Tiny Pretty Things (2020) s01e06 Episode Script

[menacing electronic music playing]
- [police siren blares]
- [indistinct radio chatter]
- [Esmé] Bette, where have you been?
- Sleeping. Just got everyone's text.
Right.
- Did it really happen?
- Yes. Bitch fell off the roof.
- [Oren] We've got everyone now.
- Except Nabil. He's in bed crying.
- Can you blame him?
- Yeah. I'll blame him for a lot worse.
June's in bed too. She doesn't even know
her roommate's dead.
We don't know if Cassie's dead.
Bette, there's no way she could survive.
Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
Oh, my God!
Guys, focus.
Madame and that cop have been talking.
We'll be up next.
- She's gonna ask where we were.
- They already think Cassie was pushed?
I don't. Girl was shitfaced.
We all tell the same story.
We were asleep when Cassie fell.
That's a lie. I got no clue where any
of you were when Cassie went over.
Plus, that means if one of us cracks,
the rest of us look guilty.
Of what? It was an accident.
Let's make sure
the cops don't think otherwise.
Shane's right. We all stick to our story.
All of us.
[Cassie] A pas de deux is the centerpiece
of almost every ballet.
The duet. The dance of two.
It serves as the axis
on which a dance turns.
A duet requires perfect synchrony.
Two bodies merging lines,
breathing as one.
A constant call and answer of balance
that changes on a dime.
It requires sacrifice,
each partner dancing for something
bigger than the both of them.
In its execution, only one thing matters.
Trust between the two of you.
A single slip, a tiny tremor,
and in an instant, the shape collapses,
and you take your partner down with you.
[theme music playing]
[vocalizing]
[bright piano music playing]
[Topher] Leg behind.
It's called arabesque, not secabesque.
Square épaulement. Now.
Better.
Oh, I see our guest provided
the motivation I didn't.
Fine, rest.
[Monique] No. Hold.
After all,
Sienna Milken is dans la maison.
As you know,
I've granted the rare exception
for three students to dance
in a music video
that Miss Milken is in town
to choreograph and perform.
You can let them down if you like.
I can, but I won't. Not yet.
This is your chance to show one
of the country's best dancers
just what you're made of
before her eliminatory dance-off.
Thank you.
[dancers sigh]
That never gets any easier, does it?
[Topher] To center. Tendusfrom yesterday.
Three groups.
Sienna. Bette Whitlaw. Delia's sister.
Oh, my gosh. I… I think we met
when you were, like, ten years old.
I love your sister. She's the best.
If you like what she can do,
you'll love me.
- Miss Whitlaw. Care to join us?
- [lively piano music playing]
Miss Milken.
Um, I'm Caleb Wick.
- Nice work in there.
- [chuckles] Yeah, um…
I just wanted to say,
I'm super stoked to be dancing for you.
And I'm sure you'll dazzle, Mr. Wick,
but we must press on.
Are you an authorized visitor?
Sure am. I'm Neveah Stroyer's mother.
So this is la mère mystérieuse.
Okay.
[chuckles] And I've gone way too long
without seeing this.
And I'm Tyler. Neveah's slightly older,
greatly wiser brother.
- [Makayla scoffs]
- Your sister's got real talent.
Yeah, she's sick, right?
Guess who used to walk her to dance class
when she was a kid.
- [Neveah] Mom!
- [gasps]
- Hi!
- What are you doing here?
- What a dancer you've become.
- This place is doing you up next level.
Ma'am, I just want to thank you
for taking a chance on my daughter.
You've given her a future,
and that's a blessing.
I can't say enough.
I think you have.
But there are no guarantees.
Isn't that right, Sienna?
Yes. Talent's only a part of the equation.
Well. Now she has a mother's support.
Lucky her.
À bientôt.
I'll join you in a minute.
- When's your flight to California?
- Oh, I'm not taking one.
My lawyers are talking to Correctional
about putting a stay on my transfer.
I mean, why move states
when you're already here?
Nevie, she's staying in Chicago.
- [laughing] Mama Stroyer! You busted out!
- Oh! [laughs]
Hey!
Nabil Limyadi.
We have friends in common in Paris.
Hope I'll see you dance for me later.
- I have places to be.
- You're kidding, right?
My life, at this time, is no pop song.
Look, I know what happened.
No, you have no idea.
