01x05 - Episode 5

[bunniefuu]

Leslie--
that's my surrogate mom--

wanted to leave Chicago
after her husband died.

New beginnings and all that.

Of course.
Did you say surrogate?

Uh, Leslie was best friends
with my real mother.

She died when I was little.

I'm sorry.

It was hard,
but Leslie took me in

and treated me like her own.

She's the only mom
I've ever really known.

We're just not blood related.

Leslie sounds like
a wonderful person.

So, as you know,
since we moved here,

Leslie and Mona have
become friends.

And so here I am,

talking to you about a job.

Can you work long hours?

I know you have
your own thing going.

Mona said you're looking to set
yourself up as a hairstylist.

Oh, I can book
around your needs.

I freelance,
so I'm not tied to any schedule.

And Leslie and I haven't
been in D.C. that long,

so I don't have any regular
clients I have to service yet.

I only ask because there is
a lot going on right now.

Mona and Laura were
putting in extra hours.

But don't panic.

It will eventually settle back
into something more forgiving.

Speaking of Laura, I understand
she was in a terrible accident.

-Is she okay?
-She will be.

Unfortunately,
it wasn't an accident.

Some nutcase deliberately
ran her off the road.

I... didn't realize.

That's awful.

It's been one thing
after another.

Tonight's challenge
is getting my sister

through
her ex-husband's wedding.

Not looking forward to that one.

It is here, baby.

We're getting married tonight.

Yeah. Followed closely
by our honeymoon.

I'm telling you, babe,
you're gonna love Italy

as much as I do.

Oh, me in Italy?

I can't even imagine.

I've never been
out of the country.

And just to think
the way that we're going...

flights, hotel,
first class everything.

If this is a dream,
I don't want to wake up.

And this is just the beginning,
sweetheart.

I intend to spend the rest of
my life making you happier

than you ever thought possible.

And all those things you missed
out on, I'm gonna give to you.

And then some.

You're amazing.

But I don't need
material things.

Only you.

Nothing wrong
with having it all.

In fact, get used to it.

I just wish
I hadn't cost you so much.

Look. Okay.

Do I seem like I'm mourning
anything to you?

Hmm?

My marriage to Dani would have
ended eventually

even if you hadn't come along.

I mean, we grew apart,

as couples sometimes do.

And both... both parties
bless it, and they move on.

So don't worry, okay?

Mm. Mm.

[laughs softly]

[Andre clears throat]

How long were you staring at me?

Not long enough.

Well, I hope
I didn't ruin the illusion

by drooling or snoring.

[laughs]

No, you're just as beautiful
asleep as you are awake.

Last night was, uh...

Wow. [chuckles]

That's an understatement.

Yeah, I thought I was having
the most fantastic dream,

and then I woke up
and there you were,

right beside me.

-Funny.
-Mm.

I had the same dream.

Mm.

But that's what it has to be.

A night out of time...

...that never happened.

I hope that's not regret
I'm hearing.

We're adults.

[both chuckle]

We're not related.

We're not married
to other people.

You get to have lovers
if you choose.

I know, Andre.

It's just...

I've been Bill's wife
a long time.

I still feel married.

-Hey...
-Yeah?

Last night was amazing.

Hmm.

You're amazing.

-Mm.
-And no,

not one single regret.

Because you have made me
feel alive in a way

that I haven't in a while.

But I'm raw, Andre.

Much too raw to get involved

more than
what's already happened.

I think
I'm really sorry to hear that.

♪ ♪

That is an interesting piece.

NICOLE:
My elephant? I collect them.

I like you, Eva.
The job is yours if you want it.

With the understanding,
of course, that it is temporary.

Just until Laura can
come back to work.

[squeals] Understood.

I want the job very much.

Thank you, Dr. Richardson.

That is a mouthful.

Call me Nicole.

Nicole.

I'm only minutes away
from becoming

Mrs. Hayley Hamilton. [laughs]

Don't you just love
the sound of that?

It suits you.

I'm so happy for you and Bill.

You've made such
a difference in his life.

He's completely changed mine.

It's not even
recognizable anymore.

-Yeah.
-I just

wish that our happiness

hadn't caused his family
so much pain.

