05x17 - Mask Off

[bunniefuu]

Thanks for making time
for your momma bear.

Well, you know we said we was
gonna do this thing monthly.

Besides, it's Spring Break,

and my life ain't crazy for once.

This is feeling like old times.

- Hot cakes fresh off the skillet.
- Hey.

Did I show you to mix water
instead of milk with that batter?

Yes, ma'am. Less calories and fat.

- And Spencer loves them. Right, baby?
- Yeah.

[ALICIA CHUCKLES]

You want some, Mrs. Grace?

You know, I am going to
stick with these biscuits.

OK.

[DOORBELL RINGS]

- Hey, girl.
- Denise. You're early.

- SPENCER: Early for what?
- GRACE: Uh...

There's something that I've
been wanting to show you.

Where the hell is my bed?

You know how I always
said I wanted a craft room?

Well, Denise inspired me to get started.

ALICIA: I love this idea. You
know, we have tons of fabric

at the dress shop that you can have.

DENISE: Oh, girl, bring it on over!

She is officially hired to
help. I like her. Come on.

Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.
Where am I supposed to sleep

- when I come home?
- Your home is at the beach house,

where you've been
living for the past year

with your comfortable bed.

You know, when you're
here, you can always sleep

on the blow up mattress.

This wall is larger than I thought.

We could put a kiln over here!

- What the hell is a kiln?
- We're not putting a kiln in here.

I made this necklace in a kiln.

- GRACE: Oh. That is nice.
- SPENCER: OK. I'm out.

- Wait. Spencer.
- Nope. S'all good.

I got morning practice anyways,

so y'all can just do whatever.

Uh...

[DOOR OPENS]

Are you sure you don't
wanna stay a little longer?

I could have coffee
and donuts delivered.

I wish. My schedule is so jammed,

I literally had to set
reminders to take my vitamins.

How 'bout, hey, dinner and a
movie in the Marina tomorrow?

Nope. Back to back
meetings and vitamins.

OK. You're still coming

to Liv's award ceremony,
tonight, though, right?

I feel terrible, but there's
an artist in town from the UK

I have to scope out. And
I already spoke to Liv.

She said she's cool.

I'm just gonna get her flowers, though.

- But cheer loudly for the both of us?
- JORDAN: Sure.

LAYLA: Bye.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

- Studying?
- [CHUCKLES] No. It's Spring Break.

Well, then why don't you take
a break like everybody else?

Well, I'm writing a speech
for the award ceremony.

I mean, I know winning is a long sh*t.

But if I do, then everyone's
gonna be asking for my next story.

Actually, would you mind
listening to what I've got so far?

Sure! I'm all ears.

Um...

Do you need help finding something?

No, just organising versions
one through four of my speech.

- You're going to read me four versions?
- Seven.

The last three are on my computer.

[OLIVIA SIGHS]

- JORDAN: Hey.
- LAURA: Hi.

What's up with the text?

I think Liv is spiralling
with this whole award ceremony.

Well, I mean, I'm sure there's
a lot of pressure. Right? I mean,

this is a huge deal for her.
Maybe just give her some space?

Well, she asked for my help.

And then she kicked me out of her room

after my third note on draft two.

- How many drafts are there?
- Don't ask.

You know what?

The last time that she spoke publicly,

it didn't go so well.

Maybe she just doesn't
want a repeat of the eulogy.

- LAURA: Yeah.
- JORDAN: I'll go check on her.

- Thank you.
- [KNOCK ON DOOR]

You're not worried your
fingers might fall off?

[SCOFFS] That's the
least of my concerns.

Yeah, you got half the
Amazon forest on your floor.

- Yeah, well, who needs trees, right?
- JORDAN: Whoa.

- OLIVIA: I'm kidding.
- Well, at least you're still cracking jokes.

- That's a good sign.
- Jordan, what if people think I'm a fraud

when they realise I'm not Jayden Davis?

OK. Maybe it's time we, uh,
step away from the keyboard.

No. I'm in a groove. Draft
eight is feeling really solid.

Draft eight, you say?

- OLIVIA: Yeah.
- JORDAN: Wow. That's cool.

What are you doing? I was just
in the middle of a clever segue.

Yeah. You got two hours to work on
that segue while I'm at practice,

and then you're going away with me.

- What part of "I need to work...
"? - Non-negotiable, Olivia Baker.

Two.

[SIGHS]

♪ Yeah, who dat... ♪

JORDAN: Here we go. Down. Set.

PLAYER: Watch out. Watch out.

JORDAN: Wide . Here we go. Here we go.

Hey, check , check , check .

Wide .

Set.

♪ ... So don't be jealous with it ♪

♪ Watch me get it, yeah ♪

♪ Inside, outside, yeah ♪

- SPENCER: Uh!
- [BLOWS WHISTLE]

- We need fast feet, boys!
- [PLAYER LAUGHS]

Boy, where'd you get that whistle from?

