04x13 - If I Could Do It All Again

[bunniefuu]

Previously on "Nashville"...

Colt and I went all the way.

Putting your feelings down on paper makes it easier to say it out loud.

If she doesn't come clean about our divorce, then I will.

I saw the news.

What would you think about coming out of retirement and going on the road with me?

Get off the stage!

[Crowd murmurs]

You were amazing.

Here in Nashville... to find a job that lets me do this.

She pays to park her car in the lot.

I know Rayna pulled some strings to get me this job.

Somebody made off with $500.

[Sighs]

I think we both know who took it.

[Birds chirping]

[Footsteps approaching]

Hey.

Mwah. How long have you been up?

I don't know. A while.

I did not sleep well.

Aw, baby, I'm disappointed in Vita, too.

I just want to get to the bottom of it.

I mean, is it possible that maybe Frankie miscounted?

I don't think so. He said the money's gone.

Looks like she is, too. He tried to call her.

Yeah, I did, too. Got her voice-mail.

We still got her scheduled to work.

See if she shows up tonight, I guess.

Or today. She's supposed to come by the offices and meet with Bucky and me.

Let me know if she does or if I need to hire somebody for that shift.

Yeah. What do you got going on today?

Hear our buddy Riff Bell's coming out of retirement?

Yes, I did. With our old buddy Luke Wheeler.

[Chuckles] That's right.

I figure he's gonna need some kind of warm-up show, you know?

And, uh, I got just the place for him to do that.

[Chuckles]

Job interview?

Listening party at Highway 65.

It's a great record. Come on.

You... you can't be worried.

Well, it's a little nerve-racking, watching Rayna, Bucky, and half a dozen other people listen to every single track on the album.

I just hope no one yawns.

Oh, no. They're real respectful at those things.

Or they were back when I had a recording career.

[Sighs]

Though I did get contacted by a label this morning.

A gay label out of Atlanta.

What makes you think they're gay?

[Chuckles]

They're called Three Dollar Vinyl, for starters.

"q*eer as a three-dollar bill"?

Congratulations...?

I guess, if you call driving four hours for a meeting something to get excited about.

Well, at least it's something.

You know what?

Next time I whine when I should be applauding you, tell me to shut up, because you have worked your ass off for this, and you deserve all the success in the world.

Thank you, buddy.

But none of this would be happening without Scarlett.

We're in this together.

See you later.

Luke: Look, uh, word leaked about me pulling this one out of retirement and onto the tour, and guess what.

Ticket sales went nuts, and that's before today's announcement.

Sean?

You think fans are just feeling nostalgic?

I think people appreciate authenticity.

Riff is not some brand-new, Auto-Tuned, pop-country act.

He is the real deal.

It's been 15 years since you last toured, Riff.

How's it gonna be playing stadiums again?

I always loved playing to 50,000, but getting out in front of a couple hundred is probably the best way to jump-start this thing, and I'm gonna be doing that tomorrow night at my buddy Deacon Claybourne's place, The Beverly.

And listen, y'all best get your tickets for that now, because you won't be able to get any for the tour.

As of 10:45 this morning, we are officially sold out.

Yeah, you're welcome.

Still my idea.

[Chuckles] Thank y'all.

So that's it.

Launch date for the album's totally locked in.

Which means we got a lot going on.

Press-kit photo sh**t tomorrow, Yeah.

Meetings with potential band leaders the day after that, Highway 65 showcase next week, followed by the start of your press and radio tour.

[Chuckles]

Well, how about you?

How are things going at the studio?

Oh, great.

I've never felt so in sync with a producer before.

I mean, Avery's super smart, and he's super creative.

He's so fun.

I mean, working with him is like my absolute favorite thing to do right now.

I just... I love him.

Good.

Excuse me. Is this yours?

Uh, yeah. It is, yeah.

Oh.

Thanks. They, uh, always seem to go missing.

Oh, same here.

Half her toys are on this playground.

[Both chuckle]

Do you live nearby?

I think I've seen you two here before.

Uh, just around the corner. You?

Same. But other corner.

Ah. Yeah, I think I've seen you here, as well.

Hi. Hi.

This is Penny.

Hi, Penny. This is Cadence.

Can you say "hi," Cady? Can you say "hi"?

Cadence?

[Chuckles]

Do you, uh, mind if we pull up a swing?

[Penny babbles]

By all means.

Great.

