Original subtitles

[Alarm pings]

Mm...

Mm...

Woman: ♪ Hold on when you think that it's over ♪

[Alarm pings]

♪ Troubles are a thing you can't get around ♪

♪ One step, just a little bit closer ♪

Ahh.

[Alarm pings]

Woman: ♪ Don't let anything stop you now ♪

[Alarm pings]

♪ Weight of the world laying on your shoulders ♪

♪ Oh, when you think you lost your way ♪

♪ And it's more than you can take ♪

♪ You'll walk through fire ♪

♪ Come out a fighter ♪

♪ Hold your head higher ♪

♪ You're a real-life survivor ♪

♪ Ooh ooh ♪

♪ Real-life survivor ♪

♪ Ooh ooh ♪

[Gasps]

[Panting]

Oh...

[Michael Minelli's "Eye to Eye" playing]

Minelli: ♪ I change the way that I write for you... ♪

[Door opens]

Nate: Hi.

Please tell me you're not still obsessing about Cam.

It's been two days, and he still

hasn't responded to any of my messages.

Well, when your man gets a shot

at writing hooks for a big-time producer,

you can't become Miss Clingy.

It's just, things have been off since homecoming.

Did you tell him that?

Of course I did.

He keeps saying that everything's fine.

Well, then stop borrowing trouble.

We have enough.

Hmm.

How was the rally?

I'm sure Ezra's relieved

that his attackers were caught.

Watching Ezra step into his power

and speak out about his attack

was hella inspiring, and, even though

his attackers apparently have

some new hotshot lawyers,

this case is gonna be a slam dunk.

[Chime]

Mm...whoever is on your phone this late

is definitely not your man.

No. It's OK. It's nothing, nothing.

[Door opens]

I can't sleep.

Oh, tomorrow you find out your stage,

and this diagnosis becomes real.

If you could sleep, I'd be worried.

Yeah. Well, they said I'm probably stage one,

but...what if they're wrong?

OK. I'm gonna need you to take

the worst-case scenario off repeat.

You won't know until you know.

And when you do,

your village is here for you,

minus a few VIPs.

Look. I know you don't agree with my decision,

but Auntie is putting in work

for HBCUs at the White House.

My mom is lead attorney on a huge case in Japan.

I just-

I refuse to interrupt their lives

until I know what I'm dealing with.

I hear you. I do. I just-

Simone should probably try and get some rest

because tomorrow ain't gonna do itself.

Yeah, especially since it's including tennis.

You're going to practice?

Nate, I want things to be as normal as possible

for as long as I can.

Oh, but-

Which we completely understand.

Now you should try and go get some sleep.

Just try.

OK. Good night.

-Good night. -Good night.

I love you.

Love you, too.

Stop, stop.

I know what you're gonna say.

Well, then let me say it out loud with emphasis.

None of this is normal.

Nate-

She needs to accept the fact

that her life is going to change.

[Cell phone chimes]

Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh.

We only got room for one distraction right now.

Babe, it could be important. Wait.

Ha!

I just got an interview with T.L. Robinson and Associates.

Really? That's the top engineering firm in Atlanta.

And they're considering me

for the design engineer position.

Well, baby, that's amazing,

but why-why didn't you tell me you applied?

I don't know.

I mean, you've been really busy with classes

and baseball training,

plus it seemed like a longshot.

Ah, that ain't a longshot.

They know the real deal when they see it.

Thanks. OK.

My head is spinning.

I got to go prep for this interview.

Boom. Let's do it. Let me help you.

No. Don't worry about me.

You study, and I'll see you later.

Oh...

[Whistle blows]

Hey, are you OK? I noticed-

Dragging. I know.

I'm just sore from my biopsy,

and I just didn't sleep well.

Your appointment is today.

The lack of sleep isn't surprising.

If you saw me dragging, then Coach Loni will see it, too.

Especially since it's Hell Week.

Don't tell me you've forgotten.

Huddle up. Huddle up. Huddle up. Come on.

Let's all welcome Thea Mays back from the pro tour.

She'll be spending this week with us

observing and sharing her experience.

This week, you will be tested

in a series of timed fitness drills.

Your performance will help us solidify

the season lineup, so it's do or die.

Simone, why don't you run them through their paces today?

Um, Coach Loni, if Simone's cool with it,

can I just do it, for old times' sake?

