She was literally singing an original song
she thought would work for the campaign.
-No. -[laughs]
To the tune of "On My Mind, In My Heart,"
-no less. -[laughs]
She was on a second encore
before Shonda managed to pull me away.
Mm, mm. Got to love connecting
with your constituents on the trail.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.
[chuckles softly]
I remember your first rally.
[laughs softly]
You stayed well after nightfall,
shaking every hand, answering every question.
That's when I knew you were in your element.
I know everything from watching you.
People still approach you to this day
and thank you for the work you've done.
That's legacy.
I don't take it for granted.
And neither will you
because you're creating yours in this very moment.
Do you disagree?
I couldn't disagree more.
You'll also need to sign off
on the new document binding software.
The registration's in your inbox.
Okay, thank you.
Was there anything you wanted to hand off
to the junior partners?
Tomas's week is light.
No. Don't assign him any extra duties
for the foreseeable future.
-Is everything okay? -Yep.
Tomas is on a special assignment right now.
It requires his full attention.
Hayley?
Whatever this is has to wait.
I need to give Bill his coffee.
What are you doing?
I think you should stay a sec,
so we can talk about what you've done.
♪ ♪
-Ah! -Dani Long Legs.
Oh, are you trying to get me day-drunk?
When the moment calls for it.
Your text said we needed to celebrate.
So? What's the good news?
It's something major.
I-I... something I was really hoping for
but wasn't sure would ever happen again.
Ah. Thank God.
Hmm.
No, I am not engaged.
But good to know this would be your reaction if I were.
You and your sister are one and the same.
Well.
To what do I owe this unexpected visit?
Just wanted to see if you had a few minutes to talk.
For you, I have several.
It's not every day a Dupree graces my place of business.
I am not here to fan the flames of discontent.
And yet, I sense an agenda.
I want to clear the air about Vanessa.
Shall we play for her?
Come on, I was only teasing.
About your disdain for my nonexistent proposal?
Is "disdain" the word I would use?
You know what, I just made up with one Dupree sister,
I'm not about to start with the other.
You and Nicole spoke?
That's why we're celebrating.
She admitted she was being judgmental
and that she should trust me
to make decisions about my own life.
I'm glad you two have come to an understanding.
You've been friends for too long
to fall out over some disagreement about a man.
It was more complicated than that.
Still, look, I know how fierce my sister can be
when it comes to protecting the people she loves.
So can I.
But maybe we could both benefit
from a reminder that you are capable of protecting yourself.
That's the thing.
I don't need protection.
Joey would never hurt me.
You and Nicole both need to check
your preconceived notions when it comes to him.
You don't know Joey the way I do.
Vanessa, I hear you, and I am planting myself
-firmly in the no-beef zone. -Good.
Because I don't want there to be any animosity
between you all and Joey.
You think playing for my best friend
is an appropriate olive branch?
Vanessa never told you about my killer sense of humor?
I'll laugh when she's not the punch line.
Oh, now you know that wasn't my intention.
Vanessa's important to me.
And I'm glad that you two found a way
to get past our unfortunate double date.
What I'm not clear on...
...is why you're here talking to me.
You are very special to Vanessa.
After her unconventional marriage to Doug,
it seems she has found the person that...
-fulfills all of her needs. -[scoffs]
If only.
No, I'm well aware I can't possibly give her everything.
Some things have to come from best friends, like you.
I appreciate you for saying that.
So, how do we play nice?
Well, first you start by getting to know me
and not reducing me to a stereotype.
I cherish my privacy,
and I don't mind being misunderstood...
...but for Vanessa, I'll make compromises.
I can also admit that I should have put the pieces together.
Sitting down with a plastic surgeon
after what happened to your mother must have been difficult.
It was.
But...
...I shouldn't let one bad apple taint every physician
in that specialty.
So, then, we can both agree that there are things
we could have done better.
Affirmative.
Another thing.
I know you weren't exactly altruistic
in your assistance during Martin's ordeal.
This town is built on favors.
Your support came with a cost, which we understand.
And I am willing to be amicable.
But not while you're making innuendos about my son.
Lobbing verbal grenades isn't gonna get us any closer
to being friends.
