02x07 - Homecoming

[bunniefuu]

Nicolás, everything will be all right.

- Okay, Mami.
- Just get your clothes together.

Mami.

Mami.

Yeah! Hey, you go, Nick!

Good work!

Boy!

Hey.

That's my dawg.

That's my son!

Crystal. You see?
I'm getting the hang of this, bruh.

One, two, three. Gimme a one...

Hey, I want you to meet a friend of mine.

- "Friend" as in…
- As in I'm grown. He's a nice guy.

- Mekhi.
- Jace.

Nice to meet you.

Te amo.

Everyone, gather around. That's it.

- Come on. A little bit closer.
- Come on.

I don't bite.

First, I want to thank all of you
for coming out.

Everyone here at this party contributed
to our son becoming the man that he is.

Yeah. Yes.

And before I start crying, right,

I wanna say how happy I am that my husband

and oldest son are able
to share in this occasion.

I mean... Because they
were a big part of this journey.

Working three jobs so that Nick
and I can fly back and forth,

and so that Nick can go
to the best schools.

I'm not going to cry.

I remember, after Hurricane Maria…

we decided as a family not just to rebuild
our home, but to rebuild our dreams.

Yes. All right.

And now my son is 18

and planning his collegiate future.

Y Fabian, my eldest,
he just applied to law school.

And so, after Nicholas
graduates and he's settled in college,

I'll be heading back to Puerto Rico…

where I'll miss you all.

And I'll try to figure out life
as an empty nester with Oscar.

All right. Everybody,

let's celebrate and salsa dance
all night long, huh?

Go. Go!

Almost got this, baby.

My guy.

Happy birthday, man.
I know we've been through a lot.

No matter what…

We fam.

Just fam or something else?

Peace.

You think everybody knows?

Hope not. But if you keep up
with the googly eyes,

- they probably will.
- It's like that?

So what if they do know?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

Yo, might wanna shout at ol' girl.

Make us proud, young fella.

- Hi.
- Hey.

What's your name?

- CJ.
- I'm Pilar, nice to meet you.

- Coach, you got a minute?
- Yeah. What can I do for you?

My father has taken ill.
It's pretty serious.

Thought I'd drive out to Virginia,
go see him, have CJ tag along with me.

By all means. Of course.

I know how critical
their first playoff game will be.

I will have him back in time.

Okay. Just keep us posted,
and I hope your pops pulls through.

- Thank you.
- Of course.

All right.

Hey. Feliz cumpleaños, young king.

Appreciate you, Alonzo.

Of course.

Come on. It's time to party, boy.

- See you.
- Okay.

Yeah. Yes.

Yeah.

- Hey, Coach.
- Hi, CJ. You having fun?

Yeah.

You mind a word of advice?

No.

You are already impressive, especially
when you don't try to impress everyone.

Oh, God.

I dare you.

So, we're taking the Bougie Beast.

Rolling through the backcountry,
flaunting all your dough.

You say, "flaunt," I say, "inspire."

Looks like a vampire attacked you.

Yeah. You know,
it must have been something I ate.

Some kind of allergic reaction.

I guess it must be hereditary
because I had the same allergic reaction

when I was your age.

Listen to that.

A thing of beauty.

You know I have my permit, right?

- Right.
- You should let me drive her.

My Pearl?
From Maryland all the way to Virginia?

I can't think of a better way
to improve my driving skills,

especially with you right by my side.

Damn. That's a hell of a pitch, son.

- So, that's a yes?
- Hell no.

Buckle up, Chuck.

My grandfather, Arthur Harrison,

had a vision for a school that could
develop the future leaders of our country.

And he wanted our leaders to be educated,

have compassion,
and be independent thinkers.

He financed his endeavors and handpicked
administrators and teachers.

Tuition was high
so the school could sustain itself

and also offer opportunities for young
people who couldn't afford to attend.

And when my mother
became chair of the board,

she wanted to expand
the school using other people's money.

And before we knew it, any big donor
could have a seat on the board,

a policy I tried to get rid of
once I became chairperson.

But now there's a waiting list
for anyone who wants to be on the board.

And anyone who wants to donate 25K,

they're thrilled if I can have a 15-minute
Zoom meeting with them.

You're largely responsible
for that, Emory.

Thank you.

But I also need you to take ownership
of where we are right now.

The Cedar Cove Four travesty
has blindsided all of us.

And in the last quarter,

fund-raising has been down 30%.

You urged me to hire Coach Edwards.

And you urged us to admit Jace Carson,

Drew Murphy, Musa Rahaim,
and most recently, Phil Marksby.

I'm not here to slam you. I'm here to talk
about the one unavoidable truth.

