Original subtitles

I'm telling you, something is up with Naomi.

At Dad's birthday, she practically sprinted

when Hayley brought up babies.

And all these "I'm fine" texts?

That's Naomi speak for "I'm dying inside

and I'm just too proud to admit it."

Have you considered that Naomi's issues are hers to manage?

Not every emotional state requires

the Chelsea rescue squad.

So doctor bae is telling me to ignore her?

What happened to your Hippocratic Oath?

Do no harm?

Sometimes, the most healing thing

is respecting someone's boundaries.

If she wanted to confide in you, she would've.

Maybe you're right.

How do you do that?

Do what?

It's like nothing ever fazes you.

It's kind of freaky.

-I'm just being rational. -[phone chimes]

How better off would the world be if we all

approached our issues with a clear mind and a level...

[groans] I can't take any more of this crap.

My, my, seems like you're settling in quite fast.

Hey, do you remember when we used to run those

tennis matches with Nicole and Martin?

How could I forget? Martin with all his

annoying talk about strategic court positioning.

Yeah, and we still smoked them thanks to your killer backhand.

Why don't we run it back with them this weekend?

I'm sorry, baby, but that's not going to work.

-Why not? -Because you won't be here.

You're headed back to college tonight.

Dani Dupree is calling me personally.

Something tells me this is not good news.

Well, first of all, Ridge, it's great to finally talk to you.

Well, it's nice to meet you. Hi.

And I wanted to thank you personally for the offer.

It means the world to Pamela and me,

as we continue to grow our agency.

Okay, so what's the problem?

Well, Pamela mentioned that

the gig is only on the table if it includes

me and my husband Andre.

But you get that, right?

I mean, Forrester's

looking for the new it-couple,

and I think it might be you guys.

And this impromptu wedding really created quite a buzz.

You know that's mainly because of my name.

Maybe, but you realize I need both you guys.

Why, I mean, this could be really good for you.

Marketing sent this whole campaign map down.

They even came up with this...

really cool new fragrance bottle.

It's beautiful,

it's sexy, it's elegant.

It's, uh... it's even got

the Vegas vibe you love so much.

Sounds like fun.

And I really hate to turn you down, but...

my husband's not comfortable being in front of the camera,

and I'm not comfortable

pressuring anymore.

I-I understand if that means the deal's off the table.

Not a problem. We will work together some other time.

I'd love that.

Thanks for thinking of us, Ridge.

All right, D, nice talking to you.

By all means, have a seat.

Don't mind if I do.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but... [clears throat]

aren't the Duprees more comfortable talking to me

behind closed doors?

Maybe I decided I don't give a damn about appearances today.

Especially if I have something to say.

♪ ♪

Ash? Can you come here for a sec?

You know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.

I have ten minutes before I have to be in my dress.

This better be life-or-death important.

What if I told you I've been keeping something from you?

Something big.

Like what?

Derek.

When did this...? Uh...

How long have you been able to...?

It's been a while now.

I wanted it to be a surprise as you were

walking down the aisle, but...

I couldn't wait.

I can't wait to be yours forever.

There she is. What's up?

Andre.

You know, most people try to stay away from hospitals.

Well, what can I say?

It's where my favorite person works.

-My uncle. -Oh. Oh.

Yeah, my uncle, of course.

Yeah, we were just going through some proofs I did

for his, uh, digital ad.

-Of course. -Yeah.

You know, but I bet he can't even compete

with the excitement of the last time we saw each other.

-Mm? -When our namesake baby

made a surprise reappearance.

Yeah. Her cuteness is growing almost as fast as she is.

-Right? -It's crazy.

Um, Derek and I were trying to figure out

what we're gonna bring to the Halloween party.

Are we gonna go costume themed?

Are we gonna bring something Ashley Andrea

can use year-round? What are you bringing?

Uh, nothing, actually.

Yeah. I'm not gonna make it to the party.

So, this new case I'm working.

Yeah, tell me about it.

It's bizarre. It was a home invasion,

and the robbers walked past six figures' worth of jewelry

to steal an air fryer, a busted lamp, and a bunch of baby...

A bunch of baby clothes.

Yeah. Odd.

-Okay, this isn't working. -Jacob, please.