I think it's a great idea.

OK, then.

Thea, practice is all yours,

but everyone stay ready.

You'll receive a text with the day and time

of your test, all right?

Get to it.

Thea: All right, guys. On the line.

Lando: Nate. Yo, Nate.

Hmm?

I've been calling your name. You good?

Not-not really.

I keep thinking the Good Lord

won't give me more than I can handle, but then-

Your best friend got cancer. Right.

If that weren't enough,

my cousin Val wants to go get coffee.

I take it, this cousin is of the long-lost variety.

Well, it wasn't always that way.

I mean, despite the age gap, we used to be tight.

We dreamed of going to law school

and changing the world.

Why don't you tell her you're busy?

Life is too short to do things

you don't want to do.

The last thing I need are my aunties

blowing up my phone asking why

I'm not showing up for family.

Then I guess you're just gonna

have to trust that the Lord is not

giving you more than you can handle.

Dr. Sandoval: I have good news for you.

Based on your biopsy results and the size of your mass,

your cancer is most likely stage one.

My recommendation is that we schedule

a lumpectomy to remove the tumor

and confirm there are no cancer cells remaining.

Um, what about chemotherapy?

Fortunately, I don't think chemo will be necessary,

but optimal treatment will include hormone treatments

and 5 weeks of radiation therapy.

Simone, you OK?

I know this is a lot,

but I'm quite confident you will be fine.

And what's the timeline?

How long will it take

until she's fully recovered?

Post-lumpectomy, best-case scenario,

6 to 8 weeks.

6 to 8 weeks?

Yes. That's correct.

No. That- I can't.

That timeline is well into my tennis season,

and not even counting the training,

I'll miss the tennis season altogether.

J.R.: Simone's appointment must have been intense.

Is she OK?

No, but she will be.

It's a lot to take in-

cancer, losing tennis.

How are you?

Couldn't have been easy on you, either.

I'm fine. I'm not the one with cancer.

What I'm curious about is why you texted me

asking me for recommendations about 5-star restaurants.

I got to step it up with Gabby.

What'd you do?

-I didn't do nothing. -Yeah, you did.

-No, I didn't. -You're lying.

That's the problem. I haven't done anything.

I've just been so focused on myself,

I haven't realized how distant we've become.

Man, I might be guilty of the same thing.

Cam says that we're good, though.

Gabby said the same thing.

It just don't feel good because you-

You could still lose somebody,

even if things are good?

Yeah.

I don't want that for either of us,

so-guess what-I'm gonna help you plan your date.

-Hmm? -Yeah.

Dinner at an overpriced restaurant where portions

are so small, you can't even see them

on the plate is not the move.

All right. Slow down. I got feelings.

Pop quiz- her favorite food,

favorite color, favorite dessert.

Italian, red, carrot cake.

Does she have any guilty pleasures?

Ooh, now, that's what she might kill me for,

but she is obsessed with this romance book series

called "Fire and Silk."

The O.G. trilogy or the prequels?

Is she Team Cravenhart, or is she Team Gregmoore?

Oh, no. She's definitely Team Cravenhart.

The question is,

how didn't I know this about you?

No. Seriously, you-

you don't have to do this.

I know. I want to. It'll be fun.

-Nathaniel. -Valerie.

Oh, my goodness. Hee hee!

Oh, my, why, you're stunning, fabulous.

I-I can't believe

I haven't seen you since.

This look really suits you.

It's not a look. It's who I am.

Well, and I think that's great.

I really do.

Uh, so how is lawyer life?

Some days, it sucks,

but other days, it's just how we imagined.

Oh, last year, my boss said

he wanted a friend to consult on my case.

Guess who it was. Sherrilyn Ifill.

Where is this firm, and how do I join?

She said she appreciated

how thorough my brief was...

OK, period.

then quickly schooled me

on everything I did wrong.

Girl, someone telling you you're wrong

must have been something else.

It was... until she said

she loved watching strong Black sisters

make their mark, and I said,

"Just you wait.

My baby cousin is on the come-up."

-You spoke about me? -Of course.

I told her you were applying to law school.

She said she'd be happy to connect.

Why would you do that?

We haven't spoken in years.

We're family.

I love and miss you.

I don't even know why we lost touch.

Seriously? I do. You're looking at her.