We can do this however you want.

If you want to pretend

that we didn't have
mind-bending sex last night...

-[laughs]
-...okay.

If you want to give it another
go, I'm good with that, too.

-I bet.
-Mm-hmm.

You always this easy?

Yeah, pretty much.

I'm a no-strings kind of guy.

And besides, you're in

an emotionally complicated
place right now,

so I respect that.

I accept it.

Just remember, though,
if you ever get lonely,

you got options.

If I can find you
wherever you are in the world.

I don't know. Who knows?

I might take
more jobs in the States.

Stay closer to home.

It's been a lot better
being back than I anticipated.

And not just because of this...
unexpected bounty.

-Well...
-Mm-hmm?

...you know what they say
about good things.

Are you kicking me out?

Before a nosy Fairmont woman
notices your car

in my driveway? Mm-hmm.

That might be good
for Bill to know.

That you spent the night?

Yes. It sends the message
that you're moving on.

But I'm not.

Dani, he...

he's getting married tonight.

That's the plan.

More importantly,
you're too good for him.

That's what
people keep telling me.

Because it's true.

You're a good guy, Andre.

Now go.

[soft chuckle]

All right.

Yes, ma'am.

[Andre clears throat]

Do you think our coworkers
genuinely like me?

As opposed to...?

Tolerating me because of Bill.

Didn't you feel the love
at the celebration yesterday?

I mean, yeah,

but it's easy
to be warm and fuzzy

at a party for your boss.

You said you had it rough
growing up.

Yeah, I, um...

was basically on my own.

My father disappeared

when my mother got pregnant,
so...

I never knew him,

which made her resent me.

No siblings?

Just me.

Well, not anymore.

To answer your question, yes.

You found family at the law
offices of Bill Hamilton.

No one's faking anything
when it comes to you.

You're part of us now.

Thank you.

Hey. Just checking in.

I wanted to let you know
I was thinking of you.

I appreciate that,
but I'll be fine.

I know.

You'll be all stoic,
a rock for your mom and Chelsea,

and not pay any attention
to what you're going through.

Which is nothing
compared to Mom.

Why do you have to quantify it?

You were betrayed
by Bill and Hayley, too.

You get to be
in your feelings about this.

Ugh, I just wish
I hadn't been so gullible.

Hayley seemed cool at first,
you know?

Smart and funny,

despite the dismal way
she grew up.

I thought she was brave...

and then I was the one
that invited her into my family.

And now that lying
little b*tch stole my father

and broke my mother's heart.

I'll carry guilt about that
for the rest of my life.

You know, there's
another way to look at it.

-I'm listening.
-You and your mom and sister

definitely have fallout
to work through.

But in the end, maybe
this turned out for the best.

[scoffs] How?

Your father has shown
his true colors

where Dani is concerned.

Made his indifference
unmistakable.

Would you really want
your mother married to a man

who thinks so little of her?

Hmm?

[knocking at door]

Hey, hey. What...

What's this now?

We need to talk.

I need to talk
and you need to listen.

Okay.

I suppose I owe you that.

You probably think I am here
to berate and accuse you again.

-I'm not.
-Hmm. Nice change.

But it begs the question,
why are you here?

On my wedding day, no less?

It doesn't have to be.

Cancel.

It's not too late, Bill.

Stop this ridiculous wedding

to that ridiculous girl

and come back home
where you belong.

-You mean that?
-Yes.

I'm not expecting a miracle.

It'll be rough.

Great pain requires
great healing.

But we can do it

if we're patient and kind.

And if we recommit to the family
and the life that we made,

we can come back even stronger.

You really believe
that can happen?

After everything
we've been through?

I know it.

But not if you're in
some farce of a marriage

with Hayley trying
to reclaim your lost youth

or whatever
the hell you're doing.

I am your wife.

We belong together.

We loved each other, Bill.

Deeply.

I didn't imagine that.

You were my everything...

once.

And I can be again.

We share too much
to just throw it away.

History, family. I--

I'm not gonna lose that.

Not to Hayley, not to anyone.

Just say yes.

Say yes
to giving us another chance,

and I will take it from there.

