Original subtitles

Oh, today's special is pie.

All right. What's the move?

We take his legs from under him.

Clean, fast, done.

Hey! No, no, no, wait.

Wait a minute. Hold on.

This cupcake's Bill's.

Together, you and I can handle whatever life throws at us.

You may kiss the groom.

Nicole.

[fire alarm blaring]

Break all the rules for what's yours.

-What a beautiful arrangement. -Yeah.

Oh, it's been so long since this office,

this house has been filled with the fragrance of flowers.

Aren't they gorgeous?

Somebody has some incredible taste.

Did I ever tell you, Mona, that I once took

a class in ornamental horticulture?

Excuse me, what?

Ornamental horticulture.

It's the art of flower arranging.

That's how I know for a fact

someone spent a lot of time on these,

which translates to a lot of money to buy them.

I hope it wasn't one of the scholarship contestants.

That's happened before. Nicole doesn't like it.

She thinks the application should speak for itself.

It's these little things that can really reveal a lot

about a person's character.

Whoever spent money on those was really trying

to make a good impression.

Who's trying to impress me?

That's exactly what we would like to know.

Those are for me?

MONA: Who else?

We were wondering if it's one of the scholarship contestants.

And I was telling Laura how you felt about that.

But then, I also thought that maybe

Carlton might be stepping up his game.

These aren't from Carlton.

"Nicole, thanks for last night. Love, Ted"?

[upbeat music playing]

Nicole.

Someone looks like they're in a really good mood this morning.

I am.

It's like the sun is shining

a little bit brighter than yesterday.

Oh. Want to tell me why?

? ?

Yeah. I was hoping to get over there today, but

a family thing came up.

Well, I'll try to get over there later, but

I can't make any promises.

Yeah. Yes, I'm disappointed, too.

I'll be in touch when I can.

Oh. Good morning, my love.

Don't "my love" me.

Now, who is it you're disappointed

that you won't be able to see?

How did you manage a birdie in the fourth hole?

You didn't believe me when I told you I golfed, did you?

It's not that I didn't believe you.

It's just you play so incredibly well.

-Who taught you? -Daddy.

He was all about Nicole and me learning how to golf.

He said the course is where

all of life's wheeling and dealing happens.

If you don't know how to golf, you are missing out

on the most important conversations.

Well, if what you and your 9 iron just showed me

out there are any indication, you won't have any trouble

closing deals for your modeling agency,

right out there in the fairway in those killer golf threads.

I have also been known to have a killer golf swing.

Yeah, I bet you do, but just don't use it on me.

You should simply behave yourself.

-Mwah. -Mwah.

Golf and a public display of affection.

You sure know how to swell a brother's head.

I think our Vegas wedding,

complete with an Anita Williams impersonator

spread across the Internet

was about as public a display of affection as you can get.

-You right. -What's a little kiss between newlyweds?

Mm?

Well, if that's the case, lean those lips over here.

-Let me at 'em. -Oh, stop.

Are you ready to order?

[sighs] Okay, don't look now,

and by all means, promise me not to do or say anything

that's gonna make people consider you to be crazy.

Now I'm intrigued. Who is it? Hayley?

Dani...

Oh, look,

it's Fairmont Crest's other home-wrecking thot.

Can't your old man be in a good mood?

Sorry. Is it, uh, too soon to refer to myself as your old man?

No, of course not. I actually kind of like it.

-But that's who you are, right? -Mm-hmm.

I mean, I covered you and got you to bed

when you were wasted that time.

So, I guess I paid the daughter dues.

Guess you have. I barely remembered that.

I'm not surprised. You were pretty out of it.

Yeah, well, I'm...

glad those dark days are behind me.

So...

What brings you to Orphey Gene's this early?

Well, I was getting me and you coffee.

I figured you might need a pick-me-up,

but judging from the look on your face when I walked in,

I'm guessing you're good.

I'm better than good.

Wait, why'd you think I'd need a pick-me-up?

Mama told me you got your divorce decree yesterday.

Mm-hmm. Bet she couldn't wait to share that news, huh?

