03x15 - That’s the Way Love Goes

[bunniefuu]

Previously on "Nashville"...

Man: You've been served.

Valerie: My recommendation is that we make a settlement offer.

I hate that idea. I filed a restraining order, but he just figured out a way around it.

I've loved you since the first time I ever laid eyes on you.

I think I might need a little bit of time.

Caleb: Your only option is a liver transplant.

I really think you should tell Rayna.

Gunnar: It's a great band.

Maybe we should make it a regular thing.

I'm in.

Teddy: This woman, she was, um...

A prost*tute?

Yeah.

I want the girls at home with me exclusively.

We need a cover, in case anybody asks about our relationship.

Woman: Is that the mayor?

I can't believe I'm gonna miss this.

Well, you and I are gonna have plenty of times to play the Opry together.

Yeah, not on the 10th anniversary of your induction we're not.

You just go knock 'em dead on "good morning America" tomorrow, girl.

Thank you so much for making that happen.

I'm excited.

I am, too.

I think it's gonna be really good.

Keep the momentum going after the CMAs, you know?

Absolutely.

Yep.

Oh, wow.

[Gasps] Look at you!

[Laughing]

This really must be just the most amazing thing.

It is. I mean...

Aside from making me feel very old, but...

Oh, you stop that. [Laughs]

Deacon really has been here from the beginning, huh?

Mm-hmm.

Is he coming tomorrow night?

I don't know.

I don't think so.

That'd be a shame for him to miss it.

It would.

Maddie: So, I was thinking, maybe you could stay for dinner when you drop me off.

Well, that is very sweet, but, uh...

Not tonight, I don't think.

Come on.

Scarlett's not here, which means you're probably gonna be eating something out of a can.

I'll have you know, I got some perfectly good made-from-scratch leftovers in there, so I appreciate your concern, but...

So, what's going on with you and mom?

Nothing.

Nothing?

Nothing, all right? I haven't even seen her in weeks.

Exactly. No, that's what's so weird.

It's like you guys are avoiding each other or something.

Maddie, it's complicated, okay?

It's over with Luke. You don't have a girlfriend.

It's so simple to me.

It's not simple.

Are you guys fighting?

No, we're not, okay? It's...

What?

After all that's happened, lately, I...

We just need a little time, okay?

That's all.

But you still love her, don't you?

Till the day I die.

[Camera shutter clicking]

Luke: No, I'm at the photo sh**t right now.

We're getting some great stuff for the press release for the first artist signed to Wheelin' Dealin' Records.

Yeah, Jimmy.

No, we can start meeting folks next week.

Okay, bye. [Cellphone beeps]

Looking good, Will.

Hey, did you get a chance to listen to any of those demos I sent over?

Yeah, yeah. They're... they're real good.

But what?

You was hoping to get a little more personalized material?

That's all right. I was thinking the same thing.

Which is why I'm gonna bring in my buddy Kevin Bicks to write with you.

Now, I know you haven't written a lot on your own, but Kevin's one of the best in the business.

I mean, you play your cards right, have an album full of co-writes with him.

Kevin's...

He's talented.

[Laughing] Yeah.

What's Jeff think?

Jeff's out. He's a pariah. I had to cut him loose.

Seriously?

Yeah.

That gonna change your mind about signing with me?

No, no, not at all. Just...

So, you think Kevin's a good fit for me, huh?

Yes, I do. I think Kevin is the perfect fit.

Here we go.

Man: Here you go, cowboy. You ready?

[Strums guitar]

♪ Like a wish that just came true ♪
♪ All I'll ever need is you ♪
♪ Never want to lose this feelin' ♪
♪ Don't wake me up... ♪

No. That's not it, either.

Why is this not working?

[Cellphone ringing] Gunnar: Relax, man. We'll figure it out.

[Sighs]

Hey, it's Noel Laughlin.

Hey, Noel.

Why are you so grumpy today?

I'm sorry.

Juliette's had insomnia for the last week, are you serious?

And when she doesn't sleep, I don't sleep.

[Cellphone chimes] That's amazing. Uh...

A- all right. Uh, thank you again.

Guess who's opening for Rascal Flatts tomorrow night at the Bridgestone.

Not us.

Yes! Us!

One of Noel's bands pulled out, and there was a family emergency, so he spoke to Jay about us, and... and we're in!

Whoo! We're like a real band!

[Laughter] Right.

Which means we need a real band name.

Yeah. Yeah, I guess, uh... [Cellphone chimes]

Sag's not gonna cut it.

Okay, well, I'm not a founding band member, so whatever you guys want is cool.

I got to go.

[Groans] You... what? What?

