03x18 - Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)

[bunniefuu]

SPENCER: Halfway there,
man. Come on. Let's go.

Let's go. You've got it.
There you go. Come on.

Come on. That's ,
baby. Let's go, let's go.

Come on. One...

You got one more rep, man.

JABARI: Yo, I cannot with these
early-ass workouts anymore, Spence.

Do you know what this is, Jabari?

This is what is in between
you and the finish line.

- One more rep.
- BILLY: No, not one more rep.

One more, y'all!

One more blown coverage!

One more busted play.

One more ass-draggin' practice
that pisses me off so bad,

I got y'all up at A.M. in the
mornin', doin' extra workouts!

Come on, y'all!

We got two weeks before
the state championship!

Two weeks!

Two weeks to get outta your head!

Two weeks for y'all
to become the champions

that I know y'all are!

Two weeks.

Rack the weights. Shower up.

Jabari's gonna break y'all out.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Yo, why he had to call me out like that?

He not callin' you out, man.
We all feelin' the pressure.

Them lights are bright at state.

It ain't the lights.

It's the stands:

My mom, my sister, my classmates,

all waitin' on our game to
decide the fate of their school.

So what, you gonna give up?

One more win and we state champions.

The community ain't gonna
let 'em dissolve that.

Yo, I just don't know
how we supposed to focus

on playing the game
with so much at stake.

Come on, man. I ain't the only one.

We in high school, man.

This was supposed to be fun.

[PHONE VIBRATING]

You about to teach me
another lesson, huh?

- PREACH: What you mean?
- [TEXT ALERT CHIMES]

About how chess is like life,
"the king stays the king."

Just sayin', if you're gonna rip
off "the wire," you might as...

One... we ain't rippin' nothin' off.

That was a totally different point.

Two... you're too young
to be watchin' all that.

- Your mama know?
- MO: Do I know what?

That sometimes in life,

you need to make sacrifices in
order to be in a better position

to attain our long-term goals.

I thought you were learnin' chess.

PREACH: Next time,
we'll skip the pointers

and we'll just play a few matches.

You know what that
lesson's called? Humility.

Hmm. Well, that's gonna
take more than one lesson.

Well, good thing I ain't goin' nowhere.

Got nothin' but time for my girl.

So... does Coop know
you ain't goin' nowhere?

Look, I know she not gonna be happy,

but once I show her she don't
need me there, she'll get it.

It might help if you
offer someone to run

the merch booth in place of you.

Didn't Andre used to work
the counter back in the day?

Andre ain't in.

I'mma figure this out my way.

It's all good.

[HIP HOP MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY]

SPENCER: Man, I am so damn proud.

You did it. You got your G.E.D.

- PATIENCE: Mm-hmm, yeah. That's my baby.
- COOP: Mm-hmm.

But I never had a doubt, though, so...

Yeah, be in' done with school
gotta feel strange, though.

Man, nothin' strange about
a eagle takin' flight,

- Mr. Spencer James.
- SPENCER: Ah, ok.

- PATIENCE: God, here we go.
- No, for real, like,

I've just been workin' on
these reels, promotin' the tour,

finalizin' some merch with
Preach, and mixin' some new tracks.

[CHUCKLING] Music all day, like,

I can't tell you how right
it feels. Look, check it.

COOP: What's up I'm Coop?

♪ And you was more like a
brother from another mother ♪

♪ Yeah, you rock for me, I rock
for you and put nothin' above us ♪

♪ Yeah, we like Bonnie and Clyde ♪

♪ We never switch no side, you know ♪

[SINGING CONTINUES]

Now it's your turn. Show us your family.

- SPENCER: That's dope. That's dope.
- PATIENCE: Yeah.

- A'ight, I'mma leave y'all to it.
- PATIENCE: Wait, wait, wait.

We ain't talked about what
went down at Bringston...

- COOP: Ooh.
- PATIENCE: With you and Liv,

alone, no parents.

We don't need all the details, bro,

- but somethin' definitely happened, right?
- PATIENCE: Yeah.

We just made out at a party, that's all.

What you mean, "that's all," bro? Spill!

She's in recovery.

Relationships are
discouraged that early.

I'm not tryin' to
complicate things for her.

Those her words or yours?

We agreed that we got
caught up in the moment,

and we not makin' it a big deal, a'ight?

