01x27 - Episode 27

[bunniefuu]

[phone buzzing]

Is your day so boring,

you have nothing better to do
than call your wife?

I missed you. How's it going?

Ted, for the first time
in forever,

I have no appointments
scheduled.

I'm about to check to see
if hell has frozen over.

Wait, you have no appointments?

-Well, not exactly.
-Ah.

-I knew it was too good
to be true.
-[laughs]

It's not much, really.

I'm meeting Vanessa at the club,
and then I have a call with Eva

about plans
for the anniversary party.

We're gonna talk catering
and music.

There's some new DJ
that she wants to run past me.

Mm. Nicole, how is it
that your "no appointments"

would fill
anyone else's calendar?

Hush and let me think I have
a lazy afternoon for a change.

How about you?

Paperwork.

And a consult with
a 20-something-year-old model.

Ah, spending time
with a younger, beautiful woman.

-Poor baby.
-[chuckles]

I have to try to convince her

that she doesn't need
more surgery.

-Wish me luck.
-Luck.

Are you sure
you don't want to ditch

these anniversary party plans
for a trip to Maui instead?

For old times' sake.
We can leave right now.

You have a patient to convince,

and the party wheels
are already in motion.

[knocking]

Oh, and that would be
my next appointment.

How do you find so much time
to be kicking it at the casino?

Shouldn't you, uh,

have your hands on some hearts
or something?

Haven't missed
any surgeries yet.

Mm.

Okay, I may have rescheduled
a few minor procedures,

but nothing that would put
a patient's health at risk.

Shifting schedules-- couldn't
that get you in trouble?

We have this new heart machine
in development.

It still needs
to go through a few trials.

So whenever I need
to take some time off,

I tell my crew
I'm going to work on that.

[laughs]

So you're finessing
your whole squad?

-It's not like that.
-Eh.

Once I confirm the machine
is safe, I'll use it.

But if being
a little overly cautious

buys me some extra time
without harming any patients,

no harm, no foul.

Even with the late nights
you put in at the tables?

Hey, when do I do a late night?

I never do
early morning surgeries.

Since when do you run me down
for my schedules?

No. Nah, man. It--
Look, it's not like that.

I'm just...

I'm worried
about your losing streak.

Yeah. Tell me about it.

How do you plan
on paying Joey back?

You know that man
does not play about his money.

I'm just gonna get on
these tables and win what I owe.

-[sighs]
-My luck is about to change.

I can feel it.

Feel it?

Feeling doesn't get Joey paid,
Doug.

You need to start using
those hefty hospital checks

and get some installments
in to him.

Nah, takes too much time.

[scoffs]

And what's the fun
of gambling on layaway?

♪ ♪

-BILL: Coffee and juice?
-CAROLINE: Already ordered.

It'll put them at ease.

I got to say, Caroline,
your knowledge of these women

and their personal concerns
has been invaluable.

Well, like you,
I protect my interests.

Mm-hmm. And Mike?

Uh, he's had a couple

of watercooler conversations
with staff

proclaiming his innocence

and two more closed-door
meetings with partners.

Okay. Times and dates?

Recorded, verified,
and in the file.

All access restriction

-solely to you.
-Okay.

-Is there anything else
you need?
-Uh, yes.

-Revisions to the agreement.
-Right there.

-Okay.
-And I printed out
the statute you requested.

All right.

Okay.

Should I be at my desk
to greet Naomi?

Nah. It's more fun for her if we
allow her to arrive unannounced.

[knocking]

Naomi.

It's good to see that you
learned from your prior mistake

and arrived early.

You've got jokes.

And what I have
is the law on my side.

Let's see. So many choices.

I can have you censured,

suspended indefinitely,

or-- my personal favorite--

disbarred.

What'll it be, Counselor?

Uh-oh.
We need to cut this short.

Last thing you need is your wife
asking too many questions.

Wow.

You look even more stunning
than usual.

-[chuckles]
-What's the occasion?

Just meeting a client.

Special client?

All my clients
are special, Doug.

-That's how I keep my sales
and commissions high.
-I know,

but, damn,

-you look extra good today,
baby.
-[chuckles]

Do you always dress like this
when you show houses?

