Original subtitles

-Hey. -You're meeting Kat?

I'm trying to pull off the impossible:

surprising Kat twice.

Well, you've already scored with the party.

Has my sister convinced you in celebrating

every day of her birthday?

I thought she'd like something just for us.

Mm. You have cracked the secret to Kat's heart.

What would that be?

Whatever you gift her, supersize it.

Birthdays or bling.

But, on the flip side,

that heart gives as good as Kat gets.

I agree. But whatever I get her

can't compare with the gift of Anita improving.

Yeah, that was everything.

But I think I can speak for the entire family

when I say thank you for bringing us together like that.

I made reservations.

The Duprees brought the party.

But when my parents showed up, that took it up another notch.

Just curious, was it me

or was a little something happening

between Ted and Nicole?

Hi.

Is everyone playing hooky today?

I took a half day.

Mom threw me an assist on the whole

"got a date, don't know what I'm wearing" situation.

And, uh, what's your excuse?

Uh, I'm just refueling.

But I'd love to hear all about your plans

if you two care to join me.

♪ ♪

Just one sec.

There. Okay, how can I

help you... Hi.

-That smile helped. -[laughs]

Got me right here.

Someone was pretty intense when I rode up.

Well, someone is making sure everything

is in order before Shanice gets back tomorrow.

Oh, I wish I could pitch in so you don't have to stay so late.

You're sweet. But I'm on track.

There is something you could do for me, though.

Name it.

You could eat.

Pardon?

I know it sounds a little kinky,

but sometimes I just get this hankering to...

...cook a full adult meal using

all the pots and burners and everything.

It just seems a little too decadent to do it just for me,

so if you're up for it...

Yeah, I think I could help you out just this once.

Just this once.

Bugatti, Porsche. Oh.

Decisions, decisions.

Ooh, come here, Maserati. Yes.

[door opens]

Pretty.

Too pretty to touch?

They aren't a replacement for words.

Okay, I-I'm sorry.

I came in too hot. Sometimes I just

can't separate the husband from the lawyer.

And I always loved that.

Except I thought you would only use

that big bad Bill Hamilton persona to fight at my side

and not against me.

-Well, Hayley-- -But you

put me on a pedestal

and then you bait and switch,

and boom-- I'm being interrogated by my own husband.

Do you have any idea

how much that hurt?

Okay, I...

That wasn't my intention.

Oh. Yeah, so you have no control of what you say?

And there's nothing that you need to apologize for,

right, Bill?

Or should I say "baby?"

Oh, well, all right, look. I thought you understood.

[Hayley scoffs]

Listen...

when I used that word with Dani,

it wasn't an endearment.

It was, I don't know, just a callback

to when we were still together.

[scoffs]

She had just told me about Anita's progress,

and it was, you know, it just set off a reflex.

It was nothing more than that.

Bill, you threw "baby" at your ex

like you had stepped back in time

and there was no Hayley at all,

when I was sitting right there.

That-that just proves how innocent it was.

Come on, Hayley. Hey.

I can never forget about you.

I mean, look at you.

Look around. Are you gonna let something

that means nothing ruin all this?

"Baby" better not be anywhere in this card.

So, what time do you get off tonight?

I totally forgot, I'm on call

with that concierge service tonight.

All right, well, no rest for the not-at-all wicked.

Well, how's this? How's this? If it's light,

is the offer still open?

I'll just keep everything crossed

that no one needs their blood drawn.

And I will grab some wine.

What do you want, red or white?

Well, that depends on you.

Why don't you, um, give me a little direction?

Whatever you want. I'm not picky.

But I want you to be.

[chuckles]

Come on, you really don't have a favorite dish?

I mean, my mom was so busy working two jobs,

home-cooked meals weren't really a thing.

Oh.

-Grayson. -Oh, it's fine.

I could have developed the foodie skills of my own,

but it's the fast food life for me.

Well, same for me most of the time, but...

There really isn't anything?

You're gonna make fun.

Oh, it can't be that bad.

Spaghetti and meatballs, Frozen meatballs, jar of sauce.

It was the best thing I ever tasted,

because if we were having those meatballs,

it meant that Mom wasn't working that night.

