♪ Forever and ever
♪ I will go
♪ Forever and ever
♪ You will be here by my side
♪ Forever and ever
♪ Oh, I will go
♪ Forever and ever
♪ I will be here by your side
♪ Forever and ever
♪♪
♪ I will be here by your side
Hey, sorry to interrupt,
but don't forget the meeting
starts in 10.
Oh, right, thanks for
the reminder.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Phone rings ]
Madison Morris.
Oh, yeah.
No, I'm expecting the new draft
today.
Uh, okay.
Yeah, no worries.
We will definitely make the
revisions by the deadline.
Okay, bye.
Hey!
Alec, to what do I owe this
surprise?
Well, you know, in my head,
the pop-up felt like a good
idea, but it looks like I might
have caught you at a bad time.
Oh, well, there's never
anything but around here.
It's never a dull moment.
Well, I was thinking about
you, and I wanted to brighten
your day.
Wow, thank you.
These are beautiful.
I was kind of hoping I could
steal you for lunch.
Just thinking I might be a
little bit more difficult to
turn down in person.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's just I'm...
[ Phone rings ]
Excuse me.
Madison Morris.
Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear
that.
Yeah, well that's not going to
work because I can't give you
any more extensions.
Yeah, I got to turn around these
notes by COB.
Great. Okay.
Well, I'm running into
a meeting.
I'll call you after?
All right.
Thanks.
[ Sighs ] Alec, I'm so sorry.
No, no, no, no.
Don't be sorry.
It's my fault... bad time.
What about dinner, though?
Ah! You didn't say no.
How's 7:00?
Good. Pick you up at 7:00.
Have a good day.
[ Sighs ]
Man, I was like,
"Look at her!"
Thank you.
You really were something
today.
Something?
Something like what?
Something like a young, hot,
executive boss lady.
Ready to take on the world.
[ Laughs ] Yeah, right.
No, seriously, you were in
charge, you were confident.
You were tough but kind.
You know, all the makings of
a woman on the move, a woman in
charge.
Wow.
You saw all that just in a few
minutes sitting in my office?
Yeah. Yeah, I was impressed.
But I wasn't surprised.
You were...
You've really taken the ball
and run with it.
I was proud of you.
Thank you.
I mean, I do love it, and I have
learned so much.
[ Chuckles ]
But enough about me.
I mean, what about you?
How does it feel to be the man
of the hour?
I see your face everywhere.
Oh, well, come on, it's not
everywhere.
Side of a few buildings.
[ Laughing ]
The buses going by. Ah.
Oh, humble as ever, I see.
You know, I really feel like
I found my calling here.
You know, when my playing career
ended as abruptly as it did, I
wasn't sure I was going to be
able to find myself again,
you know?
But now, if I can't play
football, at least I can talk
about it.
You mean rant about it,
don't you?
Aw, come on.
I'm just telling the truth now.
And the fact that I have a
co-host makes it a fair exchange
of ideas.
Yeah, well, I'm not sure that
Demarco Fox would say it was
fair.
Oh, Demarco.
Old boy means well.
He...
He's just afraid of a little
fire, you know, and I just
happen to be the match that
keeps him lit.
That's kind of what makes us
work.
Oh, okay!
Again, so humble.
All right, but, listen, I'm
just not afraid to say what a
lot of people are thinking.
You know, the... the brutal
truth, the sometimes
controversial perspective but
raw honesty.
And isn't that what the world
needs a little bit more of these
days?
I mean, I think that truth
and honesty are a rare commodity
these days.
♪♪
Was that shot aimed at me?
[ Laughs ]
Are you saying that I somehow
haven't been honest with you?
I mean, I'm just wondering,
Alec, does your fiancée know
that you weren't going to be
home for dinner?
Is her cooking is tight as those
short skirts she wears?
Madison, I told you that's
over.
It was over when I saw you at
the shelter.
You know, Shellee, she was never
really the one.
You know, she hardly knew me.
So I told her, respectfully,
that our relationship was over,
and then, I politely...
threw her out.
[ Laughs ]
Alec...
that doesn't sound polite to me.
Yeah, well.
If I'm going to be honest about
it, it was because of you.
I mean, you really, really
opened my eyes.
You made me take a look inside
and see what kind of man I
really want to be.
More importantly, what kind of
woman I want my life.
♪♪
I mean, I need somebody that
knows my heart and touches it.
Every day.
Somebody like you.
I miss you.
I think about you everyday.
I can't stop.
Why don't you give me a chance?
Let me see how much I care about
you.
Why don't you give us a chance?
♪♪
Yeah, it was good.
It was.
So, what do you think?
Come by the house,
have a nightcap?
Uh...
I really need to get home, you
know, to the kids.
And, honestly, Alec...
my heart is on lockdown.
Hmm.
Well, listen, if I promise no
funny stuff?
I really just don't want the
night to end just yet, you know?
[ Sighs ] That sounds nice.
It does, but...
maybe another time.
Maybe so.
♪♪
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Drive safe, okay?
I will.
Let me know when you make it
home?
Yeah, I'll text you.
All right.
Okay. Good night.
Good night.
♪♪
[ Engine starts ]
♪♪
I hear you, but I cannot
understand any of these new
rappers, what they're saying.
But that's, like, the style.
You got to actually list...
Hi.
Did you guys, uh, heat up
the dinner that I left for you?
Yeah, it was pretty good.
Uh, Jackie and I were just
going to finish our homework.
Right, Jackie.
Uh, yeah.
Yeah.
Night, Dad.
Night, champ.
Night, princess.
Good night. Love you.
Love you.
Love you, too.
Jake.
Surprised to see you here.
What?
A father can't spend a little
time with his kids now?
Ah.
The last time you spent time
with your kids was weeks ago.
Jackie's shoes have gotten three
sizes bigger.
But you know what?
Why don't you just spit it out
and tell me why you're really
here.
Look, I was just trying to
give you a little space for you
to calm down a little bit.
Oh, yeah, right.
You mean calm down since you ran
to LA with your client and left
your family high and dry?
You know it wasn't like that.
Oh, my gosh, I can't believe
you're still trying to lie about
this.
Jake, just admit it.
While you were sleeping with me,
trying to convince me that you
love me and that you wanted your
family back, you were also
sleeping with your latest
conquest who also happens to be
your client.
Okay, okay, okay.
It looks bad.
[ Sighs ]
Maddie, I really do love you.
You guys are my family and I
want to come home.
Think about the kids.
Oh.
They need their father.
Okay. No, stop.
Don't do that.
Don't use our children to
manipulate my emotions.
That's not going to work
anymore.
[ Sighs ]
Um...
I said I'd start making regular
payments, and I was serious
about that.
Okay, well, I really want to
throw this back in your face,
along with you out the door.
I'm not going to do that,
and you know why?
Because of them.
They deserve better and more
than what's in this envelope.
So, on their behalf, thank you
and good night.
Maddie.
[ Clears throat ]
[ Sighs ]
I'm just saying, why do you
always have to harp on the
negative?
Can't we ever find something
positive we both can agree on
for once?
Okay, man, look.
I'm never going to agree with
you on anything I don't agree
with.
You're impossible, man.
Okay, now, maybe, if you
could come up with a sensible
perspective on... I don't
know... anything, we could find
some common ground.
So you're saying I'm not
sensible, Alec, really?
Just sayin'.
Some of the stuff that you say,
you can't even...
Hey, hey, hey, guys, let's
save it for the show.
Got someone I'd like you to
meet.
Veronica Isaacs is our new
executive vice-president of
programming and production.
Hi, Veronica, nice to meet
you.
Alec Darby.
Nice.
