01x40 - Episode 40

[bunniefuu]

Hey, Chels!

Didn't you just go hard
at Uptown last night?

And you already hit the gym?

Respect.

Can you believe this video?

Ugh, they are so legit.

Ugh, I wish
I could have been there,

but I had those state test
finals this morning.

Well, it's good that you have
the rest of the day off.

Right.

So, put me to work, boss.

Well, we're gonna start
by harnessing that energy

that you generated
at the fashion show.

And, personally, I love what
I've been putting together...

You make it sound
like I'll hate it or something.

Possibility of that? Big no.

No, it's not you.

It's, uh...

Never mind.

Let's get started.

You play pickleball, handsome?

[gasps]
Bet you're a big dill.

-How was I to know
that it's my gorgeous wife?
-[chuckles]

BOTH:
Mmm.

[both chuckle]

[gasps]
Theodore Richardson!

I'm sorry. You're bringing out
the frisky groom in me.

Must be our anniversary
coming up.

Mm. I thought
you had an appointment.

I do. With Jonathan and Julia,
the event planners.

-Good luck.
-They make you that nervous?

Yeah, they cornered me earlier
about the guest list.

-[chuckles]
-[scoffs]

I said, "Talk to my wife."

Fabulous.

I'd make cuts,
but it'd be severe.

And who do you propose
that we disinvite?

Uh...

-everyone.
-[chuckles]

Except us.
[chuckles]

I must say, I am liking

-this anniversary version
of you.
-Mm.

Once we send the last guest
home, I am all yours.

Mmm.

[giggles]

Mama, I'm back!

LESLIE:
In the bathroom!

Okay, I'll just drop off
your coffee.

Is that what I think it is?

Oh, my gown for the social event
of the season?

Nope.

That, Mama is keeping
under wraps for now.

This is yours.
You're welcome very much.

You bought a dress for me?

Well, honey,
we can't have you showing up

looking like something
the cat dragged in.

It's your biggest night,

and we are dressing for success.

♪ ♪

-This is a surprise.
-Mm-hmm.

If it's a good one,
this will make it even better.

-Wow. Cafecito.Thanks.
-[giggles]

For your viewing pleasure,

might I suggest a bit
of what you missed last night?

I hope you'll forgive me.

Consider it forgotten.

After you feast your eyes
and ears on this.

ANITA:
♪ Of you like...♪

No me digas,I missed
her singing live last night?

[chuckles]

Isn't it so good?

[both laughing]

-Look at them together.
-Wow.

[laughs]

-No way.
-[laughs]: Yeah.

-[laughs]
-Hey.

-What's going on in here?
-♪ Alive...♪

People having fun
at a law office?

We can't have that, now, can we?

-Singing sounds great.
-Phenomenal.

-♪ No, I can't♪
-♪ Deny♪

My Aunt Dani.

Having the time of her life.

♪ On my own, I will be♪

-♪ All right♪
-♪ Listen to me♪

♪ Big girls don't cry.♪

I don't remember summoning you.

I can't drop by
unless I'm being beckoned?

-You know you're always welcome.
-Mm.

I just wanted to make sure

that my phone didn't drunk dial
you without my knowing it.

[chuckles]

I'm here because
I wanted to see if, um...

If that is vodka or gin?

Eh. Hey, it can be whatever,

since I'm not riding
to your rescue anymore.

Mm. Well...

It can be whatever, 'cause, uh,

it's water.

-Just water.
-[chuckles]

And the damsel in this dress
is not in distress.

Got me?

Not yet.

But...

[pop song playing]

-♪ Don't lie♪
-Want a spoon?
-[humming]

-♪ We don't ask why♪
-Ooh!
-[chuckling]

-♪ We say bye-bye...♪
-Ow!

-Would you look at my woman?
-[chuckles]

-My God, you're incredible.
-♪ We're gonna be just fine♪

ANITA:
Please,

-you need to stop.
-[chuckles]

-♪ Yeah, yeah...♪
-Oh.