You don't have to be
the fixer this time.

I'll do the work.

Just, please...

...please stop this nonsense

and come back home.

[chuckles]

Dani...

Beautiful...

exquisite Dani.

I think
I'm gonna start charging you

photographer's assistant fees.

TED:
[laughs] That's my girl.

Always looking
for the bottom line.

Time is money.

I haven't hired you yet.

You are strictly
volunteer status.

But I can swing for dinner.

[gasps] Throw in dancing,
and you got a deal.

Done.

-Ooh.
-Ooh.

[grunts]

So, he asked casually,

does anyone know
about Ashley Morgan

and that firefighter boyfriend?

I don't know Ashley well
enough to be in her business.

Ask Naomi. They're BFFs.

But be careful,
if you don't want your--

what is it, interest?--
to be known.

Naomi's also close
with the boyfriend.

They have, like,
a couples' club.

Ashley, Derek, Naomi and Jacob,
they hang out at the Uptown.

Uptown.

So you're looking at Ashley.

You sound surprised.

I am. Don't get me wrong.

-Ashley's lovely.
-Yeah.

But she's not
your usual sophisticated

woman of the world type.

Well, that's the advantage
of having a big heart.

Room for all different types.

That's sort of the point.

NICOLE:
We love you dearly, Andre,

but your attention span
when it comes to women

leaves a lot to be desired.

Ashley is not a casual person.

I hope you'll remember that.

Yep.

You got it. I got it.

TED:
Okay, nephew.

Friendly warning.
If you're planning to ask

to leave early, I wouldn't.

You haven't been here
long enough to not be here.

Why would I want to leave early?

You're connected
to the Hamiltons, right?

Thought you might be invited

to that fancy wedding
at the country club.

Believe me,
my friendship with Naomi

does not give me invites
to Bill or Dani events.

And this wedding is toxic.

I'm happy not to be
anywhere near it.

So what's your take?

Being friends with
one of the daughters and all.

Is Hayley Lawson a seductress,

or is Bill Hamilton a cheater?

Can't both be true?

Anyway, it doesn't matter now.

The damage has been done.

I remember
the first time I saw you.

I was hanging out
with Wayne Maddox.

[both laugh]

Yeah, he was at
the top of his game back then.

Had the world at his feet.

And, man,
that guy could throw a football.

Yeah.

A party, too.

And that's where we met,

at one of Wayne's bashes.

I remember
like it was yesterday.

Yeah.

You walked in that room

and everyone else in there
became less.

I never seen
anything more beautiful.

And the way
you carried yourself,

with such confidence and pride,

knocked me out.

That's what
makes this moment so sad.

Sad? Honey. No, no, no.

This is good.

We're remembering.

Validating our history.

This is what I'm talking about.

Desperation.

It pains me to see it.

What happened to all that pride?

I can't believe
you would fix your mouth

to say something so hurtful.

But here's the answer.

Whatever I am in this moment

that pains you...

you made me.

Oh, no, no.

I'm not taking that on. No.

You're a grown woman
with free will,

responsible for the choices
that you make.

And you're a Dupree,

as your family loves to remind
everyone at the drop of a hat.

A superior being who should
be able to handle herself

with more dignity
and restraint,

instead of physically
assaulting people

and refusing to let go
of what's no longer hers.

Here's the reality, Dani.

Hayley is going to be my wife,

and it can't happen soon enough.

And if you really want to honor

all of that history
that we made,

show some grace.

Be the bigger person
and forgive Hayley.

Stop talking.

I have finally heard enough.

So, for the purposes
of this video,

do I call you Nicole and Ted?

Or Mom and Dad?

Whatever comes out is fine,
I'm sure.

Okay, then, Mom.

[laughs]

All right. Let's get it.

You're well known
for your work as

a psychiatrist
and philanthropist.

When it comes to
your personal life, though,

not much is out there.

We can start
with your father.

For those of you who don't know,

this is my brilliant
plastic surgeon husband,

Dr. Ted Richardson.

Hello, everyone.

I'm honored to be involved
in this tribute

to my remarkable wife.

Let's go to the beginning.

Where did you two meet?

Ted and I went to
an NMA conference.