I'm Demarco Fox.
Demarco Fox.
Very nice to meet you.
Okay. I'm here.
What happened?
Tell me how it went.
Mm, what?
You know what?
Dinner with Alec.
Don't leave me hanging.
Okay.
Well, Laney, you were right all
along.
Hmm.
He admitted that he missed
me and that he thinks about me
all the time.
See, I told you.
He got it bad for you.
What about that gold diggin'
fiancée?
She's still hanging around him?
Mm. According to Alec, no.
He threw her out.
He actually said that something
I said opened his eyes.
Wait, what?
Give me the deets.
What happened?
What else did you open?
Oh, my gosh! Nothing!
Did you go into his room
and you know?
No, no, but I thought
about it.
Hard.
No. [ Laughs ]
Oh, you know what?
Laney, the last thing I need is
to jump into bed with this man
and realize that I checked
myself into the Heartbreak Hotel
again.
You better go ahead and jump
before somebody else does.
Besides, not every man lives at
that hotel.
Yeah, well, but they all got
a key and a room with a view.
[ Snickers ]
[ Cell phone buzzing ]
Speak of the devil.
Be quiet.
Well, hello. Hi, Alec.
Well, hello to you.
I wanted to thank you for
dinner.
Oh, no, I'm the one who
should be thanking you.
[ Chuckles ]
Well, that's actually not the
only reason I called.
I'm sorry in advance for the
last-minute invitation, but I
was wondering if you would be my
plus one to a work event
tomorrow night.
Tomorrow?
Yeah, Rex was supposed to go
with me, but apparently he
landed some hot date and he
canceled on me.
Network is celebrating
the success of the show,
and apparently "Hardballin'" has
become GTN's signature hit, so
they're doing a big press event.
Well, congratulations.
But I'm not sure I can make it
tomorrow.
Say yes.
Whatever it is, just go.
Be quiet.
Ah. You sure?
Being the star of the show, it's
going to look kind of weird for
me to show up by myself.
And, honestly, I can't think of
anybody else I'd rather have
with me.
Okay.
Yes. It... It sounds like fun.
Great.
Can you meet me at the studio?
We're filming an episode before
the event, and we can go
from there.
I can give you a tour.
How 6:00?
All right, 6:00 it is.
Awesome.
I look forward to it.
I'll see you then.
Yeah, me, too.
Bye.
[ Sighs ]
Well, now what am I gonna wear?
Come on, girl, let's work on
this closet.
[ Chuckles ]
Hey.
Mind if I come in?
No, of course not.
What can I do for you?
Wow.
Well, you look amazing.
That color is gorgeous with your
eyes.
Uh...
thank you.
[ Laughs ]
What can I help you with?
Well, Mr. Darby,
congratulations on the success
of the show.
Network's party tonight is
a really big deal.
A lot of A-listers, sports
stars, but you are the biggest
one of them all.
[ Chuckles ] Come on.
Yeah, you.
I don't think so.
I think so.
I do.
You know, you're the... you're
the man of the hour.
You've captured the fascination
of the country.
Come on, you know that.
Men are loving your
hold-no-punches commentary,
and the women, well...
they just, um...
they seem to love you.
You've put our startup network
on the map.
That's a lot.
I'm not sure I'm buying all
that, but...
thank you.
Oh.
No need to eat that humble pie.
I have an idea.
How about you and me go to
the party together tonight?
What do you think?
You know, with your star power
and my new executive title, we
can make a dramatic entrance,
drive the press crazy.
We'll be front page news.
What do you say?
Uh, yeah, we probably would,
but unfortunately, I already
have a date, so I'm not going to
be able to make that happen.
Oh, I, um...
Sorry, I didn't... I didn't
realize there was a Mrs. Darby.
Is it serious?
You know what though?
I do think that Demarco RSVP'd
solo, and I'm sure he'd be
delighted to accompany you.
And he could actually use the
front page news, so it's
a win-win.
And now, with all the wealthy
Black people in
the United States,
Michael Jordan is the only one
that owns a pro team.
What's up with that?
I mean, the NFL has been around
for 100 years and still no
Black owners.
Now, we're fine and go out there
and risk our neck to make them a
lot of money, but they do their
best to keep us out of that
owner's box, where the real
money is.
Hey, there's been a lot of
progress though, right?
Look at all the Black athletes
in leadership positions, the
coaches, the quarterbacks.
You didn't see that years ago,
so the Rooney Rule is working,
obviously.
Okay, but when you look at
the stats, how can you really
say that?
I mean, sure, we made some
progress getting more diversity
when it first came out, but now
we're about back where we
started.
But look how many teams have
Black quarterbacks.
Not just backups.
They're the starters.
They're in the playoffs.
Okay, but I'm... I'm talking
about ownership, Demarco.
100 years and still not one
Black owner.
No.
They keep those franchises in
their families, going on second
and third generations.
We can't get in this elite
circle if we tried.
And you're not going to like it,
but I'm going to tell you
anyway.
It's racist.
Oh, my gosh, really?
The first thing you people want
to cry is racism.
But how many of us you know have
$2 to $3 billion laying around
to buy a team?
First of all, last time I
checked, you are one of
"you people."
Secondly, Reggie Fowler had
the money, tried, couldn't get
the votes.
It's not always about the money.
Man, that was a rare
instance.
Exactly my point.
100 years and no matter what, we
can't get a break.
A blind man could see this, bro.
So now you're calling me
blind?
Well, I'm not the one that's
blind as a bat.
At least I can see it's time to
wrap it up for now.
I'm Demarco Fox.
And I'm Alec Darby, taking a
time-out until the next
"Hardballin'."
Okay. Clear.
[ Bell rings ]
Bro, don't make me have to
tell you again.
I don't appreciate those little
digs you keep throwing my way on
the air, man.
Why you take everything so
personal, man?
It's just a show, get over it.
Whoo-whoo!
You look amazing.
Thank you.
Hello.
Hi.
Hey, I don't know if you've
met my co-host, Demarco Fox.
Demarco, Madison Morris.
Well, I guess it's true what
they say... beauty and
the beast.
Opposites really do attract.
It's nice to meet you, Madison.
Nice meeting you, too,
Demarco.
Okay with the smile, come on.
[ Laughs ]
I'll show you around.
Bye.
Gosh, I hate him.
[ Camera shutters clicking ]
Alec. [ Laughs ]
How you doing, bro?
Good, man, I'm good.
Beautiful Madison.
Oh, my goodness.
Thank you. Thank you, Hank.
Well, looks like the show is
a bona fide hit, brother.
Come on, so let's keep it going.
Go ahead.
All right, all right.
Mr. Darby, over here.
You said some pretty harsh
things about the NFL and its
owners on your show.
Are you dishing out payback for
being cut from the league?
No, no, it's just speaking
a little truth to power.
Don't get it confused.
Never hurt nobody.
Mm-hmm. And what's the deal
between you and Demarco Fox?
Are you for real adversaries on
and off camera, or is all the
fighting just for ratings?
Yeah, no, we're good.
It's just for the show.
I like him. He's a good guy.
So you're saying y'all got
a bromance going?
'Cause it seems like frenemies.
And who is this lovely lady with
you tonight?
Is this the new boo?
You know what?
Actually, that's... Excuse me.
It's a very, very good question.
I'm sure all the ladies out
there are dying to know.
Demarco, come here.
Let's get a better one.
Okay. Thank you.
Hi.
Thank you. Okay, we're done.
Go on. Thanks.
Miss Isaacs, if I can ask you
a few more questions.
Yes, please.
So, basically...
[ Car door opens ]
[ Car door closes ]
[ Sighs ]
You know, I had no idea how well
the show was actually doing.
