Original subtitles

Noah, you're hired.

Really?

Welcome to Phoenix Street Free Clinic.

You gave me the perfect way to handle

Mom's thug boyfriend Joey Armstrong.

And it's working like a charm.

She's not the sister I grew up with.

What do you think she's up to?

All I do know is that...

...she's suddenly interested in my business.

My beautiful, beautiful tribe.

I just adore you.

And we adore you back.

Those girls are driving me crazy.

How could you, Bill?

Putting Hayley above Chelsea and Naomi?

Because if she ever dares to get in their faces again,

she's gonna have to deal with me.

-DANI: Hmm. -VANESSA: Uh...

Why does Hayley have your sunglasses?

They must have slipped out of my purse

when I was at Bill's earlier.

Clumsy me.

Mm. Clumsy?

Hmm. I've seen videos of you walking catwalks in your heyday.

Heels higher than my monthly Saks bill.

Clumsy you are not.

Forgetful then.

Try "strategic."

Those shades didn't fall out of your purse.

You placed them there.

For what reason?

So that I would have an excuse to go back to Bill's?

Like I need one of those.

You didn't do it for Bill.

You did it for Hayley.

You wanted her to find those shades so she'd spiral.

So you could sit back and watch her unravel.

This is wildly imaginative.

Is it?

MONA: Well,

if it isn't trouble in couture.

Hi, Mona.

It's good to see you.

-How are you? -As good as ever.

But I should be asking you.

You healing okay?

Oh, you know me. I'm a survivor.

-Mm-hmm. -How about your grandmother?

Nicole told me Anita's almost done with her treatment.

Yeah, she's in the final stretch.

That woman is something else.

Mom told me Gran's journey lit a fire under you.

Starting that cancer support group at church-

that's really powerful.

I'm just trying to do my very small part

to help folks struggling with what Anita went through.

Yeah.

Lord knows we could all use somebody

to look out for us.

Anyway, so good to see you, Kat.

You too.

Well...

hello, stranger.

Well, hello yourself.

? ?

I'll say this, Mom pulling up on Dad wasn't the worst idea.

At the very least, he came over to apologize

for letting Hayley treat us like garbage.

Well, whatever finally nudged him over,

at least he seemed sincere.

But the whole "calling before dropping by" thing

really threw me.

It does seem like he's trying.

He is.

I could see it in his eyes.

Although he is clearly trying to stop the hemorrhaging.

You know, when I really think about it,

it must be hard being in the middle like that.

Your wife on one side, your daughters on the other,

and your ex-wife very much still in orbit.

No. You lost me there.

Sorry, not sorry, but I cannot sympathize with that.

Dad marrying Hayley was a master class in poor judgment.

Yes, it was. But we have bigger fish to fry at the moment.

We can't let our frustration cause Dad any more stress.

I agree. It's the last thing he needs.

Still, being pulled between his new family and the old one-

it has to be taking a toll.

He needs somebody neutral to talk to.

Not us and not Mom.

And definitely not Hayley.

Hamilton.

Did we have a meeting scheduled I forgot about?

This is impromptu.

Well, that usually means either you

or someone you know needs a favor.

No. Not this time.

Then what brings you by in the middle of the afternoon,

Counselor?

Well, I could use a friendly ear.

You really think I left those sunglasses on purpose?

Didn't you?

I am a grown woman

with grown problems and priorities.

I do not have the bandwidth nor the patience

to play such childish games.

If you say so.

It's just

when she texted you that picture,

-you looked- -Giddy?

Well, I'm not dead, Vanessa.

After everything that woman has put me through-

the gaslighting, the smugness,

rewriting my life, all with a smile on her face- yeah, yeah,

I was- I felt good to know

that I was taking up some mental real estate.

She sure took up enough of mine.

So, leaving the glasses

was just the universe's sick sense of karma?

A happy accident and nothing more.

I didn't do it on purpose.

-I swear. -All right.

ANITA: Didn't do what on purpose?

DANI: Mother.

Dani, let's hear it.

What have you gotten yourself into now?

Ah.

Don't you have anything better to do than follow me around?

Certainly more enjoyable things, but duty calls.

Especially when it comes to your increasingly strange behavior.

Bill checks himself out of the hospital

with an unknown illness, you run off to get a facial,

and now you're day drinking?

