My love, you have company.
Sharon. Tracy.
What are you doing here?
Surprising our number one girl.
-How's the tour going? -Oh, Vernon, it's fabulous.
We sold out Mobile and Charleston.
Luxe hotels,
five-star treatment.
Not bad for two girls from Cabrini Green.
Thanks to your wife,
we're getting the headliner experience.
Please. Your talent is God-given.
I just wish I could have been out there with you
instead of undergoing treatment.
Well, you're close to being finished, right?
-Mm-hmm. -Why not celebrate
kicking cancer's booty by joining us?
Yeah, Anita. Join us on tour.
What do you think?
Mm.
Now, that was right on time.
Babe, I'm glad we could do this today.
Yeah, now that things are settling at work
and Dad's condition is stabilizing,
I want to refocus on us.
So Bill's doing better since his incident?
Looks like it.
Madison suspects it was another TIA,
which is shocking,
but at least it's something we can get ahead of.
Well, speaking of shocks,
we haven't been able to finish our conversation.
How are you feeling?
Still have the BRCA gene.
Still considering the preventative surgeries.
The real question is, how are you feeling?
Are you really on board with how I decide to handle this?
♪ ♪
Hmm.
You do realize
I am gainfully employed.
You can't just keep summoning me in the middle of the day.
What? I-I thought you'd appreciate
the update I have for you.
This better not be about the toxin taking too long.
Actually, it's the opposite.
I owe you an apology, cuzzo.
Oh.
Well, now I am actively listening.
Okay, listen, I-I should have had more faith in you.
How about right now?
Bill is lying in a hospital bed as we speak.
So you think this is it?
Well, I think that while
I got a gloriously uninterrupted eight hours last night,
my husband's condition continues to deteriorate.
Right now, Bill may be knocking on death's door.
Dad.
What are you doing out of bed?
Well, hello to you, too.
I'm going to work.
Uh...
You've been admitted into the hospital.
You didn't check into a hotel.
-You can't just come and go as you please. -Okay,
one night of being poked and prodded is enough for me.
All right?
So, if you'll excuse me--
Did another doctor discharge you?
I discharged myself.
Madison, can he do this?
Is this okay?
Well, I can't physically force him to stay.
But, Bill, as your neurologist,
I'm strongly advising you against leaving.
Oh. I thought I heard you.
What's in the box?
I was hoping you could keep me company as I find out.
It's Doug's.
Found it buried under camping equipment in the garage.
Oh.
Uh... well...
...how'd you like some comfort food to help you along?
What you got in mind?
Just some fresh-baked scones.
Those lemon poppy seed that you like
and a new recipe I've been trying out.
I don't know.
Your poppy seed scones are to die for.
Not sure anything could best those.
Okay, picture this:
caramelized onions, Gruyère...
and sage.
Oof. Taste test me, please.
They're on the cooling rack.
Why don't you have at it and I'll get this open for you?
(exhales)
♪ ♪
That's an exciting invitation,
but Anita is not quite cleared to return to the big stages.
He's right. I still have to do radiation.
But I so want to get back to the music.
Hmm.
I can't stop thinking about rerecording
our unreleased songs that featured Barbara.
God, it's been ages since I've been in a recording booth.
Well, should we take Devon Winters up
on his offer to get us back in the studio?
We can do it when I'm fully recovered.
What do you think?
It's a beautiful tribute to pay to Barbara.
Yes, it is.
Her voice will finally be heard.
Madison, I know it's your job to worry about me, okay?
But I feel much better today.
And look, look. Hmm?
No tremor.
That's fantastic.
But we still don't have answers.
I want to know what's causing your symptoms.
If you couldn't find anything
after all the tests we ran yesterday,
then it probably means nothing's wrong.
I mean, come on. People have off days all the time, right?
Yeah, people get sluggish and overtired,
but they don't start shaking and slurring their words.
-Uh, Chelsea-- -You know, you usually
listen to that wife of yours.
What does Hayley have to say about all this?