Was she gleefully smiling when she told you?

I plead the Fifth.

I'm sorry, Ted.

I was really hoping that you and Nicole

would be able to work things out.

Oh, you know what they say. [clears throat]

Hope springs eternal.

What exactly happened last night that prompted Ted

to send you those expensive flowers the morning after?

Yeah. I wouldn't mind learning the answer to that.

What gives?

I'm sorry. That was over-eager

and certainly none of my business.

It is okay, Laura.

I would be curious, too, if I were in your shoes.

The both of you had a front row seat

to the turmoil Ted's affair with Leslie unleashed on my life.

Actually, I'm still embarrassed

that I didn't have enough self-control

to not be blubbering through this house all day and night.

You had every right to express your sadness, Nicole,

and that's all in the past anyway.

But are you saying that,

whatever happened last night, you're now ready

to put the whole Ted and Leslie disaster behind you?

I was going to play a round of golf at the club

with a couple of the guys until

you informed me that we're having guests over for brunch.

So, I had to cancel.

So that's where you've been disappearing to?

-The golf course? -Yeah, I know we've had so much to do lately,

I... I haven't had a lot of time to play.

I thought I'd get back to my game, you know.

At my age, you either use it or you lose it.

Remember how I used to love to play 18 holes with the girls?

Yes, I do. I had no idea why you were determined

they learned that stultifying game.

It's a wonderful game, my love. Golf is a metaphor for life.

Sometimes, you have to drive the ball a great distance,

and sometimes, all it takes

is just the gentlest of taps.

Mm. But teaching the girls to play,

those were great times.

Now, I simply want to stay in shape and be as healthy as I can

for my eternally sexy wife.

Why, Mr. Dupree, you have never been more fine

than you are right now.

Oh, that's true love talking, and right back at you.

What time are our guests arriving?

I was about to call them right now.

The nerve of that unhinged viper,

holding court at my family's country club

after what she did to Nicole.

Dani, baby.

Your family belongs to this club,

but they don't actually own it.

Okay, yeah, maybe the wrong argument

at the wrong time, but can you please be calm?

Relax. I am over making public scenes.

That's great.

I wasn't so sure how long this new take on life

was gonna last since we've been married.

I am serious.

I am not bringing any more shame to my family's name.

Even if I would like to go over there and snatch

every strand off of that wig of that woman of 1,000 aliases.

I will not because I am Vernon and Anita Dupree's daughter.

I was raised right. I know about decorum.

Mm-hmm. And you are my insanely beautiful wife

who I'm so proud of for showing such restraint and decorum.

I am pleased you are pleased.

Nah, there's a story behind all that bee-bopping,

especially for a woman like that.

She probably just finished doing something horrendous to someone.

Someone needs to wipe the grin off of her face

for Nicole and every woman who has had to deal

with losing everything to some low-class hood rat...

-Baby. -...who couldn't keep her legs closed around a married man.

To hell with decorum.

Dani, no.

[phone rings]

Good morning, Mother.

Good morning, Dani. Are you okay?

I hear something in your voice.

You sound- I don't know- preoccupied.

Ah. I'm fine. I'm just on my way to the restroom.

Sweetheart, I know this is short notice,

but your father and I would like to invite you

and your new husband over to our place for brunch.

Sounds wonderful.

How about tomorrow?

How about now?

Andre and I just sat down to order breakfast at the club.

Perfect. Then I caught you just in time.

So put down those menus and make your way

over to our place in, say, 15 minutes?

-Yes, Mother.

What was that about?

My mother just summoned us.

Get me out of here before I make the evening news.

How'd you go from heartbreak to happily ever after overnight?

? ?

Okay, we have wasted enough time discussing my personal life.

We have a lot of work to do today.

I want to catch up on how the plans are coming along

for the Jack and Jill fundraiser that we're chairing.

Are you really gonna leave us hanging

to talk about raffle tickets?

For Jack and Jill? The Jack and Jill

who are raising the next generation

of our young Black leaders, yes,

that we are also supporting.

