Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020) s01e04 Episode Script
Zoey's Extraordinary Neighbor
1 Let there be light.
I can't believe you waited three months to tell me about this.
In my defense, it's not like you and I have always had the best tenant-slash- building-manager relationship.
Your first week here, you said, "Ma'am, will you help me hang my shower drapes?" I don't know which to be offended by more, you calling me "ma'am" or you calling them "shower drapes.
" What would you call them? Curtains, Zoey.
They're curtains.
You need a new part.
I'll hit up the hardware store right after I get my manicure.
Dear God, is this job really worth the cheaper rent? What are you giggling at? Simon and I are helping each other make me-mojis.
Does that really look like me? All I see is a single lady texting an engaged man before 9 A.
M.
This is just innocent fun.
Said no innocent person ever.
- I can see your side-eye.
- Good.
Morning, Bonnie.
Wait.
Someone actually lives there? I've been in this building for two years, and I've never seen anybody go in or out.
Shh.
Bonnie's agoraphobic, so I deliver her mail and occasionally read to her through her door.
I've never heard a peep, but it's probably good practice for when I finally record my audiobook.
Poor Bonnie.
She must be so lonely.
Can you imagine living your life like that? I can't imagine hiding myself from the world.
I'm a Leo, baby, brave, bold, beautiful! And I'm whatever a Capricorn is.
It's too bad we can't all be like you.
Oh, yes, I'm the great pretender Pretending that I'm doing well My need is such I pretend too much I'm lonely, but no one can tell Oh, yes I'm the great pretender Adrift in a world of my own I've played the game But to my real shame You've left me to dream all alone Too real is this feeling of make-believe Too real when I feel What my heart can't conceal Oh, yes I'm the great pretender - Mo? - Yes, angel? You just sang to me, like in a heart-song way, not in like a condescending "I'm gonna teach you the power of music" kind of way.
I didn't feel anything.
Eh, I'm telling you it happened.
Here's the bad news.
Your song was kind of sad.
And what was it you thought you heard me singing? I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and say "The Great Pretender.
" According to the lyrics, you're pretending you're well, but, at the same time, you're, like, super lonely.
Should we unpack that? No, because I didn't sing it.
If I'm gonna sing anything, it's gonna be something like "Walking on Sunshine," and there'd be a montage of me trying on cute clothes.
I don't know.
I really think I really think your power is on the fritz, girl.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to snake a toilet in apartment seven.
Quick.
Feel something strongly, but don't tell me about it.
Just think it.
Did you just learn a new magic trick? Just work with me, Simon, okay? What is bothering you on the inside? I'm kind of pissed at the florist for our engagement party.
Does that count? - What happened? - He totally bailed on us.
Jessica is livid, and I'm kinda scared for the guy, because she will find him, and she does not fight fair.
If you need somebody, you should call my mom.
She's a landscape architect, but that's florist adjacent-adjacent.
I'm sure she could give you some solid recs.
God bless you.
Godspeed to you.
Uh, I will give her a heads-up and text you her info.
Thank you.
Sorry, Zoey.
I'm just making a smoothie for your dad.
But if you're saying what I think you're saying, just have your friend call me.
Instant gratification is not what we're after.
I don't do surprises.
Hand it over.
Hey, you two.
Play nice, or I'm gonna take your toy away.
Be my guest, and then will you please open the damn thing and let me know what it says inside? We went to the OB-GYN this morning, and the baby's gender results are in here.
- Open it! - No! - Come on.
- Oh, see? Now you got her involved.
I need two of you? - Maggie, I agree.
- Yeah.
David.
He wants to wait until this whatever you are pops out of me to find out if it's a boy or a girl, but why would we want to do that? Well, because it's exciting, surprising, more fun.
And try impractical, inconvenient, patience testing.
- I could go on, babe.
- Please don't.
Oh, I'm with Emily on this.
- You are wasting precious time.
- Exactly.
Hey, Dad, you want to weigh in on this? "Pass.
" He's just being polite, okay? We all know that Dad always votes on the side of Bigger moments, bigger memories.
- Yes.
- All right, how 'bout this? I agree to wait until we're in the delivery room if you agree to rub my feet and/or shoulders every night 'til then.
Deal.
But I have to warn you, - it it might get a little bit - It won't get sexual.
No? No? - No.
- Yeah, okay.
Are you sure that you're okay with me leaving? It's totally fine.
I talked to the office.
They're cool with me working here for the week, and it'll give Dad and I a chance to have some good father-son quality time.
Right.
Thank you.
Then, I guess I will just go do this whole me-time thing that you and Zoey seem to want so badly.
I just, um have to figure out what it is me wants to do.
Oh, hi, Joan.
How's it going? Oh, great.
Super great.
- Glad to hear it.
- Mm-hmm.
Does that mean you and Charlie Are basically dead to each other? Yeah.
Oh, okay.
- Congratulations? - Right? I mean, he's been living at the hotel.
I haven't reached out once.
This new chapter of my life is all about making healthy choices, and I have never felt better.
I swam a half-mile in the Bay this morning, I'm flying my herbalist in from Shanghai, and, thanks to my new no-carb, high-protein food regimen, I am focused and energized and fully in ketosis.
I wish I had a husband of 20 years I suddenly became estranged from.
Oh, give it time.
I don't know that I would have had the courage to go through it without your naive boundary overstepping and your optimistic meddling.
I appreciate that? Enjoy your croissant and your twist.
Quando sono solo e songno All'orizzonte e mancan le parole Con te partiro Paesi che non ho mai Veduto e vissuto, con te Con te, io li vivro Did you have sex last night? As a matter of fact, Autumn and I did make our first love.
How did you know that? Women's intuition.
A power that's seemingly working just fine, thank you very much.
Well, that's not all.
We're now gonna make our second love in Napa this weekend and our third love - and our fourth.
- You can take the fifth and stop telling me about it.
Okay.
Jeez.
I'm sorry.
Uh, Napa? Like a couple's trip.
Mm-hmm.
That's kind of a big step.
What? Do you think it's too soon? No.
