04x02 - 'Til the Pain Outwears the Shame

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Nashville...

I have a boyfriend, Gunnar. And I love him.

But you're not in love with him.

The truth is, I'm gay.

[Reporters murmuring]

Luke put me in a holding pattern. I can't tour.

You done with this marriage?

Avery: Maybe she's happier without us.

Juliette: I'm on the top of the world.

And everybody knows that your label's a joke.

Female reporter: Some stars just don't know how to run a business.

Jeff Fordham, who do you think he's gonna put first?

Me... not you.

Scarlett: He needs a liver transplant.

I want to do it.

[Paddles whine]

Caleb: I have some bad news.

[Over stereo] ♪ she's rockin', I'm rollin' ♪
♪ she's beautiful, and I'm broken ♪

Together: ♪ I should have known better ♪

Whoa! Whoa! It sounds like Bonnaroo in here.

Do you know what time it is?

[Volume decreases]

Maddie: Mom, Boulevard just broke up, okay, like, literally an hour ago.

They just released their statement online.

"Creative differences."

Well, I've got creative differences about your bedtime choices.

It is a school night.

That's why we need to learn it right now.

We want to do this song for the school talent show tomorrow instead of the one we were gonna do, in tribute.

We're just gonna have to do our mourning in the morning.

Come on.

Oh, my gosh.

Bedtime.

Good night, Mommy.

Good night.

Apparently, Boulevard broke u... babe, where are you going?

I'm gonna head on back over to the hospital.

No.

Why? Did they call you? Did something happen?

No. Something might, you know.

Don't do that. You have been there for three nights in a row.

It's just...

You got to spend a night at home.

She's still there.

Still 'cause of me.

Will you please stop punishing yourself for that?

She wanted to do this.

I know. [Sighs]

You need to live your life now.

I just can't yet. I can't.

Not while she's there.

I don't want her to wake up alone in that hospital room.

They will call you the minute something happens.

I'm just gonna toss and turn all night, and I'm gonna keep you awake.

I want you to keep me awake.

[Laughs]

[Laughing] I want you to.

I miss you.

I miss you, too, baby.

I just feel like I should be there.

Love you.

Love you, too.

I'll call you in the morning.

[Cheers and applause]

Kelly Ripa: Welcome back, everybody.

She's the star of "Shenandoah Girl," the #1 movie in America.

And releasing...

It's just business, babe.

It's not like I'm having fun here or anything.

... Juliette Barnes!

[Cheers and applause]

I'm sorry I can't make it to the meeting.

Is Patrick gonna be there, at least?

No. I fired him.

What a surprise.

Are you sure that there's no way that you can get back in time?

We've got a few more appearances to make, and I'm on her plane, remember?

Well, fly commercial, then!

I'm sitting down with Bucky and Rayna.

My manager should be there to advise me.

Here's my advice... cancel.

I want to get you out of Highway 65 anyway.

I don't want to get out, okay?

You know, with Juliette and Sadie gone, they have to make me a priority now.

Do they?

I've got to tell you... I mean, every time I see you, I marvel.

I'm, frankly, amazed.

I mean, between touring and acting, I don't know how you do it, especially with a new baby.

It's tough. It's the life of a mom.

You know it.

Yeah, no, I do.

I know it myself.

[Audience "aww"s]

Oh, there. Oh, look, they're showing a picture of... there's your husband, Avery Barkley, right?

Producer?

Mm-hmm.

And your daughter, Cadence. Oh.

[Voice breaking] Sorry to get emotional.

Michael: That's a beautiful family.

It's okay, sweetie. I know.

I have three of my own.

[Chuckles]

I know how hard it can be to be away. I know.

It is. Well, the good thing is, your record release party's in Nashville, so you get to go home, spend time with them.

Yes, that's true. I just... you know, I miss them so much.

[Chuckles]

Think she means it?

It's the closest I've come to seeing my wife in weeks.

It's pretty hard to tell.

Well, for what it's worth which ain't much...

I get the whole "not knowing" thing. The limbo.

So, that means you still haven't heard from Luke yet?

His people called meeting tomorrow.

I hope that's a good sign.

Well, it's not gonna be what you want to hear, but, much like Hollywood and pro sports, country is not ready for a gay star.

You're right, Ms. Manning not what I wanted to hear.

"Gabriella."

And my professional opinion, since you've paid for it, drop Will Lexington.