Look at the people--

they're hanging on
to every note.

-♪ I will be all right...♪
-Anita Williams,

karaoke-ing like there ain't
no tomorrow

-at Uptown. [laughs]
-[chuckles]

That was just for having fun
with family, like we do at home.

Which does not justify
you setting up this meeting

with that... charlatan.

Well, it's not a formal meeting.

I merely mentioned
that we might be here.

And I checked him out.

He's a respected talent agent,
Anita.

I don't care
what he calls himself.

I know he doesn't have
anything to say I want to hear.

[sighs] Looks like we missed

a hot night at Uptown.

Yeah.

People wrote Aunt Dani off
after she hit that rough spot,

but she's in her comeback era,
okay?

And it is iconic.

Hmm. Yeah, too bad we missed it.

Although staying in
also has its privileges.

I'll get to work
on those changes you wanted.

Kat.

Naomi told me
all about the HR case.

And from what I hear,

this is a victory for
all the women in your office,

not just the three who sued you.

What do you think, Tomas?

Um...

a more equitable workplace
is a win all the way around.

[chuckling]

Well said.

Kat, always a pleasure.

Tomas, my office.

KAT:
Uh-oh.

I think I might have put you
in a bind with your boss.

[chuckles]
You worried about me?

I know my former uncle,

and I know
some of what he's capable of.

I'll be fine.

Tell me about it at lunch?

Uptown?

Text me the time.

-It's a date.
-[chuckles]

Mama, that dress had to cost
at least a few thousand dollars.

You used the money
Ted gave you to leave town?

Why not? There'll be
a lot more where that came from

once you make
your grand entrance

at your coming out party.

Don't set yourself up
to be disappointed.

It's still Ted and Nicole's
anniversary party.

Oh, honey, please,
that is just the before name.

I'm just saying
our plan could get sidelined.

How? Once Ted's closest friends
and the Duprees see you

and hear your story,

how you're back to get

what's been denied you
your entire life--

They're gonna look at me
decked out in this dress

and think
it was all about the money.

Who cares what they think?

I don't know what you're up to
with all this pushback,

but you better find your way
back to the right path.

My path.

I just said they're gonna think

-it's all about the money.
-[stammers]

Stop, oh, fighting me
on everything.

Do you even want this?

To finally set things right.

You know I do.

I'm sorry, Mama.

That's right.

Okay? Now...

we've got a lot of work to do

before we get
to the promised land.

I mean, this is
your biggest night,

and we can't have you looking
all bedraggled, honey,

like something that
Ted Richardson, uh, threw away.

[chuckles]
No, ma'am.

You are Dana Leslie Thomas'
carefully crafted masterpiece.

And, uh, who am I?
[chuckles]

A hell of a lot hotter
than Nasty Nicole.

Hello, lover boy.

[laughs]

I told the folks at the club
that, uh,

we would have the final
decisions by the end of the day.

Yes, they know
that if anything else comes up

that they have to call Eva.

You are going to be drop-dead,
honey.

Okay, go put this dress on

so I can see if I need
to snatch it up at the waist.

[phone chimes]

It could be work.

Well, by all means,

answer
the super important message

from the mothership.

Can't keep Nasty Nikki waiting.

Uh, it's the party planners.
I have to go across town

-and meet with the cake vendor.
-Mm.

Sounds important and delicious.

[clicks tongue]

Yes, yes, you go ahead

and keep doing that job
for that family.

Until they find out
who you really are.

I love what they do
with shrimp and grits.

Maybe I'll just treat myself.

Rowena can make you some.

They'll be ready
by the time we get home.

What about our meeting?

Unofficial meeting,
according to you.

And if the man wanted to talk,
he'd be here by now.

At least hear
what he's got to say.

No, it's a sign of disrespect
to keep a person waiting.

No, just text him.
Tell him something came up.

Little white lies
by Anita Dupree.

That should be the name
of your next single.

-[chuckles]
Glad you could make it.
-Oh,

and let me offer my apologies
for keeping you waiting.