I'm happy for you.
And it seems like your feelings for Autumn are just soaring, operatically so.
Is it that obvious? You could tone it down a little bit.
Hey, Mo? My powers are working just fine, so maybe we should get to the bottom of that song you sang to me earlier, the one that you denied, but I most definitely heard.
Nibbling on sponge cake Watching the sun bake All of those tourists covered with oil I'm strumming my six string On my front porch swing Smell those shrimp They're beginning to boil Wasting away again in Margaritaville Uh, Bonnie? This is Zoey Clarke.
I live upstairs.
Since you're always so quiet, I'm gonna assume there's not a karaoke party going on in there.
So maybe I'm just picking up on your vibe, but are you thinking about tequila and limes right now? Oh, yes, I'm the great pretender Pretending that I'm doing well This Sunday's all-music service is a special one, with every cent of our offering going to San Francisco's Children's Hospital.
Your opening number's gotta raise the roof and bring the house down, but no pressure.
Y'all warm up.
Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost But now am found Was blind, but now I see Holy Stop right there, red devil.
You had no right following me here.
That might be true.
But I heard you singing "The Great Pretender" again, and then you came here dressed like I've never seen you dress before, so clearly something's going on.
That song, whether I sang it or not, is an expression of my private feelings.
Emphasis on the "you shouldn't even be here right now.
" Do you have to dress like a man at church? Is that, like, required? I can dress however I want whenever I want, Zoey.
But you don't dress like that anywhere else.
Let she without sin cast the first stone.
- I don't know what that means.
- It means don't judge me.
So maybe I don't feel exactly comfortable being my true self here.
So what? I just feel like you wouldn't have sung that song to me unless this was really bothering you.
How do you know how I feel when I'm here? Are you religious? Do you know anything about faith at all? - No.
- Then, please go.
And the next time you hear my heart singing, stop listening.
I don't want you in my audience.
I could get you guys a couple of Japanese maples.
Zoey, look who stopped by.
Ah, Zoey, I can't tell you how much you saved our lives with Maggie.
And the life of the florist who bailed on us.
Uh, that is so great.
I'm sorry.
Um, what's happening here? I reached out to your mom for recommendations, and then she started asking about the party, and when I told her that we're throwing it in our backyard I figured that was the perfect way to spend my me-time.
And Maggie had so many great ideas, we just hired her on the spot.
They're just checking out the yard for inspiration.
And I am inspired by this and, ah, that.
Something like that would be such an incredible photo-op for our guests.
I could definitely make you one of those.
- What do you think, hon? - Sounds good to me.
He's handsome and accommodating.
I trained him well.
All right, that's enough PDA from the annoying engaged couple.
That's right.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
I mean, if you do want to do that, I would take it behind the hydrangeas, 'cause that's what I used to do.
High school.
With boys.
They're lovely.
Thank you for introducing us.
Are you all right? Yeah.
You just caught me off guard.
That's all.
Should I not have taken this job? You gave them my number, so I just thought that No, it's okay.
You seem excited, so I just I got in a fight with my friend, Mo, and, uh, he called me out on a bunch of faith stuff.
I realized I know nothing about religion.
Ah, well, you can blame your lapsed Catholic father and your perpetually-seeking mother for that.
I never thought I should impose any religion on you or David, because a person's spiritual quest should be their own.
Yeah, well, this is very out of my comfort zone.
That makes sense.
There's a lot of grey area to this stuff that math and science people like yourself have a hard time wrapping your head around.
I guess I didn't even realize you had so many of these books.
The Koran, Tibetan Book of the Dead, "Everyday Tarot," The Kama Sutra.
Oh, there that is.
We had one that had pictures.
Aruba, Jamaica Ooh, I want to take you To Bermuda, Bahama Come on, pretty mama Key Largo, Monteg Hi, Bonnie.
It's Zoey.
Uh I think we might be vibing again.
I don't know about you, but with all this crappy weather lately, a tropical escape does sound pretty nice right now.
So is that what you want? To get out of your place and go on vacation? How are you doing this? Bonnie! Oh, my gosh.
Hi.
How? Um I'm very tuned in to other people's inner tunes.
Okay, well, I'm in apartment three.
If you need anything, stop by anyti Or don't.
Forget I said that.
Okay, let's take it from the chorus and then in to Mo.
This little light of mine Yes, I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine The light that shines is the light of love Lights the darkness from above Shines on me, and it shines on you Are you okay, Mo? Yeah.
Let's just do it again.
Okay.
The light that shines is the light of love Lights the darkness from above Shines on me, and it shines on you You know, I-I just need a moment.
- Hey, Max.
- Yeah.
Do you go to temple? - I have been, yeah.
- 'Cause you wanted to? 'Cause your family wanted you to? 'Cause I got to second base at several bar mitzvahs.
We clawed We chained our hearts in vain We jumped never asking why We kissed, I fell under your spell A love no one could deny Don't you ever say I just walked away I will always want you I thought you hated Charlie.
I can't live a lie Running for my life I will always want you You said you were doing well.
I came in like a wrecking ball I never hit so hard in love All I wanted was to break your walls All you ever did was wreck me I came in like a wrecking ball Yeah, I just closed my eyes and swung Left me crashing in a blaze and fall All you ever did was wreck me Yeah, you, you wreck me Yeah, you wreck me Jicama? No, thank you.
Are you sure everything's okay with you? - 'Cause I feel like maybe it's not.
- Yes, oh, my God.
I mean, maybe going through a separation was not the best time to quit carbs, but I'm not missing Charlie at all.
- Not even a little bit? - Mm-mm.
'Cause when you're with somebody for so long, - it's only natural - You know, we should really switch this bread bar out to something else, a fruit bar, a nut bar, open bar.
Gotta look into the legalities of that.
What's a five-letter word for "uninspired?" Bored? No.
That's good, but it starts with an "S.
" "No I'm.
" I see.
You're You're bored.
It's fine.
No more crossword, then.
