She's Gotta Have It (2017) s01e04 Episode Script
#LuvIsLuv (SEXUALITY IS FLUID)
1 [HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING.]
One, two, one, two, three Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? [SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYS.]
Enough is enough.
There are mad toxins in my life.
I need a break and some radical self-care.
And when I say "radical," boy, do I mean radical.
Treating myself to an internal cleanse that really gets the stink out, you know? That means no social media, no weed, no alcohol, and no men in my loving bed.
Ya heard? That's right, fellas, there will be no penis between us.
No men.
Nada.
None.
Zero.
Not even virtual.
Oh.
Oh, you don't believe I can do it? You wanna bet? But that don't mean I can't still smash, though.
["SAY YES" PLAYING.]
I met Nola, what, two years ago now? Right here in my nursery.
She didn't buy anything that day, but really good energy with her.
Smart, gorgeous.
Plus she's an artist and shit.
How can you not be attracted to that? Things were growing between us, and then we hit that point where you're exclusive or you're done.
And Nola benched me.
Actually, it was more of a slow ghost, a fade to friend zone, then out.
I didn't think that she'd step back into my life.
But, suddenly I am back in her loving bed, and it is on and poppin'.
I'm not trying to catch any feelings since I got burned the last time, but I'm single, so might as well ride the wave.
I'm about to let you know You make me so All you gotta do is say yes Don't deny what you feel Let me undress you, baby Open up your mind and express I'm about to let you know You make me so, so - So, so, so, so, so, so - [MOANING.]
You make me so, so So, so, so, so, so, so [MOANING.]
All you gotta do All you gotta do is say yes Don't deny what you feel Let me undress you, baby Open up your mind and express I'm about to let you know You make me so All you gotta do is say yes You think Sky would be into this? [LAUGHS.]
That's totally Skylar.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'd offer to get it for her, but money is tight.
A young artist living in Fort Greene low on cash? I don't believe you.
How about this bookmark, since it's Free .
99? I do start that teaching artist gig tomorrow, which is great.
Even with all my other side hustles, my rent is still mad late.
I also applied for the Catlett Prize, so I'm just waiting to hear back.
Money is coming.
Money is coming.
[BOTH.]
Money is coming.
Money is coming.
Plastic is coming.
Plastic is coming.
- Money is coming.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Isn't the group show you're in going up soon? How you feelin' about it? - Morning, Opal.
- Good morning.
- I don't know.
- ["DON'T ASK MY NEIGHBORS" PLAYS.]
My work is my solace these days, but I still feel like something hasn't quite clicked.
I've been painting portraits, which isn't inherently groundbreaking, but you look at the work of LaToya Ruby Frazier, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas, or even my boy, Terrell Boyce, and they all have this fresh take on portraiture.
They're honest and unafraid of the beauty of the black body and how it can be represented.
And then then they have the right theoretical language for their art to fly.
I'm just trying to reach that same sweet spot with my work, you know? You're so unsure Do you wanna come over for dinner tonight? Like, "tonight" tonight? We can pick Skylar up from rock climbing after I close up shop, and - I'll cook dinner at my place.
- I love it.
I have therapy and Oh, I have that thing with Terrell that I can't bail on.
I'm tryin' to stick to what I say I'm gonna do.
Well, you're always welcome.
Anytime you're free.
Okay, all right, your pouty face, it's just too cute.
You are so dope.
Don't ask my neighbor - Come to me - Come to me Don't be afraid Watch that.
- Of what you see - What you see - You'll find I love you - Ooh, I love you - Come to me - Come to me Don't be afraid You ask all my friends If I'm the same, boy You don't understand You think I'm changin' I gotta go.
- Ohh - [OPAL SIGHS.]
- Don't ask my neighbor - Don't ask my neighbor - Can I give this to Sky? - Yeah.
Don't ask the friends I hang around - Ohh - Don't be afraid See ya.
- Like, "wouldn't wanna be ya"? - No, silly.
Soon, like, super soon.
- Come to me - Come on, come on Don't be afraid - Can I help you with something, sir? - Yes.
Of what you see [NOLA.]
This woman is like Whoa! I am legit feeling her.
I feel so safe.
You know I don't believe in labels, but, as a sex-positive polyamorous pansexual, words like "monogamy" and "family" have never even seemed like a remote possibility.
But she owns her own nursery.
She's a horticulturalist.
Ugh! It's so hot, right? I can talk about work with her.
My parents My parents would love her.
And she has a kid already from a turkey baster with a friend from college, so I get insta-daughter without labor pains or stretch marks.
I can see the three of us skipping down the street, holding hands, like we're in some commercial for products only white folks would buy.
And the key is that unlike the men I've been dealing with, she's not trying to own me, and that's real talk.
Real talk.
That's what we're aiming for at all times in here.
- Right.
- Right.
And her ego isn't massive, so I just have space to be myself.
- I'm sorry, am I gushing too much? - No, no, it's great.
These These passionate feelings, it's great.
Are you, uh more at home with an intimate partner of the same sex? I don't think about it like that.
It's more whether or not I'm into the person.
Well, you seem to be more open and at ease having rekindled this particular relationship.
I am.
And the tools you suggested have been helping.
- Good.
- Um Deep breathing, wearing that dress, visualizing safe spaces.
And I feel like you know, I've needed them all because I've just been attacked from all sides, but with Opal I don't have to fight back all the time.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, I'm sorry.
Do you Do you have any tissues? [NOLA.]
