04x09 - Three's a Crowd

[bunniefuu]

Previously on "Nashville"...

No pictures tonight.

Gabriella: Country is not ready for a gay star.

Rayna: Beautiful. I'm so excited.

You k*lled it!

You exhaust me.

Son, tell me what you do need.

I need a dad who gives a crap about telling the truth.

Can you talk?

Now is not... not a real good time.

It might be time for y'all to sign at Highway 65, as a team.

Daphne: Why aren't you excited?

The only reason she signed us at all is to keep me under her control.

This one was written by a friend of mine.

There was a publisher in the audience tonight...

Said whoever wrote that song should give him a call.

♪
♪ Low lyin' clouds ♪
♪ Birds singing all night long ♪
♪ I see the hills in my dream ♪
♪ And hear the bells ♪
♪ Hear the bells in my bones ♪
♪ Never thought I would give in ♪
♪ Now you're underneath my skin ♪
♪ Only Tennessee ♪
♪ Only Tennessee ♪
♪ Only Tennessee can ♪
♪ Save me now ♪
♪ Oooh ♪
♪ Lazy long roads... ♪

What's up?

Uh, just letting you know we're about to roll into Charlotte.

Oh, thanks.

Working on some new material?

Yeah. I got a lot of time on my hands.

I figured I'd try and be productive.

Oh. Cool. Can't wait to hear it.

Them. There's seven of them so far.

S-seven songs?

Mm-hmm.

Wow. That's, uh, that's great.

Thanks.

Shep: Okay, everybody! Listen up.

There was a kitchen fire at the venue.

The show tonight is canceled.

Oh.

Man: Dang.

It should be back up and running by tomorrow night's show, but you guys have some time off.

[Scattered sighs of relief]

Free day in Charlotte... that's cool.

Yeah, great.

Would you mind dropping me at the airport?

If I got 24 hours, I'd really like to spend them in Nashville.

[Cellphone chimes]

Kind of early for a crisis, isn't it?

Not when you're working with Markus Keen.

He just decided to scrap a song that he loved yesterday.

Wait, on the album that you're releasing next week?

Yes. I mean, the record was done.

[Cellphone chimes]

Now we've got to find a new song and get it recorded.

Of course he's at the studio already waiting for me.

Well, you go on ahead, all right?

I will bring the girls to school.

Thank you, baby. I appreciate it.

Mm.

When am I gonna get to see you now?

I don't know, you know?

I mean, knowing this guy, it's gonna be a long day.

[Cellphone rings]

Yeah.

[Scoffs] Good lord.

Hey, Markus.

Yeah. I know. I'm on my way.

How's that bacon, son?

It's bacon.

Well, you need to eat.

I haven't seen you have a full meal in days.

I just don't have much of an appetite.

For food or conversation, turns out.

So, Colt, your dad tells me that you're pretty big into hip hop.

You know that's where I got my start in branding.

Still can't get used to that word.

Where I'm from, uh, branding meant taking a hot poker to a cow.

[Cellphone vibrates]

[Chuckles]

Hey, bud.

No phone at the table, please.

Fine. I won't be at the table.

[Line ringing]

Hey. What are you doing?

I'm just getting ready for school.

You know, not everyone gets to go on tour like you.

[Chuckles] Well, it's more like being held hostage by my dad and his consultant girlfriend.

I'm just happy I finally get to come home.

What have you been up to?

Nothing.

Mom signed us to her label, yet the only thing she has planned is some dumb photo sh**t.

Yeah. Hypocrite parents suck.

[Sighs] Is something wrong?

No, why?

I don't know.

You just seem different since I saw you last.

What, you think I don't love you?

Hey, you're the only thing that matters to me anymore.

And if I sound like I'm mad, trust me, it's got nothing to do with you.

Then what is it?

I need to call Ford back later today.

It's nothing I can really talk about.

Look at him chirping away on that phone when all I get are short answers and cold stares.

Luke, it was a terrible thing that happened in Atlanta, but we're all coming out of the other side of it.

Juliette's in treatment, we finally found a new C.E.O., all of our investors are locked in for the brand launch, and you are gonna be on the cover of Forbes magazine.

We scheduled a photo sh**t for it out by the ranch, by the way.

Luke.

Fine, just, uh, don't fill up the whole break with business.

