Original subtitles

'Nina. Nina.'

Hmm.

Um..

Want me to start moving the rest of this camera stuff?

Nah, it's alright. I'll get it.

Thanks.

Um..

When you're gonna give Marvin back his ring?

Just curious.

Girl, please. I would, if I knew where the hell he was.

Or maybe I'll just keep it as a reminder..

...never to make the same mistake twice.

Get engaged?

- No. Falling in love. - Aw, shit--

Because that shit is played out like an eight-track.

Hello! Hello! Don't let me hangin' please.

- I'm sorry. - Thank you.

A cynic is born. Hello hallelujah..

'Resurrected from the tomb..'

Can we, uh, talk nappy head?

'I mean really, really talk nappy head.'

I ain't talking, talking of them tediously talk tone

or tortuously tangled and talked-up tongues.

- Am I talking to you? - No, but--

No, no. Am I talkin' to you?

No, but I'm in the conversation.

Sheila, what you need is a man to get into a conversation with.

Excuse me, Ed. But, I have a man, thank you.

'And where is he?'

- He's not here. - 'Wait, Sheila.'

I know what you need, girl.

You need some romance in your life.

And I'm sure you are an expert on that, hmm?

Oh, yes, indeedy. I am.

Wood, you are the least romantic man I know.

I think that I am Mr. Romance.

You know, I believe in that shit like flowers..

'...candy, all that.'

Just not every day. That's not me. It could be--

That's what I'm at talkin' about. Oh..

Romance is dead

is what they said while sitting around cheating at pool.

At the very last frame of this nine ball game

the cat who had the date on the top of the Empire State

is the one who got hustled ...like a fool.

'You watch too many movies, Sheila.'

Step off, Ed, alright?

What's up?

Romance...is about the possibility of the thing.

You see, it's about the time between when you first meet

some fine-ass woman

and when you first make love to her.

'And when you first ask a woman to marry you'

and when she says "I do."

When people who've been together for a long time

say that the romance is gone?

Uh-uh.

What they're really sayin' is..

...they've exhausted the possibility.

- 'Mm. Mm...' - Von.

Now you talking about my thing.

You and me, bro.

It's like poetry... is the possibility of language.

Please, give me a break.

- Where you want it at? - Hey, Von.

Let me get my lighter man.

- 'Here you go, man' - Thank you.

- No, I said, Savon. - 'I know what you said--'

I don't know what's wrong with that girl.

No. He doesn't need to be smokin'.

- Oh, thank you, mom. - You're welcome.

I thought we left our mothers at home.

- Do you want another drink? - Actually, I am okay for now.

I'm going to get one. I'm bringing you one anyway.

Thank you, 'cause I'mma hit this off, real quick.

Hey, Will, let me get another one, man.

Cold.

White wine, please.

'Who's that girl with Darius? Damn.'

She does have a little somethin' somethin'.

Uh, excuse me, Mr. Married Man--

I am married. I am not blind.

Brother, can you see through these, please?

- Can you see? - Everything is checkin' out.

See, that's what I'm talking about.

- Niggers, this ain't right. - Niggers?

- Why, why we gotta be-- - Why we gotta be niggers?

Because that's what y'all are.

Deep in thought, huh?

Yeah.

What are you thinkin' about?

A woman I saw once.

She must've been fine.

Savon, you can't tell me that these babes

can't see that cool pose shit coming a mile off.

You know, brother, jealousy is a sickness.

- Let it go, man. - 'Sickness.'

Let it go..

...and just walk away.

Fuck you, Ed.

Darius Lovehall.

Nina Mosley.

Fumbled. Just like I told you.

- Hmm. Excuse me. - Mm-hm.

Uh, hey, Will, why don't you put this on your tab?

- Yeah, right. - You put that energy out there.

- 'Say thank you.' - You put it out there.

- That's a fumble, bro. - You put that energy out..

Anybody in here can see that.

- Oh, please. - Sorry about that.

'Here you go. Try not to knock this one over.'

Maybe you should quit smoking.

Alright, alright.

Get settled. We're back.

And this next brother up on the mike writes for "New City"

'and is regularly here on Monday nights, so please'

give it to Mr. Darius Lovehall.

- Brother Ed. - Alright.

Alright, this is, uh, a little somethin' I've been workin' on.

It's new. I call it, uh..

"A Blues for Nina."

- 'Yeah, baby.' - 'Go to it, now.'

- 'Alright.' - 'Take your time.'

Say, baby, can I be your slave?

I've got to admit, girl

you're the shit, girl.

'And I'm digging you like a grave.'

'Now, do they call you Daughter to the Spinning Pulsar?'

'Or maybe Queen of 10,000 Moons?'

Sister to the distant yet rising star?

Is your name Yemaya?

Oh, hell, no. It's got to be Oshun.

'Ooh.'

Is that a smile me put on your face, child?

Wide as a field of jasmine and clover?

Talk that talk, honey. Walk that walk, money.

High on legs that'll spite Jehovah.

Shit.

Who am I?

That's not important.

But they call me "Brother to the Night."

And right now..

...I'm the blues in your left thigh.

Trying to become the funk in your right.

Who am I?

'I'll be whoever you say.'

But right now I'm the sight-raped hunter

'blindly pursuing you as my prey.'

And I just wanna give you injections of sublime erections

and get you to dance to my rhythm.

'Make you dream archetypes of black angels in flight'

'upon wings of distorted, contorted'

'metaphoric jizm.'

Oh, come on, slim.

Fuck your man. I ain't worried about him.

It's you who I want to step to my scene.

'Cause rather than deal with the fallacy

of this dry-ass reality

I'd rather dance and romance your sweet ass in a wet dream.

Mmh.

'Who am I?'

Well, they all call me "Brother to the Night."

And, right now, I'm the blues in your left thigh.

Tryin' to become the funk in your right.

'Oh, that's alright, baby.'

Bravo!

Darius Lovehall.

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

No, no, no. Come on, now, Wood.

You gotta give him his props for that one.

You got to give it up, Wood. Give it up.

- Come on. Give it up. - Yeah, whatever.

But I'll tell you one thing. I don't need poetry to get women.

No, you need a personality to get women.

Mm. Try a breath mint and a Visa.

Played out like an eight-track.

