Original subtitles

Hey. How about a hug for your Pop?

Uh, what are you doing here?

I was hoping my daughter would be happy to see me.

Oh, I'm sorry. I-I'm just surprised.

I thought you had two more campaign stops before

-you'd be home. -I did.

They were rescheduled.

The ribbon-cutting got pushed

and the other event got postponed

because the leaders of the local business group

I was supposed to meet with got a last-minute conflict.

Well, it's their loss, and welcome home!

Aw. That's more like it.

And since my schedule changed, you know,

I thought about coming home and surprising my family.

I missed you guys.

Well, you're going to have to keep missing Tyrell.

-He's at chess club. -And where's your dad?

Not home either.

So...

welcome home from a quarter of your family.

[humming]

Oh, well, if it isn't my favorite customer.

Aw. How are you doing today, June?

No complaints. And even if I had them,

don't nobody want to hear them.

Oh, I saw you placed a take-out order.

So sorry it's not ready yet.

No worries. I'm early and I don't mind waiting.

Well, we'll try not to keep you too long.

Okay?

But since you're just going to be sitting around,

there's someone over there who looks like

they could really use some company.

Hey, Naomi.

-Hi. -Oh, hi, Smitty.

Mind if I join you?

Oh, of course not. Please.

Besides, talking to you will certainly

be more productive than staring at this screen.

I should be looking at these depositions,

but I can't seem to focus.

I guess I have a lot on my mind.

I bet I know what.

Or should I say who?

-What's up, Ren? -You.

We need to talk about the job you've been doing.

-It's a problem? -Nah. Keep that going.

That's the play.

Listen, man, you took a chance on me,

so I've been busting my ass trying to make good on it.

Running them blood and plasma pickups off the truck.

All right. We see how hard you've been working.

-"We"? -The folks with eyes on you.

And your bag count tight.

It's more than I can say for half these fools out here.

I've been thinking you could be ready for more responsibility.

-You ready to step things up? -Hell yeah, definitely.

? ?

-Hey, Ash, how's it going? -Good.

Though it's really quiet around here right now,

which is usually a bad omen.

Oh, that's right. You used to say if

it was too slow in the first part of the day...

Then something big is coming later.

Like yesterday.

We were crawling at the start of my shift,

and then we got slammed and I had to stay so late

that it didn't even make sense to go home.

So I ended up crashing in an on-call room.

Ash...

I've always loved your commitment to the job, but

sometimes you got to take care of yourself.

You know what they say about people in glass houses.

They get great natural light?

-[laughs] -[phone buzzes]

Anything I can get you, love?

A different body?

Because this one is kicking my butt.

Well, since I'm...

very fond of that particular body,

-the answer is no. -[groans]

I was afraid of that.

This new chemo is a beast.

Yeah, and so is cancer.

Mm. You know?

But this is the way to beat it.

-[doorbell rings] -Oh.

Vernon, I don't care who that is.

-Please send them away. -[door opens]

I am not up to pretending I feel anything

other than awful today.

[door closes]

Unfortunately, our visitor is...

entirely as stubborn as you are,

and refuses to be sent away.

I swear, if Leslie Thomas walks into this room...

It's me.

And I'm not that easily gotten rid of.

Tracy. You would make me

-eat my words. -Oh, it's nice to be able

to get the better of you once in a while.

How did you know you are just the person I needed to see?

Well, the credit for that goes to Vernon.

ANITA: Oh.

So, you're making plans behind my back, huh?

Well, I don't mind this time.

Uh, Tracy and Sharon had a break in their touring schedule,

so I flew her in.

Which I told him he didn't have to do.

Thanks to Anita, I have plenty of my own money now.

You know your money's no good here.

Thank you for coming, my sister.

You know I got you.

We are always better together.

I want to apologize in advance for being poor company.

No need to apologize. I understand.

You're...

thinking about Anita, right?

Of course.

I know things have been tough on you lately.

And when you're worried about somebody that you love,

it's hard to not

have that worry take over everything.

I've been trying to be as positive as I can,

keep the faith and all,

but I just wish I could fast-forward

through this horrible movie

and know for a fact that everything is going to be okay.

This new chemo has been...

it's been rough on her.

I've been meaning to stop by more myself, but

with Martin being out of town and me going back to work,

my schedule's been pretty difficult.