[Sienna] And my guess, this girl you love,
if she knew what you were facing
right now,
she wouldn't want you
to sit around waiting.
She'd want you to dance.
[Makayla] Oh!
You kept them!
What was I gonna do, throw them out?
Well, it's like I tell you,
you gotta read these long books
when you're young
because once you get older, who has time?
I'm guessing prison gave you plenty.
[sighs]
Books were my only view on the inside.
Wasn't much into contemplating
the zen of a cinder block.
Veah, that's Krazy Glue.
Yep, and it's gonna get me through
Ms. Milken's little bake-off.
Oh, you got to be kidding me.
Mom, it's not tutus and tiaras anymore.
I know. It's just, that's no way
to look after yourself. [sighs]
Okay.
Well, Ty and me are gonna go exploring.
[exhales]
Good luck dancing for that lady.
Thanks.
- [Cruz] Hey.
- Officer Cruz.
The students are all in class,
so you're in the clear.
- I appreciate you meeting with me.
- [Torri] Of course.
You know, I scored a role once
on Chicago PD.
It was a two-day jobbie.
You know what they say,
"There are no small parts,
only small actors."
Though I did a wack of research
for the role
because that's a big part
of my method, and…
- Yeah, you got a lead.
- Yeah. Someone mailed this to me.
I think it has something to do
with Cassie. See the sketch?
[Torri] A girl in bed, sleeping.
[Cruz] Could be a girl in a coma.
And there's some code.
Lila F, two crowns, desire.
Looks like you've got
a casting list, Isabel,
if I can call you that,
since you told me that is your name.
So here's the deal. That is not a coma.
That is The Sleepy Beauty, aka
the ballet they were planning to dance
before Cassie fell.
You're holding Topher Brooks's
casting list.
This here isn't "desire."
It's Désiré, the prince.
Looks like Shane was up to play him
until Brooks changed his mind
and gave it to Nabil.
So, the winners were him and Cassie.
And the losers,
they'd be the two runners-up.
And that's showbiz for you.
So, here's Shane crossed out.
And Bette stuck playing second fiddle.
Word is that both of them had smackdowns
with Cassie the night she fell.
So someone just sent me two leads
for the price of one.
Lucky you.
I was hoping you'd cover me
while I talked to some students.
Uh, Madame would not be hot on that.
What about you?
Don't you want these kids to be safe?
Ho-ho! Yo, easy on the tricks.
I don't have tricks.
You do, and dancers like Sienna Milken
can see right through 'em.
Please. I'm gonna rock this audition.
- Music video.
- [Oren chuckles]
It'll be the first time my family
will see me dance since my voice dropped.
Why watch dance when your family
can watch a viral hospital freak-out?
- [Caleb laughs]
- [Shane chuckles]
Yeah, I'm looking to tell
a different story.
[cell phone chimes]
[boy] That yours?
Brooks hears that, you're dead.
Brooks barely knows I'm alive.
What do we have here there, Shaney?
[Shane] Give it.
Ooh. "Hey, stud."
- [laughing]
- Oh. "Thought about you all week."
- Uh! "Wanna take it offline tonight?"
- [Shane mutters]
I was getting it.
Yeah, you're getting it tonight, Shaney.
You little sex maniac, you.
At least I'm getting some,
which is more than you can say.
I mean, seriously, Caleb.
It's a building full of girls,
and yet somehow you're not scoring?
What's up with that?
Trust me, I do just fine.
["Feel the Burn" by Sophia Eris playing]
You know you want me
Are you built for this? ♪
Five, six, five, six, seven, eight! ♪
[echoes] Watch me, bitch ♪
- Up, up ♪
- Up, up, down, down ♪
F-feel the burn, feel the burn ♪
[echoes] Watch me, bitch… ♪
[Sienna claps] Viv, you're out. Next!
Take it back, stretch that back ♪
Touch your toes, up, down… ♪
Nice control.
Five, six. Five, six, seven, eight.
Thank you, ladies.
This time, add your own style,
and at the end of the combo,
I want you to improvise.
I don't think that you're finished yet ♪
Good or bad, take a breath ♪
Are you finished yet?
Good or bad… ♪
All right.
Bounce it all, drop it low
Watch me, bitch, watch me, bitch ♪
F-feel the burn, watch me, bitch… ♪
Next in.
Up, up, down, down ♪
Bounce it all, drop it low
Stretch that back ♪
Touch your toes, up, down ♪
F-feel the burn, shout these bones
Stretch that back… ♪
Thank you, gents. I've seen enough.