It will make us enemies.
Why would you possibly think
that you couldn't have your own legacy?
That night.
What if it resurfaces?
It has before.
What if every positive thing I've done
for the people I represent means nothing?
One thing doesn't negate the other.
Your good work will live on in the communities you've impacted.
Unless the event comes to light.
We have to trust that it won't.
Thanks to the powerful men who came together to ensure
that your secrets stay secret.
And any one of them could have a change of heart.
I doubt that.
Every person involved has something to lose.
Priorities shift, Granddad.
Self-preservation doesn't.
Bill heard I was exploring a Senate run.
And he thinks that it would open me up
to unnecessary scrutiny.
And that's not unlike what you said
when I was considering a presidential run.
I understand his concerns.
But you choosing not to run
can bring unwanted attention as well.
With Scudder and Drayton pushing me to move forward.
Eh. I can talk to them.
And say what?
Cowering would make us look weak
or like we have something to hide.
Well, since the danger is gone,
it seems that we should hold the course.
Can you do that, son?
Do I have a choice?
If I retreat or move forward, nothing will ease my conscience.
And there's nothing we could collectively do
to erase the truth.
[sighs]
Talk to me, Martin.
Those nightmares back again?
What you did was self-defense.
So, what?
I get to just pursue my life
when I knowingly took someone else's?
Those men believed that we were less than,
and gave them permission to intimidate us,
to steal from us or worse.
You deserve to live the life you have built,
based on compassion and love.
Not everyone will have that perspective.
I thought you were past this.
Trauma has a way of unearthing what we thought was buried.
These days, the only way I can control these thoughts
are by staying busy.
So, you exhaust yourself in the campaign.
Keep moving.
Then they won't have a target to hit.
Does this assignment include taking the assistants
and paralegals out to lunch?
Come again?
Tomas sent out an email
asking for one-on-ones with all of us.
Word is, he's trying to pump us for info.
[laughs softly]
Or maybe he's just genuinely trying to show his appreciation.
Possibly.
But now that I know you have him on a special project,
I'm even more curious.
Caroline, sometimes you can take a thing at face value.
Enjoy the free meal.
I'm gonna order steak.
-And dessert. -[chuckles]: Okay.
Want me to make you a coffee before I head out?
No, Hayley ran to Caffeine Fix for me.
Wonder what's taking her so long?
What are you going on about now?
You've made me realize the error of my ways,
and I'd like for us to start over.
[sighs]
I remember when you told me about
the disconnect between attorneys and support staff,
how you all don't always feel heard or respected.
It's the truth.
Well, now that I'm staying on, I'd like to bridge that gap.
[scoffs] Right.
I heard you were attempting to leave
for a much less prestigious firm, Tomas.
I was.
But turns out, I'm far too valuable.
Bill tossed my resignation letter,
right along with those bogus harassment claims.
Hmm.
So, this is us starting over?
I'm sorry.
I really would like to be friends again.
We were friends, Tomas.
And you know what? That's why I think
this has been so draining for me.
I owe you an apology.
Okay, I allowed Lynette to get in my head,
and I accused you of something that I never should have.
Thank you for saying that.
Um...
Now that I have you, when's a good time
-to get a lunch on the books? -Ah.
You know what? I will let you know
when I get back in front of my computer.
I really need to get Bill his coffee.
Uh, let me replace that one. It's probably cold.
And I can get you a new one, too.
No, no, it's fine, okay?
I-I insist. I'm the reason you got held up.
Bill's order is complicated.
Two pumps of this, half a dash of that.
Listen, I don't have time to wait, okay?
I'll see you later. Bye.
So, what took you so long?
Did you have a meeting with Lynette?
-What? [scoffs] -Breaking the news to her
that we weren't buying her the penthouse.
I figured you got caught up on the phone with her.
No.
Lynette won't be a problem anymore.
I mean, she texted me yesterday that she's leaving town.
-Hmm. -CAROLINE: Sorry to interrupt.
Here's a hard copy of the software contract.
-Hey, Hayley. -Hey.
I'll get out of your hair and let you work.
Oh, I was only dropping that off.
