Original subtitles

[smooth jazz music]

[thunder crackling]

[keypad beeping]

[phone line ringing]

- [Leslie] Hello?

Hello?

- [Chris] There was lightning, baby.

- [Leslie] What time is it?

- [Chris] It's late.

Up early.

- [Leslie] Are you okay?

Chris?

- [Chris] I drank tonight.

- [Leslie] Why?

What's the matter?

- Nothin'.

'Cause I wanted to, you know?

I mean.

- It's all right. - No.

I'm not all right, Leslie.

I'm not all right.

I'm glad I drank though

'cause I wanted to, you know?

I mean I stopped drinkin' 'cause you wanted me to.

Stopped goin' out 'cause you wanted me to.

You fucked Kenny.

You fucked Kenny, right?

- [Leslie] You don't wanna do this, Chris.

- Huh? - You should call me back.

Call me back when you're sober.

I don't like it when you drink.

- Yeah, but you didn't fuck other people when I got drunk.

You fuck other people, Leslie?

Or did you?

Huh?

Leslie, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

- I'm still- - I gotta go, Chris.

[dial tone buzzing]

- That was stupid.

So stupid.

[Chris sighing]

[funky rhythmic music]

d We're gettin' it straight '98, y'all d

[Lenny vocalizing]

d Ooh love

d Yeah

d Tired of all the talk

d They're talkin' all over this town d

d Tired of all the negativity that's goin' 'round d

d We focus all our energy on things that bring us down d

- Kenny Baker?

Kenny Baker.

d All together

d Make a joyful sound [phone ringing]

d Do just what you wanna do

- [Chris] Hi, it's Chris. Leave me a message.

- [Kurt] Chris, it's Kurt.

It's noon. I'm here holding auditions

for a play that you wrote.

Where are you?

d Live

d Yeah

d Live

d Now yeah, yeah, yeah

d Everybody

d Live

d Sing in front

d Everybody

d Live

d You better do it like you can now d

d Yeah, yeah

d Live

d You better live

d Yeah yeah yeah

d You better live

d Live

- You're gonna love this place.

d You better live

d You better live

- [Guest] Thanks. Thanks very much.

- Hi, welcome to JT McClure's.

Will it be two for dinner?

- [Guest] Yes.

- Follow me.

d Starts to wither and I feel like such a fool d

- Oh. [chuckles]

- If I can.

d Thank you

So much.

Hello folks.

How's everything?

- So special. - Excellent.

- Terrific.

Now can I interest you in some terribly delicious desserts?

- Well tonight's our anniversary.

[waitress gasping] 42 years.

- Really?

Congratulations.

Then I am gonna let you in on a little secret.

Tonight is my last night.

I am getting married.

- Congratulations to you.

- Thank you very, very much.

What do you think you're doin'?

- Here comes Kenny.

Here comes Kenny.

- You gave up smoking.

I think you deserve this.

- Ooh. - Wow.

- Kenny, that's gonna go straight to our inner thighs.

- Dessert and sex just happen to be two things

that I cannot live without.

How 'bout yourself, Kenny?

- Well actually myself.

It's a very rare night that I don't have dessert.

- Ooh!

- Woo! [chuckles]

- [Jeanine] Isn't this what you ordered?

- No, I wanted the blackened swordfish.

I mean what is this?

- It's okay. - No, it's not.

This is what?

This is rare? This is medium?

Just take it back.

- 'Kay, sir.

So you want it well done?

- I wanted the blackened swordfish.

Just get me the menu again.

- Okay.

No, okay.

What? - Did you dump this here?

- Um, no.

Kenny. I know it's Kenny.

- Did you remember to put the wine list down on 45

before you took the order?

All right. Well we need more napkins, decaf.

Coffee mugs go here because bus boy Todd is a memory.

We're out of the blackened swordfish.

- I know. - 'Kay.

And the prime rib special

does come with a bottle of Beaujolais.

And I took 45 their entrees for you

because I'm such a sweetheart.

- Thanks.

- Go, go, go, go.

- Right.

[rhythmic rock music]

- Behind you. Behind you.

- Thanks, Nancy.

d If were brave, I'd dial star 69 d

d Bust whoever's calling

d Goin' outta my mind

d Maybe I'd find

- May I?

- Excuse me, Jeanine.

Chris? - John.

- What do you need? - Quarters, singles.

Stoli Orange which I know we have,

but Eric didn't pull a rack on.

- Eric is no longer with us.

- Why? - It's a long story.

What else?

- Lower the pressure in the light keg.

- Oh, that guy.

That director keeps calling here.

I am not your secretary.

- I know. I know.

What do you need?

- Stoli on the rocks and a Guinness.

- [Chris] Welcome to purgatory.

You a singer, actress?

- Excuse me?

- You're a struggling artist, right?

- Oh. Oh singer.

- You good or great?

- Great.

- Good answer.

That's the right answer.

- What about you?

- I'm a writer.

- Good or great?

- Beyond great.

- Beyond great.

- I am beyond.

- Oh my god, I do believe I'm having a deja vu.

- Really, Ethan?

Is this a part of it?

- That's cute, Chris.

- Thanks. - You're welcome.

d But I want

- Chris, look. You got a second?

I need to talk to you.

d But I want

- Grilled chicken breast,

cheddar burger medium, grilled pork chop.

Who wrote this shit?

[chefs chattering]

- Where the hell is Donna with the nice ass?

- Give her a break, Reggae.

She's swamped.

Hey Sanchez, Sanchez.

Cerveza, cerveza.

- I got somethin' for her.

I needed that hot plate count two years ago.

- Hot plate count is 85/42.

I'm sorry. - Thank you, sweetheart.

No, it's all right, baby. Here you go.

- John was also ready for coffee.

- Oh, Jeanine.

We're doin' a little survey.

This is a nightly thing we do here.

We're asking all the employees

what is the strangest place they've ever had sex?

- Is that my chicken?

- Keep it clean, Reggae.

- Hey, my bad. My bad.

Intercourse.

- All right, where was it for you, Reggae?

- In the bed.

- Baked potato. - Anybody with a free hand

take out glasses.

- Oh, I gotta tell her in the butt.

But you know me, I gotta be a company man.

- 5:46.

- Oh, Lenore.

Quick, strangest place you've ever had sex.

- Wow, Reggae. That would be in your dreams.

[chefs laughing]

- You're both fired.

d What has told you the lie

d As the woman is all

d Live a life of desire

d Or the moment with all

d When you're livin' around

- [Lenore] I was the biggest loser.

[guests chuckling]

- How are you? - Good.

'Sup?

- What's up?

[guests laughing]

- [Quincy] Pass 'em down here.

You're hoggin' 'em.

Take your time.

- So how'd that audition go today?

- Wouldn't know.

I slept through it.

[Reggae chuckling]

- I can't believe he's drinking again.

- I can't believe I'm gonna have to deal with this shit

at my wedding.

- And Leslie's bringing her boyfriend to your wedding.

- Oh, of course she is.

Oh, I do not need this shit at my wedding.

- Hey.

- Billy fuckin'.

- 'Cause that who likes you now.

- Oh yeah. Nancy, please.

Stop buying me the placebo shit, all right?

Okay? I'm off the wagon.

Accept it.

- Fine. - 'Kay, good.

'Cause I don't need you playing cop with me, all right?

I mean I ain't the one gettin' sauced on the job.

You should drink that shit.

- I said fine.

- Hey guys, is Kevin comin' by tonight?

- Kevin who?

- [Guest] Aww, that was terrible.

- Yo, that's fucked up.

