Being Mary Jane (2013) s04e05 Episode Script
Getting Served
1 MARY JANE: Previously, on "Being Mary Jane" The client that owns this place, she's really taken me under her wing.
I'm not trying to mess that up.
You got people looking out for you.
I like it.
That's important.
What do you think about us getting our own place? And how are we gonna pay for it? You got a job you haven't told me about? You've got that settlement check comin' in.
I told you I was gonna put that in a trust for Treyvion and for your daughter, Isabelle.
Your mom wanted me to make sure you got in okay.
- How's everything? - I'm not Ava.
I'm Kristie.
- This is Ava.
- Oh - AVA: Hey, Paul.
- Hi.
Mom didn't tell me my new babysitter would be so cute.
How much is this one? Um, after taxes, fully loaded $45,000.
DANTE: [zooming.]
I'll take it.
Hey.
MAN: Girl, you came to play.
SECURITY GUARD: The VIP.
I'm all the way up Shorty what you want, shorty what you need? My run the game, we ain't ever leavin' Countin' up this money, we ain't never sleepin' You got V12, I got 12 Vs Got bottles, got weed, got molly I'm all the way up I'm all the way up I'm all the way up I'm all the way up Oh, my God, Niecy, this the VIP and everything.
Look at all of this.
Now this gon' cost a grill.
What's the occasion? Well, seeing that we're all single mothers doin' it for our kids, strugglin', I figured we needed a night out.
You guys saw me do a tough year, you know, so, tonight is my treat, okay? - WOMEN: [laughing.]
- Okay? All right? Now raise your glasses.
- We're fly! - [glasses clinking.]
WOMEN: [hooting.]
Niecy, girl, don't look now, but there are some fine Boris Kodjoe-lookin' men eyeing you up and down, girl.
Ooh, the one talkin' to Morris Chestnut's twin.
- Unh, cute.
- Not interested.
- What? - Girl, are you crazy? Do you have a fever? No, I'm just focused on Dante right now.
Look, he's been making a real effort.
He's been there for the kids, both of them.
I think he's really starting to fall in love with them now that they're older.
You're serious.
- Like Dante? - Yes, Dante.
We're even looking at houses.
Niecy, I don't mean to burst your bubble, - But, my girl, you're a fool.
- Kiki! You know NIECY: No, that's all right, 'cause ain't nobody say nothing to you when you were chasin' behind Dietrick's no-good ass.
I'm just saying everything Dante put you through.
Okay, don't forget, just 'cause he's acting brand new all of a sudden.
Well, you act like people don't grow and mature.
You know, Dante really wants a family, and I do, too.
I mean, Niecy, if that's what you want, then that's what we want.
Better be.
I'm payin' for these bottles.
Ooh, now here we go.
Some hookah for my homegirls.
[laughs.]
How can you eat a rack of baby backs and still be this grumpy? 'Cause we're missing Dad's Super Bowl rib fest.
You realize we were too busy for his ribs last year, right? I know, but when it's right there, we took it for granted.
Okay.
So? What do you think? These are good.
Not as good as Dad's, though.
- That's what I'm sayin'.
- I know.
I mean, how, in a city of eight million people, can not one person make good ribs? - [sucking fingers.]
Mm hm.
You're being way too dramatic right now, okay? What's goin' on? Winter.
It's drying out my weave, and getting up at 3:00 a.
m.
every morning to swim with the sharks at "Great Day USA" is positively exhausting.
It's weird, I mean, Lee, he's on tour in the Midwest, and I'm really lonely.
You just said there are eight million people in New York City.
How are you feelin' lonely? I don't know.
I just am.
Well, here's an idea.
Why don't you take your butt home? Go home for a week.
I can't.
I'm the "on call" correspondent, so, I've gotta stay close to the studio in case of any breaking news or whatever.
Don't you ever miss Atlanta? Why would I wanna go back to the place where I was twirling signs and sellin' weed? - Hm - Right.
I'm straight-up pimpin' out here in New York And so are you.
You'd better relax.
Enjoy this.
Seriously.
Yes, I know.
I know.
I heard of this really good spot in New Jersey.
Let's give it a go.
I think I have a better idea.
[siren wailing.]
Letta, this is a thousand- dollar-a-night hotel.
Where do you plan on puttin' this smoker? Right outside on the terrace.
Put this down for a second, okay? - [groans.]
- What? No.
[laughs.]
Look, why don't we take this back to my real estate office.
We've got a really dope patio on the rooftop.
And rock the boat with your mentor, Olivia? You don't have to worry about that.
So, everything's good between you guys? It's cool, yes, she's helped me out tremendously, all right, which reminds me, I have a favor to ask.
Olivia's daughter is graduating from journalism school and she really wants an internship.
"Great Day USA" 's program is one of the most coveted in all of morning news.
There's like a thousand applicants for 15 slots.
I know, but can you at least get her an interview? This reeks of nepotism.
Yeah, but Olivia's gone above and beyond for me.
I mean, is it too much to ask for my big sister to do the same? No, it's not.
I will put in the request.
No promises.
That's all I ask.
Now help me get this outside.
Come on.
This is the life.
You hear me? - Yes, girl.
- Hell, yeah.
Yeah.
I mean, gettin' turned down by that cop wasn't fun, but this sure makes up for it.
[laughing.]
Hey, girl! Ooh, I like your weave.
Y'all look like y'all havin' fun.
Y'all mind if we join you? I'm sorry, this is a private celebration.
Oh, you think you all that 'cause you got a few dollars to throw around? Excuse me? I recognize you.
You that girl that got tased by the police.
We all seen you.
You got two kids by two baby daddies.
Ain't that right? Hey, babe, you can flash all the cash you want.
You still ain't nothin' but a ho.
Hold up.
First of all, I didn't start this conversation.
- You came over here thirsty - Hah! trying to sit in my VIP, okay? So, get outta my face and let me and my friends enjoy our booth.
Bye! You a ghetto ass ho.
Yeah, it takes one to know one, bitch.
What, you comin' at me! I'ma beat your ass! You bald headed ass ho! So, you almost got killed! You got no regard for your life, bitch! - Ho! Ho ass! - CROWD: [shouting comments.]
I'm fine.
Get off of me.
Why am I getting kicked out? She started it.
Ratchet-ass bitch! I'm gon' beat your ass Ho, go home to your kids! You a ratchet and you a hater! I come from money, ho! - Just look at you, ho! - CROWD: [booing.]
[shouting mixed comments.]
See she's proud of her thing Call it black and magic Yeah she scares of good men Déjà vu with her man - We gon' mention by the hundreds - We cannot love without discussing We wanna feel the kissin' Mama! What is it, baby? I can't find my red vroom vroom.
Did you leave it at Dante's? I've gotta go get it.
[sighing.]
Dante is at work, babe.
- Why? I want it now.
- What did I just say? Didn't I tell you that he is at work? I promise we will go get it later.
No, no, mama, right now.
Nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh- nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh- no, mama, right now.
Come on.
HELEN: D'Asia, our family's been a member of this wonderful organization for years.
Me, my mother, and Mary Jane were all members.
So, you know what that means.
That means I'm gonna be a member, too? That's right.