I know how important our fundraisers are.

I guess I'm just kind of desperate.

Desperate for what?

Desperate for even a little bit of hope

that you and Dr. Richardson will get back together.

-Laura. -LAURA: Listen, when I think of how

I want my future relationship to go,

I-I think about you and Ted.

You both were, like, aspirational.

That is very sweet, Laura,

but I don't think you should be idolizing

any relationship, least of all Ted and me.

Why don't you go and put on

a fresh pot of that new tea Nicole likes?

Of course.

Now, you know you don't have to say a word

about what happened between you and Ted last night,

but if you need an ear...

Or a shoulder.

I know, Mona. Thank you.

For your friendship and your discretion.

But, honestly,

I'm not sure how to put into words what happened last night.

Good morning, Senator. Miss Anita.

Hey, thanks for this generous invitation.

We're happy you two could join us.

Said the ringmaster to the lion.

Oh, you don't think you have a choice in the matter?

-No, I don't. -Good, 'cause you didn't.

What is so urgent?

Dani, your mother and I thought it best the four of us have a...

a frank discussion.

About?

The state of your union.

Mother, Daddy, what exactly is it about our marriage

that you have a burning desire to discuss?

Well, it's simply the fact

that your marriage is continuing.

But isn't that what every parent wants

when their child gets married?

For the wedding bliss to continue?

Now, Dani, you know good and well

that is not what your father's talking about.

Then, please, tell me,

what is it about me being a grown woman

with two grown children, in fact,

that you don't seem to understand?

I get to make my own decisions.

I've been doing it since I was 17.

There's no need to get defensive.

Daddy's right. This doesn't have to be contentious.

We just need some clarity for ourselves

because we love you and care about your well-being,

and instead of us just sitting around guessing what's going on

with the two of you, we just thought we'd ask you directly.

And so, we divided up the tasks.

Um, Andre, why don't you and I

leave Dani and her mother to catch up and

we can step out into the foyer?

Uh, sure thing, sir.

Good.

Give us a chance to reacquaint ourselves.

-It's been a minute. -Daddy, you act like you hardly know him.

Andre has been around our family his whole life.

Well, certainly, but that was as nephew to Nicole and Ted

and as a friend of the family.

He has also been here with me.

Yeah, but now you're married,

and you're going to stay married.

And the conversation has changed.

-Don't you think? -It has, sir.

Yes. Things were a bit different the last time

you and I spoke about my feelings towards Dani.

Mm.

[door sliding closed]

We're closing the door?

Now, then.

Let's you and me have some girl talk.

Your relationship with Nicole is none of my business.

Especially since my mom and I are the reason

your marriage is messed up.

That's not true.

I'm the one who tanked my marriage, not you.

And it started long before you were even born.

Here's something I bet you thought

you'd never hear me say.

It's not Dana's fault either.

Wow, you're right.

I am kind of blown away right now.

It's true. I mean, I'm the one who was unfaithful.

I'm the one who broke my vows.

All of that is on me.

Can't lie. I don't know if I'll be

that generous about my mom or me,

if I were you.

Well, it took me longer than it should to get here.

I spent a lot of time being angry and indignant.

But I guess the more accurate thing to say is there's blame

on both sides, on-on Dana and mine.

And I'm just doing my part

to take responsibility for my actions.

Regardless of how your mother behaved.

That's... great.

You really think that?

I do. Although, I must admit, uh,

I can easily backslide and blame your mother

when she shows up uninvited or starts to come on to me.

Or ends up in your bed.

Okay, listen.

That was a result of Dana's manipulation.

-I thought you just said... -And...

...me being drunk and feeling sorry for myself

because I thought I had lost Nicole forever.

I don't mean to come off like I'm judging you.

But Dana's your mom, and you're protective.

But butting into your life with my questions...

It's... it's okay.

I don't mind you asking questions, Eva.

I'm your dad.

I don't get too many people asking about it lately

these days anyway, so it's kind of nice.

And as time goes on,

I'm gonna have my opinions about your life, too.