You did say that, didn't you?

Here come your boy. Here come your boy.

- What's up, dude? - Hey..

- D, great poem. - Y'all like that, huh?

- 'That was fascinating.' - 'Pretty nice.'

- Thanks. - 'Look at Ed.'

- 'Who's Nina?' - 'I loved it, Darius.'

'Green glob just coming all out your mouth.'

'You don't know me like that.'

We need to embrace this brother.

You're a bad influence.. Every la.. Especially you.

You're the worst influence of all.

Oh, don't even try it..

Thanks for my poem.

It was um... interesting.

No problem.

- Everybody, this is, uh, Nina. - Hi.

- Sheila, Ed.. - How're you doing?

'Savon, and that's, uh, Hollywood..'

- Hey. - This is my girl, Josie.

Hello, hello, hello.

So, maybe next week you could write somethin' for me.

Maybe. But it won't be about sex.

What's wrong with sex?

There's nothing wrong with sex. There's just other topics.

Like what?

But you probably wouldn't know anything about that.

Ooh.

Goodnight, my black people.

- 'Goodnight.' - Goodnight, sister.

Oh-ho-ho, man.

- 'Well, damn.' - Yo, man.

If that was me, I'd be in her car right now.

- You know. Be gettin' that. - Whoo!

'You got your hands pulled there..'

Maybe, if your hand was a little bigger

she could write her number down.

Close your mouth. Close your mouth.

Y'all just mad 'cause somebody approached me.

- What? - What is the secret?

- Oh, come on, Darius! - Oh, pookie, come on, man.

'Yes! Come on, more.'

More. Bigger. Yes!

That was the cover.

'Okay. Now..'

Um.. This isn't curried chicken and they were out of baguettes.

I'm sorry.

Roger, come on. Gimme a break. This is only lunch.

It isn't about the bloody lunch, Nina.

I don't think this, uh

assistant thing is working out.

I suspect you don't have the temperament for it.

'Perhaps you'd be better off on your own.'

Yeah, man, I'm headin' on back over to the office.

Get the rest of my things.

I can't believe I'm finally up out of there.

Aye, but y'all don't worry about me.

I saved up enough cash to hold me for a while, alright?

Cool, just hook us up in your dedication of the book, man.

Man, look, just because you've been there for me

when at times I needed you

don't mean I get to put you in my book, alright?

- Hey-- - No shout-outs baby.

No shout-outs.

- Hey. - Hey.

- Nina? - Sheila?

Yeah. How are you doing?

Girl, I need an Isley Brothers CD badly.

Mm-hm. I hear you. The CD's are in the back.

- Thank you. - Oh, you're welcome.

Yo, She. What's going on, girl?

What's up? Not much.

Y'all slow as hell up in here today.

But it'll speed up.

What you talking about?

Aw, shit.

Hey, uh...would you hold this for a second?

Oh, why you gonna give me your junk?

Just be cool.

Ah, Al Green.

You can't go wrong with my man Al Green.

Darius, right?

Say, uh, y-you mind if I play you

a little somethin' real quick?

I don't know, the last time you went on an impulse

you embarrassed the shit out of me.

Look, this'll be easy.

I promise. Watch.

Yeah.

Charlie Parker?

- I've never heard this-- - 'Shh.'

It's kind of sad.

Melancholy maybe, but, uh, not sad.

There's a difference, I think.

Maybe you're right.

'My new information's on there .'

Okay. Great. Here you go.

Dr. Wax will have that Isley Brothers CD.

- Thanks. - Yeah, see you later.

- Alright. Bye-bye. - Uh, say, uh..

You know, you and I should, uh, get together some time.

You know, have-have some drinks.

Uh, I don't think that'll be a very good idea.

Well, why not?

It's just bad timing. Nothing personal.

Oh, I understand.

- Yeah. - Thanks for the record.

Damn!

Messed that shit up.

When are you gonna learn?

You move too fast.

See, women like it slow and easy.

Didn't I school you?

Yo, why don't you let me get a look at her address real quick?

How would I do that?

- 'Cause it's on the check, man. - Why would I do that?

Because you're my girl. You're supposed to be lookin' out..

Come on. Stop playin' and hook me up, man.

- I'm not playin'. No! - Why?

Look, what if her man comes to the door?

Her m..

Her man.

Damn. I didn't think about that. Her man.

Yeah. You're right. I'm buggin'.

- Hey. - Wh..

W-what are you doin' here?

How did you know where I live?

Look, um, I-I know it's a little strange for me

just to show up to your place like this.

'Yeah. What did you do? Follow me home?'

No! No, no, no. I.. Nothin' like that.

Well, uh.. Actually I, uh..

I got your address from the check that you wrote

'down at the record store.'

'Look, look, I know that-that wasn't very cool'

'and I apologize.'

But I got that CD you were lookin' for.

Isley Brothers, right?

Yeah.

This is, this is the one. Thanks.

'No problem.'

Oh, what you, you tryin' to come in?

Yeah. I mean, no, no. No. Yeah, if..

Sure, I mean, if..

...if you're not busy or doing anything.

Um.. Well, y-you can come in.

- 'You sure?' - Yeah.

I hope I'm not intruding.

Nice little pad you got here.

'I'm just house-sitting.'

Oh, a photographer.

'Yeah.'

Dig that. It's nice.

Um..

Why are you here?

You said it was bad timing.

And I figured if I asked again, maybe you'd say yes.

If not that time, then maybe the next time

till the next time became the right time.

Ah-ha..

Persistence.

Be surprised how far it can get you.

'Sorta reminds me of stuff Gordon Parks'

'was shooting for "Life" magazine.'

'Do you know a lot about photography?'

'A little somethin' somethin'.'

'I know that you have a great eye.'

So you're just like a ...a renaissance black man.

Poetry, music, photography..

Think it was somebody that said something about Mozart.

"The goal of an artist is to create a definitive work

'that cannot be surpassed.'"

Guess you can say I kind of live like that.

Well, that was actually George Bernard Shaw.

'Now, you're tryin' too hard.'

Hm, okay.

I'm beginning to like this.

Oh, well, uh, don't like it too much.

Check it out, um..

A couple of friends of mine are having

this get-together tomorrow night and..

Well, I want you to come hang with me.