You're gonna be the fourth generation in the Patterson family to carry on the tradition.
You're gonna learn our culture, and you're gonna grow up to be a proud Black woman that you're meant to be.
That sounds cool.
It is cool.
Now you see those girls over there? Go mingle with them.
- Oh, hi, I'm D'Asia.
- We know.
You're Niecy Patterson's sister, right? I didn't expect to see you here today, Helen.
And hello to you, too, Joan.
Why would I not show up for D'Asia's mixer? Well, I thought you'd be tending to your granddaughter, Niecy.
And why would I be tending to my granddaughter? - You haven't heard.
- Heard what? Esme, will you please come here.
Please show Mrs.
Patterson what you showed me.
[on video.]
You a ghetto ass ho.
[on video.]
Yeah, it takes one to know one.
- Bitch! - Ho! Get off me! I'ma beat your ass! - Remember that, bitch! - CROWD: [shouting.]
[siren wailing.]
MARY JANE: [chuckling.]
For the record, I think this is a bad idea.
I mean, what if we burn the hotel down? - It's a smoker.
- There's smoke, PJ, not fire.
Put that away.
We've gotta make the sauce.
Well, just in case, I would love to document this.
Oh, for sure.
- Hey.
Wait.
Wait.
Hold up.
- What? Niecy's Twitter page.
Did you see this? # Whythebitchgottased.
Uh, Niecy What's wrong, Grandma? Were you in a fight last night? [sighing.]
Yes.
I was in a fight last night.
Who even told you that? The ladies from "Jack & Jane.
" Listen, Grandma, I can explain everything.
I will not tolerate this kind of behavior while you're living under my roof.
Baby girl, your behavior has consequences for the entire family.
Those bougie ladies had their hackles out for me and you're embarrassed? For the past year, your father, grandfather, and I have endured whispers and comments from the entire community.
Okay, and so have I.
You act like I asked to get tased, Grandma.
Truth be told, Niecy, I had hoped, and prayed, that this would be a wake-up call for you, and that you would start acting more maturely.
Sadly, you have proved it not to be so.
Oh Yeah, I texted you like ten times.
DANTE: My boss says I've gotta keep my phone off.
I just got your text.
You need to chill, girl.
You wanna come to my work and ask for yourself? No, I wanted to tell you what happened last night.
- What do you mean? - [sighing.]
Man, I got into a fight with some girl, and my grandmother found out and freaked out on me.
I'm sorry about that, Niecy, but I can't deal right now.
I mean, so, when will we hang out? Isabelle's asking for you and so is Treyvion.
Soon, but I really need to get some sleep.
I'll call you later.
[starts engine.]
Are you Niecy Patterson? Yeah.
Who are you? What the hell is this? Niecy Patterson, you've been served.
It says that I have to appear in court for violating my settlement agreement.
Does this have something to do with the fight? - Oh, Niecy - [sighing.]
NIECY: Look, this girl, she came up to me in the club.
She said I was trash and that I was flaunting my money.
We exchanged words, then she took a swipe at me.
I mean, what was I supposed to do? I had to defend myself.
Wait, wait.
How did Fulton County find out about this? Were you arrested? No.
I guess people at the club took videos and posted them on Twitter.
Yeah, but fighting's not a violation of the agreement.
So, what does this have to do with the settlement? When people saw the video, everybody had something to say Black people, racist White people.
I mean, they used the hashtag whythebitchgottased.
- Let me guess.
- You had to clap back.
They're trying to say that the only reason why I got paid was for that bigot cop to go back to work.
Niecy, your lawyer went over this.
You're not allowed to talk about any of that in public.
You know that.
But she can go to her lawyer and tell her side of it, right, Paul? Settlement agreements are pretty standard.
No talk means no talk.
Man, I never meant for any of this to happen.
I'll call the lawyer and see what can be done.
No.
I got this.
I'll call him, myself.
[sighing.]
HELEN: Joan so good to have seen you earlier.
Oh, D'Asia is so excited.
She's gonna be just a fantastic addition to the group.
JOAN: [on phone.]
That's why I'm calling.
It's about D'Asia.
Regretfully, I won't be able to endorse her initiation.
I'm sorry.
You've endorsed three of my children over the years, so why not my granddaughter? JOAN: Look, I tried to warn you about this at the mixer, but, clearly, you weren't listening.
Given Niecy's very public, and very violent behavior, it's left me with no choice.
Niecy is not a member of the organization, I am.
JOAN: Exactly.
Considering Patrick's struggles with drugs, and now Niecy becoming as troubled as he is, I mean, could D'Asia be next? D'Asia Patterson is an exemplary student, classroom leader, volunteer at at Sunday School.
She would be perfect for Jack & Jane.
JOAN: That may be true.
But given who her father and sister are, Jack & Jane has got to be careful.
If we let D'Asia in, what kind of message would that send to the members? - [phone disconnects.]
- Oh Hey, I've got everything, baby.
It's all set.
Got my collard greens, my ribs, all the fixin's.
[chuckling.]
Hey, babe, are you all right? It's all happening again, Paul.
What? What's happening? The judgments, the looks.
All of it.
I just talked to Joan and she doesn't want D'Asia to be initiated.
Is Jack & Jane really that important to you, Helen? Yes, Paul! When I joined, it was about assimilating into the White world.
But now it's it's about identity, our identity, being proud of being Black.
I've watched you put on that smiling face for over a year now, and you're still hearing whispers behind your back.
Look, I don't agree with what Niecy said, or how she said it.
There are gonna be repercussions.
But at least now everybody knows exactly how she feels.
Okay.
You're right.
[kisses.]
I love you.
[chuckling.]
- HELEN: [laughing.]
- PAUL SR: [chuckling.]
HELEN: Oh Oh, my gosh.
PATRICK: What did the lawyer say? He said that I violated the settlement agreement with Atlanta PD, and that the hearing is just a formality that I have to give the money back.
The lawyer fees and taxes, too? - No.
Thank God.
- Just my portion.
- That can't possibly be true.
- It is true.
I've gotta give back the whole $150,000.
- Whew.
- [sighs.]
Here, come on.
Come here and sit down.
All right, it's gonna be all right, okay? Just 'cause I'm disappointed doesn't mean I'm not here for you.
That goes for us all.
We're family.
We must stick together no matter what.
It's not the end of the world, okay? We'll just get the money out of the trust and [sighing.]
return it.
Um There's a slight problem in that.
I never got around to setting up the trust.
What do you mean you never got around to it? I was going to, I just mmm PAUL SR: Where's the money, Niecy? I mean, I know you bought new clothes for you and the kids.
And you've been keeping up your weave and your nails regularly, but That's not $150,000.
Well, I put down a deposit on a breast lift.
PATRICK: Whew whew I loaned my girls some money.
PATRICK: [heavy sigh.]
All right, that doesn't account for all the money, Niecy.
All right, where's the rest, huh? Answer your father.
I bought Dante a car.
Good Lord.
Now I've heard it all.
You bought that deadbeat a car? - He's been tryin'.
- Whew oh He's been there for me, Isabelle, and Treyvion.
Yeah, right, and now that he has the car, has he still been tryin', huh? Now I'll ask you again.