It was all fun and games when I was playing

with heels and dresses, but when things got real,

you made it very clear how you feel

about nonbinary people.

When and how did I do that?

You know exactly what you did.

Can we take a beat and rewind?

Nathaniel, I honestly don't know

what you're talking about.

You cut me off cold.

You know what?

This was a mistake, but enjoy your trip.

Nathaniel!

Keisha said I might find you here.

Well, I spent today learning all the ways

cancer is destroying my body.

Well, I saw the group chat.

I'm really happy your prognosis is good.

Me, too.

Still have a tough decision to make.

Wait. What-

I thought you didn't need chemo.

Why are you thinking about freezing your eggs?

Well, after treatment, the cancer

could come back but more aggressive.

I might not have time to freeze them later.

So doing it now is like an insurance policy?

A very expensive one.

I have to use my financial aid

just to pay for it.

You know, I should be worried

about my backhand

or whether my footwork is solid,

but instead, I have to worry

about pumping hormones into my body

to harvest eggs.

Hey, a lot of women our age are doing both.

Women on the circuit are freezing their eggs

so that they can play as long as possible

without sacrificing their future.

I mean, I've even thought about doing it.

You want to be a mom?

I'm gonna choose to ignore your tone.

Ha ha!

I-I don't know if I want kids,

but I do want the choice.

You know, I had to give Baby Shay up

when I was 17,

and I'm so grateful that his adoptive parents

let me have a relationship with him,

but I'm not raising him.

I want to get married one day,

have more children, raise a family...

Hmm.

and I can't risk cancer

taking that dream from me, too.

It's already taken tennis.

I've worked so hard to get back here,

and it's just so many delays and setbacks.

Hey, you will fight your way back here again.

It just won't be this season.

Thea, what if it could?

Simone, where are you going?

[Knocks on door]

I have a question,

and I need you to be brutally honest.

OK. Ask away.

Am I crazy to think that I can

fight my cancer without giving up tennis?

You can't ignore that you're sick.

I learned that the hard way.

I'm not ignoring anything.

I have a treatment plan and 3 months

before we have to compete,

but if I have the chance to play in the spring,

shouldn't I try?

Simone, when I got sick again

at the end of sophomore year,

I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to play again.

I thought I had more time to figure it out,

but then the program got cut, and my dream died.

Well, that's why I'm here.

J.R., if you could do things over,

what would you do?

I'd fight like hell to get back on the field sooner.

You ain't crazy.

Nate: What? Val said what? I did not throw a fit.

I have class.

No. Please don't call back.

Damn.

I'd ask how the cousin meet-up went,

but if the aunties are activated,

it can't be good.

Val was acting like she has no clue

why I'm upset.

Which you clearly are.

You want to talk it out?

You and I don't do that.

True, but I know you

well enough to know that you don't want

to burden your crew with this,

given everything happening with Simone.

She needs their support more than anything right now.

My-my drama is inconsequential

compared to that.

But it's not inconsequential to you,

so how about a trial run

with me as a sounding board?

[Exhales]

OK. We'll see if you're temp-bestie material.

[Clears throat]

Uh, well, basically, when I was 14,

I was still figuring out who I was,

and Val, she reposted this meme

mocking nonbinary people.

That's what devastated me.

Did she ever explain why she shared it?

No. I never talked about it.

She was at college, and I had so many things

that I had to figure out,

I just stopped talking to her,

but the thing is, she wasn't just my cousin.

She really was my best friend,

and in one of the most challenging times

of my life, I felt like I couldn't even go to her.

Did you ask her about it, today?

I kind of lost my temper

and then bailed before we could even get into it.

Our friend was just diagnosed with cancer.

We don't know what life is gonna throw at us.

Don't let things go unsaid.

OK, Orlando,

and here, they said pretty people lack depth.

Mm, nah. I got layers.

See ya.

OK.

All right.

-You like it? -I love it.

-Oh, good. -This is dope,

Oh, I'm glad. I'm glad.

I talked to my friend who works in the lounge,

and it looks like they don't have any bookings

for tomorrow, so the whole place is yours.

Ha! Oh, man.

Ooh, and...

I may have gotten some Regency-era costumes

from the Drama Department.

Ooh, heh heh.

Well, Gabby'll love this,

but if there's any tights in here, you're dead.