I think me and him need some serious one-on-one time.

Hey, hi.

Hi.

You're here.

Yeah!

Ohh. Mm.

I came right from the airport.

I know you said you were busy today, but I thought we could have lunch together in the cafeteria or something.

Oh. Um...

I got 24 hours with you.

I want to make 'em count.

Yeah, me too.

I... but I-I'm working through lunch today.

I got a patient due any minute.

Oh. O-okay. Yeah.

Sorry, I... when you said you were coming, I arranged everything so that I could be home earlier.

I was trying to be spontaneous.

I got all night with you.

Yeah.

All right, so, see you tonight, then?

Can't wait.

All right.

[Knock on door]

Uh, Ms. Appleby, hi.

Sorry.

Bye.

Come on in.

Take a seat. Thanks.

Wow, you guys really go all out here.

That's how thrilled we are to have you in our stable of songwriters.

[Cork pops]

One song at the Bluebird could land me a publishing deal.

It's a hell of a song.

In fact, we took the liberty of sending it out to a few select artists.

One of them's already put a hold on it.

Seriously?

Mm-hmm.

Wants to meet, hear your other demos, see if you two can write together.

Listen, I'm telling you... one hit with this guy, the Brads, the Keiths, and the Carries will all come running, and you'll have yourself one very successful songwriting career.

[Chuckles] Thank you.

[Sighs] Now, are you gonna tell me who it is, or are you gonna make me guess?

It's the legend himself... Mr. Wade Cole.

Hey, Cagney.

Avery Barkley.

Long time no see.

Heard you popped up onstage at the Bluebird last week.

I did. Yeah, reminded me of how much I love playing.

I was hoping to make my next appearance here, turn it up a notch.

I don't know, Avery.

You've been out of the game a while.

I need to count on a big draw.

But if you were to be playing with Scarlett and Gunnar, or maybe your wife?

No. No, it'd just be me... the same guy who helped you get this job a couple of years ago when you were hard up.

How about returning the favor?

Come on, man.

5:00 P.M. tomorrow.

First act up when the bar opens, but no more than a three-song set.

That's great. Thank you.

What about "Smoke and Mirrors"?

Mm, pass.

Okay.

[Gasps] "A Father's Son" isn't on hold anymore.

Yeah, and there's a reason for that.

I thought you loved that song.

Yeah, I used to.

Okay, well, we've been through 40 songs and not chosen one...

These things take time. You know that.

[Sighs]

I mean, what?

You just hate working with me so much you're trying to get me out of here?

No, of course not. I love working with you.

Uh-huh.

It's just that we have got an album to launch.

I know, I know.

[Chuckles]

Hey!

Hey!

Oh, my goodness. I didn't expect to see you.

Well, I was in the neighborhood.

Thought I'd bring you some coffee.

Thanks, babe.

Um, Markus Keen, Deacon Claybourne.

Freaking Deacon Claybourne.

Dude, it's so good to finally meet you.

Likewise.

I got an idea.

What if your man here has the perfect song to finish my album, you know?

Give me a little country cred?

I never even thought about that.

Right?

Probably 'cause we have, I don't know, maybe a little different sensibilities.

You wrote a bunch of Rayna's songs, which means we obviously have the same taste in some things.

I-I got to be honest, Ray.

I mean, at this rate, we're never gonna make the deadline if I don't start hearing something different.

All right, so why don't you send over some of his demos, I'll take a listen, and if I like one, work out the arrangement tonight, lay it down tomorrow.

I think it's a great idea.

And you have so many demos that have never been cut.

Let's do it.

Yeah!

The three of us working together... this is gonna be great.

[Laughs]

♪

I hope you saved one for me, 'cause I got something to celebrate.

I am playing a show at the 5 Spot tomorrow.

Finally back to playing real music instead of those lame jingles.

Oh, good for you.

How'd it go at the publishing house?

Wade Cole put my song on hold... wants to meet tomorrow and talk more about writing together.

What am I missing here?

I mean... [Chuckles] you're working with a big artist like that and you're not even happy about it?

I met him at Juliette's launch party, after I came out.

I mean, he was friendly at first, but the minute a camera was pointed our way, he didn't want anything to do with me.

Maybe he just didn't want his picture taken.

Don't you think you should at least give the guy the benefit of the doubt?

