-Oh. -Where's Rowena?
Uh, she's out running a few errands.
I hope you're here with some good news
because it's not the best time for anything else.
Yeah. How you holding up?
Changes from minute to minute.
Well, hopefully what I've come to say will help brighten
a few of those minutes.
Why have I been summoned by my employee at this ungodly hour?
It's 11:00 a.m. My guys start at 6:00.
I'm rich. I don't.
We didn't pass this morning's inspection.
Meaning?
Construction on your house has been shut down.
Indefinitely.
Say that again.
And this time, you better not mean it.
♪ ♪
I'm only gonna say this once, Randy.
This shipment better go off without a hitch,
or there will be blood.
I do not envy the guy on the other end of that call.
Oh, I'm just offering a little work incentive.
I'm surprised to see you here.
I thought we agreed to keep a safe distance from each other.
Well, I figured it was past time to touch base.
Well, I am pleased by the visit, but...
last time I saw that look on your face
was when you were a kid looking for work.
The Banneker gig coming up short?
Because I can always offer a side hustle.
I am here for business, yes, but also something personal.
I'm intrigued.
I am seeing Eva Thomas.
I've heard.
Figured you'd know.
Still got eyes and ears everywhere,
which also means you know we're moving in similar circles.
You're in business with Eva's big bad mama.
You're gonna take your tiny little legs
and you're gonna run to your Mr. Inspector,
and you're going to tell him
to get his behind down to Orphey Gene's tout de suite.
Capisce?
Yes, I am sick and tired
of living in a hotel.
Please, have a seat.
I'm Kat Richardson, Nicole Dupree's daughter.
I know. I've seen some photos around your mom's house.
FRANK: You really shouldn't
-have made a call like that. -Really?
LESLIE: And you really should do your job right...
What's going on over there?
-Weekly villains' meeting? -[indistinct arguing]
Could be some construction issues.
Sometimes wishes do come true.
It's nice to meet you.
I've heard nothing but good things about you.
Well, I should hope so,
but I didn't come here to talk about me.
What are your intentions concerning my mother?
[crying]: I am so sorry to drop in like this,
but I just, I just needed to talk.
Don't worry, honey. Best friends have standing appointments.
Is it Deanna? Is she okay?
[groans] What do I pay you for
if not to keep things like this from happening?
Aw. She looks pressed.
-You don't mind? -Not in the slightest.
So, the deal with you and my mom?
We're seeing each other.
Okay, vague.
If I had a better way of describing it, I would.
Try, because I'm very protective of those I love.
And so am I. I have two sons that I would do anything for.
Ah.
And where's their mom?
'Cause the last thing my mother needs
is another crazy ex coming out of the woodwork.
She passed away a few years ago.
Oh.
I'm, uh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Well, I hope this helps.
I very much enjoy spending time with your mother.
Nice words.
So what else would you like to know?
I'm an open book.
Good, because I'm a very big reader.
Thanks for getting the inspector to agree to meet with my mother.
Why are you thanking this man
for a job that I am paying him to do?
EVA: I'm sure this delay is just a blip.
Well, I got a few blipping words on the tip of my tongue.
It's because of you and your endless changes
that the construction extended over the property line.
Whew. Bring it back on the side of my line, then.
It's not that simple.
How much are we over the property line?
One inch.
Are you telling me
that your crew is taking a paid vacation on my dime
over an inch?
Them's the bylaws.
And the breaks.
Oh.
You think so?
I was able to call in a favor, stop construction.
I mean, for now at least.
You know, it's all thanks to that one little oversight.
Hallelujah.
You know, you got to love the irony that a woman
who takes a mile when given an inch
is thwarted by that very same inch.
Yeah. And based on the plans that I saw,
check this out,
Leslie is actually planning to reconstruct
Michelangelo's David in the form of Idris Elba.
You don't know the half of it.
But we are grateful for your legal prowess.
And that noise was driving my wife out of her mind.
Now maybe Anita can have just a little bit
of peace in our own home.
Yeah. Well, I can see
-how exhausted you are. -[door opening]
I'm sure she is, too, so...
-I should be on my way. -ANITA: Wait.
I'm glad to see you, Bill.
I have never seen her behave like that.
Neither have I.
Sure, when we were under the same roof
and the twins were teens,
she and I could go for a few rounds, but...
Lord, I remember those days with Kat.
But I have never seen her go ballistic in public.
I mean, the... that outburst,
the-the venom in her words.
They cut right through me.
My heart broke for the both of you.
My baby is in such pain,
and I can't do a damn thing to help her.
