Star (2016) s02e15 Episode Script
Let the Good Times Roll
1 - Previously on Star - CARLOTTA: You married Angel? - So she's not gay? - You can't even begin to understand - what we've been through.
- Try me.
I've left your father again.
I don't think I can be the one to help you anymore.
JACKSON: Maurice said he needed a roadie.
- I needed the money.
- Just stay out of my way today.
Jayden.
He wants to meet his father, - not whatever you are.
- This what I'm paying for, now? When I find my hustle, I'm getting the hell up out of here.
RUBY: We haven't heard anything about the settlement yet.
- How much? - AYANNA: My father remains a big fan.
I'm-a need some serious face time with him.
JAHIL: Yeah, I'm trying to get ahold of Charles Floyd? Tell him I got something he's gonna want to see.
- You don't have a label anymore.
- Meet Natalie Knight.
She's the top promoter in the southeast.
You know what? This is on your cheap ass.
We can't do this tour without her.
Me and you gonna have a problem.
I could get you everything you'd want if you're down.
[BEAT PLAYING.]
I should bring these up, yeah? Mm, just a little bit Miss C.
- What's up? - Hey.
- So.
- [BEAT STOPS.]
Principal Sportswear just called.
They're looking for somebody for their new ad campaign.
Someone like you.
ALEXANDRA: See? So what do they want me to do? Well, Natalie just got us a huge gig: New Orleans Pride.
So they're gonna send their people down there to watch you perform.
Pride.
Uh [SIGHS.]
I'm-I'm not doing no gay pride thing.
No.
You got fans, Noah.
The girls like you, the boys like you.
Everybody likes your ass.
That gay crowd is hard core.
The toughest critics.
Now, you get in with them, you're one step closer to Sound House taking a second look at you.
Seriously, though, this could be a good look for you.
A'ight, you the manager.
I talked to Natalie.
Y'all gonna get two numbers in New Orleans.
And no rehearsal, just gonna get a sound check.
What? Well, how are we supposed to See, all that right there? Entitled.
Girl, be humble.
And, look, Star, you've never performed in front of an audience this big.
So don't get down there and show your ass.
Yo, Carlotta.
Don't show yours.
Be nice to him.
I've tried calling you, texting.
You really making a brother sweat.
Look, the way things went down with Natalie, I should've taken your side, period.
We need to talk about this, Maurice.
AYANNA: Well, hello, Carlotta.
Pick your face up off the ground, Maurice.
I'm back.
[QUIETLY.]
: Damn.
I bring me Get mine, 'bout mine, go hard Looking for another like me Boy, stop I bring me Whose love is the tightest? Whose kiss is the nicest? Me Whose touch is the rightest? Me I bring, I bring me.
I hear Ayanna's back.
Even though she just got fired for ho'ing with her father's - business partner.
- [SCOFFS.]
Star Look, what does this have to do with us and the tour? We're still on our grind on this regional tour to get Sound House interested.
Nothing around here is gonna change.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- According to whom? I'm taking over for my father in the wake of what will probably be a full-blown scandal.
He's been accused of sexual misconduct.
- One woman is going to come forward.
- Oh, my God.
The press is planning to release a story in a few days.
You reap what you sow.
One of my father's buddies owns News Corp.
Our family's been given a heads-up so we can get things in order.
That's good, just in time to put a woman back at the head of the label for good PR.
Good to see you, too, Star.
- Where does this leave Midtown? - You were my father's go-to in my absence, but all I see is failure.
Noah should've released a new album and been on a national tour by now.
I spent months grooming each one of these artists to win a Sound House tour.
You've done nothing.
We'll land Sound House.
Believe that.
We better, or we'll be talking.
That's all.
- Ayanna - You're off the road this week.
We gonna talk? When I'm ready.
CARLOTTA: So you filling in for your father.
You're a real trick.
Carlotta, you know these last few months have been hell for me.
Hell for you? Well, what about the women he abused? He offered me a chance to run this label again.
A label I built.
You better than that.
Least, I thought you were.
ANDY: I'm nasty? You nasty.
You're the one considering doing [EXHALES.]
It's gonna be weird having that crazy bitch back, right? Yeah, I kind of like her.
Well, that's 'cause you're so sweet, kind.
I can't wait to get in the hotel with just you and me.
Yeah, this ain't your first time, huh? - [ANDY SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
- But it's yours, right? No, I don't allow Who's Andy talking to? - Yo.
- ANDY: Frequent flyer miles.
Just ignore him.
ANDY: So what do you want to do? Simone.
I want your first time to be special.
I got to go finish packing.
I got enough already There's a special place in hell for your man Floyd.
Hey, don't look at me like that, like I got something to do with it.
I thought Jayden was here.
I'm so nervous.
A whole weekend alone with this boy? What if he doesn't like me? Oh, come on, he's gonna love you.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
NAKISHA: Hey.
- Hey.
- NAKISHA: Jayden, this is, um This is, uh You can call me Lottie.
And this is How you doing? I'm Jahil.
But you can call him Grandpa.
No, you can't.
Remember how Mommy said you're gonna stay here and meet some of your dad's family? Hey, Jayden, I'm I'm Cotton.
I thought I was gonna meet my dad.
Jayden, I got something real nice for you.
Come on in here.
- Hey, little man, you like baseball? - Ooh! That's a brand new glove, just for you.
You didn't tell him who I was? I think it's better coming from you.
["BLACKBIRD SPECIAL" PLAYING.]
This is crazy.
I've never been to The Big Easy.
"Big Easy"? Ain't that what they called you in high school? I didn't go to high school! And you are so lucky Can y'all grow up and start acting like professionals? Hello, hello.
All right.
The organizers want you guys in sound check in two hours.
- Yeah? - Drop your bags off, and I'll find out where artist check-in is at.
- Sounds good.
- [SIRENS WAILING.]
All right, folks, we need you to move back.
You guys, please.
Up on the curb, everybody.
Excuse me, what's going on? I need everyone to get inside right away.
- Why? - DISPATCH: We have a 10-79 bomb threat.
Ma'am, out of the street.
Up on the curb.
It's a bomb threat.
Everybody, inside in the hotel.
- [CROWD MUTTERING.]
- What's the word? It's a no-go.
[SIGHS.]
NOAH: So what's the deal? I mean, the whole city can't be on lockdown.
No.
Just the festival.
Some bomb threats got called in by some hate groups and it looks like all the performances might get canceled until further notice.
- [GROANING.]
- They're telling us to stay put.
But Principal wants to see me perform.
Look, I know you need this sponsorship, but It's not worth your life, Noah.
ANDY: It's just a little bomb threat.
