Original subtitles

I'm going to partner with you

on financing that free clinic of yours.

Ha! I knew it!

-Don't touch me. -Okay.

We are all Duprees.

But every Dupree is finding a different way of coping.

-Go get that gumbo! -Whoo!

We can't do anything about it now.

You're my ride or die.

And I'm here to make damn sure you don't die.

I'm not a carrier.

Oh, thank God.

Your Aunt Dani tested positive.

What are you doing? You've been on that phone

for, like, 20 minutes.

Trying to get us set up to have our lab work done ASAP.

The only way to ease the stress of the situation

is to take action. I'm not just gonna sit around and do nothing.

-Well, we could talk. -Okay, ladies,

I made my famous sweet tea.

Well, it's not... it's not really famous, but

I watched this viral video give the perfect

sugar to tea ratio, and honestly, I think I nailed it.

Here you go, cousin.

Thanks, Kat.

And Chelsea, you need to hydrate.

I'm still processing. Naomi, what is with the Wi-Fi?

It's taking forever to load these pages.

The Wi-Fi is fine. I was just on Instagram.

Okay, well, I need to find a better connection, excuse me.

She's just scared.

Some people just have a different way of showing it.

I'm not worried about her.

I'm too busy being terrified for my mom.

Do you remember when I was ten

and broke my arm falling off that horse?

You were convinced you could handle Buttercup

without a saddle.

Daddy told me I wasn't ready, and I had to prove him wrong.

Too bad Buttercup had other plans.

That horse took one look at my overconfident

ten-year-old self and said, "Uh-uh, not today."

Do you know what I remember most about that whole disaster?

It wasn't the pain or the embarrassment,

or even Daddy's lecture.

Well, I did cry for three straight days

after you got home from the hospital.

Three whole days.

I remember asking Mother, "What's wrong with Dani?

I'm the one with the broken arm."

Obviously, I felt left out.

You had a cast and I didn't.

So what did I do?

You made me one. Out of cardboard and duct tape.

Cutting and measuring,

making sure that it fit your tiny little arm just perfectly.

Even decorated it with stickers.

God, sissy,

how I wish a little tape and an old cardboard box

could make it all better for you now.

♪ ♪

Oh, Uncle Ted.

-Andre. How you holding up? -I'm all right.

Yeah, today is the big day.

We should be getting the test results anytime now.

Mm-hmm.

-Nicole hanging in there? -I think so.

-Good. -How about you?

How are you really doing in all of this?

Hey, I'm not the one dealing with a potentially

deadly diagnosis, huh?

That doesn't mean you're not going through it. I'm a doctor.

I know what it's like when you love someone

who's facing a medical uncertainty.

The fear doesn't just belong to the patient.

It's real,

Uncle Ted, you know, I-I keep trying

to be strong for Dani,

Want to keep things normal, keep her spirits up.

But inside, I'm...

You're terrified as hell.

Yeah, terrified.

Hey.

We look out for each other, right? That's what family does.

I wish I could be by Nicole's side

through all of this, but, uh...

...that's not my place anymore.

Yeah. Yeah, uh, speaking of.

Heads up.

TOMAS: Petty, bitter, spiteful.

These are the words Lynette used to describe her former boss.

Supposedly, he made an indecent proposal

and when his advances weren't reciprocated,

he got her wrapped up in this embezzlement scheme.

And she can prove that?

Unfortunately, no.

She lacked evidence. Credible evidence, anyway.

HAYLEY: His word versus hers.

So there's nothing we can do for her?

I've actually prepared an alternate list of defenses,

starting with bona fide claim of right.

If Lynette believed she was entitled to the money,

it's not embezzlement even if she was mistaken.

The government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If the paper trail is weak or circumstantial,

-we'd be questioning the credibility... -DANI: And if it

comes back negative,

we can all breathe a little bit easier.

But if it's positive...

I'll get tested right away.

Me too.

That's music to this father's ears.

HAYLEY: Bill.

What do you think, honey?

Uh, I'm sorry, um, can you repeat that?

Uh... sure.

First, we discredit.

I need you to hear me.

Me testing positive and you testing negative--

it's just genetics being genetics.

It could have easily turned out the other way.