For the ensemble…
I'd like to invite…
Neveah…
and…
Bette.
Sienna, thank you so much.
I won't let you down.
Tell your sister I say hi.
And for the duet with me…
Nabil.
I'd like to start tonight
in the studio at seven.
Thank you, everybody.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
You'll be getting private choreo.
The work begins.
You could at least be a little happier
about it.
I don't have to be anything for you.
["Afterglow" by I M U R playing]
My, oh my, sit here… ♪
Girls! Girls!
Guess who won't be
mixing up orders tonight.
I memorized the table numbers.
You won't need it. You just got promoted
to the Patrons Lounge.
- I did?
- I know.
I started here a year ago.
You've been here a minute.
It's like double tips in there. Hello!
- And goodbye.
- Have fun.
[patrons chattering]
- ["Afterglow" continues on stereo]
- I swim in the afterglow ♪
Let it in ♪
I like to live a life
That feels like nobody knows ♪
Nobody knows ♪
Well, look who's moved on up.
Travis. Nice to see you.
I'm guessing you know Mr. Talbot here.
Our former board chair, of course.
[Travis]
He's an investor in my latest start-up.
Hope you're enjoying the new job.
A little out of my depth, but…
You got this. Just have fun tonight.
Thank you.
["Heart Like Mine" playing]
Straight as an arrow
With a crooked smile ♪
["Heart Like Mine" continues
on headphones]
- Ha! [laughs]
- Call me a fool, call me a fool now… ♪
Does this top say, "Hey, Mom,
I grew up just fine without you"?
Looks more "I'm scared to open myself up,
so I push everyone away."
Look, I've been there.
Mama's loving you the best she can.
The rest of us have to find affection
in other ways.
- Shane, I don't want to
- [Shane] Too late.
I'm texting you this address.
Call me at ten. I don't answer,
send in the SWAT team to dig out my body.
[birds singing]
[laughs] You can't resist me, can you?
[Bette] I've got a shot at greatness.
I can't screw up.
It's not my problem.
Look, only reason I got this opportunity
is because of my big-shot sister.
- I gotta prove I deserved it.
- [woman] Matty, who you talking to?
- Please, I gotta not hurt.
- No. Not now, okay?
Is this your new girlfriend?
I've seen you around here before,
haven't I?
- No, no.
- No.
Yeah? Well,
you can straighten me out inside.
I'm making sauce.
- I'm just here to pick something up.
- She's just leaving.
Who raised you, a pack of wolves?
Invite your friend in for dinner.
Close the doors.
You're letting the air out.
[Makayla] The air, it has a sweetness.
The people too. Hello!
It's amazing you think so
after everything that's happened.
Oh, Veah, I told myself if I spent
all my time hating people when I was in,
I wouldn't know how to do anything else
when I got out,
so I made a list of all the places
we could see together.
Like where?
Well, speaking of your favorite book,
I was thinking maybe Massachusetts.
We could swim Walden Pond.
We could trace the Black Heritage Trail,
and we could see
where Louisa May Alcott lived.
Do you know her house was a stop
on the Underground Railroad?
Little Women is not my favorite book.
[Makayla] It used to be.
You loved that story about Amy.
She got out, and she followed her dreams.
'Cause you were always going places.
We both are, Mom.
I'm sure LA is hiring librarians.
Chicago's got libraries too.
I know, but I gotta stay focused here.
And if I'm worried about you
You won't be. I'll be here
to help you follow your dreams.
Maybe the drama will hit
like it always does,
and I'll be looking after you.
Is there something wrong with people
looking after each other?
I got a real chance here.
A chance I'll never get again.
If I get distracted, it's over for me.
Well, I've got a chance here, too, Veah.
I got a chance to be your mother again.
- [laughing]
- [baby cooing]
Take him, he likes you.
I'm afraid I'll just make him cry.
It's what she does with all the boys.
Oh, that's good.
You'll want more, trust me.
You're not from the city, are you?
Glencoe? Wilmette? Kenilworth.
- How'd you guess?
- [woman] Got the knack.
My family's lived in Mud City
for a hundred years.
We got deep roots.
Want some vino? This is the good stuff.
That's more than I can handle.
It's fresh. These calories don't stick.
Ma, she's a dancer.
Well, she don't look like any dancer
I ever saw.