Huh! I never see these.
[LAUGHS, SNIFFLES.]
Oh, gosh, I barely know what is going on.
Well, we'll, uh, pause here until next time.
Okay.
How did you wanna pay today, cash or check? I was hoping I could open up a tab or something? Well, I see you have great taste in art.
Maybe I could paint you a portrait.
- Let me think about that.
- Barter.
[CHUCKLES.]
["SCENE" PLAYING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
I just want to join the line Drink a rum in paradise Have a good time with my friends Leave me, let me live my life - I want to hold on - Do not make me break a sweat.
I did not realize how much I needed to turn up.
Terrell, do you feel this beat? GBM Nutron is fire! I still have to introduce you to my parents.
- Okay.
- Let's go over now.
Nola, come on with your drunk ass.
- No.
- Come on! No.
Terrell.
- [TERRELL.]
You look beautiful, Mama.
- Hello, son.
- Congratulations, Dad.
- Thanks.
- Congratulations.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
You work for the city like I did, you can pay for a retirement party like this.
I'm doing just fine with my art.
That's to be determined.
[SLURPING.]
And who is this lovely creature? These are my parents, George and Vilma.
Hi, I'm Nola Darling.
Nice to meet you.
Nola's my new girlfriend.
She's very pretty.
- I'm not his girlfriend.
- That's what she thinks.
- But we are close.
- True.
How did you know you were right for each other? After we met, it was clear as day we'd be marryin'.
[SLURPING.]
[REGGAE MUSIC PLAYING.]
So, you disappear and leave me inside alone with your parents to dance? Are you kidding me? Weren't we just dancing inside? - Hey, Stefano.
- Ciao, Nola.
Uh, what is that in your hand? I thought you had to be up early for work.
Doesn't matter.
It's just a day job.
I thought you weren't drinking right now.
I had to.
Otherwise, your parents would think I was an alcoholic.
And she had rum cake too.
After a few minutes with them, I feel like I'm going to choke.
My father has no respect for what I do, my art.
At least he knows you're an artist.
I can't believe you straight-up lied and said I was your girlfriend.
Would you please tell this fiancé of yours that he needs to be a grown-ass man and come out to his parents? Why you hidin' all this? Okay, clearly, I need to reach you.
Class bell.
Ding, ding.
My parents? Old-school Trini people.
What's worse than having great gallery representation and a residency at the studio museum and collectors? Being a batty boy.
And a batty boy like me gets disowned, if he survives at all.
You have some nerve telling me to be a grown-ass man when you out here datin' three guys and a woman, and you go into anaphylactic shock just hearing the word "commitment.
" See? You can only be a fake girlfriend, not a real one.
So what? I have to be a good girl and get married to count in your book? That's ridiculous.
Besides, I am not dating three men.
Well, well, not tonight, because you're on a cleanse.
I'm doing what makes me feel good, and that's Opal right now.
You're too greedy.
You cannot stick to one thing for long.
["I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHA I'M LOOKING FOR" PLAYING.]
- Hey, Papo! - Nola! [BOTH LAUGHING.]
Got my first day of teaching tomorrow.
[PAPO SPEAKS IN SPANISH.]
Where are my keys? No! [LINE RINGING.]
Miss Ella, leave a message.
- Voice mail? - [LINE BEEPS.]
Hello? Miss Ella? This is Nola, your tenant.
Your goddaughter? I'm locked out.
Can you let me in, please? Hello? [GRUNTS.]
[DOORBELL BUZZING.]
But I still haven't found I suffer from insomnia and now you.
[IN SPANISH.]
- Damn, I'll turn it down, all right? - Okay, and your garbage art - Garbage? - Yeah.
It's a health hazard.
It stinks.
Gonna call the cops if you don't get off my property.
Okay, all right, all right! You can dead all that! - I'm ghost, I'm out! - [DOOR SLAMS.]
All right? Damn! What you doing out here at this time of night? I'm locked out, but I'mma go to my parents' house.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down.
Let me walk wit' you.
I'll walk wit' you.
- Let me drop my radio right here.
- Okay.
A'ight? And we'll walk.
You walk right there, I'll walk right here.
- I got you.
You know what I'm sayin'? - Mm-hm.
Feeling pretty good tonight? - Yes.
[CHUCKLES.]
- Yeah? All right, all right.
I couldn't pay my rent.
- And I couldn't pay child support.
- Right.
And next thing you know, I was assed out.
That's me, you know? But anyway, listen, you still makin' them pieces or what? You know pieces of pieces.
[CHUCKLES.]
All right, Papo.
Thanks for walking me.
All right, all right, no doubt, no doubt.
I'll be right here until you get in, all right? - Okay.
- All right? Me right here, you get in.
[NOLA CHUCKLES.]
What up, sis? Entra.
I don't wanna wake my parents up.
Listen, they don't want you stayin' out in the street tonight either.
I know, but I'm an adult, though, right? I can figure something out.
Yo, mami, we could all use some help, okay? Ugh.
I like this piece so much.
You like that? Take it, it's yours.
- How much? - What? Naw, come on, man.
[MUTTERS.]
Me and you, we chill like that.
How much? - Yo, Nola.
- How much? Listen, if you wanna just give me $20, right, so I can get some food, then it is what it is.
- I only got ten.
I owe you ten? - Ten is good.
Ten is good.
Listen, I haven't sold a piece in a minute, so this is good.
- I wish I could give you more.
