Single Ladies (2011) s01e04 Episode Script

We need to talk about April's party before she gets here.
So this little non-business- related phone call can wait.
Oh.
Now, that's not what Keisha wants to hear.
You said if my gorgeous self ever needed anything, all I had.
To do was call.
Of course, I'll hold.
So I was thinking since it's her 25th birthday, we should Oh.
Oh.
Now look who can't talk.
Hi.
T.
O.
? Yes.
I spoke with your people, and everything is set for your.
Event on Saturday.
Okay.
The ones on your left.
This dress is half my grade, and I will only deliver genius.
These are notGenius.
Call me crazy, but I'm pretty damn sure no one wants to wear a.
Coffee cup.
She's gonna put that Coffee cup on there.
April! I have such great ideas for your party.
I'm thinking we rent out haven, we do a red carpet, we get dj.
Drama to spin.
Val, I know that I've been saying all year that I want a.
Big blowout for my birthday, but now I just I just wanna be.
Low-key.
April, your grandmother did not die all those years ago and.
Leave you a chunk of her powerball money so you could be.
Low-key.
Yeah.
That's no way to honor her.
All you've been talking about is how you're gonna party like a.
Rock star.
Yeah.
That was before I became mistress number nine and.
Had my face all over the news.
Can't we just do something small at your place? Okay.
My morning on the phone has borne some very tasty fruit.
We're on the vip list for majesty tonight.
Majesty? What's majesty? Exactly.
It's that exclusive.
With members worth seven figures and up.
So our figures are going there.
What about Malcolm? After that crap he pulled, testing me to see if I'll give.
It up to his boy for cash He needs to beg on all fours.
Before I consider even letting him talk to me again.
You know you still want him.
I want to keep it moving Where Atlanta's rich and famous.
Get to fight over all this.
Come on, keish.
Is being in love with one person that painful of a concept? You watch too many Reese Witherspoon movies.
Hi.
I'm Omar.
You, uh, see anything you like? I was hoping she I thought she might hi.
I'm Val.
Welcome to my boutique.
So are you and your daughter shopping for your wife? I'm not married.
Oh.
I'm helping my niece find some decent school clothes.
I'm Teddy, by the way.
Nice to meet you, Teddy.
I'm sorry.
I don't carry juniors.
Told you, Uncle Teddy.
Let's go.
But there's a shop a few doors down that does.
Would you mind showing me? Us? Sure.
I think I can do that.
Go, Val! Oh, speaking of, Keisha, I have therapy with Darryl in the.
Morning, so I'm not really feeling the whole going out thing.
Uh, uh, uh, April.
Don't let drama make you dull.
Can't you and Val just no.
Me and Val can't just.
I need both my wings to fly.
Fine.
One hour.
Tops.
WellI didn't get a sale, but I got a date.
So I don't think tonight's gonna work out.
Oh.
Cute guy.
What does he do for a living? I don't know.
Ever done time? I don't know.
So you're gonna miss the chance to meet more men tonight.
Because fine.
What time are we going to majesty? Ugh.
When you said club You did not say cigar club.
I said don't wear anything you don't want to get funky.
Same thing.
Keisha, they're all staring at me.
They know that I was with the mayor.
I need to go.
They're staring at all of us, April, because we're hot.
Relax.
Okay.
About ten of them have given you the eye.
Just pick one so we can go.
Believe it or not, Val, it's not totally about the money.
I need to feel my prince.
But all that's hopping my way so far are toads.
I can't breathe! Let's move it to the patio then.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Not bad.
You can hang back now.
Great.
I'm going to the ladies.
I'll join you.
You two better not sneak out on me.
Good evening.
Good evening.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
I'm noland gifford.
It's nice to meet you too, Mr.
Gifford.
Well, actually, it's Dr.
gifford.
Oh.
I stand happily corrected, Dr.
Gifford.
Uh I'm sorry, I was Momentarily struck dumb by your.
Mesmerizing beauty.
Now I know what homer meant.
Your face could launch 10,000 ships.
Oh well, my name isn't Helen of Troy.
It's Keisha Greene.
But I do appreciate the upgrade from 1,000 ships.
Very good! Can you join me for a drink? UmLet me check in with my girls first.