[Hip hop music plays]

Hey, bud.

Can we talk?

[Music continues]

[Music stops]

Fine, I'll talk.

I miss you... I miss us.

I miss... watching football and playing video games.

What do you want from me, Dad?

Look, we got the next couple weeks off.

I think you and I ought to spend some quality time together...

None of this being-on-the-road stuff, just... [Inhales] you know, being at home, just the two of us.

I already made plans with Maddie.

Yeah, I get it. Um, but Maddie can wait.

This is important, too.

More important than what you're doing with her?

Of course, son.

Way more important than that.

Fine.

Can I put these back on now?

Yes, you may, son.

Yes, you may.

Hey.

One of the guys mapped out a pub crawl for us.

You want to come?

Uh, I-I think I'm just gonna stay in tonight.

Really? Why?

Good chance to get back into the writing thing, you know?

Got a couple songs I want to get down on paper.

Oh, right, 'cause Scarlett wrote seven.

Did she make an announcement now?

No. You're just transparent.

But still cute.

Have fun... Can't wait to hear what you come up with.

Come on, guys.

All right.

Man: Later, dude.

Later.

I'm sorry. I assumed this would be something you'd like to do.

Musically, I actually think you and Markus have a lot in common.

Well, that's funny, 'cause my first impression of the guy is, uh, he's an arrogant son of a bitch.

Little bit.

[Laughs] Well, you're not wrong.

[Laughs]

But he gets better. He does.

Well, the only reason I'm putting up with any of this is because I know how much this album means to you.

Well, it's exciting.

It's the first thing I've ever produced.

Maddie: Hi, Markus.

I love the idea of you having a song on it.

I like that, too.

Markus: Hey, it's the very gifted Maddie Conrad!

No, you're just saying that.

No, I'm not just saying that.

I'm trying to tell Maddie that her talent is what got her signed to Highway 65.

It's true. Hey, welcome.

Hey, thank you.

And you know, on that note, you and your sister need to start writing some songs.

Y'all should finish up that one about the clouds.

I thought that was really, uh, going somewhere.

That was Daphne.

Oh.

And it was lame.

Markus: [Laughs] Teenager.

Can I get you something to drink?

Yeah. No, I'm fine.

I-I want to tell you guys, though...

I spent the entire day at Grimey's, going through the bins, and I now own everything that this guy's ever made on vinyl.

Yes, you, dude.

I'm telling you, "live at the broken spoke" in '90, that should be a requirement for every baby musician.

That's very kind, but you don't got to blow smoke.

I'm not! Dude, I'm serious.

Come on, please... take a compliment, man.

Really, much respect.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

And also, I listened to your demos. That song [Snaps fingers] um, "Don't Make 'Em Like You No More"?

Mm-hmm.

How did that never get cut?

It is a mystery.

Rayna: That is such a great song.

Don't you think that'd be a perfect song for the record?

Yes, that's what I'm saying.

And... and I know the demo is acoustic, but I'm kind of hearing like this... this Motown bassline, you know?

No?

[Laughs] Well, actually, yes.

That is something we had in mind then. [Chuckles]

Fellas, I think we got ourselves a song.

[Chuckles]

So, what do you think?

About what?

My outfit. Do you like it?

Why does it matter?

Mom wants us to match for that press kit thingy.

And I really like this color.

What, you're joking, right?

Those pictures might be used for an E.P. cover... if she ever lets us do one.

There's no way you're wearing that.

What's wrong with this?

Nothing, if you're gonna be on the cover of a Kidz Bop Cd.

Do you want to be taken seriously or not?

Great sesh.

That flamenco lick you played really screams "tacos."

Yeah, well, I had to brush up on my finger picking for it.

[Sighs] Thanks for the gig.

No, man. Thank you. You k*lled it.

Wait a second.

Yeah, I thought the quote was for twice this.

Well, it was, but we pay hourly.

You ended up tracking the cues in half the time we anticipated.

So I get penalized for that?

[Scoffs]

Come on, bro. It's not like you or your wife need jingle money, right?

No, it's just, uh, I enjoy working, you know?

And, uh, I'd like to do more.

You got any more spots coming up?

You know the business, brother... unpredictable.

Look, I'll call you when something does.

♪
♪ Do you really know? ♪
♪ 'Cause if you really love somebody ♪

You're home! [Giggles]

Hey! Wow. I am so sorry I'm late.