The optics are...

let's just say not good.

Are you serious right now, Randy?

Why is it every time I need you, you go ghost?

I swear, you are allergic to being useful.

Can't stand...

[phone vibrates]

Uh, sorry about that.

Now, where were we?

You sure you don't want to take that?

Someone's trying awfully hard

to get your attention.

Oh, no. They can wait.

"They"? Huh?

Don't you mean "she can wait"?

It ain't even like that.

All right? I am flying solo these days.

Ever since my last old lady,

you know, she ghosted me.

Oh, you mean Miss Lick My Fingers?

Actually, never mind.

It's none of my business who you're entertaining.

Or not entertaining.

And since when has that ever stopped you

from having something to say or slapping people in the head?

-Since never. -Mm-hmm.

But it's because I care, Randy.

Even though I can't for the life of me

figure out what this pull is.

That makes two of us.

W-What's wrong?

RANDY: Nothing.

You know what, actually, that is a lie.

But, um, I'm doing better than I was before.

Before what?

Let's just say...

I had to do something that didn't sit right with my spirit.

But...

I ain't got to do it no more.

So I'm good.

-I see. -Mm.

So what you're saying without saying it

is Joey Armstrong made you cross a line.

And for once,

you actually regret it.

I wasn't aware that you and I had graduated past

our uneasy alliance

toward anything approaching friendly.

Yeah. Hey, beggars can't be choosers.

You know, most of my options vanished

after I left Dani for Hayley.

Turns out loyalty comes with fine print.

Well, I guess that's the price you pay when you trade in

the crown princess of Fairmont Crest for...

your paralegal.

Careful, Joey.

Bill, if this experiment has a hope in hell of working,

you need to get a sense of humor.

Oh, that's rich coming from a man who built his entire empire

on making sure people take him deadly serious.

Good point.

Tell you what, why don't you have a seat.

I'll get us some drinks and you can tell me what's eating you.

What's your poison?

Uh...

Giving me the good stuff you usually reserve for yourself?

Top shelf.

Just don't tell anyone I wasted it on a lawyer.

Well, I appreciate it.

I'll keep it between us if you will.

I know I'll be lectured about drinking so soon

after my hospital stay.

Yeah. I heard you had a scare.

Ah.

"Scare" is dramatic.

I got lightheaded during a deposition. That's it.

Men who get lightheaded don't usually end up in the hospital.

You sure that's all that was?

Well, every test came back clean enough to send me home.

But... vague enough to keep me guessing.

You know, truth is, I-I don't know what the hell's going on

with my health.

And for a man who's built his whole life

on certainty and control...

Yeah.

Scares the hell out of me.

Whoa.

What now?

I'm sorry. It's-it's not bad.

-Actually, it's amazing. -Oh.

Girl, you got to stop trying to raise my blood pressure.

What is it?

The reel from my live with Eva.

Over a million views and counting.

Aw! That's amazing.

Congratulations.

Well, it will be if even a fraction of the viewers

actually become organ donors.

That means that Eva and I didn't just go viral-

we... we saved real lives.

Aw, Chels, I'm so proud of you.

-Aw. -I'm also very impressed

with how you managed to smooth things over with Kat.

You mean when you tricked us into finding common ground?

You're past it, aren't you?

The point is

I know how Kat is when she gets in her emotions.

Yeah. Borderline obsessive.

That's the charitable phrasing, sure.

Well, almost as obsessive as when she latches on

to a new mystery.

My bestie cuz-

-she's a special one. -Mm-hmm.

Look, Mona, I can't be talking too much about my job.

All right? It's not too smart in my line of work.

Look, I understand more than you realize.

Now, is that so?

We both work for powerful, prominent people

here in the DMV.

Folks who don't like surprises,

folks who honor loyalty,

silence and discretion above all else.

Mm. Well,

when you put it that way,

I guess our situations aren't too different after all.

Don't flatter yourself.

Dr. Dupree has never asked me to do something

that kept me up at night.

I'm not judging you, Randy, really,

but I've been around long enough to know that look.

And what look is that, Mona?

The one where a man realizes that money doesn't hit the same

once that conscience starts clocking in.

It is wonderful to see you out and about, Anita.