Okay.
Okay.
uh oh uh oh "chair of the economics department at Emory.
" Policy advisor to the white house.
Best selling author of economics: Learn the system's tricks so it won't trick you.
" Congratulations, Dr.
noland gifford.
You are definitely a contender.
You mean that tall cup of cocoa who can't keep his eyes off you? Not bad.
This means I can get out of this cancer cloud now? In addition to him being fine as hell, he's smart.
He used a Helen of Troy reference as his pickup line.
Who's Helen of Troy? I wouldn't have known either if I hadn't seen that sexy brad pitt movie with the togas.
Yes, Val, you may go.
I'm in good, wealthy, well-educated hands.
Good.
In the ten minutes that we have left, can you talk about.
Why you were unfaithful to darrylyl? OkayBottom line.
If neither of you are willing to speak honestly about the.
Challenging and potentially hurtful things in your.
Relationship, there's no way therapy's gonna help heal your.
Marriage.
I'd love to hear what she has to say, but she has to answer.
One question for me first And it damn well better be an.
Honest answer.
Okay.
Did you fall in love with the mayor? No.
You are the only man that I've ever loved And still love.
Okay.
I'll give it A real try next time.
Light skin, dark skin bottom right, top heavy jeans fitting right hair did shorty you look nice light skin, dark skin bottom right, top heavy atl, you know what it is, Mr.
Dj drama.
I'm in the house.
Shout to the big homey t.
O.
With me.
Let's get this party goin', baby! It's not too late, girl.
All this and more could still be yours on your birthday.
Keisha, I just want a simple party.
I heard.
But I know if I had 500 gs coming from my dead grandma, I'd be lounging in Barbados instead of sitting around some.
Tight-ass cake at my friend's apartment.
Uh-huh.
you can say thank you anytime, doll.
My ears are open 24-7.
OhThank you, Omar, for suggesting we rent out the.
Boutique at night.
And and for hooking me up with t.
O.
'S people.
And? What else am I thanking you for? For letting you be the best-dressed person from the.
Boutique tonight.
Ha! Whatever.
Have you seen Christina around? Yeah.
She's in the back Creating.
Hmm.
Oh.
Okay.
That's very nice.
I especially like the fabric choice and ruching of the dress.
In the midsection.
Thanks.
The Professor in my design class, he's crazy-tough, and.
Nothing impresses him.
But this might.
Some advice? You might wanna rethink the draping down here as more of a.
Bias to create balance and flow.
Maybe a softer color.
Val? Like, thanks for letting me use your space.
But all due respect You're not the only one who knows design.
Okay, then.
I'm leaving.
The check for the cleaning crew's in the top drawer and Good luck.
Thanks.
My video days are long over.
I'm into real estate now.
With exclusive clientele exclusively.
So if you're buying or selling, I don't mind Excuse me, t.
O.
? I'm heading out soon, and I just wanted to thank you for having.
Your party here, and I hope everything at the boutique was.
To your liking.
Everything has been.
Oh, good.
Especially the boutique's owner.
Oh.
Really? Yeah.
I'm heading out in a minute too.
You should come with me.
Come with you? Where? Alisha, ne-yo, and Jamie are jamming at this after-hours spot.
The lime's outside.
You in? Well, uh Excuse me.
Okay.
Excuse me.
Whoa! Sorry.
I'm not.
I'm Sebastian.
I've been wanting to meet you all night.
You have? I love your style.
I love your confidence.
I'd love to get your number.
Um uh uh My number.
Right.
Oh, excuse me.
Val? Yes? You're wanted in the back.
Right now.
Right.
Sorry.
Thank you, keish.
I didn't know what I was gonna do.
I did.
You were about to blow all three of your opportunities.
Okay.
Now, Teddy is my official date for the night, so I'm leaving with him, right? Val, Val, Val! What? It's raining men for you right now, and when it rains.
Like this, you don't stay inside.
You get some boots and a slicker and you splash around.
I've never splashed around in my life.
I don't know how to splash around.
That's why I'm here.
Tell Uncle Teddy that you're still working but you'll.
Reschedule.
And be flirty.
Then whisper your digits into hettie mcfineboy's ear and tell.