Um, I wasn't sure when the best time to bring this up was, but since I'm gonna be a dad soon, I thought, um I just thought maybe you might have some advice on being a parent.
Whatever you got, I'm happy to take.
I know it's gonna take some time to spell it out, but we're not going anywhere, so "Wedding" wedding video? Oh, your toast.
That's Okay, that That's a great idea.
I've never even watched this thing.
Emily refuses to because of Train-gate.
How Zoey managed to butcher that beautiful dress is beyond me.
I mean, she had one job Fan it.
Look at you, you party animal.
Where is that awesome toast? Let's see.
Oh, here it is.
Hey, let's hear it for the band.
Thank you, everyone, for sharing this special day with us.
As we all know, life can get pretty tough sometimes.
When the good moments happen, moments like today, we've got to mark them as such and embrace them, because it's important to celebrate the milestones.
The job of any parent is to prepare their kid for the world, and in David's case, his mother deserves all the credit.
Let's hear it for Maggie.
I do have a few pieces of parental advice that I've learned over the years, that I'd like to impart to our son and his beautiful bride.
Number one, if, as a parent you have no idea what to do - Dad? - Just choose love.
What's wrong? It's all right.
It's all right.
I'm here.
It's okay.
You're okay.
I'm here.
Freeze.
Holy blessed father full of grace and I appreciate the thoroughness, but, uh, Pastor Steve will suffice.
- Weren't you at the church last night? - Yeah.
I'm Zoey Mo's neighbor.
Oh.
I'm glad I ran into you.
No one's heard from Mo since he walked out of the middle of choir practice.
- He did? - Yeah.
Called, text, no answer.
Thought about sending a dove, but stopping by with a note seemed like a better idea.
I wish I could be more help, but Mo is avoiding me, too.
Any idea what's going on? I don't want to break Mo's trust, and I don't know how I know he's gender fluid.
- You do? - Yeah.
Mo's out to me.
Before joining the choir, he wanted to make sure I was an open-minded minister.
I assured him I was.
Oh.
I didn't know churches were okay with that.
Some are.
I want mine to be.
Then, why do you think he's uncomfortable being himself there? I couldn't tell you.
Could you make sure he gets this? And please remind him that sick children are counting on him to sing this Sunday.
Sure.
But I can't promise it'll do any good.
Oh? You never know.
And if not, maybe we'll ask Him for a little extra help on this one.
Mo! Mo, it's me.
We really need to talk.
My stove blew up.
I'm on fire! Okay, now you're just being rude.
Hey.
Perfect timing.
Can you help me with that corner over there? - Yeah.
- What's wrong? I just got off the phone with my mom.
Uh, my dad still has not stopped crying.
It's been over a day.
All because you showed him our wedding video? My mom spoke to Dr.
Hamara, and he said that uncontrollable emotion can be a symptom of the disease.
Then, it's not totally your fault.
Can we maybe work on your pep talks before our baby arrives? Mm, we can try, but as per our deal, you can rub my feet now.
Oh, that great deal I made, yeah.
Yeah.
Hey, you gotta stop blaming yourself.
You only had good intentions.
It was still so stupid of me.
I mean, of course showing him that video is just gonna remind him of all the things he's gonna miss in the future, all the bigger moments, all the bigger memories.
Our kid's birthdays.
Our kid's birth.
I mean, he might not ever meet his grandkid.
Hey, I have an idea.
And I'm not just bringing it up because it means I win, although that is a nice added bonus.
Hey, Bonz, it's me.
Just checking in.
I took the liberty of pricing airfare to Aruba, Jamaica, some other tropical destinations, and then I realized you probably wouldn't go, even if I bought you a ticket.
But I got another idea.
When I was little, all I wanted was to go to outer space.
My parents bought me a telescope, and I spent hours staring up at the sky.
I got an even better one now, so what do you say you and I take this bad boy up to the roof? We can look at the beach, the bay, the stars.
I feel like it might be a good first step towards getting you to Bermuda or Bahama or wherever you want to go, pretty mama.
Hi.
Are you lying in wait for me now? Uh, no, but that would have been super smart on my part.
Hey.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, I got a message for you from Pastor Steve and a bunch of sick kids.
What does it say? That I'll always have his support and he'll be there for me whenever I decide to come back.
All I wanted was to help.
I didn't mean to ruin church for you.
I know.
I think when you crashed that rehearsal, I got scared because my worlds were colliding, and it made me think of how big of a hypocrite I'm being.
But clearly it's something you've been feeling for a while, because you sang that song to me before I followed you there.
Because I shouldn't be living two lives.
I mean, how am I supposed to go up there and sing proudly in front of God and the congregation knowing that I'm lying? What kind of an example does that set for those kids coming to service tomorrow? Well, then, show up in your sparkliest dress and "fear not," Isaiah 43:1.
I've been doing my research.
- F-sharp.
- Hmm? That's the note you're making with your spoon.
I have perfect pitch.
The church organist discovered it when I was in the second grade.
Until then, the only other person that made this little black boy who liked clomping around in heels feel special was my mom.
But when I found out that I had something special in me that made people clap rather than call me a sissy I knew I was special, too.
I mean, two weeks in the kids' choir, and they moved me directly up to the adult soprano section.
As they should have.
Well, let's say that I wasn't exactly accepted by some of those pitchy sisters.
Not because I sang better than them, which I do.
They said I wasn't right with God.
And they complained to the choir director, who didn't care.
And things got so bad that we just moved to another church, and then it happened all over again.
So from then on, I vowed to present male any time that I was in a house of worship.
But isn't it different this time? Pastor Steve seems so accepting.
He is, but that's no guarantee that anybody else in those pews are gonna be.
So my only two options are to dress like a man and feel like a fraud or dress like a female and risk being run out of the sanctuary.
Mo, I-I wish I knew how to help you make the decision.
Thanks, but it's gonna take a miracle to show me the way.
Until then, I'm staying home on Sundays.
Hi.
Hey.
What you doing here? I went by the church, but the receptionist said this is where you work on your sermons.
Oh, yeah.
I like trying new material out on the tipsy.
