Original subtitles

Dani Dupree,

supermodel,

-is so back. -Ooh.

I think it's a good idea for you

to keep your distance from Lynette.

How can I turn my back on someone who helped me?

I don't want to see her take advantage of you.

I'd strongly advise you to reconsider

popping by unsolicited.

Relax, Miss Thang.

I have my sights on another power player.

I am no longer yours for you to be concerned with.

She is dating both Carlton and Kial.

Stop living back there, man.

I've been trying to get your grandmother to take it easy.

I will rest when I'm tired.

VERNON: Happy Valentine's Day, my love.

Oh, sweetheart, look at those beautiful roses.

And you bought me...

-...saltwater taffy? [chuckles] -[chuckling]

I know things can taste different during chemo,

but I couldn't skip our tradition.

Well, some traditions are worth keeping.

And it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without taffy from my love.

[chuckles]

Do you remember the first time

we took Dani and Nicole over to Rehoboth

and we wandered into that candy store, huh?

-Do I remember? -[chuckles]

You would have thought they discovered

-a real-life Candy Landgame. -[chuckles] Yeah.

They didn't know where to look next or what to get.

-You were just as excited as they were. -[chuckles] I was,

-wasn't I? -[laughs]

And I have loved catering to your sweet tooth ever since.

Well, I have a surprise for you.

And it doesn't fit in a box.

To our mother-daughter Galentine's Day.

This idea was gold, Mom.

I'm so happy to have you as my Valentine.

And look at me showing off my ChelseaKat bag.

-Mmm! It's the very first of its kind. -[chuckles]

We're just about to launch it.

And I am the best billboard.

I carry it everywhere I go.

People are always stopping me, asking me where they can buy it.

Well, only a few more weeks until it's available

for purchase and then you can finally give your friends

-the link. -Can't wait.

[chuckles]

This is so great,

having this time with just the two of us.

It reminds me of when I was a little kid and I was worried

about not getting Valentine's Day cards at school.

You would always have a little something for me at home,

so whether or not school was a bust,

-I'd have a gift and a heart. -Well, it's what

your grandmother always did for me and Dani.

I'm just paying it forward to my own kids.

Even though you and Martin have your real-life Valentines

of your own now.

And who's your Valentine?

The best part of having two men offering to be mine tonight

was the freedom to say no to both their invitations.

Damn, Mom!

From your new drip to this forward-thinking attitude,

you really have done the full makeover.

Is that a good or bad thing in your book?

Well, I must admit

I'm still getting used to Living SingleNicole.

But since you had several tempting offers

for dates tonight and you still chose me,

I'm very happy.

You, my amazing daughter,

and your brother are the true loves of my life.

You two are the reason why I will never regret

all the years I spent with your father.

So much for best-laid plans. [chuckling]

Didn't you tell me the reason you were able to score

last-minute reservations at Heming's Bistro

because you knew the staff?

Yeah, apparently not.

They could have at least given me a heads-up the...

restaurant reservation was for Valentine's Day 2027.

[laughs]

Some connects, right?

Hey, I am just fine showing off this gorgeous gown

right here at Uptown where more people will compliment me.

And there is a silver lining.

See? I knew you'd find one. Lay it on me.

Well... [clears throat] we already have reservations

at the most exclusive restaurant in D.C.

for next Valentine's Day.

-Uh-huh. -Ah. [chuckles]

[chuckles]

Uh, I think your modeling comeback

has everybody talking.

I couldn't have done it without you, Andre.

What do you mean?

You...

gave me the confidence to put myself out there again.

I am the luckiest woman in the world

because I get to call you...

...my forever Valentine.

♪ ♪

So, where's my future son-in-law?

That young man deserves a lecture.

[sighs] Please don't.

I am simply concerned, because you have endured

too many solo Valentine's Days.

Now, this year was supposed to be different.

Relax.

Izaiah is meeting me here.

Here?

Oh, no, we can't have that.

Orphey Gene's is hardly a romantic destination.

You and I are different, Mama.

Okay? I'd rather be with a man who surprises me

with flowers he handpicked on an ordinary day.

That is how a guy who actually cares acts.

IZAIAH: I couldn't agree more.

HAYLEY: Wow.

Did the florist bundle up every single flower in the shop?