Network's already talking about
picking up another season.
Wow.
That's terrific.
Hey, I hope you had a good
time.
I mean, the party was really
something.
You know, the food,
the celebrities, the media.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
I forgot how crazy it can be to
be thrust in that spotlight,
walking a gauntlet.
Press can be brutal.
I'm sorry.
I have to admit, I just
wasn't prepared for any of that.
I certainly wasn't prepared for
your new boss.
She's a piece of work.
Yeah, she is a bit much.
I think, um...
she wants you.
What?
No. You think?
[ Laughs ] Yeah.
Trust me, a woman knows these
things, so just watch out,
because don't let her take
advantage of you.
No, no.
That's not gonna happen.
Only person I want is you.
[ Sighs ]
Alec, I'm not sure.
I am.
And I get more and more sure
every time we're together.
I think I've been falling in
love with you since the day
we met.
♪ Higher, higher, higher
♪ Higher, higher, let's go up
Driver.
I think we have a change of
plans.
Take us to my place, please.
♪ Higher
♪ I'm ready for liftoff
♪♪
♪ Whole lot of higher
♪ Higher, higher
♪ Higher, higher, let's go up,
up, up, up here ♪
♪ Whole lot of higher
♪ Higher, higher
♪ I'm ready for liftoff
Mm.
Oh, God. Okay.
What?
I got to go.
No, it's just I wasn't expecting
to fall asleep.
And Jackie and Chloe, ugh.
I got work in the morning.
I have a meeting.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
Just lay here.
♪ Higher, higher
♪ Higher, higher, let's go up,
up, up, up here ♪
That TV desk startin' to
make you soft.
Come on, man.
Don't count on it.
Yep.
I just had a late night.
That's all.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
Otherwise, you'd be getting
your ass handed to you like you
always do.
Don't get cocky.
[ Laughs ] Late night?
That ain't no excuse.
I tell you what.
I had me a late night.
I had a late morning, too.
But it was worth it.
Yeah?
Oh, yeah.
Every minute of it.
Mm.
Oh, yeah.
What'd you do?
Call one of your little groupie
honeys to be your plus one?
No, man, I'm finished with
that, man.
Shallow, immature girls looking
for a finish line.
Hmm.
I need something real.
Somebody as smart as she is
beautiful.
As deep as she is caring.
Okay, what is it?
Is it somebody that I know?
You know, I think you might
know her.
Who is that?
Madison.
Madison?
Is that who you was up late
with?
You was up late with Madison?
[ Laughs ]
Oh, hey.
You sprung.
I can see it. Look at you.
You're cheesing ear to ear.
Man, I ain't seen you smile like
this since high school!
Remember?
What was that girl's name you
was head over heels for?
Regina Jenkins?
Yeah, I ain't think you was ever
gonna get over her.
Okay. Hey, hey.
Yeah.
All right, now that's still
painful, the way she dumped me.
You're right, I didn't ever get
over that one.
Leave that one alone, bruh.
But...
But Madison, though.
I think I'm falling for her,
man.
I'm gonna be honest.
You fell a long time ago.
You just didn't want
to admit it.
Yeah, probably, right.
Chloe, Jackie, dinner's
ready!
Mom?
Hmm?
What's going on?
What?
Yeah, you're not usually in
this good a mood after work.
Oh, you're right.
I'm feeling pretty good.
Uh...
There is...
There's something I need to talk
to you about.
Uh...
I know how much you love your
father, and I never want
anything to change that.
And I hope that you know that I
will always care about him, too.
We know, mom.
But, unfortunately, the
romantic part of our
relationship is over.
Yeah, we've noticed.
We've known it for a while
now.
I mean, of course I was
hoping you guys would get back
together, but I get it.
You don't make each other happy
anymore.
[ Sighs ] Well, I'm glad that
you want us both to be happy.
And that's kind of what I want
to talk to you about.
You have been encouraging me to
do something more than just
work, and there's someone else
who agrees with you.
Who? Laney?
[ Laughter ]
No.
Although, yes.
Um, no, Alec.
Mr. Darby.
Wait.
You mean this guy?
Okay, really?
[ Laughs ]
You just let me go through
all of that?
Pretty much.
All right, fine.
So what do you think?
It's cool.
I'm happy if you're happy.
So, tell us about the party.
I saw pictures of Drake.
Did you get to meet Drake?
Drake? Um, I-I think so.
You think so?
Mom, you don't know?
How could you meet Drake
and not...
Chloe, I'm joking.
I know who Drake is.
You met Drake! Oh, sweet!
You got to take me next time.
Okay.
Mom, now that you're dating
a big-time celebrity and you're
hanging with some of the hottest
celebs, you got to get social.
Yeah, you've got to have a
digital footprint.
You guys, come on.
You know I don't have any time
for that, and plus, I don't want
my life out there like that.
Ah, but it's already out
there.
Here, look.
See, you can't hide it when
you're in the spotlight.
That's why you got to define
your public image before others
do it for you.
We can start it up for you.
Yeah, we can manage it, too.
Yeah, we can post pictures,
comments, and responses.
We could talk to your
followers and answer their
questions and keep up with your
profile.
You won't have to lift
a finger.
Okay, I'll think about it.
But let's eat, all right?
You say grace, Jackie.
All right.
I guess Demarco must be
running a little late.
Oh, he's not coming.
Sorry?
No, I just thought it might
be better if it was just the two
of us.
I, um...
thought this was supposed to be
a business dinner.
Oh, it is.
It absolutely is.
I just thought it might be
better if... if you and I talked
alone first.
Okay.
So, Alec, I have been
thinking about a bunch of
things, as far as you're
concerned, and I have a couple
of ideas for some new segments.
The advertisers absolutely love
you.
Your Q-Rating is surprisingly
high. [ Chuckles ]
It's not that surprising.
Oh! See that?
And you're funny.
And they want to see more of
you.
Really?
[ Chuckling ] Yeah, they do.
So my ideas for these segments
would actually get you from
behind the desk, right?
So we'd incorporate, you know,
doing more remotes, being more
active, athletic even.
I thought that we could possibly
tap into, you know, those
relationships with some of your
star athletic friends.
And maybe you and I could work
together on some proposal
concepts, and we could pitch our
ideas.
I mean, what do you think
about that?
So I'd be doing these
segments alone?
Essentially.
[ Chuckles ]
You know, somehow I don't see
that going over very well with
Demarco.
Oh, God.
Don't you worry about Demarco.
Leave that to me.
Your job is to come up with
amazing concepts, and you and I
can compare notes.
Hmm.
Okay, what about this one?
Oh, that one's finished.
It's already at the printer's,
so we can file it.
I read that one.
Should be in the dead file.
Boring!
[ Chuckles ]
Well, you better not let Allison
hear you say that.
It's one of her favorites.
[ Clears throat ] Don't let
Allison hear you say what?
Uh, we were just going over
the list.
Robyn, would you excuse us
for a few minutes?
Please?
Yeah, yeah.
Thank you.
Allison, I hope you...
Madison, I want to talk with
you about your next two
projects, please.
Okay.
[ Sighs ] I must say,
I'm impressed how quickly you've
adapted to Benton Publishing's
deadline-driven pace.
Well, thank you.
In the short time you've been
here, your editorial skills have
improved.
Well, it's nice to know hard
work pays off.
But you still need more
fine-tuning.
And I'd like to see more
progress before you're taken off
probation.
Understood.
Is there anything in particular
I can address?
As a matter of fact,
there is.
The two manuscripts
you're working on... what?...
"Blown Away"
and "Your Number's Up" now are
top priority for the firm.