No, you're smarter than both of us put together.

We... we need your help.

Hey, speak for yourself.

Got to be somewhere.

W... where?

Somewhere that's not here thinking about band names.

Have fun. See you later.

[Door closes]

Is it me, or is that weird?

[Cellphone ringing]

These telemarketers are relentless.

Dad, how come it's your week but we're staying with mom instead?

She didn't talk to you about that?

I mean, she said that we're gonna be staying with her for a while, and we were just like, "okay."

You know what, honey?

Your mom was... she was gone on tour for a long time.

She... she really missed you and your sister.

She just asked me if you could stay with her for the time being... That's all.

Now you'll miss us.

Yeah, but we're together right now.

[Cellphone ringing]

Hey, uh, no. Come on, come on, come on, hey.

G... give me that. [Sighs]

Nice try.

I was gonna tell them to stop bugging you.

What do they want, anyways?

I have no idea.

Maître d': Some wine to start?

Uh, yes, please.

A bottle of the valpolicella, dal forno, 2007.

Excellent choice, sir.

Oh. Thank you.

You look beautiful.

Thank you. So do you.

I mean, you... you look different out of your lab coat.

Yeah, I don't really think that white is my color.

[Chuckles] Um...

So, where are you from?

Manhattan... Upper East Side.

How about you?

Mississippi.

Um...

You know, I've been doing some reading.

There was an article in the American journal of medicine about prolactin.

Uh, wait, wait, wait.

You were reading the American journal of medicine?

Yeah. It was fascinating.

The same hormone that helps moms produce milk prevents liver cancer in mice.

I mean, they don't have a human trial yet. I don't know why.

You'd think that if it worked, they'd want to get on that as soon as possible.

But there was a whole section on anti-angiogenesis...

Absolutely not.

What's wrong with it?

It's a dinner meeting with Bucky.

Nothing, if you're Ariana Grande.

But we're trying to re-brand you as a serious artist.

Less sparkle, more black.

[Chuckles]

Well, you sure know how to make a girl feel insecure.

Well, I'm not your boyfriend.

I don't have to tell you that you don't look fat.

Good to know.

Look, these A&R meetings can get tricky, okay?

You got to appear excited but not desperate.

Listen, but don't be afraid to ask questions.

Engage, but don't be a pain in the ass.

Look, if you're so worried about it, why don't you just come?

You're my manager. You should be there.

Maybe you're missing the part about Rayna getting me fired from Edgehill.

I show up there with you, they kick us both out the door.

It's just best no one sees us together yet.

Maddie & Daphne: 1, 2, 3, 4!

[Guitars playing up-tempo music]

[Laughter]

Whoo!

Yeah!

What is this?

Conrad sisters' new sound?

Both: Yes.

All right, listen to me.

So, I've been thinking a lot about tomorrow night, the 10th anniversary of my Opry induction, and... and that was a big deal for me.

I'll never forget it.

You were 5, and you...

I was breast-feeding you backstage.

Mom! Gross!

So, the point is, the Opry's been my family since even before y'all were born.

Maddie: Mm-hmm.

And... and that's what tomorrow night's about.

So I really feel like it's important for y'all to be there...

Mm-hmm. With me...

On stage.

What do you mean? Like playing?

Yeah, like playing.

What?!

Aah! Mom!

Oh, my God! Mom! [Laughing]

Oh, my God.

Okay. I am going to call Alex and Jamie and anyone else I could ever think of.

All right. Okay.

Mom, our Opry Debut.

Thank you.

You know, it's a big musical family, and y'all are the most important part of that.

[Sighs]

What about Deacon?

He's an important part of it, too.

Is he gonna come?

I don't know.

Please don't say that this is complicated.

Well, it is complicated.

You can't even be on the same stage as him anymore?

Do you hate him that much?

Oh, honey.

That is so not the problem.

♪

Nashville SO3E15

[Cellphone ringing]

[Inhales deeply]

Hello, there.

Hey. It's me.

Yeah, I know.

Your, uh, name comes up on my phone.

So, uh, mystery solved.

[Both laugh]

Listen, I wanted to let you know that, uh, tomorrow night is the 10th anniversary of my Opry induction.

Oh, God almighty. Has it been 10 years already?

Yeah, I know. It's crazy.

Anyway, so...

I just can't imagine...

Having that night without you being there.

And Vince is gonna be there, and a lot of the guys are coming back.

I don't know, Rayna.

I'm... I'm not sure I'm ready for that just yet.

Yeah. I get it.

Also, you should know that the girls are gonna play, have their Opry Debut.

And I can tell you what...

They would be over the moon if you played with them.

