All language subtitles for Konzert

[down-tempo music plays]

[muffled classical music plays]

[volume intensifies]

[volume intensifies]

[instrument tuning]

Good morning.
Happy Saturday.

Good morning.
Coffee! I love you!

I love you too.

Hey, have we ever played
here before?

I mean, it seems familiar,
but after all these years,

I honestly forget
where we've been.

You would actually forget
Dizzy's at Lincoln Center

or the San Francisco Symphony?

It sure seems different
than our usual venue.

I mean, sofas?

Well, I guess
it's for the acoustics.

That's what Jack says.

Concrete floors covered
and cushy stuff.

Plus, I played my very first gig
here like 25 years ago,

so has a lot of memories
for me.

And it always had
really fabulous audiences.

I had an idea for a new song.

So take a look at that,

and I'll bring it back.

[knock on door]

Now, don't let me forget
the tickets.

I know, I know,
I'm a little early,

but I thought we could have
a glass of wine here

before we go to the show.

Did you know
those clubs charge $15 a glass

and hardly give you more
than a dribble?

So I thought first glass or two
here and then one at the club.

[Abigail] Only you calculate
like that.

You've always loved
my calculating little mind.

[Abigail] Sometimes.

What's the difference between
a manipulative and calculating?

Be nice.
Go change. I'll pour.

I'm always nice.

I never knew you were
so into jazz.

You never mentioned it
when we were...

-Dating?
-Yeah, dating. Yeah.

[muffled speaking]

Sam.

Oh!
Hey, Clara.

-Sorry.
-Did you not hear me?

Oh, did you
ask me something?

Yeah, I just had a-- had a
question about the arrangement.

-Um...
-Sure.

So it's about
the second stanza here.

Is this for Sean's
coming in here or is this--

I was thinking that
you would come in there

and then Shawn would
come in down here.

'Cause I think you
could just really rock that.

Awesome. Okay.
I'll go make the changes on it.

Yeah, and sorry about that.
I must be lost in thought.

-Yeah, no worries.
-So weird.

I'm not a fan, but it's nice
after all these weeks

to hook up
and go out with you.

Hey! Hey.

Do you want to stay here
and drink all night

or do you want to go to
the show?

Because I want to go to
the show.

Show. Gosh.
I forget how bossy you can get.

Gosh, forgot how you are
a little bit drunk.

There were times, darling,
you liked me a wee bit tipsy.

Don't go there.
We said we would try friends.

Tonight is
just two friends.

Got it?

Got it.

[cellphone rings]

Hi, Dr. Christopher.
I was just leaving for the club.

[woman] Sorry to call
so late.

I can call back tomorrow.

No, just tell me the results.

I wish I had better news.

There can be many causes
for progressive hearing loss.

Remember how we talked about
what nerve damage does

and how sometimes an infection,

a very serious infection,
can cause

tremendous damage
to your hearing?

I do.

Well, I've been seeing you
for about four months now

and I hoped it would get better,
not worse.

Just tell me.

I'm reviewing
your audiograms.

Samantha, I'm so sorry.

If I had to pick
a hearing loss stage,

I'd say you're at stage four.

Last month
it was stage three.

It seems that your hearing
is quickly going away.

I know it's not what
you want to, well, hear.

Is there anything I can do?
Anything?

It's time to start introducing
adaptations into your life.

There are phones,
lighting systems

that take the place of bells.

I'll get a list over to you.

How can I not hear my music?

I-I'll do anything.
I'll go anywhere.

Samantha,
I want you to take a breath.

It's going to be okay.
We'll get through this together.

And I will give you
a call tomorrow, okay?

[mid-tempo jazz music plays]

[Susan]
Well, she's a beauty.

Definitely.
Yeah.

I have one of her CDs--
well, many actually--

where she played with
the San Francisco Symphony.

Jazz and a full orchestra.

I mean, this woman is really,
really good,

Bet she is.

Sam, put a smile
on your face.

You look like your dog died.

Be nice tonight.

I just want you to be seen
in your best light, darling.

[cheers and applause]

[Samantha] Thank you all
so very much

for the very warm welcome
here at the Empire Club.

We are thrilled to be here.

We have a very eclectic set
for you tonight.

So what I want you to do
is sit back, relax,

close your eyes,
tap your toes.

Do whatever you do
when you love what you hear.

All right, on upright base
we have Sean Lightner.

And on clarinet
we have Clara Rosen.

And we are
the Samantha Porter Trio.

["Puttin' On the Ritz" playing]

[Abigail]
This is what I mean.

She takes something so simple,
and makes it magical.

Bathroom break.
I'll be right back.

[song ends,
cheers and applause]

Do you think you can get
yourself home?

Uh-huh. Why?

I was thinking maybe
I'd stay after

and ask if she could sign
a C.D.

Superfan big crush.
You go, girl.

Me? Well...

Kidding.
Don't worry about me.

I think I might have a ride.

You are really something.

Yeah, well, go for it.
I'll talk to you tomorrow.

[mid-tempo jazz music playing]

-Oh, hey.
-Hey. Hey, hey.

-That was so great.
-Yeah.

Your arrangement was awesome.

-You were totally right.
-Thank you.

Did you see the guy
in the front row?

