ARIZONA ZERVAS: ♪ Baby, hop
in the drop of my new car ♪
♪ Can't stop, won't
stop, you a new star ♪
♪ Shine so bright,
but you stunt so hard ♪
♪ Got 'em like, Oh, my Lord ♪
♪ Baby, hop in the drop of my new car ♪
♪ Can't stop, won't
stop, you a new star ♪
♪ Shine so bright,
but you stunt so hard ♪
♪ Got 'em like, Oh, my Lord... ♪
Thea Mays,
you have a special delivery
from the Black and Red Masquerade Ball.
Thank you, mysterious messenger person.
You look very, very handsome.
CAM, WHISPERING: Thank you.
ARIZONA ZERVAS:
♪ They be talkin' crazy ♪
♪ But we fine either way ♪
♪ I don't give a damn, I'm
just tryin' to get the cake ♪
♪ So let me take you home... ♪
"Our magical masquerade
awaits. Love, Damon."
ARIZONA ZERVAS: ♪ Can't stop,
won't stop, you a new star ♪
♪ Shine so bright,
but you stunt so hard ♪
♪ Got 'em like, Oh, my Lord ♪
♪ Baby, hop in the drop of my new car ♪
♪ Can't stop, won't
stop, you a new star ♪
♪ Shine so bright,
but you stunt so hard ♪
♪ Got 'em like, Oh, my Lord ♪
SIMONE: Hey, Jordan. Um, it's me.
I heard about what happened and...
I just wanted to call and
say that I'm really sorry.
I'm here, me and your Bringston fam.
Um, we're here for
you and for Liv, so...
yeah.
Bye.
I just wish there was more
that I could say and do.
I know, but how are you?
I am.
I just need to focus on getting
Keisha's choreography down, so...
We're working nonstop... trying
to get this ball together,
and each pledge has to host an
alumni that's in town for the event.
How have things been with Damon?
You know, since the
"Let's be friends" gate?
Fine.
Everything is fine.
Mm-hmm.
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
Nathaniel Hardin,
you have a special delivery
from the Black and Red Masquerade Ball.
OK. Period.
Oh, I'm loving whatever
that was. [CHUCKLES]
Fundraiser for the Masquerade Ball.
So, your date can get you a gift,
a note, or whatever.
Well, looks like I got a letter.
"Roses are red, violets are blue,
I'll see you at the dance,
I'll be the gentleman in blue."
- Doesn't say who it's from.
- Hmm.
Well, it sounds to me like you
got a little secret admirer.
[SNAPS FINGERS] ♪ Get it, get it, uh! ♪
Hey, bro. Check this out.
Vintage stretch limo. We
showin' up and showin' out
to the masquerade ball in style.
About that. I'm not going.
But I'll still give you my half.
Look, I appreciate that, but what's
with you canceling last minute?
Well, when we made the
plans, I was with Thea.
Now I'm not.
I mean, I'm not with anybody.
So, don't feel like third-wheeling.
Oh. We can find you a date.
Ah. Nah, thank you. I'm good, bro.
But look... have fun
at the masquerade ball.
Probably be lit.
OK.
Gonna get him a date.
MARCUS: OK, everybody's gearing
up for the masquerade ball.
It's a shame that we
missed out on our moment
when we were students here.
When the minors call, you gotta answer.
My dress, though, was to die for.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
- Yes.
Any word from HR?
As a matter of fact,
they said as long as
our personal relationship
- pre-dated our business one...
- Which it does.
dating shouldn't be an issue.
But it's the optics that still worry me.
Look, you know, we're
getting ahead of ourselves.
We don't even know where this is going.
We haven't even dated
in, like, years.
So, maybe we start there.
A date could be nice.
- Tomorrow.
- OK.
Leave everything up to me.
THEA: Hey. I'm not sure what the rule is
with exes and jewelry,
but I just thought I should
give this back to you.
Yeah, uh...
- Thea, this is my bad.