Oh. Thank you.

Not letting the walls close in on me just yet.

So, what is my mother-slash- legend-slash-living icon

doing at the country club today?

I'm treating myself to a Swedish massage.

Are you sure that's okay while you're still doing radiation?

I checked with the radiation oncologist.

It's actually encouraged

as long as the masseuse is careful

and avoids certain areas.

And after the morning I've had...

I could use something gentle and relaxing.

What kind of morning was that?

An hours-long Zoom meeting with Ned rattling off ideas

about how to promote the Barbara project.

What is the new Barbara project? Sounds interesting.

Oh, it is. It, uh...

You know what, I'll let you tell it.

We're releasing a new EP

of remastered songs that we recorded

before Barbara left the group.

It's a way of bringing our sister back into the room

one last time.

That is amazing, Anita.

Thank you. We think so, too.

I am just thrilled that you're getting back to living life

on your terms.

Well, I am so pleased you're pleased.

But now let's get back to what you and Vanessa

were talking about when I first came in.

Oh, that.

Yes, that.

Out with it.

What is it that you did not do on purpose?

And is this gonna require another call to Ned

this afternoon?

No, no. I...

My sunglasses slipped out of my purse

when I was at Bill's- accidentally-

and the little harlot found them. It's not even a thing.

Well, what were you doing at Bill's in the first place?

I thought you were keeping your distance.

I was, until I found out Hayley kicked the girls

out of their father's house.

No, she didn't.

Oh, she absolutely did.

And if that wasn't enough,

it looks like Hayley's cheating on Bill.

My massage can wait.

Come.

I need hydration and to be fed for this conversation.

Sometimes my conscience and my instructions

don't exactly get along.

But that's the job.

That sounds more like a slow leak in the soul.

Mona, you are always talking

like people have unlimited options.

No, Randy, I talk like people have choices.

All you need is a little courage.

I got bills, all right?

Courage don't get my bills paid.

Neither does fear,

but it sure does rack up interest.

You know what?

We all have to do things that we don't want to do.

Especially...

Even you, Miss Mona Perfect Wilson.

Oh, I'm far from perfect.

But I appreciate the compliment.

And I beg to differ.

My mom would always say I don't have to do anything

but stay Black and die.

Death is a possibility in my line of work,

especially for people who don't follow instructions.

Do you really think Joey would kill you

for disobeying an order?

Girl, I'm playing with you, a'ight?

Ain't nobody killing nobody no time soon, okay?

Just...

calm down, take a breath,

relax, Mona.

You scared me.

Shame on you.

I cannot be held responsible

for someone who takes me too seriously.

You are a nice lady, and...

I haven't had anyone to talk to since my best friend died.

I guess that's why I find myself

talking your ear off

like we've been breaking bread for years.

He works in mysterious ways.

I'll, uh...

I'll remember that.

Anyway, Mona,

I'll see you around.

Maybe in church?

Mm.

Is he a friend of yours?

Randy?

We're friendly.

I wouldn't call us friends.

I'm trying to save him from himself.

And from Joey Armstrong.

Did he mess up gambling at Joey's casino

-or something? -Worse.

He works for the man.

And only Lord knows what comes with all that.

I saw how your eyes lit up,

and I wanted to make sure he was worthy of you.

If that's what you're thinking.

Girl, you are barking all the way up the wrong tree.

But I appreciate the concern.

Well, my grandparents always taught us

to go hard for people we love.

Speaking of which, I got to run.

-Have a good one, Mona. -You too.

Uh...

Oh.

It's odd to see you like this.

You're always so confident in your ability

to fix whatever's broken.

Mm.

Unflappable.

It's almost like, uh,

well...

me.

Yeah, well, even Atlas got tired of holding up the world

at some point.

So your recent health scare has you reassessing.

-You tempted to lighten your load? -No.

No, no. Never considered that.

Not even once.

You know, I built my life on the idea

that I don't get to tap out.

Then I had to look straight into the possibility that...

...the world just might keep on turning without me in it.

Hmm. You know, most men walk in here feeling like they're...

...bulletproof.

Immortal, even.

Well, it's not that I'm scared of dying, Joey.

What bothers me most is...

leaving things unfinished.

Then let's quit speaking in metaphors.

What's this really about?

