Nashville s04e15 Episode Script
When There’s a Fire in Your Heart
1 - Previously on "Nashville" - That's Autumn Chase.
Bucky: Rayna heard she was looking for a opening act.
What do you mean, she picked us? Well, she came to see Layla.
Maddie: I keep thinking I shouldn't have broken up with him.
Maybe something's wrong.
Putting your feelings down on paper makes it easier.
Deacon: I'm sure everybody's heard about Vita's disappearance.
The police are on it.
I want justice for all of them.
I'm gonna do something.
What would you think about coming out of retirement and going on the road with me? I'd like you to come back to Wheelin' Dealin' Records.
Juliette: I apologize.
I shouldn't have signed on to do this movie.
I need to be with my daughter right now.
Gunnar: Do you see all those trucks out there? She must have like 20 semis.
Yeah, Autumn doesn't do out-and-back tours.
Everything goes with her.
- You okay? - Mm.
Yeah, she's just nervous about re-meeting Autumn Chase.
How many words did you say to her the other night? Seven? 10.
And shut up.
You'd freak out if you met James Taylor.
[Laughs.]
Yeah, that's 'cause he's James Taylor.
Exactly.
She's Autumn Chase.
Right, not James Taylor.
So, we got to fix that.
Oh, hey! - Yay! You guys are here! - Hi.
Everybody, allow me to introduce The Exes, otherwise known as Scarlett O'Connor - and Gunnar Scott.
- Man: Hey.
- Hey.
- Hi.
[Giggles.]
Welcome to my tour! - Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Good to see you.
- You too.
Y'all are gonna love these two as much as I do.
There is a lot of talent right here.
Thank you.
[Chuckles.]
You guys grab a seat.
We're doing this weekly tour meeting, which you should absolutely be a part of.
- That is what I love about her.
- Yeah, so, as I was saying Well, she is certainly charming.
I'll give her that.
She's really amazing.
I want to be up on that stage within 15 minutes of The Exes' bow.
Got that? 15 minutes That's the goal.
Um, one more thing.
Danny, how long have you been with me now? Six weeks.
That's long enough for you to figure out where you need to be during my set, but every time I turn around to get a guitar, you're not there.
Grab your gear.
We're gonna get you a flight back to Nashville, okay? I'm sorry, dude.
All right, thanks, everybody.
See you later.
- See ya.
- Bye.
Yeah, she's, uh amazing, all right.
Dr.
Kitley: How do you feel about the headlines? Well, the studio's suing me.
But it's the best decision I could have made.
I get to see Cadence now whenever I want.
That's what matters.
How are things between you and Avery? They're good.
They're all right.
When we talk, we don't talk for very long, and we only talk about Cadence.
Um guess that's the most you can expect from an ex.
Sounds like you're in a good place.
What's got you so antsy? I miss working.
I miss not the movie or anything like that, but being onstage and performing and recording.
What would it take to get back to it? Where would you start? I have no idea.
My old manager, Glenn, he handled all the strategies and that kind of stuff.
So why not go see him? You had your meeting with that charity yesterday? - Oh, yeah, FosterMore.
- How'd it go? So great.
They are doing amazing work for these at-risk kids.
Here in Nashville, all over the place.
Yeah? What'd you promise them? [Both chuckle.]
Well, let's see.
Um Brad Paisley fell out of a fundraiser they got coming up.
I said I would take his place.
And then I was thinking let's do a big show, you know? I could put a concert together with a bunch of friends, raise a whole bunch of money.
It's not gonna help Vita, unfortunately, but it'll help a lot of kids.
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do.
- Well, thank you.
- You got it.
[Maddie clears throat.]
- [Chuckling.]
Hi, honey.
- Hi.
I hear you got a day off school today.
What are you gonna do with it? Me and Cash are just gonna write.
Nothing really exciting.
How you doing today with the breakup and everything? I'm doing fine, honestly.
I mean, it sucked, but at the end of the day, Colt just wasn't my guy, you know? Sounds like you've thought it through.
Yeah.
Cash helped.
We wrote about it.
Yeah, it's a good way to process it all.
Mm-hmm.
[Chuckling.]
What? You're growing up.
Yeah.
Going in today to talk about the launch plan.
I'm still kind of amazed it all happened.
Yeah.
Everything sounds perfect for you.
I'm sorry.
I-I didn't mean it like that.
I'm just frustrated.
Avery has no time for me now that Juliette's back in town, so I feel like my album's at a standstill.
Are they, like, hanging out again or something? They're hardly talking, actually.
Not everybody has a great relationship with their ex.
Well, Scarlett and Gunnar do.
I was literally all set to go on tour with Autumn, and they just swooped in.
They didn't exactly swoop.
Look, I still feel like I got screwed.
I mean, Glenn and Highway 65 aren't doing anything for me.
I just I don't get it.
Jeff always got things done.
Well, Jeff wasn't exactly ethical.
He did whatever it took to win, but Glenn's not like that.
Yeah, he's not.
[Scoffs.]
Which is a good thing.
Because it's aboveboard and honest, right? Of course.
[Chuckles.]
How you been doing? Good.
Real good.
Can I get you something? - No, I'm I'm fine.
- All right.
Look, I just, um I just wanted to thank you for what you did for my dad.
Nothing he wouldn't have done for me.
Thank you for everything you're doing for Maddie.
Oh, she is one talented girl.
And I just want to make sure that she reaches her full potential.
Well, we're on the same page there.
She's waiting for you.
Hey.
Talia said that Colt joined the Army.
And he didn't call and tell you? No.
Wow.
I'd be pretty mad about that.
I'm more jealous than anything.
I mean, not the fact that he joined the Army, but just that he can make his own choices in life.
Look, feeling trapped sucks.
But maybe it'll make good fodder for a song.
What is the point of writing any if no one will ever hear them outside of this room? Look, I thought the same way when I was your age.
I wanted to get in front of people so badly that I actually snuck out and played cafés.
Wait.
What if I do that, too? Oh, no, Maddie.
I didn't tell you that to encourage you.
I mean, what would your parents do? No, they don't have to find out.
If I don't get out on a stage with my own music soon Cash, it is killing me.
Please.
These are the quarterly numbers for us to go over with the accountants.
Really? Yes, we are in the black.
Yay.
But we're gonna have to move some funds around to cover payroll and pension contributions.
What? Well, you know all this spreadsheets and whatnot not exactly my favorite part of the process.
Well, I hear you, but they are giving you a pretty great second chapter.
Or, at least, so says Businessweek.
Hits newsstands today.
You have officially arrived, Madame CEO.
I-I feel like that makes it sound like there was some first chapter that's over.
Well, I thought last week you liked it better than the "Rayna Jaymes: Musician to Mogul" thing.
Well, yeah, it's better than that, but But what? Nothing.
What else we got going on? Uh, well, we're all set to fly to Dallas tonight for The Exes' first show with Autumn.
Okay, good.
And what's happening with Layla? And that's where my news gets bad.
Unfortunately, I can't find a tour for her.
So I thought maybe we go smaller, something regional.
We can't do that.
That's gonna underserve the album.
And we've got to really launch this thing in the right way.
Well, I can keep calling, but I've talked to every active tour out there.
Maybe we need to think outside the box a little bit.
I mean, we do know an artist who has a very devoted fan base.
Who's that? Me.
Hi.
Sorry to just stop by.
What are you doing here? I was hoping that I could talk to you.
Look, I'm sorry.
I got a meeting right now.
Glenn.
Please.
I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, and I haven't been the most professional, but I promise you I will be your dream client from now on.
Juliette, look.
The truth is two of us the last few years, we weren't a great team.
You fired and rehired me every couple of months, we were rarely on the same page, it was one crisis after the next.
- I can be different.
- No, no, no.
I'm not what you need.
Go get a fresh start with somebody else.
You're gonna wind up someplace great.
You want to put together a tour for you and Layla over the next few weeks.
I kind of feel like we're out of options.
You know, we could tie it to the charity concert, and then I just go out with Layla from there.
Right, but there's no way we can put together a full tour on such short notice.
We could do 10 dates in major markets, and that would launch the album.
It'd be a crazy schedule, assuming there are openings a lot a cross-country hops.
Why don't we just push Layla's album launch? We can get a tour in six months.
After all this momentum that we've built? We've been working so hard.
We've got radio so excited about her, prime placement in stores.
[Sighs.]
Do you really want to be gone right now? I thought you wanted to be at home as much as possible through the end of the school year.