Yeah, it's not easy trying to juggle everything on your own.

The thing is, you're not alone, Naomi.

There are plenty of people that would want to help.

-Or at least just listen. -Yeah, no, I know.

And I'm very fortunate to have a big family who cares.

But not just family.

Martin and I have found it really helpful to talk

to my friend Monica about Anita's situation

and you two really seemed to hit it off the other day.

Oh, she was so lovely to talk to

and not just because of her expertise as an oncologist.

She genuinely seems like a caring person.

Well, she is.

She did say I could call to chat anytime.

Well, then, I think you should take her up on that.

It might help relieve some of this

tension that you're feeling.

I'm sorry. Are you implying that I need

to vent before I bust?

Am I giving off volcano vibes?

-No. No, no, not at all. No. -Huh.

And the-the smoke that's coming out of the top of your head is

-very becoming. -Right.

-Right. -Sometimes it's good to

talk to people outside of the family.

And because Monica's a doctor, discretion is her middle name.

Anything that you tell her will stay between the two of you.

-So what you need me to do? -A new drop just for today.

New route?

The regular courier's on an assignment.

It's a smaller delivery, but an important one.

Same rules as before.

Don't ask questions. Move like a ghost in and out.

Don't cause any unwanted attention.

All right. For sure. I got you.

Wear this.

The contact will be looking for it.

What's the pickup point?

Garland Memorial.

Contact will meet you in the south elevator.

You good?

You scared of hospitals?

Hell nah.

Garland.

It's handled.

A'ight.

Thanks for not making a snarky comment about

my plans with Grayson.

I know how you feel about me seeing him.

I just want you to be happy.

So if Grayson's good to you,

I've got nothing to say about it.

Well, Grayson checks both those boxes.

All right, now, tell me about you. What brings you by?

I am here on behalf of the free clinic.

Oh, so this is a professional visit for your new job?

Well, in that case, how can I be of assistance, Mr. Baldwin?

Well, Nurse Morgan, I was hoping to speak with

Dr. Lia Whitmore, the chief of staff.

Oh, you don't aim high, do you?

We need to discuss the possible partnership

between Garland and the clinic.

And I've been told the buck stops with her.

I will ping the chief now and see if she's available.

-Thank you, Ash. -No problem.

-But no guarantees. -Of course not.

Look, at the very least, she knows who oversees

arrangements like this at the hospital.

And at the very best, she agrees to the partnership.

Because it's a terrific idea.

Well, let's... let's hope she thinks so, too.

We haven't had a chance in a few days

to talk to each other.

And I want to hear about you, from you.

Okay, so...

So...?

Um, Donnell McBride has been a total lifesaver.

And you're okay with him accompanying you

-at the cotillion? -Okay? Pop, he's perfect.

I'm so glad that he said yes when his mom asked him.

We all are. He's a fine young man,

and it's nice to have a family friend by your side,

especially one who has experience as an escort.

He said he's not a good dancer, but that's so not true.

It's just been a minute since he had to waltz.

And who cares if he's a little rusty?

He can't be nearly as bad as Tyrell.

Another reason you're glad your brother is

-not your escort. -Right?

And Donnell's being really chill

about the whole thing,

unlike Nathan and Francesca.

-What about them? -They're going together.

To the cotillion, at least.

Those two? Ew.

[laughs] Right?

Talk about "Couple most likely to make everybody

want to run screaming from the room,"

but whatever.

"Whatever" is right. You don't want to get

-sucked into that mess. -Oh, I won't.

Francesca was actually flaunting the fact

that he was gonna be her date.

Can you imagine?

As if I care.

Oh, and then June, she walked in and she was like,

"Girl, no, that boy is trouble."

And then Donnell strutted in all smooth and that little...

...witch...

almost fell over when she realized that I was

going to the cotillion with a Banneker man.

It was literally so good.

Talking to you like this makes me sorry I missed it.

You know, with the texts and the quick phone calls.

I mean, none of that can do any justice to all this drama.

It is more fun telling you stuff in person.

NAOMI: You know, Smitty,

if you ever want to change careers,

you might consider becoming a counselor,

'cause you're not so bad with the advice.

Thank you, but I have no intention

of stepping on my mother-in-law's toes.