I don't care. I missed you so much.

Me too.

Can we stay in and order out?

Um... Okay. But, um...

What's the matter?

[Sighs] It's nothing. It's been a long day.

I could just use a second to unwind.

Sure.

Okay. And just take a quick shower and wake myself up a bit?

Yeah.

Okay. Thanks.

Key of G. For sure.

Markus: Yep.

Deacon: I think so. Yeah, it's a real sweet spot... your voice is real soulful right there.

Oh, thanks, man.

And when we add that little slinky back b*at that you came up with.

[Chuckles] Dude.

And I'm hearing some really great little harmonies all the way throughout.

Oh, yeah. We can work on that tonight if you want.

Ah, I got to, um... I got to take off.

But tomorrow we'll lay this bad boy down, right?

Yeah. We'll see you in the studio.

All right. I'll see you.

And, hey, you're coming, too, right?

Y'all want me there.

Of course I want you there.

Look at us... the dream team.

[Laughs] See you all tomorrow.

Night, Markus.

[Door closes]

So, how's that?

I don't know.

Guy's got good ideas, respectful, can sing his ass off.

Yeah.

Honestly, I wanted to hate him, and I don't, so...

So you like him?

[Laughs]

I like working with him.

Good to be home, isn't it?

Yeah.

I remember the first time I brought you out here.

You were about 6 or 7 years old, and you got your lip snagged on a hook somehow.

Remember that?

Scared the hell out of me.

I rushed to the emergency room, but you were cool as a cucumber the whole time.

What was it you kept telling everybody in the waiting room?

[Chuckles] "My dad caught me fishing."

[Laughs]

[Chuckles]

I'm sorry, you know.

For not doing this as much as we should have.

Me too.

Gabriella: Oh, hey. There you are.

The groundskeeper told me you were down here.

[Camera shutter clicks]

Gabriella, what's going on?

It's the Forbes sh**t?

Don't you remember? I told you about it yesterday.

Man: We good to get started?

It's the perfect setting for some candids.

[Camera shutter clicking]

Son, I had no idea.

Right.

[Clicking continues]

Suddenly, there's all these cows all over the road.

And the bus driver swerved so he didn't one, and Shep came flying out of his bunk wearing nothing but a thong. [Laughs]

Wait, but a-aren't there seatbelts in that thing to keep you secure?

Not really.

I-It's... sorry, wasn't the point.

Um, never mind. Tell me about you.

What you been doing?

Um...

Well, I guess, uh, just trying to get this clinical trial pushed through, but there's so much red tape involved between pitching to the review board and the NCI to get approval.

And then you know how... um...

[Chuckles] Sorry. This is probably really boring to you.

No, it's not. Mnh-mnh.

So, uh, when is your...

Thing later?

Sound check? 6:00. Got to leave by 3:00 to get there.

Well, I'll try to clear my calendar so that we can at least have some time to go for a walk before you go.

Okay.

Sooner I get to work, sooner I can come back and we can go for that walk.

So...

I'm gonna go to work.

[Door opens]

Hey.

What are you doing here?

I forgot this in my car yesterday.

I know sometimes it's the only thing that could keep Cadence from crying, so I didn't want you to be without it.

Thanks.

You all right?

[Sighs] Honestly, no.

I got a pile of bills here, and I'm just not making enough to cover them.

You know, I, uh...

I have access to Juliette's accounts.

If you really need something, I can...

I'm not taking her money.

But it's for Cadence...

No. Not a dime.

Then I'll loan it to you. Just until you get more work.

[Sighs] Em, look...

I really appreciate the offer, but...

I can't take it from you either.

I have to be able to provide for my own child.

Listen, I know you're watching Cadence tonight during my set, but can you watch her now for a little while?

Sure. Where you going?

I got to keep pounding the pavement.

Okay.

[Cellphone chimes, vibrates]

[Door opens, closes]

[Sighs]

[Knock on door]

Hey!

Hey.

How did the writing go?

Great! [Scoffs]

Wow. Looks like you were very productive.

You want to hear what I got?

All right.

[Strums guitar]

Keep going.

Well, that's all I got.

Three notes. All night. You want to hear it again?

No... I think I get the gist of it.

