Original subtitles

Izaiah Hawthorne, I am falling

so deeply in love with you.

Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Uh, yeah. Uh, I-I need to go.

I'll be home real soon, baby.

- You promise? - On my life.

I am ready to close this chapter of my life...

our lives... today.

I didn't know anyone was filming us.

We love a woman who speaks her mind.

- Welcome to Tokyo, ChelseaKat! - Oh, yes!

Tyrell, they're so pretty.

We are so proud of you both.

And we can't wait for tomorrow.

The cotillion is finally here!

The gowns, the dancing, the magic of it all.

- I love it! - Says the woman

who chose not to make her debut.

Because said woman already had a successful career

like her mother and my Chelsea Bear.

But as a proud sister, auntie and mother to other

Dupree debutantes, I am just as thrilled

to attend this event as anyone in the family. Cheers.

And not everyone.

I can set up Eva's Cotillion Hair Boutique

in Nicole's bedroom.

- It's so nice of you to do this. - Mm.

It'll be so much fun making you look even more beautiful, niece.

Until June arrives,

relax. Help yourself, Eva.

Thanks.

I am so excited for you.

So am I, and I'm also kind of nervous.

Oh, we've all been there. Excited, nervous,

afraid you're going to throw up.

It's the cotillion trifecta.

Just remember, you own the room. It doesn't own you.

Jessica, that goes for you, too.

Thanks, Chelsea. Thanks to all of you

for inviting me to your family's, like, pre-cotillion?

You are more than welcome.

We Duprees believe that getting ready is half the fun.

- Mm-hmm. - Mm-hmm.

I just checked in

with my parents upstairs,

and everything is going according to plan,

which is not the case down here.

Good Lord, man, a woman's work is never done.

Well, at least my woman's work never is.

Mm. Well, your irrational dislike of bow ties

has given me plenty of opportunity

to work over the years.

Mmm. Mmm, mmm, mmm.

You... are absolutely stunning.

Thank you, good sir,

but please save your compliments for tonight's Platinum Deb.

I haven't been crowned yet.

You are not dressed.

One of the buttons came loose,

but Rowena's sewing it right now.

- Everything will be just fine. - She better sew fast.

Otherwise, we'll miss your debut.

Ah, we'll get there in plenty of time.

And if you two do run late, then I'll just...

I don't know... start the Electric Slide

to keep folks busy.

I would pay to see that, but no.

No, I want everything to be just perfect tonight.

Mm. I get to waltz with our beautiful daughter,

and I can't think of a better way to spend an evening.

Ah, except maybe dancing with my beautiful wife.

Bill...

Bill?

Uh... Bill?

Where were you just now?

Welcome, gentlemen.

It's that time again.

Ah, being back here for this

- brings back an awful lot of memories. - Mm.

So you guys always pregame together?

- It's family tradition. - Usually, though,

the ladies get ready here at the house,

but not this time.

How is Anita doing tonight?

- Yeah. - Will we see her at all?

I asked her earlier how she was feeling.

- We won't be seeing her for a while. - Mm-hmm.

It is a shame that Mother couldn't be a part of this,

but she did warn us last night

that she might not be up for it.

But we can show her pictures, at least.

And videos of all the preparation,

which is the next best thing to this.

Why settle for second best

when you can have the real thing?

Great-Gran!

Oh, my God! Ah!

Don't even worry about it, boss.

I'll take care of it.

Nobody gets in that's not on the list.

Security always this tight when the higher-ups meet?

This ain't just any meeting.

The boss is thinking

about taking the operation out of the DMV.

What? Why?

We got a good system in place right here.

Why they tryin' to switch it up?

You just Mr. Questions today, huh?

Are you sure there are cops watching this place?

I didn't see any on the way up.

Plainclothes. They already told me that you were on the way in.

Oh.

- Well, good. - What are you doing here?

Had to get this in your hands.

And before you ask, I wasn't followed.

I made sure of that.

What is all this?

My and my mom's important paperwork...

bank records, medical records,

passwords, wills.

A financial power of attorney made out to you.

Everything you'll need in case something happens to me.

- Gran, we're so glad you're here. - Should you be here?

