Original subtitles

Good morning. Happy Saturday.

Good morning. Coffee! I love you!

I love you too.

Hey, have we ever played here before?

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

I honestly forget where we've been.

You would actually forget Dizzy's at Lincoln Center

or the San Francisco Symphony?

It sure seems different than our usual venue.

I mean, sofas?

Well, I guess it's for the acoustics.

That's what Jack says.

Concrete floors covered and cushy stuff.

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

so has a lot of memories for me.

And it always had really fabulous audiences.

I had an idea for a new song.

So take a look at that,

and I'll bring it back.

Now, don't let me forget the tickets.

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

but I thought we could have a glass of wine here

before we go to the show.

Did you know those clubs charge $15 a glass

and hardly give you more than a dribble?

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

Only you calculate like that.

You've always loved my calculating little mind.

Sometimes.

What's the difference between a manipulative and calculating?

Be nice. Go change. I'll pour.

I'm always nice.

I never knew you were so into jazz.

You never mentioned it when we were...

-Dating? -Yeah, dating. Yeah.

Sam.

Oh! Hey, Clara.

-Sorry. -Did you not hear me?

Oh, did you ask me something?

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

-Um... -Sure.

So it's about the second stanza here.

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

I was thinking that you would come in there

and then Shawn would come in down here.

'Cause I think you could just really rock that.

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

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

-Yeah, no worries. -So weird.

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

to hook up and go out with you.

Hey! Hey.

Do you want to stay here and drink all night

or do you want to go to the show?

Because I want to go to the show.

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

Gosh, forgot how you are a little bit drunk.

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

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

Tonight is just two friends.

Got it?

Got it.

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

Sorry to call so late.

I can call back tomorrow.

No, just tell me the results.

I wish I had better news.

There can be many causes for progressive hearing loss.

Remember how we talked about what nerve damage does

and how sometimes an infection,

a very serious infection, can cause

tremendous damage to your hearing?

I do.

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

and I hoped it would get better, not worse.

Just tell me.

I'm reviewing your audiograms.

Samantha, I'm so sorry.

If I had to pick a hearing loss stage,

I'd say you're at stage four.

Last month it was stage three.

It seems that your hearing is quickly going away.

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

Is there anything I can do? Anything?

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

There are phones, lighting systems

that take the place of bells.

I'll get a list over to you.

How can I not hear my music?

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

Samantha, I want you to take a breath.

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

And I will give you a call tomorrow, okay?

Well, she's a beauty.

Definitely. Yeah.

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

where she played with the San Francisco Symphony.

Jazz and a full orchestra.

I mean, this woman is really, really good,

Bet she is.

Sam, put a smile on your face.

You look like your dog died.

Be nice tonight.

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

Thank you all so very much

for the very warm welcome here at the Empire Club.

We are thrilled to be here.

We have a very eclectic set for you tonight.

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

close your eyes, tap your toes.

Do whatever you do when you love what you hear.

All right, on upright base we have Sean Lightner.

And on clarinet we have Clara Rosen.

And we are the Samantha Porter Trio.

This is what I mean.

She takes something so simple, and makes it magical.

Bathroom break. I'll be right back.

Do you think you can get yourself home?

Uh-huh. Why?

I was thinking maybe I'd stay after

and ask if she could sign a C.D.

Superfan big crush. You go, girl.

Me? Well...

Kidding. Don't worry about me.

I think I might have a ride.

You are really something.

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

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

-That was so great. -Yeah.

Your arrangement was awesome.

-You were totally right. -Thank you.

Did you see the guy in the front row?

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

He was so excited. Oh, my gosh.

I told you the audiences were great there, right?

-Seriously-- -Hi.

Oh, hi! Come on in. Welcome.

You want some wine? You guys were so wonderful.

I mean, Clara, that opening number

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

I mean, that was a wow.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

So Sean and I were gonna head out.

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

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

But you guys go have fun. Go.

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

Abigail. Yeah.

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

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

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

Hey, would you like some wine?

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

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

I've heard you in person.

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

and most of your European albums.

It's a little embarrassing--

I actually brought one tonight

thinking maybe I'd have you sign it.

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

Well, thank you.

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

-Hand it over. -Yeah?

Mm-hmm.

And it was Abigail?

Yeah. Abigail.

- Mm-hmm. - I appreciate it.

Of course. And that's for you.