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

That night,
we went to the welcome reception

and we were
introduced by someone.

You remember who?

I don't.

TED:
Hmm.

This is gonna sound corny,

but the moment our eyes met

and you smiled at me,

time stood still
just long enough to let me know

that I had just met my future.

TED: We exchanged
a few words, and then

-the speeches started,
-NICOLE: Never ending.

After a bit,
I went for a walk on the beach.

I waited
a respectable amount of time,

and then I caught up with her.

And then I gave fate
a little nudge.

We walked for a bit.

When we got back
on hotel grounds,

we commandeered a cabana

and talked
until the sun came up.

-A sign.
-NICOLE: We like to think so.

That night definitely
sealed the deal for me.

Same.

No other woman
has pierced my radar since.

I have been
very fortunate in life,

had many blessings come my way.

But the one that
I'm the most grateful for,

the one that changed everything,

was deciding to attend
the NMA conference on Maui,

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

There. All done.

You look gorgeous.

Wow.

-Who needs professionals?
-[laughs]

Do I know what I'm doing
or what?

You know,
thank you so much, Caroline,

just for being here

and being my friend.

It's not a chore.

You're terrific.

I know it,

Bill knows it,

and you wait and see.

Everyone else at Fairmont Crest
will know it, too.

Dani be damned.

♪ ♪

Ridiculous.

Horrible man.

The depth of betrayal
is staggering.

And in your own home.

We don't have to put
too fine a point on that.

We're all just outraged
on Dani's behalf.

You know, showing up here,

despite everything
Bill and Hayley did to you,

is the bravest, most
selfless thing I've ever seen.

It's the girls, you know.

Bill didn't divorce them.

Naomi and Chelsea need
a relationship

with their father,

and I wasn't about to send them
here by themselves.

Thank you all, by the way.

Your support during
this ghastly time

is much needed and appreciated.

Any one of us could have been
in your shoes, Dani.

The least we could do
is be here for you.

Well, the good news is

no need to go to the reception.

And hopefully,
the ceremony will be brief.

We are here, Dani.

You are not alone.

Thank you.

Well, I wasn't sure
my request would be honored.

Well...

there you have it.

Mm.

It's a little backhanded,
though.

All those ladies dressed in
black like they're at a funeral.

[chuckles]

In a way, they are.

We all are.

Because tonight, we bury
your influence over my family.

It's done, Bill.

BILL:
Mm-hmm.

This is the last favor

you will ever get from a Dupree.

I wouldn't be the maid
of honor you deserve

if I didn't make sure

certain traditions were upheld.

Bill gave you
something new and blue.

I covered the other two.

Wow. Okay.

That's... old.

My mother used it
to wrap her bouquet

when she married my dad.

I thought you could do the same.

I love that.

And that's borrowed.

From me.

-[Hayley laughs]
-The diamonds aren't real,

but you can't beat the sparkle.

Oh, no.

Don't you dare cry

and mess up
my brilliant makeup application.

[both laugh]

-Okay.
-Come on.

Let's get you
into this amazing dress.

Okay.

I wasn't sure
you would come tonight.

I thought you might
hop that flight to Paris.

Never let it be said that I am
not a good Dupree soldier.

I'm so sorry, baby girl.

I know that it's costing you
a lot to be here.

Your mother and I really
appreciate your sacrifice.

Trust me, this wasn't
asked of you lightly.

I get it.

And really? It's fine.

Things work out
the way they're supposed to.

If I ended up here,
tonight of all nights...

...it's for a reason.

-What do you make of that?
-I don't know.

But what she said
wasn't what she meant.

I'm sorry,
but you look familiar.

-Do I...
-I know...

Wait. Is that my husband?

I know. My--
my schedule's been crazy.

A run on heart surgeries?

It happens.
Everything all at once.

When things calm down,

-I'll make it up to you.
-Mm?

Maybe a trip to the Bahamas?

Ooh. Beach boys and cabanas?

I'm so there.

[gasps]

I didn't think
you would make it.

I cut my trip short.

You're my best friend.

There's no way I'd let you
face this night

without being here
in full support.

How are you holding up?

As well as can be expected.