Kind of a full-circle sort of a deal.

Can I think about it and, you know, get back to you?

Yeah. Of course.

I appreciate it.

And for what it's worth, I think it would be really amazing.

Okay. Then, uh...

I'll let you know.

Okay.

Scarlett: I knew about the milk thistle, but when I read about the benefits of ginseng, that kind of blew me away.

And not... not Korean ginseng or Chinese ginseng, but American ginseng.

I didn't know there was so many different types.

But apparently, it can slow tumor growth.

Yeah, it can.

Would you let me pay for this? You already got dinner.

No, I got this.

Valet: Thanks.

Thank you for tonight... And e-everything.

Yeah, it was my pleasure.

[Chuckles]

Okay. Uh...

Sorry. This... It's gonna feel silly now, but I got to admit that when you first asked me about this, I thought it was a date.

Oh. It w...

But I realize now that y-you have a lot on your mind and you really need someone to talk to, which is completely understandable, so swing by my office, and we can discuss your Uncle's treatment there.

Okay?

Anytime.

Good night.

What's all this?

Trying to come up with a band name.

"Scargunnery"? "Liquid sister"?

"Biscuits & honey"?

Let me guess... You're honey?

Well, it's not the best, but...

Yeah.

Tough day at the office?

Luke wants me to write with Kevin Bicks.

Well, that's great. Kevin's awesome.

Yeah, well, he's also gay... Like out gay...

And everybody knows it.

Do you think that's why Luke paired me up with him?

I mean, he said we'd be "perfect together," like he knew or something.

Stop. Stop.

Kevin is red-hot. It makes perfect sense, all right?

Yeah, well...

I'm not gonna do it.

I mean, the last thing I need is for people to see me around town with some swishy gay dude.

Did you seriously just say that?

Well, it's not the kind of music I want to write.

Oh, what... good music?

Touchy-feely ballad crap.

All right, well, now you're just being stupid.

Kevin can write beer and truck with the best of them, but his songs actually mean something.

And just for the record, he's written with Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, and no one thinks they're gay.

But fine... If you want to be an idiot and stand there with your beer bottle and just...

Oh, "beer bottle."

Beer and f... Beer and foam.

F... the foam. That's good.

No, it's like an '80s band from England.

[Text message bloops]

♪ ... Can't get you out of my head ♪

Hey, good sh*t.

All right, gambling man, what's your game?

No. Pizza money.

You're leaving?

Yeah, I got to see a new band tonight.

I thought since I don't get many weekends away from boarding school that we could hang out.

You want to hang out? With me?

Yeah.

Well, sh**t, son, I'm sorry. I-I can't tonight.

But, uh, hey, we will tomorrow, okay?

Just you and me. Do whatever you want, all right?

Can we go to the Opry?

Since when do you like country music?

Since Maddie's making her Opry Debut.

Maddie?

You two still keeping in touch?

Yeah. Is that okay?

Yeah, yeah, of course.

It's just, um...

Tomorrow night's Rayna's big anniversary celebration.

Yeah, it'd probably be super-awkward, huh?

You know what? What the hell?

Rayna and I can't avoid each other forever.

Town's way too small for that.

Thanks, dad.

Yeah, you bet.

I'll see you in a bit.

[Knock on door]

Hey.

Hey.

So, I just wanted you to know I called Deacon and asked him.

What did he say? Is he gonna come?

He's thinking about it.

Tomorrow is gonna be a big day.

Good night.

Mom.

Yeah?

You still love him, don't you?

I'll always love Deacon, yeah.

No, I mean, like, you love him.

Don't you?

Sweetheart...

I know you want us to be together.

So bad.

I just... uh, I'm not sure what that looks like yet.

And I think for the two of us to be together again, we both have to be ready... Really ready.

When do you think that'll be?

I don't know.

Love you.

[Door closes] Hey. How'd it go?

They want me to sit around and wait while they get Sadie launched.

Wait. Bucky actually said that?

No, of course not.

He said they wanted to give it time and let the reality-show stuff die down, and then once Sadie's album is released, then they'll focus on me.

Okay. Well, did he pitch you a plan, at least?

What's the roll-out look like?

You know... record an album, hit the talk-show circuit, and then go on tour with an established artist to grow my fan base.

No. No! Those are terrible ideas.

Look, you... you are not a traditional artist.

They can't try to sell you like one.

What'd you say?

I said what you told me to say, okay?

But he just kept twisting it back around to his plan.

Damn it, Layla.

Hey!

Look, you should've been there!

No, you should've stuck to the script.

Maybe next time, I'll write it on your arm so you don't forget it.

I'm not your puppet, okay?