I make no promises. Look.

Cravenhart can rock a pair of tights.

Ha! Can't thank you enough.

Yeah. No, really, it's no big deal.

Yes, it is.

This morning, you was at the doctor's office

with Simone, which clearly left you drained and upset,

even though you're trying to hide it,

and now you're here helping me?

-Keisha, talk to me. -It's really not a big deal.

-Let's just drop it. -It's OK to be scared.

I'm scared, too, but Simone's prognosis was good.

Look. She's gonna be OK.

We just got to keep telling her that.

Um, I actually got to go.

We're helping make Simone dinner tonight,

so I'll talk to you later.

I'll finish decorating tomorrow.

Well, at least finish talking about-

I'll see you later.

Woman: ♪ It'll be all right ♪

-Hey. -Hey.

Woman: ♪ Let's get a date ♪

♪ I just want to party ♪

♪ Can't get away ♪

♪ I see you... ♪

Keisha, are you OK?

Yeah, girl. I'm fine.

Are you sure?

Because it looks like you're having

a little bit of a moment over there.

I'm OK. I'm good.

OK.

[Boop]

Thea: Hi. What's wrong with you?

Considering Mercury's in retrograde,

I'm right as rain.

OK. I'm so happy I don't live here.

Remember, everybody, positivity

and being as upbeat as possible.

Why do I get the feeling that was directed at me?

No. That was for me.

Apparently, I need to chill.

Mm, look at all of us on the same page.

-Hi. -Hi.

What is all this?

Spaghetti Bolognese for our girl.

It's your favorite.

You know carbs make everything better.

Thea: We know you've had one hell of a day,

one tough blow after another, so-

About that,

I, um-

I found a solution to one of the blows.

I'm not giving up tennis.

Have you lost your damn mind?

Keisha: Simone, you heard

your doctor's schedule for you.

I did, which is why I got them

to move up my lumpectomy to Thanksgiving week.

Guys, they can fast-track

my radiation, 3 weeks instead of 5.

Which means you'd be dome with treatment

in time for competitive play.

Exactly.

My doctor says this is a legitimate option

that they do all the time.

My radiation dosage would be higher

since it's a shorter treatment span,

but I can handle that.

I even managed to get a fertility appointment

for tomorrow so I can start

the process of freezing my eggs.

I'll have just enough of a window.

Everything really is aligning for me.

Thea: Whoa. What did Coach Loni have to say

about all of this?

Because- Oh, wait.

Who am I talking to?

You haven't told her, and you don't plan on it.

Thea, I cannot risk her redshirting me,

and besides, if this works,

I don't have to tell her anything.

OK. I guess I'm gonna have to be the one to say it.

Simone, I know you want things to be normal,

but they're not.

You have cancer.

I'm very well aware of that, Nate,

but I need something to hold on to

and fight for right now.

Well, then you should be fighting

for your life, and not tennis.

It is the same thing.

I don't support this.

Then I'll do it without you.

OK. You do you, girl.

So, what, you think I'm crazy, too?

No.

Simone, if anybody can pull this off, it's you.

Nate'll come around. I'll go check on her.

You're abnormally quiet.

[Cell phone chimes]

Ohh...

What? What's wrong?

I just got the time for my fitness test-

tomorrow at 2 P.M.

That is the same time as my fertility appointment.

If you miss your fitness test,

you forfeit your spot on the team.

So it's either give up tennis for the season

or I risk never being a mom again?

Why can't I catch a damn break for once?

I'm glad you texted.

I didn't like how things ended.

I didn't, either.

I want you to know

why I've been so upset with you.

Do you remember sharing this?

Ohh...

I was a kid

struggling with so many big questions

about who I was

and who I wanted to be,

and my favorite person in the whole world

made it clear that when I accepted

who I was, she wouldn't.

I think I blocked that post out.

It was my freshman year.

You were still Boy Nate.

You hadn't even hinted about any questions

or struggles with your gender identity.

That's your defense?

I'm just saying, there was so much

about the world that I didn't know.

Well, in case the grown woman in front of me

needs an education,

you do not choose to be nonbinary

because you want to be different.

You are nonbinary because it's

the only way to live your truth.

I know that now.

I'm ashamed that I was ever that person.

Nathaniel, I love you.

I'm so sorry I hurt you.

