Original subtitles

My family is at risk.

We're accessories to murder.

Oh, come on, old man.

You really think that I'm that sloppy?

[doorbell rings]

Ladies.

Anita didn't mention you were stopping by.

Vernon.

Can you explain how our former partner

ghosts us after begging us to get back together?

Why don't you ask me yourself?

Allison wants you back?

I told her I was with Madison, and I thought

that she got the message.

But then Madison and I were having dinner at Uptown,

and Allison was suddenly there.

Well, it's a public place.

But she made this weird joke about stalking us.

And then she made this big deal about how she still has

a hair clip that I left at her place

in front of Madison.

Well, did she return it?

Just wanted to let me know that she was keeping it

as a last memento.

Oh, so she's definitely still into you.

Temperature check.

You were pretty hot and heavy

with Allison for a while.

Is there any heat left?

[phone blips]

Oh, sorry.

It's Dad.

I got to bounce.

Okay.

To be continued?

Of course.

-Bye. -Bye.

Oh, Chelsea.

Allison, what happened?

♪ ♪

BILL: Joey.

Yeah.

Marcel made good.

Just another robbery gone bad in the park.

Yeah, all this dirty business is in our rear view.

Vernon Dupree just needs to keep himself in check, though.

Guilt's a mother.

We were both abandoned a long time ago.

Ah, Vernon still thinks he's touched by some higher power.

No.

No, nothing for you to worry about.

Deep down, he knows how to handle a rabid dog.

Yeah. Talk soon.

[knocking]

-Bill, hey. -Hey.

Rumors are true: you're really back.

Yeah, not a moment too soon.

There's a reason my name's on the shingle and no one else's.

What'd I miss?

A lesson.

Remember this, Tomas.

If you ever find yourself running your own firm,

you're gonna have to make the tough calls

without getting one bit of thanks in return.

We missed you, too.

This was at reception.

What is this?

[knocking]

Hey, Kat.

Okay, what's the big secret?

I don't know what you mean.

The text.

You-you summoned me?

I didn't leave you a message.

Oh, that was me.

You spoofed Dad's phone and catfished me into coming here?

You did what? Eva, why would you--

I apologize, Ted, I really do, okay?

And I swear I'll never do anything like that again.

So you said before.

After you hear what I have to say to Kat,

you'll see it was very important for us to come here

so we can clear some things up.

And if you knew that text was from me, would you have come?

Where's the fire?

You really laid into me for that mess

with the accreditation certificate.

I was a bit harsh--

EVA: No, I was in the wrong.

And my mistake could have put your practice

in some serious jeopardy.

And there's something you need to know.

I'm out.

I don't really see what you groveling has to do with me.

Oh, it has everything

to do with you.

Maybe I'll let him know what you did,

and see what he thinks about it.

KAT: I don't think you will.

What makes you so sure?

TED: Eva.

Don't leave us in suspense.

Anita, we didn't come here to ambush you.

We just came to finish our conversation.

How many calls and texts did you ignore?

It's almost as if I didn't want to speak with you.

-Ladies, I think I'll leave you to-- -No, no, no.

We might need a witness.

Then let's convene in the parlor.

Can I get anyone some, uh, juice, water, coffee?

How about a vat of bourbon?

[chuckling]: Have a seat.

I'll have Rowena prepare some tea.

So...

You want to tell me why you've invited

yourselves to my home?

You're the one who invited us.

TRACY: Sharon.

SHARON: It's the truth.

We were minding our own business

when you sailed back into our lives

and got us dreaming again.

And then the second things didn't go your way

and only your way,

you dropped the mic and dipped.

Oh, I get that a diva loves a grand entrance

and an even grander exit,

but maybe you forgot how to act when the spotlight's off.

Sharon, not the move.

No.

Sharon's right.

I opened the door,

But the problem came when you two

never fully walked through it.

Oh, if it hadn't been the choreography,

it would have been the costumes or the arrangements

or the lighting.

You know, y'all talk a big game about honesty.

Time to back it up.

You never gave me or us

a real chance.

Oh, she's...

waiting for the grand "we're super sorry" gesture.

Okay, Your Majesty.

Here we are,

two-thirds of the group begging

for the holdout to reconsider

and that the reunion concert proceed as planned.

