Original subtitles

♪ ♪

It is not that bad. Would you stop looking like that?

Like I'm being dragged to a root canal?

Minus the laughing gas.

Well, that's still less painful than being

under the microscope of Barrington County's old money.

All those judgmental eyes wondering

what's a guy like him doing with a girl like her?

Last time we came, you suggested it.

I figured this place was growing on you.

No, you've grown on me.

And you like it.

And I'm a guy who likes to do things for

and to the woman he loves.

Mm-hmm. Easy now.

If you want any chance of that happening anytime soon,

you're gonna have to pick up the pace.

What's the problem? I thought you liked PDAs.

I'm meeting Heather for tennis after this.

If we grab a table now, we won't be rushed to eat.

My sister doesn't play tennis.

She does now.

It was her idea.

I bet it was.

I'm surprised you wanted to grab breakfast together.

Why are you surprised?

You've had a lot pulling at you lately.

-Breakfast matters... -Mm.

...and so does spending time with my adoring husband.

Let's just consider it food for my body,

my morale, and my appetite for life.

Is that so?

I just assumed you'd...

Never mind. Um, what should we get?

You assumed I'd what, Andre?

Well, if I'm being real,

I just assumed you'd want to go back to being by Bill's bedside.

Did you get it?

You mean your emergency text?

The one that read, "If I die in here

eating hospital gruel, sue everybody"?

One baby back rib sandwich with pickles,

onions, and jalapeños from Orphey Gene's.

Extra sauce.

-Light on the coleslaw. -Yes.

Is there any wonder why you're my favorite niece?

Mm-hmm. And you better not get amnesia, either,

especially come gift-giving season.

You know, they're barely feeding me in here,

and the stuff they do give me is all that heart-healthy crapness.

Well, I'm surprised Hayley hasn't stormed the cafeteria

and asked for an audience with a dietitian.

Oh, wait, I'm confusing your current wife

with your former wife.

Oh, come on, Kat, don't you start, too.

I'm just saying, Aunt Dani was the one

who cared about you more than you ever cared about yourself.

Yeah, she did.

She did what?

Oh, speaking of the Bratz doll bride herself.

Hello to you, too, Kat.

What's in the bag?

♪ ♪

Leroy the Lion,

a symbol of excellence and school pride.

A stuffed animal?

Tyrell's old enough to file taxes.

Respectfully, all of this isn't what he wants.

-It's perfect. -Okay, Samantha, we hear you,

but your brother's been going through it,

stuck, ever since Jessica broke it off with him.

And today, we remind him

that there's plenty to look forward to.

And life doesn't just stop because of one girl.

Why does our house look like Banneker's IG?

Because, my son, this is your surprise bed party.

-Surprise. -Surprise.

Naomi.

Tomas.

What are you doing here?

It's funny you should say that,

'cause I could ask you the same thing.

I thought a bedroom party's supposed to be,

you know, in a bedroom.

Well, that was the plan,

but every time we tried to sneak upstairs,

you were barricaded in there like it was Fort Knox.

Lights off, doors locked, playing sad boy Drake.

SMITTY: Samantha.

You have been down,

so your pop, Samantha, and I thought that

it would be nice to remind you

-of all the wonderful things you have to look forward to. -(phone chimes)

Right, Samantha?

Yeah, right.

Uh, excuse me. Are you going somewhere?

-Uh... -Samantha.

We planned this party as a family.

You don't want to be with your brother?

I won't be gone long. I swear.

Every time I stop by here,

it seems like you're skulking around my father's office.

I do work here, you know.

You work out there.

You have your own office.

And you have your own practice.

Yet, every time your dad is indisposed,

you sneak in here playing like you're queen of the hill.

Excuse me?

You are way off base.

Am I?

Bill's not even gone yet, and you're already here

marking your territory.

What the hell did you just say to me?

Rude.

Hayley, that's my sandwich.

It belongs in the trash.

I'll have you know, I handled this myself,

and I don't appreciate you wasting my efforts.

You are a piece of work, you know that?

I try.

Your uncle just survived cardiac arrest.

Why on Earth would you bring him greasy takeout?

Are you trying to send him to an early grave?

No. Are you?

You're upset.

