As Brianna scrambles to do damage control after a mishap at the salon, Hope returns from the retreat feeling more inspired and motivated than ever. Meanwhile, Chanise is blindsided at work when she's placed on probation and reassigned to desk duty, forcing her to confront the consequences of recent choices.
SEASON 3: EPISODE 21 (When It Rains, It Pours)
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Episode 22: When It Rains, It Pours
INT. WRITERS RETREAT
FX: HOPE SITS IN A BEAUTIFUL COURTYARD, TAKING IN THE BEAUTY.
HOPE (V.O.): One thing I will admit about my sister Faith is she gets me. I'm sitting in this beautiful courtyard, thinking about my last few days here. I can’t believe I have to go home already. I certainly didn’t expect to get so much out of a writing retreat, but I deserved this. I have experienced many highs and lows in this thing we call a dream, and I think it’s actually playing out in front of me. I finished my draft of my script, and I feel more ready than ever. I shared a copy with Nicholas last night, and he’s meeting me here to give me his feedback. For the first time in my entire career journey, I don’t feel nervous. I don’t feel like it shouldn’t be me. I’m actually feeling like it’s my time. I have worked my ass off, so, no matter what he says, I’m going to receive it and keep it moving.
FX: SOMEONE IS WALKING UP.
FRANCESCA: There you are. I’ve been looking for you.
NICHOLAS: Me too.
HOPE: Hey Francesca. Nicholas. I’m just out here smelling the roses.
FRANCESCA: Well, I don’t want to interrupt. I thought we would have a little breakfast together before we officially say our goodbyes.
HOPE: I definitely want one last plate of those huevos rancheros.
NICHOLAS: I won’t keep her long. I just wanted to go over some of my notes with you.
HOPE: I’m ready.
FRANCESCA: Okay, I’ll see you inside.
FX: FRANCESCA WALKS OFF, AND NICHOLAS SITS DOWN.
NICHOLAS: All good things come to an end, huh?
HOPE: I know. I was sitting here thinking that.
NICHOLAS: I hope it was everything you imagined.
HOPE: And more. I got to not only study my craft, but I also met you. I’m so thankful for all of the advice you’ve given me.
NICHOLAS: Okay, so are you ready for my feedback?
HOPE: Give it to me.
NICHOLAS: First off, thank you for allowing me to read your work. I really enjoyed reading your script, and the characters you developed were very real. I was enthralled with the story, but I have to admit, sometimes the edits jolted me out of the story quickly. The good news is I quickly found my way back in. Overall, I would say the only major criticism I felt is that it wasn't urban enough for me.
HOPE (V.O.): Urban enough? Once again, a white man telling me my stories aren’t Black enough. I thought we passed this type of critique after Dear Slave Owners came out. Well, I did say I would receive what he was giving, so let me listen.
HOPE: (SIGHS) May I ask what that exactly means?
NICHOLAS: It means the grit, the grime, the mysterious backstories of how these characters got there. I didn't follow it.
HOPE: So, you mean if their parents are crackheads?
NICHOLAS: (considers) No, no. (beat) But that nuance would be something to ponder. Hmmmmmm.
HOPE: Hmmmm.
FX: NICHOLAS GIVES HER THE SCRIPT BACK.
NICHOLAS: Here’s your copy back.
HOPE: Thanks you for the feedback. I really appreciate it.
NICHOLAS: One more thing, I would love to keep in touch.
HOPE: For sure.
NICHOLAS: I mean, outside of this. I’m interested in you.
HOPE (V.O.): Is he hitting on me? Don’t get me wrong, he’s good-looking. It’s just that I don’t normally date outside my race. I know it’s messed up, but it just feels like most white men have a Black fetish. I can’t get that out of my head. Besides, I love me some chocolate. What could I possibly have in common with a white man? Can he sympathize with my plight? Understand my struggle? What would we vibe on during Black History Month? It’s crazy because I know all about his history, but does he REALLY know anything about mine? One thing for sure, if he says I’m a beautiful Black girl, it will never work.
HOPE: (clears her throat)
NICHOLAS: If you’re not interested, I won’t be upset.
HOPE: I would have never thought…
NICHOLAS: I would be attracted to you? Well, I am
HOPE: I’m open to getting to know you better. (beat) Do you want to join us for breakfast?
NICHOLAS: No, I have to get going. But I’ll give you a call. Hug?
FX: NICHOLAS AND HOPE HUG.
HOPE: Alright. (beat) I’ll talk to you soon.
NICHOLAS: Hope, if I haven’t already told you, you’re a beautiful Black woman.
HOPE (V.O.):Those last famous words.
FADE
INT. BRIANNA BEAUTY BOX - DAY
FX: THE SALON IS NOT BUSTLING AS USUAL. THE PHONE ISN’T RINGING. A FEW DRYERS ARE RUNNING. BRIANNA IS TYPING.