Let him perform.
I'm-a go check with Natalie.
Star, you good? Yeah, we're all going through the same exact thing.
Looks like we're stuck until they figure it out.
I'm-a go to my room.
You want to come? There's a bomb threat going on, you got that on the brain? Yo.
What's wrong with wifey? Got no idea.
DEREK: Hey, Miss Bruce.
Think y'all can fit me in for a rebraid tomorrow? Got to see my lawyer.
Child, I ain't supposed to be doing hair yet, and plus, I'm getting ready for New Orleans Pride, so Look at you, done got off them wheels.
Alex said you was gonna be walking.
Boy, your house done turned into a UPS center.
Y'all been getting packages and furniture all week.
Yeah, I said the same thing, but, you know, Grandma she's spicing up the place.
Well, she done either hit the lottery, or she's selling weed to them folk down at the social security office.
I mean, she done have 5,011 things come in this week.
Where she getting all them coins from? I don't know.
Sorcery.
You hired a private security team for my artists? Next time, give me a heads-up.
- I hear you.
- Do you? I know you been cutting me out calls and meetings, Natalie.
How much is this costing, anyway? [SIGHS.]
25K.
25 who? Out of whose budget? Not mine.
Midtown's.
At no cost to the artists.
[PHONE RINGING.]
And, uh, I've got to take this.
Look, I know you need this business thing with her to work, but she ain't running game on me.
Relax.
I'll talk to her.
ALEXANDRA: Look, stop worrying.
The sponsor will see you owning that stage.
Until then, you can own me.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Come here.
Mm.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
NOAH: Mm-mm.
[SIGHS.]
- Who's - One second.
Oh, my God, they're so persistent.
No don't answer it.
No, it's okay.
One second.
Darling, it's a nightmare out there.
There's police everywhere.
Mom, what are you doing here? I had your father's assistant call to tell you that I'd be joining you.
Of course that didn't happen.
How you doing? What's he doing here? I thought this whole thing was a charade.
I told you, me and Noah are for real now.
Well, I'm here to see you.
You know what? I need to see what's going on with Carlotta.
Give you ladies some time to catch up.
Rude.
You haven't learned anything from my relationship with your father, have you? Don't do that.
You're projecting.
They're not the same.
Darling, they're a carbon copy.
Mom, what's the matter? A woman made a sex tape with your father.
Sent me a private copy.
Threatened to go to the press.
I'm done.
I want a divorce.
So you're not coming forward against my father? What made you change your mind? It's my story to tell, Ayanna.
I don't really want to relive it.
I know you want to kill me.
You snitched on me to my father, Jahil.
Was it worth it? No.
It wasn't.
No.
'Cause now his head's on the chopping block.
Bad look for you.
Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for what I did.
Men like you and my father screw up, and all you have to do is apologize.
Do you want forgiveness, Jahil? Bleed sweat and fight just like I've had to do.
Yo.
Where are you going? Wherever I want.
We're on lockdown.
And Natalie hired private security to watch your ass.
As much as I love having my very own stalker everywhere I go, you're getting really annoying.
Seriously.
I could take care of myself.
Thank you.
Like that night at the bar? What do you want? A kiss.
No.
You pig.
[WHISPERS.]
: I got to go.
I know Miss Carlotta's looking for me.
I like this.
What made you get it? Let's talk about anything else.
Okay.
Would you listen to a song I wrote? If you liked it, maybe you could give it to someone - at the label? - You being serious right now? You did all of this to get a favor out of me? - Come on, Star.
- A song? Really? Star.
And I was just starting to have fun, too.
Star.
Why are you still laying in my bed like you're about to take a nap? Get the hell out of my room.
NEWSMAN: Now, the deputy police chief, when asked specifically, could not I have been taking care of my mom since I was eight years old.
She would fall asleep in my bed, drunk, all the time.
Yeah, my my dad was selfish like that, too.
Well, Jackson's a pig.
Pretty good in bed, but a pig.
What are they talking about? CARLOTTA: Well, they're still sweeping the streets and the venue until then, we on lockdown.
NEWSMAN: just to reiterate, law enforcement Just send me a picture of it.
- So make a video.
- Who you talking to, bro? Your grandmama.
Hey, I got to call you back later.
- Things still tense over there? - Oh, man.
It's hella confusing.
Why is it so confusing, bro? She's gay.
We're at a gay pride event.
Just put two and two together.
- SIMONE: Hi.
- What's up, babe? What y'all talking about? Nothing.
Just guy stuff.
Angel really wants to know if you really like guys.
- No, I never said that.
- You it was your body language.
Yeah, well, maybe I ain't into labels.
- Come on, now - Hey, now, don't touch me.
But you're gay.
What's wrong with be - Maybe you should mind your business.
- Yeah, maybe you should keep your hands to yourself.
Man, why don't you leave her alone? Are you serious? You just got here, and all of a sudden you're Mr.
Pride 2018.
Come on, man.
You and I both know that we shouldn't be down here performing for all these thirsty dudes.
Unless you don't.
So, what you mean? Hmm? Well, your father was gay, right? I'm I'm sorry, I didn't know that was a was a secret.
It's confidential? Ayanna had me do a very thorough investigation when we signed you.
You know, the streets talk.
Noah.
Look, don't.
I'm just saying, man maybe the fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree.
[SIGHS.]
: 'Bout to miss my flight foolin' with these damn books.
I tell all my hos, rake it up Break it down, back it up Hey.
Hey, that's enough with the music.
Why you dress like a thot? Ain't you too old for that? Bitch, I would slap the hell out of him.
- Is that how you talk to women? - Yeah.
'Cause I'm a boss.
Check the kicks.
Oh, no, you're gonna get your feet off this table.
COTTON: You think shoes - make you a man? - Nah.
I'm gonna be the man, though, if I work on my free throws.
I'm gonna be straight-up GOAT.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Do you want to know what makes you a man? Respect.
What you know about it? [COTTON SIGHS SOFTLY.]
So, Jayden what if I told you that when I was born I was a little boy.
But you a lady.
I was born in a man's body.
But I had a woman's mind.
And I had to change my body to match my mind.
Why are you telling me this? I-I'm telling you this because I'm your dad.
STAR: You think you should go see a doctor or something? What's the matter with you, dude? Look, I'm not trying to talk, if that's what you want to do.
That's exactly what you need to do.
You've been acting some kind of way since we got here.
If it's because of what Andy said Andy's a punk-ass bitch.
Yeah.
- It's common knowledge.
- So's my father.
You don't mean that.
You don't mean that.
You're cool with Cotton and Bruce.
That's 'cause they ain't frontin'.
They are who they are.