- MANU: Found it.
- KAI: Yeah?

Come meet the team. Come on.

You let Sal catch up to you, didn't you?

- Boost his confidence?
- Nah.

Just ain't got it today.

Hey, did they change your
bedroom when you moved out?

[CHUCKLES] Coop lives in my old room.

- That don't bother you?
- Nope.

It still feels like home.

- JORDAN: Hey, is that, uh... ?
- Dr. Gutenberg,

- SPENCER: GAU's president.
- JORDAN: Yeah.

SPENCER: Man. I ain't seen
him since the day I signed.

- What the hell's he doing here?
- JORDAN: Maybe he's looking for Coach?

- SPENCER: I'll go find out.
- JORDAN: Yeah.

Dr. Gutenberg, I didn't
know you was a football fan.

I'm not, but I am a booster fan.

And there's a rumour our team is
signing ex-cons and has-been players.

Where's Coach Kenny? Or any coach?

We running student-led voluntary
practices for Spring Break.

Coach Kenny is out in
Tennessee recruiting.

- So are the rumours true?
- No.

I mean yes, yes.

We have a guy who made a mistake,

but he did his time and now
he's getting a second chance.

Golden Angeles University
is a prestigious program.

It's not a charity case.

- This ain't charity, sir.
- All I know is

my elite D program that normally
signs the top players in the country

now looks like Last Chance U
and the boosters aren't happy,

which means I'm not happy.
They have a lot of questions.

And if they don't like the answers,

I'll have no choice but
to clean house myself.

[PLAYERS CHEERING]

What did he mean by "clean house"?

Is he gonna pull scholarships?

Yeah, I'm not sure. He ain't seem happy.

I left a message with Coach
Kenny to give him a heads up.

- I hope he got a plan.
- Wow! Look at you,

- Spencer James not saving the world.
- [CHUCKLES]

Dr. Spears said I gotta chill
on all that, so I'm trying.

I see you. I see you.

But, look, I gotta
run somewhere with Liv.

But, uh, you're still coming to
her award ceremony tonight, right?

Oh, my bad.

I thought that was just a
family invite-only thing.

And I got this date with Alicia.

I don't know how cool she'd be
if I rescheduled that for Liv.

- Yeah, don't do that.
- [SPENCER CHUCKLES]

It's all good. I'll see you later.

All right, man.

- SPENCER: That-a boy.
- SAL: What's up, man?

How you feeling about everything?

So who was that grumpy-looking
white dude you was talking to?

That was GAU's president.

- SAL: The big man, huh?
- SPENCER: Mm-hmm.

I'm guessing he's wondering where
his usual five-star recruits are.

- Hey. Don't trip. He don't get football.
- S'all good.

It ain't like five-star recruits
have it easy these days anyway.

I been training Marco Galvez.

Oh, I know Marco.

Yeah. He was about to sign with us

before everything went down.

I thought he went to Florida.

Well, he's in town on Spring Break.

Sound like he not having
the best time down there.

- SPENCER: Why? What's up?
- SAL: I didn't ask.

I'm training him here in
an hour if you wanna join.

Might be nice for him
to see a familiar face.

For sure. I'm gonna definitely
swing by. Good looking out.

Of course.

LAYLA: OK, so the interview
should be pretty seamless.

He's just gonna be, like, fishing

for what fans can expect
from the "Fire & Ice" tour.

So, yeah, just keep it,
like, vague, but exciting.

- [CELL PHONE VIBRATES]
- PATIENCE: Cool.

- Cool, cool.
- Uh, yeah, so that right there was

- the opposite of exciting.
- [CELL PHONE VIBRATES]

Well, I was actually thinkin'
about that quinceañera.

- That was so fun, wasn't it?
- [CHUCKLES] Yeah.

Um, remember how I told
you it reminded me about

how much I miss my indie boho roots?

- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah. Well, I kinda... I don't know.

Patience, whatever it is, just say it.

I just, I mean, we poured so much time

and resources into this
new image and sound...

But you know what? Talking out loud
is the confirmation that I need.

So, yeah, let's just... let's
just keep this train moving.

- LAYLA: Are you sure?
- PATIENCE: Yes, I am sure.

Look, we got this interview,

and it's gonna be dope.

- Yeah.
- [CELL PHONE VIBRATING]

But you know what I'm not sure about

is your phone stressing
with them alerts.

Sorry, it's my calendar.

There's, like, a million
things to do and no time.

Including this brunch with
my dad which I need to cancel

'cause your interviewer
changed the interview time.

Oh, no, no, no. Just go be
with your dad. I got this.

- LAYLA: No, I should be here.
- PATIENCE: Skye's gonna be there.

Look, why do you have a hired staff

if you don't trust
them to do their jobs?

OK. Thank you.

- What's this?
- JORDAN: Ha ha ha! A dance studio.

I can see that, Jordan.

How hard is the nostalgia hitting?

[EXHALES]

I mean, my last memory here was, um,

throwing a tutu in Gina price's face.