- She's fuckin' all on my fate.

- Care to partake?

- Nope, don't like drugs.

- See, me neither.

- Come in the livin' room.

Be sociable.

- The sequel.

It's "Chocolate Fantasy 2: Electric Boogaloo".

d Bow chica wah wah

d Chica chica wah wah

d Aw yeah - Buffalo wings.

No, they are not from buffaloes.

- Yes, they are. - They're not from buffaloes.

- They are. - They're not wings.

They're not from buffaloes.

There's nothing but buffalo wings.

- [Ethan] I'm not gonna ask you again.

- Okay, buffalo wings.

I don't get it.

- They were invented by- - Hey Chris.

I hear Eric got fired.

- No, he just didn't even show up.

You know, John called his house.

His roommate said he moved out.

- Cokehead.

- Really?

- Well you know, I bartended for two years down at school.

- Oh, what school?

- Howard. DC.

- My ex-girlfriend went to Howard.

Then she transferred to Seton Hall.

- Oh yeah?

I go to law school at Seton Hall man.

Your ex-girlfriend went to Howard.

She Black?

- Last time I looked.

- No, be careful.

He might fuck your ass up again.

Remember that time when we beat?

That was funny shit.

- Cut his hair.

Lookin' like Shaggy. - God.

Here you go.

- Thank you.

Blow down this motherfucker. [laughs]

Here, take this shit.

- You don't need be smokin' anyway.

- [Marcus] Shut up.

- What?

[guests chattering]

- I got the lead.

I mean you know, I've been tryin' to tell him all night.

- No, wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

You got the lead in his play?

- Yeah.

- Is that what you're talkin' about?

'Cause he's in there drinkin'.

[chuckles] We're talkin' about the play.

- Yeah, I went in.

He wasn't there.

I got the part.

- [laughs] No.

d All rise

- Excuse me. I'm sorry.

- What's up?

- Kenny has somethin' to say to you.

- [Chris] Help Kenny.

May I call?

And the drinks he needs is all he gotta say to me.

- No, no, no.

It's about your play.

- What?

[rhythmic hip-hop music]

- Break a leg.

- What's going on?

- So listen,

got the lead in your play.

d Only for the fame for

- What'd you say?

What'd you fuckin' say to me, you piece of shit?

Stupid. - Chris.

- You cannot.

You cannot, you fuckin' shit.

Where you fuckin' fucked her, huh?

Kurt, you wanna fuck me now?

- You still wanna say? - Fuckin' bitch, get off me.

Get off me. Get off me.

I'll be good.

[rhythmic hip-hop music]

- Chris.

You lost this.

- [Chris] Thanks.

Just to let you know,

I haven't been in a fight since I lived in Newark.

- Why do you want me to know that?

- Oh.

I don't know.

- Look, lemme help you.

- Thanks. - Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I remember when I was 13,

my father and his brothers was doin' this concert in Newark.

I can't remember what park it was.

I just remember that there were like

all these cherry blossoms.

- Branch Brook Park?

- Yeah. Yeah, you know it?

- I grew up in Branch Brook Park.

- Englewood Cliffs.

- Ooh, money.

- [chuckles] Yeah, well not so much us

but a lotta my friends.

But anyway, I remember goin' to school the next day

and tryin' to tell my friends how beautiful Newark was.

- And they wouldn't believe you?

- Yeah, it was really upsetting.

- Yeah.

[soft solemn music]

Said your father and his brothers?

- Oh yeah, the Beggins Brothers.

My father was Frank Beggins, the lead singer.

- Oh wow, I know who he is.

- Nah. [chuckles]

- "Ain't Nothin' But a Love Thing".

Wow, he's great.

He's a great singer. Wow.

[sighs] I heard he passed away.

- Tobacco industry killed him.

- I lost my mom five years ago.

- And your dad?

- He had a heart attack when I was 14.

[soft solemn music]

- It's a beautiful view, isn't it?

- Yeah, it's like a beautiful woman I'm afraid to approach.

- What you guys doin' there?

- Sounds like your date's here.

- Please. - That's all right.

I'll see you later.

- [Chris] Okay.

- Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm.

Yo, are you gonna tap that?

- Shh.

I'll tap you.

- You know, your old man'll roll over in his grave

if he saw that shit.

- Yeah, if he rolled over in his grave

every time I did somethin' he disapproved of,

he'd be a fuckin' rotisserie.

- Oh shit!

Forgot to turn off the grill.

Fuck!

- Thanks.

Collar.

What's up?

- Listen, John. I heard Eric got fired.

- No, he just disappeared off the face of the earth.

- Well I was wondering if maybe you'd consider me

for the bartending job.

- Oh, you applied as a bartender, didn't you?

- Yeah, but you needed waiters.

Now I bartended for two years at a college pub.

I can handle this crowd no problem.

- Well the thing is I'm waitin' to hear back

from this girl Karen who used to work days.

So I'm gonna have to get back to you on it.

- Well can I at least get a drink list to study?

- Yeah, sure.

Remind me before you leave tonight.

- Aight, I'll do that.

[birds chirping]

[waiters chattering]

- [Nancy] Here he comes.

- [Jeanine] Your rays are bright?

- Yeah, I woke up at five to 5:00.

- That guy Kurt has been here over an hour.

- I know. I know.

You gimme a couple minutes?

- Ask her.

She's waitin' to see the apartment.

- [Kurt] Thank you.

- Your apartment?

- Oh, go ahead. I'm in no rush.

[Nancy laughing]

Oh my goodness.

That's just a shame.

- Thank god.

Here.

- Kind women workin' here.

- We have a little system.

[Chris sighing]

- Oh yeah.

Oh, oh yeah. - Sorry.

- Oh yeah, baby. Yeah.

- Ooh, green and red.

- Mmm, Christmas colors.

Jeez. - That's what you get

for stayin' up all night lookin' at yourself in the mirror.

[birds chirping] [car horn honking]

- You look sick.

Have a seat.

- Listen, first off. - No, no, no.

Chris, you don't not show up to the audition.

Then come in here and first off me, you got that?

Playwright courtesy is now something you need to earn.

I'm raisin' the money for the showcase.

I'm bringin' in the off Broadway producers.

Either we get that straight

or I walk out on you and your play

and you could stay here and pour drinks

for the rest of your life for all I care.

Look, all I know is you and Kenny have a problem.

Work it out.

It's that simple.

- How did he get the part?

- How? I'll tell ya how.

He came in. He was outstanding.

That's how. Here, I wanna show you somethin'.

Remember this one act you gave me?

I just reread it today.

You know what this has that "There was Lightning" doesn't?

A resolution.

- Yeah, so why do it?

- Exactly.

Work on it please.

[smooth rhythmic music] [water trickling]

d Turn on your favorite show

d Wake by the fire

- Did he talk?

- Fuck you.

d Sweet little in the grass

[urinal flushing]

d What is in a new disguise

d That you're happy I'm

- Look, Chris.

- Lemme ask you somethin'.

Why aren't you like on a soap opera by now?

Huh? Why?

'Cause you're a serious actor, is that it?

So deep down, we both know

you're a seriously limited actor.

d Oh my darlin', don't you see your secret d

[birds chirping]

- [Jeanine] You really shouldn't leave somethin' so valuable

lyin' around.

- Well you liked it?

- I loved it.

I mean you're a talented boy, Chris Calloway.

You said you were great, beyond great and you are.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

d Get it right

d Everybody's workin' for the weekend d

[crowd shouting]

d Everybody wants a new romance d

- Say hi to my new roommate.