Him if he calls you in two days, you'll find time to squeeze him.
In.
Extra flirt on "squeeze you in.
" Then tell t.
O.
It's on.
But you gotta bring your friend namely, me.
That doesn't sound right.
Val you have to have a pair and a spare.
If you keep being monogamy girl every time you get a date, you.
Gonna get trapped and waste five years of your life again like.
You did with Quinn.
Okay.
Yeah? Yes.
so we ready? You know, I thought the party would be over by now.
I have to stay until the last person leaves.
Well, uh, I can I want our first date to be really special.
Can we reschedule? Of course.
I'll call you tomorrow.
And I'll answer.
I'm swamped for the next few days, but if you call after.
That, I'm sure something can be arranged.
I'm looking forward to it.
Gonna get some like a shotgun needs an outcome okay.
I can come.
But only if I can bring my girls.
The more the merrier.
And Omar.
Whatever.
Meet y'all out front.
Go ahead, go way low where I can do no wrong got you round my finger like a lonely lover's charm like a lonely lover's charm you know that I didn't have much dating or sexual experience.
Before you.
But I was just so head over heels and sure that you were the.
One thatI didn't care.
And when did that change for you? It hasn't.
It justFelt like in our relationship, everything was on.
Your terms where we live, where we eat, vacation, I mean Even what I wear.
You're doing good.
Continue.
That was great in the beginning, but I've grown up.
These past seven years.
AndIt just started to feel like the life that you built for.
UsWas stifling me.
Why didn't you ever say anything? And how in the hell was I stifling you? Well, for example If there was a conflict between your work.
And my work, I had to let my work suffer.
I'm a partner in a brokerage firm.
You're an assistant.
Sorry, but it's true.
Also, the constant pressure to have kids.
And I think that The affair was a rebellion against that.
And it was a stupid Hurtful rebellion that happened when I.
Got caught in a vulnerable moment.
I never looked at our marriage from your point of view.
It's certainly giving me a lot to think about.
April, is there anything else you'd like to say? I know it's a long shot, but Will you come to my.
Birthday party at Val and Keisha's next week? JustI haven't celebrated without you in seven years.
I don't know if I'm there yet, April.
I doubt it.
Okay.
That's so funny.
I was probably styling t-boz the whole time you were giving her.
Adjustments.
Isn't that crazy? Oh.
Sorry this keeps happening.
It's business.
Yeah, the business of you being so beautiful, guys are.
Crawling out of their skin to be with you.
That's cool.
I can stand a little competition.
I have to admit I've been off the market for a while.
And dating has become so much more complex these days.
When to text, call, email To friend or not to friend.
And don't even get me started on what the hell I'm supposed to.
Do with my status.
At the end of the day, I guess I just prefer being in a.
One-on-one committed relationship.
Sorry.
Too much for a first date? Not in my book.
You have to say that.
No, I mean it.
I think family and a loving, solid relationship are everything.
And I hope I find a woman that feels the same way.
I don't think you'll have a problem with that.
I guess I should let you have that.
Ah.
He would.
Let's not forget, I also bring free adjustments to the mix.
I've never been to a chiropractor.
I know people swear by it, but what you do looks crazy to me.
It's not the way it looks.
It's the way it feels.
Here, let me show you.
Wait is it gonna hurt? Nope.
Oh! It may just sound a little funny.
That feels really Really, really good.
Oh.
At least it wasn't me.
Ha.
Hello.
Damn now? Okay, why can't all right.
All right, I'll be right there.
Ha ha.
My brother's car broke down.
And I'm guessing he doesn't have triple-a? No.
He doesn't.
He was on his way to pick up my niece from a Bruno mars concert, and now I need to go get 'em both.
I'm really sorry.
No.
I get it.
Hello? Hi, Teddy.
Yes! I got them.
The roses are beautiful.
Huh? Oh.
Of course.
I meant the tulips.
The tulips are beautiful.
Yes, they're still my favorites.
You know, I just got to work, so can we talk later? Okay.
Thanks again.
Bye.
Okay Hey, pretty lady.
Oh! T.
O.
! I thought you left town.
I'm on my way right now.
But I wanted to bring you these before I go.
They're beautiful.
Thank you.