- No, no. For real. Um...
like, I put this in place
when we were together and
- forgot to cancel it after we...
- No, I figured.
But the necklace is stunning.
You did really good.
Thanks.
Look, I don't know the rules on...
exes and jewelry either,
but my rule is if I get you something,
well, you keep it.
- No. I can't.
- Look, Thea, I insist.
Really, it's yours, like,
and whenever you wear it,
I know you'll look amazing in it.
Thank you.
All right. Uh, I'll see you around.
OK. See ya.
[CELL PHONE CHIMES]
Sorry I'm late.
Thea, you good?
Not anymore. Um...
well...
- MAN: Is that you?
- THEA: Mm-hmm.
Who is the little girl next to you?
Grand Slam winner Iris McDonald.
Yeah, and that's me b*ating her.
I didn't even remember that
until my mom found this.
Wow. Huh. That's dope.
She's a world champion, and I'm here
talking to you. No offense.
None taken. I get it.
Look, I'm graduating, and I'll
be hitting the pro circuit soon.
You are a sophomore coming back
from a injury stronger than ever.
So, maybe you getting
that photo is a sign.
- That I should go pro?
- Yes.
Sign up for a Challenger. See
how you stack up against the pros.
Yeah, but if I do that,
I'd essentially be saying
- that I'm leaving the Bringston team.
- And what's the alternative?
Stay here and talk about your
glory days when you b*at a champion?
Uh, Ms. Morgan?
Hi. I'm Simone Hicks,
and on behalf of PKZ, I'll
be your host this weekend.
- It's nice to meet you, Simone.
- Nice to meet you, too.
Uh, I'll be at your disposal / ,
so, if there's anything that you'll need
when you're on campus, just, you know.
Off the jump, I do need a few things.
For you to call me Charlotte
and for you to relax.
I know your dean of pledges told
you to cater to my every need,
but I won't be able to see
if you're truly PKZ material
if you're running my
errands and carrying my bags.
OK. Period. So, how do we start?
With coffee and with
you telling me about you
and where you're going.
It's been a trying season,
but I am - in singles,
and I was voted Academic
Athlete of the week.
Is that all you're about? Tennis?
Is there nothing else?
What's your -year plan?
I don't know, but I'm
still a freshman, so,
- there's still some time.
- OK. It's almost May.
Do you even know what
you're doing this summer?
I... I... I didn't, but I...
PKZ wants leaders, Simone.
You have to think ahead.
Plan, then execute.
If you can't or won't do that,
- then PKZ isn't for you.
- No, I'm PKZ material. I just...
You've been avoiding my
calls, texts, and emails.
I was about to try carrier pigeon next.
LANDO: Charlotte, what
are you doing here?
- I'm here for the masquerade ball.
- LANDO: Wait. Simone?
How do you know my sister?
And you clearly know my brother.
How well do you two know each other?
So, you don't have any
plans for the future,
but your present is about
breaking PKZ rules while on line.
Is that right?
OK, instead of terrorizing
one of your pledges,
how about we get to why you've
been blowing up my phone?
You haven't submitted
any photos to apply
for the masquerade ball photo job.
LANDO: Yeah. I texted, I emailed,
- and I'm telling you in person: I'm not interested.
- SIMONE: Wait.
Lando, you're a photographer?
He is, and a damn good one, too.
Lando, these are really good.
See, Orlando?
Simone can see you have a natural talent
- that you're letting go to waste.
- I am using my talent the way I see fit.
Why is that so hard to grasp?
We'll continue this later on.
I have somewhere to be.
Simone, internship options.
Be prepared to discuss those later, too.
Until then, try and get my
hard-headed brother to see reason.
[SIGHS] Well,
- your sister is, uh...
- A lot. Yeah.
Charlotte operates at a at all times.
Well, I need to make
a good impression, so,
she wants you to submit these photos.
Could you help a sista out, please?
Yeah, no can do. But...
there was something
I wanted to give you.