That's 'cause your idea of high culture's
a pole dancer at a strip club.
Babe, I know from dancing.
So, you like my son?
- [Matteo] Ma, can we please not do this?
- Just asking.
I got a right to know
what some fancy girl sees in my boy.
You know, he talks a tough game,
but I'm here to tell you,
he's one big softy.
- [laughing]
- Okay. Can we eat? Please?
Yes. Eat.
[baby cooing]
[Bette] Mm.
Good, yeah?
- Yeah.
- [laughs]
Matteo. This one, I like.
- Mm! Salute.
- Salute.
Walk one and two and three and four
and five, six, seven, melt eight,
and reach, two and three.
Do I dance it wrong?
You're dancing it fine,
but where's the love?
She's in a hospital bed, ten minutes away.
I think you're a snob.
Excuse me for not liking your song.
I get it.
You think ballet has to be dark
and moody to be good.
So why choose me?
I see a boy in there who once loved this.
Do you remember
the first time you saw ballet?
[Nabil sighs]
My parents took me to see Don Quixote.
Basilio's entrance cracked me open.
Showed me what I might become.
I saw power and control.
- Respect.
- [Sienna] And joy?
Yeah, sure, I was a kid.
Well, this video might be
the first time other kids see ballet.
So if you won't show me that joy,
show them.
["Something Better" by Minke playing]
Following blindly, expel your reasons ♪
What do they need to know ♪
About all of our demons? ♪
Self-confessed dreamers
Is life taking its toll ♪
I end up
I end up at the crossing line ♪
Staring up
Staring up like I've seen the light ♪
I've been up
I've messed up all my life ♪
Don't need a sign ♪
But I'll wait for you ♪
If you wanna make my days go quicker ♪
Can't promise I'm not bitter
I'll pray for you… ♪
[panting]
You felt it, Nabil.
I could see it.
I start to feel now…
I may never stop.
- [doorbell buzzes]
- [clicking over intercom]
- Hey, hi, it's Sh Shane.
- [buzzer sounds]
Jason?
Shoes off.
Love what you've done with the place.
Kissing's a thing for me.
I know some guys don't like it, but…
My husband was the one
brought in the music.
Taught the boys how to swing
and swing a hammer.
- [Bette] When did he pass?
- Oh, he's still around, sweetie.
He just ain't here.
["Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider"
by Jimmy Durante playing]
Sweeter than all I know… ♪
[laughs]
Come out in the silvery moonlight ♪
Of love we'll whisper so soft and low ♪
It seems, though
Can't live without you ♪
Listen, O honeydew… ♪
[laughing]
You're next!
I Idolize ya ♪
I love you, Ida, 'deed I do! ♪
Oh-ho-ho!
Where'd you learn to swing like that?
- A minute ago.
- [mother laughs]
Hey, easy, man,
she's been dancing all day.
- [brother] She ain't complaining to me.
- [exclaims] Look at her!
- [laughing]
- [brother] Come on!
- Whoo!
- Whoo!
Nice haul.
I was only supposed to be hostessing
and ended up covering half the tables.
Looks like you could use a break.
Can't. On the clock.
Rules are different back here.
Not for me.
I need this job, and if I want to keep it,
I have to follow the rules
[screams]
You pushed me!
Admit it, you wanted in.
[June] I have to get back!
Aw, you're already wet.
Travis, this isn't even my dress.
Consider it payback
for when you spilled that drink on me.
- I thought you were up for some fun.
- It's just it came as a surprise.
That's what makes something fun.
- What?
- I thought surprises were fun.
[Travis] Talk about payback.
You want payback?
Okay. All right.
Hold up. All right. You win.
You bet I do.
[diners laughing, chattering]
[June] I, uh… I really should get back.
Can you get my shoes for me?
Uh, sure.
Let me, uh… Let me help you out.
It's okay. It's just us here.
- Sorry, I I gotta find my friends.
- It's okay.
[June gasps]
[shuddering]
- ["Lay Back" by CLAVVS playing]
- Speaking in riddles ♪
Cutting the light outta my eyes
Caught in the middle ♪
What did you find buried alive… ♪
[panting]
What did you find?
Was it a sign? Was it a symbol? ♪
What did you find, find… ♪
[grunts]
[laughing]
The secrets that you whispered
Whispered ♪
Lay back, the world… ♪
[cell phone alarm sounds]
Seriously?