-Yeah, he was...
-So excited.

He was so excited.
Oh, my gosh.

I told you the audiences were
great there, right?

-Seriously--
-Hi.

Oh, hi!
Come on in. Welcome.

You want some wine?
You guys were so wonderful.

I mean, Clara,
that opening number

where you went wild
with "Puttin' On the Ritz," wow.

I mean, that was a wow.

Thank you.
I appreciate that.

So Sean and I
were gonna head out.

Would you care to join us
for some burgers at Maude's?

You know, I'll pass.
I'm not hungry.

But you guys go have fun.
Go.

All right. Well, it was
very nice meeting you...

Abigail. Yeah.

Glad to see you're trying to
have a little fun in your life.

Okay, go ahead. Get out of here.
Get out of here.

And great set, you guys, really.
Really great.

Hey, would you like
some wine?

No. No. No, thanks.
I'm good.

You know, I just have to tell
you this is the first time

I've heard you in person.

I mean,
I have all of your C.D.s

and most of your
European albums.

It's a little embarrassing--

I actually
brought one tonight

thinking maybe
I'd have you sign it.

Silly. I know.
I'm just-- I'm a huge fan.

Well, thank you.

And, no,
that's not silly at all.

-Hand it over.
-Yeah?

[Samantha] Mm-hmm.

And it was Abigail?

Yeah. Abigail.

-[Samantha] Mm-hmm.
-I appreciate it.

Of course.
And that's for you.

-Thank you.
-Um, you know, I am starving.

You want to,
um, get out of here?

Yes, I-I would love to.

I just, you know, thought you
said you weren't hungry so...

Well, how am I gonna
get to know you

with those two
chattering all around us?

Come on.

So my manager, Katherine,

she wants me to travel
around Europe for four months

and play smaller jazz venues

and play with
local orchestras and...

That sounds exciting
to me.

It sounds exhausting to me.

So I am not gonna do it.

I've had enough of packing
and unpacking,

just to pack
and unpack all over again.

-So what will you do?
-I'm not quite sure yet.

Hang out at my house.

I mean, I am rarely there,
and I love it.

I'll have you over
some time.

Best views of the sunset.

Plus...

Plus?

I need people.

You'd think
that Sean and Clara

and those audiences were enough,
but they're not.

I get lonely.

I play,
then I go back to the hotel.

And I bet you thought
I lead a glamorous life.

Compared to my life,
it is glamorous.

-Well, what do you do?
-I'm a nurse.

-Emergency room nurse.
-Well, that is exciting.

It's more busy than exciting.

It doesn't leave much time
for a social life.

Me either.

I was in a relationship
that ended about a year ago.

Not a pleasant breakup.

Oh, well, I'm trying
to be friends

with the one
that got away.

Although I think I may have ran
just as much as she did.

Her name is Susan.

Sometimes
I think I just miss

having someone
to come home to,

someone to greet me
with a glass of wine and dinner

that isn't delivered
or heated up in the microwave.

Um, I'm just glad
that someone isn't Molly.

Oh, okay. Um...

We just met,
and I am totally oversharing.

Well, you're really easy
to talk to.

Not a diva at all.

Oh, a diva?
[laughs]

I hope not.

Just a piano player.

So, since you asked,
I, um,

I think we'll stay in town
for a little while.

Maybe stay put
at the Empire Club.

I mean, it feels like home
and it's small and cozy.

Plus, I, uh, have some things

I got to do over
the next couple of months.

Plan on seeing me
in the audience.

I certainly hope so.

-Good night.
-Good night.

Oh, and, um,
let's do this again sometime.

You know, if you want to.

One more question.

I hope this isn't prying,
but I assume

since you said Molly
that you're into women or...

Women. Yeah.

I hope that's
not too forward.

No, no.

And you have
a new girlfriend?

Me? No.
No. Unh-unh. No.

Well, that settles it.

I, um...

I think I know
all I need to know.

Um, we are gonna do a few
more nights at the Empire Club.

So I hope to see you there.
If not sooner.

Yeah.

It's nearly midnight.
What are you doing here?

I waited at the diner
across the street

to make sure
you made it home

or succumbed to an overnight
with the marvelous Samantha.

Jeez, Susan, that's way too
stalkerish even for you.

Come on, you know it's not like
me to just hop in bed like that.

You, on the other hand...

Well, I needed my big bag.
Don't make this about me.

No, no, no.
No, no, no.

I am going to bed alone.

-One question.
-One.

Was she everything
you hope she'd be?

More.

Night.

-Morning.
-Hi.

Where'd you go last night?

-Out.
-By yourself?

Did I forget
to ask your permission?

I worry about you,
that's all.

Well, one of these days
you're gonna have to stop that.

I was hungry.
I went to the little restaurant
around the corner.

-Is that okay with you?
-Don't get snippy with me.

I just wanted to tell you that
your set last night was amazing.

The Empire wants to book you
for the entire month,

Thursdays through Sundays.

Are you good with that?

Yeah, it's perfect.

Just don't book anything
out of town

for the next couple of months.

But I'm working
on your European tour,

and you can't not do that.

I know, I know. Just just put it
off for a little bit, okay?

Until I-- I...

Well, until you what?