They'll make a nice addition to your collection.
Oh, you know, those are just, um Don't even trip.
I'm not.
Beautiful women deserve beautiful things Like these.
T.
O.
, they're gorgeous.
But I can't.
I'm about to miss my plane, so do me a favor Wear them tonight when I skype you.
I wanna see how they make your eyes pop.
I he I can't, can I? Oh, Val, you're so cute.
It's like watching a baby take her first steps.
I can't keep all these men and their gifts and flowers straight.
I don't know how you people do it.
Be vague but sweet.
You say, "thanks for the gift, boo," then tease: "I got a gift for you too.
" Then let their imagination spin on that.
They'll forget you never gave them details about what they.
Gave you.
And never tell them what you're doing, where you are, who you're with, or where you're going, and you'll be fine.
DatingIs exhausting.
So I am handing in my player's card.
Sebastian, t.
O.
fun, beautiful.
But TeddyThat's real.
I can see a future for us.
Val, what you need to see is other people.
Haven't you been waiting for his call? For the record, I wasn't waiting for Malcolm to call.
I said he needed to call to get back into my good graces.
Whatever.
That still doesn't explain why you sent him to.
Voicemail.
You don't answer the first call.
Duh! He needs to call two more times minimum to get a response.
SoIf Malcolm can't step it up, and I do mean way up, I'm.
Quite happy to spend time with the Professor.
Oh, yeah.
How was the opera? You went to the opera? Mm-hmm.
YouWent to the opera.
Yes, Omar, I went to the opera.
Luckily, it was porgy and Bess, not one with fat people singing in Italian or latin or whatever.
It wasn't as good as the sidney poitier/dorothy dandridge movie, but at least I knew the plot, and I could talk "deep" about it afterwards.
And so you're saying you prefer to do that over spending time with Malcolm? You're kidding yourself.
Logging in now, keish.
I'm ignoring you.
Okay.
Tomorrow he's taking me to dinner with some of Atlanta's intellectual elite.
Once I dazzle there, it's only a matter of time before I'm breaking bread with michelle and barack.
They were Harvard law buds, don't you know? Oh! So that's why you're reading.
It's called being thoughtful.
Okay, Christina, what did you find out for me? So some of my friends at Emory told me about this web site that actually summarizes all his books.
Here it is.
Oh! I must say you're fitting very nicely into our little entourage.
Well, I love you guys.
I feel like I'm learning at the feet of masters.
What you're learning, Christina, is how to do a lot of work.
Dating shouldn't be work.
It should beEnchanting.
Special.
If you ask me, 3.
5 million in sales is pretty damn special.
So please, go chant someplace else.
It's delicious.
It's all a-game with you, Val.
Dessert while we watch the movie? Ah, you read my mind.
Just one slice? Thought you liked to share.
Not if there's a whole pie in there.
I want my own piece.
Wrestle you for it.
Why do we have to wrestle if there's more pie? 'Cause then we get to do this I'm sorry.
I was supposed to have the house to myself for the evening.
I thought this was your house.
Um, it's also Frankie wouldn't stop crying, so the Usher asked us to leave.
I told you a movie was a bad idea, bro.
I know.
Well, we'll be in back till you're done.
Hey.
Hi.
They live here? Yeah.
Since my mom died.
OhI'm so sorry.
I didn't realize.
No, it's okay.
ButMy little brother hasn't been the same since.
You know, he needed help with his kids and his kids' kid, and I couldn't say no.
No.
I understand.
Really.
Hey, since you guys missed your movie, do you wanna come over here and watch with us? What are we watching? Oh.
Well, we have Blades of glory or love Jones.
I kinda like that napoleon dynamite guy.
Oh.
Okay.
So Blades of glory it is then.
Sorry about that.
Sure.
That is such a jejune point of view, carolyn.
Listen, if your ship is sinking, you don't question if the plug.
Says, "made in China.
" You say, "thank you.
And by the way, can you help me row?" How much aid, free aid, has the United States doled out over.
The last half century to countless countries? It is about time some other nations shared the burden of.
Bolstering the global economy.
Keisha, why so quiet? What are your thoughts on the subject? I think everyone has made some very good points.
But if you had to, gun to your head, what would you do? Gun to my head? If it was like that, I I'd do what was in everyone's.