They laugh at my jokes.
They cry at the poignant stuff.
Also like taking the drunks in darts.
For the, uh, Sunday offering, of course.
Want to buy in? 20 bucks.
Sure.
I spoke to Mo.
Um, he says he feels like a hypocrite dressing male at church, but if he shows up the way he feels most comfortable, he's afraid the other members might reject him.
Hmm.
Well, I wish I could guarantee that everyone in my flock had open hearts and minds.
Unfortunately humans aren't perfect.
Yep, if they were, I'd be out of a job.
Done all we can.
It's up to Mo now.
Let's hope that he eventually takes the leap of faith.
Yeah, see, that whole leap of faith thing - really doesn't work for me.
- What do you mean? What if sitting and waiting isn't an option? Wh-What if the universe has made it very clear that I have to act now in order to help someone? Universe is talking to you? - More like singing.
- Hmm.
And it's making me super sensitive to other people's thoughts and feelings.
Empathy is a wonderful gift to have.
You're very easy to talk to.
I think I'm starting to get the whole confession thing.
It's the friendly smile and the clerical collar.
Gets 'em every time.
The thing is, I've been trying to do good and help other people, but it just feels like I'm making things worse.
I, uh, drove Mo away from the church.
I intervened in my boss's marriage, and now she's miserable, and the verdict's still out on my downstairs neighbor.
You want assurances that you're actually helping whenever you do something for someone? Yes.
If you're only motivated by proof, keep your eyes open, 'cause you might just see a miracle.
I'm not talking about giant-sized ones like parting the Red Sea, but little ones, the signposts that you're on the right path.
Whoo! You mean like that? Ooh.
Well, pleasure doing business with you.
- Surprise.
- Hi.
The bubbly was a thank-you from Simon and Jessica.
Since you introduced us, I figured I should share the wealth.
Well, thank you.
Cheers to us.
Yeah, to us.
Did I ever tell you about the time I worked in a winery in France? - What? - I had just had this steamy affair with my married Russian Lit professor, and I needed to get away from it all.
I'm sorry.
You lived where, when, and were sleeping with whom? It's pretty late.
Is everything okay? Uh, yeah.
Um, it's Simon.
We have this dumb back-and-forth running joke.
I may be slow on the uptake here, but is Simon the guy at the office that you told me you have a crush on? That was before we really knew each other and before I knew he was engaged.
So now we mostly just bond about dad stuff.
I bonded with Ray, my Russian Lit teacher, over Tolstoy, and eventually the innocent trading of favorite "Anna Karenina" passages turned to more.
And I was devastated when he told me that he was not going to leave his wife and that it had to stop.
You're telling me this why? I don't ever want you to hurt the way I did.
Simon and I are friends.
We're not having an affair.
Okay, but I'm not judging you, Zoey.
I'm really not.
Please tell me you have some salty snacks in your pantry.
Simon is the only person who isn't you and David who I can talk to about what I'm going through with Dad.
No one else understands, and I guess I'm worried that if I let it go, let him go, that I won't ever feel this way again.
I felt the same way about Ray.
Then I met your dad.
I have faith.
You should, too.
I know it's tempting, but no peeking.
Okay, you can look.
Hey, Dad.
I know you love a live band.
You always taught me to celebrate the milestones in life, and, uh, this This feels like a pretty big one.
And even though I thought it was a great idea to wait until the baby was born, we decided we could create a bigger moment and a bigger memory right now.
So let's get this show on the road.
Ahh! Oh, it's a boy.
Is that what that means? Blue still means boy? Oh, no, no, no, no.
This was supposed to stop your crying.
It's fine.
I think this time, these are happy tears.
Great job, D.
Thanks, Z.
So, uh now that we know you're gonna have a boy, you're not gonna need both of those cakes, are you? Oh, you you want to take the pink one? I do, but just know it's for a very good cause.
Tomford, Hermès, come here.
Who is it? Let's see who's there.
Oh, what do we have here? Ah.
Hey, back in the house.
Bonnie? Hi.
- I'm - Zoey.
I recognize your tiny footsteps.
So, I've been thinking about your offer, the whole telescope-on-the-roof thing.
Seems like it could be a great first step toward getting me to the Caribbean.
- Let's do it.
- Except I'm afraid of heights.
How 'bout you just come for a quick walk with me? I want to put my rent check in Mo's mailbox.
Glad to.
Would you be up for a slightly longer pilgrimage? Go away, Zoey, I'm not in the mood.
What? Sorry to disturb you, but there is a tenant from downstairs that would like to say hi.
Hello, Mo.
Bonnie? It's so nice to see you.
Okay.
That's enough gaping at the shut-in for one day.
Maybe we can do this again tomorrow? How'd you do that? It was all her.
I guess she just took a leap of faith.
I mean, I'm sitting here, and I'm feeling awful for myself.
Then that just happened.
That's incredible.
Well, let's not take it that far.
I mean, she only, like, walked up a flight of stairs.
You're not getting it.
I said the only thing to make me go back to church was a miracle.
That was a miracle.
I mean, if Bonnie has enough courage to face her fears, so can I.
A signpost.
So what happens now? I'm a man of my word, which means I have exactly 20 minutes to pick a wig and paint my face.
Good morning.
Good morning.
On this beautiful Sunday, music shall provide the message.
It's simple.
All of us are welcome.
All of us are loved.
This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine Oh, this little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine Let it shine Ohh This little light of mine, yeah I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine This little light of mine Ohh I'm gonna let it shine Gonna let my light shine - This little light of mine - Ohh - I'm gonna let it shine - Ohh - Let it shine - Yeah - Let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine - Yeah, ohh The light that shines is the light of love Light of love - Lights the darkness from above - From above, yeah Shines on me, and it shines on you Shines on you Shows what the light of love can do This little light of mine This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine I'm gonna let, gonna let it shine - This little light of mine - Oh, yeah - I'm gonna let it shine - Hey - This little light of mine - Whoo Yes, I'm gonna let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine, oh - Let it shine - Let it shine - Whoo - Let it shine Let it shine - Shine - Shine
I can't believe you waited three months to tell me about this.