I did, but I feel like things at home have calmed down a little bit, and I just feel like we need to do this Layla, you know? She needs it, and we're making it happen for The Exes.
We got to do the same for her.
All right.
I'll make the calls.
Good.
Tour's looking great.
We got sold-out shows all the way till the end of the run.
And you weren't a fan of bringing Riff on.
Carol! [Chuckling.]
Well, I stand corrected.
You know what we should do We should definitely capitalize on the exposure we're generating and maybe add one of your baby artists to open for y'all.
That's a great idea.
I'll, uh, I'll pick one tonight and have them join us at the re-launch at the Bridgestone tomorrow.
Thank you.
Well, I urge you to consider an artist who's close to launching an album, not someone new to the label.
By which, you mean Will Lexington.
Look, I like the kid just fine.
I-It's just gonna be an uphill battle to launch him.
Yeah, don't worry.
I won't put him on the bill yet, but he is in the family now, which means you need to get on board.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Am I interrupting? No, no, Will.
Come on in.
Just straightening a few things out.
- We clear, Kenneth? - We are.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Hey, Will.
Sorry.
Have a seat.
Thank you so much for squeezing us in before I head out on the road tomorrow.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah, no.
No worries.
So, listen I talked to my team about you coming back into the fold.
Yeah, I'm guessing they weren't too excited to hear you re-signed me.
Doesn't matter what they think.
It matters what I think.
The way I see it, you are an amazing artist.
Period, end of story.
Your music is the selling point.
Thank you.
Now, I was going back through your songs, and, uh, some of the tracks still need some work.
Yeah, sure.
I know y'all broke up, but I'm hoping you'd be amenable to working with Kevin on this.
Would that be weird? Uh, no, no.
Not at all.
- You sure, Will? - Yeah, you know what? I had breakfast with Layla this morning.
If I can get along with my ex-wife, I can definitely work with Kevin.
It'd be good to see him.
Yeah, great, Will.
Thank you so much.
I talked to the guy afterwards.
He was nice.
He said he'd only ever screwed up once, but she fired him anyway.
[Sighs.]
See, this is why you should never meet your idols.
They're never as cool as you want them to be.
Except James Taylor.
I'm sure he's awesome.
Well, that was demeaning firing a person in front of everybody like that.
I didn't expect that from her.
Scarlett.
It's not exactly out of character.
How do you think you got this gig? She fired her last opening act.
- Seriously? What for? - Yeah.
I don't know.
I don't care.
The important thing is that she doesn't fire The Exes.
So, how about y'all do me a favor and don't piss her off? When have I ever pissed anyone off? - Lately.
- Okay, look Just be cool.
You have a single launching tomorrow, and this tour is getting you in front of the biggest audience of your career.
[Both sigh.]
Now, Autumn's gonna have dinner with you before the show, okay? So whatever she says, whatever she thinks, whatever she feels, the answer is "Yes.
" You got it? Yes.
All right.
Billy's in if you are.
It's Skull's Rainbow Room super-underground.
Well, that's good.
Then there's no way my parents have ever heard of it.
So, what do you think? You want to do this? I'm in.
You talk to Billy, and I will handle my parents.
Come on in! Hey.
Sorry I've been a little AWOL lately.
We still on for this afternoon? No, actually, I have to cancel.
I'm sorry.
Um, something's come up.
I think I have a lead on a tour.
But I'll call you later? Cool.
Let me know how it goes.
- Hi.
- Hey.
I thought you weren't coming by for Cadence until later.
I found her pacifier in the car, and I knew that she would want it, so Ah, okay.
Is there something else? Does Glenn hate me? [Chuckles.]
Where is this coming from? Well, I stopped by his office to apologize, and I was really professional and mature, and he wanted nothing to do with me.
Were you honest with him about why you want to have him back? Well, it's obvious he's the best manager in town, and I want to get back to work Come on.
There are a lot of great managers in town.
That's That's not why.
Fine.
I've I've been with him since I was 14, and I don't know how to do this without him.
Why is it so hard for you to admit when you need people? You know what? It doesn't even matter, 'cause he hates me, so He doesn't hate you, Juliette.
I think that you hurt him, and he's protecting himself.
Well, I think I'm just gonna let it go.
Really? The Juliette I used to know [Chuckles.]
wouldn't take "No" for an answer.
Well, the Juliette you used to know did some terrible things, and, uh, people didn't like her very much.
That's not true.
I mean, she was challenging.
Don't get me wrong.
But she was also passionate, and there was a lot to love about her.
Yeah? All I'm saying is that if it's important for Glenn to hear the truth, then you should make him hear it.
Don't give up.
Will you help me? What did you have in mind? I don't know.
Maybe something the old Juliette would approve of.
- Well, looky here.
- Hey.
That's a sight I ain't seen in a long time.
I know.
[Sighs.]
I had an idea for a lyric, and I thought, "I'd better write it down before it's gone.
" Aren't you going to Dallas? Yeah, in a bit, um - And, hey, come here.
- What? Next time I get on a plane, you're coming with me.
Oh, yeah? [Chuckles.]
For what? The charity show? For that, and also, uh we couldn't find a major tour for Layla, and so I'm taking her out on tour with me so we can get her album launched.
Wait, wait, wait.
You're going on tour? Yeah, and I want you to come with us.
That's the whole point.
Well, I don't see how that can happen, Rayna.
I mean, I got the girls here.
Somebody's got to be here I talked to Tandy.
She would love to come stay with them.
It's only 10 dates.
Yeah, well, I got The Beverly, too.
I mean, I can't just You're telling me Frankie can't take care of The Beverly? - Well - 10 dates.
I don't know, sweetie.
I guess maybe I've been seeing myself more as, you know, a dad and the business owner and Even hearing that come out of my mouth sounds a little weird, so, yeah.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Won't it be great to get back up onstage together? Yeah, it will.
[Footsteps approaching.]
Hey.
Hey.
Congrats on re-signing with Wheelin' Dealin'.
[Chuckles.]
You look good.
So do you.
[Cellphone ringing.]
Uh This'll be just a sec.
- Oh, yeah.
- I'm sorry.
[Chuckles.]
Hey.
Yeah, I can pick up the wine.
Do you want that Pinot we had the other night? Yeah, me too.
Sorry about that.
New boyfriend? Um yeah.
I-I know it seems fast No, y-you don't have to explain anything about your life to me.
We're just here to work, so let's work.
Just make sure everyone's there.
[Sighs.]
Bringing in everyone like this last-minute is gonna cost a lot of money.
Well, if it works, it's money well spent.
I hate all of this.
Please call in my wardrobe people.
They'll charge you double the rate.
I don't care about the money, Emily! This is happening! [Sighs.]
Sorry to snap at you.
Just get on board, please.
Do you, uh, maybe want to call Dr.
Kitley to talk about this? No.
I'm gonna do this my way.
Daphne: It's so cool Mom's letting us play that charity event next week.
Yeah, it'll be something.
So, Dad, I just found out that Cash is performing at this coffee house tonight in East Nashville.
Is it cool if I go? You gonna be home by your curfew? Yes.
I'm excellent at telling time.
[Chuckles.]
And this coffeehouse They serve alcohol? No.
They serve coffee.
[Chuckles.]
Really? It's a coffeehouse? Yes, it's a coffeehouse.
Hmm.
I told you I'd tell you all about it when we go shopping tomorrow, right? Right, right.
At Two Old Hippies.
You said you'd buy me something.
So, Dad, what do you think? Can I go? Please? Autumn: I felt bad about ditching Layla, but the minute I heard you guys, I just had to have you.
Well, we were stunned to get the call.
I mean, we still can't believe we're here.
So, how did you guys meet? We worked at The Bluebird together.
Oh, yeah, of course.
Two young dreamers teaming up to conquer the world.
Well, actually, Gunnar was more the dreamer.
I was just writing poetry back then.
Oh.
You're a poet.
How did you make the switch into songwriting? Uh, he surprised me one day and put one of my poems to music.
So you're the musician of the group.
Oh.
[Chuckles.]
I mean, I wouldn't say that, exactly.
And then you guys dated, right? 'Cause you are The Exes, after all.
- Uh, y-yes.
Yeah.
- Was it serious? Mm! It was so serious! I can see.
You guys live together? Uh, yeah, we did.
Yeah, we were friends first and then roommates.
And then you weren't.
So, who broke up with whom? You know, really, it's all just water under the bridge.
It was you, wasn't it, Scarlett? Guys never move fast enough, do they? You just got tired of waiting for him Oh, no, actually, it wasn't anything like that at all.
