Original subtitles

- Mother. - ANITA: Nicole?

Is everything all right?

I know you would have called if there was

any news about Hayley, but I needed to check in.

Of course. I understand.

We could all use a little settling right now.

Well, your father isn't home yet,

so I'm taking that to mean negotiations are still going on.

I know Daddy will hold firm.

Trust me, he will not let up

until he is sure Martin's interests are protected.

Well, he needs to make sure that Joey's interests

are protected, too.

Otherwise, that man is liable

to take things into his own hands.

I can't believe the irony of this family

having to ride to Hayley's rescue.

She was a damn fool, inviting herself to this party.

By now, she'd have to understand what a serious mistake that was.

[R&B music playing]

I was just joking about you trying to get with my man.

Good.

Your old-ass cop boyfriend has nothing I want.

Only because you need a new sugar daddy.

But since Marcel is the one who caught you

trying to off your last hubby,

well, he's hardly a choice prospect.

You ordering a car? You just got here?

Where you going?

Back to the hotel.

Ooh, okay. I can take you.

And then we can grab some bags

and pack up to go on that trip that I called you about earlier.

Leslie, you think I want to take a trip with you?

Come on, Marcel suggested it,

and I thought it was a great idea.

For a setup, yeah. I'm not going anywhere with you.

Don't you think I deserve

a little more appreciation than that, twinkle toes?

Because I don't exactly see a lot of people

stepping up to support you.

Come on.

Take a seat, Hayley.

Come on, Hay-Hay, get comfy.

You know, take a load off and-and do some deep...

[breathes deeply]

cleansing breaths.

I will get you a drink.

[sighs]

[phone vibrating]

My visit with Bill was absolutely harmless.

You're not listening to what I'm saying, Dani.

You have no idea the damage you do

every time you make Bill a priority.

- Andre... - No, you need to listen.

Now, Bill is not sick anymore.

He's not in danger, Dani.

Even if he were, he-he's got friends,

he's got employees, two grown daughters, 911.

He doesn't need you, and he sure as hell does not deserve it.

You're right. I'm sorry.

I-I've been blind to how much it bothers you,

and I will be more cognizant of it moving forward.

Don't do that.

You don't get to just say things just to smooth it over.

I am trying to agree with you.

I don't need your agreement, Dani.

I need you to keep it real.

Can you do that?

There is something that is pulling you to him.

Compassion maybe? Empathy?

The man almost died.

So what? That means Nurse Dani has to come to his rescue?

No.

You know what?

Truth time.

Do you still want to be married to me?

Or do you want to be with Bill instead?

? ?

My mom got carjacked.

What? Is she okay?

She's good now, but it was hella unsettling.

I heard most of the carjackings in this area

are kids with guns. Is that what happened?

No, I think it was somebody who had beef with Joey.

Uh, what makes you think that?

Well, I've been half expecting something like this

ever since my mom started her "mob wife" era.

But despite all of that,

we had a really good talk at the end of the day.

Okay. You told her how you feel?

Yeah, I told her that I'm scared of losing her

to some violent attack because of Joey.

And?

For once, I felt like she actually heard me.

Sit.

[sighs] Well, I wanted to thank you and Dani

for talking to Deanna at the pregame party.

Whatever you two said made a difference.

It was actually more Dani than me.

But that is wonderful news.

Deanna and I were actually able

to have a real, honest, unguarded conversation.

I'm happy to hear that.

So tell me, why don't you seem happier about it, then?

- Ah? Ah? - [elevator bell dings]

- You like it? - It's beautiful.

[Ted chuckles]

Shanice, you are an early bird today.

Yeah.

And you two are...

I don't know. What are you two?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

Well, I-I don't know what Ashley is,

but I am in need of a kiss.

Ah-ah-ah-ah. Not until you tell me what is going on here.

What were you two looking at on Ted's phone?

- Bottle openers. - That's right.

You'd never believe how many choices there are.

I'm sure I wouldn't, but why?

Grayson.

- Mm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. - Grayson is a bartender now,

and it's his birthday coming up.

