Original subtitles

Are you absolutely certain that that's all it is?

Oh, thank the Lord.

And you, Madison, for letting me know so quickly.

Oh. And listen,

give Chelsea my love, too. Good night.

Oh, my.

We Duprees are just bursting with good news lately.

Do tell.

-Hey. -Hi.

[kiss]

How was dinner with your mom?

We were overdue.

Did you bring her up to date on the fundraiser?

Uh, we didn't get into it.

I bet she was happy to have you to herself

to catch up, just like I am now.

Did she give you too much TMI about her two boyfriends?

Is it gonna be Dr. Bones or Dr. Nip-Tuck for the win?

[chuckles] She didn't go there.

Well, then what did you and your mom talk about

that has you gulping your bourbon?

The fact that I need to run for Senate.

You're practically purring.

Because you settled on the perfect

moniker for us, partner.

Glad you like it.

It encapsulates how deep our connection runs

in pleasure and in business.

I was actually thinking about sweetening our partnership.

What do you have in mind?

You...

giving me a larger piece of the pie.

I mean specifically.

Your empire.

I want to play...

...a bigger role in the business.

♪ ♪

[phone ringing]

Hi.

Are you having a party you didn't invite your mom to?

Uh, no.

I am making dinner.

-What you making? -Italian.

I'm making dinner for Grayson for the first time.

[grunting]

Yeah.

It's always better when they fight.

[gasping]

JAN: I've taught you half a dozen

go-to favorites that are sure to please.

Why are you stressing and doing something new?

Shanice gave me this really great recipe, so...

I have not seen you break out the pots and pans since Derek.

[groans] Mom.

Did you really just bring him up right now?

I thought you two were in the friend place.

Yeah, well, I did, too.

But then Derek... [scoffs] You know what?

You don't even want to know.

Yes, I do.

Down, Mom.

I'll fill you in later.

Okay, but call me if that recipe needs translating.

I think I got it.

Oh, no, no, no.

What is it?

Oh, I forgot the focaccia.

Mm. Shanice said this recipe is nothing without it.

Oh, and I have nothing to wear. Oh.

The thing that would be perfect for tonight is in the hamper.

I do love you in that.

Well, have no fear, Julia Child, your mother, is here.

[laughs]

Toss that in the wash and get dinner going.

Tide's got your back,

and so do I.

Just get cooking.

♪ My thoughts, they darken in between♪

♪ And I saw them all together having dinner at Murphy's♪

♪ And I saw them all together having dinner at Murphy's♪

♪ Keep trusting blindly♪

♪ I swear that you'll find me♪

♪ Better, better.♪

I thought we were done with this dance.

We just put it to bed momentarily.

You're like the embodiment of taking a mile

when someone gives an inch.

I've received much more than that from you.

I've never given anyone

any part of my businesses until you.

And I've welcomed you into three.

Real estate, Heart Attach and the clinic.

The last one doesn't count. It was my idea

for you to be an investor.

Silent investor.

And the reason I got involved was you and your kids.

And it means the world.

But your grand gesture came with a Leslie-sized catch.

Yeah, there's a root canal and a IRS audit

wrapped in a disaster.

I can't work with her.

So if the clinic's gonna be viable,

-you have to run point. -Don't digress.

Our new status comes with new privileges.

If we're breaking down all the barriers between us,

my needs have to be covered.

I demand it.

Dem... [laughs]

-You really are something. -[chuckles]

So are you, which is why we're so perfectly matched.

I want you by my side.

Happy, sexy...

...and healthy.

I don't want walls between us.

But some of my enterprises come with risk.

I don't want you anywhere

near something that could put you in danger.

And...

what if I get off on the danger?

You're upset.

You told your mother about an earth-shattering decision

before you told me.

Let me explain.

I love Nicole,

but you and I have been working hard on rebuilding our trust.

I thought that was going great.

It is.

And now, when our focus is pulled

with Tyrell graduating and Samantha's cotillion

and my work and your campaign,

you're over at your mom's house saying,

"Oh, pass the sugar. By the way,

I'm gonna blow up our lives. Don't tell Smitty."

It wasn't like that.

We agreed that it was enough risk

for you to run for Congress

-for a second term. -Smitty.

You know, I'm glad that a trained psychiatrist

was there when you had such an insane idea.

This wasn't spur of the moment, was it?

How long?

The party and the donors

have been pushing me to run.

They think I'm the best chance to hold the seat.

So, days?

Weeks.

Months?

Weeks.

[scoffs]

Who else knows?

