Original subtitles

Feels light, doesn't it?

It's the weight of a whole life.

Mr. Gershon's last will and testament.

May he rest in peace.

I'm sorry he passed.

He was a pisser.

Listen.

Our clients trust us from the cradle to the grave,

which means some pretty brutal conversations

while they're still alive.

You know, from their first marriage to their best marriage.

Through divorces, businesses.

We help them in every step of life

and all the steps after.

We basically give them the legacy that they want

to leave behind.

Hm, sounds like some kind of calling.

Well, that's because it is.

You know, we're therapists,

advisors, executioners.

We have to tell the heirs who gets left out of the story.

It's not just any contract.

-I hear you. -Mm, good.

Gershon's daughter wants us to continue handling the estate,

starting with her own will, which I want you to draft.

I appreciate the faith you're putting in me.

Well, color me surprised.

Stop by and put your hands in the dirt again, Congressman.

The community garden's popping.

I will. I'm guessing you need more funding.

We have all the volunteers and dirt that we need,

but everything else?

Let's see what we can do.

We're lucky to have you.

And it's a blessing to serve the community.

-Keep coming to the polls. -It's on the garden calendar.

Oh, thanks again. Please excuse me.

Got your text.

If you just wanted my vote,

you could have sent me a robocall.

But no, you wanted to do this in person

so you could read me the riot act.

Right?

Okay, spill.

What?

I know she's my mom,

but you can tell me how awkward it was

when I left you with her at Winterfest.

Look, I am the creator of this completely cringe situation

that I found myself in, so I had to live in it.

I am the one who made the grand declaration to Andre,

knowing full well he was married to your mother.

I mean, you didn't know that they had gotten that serious.

Well, we all do now.

Look, Dani made it crystal clear.

I needed the closure.

Wow, that is amazingly healthy of you.

Well, that's me.

I'm just getting healthy all over the place.

I'm glad to see you back on your feet, man.

-Eh, still got this cane. -It suits you.

The hockey stick suited me until Shanice took it away.

-Hockey stick? -Don't ask.

[chuckles]

I'm guessing Shanice told you

not to push too hard too soon.

Yeah, she also told me to celebrate your wins,

which is why we're here. Thank you, bro.

You've been in my corner every step of the way,

even when I screwed things up with...

♪ ♪

You don't have to worry. My mom is not with me.

You don't get to tell me that.

All I've been is worried since your mom

got in my face before WinterFest.

She thinks she can just hit a refresh on her threats

after she stole months of my life?

Laura, I am so sorry.

All I do is look over my shoulder

every minute of every day.

I hold my keys in my hand when I'm walking to the car.

I keep telling myself

that what she did had nothing to do with me,

that she has too much to lose now that she has money.

But you know what?

All that's done is make her think

that she's above the law.

How long until

she circles back and snuffs out this loose end?

You strike me as a man who likes chocolate.

Ms. Thomas.

Guilty as charged.

To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?

Oh, just a special delivery of doughnuts for D.C.'s finest.

Pun very much intended.

I hated the way things escalated.

I met with Dad yesterday and he drilled down on some things.

You got advice from Dad?

What did he say?

He told me to focus on family.

Hm, well, that's good for Smitty and the kids.

And for you.

You're my family.

I was protecting Samantha,

but doing it at your expense. It was not okay.

Well, I said some not-okay things, too.

Except for the Eva parts.

I refuse to take back the Eva parts.

That's a conversation for another day.

All that matters is that I get my little sister back.

Well, that's very generous, considering.

Considering what?

Uh, what happened between me and Samantha.

Which was?

I just released her from punishment.

Tell me it wasn't too soon.

We can go.

You know what? I can't hide.

I meant what I said about closure.

And Derek did say he was willing to try the friend thing.

Look, we can just go to Orphey Gene's, come on.

None of us should have to give up our favorite place.

Too early to start humming the Friendstheme?

Ooh, so cringe, it hurts. [laughs]

But you're smiling.

You know, you two can sit down if you swear

there's no singing involved.

Scout's honor.

I won't keep you.

An apology latte for keeping you up so late.

I felt terrible hearing you leave for work

when we barely got into bed.