I saw Randy scurrying off.

-What was that about?
-Ah.

You know you always make
my boy nervous, Vanessa.

Isn't that type of condition
counterproductive for him

in his current job?

I don't know what you mean.

Oh, come on, Doug.

You must know
Randy works for Joey Armstrong.

I presume
you're referring to Rule 4.2,

which relates to speaking
to an attorney's clients

without said attorney
being present.

So, you read up
on the relevant statute.

I thought you were better
than this, Naomi.

Storming in here,
threatening to have me disbarred

-because of your own mistake.
-Mm.

I was deliberately misinformed.

[chuckles softly]
Paranoid much, Naomi?

Hmm? You know
I don't handle those things.

It was Caroline who confirmed
the time of the meeting.

Didn't you, Caroline?

So if it wasn't your error,

it must have been hers.

Caroline?

I'm sorry, Naomi.

I apologize for my carelessness.

No need.

We all know
it wasn't an accident.

It was deliberate,
and you were told to do so.

[knocking]

I'll get that.

Please come in.

Perfect timing, ladies.

So...

I need you to confirm something
for your attorney.

At our last meeting,
did I at any time say

that I did not want
your attorney present?

You didn't say that, no.

STEFANIA:
Naomi, we're glad to see you.

Please.

Let's get down to the business
at hand, shall we?

The law offices
of Bill Hamilton, Esquire,

are prepared
to make you an offer

that you won't want to refuse.

It's not like that.

Randy has had a hard way to go
ever since we were kids.

When I went off to college
and med school,

Randy got stuck flailing
around the old neighborhood.

Throughout the years, I tried to
steer him in the right direction

of being a little bit more
respectable in doing things,

and he just insists on doing
these little odd jobs for Joey.

And he insists that
there's nothing incriminating

or nothing ill*gal.

-That's a relief, I suppose.
-It is, but...

I still worry about him.

Worry about yourself, Doug.

Like you said, Randy's used
to moving in that world.

He knows how to stay safe in it.

But you?

Look at your concern for me.

I haven't seen this side of you
in a long time.

Maybe I'm making too much of it.

I mean, what use
would Joey Armstrong have

for a cardiac surgeon?

Still, I think
you should steer clear

of too much contact with Randy,

old BFFs or not.

I hear you.

But what about you? Are you
gonna take your own advice?

Me?

Why?

What use
does Joey Armstrong have

for a Realtor?

You have us on the edge
of our seats, Counselor.

What's the offer?

How does $1 million--
each-- sound?

A million dollars?

Each?

How soon?

If you're referring
to Mr. Armstrong...

Oh, Mr. Armstrong.

I assure you, my relationship
with him is squeaky-clean.

I've been helping him buy
a house for his elderly mother.

Nothing remotely ill*gal
about that.

Fair enough.

You're bothered by it?

Not if you aren't.

I'm sorry, I've been
under a ton of stress.

You've been working a lot.

Yeah, I know.

Hospital schedule's
kicking my butt.

I've noticed.

Maybe you should back off
on the surgeries.

Seems like you're in
the operating room at all hours

of the day and night.

Yes.
[laughs]

That situation
won't last much longer.

I promise.

Now, imagine what each of you
can do with that much cash.

Hmm?

Could travel, start a business.

And if you invest wisely,

you might not have
to work again.

That's unlikely.

A million dollars
doesn't buy what it used to.

True. True. That's true.

But if you do choose to work,
you're welcome back to the firm.

With a hefty raise, of course.

-We'll take that
under consideration.
-Well, that's not all, Naomi.

[chuckles softly]
Far from it.

The firm recognizes
that some of our policies

and procedures
might need review,

and we'd like
for you all to help us make

the workplace better
for the rest of the employees.

And what would that look like?

Well, we want
to set up a committee

to review
our anti-harassment policies,

and you three would be
that committee.

Yeah. You'd be responsible
for letting us know

how and where we can improve.

And Mike Davis will be
the first to toe the line

and will follow any
recommendations that you make.