Well, let's just put it this way--

when I left,

the florist had to put the "Closed" sign on the door.

My beautiful wife deserves to be spoiled on Valentine's Day.

Mmm. Proving my handsome husband is considerate and over-the-top,

just the way I like it.

Bring it on.

[chuckling] Mmm.

So, how'd your day go, sweetheart?

Well, I've been following the doctor's instructions

-to take it easy. -Uh-huh.

I've just chilled, you know,

-so I could be rested for the evening. -Mm.

-What do you have planned? -[sighs]

Yeah, I don't know. I just thought maybe we'd...

order room service,

ask concierge if there's a massage therapist available.

That sounds enticing.

As a start.

["Slow Dancing" by The Soul of John Black playing]

♪ Slow dancing...♪

Vanessa, have you been redecorating?

VANESSA: It's for you.

Sit down and relax.

♪ Slow dancing♪

♪ Oh♪

♪ Come on, won't you take my hand, yeah, yeah♪

♪ Slow dancing♪

[vocalizing in song]

♪ Slow dancing...♪

Not that I mind, but...

-did you forget your skirt? -[chuckles softly]

Since I'm wearing a little less than usual,

you're going to wear...

a little more.

That's for you.

Put it on.

♪ Slow dancing.♪

-Hey. So sorry I'm late. Mwah. -Oh. Mwah.

I just got here, too.

All that matters is that we have this evening to ourselves.

On the most romantic night of the year.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

-Shall we? -Yep.

So much for it just being the two of us.

Happy Valentine's Day, Mom, Sis.

-You, too, Brother. -Kat. Mwah.

Happy Valentine's Day, Nicole.

I'm glad to see you two are making time for each other.

It wasn't easy now that both of us are working,

-but we figured it out. -I feel you.

Tomas is at the office burning the midnight oil tonight.

So Mom offered to be my date.

Should we make it a double date?

Absolutely not.

You two take advantage of this alone time.

Lord knows how difficult it is to find together time

when you're raising kids.

Nobody wants their mother and sister

crashing their Valentine's date. [chuckles]

The kids at Banneker were selling

these handpicked flowers today

to raise money for the glee club.

I couldn't resist.

I love them.

And I want you to invite me to their concert

-when they do it. -Will do.

I don't understand why the two of you are being so...

low effort.

[chuckles]

About what?

Champagne and Diamonds Day, darling.

I mean,

don't you want to live large?

-[chuckles] -[scoffs] Like you?

And where has all your desire to do it big gotten you?

Sitting right here across from me,

dateless.

I think you're projecting your own disappointment

about Valentine's Day onto me.

Stop using that Nicole Dupree-coded

therapy speak on me.

I picked Orphey Gene's

because I know what's important to Eva is quality time

over big flashy gestures.

I'm giving her what shewants.

See, Mama?

I'm lucky to be with a man

who really gets me.

Mm.

And since you don't approve of our date,

you can feel free to go someplace else

so you don't have to witness it.

I'm not putting on a blindfold.

Why not?

I'm...

...enjoying the view.

Hmm. Trust me,

you'll enjoy yourself even more with the blindfold.

When a man's deprived of one of his five senses,

it heightens the other four.

You'll gain a new appreciation for taste,

scent, touch

and sound.

I have a whole night of surprises planned, but...

...you're going to have to trust me.

You do trust me,

don't you, Joey?

It won't fit in a box?

I'll give you a hint--

this gift is about us

-and our love. -Aw.

Our love certainly won't fit in any box.

So settle in. The show's about to start.

It's a special Valentine's Day retrospective.

Now, I won't say the year,

but the jeans were stonewashed

and telephones had cords.

Ah, the good old days. [chuckling]

And you were right there by my side,

just like you are now as I navigate

one of the scariest journeys of my life.

[soft jazz music playing]

I know this track.

This is from one of your first solo jazz albums.

[singing along with song]: ♪ When I think of loving you♪

♪ It's something that I can't explain♪

♪ Your love is the life force♪

♪ Running through my veins♪

[recording]: ♪ This feeling is not easy♪

♪ To express in words♪

♪ My heart is trembling in your hands♪

♪ Just like a little baby bird.♪

[line ringing]

MARCEL [recorded]: Detective Malone.

Busy protecting and serving.

10-4.