I hope you won't hold it
against me. Jim Price.

It's a pleasure, Ms. Williams.

Dupree. Or is it "Anita"?

We'll stick with "Mrs. Dupree."

Of course.

Uh, Senator,
it is my esteemed pleasure.

Well, we were just leaving,

-weren't we, Vernon?
-Would you look at that?

They need my input for
a situation at the foundation.

-Vernon...
-Uh, why don't you take
my seat?

-Thank you.
-I-I'll do this in private.

[quietly]:
Don't hurt him.

Everyone's fair game now.

I love you right back.

Mm.

Again, sorry for the delay.

Beltway traffic.

All the more reason
to get right to the point.

As you wish.

Mrs. Dupree,

listening to you last night
was like going back to a place

I thought I'd forgotten.

You know, getting a taste
of a secret ingredient

I didn't even know
I was missing.

And now I'm hungry for more.

-Mr. Price--
-Watching you,

your daughter,
and her daughter perform

was everything I wanted,

which is why...

I want to make you an offer.

It was inspiring.

Inspiring you
to talk like a madman.

That was karaoke.

Without warning,

warm-up, rehearsal.

And yet you knocked me
off my feet.

Which means you're long overdue
for your comeback.

I was right.

You have lost your mind.

That's what my wife probably
thought when I told her

I'd gone to sleep
thinking of you.

On a real stage.

In a first-class venue
packed with your adoring fans.

Huge marquee
with your name in lights.

Anita Williams. Live.

Dream come true.

Am I right?

So you created this company
from some sketches you drew

on a few napkins?

And you're gonna be
our hype girl,

giving all
the behind-the-scenes vibes

as we gear up
to drop our first purse

and then hopefully a lineup
of luxe goodies after that.

-[squeals]
So, what do we do first?
-[chuckles]

Wait.

[sighs] That's like postponing
Christmas.

[sighs]

I hear you.

It's just that...

I have to finish
putting together the right team.

And this is so important
and I have to do it now,

but I've just been dragging
my feet.

Why?

KAT:
I heard you were hiding out

in here. Nice try.

We were hiding?

Your cousin refuses
to give me an answer.

You can't avoid this forever,
Chels.

What are we talking about?

Am I a part of this or not?

Chelsea,

want to tell Samantha
about the problem

that's so impossible to solve?

Fine.

[Dani chuckles softly]

-Mmm.
-Did you like your breakfast?

I actually had something else
in mind.

Do I get extra points
for not suggesting Bloody Marys?

-Look,
about what I said before--
-Mm.

It's what you didn't say.

Looking at that poor glass
of water.

Accusing her of alcoholism.

-I was out of line.
-Mm-hmm.

Now we both agree.

Mm.

Thank you for coming
to my occasional rescue,

but it won't be necessary
anymore.

I am turning a page,

thanks to your nudge

-in the right direction.
-[chuckles]

You saw that as a nudge?

It was... an eye-opening,

-swift kick in the rear, so...
-Mm.

-...ouch.
-[chuckles softly]

-Mmm.
-But it paid off.

[chuckles]
Yeah.

That's all that matters.

And it'll be
just our little secret.

Mm. I like secrets.

Yeah, we're good at those.

But, hey, I got something
better. [clears throat]

Truth or dare?

Thanks for my favorite pastry.

-I'll eat it later.
-No prob.

-Can you do me a favor?
-What is it?

Oh, I left the shopping bags

with all the accessories
in the car,

and I just need you to go down
and grab 'em for me.

Mom, the cake vendor.

Ah, well, I mean,

would you prefer I did it,

all scantily clad like this?

Mama. [scoffs]

-I got to go.
-Come on. Two seconds.

Come on. You're refusing
and wasting time

when you could have been there
and back already.

Go, girl.

Please. Aw.

-[Eva mutters]
-You're my angel.

Don't take too long.

[door closes]

[sniffs]

Mm-hmm.

You know, you remind me
of myself when I was younger.

That's quite a compliment.

Yeah. And you're
definitely partner material.