She won't let me.
I know, honey, I know.
But sometimes space is the best thing you can do here.
That's why I let Donnell go after her... after.
I... I knew she couldn't talk reasonably with me.
That was probably the right thing to do.
But how much more distance does she need?
It's-it's been six months,
and she has already missed her father's funeral,
the holidays in Fairmont Crest, and...
and now she's threatening to never come home again.
I will help any way I can.
I am very much a silent partner in the clinic.
I try to spend as little time with Leslie Thomas as possible.
Though I do like Eva.
I mean, that girl must have the constitution
of Muhammad Ali to put up with a mother like that.
Oh, yeah, Leslie gives whole new meaning to the word "extra."
I had to put her in check about my upcoming wedding
since there's no engagement.
Now, I do find her mess amusing, though.
Probably 'cause it's new to me.
But Eva's been dealing with it her whole life.
And you know what it's like to have an overbearing parent.
Yeah, I'm real familiar with all control all the time
as a family dynamic.
So, my guess is
you're hoping to clean up some of this mess for yourself
by sharing my secrets with your girlfriend.
Most of my old friends are locked up or dead,
but I'm neither one, thanks to you.
Look, I owe you, Joey,
and I'll always be loyal.
Feeling's mutual.
Eva is just as loyal to the important people in her life,
and I'd like to think that I'm one of them.
You know, I don't think I've ever seen you like this before.
It's like a weight's been lifted.
Probably because I stopped living in the shadows.
So, Eva's brightened up your life.
Lucky you.
Thanks to you.
But she and I don't keep secrets,
so I'd like to tell her about our...
complicated friendship.
But I would never tell anybody
about your business without your say-so.
Go ahead, with my blessing.
But know this,
once the name "Joey Armstrong" is rung,
you can't un-ring it.
This is the first time Deanna came home after Doug's death,
which should've brought on a slew of memories for her.
And that dedication ceremony was, in part, a memorial to him.
I think patience mixed with love
is all you can do here.
You said something similar after Deanna acted out at Uptown,
and I've been keeping my distance, but...
it is so hard.
I don't doubt that at all.
Donnell said there are days where she stays
holed up in her room and refuses to get out of bed,
and then will go out partying all night till the sun comes up.
Like a lot of college kids.
Deanna's always had big emotions.
But there was always a rhythm to the pendulum.
Donnell and I have noticed that the tempo has been off.
Do you think this is how she's grieving her father?
Quite possibly.
We don't know how Deanna's grief is gonna manifest yet.
It can come in unexpected waves.
She did tell me that she's still meeting with her therapist.
And I-I think that's true,
but maybe you could use your connections at Banneker,
reach out and just make sure she's
actually showing up for her therapy sessions.
As your best friend and a mother,
I hear you and I'm with you.
So who's against me?
Never against you.
But as a psychiatrist,
I have certain ethical constraints.
Since Deanna's an adult, I can't just find out
anything about her without her consent.
So, I'm being shut out.
Again.
Am I being played, Frankie?
Huh, are you trying to jack up the prices
on this Chi-town sister? Is that what's going on?
Because, honey, I can do some jacking right back.
I warned you, Ms. Thomas, many times.
Now, when the inspector gets here...
Oh, wait, wait, wait.
Please tell me, where in the hell is this inspector, hmm?
Just like always, if you want something done
the right way, you got to do it your damn self.
Now... You know,
the world, sometimes it throws things at me.
And the thing about me is I can catch it
and throw it right on back.
-Oh, yes. -[door opens]
Especially where men are concerned.
Uh, about that...
LESLIE: Mm-hmm.
Uh, over here.
It's-it's good to see you, too, Anita.
I know I'm not looking my best, but, um...
to put it mildly, but...
it makes sense 'cause I'm not feeling my best.
You know, the good old chemo double whammy.
Uh...
Maybe right now is not the best time for a visit.
-I agree. -Sit down, Bill.
Yes, ma'am.
I'm, um...
I'm sorry, Anita. You're stuck here
toughing this out when you and Vernon
should be enjoying yourselves.
Oh, we will be taking that "plan your own adventure" trip
Nicole gave us at Christmas.
It's just a question of time.
Yeah. Yeah. Well,
you're one of the strongest women I've ever known.
I mean, with the possible exception of Dani, but...
Since she gets her strength from you,
safe to assume that you're still in the lead.
Complimenting both me and Dani?
Will wonders never cease?
Yeah, he's just telling the truth.
Everyone in this family gets their grit from you, my love.