This firm is committed
to a zero tolerance policy

with respect
to inappropriate behavior.

-So nothing like what seems
to have happened to you all...
-NAOMI: No, no, no, no.

There's no "seems" about it.

...will ever happen
to anyone else at this firm.

Not on my watch.

Do we have a deal?

I'd like to confer
with my clients.

Alone.

Of course.

Feel free to use my office.

Oh, and don't worry--
there are

no hidden microphones
or cameras in here.

I'll have Caroline bring in
coffee and pastries.

Becky, you're fond
of the chocolate chip muffins

from Orphey Gene's, right?

I am. Thanks.

Great. Oh.
[chuckles softly]

I don't know
how it slipped my mind,

but I took the liberty

of drafting up
a settlement agreement.

This way, if you decide
to put this matter to rest today

and get your money
as soon as possible,

we can expedite that for you.

Subject to your review,
of course.

Oh, of course.

-[door closes]
-We can't thank you enough.

To get an offer like that
without even going to court?

That never would have happened
without you, Naomi.

This seems like good news,
but let's look this over

before we get too excited.

-Too late.
-[chuckling]

Whoa! Doug.
[chuckles]

Oh. Sorry.
I wasn't paying attention.

Where are you off to
in such a hurry?

I got some business
I need to handle.

Is everything okay?

You seem a little... anxious.

Keep your shrink hat off.

We're just talking here.

Nicole, I'm fine.

I was not psychoanalyzing you.

I'm just showing concern
for a friend.

After almost knocking you down
and clapping back,

I understand why.

I'm here to assure you,

there's no cause for alarm.

The other day,
uh, Vanessa mentioned

that you're working morning,
noon, and night.

Maybe you should take
some time off.

Doctor's orders?

If I need to prescribe
a vacation, I'd be happy to.

I know Vanessa
would jump at the chance

of having some downtime
with you.

I don't know about that.

Ships passing in the night
seems to work for us.

I was under the impression
that she misses you.

Well, she does.

Until I'm underfoot 24-7.

I'm sure Ted gets on your nerves
from time to time.

Uh, hey, we are talking
about you and Vanessa here.

Ah. So that's a yes.

-And if you tell him,
I will deny it.
-[chuckles]

-Well, same goes.
-[chuckling]

Well, you had something to do.

I'm taking up way too much
of your time.

This is a good reminder
how I need to slow down

and just breathe.

And obviously watch
where I'm going.

[both chuckle]

Thank you.

[phone buzzing]

Eva, how's it going?

No, no, no, it's not a bother.

I can spare a few minutes.

I'm seeing it in print,
and I still can't believe it.

-A million dollars.
-Each.

And we get our jobs back.

And we get to put an end
to harassment at the firm.

No one else would have
to go through what we did.

CARRIE:
I am so glad this is all over.

And I know
exactly what I'm gonna do

with that million dollars.

Mama's getting
a new pair of shoes.

[gasps]
All the shoes.

I almost hate
to admit it, but...

I miss my job.

Naomi, is it good?

Can we get Bill back in here
and collect our money?

-Is something wrong?
-How could anything be wrong?

This is a great deal.

It's a win for all of us
all around.

This would be a good settlement

if it was worth the paper
it was written on.

Nice place.

I especially like the view.

I always enjoy my visits here.

You're not a member?

They denied my application.

-I can't imagine why.
-I know.

I pride myself
on being delightful company.

You're looking particularly
edible today, Vanessa.

That is a unique compliment.

-[chuckles]
-[chuckles] Sorry.

I was watching one
of my cooking videos earlier,

and I guess I still have
tasty topics on my mind.

That's okay.

You're looking quite yummy
yourself.

Tell us what you found.

My father swung the
million-dollar number at you,

but that's nowhere near
what you'll be taking home.

Because of your share.
We understand that.

Not just that. When you get
a lump sum check like that,

you pay a massive amount
in taxes.

Okay, I get that.

But we'll make a lot more
with the raises

when we get our jobs back.

Do you really want
to return to a firm

that has fired you once already?

Because there's nothing in here
that will keep Bill Hamilton

from firing you

the day after he hires you back.