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

You want to, um, get out of here?

Yes, I-I would love to.

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

Well, how am I gonna get to know you

with those two chattering all around us?

Come on.

So my manager, Katherine,

she wants me to travel around Europe for four months

and play smaller jazz venues

and play with local orchestras and...

That sounds exciting to me.

It sounds exhausting to me.

So I am not gonna do it.

I've had enough of packing and unpacking,

just to pack and unpack all over again.

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

Hang out at my house.

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

I'll have you over some time.

Best views of the sunset.

Plus...

Plus?

I need people.

You'd think that Sean and Clara

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

I get lonely.

I play, then I go back to the hotel.

And I bet you thought I lead a glamorous life.

Compared to my life, it is glamorous.

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

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

It's more busy than exciting.

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

Me either.

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

Not a pleasant breakup.

Oh, well, I'm trying to be friends

with the one that got away.

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

Her name is Susan.

Sometimes I think I just miss

having someone to come home to,

someone to greet me with a glass of wine and dinner

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

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

Oh, okay. Um...

We just met, and I am totally oversharing.

Well, you're really easy to talk to.

Not a diva at all.

Oh, a diva?

I hope not.

Just a piano player.

So, since you asked, I, um,

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

Maybe stay put at the Empire Club.

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

Plus, I, uh, have some things

I got to do over the next couple of months.

Plan on seeing me in the audience.

I certainly hope so.

-Good night. -Good night.

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

You know, if you want to.

One more question.

I hope this isn't prying, but I assume

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

Women. Yeah.

I hope that's not too forward.

No, no.

And you have a new girlfriend?

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

Well, that settles it.

I, um...

I think I know all I need to know.

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

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

Yeah.

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

I waited at the diner across the street

to make sure you made it home

or succumbed to an overnight with the marvelous Samantha.

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

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

You, on the other hand...

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

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

I am going to bed alone.

-One question. -One.

Was she everything you hope she'd be?

More.

Night.

-Morning. -Hi.

Where'd you go last night?

-Out. -By yourself?

Did I forget to ask your permission?

I worry about you, that's all.

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

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

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

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

The Empire wants to book you for the entire month,

Thursdays through Sundays.

Are you good with that?

Yeah, it's perfect.

Just don't book anything out of town

for the next couple of months.

But I'm working on your European tour,

and you can't not do that.

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

Until I-- I...

Well, until you what?

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

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

You're hot.

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

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

It's about me, Katherine, not you.

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

Personal stuff.

The month at Empire's okay, though?

Yeah. Just nothing after.

And you should go on a real vacation.

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

I wouldn't know what to do with that.

Okay. Okay. I'll think about it.

Do you want some coffee?

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

No more for me.

But here's the contract.

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

I have to run.

I'll see you Thursday night at the club.

Oh, I know!

Italy. I've always wanted to see Rome.

Ciao, bella.

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

You must have many questions.

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

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

yes, Samantha, you are going deaf.

Not quite yet, Samantha. Not quite yet.

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

Sensory neural hearing loss.

Big word for "deaf."

I mean, I read the reports

and I see the numbers of moderate hearing loss

of 70 decibels, and I just...

I dread the next test and what it will show.

Samantha, we've been friends

long before you came to me for testing.

I fitted your late mother with hearing aids.

So when you came in that first time,

I thought it would be a simple fix

of prescribing you an antibiotic or hearing aids.

I thought, given time, it would improve.

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

We'll be careful.

You'll have times when you hear pretty well,

then times when you don't.

That's frightening and depressing.

And soon it will be gone.

I know what my patients go through,

and I see it is terribly difficult for them.

Sight, speaking, hearing.

We depend on them to be there forever.

Samantha, I have some words of wisdom for you.

Suggestions. Do you want them?

Yeah.

It may get harder and harder to hear people

when they're all chattering at once.

Keep life simple.

Well, my career is a room full of people,

fans and reporters, coming at me all at once.

You can keep reporters at bay.

Just do one-on-one interviews.

You set the rules.

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

Even people with full hearing do that and should.

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

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

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

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

So in a sense, if someone says play that song

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

It won't disappear.

Remember the old, never the new.

And above all, keep filling your head with music.

Listen intently. Memorize every note.

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

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

Dr. Christopher.

But I won't hold my breath.

I told Jack that his decorating skills

leave something to be desired.