♪ No matter how you try ♪
♪ I will rise up from the rubble ♪
♪ You can put me in your sights ♪
♪ But I'm gonna burst your bubble ♪
♪ In one blink of an eye ♪
♪ I will rise up from the rubble ♪
♪ I will rise up from the rubble ♪
♪ I will rise up from the rubble ♪

[Applause]

[Chuckles]

Rayna: Wow. Congratulations.

I-I mean, that's not just an incredible debut album, that's a... that's a career-making album.

This is a game-changer for you guys.

Really?

Seriously?

Absolutely.

Yeah, the chemistry between you...

There's not a false moment in the whole thing.

The way your voices sound together, the harmonies...

I mean, it's really spectacular.

Well, we just want to say thank you for letting us make the album we wanted to make.

It'll be tough to narrow it down to just one single.

I agree with you, and yet, my money's on the last one.

I know it's not the conventional choice, but it's just so textured and rich and... and... and exciting.

I-I think that's the way to launch the record.

What do you guys think?

Um, whatever you guys think is best. Uh...

Yeah. Uh, w-whatever's best.

Bucky: All right. Well, fantastic job.

We can't wait to get to work on this thing.

Noel: That is what I call a successful listening party.

Rayna...

Good work, you two.

Thank you.

Rayna: Now, as we know, there are no guarantees, but I just love the story it tells.

I think audiences are gonna love it, too.

Thank you!

Yes!

[Both chuckle]

[Chuckles]

I'll see y'all soon.

Thanks, Rayna. Bye.

Mm-hmm. Thank you.

Rayna?

Yeah?

Vita Martin's here for you.

Thank you.

Hey, man. You're here early.

Never left.

You didn't go home?

Went over this place with a fine-tooth comb.

Wanted to make sure nothing else was missing.

All right, look.

First of all, Frankie, we don't even know that Vita took that money, all right?

We got a lot of people who work here.

It was Vita.

All right.

Rayna's supposed to meet with her today.

If she shows up, Rayna's gonna get a read on it, and she'll tell us what she thinks.

So we're not calling the cops? We're gonna let Rayna handle it?

Would you quit with this?

Please, for one second, all right?

We got better things to talk about... bigger things.

Riff Bell is gonna be performing here tomorrow night.

How about that?

Come again?

[Chuckles] You're damn right, all right?

I heard he was going out on tour, I figured he needed to shake the cobwebs out, so I called him up.

So he's taking my slot?

We'll get you another slot here, Frankie. I promise you.

This is Riff Bell... a living legend.

He's gonna be up on that stage.

That's gonna put The Beverly on the map.

Now, come on, man. This is good news.

It's a big damn deal.

All right.

This place is fantastic.

Oh, thank you.

Have a seat.

Um... I need to ask you something.

Turns out some money went missing at the bar last night.

Missing how?

Well, they think it was stolen.

That sucks.

Yeah.

Wait. You think I took it?

I have to ask the question.

You can go through my stuff, my guitar case, my car.

I mean, just tell me what I can do.

I'm not gonna go through your stuff.

Well, I'm not a thief.

I mean, why would I steal from someone who just gave me a job?

I don't know. Um...

You wouldn't, would you?

I wouldn't.

So you didn't?

No.

Well, I'm glad, and I'm relieved.

I'm so sorry that happened.

Yeah.

Let's... let's hear some music.

♪

All right. Yeah, I'll tell him.

All right, thank you, baby.

That was Rayna. Vita showed up.

They had a long talk, she says she didn't do it.

She asked her point-blank?

Yeah.

We need to do the same thing with the rest of the staff, see if we can figure out what's going on around here.

All due respect for Rayna, why would a thief admit anything to someone who's trying to help her?

Well, that's the point, Frankie.

We are trying to help her, so why on Earth would she try to steal from us?

No idea.

But I'm not comfortable having her back to work either way.

All right, look, man.

It is innocent until proven guilty last I heard.

So if you want to put security cameras all over the damn place, you go ahead and do that.

But I'm asking you to let this go right now.

We got people and reporters coming in from all over, and we need to be ready for them.

[Laughs]

They say nap when she naps, but when do I clean, cook, pay bills, eat?

[Chuckling] Exactly.

No, I mean, I learned to hold her in one arm and make a sandwich with the other.

You know, thank God for Emily, or I wouldn't get anything done.

Emily?

Yeah, she's a friend who... who babysits for me.

Oh.

My ex hasn't really been involved much, but it's... it's a long story.

Same here. Long and a boring story.

[Cellphone dings]

Sorry. I, uh, set a reminder.

Oh.

It's just a work thing.

Well, we should hang out again sometime.

I mean, the whole [sighs] single-parent thing can be a little isolating, you know?