Has Dante been hanging around now that he has the car? Huh? Exactly.
That's what I thought.
We're going to get that car back, huh.
I'm driving you over there myself to make sure it happens.
You don't have to do that.
Well, with everything that's been goin' down, clearly, I do.
Now, come on, let's go.
Well? It's too sweet.
Too much maple syrup or something.
I This is the fifth batch we've made.
- I know that.
- It's just not it's not like Dad's, it's I don't know what we're doing wrong.
- Steve needs you - It appears that Patrick's having a meltdown about her buying Dante the car.
PJ: [laughs.]
- [cell phone buzzing.]
- Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! - I'm not here.
- I'm not here.
Hey, brother.
Yeah, how's it goin'? Yeah, we we heard from Niecy.
So, what did Mom and Dad say? Yeah, we figured.
No, I know.
I know.
But, you know, this would have never happ You know what? Never mind.
Patrick, I'm gonna hand you off to PJ.
[whispering.]
No.
No, stop.
- P, whaddup, dog? - [laughing.]
Yeah.
Yeah.
How you doing? [clears throat.]
That's crazy.
Crazy.
Um, Letta? She is [silently.]
No.
No.
She went to the store.
We're trying to make Dad's barbeque sauce.
Okay.
All right, man, I'll let her know.
All right, holla at you.
[sighing.]
Please tell me what that was about.
I need to keep a healthy distance from all of this, all right? It's just better if I just stay out of it.
For who? You or for them? - For all of us.
- [laughs.]
I mean, you want me butting into everything again? Just swooping in trying to fix everything? - Definitely not.
- Exactly.
So, let's just focus on this recipe.
[sighs.]
I'm over this.
I think it needs more vinegar.
You're gonna make me hate barbeque.
- Come on.
Come on.
- No.
Come on.
Sure you don't want me to wait? No.
I told you I got this.
[knock at door.]
[rapidly ringing doorbell.]
[pounding on door.]
Dante! [dog barking.]
Come on.
Oh, no, he didn't.
Stay right here.
Hold your sister.
Amika, what the hell is goin' on? I was about to ask you the same damn thing.
Just give me the keys to my damn car.
Your car? Yes, my car.
It belongs to me.
Wow, so he's playin' us both, huh? Well, I'm done with his triflin' ass.
For good, this time.
You can have him.
So, he clearly ain't showin' up.
I'm sure he's somewhere knockin' up his next baby mama.
Y'all want a ride home? Naw, I'll call an Uber.
[object drops.]
Uh-oh.
Treyvion, hand me that.
ISABELLE: [fussing.]
It's okay, mama.
Don't worry about it.
Mommy's gonna clean this right off.
Why are you poutin'? [laughs.]
[multiple kisses.]
You're a good mom.
Who, me? It's hard, you know? I mean, I can't keep a job because I ain't got nobody to help me watch Marquis.
How do you do it with two? My family helps me out a lot.
My family's barely hanging on, themselves.
They ain't got time to help me.
Marquis has started throwing these tantrums when he don't get his way.
I can't even say, "Wait till your Daddy gets home," 'cause Dante don't care.
Ain't no tellin' when I'll see him, anyway.
It's all on me.
Sometimes, I just wanna walk away and keep walking.
I know I can't, but You know since our kids share a father, I think we should get 'em together for some play dates.
That's a good idea.
They should know each other, right? Yeah, they should.
[raps on door.]
Hey, Dad.
Can I ask you a question? Come in, son.
Man-to-man, father-to-father.
- What's on your mind? - [sighing.]
Niecy and this latest screw-up.
I mean [sighing.]
I don't know.
I just don't know if I'm handling it right.
I mean, what am I supposed to do ground her? [chuckling.]
A grown woman with two kids.
Good luck with that.
Yeah, but I've gotta do something.
You know, your mom and I made the same mistake with you when you were going through your rough patches.
We tried to control the situation.
Nothing worked.
Son, sometimes the best thing a parent can do is nothing.
Sometimes, you've just gotta let your kids fall down.
Yeah, but it's hard to just sit back and watch your kid fall.
[chuckles.]
Nobody said it's gonna be easy.
Just make sure you're there to help her up, if she needs it.
Okay.
[sighing.]
And thanks, Dad, for always being there for me No matter what.
Hey, that's what dads do.
BOTH: [laughing.]
That's what we do.
[chuckling.]
- Ahh oh - [pats Paul's back.]
- Love you, Dad.
- Love you, too.
- You good? - Yeah.
Thanks.
NIECY: Bye, Marquis, baby.
Oh, you all strapped in, boo-boo? You are so cute! Mama, I like Marquis.
Oh, that's nice, baby.
He's my brother, right? No, sweetie, I told you.
Remember? Dante is Isabella and Marquis' father.
But he still loves you just the same.
Why can't my daddy come around like Dante? Treyvion, sweetie, I told you Cameron is your father.
But why? That's just the way it happened.
Why? Cameron, he loves you very much.
He's just been busy with his new job and his new fiancée, but he sends money for you every month.
I want Isabelle and Marquis to be my family.
Um sweetie can you go get in the car, please? - [cell phone ringing.]
- Hello? MARY JANE: [on phone.]
Hey, Niecy.
How's it goin'? Yeah, Auntie, I've been waiting on your call.
I was trying to give you some space.
But you know I can't hold my tongue that long.
I know you think I'm a stupid fool For messin' around with Dante again.
[sobbing.]
I don't know what else to do.
Baby girl, there is not a woman on this Earth that has not been a fool for love.
Some of us more than once.
NIECY: Well, I guess I was just seduced [sniffles.]
by the thought of having a father for my kids again.
[sniffles.]
I made a mess.
Niecy, you have two, beautiful, intelligent children.
You're a good mother.
You have a very loving, supportive family to support you, even when you fail.
Now, your baby daddies leave a lot to be desired, but you have a father and a grandfather who are more than willing to pick up the slack.
Yeah, but you should have saw how mad my dad was when he found out about that car.
I know he was, and I know it must feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, but you're barely 22 years old.
And the Niecy that I know, that girl can do anything she sets her mind to.
So, maybe you use this time to figure out whatever that is For your sake and the sake of those kids.
Well, thank you, Auntie.
[sniffles.]
Um I guess you're really enjoying New York, huh? What makes you say that? NIECY: Well, I mean you sound way more chill, that's for sure.
And, um I guess you're enjoying the big living now.
I suppose I am.
Hey, listen, baby, I've gotta go.
But, I love you.
I love you, too.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Did you enjoy the tour? Yeah, yeah, these are some cool offices.
I know, right? Yeah, but why are you here on a Saturday? I'm trying to get some work done since Lee's outta town.
Oh.
Just got off the phone with Niecy.
Oh, God Is she a'ight? I think so, but [sighs.]
I probably should have gone down there on the weekends or something.
Wait, wait.
You're playing, right? No, I mean, if I was there, Niecy would have put the money in a trust and not blown it on Dante and weaves.
Letta, I thought you were done playing the rescuer.
- I am.
- Okay, so be done with it.
Look, they need to figure this out on their own, especially now that you're here in New York.
- Seriously.
- So, I did the right thing? Yes, of course, you did the right thing.