Maybe we can start to like this together.

Hmm.. So, what are you, uh, asking me out on a date again?

I guess that's about the size of it, yeah.

- So? - I don't.. I don't know--

Aw, no, no, no, no, no, look..

Don't make me start bringin' more CDs up here, okay?

'Cause I'll start bringin' you Prince CDs..

And you know how that brother like to

pump out four or five albums a week.

Oh, please..

I mean, I'll be up here everyday.

- Just-- - Okay, okay.

Okay, alright, I'll-I'll save you the trouble.

Yes.

I'll just come by about- 00, - 15 tomorrow and get you.

- Okay. - Cool.

- Hope you enjoy your CD. - Thanks.

Hey, um, the next time you decide to just, um

stop by, you should call first.

'Cause I know you wrote the phone number down.

You right. I got your number.

The last time we was over here, no disrespect

the food was crazy.

The constant and annoying references to my wife's cooking.

'Hey, Troy. Hey, Troy.'

Don't be talking about me with your microwave-cooking ass.

'And then she gonna come out here with carrots.'

'Do I have two big front teeth?'

'Is there somebody hopping?'

'Get some beta carotene up in you, bro.'

- You can't see as it is. - Fuck y'all.

About to bang out some wickedness out of you, boy.

You know somethin'? You got something going up in here.

- 'Aw, don't start it up.' - Come on now, Savon.

Get it back. Get it back. Exorcise that.

Come on, man.

Now, Sheila, Sheila, Sheila..

Whoo!

'Get outta here!'

Quit fuckin' around with them spirits.

You'll get everybody up in here pregnant.

Yeah, you'll fuck around and get us pregnant with that shit.

- Take that shit to Flint. - Baby, Flint get it all.

- Don't worry about Flint. - He can keep it all.

- You scared? - Scared of what?

- God. - I know Jesus.

- God is a woman, honey. - 'Okay.'

Uh-huh, alrighty then.

No, no, no. Hold up, hold up.

- God is a woman. - Look, D, me and Ed..

You know what I'm saying?

We with you and everything, but, damn..

If you ever chased a woman

then you know that women have a certain power

a certain sexual thing that renders men

totally incapable of functioning.

- 'Am I right, Von?' - That's right.

- 'It drives us to distraction.' - That's right.

Destruction. Look at that kitchen.

- Go look in that kitchen. - Exactly, exactly.

A male God would never allow a creature

made in his own image to get jammed up like that.

Uh, wait, excuse me.

But why are you tryin' to impress your date?

'Please don't say that..'

''Cause you know you wouldn't even believe that.'

You know, he ain't, he's just telling the truth.

Yo, Savon, why don't you break it down for those

who don't quite understand what I'm talkin' about?

Break it down for them, bro.

Hold on, hold up.

Let me break it down, so it can forever

and consistently be broke.

Alright?

Now, when a man gets a hard-on

you know where the blood comes from, right?

Know where the blood comes from, right?

- His brain...and his feet. - And his feet.

- True. - So A..

He's stupid.

And B, he can't run.

Only the Woman God..

...think up some shit like that.

That's how she got you, right?

- 'That's it.' - 'That's what happened.'

Nah, see, that's some bullshit, 'cause I got, I-I got it down.

I got, I figured it out. I figured it out.

- It has become a regular forum. - 'Oh, wait, wait, wait.'

What? What? I'm for real.

'We getting ready to have some Hollywood philosophizing..'

- Yes. - I can't wait.

Think about this.. Anatomy.

Now, if God was really a woman..

...y'all know how God think.

She'd put the dick right under the chin. She'd..

- Take care of her business. - 'You are sick!'

- What? - Get out of here, man!

You're out. You're out. And get new chips, man.

Yeah, man. Y'all sure know how to treat a person.

I was 15 and my dad gave me this old Topcon

when he was in the navy, and ever since then

I've been hooked.

- You shoot. - What you know about writing?

"I gather up each sound you left behind.

"And stretched them on our bed.

Each night, I breathe you and become high."

Ho-ho-ho. Check you out, girl.

That's yours?

Nah, Sanchez. I'm a lifelong fan.

She makes me wanna burn my notebook.

Aah, no. See it's about reaching your level, not hers.

I thought it was about the definitive work.

Yeah, well, Mozart was the exception.

Like Bird.

You have all the answers, don't you?

Mm-mm. Just all the questions.

You're cocky. That's cute.

Aah, "Cute."

You know what, check it out, do you..

- You like reggae music? - Yeah.

Let's go up to the Wild Hare.

I wanna see the little Yankee girl dancing tonight.

You wanna drive all the way up to the North side tonight?

Tonight, man.

Me wanna feel a little bump and grind.

Well, what if it starts raining again?

Aw, now don't tell me that

you're afraid of getting a little wet tonight?

Thanks.

No thing.

I had a really good time.

My pleasure.

Mmh.

I'm-I'm sorry.

Look, uh, I should go.

Look, Darius, look, I.. I had a really good time.

I really did, it's just that, I dunno I can't go out like that

on the first date, I mean come on.

I understand. I mean, we just got a chance to know each other.

- We just gettin' to-- - Right.

Wait, look. I should go. Alright.

Yeah. 'Cause..

- It's getting late, so, uh.. - Mm-hm.

- Maybe I'll-I'll call you. - Okay.

- That's cool. - Alright.

- Thanks. - Goodnight.

Look, Nina..

I just want to come up and talk.

Is that alright?

Come on.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

I see you, uh..

...found your way to the kitchen.

Oh, yeah. Hope you don't mind.

Nah. It's cool.

I got some omelets happening.

This is for me?

Yeah, this is for you.

Thank you.

Look, uh..

I really dig you, Nina..

...and I hope we didn't move too fast, you know?

Nothing happened that I didn't want to happen.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

That's a great thing.

Oh, it's great, pretty good. Cool.

So, uh...guess we can, uh, hook up again, right?

Mm-hmm.

Oh, wait a minute, now.

Now, you ain't gonna..

...fake me out, are you?

- Mm-mm. - Good. Phew.

I tell you..

...I can't stand to sleep with a woman

and afterwards, she just dog you out.

You know how y'all do.

Don't return any phone calls..