Think about it.

No matter how good you are
at your job,

they can
and likely will find fault.

They'll gather evidence,
excuses to fire you again

and in a way
that you can't complain about.

But we'll be running
the committee

and reviewing
the firm's policies.

Once we improve things
around there,

the other employees
will be grateful to us.

NAOMI:
What makes you think
the firm will listen

to anything you say?

That Mike Davis
will actually change his ways?

Once you give up your claims
against the firm

and waive your right to pursue
any further legal action

related to the issue,

you put your fates back
in Bill Hamilton's hands.

What about this one?

It's nice.

Nice. Okay.

It would be helpful if
you could tell me a little more

about your mother's taste.

Well, it's difficult
to describe, but...

I'll know it when I see it.

Fine.

How about this little gem?

It's very pretty,

but it has a steep driveway

and my mother likes
to bring in her own mail.

Good point. Something
that would be more accessible

for an elderly lady.

Um...

What?

Yes, my mother needs a home
designed for someone her age,

but...

don't ever refer to her
as elderly.

-She'll take your head off.
-[chuckles softly]

She can be a bit ornery.

Okay.

Well, uh,

sounds like a woman
with some pepper.

I look forward to meeting her.

You do?

Of course.

We strong ladies
need to stick together.

I'm sure when I take her
to check out some properties,

we'll get along great.

I'm sure.

I didn't realize
our reservation was for three.

Did you clock their expressions

when I dropped
the million-dollar offer?

They were stunned.

-Like I was.
-What?

You read the...
you read the settlement.

You knew what was coming.

I'm not talking about today.

When it first came
across my desk,

I couldn't believe how much you
were offering each plaintiff.

Listen,

I want to make
this whole thing go away

as quickly
and quietly as possible.

Well, I do think
you want to repair the rift

between you and your daughters.

And facing Naomi in court
would have the opposite effect.

Look, I'll admit that...

maybe that notion
was in the back of my mind

when I was considering
the settlement,

but that wasn't my priority.

You know,
what I considered was how

a harassment and hostile
work environment lawsuit

would affect my firm.

I'll pay any price
to preserve my legacy.

-For?
-My daughters.

You know? You got to have
at least one parent

to look up to and be proud of.

It's not gonna be Dani Dupree,

with her g*n-waving,
golf club-slinging,

left hook-having a*s.

Naomi definitely takes
after you.

She came in hot
with the law on her side...

threatening
to have you disbarred

from meeting with her clients
without her.

And you can expect a bonus

for your conciliatory gesture
in there.

-All in a day's work.
-Oh.

Then I don't have to worry
about the bonus.

Uh, nice try, Counselor.

Now you have to double it.

[chuckles]
Ah, well played.

Little something I picked up
watching you and Naomi spar

when she was in law school.

-Mm.
-[chuckles softly]
Most people eat

cheesy puffs and watch
game shows on a study break.

She'd come here
and argue cases with you,

-sharpening her skills.
-Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Boy, she was a...

she was a spitfire.

Yeah, she still is.

You know, part of me wants

to-to get in the courtroom
against her,

go toe to toe,
see who comes out on top.

And if she keeps pushing,

I'm telling you,

that's what's gonna happen.

And I will not back down.

I didn't have mercy on her
when she was a student.

I will not have mercy on her now
when she has her own shingle.

-No, my gut tells me
it won't come to that.
-Mm.

I worked with those women
for years.

I bet Carrie is online
buying shoes as we speak.

[chuckles softly]

Like you said,

it's an offer
they won't want to refuse.

They won't.

But Naomi might.

I don't know.

It sounded so great
when he explained it to us.

He's a lawyer. That's his job.

The money would be
really sweet, though.

And to get our jobs back.

If they treat us right.

NAOMI:
That's a big if.

What was it like for you,
walking back in here today?

Well, none of the other women
made eye contact with us.

And how long do you think
it'll take for that to die down

-after you get back?
-[scoffs] A while.

Since we'll be riding high
off our hefty payday.

None of the other support staff

will ever see
this kind of money.

We wouldn't have even seen it
if Mike wasn't a perv.

