01x36 - Episode 36

[bunniefuu]

Okay, you can dial it back

now that you've blown off
some steam.

I-I get that you and the other
partners are bent out of shape

because this lawsuit's
been a distraction.

-A costly distraction.
-Hey.

It wasn't my call
to offer those women

such a generous settlement--
that's on you.

If it were up to me,

I'd been in the trenches,
claws out.

Hmm.
[chuckles]

And you don't see that
as a problem?

The problem is,
you kept kid gloves on.

Your daughter
was opposing counsel.

Now that Naomi's off the case,

we can rescind the offer

and move forward with
a no-holds-barred litigation.

Hmm. No-holds-barred.

You see,
it's that lack of restraint

that put us in this situation
in the first place.

And I can get us out of it.

Why are you running scared,
Bill?

And kicking me out of the firm?

That's insane.

You sure as hell

don't want me and my clients
walking out that door.

We represent
a boatload of billable hours.

[chuckles softly]

You see,
that's where you're wrong, Mike.

I'm not worried
about that at all.

-I guess I didn't do my job.
-Meaning?

I wanted to distract you from
everything that happened today.

But judging by those cute little
worry lines, it didn't work.

So what's on your mind?
Talk to me.

[sighs]

It's my dad.

I've been at w*r
with him for so long,

and actually considering
a reconciliation--

I just can't believe
it's actually getting there.

Well, it makes sense to worry
when it comes to Bill.

Yeah, legally and personally.

[groans]

There's gonna be
so many repercussions.

Well, not for your clients.
You'd never leave them hanging.

Of course not. No.

I already found someone
to take over the case.

And my soror--

she knows more about
labor litigations than I do,

and she has
years more experience.

I'll meet with my clients
tomorrow to discuss it,

but they'll be in great shape.

Okay, so you've done
your typically thorough job.

-Mm-hmm.
-So what's the problem?

I'm thinking about Mom

and how she's gonna take it.

Yeah, Dani has been hard
to predict these days.

I just wouldn't want her
to think that I'm deserting her

or that Dad has somehow won me
to his side.

You know,
she's fragile right now,

and lately she's had
one gut punch after another.

Hmm?

[groaning]

-Another painkiller?
-Yeah.

-All right, I got it right here.
-Okay.

[groans]

-Here you go.
-[grunts]

Where's your shining armor?

-Here you go.
-Thank you.

[sighs]

Dani, look at me.

No more of this, okay?

I mean it.

No more.

♪ ♪

Ted, I was gonna do that.

I know.

But you ran out of here
so quick.

Ugh, I wish
it was a false alarm.

Sorry. But I know you can't talk
about your patients.

I can't. But I can say
it is a tough one.

Aw. Why don't you sit
right here,

so I can help you melt
the stress away

-with my magical surgeon hands?
-Mmm.

Well, now that sounds
like heaven.

[chuckles]: Oh!
And feels so good.

Ah.

-Nicole, I know
I don't tell you enough.
-Mmm.

But I admire your dedication
that you have to your patients.

And I know they don't seem
like they appreciate you

as much as they should,

but know they are blessed
to have you...

...in their lives.

You are so sweet tonight.

Getting me flowers,
cleaning up the house,

a massage and a pep talk?

[both chuckle]

Nothing more
than what you deserve.

Oh, well,
if I didn't know any better,

I'd say that you either wanted
something

or you were feeling guilty.

[both chuckle]

Mmm.

[line ringing]

MARTIN [recorded]: Hello, you've
reached Congressman Richardson.

Let me know how I can help.

[sighs]

I'm sorry my sex game

didn't achieve
its usual level of hotness.

That's not what I'm talking
about, and you know it.

What then?

Since you seem to know more
about me than me.

[sighs] Well, try to remember
that I'm on your team, okay?

-We're friends.
-Oh. Wow.

Banished to the friend zone now.
[chuckles]

That's exactly what
this night needed.

Just a smidge of rejection
to spice it up.

Dani, how is that what
you're hearing right now?

I'm just trying to tell you,
as a friend, that...

you're throwing off red flags
left and right.

That's me.

-Dani Danger.
-[sighs] Come on,

-don't do this.
-Do what? Be me?