Play me off in front of your-your friends

'like you don't know me, like nothing ever happened.'

Look, I'm gonna get myself an omelet. You want anything else?

Don't ask that question.

Ah, would you, uh... like anything else?

'What you gonna do? You gonna have him or what?'

'Girl, please. I-I.. No.'

I would hurt him too badly.

You fucked him, didn't you?

And you weren't even gonna tell me.

You ain't slick.

'You can't keep that kind of shit from me.'

I can't believe you fucked him on a first date.

How? Girl, how?

Slap happy.

Girl, I didn't, I didn't plan to.

It just sort of happened.

You just sort of slipped and fell on his dick.

Yeah.

Well, alright. Okay, okay, okay.

So, I wanna know all the details.

- How big, how long, everything. - Girl, look at you.

Well, unfortunately, I have to live vicariously

through your sex life, Miss Nina.

Alright. Okay.

I can't, I can't even describe it, 'cause..

It was like..

It was like his dick just ...talked to me.

Mmh.

What did it say?

Just..

"...Nina."

Mm.

Damn.

- Damn. - Girl..

Girl, I'm telling you.

But, look, don't even, don't even get all geeked up.

'Cause this is nothing serious. This is no love thing.

Me and Darius, we are just kicking it.

Troy? Troy.

Savon, I am so tired of your bullshit.

Troy, would you just wait a minute?

Stop. You know what, Savon?

'You always said you never wanted to be labeled'

'as trifling or tired.'

- Trifling? - Guess what?

- Trifling? Does this.. - You fit the bill.

Oh, Darius. Go get your tired-ass friend.

'No, no, you keep Darius out of it.'

How you doing, Troy?

Don't wait by the phone, negro.

If you'd try to stop being selfish and save some damn money

we wouldn't be going through this shit.

Savon, get it together.

What?

We were supposed to go play some pool, remember?

I know that.

Let me ask you something, Von.

Think you're with the woman you're supposed to be with?

That question implies a belief in destiny.

You know, like some cosmic love connection or somethin'.

I'm not convinced anymore.

C'mon, just answer the question.

So, you asking me if I married my soul mate?

Yeah.

Depends on which day you ask.

I can dig that.

It doesn't really matter anymore, man.

You're with ...who you're with.

You just gotta try to make it work.

Man..

Real deep, Von. Real deep, man.

Well, you know, people with profound insights on life

know not to get married.

And those who do ...ought to know that..

...marriage is what you make it.

Right, right.

Wait a minute. This is about that girl, Nina, isn't it?

What you doing, man? Can I get my shot?

No, no, no, no. This is about that girl Nina, right?

She jacked you up, didn't she?

Yeah. She jacked me up.

Ooh, man!

Dude, I mean ...it defies description.

She put the Vodum, the-the Santeria

the-the Yoruba, all of it. She put it on me, man.

The next morning, I got up and made breakfast.

You made breakfast?

I was in there cooking.

Wait a minute. You cooked what?

A cheese omelet.

A cheese..

- A cheese omelet? - Yeah.

D, look, you better put your name on that.

Boy, that's better than a Michael Jordan comeback, man.

Best thing since Michael Jordan's comeback.

- Shit. - I'm serious, man.

So what are we talkin' about, yeah?

What, you think she's your soul mate?

No. Hardly. Mm-hm.

I just said the sex was good, that's all.

Ah. You know, this ain't no love thing.

We're just kicking it.

Okay. Yeah, well, uh, one truism in life, my friend..

When that Jones come down..

...it be a motherfucker.

- I hope you cleaned up. - Why?

'Cause I'm not tying to find any bobby pins

and stockings and some old make-up.

Please, rarely do I divulge the location to the secret Batcave.

You're lucky I didn't knock your ass out with some spray.

Come on.

It definitely looks like a bachelor's pad.

Yeah.

So, what? You just don't believe in CDs?

'It's from my DJing days.'

Yeah, I still like that vinyl sound.

Okay.

Oh, wait. What, this is my fashion spread?

Hold on, hold on. Let me get my pose.

'Just be natural, silly.'

One more.

Alright, that's enough with the camera. Alright?

Take off your clothes.

- Excuse me? - Take off your clothes.

Take off my clothes?

Oh, man.

Hold on, hold on.

I've already seen what you got.

Alright.

You're crazy.

Mm.

Hmm. Yeah.

Now, uh, this wouldn't happen to...wind up..

in somebody's...magazine or book or something, would it?

Oh, no, baby. This is strictly for my private collection.

That's enough with the camera.

Why, you don't trust me?

I didn't say that.

I think that you're incredibly beautiful.

- Really? - Really.

Hey, baby.

Marvin.

If this is the part where you try to get me back..

...you can forget it.

Oh, come on, now. Hear me out.

Look, baby, I know I made some mistakes.

And I'm sorry. Alright?

I just..

Shit. You know, I'm no good with this shit.

I'm no good with words. You know that.

Bang.

What is that?

It's a train ticket to New York.

I want you to come stay with me. I want us to be together.

Marvin, you had all of that.

And you didn't know what to do with it.

Well, I want it again.

How are you gonna just do this to me?

How are you gonna just show up, come out of nowhere..

Don't you understand that what you want

doesn't matter anymore?

Oh, what's the deal? Are you working?

Are you seeing somebody?

I don't think that's any of your business.

Look, think about it, alright?

You owe me at least that.

I don't owe you anything.

Look, I gotta go. I'm meeting my mother for lunch.

Well, you tell her I said, "Hello".

I'll do that.

I need to know if I still love him or not.

'What are you shaking your head for?'

'Don't shake your head. This is serious.'

Okay. Are you gonna.. You're not gonna tell Darius, are you?

Well, I don't want to lie to him.

- Tell him. - You think so?

If he snaps, then you got him.

And there's no need to go. Is there?

'But if he tries to act all cool and shit'

well, then, hey, you're just gonna have to go

teach his ass a lesson.

Hello. Do your thing, girl.

Do it.

Did you want one?

'Uh, no, thanks.'

You know, I've had a really good time

these past couple of weeks, right?

Well, we aim to please.

'I'm serious.'

Me, too.

I'm going, um..

...away next week.

'To New York.'

Oh, yeah? For how long?

Oh. I don't know. Just, like, a couple weeks.

