Nashville s04e16 Episode Script
Didn't Expect It to Go Down This Way
1 Previously on "Nashville" - New boyfriend? - Yeah.
It might be time for y'all to sign at Highway 65.
Maddie: The only reason she signed us is to keep me under her control.
- Get of off her! - Dad! Dad! She's 16 years old! I promise you I will be your dream client from now on.
Are you asking me to go on the road with you? What do you say? My band and I are gonna have a drink in my room.
Come join us.
What would you think about coming out of retirement and going on the road with me? He packed a bag and he left.
I don't know where he is.
What do you mean you don't know where Riff is? Well, he he said he was going up to our cabin for a few days before leaving with you, but I checked.
He was never there.
I'm relaunching my tour with his name on the ticket in less than 24 hours, and you're telling me he's just gone, not a word? I tried calling, but the only time he ever answered, he said he'd be home when he was good and ready.
I don't know what else to do.
[Sighs.]
Damn it.
Rayna: Well, I hear ya, babe, and I'm I'm hoping we're gonna get out of here before this storm hits.
And we'll just handle it together, okay? I love you, too.
Bye.
Everything okay? Apparently Deacon caught Maddie playing at some club where she didn't have permission to be.
Mm.
You worried? I'm sure this is gonna be okay.
- You know, I-I probably shouldn't.
- Oh, come on.
It'll help ease the prerelease jitters.
I mean, if if I'm this nervous about the single dropping tomorrow, I-I think, uh, the whole album might kill me.
[Both laugh.]
Well, between you and me, I have a feeling The Exes are gonna be just fine.
- [Glasses clink.]
- Cheers.
Cheers.
I want to hear more about your music, though.
I mean, you won a CMA.
For songwriting, um, but performing's always been my my passion.
Oh, I can tell.
I've watched you play.
You've got this sort of old-soul, James Taylor thing going on.
I mean, he's a he's a huge inspiration.
Well, I'll be sure to tell him.
James is my neighbor in New York.
- What? - Mm-hmm.
- [Chuckles.]
- In fact, I'm headed there tomorrow after the show while the tour shuts down for a few days.
You're more than welcome to join me if you want to tell him yourself.
Oh, I mean, that would be in in uh, incredible.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Scarlett would love to come, too.
[Chuckles.]
I was actually thinking maybe just the two of us.
Oh.
- Right.
- [Chuckles.]
You know, I got this, uh this radio thingy in the morning for the single, and, uh, I should I should really call it a night.
- Yeah? - [Sighs.]
Yeah.
- Well, you just let me know about tomorrow.
- Uh-huh.
I-I-I will do that.
Uh, g-good night.
And voilà .
- Enjoy.
- Juliette, you didn't have to do all this.
Oh, it's nothing.
Please.
I just wanted to say thank you.
And since we're all here, I'd like to talk about, what do you think our next steps will be? Next steps? Yes, for resurrecting my career.
- Are you sure you're ready? - You saw me last night at the Opry.
It was amazing.
I think it'd be stupid for us to lose that momentum.
All right, but what about Cadence? I thought you wanted to stay close for her.
I'm not talking about touring the Australian Outback here.
I'm talking about starting my next album.
And that way, I can spend as much time with the baby as Avery will let me and keep some semblance of a career alive.
Have you talked to your label head about any of this? I thought that's why I had a manager.
Oh.
- Can you set up a meeting? - Here's the thing.
Uh, Luke's getting ready to go on tour tonight, but I'll I'll do the best I can.
Okay, well, you work on that.
Emily, you just keep doing whatever it is I pay you to do.
Mm-hmm.
It's great to have the team back, huh? Oh, hey, listen.
If you're serious about this recording, we should probably look into lining up a producer.
I already have somebody in mind.
- Morning.
- [Groans.]
What's up with you? Late night? Oh, thank you.
Yeah, I, uh I kind of maybe spent all night looking into online dating.
What? Working with Kevin yesterday got me got me feeling like maybe it's time to move on.
Eh, well, got to start somewhere.
Any potential suitors? Mnh, no.
All these sites and apps are all about hooking up.
I'd like to try going out with somebody, you know? Though I have no idea how to do that.
'Least you and Gunnar won't be around to mock me while I figure it out.
Yeah, I hate to disappoint you, but I don't think I'm going on Layla's tour.
How come? It's a steady gig.
It's It's a chance to play.
It's exactly what you've been looking for.
It's not that simple.
I mean, I-I have Cadence to think about.
And, plus, Juliette just got back, and they're making really good progress.
So you're staying for Juliette? No.
No.
I just don't think now's a good time, is all.
- [Beep.]
- Yeah, Riff, it's me again.
Look, man, I don't know where you are or what the hell's gotten into you, but, um, you got Heidi worried sick, and I ain't that far behind.
Look, sound check's in six hours, all right? I'll see ya there.
Any luck? Do I look like a guy who's had much luck lately? No.
Nothing yet.
Luke, we're we're sold out.
I mean, not just tonight, but the rest of the tour.
It could sink us if he misses the first show.
Yeah, thanks for pointing out the obvious, Ken.
Trust me, last thing I want to do is face all of Nashville with another apology.
What do you want to do? What I want to do is believe Riff's still my friend and he'll come through.
But maybe we ought to find a replacement for tonight just in case.
- Layla, I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
- That's okay.
Uh, I already ordered, but if you know what you want, I can get the waitress.
Oh, no, I'm stuffed.
My meeting with Juliette this morning turned into a breakfast buffet.
- You met with Juliette? - Yeah, I did.
Oh, and you should probably know that I'm gonna be representing her again.
What? Look, just because I'm managing you both does not mean you're gonna have to - compete for my attention, okay? - [Scoffs.]
She's more concerned about staying home nowadays.
And right now, my priority is you and your big debut on Luke's tour tonight.
And to mark the occasion, Bucky and I arranged to have your show filmed.
Great.
So the camera crew will meet you at sound check - to go over the details.
- Okay.
Everything you need for an amazing launch.
Well, almost.
I might still need a bandleader.
[Whispering.]
Sorry.
She's not ready yet.
I didn't want to waste a nap.
[Whispering.]
You know what? I can hold her while you pack her things.
Yeah? Yeah.
- Okay.
- [Sighs.]
So, I'm, uh, starting my new album.
What do you think about producing a couple tracks on it? I'm I'm going on tour with Layla as her bandleader starting tonight.
- Oh.
- So I'm gonna go get her carrier.
[Exhales sharply.]
Nothing like traveling all night.
Sorry, babe.
I got here as fast as I could.
I know.
- Mm.
You seen her yet this morning? - No.
I'm the last person Maddie wants to talk to.
Mm.
I figured I'd give her a little space.
Glad you caught her, though.
Yeah, but she's not the problem.
I'll tell you what the problem is Cash, all right? I'm serious.
We got to keep her away from our daughter.
- Really? - Seriously, yeah.
If we have to get a restraining order, let's do it.
- I thought Cash was helping Maddie.
- I know.
I thought she was a good influence, but I'm telling you, she's not, all right? If you'd seen the way Maddie was singing, if you'd seen the song, it was just It wasn't our little girl, baby.
Well, I'm gonna go get that little girl up, - have a little conversation with her.
- All right.
Maddie, honey, can I come in? Maddie? Maddie? Maddie? Maddie?! - I think this is everything.
- Great.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
Look, uh, I didn't mean to spring the tour on you like that.
I just found out about it last night, and it's a good opportunity.
- Yeah, no, I get it.
- [Cadence coos.]
I'm just wondering, what are you planning to do with Cadence? I'm bringing her with me, but you're welcome to visit anytime.
I mean it.
Great.
You know, you're probably gonna need some help out on the road.
Maybe I can just send Emily with you.
You wouldn't mind? No, not at all.
I'll talk to her about it.
Well, thanks again for being so understanding about all this.
Of course.
And you break a leg tonight.
- So, please just call me back - Will you call me if you hear from her? - as soon as you get this.
Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
I really appreciate that.
Okay, bye.
She's not at Lindsey's, not at Colt's, not at Talia's.
- Anything? Cash? - No.
No.
Baby, I'm running out of people to call here.
Well, we got to keep thinking.
- I mean, who else could it - Hey.
Hey, honey.
Where's Maddie? Honey, we're not quite sure where she is.
Did she run away? Look, I don't want you to worry about this.
We're gonna find her.
You got dance class.
Go get yourself ready, okay? Okay.
Nothing.
It's like she disappeared.
- [Cellphone chimes.]
- That her? "Don't worry.