In my defense, it's not like you and I have always had the best tenant-slash- building-manager relationship.
Your first week here, you said, "Ma'am, will you help me hang my shower drapes?" I don't know which to be offended by more, you calling me "ma'am" or you calling them "shower drapes.
" What would you call them? Curtains, Zoey.
They're curtains.
You need a new part.
I'll hit up the hardware store right after I get my manicure.
Dear God, is this job really worth the cheaper rent? What are you giggling at? Simon and I are helping each other make me-mojis.
Does that really look like me? All I see is a single lady texting an engaged man before 9 A.
M.
This is just innocent fun.
Said no innocent person ever.
- I can see your side-eye.
- Good.
Morning, Bonnie.
Wait.
Someone actually lives there? I've been in this building for two years, and I've never seen anybody go in or out.
Shh.
Bonnie's agoraphobic, so I deliver her mail and occasionally read to her through her door.
I've never heard a peep, but it's probably good practice for when I finally record my audiobook.
Poor Bonnie.
She must be so lonely.
Can you imagine living your life like that? I can't imagine hiding myself from the world.
I'm a Leo, baby, brave, bold, beautiful! And I'm whatever a Capricorn is.
It's too bad we can't all be like you.
Oh, yes, I'm the great pretender Pretending that I'm doing well My need is such I pretend too much I'm lonely, but no one can tell Oh, yes I'm the great pretender Adrift in a world of my own I've played the game But to my real shame You've left me to dream all alone Too real is this feeling of make-believe Too real when I feel What my heart can't conceal Oh, yes I'm the great pretender - Mo? - Yes, angel? You just sang to me, like in a heart-song way, not in like a condescending "I'm gonna teach you the power of music" kind of way.
I didn't feel anything.
Eh, I'm telling you it happened.
Here's the bad news.
Your song was kind of sad.
And what was it you thought you heard me singing? I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and say "The Great Pretender.
" According to the lyrics, you're pretending you're well, but, at the same time, you're, like, super lonely.
Should we unpack that? No, because I didn't sing it.
If I'm gonna sing anything, it's gonna be something like "Walking on Sunshine," and there'd be a montage of me trying on cute clothes.
I don't know.
I really think I really think your power is on the fritz, girl.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to snake a toilet in apartment seven.
Quick.
Feel something strongly, but don't tell me about it.
Just think it.
Did you just learn a new magic trick? Just work with me, Simon, okay? What is bothering you on the inside? I'm kind of pissed at the florist for our engagement party.
Does that count? - What happened? - He totally bailed on us.
Jessica is livid, and I'm kinda scared for the guy, because she will find him, and she does not fight fair.
If you need somebody, you should call my mom.
She's a landscape architect, but that's florist adjacent-adjacent.
I'm sure she could give you some solid recs.
God bless you.
Godspeed to you.
Uh, I will give her a heads-up and text you her info.
Thank you.
Sorry, Zoey.
I'm just making a smoothie for your dad.
But if you're saying what I think you're saying, just have your friend call me.
Instant gratification is not what we're after.
I don't do surprises.
Hand it over.
Hey, you two.
Play nice, or I'm gonna take your toy away.
Be my guest, and then will you please open the damn thing and let me know what it says inside? We went to the OB-GYN this morning, and the baby's gender results are in here.
- Open it! - No! - Come on.
- Oh, see? Now you got her involved.
I need two of you? - Maggie, I agree.
- Yeah.
David.
He wants to wait until this whatever you are pops out of me to find out if it's a boy or a girl, but why would we want to do that? Well, because it's exciting, surprising, more fun.
And try impractical, inconvenient, patience testing.
- I could go on, babe.
- Please don't.
Oh, I'm with Emily on this.
- You are wasting precious time.
- Exactly.
Hey, Dad, you want to weigh in on this? "Pass.
" He's just being polite, okay? We all know that Dad always votes on the side of Bigger moments, bigger memories.
- Yes.
- All right, how 'bout this? I agree to wait until we're in the delivery room if you agree to rub my feet and/or shoulders every night 'til then.
Deal.
But I have to warn you, - it it might get a little bit - It won't get sexual.
No? No? - No.
- Yeah, okay.
Are you sure that you're okay with me leaving? It's totally fine.
I talked to the office.
They're cool with me working here for the week, and it'll give Dad and I a chance to have some good father-son quality time.
Right.
Thank you.
Then, I guess I will just go do this whole me-time thing that you and Zoey seem to want so badly.
I just, um have to figure out what it is me wants to do.
Oh, hi, Joan.
How's it going? Oh, great.
Super great.
- Glad to hear it.
- Mm-hmm.
Does that mean you and Charlie Are basically dead to each other? Yeah.
Oh, okay.
- Congratulations? - Right? I mean, he's been living at the hotel.
I haven't reached out once.
This new chapter of my life is all about making healthy choices, and I have never felt better.
I swam a half-mile in the Bay this morning, I'm flying my herbalist in from Shanghai, and, thanks to my new no-carb, high-protein food regimen, I am focused and energized and fully in ketosis.
I wish I had a husband of 20 years I suddenly became estranged from.
Oh, give it time.
I don't know that I would have had the courage to go through it without your naive boundary overstepping and your optimistic meddling.
I appreciate that? Enjoy your croissant and your twist.
Quando sono solo e songno All'orizzonte e mancan le parole Con te partiro Paesi che non ho mai Veduto e vissuto, con te Con te, io li vivro Did you have sex last night? As a matter of fact, Autumn and I did make our first love.
How did you know that? Women's intuition.
A power that's seemingly working just fine, thank you very much.
Well, that's not all.
We're now gonna make our second love in Napa this weekend and our third love - and our fourth.
- You can take the fifth and stop telling me about it.
Okay.
Jeez.
I'm sorry.
Uh, Napa? Like a couple's trip.
Mm-hmm.
That's kind of a big step.
What? Do you think it's too soon? No.
I'm happy for you.