I want them on a fast track, so
all the deadlines have been
accelerated.
You'll have to work closely with
the writers to see that they're
met.
I can handle that.
This is a big test for you,
Madison.
Hope you can pass it.
Uh, Allison?
I really appreciate this
opportunity, and I won't let you
down.
I'm counting on it.
[ Sighs ]
I was glad you suggested
drinks, Veronica.
I was going to ask you first but
wasn't sure if it was
appropriate, you know, you being
my new boss and all.
Stop it. Stop.
[ Chuckles ]
I think it's important to get to
know the people you work so
closely with.
I do, too.
Look, I have some ideas for the
show I'd love to run by you.
Maybe we can work on them
together.
That's such a coincidence.
I wanted to run some ideas by
you, as well.
Really?
Yeah.
But, first, you know, I'd like
to... like to get to know you.
Mm.
Yeah, um, married, kids?
Oh, no.
No, none of the above.
No?
No.
Really? [ Laughs ]
I am completely free and
available.
Yeah?
Yeah.
What about Alec?
I mean, I know that... I know
he's not married, but is there a
significant other?
What about that little lady that
he brought to the party?
Is that like a serious thing?
Yeah, I can't really speak
for Alec, Veronica.
We're not all that close.
But I thought you wanted to know
about me.
I do.
Mm?
I absolutely do.
This is just more... it's more
like big picture stuff,
you know?
Trying to assess the dynamics
and the chemistry between you
and Alec.
You know, for branding purposes.
Oh, okay.
Okay.
Well... [ Sighs ]
I've been divorced going on five
years now after a very brief
marriage.
I've been looking for a new
foxy Mrs. Fox ever since.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Laughs ]
So, what about you?
Uh-huh. What about me?
Is there a Mr. Isaacs or little
Isaacs running around?
No.
I'm completely committed to my
career.
As a Black woman, you don't get
to be the head of a major
network's programing division
without solely committing to the
challenge.
Mm-hmm.
So why did you leave one of the
four big networks for a little
fledgling startup like this?
Honestly?
Yeah.
When the opportunity
presented itself to be a big
fish in a little pond, as
opposed to a guppy in a sea of
sharks, I had to take it.
I like that.
You do?
Yeah.
To big fish.
♪♪
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Hi.
Hey, you made it.
Yeah.
Wait, are we really going to
the Giants' first preseason
game?
Oh, we absolutely are.
We're going in style, too.
Check that out.
The skybox?
That's right.
Cool!
And I got you some passes.
After the game, you can go in
the locker room and meet the
players.
The locker room?
Oh, that's so dope!
And, you, I hope you brought
your camera.
Oh! Never leave home
without it.
I hope you got a lot of
memory 'cause I got you a field
pass so you can go down and take
action shots for your portfolio.
Oh, Mr. Darby, thank you.
That means a lot to me.
Okay. Okay, now, let's go.
The car's waiting for us
outside.
Come on.
Uh, hey.
You know, they already like you.
You don't have to bribe them.
Oh, I'm not bribing them.
I'm spoiling them.
There's a big difference,
you know?
Yeah, I know, and neither one
is necessary.
Well, just let me worry
about it.
Okay.
You ready?
Yeah.
Let's go.
You know, I don't know if it
was pure joy or pure fear on
Jackie's face.
He looked like an ant surrounded
by all those big dudes.
[ Laughs ]
I think it was probably a little
bit of both.
I don't think he knew whether to
revel in it or run from it.
But, seriously, babe, thank you
for spoiling my kids today.
Oh, I think I had just as
much fun as they did.
Oh, my gosh.
Did you see Chloe's face when
you introduced her to that
quarterback?
She was seriously crushing.
[ Chuckles ]
Well, the only crush I noticed
was the one I have on you.
Mwah.
We're pretty good together.
We are. I love that.
Me, too.
And I love you even more.
And your heart is safe with me,
I promise.
♪♪
Oh, wait. No, no.
I love this show.
[ Laughs ]
♪ Ooh, baby
♪ I'll be up all night
♪ I go crazy
♪ No more turning back
♪ I'm out here missing that old
takeover ♪
♪ And make you say,
"Go on, take me" ♪
♪ Best I ever had
♪ Love, sex, and peace
♪ I can't wait for that day,
baby ♪
♪ Just you and me
♪ Every day, we sing
♪ Love, sex, and peace
♪ I always call your name
♪ You got me
♪ Just you and me
♪ Bring it back, back, back
♪ Keep it comin', babe
♪ I know what it is right now
♪ It's a little too rough,
little too broken ♪
♪ I can't even tell you how
Mr. Darby, over here.
Just a couple of questions,
please?
Not today, please.
Thank you.
♪ To ever take a minute
♪ And, babe, we got a lot to
feel so proud ♪
♪ So hard, baby, it's worth it
♪ I know you got some things
holding you back ♪
♪ From letting go,
be on your shoulders ♪
♪ Baby, I'll take the weight,
pick up the slack ♪
♪ Another time,
until it's over ♪
♪ I need a love a love that
shares your brain, your pain ♪
♪ Your love, with patient
composure ♪
♪ As long as you care for me
♪♪
♪ Oh, yeah
♪ Ooh
♪♪
♪ Oh, yeah
♪ I could just stare at those
curves ♪
♪ Hanging on every word
♪ You wear that thing
that I like ♪
♪ Bottle is on some ice
♪ Close as we ever been
♪ Damn, we so intimate
♪ Don't want to waste
no more time ♪
♪ When I got one thing
on my mind ♪
♪ Baby, I don't want to wait
♪ I just want to get right
to it ♪
♪ To it
♪ 'Cause when you look at me
this way ♪
♪ I just want to get right
to it ♪
♪ To it
♪ Sweet like candy
on my tongue ♪
♪ Oh
[ Knock on door ]
Mr. Darby, hi.
Hey.
I know my mom invited you for
dinner, but you're early.
She's not home yet.
Yeah, I know.
I was kind of hoping I could
talk to you and Jackie for
a second.
Is he here?
Yeah, come on in.
Hey, Jackie, come here.
[ Exhales deeply ]
Well, as you guys know, your mom
and I have been spending a lot
of time together lately.
Yeah, she hasn't been as
hyped as she is now in a long
time!
[ Laughing ] Uh-huh, totally.
Well, that's good.
I'm totally hyped about it, too.
[ Chuckles ]
But, seriously...
I've come to care about your
mom a lot.
And you guys, as well.
And I was wondering how you
would feel about us becoming a
family, officially.
Officially?
I want to marry your mom.
If that's okay with you.
Now, look, I know you have a
dad, and I'm not trying to
replace him or come between you
guys in any way.
But I genuinely love you guys,
and I want to be a part of your
lives.
If that's all right.
How do you feel about it?
Will there be a wedding
and everything?
Well, I hope so.
[ Laughs ]
Wait.
So, would you come live
with us or...
No, no.
I was thinking that maybe we
would buy a big new house with
enough room for everybody and...
maybe a pool in the backyard.
A pool?
Ooh, the backyard!
That's dope!
All right, so when are we
moving?
[ Chuckling ] Whoa, hold on.
Slow down, man.
First things first.
I still got to ask her.
Okay?
And that's where you guys come
in... I need your help.
All right?
I'm trying to surprise her, so
you can't say anything.
Okay.
Got it.
All right, cool.
Now, wait till you hear my plan.
It's kind of... lit.
Lit, right?
Lit works.
Yeah, okay.
It's kind of lit, if I do say
so myself.
So what's the plan?
All right, here's what we're
going to do.
[ Bell rings ]
Well, Demarco, we've been over
this before.
You know the owners don't care
anything about the players.