You've got to admit you've been spending a lot of time

in the hospital with Bill.

He's the father of my children, Andre.

The man's heart stopped.

What was I supposed to do?

Stay at home and pretend it wasn't happening?

I don't know, Dani.

-How's Bill? -He's doing much better.

Thank you for asking.

Is he gonna pull through?

I certainly hope so. For the girls.

(phone buzzing)

Saved by the phone.

Um, I got to take this.

Yeah. What's up, Uncle Ted?

Ah, just checking in. I heard about Bill.

Naomi and Chelsea must be terrified.

Yeah, they aren't the only ones.

Yeah, with the girls hurting,

I imagine Dani's in full-on mama bear mode, huh?

Yeah. That part I can handle.

It's the doting wife to Bill Hamilton energy

that I'm having a hard time with.

Whoa.

She's acting like that?

I don't know.

Maybe I'm just in my feelings.

Ah. Tell me something, neph, are you upset

because she's there for Bill

or because you think she's still in love with him?

That's a good question.

Thank God Caroline was there.

She literally saved Bill's life.

He's lucky he has people that care that much.

Present company included.

(Andre sighs, clears throat)

-Something wrong? -Uh, yeah, that was Uncle Ted.

He needs to talk about something important,

so I'm gonna head out.

-Sure. -ANDRE: Yeah.

Is everything okay with you and Andre?

Oh, couldn't be better.

How are you accusing me of trying to hurt my husband

when you're the one bringing him food

that will clog his arteries and make his heart burst?

Okay, baby, could you just calm down, please?

I asked Kat to bring it.

Okay, and she should've refused.

That's if she actually cared about your well-being.

Oh, that's rich coming from

Miss "My Hubby is in the Hospital

-so Let's Book a Spa Day." -You know what?

-You little annoying-ass... -All right, hey, that's enough.

God.

I know the sandwich isn't good for my health,

but neither is sitting here

watching the two of you fighting each other.

Damn it.

Kat, thanks for at least trying to hook me up.

Don't mention it.

Wait.

Take this with you.

I don't want it stinking up the room.

Oh, girl, your perfume handled that.

(scoffs)

Look, I understand Naomi and Chelsea

are a part of a package deal,

but that one has hit a zero balance.

I am done with her disrespecting me.

Respect is a two-way street, Hayley.

I just told you that I asked Kat to bring

that food for me, and you kept going at her anyway.

Well, I couldn't exactly unload on you, could I?

I mean, considering you are in a hospital bed.

Oh. Well, I'm glad you remembered that part.

Of course I remember.

Look, honey, I know that you are mad

that I wouldn't let you have your treat, but

I'm only thinking

about you, okay?

I can't lose you, Bill.

I think I'm gonna pick up a burrito

on my way to the casino.

Give you two some space

without any toxic male energy hovering around.

You're my kind of toxic.

Back at you, Blondie.

-Give Bill my best. -I will.

You know, I didn't get it at first,

but you two really work.

We do.

Joey gets me in a way no one else ever has.

Like me and Andre.

I'm glad to hear you say that.

I take it that means you haven't let

whatever's happening with Bill's health

make you lose sight of that.

Right?

Marking my territory?

Okay, maybe that was a poor choice of words.

You know what?

I'm done.

Done with you hovering around my father's office

like you run this place, done with the slick comments,

and done with you questioning me as if my last name

isn't on the damn door.

-Naomi, I'm not... -No, no, no.

I know you think we're practically family because

you're dating my cousin,

but make no mistake, you will not demean me.

Speak to me again like you've lost your common sense,

and me "marking my territory"

will be the least of your problems.

Are we clear?

Crystal.

I-I came in hot, and-and I shouldn't have.

Yeah. You've been making a habit out of it.

I know, and I own it. It's just...

Seeing you here while Bill's laid up, it...

...shook me.

Well, if you hadn't come at me so hot,

I would've explained to you

that I'm not here on firm business.

I came here to thank Caroline for saving my father's life.

And he's doing much better, by the way.

Not that you asked.

I'm sorry for jumping the gun.

And it's good to hear Bill's recovering.

For the last time, Tomas, I am not after your job.

And I believe you.

It's just... I also know that

one of Bill's dreams is to have you back here,

continuing the family legacy.