If you'd like, we can kneel.

Um, I only kneel for Jesus.

Okay?

So who are the divas now?

If this was the play to get me back...

...y'all really don't know me at all.

Talk to me, what happened to you?

It's not as bad as it looks.

You're not looking at you.

Okay, I just tripped on a crack out there, okay?

-I just need some ice. -You need a doctor.

That cut looks deep.

Are you asking me to play doctor?

I'm sorry, I make stupid jokes.

When you're bleeding from a head wound?

Yeah, I need to get it checked out.

I don't know, I just don't think that--

-I'll drive you. -You sure?

You made it pretty clear that you wanted

nothing to do with me.

I wouldn't let my worst enemy drive themselves

to the hospital, let alone someone that I used to...

Let's go.

You've always had the biggest heart.

Come on.

What's the meaning of this?

Wait, is that--

What do you think it is?

A weather map?

Hayley, is this--

Our ultrasound.

There was an issue with the video the tech promised us,

but she managed to capture a photo,

so I had it sent from the hospital.

I thought maybe we had a new paternity case on the books.

Naw, man, I'm the proud daddy-to-be.

Now, is this--

Is that an arm or a leg?

That's definitely the head right there.

Can we even tell if it's either Bill Jr. or...

Billita?

Oh, the only thing I know for sure is

get Billita out of your mouth.

Baby, you know I'm only ten weeks,

so we've still got a little while

until we find out the gender.

Well, I wanted to hear that heartbeat

while I was holding your hand.

So let's get the next appointment on the books.

So, I don't know, I want to be there

when we find out who we're meeting, okay?

HAYLEY: Okay. Hmm.

-Yes. -[chuckling]

I'll leave the happy parents to it. Congrats again.

Thanks, Tomas.

Oh...

Poor kid looked at it like it was a hot potato.

And you looked at it like it's our future.

Mm-hmm.

You know...

baby, you always know exactly what to bring me.

Exactly what I needed.

Thank you.

Maybe you are

taking on too much.

No, no, I think I'm handling things.

Oh, like taking over Martin's press conference?

Baby, I...

I didn't take over, per se...

But you showed him something on your phone,

and he nearly went into the fetal position.

Okay, babe, I'd rather talk about...

Billita's fetal position, okay?

When's the next ultrasound?

No changing the subject, Bill.

You steered Martin away for a reason.

Catch me up on the latest Dupree drama?

I'd rather...

talk about what frame we're gonna put this in, okay?

Well, we've got lots of frames

for wedding presents.

Yes, I remember.

And I'll help you pick out the perfect one

-when we get home. -Okay, good.

Maybe I need to get back to work so I can get home sooner.

Okay?

'Kay.

Okay.

That press conference looked messy.

I'm just reminding you that we...

have a future that you need to be here for,

Big Daddy Hamilton.

Mm, I like the sound of that.

I need to know that if you're stepping back

into the Dupree orbit.

it won't give you another...

-Stroke. -Yeah.

Yeah, the worst is behind us, baby.

Okay?

But I see that crease between your brows, Bill.

Yeah, well...

I'm not Vernon Dupree's favorite person right now.

But then again,

I never really was.

I realize this is none of my business.

-Please, weigh in. -We could use come good advice.

Tell us what you think, Vernon.

ANITA: Well, at least we're unanimous

in wanting your input.

[chuckles] Well, then.

I am standing with one of the most

successful musical groups of all time and, uh...

But if I close my eyes,

I'd say I was standing in the halls

of my junior high school.

Oh, we're a long way from junior high.

So why would you brilliant,

wise, beautiful, grown women not be able

to tap into those years

and those experiences and deal?

Senator, you are still quite the orator.

Did I sway you?

Well, we haven't really been acting our age.

We threw ourselves into this reunion concert,

and I thought we'd get past the choreography, but...

I guess some things aren't meant to be.

Maybe it is.

But some of us just run back

into their gated community the second it gets tough.

Anita wasn't wrong, Sharon.

You're agreeing with me?

Yes.

And I'm telling you,

Sharon wasn't wrong, either.

Now, we were so close to really doing this thing,

but...

we didn't give you a real chance, Anita.