I don't know what I am to you, but I sure as hell am not that.

Okay. Fine. Then what do you think we should do next, huh?

Come on, Harvard. What are your genius ideas?

Have you forgotten that you work for me now?

Oh, really?

Mm-hmm.

Is that so?

Yes, really.

'Cause everybody else in town hates your guts.

Everybody?

[Door slams]

[Purse thuds]

[Heavy footsteps]

Hey.

[Keys clack]

Everything all right?

Yeah.

[Cabinet door slams]

[Silverware clanks, dish thuds]

Rayna called me.

It's the 10th anniversary of her Opry induction, and the girls are making their Debut.

She wanted me to be there.

You gonna sing with them?

No, I don't think so.

You gonna sing with her?

Hell no.

What, you afraid she'll hear it in your voice?

Yeah, something like that.

Well, heaven forbid anybody but me should know.

[Teapot clanks]

You want to talk about this, or are you just gonna keep taking it out on my kitchen?

Oh, you want to talk? Fine.

Uh, I went on a date with your doctor.

Like a date... Like a date date?

Yeah, but I ruined it because all I could talk about was you and your stupid cancer.

Hold o...

You're mad at me?

Yeah, I'm mad at you! You won't let me tell anybody else!

I've only got you and him to talk to about it, and you got your own thing going, so that just leaves him.

Okay, Scarlett, I'm sorry you had some crappy date, all right?

But that's not my fault.

No, it... it is your fault, because this is your secret, and you're making me handle it as if you would, and I'm not you... I can't bottle things up and pretend they're all right when they're clearly not.

It's turning me into a crazy person.

It is too much to handle, you understand?

It's too much.

[Sighs]

There is no such thing as bad publicity.

People are talking about you now.

We got to take advantage of that.

Yeah, I agree, except that the conversation has to change.

You know, people have to stop talking about the reality show.

It has to be all about my music now.

Oh, God, absolutely.

I mean, if the world knew that you could sing the way you do, write the way you do, I bet you would have every indie blogger in the country writing about it.

People love to take credit for discovering the next big thing.

So, what... Maybe I talk to Bucky, see if he can move me up in the schedule?

Hand me your laptop. This is the 21st century.

I'm gonna have one of your songs up on iTunes in 20 minutes.

Bucky's gonna lose his mind.

Sometimes you got to be aggressive, babe.

Well, thanks for meeting with me, Bucky.

Well, you know, to be honest, I wasn't sure that I should.

Um, I'm not too keen on going behind Rayna's back.

Listen, I don't want to go behind her back, either.

I've been nothing but good to Rayna. I always will be.

I mean, I may have... Acted badly after, but...

You know, I really loved her.

Well, I'm sorry it didn't work out.

Thanks.

Believe me, I want to move past all this just as much as Rayna does.

In fact, I'm, uh...

Taking my son to the Opry tonight.

Just want to see if you thought, you know, she'd be all right with that.

I know it's her big night and all.

Well, actually, I think that'd be a pretty nice Olive Branch.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Good. You know, I didn't know, considering everything.

Here you go, gentlemen.

Hey, thank you.

Thanks.

Enjoy.

You know, as long as I got you here, you mind if I pick your brain about something?

Yeah, sure.

I'm thinking about hooking up Will with Kevin Bicks.

You think that'd be a good fit?

Yeah. Yeah, that's spot-on.

I mean, if there's a knock on Will, it's that he needs to dig a little deeper.

Right.

[Cellphone rings]

Hello?

Hi! Sadie, my name is Tracey Jensen.

I am a segment producer on "GMA."

Oh, hey. Nice to meet you over the phone.

Likewise.

Listen, I just wanted to go over a few details about tomorrow's spotlight segment with Robin.

Great. Sounds good.

Okay, so, the interview will likely cover your amazing move from songwriter to CMA award winner, signing with Rayna James, maybe dig into your back story a little bit.

Sure.

But we were also wondering, how open would you be to discussing your situation regarding your ex-husband?

What situation is that?

The lawsuit he filed, the settlement he received, how you feel about it.

[Knock on door]

Hi.

This is for you.

You don't need to bring me coffee every time you want to talk to me.

It's more of a caffeinated apology, really.

I said that I... it wasn't a...

It was a date, Caleb.

Or, at least, that was my intention, but I don't do them well, and I got nervous, and I started to talk about the only thing I know you and I have in common.

And I now realize that talking about cancer on a first date is the worst idea in the world, so I'm very sorry.

Well, apology accepted.

You want to start over?

Mm. Yeah.

[Laughs] I would like that.

[Laughing] Good.

Are you busy tonight?