Yeah, well, that's his expectation to manage.

And mine, apparently.

Bill isn't just my boss. He's my mentor.

The man who pulled me up and gave me a shot.

And when I thought I might lose him

and everything I've been working for, I...

I panicked.

How about we reset?

Thanks for coming.

I know you didn't have to.

Well, I'm here.

So what is it that was so urgent

that you wanted to talk to me about?

What else? Your brother.

Um, I got to call you back.

Uh, hey there. Just returning these.

-Didn't mean to interrupt. -No. No, no, not at all.

Actually, I'm here to see you.

Me?

Thank you.

For saving my dad's life.

I just did what any self-respecting person

would've done in the situation, so...

No. Anyone else would have panicked

or froze, but you didn't.

I don't know many people that could've stayed that calm

and focused when everything around them

was completely sideways.

I couldn't have done it alone.

That 911 dispatcher was incredible.

She talked me through every step.

That was my mother-in-law.

-Darlene? -(laughs) Yeah.

-I met her at your wedding. -Mm-hmm.

When you talk to her, tell her I said thanks.

I don't think I'd have gotten through it

without her voice in my ear

assuring me and guiding me along.

Will do.

Um, here.

It's just a token of our appreciation

from me and from Chelsea.

Naomi...

This is so kind.

That is not nearly enough.

Seriously, Caroline,

if it wasn't for you...

my dad might not have made it.

Is that firm enough?

-Pillow's fine. -Mm.

Are you warm enough?

I can get the nurse to bring another blanket. Maybe two.

I mean, these rooms get so cold.

I-I-I don't need anything else, Hayley. Except maybe...

Well, I was gonna say my sandwich,

but I guess I'll just settle for a little peace and quiet.

Are you sure? I just want to make sure you're comfortable.

Okay. Look, you can drop the act, Hayley.

Act?

-What do you mean? -There's no audience, okay?

No one's watching, so you can stop trying so hard

to look like my doting wife.

Wait, that's what you think I'm doing?

You tell me.

Oh. How nice.

My darling daughter

decides to bring her old man breakfast, huh?

Why not? I'm keeping the coffee, though.

Okay, uh, let's see what we've got here.

Oh. That is one loud sandwich.

I normally prefer salmon on multigrain,

but, uh, it's the thought that counts?

Well, it wasn't for you, it was for Bill,

but Hayley shut that down with a quickness.

Can't say that I blame her.

One bite of that sandwich,

I might be joining my ex-brother-in-law in here.

How are the cousins holding up?

Not well.

They're nervous wrecks about their dad.

Chelsea's low-key unraveling and Naomi is lawyering her anxiety.

And don't get me started on Aunt Dani.

Yeah, I heard she's taking it harder than your cousins.

She was the first person Bill asked for when he woke up,

but you didn't hear that from me.

-Mm. -KAT: Cuzzo.

-Hey, Kat. -Mm-hmm.

Well, I got to go. Meeting Tomas for brunch.

All right.

See you later, honey.

You two have fun.

Oh, we'll have lots of it.

TED: Mm.

See you.

Thought you were supposed to be having breakfast with Dani.

Well, Vanessa and Joey showed up,

and it felt like divine intervention.

Yeah, it gave me an excuse to leave.

Oh, does this, uh, sudden reluctance

to spend time with your wife

have anything to do with what we talked about earlier?

You mean my wife continuing to devote

all of her time to all things related to Bill Hamilton?

You're damn right it does.

I was so scared, Vanessa.

They said his heart stopped not once, but multiple times.

And so it-it-it was like the words were just coming out

of my mouth before I even realized what I was saying.

-What came out of your mouth? -I called Bill my husband.

-You didn't. -I did.

I absolutely did.

-Did Andre hear you? -No.

Thankfully, no. But everyone else in that room, yeah.

-Including Hayley. -Hayley heard?

I said it straight to her face.

Oh, boy. Uh, how big a deal did she make out of it?

She didn't need any ammunition.

She was already in the middle of a whole production.

Dani, this is me you're talking to.

I think it's time you deal with the truth.

And what truth is that?

That whatever happened between you and Bill

in that elevator has...

...reignited your feelings for the man.