-And the advice thing kind of comes with the territory. -Mm.

To be a good journalist,

you have to know how to talk to people.

But seeing as I impressed you,

can I throw out something else?

[chuckles]

Go for it.

I know that you have a lot on your plate right now,

and on your mind,

but if you were to have some free time...

Not likely.

But if you wanted to talk to somebody

about something other than medicine or legal issues,

I know Samantha would love to hear

about your cotillion experience.

[chuckles] Oh, my God.

Cotillion?

You know, I was just thinking about Samantha

and how excited she must be.

Yeah, she is.

Me, on the other hand, I am in over my depth.

I had no idea how involved it was.

Oh, yeah. Cotillion will take over your life.

-That's a fact, for sure. -See?

And you can talk to her from the vantage point

of somebody that's been through it.

-But Martin's been an escort. -But it's not the same

as her talking to you or Kat or Nicole about making your debut.

You really think Samantha would want to talk to me

-about cotillion? -I think

she would love it.

And it might be a fun distraction for you, too.

Ah.

Which is really what's going on. I see.

I will confess to nothing, Counselor.

-I'm just making a suggestion. -Mm-hmm.

Well, then, I will reach out to Samantha

and suggest some times we can get together

so I can give her the full cotillion 411.

Smitty, here is your take-out order.

I am so sorry. We ran out of cornbread,

so I put you a few biscuits in there.

Oh, thank you, June.

Did I hear the two of you talking about that cotillion?

[chuckles] Yeah, just for a bit.

I really don't get the whole fancy dance society thing,

-but Samantha seems to be enjoying it. -NAOMI: Mm-hmm.

And from what I hear,

it's a real nice opportunity for her.

Oh, yeah. I mean, this could open doors

for many young women.

-Ah. That's so wonderful. -Mm-hmm.

Smitty, will you please say hi to the kids for me?

-I will do just that. -Okay.

[phone buzzing]

Bradley Smith.

You can't talk?

That's right.

Look, we got to meet. Right now.

Yes, I can schedule a meeting.

I'll be in touch.

Sorry about that.

No worries. Work happens.

Yeah, sometimes when you least expect it.

I should get going.

Well, enjoy.

The dinner, not the work.

Take care of yourself, Naomi.

Uh, Smitty...

Thanks.

For everything.

Now that I've had some herbal tea brought in for you ladies,

if you'll excuse me,

I'll go work on my speech for the Banneker history seminar.

He's giving us time to be alone.

Does he know he's not fooling anybody?

-[chuckles] -Oh, he knows.

And now, since we're all on the same page,

-I won't be far. -ANITA: You never are.

[sniffles]

Mm.

You hid it well, but...

I saw your reaction when you walked through the door.

Of course you did.

I was overjoyed to see you.

You're being kind.

I know I'm...

I don't look the way I did during our last FaceTime call.

[sighs] It's been...

it's been rough, huh?

The worst.

I thought the first regimen of chemo was bad, but...

[sniffles]

But, as Vernon reminded me,

we do what is necessary.

And I am not about to lay down and let cancer win.

Well, you sound like your old self, at least.

But I hope you're not doing what you do so well.

Bottling up what you're feeling

because you feel like you need to protect everyone around you.

Well, I can't help doing that a little bit.

But you are not going to need to goad me

to unleash my emotions this time.

I have no intention of throwing a cup

across the room. [chuckles softly]

It wasn't until this moment

that I realized how much I needed you to talk to.

Someone I could be my honest to God, unfiltered self with.

That's right, girl.

You can tell me anything.

I've seen you at your worst.

You don't have to protect me like you do your family.

Don't misunderstand me.

I am determined to win this battle.

But it has gotten a lot harder lately.

I thought I was prepared for what was to come, but...

[shudders]

...I was fooling myself.

You still haven't touched your food.

Do I need to have words with the cook?

Uh, no, it's-it's fine.

I guess I'm just not very hungry.

I haven't seen that handsome husband of yours

in here in a while.

I remember you told me he was real busy.

Is everything okay at home?

We're fine.

That's the second "fine,"

and I believe it even less than the first.

Except that minute Smitty came in here

and brought you a little sunshine,

you've been sitting over here

looking like you're under a storm cloud.