-I'm on my way to lunch. -Yeah.
All right. Thanks, Caroline.
She was in a rush to leave.
Does she have a hot lunch date that I don't know about?
No, she's meeting Tomas.
He's treating all the assistants to appreciation lunches.
He mentioned that at the Atrium. That's why I'm late.
Oh. Yeah? How'd that go?
Well, he said he wanted things to be back like they used to be.
I don't know. Maybe we'll be friends again.
Well, that'd be nice.
You know? I mean, I'd hate for your relationship
to suffer because of Lynette.
You know, did she mention to you
why she was in such a hurry to leave town?
No, just a quick text.
Oh, well.
Oh, come on. Don't do that.
All right? Don't...
I don't know, don't try to minimize
what you're feeling, okay?
I am fine, really.
And you have more important things to worry about
-than Lynette. -[sighs]
Hayley, I know when something's bothering you.
What do you really need to say about her?
I wonder what a friendship
between Nicole and Joey would look like.
Would they go shopping?
Nicole for stilettos, Joey for new bags
of industrial cement.
-That isn't funny. -It was a little funny.
Okay, if you want us to accept Joey,
you need to loosen up.
Not everything is an attack.
I really want Joey and Nicole to have a good relationship.
And they will.
Unexpected duos pop up every day.
Who in a million years would have thought Bill and I
could be friends after all we've been through?
True. He left you for Hayley Home-Wrecker,
you opened fire at his wedding.
Among other little things.
The point is,
we are finally in a healthy place.
We can actually show up at family events
without being at each other's throats.
I suppose even a philandering pig like Bill
deserves friendships.
You want Nicole and I to stop judging Joey,
but it's perfectly fine to label Bill?
That's because Bill is guilty as charged.
There's a whole other version of Joey that you all don't know.
I can buy that.
Only you can speak to the man you love
and the connection you have.
I know that from experience.
Hmm.
I know that's true.
You and Bill have chemistry
that could set a room on fire even now.
Does it ever make you think about blurring the lines,
-if you're picking up what I'm putting down? -Yeah,
I'm picking that up and throwing it far, far away
from my happy marriage.
I-I don't let those lingering feelings
creep in like I used to.
Good for you.
Can't say the same for Bill.
You are not going to believe
what he said to me the other day.
Uh...
All right, bringing up Martin's misfortune was a low blow.
I shouldn't have done it.
I guess it's gonna take me a little time to adjust
to what's appropriate between friends.
And that makes sense, given the caliber of people
that you surround yourself with.
Shall we list the unsavory characters in your circle?
How about Bill,
who will "fix" anything no matter the cost?
Or your sister, our local gunslinger?
I'm just saying that it must be difficult
to forge relationships in your life.
The casino serves a transient clientele.
Yeah, people don't tend to stick around
after they lose their life savings.
And I would also imagine with your other...
areas of interest,
it must be hard to let your guard down and trust.
Oh, Doc, I haven't even handed over my insurance card.
I am not trying to analyze.
I'm simply observing that this...
association will come with its challenges.
I love Vanessa.
It's the right thing to do.
I want to believe that you love her the way she loves you.
I do.
But let me say this:
if you are using her
as some pawn in a grand scheme,
if you are playing with her emotions in any way,
you will answer to me,
and I'm not afraid of you.
♪ She don't care...♪
Just when I thought we were making progress.
No, I can assure you, I have no hidden motives
when it comes to Vanessa.
And why should I believe you?
Because she blew into my life like a damn hurricane,
exasperating and demanding in all the best possible ways.
That was a love I never saw coming.
For her, too.
Yes, in the beginning, it was messy because of Doug,
but then I got to know her.
And I got to witness this force of nature
who loves fiercely.
Tell you, before I knew it, I had completely fallen
for that extraordinary woman.
Vanessa is unlike anyone I have ever met.
Yeah, well, if anyone's gonna get hurt, it's gonna be me.
I've never let myself be exposed like this.
Believe that.
That's what I needed to hear.
No longer enemies?
Progress.
You are making this bigger than what it is.
She left. That's it.
Uh, all right, so, what,
no thank you?