Okay. Well, it turns out that I actually do need a favor.

I'm listening.

Well, if anything were to ever happen to me,

I need your word.

My word?

That you'll look out for my family.

I know you detest the woman-

and for good reason-

but what makes you so certain that she's stepping out on Bill?

Well, she keeps being seen with the same man.

And every time she's asked about it, the story changes.

That night at Uptown. You remember-

we saw Hayley with Doug's old friend.

Oh, yes. Randy.

That's his name now.

But the night when Hayley was miscarrying

and he was rescuing her, he went by Sammy.

So you're thinking Hayley is having an affair with this man?

Hayley and Randy? No.

I think you're reaching.

Well, help me to stop. What do you know about him?

Well, Randy and Doug were...

They grew up together in Philadelphia.

And Doug's family moved to the DMV when he was in high school

to pursue his ambition to become a doctor.

Randy stayed back in the old neighborhood.

So, is Randy single, divorced?

Gay?

Oh, as straight as Wilt Chamberlain back in the day.

Divorced. One child.

A son who lives with his mom.

So he would be vulnerable to Hayley's surface-level charm.

He's not Hayley's type.

No money, no power.

His job is simple- following Joey's orders.

Uh, Hayley-

why would she risk her marriage, her meal ticket,

for a fling with-

pardon me, Randy, for saying so-

but Joey's minion?

Look, it can be lonely being married to Bill.

Is it beyond Hayley to want the best of both worlds-

the rich man who bankrolls her lifestyle

and the hot side piece who makes her feel seen?

I swore to myself

that I would never tell you what I saw the night of the tornado.

I know how committed you are

to your marriage to Andre, and the last thing I want

is for you to be pining for Bill Hamilton all over again.

Well, now we've got to hear.

What-what did you see the night of the tornado?

Hayley.

With Jack and Diane Abbott's son.

And let's just say they both looked like

they just got caught with their fingers

in the proverbial cookie jar.

Kat said that she had some tea to spill.

I wonder what's keeping her.

Knowing Kat, she's probably planning a dramatic entrance.

She does love a good rollout.

Mm-hmm.

[knocking]

Oh. As if on cue.

I wonder if she has some intel on Hayley.

Speak of the devil and she shall appear.

Hayley, what are you doing here?

If you're looking for your husband, he isn't here.

Actually, I came here to see the two of you.

To apologize.

Why? We all know it wouldn't be sincere.

Come on.

We're family.

You don't want to hear it, but it's true.

And let me make one thing clear-

you both are and will always be welcome in our home.

As long as we give you a heads-up.

Yes. And that's not just for my benefit.

I'd hate for either of you to walk in on your father and me

in a... intimate moment.

-I'm gonna hurl. -See?

That is why I'm insisting on a little advance notice.

I mean, considering we're all adults,

I don't think that's an unreasonable ask.

It's funny how you didn't extend the same courtesy to us

before showing up here.

So now it's my turn to repay you.

Leave.

Now.

You guys won't belie-

What is she doing here?

Hayley was just leaving.

That I was.

Ladies.

Do I even want to know?

No. What was this tea that you texted me about?

You have me on the edge over here.

It's about Sammy.

Well, Randy.

And his connection to the shadier side of the DMV.

JOEY: Your kids are Duprees.

The name alone buys them protection.

Why would they even need mine if something happens to you?

Well, because we both know how many times

we've had to make their problems disappear.

Look, the Duprees might be

one of the most affluent families in the DMV,

but they don't like getting their manicured hands dirty.

And that's why guys like you and me come in handy.

We don't mind a little mud.

No, we don't.

All right, so you've been feeling

a little under the weather.

That doesn't mean the reaper is circling.

At least I hope not.

You still owe me a few favors.

Damn, Joey.

Thanks for letting me know exactly how much you care.

-Anytime. -Yeah.

Don't you ever think about your own mortality?

Hmm.

When you do what I do for a living,

it's safe to assume that the reaper

is hiding behind every bush.

Didn't used to bother me.

I always figured that once my ticket got punched,

I'd just...

go straight to hell

and look my maker right in the eye.

And I'm guessing Vanessa changed that.

Vanessa changed a lot of things.

All right.

How's this?

I promise to look after your family, if you go...