I know that. Intellectually.

But knowing something and feeling it

are two completely different things.

You are not allowed to carry guilt about this.

I won't let you.

I am relieved.

So relieved my kids aren't at an increased risk

of developing cancer.

And that makes me feel like a selfish sister.

That is you being a mother,

and I am glad.

I am so glad that Martin and Kat don't have to go through this.

It's one less thing for our family to carry.

Yeah, but my heart breaks for you and the girls, though.

My only concern

is for my daughters.

I pray

that I did not pass this down to them.

Watching Mother go through chemo will be hard enough,

but I don't know if I can handle it

if I have to worry about Naomi and Chelsea, too.

Oh, okay, all right, Dani, pull it together, girl.

You got to be strong.

No, not this time, you don't.

-But everyone counts on me. -Right now,

you get to be my little sister and let me take care of you.

That's it.

Let it out. I got you.

I cannot believe this.

-Naomi. -What?

What's wrong? What can't you believe?

-Are you okay? -Sorry.

I am fine.

I am just getting nowhere with this scheduling app.

So I'm gonna drive to the hospital

and have an actual human being help me.

Do you want one of us to go with you?

Yeah, it would be nice to be together during this.

It'll be easier if I just go solo.

Plus, somebody needs to be here when Andre gets back.

-Oh. -What is it now?

I need to tell my dad that Mom tested positive.

He'll want to know.

-I can do that. -Thanks, Chels.

I love you.

I love you, too.

I'll be back soon.

You know, I...

I could call Bill for you, save you the trouble.

No, I can do it.

I need to do it.

Hayley, I need your research skills-- employment history,

any grudges, financial incentives

for coming forward.

Look into Lynette's credibility. Got it.

I was referring to Lynette's boss,

the one who accused her of embezzlement.

Oh, right.

That makes way more sense.

I might be able to help, too.

The assistant's network?

Welcome to Washington-- we know

who's sleeping with whom and where all the bodies are buried.

Oh! Remind me to stay on your good side.

Meanwhile, I'll meet with Lynette again tomorrow

to go over her statement to make sure we aren't missing

any details that could strengthen our defense.

Does that sound like a solid approach?

Yes. Uh, that's excellent work, Tomas.

TOMAS: Thanks, Bill. I appreciate the vote of confidence.

We're on it, chief.

Are you sure you're all right?

Yeah, of course. Why do you ask?

You just seem to be a million miles away.

Yeah, I know, I just...

-I got a lot on my mind. -[phone vibrating]

Hey, baby. How you feeling?

And did we get the results?

Daddy, we need you.

TED: Thanks for the warning.

Uh... easier to avoid him.

Can you stand to hear something good about the guy?

Maybe.

Look, Carlton gave me some pretty solid advice.

Laid out how I can still be there for Dani

through all of this medical drama.

I'm not surprised, he's always been pretty insightful.

So why don't you tell him that?

We've grown apart. It happens.

You mean a woman came between y'all.

Hey, just call it what it is.

Look, I know things are complicated between you two.

But the man used to be your best friend, right?

I mean, your actual ride or die.

-That was before... -Before

he made a move on your ex-wife.

After Nicole and you separated officially.

You think that absolves him?

Like there's some statute of limitations

on taking your best friend's ex?

Look, I'm just saying you and Carlton

used to be as thick as thieves, Uncle Ted.

Besides, this is a really rough time for Nicole.

If you can't be the one supporting her,

aren't you glad that she has someone

who gives a damn about her happiness?

Well, since you put it like that.

Just think about it.

Life is too short to stay mad at people you love.

What am I doing feeling sorry for myself?

My girls need me.

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

You just got devastating news.

You're allowed to process that before going back

to being everybody's rock.

But they're probably worried sick, overthinking everything,

and you know how Chelsea gets when she gets anxious.

They will be just fine for a little while longer.

Trust me, the world is not gonna collapse

if you go take an hour for yourself.

-An hour? I can't take... -You can

and must regroup.

Starting with a long, hot soak in the tub.

Meanwhile, I will go check on the girls.

A bath does sound nice.

What would I do without you?

Luckily, for you,

-you'll never have to find out. -Yeah.

I'll have what he's having.