Little tables with comfy seats

would be so much better.

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

they just aren't that comfortable.

What?

Oh, sorry. Um...

Could you repeat what you just said?

Sofas? Not that comfortable?

I swear, Sam,

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

I think you're going deaf.

Uh, okay, s-spill it.

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

Oh, I get that.

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

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

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

Oh, my God. Sam...

You're not kidding.

What happened?

Long story, but boils down to

severe nerve damage in both ears.

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

Not even with hearing aids or one of those implants

that I've read about?

Nothing. I've asked every question.

But the-- the trio.

The piano.

How can you play what you can't hear?

I mean... I mean, can you?

I mean, for now I can hear enough.

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

But soon, I, um...

God, I just won't hear it.

I just won't.

Oh!

Sam, oh, baby.

Sorry.

Ohh.

Your life is gonna change.

I mean, your career.

Sure aren't gonna ever do Europe again.

And symphonies? Forget about it.

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

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

God, I am not dead yet, Katherine!

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

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

It-- It changes everything.

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

What am I going to do?

I cannot believe this is your response.

Right now I am concentrating on me and not you.

I'm happy with the Empire Club, okay?

There. I said it.

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

Don't be mad at me.

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

Me neither.

Aaah!

Hello?

- Hello, Samantha? - Yes.

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

The restaurant. Your superfan. You okay?

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

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

You remember me, right?

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

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

I'm coming to your show tonight

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

you know, if you aren't too tired

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

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

than meet up with you after the show.

Just come backstage after, okay?

-And Abigail...-Yes?

I'm really glad you called.

- Jack. - Freddy.

Samantha asked me to send some champagne to this woman,

Abigail McCarthy, who's coming tonight.

How am I supposed to know who she is?

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

if her name is Abigail.

Right. Great idea.

We have champagne, don't we?

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

Look in the cooler. Pick the best one.

Let's assume this Abigail is pretty special.

-Oh, good evening, Jack. -Katherine.

So you know about this new woman in her life?

New? No.

Sent her a bottle of champagne.

She's never mentioned anything to me about it.

Abigail?

Abigail?

-Is that her? -Must be.

Very pretty.

Well, she said she wanted to stay in town

for a few months.

Maybe that's the personal stuff

she needs to take care of.

Along with the...

Along with...

Just-- Just some women's stuff.

Do you want me to give you the details?

No. Thank you.

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

See you later, Katherine.

Ohh! Your office after?

Mm!

Good evening, everyone,

and thank you so much for coming out to see us

at the Empire Club.

We have jazz, jazz, jazz for you tonight.

On upright bass we have Sean Lightner.

And on clarinet we have Clara Rosen.

And we are the Samantha Porter Trio.

Wow.

I know. It's weird, right?

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

He moved it in when I was gone one afternoon.

And when I came back, there it was.

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

Wow, this place is amazing.

This is my retreat from the world.

Oh, it's absolutely beautiful.

Let me see if I have anything to eat.

Just make yourself comfortable.

And pardon the mess.

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

You can just put your jacket on the chair,

and I'll check the fridge.

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

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

Help yourself.

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

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

By the way, where do you keep your Grammys?

I think there's one over there on the shelf.

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

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

We have pasta salad, some fruit salad.

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

Um, so chicken and fruit good for you?

Oh, well, I'm a vegetarian,

so no chicken, but fruit sounds great.

What did you say?

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

Besides, I ate a huge dinner

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

so I'm good.

Hmm. Just fruit.

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

-Do you eat cheese? -I do.

-Great. -Don't make a fuss.

It's nice to have someone to fuss over.

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

Yeah.

You know, to me,

California beats the French with their wine.

To, well, meeting you.

Cheers.

So, were you one of those kids

whose parents made them start piano when they were five?

Oh, no.

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

I saw a TV show with Herbie Hancock

talking about composing "Watermelon Man."

And I just wanted to learn to play like that.

And one day compose like that.

-God, I remember that song. -Yeah?

So no child prodigy, huh?

No, just a piano player.

Oh. Slightly more than just a piano player.

Tell me about you, your résumé, madame.

Well, like I said, I'm a nurse.

And I work at St. Luke's Hospital.

I've been there for about eight years.

Before that, I was a florist's assistant.

Played the cello in grade school and junior high.

Gave it up before my senior year

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

It was embarrassing.