Mm-hmm. Dance was your
first language, right?

It was how you expressed yourself

before you could even talk.

So, I figured... Why not
bring you back to your roots?

How is this supposed
to help with my speech?

OK. You know better than anyone

that whenever I am feeling
stuck with football or life,

I escape to video games.

Now, some people may call that lazy,

but it's the outlet that I need.

So maybe this can be that for you again.

Yeah, well, I would much
rather have played video games.

- Didn't know that was an option.
- OLIVIA: It's not too late.

JORDAN: No, no, no. Hold on.
Yes, it is. Yes, it is, OK?

Because I've already paid $
a head for this hip hop class.

We're not even dressed
for a hip hop class.

Heh heh heh! You didn't
think I'd come prepared?

- Buckle up, sis.
- OK.

♪ I've been running all day... ♪

Well, here is to legacy, right?

You know, I really love

the idea of combining the
Formonica and Keating names.

Thanks, Dad. I haven't even
asked. How is retirement?

Erin and I are going to be heading
down to Costa Rica in two weeks.

She wants to look at houses to settle.

Maybe you and Erin can
harvest pineapples together

or get a farm with pigs and goats.

Yeah, I think I'm good
on the pigs and goats.

[BOTH CHUCKLE, CELL PHONE VIBRATES]

Sorry.

What about you, honey? Are you
getting everything you wanted?

Yeah, and more.

Well, looks like you're
on the right track, then.

Actually, speaking of the right track,

I hate to cut this lunch short, but
I have to get ready for a meeting.

I remember the days of
cutting brunches short.

You know, I'm not gonna lie.
I really miss the hustle.

If you miss it so much,
you should join me today.

- There will be plenty of hustle.
- JP: I'm in.

LAYLA: Wait. Really? I was just joking.

I mean, I'd rather help you out
than shop online for board shorts.

OK.

OK, I'm splitting
y'all up into two groups

to review the first six eight counts.

This side will go first.
Everyone else, get ready for next.

[APPLAUSE]

INSTRUCTOR: Hit it. Hey.

QUAVO AND TAKEOFF:
♪ Water on me like the sauna ♪

♪ Some karats, some pointers ♪

♪ All these commas I won't fumble ♪

♪ Migo gunners out the jungle ♪

♪ Buy it all, fronter ♪

♪ Cake on, me no funnel ♪

♪ Drop top feelin' like stunna ♪

♪ Catch these plays, no runner,
chrome heart wallet ♪

♪ Smoke my pilot,
take three vibes to the tropics ♪

♪ Tropics... ♪

♪ I was outside just servin' narcotics ♪

♪ Narcotics, woo ♪

♪ Pass me that stick...
Make one wrong move ♪

♪ Just pop him ♪

♪ Lanvin on bro with
the ... flooded out ♪

♪ In the hotel lobby ♪
♪ It's crowded ♪

♪ Diamonds be dancing like Bobby... ♪

INSTRUCTOR: OK, that
was, um, interesting.

Next group, let's get it.

Music.

♪ I go in the jungle
and ain't got a coat ♪

♪ I bet I come out with a mink ♪

♪ Do this ... for the fam ♪

♪ 'Cause this ... Bigger than me ♪

♪ Color stones in my infinity link ♪

♪ And in the factory, masterpiece ♪

♪ I call him twin 'cause
that be my brother... ♪

INSTRUCTOR: , , , .

♪ Water on me like the sauna ♪

♪ Some karats, some pointers ♪

♪ All these commas I won't fumble ♪

♪ Migo gunners out the jungle ♪

♪ Buy it all, fronter ♪

♪ Cake on, me no funnel... ♪

INSTRUCTOR: Nina, why are we
holding onto five counts ago?

You know we always move
forward no matter what.

♪ ... Take three vibes to the tropics ♪

♪ Tropics... ♪

♪ I was outside just servin' narcotics ♪

♪ Narcotics, woo ♪

♪ Pass me that stick,
make one wrong move ♪

♪ Just pop him... ♪

INSTRUCTOR: OK, let's
add on. Off that eight...

- OLIVIA: Let's go.
- What? I thought we were having fun.

Liv?

MARCO: Feels kinda weird being
back in here. Not gonna lie.

Didn't think I was welcome
after turning y'all down.

Oh, man, you always welcome.

Plus, I'm glad to see you're
in good hands here with my guy.

Man, I love that y'all brought Sal on.

This dude was a legend in high school.

Oh, he still is.

You shoulda seen him out
there today roaming the middle.

OK, OK. Look, I'mma go grab some stuff.

- We gonna get that workout in, a'ight?
- Let's do it.

All right, Sal. So, how's Florida?

I know it ain't always
easy joining a D squad

already in motion.

It's, uh, it's been chill. You know.

A lot of moving parts, but,
um, nothing I can't handle.

You know there ain't no hard feelings

you not signing with us, right?

I'd have done the same
thing if I was you.