- Don't sweat it.
I worked on that all night, yo.
You were the best artist in our school.
The best.
The GOAT.
Número uno.
[IN SPANISH.]
[SPEAKING SPANISH.]
Yo, my mama, she always used to say, "It wasn't in the cards.
" Wasn't in the cards.
Papo, you should go get some food.
I can take it from here.
[NOLA.]
Shemekka.
- [LINE RINGING.]
- Shemekka, pick up.
[WOMAN.]
Seven, eight Gah, gah, bah, bah! Gah, gah, bah, bah! Boom, boom, gah, gah, ah, gah! - [KNOCKING.]
- [WOMAN.]
Who is it? The motherfucker who writes your checks and shit, man.
Move this shit.
Move over, man.
Oh, hi, ladies.
- Hi, Win.
- Hey.
Man, fuck that! That last set was weak as shit.
Wasn't no money nowhere in the fuckin' club.
If I don't make no fuckin' money, you don't make no money.
I've been winnin' around the world, and you motherfuckers got me losin' right now.
Give a fuck about youse.
I'll throw you right in the street.
You think I'd give a fuck? I'd throw you in the street, and it's cold out there.
Shit! [SNIFFS.]
- Shemekka, you know better than this! - I know.
- Don't you know better than this shit? - Yes, Win.
So, what the fuck is wrong with y'all? I ain't got no favorites here.
If Win don't make no money, fuck everybody.
Get back to that shit or somethin', man.
I'mma sit right in the front with Scissors.
Eddie Scissors.
Right in the front.
You ain't shakin' your ass, your tits, you go in the street.
Fuck about shit in this motherfu Get some money! [LINE RINGING.]
[CLORINDA MOANING.]
Clo? Are you having sex? That's great! I'm locked out, but you're busy right now, - so it's fine.
- Hang up the phone.
Why don't you call one of your dick-ma-tists? I'm actually not dealing with any penis right now, - so - [LINE CLICKS.]
Hello? Hello? [DOORBELL DINGS.]
- ["WE DON'T NEED A REASON" PLAYS.]
- We're always waiting for a weekend To breathe this crazy life We're leading Dinner for two, finally me and you I thought you were with some boy tonight.
I told you I'm on a man break.
Besides, I was with my boy Terrell, and he is gay to the G, so Well, he could be playing for both teams, like you.
I get very intolerant of the bi-curious this late at night.
Please take your heels off so you don't wake Skylar? [CLATTERING.]
[CHUCKLES.]
I will gladly take my heels off.
The dogs are barkin'.
What is that? It smells like hot trash.
[CHUCKLES.]
An old schoolmate sold that to me.
So talented, so homeless.
We call him "Da Mayor of Fort Greene.
" If you ever catch me sellin' my artwork on the street, please, like, give me a good slap or somethin'.
Ugh, I gotta get to my apartment before class tomorrow for my lesson plan.
I keep farmer's hours.
I'm up with the sun.
I'll wake you.
The bathroom's here.
You can wash up.
Here's a towel.
[GASPS.]
It's Hello Kitty? I love Hello Kitty! [IN HIGH VOICE.]
I'm a towel! I'll make you feel clean! Get in there.
I'll be in the living room.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING.]
- Good morning, Sky.
- Good morning.
Do you remember my friend Nola? Possibly.
Are you Mommy's new girlfriend? 'Cause she only lets women stay over if it's serious.
You need to show your manners and say hello before you start any interrogations.
- Hi.
- [RASPY VOICE.]
Hi, Skylar.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Mm-mm.
Water.
Mommy likes to go for a run in the morning when there's someone to keep an eye on me.
Wanna go running, Mommy? Nola and I can make breakfast.
That's very considerate of you.
You sure you have time to eat and walk with us - before work? - Sure.
It's, like, three hours.
Plenty of time.
You really wanna be here alone with Sky while I run? - If that's what she wants.
- That's why I suggested it.
Well, all right, then.
Have fun.
- Call me if you need me.
- Will do.
All right, so what are we making today? Oatmeal.
- Vegan.
- [OPAL.]
And you better behave! My mother, however, starts her day by eating the unborn eggs of caged birds.
She can make those herself.
What made you go vegan? It was an easy commitment.
I just didn't want to eat anything that runs away from me.
Did you measure the oatmeal water? Naw.
With oatmeal, I just do it by feel.
- That was a rhyme.
- Was it? Got more in me if you give me some time.
- I remember you.
- Yeah? I remember you.
[WOMAN VOCALIZING.]
- Skylar? - Coming, Mommy.
Nice Birks.
- Oh, right.
You mind if I borrow them? - No, it's fine.
- [OPAL.]
You got your lunch? - Check.
- Math homework? - Check.
Oh, so, this is what mornings are like in the Gilstrap household.
- Basically.
- Okay.
Nola, will you come over again tonight? Before my bedtime? Absolutely.
You know what? We can make dream catchers! - [LAUGHTER.]
- [OPAL.]
Come on.
Sorry.
[DOOR OPENS.]
You made her happy.
Why are you the ideal woman? How weird is it that I'm actually spending the morning with someone I'm dating? You know I never do that, right? [LAUGHS.]
- Nola Darling.
- Greer.
Opal.
- Oh, um - Opal.
Greer, this is Opal.
Opal, this is Greer.
I got that.
What are you doing in Fo-Gre? Training one of my clients.
She likes the way I look, so she wanted the regimen for herself.