You're so thoughtful.

I wouldn't have slept anyways if we hadn't talked.

Me either.

We handled it pretty well, didn't we?

I thought we'd go through weeks of missing each other,

not really knowing how to bridge the gap,

but you'd already made the leap.

I was ready to beg for forgiveness,

but you didn't try to make me suffer

despite having every right.

Glad I realized how lucky I am

to be dating someone who cares about

having a good relationship with my family,

even if I'm still working on getting there with them myself.

I'm sorry I botched it and hurt you,

and so, so thankful that you still see me

as the woman who loves you even though I made a mistake.

Look, I am sorry for what happened to you.

Your mom happened to me.

Mama is really working on herself.

Look, she's rude to a lot of people,

but just because she's rude to you doesn't mean

she's actively coming for you.

You saw how well behaved she was at WinterFest.

Were you ever even alone with her?

That's because the Duprees hired someone to make sure of it.

Hold up.

Are you saying Detective Marcel was paid to watch my mom?

I can't have you stepping up in here looking

like you look and expect me to keep it professional.

Can't have you, uh, stirring up the rumor mill again.

Again? You have a reputation

that I need some educating about?

Well, I'm rumored to be the best cop in here,

and I don't need them questioning what I did

to receive such a bounty.

Well, I guess you can share with your brothers and sisters

in blue. Even if they didn't put in the work.

-The work? -Yeah.

You rescuing me from those bougie snobs

and bringing some much-needed heat to WinterFest.

You have no idea the heat I can bring.

Hm.

But this is not the time or place.

And I don't need them doughnuts to get back to my wife.

You do remember I have one?

The real question, Detective, is...

do you?

Classic Pauline.

-Is that a flash mob? -No, it's a baller move.

That's what it is.

Her fiancé set up an orchestra at Union Station.

Surprised her with a ring and hundreds of red roses.

And it looks like it's gone viral.

She loves a grand gesture.

Surprised he didn't propose with a marching band in the office.

Yeah.

Hayley and I were at the Save the Reefs charity gala

where they met.

His name's Jerod. Finance guy, Morehouse man.

His family's one to know in Atlanta.

Wasn't that gala just a couple of months ago?

They're already engaged?

Yeah, well, when you know, you know. Why waste time?

Hayley's turned you into a romantic.

Maybe so, but the law is an influence game.

And Pauline just doubled her reach with her fiancé.

Hm, way to change the narrative.

What narrative?

Well, Pauline was frontrunner for partner

before you came along.

You better watch out.

She might snatch that position right from under you.

I never want to stifle the Chelsea in you.

Even when it steps on who you are?

Well, let's try to avoid that, please.

I wouldn't have blamed you for walking away.

Before...

I would have.

Because I would have assumed

you didn't understand me and never would.

What made you give me a second chance?

I feel safe to be myself with you,

maybe more myself than ever.

That is exactly how a good relationship

is supposed to make you feel.

Safe enough to lay every part of yourself out on the table.

Secure enough to know that I am not going anywhere.

I never want to fight with you again.

Actually, I'm glad we did.

Are you really surprised?

The Duprees take care of their own.

I know. I was once a part of that.

And I still feel terrible for the role

I played in breaking up Ted and Nicole.

And I feel guilty that I get to have my dad

mainly because I cost him the love of his life.

Okay, I was so used to it just being

me and Mama versus everybody.

I get that.

I was raised by my dad when my mom passed away,

so I know that one-parent love,

when it's you and them against the universe.

You and Ted really looked like you were having

a nice time at WinterFest.

I used to daydream about him being there for my big moments.

Like winning the spelling bee in the third grade.

Double Dutch championship, school plays.

WinterFest can't make up for all of it, but man...

That night?

I felt like his princess.

I do that, too.

My mom passed away when I was six,

and even now I still feel like...

I can't help but wish that she could be here

for the good times or even when things are bad.

I am happy you're getting to make some new memories with Ted.

I know they'll be happier than the ones

you have with your mom.

This is where I say I don't want you to make

too much about a glass of champagne

and me walking you to your car.

Because of your wife? She's not my concern.