- Oh yeah.

- You gonna sing, new roommate?

- What? Under these circumstances?

Pssh.

- What's the matter, you're too good to lose at karaoke?

- Yes.

- Let's go check the schedule.

- Oh okay.

[rhythmic rock music] [crowd shouting]

[crowd cheering]

- What is this?

The kitchen staff is gonna sing?

- [Steven] If we get drunk enough.

d Baby

- All right, we got a very special for you tonight.

We got an actual singer in the house.

She's very amazing.

She's like all that and a bag of chips.

She's so luscious.

She don't need no dip.

I learned that from the kitchen staff.

Oh, you like that?

So Jeanine Baggins is her name.

[crowd cheering]

[smooth rhythmic music]

- Hey, got your daughter.

d Yeah

d Ooh

d Yeah

[Quincy laughing]

d Yeah

d Ooh

d Yeah yeah

[crowd clapping]

d Mmm

d I saw swirls of clouds painted by the settin' sun d

d The first of warm breeze on my wintered skin d

d The dark of the night after a long hard day d

d Nothing compares to you

d Nothin' compares

d Ain't nothin' but a love thing d

d 'Tween us baby

d Ain't nothin' but a love feelin' d

d Drivin' me crazy

d Ain't nothin' but a love

d 'Tween us baby

d And lovin' you is all I wanna do d

d A walk in Paris on a moonlit night d

d Sound of the waves and candlelight d

d I've been in love, but it was never right d

d 'Cause nothing compares to you d

d Nothing compares

d Ain't nothin' but a love thing d

d 'Tween us baby

d Ain't nothin' but a love feelin' d

d Drivin' me crazy

d Love feelin' 'tween us baby

d And lovin' you is all I wanna do d

d Whoa ain't nothin' but a love thing d

d 'Tween us baby

[soft romantic music]

[Jeanine chuckling] [birds chirping]

- [Chris] Nah.

You're not.

- [Jeanine] Mm-hmm.

- No, you won't. - Yup.

- Mm-mmm. - Yup.

What are you doin'?

- Nothin'.

You look like a little girl, you know?

You must've been so cute.

- Oh yeah? - Mm-hmm.

- You're cute.

- Mm-mmm.

- Mm-hmm.

- You think? - Mm-hmm.

The other night when you asked me if I was a singer,

I knew we'd be here.

Did you?

- No.

Not really.

I mean after the party outside of Nancy's, I thought

yeah, maybe.

- Yeah, I'm glad I'm here.

Your eyes are so green and so beautiful.

They're a little sad though.

- They look sad to you?

- Yeah.

- Where you goin'?

- Goin' to sleep.

- No, you can't. - I'm going to sleep.

Yes.

[chuckles] No?

- No. - No?

- Not yet.

- Oh no. [chuckles]

- Hey Quincy, are they still servin' string beans

with the special tonight?

- We 86ed 'em.

Asparagus.

- Hey white boy, what you want on your hamburger, man?

- Nigga, I look white to you?

- No, I'm sorry.

You just sound it. I'm sorry.

[Quincy chuckling]

- Fuck you.

You know, I can't wait 'til I'm bartendin'

so I don't have look at your sorry ass.

- Oh, you gon' bartend?

- Who's a bartender?

- Steven say he's bartendin'.

- I didn't say I was bartendin'.

- Yes, you did. Yes, you did.

Yes, you did. - Yes, you did.

- You nigga.

- John's gonna gimme a drink list to study.

- [Quincy] Man, that's all he gon' give you.

- Better look at your hair.

Ain't lettin' no black bartender be in this place.

- No homosexuals either.

He ain't let Ethan do it when he wanted to.

- Well that give him two reasons

not to let Steven's soft ass bartend.

[both laughing]

- That's fucked up.

- If you niggas could read a drink list

or read anything else for that matter,

you wouldn't be stuck behind that line

for 7.50 an hour.

- 7.50? [bell dinging]

- I guess that makes me a nigga too, right?

- Nobody's talkin' to you.

You're a manager. - Yeah.

You a nigga's manager.

You'll lucky to make 8.50.

Good boy.

- But that's 'cause I's can read.

I's what you call an educated nigga.

- You better ease up on that.

There's no need for you to use that word.

- [gasps] Y'all niggas mind if I call y'all niggas?

- You?

Naw, nigga.

- Naw, niggah.

Just don't call me nigger, nigger.

- Sellouts.

- You know?

Steven, what's that, nigger?

Hey. Hey.

Hey boy, how you want this cheeseburger?

[Reggae hocking]

- [spits] He asked you a question.

Oh, that's fucked up.

You gon' let him do that shit to you?

- [Marcus] Reggae.

d The people want more

- Can't you read this?

Because you knows I's can't read, you know?

- I think he says he wants it well done.

- Well done. - Well done.

[Quincy laughing]

- Charcoal black

like his nigga ass.

- Watch your mouth, Zambo.

d And before I'll be a slave

d I'll be buried in my grave

d And go home

d To my Lord

[subway train screeching]

[subway train clacking] [patrons chattering]

- Hey.

- Hey.

- Where you goin'?

- Boston, Ken. [chuckles]

- That's very funny.

No really, where you goin'?

- Luther Vandross is havin' some auditions

for some backup singers.

- Yeah, you, a backup singer?

No, you're kidding.

You're nobody's backup singer.

- That's nice.

I'm with you on that one.

- Listen, I understand my agent

sends me out on these meetings for these soap operas.

- That's good money.

- Yeah, yeah.

So is waiting tables.

- Yeah.

- You know, I think we should go out sometime.

- Oh yeah? Why would that be?

- 'Cause call me crazy, but I find you attractive

and I think you're extremely talented

and you have a great voice.

- A great what?

- And you're funny.

- You know what? Could you do me a favor and just back off?

Now? - Okay.

Okay.

Why so hostile?

Okay, so you don't find me attractive.

That's fine.

- Maybe I'm not at attracted to your loose dick, all right?

Or maybe I'm involved with someone.

- Who would that be?

Oh, lemme guess.

Lemme guess.

Is it some

playwright that happens to hate my guts?

- Can I just- - Huh?

- No, nevermind.

Nevermind. - No, no.

What? - No, I was just wondering

if this is the same approach

you used to get his ex-girlfriend in bed.

- Lemme tell you somethin'.

There was a time when Chris Calloway and I

were very good friends,

way before Leslie even came into the picture

and Chris Calloway had a looser dick than even me.

[chuckles] And another thing, sweetheart,

you got a glorious ass.

But you ain't no fuckin' Leslie.

- Yeah, well that may be.

By the way, when you just pressed up against me?

Sweetheart, you ain't no Chris.

Ciao.

[smooth sax music]

d Sang all my life.

- What do you need?

- Stoli screwdriver.

- You trainin' that girl tomorrow night?

- No, Thursday.

- Trainin' who?

- A new bartender.

- I thought some girl who used to work here was comin' back.

- What girl?

- Aw, shit!

I fuckin' told John I wanted to bartend.

He gave me a fuckin' drink list and everything.

- Steven, Steven, Steven, Steven.

Steven. Steven, hold on.

Steven, hold on.

- [Steven] Kick that motherfucker, man.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Lemme handle it.

Please listen. Stop, stop, stop.

Don't do this.

Please, you will have nothing.

No job, no bartendin', nothing.

You'll have nothin' but student loans.

Stop.

- I'll sue him.

- Okay.

All right. Look, if I can't get you behind the bar,

I will testify on your behalf.

- Go.

- Okay.

- I don't believe this.

