I am thrilled that this day has finally arrived.
The opening of the Phoenix Street Free Clinic.
[applause, whooping]
And of course, the dedication
to my late husband, Douglas McBride.
I'd like to extend a special thanks
to all our friends, and especially my children
for coming out today.
I only hope that I did Doug proud.
You did, Vanessa.
Doug would be thrilled to have his name associated
with someplace that is going to do so much good
for so many people.
And your speech didn't just acknowledge
how wonderful of a man he was.
It really captured how compassionate
and dedicated he was as a doctor.
Yeah, Nicole's right.
It was a lovely tribute.
Dad would have thought it was on point.
Thanks, Donnell.
Uh, how are you holding up, sweetheart?
Okay, I guess.
It's really hard to hear you talk about Dad
in the past tense.
But I like that everyone coming through the clinic doors
will get to see his name on that plaque.
It kind of keeps him alive in a way.
I can't take the credit.
The dedication was Joey's suggestion.
Congratulations, you two.
This is a huge achievement.
You should be proud.
Raise a glass, partner.
We did it.
Yes, we did.
And now that the clinic's doors are open,
that means another center is bound to close.
And I'll drink to that.
Meaning?
Meaning this is the last time
that I'll refer to you and I as "we."
Now that everything's up and running,
I expect I'll be seeing a lot less of you.
Well, that would be tragic,
since we worked so well together,
and I have become quite fond of the liquor
that you keep in the back room of your casino.
I'll send you a case.
Save you a trip.
[laughs]
He's hilarious.
Ooh, I love a man who plays hard to get.
Well, still no word from Kat.
Do you know why she wanted us to get together?
She's giving 007 vibes again,
but we worked out our recent beef, so it can't be that.
She enjoys the suspense of keeping us in the dark.
Like I said...
Sorry I'm late.
Thanks for coming.
Hi.
I figured it'd be easier
to catch both of you up at the same time.
What's the big news?
I found a place to live,
and I'm moving in tonight.
♪ ♪
I knew you were planning to leave,
but I didn't expect it to be instant.
Neither did I.
Where I'm going is perfect.
When you know, you know.
Well, I love that for you.
So, spill. Where you off to, coz?
Let me guess. You chose the condo you texted me about,
didn't you? The one with the view?
This place is so much better.
Close to the studio.
Ideal location.
1228 Jasmine Lane.
But that's...
Yup. I'm moving in with the grands.
Would you mind taking a few photos of the kids and me?
DEANNA: We already have a bunch
-by the clinic, Mom. -Sure,
-but those were formal. -KIAL: I'll go get some drinks.
Plus, I can never have enough photos with my two heartbeats.
Get in here.
Wait. Uh, he should be here with us for this one.
You're right, sweetheart.
♪ ♪
[camera clicks]
Ms. Thomas, congratulations.
Glad you could make it, Dr. Feel Good.
Excuse me?
You're so handsome.
It makes me feel good just looking at you.
I'm glad to see Leslie wound up
and pointed away from me.
Poor guy.
I just wish she didn't lay it on so thick all the time.
I don't know if I ever officially thanked you
for helping Mama fund the clinic.
Where did you learn all the people skills
that your mother did not?
Probably from cleaning up all her messes.
But I am grateful to you, Joey.
Mama is, too, even if she hasn't said it.
All I did was transfer some money.
You did a hell of a lot more work on the ground.
The clinic never would have opened on time
if it wasn't for you.
And getting Derek Baldwin on board as general manager.
Good call.
He did a great job at the opening, didn't he?
Agreed.
Too bad he couldn't join us here.
He wanted to stay and make sure things are running smoothly.
He still has that fireman's work ethic.
Oh, speaking of which, I better go check in with him.
Excuse me.
Mind if I have a word?
Because I think it's time you and I had a one-on-one.
I presume you're not here to talk about the clinic.
I am not.
Since we have a double date coming up, I thought,
why not get the initial awkwardness out of the way?
Good idea.
It would be awkward to be trapped in a booth
with one of Vanessa's overprotective friends.