We can't pretend to act like

your pregnancy scare didn't happen.

It's sitting right here with us, taking up all the oxygen.

But when I insisted we talk about it

the other day, that didn't help, either.

So, what now?

I don't know.

But I'm scared bringing it up again

will just make things worse.

Okay, what we focus on is

fixing the vibe between us.

I miss the way we used to be before life

started punching us in the face.

Which time? I feel like we've been taking hits

ever since your father left your mother for Hayley.

[sighs] And it's just been one family disaster after another.

Well, I want to, I want to hit the reset button.

Okay?

I liked our work-hard, play-hard lives.

Yeah, me, too.

Remember how much fun we used to have at trivia night

-with Ashley and Derek? -Yeah.

So much has changed for all four of us.

Well, there's no reason we can't change them back.

Ash, when we delivered her,

we started hanging out more often,

and that brought out feelings in me that were not there before.

Yeah, that did the same thing for me.

I mean, all those nights we talked about Paris, and now...

I really want to go.

And you will get there, with Derek.

-Yeah. Of course. -Yeah.

When he's well enough for travel.

He's a good guy.

And what we had was real, but...

I'm committed to Dani now.

-Um... -What?

Naomi thinks that Dani is only in this marriage

to get back at Bill.

Look, I get how our relationship looks from the outside.

We're not conventional. Hell, we don't even live together.

But we work, you know, in our own way,

just like you and Derek.

-Yeah. -Yeah, no, I'm...

I'm really happy for you.

I'll, uh, tell Alix that you send your regards.

-Thanks. Yeah. -Mm-hmm.

Um, I got to get back to the wifey, so...

Uh, take care.

Yeah.

My reputation can't get any worse.

So, why not be seen in public

with D.C.'s most morally ambiguous businessman?

Oh. You flatter me.

Most people don't even mention the ambiguous part.

I was being kind.

Well, then, let's enjoy the gray area together.

-That's not why I'm here. -No.

-This is about Vanessa. -Bingo.

We go way back, Vanessa and I,

a-and I've always appreciated how she was willing

to go further out on the edge

than your average Fairmont Crest Realtor.

But she's in a vulnerable place right now,

if you catch my drift.

Your concern is duly noted.

I need it notarized.

Her husband's body is barely cold,

and yet, the two of you are running around town

like you're her new favorite accessory.

This bizarre dalliance

qualifies as a five-alarm fire of poor judgment.

It needs to end before someone gets burned.

And we both know it won't be you.

Some people like to play with fire.

Not if they've lost everything in a previous blaze.

Joey, what is Vanessa to you?

Another mark?

Another conquest? Another hit in your casino of broken lives?

Oh, Dani, let's not get melodramatic.

It's not like Vanessa and I are drunkenly running off

to Vegas to get married.

Is it?

DONNELL:

Mom, no.

I've already taken the semester off.

I'm thinking of it as a kind of micro-retirement.

Micro-retirement?

Yeah, well, instead of grinding until you're 65,

you take little retirements throughout your life.

You know, recharge, reset,

then I get to go back to school stronger than ever.

Back in my day, we called that slacking.

-Mom... -Regardless, you're still going.

I spoke to Dean Dansby earlier.

She agreed, under the circumstances,

you can return immediately,

and your professors will let you make up any work you've missed.

You did what? Without even talking to me?

You didn't talk to me before deciding you were leaving.

Your micro-retirement will just have to wait

until your real one.

Come on, Mom, I don't need to be back at Banneker right now,

and I can't leave you here alone.

I've got plenty of people to keep me company. Don't worry.

With your father gone,

it's solely on me to ensure that you and your sister thrive.

[sighs] It-it would make me so happy to know

you're back at school, having fun with your friends, and...

preparing for your career.

That is what I need from you right now.

Well, sorry.

A micro-retirement isn't negotiable.

I'm staying, period.

So, are you gonna tell me

what was in that text that made you Hulk out?

That? It was nothing.

It didn't sound like nothing.

Madison, please don't be like my sister, okay?

You've gotten me through so many rough moments

since the kidnapping.

Let me be here for you the way you were for me.

Unfortunately, there's not much either of us could do.

It was my mom.

I thought you two were close.

We were.

Until I couldn't pretend anymore.