Best interests.
And what exactly would that be? I think that would be to enjoy this beautiful evening, this beautiful wine And even more beautiful company.
Global economics cannot compare to the pinot and the amazing.
Meal to come.
Hear, hear.
Mmm.
That's delicious.
So Keisha, where did you go to college? Life has been my primary source of education.
Mm.
And what is it, exactly, that you do? I'm currently representing some high-end real estate.
Are you a broker? In a manner of speaking.
I sell your house so you don't go broke.
But if you're not licensed, how are you allowed to represent.
Homeowners? With their permission.
That must be so refreshing, making up your own rules.
It is when you have friends like timbaland and jermaine dupri.
Who? That's where I know you from.
You've danced in music videos before, haven't you? Yes.
I've been in several music videos snoop dogg, ll, jay-z.
I show that snoop dogg video at my seminars at morehouse.
All the time.
Ah.
Really? Ha ha.
It's a classic example of misogyny in hip-hop.
So tell me.
How did it feel to be the subject of hyper-sexualization.
And objectification? It felt like I got paid.
Well.
Anything for a dollar.
Hmm.
'Scuse me? Okay! Vultures Enough interrogation of my date.
Go back to your cute little socio-political ruminations.
Is the economics God finally deigning to weigh in? Everything I had to say on the subject I said in my book.
You mean the part where you explain how the rational.
Utility-maximization creates an optimal division problem? It's optimal decision problem, but no, beautiful.
That only applies to microeconomics.
It's like I'm dating one of my freshmen But legal! I think it's adorable that you read my book.
Thank you for that.
Another bottle, everyone? You gonna make it pressure visualize it in your mind and apply pressure still be humble still be kind don't be dumb don't be blind you wouldn't believe what those overeducated, underdressed.
Snobs said to me.
If anybody ever talked down to me that way anywhere else, they'd still be picking teeth out of their pinot.
Then why didn't you say something? I didn't want to make a scene.
Since when? What's really going on? I don't know.
Even though they were jackasses about it, they did make me.
Wonder why I never made education a priority.
Maybe if I'd gone to college Instead of dancing in videos I'd actually have a career or a degree.
Or something.
Hey.
Hey.
Aren't we jogging? I just got a call from one of my vips for an emergency.
Adjustment I'm sorry.
That's okay.
Make it up to me later? Actually, I gotta drive to savannah, because that's where.
My client is and Mark's car broke down again and Dee Dee Dee Dee's got a doctor's appointment in an hour.
Would you mind giving her a ride? It's not far from here, and she's already got her breakfast.
Sure.
It's not a problem.
Thank you so much.
Here's the address, and mark should be back at my place by.
The time she's done, so you can just drop her back over there.
Even though I'd call first and make sure he's home.
But he should be back by then.
Yeah.
Hey.
Be good for aunty Val.
Okay? Well I guess we have some time to kill.
Oh, Dee Dee, have you met Keisha? Hey.
Hey.
Juice? I'm straight.
You got cable? Yes.
In my room.
Down the hall.
What? Don't get mad because you got what you asked for.
And how exactly did I ask for this? Committing to one man means committing to his family too.
The family normally comes after marriage, not before.
Oh.
So love does have some rules.
I didn't say that.
Mm-hmm.
Look I'm not mad at you.
But you better be real about it before you end up living out.
Some wack middle-class version of dynasty.
And without the jets, jewels, and oil WellsTrust me, the family drama will not be sexy.
Maybe you should take your own advice.
Oh? How so? It's annoying as hell, but the one thing I have always admired about you is your confidence.
No one should make you feel less than you areOr regret your life choices.
I don't care how rich, connected, or well-educated they are.
Now you be real about that.
You don't have any good channels.
You know, we don't want to be late.
We should go.
Have fun at the doctor's, aunty Val.
Oh, go to college.
Whatever.
You look stunning.
Thank you.
Look, I know my friends were a bit much, but you get to know them, you can see that they're just regular folks.
If you say so.
Hey Is there something on your mind? No.
I'm cool.
Okay.
Now let's get some wine and cuddle under this very luxurious cashmere blanketAnd forget anyone exists but you, me, and wynton.