Thank you for admitting that.

However...

Keep going, Tracy. You got this.

However,

you were so used to being in charge

that you didn't even notice

that you were refreshing old wounds.

I never said I wasn't willing to face our past.

What I said was we couldn't live in it every moment

and get this show up on stage.

But I'm not interested in retreading

the same old tired ground.

We said what we had to say in Chicago.

Can I ask you all a question?

Knock yourself out, Senator.

I don't even think you have the magic words

to solve this impasse.

I'm curious to hear what Eva has to say, Dad.

Although I've got to point out, spoofing your phone

sounds a lot like what Eva's cray-cray mother would do.

I agree that wasn't the best way to handle this--

You were so disappointed, I couldn't just let it lie.

Please, no more apologies.

Oh, this is something different.

I fixed it.

What? How?

EVA: The ink's barely dry.

One spanking-new accreditation certificate,

Dr. Richardson.

How did you accomplish this?

When was the inspection?

They finished this morning.

TED: That usually takes weeks to set up.

I talked them into a rush job.

And whatever did you have to do in exchange?

-Kat. -What?

Isn't it important how she represents the practice?

Did you also negotiate your way out of the giant fine?

Maybe throw in a sew-in or a manicure?

Oh, they waived it.

I did have to commit a bit of murder, though.

What?

EVA: Of my half-sister's reputation.

I told the board that our office manager had left suddenly,

and the accreditation certificate

slipped through the cracks.

Oh, they were more than understanding.

At my expense.

Honey, I don't think the fashion world will care.

Everybody wins.

Eva, I am so impressed.

I hope this erases any doubts

of you belonging to the practice.

You saved us.

After almost losing us.

Well, now that this is all cleared up,

I better get back to our temporary office.

No, no. No need, no need for that.

Take a long lunch.

You have any more work from the office?

Work from home.

Okay? You just saved Carlton and me

a ton of time and money.

You deserve a break.

Thanks, Ted.

And thanks for taking the hit, Kat.

It's not like any of this was your fault.

Oh, a wine bar?

Firefighter Derek, you do not surprise.

Unless you're picking me up in that big fire rig,

I can drive myself.

See, now, I don't know if you're trying

to convince me chivalry still exists

or you're just trying to make Ashley jealous.

Things are getting a little hectic around here.

I'll circle back.

Hi, Nurse Ashley.

-Are we just pretending now? -Pardon?

That you weren't just telling a certain someone

that you're trying to make me jealous?

[scoffs] I'm s--

Oh, Dr. Montgomery. Anything we can do for you?

Thanks, Shanice, but actually, I was looking for Ashley.

Oh. How can I help you?

I wanted to talk to you about Ms. Milman's chart.

You asked the attending for a neurological consult?

Well, yeah, she came in for a stint,

but I noticed something odd

when she was smiling at her granddaughter,

and I suspected she might be having a TIA.

Nice catch.

Just a few months on the job, and you're already a step ahead.

Thanks, Dr. Montgomery,

but I would never have noticed

if I hadn't been shadowing Shanice with Mr. Hamilton.

Learn to take a compliment, Nurse Morgan.

I know you must be anxious about Allison.

You'll be able to see her after Shanice and Ashley

finish bandaging her up and I examine her.

I know she's in good hands.

And whatever's going through that big brain of yours,

it isn't what you think.

Just tell me what happened to your girlfriend.

I need it for her chart.

Whoa. All right.

Yes, I happened to get somebody that I know

to the hospital because she was injured and bleeding.

But you're my girlfriend, Madison, and I love you.

I'm asking now as a doctor.

Her doctor.

How did the patient get these injuries?

Allison fell on the sidewalk outside of Orphey Gene's.

Did you see her fall?

No, but I saw the blood coming from her head

and the tears in her eyes.

Okay.

Wait. Are you suggesting that she faked it?

While she was at it, I'm surprised she didn't fake

some memory loss and pretend to have forgotten

about your breakup.

What was I supposed to do? Get her an Uber?

What if she passed out on the way?

Did she mention why she happened to be

at Orphey Gene's when you were there?

Was she coming to see you?

Is this Dr. Montgomery asking or my girlfriend?

The only date that I had there was with Kat.