Well, I could never try to compete

with your mother's perfect meatballs.

How about Italian?

Sounds great, but I really

don't want you to go through trouble and...

Oh. [laughs]

Someone couldn't stay away.

Well, not just from you.

Me?

[chuckles] I wanted to surprise Ted. Carry on.

Oh, he's not here.

I'm buying, but I've got to know

why this Tomas date is so special

that it requires parental involvement?

Or is it a blessing?

It's not that kind of date.

Sometimes a woman just needs a new dress

to feel herself a little.

And wants her date to feel her a little, too.

Okay.

[Nicole laughs]

Double espresso for my princess and one sugar free

oat milk latte, light foam, two pumps of caramel,

unless your order has changed.

You got it.

-Hmm. -NICOLE: Mine hasn't

changed, but I can't be buzzing at dinner.

I really have to go.

Mom's meeting Martin.

-Oh. -I would let you crash--

Ah, no need.

Uh, just tell Martin I'll give him a call.

I got a mountain of work on my desk,

after I catch up with Kat.

Well, then, good luck with your mountain.

And you have a blast, baby.

Thank you.

[clears throat]

Hey, your mom seems good.

Yeah. I'm just glad you two have found your peace

and could bring it to my birthday party.

Nothing makes us happier than seeing our kids happy.

And your boy Tomas, he did all right.

Mm, even better, he actually managed to surprise me.

Hm. There were

miracles going around,

including you inviting your sister to stay.

Dad, don't hope.

I was just basking in Gran blazing toward remission.

No one could bring me down.

Not even half-sis.

If Beelzebub herself-- Leslie-- popped out of that cake,

I would have been unbothered.

With the Gran news, our Dupree love fest

was shaken up, so I wouldn't read anything into it.

Oh. You know your parents better than I do.

Having Gran's miracle turnaround land on the same day

as Kat's miracle birthday-- it's kind of perfect.

Kat's really gotten into staying with her grandparents.

It makes her feel useful.

Yeah, but seeing Anita so sick

and having no control over the outcome of this thing

has been new territory for Kat.

For all of you, I imagine.

Well, cancer is the great equalizer.

My family went through it with my abuelita

when I was in the service.

I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know.

I was a thousand miles away, and suddenly,

I get this phone call that I should fly back home.

So you got a chance to see her?

Not just that, but while I was at her bedside

saying my goodbyes, she squeezed my hand

and I watched her fight her way back to us day by day.

Wow.

Both of our families have powerful matriarchs.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised we have that in common.

My abuelita's our heart and soul,

like Anita's yours.

We're not Duprees, but we do line up

in the fierce family love department.

[chuckles]

Yours is more supportive of big dreams, though.

At least you have Kat shining you on.

It was just last year where you were at her birthday party.

And look at you now.

You didn't think we'd make it this far, did you?

No shade, no one has before.

But you hung in.

And I'm going to do everything I can

to stick around for many more Kat days.

They are gorgeous.

Mm-hmm.

Wow.

Uh, the flowers are just your opening

-statement, Bill. -Oh.

Okay, well, then, tell me how I close.

Since when did the DMV's fixer

need a map to fix what he broke, huh?

Well, I am on the case, but

I think I'll need a minute to prepare.

Hmm.

Okay, well you do that,

and I will go slip into something... less,

just to show that I'm negotiating in good faith.

Mm-hmm.

Make it spectacular.

Oh, you won't be disappointed.

Last year, I was here dreaming, and now...

My baby's purses are at Fenmore's, huh?

-My genius. -Oh, thank you.

And I get to market my genius cousin.

You do.

Now, how was Anita today?

Oh, really good.

Hm.

Now that she's turned the corner,

have you thought about when you're gonna be moving out?

Not until after she's officially in remission.

Honey, the next steps aren't instant.

Anita's facing surgery, possible follow-up treatments.

I know your grandparents don't want you

to put your life on hold.

I'm not.

I get to hang out with them during a really important time.

Baby, you went from the apartment behind the house

to living with Chelsea and now the Grans.

Is it at all possible that you don't want to...

live alone?

Oh, that's why you're dadding so hard.