You must have been just as excited as I was
when Vanessa floated the idea of us going to dinner together.
Not at the top of my social calendar wish list, no.
And yet, we both agreed.
Vanessa's hard to say no to.
You aren't known for playing along just to be nice.
Vanessa matters... a lot.
I'm glad to hear.
She is my best friend, next to my sister,
and it is clear she is very taken with you.
I am concerned about complications
inherent to your relationship.
Noted.
But she is happy,
so I will be supportive
unless and until there's a reason for me not to be.
You know, your sister Dani gave me a similar warning.
And I respect the Dupree sense of loyalty
and protectiveness when it comes to Vanessa.
Look at that, we have something in common after all.
I see that you have stayed out of the spotlight,
even though we both know
this clinic wouldn't have been possible without you.
Never been one for the spotlight.
True, but it's interesting,
you also kept your distance from Vanessa.
Well, I'm not an insensitive jerk.
This is a very sensitive day for the family.
I thought that Vanessa could use the time and the space
to focus on her kids.
Especially since it's Deanna's first time home--
first time in their home--
since her father died.
I'm aware of the circumstances.
Look, all I want
is for today to go as smoothly as possible for Vanessa.
-Eva. -Okay, I'll call you right back.
Eva, this is Deanna and Donnell.
-Ah. -Eva is Leslie's daughter.
-Great to meet you two. -Hi.
Mom said you were a lifesaver.
I don't know about all of that.
Don't be modest. Eva is the only person
who can keep her crazy mother on track on a good day.
-Mom, chill. -No, she's not wrong.
And your mother is pretty impressive
because she's the only one who can hold her own with mine.
So, there's that.
You'd be perfect as a volunteer at the clinic.
So, what can I say to get you on the roster?
I'd happily consider it, but I cannot commit.
Oh, surely you don't have a problem
working under a strong woman.
No issues working under a woman.
My free time is very limited.
I'm already committed to several hospitals
-and rehab facilities, though. -Hmm.
Oh, honey, I am so sorry to keep you waiting.
No worries.
What's wrong, Nic?
You afraid that this fine man might enjoy
spending more time with me?
Kial, do I have a reason
to worry about you leaving this function without me?
-No. -[Leslie laughs]
Well, maybe next time.
I'm going to take off.
-I just wanted to say goodbye. -Oh.
Thanks, Joey, for honoring our father this way.
I was proud to give to such a good cause.
And I'm glad that you both could make it.
It meant a lot to your mother.
Yes. Having you both here meant the world.
It was nice to meet you.
Well, let me walk you out.
I have one last matter
to discuss with you about the clinic.
Sure.
So, where do you guys go to college?
-We're both at Banneker. -Oh.
-Cool. Do you like it? -DONNELL: Of course.
It's the best HBCU in the nation.
Facts.
Well, my boyfriend is an academic advisor there.
Oh, nice. What's his name?
EVA: Izaiah Hawthorne.
VANESSA: Deanna and Donnell
will be headed back to campus this evening, so...
I'll be over later.
It's been a long day. Call me tomorrow.
Hey, are we okay?
Absolutely.
Go enjoy your time with your kids.
I will.
I started packing up and moving things out this morning,
but it's gonna take some time before I get everything out.
I wouldn't have predicted this particular move,
but if it works for you and the grands, you do you.
Thanks. And I'm hoping my very handsome
and very athletic boyfriend will lend a hand.
Sure, but, um, what happened to wanting your own space?
Why would you move in with Anita and Vernon?
Have you seen their home? It's giving palace.
And it's only temporary until I find the right place.
You know, I'm... I'm not putting a timeline on it.
Okay, then what's the rush?
Chelsea and Madison need their privacy.
Plus, I've already lost enough sleep
listening to them go at it every night.
-Madison's a screamer. -Kat.
Well, she really is.
-TMI. -KAT: The point is,
the brides-to-be can start playing house
without me cramping their style.
You get to keep your bachelor pad,
and I get my own luxurious guest wing
under the roof of the people I love.
Everybody wins.
I'm not so sure about that.
Kial, these are Vanessa's kids, Donnell and Deanna.