You meant to talk business over breakfast,

-like you often do? -Right.

Where is this coming from?

We're good, aren't we?

I got to check on my patient.

[sighs]

There were a million girl groups when you started.

What made the Articulettes so magical?

Teamwork made the dream work.

Only someone quit the team.

We told our story,

what it meant to live,

to love, to hurt, to want.

And people saw themselves in our songs.

When it was right,

it was like we were three sides for the same person.

No. Four.

And there's the rub.

We wouldn't even be if Barbara hadn't brought us together.

And even though we've reached the highest of heights...

you two have never forgiven me.

And I haven't forgiven myself.

We can't turn back the clock.

But we can start over.

Forget about the rehearsal fight, huh?

But never forget about Barbara.

Make each step forward

a step which would make those four girls proud.

I thought the music could heal us.

But the mistakes of the past get

in the way of everything, don't they?

Those mistakes don't just belong to you.

We have to own those, too,

when it comes to our missing sister.

And maybe we can forgive ourselves and each other.

Or is it too late for that?

Maybe the ghosts never go.

But the music is still here.

And you all have magic left.

If not now, when?

I am so impressed with what Eva accomplished.

Can you maybe turn the proud dad vibe down to, like, 11?

It's making me nauseous.

Deep down, businesswoman mentoring businesswoman,

you have to be impressed, too.

I would have never created the situation

in the first place.

Hmm. You never made a mistake when you started?

Eva took initiative and corrected hers.

She's working hard to earn a clean slate.

One small win doesn't erase who she is.

Who she is, is your sister.

Half sister.

There's no halves when it comes to blood.

It runs through the both of you, and that means something.

I'm hoping one day it'll mean some kind of real relationship.

It means you should have never sneezed

in the direction of Leslie Thomas.

You know, you being cute isn't so cute anymore.

Not when you're talking about what could be

the end of my marriage.

I'm sorry, Dad.

Eva's not to blame for the affair.

Almost all of her errors are a product of mine.

Well, I already have a sister. Chelsea's my ride or die.

That's because you've known her your whole life.

But hating Eva is not going to make what I did go away.

Have you forgotten?

She hurt Mom. She hurt me.

That was all Dana.

And me.

Do you really think when Leslie goes to jail,

you can just throw away the key on it all?

Eva should be in a cell with her.

Instead, we're all paying the price

while she's still her mother's loyal little puppet.

Because she made a mistake with some paperwork?

Look around, Dad.

Where's Mom? Where's home?

And where is she?

You are literally living in a hotel with her.

She's running your business.

Her claws are in everything I care about.

My dad...

my job.

My boyfriend.

Wait, honey, you think Eva's after Tomas?

I don't think. I know.

Great minds.

Great coffee.

"Why do we pin our meetings on coincidence

when fate is the culprit?"

Ah, chapter 25.

I finished at like 2:00 a.m. and ending with Lark

-and Sablemist just inches from each other. -Oh, my gosh.

Then finally, that kiss?

That was...

BOTH: Fire.

Great minds again.

I thought you were arguing for fate.

I was just... I was showing off.

I devoured House of Lord Astrant last night and--

Hey, no spoilers.

I can lend you book two,

but I don't want to get in the way

of your crazy workload.

I can handle it.

Your new job must be cake

if you have time to finish that opus.

Kat mentioned that you're running your dad's office.

Oh, I wish.

But truth is, I damn near lost that job already.

Thanks to Kat.

I don't want to paint Kat the villain

or put you in the middle.

Just tell me what happened.

All I wanted to do was impress my dad, you know?

There was this certificate thingy

that I didn't file in time

and it became this whole code blue mess.

Eva, everyone stumbles in the beginning.

It's how you learn.

I know that in my head,

but it felt like suddenly I was losing all the ground

I had gained with Ted.

Anyway, I sweet-talked the board

and it's all good now.

That's how it's done. Textbook execution.

Thanks.

And if it hadn't worked out, that'd be okay, too.

Your relationship with your dad doesn't depend

on your performance at work.

I'll keep telling myself that.

But what you said before,

what does all this have to do with Kat?

Look, I really shouldn't say anything.

Spill, Eva. I want to know.

I got an assist from my half sis.

