Original subtitles

Previously on Love Is... I have two tickets if you went to Marcella's. Would

like to go?

You're not going to the concert tomorrow.

We'll be taping the show.

So let it go.

Will you cover for me? You're risking it all over some man you think you're in

love with.

I am in love with him.

I hope Nui doesn't mind that you have a kid, no job, and no place to stay.

Because I do think it's time you leave.

You thought I wouldn't come, huh?

I know.

There's this phase of courtship that I love. I call it the cocoon phase.

Every caterpillar has to go through that moment to become a butterfly, and I

think every couple needs to go through that phase as well, to forget about the

outside world and just focus on what's happening on the inside.

In our cocoon, we fell deeper in love.

We talked and talked. We got to know each other from the moment I saw him at

concert to the moment we walked out of the house the next day.

Those 18 hours were some of the best moments of our relationship.

It's Ramadan Thank

you

You didn't touch my nipples, so I feel like you're still running around my

beard.

I feel bad.

I hope you don't have to add a day to fasting.

I don't know.

I think I crossed the line.

I'm just fasting. That's your day to be sure.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

I'm observing Ramadan. You're not.

I'm proud of you.

You're almost there.

It's like Ramadan is a blessing for me too.

I have this rule, or maybe a hope, a wish.

I don't want to make love or have sex with anyone but my husband under this

roof.

I had a three -month rule, but that was not going over very well. So this is my

new promise to myself.

I'm not trying to kick you and your friend out.

Oh, no, he's already gone.

No, no, no, no.

He's a good listener.

And the woman says stop.

I just wanted you to know where I was at.

And it's a good place to be.

Woo!

I'm gonna get going.

I know you got work tomorrow.

don't have a job.

The God I know is fair, kind, and he's happy that we

follow our heart.

You got a beautiful house.

Thanks for the tour.

And congratulations.

Come on, God.

Come on. I know that you're fair. Come on.

Come on, God. Please, not tonight.

I was going fast the extra day just to be sure.

Man, one minute I was on top of the world.

I had this beautiful woman in my arms falling more in love with me.

And then my car wouldn't start.

Nah. I wasn't going to knock on Nori's door to ask her for her AAA card or to

pay for the tow.

The way my life was, being broke, away from my son, getting kicked out of

Rubies, literally homeless, I was

hanging on by my fingernails.

But that night, With Nuri was my

lifeline.

Fate is something else.

Here I am thinking that God set me up and he had me the whole night.

I guess I'd say to young people, don't overthink it.

Go with it.

Allow yourself to be led because half the time we don't know what we're doing.

With our heart done.

Hey, Nuria. Look at us. You don't want to leave any more than I want you to go.

Come on.

Other hand. That's your smoking hand.

That's called littering.

I don't date litter bugs.

You know you have to shower.

Just say you want me in your shower.

Okay.

I want you in my shower.

Come in.

I'm not looking. I'm just bringing you a towel.

Love is about daily leaps.

But I had to long jump over the reality of that car.

Okay, when I first saw it, I thought to myself, okay, I'm just going to put some

blinders on, okay? This brother has different values.

He likes jazz.

He likes linen suits.

I liked him in my shower.

Focus on that.

Four different places.

Paris,

Oakland, in the hills, L .A., and rural Mississippi.

Mississippi? Heard my people got freed under a tree right outside of Jackson.

I want to get that land one day.

Sweet.

Okay, Mississippi.

Four different girl names.

Nuri.

Nuri.

Neri.

Oh, man.

Neri. Four different ones.

Like, really?

My roommate.

Your roommate, right.

Okay.

My ex -girlfriend who became my roommate.

The story's not going to change just because you keep asking, Neri.

Whatever.

I'll just put...

Nuri, Ruby, Nuri, Ruby.

That'll be fun.

Okay, and your number?

Seven. Oh.

It's always seven.

Why? It's a number for spirituality.

It's God's number.

I like that.

Okay. You ready?

I'm ready.

Come on, what's my future, woman?

Be patient.