I'm safe.
But Dad's insane.
" Oh, she's mad at you.
Yeah, she's mad at me.
She's mad that I caught her.
She's mad that I pulled her out of that damn place.
She won't tell me where she is.
I know where she is.
- Where are you going? - If she says she's safe, I bet everything I got she's at Cash's right now.
No.
No, hey.
Let me go.
- You're mad.
She's mad.
- Yeah, I'm mad.
Take Daphne to dance class.
Cool yourself off.
All right? - I'll call you if I find her.
- All right.
Man: Well, how's it feel having a hot single? We're just really excited for everyone to finally hear our music.
It really has been a labor of love, so we hope y'all like it.
Well, without further ado, here's Nashville duo The Exes with their debut single, "The Rubble.
" [Intro to "The Rubble" plays.]
- Congrats, man.
- Thank you.
Really, best of luck.
- Aw, man, thanks for having us.
- Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, too.
- You can bury me alive - That was fun.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Surreal.
You can throw away your shovel No matter how you try That was a great interview.
- Thanks.
We got numbers yet? - Yeah? I just got them.
You ready for this? - 6,000 downloads so far.
- What? - Oh, my goodness.
- And it just got picked up by iHeart and Cumulus.
- [Exhales sharply.]
- I am telling you guys, - this is gonna be huge.
- [Cellphone rings.]
- This is amazing.
- Hey, Lisa.
- Okay.
- Bye.
We got to celebrate.
- Yeah! - Uh, a drink, find a lunch spot someplace fancy.
I want to do everything, but I kind of made plans with Autumn.
- Oh, really? - Yeah.
She called my room and asked me to come to the hotel spa, and I really feel like we got off on the wrong foot, and so I'm trying to make it cool.
Do you mind if I spend a little time alone with her? No.
I mean, that's that's fine.
- [Chuckles.]
Yeah.
- Thank you.
- After the show? - After the show.
Okay.
Gone are the feelings Lost are the reasons Why I should even care Why I ever felt despair Moving on Moving on Never felt so good I hear a joyful noise down in my soul My poor heart hurts no more I feel the sunshine breaking through Moving on Moving on Never felt so good Never felt so good [Cheers and applause.]
All right.
Uh, still some punches I want to try, but it's feeling good.
That was great.
Hey, man, that was incredible.
I'm Bryan, one of your backup singers.
Oh, nice to meet ya.
Will Lexington.
I know.
I was a big fan of your last album.
Sounds like I'll be a fan of your next album, too.
Well, afraid I can't take all the credit.
You know, most of these songs are co-writes.
Yeah, well, sure, but without the voice, they're just songs, right? Must be something special about you.
Avery: Hey.
Sorry I'm late.
- Hey.
- But I'm here now, and I'm ready to do this.
That's okay.
I'm just really glad you're here.
You seemed kind of unsure about taking the job last night.
Well, I figure now's as good a time as any, while Cadence is still small enough to shuttle around.
Plus, how could I turn down the chance - to keep making great music with you? - Oh, thank you.
I can't believe this you, me, Luke, Riff.
It's gonna be the best night.
Luke: Hi, Avery.
I just heard you were joining the tour.
- Welcome aboard, son.
- Thanks.
Yeah, it was kind of last minute, but I'm looking forward to it.
Well, uh, that makes three of us.
Um, you mind if I steal Layla here for a quick second? - Sure.
Yeah, I'll go plug in.
- Okay.
I just want you to know I'm so excited to be on tour with you and with Riff, and I was really hoping to meet him before everything happens tonight, - 'cause he's a legend.
- Uh, yeah.
Yeah, might have to take a rain check on that.
Uh, something's come up.
Riff may not make it.
But, uh, we're working to see if we can fill the slot and still put on the show.
Wait.
You might cancel tonight altogether? Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Okay.
Listen, sweetie, she probably just needs some space.
- That's all.
- It's my fault.
What are you talking about? If I didn't say anything, you wouldn't have known about the show, - sh she wouldn't have run away.
- No.
No.
Listen to m Daphne, hey, hey, all right? Maddie made her choices, and that is not your responsibility.
You did exactly what you should've done, all right? [Voice breaking.]
What if something bad happens? It won't.
All right? I promise.
[Knock on door.]
Rayna, what are you doing here? I'm looking for Maddie.
Mind if I come in? - By all means, please.
- Maddie?! She's not here.
Can I help you with something? You telling me you don't know where she is? She hasn't reached out to you? No, I haven't talked to her.
- Why? What's going on? - Maddie?! Because she ran away.
Now, where'd she get an idea like that? Maybe you should ask your husband.
Last time I saw her, he was practically dragging her off a stage.
I'm surprised nobody even called the cops.
I'm surprised nobody called the cops on you.
[Scoffs.]
She shouldn't have been on that stage in the first place.
Maddie! He was pretty aggressive towards me, too.
- Get off of her! - Dad! Why are you doing this? You know, I don't have to defend my husband to you.
If you hear from her, you call me.
Get it? [Engine starts.]
Hey.
You can come out.
Is she gone? Yeah.
So, what do you want to do? You sure you're okay going on the road as a nanny? I'm okay with it if you are.
Are you okay with it? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? Because you've fastened and refastened that diaper about 20 times now.
I'm just confused.
Layla's going on tour with Luke, and now Avery's in her band? - When did this happen? - I'm not sure.
I know he was producing her album, but At least somebody's moving forward in their career.
But that means that he's taking my daughter on the road with him, and I can't do anything about it.
Have you tried telling him how you feel? What am I supposed to do? He has all the power.
- He's got custody.
- [Cadence cooing.]
Guess I should just be lucky that he's letting me come visit.
Which is definitely progress.
You're right.
After everything I put that man through, I guess I should just be grateful that he and I are in an okay place.
What if Riff's just sick or hung over or something? I doubt Luke would consider canceling for a hangover.
But he's looking for a replacement, right? - I'm sure he's gonna find someone.
- What if he doesn't? Tonight is supposed to be a big step for me.
You know, I'm finally back on tour, I'm launching my album, and all that progress just stops on the first night.
It sucks.
Maybe not.
What if we just film this? - Sound check? - Yeah, why not? I mean, we already have the band, the cameras, the incredibly talented singer.
This way, if tonight is cancelled, at least we have something to show for it.
Okay.
[Cellphone rings.]
You find her? - No, I didn't find her.
- Damn it.
Did you check every room? You check every closet? - I mean, you looked everywhere, right? - I searched.
As much as I could, I searched.
Cash told me she wasn't there.
[Sighs.]
And then Cash showed me that video of last night.
- It was intense, Deacon.
- So, what are you saying? - It's my fault now? Is that what? - No.
[Sighs.]
We know Maddie's got issues with your anger, and and maybe she got freaked out.
Baby, what was I supposed to do, leave her up there singing half-dressed in front of a roomful of idiots hooting and holler Did you see the guy grab her leg? Honey, I probably would've done the exact same thing, okay? I just think that we should be aware of what her frame of mind might be.
Okay.
Fine.
But none of that changes the fact that she ain't home yet.
They just don't support me at all, you know? Neither of them.
I'm so sick of it.
That's not exactly true, Maddie.
I mean, your mom did give you a record deal.
Whatever.
That was only to keep me from signing with Sony.
Sony offered you a deal? Yeah.
That's huge.
I know, but that was months ago.
They could still be interested.
Look, I've got contacts over there.
If you want, I can call and see if the offer still stands.
Wait.
Seriously? You'd do that? Maddie, I would do anything to help.
Thank you.
In a town full of country singers, not one of them can do me a 45-minute favor.
I'm not asking for the moon.
It's hard to lock down people on such short notice.
I still have calls out to Dierks, Blake, and Thomas Rhett.
Well, I don't think we can count on Riff, so let's hope one of them steps up.
At this rate, it's our only shot.
[Knock on door.]
Heidi, tell me you found Riff.
I just got a call from a hospital in New Orleans.
He's been admitted.
I won't know anything more until I get down there.
I was hoping you could help.
Uh, of course.
We'll go right now.
- Keep trying, Kenneth.
- Yeah.
Yeah, come on.
So, I ran into Riley at Crema the other day.
You two talk lately? No, not since we broke up.
- Mm.
- It's been a while.
Maybe I should call, huh? You really should.
You two were good together.
- Hey, I'll see you in there.
- All right.
[Sighs.]
It sucks, huh? Breakups, I mean.
Yeah, that's that's the worst.
All you can do is learn from it and move on, right? Yeah, totally.