Well, I'm in this band with my two ex-boyfriends, which is weird, I know.

We're opening for the openers of Rascal Flatts at the Bridgestone arena tonight.

If you would like to come see us play, I'd love to bring you as my date.

And I promise not to mention the "c" word again.

[Sighs]

[Knock on door]

Are you crazy?! I just got Juliette to sleep!

What are you doing here?!

Well, if you looked at your phone or answered your texts, you'd know.

Shh! Shh!

All right, the concert is tonight, and we still don't have a band name, so...

Uh, I've been thinking about maybe "The Back Roads," inspired by that, you know, trip we all took together.

Um, yeah, let's talk outside.

Uh, "Fried Green Tomatoes"...

[Sighs]

Hey, man. Come on in.

Thank you. Glad this worked out.

Yeah. Have a seat.

You want a beer? Water?

No, thanks. I'm fine.

[Sighs deeply]

So, is there anything in particular you want to work on?

Not really, no.

Okay.

Well, uh, maybe we should just talk first, get to know each other better.

Where you from? What do you do in your spare time?

I'm from Texas.

And I don't have any spare time.

[Chuckles] I guess I'll start.

Uh, I'm originally from Tallahassee.

I moved here six years ago.

Vince, thank you so much for being here tonight!

I wouldn't miss this.

Oh, you're the best.

I'm just sorry little Jimmy can't be here with us.

Me too. I miss him.

Yeah, he loved you.

Hey! Hey, girls.

How you doing? Nice to see you.

Nice to see you.

How you been, Daph?

I'm good. I'm really, really excited.

Oh, you should be. You're gonna k*ll it.

Very exciting.

Hey, Vince, can I steal you for a second?

Yeah, you bet.

It was great to see you guys.

I'll see you out there, hon.

Okay, man.

Thank you.

Colt: Hey, Maddie.

Hey, Colt!

Colt!

Hey.

Hey.

Rayna: Hey.

Thanks for coming.

Oh, couldn't miss this.

Good to see you girls.

Maddie: Good to see you.

Good to see you.

Congrats on your big night.

Thank you.

Maddie: Well, I think we should start getting ready.

Uh... you know what?

I'm gonna... go talk to Vince for a second.

Okay. Y'all have fun.

Uh, do we have a dressing room?

Of course you have a dressing room!

Yes!

All right, we'll see you in a bit.

Bye, Colt.

Thank you. Right this way.

Welcome into the circle.

Oh, my gosh.

This is the dressing room everybody uses when they make their Opry Debut.

I got to do it. Now y'all do.

Daphne: I can't believe this.

This is so amazing.

I thought it'd be fun if we shared it tonight.

Great.

Anybody here need a guitar player?

Deacon!

Oh, my gosh! Dad!

I'm so glad that you came.

Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

May I say, you are much more handsome in person.

Oh. Well, thank you, Lorrie.

I usually hear that I look shorter in person.

[Both laugh]

Well, if y'all excuse me, I'd better go wish my daughters good luck.

Thanks, Lorrie.

What are you doing here?

We need to talk... now.

My daughters are here, my ex-wife...

I wouldn't have had to come if you'd answered my phone calls.

Don't say another word.

You know, I have to admit, I was surprised to hear Rayna signed you to Highway 65.

Well, as long as we're being honest, so was I.

[Chuckles] But, you know, I think it's a real vote of confidence that Rayna believes in me and my music.

Uh, I'm sorry, but I actually just remembered that I have to go meet some friends, so y'all have a great night.

Take care.

Okay. Bye.

Oh, hey! Bucky. We were just talking to Layla about her new single.

It's amazing.

Her new single?

Yeah, yeah, I downloaded it this morning.

I love how you guys just snuck it out there.

You know, gives it a real indie feel.

Yeah, well, you know Layla.

She's nothing if not independent.

[Chuckles]

I don't even want to think about Pete, let alone talk about him.

Well, nice of them to give you a heads-up instead of blindsiding you on the day.

I'm just so angry.

You know, what he got away with, and... and... and now he's making money off of me?

Listen, what he did to you was a crime, and it's traumatizing.

I know, and that's why I would like to stop talking about it.

I want to put it behind me, and I don't want to be the poster child for...

Well, I think you just tell them it is absolutely off limits.

That's it. And there's no shame in that, hon.

Do you think that's why they even want to do this interview with me... Because of this lawsuit?

No.

They want to interview you because you are the best new artist of the year [knock on door]

And you are at the top of your game.

Miss James?

Oh, my God.

It's your big night, and I am keeping you from it.

Listen, I'm here for you whenever you need.

That's the deal.

Thank you.