Are you still feeling the side effects

from that last round of chemo treatment?

Mother, of course we're thrilled you're here,

- but you said you were... - Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.

No, I am not 100%,

but last night, I made a point of going to bed early.

I took it easy this morning.

I'm not going to have any champagne this evening,

and I am going to try to stay seated,

but there is no way in the world I was going to miss a minute

of my great-granddaughter's cotillion.

I'm just so glad you're here.

Baby, so am I.

I am. I just hope, after all this effort

by you and everyone else

that you're not too disappointed

if I'm not chosen to be the Platinum Deb.

Samantha, we are already more proud of you than we can say.

Every day you do something...

you are someone...

that fills us with pride.

Platinum Deb or no Platinum Deb.

To us,

you are perfect and beloved

just the way you are.

It's great that Anita will be able to join in the festivities.

I heard she finished her chemotherapy the other day.

Oh, watching her ring that victory bell...

- it was a glorious moment. - Mm.

This may sound presumptuous,

but chalk it up to me being here for the first time in ages.

I know you two have a veritable army of people to rely on,

but I'd like to be one of them.

I'm only a phone call away if you need anything.

- As you've already proven, Ted. - Mm.

And I appreciate that.

I wasn't sure if I would be included

in the get-together this year.

I expected to see all of you at the...

at the venue.

Well, since you and Nicole are getting along,

Anita and I felt that it was only right

that you should celebrate this tradition with your grandson.

Tyrell, you can spend a little time with your dads

before you get to see Jessica, can't you?

Don't know. You two are pretty boring.

Will Donnell be joining us?

Dad, don't you remember?

Especially after Samantha gave us

that extended monologue on the topic.

- Donnell had a final today. - Yeah.

That's right. Sorry.

- He's gonna meet her later at the ballroom. - Okay.

Okay, Richardson-Smith men,

this right here looks like a great photo to kick things off.

- Okay. All right. - Come on. Let's see.

Here. You in the middle.

- Oh. - Here you go.

- Stand up straight. - All right.

Right here.

Nice.

Yeah, I like that one.

- This way. - Are you guys coming in? - Yup.

- Hey, gentlemen. - Ted.

- All right. - All right.

Just a little...

Thanks for doing this, Chelsea.

Any time. I love

that you girls are doing a get-ready-with-me video.

I just figured, since I'm doing cotillion,

I might as well go all in.

Oh, yeah. She was even advising Jada McCray on how to do hers.

- Mm-hmm. - I just figured

that most girls don't know what it takes to do a quality video,

and I figured that she could benefit

from my experience doing socials for ChelseaKat.

Well, as much as Nathan and Chessy tried their hardest

to suck the joy out of this for you,

the video will prove that they won't even slow you down.

This video is for you, too.

Mm, I guess.

Cotillion is more something

I'm just doing for my parents, but I have to admit,

getting ready with all of you guys is way more fun

than just getting ready at home with my dad.

Wait. When is your mom getting in?

Well, she said her flight from Dubai would be landing

just in time for them to make the main event, so...

- Okay, you girls ready? - Yes.

Okay. Ready. Go.

Hey there, everybody. Samantha Richardson-Smith...

And Jessica Harris.

And get ready with us as we get prepped for...

cotillion.

I really appreciate you letting me come over

and be a part of all this.

You are Samantha's aunt.

It means a lot to her to have you here.

You're welcome.

Ooh. Step one...

I don't think everyone feels that way.

Hmm.

- Hello, Eva. - Kat.

- Let me go get set up. - Mm-hmm.

This day is about Samantha.

I know.

You managed to be civil with Eva at your surprise birthday party.

I hope that can continue.

I don't intend on making any trouble.

Well, you know what they say about good intentions.

No big scenes, Mom.

I promise.

And step four...

You are still full of surprises, Mom.

Oh, I'd like to think that will never change.

Mm.

We're here!

Come on.

Hi, everybody. I...

I really hope I'm not late.

You are not.

I love that dress.

June!

Oh, my God, you look amazing.

Your dads got this dress for me

after Nicole helped them pick it out.

So kind of all of you.

And my hair. Uh, Eva's

going to do that, right?