Hell.

A year ago I was in
your exact shoes, so...

I'm here as somebody who gets it

if you need to talk.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Thank you.

But, um,

I'm pretty sure those
shoes fit a tad differently.

How so?

Clearwater State found out I'm gay.

Ain't like that was a secret.

I mean, you was talking
about your boyfriend

- when you were visiting here.
- Yeah, but, uh,

they want to do this
whole out athlete campaign

- with me at the centre.
- Ah. Got it.

Look, I'm proud of being q*eer,

but I didn't sign up
to be the face of it,

especially at a university
that fired a teacher

for being out just a few years ago.

- I just wanna play football.
- I feel you.

Don't nobody like being used.

The publicity and gossip are
starting to cause problems,

taking attention away from the field.

Some of my teammates even think
I'm getting special treatment.

Now, I just wanna train in peace.

That's why I came back for Spring Break.

Look, you wanna train in peace?

Think I can help you with that.

Come run some drills with us later.

I'm pretty sure your coaches are
gonna have something to say about that.

Nah, we running voluntary student-led
practices for the next two days.

And besides, we could use
some five-star talent around

to make these dudes sweat a little.

So sorry I'm late, but
I got us some salads

since who knows how long
we'll be in this interview?

Aw. Thanks.

Yeah.

How's Coop?

We been like ships passing in the night

with all her late night
law class studying.

You see her more than I do.

Oh. Uh-oh.

It's complicated.

And the last thing I
wanna do is involve her ex.

Trust me, as the ex,

the last thing I want
to do is get involved.

- But we're friends now, right? You and me?
- Mm-hmm.

It's just Coop and I
are sort of on a break.

But the thing is we haven't
had the time or space

to define that either.

But it's whatever.
Forget I said anything.

Let's get into this interview stuff.

Yeah, yeah. Let's get it.

Jordan, just please leave it alone.

Nope. I let you stew
the whole car ride home.

OK, now, will you just tell
me what happened back there?

I have to finish writing my speech.

I just want to help.
Will you talk to me?

It was what that teacher said,

"move forward no matter what."

Dad used to say the
exact same thing to me.

I, um...

I figured it had to do with
some sort of reminder of Dad.

He was the one who usually
brought you to dance class.

But, look, Liv,

all I wanted was for you
to get out of your head.

All right? And you did.

Yeah, until I walked out of class.

No, but you were amazing before that.

- [SCOFFS] I was OK.
- No, Liv, you k*lled it.

All right? It was like...

It was like whenever you'd make me

film you being a Beyonce
backup dancer back in the day.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Side note, I always appreciated
you letting me jump in

despite how much I sucked.

Friendly reminder, you still suck.

Whoa. Come on! I held my own in there.

I was like Sean Patrick Thomas
in "Save the Last Dance."

Oh, yeah. I don't even
think a Juilliard-bound,

offbeat white woman could help you.

OK, we are done crushing

my non-existent dance
dreams, all right? Pssh.

[SIGHS]

One last thing...

Watching you during
the freestyle segment,

it reminded me of what your
true first language was.

Letting go and speaking from the heart,

script-free.

I mean, that's what "Liv
the Truth" is after all.

Come on.

♪ Better days will come ♪

Man, that's whack that they
forcing his hand like that.

He was there to play football.

Yeah. They don't own his story.

Don't nobody control
none of our stories.

That's the main reason I ain't
commit to Texas Northern Tech.

They tried to paint me
as some g*ng banger...

- bad boy on and off the field.
- [CHUCKLES]

They ever met you?

No shade, but you about the least
bad boy brother I know, Spencer.

Oh, man. Chill. I got my moments.

SAL: Hey, yo, I know
we three straight dudes

with zero clue of what it's like

to put your sexuality out in public,

but I feel for the kid.

I mean, his narrative is his to control.

I just wish he could
find a way to do that

and focus on the game.

So I'm thinking this shade of violet

with cream-coloured
baselines will be cute. Right?

Grace?

I forgot Spencer took karate.

[CHUCKLES] For about a week straight,

he was adamant about quitting football

- because of the Ninja Turtles.
- Focus.

We're trying to imagine what
colour this wall should be.

You OK, Mrs. Grace?

I'm sorry, you guys. I
can't do this to Spencer.

It's just not sitting right.

He had so many changes in
his life recently. And I...

I want to respect the memories
that he's holding onto.

Besides, I should be getting
ready for Olivia's award ceremony.

You know, I'm still
kind of salty that Laura

chose you as her plus one and not me.

[CHUCKLES]

What time are you and
Spencer getting there?

Um... not sure. Spencer's driving.

Oh.

LAYLA: So are you
enjoying a day in the life?

JP: Oh, please. You're taking
me back to the old days.

[CHUCKLES]

Ohh...

Hey, did the bold "past
due" on these royalties

not get your attention?

Dad, it's no biggie. My
accountant said that, you know,

ageing a few days past
due is just a small fee.