Yup.
Yeah, that's right.
That's why this family is virtually invincible, mm-hmm.
Anita, you keep
harnessing that power and that iron will of yours,
and cancer won't know what hit it.
I appreciate your faith in my fortitude, but...
I have to admit,
cancer's winning this round today.
So, I'll take that as my cue to let you get some rest.
-I'll show you out. -No, no, no, no.
Not until I thank you myself.
I overheard you telling Vernon that you managed to put a stop
to that god-awful racket across the street.
Oh, it's nothing.
False modesty doesn't become you.
You and I, we've had our...
Well, we've been at odds at times,
but you really came through for me this time.
So, I-I thank you.
You're welcome.
Vernon.
I'm having a craving.
What can I get you, love?
I would love some of Orphey Gene's shrimp and grits.
Since Rowena's out running errands,
would you mind getting me some?
Well, you know, I have an app here.
I could just order it, and they'll deliver it.
-It'll be much faster. -No, no, no, no, no, no.
It's much better when it's delivered by loving hands.
And...
Bill will stay and keep me company.
Isn't that right?
Of course.
-I won't be long. -Take your time.
All right, Anita.
What's this about?
You once told me to lean on the people around me for help.
Does that include you?
I know how hard you've worked to bury your past.
I only suggested not bringing it up for your sake.
But your life is your own.
As far as our relationship is concerned,
I have nothing to hide.
There are no secrets to be kept from Eva or anybody else.
Thank you for understanding.
You know, earlier, you mentioned me being lighter.
I can see that some things have changed for you, too.
Yeah. Could be.
I'm not one to show my hand, but Vanessa's a sure bet.
Oh, hi, Izaiah.
What's up, Vanessa?
Joey, I'm gonna head out of here,
-but thank you. -I'll see you around.
I thought you two were keeping your distance from each other.
That boy has got it bad for Eva Thomas.
That's not news to anyone with eyes,
but how does that involve you?
Oh, he wanted to make sure I was okay
with him sharing our less than savory past.
And?
Who am I to stand in the way of true love?
You really are an incredibly kind man.
Well, don't let that get around. Could ruin my street cred.
You'll never be in danger of losing your edge.
I just wish people could see the man in front of me,
especially this paternal streak.
It's not what I would call it.
Well, if everyone could just see...
No, no. You know what? What you see...
is for a very select few, and you're the only one
that has an all-access pass.
Besides,
you wouldn't want to share me with anyone, would you?
[knock on door]
Come in.
I didn't expect to see you return
to the scene of the crime so soon.
Well, our thing is to be direct. Today is no different.
If this is some sort of justification
for the way you behaved...
I wouldn't waste my breath.
I think we both know that I...
was coming from a place of jealousy,
so I'm here to apologize.
Go ahead.
Clearly, that wasn't enough to smooth things over.
[laughs] Not by a long shot.
You were right to call me out on my behavior.
It didn't seem like you.
Granted, I don't know you all that well.
No, but you do, intimately.
But you're right. It was unlike me.
Truth is, I've never really been in this situation.
And what situation is that?
I've never had to fight for a woman's attention.
Now, Ms. Inspector, between us gals,
um, I'm sure that we can work things out.
Ma'am, my mother just wants to cooperate.
Here's what we can do to comply.
LESLIE: Okay, look, let's just cut
straight to the chase, all right?
I have oodles of moolah
to smooth out any little problems,
-and you look like you need... -[Eva clears throat]
I mean, would love some money. Mm-hmm.
EVA: Uh, what my mother means is that everyone likes money.
I got my checkbook, honey. Let's just...
All construction stops
until after new plans have been approved.
You've granted waivers for worse things than that.
EVA: Can't we just trim the renovation?
-It's one inch. I mean... -None of this will work.
Are you seriously telling me that I don't get my shouse?
-I'm sure you're busy. -Are you serious right now?
We can't, we can't thank you enough for coming.
Thank you so much.
That is rude!
-Mama! -Just rude! What?
Don't you "mama" me. All right?
Is this one of those moments?
"Mama, just let the people just walk all over you" time?
Is that the time right now?
Anything I say to you would be pointless.
I have had it.
You know what? Don't call me.
I'll call you. Maybe.
LESLIE: Eva?
Eva!
Rough day?
Did you have something to do with this?
Mm, I'm just here for the tea.
I will find a way.
Knock yourself out.
It's nice to see you getting back
some of what you've dished out.
That little stunt you pulled with the wedding venue:
an all-time low, even for you.
Don't you ever come for me and mine again.