You guys! Dish, okay? We're sitting here, it's just the three of us.
We're trying to get to know each other.
I'm asking you what happened.
Tell me the story.
How did it end? [Chuckling.]
Um I proposed.
And, uh, she turned me down.
But it was But it was for the right reasons.
- Wow.
- [Chuckles.]
That's unbelievable.
You're in a band with the girl who turned down your proposal? The life and times of the weekend drifter - [Knock on door.]
- [Music stops.]
What is it, Carol? It's not Carol.
Do you have a minute to talk? [Voice breaking.]
It's been so hard.
I've been so lost ever since Jeff died.
I do my best to keep going, but I can't even imagine.
[Sniffles.]
You were so good to me, flying me home and everything.
Oh, it was the least I could do.
And I I still wish I could have done more.
Maybe you can.
I'm gonna be honest, Luke.
I want to be your opener for this tour.
I'm sorry.
I'm not sure I understand.
I need to promote my first album so I can get my second one out, but there aren't any other openings on any tours.
And, uh what's Rayna think about this? She doesn't even know that I'm here.
[Chuckles.]
I really need this, Luke.
[Liquid pours.]
I feel for you, Layla, I really do, but, uh my people want me to bring on a Wheelin' Dealin' artist, so I get it.
It's better for your company.
But I'm asking you to step up for me, put business aside.
Layla.
You were in Atlanta when Jeff died.
I mean, you know what happened in a way that nobody else does.
[Voice breaking.]
Look, I have nobody else to turn to.
[Sniffles.]
Can you please just help me get my life back on track? [Sighs.]
I'm sorry I just can't remember if we talked to her about anything other than our messy past.
She asked you about your songwriting.
Oh, which she blew right by, insinuating that I'm just some poet, that I've never written a song on my own before.
Well, I don't think you're just a poet.
Well, you really jumped to my defense in there, didn't you? Wait, w-why am I suddenly the bad guy here? I was just doing what Noel told us to do keep her happy.
I mean, look, we know where we stand with each other, all right? Who cares what she wants to focus on? As long as it's good for the band.
You think that's good for the band? Well, I think staying on this tour and not pissing Autumn off is good for the band, yeah.
She's just taking an interest in us, you know? Come on, Scarlett.
This is a huge opportunity for us.
So can you just let it go, please? - [Knock on door.]
- Come in.
- Hey, you two.
- Hey! - How's it going? - Good, good.
- How you doing? - I'm good.
Hi.
- So good to see you.
- You too.
How's it all being going with Autumn? Uh, yeah, she's she's fantastic, right? - Yeah? - Yeah, she's great.
Everything is great.
- Oh, hey! - Rayna: There she is.
Hey, hon.
Oh! You sent me a couple of winners, Rayna.
Oh, I know I did.
I know.
She is the, uh, the best label head in town, so - [Chuckles.]
- Thank you.
These guys have got the most incredible history together.
You know what I love the best? They're just the most amazing storytellers.
That single I swear, I can't get it out of my head.
Oh, well, that was all Scarlett, actually, yeah lyrics and music.
Well, it definitely wouldn't be what it is without Gunnar, so Well, I am just glad we all found each other.
[Laughter.]
'Cause I really do think this is gonna do great things for y'all.
[Music ends, cheers and applause.]
Our next guest is a very special last-minute - Thanks for coming.
- Hey, anytime you tell me there's a new talent I should see, I am there.
[Laughing.]
Yeah.
- What'd you say this girl's name was? - I didn't.
Juliette Barnes! [Cheers and applause.]
Did you two cook this up just to trick me? Just stay.
Hear her out.
Who knows? You might kick yourself later if you don't.
How's everybody doing? [Cheers and applause.]
Oh, thank you.
It's such an honor to be here.
It's been a rough year, and I'm just so grateful that y'all are still here for me.
- [Cheers and applause.]
- I don't need to watch her suck up adoration from people she doesn't even know.
- I've seen that before.
- Wait.
But there are other people that I need in my corner.
People that I couldn't have done any of this without.
People I wouldn't want to do any of this without.
And I have never been good at telling people how I feel when I should, so I want to dedicate this song to the man that I've always thought of as my father, and every word of it is the truth.
[Cheers and applause.]
Every story's got a bad guy leaves a trail behind Everybody's got a sad song, and this one's mine Somebody caught red-handed, holding a smoking gun And to tell the truth, I always knew I'd be the one But you You left a hole in the world where the rain gets in Probably never gonna be the same again Yeah, yeah You You left a hole in the world where the love fell through In the shape of a heart that's broken in two Yeah, yeah Yooooooou Oooh I had always been the outlaw, riding into the sun I'm gonna head out.
Never stopped to think about all the damage done No, I'm no Calamity Jane No, I ain't that tough I knew love had a price, but I didn't realize how much Hey, gang.
It's time to travel.
Bucky: All right.
Great show, guys.
- Gunnar: Thanks, man.
- Thank you.
Here we go.
Yeah.
Uh, one second.
Oh.
All right, I'll catch up with y'all.
- Okay.
- What's up? So, uh, I just called Layla to tell her about the tour, and apparently, she's not available.
What?! Before I could even tell her what we had planned, she tells me she's got herself booked on Luke Wheeler's tour.
- How'd that happen? - I have no idea.
Was she planning on discussing this with us, or? Well, I don't know, but it's great news, right? We needed her on a tour.
Now she's on a tour.
And you don't have to go out anymore.
I have to admit, I feel a little gut-punched.
Well, Layla didn't know we were trying to put something together.
You know, it's not just Layla.
It's Juliette and Sadie and Markus and I just feel like I pour my heart and soul into these artists, and it's all for nothing.
But now you have The Exes and you have Layla, and things are going well.
Look, Ray, I know this hasn't been an easy ride for you, but you pushed Markus to a platinum single, your label is about to launch two stellar albums, you're on the cover of Businessweek.
Highway 65 is a success.
That's due to you.
I mean, this is as good as it gets.
Look, we shouldn't do this right now.
Got to go support my artists.
It makes no sense.
It does to me, and that's all that matters here.
Why would we take a Highway 65 artist out on the road instead of one of our own? Why? Because, despite the way that you think, there's more to this job than just business.
[Sighs.]
Hey.
- Oh, hi! - Oh, hey! Y'all are gonna knock it out of the park! - Thank you! - Thank you.
- ANNOUNCER: Dallas, welcome The Exes! - [Giggles.]
- You ready? - Thank you.
Yes.
Let's go.
Let's do it.
[Cheers and applause.]
Hello, Dallas! How you doing? [Cheers and applause.]
Hey, we're The Exes, and we got a great show for y'all.
We are so excited to be here in the great state of Texas.
[Cheers and applause.]
Come on, Daphne.
You're not the only one living here.
Got to clean up after yourself, sweetie.
Okay, I'll do it when I'm done.
Or you could do it now.
That's not fair.
God, I get in trouble for every stupid little thing, when Maddie gets away with everything! What are you talking about? What is Maddie getting away with? Daphne! Cash: So, what did you tell your parents? That we're at a coffeehouse.
Nothing too dangerous about coffee, right? Billy.
Hey.
This is my girl Maddie.
Hey.
She's only 16? She's not 16.
Tonight, she's 21, right? Right.
Thank you, Juliette.
Juliette! Yeah? Woman: Juliette! Juliette: I'm just gonna need a second, guys.
Well.
That was a great performance.
It wasn't an act.
I'm so sorry.
I treated you terribly, and you were just trying to help me.
[Crying.]
And I know that I let you down.
Juliette, it's okay.
No, it's not okay.
It's not okay.
Because I miss you.
I need you.
My life has kept going.
You know? I'm repping Layla Grant now.
I can't just drop her as a client because you come knocking at my door.
It's not about that.
It's not about that.
My life is not the life that I want to live without you.
So, please, even you can't be my manager, just please tell me that you'll be in my life.
Maybe I can do both.
Really? I missed you.
[Sighs.]
[Rock music playing, indistinct conversations.]
Hi.
Hey.
I haven't seen you here before.
It's my first time.
I'm Cash's friend.
[Chuckling.]
Okay.
Well, any friend of Cash is always welcome here.
She's a cool lady.
She is that.
So can I buy you a drink? Um I'm good.
Yeah.
Of course.
I'll take a Bitter Hudson.
Well [Sighs.]
I think Luke will be happy with these fixes.
You're upset I'm dating someone.
None of my business.
Come on.
I know you better than that.
Remember? Well, then you already know I think it sucks.
We just broke up, and you've already moved on.