No apologies.
My dad, he was on the down low.
Left me and my mom for some some dude.
My mom started drinking.
And you started drinking.
Just being down here is it's getting to me.
All right, come on.
I don't see no blood.
You're fine.
Come on.
You trust me? There must be love No.
Cool.
I'm sneaking you out of here.
Forget this lockdown.
There are minutes and decades What are you doing? Bitch, you crazy.
Come on, what are you doing? You got me here at this - this place, with these - These what? But in the end Whatever's going on with you, you got to get it out, and this is what we do.
We sing.
That's our therapy.
So you're gonna go sing.
There will be times Of deep sorrow [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
So, uh is Noah Brooks trade? I'm gonna tell you a secret, okay? Some men are actually meant for women.
Will never leave you There must be love.
I'm Noah Brooks.
I'd like to take a minute of your time.
Back when I was a child Before life removed All the innocence My father Would lift me high And dance with my mother and me And then Spin me around Till I fell asleep Then up the stairs he would carry me And I knew for sure I was loved If I could get Another chance Another walk Another dance with him I'd play a song That would never, ever end How I'd love, love, love To dance with my father again Oh Sometimes I'd listen Outside her door And I'd hear how my mama How she would cry for him, yeah I'd pray for her even more than me I'd pray for her even more than me Oh, oh I know I'm praying For much too much But could you send back The only man she loved? I know you don't do it usually But, dear Lord She's dying To dance with my father Again.
[CHEERING, WHOOPING.]
You're welcome.
You're always trying to check me.
You always need to be checked.
What you need to do is put more focus in on that roadie you're trying to kick it with.
You are so rude for bringing that up.
I'm not, though.
He's a pig.
He was just trying to find a come up to get his music to Maurice.
There's nothing wrong with a new artist trying to find a way in.
You did it.
You're just making up a reason not to go deep.
Look, if you like the dude, then you should be with him.
Life is too short.
Do what makes you happy.
Let's start by spending this night.
- Ain't I so - Bossy, bossy - Ain't I so - Saucy, saucy I'm independent, got my own boo And I can run the cash up if I want to Run it up Body cold, frosty And I'm so bossy Yeah, that's a hot track.
And my clothes cost me Jahil, right? What? You want me to put Andy and Angel on my record? What? No.
Not like that.
I just I don't know.
I overheard you talking to Ayanna.
Charles Floyd.
I used to look up to him and, uh I don't know, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry.
I-I didn't know that it was I know all about you, Jahil.
Why do you care? Huh? You get off on it or something? I'm sorry.
Uh never mind.
I was 18 when he first called me to his office.
There's a part of me that keeps asking myself "Why didn't you say anything when he touched you? Why did you sign the contract afterwards?" You were young.
And Charles preyed on that.
When I came to that Midtown launch party, it was to spit in his face.
Then I saw a woman was in charge and all the talent that's here.
If I speak out you lose all that.
This is bigger than the label.
It's time to stop being afraid.
You know you can't be out here.
Look, I'm sorry about what Andy said.
That was messed up.
But we need to talk.
You know, I-I was thinking about going to that ball that Miss Bruce is really excited about.
Do you want to go? Simone, I'm not going to no ball.
What's going on with you? I I don't know.
- I don't want to talk about it.
- Hey, hey, hey.
- Hey, hey, come on, hey.
- No, no, no, no, stop.
- Hey, come on.
- Stop.
Hey, stop! - I'm sorry.
- What are you doing? You don't get it, Angel.
- Because you won't talk to me! - [SIRENS WAIL.]
What is going on here? You been drinking, young man? Look at me.
No, sir.
Ma'am, are you okay? - I'm-I'm fine.
- Let me see some ID.
Come on.
Rivera.
I'm gonna run a background check.
Wait here.
All right, ma'am.
I need you to sit right there.
- I - Sit down.
SIMONE: This really isn't necessary.
OFFICER: Come here.
- All right.
- Okay.
I'll sit you down, right here on this curb, okay? Yeah, no problem.
Here we go.
No moving.
Stay right here.
If you're orchestrating things in your favor, then Maurice, you know what it is.
I position your artists so that Sound House takes notice and I get a little something extra along the way.
Kickbacks from a private security team? Maurice, don't act surprised.
Look, I know what we agreed to.
Now, I'm trying to do the best for my artists long-term.
- I don't want Carlotta hurt.
- NATALIE: Before I came along, they were playing second-rate clubs in Atlanta.
Now look.
Yeah, I know.
So, then don't come for me like this when I can think of so many better ways.
[SIREN WAILS.]
You're good to go.
- Thank you.
- Let's go.
All right, listen.
Come here, both of you.
If you guys are gonna get in big fights like that again, you keep it out of the streets.
You understand? Adios, Rivera.
SIMONE: Angel.
Are you okay? I'm sorry.
If they were working for ICE, I'd be put in the back of a cop car and you'd never see me again.
Look, I didn't mean for things to get out of hand like that.
Angel, please.
You don't unders I'm not playing games with you, okay? If you don't want to be with me, then just say it.
All right.
ALEXANDRA: You go, boy.
- That was a bold move.
Yeah - WOMAN [MOANING.]
: Oh, Roland.
[ROLAND AND WOMAN MOANING.]
Oh, my God.
Is that the sex tape? I want to see what was worth destroying my marriage.
Noah, I've got to go.
Look, what we're not about to do is this.
That's sick, Mom.
What's sick is that that boy snuck out of this hotel without telling you.
That's because I'm babysitting your ass.
He is already lying, just like your father.
God, you and Dad are so messed up.
You messed me up.
Stop expecting me to fail at everything just because you did.
I did fail and I gave up my life for a man that disrespected me over and over.
Mom, I'm not you.
No, you're not.
You're my beautiful, strong girl.
I'll never be as strong as you.
I'm not drinking anymore, but I'm still addicted to your father.
- Get up.
We're going out.
- We're on lockdown.
Have you ever been to a ball before? What kind of ball? Let's go.
JACKSON: I know we got some time to kill.
I got a bootleg of Black Panther.
- Of course you do.
- ANGEL: Let's watch it.
Everybody is over at Miss Bruce's ball.
Yeah, I'm definitely not going to that.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
What up? - Any word on the lockdown? - Nah.
Yeah, but I heard you performed at that gay bar, though.
Oh, you still want to go at it? What's up? Okay, y'all have to dead this now.
It's not cool that we're all on tour with each other and that you guys keep having beef.
Fix it.
I shouldn't have said that about your father, bro.
I crossed the line.
How is this even still a thing? Why do we call people gay like it's a bad thing? Why you acting like it's such a mystery? It's been like that.