- Mm-hmm. - And I wouldn't know

the first thing that I would need to get him,

so, uh, Ted was helping me decide.

Since I'm such an experienced, um, mixologist.

I'm gonna go to my office now, okay?

- Thanks so much for your help, Ted. - Yeah.

Uh, let me know how Grayson likes his muddler.

[sighs]

Okay, girlie, what is going on here?

Deanna seems to have the same concerns you do

for my safety.

After the carjacking?

Yes.

So, you admitted to Deanna that you were

targeted by one of Joey's enemies?

I didn't have to.

That's the conclusion she jumped to right away.

I tried to reassure her that I'm fine,

but she's already lost one parent and

she's convinced I'm in denial about the risks I face.

You don't have to say anything.

I already know you agree with my daughter.

So, how do you feel about Deanna's perspective?

Doug's death was crushing to both the twins,

but especially Deanna.

I understand her fear, but still,

I believe that Joey can protect me.

When you say that,

that is you gambling, just like Doug.

Have you thought about what that means to your kids

if you hedge the wrong bet?

Well, I'm hoping I sold my mom on the idea

of breaking up with Joey.

I've been trying to get through to her forever about this.

Say your mom does break up with Joey. What then?

She can find someone who isn't a total scumbag.

I'm not sure it would be that simple.

I'm not trying to force her to break up with Joey.

I'm just trying to talk some sense into her.

Look, I'm not trying to butt in where I don't belong,

but just be careful, Deanna.

Of what?

Of putting pressure on your mom that could backfire.

Someone like Joey could totally take advantage of that

and end up using it to drive you two further apart.

Back with Bill?

- Yeah. - Absolutely not.

We both know you wanted it before.

When we got together, your ex wasn't available.

Now he is.

And he's not just available, he is in full regret

for the way he let you go in the first place.

Listen to me, Andre.

What we have is so much better than that.

It is so much healthier.

We have mutual respect.

- And I hear you... - Dani

that you have not been feeling that lately.

I hear you.

But let me fix it.

How?

Tell me how. You just saw Bill earlier.

That was nothing. I-I...

I was just tying up some loose ends.

You're covering for him.

- What? - Yeah.

I'm not stupid, Dani.

I never bought that Bill was-was dropping the charges

against Hayley to save face for his company,

so he doesn't have bad publicity.

No.

Hayley has something on Bill, and you know what it is.

Otherwise, you'd be pitching a fit right now

that he's letting her off the hook.

Tell me I'm wrong.

It is not my secret to tell.

I don't care about the damn secret, Dani.

I only care that the bastard keeps

pulling you into all of his games!

That's not what's happening.

I understand Bill's faults better than I ever have.

And-and yes, he is done with Hayley, but he also adored her.

Dani, of course he adored her.

She kissed his ass.

Exactly.

She was some fantasy woman,

constantly fawning all over him, and it wasn't real.

But that is the standard that I was

- expected to live up to. - Here we go.

And when I failed,

he felt completely justified in kicking me to the curb.

- Right. - He never loved me the way you do.

I'm glad you know that.

I am no longer obsessed with getting Bill's approval.

He is the father of my children.

And on his best days, a good friend.

- Right. - But that's all.

Well, baby, I would love to believe that.

But I think we both know that there's more to it.

Ever since that tornado.

I don't understand what the tornado...

Ever since that night, things shifted.

I know you feel it, too.

The only shift I felt is gratitude.

For what we have together.

I do not take you for granted,

and I'm sorry if it's felt like I do.

Dani, I don't want your apologies.

I want to know what's going on with you.

Why do you keep running back to Bill?

But I have a theory.

- I can't wait to hear it. - Yeah.

That night when I couldn't find you,

and I thought you might have

thought you might have died, I-I panicked.

All right?

And that carried over to when we had an argument

about your BRCA status.

Oh, you mean when you were pushing me?

Yes. To talk to doctors.

To consider surgical procedures that you didn't want done.

I was so afraid of losing you.

But I know now that pushing you, it was upsetting.

