01x14 - Episode 14

[bunniefuu]

Here's one thing
that never changes.

The aroma of down-home cooking?

-That's right.
-[chuckles]

You and Orphey Gene's
are my constant stars.

But we're not
usually here in tux and gown.

[chuckles]

True.
I wanted to make sure

you had a good meal in you.

We can't have you
singing Nicole's praises

and forgetting to eat.

Tonight is a big deal.

I'm so proud of Nicole.

Following in her
father's footsteps,

receiving the
Distinguished Service Award.

She deserves it.
And so much more.

Mm-hmm.
Which is why you need sustenance

to bring your A game
of proud mama.

[both chuckle]

I'll tell you a secret.

It's nice to come from behind
the gates every once in a while.

-It's the real world out here.
-Mm-hmm.

Our roots.

But you sure
look good in that tux.

And you, my dear--

love of all loves,

mother of my daughters--

you look positively radiant.

Food's coming.
Be sure to eat up.

♪ ♪

♪ I have some regrets♪

[mouthing]

♪ ♪

[people chuckling]

There you all are.
And looking smashing.

-What a great night, yeah?
-Yes.

-Hi. Mwah.
-Hi.

-Hi. You look beautiful.
-Hi, baby.

What are you doing?

Just checking my notes
for tonight.

You look beautiful, Dani.

Thank you, sweet Jacob.

Chelsea, baby,
can you turn around?

Really?

Just...

Wait.

Um, where are Gran and Granddad?

Aren't they coming with us?

Uh, they are still at dinner.

But no rush.
It is early.

Okay, now let me
look at both of you.

-Gorgeous. I mean...
-Mm-hmm!
-Stop.

You might just
upstage the award winner.

But nobody in this room
would do that,

because we all realize
this is Aunt Nicole's night.

Well, I don't know.
I might give it a shot.

-I mean, look at me, you know?
-Naomi, honey, don't worry.

I wouldn't think of
upstaging the honoree.

Besides, Nicole asked me
to be her emcee.

And because I love
my sister to pieces, I am going

to make sure that
this evening is a huge success.

-Good. I like that.
-Sounds good.

Okay, now, there's snacks
on the counter. Help yourselves.

I'm just gonna go give my eyes
a quick touch-up.

-Okay.
-Great, thank you.

Yep.

Oh. Congressman Richardson.

I didn't expect you to be here.
I'm Eva.

-Eva Thomas.
-The temp who's replacing Laura.

My parents have
been singing your praises.

Uh, I like them, too.
They've been really good to me.

Apparently, you're nearly
a part of the family now.

Just trying to do a good job.

Actually, that's why I'm here.
To see if there's

anything Ted and Nicole need
before the awards gala tonight.

Great minds.
That's why I came by, too.

That's amazing.

I-I mean, you've
got to be crazy busy

with all the work you're doing
on education reform

and infrastructure.
And you took the time to come.

Wait, you're into politics?

Some.
And your career...

-Yes?
-You've come so far
to be so young.

And being raised
by this high power couple.

Uh, were you ever intimidated?

[chuckles]
Not even close.

Mom and Dad never came off
like that here at home.

They never pushed me or Kat,

but we're both
pretty ambitious, so...

I guess it's in the genes.

Anyway, Dad told me
they're good,

so I better get back
to my place and get dressed

for the big event.

Good meeting you, Eva.

Same.

Thanks, Congressman.

Call me Martin, okay?

Eva?

What is it with you
and photos of my family?

Now, before dinner,
our guests will mingle

while we serve c*ck.

Many will barely sit,
so keep your elbows in

and the drinks flowing.

Tonight will be pivotal
for the club

since Dr. Nicole Richardson,

one of the community's
most prominent

and well-loved members
is being honored.

Everything must
go off without a hitch.

Understood?

I understand completely.

Good.

♪ ♪

What are you two doing?

Just giving Eva grief

about her interest
in our family photo. [chuckles]

The day I gave birth to you
your father was the same as now:

nowhere to be found.

Uh, I'm sorry.
I can't help it.

I just met Martin.
He's like a rock star.

-[laughs]
-I hope you didn't
tell him that.

There'll be no living with him.

I don't mean to hold you up.