And since you talk more about your boat

than your woman,

I wonder if she's much of a concern to you either.

I mean, we do cross paths a lot.

That has to mean something.

Well, in my line of work,

there is such thing as coincidence.

Oh, well, say whatever you have to say for our audience.

Just blink twice if I'm right.

You're tempting fate, you know?

There's a lot of people in here would love

to put some new jewelry on you.

Hm, fine.

I'll go.

Maybe next time you can bring me a prezzy, hm?

Or we could play good cop, bad cop.

And then you could put some of that clink-clink

jewelry on me.

[chuckles]

Hope you like chocolate, too.

We left you one.

What the hell's going on with you

and our attempted murder suspect?

You know, when Dad had his stroke,

he made his cane into a statement piece.

You should upgrade.

I agree.

I know a guy who could take one of your firefighter axes

and turn the handle into a cane. It'd be one of a kind.

Yeah.

You think I could pull that off?

Oh, absolutely.

But do you see what our best friends are doing here?

They're talking cane so that we don't have

to talk about the big ol' breakup elephant.

And we love you guys for it, but it is

-completely superfluous. -Unnecessary.

We've already talked everything out.

-And... -We are moving on.

We're good now. We're-we're friends.

In fact, Shanice actually told me

that one of us already has a new friend.

Huh?

Uh, Cheryl made a move, didn't she?

I wasn't surprised that she'd swoop in.

I just...

I always knew that she was sporting a crush on you.

Uh, no comment.

Oh, gosh.

Uh, right.

It's none of my business, um.

Make it fair. Ask me something personal, quick.

Uh, I don't want to play that game.

I'm not ready for your answer.

Come on, D. We're all friends here, right?

Yeah, and we're moving forward.

Yeah, but it-it's going to be a process.

But we're committed, right, Ash?

-Right. -And, you know, it doesn't have

to all happen today. Us sitting down together is a win enough.

Yeah. And every time after this will be less awkward.

Way less awkward, because how do you even go from...

Um, you know,

Ashley and I have to get going, thank you.

But this was great.

This was great.

Jacob, I'll see you at Trudy's later for our appointment.

-Yeah. -Okay.

Yeah.

Sorry, bro. That went all wrong.

Being good together is one thing,

but working through something big, with respect,

even through hurt feelings-- that's a whole other level.

You are so much better for me than anyone I've ever been with.

There's no egos, no blame, shame, no-no power plays.

Exactly.

We got to the other side. But how we got there--

that's how I know we're made to last.

And I'd love to see how long you last later tonight.

I'd say right now, but...

[sighs] you're stuck here saving lives.

Now, Dr. Montgomery.

Isn't your patient arriving at any minute?

An hour late makes them a no-show.

And the paperwork can wait.

Playing hooky for a hookup? When did you get so bad?

KAT: I rolled up

on Samantha and Eva with their heads together.

It sounded like Eva was offering to help

Samantha get on birth control.

-What? -Calm down.

That wasn't what she was doing. Not even close.

Then how did you...

By jumping to conclusions.

I was thinking sex-- they were talking thermometers.

Samantha's working on this whole idea for a free clinic.

Yeah, I know.

Completely innocent.

But of course I flew off the handle

and made a total fool of myself.

Oh, Kat.

Being wrong is bad enough,

but being wrong in front of Eva? Torture.

I didn't realize Samantha was so serious about this clinic.

But why go to Eva?

Well, her snake of a mother is very newly wealthy.

Remember?

Samantha thought Leslie could help financially.

Did I miss something here?

When did Leslie become a philanthropist?

She's not.

She's a delusional psycho bitch with a checkbook

who's using charity to make herself look good.

-Kat. -But this time Eva

was miraculously guilt-free.

So Samantha checked me,

said I was changing, that I shouldn't be

in competition with Eva,

that I used to be her favorite aunt.

Implication being

-I'm not anymore. -She's a kid.

You know she loves you.

If everybody's telling you about yourself,

that you're moving a certain way,

at what point do you believe them?

Look,

I don't like how I get around Eva.

I spent so much time trying to tell you guys

how twisted she and Leslie are, but what is it getting me?

Argument after argument with family and...

And I feel like I'm ruining things with Tomas.