I doubt Nicole was a one-woman focus group.

Granddad.

Well...

he has been your guide ever since you decided

to follow in his footsteps,

so if there's anyone that knows about this aside from me,

it should be Vernon.

There's someone else.

Who?

Bill.

I can't convince you to go back to bed?

I think knowing I only have one more chemo session

has energized me.

Yeah, that strong mind is winning out over your body

-right now. -Do you know

how many patients I have seen ring that bell,

signaling the end of chemo?

And it's almost my turn.

I'm right there with you, counting down the days.

You have to tell me how big I can go with this celebration.

I need to start planning.

Well, from the sounds of that phone call earlier,

we can make it a double celebration.

You heard.

I assume Madison was telling you

that Bill and Naomi put down that nuisance of a lawsuit?

That's still very much in play.

Then why were you thanking Madison so profusely?

She was giving me my lab results.

The call was about my medical files.

Not Madison's legal ones.

Vernon Dupree, why didn't

you tell me you were forgetting things?

Your mind, your strength

had to be otherwise engaged,

contending with the red devil.

So while you were holding my hand,

all this was weighing on you?

No need to burden you.

You are my heart, sir, and I would have made room

to do for you the same way that you have done for me

since the day we met,

particularly these last few months.

How can you not know that by now?

Which is precisely why

I needed to keep this truth to myself.

Aren't you tired of hiding every hiccup

and every success behind a code word

when I could actually pitch in and help?

So you want to replace Randy as my muscle?

No, but I am one hell of a problem solver.

Just let me in more so I can do my thing.

Don't you want to use me in every single way you can?

[laughs]

[sighs]

Even if I were in a soul-baring mood,

my problem-solving danger junkie,

you've blown past my very first rule.

What's that?

Discretion.

Look around.

Point taken.

We can discuss this at your place later.

Or we can trade the work talk for the dirty kind.

Fortunately, you have a woman who can do both.

Have I told you how happy it makes me to know

that you'll be curled up next to me at the end of the night?

You can tell me again.

I'm a creature of habit.

And my condo is my sanctuary.

The ultimate refined man cave,

complete with its own security force.

Yeah, but when you're there,

you bring something that I didn't know was missing.

What's that?

You make it a home.

And I think it's time to show you why.

Mm, what does that entail?

Everything in my place has been handpicked by me.

But I want you to feel like you belong there.

I want you to start bringing some more of your things.

Are you offering me another drawer?

Oh, at the very least.

I want you to feel like you see yourself there.

So bring whatever it is that makes you feel

like it's your home, too.

Slippers under the bed,

lingerie in my-- your drawer.

And I want you to leave them there

so you're not living out of a bag.

And that way, you're there.

Even when you're not.

I... love that.

And you.

Back at you, kid.

So you're running away?

Well, I have to call the movers and pack up my place.

-Kidding. -[laughs]

I have an errand.

I'll see you at your place later tonight.

Can't wait.

Well...

...so much for being open and honest with your husband.

I've learned my lesson.

No more decisions and secrets

without you and the kids on board.

Or after every Dupree has weighed in?

Have Kat and Chelsea designed

anything for the campaign yet?

Maybe a commemorative embossed wallet

saying "Martin Richardson for Senate 2028"?

Or have you scheduled your photo shoot with Andre yet?

Oh, maybe Anita and the Articulettes--

they can write you a jingle.

Smitty, stop.

Like you said yourself,

Granddad is the guru

to my life's work. And my mom

is not just my parent, she's my therapist.

I want you to talk to them.

I want you to have all of the support you need.

But aren't I supposed to be first?

You are in every way that matters.

But now that Bill is involved,

I am feeling a sense of déjà vu.

How long before the rapid response team

is pouring gasoline on your campaign fires?

And I will never make that mistake again.

And I didn't fill Bill in.

He's always got his ears to the ground,

and he heard and he came taunting.

Well, Bill does have to be informed and ready

for the next round of trouble

that your family and you get into.

He's not our fixer anymore.

Well, maybe that's too bad.

Because you might need one, Martin.

When your opposition is digging...

how long before they uncover that trail of buried secrets?

Hard at work, Rashad?

I'm almost done unloading.

I just had to walk it off a little bit.

Look, today's haul was insane.

And them dumb broke-asses must be gassing

after lining up to spill all their blood product

for next to nothing. [laughs]

Did I dismiss you?

No, boss, I thought you was nudging me back to the truck.

But if you got some more business for me, I'll stay open.

Nah, I just need you to snap to it.

Okay, so we straight?