You show 'em what you're made of, sister.

Back at ya. I'll talk to you soon.

Thanks.

Bye.

[Cellphone beeps]

[Exhales deeply]

Come up with a name yet?

Listen, I'm sorry, okay? Caught me at a bad time.

I was tired.

Gunnar.

Come on, man.

You're acting like a crazy person.

It's just a name. What's the big deal?

"What is the big deal?"!

All right, this band may just be a-a hobby to you, okay?

But for me, this is the reason that I came to Nashville...

To perform, to be o-on a big stage in front of thousands of people.

So that may seem silly to you and Scarlett, 'cause, yeah, yeah, you've performed in arenas across the country, but this tonight is...

[Sighs]

This is my first time.

So... so, yeah, I would like it to be perfect.

'Cause it may well be my only damn time.

Well, let's see what you got so far.

[Cheers and applause]

[Laughs]

What a night, huh?

Well, I'm about to do something that might be one of the proudest moments of my life, and that is introduce my own daughters onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for their Opry Debut.

So please help me to welcome Maddie and Daphne Conrad to the Opry family right now.

[Laughs]

[Cheers and applause]

And Deacon Claybourne on guitar!

[Cheers and applause]

["Heart on fire" plays]

♪ You were the girl with a blazing heart on fire ♪
♪ Free as a dress in the breeze ♪
♪ Hanging on a laundry line ♪
♪ In the sunshine ♪

Okay. I am missing my daughters' Opry Debut right now, so this better be damn important.

I'm being watched.

What do you mean "watched"?

There's a van parked outside my house.

Okay. You know what? You're being paranoid.

In my line of work, I know what to look for.

I am telling you, they're law enforcement.

Okay. You know what? Fine, fine. I'll look into it.

Just stick to our story.

You don't get it.

The van's been there for days, Teddy.

You mean, when I was at your home...

If someone's watching me, they've seen you, too.

So I'm not the only one who's screwed here.

♪ Maybe it's just yourself that you're fightin' ♪
♪ Keepin' the shine in your star from risin' up ♪
♪ Gotta light it back up ♪
♪ Won't let you sink like a stone ♪
♪ To the bottom, bottom ♪
♪ Let me remind you of the you you've forgotten ♪
♪ It's just a road ♪
♪ It's just a wave that you're ridin' ♪
♪ I know it's rough ♪
♪ Gotta get back up ♪
♪ Light it back up ♪
♪ You were the girl with a blazing heart on fire ♪

[Cheers and applause]

We've been at this for hours.

We could have, like, 10 songs by now if we just went with any one of these ideas.

All right, listen, man, you're new to writing.

And I'm trying to be patient here, but so far, we're just... We're not finding it.

We found this.

That isn't very good, and I don't think either one of us wants that.

To be honest, I don't know what you want.

I want you to participate.

Now give me something, man... Anything.

Just... tell me a story.

Yeah, I just think...

You and me...

We're not clicking, you know?

Is that 'cause guys like you used to b*at up guys like me in high school?

[Laughs]

You're way off base there, man.

Hell, I didn't even finish high school.

Why not?

My dad kicked me out.

Yeah, my dad was a real son of a bitch, too.

I wish he'd have thrown me out.

No, you don't, man.

I had nothing, no one... Just a stupid kid out on my own.

Maybe that's something we can build a song around.

[Cheers and applause] Announcer: Once again, Vince gill.

Hey.

Vince: You know, 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to invite miss Rayna James into this beautiful Grand Ole Opry family.

Since then, she's gone on to win more CMA awards than I can count.

She's also raised two beautiful daughters, a third platinum record, and her own label.

Not only has she done it all, she has it all.

Would you please welcome back to the stage miss Rayna James, everybody.

[Cheers and applause]

Come sing with me.

Woman: You came up with this idea on your own in your garage?

[Channel changes] The cheetah st*lks its prey, singling out a small...

[Channel changes] [People cheering, clapping]

Woman: Duh!

[Channel changes]

Reporter: Today, a neighbor called 911 after reportedly hearing an altercation.

But when police arrived, Daniel Clemet was gone and wife Sherry was dead.

The couple appears to have had a history of domestic v*olence, with three prior 911 calls made from this same address in the past two years.

Relatives are struggling to understand why this vibrant young woman was unable to escape what appears to have been a cycle of abuse.

[TV turns off]

[Sighs]

What do you think?

I could add a coda with some beer and trucks if it makes you feel better. [Both laugh]

Nah, it's not necessary. It's, uh, it's good.

It's great.

Not bad for your first time.

Yeah.

[Laughing] Yeah.