They care about filling
stadiums, ratings, and fattening
up bank accounts.
So what if they bang their heads
together and get brain damage?
[ Chuckling ] See, there you
go again.
The owners cared enough to
institute new safety measures,
right?
They've gotten safer helmets.
They moved the kickoff line
closer to the end zone.
And what about eliminating
chop blocks, horse-collar
tackles, and hits on defenseless
players.
You know what, Demarco?
I think you're right.
Kind of.
I mean, we don't really know if
any of this stuff is going to
make any difference, but at
least they are making an effort
to mitigate the damage.
So I'll give you credit for that
one.
[ Chuckles ] Whoa.
For once, you're taking a
sensible point of view?
Y-You okay?
Did you get a brain transplant?
Or maybe... maybe you're getting
soft in your old age.
Nah, man, I'm not getting old
and I'm not getting soft.
Something amazing has happened.
I've fallen.
Hard.
So hard that think it's time I
do something.
♪♪
What?
♪♪
Madison...
I love you more than I can say.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, what
the... what the hell is going
on here?
Just... Just wait. Just wait.
Get your hands off me.
And I've grown to love Chloe
and Jackie as though they were
my own, and I think we could
build a future together.
[ Gasps ]
Let's get married.
What do you say?
Wow.
Okay. All right. That's it.
Okay, stop it.
I want you to cut it.
Jerrel, cut it!
No, Jerrel, keep going.
Stop! Frank.
Cut it now! Stop it now!
Cut!
[ Bell rings ]
[ Laughs ]
So let's do it?
[ Squeals ]
[ Applause ]
♪♪
Oh, my God!
You guys!
High five!
♪♪
Thanks, guys. Thanks, guys.
♪♪
Man, you and Alec are
blowing up the Internet.
Really?
Let me see.
Everyone wants to know if
you said yes.
They're mad the show cut just
right after the proposal.
And the network's making
everyone go to their web site
just to see the answers.
So classic.
But GTN immediately posted
congratulations with pictures
and bios and features on both
of you.
Mm.
And I just posted a big
"She said yes" on all your
socials with pictures.
And I'm trying to keep up
with all the congrats coming in,
but I can hardly keep up.
There's just too many.
All right, well, it sounds
like we'll have to be planning a
wedding soon.
But speaking of which, Chloe,
I hope you'll agree to be my
maid of honor.
Maid of...
All right!
You most certainly bet!
I won't mess this up.
I really love that.
Oh, thank you.
[ Knock on door ]
Jackie, can you get the door?
It's probably your dad.
And then, can you guys give us
some privacy, please?
Yeah.
Okay.
What's up?
What's up, champ?
Dad!
Hey, princess.
Come on.
[ Door closes ]
Hey, Jake.
Thank you for coming.
Hey, Maddie.
Um...
Go ahead and have a seat.
I...
So I hear congratulations are in
order.
So you know?
How could I not?
It's everywhere.
It's gone viral.
It's all over the news.
Family, friends blowing me up.
Look, Jake, I'm so sorry.
I mean, I should have called you
to tell you about Alec much
sooner.
You shouldn't have had to find
out about this like this.
Hey, no worries.
I kind of felt like something
like this was gonna happen.
You know, social media has been
tracking your every move for a
while now.
Even before the big engagement.
Jake, I hope you realize
that I...
It's okay. I'm good.
I just want to know...
is how well do you know this
guy, anyway.
I mean, he's moved in pretty
fast.
I mean...
I'm still Jackie and Chloe's
dad.
I just want to make sure that
they're safe and happy.
All right, well, then, let me
assure you that Alec has no
intention of trying to replace
you.
He's a good man, and he loves
us.
Mm-hmm.
So do I.
Look, I know I blew it.
You gave me a second chance to
get my family back, and I threw
it all away on fancy fake bauble
when I had the real diamond
right here all along.
I wish...
I wish it could have been us.
Part of me wishes that, too.
[ Sighs ] Look at you.
All in the limelight now.
[ Chuckles ] Need an autograph
or something, maybe.
I don't know, just joking.
But, seriously, I really hope...
What's his name?
Alec.
Yeah.
I really hope he gives you
everything I couldn't.
Well, I got a thing and...
Oh, yeah, no, I don't want to
keep you.
Yeah. It's all right.
Who approved it, Frank?
And why wasn't I told?
Oh, come on, Veronica.
It's fun.
And the PR is great for
the show.
Don't you dare make a
programing decision like this
without consulting with me or my
department first.
What are you getting so
tweaked about?
Look, I bet our ratings spiked.
Right? This... This is... dope.
Right?
Folks'll be buzzing 'bout this.
You're kidding me right now,
right?
Okay, don't be coming in here
with your broke-down patronizing
"hip-hop" slang at me!
All right?
And don't you ever go live with
a publicity stunt like this
without checking in with me
first.
Listen to me.
Hmm?
Don't think you can run all over
me just because I'm new around
here.
You report to me, Frank.
Okay?
And I expect a full report next
time you change the format of
the biggest show on the network.
Are we clear?
Understood.
But I still don't see why you're
getting so upset.
I didn't really change the
format, I just added, like,
a surprise ending.
I don't like surprises,
Frank, and I won't tolerate it.
Okay.
Sorry to interrupt, but I
think you guys might want to see
this.
Well, would you look at that.
Our social stats are through
the roof.
"What did she say" is trending.
Our web site is blowing up.
Our traffic is up 37%.
Wipe the smug look off your
face.
You wanted to see me?
Madison.
I understand you have a lot
going on right now, but that
doesn't excuse you being behind
on your deliverables.
I'm still waiting for rewrites
on "Blown Away," and your notes
from "Your Number's Up" is
from Friday's meeting.
I know.
I'm sorry, but last weekend got
away from me, and I wasn't able
to finish, but you'll have
everything by COB today.
And your report on third
quarter titles is due tomorrow.
I need it so I can proof it and
fine-tune it before I present it
to the board next week.
I'm working on that, too.
You'll have it by tomorrow.
Congratulations to you,
Madison.
But I hope you realize you
cannot let your personal life
get in the way of your work.
As I said, these projects have a
high priority.
I understand that and I'm...
Look, I'm sorry.
I have to ask if you're still
interested in keeping this job.
Hmm?
I see great potential in you,
but only when you keep your nose
to the grindstone.
Allison, I assure you that my
personal commitments will in no
way interfere with my
professional commitments to the
work here at Benton.
You'll have everything today.
See that I do.
[ Knock on door ]
Oh, baby, can you get that?
That's Alec.
All right.
Thank you.
Hey, hey, hey.
How you doing?
Good, how are you?
Hi.
Hey.
[ Door closes ]
How are you?
Please forgive me for flaking
on our date tonight.
Oh, no.
I will forgive you as long as
you promise not to do it on
Friday, okay?
It's kind of a big deal,
and I need my favorite fiancée
with me.
I'm sorry. What you mean,
your favorite fiancée?
I better be your only fiancée.
And what's the big deal about
Friday?
Veronica has me hosting this
celebrity fundraiser.
They're trying to raise money
for that family that lost the
two kids in the illegal police
raid.
Mm.
These police are still out of
control.
That is such a tragedy.
Well, at least people are
starting to recognize.
Yeah, GTN is really stepping
up, too.
They're organizing this thing
with a bunch of celebrities and
sports stars and political
dignitaries across the country.
They want to amplify the outcry
of the people, you know.
They want to do their part in
keeping the people calm, but at
the same time, getting justice
for the family.
Yeah, well, you know, racial
prejudice is the original sin in
this country, so the only reason
our voices are being heard
finally is because we're not the
only ones screaming.