I don't, I don't know.

Well, what's going on?

'I have a couple contacts'

and I'm just gonna like poke around and see

if I can find a gig.

And I also have some..

...other unfinished business that I need to take care of.

Some dude.

We used to, um, be in a..

We used to be in a relationship

and I just haven't seen him in a while.

Hey, uh, that's cool.

'We were close once, you know?'

'Um..'

'Darius, the only reason I'm telling you this'

is because I really care about you and..

...I'm not trying to play you.

'Hey. I understand.'

And I appreciate your honesty.

But we just kicking it, right?

So it's cool. I mean, go to New York.

'Do whatever you have to do.'

I mean, you ain't got no ring on your finger.

So, you're not mad?

Hell, no, I'm not mad.

I mean, it's cool.

We just friends, right?

Yeah.

I mean, because if old boy was doing his job

in the first place, why am I doing it?

- I'm hip. - Why am I hittin' it?

Let me tell you the real deal, man.

The real deal is ... I don't think she can hang.

Von, I put it on her. Boom.

- Put it on her? - Now she gone.

- Gone. - I steal.

I don't get stole on.

I feel you, D.

These women, man, they're killing me slow.

So, wait a minute.

I thought you guys were just..

...you know, um..

...kicking it.

That's not the point, Savon.

So, what's the point, black man?

I'll tell you the point. Have you been listening?

I'mma-I'mma tell you the point. I'mma gonna feed you the point.

The point is.. I don't know the point, alright?

It wouldn't be so bad, man, if..

...if I didn't think she was the one.

What-what-what are you talking about, "the one"?

I think she's the one, Savon.

I got your ass. You know I had you going.

- You got me, alright. - Check you out.

Why would you give me that look, man?

- Oh, yeah, you got me. Mm-hmm. - No, man. Come on.

I ain't the only one in here you got.

Yo, you're slipping on your boy.

- I slipped. Mm-hmm. - I had you.

Did you really think I was gonna..

- The one? - The one.

Please, man.

I'm like a thief in the night.

You know what I mean? FBI still on my tail.

- But they can't get me. - I slipped. I'm sorry.

You done slipped on me, 'cause I-I..

- I slipped. - Hit that ass and I'm out.

- And I'm gone. What? - I know, nigga.

Let me see your wallet, brother.

'Cause it gotta be, "Bad motherfucker" on it.

- Bad motherfucker on it. - Bad motherfucker on it.

You slipped on me, but it's cool.

'Let me see your wallet.'

Hey, John. Let me get another one.

Coming right up.

'Hey, dude, what's up? It's Eddie.'

'Dude, you need to call Savon.'

'That brother's all strung out over Troy.'

'Look out.'

'Hey, Darius, uh, it's Nina'.

'I don't know when you're gonna get this message'

'but my train leaves tonight at30.'

'And, um, I don't know, maybe if you're around Union Station'

'you'll come down.'

'Listen, uh, I guess I'll just call you when I get back. Bye.'

Is there any way you could be a..

...a bit...slicker in your approach?

- What exactly do you mean? - Slicker.

It's the comparative of slick.

'Less raw, I mean.'

I think you'd have a better chance of being published

if your work were just a bit more polished.

You have a nice day.

Oh.

Oh.

- Hey. - Hey.

Where are my Toasted Oats?

Oh, I finished the box this morning.

Oh, you couldn't eat the damn Captain Crunch could you?

Oh, please.

Look, I'm sorry. I had a bad day today.

Well, I had a bad day, too.

So, you want to tell me about it?

No.

Baby..

I hate to see you, you know--

Wasting my time?

That's not what I meant. I mean, I can take care of us.

I mean, I just don't want you to worry about--

Getting a job, right?

Rejection. And stop finishing my sentences.

I don't even know why I'm here.

Wait. What'd you say?

I don't even know why I'm here.

After all these years together, you don't know why you're here?

All we have, Marvin, is all of these years.

And it's just not enough..

...anymore.

Oh. I'm going out for some motherfucking Toasted Oats.

You're tripping.

- 'I already know what I want.' - Mm.

Oh, no. Stop. Right now.

Stop looking at the girl, man.

See, Ed, I have these amazing powers over women.

I just can't explain it.

Sort of like a curse or something.

But lucky for you mere mortals

I use my powers for good and not for evil.

Know what I'm saying?

The world is truly a safer place.

Girl, I am tired. I'm so sorry. I gotta get out of here.

'I have this interview tomorrow.'

It's kind of dead tonight anyway.

There's no cuties in the house.

Not one cutie.

Is there ever a night when you don't have penis on the brain?

Don't even try it.

You know you came straight from the station

'cause you wanted ol' what's-his-name to be here.

Excuse me, but I happen to enjoy poetry.

'Don't look at me like that.'

What?

Save your money. Save it.

It's not happening there.

Ladies, ladies, ladies. Why y'all leavin'?

Oh, Wood, baby, I didn't even see you down there.

Wow. Where y'all goin'?

Well, you know, we goin' home. We're tired.

Well, uh, I'd like to, uh, offer you a ride.

I mean, my car's right there.

Oh. That's your car, right?

Uh, no, no. The-the hearse. The gray one.

'That's, that's my car.'

That's not, like, a-a wor.. A working hearse?

No, no, there ain't been no dead motherfuckers

in it since I bought it.

'Cause, girl, we might--

Um, I just remembered that, um, I-I-I parked my car

down the street.

So what we're gonna do is, um..

- Go. - Mm-hmm. Thank you.

Buh-bye.

- Girl, he has balls. - It's a Cadillac.

He's killing me.

Oh, my God.

He's so cute, though. He is really cute.

Okay. Then you should go out with him.

Please, girl. You know he is not my type.

But..

...I think maybe I should try to hook you two up.

- No. No. - Yes.

I'm not trying to get hooked up by anybody.

Marvin is officially black history.

Wood is very, very cool.

Wait a second. Josie. Don't even try it, because I know you.

Do not even try it.

You try to hook us up, and I'mma...knock you out.

Don't let me have to bring out my karate-girl

stuff, you know.

I'm just saying that..

Alright, go on.

Go home and call Darius.

It's what you really wanna do anyway.

Why are you tying to make it seem like I'm desperate?