STEFANIA:
Nobody needs

to know how much money we got.

We can make the terms
confidential.

Do you think
they'll stay that way?

CARRIE:
Oh, it'll get out.

I mean,
none of us will blab, but...

Mike still works here.

And when we walked in...

What? Did he confront you?

What did he say?

Not one thing.

-He just stared.
-[groans]

I already thought he was skeevy,

and I'd never have wanted
to be alone with him again.

But now?

Now he hates us.

Do we really want
to face that every day?

He's just one partner.

-How do you think
the other partners will react?
-CARRIE: You know Mike

would turn the others
against us.

And that wouldn't take much,

especially since the $3 million
would be coming out

of all their pockets.

Okay.

In light of everything
we've discussed,

what are your thoughts?

That, despite all that,

I could really use the money.

Even after taxes, there'd be
enough left over to buy a house.

Pay off student loans.

And hospital bills.

Whatever you want,

that's what we'll do.

Naomi, I have a question.

Ask me anything.

Are you telling us
to turn down the settlement

because it's good for us?

Or good for you?

Which patient
is keeping you up tonight?

Guess.

[chuckles softly]

Sherry Carter again?

What is it
with you and that lady?

I don't know.

That's the problem.

A woman is suicidal

but is convinced after talking
with me for mere minutes

that she can face and handle
all of her problems

without any further assistance
from me?

Maybe she's seeing someone else.

None of the colleagues
that I recommended. I checked.

And she sought me out again.

To confirm how well she's doing.

If the woman doesn't want help,

your hands are tied.

I hear you now.

And I heard
what you said before.

I won't try to find her.

That's a start, at least.

But she is a mystery
I can't crack.

How about you slip...

back into bed

so I can give you something
far better to think about?

Mmm. Is that a promise, hubby?

-It's a lifetime warranty,
wifey.
-[chuckles]

And I guarantee
to keep it coming

as many times

-as you're satisfied.
-Mmm.

-I do like the way that sounds.
-Yeah?

[Nicole chuckling]

Nicole!
[chuckles]

Have you met my new client
Mr. Armstrong?

I'm sure
I would remember meeting

such a lovely and gracious lady.

However, I am aware
of Dr. Richardson's work

and her service
to the community.

Nicole is a pillar.

I do what I can.

Pleased to meet you,
Mr. Armstrong.

You know, when I read
about your latest honor,

it got me thinking about
the importance of mental health.

You wouldn't know
of any clinics in need

of a benefactor, would you?

I can get your contact
from Vanessa

and have my assistant
send you some names.

I appreciate that.

I do believe that those of us
who are fortunate

should spread our blessings
around.

-Now you sound like my father.
-I read

Senator Dupree's book.

He's a very inspiring man,

as is his daughter.

I will let my father know
he has yet another fan.

You do that.

Vanessa,

I'll be in touch soon
about what we discussed.

Of course, Mr. Armstrong.

Ladies.

Joey Armstrong? Really?

Before you start talking trash
about my client,

remember,
he's read your daddy's book.

That was slick.
I'll give him that.

He's more than that, Nicole.

He's well-read,
considerate, observant.

[sighs]
Great cook.

How well have you gotten
to know him?

He's a client. Period.

-And his reputation?
-The man is innocent

until proven guilty.

And commissions can come
from any damn body.

I know people speculate
about Joey,

but he's really a sweet guy.

He wants to buy a home
for his elderly mom.

That's laudable.

And he is a charmer.
I will give him that.

And I'm sure you admire
more than just his charm.

Eh. I can take or leave him.

I just watched you drool over
the man while he walked away.

It is a nice view.

Okay, the guy is fine.

Better?

Yeah.

And dangerous.

I suppose Joey Armstrong might
tend to walk on the wild side,

based on some of what I've read
in my research.

-Due diligence?
-I research

all my clients.

And I even watched
a few of his cooking videos.

He's got a great recipe
for tortellini.

And are you tempted
by his tortellini?

Girl, you know me. I'm always
tempted. [chuckles softly]

Whether I act on it or not
is another story.

Yeah, I know you stray.

Just like I know you don't.