Well, it ain't got to be like that.
So, if you're so politically correct, why your ass ain't down there at the drag ball? Body like wow, 'bout to end this drought So plentiful, fish queen jezebel, should be criminal Don't make sense for a to be this endowed North to the south, what is that sound? Watch me drop, drop, drop it to the ground Wait for the four, drop to the floor Add up the tens to get the score I been that yes, I love that drama Fishy feminine up-and-comer From the Clintons to the Obamas I keep it tight, now they call me mother Jaded queen I love that drama Fishy feminine up-and-comer Look at that smoke.
[LAUGHS.]
What's your deal? Where your man at? Lord.
Trouble in Chocolate City.
Hey, let me get give me, uh, give me two shots of brown.
Listen.
Ain't no man, ain't no bomb threat, no nothing about to hold us down.
Not this weekend.
Bitch, it's pride.
You're supposed to be carrying.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, brrr, rat-tat-tat Hey.
Hey, grumpy girl.
Where's Angel? He ain't talking to me.
Why? He wants us to have sex.
With a freaky money, click-clack, ow.
He thinks it's my first time.
Simone.
I-I just don't want him to see me as broken, you know what I'm saying? I just can't tell him about Otis.
Hey.
You joined us.
Hey.
Hi.
Look who's here.
- Oh, my - Ladies.
- Glad you're here.
- Yeah.
Mom, you've got to chill.
I'm just saying, it's not ideal.
This is gonna be fun.
I promise.
MISS BRUCE: All right, everybody, look.
The bomb threat is over.
The festival is still on tomorrow, so let the good times roll, baby.
[WHOOPING.]
Yes! Yo, this means we're performing tomorrow.
- Hell yeah.
Let's do this.
- I want to dance.
Let's go, come on, let's go.
Let's dance.
Mom, you coming? God, no.
Are you kidding me? Fine, then.
I'll dance for your scared ass.
Ooh, yeah Step right up in my face Yeah, yeah, yeah - Oh - Step right up in my face - I, mmm - Step right up in my face Fancy me I thought I had my degree In life And how love Ought to be run Taught me Who was, who was the boss Mmm, yeah Ooh Yeah, yeah I could tempt, touch, delight Just because you fell for me Why should I feel uptight? Love had to show me one thing I was so right, so right Thought I could turn emotions On and off I was so sure, sure - That love - That love - Taught me - Oh Who was, who was the boss Ooh, mmm Who was, who was the boss Oh Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Who was, who was the boss Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Who was, who was the boss.
[CHEERING.]
Hey.
[CHUCKLES.]
I thought you was gonna stay out later with the girls.
Um, you know, Miss Carlotta says she got a call from sponsors tonight.
They heard my performance is back on.
Mmm.
Oh, darling Mrs.
Crane.
Oh, hey, wait a minute, Mrs.
Crane.
Where do you think my daughter learned it from? Mm.
- Whoa, Mrs.
Crane.
- [GIGGLES.]
Oh, Alex, it's not what you think.
It's not what you think.
ALEXANDRA: Yeah, I know.
This is just what she does.
No good.
Put your clothes on, Mom.
I'm so sorry, darling.
I'm going to get sober in a minute.
- Now! - I'm no good.
Mom, you need to get out.
Get out! [MOANS, GRUMBLES.]
Oh.
Hey.
Are you okay? Old man Floyd.
You ever had any run-ins with him? Not with him.
Ayanna wants me to tell my story, but I don't want people looking at me like I'm a victim.
GiGi can't go out like that.
Well, GiGi could talk about it and let girls know that they ain't alone.
'Cause that's what it feels like.
It feels like you're the only one and it's somehow your fault, - but it ain't.
- But it ain't.
[CRIES.]
Time's up, bitch.
[PHONE CHIMES.]
To be honest, I really don't know if I'm doing this right.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
I feel like you are doing it right.
We're gonna find out.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
I like being home.
Hmm.
You talk to your mom? I can't right now.
[SIGHS.]
Come here.
Hey, y'all.
- Hey.
- Hey, Miss C.
The sponsor called.
So, they're ready to make an offer? Well, actually they did, but not to you.
Somebody else caught their eye.
You, at the ball.
- It went viral.
- [NOAH CHUCKLES.]
- What? - That's awesome.
What? - But what about Noah? - What about Noah? This is amazing.
You-you have to take it.
- Okay.
- CARLOTTA: All right.
I'll call Principal Sportswear, let 'em know you're in.
- You want to eavesdrop? - Yeah.
[LAUGHS.]
Okay.
All right.
All right.
Are you sure? Yes.
Yes, I'm very sure.
Okay.
- I'll be right back.
- All right.
- [SQUEALS.]
- [LAUGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Look at you.
That's a lot of new stuff.
Yeah.
Bo say he can hook us up with some free cable.
My lawyer said my settlement check came, like, two weeks ago.
I was just trying to spruce the place up a bit around here.
With my money? I took you in, raised you, washed your dirty, crippled ass, let your hoochie mama move in my house, and you call it your money? Look like the cripple ain't so crippled no more, huh? I got to move out.
You can have the money.
Come on, dear.
Come on.
Come on, you can stay.
I can't! And you and I both know that.
I guess I have a bit of a trust issue.
Why don't you give me that music you wanted Maurice to hear? I'm not gonna throw a listening party or anything, but I'll pass it on.
Are you gonna listen to it? Mm-mm.
I can't.
Why? The sex is too good.
What if the music sucks? [SIGHS.]
That New Orleans gig wore a brother out.
The girls were fire, though.
They were.
I've been thinking about Natalie, how she been hooking us all up.
You know, bigger gigs, private security.
She keeps her clients happy.
She keeps herself happy.
You're something else, man.
Carlotta, what are you talking about? Just once I want somebody to take care of me.
I had Ayanna check into this expensive security firm, and guess who owns it.
Your girl is getting kickbacks.
And I bet you're wondering why I'm coming for you like this when you can think of so many other ways.
Carlotta Keep that bitch.
[GRUNTS.]
[SIGHS.]
What if he never wants to be in my life? Listen, I got a long list of people who have written me off, and you used to be on it.
Right? But, hey, I kept trying.
And look where we are now.
Hmm? You got to try, Arnold.
That's so not funny.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Gramps.
Hey.
Hey.
You can't be my dad.
All of my friends will laugh at me.
I know you had a certain picture in your mind of what a dad would be.
But maybe we can make a different picture.
I'm gonna tell my mom that I don't want to come here anymore.
[GRUNTING.]
Jayden? - Jayden? - Jayden, what's hap? Hey.
Jayden, can you hear me? Call 911.