Don't ruin my vibe.
I can see you want to by the way you're looking at me.
Unless you stupidly gave Bill the entire bottle,
there is no way he's ingested enough to drop dead.
You... are wasting a celebration.
You didn't see him blubbering and shaking like a leaf.
He slurred in his sleep again after Madison made her rounds.
Look, I'm telling you, cuz, this one hittin' different.
Wait.
Are you saying Bill's doctor
-is his kid's fiancée? -Mm-hmm.
-Dr. Madison Montgomery. -(chuckles)
Do you have a lab tech in your back pocket or something?
What's stopping Madison from going full Annalise Keating
and tearing apart the problem until it confesses?
A doctor with a vested interest in Bill's health
was not factored into our plan.
Babe, all I care about
is making sure my wife is happy and healthy.
You mean that?
Of course.
Now, I'm not saying I won't have questions.
I haven't been able to do much research on what it all means.
Well, I can send you some links that have been helpful for me.
-Okay, that's a great start. -Mm-hmm.
And where else should I check?
Well, this whole time I've been thinking big picture, you know,
and now that I can be more open about having the variant,
I-I want to dive into the specifics.
Okay. And I can tag along
to some of your doctor's appointments.
I want to be as involved as possible.
Just to make sure I stay in the loop.
That way you won't have to worry about translating
all that doctor talk.
I would really, really love to have you there.
I know this is short notice, but I-I have an appointment
with Dr. McCormick today.
You think you could swing it?
Uh...
Actually, yeah, I can.
I'm working the late shift tonight. So it's a date.
Oh, great.
Is that the stage of marriage we're in?
-(laughs) -Dates at the doctor's office?
Look, anywhere you are is where I want to be.
Okay?
And I definitely don't want you shouldering this alone.
They smell incredible.
Oh, they taste even better.
There is just something so damn sexy
about a man who knows his way around the kitchen.
Well, if I knew you were going to react this way,
I would make them every day.
(phone buzzing)
Oh.
Deanna?
Hi, Mom.
Just calling to give you an update.
I helped Brock set up for your open house this afternoon,
so you're good to go.
Thanks, honey.
What are you up to now?
I'm at Orphey Gene's for a quick bite.
You want to join me?
Really?
Yeah.
I'm due for some mother-daughter time.
Come over.
I-I will.
Be right there.
I'll let you all have the room and finish your girl talk.
And your ears will be burning,
burning because I'll be talking about you.
VERNON: Mm.
Now that I'm better, don't think I won't fight for what's mine.
(laughs) I know that's right, sis.
Girl, the only thing I intend to do
is sing Vernon's praises
for the way he's taken care of you during this time.
You know she's kidding because she has a man of her own now.
Mm-hmm.
Marvin is not my man.
We've only had dinner.
In multiple cities.
Marvin is a good man.
I mean, there's something special there.
And real.
I can tell, the way he looks at her.
Well, all right, Sharon.
Should Tracy and I be
looking for our bridesmaids' dresses?
Oh, honey, please.
At my big age?
The Articulettes have beaten the odds before.
That's right.
We went from girls singing in a stairwell
to miraculously getting signed to a record label.
-Yeah. -And decades later,
putting our differences aside and reuniting.
Don't think that lasting romance is impossible.
Nearly losing my life
has given me a deeper understanding
that our time on this earth is limited
and we have to maximize our happiness
and minimize our doubts.
Amen.
I staged it perfectly, if I must say so myself.
Fresh peonies on the table when you walk in,
the smell of homemade cookies...
You'll have no problems connecting with a buyer.
All lovely touches.
You have a knack for the real estate business.
I learned from the best.
You know, there was a time...
I thought you'd never have a kind word for me again.
This is really nice.
That was my grief talking.
I'm sorry for everything that I put you through, Mom.
But I think I'm finally ready
to let go of my anger around Dad's death.
I want us to be close again.
That's all I want too, sweetie.
I'm so happy you're spending the summer at home with me.