I haven't spoken to her in months.

You made it sound like she was super supportive

about you coming out.

Well, that part's true.

Although she later admitted it was because

her tarot cards told her to embrace

a big change in her life.

[chuckles] So she trusted her spiritual practices

to guide her toward accepting you?

It's not charming, Chelsea. It's ridiculous.

My mom believes in every woo-woo, New Age,

mystical thing on Earth.

Charging crystals, moon water.

Lots of people do. It's kind of fun.

-You? -I dabble.

But back to your mom.

It's frustrating, and I get it, but...

why does it have to be a deal-breaker?

Can't you just agree to disagree?

She has no respect for me, so no.

Thank you for the belated congratulations on my marriage.

I didn't know you cared.

Nothing warms the heart like watching the privileged

make impulsive decisions.

And nothing warms mine more than watching you pretend

that you're not desperate to be accepted by the very people

you claim to disdain.

I'm just pointing out the irony.

You vowing to stay with your boy toy

until death do you part

is a lot more self-destructive

than a grieving Vanessa leaning on a trusted business associate.

You know, since we're keeping score of poor life choices.

Andre is the kindest, most supportive man

I have ever known.

I doubt even you'd use those words to describe yourself.

Vanessa and I don't need to hide behind pretense.

We don't pretend

that we're going to live happily ever after.

Who says we won't?

You know next to nothing about my relationship.

Bill traded you in for a younger model.

You turned around and did the same. Is that about it?

My world does not revolve around Bill Hamilton.

You want to bet?

Ten grand says your marriage doesn't last a year.

What do you say, Dani?

You want to put your money where that expensive mouth is?

Your father raised you to look out for your family, yes,

but also to be more.

A legacy maker, not just a bearer.

Do you have any idea how rough your father had it?

Yes, Mom. I've heard this story since I was, like, five,

about how Dad grew up in the hood

and had to work three jobs to pay his way through college.

All he ever wanted was for his children

to have a better life, with all the advantages he never had.

[sighs] These are crucial years for you.

The ones that set you on the path to success into adulthood.

Now you're gonna throw away everything

your father sacrificed for?

You can't honestly expect me to accept that.

It's not like I'm dropping out.

A semester off isn't gonna ruin my future.

Life happens, Donnell,

and we can't always stop it from happening.

But we can take advantage of the good fortune

we're blessed with until the universe makes other plans.

Like the chance to spend more time with my mom

before I'm stuck in some 60-hour-a-week corporate prison?

Okay. If you really want to take care of your family,

there's someone who needs you far more than I do.

Deanna?

Now we're going there?

She's been struggling so much.

She couldn't even bear to come to the funeral.

We texted.

She just needs space.

The grief counselor said that was normal.

Whenever I call or text, she just clams up.

I-I just want to know she's okay.

And not knowing if she is makes this so much harder.

But you and she have that special twin bond.

You could get through to her where I can't.

Don't cry, Mom.

You know I can't handle the waterworks.

If you really want to be the man of this family,

you can't abandon your future or your sister.

[sighs]

All right.

I'll go back to school.

Thank you, sweetheart.

Oh, you should hit the road before it gets too late.

I don't want you driving in the dark.

And please give your sister a hug for me.

Yeah. I will.

[softly]: Come here.

I'm so proud of the choice you're making.

Your father would be, too.

Come on. You got this. Just like PT.

[grunts]

[groans]

[grunts, sighs]

Damn it.

Okay.

Again.

One more time.

One. Two. Three.

[grunting, panting]

Yes.

[chuckling]

Yes!

ASHLEY: Derek?

Hi.

Oh, Derek. You're a little sweaty.

Everything okay?

I should've turned on the AC.

Weather's doing that weird fall thing again,

where it can't decide whether it's summer or winter.

The thermostat app says it's 72.

Maybe it's just me.

How was your day? Save any lives?

Oh, nothing out of the ordinary.

What about you?

Equally uneventful.

Just some PT exercises

and binged some competition shows.

There's nothing like watching a bunch of people

jump off cliffs to remind me of all the things

I can't do anymore.

Hey. You can't yet.

You have been doing so well with your PT.

I don't want you to get discouraged.

Well, being stuck here in this apartment

-isn't helping. -Mm-mm.