Yeah, Mom's with Aunt Dani now.

No, Naomi just left to handle the hospital stuff

and Chelsea's...

She's hanging in there.

She probably could use some inspiring words right now,

Mr. I Have a Dream.

Okay, hold on.

Martin wants to talk to you.

And before you say no,

he specifically asked, so it's not me being extra.

Hi, Martin.

Yeah, I know.

It's just scary, you know, like,

what if this gets passed on to us and what if

we have to watch my mom go through

the same thing that Gran is going through?

I'm really trying to be strong for mom, but it just,

it just feels like... I'm falling apart inside.

Naomi's handling it how she always does,

she's staying busy.

Yeah, thanks for saying that.

I love you, too.

Give Smitty and the kids my best.

So, what stump speech did my brother give you now?

And did it actually work?

Somewhat, yeah.

He said true leaders have faced adversity,

and since I can't do anything to avoid it,

I may as well figure out what to learn from it.

Martin is right.

This won't break us because we won't allow it.

So just breathe.

No panic necessary.

Bill, what's wrong? What did Chelsea say?

Where the hell are my keys?

Damn it, they were just right here.

Wait, Bill, slow down. Talk to me, what's happening?

I-I can't right now, Hayley.

My family needs me.

Here.

Thank you.

-Hey, you. -Ashley, I'm so glad you're working today.

This is a nice surprise in a day that's been filled

with insurance denials and family members who think

WebMD make them honorary physicians.

You're here to check in on your grandmother?

Um, I offered, but Gran politely declined.

She didn't want an audience during her first round of chemo.

Well, that is very on brand for Anita Dupree.

Although, I'm sure she's gonna find a way to make

this all look glamorous.

Well, I'm actually here on a mission of my own.

Ooh, how can I help?

I need to schedule a blood test

and all this medical bureaucracy is testing my patience.

This test for you?

Yeah. And Chelsea.

Mom tested positive as a carrier for the BRCA gene, so,

we get to play genetic roulette and find out

if we inherited the family's least favorite heirloom.

To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?

Lately, the sight of me sends you in the opposite direction.

That's a fact, but, uh,

it's getting pretty exhausting for the team to coordinate

our schedule so you and I never cross paths.

I knew you were doing that.

-Don't act like you weren't. -Okay, I will not.

My nephew said you gave him some good advice

on how to be there for Dani in this medical situation,

and I, uh...

...wanted to thank you.

Happy I could help.

Andre's a good guy.

Yeah, it's touch-and-go for him.

Back when he lost his parents

in the plane crash for a while there

I thought he wasn't gonna make it, but he did.

You know, he's not quite the same, but stronger in some ways.

Very cautious about who he lets in his life.

Well, that kind of thing is either gonna break you

or teach you what really matters.

Well, he's made a good life for himself.

He, um, started as a

casual situation for Dani,

has now turned into the real deal.

And now that Andre knows how much he loves her,

thought of losing her to this situation is terrifying him.

I know a thing or two about losing the woman you love.

But, uh...

...I don't have to tell you that.

Bill, I was, uh...

Ah, I was hoping to catch Bill.

I had a follow-up concern about Lynette's case,

but looks like I just missed him.

And possibly a small natural disaster?

He got a phone call and suddenly developed

an urgent need to be somewhere else

and left his office looking like there was a paper explosion.

-Family emergency? -Who knows?

It's not like he talks to me about these things.

I'm on a need-to-know basis and, apparently,

I never need to know.

[phone chimes]

Ah, thank God.

Everything good?

Uh, Kat just texted me to let me know her mom

tested negative for that gene variant thing.

Dr. Dupree and her kids are in the clear.

Oh, that's wonderful news, really.

I'm so happy for her and her children.

Though something tells me the fates

weren't so kind to Dani,

which would explain why

Bill ran out of here like a bat out of hell.

That woman will always

come first for my husband, won't she?

How's Mom doing?

Taking a long, hot bath with those

ridiculously expensive bath salts she's been hoarding.

Probably the first real self-care

she's allowed herself in a really long time.

You should think about doing something

to take care of yourself as well.

I'm gonna stay here with Mom until Andre gets back.

And plus, I'm not really in the mood for bubble baths

and meditation apps.