We are going to have a blast,
just like we used to when you were younger.
Well, let's start tonight, if you're free.
What are you thinking?
Want to catch a movie?
I was actually thinking we could all sit down
and have a nice dinner together.
You, me, Donnell and Joey.
Not that I don't love the idea, but...
...since when have you wanted to spend time with...
Joey?
Well, I told you that I'm seeing things in a different light now.
I'm ready to move forward,
and that starts with me giving you the benefit of the doubt.
Joey is a good man.
And I've struggled to accept that, but...
I'm hoping that, tonight,
with us all gathered together,
I'll see that for myself.
DOUG: "I made some poor choices in life
"and let my demons get the better of me,
"but I would never willingly leave this earth
"or my family.
"If anything should happen to me,
"assume it was because I knew too much
"about Joey Armstrong.
"Despite what he claims,
"there's nothing legitimate about that man.
"After I gambled away a small fortune at his casino,
"Joey went to my wife to clear my debt.
"His proposition?
"Turn a blind eye while he launders money
"through her real estate company.
"And if that wasn't bad enough, Joey seduced Vanessa.
"Convinced her to get into bed with him,
"literally and figuratively.
"Preying on vulnerable women
"is just one of his many crimes.
"I know for a fact
"Joey arranged the murder of Kenny Jones
"and for these reasons and more, Joey needed me gone.
"If my death was unexpected,
"don't be fooled by the so-called evidence.
"It was no accident.
It was done at the hands of Joey Armstrong."
I'm glad you came with Naomi today.
It's most helpful for patients
when their spouses are supporting them.
Jacob has a lot of questions about the variant
and what it means, in terms of my options.
I'll do my best to answer them.
(sighs) Well, after all of my research,
it seems like...
a double mastectomy will be the best possible plan.
Removing both breasts is a...
a major decision.
I know.
My grandmother suffered so much during her treatment.
I mean, as you know.
At one point, she was in so much pain, she, uh...
thought she was going to die.
So I just...
want to avoid that at all costs.
I'm quite familiar with Anita's treatment.
Let me be clear.
Testing positive for a BRCA mutation
does not mean that you will
definitely develop breast cancer.
It elevates your risk.
Are there specific tests
or markers that Naomi should look out for at this point?
Most women your wife's age
haven't even had their first mammogram yet.
Patients 25 to 29 who are BRCA positive
should undergo annual breast MRI screenings,
given their elevated risk of developing breast cancer.
And what about after 30?
Well, 30 to 75 should do an annual mammogram
and a breast MRI.
Precisely.
If cancer develops,
the additional testing helps us find out early.
Stage 0 or Stage 1.
So it'll be easier to treat if caught that early?
Naomi may not experience, uh,
the same thing that her grandmother did, but...
-Cancer is cancer. -There are no guarantees.
Well, I want to eliminate the risk altogether.
That's why I'm considering the double mastectomy.
There is no 100% guarantee,
but the procedure is highly effective
in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.
Well, what course of action would you recommend, Doctor?
Hayley doesn't know that I'm leaving.
Hmm. When you had your stroke, she was so involved,
you'd think she went to med school with Madison.
She is every bit as concerned about me now
as she was then. Okay?
And the only reason she's not here is because
the nurses told her to go home last night to get some rest.
She hasn't been here all day?
I encouraged her to treat herself to lunch
and a bit of shopping.
So you could sneak out without anyone knowing.
Were you going to lie to us
and tell us that you were legitimately discharged?
Look, I am not about to stand here
and be interrogated about something
I know in my gut, okay? I am fine.
And plus, why upset the family?
Madison, is my father's gut a good indicator of his health?
It is not,
especially with someone who's known to despise hospitals.
I don't know who's worse,
you or Mom.
You both just bury your heads in the sand
when it comes to your health, when you know
full well you would never be okay
with Naomi or me behaving like this.
Checking yourself out against hospital advice?
I mean, come on, Dad. Just get real.
Sweetheart...
your concerns have been heard, loud and clear.