And it seems like your feelings for Autumn are just soaring, operatically so.
Is it that obvious? You could tone it down a little bit.
Hey, Mo? My powers are working just fine, so maybe we should get to the bottom of that song you sang to me earlier, the one that you denied, but I most definitely heard.
Nibbling on sponge cake Watching the sun bake All of those tourists covered with oil I'm strumming my six string On my front porch swing Smell those shrimp They're beginning to boil Wasting away again in Margaritaville Uh, Bonnie? This is Zoey Clarke.
I live upstairs.
Since you're always so quiet, I'm gonna assume there's not a karaoke party going on in there.
So maybe I'm just picking up on your vibe, but are you thinking about tequila and limes right now? Oh, yes, I'm the great pretender Pretending that I'm doing well This Sunday's all-music service is a special one, with every cent of our offering going to San Francisco's Children's Hospital.
Your opening number's gotta raise the roof and bring the house down, but no pressure.
Y'all warm up.
Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost But now am found Was blind, but now I see Holy Stop right there, red devil.
You had no right following me here.
That might be true.
But I heard you singing "The Great Pretender" again, and then you came here dressed like I've never seen you dress before, so clearly something's going on.
That song, whether I sang it or not, is an expression of my private feelings.
Emphasis on the "you shouldn't even be here right now.
" Do you have to dress like a man at church? Is that, like, required? I can dress however I want whenever I want, Zoey.
But you don't dress like that anywhere else.
Let she without sin cast the first stone.
- I don't know what that means.
- It means don't judge me.
So maybe I don't feel exactly comfortable being my true self here.
So what? I just feel like you wouldn't have sung that song to me unless this was really bothering you.
How do you know how I feel when I'm here? Are you religious? Do you know anything about faith at all? - No.
- Then, please go.
And the next time you hear my heart singing, stop listening.
I don't want you in my audience.
I could get you guys a couple of Japanese maples.
Zoey, look who stopped by.
Ah, Zoey, I can't tell you how much you saved our lives with Maggie.
And the life of the florist who bailed on us.
Uh, that is so great.
I'm sorry.
Um, what's happening here? I reached out to your mom for recommendations, and then she started asking about the party, and when I told her that we're throwing it in our backyard I figured that was the perfect way to spend my me-time.
And Maggie had so many great ideas, we just hired her on the spot.
They're just checking out the yard for inspiration.
And I am inspired by this and, ah, that.
Something like that would be such an incredible photo-op for our guests.
I could definitely make you one of those.
- What do you think, hon? - Sounds good to me.
He's handsome and accommodating.
I trained him well.
All right, that's enough PDA from the annoying engaged couple.
That's right.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
I mean, if you do want to do that, I would take it behind the hydrangeas, 'cause that's what I used to do.
High school.
With boys.
They're lovely.
Thank you for introducing us.
Are you all right? Yeah.
You just caught me off guard.
That's all.
Should I not have taken this job? You gave them my number, so I just thought that No, it's okay.
You seem excited, so I just I got in a fight with my friend, Mo, and, uh, he called me out on a bunch of faith stuff.
I realized I know nothing about religion.
Ah, well, you can blame your lapsed Catholic father and your perpetually-seeking mother for that.
I never thought I should impose any religion on you or David, because a person's spiritual quest should be their own.
Yeah, well, this is very out of my comfort zone.
That makes sense.
There's a lot of grey area to this stuff that math and science people like yourself have a hard time wrapping your head around.
I guess I didn't even realize you had so many of these books.
The Koran, Tibetan Book of the Dead, "Everyday Tarot," The Kama Sutra.
Oh, there that is.
We had one that had pictures.
Aruba, Jamaica Ooh, I want to take you To Bermuda, Bahama Come on, pretty mama Key Largo, Monteg Hi, Bonnie.
It's Zoey.
Uh I think we might be vibing again.
I don't know about you, but with all this crappy weather lately, a tropical escape does sound pretty nice right now.
So is that what you want? To get out of your place and go on vacation? How are you doing this? Bonnie! Oh, my gosh.
Hi.
How? Um I'm very tuned in to other people's inner tunes.
Okay, well, I'm in apartment three.
If you need anything, stop by anyti Or don't.
Forget I said that.
Okay, let's take it from the chorus and then in to Mo.
This little light of mine Yes, I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine The light that shines is the light of love Lights the darkness from above Shines on me, and it shines on you Are you okay, Mo? Yeah.
Let's just do it again.
Okay.
The light that shines is the light of love Lights the darkness from above Shines on me, and it shines on you You know, I-I just need a moment.
- Hey, Max.
- Yeah.
Do you go to temple? - I have been, yeah.
- 'Cause you wanted to? 'Cause your family wanted you to? 'Cause I got to second base at several bar mitzvahs.
We clawed We chained our hearts in vain We jumped never asking why We kissed, I fell under your spell A love no one could deny Don't you ever say I just walked away I will always want you I thought you hated Charlie.
I can't live a lie Running for my life I will always want you You said you were doing well.
I came in like a wrecking ball I never hit so hard in love All I wanted was to break your walls All you ever did was wreck me I came in like a wrecking ball Yeah, I just closed my eyes and swung Left me crashing in a blaze and fall All you ever did was wreck me Yeah, you, you wreck me Yeah, you wreck me Jicama? No, thank you.
Are you sure everything's okay with you? - 'Cause I feel like maybe it's not.
- Yes, oh, my God.
I mean, maybe going through a separation was not the best time to quit carbs, but I'm not missing Charlie at all.
- Not even a little bit? - Mm-mm.
'Cause when you're with somebody for so long, - it's only natural - You know, we should really switch this bread bar out to something else, a fruit bar, a nut bar, open bar.
Gotta look into the legalities of that.
What's a five-letter word for "uninspired?" Bored? No.
That's good, but it starts with an "S.
" "No I'm.
" I see.
You're You're bored.
It's fine.
No more crossword, then.
Um, I wasn't sure when the best time to bring this up was, but since I'm gonna be a dad soon, I thought, um I just thought maybe you might have some advice on being a parent.