Nothing about where she was going?
-Not even a real goodbye. -It appears so.
-[scoffs] -But...
she wanted you to believe that you two were friends,
So why not keep the ruse going?
She didn't need me anymore.
Well, yeah.
Well, I'm sorry, honey.
You know, maybe it's just like you suspected.
Yeah, but... [sighs]
You didn't get a chance to tell her that we weren't
buying her the penthouse,
so why would she be, I don't know, upset?
I don't know. Maybe she...
-She probably read between the lines, Bill. -Right, but the...
The timing doesn't add up. You know what I'm saying?
Why am I being cross-examined?
This is what you wanted, right?
For her to stop using me, Bill?
O-Okay, Hayley, I'm not blaming you, okay?
I-- You know, I don't know,
it just seems a little strange to me
that one day she's ready to call this place home
and the next she's gone.
You know what I find strange?
That after being married for over a year now,
that you could fix your mouth to call Dani "baby."
How about you explain that? Hmm?
Bill is so not over you.
And that's not all.
He admitted to my father he made a mistake
in ending our marriage.
Humbled himself?
Bill Hamilton?
As Samantha and Tyrell would say, "No cap."
He has to be kicking himself right now.
How does that make you feel?
There's a version of me that's appreciating
this sweet karmic revelation.
But mostly, I don't care.
Dani? It's me.
Uh, y-you have to admit that the man
who you dedicated your life to regretting your divorce
and still considering you his baby--
it doesn't feel good?
I feel... vindicated.
Sure, I sacrificed so much of my self-worth
trying to get Bill to stay.
You were fighting for life as you knew it.
There was a time when hearing Bill say these words
would send me flying straight back to him.
But today? Nothing.
Hmm. You don't want to rub this in Hayley's face
even a little bit?
I love a man who loves me back.
My mother is winning her battle with cancer.
My career is blossoming.
Life's good.
Cheers to that.
A token of my gratitude, for all your hard work.
Wow. Thanks.
Yeah, it's the least I can do.
You keep the firm afloat,
and we're able to better serve our clients because of it.
Appreciate the praise.
But where is this coming from, Tomas?
I want to make sure everyone's voice is heard.
-A culture shift sounds nice. -Hmm.
I mean it.
And I want to earn your respect, not demand it
because of my role.
If I ever start acting entitled,
you'll call me out?
Gladly.
So, you really are just trying to boost morale?
We spend too much time there
to not have good working relationships.
I ran into Hayley earlier and told her the same.
Ah. Just saw her in Bill's office.
I think we might become friends again.
She even apologized for allowing Lynette to cause our rift.
Interesting.
That's who they were talking about when I walked in.
Oh.
What were they saying?
I overheard Hayley telling Bill she left town.
Like, moved away?
It's a good thing, if you ask me.
That woman brought nothing but drama to the firm.
Now we can finally close that disruptive chapter.
-[scoffs] Right? -[chuckles]
I'll be right back.
I've got some info on Lynette Wise
I need you to look up for me.
Great.
Meet me at Atrium in an hour?
I hate to hear that this is still plaguing you.
I'm doing the best I can to get past it.
Still working with Nicole?
I was, but when Gran got sick, we all shifted focus.
It's not like I can confide in a different therapist.
Well, once your grandmother's in the clear,
maybe you can restart your sessions.
I don't know.
We try to keep it professional,
but I can see her having the urge to parent me.
It's all too close to home.
Hmm. Have you talked to Smitty?
He's been very busy on his current story.
And with the kids planning for the cotillion
and me on the campaign trail-- planning a fundraiser--
when I come home, I just want to keep it easygoing and light.
Let your husband be an outlet
before you find yourself repeating past mistakes.
That's the plan.
I'll talk to him when we have better timing,
but until then...
You're convinced that this is yours to bear alone.
I'll keep putting positivity out in the world,
being the best husband, the best father...
...and eventually, the noise won't be so loud.
No, you forgot one.
You're the best grandson that a man could ever wish for.
Ah.
No, thanks.
I had a martini at lunch with Dani.
Well, you had one sister, I had the other.
I don't see any damage, so I guess it went well.