And then I fell in love with the head cheerleader.

So I guess you could say my interests changed.

I love it.

Excuse me.

Hope you don't mind.

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

-Is that too loud? -No.

Is it-- Is it you?

Oh, no. No, no.

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

So you came out in high school?

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

Me too.

I mean, I never really talk about it

because no one asks me about my love life,

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

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

you know, to let someone in.

Well, you know,

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

Sorry, I know we've just met,

and I'm already spouting off my advice.

Well, I might just let you in.

Morning, sunshine.

Morning.

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

Of course not.

I know you probably won't believe this,

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

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

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

Um, you eat eggs?

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

I do, yeah.

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

Plus, I'm starving.

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

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

and funny too.

I got some exercise too, you know?

So, today. You free?

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

Well, let's hang out here today.

Can swim or relax.

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

at your house or apartment or whatever.

I'm playing again tonight, so...

I'll come, but no need for champagne.

You don't have to come every night.

People will talk.

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

Let 'em talk.

Good afternoon, Katherine.

I thought you'd be sleeping in today.

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

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

You have a minute?

I'm listening.

Samantha's going deaf.

Pretty soon she won't hear a note,

no voices, nothing.

Holy shit. Poor kid.

Tough stuff. Is she doing all right?

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

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

I don't know what's gonna happen.

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

She might never play again.

Has she talked to everybody? Professionals? Doctors?

-Specialists? -Yes, yes, yes.

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

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

Leave it to you to think of yourself.

Jack, I am not being heartless.

I'm just being honest.

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

It's not that easy, Jack.

Samantha and I have been together a long time.

Having it all end...

it's not gonna be that easy.

What will I do then?

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

here it is--

Concentrate on helping Samantha

until the shoe drops.

Don't worry about the "then."

Jack said you weren't here yet.

Well, obviously I am.

What can I do?

Got a miracle handy?

Oh, I only wish.

I only wish.

So, about tonight--

I gave Sean and Clara the night off.

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

We have a contract.

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

Just tell me why.

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

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

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

You're wearing that?

Yeah. Why?

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

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

What's wrong?

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry. I'm sorry.

No, did I-- did I do something?

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

Oh, my gosh. You're exhausted.

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

I, um...

I need to be alone.

Oh, I...

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

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

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

I just...

I just need to be alone tonight.

I can't explain. Just please understand.

Yeah. Um, I'll text you tomorrow.

Get some sleep.

Good night.

Sounds great.

Oh. Hey, Freddy.

Is that something new?

Yeah. This one feels kind of special.

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

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

Thank you. Appreciate it.

I can't wait to hear it.

You're sweet.

Deep in the work, huh?

Trying.

Katherine told me what's going on.

I'm a real sorry, kid.

Bummer, huh?

We've known each other for a long time.

I remember when you came walking in here when you were

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

and see all the artists.

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

Yeah, well, you were very kind,

letting me take a chair in the back

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

That was very nice.

Do you ever read anything about Stevie Wonder

and his journey as a blind pianist?

Not much.

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

Doesn't know what the audience looks like.

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

or his own children.

But he plays that keyboard like he knows it intimately.

Doesn't let blindness stand in his way.

Yeah. But he can still hear the music.

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

I mean, do I want to be blind?

No. No.

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

What am I gonna do, Jack?

You've heard those cheering audiences.

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

I bet if you closed your eyes

and I told you I was hitting middle C,

you'd hear it in your head.

That's not leaving.

Your hands will be your guides.

Have faith, my friend.

And don't work so hard.

This is supposed to be your day off.

Yeah, well, just don't fire me.

Nobody's firing anybody.

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

I'm glad you decided to meet me here.

I've been thinking about you. A lot.

Not like that.

Just about what I did to drive us apart.

You didn't do anything.

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

We had a push-pull relationship.

You want to talk about that?

I need to talk to someone.

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

I'm listening.

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

but we have gotten close so fast.

I feel like, I don't know,

I think I might be pushing her away.

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

Your paranoid personality has raised its ridiculous head.

I'm sure you're just wondering

if this relationship is real or not.

How about you just sit back, enjoy it,

and not think about it too much?

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

You really like her, don't you?

And so what if she does?

She's a world-famous jazz pianist.

who's really an agent for the FBI?

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

and she's leading you on.

Trust me, she is definitely

a woman who likes women.

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

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

Ask her.