Hi, I'm alive. 'Kay, thanks, bye.
[laughs]
Lay back, lay back
Lay back till it's gone ♪
[panting]
[moaning]
You reheat that in a pan, you hear me?
None of that microwave business.
Give me a squeeze. Mm!
And come back soon. You hear me?
It was a lovely evening. Thank you.
So, you want me to take you home or what?
These guitars, are they your dad's?
- What did she tell you?
- Hey, I know all about messed up families.
Ma's a talker, in case you can't tell.
So when I need some quiet, I come in here.
These are yours.
Look, I…
I know she roped you into dinner.
I hope it at least
took your mind off the
- It did.
- [chuckles]
And with what I got
coming my way tomorrow…
I needed it.
I guess the Marchettis are good medicine.
And I could use a little more… [chuckles]
as in a couple more of those pills.
[Matteo scoffs]
Come on.
I stayed for dinner, charmed your mother,
made you look good.
Yeah, and you loved it.
And you owe me.
That pain?
It's your body telling you
something's wrong. Okay?
And me?
I'm the only one telling you straight.
You don't get what it means.
Fighting for something.
From what I see here, you don't even
have it in you to get anything done.
[Cassie] In every duet, there's a time
when everything goes numb.
You step out of your body.
You falter, empty, staring down the void.
Then your history kicks in.
Your training, your talent,
your body returns to guide you.
[Jason] Hot towel?
[Cassie]
It remembers things you never even knew.
[chuckles] Thanks to this,
you'll get a good review online.
[Jason sighs]
I should probably go.
Why? Gotta be someplace?
No, I just figured
Look, after all we got up to,
we can chill a bit.
Maybe the best part, yeah?
I don't know,
the stuff before was pretty great.
I do gotta say,
one look at your psycho decor,
and I was ready to run.
I moved to Chicago three months ago.
Wait, you've been living like a refugee
for three months?
I'm not the throw pillow type.
Ooh, you're far too butch and manly
for frills like, I don't know, sofas.
I've been pulling 100-hour work weeks.
What, you think I don't work hard?
Dude, I'm a junior analyst
for a philanthropist-investor.
I graduated from Wharton early.
I busted my ass to get it.
I believe that.
- You busted mine too.
- [laughing]
[chuckles] It's so weird.
You're totally not my type.
- Really?
- You're kind of femme. Sorry.
Why? I'm not.
Me, they called a fag
before I even knew what the word meant.
- Wow.
- Ballet dancer. Price you pay.
The splits. Makes sense. [laughs]
Hey, my boss is into the arty stuff.
What company?
Tell you on a second date.
You do those?
No.
Me neither.
A dancer, wow.
You must have a new guy every night.
Totally.
[Cruz clears throat]
This cast list, you know it?
Yeah, we call it old news.
Lilac Fairy was your part, yes?
Always number two.
How did that feel?
[Bette]
Who cares? We're not even dancing it.
True,
it all changed the night Cassie fell.
And more than any other girl,
you stood to benefit.
I call that a motive.
That's quite a leap, officer.
You should try ballet.
The fight you had with Cassie
the night she fell, it must haunt you.
Why else would you be here?
The cast list leaked.
Maybe I didn't like what I saw.
Doesn't mean I did anything about it.
Truth is, I needed that girl.
There wasn't anyone else who forced me
to up my game. Dance better.
For me, that's all a "push" ever meant.
[Monique] I know you're a fan.
I'm sorry Sienna didn't choose you.
Are you really?
It's not like you did anything to help me.
Like stop you from making a fool
of yourself?
- Groveling over that girl in the hallway?
- You're jealous.
No, Caleb.
I want what's best for you.
Yeah? Well, she's my ticket up.
A way for folks to see what I can do
outside this damn building.
And what was I supposed to do?
Force her to hire you?
Just give me the same leg up
you'd give any other guy.
But you won't do that, will you?
You're terrified of helping me
in case someone starts digging.
Caleb, I swear it isn't like that.
No, don't even try.
What do you want, then?
More.
I want more, Monique.
- I want what you have.
- Which is?
Everything!
Around here,
people got a problem with that.
I'm supposed to break my back for you,
even if I get nothing in return
for the trouble.
We're making careers, Caleb.
We're forming bodies and minds,
and it may take time,
but your time will come.
There's no guarantee.
It didn't come for my dad, did it?