Yeah. Yeah, we should.

Hey, are you, uh, free tonight, by any chance, to, uh, maybe grab a bite?

Um, I would be if I had a sitter.

Right. Right.

But if you wouldn't mind coming to my place, I could cook.

Yeah. That sounds great.

[Bottles clink]

May your record get all the attention it deserves.

Thank you.

Mmm.

So what's next?

Well, it's too early to talk release date since they're launching Layla's record first.

But we do need to finalize writing credits and licenses... which I better call and confirm.

Excuse me.

[Clears throat]

[Door closes]

Are you sure you're all right with this?

With my song being the single?

Why wouldn't I be? That was the consensus, wasn't it?

Well, because technically it's my song since I wrote it and it's mostly my vocal, and I just don't think it's fair...

Scarlett, it's all about what's best for the band, so it's got to be the song that tells the best story.

Okay?

♪ This old guitar ♪
♪ Hell, I've even gone and named it ♪
♪ And I've cursed and blessed and blamed it ♪
♪ And still, my fingers have not tamed it ♪
♪ This old guitar ♪
♪ Guess you could say we show our ages ♪
♪ From all the songs and whiskey rages ♪
♪ Crazy stages, final pages ♪
♪ This old guitar ♪
♪ It's just wood and strings and steel ♪
♪ This old guitar ♪
♪ Always knows just how I feel ♪
♪ This old guitar ♪
♪ It's seen its share of broken hearts ♪
♪ It's got cracks and broken parts ♪
♪ It's a symphony of scars ♪

[Exhales]

So, that's all I got.

But that's a lot.

It's beautiful.

Feels like that guitar's part of you.

I got... I got it when I was 11, and, uh, since then, it's about the only thing I've ever been able to count on.

Except for my sister.

Hey, you want to go back into my office and chat for a little bit?

So, why me? Why now?

When you first came out, Three Dollar wasn't up and running yet.

And by the time it was, you'd pretty much stopped performing.

Then I heard about your, uh, incident the other night.

[Sighs]

It made for a pretty memorable return to the stage, that's for sure.

Well, that part sucked.

But I was glad to hear you're back up onstage.

Well, you know you're meant to do something if a bottle to the face doesn't stop you.

Yeah, which you won't have to worry about with this label.

Built-in fan base.

Any touring you do in support of an album will be in gay-friendly cities.

What other kind of artists do you have?

So far, we have 15 artists doing everything from alt rock to electronica.

You would be our first country artist.

Great.

[Indistinct conversations]

Hey.

Hey.

What are you doing here?

Bye, Maddie.

Um, my grandad says that actions speak louder than words, so...

Oh, my gosh. Thank you.

Look, I know things have been weird lately.

I know I've been weird. But I love you, Maddie.

That hasn't changed.

This probably isn't the best place to kiss you right now.

Probably not.

Hey, I'm staying at my mom's townhouse, though, if you want to come over.

Maddie! Hi.

Cash actually, um, invited me to go to The Bluebird with her tonight... soundcheck, dinner, and a show.

Um, maybe you could come.

Okay.

Hey, Cash, do you think you can get him in tonight?

Sure.

I'm sure Erika can round up a ticket.

Awesome.

What about me? Can I come?

Daphne, you can't. I'm going with Cash, and you're riding home with the Nelsons.

Yeah, and we really got to get going.

I can drive you if you want.

Actually, you need to be registered with the school for pickups, and her mom already called my information in.

See ya.

Bye.

Cash is like her new best friend or whatever.

♪

You realize I've gotten more positive press in the last day than I have in the last 60?

Well, it definitely changed the conversation.

Yeah, it took it off my image problem and put it back where it belongs... on the music.

Riff: Y'all call yourselves a band?

Dude, you're not hearing where the 1 is.

What's going on here, fellas?

They're butchering my songs, that's what.

You call this a professional outfit?

I mean, these guys suck!

Hey, it's not us.

Like hell it ain't.

Hold on a second, Riff.

Rich and the guys have been with me for a long time.

Well, they've been with me for over an hour, and near as I can tell, not one of them understands my music.

And that is why we are here rehearsing.

Well, fine. But I'm not the one who needs this, so why don't you call me when you got some decent musicians to work with?

You want to tell me what the hell happened?

He's terrible... He's pitchy on vocals, and it sounds like he hasn't touched a guitar in 15 years.

All right, let me go talk to him.

Sorry, fellas.

All right. Thanks.

Hey, hey.

Hey.

[Chuckles]

Someone's obviously having a good day.