Well, what was I supposed to do, Will? Wait for you to stop hating me? Everything that happened to you was my fault, wasn't it? So why do you even care? Look, I know I know I implied that.
But I was wrong.
The whole thing was It was new and confusing.
And And I'm not proud of how I dealt with everything.
But I've grown a lot.
I heard about what happened to you at that bar.
I was impressed you went back and stood up for yourself.
Well, it seemed like the right thing to do.
Seemed like something you would do.
I learned a lot from you, Kevin.
I'm sorry that I hadn't been able to say that till now.
I guess sometimes the person we learn the most from isn't the person we get to end up with.
Well, I should get going.
I care about you moving on because I loved you.
I loved you, too.
[Door opens, closes.]
[Cheers and applause.]
Thanks a lot, Dallas! - Let's hear it one more time for The Exes! - Listen, I-I'm sorry about earlier.
I didn't mean to downplay what you were feeling about Autumn.
Oh, don't worry about it.
I thought about it and just let it go.
You sure? Yeah, our future's more important than picking a fight with her 'cause she only wants to talk about our past.
[Chuckles.]
We've come a long way since that duet at The Bluebird, haven't we? - Little bit.
[Chuckles.]
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hi! How's it going up here? - Autumn puts on quite a show.
- Yeah, she does.
- Y'all were awesome! - Thank you.
- Great show, guys.
- Thanks.
So, without further ado, let's give a big Dallas welcome to my friend the one, the only Rayna Jaymes! - [Cheers and applause.]
- I was feeling a little rusty.
[Laughter.]
[Chanting "Rayna!".]
[Applause.]
Thank yo Okay, okay.
Stop.
I am not performing tonight.
- [Audience groans.]
- But a good friend of mine is, so, ladies and gentlemen, Maddie.
[Cheers and applause.]
Hey, y'all.
Um, I want to thank Cash for inviting me, and thanks to Billy for giving me this shot.
I'm a wild card I'm a sweetheart I got a fever in my blood, oh, oh I'm a bullet I'm a woman And I ain't afraid of a little mud [Audience cheers.]
Don't underestimate me Yeah, I'm a little crazy No, I ain't no one's baby Baby I'm a bad girl, I'm a real bad girl Gonna shoot 'em up, pop, pop Hit you where it hurts so hard I'm a wild card [Audience cheers.]
I'm a slick chick, I'm a real slick chick Gonna hit the gas, drop top Leave you in the dust so hard I'm a wild card [Wolf-whistle.]
I make trouble And I hustle Where there's fire, I feed the flame, oh, oh Never gonna catch me no, oh, oh Never gonna wear that halo, and you know I like to play those games - Get of off her! Get of off her! - Dad! Dad! - She's 16 years old! - Back off, man! - You back off! - What are you doing here? - Take it off.
Take off the guitar.
- No, no, no, no.
Stop.
- Take off the guitar, Maddie.
Take it off.
- Please! Maddie, take the guitar off - Hey, leave her alone, man! - Get off of me! Get going! You're done! - You lied to me! - Don't touch me! - Get on! Come on! - Get off me! [Maddie crying.]
Deacon, wait! You want to tell me what the hell you think you're doing here with her? Look, I'm sorry, but I was just I was supporting my friend.
Really? In a bar full of men? - That's how you support your friend? - And women.
This is a music venue, not a strip club, okay? She's 16 years old, Cash! She's a child! She's my child, all right?! You got no right to take her anywhere, least of all some bar where she's up onstage so she can What? What, so she can thrive? So she can bloom? You don't even know her! I mean, do you even understand how talented she is? Yeah, I do! She's more talented than I was Well, that's why I'm trying to help her, instead of standing in her way, like you do! You need to back off.
No! No, I am not gonna abandon her, not when she needs me! Not now, not ever! You listen to me.
I've known your daddy a long time, but you need to stay the hell away from my daughter, or you will regret it.
[Car door opens.]
Rayna: I'm looking for A highly understated A little downgraded They don't make 'em like they used to Rough around the edges Nothin' too impressive Bona fide attributes I'd rather hang around some sleepy little town For the taste for the unrefined If you want the high life Take mine [Women shouting.]
[Song ends, cheers and applause.]
Hey.
You took off so quickly, I didn't get a chance to say thank you.
You didn't have to come all the way over here just to say that.
I know.
I'm trying to practice telling the people who are important to me the things they should hear.
So just shut up and let me say thank you.
You're welcome.
[Engine shuts off.]
I'm gonna get going.
Give Cadence a kiss for me.
Yeah.
I will.
Okay.
Good night.
Thanks again.
So, they dated, and then she turned down his proposal, and now they play together every night.
Can you even imagine how awkward that would be? That would be like if me and John Mayer formed a band or You said you'd let it go.
I mean, at that point, that was a complicated situation I'll be back.
We wrote a lot of good songs together, but Excuse me, Autumn? Hey, girl! We were just talking about you.
Um, would it be all right just to have a word with you privately for a second? Well, yeah, sure.
See y'all around.
- Thank you.
- Yeah, what's up? [Clears throat.]
I don't want to make anything awkward at all.
I just I would really appreciate it if maybe you could not focus so much on our history together.
What, between you and Gunnar? Yeah.
I know you're not doing it on purpose.
It's just, we do have a messy past, and it took a real long time to find an equilibrium, and now we're in a really good spot, and I just don't want anything to change that.
That's all.
Oh, Scarlett.
I am so sorry.
That's okay.
No, it's not okay.
I did not mean to talk out of line or anything.
- No.
- I guess I'm just so open - about my own heartbreak, - [Chuckling.]
Yeah.
it didn't even occur to me.
No, I-I get it.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about it.
I would never want to get in the middle of y'all's thing.
I really appreciate that.
Thank you.
- Of course.
- You have a beautiful night.
- You too.
- Thank you.
- Hey, Scarlett.
- Yeah? Good for you for speaking up.
Honestly, I respect a woman who does that.
Means a lot coming from you.
- [Chuckles.]
- Thank you.
I'll see you later.
Hey.
Sorry to stop by.
Oh, no worries at all.
You seem happy.
Well, I just got Luke Wheeler to agree to me being the opener for his tour.
What?! That's [Chuckling.]
That's amazing! Congratulations.
[Chuckles.]
- Yeah.
Thanks.
- That's great.
Yeah, well, it's got me thinking, you know, I have a lot big decisions on my plate now, like choosing the bandleader who's gonna go with me.
Wait, are you asking me to go on the road with you? Yeah, well, I mean, we can continue recording our album, and we get to play onstage together.
I mean, it's a crime keeping you cooped up in a booth - with the way you play.
- [Chuckles.]
And it would make me feel a lot better to know that you have my back out there.
What do you say? - Hey! - Hey.
- Great show tonight.
- Oh, thank you.
Where's Scarlett? Uh, she she's not much for parties, so she headed out.
- Oh, I knew you were the fun one.
- [Chuckles.]
My band and I are gonna have a drink in my room.
Come join us.
Oh, you know, I should Actually, I was gonna let you in on a little secret.
I, um, I kind of lied earlier.
- Uh, y-you did? - Yeah.
I mean, I love your album, and that single is fantastic, but it's not my favorite one.
I like "Thanks for Trying" better.
Hmm.
You wrote that one, didn't you? I knew it! Come on.
Come join us.
Oh.
[Chuckles.]
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Great show tonight.
- Yeah! - Yeah.
Everybody did an amazing job.
- Yeah.
- Exes killed it.
Well, so did you.
Well, thank you.
[Chuckles.]
It was great to see you out there again.
I miss performing.
I just do.
And I'm sorry about our conversation earlier.
You know, I think as cool as it is to be on the cover of Businessweek, I've lost sight of why I wanted to work with these artists because I've lost sight of myself as an artist.
And I have to admit, the tour for Layla is probably as important for me as it would have been for her.
[Chuckles.]
Want to do 10 dates for the hell of it? - Yeah, I do.
- [Chuckles.]
Can we? Of course we can.
I'll make it happen.
[Cellphone ringing.]
Hey.
[Sighs.]
Now, that is a long day.
[Chuckles.]
[Sniffling.]
Howdy.
Carol, could you get her some water, please? Heidi, what's wrong? Something happen? - [Voice breaking.]
It's Riff.
- Okay.
Look, I didn't want to bother you with it, but No, not at all.
Come here.
Sit down.
He's been acting kind of crazy.
C-Crazy how? Two days ago, he he packed a bag and he left.
I know you're supposed to go out on tour tomorrow, but I don't know where he is.