You think I'm about to move in with Tomas.

Well, we're not ready.

Mm, and is one of you less ready than the other?

I love Tomas and he loves me.

We see ourselves in each other's futures,

but the future's just not here yet.

There is something to be said for growing together.

Dad, you're a bachelor living in a hotel.

Now, I'm not investigating you

on what that means for your relationship.

I'm the dad.

And as the daughter, I am simply asking a question.

Why haven't you found a real place yet?

Are you waiting to see

how things shake out with Shanice?

Ted's receptionist said he's just on a coffee run.

While I wait, you can catch me up

on how this place just couldn't do without me.

Oh, we managed, but barely.

Did Ted tell you Anita's good news?

Thank goodness.

How about Madison's malpractice suit?

No. A patient?

No, Madison's new-agey mom, Willow,

she made it look like Madison endorsed

her really bad pseudo-medical advice,

and now Madison's being sued for malpractice

by someone she's never even met.

Oh, poor thing. How's she holding up?

Mm. Poised, but rattled underneath.

-Oh. -Her whole Parkinson's study

could be on the line. But thankfully,

Naomi and her dad are teaming up.

Yeah, well, a united Hamilton legal front'll kill it.

From your lips.

There is this one other thing.

It's... a little bit of a mystery.

Something happened in Nicole's office,

and I cannot make it make sense.

Whatever it was upset Nicole,

and then next thing I know, Chief Lia

is changing Nicole's locks.

Oh. A rogue patient?

A thief?

No one's talking.

Oh, well, I'll ask. I need to know

if we need to up security around here.

Okay, but just leave my name out of it when you do.

Why?

[scoffs]

Chief has been all over me, like I can do no right.

Oh, not true.

But also, not like her.

She's been off ever since she found out

I was seeing Grayson.

Off how?

Eh, making comments.

Honestly, it's getting a little weird.

I brought a malbec and the chicken's warming.

I was just reading an article about trad sons,

you know, who move back home and pamper their mothers.

You would never want me to crowd your new style.

We should do this more often.

Yes, but you are busy, congressman.

Father, husband--

those are a lot of roles.

And son's one of my favorites too.

And brother.

You made your sister very happy the other day.

I thought you'd be too busy planning your fundraiser.

Trying to make time for what's important.

Well, when the election is over and you have won handily,

you will have time for yourself and all of us.

That's the thing.

I have a decision to make.

After the campaign, do I ease up

or take on something bigger?

As in?

The 2028 Senate race.

So you think the Chief's sporting a Grayson crush?

Not that.

Then what gives?

Oh, did she catch you two

getting it on in the supply closet?

We have been completely professional.

Mostly.

Okay, fine, some kissing here and there,

but it's been totally PG.

Then why do you think the chief has it out for you?

She couched it as concerned, but it was like,

"You go, girl, but you only go so far

if you get distracted by a man."

-Whoa. -Yeah.

Has she said anything like that to you about Ted?

Girl, please. The chief is not the chief of my bedroom,

and neither is she of yours.

Okay, I have to ask you something terrible.

Safe space.

Do you think that Derek--

maybe he raised some kind of red flag

about Grayson to the chief?

Why would you think that?

Because Grayson wanted to volunteer at the free clinic

and Derek shot him down cold.

[chuckles] See, women, we get the bad rap,

but we've got nothing compared to men and their drama.

[chuckles]

-Look at the time. -Oh, yeah.

It's "daddy-daughter let's get real time."

Now, why don't you bring Shanice

as a plus-one to my party?

Shanice had a PT conference, okay?

Indianapolis, back tomorrow.

Mm-hmm.

And she's your girlfriend now?

Did you give her one of your magnetic keys?

Not yet.

We aren't into labels.

Mm, I wouldn't love that answer if Tomas gave it.

Look, we're new. We're enjoying getting to know each other.

She's all the things, Okay?

Gorgeous, big hearted, smart,

and it's impossible to not be light around her.

I like her. A lot.

Okay. Well, that sounds promising,

because you were a wreck post-Mom.

Did some backsliding.

And I regret it.

But if Shanice is a part of this

better moving forward equation,

then I am all for it.

Hm.

