01x101 - Episode 101

[bunniefuu]

I would read the headline
of the Style section,

but with the way
you're fidgeting...

I'm scrolling.

-Everyone gets nervous.
-I'm not nervous.

Unexpectedly panic-stricken
would be more appropriate.

You've been onstage
thousands of times,

ever since you've been a girl.

Well, now I'm a grown-a*s woman.

And I should know better than
to engage in public foolishness

when my family's lives
are in chaos.

And you know the craziest thing?

After all that rehearsal

and being away from the family
all that time,

I can't remember the moves,

and the melodies
are escaping me, I...

The last thing we need

is for me to get up
on that stage

and embarrass us all
in living color.

[sighs]

Gran. Sorry I'm late.

Gran.

-[vocalizing]
-There you go.

-Oh, what, what, what?
-How's that look?

Listen, we need
to embrace the fact

that we don't look
exactly like we did

something-something years ago.

-Speak for yourself, honey.
-But, girl...

we still sound like...

[both vocalize, laugh]

Oh, my gosh, the Articulettes.

-You're really here.
-See, Chelsea recognizes us.

I would recognize you anywhere.
How do you know me?

I've been following
your social media for years.

-Oh, stop.
-Hey.

That's when she started
exfoliating her lips.

Made all the difference, honey.

Well, you don't mind if
I record some of this, do you?

Oh, no. Record away.

We've never been content before.

SHARON:
Get enough of it.

Maybe you can influence
your younger generation

to follow our little corner
of history, huh?

Oh, way back when
vinyl was vintage?

Just three beauties and
voices destined for greatness.

SHARON: And here we are again,
making it all happen.

-Mm.
-Never say never.

Rowena let me in.
I'm so sorry these are late.

This is our champion seamstress.

Oh, well,
what are we waiting for?

Let's take a peek at
what hundreds of screaming fans

will see onstage tonight.

Well, what do you think?

♪ ♪

Knock, knock.

DANI:
Oh, good, you're here.

I need another pair of eyes.
What do you think?

Yeah, it's beautiful.

But does it give

"supermodel daughter
of a singing sensation

"who can walk at Fashion Week

without hesitation
or preparation"?

Well, that's a,
that's a tall order

and a lot of work for one dress.

Yeah, nothing's official,
and it's probably a bad idea.

Sorry, has that
stopped you before?

-She knows me so well.
-[laughs]

Have you noticed how this
comeback of your grandmother's

has lit a fire under her?

I mean, maybe that's
what I need for me

-and my new modeling agency.
-Yeah, why not?

Yeah, so come help.

Maybe you can find
something better

than what you have on.

You got anything
with decent coverage?

You know, to hide the fact
that I'm keeping

a marriage-ending secret
from Jacob?

[gasps] Do I get to know
the secret, too?

-About Martin.
-Oh.

-Oh.
-Yeah.

Awful, awful situation.

That poor baby had to hold on

to all that trauma
practically alone.

I can picture all of it,

stand back,
and look at it rationally.

I totally understand
why Martin and Granddad

felt like they had
to cover up a crime.

It was self-defense.

There was a clear
and present danger.

-Of course.
-But...

knowing that my own father
had a man m*rder*d is...

I'm-I'm sorry.

Your father did what?

Are we supposed to take notes
or something?

If you were my patient.
But you're my son.

I keep everything
I know about you

in my head and my heart.

Sit.

This is just a conversation.

One we should've had
two years ago.

I wish things
had been different.

But we're together now.

I don't know what to say
or how to say it.

Start with whatever
comes to your mind,

and talk to me
like I'm writing a story.

Don't censor yourself.
No expectations.

Just tell me everything
that's been going on for you.

For the last two years?
What could be simpler?

And not at all awkward.

I will not judge, only guide.

And hopefully
give you some insight.

Okay.

My top priority
is saving my marriage

and keeping my family together.

I hope you can put me
on a fast track

to making that happen.