That's what I'm working towards.

And I'll do anything you need
to earn that opportunity.

Mm-hmm. That's exactly what
I wanted to hear.

Because I have a...
an assignment for you.

You're aware
that our harassment settlement

requires us to create a board
to protect the rights

-of female employees here,
right?
-I'd heard some

-of that.
-Yeah. Well,
the three original plaintiffs

are in charge of that board,

and I'd like for you
to serve on it as well.

Another voice?

Sure. Couldn't hurt.

-Mm-hmm.
-That way, I'll know
everything that's said.

Wait, are you saying...

you want me to report

what goes on
in those confidential meetings?

Kat's the mastermind that's
turning my ideas into reality.

Oh, finally, you admit it.

And I have a witness.

And she thinks
that we should hire my mom

as chief of marketing.

Uh, I wouldn't have put that
together.

But now that you have,
it makes sense.

Bringing Aunt Dani on board
would be a total flex.

People would be hyped from jump.

And her backing basically gives
every product we drop

the Dani Dupree
seal of approval.

It's a no-brainer.

So, why not?

When I left modeling,
it's because I wanted

something of my own.

Not something that I have
to share with Dani Dupree.

'Cause that's what I've done
my entire life.

-Mm, the truth?
-Mm-hmm.

I have always been
in a partnership...

-Mm.
-...whether it was
the better half of Bill Hamilton

or "DC's own Dani Dupree and
her daughter, Chelsea Hamilton."

[mimics crowd cheering,
chuckles]

I just always had
a built-in companion

I didn't have
to explain things to,

who I could hold or be held by.

Us against the world, you know?

Yeah.

It's been a long time
since you've been a solo act.

I don't even remember
how that feels.

Mm.

And now...

You found a new project.

-My friend Pamela...
-Uh-huh.

-...wants us to run
a modeling agency together.
-[exhales]

Dani, that is you all day.

But you haven't said yes.

No.

It's because your partner
wouldn't be Chelsea.

Hold up. That's not fair.

-All right. My turn.
-[chuckles]

I'm just...

[clears throat]

Truth or dare?

Dare.

-I dare you...
-Mm-hmm.

...to show me
why you really came here.

It's about damn time.

[both chuckle]

[chuckles]

Okay, that's it for
the hors d'oeuvres and caviar.

Wine?

You two still at it?

[sighs]
We are working on the wine list.

Another list
from Jonathan and Julia.

Come with me. I'll save you.

[laughs]

A few more days
and this will all be behind us.

Thank goodness.

Eva, don't believe her.

She enjoys every minute of this.

I'm gonna get
sommelier's thoughts.

[chuckles]

[Eva chuckles softly]

That's handy. I thought I was
gonna have to call you later.

How good are you
at keeping a secret?

I'm not sure.

Better than average.

Well, Nicole's jeweler's
making a special piece

for me to give to her,

and I told her
to give you a call

-when it's done.
-Oh.

The last thing I need is for her
to give me a call and...

I'm with Nicole.
Then I have to cover.

We're good?

You trust me?

There's not many people
that I trust more than my family

these days.

You dropped into our life,

and you took over for Laura.

And you blessed us.

You should be proud
of all of the work

that you've done around here.

I know I am.

That means more than you know.

Thank you.

Let's go see
what Nicole's doing.

Okay. [chuckles softly]

♪ ♪

You're not the first agent
to come around here

-buttering me up.
-[laughs]

Yeah, with luck,
I'll be the last.

So, what do you say...

I make both our dreams
come true?

Last night was exhilarating,
thrilling,

and I loved every minute of it

because I was singing with
my daughter and granddaughter.

Then we'll do a concert
featuring the three of you.

Right? A-A trio.

A nod to your years
with the Articulettes.

Follow that up with a solo set,

a-and that's what
the crowd's been waiting for.

They're on their feet.

And it's encore after encore.

You get a star turn, a chance
to sing with your family.

Your fans get bragging rights
for being

at the comeback concert
of the century.