-Thank you. -Mm-hmm.

I'm serious about this.

The next time I commit, it's gonna last.

It will be forever.

It's coming from the party and the donors.

They say I'm the key to holding the seat.

They don't know what they're asking.

No, but--

This could blow up your world, Martin.

I talked it over with granddad.

His advice was to hold the course.

I have practiced many years and I have never seen

a grandfather and grandson lose their damn mind

at the exact same moment.

-Mom, listen-- -Don't spin.

There is no way your grandfather

could have cosigned your run knowing your secret.

That night on the side of the road--

And I could never forget.

Then what are you doing, baby?

That secret was put to bed the day

the last person who threatened to expose it

ceased to be a threat.

And all the good I get to put in the world

is my way of making up for those secrets.

No matter the cost?

And need I remind you about the people

who are still breathing in and out who know the truth?

I can make a list.

Your grandparents, your father, your husband.

You sound like Bill.

You had this discussion with him?

He heard some chatter and he approached me.

Of course he did.

He thinks a senate race will open me up to more scrutiny.

Warning you or threatening you?

Maybe Bill wants you to run

so that he can blackmail you when you're a senator.

Not without implicating himself.

And no one from our family will let the secret out.

That only leaves...

...Joey Armstrong.

And his possible associates.

Granddad said Joey won't touch this.

He's been avoiding the law and all his crimes his whole life.

He won't go down for mine.

Your grandfather might be right if he was talking about

another politician,

but I see Joey in a way that he can't.

I just had dinner with him,

Vanessa and Carlton.

Was he at his most charming?

I made the mistake of challenging him,

and when Joey got his back up--

Mom, he didn't.

He brought up the past, your past.

He was coded and careful, but he still went there in public.

I hate I put you in that situation.

In the end, he apologized,

said it wasn't intentional.

Well, that's something.

But it proves that he is lethal.

And under any circumstances,

even the tiniest bruise to his heart or his ego

could have him pulling that trigger

with your secret in the chamber.

I hear you, and I won't make any moves

without telling you.

Any dream that you have had for yourself, Martin,

I've had an even bigger one for you.

Because that is what a mother does.

That's why this hurts so much.

What part?

Having to be the one who advises you

to turn down your dreams.

It is your decision.

But I'm gonna remind you of some important things.

Father, husband, son, brother.

There are other ways to serve without having

to look over your shoulder for the rest of your life.

But it's not true, is it?

We can't uninvite the monster we let in.

And as long as Joey is in the world,

I have to be on guard.

And there's nothing you, my mom the fixer,

or I can do about it,

So I might as well do some good while I'm waiting.

[sighs]

What does Smitty have to say about this?

Why haven't you told him?

Because if I decided not to run,

there was no reason to bring it up.

Smitty has been busy with his story.

I sat in your living room and watched you vow

to be a better husband just a few months ago.

That means no secrets.

If this is something that you're taking seriously,

Smitty needs to be a part of this conversation.

Sooner rather than later.

Yes, I'll let the gate know. All right. Thank you.

[cell phone vibrating]

Oh.

Hey, Natalie.

Yeah, now's a good time.

Did you complete the full forensic review?

Mm-hmm.

Well, yeah, Well, I just want to make sure

my financial house is still in order.

Wait, hold on, what do you mean it's gone?

How much are we talking?

All of it?

What? No, wait, hold on.

That can't be right. When did this happen?

-I've got it. It's my take on Marry Me Chicken -Okay.

without the cream,

so it's more like a marinara sauce.

And you can put it over pasta.

No, I just ran away from the aisle.

And besides, Grayson and I-- we are nowhere near that.

Okay, you can call it whatever you want,

but that red sauce, especially when

you put it over focaccia,

it makes men want to do things.

ASHLEY: I'm so glad you're back.

Me too.

You're here.

Thanks for dinner. I needed this.

Oh, I am just glad that you are keeping me in the loop.

I didn't want to turn this into a therapy session.

But you have been putting off our actual sessions.

I'm not the only one with a full plate.

If you are referencing my dating life--

It's about Gran.

Oh, honey, no.

Why do we have to keep learning the same lessons

over and over again?

Mom.