- Yeah, well you better believe it.

Now I'm tired of this shit.

First with Andy and now you.

Call that girl and tell her not to show up.

- [John] I can't do that.

Where the fuck do you get off comin' in here

puttin' a gun to my head?

You don't tell me what to do.

- [Chris] I'm tellin' you right now.

If Steven doesn't bartend, I won't

and I won't do it gracefully.

- Whassup?

- I've been here for four years, John.

I've a lotta regulars, man.

I'll fuckin' blackball you.

- I give a shit.

Go on, take the fuckin' losers.

Like they'd be loyal to you.

- I'll call Bob tell 'em down at headquarters.

I'll call Arnold Diaz at CBS News.

I'll come in every night.

And every time you come near the service bar,

I will scream out racist.

[rhythmic ska music] [phone ringing]

- I cannot believe this shit.

Fuckin' playwright puttin' a gun to my head.

Fuckin' playwright.

- Do the right thing, we all get on with our lives.

- Fuck you.

Shit.

All right.

All right.

I'll talk to him in a few minutes.

You tell Steven to come in here in 15.

But you train his ass right.

No free porn bullshit, you got that clear?

- I'll make him a company man.

You're gonna be proud, John.

- Fine.

End of subject.

Don't mention it again.

- Just make sure my schedule doesn't suddenly change

like a shit detail, all right?

I've seen it happen.

- You have been here too long, that's for sure.

- Yeah.

One more thing: what about Ethan?

- Don't push me, Calloway.

Unless you want him to have your job.

- You want me out?

- So?

- So learn your drinks.

I start training you tomorrow day.

- Hey Reg.

- Thanks, man.

- You got it.

Go knock on the door in about 15 minutes.

You'll be set.

- I owe you one.

- No, you don't.

[water trickling]

Hey. - Hey.

So what happened in there?

- [sighs] I gave my notice.

- Good for you.

C'mere.

That was a good thing that you did.

[soft solemn music]

[dog barking]

[Chris muttering]

- Hey, that's too big.

Where's the scale?

- Hm?

C'mon, I don't know where no scale at, man.

I know what I'm doin'.

- Yo, eight ounces, motherfucker.

Find the damn scale.

- Come on, Reggae.

I know what's up, man.

- Yo if Johnny comes in here and sees that there's no scale,

it's my ass.

- I won't let Johnny touch your ass, man.

I promise.

- Ethan.

- I'm not in the mood, all right?

I heard about Steven and I'm pissed.

I mean Steven?

On top of that, Lenore's requesting that

I don't bring Robert to the wedding.

So you know, I'm already having a shit day.

- Ethan.

Look, c'mere.

This'll really cheer you up.

In about two weeks, you are gonna be training to bartend.

- What? How?

- I told John you should bartend.

- [Ethan] You told him?

- [Chris] Yeah.

I also told him I'm retiring from JT's.

- You're leaving?

- Yeah, yeah.

It's time.

Anyway, you're bartending.

- Fucking Kodak moment here.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

- Eight ounces, motherfucker.

Get that scale.

- Hey yo Chris,

me and Quincy are gonna go hang out tonight.

You wanna come?

- I can't.

Jeanine's first night at the new apartment.

- Okay, I feel so terrible and so, so, so, so sorry.

It's Ted, okay?

It's not me.

You know what he's like.

You know what his friends are like, all right?

I am so, so sorry.

- Lenore, it is okay.

It's your day, not mine.

- No, wait.

Can you please forgive me?

I want you there, okay?

You.

That's what's important.

You know that.

Oh 'kay.

- I will be there without a date.

- [Nancy] Hey Lenore, you know what I was thinking?

- What?

- Seats available, capons already paid for.

- Oh, very good.

Jeanine, you are officially invited.

- I don't know.

You think it's a good idea?

- Yes. - Yes.

It's great. [chuckles]

Chris. - Oh good.

- Great, good.

You know what?

Janine is coming to the wedding with Ethan.

- 'Kay. - That's great.

'Cause you know, he told me yesterday

that he wished that he had an RSVP for this one person

'cause he wanted to bring you.

- Well that kills two capons.

- Well I'm gonna be workin' that day,

so I guess I'll see you at the reception.

- That's okay, right?

- Yeah, that's cool.

- Yeah, that's great.

This is a great idea.

Such a good idea.

All right you guys. I'll see ya later.

Muah. Okay, bye. [vocalizes "The Wedding March"]

- [screams] So exciting.

- I hate playin' the straight man.

- Okay, I guess I need a new dress.

- Let's go get you moved in.

- Right.

You sure it's okay?

- Yes, absolutely.

- You sure? - Mm-hmm, yeah.

- Okay, we'll see you tonight.

- Bye.

[rhythmic rock music]

- [Reggae] I think you have a big trouble with authority.

Do you know why?

Because I'm taller.

That's why you're upset about. What?

What was it?

- Where are you guys goin' tonight?

- [Jeanine] You got it?

- [Nancy] Tilt it back a little.

Okay.

That's good.

It's just me.

- [Jeanine] I'm in.

d Tada

Okay, follow me.

- Ooh, champagne.

- Courtesy of JT McClure's.

- Mmm, okay.

So is this her, Chris's ex-girlfriend?

- [grunts] Where?

Yeah, that's her.

That's Leslie.

- Ugly girl.

- Okay, a toast.

To my new roommate, Jeanine Beggins:

future recording star.

- Thanks.

[glasses clinking]

- Best of luck.

[rhythmic hip-hop music]

- Right up the block.

- We go. We go.

We go. We go.

Yo. [chuckles]

- What's up, man? - What's happenin', nigga?

Unlead.

Thank you.

- What, like he doesn't understand English or somethin'?

You don't speak the language? - You never know nowadays.

Right? You never know nowadays.

All these people comin' over.

- [Quincy] I'm not involved, man.

[Reggae chuckling]

- [Reggae] Look at him.

- What the hell, man?

It's past his bedtime.

- Yeah, I guess they go to school early around here.

- Thank you oh so much.

- Beautiful, man.

It's beautiful.

- Oh, you are so right.

They smell very nice.

Here you go.

Have a nice night.

Alrighty, check ya later.

- [Chris] Shut up.

- Check ya later.

That was 'cause he told to shut up.

- Shut up, man. - Fuckin' bitch.

You happy?

Gonna have fun. - Let's go.

- [Reggae] We're gonna party.

d Invisible

d Untouchable

d Invisible.

- So.

d When I look

- What was I just saying?

- Can I ask you a question?

- Shoot.

- Do you drink this much all the time?

- Mm-mmm, only on special occasions

like Monday through Sunday.

I'm kidding.

Why, is it a problem?

- Well yeah, to be honest,

I had a bad experience livin' with somebody who was-

- You don't have to worry about that.

Ask Lenore, ask Leslie.

I am a great roommate.

- Leslie.

Leslie, on-the-refrigerator Leslie.

- I told you.

I didn't tell you that?

- No, you didn't.

- Shit.

[smooth rhythmic music]

d Hustlin' days

- [Quincy] Why you rollin' in here, man?

- Why we rollin' in here, man?

- Tradition.

- See, this guy's pops was born in this lot right here

by where the refrigerator box is.

- Little higher though, like on the fifth floor

on a kitchen table.

- Yeah, the building got burned down durin' the riots.

My old man was born two blocks that-a-way

on a different kitchen table.

Friday night, Jack Calloway met a girl from Pittsburgh.

We used to watch all the trains disappear from sight.

And she told her friends, "One day, I'ma be on that train."

- That was beautiful, man.