I-I don't know where [Crying.]
Bucky: Rayna heard she was looking for a opening act.
What do you mean, she picked us? Well, she came to see Layla.
Maddie: I keep thinking I shouldn't have broken up with him.
Maybe something's wrong.
Putting your feelings down on paper makes it easier.
Deacon: I'm sure everybody's heard about Vita's disappearance.
The police are on it.
I want justice for all of them.
I'm gonna do something.
What would you think about coming out of retirement and going on the road with me? I'd like you to come back to Wheelin' Dealin' Records.
Juliette: I apologize.
I shouldn't have signed on to do this movie.
I need to be with my daughter right now.
Gunnar: Do you see all those trucks out there? She must have like 20 semis.
Yeah, Autumn doesn't do out-and-back tours.
Everything goes with her.
- You okay? - Mm.
Yeah, she's just nervous about re-meeting Autumn Chase.
How many words did you say to her the other night? Seven? 10.
And shut up.
You'd freak out if you met James Taylor.
[Laughs.]
Yeah, that's 'cause he's James Taylor.
Exactly.
She's Autumn Chase.
Right, not James Taylor.
So, we got to fix that.
Oh, hey! - Yay! You guys are here! - Hi.
Everybody, allow me to introduce The Exes, otherwise known as Scarlett O'Connor - and Gunnar Scott.
- Man: Hey.
- Hey.
- Hi.
[Giggles.]
Welcome to my tour! - Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Good to see you.
- You too.
Y'all are gonna love these two as much as I do.
There is a lot of talent right here.
Thank you.
[Chuckles.]
You guys grab a seat.
We're doing this weekly tour meeting, which you should absolutely be a part of.
- That is what I love about her.
- Yeah, so, as I was saying Well, she is certainly charming.
I'll give her that.
She's really amazing.
I want to be up on that stage within 15 minutes of The Exes' bow.
Got that? 15 minutes That's the goal.
Um, one more thing.
Danny, how long have you been with me now? Six weeks.
That's long enough for you to figure out where you need to be during my set, but every time I turn around to get a guitar, you're not there.
Grab your gear.
We're gonna get you a flight back to Nashville, okay? I'm sorry, dude.
All right, thanks, everybody.
See you later.
- See ya.
- Bye.
Yeah, she's, uh amazing, all right.
Dr.
Kitley: How do you feel about the headlines? Well, the studio's suing me.
But it's the best decision I could have made.
I get to see Cadence now whenever I want.
That's what matters.
How are things between you and Avery? They're good.
They're all right.
When we talk, we don't talk for very long, and we only talk about Cadence.
Um guess that's the most you can expect from an ex.
Sounds like you're in a good place.
What's got you so antsy? I miss working.
I miss not the movie or anything like that, but being onstage and performing and recording.
What would it take to get back to it? Where would you start? I have no idea.
My old manager, Glenn, he handled all the strategies and that kind of stuff.
So why not go see him? You had your meeting with that charity yesterday? - Oh, yeah, FosterMore.
- How'd it go? So great.
They are doing amazing work for these at-risk kids.
Here in Nashville, all over the place.
Yeah? What'd you promise them? [Both chuckle.]
Well, let's see.
Um Brad Paisley fell out of a fundraiser they got coming up.
I said I would take his place.
And then I was thinking let's do a big show, you know? I could put a concert together with a bunch of friends, raise a whole bunch of money.
It's not gonna help Vita, unfortunately, but it'll help a lot of kids.
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do.
- Well, thank you.
- You got it.
[Maddie clears throat.]
- [Chuckling.]
Hi, honey.
- Hi.
I hear you got a day off school today.
What are you gonna do with it? Me and Cash are just gonna write.
Nothing really exciting.
How you doing today with the breakup and everything? I'm doing fine, honestly.
I mean, it sucked, but at the end of the day, Colt just wasn't my guy, you know? Sounds like you've thought it through.
Yeah.
Cash helped.
We wrote about it.
Yeah, it's a good way to process it all.
Mm-hmm.
[Chuckling.]
What? You're growing up.
Yeah.
Going in today to talk about the launch plan.
I'm still kind of amazed it all happened.
Yeah.
Everything sounds perfect for you.
I'm sorry.
I-I didn't mean it like that.
I'm just frustrated.
Avery has no time for me now that Juliette's back in town, so I feel like my album's at a standstill.
Are they, like, hanging out again or something? They're hardly talking, actually.
Not everybody has a great relationship with their ex.
Well, Scarlett and Gunnar do.
I was literally all set to go on tour with Autumn, and they just swooped in.
They didn't exactly swoop.
Look, I still feel like I got screwed.
I mean, Glenn and Highway 65 aren't doing anything for me.
I just I don't get it.
Jeff always got things done.
Well, Jeff wasn't exactly ethical.
He did whatever it took to win, but Glenn's not like that.
Yeah, he's not.
[Scoffs.]
Which is a good thing.
Because it's aboveboard and honest, right? Of course.
[Chuckles.]
How you been doing? Good.
Real good.
Can I get you something? - No, I'm I'm fine.
- All right.
Look, I just, um I just wanted to thank you for what you did for my dad.
Nothing he wouldn't have done for me.
Thank you for everything you're doing for Maddie.
Oh, she is one talented girl.
And I just want to make sure that she reaches her full potential.
Well, we're on the same page there.
She's waiting for you.
Hey.
Talia said that Colt joined the Army.
And he didn't call and tell you? No.
Wow.
I'd be pretty mad about that.
I'm more jealous than anything.
I mean, not the fact that he joined the Army, but just that he can make his own choices in life.
Look, feeling trapped sucks.
But maybe it'll make good fodder for a song.
What is the point of writing any if no one will ever hear them outside of this room? Look, I thought the same way when I was your age.
I wanted to get in front of people so badly that I actually snuck out and played cafés.
Wait.
What if I do that, too? Oh, no, Maddie.
I didn't tell you that to encourage you.
I mean, what would your parents do? No, they don't have to find out.
If I don't get out on a stage with my own music soon Cash, it is killing me.
Please.
These are the quarterly numbers for us to go over with the accountants.
Really? Yes, we are in the black.
Yay.
But we're gonna have to move some funds around to cover payroll and pension contributions.
What? Well, you know all this spreadsheets and whatnot not exactly my favorite part of the process.
Well, I hear you, but they are giving you a pretty great second chapter.
Or, at least, so says Businessweek.
Hits newsstands today.
You have officially arrived, Madame CEO.
I-I feel like that makes it sound like there was some first chapter that's over.
Well, I thought last week you liked it better than the "Rayna Jaymes: Musician to Mogul" thing.
Well, yeah, it's better than that, but But what? Nothing.
What else we got going on? Uh, well, we're all set to fly to Dallas tonight for The Exes' first show with Autumn.
Okay, good.
And what's happening with Layla? And that's where my news gets bad.
Unfortunately, I can't find a tour for her.
So I thought maybe we go smaller, something regional.
We can't do that.
That's gonna underserve the album.
And we've got to really launch this thing in the right way.
Well, I can keep calling, but I've talked to every active tour out there.
Maybe we need to think outside the box a little bit.
I mean, we do know an artist who has a very devoted fan base.
Who's that? Me.
Hi.
Sorry to just stop by.
What are you doing here? I was hoping that I could talk to you.
Look, I'm sorry.
I got a meeting right now.
Glenn.
Please.
I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, and I haven't been the most professional, but I promise you I will be your dream client from now on.
Juliette, look.
The truth is two of us the last few years, we weren't a great team.
You fired and rehired me every couple of months, we were rarely on the same page, it was one crisis after the next.
- I can be different.
- No, no, no.
I'm not what you need.
Go get a fresh start with somebody else.
You're gonna wind up someplace great.
You want to put together a tour for you and Layla over the next few weeks.
I kind of feel like we're out of options.
You know, we could tie it to the charity concert, and then I just go out with Layla from there.
Right, but there's no way we can put together a full tour on such short notice.
We could do 10 dates in major markets, and that would launch the album.
It'd be a crazy schedule, assuming there are openings a lot a cross-country hops.
Why don't we just push Layla's album launch? We can get a tour in six months.
After all this momentum that we've built? We've been working so hard.
We've got radio so excited about her, prime placement in stores.
[Sighs.]
Do you really want to be gone right now? I thought you wanted to be at home as much as possible through the end of the school year.
I did, but I feel like things at home have calmed down a little bit, and I just feel like we need to do this Layla, you know? She needs it, and we're making it happen for The Exes.