I know 'cause of PKZ rules,
you can't bring a date
to the ball, but, um...
maybe you can save me a dance.
Definitely.
[POP MUSIC PLAYING]
- KEISHA: Yes.
- [CAM CHUCKLES]
KEISHA: OK. OK, we go
back around the other way.
[SIGHS] We've been at
this for minutes.
Well, putting in the
time makes it perfect.
You're stressing on it. Your
choreography is fire, babe.
There's a reason why PKZ and
KEK hired you for this dance.
It's just my first paid gig. I
just really want it to be good.
- Let's try it one more time.
- OK.
- [CELL PHONE CHIMES]
- Oh, hold up.
Oh, I'm sorry, babe. I gotta go.
More KEK deliveries.
I thought you were done with that.
I guess there's a few more. I'm sorry.
I'll catch you later at dance rehearsal.
- Yeah.
- OK.
Good. You got my text,
and you're on time.
Yeah, um, you call it a text,
I call it emotional blackmail.
All I said was that it would mean
a lot to your big brother
J.R. to have you at the ball,
and how he hasn't asked anything of you
since finding you again
after all these years.
Yup, that's... that's the
emotional blackmail part.
Whatever you want to call it.
You're here and all you have
to lose is a fun night out.
So, here's how it's going down.
You have dates,
locations, minutes apiece.
Wait. So, I only have
minutes to decide?
Damon, the event is tomorrow.
You don't have time to
make a love connection.
Date details are now in your texts...
- [CELL PHONE CHIMES]
- and you can thank me later.
Yeah. OK.
Also, fix your face. Vamonos.
- WOMAN: You're a Pisces?
- DAMON: Yeah.
That's gonna be a problem.
I usually don't vibe with Pisces.
- Sorry.
- WOMAN : My followers don't play,
so you're gonna have
to win them over, too.
What do you like most about me?
I mean, I just met you, so...
So, who's your favorite
player of all time?
The Griffeys, of course.
I mean, what other father/son duo
played together in pro sports history?
OK. I see you.
All right. Tell me your
exact time of birth,
and I may be able to salvage this
if I know your moon and rising.
Uh, I don't know what
time I was born. Sorry.
Well, can't you, like,
text your mom or something?
This is important.
And... ?
You're confident.
Wow! You already see the real me.
Y'all, drop a comment if you
think we make a cute couple.
[CHUCKLES]
WOMAN : I see you, too. Sub . ERA,
leading the conference in strikeouts,
a WHIP of . .
- So, you did your research. Heh.
- Oh, yeah.
And I can upgrade you like Beyonce.
But first we gotta
work on that curveball.
- Excuse me for a second.
- Oh, yeah.
Just... I got a text.
♪ The world is yours ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
_
♪ Said it's on you if you don't know ♪
♪ The world is yours ♪
- ♪ No stopping you ♪
- ♪ The world is yours ♪
- ♪ No stopping you ♪
- ♪ The world is yours ♪
What's up with Damon
and discount Rihanna?
I don't know. I hadn't noticed.
Mm-hmm.
Then what you're looking
at must be real important.
Well, I'm just wondering how
someone I used to eat for lunch is
winning millions of
dollars on the pro circuit.
Mm. Compare and despair
is a dangerous game.
You're right where you need to be,
and when you don't need to
be here anymore, you'll know.
Yeah.
You're a good friend.
I know. [LAUGHS]
Nathaniel Hardin, you have
a very special delivery.
- Who is this from?
- Mm-mm.
[SIGHS] Ahem.
"Dust off those glass slippers
and bring your best smile
'cause this Prince Charming wants
to see his Cinderella's smile."
He says he'll be wearing
a rose in his lapel.
Oh, that is so romantic,
if you're into that kind of thing.
I really, really am.
What would make it better is if
you would come to the ball with me.
You know what? Whatever.
I'm in. Let's do it.
We're gonna eat them girls up.
- Yes!
- They not ready.
CHARLOTTE: What about this one?