Whatever you got, I'm happy to take.
I know it's gonna take some time to spell it out, but we're not going anywhere, so "Wedding" wedding video? Oh, your toast.
That's Okay, that That's a great idea.
I've never even watched this thing.
Emily refuses to because of Train-gate.
How Zoey managed to butcher that beautiful dress is beyond me.
I mean, she had one job Fan it.
Look at you, you party animal.
Where is that awesome toast? Let's see.
Oh, here it is.
Hey, let's hear it for the band.
Thank you, everyone, for sharing this special day with us.
As we all know, life can get pretty tough sometimes.
When the good moments happen, moments like today, we've got to mark them as such and embrace them, because it's important to celebrate the milestones.
The job of any parent is to prepare their kid for the world, and in David's case, his mother deserves all the credit.
Let's hear it for Maggie.
I do have a few pieces of parental advice that I've learned over the years, that I'd like to impart to our son and his beautiful bride.
Number one, if, as a parent you have no idea what to do - Dad? - Just choose love.
What's wrong? It's all right.
It's all right.
I'm here.
It's okay.
You're okay.
I'm here.
Freeze.
Holy blessed father full of grace and I appreciate the thoroughness, but, uh, Pastor Steve will suffice.
- Weren't you at the church last night? - Yeah.
I'm Zoey Mo's neighbor.
Oh.
I'm glad I ran into you.
No one's heard from Mo since he walked out of the middle of choir practice.
- He did? - Yeah.
Called, text, no answer.
Thought about sending a dove, but stopping by with a note seemed like a better idea.
I wish I could be more help, but Mo is avoiding me, too.
Any idea what's going on? I don't want to break Mo's trust, and I don't know how I know he's gender fluid.
- You do? - Yeah.
Mo's out to me.
Before joining the choir, he wanted to make sure I was an open-minded minister.
I assured him I was.
Oh.
I didn't know churches were okay with that.
Some are.
I want mine to be.
Then, why do you think he's uncomfortable being himself there? I couldn't tell you.
Could you make sure he gets this? And please remind him that sick children are counting on him to sing this Sunday.
Sure.
But I can't promise it'll do any good.
Oh? You never know.
And if not, maybe we'll ask Him for a little extra help on this one.
Mo! Mo, it's me.
We really need to talk.
My stove blew up.
I'm on fire! Okay, now you're just being rude.
Hey.
Perfect timing.
Can you help me with that corner over there? - Yeah.
- What's wrong? I just got off the phone with my mom.
Uh, my dad still has not stopped crying.
It's been over a day.
All because you showed him our wedding video? My mom spoke to Dr.
Hamara, and he said that uncontrollable emotion can be a symptom of the disease.
Then, it's not totally your fault.
Can we maybe work on your pep talks before our baby arrives? Mm, we can try, but as per our deal, you can rub my feet now.
Oh, that great deal I made, yeah.
Yeah.
Hey, you gotta stop blaming yourself.
You only had good intentions.
It was still so stupid of me.
I mean, of course showing him that video is just gonna remind him of all the things he's gonna miss in the future, all the bigger moments, all the bigger memories.
Our kid's birthdays.
Our kid's birth.
I mean, he might not ever meet his grandkid.
Hey, I have an idea.
And I'm not just bringing it up because it means I win, although that is a nice added bonus.
Hey, Bonz, it's me.
Just checking in.
I took the liberty of pricing airfare to Aruba, Jamaica, some other tropical destinations, and then I realized you probably wouldn't go, even if I bought you a ticket.
But I got another idea.
When I was little, all I wanted was to go to outer space.
My parents bought me a telescope, and I spent hours staring up at the sky.
I got an even better one now, so what do you say you and I take this bad boy up to the roof? We can look at the beach, the bay, the stars.
I feel like it might be a good first step towards getting you to Bermuda or Bahama or wherever you want to go, pretty mama.
Hi.
Are you lying in wait for me now? Uh, no, but that would have been super smart on my part.
Hey.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, I got a message for you from Pastor Steve and a bunch of sick kids.
What does it say? That I'll always have his support and he'll be there for me whenever I decide to come back.
All I wanted was to help.
I didn't mean to ruin church for you.
I know.
I think when you crashed that rehearsal, I got scared because my worlds were colliding, and it made me think of how big of a hypocrite I'm being.
But clearly it's something you've been feeling for a while, because you sang that song to me before I followed you there.
Because I shouldn't be living two lives.
I mean, how am I supposed to go up there and sing proudly in front of God and the congregation knowing that I'm lying? What kind of an example does that set for those kids coming to service tomorrow? Well, then, show up in your sparkliest dress and "fear not," Isaiah 43:1.
I've been doing my research.
- F-sharp.
- Hmm? That's the note you're making with your spoon.
I have perfect pitch.
The church organist discovered it when I was in the second grade.
Until then, the only other person that made this little black boy who liked clomping around in heels feel special was my mom.
But when I found out that I had something special in me that made people clap rather than call me a sissy I knew I was special, too.
I mean, two weeks in the kids' choir, and they moved me directly up to the adult soprano section.
As they should have.
Well, let's say that I wasn't exactly accepted by some of those pitchy sisters.
Not because I sang better than them, which I do.
They said I wasn't right with God.
And they complained to the choir director, who didn't care.
And things got so bad that we just moved to another church, and then it happened all over again.
So from then on, I vowed to present male any time that I was in a house of worship.
But isn't it different this time? Pastor Steve seems so accepting.
He is, but that's no guarantee that anybody else in those pews are gonna be.
So my only two options are to dress like a man and feel like a fraud or dress like a female and risk being run out of the sanctuary.
Mo, I-I wish I knew how to help you make the decision.
Thanks, but it's gonna take a miracle to show me the way.
Until then, I'm staying home on Sundays.
Hi.
Hey.
What you doing here? I went by the church, but the receptionist said this is where you work on your sermons.
Oh, yeah.
I like trying new material out on the tipsy.
They laugh at my jokes.
They cry at the poignant stuff.