It ain't always about
the fee, sweetheart.

Sometimes it's about people, you know.

Some of these artists are
counting on these royalty checks.

You're right.

It's like the one part
of the job I don't enjoy.

And unlike when you were a mogul,

I don't have a whole
department to handle them.

Early on, I had to do it on my own.

So until you get people to handle
it, you're gonna have to learn

to love to do it yourself.

Yeah. Easier said than done.

- You know what?
- What are you doing?

Well, I'm gonna show you what I did.

OK, check it out. Your mom built me

this program when Keating
Records was just a toddler.

LAYLA: Wow! Mom was an Excel ninja.

- Your mom was, uh, everything.
- Yeah.

- I miss her too, Dad.
- JP: Yeah.

[CELL PHONE VIBRATES]

Sweetheart,

one more piece of advice:

Your busy schedule earlier looks like

it's all centred around work.

And you know better than
anybody that I built my company

at a cost to you and your mom.

Time is fleeting, Layla.

Gotta find a way to make room

for the things that matter
most outside of work.

Find that balance.

Hey! Thought I was
coming to a team practice.

That starts in an hour.

I wanted to chop it up with you first.

- 'Bout what?
- A wise athlete

helped me with my own identity crisis.

He made me realise I needed to
define Spencer James in my own terms.

I know who I am.

Oh, I don't doubt it.
But say it out loud.

Record it.

This for nobody except you...

So that when you're out on the field

getting pulled in directions
you don't want to go

and you need to be
reminded of who you are

and why you're here,

you can just put your headphones on,

listen to this, recenter,

- and get back to work.
- Sounds kinda corny.

Fool, did you just call me corny?

- I mean...
- Look, just shut up and try it, OK?

- Delete it if you hate it.
- [RECORD BUTTON BEEPS]

So...

Marco Galvez,

do you know what your narrative is?

Yes,

and it ain't just one thing.

Nobody is.

I'm the son to two
wonderful immigrant parents.

I'm proudly of Salvadorian
and Haitian descent.

I'm an overprotective brother,

a lover of anime and dance,

and I'm a five-star running back

who happens to be gay.

That is Marco Galvez.

Crap. What time is it?

- What's this?
- This is help.

The plan is for you
to focus on your words,

and we're gonna help you
get your look together.

OLIVIA: Are you serious?

JORDAN: Uh, we got your back,
Liv. Team Baker in the building.

LAURA: Here.

And you might be learning
how to contour today.

- JORDAN: Ooh.
- OLIVIA: Oh, no, he won't.

I think we've got it between me and Mom.

I thought you had practice.

Nah, it's voluntary, so I can stay.

You've done more than enough.

Thank you for everything.

[ROLLS LIPS]

MAN: Girl, I gotta
give you your flowers.

Everyone and they momma has been

on the Patience . bandwagon right now.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Don't thank me. The praise is
owed to your slaying viking queens.

The makeup tutorials your team released

to replicate your music video looks

have got the people thirsting for more.

I mean, look at all these folks

feeling so much more
confident thanks to you.

Oh, wow.

So, everyone is dying to know...

Are you planning on
creating more filters

leading up to the big "Fire & Ice" tour?

Um...

Yes, of course. You know, we are...

we're going bigger and
splashier because, um, you know,

that's what Patience . is all about.

- Can I quote that?
- Um, can we just, like, maybe...

- just talk about the tour?
- That's what we're doing.

I mean, while I cannot
speak for the Vortex,

I will go on record as saying

I am so glad "girl next
door" Patience is out

and Patience . is in.

The world has been waiting
for your edge, baby girl.

[CHUCKLING] Cool.

TRIBE MAFIA: ♪ You know the drill ♪

♪ We-we-we be running ♪

♪ All day, we be running, all day... ♪

Motion, motion, motion!

♪ Carrying the game, like
we fully sprinting... ♪

[LAUGHTER]

Come on.

♪ Man, dog, you can't tell 'em nothing ♪

- [CHEERS]
- SAL: You hear that, baby?

TRIBE MAFIA: ♪ ... Who the opposition? ♪

♪ I can play every position ♪

- ♪ I got what you been missing ♪
- PLAYER: Come on, come on!

Good job, good job.
Good job. That-a boy.

Yo, I'm not gonna lie.

This squad got some heat on it.

Hey, we might be scrappy,

but never underestimate hunger

and the underdog with
something to prove.

Yeah, y'all are gonna
sneak up on people for sure.

I appreciate that, man,
but we still got work to do.

Yeah, well, the hunger hits different.

You know, I know Sal's story,
but after talking to Kai

and some of the other guys,

y'all are like season four
of "Friday Night Lights."

SPENCER: I never seen it.

- MARCO: You're kidding, right?
- Unfortunately, he is not kidding.

- SPENCER: Don't start.
- OK? And I've been trying to tell him

that he is missing out on the...

MARCO AND JORDAN: Greatest
football show of all time.