I just came to check in.

Is there anything else
you need for tonight?

I think we are all set.
Ted, your tie.

I just have to put my dress on
and then we can

head to the club. Um,

it was so sweet of you
to come by, though, Eva.

You should go get ready.
Will you need a ride?

Um, no.

I-I mean, I thought

I'd be helping out
behind the scenes, but

since you don't need me...

But I always planned for you
to be there as our guest.

Really?

Uh, I'm... I'm sorry, I-I can't.

I don't belong there
with you guys.

And please, no small talk.

-You are here to serve.
-Yes, sir.

Your only job is to make sure
that this evening

is a night the community
will remember.

I promise to do my part.

I can't believe I let this
fall through the cracks.

Everyone who works for me
is invited.

Mona would certainly be there
if she hadn't gotten sick.

I just never thought...

This night wouldn't have
come together if not for you.

You handled everything--

the venue arrangements,
the seating charts.

But sitting at your table?

I feel like a party crasher.

How could you possibly?

You're worried about
a dress, aren't you?

Well...

You are about
the same size as Kat.

-Go borrow something of hers.
-But she's out of town

and I don't feel comfortable
going into her...

No need.
She's got a closet upstairs,

second room on the left,
where she stashes

her non-current wardrobe.

Pick out a dress
and make yourself gorgeous.

Guess I better go
check out Kat's closet.

Nicole's right.
It is crooked.

Uh, I can fix it for you.

I used to work
at a department store once.

Have at it.

He abandoned us
before you were even born.

That was forever ago.

People can grow and
learn from their mistakes.

You're right.
You need to learn from mine.

Because trusting Ted Richardson

was the biggest mistake
I ever made.

Well, that was delicious.

-So good.
-[chuckles] Always is.

-Oh, yeah.
-Anita Dupree?

-Yes?
-Oh, my... Uh...

-You are my favorite singer.
-Oh, excuse me.

-Thank you.
-Bernard Dupree.

[conversation continuing
indistinctly]

I didn't expect
to hear from you.

Say that again.

How was your tennis clinic?

Shoogy.
Rather be playing Fortnite.

That's cause you're a klutz.
Mine slapped.

Are we speaking
the same language?

What took you guys so long?

Don't worry.
You have plenty of time

to get ready for
your grandma's big party.

And I reserved a suite upstairs
you can use to change.

Hey, you guys.

I know you could have
been doing anything tonight--

hanging with
friends or whatever.

It means a lot that you're here
with your grandmother instead.

I mean it.
I love you guys.

Uh-oh.
Pop's getting sappy.

It's chill.
We never get to see him sappy.

Can we go?

Yeah, go.

You know, I'm glad we had it out

about me going back to work.

Because you won that argument?

That, and...

I think the four of us
bouncing it around

helped clear the air.

I think that we're closer
because of it.

Yeah.

I think so, too.

-Champagne?
-No, thanks.

[screams]
Naomi!

-What in the world?
-Is this what you meant

when you said tonight's
all about Aunt Nicole?

Because this does not
remotely look like it.

You better slow down. Don't cops
have to watch their weight

-or something?
-Don't models?

No, my mother does that for me.

[chuckles]

Okay.

Mama, why do you keep
doing this to yourself?

Obsessing over pictures of Dad
and Hayley on their honeymoon?

It's like
you're a junkie for pain.

-[door opens]
-They're married now.

That is a fact
that is not going to change.

Amen.

And last I checked,

we have an important affair
to attend this evening.

One with no drama
on the program.

Are we all on the same page?

Yes.

I want this to be
a great night for Nicole.

Too bad Kat
had to go out of town.

Oh, I'm sure
Nicole will understand.

And we'll all be there
to support her.

Shall we?

Oh, I'll lock up.
I'll-I'll be right behind you.

[quiet, indistinct chatter]

Oh, the women in my life and
their fascination with mirrors.

Why is it that
my wife and my daughters

are always picking and priding
at their faces in the mirror

when they're already
perfectly perfect?

Hey, you're the plastic surgeon.
We get it honest.

Richardson women
have got to serve at all times,

so get used to it.

I am getting used to it.

Just like you calling me "Dad."

And that is
my most treasured title.