Until I take some time for me.
I've more than earned it.

You can't quit now.
It would be ridiculous.

You're hot.

I can get you into any club
or symphony hall anywhere.

Besides what am I supposed to do
while you go on vacation?

It's about me, Katherine,
not you.

I just-- I have some stuff
I got to do, okay?

Personal stuff.

The month at Empire's okay,
though?

Yeah.
Just nothing after.

And you should go on
a real vacation.

-You've earned it.
-A real vacation?

I wouldn't know what
to do with that.

Okay. Okay.
I'll think about it.

Do you want some coffee?

No, I have to run.
I've already had three cups.

No more for me.

But here's the contract.

Look it over,
sign it, and get back to me.

I have to run.

I'll see you Thursday night
at the club.

Oh, I know!

Italy.
I've always wanted to see Rome.

Ciao, bella.

♪ Sitting here
in all this silence ♪

♪ And it's loud as hell ♪

♪ Can't stop thinking 'bout
the nonsense ♪

♪ So caught under a spell ♪

♪ Longing for
the greener pastures ♪

♪ Why can I just see? ♪

♪ Take for granted this grass
that's right in front of me ♪

♪ Now, why feel all
of this pressure? ♪

♪ This pressure ♪

♪ Obsessed with wanting
what's better ♪

♪ Tell me ♪

♪ Am I the only one
that feels not enough? ♪

♪ Am I the only one... ♪

Hey, Carly.
Will you let her know I'm here?

[down-tempo music plays]

You must have many questions.

I, uh,
I don't even know what to ask.

I mean, and the answer
to every question I have is,

yes, Samantha,
you are going deaf.

Not quite yet, Samantha.
Not quite yet.

So I've been thinking about
what you told me.

Sensory neural hearing loss.

Big word for "deaf."

I mean, I read the reports

and I see the numbers
of moderate hearing loss

of 70 decibels,
and I just...

I dread the next test
and what it will show.

Samantha, we've been friends

long before you came to me
for testing.

I fitted your late mother
with hearing aids.

So when you came in
that first time,

I thought it would be
a simple fix

of prescribing you an antibiotic
or hearing aids.

I thought, given time,
it would improve.

Yeah, I thought
it would be a simple fix too.

We'll be careful.

You'll have times
when you hear pretty well,

then times when you don't.

That's frightening
and depressing.

And soon it will be gone.

I know what
my patients go through,

and I see it is
terribly difficult for them.

Sight, speaking, hearing.

We depend on them
to be there forever.

Samantha, I have some
words of wisdom for you.

Suggestions.
Do you want them?

Yeah.

It may get harder
and harder to hear people

when they're all chattering
at once.

Keep life simple.

Well, my career is
a room full of people,

fans and reporters,
coming at me all at once.

You can keep reporters
at bay.

Just do one-on-one interviews.

You set the rules.

And don't be afraid to ask
people to repeat themselves.

Even people with full hearing
do that and should.

It's just...
It's the music.

I can't imagine
not hearing a song or a melody.

It's-- It's my whole world.

Like I told you, you have
decades of memory stored.

So in a sense,
if someone says play that song

"Fly Me to the Moon,"
you'll hear it.

It won't disappear.

Remember the old,
never the new.

And above all, keep filling
your head with music.

Listen intently.
Memorize every note.

The music will always be there,
just in a different way.

Well, you let me know
if you find a miracle cure,

Dr. Christopher.

But I won't hold my breath.

[Katherine] [muffled] I told
Jack that his decorating skills

leave something
to be desired.

Little tables
with comfy seats

would be so much better.

Though I think his idea of sofas
instead of chairs is kitsch,

they just aren't
that comfortable.

What?

Oh, sorry.
Um...

Could you repeat what
you just said?

Sofas?
Not that comfortable?

I swear, Sam,

half the time it's like
you're not even listening to me.

I think you're going deaf.

Uh, okay, s-spill it.

I, um...I am going deaf,
Katherine.

[laughs]
Oh, I get that.

I mean, I don't hear nearly
as well as I used to either.

No, not just hearing loss but,
um, one day,

not too long from now, um,
all I'll hear is silence.

Oh, my God.
Sam...

You're not kidding.

What happened?

Long story, but boils down to

severe nerve damage
in both ears.

Doctor doesn't know why,
and it can't be reversed.

Not even with hearing aids
or one of those implants

that I've read about?

Nothing.
I've asked every question.

But the-- the trio.

The piano.

How can you play
what you can't hear?

I mean...
I mean, can you?

I mean, for now
I can hear enough.

I practically play most songs
with my eyes shut, so...

But soon, I, um...

God, I just won't hear it.

I just won't.
[sobs]

Oh!

Sam, oh, baby.

Sorry.

[Katherine] Ohh.

Your life is gonna change.

I mean, your career.

Sure aren't gonna
ever do Europe again.

And symphonies?
Forget about it.

I guess you're just gonna
be stuck in little clubs

like the Empire...
until, well, you know.

God, I am not dead yet,
Katherine!

I swear, you do not have a
compassionate bone in your body.

That's not fair!
I'm just shocked.

It-- It changes everything.

What do you need me for
if I have nowhere to book you?

What am I going to do?