- What's up?
- [COOP CHUCKLES]

- You sellin' timeshares now, bro?
- PREACH: Come on, Kevin Hart.

- We need to talk.
- COOP: Ha ha! Funny guy.

You good?

Yeah. Yeah.

Gotta bounce.

- Ok.
- [KISS]

- Later.
- Later.

TINA: We cannot have the rehearsal
dinner at this French-fry palace.

Well, we're gonna have
flowers and... and candles,

um, projection screens.
I mean, you'll be amazed

at how much lighting
can transform the space.

And it will still be in a sports bar.

Well, it's a special
place to Jordan and Simone.

They have shared memories here.

I have a memory

of Simone, telling me and my husband

that she was pregnant...

at that table.

Well... she should have mentioned that.

Would it help to have the dessert tower

on a less memorable table?

TINA: Low-key, intimate.

Fine, but if everyone insists
on having a "homey" dinner,

why not just do it at home?

- OLIVIA: Well, but the dinner is tomorrow.
- LAURA: Done.

JORDAN: Mmm. [KISSING]

- You smell good.
- SIMONE: Oh, thank you.

- Want to go upstairs?
- No.

- Are you sure?
- Yes, because I need...

I need to concentrate,

- ok?
- [JORDAN SIGHS]

I am so close to a
noncombustible table configuration

with the Hicks family, which
you know is not easy, so...

Are you sure that's... that's it?

You've been acting unusually...

Introspective this last week.

Mmm, "introspective."
That is a big S.A.T. word.

Simone. [SIGHS]

Ok. [SIGHS] There is something.

You're... you're not getting cold
feet over the wedding, are you?

No, no, but

I've decided on Bringston

instead of Stanford.

I still need to officially apply,

but based on my transcripts
and Coach Loni's recommendation,

my aunt said I'm a shoo-in.

Can you say something?

Look, I know we talked
about the west coast, but...

- I... I'll come with you.
- Wait. What?

- To Bringston?
- JORDAN: Yeah.

Babe, I was there, ok?

I saw what Bringston meant to you,

and if Bringston is your
dream, then I support it,

all right? Plus, they're
a good school with a...

- Half-decent football TEAM.
- SIMONE: Ha!

I'm your husband, Simone... [KISS]...

Ok? And wherever you go,

I'll be right there with you.

- Yeah?
- Always.

[SQUEALS, CHUCKLES]

MALE SINGER: ♪ It's like
I can't touch the ground ♪

You messin' with me, right?

I know it's last-minute,
but I can't, man...

Man, you a manager, with one client.

You really bailin' on
me when we takin' off?

I'm not bailin' on you, Coop.

I just can't be in Vegas this time.

I got it so anybody can work
the tent. It don't need to be me.

Now, what side hustle you got
goin' on more important than this?

It's just business, Coop.

You really not gonna tell me?

I'mma help you find someone good.

The pay comes outta my pocket.

I heard Andre's lookin' for
work. It'll be a familiar face.

I want my damn team.

You holdin' out on me, Grace James?

There's a big old piece of
cake right there in the kitchen.

Ha ha! I said there
was none more for you.

- That's for me, ok?
- CARTER: Oh, really?

Well, I bet I can convince
you to change your mind.

- Oh, yeah? Really?
- Yeah, mm-hmm.

- [KISSING, GRACE GIGGLES]
- SPENCER: Yo.

Spencer.

GRACE: I thought you had work.

I got off early.

Good to see you, Spencer.

Principal Carter.

Uh, D'Angelo, I'm sorry.

Do you mind if I give you a call later?

Oh, no. Of course not.

- Ok.
- Thank you for the cake.

[DOOR CREAKS OPEN, CLOSES]

- You have got to be kidding.
- In my house, you listen first.

[SIGHS] This is not how
I wanted you to find out.

- Is it serious?
- It's going well.

- Then why are you hidin' it from me?
- Because it's still new.

- Or because you know it's messed up.
- You know what?

Watch it, ok?

Look, you and D'Angelo got
started off on the wrong foot.

Hell, we all did, but he...

No, no, there ain't no buts,
mama, there ain't no buts.

He's tryin' to destroy everything

I've been tryin' to
protect since day one:

The football team, the
school, Dad's legacy!

It's complicated.

- He really thought...
- No.

You might need to make excuses for him,

but with respect, Mama, I ain't
gotta stand here and listen to 'em.