Go.
Hey, listen.
Get 911 now! All right, take it easy, all right, it's gonna be all right.
- Try me.
I've left your father again.
I don't think I can be the one to help you anymore.
JACKSON: Maurice said he needed a roadie.
- I needed the money.
- Just stay out of my way today.
Jayden.
He wants to meet his father, - not whatever you are.
- This what I'm paying for, now? When I find my hustle, I'm getting the hell up out of here.
RUBY: We haven't heard anything about the settlement yet.
- How much? - AYANNA: My father remains a big fan.
I'm-a need some serious face time with him.
JAHIL: Yeah, I'm trying to get ahold of Charles Floyd? Tell him I got something he's gonna want to see.
- You don't have a label anymore.
- Meet Natalie Knight.
She's the top promoter in the southeast.
You know what? This is on your cheap ass.
We can't do this tour without her.
Me and you gonna have a problem.
I could get you everything you'd want if you're down.
[BEAT PLAYING.]
I should bring these up, yeah? Mm, just a little bit Miss C.
- What's up? - Hey.
- So.
- [BEAT STOPS.]
Principal Sportswear just called.
They're looking for somebody for their new ad campaign.
Someone like you.
ALEXANDRA: See? So what do they want me to do? Well, Natalie just got us a huge gig: New Orleans Pride.
So they're gonna send their people down there to watch you perform.
Pride.
Uh [SIGHS.]
I'm-I'm not doing no gay pride thing.
No.
You got fans, Noah.
The girls like you, the boys like you.
Everybody likes your ass.
That gay crowd is hard core.
The toughest critics.
Now, you get in with them, you're one step closer to Sound House taking a second look at you.
Seriously, though, this could be a good look for you.
A'ight, you the manager.
I talked to Natalie.
Y'all gonna get two numbers in New Orleans.
And no rehearsal, just gonna get a sound check.
What? Well, how are we supposed to See, all that right there? Entitled.
Girl, be humble.
And, look, Star, you've never performed in front of an audience this big.
So don't get down there and show your ass.
Yo, Carlotta.
Don't show yours.
Be nice to him.
I've tried calling you, texting.
You really making a brother sweat.
Look, the way things went down with Natalie, I should've taken your side, period.
We need to talk about this, Maurice.
AYANNA: Well, hello, Carlotta.
Pick your face up off the ground, Maurice.
I'm back.
[QUIETLY.]
: Damn.
I bring me Get mine, 'bout mine, go hard Looking for another like me Boy, stop I bring me Whose love is the tightest? Whose kiss is the nicest? Me Whose touch is the rightest? Me I bring, I bring me.
I hear Ayanna's back.
Even though she just got fired for ho'ing with her father's - business partner.
- [SCOFFS.]
Star Look, what does this have to do with us and the tour? We're still on our grind on this regional tour to get Sound House interested.
Nothing around here is gonna change.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- According to whom? I'm taking over for my father in the wake of what will probably be a full-blown scandal.
He's been accused of sexual misconduct.
- One woman is going to come forward.
- Oh, my God.
The press is planning to release a story in a few days.
You reap what you sow.
One of my father's buddies owns News Corp.
Our family's been given a heads-up so we can get things in order.
That's good, just in time to put a woman back at the head of the label for good PR.
Good to see you, too, Star.
- Where does this leave Midtown? - You were my father's go-to in my absence, but all I see is failure.
Noah should've released a new album and been on a national tour by now.
I spent months grooming each one of these artists to win a Sound House tour.
You've done nothing.
We'll land Sound House.
Believe that.
We better, or we'll be talking.
That's all.
- Ayanna - You're off the road this week.
We gonna talk? When I'm ready.
CARLOTTA: So you filling in for your father.
You're a real trick.
Carlotta, you know these last few months have been hell for me.
Hell for you? Well, what about the women he abused? He offered me a chance to run this label again.
A label I built.
You better than that.
Least, I thought you were.
ANDY: I'm nasty? You nasty.
You're the one considering doing [EXHALES.]
It's gonna be weird having that crazy bitch back, right? Yeah, I kind of like her.
Well, that's 'cause you're so sweet, kind.
I can't wait to get in the hotel with just you and me.
Yeah, this ain't your first time, huh? - [ANDY SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
- But it's yours, right? No, I don't allow Who's Andy talking to? - Yo.
- ANDY: Frequent flyer miles.
Just ignore him.
ANDY: So what do you want to do? Simone.
I want your first time to be special.
I got to go finish packing.
I got enough already There's a special place in hell for your man Floyd.
Hey, don't look at me like that, like I got something to do with it.
I thought Jayden was here.
I'm so nervous.
A whole weekend alone with this boy? What if he doesn't like me? Oh, come on, he's gonna love you.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
NAKISHA: Hey.
- Hey.
- NAKISHA: Jayden, this is, um This is, uh You can call me Lottie.
And this is How you doing? I'm Jahil.
But you can call him Grandpa.
No, you can't.
Remember how Mommy said you're gonna stay here and meet some of your dad's family? Hey, Jayden, I'm I'm Cotton.
I thought I was gonna meet my dad.
Jayden, I got something real nice for you.
Come on in here.
- Hey, little man, you like baseball? - Ooh! That's a brand new glove, just for you.
You didn't tell him who I was? I think it's better coming from you.
["BLACKBIRD SPECIAL" PLAYING.]
This is crazy.
I've never been to The Big Easy.
"Big Easy"? Ain't that what they called you in high school? I didn't go to high school! And you are so lucky Can y'all grow up and start acting like professionals? Hello, hello.
All right.
The organizers want you guys in sound check in two hours.
- Yeah? - Drop your bags off, and I'll find out where artist check-in is at.
- Sounds good.
- [SIRENS WAILING.]
All right, folks, we need you to move back.
You guys, please.
Up on the curb, everybody.
Excuse me, what's going on? I need everyone to get inside right away.
- Why? - DISPATCH: We have a 10-79 bomb threat.
Ma'am, out of the street.
Up on the curb.
It's a bomb threat.
Everybody, inside in the hotel.
- [CROWD MUTTERING.]
- What's the word? It's a no-go.
[SIGHS.]
NOAH: So what's the deal? I mean, the whole city can't be on lockdown.
No.
Just the festival.
Some bomb threats got called in by some hate groups and it looks like all the performances might get canceled until further notice.
- [GROANING.]
- They're telling us to stay put.
But Principal wants to see me perform.
Look, I know you need this sponsorship, but It's not worth your life, Noah.
ANDY: It's just a little bomb threat.
Let him perform.
I'm-a go check with Natalie.
Star, you good? Yeah, we're all going through the same exact thing.