Social media is the answer
to our situation.

Make the content,
generate the buzz.

Quick study.
I knew you'd come in handy.

What do you think about doing
some day-in-the-life videos?

We can use some of the purses

Chelsea has lying around
for inspiration.

You're just a regular,
ordinary girl

walking around Georgetown

with the most perfect accessory.

So small it's barely there,
but unforgettable.

And one scene cannot be missed:

you're sipping boba
and slipping your card

out of your wee
but wonderful wallet.

Then you're on Capitol Hill,

taking pictures with your camera
and storing it in your...

Oh, my God.
It's also a camera bag.

What is that
irresistibly darling little bag

that matches and goes
from daytime to night?

So subtle but unmissable.

Like that sad,
faraway look on your face.

Um...

Sorry, I just, I thought
that I was getting better at it,

like you.

Like me what? What am I doing?

Pretending everything's okay.

What could be wrong?

It's Gran's big concert tonight.

I'm talking about Dad and Pop.

No one told you?

You should probably sit down.

-Tell us what you really think.
-Is there something wrong?

Uh, actually, now that
I'm taking a closer look...

Well, go on. You're a model,
hip to the latest in fashion.

I mean, what would you say
if you saw us in these onstage?

These are classic
in every sense of the word.

Uh, elegant and-and...

powerfully, um... retro.

Somebody call the cops.

I do believe that she's
found three painful ways

of calling us ancient
without saying we're old.

No, no, no.
That is not at all what I meant.

What did you mean, honey child?

Well, there is
your original audience.

You know, the ones who loved
you when you were girls.

The ones that want
that sweet reminder

of what the world was like.

You know, different place,
different time.

Different kind of trepidatious?

CHELSEA:
If you're serious

about connecting
with a younger audience...

That's the dream, right?

Our sound living on
long after we're gone?

They used to listen to us
on transistor radios.

Let's get the ones
wearing earbuds.

And the way
to get their attention

is with something
spicy, electric.

Grab them in
the first five seconds,

and they won't look away.

Then we hook 'em for life.

You have any ideas on how to
make this upcoming performance

live on in the minds
of future generations to come?

Now, we know it's last-minute.

But you, darling,
are a certified fashion genius.

Well, I-I don't know, there's
not a bunch of time, but, um...

maybe I could work some magic.

Just let me know what to do.

Okay.

Come sit.

So, I was thinking we do
some of this here.

Okay. Okay.

Ooh, I like that.

If I hadn't seen it
with my own eyes...

I can't believe how you made
all of this happen so fast.

Completely different look,
but we deserve it.

Our audience deserves it.

Oh, they'll eat it up
with a spoon.

But there's one opinion
we didn't consider.

Anita.

Ooh, your grandmother's
gonna get you.

She's gonna get you.

Uh, no. Oh, my goodness.
Stop it, you two.

Please. She'll love it.

[laughter]

I take it we'll be
sticking around for a bit.

I guess so.

Why do you think Jim Price
wants to talk to us alone?

Maybe he has good news?

You don't know agents, do you?

Stay positive.

Right. Positive.

Maybe he wants to tell us

a rare blizzard
is in the forecast

and we need to cancel.

[chuckling]

Don't laugh.
This is me s-staying positive.

Or maybe a hydrant has burst

and all the streets are flooded
between here and the Howard.

Is it working?

Because you could always
go back to restitching a hemline

or rearranging the flowers
for the millionth time,

like you used to do
backstage before the concerts.

I did not.

And then you would
go out onstage,

get all those people
on their feet and moving.

Thousands of people
dancing to the music,

forgetting about their troubles,

letting your songs lift them up.

And you did that for years.

Tonight you'll do it again,

making magic.

You always know
how to ease my mind.

Well, I've had some practice.

Okay, I am going
to pick up the dry cleaning,

and since Samantha's
already with Kat and Chelsea,

she can get a ride with them,

and then I will
drop you off at the Howard.