Looking forward to it.

And Naomi loaned me the jewels.

Thank you again for that, Naomi.

It is my pleasure, June.

So I guess you could say what you're seeing here

is what a whole group of people put together.

What I see

is my beautiful, beautiful mother.

And I am so, so glad you're coming.

Oh.

I was just...

thinking back to Naomi's cotillion.

Ah, that's right.

The cotillion is tonight, isn't it?

Mm-hmm, yeah.

Yeah, that was such a special time.

All the Duprees gathering together,

from the prep to the last dance.

You know, I'm glad Martin and Smitty get a chance

to experience it with their own daughter.

Is that just nostalgia,

or do you feel like you're missing out

on all that togetherness

because you chose me?

What? A romantic dinner with my better half?

What could beat that?

Oh, come on. I know how important

- those Duprees are to you. - Mm-hmm.

That Vernon was more of a father to you than your own dad.

Well, Vernon did play a pivotal role in my life.

Past tense.

You know,

and speaking of past,

we never talked much about who you leaned on,

you know, after you lost your parents.

Well, that's because I prefer to look forward, not back.

Yeah, I hear you.

I just can't help being curious

- about that part of your life. - Mm.

Nicole, thank you so much for hosting

the pre-cotillion festivities here.

Happy to do it.

The girls will get their hair and makeup done here.

Mm-hmm, and then get dressed over at our house.

But weren't we just doing that

so Great-Gran could see our dresses?

Now that she's here, we could just

get ready right here, right?

Dupree debutantes always have their first picture taken

on our staircase.

To memorialize your first entrance in your gown.

- We do love our traditions. - Mm-hmm.

Jessica, I'm sure Andre would be more than happy

to take pictures of you for your parents.

Oh, that would be killer.

- Thanks, Mrs. Dupree. - No, no.

Thank you... for indulging me.

So, Andre wants to take me to Tokyo

to see your bags on the runway.

- You're coming to Tokyo? - I swear

I am not trying to steal a speck of your spotlight.

I just want to be there in the room

as your first and biggest fan.

Would that be okay?

Well, only if you promise not to jump on the runway or yell,

"That's my baby's bag," as the models walk by.

I will restrain myself from actually interrupting the show,

but not from bragging to everybody

about my brilliant, beautiful daughter.

I guess I can live with that.

So I can come?

Mom, it would actually be really great to have you there

and to share that moment with you.

You won't regret choosing Banneker, Tyrell.

No, it offers wonderful opportunities

in science, humanities,

which I'm sure you must know for yourself already.

It all sounds great.

Hey, you don't seem too excited.

I am, about college.

Banneker has always been my first choice.

- Hmm. - But

it's missing one important thing?

- Jessica. - Hmm.

She decided to go to UCLA.

So now we're stuck doing the whole long-distance thing.

Look, I know it won't be easy,

but if it's meant to be,

it's meant to be.

Amen to that.

Isn't it nice to set aside work

and only focus on family for a change?

It sure is.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

I don't understand. Why would I need all of this?

I know I don't have a right to ask,

but you're the only one I trust.

Oh, God.

For a lot of reasons, Ashley. You're it for me.

There's no one else.

What do you need?

If something happens to me,

I need you to withdraw all the money from the account

and use it to pay for as many months of my mom's care

as it will for where she's currently at, okay?

There's also an insurance policy through work.

She's my only beneficiary, so...

so she shouldn't have any problem collecting.

Okay, you're seriously scaring me. What the hell

- is going on? - I just need to make sure

that the bills are paid

- so my mom doesn't end up on the street. - Hey, hey.

Naomi said this whole nightmare is gonna

- be over really soon. - Maybe not soon enough for me.

Okay, I thought I'd find a way out, but now I'm afraid...

this doesn't end well for me.

Don't talk like that.

If I don't say this now, I may never get the chance.

These past few months with you

have been a bright spot in my life

where everything else has just been so dark.

Thank you, Ashley.

Your "thank you" sounds like "goodbye."

Yeah, I have to get going.

And I don't want to push, but I really need your answer.

Can I count on you to handle things?

Of course I got questions, boss.

If this ring goes down, where does that leave me?