I understand where you were coming from.

I... I just didn't want cancer at the forefront of my mind.

Yeah.

But with Bill, it isn't.

He jokes.

He flirts.

He acts like you're the same woman you've always been.

With Bill, you can go back in time.

Andre, stop.

Mm-hmm.

The last thing I want is to go back in time.

Are you seriously defending my mom's mobbed-up boyfriend?

No, I'm just...

I get that it's basically

you and Joey in a tug of war over your mom.

It's not like that.

It's not about winning. I'm trying to save her.

Nobody did that for my dad, and look what happened.

Did you put that idea in her head?

Did you coach Deanna to give me an ultimatum?

Of course not.

I told her it wasn't up to us to dictate your choices.

Regardless of what we personally think.

It is a nonstarter, Nicole.

Look, I know from my work that sometimes

mothers can only bring themselves to make choices

for their children's sake, not their own.

I will admit,

I tried ending things with Joey once.

But I missed him like oxygen.

I know Joey was a lifeline for you in a very painful time,

but it's been over a year since Doug's death.

You are so much stronger, Vanessa.

And even more in love.

I'm not saying make some big drastic decision,

but maybe take a little break.

Think of it like an experiment.

See how you feel if you take some time apart.

Time apart.

A week in Maui.

And if you don't want to be alone, take the twins.

[phone clicks]

I have to go to the office.

Vanessa, please consider my suggestion.

You do know I can access the HR files, right?

Grayson's birthday isn't for months.

Did I say birthday?

I meant housewarming. He's moving.

The more you lie, the more nervous I get.

I've been dating Ted long enough to recognize

when he gets that little glint of mischief in his eye.

He's up to something.

I wouldn't know.

He does like grand gestures.

I don't want to call any attention

to our relationship at work.

Aunt Monica would chew me out for being so unprofessional.

Okay, fine.

I will tell Ted to call up the mariachi band he has hired

to follow you around for the rest of your shift.

They're loud, but they do sing about love.

- [stammers] - I am kidding.

Shanice, stop worrying.

Ted loves you.

Relax.

It's called a Black Magic, and I invented it myself

when I was slinging drinks back in the day.

Taught it to my favorite bartender over there, too.

Okay. Oh, wait. Well, slow down, girl.

Wow. Slow your roll.

All right? This was meant to be savored.

I mean, you know, do you, boo. Go on off.

But maybe it'll make you actually let me in on a

your little secret you been hiding.

What secret?

How you got the state's attorney to

let you off on all those charges that were against you.

Oh, you traded in some information, right?

Something juicy on one of Bill's clients?

Ooh.

Or maybe Bill himself. [Gasps]

Oh, dear Lord, please, God,

let it be big bad Bill that's going down.

Please, I'm begging you.

Please.

You're talking crazy.

Okay, Ms. Confidential.

Fine. I'll just ask Marcel myself.

Don't do that!

Don't talk to anyone about me.

Just shut up!

Well, damn.

My God, Andre.

This doesn't have anything to do with you.

You have been a saint.

No, I didn't like you pushing me about the BRCA gene,

but I told you that and you listened.

- Yeah. - The difference between that

and my former marriage is night and day.

I'm happy.

And for the record, Bill knows that.

[chuckles]

Now, that's something I don't mind hearing.

Swear to me

that you will tell me if I'm doing something to hurt you.

And for God's sake, please don't wait for me

to figure it out on my own.

- Yeah. - We both know

how impulsive I can be.

But I don't want to be cruel.

And I don't want you to doubt that you are the man I want.

I hope you mean that.

What can I do to convince you?

Damn it, Dani.

That if something happens to you,

Donnell and I would be utterly alone.

I'm begging you, Mom, please.

Leave him.

Please. I don't want to lose you, too.

I'm sorry, Deanna. I didn't mean to insult you.

It's just, my dad never used to drink like that

when Donnell and I were home.

Definitely not drink and drive.

He must have been so upset by the affair.

He adored her.

It's hard to help someone who's self-destructing.