Sorry, Tomas, I need to take this.

Eva.

Were you really gonna sit down and pretend I wasn't here?

Oh. Sorry, I guess I didn't see you.

Everything all right?

Why wouldn't it be?

I noticed that Carl Ivati is finally

dropping his new novel next week.

Not sure if you're still into it.

Of course I am.

I'm glad you didn't give up on the series.

Oh, you thought because we bonded over the books

that I would never touch them again?

The ego.

You thought the same thing about me.

"If I'm still into it?"

Yeah, uh-huh. Now who has the ego?

I need to find out how the story ends in the new series.

After everything she went through,

the queen deserves a happy ending.

Yeah, sometimes happy looks different than you think.

Hello, Eva.

Hi. Later, Tomas.

You two seem close.

-Eva's a friend. -Mm.

Your friends can be trouble.

Listen.

You may have questions about my work-life philosophy,

but you got to know, man,

breaking my niece's heart is the absolute last thing

you want to do if you're aiming for partner.

Little mama, do I have news for you.

Me first. I ran into Laura.

I don't like it.

She could be pushing up on you to get dirt on me.

She's not the one digging, but I know who might be.

Security gigs don't usually result in doughnut delivery.

She's not even supposed to know you looking.

She clocked me, so I took the charm offensive.

Still not the move.

It is if you want a perp to confess.

So when did this go from a security gig

to some kind of investigation?

When the opportunity fell right in my lap.

Jacob couldn't get the job done

so I thought I'd help him close the book on Leslie Thomas.

Jacob should get the chance to put the cuffs on her himself.

'Cause he called dibs, or because he's your son?

Careful there.

Well, don't confuse being a good man with being a good cop.

And you should thank me for making progress

for the department while I was technically

being employed by Anita Dupree.

That cop chatting you up wasn't just doing some moonlighting.

According to Laura, he was hired to keep you away from her.

Hm, so not only is he dapper, he's clever, too.

Mama, anything you say to Marcel can be used against you.

Okay, so he may have an angle,

but that doesn't mean that I don't have one of my own.

The Duprees have a cop in their damn family,

so why can't we have one in our back pocket?

You don't stop, even now.

You think because we got a little money

that we still don't have to think for ourselves?

We wouldn't even be in this club

if it wasn't for my Black girl magic.

Again, Eva and I are just friends.

Good. From what I've seen of how much Kat hates Eva,

you'd be setting yourself up for a battle

of Dani versus Hayley 2.0.

Only worse, since Eva and Kat are actually sisters.

No worries there, because I'm happy with Kat.

Our future will be stable.

-Solid. -Prove it.

Because what I just witnessed between you and your friend

doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

Uh, I have some pictures of us

from our first vacation together.

Uh, the first of many to come.

A weekend trip isn't exactly the same

as putting a ring on it, Tomas.

I'm ready to move in together.

Kat isn't. She's the one who keeps putting on the brakes.

How could you be ruining your relationship?

You just took your first trip together, right?

We did, and it was amazing.

Tomas even brought up the idea of moving in together.

That's great.

-Why isn't that great? -Because.

We haven't been together that long.

Kat, you've always known what you've wanted.

Something serious, the real deal that leads

to happily ever after.

The dress, the ring, all of it.

So what's the real problem?

Well, maybe I was being naive before.

I feel like I'm on a speeding train,

barreling toward living together because it's the next step.

But according to who and what plan?

It's just-it's just happening way too fast.

Have you told this to Tomas?

Well, I told him that I needed to slow down.

He... It seemed like he understood,

but I could see his disappointment.

Moving back in with Smitty-- finding our groove again

after everything that happened with us--

we had to fight hard and put in a lot of effort.

And you could do that as well, if you want.

I want, but...

I can't help but think...

What?

If he really knew me...

like, the real me...

maybe he wouldn't like me anymore.

NAOMI: You're wearing the necklace

we got you.

-Thanks again, you guys. -It looks nice.

I knew it would.

This is good.

Being here together, it feels familiar and normal

in a week that has been anything but.

Thanks for the second round.

Might need to spike it.

A year ago we were all so happy.