You'd learn sports marketing
from agents and retired pro athletes.
Uh... [EXHALES]
I don't think marketing's
really my thing.
I've given you options
for summer internships,
and none of them are right?
- Simone, work with me.
- I know. I'm trying, but I'm sorry.
None of these are speaking to me.
Simone, I'm a senior manager
at a Fortune company.
All I need to do is make
one call and you're in.
Just pick something.
Uh...
At least tell me which one of
Lando's photos you like best.
Charlotte, I told you he still said no.
My brother doesn't always
know what's best for him.
He seemed pretty clear to me.
You know what? I'm pulling rank.
As your potential big sister,
help me pick out photos to submit.
Bro, so, you didn't like any of
the women Gabby sent your way?
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- No. I didn't.
All you did was waste Gabby's time.
I told you that I wasn't
feeling the masquerade ball.
You want to tell me why?
- Hmm.
- Simone.
You know she's gonna be there,
and you'd rather sit around here
and drown in your feelings for her?
Yeah, well, I'm drowning because of you.
What the hell are you talkin' about?
Your advice not to
tell Simone how I felt,
that was trash, bro.
Then why'd you listen?
Exactly. 'Cause you know my
trash advice was the move.
And getting out of this funk
and going to a dope event
- is the move, too.
- You keep thinking that you know
what's best for me, and you
just don't, J., all right?
So, I'm gonna need you just to
stay out of my business, bro.
All right, bro. You got it.
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
Oh, Ms. McCalla. A moment?
- KEISHA: Hi, Dr. Pace.
- DR. PACE: Is it true
that you're choreographing the
dance for the masquerade ball?
Yeah, the planning committee
saw my Black Joy Day dance,
and they thought that I could
bring a unique perspective, so...
As I'm sure you're aware,
professional choreographing
outside of class is against the rules.
No, I know. I just thought that
since this was a Bringston thing...
Rules are rules, no matter who it's for.
Dr. Pace, I promise nothing
like this will ever happen again.
I know it won't, because
this is the final straw.
You've officially failed my class.
I hope this opportunity is worth it.
[LINE RINGING]
[KNOCK ON DOOR, DOOR OPENS]
PKZ offered me the photographer job.
Oh. Congrats.
My guess,
Charlotte submitted my
photos behind my back.
And please tell me that you didn't
have anything to do with this.
I maybe helped her pick out some photos.
After I specifically
said I wasn't interested.
Lando, what was I supposed to do?
I need to make a good
impression with her.
PKZ means a lot to me.
So, if you get into PKZ,
is this how it's gonna be?
You choosing what Charlotte
wants over how I feel?
Ain't nobody gonna focus on
you. I'm gonna focus on me.
Is this really that deep to you?
No one is forcing you
to take this job, Lando.
Except they are. Charlotte
told the whole family.
- Now everybody pressuring me.
- Because they know you love photography, Lando.
Why won't you just take a chance?
Because sometimes when your
passion becomes your profession,
it changes it for you,
and I don't want that.
You struggle with
being in the spotlight.
Maybe your resistance
with sharing your work
is because you're afraid it'll
bring attention that you don't want.
Wow.
So, you go behind my back
and conspire with my sister
to get me a job I don't even want,
and now you psychoanalyzing me.
Maybe you and Charlotte
really are sisters.
[SCOFFS]
You know what? I think I had enough
of the Johnson siblings today, so,
if you don't mind, I gotta
go to dance rehearsal.
CAM: Hey, Lou, my
guy, your two left feet
got you wobbling out there.
Wobble! That should be your line name.
OK, Milli Vanilli.
Get it? 'Cause you can sing.
Right. I can. They couldn't.
PERRY: Bro, you dug
deep for that reference.
- How old are you really?
- CAM: Right!
Uh, Kesh.
- Hey. You good?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
Let's run through it.
, , , .
Cam, you're on the wrong side.
- CAM: No, I'm not.