You're just
going to drop me off?

Yeah, and then you can text me
when you want me to pick you up,

or you can get a ride with one
of your aunts or your cousins.

Just text me and let me know
what the plan is.

Or you can just come with me
instead of playing chauffeur.

I have so much to do
around here.

Dad, you're just
making up chores.

No, I-I meant that I have
things to do with work.

I have correspondence
and deadlines, and...

It was one fight.

One really big fight.

Which has nothing
to do with tonight.

What do you think will happen

if Gran finds out
you weren't there?

She'll... understand.

Then make it make sense to me.

I wish I had the answers.

I used to, but I don't know
what to do anymore.

And part of that
is because I've been

letting everyone else
call the shots.

Running my life.

I know Granddad
was trying to help, but...

What was it like for you?

Young, powerful man.

Congressional seat,
c*m laude, head of household.

Two men tried to take your power
and possibly your life

on a dark country road.

I took a life that night.

Which led you to lose your power
to tell your story,

to unburden your soul.

It was awful.

God, I was so angry
and terrified.

Powerless to tell the people

who would have loved you
through this?

My husband? You?

Granddad told me
I had to stay quiet.

I love him. I do.

And I know it was for the best.

Was it for the best?

He was trying to cover up
what had happened

because he was
looking out for me.

He loves me.

I don't doubt that.

And when humans love,

we can end up doing
the most damaging things.

Without meaning to.

I tried saving Granddad.

And he was trying to save me.

And I thought
I was protecting Smitty

because I agreed to stay silent.

I thought if Smitty
didn't know,

he was safe.

In his eyes, I was innocent.
Still good.

My hands were still clean
because...

God, I didn't want to see that
look in his eyes

the other night
when he found out

exactly what kind of man I am.

You were forced into that

untenable
life-or-death situation.

But it doesn't matter
in Smitty's eyes.

He didn't pack my bags
because I had blood on my hands.

He kicked me out
because of the years of lies.

Because I couldn't tell him...

what I couldn't even
tell myself.

So tell me, Mom.

The man that I love
doesn't want me in his life.

And all I want is him
and to be home.

My home.

Help me fix this, Mom.

Okay, I've told you
everything I know about Dad

and his connection to
the dead guy in Stance Park.

And it's horrifying.

Why aren't you saying anything?

I don't know how to feel...
about any of this.

Including the fact
that I wasn't informed.

I didn't choose who knows what.

My God, this family.
Do I laugh or cry?

They trusted you
more than they trust me?

No shade, sweetheart,
but if I'm a liability,

I would rather
someone tell me to my face.

It was probably
because of Jacob.

-Because Jacob...?
-Is a cop.

And he's naturally suspicious.

Look, the grands thought
I might be able to keep him

from digging too deep
into this investigation.

Or at least I'd be in a position

to let everybody know

if he's on the right track
or not.

-I didn't think of it like that.
-Yeah.

That explains why Bill
was acting so odd

after the press conference
that wasn't.

Glad to hear
planning a hit on a guy

had someimpact on Dad.

Have you talked to him
since you found out?

About this? No.

Neither Dad nor Jacob.

You listen to me.

You are not allowed
to have marriage problems.

Not about this.

You are the last couple
standing.

Need to be a role model
for the next generation.

Show them that a stable
relationship is possible.

No pressure.

I cannot believe
my brother and Smitty

broke up and nobody told me.

They probably just didn't
want to bother you.

Because I'm so busy
with the business?

And you're so busy with Tomas.

Right. Him.

I even saw Martin earlier,

and I just went on
about my pathetic life.

I didn't even bother to ask
what was going on with him.

Pop's probably just used to it.

You know, hiding everything?

Yeah, but that breaks my heart.

He's my brother,
and you're his little girl.

If I had known what was
going on at the brownstone,

I would've never
texted you about work.

Well, this is like a vacation.

It's just so quiet at home.

Mm. Not like a good quiet?