Wow. Regardless,

GAU administration gotta be
excited for y'all next season.

I don't know.

I don't think our new recruits are
flashy enough for the president.

Yeah, well, flashy don't guarantee wins.

Yeah, well, try selling that

to someone who only cares
about press and boosters.

A'ight. Enough chit chat.
Y'all ready for round two?

- JORDAN: Yes, sir.
- He look kinda tired to me.

- Are you sleepy?
- I'm good. Come on, now.

I'm only seeing three or
four stars right now...

Ha ha! Let's run it.

JORDAN: Let's get it. Let's get it.

XC shift, dig. Here we go...

Just got word Devonte is
gonna publish your interview

in a special artist edition next week.

- Great job, girl.
- Well, that'll be dope.

OK, I ignored it during the interview,

but now it's just you and me.

What's going on?

You know, um,

I miss my indie sound.

Yeah, it was me grounded
in something real.

And this "Fire & Ice" . Patience,

it just isn't it.

It just doesn't feel right
projecting this message that

people need to change
themselves to feel better.

And I just want everyone to know

their true identities are
equally as fierce. And I can't...

I can't do that if
I'm not even being me.

OK.

Hypothetically speaking,

if boho Patience were to
remaster "Fire & Ice"...

Mm-hmm.

How would that sound?

Um...

OK.

[PLAYING GUITAR]

♪ I can do anything ♪

♪ Everything, all that ♪

♪ Say I ain't the baddest,
but we both know ♪

♪ That's all cap, see, we heating up ♪

♪ Our position, better fall back ♪

♪ So you don't want no smoke ♪

♪ Getting faded off the contact ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

I have an idea.

Damn, that smells good.

I thought we were eating in.

Not anymore.

OK. Picnic on the beach?

Wrong again.

OK, then help a brotha out.

We're going to Olivia's award ceremony,

the one I had to find
out about from your mom.

Look, there was nothing to find out.

I wasn't hiding nothing. I
just wasn't planning on going

because I thought it was a family thing,

and I knew we had our date night.

Besides, won't things be awkward
with you and Olivia together?

Mm-mm. Considering she's the one

who helped us get back
together, no, it won't.

Run that by me again?

When you were reeling
over losing Coach Baker,

she's the one who told me I
should've kept supporting you,

no matter how hard you pushed me away.

She's the reason I came back that night.

So, we owe her.

And tonight sounds like a big deal.

Isn't the point of the Vortex to support

each other's wins and losses?

♪ Don't be afraid... ♪

Remember how nervous I was at the house?

It's like ten times worse now.

What if I win?

Oh, hopefully, I don't win.

You want us to root for you to lose?

No.

I don't know.

LAURA: Sweetheart, remember
that writing the article

was the hardest part. Now
just enjoy being celebrated.

OK. [SIGHS]

Oh! Yo, yo. Look who it is.

Seriously?

Great. Like, there wasn't
already enough pressure

without John Salley being here.

- Who's next, Michael Jordan?
- Uh, better, hopefully.

Hey, what's up? Here you go, baby.

- We didn't miss anything, did we?
- No.

You're right on time, actually. Um,

I thought you weren't
gonna be able to come.

We couldn't miss cheering you on.

- Well, if I win.
- When you win.

So, uh, they got dinner?

I think I actually saw some tiny,
little rice balls over there.

But I am gonna wait until
John Salley goes to the buffet,

- then I'm gonna pounce.
- SPENCER: John Salley's here?

- JORDAN: Right there.
- SPENCER: Damn. No pressure, Liv.

- OLIVIA: Come on!
- SPENCER, CHUCKLING: OK.

- Sorry.
- JORDAN: It's fine.

Hey. What was so important
I needed to make a pit stop?

Oh, girl, I'm sorry. I didn't
know you were going out.

I mean, I will always take an
emergency text from you over anything.

Was it about the interview or... ?

OK. I have been struggling
with "Fire & Ice"

and the persona that we built.

Uh, I know, I can tell.

And, um, after the tour,

we can redefine who you are.

Yeah, but that's the thing. I don't...

I don't want to redefine who I am.

You know, like, I know who I am.

And I think I found a
solution to move forward with

- just a slight tweak.
- OK. [CHUCKLES]

- PATIENCE: Take a seat.
- LAYLA: OK.

Um...

- OK, imagine this.
- LAYLA: Mm-hmm.

Same album, same songs

just with an acoustic flair.

And me on stage with my guitar.

So...

PATIENCE ON RECORDING:
♪ I can do anything ♪

♪ Everything, all that ♪

♪ Say I ain't the baddest,
but we both know ♪

♪ That's all cap, see, we heating up ♪

♪ Our position, better fall back ♪

♪ You don't want no smoke ♪

♪ Getting faded off the contact ♪

♪ Yeah, I bring the fire every day ♪

♪ Ice cold at night ♪

♪ Got me switching up a lane ♪

- ♪ I can toe that line ♪
- [CLICK]

It's really good.