It's a real treat to see you here, Nola.
[SCOFFS.]
I gotta go talk to Gardel.
How long is this break of yours gonna last? Okay, I know you got mad after the impromptu photo shoot.
Hey, how about some angry morning make-up sex, huh? With a safe word, shit could get pretty wild.
What am I doing? I will let you know when I'm ready to see you.
You do that, babe.
Stay fine.
Nola.
Looking good in those Birks.
[MAN.]
These are beautiful roses.
[WOMAN.]
I don't see any right now, but do you have any marigolds? [MAN.]
I think we've got some marigolds.
- That was unexpected.
- Yup.
It felt like you were ashamed of me.
Well, I'm not.
You get to be a try-sexual and try anything.
It's different when you're like me and you don't have a choice.
If you don't wanna be seen with a woman by of one of your dudes, I get it.
It's not personal and it's not anti-political.
I just don't put my lovin' bed out in the street.
You gonna try to get into your apartment? No try, do.
You know, class, as the great Barack Obama once said, "The future rewards those who press on.
" - If you find yourself in a situation - Hey, everybody! Are you Ms.
Raqueletta Moss? Raqueletta Moss is present and on time.
But Ms.
Nola Darling is 16 minutes late.
What? I thought class started at 9:15.
Is that what you thought? How artistic of you.
We start at 9:00 a.
m.
sharp, and it is now 9:16 nope, 17.
[CHUCKLES.]
She's mad late, y'all! - [STUDENTS LAUGHING.]
- All right.
But, because studies show that any sort of arts exposure is very good at increasing attendance, morale, and test scores in all subjects, and because our motto is [TOGETHER.]
"With love, compassion, and discipline, we expect success.
" Raqueletta Moss is going to reach into her pocket of generosity and let Nola Darling teach with the knowledge that this tardy behavior will never happen again.
You have your lesson plan? Begin.
Raqueletta Moss out.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Who needs a lesson plan, right? Let's just flow today.
How many of you have ever been late before? Nobody.
Okay, how about any friends, siblings? No one makes mistakes here.
Got it.
In that case, what would a world without mistakes look like? What shapes and colors would it have? Who wants to show me? What's your name? Regina Walters, but people call me "Reggie.
" Nice to meet you, Reggie.
Come on up here.
- You want me to draw on the chalkboard? - No.
Draw on me.
- Can I draw on your hair? - [LAUGHTER.]
And then we made these found object sculptures from whatever we could scavenge in the classroom.
It was awesome.
I'm impressed you made it through your first day after your late start and the key debacle, but you really should have rung the doorbell last night.
I'm just tryin' to grow up, Mom.
Well, put this around your neck or somethin'.
Hey, Miss Ella.
You lost your keys again? I'm so sorry for calling so late last night.
Sit on my stoop, girl.
I got my spare set from my moms, though.
That's good, 'cause I wasn't gonna replace them for the third time.
And where's your rent, pray tell? It's two and a half weeks late.
My student loan deferment ended, so I'm bringing in less money every month now.
I said "rent," not "deferment.
" Rent.
I'm already cutting you a deal because Septima and Stokes and I go way back.
I know.
I'm working on it.
I could be getting three times from these white folks what I'm chargin' you.
What your parents' gettin'? I never asked them.
Just don't make me have to harangue you.
It messes up my yoga.
I'll pay you as soon as I get my check from teaching, I promise you.
I try not to make promises I can't keep.
Miss Ella, I promise I promise I will get you your rent on time.
I'll get you your money.
[NOLA.]
Supreme God, I give thanks.
God of Earth, Father, Baba of the crossroads may your blessings reach upon my life.
May you remove all negative obstacles from my path with your divine wisdom.
May it be so.
Mother, goddess of sweet river water, of abundance, love, light, and creativity, may the sweetness of your honey flow in my life.
I give praise to you, Oshun, who descends from heaven as a messenger of God on Earth.
Ase o.
[SHRIEKING.]
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you, God! [DOORBELL RINGS.]
["FOOL OF ME" PLAYING.]
I remember When you filled my heart with joy Was I blind to the truth? Just there to fill the spaces? Now You have no interest in anything I was up painting, and I lost track of time.
[CHUCKLES.]
Is Skylar still up? She made you vegan cookies.
But she fell asleep.
- I had to put her to bed.
- Ugh! I am so sorry.
You know, I was late for class too.
I'm fully jackin' up my life today with the CPT.
Being late is one thing, forgetting people are there is another.
I hear you.
Opal I want to try committing to you.
Isn't that the only way to learn how? I was your age when I had Sky.
I was young, but I was sure I wanted to be a mom.
And you, you're not sure about anything.
I'm drawn to you because you have this energy I had before Sky came along, and I don't want you to be anyone but yourself.
But do not make promises to me that we know you can't keep.
I made it to the second round of the Catlett Prize.
That's wonderful.
You deserve it.
Would you give this to Skylar for me, please? You both inspired me today.
We can stay in touch as friends, but I'm gonna have to think long and hard about whether we can be anything more.
- Will you still come to the group show? - I don't know.
Oh.
You won't look me in the eye No time, no friendship, no love Here are your heels and the painting you left behind.
Thanks.
Oh, here.
[SNIFFLES.]
- Let me give you your Birks.
- No, keep 'em.
They look good on you.
Good night.
Good night.
You made a fool of me I'm learning.