[chuckles]
Not accept this lecture

or-or intervention
or whatever it is

you're trying
to effect right now?

I'm trying
to get real with you, Dani.

Okay? And that seems
to be harder and harder to do

with you these days.

Okay.

I-I've been a little down.

Yeah. A little.
[scoffs]

Dani, you were plastered. Again.

Except that's
not the whole story, is it?

Other than last night, I've
hardly been drinking at all.

And how do I even know that?

Huh? I've come in twice
to find you blind drunk.

You photographed the fashion
show that I just put together.

[chuckles]

It was off the hook.

You think I could have done
that hammered?

Some very upsetting things
have happened since then,

and I needed
a little pick-me-up.

Yeah, and that's exactly
what I did. Again. Literally.

Now who's got the jokes?

Come on, Dani.
We both know this isn't you.

All the barbs and the comebacks
and the excuses.

Look, they're quick,
they're facile,

but they're fake.

It's the version of yourself
you use to...

push people away when things
get too real and too hard.

News flash, Andre.

If I am up and down,

it is very much a part
of who I am right now.

I would have thought that you
could have a little compassion,

given what I've been through,
but, you know,

maybe that's outside
your wheelhouse, babycakes.

Okay, don't call me that.

I may be younger than you,
yeah, but I'm not a child.

Could have fooled me.

'Cause it seems like all you're
interested in are fun and games.

Well, if all of me

-is too much for you...
-[sighs]

...it's fine.

Don't let the door hit you
on the way out.

[Andre grunts]

I can't believe you'd turn
your back on me like this.

We built this firm together.

[chuckles]

Look, as much
as I hate to admit it,

my ex-father-in-law
Vernon Dupree--

he helped me build this firm.

Come on.
You had no hand in it, Mike.

I helped you grow it.

Oh, whatever.
[scoffs]

Either way,
I've more than proven my worth.

This lawsuit is
a nuisance at best.

Compared to the revenue
I bring in,

the settlement's nothing.

-Do the math. The Henderson
account alone, man.
-Oh, the Henderson account

is gonna be staying in-house.

As for your other major clients,

I've already taken the liberty
of giving them advance notice

of your impending departure.

I've also arranged
for the other partners

to divvy up
your remaining cases.

You what?

If you've been badmouthing me

to my clients
and trashing my reputation,

I'm gonna sue the pants off you
for defamation.

What you fail to grasp, Mike,

is that I didn't need
to tarnish your reputation

or turn your clients
or the legal community

in this town against you.

You managed that

all on your own
with your well-known history

of harassing female staff
here at this firm,

female clerks at the courthouse,

and junior female staff
at other firms.

Your behavior speaks for itself,

and you know it,
everyone knows it.

Those are just rumors.

Categorize them as you will.

But if you sue this firm,

those rumors
will be in black and white

on your own legal filing.
And what's worse--

you'll kiss off
a generous settlement buyout

that was agreed upon
by the other partners.

This can't be happening.

I walked in this room

as a partner
to a major D.C. firm,

and you expect me
to leave with next to nothing?

-Your severance.
-Won't buy me a partnership

at another top firm.

Once when word gets out,

I'll be lucky
if I'm chasing ambulances.

You're not just kicking me out
of this firm,

you're k*lling my career,
and I can't let you do that.

Hey, look, you can fight it if
you want. That's up to you, man.

But know this--
I'm telling you, Mike...

...if you take this firm
to court,

it will have a major difference

to your standard of living
in your early retirement.

Well, to be fair to your mom,

she's never put pressure
on you to ice out Bill.

No, she has not.

And didn't she encourage you
to drop the lawsuit

if it meant forcing you to
choose between her and your dad?

Yep.

She's really good
at doing that thing

where you love your kids
more than you hate your ex.

[chuckles softly]

Still doesn't mean
it won't hurt her, though.

Especially if she feels
like I'm suddenly okay

with what Dad did to her.

Well, can't you explain to Dani

where you're coming from
about Bill?

If I understood it myself.

[sighs]

What is up with me?

I love my mom, and...

the way Dad treated her
makes me want to throw things.

But now that I've seen

he's vulnerable in a mortal way,

there's a part of me that
can't stop caring about him.