- It's better than good.
- Yeah?

OK, and I know... I know
reimagining the tour will

unravel everything, but I...

I am down to work overtime.

It's triple overtime for
me. But whatever it takes.

And, yeah, and if it's
too much, I get it.

Stop. Look, I don't care how
much work it's gonna take.

This is the real Patience.

And honestly, between the
quinceañera and today,

this is, like, the happiest
I've heard you sound.

Your fans are going to love it.

- PATIENCE: Seriously?
- LAYLA: Yeah.

Cool. Um, OK, so we're
really doing this?

Yeah. I mean, Gia is gonna flip,

but we'll get her onboard tomorrow.

- [CHUCKLES]
- OK. Thank you. Thank you.

Oh, my God.

Look, I just, I want you to be
you. So we're gonna figure it out.

And I get to cancel tomorrow's
pyrotechnics meeting,

so more free time for me.

Gotta run. I'm really proud of you.

- PATIENCE: Thank you. Love you.
- SKYE: Bye.

- PATIENCE: Yes!
- SKYE: Girl!

Yes.

[OVERLAPPING CHATTER]

Don't act like you
don't want those samosas.

Go for it.

It's tempting.

Um...

I know using Jayden Davis

was supposed to protect all of us

and showing up here, claiming the name,

breaks that.

I thought actually maybe that's

why you weren't gonna come tonight.

I'm sorry I even hesitated to come.

It was just a misunderstanding.

Listen, you showing up tonight,

owning who you are, that takes guts.

And J. and I meant it when
we said we support you.

And in terms of protection,
you know you got the Vortex.

- Ain't nobody messing with us.
- [OLIVIA CHUCKLES]

Thanks, Spencer.

GRACE: How are your
nerves holding up, sweetie?

OLIVIA: Better-ish.

- Excuse me.
- SPENCER: Mm-hmm.

GRACE: Baby, uh,

can I talk to you?

Actually, I think
they're about to start.

Maybe after the ceremony?

OK.

Leaps of faith are scary,

and bravery looks different to everyone.

To me, bravery looked
like the first time

that I said out loud I wanted to achieve

what I thought was impossible,

a career in the NBA.

I guess my ancestors
were working overtime...

[AUDIENCE CHUCKLES]

Because four championship rings later,

I think I achieved my dream, then some.

And I continue to honour
those who came before me

every day of my life by living up

to the best that they saw in me.

And each nominee here tonight

have their own story of bravery,

leaps of faith on how
they changed lives,

stories that will thankfully live on

in the articles that they have written.

So I am honored to present

the Award for Excellence
in Sports Journalism.

And it goes to...

Jayden Davis.

[APPLAUSE]

You won! You did it!

Liv, you won.

Except I can't move.

LAYLA: I think I can help.

Yeah.

[WHISPERS] Thank you.

[APPLAUSE STOPS]

[EXHALES] Um...

Um... hi. [CHUCKLES]

Thank you so much for this.

In the spirit of Mr. Salley
and those he continues to honor,

I'd like to take this
moment to honor a man,

without whom I'd never
have written this article.

My dad passed away a few months ago.

I was supposed to honour him with
the eulogy at his funeral, but

I couldn't find the air to breathe,

let alone the words.

But if you'd indulge me, I'd
really like to try again today.

My dad is Billy Baker.

Some of you may know him

as former NFL great turned high
school football coach, but...

he was so much more.

He was a pillar of his
community in South L.A.,

a mentor to many,

and a friend to even more,

a husband to the most
incredible and patient woman...

And a father to all, even
if you weren't his blood.

He encouraged me early on
in life to be a change maker

and more recently, to use journalism

as my w*apon against injustice.

He also taught me to be proud of my name

and supported me

even when I didn't feel
comfortable using it.

So today,

I'd like to reclaim that name

as Olivia Baker,

not Jayden Davis.

I'd like to dedicate
this award to my dad,

a change maker himself

and a man that we can only aspire to be.

[CHOKES UP] I love you, Dad.

Thank you.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Finally, she eats.

The nerves are gone.

Appetite's back.

I'm proud of you, Liv. That
was a beautiful tribute.

- Can I ask you something?
- SPENCER: Yeah.

OLIVIA: How do you do it? Put
one foot in front of the other

after losing both Corey and now my dad?

I want to keep honouring him every day.

But I just...

- How?
- By learning to live in the now.

That's what your pops
would have wanted for us.

Liv, you and me,

we had to learn the hard way
that we only got a small window,

tomorrow ain't promised.

So embrace what's in front of you...

Your dad would've wanted you

to live out your wildest dreams

both in your career and your life.

You're right. Can't say
I've really been doing that.

I'm a freshman college student

who's been so focused
on my job off campus,

I don't even know
where the commissary is.

- SPENCER: Damn.
- OLIVIA: Yeah.

Well, look, freshmen year ain't over.

Go after the life you want.