And they've been overruled.
Okay?
What are you talking about?
Huh?
All you've been saying is how the toxin is undetectable.
And it is...
for normal, routine screenings.
Okay. Don't you think I've already gone down the path
of what if Dr. Do-Too-Much figures it out?
Like, I just have to keep playing it smart,
and, with any luck,
the lawsuit Mike blessed us with
will keep Madison busy and distracted.
And what if it doesn't?
Then you, cousin,
will put some skin in the game
and handle things at the lab.
Get in there before anything incriminating can bite us.
How convenient. You keep forgetting that I have a job.
Joey has got me on a special assignment right now.
Oh, you guys planning a big heist?
(chuckles)
That'd probably be easier.
No, he's got me befriending Deanna McBride, Doug's daughter.
-It's all kinds of wrong. -Why?
Because Doug was my boy.
We came up together.
Now Joey's got me bleeding the girl for info
because he thinks she's plotting against him.
It's... weird.
Uh, just don't do it, then.
(laughs)
I don't follow Joey's instructions,
I'll be dead before Bill.
Well, at this rate... (scoffs)
I'm just kidding.
(phone chimes)
(sighs)
Sweetheart, you are saying all the right things right now.
But...
how are you going to react at dinner
if Joey says something that upsets you?
Mom, after how I behaved at the clinic opening,
I vowed to control my emotions better.
Watch. I'll be cool as a cucumber at dinner.
You truly think you can sit across from Joey
and maintain your composure?
Definitely.
It'll be a good opportunity for him to see the chill side of me.
I know he has his own doubts.
Well...
...I am loving this new attitude.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to pretend
he's my favorite person on the planet...
I would never ask you to act--
...but I will try to get along with him
for your sake.
I meant it when I said I want us back in a good space.
Okay, then.
Let's set it up.
(giggles)
Thanks, Mom. You won't regret it.
It's going to be a night to remember.
I mean it, Sharon. I'm going to
stay on you about this Marvin fellow.
And you, too, missy.
I'm going to be on your case, too.
I want both my sisters to have what I have with Vernon.
I would not have survived cancer without him.
Yeah. We know, we checked in with him regularly
during your chemo sessions.
And it scared the hell out of us when we thought
you were contemplating stopping your treatment.
You've always fought for yourself and for others.
Yes, well, that surprised me, too.
But that infection had me so sick and so weak.
Every cell in my body just hurt.
I would have done anything not to feel that pain.
Thank God Vernon and my daughters were there to...
pull me back from the abyss.
Ladies... (clears throat)
...I'm sorry to interrupt,
but I have a surprise for you.
I don't actually recommend a specific course of action
to a BRCA carrier.
Each woman has to decide for herself
what is right for her individually.
Let me ask you something.
Naomi's cousin Kat just had a bad reaction to anesthesia.
Well, it wasn't really a bad reaction,
it just took her longer to wake up than expected.
Still, could that happen to Naomi
if she moves forward with this?
Every surgical procedure comes with risks,
but this is a common operation.
Nowadays, a preventative mastectomy
and breast reconstruction can usually be done
in the same operation.
Well, that sounds promising.
I'd want to get this over with as quickly as possible,
so I can go back to living my life
without the threat of cancer looming over me.
Naomi, I know you've said you've done your research,
but the gene doesn't just increase your chances
for breast cancer.
It also increases your risk for other cancers,
including ovarian, fallopian tube
and uterine cancers.
Uh, I'm going to send you
a digital pamphlet that outlines
every type of cancer risk.
Also...
...including the specific screenings
you need to stay on top of.
Wow. Uh...
I guess I've been so focused on Anita having breast cancer
that I didn't consider any other possibilities.
Mm.
Okay, so, what are Naomi's options?
To dramatically reduce the risk,
Naomi could opt to have her ovaries,
fallopian tubes and uterus removed.
Okay, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Whoa. What?
Okay, that's a bit extreme, don't you think?