And I expect you to accept and adhere

any and all unsolicited advice.

Not likely.

See, now, you sound like my other two kids.

Okay, so what happened to make you believe

that you and Nicole still have a chance?

Mm. Martin and Smitty had a, um, renewal ceremony last night.

Oh.

Okay, don't be sad 'cause you weren't invited.

Smitty issued out the invitations, not your brother.

Well, I'm really glad they got back together.

Martin must be really happy.

It's been a long time

since I've seen him that content, you know?

Anyways, so back to you and Nicole.

Mm. Okay, well,

we're watching the ceremony, and

I looked at her and she was really moved.

Mm-hmm.

I think, uh, her seeing her son recommit to

the person he loved after almost losing him, it...

made her think about our situation.

Okay, I'm not trying to spoil your headcanon,

but just because Nicole was in her feels at a wedding

doesn't mean she wants to remarry you.

Then why did she show up at my hotel suite last night?

So, I went to his hotel suite.

And you got flowers this morning?

What happened when you got there?

Nicole?

Oh, sorry. I... What did you ask me?

When Ted closed the door, what happened then?

[fire alarm blaring]

Um, we should go.

Damn that fire alarm.

No, I am grateful that it went off.

Was it a real fire?

Oh, I don't know, probably not. Maybe just some kids.

But it stopped me from doing something

that I might have regretted.

Or maybe you wouldn't have.

Maybe you would have followed your heart

and run right back into your husband's arms,

and those flowers

would mean something just a little different.

Please tell the chef that this bacon was cooked

to- mwah- perfection.

Of course, Miss Thomas.

Oh, and-and tell him that I just might want to hire him

to be my personal chef.

I'll pass that along as well. Will there be anything else?

Oh, I'll call you if I need you.

And I might want to hire you, too.

[door closes]

[fire alarm blaring]

Yep. Break all the rules for what's yours.

Ooh, girl, you better sing, Tina. Sing that song.

[laughs]

My bad, y'all.

This song is my jam.

You all right?

So you and Nicole were close to being back

into each other's arms

and you were interrupted by a fire alarm?

I know, right? How unlucky can one guy be?

We were finally getting close for the first time

in so, so many months, and then, boom,

moment ruined.

What are the odds?

Your daddy got his divorce papers today. [vocalizing]

That's not a victory, it's a tragedy.

It's awful.

It's so awful that I'm headed over there right now

to help your daddy with his grief.

When I was Sherry, Nicole said that

losing a marriage is like a death.

I wonder if your father is the type to get frisky

after a funeral. [squeals]

Yeah. What are the odds?

Yeah, that's the way it goes sometimes.

But before we were interrupted, it was, uh...

...promising.

Yeah.

You know, I just remembered I have

one more errand to run.

I'll see you back at the office.

-Oh, and thanks for the breakfast, Ted. -Yeah.

Are you telling me you see the fire alarm as a sign?

As much as a mental health professional can believe

in those things.

You can't deny it wasn't lucky and well-timed.

What if you're interpreting it the wrong way?

-I don't understand. -What if it was a test?

A test?

To see how badly you want your marriage back.

Well, that doesn't make any sense considering

the marriage is already over.

I know you haven't forgotten your vows already.

What God has joined together let no man

or woman named Dana Leslie Thomas put asunder.

Are you 100% certain

you'll never be able to forgive Ted's indiscretion?

But it wasn't just one indiscretion, Mona.

It was years and years of lying about it.

And you were one of the first people to help pick me up

off the ground when what Ted did became public knowledge.

I know, because I hurt for you,

and I felt like I brought that woman into your house.

But the scripture also teaches us about forgiveness.

Ted slept with that woman again.

If that isn't enough reason not to trust him,

I don't know what is.

-But, Nicole... -Turmeric and ginger tea,

piping hot with honey and lemon.

Just the way you like it, Nicole.

-Thank you, Laura. -You're welcome.

Mmm, smells delicious. Just the way I like it.

Now, can we please get back to work?

No need to be nervous.

I can't actually say that I am, Senator.