...as long as you do the same for Vanessa

should I depart this mortal coil first.

Deal.

Excuse me.

Mona.

Mr. Hamilton.

Oh, pardon me,

but I did not expect to see

Nicole's holier-than-thou house manager in a place like this.

-The Lord watches over me everywhere I go. -Mm-hmm.

Just came by for a quick game of cards, is all.

Well, you've come to the right place.

Oh. And that is my cue.

Enjoy yourselves.

Would you care to join me?

Don't mind if I do.

Hayley and Kyle Abbott?

He is a certified hottie.

If Hayley is gonna be messy, at least she's aiming high.

Well, let me clarify-

I didn't actually see them do anything improper.

But I trust my intuition.

Stranger things have happened.

Especially where Hayley is concerned.

Honestly, I buy her messing around with the heir

to a cosmetics dynasty a lot more

than her sneaking around with Randy.

Why couldn't she do both?

Women like Hayley don't believe in limitations.

She can chew gum and open her legs at the same time.

Okay. So much for tact at the club.

I think I can still make my appointment.

Sweetheart, don't waste your time theorizing

about what that woman is up to.

You have so much in your own life to be grateful for

to give Hayley that kind of real estate.

-Noted, Mother. -Mm-hmm.

[phone dings]

Oh.

That's Naomi. I should be going, too.

-I'll call you later, okay? -Later.

-All right. Love you. -Mm. Love you.

Mwah.

Hi, Naomi.

Vanessa, what's good?

You and I need to talk.

I stopped by Naomi's earlier.

Yeah?

I don't see any stab wounds.

That's because I apologized

before any blood could be spilled.

I wanted her and Chelsea to know how sorry I was for overstepping

and for forgetting that,

no matter how complicated things get,

they're still your daughters.

Oh.

Well, thanks, Hayley.

That really means a lot.

Okay. Consider this.

Joey sends Randy-slash-Sammy-

slash-whatever his government name is

to collect.

Hayley panics.

So what does she do?

She starts sleeping with him to...

keep him quiet

or... work off her debts.

Boom, double life.

And Bill is clueless.

Okay, my dad may be whipped,

but he's not stupid.

He would notice if large chunks of money were missing

from his account.

I don't keep tabs on everything that goes in and out

of my account.

You're not Bill Hamilton, Esquire.

Yeah. That man tracks every cent.

He never wants to end up without again.

He didn't grow up with money like we did.

Right. So whatever Hayley's hiding,

it's not a gambling problem.

So we're just gonna give her the benefit of the doubt now?

Well, I already knew Sammy-slash-Randy

worked for Joey,

so maybe Hayley was telling the truth

about the whole security thing.

Well, when you work for a guy like that,

an alias does come with the territory.

And if you're scared,

I mean, going to one of Joey's guys, it...

it actually makes sense.

Okay, then let's try another avenue.

Um, according to

literally every true crime podcast,

the three biggest motivators are love, money, and revenge.

You've already ruled out money.

That leaves love and revenge.

No way Hayley loves Bill.

Not even close to the way Aunt Dani did.

So you think Hayley's in love with Randy-slash-Sammy?

Well,

Randy's younger.

Maybe his energy level

is more aligned with Hayley's needs or...

Please, I don't want to hear any more about Hayley's needs

and my dad.

[knocking]

If that's Hayley again...

-It's not. -Mom?

Daughters!

-Kat. -Hi, Aunt Dani.

I come bearing intel.

Right on time. What you got?

Vanessa says Randy grew up with Doug in Philly

before Doug moved here.

Also, Mother saw Hayley in what looked like

a very compromising moment during the tornado.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Cue record scratch.

Randy is from Philly?

Mm-hmm.

Isn't that where Hayley grew up, too?

Yes. Yes, it is.

Hey.

Are you okay? Are the kids good?

Oh, everyone's fine.

So where's the fire?

Did Joey send you to me?

No. No, I-I was going through some of Doug's stuff recently.

And I realized I hadn't checked on you in a while.

You were Doug's oldest friend.

Mm.

He told me you were the reason he became a doctor.

He never told me how, though.

Doug and I, um...

we got into it with some guys.

You know, we were being loud and, yeah...

I actually think he did tell me this story.

You... you stepped in to protect him from some bullies, right?