During what's supposed to be the
most exciting time in our lives,

my team is buckling
under the unfair pressure

of needing to save they
school. That's on Carter.

Uh, so not who I was
expecting to find in here.

JORDAN: Right.

LAYLA: Is JJ about to
pop outta the closet, too?

JORDAN: No, he's actually
in Vegas for some show.

Or he just used that as an
excuse to boycott the wedding.

JJ is upset because
Olivia is my best woman.

- LAYLA: Mmm.
- ASHER: Jordan, JJ, and I,

we all made this oath
when we were, like,

that we were gonna be
each other's best men.

Mmm, yes, I vaguely remember

you guys making a lot of
questionable oaths that summer.

Think most of them
included playing football

and sharing bunkbeds into your s.

That's still gonna
happen... college, Cali.

Maybe we lose the bunkbeds, but
the rest of it... I can't wait.

Right. Well, um,

that doesn't explain
why you're in Liv's room.

BOTH: Better mirror.

Ok...

- ASHER: She's gonna k*ll us, isn't she?
- LAYLA: Yeah.

Yeah, I'm gonna relocate to your room.

[JORDAN AND LAYLA CHUCKLE]

Um, is everything ok?

Yeah, why... why wouldn't it be?

Could be the totally
guilty look on your face

when Asher brought up college.

Um... [SNIFFS]... Simone and
I are applying to Bringston,

early decision. Please
don't tell anybody.

We don't want Simone's mom
losing it before the wedding.

Yeah, of course. Um...

What... what happened
to staying close to home,

and your boys and
playing PAC- football?

Hasn't that been your college
dream, for, like, ever?

Dreams change.

Have they, or are you just
setting them aside for Simone?

Bringston wasn't my first choice,

you're right, but, I
mean, it's not like I have

scholarship offers from
SC or UCLA on the table.

I mean, I don't even
have a single offer yet.

Bringston is Simone's dream,
and I want her to have that

- and I want to be with her.
- [CELL PHONE VIBRATING]

- LAYLA: Sorry.
- No, no, please take that. I... I...

I got to finish getting
ready anyways, but...

Thank you for listening,
Layla. I appreciate you.

[PIANO PLAYING COCKTAIL MUSIC]

Robert, Tina, come in.

You both look lovely.

- ROBERT: As do you.
- LAURA: Thank you.

- [DOOR CLOSES]
- ROBERT: And thank you

for hosting the dinner
here at the last minute.

Nothing chilled, I assume?

Uh, there's a Gamay from Beaujolais
in the back on ice, for Mrs. Hicks.

Hmm.

You enjoyed that, didn't you?

- I don't know what you mean.
- Heh heh! Ok.

Thanks again, Mom. I know that

this wedding was not
your idea at all, but

your support means everything.

I love you, son,

and if it makes you happy,
then it's all the thanks I need.

JORDAN: Hmm.

LAURA: That, and the
face that Tina just made.

[CHUCKLES]

I've got you.

You know, the party's downstairs.

I know.

Figured I'd steal a minute
with you, make sure we good.

[SIGHS] We are.

Ok, full disclosure?

I got a little worried 'cause I
ain't seen you since Bringston.

Yeah, well, um, turns
out being best woman

to groomzilla is very time-consuming.

Plus, I've been hitting more
N.A. meetings, so there's that,

but, um... I promise you,

I'm not avoiding you.

Good...

'Cause I ain't losin' my best friend
over one night at a frat party,

no matter how epic it was.

- Well, friend...
- [CHUCKLES]

Should probably help out
downstairs before my mom and Tina

start flinging chocolate mousse
at each other from across the room.

- Anyway.
- Yeah.

- BILLY: Oh!
- ASHER: Ha ha! No, look, look, look.

- BILLY: Are you for real? [GASPS]
- JORDAN: Yes.

You mean to tell me he was doing this

once a month since summer?

- BILLY: How?
- ASHER: We ask as few questions as possible.

But apparently, when
it comes to dancing,

JJ's got the magic touch, Dad.

- ASHER: Ha ha ha ha!
- BILLY: Well, I mean, magic airbrush.

Ha! Those abs can't be real,
right? Are his abs real?

The dance moves are
real, though. Ha ha ha ha!

[HUMS DANCE MUSIC]

- [ASHER AND BILLY LAUGH]
- JORDAN: Yup.