I didn't tell you that so that you could

throw it in my face every two seconds.

Don't be dramatic.

It's been at least a full day.

Honey, what is going on with you?

I'm confused, okay?

In that moment, when I said that,

he was my husband.

He was the man I said vows to.

Who I built a life with. Bore children with.

He was hurting, and I was hurting right along with him.

And after everything that that man has put me through--

the lies, the-the-the humiliation.

-The way he broke you. -You would think

that I would want him to die instead.

No, I wouldn't.

Because I know you, and when you love,

you don't love halfway.

You love with your whole heart.

And you love Bill.

But I love Andre, too.

And he is my husband now. He...

he's who I want to be with.

Okay.

But if that's true, why does it sound like

you're trying to convince yourself?

The Dupree legacy runs deep at Banneker.

I know that, Pop. You've talked about it so much.

Feels like I have a PhD in all things HBCU.

But now, you get to experience it firsthand.

Your great-granddad is hosting

the homecoming tailgate this year.

I mean, the whole thing

is basically gonna be a family holiday.

Oh, and it's Coach Fielding's send-off year, too, right?

-Yep. -That was Vernon's frat brother.

MARTIN: Yep. And we are pre-pregaming at the grands'.

Rowena is going to cook a spread that'll make you

forget your own name.

And then, we'll pile onto the party bus

and roll up to the tailgate like we're royalty.

-That does sound kind of legendary. -It will be.

Doesn't that excite you?

The only thing I want to experience

is getting back with Jessica.

She leaves for UCLA.

And if I don't fix this, it's game over.

Game over or new level.

I prefer the level I was on.

I know you can't force somebody into a relationship,

but I can't just give up on us.

Or you can focus on you

and the new opportunities you have ahead.

Like Banneker.

-Exactly. -But that's the problem.

I'm going to a college campus where nobody knows me.

Back to being the chess nerd without Jessica.

They're only gonna notice me unless I help them

with their homework.

That is the nice thing about college.

It's a reset.

Everybody's in the same boat trying to figure themselves out.

MARTIN: And the pool's bigger,

and you'll have time to meet people

that will accept you for you.

Which is brilliant

and funny and

you clean up better than you think.

There will be other Jessicas.

That's what everybody keeps saying, but...

...it still hurts.

You know I care about your brother.

And that's why you broke his heart?

I didn't mean to.

I mean, I... Long-distance relationships just don't work.

I don't want him obsessing over which flight to book to Cali

when we both should be locked in on college and our futures.

Mission accomplished.

Now, he'll have nothing else to throw himself into

now that he thinks he'll never find love again.

Okay, but do you see where I'm coming from, though?

I do, and I know that it would've been hard, but...

Tyrell's not in the right headspace

to look at it like that.

That's why I asked to meet.

Hear how he's taking it.

How do you think?

He's all moody and withdrawn.

My dads have been trying to pull him out of it, but

nothing works.

Especially since you've been making the problem worse.

I'm gonna have one hell of a spa day

with these this weekend.

I'm so glad to hear that.

Hey, maybe Hayley can join you.

My dad being hospitalized

usually inspires her to prioritize her self-care.

Uh...

Hayley and I were close, once, but...

...lately, I feel like I've been seeing

a completely different woman.

Join the club.

I was the first in our orbit to actually befriend her.

Now, I'm the fool, because she is definitely

not the same person she sold herself to be.

Yeah.

People who work that hard on optics usually aren't.

Speaking of two-faced behavior,

I was wondering what your read on Tomas is.

Honestly?

I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him.

I love Andre.

I just didn't realize how obtuse I was being

and what that must look like to him.

Me sitting up in the hospital

acting like the most important thing

in the world is Bill Hamilton.

Don't beat yourself up.

Andre has always been very understanding.

And I was too comfortable with the fact

that not much gets to him.

That's because, for a long time, it was your MO.

When you two were first hooking up,

there were no expectations.

Well, that laissez-faire made sense then.

Even at the beginning of your very

uniquely structured marriage,

he was okay with you having a past.

With you still being tied to Bill through the girls.

But now?

He's my husband for real.

And men, no matter how evolved

or how progressive,

still have expectations about that.

You know...