I cannot believe
this is your response.

Right now I am concentrating
on me and not you.

I'm happy with
the Empire Club, okay?

There. I said it.

Now, I have to get ready
for the show tonight, so...

Don't be mad at me.

It's just not anything
I thought would ever happen.

Me neither.

[door closes]

Aaah!

[cellphone rings]

Hello?

-[Abigail] Hello, Samantha?
-Yes.

It's me--Abigail.
From the other night.

The restaurant.
Your superfan. You okay?

-Am I disturbing you?
-No. No, no, no.

Um, I am just, uh,
distracted by work.

You remember me, right?

I'm glad you found
my little card in your pocket.

And, yes,
I-- I definitely remember you.

I'm coming
to your show tonight

and I wondered if you might
like to meet up after,

you know,
if you aren't too tired

or don't want to,
just say or--

I-I can't think of anything
I would rather do

than meet up with you
after the show.

Just come backstage after,
okay?

-And Abigail...
-Yes?

I'm really glad you called.

[mid-tempo jazz music plays]

-[man] Jack.
-Freddy.

Samantha asked me to send
some champagne to this woman,

Abigail McCarthy,
who's coming tonight.

How am I supposed
to know who she is?

Well, let's see-- How about
you ask every single woman

if her name is Abigail.

Right.
Great idea.

We have champagne, don't we?

I don't think I've ever
served champagne, like, ever.

Look in the cooler.
Pick the best one.

Let's assume this Abigail
is pretty special.

-Oh, good evening, Jack.
-Katherine.

So you know about
this new woman in her life?

New? No.

Sent her
a bottle of champagne.

She's never mentioned
anything to me about it.

Abigail?

Abigail?

-Is that her?
-Must be.

[Katherine] Very pretty.

Well, she said
she wanted to stay in town

for a few months.

Maybe that's
the personal stuff

she needs to take care of.

Along with the...

Along with...

Just-- Just some
women's stuff.

Do you want me
to give you the details?

No. Thank you.

Well, look at the time.
I'll go check the box office.

See you later, Katherine.

Ohh!
Your office after?

Mm!

[cheers and applause]

Good evening, everyone,

and thank you so much
for coming out to see us

at the Empire Club.

We have jazz, jazz, jazz
for you tonight.

On upright bass
we have Sean Lightner.

[cheers and applause]

And on clarinet
we have Clara Rosen.

And we are
the Samantha Porter Trio.

[mid-tempo jazz music plays]

Wow.

I know.
It's weird, right?

My brother moved and asked me
to hold onto it for him.

He moved it in
when I was gone one afternoon.

And when I came back,
there it was.

And there it stays until
he comes and gets it. So...

Wow, this place is amazing.

This is my retreat
from the world.

Oh, it's absolutely beautiful.

Let me see if I have anything
to eat.

Just make
yourself comfortable.

And pardon the mess.

I-I rarely have guests,
so I don't really pay attention.

You can just put your jacket
on the chair,

and I'll check the fridge.

Are you sure you don't mind
just staying in?

Oh, it's fine. You mind
if I have a look around?

Help yourself.

You know, I have all your
songs downloaded to my phone.

When I jog, I mean,
I'm listening to your music.

By the way,
where do you keep your Grammys?

[Samantha] I think there's one
over there on the shelf.

In case you haven't noticed,
I'm a huge fan.

Okay, so we've got
some leftover cold chicken.

We have pasta salad,
some fruit salad.

[sniffs] Oh, no, we're throwing
away that pasta salad.

Um, so chicken and fruit
good for you?

Oh, well, I'm a vegetarian,

so no chicken,
but fruit sounds great.

What did you say?

Oh, I just said I'm
a vegetarian, so fruit's good.

Besides, I ate a huge dinner

and I drank an entire bottle
of champagne, I think,

so I'm good.

Hmm. Just fruit.

You know, I'll add
some cheese and crackers.

-Do you eat cheese?
-I do.

-Great.
-Don't make a fuss.

It's nice to have someone
to fuss over.

All right, here we go,
if you don't mind.

Yeah.

[cork pops]

You know, to me,

California beats the French
with their wine.

To, well, meeting you.

Cheers.

So, were you
one of those kids

whose parents made them start
piano when they were five?

Oh, no.

I had my first lesson
when I was 16 or 17.

I saw a TV show
with Herbie Hancock

talking about composing
"Watermelon Man."

And I just wanted to learn
to play like that.

And one day compose like that.

-God, I remember that song.
-Yeah?

So no child prodigy, huh?

No, just a piano player.

Oh. Slightly more
than just a piano player.

Tell me about you,
your résumé, madame.

[laughs] Well, like I said,
I'm a nurse.

And I work
at St. Luke's Hospital.

I've been there
for about eight years.

Before that,
I was a florist's assistant.

Played the cello in
grade school and junior high.

Gave it up
before my senior year

because it was too heavy and
I didn't want to lug it around.

It was embarrassing.
[laughs]

And then I fell in love
with the head cheerleader.

So I guess you could say
my interests changed.

I love it.

Excuse me.

Hope you don't mind.

I just seem to need to have
music around me at all times.

[down-tempo jazz music plays]

-Is that too loud?
-No.