As someone whose parents'
marriage just imploded,

I get it.

And why did Dad think
that splitting up

would solve anything?

They're both miserable
without each other, anyways.

Martin and Smitty
need each other.

Yeah, but Dad's just
hurting too much

to just forgive Pop
for being human.

What can I do to help them?

What should I do
to turn things around?

Baby steps.
Don't force anything.

Are you still having nightmares?

Different ones, but the results
are the same.

Sleepless nights.

Lack of sleep can impact
your life in a myriad of ways.

Let's get that sorted.

I don't like taking pills.

Well, how about
breathing exercises?

There are ones that are designed
specifically for insomnia.

We can try one now.

What should I do?

Just sit back.

Close your eyes.

Relax your breathing.

This is a calm, safe space
filled with...

Have no fear. Dani is here.

Now let's get you two
from pouting to partying.

I know you're super busy
with work,

but I was just looking
for Chelsea.

She went to go convince Gran
to do a video for our socials.

-Oh.
-Mm-hmm.

How are you holding up,
Samantha?

You know, devastated.

Uh, first it was Aunt Dani
and Bill in Splitsville.

Scary but still from a distance.

Then it was Grandma and Grandpa.

That was 100% unexpected.

And now my dads?

Yeah, no one's had an easy go
in relationships right now.

Maybe the Duprees should
just stop falling in love.

You know what?
I like that solution.

Well, what fun would that be?

You and Jacob found
the secret sauce, though.

You two need to teach us

the secret
to a long and happy marriage.

Yeah, you'll have to ask
the grands for that advice.

Some other night,
because tonight is reserved.

Gran is getting back
in the spotlight.

[laughter]

Okay, how's that?
You comfortable?

Is she talking to us
or that box?

With all the attention
she's giving it,

I think it's the box.

I was talking
to the Articulettes.

This box and I have
an unspoken language.

Uh-huh. What's in it?

Well, nobody gets to know

until Kat and I
do the official launch.

If it bothers you,
though, I can leave it out.

Oh, never.
We understand product placement.

Hello, Little Miss Thang.

You come and sit with us.
Make us look good.

Who wouldn't want
a pretty little thing like this?

Now, be sure
and get my good side.

CHELSEA:
Okay. [laughs]

So, Ms. Tracy,
what have you been up to?

Certainly not resting on my
laurels, waiting for a comeback.

She's been singing
her way around the world.

Ooh, exciting.
And what's that been like?

Well, I've headlined clubs
here and there.

All over, really.

But my voice has taken me places

that I've only read about
as a girl.

That's incredible.

And Ms. Sharon,
what feeds your soul?

Music wouldn't
leave me alone either.

[both laugh]

But I keep it local.

I give voice lessons,
and I'm the music director

at my church in Chicago.

Now, this might sound crazy
to your generation,

but that's when I'm happiest,
leading my choir.

That must be hard to work
with so many people at once.

Being in a room
full of the richest sounds,

voices intermingling and
rising high into the rafters,

you can't put words to that.

There's something very special

that moves you
in a different way.

Like going to a concert?

I suppose it is, of a kind.

That church has been
a fixture

on the South Side
of Chicago forever.

If I'm in town on a Sunday...

Oh, this one comes
sashaying down the aisle,

smiling that smile,

just waiting
to give God the glory.

And a solo.

[both chuckle]

So you've stayed close
all these years?

Sisters. Uh, yes.

So tell me about my grandmother
Anita Dupree.

How have you kept
such close sisterhood with her?

What was so important
that you needed to...

talk to me before the concert?

[exhales]

The whole town is buzzing.

Oh, so you're here
to make me more nervous.

I-I have a proposition.

So there's no problem?

Oh, only the best kind.

Anita, your career is so vast.

Show me something you can't do.

You have fans
from your Articulette days,

others who can't
get enough of you

singing America's songbook,
then you got the acting.

Okay, Jim, can you just
get to the point?