It's like I broke up the Four Musketeers.

Maybe forever.

I'm so sorry, Naomi.

I ruined us by breaking up with Derek.

Was it me or was Ashley feeling

some kind of way about me and Cheryl?

Nope, don't get back on that roller coaster.

The last time we hung,

you were pissed at Ashley for making a run at Andre

right after she broke things off with you.

And now you're back

to hoping she secretly still wants you?

I'm consistent.

Look, it killed me to confirm

she had those feelings for Andre.

And those feelings are what started our demise.

So of course, I-I... I want to know where she is now.

Yeah, but you can't have it both ways.

Wishing and hoping while pretending to be her friend.

I'm not pretending.

Listen, man, sometimes, when you really love someone,

the best thing you can do for them is let them go.

What's wrong with still hoping that Ashley

gives a damn about me?

Somehow you've gotten away with everything

and you've gotten us here from that little

tiny apartment in Chicago.

But the means matter, Mama, and today,

I had to look the means in the eye,

and it wasn't pretty.

She was terrified because of you,

and one day this will catch up to you.

You are flying too close to the sun, Mama.

Which is why I need Marcel

to protect and serve me.

Is that what you're calling this?

I am calling it strategy, boo.

I'll know what's going on in that station,

and you will know what's going on

through your new BFF, Laura.

Have you ever thought about what this is like for me at all?

Do you know how hard it was to talk her down?

Oh, but baby, you did it,

because you are so good at it.

This isn't a joke, Mama.

Laura is scared because you scared her.

She could have died.

You could be in jail.

How can you turn around

and torture her with your little games?

You know what, you should be kissing the ground,

thankful that you've been given a second chance.

Do something good with it.

Kat, Tomas loves you.

How would moving in together change that?

You lived with me. You should know.

The right man will think you are formidable.

Except he doesn't like when I go off on Eva

or can't let things go.

If we're living together, he's gonna see

the pure hatred I have for her

is always taking up space.

He'll see it and he's gonna run for the hills.

Isn't getting to know each other the point?

I mean, he will see the real Kat

and find many more reasons to love you.

Yeah, right.

When have you ever had trouble seeing how amazing you are?

Is he digging at your confidence?

Because if he is, I can talk to him.

No, it's nothing like that.

Then let him see all of you.

How adorable you are when you doze off on a show

and start complaining when you wake up

because it doesn't make any sense.

Or how you make sure that the coffee is set up

before whoever wakes up first.

Or how you do crossword puzzles in ink.

Okay, he might find that last one pretentious.

I'm just saying you are more than the challenges

On the surface.

You're a thoughtful, confident, honest person.

But he'll never see that if you don't let him in.

Thanks, Martin.

I really needed to hear that.

I miss us having these talks.

Me too.

But it's nice to having you back and that's all that matters.

Maybe if Kat isn't ready to commit,

then you've given her a reason to doubt you.

Uh...

I think

her dad cheating altered her view of love.

Yeah, probably so.

When I left Dani, I left scars on all the Dupree women.

Look, I know that from where you're sitting,

things may not seem fair.

Me wanting your personal life to be so stable when mine

is the public mess that we're all still recovering from.

But between my divorce

and the sexual harassment case with Mike,

I demand stability in my law firm.

I would never do anything to embarrass the firm,

but I... I just don't understand why my romantic life

has to be tied to my professional one.

Our clients need to trust us and our judgment.

-But I never... -Uh, Tomas, wait, wait.

Hold on. Answer this for me, okay?

Who will clients take to more? Hmm?

The young attorney who's on a serious path

or the single guy who can't seem to make up his mind

and is juggling two sisters?

I will not let people's personal issues

become vulnerabilities for my law firm again.

-Message received. -Good.

But since you're the expert

on the Dupree women,

maybe you can tell me how I'm supposed to convince Kat

that we're ready for the next step.

Don't you apologize for being brave enough

to choose the life and love that you want.

This is a necessary pause.

But we were each other's emotional support couple

and now we're uncoupled,

and we can't even sit at the same table.

We're friends, whether you're together or not.

And Jacob and I aren't perfect either.

Never thought we'd have to go to couples counseling.

Man.