Look, if you'd have gone down there, all you would have done is make everybody crazy.
Thank you.
You know I'm telling the truth.
Oh, thanks again for hookin' Ava up with this.
I scored major points with her mom.
I owe you big time.
You do owe me big time, and you can pay me back by finding me a cheap short sale or a hot foreclosure Something I can get for a steal.
- Please.
- I got ya.
I got ya.
Look, let me get this girl home.
- I'll call you later, okay? - All right.
Watch your step.
Listen, thank you.
I know that getting your help with this internship was a big deal.
- Don't mention it.
- It's the least I could do.
All right, if you need anything, you shoot me a text, okay? You're not coming out to celebrate? Where did you get that? A visit to Aaron Felty's office was included on the studio tour.
His bar is very well stocked.
You're joking, right? You lifted that from the anchor's office? Are you trying to get fired on your first day? Don't be such a buzzkill.
Come back to my place.
Have a drink with me.
I've got an appointment to get to and I'm taking this.
Come on, get in.
[raps cab door.]
D'Asia, just go in with the other girls, while Grandma talks to the ladies here, has a little conversation.
Okay.
Helen, perhaps I didn't make myself clear.
Now I'm sorry if this is difficult for you to accept, but D'Asia will not be invited to join Jack & Jane.
You made yourself loud and clear, Joan.
But that's not exactly how this is going down.
Really? [loudly.]
I'm not leaving here until I've said my peace.
Everyone here knows the challenges my family has faced.
But I can't tell you how devastated we were, and how isolated we felt, from the judgment, in our own community.
Now, maybe I'm naive, but I never imagined that I would be faced with the same judgment here From all of you.
But I guess none of you can relate because you're all blessed with perfect families.
I'm the only one who's had a family that's been touched with scandal.
Right, Diane? Mildred? Right.
That's what I thought.
Are you done, Helen? Tsk.
I suppose I am.
MILDRED: Helen, wait.
My family, we're getting ready to file bankruptcy.
Now, you may want to throw Jessica out, too, after you've heard that, but it's the truth.
We've bailed our kids out so many times there's just simply nothing left.
I'm leaving Charles.
It's something I should have done long ago.
We've been married in name only for at least six years.
We all have issues, Joan.
HELEN: That's right.
We do valuable work here.
But with the challenges and difficulties Black families have today, we have to support each other.
That's the kind of organization I want D'Asia, and my daughter, and granddaughter to be a part of, and you should, too.
NIECY: [sighing.]
Everything okay? Yeah.
Fine.
Listen to your gut, Niecy.
- My gut? - Yeah.
Your gut has a way of letting you know you've had enough.
Mm it feels like a stomach ache to me.
Yeah, well, the gut I'm talking about is your instincts.
And your instincts tell you when enough is enough.
But the trick is, you've gotta listen to them.
Right.
I'll be back.
Okay.
DANTE: What took you so long? Sorry, my phone was off.
So, what's up, girl? How you gon' just take my car like that? - No call or nothin'? - You mean the car that I bought, that you had some bitch driving? That car? Don't give me that crap, Niecy.
Amika my baby mama, too.
I've gotta help her out sometimes, just like I help you.
- Come on, baby.
- No! No, no, no.
Don't "baby" me.
I am sick of you "babyin'" me.
Why don't you just admit it? Admit what? That this is all a lie, Dante.
You don't care about me, you don't care about those kids.
All you care about is the new car, the new clothes, the restaurants, the TV that I got you.
You used me.
Just admit it.
Laid up with Amika the whole time? And God knows whoever else.
You can't believe anything Amika say.
You know she crazy.
It's gone, Dante.
The money is gone.
I had to give it all back.
So, what now? What do you mean you gave it all back? Wait, where are you goin'? - Niecy! - Don't call me! Don't call me unless it has to do with Isabelle.
Don't call me for sex, don't call me for rides, money, none of that! Don't call me! I'm done! I'm done! - So, it's like that? - Yeah, it's like that.
Ride off on your damn bike, stupid ass.
Is the food ready? PAUL SR: Almost there.
Good, 'cause we got some celebratin' to do.
- PATRICK: Oh, yeah? - That's right.
Meet the newest member of Jack & Jane! - ALL: [cheering.]
- D'ASIA: [giggling.]
- My girl! - Congratulations! - [palm slap.]
- HELEN: [laughing.]
PATRICK: Wow! [knock at door.]
First down! All right! Uh MALE SPORTS COMMENTATOR: They got a first down.
We just saw a great play like that Room service.
BOTH: [laughing.]
- What's all this? - PJ: [laughs.]
Okay, so, I had Dad overnight a couple of slabs of ribs to the hotel, the kitchen reheated them, and voilà ! - [gasping.]
- PJ: [laughs.]
Yeah, a little bit of ATL magic right here in the Big Apple.
Oh come on Yay, yay, thank you Yes.
[laughing.]
That's the way to cure our homesickness.
So, I gotta call the family.
They're waiting for us to facetime them, okay? - Okay.
- Here we go.
[phone ringing.]
- HELEN: Hello? - PJ & MARY JANE: Hey! Daddy, I'm so excited! PJ, he just brought the ribs! Letta, PJ, what's goin' on? Mom, look, hit the, uh, the button on the right.
The one that looks like a TV, remember? HELEN: Right right there, yes.
I'm pushing the button, but why can't we see them? - PATRICK: Come on.
- This thing is not workin'.
Okay, okay, we've been doing this for months now, guys.
Come on.
Why can't we do it the old fashioned way? - Just get a phone.
- Patrick.
PJ: So, listen, we will, um, talk to you all later.
We're having technical difficulties on our end, okay? But thank you so much for the ribs.
Thank you! We love you! We love you so much! [blows kisses.]
[laughing.]
Oh Yes, right there.
Well If I canât be home with our crazy family, at least we have each other.
- And dadâs ribs.
- And dadâs ribs.
- Hey.
- Ah.
Iâm goinâ to get some napkins, forks, spoons, all these (Sophie Beem-Girls Will Be Girls) I gotta habit called Alexander McQueen But I never show it off, cause I still got the dreams That I had when I was little, every girl wants to be A famous actress, model, superstar, queen You know that you're perfect exactly how you are You don't need a bank account or a shiny, fast car It's better to be an original, free your inner individual And show them how we do Girls will be girls Hey baby Why ainât you out there watching the Super Bowl.
Girls will be girls Not feeling well today.
Well guess what? I gotta surprise for you.
Wanna take a ride with mommy? Yeh you wanna take a ride with mommy, come on.
I have somethin to show you,come on.
Girls will be girls You know that I would never bow down to a guy Alright Babe.
Do you understand why mom has to return this car.
Well you know, sometimes adults buy things that we canât really afford.
So we have to take it back.
But before I do that, I want to make sure that we got a chance to have some fun.
So are you ready? - For what.
- For this.
I am a single black mother of two.
Wheeeeee! [tires screeching.]
NIECY NARRATES: who hasn't always made the best decisions.
But I am here, and I ainât goinâ away silently.
Woooooo! You see I am a black woman who had the nerve to raise her voice.
Wooooooo! [car engine revving.]