Now, I know something isn't right with a woman like you

who has a big, loving family and a huge, important job

who chooses to sit here for hours by herself.

Yeah, I guess that is a big clue that things aren't fine, huh?

Now that I have a handle

on your extremely busy social calendar...

You want to talk about your favorite subject-

school.

Look, I know you've had a hard time trying to focus

with everything that's going on with Great-Gran.

I think about her all the time,

but I also know how disappointed she would be

if I didn't keep up with my grades

and take care of my other responsibilities.

Samantha,

your great-gran is so proud of you.

Which is why I'm not gonna disappoint her.

Which is why I also said no to hanging out with friends

and yes to takeout while working on my AP Psychology project.

-[chuckles] -Which is close

to being finished before it's due.

Good work. I approve.

[both chuckle]

And I hope you approve of dinner.

When it gets here.

Where is Dad with the food?

Oh, I'll hit him up

and see what's taking so long.

Although I kind of want to keep it a surprise that I'm home.

Um, I'll text him.

What happened?

I got some new information, and it's big.

The plasma ring is operating inside Garland Memorial.

-You know that for sure? -Yeah.

Ren asked me to fill in for one of the couriers.

He told me to pick up a delivery

from someone inside the hospital.

That's huge.

Before now, we knew that they had the mobile donation truck

and that they had contact with a few sketchy donation centers.

But if hospitals and other medical facilities

-are involved- -And Garland?

This means the ring has its fingers

in one of the finest hospitals in the country.

But I guess all they need are a handful of folks

willing to be on the take.

My biggest concern right now

is you keeping your cover when you go into the same hospital

where Nicole and Ted work.

Along with my wife's best friend and my sister-in-law's fianc�e.

Okay, uh, who's-who's doing the drop?

I don't know.

It could be a man, a woman, or anyone in disguise.

Ren told me to wear this so I can ID myself to the courier.

[sighs] Well, I know I don't have to say this, but I will.

Be careful.

You don't have to tell me twice.

I'm-a keep my head down, move as fast as I can,

and pray to God this thing doesn't go sideways.

Chief Whitmore, this is Derek Baldwin.

Hi, Dr. Whitmore. Pleasure to meet you.

I hope you don't mind me popping by here unannounced like this,

but I have an important matter to discuss.

And if you have a few minutes, I'd appreciate the chance

-to speak with you about it. -What is

this important matter?

It's a partnership with Garland.

One that would benefit the local community.

I hate to waste your time, Mr. Baldwin.

We won't. Not if you listen to my proposal.

I'm sure your cause is a very good one,

but we get a lot of requests like this,

and I really don't have the time today.

I suggest you contact our community affairs office,

-and they can answer all your questions. -Okay.

With all due respect, ma'am, I'd rather not.

L-Like you said, you get a lot of these requests,

and I-I know if I go down to community affairs,

they're just gonna log my info in with all the rest

and it'll sit there and collect dust

until someone eventually shares with you

what I- what I can just share with you right now.

It'll save us both time in the long run,

and I can promise you, ma'am,

this will be very worth your while.

You have five minutes.

It's sweet of you to be concerned, but...

there's nothing going on that won't be fixed

when Jacob gets back.

I didn't know he was away.

Yeah. He's, um...

getting specialized training.

And even though I have plenty to keep me busy,

it still gets lonely,

especially when he's not home at night.

I know all about that feeling.

Those first years without my babies,

I was broken.

I thought you said you didn't remember about your kids

until that meeting with your sister.

Sometimes the mind can be kind.

My mind made me forget about my babies.

Can you imagine that?

A hurt so bad it makes you forget

about your biggest blessing?

If I didn't have the gift of forgiving...

...Lord knows what I would've done.

I would never compare

Jacob's temporary absence

to what you've been through, June.

Oh, no, no, no. I-I know you wouldn't.

I-I'm just saying that I know that ache

when you love someone but you can't be with them.

At least Jacob's a cop

and he's surrounded by cops at his training.

So he's as safe as safe can be.

And, you know what, I bet he'll be home before you know it.

I hope so.

SMITTY: Contact me

as soon as you're finished, okay,

so I know that you're all right.

All right. I'll reach out as soon as I finish the drop.

Immediately after.

All right, I better get home

so Samantha doesn't start to worry.

Wait, hang on.