You mind if I if I join ya? Not at all.
Started with the Judas kiss That pushed me to the brink Guess we've always been the stars Of our little tragedy Addicted to commotion Wouldn't change it if I could But when it comes to you breaking my heart I could write a book Oh, I know How the story goes down I've told it - About 100 times now - Juliette.
- Yeah? - Sorry.
Uh, Ken Devine with Wheelin' Dealin'.
I thought I was meeting with Luke.
Uh, yeah, well, Luke, I'm afraid, is currently tied up with an urgent tour matter.
- He sends his apologies.
- Okay, I can wait.
It might be a while.
Um, I'll have someone contact your reps for rescheduling it.
I-I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
- It's all good.
Nice to meet you.
- Likewise.
Everybody knows a good heartbreak Oh, I know How the story goes down I've told it about 100 times now You're my darkest desperation Worst kind of creation Even though I know the story don't end good Hell, I could write the book Oh, I, Oh, I I could write the book [Cellphone rings.]
What's going on, Will? How can you tell if a guy is gay? Uh, if this is a joke, I'm not sure I want to hear the punch line.
No, no, no.
I'm serious, and I need your help.
I just met this guy, and I can't tell.
I mean, uh, he's one of my backup singers, and, oh, he just broke up with someone named Riley, so gay, right? Well, given those very limited details, it's possible, though Riley can be a girl's name, too.
Oh, and he did say he's into cars and football and grilling and stuff.
So, uh so he's straight.
You like those things, Will.
Well, then, how am I supposed to know if he's a potential suitor whatever you called them? Look, if you really want to know if he's gay, man up and ask him out.
I never knew a bunch of hot rocks could be so relaxing.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah, trust me.
This and some good Scotch are the only way to survive these long tours.
[Chuckles.]
Just something you're gonna want to keep in mind.
I can't thank you enough for bringing us out here.
Oh, yes, you can, and you have.
Anyway, the way your single's blowing up, having you here is good for all of us.
Well, it means a lot to me and Gunnar, too.
Hey, I know I promised not to pry, but I have to say, it's really hard to believe there isn't something still going on between you guys.
How do you mean? You know, I've watched you play.
You chemistry, your energy.
There's a lot more going on than just music.
- If I can be completely honest with you - Yeah? there always is something going on just under the surface with me and Gunnar, but we decided for the good of the band that that's just where it's got to stay.
Very smart girl.
Take it from someone with a few more miles behind her, it is never a good idea to complicate these things out on the road.
[Chuckles.]
[Chuckling.]
Just another one of those things you might want to keep in mind.
Thank you.
I-I feel like I'm really gonna learn a lot from you.
Oh.
Mrs.
Bell? I'm Dr.
Goff.
I'm overseeing your husband's care.
Is he all right? I want to see him.
Can you tell us what happened? Maybe you'd prefer to speak privately, ma'am.
No, no.
It's okay.
- He's a friend, and he needs to know, too.
- Very well.
There's no easy way to say this.
Your husband was admitted to the ICU after a woman brought him in late last night.
What woman? A local escort.
According to her, Mr.
Bell became unresponsive after several days of consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, pain pills, and sexual performance enhancers.
Y-Y-You sure we're talking about the same guy, doc? Quite sure, sadly.
His toxicity report confirms it, and it suggests that it's the cause of his brain hemorrhage.
- Oh, my God.
- W-What does that mean? When can he come home and do a show? Just to clarify, the patient had a stroke.
He's still unconscious.
He certainly won't be onstage anytime soon.
- [Door slams, purse thuds.]
- [Grunts.]
What is wrong? Did your meeting not go well? Oh, what meeting? What meeting? No, Luke bailed.
Bailed.
And I had to watch Avery and Layla grind onstage during sound check.
- [Sighs.]
- Is there something going on between them? Not that I know of.
- Would you tell me if there was? - Well, of course.
But you want to tell me what's really bothering you? It's just, I've been trying to get my life back together.
My career, my daughter, my team everything and Avery is the only missing puzzle piece.
And I thought we had this moment this morning.
We've been getting along so well.
We had this spark, and then I see him onstage with her.
- It's - Oh, God.
I'm so sorry, Juliette.
You know, maybe it's just not meant to be.
Yeah, maybe I just don't deserve him.
I'm just not ready to let go yet.
But it's gonna be okay, because you're gonna be on the road, keeping an eye on him.
Right? Sure.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Layla: Wait.
Wait.
No peeking.
Okay.
Okay, all right, now.
Ta-da.
Oh, wow.
Look at this.
- [Laughs.]
- You got Pro Tools, mixer.
- Mm-hmm.
- Aw, man, this is a great setup.
- This your idea? - Yeah.
Well, as soon as you said yes, I had them put it in so we can keep recording on the road.
And I had them put in a crib for Cadence so you won't have to worry about cramming into a bunk or anything.
Wait.
You're giving me your bedroom? Yeah.
I can't imagine it's gonna be easy touring with an infant, so you should be comfortable.
What's wrong? Uh I just need a second.
So, apparently, this wasn't just any record deal.
Sony was offering you the works a huge advance, big marketing, massive royalties.
They basically wanted to make you the next Taylor or Miranda.
Wow.
Only my mom would kill an opportunity that good.
It's not dead.
- Sony's still interested if you are.
- Really? [Chuckles.]
But I'm I'm still under that contract with Highway 65.
I mean, even if my parents would let me go, I would still need their consent to sign with Sony.
It's like no matter where I go, they're just in my way.
Yeah, listen.
[Sighs.]
On that call, I found out something that I think you should know.
- Okay.
Well, thanks, Valerie.
- [Deacon sighs.]
I appreciate your time, and, yeah, we'll let you know if we hear anything.
- [Cellphone clicks.]
- And what's the lawyer say? Well, she says basically we just need to keep doing what we're doing.
- [Scoffs.]
- You know, calling people and searching.
Great.
That's real, real helpful.
The only other option is we get the police involved.
Then, why don't we do that? Because as soon as the police are involved, we got to file a report, and then she's in the system as a runaway.
Well, she is a runaway, Rayna.
But, hon, the minute that she's in the system, suddenly anybody can get ahold of that.
I mean, that's public knowledge.
That can be dragged through the tabloids.
- I don't want that for her.
- All right, great.
We can't do this.
We can't do that.
- What can we do? - I don't know! I'm trying to figure it out same as you are.
[Sighs.]
Good Lord, Deacon.
Why'd you have to blow up on her like that last night? You have no idea what it was like in there, Rayna! All right?! What was I supposed to say?! "Excuse me, young man.
When you're done groping my daughter's leg, can I have a little word with you over here?" - What was I supposed to do?! - I don't know.
But I do know what it is to be a 16-year-old girl and have a fight with your father and leave the house forever.
And I don't want that for Maddie.
I don't, either.
I'm just scared to death, and I don't know our next move.
I thought of one place we haven't looked yet.
I don't get it.
Going off the deep end like that seems so unlike him.
Does it? [Scoffs.]
Come on.
He was always like this on the road the parties, the groupies.
You must remember.
Yeah, I do.
I just I guess I thought those days were behind him.
Me too.
You know, it eventually got so bad I had to put my foot down.
I made him retire.
Figured it was the only way to save him, save us, and it stuck for a while.
At least, I thought it did.
Truth is, after he played The Beverly last week, he never came home.
Hell, I am so sorry, Heidi.
I never would've brought him back out had I known the temptation would be too It is not your fault.
It's like an addiction to him.
I had no idea.
I could tell.
The way you looked at our family, you saw perfection.
But it wasn't.
Nothing ever is.
No, it sure ain't.
[Sighs.]
Thank you so much, Luke.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
I can handle things from here.
Are you sure? You've got a show to do.
[Knock on door.]
- Hey.
- Hey.
I wasn't sure where you went.
Yeah, sorry.
I just needed a minute to clear my head, process everything.
Look, I know this tour stuff happened really fast.
I just I hope I didn't rush you into anything.
No.
No, it's it's it's not that.
It's just In fact, this is exactly what I need the job, the bus.
And you've been so thoughtful and generous.
I guess I'm just not used to it.
You know, being being put ahead of someone else.
It means a lot.
So, thank you.
You deserve it.
[Knock on door, door opens.]
Hey.
You guys better get ready.
Luke found a replacement.
Looks like we've got a show tonight after all.
- Yes! - [Chuckles.]
Noel: Good news, guys, I got new numbers on the single.
We just hit 10,000.
- [Gasps.]
Oh, my goodness! - Can you believe it? - [Laughs.]