Maybe a distraction instead?

I tend to find work to be oddly comforting

when I feel like life is trying to use me as target practice.

It gives me some feeling of...

semblance of control.

Now you sound like Naomi.

That reminds me,

didn't we just get an incredible opportunity

that could change our company's trajectory?

What opportunity?

There was a chance that one of our bags

could have made it to the Golden Globes.

That is incredible.

Oh, the Golden Globes are just so magical.

The stars, the fashion, the energy--

makes you feel like you're a guest at the party of the year.

Yeah, well, it fell through.

-Why? -Last minute dress change.

But that opportunity came from Cynthia freaking Yang,

the A-list stylist to the stars.

Mom, she basically decides what the top celebrities

wear for awards season.

So the Globes didn't hit,

but there's a whole runway of chances before the Oscars.

Way to bury the lead, Chelsea.

That is incredible.

I know it should be exciting,

but it just feels so silly to care about

such vapid things like designer bags and red carpets

when Gran is starting chemo

and Mom is going through all this.

Okay, first of all, as awful and terrifying

as the situation is,

Mother is the only person who has

actually been diagnosed with cancer.

I need you to grasp that crucial distinction.

Yes, your mother has a gene

that makes her susceptible to developing it,

but it's absolutely not a diagnosis.

-Okay, but the risk... -It's scary, I know,

but being armed with the information will allow Dani

to be proactive about her screenings and her options.

Knowledge is power,

even when that knowledge is terrifying.

And God forbid,

if you or Naomi test positive,

at least you'll be in a position to know

your risk rather than being blindsided.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to show you a few rough sketches

I have in my head to pitch to Cynthia and other stylists.

Yes, let's do it, partner.

Go, both of you. Have fun being brilliant.

But...

I will be here to play protective sister

until Andre gets back.

Okay.

Where's Dani?

You know we have a scheduling app. It's supposed to

-make everything easier. -I tried the app

multiple times, and it kept asking me

to verify my identity in 17 different ways.

Wanted my mother's maiden name,

my childhood pet's

-Social Security number. -Okay, okay, yes,

it is mad annoying.

But is that all that's going on here?

What do you mean?

Okay, uh, no judgment,

but this seems like one of those times when you stress so hard

that you just go into overdrive to avoid feeling anything.

Okay, that's... that's not what this is.

Or maybe it is. I don't know.

But two things can be true at once, right?

I will help you schedule the appointments.

-Thank you. -But first,

I think you got to get some things out of your system.

Ashley, I'm fine.

No, you're not. Look at you.

You are wound up so tight you're gonna snap.

Look, you just got some terrifying news

that affects you and your mom and your sister

and basically your entire future.

It is okay to feel scared.

I'm not scared. I am pissed.

WOMAN [over P.A.]: Nurse Hill to bed 622.

Everything has just been one disaster after the next.

Hayley swoops in and steals my dad,

forces my parents into a divorce.

My mom goes on a rampage, shoots up a wedding,

and then gets married to my sort-of-not-really cousin.

Chelsea then gets kidnapped by some random, maniac stalker,

and just when I think I have five minutes of peace,

my Gran gets cancer.

This blood test,

getting it scheduled and done,

at least it's the one thing I can control

in a world that has gone completely off the rails.

But, wait.

This metallic clutch would kill on the red carpet.

This is the kind of purse

that makes fashion editors go crazy.

Okay, but which do we send off to production?

The half-moon that gives main character energy

or the clutch that gives quiet luxury, loud confidence?

This is like trying to get me to decide

on my favorite season of Bridgerton.

I know-- they're both perfect,

and in completely different ways.

What if we sent both to production?

That way we can decide once we see the finished products,

feel the materials and see how they photograph?

Why the hell not? If we're gonna do this,

we might as well do it right.

What are you plotting now?

Just sliding into Eye on Fashions DMs with some good tea.

Which upstart purse line

is this close to providing

the must-have accessory of awards season

for A-listers red carpet slayage?

Please tell me you didn't hit send.

I was a tap away before you got all grabby.

Listen, I don't want to jinx this and get ahead of ourselves.

Why don't we wait until we got the gig locked down

before we start leaking to fashion press?

You are no fun.