Kind of, yeah.

That's it? That's all I get?

I, uh, sort of met this woman at the park this morning.

We were playing with our kids and got to talking, and she ended up inviting me over to her place for dinner tonight.

Wow. What'd you say?

I said yes.

Really?

Yeah.

Are you ready for that?

I think so. Yeah.

But, I mean, even if I'm not, it was nice connecting with someone so easily, you know?

Yeah.

Anyway, enough of my personal life.

We should get to work.

[Sighs]

Hey, Riff, hold up!

I'm sorry I went off like that, buddy.

I don't have much tolerance for people thinking they know better when they don't.

I hear you, brother.

But, uh, actually, my guys know plenty.

They wouldn't be my band if they weren't great.

Well, maybe they're great at your version of country.

They sure as hell don't know how to play the classics, though.

Look, I know it's been a while since you've performed.

No shame in being rusty.

Hey, I got four platinum albums under my belt when you were still playing h*nky-tonks for free beer.

You realize that?!

Yeah, I do!

You're the Riff Bell.

My... My mentor, my idol, and my friend... which is why I'm telling you to get your ass back in there and rehearse before you end up embarrassing us both!

The only place that I'm going is my daughter's soccer game.

'Cause, unlike your kids, mine like having me around.

With all the damn nostalgia, I forgot you can be one nasty son of a bitch.

Yeah, well, you threw the first punch, amigo.

I'll see you at the show, and your band best know my songs by then.

[Tires screech]

After my mom overdosed, then, you know, the two of us went into the system.

The foster system.

Yeah.

I don't like to call it that, because, you know, I looked up the word once, and the word "foster" means "to encourage."

And that didn't happen. You know, not for us, anyway.

And we bounced around a lot.

And, uh, we got split up when we were 12.

That's awful.

You don't have to feel sorry for me, by the way.

'Cause, you know, like, a lot of people don't have great parents.

Look, honey, you're a survivor.

And you have made beautiful music out of a really unfortunate circumstance.

Isn't that amazing?

Yeah.

Music kind of saved my life.

Mine too.

♪

So, Colt, Maddie tells me that you like to make beats.

Uh, yeah, I used to. Uh, not so much anymore.

He has, like, a huge Twitter following, though.

He's amazing at finding cool new music.

He's, like, a tastemaker.

Actually, I don't really have much time for social media anymore.

I've just been working a lot at my grandad's farm.

Wow. Is that something that you want to do?

Uh, I don't know about long-term, but for now it's just nice being normal.

I mean, with my dad, it was just music all the time.

I mean, not that there's anything wrong with that.

I love music, just not the whole star thing.

It's just kind of fake, you know?

I mean, my... my grandad... he fought in Vietnam.

That's real.

My dad... he just prances around onstage.

[Both chuckle]

[Indistinct conversations]

Hey.

Just in time.

Go clock in.

You got it.

Hey.

He needs to pull out of The Beverly.

And we need to look at pre-records for the tour.

You out of your mind, Ken?

I can't ask a damn legend to lip-sync.

It'd humiliate the hell out of him.

And me, if I had to ask him to do that.

I know, but we're in salvage mode, Luke.

Yeah.

But what am I trying to salvage?

[Cheers and applause]

Thank you. Thank you.

You know, I've been working with a young writer, and I think that the results have just been flat-out amazing.

She's talking about me.

So take a listen to this next song and see if you don't agree.

["If You Don't Mean Business" plays]

♪ Don't sell your guitar even if you need the money ♪
♪ Don't bake your biscuits if you've run out of honey ♪
♪ Don't sign no papers unless you got a witness ♪
♪ And don't kiss me if you don't mean business ♪
♪ I got a heart that's ridin' on the circumstance ♪
♪ So don't lie to me just to get in my pants ♪
♪ That ain't too much to ask of you now, is it? ♪
♪ Don't kiss me if you don't mean business ♪

You wrote this?

♪ Don't make this harder ♪

[Chuckles] Pretty much every word.

♪ Than it should be ♪
♪ Take my advice 'bout what this could be ♪
♪ Between you and me there's a little chemistry ♪
♪ We could both be what the other one needs ♪

I almost forgot how good this feels.

I mean, it's been a long time.

I'll take that as a compliment, I guess.

It is. And here's another one.

First time I saw you at the park, I checked your ring finger.

Of course, I didn't have the courage to do anything about it, but...

Why do you think I brought that toy over?

About that...

Mm-hmm?

It wasn't Cadence's.

You lied?!

A little, a little.