NIECY NARRATES: and that's why this bitch got tased.
Madonna, vogue, glamour Snap, snap, you wanna?
I'm not trying to mess that up.
You got people looking out for you.
I like it.
That's important.
What do you think about us getting our own place? And how are we gonna pay for it? You got a job you haven't told me about? You've got that settlement check comin' in.
I told you I was gonna put that in a trust for Treyvion and for your daughter, Isabelle.
Your mom wanted me to make sure you got in okay.
- How's everything? - I'm not Ava.
I'm Kristie.
- This is Ava.
- Oh - AVA: Hey, Paul.
- Hi.
Mom didn't tell me my new babysitter would be so cute.
How much is this one? Um, after taxes, fully loaded $45,000.
DANTE: [zooming.]
I'll take it.
Hey.
MAN: Girl, you came to play.
SECURITY GUARD: The VIP.
I'm all the way up Shorty what you want, shorty what you need? My run the game, we ain't ever leavin' Countin' up this money, we ain't never sleepin' You got V12, I got 12 Vs Got bottles, got weed, got molly I'm all the way up I'm all the way up I'm all the way up I'm all the way up Oh, my God, Niecy, this the VIP and everything.
Look at all of this.
Now this gon' cost a grill.
What's the occasion? Well, seeing that we're all single mothers doin' it for our kids, strugglin', I figured we needed a night out.
You guys saw me do a tough year, you know, so, tonight is my treat, okay? - WOMEN: [laughing.]
- Okay? All right? Now raise your glasses.
- We're fly! - [glasses clinking.]
WOMEN: [hooting.]
Niecy, girl, don't look now, but there are some fine Boris Kodjoe-lookin' men eyeing you up and down, girl.
Ooh, the one talkin' to Morris Chestnut's twin.
- Unh, cute.
- Not interested.
- What? - Girl, are you crazy? Do you have a fever? No, I'm just focused on Dante right now.
Look, he's been making a real effort.
He's been there for the kids, both of them.
I think he's really starting to fall in love with them now that they're older.
You're serious.
- Like Dante? - Yes, Dante.
We're even looking at houses.
Niecy, I don't mean to burst your bubble, - But, my girl, you're a fool.
- Kiki! You know NIECY: No, that's all right, 'cause ain't nobody say nothing to you when you were chasin' behind Dietrick's no-good ass.
I'm just saying everything Dante put you through.
Okay, don't forget, just 'cause he's acting brand new all of a sudden.
Well, you act like people don't grow and mature.
You know, Dante really wants a family, and I do, too.
I mean, Niecy, if that's what you want, then that's what we want.
Better be.
I'm payin' for these bottles.
Ooh, now here we go.
Some hookah for my homegirls.
[laughs.]
How can you eat a rack of baby backs and still be this grumpy? 'Cause we're missing Dad's Super Bowl rib fest.
You realize we were too busy for his ribs last year, right? I know, but when it's right there, we took it for granted.
Okay.
So? What do you think? These are good.
Not as good as Dad's, though.
- That's what I'm sayin'.
- I know.
I mean, how, in a city of eight million people, can not one person make good ribs? - [sucking fingers.]
Mm hm.
You're being way too dramatic right now, okay? What's goin' on? Winter.
It's drying out my weave, and getting up at 3:00 a.
m.
every morning to swim with the sharks at "Great Day USA" is positively exhausting.
It's weird, I mean, Lee, he's on tour in the Midwest, and I'm really lonely.
You just said there are eight million people in New York City.
How are you feelin' lonely? I don't know.
I just am.
Well, here's an idea.
Why don't you take your butt home? Go home for a week.
I can't.
I'm the "on call" correspondent, so, I've gotta stay close to the studio in case of any breaking news or whatever.
Don't you ever miss Atlanta? Why would I wanna go back to the place where I was twirling signs and sellin' weed? - Hm - Right.
I'm straight-up pimpin' out here in New York And so are you.
You'd better relax.
Enjoy this.
Seriously.
Yes, I know.
I know.
I heard of this really good spot in New Jersey.
Let's give it a go.
I think I have a better idea.
[siren wailing.]
Letta, this is a thousand- dollar-a-night hotel.
Where do you plan on puttin' this smoker? Right outside on the terrace.
Put this down for a second, okay? - [groans.]
- What? No.
[laughs.]
Look, why don't we take this back to my real estate office.
We've got a really dope patio on the rooftop.
And rock the boat with your mentor, Olivia? You don't have to worry about that.
So, everything's good between you guys? It's cool, yes, she's helped me out tremendously, all right, which reminds me, I have a favor to ask.
Olivia's daughter is graduating from journalism school and she really wants an internship.
"Great Day USA" 's program is one of the most coveted in all of morning news.
There's like a thousand applicants for 15 slots.
I know, but can you at least get her an interview? This reeks of nepotism.
Yeah, but Olivia's gone above and beyond for me.
I mean, is it too much to ask for my big sister to do the same? No, it's not.
I will put in the request.
No promises.
That's all I ask.
Now help me get this outside.
Come on.
This is the life.
You hear me? - Yes, girl.
- Hell, yeah.
Yeah.
I mean, gettin' turned down by that cop wasn't fun, but this sure makes up for it.
[laughing.]
Hey, girl! Ooh, I like your weave.
Y'all look like y'all havin' fun.
Y'all mind if we join you? I'm sorry, this is a private celebration.
Oh, you think you all that 'cause you got a few dollars to throw around? Excuse me? I recognize you.
You that girl that got tased by the police.
We all seen you.
You got two kids by two baby daddies.
Ain't that right? Hey, babe, you can flash all the cash you want.
You still ain't nothin' but a ho.
Hold up.
First of all, I didn't start this conversation.
- You came over here thirsty - Hah! trying to sit in my VIP, okay? So, get outta my face and let me and my friends enjoy our booth.
Bye! You a ghetto ass ho.
Yeah, it takes one to know one, bitch.
What, you comin' at me! I'ma beat your ass! You bald headed ass ho! So, you almost got killed! You got no regard for your life, bitch! - Ho! Ho ass! - CROWD: [shouting comments.]
I'm fine.
Get off of me.
Why am I getting kicked out? She started it.
Ratchet-ass bitch! I'm gon' beat your ass Ho, go home to your kids! You a ratchet and you a hater! I come from money, ho! - Just look at you, ho! - CROWD: [booing.]
[shouting mixed comments.]
See she's proud of her thing Call it black and magic Yeah she scares of good men Déjà vu with her man - We gon' mention by the hundreds - We cannot love without discussing We wanna feel the kissin' Mama! What is it, baby? I can't find my red vroom vroom.
Did you leave it at Dante's? I've gotta go get it.
[sighing.]
Dante is at work, babe.
- Why? I want it now.
- What did I just say? Didn't I tell you that he is at work? I promise we will go get it later.
No, no, mama, right now.
Nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh- nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh- no, mama, right now.
Come on.
HELEN: D'Asia, our family's been a member of this wonderful organization for years.
Me, my mother, and Mary Jane were all members.
So, you know what that means.
That means I'm gonna be a member, too? That's right.
You're gonna be the fourth generation in the Patterson family to carry on the tradition.