Hmm.

You know what I think?

Hmm?

Your mom is
probably the only person

that feels exactly where
you're coming from right now.

I don't mean that you're
not allowed to have bad days.

Thank you so much
for your permission, doll.

Or that I don't want
to hear about it.

Dani, it just sucks
seeing you treating yourself

like your life means nothing

-because your marriage broke
and your kids grew up.
-[chuckles]

Like you're not theDani Dupree.

So there's some image
you'd have me live up to?

[scoffs] Dani, I'm trying
to get you to understand

that you are your own prize.

What does that mean, Andre?!

That you're strong!

You're beautiful. Dani. You...
[sighs]

You're sharp as hell,

and you're ruthless.

Look, and it shouldn't take me
to get you to understand that.

It should be as obvious to you
as it is to everyone

-who knows you.
-Not to Bill.

Bill is an idiot.

Okay?

Look, I understand that you...

[sighs] I understand
that you fell head over heels

for the guy when you were a kid,

but, Dani, that's the point--

you were a kid.
It's time to reevaluate.

You sound like my dad.

Then listen to him.

He's a wise man.

Or an old fool.

[sighs]
You don't think that at all.

[chuckles]
It's just another quick jab.

But, Dani, if you don't want
to listen to him anymore,

then go to a therapist
or a life coach.

Whoever it is that you need
to get back in touch

with that fire I saw
when I got back.

-I know it's still in there.
-[sniffles]

You do?

Yeah.

I do.

How can you be so sure?

Because when you're on fire,

it can be felt a mile away.

Really?

-[sniffles]
-Yeah.

You feel that?

I feel it.

Now?

[exhales]

It's getting hotter.

And now?

[exhales]

It's hotter still.

-Mmm.
-And now?

There you are.

[voice breaking]:
Here I am.

[sniffles]

[whispers]:
Here I am.

I don't have a string
to tie around your finger,

so...

this will have to do.

[chuckles, sniffles]

What does that mean?

It's a reminder.

In case you forget
that you are Dani Dupree.

You are magnificent.

Maybe I'm starting
to believe that.

Good.

Then my work here is done.

-Later, babycakes.
-Hey.

[laughs]

[sniffles]

[shudders, sniffles]

Hey.

What are you doing right now?

-[phone buzzes]
-I sure hope

that's not the office
calling you back tonight.

Hey, Andre.

I cheated that one time, and...

nephew, it scared me straight.

Did Aunt Nicole
ever forgive you?

She never found out.

And, God willing,

she never does.

NICOLE:
Sure.

We'd love to see you.

When were you thinking?

Now?

Sh-- Of course. Yes.

Why did you want me to say no?

You love when Andre comes over.

It's been a long day.

True, but sometimes,

when Andre wants to stop by
out of the blue,

it's 'cause he wants
to get something off his chest.

He probably just wants to talk
to me alone anyway.

Yeah.

BILL:
I'll make sure security

boxes up your personal items

and I'll send 'em to you.

You're a damn hypocrite.

I make a few off-color remarks
and I'm fired?

You have a brazen affair
with Hayley,

with the blinds barely closed,

and she got
a big promotion out of it.

Watch it, Mike.

My mistake...
[chuckles]

wasn't flirting
with a few paralegals.

My mistake was getting caught up
in your family drama.

My family's got nothing to do
with your improprieties.

Oh, sure it does.

There wouldn't be a lawsuit,

except your daughter
wanted payback for your affair

after you broke
her mother's heart.

And now you want back
in Naomi's good graces,

and I'm supposed
to take the fall?

To hell with that!

We should have fought back

-against that little bi...
-Hey!

All right, all right.

Okay! O...

O-Okay. Okay, Bill, let go.

I get it. I-I...

I went too far.

You better get
the hell out of here

before I kick your a*s.

[groans]

[door shuts]

Your phone die?

No.

Look, I'm sorry, Smitty.

Where'd you go?

To meet Ms. Felix.

Please tell me
you didn't show up unexpectedly

at the principal's doorstep.

Of course not.

I text her
and asked her to meet.

-Where?
-Orphey Gene's.

That peach cobbler is b*mb.

Come on, Martin.

Less BS.