I-I know how you feel
about taking requests, but...

...what about a solo?

Did he just say
what I think he said?

I know tonight is all about
the Articulettes,

b-but would it k*ll you
to give your audience

more of what
they've been waiting for?

You alone,
bringing down the house

with that incredible voice.

It sure would make my night.

Sweetheart, you can have
a solo anytime.

But, no, I couldn't.

The spotlight belongs
to all of us tonight.

Would you say Anita's
like the third pea in a pod?

Like another sister?

TRACY:
Of course she is.

But the sister that married well

and moved
to the fancy part of town.

[laughter]

We shared a special time
in each other's lives.

And what we went through
binds us forever.

Family.

Sometimes family--
they drift apart.

And we've lost
some along the way.

But we'll always be part
of each other's lives.

TRACY:
Our stories.

SHARON:
Our music.

Would you mind
singing something for us?

Just the two of you?

Well, nobody ever had
to ask this one twice.

[laughter]

[vocalizing]

[harmonizing]

[harmonizing ends]

Anita, get in here.

That was gorgeous.
Aren't they amazing?

Well, you saw it here first.

Catch them tonight,
if you're lucky, live onstage.

And tell me all about it
in the comments. Ciao.

Anita, where have you been?

TRACY:
What took you so long?

We started getting
worried that you decided

-to cancel the concert.
-[laughs]

I'm sorry
I missed the recording,

but, uh, things
ran a little long.

Well, I've got what I need,
and now I need to run.

Break so many legs and hearts,
ladies.

That's the plan.

-CHELSEA: Bye.
-Bye, baby.

Mmm.
See you tonight, sweetheart.

CHELSEA:
Yeah.

Are the outfits ready?

Anita was afraid the seamstress
had a sewing accident.

Well, you know, that's funny,

because there is something
we need to tell you

about our costumes.

Yeah, we had an expert eye
take a look.

And she did not
like what she saw.

Fashionista Chelsea
to the rescue.

She styled the hell out of those
outfits.

Excuse my language.

My granddaughter did this?

-Oh, my God.
-You don't like it?

She is a miracle worker!

Right? In no time flat.

Now, this is a real showstopper.

And when the light hits it,
watch us razzle-dazzle.

-Girl's talented.
-Of course she is.

She is a Dupree.

She's a Williams.

Like you were
when you were a girl.

Creative, hungry, unstoppable.

We all were.

Are. That just doesn't go away.

It does not.

I can't tell you how thankful
I am to the both of you.

What on earth for?

For giving me the chance
to try to make things right.

I only wish Barbara was here.

I could go back
and do right by her.

We were so young. Our lives
were spinning out of control.

The things that fall apart

can sometimes
come back together,

if they're meant to.

I guess if we truly
wanted to move on,

we'd have to let go
of that old baggage.

But there's so much good
that I want to keep.

Like how we saw and did things
that we only dreamed of.

How our voices took us places,

led us to people
who changed our lives.

Okay, not all of it
was picture-perfect,

but we had each other.

And tonight...

The Articulettes 2.0.

Like-like the kids would say.

Up on that stage
giving our best,

making new memories.

Don't tell Mother I forgot
about her concert.

That is why we need to go.

Put your brain on pause
for a few hours

and remember what it's like
to be happy and to laugh.

That's easier said than done.

♪ Compartmentalize.♪

A little trick
used by CEOs and serial K*llers.

Focus on what
is right in front of you.

NICOLE:
And what is this supposed to be?

Well, I knew you'd be busy

and you'd want me
to handle the details,

so you're welcome.

And as for you,
I took a couple liberties

and made some choices
that I think you'll like.

I appreciate what
you're trying to do, Aunt Dani,

but I just can't.

You haven't let me
pick your clothes in years.

It's a sacrifice I'm making.
You'll hear me out.

Okay, uh, that one.

Well, this one's nice, too.

Wait, this shirt
isn't even yours.

It's yours.