You're gonna learn our culture, and you're gonna grow up to be a proud Black woman that you're meant to be.
That sounds cool.
It is cool.
Now you see those girls over there? Go mingle with them.
- Oh, hi, I'm D'Asia.
- We know.
You're Niecy Patterson's sister, right? I didn't expect to see you here today, Helen.
And hello to you, too, Joan.
Why would I not show up for D'Asia's mixer? Well, I thought you'd be tending to your granddaughter, Niecy.
And why would I be tending to my granddaughter? - You haven't heard.
- Heard what? Esme, will you please come here.
Please show Mrs.
Patterson what you showed me.
[on video.]
You a ghetto ass ho.
[on video.]
Yeah, it takes one to know one.
- Bitch! - Ho! Get off me! I'ma beat your ass! - Remember that, bitch! - CROWD: [shouting.]
[siren wailing.]
MARY JANE: [chuckling.]
For the record, I think this is a bad idea.
I mean, what if we burn the hotel down? - It's a smoker.
- There's smoke, PJ, not fire.
Put that away.
We've gotta make the sauce.
Well, just in case, I would love to document this.
Oh, for sure.
- Hey.
Wait.
Wait.
Hold up.
- What? Niecy's Twitter page.
Did you see this? # Whythebitchgottased.
Uh, Niecy What's wrong, Grandma? Were you in a fight last night? [sighing.]
Yes.
I was in a fight last night.
Who even told you that? The ladies from "Jack & Jane.
" Listen, Grandma, I can explain everything.
I will not tolerate this kind of behavior while you're living under my roof.
Baby girl, your behavior has consequences for the entire family.
Those bougie ladies had their hackles out for me and you're embarrassed? For the past year, your father, grandfather, and I have endured whispers and comments from the entire community.
Okay, and so have I.
You act like I asked to get tased, Grandma.
Truth be told, Niecy, I had hoped, and prayed, that this would be a wake-up call for you, and that you would start acting more maturely.
Sadly, you have proved it not to be so.
Oh Yeah, I texted you like ten times.
DANTE: My boss says I've gotta keep my phone off.
I just got your text.
You need to chill, girl.
You wanna come to my work and ask for yourself? No, I wanted to tell you what happened last night.
- What do you mean? - [sighing.]
Man, I got into a fight with some girl, and my grandmother found out and freaked out on me.
I'm sorry about that, Niecy, but I can't deal right now.
I mean, so, when will we hang out? Isabelle's asking for you and so is Treyvion.
Soon, but I really need to get some sleep.
I'll call you later.
[starts engine.]
Are you Niecy Patterson? Yeah.
Who are you? What the hell is this? Niecy Patterson, you've been served.
It says that I have to appear in court for violating my settlement agreement.
Does this have something to do with the fight? - Oh, Niecy - [sighing.]
NIECY: Look, this girl, she came up to me in the club.
She said I was trash and that I was flaunting my money.
We exchanged words, then she took a swipe at me.
I mean, what was I supposed to do? I had to defend myself.
Wait, wait.
How did Fulton County find out about this? Were you arrested? No.
I guess people at the club took videos and posted them on Twitter.
Yeah, but fighting's not a violation of the agreement.
So, what does this have to do with the settlement? When people saw the video, everybody had something to say Black people, racist White people.
I mean, they used the hashtag whythebitchgottased.
- Let me guess.
- You had to clap back.
They're trying to say that the only reason why I got paid was for that bigot cop to go back to work.
Niecy, your lawyer went over this.
You're not allowed to talk about any of that in public.
You know that.
But she can go to her lawyer and tell her side of it, right, Paul? Settlement agreements are pretty standard.
No talk means no talk.
Man, I never meant for any of this to happen.
I'll call the lawyer and see what can be done.
No.
I got this.
I'll call him, myself.
[sighing.]
HELEN: Joan so good to have seen you earlier.
Oh, D'Asia is so excited.
She's gonna be just a fantastic addition to the group.
JOAN: [on phone.]
That's why I'm calling.
It's about D'Asia.
Regretfully, I won't be able to endorse her initiation.
I'm sorry.
You've endorsed three of my children over the years, so why not my granddaughter? JOAN: Look, I tried to warn you about this at the mixer, but, clearly, you weren't listening.
Given Niecy's very public, and very violent behavior, it's left me with no choice.
Niecy is not a member of the organization, I am.
JOAN: Exactly.
Considering Patrick's struggles with drugs, and now Niecy becoming as troubled as he is, I mean, could D'Asia be next? D'Asia Patterson is an exemplary student, classroom leader, volunteer at at Sunday School.
She would be perfect for Jack & Jane.
JOAN: That may be true.
But given who her father and sister are, Jack & Jane has got to be careful.
If we let D'Asia in, what kind of message would that send to the members? - [phone disconnects.]
- Oh Hey, I've got everything, baby.
It's all set.
Got my collard greens, my ribs, all the fixin's.
[chuckling.]
Hey, babe, are you all right? It's all happening again, Paul.
What? What's happening? The judgments, the looks.
All of it.
I just talked to Joan and she doesn't want D'Asia to be initiated.
Is Jack & Jane really that important to you, Helen? Yes, Paul! When I joined, it was about assimilating into the White world.
But now it's it's about identity, our identity, being proud of being Black.
I've watched you put on that smiling face for over a year now, and you're still hearing whispers behind your back.
Look, I don't agree with what Niecy said, or how she said it.
There are gonna be repercussions.
But at least now everybody knows exactly how she feels.
Okay.
You're right.
[kisses.]
I love you.
[chuckling.]
- HELEN: [laughing.]
- PAUL SR: [chuckling.]
HELEN: Oh Oh, my gosh.
PATRICK: What did the lawyer say? He said that I violated the settlement agreement with Atlanta PD, and that the hearing is just a formality that I have to give the money back.
The lawyer fees and taxes, too? - No.
Thank God.
- Just my portion.
- That can't possibly be true.
- It is true.
I've gotta give back the whole $150,000.
- Whew.
- [sighs.]
Here, come on.
Come here and sit down.
All right, it's gonna be all right, okay? Just 'cause I'm disappointed doesn't mean I'm not here for you.
That goes for us all.
We're family.
We must stick together no matter what.
It's not the end of the world, okay? We'll just get the money out of the trust and [sighing.]
return it.
Um There's a slight problem in that.
I never got around to setting up the trust.
What do you mean you never got around to it? I was going to, I just mmm PAUL SR: Where's the money, Niecy? I mean, I know you bought new clothes for you and the kids.
And you've been keeping up your weave and your nails regularly, but That's not $150,000.
Well, I put down a deposit on a breast lift.
PATRICK: Whew whew I loaned my girls some money.
PATRICK: [heavy sigh.]
All right, that doesn't account for all the money, Niecy.
All right, where's the rest, huh? Answer your father.
I bought Dante a car.
Good Lord.
Now I've heard it all.
You bought that deadbeat a car? - He's been tryin'.
- Whew oh He's been there for me, Isabelle, and Treyvion.
Yeah, right, and now that he has the car, has he still been tryin', huh? Now I'll ask you again.
Has Dante been hanging around now that he has the car? Huh? Exactly.
That's what I thought.