- No.
At this rate, you're gonna be hanging up gold records in no time.
And I'm getting tons of phone calls for press.
Billboard, Rolling Stone, - and a bunch of others.
- Whoa.
- Wow.
- I'm really proud of you two.
You've earned this.
- Thank you.
- Thank you, man.
[Sighs.]
I mean, it's pretty incredible, right? It's something else.
I don't know what to do.
So, um, h-how did it go with with Autumn today? Tiny fish nibbled on my feet.
It was awesome.
Is that normal? I don't know.
I don't care.
She's been a role model for me for so long, and now she's becoming my friend.
- It's really cool.
- Yeah.
Yeah, I'm I'm really happy for you.
You guys should hang out one-on-one sometime.
I think you'd like her.
[Chuckles.]
Hey, uh, I just wanted to say thanks for letting me sing on your record.
- I got a good feeling about it.
- Yeah.
Yeah, me too.
All right.
I'll see you around.
Hey Hey, Bryan.
Uh, do you feel like grabbing a beer or something? Sure.
Yeah, I'd love to.
Well, all right.
[Knock on door.]
- Hey.
- Hi.
Sorry to bother you.
Um, I'm looking for Maddie.
Is she here, by any chance? No, she's not.
Is everything okay? [Sighs.]
No, it really isn't.
[Crying.]
Talked to Cash? Sure have.
She say anything about Maddie? I'm not looking for me and my daughter to get caught up in whatever this is between you and yours.
Yeah, well, your daughter put herself right in the middle.
I'm sorry.
So I'm just asking, as a friend here and a father, what have you heard, Frankie? Just that Cash took Maddie out to play a little music last night and you lost your damn mind.
She took a minor into a bar without permission.
That's what she did.
I seem to recall you bringing her in here, too, - and this is a bar.
- It's not the same thing.
You know that, Frankie.
- Come on now.
- Still no reason for you - to blow up on Cash like you did.
- I swear to God, I don't know how this keeps getting put back on me, all right? I was there to protect my daughter.
That is all.
I did the right thing.
If you did the right thing, why you suppose Maddie ran away? I had no idea you were going through all that with her.
Yeah, we've had a rough go of it, really ever since she went onstage with you in Atlanta.
I'm sorry.
Hey, I'm not blaming you.
It's what Maddie wants, you know? I keep trying to do things to slow her down a little bit, but there's just no containing her at this point.
I don't think there was anything that could contain us at 16.
But I get it.
As a mom going through what I have, I understand that desire to hold on.
It seems like the more I try to hold on, the more she just pushes me away.
What are you gonna do? Even when they push away, you just how do you let go of somebody that you love? You don't.
Man: All right, country fans, put your hands together for tonight's special guest, Thomas Rhett.
[Cheers and applause.]
["Die a Happy Man" plays.]
Baby, last night Was hands down One of the best nights That I've had, no doubt Between the bottle of wine and the look in your eyes And the Marvin Gaye Then we danced in the dark under September stars In the pourin' rain And I know that I can't Ever tell you enough That all I need in this life Is your crazy love If I never get to see the Northern Lights Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand Baby, I could die a happy man Luke: Whew! Man, I owe him big time.
Yeah.
Thomas is a great fix.
But with old Riff out, we need to find a more permanent solution starting tomorrow.
Or we could just pull the plug and walk away right now.
I'm starting to feel like this tour's done enough damage.
What? You saying you just want to cancel the tour? No, because now we're talking buy-backs lawsuits, massive backlash.
Luke, you turned your reputation around, man.
Now you just want to throw it away? I don't know what I want.
[Knock on door.]
In my wildest dreams I'll give you two a minute.
Yeah.
- Ever tell you enough - Hey.
Hey, yourself.
What? I leave for a couple months, - you forget who your #1 artist is? - [Chuckling.]
Come here.
Oh, hey, I'm sorry about missing you earlier.
Crazy stuff going on here.
I know we have a hell of a lot to catch up on but, uh, I need to get ready - so I can get out there and do my show.
- I know.
And that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about.
Do you think that three would be a crowd? You know I could, girl [Cellphone rings.]
- Hey, baby.
- Hey, where are you? I just got back from Juliette's.
She's not there.
Thought you were gonna be here.
Well, I'm at Cash's.
I'm out front.
- What? - I know, I know.
Even saying it out loud, I just hear how ridiculous it sounds.
- Honey.
- I've been trying to be this hands-on father, and I just been coming on too strong.
You're right.
I shouldn't have blown up.
I just I lost it.
I'm sorry I got angry, too.
I just Look, we're both just doing the best we can, you know? I hope Maddie understands that.
If we ever find her.
We're gonna find her, babe.
But then we really are gonna have to sit her down and just let her know that we hear her and that we're on the same page, you know? Wait.
I see her.
- I see her.
She's here.
- At Cash's? - Yeah.
- I'll be right there, babe.
All right.
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
Hey, man, this is a lot of fun.
Thanks for the invite.
I got to admit.
I was pretty nervous about asking you out.
I mean, I'm still new to this whole dating thing.
You, uh [Chuckles.]
You think this is a date? Oh, uh Will, I I'm not gay.
[Chuckles.]
Wait what? [Scoffs.]
What about all that nice stuff you said to me and then and the breakup with Riley? Riley was my bandmate.
We broke up 'cause we couldn't agree on a sound.
- [Sighs.]
- [Laughs.]
I guess I'm worse at this than I thought.
Listen, my cousin's gay.
If you want, I could, - you know, give him your - No, no.
No, I just think I'll stick to the music for now.
All right.
[Sighs.]
- Autumn: Hey.
- Hey.
Come on in.
I hope you brought a jacket.
It can get rainy in New York this time of year.
Look, Autumn, as tempting as the offer is, I can't go with you.
Or, I shouldn't.
Scarlett really looks up to you, and I don't want to do anything that could get in the way of that.
Well, that's a shame.
Would've been fun.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You know, that is really sweet how you care about Scarlett.
I wonder if she would've made the same decision for you.
Well, yeah, of course she would have.
We look out for each other, you know? It's part of what being in a duo's all about.
[Chuckles.]
Make sure you look after yourself, too, okay? 'Cause that's the other thing about duos.
One always outshines the other.
["Say No To Love" plays.]
Luke: It started out innocent Tasted sweet, couldn't resist it Took my hand, pulled me in Messed me up, now I'm addicted Gonna get out, gonna get strong One of these days Wish I could say no Wish I could say no Wish I could say no But I went too far and I fell too deep And I lost control Warn your daughters, tell your sons Before it's too late for an intervention And they're hooked like me Chasing that rush Heart strung out Yeah, they're hooked like me Chasing that rush Heart strung out And I can't say no to love That's what I call an amazing first night.
Looks like the crew got some great footage, too.
- Can't say no to love - Well done, guys.
Thanks.
I had some help.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
Whoo! Yeah! Thank y'all.
Listen up for a second.
My good pal Riff Bell, who y'all didn't get to see tonight, is sadly dealing with some health issues right now.
We wish him the best.
But coming in to replace him is somebody y'all might recognize.
Please give a warm, wheels-up welcome back to my original tour mate, Miss Juliette Barnes! [Cheers and applause.]
Now I get to spend plenty of time with Cadence.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
Now, don't get too excited.
I'm not performing tonight.
I just came to say hello.
But starting tomorrow night, y'all won't be able to get rid of me.
[Cheers and applause.]
Look, I already told you Maddie's not here.
- We know that she's here, okay? - We need to talk to her.
- I don't know - It's okay, Cash.
What do you want? Deacon: Look, baby, I know I probably overreacted the other night.
I didn't mean to embarrass ya, I didn't mean to frighten ya, and if I did that, I'm sorry as hell.
No, you're always sorry, and nothing ever changes.
Rayna: Honey, listen.
Whatever's happened to make you this upset, we can work it out together.
Please just come home.
We love you so much.
We can fix anything.
Just come on home so we can talk it through.
I'm staying here with Cash.
- Don't do that.
- [Scoffs.]
Oh, sweet No, I know you think she's your friend, honey.
She's a bad influence on you.
Maddie: No, you're not a good influence.
- You're trying to keep me from my career.
- What? Sony wanted me and so did Edgehill.
Yeah, I know about that, too.
No, you don't know about that, honey.
There's a lot you don't know about that.
I'm done letting you make all my decisions for me.
- Swee - I talked to a lawyer who thinks I have a pretty good case.
Case for what? I'm emancipating from you.
Maddie.