Jacob...
don't you think it's worth considering
if it really lowers my risk?
Babe, I hear the facts, but...
this changes everything.
How?
Is it because, deep down, you're hoping that, eventually,
I'll change my mind about wanting kids?
How concerned should I be about my dad leaving the hospital?
On a scale from one to ten?
A seven.
It's great that he's feeling better,
but there are still anomalies in his blood work.
I'm worried the same issues we had before
are popping up again.
That seven is starting to sound like a ten.
Until we get to the bottom of this,
he's gonna have to be extremely careful.
Any sort of exertion can put him at risk
for a heart attack or a stroke.
(inhales) Guess I'll call in the big guns.
(phone buzzing)
What a delightful surprise.
Hi, Chelsea.
My dad left the hospital.
Madison discharged him?
He stubbornly and stupidly checked himself out
against her advice.
He said he had to get to work.
That's why I'm calling.
I'm hoping you can persuade him
to either return to the hospital,
or, at the very least,
dial back the intensity.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course. -Okay.
Under no circumstances should he be overworking
or doing anything that could put him at risk
of having another stroke.
Mm. Okay, yeah. We are in total agreement.
Leave your dad to me. I've got him, okay?
Well?
She'll take care of him.
-Hi. -Hi.
I'd like to book a table for four tonight.
8:00 p.m. would be great.
We're wide open tonight.
You didn't even need to make a reservation.
Tonight's extra special, so I just wanted to be sure.
I'll also need a bottle of 2019 Tuscany Pinot Grigio
on the table when we arrive.
I'll take care of it.
-Thank you for your help. -Of course.
Tonight has to be amazing for what I'm planning.
I have another assignment for you.
It's about Doug.
I need you to find out if he has a safe-deposit box
or anywhere he might keep important documents.
I can't recall.
He never mentioned anything like that to me.
But, you know, I'll look into it.
Goes without saying that Vanessa doesn't need to know about this.
Boss, after all this time,
why are you so worried about some old documents?
Above your pay grade.
Just get it done.
-Should I give you two some privacy? -No.
It's okay.
No, this doesn't bother me because I'm holding out hope.
We decided not to extend our family.
I see.
I am perfectly fine with it being just us two.
Um, Doctor, I read that removal of the ovaries
can put you in early menopause.
Is-is that true?
Yes, that's correct.
Removing the ovaries does lead to early menopause.
But that's why we talk carefully
about time and management.
And what are the consequences of that?
You always hear about the... the hot flashes.
Well, hot flashes is just one piece of it.
It could also lead to bone loss, um...
mood swings, sleep issues, brain fog.
But, fortunately, we have hormonal therapies
that have helped to significantly ease the symptoms.
Okay, so there are pros and cons to every option.
-MONICA: Mm-hmm. -When would we...
When would she
have to make a decision?
This is so much to consider.
There's no need to rush right now.
Naomi, you've already done your mammogram
and your Pap smears,
which have both indicated
that you don't have any issues to be concerned about right now.
You've laid the groundwork.
She wouldn't be my baby if she didn't.
I encourage patients at this stage to take their time.
Have the necessary conversations,
weigh all of the options before you make a decision.
Thank you, Monica.
You've given me...
...us a lot to think about.
I was hoping Chelsea was mistaken,
but here you are at that desk
like you weren't just admitted to the hospital.
I... Live and in color, sweetheart.
What happened to,
"I'm going to follow Madison's instructions to the letter."
-Hmm? -Well,
I'm a renewed man now.
You know?
And the reason Madison can't find anything wrong with me
is that nothing is wrong.
Okay? It's simple math.
Okay, honey, I love you,
but your daughter strongly disagrees.
She called me really upset that you left.
Okay, look. Hey, Hayley...
Every second that I spent lying up in that hospital bed,
I could feel my blood pressure rising.
You know, Garland was making me sicker by the minute.
So checking myself out was the best thing I could do
for my physical and mental health.
Do you understand?
I do.
And I want to support you
in the way that you need. So...