Oh, my God.

She has one really similar. Like, almost identical.

Whoa, major red flag.

You know, I'd run for the door, but this is kind of my house.

And I'm too comfortable.

Can't move.

I can.

Isn't Cash amazing?

Yeah. She's great.

Hey, I was hoping we could spend some alone time together.

You want to go back to the townhouse, watch a movie or something?

I'd love that.

My curfew's, like, so strict right now.

Hey, what about tomorrow, during the day?

I thought we were working tomorrow.

sh**t. Um, that's right.

But Colt's only in town for one more day.

Do you think we could reschedule?

Sure.

No problem.

Okay. All right.

Bye.

Guys, I am so sorry, but I've got to get Maddie home.

I promised her parents.

Okay. All right.

Bye.

Bye.

See you tomorrow. Can't wait.

[Engine starts]

Okay, take care, you guys. Be well.

No, No! You get out of my face!

You can't con a con, darlin'!

I know for a fact you took the money, and what I don't understand is where in the hell you got the nerve to come back in here and let me rake every one of my Hey!

Honest employees over the coals about it...

Hey!

.. when you know good and damn well you took it!

Fine! Fine! I took it, all right?!

Is that what you want to hear? I took it.

But I was gonna pay it back.

Vita.

Hey, I asked you to let this go.

Are you kidding me?

There's other ways... we could've handled this, Frankie!

Yeah, like listening to me in the first damn place!

I was right about her, Deacon. I was right!

Hey.

Hey.

Did you even come to bed last night?

Yeah, I did. You were sleeping.

Then I couldn't.

What's wrong?

Well, baby, I hate to be the one to tell you, but looks like we both got fooled.

Turns out Vita did take that money.

What?

No good deed, huh?

Hey, man. Thanks for agreeing to talk.

It's one of my favorite spots.

Makes me feel like some things aren't changing for the worse.

Like our friendship?

Listen...

I'm giving you an out.

I'll cover for you at Deacon's, and I'll find another guest artist to replace you on tour.

You keep your legacy intact, and we get back to being friends, which is way more important to me than some damn tour.

You know you sound like crap, right?

[Sighs]

Yeah, I don't know why I thought I could pick up where I left off.

I didn't mean what I said about your kids, man.

I just... just my ego talking.

Yeah.

Guess I-I was afraid to admit that I needed help.

So, you want me to go ahead and make the announcement?

What I want is to do this with you.

But I guess what I need is practice.

You, uh... think your band can get my ass into gear by tonight?

Thank you for meeting with me again.

It's an encouraging sign.

Yeah, well, I wanted to talk music.

Music or... music business?

Songs. Which one of my singles did you think was the best?

I like them all.

But you liked the lyrics, the... the guitar?

Look...

Country music's really not my thing.

But there is a market for you.

Just because I'm gay.

What do you want me to say?

Between your looks and our demographic...

Well, I was under the impression that you were gonna be selling my music, not just me.

Look, you've already been dropped by one label.

None of the majors are gonna sign you, and I guarantee there's no other indie label that can market you like we can.

I'm giving you a chance to be you here.

Who I am is not a gay country singer.

I'm a country singer... who happens to be gay.

And I don't know if I can sign with a label that doesn't know the difference.

Which leaves you with what options?

You realize this is the first time we've been alone since...

I know.

[Cellphone chimes]

Ignore it.

[Cellphone chimes]

It's Cash.

Just let me text back real quick.

She sure seems to take up a lot of your time.

Yeah, she's really helped me with my writing.

You think writing about sex makes a song good?

[Scoffs]

It makes it honest.

We've had sex, Colt. It's a part of my life.

And, yeah, I want to write about it.

Okay, but that's just not how it comes off.

It seems like you're pretending to be something that you're not.

If anyone's pretending here, it's you.

You're the one who's like a completely different person now.

What are you talking about?

I have always wanted to do music.

I mean, for as long as you've known me.

And now just because Luke was a jerk, all musicians are bad?

No, I never said that.

But there's more to life than being onstage.

Don't you want to do something that matters?

Music does matter!

No, Maddie!

Helping people, standing for something, doing the right thing... that's what matters.

Not basing your whole life on whether or not an audience loves you.

I can't do this.

I love you, but I don't really like you anymore.

[Knock on door]

You got a minute?

Yeah, of course, Scarlett. Come in.

Have a seat.

Listen, I can't tell you how excited everybody is about the album.

Oh, me too.

That's why I wanted to talk to you.

You think there's any possibility of us choosing another song for the single?

Why would we do that?