It's like our breakup created a rift

in the time-space relationship continuum and now...

Okay, breakups aren't contagious.

What Jacob and I are going through

has nothing to do with you and Derek.

It 100% has to do with

us talking about the whole kid thing.

We're all growing

and dealing with our stuff, you know?

You and I don't have stuff, right?

Oh, I'm never gonna quit you.

Once that bond was formed, we were locked in, baby.

Who would have thought my childhood best friend

would be at the same community fair,

setting up her legal advice booth

next to my blood drive?

Yeah.

No, we're solid. Whether we're married,

single or anything in between.

-Hm. -Come here.

-I love you. -I love you.

Thank you.

What's in between?

Look, I'm not trying to get you riled up.

You and Ashley will always own a piece

of each other's heart.

And if we can learn to trust again,

maybe we can build our way back.

You don't think we should get back together?

What matters is Ashley doesn't.

She took off your ring, bro.

Why do you get to fight for your happily ever after

and I'm just supposed to give up?

Because you went to a desperate place trying to hold on to it.

Look man, I just want you

to face the facts and see if there's

anybody else out there who can treat you better

or make you feel better or feel more secure

about being your best self.

Like Cheryl?

Maybe. Are you interested?

I don't know, I...

I had Cheryl in the friend zone.

If I take her out...

maybe there'll be a spark.

You feel me?

I just want to make sure you're not rushing out of one fire

and into the next.

I know you.

And if you think you can reignite Ashley's feelings

by making her jealous about Cheryl,

I'm begging you, please don't do that.

Listen, man, if you go into this thing with Cheryl

with the wrong intentions,

you'll be bringing mess to the very same place

that you love, which is work.

Yes, sir, you have my word.

You should try one of these.

-They're delicious. -Too busy actually working.

I just promised the mayor that I will bring up our arrest rate.

Was that lip service?

Depends. Did Leslie Thomas

actually tell you something you can use?

Nah. But the fact that she circled the block

means she's on the hook.

She the only one?

You think there's anything more going on

than a hard working-detective doing his job

while he saves up to sail off...

you as crazy as the lady who brought these doughnuts.

I'm the architect of our second chance,

me and the scheming you claim to deplore.

Give credit where credit is due, boo.

You told Dad you wanted to be a better person.

Were you just trolling him and me?

Or are you just dreaming up a new version of yourself

that's even more slick?

When in Rome.

Or shall I say when in Fairmont Crest.

You blame the things you did on what we didn't have.

Now we have everything,

and we can really do some good with it, Mama.

Are you talking about that free clinic again?

It wasn't too long ago that we were

the ones living paycheck to paycheck,

bills piling up, charging everything on a credit card.

Honey, I don't even know where to start.

We will start by choosing a location.

That's the first step, huh?

Good thing I know just who to go to.

That family has high standards, Tomas.

Okay? And if Kat has put up walls,

it's your job to climb them.

She's gonna test you, man,

over and over again, to see if you're there for the real her.

To see if she can trust you with her entire heart.

Kat knows I'm all in with her and her only.

It doesn't sound like she does.

Listen, whatever demands she makes,

whatever obstacle she throws your way,

just handle it like a leader, all right?

Show her you're not going anywhere.

Dating a Dupree woman-- man, the ride is crazy.

But nothing compares to the satisfaction

of winning one over.

From the second Mom and Dad brought you home,

I thought they had gotten you for me.

To teach you, to protect you.

And at some point, you started teaching me.

We used to not go a day without a call or a text.

-I know. -And then I got busy

with the campaign,

Smitty and the kids.

And I'm sorry I stopped checking on you.

Same.

Between ChelseaKat and Tomas,

maybe this is just what adulting is.

Or you just kept leaving things to chance

without putting it on your calendar.

I've had my assistant put my personal time

on my calendar and

that personal block-- it's nonnegotiable.

Just as much as having a meeting on the House floor.

Hmm, that's a good idea.

So maybe that's what we need to do.

So we can carve out some brother and sister time.

Okay. Can we start now?

You have my undivided attention for the next hour.

Okay.

-And you have... -[phone vibrates]

You need to take that?

No. It's not a priority.

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