And, still,
you're my dearest friend.

Why is that?

Opposites attract.

You ground me,

and I spice up
your humdrum life.

-[scoffs, chuckles]
-[chuckles]

So tell me about your plans
for your upcoming anniversary.

I want to see if I approve.

Oh, Ted and I,
we're gonna mark the day

with a quiet little dinner.

But Eva, my temporary
assistant-- you met her--

convinced us
that some kind of a

celebration is in order.

So we're just gonna throw
a little party here

at the country club.

Do you approve?

I always approve of festivities

-that involve
me drinking champagne.
-[chuckles]

And you and Ted and
your sickeningly happy marriage

particularly deserve
to be honored.

I cannot believe
how fast time goes by.

It feels like yesterday

Ted and I met at
the medical conference on Maui.

[sighs]
After that very first night,

where we watched
the sunrise together.

No wonder you knew
Ted was your forever person.

Oh, from the second
I laid eyes on him.

I felt like that
about Doug once.

Doug had game.

Whatever game he once had
has long since ended.

The audience has left
the bleachers and gone home.

Okay.

Real talk--

if you don't love Doug anymore,

why don't you just make
a clean break?

Okay.

So...

what's the verdict?

What?

We'll take our chances in court.

[chuckles]

Could've just said that
without all the drama.

But you are your mother's
daughter, after all.

[chuckles softly]
Very well.

Court it is.

You'd better get ready to be
buried in discovery demands.

Anything you can dish out,

I can take.

Naomi?

A word, please.

In private.

I'll see you guys later.

We have a lot to discuss.

-[scoffs]
-[door closes]

Do you really hate me that much?

I stay with Doug
because it's too complicated

to separate our lives.

Vanessa,
your extracurricular activities

are anything but complicated.

And the hazards
involved in that...

Are the same hazards I'd be
facing as a divorced woman.

I want more for you.

I love Doug.

No, we're not in love anymore,
and that's okay.

We have an arrangement
that works for both of us.

Ugh. I can't imagine
a marriage like that.

The thought of saying Ted and I
have an arrangement that works,

that just breaks my heart.

This isn't personal. It's...

Do you remember that video
you'd bring out on my birthdays,

where I was sprawled out
on the living room rug

with a law book
that was bigger than me?

[chuckles softly]
Mm-hmm.

You were three.

I didn't even know
how to read yet.

But I knew
how to turn the page slowly,

stop, and think.

Because that's what my daddy,
the lawyer, did.

You love the law.

And you taught me
to do the same.

You taught me to challenge it

and to study it
and to respect its power.

Not because it was perfect
but...

because it could be a tool
to create something better.

I don't hate you, Dad.

I'm very glad
to hear you say that.

What I need you to hear

is that bringing this lawsuit
is not an attack on you.

I am just being the lawyer
you raised me to be,

doing my duty as an attorney

to serve my clients...

To the best of your ability.

And you completely disregarded
that pledge

by rejecting
a perfectly reasonable

and beneficial settlement offer.

It was full of holes,
and you know it.

You're doing this
for yourself, Naomi...

-[scoffs]
-...not them.

And indulging
in a-a petty personal vendetta

at the expense
of the women you represent.

And you're doing this
for your mother.

Who is not your client.

All to get back at me.

Yes, I love my mother.

And, yes,
you damn well did her wrong.

Sleeping with someone
I consider a friend,

then divorcing her
to marry the little cheat.

But, Dad, this isn't about you.

The hell it isn't.

Vanessa and I are almost done.

-Hungry?
-TED: I'm starving.

Wiped.

And I have one more patient
to see. [chuckles]

Let's just do takeout
from Orphey Gene's

rather than going someplace.

That sounds like
a perfect date night to me.

This from a man who wanted
to hop a flight to Maui.

[chuckles]
Maui's gonna have to wait.

After a long day like today,

I'd rather be
in my very own house

with my very own wife

and loving my very own life.

I like how that sounds.

Okay, got to run.

I will see you soon
with takeout from Orphey Gene's.

Don't forget the biscuits.

You know it.

Okay. Back to Joey Armstrong.