If we're gonna right this ship,
we have to do something enormous.

More enormous than the state championship.

You're talking about
a national championship?

You practically guaranteed that
at the top of the year.

With all the distractions,
we crawled ourselves into playoffs.

So you have a chance.

We do.

You need to make the most of it.

It is unfortunate that the current head
of school has not been a bigger influence

on strengthening our standing
as an institution.

I wish I was in a position to do more.

That is certainly something worth noting.

How do you feel about going back home
after all this time?

It'll be good for you
to meet your grandfather.

What's he like?

A man of his time.

What does that mean?

If he gets his mind made up
about something,

ain't sh*t you can tell him.

That's the vibe he gave off
in that picture of him in the photo album.

The army one?

That's when he was in Vietnam.

Your grandmother would say
he came back changed,

as if he lost something
that the world owed him.

Everything left in his tank
went to his farm.

By the time I was 14, I spent
every spare moment I had at the gym,

away from him, away from the farm,
away from his temper.

- He was violent?
- No.

He just didn't like me.

And I didn't like him.

Grandma said she divorced him
after you started making money.

I bought her that house,
and he never forgave me.

You never thought about buying him one?

He stopped taking my calls.

So why exactly are we going to see him?

Your aunt said that his diabetes
is getting the best of him.

He doesn't have much time.

He left the hospital 'cause he wants
to die in his own bed.

Yeah, but...

And I need to tell my father something
that I never told him.

It'll be good to meet him.

Yep.

What's good, Coach?

Hey. What's up, man?

So…

You and Crystal, huh?

Yeah.

There's a lot of hurt girls out there
right now.

- Uh-huh.
- But you know how it is.

Oh, yeah. When I married Tonya,

it was a pandemic
of broken hearts out there.

- Yeah, right. Yeah.
- Okay.

Listen, I called every
top-rated D1 coach out there.

Those that like you
already gave away the scholarship money.

And the others
still want to see what happens.

What happens?

Like if I decide
I wanna jump somebody tomorrow?

What are you talking about?

They don't want a player
that's a distraction.

Now, they also don't want a player

who's only sh**ting 20%
from the three-point line.

I average 29 points a game.
Who cares if I hit threes?

Lately? Just about everyone.

The narrative about you not being able
to sh**t, that's spreading.

What about UCLA?

They got you under a microscope.

But it's still in play.

If we lose, we out.

But if we win, we keep our season alive,

and the further we go in Nationals,
the more eyes will be on you.

I gotta make a phone call.

Yeah. Tell your vampire friend
your dad says hello.

Lakeview is coming off a upset

of Fort Penn, okay?
So they're gonna be amped-up for us.

Hi.

Sorry to bother you.
By any chance, can you talk?

Sure. Is everything okay?

I'm on this little road trip with my pops.

Yes, I heard about your grandfather.
I'm sorry.

Thanks. My father wants to tell him
something that he never told him before.

And I was thinking
maybe I should tell my father

something I never told him before.

Excuse me. Hi there.

It feels like if I don't tell him
on this trip

then things are gonna get busy
and I might lose the nerve.

Okay. Well, if it's something you need
to get off your chest,

by all means, talk to him.

I thought a lot about
what you said at the party.

- Okay. Take care.
- Thank you so much.

About being yourself?

If I'm being honest, it made me think
I haven't been completely honest.

Well, the quickest way to fail in life
is to try and please everyone.

Hey, Casanova. Let's go.

I gotta go. Thanks, Coach.

Of course.

I mean, we can pull it off.

It's just about getting them all
to commit. But, I mean, we'll see.

Guys.

How about we hold off on breaking down
the playoff schedule for a second.

Look, ever since I told you I knew
the team was planning not to apologize

to that commission for defending Crystal,

it's been a little off with us.

A little tense. And I'm thinking
maybe we should clear the air.

Air is clear as far as I'm concerned.

I'm good.

Okay.

Not sure what you want me to say.

You had info about my son
that could have jeopardized his future,

and you kept it to yourself.

I'm not okay with that. But I'm here.

Jace shared the news with me
in confidence.

I can't teach him to be a 24-hour person,

if I'm not being one myself...

You so caught up with Jace

as if somehow that's gonna squash
the sh*t you had with your dad.

- The hell you say?
- You guys. Hey.

You don't want Jace to flame out.

You want him to have
the future that you never had.

We all get it.

What about Royale?

Do you know he's tormented

because his debate teacher is scheduling
competition times

that conflict with games?

You know, Drew's trying to figure out
if he's gonna play ball at a D3 school

or maybe walk on a D1.