We got to do the same for her.
All right.
I'll make the calls.
Good.
Tour's looking great.
We got sold-out shows all the way till the end of the run.
And you weren't a fan of bringing Riff on.
Carol! [Chuckling.]
Well, I stand corrected.
You know what we should do We should definitely capitalize on the exposure we're generating and maybe add one of your baby artists to open for y'all.
That's a great idea.
I'll, uh, I'll pick one tonight and have them join us at the re-launch at the Bridgestone tomorrow.
Thank you.
Well, I urge you to consider an artist who's close to launching an album, not someone new to the label.
By which, you mean Will Lexington.
Look, I like the kid just fine.
I-It's just gonna be an uphill battle to launch him.
Yeah, don't worry.
I won't put him on the bill yet, but he is in the family now, which means you need to get on board.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Am I interrupting? No, no, Will.
Come on in.
Just straightening a few things out.
- We clear, Kenneth? - We are.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Hey, Will.
Sorry.
Have a seat.
Thank you so much for squeezing us in before I head out on the road tomorrow.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah, no.
No worries.
So, listen I talked to my team about you coming back into the fold.
Yeah, I'm guessing they weren't too excited to hear you re-signed me.
Doesn't matter what they think.
It matters what I think.
The way I see it, you are an amazing artist.
Period, end of story.
Your music is the selling point.
Thank you.
Now, I was going back through your songs, and, uh, some of the tracks still need some work.
Yeah, sure.
I know y'all broke up, but I'm hoping you'd be amenable to working with Kevin on this.
Would that be weird? Uh, no, no.
Not at all.
- You sure, Will? - Yeah, you know what? I had breakfast with Layla this morning.
If I can get along with my ex-wife, I can definitely work with Kevin.
It'd be good to see him.
Yeah, great, Will.
Thank you so much.
I talked to the guy afterwards.
He was nice.
He said he'd only ever screwed up once, but she fired him anyway.
[Sighs.]
See, this is why you should never meet your idols.
They're never as cool as you want them to be.
Except James Taylor.
I'm sure he's awesome.
Well, that was demeaning firing a person in front of everybody like that.
I didn't expect that from her.
Scarlett.
It's not exactly out of character.
How do you think you got this gig? She fired her last opening act.
- Seriously? What for? - Yeah.
I don't know.
I don't care.
The important thing is that she doesn't fire The Exes.
So, how about y'all do me a favor and don't piss her off? When have I ever pissed anyone off? - Lately.
- Okay, look Just be cool.
You have a single launching tomorrow, and this tour is getting you in front of the biggest audience of your career.
[Both sigh.]
Now, Autumn's gonna have dinner with you before the show, okay? So whatever she says, whatever she thinks, whatever she feels, the answer is "Yes.
" You got it? Yes.
All right.
Billy's in if you are.
It's Skull's Rainbow Room super-underground.
Well, that's good.
Then there's no way my parents have ever heard of it.
So, what do you think? You want to do this? I'm in.
You talk to Billy, and I will handle my parents.
Come on in! Hey.
Sorry I've been a little AWOL lately.
We still on for this afternoon? No, actually, I have to cancel.
I'm sorry.
Um, something's come up.
I think I have a lead on a tour.
But I'll call you later? Cool.
Let me know how it goes.
- Hi.
- Hey.
I thought you weren't coming by for Cadence until later.
I found her pacifier in the car, and I knew that she would want it, so Ah, okay.
Is there something else? Does Glenn hate me? [Chuckles.]
Where is this coming from? Well, I stopped by his office to apologize, and I was really professional and mature, and he wanted nothing to do with me.
Were you honest with him about why you want to have him back? Well, it's obvious he's the best manager in town, and I want to get back to work Come on.
There are a lot of great managers in town.
That's That's not why.
Fine.
I've I've been with him since I was 14, and I don't know how to do this without him.
Why is it so hard for you to admit when you need people? You know what? It doesn't even matter, 'cause he hates me, so He doesn't hate you, Juliette.
I think that you hurt him, and he's protecting himself.
Well, I think I'm just gonna let it go.
Really? The Juliette I used to know [Chuckles.]
wouldn't take "No" for an answer.
Well, the Juliette you used to know did some terrible things, and, uh, people didn't like her very much.
That's not true.
I mean, she was challenging.
Don't get me wrong.
But she was also passionate, and there was a lot to love about her.
Yeah? All I'm saying is that if it's important for Glenn to hear the truth, then you should make him hear it.
Don't give up.
Will you help me? What did you have in mind? I don't know.
Maybe something the old Juliette would approve of.
- Well, looky here.
- Hey.
That's a sight I ain't seen in a long time.
I know.
[Sighs.]
I had an idea for a lyric, and I thought, "I'd better write it down before it's gone.
" Aren't you going to Dallas? Yeah, in a bit, um - And, hey, come here.
- What? Next time I get on a plane, you're coming with me.
Oh, yeah? [Chuckles.]
For what? The charity show? For that, and also, uh we couldn't find a major tour for Layla, and so I'm taking her out on tour with me so we can get her album launched.
Wait, wait, wait.
You're going on tour? Yeah, and I want you to come with us.
That's the whole point.
Well, I don't see how that can happen, Rayna.
I mean, I got the girls here.
Somebody's got to be here I talked to Tandy.
She would love to come stay with them.
It's only 10 dates.
Yeah, well, I got The Beverly, too.
I mean, I can't just You're telling me Frankie can't take care of The Beverly? - Well - 10 dates.
I don't know, sweetie.
I guess maybe I've been seeing myself more as, you know, a dad and the business owner and Even hearing that come out of my mouth sounds a little weird, so, yeah.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Won't it be great to get back up onstage together? Yeah, it will.
[Footsteps approaching.]
Hey.
Hey.
Congrats on re-signing with Wheelin' Dealin'.
[Chuckles.]
You look good.
So do you.
[Cellphone ringing.]
Uh This'll be just a sec.
- Oh, yeah.
- I'm sorry.
[Chuckles.]
Hey.
Yeah, I can pick up the wine.
Do you want that Pinot we had the other night? Yeah, me too.
Sorry about that.
New boyfriend? Um yeah.
I-I know it seems fast No, y-you don't have to explain anything about your life to me.
We're just here to work, so let's work.
Just make sure everyone's there.
[Sighs.]
Bringing in everyone like this last-minute is gonna cost a lot of money.
Well, if it works, it's money well spent.
I hate all of this.
Please call in my wardrobe people.
They'll charge you double the rate.
I don't care about the money, Emily! This is happening! [Sighs.]
Sorry to snap at you.
Just get on board, please.
Do you, uh, maybe want to call Dr.
Kitley to talk about this? No.
I'm gonna do this my way.
Daphne: It's so cool Mom's letting us play that charity event next week.
Yeah, it'll be something.
So, Dad, I just found out that Cash is performing at this coffee house tonight in East Nashville.
Is it cool if I go? You gonna be home by your curfew? Yes.
I'm excellent at telling time.
[Chuckles.]
And this coffeehouse They serve alcohol? No.
They serve coffee.
[Chuckles.]
Really? It's a coffeehouse? Yes, it's a coffeehouse.
Hmm.
I told you I'd tell you all about it when we go shopping tomorrow, right? Right, right.
At Two Old Hippies.
You said you'd buy me something.
So, Dad, what do you think? Can I go? Please? Autumn: I felt bad about ditching Layla, but the minute I heard you guys, I just had to have you.
Well, we were stunned to get the call.
I mean, we still can't believe we're here.
So, how did you guys meet? We worked at The Bluebird together.
Oh, yeah, of course.
Two young dreamers teaming up to conquer the world.
Well, actually, Gunnar was more the dreamer.
I was just writing poetry back then.
Oh.
You're a poet.
How did you make the switch into songwriting? Uh, he surprised me one day and put one of my poems to music.
So you're the musician of the group.
Oh.
[Chuckles.]
I mean, I wouldn't say that, exactly.
And then you guys dated, right? 'Cause you are The Exes, after all.
- Uh, y-yes.
Yeah.
- Was it serious? Mm! It was so serious! I can see.
You guys live together? Uh, yeah, we did.
Yeah, we were friends first and then roommates.
And then you weren't.
So, who broke up with whom? You know, really, it's all just water under the bridge.
It was you, wasn't it, Scarlett? Guys never move fast enough, do they? You just got tired of waiting for him Oh, no, actually, it wasn't anything like that at all.
You guys! Dish, okay? We're sitting here, it's just the three of us.