Ah, we had a few misunderstandings,
but in the end, we got to the same place.
We both love you and want you to be happy.
I'm glad. I hate the idea
of my best friend and my...
...steady fella going at it.
"Steady fella"?
Is our next double date with Archie and Veronica
at the malt shop?
What am I supposed to call you-- my boyfriend?
I haven't been a boy in a while.
-Mm. -"Man friend" doesn't sound any better.
How about "boo thing"?
"Lovah"? Uh, "sexual healer"?
That last one-- that'll send
those country club ladies into a tizzy.
Well, you give me something, then.
How should I refer to you?
As your partner.
Someone needs to translate this text for me.
"Joel E lubs Van Tessa."
An unfortunate case of walking while texting.
I meant to say, "Joey loves Vanessa."
I was just with her at Uptown.
She said you two made up?
We had a much-needed discussion.
But after I spoke with her, I wasn't confident
that her relationship with Joey was reciprocal.
And you are now?
I could feel his sincerity.
He said that if anybody was at risk of getting hurt,
it was him,
and that he has never felt comfortable
to trust anybody the way he trusts Vanessa.
She is special.
And I warned him that if he hurt her,
-he'd have to answer to me. -Mm.
A necessary caveat.
Because if there is anything that I have learned recently,
it's that two things can be true at once.
Joey can "lub" Vanessa
while also posing a threat to her well-being.
Well, now he is on notice.
Good.
Then maybe we can shift our focus to Madison.
She's gonna need our support with this malpractice case.
Mm. Rumors have already started at Garland.
-No. -And even if this gets dismissed
or settled out of court, the ramifications are immense.
I hate that she's going through this.
I know a doctor who went through a similar situation.
He got hit with a malpractice lawsuit,
and even though, in the end, he won,
uh, the damage had been done.
His reputation was in shreds.
How is he now?
He moved back to the Midwest and left medicine altogether.
That's awful. No, Madison is too good at her work,
and this is too early in her career for this kind of blow.
And the Parkinson's research that she's so excited about?
If she's forced to walk away from this,
Bill and Naomi won't let that happen.
Oh, they're working together?
What's that supposed to mean?
Thanks for such a quick turnaround.
What do you have?
Looks like Lynette Wise did leave town.
She checked out of The Bowman remotely.
There's no record of plane, train or bus tickets
on any of her credit cards.
Could she have possibly driven out of town?
I mean, she could be using cash, but there's no record
of any recent withdrawal.
What about tracking her cell?
Dead end.
I didn't come up with anything except... this.
Now, this is interesting.
BILL: Thanks. You too.
Yes, I...
Yes, I will have Caroline email it over.
Okay.
God.
Sorry about that.
Once Ms. Pimental gets to talking,
there is no stopping her.
But, uh...
well, thanks for hanging back.
As if I'd give you an out from explaining yourself.
Listen to me, all right?
I simply got caught up in the moment.
All right? I-It really, it didn't mean anything.
Well, you get wrapped up in moments all the time.
In court, when you're watching the Commanders,
on the golf course, but I have yet
to hear you call a caddy or a court reporter "baby."
And you are taking this way out of context.
Okay, well, then, fill me in, because it seems like
every time Dani Dupree calls,
you forget the woman sitting right next to you
and just get wrapped all up in her web all over again.
Well, I mean, technically, she called Naomi.
Do you see me laughing?
You fell back into an old habit, and I sat there humiliated.
It-- Okay, it was a slip.
-[groans] -All right?
It was nothing. Hayley, come on.
I love you. All right?
Now and forever.
Yeah, until Dani comes around.
You are-you are getting upset over an innocent mistake.
Look, okay, I am sorry if I embarrassed you,
that was not my intention.
Now can we please get back to Lynette?
There's nothing left to discuss about Lynette.
That woman is in our past,
unlike your ex-wife, who seems to stay on your mind.
What...
Hayley.
Son, what you did that night
and what happened afterward
doesn't make you a bad person.
I-I really need you to understand that.
Those men didn't pull over to help us change a tire.
No. If you hadn't acted so quickly,
I wouldn't have been here to help Anita
through her cancer battle.