They can end up trashing their lives,

relationships are ruined,

and there's only so much one person can do.

But how much did she even try?

I mean, she was so busy getting busy with Joey.

I know you think it was their affair

that led to your dad's spiraling,

but what if it was the other way around?

How?

Like, what if your dad was so wrapped up

in his own stuff that he was avoiding your mom,

uh, trying to hide what was going on?

That would have put her in a really lonely spot.

I mean, that's no excuse. You don't abandon someone.

Are those the only two options?

Abandoning someone or saving them?

I don't want to talk about this anymore.

I'm sorry. I did it again.

Look, I have to go see Anita soon.

You want to come?

I have an assignment due tomorrow.

Okay.

Text me later, okay?

Don't listen to that boy.

- GRAYSON: Well, hey, beautiful. - Hi.

You day drinking?

Ah. If only.

No, I'm just grabbing a bite before I head back to work.

I'm picking up a second shift.

I thought you had plans with Naomi later.

I had to cancel.

You seem strangely happy about that.

Well, it's for a reason.

I'm heading back to work to fill in for Shanice

because she doesn't know it yet,

but Ted has this big surprise planned for her tonight.

Do tell.

Oh, don't hold back.

What's Teddy planning for his girlfriend du jour?

[knocking on door]

Hey, I got your text.

Any news about the Hayley fiasco?

Come in.

Have you heard from your father yet?

No, I was with Vanessa.

Okay, well, I spoke to Vernon after he met with, uh,

Hayley, and he's confident

that she doesn't want any trouble, uh,

as long as Bill sticks to the deal they made.

What a relief.

But that's not why I, uh, called you here.

- It's unrelated. - Oh.

Okay.

Well, I felt like you should know that

later today, I'm taking Shanice out of town, and I...

Wait. What? No, you can't.

What's that about? You've always been supportive

of my relationship with Shanice.

It's the timing.

When is it ever a good time to go away?

This standoff with Hayley could still blow up,

and we all know what would happen to Martin

if Hayley decided to go public with what she knows.

Hayley would not do that without detonating her own life.

And if she didn't know before, thanks to Vernon, she knows now.

- But Martin could still... - Nicole.

I wouldn't be leaving if I didn't trust

that your father got through to Hayley.

And if I'm wrong, I'm not far away.

I can be home in a few hours.

But I truly don't think it's necessary.

Fine, enjoy your trip.

Nicole?

There's one more thing I wanted to tell you.

The trip with Shanice is a surprise,

so, uh, please don't say anything.

Leslie, please. Please.

You cannot ruin tonight for Ted and Shanice.

Girl, I don't know why you're so worried

since you're the one who clammed up

and wouldn't tell me what this big old surprise is.

Wow.

Nobody can say anything anywhere when you're around, can they?

He and Shanice can go about their little boring business.

I don't care.

You know, it would be easier to believe you

if you hadn't gone out of your way

to smear Ted's reputation with Shanice's brothers.

All I did was tell them the truth.

Now, if that's enough to lower their opinion of Ted,

then that's on him.

Leslie, Leslie, please.

I would feel so awful if you ruin this

because of my slip, okay?

Girl, go on somewhere.

All right? 'Cause, see, my attention

is focused on my own boo, satisfying him, okay?

And flirting with that fine bartender over there.

Mm.

That is my boyfriend.

For now.

Okay, I really hope you're joking about that.

And I really need you to be serious

about leaving Ted and Shanice alone.

[chuckles]

Guess we'll just have to wait and see, Ash.

Noah, come on in.

- Thank you. - How's it going?

Good. I was just with Deanna.

She said yesterday's pregame party was a good time.

Oh, yes, it, uh, it was something.

I can't believe that was just yesterday.

Feels like a distant memory.

There's so much going on right now.

Well, if, uh, it's not a good time, I could always come back.

Oh, no, no, no, I didn't, I didn't mean that.

I've been looking forward to hearing the song

you were telling me about.

There's no better distraction from one's trouble

than music, is there?

I agree.

Deanna Doll?

I know you can hear me.