- Tell me - Tell me why Tell me why You say that you don't care You just don't care You made a fool of me Tell me why Tell me why [INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ PLAYING.]
One, two, one, two, three Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? [SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYS.]
Enough is enough.
There are mad toxins in my life.
I need a break and some radical self-care.
And when I say "radical," boy, do I mean radical.
Treating myself to an internal cleanse that really gets the stink out, you know? That means no social media, no weed, no alcohol, and no men in my loving bed.
Ya heard? That's right, fellas, there will be no penis between us.
No men.
Nada.
None.
Zero.
Not even virtual.
Oh.
Oh, you don't believe I can do it? You wanna bet? But that don't mean I can't still smash, though.
["SAY YES" PLAYING.]
I met Nola, what, two years ago now? Right here in my nursery.
She didn't buy anything that day, but really good energy with her.
Smart, gorgeous.
Plus she's an artist and shit.
How can you not be attracted to that? Things were growing between us, and then we hit that point where you're exclusive or you're done.
And Nola benched me.
Actually, it was more of a slow ghost, a fade to friend zone, then out.
I didn't think that she'd step back into my life.
But, suddenly I am back in her loving bed, and it is on and poppin'.
I'm not trying to catch any feelings since I got burned the last time, but I'm single, so might as well ride the wave.
I'm about to let you know You make me so All you gotta do is say yes Don't deny what you feel Let me undress you, baby Open up your mind and express I'm about to let you know You make me so, so - So, so, so, so, so, so - [MOANING.]
You make me so, so So, so, so, so, so, so [MOANING.]
All you gotta do All you gotta do is say yes Don't deny what you feel Let me undress you, baby Open up your mind and express I'm about to let you know You make me so All you gotta do is say yes You think Sky would be into this? [LAUGHS.]
That's totally Skylar.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'd offer to get it for her, but money is tight.
A young artist living in Fort Greene low on cash? I don't believe you.
How about this bookmark, since it's Free .
99? I do start that teaching artist gig tomorrow, which is great.
Even with all my other side hustles, my rent is still mad late.
I also applied for the Catlett Prize, so I'm just waiting to hear back.
Money is coming.
Money is coming.
[BOTH.]
Money is coming.
Money is coming.
Plastic is coming.
Plastic is coming.
- Money is coming.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Isn't the group show you're in going up soon? How you feelin' about it? - Morning, Opal.
- Good morning.
- I don't know.
- ["DON'T ASK MY NEIGHBORS" PLAYS.]
My work is my solace these days, but I still feel like something hasn't quite clicked.
I've been painting portraits, which isn't inherently groundbreaking, but you look at the work of LaToya Ruby Frazier, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas, or even my boy, Terrell Boyce, and they all have this fresh take on portraiture.
They're honest and unafraid of the beauty of the black body and how it can be represented.
And then then they have the right theoretical language for their art to fly.
I'm just trying to reach that same sweet spot with my work, you know? You're so unsure Do you wanna come over for dinner tonight? Like, "tonight" tonight? We can pick Skylar up from rock climbing after I close up shop, and - I'll cook dinner at my place.
- I love it.
I have therapy and Oh, I have that thing with Terrell that I can't bail on.
I'm tryin' to stick to what I say I'm gonna do.
Well, you're always welcome.
Anytime you're free.
Okay, all right, your pouty face, it's just too cute.
You are so dope.
Don't ask my neighbor - Come to me - Come to me Don't be afraid Watch that.
- Of what you see - What you see - You'll find I love you - Ooh, I love you - Come to me - Come to me Don't be afraid You ask all my friends If I'm the same, boy You don't understand You think I'm changin' I gotta go.
- Ohh - [OPAL SIGHS.]
- Don't ask my neighbor - Don't ask my neighbor - Can I give this to Sky? - Yeah.
Don't ask the friends I hang around - Ohh - Don't be afraid See ya.
- Like, "wouldn't wanna be ya"? - No, silly.
Soon, like, super soon.
- Come to me - Come on, come on Don't be afraid - Can I help you with something, sir? - Yes.
Of what you see [NOLA.]
This woman is like Whoa! I am legit feeling her.
I feel so safe.
You know I don't believe in labels, but, as a sex-positive polyamorous pansexual, words like "monogamy" and "family" have never even seemed like a remote possibility.
But she owns her own nursery.
She's a horticulturalist.
Ugh! It's so hot, right? I can talk about work with her.
My parents My parents would love her.
And she has a kid already from a turkey baster with a friend from college, so I get insta-daughter without labor pains or stretch marks.
I can see the three of us skipping down the street, holding hands, like we're in some commercial for products only white folks would buy.
And the key is that unlike the men I've been dealing with, she's not trying to own me, and that's real talk.
Real talk.
That's what we're aiming for at all times in here.
- Right.
- Right.
And her ego isn't massive, so I just have space to be myself.
- I'm sorry, am I gushing too much? - No, no, it's great.
These These passionate feelings, it's great.
Are you, uh more at home with an intimate partner of the same sex? I don't think about it like that.
It's more whether or not I'm into the person.
Well, you seem to be more open and at ease having rekindled this particular relationship.
I am.
And the tools you suggested have been helping.
- Good.
- Um Deep breathing, wearing that dress, visualizing safe spaces.
And I feel like you know, I've needed them all because I've just been attacked from all sides, but with Opal I don't have to fight back all the time.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, I'm sorry.
Do you Do you have any tissues? [NOLA.]
Huh! I never see these.
[LAUGHS, SNIFFLES.]