- BILLY: Hmm.
- ASHER: Whew!

ROBERT: You know, it's supposed
to be the glowing bride,

- not the glowering bride.
- SIMONE: Dad, I'm not glowering.

I'm just observing and processing.

Well, let's try observing and
processing with a smile on your face,

before your mother intervenes.

That big enough for you?

You are so lucky you have my teeth.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

[KISS]

[JORDAN, ASHER, AND BILLY LAUGHING]

Hey, have fun, you guys.

- Hey, you made it.
- GRACE: I wouldn't miss it.

Uh, Laura, this is D'Angelo.

- LAURA: Hi. Heard lots about you.
- CARTER: Nice to meet you.

GRACE: Thank you so much for
accommodating my last-minute plus-one.

- LAURA: 'Course.
- BILLY: It is our pleasure.

- CARTER: That's... that's not bourbon, is it?
- BILLY: Oh, no.

Uh, I figured you and
me should probably,

- uh, lay off the sauce tonight.
- Yeah. Heh heh!

Have you guys seen Spencer?

Kinda cool that love is
in the air for everyone.

- Huh?
- Hmm, yeah, Ms. James

- and that principal guy, your parents...
- JORDAN: Whoa.

Easy there, big fella. My
parents are not back together.

They just have the whole
co-hosting, co-parenting thing down.

Heh! Yeah, try co-hooking-up thing.

- What?
- Dude, look at the way

your dad's lookin' at your mom.

Gross, first of all, and you're wrong.

- No, that's the look.
- The look?

Yeah, come on. We all know that look.

OLIVIA: Oh, my God. Please
tell me that you guys

aren't just standing in a corner,

talking about Mom and Dad's sex life.

Wait, that's really a thing? You knew?

Dad's been sneaking
in and out of the house

at night for the past couple
of weeks. They're not slick.

You didn't say anything?

It's called minding my own
business. You should try it.

[BOTH MOCK EACH OTHER]

Told you, bro.

The look.

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]

Your mother's been lookin' for you.

Thanks. I'll find her.

Spencer, y-you mind if I talk to you?

- You really don't need to do this.
- But I'd... I'd like to,

if that's all right.

Look, I... I know you
and I haven't had a chance

to get to know each other
outside of school, but

I'd like to change that.

Your mother's very important to me.

Yeah, she's important to me, too.

That's why none of this works for me.

See, I already know who you are.

Don't matter if you in school, out.

You a thr*at to my
family and my community.

- I'm not a thr*at to either, Spencer.
- Ok, prove it.

Guarantee that South Crenshaw
High won't be converted

to a magnet program,
regardless of who wins state.

I can't. It's beyond my control.

- SPENCER: That's convenient.
- BILLY: Everything ok out here?

Principal Carter was just sayin'
that the fate of the school

- is outta his hands now.
- Yes...

I made the initial proposal, but
now the train has left the station.

I'm just the interim principal.

This is a one-year assignment.

It's up to the school board now.

SPENCER: You know, I don't
know if you actually believe

all that red tape, or just
use 'em when it suits you,

but I don't think a snake's
gotta know it's a snake.

All right, Spencer. That's enough.

- So what, you defendin' him now?
- I'm not defendin' nobody.

Now is not the time nor the place,

and this is not the way
you help out our school.

At least I'm tryin'.

I seem to be the only one.

So what'd you do, mean
mug him the whole dinner?

It's not funny, Coop.

I don't know what's gotten
into my moms and Coach Baker.

You know, you the person that...
you see the best in folks.

And no, I'm not saying
Carter is no saint,

but you're not even allowin'
the possibility that he changed.

Growth, fool. That ain't
only reserved for you.

- So what, you got wise during that time apart?
- No, not at all.

I'm just speakin' from
personal experience.

I mean, look at me and Mo.

I was so busy judgin' her
on her past that it took me

forever to see that she
was actually for real.

- [PHONE VIBRATES]
- Yeah, about that...

Hold on, hold on.

Hey, Layla moved up her finals.

She comin' with me to Vegas.

Well, that's a good thing, right?

- Why you sound disappointed?
- Hey, no, it's definitely a good thing. I just...

I just thought Preach was
someone I can count on.

He is.

Look, I ain't the brother's biggest fan,

but even I can see you important to him.