What do you want?

Are you mad at me?

No.

Then look at me.

I don't need to.

I have enough photos, enough memories.

Come on, Deanna.

I need you to look at me.

To really see me.

Did you really lie to Mom?

What do you think?

I think that Donnell and I didn't have a clue

who you really were.

What do you mean "were"?

I am here, sweetheart.

I have always been here.

In you.

And you know exactly the type of man I am.

Do I?

Yes.

A good man who did good work,

who cared for his patients and loved his children.

See, that was in the past.

But you were drinking and gambling.

How could you lie to us?

I was ashamed, sweetheart.

I didn't want you to think any less of me.

Haven't you ever been disappointed in yourself?

Yes, but I wasn't responsible for an entire family.

But don't you see, it wasn't me that wrecked our family.

So you didn't get wasted, blow through your money

and drive into a ravine?

I did have a problem.

I played right into Joey's hands.

He knew I was an addict.

To the cards.

To the bottle. To the win.

He allowed me to win just enough for me

to keep coming back over and over

until I didn't have anything else to give.

Until...

Until I lost your mother to him.

But you made it easy for her.

You pushed her away.

You are angry.

I am.

And you're not really here.

? ?

? Let me play you one last love song ?

? Another chance to dance the night away ?

? Last love song ?

? One last love song. ?

Wow, Anita Williams just gave me notes

on a song that I wrote.

- That was crazy. - [laughs]

It's a beautiful song, Noah.

But can I make one tiny suggestion?

Yes, please.

On the chorus, which I love,

maybe modulate to the relative minor.

It'll give the, um, emotional lift that I think

the chorus is begging for.

Okay.

[playing notes]

[clears throat]

? Let me play you one last love song ?

? Another chance to dance the night away ?

? Last love song ?

? One last love song. ?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

- Whoo! [Laughs] That's better. - See?

I like that.

[both laugh]

- Thank you. - It really moves it along.

Yes. Thank you.

Thanks for waiting for me to get here, Mom.

Of course.

I've been thinking about our conversation.

Me, too.

It really meant a lot to me that you were really listening,

but I realized that I haven't done the same for you.

Oh. That may be for the best.

We both know you don't want to hear me wax poetic about Joey.

I'd be happy to never hear that man's name again.

But maybe we could talk about Dad.

What was he like near the end?

Are-are you sure?

I've never been more sure.

You idolized your father.

And you have precious memories of him and your time together.

[stammers]

I don't want to tarnish those.

Well, here's a truth bomb.

I realize that the image that I have of Dad may not be true.

And it may be hard, but I have to learn how to let it go.

[Andre chuckles]

I hope my nonverbal communication

has made my feelings clear.

Yeah, the message is received and then some.

[both laugh]

There is something else I want to talk about.

Okay.

What subject?

Oh, secrets.

Mm.

Our hard and fast rule to not have any

turns out to be pretty breakable.

Yeah. But I meant what I said earlier.

I really don't care to know what Hayley has on Bill.

If it's, uh...

If he's cheating on his taxes or if he's cheating with a client.

Whatever. That's his problem.

I only wish he would have left you out of it.

Understood.

Yeah.

But I'm not only talking about my secrets.

How about yours?

? ?

[knocking on door]

[pounding on door]

What the hell, Val?

What are you doing here?

You said you were leaving town.

Well, Joey had other ideas.

Who cares about him?

You need to get the hell out of Dodge, cuz.

Now, before...

Before I find out you screwed me over?

Yeah, too late, cuz.

Did you forget something?

- No. - You just missed me?

Not yet.

Ashley, you aren't even on the schedule today.

Did somebody ask you to fill in for them?

Now you're getting warmer.

Actually, I'm here to fill in for you, because...

Drumroll, please.

You are going

on a vacation with your boyfriend!

- Surprise, baby. - What?

Like-like right now, in this moment?

Yes. Are you ready to go?

Uh, no, I-I need clothes and shoes and my-my toiletries.

- Oh, my perfume. - I have all the above.