Looks like we're stuck until they figure it out.
I'm-a go to my room.
You want to come? There's a bomb threat going on, you got that on the brain? Yo.
What's wrong with wifey? Got no idea.
DEREK: Hey, Miss Bruce.
Think y'all can fit me in for a rebraid tomorrow? Got to see my lawyer.
Child, I ain't supposed to be doing hair yet, and plus, I'm getting ready for New Orleans Pride, so Look at you, done got off them wheels.
Alex said you was gonna be walking.
Boy, your house done turned into a UPS center.
Y'all been getting packages and furniture all week.
Yeah, I said the same thing, but, you know, Grandma she's spicing up the place.
Well, she done either hit the lottery, or she's selling weed to them folk down at the social security office.
I mean, she done have 5,011 things come in this week.
Where she getting all them coins from? I don't know.
Sorcery.
You hired a private security team for my artists? Next time, give me a heads-up.
- I hear you.
- Do you? I know you been cutting me out calls and meetings, Natalie.
How much is this costing, anyway? [SIGHS.]
25K.
25 who? Out of whose budget? Not mine.
Midtown's.
At no cost to the artists.
[PHONE RINGING.]
And, uh, I've got to take this.
Look, I know you need this business thing with her to work, but she ain't running game on me.
Relax.
I'll talk to her.
ALEXANDRA: Look, stop worrying.
The sponsor will see you owning that stage.
Until then, you can own me.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Come here.
Mm.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
NOAH: Mm-mm.
[SIGHS.]
- Who's - One second.
Oh, my God, they're so persistent.
No don't answer it.
No, it's okay.
One second.
Darling, it's a nightmare out there.
There's police everywhere.
Mom, what are you doing here? I had your father's assistant call to tell you that I'd be joining you.
Of course that didn't happen.
How you doing? What's he doing here? I thought this whole thing was a charade.
I told you, me and Noah are for real now.
Well, I'm here to see you.
You know what? I need to see what's going on with Carlotta.
Give you ladies some time to catch up.
Rude.
You haven't learned anything from my relationship with your father, have you? Don't do that.
You're projecting.
They're not the same.
Darling, they're a carbon copy.
Mom, what's the matter? A woman made a sex tape with your father.
Sent me a private copy.
Threatened to go to the press.
I'm done.
I want a divorce.
So you're not coming forward against my father? What made you change your mind? It's my story to tell, Ayanna.
I don't really want to relive it.
I know you want to kill me.
You snitched on me to my father, Jahil.
Was it worth it? No.
It wasn't.
No.
'Cause now his head's on the chopping block.
Bad look for you.
Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for what I did.
Men like you and my father screw up, and all you have to do is apologize.
Do you want forgiveness, Jahil? Bleed sweat and fight just like I've had to do.
Yo.
Where are you going? Wherever I want.
We're on lockdown.
And Natalie hired private security to watch your ass.
As much as I love having my very own stalker everywhere I go, you're getting really annoying.
Seriously.
I could take care of myself.
Thank you.
Like that night at the bar? What do you want? A kiss.
No.
You pig.
[WHISPERS.]
: I got to go.
I know Miss Carlotta's looking for me.
I like this.
What made you get it? Let's talk about anything else.
Okay.
Would you listen to a song I wrote? If you liked it, maybe you could give it to someone - at the label? - You being serious right now? You did all of this to get a favor out of me? - Come on, Star.
- A song? Really? Star.
And I was just starting to have fun, too.
Star.
Why are you still laying in my bed like you're about to take a nap? Get the hell out of my room.
NEWSMAN: Now, the deputy police chief, when asked specifically, could not I have been taking care of my mom since I was eight years old.
She would fall asleep in my bed, drunk, all the time.
Yeah, my my dad was selfish like that, too.
Well, Jackson's a pig.
Pretty good in bed, but a pig.
What are they talking about? CARLOTTA: Well, they're still sweeping the streets and the venue until then, we on lockdown.
NEWSMAN: just to reiterate, law enforcement Just send me a picture of it.
- So make a video.
- Who you talking to, bro? Your grandmama.
Hey, I got to call you back later.
- Things still tense over there? - Oh, man.
It's hella confusing.
Why is it so confusing, bro? She's gay.
We're at a gay pride event.
Just put two and two together.
- SIMONE: Hi.
- What's up, babe? What y'all talking about? Nothing.
Just guy stuff.
Angel really wants to know if you really like guys.
- No, I never said that.
- You it was your body language.
Yeah, well, maybe I ain't into labels.
- Come on, now - Hey, now, don't touch me.
But you're gay.
What's wrong with be - Maybe you should mind your business.
- Yeah, maybe you should keep your hands to yourself.
Man, why don't you leave her alone? Are you serious? You just got here, and all of a sudden you're Mr.
Pride 2018.
Come on, man.
You and I both know that we shouldn't be down here performing for all these thirsty dudes.
Unless you don't.
So, what you mean? Hmm? Well, your father was gay, right? I'm I'm sorry, I didn't know that was a was a secret.
It's confidential? Ayanna had me do a very thorough investigation when we signed you.
You know, the streets talk.
Noah.
Look, don't.
I'm just saying, man maybe the fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree.
[SIGHS.]
: 'Bout to miss my flight foolin' with these damn books.
I tell all my hos, rake it up Break it down, back it up Hey.
Hey, that's enough with the music.
Why you dress like a thot? Ain't you too old for that? Bitch, I would slap the hell out of him.
- Is that how you talk to women? - Yeah.
'Cause I'm a boss.
Check the kicks.
Oh, no, you're gonna get your feet off this table.
COTTON: You think shoes - make you a man? - Nah.
I'm gonna be the man, though, if I work on my free throws.
I'm gonna be straight-up GOAT.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Do you want to know what makes you a man? Respect.
What you know about it? [COTTON SIGHS SOFTLY.]
So, Jayden what if I told you that when I was born I was a little boy.
But you a lady.
I was born in a man's body.
But I had a woman's mind.
And I had to change my body to match my mind.
Why are you telling me this? I-I'm telling you this because I'm your dad.
STAR: You think you should go see a doctor or something? What's the matter with you, dude? Look, I'm not trying to talk, if that's what you want to do.
That's exactly what you need to do.
You've been acting some kind of way since we got here.
If it's because of what Andy said Andy's a punk-ass bitch.
Yeah.
- It's common knowledge.
- So's my father.
You don't mean that.
You don't mean that.
You're cool with Cotton and Bruce.
That's 'cause they ain't frontin'.
They are who they are.
No apologies.
My dad, he was on the down low.
Left me and my mom for some some dude.
My mom started drinking.