I'm sorry I hurt anyone

by sharing that post.

I'm a different person.

I really want to believe that.

I've carried this for so long,

and the truth is, I've missed you, too.

Well, I want to keep talking about this

and anything else that's on your mind,

because there's something else,

isn't there?

One of my best friends has-

She has cancer...

Oh, Nate...

and I want to support her through this,

but the way she's going about dealing with it-

Uh-uh, uh-uh.

Hey, hey, hey,

um, I have meetings for the rest of the day,

but can I see you tonight?

We could talk about all of it.

OK.

Um, dinner at my place?

I'll cook, but you bring the wine.

[Both laugh]

Don't you have class?

Yeah.

I was on my way, but I just needed a minute.

Heard things got a little intense with Nate.

Oh, yeah.

Group chat is definitely working overtime.

Do you think I'm being foolish

for wanting to hold on to tennis?

It doesn't matter what I think or Nate.

This is your life.

It is my life...

and I have to decide between tennis

or my health and my future,

and right now, as crazy as it sounds,

I don't know which one I can live without.

What I'm about to say is relevant, OK?

Just go with it.

I told you my mom is a plastic surgeon, right?

No. I thought she was a painter.

That's her hobby.

Medicine is her calling.

Helping people is her purpose.

After residency, she went on to work

for a thriving plastics practice.

For years, she helped grow the practice

while battling insurance companies and...

[Scoffs]

turning away patients who needed her help

for various reconstructive surgeries

but couldn't afford treatment.

So she had to choose between

helping the practice and helping her patients.

Yeah.

Which one did she pick?

Both. She opened her own practice

and got grants and donations

to help those who need it most.

So the takeaway for me is to keep

my fitness test and my fertility appointment.

Yes.

Lando, as amazing as I am,

there's no possible way I can be

in two places at once.

Simone, you are the type of person

who deserves to have it all.

You just got to figure out how.

Well, if I'm gonna make my treatment

and recovery timeline,

I can't move my fertility appointment.

OK. Then the fitness test needs to move.

Coach Loni is not about to let me reschedule.

To her, there is nothing

more important than this test.

There's got to be something.

You are right.

You know what?

You're kind of a genius, Lando.

I-I feel like the friend group

is just starting to figure that out.

Hey.

Hey.

Well, judging by the look on your face,

you actually managed to convince Coach Loni

to move your test.

What's the one thing Coach Loni

cares more about than tennis?

Uh, academics?

Exactly. I told her I had a study group

that conflicted with my fitness test.

So you lied.

I did what I had to do.

Simone, you were dragging

during warmups the other day,

which is why I covered for you.

Now, how are you gonna make it

through your fitness test,

and what about after your surgery

or radiation?

I mean, the exhaustion's gonna be next-level, so-

I'm aware.

I've done the research, you know.

I'll figure it out.

Well, you know who else is gonna figure it out?

Coach Loni.

How are you gonna hide this from her?

I don't know.

Well, "I don't know" isn't a plan, Simone.

Well, I didn't plan to get cancer, Thea.

I'm doing the best that I can.

Now, if you'll excuse me,

I have an appointment to get to.

[Cell phone chimes]

[Pen drops]

Woman: ♪ It's like a hundred moves so easily ♪

♪ I move in like a... ♪

Val: My name is Valerie Hardin.

I'm a lawyer with Parker, Wright, and Associates,

the attorneys for the young men

accused of assaulting Ezra Hayes.

While this case has received a great deal of media attention,

we ask the public to reserve judgment

until the defendants have their day in court.

Thank you.

[Exhales]

[Typing]

[Smooth jazz music playing]

J.R.: I got to be honest.

I had my doubts,

but I look damn good in these tights.

The lasagna's in the warmer,

the carrot cake is in the fridge,

and I already sent you the playlist.

-Keisha, we got to talk. -Gabby'll be here soon.

How many people told you your mom would be OK?

After she got cancer, how many people

told you that she would be OK?

Everyone-

doctors, my dad.

Even my mom said that she would be fine,

and then 6 months later, she was gone.

I realized Simone's prognosis

wouldn't make you this upset

unless it reminded you of your mother.

I was really young when she was diagnosed.

I didn't understand what she was going though.

So now through Simone,

you get a front-row seat.

How am I supposed-

How am I supposed to help Simone

if every time I look at her,

I just see my mom?