Maddie! Maddie, open the door now! Maddie, open the door! Maddie! [Crying.]
It might be time for y'all to sign at Highway 65.
Maddie: The only reason she signed us is to keep me under her control.
- Get of off her! - Dad! Dad! She's 16 years old! I promise you I will be your dream client from now on.
Are you asking me to go on the road with you? What do you say? My band and I are gonna have a drink in my room.
Come join us.
What would you think about coming out of retirement and going on the road with me? He packed a bag and he left.
I don't know where he is.
What do you mean you don't know where Riff is? Well, he he said he was going up to our cabin for a few days before leaving with you, but I checked.
He was never there.
I'm relaunching my tour with his name on the ticket in less than 24 hours, and you're telling me he's just gone, not a word? I tried calling, but the only time he ever answered, he said he'd be home when he was good and ready.
I don't know what else to do.
[Sighs.]
Damn it.
Rayna: Well, I hear ya, babe, and I'm I'm hoping we're gonna get out of here before this storm hits.
And we'll just handle it together, okay? I love you, too.
Bye.
Everything okay? Apparently Deacon caught Maddie playing at some club where she didn't have permission to be.
Mm.
You worried? I'm sure this is gonna be okay.
- You know, I-I probably shouldn't.
- Oh, come on.
It'll help ease the prerelease jitters.
I mean, if if I'm this nervous about the single dropping tomorrow, I-I think, uh, the whole album might kill me.
[Both laugh.]
Well, between you and me, I have a feeling The Exes are gonna be just fine.
- [Glasses clink.]
- Cheers.
Cheers.
I want to hear more about your music, though.
I mean, you won a CMA.
For songwriting, um, but performing's always been my my passion.
Oh, I can tell.
I've watched you play.
You've got this sort of old-soul, James Taylor thing going on.
I mean, he's a he's a huge inspiration.
Well, I'll be sure to tell him.
James is my neighbor in New York.
- What? - Mm-hmm.
- [Chuckles.]
- In fact, I'm headed there tomorrow after the show while the tour shuts down for a few days.
You're more than welcome to join me if you want to tell him yourself.
Oh, I mean, that would be in in uh, incredible.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Scarlett would love to come, too.
[Chuckles.]
I was actually thinking maybe just the two of us.
Oh.
- Right.
- [Chuckles.]
You know, I got this, uh this radio thingy in the morning for the single, and, uh, I should I should really call it a night.
- Yeah? - [Sighs.]
Yeah.
- Well, you just let me know about tomorrow.
- Uh-huh.
I-I-I will do that.
Uh, g-good night.
And voilà .
- Enjoy.
- Juliette, you didn't have to do all this.
Oh, it's nothing.
Please.
I just wanted to say thank you.
And since we're all here, I'd like to talk about, what do you think our next steps will be? Next steps? Yes, for resurrecting my career.
- Are you sure you're ready? - You saw me last night at the Opry.
It was amazing.
I think it'd be stupid for us to lose that momentum.
All right, but what about Cadence? I thought you wanted to stay close for her.
I'm not talking about touring the Australian Outback here.
I'm talking about starting my next album.
And that way, I can spend as much time with the baby as Avery will let me and keep some semblance of a career alive.
Have you talked to your label head about any of this? I thought that's why I had a manager.
Oh.
- Can you set up a meeting? - Here's the thing.
Uh, Luke's getting ready to go on tour tonight, but I'll I'll do the best I can.
Okay, well, you work on that.
Emily, you just keep doing whatever it is I pay you to do.
Mm-hmm.
It's great to have the team back, huh? Oh, hey, listen.
If you're serious about this recording, we should probably look into lining up a producer.
I already have somebody in mind.
- Morning.
- [Groans.]
What's up with you? Late night? Oh, thank you.
Yeah, I, uh I kind of maybe spent all night looking into online dating.
What? Working with Kevin yesterday got me got me feeling like maybe it's time to move on.
Eh, well, got to start somewhere.
Any potential suitors? Mnh, no.
All these sites and apps are all about hooking up.
I'd like to try going out with somebody, you know? Though I have no idea how to do that.
'Least you and Gunnar won't be around to mock me while I figure it out.
Yeah, I hate to disappoint you, but I don't think I'm going on Layla's tour.
How come? It's a steady gig.
It's It's a chance to play.
It's exactly what you've been looking for.
It's not that simple.
I mean, I-I have Cadence to think about.
And, plus, Juliette just got back, and they're making really good progress.
So you're staying for Juliette? No.
No.
I just don't think now's a good time, is all.
- [Beep.]
- Yeah, Riff, it's me again.
Look, man, I don't know where you are or what the hell's gotten into you, but, um, you got Heidi worried sick, and I ain't that far behind.
Look, sound check's in six hours, all right? I'll see ya there.
Any luck? Do I look like a guy who's had much luck lately? No.
Nothing yet.
Luke, we're we're sold out.
I mean, not just tonight, but the rest of the tour.
It could sink us if he misses the first show.
Yeah, thanks for pointing out the obvious, Ken.
Trust me, last thing I want to do is face all of Nashville with another apology.
What do you want to do? What I want to do is believe Riff's still my friend and he'll come through.
But maybe we ought to find a replacement for tonight just in case.
- Layla, I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
- That's okay.
Uh, I already ordered, but if you know what you want, I can get the waitress.
Oh, no, I'm stuffed.
My meeting with Juliette this morning turned into a breakfast buffet.
- You met with Juliette? - Yeah, I did.
Oh, and you should probably know that I'm gonna be representing her again.
What? Look, just because I'm managing you both does not mean you're gonna have to - compete for my attention, okay? - [Scoffs.]
She's more concerned about staying home nowadays.
And right now, my priority is you and your big debut on Luke's tour tonight.
And to mark the occasion, Bucky and I arranged to have your show filmed.
Great.
So the camera crew will meet you at sound check - to go over the details.
- Okay.
Everything you need for an amazing launch.
Well, almost.
I might still need a bandleader.
[Whispering.]
Sorry.
She's not ready yet.
I didn't want to waste a nap.
[Whispering.]
You know what? I can hold her while you pack her things.
Yeah? Yeah.
- Okay.
- [Sighs.]
So, I'm, uh, starting my new album.
What do you think about producing a couple tracks on it? I'm I'm going on tour with Layla as her bandleader starting tonight.
- Oh.
- So I'm gonna go get her carrier.
[Exhales sharply.]
Nothing like traveling all night.
Sorry, babe.
I got here as fast as I could.
I know.
- Mm.
You seen her yet this morning? - No.
I'm the last person Maddie wants to talk to.
Mm.
I figured I'd give her a little space.
Glad you caught her, though.
Yeah, but she's not the problem.
I'll tell you what the problem is Cash, all right? I'm serious.
We got to keep her away from our daughter.
- Really? - Seriously, yeah.
If we have to get a restraining order, let's do it.
- I thought Cash was helping Maddie.
- I know.
I thought she was a good influence, but I'm telling you, she's not, all right? If you'd seen the way Maddie was singing, if you'd seen the song, it was just It wasn't our little girl, baby.
Well, I'm gonna go get that little girl up, - have a little conversation with her.
- All right.
Maddie, honey, can I come in? Maddie? Maddie? Maddie? Maddie?! - I think this is everything.
- Great.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
Look, uh, I didn't mean to spring the tour on you like that.
I just found out about it last night, and it's a good opportunity.
- Yeah, no, I get it.
- [Cadence coos.]
I'm just wondering, what are you planning to do with Cadence? I'm bringing her with me, but you're welcome to visit anytime.
I mean it.
Great.
You know, you're probably gonna need some help out on the road.
Maybe I can just send Emily with you.
You wouldn't mind? No, not at all.
I'll talk to her about it.
Well, thanks again for being so understanding about all this.
Of course.
And you break a leg tonight.
- So, please just call me back - Will you call me if you hear from her? - as soon as you get this.
Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
I really appreciate that.
Okay, bye.
She's not at Lindsey's, not at Colt's, not at Talia's.
- Anything? Cash? - No.
No.
Baby, I'm running out of people to call here.
Well, we got to keep thinking.
- I mean, who else could it - Hey.
Hey, honey.
Where's Maddie? Honey, we're not quite sure where she is.
Did she run away? Look, I don't want you to worry about this.
We're gonna find her.
You got dance class.
Go get yourself ready, okay? Okay.
Nothing.
It's like she disappeared.
- [Cellphone chimes.]
- That her? "Don't worry.
I'm safe.
But Dad's insane.
" Oh, she's mad at you.