Thank you
for telling me the truth

about who you are.

I'm sorry it took so long
for me to say something.

I kept trying to find
the perfect moment.

And I was scared to death
of offending Nicole.

Your timing and delivery
were perfect.

No big show or fanfare.

Just a quiet chat with family.

Where Kat nearly
fell off her chair.

And she quickly embraced you,
as did the rest of the family.

Everyone loves you, Eva.

And finding out
that you were one of ours

made everything perfect.

Now, I'm gonna spend the rest
of my life proving to you...

...how much you mean to me.

How?

First, I'm going to call you
every day,

-Mm-hmm?
-then I'm gonna

spoil you at Christmas.

I'm looking forward to it.

I love you.

EVA:
I love you, too, Dad.

Mama, I'm headed out.
Not sure where you are,

but I hope you're
having a great night.

Nicole, you gonna be late

for your own celebration.

What's taking so long?

Oh.

Do I look all right?

All right?

All right, all right, all right.

I take it that's a yes.

Here's how you should take it.

Let's take some of the formal
out of the air

and maybe just stay here.

-Mm...
-Mm...

Oh, bad idea.

You're already making
me want to stay home.

Guess we have to go, huh?

-Mm.
-Well, on the bright side,

there's a room full of adoring
fans and colleagues

that are waiting
to sing your praises

and give you a standing ovation.

Geez, it's a dirty job,
but I guess

-somebody's got to do it.
-Mm.

Come on.

Wow, you two
clean up pretty well.

-Okay, boomer.
-I beg your pardon.

That is "Okay, millennial"
to you.

TYRELL:
Whatevs.

Andre.
What's good, my man?

It's your world.
You tell me.

Uh, we were
just about to go inside.

Oh, I heard you made
a video of Grandma.

I did.
But your grandmother's great,

so it was easy to do.

Can't wait to see it.
Want to go in now?

Uh... After you.

Excuse me.
My party's on the far table.

Would you mind coming and taking
our drink order before the rush?

Not at all.
I'll be right there, sir.

Thank you.

-[whispering]: Mama?
-Shh!

You said you were staying away.

And what's with the wig?

Excuse me, Sherry.

I'll help this young lady.

I believe the congressman
needs you at his table.

Right away, sir.

Now, what can I get you?

Uh, the guest of honor--
I'm her assistant.

Um, and the minute
Nicole Richardson

walks through that door,
I need to know.

Yes, ma'am.

I thought we agreed we weren't
gonna do this tonight.

Now, you were gonna
wait for the DNA results

from that straw I swiped,
and you were gonna stay home.

And miss all this
grandeur and opulence?

What a waste that would be.

Really, Mama.

Don't you "Mama" me.

Ted and Nicole
cheated me and cheated you.

That's what
you need to remember.

This is about what you want.
You want to get back at Ted.

So it's bad timing
to do this now,

when Nicole
isn't even the target.

Just let them have
their stupid night.

Where'd you get that outfit?

Uh, Ted and Nicole gave me money

to pick up something
from the department store.

I'm working. I basically
put this whole thing together,

so I had to be here.

But you need to get out before

Ted and Nicole see you.

I'm not going anywhere.

I'm working too, boo.

Temp job for the night
just happened to be here.

This is really a coincidence?

You're just gonna
serve apps and drinks

and not trash
the guest of honor?

Hey there, Eva.
Running into you

is beginning to be a thing.

May I get you something
to drink, sir?

Uh, not yet, thanks.

If you need anything,
I'm happy to serve.

-Where are Ted and Nicole?
-Hey...

I thought they'd be here by now.

Stop.
All right?

Now, look around this room
at what

you helped
make happen for my aunt.

Take it in.

-Yeah?
-It really is beautiful.

Yeah.

Now, that's a picture.

Hey, peeps.

Andre.

We are so looking forward
to what I know

is going to be
a fabulous tribute video.

Well, that means a lot
coming from the queen of class.

Oh. [laughs]

Nicole was a wonderful subject.

I'm sure she was.

Uh, both in the video
and in the photos.

See for yourself.

Oh.

That dress is everything.

I would love
to see you out of it.

You have.