Well, it's home stretch time.

We are going to get you
through this odious night,

and then we are moving on.

But first, let's get a drink.

Hey, babe.
Figured you could use this.

You are a lovely,
intuitive husband.

Thank you.

So how you feeling?

Sad.

I'm sad that
our family's come to this.

Divided, angry, estranged.

All because two narcissists

recognized themselves
in each other

and fell in love
with their own reflections.

While the rest of us
sort through the wreckage.

Kat, right?

Do I know you?

Tomas Navarro.

I'm an attorney at
your Uncle Bill's law firm.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

Tense time for your family.

-Putting it mildly.
-[chuckles]

I'm actually surprised
you guys are here.

-Don't ask.
-Okay.

I just hope you won't hold the
workplace situation against me.

I'd like to take you out
some night.

[gasps] Chelsea. Oh...

You know,
you can still go to Paris

once this dreadful night
is over.

Cleanse the palette.

Unfortunately, the time
for Paris has come and gone.

Oh, well,
can't say I didn't try.

I can't talk right now,
but I appreciate the check-in.

It's nice to be wanted again.

Who were you talking to?

An old acquaintance.

Which tells me nothing.

Should I be jealous?

Nope. Nothing's changed.

I'm all yours.

[glasses clink]

I owe you an apology.

You think?

I was ungracious earlier.

You were cruel and heartless.

I know. I'm sorry, okay?

I just get sick
of defending myself.

Look, Dani, I'm tired

of all the confrontations
that lead nowhere.

You must be, too.

Why don't we just find
some happy medium

where we can coexist?

I mean, you being here tonight
is a start.

And Hayley and I, we really
appreciate the gesture.

Oh, don't come at me with that.

Like you didn't have
something to do with it.

What do you think you know?

My parents insisted
we come to this clown show

because you got to them somehow.

That's why I'm here.

I don't wish you
or your wh*re well.

In fact,
I hope my forced presence

is a dark cloud
that has a negative impact

on the rest of
your miserable lives.

All right.

[guests gasping]

Got it. Perfection.

Except a sudden wave of panic.

If you're having second
thoughts, now would be the time.

No, no, not about marrying Bill.

I've never been
more sure of anything.

But seriously,

what if the room is empty?

And I'm not even talking
about myself here.

Bill is a famous, highly
respected defense attorney.

I want to reflect well on him.

And how pathetic would it be

if his only guests
were on payroll?

Want me to take a peek?

[sighs]

You know what?

No.

-Let the haters hate.
-[laughs]

No one is going
to spoil this day.

Now we're talking.

You ready?

So ready.

BILL:
Hey.

Means a lot to me,
having my daughters here.

I know it's under duress.

Dani told me
your presence was mandated.

But still,
seeing your beautiful faces

on one of the most
meaningful nights of my life

is an unexpected blessing,
and I'm...

I'm grateful for it.

I suppose you hate me, too.

No.

But I don't like you very much.

Hanging in?

Barely.

I did something

so monumentally stupid today

that I probably deserve
all the humiliation I got.

Oh, dear.

Am I afraid to ask?

I will spare you
the gory details, but I...

went to Bill's hotel suite.

I bared my soul.

I begged him to come home,

and he shut me down
in the cruelest way possible.

He doesn't love you anymore,
Dani.

How many ways does
he have to show you?

Let me ask you a question,

and please give it
serious consideration.

Is your obsessive behavior
about loving Bill

or the fear of having
to build a life without him

or of being alone?

I don't have to stand here
and let you psychoanalyze me.

It's not that deep.

I'm pissed as hell.

I forgot for a minute,
but it won't happen again.

What I am about

is making that b*stard pay
some kind of price.

Bill doesn't get
to put a blowtorch to my life

and then sail off on a honeymoon
with his new child bride.

Not after everything I've done.

After everything I gave up.

So, no, I'm not letting go.

Not until Bill suffers.

[chuckles] Martin.

Been meaning
to give you a call.

Why's that?

Well, I'd like to think
that you and I can

still maintain a mutually
beneficial relationship,

despite what happened
between Dani and me.

I've always seen your potential.

And you haven't even begun
to tap into your power.