Well, Gabriella, this kid is a hell of a performer.

His new demos are outstanding.

Hell, my hip-hop 17-year-old son thinks these new songs are great, and he doesn't give a rat's ass about anybody's sexuality.

He's not Luke Wheeler's demographic.

Is there any chance you could stop referring to me in the third person?

[Both chuckle]

#1 album.

Successful label.

Sold-out tour.

You are uniquely positioned in the market.

With our help, you could be to country what Jay-Z is to rap... an industry.

If I'm all that...

Mm-hmm?

... why can't I be the one to kick open doors for Will?

Because your audience is not that progressive... or forgiving.

What you image types don't know is that "small town" doesn't always mean "small-minded," Gabriella.

Why don't you fly down, see for yourself?

I'll send an invite.

[Engine turns over]

Hey!

How y'all doing?

There he is.

How are you, friend?

Ah, good to see you, Rayna.

This is Bucky.

Mr. Cole, I cannot tell you how happy I am you're coming on board... not just for business reasons, either.

I have to confess I'm a longtime fan.

I'm so excited that you're gonna be at Highway 65 to make your next gold record.

Right.

Now, Rayna, I respect the hell out of you.

You know that.

I feel terrible about this, so I felt like I had to tell you in person.

Got a call from my team late last night, and, uh, we're putting the brakes on this deal.

I thought the decision had already been made.

They feel it's too much of a risk.

Where's the risk?

We offer the best royalty split in the business and the only non-360 deal in town.

Which is great, but, uh...

But what?

You haven't been able to hold on to any of your big acts.

That's... that's the perception.

Well, forgive me, but that's a load of crap.

We have amazing young talent in the pipeline, and I'll remind you that Highway 65 damn near swept the CMAs.

You know, I certainly don't ever want to be in a position where I'm talking you into anything.

I mean, I really...

I just genuinely thought this was gonna be a great fit.

If you don't want to take risk, I mean, of course, I wish you well with that.

I'm sorry, Rayna. I meant no offense.

Some taken.

All right.

Bucky.

These will work great for the E.P. and the merch.

Tour's coming quick.

Sure you can handle being on a T-shirt with me?

I'm surprised we're even in the same room for this sh**t.

Please don't think I didn't consider the alternative.

Well, I'm sure.

You made your feelings pretty clear... not friends. Barely bandmates.

That is because I've been recently reminded why we are called the exes.

Let's get you two a little closer.

Uh, maybe you should try facing each other.

[Clears throat]

[Sighs] Okay.

[Ringtone plays]

That could be Deacon. I have to take this.

[Sighs]

Why don't we grab some singles?

Sure.

Hello?

Oh, my god. When did it happen?

Okay.

Gunnar. What... what are you doing?

Yeah, I'll be right there.

Hey, everything all right?

They want to take my mama's breathing tube out today.

Oh, that's fantastic.

Noel, I'm so sorry. I got to go to the hospital.

Of course, go. We'll make do with what we've got.

Lindsay: Have you ever been to Ibiza?

Because we should totally go there sometimes.

Move.

[Clears throat]

Far be it from me to get in the way of a good buzz, but we need to talk.

There's been some chatter in the tabloids, a couple of pieces pointing out that you haven't been seen with your family in quite a while.

I've been on the road.

Yeah. But now you're going home.

You can't not be seen with them there.

That's not gonna happen.

Pretty sure Avery hates my guts.

Well, that's a problem.

Not one I'm willing to talk about.

Lindsay, get me another drink, would you?

Lindsay: Sure.

[Chuckles]

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Cheers.

We'll keep pounding the pavement.

Do you really think that they're not taking us seriously?

You know, I have been completely focused on Deacon and the transplant and the girls these last few months.

I mean, I dropped the ball on the label. I did.

Rayna, that is not true.

Also, I take us seriously, and so does every single person who works here.

There's Layla.

She all set for the Bluebird?

Yeah. I tried to get as many taste makers in as I could.

Thanks, Buck.

Rayna, this is Wade's loss.

And Juliette's. You know that, right?

I believe in this company, Ray.

I believe in you.

You saw something in Layla grant that no one else could see, including me, and you were spot-on.

Same with the Exes, and I think both are gonna be huge.

But we're gonna have to have the power to be able to take them where they need to go.

The only way we're gonna keep this label relevant to all the naysayers is... to sign a big name.

[Cellphone vibrates]

sh**t. I had this on silent.