But can we get the fuck outta here?

Somebody gon' jack us.

- You all paranoid and shit.

I haven't even smoked yet, yo.

- I ain't paranoid, man.

Let's just get the fuck outta here.

- So did your mom ever find what she was lookin' for?

- Nah, I think she mighta took the wrong train.

d My world won't let me go

- You ain't better be gettin' this shit before me.

d We could be together

- [Quincy] Yo thank god so fuckin' cool.

- [John] This is John English.

How can I help you?

- Oh, hey John.

It's Jeanine.

Yeah, I was just wonderin' if Chris was there.

Okay.

Yeah, thanks.

Bye.

d Yo, I'm stayin' where we gettin' crazy love d

d My noisy neighbors live just above me up in 13-A d

d There's drama e'ryday

d The Super say he gon' fix the heat for sure d

- You like that, right? - How you doin', huh?

- Whatever he like.

- Could you keep it long on top, short on the sides?

d I never knew love like this could ever exist d

- Mm-mmm.

- Okay.

- Blowfish.

- It's funny.

Growin' up, I used to love Italian girls.

After Leslie and I broke up,

I took this Italian girl out.

And 30 seconds into the date,

she's tellin' me about how her car stereo got robbed

by a bunch of,

you know.

- What?

Niggas?

- Yeah.

- What, you can't say the word?

- Nah, man.

My whole life, I grew up hearin' that fuckin' word

in my house every day.

My old man's a good guy.

But that word, man, was always comin' outta his mouth.

- Lemme ask you somethin'.

You're drivin' along, right?

A white dude cuts you off.

You're pissed, right?

Same scenario, Black dude cuts you off.

What you thinking?

- That I got cut off.

- That's some bullshit, man. - No, no.

- That is some bull.

You see that motherfucker over there?

He call me nigga 30, 40 times a day.

If I ever need anything, if I ever needed backup,

I'd call him before I call you because I trust him, man.

I mean y'all be trippin' over this word.

I don't even...

It ain't that big of a deal.

I mean I think it's just your own guilt

comin' back to haunt your ass.

But I don't even think that's your problem, man.

I know you got a good heart.

I don't know.

I think your motivation,

your racial motivation comes from the pussy.

Black pussy namely.

- Nah, man.

I don't know about that.

- Hey man, you can deny it.

Teach your kids though, man.

Teach your kids right.

And from what I can see, your kids gon' be Black.

You don't wanna end up like your father, right?

- [Hooker] Hey babe, you wanna go out?

Wanna go out honey?

- Whoa, Quick Draw McGraw.

What's up, man?

Can we leave now?

- Next.

[Quincy chuckling]

[intriguing rhythmic music]

- [Quincy] Mmm, mmm, mmm!

Chocolate M&Ms.

[phone line ringing]

- [Jeanine] Hello?

- [Chris] Hi.

- [Jeanine] Where are you?

- [Chris] Home.

I you know, just went out with Reggae and Quincy.

- [Jeanine] Oh.

Okay, so are you comin' over?

- [Chris] Um.

No, I got Reggae on the couch here.

- Yeah, I got Nancy on the couch over here passed out.

She's an alcoholic.

- [Chris] Yeah, she is.

- [Jeanine] Thanks for tellin' me.

- [Chris] You took the apartment

before I had a chance to tell-

- Yeah, before you had a chance to tell me

that your ex-girlfriend used to live here.

And your not comin' over tonight

has nothin' to do with that, right?

I mean because you'll be by tomorrow night, right?

Right?

- [Chris] I don't know.

- You don't know.

- [Chris] No, I don't know.

- You don't know when I'm stupid.

[intriguing rhythmic music]

[Chris sighing]

- [Actress] I swear you just say these things

to drive me away, to make me feel bad.

- I'm drivin' you away?

You had all afternoon, you had dinner

and you bring it up now.

You bring it up now when I'm tryin' to play with you.

Who's drivin' who away?

Tell me.

Look, if you wanna go to church, that's fine.

But don't ever think you're gonna drag my ass down there.

Now I'm goin' to the bathroom to jerk off.

Pray for me.

What do you think?

Be truthful.

- Truthfully?

When I close my eyes, the dialogue sounded great.

Truthfully, I've worked a year and 1/2 on a play

that I will never be able to watch objectively

'cause I gave it to you, Kurt.

Trusting you to make something great out of it.

You know what? The rest of the world may find it great.

I hope they do.

But unless God who I was trashing in that scene

drops a safe on this motherfucker, I am fucked.

- Chris, c'mon.

- Maybe God'll help you write an ending.

- I'm gonna leave right now because

as usual God is smiling on you.

- Okay, let's take a break.

- Is this girl even Black, huh?

Tell me that.

- Chris, keep working on the ending and keep away from here.

- Done.

- [Kurt] Okay, let's start again.

[servers chattering]

[soft intriguing music]

- Is that a charge?

No personal calls.

- Yeah, name is Louis.

Okay, hurry.

Look John, you might have to call the cops.

- What? - Well my ex-boyfriend's here

and there's a restraining order against.

- He's at the bar.

- [snaps] Guys.

[siren wailing] [police radio chattering]

- I can't tell.

[soft intriguing music] [siren wailing]

- Lemme just talk to her!

Jeanine, I'm goin' away!

Jeanine!

- What'd he do?

- I think it's Jeanine's ex-boyfriend.

He like hit her or something.

- I just wanted to talk! - What?

- Take it easy. - I love you!

[soft intriguing music] [police radio chattering]

- He was this amazin' bass player.

Sweetest guy in a while.

[siren wailing]

Except he had a terrible coke habit.

He hit me one time and I was outta there.

- Where'd he hit you?

- He wanted to pawn his bass,

so I hid it so he couldn't find it.

Look, I know I shoulda told you.

It's just that I'm not used to talkin' about my past.

I know you used to be in with a nice girl.

- You are nice girl.

- Yeah, well I ain't no virgin.

I know that she was.

I don't know much more than that.

I wasn't tryin' to be nosy.

Maybe I was.

I'm sorry.

- Let me tell you somethin', all right?

When I met Leslie, she was a virgin and she was religious

and I was neither.

And

after we slept together, there was this period of time

that she'd make me feel guilty for takin' her virginity.

Take and give.

You know me, I just lost it.

I paid 30 bucks to a hooker on 11th Avenue years ago.

I'm not proud of it, you know?

I'm not ashamed of it.

It's just part of my past.

Everyone has one.

- I don't wanna scare you or anything,

But I think I'm fallin' in love with you.

[soft solemn music]

Don't run, okay?

Okay, don't feel like you have to say anything.

Just don't run.

[Lenore moaning pleasurably]

- I can't believe you'd give up after

marry some guy that won't go down on you.

So apparently

Leslie's gonna take her boyfriend to the wedding.

- Yes.

- Well that should be very interesting.

- Yeah.

Look, Kenny.

I know you wanna come to the wedding with Nancy.

But considering I didn't send you an invitation,

you didn't get the hint from that.

Just get the idea out of your mind.

I don't need to see you on my wedding day

so I can feel like a slut, 'kay?

- Is that how I make you feel?

- Just don't show up at my wedding, Kenny.

[water pattering]

[Chris laughing]

- I'm sorry.

I usually can't stand to be anywhere near your food.

Kinda weird, isn't it?

- Funny guy.

- Oh shit.

Shit, shit. I forgot about that.

Think you could help me out?

Help me out. Help me out.

See that guy right there?

That's Wallace's nephew.

He's come here for Sanchez's job.

No, no, no, no.

