father was charming.

And for a split second, Yaseer had me thinking about grandchildren.

Mom. Your father had multiple women.

Yaseer has me. And that other woman he lives with, Nuri.

I don't need a man up all under me 24 -7. Or support financially.

Sure, I'd love an Aston Martin.

But I'd rather drive my Jeep into the ground with Yaseer.

He cooks for me every day.

He's stimulating. He challenges me.

I already found real love, Mom.

Why would I risk that to have a Valentine for one day?

If I wasn't so damn tipsy, I'd have a better comeback.

I really believe we have a future together.

And I need my mom to be there for me.

And not always rewinding her own fears.

Hey, what you doing here, bro?

What you doing here?

Camille wanted herself some chocolate cake after having herself some chocolate

cake.

You're stupid, man.

Yeah, I am.

I didn't wear a condom.

Now I'm going to be anxious for the next 28 days.

The amount of time it takes to do good to a brother.

Rosie's for your partner?

No, thanks.

Oh, you think that...

Oh, nah, man, yeah, I don't sleep that way. Besides, he wouldn't treat me

Why is everybody so worried about this stupid -ass holiday?

Look at these people.

Just going through the motions on what they were told love is.

Man, they cheap.

It's tradition.

And if you keep breaking these traditions, you will continue to mix

the women of your life.

What?

You're hiding behind a facade that you don't celebrate holidays and really

you're just too broke to buy a flower.

You out here with your rebound.

Nuri's not a rebound.

I love her.

Oh, really? If it's so real, then how come I haven't met her yet? I mean, I'm

your bestie. My what? Your bestie. It's a new word I'm trying out. It means best

friend.

I'm not your best friend. Guys don't have best friends.

You're either my homie or my nigga. Okay, fine, whatever.

I'm just saying, in a month, I have no idea what this woman is to you. Yeah,

you met her. No, I didn't. But you've seen her.

Barely. Where? What do you want me to do? Well, nothing, man.

That's like you not getting to meet Mia.

Don't do that, man.

That ain't the thing, Sean. Don't do that.

How? Nori's your baby, right?

And even Ruby got to meet her before I did.

What the hell are you talking about?

Nori came looking for you a couple weeks back.

Stop lying.

She did.

Camille told me, Ruby told her, and now I'm telling you.

Why wouldn't Nori tell me?

Because she's confused.

You're not even claiming her on a date that she's supposed to be claimed.

Now, as your friend and expert on women, you can talk all that corporate holiday

crap, but you know in your heart that girl wanted to spend her Valentine's Day

with you.

So you need to go acknowledge that before somebody else will.

It's just here.

Nuri, he's going to have to sleep on the sofa because I'm going back to bed.

I'm too tired to drive home. Mom, I'm not going to make you leave. Okay.

It's five minutes to midnight, so it's still officially Valentine's Day.

I'm okay with it.

No, I'm not okay with it.

I got to make room for you in my life, Nuri.

So I claim that every day is Valentine's Day.

Well, February 14th is a day, too.

That shit will be spent with you because let's be real, Nuri.

I hit the jackpot with you.

Yeah, you did.

And you can never have too many flowers.

How'd you know these were my favorite?

They were all over your vision wall.

Okay.

Every couple should have a song.

So when I hear it, I think of you, and when you hear it, you think of me.

Will you accept this as our song, Mary?

Mary, I'm arrogant.

And I'm realizing that it takes a lot to love me.

Thank you for making room in the heavens.

And in your beautiful heart for me.

Happy Valentine's Day.

I smell mad.

Happy Valentine's Day, baby.

When you get a bath, bony on Valentine's Day.