Oh, gosh, I barely know what is going on.
Well, we'll, uh, pause here until next time.
Okay.
How did you wanna pay today, cash or check? I was hoping I could open up a tab or something? Well, I see you have great taste in art.
Maybe I could paint you a portrait.
- Let me think about that.
- Barter.
[CHUCKLES.]
["SCENE" PLAYING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
I just want to join the line Drink a rum in paradise Have a good time with my friends Leave me, let me live my life - I want to hold on - Do not make me break a sweat.
I did not realize how much I needed to turn up.
Terrell, do you feel this beat? GBM Nutron is fire! I still have to introduce you to my parents.
- Okay.
- Let's go over now.
Nola, come on with your drunk ass.
- No.
- Come on! No.
Terrell.
- [TERRELL.]
You look beautiful, Mama.
- Hello, son.
- Congratulations, Dad.
- Thanks.
- Congratulations.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
You work for the city like I did, you can pay for a retirement party like this.
I'm doing just fine with my art.
That's to be determined.
[SLURPING.]
And who is this lovely creature? These are my parents, George and Vilma.
Hi, I'm Nola Darling.
Nice to meet you.
Nola's my new girlfriend.
She's very pretty.
- I'm not his girlfriend.
- That's what she thinks.
- But we are close.
- True.
How did you know you were right for each other? After we met, it was clear as day we'd be marryin'.
[SLURPING.]
[REGGAE MUSIC PLAYING.]
So, you disappear and leave me inside alone with your parents to dance? Are you kidding me? Weren't we just dancing inside? - Hey, Stefano.
- Ciao, Nola.
Uh, what is that in your hand? I thought you had to be up early for work.
Doesn't matter.
It's just a day job.
I thought you weren't drinking right now.
I had to.
Otherwise, your parents would think I was an alcoholic.
And she had rum cake too.
After a few minutes with them, I feel like I'm going to choke.
My father has no respect for what I do, my art.
At least he knows you're an artist.
I can't believe you straight-up lied and said I was your girlfriend.
Would you please tell this fiancé of yours that he needs to be a grown-ass man and come out to his parents? Why you hidin' all this? Okay, clearly, I need to reach you.
Class bell.
Ding, ding.
My parents? Old-school Trini people.
What's worse than having great gallery representation and a residency at the studio museum and collectors? Being a batty boy.
And a batty boy like me gets disowned, if he survives at all.
You have some nerve telling me to be a grown-ass man when you out here datin' three guys and a woman, and you go into anaphylactic shock just hearing the word "commitment.
" See? You can only be a fake girlfriend, not a real one.
So what? I have to be a good girl and get married to count in your book? That's ridiculous.
Besides, I am not dating three men.
Well, well, not tonight, because you're on a cleanse.
I'm doing what makes me feel good, and that's Opal right now.
You're too greedy.
You cannot stick to one thing for long.
["I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHA I'M LOOKING FOR" PLAYING.]
- Hey, Papo! - Nola! [BOTH LAUGHING.]
Got my first day of teaching tomorrow.
[PAPO SPEAKS IN SPANISH.]
Where are my keys? No! [LINE RINGING.]
Miss Ella, leave a message.
- Voice mail? - [LINE BEEPS.]
Hello? Miss Ella? This is Nola, your tenant.
Your goddaughter? I'm locked out.
Can you let me in, please? Hello? [GRUNTS.]
[DOORBELL BUZZING.]
But I still haven't found I suffer from insomnia and now you.
[IN SPANISH.]
- Damn, I'll turn it down, all right? - Okay, and your garbage art - Garbage? - Yeah.
It's a health hazard.
It stinks.
Gonna call the cops if you don't get off my property.
Okay, all right, all right! You can dead all that! - I'm ghost, I'm out! - [DOOR SLAMS.]
All right? Damn! What you doing out here at this time of night? I'm locked out, but I'mma go to my parents' house.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down.
Let me walk wit' you.
I'll walk wit' you.
- Let me drop my radio right here.
- Okay.
A'ight? And we'll walk.
You walk right there, I'll walk right here.
- I got you.
You know what I'm sayin'? - Mm-hm.
Feeling pretty good tonight? - Yes.
[CHUCKLES.]
- Yeah? All right, all right.
I couldn't pay my rent.
- And I couldn't pay child support.
- Right.
And next thing you know, I was assed out.
That's me, you know? But anyway, listen, you still makin' them pieces or what? You know pieces of pieces.
[CHUCKLES.]
All right, Papo.
Thanks for walking me.
All right, all right, no doubt, no doubt.
I'll be right here until you get in, all right? - Okay.
- All right? Me right here, you get in.
[NOLA CHUCKLES.]
What up, sis? Entra.
I don't wanna wake my parents up.
Listen, they don't want you stayin' out in the street tonight either.
I know, but I'm an adult, though, right? I can figure something out.
Yo, mami, we could all use some help, okay? Ugh.
I like this piece so much.
You like that? Take it, it's yours.
- How much? - What? Naw, come on, man.
[MUTTERS.]
Me and you, we chill like that.
How much? - Yo, Nola.
- How much? Listen, if you wanna just give me $20, right, so I can get some food, then it is what it is.
- I only got ten.
I owe you ten? - Ten is good.
Ten is good.
Listen, I haven't sold a piece in a minute, so this is good.
- I wish I could give you more.
- Don't sweat it.
I worked on that all night, yo.
You were the best artist in our school.