All you need to do is give him some bullshit interview

and then tell him to come back tomorrow at 4:00.

- No, I'm not. I'm not.

- Yo, I got a party of like 20 people.

C'mon, be a company man.

I'll make ya a steak.

Honey mustard peppercorn.

d Your armpiece

d Then we continue

d Plus I won't stop 'til your whole frame is deceased d

d Aiyo man, all your fire stations d

d Cause these rappers burn through molecules d

d It's possible rockin' you

d From your pores to your follicles d

- How you doin'?

- [Al-Tarique] I'm aight.

- Al-Tarique Williams.

You're Wallace's nephew, huh?

How's he doin'?

- He aight.

- I see you dishwashed before.

That's great.

The guy Sanchez is goin' back to Ecuador.

d Would be extraordinary

d We toured through every fort

d And many thought we couldn't motivate d

- Wallace was a great cook.

d Ain't nothin' personal

d It's just your flow we hate

d Backdraft

- All right, well can you come back tomorrow at 4:00?

- Look, man. I can't work 'til Monday.

- Look, you're not hired yet, all right?

So I'd like you to come back tomorrow

without this homie look, without the bubble gum, okay?

You're gonna speak to a man named Ray Garinger, okay?

He'll tell you whether you're hired or not.

d Fluctuate

d Great dictation with them

- Nice to meet you.

d It's amazin' what be comin' out the projects d

d Like suburban families cleanin' out they hallway closet d

d Deposit right into sockets of wannabe d

- Thanks.

- You know, Jeanine's in love with me, I think.

I mean she said she thought she was.

- How nice for you, yo.

- [exhales] What do you think about that?

- What do I think about that?

I think

there are girls that you love

and there are girls that you fuck

the first night standin' up.

- I don't know why I tell you anything really.

- I don't know why you tell me anything either.

- I mean what's your longest relationship?

- 20 minutes tops.

- Exactly. - Yeah.

- So you think she's no good because of that.

- No.

See, that's not what I said.

- What're you sayin'?

- What I said-

- Stupid.

- What I said

was that she just

ain't.

- Don't say it.

- What? - What?

Leslie?

No, I wanna know your opinion for real.

What?

- Stop.

Yo, I have no opinion.

I have no opinion.

I just wanna get high please.

[soft solemn music]

- Look, I have two questions, all right?

[Reggae sighing]

One.

Lemme.

Is she?

Am I happy she's in love with me?

And two, could I be in love with her?

[soft solemn music] [crickets chirping]

- No. See, that's just one question

'cause the one that answers the other.

'Cause if you're happy, then it means you could.

- That's true.

That's true.

You know, I slept through those auditions.

Maybe I could just sleep through this wedding tomorrow.

[Chris sighing]

- Yo, could I confess somethin' to you?

- Yeah, man. What?

- I love weed.

I've always loved her.

- I know, man.

I'm not blind.

- [Reggae] Oh, we're out.

You got the-

- [Chris] Nope.

Damn, it's nice out.

[classical wedding music]

[soft organ music] [guests chattering]

- Leslie.

Leslie, c'mere.

I wanna show you somethin'.

- [Guest] You stole the wedding.

You just looked too good.

- Why didn't you tell me?

You look beautiful.

- Thank you.

- [Guest] Whatever.

[guests chattering] [birds chirping]

- That was a 10 on the uncomfortable-ometer.

Did he notice?

- Yeah.

- You should've told him.

[soft romantic music] [guests chattering]

d I used to think love was blind d

d Looking here and there as I try to find anyone d

d That I thought

d Was right for me

d You see when your eyes meet

d Your heart beats

d Your knees shake

d Your soul awakes

d You come alive

d You know inside your destiny has arrived d

d We live in each other like a child and his mother d

d United eternally

d We are one

d You and me

d Like a bird with a tree

d We are one

d You and I

d Like the stars in the sky

- Come right back. - Okay.

- [Guest] Come right back.

- Hey. - Finally.

Hello.

- Yo, what's up?

How you been?

- Hey. - What's goin' on?

- I thought you fell off the earth.

- No, I've been busy, bro.

You know what I mean? I got like a real job now.

You know what I mean?

You got no manners at all.

Hi, I'm Frank.

- Jeanine. - How are ya?

You cannot be with this guy.

- [chuckles] No.

- This is my wife Margaret.

- Hi. - Hey, what's up?

- I love your dress. - Oh, thank you.

- So where's Chris?

I wanna see him. Where's he at?

- He's not here?

- [Frank] I don't know.

- Chris is late. That's weird.

- [Frank] His name's over here.

- Very weird. - Wild stuff.

- Wild?

- [Margaret] Where's Chris?

- So tell me, man.

Tell me.

You still jerkin' off five times a day or what?

- Frank.

- No, I was down to three.

I got a patch now.

- He's got a patch. [chuckles]

Did I tell you he was a fizzer?

- Yeah, you did.

- So what happened to Kevin Kennedy?

- Oh, you didn't hear?

Company moved him down to Atlanta.

He got like a big promotion or somethin' like that.

That fucked up?

Yo, lemme get you a drink.

What do you want? I'm gonna get a drink.

You want somethin'?

- Yeah. Yeah, whatever.

Scotch. - Scotch?

Cool, you good? You want somethin'?

- I'm fine. - Fine?

Honey? - Vodka.

- [Frank] You got it.

[guests laughing]

- [Ethan] Man, she look good.

- Yeah. - Cheers.

- C'mon. Guess we're not usin' the phone.

- [Jeanine] Please leave a message.

Thanks.

- [Automated Voice] You have no messages.

d A mobile phone - there you go.

Squeeze of lime, right?

- One more hit.

One more hit. - All right, one more?

- Thanks very much, pal.

d Had to work all day

d And listen what I got to say

d Baby, keep smilin'

d You know the sun is shinin'

[singers vocalizing]

d Baby, keep smilin'

- [Jeanine] I've gotta get outta here.

- Aren't you gonna kill him?

- Can I borrow your car?

- And drive?

You want me to go get Reggae?

- No.

No, I'll just take a cab.

- Aren't you gonna kill him?

[guests chuckling]

- Hey.

- Hey.

- I love your dress.

- You look beautiful.

Both of you, excuse me.

[rhythmic swing music]

- Like your dress.

- [Jeanine] Fuck you.

[rhythmic Italian music] [door slamming]

[guests clapping] [guests shouting]

- [Leslie] How you doin', Reggae?

- The same please.

- Seltzer with lime.

- [Bartender] Okay.

- Yeah.

- I'm still straight-lace.

What can I say?

- Here you go.

- Well guess you finally got what you wanted, right?

- Thank you.

[light switch clicking]

- How'd you get in here?

Leave it here.

So you finally made it to the apartment.

Which room was hers?

- Your room.

- Where you deflowered her no doubt.

You know, you owe me money for the cab I took, all right?

25 bucks.

I should charge your ass for the dress too.

- It's like 17.

I've only got 17. - No, don't do that.

Don't do that.

Don't drink in my apartment!

Get out!

- I gotta talk to you. - Not now you don't.

God, I am really stupid, okay?

I shoulda run from you, another frickin' loser.

- I just tried to go to the wedding and-

- [Jeanine] Just get out!

- Please lemme just tell you.

- You don't have to tell me anything, okay?

You can just write it down,

roll it up in a ball and swallow it.

Just get out!

Hitting me woulda hurt less.

[door banging]

- I just mean look, if I'm facin' this way-

- Yeah.

- I just wanna face out.

- All right, whatever feels right for you.