Okay.

I explained to her calmly
and rationally

the situation with Tyrell.

How'd she take it?

Seriously.

It turns out, it's good I went.

She hadn't heard
about what was going on.

Did she wonder
why I wasn't there with you?

Did she know that Tyrell
begged you not to get involved?

That he didn't want
to report it to the school?

We have to think
about the bigger picture.

Bullying has to be addressed
on a systematic level.

So that's a no?

And I know you didn't want me
to get the school involved,

but Ms. Felix
actually thanked me

for bringing the situation

to her attention. Now, finally,

something can be done about it.

-[knocking]
-Oh!

-Hello!
-Hello!

-Look at these bangs! Yes!
-Oh. Thank you.

-Mwah. Mwah.
-It's been a minute, huh?

I know.

Last time, I had to go searching
for that rare bottle of wine

you "accidentally" drank
at your ex's house.

-Don't remind me, hmm?
-Mm.

I can offer you this one,
though.

Not nearly as expensive.

[sighs]
No, thanks.

I am cutting back.

Oh. Good. Yeah, me, too.

How about a mocktail?

I can make you something
with, uh,

cucumber, honey, lemon.

Mmm. That sounds delish.

Listen, I am so, so sorry
that I missed

the big fashion show.
That must have been so tough.

Your last days
as Chelsea's manager.

Changing of the guard.

-Mm.
-But we got through it.

How?

-My family.
-Mm.

There is something that's...

still sitting wrong with me.

Tell me.

So many people
have come to my rescue,

left and right.

My parents, Chelsea, this...

photographer friend I have,

you.

Excuse me, but that's, like,
your ordinary support group.

I get my own special category--
Dani's ride-or-die.

That's, like, my number one job.

-Yes, yes, yes.
And I love you for it.
-[chuckles]

-Mm.
-What I don't love is people

feeling sorry for me.

You know, I remember when I had
this fire that wouldn't go out.

I want it back.

Well, it sounds like I have
my assignment.

Commence Operation Gemstone.

We are gonna get you back
to shining

-like the diamond that you are.
-[chuckles softly]

[phone buzzes]

Hey, Bill.

Hey, baby. Look, I, uh...

I got held up.

I'll get there
as soon as I can, okay?

You know what?

I can just meet you at home.

It's silly to be celebrating

when we're not for sure
if I'm pregnant.

Well, sweetheart,
pregnant or not,

I'm just excited
that we decided to have a child.

Look, why don't you get yourself
something to drink

while you're waiting, oaky?

Make sure it's nonalcoholic,

just in case.

I will.

Okay, thanks, babe.

Bye.

Excuse me.

[sighs]

Mm, when I was 17

and trying
to break into modeling--

that's when I felt my most
alive, the most like myself.

And that's what's been missing
since my divorce.

Right. Your groove.

Exactly.

Well, you are going
to get it back.

And when you get it back this
time, it will be even better.

Because let's face it,
the first time,

we were all hopelessly green
and gullible.

-Thank heavens for you taking me
under your wing.
-[chuckles]

I would not have had
the career I had--

certainly not as successful as
it was-- without your guidance.

We were a great team.

-And we still are.
-[chuckles softly]

Listen, I would be happy to...

help point you
in the right direction.

Okay. Great. Hired.
Where do we start?

Well...

we need to figure out
where your passion lies now.

We should have
a brainstorming sesh.

-Ooh.
-And this little fruit

and cheese thing
is not going to cut it.

It's a crudités, Pamela.

-[laughs]
-[laughs] Please.

-Let's have dinner at the club.
-Excellent.

[both laughing]

-Are you okay? It's late.
-Uh, right.

Sorry. I just wanted
to stop by on my way home

to speak briefly
about the anniversary.

-Why?
-You're not declining
the invitation, are you?

Oh. [chuckles] No, no,
it's-it's nothing like that.

Um, but these kind of things are
better spoken about in person,

not, uh,
text messages or emails.

-What things?
-Uh...

like making sure I get the kind
of photos that you want.

Nephew, you're a guest.

He's planning on reediting
and adding to the video

-from the awards ceremony,
make it more about our marriage.
-Oh. Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Must have...
slipped my mind.