I'm a little worried about launching a band that is a duo with a song that's really a solo.

Gunnar and I are a team, and I think it's only fair that we're featured equally.

Well, the song kind of feels like both of you.

Yeah, I-I trust your judgment.

I'm just... I'm concerned, is all.

All right. Well, I'll tell you what. Why don't I run it past Rayna, and we'll set up a meeting to discuss.

[Cellphone rings]

[Sighs] Hello?

Hey, um, I managed by some miracle to snag two tickets for the Riff Bell thing tonight at The Beverly.

Do you want to come?

Aw, damn, that sounds amazing, but I have plans with Sienna.

Who?

The woman from the park.

Oh.

Oh, I guess, um... I guess your date went well, huh?

It definitely exceeded expectations.

Oh. That's great.

Okay, well, have fun tonight. You know, more fun.

All right. You too.

It's gonna be a k*ller show.

Bye.

They're almost ready for you, Layla.

Hey, I asked for this chilled.

Is it really that hard to get what I want around here?

[Sighs]

[Voice breaking] Thank you again for taking me home.

I was just so upset, you know?

I didn't really want him driving me.

No, of course. I'm here for you.

Think you can stay for a while?

Hey, um, I wanted to play you guys a song that I thought the three of us...

Maddie, what's wrong?

[Crying]

It's personal, Daphne.

I just need to talk to Cash, so if you could please leave us alone.

You were right about Vita.

I should have listened to you, and I didn't, and for that, I'm sorry.

And I should have asked before I gave Riff your slot tonight.

Forget it.

No, I should've.

You're my partner, Frankie. I couldn't do this without you.

Hell, I wouldn't want to.

I appreciate that.

All right, so, what do you say we put all this behind us, look forward to tonight when we make our place the place to be in Nashville?

All right.

Now get to work.

[Laughs]

Hey, Vita.

Hey.

What do you want?

Well, I'd love an explanation.

'Cause you took that money.

And you looked me straight in the eye and you lied to me about it.

I mean, I was making plans for you and defending you.

Why would you do that?

I'm sorry. I needed the money bad.

You needed the money?

Yeah.

But you had a job.

You had a paycheck coming.

I didn't have time to wait, okay?

My sister... she got herself into trouble, and, you know, it wasn't the kind of trouble where you can go like, "Oh, let me get my finances in order."

Okay? It was $500 or her life.

Yeah, you'll have to forgive me if I don't believe a word you're saying.

Everything I told you was the truth.

Except the part where you lied about being a thief.

But you don't know what it's like for me.

I lied because, look, the Vita that you and I talked about yesterday, okay... the one... the one that had a crap life and rose above it...

Okay, that's the Vita that I want to be.

And... and what was I supposed to do?

I mean, "Hey, Ms. Jaymes, you gave me a job, and you're making all of my dreams come true, but, you know, can you just do me one more favor?

Could you, uh...

Could you give me some cash to pay off some bad guys?"

So you just took it instead?

I was gonna pay the money back, I swear.

Please.

Is there any way that we can start over?

I feel for you. I really do.

You know, but I can't... I can't take the risk.

I'm sorry.

[Shutter clicking]

[Sighs] This is stupid. I can't even do this.

Photographer: Layla, I'm losing one of your eyes.

Could you maybe twist shoulders just a little bit to me?

Or maybe you could move around a little bit so I don't have to stand in these unnatural positions.

Okay, w-why don't we take a little break, okay, guys?

Please?

This is seriously lame. I hate this whole setup.

Layla, I'm not sure why you're acting this way, but I'm gonna speak candidly, okay?

I think you are incredibly talented.

That's why I'm working with you.

But I have been down this road with Juliette in terms of the bad behavior, and I'm not interested in doing that.

So let's find out what you're actually worried about, and we can nip this attitude thing right in the bud.

[Scoffs]

Or I can just wrap it up right...

Look, I just...

I thought that Avery and I were friends, so I called him earlier, inviting him to the Riff Bell thing at The Beverly tonight, and he just... he already had plans.

And that's a problem?

I don't know.

Okay.

All right, look. Here's the thing.

Avery's been through a lot, but so have you.

And losing someone the way that you did, it creates this void.

And sometimes when you work closely with somebody else, it feels like an answer to this void, but it's not.

The only answer to the void is time.

So do yourself and your album... and me... a favor, and just stay friends.

Okay?

[Sighs]

Okay.

Let's get back to work.

Hey, Glenn... if you ever see me acting like Juliette again, just kick me...

[Chuckles]

...or something.