Oh, and I didn't get any lyrics either, but, uh, I did get some pretty cool doodles if you're interested.

Okay, Gunnar, you seriously have crazy eyes right now.

We need to get you out of here.

No, I didn't write a single thing.

Come on.

[Sighs]

Let's go.

All right, all right.

Let's go. You need to come out and have some fun.

There he is.

Wade, how you doing?

Fine. Real fine.

Listen, I appreciate you meeting me out here.

Usually like to write out at the house, but wife's got renovations going on, kids are off school this week.

Yeah, it's not a problem.

So, uh, let's talk about your song.

Yeah, I was actually surprised you put a hold on it.

I wasn't sure you were too comfortable with me.

What do you mean?

Well, you know, the... launch party?

The way you made sure that photographer didn't get a picture of the two of us together?

I'm not gonna lie.

You've chosen a lifestyle that most of my fans have trouble with.

Frankly, my wife does, too.

She's got this big charity of hers, and most of her donors wouldn't like seeing me with someone...

It'd be an endorsement... that's how they'd see it anyway... of something they don't approve of.

Guess I can see that.

Personally, I don't have a problem with it, but at the end of the day, I got to answer to the missus.

[Chuckles]

So it doesn't bother you at all that, uh...

Hey, as far as I'm concerned, it's whatever gets you through the night.

Right.

♪ You're like the cover of a book that's been read, baby ♪
♪ I know what line is comin' next, comin' next ♪
♪ You... ♪

Um... what are you doing?

Nothing.

[Laughs]

You wanted us to be taken more seriously, and I was just trying to...

To look ridiculous?

I mean, do you even know how to put make-up on?

Wait. Did you steal mine?

No! Maddie, I-I borrowed some.

Is that my skirt all rolled up... [Chuckling] Daphne?

I wanted to wear something black.

Well, what did you think you were doing?!

Like, trying to be sexy or something?

[Laughs]

Stop laughing at me.

I can't help it.

Do you have any idea how stupid you look right now?

I said, stop laughing at me.

You were trying to copy me and...

Get out of my room!

Get out!

Whatever!

[Sighs]

[Horse neighs, camera shutter clicks]

Colt, move over to the left slightly.

I want to get your face in the frame.

I thought these were supposed to be real-life sh*ts, not staged ones.

Look, I really am sorry about this, but these folks came all the way out here, so let's just get it done.

How about we saddle a couple of these beauties up, get some sh*ts of me and my boy on horseback?

That'd be great.

Sometimes after school, the two of us will go for a ride in the meadow...

We haven't done that in years. Why are you acting like we have?

You know what? Stop it with the attitude.

[Clicking continues]

Just smile for the camera. This will be over soon enough.

He's just a little bit anxious, wants to see his girlfriend.

How about, uh...

How about we get a couple sh*ts like this?

Father and son... picture perfect.

Actually, I think I'm done pretending.

We're not pretending. We're just posing for pictures.

[Scoffing] You're so full of crap.

Okay, uh, we've been at this for a while.

Why don't we just take a break?

Yeah. Let's do that.

♪
♪ Like an old 45 from a mom and pop record store ♪
♪ Like them worn out, torn up jeans that don't fit no more ♪
♪ Like a Detroit steel machine ♪
♪ That burns up gasoline ♪
♪ Some things are bound to fade ♪
♪ But some things are here to stay ♪
♪ I'm gonna love you ♪
♪ Like it's going out of style ♪
♪ This kinda thing only comes through ♪
♪ Every little once in a while ♪
♪ You got that ooooooh ♪

That's not the lyric.

I know.

♪ I've been looking for ♪
♪ They don't make 'em like you no more ♪
♪ They don't make 'em ♪

Baby, I don't know what he's singing...

♪ like you no more ♪

But that's not the lyric right there.

Okay, um...

Hey, Markus, can we cut for a second, please?

Yeah, what's up?

You're not saying the lyrics that are...

I'll go talk to him.

All right.

Okay?

Thank you.

Hey.

Hey.

Why are you changing the lyrics?

Because the phrasing wasn't working for me, so I just... I tweaked a few things, you know?

That's more than a tweak, man. Come on.

It's the chorus. You know what you're doing.

Yeah, because it needed changing.

Well, maybe let's try it one time through the way Deacon wrote it, and then we...