Nick's family is desperately trying
to get the attention

of the Puerto Rican national team
after he fell off their radar.

And Musa.

You know, Musa has no idea
why he's losing minutes

in his senior year
because you don't communicate.

And with all due respect, Ike.

Your dad, he wasn't just about 24.

He was about 22 and two.

Two hours of practice and for
the players' lives, the other 22 hours.

Jace is not the only player
that's trying to figure out his future.

Ready?

As I'll ever be.

- Aunt Constance.
- CJ.

Getting even more handsome every time
I see you.

Hey, little sis.

Hey, big bro.

Welcome home.

Bless us, Lord

Take my hand

Thanks for covering all his medical bills.

- You didn't tell him?
- Of course not.

Help me stand

How's he doing?

He's holding on.

…I am tired

I think he's holding on for you.

I am weak

Hey, coz.

I am worn

Through the storm

Through the night

Lead me on

To the light

Take my hand

Precious Lord

And lead me home

Thank you.

Hello, Grandpa.

I'm Camden Junior.

Everyone calls me CJ.

And as you can see,

your good looks may have skipped my dad,
but they didn't skip me.

Son.

Hey, Pop.

Sorry you're going through this.

You deserve better.

Hold on. Come on.
Stop being stubborn, old man.

Listen to me.

You deserve better.

I have something to tell you.

Something you don't know.

The only reason I made it to the NBA…

is because of you.

When I got cut my first season,
everyone thought I was done.

But you taught me how to be tough.

And to never back down.

You taught me how to be a man.

You did that, Daddy.

I don't know what part
of you got lost in Vietnam.

Why you never laughed.

Or why you never cried.

You were a mystery to me.

And still, everything I am…

everything I've ever had,
is because of you.

So grateful.

Your grandfather assembled that
for Camden.

No offense, but y'all didn't have
a d*ck's Sporting Goods?

He doesn't think we should spend a dollar
for another man's work

when we could save a dollar
and do the work ourselves.

My father said they didn't get along.

Well, you know why, don't you?

Because they're just alike.

Nah. My father definitely believes
in spending money.

Because in the two hours it takes
to fix a plumbing problem or a car engine

or assemble a basketball hoop,

are two hours my brother could find

to make more money with his broker,
accountant, or real estate agent.

He values time
the way my father values a buck.

Now that sounds like him.

Come back inside when you're ready.

Dad?

Dad!

Nurse!

I'm so sorry.

Daddy's gone.

Goodbye, Daddy.

I'll call you later tonight
about the arrangements, okay?

- Okay. Love you.
- Love you.

You drive home.

All right. Be careful, son.

She's powerful.

Go slow at first.

As soon as you tap the gas it...

- Sorry.
- Uh-huh.

Come on. Let's go, Jace.

Come on.

Damn.

You don't have to make every three,
just 35%. Let's go.

- I just went two out of ten.
- It's 'cause you're all in your head.

Need me to show you how it's done?

I know how it's done.

Is my man a baller?

He's a baller.

And by the way, I made a call.

The assistant coach of UMD
is coming to your game.

I'm a charity case now?

Bruh, really?

I met a lot of people
during my recruiting visits.

It wasn't hard to find out who to ask.

So what you ask them?

If your man could go to college with you?

Is that such a bad idea?

You cute and all,
but I'll probably get tired of you.

I'm tired of you now, but ball out anyway.

Come on. Let's work.

Put it up.

You okay?

Yeah.

I am.

I'm glad you came with me.

Me too, Dad.

Pretty deep that you got to tell Granddad
something you've been holding on to.

I've kind of been holding
on to something too.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

I'm all ears.

I want you to be proud of me.

Dude, what?

I am proud of you.

Can I finish, please?

I'm listening.

I want you to be proud of me.

And I know, in many ways,
I'm just like you.

And just like you're like Granddad,
but different,

I'm like you in many ways…

but different.

I'm g*y.

What are you talking about?

I'm g*y, Dad.

How can you be g*y?

What about the vampire?

I didn't even like her.

I was trying to impress my friends.

I was trying to impress you.

How do you know?

I just do.

For how long?

Couple years now.

You know, son, if you not into gals at 15,

you could just be a late bloomer.
I mean, this...

this kind of thing, it happ...

Son…

I am proud of you.

And I love you.

And I wish…

I wish my father could have seen…

how an amazing young man you are.

Thank you.

Hi, Coach. Can you spare a few moments?

Come on in.

What do I owe the visit?

I've thought a great deal about everything
your team has been through.

All the trials and tribulations,
and all the distractions.

And I wanna know how I can help.

Help the team and you.

What's your angle, Emory?

I wanna be supportive.