Is it-- Is it you?

Oh, no.
No, no.

When I'm home,
I play anyone but me.

So you came out
in high school?

Um, yeah, I'm out.
It's not a secret.

Me too.

I mean,
I never really talk about it

because no one asks me
about my love life,

and I haven't really had time
for one anyway, so...

You know, I've learned
that you have to make time,

you know, to let someone in.

Well, you know,

'cause life is too short
and all that, but...

Sorry, I know we've just met,

and I'm already spouting off
my advice.

Well, I might just
let you in.

Morning, sunshine.

Morning.

I hope you don't mind
I'm borrowing your robe.

Of course not.

I know you probably
won't believe this,

but I've never had
a one-night stand.

Well, it's only a one-night
stand if it only happens once.

Let's call this the first of,
I hope, many nights.

Um, you eat eggs?

I don't know where this
vegetarian thing begins or ends.

I do, yeah.

Dairy and eggs, but no meat,
so it's pretty easy.

Plus, I'm starving.

It seems as though I got a bit
of exercise during the night.

Oh! Adorable, sexy,
doesn't need a steak,

and funny too.

I got some exercise too,
you know?

So, today.
You free?

I am.
I don't work again until Monday.

Well, let's hang out here today.

Can swim or relax.

I have rehearsal at 4:00,
but I could drop you off

at your house or apartment
or whatever.

I'm playing again tonight,
so...

I'll come,
but no need for champagne.

You don't have to come
every night.

People will talk.

I know I don't have to.
I want to.

Let 'em talk.

[door opens]

Good afternoon, Katherine.

I thought you'd be
sleeping in today.

You didn't wear me out that much
last night, Jack Stone.

-Is Samantha here yet?
-I haven't seen her.

You have a minute?

I'm listening.

Samantha's going deaf.

Pretty soon
she won't hear a note,

no voices, nothing.

Holy shit.
Poor kid.

Tough stuff.
Is she doing all right?

Tough stuff? Jack, her whole
life is hearing the music.

I don't know how to help her.
I don't know what to say.

I don't know
what's gonna happen.

I mean, pretty soon she might
have to give all of this up.

She might never play again.

Has she talked to everybody?
Professionals? Doctors?

-Specialists?
-Yes, yes, yes.

My heart just-- My heart
just breaks for her.

Plus, uh,
I'll be out of a job.

Leave it to you
to think of yourself.

Jack, I am not being heartless.

I'm just being honest.

You always land on your feet.
Go find another musical genius.

It's not that easy, Jack.

Samantha and I have
been together a long time.

Having it all end...

it's not gonna be that easy.

What will I do then?

If you're telling me this
because you want some advice,

here it is--

Concentrate on
helping Samantha

until the shoe drops.

Don't worry about the "then."

[door opens]

[Katherine] Jack said
you weren't here yet.

Well, obviously I am.

What can I do?

Got a miracle handy?

Oh, I only wish.

I only wish.

So, about tonight--

I gave Sean and Clara
the night off.

You did what?
Sam, you can't do that.

We have a contract.

-I'll talk to Jack.
-No, I'll talk to Jack.

Just tell me why.

I just need a night to play
what I want and get lost in it.

File it away in my head.
It's important.

Okay, I mean, I don't get it,
but I trust you.

You're wearing that?

Yeah. Why?

Honey, you look like
you're going to a funeral.

Yeah, well, just think of it
as my pre wake.

[playing down-tempo
piano music]

What's wrong?

I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.

No, did I--
did I do something?

Oh, God, no, no, no, no, no.
Um, no, it's me. It's me.

Oh, my gosh.
You're exhausted.

Let's just crawl into bed
and get some rest.

I, um...

I need to be alone.

Oh, I...

-Yeah.
-No, um, it's not you.

It's-- It's-- It's me.
I-I-I love being with you.

I love getting to know you,
making love to you and with you.

I just...

I just
need to be alone tonight.

I can't explain.
Just please understand.

Yeah.
Um, I'll text you tomorrow.

Get some sleep.

Good night.

[music plays]

[playing down-tempo
piano music]

Sounds great.

Oh.
Hey, Freddy.

Is that something new?

Yeah.
This one feels kind of special.

Well, I'll let you be.
I can clean up when you're done.

Just give me a heads-up
when you're ready to go.

Thank you.
Appreciate it.

I can't wait to hear it.

You're sweet.

[Jack]
Deep in the work, huh?

Trying.

Katherine told me
what's going on.

I'm a real sorry, kid.

Bummer, huh?

We've known each other
for a long time.

I remember when you came walking
in here when you were

I think 18 or 19, told me you
wanted to buy a season ticket

and see all the artists.

I knew you'd become great.
You were hungry for the music.

Yeah, well,
you were very kind,

letting me take a chair
in the back

and just clean up after
to pay for my season pass.

That was very nice.

Do you ever read anything
about Stevie Wonder

and his journey
as a blind pianist?

Not much.

Imagine, he's never seen
a piano or a keyboard.

Doesn't know what
the audience looks like.

Doesn't even know what
the woman he married looks like,

or his own children.

But he plays that keyboard
like he knows it intimately.

Doesn't let blindness
stand in his way.

Yeah.
But he can still hear the music.