You know, I just remembered, uh, I got a friend who's playing in a band at the Bridgestone tonight.

I told him I'd go check it out, so...

Oh, yeah, no problem.

Yeah. Otherwise, I'd stick around.

Yeah, no problem.

I'll go ahead and, uh, chart this out, and you can lay down a demo.

Great.

And, uh, thanks for hanging in there.

Anytime.

Okay, okay, how about, uh... "Boomtown Gulch"?

No.

The, uh, "Leather Guitars."

You're just naming stuff in the room!

Yeah, well, at least I'm trying.

Well, now you know what it feels like to have all your ideas sh*t down.

Okay, okay, how about this... On the count of three, we'll both say a random word, put them together, huh?

We got our band name.

Yeah, that's worth a sh*t.

Yeah? Okay.

One, two, three.

Whiskey!

Frogs!

Frogs?

Uh-huh.

No.

No?

All right. One, two, three.

Highway!

Cheese!

Okay, I panicked.

Cheese? Scarlett: Hi, guys.

Uh, this is my friend Caleb.

These are my band mates, Gunnar and Avery.

Hey.

Hey.

So, you're the exes.

Exes.

Huh.

Dude, that's... that's perfect.

[Cheers and applause]

Well, hi!

[Chuckles]

Oh, my goodness, y'all.

Vince, thank you so much for being here tonight.

You are an amazing friend, and it just means the world to me.

I appreciate you so much.

And it was just beyond moving to see my girls up here tonight for the first time, and accompanied by Deacon Claybourne.

Can we give Deacon a big hand, please?

[Cheers and applause] I mean, he's been with me from the very beginning...

In one way or another.

[Laughter]

I'm so grateful to him, too, and he's been such an important part of my life, and to the time that I've...

[Cheers and applause]

[Cheers and applause continue]

Bucky: What are you thinking?

Putting that song on iTunes is the exact opposite of what we agreed to.

You know, I didn't agree to anything, first of all, and second of all...

Your plan sucks.

Excuse me?

I'm not a traditional artist, okay?

So you can't sell me like one.

I know that Rayna thought that I was a joke when I showed up in her office, but my music changed her mind, and I think that it can do the same for everyone else.

You're right.

I'm not happy you did it without consulting me, but I can't argue with the results.

A blogger in east Nashville posted about your song.

There've been 3,000 downloads in the last 24 hours.

Really?

Yes, and that is with zero help from your label.

Now, obviously, that's got to change.

We're gonna have to revamp our plan for you, come up with something a little less traditional, but good thinking.

[Cheers and applause]

["The rivers between us" plays]

♪ The rivers between us are deep ♪
♪ And dark as the secrets we keep ♪
♪ We stand on the shores ♪
♪ Time runnin' by at our feet ♪
♪ Oh, the rivers between us are deep ♪
♪ Our love is like the moon ♪
♪ Risin' too fast and fadin' too soon ♪
♪ This night will soon be gone ♪

Hey. I'll be right back.

Okay.

♪ Help me hold on ♪
♪ There are kingdoms to keep us apart ♪
♪ So we live out our lives in the dark ♪

Sorry. This must suck, huh?

♪ Love has a way ♪

As a matter of fact, it does.

♪ Of making you pay with your heart ♪
♪ There are kingdoms to keep us apart ♪
♪ Our love is like the moon ♪
♪ Risin' too fast and fadin' too soon ♪
♪ This night will soon be gone ♪
♪ Help me hold on ♪

[Cheers and applause]

Deacon Claybourne.

[Cheers and applause]

Thank you.

Dad, that was so awesome!

Hey!

Hey, I love you guys.

Love you.

Love you too.

Where are you going?

Uh... I got to go.

Ladies and gentlemen, making their Debut performance in front of their hometown crowd, please give it up for The Triple Exes!

Hey, you said you'd be cool with whatever.

As long as it's not "two guys and their crazy ex-girlfriend,"

I'm good.

[Cheers and applause]

Thank you. Thank you.

["If I'm still dreaming" plays]

♪ The light inside this room ♪
♪ Like a halo over you ♪
♪ Shines on your face ♪
♪ Takes me away ♪
♪ To the rhythm of your breath ♪
♪ Beautiful, I must confess ♪
♪ Moves like a song ♪
♪ song ♪
♪ This is where I belong ♪
♪ I don't wanna leave this place ♪
♪ I just wanna stay forever ♪
♪ I can't believe you're here with me ♪
♪ Your heart is all I'll ever need ♪
♪ Like an angel, you must be ♪
♪ Sent down straight from heaven ♪
♪ Like a wish that just came true ♪
♪ All I'll ever need is you ♪
♪ Never want to lose this feelin' ♪
♪ Don't wake me up if I'm still dreamin' ♪
♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ If I'm still dreamin' ♪
♪ if I'm still dreamin' ♪
♪ Oh, yeah ♪

Hey, sweetheart?