I'll think about it.
I'll give it some thought.

Uh, what's to think about?

Sometimes you just have
to take the leap, Ms. Dupree.

Let's be in touch.

[pop music playing quietly]

Well, I hope your meeting
was more interesting

than my phone call.

You mean that fake phone call

with the newly-minted
foundation?

[chuckles] Well?

Oh, Vernon, don't act like
you need to be filled in.

You know exactly
what that man wanted.

It seems like my request
is making you uncomfortable.

Look, if it's beyond your scope,
eh, just say the word.

It's all right.
You know, I'll ask Jones.

You know, he's green,
but he's hungry.

There's nothing
he won't do for me.

-But if I want
to make partner...
-Then show me you're ready.

Listen, I need someone
who will be privy

to all decisions,
discussions and debates

that'll have a direct impact
on this law firm.

Look, man, that's my name
above that door. You understand?

But those women have a say
in who gets hired now.

-Surely the published minutes
of the meetings...
-They Won't give me

advance notice
if there are rats in the cellar

or a leak in the kitchen.

I need to know everything--
and I mean everything--

that happens at this law firm,
because it's mine.

You hear?

Yes, sir.

BILL:
Now...

if you have a problem with that,

now is the time to tell me.

I have a lunch date.

Call me when you make a choice.

CHELSEA:
Don't go yet. What would you do?

Can I work with my mother,
who's a genius in the industry

and has a ton of history
with brands and designers

without losing my mind?

Can a partner
in a baby fashion brand

sit through her cousin
spiraling again

over teaming up
with her supermodel mom?

Maybe you win the argument
this time.

Not interested in participating
while my potential boyfriend

is waiting for me.

What's his name?

-Tomas.
-Nice.

-Is he cute? Is he...
-Yes.

Uh, this is
a very important decision.

And if I fumble it,
that's game over.

Good thing you're not dramatic.

[sighs]

Text me later?

Sure.
Thanks for putting up with me.

-What is family for?
-Mm.

I'm the worst for airing
my dirty laundry

about my mom in front of you.

Like I never complained
about my dads to you.

Doesn't mean we don't love them.

So, what do you think
about all this?

Really asking or spiraling?

Both.

Well, by now, I think
that Aunt Dani has taught you

everything
that you need to know,

so you don't need her
physically here

in order to get in her head.

That's what I've been saying.

But if Telfar Clemens
or Aurora James

were related to you,

wouldn't you be all over them
to be a part of this?

You already know.

Well, this is kind of
the same thing.

Aunt Dani would act
as a multiplier for you and Kat.

Like Kim times Kylie,
Kylie times Kendall.

That kind of thing.

Working the nepo thing works.

And, no shade, but you can use
that kind of power at your back.

Solid wisdom, little coz.

And how did you come up
with all this on the fly?

Me and Tyrell, we talk around
this kind of stuff a lot.

-Mm.
-Whenever our dads
are leaning on us

or lying down rules,

we always remind each other
of when we didn't have them.

Didn't have family.

How alone that feels.

Well, you have me now.

And you have me.

And if you need me for anything,
right here.

Ditto, kiddo.

-DANI: Mm. Mm-hmm.
-[camera shutter clicking]

Yeah, just like that.
Oh, very nice.

[laughs]

You're silly.

Good. Yeah.

Relax. Now smile.

Gorgeous.

ANDRE:
So, this is what it's like to be

on the other side
of the camera.

Give me your eyes. Mm-hmm.

-Now think of something dirty.
-Mm...

I feel like a piece of meat.

Wagyu all day, baby.

-Good enough to eat.
-[growls]

[Dani laughs]

One day, they will create
a seating chart program

with artificial people,

and you can move them around
like little chess pieces.

Oh, they have those.
I can download a couple

-to your tablet.
-NICOLE: How did I know

you were gonna say that?

I think I will dodge
the learning curve

and go old-school
with sticky notes.

We can do that, too. I can check
at the reception desk.

-You wouldn't mind?
-I'm on it.