Oh, pretty sure of yourself.

Well, you and I sat at Orphey Gene's not too long ago,

when you asked me what my intentions were towards Dani.

They haven't changed.

Like I told you then, I intend to respect Dani.

I intend to value her and to treat her

with the dignity that she deserves.

But...

if you'll pardon me, sir, Dani is not a child anymore.

And if she's chosen to be with me, I...

Son, if you're lucky enough to ever have

a daughter of your own someday,

uh, you'll realize that a father never outgrows

his need to protect his young.

What exactly are you doing with your life right now, Dani?

Besides tossing pieces in the air and see where they fall?

I don't think that's what I'm doing.

And even if I were, would that really be so bad?

It's where some of the best creative ideas come from.

You toss a bunch of stuff in the air

and see what lands where you like.

It's worked my whole career.

I need you to help me make sense of this marriage.

I'm surprised you don't see it.

I'm making a go of it with Andre and I'm finally

closing the chapter on Bill Hamilton for good.

Baby girl, please.

You have been singing that tune for months.

This time, I'm really doing it.

I even sealed the deal by presenting him

with a special birthday gift.

You did what?

I took the first key from his office,

had it gold plated, presented it to him, and it was...

kind of a full circle moment.

Well, that sounds very sentimental

for someone who once again claims to be moving on.

Might have been sentimental for Bill,

but for me?

That key represented the end of one marriage

and the start of a new one.

I'm moving on, Mom. For real this time.

Do you love Andre?

Hey!

Girl, have you lost your dadgum mind?

I should be asking you that question.

I know what you did, Mama.

And what do you think you know?

It was you.

You pulled that fire alarm last night at Ted's hotel.

Someone pulled the fire alarm at the hotel?

I don't really have time for this, Mama.

Why don't you just admit it was you?

My goodness. I mean, that's terrible.

Who would've done something like that?

I know you do not think that I would be that reckless.

-Do you? -Oh, in a heartbeat.

Especially if you thought it would keep Ted and Nicole

from getting back together.

It's exactly the kind of thing you'll do.

So why don't you just admit it, Mama?

You told me last night that you were going to Ted's hotel suite

to comfort him after the divorce being finalized.

You probably got there just in time to see Nicole.

In fact, you probably saw her enter

into his room and then saw red.

Once again, Nicole is in the place you wanted to be.

So what could you do?

The easiest thing for you to do in that moment

was to look around, see the fire alarm, and set it off.

All right, fine. You got me, Miss Smarty-Pants.

Yeah, I did it. I'd do it again.

And I'm not the least bit sorry.

-Have we finalized the list? -LAURA: Um, all but two.

You said you wanted to look at both of their essays again.

Okay, great. If we can have this done today,

it will knock out a heap load of work off of our list.

[phone chimes]

MONA: Everything all right?

Uh, fine. I just need to run an errand.

Where is she going in such a rush?

With any luck, to get her husband back.

Listen, son, and I want an honest answer.

Do you love my daughter?

This is the 21st century, sir.

I think the idea of love is a little more nuanced

than you might understand.

-Nuanced? -Yeah.

There are some things, Andre, that are eternal.

And I believe love is one of them.

Your answer sounds like an evasion to me.

No, not at all.

I was actually trying to be very precise.

Um...

I love what Dani and I have built together,

and I know that it doesn't have

the years that your marriage has,

and I know, in your mind, it can't compare

to what you and Miss Anita share,

but it works for me and Dani.

It makes us both very happy.

I don't know that I want that type of arrangement

for my daughter,

but as you both are fond of pointing out,

she's a grown woman and capable of making her own decisions.

-Yeah. -So...

I guess I'll have to accept that choice.

Answer the question, Danielle.

I love Andre enough.

Explain what that means.

I love him as a friend.

And as a partner.

Someone to laugh with and share a home with.

Someone who lifts me up and-and makes me see

what's possible in life.

But not in the way a wife loves a husband?

Like the way I love your father or the way you loved Bill.

I'm not sure I want to repeat my marriage to Bill.