By leaning on me, Cam, Nate, Lando,

same way we told Simone to.

We lean on each other so she can lean on us

and have faith that everything is gonna be OK.

Ain't nothing gonna happen to Simone.

I got your back, OK?

Thank you.

[Sniffles]

Now be honest with me.

Hmm?

My speech was giving Gregmoore and Ariella.

Ha! OK.

Did you already read "Fire and Silk"?

Of course not.

Reviews and recaps are a man's best friend.

Ha ha!

Now, now, I do have a question.

What?

How can anyone not be Team Gregmoore?

Boy, do not start a fight

that you are bound to lose.

I might like losing that one.

-You- -[Gasps]

Oh, this is amazing.

OK. This looks like the dinner scene

when Cravenhart finally seduces Ariella.

-Yes, girl. Yes. -Yes.

J.R., you did all this?

I had a little help.

No, he did not. I am not even here.

Well, you make a dapper Cravenhart.

-Well, thank you... -Oh.

Lady Ariella.

Why'd you do all this?

This to celebrate the interview?

Nah. You deserve to be celebrated.

I know that between baseball

and trying to get my future back on track,

you've gotten lost in our relationship,

but that ends tonight.

Mm.

[Chime]

You're something else.

-Let me help you to your seat... -OK.

J.R.: like how a queen's supposed be treated.

-Oh. -There we go.

Thank you.

Hey, girl.

Hey.

How was your fertility appointment?

It was good.

The doctor said, based on my cycle,

I can start hormone injections today

and complete my egg freezing

right before surgery.

Girl, your plans be planning.

Yeah.

Medication I have to take

has to be mixed together first.

The nurse gave me a tutorial because

she said it has to be perfect-

the mix, the timing.

Woman: ♪ Others say I cannot wait... ♪

I have to take two injections a day.

Keisha, what if I can't do this?

You can. You can.

Woman: ♪ Change, yeah, yeah... ♪

Simone, your future child

is going to be so lucky to have you,

just like I was with my mom,

who stood strong

in her battle against cancer

just like you already are...

Woman: ♪ Oh, I cut myself loose... ♪

and, lucky for you, I studied premed

in another life, so...

[Both laugh]

I got you on mixing these meds.

Woman: ♪ I didn't want to ♪

♪ I'm ♪

♪ Haunted by dreamer's age ♪

♪ I cannot say ♪

♪ Say ♪

Let me know when you're ready.

Woman: ♪ 'Cause I changed... ♪

There's a lot that's happening right now

that I want to run from, but I can't.

I have to do it.

Woman: ♪ Through it all, I'll find a way ♪

♪ I will survive though I change ♪

Breathe.

-OK. -Ohh...

I cannot believe

I almost let you back into my life.

What are you talking about?

Our entire childhood, we talked about

helping the vulnerable, and here you are,

representing the people that target them.

You saw the press conference.

Who you choose to represent

is a reflection of who you are.

You assume I had a choice.

I'm a junior associate.

I take the cases I'm given.

Guess you haven't changed.

You're still the same freshman

that shared that post that has so much

to learn about the world.

Really sorry you feel that way,

but here's the truth, Nate.

Everything isn't black-and-white,

and being a good lawyer means

living in that gray area sometimes.

Does that include hitting up your cousin

to get dirt on the victim of the case?

I came to Atlanta for work.

I came to Bringston to see you.

I know you probably don't believe that.

-I can't say that I do. -Believe this.

Sometimes people are gonna move in ways

you don't like because that's

what they need to do to survive.

If you don't learn to accept that,

you're going to keep hurting

the people you love.

[Whistle blows]

[Sobbing]

What's up with Alexis?

Well, she just failed her fitness test

and is now out of the lineup.

Coach Loni is showing no mercy today.

Hope you know what you're doing.

Thea, I can pull this off.

OK. I just think you're gonna get yourself hurt.

Wow. Thanks for the support.

Simone, you're up next.