We straight.

Can't say the same for somebody else.

What you mean?

Your boy Grayson.

See, I told you there was a price for your mess.

Just didn't tell you who had to pay.

[gasping]

Your attention, your mind, your heart

all had to be directed toward fighting cancer.

While you suffered quietly.

Seriously, how could I not have noticed?

My love,

you were busy,

and I thought my little lapses weren't a big deal.

And yet you called on a neurologist.

I called on family,

which is something that Madison is about to be.

I mixed up a few names, I...

oh, entered a few rooms

and forgotten what I was trying to find in there and...

It happens to people half our age.

I had to be sure.

I wanted to be 100% there for you, for our family.

So Madison was the perfect choice for your care.

But I have to lovingly push back on your logic.

When we began my cancer journey,

we promised each other, no magical thinking.

Me knowing that you were going through this

would not have hindered my ability to heal.

I mean... just the other day,

you said I was your purpose.

You are mine, Vernon,

and knowing that you needed me

would have given me that much more reason to fight.

If you hadn't been so busy being a world-famous diva,

woman, you'd have made one hell of a senator.

[scoffs]

I'm sorry I kept this from you.

I thought I was protecting your peace.

You are my peace, my darling,

and don't you ever forget it.

Now...

what did Madison say is going on with you?

Look at that.

A reminder of the danger just walked in.

You don't have to pile on. I get it.

I don't think that you do.

What I don't understand is how Vernon could cosign on this.

He was the first one to raise red flags when you had

ideas of presidential runs in your head.

What changed?

The Senate isn't the Oval.

It's a happy medium.

It won't-- It will be less scrutiny.

Running for any new office means more oppo research

and more eyeballs on your past and your present.

We can't afford that, Martin.

So whatever fantasy that you've stepped into,

you need to snap out of it.

This is not just about your dreams.

This is our lives. Yours, mine, the kids.

Look, you would make

a magnificent senator.

But what happens when the truth comes out?

This is all on me and me alone.

You had nothing to do what went down.

And it won't come to that.

My credibility as a journalist

is based on truth-telling,

and that ends as soon as your secret comes out.

I need this.

I thought I was just okay with my dreams

tapping out at congressman.

But I know what I'm capable of.

I know what I can do for the people,

and I know what I can do for the country.

And that's worth more than all of us?

Nothing is.

The loose ends-- they're tied up and they're buried.

The loosest of ends, Martin,

is sitting over there, drinking Scotch.

But you don't care, do you?

You're doing this.

I know who I am.

And without this, I don't know who I would be.

A present father and husband.

Try it, you might like it.

That's unfair.

You can't pull that card, Martin.

Not when you're asking me to give up everything

all over again.

My only regret is not having a kit

to scoop up Grayson's blood.

Oh, no, you didn't even have to go through all the trouble

of getting your hands bloody to teach me a lesson.

I felt it.

Nah.

It was worth dirtying my hands to drive the message home.

What am I gonna do with you?

Now...

[phone vibrating]

You need to pick that up?

No, it's on silent now.

Just like me.

-[line ringing] -Damn it, Jacob, pick up. Pick up.

[panting]

[groaning]

-Shanice, you are a goddess. -[beep]

Ooh. Laundry is done already.

[sighs]

[sniffs] Ah, smells like clean.

Yeah, but it's the good kind of nervous.

There's just so much that Grayson and I

don't know about each other yet, and I just think

that this dinner-- it's gonna bring us closer together.

Hopefully something we never forget.

A vitamin D deficiency caused all this worry?

A far better outcome than any other

I allowed myself to entertain.

So, what do we need to do to get your levels up?

Did Madison order a prescription?

She wants to run some more tests,

do more of a dive before I take anything.

Patients my age run the risk in the other direction

if too much vitamin D is administered.

And your other doctors will be none too happy with me

if I fatten you up with milkshakes.

[chuckles]

Madison says I need to build on

the healthy lifestyle changes that I've already been making.

You know, a little more sleep,

exercise, sunlight.

They're all gonna help.

Fresh air would do us both some good.

It seems these past few months, we've either been

cooped up in this house or an infusion room.

Yeah, I'm not going to let you blame yourself

-for any part of this. -I'm not doing that.

On our way back from New Orleans,

we swing through somewhere tropical

and you can have all the sun you can get.

Oh, I like the way you think. Where should we go?

-Mallorca. -Mallorca.

[both laughing]

You know me too well.

[doorbell rings]

We aren't expecting anyone,

-are we? -No.

Vanessa.

I come bearing gifts.