Also like taking the drunks in darts.
For the, uh, Sunday offering, of course.
Want to buy in? 20 bucks.
Sure.
I spoke to Mo.
Um, he says he feels like a hypocrite dressing male at church, but if he shows up the way he feels most comfortable, he's afraid the other members might reject him.
Hmm.
Well, I wish I could guarantee that everyone in my flock had open hearts and minds.
Unfortunately humans aren't perfect.
Yep, if they were, I'd be out of a job.
Done all we can.
It's up to Mo now.
Let's hope that he eventually takes the leap of faith.
Yeah, see, that whole leap of faith thing - really doesn't work for me.
- What do you mean? What if sitting and waiting isn't an option? Wh-What if the universe has made it very clear that I have to act now in order to help someone? Universe is talking to you? - More like singing.
- Hmm.
And it's making me super sensitive to other people's thoughts and feelings.
Empathy is a wonderful gift to have.
You're very easy to talk to.
I think I'm starting to get the whole confession thing.
It's the friendly smile and the clerical collar.
Gets 'em every time.
The thing is, I've been trying to do good and help other people, but it just feels like I'm making things worse.
I, uh, drove Mo away from the church.
I intervened in my boss's marriage, and now she's miserable, and the verdict's still out on my downstairs neighbor.
You want assurances that you're actually helping whenever you do something for someone? Yes.
If you're only motivated by proof, keep your eyes open, 'cause you might just see a miracle.
I'm not talking about giant-sized ones like parting the Red Sea, but little ones, the signposts that you're on the right path.
Whoo! You mean like that? Ooh.
Well, pleasure doing business with you.
- Surprise.
- Hi.
The bubbly was a thank-you from Simon and Jessica.
Since you introduced us, I figured I should share the wealth.
Well, thank you.
Cheers to us.
Yeah, to us.
Did I ever tell you about the time I worked in a winery in France? - What? - I had just had this steamy affair with my married Russian Lit professor, and I needed to get away from it all.
I'm sorry.
You lived where, when, and were sleeping with whom? It's pretty late.
Is everything okay? Uh, yeah.
Um, it's Simon.
We have this dumb back-and-forth running joke.
I may be slow on the uptake here, but is Simon the guy at the office that you told me you have a crush on? That was before we really knew each other and before I knew he was engaged.
So now we mostly just bond about dad stuff.
I bonded with Ray, my Russian Lit teacher, over Tolstoy, and eventually the innocent trading of favorite "Anna Karenina" passages turned to more.
And I was devastated when he told me that he was not going to leave his wife and that it had to stop.
You're telling me this why? I don't ever want you to hurt the way I did.
Simon and I are friends.
We're not having an affair.
Okay, but I'm not judging you, Zoey.
I'm really not.
Please tell me you have some salty snacks in your pantry.
Simon is the only person who isn't you and David who I can talk to about what I'm going through with Dad.
No one else understands, and I guess I'm worried that if I let it go, let him go, that I won't ever feel this way again.
I felt the same way about Ray.
Then I met your dad.
I have faith.
You should, too.
I know it's tempting, but no peeking.
Okay, you can look.
Hey, Dad.
I know you love a live band.
You always taught me to celebrate the milestones in life, and, uh, this This feels like a pretty big one.
And even though I thought it was a great idea to wait until the baby was born, we decided we could create a bigger moment and a bigger memory right now.
So let's get this show on the road.
Ahh! Oh, it's a boy.
Is that what that means? Blue still means boy? Oh, no, no, no, no.
This was supposed to stop your crying.
It's fine.
I think this time, these are happy tears.
Great job, D.
Thanks, Z.
So, uh now that we know you're gonna have a boy, you're not gonna need both of those cakes, are you? Oh, you you want to take the pink one? I do, but just know it's for a very good cause.
Tomford, Hermès, come here.
Who is it? Let's see who's there.
Oh, what do we have here? Ah.
Hey, back in the house.
Bonnie? Hi.
- I'm - Zoey.
I recognize your tiny footsteps.
So, I've been thinking about your offer, the whole telescope-on-the-roof thing.
Seems like it could be a great first step toward getting me to the Caribbean.
- Let's do it.
- Except I'm afraid of heights.
How 'bout you just come for a quick walk with me? I want to put my rent check in Mo's mailbox.
Glad to.
Would you be up for a slightly longer pilgrimage? Go away, Zoey, I'm not in the mood.
What? Sorry to disturb you, but there is a tenant from downstairs that would like to say hi.
Hello, Mo.
Bonnie? It's so nice to see you.
Okay.
That's enough gaping at the shut-in for one day.
Maybe we can do this again tomorrow? How'd you do that? It was all her.
I guess she just took a leap of faith.
I mean, I'm sitting here, and I'm feeling awful for myself.
Then that just happened.
That's incredible.
Well, let's not take it that far.
I mean, she only, like, walked up a flight of stairs.
You're not getting it.
I said the only thing to make me go back to church was a miracle.
That was a miracle.
I mean, if Bonnie has enough courage to face her fears, so can I.
A signpost.
So what happens now? I'm a man of my word, which means I have exactly 20 minutes to pick a wig and paint my face.
Good morning.
Good morning.
On this beautiful Sunday, music shall provide the message.
It's simple.
All of us are welcome.
All of us are loved.
This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine Oh, this little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine Let it shine Ohh This little light of mine, yeah I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine This little light of mine Ohh I'm gonna let it shine Gonna let my light shine - This little light of mine - Ohh - I'm gonna let it shine - Ohh - Let it shine - Yeah - Let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine - Yeah, ohh The light that shines is the light of love Light of love - Lights the darkness from above - From above, yeah Shines on me, and it shines on you Shines on you Shows what the light of love can do This little light of mine This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine I'm gonna let, gonna let it shine - This little light of mine - Oh, yeah - I'm gonna let it shine - Hey - This little light of mine - Whoo Yes, I'm gonna let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine - Let it shine, oh - Let it shine - Let it shine - Whoo - Let it shine Let it shine - Shine - Shine