Hey, lover. [chuckles softly]

I assume you've been incommunicado

because you are planning a big ol' surprise for me.

And since I'm such a considerate person,

I'm letting you know that I'll be at Uptown

wearing next to nothing under my coat,

just in case you want to strip-search me.

Mwah. [chuckles softly]

I feel like I'm always apologizing for Mama.

And here I go again.

Look, I'm so sorry that she was unforgivably rude.

I'm getting used to Leslie's...

unique personality.

[both chuckle]

That's a polite way to put it.

But she does have me second-guessing tonight.

I mean, did you mean what you said

about being cool with this date?

'Cause we can totally go someplace else

if you want to do something special.

You're disappointed.

Well, I'm sorry, babe.

I thought you loved flowers.

You could never disappoint me, Bill.

I know it's been a tough few days.

And, you know, when people say it's hard to recover

from a mugging, now I-I see.

Plus, with everything going on at the office,

I know Valentine's Day was the last thing on your mind.

Okay. So what are you getting at?

[sighs]

It's not that I had my heart set on some...

big, flashy gift.

It's more that, I don't know,

I was hoping an exciting Valentine's Day

would distract me from the fact that my attacker

is still out there roaming free and...

[sighs] could come back and attack me again.

Are you sure you want to commit to a date with me

a full year in advance?

A lot can happen between now and then.

I'm sure it will.

And I intend to stay by your side

for every bit of drama that transpires.

Mm. Can't say I mind that.

I'd be a fool to not lock Valentine's Day 2027 down now.

As hot as you look?

[scoffs] You could pull any man in this place.

Well, luckily for you,

-I've already found the man that I want. -Mmm.

ANDRE: [clears throat] Uncle Ted.

-Hey. -What's up, man? Happy Valentine's Day.

-Same to you, Nephew. -[chuckling]

-What's going on? -Dani. -Hi.

You having a good time?

-Yes. We are. -Mm.

Good. I'm glad to see you out with this lovely lady.

-[Shanice chuckles] -Yeah, took your advice and decided

-to take her out on the town. -Oh.

-And you know my wife Dani, of course. -Sure.

We've chatted when she drops in to say hi to Nicole.

Or when I want to know what's really going on at Garland.

-Mm. -Shanice stays plugged in.

But I feel like I know you more after yesterday.

-I caught a glimpse of your live stream while I was at work. -Mm.

Congrats on the modeling comeback.

I'm excited. And I know my cousins are, too.

-Your cousins? -Oh, they had your posters plastered all over their walls

when you first started modeling.

Well, if they still have them, I do autographs.

Uh, well, if they don't, will you autograph your new ads?

In fact, I want a signed photo, too.

I don't know. I think maybe you should join me on the runway

at Tatum's next fashion show,

-'cause you are wearing the hell out of that dress, girlfriend. -[laughs]

Well, compliments to Ted,

-because he is the one that gave it to me. -Mm-hmm.

Oh.

I didn't realize you'd moved on

to the "picking out each other's clothes" stage.

Mm.

♪ I see eternity♪

[recording]: ♪ And my mind♪

♪ Is wrapped up in the glow of love♪

-♪ That's washing over me...♪ -♪ Washing over me.♪

Mmm.

Those lyrics were inspired

by one of our past Valentine's Days.

Do you remember?

Keep going. Um, it's ringing a bell.

I was on the West Coast leg of my solo tour,

and you were back in D.C., newly elected to the Senate.

We were in different time zones,

-struggling to connect. -Ah.

Back in those analog days when it took so much effort

to communicate with someone.

-And I was missing you so much. -Mm.

And then Valentine's Day came.

And that night, after the concert,

I poured all of that loneliness and desire

into writing that song.

And then...

there was a knock on the door.

And there you stood with flowers and saltwater taffy.

You had flown in for the night and had to leave

early the next morning.

I remember it well.

I totally mean it when I say this is my ideal V-Day date.

Why is that?

Because no place but Orphey Gene's

is gonna have the peach cobbler I've been craving.

[chuckles] I'm so relieved to hear that.

[both chuckle]

Our relationship status has changed from...

friends with benefits to being an actual couple.

-But that doesn't mean everything else has to change. -Mm.

We're still the same people.

Mm. Yeah, we are.