- KEISHA: Just do it again.
, , , .
OK, you're a half a b*at too slow now.
What the hell are you doing?
- SIMONE: No, it wasn't...
- KEISHA: Well, Maybe if you spent more time
focusing on learning the steps
instead of playing around
with your little friends,
- it would look better.
- Keisha,
I was the one that messed up, not Cam.
It's gonna be dope, OK?
My bad. Y'all are...
y'all are gonna be great.
Simone's right. Um,
I'll see all y'all later.
Well, y'all can go.
Cam, can I talk to you real quick?
Nah. I think you've done that enough.
Look, I don't know
what's going on with you,
but whatever it is, ain't it.
MAN: Dr. Amara Patterson, you
have a very, very special delivery.
Oh. Uh...
[CHUCKLES]
thank you.
_
THEA: Well, that's a
beautiful dress, Dr. P.
I guess fairy tales are for
university presidents, too.
You know, Thea, I've been
meaning to check on you,
but I didn't want to intrude.
I know this last semester
has been trying for you.
If you ever need an ear...
Thank you.
Actually, I have...
I've been wondering about something.
Sit.
OK, so I've recovered from my injury,
and I'm playing the
best tennis of my life,
and now I'm contemplating
maybe going pro.
- Oh. That's a big step.
- Yeah.
Ready for another one?
I've been working a
lot on this in therapy,
and I'm finally realizing
that being excellent in tennis
doesn't have to come at the cost
of everything else in my life,
and I can have love and
be the best on the court.
I miss Damon...
and I think it was a
mistake breaking up with him,
but telling him that is really scary.
I hear you,
but sometimes the
things worth fighting for
are the very things
that scare us the most.
[DOORKNOB RATTLES]
CAM: Hey, bro, what is that...
workout number today?
Yeah. So?
Well, clearly the latest whatever
with Simone is hitting different.
[SCOFFS] Bro, you don't even
know what you're talking about.
There was a kiss, and then
y'all just decided to be friends.
I hear Keisha and Nate
talk about y'all a lot.
Yeah. Well,
Keisha and Nate don't know
what they're talking about
because it's Simone who
just wants to be friends.
You want more?
Doesn't matter what I want
anymore, all right, Cam?
That doesn't sound healthy.
Change of plans, my guy.
You punked out a little.
Tell Simone how you really feel.
Look, just because I'm
going through stuff right now
does not mean that I'm punking out.
You ain't being yourself for a minute.
Stand in your truth.
Let it never be said that you
didn't sh**t your sh*t honestly.
The Damon Sims I know,
the one who gets on my damn nerve,
speaks his mind.
You're right, bro.
I'm gonna tell her how I feel
when she gets back from the ball.
No. Don't wait. Go to
the ball. Tell her there.
I'm telling you, once you
step onto that ballroom floor,
it's gonna feel like magic.
[STRING QUARTET PLAYING]
CAM, VOICE-OVER: You're gonna
feel like anything is possible.
Soak that in, bro.
Embrace the magic
because you're not just telling
her that you want to be with her,
you're telling her that
you want a future together.
CAM, VOICE-OVER: You'll know
when the moment is right.
It'll be right there.
DAMON: Excuse me, my lady.
I must have the pleasure
of making your acquaintance.
I'm Samuel.
Hello. I'm...
Desiree.
Ah. Well, lovely to meet you, Desiree.
So, um, did you come alone?
- Afraid so...
- Mm.
- and I see you are without a companion.
- Um, yes, for now,
but I was hoping to change that.
I know we've only just met,
but when I think about
my life and my future...
I see you in it.
Well, that's a shame.
Desiree is all for living in the moment.
Damon, you good?
Yeah. I'm fine, and that was Samuel.
Hey, Simone, we need you
for the final run-through.
SIMONE: Oh. Um, well, it
was nice meeting you, Samuel.
Uh, you, too, Des...
Desiree.
♪ That is good enough for me ♪
- ♪ I think we both agree... ♪
- Well,
- you both look very beautiful.