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

If you have any hope of having this woman

permanently in your life, be honest,

get the questions out up front.

It saves a lot of grief years later.

I learned that the hard way.

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

But I thought you wanting to meet

was to talk about something important.

This is important.

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

I really do like her.

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

Will you kiss me?

Seriously?

Come on. Just kiss me.

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

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

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

so I'm gonna go.

Relax. Just give it time.

Thank you.

Whoo!

Cheers.

Mmm. Cukes are delicious.

Let me try.

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

Just feel it with me for a minute.

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

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

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

I'm glad you're feeling better.

I am really glad you're here.

Oh, I'll get it.

Hi. Can I help you?

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

about me, has she?

Hello?

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

and, oh, lucky me!

I get to meet the new girlfriend.

Oh, champagne.

How festive.

Katherine, this is Abigail.

Abigail, this is Katherine, my manager and keeper.

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

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

Okay, you've been drinking.

Please don't get stupid.

Ah. Me? Never.

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

Just Sean and Clara from the trio.

You know, Katherine,

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

Oh! You know, she always made extra.

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

I would love to stay. Thank you for asking.

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

You know what? I don't mind.

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

Oh, yes, I can tell you

all her dirty little secrets in her life.

I do not need this.

It's okay, Samantha.

Yeah, you can tell me all the things

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

- Hm. - Oh, the inside track.

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

Here we go. Dig in, everyone.

Ohh. Sooth food.

Love it.

I have seen all of her girlfriends come

and all of her girlfriends go.

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

but I have seen her over the top in love

and hiding under the covers, heartbroken.

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

And that goes for you too.

Do not hurt my girl

or you're gonna have to contend with me.

Sam, don't get angry.

I just want to get to know her,

share our history.

Did you say something?

Oh, poor baby.

Is it getting worse?

So fast!

Katherine, don't.

Okay, what history? Is what getting worse?

Oh. Oh.

We were a couple.

Well, for a couple of moments. Years ago.

My big try at the lesbian thing.

Me and this gorgeous girl here.

A secret little fling.

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

I just...

I just love having her in my life.

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

Isn't that right, Sam?

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

What's getting worse?

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

Why not try being straightforward and honest?

For once?

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

Oh, she's not good at confrontation.

Or truth.

All right, let's go. Come on.

Katherine.

This is hard enough without you just showing up here.

Just go.

Nice meeting you!

Call me.

Hey, hey. I am so sorry about that.

A few drinks and she gets all intrusive

and she babbles, and I...

Well, you guys were lovers. I get it.

Very brief, very brief, very long time ago.

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

I would think a manager would.

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

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

she said you would have to tell me one day?

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

I mean, that we were a very brief thing,

a very long time ago.

Come on, Abigail.

I have many friends that you're gonna meet,

and there's not all secrets there

and they weren't all former lovers.

I will never lie to you about anything.

I just...

I am falling in love with you, Abigail.

There. I said it.

Me too.

Hi, Dr. Christopher. It's Samantha.

Yeah, um, well,

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

Mm-hmm.

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

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

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

Well, I would say right now

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

Okay.

So, um, how long, do you think?

That soon?

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Yeah, no, thank you. I appreciate it.

Mm-hmm.

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

Bye.

Good book?

Yeah, pretty good.

Nothing better than a good old-fashioned English mystery.

I need to tell you something.

You look so serious.

It sort of is.

You're going to Europe for six months.

I knew it. All right.

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

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

It's not. Just sit.

Please.

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

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

I might need hearing aids.

And?

And so I went to an audiologist

who referred me to UCSF.

And to say the least,

I definitely have hearing issues.

That's it? So you wear hearing aids.

Thousands of people do. Probably thousands more should.

My grandmother.

Still, if this was your big secret

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

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

And, um...

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

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

Oh, Samantha.

I don't know what to say.

I know, it's just

this whole thing has just turned my world upside down.

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

I've never been around a completely deaf person.

I-I don't know what to do.

Just you keep doing what you've been doing.

I mean, it does help

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

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

People seem to think yelling makes hearing better,

but it does not.

And I'm getting better at reading lips.

It's just...

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

Like?

Like will I ever play again, for one?

Will anyone hire a deaf musician?

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

How can I compose what I can't hear?

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

It's all very depressing.

I get so frustrated and angry.

But mostly I'm just sad.