We're going to get that car back, huh.
I'm driving you over there myself to make sure it happens.
You don't have to do that.
Well, with everything that's been goin' down, clearly, I do.
Now, come on, let's go.
Well? It's too sweet.
Too much maple syrup or something.
I This is the fifth batch we've made.
- I know that.
- It's just not it's not like Dad's, it's I don't know what we're doing wrong.
- Steve needs you - It appears that Patrick's having a meltdown about her buying Dante the car.
PJ: [laughs.]
- [cell phone buzzing.]
- Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! - I'm not here.
- I'm not here.
Hey, brother.
Yeah, how's it goin'? Yeah, we we heard from Niecy.
So, what did Mom and Dad say? Yeah, we figured.
No, I know.
I know.
But, you know, this would have never happ You know what? Never mind.
Patrick, I'm gonna hand you off to PJ.
[whispering.]
No.
No, stop.
- P, whaddup, dog? - [laughing.]
Yeah.
Yeah.
How you doing? [clears throat.]
That's crazy.
Crazy.
Um, Letta? She is [silently.]
No.
No.
She went to the store.
We're trying to make Dad's barbeque sauce.
Okay.
All right, man, I'll let her know.
All right, holla at you.
[sighing.]
Please tell me what that was about.
I need to keep a healthy distance from all of this, all right? It's just better if I just stay out of it.
For who? You or for them? - For all of us.
- [laughs.]
I mean, you want me butting into everything again? Just swooping in trying to fix everything? - Definitely not.
- Exactly.
So, let's just focus on this recipe.
[sighs.]
I'm over this.
I think it needs more vinegar.
You're gonna make me hate barbeque.
- Come on.
Come on.
- No.
Come on.
Sure you don't want me to wait? No.
I told you I got this.
[knock at door.]
[rapidly ringing doorbell.]
[pounding on door.]
Dante! [dog barking.]
Come on.
Oh, no, he didn't.
Stay right here.
Hold your sister.
Amika, what the hell is goin' on? I was about to ask you the same damn thing.
Just give me the keys to my damn car.
Your car? Yes, my car.
It belongs to me.
Wow, so he's playin' us both, huh? Well, I'm done with his triflin' ass.
For good, this time.
You can have him.
So, he clearly ain't showin' up.
I'm sure he's somewhere knockin' up his next baby mama.
Y'all want a ride home? Naw, I'll call an Uber.
[object drops.]
Uh-oh.
Treyvion, hand me that.
ISABELLE: [fussing.]
It's okay, mama.
Don't worry about it.
Mommy's gonna clean this right off.
Why are you poutin'? [laughs.]
[multiple kisses.]
You're a good mom.
Who, me? It's hard, you know? I mean, I can't keep a job because I ain't got nobody to help me watch Marquis.
How do you do it with two? My family helps me out a lot.
My family's barely hanging on, themselves.
They ain't got time to help me.
Marquis has started throwing these tantrums when he don't get his way.
I can't even say, "Wait till your Daddy gets home," 'cause Dante don't care.
Ain't no tellin' when I'll see him, anyway.
It's all on me.
Sometimes, I just wanna walk away and keep walking.
I know I can't, but You know since our kids share a father, I think we should get 'em together for some play dates.
That's a good idea.
They should know each other, right? Yeah, they should.
[raps on door.]
Hey, Dad.
Can I ask you a question? Come in, son.
Man-to-man, father-to-father.
- What's on your mind? - [sighing.]
Niecy and this latest screw-up.
I mean [sighing.]
I don't know.
I just don't know if I'm handling it right.
I mean, what am I supposed to do ground her? [chuckling.]
A grown woman with two kids.
Good luck with that.
Yeah, but I've gotta do something.
You know, your mom and I made the same mistake with you when you were going through your rough patches.
We tried to control the situation.
Nothing worked.
Son, sometimes the best thing a parent can do is nothing.
Sometimes, you've just gotta let your kids fall down.
Yeah, but it's hard to just sit back and watch your kid fall.
[chuckles.]
Nobody said it's gonna be easy.
Just make sure you're there to help her up, if she needs it.
Okay.
[sighing.]
And thanks, Dad, for always being there for me No matter what.
Hey, that's what dads do.
BOTH: [laughing.]
That's what we do.
[chuckling.]
- Ahh oh - [pats Paul's back.]
- Love you, Dad.
- Love you, too.
- You good? - Yeah.
Thanks.
NIECY: Bye, Marquis, baby.
Oh, you all strapped in, boo-boo? You are so cute! Mama, I like Marquis.
Oh, that's nice, baby.
He's my brother, right? No, sweetie, I told you.
Remember? Dante is Isabella and Marquis' father.
But he still loves you just the same.
Why can't my daddy come around like Dante? Treyvion, sweetie, I told you Cameron is your father.
But why? That's just the way it happened.
Why? Cameron, he loves you very much.
He's just been busy with his new job and his new fiancée, but he sends money for you every month.
I want Isabelle and Marquis to be my family.
Um sweetie can you go get in the car, please? - [cell phone ringing.]
- Hello? MARY JANE: [on phone.]
Hey, Niecy.
How's it goin'? Yeah, Auntie, I've been waiting on your call.
I was trying to give you some space.
But you know I can't hold my tongue that long.
I know you think I'm a stupid fool For messin' around with Dante again.
[sobbing.]
I don't know what else to do.
Baby girl, there is not a woman on this Earth that has not been a fool for love.
Some of us more than once.
NIECY: Well, I guess I was just seduced [sniffles.]
by the thought of having a father for my kids again.
[sniffles.]
I made a mess.
Niecy, you have two, beautiful, intelligent children.
You're a good mother.
You have a very loving, supportive family to support you, even when you fail.
Now, your baby daddies leave a lot to be desired, but you have a father and a grandfather who are more than willing to pick up the slack.
Yeah, but you should have saw how mad my dad was when he found out about that car.
I know he was, and I know it must feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, but you're barely 22 years old.
And the Niecy that I know, that girl can do anything she sets her mind to.
So, maybe you use this time to figure out whatever that is For your sake and the sake of those kids.
Well, thank you, Auntie.
[sniffles.]
Um I guess you're really enjoying New York, huh? What makes you say that? NIECY: Well, I mean you sound way more chill, that's for sure.
And, um I guess you're enjoying the big living now.
I suppose I am.
Hey, listen, baby, I've gotta go.
But, I love you.
I love you, too.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Did you enjoy the tour? Yeah, yeah, these are some cool offices.
I know, right? Yeah, but why are you here on a Saturday? I'm trying to get some work done since Lee's outta town.
Oh.
Just got off the phone with Niecy.
Oh, God Is she a'ight? I think so, but [sighs.]
I probably should have gone down there on the weekends or something.
Wait, wait.
You're playing, right? No, I mean, if I was there, Niecy would have put the money in a trust and not blown it on Dante and weaves.
Letta, I thought you were done playing the rescuer.
- I am.
- Okay, so be done with it.
Look, they need to figure this out on their own, especially now that you're here in New York.
- Seriously.
- So, I did the right thing? Yes, of course, you did the right thing.
Look, if you'd have gone down there, all you would have done is make everybody crazy.
Thank you.