Do you know anything about how Naomi's doing?

I actually just saw her at Orphey Gene's.

-When you couldn't talk. -That's right.

Well, how did she seem?

Like she hasn't slept since you went undercover.

Hey, don't worry.

She didn't talk about you or anything, but...

We mostly talked about Anita,

but knowing what I know,

it's obvious that you are what's keeping her up at night.

Damn it, man.

It's killing me not going home to her or even seeing her.

Look, I knew what I signed up for with this assignment,

but Naomi?

[sighs] Look, I know she backed my decision, but neither one

of us knew what this would cost her.

I know

that when you catch these criminals

and the people that they've been exploiting are safe,

both you and Naomi will both feel

like it was worth the sacrifice.

That's the plan.

Look, Smitty, can you do me a favor?

Name it.

The doctors warned me that...

[groans]

They warned me that, uh...

...the side effects for this new chemo would be more intense.

But hearing it and bracing for it

is not the same as actually living it.

-[sniffles] -Nothing ever is.

And nothing makes you love your life or family more

than feeling death breathing down your neck.

And that's what this new chemo feels like.

It feels like Satan himself is invading my body.

I'm so sorry. I...

I hate to see my sister suffering like this.

And it's just... [sighs]

I'm just so angry, Tracy.

-God, how dare cancer. -Exactly.

This is my body,

my temple

that I have taken care of and treated well.

And it is... [shudders]

...betraying me.

In the most humiliating ways.

[sniffles] My hair's falling out.

My taste buds are shot,

so I don't feel like eating.

Not to mention the nausea.

I mean... [sniffles]

Sometimes it makes no sense to leave the bathroom

because I know I'm gonna be going right back in there

for one reason or another.

I'm sorry if that's TMI. [sniffles]

Girl, please.

[sighs] Like we weren't all up in each other's business

-when we were on the road. -[cries]

And there are days when I am just so tired

I can barely leave my bed.

[sniffles]

But today?

Today you made it downstairs.

Even if I had to use the elevator.

-[chuckles] That's what it's there for, isn't it? -[chuckles]

Today you found the energy to talk with an old friend.

You are still the Warrior Anita Williams you always were.

That same girl that fought her way from Cabrini-Green

to Fairmont Crest.

With Vernon by my side through most of it.

How is Vernon doing?

Scared to death.

But trying not to show it.

He is my steady ground.

Always has been, always will be.

Knowing exactly what I need and when

and making sure I get it,

even if I don't think I need it.

[both chuckle]

[sniffles] You know what I am?

What?

A complete, utter,

blessed mess. [laughing]

-[sniffling] -[chuckles]

I have to admit, you are not serving

your most glamorous self right now.

Oh, now you agree with me?

[chuckles] When you're right, you're right.

-[chuckles] -[chuckling]

But this is just a phase.

One to navigate day by day.

And, ooh, baby, those rough days keep coming.

You know they do.

Okay, let's do this.

Try embracing the good.

Okay? Don't think of it as a daily thing, okay?

Go from moment to moment.

Like...

...riding in the car with Vernon.

What's your favorite place to go?

Rock Creek Parkway.

Before the morning traffic hits.

-Oh, what's so special about that? -Oh, the trees,

the bridges, the creek.

-Mm. -What's magical is the peace

before the chaos.

-[laughs] -[chuckles]

I like this. Give me another one.

Your favorite moment when the girls were small.

The first thing that comes to mind.

-Singing while we were baking cookies. -Mm.

And the one time Vernon tried to jump in

and Nicole turned to him and said,

-"Daddy, please stop." -[laughs]

-At least he's gotten better. -[laughs] Yes,

he has. Yes, he has.

[chuckles]

There's power in the peace, Anita.

And your laughter is like a prayer.

And I...

will hold both of them,

praying for the grace and strength that I will need to...

...get through this journey.

Even on my worst day,

I never forget I have so much to live for.

And that is my inspiration.

[sniffles] Starting with that man right there.

[both chuckle softly]

I thought I heard laughter?

You most certainly did. [chuckles]

Thank you, Tracy, for lifting my wife's spirit.

I just wanted to check in on you two.

-Didn't mean to interrupt. -Oh, no, you're not interrupting.

Come on and join us.