He pissed away his best years overseas
and then got a thank you note
in the shape of a hand grenade.
[Monique] Your father made a mistake.
I'm sorry, but somebody has to say it.
You call him a hero,
but he was nothing but a damn fool.
Second Lieutenant Wick disobeyed orders,
went where he shouldn't,
and paid the price.
And from what I can see,
you're about to do the same.
You may have power.
You may have history.
But I got strength, and I got hunger.
I'm not waiting for my time.
I'm taking it.
[door slams]
["You Can Never Rain on Me"
playing on radio]
You were out late for someone
getting filmed tomorrow.
Popcorn?
I'm never eating again.
How'd it go with the felon?
After six years behind walls,
she's got boundary issues.
Can you guys believe that
this wench just got promoted?
I mean, what's she got that I ain't got?
All right, Miss Thing, you killing it.
[Paige] Basically got paid to go swimming.
- Trust me. It was work.
- [Paige] Some gals have all the luck.
Hey, are you okay?
- It's not really my scene.
- [Paige] Leave the security doors open?
[huffs]
[Oren] Oh!
Bette, gimme a sec.
- Bette, I'm not like a machine here
- Wait till we oil the gears.
[panting]
Medical emergency. I bent curfew.
Another unlikely story, Mr. McRae.
Officer, I'm an open book.
And I've been flipping through.
I've heard multiple reports
you were fighting with Cassie Shore
the night she fell.
I told you before. We were all asleep.
And someone cracked that lie wide open.
And trust me, last person clinging
to a lie sinks like a stone.
I know you were down to play
Prince Désiré, your first lead.
You must've felt like you finally made it.
And I know something happened
to get you crossed off that list.
What's it matter?
We're not even dancing that ballet now.
- Yeah, because Cassie fell.
- It was Topher Brooks.
Broke my heart by not casting me.
Who broke yours?
Excuse me?
You're working 'round the clock
on a closed case,
trying to get justice
for someone nobody liked.
You forget I'm a police officer?
No, but I'm thinking you have.
Shane, I know what it's like
to see things go too far,
not to know how to undo awful things
you've set into motion,
but the fact is,
you had motive, you had means,
and you had opportunity.
So either you also have an alibi
Oren.
I was with him. Alone.
And awake?
We were up, in every sense of the word.
You wouldn't mind
if I questioned you both to
Sure. It's a good one.
- Some things are not about you.
- I just got fucked over.
I had no choice. The cop was up my ass.
We all had a story.
All you had to do was stick with yours,
but you choked, and you threw
the rest of us under the bus.
And now I'm the one who looks like a liar.
It's just a new story.
All you got to do is start telling it.
Do that, everything's cool.
You're tight.
No doubt from cantering about last night
on heels.
Madame
It's fine.
I heard you were hired as a hostess
at Michi Beach.
Seems like you're looking after yourself
like you said you would.
I can see it.
You thinking this dance,
this place, it's left you sheltered,
not up for the job.
But the truth is,
if you've been paying attention, June…
ballet has taught you
everything you need to know.
Eye on the prize.
If they push, you push right back.
Stand your ground.
Feel your power.
People will only have their way
with you…
if you let them.
You write your own story with that body…
because if you don't, someone else will.
["Something Better" by Minke playing]
You're a saint, and I'm a sinner ♪
Show me
That's there's something bigger… ♪
Cut!
[laughs] Oh.
[Sienna]
Why don't you two take a breather?
Let's see it with just Nabil.
Hey, I'm solid.
Sure, I just think
it might clutter the frame.
Let's see what it looks like as a solo.
Nabil?
I'm not sure I have it in me.
I always think we become what we dance.
Come on. Try it on for size.
[laughs] Yeah. Hang on.
Oh, wait. They… They don't want you?
They got other shots, Mom. We're fine.
Were you flirting with that guy?
I am just making friends, missy.
I'm trying to build back my life,
which is how I found out that there's
an opening in janitorial at your school.
Monique DuBois is not hiring an ex-con.
Okay.
You do not talk like that. Not to her.
She thinks she'll be mopping up
at my school?
But it'll be me, again,
cleaning up her mess.
Do not make me chase you, girl.
You're in on Mom's whole plan.
Don't act like you're not.
Six years I've been looking out for you.
Six years in this fucking chair.
- What? Are you blaming me for this?
- No!
I'm saying this has been
all about you, Nevie,
because you got something I don't.