For real, though, Ren,

I get it now. And I need this gig.

I was just starting to get my feet up under me.

I see how it work now.

Whatever you say. No lip, no back talk.

Good boy,

'cause you're at the end of your warnings,

and if you ever step to me again,

you won't be stepping no more.

And you won't see me coming.

Grayson sure as hell didn't.

Now get your ass back out there and finish unloading.

-Bet. -Yeah.

[phone vibrating]

Is it done?

Yeah, it's done.

But you might want to keep the cameras off

for a little longer.

Clean up on aisle three.

I'll need more information.

The dude wouldn't go down, so I had to put him down.

That wasn't the plan.

If you don't like

my ways,

you can do the punishing yourself.

Our lab tech met the business end of your little scalpels

I like collecting.

Always with the violence.

Relax.

He was still breathing when I left,

but you might want to hurry and bring an extra white coat.

There's probably a lot of blood by now.

I know I failed you in the past on this score.

I own it.

But you have nothing but my full-throated support

on your career.

What I need is for my husband to treat me like a partner

and not an afterthought.

I do think of you.

Remember when I tried to give you the security detail?

I don't need that. I already told you...

[phone chimes]

I have to go.

Someone calling about your top secret story?

It's okay for you to keep things to yourself

because it's work, right?

We should pick this up when I get home.

[pounding on door]

Mom, just use your key.

Oh, my God.

Grayson, I got you.

There. Okay, I got you, I got you.

What happened? What happened?

You hate it?

Are you kidding?

This paper is exquisite.

Like butter.

[all chuckle]

I know you've gone almost completely digital,

but a new planner for a fresh chapter.

And your social calendar is about to be booked solid.

You two have so much to look forward to.

Yes, we do.

You've earned that.

Nicole and Dani have kept me in the loop,

but I'm just so glad to see that you're doing well.

Thank you.

And this is a lovely gesture.

Where did you find it?

That little boutique on Chesapeake and Meadow.

I should have known. The Harbor Hideaway

is the best stationery store on the East Coast.

They've done invitations for many a Dupree party.

Well, I cannot wait to be invited to the next one.

I should get going.

I need to grab a few of my things.

Joey wants me to add my Vanessa touch to his condo.

Oh, so you're gonna help him stage it for a quick sale

while he bids adieu to the DMV?

No, we are actually taking the next step

in our relationship.

We've gotten so much closer these last few months.

Well, why don't you stay and finish your tea with Anita, huh,

while I, uh, sit a spell

with that new S.A. Cosby novel in my study. [chuckles]

-Enjoy. -Mm.

Vanessa, we're so glad you came by.

That man is as subtle as me.

Do you want to dish about Nicole?

If you want to know which man I think she should choose,

I'm a little bit partial to Kial because...

I think herlove life is well in hand.

Pardon?

Please tell me you are not moving in

with Joey Armstrong.

Would it be that objectionable if I was?

You know those truly modern couples

who don't get married but are completely committed?

That's Joey and me.

I'm not moving out of Fairmont Crest,

but we're intermingling our lives as true partners.

Partners?

In business.

And in life.

I see.

That's where Nicole gets that look.

The one that says she doesn't judge

while she does that very thing.

Vanessa,

this is coming from decades of affection.

You, too, have had quite the year.

I have.

But my choice is independent of my grief.

Does Nicole agree?

I know the two of you have clashed on the subject of Joey.

We, thankfully, have since made our peace.

To agree to disagree?

To live and let love.

Just because you two have reached detente,

let's not pretend you're being courted by the boy next door.

You know you can find a man who is both charming...

and presents no danger to life and limb.

But Vernon Dupree is already taken.

Before you get any deeper...

...are you sure these treacherous waters are worth it?

I love him.

And my eyes are wide open.

All right.

But could you do something for the people who love you?

What's that?

Watch your back.

And your front.

I promise.

Trouble in paradise, Congressman?

[elevator bell dings]

[indistinct announcement over P.A.]

I'm here. What's the 911?

I need you to find Grayson. He's hurt.

What happened?

Ren was boasting about dirtying his hands.

You don't think he...

He would...

How bad?

Bloody for sure.

But Grayson was alive when Ren left him.

Ren said that?

Grayson tried to call me, but Ren was breathing down my neck,

so I couldn't answer.

And then I tried to call him back,

and he didn't answer.

Look, I don't want to pull you further into this thing,

but Ren is still on high alert

and he doubled down on threatening me.

Let's skip the disclaimers

and tell me where to look.

See if he's been admitted.