He can hear every word.
And I won't have that.

I mean,
do I want to be blind?

No. No.

But I don't want to
be deaf, either.

What am I gonna do, Jack?

You've heard
those cheering audiences.

And you caress that keyboard
like it was a longtime lover.

I bet if you closed your eyes

and I told you
I was hitting middle C,

you'd hear it in your head.

That's not leaving.

Your hands
will be your guides.

Have faith, my friend.

And don't work so hard.

This is supposed to be
your day off.

Yeah, well,
just don't fire me.

Nobody's firing anybody.

One day at a time.
One day at a time.

[Abigail] I'm glad you decided
to meet me here.

I've been thinking about you.
A lot.

Not like that.

Just about what I did
to drive us apart.

You didn't do anything.

I was too needy, too demanding.
I pushed you away.

We had
a push-pull relationship.

You want to talk about that?

I need to talk to someone.

You're always so logical.
You know me so well.

I'm listening.

I've only been seeing
Samantha for a short time,

but we have gotten close
so fast.

I feel like, I don't know,

I think I might be
pushing her away.

It's like she's hiding
something from me.

Your paranoid personality
has raised its ridiculous head.

I'm sure you're just wondering

if this relationship is real
or not.

How about you just sit back,
enjoy it,

and not think about it
too much?

No, it's--
it's like she has a secret.

You really like her,
don't you?

And so what if she does?

She's a world-famous
jazz pianist.

who's really an agent
for the FBI?

Or she's straight and you're
just her lesbian fling

and she's leading you on.

Trust me,
she is definitely

a woman
who likes women.

And, yeah, well, I-I may just be
a flame,

but, yeah, well, I don't mean
that kind of secret.

Ask her.

-I can't do that.
-Of course you can.

If you have any hope
of having this woman

permanently in your life,
be honest,

get the questions out
up front.

It saves a lot of grief
years later.

I learned
that the hard way.

-You're probably right.
-Of course I am.

But I thought
you wanting to meet

was to talk about
something important.

This is important.

I mean,
I don't want to mess this up.

I really do like her.

I mean, is it possible
to fall in love this quickly?

Will you kiss me?

Seriously?

Come on.
Just kiss me.

Whoa,
I'm-- I'm not going there.

I know. You're right.
I am just so confused.

Okay, listen, I have to work
the early shift tomorrow,

so I'm gonna go.

Relax.
Just give it time.

Thank you.

[keypad clicking]

Whoo!

Cheers.

Mmm.
Cukes are delicious.

Let me try.

-Oh, my...
-Put the knife down.

Just feel it with me
for a minute.

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Come on, just a little turn.
And a little for me.

-We're gonna dance.
-I told you I don't.

I'm glad
you're feeling better.

I am really glad
you're here.

-[doorbell rings]
-Oh, I'll get it.

Hi.
Can I help you?

Huh, well, I guess that means
she hasn't told you anything

about me, has she?

Hello?

Oh, I stopped in
to see how you were doing,

and, oh, lucky me!

I get to meet
the new girlfriend.

Oh, champagne.

How festive.

Katherine, this is Abigail.

Abigail, this is Katherine,
my manager and keeper.

I think I've seen
you actually at the club.

Yes, I'm the one peeking
through the green-room door.

[whispering]
Okay, you've been drinking.

Please don't get stupid.

Ah. Me? Never.

You know, I haven't met
any of Samantha's friends yet.

Just Sean and Clara
from the trio.

[Samantha]
You know, Katherine,

we were just getting ready
to sit down and eat, so it's--

Oh! You know,
she always made extra.

I'm sure there'll be
plenty for all three of us.

I would love to stay.
Thank you for asking.

Did I ask you?
Abigail, did I ask her?

You know what?
I don't mind.

I take it you two have known
each other for a long time.

Oh, yes,
I can tell you

all her dirty little secrets
in her life.

I do not need this.

It's okay, Samantha.

Yeah, you can tell me
all the things

that she doesn't want
me to know about her.

-[Samantha] Hm.
-Oh, the inside track.

You're a smart girl.
Oh! And I love you already.

[Samantha] Here we go.
Dig in, everyone.

Ohh.
Sooth food.

Love it.

I have seen all
of her girlfriends come

and all of her girlfriends go.

Oh, not that I think
you're going anywhere,

but I have seen her
over the top in love

and hiding under the covers,
heartbroken.

Sam, please don't get
your heart broken again.

And that goes for you too.

Do not hurt my girl

or you're gonna
have to contend with me.

Sam, don't get angry.

I just want to get
to know her,

share our history.

Did you say something?

Oh, poor baby.

Is it getting worse?

So fast!

Katherine, don't.

Okay, what history?
Is what getting worse?

Oh. Oh.

We were a couple.

Well, for a couple of moments.
Years ago.

My big try
at the lesbian thing.

Me and this
gorgeous girl here.

A secret little fling.

But don't worry,
I'm not gay.

I just...

I just love
having her in my life.

And so we remain fast friends
as well as me being her manager.

Isn't that right, Sam?

Okay, I think you've had enough.
Yep.

What's getting worse?

[Katherine] You're gonna have to
tell her one of these days.

Why not try being
straightforward and honest?