Mm-hmm.
The work that you and GTN are
doing is important, so, of
course, I wouldn't be anywhere
else but by your side.
Well, I'm glad you feel that
way because you know that's not
really my kind of thing.
I know.
But I feel like I can do
anything when I'm with you,
so...
Aw, you need me.
You really need me.
Oh, you bet I do.
[ Laughs ]
Okay, love boos.
We need to talk about this
wedding.
[ All clamoring ]
What's up, Madison.
Uh, I've submitted
the author's final rewrite
for "Blown Away,"
but "Your Number's Up" won't be
ready for a few hours.
Would it be alright if
I proofread it over the weekend
and got it to you first thing
Monday morning?
I'm afraid Monday's too late.
I promised they would both go
to the printer today.
You know how tight the deadlines
are on this.
You'll have to work tonight.
I'm sorry.
No, I understand.
Mm, good answer.
[ Telephone beeping ]
Hey, honey.
It's me.
Hey, babe.
I'm gonna come by and pick you
up in about an hour, okay?
I got to shoot by the studio
first.
Look, Alec, I am so sorry,
but...
But what?
Oh, no.
Don't tell me you're canceling.
Please, not tonight.
It's just, I have a deadline,
and I'm still waiting for
a draft to proof.
On a Friday night?
I told you, this is really
important.
I know. I know.
It's just that Alison needs me.
Okay, but hey...
what about what I need?
Look, honey, try to
understand how important this is
to me.
And this is important to me
Madison.
Listen, if I get done early
enough, I'll try to get by
there, okay?
Alright.
You know what, Madison?
Never mind.
Don't worry about it.
Don't put yourself out.
I'll talk to you later.
[ Line clicks ]
The draft of
"Your Number's Up" is in
your inbox.
Just came in.
Thanks.
Mr. Fox, a couple questions,
please.
Okay.
Chloe, here's what I need.
Candid shots.
They're the best kind to get at
an event like this.
Capture people in action.
I want to know who was here,
who came with who, who's talking
to who.
Get the whole story with
pictures.
I want anyone who wasn't here
to feel like they were.
You got that?
Yeah, I got it.
Oh, this is so great, Althea.
Thank you so much for this
chance.
I'm on it.
Alright.
Go.
Oh, Miss Isaacs.
Hi. Hello.
Excuse me.
Hi, welcome, welcome, welcome.
You know, we want the people
of this city and across
the country to know that GTN
stands for justice and for
the celebrities movers
and shakers are standing up to
tonight.
That's the important message
that I want everyone to take
from this.
Actually, you know what?
Why don't you all just move
into the banquet room,
and there will be more time for
more questions, more photos.
Okay?
Thanks.
Hey, so glad you made it.
Wow. Um...
No wifey? No fiance?
Uh, nah. Madison couldn't
make it tonight.
Oh, wow.
That's too bad.
Anyway, be sure to acknowledge
the mayor, the chief of police,
and the city councilmen.
It's important that everyone
knows who we are supporting in
our efforts.
Okay. Got it.
Okay, and also don't forget
to give a shout-out to all
the celebrities out there.
I'll be sure to get you a list,
okay?
And if there's time, be sure to
acknowledge the grieving mother,
you know, see if she is up for
saying a few words.
Of course. Of course.
Good.
Good, Chloe.
Good instincts.
Just the kind of shots we need.
The network exec in a private
moment with her star and host.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
That's not gonna happen.
Thank you, though.
[ Camera shutter clicks ]
[ Knock on door ]
Hi.
Come on in.
Thank you.
Alec, I hate that I missed
last night.
I really wanted to be there.
Yeah. Yeah, I could tell.
I...
Honestly, I couldn't get away.
I hope you know that.
What I know is that I told
you how much it meant to me.
You promised me.
You had other things to do.
My job, Alec.
It's my job!
And it's as important to me as
yours is to you.
I'm just trying to see where
I fit in, you know?
Like, it's the kids,
then the job, then me.
Okay.
You knew what my life was
when you asked me to marry you.
Alec, I am struggling in this
probationary period of my job,
a job that you convinced me and
encouraged me that I could do.
This is about my self respect
and my pride and the kind of
person I want to be in this
world.
You of all people, I would
think, would understand that.
I know you do.
I...
I do.
I understand.
I just...
I miss you.
We haven't spent any time
together, and I just...
I miss you.
I miss you, too.
And... And I promise I will make
it up to you if you'll let me.
[ Laughs ]
You're gonna make it up
to me?
The kids are here.
[ Laughs ]
Alright.
I'll tell you what.
I have this thing next Friday,
I think, this remote thing
in D.C.
We can go out there.
We can have a good time.
We can...
[ Sighs ]
What?
Next weekend?
Yeah.
[ Sighing ] Oh, okay.
So I have this big board meeting
coming up, and I am the point
person, and I'm in charge of
getting all the presentation
materials.
I can't let Alison down.
And then the kids, I don't...
The kids will be fine.
I mean, maybe their dad can come
check on them for a change.
And can't you get the weekend
off?
It's a weekend.
No, I can't.
I just... I just told you.
Yeah, okay.
You know, I'm starting to wonder
if you have time for me in your
life, let alone a marriage.
Okay.
It's one weekend.
You want to blow up our
engagement over one weekend.
No, it's not just one
weekend.
It's the weekend.
It's Friday, and it's the one
before that.
Okay, let me ask you
something.
Did... Did the lovely Veronica
come up with this remote D.C.
weekend?
Is she gonna be there?
Are you kidding?
I'm inviting you.
What does that matter?
I'm not interested in spending
time with her.
I'm inviting you because I want
to spend time with you.
So, Alec, if the roles were
reversed, you would abandon your
job to go traipsing off with me
for a weekend.
Well, I would at least...
No, you wouldn't!
Okay?
So just go to D.C. with your new
boss and keep your job, and I'll
stay here and try to keep mine!
[ Dramatic music plays ]
My package hasn't shown up
yet?
It should've been here by now.
[ Groans ]
Veronica? Hey.
Oh, hey.
Just getting here.
[ Sighing ] Oh! Yeah.
Got a meeting with a sponsor
in a half hour.
I'm still waiting on a package
that hasn't gotten here.
Oh, no.
Yeah.
Alec and his... little fiance
shown up yet?
Nah, I ain't seen 'em.
Uh, but he told me Madison
isn't coming.
Something about them having
to work.
Seemed pretty pissed about it,
too.
Looks like there's a little
trouble in paradise.
Oh, really?
Mm-hmm.
Well, what makes you think
that?
He's been all out of sorts
all week.
Distracted and in a worse mood
than usual.
You know Alec.
[ Chuckles ] Yeah.
He's been a bit more surly
and hot tempered on air.
Especially with you.
Well, maybe he needs a little
break, too.
Sort out some of his personal
problems, you know?
Huh...
Say you and I get together
later.
Work out a plan for the show.
Yeah. Yeah, okay.
You know what?
I'm... I am running late,
so I'll check all three of us
in, put it on the company card,
and I'll be right back.
Excuse me.
Okay.
These are looking pretty good.
Oh, this last document needs
some minor tweaking,
but I think we pretty much
have what we need from Monday's
board meeting.
I must say...
I'm impressed.
You all pulled everything
together with a minimum of drama
and a maximum of precision.
So I know you've worked long
hours this week.
So the good news is...
we won't be working this weekend
like I thought.
Go home!
Get some rest.
Hey, keep your cellphones close
in case I have any questions.
Yeah.
Um, Madison, do you mind
staying for just a minute.
Sure.
[ Telephone rings in distance ]
I just wanted to say,
I knew from the day we met
you had what it takes.