No, no, no, Rayna. You know me, you know my... my style, my voice.

This... this works better for me.

What? It's better, right?

Well... um...

I mean, it's not the whole chorus, it's just, you know, a small part and... and...

Yeah. Good luck with it.

Wait, what?

[Scoffs]

Deacon.

Deacon!

Rayna...

Thank you for your support on that.

He's fine. Let's just... let's take it from the top.

Thought you said we were going some place fun.

You have something against museums?

No.

Yeah, they're kind of boring.

Really?

You think this foxy lady here is boring?

She's all right, I guess.

Touch her boob.

I'm sorry, what?

A local told me if you make a wish when you do it, it'll come true.

And you want to write a song, don't you?

Yeah, but I'm not feeling up a statue for it.

Besides, there's a guard over there.

Okay, I'll do it.

Wait, no... Erin.

[Sighs]

You want to know what I wished for?

That you'd stop being a chicken.

Fine, all right? Fine.

[Exhales sharply]

Hey, you!

No touching the statues! Hey!

Run.

Stop!

Come back here!

What'd you wish for?

A good time.

[Erin laughs]

What's your problem?

You can have your stupid stuff back.

I don't want to be like you.

Hey!

I know you're stuck with me, okay?

What?

Well, that's what you said...

That Mom only signed us so you wouldn't do it alone, so you'd stay a little kid.

Look, I really didn't mean that...

Look, I want to be older, too, but I'm not!

I'm a stupid 12-year-old kid, okay? I'm sorry.

She is down for the count.

So is my job search.

Oh, no luck?

I stopped by practically every studio in town, not to mention sound check, Gruhn Guitars, even the Bluebird.

No one was hiring?

Well, some are, but I-I can't apply.

I can't quite beg for a job when everyone thinks I'm married to a millionaire.

Do you know how badly I want to say "I have no idea where Juliette is... no one's heard from her in God knows how long"?

Oh, so... listen... I mean, I just... She's ruining my life.

[Sighs] Whatever.

I might not be able to work, but I can play, right?

[Cellphone rings]

I got that show tonight.

At least onstage I can express myself honestly for a change.

Yeah. That'll be really nice for you.

Hold on.

This, uh, this might be some money calling.

Brian.

Hey, man.

My top player fell out of this diet coke spot, and I'm in a pinch.

Are you serious about working?

Dead serious. I'm your guy.

More like I'm yours, 'cause this is real money... three grand flat rate.

Yes, that... yeah, that's awesome.

Uh, I'm free first thing in the morning.

Oh, dude, this has to be mixed and shipped before then.

I need you here plugged in and ready to rock at 5:00.

Wait, 5:00 tonight?

Yeah. That work on your end?

[Phone rings]

5 spot.

Cagney, it's Avery.

Listen, something's come up.

Uh, I was hoping I could get a later slot tonight.

I'm sorry, man. I'm fully booked.

[Sighs] Come on.

You sure you can't just jam me in somewhere?

I mean, this other thing, I-I can't cancel it.

But I-I really need to play.

Apparently not, if you're making this call.

Can't want it that bad if you're bailing.

Are you and Mr. Cole about done here?

Yeah, he's gone for the day, and I'm just finishing up.

Okay, thanks.

Thank you.

...special interest groups are destroying this country.

That's why we need more legislation like this to keep our children from being forced to accept, tolerate, or to be subjected to a lifestyle that isn't natural.

So be sure to vote "yes" on prop 8.

[Plates clatter]

Hey.

Hey, you want to talk about what happened?

Oh, you mean about you choosing his version over mine?

Babe, I didn't choose his version over yours.

Come on. You know what I'm dealing with here.

And you know better than anybody sometimes an artist needs to make adjustments.

What I know is that he wants to sleep with you.

[Chuckles] What are you talking about?

Oh, come on now, Ray!

All this time he needs you there, all these texts back and forth.

Oh, all that is work-related.

Yeah, don't kid yourself.

Where is this coming from?

No guy just texts with some woman that he doesn't want to sleep with... more to the point, some woman that he thinks he might have a pretty good sh*t at sleeping with.

I beg your pardon?

He is out of line.

You are out of line.

He is. I'm just waiting to find out when the hell you're gonna tell him that.

[Cellphone chimes]

[Sighs]

[Door slams]

Dad, what are you... who the hell you think you are talking to me like that in front of those people?