For once?

All right. All right.
I think it's time for you to go.

Oh, she's not good
at confrontation.

Or truth.

All right, let's go.
Come on.

Katherine.

This is hard enough without
you just showing up here.

Just go.

Nice meeting you!

Call me.

Hey, hey.
I am so sorry about that.

A few drinks
and she gets all intrusive

and she babbles,
and I...

Well, you guys were lovers.
I get it.

Very brief, very brief,
very long time ago.

Well, it's obvious
that she loved you more than

I would think
a manager would.

I am not a cheater
and I am not a liar.

Oh, what is it
that she meant when, you know,

she said you would
have to tell me one day?

I don't-- I...
Look, I don't know.

I mean,
that we were a very brief thing,

a very long time ago.

Come on, Abigail.

I have many friends
that you're gonna meet,

and there's
not all secrets there

and they weren't
all former lovers.

I will never lie to you
about anything.

I just...

I am falling in love
with you, Abigail.

There.
I said it.

Me too.

Hi, Dr. Christopher.
It's Samantha.

Yeah, um, well,

I was actually just calling to
find out the results of my test.

Mm-hmm.

Um, I would say that high-pitch
voices and noises are long gone.

And, yes, when a bunch
of people are talking,

it just-- it just sounds like
cats fighting in a garbage can.

Well, I would say right now

I'm hearing life like a--
like a whisper.

Okay.

So, um, how long,
do you think?

That soon?

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Yeah, no, thank you.
I appreciate it.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, thanks.
Yes, we'll talk soon.

Bye.

Good book?

Yeah, pretty good.

Nothing better than a good
old-fashioned English mystery.

I need to tell you something.

You look so serious.

It sort of is.

You're going to Europe
for six months.

I knew it. All right.

Well, this has been, uh--
it's been fun.

No, no.
Well, that's-- that's not it.

It's not.
Just sit.

Please.

About four months ago, I felt
like my hearing wasn't as sharp.

I thought at the ripe old age
of 40-something,

I might need hearing aids.

And?

And so I went to
an audiologist

who referred me to UCSF.

And to say the least,

I definitely have
hearing issues.

That's it?
So you wear hearing aids.

Thousands of people do.
Probably thousands more should.

My grandmother.

Still,
if this was your big secret

you were worried about telling
me, you shouldn't have been.

Well, it's--
it's gotten worse, Abigail.

And, um...

...soon I'm going to be
completely deaf.

I mean-- I mean,
completely, totally deaf.

Oh, Samantha.

I don't know what to say.

I know, it's just

this whole thing has just
turned my world upside down.

You can't imagine what
this is gonna be like for me.

I've never been
around a completely deaf person.

I-I don't know what to do.

Just you keep doing
what you've been doing.

I mean, it does help

when you're right in front of me
when you talk.

I can still hear, and, um--
but just don't yell.

People seem to think
yelling makes hearing better,

but it does not.

And I'm getting better
at reading lips.

It's just...

This changes so many things
that I got to figure out now.

Like?

Like will I ever play again,
for one?

Will anyone hire
a deaf musician?

If I can't hear the music,
how can I perform or compose?

How can I compose
what I can't hear?

Wow, you'd just give it all up
and retire?

It's all very depressing.

I get so frustrated
and angry.

But mostly I'm just sad.

But I don't want to lose you.

I'm gonna go.
Um...

I have to get some laundry done
and get ready for work tomorrow.

So just take all this in,
you know?

I just told you that I am soon
gonna be 100% deaf,

and your reaction is that
you need to go do your laundry?

What is the matter with you,
Abigail?

You don't want to be
with a deaf woman?

You can't handle it?
Are you embarrassed?

Or are you just with me

because you want to hear me
play the piano?

Be with someone famous, hmm?
Is that it?

I need to think about this.

[vehicle departing]

[mid-tempo music plays]

[door closes]

Holy shit!
God!

How did you get in here?

I tried the door.

You got to lock up.

I mean,
you were up here all alone.

You're back.

I thought, um...

Well, I don't know
what I thought.

Did you get your laundry done?

I know. Stupid.

When you first told me,
I-I got scared.

My first thought was to run.

Run from what?
Me?

Well, I suddenly thought,
you know,

"What am I signing up for?"

Oh, wow.
"Signing up for."

Like some
burdensome task.

No, not like that.

Not at all.

I mean, you kicked me out
without an explanation.

Saying one thing
and then doing another.

Was this what this whole thing
was gonna feel like for me?

I-I got scared.

You just don't understand.

That I agree with.

I have no clue
what you're feeling

or what it will be like for you
in the end.

I can't.

But I can be here for you
as you learn to cope with this.

I want to be here.

Do you want me here?

God, yes. I-I want you here.
I-I need you here.

I need you to help me
get through this.

Well, I want to be here.

I want to help you.

I have an idea.

Can you get your
dancing shoes ready by Tuesday?

It's Island Vibes Night
at Sammy's Bar.

Oh.
Dancing isn't gonna fix this.

Well, just humor me.
Hey, I got to go.

I just wanted to see
if we were still an us or a we.

Our we is definitely an us.

-Don't go.
-I'm late for work.

And, Sam, I love you.

I love us.