And you started drinking.
Just being down here is it's getting to me.
All right, come on.
I don't see no blood.
You're fine.
Come on.
You trust me? There must be love No.
Cool.
I'm sneaking you out of here.
Forget this lockdown.
There are minutes and decades What are you doing? Bitch, you crazy.
Come on, what are you doing? You got me here at this - this place, with these - These what? But in the end Whatever's going on with you, you got to get it out, and this is what we do.
We sing.
That's our therapy.
So you're gonna go sing.
There will be times Of deep sorrow [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
So, uh is Noah Brooks trade? I'm gonna tell you a secret, okay? Some men are actually meant for women.
Will never leave you There must be love.
I'm Noah Brooks.
I'd like to take a minute of your time.
Back when I was a child Before life removed All the innocence My father Would lift me high And dance with my mother and me And then Spin me around Till I fell asleep Then up the stairs he would carry me And I knew for sure I was loved If I could get Another chance Another walk Another dance with him I'd play a song That would never, ever end How I'd love, love, love To dance with my father again Oh Sometimes I'd listen Outside her door And I'd hear how my mama How she would cry for him, yeah I'd pray for her even more than me I'd pray for her even more than me Oh, oh I know I'm praying For much too much But could you send back The only man she loved? I know you don't do it usually But, dear Lord She's dying To dance with my father Again.
[CHEERING, WHOOPING.]
You're welcome.
You're always trying to check me.
You always need to be checked.
What you need to do is put more focus in on that roadie you're trying to kick it with.
You are so rude for bringing that up.
I'm not, though.
He's a pig.
He was just trying to find a come up to get his music to Maurice.
There's nothing wrong with a new artist trying to find a way in.
You did it.
You're just making up a reason not to go deep.
Look, if you like the dude, then you should be with him.
Life is too short.
Do what makes you happy.
Let's start by spending this night.
- Ain't I so - Bossy, bossy - Ain't I so - Saucy, saucy I'm independent, got my own boo And I can run the cash up if I want to Run it up Body cold, frosty And I'm so bossy Yeah, that's a hot track.
And my clothes cost me Jahil, right? What? You want me to put Andy and Angel on my record? What? No.
Not like that.
I just I don't know.
I overheard you talking to Ayanna.
Charles Floyd.
I used to look up to him and, uh I don't know, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry.
I-I didn't know that it was I know all about you, Jahil.
Why do you care? Huh? You get off on it or something? I'm sorry.
Uh never mind.
I was 18 when he first called me to his office.
There's a part of me that keeps asking myself "Why didn't you say anything when he touched you? Why did you sign the contract afterwards?" You were young.
And Charles preyed on that.
When I came to that Midtown launch party, it was to spit in his face.
Then I saw a woman was in charge and all the talent that's here.
If I speak out you lose all that.
This is bigger than the label.
It's time to stop being afraid.
You know you can't be out here.
Look, I'm sorry about what Andy said.
That was messed up.
But we need to talk.
You know, I-I was thinking about going to that ball that Miss Bruce is really excited about.
Do you want to go? Simone, I'm not going to no ball.
What's going on with you? I I don't know.
- I don't want to talk about it.
- Hey, hey, hey.
- Hey, hey, come on, hey.
- No, no, no, no, stop.
- Hey, come on.
- Stop.
Hey, stop! - I'm sorry.
- What are you doing? You don't get it, Angel.
- Because you won't talk to me! - [SIRENS WAIL.]
What is going on here? You been drinking, young man? Look at me.
No, sir.
Ma'am, are you okay? - I'm-I'm fine.
- Let me see some ID.
Come on.
Rivera.
I'm gonna run a background check.
Wait here.
All right, ma'am.
I need you to sit right there.
- I - Sit down.
SIMONE: This really isn't necessary.
OFFICER: Come here.
- All right.
- Okay.
I'll sit you down, right here on this curb, okay? Yeah, no problem.
Here we go.
No moving.
Stay right here.
If you're orchestrating things in your favor, then Maurice, you know what it is.
I position your artists so that Sound House takes notice and I get a little something extra along the way.
Kickbacks from a private security team? Maurice, don't act surprised.
Look, I know what we agreed to.
Now, I'm trying to do the best for my artists long-term.
- I don't want Carlotta hurt.
- NATALIE: Before I came along, they were playing second-rate clubs in Atlanta.
Now look.
Yeah, I know.
So, then don't come for me like this when I can think of so many better ways.
[SIREN WAILS.]
You're good to go.
- Thank you.
- Let's go.
All right, listen.
Come here, both of you.
If you guys are gonna get in big fights like that again, you keep it out of the streets.
You understand? Adios, Rivera.
SIMONE: Angel.
Are you okay? I'm sorry.
If they were working for ICE, I'd be put in the back of a cop car and you'd never see me again.
Look, I didn't mean for things to get out of hand like that.
Angel, please.
You don't unders I'm not playing games with you, okay? If you don't want to be with me, then just say it.
All right.
ALEXANDRA: You go, boy.
- That was a bold move.
Yeah - WOMAN [MOANING.]
: Oh, Roland.
[ROLAND AND WOMAN MOANING.]
Oh, my God.
Is that the sex tape? I want to see what was worth destroying my marriage.
Noah, I've got to go.
Look, what we're not about to do is this.
That's sick, Mom.
What's sick is that that boy snuck out of this hotel without telling you.
That's because I'm babysitting your ass.
He is already lying, just like your father.
God, you and Dad are so messed up.
You messed me up.
Stop expecting me to fail at everything just because you did.
I did fail and I gave up my life for a man that disrespected me over and over.
Mom, I'm not you.
No, you're not.
You're my beautiful, strong girl.
I'll never be as strong as you.
I'm not drinking anymore, but I'm still addicted to your father.
- Get up.
We're going out.
- We're on lockdown.
Have you ever been to a ball before? What kind of ball? Let's go.
JACKSON: I know we got some time to kill.
I got a bootleg of Black Panther.
- Of course you do.
- ANGEL: Let's watch it.
Everybody is over at Miss Bruce's ball.
Yeah, I'm definitely not going to that.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
What up? - Any word on the lockdown? - Nah.
Yeah, but I heard you performed at that gay bar, though.
Oh, you still want to go at it? What's up? Okay, y'all have to dead this now.
It's not cool that we're all on tour with each other and that you guys keep having beef.
Fix it.
I shouldn't have said that about your father, bro.
I crossed the line.
How is this even still a thing? Why do we call people gay like it's a bad thing? Why you acting like it's such a mystery? It's been like that.
Well, it ain't got to be like that.