You spent too long hiding

how those men accosted you and your grandfather,

all to protect everyone from your trauma.

You're not doing that anymore.

Let the people who love you

decide how much they can handle.

I am your mother.

There will never, ever be a moment that I don't have

the bandwidth to help you. You hear me?

That's my pattern, isn't it?

Recognition is only the first part of the remedy.

You have to let us in

until it becomes second nature to you.

Understood. Love you.

Look at that sparkle.

Mira, mira, mira. Linda.

Are they, uh, prepping for a big event?

The biggest. You.

We're not done

celebrating your birthday yet.

Uh, why is there a dance floor?

Kat salsa night.

Oh, Tomas.

You did all this?

And this.

Hit it.

[salsa music playing]

The management loved the idea

as long as I brought the DJ.

Okay.

Happy birthday, Kat.

[gasps]

What did you do?

What is this?

[laughs]

It's for the bedroom.

Mm. You really outdid yourself.

Champagne?

So...

what's the verdict?

Well, you don't only lavish me

with extravagant big gifts.

You pay attention to the little things.

That's how I know you care.

Yeah. Well, you don't have to second guess, Hayley.

I choose you. Believe that.

You know, it's hard to tune out the noise

when you're the one making it.

Mm-hmm.

But, I mean, when you go overboard like this,

babe, I... I start believing again.

[chuckles] Yeah.

Well, I'm not the only one who goes overboard.

Mm. Lucky for you.

That's not what I'm talking about.

Wait, why are you killing our sexy?

Look, I didn't want to do this tonight.

Really, I just wanted us to get back to us,

but... we can't do that.

Not until you tell me what you plan to do with that money.

Money?

-Mm-hmm. -[scoffs]

I spoke with Natalie.

Oh, I see.

You've got your briefs twisted

over a little savings account I closed.

Why would you do that without telling me?

Is this the same double whammy you use in court--

butter up your witness and then go for the kill?

Natalie called me after I ordered all of this.

Oh, yeah. Just out of the blue.

Or did you nudge her to look into your wife?

I told our accountant that a known embezzler

had gotten too close.

So Natalie did an audit to make sure that she

hadn't gotten any closer, and your withdrawal popped up.

I thought we stopped all this Lynette nonsense.

Please tell me you did not give her that money.

What, do you think I would let a con fool me twice?

And this time out of hundreds of thousands of dollars?

Well, it's the same amount that she needed for her penthouse.

Listen, I wanted us to buy an investment property

and allow her to live there.

You said no.

Okay? And so I-I woke up, finally,

and then I washed my hands of her scheming ass,

and now she's gone. The end.

Until you walked in here, accusing.

Okay, then what did you need the money for?

It's not about...

it's about who I didn't need it for.

Our son.

We have to stop saving for a future Prince Hamilton

when we've agreed to no longer extend our family.

Okay?

All I was doing was putting that money

back into our main account.

But hey, no good deed goes unpunished.

And why are you looking at me like that,

like you don't believe me?

We can totally rain check.

Why do you start there?

Because we've met before.

Stop. You're assuming that I'm gonna cancel on you.

You told me that you might have to work tonight,

and I'm just being realistic.

I think we should replace "realistic" with "optimistic."

Okay, sunshine, so does that mean

that you can make dinner tonight?

Yes.

And it's my way of saying thank you

for reminding me that good things can happen.

-Like what? -Like dinner.

[laughs]

What are we having?

So I can pick the wine.

Uh, just, it's a recipe

that Shanice gave me.

Does it have a name?

I, um, can't say it in public.

So whisper it.

[whispering]

"Sex me up chicken?" Whoa!

You know that's not what I said.

I was just reading between the lines.

You-- I've got to go before you get me in trouble.

Yeah, and I've got some things that I need

to take care of here.

WOMAN [over P.A.]: Rapid response, room 715.

I am so thirsty.

I hope you're hungry, too.

What are we having?

Um...

It'll give your present away.

Another present?

This one's for me, too.

[squeals]

Oh.

It's so pretty and tiny.

[Tomas chuckles]

What is it?

The closest thing I could find to my front door.

They sell these at Puerto Recuerdos in San Juan.