Sounds like a plan.
Can I kiss you now? I think I can let that happen.
Front row $400.
Uh, no thanks.
Uh, no, wait, wait, wait.
Only the best for you.
200.
Noland, I really don't Can you shut that sexy mouth just for two seconds and let the men handle this? 350.
300.
Take it or leave it.
You're robbing me, man.
Well Okay, what's the problem now? I don't have a problem.
But you do.
Exactly what is my problem? Your ego is your problem.
And I'm not playing marilyn monroe to your Arthur Miller, because I'm not dumb, and I'm not the one.
That is ludicrous! Not the rapper, babe, okay? Just because you're no rhodes scholar doesn't mean I think you're brainless.
So if you would stop acting out every time you feel insecure, we'd have a wonderful, mutually beneficial relationship.
And if you could stop being a condescending bastard, you wouldn't have to go home to your left hand tonight.
But you can't, so I'm gone.
Seriously? What am I supposed to do with these damn tickets? Throw 'em away, dumb ass.
They're front row tickets to last night's wynton marsalis' concert.
Hey.
Hey.
Hey.
Hey.
So we should hurry up if we're gonna make our reservation.
Okay.
SoHere's the number of the restaurant, and here's Val's number in case, for some reason, I don't hear mine.
Excuse me? Yeah, what? Don't you ask a person before giving out their number? Well, I I thought you'd be cool with it.
I am, it's just Mark's working the night shift andI'm a little nervous about leaving them alone with the baby.
Isn't it her baby? Oh, and by the way, next week I have to go on the road with Mike Ryan, so I was wondering if you could check in here once a day? I don't trust mark to water the plants or get the girls to school on time anything, really.
So, uh, can you? Pretty please? Teddy, do you realize that since I've met your family, we've barely been alone? No.
I thought you liked family.
How long are they planning on staying with you, anyway? For as long as they need to.
Well, truth be told, I'm cool with it untilWhenever.
And I'm looking for a woman who's cool with it too.
I think it's great how much you care about your familyReally.
But you can't expect me to feel the same way.
Val, come on No! I need for us to do the you/me thing first before I can even think about taking on any more than that.
But obviously, that's not where you are, so Val Neither of us are kids anymore.
Everybody's got baggage.
I'm just being real about mine.
Yeah, TeddyAnd I'm just being real about what baggage I can carry.
AndI can't carry all this.
Good-bye, Teddy.
There's a fire starting in my heart see how I'll leave with every piece of you don't underestimate the things that I will do thank you guys for having all my favorite foods.
And it wasn't easy.
We had to call six different bakeries to find that nasty pineapple upside down cake you love.
And by "we" she means me.
But you know what? I was happy to do it for my girl.
Well, the champagne is all me.
So let's get it poppin', shall we? Yes.
Whoo! Here's to April on her 25th.
May you always be rich in friends and love.
And to being rich the real way, because you got it like that now.
Well, I turned my dress in.
Oh! And my teacher said exactly what you said except a lot less nicely.
C-minus.
I did my fair share of out-there designs when I was learning too, Christina.
But part of learning is listening.
And it's okay to ignore boundaries, but you have to know when to set them too.
Sometimes I act overconfident because I'm scared of being mediocre.
You could never be mediocre.
Thanks.
Okay.
Enough with the chitchat and the snacks.
Let's get to the gifts.
What about my cake? Girl, nobody wants none of your nasty cake.
We wanna see what you got.
This one's from you, Keisha.
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
Next time, party's on you.
Mine.
Darryl.
You came.
I did at that.
Here.
Something I've been wanting to get you for a while now.
Open it.
Divorce papers? Darryl! I've just been so tired lately.
I couldn't figure out why until our last therapy session.
And I do mean last.
Come on, man.
Not like this.
After your little speech about how I controlled your life, which, by the way, most women would define as love and support, it hit me.
I'm tired of being the good guy.
Darryl, please No, April, please.
You took away something so precious from me, there's no way you could ever pay me back.
ButHalf your trust fund would be a good start.
Happy birthday.
I damn near lost my mama I done been through so much drama I done turned into the man that I never thought I'd be I'm ready to sign them papers papers no.
I'm ready to sign them papers