And I'd like to have a hand
in helping you realize that.

To our mutual benefit.

Meaning what, exactly?

Well, nothing
all that different between

me and your family and
how things have always worked.

[chuckles]

Favors rendered when needed.

Discretion always.

I'm pretty sure
those days are over.

No, no. Never say never.

Wounds heal, given time.

And once the new normal settles,

I'm sure your family will
remember the value I bring

to handling certain situations
that are delicate.

No need for that to change,

especially between
the two of us.

And why am I being singled out?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Am I coming on too strong?

Don't want to be
accused of overkill.

My point is, your family--

and you can tell them
I said this--

might want to carefully consider

whether permanently freezing me
out is the smartest thing to do.

Thanks for coming.
Appreciate you.

It'll be over soon, Mom.

Yeah. How are you holding up?

I'm okay.

Feeling the support
from everyone really helps.

Makes me feel less like
an unhinged ex.

Well, at least
you look fabulous.

Like the most
gorgeous grieving widow ever.

Yeah, and the black hanky's
a nice touch.

This whole situation
is so surreal.

Waiting to watch my husband
marry someone else.

-What the hell?
-It's okay.

We'll get through it.

Girls, listen

and remember what I say.

No matter what happens...

...never doubt or forget

that I love you
something fierce.

-We love you too, Mom.
-Yeah, we got your back.

Always.

Okay, let's get this done.

You girls go on in.

-I'm just gonna freshen up.
-Okay.

[gentle harp music playing]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

["Bridal Chorus" playing]

[mouthing]

♪ ♪

Dearly beloved,
we are gathered here today

to join Bill and Hayley
in holy matrimony.

[Andre clears throat]

Andre, what are you doing
here so late?

Uh, just dropping off
some proofs for Nicole.

Hmm.

How's it going around here?

I'm starting to get
how the hospital works.

You can't predict what
will happen with patients,

but it is so much easier
to make quick adjustments

when you know the basics,
like where to find the meds.

Are you leaving?

Yeah, but I can see you safely
to your car.

Make sure the parking garage
boogeyman doesn't get you.

[chuckles]

[elevator dings]

-Hi.
-Hey.

After you.

Uh, what floor?

-Parking level two.
-Two?

Don't worry.
I'll protect you, too.

It's a private joke.
It-- It's cool.

My God. I've been crawling
out of my skin.

I thought you would
have called me by now.

Sorry. I was at the library
doing some research.

Okay, well, how was
the interview with Nicole?

I didn't want to disappoint you.

[sighs]

You're kidding, right? Really?

Man, I was so sure
that my plan would work.

And I didn't. [laughs]

Disappoint, I mean.

Mom-- Uh, make that "Leslie."

Your plan was genius.

Frankly, I was surprised
how easy it was.

Nicole honestly doesn't expect
her world to go off script.

That's how privileged she is.

She has no clue who we are

or that we even exist
on the planet.

So you got the job.

You are looking at

Nicole Richardson's
brand-new temporary assistant.

-[shrieks]
-[laughs]

Yes! Okay.

I'm so excited.

This is it, honey.

Ooh.

It's the day
I-I've dreamed about.

[laughs]
You are finally gonna be

where you should have been
all along.

In your father's house.

EVA:
Mm-hmm.

So I'm gonna stop
by Uptown after this,

grab something to eat.

By chance,
would you like to join me?

-Oh. [groans]
-Are you okay?

I'm not sure.

Uh, something seems to be...

happening.

Oh, I'm not okay.

This baby's coming. Like, now.

Oh!

On behalf of Bill and Hayley,
I would like to welcome

and thank you all
for coming out tonight

in celebration of their union.

Your love and support
means the world.

Marriage is
a lifelong partnership,

a promise of love, respect,

honor, and trust in each other

through the good and the bad.

It is a covenant not
to be taken into lightly.

Today, among these witnesses,

Bill and Hayley embark

on a journey

to husband and wife.

If anyone here objects to
the union of these two people,

speak now
or forever hold your peace.

Me.

I object.

Dani, no!

-[guests screaming]
-NICOLE: No!

-[g*nsh*t]
-[screaming]