Think Gran will be able
to see me from the stage?

I don't know. Probably.

Then she'll see you
not sitting with us.

She's crazy about you.

You love all her jazz stuff

that only her real fans
listen to.

You have to be there.

I'll send flowers backstage.

That'll totally make up
for the fact

that you're missing out
on the biggest comeback

in music history.

You better hope someone's
posting or streaming it, or...

you're just gonna be seeing us
living our best life.

Why are you doing this to me?

You think I want
to hang out with Pop

when I'm still mad at him?

I can't ditch this, okay?

It's Gran.

And neither should you.

It isn't that simple.

It will be if you let it.

Dad, you always taught me not to
back down from the hard stuff.

So, if you cannot
be there for our family

just to say-- avoid saying

hi and goodbye to Pop,
your husband,

I don't know.

Maybe I've been looking up
to the wrong person.

I hope you like
the clothes I chose

because you are going
to that concert.

Mom and I weren't
having a random chat.

We were talking. About things.

Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry,
I didn't realize...

It wasn't an official session.

But I don't think
either one of us

is in the mood
to go out tonight.

What will Mother say?

Mother's feelings
aren't on my top ten list

of things to worry about.

She'll simply
have to understand.

After the way she and Daddy kept
me in the dark about my child,

a little civil disobedience
won't k*ll her.

DANI:
I won't be able to
say the same of you.

Explain yourself.

This is what comes
of not acting out

when you're a teenager.

Delayed petulance.

I am not being a...

Imagine if I was
throwing this tantrum,

punishing Mother
by boycotting something

she has poured her soul into?

And afterwards,
when she gives you that look?

NICOLE:
The one she pulls out

when she's ready
to devour someone whole,

but she's smiling?

I'll survive.

I'm talking about the one
where she hugs you

and loves on you,

all the while
hiding how hurt she is.

You want to suffer through
that for the rest of your life?

Unforgivable.

That'll be your new name

if you're not seated
front row, center.

Okay, one down...

...one to go.

Of course your Pop and I
will talk,

but his grandmother's concert

is not the time
or the place for that.

It's the best place.

That's why people take
the first date to the movies.

I'm not following.

You're staring straight, right?

You really don't talk much.

They're all gonna hate me
for kicking Martin out.

Somebody's making up excuses.

No, no. I'm gonna make
everybody feel awkward.

It's-- I'm not doing it.

End of story.

Your call, your consequences.

-Hi, sis.
-Hi, sis.

How was your big interview
with Gran?

She was a no-show,

so I filmed an intimate portrait
with Sharon and Tracy,

with the ChelseaKat logo
on display the entire time.

That was smart thinking.
Nice pivot, Chels.

CHELSEA:
Well, thank you, sis.

Nice to be appreciated.

-Oh, so cool.
-Yay.

[laughter]

No, I mean it.

Yeah, I can tell.

Explain to me why the person

that doesn't work
for our company

is the only one who's excited.

Family stuff.

If this funeral vibe

is a result
of some family drama,

you're looking at the wrong part
of the family.

Check this out.

[Sharon and Tracy vocalizing]

-Oh!
-Oh, my God.

Wait, wait. Turn that up.

That's them Articuletting now,
in 2025?

No Auto-Tune, no filter,
straight from the source.

Beautiful.

Edit that down
to a sweet sample...

Add the right hashtags,

and that could go viral.

That's blasphemy.

Reducing one
of the greatest girl groups

of their time to a sample?

-Girl.
-NAOMI: I'm just saying.

Actually, they might be
onto something.

When Chelsea asked
about our friendship...

I know.

I was thinking
about Barbara, too.

You know, in every interview,

we need to be sure and
tell them all about Barbara.

Make sure everybody knows she
was the original Articulette.

And how she brought us all
together,

inspired us
to use our voices as one.

Unfortunately,
that's when everything changed.

Led the devil to our door.

-Dante Green.
-I curse the name.