I'll just call him tomorrow.

Mm-hmm.

What are you doing here?

- You the shooter, ain't you? - Yeah, but what--

Then shoot me, God damn it.

Immortalize my shit.

How's my light? Hold on.

Is this good for me right here, this light?

Is this alright? Hold on, babe.

Uh, I can't have you making me look bad, you know.

Although you would have to shoot like my moms

to make me look bad.

And she got cataracts.

Negro, what do you want done today?

Shit. I want everything.

I want postcards, wallet sizes, eight by tens.

I want the whole nine.

Oh, so you just gonna come up in here today

and spend all your money?

Yep. I will, if you let me buy you dinner.

Okay, the Billy Dee thing is a little played out.

'But I will give you ten cool points for nostalgia's sake.'

Nina, I'm serious.

Wood, what do you want from me?

- One dinner. - One dinner?

It ain't algebra, girl. Come on.

No way. Don't tell me that, please.

Why?

Bloomers are for like, you know

big girls, you know.

What do you mean they're for big girls?

I like bloomers. They're comfortable.

Girls that just have ass everywhere.

And you got a cute little shape, you know.

And I think you should--

You'd look great in, like, a thong.

Not that I was thinking about that. I'm just sayin'.

I'll-I'll have to keep that in mind.

Yeah, I'm serious.

You know, that lady over there?

She wearing bloomers. Look how big her ass is.

Leave that woman alone.

Seriously. She just knocked my bowl of shrimp on the ground.

I'm serious. Look.

So what kind of underwear do you have on?

I don't wear drawers.

You don't have any on right now?

No, I just let it hang.

Oh, fuck.

- Yeah? - 'Hey, what's up, cat daddy?'

- 'How's the book coming?' - Masterpiece of minimalism.

What's going on?

'There ain't nothing.'

'You know your girl's back in town, right?'

Yeah, I heard.

And for the last time, man, she's not my girl. Okay?

'Oh. Alright. Well, now, that's good to hear my brother.'

'Because there's something I bet you didn't know.'

Look, you coming through to my party?

No. No, I can't mess with y'all parties.

I mean, y'all don't serve no food.

- Oh, ain't you something? - Carrots.

I need some food that had parents, man.

- You know what I mean? - Uh-huh.

I need some cow up in there.

You know what I'm saying. Some ribs. Something.

- Fried chicken? - Fried chicken.

I'll come, Sheila.

Um, you know, I heard about Wood and Nina.

Oh. Oh, yeah.

Figured you had.

Just be cool, okay?

Always, girl.

I ain't trippin' now.

What's up, D?

What's up, Wood?

So what you been up to, man?

You know, just puttin' in work, man.

- Really? - Really.

See, I got this new gig.

Keeps me up, working all through the night.

- The late shift? - Yeah.

Mm-hmm, yeah.

I know all about that kind of job.

Used to work the hell out of it.

You sure you can hang with it?

I hate when this happens, you know?

I think so.

Mom's keep on paging you, huh?

- Not this time, D. - Hmm..

But we all know that, uh, you ain't too good

at staying employed, though.

This might be different.

You know, and uh, as I heard it

you ain't too good at stayin' employed either, partner.

Well, you see, the difference is

I usually quit my job.

You?

You usually wind up fired.

But it's okay.

You can't help it.

Yo, Sheila, I'mma talk to you later. Eat it.

- Take it easy, Darius. - Whatever.

He a trip, ain't he?

I can't believe that boy.

Aren't you a little old to be fighting

over some babe?

You ain't never too old.

Besides, I can't help it if I'm the chosen one.

Oh, okay, I get it.

So it's your turn to hit the skins, right?

Damn, Sheila. Why does it have to be about sex all the time?

You know, I really like this girl.

Okay, we went out, we kicked it, dinner.

Everything's smooth.

It's so convenient for women to think

that all we want to do is bone.

But sometimes, a man just wanna be held. You know?

Cuddled a little bit.

Hold my back, I'll rub yours, you know?

A little massage or something. What's wrong with that?

Ain't you progressive enough to understand?

Oh, nigga, I got your progressive.

You a trip. You know you need a massage.

Hey, baby.

Mwah.

I want you to meet a friend of mine, Tracey Powell.

Tracey Powell, this is a very, very good friend of mine.

Sheila Downes.

- How you doin'? - Hi.

Come on in. Make yourself comfortable.

Food's in the dining room, beer's in the fridge.

Thank you.

There's a lot of special things going on

when you ride around in this.

Like, for instance, you know, on a Sunday

I always go through all the lights.

Don't nobody stop me.

There's some benefits to this car. I'm telling you.

Like, for instance, when I want to go to church

I always get up front. Every time.

Yeah, because they probably think

you're going to a damn funeral.

That's what I'm saying. But I ain't.

I'm just rollin'.

- Your friend, man. Yeah. - Tracy?

Oh, she teaches the class next to mine. English.

- Yeah. Mm-hmm. - English.

What? What? I work with her.

"I work with her." Okay.

Darius, she isn't my girlfriend or anything.

- I-I work with her. - Mm.

- Alright. - What?

Come on, man, you know what.

I mean, you're married.

What are you, the fuckin' moral majority now?

- No, no. I'm just saying. - What's this about?

I mean, Troy's a good woman.

Wait, wait, if my memory serves me correctly

you were the one who told me not to get married.

In fact, all of y'all told me not to get married.

- Who? l said that? - Yeah, you. Quit saying "who".

- You. - Damn. I did say that.

But I also said the Commodores would get back together.

I mean, who knew, man?

Look, man. Let me tell you something.

People grow apart, alright?

People change.

But see? You wouldn't know anything about that.

- What you talking about? - No.

- You wouldn't know anything.. - Yes, I would.

No, you wouldn't, Darius.

Because the last relationship you been in

that lasted longer than six months, my brother

was, was, um..

Was...never.

Are you kidding? Felicia. Felicia. Yes. Felicia.

Alright, Felicia.

So, I maintain.

When you get your wife, you advise me on mine.

Y'all run around here jumpin', hoppin', skippin'

divin', fallin' in love and shit.

Fallin' in love ain't shit.

Somebody talk to me, please, about how to stay there.

Do I love my wife? Hell, yes.