-I forgot.
-Yeah, I'm really
looking forward

to celebrating with you, too.

Thanks, Andre.

-I really appreciate
your support.
-Yeah.

Hmm.

So how will we know
where we stand

with Samantha
and Tyrell's school?

As a concerned parent,
all I can do

is offer my support
and assistance.

It's not like I'm only worried
about Tyrell's safety.

I'm worried about the other kids
in school, too.

Well, I'm just gonna have
to take your word for it

-since I wasn't invited
to be there.
-Come on, Smitty.

You have to understand
why I was compelled

to get the school admin
involved.

I get it.

Because you're a congressman,
a career politician,

and butting in is what you do.

[sighs]

But I understand why.

And it might end up
working out for the best.

Wow.

That's high praise
coming from you.

But I'm an adult.

I am much more understanding
than a teenage kid.

Meaning?

I just don't want to push Tyrell
further away

or...

make it less likely
that he'll come to us

when he really needs to.

[mutters]

I know what you're going to say.

What?

"Don't bother.

She's a waste of time."

How would the girl
you used to be deal with Hayley?

Would you excuse me
for a second?

I'll get us a table.

Let's chat.

I've been thinking a lot lately
about your relationship.

This house is
literally overflowing with love.

You two are so solid.
You're like this...

foundation
that holds other people up.

You stayed the course,
and your love hasn't faded.

It's only grown deeper
and gotten stronger.

And I want to use this video
that we're making

to celebrate that and honor it.

Andre, that's
a beautiful thing to say.

I agree.

You are so, so sweet.

But... that's not gonna be
in our video.

TED:
Wait.

But why?

I think we should be more honest
than that, don't you?

-Smells good. Okay.
-Here, try.

-It's good, right? Yeah. Mm-hmm.
-Mmm. I like that one.

Okay, you try.

-Oh, no. [chuckles]
You are a mess.
-Mm.

-And it got all over the pillow.
-I mean, I could throw it

in the washer right now
so it doesn't stain.

No, no, no. You sit
right there. It's no worries.

That's why I got Tide.

Come on, baby. You don't have
to do all the work.

No, it's okay.

-Look at that.
-Come here.

-No. [laughing]: Oh, my God!
-[kissing]

I'm great with washers,
all right?

Plus, Tide's got my back.

-Secret weapon. [chuckles]
-Mm-hmm.

Let me ask you something,
though.

Yeah, what's up?

What's it like to have a dad
you can actually respect?

I would really love to know.

[sighs]
I can't lie.

It's pretty lit.

You know, my dad would have
my back all the time

when I said
I wanted to be a lawyer.

And he wouldn't put up
with anybody treating me bad.

And because of that,

I assumed that's how he felt
about all women.

But then his buddy Mike
started treating women

like they were throwaway toys,

and my dad looked the other way.

Are you sure about that?

He insists that he was unaware,

but that seems
like some funky excuse.

-Yeah.
-One thing Bill Hamilton is not

is oblivious.

That man has eyes
in the back of his head.

-Okay, so...?
-It means

he saw what was going on,

but the feelings and careers
and aspirations

of those women didn't matter.

And I hate that attitude.

He gets to decide
who's important

and who's not on any given day.

No wonder
it was confusing for Mom.

All those years
she was married to him,

she gradually went from being
the center of his universe to...

his doormat.

Yeah, and the same thing could
happen to Hayley eventually.

[groans]
Am I a terrible person for...

admitting I'd really love
to see that happen?

Babe, there is nothing
you could say

to make me think
you're a terrible person.

You do you.

You know what?

So what
if I'm being hypocritical?

I don't even care.

That woman is such
a manipulative witch,

she deserves everything
that's coming her way.

I had a revelation here
the other night

when I saw
Bill and you together.

Go ahead, Dani.

Share.

He loves you.

Beg your pardon?

Bill loves you.

I saw that.

He looks at you with the same
love and devotion

as he used to look at me

for our entire marriage.

Until he didn't.

I'm not sure
why you are telling me this.

I want to give you the advice

that I wish
someone had given to me.

-About Bill?
-About life.

About being a woman in the world

with the likes of Bill Hamilton.

I think I've got things
pretty well handled.