So, now that we're being honest about what we want,

can I just say, for me,

it's you.

And not just in my bed...

-[chuckles] but in every area of my life. -[chuckles]

Happy Valentine's Day.

What happened to quality time, a bouquet,

and no big gestures?

Small gesture. [chuckles]

And just maybe your mom had a little bit of a point.

Go ahead. Open it.

[chuckles]

[gasps]

It's so me!

Oh, Izaiah.

Not too much?

Big enough to feel special,

small enough to feel real.

It's perfect.

They're for you to wear at campaign events.

I thought having more unusual ties sends the message

that you're younger and cooler

than your rival in the primaries.

And that you're willing to buck the status quo

despite coming from a political dynasty.

Aw.

I can't believe how thoughtful you were on these.

I actually put a lot of thought in your gift, too.

Okay.

What is it?

Open it and find out.

Oh, plane tickets.

To Costa Rica. We leave tomorrow.

We'll be staying at a romantic resort

in the middle of the rainforest for a week.

I hope these tickets are refundable.

And have you tried that 4-2-4 skincare routine?

Well, aren't you Miss Trendy?

Have you?

Are you talking about the four minutes of oil cleansing,

two minutes of foam cleansing,

and four minutes of rinsing?

-Of course you're an expert. -Mm-hmm.

Fashion isn't just purses, you know.

Honestly, I'm really into the vitamin C serum.

It's a game changer, especially if you're already using

glycolic acid.

See, this is the kind of conversation we can't have

-when men are around. -It's so true.

We should have had more Galantine celebrations.

I love talking girly stuff with you.

[phone chimes]

Are any of these new skincare routines really better

-than Gran's basic cold cream? -[phone chimes]

[soft music playing]

You have never looked hotter.

Ah.

And I'm starting to like

-this game of yours. -Mm.

Mmm.

-[chuckling] -Mmm.

Well, come closer.

Like onto my lap.

No.

I give the orders tonight.

Well, then order me to kiss you again.

-Mmm. [chuckles] -[chuckles softly]

Mmm.

Uh, hey.

Vanessa, not funny.

-Uncuff me. -Absolutely not.

Relax.

Submit to this experience.

It won't kill you to give up control for one night.

Well, he should have been dragged into the station

in handcuffs by now. It's unbelievable

that the bastard that put his hands on you is...

is still out there somewhere.

Well, Elon assured me that the police are doing

-everything possible to find him, okay? -Yeah, yeah, yeah.

He gave me the same assurances, too. Several times.

Bill, you can't harass the chief of police.

Oh, the hell I can't.

Look, I called Elon every few hours

to make sure that he's on top of this.

That mugger disrupted your life,

-and you still feel unsafe. -[sighs]

Well, I just can't help it.

[sighs] It was so traumatizing.

Every time I close my eyes,

I see it happening over and over and...

-Well... -[sighs]

Baby, you think you'll feel less anxious back at our place?

I mean, all the locks have been changed,

doors have been reinforced,

and security's been updated throughout the house.

You know, if going back home will put your mind at ease,

we can pack up and leave right now.

[sighs]

Y-You've...

gone through so much trouble and expense.

But...

-I'm just not ready. -Okay.

It's not a problem, baby. It's not a problem.

We can stay here as long as you like.

I am so sorry for bringing down the mood.

This is Valentine's Day.

We are supposed to be celebrating

how much we are still in love with each other.

Yeah, you know what, you're right.

And I think I know exactly how to get you back

into a more festive frame of mind.

Is this what I think it is?

Millions of Anita Williams fans would be jealous

-that I just had a private concert. -[chuckles]

It felt good to sing, even just a little bit.

Here and just for you.

It's gonna be a long time before I'm able to do a concert again.

-You don't know that. -Yeah.

Chemo might take my voice. At least temporarily.

And, um...

That's why I wanted to do this.

As a reminder of how our love has endured for decades.

And even in our bleakest moments,

we lift each other.

Just like we did that Valentine's Day

so many years ago.

[Joey grunts]

[sighs]

Vanessa, you realize being handcuffed,

giving up control, I could be killed.

Joey.

[chuckles]

You think I'm going to kill you?

I love you.

I have a lot of enemies.

If I can't move, I can't protect myself if one of them shows up.

Why worry?