So, if you're so politically correct, why your ass ain't down there at the drag ball? Body like wow, 'bout to end this drought So plentiful, fish queen jezebel, should be criminal Don't make sense for a to be this endowed North to the south, what is that sound? Watch me drop, drop, drop it to the ground Wait for the four, drop to the floor Add up the tens to get the score I been that yes, I love that drama Fishy feminine up-and-comer From the Clintons to the Obamas I keep it tight, now they call me mother Jaded queen I love that drama Fishy feminine up-and-comer Look at that smoke.
[LAUGHS.]
What's your deal? Where your man at? Lord.
Trouble in Chocolate City.
Hey, let me get give me, uh, give me two shots of brown.
Listen.
Ain't no man, ain't no bomb threat, no nothing about to hold us down.
Not this weekend.
Bitch, it's pride.
You're supposed to be carrying.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, brrr, rat-tat-tat Hey.
Hey, grumpy girl.
Where's Angel? He ain't talking to me.
Why? He wants us to have sex.
With a freaky money, click-clack, ow.
He thinks it's my first time.
Simone.
I-I just don't want him to see me as broken, you know what I'm saying? I just can't tell him about Otis.
Hey.
You joined us.
Hey.
Hi.
Look who's here.
- Oh, my - Ladies.
- Glad you're here.
- Yeah.
Mom, you've got to chill.
I'm just saying, it's not ideal.
This is gonna be fun.
I promise.
MISS BRUCE: All right, everybody, look.
The bomb threat is over.
The festival is still on tomorrow, so let the good times roll, baby.
[WHOOPING.]
Yes! Yo, this means we're performing tomorrow.
- Hell yeah.
Let's do this.
- I want to dance.
Let's go, come on, let's go.
Let's dance.
Mom, you coming? God, no.
Are you kidding me? Fine, then.
I'll dance for your scared ass.
Ooh, yeah Step right up in my face Yeah, yeah, yeah - Oh - Step right up in my face - I, mmm - Step right up in my face Fancy me I thought I had my degree In life And how love Ought to be run Taught me Who was, who was the boss Mmm, yeah Ooh Yeah, yeah I could tempt, touch, delight Just because you fell for me Why should I feel uptight? Love had to show me one thing I was so right, so right Thought I could turn emotions On and off I was so sure, sure - That love - That love - Taught me - Oh Who was, who was the boss Ooh, mmm Who was, who was the boss Oh Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Who was, who was the boss Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Who was, who was the boss.
[CHEERING.]
Hey.
[CHUCKLES.]
I thought you was gonna stay out later with the girls.
Um, you know, Miss Carlotta says she got a call from sponsors tonight.
They heard my performance is back on.
Mmm.
Oh, darling Mrs.
Crane.
Oh, hey, wait a minute, Mrs.
Crane.
Where do you think my daughter learned it from? Mm.
- Whoa, Mrs.
Crane.
- [GIGGLES.]
Oh, Alex, it's not what you think.
It's not what you think.
ALEXANDRA: Yeah, I know.
This is just what she does.
No good.
Put your clothes on, Mom.
I'm so sorry, darling.
I'm going to get sober in a minute.
- Now! - I'm no good.
Mom, you need to get out.
Get out! [MOANS, GRUMBLES.]
Oh.
Hey.
Are you okay? Old man Floyd.
You ever had any run-ins with him? Not with him.
Ayanna wants me to tell my story, but I don't want people looking at me like I'm a victim.
GiGi can't go out like that.
Well, GiGi could talk about it and let girls know that they ain't alone.
'Cause that's what it feels like.
It feels like you're the only one and it's somehow your fault, - but it ain't.
- But it ain't.
[CRIES.]
Time's up, bitch.
[PHONE CHIMES.]
To be honest, I really don't know if I'm doing this right.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
I feel like you are doing it right.
We're gonna find out.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
I like being home.
Hmm.
You talk to your mom? I can't right now.
[SIGHS.]
Come here.
Hey, y'all.
- Hey.
- Hey, Miss C.
The sponsor called.
So, they're ready to make an offer? Well, actually they did, but not to you.
Somebody else caught their eye.
You, at the ball.
- It went viral.
- [NOAH CHUCKLES.]
- What? - That's awesome.
What? - But what about Noah? - What about Noah? This is amazing.
You-you have to take it.
- Okay.
- CARLOTTA: All right.
I'll call Principal Sportswear, let 'em know you're in.
- You want to eavesdrop? - Yeah.
[LAUGHS.]
Okay.
All right.
All right.
Are you sure? Yes.
Yes, I'm very sure.
Okay.
- I'll be right back.
- All right.
- [SQUEALS.]
- [LAUGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Look at you.
That's a lot of new stuff.
Yeah.
Bo say he can hook us up with some free cable.
My lawyer said my settlement check came, like, two weeks ago.
I was just trying to spruce the place up a bit around here.
With my money? I took you in, raised you, washed your dirty, crippled ass, let your hoochie mama move in my house, and you call it your money? Look like the cripple ain't so crippled no more, huh? I got to move out.
You can have the money.
Come on, dear.
Come on.
Come on, you can stay.
I can't! And you and I both know that.
I guess I have a bit of a trust issue.
Why don't you give me that music you wanted Maurice to hear? I'm not gonna throw a listening party or anything, but I'll pass it on.
Are you gonna listen to it? Mm-mm.
I can't.
Why? The sex is too good.
What if the music sucks? [SIGHS.]
That New Orleans gig wore a brother out.
The girls were fire, though.
They were.
I've been thinking about Natalie, how she been hooking us all up.
You know, bigger gigs, private security.
She keeps her clients happy.
She keeps herself happy.
You're something else, man.
Carlotta, what are you talking about? Just once I want somebody to take care of me.
I had Ayanna check into this expensive security firm, and guess who owns it.
Your girl is getting kickbacks.
And I bet you're wondering why I'm coming for you like this when you can think of so many other ways.
Carlotta Keep that bitch.
[GRUNTS.]
[SIGHS.]
What if he never wants to be in my life? Listen, I got a long list of people who have written me off, and you used to be on it.
Right? But, hey, I kept trying.
And look where we are now.
Hmm? You got to try, Arnold.
That's so not funny.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Gramps.
Hey.
Hey.
You can't be my dad.
All of my friends will laugh at me.
I know you had a certain picture in your mind of what a dad would be.
But maybe we can make a different picture.
I'm gonna tell my mom that I don't want to come here anymore.
[GRUNTING.]
Jayden? - Jayden? - Jayden, what's hap? Hey.
Jayden, can you hear me? Call 911.
Go.
Hey, listen.
Get 911 now! All right, take it easy, all right, it's gonna be all right.