Or what, Kitty Kat?
Are you gonna use your little itty bitty kitty claws
on this lioness?
Karma's an even bigger bitch than you,
so take the call from on high
and move the hell on.
I thought you would just call.
You text 911...
...I come running.
You okay?
Just the usual insanity.
Did your mom book us on a romantic trip
on the next shuttle to space?
You know what? That'd be actually kind of dope.
Yeah. We could have our own planet.
No parents allowed.
How do you always see the silver lining in everything?
-It's a gift. -You have so many.
I mean, it's hard to keep track.
Mm.
So what'd she do this time?
Well, thankfully, it's got nothing to do with us.
And you know what? I'm officially clocking out
of parenting my parent for the day.
Sometimes I feel like all I do with you
is vent about my mama drama.
I like a little drama.
Besides, I was just telling a close friend
that one of my favorite things about you is how loyal you are
to the people you love, despite their shortcomings.
Of which there are many.
Yeah. We all got plenty.
[cell phone chimes]
Hey.
How about a game of blackjack?
[chuckles softly]
Some other time.
-Deanna? -Mm.
Well, Donnell says she's okay.
I talked to Nicole.
She says I should respect her boundaries
but stay connected.
Leave her a voicemail.
She'll listen to it when she's ready,
but she'll know that you're always there for her.
[line ringing]
[sighs]
[sniffles]
Deanna, baby, it's your mom.
You once told me that the stroke taught you
not to shut out the people who want to help you.
And you recommended that I follow that example.
You include me in that group?
I'm touched.
Well, you're certainly not at the top of the list,
but...
I know I can count on you for some things.
Huh.
[grunts softly]
This should be good.
You are one of the few people...
...who will tell me the unvarnished truth,
who will trust that I can take it.
The truth about what?
When you look at me,
what do you see?
Do you still see Anita Dupree?
Or is it just...
cancer?
[sighs] If you really want the truth...
...I see my mother.
The truth is...
a few months ago...
...I probably wouldn't have thought
about our current situation too much,
'cause I didn't come here looking for anything serious.
And now, since we are being direct?
Well, the connection that we share, I...
...never took into account that this same chain...
reaction could be happening over in column "B."
You being column "A," I suppose?
That would imply that one column favors the other.
I'm not going to apologize for how the alphabet works.
After ending your decades-long marriage,
you deserve to explore all your options.
But I was hoping that...
...you'd still like to consider...
...me as an option after, you know, my, uh...
Off day?
[chuckles]
So...
do I still have a column?
You do.
And that column has a lot of check marks on it.
Especially considering I happen to really like
when a man can admit that he's made mistakes.
But your body-melting neck massage
might rank a little bit higher than that.
-[chuckles] -Somewhere between being direct
and those incredibly beautiful eyes.
I'm about to be really direct.
Oh.
I want to give you the key to everything.
But, seriously, you're pure bliss
after the train wreck my life has been till now.
[chuckles]
Have you missed my own mess?
Hello? My own family?
From what you've said, your only problem is your dad.
Jacob, Luke, your mom-- they're squarely Team Izaiah.
I think the only problem with Elon is
he just doesn't know you like I do.
Well, no one has ever known me like you.
Well, I can name one thing I don't know.
Who's this friend you were talking me up about?
Do I know her?
It's...
Joey Armstrong.
Oh.
I didn't know you two knew each other.
Yeah.
Yeah, Joey's the only other person
that has always seen the good in me,
even at my lowest.
You seldom talk about your family.
I know your father was...
Never the man he needed to be.
Not for me.
Not for my mother, either.
He tried to dim her light every chance he got.
And somehow I remind you of that...
dynamic?
Well...
But not in the way you might think.
Vernon has always stoked your flame,
encouraged you to burn brighter.
But this...
this damn cancer is snuffing out your spark.
[sighs] Well, the "crab" has a way of doing that.
You know, when I first saw you today when I came in...
...I thought I saw my mother.
Yeah. I mean, just for a second, but...
I got to be honest-- it threw me.
Hit me hard.
I knew you were feeling something,
-but I never thought that. -[sighs]
[chuckles softly] I'm sorry for oversharing.
Oh, please. Don't you dare apologize.
[chuckles softly]
Now, see, that is nothing like my mother.
And you two look nothing alike.
But yet...
...something about me now
reminds you of her.
By the end...
...my mother was so beaten down,
she stopped believing she would get better.
Dani once told me that her...
-depression was soul-crushing. -Yeah.
Yeah. Crushed her soul
and everybody's soul who cared about her.