I'm ready to get back out in the world.

If nothing else, to show off my beautiful fiancée.

Well, funny you should say that.

Hold up, you're saying just because

your mom is on some weird wellness kick, which,

not gonna lie, half my feed is that exact content,

that somehow translates into her not respecting you?

Look at what she just sent me.

"Recommended essential oils instead of man-made chemicals.

Your patients deserve natural healing options."

And that's her being tame.

Has she always been like this?

No. But then she started following

a few harmless wellness accounts,

and the algorithm got her.

Is that why you sometimes get squirrelly

when I'm clocking too much screen time?

Ten grand says Andre and I make it

to our first anniversary and beyond.

Well, the lady's got some fire after all.

Just don't come crying to me

when the divorce is picked up by TMZ.

I expect my money the same day. Cash.

I'm already eyeing the Valentino gown you'll be paying for.

Maybe I'll wear it to our first anniversary party.

Consider this your "save the date."

In the one-in-ten-million chance

that you and pretty boy actually make it,

I will deliver the champagne toast myself.

Oh, would you look at us.

Bantering, betting.

You better be careful or the people in here

are gonna think we're becoming friends.

You wish.

Yeah, well, you can quit worrying about Vanessa.

We're on the same page there.

VANESSA: Well, isn't this cozy?

Two people I care about dearly,

and they're both talking about me?

I wonder why.

Hey, look what the wind blew in.

Y'all have been ghosts for so long,

I was about to put your faces on a milk carton.

-Tell me about it. -What's up, what's up, bro?

-Hi. I missed you. -Likewise.

-Hey. -Hey.

So, how's everything going?

How are you two?

-Oh, we're great. -Yeah.

Absolutely fantastic.

Just enjoying each other's company over drinks.

Well, that is wonderful to hear.

Uh, we need to celebrate. Next round's on us.

Other than that, you know how we do.

Work, home, stream, and actually chill, and repeat.

Oh, well, speaking of domestic bliss, you know,

we could use some of your veteran advice.

I mean, this wedding planning stuff, stressful.

These venues? [gasps] They want a down payment

more than I spent on my first car.

Ooh. I've been waiting for this conversation.

-Here we go. -Okay, so best decision I made

was to let my bridesmaids choose based off of a color palette

instead of a specific silhouette.

-Right. -And you can't go wrong with,

you know, vibrant jewel tones,

or soft neutrals are really in right now, so...

-ASHLEY: What do you think? -Yeah.

-ASHLEY: Neutrals? -NAOMI: Yeah, like, blushes...

When my mom posts her crazy ideas,

she tags me, claiming her doctor daughter agrees.

Does she have a massive following?

Maybe 100 followers, tops.

Well, then, realistically, it's doubtful

that anyone who matters would even connect the dots.

Unless they're looking me up.

I just had a patient request to change doctors.

They said my socials were contradicting my diagnosis

when really it was just a bunch of deranged rants

from one Willow Montgomery showing up on my page.

I stand corrected, but you can stop that.

Oh, I did, with a quickness.

But it's not just about who sees it,

it's about what she's implying,

that I support things that are fundamentally opposed

to everything I stand for.

Baby, if anyone gets family drama, it's me.

My mom just married a man on impulse

and then decided to stay married as a flex.

Being a doctor is as core to my identity as being a lesbian.

If she were homophobic, you wouldn't expect me to maintain

a relationship with her.

Of course not.

My career isn't just what I do, it's who I am.

And if she doesn't accept that, then she doesn't accept me.

Excuse me, I'm gonna go to the restroom.

NAOMI: So, that's why you allow people to choose looks

that flatter the parts that they already love about themselves,

including hair.

So, what are you thinking? Sleek ponytails or updos?

Babe, I think you lost Derek.

You good, man?

Yeah, yeah. I was just taking mental notes.

Silhouettes, shapewear. Go ahead.

There you go again, trying to seize control

of the conversation.

That's not what's happening.

I'm just making sure my boy doesn't flatline

from bridal information overload.

Heaven forbid Ashley and I have five minutes of girl talk.

My God.

-You want to get a refill? Okay. -NAOMI: Yeah, gladly.

Excuse me.

[clears throat]

What is going on with you two?

That obvious?

Yeah.