But I don't want to lose you.

I'm gonna go. Um...

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

So just take all this in, you know?

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

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

What is the matter with you, Abigail?

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

You can't handle it? Are you embarrassed?

Or are you just with me

because you want to hear me play the piano?

Be with someone famous, hmm? Is that it?

I need to think about this.

Holy shit! God!

How did you get in here?

I tried the door.

You got to lock up.

I mean, you were up here all alone.

You're back.

I thought, um...

Well, I don't know what I thought.

Did you get your laundry done?

I know. Stupid.

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

My first thought was to run.

Run from what? Me?

Well, I suddenly thought, you know,

"What am I signing up for?"

Oh, wow. "Signing up for."

Like some burdensome task.

No, not like that.

Not at all.

I mean, you kicked me out without an explanation.

Saying one thing and then doing another.

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

I-I got scared.

You just don't understand.

That I agree with.

I have no clue what you're feeling

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

I can't.

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

I want to be here.

Do you want me here?

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

I need you to help me get through this.

Well, I want to be here.

I want to help you.

I have an idea.

Can you get your dancing shoes ready by Tuesday?

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

Oh. Dancing isn't gonna fix this.

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

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

Our we is definitely an us.

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

And, Sam, I love you.

I love us.

I'll see you Tuesday, okay?

-Okay. -Oh, one more thing.

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

Okay. Two beers, please.

You got it.

-There you go. -Thank you.

Have you ever been to a gay bar?

Well, I have actually been here.

Just once. When it was just a normal bar.

I didn't know it was a gay bar,

and it certainly wasn't decorated like this.

They change it up for theme nights.

-Ah. -All right.

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

So you decided you do want to be with me?

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

it threw me.

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

When you kicked me out, I just thought

you didn't want to be with me.

You asked if I was having a bad night.

I was.

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

I'll deal.

Come on. Let's dance.

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

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

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

Seriously?

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

How am I supposed to help you

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

It seems to leave me a little more every day.

And I just thought you would be bored with me

or at the very least sick of me

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

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

it was to research anything that could help you.

And since music is your life,

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

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

You are so much more than your ability to hear.

So much more.

Hey, come on. Let's dance.

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

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

to the top of this beautiful face.

Close your eyes and just tell me what you feel.

Oh, I feel it. I do.

I-I feel the vibrations through my body.

I do.

And you still hear a bit?

Yeah.

Your dancing skills,

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

Stop it!

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

-Hey. -Hey.

Tonight was wonderful.

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

but I am now.

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

Mm. More laundry? Walking away?

Come on. No, no.

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

Well, don't do that again.

-What? -Disappear.

I won't. I absolutely won't.

So, we learned that, um,

that deaf people can dance by feeling the vibrations

through the floor.

It works, doesn't it?

Do you remember that guy on, um,

"Dancing with the Stars,"

and he was stone deaf and a fabulous dancer?

So you know what that means, right?

Someone who is stone deaf can play the piano.

And there are new discoveries all the time.

I try to have hope.

I really do.

Come. Come here.

I learned something else.

The deaf are no different than anybody else.

They love to make love,

especially after a night of dancing.

Can you feel the rhythm?

We're going to be about 10 minutes short.

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

I could show off again.

No, no, we'll be okay.

Hey, guys, I got to tell you something,

and my timing is probably lousy.

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

Wait, what?

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

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

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

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

Um, I, um...

I'm going deaf.

Quickly.

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

Oh, my God.

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

A lot of the time.

I told you she wasn't just ignoring us.

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

Sad and devastated. Yeah.

But I am learning to accept it,

and I'm gonna start going to support groups

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

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

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

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

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

Well, that explains your withdrawal.

I mean, I thought you just fell in love

and that's where all your attention went.

By the way, Abigail is adorable.

I agree.

And pretty. And sexy.

She's got a great taste in music.

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

I totally get it. I get it.

Hey, guys,

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

I love you guys.

See you out there.

Tonight I have a little surprise.

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

where my career began.

Thanks to you, Jack.

The past few weeks, I have spent many hours

at this very piano composing a piece

that I have spent years trying to find.

I just couldn't hear the melody

until someone made my heart sing.

Please enjoy "Concerto for Abigail."

I love you. That was so beautiful.

It's almost gone.

But I know what you said.

And I've memorized your voice.

We'll get through this. Together.

Together.