'Cause I got to get this bread.

Man, we all do.

Too many eyes on the hospital lately

to keep sourcing from there.

So you look to supply without using Garland?

Quit the chatter.

Go check the perimeter.

Triple-check and make sure we not missing nothing.

Any update?

Grayson's in place at the clinic.

He'll bring the first delivery to you

before the meeting starts.

If we can't prove we got another solid place to get the product,

we'll have to move the whole operation out of the DMV.

And that'll mess up our whole cash flow.

I know what's at stake.

I don't need you reminding me.

Hi, Derek.

I appreciate you coming.

Well, you made it sound urgent.

Oh, didn't mean to.

I just want to thank you for putting Grayson Perez

on the clinic's volunteer schedule.

And to make sure we're all on the same page.

Yeah, um... about that...

With all due respect, Dr. Whitmore,

I still think it's a big mistake

to let Grayson work at the clinic.

Look, you've been doing wonderful work

managing the free clinic,

so, of course, I have to respect your input...

- Thank you. - Under normal circumstances.

But your resistance

to a perfectly reasonable request

is really raising some red flags.

- Sorry about that. - So am I,

because I really can't have your attitude

creating a problem for me.

Thank you so much for being here,

especially today, out of all days.

Mm.

Happy birthday!

Oh, thank you.

- A present, too? - Mm-hmm.

Let's see what you got me.

- Do you like it, Auntie? - Oh.

Almost as much as I love it when you call me that.

This is my favorite perfume.

Thank you.

So, got any big plans?

Of course she does.

- Her boyfriend is incredibly hot. - Oh.

So is he, uh, taking you out to dinner?

Or to a dance club?

Okay, Izaiah and I will find a way to celebrate.

Don't you worry.

June, okay, if you aren't really feeling any of these wigs...

this one right here...

I think we have a winner.

Hmm.

Now you know I love my natural coils and curls.

But tonight is about embracing new experiences.

I'll try it.

I am so glad you're here.

Let's do this, baby girl.

Here's to the end of Gran's chemo.

And none too soon.

You came through it with such grace, Gran.

I wish I had that strength.

Well, I'm glad you don't have to.

Thank goodness that part of my journey is over.

But here's to Chelsea and the way you handled yourself

on that live stream about the reporter harassing Madison.

Well, thank you, but I can't take all the credit.

Kat and Mom and Dad and Naomi... they all helped.

It just fills my spirit to see how you rally around each other,

- just like you rallied around me. - Mm-hmm.

- Cheers. - Cheers. - Cheers.

While we have a private moment, I need an update.

Are you still having flashes of Ted in your bed?

Can we please not do this here?

I'll take that as a "yes."

I'm just being a supportive sister.

How about a little less support

and a lot more minding your own business

would be greatly appreciated.

But there's no judgment here, Sissy.

It is perfectly normal

to have the occasional thought about your ex.

Now are we talking PG-13, R or NC-17?

- No comment. - Don't tell me

it's X-tra Special.

Oh look. That chair needs somebody to sit in it.

Just please try not to undress Ted

with your eyes when you see him later.

This is a family-friendly event, Nicole.

Good talk!

Feels really strange to be here today,

you know, like nothing's changed,

when so much has.

I get it, Unc.

But, hey, at least you and Nicole are in a good place now.

Yeah, true.

But I-I ran into her yesterday,

and she seemed a little...

off around me.

Huh. Maybe she was feeling sentimental, too.

Yeah, you're-you're probably right.

I can understand why this may be a little hard for you.

I know you and Nurse Morgan once had a relationship,

and that she was with Grayson until recently.

I would never let my personal situation

affect my professional decisions.

I want to believe you,

because we're all on the same team

to provide the best care

to as many people as possible.

I probably shouldn't mention this,

but did you know Grayson has a family member

battling a neurological disease?

He's facing some major medical debt.

I'm sorry to hear that.

I-I just don't see how that's relevant.

It's not like the volunteers get paid at the clinic.

And I'm just trying to explain why he is so passionate

about volunteering at the clinic.

He wants to provide others who otherwise

would be unable to afford treatment.

I had no idea he was such a saint.