I got to go to the hospital.

Um, can you... can you talk to Layla for me, please?

Yeah, of course.

Okay, thanks.

Layla: Hey.

Hey, sweetheart.

Um, I... I've just gotten an emergency call and I've got to run, but, um, I'm gonna see you tomorrow night, okay?

Can't wait.

Layla: Okay.

Okay, bye.

Um, whe... where?

Oh, uh, we have a solo gig for you tomorrow night at the Bluebird.

Are you serious?

Yes. We have big plans for you, Layla.

Thank you.

We... [Chuckles] You're welcome.

Beverly's passed several brain-function tests, but you want to take things slow.

There still may be some disorientation.

We can talk to her, though?

Of course.

Just know she may not be able to respond verbally.

Her throat's gonna be pretty sore.

All right.

Hey.

How you doing?

[Strained] How'd you get out before me?

Don't matter now.

You all right?

[Sighs]

We're all all right now.

Do you know how hard I prayed for this moment?

Hey, Beverly.

[Chuckles]

[Chuckles]

Luke: Hey, Will. [Chuckles]

Hey.

Sorry it's taken so long for us to sit down, but my schedule is rough.

Yeah. Yeah. How's the tour going?

Oh, it's great.

Um, shame you can't be out there with us, but after that surprise at your press conference, had to wait and see how things would shake out.

Yeah, I know. I'm real sorry about that.

It just sort of happened in the moment.

Well, I know you came in expecting some sort of answer.

[Sighs] And truth is...

I don't have one yet.

[Chuckles]

But you are still a Wheelin' Dealin' artist, so I think it only fitting you come to Juliette's launch party tomorrow night.

Uh, well, I'm not sure.

I haven't made any sort of public appearance since...

Oh, no, no, no. That's... that's the beauty of it.

It's just for industry types.

I mean, there may be some press outside, but that's exactly where they're gonna stay, okay?

Trust me... you're gonna be among friends.

[Knock on door]

Stand there much longer, and you're gonna get hit.

All right, easy, buddy.

Look, I'm not the wedge between you and your wife.

You were then, and you are now, you son of a bitch.

All right, all right. Hey!

Get out of here!

All right, all right, look!

Before you start throwing punches, I'm just here because I'm worried about Juliette.

Oh, bullcrap!

All right, fine.

Look, I am concerned, okay?

I am concerned that... that my client is off the rails.

She seemed perfectly fine on TV.

Well, she's not, okay?

She's alone and she's scared, and she needs you.

She hasn't needed me in five weeks.

Hasn't called, hasn't written.

That's 'cause she thinks that you hate her.

[Sighs]

Look, she's desperate, okay?

S... she's desperate to see you and the baby.

She just doesn't know how to tell you that.

[Sighs]

[Door closes]

Need anything else, boss?

No, I'm all good. Thanks, Bo.

Must be nice to be home.

I tell you what... if she's asking for that remote control, she must be feeling better, right?

Oh, it's so great.

[Chuckles]

So, listen, you know the girls have their talent show tonight?

Oh!

I forgot.

I'm sorry. You think they're gonna be upset if I...

It's ok... of course they're gonna understand, but I have to go.

I know you do.

Thank you.

For being here, helping me through this, toughing it out.

I'm just so happy to see you happy, see that weight lifted off your shoulders.

What's going on with you? What's the matter?

Whatever. Seems silly.

No, no, no. Please. Please, I want to know.

Wade didn't sign the papers this morning.

Oh, baby.

He did not come over to the label.

I don't understand how we've gone from being the hottest label in town to irrelevant.

All right, listen, you're not irrelevant, all right?

And I'll tell you what's gonna happen.

In the next few months, she's gonna get back on her feet.

You and me, we're gonna get all hitched up... married.

And all the biggest stars in country music, they are gonna sign with Highway 65.

[Chuckles]

Just got to keep the faith, baby.

That's what brought Bev back.

Well, [Sighs] guess a lot's happened since the surgery, with me and... maybe it's not the right time to talk about that.

Weather's been nice. Uh, it's hardly rained at all.

Maybe two days.

You still with the doctor?

Yeah.

Actually, we're living together.

I like him better.

Better than who?

Whoa.

I didn't realize you two were so, uh... close.

We weren't. They photoshopped it. Look.

[Sighs] See?

[Chuckles]

I mean, Scarlett was barely in arm's reach.

Has Scarlett seen them yet?