- So do you.
- Enough to justify these heels?
- Totally.
OK. Well, if you'll excuse
me, I have to go find someone.
♪ ... you in my grip... ♪
Well, you ready to
find your mystery man?
Oh, there's no point.
Everybody here has
flowers on their lapel.
- Oh.
- Ohh.
- Another one?
- Another one.
"Roses are red. Violets are blue.
Find the flowers on my mask.
I'm waiting for you."
OK. Go get your man.
Imma go get him, girl. Mm!
[LAUGHS]
You haven't said a
word to Damon all night.
The way you've been staring at him,
you better hope your face
don't freeze that way.
What's up?
Well, apparently, I gave him
trash advice about his love life.
Now, you know I need
more details than that.
His feelings for Simone
resurfaced in a major way,
and I told him, "Put that on ice."
His dad just passed, plus
a relationship going
wrong with Damon and Simone
would wreck our Bringston friend family.
But you don't know if it
would've gone wrong or not,
and it's really not your business...
- Well...
- And, finally...
What was that for?
For not telling me the
tea on Damon and Simone.
If I had known, I would've
never tried to fix him up.
Why not? You were just
trying to help him out.
Leaving Damon alone is the
best way to help him out.
Plus, the way he's been
staring at Simone tonight,
that's something deeper than heartbreak.
Now, make things right with Damon
before the face he's
making at you freezes.
♪ Oh oh ♪
♪ Ooh ooh ♪
♪ I know what you've been feeling ♪
♪ For a long time ♪
♪ Time... ♪
THEA: Hey, can we talk?
Uh, you look... amazing. Heh.
Thank you.
Uh, heh. Do you want to... ?
- Come on.
- Yeah. Heh heh.
So I have been thinking
a lot about my life
and, um, what I want out of it
and if I've made the right decisions.
Someone like you, when they make
decisions, they don't look back.
Someone like that lives
their life with no regrets.
Our breakup, I think that was a mistake.
I mean, I know you had your reasons.
Yeah, and at the time,
those reasons felt right,
but not anymore.
I'm just not in the
right headspace for this.
A lot has changed for me...
- Oh, I know.
- in the past two weeks, and...
I know, I know. You dad just d*ed,
- and I can help you through that.
- Look, hey,
it's not just that, all right? I'm...
I'm dealing with a lot right now, Thea.
I think it's important that I
process all of it for myself,
but I will always care about you, Thea,
but I think you made the right call.
MAN: All right, all right, everybody.
The masquerade dance
performance is starting now.
[MONICA'S "STREET SYMPHONY" PLAYING]
MONICA: ♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yes ♪
♪ Oh, yes ♪
♪ Ah, ah ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yes ♪
♪ Am I worth it to you, baby? ♪
♪ Never thought I'd be afraid to trust ♪
♪ Somebody that I love so much ♪
♪ If I can get him out of the streets ♪
♪ Then he could come back to me ♪
♪ Now I see that there ain't no us ♪
♪ Baby, to me, that's a definite plus ♪
♪ If I can't get you out of the streets ♪
♪ Then you don't need to be with me ♪
♪ Never thought I'd be afraid to trust ♪
- ♪ Somebody that I love so much... ♪
- I think we need to talk.
- Think I owe you an apology.
- You do, but that can wait.
Right now, let's do the damn thing.
MONICA: ♪ Now I see
that there ain't no us ♪
♪ Baby, to me, that's a definite plus ♪
♪ If I can't get you out of the streets ♪
♪ Then you don't need to be with me ♪
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MARCUS: Amara, you look... wow.
Right back at you.
Why, thank you. [CHUCKLES]
[POURING]
All right.
To new beginnings.
Look, Amara,
I'm not asking for a clean slate.
I'm asking for a chance to show you
that I'm not the man
who disappears anymore.
I'm the man who stays.
[DRU HILL'S "BEAUTY" PLAYING]
[LAUGHS] Marcus...