Well, if that's true, then
he'd tell me what's goin' on

'cause he's definitely hidin' something.

I think I know why he can't leave town.

I didn't say nothin' 'cause I was
tryin' to stay out of it, but...

COOP: What is it?

[ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING]

No, it's too full.

I want it stripped down, so just, like,

two tracks with the top one pulsating,

and then let Patience's
voice do the rest.

- [GUITAR PLAYING MORE SOFTLY]
- Mm-hmm. That's better.

Hey. What's all this?

CARRIE: Oh, it was getting late,
and I figured you got caught up here,

so I just brought you
your dress for the wedding.

LAYLA: Oh, my gosh. I totally
lost track of time. Thank you.

Um, Lo, do you mind giving us a minute?

I'm actually glad you're here.

It turns out I am heading
to Vegas after all.

Wait. W... what about your finals?

My teachers were totally good
with me taking them early,

and Coop really needs me.

- And what about what you need?
- What do you mean?

- Going benefits me, too.
- CARRIE: Right.

It just feels like you're constantly
turning your life upside down

for people who wouldn't
necessarily do the same for you.

Carrie, this is business
and it's a part of my job,

- and it's a part I really enjoy.
- CARRIE: Ok, then, why were you

totally fine not going earlier?

LAYLA: Why is this
bothering you so much?

Carrie, um...

I hope you realize I am
not trying to kick you out.

You can stay in the
house until I get back.

I know that you don't really
have anywhere to go right now.

This is not about the house.

This is about looking
out for you, Layla.

You give too much of
yourself, and I just worry,

especially because
people take advantage.

No one is taking advantage.

Why... why don't I just come with you?

It's Vegas, right? It should be fun.

And that way, you have someone
there who's looking out for you.

I'll even work. I'll just be,
like, a roadie or whatever.

Hmm.

Um, it's... it's getting kinda late,

so I should change for
the wedding, and then, um,

talk later?

You know Coach canceled
today's workout, right?

- [DOOR CLOSES]
- JABARI: Got a lot on my mind.

- Figured a workout might help.
- SPENCER: I hear that.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

- Hey, Spence...
- [SETS DOWN WEIGHT]

Hey, my bad about the other day.

Look, I don't want you to
think I'm giving up on the team,

ok? I'll get my head together.

All this stress is just
'cause you care, man.

It's a good thing, but
it ain't all on you.

Share the load.

Took me forever to learn that.

Don't make my mistakes.

Hey, you know, uh,

hey, you changed my life, dawg.

I know I gave you a hard
time about be in' black Jesus,

but truth is...

Everybody basically
had me written off...

[CHUCKLES] Until your
nosy ass came sniffin'.

But, for real, though,
you saw the best in me

and made me a part of this family.

I mean, whatever, I guess. I just, uh...

thank you.

You're welcome.

Hey, Crenshaw football is special,

and I promise you there
ain't a charger on this team

who ain't gonna fight like hell
to make sure we keep what we have.

[MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY]

Let me try that Spencer James special.

So what's her name?

- I don't know what you talkin' about.
- I'm talkin' about your daughter,

the one you have with Mo, the
one you been hidin' from me.

Yeah. You know how messed up that is?

I just found out about her recently,

and I know how you feel about Mo.

I was tryin' to keep stuff separate
until I can figure everything out.

So you lied to me because
me and Mo got history?

- What, you mad now?
- Yeah,

but not because you got a baby by Mo.

Look, Preach, I know
what family means to you.

You got a daughter.

That's huge, bigger than
Vegas or Mo or anything else,

and I had to find that
out from somebody else.

I thought we was closer than that.

GRACE: Little help?

I'm not gonna say no.

I'm sorry about yesterday.

You're entitled to a private
life. That's none of my business.

You're right.

I am...

But that doesn't mean your
happiness isn't important,

and no man will ever come before that.

- Can I ask you somethin'?
- Mm-hmm.

What do you see in Carter?

No, no. I'm asking for real.

[CHUCKLES]

I was reminded today,
twice, actually, that

I usually see the best in people,

but for some reason,
I just can't with him.

Hmm.

So what do you see?

[SIGHS]

I see...

A man who makes me laugh,

who is smart, who's a great father,

who supports and values
my urban planning dreams.

I also see a man who's still hurting...

And because of that, he's
made a lot of mistakes,

and that's something
we all can relate to.