No. She's probably gonna flip out when she does.

I see why the label wants to package you that way.

I mean, sex sells.

Yeah, well, I would rather not sell a lie.

[Ringing]

Woman: Good afternoon.

Uh, Noel Laughlin, please.

Besides, I'm not taking the hit for making the Exes look like the Sexes.

[Techno music plays]

[Indistinct conversations]

[Music continues]

Hey, girl.

Hey.

Everybody get out... now!

Go!

Now! Get out!

[Indistinct conversations]

You're gone for weeks. This is what you do?

Invite a bunch of strangers over to our house?

Is this who you are now?

No. It's not, I promise. I just...

I believed it, Juliette.

When I saw you on that interview, you said you missed us.

I believed it!

Avery, please don't go.

[Door closes]

Please.

Why?

[Voice breaking] Because I love you.

I love you both. Just give me a chance to explain.

Please.

Do you remember that first guitar Mama picked up for me from the, uh, yard sale?

It had like four strings on it.

You were belting out songs at the top of your lungs.

I'm banging out chords I don't know yet.

Scarlett: Oh, no.

[Chuckles]

Everything all right?

Yeah, uh, my manager wants to meet with me, like, now.

You got to go, you got to go.

You sure?

Yeah, go.

I'll see you tomorrow. Sorry.

See ya.

Hey, there he is.

Hey, Beverly, Deacon.

Hey, I was just taking a look at your labs, and everything looks great.

No sign of any rejection.

[Sighs] Well, all right.

[Chuckles]

Yeah.

You, uh, heading out?

Uh, surprise band meeting. I got to run.

Oh.

Um...

You got a band meeting now? Really?

Uh, Noel just wants to go over a couple things.

I don't know what it's about yet.

How about I give you a ride?

Then we can grab dinner afterwards.

Uh...

Unless you don't want me to come.

No. Sorry.

T... that would be... that would be really nice.

Thank you.

All right.

Come on.

[Cheers and applause]

Whoo!

We're the Conrad Sisters.

Uh, we're gonna do a cover in tribute to our favorite band, Boulevard.

A song written by their amazing singer, Markus Keen.

♪ He's right, and I'm wrong ♪
♪ this love's as good as gone ♪

[Guitar strumming]

♪ He's pushin', I'm pullin' ♪
♪ who did I think I was foolin'? ♪
♪ He's rockin', I'm rollin' ♪
♪ he's beautiful, and I'm broken ♪
♪ I should have known better ♪
♪ thinking this could last forever ♪
♪ I'm giving up, giving in ♪
♪ let's call it out for what it is ♪
♪ shoulda known where this was goin' ♪
♪ he's rockin', I'm rollin' ♪
♪ we're hangin' on only ♪
♪ nobody wants to be lonely ♪
♪ ohh ♪
♪ ohh ♪

In a moment of weakness, I put my career first, and I have been paying the price ever since.

[Scoffs]

Hit movie, sold-out tour, record looking to go #1?

Yeah, that's some kind of punishment.

Doesn't mean anything without you.

You don't think I wanted to come back and beg you to forgive me?

Just, the longer it went, the... more afraid I became to talk to you.

I want to be a good wife. I want to be a good mother.

I just don't know how, okay?

I don't know.

[Cadence fusses]

Hey.

Come here.

Come here.

Look, I'm scared, too.

Okay? Every single day.

But I push through it.

Can I hold her?

Come here.

[Gasps] Hi.

Hi.

I'm your mama.

Look at these little hands.

Do you remember me, little girl?

No more coffee for you.

Ah. Great. You're here.

And you brought your boyfriend to the band meeting.

Caleb gave me a ride.

What's so urgent?

Well, if we're gonna get merch back in time for the tour, we really need to put in an order tomorrow, but since some red flags were raised, I thought we should meet and get everybody on the same page.

This is the sh*t Bucky and I think works best.

That is some serious Photoshop.

Okay, I want to go on record... not a fan.

It suggests a relationship that is, [Chuckles] is... well, it doesn't exist, all right? It's wrong.

I'm fine with it.

I mean, it's silly. It's just marketing, though.

It doesn't bother me. Does it bother you?

Nah. Why would it?

Great. It's settled.

I'll get on it first thing.

It's gonna be a big order now that we've added dates.

To the tour? How many?

20 on the eastern seaboard, 50 total for now.

Are you sure you're all right with this?

Yeah, it's fine. Mm.