Grayson has a lot to offer at the clinic,

and that's why I... and your employer, Leslie Thomas...

want you to make a place for him there

where he can utilize his talents.

Do we understand each other?

We do.

Hmm.

There has to be another solution, okay?

You could still leave town,

- and then you send money back for your mom. - If I run,

they'll put a target on my mom's back.

Do you really think that Lia

- is going to go after... - Use a sick woman

to come after me?

In a heartbeat.

God, I hate myself for dragging her and you into all this.

Okay, stop, stop.

Grayson, you have made some terrible mistakes, but...

Hey.

You are still a really good person

with a really good heart.

Even after everything, you still believe that?

Mm-hmm. I do.

You have no idea how much that means to me.

Oh, geez...

But I still need your answer, Ashley.

- Will you? - I will take care of your mom

if something happens,

but please don't let anything happen to you.

Thought we could use these.

Hmm. Why? Is that because it's too painful

for you to talk about your past?

No. Look, I thought we could use a drink.

- It's not that deep, Bill. - Oh, well, you have

to forgive me, sweetheart.

Your silence on this topic has to mean something.

Even when we were planning our wedding,

and you chose not to invite anyone from back home,

you didn't say much about why.

Yeah, that's because there wasn't much to say.

I had an aunt, a-a few cousins

and some friends, babe,

but they never made me feel

as wanted as I do with you.

Hmm. So you haven't kept in contact with anyone?

Yeah, I-I did for a while, with one person,

my best friend.

Well, she was more like...

a sister to me.

But we lost touch,

and I moved here to start over.

Where... we met,

and I was able to start a new, wonderful life with you.

Hmm.

You know, maybe I should take you back to Philly sometime,

you know, just for a visit.

You can show me around a few of your old stomping grounds.

And I'd love to meet your aunt and your cousins

- and that best friend of yours. - You can't do that!

This beat is using techniques learned from the one and only

Chelsea Hamilton, so you know

they're guaranteed to max out the glam.

Say hey to the camera, Chelsea.

Hi.

And don't worry. We will

drop a link in the comments

for all the products, y'all.

But the little touches will stay a secret for family.

And friends.

Good thing you're drinking that instead of champagne.

You are on the job, after all.

Oh, this isn't a job.

I'm here for our niece.

I'm glad Samantha's happy, but for your own sake...

Oh, like you care now?

Don't get used to being invited to family events.

Stumbling into my birthday party,

helping with cotillion prep...

those are just flukes.

Mm-hmm. Well, you may not see me as family,

but our brother and niece do.

You know what?

Martin and Samantha both invited me to Cotillion.

You're coming?

Nah, I already had plans. It's my birthday.

Oh. No party?

Well, I had an early celebration.

My mom, Izaiah and Dad.

But Dad still called me first thing this morning.

Isn't our father the sweetest?

Naomi, you all right?

Yeah, Mom. I'm fine.

Not in the least.

Honey, I know how important and special cotillion is to you.

Of course you're having a hard time and

wishing Jacob was here with you.

Yeah, I am.

But I think his time away is finally coming to an end.

Here you are.

Hey. Yeah. Yeah, right where it should be.

Um, anything I can do for you?

Uh, yeah. I'm glad I caught you before my meeting.

The nurses need you to restock the supplies

in the exam room as soon as possible.

I'm on it.

It gladdens my heart to see Tyrell and Samantha

honoring the cotillion tradition.

- Me, too. - Yeah.

And they've really enjoyed doing it.

Well, Samantha, anyway.

I know there's been a little tension

between you and Martin over his possible Senate run.

Uh, if it will help,

I'd be happy to discuss any of your concerns with you.

I appreciate the gesture,

but that's so far down the road.

I don't feel like that needs to be discussed tonight.

There are other things far more deserving

of our attention, don't you think?

That's for sure.

I think I'll pour myself another Tiger Woods.

- Anything for you? - No thanks.

Listen, I had to cut ties

with my relatives a long time ago.

Most of them were in and out of prison

for a laundry list of crimes,

and I didn't want them bringing me down, too.

Hmm.

Well, it must have been hard.

They never cared about me,

so, I made myself not care about them.