- But what about my... - I packed some of your things

the last time I stayed over, and I took notes

of the things that you needed.

Aw.

Ted. Where are we going?

How long are we gonna be gone?

Uh, you better not be taking me to some dirty campsite.

Mm. Well, you're just gonna have to trust me

and go along for the ride, huh?

Aw. [Laughs]

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Shall we?

Let me get my stuff.

Thank you for everything, Ashley.

You are so welcome.

- Recently... - Mm-hmm.

You came very close to telling me

about something in your past.

Felt like you wanted to open up,

but then you held back for some reason.

Yeah, but I don't really want to get into that now.

You don't have to.

But that's what I wanted to say.

Really?

What about our "no secrets" deal?

Maybe it needs a revision.

Like?

Like if

there is something that, in your judgment,

I don't need to know

or that I would be better off not knowing...

Mm-hmm.

That's enough for me.

It is?

And are-are you sure?

I know you love me.

And I know you wouldn't do anything to

take advantage of my trust.

You might not be able to say the same thing about me

because I haven't been careful with your heart.

That's okay.

But things will be different moving forward.

I swear it.

Mm.

Dani, Dani.

That's exactly what I want.

For you to look forward and not backwards.

For us to keep growing, you know?

To keep loving and have a future.

I'm sorry I hurt you.

I don't ever want to do anything to drive you away.

You don't ever have to worry about that.

As long as you want me, I'll be here.

I was so frustrated with Doug.

I mean, angry and-and just frustrated with him

when he went back on his word so many times.

He-he was spending money that he didn't have.

He lied to me over and over.

He had to quit at the hospital

so that his problem didn't take his medical license.

The list goes on and on.

I am not proud of how I handled your dad's addictions.

I got angry with him and couldn't understand

why he couldn't just stop.

[sniffles]

That is probably what he needed the least.

Well, it sounds like you weren't getting what you needed either.

I suppose I wasn't.

I will never like Joey or respect him,

but I'm done putting you in the middle of a tug of war.

We'd only end up breaking you in half.

What are you saying?

I'm saying that I'm not gonna ask you to choose between us.

But I am gonna hope that one day you realize

on your own that you deserve so much better.

Just like

everyone thought Doug was an upstanding man and surgeon,

and didn't see the man that lied and nearly

bankrupted us, I know that you don't see the same man

in Joey that I do.

People aren't always as they seem, Deanna.

Understand?

I'm starting to.

And even though you didn't know

who your father really was at the end,

I know this.

If Doug were here right now, he would say that

he loves you, your brother and me,

and that he's sorry for letting us down.

Hmm.

Nicole. Hi.

Noah. Hi.

- Music session? - Yeah.

And I still can't believe I'm even here.

Anita's the best. All right, I'll catch you later.

Come on in, darling.

Come, sit.

Any word from Daddy?

No. No messages.

I'm glad I was able to help Noah with his song.

Music has always soothed my nerves

better than anything else.

Well, this is what I know about the situation.

Ted heard from Daddy that he spoke to Hayley

and thinks that he has the threat contained.

But he had no other information.

Okay, well, that sounds promising.

Your father is, if nothing else, a statesman.

He'll see that this all works out for the best.

Don't you get it?

Marcel was going to kill me.

I-I had to give them something,

and I thought you'd already left town.

You sold me out.

And you telling them that it was my idea to make the recordings?

See, you wanted me

to take the fall for your screwups.

Oh, well, clearly you talked your way out of it,

since you're standing here.

We can leave together now.

Oh, now you want to go?

Why the hell didn't you leave when I told you to?!

You should've listened!

I promise, Randy, I-I will make this up to you.

I don't see a path where you can do that.

See, for the rest of our lives, you and me,

we're gonna be looking over our shoulders.

But at least you get to do it in Saint Barts.

Me?

I'm spending the rest of my life working for Joey.

Look, Randy, I am so sorry.

Please.

We... we were always partners, and we still can be.

Just-just give me a chance to make this right.

You want to make this right?

Do me a favor.

Lose my number.

[door opens]

[door closes]

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

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