Yeah, she's mad at me.
She's mad that I caught her.
She's mad that I pulled her out of that damn place.
She won't tell me where she is.
I know where she is.
- Where are you going? - If she says she's safe, I bet everything I got she's at Cash's right now.
No.
No, hey.
Let me go.
- You're mad.
She's mad.
- Yeah, I'm mad.
Take Daphne to dance class.
Cool yourself off.
All right? - I'll call you if I find her.
- All right.
Man: Well, how's it feel having a hot single? We're just really excited for everyone to finally hear our music.
It really has been a labor of love, so we hope y'all like it.
Well, without further ado, here's Nashville duo The Exes with their debut single, "The Rubble.
" [Intro to "The Rubble" plays.]
- Congrats, man.
- Thank you.
Really, best of luck.
- Aw, man, thanks for having us.
- Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, too.
- You can bury me alive - That was fun.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Surreal.
You can throw away your shovel No matter how you try That was a great interview.
- Thanks.
We got numbers yet? - Yeah? I just got them.
You ready for this? - 6,000 downloads so far.
- What? - Oh, my goodness.
- And it just got picked up by iHeart and Cumulus.
- [Exhales sharply.]
- I am telling you guys, - this is gonna be huge.
- [Cellphone rings.]
- This is amazing.
- Hey, Lisa.
- Okay.
- Bye.
We got to celebrate.
- Yeah! - Uh, a drink, find a lunch spot someplace fancy.
I want to do everything, but I kind of made plans with Autumn.
- Oh, really? - Yeah.
She called my room and asked me to come to the hotel spa, and I really feel like we got off on the wrong foot, and so I'm trying to make it cool.
Do you mind if I spend a little time alone with her? No.
I mean, that's that's fine.
- [Chuckles.]
Yeah.
- Thank you.
- After the show? - After the show.
Okay.
Gone are the feelings Lost are the reasons Why I should even care Why I ever felt despair Moving on Moving on Never felt so good I hear a joyful noise down in my soul My poor heart hurts no more I feel the sunshine breaking through Moving on Moving on Never felt so good Never felt so good [Cheers and applause.]
All right.
Uh, still some punches I want to try, but it's feeling good.
That was great.
Hey, man, that was incredible.
I'm Bryan, one of your backup singers.
Oh, nice to meet ya.
Will Lexington.
I know.
I was a big fan of your last album.
Sounds like I'll be a fan of your next album, too.
Well, afraid I can't take all the credit.
You know, most of these songs are co-writes.
Yeah, well, sure, but without the voice, they're just songs, right? Must be something special about you.
Avery: Hey.
Sorry I'm late.
- Hey.
- But I'm here now, and I'm ready to do this.
That's okay.
I'm just really glad you're here.
You seemed kind of unsure about taking the job last night.
Well, I figure now's as good a time as any, while Cadence is still small enough to shuttle around.
Plus, how could I turn down the chance - to keep making great music with you? - Oh, thank you.
I can't believe this you, me, Luke, Riff.
It's gonna be the best night.
Luke: Hi, Avery.
I just heard you were joining the tour.
- Welcome aboard, son.
- Thanks.
Yeah, it was kind of last minute, but I'm looking forward to it.
Well, uh, that makes three of us.
Um, you mind if I steal Layla here for a quick second? - Sure.
Yeah, I'll go plug in.
- Okay.
I just want you to know I'm so excited to be on tour with you and with Riff, and I was really hoping to meet him before everything happens tonight, - 'cause he's a legend.
- Uh, yeah.
Yeah, might have to take a rain check on that.
Uh, something's come up.
Riff may not make it.
But, uh, we're working to see if we can fill the slot and still put on the show.
Wait.
You might cancel tonight altogether? Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Okay.
Listen, sweetie, she probably just needs some space.
- That's all.
- It's my fault.
What are you talking about? If I didn't say anything, you wouldn't have known about the show, - sh she wouldn't have run away.
- No.
No.
Listen to m Daphne, hey, hey, all right? Maddie made her choices, and that is not your responsibility.
You did exactly what you should've done, all right? [Voice breaking.]
What if something bad happens? It won't.
All right? I promise.
[Knock on door.]
Rayna, what are you doing here? I'm looking for Maddie.
Mind if I come in? - By all means, please.
- Maddie?! She's not here.
Can I help you with something? You telling me you don't know where she is? She hasn't reached out to you? No, I haven't talked to her.
- Why? What's going on? - Maddie?! Because she ran away.
Now, where'd she get an idea like that? Maybe you should ask your husband.
Last time I saw her, he was practically dragging her off a stage.
I'm surprised nobody even called the cops.
I'm surprised nobody called the cops on you.
[Scoffs.]
She shouldn't have been on that stage in the first place.
Maddie! He was pretty aggressive towards me, too.
- Get off of her! - Dad! Why are you doing this? You know, I don't have to defend my husband to you.
If you hear from her, you call me.
Get it? [Engine starts.]
Hey.
You can come out.
Is she gone? Yeah.
So, what do you want to do? You sure you're okay going on the road as a nanny? I'm okay with it if you are.
Are you okay with it? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? Because you've fastened and refastened that diaper about 20 times now.
I'm just confused.
Layla's going on tour with Luke, and now Avery's in her band? - When did this happen? - I'm not sure.
I know he was producing her album, but At least somebody's moving forward in their career.
But that means that he's taking my daughter on the road with him, and I can't do anything about it.
Have you tried telling him how you feel? What am I supposed to do? He has all the power.
- He's got custody.
- [Cadence cooing.]
Guess I should just be lucky that he's letting me come visit.
Which is definitely progress.
You're right.
After everything I put that man through, I guess I should just be grateful that he and I are in an okay place.
What if Riff's just sick or hung over or something? I doubt Luke would consider canceling for a hangover.
But he's looking for a replacement, right? - I'm sure he's gonna find someone.
- What if he doesn't? Tonight is supposed to be a big step for me.
You know, I'm finally back on tour, I'm launching my album, and all that progress just stops on the first night.
It sucks.
Maybe not.
What if we just film this? - Sound check? - Yeah, why not? I mean, we already have the band, the cameras, the incredibly talented singer.
This way, if tonight is cancelled, at least we have something to show for it.
Okay.
[Cellphone rings.]
You find her? - No, I didn't find her.
- Damn it.
Did you check every room? You check every closet? - I mean, you looked everywhere, right? - I searched.
As much as I could, I searched.
Cash told me she wasn't there.
[Sighs.]
And then Cash showed me that video of last night.
- It was intense, Deacon.
- So, what are you saying? - It's my fault now? Is that what? - No.
[Sighs.]
We know Maddie's got issues with your anger, and and maybe she got freaked out.
Baby, what was I supposed to do, leave her up there singing half-dressed in front of a roomful of idiots hooting and holler Did you see the guy grab her leg? Honey, I probably would've done the exact same thing, okay? I just think that we should be aware of what her frame of mind might be.
Okay.
Fine.
But none of that changes the fact that she ain't home yet.
They just don't support me at all, you know? Neither of them.
I'm so sick of it.
That's not exactly true, Maddie.
I mean, your mom did give you a record deal.
Whatever.
That was only to keep me from signing with Sony.
Sony offered you a deal? Yeah.
That's huge.
I know, but that was months ago.
They could still be interested.
Look, I've got contacts over there.
If you want, I can call and see if the offer still stands.
Wait.
Seriously? You'd do that? Maddie, I would do anything to help.
Thank you.
In a town full of country singers, not one of them can do me a 45-minute favor.
I'm not asking for the moon.
It's hard to lock down people on such short notice.
I still have calls out to Dierks, Blake, and Thomas Rhett.
Well, I don't think we can count on Riff, so let's hope one of them steps up.
At this rate, it's our only shot.
[Knock on door.]
Heidi, tell me you found Riff.
I just got a call from a hospital in New Orleans.
He's been admitted.
I won't know anything more until I get down there.
I was hoping you could help.
Uh, of course.
We'll go right now.
- Keep trying, Kenneth.
- Yeah.
Yeah, come on.
So, I ran into Riley at Crema the other day.
You two talk lately? No, not since we broke up.
- Mm.
- It's been a while.
Maybe I should call, huh? You really should.
You two were good together.
- Hey, I'll see you in there.
- All right.
[Sighs.]
It sucks, huh? Breakups, I mean.
Yeah, that's that's the worst.
All you can do is learn from it and move on, right? Yeah, totally.
You mind if I if I join ya? Not at all.