The best.
The GOAT.
Número uno.
[IN SPANISH.]
[SPEAKING SPANISH.]
Yo, my mama, she always used to say, "It wasn't in the cards.
" Wasn't in the cards.
Papo, you should go get some food.
I can take it from here.
[NOLA.]
Shemekka.
- [LINE RINGING.]
- Shemekka, pick up.
[WOMAN.]
Seven, eight Gah, gah, bah, bah! Gah, gah, bah, bah! Boom, boom, gah, gah, ah, gah! - [KNOCKING.]
- [WOMAN.]
Who is it? The motherfucker who writes your checks and shit, man.
Move this shit.
Move over, man.
Oh, hi, ladies.
- Hi, Win.
- Hey.
Man, fuck that! That last set was weak as shit.
Wasn't no money nowhere in the fuckin' club.
If I don't make no fuckin' money, you don't make no money.
I've been winnin' around the world, and you motherfuckers got me losin' right now.
Give a fuck about youse.
I'll throw you right in the street.
You think I'd give a fuck? I'd throw you in the street, and it's cold out there.
Shit! [SNIFFS.]
- Shemekka, you know better than this! - I know.
- Don't you know better than this shit? - Yes, Win.
So, what the fuck is wrong with y'all? I ain't got no favorites here.
If Win don't make no money, fuck everybody.
Get back to that shit or somethin', man.
I'mma sit right in the front with Scissors.
Eddie Scissors.
Right in the front.
You ain't shakin' your ass, your tits, you go in the street.
Fuck about shit in this motherfu Get some money! [LINE RINGING.]
[CLORINDA MOANING.]
Clo? Are you having sex? That's great! I'm locked out, but you're busy right now, - so it's fine.
- Hang up the phone.
Why don't you call one of your dick-ma-tists? I'm actually not dealing with any penis right now, - so - [LINE CLICKS.]
Hello? Hello? [DOORBELL DINGS.]
- ["WE DON'T NEED A REASON" PLAYS.]
- We're always waiting for a weekend To breathe this crazy life We're leading Dinner for two, finally me and you I thought you were with some boy tonight.
I told you I'm on a man break.
Besides, I was with my boy Terrell, and he is gay to the G, so Well, he could be playing for both teams, like you.
I get very intolerant of the bi-curious this late at night.
Please take your heels off so you don't wake Skylar? [CLATTERING.]
[CHUCKLES.]
I will gladly take my heels off.
The dogs are barkin'.
What is that? It smells like hot trash.
[CHUCKLES.]
An old schoolmate sold that to me.
So talented, so homeless.
We call him "Da Mayor of Fort Greene.
" If you ever catch me sellin' my artwork on the street, please, like, give me a good slap or somethin'.
Ugh, I gotta get to my apartment before class tomorrow for my lesson plan.
I keep farmer's hours.
I'm up with the sun.
I'll wake you.
The bathroom's here.
You can wash up.
Here's a towel.
[GASPS.]
It's Hello Kitty? I love Hello Kitty! [IN HIGH VOICE.]
I'm a towel! I'll make you feel clean! Get in there.
I'll be in the living room.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING.]
- Good morning, Sky.
- Good morning.
Do you remember my friend Nola? Possibly.
Are you Mommy's new girlfriend? 'Cause she only lets women stay over if it's serious.
You need to show your manners and say hello before you start any interrogations.
- Hi.
- [RASPY VOICE.]
Hi, Skylar.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Mm-mm.
Water.
Mommy likes to go for a run in the morning when there's someone to keep an eye on me.
Wanna go running, Mommy? Nola and I can make breakfast.
That's very considerate of you.
You sure you have time to eat and walk with us - before work? - Sure.
It's, like, three hours.
Plenty of time.
You really wanna be here alone with Sky while I run? - If that's what she wants.
- That's why I suggested it.
Well, all right, then.
Have fun.
- Call me if you need me.
- Will do.
All right, so what are we making today? Oatmeal.
- Vegan.
- [OPAL.]
And you better behave! My mother, however, starts her day by eating the unborn eggs of caged birds.
She can make those herself.
What made you go vegan? It was an easy commitment.
I just didn't want to eat anything that runs away from me.
Did you measure the oatmeal water? Naw.
With oatmeal, I just do it by feel.
- That was a rhyme.
- Was it? Got more in me if you give me some time.
- I remember you.
- Yeah? I remember you.
[WOMAN VOCALIZING.]
- Skylar? - Coming, Mommy.
Nice Birks.
- Oh, right.
You mind if I borrow them? - No, it's fine.
- [OPAL.]
You got your lunch? - Check.
- Math homework? - Check.
Oh, so, this is what mornings are like in the Gilstrap household.
- Basically.
- Okay.
Nola, will you come over again tonight? Before my bedtime? Absolutely.
You know what? We can make dream catchers! - [LAUGHTER.]
- [OPAL.]
Come on.
Sorry.
[DOOR OPENS.]
You made her happy.
Why are you the ideal woman? How weird is it that I'm actually spending the morning with someone I'm dating? You know I never do that, right? [LAUGHS.]
- Nola Darling.
- Greer.
Opal.
- Oh, um - Opal.
Greer, this is Opal.
Opal, this is Greer.
I got that.
What are you doing in Fo-Gre? Training one of my clients.
She likes the way I look, so she wanted the regimen for herself.
It's a real treat to see you here, Nola.
[SCOFFS.]