Yeah.

But the part you probably didn't hear was...

one of 'em pulled a gun.

As a threat?

Thought so.

Until I was hitting the concrete.

And Doug was kneeling over me...

...begging me not to die.

I woke up in the hospital.

And my best friend was right there.

Eyes red,

books stacked in his lap.

I guess he made a decision while I was out

that he would never be that helpless again.

So he decided to become a doctor.

Yep.

He studied hard,

moved up here.

Meanwhile...

...I stayed right where I was.

In the life.

Care to cut?

You should do that.

-You're the expert. -Hmm.

Besides, I'm all thumbs when it comes to these things.

So, uh...

Mona, is it?

Tell me, Mona...

...what's at stake for you?

Meaning?

Meaning...

...what are you playing for?

A woman like you doesn't walk into a...

den of iniquity like this just to pass the time.

What if I told you...

...Randy Parker's soul?

I still reach for my phone sometimes, you know...

...like I'm gonna call him to make sure

he's not doing something stupid

or to complain about how bad my day was.

Doug should still be here.

I can't help but think that if I would've,

I don't know, stayed on him...

...that he...

he would be.

Guilt's good at that.

You ever feel like that?

Like...

you let your husband down?

Oh.

Every...

...single day.

You know...

...part of me still...

feels like I don't deserve happiness.

Like enjoying my life now...

...somehow disrespects what happened to him.

I hope you know that...

Hey.

You were not just his best friend.

You were his family.

Which is why I am so invested in you staying safe.

Wait. I don't understand, Vanes-

I know you are well-versed in the dangers of working for Joey.

But he is not the only powerful man in this town.

I'm still not following.

Bill Hamilton.

He has connections all over the DMV.

So you need to be mindful where you step

and whose house you are in.

Well, I'll be... damned.

You're not nearly as innocent as you look, are you?

I never explicitly said I couldn't play cards.

I just let you draw your own conclusions.

It's not often somebody gets one over on me.

Randy's soul, huh?

Well, I hope you don't want me to fire him.

Taking away his livelihood

wouldn't be very Christian of you.

That is what I'd prefer.

But I can settle.

Maybe give him an assignment that...

wouldn't cause me to lie awake at night wondering

if he's headed straight to damnation.

Randy knew what he was getting into

when he came to work for me.

The job can be a little prickly.

Don't spend all that in one place.

Oh, I'm donating half of this to the church.

The women's choir has been wanting to do a retreat.

And the other half?

I think I'm gonna spoil myself.

I have been wanting a new pair of shoes.

Mona,

you are welcome at my card table anytime.

As long as you don't try to save my soul, too.

Not a problem.

You have to want that for yourself.

Something tells me we are...

...way past that.

Something tells me you're right, Mona.

You really think Hayley knew

this Sammy-slash-Randy person back in Philly?

At this point, I wouldn't put anything past that woman.

Same. If Hayley said the sky was blue,

I'd still step outside to verify.

Okay, let's slow down before we derail into a full conspiracy.

Philadelphia is a massive city.

It is entirely possible

that Hayley has never crossed paths with that man.

So you're saying a coincidence is just a coincidence

with the woman who just happened to befriend you at the gym

and ended up marrying your father?

I'm saying this is real life,

not one of your podcasts.

I don't know, Kat.

As angry as I was at Dad,

I don't want to see him humiliated

or get hurt.

That's because you have a big, beautiful heart, baby.

You always have.

And for the record,

Hayley would be a complete idiot to cheat on Dad.

Dad insisted I add a clause in my prenup with Jacob.

If he cheated, he got nothing.

And there is no universe

where he didn't make Hayley sign the same agreement.

That's rich. The king of indiscretion

demanding a morality clause.

BILL: You know,

what you did-

going over there,

clearing the air with the girls- that...

that couldn't have been easy.

It wasn't.

Your daughters don't exactly make me feel welcome.

Well, still, you showed up,

You know? Which I appreciate more than you know.

I just...

just want all of you to get along. That's all.

Yeah.

And I just want you to be happy,

healthy, and surrounded by love.

Oh. You really mean that.

Bill, don't you know by now that all I've ever wanted

was for you to have exactly what you deserve?

Mm-hmm.

Mmm. I know, baby.

I know.

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