Maybe not, but this was.

I missed my best friend.

I missed you, too.

And we got to get your mind

off of the heavy family drama.

Just like my mom predicted.

Yeah.

Even just for a moment.

I wonder what's keeping my dad. He should be here by now.

You must think I'm a horrible person,

being jealous of Dani and her daughters at a time like this.

Not at all.

Your feelings are completely human

and totally understandable.

Look, if it's any consolation,

I'm sure Bill's more focused on supporting Naomi

and Chelsea than he is on Dani specifically.

It's about being there

for his daughters during a scary time,

not about the complicated ex-wife dynamics.

Bill's lucky to have you.

I just hope he knows that.

Oh, he does, even if he doesn't express it.

And you know, you're probably right about him

supporting his daughters.

Thank you, Tomas, for talking me down

from an emotional ledge.

Anytime.

Go on, Bill.

Play hero for your precious ex-wife.

Hold her hand, dry her tears,

because when I'm done with you,

she'll be the one crying over your casket.

Wait, you want me to calm down?

When Dani just realized

that someday she could develop cancer?

You are speaking as if Dani is still your wife.

She is not, and she certainly doesn't need

this hurricane-level energy while she's still trying

to process everything.

-Where is she? -She's taking a bath.

She needs some time to... Wait, Bill!

Bill?

Oh...

I'm here, okay?

-Okay. -I'm right here.

I'm not going anywhere.

Thanks, Ash, I, uh, really needed that.

Of course.

Sometimes you just need to have a moment

before you can move forward.

-Yeah. -Okay.

Come on. Now let's see what we can do about

getting you and Chelsea scheduled.

Okay.

Well, here's the thing.

On the portal, it says

that I need a doctor to order lab work.

But you know how that goes. It could take weeks

to get an appointment with my primary physician.

And then who knows how long after that

-to get the results, yeah. -Exactly.

So, um,

I was wondering if you could figure out a way

to get Chelsea and me tested sooner rather than later.

Of course.

What you are going through is terrifying.

It makes sense that you would want

to find out the results as soon as humanly possible.

Okay, um...

You know what, maybe we can do some work-around with Dr. Ahn,

since she's so familiar with your family's case.

I'll check in with her assistant

and I'll check in with the lab.

I'll see what I can do. No promises,

but I think it's worth a try.

You are the best, Ash. Thank you.

I got you.

Ted, I know you feel I betrayed you

by getting involved with Nicole.

I felt that way, as in past tense.

Important distinction.

So you don't anymore?

This isn't some elaborate setup where you're

about to challenge me to duel at dawn, is it?

-Because, uh... -No, Carlton,

we are not Neanderthals.

I mean, I probably could have squared it with you first

before making a move.

Ah, save it.

I have no claim on her heart anymore.

That's entirely on me.

I screwed up based on my own actions and choices.

Well, hearing you say this means a lot.

Not gonna lie, though--

seeing you two together still burns like hell.

But I'm glad to know she's

moving forward with someone I know

will cherish her the way

Andre cherishes Dani.

Those two women deserve

that kind of love and devotion after what

Bill and I put them through.

Honey, I'm home and I come bearing gifts.

I've got your, um...

Uh, Dani's been trying to reach me, right?

Hey, I forgot my phone.

I didn't think that the results would be in until, uh...

Just tell me.

The results came in.

Okay, uh, and?

Damn.

-Damn. -Andre.

I need you to know

that this is not a death sentence.

However, Dani is gonna need you now more than she ever has.

-Yeah. -This is terrifying and overwhelming,

And she is gonna need someone to be there

to be her emotional anchor.

Hey, you don't have to worry about that

even for a second, okay?

Dani will not lack in support when it comes to me.

I love your sister more than I ever thought was possible.

And whatever this means for our future,

we're gonna face it together.

Okay?

I'm so glad to hear you say that.

Now, where is she?

I need to see her. I need to hold her.

Prove that this changes nothing between us.

-About that-- she's in her room. -Thank you.

With Bill.

You aren't supposed to be here.

Well, where else would I be at a time like this?

When you're going through something so life-shattering?

With the girls, that's where. They're scared, too.

And-and this isn't your role in my life anymore.