Hmm.

So, why are you trying
to get rid of her?

Because I want her
sitting at our table.

Your daughter's nemesis?

For Kat's party,
she did what made her happy.

Having Eva sit with us
will make me happy.

After all,
the party was her idea,

she's done all of the planning.

And it's all about
making you happy.

Oh, he's finally catching on.

Hey. Excuse me.

Surprise.

[gasps, hums]

Hey. I have a...

-[stammers]
-What are you doing here?

I am applying to be a bartender

at someone's anniversary party.

They're hiring extra staff.

-Like at Nicole's
award ceremony.
-Mm-hmm.

-You were fired, remember?
-Ah.

Yes, I will never forget
what Ted did to me.

-Hmm.
-But don't worry.

There's a new
banquet manager now.

Apparently, the old one
was fired. [laughs]

Kind of a mystery why.
[tongue clicks]

Anyhoo, this job is a way for me

to get around security,
you know,

so I can get past the gates.

And once I'm in, I'm gonna slide
into that slinky gown

and lower the boom
on the happy couple.

Yeah, who can come out here
any minute

and your whole plan is shot.

Is that what you want?

Is that what you want?

I've told you--

You've told me a great
many little things, child.

You have.
Even rushed out the house

talking about you had to speak
to a cake vendor.

Let's start with that.

All right, I'll admit it.

Man came up to me last night,
introduced himself,

said he wanted
to talk about a comeback.

Let's just put aside
the fact he thought

-he needed your permission.
-Not so.

No, he was just
testing the waters

before making his pitch.

Well, why didn't you just
talk to me about it?

'Cause we wouldn't have
even gotten this far.

This way, at least,
you'll give it some thought.

You really think I'm gonna
say yes to this nonsense?

[sighs]

I expect you
to at least consider it.

There's no reason to.

You know, it's been a long time
since you were Anita Williams.

A very long time.

That young woman
lived and breathed music.

She savored every step
along the path she walked.

I think you miss her, Anita.

Isn't it worth
reaching for her again?

I made my choices.

Sometimes it's best
just to let things be.

Can't.

That's one of the things
you used to love about me.

My voice.

Just as lovely as always.

Even richer.

But this isn't just
singing karaoke with family.

This is me, alone on the stage,

trying to live up to my past.

Why, if I didn't know better...

...I would say
you sound scared, Anita.

Scared?

Well, if you want
to be technical,

this is "terrified."

-DANI: Do you know
how beautiful you are?
-Ah...

-[laughs]
-[camera shutter clicking]

Nice. This one's very special.

Look at me like you want me.

I don't know any other way
to look at you.

[laughs softly]

Foreplay's over.

-Is that what that was?
-Yeah, I'm kind of crazy
like that.

-[both laugh]
-[phone chimes]

Ooh, that is a text message
from Chelsea.

She's coming over.

Says she wants to talk
about something.

Uh, should I stay?

And make
our private lives public?

Are you ready for that?

Or I could go.

Or I could stay here
and make our playtime a secret.

Whatever you want,

I'll roll with it.

-Good question.
-Mm.

What do I want?

-You can count on me, Bill.
-I knew it wouldn't be
a problem.

[clears throat]

TOMAS:
Hayley. I didn't realize.

Bill, I have some documents
that need your attention?

Okay. Wonderful.

Come on in, babe.
Keep me updated.

-So, about
the documents, they...
-Uh...

That-that can wait.

I left before you got up.

So, any baby news?

Oh, it's too soon
to say for sure,

but I did get your email.

It surprised me.

Well, babe,
like I tell my clients,

it's never too early
to prepare for the future.

Hmm. But a college fund
for a baby

we're not even sure
is on the way?

Well, I mean,
it's not like we'll need one.

As a family,
we're set financially.

But I know it'll make you feel
better knowing that it's there,

so as soon as you e-sign
the documents...

Oh, you're always
looking out for me.

Mm. It's the best part
of my job, baby.

I'm sorry that I walked in
on your meeting.