I'm confused.

You tell me to keep my mouth shut in Atlanta, then you try to get me to talk for two weeks.

Finally, when I do, you don't like what I have to say!

So make up your mind, Luke!

You call me by my first name again, I'm taking everything in this room and throwing it out the damn window.

I'm your father!

You'll respect me, you hear that?

Respect?

Yes, sir!

You're kidding, right? 'Cause I have zero respect for you.

Boy, don't you ever turn your back on me!

Get off me, you son of a bitch!

Do it!

'Cause you can't hurt me any more than you already have!

They all gone?

Yeah.

Good.

Probably on the phone with a reporter already.

We've got some serious spinning to do with the Forbes people.

I'm not interested in spin.

We got to put the brakes on this launch for a few months, maybe even six.

I have to focus on my son right now.

Luke, we've got products in production, investors committed to this.

What do you expect me to tell them?

I don't know. Y-you'll think of something.

You always do.

I am so, so sorry.

The head of the department called this mandatory last-minute meeting, and I couldn't...

It's okay. It's okay.

[Sighs] I know that we don't have a lot of time together, but what do you want to do?

All right, you name it, we'll do it.

You want to go for an early dinner?

We can go take a walk. We can stay here...

I think I might just go to the airport.

What?

I was being unrealistic thinking I could just drop in on a whim and we'd have an amazing, romantic, fun time together.

Okay, Scarlett, well, I'm sorry that I couldn't be as spontaneous as you are, but I have a job, all right?

I got a very real, very important job...

Uh, I never said you didn't...

I tried my best to... to work around you just showing up like this, but I-I'm dealing with people who have cancer, okay?

I'm not driving around, singing for 100 people a night and getting a few free beers out of it.

Is that what you think I do?

[Sighs]

No.

I'm just tired, okay?

And this long-distance thing has been hard for both of us, I know.

But I also know that... we love each other.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Well, hon, you're back next week, and it'll be for a longer stretch, and it'll get better.

We'll get better.

Never groped a statue before.

Well, technically, you didn't, but you got pretty damn close.

You know, thanks for, uh, getting me out of my head and out of that room.

Someone had to.

Listen, I've been trying to think why I've had such a... such a hard time with it... why I've been so blocked.

And, uh, I think I know now.

I am on the edge of my seat.

For the last few years, all I've ever been able to write about is...

Scarlett.

She was my... [Scoffs] muse [laughs] I guess.

Being around her gave me something to say in my music, something to write about.

And now...

I don't feel it anymore.

Almost makes me want to cry.

[Scoffs]

Might be able to get a song out of it... a sad one, anyway.

I might.

[Strums ukulele]

Hey. Can I come in?

[Sighs]

There's nothing wrong with being 12, okay?

Look, I know it's weird because for a long time we were the same... like our ages really didn't even seem that far apart.

But now things just start changing when you get to be a teenager.

Things happen and...

I really don't even know how to explain it, but we're just experiencing different things.

Does this mean you're not gonna play music with me anymore?

No! It doesn't.

I love the music we make together.

And I'm so sorry that I made you feel bad about yourself.

You're you, I'm me.

Neither of us should ever have to change for the other...

Or anyone else.

But I do think that you could use a little help in the fashion department.

I do!

And we should figure out what we're gonna wear on the E.P. cover together.

[Knock on door]

Hey.

Hey.

Come on in.

Thanks.

Yeah.

I, uh, I just got out of the shower.

Sorry.

Yes, I see that.

Um... drink?

Um, no.

No?

So, I'm glad you called, because, um, man, Deacon kind of flipped out today, didn't he?

You know, I would have thought after all the years in the business, he'd be a little bit more professional than that, but...

Well, I mean, that's what I wanted to talk to you about, 'cause, um, I just wanted to clarify a few things since we've been working so closely together.

Oh, yeah, of course.

Uh, I just want to make sure there hasn't been any confusion about our relationship, or I haven't led you to believe anything... 'cause, you know, Deacon's my guy.

And I love working with you and collaborating with you as a producer and label head...

Rayna. Rayna, Rayna, you... you... you thought that I thought...

No.

No.

Okay.

No.

Good. No misunderstanding.

Nope. No, no. No misunderstanding.

Okay. All right, well, good.