Yeah.

Babe...

I'd rather talk about our future.

You know I cannot wait until you hand over the reins

of the firm to Tomas so we can retire to St. Barts.

Look,

I know there's a bit of an age gap between us,

but you don't have to put me out to pasture just yet.

And besides,

I'm hoping that Naomi will take over for me one day.

Well, don't wait too long.

Listen, I want us to be in St. Barts

while we both can enjoy it...

and each other.

- Hmm. - You know, I plan

on wearing nothing but bikinis all day long.

And nothing but nothing all night long if I have my way.

You always do.

So, here's to blissful, lazy days ahead.

You... look sharp.

Except for one thing.

Let me fix your bow tie properly.

Ah, I remember what I taught you, Martin.

- What? Is that back in prehistoric times? - Uh.

Yeah, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth in tuxedos.

Boy, get over here.

- It's a rite of passage, all right. - Yeah.

Hey, Tyrell, let me grab some photos over here?

All right, let's see you get some...

Smile, would you?

Sorry. It's kind of hard

to feel like me being all dressed up like this.

Yeah. Don't sweat it. You're looking good.

How's cotillion treating you?

Hate the dancing, but doing it with Jessica?

- Mm? - Can never complain about that.

Yeah, formal wear,

etiquette classes?

Not exactly every teenage guy's favorite thing

to do in their free time.

But if you're willing to do all of this,

you must really like her.

Yeah, I do.

Hmm.

It's giving...

I look...

Like what you are.

A lovely young woman.

And you're done in plenty of time to head over

to your great-grandmother's house to put on your gown.

Thanks, Eva.

More later, y'all, from the Dupree house.

Come on, Samantha.

Wait. Uh, I have to do something first.

Okay. I'll be right outside.

Thank you, Aunt Eva, for being here

on your birthday

and making this night even more special.

I still can't believe I'm standing

with the Miss Anita Williams.

June, we've come across each other enough now.

I hope you're a little more at ease with me?

I'm getting there.

But tonight... it...

Stressful?

And then some.

Cotillion can be intimidating.

There was a point when this was a whole new world to me, too.

Oh, that's right.

You grew up in Chicago, didn't you?

- The projects. - Mm.

When I was with the Articulettes,

we performed at a cotillion after-party,

so I had a glimpse.

But the first time I experienced the event

in its entirety was as Vernon's date.

His family always attended.

My family certainly did not.

- Mm. - And now you are a part

of our cotillion tradition, too.

This is an experience

that you and Samantha will always remember.

Thank you.

Presenting...

Well, thanks to Eva, our hair is already done.

So now it's time to head to the Grands' and get our fit on!

I can't wait to see both of you in all your glory.

None of us can.

Now, go, scooch. We are right behind you.

What the hell are you doing?

Derek. I, um...

The freezer isn't cold enough, so I'm moving these

- to another... - Aah, cut the crap.

I always knew something was off about you.

I knew it, but I'll tell you,

- I didn't take you as a thief. - Listen to me.

Yeah, save it. I'm calling the cops.

They already know.

Delivery should be here soon. Meeting'll start after that.

Everything good?

Oh, for sure. I'm ready.

I'm working with Jacob Hawthorne on an investigation.

More lies. Jacob's out of town

doing some special training program.

It's just to cover so people don't ask too many questions.

Look, you have to get out of my way.

You are not going anywhere.

I need to make this delivery right now.

My life is on the line,

and if we don't play this right, Ashley's will be, too.

You...

You look amazing.

Thanks. I think seeing you in a tux

might make this awful event all worth it.

You didn't have to sneak downstairs in the elevator.

You could just make a big entrance,

like Samantha's going to on the staircase.

Nah, the staircase is a moment for your family and Samantha.

I've got what I like right here.

All right, Samantha's almost finished getting dressed.

- Are we ready? - Yes!

June, you look lovely.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you both. Thank you for this dress.

Thank you for including me.

Thank you for everything.

I'm glad

we could share this moment together.

Me, too.

Sharing is caring.

How are you doing, my love?

Still feeling all right?

- I am over the moon. - Mm.

Wow.

Yes, baby. Yes.

Yeah!

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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