Where do I even begin?

Blood tests came back negative.

I gathered that from the wine.

Are you okay with that?

Okay? It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Jacob was crushed.

It's like I'd stolen something from him.

I thought you both agreed no kids.

Yeah, we did, back when it was hypothetical.

Now I know he was just hoping that I would change my mind

or-or that baby fever would rush over me.

But it won't.

I've known that my whole life.

And now he does, too.

So, have you told Ashley yet?

Told her what?

About you getting the feeling back in your legs.

Oh, no. Timing's been off.

What's off is you still keeping her in the dark.

And even worse, making me complicit.

You know, I need you to download this app.

Review says it does wonders for relaxation

and minding your damn business.

Okay, you got jokes.

Your righteousness settings are maxed out.

Take the cape off, Superman.

Hey, someone's got to keep you from your own bad ideas.

You know what? Enough about me.

What's going on with you and your woman?

The vibe is... it's off.

We got a positive pregnancy test.

What? Holy...

Save it.

It turned out to be a false alarm,

but I couldn't hide my disappointment.

Look, we agreed that we wouldn't have kids,

but I had to keep it real,

so I told her it stirred something inside of me,

and now I'm actually excited to be a dad.

And-and she's still not with it?

Not even a little.

She made it clear that kids are completely off the table.

Now there's this wall between us.

We both want different futures

but don't know how to make it work.

So you were honest with your wife

and it came back to bite you?

Maybe keeping your mouth shut about certain things

ain't so bad after all.

Well...

if you need anything,

you know to call me and Nicole first, right?

-Of course, goes without saying. -All right.

It's been real.

But let's not do it again anytime soon, huh?

[clicks tongue]

I'm sorry about that.

Dani was completely out of line.

Eh, I give her points for chutzpah,

and it's good to know that you've got people

looking out for you.

I can look out for myself.

Case in point, Donnell's on his way back

to Banneker as we speak.

I'm ready to be your partner, Joey, in every way.

Andre?

I literally just texted you to come over.

Yeah, I used my key privileges earlier tonight.

Figured I would come by and make myself at home

while waiting for you so we could talk.

And it was worth the wait, as always.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

This isn't your way of pressuring me

to saying yes to the modeling gig, is it?

No.

This is an appreciation kiss

for being a man who isn't remotely shady.

For being straightforward with me,

even when it's not what I want to hear.

I just encountered someone who is the exact opposite

in every way imaginable.

Oh. And who are we talking about?

It's a long story, but as for the modeling thing...

-Yeah. -It's no longer an issue.

But you were breathing fire down my neck about it earlier.

-What...? -And that was wrong of me.

So, I called Forrester Creations,

and I told them we're gonna have to pass.

Okay, and what's the cause of this

newfound attitude adjustment?

You are.

If your mom is texting,

that means that there's still a part of her

that wants to be in your life.

Or wants to convert me to her point of view.

Okay, uh, what if you set boundaries?

Make medicine the Switzerland of your relationship,

strictly neutral ground.

That's like asking a pastor not to preach.

She'd still be sharing her truth with anyone within earshot.

You know, you're not exactly known

for holding back your opinions, either.

I may have inherited her stubborn streak.

Our last fight was nuclear.

I called her what she is,

a danger to common sense.

And she called me

a brainwashed corporate puppet.

Yikes.

Yeah, not our finest hour.

That's when I realized something had to give.

So, I hopped on a social media trend of my own.

Going no contact.

You're completely cutting her off?

Is that really what you want?

I miss the mom I used to have,

but I've accepted that version of her is...

probably gone forever.

You know, I'd hoped I'd dissuaded you

from taking a larger role in my business.

You had a point about Donnell's presence

being an obstacle, but he's no longer an issue.

"No longer an issue"?

[chuckles] You sound like me.

As in, he's driving back to campus as we speak.

How did you ever manage that?

In my own way, I can be every bit as persuasive as you can.

Well, Dani didn't have to worry about you

falling into my clutches.

Any woman who would send her own son packing

because he's in the way can only be called formidable.

I am his mother.

I am serious about sending him back to school

long before the subject of me being your partner ever came up.

He is my son,

and his future is more important to me than anything.

-If you say so. -I do.