-Nice to meet you. -It's nice to meet you both.
Donnell will be Samantha's escort at cotillion.
Mm. I have to admit,
this whole cotillion thing is very new to me,
but thank you to Nicole for helping me along with it.
Yeah, no, it's-it's the move right now.
And my sister went through it, too.
-Hmm. -Samantha will be very lucky
to have you by her side.
I'm still blown away that the free clinic was her idea.
Yeah, it's incredible.
Yeah. Too bad she couldn't be here
after putting in that kind of effort.
And it's a... it's a nice party.
For a bunch of old people?
I'd never say that.
Well, Samantha did get to attend the opening,
but you know how it is when you're trying
to get yourself into a good school like Banneker.
-Every test counts. -Mm.
Exams wait for no one.
So, Donnell,
besides being the cotillion hero, what do you enjoy?
I guess I'm a lot like Samantha.
I... I enjoy school.
Definitely doesn't feel like a chore.
And... and I'm pretty busy on campus with my fraternity.
We... we do a lot of community service work.
Hmm. That's nice.
Um, yeah. I was kind of going down that same pathway
until the MCAT-- it kind of took up all my spare time.
NICOLE: How are things going for you at school?
Fine. My friends and professors have been understanding,
and I have Donnell.
He helps.
Well, I am glad that you have a strong support system.
I know that you were seeing a therapist a way back.
Are you still keeping those sessions going?
Yeah.
You've been seeing Mom a lot more lately.
How is she?
Without Dad, I mean.
I think Vanessa is doing well, all things considered.
Yeah, I figured.
Watching her, you know?
I see you're enjoying the festivities
with all your friends.
Well, I'm fine being alone for a hot minute,
unlike all the insecure women in Fairmont Crest.
So, what'd you do?
Scoop Joey out of here early just to keep him safe from me?
You know, your little buddy Nicky over there--
she put on a big show earlier,
marking her territory.
All you ladies need to get a grip.
I'm just having fun.
I'm not looking to steal anybody's man.
History says otherwise.
Ted was different.
Hey, here's a thought.
How about we not do this now? Hmm?
Today's about the clinic, right?
You good?
Why does everybody keep asking me that?
Because everyone knows today is hard.
And I can tell you're totally not okay.
And you're okay?
You're okay with everything going on here?
I agree with Eva
that we should stay focused on the point of today.
So as much as it pains me to admit,
you did a nice job, Leslie,
with your portion of the program.
Hmm.
Guess it wasn't so bad after all, huh?
I was impressed by your words about the clinic
and how kind you were when you introduced me.
Well, in some ways, we aren't that different.
I mean, two mothers who want to look good in front of our kids.
Hey, Mom, quick question.
How long have you been screwing Joey Armstrong?
I'm a little lost here, Kat.
Your grandparents lived with you while you were growing up,
so I figured you'd understand.
They moved in with us because it made sense financially
and so that they could be around for me.
But you're fully grown and hardly need to be taken care of.
I mean, you have tons of options.
Mm. If you're worried about things changing, don't be.
I'll still stay at your place,
and you can stay with me whenever you like.
With Anita and Vernon Dupree there?
Well, you're not a screamer, so what's the problem?
I didn't need to know that,
but even if you do get loud, that house is so big,
no one would ever really hear you.
Comforting.
I don't think Anita and Vernon would want me sleeping over.
Besides, your grandmother is sick.
There's a zillion entrances.
You can sneak in and out without them ever knowing.
Like I'm in high school?
What's the big deal?
As far as Gran's sickness is concerned,
that's one of the reasons why I asked to stay with them.
I want to be there to help out.
How hard did you have to sell them on it?
It didn't take much convincing.
They welcomed me with open arms.
-Really? That's good, then. -Yeah.
It just shows how overwhelming things have been for them.
Look, I-I think it's selfless that you want to help out,
but you should know that some days are
gonna be hard on you, too.
I doubt it. They have a full staff,
best medical care available.
It was really hard for my mom when Abuelita got sick.
It's a lot to deal with day in and day out.
You don't think I'm up for it.