- Tyler
- And I'm glad.
It's kept me going, looking after you.
To see how you thrive,
what you made of yourself.
I mean, I'd be fucking dead
if I hadn't had you to get up for,
and now there's someone else
that wants to care for you.
Six years Mom's been inside.
Six years
she's planned a new life in Cali.
She'd give it up… for you.
The only reason I made it through
is because I had you, and you had me.
Now there's somebody else
that needs your help.
Just let your mother fucking love you.
["Something Better" playing]
Don't believe anything
If I don't see it ♪
But I don't feel alone ♪
Running off energy if I can feel it ♪
It's all I need to know ♪
I end up
I end up at the crossing line ♪
Staring up
Staring up like I've seen the light ♪
I've been up
I've messed up all my life ♪
Don't need a sign ♪
But I'll wait for you ♪
If you wanna make my days go quicker ♪
Can't promise I'm not bitter
I'll pray for you ♪
You're a saint, and I'm a sinner ♪
Show me
That's there's something bigger… ♪
Cut! I think we got it.
Don't be nervous.
Easy for you to say.
- [Cruz] Just tell the truth.
- Of course.
- [Cruz] Just tell the truth.
- Why wouldn't I?
- Bette. Do you love her?
- [Shane] Him and Bette?
Not so sure.
- What about you and him?
- There was nothing.
So what's the drama then?
- It's complicated.
- It's simple.
- He thinks I have a thing for him.
- And you don't?
I took what's on offer.
[Shane] I just gave what he wanted.
- [Cruz] That night?
- [Oren] The party.
- Nobody was thinking straight.
- [Cruz] Were you with him?
No frickin' way.
I was with Bette, my girlfriend.
You know she had a smackdown fight
with Cassie the night she fell?
Yeah. Bette told me.
Except when Cassie fell,
Bette was nowhere near that roof.
- But you and him were intimate?
- Is this really your business?
I mean, why do you care?
I left my mom young too.
If you study ballet,
it's kind of the deal.
But I also found something in me that…
felt better than a mother's love.
And just when I think
how unfair the bargain is,
how ballet robs childhood
and breaks bones…
I use it to make something beautiful.
Thing is, though, most dancers
would be proud to have a mom like yours.
[scoffs] You don't know her story.
I don't need to,
because all I saw, Neveah,
was the kind of love
and support every dancer dreams of.
[patrons chattering]
There you are.
Did you get my shoes?
Clever girl.
I'll tell someone.
You're a tease, June. A taker.
I never led you on.
Please. You loved it.
You pushed me where I did not want to go,
and I can do something about it.
And I can do something about you.
The girl who drugged her roommate.
I've got some sway in this city, June,
and I can make life very difficult
for a little girl
with a vivid imagination.
What you did was not my imagination.
And who are they gonna believe?
You try to trip me up
on this one, partner,
you'll be the one falling on her face.
It was ten different ways she asked me
where I was when Cassie fell.
Lucky you had one simple answer.
[Oren] Yeah. I covered for you,
except the cop told me
you were in a fight
with Cassie that night.
Well, who are you gonna believe?
[Oren] Bette.
Do you even care what I was doing?
Aren't you curious?
No, because then
I'll owe you an answer back.
And let's face it, we've already got
plenty of secrets around here.
[Oren sighs]
[scoffs] It's exhausting, isn't it?
All these lies.
I know I've messed up,
and maybe that's why I can see it,
you holding these things back from me.
I don't know if it's about me
or other things you've done,
but I do know if we don't
tell each other the truth,
if we don't get real for one minute,
that we don't stand a chance.
You're right.
We don't stand a chance.
I'm glad you can finally admit it.
- No, no. That's not what I meant.
- We're no good for each other.
We bring out the worst. That's the truth.
So we work on it.
- We get better. I
- It's too late, Orie. We're done.
You can't just decide this.
I just did.
- ["Superstition" by Jon Bryant playing]
- In my youth, I was reckless… ♪
[Cassie] A good dancer does anything
to keep their partner aloft.
You work your heart out
to stop the other from falling.
The trust between you is unspoken, sacred.
Ha! I got in!
[Cassie] It builds a bond that
no one else can understand,
but just because you care for your partner
and keep them aloft
doesn't mean
someone isn't taking the fall.
It's just that someone is you.