This little market for artisans.

Oh, your front door in Puerto Rico.

I want to steal all of the colors,

give them to Chelsea so she can design something gorgeous.

[laughs]

But why are you giving me your front door?

I want to take you to see the real thing.

What... Aren't we going for Christmas?

I don't want to wait that long.

TED: I think I missed you.

SHANICE: Oh, I missed you, too.

Someone on high is policing hospital romance.

-The chief? -Mm-hmm.

My door is firmly closed,

you are not in your scrubs

and I'm still on my coffee break, so...

Oh. Is that what we're calling this?

[knock on door]

[sighs]

I'll get rid of whomever.

I just put out a Martin fire, but you might want to tag in.

Oh, I am sorry, Shanice.

I thought you were out of town.

Got back early. Hi, Nicole.

I can call you tomorrow, unless...

Martin is fine.

I will call you if I need backup.

You guys have a great night.

Thanks.

Sorry about that.

Now, where were we before the world barged in?

No worries. Really.

I had a lot of time to think when I was away.

Mm-hmm.

Things got really awkward and messy before I left,

which is usually when I would pull the plug and move on.

But I decided not to do that this time.

Because?

I think something real is happening between us,

and there's no need to name it.

I just need to know that I'm not by myself in feeling it.

You are not by yourself.

I am right here with you.

Good.

You know what else I'm right about?

Can't wait to hear it.

We need to go someplace we can be

completely inappropriate.

Like now.

Right again.

[laughs]

That's exciting, but springing a visit?

I only get one shot at a first impression.

I've done nothing but sing your praises.

There as primed as when Bad Bunny came to the island.

I'm Bad Bunny?

High praise.

They're excited.

But are you?

No, I am. It's just...

Talk to me.

Uh, this would be another first time for me.

I was kidding when I said I wanted Cousin Pedro,

the tattoo artist, to give us matching tats when we got there.

[laughs]

No, I mean, this would be

my first time meeting your parents.

And my abuelitaand my tíosand tías, mis primos,

the friends I grew up with--

oh, they're all going to love you something fierce.

Kat?

I'm just figuring out what I need to pack.

I'm already putting together

my hometown visit wardrobe in my head.

So you'll come with me?

Ah. Mi amor.

-[laughs] -[speaks Spanish]

[squeals]

Look at you, giving this greedy birthday girl

some extra icing for her birthday cake.

Well, I have some more.

It's not that I don't believe you.

It's the less than accurate description of what you did.

You didn't put the money into our joint account.

You had a check cut to you instead.

So that's what this is about?

Look, this is my first investment portfolio.

All those accounts, and in banks and firms.

But I didn't know that-that I could transfer

directly from my investment account to my joint account.

All I saw was a little pop-up asking me to send it somewhere,

so I put in our home address,

and when it gets here, I'm going to put it in our account.

Well, if you had just clicked again,

you would have seen the transfer option.

Yeah, if I'd known to look for it.

[sighs] I guess I was just

too in my feelings to pay attention

to where I was clicking.

Babe, I only did it

so you wouldn't have to see that baby account

winking at you every time you went to that page.

But instead of sparing you, I....

...just made things harder.

Look, just always ask me, okay?

Okay.

Well, there is something I-I want to ask.

Can we get back to doing what I know I'm good at?

Hm? And what's that.

Making up.

Unless there's a third fight you want to pick.

No.

No more fights.

Just love.

Mm.

And champagne.

Mm-hmm.

Well, I will take these.

You can grab the champagne.

Hm.

[chuckles]

Going down, Nurse Johnson?

Yes, thank you, Dr. Richardson.

MAN [over P.A.]: Dr. Wright, dial 316.

Hey, Mami.

Actually, Ashley is making dinner for me tonight.

Yeah, I'm going to the store now, pick up some wine.

I have no idea. I'll ask the guy there.

Yeah, she's pretty great. She's pretty great.

Maybe things are finally looking up for the Perezes, huh?

You gonna watch our show without me?

Okay, we'll watch it tomorrow.

I love you too, Mami. Bye.

[click]

[grunting]

Yeah.

It's always better when they fight.

[gasping]

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