We're trying to get to know each other.
I'm asking you what happened.
Tell me the story.
How did it end? [Chuckling.]
Um I proposed.
And, uh, she turned me down.
But it was But it was for the right reasons.
- Wow.
- [Chuckles.]
That's unbelievable.
You're in a band with the girl who turned down your proposal? The life and times of the weekend drifter - [Knock on door.]
- [Music stops.]
What is it, Carol? It's not Carol.
Do you have a minute to talk? [Voice breaking.]
It's been so hard.
I've been so lost ever since Jeff died.
I do my best to keep going, but I can't even imagine.
[Sniffles.]
You were so good to me, flying me home and everything.
Oh, it was the least I could do.
And I I still wish I could have done more.
Maybe you can.
I'm gonna be honest, Luke.
I want to be your opener for this tour.
I'm sorry.
I'm not sure I understand.
I need to promote my first album so I can get my second one out, but there aren't any other openings on any tours.
And, uh what's Rayna think about this? She doesn't even know that I'm here.
[Chuckles.]
I really need this, Luke.
[Liquid pours.]
I feel for you, Layla, I really do, but, uh my people want me to bring on a Wheelin' Dealin' artist, so I get it.
It's better for your company.
But I'm asking you to step up for me, put business aside.
Layla.
You were in Atlanta when Jeff died.
I mean, you know what happened in a way that nobody else does.
[Voice breaking.]
Look, I have nobody else to turn to.
[Sniffles.]
Can you please just help me get my life back on track? [Sighs.]
I'm sorry I just can't remember if we talked to her about anything other than our messy past.
She asked you about your songwriting.
Oh, which she blew right by, insinuating that I'm just some poet, that I've never written a song on my own before.
Well, I don't think you're just a poet.
Well, you really jumped to my defense in there, didn't you? Wait, w-why am I suddenly the bad guy here? I was just doing what Noel told us to do keep her happy.
I mean, look, we know where we stand with each other, all right? Who cares what she wants to focus on? As long as it's good for the band.
You think that's good for the band? Well, I think staying on this tour and not pissing Autumn off is good for the band, yeah.
She's just taking an interest in us, you know? Come on, Scarlett.
This is a huge opportunity for us.
So can you just let it go, please? - [Knock on door.]
- Come in.
- Hey, you two.
- Hey! - How's it going? - Good, good.
- How you doing? - I'm good.
Hi.
- So good to see you.
- You too.
How's it all being going with Autumn? Uh, yeah, she's she's fantastic, right? - Yeah? - Yeah, she's great.
Everything is great.
- Oh, hey! - Rayna: There she is.
Hey, hon.
Oh! You sent me a couple of winners, Rayna.
Oh, I know I did.
I know.
She is the, uh, the best label head in town, so - [Chuckles.]
- Thank you.
These guys have got the most incredible history together.
You know what I love the best? They're just the most amazing storytellers.
That single I swear, I can't get it out of my head.
Oh, well, that was all Scarlett, actually, yeah lyrics and music.
Well, it definitely wouldn't be what it is without Gunnar, so Well, I am just glad we all found each other.
[Laughter.]
'Cause I really do think this is gonna do great things for y'all.
[Music ends, cheers and applause.]
Our next guest is a very special last-minute - Thanks for coming.
- Hey, anytime you tell me there's a new talent I should see, I am there.
[Laughing.]
Yeah.
- What'd you say this girl's name was? - I didn't.
Juliette Barnes! [Cheers and applause.]
Did you two cook this up just to trick me? Just stay.
Hear her out.
Who knows? You might kick yourself later if you don't.
How's everybody doing? [Cheers and applause.]
Oh, thank you.
It's such an honor to be here.
It's been a rough year, and I'm just so grateful that y'all are still here for me.
- [Cheers and applause.]
- I don't need to watch her suck up adoration from people she doesn't even know.
- I've seen that before.
- Wait.
But there are other people that I need in my corner.
People that I couldn't have done any of this without.
People I wouldn't want to do any of this without.
And I have never been good at telling people how I feel when I should, so I want to dedicate this song to the man that I've always thought of as my father, and every word of it is the truth.
[Cheers and applause.]
Every story's got a bad guy leaves a trail behind Everybody's got a sad song, and this one's mine Somebody caught red-handed, holding a smoking gun And to tell the truth, I always knew I'd be the one But you You left a hole in the world where the rain gets in Probably never gonna be the same again Yeah, yeah You You left a hole in the world where the love fell through In the shape of a heart that's broken in two Yeah, yeah Yooooooou Oooh I had always been the outlaw, riding into the sun I'm gonna head out.
Never stopped to think about all the damage done No, I'm no Calamity Jane No, I ain't that tough I knew love had a price, but I didn't realize how much Hey, gang.
It's time to travel.
Bucky: All right.
Great show, guys.
- Gunnar: Thanks, man.
- Thank you.
Here we go.
Yeah.
Uh, one second.
Oh.
All right, I'll catch up with y'all.
- Okay.
- What's up? So, uh, I just called Layla to tell her about the tour, and apparently, she's not available.
What?! Before I could even tell her what we had planned, she tells me she's got herself booked on Luke Wheeler's tour.
- How'd that happen? - I have no idea.
Was she planning on discussing this with us, or? Well, I don't know, but it's great news, right? We needed her on a tour.
Now she's on a tour.
And you don't have to go out anymore.
I have to admit, I feel a little gut-punched.
Well, Layla didn't know we were trying to put something together.
You know, it's not just Layla.
It's Juliette and Sadie and Markus and I just feel like I pour my heart and soul into these artists, and it's all for nothing.
But now you have The Exes and you have Layla, and things are going well.
Look, Ray, I know this hasn't been an easy ride for you, but you pushed Markus to a platinum single, your label is about to launch two stellar albums, you're on the cover of Businessweek.
Highway 65 is a success.
That's due to you.
I mean, this is as good as it gets.
Look, we shouldn't do this right now.
Got to go support my artists.
It makes no sense.
It does to me, and that's all that matters here.
Why would we take a Highway 65 artist out on the road instead of one of our own? Why? Because, despite the way that you think, there's more to this job than just business.
[Sighs.]
Hey.
- Oh, hi! - Oh, hey! Y'all are gonna knock it out of the park! - Thank you! - Thank you.
- ANNOUNCER: Dallas, welcome The Exes! - [Giggles.]
- You ready? - Thank you.
Yes.
Let's go.
Let's do it.
[Cheers and applause.]
Hello, Dallas! How you doing? [Cheers and applause.]
Hey, we're The Exes, and we got a great show for y'all.
We are so excited to be here in the great state of Texas.
[Cheers and applause.]
Come on, Daphne.
You're not the only one living here.
Got to clean up after yourself, sweetie.
Okay, I'll do it when I'm done.
Or you could do it now.
That's not fair.
God, I get in trouble for every stupid little thing, when Maddie gets away with everything! What are you talking about? What is Maddie getting away with? Daphne! Cash: So, what did you tell your parents? That we're at a coffeehouse.
Nothing too dangerous about coffee, right? Billy.
Hey.
This is my girl Maddie.
Hey.
She's only 16? She's not 16.
Tonight, she's 21, right? Right.
Thank you, Juliette.
Juliette! Yeah? Woman: Juliette! Juliette: I'm just gonna need a second, guys.
Well.
That was a great performance.
It wasn't an act.
I'm so sorry.
I treated you terribly, and you were just trying to help me.
[Crying.]
And I know that I let you down.
Juliette, it's okay.
No, it's not okay.
It's not okay.
Because I miss you.
I need you.
My life has kept going.
You know? I'm repping Layla Grant now.
I can't just drop her as a client because you come knocking at my door.
It's not about that.
It's not about that.
My life is not the life that I want to live without you.
So, please, even you can't be my manager, just please tell me that you'll be in my life.
Maybe I can do both.
Really? I missed you.
[Sighs.]
[Rock music playing, indistinct conversations.]
Hi.
Hey.
I haven't seen you here before.
It's my first time.
I'm Cash's friend.
[Chuckling.]
Okay.
Well, any friend of Cash is always welcome here.
She's a cool lady.
She is that.
So can I buy you a drink? Um I'm good.
Yeah.
Of course.
I'll take a Bitter Hudson.
Well [Sighs.]
I think Luke will be happy with these fixes.
You're upset I'm dating someone.
None of my business.
Come on.
I know you better than that.
Remember? Well, then you already know I think it sucks.
We just broke up, and you've already moved on.