I'm sure Tracy would like to catch up

-with my wonderful husband, too. -[chuckles softly]

And our girl talk...

...has helped me more than I can say.

I am the general manager of the new Phoenix Street Free Clinic,

where we're gonna provide medical care

to the underserved population in our community.

Everything from urgent care needs

to diagnostic tests

-to preventative screenings. -Hmm.

I've heard of your project,

and I think some of the doctors from Ted Richardson

and Carlton Fitzgerald's private practice are volunteering,

along with some of our best internists

-and cardiologists. -That's right.

And while their personal commitment has been fantastic

and will continue to be,

we think we could all accomplish a great deal more

with an official partnership with Garland.

That is a good idea.

I'm sorry for trying to brush you off earlier.

You understand, I can't say yes to everyone.

But Phoenix Street is a very special project indeed.

It'll make a tremendous difference

to those without access to care,

and I would love for Garland to work with Phoenix Street.

-That's wonderful. -Mm.

For now, we can help by encouraging staff to volunteer.

But I'll check with the board

and, uh, discuss how we can offer support in other ways.

-You won't regret this. -Mm.

Let's make this matter even more.

In addition to promoting this internally

to the staff to volunteer,

I'll get IT to create a link

and put it on the hospital website,

driving traffic to the clinic's site.

-That would be amazing. -Mm.

I'm glad to help this project succeed in any way I can.

Thank you for all your help.

You're very welcome, Mr. Baldwin.

Samantha, dinner.

They didn't have any cornbread, so, uh,

they gave us biscuits instead.

I prefer biscuits anyway.

Enough for me?

Martin, what are you doing here?

Okay, you and Samantha have to up your enthusiasm game,

because you seriously have me questioning

-whether I'm welcome in my own home. -You are.

I just wasn't expecting you.

That was the whole idea. Surprise.

[chuckles]

How are you here?

Unexpected changes of plans.

Nice surprise, right, Dad?

-[chuckles] -Very nice.

This is exactly what I was looking forward to-

a nice, quiet dinner with my family.

Samantha, go get the plates.

Gladly. I am starving.

Oh, and don't forget the serving spoons.

There's been a huge online response to my and Sharon's post

about having a mammogram bus in the parking lot

at one of our concerts.

Every woman that gets screened will get a free ticket.

And it looks like we're gonna need to add a second show

to meet the demand.

[chuckles]: Oh, isn't that amazing?

And all in your honor, my love.

I'm grateful that my going public is helping other women.

Well,

here's something else for you to plan on, Anita.

Another concert where we will provide free screenings.

And this one

featuring your return to the stage.

Well, I can't predict when that will be,

but...

I will fight with everything I have to be there

and give the performance of my life.

Special delivery.

These are for me?

Well, they sure ain't for me.

The delivery man said that he took 'em to your office,

but they said that you were here.

He said there was a rush on the order,

so he came right over.

Looks like somebody is missing you just as much

as you are missing him.

[June giggles]

You did it. [chuckles]

-I did, didn't I? -Yeah.

[both chuckle]

Uh, sorry. I just...

-got a little carried away. -No, that's okay.

It just- God, it feels great to have a purpose again.

I know.

It feels so good to watch you succeed.

We're always gonna be friends, Derek.

And friends celebrate each other's accomplishments.

Man, I'm so proud of you.

Thank, Ash.

I better get going.

Take care.

? ?

? ?

[elevator doors shutting]

Dad?

She's right.

You know the rules.

No phones at the table.

Under normal circumstances, sure, but-

"But nothing" is what you always tell me.

She's got you there.

I'm waiting for a call from...

an important source and I don't want to miss it.

[elevator doors opening]

[elevator doors shutting]

JOEY: It was nice to meet you.

DEANNA: What kind of man

comes in here

and dedicates a building to your dead husband

and drops all that money

unless he's getting something in return?

Clearly, you're serving it up.

Those thought patterns look quite sexy on you,

Dr. Richardson.

You know what else looks sexy on me?

-You. -GRAYSON: Who's this?

JACOB: We need to talk.

And don't say a single word about what you saw until we do.

A bunch of accomplished, sexy, glistening men

battling it out over you, Sissy.

Isn't that the hottest thing you've ever heard?

-What's on your mind? -Is there something about Sammy and Hayley I should know?

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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

Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0