So I'll see you tomorrow at the studio.

Yes, you will.

Okay.

Good work today.

You too.

Bye.

Bye.

[Sighs]

Wade Cole is worse than a bigot... he's a hypocrite.

His wife runs one of those, um... "Traditional value" type organizations that wants to round up anyone they disapprove of, stick us on an island somewhere.

I mean, my publisher says I'm a fool if I say "no," but I can't work with the guy.

Then why are you even wasting time talking about it?

Why you got to be a jackass?

Look, I just had to bail on my gig at the 5 spot to take yet another crappy job just to make ends meet, so forgive me if I'm not being sensitive enough to your high-class problem.

I'm sorry, man. When were you gonna tell me?

Well, you've been so busy flip-flopping about Wade Cole, I haven't had a chance.

I'm not flip-flopping. This is a tough decision here.

Will, you don't like the guy?

No.

Don't like what he stands for? Then don't do it.

[Scoffs]

It's one damn song, and it could make your career.

[Cadence crying]

[Sighs]

What we want to do and what we need to do...

...they don't always line up.

U know, it just came to me like, uh, like magic really.

Cool. I can't wait to hear it.

[Clears throat] Just in case I get weepy.

I don't think you're gonna need those.

[Laughs]

♪ You can't give me what I want ♪
♪ No matter how you try ♪

[Laughs]

♪ Comin' on strong, comin' up short ♪
♪ Asking for more than what you deserve ♪
♪ Once that train is off the track ♪
♪ You know there ain't no goin' back ♪
♪ And I can't make it stop, be still my heart ♪
♪ When the kissin' and the huggin' starts ♪

[Laughs]

♪ Mama tried to warn me right ♪
♪ I guess I got it wrong ♪
♪ I'm comin' on strong, comin' up short ♪
♪ Beggin' for love like a dog without a bone ♪

[Laughs]

[Howls]

[Claps]

That a new song?

Yeah. Yeah. A productive day off. [Chuckles]

How about you? H-how was your trip?

Oh, it was real good. Thanks.

Well, I'll leave you guys alone.

Have fun. It sounds really good.

[Laughs] All right.

That was so good!

Oh, don't be silly.

[Chuckles, howls]

[Line ringing]

You've reached Wade Cole.

I'll get back to you soon as I can.

[Beep]

Hey, Mr. Cole.

It's, uh, Will Lexington.

I was just calling to tell you that, uh, I, uh...

I really enjoyed our session and I look forward to working with you again.

[Sighs]

Okay.

Here we go.

[Cooing]

Not quite ready for bed yet, little girl?

All right.

[Sighs]

You want to hear the set Daddy was gonna play tonight?

[Coos]

I'll take that as a "yes."

[Guitar playing softly]

That sounds nice.

Thanks.

Want me to change it? Fix it up a little more?

[Scoffs] Give me that.

[Sighs]

Hey.

Mm.

I love you.

I've loved you my whole life, and I'm gonna keep doing that till I die.

There's nobody that's gonna come between us.

I'm sorry I got all heated.

I just...

...got real jealous, you know?

I'm not used to you being all mine yet.

Mm.

I talked to Markus, and I made it very clear to him "Deacon is my guy."

And he better back off.

[Laughs]

You said that?

Yeah.

[Both laugh]

How'd he take that?

He acted like I was crazy.

[Laughs]

Well, I don't know. He might be right.

You do keep choosing me. How smart is that?

Not very.

[Laughs]

I tell you what... he can change any damn lyric he wants, all right?

He can have the whole damn song.

I got the real prize.

Oh, you did not just say that to me.

I'm sorry.

Me raising my fist, that's, uh... that's no way to settle things.

There's nothing to settle.

Yeah, there is.

This fight, this thing we got going on between us... it's eating me up, Colt.

And whether it's counseling or a camping trip or us just hunkering down here...

I called Granddad.

I'm gonna stay with him for a while.

That's not your call to make... or his.

I'm not even sure your mom would want you staying with her dad anyways.

Mom says it's fine.

Everyone's on board except for you.

Surprise, surprise.

He's a heck of a lot stricter than I am... bounce-a-quarter off-a-sheet strict.

Well, at least he stands for something, which is more than I can say for you, Dad.

[Sighs]

[Phone ringing]

Juliette?