Well, what was I supposed to do, Will? Wait for you to stop hating me? Everything that happened to you was my fault, wasn't it? So why do you even care? Look, I know I know I implied that.
But I was wrong.
The whole thing was It was new and confusing.
And And I'm not proud of how I dealt with everything.
But I've grown a lot.
I heard about what happened to you at that bar.
I was impressed you went back and stood up for yourself.
Well, it seemed like the right thing to do.
Seemed like something you would do.
I learned a lot from you, Kevin.
I'm sorry that I hadn't been able to say that till now.
I guess sometimes the person we learn the most from isn't the person we get to end up with.
Well, I should get going.
I care about you moving on because I loved you.
I loved you, too.
[Door opens, closes.]
[Cheers and applause.]
Thanks a lot, Dallas! - Let's hear it one more time for The Exes! - Listen, I-I'm sorry about earlier.
I didn't mean to downplay what you were feeling about Autumn.
Oh, don't worry about it.
I thought about it and just let it go.
You sure? Yeah, our future's more important than picking a fight with her 'cause she only wants to talk about our past.
[Chuckles.]
We've come a long way since that duet at The Bluebird, haven't we? - Little bit.
[Chuckles.]
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hi! How's it going up here? - Autumn puts on quite a show.
- Yeah, she does.
- Y'all were awesome! - Thank you.
- Great show, guys.
- Thanks.
So, without further ado, let's give a big Dallas welcome to my friend the one, the only Rayna Jaymes! - [Cheers and applause.]
- I was feeling a little rusty.
[Laughter.]
[Chanting "Rayna!".]
[Applause.]
Thank yo Okay, okay.
Stop.
I am not performing tonight.
- [Audience groans.]
- But a good friend of mine is, so, ladies and gentlemen, Maddie.
[Cheers and applause.]
Hey, y'all.
Um, I want to thank Cash for inviting me, and thanks to Billy for giving me this shot.
I'm a wild card I'm a sweetheart I got a fever in my blood, oh, oh I'm a bullet I'm a woman And I ain't afraid of a little mud [Audience cheers.]
Don't underestimate me Yeah, I'm a little crazy No, I ain't no one's baby Baby I'm a bad girl, I'm a real bad girl Gonna shoot 'em up, pop, pop Hit you where it hurts so hard I'm a wild card [Audience cheers.]
I'm a slick chick, I'm a real slick chick Gonna hit the gas, drop top Leave you in the dust so hard I'm a wild card [Wolf-whistle.]
I make trouble And I hustle Where there's fire, I feed the flame, oh, oh Never gonna catch me no, oh, oh Never gonna wear that halo, and you know I like to play those games - Get of off her! Get of off her! - Dad! Dad! - She's 16 years old! - Back off, man! - You back off! - What are you doing here? - Take it off.
Take off the guitar.
- No, no, no, no.
Stop.
- Take off the guitar, Maddie.
Take it off.
- Please! Maddie, take the guitar off - Hey, leave her alone, man! - Get off of me! Get going! You're done! - You lied to me! - Don't touch me! - Get on! Come on! - Get off me! [Maddie crying.]
Deacon, wait! You want to tell me what the hell you think you're doing here with her? Look, I'm sorry, but I was just I was supporting my friend.
Really? In a bar full of men? - That's how you support your friend? - And women.
This is a music venue, not a strip club, okay? She's 16 years old, Cash! She's a child! She's my child, all right?! You got no right to take her anywhere, least of all some bar where she's up onstage so she can What? What, so she can thrive? So she can bloom? You don't even know her! I mean, do you even understand how talented she is? Yeah, I do! She's more talented than I was Well, that's why I'm trying to help her, instead of standing in her way, like you do! You need to back off.
No! No, I am not gonna abandon her, not when she needs me! Not now, not ever! You listen to me.
I've known your daddy a long time, but you need to stay the hell away from my daughter, or you will regret it.
[Car door opens.]
Rayna: I'm looking for A highly understated A little downgraded They don't make 'em like they used to Rough around the edges Nothin' too impressive Bona fide attributes I'd rather hang around some sleepy little town For the taste for the unrefined If you want the high life Take mine [Women shouting.]
[Song ends, cheers and applause.]
Hey.
You took off so quickly, I didn't get a chance to say thank you.
You didn't have to come all the way over here just to say that.
I know.
I'm trying to practice telling the people who are important to me the things they should hear.
So just shut up and let me say thank you.
You're welcome.
[Engine shuts off.]
I'm gonna get going.
Give Cadence a kiss for me.
Yeah.
I will.
Okay.
Good night.
Thanks again.
So, they dated, and then she turned down his proposal, and now they play together every night.
Can you even imagine how awkward that would be? That would be like if me and John Mayer formed a band or You said you'd let it go.
I mean, at that point, that was a complicated situation I'll be back.
We wrote a lot of good songs together, but Excuse me, Autumn? Hey, girl! We were just talking about you.
Um, would it be all right just to have a word with you privately for a second? Well, yeah, sure.
See y'all around.
- Thank you.
- Yeah, what's up? [Clears throat.]
I don't want to make anything awkward at all.
I just I would really appreciate it if maybe you could not focus so much on our history together.
What, between you and Gunnar? Yeah.
I know you're not doing it on purpose.
It's just, we do have a messy past, and it took a real long time to find an equilibrium, and now we're in a really good spot, and I just don't want anything to change that.
That's all.
Oh, Scarlett.
I am so sorry.
That's okay.
No, it's not okay.
I did not mean to talk out of line or anything.
- No.
- I guess I'm just so open - about my own heartbreak, - [Chuckling.]
Yeah.
it didn't even occur to me.
No, I-I get it.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about it.
I would never want to get in the middle of y'all's thing.
I really appreciate that.
Thank you.
- Of course.
- You have a beautiful night.
- You too.
- Thank you.
- Hey, Scarlett.
- Yeah? Good for you for speaking up.
Honestly, I respect a woman who does that.
Means a lot coming from you.
- [Chuckles.]
- Thank you.
I'll see you later.
Hey.
Sorry to stop by.
Oh, no worries at all.
You seem happy.
Well, I just got Luke Wheeler to agree to me being the opener for his tour.
What?! That's [Chuckling.]
That's amazing! Congratulations.
[Chuckles.]
- Yeah.
Thanks.
- That's great.
Yeah, well, it's got me thinking, you know, I have a lot big decisions on my plate now, like choosing the bandleader who's gonna go with me.
Wait, are you asking me to go on the road with you? Yeah, well, I mean, we can continue recording our album, and we get to play onstage together.
I mean, it's a crime keeping you cooped up in a booth - with the way you play.
- [Chuckles.]
And it would make me feel a lot better to know that you have my back out there.
What do you say? - Hey! - Hey.
- Great show tonight.
- Oh, thank you.
Where's Scarlett? Uh, she she's not much for parties, so she headed out.
- Oh, I knew you were the fun one.
- [Chuckles.]
My band and I are gonna have a drink in my room.
Come join us.
Oh, you know, I should Actually, I was gonna let you in on a little secret.
I, um, I kind of lied earlier.
- Uh, y-you did? - Yeah.
I mean, I love your album, and that single is fantastic, but it's not my favorite one.
I like "Thanks for Trying" better.
Hmm.
You wrote that one, didn't you? I knew it! Come on.
Come join us.
Oh.
[Chuckles.]
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Great show tonight.
- Yeah! - Yeah.
Everybody did an amazing job.
- Yeah.
- Exes killed it.
Well, so did you.
Well, thank you.
[Chuckles.]
It was great to see you out there again.
I miss performing.
I just do.
And I'm sorry about our conversation earlier.
You know, I think as cool as it is to be on the cover of Businessweek, I've lost sight of why I wanted to work with these artists because I've lost sight of myself as an artist.
And I have to admit, the tour for Layla is probably as important for me as it would have been for her.
[Chuckles.]
Want to do 10 dates for the hell of it? - Yeah, I do.
- [Chuckles.]
Can we? Of course we can.
I'll make it happen.
[Cellphone ringing.]
Hey.
[Sighs.]
Now, that is a long day.
[Chuckles.]
[Sniffling.]
Howdy.
Carol, could you get her some water, please? Heidi, what's wrong? Something happen? - [Voice breaking.]
It's Riff.
- Okay.
Look, I didn't want to bother you with it, but No, not at all.
Come here.
Sit down.
He's been acting kind of crazy.
C-Crazy how? Two days ago, he he packed a bag and he left.
I know you're supposed to go out on tour tomorrow, but I don't know where he is.
I-I don't know where [Crying.]