He was the one
who wanted Barbara gone,

and we let it happen.

And we blamed you.

Because truth is, it was
easier than blaming ourselves.

TRACY:
Sharon's right.

We all played a part
in how everything turned out.

It wasn't your fault, Anita.

That was just the story
we told ourselves.

And we pushed you away from us.

'Cause it hurt
a hell of a lot less

than you pushing us away.

Well, there's certainly enough
blame to go around.

I just...

I just wish Barbara
were with us tonight.

Correcting our choreography.
[laughs]

Reminding us to smile.

Just four little colored girls
from the projects.

Cute, loud and proud.

[laughter]

And tonight
we're going out there,

making such a joyful noise
to hundreds of our fans.

What a world.

Everything we've done

was because Barbara
brought us together.

Yeah.

So let's do something
to make her proud.

Yes. Mmm.

-[music playing faintly]
-[laughter]

Every time I see videos

of the Articulettes
in their heyday...

Oh, it still blows your mind,
doesn't it?

-That's our grandma.
-Yeah.

Those were some sick moves
they were doing.

But you can replicate them?

Um...

Yeah. Yeah, I guess--
I think so.

It's a yes or no.

If you embarrass her,
fall flat on your face,

I mean, she'll still love you,
but she'll never let you forget.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Yeah, I think I can.

Not as well
as the three of them, but...

I think I got this.

-Okay.
-And you've got this.

Which means it's time for some
mingling of the generations.

R & B meets Gen Z.

Naomi, you know what to do.

They won't know what hit them.

It's all on you, Samantha.

[laughter]

-Vernon.
-Smitty.

This is a, uh... surprise.

-Hi, Granddad.
-Hi.

I know we're overdue for
some important conversations,

and you have some questions.

We are, and I do.

But tonight is about Anita.

I've known her
for such a long time

and through so much.

I know how much tonight
means to her,

what's in her heart.

Nothing she wouldn't do for us,
her family.

Must be where Martin gets it.

He'd do anything for you,
too, sir. Evidently.

Yes.

So I hope you'll
put aside any animosity

you may feel towards me and...

show up for your family.

That's what I said.

You're a very bright man,
Tyrell.

So, Anita wants you there.

Official invitation.

You don't want to disappoint
Ms. Anita Williams, hmm?

So I hope you'll be there in
the cheering section, front row.

Special invitation
all the way from the top.

You have to go. Right?

So, I will try
to make this short,

but it may not be sweet.

Whatever it is, just say it.

Something has come up
that concerns the three of us,

and, uh, we need to vote,
just like we used to.

-Majority rules. No complaints.
-ANITA: Mm-hmm.

-Okay.
-Jim Price...

thinks I ought to do
a jazz number at the concert.

A solo?

Can you believe
he wants me to do

the very thing
that busted up our group

and destroyed our friendship?

But I'm bringing it to you
before I turn him down.

You haven't given him
an answer yet?

ANITA:
No, I said no.

Tonight is about
the Articulettes.

But Vernon suggested, strongly,

that I owe it to Jim
to at least run it by you,

so that's what I'm doing.

So let's just take the vote,

which will be
a firm and final no,

and we'll move on.

If I go, I'll just
bring everyone down.

If you don't, your grandmother
will eat your liver for dinner

for all of eternity.

Dani, no bullying.

I-I am sorry
if the truth is offensive.

You cannot hide from it.

This woman
is allowing you to live

under her roof free of charge.

-I offered to pay.
-She doesn't want your money.

She wants your total
and complete devotion,

your-your attention
and your servitude.

She is your grandmother.

There's been some speculation
on political blogs...

What better way
to throw them off the scent

than by sitting front row
for your grandmother's comeback?

Th-There'll be more questions
if you don't show up.

You know,
I know how you feel, Martin.

But I can't help
remembering how Mother

would sing to you
when you were a baby.

Sang at every fundraiser
you asked her to.

DANI:
Just a night

to breathe and relax, baby.