Started with the Judas kiss That pushed me to the brink Guess we've always been the stars Of our little tragedy Addicted to commotion Wouldn't change it if I could But when it comes to you breaking my heart I could write a book Oh, I know How the story goes down I've told it - About 100 times now - Juliette.
- Yeah? - Sorry.
Uh, Ken Devine with Wheelin' Dealin'.
I thought I was meeting with Luke.
Uh, yeah, well, Luke, I'm afraid, is currently tied up with an urgent tour matter.
- He sends his apologies.
- Okay, I can wait.
It might be a while.
Um, I'll have someone contact your reps for rescheduling it.
I-I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
- It's all good.
Nice to meet you.
- Likewise.
Everybody knows a good heartbreak Oh, I know How the story goes down I've told it about 100 times now You're my darkest desperation Worst kind of creation Even though I know the story don't end good Hell, I could write the book Oh, I, Oh, I I could write the book [Cellphone rings.]
What's going on, Will? How can you tell if a guy is gay? Uh, if this is a joke, I'm not sure I want to hear the punch line.
No, no, no.
I'm serious, and I need your help.
I just met this guy, and I can't tell.
I mean, uh, he's one of my backup singers, and, oh, he just broke up with someone named Riley, so gay, right? Well, given those very limited details, it's possible, though Riley can be a girl's name, too.
Oh, and he did say he's into cars and football and grilling and stuff.
So, uh so he's straight.
You like those things, Will.
Well, then, how am I supposed to know if he's a potential suitor whatever you called them? Look, if you really want to know if he's gay, man up and ask him out.
I never knew a bunch of hot rocks could be so relaxing.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah, trust me.
This and some good Scotch are the only way to survive these long tours.
[Chuckles.]
Just something you're gonna want to keep in mind.
I can't thank you enough for bringing us out here.
Oh, yes, you can, and you have.
Anyway, the way your single's blowing up, having you here is good for all of us.
Well, it means a lot to me and Gunnar, too.
Hey, I know I promised not to pry, but I have to say, it's really hard to believe there isn't something still going on between you guys.
How do you mean? You know, I've watched you play.
You chemistry, your energy.
There's a lot more going on than just music.
- If I can be completely honest with you - Yeah? there always is something going on just under the surface with me and Gunnar, but we decided for the good of the band that that's just where it's got to stay.
Very smart girl.
Take it from someone with a few more miles behind her, it is never a good idea to complicate these things out on the road.
[Chuckles.]
[Chuckling.]
Just another one of those things you might want to keep in mind.
Thank you.
I-I feel like I'm really gonna learn a lot from you.
Oh.
Mrs.
Bell? I'm Dr.
Goff.
I'm overseeing your husband's care.
Is he all right? I want to see him.
Can you tell us what happened? Maybe you'd prefer to speak privately, ma'am.
No, no.
It's okay.
- He's a friend, and he needs to know, too.
- Very well.
There's no easy way to say this.
Your husband was admitted to the ICU after a woman brought him in late last night.
What woman? A local escort.
According to her, Mr.
Bell became unresponsive after several days of consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, pain pills, and sexual performance enhancers.
Y-Y-You sure we're talking about the same guy, doc? Quite sure, sadly.
His toxicity report confirms it, and it suggests that it's the cause of his brain hemorrhage.
- Oh, my God.
- W-What does that mean? When can he come home and do a show? Just to clarify, the patient had a stroke.
He's still unconscious.
He certainly won't be onstage anytime soon.
- [Door slams, purse thuds.]
- [Grunts.]
What is wrong? Did your meeting not go well? Oh, what meeting? What meeting? No, Luke bailed.
Bailed.
And I had to watch Avery and Layla grind onstage during sound check.
- [Sighs.]
- Is there something going on between them? Not that I know of.
- Would you tell me if there was? - Well, of course.
But you want to tell me what's really bothering you? It's just, I've been trying to get my life back together.
My career, my daughter, my team everything and Avery is the only missing puzzle piece.
And I thought we had this moment this morning.
We've been getting along so well.
We had this spark, and then I see him onstage with her.
- It's - Oh, God.
I'm so sorry, Juliette.
You know, maybe it's just not meant to be.
Yeah, maybe I just don't deserve him.
I'm just not ready to let go yet.
But it's gonna be okay, because you're gonna be on the road, keeping an eye on him.
Right? Sure.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Layla: Wait.
Wait.
No peeking.
Okay.
Okay, all right, now.
Ta-da.
Oh, wow.
Look at this.
- [Laughs.]
- You got Pro Tools, mixer.
- Mm-hmm.
- Aw, man, this is a great setup.
- This your idea? - Yeah.
Well, as soon as you said yes, I had them put it in so we can keep recording on the road.
And I had them put in a crib for Cadence so you won't have to worry about cramming into a bunk or anything.
Wait.
You're giving me your bedroom? Yeah.
I can't imagine it's gonna be easy touring with an infant, so you should be comfortable.
What's wrong? Uh I just need a second.
So, apparently, this wasn't just any record deal.
Sony was offering you the works a huge advance, big marketing, massive royalties.
They basically wanted to make you the next Taylor or Miranda.
Wow.
Only my mom would kill an opportunity that good.
It's not dead.
- Sony's still interested if you are.
- Really? [Chuckles.]
But I'm I'm still under that contract with Highway 65.
I mean, even if my parents would let me go, I would still need their consent to sign with Sony.
It's like no matter where I go, they're just in my way.
Yeah, listen.
[Sighs.]
On that call, I found out something that I think you should know.
- Okay.
Well, thanks, Valerie.
- [Deacon sighs.]
I appreciate your time, and, yeah, we'll let you know if we hear anything.
- [Cellphone clicks.]
- And what's the lawyer say? Well, she says basically we just need to keep doing what we're doing.
- [Scoffs.]
- You know, calling people and searching.
Great.
That's real, real helpful.
The only other option is we get the police involved.
Then, why don't we do that? Because as soon as the police are involved, we got to file a report, and then she's in the system as a runaway.
Well, she is a runaway, Rayna.
But, hon, the minute that she's in the system, suddenly anybody can get ahold of that.
I mean, that's public knowledge.
That can be dragged through the tabloids.
- I don't want that for her.
- All right, great.
We can't do this.
We can't do that.
- What can we do? - I don't know! I'm trying to figure it out same as you are.
[Sighs.]
Good Lord, Deacon.
Why'd you have to blow up on her like that last night? You have no idea what it was like in there, Rayna! All right?! What was I supposed to say?! "Excuse me, young man.
When you're done groping my daughter's leg, can I have a little word with you over here?" - What was I supposed to do?! - I don't know.
But I do know what it is to be a 16-year-old girl and have a fight with your father and leave the house forever.
And I don't want that for Maddie.
I don't, either.
I'm just scared to death, and I don't know our next move.
I thought of one place we haven't looked yet.
I don't get it.
Going off the deep end like that seems so unlike him.
Does it? [Scoffs.]
Come on.
He was always like this on the road the parties, the groupies.
You must remember.
Yeah, I do.
I just I guess I thought those days were behind him.
Me too.
You know, it eventually got so bad I had to put my foot down.
I made him retire.
Figured it was the only way to save him, save us, and it stuck for a while.
At least, I thought it did.
Truth is, after he played The Beverly last week, he never came home.
Hell, I am so sorry, Heidi.
I never would've brought him back out had I known the temptation would be too It is not your fault.
It's like an addiction to him.
I had no idea.
I could tell.
The way you looked at our family, you saw perfection.
But it wasn't.
Nothing ever is.
No, it sure ain't.
[Sighs.]
Thank you so much, Luke.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
I can handle things from here.
Are you sure? You've got a show to do.
[Knock on door.]
- Hey.
- Hey.
I wasn't sure where you went.
Yeah, sorry.
I just needed a minute to clear my head, process everything.
Look, I know this tour stuff happened really fast.
I just I hope I didn't rush you into anything.
No.
No, it's it's it's not that.
It's just In fact, this is exactly what I need the job, the bus.
And you've been so thoughtful and generous.
I guess I'm just not used to it.
You know, being being put ahead of someone else.
It means a lot.
So, thank you.
You deserve it.
[Knock on door, door opens.]
Hey.
You guys better get ready.
Luke found a replacement.
Looks like we've got a show tonight after all.
- Yes! - [Chuckles.]
Noel: Good news, guys, I got new numbers on the single.
We just hit 10,000.
- [Gasps.]
Oh, my goodness! - Can you believe it? - [Laughs.]
- No.
At this rate, you're gonna be hanging up gold records in no time.