Why can't you let that go?

Because I would not be
a good friend

if I didn't give you
unsolicited advice.

You certainly wouldn't be Nicole
Dupree Richardson if you didn't.

And although I know
you are a grown-a*s woman

who makes her own choices...

...and might be interested
in a taste

for a particular walk
on a wild side...

I have no intention...

Just a reminder--

there are walks you take

and walks that take you.

And I am worried
Joey Armstrong is the latter.

If I was interested
in going there, which I'm not...

Say that to somebody
who doesn't know you.

Joey is fine
and charming as hell,

but he has a reputation
for risky business ventures.

And, Vanessa, I just...
[sighs]

I don't want you to get hurt.

I really think you should take
a pass on this one.

For the love of God, Nicole,

I'm not going to run off
with the man.

I'm just trying
to sell him a house.

You sure?

You know me.

I'm all about self-preservation.

I'll take my boring life
with Doug

over excitement
with a dangerous--

albeit delicious-- man any day.

I really want to believe you.

Is this
what you really want, Joey?

At this rate, Doug will
never be able to pay you back.

Doug. A minute.

-How's it going?
-[sighs]

Saw that last hand, huh?

But you know me.

Things always turn around.

I feel like my luck
is about to change.

So if you're here to offer me
any money, I don't need it.

I still have money of my own.

I don't need a loan.

That's good

because I wasn't offering.

You need to start paying me back
what you already owe.

I know.

I know. A-And I am,

as soon as I start winning
at these tables.

Well, I hope that's soon.

For both our sakes.

Hey, babe. You got my biscuits?

-Right here.
-[chuckles]

How about my sugar?

-Ooh, right here.
-[chuckles]

-Mmm, mmm, mmm. [chuckles]
-[chuckling]

[sighs]

Tough day?

Yeah. Some days
I love what I do.

I feel like I'm really making
a difference.

Like that burn victim last week.

Her mom says she has
a whole new outlook on life.

Yeah.

But some days it's hard.

Had to turn away
a patient today.

That young model you mentioned?

Yeah. She didn't like
my recommendations.

-Hmm.
-Maybe I should have had you
come sit in with us.

-For a psych consult?
-No.

-As Exhibit "A." [laughs]
-[laughs]

A stunningly beautiful woman who
hasn't had a stitch of surgery.

Think the only work
you've had done

is getting your teeth cleaned.

Well, when you're with somebody

who loves the way you look
when you wake up,

you feel less need for surgery.

You're amazingly beautiful
first thing in the morning.

Girl, I even love your bonnet.

-[laughs] No, you don't.
-[laughing]

Well, I love your hair,

but you've given me
a newfound respect

on proper hair maintenance.

Respect for the bonnet.

-Mad respect for the bonnet.
-[laughing]

[chuckles]

[growls]

-Mmm. Mwah.
-Aw.

[sighs]

-Babe, what's wrong?
-Ugh, I'm just--

I'm worried about Vanessa.

You know she's an adventurer.

But I do think she is taking it
a little far this time.

That's saying something.

Her new client
is Joey Armstrong.

Damn. Now I see
why you're concerned.

Wait a minute.
You think him and her...?

Vanessa insists
that they're not involved,

that she's just helping him
find a house, and I...

She's a Realtor.
I guess it could be true.

Well, criminals
need houses, too.

-[chuckles]
-It's just not sitting right
with me.

Even though Vanessa says Joey
has been a perfect gentleman.

She even called him sweet.

Sweet? With his rep?

-[chuckles]
-She says he's buying a house
for his elderly mother,

which I guess is sweet.

Wait, his mother?

Are you sure?

Yeah. Why?

[scoffs]

Joey Armstrong's mother
died last year.

You know what?

You can't get past your anger
at me for leaving your mother.

Oh, I swear, Dad,
you are the most arrogant,

selfish narcissist
on the planet.

[sighs]
You know what?
E-Enough of this nonsense, okay?

Now, you need to...
you need to listen to me.

So you can--
The sense-- Can you--

-You can...
-Daddy?

What's wrong?

[Bill sighs]

My hand's going numb.