That's not what I'm saying.
I just want to make sure that you're prepared because...
Because what?
Because you're all over the place, Kat.
-Well, so are you. -CHELSEA: Okay.
Uh, uh, maybe we should dial it down.
First, you wanted to move in with me,
but when I pointed out that you really weren't ready,
then you went all in on getting your own place.
Now you're switching lanes again.
You need to think things all the way through, mi amor.
Have you considered the long-term consequences?
You're trying to make it sound like
you're concerned about how it'll affect me,
but what I'm hearing is,
you don't like how it'll affect you.
Please, Deanna, where is this coming from?
You don't even need to answer my question.
I'm not blind, Mom, and I'm not stupid.
Can we just... just go somewhere and talk,
just the two of us?
Yes, but maybe you should go discuss this
where there isn't an audience.
What's the problem? I bet this isn't news to anybody in here.
Look around. Do you see a single shocked face?
It's not like you were trying to hide it.
I saw the way you and Joey were looking at each other.
This isn't the way to do this.
What kind of man comes in here and dedicates a building
to your dead husband and drops all that money
unless he's getting something in return?
And, clearly, you're serving it up.
Deanna, stop.
-Don't tell me what to do. -Please, Deanna.
You like to act like you're this fierce, independent woman.
You can't even go six months without a man.
You're pathetic.
And selfish.
When Dad was drinking and gambling through his problems,
where were you when you were supposed to be helping him?
You have no idea how badly I wish I could have saved him.
Not bad enough.
How long?
How long until you started screwing him?
And how could you choose him?
Joey Armstrong, the man whose casino killed my dad.
Enough!
Dad died because he made the choice
to go out and drink and get behind the wheel.
Okay, it was a terrible decision,
but that's not on Joey.
Why are you defending a man like him?
Because this isn't what you think.
You don't even know him.
And you do? Huh.
You do... really know him?
Please, honey, if we can just go somewhere and talk about this.
I don't want to hear your excuses.
I can't even look at you.
As long as you are with that man,
I will never come back here.
-Deanna, please! -No.
I'll go, Mom.
You-you just stay here.
After all this time, Deanna finally came home,
and now she may never come back.
She was only reacting in the heat of the moment.
She still loves you and needs you so much.
I expected her to be upset
whenever she learned about Joey, but I...
I wasn't prepared for that.
I was living in a fantasy.
You were hoping for the best.
Well, now it's time to face reality.
Maybe,
but Deanna isn't reacting only to you dating another man.
[stammers] I could never replace Doug.
It's not like I've forgotten about him.
Deanna can't grasp that.
Her emotions are raw.
She's still processing the pain from losing her father,
and she is looking to blame anybody for his death but Doug.
And right now, "anybody" is Joey and me.
I... Yeah, I feel like I can't breathe...
whenever I think about how much Deanna's struggling.
I-I thought she was doing better.
We... we went to that show the other night.
We... we had a lovely evening.
Would you mind if I say something?
I mean, I don't know if it'll help.
I can't guarantee it, but it might.
Please.
When my, uh... when my wife died,
my kids were the only reason why I got out of bed every day.
Eventually, there were more good days than bad.
But even then, out of nowhere, something would strike a memory,
and a pain would come... crashing over my face.
And I just had to keep reminding myself
that they were the only reason why I had to do this.
Were they angry at you? Did they blame you?
Uh, my eldest, no.
My youngest...
Man, Noah, he was tough.
But they're kids.
What can you do?
You are dealing with your loss
so that you can be there for them.
Deanna doesn't have any compelling reasons
to fight through her grief.
This is the first time she's dealing
with anything this devastating.
She doesn't have the perspective
that comes with age and experience.
Well, Donnell's just as young.
Because he's managed to lean into what gives him purpose.
His school, his fraternity.
His father's memory.
And taking care of you.
Everybody deals with grief in their own unique way.
So...
what do I do about Deanna?
All you can do is love her.
Don't bombard her, but keep reaching out,
letting her know that you're there,
even if she doesn't believe it.
In time, and with help from her therapist,
she will find her reasons
to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
And it won't be because of pain and resentment.