I'll see you Tuesday,
okay?

-Okay.
-Oh, one more thing.

[mid-tempo reggae music
playing]

-Can I get you a drink?
-Uh, just a beer.

Okay.
Two beers, please.

[bartender] You got it.

♪ Putting down the stress
from the rest of my week ♪

♪ 'Cause it's Friday night ♪

-There you go.
-Thank you.

♪ The night where everybody
puts their worries away ♪

♪ We feel all right ♪

Have you ever been
to a gay bar?

Well, I have
actually been here.

Just once.
When it was just a normal bar.

I didn't know
it was a gay bar,

and it certainly
wasn't decorated like this.

They change it up
for theme nights.

-Ah.
-All right.

Let's save our drinks
and go dance. Come on.

So you decided
you do want to be with me?

Look, when you told me that
you were going completely deaf,

it threw me.

But it wasn't that
I didn't want to be with you.

When you kicked me out,
I just thought

you didn't want to be with me.

You asked
if I was having a bad night.

I was.

I have those, and I'm
warning you, I may have more.

I'll deal.

Come on.
Let's dance.

No, I don't dance.
I mean, I feel silly.

Plus, I don't really hear it
very well.

I mean, I-I sort of do,
but not...

Seriously?

I had no idea how much
hearing you've actually lost.

How am I supposed to
help you

if you don't tell me
what's going on?

It seems to leave me
a little more every day.

And I just thought
you would be bored with me

or at the very least
sick of me

if that's all I did
was talk about it.

If you're wondering
where I went those few days,

it was to research anything
that could help you.

And since music is your life,

let's keep bringing it into
your life as much as we can.

Why you'd ever want to be with
a deaf woman just baffles me.

You are so much more
than your ability to hear.

So much more.

Hey, come on.
Let's dance.

Music is more than hearing.
It's a feeling.

So let's feel the music
from the tips of these toes

to the top of this
beautiful face.

Close your eyes
and just tell me what you feel.

Oh, I feel it.
I do.

I-I feel the vibrations
through my body.

I do.

And you still hear a bit?

Yeah.

Your dancing skills,

you might want to stick
to the piano, but...

Stop it!

I don't give a damn
if you're deaf.

-Hey.
-Hey.

Tonight was wonderful.

You know, I've never really been
a fan of that kind of music,

but I am now.

You want to know
what I was up to last week?

Mm. More laundry?
Walking away?

Come on.
No, no.

I'm sorry, though.
I should have said something.

Well, don't do that again.

-What?
-Disappear.

I won't.
I absolutely won't.

So, we learned that, um,

that deaf people can dance
by feeling the vibrations

through the floor.

It works, doesn't it?

Do you remember
that guy on, um,

"Dancing with the Stars,"

and he was stone deaf
and a fabulous dancer?

So you know what that means,
right?

Someone who is stone deaf
can play the piano.

And there are
new discoveries all the time.

I try to have hope.

I really do.

Come.
Come here.

I learned something else.

The deaf are no different
than anybody else.

They love to make love,

especially after
a night of dancing.

Can you feel the rhythm?

We're going to be
about 10 minutes short.

Yep. Maybe reprise
"Puttin' on the Ritz"?

I could show off again.

No, no, we'll be okay.

Hey, guys,
I got to tell you something,

and my timing
is probably lousy.

I knew it.
We're all fired. I knew it.

Wait, what?

You're ending the trio,
and this is our farewell gig?

No! No, stop it.
No, absolutely not. No.

-Okay, you get so wound, Sean.
-Well, then what?

Um, okay, Katherine said
I just have to tell you.

Um, I, um...

I'm going deaf.

Quickly.

And, uh, one of these days,
I won't hear you at all.

Oh, my God.

So, is this why you don't
hear our questions sometimes?

A lot of the time.

I told you
she wasn't just ignoring us.

Sam, I'm so sorry.
You must feel...

Sad and devastated.
Yeah.

But I am learning
to accept it,

and I'm gonna start
going to support groups

to learn
how to deal with it, so...

The trio can still go on.
You could play blindfolded.

-And we're here to make it
as easy as can be for you.
-Yeah.

I don't know what's
gonna happen with the trio,

especially if I can't hear
what I'm playing.

Well, that explains
your withdrawal.

I mean,
I thought you just fell in love

and that's
where all your attention went.

By the way,
Abigail is adorable.

I agree.

And pretty.
And sexy.

She's got a great taste
in music.

I'm not even gay, and I have
a little crush on her.

I totally get it.
I get it.

Hey, guys,

um, let's-- let's make
tonight memorable, okay?

I love you guys.

See you out there.

[Samantha] Tonight I have
a little surprise.

I have a new piece that I wanted
to premiere in the very club

where my career began.

Thanks to you, Jack.

The past few weeks,
I have spent many hours

at this very piano
composing a piece

that I have spent years
trying to find.

I just
couldn't hear the melody

until someone made
my heart sing.

Please enjoy
"Concerto for Abigail."

[cheers and applause]

[playing mid-tempo piano music]

[music ends]

[cheers and applause]

I love you.
That was so beautiful.

It's almost gone.

But I know what you said.

And I've memorized
your voice.

We'll get through this.
Together.

Together.