She's... she's the last person that I'd want to become.

All right.

Hey.

Hey.

So, I just got a call from Noel, who got a call from Bucky, who said that you want to pick a different single.

I mean, what the heck, Scarlett?

I said I was fine with the decision.

You don't seem fine. You seem highly agitated.

Well, look, do I wish it was a song we wrote together?

Yeah, sure.

But they think it's gonna be the best single, and it's true.

It's... it's the right song.

I just... I just wish you'd trust that I'm confident enough to handle it.

I'm not worried about your confidence, Gunnar.

I owe you mine.

What?

That song... all my songs... they wouldn't exist without you.

You're the person who got me into songwriting in the first place, so it doesn't seem right to me to just have my name on it.

[Sighs]

[Indistinct conversations]

Hey. How y'all doing? Listen, uh, Jennifer...

These are all reporters right here.

I want you to make sure they got plenty to drink.

Woman: Hey, it'd be great to get a sh*t of you onstage for the article.

Let's do it. Kate, where's Frankie?

Haven't seen him.

Right here? Is this good?

Big night for you, huh?

Sure is. We got Riff Bell performing for the first time in 15 years, and it's right here.

[Camera shutter clicking]

Hey, man. How's he doing?

Luke: He said he's okay.

All right. About to make some history here, huh?

Something like that.

Listen, I got Colt and Maddie on the list for tonight.

You know, in case they decide they're not too cool for all this.

Oh, I didn't realize, uh, he'd come back into town, but, uh, that's great, yeah.

Hope they show.

Me too.

Hey. It's time to go to The Beverly. Let's go.

Honey, what's the matter?

It's Maddie.

Everything is Cash, Cash, Cash all the time.

She used to care about me.

Well, you know...

Maddie's having kind of a hard time right now.

She and Colt just broke up today.

Why wouldn't she talk to me about that?

I would do anything for her, but she just makes me feel like I'm nothing.

I know she doesn't mean to make you feel that way.

Look, you're her sister.

She would do anything for you, too.

Come here.

I'm feeling like tonight might not be the best night for The Beverly.

Might be better for us to stay home and be together.

[Sniffles]

But what about Deacon?

I think Deacon's gonna understand.

I love you, Mom.

[Indistinct conversations]

A ton of press here.

I tried to manage expectations, but they're high.

Well, he rehearsed like hell all day, and I gave him a pep talk.

Hope the old boy can pull it off.

You and me both.

["Both Hands on the Wheel" playing]

[Cheers and applause]

Thank you. Thank you very much.

It's been a real long time, Nashville.

And we got a lot of catching up to do.

♪ Ever had the blues on a fine spring day? ♪
♪ Well, that's a real hard card to play ♪
♪ Nothing to do, nothing to say ♪
♪ But just listen to the wind blow ♪
♪ It kinda goes ♪

So far so good.

Yeah, but here comes the part he keeps struggling with.

♪ Ever met a girl on a Saturday night ♪
♪ Wind up dancin' in the pale moonlight ♪
♪ It's all good, hey, it's all right ♪
♪ 'Cause she seals it with a little kiss ♪
♪ Kinda feels like this ♪
♪ Ooh-ooh ♪
♪ Keep both hands on the wheel ♪

[Cheers and applause]

How about now?

I think it's gonna be a hell of a tour.

I think so, too.

♪ Ooh-ooh ♪
♪ Keep both hands on the wheel ♪

Thanks for letting me pick the restaurant.

I've been craving sushi for forever.

Oh, hey, I'm easy.

[Chuckles]

Wait. I didn't mean it like that.

I just meant when it comes to going out.

With my ex, it was always this big production, and with you, I mean, it's just normal.

It's good.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Do you have any idea what it's like being with someone like that, being with a big star?

I do now.

Oh, God. I'm sorry.

Please tell me I haven't been talking about her all night.

Just most of it.

[Sighs]

Look, I think maybe we skipped a few steps, maybe moved a little too fast.

And I really enjoyed it and you, but I honestly just don't think you're ready.

You don't know how badly I want to get past this.

Actually, I kind of do.

I'll see you at the swings?

[Sighs]

[Cheers and applause]

Thank you! Thank y'all very much!

You know, it was 20-some-odd years ago that I started playing in little clubs like this with a mullet-sporting Luke Wheeler nipping at my heels.

[Laughter]

Still am, bud! Still am!

[Cheers and applause]

But, uh, Luke wasn't the only one here that I came up through the ranks with.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the owner of The Beverly, Mr. Deacon Claybourne!