But I hope this proves I'm ready, willing and able

to do what needs to be done.

I think you're being naive.

You live a nice comfy life behind those gates.

Are you sure you want to give that up?

The country club is every bit as ruthless as the casino.

I could be the bridge between the two worlds

and bring in new opportunities

and money for the both of us.

Tempting.

But I still think you're nuts.

I'm serious, Joey.

And to prove it, why don't we discuss matters further?

At my place.

To more nights like these.

No complications, no drama,

no life-changing decisions

barreling at you like a freight train. Cheers.

Well, the most epic night is still to come,

when this one walks down the aisle towards yours truly.

-Mm-hmm. -It's gonna be sick.

Might bust out the robot for my first dance.

[imitates robot noises]

Oh, please don't.

Hey, at least that's one way to clear out the dance floor.

Look, the most important thing

is that we're making a commitment to each other, right?

-Right. -Yep, for better, for worse.

And if it turns out that you have a impossible,

soul-crushing, deal-breaker issue

that makes you realize you're incompatible,

oh, that's too damn bad.

You're stuck.

Baby, I think it's time to call it a night.

Uh-oh. Detective Buzzkill strikes again.

Oh, baby, we're just getting the party started.

Hey, how about we go to the ladies' room

and splash a little water on our faces?

Mm.

You know, you guys are looking at me like people

look at my mom when she's going off the rails.

This is a judgment-free zone.

Well, I'll go clean myself up.

-Happy? -Yes.

Whoa.

I got you.

I'm sorry about all of this with your mom.

It's not worth crying over.

Sometimes, people grow apart.

I just want to make you feel better,

even if it's just for tonight.

Let me check with the spa

and see if they have any appointments open.

I'm thinking a couples massage.

-You don't have to do that. -Oh, I wasn't asking.

And massages aren't some woo-woo crystal nonsense, okay?

They are legit therapy.

Even dedicated doctors need to relax

those shoulders occasionally.

Since you're twisting my arm...

I have to make a call to Alexandria

about the fabric delivery.

I'll meet you at the spa.

Sorry, guys, you're wrong about this one.

How did I convince you to give up the modeling idea?

Y-You were so dead set on it.

I pushed you away by not taking no for an answer,

and then I realized that I was once again

treating this relationship

like something that is solely for my benefit.

I've been doing all of the taking

and none of the giving since this thing started.

I get plenty out of being with you.

Including waking up next to the Dani Dupree.

Even if that's the case,

we took vows to honor each other.

Pressuring you to do something that you told me

in no uncertain terms you didn't want to do?

That's the opposite of honoring you.

So I decided to respect your wishes.

Because I want us to make it to our first anniversary.

Yeah.

I want that, too.

And it means a lot to me that you would be willing

to put my feelings first.

You know what? To hell with all the haters.

None of them thought that we would last a week.

And here we are.

-Two weeks. -[laughs]

Yeah. Yeah, our marriage is, uh, is getting stronger

and realer by the second.

Yeah.

You're inviting me back to your place?

We've always kept our activities at the casino or a hotel.

Now that I'm living alone, there's nothing stopping us.

We could spend the night together

and wake up as true partners.

That's the house you lived in with Doug.

Are you sure you want to bring me onto your husband's turf?

He's haunting every room.

I'm hoping your presence will exorcise the place.

Well, if you think it'll help...

But we'll be in the guest suite.

The primary bedroom,

that's a boundary I'm not ready to cross.

I respect that.

-You. -DEREK: Naomi.

Uh, Jacob's got this.

Babe, you okay?

Yeah, I just... I just lost my balance,

but he broke my fall.

Those reflexes always did come in handy.

Can't expect you boys in blue to do everything.

Somebody got to catch what you can't hold down.

Yeah, whatever.

It's good to see you, too, little brother.

[chuckles]

Imagine what we can accomplish

if we pooled our resources.

If you're looking to hang out with someone

until we both figure things out,

-I'm down for that. -Sounds like a plan.

The way Tomas can't get enough of me these days...

Samantha Richardson Smith!

You're too nice.

Ted has given you the ultimate hall pass

to do whatever you want with whomever you desire.

I always knew you had a crush on my wife.

-The truth hurts. -Not as much as my fist

is gonna hurt going upside your head.

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