Ted thought that he would help us bond

by having Kat train me for the new job,

as if we were ever gonna end up being besties.

Kat told me

that the accreditation wasn't a priority.

Any chance that you might have misunderstood her instructions?

I took notes, Tomas.

She told me to ignore the messages from the board.

She literally muted the notifications

right there in front of me.

It wasn't a mistake.

I know that Kat's been having a hard time accepting you,

but damn...

to set you up like that.

I shouldn't have believed her.

It was almost like she was being nice to me.

But she had to have known that you would tell your dad.

I think she was betting on the fact that I wouldn't.

Why the hell not?

Because I just couldn't burn her.

I've already cost my dad so much.

No way I'm taking Kat away from him, too.

Eva wouldn't go after Tomas when she knows you're seeing him.

That's not who she is.

You're basing this all on hurt feelings that are just--

I'm basing it off her actions.

She's everywhere Tomas is, all at once.

You do know the DMV's a big small town?

There's a difference between plan and coincidence.

Oh, so she just coincidentally

invited Tomas up to her hotel room?

Tomas told you that?

EVA: Nah.

Keep it as long as you need,

And maybe we can even link up later

to discuss your favorite parts.

It doesn't matter how I know.

Eva's a snake.

She lured him up to her room

under false pretenses so she could pounce.

She invited him up to loan him some stupid

dragon fantasy romance book or whatever.

She thought book talk would lead to pillow talk.

Honey, it takes two.

Lending someone a book isn't exactly a move,

-is it? -Anything could be a move.

You fell for Leslie while she was pouring coffee.

Eva's probably plotting,

right now, ways to get close to him.

And since he's as naive about her as you are,

he won't see it coming.

She's all set.

So, Doc, am I a goner?

Not even close.

Let Shanice or Ashley know if the pain gets worse

or if you feel dizzy or your vision changes.

I'll order a few tests to get a better look

at what's going on in that head of yours.

How is she?

You can answer any of Chelsea's questions.

I don't mind.

We'll need to walk and talk. I have other patients.

Okay.

Chelsea.

-Hmm? -You'll be back?

Sure.

door closes]

So?

Allison is alert.

She knows who and where she is.

And she's not in any significant pain.

But she did take a pretty big fall,

so we're checking for a concussion,

just to be sure.

I've ordered an X-ray and a CT scan just to be safe.

And you believe me now?

I mean, I know I'm supposed to be all that,

but it's not like girls are banging their heads

against the sidewalk to get to me.

-[chuckles] -That's not funny, Chelsea.

I have other patients to see.

I remember the first time I saw the three of you on stage.

I was already madly in love with Miss Anita.

But, Tracy, you were right.

As the Articulettes, you became more than individual singers.

You became the music.

And that music moved me.

It moved the world.

How many people did you inspire?

Other singers, certainly, but regular people

of all ages and all classes

all over the world.

And we all could still use

a little more Articulettes magic.

I know it's more complicated

than just the millions of fans out there

or this one fanboy in here.

But maybe you could try again

without piling on all the pressure of

solving all of the hurts in one concert.

Maybe you could start right where you are.

Rent a studio here.

Strip it down to you, the music and what's possible.

ANITA: The music.

Not what we lost.

What we have.

The music.

The music.

Better together?

ALL: Sisters forever.

Articulettes strong.

And I will take care of everything and...

I will text you a couple of studio

and time slot options, and we will make plans together.

Thanks, Anita.

We appreciate having the options.

All right, we'll be in touch tomorrow.

Okay.

Bye, darling.

-Thank you. -Bye, ladies.

Bye, Vernon.

Now, I am very familiar with your peacemaking tactics,

but I have never heard you refer to yourself as a fanboy.

[laughs]

I was this close to adding

something about Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion,

but I felt it was too much.

-[laughs] Maybe. -[laughs]

I missed that laugh.

Yes.

But you, sir, are not off the hook

for not telling me sooner

about what's going on with Martin.

Never again, Vernon.

Never.

Are you not telling me because of my condition?

Parents-to-be shouldn't have any secrets from each other.

Mm. Playing the parent card already.

Baby, I always tell you everything

when the time is right.

Yeah, and that time is usually

right before I discover it myself.