Oh, gosh.

Stop!

Okay.

Once upon a time, you met Mary and got married. Yes.

Yay!

And moved to Mississippi, boo, and lived in a mansion. Yay. Okay. We had 77

kids, and you made a fortune as a ditch taker.

Ooh, sex dad.

I like the title.

Written by my baby.

I don't like to be called baby.

Oh.

Yeah.

What's safe to call you?

Yes, dear.

Okay.

Ooh, sex.

I like the title.

Written by Ysir.

Hmm. Interior. Swimming pool.

Night.

The underwater lights in the pool illuminate something round and fleshy.

image becomes clear, we realize it's a boy.

Eight years old, a stream of pale red blood floating upwards.

Little Ricky Jinx fights with the water, stops.

Helpless, shocked, unable to breathe, we watch his body relax and the last few

bubbles of air roll from his fat face.

Do you know what it is to feel like a bad joke? To be a human punchline.

Oh shit, I didn't wake up to pray.

You want me to step out? No.

You okay?

What if that's my boss?

What if he figured out that I skipped out of work last night?

Do you have to answer me?

Hello?

Oh, hey, Norman.

No!

Stop working on story ideas.

What's up?

Yeah, last night's show was great.

What do you mean don't come into work?

I was there. What?

Oh, my God.

That is great news.

Thank you, Norman.

That is so cool of you. Thank you.

Okay. Goodbye.

He gave us the day off.

Come here.

Can I call you?

a honeydew list.

Are you sure? I feel bad.

Please, eat.

I was going to try and fast with you today, but then we did all that work.

Trust me.

I never observed Ramadan. I guess I was too young.

But you can't eat or drink water between sunrise and sunset.

You can get used to it.

I know there's no facts or bad words, but you were smoking.

After sundown.

Oh.

I'll let the machine get it.

I'm kissing?

You can kiss.

Good. Because I like kissing you.

When I come back to reality, I'll call you back. Hey,

Nuri. It's Keith.

I heard you got the day off and I wanted to connect about our ski weekend.

promising to send you something but i'll just give it to you when i see you okay

hit me back so we can coordinate oh and congrats on a great show last night

although you must have ran out of there i didn't see you well call me back okay

i made those plans before i fell in love with you of course i'm not going hey

that was before me if you want to go don't let me stop okay

i'll go

The hell you will.

Ski week, it means you having sex someplace cold.

It does not.

That's exactly what it means.

That may be his intention, but it wouldn't be a reality unless I want to

sex. I mean wanted, because I'm not going. And this is where women confuse

You accept our experience of invitation where it's spent mostly in a hotel room,

and you don't want to have sex.

That's why men need to be upfront about their expectations.

What do you think he wants?

To be out of a lot of cash and looking stupid?

Hell, black people don't even like the snow.

These bougie black people just trying to make sex exciting.

Same sex, different location.

Well, it doesn't matter because I'm not going.

Look at you.

You just got real mad real quick.

Yeah, I don't want to think about it anymore.

Hmm.

Think by the bell. Unless it's another one of your men.

I'm probably writing.

Or dreaming.

When I come back to reality, I'll call you back. Leave a detailed message.

Hey, it's me.

I've missed you.

Give me a call.

I hope you're still beautiful.

I hope you're still living the dream.

That was Derek, my college boyfriend, who hasn't called me back for a week

so clearly I'm not a priority, nor is he.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing. No.

We're not playing games, remember?

How many are there?

Just you.

Will you please tell me how many men are in your life, Nuri?

There was Will, who I work with.

He gets the lunches.

I broke his heart on Tuesday and stomped all over it last night, so that's done.

That was Derek, and I have no problem calling him back and letting him know

things have changed.

Then there's Keith, another guy I work with, but not directly.

He's a network executive.

But of course, I will let him know that things have changed and that I'm not

going skiing with him.

And Ruby?

Are we on me now?

Mm -hmm.

I thought we were done talking about me.

Hello? Oh, hey, Angela.

I know we're so lucky. I needed a day off.