-How quickly they forget.
-[short chuckle]

EVA:
I was starting to get worried.

-We're not late, are we?
-Not at all.

I just want
everything to go well.

You look beautiful.

And you look amazing.
Great choice.

Thanks.
Kat has great taste.

You sure it's okay
I borrowed it?

-Positive.
-Okay.

Well, I better go and make sure
everything's

ready for later.

DANI:
Come on. Let's...
Everyone, let's take a photo.

♪ Love you, oh my♪

♪ Said I love,
love to have a good time♪

♪ Said I love, love, love you,
oh my♪

♪ Till the end of time♪

♪ Oh, yeah♪

♪ ♪

♪ Said I love, love, love you
oh my♪

♪ Said I love,
love to have a good time♪

♪ Said I love, love, love you,
oh my♪

♪ Till the end of time♪

♪ Oh, yeah.♪

♪ ♪

Listen, I heard about
the perfect gig

for your better half.

I'm not sure
Smitty's in the job market.

It's investigative reporting
for a pretty big news site.

Well, sounds great, but Smitty's

focused on other things.

There's no point to
even bothering him with it.

You sure about that?

He's talked about
getting back in the game,

but I don't think
he's that serious.

Well, you know better than I do.

Just thought I'd ask.
Thanks, man.

Did you really think
I wouldn't find out?

All right, you all should
grace the cover of magazines.

Oh, keep talking. Keep talking.

Nicole, sweetheart,
we are so thrilled for you

and so proud of
all of your accomplishments.

I am about to emcee the heck
out of this program.

Tonight is all about you,
your big heart

and everything that
you've done for the hospital.

What Mom said.

Plus, nobody
could have a better aunt.

-We love you, Auntie.
-Hear, hear, sis.

Thanks, everyone.
Well, we should go inside

before I miss
my own celebration.

Oh, my nerves.

You just need a drink.

So, you go down
and sit with everyone inside

-and I'm gonna grab us a couple.
-Okay.

Excuse me, miss,
I wonder if I could get a...

You.

-Hey!
-What the hell
are you doing here?

Working. Clearly, you need
an eye exam, Doctor.

My eyes are fine.
What's not fine

is that you're working here
or pretending to be.

Tonight.
[short chuckle]

-Of all nights.
-Afraid I'm gonna

mess up your little soiree,

-Teddy?
-I warned you

to stay away from my wife.

And I thought about it.
I did.

But then I decided

you don't get to tell me
what to do.

For one brief,
delusional minute,

what you wanted mattered to me.

But that's over.

-You're such a...
-A hard worker.

I am, yes.

Listen up, Teddy boy.

A job is a job,

and this one preys
pretty well.

It's a stunt.

Just like the one you pulled
on that roof that night.

But why?

Mm. That was a good night.

And your wife
is such a great listener.

And you-- [laughs]

Oh, the way
you got all worked out

when you realized
I've come back to haunt you.

-Ooh! [chuckles]
-I warn you,

if you do anything to mess up
my wife's celebration...

What?

You'll do what-- destroy me?

Been there.

And survived that.

Toddle along, Teddy boy.

I've got a room to work.

[chuckles]

Ted. I thought you were
grabbing us some champagne.

Sorry, slipped my mind.
Got a call about a patient.

Granddad, what's going on?

I may not be a senator
any longer,

but I am still
on top of everything--

and I mean everything--

political in this town.

Especially if it involves

a certain bored congressman

who's itching to blow up.

By that I mean
run for president.

How did you even know I...

Damn it, Martin.

You start putting out feelers
for the kind of money it takes

to run a national campaign,
word gets around.

Granddad, I wasn't
trying to keep it from you.

I was just looking for
the right time to tell you.

You know how much I value
your experience and opinion.

Don't shine me on
like one of your donors.

I'm not. Really.

I thought you would be
happy to hear.

Thrilled, even.

Thrilled?

Have you lost
your ever-loving mind?

I think I would
make a good president.

You don't?

Not the point.

No candidate,
especially a Black candidate,

could ever withstand
the kind of fallout

that would come from
people learning your secret.

That's been buried deep
for a very long time.

You have never seen
the kind of scrutiny

you'll experience

if you announce
your intention to run.