Doug was fine with our open marriage until...

he realized I didn't just enjoy Joey,

that I had real feelings for him.

It is one thing to share someone's body,

it is another thing entirely to share their heart.

The last thing I would want is for Andre to feel insecure

about his place in my life.

From now on, I have to put my current husband first.

And?

And do everything I can to get Bill out of my system.

I get why thinking Bill might die hit her hard,

but then her whole family showed up,

offering her moral support

like she was about to lose her real husband.

Dani is your wife, not Bill's.

It didn't feel that way.

She was so distraught, she didn't even think

to let me know what was going on.

It's like I didn't even matter.

And then she had her whole family supporting her

while she was supporting him.

You know, I-I know what it's like to be on the outside

when the Duprees circle the wagons.

-Mm-hmm. -They close ranks fast.

Yeah. And that's when I seek out Vernon.

He always knows how to put things in perspective.

You know, I got to go check on a patient,

but before I go, can I give you some sage-esque Vernon advice?

Why do you think I'm here?

Lay it on me.

You need to be a man and confront this.

-With Dani? -And Bill.

I guess it's finally happened.

What?

You're starting to believe all the ugly lies

your family says about me.

No, that's-that's not what this is.

Then what is it, Bill?

Because it feels like you're pulling away.

Like you're looking for reasons to blame me

for something that I didn't do.

Well... I'm sorry. Just don't mind me. I'm just...

...pissed off that I have to be in this damn hospital again.

Mm. And being hungry.

Yeah, which makes me meaner than usual, so...

You know what? I should've never let Kat get to me.

It's just...

She and all the Duprees

have always been so nasty to me, especially Dani.

I know the place that woman still holds in your heart.

And you know what? I've accepted it.

I just want room for me, too.

There is room, baby. I swear.

It doesn't feel like it.

At least not here in Fairmont Crest.

Yeah.

Yeah, I know how you feel

and why you've been in such a rush to get to St. Bart's.

-Babe, I'm... -I've heard you.

I'm just exhausted, okay?

I'm tired of everyone questioning my devotion to you.

Can't they see how much you mean to me?

Can't you see it?

Of course I can, baby.

You mean the world to me, too.

Hope I'm not interrupting.

Look, I am not gonna sit here and pretend

that I have the blueprint for getting over a broken heart.

But as for my teen years? Ooh.

My goth phase?

Goth phase?

You mean black nail polish and all?

Uh, let's just say potential suitors

were not knocking down my door.

And I, on the other hand, was the one breaking hearts.

Cocky much?

Not in the way you would think.

Back then, I dated girls,

and typically, I would end things

because I couldn't stand lying to them.

It just felt wrong, like I was wasting everyone's time.

Then, when I started dating guys,

it just fizzled out.

Until it didn't.

Wow. Thanks, guys. This has been mad helpful.

Okay, all right. How about this?

You just have to give yourself time.

Jessica was your first love,

your first everything.

It's natural to grieve something like that.

But how long am I gonna feel like this?

It depends.

There's no time limit to getting over heartbreak.

I can promise you

it's not gonna be forever.

And one day, you will find someone that makes you feel

just as cherished as your dad makes me feel.

Look, I know you meant well,

and this isn't me dragging you,

but you-you've got to stop keeping tabs on my brother.

You mean like texting you this morning?

And liking all his reposts

and watching all his stories.

As long as you stay on his radar,

it's giving him false hope.

I know you're right. I just...

I hate the idea of him thinking I never cared.

He knows you cared,

which is why it hurts so much.

But if he's ever gonna get better, then...

a clean break is what you need,

for the both of you.

-Señoritas. -Hey, Tomas.

Hi.

Thanks for talking me off the ledge.

I got to go. Lots of packing to do.

Just tell Tyrell...

Right. Never mind.

Why is Jessica rushing out of here

like Neiman Marcus is having a sale?

Because I told her to stay away from my brother

now that they're broken up.

Okay, niecey.

Protector mode activated.

I love to see it.

Somebody has to.

Tyrell needs some serious help.

My dads have been trying to pull him out of it, but...

Say less. I'll stop by later

and apply some next level auntie energy.

Thank you, Aunt Kat. I'll see you later.

You're welcome.

See you. Bye.

Hello.