...how about a compromise?
For my peace of mind?
Well, by that smile, I assume lunch went well?
It was spectacular.
I-It's like Deanna's a whole new person.
She wants to get together again for dinner tonight.
Me, her, Donnell and...
you.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Sweetie, come on.
I know you have reservations
where Deanna's concerned, but...
she's trying.
She wants to show us both that she's willing
to get to know you.
Can't you take the same chance?
How important is this dinner with your children?
Immensely.
Then I'll go.
Really. Just like that.
You should know by now
that there's almost nothing I wouldn't do
to make you happy.
You... are...
the best partner a lady could ask for.
I-I hate to run, but I have a showing.
Oh. Well, go knock it out of the park.
(phone buzzing)
Can you please slow down?
The dinner was my idea.
Well, I'm gonna have to learn to get along with the man
if he's gonna be in Mom's life, right?
(sighs) That's tonight?
No, I get it. Do your thing.
I'll text you after.
Love you, too.
Good girl.
Setting up that dinner was smart.
You just can't resist showing off
for three beautiful ladies.
Okay, sir, out with it.
Since you all are ready to get back in the recording studio,
I called Devon and I set up a date.
Wow, Vernon, that's nice, but...
we all have conflicting schedules.
Shouldn't we have talked about it?
I checked your upcoming show dates,
as well as Anita's radiation schedule,
and I found a date that should work for everyone.
And it's after Anita's treatment.
Organized and thoughtful as always.
Well, ladies?
What do you think?
I say let's do it.
Sounds perfect.
Gives you something to look forward to
while you power through that radiation, doesn't it?
Indeed it does.
And once I've finished
and gotten a few vocal sessions in
so I can build back,
my sisters and I will
finally do right by Barbara.
-Thank you, sweetheart. -Mm.
So how are you feeling?
Like I've got a million tabs open in my brain at once.
But you did good in there, baby.
You stayed calm.
You were honest.
Thank you for coming with me.
I wouldn't have missed it.
And look, Naomi, it's not my job
to steer you in any direction,
but I just hope that we can stay open about this.
We will.
Well, Monica's advice about not
rushing into a decision was really helpful, right?
Yes, it was.
And my plan is to stay level-headed
about what comes next.
You know, I can't let my fears or anxieties
or even what I witnessed with Gran cloud my judgment.
You're thoughtful about things that matter
and I trust you to make the best decision
that's right for you.
And whatever it is,
I'm right there with you.
(chuckles)
What?
(sighs)
I thought this diagnosis
would drive a wedge between us.
But it's actually made us stronger.
What a blessing.
Come here.
Look, if compromise means
putting that hospital gown back on,
I'm not interested.
Hell no.
You are far too sexy for that smock.
But listen,
I want to make sure
that you are sticking around for a long, long time.
So we are going to get in the best shape of our lives.
-Mm. -We are going to make
our nutrition goals,
weight training and plenty of cardio.
-(chuckles) -I have plans for you, Mr. Hamilton.
-Yeah? -Mm-hmm.
Starting with this.
Daddy, I'm happy to see you again.
I was hoping you would after I took this new approach,
Being less antagonistic towards your mom,
so she lets her guard down?
It's smart.
Now, tell me more about this dinner.
Donnell can't make it-- frat thing--
but that's totally okay.
It gives me a chance to nail Joey all by myself.
Now, remember, the goal is for Vanessa to think
you've come around to him.
You can't come off too hot.
Don't worry.
I'll be the perfect angel tonight.
And don't lay it on too thick, either.
Vanessa, she... she'll buy it.
But Joey?
That man is hard to fool.
To play him, you've got to do it very carefully.
He doesn't know what he's saying.
DOUG: But I do know
a few guys in the police force.
I have a detective that's a very good friend.
Doug, please.
Detective Jacob Hawthorne would be very interested
if I gave him a tip on the ongoings
of certain citizens around here.
♪ ♪
(sets down lighter)
Captioning sponsored by CBS
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org