What the hell?

-I ruined our dinner. -Hey, that doesn't matter.

You do. Did you see who did this to you?

No, no. It happened so fast.

Okay, let me see. I got to, I got to get a look

at what we're working with here.

Okay?

[Grayson gasping]

Okay, I got to staunch the bleeding.

It's not, it's not so bad.

This is gonna sting, okay?

[groans]

There. Hold it right there. Two hands. Apply pressure.

-Okay? I'll be right back. -Where are you going?

I have to call an ambulance.

No. No hospital. No hospital.

-I have you. I have you. -Grayson.

-You're an amazing nurse. -Grayson.

-What? -This isn't a paper cut.

This could be-- this is a stab wound.

You might go into shock.

No, no. It'll be worse over there.

They'll know. They'll know.

Who? Why don't you want me to call?

Gr-Grayson, I don't get it.

I thought you were mugged or something.

-Wh-What's going on? -I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I never meant this to touch you.

I swear, I can't, I can't tell you any more, Ashley,

without involving you further, okay?

I'm not gonna see you hurt.

You know who did this to you and you can't say?

Who are you right now?

I found myself in a bind, okay?

I tried to make it better.

I did something I shouldn't have done.

I needed the cash and I got caught up.

Okay, just hold it.

All right.

I can't excuse it. I know that, all right?

I-I tried to take every hour of overtime I could,

but, but I just came up short every time.

I told myself if I just--

if I could just have another minute for--

to get enough cash, I-I would be fine, but I-I was just--

I-I was wrong. I was wrong. Okay? I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I... I'm trying to climb out from under it,

but-but there's just-- there's-there's-there's

no getting out clean.

You needed the mom for your--

the money for your mom, for her Parkinson's.

Okay. Okay.

Look, I know you would do anything for her,

but I need you to do something for me right now.

Start from the beginning and tell me how you ended up here.

[knocking on door]

Now, where were we?

I am enjoying the singular sensation

of writing down my last chemo date.

Amen to that.

[both laugh]

And now, uh...

time for recovery.

Mm-hmm, and probably a checkup.

And then...

...this should be right here.

What's the big red heart for?

You know what it's for.

I miss you, my husband.

Mm. When we've been spending nearly

every waking moment together?

In every way but one.

I spoke to Dr. Bauer and asked when I...

when we...

could resume all the activities

that make life whole.

Oh, at long last. [chuckles]

That shouldn't freak him out too much.

What happens between my husband and me

is none of your concern.

I'm just a constituent and a big fan of love.

I couldn't help but overhear.

Not everything, but the word "security" caught my ear.

I take it your man doesn't want protection?

[chuckles]

You ever meet Anastasia Bellaclaire?

[laughs]

She's a threat to your husband?

She's usually the one running around here

in everyone's business, but you're giving her

a run for her money.

Which is odd because

I would think the casino's drama

is more your speed.

I get around.

And I know a bit about wanting to protect a loved one

even though they're too stubborn to understand that.

Listen, if, uh, if your hubby

doesn't want official protection,

you might consider going private.

That way he can flex his independence,

and you'll sleep better at night.

I can do that, and he'll never know.

If that's something you'd like.

I appreciate your offer,

but I don't think it's a good idea

that I'd be more indebted to you than I already am.

Suit yourself.

[sighs]

No sign of Grayson.

He's not in the lab, he hasn't been admitted.

I'm gonna stop by employee parking to see

if his car's there, and then I'm gonna go to his apartment.

Yeah, I don't really love that plan.

Remember how Ren had guys waiting for Max?

You're not gonna talk me out of this,

but I will stay in touch.

Oh, and I did get a hit back on Rachel Lewis.

The woman who works in the lab?

And?

She's got a lot of debt,

so if she is Grayson's contact in the plasma ring,

maybe that's why.

WOMAN [over P.A.]: Code Blue.

[sighs]

-I know, I know, you're almost there. -[groaning]

Oh. There you are.

You didn't hear me knocking?

Uh, I was in the bathroom.

Oh, good thing I always have my key.

You are a lifesaver, Mom.

I know. So, when's your hottie getting here?

[laughs] Any minute, so, um, you know,

I got to go take a shower.

Oh, baby, you do look a little harried.

[sighs] Try to relax.

[sighs deeply] It's just dinner.

It is not life or death.

Okay, um, I'll try to do that.

Yeah, but, uh, I will--

-Thank you so much for everything. -Wait.

-I'll see you tomorrow. -W-W-W-W-Wait.

Is that, is that blood?

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