Is there anything else, or we're gonna go?

Go.

Okay, thank you.

Let's go.

What?

[Ringing]

Bucky: Hey.

Hey.

So, what do we know about Markus Keen?

Uh, I know his band just broke up. Why?

Well, because that means he's going solo, and I think we should sign him.

Okay, uh, well, there's "out of the box" and then there's "out of your mind."

Um, the guy's an alt rocker, Ray.

I'm pretty sure he wears nail polish.

Look, my girls just did a cover of one of his songs, and it was good.

I think he's a good songwriter, and I want to meet with him.

Ray, every label head from New York to L.A. wants a meeting with him.

There's no way I could even get past his gatekeepers.

Let's find out where he is, find out where he's going in the next day or so.

What about Layla's gig tomorrow night at the Bluebird?

Listen, I feel like we've got to make this a priority.

Otherwise, Layla's not gonna have a label to record records on.

Okay.

I'll talk to you later. Bye.

Hey!

Hi!

Ohh!

How great were y'all?

Thank you.

I love that song.

Um, I'm gonna run to the bathroom real quick.

Okay, sweetie. We'll wait for you right here.

Okay.

Okay.

So good.

You'd think they'd be embarrassed to be out in public.

I mean, their dad is, like, a total criminal.

I know.

And that silver necklace Daphne wears... probably stolen.

I'd move out of the country if I were them.

Or at least not go up on stage acting all proud of their name.

[Mockingly] "We're the Conrad Sisters."

[Both laugh]

[Door opens]

[Cadence cooing]

She really is beautiful.

She takes after her mother.

No, I think she takes after you.

Beautiful man.

One I don't deserve.

Stop saying what you don't deserve and just accept that you have it.

I've never stopped loving you.

Not for one second.

[Cellphone chimes]

Oh. It's about time.

You sound better.

What are you doing up so early?

It's hard to sleep with you snoring over there.

I don't snore.

Yes, you do.

That Rayna?

Yeah.

She got to go out of town on business.

I got to get someone to stay with the girls.

Why don't you watch them?

'Cause I'm staying here with you.

Deacon, you've been here.

I heard your voice, I heard your guitar, I heard you singing to me.

You heard that?

I know you haven't left my side.

But I'm okay now.

Okay, if you really want to do something for me, give me your house and paint my bedroom yellow.

[Chuckles]

Well, you can have the house, but I ain't painting nothing yellow.

Fine.

[Laughs]

Go on, now. Go home.

Please.

[Sighs]

All right.

I don't know if I can ever say this enough... but, uh... thank you.

I love you, Sis.

I love you, too, baby brother.

See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

[Cheers and applause]

Juliette! Juliette! Are you glad to be back in Nashville?

I couldn't be happier.

You two haven't been photographed together much lately.

You care to comment?

That's the problem with being out on the road.

That's why we brought our baby girl.

I want to spend as much time with my family as possible.

Yeah, it's been hard on all of us, but that's why the baby and I might just tag along for the rest of the tour.

Reporter #1: Avery, what about your own career?

What about the tour?

Thank you, guys.

[Reporters shouting questions]

Well, well, well.

You can take the girl out of the city...

Honestly, I thought I'd be the only one here without rhinestones.

[Both chuckle]

No Will Lexington, I see.

Did you change your mind?

More than one entrance.

Not everybody needs to hit the press line.

You're smart for a country boy.

Maybe you don't need my help after all.

[Chuckles]

♪ You ease my worried mind ♪

Hey, you.

Hi.

[Chuckling] Hey.

These are from Rayna.

She feels awful she could not be here tonight.

Oh, yeah, she called me. She left me a message.

Yeah.

She said that she had to go away on pressing business?

Yeah, we're trying to keep it under wraps a little bit, but you may have a new labelmate to kick around with soon.

Anyone I know?

You might've heard of him.

We're trying to put a deal together in a hurry, and I may actually have to run if I can get my lawyers into the office, so, um...

Oh.

Where's Jeff?

Oh, he's at Juliette's launch party.

Oh.

Well, the good news is, got a great crowd tonight, a lot of your fans are here.

[Chuckles]

I'm one of them.

Okay. Have a great show.

Thanks.

Woman: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome aboard Jet America flight 128...

Hi. Excuse me.

Yeah, yeah.

... to New York City.

Our approximate flying time will be five hours and...

Rayna Jaymes?

Yes.