[DISTANT STRINGS
PLAYING CLASSICAL MUSIC]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Please don't tell me
we have a runaway bride.

[CHUCKLING] No, um, it's
pre-wedding photos with her family.

Mrs. Hicks put together
quite the photo sh**t.

Oh, I'm... I'm sure. Where's Carrie?

I didn't see her sitting
with the other guests.

Uh, she's home.

Um, is everything ok
with you and Carrie?

Yeah, we're good.

Layla, I know that
Carrie is your friend,

and I... I honestly... I
wasn't even gonna say anything.

Layla, I tried to come see
you after Friendsgiving.

What do you mean, "tried"?

Carrie said that you were sick
and wouldn't let me in the door.

See, I had a feeling that she was lying,

and I wasn't sure how to tell you.

Or if I would believe you.

Thank you for telling me. I
should, um, get Simone her bouquet.

Thank you.

Gentlemen, pre-wedding toast.

Isn't that the best woman's job?

Well, she's not here, so...

[SIGHS]

It's your wedding day, bro.

That's it?

Ain't no wonder you ain't best man.

[ALL CHUCKLE]

Look, it's been one hell of a year,

and it's not even done.

We've been through a lot individually,

together, but here we all are,

still standing, three of us,

and that's thanks to you, Jordan.

You're the glue to this brotherhood,

you're the reason it
all works, despite...

Despite girls,

despite team rivalries,

despite mistakes on all of our parts,

so I just want to say thank you.

Whatever curveballs come our
way the rest of senior year,

college, life, I'm not worried
because of this right here...

The family you built.

I love you, man.

[SETS DOWN GLASS] I love you, brother.

Thank you.

I appreciate you.

Maybe you should have
been best man after all.

[OVERLAPPING CHATTER]

SPENCER: Can I steal you for a second?

Spencer, I won't tolerate a scene here.

I just need a second, Mom.

No scenes. I promise.

You know, you and I are probably
never gonna be on the same page,

but outta respect for my moms,

I'm willin' to try my hand at a truce.

We're more on the same
page than you think.

I doubt that.

Believe it or not, I love my community,

my school, ok? I came home to
genuinely try to make a difference.

It just turns out the way
that I thought I could do that

was heavily clouded
by my past experiences.

You sayin' you changed your mind?

I'm saying your mom,

you, your teammates...

Man, even Billy helped me take
some blinders off, so... yeah.

For what it's worth, I
hope you guys win state,

and I sincerely hope that the
school board changes its mind

about converting the school.

Good luck at the game, man.

Thank you.

Am I not supposed to say good luck?

Nah, nah, I appreciate you, for real.

I just wish my last high-school
game could just be that, a game.

Feels like we never just get to be teens

and have fun no more, you know?

'Scuse me.

- Layla?
- Mm-hmm?

I can't... I can't do this.

No, no, no, no. Don't say that.

- Hey, hey, I know you can do this...
- Mm-mmm.

Because you've already done it,
this summer. It's already done.

- It's... no, come on.
- Ten-minute warning.

What? No. No, no, no, no, no.

- What's wrong? What?
- SIMONE: No.

I... this wedding
is... Is a big mistake.

Now it's a mistake?

You didn't think it was a mistake

when I tried to stop
your wedding in Vegas,

or when my mom tried to get it annulled,

and now today you're
having second thoughts?

Liv, I don't think this is helping.

OLIVIA: Ok.

- LAYLA: Ok. Hey.
- SIMONE: Hmm?

- LAYLA: Jordan loves you.
- I know.

And he loves you so much that he is
willing to move across the country

- to be with you.
- SIMONE: I know! I know!

- That is why I'm freaking out!
- OLIVIA: I'm sorry.

You and Jordan are moving?

We were, but Bringston
is so perfect for me,

and everything Jordan
has ever wanted is here:

You, his parents, his bros.

I watched him yesterday at the
dinner, and he's so happy with them.

He's not ready to leave all
that behind, and he shouldn't.

If we get married, I can't
convince him otherwise.

LAYLA: Ok, is this the part where
I remind you you're already married?

SIMONE: I messed this up so bad.

I love him,

and I want to be with him, but,

guys, I don't know what to do.

Ok.

Talk to him.

Do what you guys do best.

Figure it out together.

- JORDAN: Where are we?
- OLIVIA: Trust me.