So did I.

I thought the same thing,
Hayley.

But losing love is...

sneaky.

Creeps in...

so slowly sometimes
that you don't realize it

until you're out
on your derriere,

trying to figure out
which way is up.

I don't think that's
gonna happen with Bill and me.

Why?

Because you're charming?

Because you can bat your eyes
and dictate at the same time?

-I have a career, Dani.
-You have

-a job, Hayley...
-[scoffs] Okay.

...that exists
at the pleasure of the man

that you were sleeping with
and are now married to.

You have a career--
Ihad a career.

A pretty wonderful one
until I gave it up for Bill.

And the moment
it didn't serve his purpose,

he turned my world upside down.

I don't think I'm going to have
to write a listing ship

like you did. Okay?

Bill and I are here to stay.

As long as it serves him.

And that is my point, Hayley.

There will come a day,

for whatever reason,

when Bill decides that
he no longer wants or needs you.

And when that day comes,

you better have a plan B.

Look, I haven't wanted
to bring this up, Naomi,

but now that we're talking
about Hayley...

Ugh. I know.

She and my dad
are a package deal now.

And there's no way around it.

If you're reconciling with Bill,
you're gonna have

to deal with Hayley
on some kind of level.

Ugh, I'm not looking forward
to it.

Maybe I can limit my visits
with him

-as, like, one-on-one time,
you know?
-[scoffs]

Yeah, that might be your plan,

but you got to prepare
for your dad to push the issue.

Especially since you know
him and Hayley

are joined at the hip.

It's probably because
she's afraid

to let him out of her sight.

That's some serious shade.

What? She knows his history.

That he was cheating on Mom
with other women before her

and that he's
probably not gonna stop.

So what is her game?

Babe, why are you more upset
with Hayley than Bill?

Is your loyalty with him?

I asked myself
the same question,

and here's what I came up with.

Okay, we all know
my dad is insensitive.

-Mm-hmm.
-Right? But he doesn't think

about whether what he wants
is gonna hurt other people.

He doesn't enjoy hurting them.

Do you think Hayley enjoys
hurting other people?

I've spent a lot of time
with her.

We were besties.

And I think back and I realize

she was always quizzing me
about my dad,

about my mom and dad's marriage.

It's like a game to her.

It was fun.

It's like she was getting away
with something.

It made her feel smart.

Wow. You saw all that?

Only in retrospect.

But I'll never believe

that's not exactly what
Hayley was doing.

Bill and I were talking earlier
about our future.

The same future
that you're sure we won't have.

Oh, please spare me.

Sorry to interrupt, ladies,

but Dani and I have
a lot of business to discuss.

Oh.

You've been nursing that water
for a long time now.

Is that all you're having?

Dieting, perhaps?

Okay, Pamela, we've had our fun,

and it's gone on
for a very long time.

I'm bored.

Uh, excuse me? Shiloh.

Mrs. Hamilton is ready
to order her dinner.

I've decided
to be the bigger person.

It's almost Easter, after all.

Thank you.

Not necessary. You'll
probably make someone angry

and it'll start up
all over again.

You know, Dani,

sitting here, talking with you
reminded me of our old times.

When you and Naomi
were my friends.

-Getting nostalgic?
-Not really.

But for a split second,

I thought
it was a brand-new day.

Now I understand

you're still Dani Dupree,

dishing out the same old crap.

[gasps]

[squeals quietly]

[scoffs]

Please don't misunderstand.

I want to celebrate
our anniversary.

But I don't want us put
on a pedestal.

Like all marriages,
ours has not been perfect.

What we arecelebrating

is that we have managed
to make it work

and stay together in spite
of all the difficulties.

Yeah, I actually like
that angle.

You wouldn't know this,

but there was a period of time,

years ago, where we came close
to splitting up.

It was on my mind today
because of Kat's birthday.

-Ted and I hit a rough patch.
-Hmm.

NICOLE:
When Martin was little,
before Kat was born,

I'd had several miscarriages.

Nicole, don't blame yourself.

But the way that Andre described
our relationship,

it's as if we had full support
of each other.

And we didn't.
I didn't handle the stress well.

I pushed you away,

walled myself off emotionally,

and got hyper-focused
on getting pregnant.