You're a conscientious worker,
a fast learner, and you've
proven to be a real asset
to Benton Publishing.
Thank you, Alison.
No, thank you for organizing
all these materials for
the board.
I know it's to your credit
it was all done so efficiently
and quickly.
Wow.
I'm just glad we got it done.
Congratulations.
What?
Congratulations.
You passed your probation.
Oh! Oh, my God!
[ Chuckles ]
HR will be in touch about your
new salary.
Good job.
Oh!
Thank you so much, Alison.
Now go, enjoy your weekend.
Much needed, well deserved,
I might add.
[ Sighs ]
Laney!
Guess what.
I'm off probation, and I got
a raise.
What?! Congrats, girl.
You worked hard for that
bad boy.
Ooh, girl! Hey, but listen...
I need a huge favor.
Can you check on the kids
this weekend?
I want to surprise Alec in D.C.
I can't wait to tell him
the news.
Alright. 'Course.
I'll watch out for the kids.
Okay, but especially Chloe.
Something is up with her.
Really? Like what?
I don't know, but maybe
she'll tell you.
Thank you so much.
[ Sighs ]
Hey.
Alright. Look.
So, here's your keycard.
Okay.
Alec's is at the front desk
when he checks in.
Listen, could you do me a favor?
Sure. Anything.
I'm late for my meeting,
and my package still hasn't
gotten here.
Do you mind just waiting for it
until it gets here?
Yeah. Of course.
Okay. Look.
It's marked "personal and
confidential," and it's coming
by special courier.
I called them and had them put
your name on it.
No worries.
I'll take care of it.
Okay.
And maybe we can discuss
those ideas for the show
over dinner later?
Yeah. 'Course.
Look, just put my key in my room
with the package when
it's there, okay?
Okay.
And, uh...
take that too?
You're amazing.
I got you.
Yep.
Suite 200, huh?
Nice.
[ Chuckles ]
Hey, how you doing?
Alec Darby. Checking in.
Yes, Mr. Darby.
You're already checked in.
Here's your key.
Suite 200.
Thank you.
Hey, you made it.
Yeah, of course I made it.
Hey, you got the call time
for tomorrow.
Nah, not yet.
Alright.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Yeah.
Hey.
Hey, Chloe.
What's going on?
Um...
Something bothering you?
Laney... [ Sighs ]
I saw something so messed up,
and I don't know what to do
about it.
Well, have you talked it over
with your mom?
[ Scoffs ] I tried.
But just couldn't figure out
how to.
Well, why not?
Because it's about Alec.
I saw him kissing that new boss
of his at the fundraiser
the other night.
Are you sure?
Look.
I-I took it at the fundraiser
and printed it out to give
to Mom, but I just couldn't
do it.
[ Sighs ]
You don't need to worry
about this, Chloe.
Your mother's a very smart
woman.
If... If Alec is cheating on
her, she'll know about it.
Just get some rest for now,
and we'll figure out what to do
with this in the morning.
Okay.
Good night.
[ Door closes ]
Oh.
It's nice.
Oh.
Oh. Veronica?
[ Chuckles ]
Um, how did you get in here?
Um, well, this is the key
the front desk gave me.
I guess there must have been
some kind of mistake.
I'm sorry if I startled...
No, no. It's... It's...
That's odd because I'm the one
who checked everyone in.
You know what?
I'll call downstairs and get
this whole thing straightened
out.
You sure?
Yeah, I was actually gonna
call you anyway because I was
gonna set up a dinner meeting
with you and Demarco for
tomorrow's shoot.
Oh...
Yeah. So, you know, why don't
you just make yourself a drink
at the bar, and I'll go change
into something, you know,
more comfortable, and we can get
going.
Okay?
Okay.
Good.
Yeah.
Great.
Alright.
You know, so I can probably
get you on set.
Madison, hey!
What are you doing here?
Alec said you wasn't coming.
Yeah.
I finished work early.
I thought I'd surprise him.
Oh, cool.
He's in suite 200, and I just
so happen to have an extra key.
So why don't you take it and
really surprise him.
Thank you, Demarco.
Yeah.
Thank you.
So what are we doing in
the morning?
[ Door closes ]
Surprise!
[ Chuckles ]
Are you happy to see me?
Madison, you're here?
Yeah, I finished work early
so we could have a romantic
weekend.
Hey, I changed my mind.
I thought we'd...
do the appetizer first.
What is she doing here?
Excuse me. Me?
This is my room?
How did you get in here?
Madison, there's been
a mistake.
Yeah, there's been a mix-up,
and it's you who made it.
No! No, no, no, no, no.
I didn't.
Look, the front desk gave me...
Do I look stupid to you?
Well, you don't have to
go away mad.
We didn't know you were coming.
Obviously.
Ugh!
[ Door slams ]
What the hell is this?!
I know.
Do you like it?
[ Chuckles ]
Oh, stop!
Come on.
It's just a little mix-up.
Hey...
it's probably for the best.
You know?
I mean, come on.
What do you see in her anyway?
I could do so much more for you,
career wise.
What are you suggesting...
boss?
Some kind of... quid pro quo?
Isn't that illegal?
♪ I know you're not happy
there ♪
♪ You ain't happy anywhere
♪ Tell me, did you even care?
♪ In case you didn't know it,
maybe you should go and... ♪
Madison, please,
let me explain.
Come on!
It's not what you think it i...
♪ Without you in my life
♪ The way you did me, baby,
isn't right ♪
♪ What you give is what
you get ♪
♪ You ain't gave me no respect
♪ Tell me what did you expect?
♪ I had to keep my heart
in check ♪
♪ Hard to keep me ruthless
♪ Careful what you do when
you do it ♪
♪ Playing all these games,
and we're losing ♪
♪ Now I'm through it
Madison!
[ Door bangs ]
Girl, what are you doing
back?
I thought you were staying till
tomorrow.
[ Sighs ]
Laney...
[ Voice breaking ] What is wrong
with men?
Why do they have to constantly
play more than one woman
at a time?
Or is it just me?
Maybe it's just me.
But you know what? I know this.
I'm not doing this again.
I'm not gonna lay in a bed
for the rest of my life next to
a man that I don't know that
I can trust.
I'm done.
Tell me what happened.
Nothing.
I just, you know...
I found Alec in a hotel room
with his barely dressed boss.
[ Sighs ] Oh, no.
I was afraid of that.
Wait, what?
You knew about this?
Chloe took this last week at
the fundraiser.
[ Sobs softly ]
So, this must be what she's been
trying to tell me this whole
time.
Poor baby.
Yeah.
You know, so the fundraiser.
This has been going on...
for a long time.
And the thing is, you know,
I saw it.
I knew she was gonna go after
him, and I... I warned him.
How did you leave things?
I just left!
I mean, he's been calling.
My phone's been blowing up.
Finally, I just turned it off
because there's nothing he can
say.
Went to the train station,
and I just... I sat there...
Mom? Hey.
for hours trying to wait
for a train to come this
morning.
Hey!
You're back.
Hey.
Good morning.
Have a seat.
Jackie, sit down.
Uh, we need to talk.
[ Knock on door ]
I have nothing to say to you,
Alec.
You don't have to say
anything.
Just listen.
Look, I'm not going anywhere
until you do.
Fine.
Say what you need to say,
and then go.
You're not gonna let me in?
[ Voice breaking ] No.
What do you want?
The hotel...
gave me the wrong key.
It was a mistake.
A simple mistake.
I didn't... do anything that
you're thinking I did.
Okay. Just stop.
Alright? Blah-blah-blah.
I've heard it all before.
Nothing happened.
"It's... It's not what it
looks like.