Wow.

I know they say it's bad luck to

see your bride in... in her
dress on the wedding day, but...

I can't stop staring at you.

Can we talk?

Ok.

If we weren't married,

just boyfriend and girlfriend,

would you still go to Bringston with me?

- Simone...
- Or...

Would you be fighting here
to get into a D school,

move into a beach house
with your bros, and

play PAC- football like
you always talked about?

Sweetheart, we're...
We're already married.

But there's an easy way to rectify that.

If we don't go through with
this second wedding, Jordan,

your dreams are here,

and I want them for you,

and I just love you too much
to just let you give that up,

like you love me too much
to let me give up mine.

Ok, but this... this...

[EXHALES SHARPLY] This is not a breakup.

- I'm not losing you this easily.
- SIMONE: Hell no.

Hell no it's not.

It's not a breakup, it's just...

It's just a rewind,

back to boyfriend and girlfriend,

madly in love.

[KISS] Ok.

Hey...

- I love you.
- I love you, too.

So, Simone realized that

if we stayed married, we
might sacrifice too much.

- [DISTANT MUTTERING]
- SPENCER: Is she gonna be ok?

Rrr!

JORDAN: Hmm.

And that is exactly why I
snuck Simone off with her dad.

Well, maybe we should
sneak you off, too.

OLIVIA: Those flowers are gonna
turn into weapons real quick.

Wait. I... I get you not
following her to Bringston,

- but why annul the marriage?
- JORDAN: Hmm.

Well, we think we
might have a better sh*t

at the whole long-distance thing

without the pressure of marriage.

Look, guys, I know that
this all sounds crazy, but,

I mean, we're in love with each other,

all right? And we've figured out
what works for us, rules be damned.

ASHER: Amen to that.

Hey.

What are you still doing here?

Oh, hey. Wow, that was fast.

Yeah, the, um, the wedding
got called off, so I

came back to finish
working on the track.

Um... your turn. Heh!

Well, I knew you wanted to
get Patience's song finished up

and that your session with
Lo was cut short earlier,

so I stuck around to
make sure that he, uh,

implemented your notes correctly.

- Uh, where's lo now?
- Grabbing us some food.

- Ok.
- You're not mad, are you?

No, no, it's totally fine.

In fact, I should call Lo and
ask him to grab some for me, too,

'cause with all the
craziness of the wedding,

haven't really eaten anything today.

Um, can I borrow your
phone? Mine's dead.

Oh, yeah. Of course. We're doing Sushi.

Great. Heh!

- [FOOTSTEPS APPROACH]
- BILLY: Hey.

Jordan and his crew are makin' sure

the wedding cake doesn't go to waste.

He's gonna be ok, isn't he?

I'd be more concerned for Simone.

Uh, Tina just hurled the cake
topper at the event planner.

You know, I thought my mom was bad,

but nothing beats Tina Hicks.

Do you remember when she

fired the soloist the
morning of our wedding

and then decided to sing,
um, "Overjoyed" herself?

- Yes. Heh!
- Ha ha ha ha!

I would not want to
live through that again.

Well...

Actually, I would.

- Billy...
- Hear me out, please.

Everything good in my
life is from our life

that we built, and I want it back.

I want you back, and not this casual
whatever thing that we're doing.

I want my wife.

I'm still in love with you.

I just think you're feeling sentimental

because of Jordan's wedding.

I'm realizing what's worth fighting for

because of Jordan's wedding.

And, look, I know that...
that we've been through a lot,

- and... and I know that it's scary...
- Yes!

Ha ha!

I...

I... I want our life back.

- [SIGHS]
- The answer is yes.

- For real?
- Yes.

ALOE BLACC: ♪ Never understood why ♪

♪ People always say love chooses you ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

♪ Never understood why people
always say love chooses you ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

♪ Didn't ever think that I
could ever say I promise you ♪

♪ And now I do ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

♪ I do ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

♪ I do ♪

♪ Used to be a time when
I thought that I had ♪

♪ Nothing to lose ♪

♪ but now I do ♪

♪ Now I do ♪

- Hey. Ma, it's for you.
- Uh, actually, no, it's... it's for you.

Sorry it's so early, but

it's the only time that
would work for Billy.

[SIGHS] Hey.

[DOOR CLOSES]

[SIGHS]

Y'all chose this ungodly hour?