You did what?

Already? That's right. I'm at the new hardware store. So if it's crazy, I can

dump them in shop.

You cannot go on a date with a guy that you met off the internet.

I thought we covered this.

Well, look, you asked if I ever decided to meet one of my potential serial

killers to let you know.

Well, I'm letting you know.

He should be here in 15 minutes.

15? Girl, go back in your car. Install.

Give me 20. I'm on my way.

Okay.

Bye.

Everything okay?

No. Angela accepted a date from some guy that she met online.

Angela's grown.

I have to go check on her. Look, if it wasn't for her, we wouldn't be together

now.

She had her back.

I have to have her.

Okay.

But we can meet up later.

But let's get out of the house.

And away from your phone.

How about insomnia at five?

Yeah, I got some errors at one.

And you got to check on your roommate?

Insomnia at five o 'clock.

Oh, shoot.

Insomnia at seven o 'clock. My mom's coming over at five.

We can break fast together.

It's only at 7 o 'clock.

Go like that.

See you at 7.

Where it all began.

Drive safe.

I love you.

I love you too.

Yeah, I can't get to the phone right now.

Look here, man, I'm in a bind, man, and I'm going to need to borrow your AAA

card.

Look here, I'm on foot, so I'm going to call you when I get closer.

Sean, if you're sitting there, man, pick up.

Yeah?

Angela? Yes.

You are stunning.

Thank you.

So, you were saying something about needing help to put together a proper

toolbox?

You know, just to repair simple things around the house.

You're a homeowner.

I am.

Well,

The toolboxes are now, too.

After you.

Are you serious?

The lottery is going to help the public schools.

No, they're not.

Just hear me out, all right? It at least gives them a chance.

I mean, education is really the only launching pad for the masses of black

people to rescue themselves.

Yes, education is the key. But the lottery is a scam for hardworking and

and marginalized people to spend the money they don't have on a rigged

I think the way to go is homeschooling. No. That presupposes the parents at home

are educated enough to do that. Oh, my God.

Angela.

Nuri? What's up, girl?

What are you doing here?

I'm just buying some new...

I just bought a house.

Congratulations, girl.

Yeah, smart move. The prices are really low after the Northridge earthquake.

Yeah. Nuri, this is Pierre.

Pierre, this is my co -worker, Nuri.

Oh, okay.

So how do you like tax law?

I love it.

Although it's always a chase, since everyone wants to avoid them. Oh, no.

Guilty as charged.

Caught.

Uh -oh.

Well, listen, it was very nice meeting you.

I'm going to go ahead and give you to a moment. I'll be over here getting a jump

on the hammers. I can dance a little bit. Oh, I see that.

Girl, I'm so glad you came.

You have to help me get out of this.

What? Why?

My tingly meter went meh.

You're going to pass up on a nice guy because of your tingly meter? Aren't you

happy I'm not going to be with the serial killer?

Well, I am here to assess.

And I have assessed.

I think he's nice.

You don't know anything about him.

I still don't know if he knows the difference between a Phillips or a

screwdriver. What are you talking about?

He said he was handy.

He's over there playing at the safe with all the hammers. Everybody knows what

those are.

That does not mean you are handy.

But he's nice.

And a true gentleman.

I am clearly a good listener.

Tax attorneys.

He's trying to see if I am who I say I am.

And kudos on Rolla with that.

I believed you. That's because I gave my Broadway performance in the role of

bumping into a good girlfriend.

Well, let's get you an Oscar and help me get out of this thing.

Are you sure?

He's a pretty good one to throw back out to sea.

How do you know that?

Because that's him.

What is that?

That thing that's hard to define, but aren't facts.

What beats being kind?

Not being a liar?

He said he's 6 '2", so there's that.

And he clearly gave me a picture of himself from high school because he

too old to be 35.

So either he's not taking care of himself, he's diabetic, or he's really

back home living with his grandparents.

Oh, you're a homeowner?

I am.

You just have it all together, that is.

I love the internet.