Is everyone down in the dumps today?

What's wrong with you?

Oh, just me stepping in it with your cousin,

and then Naomi reading my ass for filth.

Ugh. That tracks.

Emotions are running high

with her dad in the hospital.

Which is why she shouldn't have to worry over the firm.

I'm more than capable of holding down the fort until Bill's back.

Of course you are.

She doesn't see it that way.

Maybe you could have a talk with her.

When did you start to sour on Tomas?

Around the time he started treating

the assistants like furniture.

I mean, in my book,

it doesn't matter how smart or ambitious you are.

People who treat assistants poorly are trash

and don't deserve them.

We are on the same page there.

Have you ever said any of this to my dad?

I've never hidden it, but I've never exactly

made it a crusade, either.

I mean, your father has his blind spots.

Tomas is one of them.

He thinks of him as the son he never had.

Oh, and that's because the daughter he does have

never showed much interest in the firm...

until now.

BILL: (chuckles) I'll be damned.

A friendly face.

Excuse you.

I thought I was both a friendly face and a beautiful one, too.

You know what, sweetie? You've been here all night.

-Maybe you should take a break. -Oh, I don't mind staying.

No, just do it for me, please.

You know, go wash this place off you

and have a nice breakfast. You deserve better

than the unseasoned crap they serve in here.

I'm not going anywhere.

Okay. I'll leave you to your guy talk.

Glad to see you're still breathing.

Thankfully. It wasn't guaranteed yesterday.

I heard.

Well...

Heart went a little haywire. It's nothing major.

Says the guy in a hospital bed.

To what do I owe the pleasure, Joey?

Hmm? Did I miss a memo?

Well, I just wanted to check to see if I was

about to be on the hook.

For what?

The promise we made.

You check out, I take care of your family.

Hey, slow your roll, Joey.

I'm not hitting the streets of heaven just yet.

Yeah, you've been flirting at the gates, though.

Yeah. Just had a few episodes, is all.

A few too many for coincidence.

The doctors?

Running more tests.

They're still clueless as ever.

Well, maybe you should get a clue.

And fast.

Meaning?

Meaning, you don't want it to be too late for a second opinion.

If Garland Memorial can't figure it out,

get someone who can.

-What'd I miss? -Uh, just the dads convincing me

that I'm gonna be big man on campus

instead of a chess nerd that got dumped by his girl.

Aw.

Uh, what was that for?

For being the best big brother on the planet.

Hey, Kat and Eva are gonna have something

to say about that ranking.

Pop, please. We're not launching your stand-up career today.

Oh. Ouch.

But our dads are right about one thing.

You are bigger than one breakup,

and you're not about to disappear into some corner

at Banneker like a background character.

You are too good for that.

If you say so.

I know so.

You are going to do great things.

I can feel it.

And when you do,

you're not even gonna remember Jessica.

Thanks, Samantha.

You want me to help?

You said yourself that Naomi's anxious about Bill.

I just think a talk with you

could get her to relax and-and do her some good.

She's my cousin.

And I'm your man.

Don't do that.

-Do what? -Make this a loyalty test.

You've already asked me once to play the middle ground

with you and Naomi.

I'm not asking you to choose sides.

Good, because that would be completely unfair.

Besides, a talk with Naomi wouldn't help.

If my cousin has her mind set on covering for Bill

at the firm,

there's nothing that's gonna change that.

If your father could see you now...

Can we please not romanticize this?

For the last time, I am not joining the firm.

I'm just helping out.

How was Bill when you left the hospital?

Ugh. Grumbling, complaining.

Hmm. So almost back to his old self.

Exactly.

I'm just glad he's okay.

This place is...

unimaginable without him.

Randy, please take your head out of your ass and call me back.

Not tomorrow, today.

I thought Bill sent you home.

Hmm. Is that how things work between you and Vanessa?

Didn't realize she was so accustomed to following orders.

I think you'd be more concerned

about your ailing husband than

the inner workings of my relationship.

But for the record, Vanessa is her own person.

Just like you, from what I hear.

Mm.

Are you just gonna waste my time again

with rumors and speculation?

I never speculate, Mrs. Hamilton.

I observe.

Going down?

(knock on door)

Come in.

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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