That's my bad. Um, early
check-in at the hotel.

Second honeymoon, and
I will not be late.

CARTER: Heh heh!

Yeah, well, I'll cut to the chase
so we can get you outta here.

- BILLY: I appreciate that.
- CARTER: Yeah.

The board has agreed
to permanently suspend

the magnet conversion
plans for South Crenshaw.

- SPENCER: Just like that?
- CARTER: Yep.

Wait. Why would they
suddenly change their plans?

The stipulation of my proposal...

Plans to build South
Crenshaw into a powerhouse

both on the field and in the classroom.

It's a easy sell once
I promise to show proof

of sports and academics
workin' together.

BILLY: Ok. How you gonna do that?

We already have. My
higher-GPA requirement,

coupled with your tutoring
programs already raised grades.

And, Billy, your
financial literacy course

- was a highlight as well.
- BILLY: Ok.

CARTER: Students and coaches workin'
with us in administration is key.

SPENCER: Wait. What do you mean,
workin' with y'all in administration?

I thought you were out after this year.

I agreed to stay on as principal
in a more permanent capacity.

It was the only way the school
board would accept that proposal.

Besides, it's time us adults
stepped up to the plate, right?

Let you kids start to be
able to just play the game

- and have fun for once.
- BILLY: Ha!

- CARTER: Yes, sir.
- BILLY: All right.

- Hey, look, man, I just...
- Yo, Coop, I...

Real quick, let me get this out.

You were right about calling
me out on my nonsense yesterday.

I'm still tryin' to get used
to this whole family thing,

and I handled it all wrong. My bad.

I... it's all good. Look, I...

I coulda been a little
more understanding.

Amina. That's her name.

- Heh! Amina? Yo, I like that.
- Yeah, me, too.

Sorry it took so long
to introduce you guys,

but I'mma fix that right now.

- Like, right now?
- Yeah.

COOP: She's here?

- Wow.
- PREACH: Amina,

this is Auntie Coop. She's family.

- AMINA: That's a dope name.
- COOP: Thank you.

[CHUCKLES]

COOP: Wow, man.

_

[LINE RINGS]

- WOMAN ON PHONE: Hello?
- LAYLA: Hi.

Ms. Brooks? Um, this is Layla.
I'm a friend of Carrie's.

Have you seen her?
Please, is she with you?

Um, I'm sorry. I don't
have a lot of time.

She is here, and I
know you kicked her out,

but I really think she could
use her family right now.

Kicked her out? No.

We've been searching everywhere for her.

She just disappeared on us.

- Hello? Hello?
- Yeah, I'm here.

Honey, just tell me where you are.

She might try to run
again if you come here,

but I think maybe I can
convince her to come home?

- Yeah, I... I don't know.
- Please, just let me try this first.

Ok, but please be careful.

My daughter isn't well.

I can't believe Mom and
Dad are trusting us alone

overnight after everything
we've done these last few months.

That should just tell you
how in love they must be.

- Mm-hmm.
- Clearly, they're not thinking straight.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Our family's back together.

That's pretty awesome.

But... what?

No but.

I'm just glad someone in this
family got a happy ending.

I know someone in this family
who could have one, too,

if she got out of her own way.

I'm in recovery, Jordan.

I don't want to end up telling some...

Incredibly predictable horror story

like some of the recovering addicts

who dove back into dating too soon.

And you genuinely think that
would happen with Spencer?

You should hear some
of the stories in N.A.

Well, I have.

Look, romance in recovery is a hot topic

in these Al-Anon meetings, all right?

They aren't all cautionary tales.

Well, my recovery comes first.

As it should, Olivia,

but with the right person,

who really knows you and wants
the best for you, it still will.

It doesn't always have
to be an either-or.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Hey.

- Hey.
- What's up? Come in.

I need to ask you something.

A'ight.

Why did you fall back after Bringston?

And just forget about what we said

about being caught up in the moment.

The truth.

'Cause your recovery comes first.

I won't compromise that for nothin'.

And what if I told you
that I could be with you

and still put my recovery first?

I'd, um... [CLEARS THROAT]...

I'd say it's about damn time
we got our sh*t at happiness.

Yeah.

SINGERS: ♪ Got nothin'
on my mind but you ♪

♪ Got nothin' but you ♪

[OLIVIA GIGGLING]

MAN: Greg, move your head!