Yeah. And you're Markus Keen, aren't you?

Yes, ma'am.

Big fan.

Well, thank you very much.

Yeah.

What brings you to New York today?

Um, meetings. You?

Same. Yeah.

[Clears throat]

♪ I, I, I ♪
♪ I know I'm free, but still my hands are tied ♪
♪ behind my back beside the Mississippi flood ♪

Excuse me.

Hey, Will. Hey, there you are.

Hey.

I thought we missed you.

No. How you doing?

Hey, you know these two, right?

Oh, of course. How you doing, Mr. Cole?

Come on, now.

The only person who calls me Mr. Cole is, uh...

Well, come to think of it, no one does.

Well, I don't know how else to address a legend.

And I believe you already know this legend, as well.

Oh, thank you.

It's good to see you again, Pam.

Good to see you, too, Will.

It's been a while.

It has.

It's a brave thing you did, opening up like that, Son.

I appreciate that.

All right, listen, I got to go play host, but why don't y'all grab a drink, okay?

Thanks.

All right.

Excuse me, um...

Could I get a round of bourbon for myself and my friends?

Pam: So, Will, what do you think of the album?

I was raised on the Bobs and Johns...

Mm-hmm.

... you know, Dylan, Marley, Lennon, Cash.

I can hear that.

Nah, you can't hear it on my albums.

I can.

Really?

Clear off some of the other stuff, you can hear it breaking through.

What, over the keyboards and the guitars and the overproduction?

Well...

Everything about that was a battle, you know?

It was like, from the songwriting to the... vision to the execution...

Yeah.

... it was like, by the time I got done with all that, I just hated the music we were making, you know?

Yeah. And band dynamics are brutal.

Oh, yeah.

That's why I'm going solo.

Yeah.

Except, every label head I meet with, they just... they want more of the same.

Oh. Believe me, I know that.

That's why I started my own label.

Yeah.

What do you want? What do you want to do next?

You're the first person to ask me that.

[Chuckles]

What do I want?

[Chuckles]

Too bad I have... I have no clue what my next move ought to be.

I think it should be country.

The album we're here to celebrate tonight, the one that dropped just this morning, is now the #1 album on both the pop and the country charts.

[Cheers and applause]

Y'all, please welcome to the stage Wheelin' Dealin' recording artist Miss Juliette Barnes!

[Cheers and applause]

Hey! [Laughing] Hey.

Thank you, Luke Wheeler, my manager, Jeff Fordham, and, of course, all y'all!

And above all, my two number ones... my wonderful husband, Avery, and our beautiful baby girl, Cadence.

This one's for you.

[Cheers and applause]

["What if it's you" plays]

♪ You scared to death, pretty baby ♪
♪ 'cause you might be fallin' ♪

[Cadence crying]

There's Mama.

Glad you took my advice and connected with your wife.

[Scoffs]

Don't try and take credit for any of this.

As you can see, she's a good judge of character.

[Crying continues]

♪ Grown men don't play games ♪

[Crying continues]

♪ Yeah, yeah ♪

Look. There's Mommy.

♪ And a grown woman won't take it anyway ♪
♪ what if it's you and not the world ♪
♪ that's breakin' your heart? ♪
♪ That's breakin' your heart ♪

She's something else, that Juliette.

She knows how to put on a show.

No pictures tonight, if you don't mind.

♪ Tear you apart ♪
♪ tear you apart ♪

Good seeing you, bud.

♪ You don't know, you don't know what you're doing ♪
♪ you blame anybody but your own damn self ♪
♪ doesn't that hurt? ♪

You still think I'm wrong?

♪ Don't you ever wonder ♪
♪ what if it's you and not the world ♪
♪ that's breakin' your heart? ♪
♪ That's breakin' your heart ♪
♪ oooh, yeah ♪

[Crying continues]

♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ you don't know, you don't know what you're doing ♪
♪ you blame anybody but your own damn self ♪

[Crying continues]

♪ doesn't that hurt? ♪

[exhales] Hey.

Hi.

How long have I been out?

Oh, just a few hours.

What are you working on?

It's a song.

Like the one you wrote about me?

"Black Roses"... was that it?

Lord knows I gave you enough material.

That was the thing that hurt so much hearing you sing it... was knowing it was all true.

Don't got to worry about that, Mama.

No, honey.

I know I wasn't the mother that you needed me to be... and the mother you deserved.