Says the tax attorney.

I know how hard it is to find someone out here.

And everyone's hoping this internet will give them a fresh start.

I didn't get my prince this time, but I will get one.

So you fall in love your way, and I'll fall in love mine.

Now, are you here to help me or not?

Yeah, sure.

Thank you.

And action.

It was great seeing you, Neri.

You too.

See you at work.

Ow. Oh, my God. I'm so sorry, girl. Oh, shoot.

Oh, shoot. It looks like it's Rage. Let me get you to the... Oh!

Ow! Ow!

Yeah. Rage check. Rage check. Ow. You know, we got to get her to the emergency

room. It's tax season, and we really need her.

Damn it, Ty. Oh, no, no.

Yo. What up?

I really didn't want to make this call to you again, man, but I do need to hold

that AAA card.

Damn, man.

My gym card? Triple A?

What's next?

Season pass at Disney?

Come on, man. Seriously?

I'm serious.

Your brother got one more useless on his card, so no.

I'll level you down.

Man, Ruby got a Triple A card that you helped pay for.

Remember, California's a common law state.

You scared me.

Ruby, what happened to you?

You're not supposed to be here.

Ruby.

I messed up.

You gotta talk to me, whatever.

I got liposuction.

That's why I was tripping so hard about the money all the time.

Yeah, Ruby, why didn't you tell me? Because I feel stupid.

These yoga studios aren't hiring this black girl with all this butt and

Don't judge me.

Please. I tell you all the time how beautiful you are.

Yoga's hard.

You have to be super skinny if I want to really compete and build and grow my

business in L .A.

Hey, listen, Roby, look, if you want to do lipo for you, that's one thing, but

doing lipo for... Yeah, there's not enough black people trying to do yoga

to make a living.

I have to do something.

I do not have the body my white clients want.

But you have the knowledge.

And do you want me to help you take this off?

I can't until I go back for my next week checkup.

Well, how are you going to use, uh... It's gorgeous.

That used to sound sexy. I know, right?

Life owns everything.

Oh, that's right.

I'll be right out.

Right out here.

If you need anything.

Okay, what's his last name?

What's his last name, Nuri?

I don't know.

And do you even know his birthday?

Okay, well, what do you two talk about?

Hey, you're the one who told me to go find a life outside of work.

Okay, so this is my fault?

No, I'm just saying.

Okay, you know what? You don't know enough about him.

I do.

Come here.

Mom. What? Come dance with me.

I have to go. I have to meet him in a minute. Who?

You see her? What's his name?

Mom, stop.

Come and dance with me first. Stop.

Come on.

Sweetheart, you have a generous heart.

And there are times when it's just wide open, and that's a good thing.

But you do have to be discerning about who you give it to.

Well, I already gave it to him, so. Watch your tone.

All I'm saying is just put it on layaway a little more. Learn it.

Get to know each other. I think that is the joy and the purpose of courtship.

When did you figure that out? After your fourth marriage?

Okay. My less evolved former self would have slapped you across the floor.

But my more evolved spiritually centered self says,

enjoy getting to know him.

And start with his last name and his birth date so I can do his chart.

Okay.

Ow, my ankle.

You better dance with him, Nuri.

Find out if he steps on your toes, or if he can lead, or if he knows how to let

the spotlight be on you.

I will.

Good. I promise.

Better.

Hmm.

But now, I have to go meet Yosir What's -His -Name, okay? So let me walk you

out.

Oh, my God, oh, my God.

Did I hurt you?

Why did I do this? Why did I do this? Why you did it is in the wind.

We in it now.

Come on.

We can do this.

See?

No infection for you.

Not on my watch.

It's like a little juice box.

One down.

We got one to go.

Sitting in an upright position will facilitate drainage.

If you lay flat on your back at home immediately after liposuction, you will

start draining profusely as soon as you stand up.

After six to eight hours postoperatively, you may lie flat and

comfortable position.

Did you follow this?

Ruby, before I got here, were you sitting up?

I think I did.