Is she here? Hell, no.

- Alright, man. - Alright?

As far as I'm concerned, all of y'all can step.

Hey, man.

I think you need a hug, Savon.

So, where are you taking me?

To a little set, you know.

Whose set?

Some friends.

It'll be cool. Trust me.

Alright, go, girl. Go, girl.

Yo, yo. Wait, wait, wait.

What about, what about the slop?

Y'all know how to do the slop?

The slop?

What's this, a choir? Yes, the slop.

- Come on, do it. - l don't know how to do it..

'Cause you made that shit up.

I'm about to go find somebody who can do the slop.

Yeah, on TV, right?

I'll tell you how to get on this horse.

What's up, black people?

Where's your bathroom?

Up the stairs and to the left.

Thanks.

So, what's up, Ed?

- You are so foul. - Look.

You know it's fucked up what you're doin', right?

You know that's fucked up.

- Whatever, man. - Whatever?

Don't.

Ha-ha, I told you I know... how to do the slop.

What's up, D?

Hey, what's up, man?

You should see how the slop was done.

- Mama showed you? - Yeah.

'A true professional.'

'Go ahead and break it down, then.'

No. I don't want to put too much hip into it.

I need to talk to you outside.

- Right now? - Right now.

Uh, I'll be right back.

'Take your time.'

- Nina. Nina. - Take me home now.

Nina, what's wrong?

You embarrassed the shit out of me.

And I don't appreciate it.

Now, if you and Darius wanna see

whose dick is bigger, you can do it without me, alright?

- Look, I'm sorry-- - Don't say shit to me.

Just get in the car and take me home.

Like you didn't think for one second

he was gonna be at this party.

Are you gonna take me home or not?

Hell, no.

Unbelievable.

Walk!

Nah, nah, l don't..

Hey, yo. Where Nina at?

I don't know, man.

You just left the woman outside, Wood?

What? You got somethin' to say, Sheila?

Why don't you just say it?

I ain't got nothing to say to you.

Nina, slow up.

I don't want to talk right now, Darius.

Hey, if you slow up, I'll call you a cab.

- Just leave me alone. - Man, slow up.

- What? - Now first of all, calm down.

Now, you and l both know you don't

wanna be out here this late by yourself..

Stompin' up and down the street like

somebody done stole your fucking bike.

Now, all l wanna do is try to make sure you get home safely.

That's it. Trust me.

Now we gonna walk up to this pay phone up here..

...I'll call you a cab

I'll wait, you get in, boom!

You can be on your merry way.

Look. What the hell you doing running around with my boy?

I mean first, you tear your ass off to New York.

Then you come back and don't even call me?

All you had to do was tell me that you were seeing somebody.

What are you talking about? I ain't seeing nobody.

I saw you at the bookstore with a girl.

I'm always at the bookstore. What are you talking about?

You know what I'm talking about.

Oh, shit. Lisa. Damn.

Damn.

- 'Hello?' - Hello?

- Nina? - 'Yeah.'

- Damn. Hey. - Hey.

I just want to call and apologize for the other night.

I honestly didn't know you were gonna be there.

Look, uh, no apologies necessary. Okay?

- Darius. - Yeah?

l, uh, I have two tickets

to the V.O.N. Steppers set tomorrow night, and, uh..

I was just wondering if you could step.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I didn't know you were that good.

Yeah, I'm-I'm-I'm a groove man.

You know, I do my little thing.

You didn't know l had it, did yo?

Now, that's what l call a real date.

A real date? What are you talking about, a real date?

You saying we never been on a real date before?

Baby, bumpin' and grindin'

at the Wild Hare hardly qualifies.

Oh, well, uh, you seemed to like all that bumpin' and grinding.

You know, l wanted to call you when l got back from New York.

But when I saw you with that woman

I just didn't know, I didn't know what to think.

I know. Look, that was absolutely nothing.

Trust me. It was-it was nothing.

Sometimes I just wonder if I'm going too far with you.

Well, there's no such place.

This is a destiny type thing, babe.

What am I gonna do with you?

I got a few ideas, but, uh..

Tell me what you got in mind, huh?

Fountain. What's up? What you got?

What you wanna do?

- This is a joke, right? - No, it's-it's not a joke.

W-What's with the pillow and the, and the blanket?

- What's-what's all that? - I know, I know.

It's a little bit awkward but I was thinking that, um..

Well, I don't know, we had such..

We had a perfect date, and I just..

I just wanted to feel like I was

saving something for later.

Saving something for later?

Baby, you ain't gotta save mine for later.

I'd rather have it right now, anyway.

Nina, we've already done it before.

I mean, we done it already, you know, repeatedly.

So what's, what's with the couch?

Don't be like that.

Come on, d-don't do this to me.

I mean, it's gonna be cold out here.

You'll be fine.

Alright, cool.

You're right, I'll be fine.

Okay.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Do you...think you could just

help me with this zipper, 'cause sometimes it gets stuck..

Yeah, yeah. See, now you're playin'.

See, all we gotta do is just go upstairs

and, you know, I could take off all your clothes.

Thank you.

You know you ain't got to do this, right?

I don't know why you playin' like that.

Goodnight.

Yeah, goodnight.

'It's gonna be mighty cold down here.'

'Mind turnin' up the heat?'

She's wrong, man.

Shit.

Shit.

Brand new..

Can you feel the heat?

No, not yet.

Ooh, shit, I can.

Hey, Nina.

Yeah?

Uh..

...you mind if I play something for you?

N-no, not at all.

Yes, I know this is a black neighborhood.

Well, send somebody down who can handle themselves, man.

You know, you guys are terrible.

All I want is my mail.

L-look, don't-don't put me on hold.

Don't..

What's wrong with you?

No, no, no. No.. Argh.

They had me on hold.

What's wrong?

Hello. How you doing?

Fine.

Yeah?

Lisa?

You know what time it is?

Want a beer?

Do you think I slept with Wood?

Well, I learned a long time ago not to ask a question

I didn't wanna know the answer to.

- Why don't you wanna know? - 'Cause I don't.

- Why? - You're wrecking my flow, okay?

Excuse the fuck out of me.

What I did, wrecking your fuckin' flow.

Take off your clothes.

Quit playin'.

Who's playin'?