I'd like them to be able to focus.

And you want to win.

That too.

What do you know?

Your a*s is on the line just like mine.

You need to get behind Jace Carson.

Call every college in your Rolodex

and tell them that Jace Carson
is the Second Coming.

You need to tell
the Puerto Rican National Team Committee

that Nick Mendez is one of the best
all-around players you've ever seen.

You need to tell the debate team to stop
scheduling competitions on game day.

Now, Royale's never gonna play D1 ball,

but school is supposed to
enrich their lives, right?

- Absolutely.
- He's my best defender.

I don't want to lose him,
and I don't want him to have to choose.

I'll get into it.

And Doc…

if they lose, I hope we can still count
on your support.

If we don't win,
my support may not hold much weight.

Oh, my God.

Wow.

Oh, shi...

Oh, sh*t. The door.

Hi, Mom.

Jace? You're home early.

So are you.
Look, I'm gonna go to the store.

I'll be right back.

- Okay.
- And hi, Mekhi.

Hi, Jace.

Royale, how we doing with the debate team?

Great, Coach.
Competition was moved earlier today.

- Yeah? How'd y'all do?
- We k*lled it.

- Hey, I love to hear that.
- Yes, sir.

Drew. Schedule some time with me.

I wanna talk college with you.

- All right. That's a bet, Coach.
- All right.

Hey, man.

Appreciate you being here.
I know it's a tough time for you.

Yeah. Thanks, Coach.

Coach Meg says you wanna address the team.

Yeah. Okay if my pops hangs in here
while I say a few words?

Sure, of course.

You all set?

All right. Quiet down, everyone.
Give CJ the floor.

Hey, guys.

I have something I wanna tell you.

Is this about your grandfather, CJ?

We're all sorry to hear about that, man.

- Sorry.
- Yeah, man. Sorry.

Thanks.

It's not about my grandfather.

Then again, maybe it is.

See, when my dad was a kid,

my grandfather built him
this old rickety basketball hoop.

That hoop helped my father
authentically find himself.

And today, my father created a space
for me to authentically be who I am.

And I feel like a weight has been lifted.

Anyway, I want you all to know…

I'm g*y.

Look, I didn't want this to be weird,
all right?

I just thought I couldn't keep this
from y'all anymore.

Y'all are my family.

And don't worry,

it's not like I have a crush
on any of you guys.

That's messed up.

Everyone has a crush on Jace Carson.

Shut up.

- Hey, CJ. It's all good, man.
- You good, bro.

- Hey, hey.
- Yeah, we're here for you, man.

- Hundred percent.
- No doubt.

- Thanks, man.
- Yo, brothers.

Hey. I'm proud of you, boy.

I appreciate it.

We got you. For real.

Hey, good job, CJ.

Thanks, Coach.

Appreciate you, Coach.

I appreciate you.

I'll see you all out there.

Everyone, have a great game.

Yes, sir. Yeah. Yes, sir.

All right. I need everyone to bring it in.

This game either sends us home
or further in the playoffs.

CJ, how about you take us out?

All right. Let's go.

Swagger on three. One, two, three.

Swagger!

Let's go, boys.

Right here, Jace. Right here.

Lap it down.

Damn.

7-1! 7-1!

Head's up!

Yeah! That's right!

Let's go.

Mus! Which way?

Hey, Jace.

Yes! Come on, baby! Yes!

Where you going?

I want that ball!

Hey!

CJ, in for Musa!

Substitution, Cedar Cove.

The game is way too close, all right?

Breathe and tie your shoes.

- CJ!
- Yo!

CJ Ryder!

Yes, CJ!

CJ Ryder!

Come on.

63-62, Cedar Cove down one.

Let's go, Carson. You got this.

You got help?

sh*t, that's off. Left! Left!

- Don't worry about that, 25!
- …six, five,

four, three, two, one!

Yeah!

Final score, 63-64.

Your winner, the Cedar Cove Mustangs!

Don't worry about it.

Okay. Let's line it up.

- Good game.
- Good game.

Good game, bro.

Good game.

- We on the road to get that Natty!
- Yeah!

Congratulations.

Good job.

Thank you, Coach Ike.

I know you had something to do with it.

The National Team says he's still
in the running.

Oh, man, that's great news.

I'm so happy for him.

…thank you for your support.
Put your hands together one more time

for your Mustangs!

I'm gonna shower.

Okay. Love you.

Later.

Thank you.

We're still alive.

I can see that.

Listen, man, I was thinking
about the 22 and two thing.

Thank you. I needed that reminder.

And I'll be talking to Musa.

You're welcome.

And by the way, I quit.

Hey.