No, no, no, you are not a bad person,
and I will say that as often as you need to hear it.
Thanks, Granddad.
My parents and Smitty,
they're all trying to help me through this, but...
you're the only one that really can understand.
Hmm. Well, I carry that night on my shoulders as well.
And that's why I hesitate coming to you.
I don't want to overload you with this
when you're trying to help Gran.
Martin, listen to me.
Your peace of mind matters.
As long as I walk this Earth,
you'll have a place to turn.
You are not alone.
I don't understand what the shock is all about.
Naomi and Bill would do anything for Chelsea.
Yes, but Naomi is a legal champion,
always on the side of right.
Bill is a shark who will consume anything that moves.
I don't know if you remember,
but when Naomi was in law school,
Bill set up mock trials,
and they would go head-to-head for hours.
Without fail, Chelsea and I would start out as mock jurors,
but by hour two, we'd snuck off to the mall
-for some new splurge. -Yeah, that sounds about right.
Naomi lived for those moments
of shared bonding over their passion.
And no matter how heated it got, by the end of the night,
they were sitting and enjoying a drink,
evaluating each other's performances.
And you think they will fall back into that
and become the dynamic duo of the courtroom?
I do.
But on a personal note,
I hope that this reminds them
how much they mean to each other.
Their relationship fractured immeasurably
when Bill married Hayley.
Naomi felt rightfully betrayed.
I think the girls have come to understand the divorce,
but I don't know if they'll ever truly forgive Bill.
At least Bill makes the effort to stay connected.
For a while, Ted prioritized Eva over Kat and Martin,
whether he was conscious of it or not.
He's trying now?
He is.
I've got to give Bill credit.
Seeing him take on this case for Chelsea
and excitedly joining forces with Naomi
reminds me that he is capable of being the perfect father.
When he wants to be.
For me, a partnership is based on mutual respect,
understanding and trust.
I've never been able to give that to anyone.
Until you.
My partner.
I love it.
And you.
You know, hold on, let me try it on for size.
"Oh, uh, this is my partner Joey."
"Wait a minute, my partner Joey's parking the car."
Yeah, your partner wants another kiss.
Why don't we lock the door so we can get into
some more partner-oriented activities?
Let's give 'em a show.
So, Lynette filled out this application for a penthouse,
but where's the credit information?
-How is she paying for this? -Don't know.
But I did get the name of the real estate agent
she was working with.
I can follow up, see if she knows
why Lynette suddenly changed her mind.
-Who was it? -Uh...
Vanessa McBride. Runs her own company.
-You heard of her? -Yeah.
For now, let's leave Vanessa out of this.
Sure thing.
But if you get any hits on Lynette Wise's bank account
or her location, I need to know immediately.
-You got it. -The sooner we find her,
the sooner I'll have the answers I need.
Ah, ah.
Yes.
[phone vibrating]
Okay.
What's up, cuz?
You done handling her personal effects?
Hmm?
I mean, so nothing will come back to bite us.
Nah, I-I trust you.
Yeah, you did your thing.
[laughs]
We're good on this end.
I can play Bill in my sleep, okay?
-You texted? -Yeah.
I'm leaving for the day.
Did you hear back from Mr. Warren?
Everyone's all good to push the deposition.
I updated your iCal.
Okay, great.
I need to get home and smooth things over with Hayley.
Uh-oh. Need me to set up a jewelry appointment?
Is this tennis bracelet level or will earrings suffice?
Yeah, no, it's not a DEFCON diamond situation just yet.
I have some chocolate she can have.
Eh, nah. Thanks.
We just need to talk.
-Let me know if you change your mind. -Mm-hmm.
Uh, Caroline?
Look, it might be nothing, but can you set up a meeting
-with Natalie tomorrow? -Sure.
Anything specific I should relay?
Well, she's already monitoring my personal accounts.
I need to go through all of my holdings,
see if there's been any suspicious activity.
-Leaning toward forensic accounting. -Mm-hmm.
I'll set it up and make sure she has everything
-she needs from our end. -Okay, great.
If there is any money
that's been moved or any unusual withdrawals,
I need to know ASAP.
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