I love you and only you."
Blah-bl... Please!
Good-bye, Alec.
Hey, girl.
Just thought I'd check on you.
Have time for lunch?
No. [ Sighs ]
Laney...
I'm having "take your ring
and go to hell" for lunch today.
Well, hey, I better go with
you just in case there's real
smoke and you say go straight
to hell.
And cut.
[ Bell rings ]
Thank you guys.
Alright, everyone.
That is a wrap.
What is wrong with you, man?
You need to check your attitude.
Okay.
So there are my two starlets.
You guys, I heard that shoot
last weekend went amazingly
well.
Yeah, it was fantastic.
Oh, man.
That hasn't changed.
[ Chuckles ]
How are you?
I'm good.
Listen, uh...
What?
Looks like your salacious
little part last weekend
backfired.
Uh, you were the one
who's playing games, Demarco.
Huh?
You told me, remember,
that the little fiance wasn't
coming, and then you gave her
my room key.
Didn't you?
So why would you do something
like that, Demarco?
Why'd you give it to me
in the first place?
[ Scoffs ] Oh, God.
If you knew you were gonna
book Alec all up in there...
Your job was to leave
the package and leave the key
in my room.
That's all.
And somehow, the front desk got
it all mixed up, and Alec had
another room.
So, what was I Veronica, huh?
The back-up?
The second-place consolation
prize in case it didn't work out
with Darby?
You are so delusional.
I'm delusional?
You really are.
In the first place, as delighted
as I am that it turned out
the way I did, I had no idea
Alec was gonna be in my room,
and somehow, you just refuse
to get the message, in second
and third place, that I don't
want you.
So, you admit you were going
after Alec.
This is your whole little
thing that you do, huh?
That's why you wanted me...
to fire him.
For God's sake!
Someone cut his mike!
I knew that she was after him
all along.
And the thing that really makes
me furious is that he let her
catch him.
Nope.
Not even for a second.
How many times do I have to tell
you, the only woman that I want
catching me is you.
Your lies aren't gonna cut
it, Alec.
Madison, why don't you
believe me?
Nothing happened.
Now, look, I understand.
You've been through a lot,
and it's hard, but eventually,
you're gonna have to trust
somebody.
I was hoping it would be me.
I can't trust a liar.
Hello?
Hey! Glad you're back.
Hey!
Mom, Laney, this is Althea.
Althea, this is my mom
and her friend.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, too.
Althea came over to share
some picture that she took from
the event the other night.
It wasn't what I thought.
He walked away.
Althea, thank you so much
for bringing these.
I'm storyteller.
It's what I do...
Bring the truth to light.
Um, can you make sure that
the kids get something to eat?
Yes. Of course.
Nice meeting you.
You too.
[ Sighs ]
Go 'head.
Just what I need.
[ Binder clatters ]
What could you possibly want,
Madison?
What do I want?
I want to know why
a beautiful intelligent woman
with a stellar career,
who could probably have any man
she wanted, would choose to go
after a man who already is
committed to somebody else.
I mean, shouldn't there be some
kind of sisterhood amongst
sisters?
If the shoe were on the other
foot, how would you feel?
Oh, dear God, just save it.
I don't know what the heck
you're talking about.
I really, really don't.
Well, you should probably
know that I overheard
the conversation between you
and Demarco Fox.
Okay. Good for you.
Apparently, the whole world was
listening, but if you're coming
here, implying...
No, no, no. No! No!
I'm not implying anything.
You didn't hear me.
I said I was listening when you
said that you didn't care
that Alec is engaged to me.
So how do you justify that?
I can't.
I can't justify it at all.
And you should know...
to Alec's credit...
that he made it very clear...
that he wasn't interested,
no matter how hard I tried.
But you still gave him
the hard court press, so why?
[ Voice breaking ] I did.
[ Chuckles, sniffles ]
For years...
I had to fight off men
who tried constantly to use
their positions, their... power,
over me for their personal
pleasure.
They tried...
because they could.
Really?
I mean, I tried to do to Alec
what I've been fighting
my entire career.
Because I could.
Nah, that's not a good look.
[ Sniffles ]
Madison, will you please accept
my apology.
Truly, and I - I... I hope that
you and Alec go on to have
a happy marriage.
I do.
Thank you, Veronica.
For the truth.
Hey...
I really hope I find someone
someday who...
loves me the way Alec loves you.
I hope you do, too.
[ Knock on door ]
Hi.
Can I come in?
Yeah. Sure.
I've been through some things.
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
And those things,
they have, um...
influenced the way that I see
the world... perhaps tainted.
I've seen...
pretty things presented to
disguise the ugly.
And I've had...
lies presented to me to disguise
the truth.
And with you, Alec...
and all that comes with you,
it just... it scared me.
Because I didn't want to wake up
in another nightmare.
But I realize, Alec,
that you are my dream come true.
And so can you please
forgive me?
Because I love you.
[ Horns blare in distance ]
I have to go.
[ Groans ]
Mnm-mnm. Mnm-mnm. Mnm-mnm.
[ Chuckles ]
Honey, I have to go to work.
Call in sick.
Take a break or something.
I'm not ready to let you out
of my sight.
I may never leave you again.
Okay.
Well, that's ridiculous.
[ Inhales deeply ]
[ Sighs ]
I came so close to losing you...
Again.
I'm not taking any more chances,
though.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Laughs ]
I want to hold you in my arms
forever.
I have a better idea.
What's that?
You're gonna love it.
Laney.
Hey, listen, I can't talk long,
but I need a huge favor,
and you can't tell a soul.
You in?
[ Birds chirping ]
[ Knock on door ]
Hey, champ.
What's going on?
Where's your mom?
Laney said it's a surprise.
Okay.
Well, look, I... I... I got
stuff to do, alright?
What's going on?
Yeah, what's up with all
the secrecy?
This can't be good.
Listen, everybody calm down.
All I know is Madison wanted you
all to be here tonight.
Surprise!
[ All cheering ]
Hi!
Hi, hi, hi!
[ Laughs ]
What's up, man?
Congratulations.
Yo...
She about to marry this guy
after what he just did?
Yes! Nothing happened.
It was all a big
misunderstanding.
Listen, get over it.
Madison did.
That bro was ever gonna
get jumped.
[ Laughter ]
But, Mom, you promised
I could give you away.
I know, sweetheart, I did.
And I'm really sorry.
I hope you'll be able to
forgive me.
It's just that Alec and I,
we've just been through so much.
And we couldn't wait another
minute.
But listen, we are gonna have
the biggest party just for you
and Chloe.
Wait, just for us?
Yes.
We're gonna have dancing and...
And food and tons of people.
Come on, don't sulk.
Let's go tell our friends.
Oh, and we got to post it
on the socials.
Oh, the Darbys will be
trending.
Come on.
Uh, e-everybody just listen.
Uh, everybody listen, please.
[ Sighs ]
Maddy...
I cannot say that I'm not hurt
that you're happier than I ever
made you.
But if anybody deserves it...
it's you.
Congratulations.
Thanks, Jake.
Appreciate that, man.
Aw.
I mean, we thank all of you...
for your love and support.
We wouldn't be here without you.
You guys are our village.
Well, hear, hear!
Okay, everyone.
Let's get ready to cheers for
Mr. and Mrs. Alec Darby.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪ Every time
♪ You can keep me
♪ Make me say...
♪ Heading down the road,
I left it all behind ♪
♪ I took the path ahead,
so easy to find ♪
♪ Forever and ever
♪ I will go
♪ Forever and ever
♪ You will be here by my side
♪ Forever and ever
♪ Oh, ooooh
♪ I will be here by your side