There's security watching the street,

as well as a couple of your muscled minions at your door.

That doesn't mean I'm completely safe.

Don't you remember telling me that your house is the one place

you can let down your guard and be vulnerable?

Up to a point.

Within reason.

I think...

it's entirely reasonable

to let me take care of you for a change.

[moaning]

-You got the house in St. Barts? -[chuckles]

-[gasps] -I did indeed.

-[scoffs] -And this is the deed.

-How in the world did you pull that off? -[chuckles]

I thought no amount of money would get that owner to sell.

Oh, the guy's marriage fell apart.

And part of the settlement is that he has to sell the house

and split the proceeds with his wife.

Huh. Did you handle the divorce and come up with the idea?

Well, division of assets

is pretty standard in these matters,

but I may have called the couple's attorneys

and put in the cash offer to move things along.

Oh. I have the cleverest,

most handsome, most generous man

-on the face of the Earth. -[chuckles]

I never gave up on the house.

'Cause I knew exactly how happy it would make you.

I am more than happy.

I am ecstatic.

I'm overjoyed.

I'm just...

Still in love?

Oh, Bill.

And this whole time I thought

you just got me a floral bouquet.

-You have a great poker face. -[chuckles]

Well, that's because I hit the jackpot with you.

Mmm.

Sorry for the overshare. I'm sure Nicole's sister

doesn't want to know this much

about her ex-brother-in-law's personal life.

Nicole has moved on.

And Ted is Andre's family,

which means he will always be in my life.

I'm glad you're dating someone I like.

ANDRE: [chuckles softly] You know what,

maybe we should have you two

over to the house for dinner.

-Uh, I don't know. -Say yes, Ted.

We will get along so much better now that you have finished

that inexplicable entanglement with Leslie.

Hmm. I wish day and night that Leslie would do the same.

That woman is like gum on your shoe.

-You just can't shake her. -Okay,

l-let's not let her, uh, ruin our Valentine's Day, okay?

I'm gonna make damn sure she doesn't.

Uptown is not big enough for the both of us.

Leslie has been a plague on my whole family.

And she continues to terrorize my parents

with construction noises on that monstrosity across the street.

So what I'm saying, Shanice...

...is that I have totally got your back.

-It looks great. -I never want to take it off.

What's the matter?

Okay. I feel like such an ass,

because all I got you was this lousy card.

[chuckles]

Eva, that's a lot more than I expected.

I sure didn't assume you were gonna get me anything.

Why not?

'Cause Valentine's Day is more about guys

doing something romantic for their ladies.

That's a little bit old-fashioned, isn't it?

I mean, there are a lot more ways to be a couple

than just man and woman.

Oh. Yeah, of course.

I guess I'm...

I'm just thinking strictly from my own perspective.

And sitting here dazzled by you right now,

I just...

I want to give you the world, Eva.

I want to give you my heart.

Aw!

-[chuckles] -Listen to you with the words.

No, seriously,

I don't want to be the kind of woman who just...

takes without giving anything in return.

And now that you got me this real gift,

I feel lazy because all I did was write you a note.

There's nothing lazy about that.

Writing takes effort,

and sometimes the right words can be powerful.

Mmm.

Smells like you.

See?

Those heightened senses are already kicking in.

[grunts]

Thank you for the rose.

I love that you brought me gifts

that we can incorporate into our evening.

Open your mouth.

Mmm.

[chuckles]

How's your sense of taste doing?

Well, the chocolate's fine,

but there's a couple other things I'd like to taste.

You need to cool down.

[chuckling]

[moans]

Oh.

If you really want me to explore this...

new heightened sense of touch,

you should probably uncuff me.

Why aren't you excited about this trip to Costa Rica?

It's not that it hasn't been a dream.

Then what's the problem?

You freelance for The Washington Record.

You don't have to punch a time clock.

I have a job, Martin.

A real, bona fide job.

Investigative journalism. It's not just a lark.

I can't just pack up and split when the mood strikes.

Mom is always happy to take the kids in.

Our domestic arrangement isn't the issue.

I'm in the middle of a major investigation.

I can't just abandon it for a week.

We can go when I wrap things up.

Well, I mean, that works for you,

but this is the only time I get off

before the general election in November.

I'm sorry, but I guess we can't go until after the election.