And I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

And I'm just glad I didn't die without getting to say that to you.

[Voice breaking] Mama.

I love you.

I'm so sorry.

Thank you, Nashville! I love y'all!

[Cheers and applause]

Hey, you rocked it.

Let's take some pictures with you and Luke and some of the other V.I.P.s.

[Cadence crying]

Not now.

She's got some lungs on her, doesn't she?

Yeah. Great set.

So sweet. She just wants her mama.

She's probably hungry.

Aww.

You might be right. Let me check.

Come here.

Come here. That's enough fussing.

Aww. What's wrong with you?

She might need a diaper change?

All right, let's change your diaper.

[Crying continues]

Does this thing have a safety latch on it or something?

Here, here. You just pop the lid.

[Crying continues]

She's popping her lid.

If you'd just... if she'd stop squirming so much...

Oh, my god! It's all the way up her back!

You're just a little rusty.

[Crying continues]

Here, here. Let me.

No, no, no, no, I got it.

I know you do, but look... look, you're here to mingle, okay?

So just... go mingle.

You'll have plenty of time to master the art of diapering on the tour.

Right. That.

Okay.

All right. I got ya.

And you clear away all that distortion, all that noise, it's a great opportunity for an artist like you to really be heard.

Yeah, well, I'm desperate to be heard.

And country music is kind of desperate for somebody like you.

I mean, from a business standpoint, it is the fastest-growing market in music.

It's the new rock 'n' roll.

And it doesn't quite have its Springsteen or its Dylan.

You know, you could you could do that.

[Chuckles]

Hold on a second. Are you... is Rayna Jaymes pitching me right now?

Hell yeah, she is. [Laughs]

Well, cheers, I'm flattered.

Well... no, but deservedly so.

Listen, I'll just tell you straight up... you come to Highway 65, it would be a new and truer chapter for you and your career.

And you would have the label head's undivided attention.

♪ You're the hurricane and you're the thunder ♪
♪ you're the ledge that's gonna be my fall ♪
♪ you're the spell that I will be cast under ♪
♪ I'm a fast car, baby, you're a wall ♪
♪ lovin' you don't make no sense at all ♪
♪ you're the match that's gonna start the fire ♪

Caleb: Thought you might need this.

That's very sweet of you.

♪ Oh, you're the flame that's gonna burn me down ♪

Thank you.

♪ I'm a girl who's walkin' on a wire ♪

[Sighs]

♪ Ooh, and you're the wind ♪

[Ringing] ♪ that's gonna blow me to the ground ♪

Hey, you've reached Gunnar Scott.

Please leave a message.

[Beep]

Hey, it's me.

I was just thinking... maybe 50 tour dates is too many.

♪ ... don't make no sense at all ♪
♪ but I do ♪
♪ I do ♪

Hey, have you seen Juliette? She was just here.

Sorry, I haven't.

♪ I couldn't change it if I wanted to ♪
♪ why lie when it's the truth? ♪
♪ Oh, I may be crazy ♪
♪ but I still need you, baby ♪
♪ I do ♪
♪ I do ♪
♪ you're the hurricane and you're the thunder ♪
♪ you're the ledge that's gonna be my fall ♪

[Cheers and applause]

We'll talk soon?

Yes, we will.

It was my pleasure.

Oh, it was wonderful.

See you soon.

[Cellphone ringing]

Hey. It went great.

Okay, well, when you hear their terms, you may be out.

They want full creative control and... millions... basically, all we got from Juliette's buyout.

That's all right.

That's what that money is for.

Listen, if we have an artist of Markus' caliber, we can do anything with the label that we want, and then we can support the Laylas and the Exes and all of our indie artists.

Okay, I hear you, but... are you sure about this?

I am positive.

Make that deal, Bucky.

All right.

Bye.

Juliette?

[Sighs]

[Cadence crying]

Juliette?

It's okay, baby. We're gonna find your mama.

[Sighs]

[Cellphone ringing]

[Ringing continues]

Juliette?

You here?

[Ringing continues]

[Sighs]

Hey. I thought you were picking me up.

Yeah, our departure got moved up.

But I got you a town car. It should be there any minute.

Wait... you're leaving? You just got here.

I didn't even get to see you.

I know. It's crazy.

[Indistinct talking]

[Sighs] As is my client.

Look, I just got to get her situated here on the road, and I will be back home.

But, more importantly, how was the show?

Other than no one from my team sticking around long enough to see it... ?