It looks good.

I mean whatever feels natural.

- Yeah.

- It's your ending.

You won't be seein' me.

d Do you remember the way that I kissed you d

d Baby

d And the feel of my breath on your skin d

d Yeah, I can remember the nights d

d That you were beggin' me for more d

d Well sugar, you know every fairytale must end d

d All I'm sayin' is goodbye

d And you know the reason why

d I had enough

d All I'm sayin' is goodbye

d And you know the reason why

d I've had enough

d Goodbye

d Whoa

d Ooh

[crowd cheering]

d Oh goodbye

d Goodbye baby

d Ooh

- [Reggae] Woo!

Go Jeanine!

[crowd cheering]

- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Someday you'll be sayin', "I saw her back then."

[crowd cheering]

[Kenny retching]

- [Nancy] Oh god.

- Don't touch me. Don't touch me.

Oh god. [retches]

I know everyone fuckin' hates me.

I know that.

- [Nancy] No, everybody doesn't hate you, Kenny. Okay?

- No one's goin' to the fuckin' play.

- Everybody doesn't hate you. - The wedding.

- Kenny, everybody doesn't hate you, okay?

- Oh, don't touch me.

- Sorry. We're coming to the play.

Right, Ethan?

- Yes, we're coming.

Please stop vomiting.

[Kenny retching]

- [Nancy] Get it all out.

That's good.

[Kenny retching]

- Our specialty for tonight is blackened swordfish.

We'll be serving that with a free bottle of wine.

Red or white, Jen?

- [Jen] Whitefish, red meat.

- And Kenneth Baker joins as tardy.

But we'll forgive him because he has just landed a role

on a soap opera in Los Angeles.

[servers applauding]

What's the man of the show?

- "Days of Passion".

- Oh my god, that is my favorite show.

- Really?

- [John] And what's the name of the role?

- Dakota.

- Dakota. That's right, Dakota.

Well let's give him a big hand.

[servers applauding]

Now Kenny's gonna be leaving us after the play

which brings us finally to our resident playwright,

Chris Calloway

who will be bartending his final night tonight

at JT McClure's.

Let's give him a big hand.

Come on, six years.

Congratulations. - Thanks, John.

[smooth bossa nova music]

[patrons chattering]

- [Patron] Just consider it.

- Why can't you just be happy?

- I don't know.

- Can I get you anything?

- [Patron] Yeah, another white wine

and I'll have another swig after.

Thanks.

d And robbin' those that are fine d

d Backdraft

d Engine engine number 17

d Mic the gasoline to pass the team d

d And lead us to the finish line d

d On a domination tip 'cause you tried livin' mine d

d Give it time

d And you can spray it with murderous rhymes d

d I burn the world

d Like rims on cars, rooftoppin' with Tupac d

d My havoc jam traffic

d Leavin' thoughts gridlocked for two blocks d

d For 22 blocks

[smooth bossa nova music]

- [Reggae] So DB Cooper, what's what?

- What's what?

In roughly five hours, I'm outta this hellhole.

That's what's what.

- What happened?

You saw your ex getting freaked out?

- Yeah, somethin' like that.

And when I finally stumbled in,

guess who's waiting in my apartment.

Leslie.

- What'd she have to say?

- Said a lotta things.

- Yeah?

I gotta go.

What you doin' later?

- I don't know. I got this nice bottle on ice.

What's the matter? You're not interested in my conversation?

- Oh no. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

But you know, the meter's runnin' and shit.

We could meet at the bench later.

- All right, you could. Yeah.

- You all right?

- Man, I'm fine.

You know, I got my play ending.

I got five more hours I'm outta this fuckin' purgatory.

Everything's great, man.

Everything's great.

- All right.

Later.

You know that part in the play

where he talks about what he wants to be when he was little?

Nobody wants to be a line cook.

I like it here.

[smooth bossa nova music]

- Yo, I'll see you on the bench?

- Yeah, bring your stoneware.

- [Nancy] Now that's irony for you.

- Excuse me?

- I remember the first night that you worked here.

You went out on a bench and you got stoned.

And now here it is four years later.

You're the playwright, c'mon.

- In 10 years from now, where are you gonna be, Nance?

- Here, maybe.

Married,

drunk.

I'm not sure.

But I'm not gonna be miserable.

Where are you gonna be?

Better still, where is she gonna be?

Chris.

I love you.

And when you drink, you have been mean to me.

God.

It's all right. It's all right.

I wanted you to know that.

[smooth bossa nova music]

[intriguing rhythmic music] [seagulls squawking]

- [Actress] You have no idea how much I want to.

- [Dakota] Look, I understand that.

I do. I respect that.

You know, I've only ever

been with people a couple of times.

And it's like

I'm afraid to be with you.

- Why?

- Because you scare me.

- [Actress] Are you gonna leave?

- I don't know. I don't.

You see, I can't live without sex at this point

and you say it's blackmail and I say it's a fact.

But I'll tell you something.

I'll tell you something in my heart.

I don't feel wrong.

- You're not wrong.

I'm ready.

- Are you sure?

- I know I love you.

And yeah,

I'm sure.

[rhythmic hip-hop music] [Reggae inhaling]

d Can I get a witness

d Ghetto people

[siren wailing]

- Thanks.

- Oh no. Don't leave.

Don't leave. Just one sec.

- You got more money?

- Yeah.

- Well what?

- You're the most beautiful thing.

- Listen, I got work.

- No, no, no, no.

- I gotta go.

It's late.

[soft solemn music]

- I don't believe this.

I don't believe this.

How did you get in?

- I still have the key.

- So I was wondering

you know, what you were doing.

- [Leslie] I'm getting married.

- 'Cause I never-

- Did you hear me?

- Yeah.

You're getting married.

- Thought I should come here and tell you myself.

- Want a drink?

- No.

And I really wish you wouldn't while I'm here.

- So when are you due?

- August 10.

- [Chris] This guy, what's his name?

- [Leslie] James.

- James.

Right, James.

I bet mom loves him.

- You want me to go?

- No.

No.

[sighs] So James.

Do you love James?

- Yes.

- God bless you.

- I should go.

You know, when I first started workin' at the restaurant,

I remember we were all in non-smokin'

and everybody was smokin'.

Everybody except me, of course.

Kevin, Wallace

and Reggae, they were all there.

Guess it must've been the first night

that Ethan brought Robert in

because they were all makin' fun of him, you know?

Laughin' at him, goin' up to him.

It was real mean.

Then you came in.

You weren't workin'

because you were wearin' that beat-up leather jacket.

Guess you were checkin' your schedule or somethin'

and you asked everybody "What was so funny?"

and they told you.

And you said,

"Oh well.

At least they're not goin' home alone."

And then you turned around and you walked out the door

past the window.

In my heart,

I remember thinkin' to myself

who is that guy?

[soft solemn music]

And a week later, I kissed you

and there was lightning.

I guess.

I guess I started to feel like Ethan and Robert must have.

No people staring,

her parents.

So I stayed in.

I thought we were safe, you know?

- Why were you upset that time

when you found out you weren't pregnant?

- I don't know.

I guess

I always felt like I was losin' you.

You know,

I wanted to be married

and you didn't.

I wanted to stay in that room with you.

I don't love him like I love you,

but I still love you.

That's why I-

- You did somethin' I'll never forgive.

- No.

That's why I did something I'd never forgive.

- There's nothin' I'd forgive.

[soft solemn music]

There's nothin'.

- I gotta go.

He's waitin'.

[audience applauding]

- So good.

- [Attendant] What's up, man?