Holy roller, superstition ♪
Keep me guessing, keep me wishing ♪
Lay me down… ♪
[snorts]
[snorts]
[sniffs, sighs]
Superstition ♪
I wanna feel that young again… ♪
[water running]
Oh, I wanna have you till it ends ♪
I put my faith in four-leaf clovers ♪
[crying softly]
I carved our names into that tree ♪
I picked the leaves
Before they wavered… ♪
[June sobbing]
I held my breath
Till I couldn't breathe… ♪
[June continues sobbing]
Superstition ♪
[panting]
Do you love her?
- You already know the answer.
- What was the drama?
These are my questions.
- She ain't gonna talk.
- Then we go in and make her.
I'm not the guilty one.
Hear that? A liar.
Takes one to know us.
And I got your number.
Except that you didn't.
It's just lie upon lie.
- You know what the heart is?
- [all] The shape of a fist.
- You know what the hand is?
- [all] It carries the ring.
You know what the wrist is?
No, no, no, no!
The way that she died.
- Cassie, don't. You're alive.
- Yes, you kept me that way.
You wanted me to.
Why would I want that?
[Oren exhales]
- I think the show's over.
- And the reviews will be rotten.
[Cruz] Fuck, Cassie.
I brought you back! Don't fall asleep,
Cassie! Don't fall asleep!
- Just fight, just live!
- [siren wailing]
[sobbing]
[panting]
Hey. Look, I know you don't want
to talk about it,
but I wanted to say I heard,
and I'm really sorry for you.
Fuck off, Shane. You're loving it.
Seeing my best friend in pain?
Not something I enjoy.
I can only guess what people are saying.
Hey. Everyone knows Bette was a handful,
that's as far as it goes.
We're safe now, okay?
Quit beating yourself up.
The thing is, Shane,
I told Officer Cruz I was with Bette.
Christ on a cracker.
Yeah. Gave her the perfect alibi.
I can't walk it back now,
I'd look like a liar. [scoffs]
And she took what she needed
and dumped me.
Yeah, you lied for the wrong guy.
[scoffs]
Jason?
[Jason] I'll find you guys.
Your old philanthropist boss is,
what, one of our board members?
We don't know each other. You copy?
You told me your name was Jason.
And you said you were a pro dancer,
not some high school kid.
We're about even.
[Cassie]
The pas de deux follows a typical form.
A supported adagio, a solo for you,
a solo for your partner…
and then finally a coda,
where you both get to show off.
If you put your needs first
and forget that form,
the whole thing can unravel.
In the end, you're only as good
as the arms your partner falls into.
And in that dance,
anyone can find a kind of love.
[Makayla] She's a beauty.
[Neveah]
I come to see her about once a week.
I don't even know why.
She blazed a trail, this little hellion.
It was a terrible life she had.
Men treated her like crap.
She was poor, anonymous, forgotten.
[Makayla] And strong.
I mean, look at her.
Maybe I do need the help
you've got on offer.
I just worry that I won't know
how to accept it.
Maybe you're strong enough
to stand on your two feet like she does.
Oh, honey.
You have come so far, and…
you're my little woman that got out.
The last thing I want to do
is hold you back.
I want you to know
I don't think I got here on my own.
Between Dad, Tyler,
Grandma, Miss Banks…
and you, Mom.
You all cleared a path for me.
I do owe you a huge debt.
[exhales]
And now it's time to make it your own.
So… [sighs]
This is your home.
California is mine.
For luck.
[Makayla gasps]
[chuckles]
[kisses]
["Easy Nothing" by Youngblood playing]
Easy… ♪
[Makayla exhales]
[June] What I'm saying, Madame,
is that the Patrons Lounge
is not what it seems.
It's not safe for the girls,
and Paige has just been promoted.
I worry for her.
I do as well.
Thank you, June. This took courage.
Leave it with me.
Thank you, Madame.
Hadrian Talbot. Monique DuBois.
We have a problem.
Stay forever ♪
Oh, you were chained to a dream ♪
[vocalizes]
You're ♪
My easy nothing ♪
Nothing but a morning dream to me ♪
Cashmere conversations
So soft like pretty faces ♪
[vocalizing]
Hands on your temptation
Full flush without the aces ♪
[vocalizing]
[vocalizes] Stay ♪
Forever ♪
Oh, you were chained to a dream ♪
You're ♪
My easy nothing ♪
Nothing but a morning dream to me ♪