And I'm getting tons of phone calls for press.
Billboard, Rolling Stone, - and a bunch of others.
- Whoa.
- Wow.
- I'm really proud of you two.
You've earned this.
- Thank you.
- Thank you, man.
[Sighs.]
I mean, it's pretty incredible, right? It's something else.
I don't know what to do.
So, um, h-how did it go with with Autumn today? Tiny fish nibbled on my feet.
It was awesome.
Is that normal? I don't know.
I don't care.
She's been a role model for me for so long, and now she's becoming my friend.
- It's really cool.
- Yeah.
Yeah, I'm I'm really happy for you.
You guys should hang out one-on-one sometime.
I think you'd like her.
[Chuckles.]
Hey, uh, I just wanted to say thanks for letting me sing on your record.
- I got a good feeling about it.
- Yeah.
Yeah, me too.
All right.
I'll see you around.
Hey Hey, Bryan.
Uh, do you feel like grabbing a beer or something? Sure.
Yeah, I'd love to.
Well, all right.
[Knock on door.]
- Hey.
- Hi.
Sorry to bother you.
Um, I'm looking for Maddie.
Is she here, by any chance? No, she's not.
Is everything okay? [Sighs.]
No, it really isn't.
[Crying.]
Talked to Cash? Sure have.
She say anything about Maddie? I'm not looking for me and my daughter to get caught up in whatever this is between you and yours.
Yeah, well, your daughter put herself right in the middle.
I'm sorry.
So I'm just asking, as a friend here and a father, what have you heard, Frankie? Just that Cash took Maddie out to play a little music last night and you lost your damn mind.
She took a minor into a bar without permission.
That's what she did.
I seem to recall you bringing her in here, too, - and this is a bar.
- It's not the same thing.
You know that, Frankie.
- Come on now.
- Still no reason for you - to blow up on Cash like you did.
- I swear to God, I don't know how this keeps getting put back on me, all right? I was there to protect my daughter.
That is all.
I did the right thing.
If you did the right thing, why you suppose Maddie ran away? I had no idea you were going through all that with her.
Yeah, we've had a rough go of it, really ever since she went onstage with you in Atlanta.
I'm sorry.
Hey, I'm not blaming you.
It's what Maddie wants, you know? I keep trying to do things to slow her down a little bit, but there's just no containing her at this point.
I don't think there was anything that could contain us at 16.
But I get it.
As a mom going through what I have, I understand that desire to hold on.
It seems like the more I try to hold on, the more she just pushes me away.
What are you gonna do? Even when they push away, you just how do you let go of somebody that you love? You don't.
Man: All right, country fans, put your hands together for tonight's special guest, Thomas Rhett.
[Cheers and applause.]
["Die a Happy Man" plays.]
Baby, last night Was hands down One of the best nights That I've had, no doubt Between the bottle of wine and the look in your eyes And the Marvin Gaye Then we danced in the dark under September stars In the pourin' rain And I know that I can't Ever tell you enough That all I need in this life Is your crazy love If I never get to see the Northern Lights Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand Baby, I could die a happy man Luke: Whew! Man, I owe him big time.
Yeah.
Thomas is a great fix.
But with old Riff out, we need to find a more permanent solution starting tomorrow.
Or we could just pull the plug and walk away right now.
I'm starting to feel like this tour's done enough damage.
What? You saying you just want to cancel the tour? No, because now we're talking buy-backs lawsuits, massive backlash.
Luke, you turned your reputation around, man.
Now you just want to throw it away? I don't know what I want.
[Knock on door.]
In my wildest dreams I'll give you two a minute.
Yeah.
- Ever tell you enough - Hey.
Hey, yourself.
What? I leave for a couple months, - you forget who your #1 artist is? - [Chuckling.]
Come here.
Oh, hey, I'm sorry about missing you earlier.
Crazy stuff going on here.
I know we have a hell of a lot to catch up on but, uh, I need to get ready - so I can get out there and do my show.
- I know.
And that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about.
Do you think that three would be a crowd? You know I could, girl [Cellphone rings.]
- Hey, baby.
- Hey, where are you? I just got back from Juliette's.
She's not there.
Thought you were gonna be here.
Well, I'm at Cash's.
I'm out front.
- What? - I know, I know.
Even saying it out loud, I just hear how ridiculous it sounds.
- Honey.
- I've been trying to be this hands-on father, and I just been coming on too strong.
You're right.
I shouldn't have blown up.
I just I lost it.
I'm sorry I got angry, too.
I just Look, we're both just doing the best we can, you know? I hope Maddie understands that.
If we ever find her.
We're gonna find her, babe.
But then we really are gonna have to sit her down and just let her know that we hear her and that we're on the same page, you know? Wait.
I see her.
- I see her.
She's here.
- At Cash's? - Yeah.
- I'll be right there, babe.
All right.
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
Hey, man, this is a lot of fun.
Thanks for the invite.
I got to admit.
I was pretty nervous about asking you out.
I mean, I'm still new to this whole dating thing.
You, uh [Chuckles.]
You think this is a date? Oh, uh Will, I I'm not gay.
[Chuckles.]
Wait what? [Scoffs.]
What about all that nice stuff you said to me and then and the breakup with Riley? Riley was my bandmate.
We broke up 'cause we couldn't agree on a sound.
- [Sighs.]
- [Laughs.]
I guess I'm worse at this than I thought.
Listen, my cousin's gay.
If you want, I could, - you know, give him your - No, no.
No, I just think I'll stick to the music for now.
All right.
[Sighs.]
- Autumn: Hey.
- Hey.
Come on in.
I hope you brought a jacket.
It can get rainy in New York this time of year.
Look, Autumn, as tempting as the offer is, I can't go with you.
Or, I shouldn't.
Scarlett really looks up to you, and I don't want to do anything that could get in the way of that.
Well, that's a shame.
Would've been fun.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You know, that is really sweet how you care about Scarlett.
I wonder if she would've made the same decision for you.
Well, yeah, of course she would have.
We look out for each other, you know? It's part of what being in a duo's all about.
[Chuckles.]
Make sure you look after yourself, too, okay? 'Cause that's the other thing about duos.
One always outshines the other.
["Say No To Love" plays.]
Luke: It started out innocent Tasted sweet, couldn't resist it Took my hand, pulled me in Messed me up, now I'm addicted Gonna get out, gonna get strong One of these days Wish I could say no Wish I could say no Wish I could say no But I went too far and I fell too deep And I lost control Warn your daughters, tell your sons Before it's too late for an intervention And they're hooked like me Chasing that rush Heart strung out Yeah, they're hooked like me Chasing that rush Heart strung out And I can't say no to love That's what I call an amazing first night.
Looks like the crew got some great footage, too.
- Can't say no to love - Well done, guys.
Thanks.
I had some help.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
Whoo! Yeah! Thank y'all.
Listen up for a second.
My good pal Riff Bell, who y'all didn't get to see tonight, is sadly dealing with some health issues right now.
We wish him the best.
But coming in to replace him is somebody y'all might recognize.
Please give a warm, wheels-up welcome back to my original tour mate, Miss Juliette Barnes! [Cheers and applause.]
Now I get to spend plenty of time with Cadence.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
Now, don't get too excited.
I'm not performing tonight.
I just came to say hello.
But starting tomorrow night, y'all won't be able to get rid of me.
[Cheers and applause.]
Look, I already told you Maddie's not here.
- We know that she's here, okay? - We need to talk to her.
- I don't know - It's okay, Cash.
What do you want? Deacon: Look, baby, I know I probably overreacted the other night.
I didn't mean to embarrass ya, I didn't mean to frighten ya, and if I did that, I'm sorry as hell.
No, you're always sorry, and nothing ever changes.
Rayna: Honey, listen.
Whatever's happened to make you this upset, we can work it out together.
Please just come home.
We love you so much.
We can fix anything.
Just come on home so we can talk it through.
I'm staying here with Cash.
- Don't do that.
- [Scoffs.]
Oh, sweet No, I know you think she's your friend, honey.
She's a bad influence on you.
Maddie: No, you're not a good influence.
- You're trying to keep me from my career.
- What? Sony wanted me and so did Edgehill.
Yeah, I know about that, too.
No, you don't know about that, honey.
There's a lot you don't know about that.
I'm done letting you make all my decisions for me.
- Swee - I talked to a lawyer who thinks I have a pretty good case.
Case for what? I'm emancipating from you.
Maddie.
Maddie! Maddie, open the door now! Maddie, open the door! Maddie! [Crying.]