Like when you had Tomas spy on the harassment board,

-or Ted Richardson being-- -We got a little busy

with baby-making

and my round trip to the other side of the living,

but, well, I should tell you

that I also asked Tomas

to gather a little intel for my kids, too.

What?

-Why? -Well, because all I want are

good surprises from here on out.

So I set up an early warning system, and...

Tomas is it.

How can you still be protecting Kat with your dad?

Look, I'm no hero.

You know my rap sheet from when I first got to town.

It's like Kat flicks a switch when it comes to you.

She's supposed to be better than this.

Your perfect little princess isn't so perfect, huh?

You're making up for your mistakes,

but Kat is stuck in this revenge loop.

She intentionally tried to hurt you.

Maybe it's good we never...

Never what?

ALLISON: Please.

Hospitals make me nervous.

They do the same to my dad, but Madison--

Dr. Montgomery-- took the best care of him.

Are you in any pain?

My head hurts a lot.

You don't have to hide your feelings from me.

You don't have to call her "Dr. Montgomery."

I know you two are whatever you are.

In love.

We're in love, Allison.

I just didn't want to rub it in your face when you're hurting.

I'll have my cousin, the congressman,

take a look at that sidewalk.

If you had fallen any harder,

-I would hate to-- -Chelsea...

I-I didn't fall.

MADISON: Just text me when you get

-Allison's test results. -Will do, Doctor.

About earlier--

I spy a love triangle.

Dr. Montgomery, Chelsea Hamilton,

our new patient? Whew.

You can cut that tension with a scalpel.

Okay.

Well, speaking of, before Chelsea rolled in,

you were saying something to Derek about making me jealous.

Oh, I think you have me confused with someone else.

-Who? -You.

You were the one who stood in this very same spot

oohing and aahing over Andre Richardson.

As if Derek couldn't hear you.

I don't think I ever heard you whisper that loud.

-That is not what I was doing. -Look, Ashley,

I don't blame a girl for being a little bit greedy.

They're both snacks.

But I would appreciate you not stepping to me on it.

Glass houses and all that.

What happened?

Or who?

Oh, Allison. Not Craig.

He pushed me so hard, I lost my balance.

I hit the side of the kitchen table,

and he started crying.

He wanted to take me to urgent care,

but I wouldn't let him touch me.

I told him that he'd never touch me again.

I just had to get out of there as fast as I could.

Good for you.

I always thought he was too boring for you, but not this.

-Was it the first time? -It was the last.

He thought that I-I hadn't gotten over you.

I'm sorry I lied to you.

I just didn't want you to think it had anything to do with you.

Why did you go to Orphey Gene's and not the hospital?

Because...

because that's where you were.

I was driving straight to you.

Wait, what is it that you're glad you and Kat didn't do?

I was just reacting to what Kat did to you

and what you didn't do.

How could you keep a secret like that?

I didn't. I told you.

Yeah, I won't say anything to Kat about it. You can trust me.

I can, can't I?

Look, I know it sounds stupid,

but there haven't been any people

in my life that I can trust.

I'm sorry for that.

Maybe trust is rare.

Like fate.

Thank you, Tomas.

I think this is just your imagination

looking for ways to put a wall between you and Eva.

Sometimes people are just bad.

And sometimes they make mistakes

they shouldn't be allowed to come back from.

Shoot. I got to go.

All right.

-Love you. -Love you.

Wait, so you asked Tomas to spy on Chelsea and Naomi?

Relax, mama bear, okay?

All I did was ask him to keep an ear out

with his girlfriend Kat.

That way I can make my temporary détente

with my girls into something more lasting.

Oh, so instead of just maybe texting your kids more,

you went the Hamilton way.

I love how you don't judge. You get me.

I do. Okay?

But if I ever catch you spying

on our little bundle of joy without me...

Noted.

Come here, lady.

[phone buzzes]

Yeah?

Have you seen the paper?

Which one? I read all of them.

You know which one I'm talking about.

Hold that thought.

Um... babe, I need to get something

from the conference room.

No secrets, my ass.

[scoffs]

Hey, it's me.

Are you okay? You had me worried.

Do you need anything?

All right. All right. Uh...

Yeah, I'll be in touch.

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