BRIANNA (V.O.): I’ve been looking through our books for days, and things are so off. Someone is stealing supplies, and Diana failed to tell me that three stylists were late last month with their booth fees. As if things couldn’t get any worse, the horrible reviews won’t stop. I’ve asked Jamie about his mom and that little girl we bumped into a few years back who had a crush on him, and nothing. I am racking my brain and can’t think of anyone who hates me enough to do this. What if it’s Hope? She’s probably jealous deep down that Jamie proposed. All I know is this has to…
INT. OFFICE
FX: A SUDDEN KNOCK ON THE DOOR, AND IT SWINGS OPEN.
DIANA: Brianna Styles!
FX: THE DOOR CLOSES.
DIANA: We have a huge problem.
BRIANNA: I know, Diana. I’m trying to do what I can on my end. Why didn’t you tell me there were some issues with collecting the booth fee?
DIANA: Darling, we have much bigger snakes to fry here, and its name is Vivian.
BRIANNA: My Vivian? Vivian Sosa?
DIANA: Your Vivian is the one trying to sabotage us.
BRIANNA: The last I heard, she had launched her haircare line in France. It was a success.
DIANA: Well, over here, it’s at the dollar store. Honey, where have you been?
BRIANNA: Pregnant?
DIANA: Look at this.
FX: A FOLDER HITS BRIANNA’S DESK, AND SHE SIFTS THROUGH IT.
BRIANNA: Does this say what I think it says?
DIANA: She wants the business back. Looks like she’s willing to do anything she can, including smearing your name. She’s hoping we’d be desperate enough to sell it back to her for less than what we purchased it for.
BRIANNA: I thought we were friends. Mom, is it possible? Can she do this?
DIANA: Well, I went through our paperwork for the sale, and I must have missed…
BRIANNA: So, this is your fault.
DIANA: Honey, let’s not go throwing stones. Let me fix this. Don’t worry—Brianna’s Beauty Box will prevail.
BRIANNA: In the meanwhile, I need to find Vivian.
DIANA: Now, don’t do anything to get yourself into trouble or early labor.
BRIANNA: Don’t worry about me.
FADE
INT. POST OFFICE
FX: POST OFFICE IS BUSY.
CHANISE (V.O.): I guess Ms. Karen had to drill her point home. She called my supervisor and complained that I was neglecting their complaints, and that bitch got me put on desk duty. There’s nothing I hate more than working inside, behind this stuffy-ass bulletproof glass, with all these pain-in-the-ass customers running in and out whining about dumb shit.
NATHAN: Psst. Psst. Girl, have you been watching the Coronation?
CHANISE: I haven't had much time for TV. What is it?
NATHAN: Sis, you’re missing out. There’s a real African prince that came to America looking to crown his princess.
CHANISE: I saw that movie.
NATHAN: This is a reality show, and the prince is FINE! Sshhhhiiiii….I would give those chicks a run for their money. All this fineness here.
CHANISE: Yeah, okay. The first time he says hop on one foot and bark like a dog, you’ll be out of there.
NATHAN: It’s the soft life for me. Woof. Woof.
FX: CHANISE LAUGHS.
CHANISE: Have a nice day, ma’am. (beat) Nathan, you are truly certified.
NATHAN: Speaking of certified, did you know your momma was out?
CHANISE: (surprised) She is? (beat) She didn’t call me.
NATHAN: I saw her at the corner store on 59th.
CHANISE: Was she okay?
NATHAN: To tell the truth, it didn’t look like it.
CHANISE: Damn, why didn’t you tell me sooner?
NATHAN: I be trying to stay out of people’s business.
CHANISE: Since when? (beat) I don’t know why she does this to me. She knows I worry about her. I mean, I don’t understand why she wouldn’t reach out.
NATHAN: Chanise, what world you live in? You know your mom ain’t right. (beat) Damn, here comes some lady with a big-ass box. No label, all open. Thank God it’s almost my break time.
CHANISE: I hope I don’t get her.
NATHAN: Did you hear? Diamond House got raided. They busted open the walls and turned that place upside down.
CHANISE: I’m so glad that type of bullshit is behind me.
NATHAN: Don’t tell nobody, but I’m on my way up and out of here once and for all.
CHANISE: Nate, you know you tell me that at least 50 times a year.
NATHAN: Probably the same amount of times you told me you were done with Lionel.
CHANISE: Eh.
NATHAN: Grab them pearls, honey; they’re falling to the floor. (beat) Break time, I’m out.
CHANISE: Next in line. (beat) Damn, here comes the box lady.
FX: A WOMAN PUTS HER BOX DOWN IN FRONT OF CHANISE.