Martin and Smitty look a little tense.

Mom, you're not supposed to be butting in on their date.

-Easier said than done. -[phone chimes]

They seemed so happy a few minutes ago.

What could have gone wrong in such a short amount of time?

Even the best marriages are a constant give-and-take.

When you make a life with somebody else,

there will always be disagreements and compromises.

I've never been good at compromising.

[phone chimes]

Sometimes it's the best way to get what you want.

There you are.

I got your message.

And it turned me on.

Mmm. Well, that was the idea.

So, exactly where are you?

Just dropped a perp to lockup.

Okay.

Well, after he's all tucked in,

you're coming to Uptown, right?

No can do.

I'm only halfway through my shift.

Besides,

I'm not sure why you expected me to meet with you.

It's not like we had plans.

It's Valentine's Day.

I was being spontaneous.

Okay, but that was the last sappy perp's excuse.

[scoffs]

You'd better keep your panties on tonight.

Too late.

Maybe I should go and show Ted what is

or isn't under this coat.

Oh, and then that would end the little rebound fling with you,

Nurse Do Nothing.

No.

That would be the end of you, Wiggy.

Maybe Shanice is too kind

or too sane to stoop to your level,

but I'm not.

I'm just as crazy as you. So, please,

Witch of 1,000 Names...

...do something to make me act in self-defense.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

I wasn't talking about a catfight.

I just meant that if Leslie here dared to flash Ted,

he would just realize how pathetic she is

and lose the last kernel of respect

he may still have for her.

I stand corrected.

[exhales]

[chuckling softly]

I hope both you trifling hoes

choke on some candy hearts.

[snickers]

[giggling]

["Never Gonna Stand Alone" by Patrick Tallerico playing]

♪ Come sunshine or stormy weather♪

♪ Never gonna stand alone.♪

You and I have pushed each other to...

to make our dreams come true.

And supported each other when...

life turned into a nightmare.

But there is nothing--

and I mean nothing--

I can't find my way through,

including cancer,

with you by my side.

-Mmm. -You've been such a good boy through all this.

You deserve a little reward.

Well, as much as I benefit

from your affinity for role-playing...

...you don't have to be anyone else with me.

Ever.

Because you're so in love with the real me?

Mm.

I gave up control tonight.

That should prove how much I love you.

And now it's my turn to be in charge.

[upbeat music playing]

♪ She's a cool one.♪

I can't wait to christen our new home.

-[chuckling] -Remember what we said?

-Mm. -We'll make love in every single room.

Yeah. Well, I have an idea.

What?

Why don't we...

-rehearse. -Ooh.

-[chuckling] -Mmm.

Well, I will cancel the trip.

Thank you.

Maybe we could be back in the moment

and make the most of the rest of Valentine's Day.

We'd better, because it's the last time

we'll be alone for a while.

Looks like they've patched things up.

Mom, there seems to be something very interesting

happening on your phone.

I confess...

...after all that big talk, I broke girl code.

-What? No. [chuckles] -[chuckles] I have never felt

like such a hypocrite.

I'm texting Carlton.

And Kial.

Talking dirty to guys under the table.

-[laughs] -[chuckles]

Well, if it makes you feel any better...

...I've been texting Tomas all evening.

[laughing]

So much for Galentine's Day.

[laughing]

"Not to get sappy,

"but I've done a lifetime of solo days.

"So spending V-Day with my best friend

"and now my boo,

"it matters.

You matter."

[chuckles softly]

I have never seen fear like that in Leslie's eyes.

Oh, I just had to let her know Valentine may be a saint,

but I am not.

Mmm. Well, I'm sorry she had to show up

and add one more complication to what promised to be

a perfect night.

But next year,

Valentine's Day will be drama-free.

Doesn't matter,

-as long as we are both there. -Mmm.

You know, usually I'm a little worried

whenever you put on your Dani indignation hat.

But, tonight, it was pretty hot.

[laughs] To tell you the truth,

I really didn't understand what Leslie

and Shanice were arguing about,

especially when they started talking about panties.

But there was no way I was about to let Leslie

ruin my first Valentine's Day married to you.

Mmm. It was that wild, unpredictable streak

that attracted me to you in the first place.

It's only gonna get more wild when we get home.

Mmm...

♪ ♪

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Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org