Well, then why does it feel so natural, hmm?

Why does being here, taking care of you,

feel like the most right thing that I've done in months?

Dad's theory is that you're like an old shoe.

Vernon Dupree comparing me to footwear.

Why am I not surprised?

It makes sense.

You're-you're something comfortable that I keep

slipping into in the middle of a crisis.

Like Chelsea's kidnapping or-or this.

This what?

-Bill? -No, this little health thing?

No.

This is just a bump in the road, okay?

You are gonna be fine.

And I will not stand for anything

to the contrary. Do you hear me?

Even the great and powerful Bill Hamilton

is not a match for this.

Don't bet on it, beautiful.

Come here.

Can I give you a piece of advice?

Shoot.

Play it smarter with Nicole than I did.

She's gonna need someone to lean on

with Anita battling cancer and the testing situation.

She'll insist she won't,

that she's, uh, strong enough to handle it on her own.

Do not believe her.

What should I watch for?

All the professionalism

and psychiatric resolve that comes crashing down

when it hits her that she could possibly lose

someone she loves.

And you're actually okay with me being the person

that she leans on during all of this?

Uh, can't be me. Nicole's made that clear.

And, I, uh...

I know you'll treat her right.

Well, you can count on that.

She deserves nothing less.

Look...

I don't know where this leaves us.

But whenever you need someone to talk to,

to have a drink with...

...to remind you that you're more than your mistakes...

...I'll be here.

Hey, Grayson, it's Ashley. Um...

Yeah, I was just wondering if maybe you could stay

a little after your shift for a blood draw.

It's just for a couple of friends, yeah,

they have to get genetic testing done, like, ASAP.

WOMAN [over P.A.]: Nurse Hanson, line two.

Coffee sounds great.

Um...

...yeah.

Good.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again.

Excuse me, did you just prostitute

your dating life for my blood test?

Uh-huh.

And Chelsea's.

But no,

all I did was agree to a coffee.

It's a meetup, it's not a date.

It's also not a huge sacrifice.

Yeah, and why is that?

Um...

Because Grayson is really hot.

And...

...he's been sliding into my DMS ever since

my relationship status went from complicated to available.

So why haven't you gone on a date with him yet?

Because I don't know that I'm really

looking to get back out there yet, and...

...now you've given me a good reason.

-Andre. -Hey, baby,

I'm so sorry I wasn't here when you got the results.

And for forgetting my damn phone.

There's no need to worry about that.

I was here when Dani needed a shoulder.

And besides, she's a lot stronger than you think.

I don't need you to tell me how strong my wife is, Bill.

You know what, I think I should go and check on the girls.

Yeah, they'll need their father right now.

Yeah, well, I'm here if you need me, too.

Day or night.

Just a phone call away.

Hey, Bill.

Excuse me. Hold up a second, man.

I'll walk you out.

That cannot be good.

No, I'm afraid it probably isn't.

Where are you, coz?

Bill's still running around playing white knight for Dani.

Look, I am tired of waiting for him

to remember I'm his current wife.

I used my whole bag of tricks.

You know what, maybe it's time to kick things up a notch.

Thanks for the escort service,

but I think I know my way around the place,

considering I used to own it.

I don't give a damn what you used to own, Bill.

We got a few things we need to get straight.

Something on your mind, playboy?

I'm gonna let what just happened up there slide

since Dani's in a vulnerable state.

Mm. How gracious of you.

But the next time I come home

and find you in my wife's bedroom offering comfort,

well, we're gonna have a serious problem.

Hmm. Is that a threat, Andre?

I don't think I stuttered, Counselor.

Okay, look, here's something you need to understand, son.

I will always be there for Dani.

Always. And that's not up for negotiation.

And it's damn sure not subject to your approval.

You know, that's funny, Bill. Mm-hmm.

When Dani actually needed you the most--

during your actual marriage--

you were too busy seducing your daughter's best friend,

after which you dumped Dani

faster than one of your losing cases.

And then you married your mistress.

So that means that my wife is no longer any of your concern.

You know what? I don't have time for this.

I need to go check on my daughters.

Aw. Yeah, you do that.

Chelsea and Naomi, they might need you,

but Dani sure as hell doesn't.

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