You know I'm telling the truth.
Oh, thanks again for hookin' Ava up with this.
I scored major points with her mom.
I owe you big time.
You do owe me big time, and you can pay me back by finding me a cheap short sale or a hot foreclosure Something I can get for a steal.
- Please.
- I got ya.
I got ya.
Look, let me get this girl home.
- I'll call you later, okay? - All right.
Watch your step.
Listen, thank you.
I know that getting your help with this internship was a big deal.
- Don't mention it.
- It's the least I could do.
All right, if you need anything, you shoot me a text, okay? You're not coming out to celebrate? Where did you get that? A visit to Aaron Felty's office was included on the studio tour.
His bar is very well stocked.
You're joking, right? You lifted that from the anchor's office? Are you trying to get fired on your first day? Don't be such a buzzkill.
Come back to my place.
Have a drink with me.
I've got an appointment to get to and I'm taking this.
Come on, get in.
[raps cab door.]
D'Asia, just go in with the other girls, while Grandma talks to the ladies here, has a little conversation.
Okay.
Helen, perhaps I didn't make myself clear.
Now I'm sorry if this is difficult for you to accept, but D'Asia will not be invited to join Jack & Jane.
You made yourself loud and clear, Joan.
But that's not exactly how this is going down.
Really? [loudly.]
I'm not leaving here until I've said my peace.
Everyone here knows the challenges my family has faced.
But I can't tell you how devastated we were, and how isolated we felt, from the judgment, in our own community.
Now, maybe I'm naive, but I never imagined that I would be faced with the same judgment here From all of you.
But I guess none of you can relate because you're all blessed with perfect families.
I'm the only one who's had a family that's been touched with scandal.
Right, Diane? Mildred? Right.
That's what I thought.
Are you done, Helen? Tsk.
I suppose I am.
MILDRED: Helen, wait.
My family, we're getting ready to file bankruptcy.
Now, you may want to throw Jessica out, too, after you've heard that, but it's the truth.
We've bailed our kids out so many times there's just simply nothing left.
I'm leaving Charles.
It's something I should have done long ago.
We've been married in name only for at least six years.
We all have issues, Joan.
HELEN: That's right.
We do valuable work here.
But with the challenges and difficulties Black families have today, we have to support each other.
That's the kind of organization I want D'Asia, and my daughter, and granddaughter to be a part of, and you should, too.
NIECY: [sighing.]
Everything okay? Yeah.
Fine.
Listen to your gut, Niecy.
- My gut? - Yeah.
Your gut has a way of letting you know you've had enough.
Mm it feels like a stomach ache to me.
Yeah, well, the gut I'm talking about is your instincts.
And your instincts tell you when enough is enough.
But the trick is, you've gotta listen to them.
Right.
I'll be back.
Okay.
DANTE: What took you so long? Sorry, my phone was off.
So, what's up, girl? How you gon' just take my car like that? - No call or nothin'? - You mean the car that I bought, that you had some bitch driving? That car? Don't give me that crap, Niecy.
Amika my baby mama, too.
I've gotta help her out sometimes, just like I help you.
- Come on, baby.
- No! No, no, no.
Don't "baby" me.
I am sick of you "babyin'" me.
Why don't you just admit it? Admit what? That this is all a lie, Dante.
You don't care about me, you don't care about those kids.
All you care about is the new car, the new clothes, the restaurants, the TV that I got you.
You used me.
Just admit it.
Laid up with Amika the whole time? And God knows whoever else.
You can't believe anything Amika say.
You know she crazy.
It's gone, Dante.
The money is gone.
I had to give it all back.
So, what now? What do you mean you gave it all back? Wait, where are you goin'? - Niecy! - Don't call me! Don't call me unless it has to do with Isabelle.
Don't call me for sex, don't call me for rides, money, none of that! Don't call me! I'm done! I'm done! - So, it's like that? - Yeah, it's like that.
Ride off on your damn bike, stupid ass.
Is the food ready? PAUL SR: Almost there.
Good, 'cause we got some celebratin' to do.
- PATRICK: Oh, yeah? - That's right.
Meet the newest member of Jack & Jane! - ALL: [cheering.]
- D'ASIA: [giggling.]
- My girl! - Congratulations! - [palm slap.]
- HELEN: [laughing.]
PATRICK: Wow! [knock at door.]
First down! All right! Uh MALE SPORTS COMMENTATOR: They got a first down.
We just saw a great play like that Room service.
BOTH: [laughing.]
- What's all this? - PJ: [laughs.]
Okay, so, I had Dad overnight a couple of slabs of ribs to the hotel, the kitchen reheated them, and voilà ! - [gasping.]
- PJ: [laughs.]
Yeah, a little bit of ATL magic right here in the Big Apple.
Oh come on Yay, yay, thank you Yes.
[laughing.]
That's the way to cure our homesickness.
So, I gotta call the family.
They're waiting for us to facetime them, okay? - Okay.
- Here we go.
[phone ringing.]
- HELEN: Hello? - PJ & MARY JANE: Hey! Daddy, I'm so excited! PJ, he just brought the ribs! Letta, PJ, what's goin' on? Mom, look, hit the, uh, the button on the right.
The one that looks like a TV, remember? HELEN: Right right there, yes.
I'm pushing the button, but why can't we see them? - PATRICK: Come on.
- This thing is not workin'.
Okay, okay, we've been doing this for months now, guys.
Come on.
Why can't we do it the old fashioned way? - Just get a phone.
- Patrick.
PJ: So, listen, we will, um, talk to you all later.
We're having technical difficulties on our end, okay? But thank you so much for the ribs.
Thank you! We love you! We love you so much! [blows kisses.]
[laughing.]
Oh Yes, right there.
Well If I canât be home with our crazy family, at least we have each other.
- And dadâs ribs.
- And dadâs ribs.
- Hey.
- Ah.
Iâm goinâ to get some napkins, forks, spoons, all these (Sophie Beem-Girls Will Be Girls) I gotta habit called Alexander McQueen But I never show it off, cause I still got the dreams That I had when I was little, every girl wants to be A famous actress, model, superstar, queen You know that you're perfect exactly how you are You don't need a bank account or a shiny, fast car It's better to be an original, free your inner individual And show them how we do Girls will be girls Hey baby Why ainât you out there watching the Super Bowl.
Girls will be girls Not feeling well today.
Well guess what? I gotta surprise for you.
Wanna take a ride with mommy? Yeh you wanna take a ride with mommy, come on.
I have somethin to show you,come on.
Girls will be girls You know that I would never bow down to a guy Alright Babe.
Do you understand why mom has to return this car.
Well you know, sometimes adults buy things that we canât really afford.
So we have to take it back.
But before I do that, I want to make sure that we got a chance to have some fun.
So are you ready? - For what.
- For this.
I am a single black mother of two.
Wheeeeee! [tires screeching.]
NIECY NARRATES: who hasn't always made the best decisions.
But I am here, and I ainât goinâ away silently.
Woooooo! You see I am a black woman who had the nerve to raise her voice.
Wooooooo! [car engine revving.]
NIECY NARRATES: and that's why this bitch got tased.
Madonna, vogue, glamour Snap, snap, you wanna?