SPENCER: You gonna get
it changed to "Olivia"?

OLIVIA: I do wish it
said "Olivia Baker."

- JORDAN: I'll get some sharpie on there.
- [ALL CHUCKLE]

- GRACE: This is so nice.
- JORDAN: So?

- We're gonna be all right.
- SPENCER: Ha ha ha!

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

I've been meaning to tell you
that colour looks good on you.

Oh. Thank you.

[CHUCKLES]

There's something I've been
meaning to tell you, too.

If it's about the craft
room, let me go first.

I was selfish for trying
to hold onto something

- I should be letting go of.
- I shouldn't have blindsided you like that.

- Yeah, well, it's your house.
- No, Spencer, it's our house.

And in our house, you
sacrificed the world

for me and Dillon to
have everything we needed.

I should be honouring
that by honouring you

and your needs now.

Home ain't a place, Ma.

It's wherever you are.

And all the craft rooms in the
world ain't gonna change that.

You feel me? [CHUCKLES]

- GRACE: Thank you, baby.
- SPENCER: Yep.

[CELL PHONE VIBRATES]


JORDAN: Hey.

- LAYLA: Hi.
- Thought I would find you in here.

- You working late?
- Uh, no. I was about to join you guys.

Just wanted to quickly
pack up some royalties

so I don't forget to
mail them out tomorrow.

Hmm.

So what ever happened
with that UK artist?

Oh. I sent the best A&R
consultant to cover for me.

Really? You hired someone new?

He wishes. It's my dad.

But Liv's too important.

I would've hated to miss tonight.

- Hmm.
- And you're kind of important, too.

- So, I was thinking...
- Mm-hmm.

You've still got a few more
days left of Spring Break,

so what do you think about
a day trip to Catalina?

Well, I thought your
schedule was too tight.

Now, where did this
sudden change come from?

Time is fleeting.

That's the tweet.

Yeah.

Yeah.

[SOUND OF CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]

OK. Ooh, yup, yup. That's the one.

- SKYE: Yeah.
- PATIENCE: That is the one. OK.

Post that with the hashtag dream team.

Cool. Um...

You know, I wanted to thank
you for your assist with Layla.

- Like, I owe you.
- It's your voice that sold it.

You know, I feel like, uh, my soul

would've slowly d*ed every day

on the original tour, so...

Well, now it can thrive
and inspire others

- the way it inspired me.
- Girl, quit it.

No, I'm being for real.

And watching you today
was the reminder I needed

to always fight for me.

I'm in awe of you, Patience.

- PATIENCE: Wow.
- [SKYE CHUCKLES]

Well, thanks.

Whoa. Um...

Oh, my God.

What the hell?

Oh, I... I'm so sorry.

I just... I got carried
away... No. Just...

yeah, I'mma go. Like,

I... Go.

Yeah. I got to go.

- SKYE: I...
- PATIENCE: I got to...

You wanted to see me, sir?

I get the sense you weren't
happy with our talk earlier.

No disrespect, but our team
doesn't need any fixing.

Yeah, we got some
guys with some baggage,

but they got something better than
any five-star recruit can offer...

- Heart.
- So I keep being told.

I don't understand, sir.

You could have simply shared that
the team had re-signed Marco Galvez

instead of letting me
believe it was just about

these second chance recruits.

Well, first of all, I'm not the coach.

That would need to be
something Coach Kenny

and A.D. Barnes would share with you,

if it was true. Which it's not.

Actually it is.

Like I told Dr. Gutenberg myself,

this roster is full of heart, grit,

and dedication.

- I'd regret not being a part of it.
- Wait.

Are you coming to GAU?

Y'all are rewriting your
narrative, just like me.

So, yes, I'm officially
decommitting from Clearwater State

and joining GAU.

[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

The boosters had questions.

And now I get to deliver
some pretty great answers.

Looks like we got ourselves a team.

I guess we do. [CHUCKLING]

BLESSING OFFOR:
♪ I know there's gonna be ♪

♪ Some brighter days... ♪

Hey, sweetie.

♪ I swear that love will
find you in your pain... ♪

Thanks.

♪ I feel it in me ♪

♪ Like the b*ating of life in my veins ♪

♪ I know there's gonna be ♪

♪ Some brighter days ♪

♪ I know there's gonna be ♪

♪ Some brighter days ♪

I think it's just missing one thing.

♪ Oh oh oh ♪

♪ If your screams don't make a sound ♪

♪ Oh oh oh ♪

♪ If your walls are crashing down... ♪

- Yeah.
- ♪ Oh oh oh, if your heart... ♪

Now our legacies will
always be together, Dad.

And I'll honour that
with each step forward...

♪ I know there's gonna be some... ♪

- One foot in front of the other.
- ♪ Brighter days ♪

♪ I know there's gonna be ♪

♪ Some brighter days ♪

♪ I know ♪

♪ I know there's gonna
be some brighter days ♪

Greg, move your head.