Dru Hill? [LAUGHS]
- [LAUGHS]
- That was our song.
- Boy, did you do this?
- That was me, that was me.
[LAUGHS]
♪ Sorry, didn't notice you there ♪
♪ Then again, you didn't notice me ♪
♪ So we'll remain passersby ♪
♪ Until the next time we speak ♪
♪ I hope that I can make you mine ♪
♪ 'Fore another man
steals your heart... ♪
You can't leave before our dance.
- Who are you?
- It's more romantic this way.
[INDIA SHAWN'S "TOO SWEET" PLAYING]
SHAWN: ♪ You can't
blame it on the alcohol ♪
♪ We both know what you came here for ♪
♪ You got me doin' rounds
'round your thoughts ♪
♪ Tell me what you want, oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ You're good with your
lips, you feel right ♪
♪ Your words took me
places at the right time ♪
♪ Now you're cold 'cause you
ain't felt a soul so free ♪
♪ Guess that's 'cause you
ain't met a woman like me ♪
♪ Who love too sweet... ♪
[APPLAUSE]
Honey, if that was our first dance,
then I'm not ready...
for the re...
SHAWN: ♪ I know that
you're weak, I see ♪
♪ I'm too sweet, that's
what you love 'bout me ♪
♪ I'm too sweet, that's
why you can't reply ♪
♪ I'm too sweet, that's
what you love 'bout me ♪
♪ I know that you're weak, I see ♪
♪ It should be simple... ♪
Charlotte and the rest of your
family finally got their way?
Yeah, only because I
realized you were right.
I was living in fear,
and I owe it to myself to see what
I can make of photography, so...
- I'm sorry.
- I owe you an apology, too.
I was using you to get
in good with Charlotte,
and the more she pressed
me to think about my future,
the more I ran from it.
- Why?
- My mom planned my whole life,
so nothing I ever wanted mattered.
Now that you have the power to decide,
you're scared you're gonna
make the wrong choices.
Choosing Bringston over
Stanford was scary enough.
I get that, but the
discovery can be exciting.
Ain't that what college is all about,
finding yourself?
You know, I actually liked
learning something new about you.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
Then you're gonna love what comes next.
[NOVO, MEREZZ & TAMER
HEGAB'S "LITTLE BIT" PLAYING]
NOVO: ♪ No, no, no, no ♪
I'm an incredible dancer.
- Oh, really?
- Mm-hmm.
NOVO: ♪ No, no, no, no ♪
We'll see about that.
NOVO: ♪ Understand, understand ♪
♪ There ain't nothing
you can do about it ♪
♪ Flip my main, that's my way ♪
♪ There ain't nothing
you can do about it ♪
♪ That's the way I've been played ♪
♪ Like you brought it out of me ♪
♪ Spend my time drinking far ♪
♪ When it's bright, I'm out to see... ♪
J.R.: Damon.
Man, I'm sorry.
You told me how you felt about Simone.
I should've supported
you, not discouraged you.
I appreciate that, man, for real.
So what changed your mind?
Heh! Gabby. Heh.
What changed your mind about
coming to the masquerade ball?
Oddly... Cam.
Ha! I'm gonna need that story later.
Yeah. I came to talk to Simone,
and I had my moment, bro, but...
just couldn't go through with it.
I don't know why.
You were afraid that if she
didn't return your feelings,
you'll lose one of your best friends.
Yeah, and you put that in my head.
And I was wrong because truth is,
you and Simone have
never been just friends,
not since the first day on the quad.
Your feelings have been
so much more than that.
Guess at this point, I
ain't got nothing to lose.
And everything to gain, and she
might just return your feelings.
I won't know until I put it out there.
Listen, that's the only way
you'll be able to move on,
and no matter what happens,
I'll be here to listen.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
So are we gonna talk,
or are we just gonna dance
until our feet fall off?
Sure. You can start by telling me
why you sonned me in front of everyone.