Listen to me.
You do not let cancer bully you into submission.
You understand? Don't do that.
You use every tool at your disposal.
I have.
Anita.
I can see that you're in pain right now.
Have you talked to your doctor about it?
He knows.
Because you assume that? Or did you tell him that?
-Well, I... -Did he hear you?
Did he hear you?
Make him hear you.
Don't just sit and suffer in silence
or brace yourself against the storm.
Don't do that. Please don't do that.
You reach out for the help that's reaching out to you.
And if the worst happens?
No, come on. We're speaking truth,
so don't stop now.
You'll know that you faced cancer
with the same determination that took the Articulettes to fame.
The same determination that made you an EGOT.
When the path is blocked,
Anita Dupree does not wait for miracles.
She makes one.
You think a lot of me.
Well, I've seen what you can do.
Well, uh...
I take it my work here is done?
You can see yourself out, yeah?
Yeah.
[door opens]
[shuddering]
Hey, hey, she's fine. Your grandmother is fine.
Then why were you standing here like...
I just came by to let them know
I took care of the noise pollution.
[sighs]
-Thank you. -[chuckles softly]
Yeah.
Look, we may not legally be family anymore, but...
...all those years don't disappear, Kat.
Hmm?
I got the same number.
I'll pick up if you call me.
-Okay? -Okay.
[door opens]
[door closes]
ANITA: Dr. McCormick,
this is Anita Dupree.
All right, Monica.
I, uh... I want to take you up on your offer
to consult on my case.
I need all the help I can get.
The twins would always need a cooldown phase after a blowup.
You know, Donnell would come around pretty quickly
after he had a chance to think, but...
...Deanna,
she always needed, mm,
a little more time to-to sift through her feelings.
And waiting isn't exactly your strong suit.
Uh, like it's yours?
I'll let you in on a secret.
I got where I am mostly by grit
and trusting my gut.
I would love to do that, but...
I'm just feeling off-kilter right now.
Well, that's my point.
Sometimes even the mighty need a little divine guidance.
Oh, is this the Gambling Buddha talking?
Emphasis on the "gambling."
What I'm suggesting is that you play the odds.
The odds are Deanna will come back.
She always has before, right?
Good.
Then let me take care of you.
Hmm?
Come with me.
I have something for you.
Joey was there for me, Eva,
when nobody else was.
Thank God for that.
I'm glad you can share all of this with me.
And you're okay with it?
I mean, I know you were a bad boy turned Banneker man.
But now I know how you got there.
Yeah. I owe Joey so much.
Even my relationship with you.
How do you figure that?
Well, if I had kept on that other path,
I might not be here with you right now.
Matter of fact, I may not be anywhere.
But I really do believe that, no matter what,
the universe would have brought us together.
So now you almost know everything.
Except...
I really do...
Words can wait.
I have something else in mind.
Is that the key to your heart?
Not quite.
It's the key to my new place.
You can come and go as you please,
on your terms.
No strings or conditions.
And what is the protocol for just stopping by?
Just in case.
Well, I'm not interested in seeing anyone,
nor do I intend to.
I am, uh, not ready to reciprocate.
And I wasn't expecting you to.
And what if I don't choose your column in the end?
I've learned the hard way that life is too short.
I'm not interested in playing games,
and I'm also not about having any regrets.
I have one condition.
Name it.
Don't make me guess.
What do you want for your housewarming?
That property line looks a little off.
-Apparently, it is. -Mm.
I'd say by about an inch.
It was you.
You doused my shouse, didn't you, Vern?
I've told you before--
it's "Senator Dupree" to you.
Well, thanks to you, I've had one hell of a day, Senator.
Whatever do you mean?
Hmm.
You know, I've played nice with you Duprees.
Since when?
I took to the sidelines on WinterFest,
and I did not make one scene.
And then when you and Anita tried to stiff me
with the lunch for the Articulettes
that I paid good money for,
I just let it slide.
But this, Vernon?
I can only be pushed so far.
You're wrong about that.
I have only begun to push.
Game on.
Sometimes I wonder if this is
a dream that you wake up from
-right when it gets good. -Let's find out.
If Carlton and Kial were cars,
who would you drive for 100,000 miles?
It is not a competition.
Conceivably, you could keep both.
I want to sign a do-not-resuscitate order.
I haven't been able to stop Anita from doing what she wants
a day in our lives.
-Smitty, listen. -No, you listen.
We said if this got out of hand,
if this got dangerous, we would pull the plug.
Well, Jacob, it's dangerous.
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