See? I'm not the only one who can get a little messy.
Really? It's about you?
You can't show any compassion?
You know I am not the one to get all soft about things.
But if I were that kind of person,
then I'd say I feel bad for Blondie and the two little D's.
Auntie, they are not bouncing back from this anytime soon.
Okay, we need to talk about this.
Oh, now you want to talk?
Well, you can start by telling me how long you've known
that Mom was messing around with a criminal.
I'll make it easy for you.
Couple of weeks? Months?
End of last year.
And you didn't tell me?
Do you really wonder why?
This is not what you think.
Then tell me what it is, because the way I see it,
Dad is dead because Mom wasn't paying attention
-to the warning signs. -Yeah, no.
I got that from the scene you just caused.
-And I had every right to. -Will you just shut up?
Damn.
Okay, it is my turn to do the talking.
I think this tricycle needs to be a bicycle.
I'll check on you later.
Okay. You're not totally wrong.
Your decision to live in a wing
at Anita and Vernon's does affect me,
but I would have thought you'd discuss it with me first.
I only came up with the idea yesterday,
and you were at court.
It didn't occur to me
that I should wait and ask for your permission.
Not ask, just talk.
See how I might feel because that's what couples do.
We discuss things.
But by your own admission,
I didn't even cross your mind.
It's a real shame that the beautiful event we had today
ended on such a terrible note for the McBrides.
But social media and the local news are saying
the opening was fantastic.
As they should. And what else are they saying?
How it's gonna fill a real void in the underserved community,
and how doctors
with some serious cred are volunteering there.
Mm-hmm. Okay. What about the rest of it?
The rest of what?
Girl, I did not get all dressed up like this for nothing.
Fishing for compliments?
Mama, you already know how you did.
I don't remember a damn minute
of what happened behind that podium.
It's like I was just...
I was nervous as hell,
worried I'd come off as some imposter to those people.
You know, this is my time to prove
that I am just as worthy of respect
as any of them up in Fairmont Crest.
Mama, stop.
The truth is,
you were amazing.
Really?
Yeah, and I can prove it to you.
It's oddly quiet.
Oh, I gave the entire staff the day off.
I'd actually blocked the whole day off for the opening.
I just didn't plan for such an abrupt and unsettling ending.
I feel for Vanessa.
Your youngest son--
did it ever get as bad as it did today?
Not quite. You hurt for them,
but you realize there's not a damn thing
you could do to help and make it easier.
I can relate.
I would have done anything
to trade places and shoulder my kids' pain.
[sighs] As a parent, I understand
why Vanessa did what she did--
leaving Deanna in school for as long as she was
in her little bubble.
But as a psychiatrist, I know
that you can do your kids a disservice
by shielding them from the things that they need to know.
And what about as a best friend?
I am absolutely heartbroken for that family.
But I know this.
Donnell and Vanessa will not give up on Deanna.
I just pray that things don't get worse
for that family before they get better.
Everyone's been tiptoeing around you for months.
You know, treating you like you're made of glass.
Well, news flash.
You're not the only one who's hurting.
I've done my best to step up and take care of you
and to take care of Mom.
But I lost Dad, too.
And I... and I feel that every single day.
Mom lost her husband, who she'd been with
literally since she was younger than we are now.
Exactly, and now Mom's moving on with Joey Armstrong
like those years don't count.
So how can you sit there wearing Dad's watch
and be okay with that?
When I first found out what was up, I-I felt a way, okay?
Um... I had a ton of questions.
But then I talked to Mom,
and I-I spent time with her and Joey.
I tried to understand the situation, and I realized
that she was still grieving.
And everyone handles that in their own way.
But when Mom tried to talk to you,
you just got salty and-and you walked off.
Well, there's nothing that she could say
that would make me feel different.
'Cause it's easier for you to judge than listen.
You've decided that
if me and Mom aren't burying our heads in the sand
and refusing to accept the fact that Dad isn't coming back,
that we're doing it wrong.
I know that Dad isn't coming back,
but I'm choosing to honor his memory
instead of pretending like he never existed.