Oh, no think nothing
of it, baby. No.

I heard you, Bill.

I assume you asked Tomas
to report back to you

about what goes on
with the review board?

Looks like I have to be a little
more discreet in the future.

But the regular office
confidentiality rules

still apply.

All right? Now, we'll keep this
between the three of us

-for obvious reasons.
-Because it's underhanded?

-Do you have an objection?
-I mean,

I defended you before with Mike
because I hated what he did,

and none of it was your fault,
not really.

Okay. So what's different now?

I don't know, maybe because
I might be pregnant,

it's giving me
a new perspective, Bill.

Hmm.

EVA:
Nicole asked me to come here.

I'm going to see
the baker later.

Now, can you please leave
before they see us together?

Hmm...

-Mom.
-Okay. All right.

I will hurry. You're right.

Toodle-oo.

[Eva sighs]

NICOLE:
Eva.

You look like
you've seen a ghost.

Uh, you startled me, that's all.

We got worried someone
was giving you trouble out here

and wouldn't give up
the sticky notes.

Oh, they couldn't find any.
Sorry.

-Oh, I'll just finish at home.
-Oh, you're leaving so soon?

Yeah, before we go,
mind if I grab Eva for a second?

I want to nail down
the vegan options.

Mind waiting?

I would wait forever for you.

In all our years together, I...

I've seen a lot of things
in those eyes.

Seen them sparkle
as you soak up applause,

fill with tears as you witness
other people's pain,

on fire at the sight
of injustice.

You walked by my side
in protests,

-burned Thanksgiving dinners...
-[chuckles]

...and raised two young women.

Two wonderful young women

in a world that's not always
built for them.

But terrified?

You are asking me
to do something in public

that I've only done
in private for years.

That woman
I barely recognize anymore.

What's really
holding you back, Anita?

Even if I did decide to sing,

and I wasn't perfect,

I'd regret it.

You know that about me.

Very well.

When I hear you sing,

it's perfection.

I do love you so.

Which means?

I'll think about it.

[Vernon chuckles]

If I am pregnant, that means
there's a 50-50 chance

that it's a girl,
and when she grows up

and gets a job,
I want it to be in a place

where she feels safe
and seen and respected.

-Don't you?
-Yes, baby. Yes, of course I do.

Yeah. I...

I got to say, though, I dodged
a b*llet with that lawsuit.

What put me at risk
is not knowing

what was going on
in my own firm.

You were distracted

because you were
falling in love with me.

Yeah, that was my fault.

You know, and if we are blessed
to have another Hamilton,

that just gives me
more motivation

to protect what's mine.

Including and especially you.

All right? Look, I'm not trying

to cheat anyone out of
the fairness that they seek.

Okay? And I'm not
playing dirty, either.

I'm playing for keeps. For us.

-Hmm? Yeah?
-[laughs softly]

-You beat me.
-I couldn't wait to see you.

I say we start with dessert.

Your meeting with Bill
was that bad?

-Not at all.
-Well, what was he

-so desperate to talk about?
-It was good.

Um, he said he likes my work and
that I'm on the partner track.

Tomas. [gasps]

Oh, congratulations.

We can't toast with cake.
We need champagne.

You must be so thrilled.

[sighs]
Last night was mind-blowing.

It was the most fun
I've had in a long time.

But let's cut to the chase.

What was this
mysterious text about?

I have a proposal.

So, Kat and I were saying
how major it is

to hit the ground running
and really pop off.

You're right about that.

We need someone with clout,
who's got connections.

Someone who is credible
and knows the industry,

who will work hard because
the success of the company

means just as much to her
as it does to us.

You're that one-in-a-billion
person we need, Mom,

so what do you say?

Will you be
our chief marketing officer?

Oh, Chelsea...

this means more to me
than you know.

Thank you so much.

But no.

[sighs]

This phone.

Sherry?

It's good to see you.

I heard there was
some sort of a problem

the night of my award ceremony.

I don't have much time,
but, um...

there's something
you need to know.


♪ ♪