Man: ♪ I'm runnin' the gauntlet ♪

♪ I'm runnin' the-ooh ♪

♪ I'm runnin' the gauntlet ♪

[Whistle blows]

♪ I'm changing the game ♪

♪ When I'm at the top, yeah, remember my name ♪

[Whistle blows]

♪ I come for the battle and stay for the fight ♪

♪ Takin' what's mine, and I'm doing it right ♪

[Whistle blows]

♪ Givin' my all, yeah, got mo' in the tank ♪

[Whistle blows]

♪ Let's get down to business, you know I don't play ♪

♪ I'm somethin' to witness, so legendary, yeah ♪

♪ I'm runnin' the gauntlet ♪

♪ I'm runnin' the-ooh ♪

[Panting]

Coach, how'd I do?

I want to see you and Thea in my office right now.

I just got some interesting news,

so we need to discuss what the rest

of your preseason looks like.

Val: Sometimes people are gonna

move in ways you don't like

because that's what they need to do to survive.

If you don't learn to accept that,

you're going to keep hurting the people you love.

[Typing]

[Boop]

At first, I thought what Thea was proposing

was unacceptable, but she was quite persuasive,

so, Simone, I will allow her coach

to train you for the rest of preseason.

I'm sorry. What?

Thea didn't tell you?

I wanted to clear it with you

first before-

Well, I do see the value in having someone

as highly regarded as your coach

training my star player,

whose times were good but down from last year.

I'm sorry, Coach.

Don't slack on your cardio.

You're representing Bringston.

Show Thea's coach what we're made of.

I won't let you down.

Good. Now get out of here.

[Cell phones chime]

Do you know what this is about?

No. You want to head out together?

Sure, after you tell me what that was back there.

OK. That was me lying to Coach Loni

to give you a plan for how to get

through treatment and recovery

without her knowing.

Yeah, but why?

Because I thought about what you said

and, I mean, you've worked really hard

to find your way back to the court

and cancer shouldn't get to take that,

so I knew if I could help you

hold on to your season, then I have to try.

Can I hug you?

Can I stop you?

No.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

J.R.: Hey, I got your text. What's up?

All in due time.

Just make yourself useful

in the kitchen for once.

-A'ight now. -Ah ah ah.

-Hi. -Hey.

How was your date?

Ah, it was perfect.

Got a chance to reconnect with Gabby.

I can't thank you enough.

Mm, yeah, of course.

I'm really happy for you.

Can I be happy for you?

Did you get a chance to talk to Cam?

Um, yeah.

He texted back...

OK.

but it's the kind of text you send someone

when you don't want them to text you anymore.

But, look, I'm sure y'all gonna figure it out,

you know, just like me and Gabby did.

-You think so? -For sure.

All the things that was putting distance

in between us and the people that we love

is all gone.

Y'all gonna be good.

Let me try a piece of that chicken, though.

It is. It look like it.

I'm sorry to hear about Val.

At least now you know who she really is.

True, but she did help me see

that I need to make amends.

[Door opens]

Well, I know, and that was awesome.

What is all this?

Take two on family dinner

and an apology.

This may surprise y'all, but I'm not always right...

-Oh, my. -Really?

That's actually crazy.

I mean, honestly, I could write a list.

but when I am wrong,

I try to be the person that admits it.

Simone, I don't know what it's like

to be in your shoes, and I shouldn't have judged

how you choose to handle having cancer,

so I don't care if you want to play tennis

or climb Everest.

I've got you...

I needed to hear that.

Keisha: I told you she was gonna come around.

Nate: and I'm ready to help kick cancer's ass,

which is why I have created a schedule for your treatments.

You'll need us to get you to your appointments,

and I've created a meal-prep schedule

so you'll be eating good...

This is really dope.

Thank you.

Nate: but that's not all.

I know you are fighting cancer,

but you're still that girl.

-Ooh. -Period.

Nate, you know Simone is not doing chemo, right?

Absolutely,

but radiation is no joke,

so on days you're not feeling like yourself,

these bad bitches will help give you strength.

Simone: Well, I have always wanted an alter ego.

You know I wanted so badly for things to just be normal...

but, Nate, you're right.

They're not, and I finally realize

I have to accept and embrace my new normal.

Well, you see, the thing is,

your new normal is our new normal.

I love you guys.

I love you.

[Gasping]

She's hugging?

Oh, my God, that means I'm getting in.

Don't make it a thing.

You need to hurry up, then.

-Don't make it a thing. -Oh, wow.

Thea: Come on, Lando. That's really great.

Keisha: Yeah. Look at this Black love.

[Laughter]

Man: Greg, move your head.

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