And then, when it didn't work,

I got frustrated and mad at you.

It's a miracle
that you didn't give up on us.

Please, Nicole,
don't blame yourself.

I'm the one
who let you down back then.

[inhales deeply]
Wow, this smells so good.

[chuckles]:
Yeah, smells like clean.

Thanks for helping.

After everything you said about
how inconsiderate your dad is,

there's no way I'm giving you
a reason to say

-"I married my dad."
-[chuckles]

You are so not my dad.

And that's a constant blessing.

Maybe I should ease up
on trashing Hayley to him.

If Dad doesn't feel
like he has to throw himself

in front of b*ll*ts for her,
maybe...

he'll see what a user she is
on his own.

What do you think?

I think
you're extremely beautiful

when you're delusional.

Stop.

-Mm. [chuckles]
-[laughs]

Will that be red wine
with both dinners?

Just my husband's.

-The 2005 Bordeaux, please.
-Fantastic.

-I'll put your order in.
-Thank you.

[sighs]
Hey, baby.

-Mm.
-Hey. You know,

this is the first time that I've
been able to order on my own.

-Oh, yeah?
-Yeah.

Well, good. That's good to see

that they finally stopped their
infantile Hayley Hamilton ban.

One word from the queen bee,
and, miraculously,

the entire waitstaff
could see me again.

Wait, Dani did that?

Mm-hmm. The Dupree magic,
alive and well.

-Hmm.
-But enough of Dani.

Come here.

-Mmm.
-Mmm.

What were you working on

-so late?
-Well,

Mike didn't take well
to getting canned.

Hmm. Of course not.

Too much ego on that man.
You know what?

You and the partners
made the right decision.

Some people are just simply
more trouble than they're worth.

Yeah.
[chuckles softly]

Can you believe
D.C.'s anti-bullying laws

only apply to behavior that
takes place on school grounds?

But cyberbullying follows a kid.

It's on their phone,
it's in their pocket.

But these statutes are ancient.

Agreed.

But can we please
not make Tyrell

the poster child
for anti-bullying?

I can't help it. I'm angry.

And what do you
always tell me to do?

To channel it
into constructive behavior.

And I'm glad you are.

I thought you were gonna bite
somebody's head off tonight.

You stormed out of here
like a madman.

I'm a passionate guy.

I always will be.

But I'm learning
how to check my emotions.

I see you making the effort.

I really do.

Because...

with your political aspirations,
all it takes is one incident

of you flying off the handle

and it could seriously hurt
your career.

Believe me, I am well aware.

Ted, why are you getting
so upset?

It's not like we haven't talked
about all this before.

I'm sorry.

Maybe I shouldn't have brought
up such a sensitive topic.

It's late, and we're all wiped.

You're right. And on that note,
I am going upstairs.

-Good night.
-[whispers]: Sorry.

Good night.

[quietly]:
Hey, what was that about?

It sounded like
you were about to say something

about the other woman.

I would never do that to Nicole.

I've been living with it
for all these years.

Well, why did it sound
like you were about to go off?

I don't know. Stressed, I guess.

It's harder to hide the guilt
now that Dana's back around.

Lately, that's
all I've been thinking about.

Look, I get that you want
to come clean.

I would never say no to that.
Your call.

[sighs]

But, Uncle Ted,
you can't just go around

blurting out hurtful things
just because you're stressed.

Timing is everything, okay?

For you and Aunt Nicole.

Just think it through. Please.

Let me, uh, visit the ladies'
room before dinner comes.

-Okay.
-Okay.

Let's widen the circle.

You were great
at managing Chelsea's career.

I mostly did that
to look out for her,

the way you looked out for me.

-You were paying it forward.
-Exactly.

Like you did with those
First-Gen scholarship students.

Exactly.

Kids getting
the opportunity to...

be the first in their family
to go to college

or kids getting the chance
to have a future

that they might not have
otherwise had.

That fills me up.

They were told
they had potential,

and we got to help them
live up to it.

I'm sorry to interrupt.

Uh...

I appreciate
what you did for Hayley,

getting the servers
to take her order.

No big deal.

Everybody's got to eat.

Yeah.

Thank you.