I don't know. I was high on these drugs.

Was anyone here with you?

Yeah. Lila drove me home and she stayed with me a little bit.

So you didn't tell anyone?

Except the anorexic girl that got you into this?

No. Why not?

I don't know.

Embarrassed, I guess.

Yeah, but this was major surgery.

Outpatient. But I hear you.

Thanks for being here.

Just because we're not together doesn't mean I don't care about you.

You see the potential in people, but you also have to look at the reality.

I mean, it's like this house.

You just had to have the one with so much work to do. So much potential.

But the one on the next block, for a little more money, was moving ready. I'm

sorry. I think I've done wonders ripping up the carpet and painting the wall.

Which makes me wonder, are you talking about houses or Derek?

Well, what is going on between you two?

Nothing.

Which is why I'm with you, Sear.

What's his name?

Nuri, I just love you, and I want you to find a man who's going to love and

protect you.

Hi.

I was wondering if anyone by the name of Yusir was admitted into the emergency

room. I was wondering if you had a listing for Nuri Summers. No last name.

She lives on Cochran Ave.

Okay.

Thank you.

I would like to make a report as a missing person.

Um, three hours?

Wait, wait, wait!

Can I leave you his name?

Yo, it's me.

Did I happen to leave a piece of paper over there with Nori's number on it?

Yeah!

Let me call you back.

I'm coming.

I was in a panic.

Had he been abducted, assaulted, run over, locked up,

taken by a gang for him not to show up for all it is?

She thinks really highly of herself.

Is everything okay?

No.

Can you come with me for a second?

Yeah. Come on.

How did his car get all the way down here?

I was going to have it towed. But then I thought, well, I don't know what this

guy is to you.

I mean, I know he spent the night last night.

But then when he pushed his car down here, I... So you saw him? Yeah. It was

strange.

Is he okay?

Are you okay?

No, I'm not, Pearlie.

I'm in love with a guy I don't even know.

Don't know where he is, don't know how to get a hold of him, don't even know

last name.

It's Yasir Omar.

Are those his clothes?

Yeah. Looks like he's living out of his car.

Yasir Omar, 1739 Klondike Street, Apartment 9.

Okay.

Thank you.

Why'd you call me? Please, don't tell anyone about this.

I'm so embarrassed.

You okay?

No.

Why did I do this?

Because it says all over that paperwork that you won't learn the results.

I'm stupid.

You are.

Come on.

I think it's time for your sponge bath.

I stink?

Yep.

That's probably Sean. He was going to bring some groceries back.

You didn't tell him anything, did you?

No.

Why would I do that?

Just sit tight.

Don't want to disturb your roommate?

Nuri, I know you probably have a lot of questions.

Do I?

And I apologize for not calling you all day.

And for standing me up.

Look, Ruby had, um... I mean, she just got... Unless she's dying, I don't

understand. Just trust me.

I can't talk right now, but I'll tell you everything.

Like, what's your last name, maybe?

What you're hiding?

Like why you stood me up like why you didn't have the decency to call me then

I'm gonna answer all those questions And I also need to know If you've ever been

married before or if you have any kids or if you have a job income or if you're

homeless Or if your fear is your birth name and when your birthday is and if

you're using me as a second chance at life Am I using you?

Yes. Are you using me? No, I'm asking you to trust me and I'm asking for

What we have is

And if you believe that, then I'll see you tomorrow and I'll tell you

everything. You deserve complete answers and every explanation, Nuri, but I

can't do it right now.

Why not?

We went from falling in love on our first date to our first argument in the

of three days.

I closed the door on the woman I love to protect the woman that needed me.

If I were to answer Nuri's questions and let her see all of me, I

couldn't do that at Ruby's.

That would have been disrespectful to both of them.

I thought sponge baths were supposed to be relaxing.

I'm freezing.

We're almost done.

That feels good.

What was that?

At the door.

I'll tell you later.

I'm going to step out so you can finish up.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Once you draw, let's do another lap around the living room.

Then we get you back in bed.

Okay.