[Cheers and applause]

Thank you.

Come on, now, Deac.

Ain't no way around it.

Get on up here and play a little something with me.

All right, I'll do it.

Mr. Deacon Claybourne, ladies and gentlemen!

[Cheers and applause]

Thank y'all.

This here is exactly why I wanted to open this place.

Deacon's really turned this place around.

It was a dump.

...when you're surrounded by good friends, old and new.

And you listen to some of the best damn music in the world.

I want people to leave here feeling better than when they walked in those two doors.

Anybody out there feeing that way tonight?

[Cheers and applause]

[Deacon talking indistinctly]

[Coughs]

Welcome back, brother.

Thanks, man.

Kick-ass show tonight, man.

Well, I owe most of it to you and your band.

All right, well, you can return the favor by sitting down and having a drink with me.

Oh, man, I wou... I...

Come on, just one drink.

I can't. I got to get home to my wife and kids.

You know, tell them they can show their faces around town after all.

Plus, you know, I got to get up early for rehearsals tomorrow if I'm gonna be on tour with the Luke Wheeler.

All right, get out of here.

All right, man. I'll see you.

[Indistinct conversations]

[Cellphone ringing]

Hey. Is it too late to call?

No, not at all. What's up?

I just... I keep thinking I shouldn't have broken up with him.

Maybe I was being too judgmental or whatever.

Um, more like the other way around, isn't it?

I mean, from what you told me he said to you, it doesn't seem at all like he's that supportive of you or your career.

That's what's so weird.

'Cause Colt was the first person to really support me.

You know, he put my music online.

He came to every show, and just, like, the biggest smile on his face watching me perform.

[Crying] I just...

I don't know what happened to him.

Maybe something's wrong.

You're both young.

You're both still trying to figure out who you are.

And do not forget that girls mature faster than boys.

You found your path, but Colt...

Maybe he's just a little lost.

Yeah.

♪

Oh, hey. You're still up.

Hey. Honey, I'm so sorry I couldn't get there tonight.

Oh, come on, now. The girls needed you here.

I'm glad you stayed home.

And there will be plenty of nights at The Beverly.

Especially after tonight's show.

Was it amazing?

Oh, it was so good.

Oh, good.

Can't wait to see all the press.

Yeah, me either.

Hopefully this'll calm Frankie down a little bit about all that stolen-money business.

On that note...

What?

I went over to the motel to talk to Vita today.

What'd she say?

She begged me to give her another chance.

I told her I couldn't.

For good reason.

Yeah, I know, but, I mean, she and her sister went into the foster system when she was Daphne's age.

And she told me that her sister was in some kind of trouble and that's why she needed the money.

What kind of trouble?

I don't know, and I don't even know if it's true.

But you know, these kids, they age out of the system, and they have nothing.

They don't have a home. They don't have a family.

These two girls are living in their car.

I wish I could do something, even if it's just get them into a shelter.

By all means, do it.

Yeah.

♪ Oh, the things you say when we are alone ♪

Okay, medium red-eye with one scone.

That'll be $8.

Thank you.

♪ But here I am, here I am ♪

Wait, is this you we're listening to?

Sure is.

Cool. What label you on?

I'm not on one. I did it all independently.

Really?

Yeah, a couple grand out of pocket.

With all the software available these days, it's so much easier to do it yourself.

Huh. You sold many of these?

A handful. But each one counts.

You just sold one more.

Oh, thank you very much.

Here's the paperwork delineating authorship over each of your songs.

I just need signatures, good to go.

Or not.

We've made some decisions on how we're gonna handle publishing for the band.

We put both our names on all the songs regardless of who wrote what.

Equal split on everything.

So we're 50/50 from here on out.

[Footsteps approaching]

Layla: Morning.

We're booked for 11:00, right?

Yeah.

I'm just, uh, getting a head start.

Hey, how was your date? Good?

It was decidedly ungood.

Apparently, I spent the entire night talking about my ex-wife, and Sienna said that I'm not ready to date.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Yeah.

Anyway, for now it's probably best for people like us to just focus on work and our friends.

I'm down with that.

So, friend, I got a refund for the Riff Bell tickets.

You want to go to The Beverly sometime, listen to some music?

That sounds like a plan.

Cool.

I saw her yesterday.

[Police radio chatter]

Ma'am, you need to stay back.

What happened?

Reports of an altercation. That's all I know.

Was there anybody in the car?

No. So who knows what it means.

[Indistinct conversations]

[Police radio chatter]

[Camera shutter clicks]

[Siren wails]