- [Reggae] Same as usual.

- [Attendant] Unleaded?

[rhythmic hip-hop music]

- Just take it.

Just. [gun blasting]

d One, two, three, four

[crowd cheering]

- Congratulations.

- [Nancy] Oh my god, that was awesome.

- That was great. - You're scarin' the writer.

Don't hog him.

- I'm so proud of you.

[rhythmic rock music] [guests chattering]

- You ready to work weekends?

- Absolutely.

- I agree.

You start Saturday.

- I like you better than you.

Huh? [chuckles]

Great.

Listen.

[rhythmic rock music] [guests chattering]

- Can I get you somethin'?

- Coke.

- Go for it.

- Jeanine.

Hey look, I'm sorry.

Would you come here please?

I just wanna talk to you for a minute.

What I did, I-

- Shouldn't have been so unclear.

- Jesus, you're not.

You're not.

- I'm no good for you.

I mean I'm beautiful.

You never said that I was.

- Look, there are a lotta things I haven't said.

You know, I wanna make it up to you.

- You can't, all right?

- Look, I'm movin'.

I'm gettin' an apartment in Manhattan and I want you to-

- What?

You better not say it.

- Damn, girl. [chuckles]

I mean I know you can do better than that.

- Look. All right, Al-Tarique.

I'd appreciate it if you would just get back to work, okay?

Please. - Al-Tarique.

Basement's flooded again.

C'mon.

- Shit.

[rhythmic rock music] [patrons chattering]

- 'Sup, man?

You all right?

- Yeah.

[singers vocalizing]

[phone ringing]

- [Kenny] John, you got a call on line two.

- I got it.

Sign that.

This is John English. How can I help you?

- No, no, no.

d Twist of your mouth and a tear you've allowed d

- Bye.

d Believed to be true

d In an ignorant bliss

d There's a secret you missed

d Everyone knows it but you

- So rumor has it you attended this evening.

- I did.

d Life slips away

- So?

d To sparkle and fade

d You're a bird oversea

- You were good.

d And a flower in bloom

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- You know, this may be the first time

I ever leave this place alone.

d There's a stain on your dress d

d And a mark on your neck

d And a mantra you stole

- We were friends once.

d And though you feel you're exiled d

d Like a redheaded child

- I'll see you later.

- [Chris] Listen, don't let them limit you out there.

- Likewise.

d Alive in your eyes

d A fragile religion

- Thanks, man.

d Of truth in disguise

d You're a gift more than good

d In a season renewed

- Excuse me.

Excuse me, folks.

We're sorry.

We're gonna have to ask everybody to leave right now

and we'd also like all the employees

to meet down in the prep room.

[rhythmic hip-hop music] [rapper vocalizing]

d I'ma you up with an exclusive d

d Joint got two throws like on point d

d Bitch, niggas gettin' drowsy

d Droppin' to their knees like

d Shout to my queen's posse

[rhythmic hip-hop music]

- Could you ask him to turn that down please, Quincy?

- Al-Tarique!

Al-Tarique!

Turn it down!

d Jargon threw a jungle at a bargain d

d I'm hydro-sparkin'

- I just got a call.

Somethin' terrible.

Ray Garingers was killed.

- Oh Jesus.

- Oh my god. - Oh my god.

- How?

- He was carjacked.

- Where? - In Newark.

- Oh my god.

- Damn! - What was he doin' in Newark?

- He's just lookin' for weed.

- I told him not to go down there.

- Why, man? That's where he's from, man.

That's where I'm from. It's Newark.

- Not that part of Newark.

- Just lookin' for trouble.

- Always tryin' to be down.

- Had to be Black.

- What?

- What you say, faggot?

- All right, now that's enough.

- I wasn't talking to you.

- No, but I heard you whisper like the bitch.

- Fuck you. - What?

- Like the bitch you are, motherfucker!

- Just shut up!

- Come on!

- How, John?

- Chris, I-

- How was he shot, John?

- He was shot in face

and the head a couple of time.

- [Nancy] Oh my god.

Oh my god. [weeps]

- Al-Tarique!

- What?

Damn, man. It ain't that loud.

You got me moppin' and shit which ain't my job

and I can't even play my music.

- I gotta go.

- [Al-Tarique] Come on now.

- Excuse me. - Oh my god.

- Man, you can walk around.

- [Chris] Please move.

- [Quincy] Al-Tarique, move please.

- Why you gotta be all screamin' at me and shit?

- [John] It's 11 o'clock now or 11:30.

We're gonna close this place.

- [Quincy] What was he doin' in Newark?

- Get your bitch to move.

- What?

- Man, I wasn't talkin' to you.

- Say somethin'?

- Man.

What you got a problem, huh?

- [John] All right, now let them out.

- What you eyeballin' me for, huh?

What, you want somethin'?

You're so fuckin' ignorant.

You fuckin' want something?

- Nigger! [bashes]

- Wake up, wake up! - Hey!

- Motherfucker, I'll kill you.

I'll fuckin' kill you, you bitch.

Get the fuck off me!

Fuckin' nigger!

- Yo, ease up. Ease up.

Man.

Ease up, ease up.

[servers shouting]

- Fucking mother.

d To the pop rock Chevy Nova

d Gimme a chauffer

d A 20-foot leather sofa

d I'll feel any closer the toaster d

d Rhyme the hit when it's supposed to d

d Be 'til I D-I-E of coaster nostra d

- Shit. - God.

- Fucked up.

[Chris breathing heavily]

[soft solemn music]

- No. [weeps]

All my fault.

[Chris sobbing]

My fault.

- Ensure uncertain hope of the resurrection to eternal life

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

we commend to almighty God our brother Raymond

and we commit his body to the ground.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The Lord bless him and keep him.

The Lord make his face to shine upon him

and be gracious unto him.

The Lord lift up his countenance upon him

and give him peace.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil. - Fear no evil.

- [Both] For thou art with me.

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

- [Father] I'm sorry he lost you, son.

[birds chirping]

- Your mom?

- Yeah.

- Where's your father?

- He's buried over that way.

- Why aren't they buried together?

- Some family bullshit, I don't know.

I mean they were never really close.

My mom used to sleep on the couch a lot.

So the fact that they're buried apart is.

If someone did somethin'

or said somethin' that they couldn't take back.

- When did you hear that word for the first time?

See, most Black people remember

where they heard that word for the first time,

but I guess you wouldn't remember.

I should go.

- It was at the dinner table.

My father sat at the dinner table.

Some rhyme, stupid limerick.

That's where I heard it.

You know, my mom wanted me to be a writer.

- What did you wanna be?

- Right now, I just wanna be happy.

- [Jeanine] Do you think that you can be?

- You could make me happy.

- Yeah?

I don't believe that.

When did I make you happy?

- Many times.

That time you told me about that guy

when you wouldn't let him pawn his bass

'cause you knew how important it should be.

That made me happy.

- Yeah, you know what that got me, right?

- My heart.

You're so beautiful, Jeanine.

I know I never told you that and I'm sorry, so sorry.

- You know, a week ago,

that might've meant everything to me.

- What about now?

- Well it's nice but-

- I know it's just words.

I'm tired of words.

I gotta go visit my father.

- Yeah, I got this ride waiting for me.

- I could give you a lift

if you wouldn't mind comin' with me to visit him.

- Yeah, he'd like that.

[soft solemn music] [birds chirping]

No, I should go.

Listen, the band that I'm with,

we're gonna be playing in Hoboken next month.

Maybe you should come.

- Okay.

[smooth rhythmic music] [birds chirping]