Hey.

Did you see where Deacon went?

No, not since your duet. Is something wrong?

Um, no.

I just... His guitars are gone, so...

I know.

Rayna! Hi! [Chuckling]

Hey.

Okay, well, I'm gonna go pack up, then.

Yeah, he even apologized to me. Can you believe it?

Jeff: I told you.

So, now that we got your label on board, it's time we figure out how to maximize their resources.

Yes, well, that is going to wait until tomorrow, because tonight I'm going out to celebrate.

Why not?

What'd you have in mind?

Oh, some people are going to The Treehouse.

Great. I can be there in 30.

Actually, I was thinking that you were right.

It is probably best if we are not seen together just yet.

[Chuckles]

Listen, uh, for what it's worth, I- I had no idea Deacon was gonna be here tonight.

If I had, I'd have given you a heads-up.

Well, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that, uh, Deacon's always there.

It does seem that way.

Anyway, you're a good man, buck.

Um, don't be a stranger.

Okay. You too. Good luck with the label.

Yeah.

[Chuckles]

Sorry I made you come tonight.

Got to spend some quality time with my son.

Don't ever apologize for that.

Do you like having me around?

Of course.

What kind of question is that?

Well, I was thinking that maybe I could come home...

For good.

Could be nice spending some more time together.

With me or, uh, with Maddie?

With both of you.

Are you mad?

No, son, I'm not mad.

Heart wants what the heart wants.

Let's go home.

Caleb: So, did you always want to be a singer?

Never.

Uh, I-I wrote poetry, and then Gunnar put one of my poems to music, and everything just changed. [Chuckles]

And, uh, how does Avery fit into all this?

College boyfriend.

He's the reason I moved to Nashville.

Well, it's completely unconventional, but it works.

You guys were great.

Thanks.

Honestly, this is, like, the most fun I've had in months.

[Laughing] You got to get out more.

Yes, I do.

[Laughs]

Especially if it means spending more time with you.

You guys rocked it.

Oh, hey, buddy. [Both laugh]

I'm glad you made it. Yeah, man.

Hey, how'd it go with Kevin?

Well, we... We wrote a pretty cool song.

See? What'd I tell you? I bet it's the first of many.

Might be.

Amazing performance tonight!

Gunnar.

Seriously, you guys k*lled it.

Glad you liked the show.

"Like" is an understatement. Rascal Flatts was blown away.

They were freaking out.

They want to book you for the next six tour days. [Gasps]

You're kidding! That's fantastic!

Oh, my goodness!

What do you say, Triple Exes, you ready to hit the road?

Yes!

Yeah!

[Laughter]

Oh. Excuse me.

Thank you. Oh, wow.

[Laughs] Thank you.

You're not getting off that easy. I won't be gone long.

I was hoping you would say that.

Robin: Is there anyone special in your life?

Oh, no. Not with all I got going on right now.

[Both laugh] Your plate is full.

Congratulations... CMA award.

Oh, gosh, thank you.

The new album in the making.

Mmhmm.

And the legal issues, though, that you've had to work through with your ex-husband.

I understand that you were able to settle out of court with him recently.

Any more you can tell us about that?

I can tell you that I'm not happy about it.

This was over creative rights.

His lawsuit is without merit.

I was advised that settling would be easier than going to trial, but that hasn't really been true.

Why is that?

Because he doesn't deserve that money.

He doesn't deserve to be rewarded for what he did.

I'm... I'm not sure I follow you here.

I was the victim of domestic v*olence, Robin, for years.

And I stayed silent about it, like so many women, and I felt...

[Voice breaking] Trapped and afraid and controlled by a violent, damaged, and awful man.

And I am not going to let him get away with it.

Good for you.

[Door opens]

[Door closes]

Called you like 50 times.

Rayna, I...

You know...

[Laughs]

I will tell you what.

You leaving like that...

Hurts.

It hurts as bad as it did the first time you ever did it.

And I know we've skipped a few steps here, but...

Babe...

[Sighs]

Please don't leave me anymore.

Rayna, I'm sick.

Please don't say that. You can do this. You can...

I'm sick, Rayna. I got cancer, okay?

What?

I had cirrhosis of the liver, and it went undiagnosed, and it turned to cancer.

All those times you said my drinking was gonna k*ll me, you were right.

I got six months on a transplant list, and if I don't get...

[Sobbing]

I'm sorry.