[Sighs] So much for being Highway 65's priority.

Layla, I hate to say I told you so.

[Chuckles]

But, luckily, no one cares more about your career than me.

I will make this up to you. I promise.

But, uh, look, I got to go.

Bye.

Layla.

Amazing show.

[Chuckles] No, no, seriously.

I was blown away.

Thank you, Mr. Goodman.

Look, I know you already have a manager, but should that ever change, I'd like to be first call.

Thank you. [Chuckles]

Great job.

Bye.

Jeff: All right, she's cut off for the night.

Out.

You're my manager, not my bartender.

Over-imbibing will screw up your vocal cords, and we've got a #1 album to support.

[Indistinct talking]

This should be activated once we land in St. Paul.

With a new number nobody else has?

Yep.

Still don't understand why.

You don't have to.

You got all your red carpet pictures, right?

Uh, I think Scarlett's in with her mom.

I was actually, uh, looking for you.

I was wondering if we could talk for a second.

Sure.

What's on your mind?

Well, look, I got a message from Scarlett, and it sounds like she's got some reservations about our... our tour, so if I'm to hazard a guess, it's probably 'cause of the, uh, the cover artwork you saw last night.

[Chuckles] We can both agree it's a little too... little too provocative, but I just wanted to say, look, I respect your relationship, okay?

And there is no reason to feel threatened.

Scarlett and I...

Oh, you think I'm threatened by you?

Because I'm not.

Look, if Scarlett changed her mind about the tour, it was because she realized her priorities are here and not off, you know, chasing some fantasy.

Excuse me?

Don't get me wrong, music's fun.

But it's not like you guys are saving lives.

The odds of a successful music career are pretty slim.

Even you have to admit to that.

I don't have to admit anything.

You know what?

I may not be the one for Scarlett.

Neither are you.

[Sighs]

Hey, come on in, Son. Have a seat.

Thanks, Lindsay.

[Sighs]

[Door closes]

So, listen.

Um, after a bunch of consultations and a lot of thought, I've come to a decision.

Um...

Unfortunately, the community and our fan base...

Will, they just don't...

I'm sorry, Son. I'm gonna have to drop you from the label.

And, Will, you got to know it ain't personal.

You got to know I mean it when I say that I think your songs are great, and... and I was thinking, i... if you'd be willing, um, I'd like to put a few of them on my next album.

You mean record my songs yourself?

That way, the songs get heard, and they deserve to be heard by lots of people.

I really do think you're talented, Will.

Thanks.

[Door opens]

Will.

Um...

Tell Kevin I said hello.

It was the smart move.

Damn near the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

But you did it to protect your brand, which is going global.

[Footsteps]

[Rayna gasps]

Hey. What are you doing here?

Well, uh, my sister is doing very, very well, and, from what I read here, you're doing pretty great yourself.

_

[Chuckles]

Well, at least now my girls think I'm cool.

I'll tell you what they're right.

You are cool.

You're also very, very hot.

Oh, really?

Oh, yeah.

And you know what else?

What?

[Laughs]

I also think that you are... very, very... very sexy.

Oh.

Very.

Wait a minute.

Are you gonna stay this time?

Oh, yeah.

[Laughs]

I'm gonna stay.

Good.

Morning, Mama.

Hi, my beautiful girl.

[Laughs]

Did you get some sleep?

The best I've had in a really long time.

I'm so glad, honey.

How about you?

Good.

Yeah?

What you got going on today, honey?

Well, I got a band meeting with Gunnar.

Think I'm gonna scale back the tour dates.

How come?

I don't really want to be away right now.

From you and from Caleb. We just moved in together.

Did I already tell you that? I can't remember.

Yes, but I don't mind hearing it again.

Sorry.

[Both laugh]

Oh.

Oh, those flowers are so pretty, honey.

[Monitor beeps]

When you're out of the I.C.U., we will fill your room with real ones.

But, uh, these just reminded me of sitting in the yard in Natchez and you teaching me to make daisy chains.

You remember that?

[Flatline]

Mama?

Mama?

[Rapid beeping]

Mama, wake up. Mama?

Nurse, get in here! Something's happened! I need your help!

Please wake up. Please wake up.

Woman #1: The leads?

Man #1: Leads are good.

Woman #2: All right, let's get her back.

Man #2: And start compressions.

Mama?

Start o2.

... fixed and dilated.

[Paddles whir]