I really needed you this weekend,
and then suddenly, it felt like
all your new friends came first.
That's not even a little true.
I always show up for you, Kee, always.
I know, but for an organization
you joined just for scholarships,
- you spend a lot of time with them.
- Yeah, sure.
I originally joined KEK for the money,
but I found something I didn't
think I'd find after football...
a brotherhood. KEK gave that back to me,
and I'm not gonna apologize
for wanting that for myself.
And you shouldn't have to.
I'm really happy for you.
Dr. Pace really got me in my head.
Man, if I never hear that woman's
name again, it'll be too soon.
- What'd she do now?
- She said she's gonna flunk me
because students can't take paid gigs.
For real? Can she even do that?
I don't know. Apparently,
she can do whatever she wants.
Nah. My girl is way too
good to go out like that.
Come on. We're gonna find
a way out of this, OK?
♪ It never gets easier... ♪
SIMONE: Um, Charlotte,
can I talk to you for a second?
I love tennis.
I believe it's my future,
but I'm really excited to see
what else is out there for me,
and I'd love it if you were
there guiding me along the way.
I love everything about
what you just said,
and once you cross, you'll not only have
a big sister but a mentor for life.
Period.
I'll e-mail you my top
summer internship options,
and we can talk about them next week?
Absolutely. I'll be in touch.
And whatever you said to Orlando,
I've never seen him so
happy to pick up a camera.
Thank you.
So,
what could possibly have the most
beautiful girl in the room looking so sad?
I'm not sad, just deep in thought.
Well, if you're willing, I
have a bag full of pennies
for even just one thought.
OK. Um,
I took a chance and
fought for love tonight.
It didn't go well, but...
Sorry to hear that.
It's OK, you know? I took a sh*t,
and now I have the closure I need...
and, um, as for tennis,
I'm gonna sign up for
a Challenger Match,
and if it goes well, I'm going pro.
Well, I guess there's only
one thing left to do from here.
What?
Dance with me.
Just one dance, Thea.
- OK.
- Yeah?
Fine. [LAUGHS]
Hi, Dr. Pace.
So...
I just wanted to let you know,
I had the Masquerade Committee
donate my choreography fee to charity.
That's very kind, Ms. McCalla,
but I'm afraid that's a technicality.
- You still accepted payment.
- Well, technically, no, I didn't.
I never touched it.
They donated it, not me,
so unless you have something else
you want to fail me for...
- Guess I'll see you in class, then.
- I guess so.
That was a night I won't soon forget.
Yeah.
Well, good things
come to those who wait.
I guess so.
Good night, Amara.
Who says the night has to end?
♪ Oh, like a rocket through the white ♪
♪ Ripped from a feeling ♪
♪ All right, all right ♪
♪ Tonight what I don't
want to do is numb ♪
♪ 'Cause I can't really feel it ♪
♪ Oh, my, oh, my ♪
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES AND CHIMES]
♪ When the sky starts turning black ♪
- _
- ♪ Don't get lost in that ♪
♪ The dark won't last forever... ♪
Well, Samuel...
[CHUCKLES]
I didn't think I was gonna
see you again tonight.
Actually, um, heh!
Damon was hoping that
he could talk to Simone,
if you didn't mind.
Oh, God.
Why do I get the
feeling you're gonna say
we can't go back to being friends?
I haven't been completely honest
about my feelings.
Truth is, I love you.
I've always loved you. I loved you since
I stole your phone at
homecoming two years ago.
I want more, Simone,
but if you don't,
I'll respect that.
Choice is yours.
♪ Ooh, ooh, wait ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, wait ♪
♪ Ooh, ohh, till the
stars come back to us ♪
Greg, move your head.
02x12 - Behind the Mask
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Spin-off series follows Simone who leaves Los Angeles to attend Bringston University, a historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her dream of Tennis.
Spin-off series follows Simone who leaves Los Angeles to attend Bringston University, a historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her dream of Tennis.