[short chuckle]

Clearly, you don't
get it, Martin.

Your arrogance has replaced
your common sense.

And that, my boy,

will be your undoing.

So, I appreciate it.

Hey, where'd your pop go?

He's over there
with Great-Granddad.

SAMANTHA:
That's sus.

TYRELL:
Yeah. Looks like
they're fighting.

-Carlton!
-Glad you could make it.

-Thank you so much
-[scoffs]

for covering for Ted
on that emergency surgery.

That's what partners are for.
There's no way

I'd let him miss tonight.

You must be exhausted.

You're so sweet to come.
Where are you sitting?

-Come join us at our table.
-It is just me,

and I'm perfectly fine
being another admiring face

in the back.
You enjoy your night.

Mm.
[chuckles]

Here we go.
Mission accomplished.

Cheers.

Smitty.

Hope you're
enjoying your evening.

-Thank you.
-Mm.

Remember what I said.

Is everything okay
with your granddad?

-He seemed off.
-All good.

He just wants everything
to go well for Mom.

You know how he micromanages.

How are the kids?
Having fun?

All is well here, I see.

May I have
everyone's attention, please?

Thank you, everyone.

Can I say,
you all look marvelous.

This crowd
cleans up really well.

[laughing]

For anyone who doesn't know,
I am Dani Dupree.

[whooping, cheering]

And I am delighted to serve
as mistress of ceremony

for tonight's
big bash honoring

Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson,

my big sister.

Now, one of the reasons
I am so delighted

to present Nicole with
the Distinguished Service Award

is because I have spent
my entire life in awe of her.

Now, don't get me wrong.
I never aspired

to a life of service.

There's no way I could
have been a psychiatrist,

especially one as singular
and exemplary

as my sister.

Though many people think
that I belong on her couch.

But I digress.
Now,

anyone who knows me
knows that I can go on

and on and on about myself,
but I promise

to keep the attention
where it should be:

on my amazing,

talented, generous

and annoyingly perfect sister,

Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson.

Give it up for Nicole.

[cheering, whistling]

Can I get you something?

-Sherry Carter. My goodness.
-[Dani continuing her speech]

-What are you doing here?
-LESLIE: Working.

When I got this catering job,
I didn't realize

that you were
the guest of honor.

I am glad to see you
doing better, Sherry.

LESLIE: Not to interrupt,
but I just wanted to make sure

I thanked you for helping me
on the roof that night.

And pushing me. Ooh, sorry.

[chuckles]
Bad choice of words.

Encouraging me to take
more control of my life.

And it looks like you're
turning things around.

Yeah, wish I could
get up there on that podium

and just tell everybody
what's on my heart.

So much.
You have no idea.

DANI:
The way she cared. Not just

for her patients,
but for everyone.

LESLIE:
Well, anyway, I'll let
you get back to your big night.

DANI:
She believed everyone deserved
to feel understood.

It's time to get on
with the rest of the program.

And I cannot think
of a better way to do that

than to bring up
Dr. Richardson's father

and mine, too.

A man you all know and love.

Former senator
of this wonderful state,

the honorable Vernon Dupree.

[whistling]

-What was that?
-What was what?

You and Nicole talking.

Oh, you mean me working,
doing my job

and asking
if she needed a drink.

-Don't be coy.
-Oh, listen to you-- "coy."

Oh, all these uppity people
have gotten to you already,

-haven't they, baby girl?
-I mean it, Mama.

You got to go.

You lucky you haven't
already ruined your big plan.

You need to get out of here
before it's

-too late.
-Leave me alone,

Little Miss Big Shot.

I've got drinks to serve.

My heart is bursting
thinking about

my eldest daughter, Nicole,

who she's become,

the hundreds of people
that she's helped.

I believe the politics gene

skipped a generation
for a reason.

Politics is a rough occupation,

sometimes brutal.

Nicole, on the other hand,
is gentle,

has always been openhearted,

dedicated to serving people,

one-on-one,

helping them find themselves,

forgive themselves, if need be.

No one is more deserving
of this accolade

than our dear Nicole.

And I want to thank each
and every one of you

for coming out tonight

to share in our family's pride.

But, of course,
I'm not the, uh,

elegant and glamorous Dupree

you all dying to hear.