Why would I?

I'm open to something deeper with Andre,

if it happens in an organic way.

But for now,

I like where our relationship is.

And so does he.

And frankly, we're the two people

who need to be pleased with it, aren't we?

Well, I-I'm just trying to understand

-how this... -Situationship?

Yeah, that.

I'm trying to understand how it led to marriage.

Oh, no, I take that back.

I do understand. There was a lot of booze involved.

But your decision to stay together

in this casual way,

I-I just can't wrap my head around it.

Says the woman who defied every expectation

to follow her dreams back in the day.

Oh, let's not try to turn the table on this conversation.

And yes, I chose an unconventional path

when I was young, but at my core,

I've always been very traditional.

However, you...

have always danced to your own rhythm.

-And if this marriage is what you want... -It's what I want.

And I believe it's what I need.

Right here.

Right now.

Then my only recourse is to support it, and you.

Thank you, Mom.

How did the chat go?

-Uh, pretty good, I'd say. -I agree.

Your new husband and I cleared the air,

had a very open and honest conversation.

We even found some common ground.

And we both agree that each of us love you, Dani.

Once again.

The other time you weren't her husband.

True that.

Would either of you care to elaborate?

-Uh... No. -No.

I think your decision to remain married calls for a toast.

-I agree. -Don't get excited.

-Sparkling cider. -[groans]

To the happy couple.

Long may they remain so.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

I cannot believe you, Mama.

Do you ever think about anybody but yourself?

You pulled a fire alarm.

Someone could've been seriously hurt.

They could've been rushing out of their hotel rooms in a panic,

thinking there was an actual fire.

Would you calm down and lower your voice. Damn.

The only thing that got hurt was Nicole's chances

of sinking her claws back into my man.

Your man?

Do you even hear yourself?

How much further into this delusion can you go?

Okay, you need to watch how you talk to me

because I am still your mother, and I am not delusional.

I am determined.

I let Ted slip away once before,

and I'll be damned if it's gonna happen today.

Not today, Satan.

-When is enough enough? -When I say it is.

And when your father is permanently back in my bed,

where he has belonged.

Not with that saditty "Nicky" Nicole Dupree.

I hope I didn't overstep earlier with Nicole.

I just really care about her and Ted,

and I-I want to see them both happy again.

Nicole knows that.

Besides, believe it or not,

despite how angry I was and am with Ted,

I actually want the same thing.

It's time to forgive, I say.

And did you see me? I was all up in their business, too.

The point is, Laura,

Ted and Nicole aren't just our employers.

They're like family.

You really think she'll take him back?

I don't know.

It's all in God's hands now.

-Hello, Ted. -Nicole.

I'm glad you came. I was hoping you would.

After I got your text, of course I did.

I think it's important that we talk face-to-face.

You got my flowers then?

I did.

Did you like them?

I didn't know if you remembered that particular arrangement.

They're lovely, and yes, I recognize them.

You used to call them our makeup arrangement.

You had a way of speaking to me through flowers

and you always had the best taste.

Our house was always so fragrant

-and beautiful. -Mm-hmm.

I haven't forgotten. I probably never will.

Nicole, I know our divorce went through.

But last night reminded us of how good we are together.

It showed us there is a way forward.

You let your guard down for the first time in months

and it felt good.

As if there was possibility. I know you felt it, too.

And if it wasn't for that fire alarm...

I would've went to bed with you.

Yes. You did feel it.

Of course I did.

Ted, I love you.

I always have, and I probably always will.

But in our situation...

...love just isn't enough.

I'm-I'm sorry, I'm confused. Uh...

I thought you were coming to say you were forgiving me.

I am forgiving you,

but I'm doing it for myself,

so I can move on past our marriage,

past the pain of everything that happened.

But that doesn't mean that I can forget about you and Leslie.

The betrayal.

I hope, one day,

I can say that...

we're friends.

But our marriage,

that chapter of our life is closed,

for good, I'm sorry to say.

It's closed for good, Ted.

Nicole, I, um...

? ?

[door closes]

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