I gotta go talk to Gardel.
How long is this break of yours gonna last? Okay, I know you got mad after the impromptu photo shoot.
Hey, how about some angry morning make-up sex, huh? With a safe word, shit could get pretty wild.
What am I doing? I will let you know when I'm ready to see you.
You do that, babe.
Stay fine.
Nola.
Looking good in those Birks.
[MAN.]
These are beautiful roses.
[WOMAN.]
I don't see any right now, but do you have any marigolds? [MAN.]
I think we've got some marigolds.
- That was unexpected.
- Yup.
It felt like you were ashamed of me.
Well, I'm not.
You get to be a try-sexual and try anything.
It's different when you're like me and you don't have a choice.
If you don't wanna be seen with a woman by of one of your dudes, I get it.
It's not personal and it's not anti-political.
I just don't put my lovin' bed out in the street.
You gonna try to get into your apartment? No try, do.
You know, class, as the great Barack Obama once said, "The future rewards those who press on.
" - If you find yourself in a situation - Hey, everybody! Are you Ms.
Raqueletta Moss? Raqueletta Moss is present and on time.
But Ms.
Nola Darling is 16 minutes late.
What? I thought class started at 9:15.
Is that what you thought? How artistic of you.
We start at 9:00 a.
m.
sharp, and it is now 9:16 nope, 17.
[CHUCKLES.]
She's mad late, y'all! - [STUDENTS LAUGHING.]
- All right.
But, because studies show that any sort of arts exposure is very good at increasing attendance, morale, and test scores in all subjects, and because our motto is [TOGETHER.]
"With love, compassion, and discipline, we expect success.
" Raqueletta Moss is going to reach into her pocket of generosity and let Nola Darling teach with the knowledge that this tardy behavior will never happen again.
You have your lesson plan? Begin.
Raqueletta Moss out.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Who needs a lesson plan, right? Let's just flow today.
How many of you have ever been late before? Nobody.
Okay, how about any friends, siblings? No one makes mistakes here.
Got it.
In that case, what would a world without mistakes look like? What shapes and colors would it have? Who wants to show me? What's your name? Regina Walters, but people call me "Reggie.
" Nice to meet you, Reggie.
Come on up here.
- You want me to draw on the chalkboard? - No.
Draw on me.
- Can I draw on your hair? - [LAUGHTER.]
And then we made these found object sculptures from whatever we could scavenge in the classroom.
It was awesome.
I'm impressed you made it through your first day after your late start and the key debacle, but you really should have rung the doorbell last night.
I'm just tryin' to grow up, Mom.
Well, put this around your neck or somethin'.
Hey, Miss Ella.
You lost your keys again? I'm so sorry for calling so late last night.
Sit on my stoop, girl.
I got my spare set from my moms, though.
That's good, 'cause I wasn't gonna replace them for the third time.
And where's your rent, pray tell? It's two and a half weeks late.
My student loan deferment ended, so I'm bringing in less money every month now.
I said "rent," not "deferment.
" Rent.
I'm already cutting you a deal because Septima and Stokes and I go way back.
I know.
I'm working on it.
I could be getting three times from these white folks what I'm chargin' you.
What your parents' gettin'? I never asked them.
Just don't make me have to harangue you.
It messes up my yoga.
I'll pay you as soon as I get my check from teaching, I promise you.
I try not to make promises I can't keep.
Miss Ella, I promise I promise I will get you your rent on time.
I'll get you your money.
[NOLA.]
Supreme God, I give thanks.
God of Earth, Father, Baba of the crossroads may your blessings reach upon my life.
May you remove all negative obstacles from my path with your divine wisdom.
May it be so.
Mother, goddess of sweet river water, of abundance, love, light, and creativity, may the sweetness of your honey flow in my life.
I give praise to you, Oshun, who descends from heaven as a messenger of God on Earth.
Ase o.
[SHRIEKING.]
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you, God! [DOORBELL RINGS.]
["FOOL OF ME" PLAYING.]
I remember When you filled my heart with joy Was I blind to the truth? Just there to fill the spaces? Now You have no interest in anything I was up painting, and I lost track of time.
[CHUCKLES.]
Is Skylar still up? She made you vegan cookies.
But she fell asleep.
- I had to put her to bed.
- Ugh! I am so sorry.
You know, I was late for class too.
I'm fully jackin' up my life today with the CPT.
Being late is one thing, forgetting people are there is another.
I hear you.
Opal I want to try committing to you.
Isn't that the only way to learn how? I was your age when I had Sky.
I was young, but I was sure I wanted to be a mom.
And you, you're not sure about anything.
I'm drawn to you because you have this energy I had before Sky came along, and I don't want you to be anyone but yourself.
But do not make promises to me that we know you can't keep.
I made it to the second round of the Catlett Prize.
That's wonderful.
You deserve it.
Would you give this to Skylar for me, please? You both inspired me today.
We can stay in touch as friends, but I'm gonna have to think long and hard about whether we can be anything more.
- Will you still come to the group show? - I don't know.
Oh.
You won't look me in the eye No time, no friendship, no love Here are your heels and the painting you left behind.
Thanks.
Oh, here.
[SNIFFLES.]
- Let me give you your Birks.
- No, keep 'em.
They look good on you.
Good night.
Good night.
You made a fool of me I'm learning.
- Tell me - Tell me why Tell me why You say that you don't care You just don't care You made a fool of me Tell me why Tell me why [INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ PLAYING.]