I think it's time for me
to bring my better half

up to the podium.

-Anita Dupree.
-[whistling, whooping]

She was only a toddler

when she started
helping other children.

Mad at your parents?

Ask Nicole to help.

Problems with your homework?

Ask Nicole to tutor you.

She is and continues to be

a wonder.

But, of course, I dote.

But this last thing
I really want you to hear.

These accolades,

these laurels

are not because
my daughter is a Dupree.

It is because my daughter
is caring,

unwavering in her desire

to lift others up.

She is one of the kindest
human beings

I know.

TED:
Raising children with Nicole has

been an unparalleled delight.

The same painstaking care that

she pours into her career

she pours into our family.

And I am still in continual awe

of how she's able
to balance it all.

And she still remains
the same

compassionate human being

that y'all have come
to know and love.

My sister Kat continues.

"Unfortunately, I can't be
with you all tonight,

"but I am sending mad love

"and all props and praise
Mom deserves.

"If I've inherited anything from

"Dr. Nicole Richardson,

"it's her work ethic.

"As a businesswoman,

"I am as dedicated to meeting

"and exceeding my goals

as Mom is to her practice."

Mom has always
been our champion.

Someone who taught us
that our dreams

can be pursued.

That no aspiration

can go unattainable.

[applause]

And now we have
a very special treat

from world-renowned
photographer,

videographer,
cousin by marriage--

keep it in the family,
am I right--

Andre Richardson.

[applause]

♪ ♪

NICOLE [on recording]:
For those of you who don't know,

this is my brilliant
plastic surgeon husband,

Dr. Ted Richardson.

TED:
Hello, everyone.

I'm honored to be included

in this tribute
to my remarkable wife.

NICOLE:
Ted and I went
to an AMA conference.

It was on Maui that year,
when we were in med school.

TED:
Sunrises in Maui are magical.

NICOLE:
I've had many blessings
come my way, but

the one that
I'm the most grateful for,

the one that changed everything,

was deciding to attend
the conference on Maui,

where I met the one and only
love of my life.

Ladies and gentlemen,
it is now time

for the woman of the hour
to speak for herself.

Please give it up

for Dr. Nicole
Dupree Richardson.

With her nudging,
I revisited watching my son

walk down the aisle with
his husband and the addition

to our family of their two

brilliant, talented children.

That is a completely
unbiased opinion.

[all chuckle]

Uh, I took the time

to bask in the glory

that is my determined,
courageous daughter, Kat.

I hate that she can't
be here with us tonight,

but I am over the moon
that she loves her work

as much as I cherish mine.

And if you would give me
one last indulgence...

Ted, would you please
come up here?

I couldn't get through
a single day without you,

much less a moment this big.

-GUESTS: Aw.
-[applause]

I will cherish this award,

but it is impossible
to imagine receiving it

without the love and support
of this amazing man,

the father of my children,

and still the love of my life.

-[applause]
-[whistling]

I will cherish this award,

but it is impossible for me
to imagine receiving this award

without the love and support

of this amazing woman,

the mother of my child
and the love of my life.

[applause]

-Come with me. Come with me.
-What? What are you doing?

-It's okay. All right.
All right. It's okay.
-I got to... But I'm-I'm...

-Can you please...
-I-I got to get people drinks.

-What are you doing? I need
to get back in there. Wait.
-No. No.

You are supposed
to be working this event,

-not attending it.
-Okay, but people

-still need drinks.
-Look, I'm gonna

have to ask you to leave.

I've gotten complaints
about you.

Your behavior is unprofessional.

I may have talked to one or two
people, but that wa...

And which I specifically
told you that was not allowed.

I also emphasized
the importance of this event.

Look, just... just get
your personal items and go.

Am I gonna have to call
security to escort you out?

N... No.

Now, you can drop the uniform

in the changing room
when you pick up your things.

Now, if you could all bear
with me for one more moment...

Family,

would you please
all come up here with me?

Because without you,
I truly would not be worthy

of receiving this award.

You are my foundation, my rock.

Please come up.

I want to thank you
for alerting me

to the issues with that server.
It's been handled.

Thank you.

My family, everyone.

My universe, my everything.