Oh, what's the matter?

I've already seen what you got.

Will you stop? What are you doing?

You don't trust me?

No, I don't.

- You don't? - 'No.'

This is about Lisa, isn't it?

'I can't believe you, Nina.'

'You still on that Lisa shit? That amazes me.'

Look..

We've talked about this a thousand times

and I explained to you.

She and I are over.

That is history, the past, okay?

'We're together. So tell me, what is your fucking problem?'

- How am I to know that? - Know what?

That you're not still seeing her.

'Cause I just told you

for the last time.

Well, that's not enough, Darius.

Because you have not given me any reason

to trust anything that you say.

What are you talking about?

I'm talking about the blackboard with her number on it.

I'm talking about the phone calls at five a.m.

I'm talking about trying to read your mind every fucking day.

You don't know shit about trust, okay?

You don't.

You the one who went to New York

and fucked old boy.

Came back here and hung out with my boys

partying and shit.

What is that? You wanna talk about trust?

You acted like you didn't even care that I went to New York.

This shit is for the birds, man.

Really. It is.

I don't even know what the fuck you talking..

What.. Look, you know what?

You can do both of us a real big favor.

'Just come over to my crib and get your shit.'

Why would you wanna be with somebody you don't trust?

Ain't gotta deal with this shit.

I guess that's everything.

Shut my door on the way when you leave.

'You getting the work done on that novel, man?'

'I'm not in the mood to write anything right now.'

Let me ask you a question.

If you were stranded on a deserted island

and...could only take one of your ex-girls..

...who would it be?

Shit, I don't know.

That's the thing, man, with the exception

of Felicia, man

I can't stand to be around any of them

more than a few hours at a time.

Whoo, now that's a name I ain't heard in a while.

Yup.

I messed that up, man.

Tryin' to be a motherfucking playa.

I used to love that girl, man.

You only get one. Two, tops.

One what?

True love.

True love, my ass, man.

Love is what you make

and with whom you make it.

That's it.

Yeah, well..

Think I messed up twice.

You'd think by now I'd have a little more insight, but..

I don't know, man, I don't know what to think.

That, my friend, is your problem right there.

Physics, this shit ain't.

It ain't supposed to make sense.

Love, passion..

...it is what it is.

Fuck!

Savon, you and your wife both love to cheat.

- That's my joker. - Can I get my book?

- Can I? Hah! See? - No.

- Y'all are both cheaters, man. - Thank you, thank you.

- Speak to me. - 'Darius, it's Josie.'

Oh, hey, what's happening?

'Look, um, Nina told me not to tell anyone this, but..'

- 'Fuck it.' - What is it?

'I thought you should know.'

'She did a shoot for "Vibe" magazine'

'and it worked out really well.'

- Well, good for her. - 'And since you--'

'Look, why are you calling me anyway?'

'Look, she's on the noon train tomorrow.'

'I thought maybe you should see her off.'

- Well, maybe not. - 'Well..'

'You do what you wanna do.'

'I just thought I should tell you.'

Yeah, well, thanks for your concern.

- Stop. - 'You can't play.'

Hey, Darius, who was that?

All aboard!

Are you alright?

Nina!

Vey nice.

'Give me that smile.'

There it is.

Nina, here's your, uh, tickets

and itinerary for the Chicago shoot.

Great. Thank you.

Don't worry about it.

There you go.

Ah, cool.

- There you go. - Thanks.

You're real welcome, sir.

So, let's see this, this masterpiece.

- Stand back. - Mm-hmm.

You might hurt yourself, bro.

Oh.

'That's it, right there.'

'And you know the book signing party's gonna be real nice.'

Whoa, sucky, sucky, sucky now.

Man, this is..

That's a jacked-up picture, though.

Ah, come on, why you gotta talk about the picture, man?

That's a jacked-up picture.

Yeah, say something about my picture.

Congratulations.

- Hm? - Thanks.

You know, it's a dream come true.

Mm-hmm.

An old one, man, an old one.

That's a nice dedication.

Yeah.

So how come.. How come you never called her?

I don't know.

I wrote a bunch of letters, but..

...I thought it made me look like a fool.

I never mailed any of them off.

Damn, well, I..

I would've paid some mad money

to see your ass running through Union Station.

Yeah.

I hear you, man.

Had you not been sucking on them cancer sticks..

...you'd have caught her.

I'm cool, man.

Excuse me, can, can I see that?

Sure.

Thanks.

Hey.

Next up, our next poet is..

Our next poet is a virgin to the mic..

..but I'm sure you'll feel her just the same.

Sanctuary, welcome..

...Miss Nina Mosley.

This is, um..

...something that I've been working on for a while

and I was hoping that a certain someone would be here tonight..

But I don't..

...see him, so..

I guess I'm gonna get it out anyway.

It's funny what you can do in front of a room full of people

that you can't even seem to do in front of one person.

"It is the color of light.

"The shape of sound high in the evergreens.

"It lies suspended in hills.

"A blue line in a red sky.

"I am looking at sound.

"I'm hearing the brightness

"of high bluffs and almond trees.

"I am tasting the wilderness of lakes..

"...rivers, and streams..

"...caught in an angle of song.

"I am remembering the water

"that glows in the dawn."

"The motion tumbled in Earth.

'"Life hidden in mounds.'

"I am dancing..

"...a bright beam of light.

"I am..

"...remembering..

...love."

Now look, Reg, I'mma talk to you, man.

Alright, cool.

Thanks.

Nina Mosley.

'Give it up.'

Nina!

Long time no see.

Yeah.

I, uh, enjoyed your poem up there.

Look, I know there have..

...been a lot of mistakes.

And we both made 'em.

I apologize for my part in that.

And all that, that nonsense in the past?

I don't give a shit about that anymore.

I never stopped thinking about you.

I want us to be together again..

...for, for as long as we can be.

As usual, your timing couldn't be worse.

You always want what you want when you want it.

Why is everything so urgent with you?

Let me tell you something.

This here..

...right now..

...at this vey moment

is all that matters to me.

I love you.

That's urgent like a motherfucker.

Yeah.

- How do we do this? - I don't know.

- I live in New York. - I don't care.

Alright, so..

...what's the first step?

We can start by getting out of this rain.

Ooh, yes.