What happened?
You were right.
Feel free to shower me with I-told-you-so's.
Never. Never.
But you're welcome to my drink
if you think it would help.
All right, tell me what happened.
My daughter hates me.
I didn't mean to take you for granted or shut you out.
I should have been more thoughtful, and I'm sorry.
It's all right, mi amor.
And thanks for saying that.
Apologies are hard, and it means a lot to me.
I guess after all this time,
I'm still getting used to being a real girlfriend.
I just want to be in on the important conversations.
-Know what I mean? -Yes, and you will be.
Actually, I want to share something with you right now.
Oh? What's that?
God, I wish I would have known you during my family crisis.
I just really could have used somebody
who was just grounded to talk to
when everything kind of fell apart for me.
You must have had a friend or somebody you could confide in.
I didn't want to talk to anyone about what I was going through.
Not even a therapist after your wife died?
Oh, my kids, yes.
They were my priority.
But... [laughs]
me, no.
You know, I thought I could just do
the whole tough-man, he-man act, you know?
'Cause that's what we men do, right?
It was a crock, but that's how I was raised.
And then you decided to take a job
where you travel and move around every three months.
I figured if I didn't sit still,
then I wouldn't have to outrun the pain.
You can't outrun what's living inside of you.
Yeah, no kidding.
But you have decided
to settle down here, for a while at least.
Well, you know that thing,
that thing that's inside of me--
it's... shifting.
Something that I want...
I don't want to run from.
[both laughing]
I took a video of your speech so you can see for yourself.
Look at this. This is my favorite part.
-You ready? -I hope so.
LESLIE: When my daughter was little,
there were times I couldn't afford
to take her to the doctor.
I'd lie awake, hoping she'd get better on her own.
A free clinic like this would have felt like a miracle.
So today, I stand here,
thinking of every family that's ever gone without,
proud to offer care,
dignity and hope right here in your community.
Ooh. Okay.
I, um... [clears throat]
...wasn't sure I should share all that. Ah.
You spoke from your heart, and it was really moving,
especially to all the people who need that clinic.
Now they know that someone who started it understands them.
-You did good today, Mama. -Oh.
Thank you.
You know as well as I do that Dad would want Mom to be happy.
And from what I've seen, Mom is very happy with Joey.
Is he the type of guy I would have chosen for her?
Hell no.
But he is who she chose for her own reasons.
We're not inside that relationship.
And she shouldn't have to give up on that
because you're miserable
and want everybody else to be miserable, too.
You think that I want to feel like this?
I think you're afraid to move on.
Afraid of letting go of these feelings
because you're afraid that you'll let go of Dad.
But that's not possible.
We will carry on all the love
and all the lessons he taught us in everything we do.
For the rest of our lives.
That is how we will honor his memory.
I can imagine what went down after I left the party.
She wouldn't even look at me when I said goodbye.
Did she put something together between us?
She saw something between us,
and she put it together.
She-she ripped into me in front of everyone.
"Angry" doesn't begin to describe it.
She was enraged.
Vitriolic. I...
I hardly recognized her.
I'm so sorry.
I can't imagine how much that must hurt.
Like... like my heart's been severed
by someone I love more than my own life.
I-I didn't even get to explain
because as soon as she was finished excoriating me,
she just... she stormed out.
Do you need help tracking her down?
No, no.
Donnell went after her, and I know she's safe, and...
she doesn't want to talk to me right now.
Um, a-as much as I... I wanted to...
needed to tell you what happened,
it's not the only reason I'm here.
Deanna said something that I can't get out of my mind.
And what's that?
Uh...
she asked me if I even knew you.
It was like a... like a bolt exploded through me,
because if my kid sat me down
and asked me basic questions like, "Where's Joey from?"
or, "What's his family like?"
I couldn't begin to answer.
I...
I couldn't... begin to answer
because you've barely told me anything about your past.
Well, I thought you liked the mystery.
This whole "still water runs deep" thing I've got going on.
I'm serious, Joey.
If you and I are going to have a chance
at a future together, I need to know who you really are.
Captioning sponsored by CBS
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org