ANNETTE: Do you have any tape? I need to mail this. I’m just finishing up the shipping slip.
CHANISE (V.O.): Oh damn, of all people. It’s Annette, Lionel's girlfriend. Thank God she can’t see me from around the box, but I damn sure got a glimpse of her and her wedding ring. MY RING! He gave her my ring. I wanted to take this box and bash it over her head! What kind of! I couldn’t stand there one minute longer or I would have done something I would regret.
CHANISE: (clears her throat) Excuse me.
FX: CHANISE WALKS AWAY.
ANNETTE: Excuse me. Ma’am. I’m almost finished. Hello!
INT. BATHROOM
FX: CHANISE ENTERS THE BATHROOM. SHE SOBS AS SHE RUNS WATER ACROSS HER FACE. SOMEONE ELSE ENTERS.
BEVERLY: Chanise, are you okay? I saw you rushing by, and it looked like you were crying. (beat) You are crying.
CHANISE: Lionel’s girl is out there! She’s wearing my ring!
BEVERLY: No, you don’t. Have you forgotten? You have Mikal, intelligent, hella sexy, hella handsome, hella rich, and not to mention tall.
FX: CHANISE HYPERVENTILATES.
CHANISE: I love Mikal. It’s not that Lionel is marrying someone else that’s bothering me. It’s the fact that the person he is now—he was never that with me. What does that say about what we had? Was it broken all along? Was I delusional in thinking this man would come out of prison changed?
BEVERLY: You waited for a man that you loved. And that sorta loved you. Unfortunately, he may have changed, but so have you.
CHANISE: (V.O.) What?
FX: BEVERLY LETS OUT A HUGE BURP AND LAUGHS.
CHANISE: Beverly, you've been drinking on the job again? Get off me.
FADE
INT. SOHO HOUSE
FX: VALET, BRIANNA PULLS UP.
BRIANNA (V.O.): So, I was told that Vivian has been staying at the Soho House in Hollywood. This is a very exclusive place, where only the elite of the elite in the city congregate—and I assume the headquarters of her nasty work tour. I used to come here with her a lot back in the day, and boy, did we have a time. But that was then, and this is now. So, since she’s in the mood to play, I figured I would have a playdate with her.
FX: BRIANNA ENTERS THE SOHO HOUSE.
BRIANNA: Good afternoon, I’m on Diana Styles' list.
FX: BRIANNA WALKS UP ON VIVIAN.
BRIANNA: Just the woman I’ve been looking for.
VIVIAN: (stutters) Long time. Very long. You’re…pregnant, pregnant.
BRIANNA: Hmmm, I figured you knew that since I am a “peophile” and having a baby out of wedlock. Your words.
VIVIAN: Excuse me?
BRIANNA: No, excuse me! Why are you spreading lies about me and trying to ruin my name?
VIVIAN: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
FX: BRIANNA RUMMAGES THROUGH HER PURSE AND SLAMS AN ENVELOPE DOWN.
BRIANNA: Does this look familiar?
FX: VIVIAN SIFTS THROUGH IT.
VIVIAN: I know I taught you better than that.
BRIANNA: I thought we were friends.
VIVIAN: This is business, Brianna.
BRIANNA: So, you ARE trying to sabotage my business.
VIVIAN: You didn’t need much help.
BRIANNA: Reaching out to my clients! How low can you go?
VIVIAN: How do you know they didn’t reach out to me?
BRIANNA: Bull!
FX: VIVIAN LAUGHS SINISTERLY.
VIVIAN: I never agreed to fully hand over my shop. That is where you’re mistaken.
BRIANNA: Well, I’ll be damned if you just steal it back.
VIVIAN: I can’t steal anything that was never yours.
BRIANNA: I don’t know what kind of lowdown dirty shame shit you’re up to, but I’m on to you. If you don’t cease and desist this bullshit and take down all those reviews—
VIVIAN: What can you do to me?
BRIANNA: WE WILL SEE YOU IN COURT!
VIVIAN: Brianna, you don’t want to do this. I’ll bring every witness I know.
BRIANNA: Well, as GOD as my witness! (lost for words) Uh. Um. You…Watch me!
FX: BRIANNA WALKS OUT.
BRIANNA (V.O.): I don’t know what is happening with my friend circle, but, like Diana always said, you’ll be able to count your true friends on one hand. Vivian was my mentor. I learned all that I know from her and then some. We grew her brand to the heights it was together, and I never once felt any jealousy or disdain in my heart for her. When one wins, we all win. I feel like I can’t trust ANYONE. I should have at least stayed for lunch—I’m hungry.
FADE
INT. BAR
FX: HOPE PULLS UP TO THE BAR.
HOPE (V.O.): I’m back from the retreat, and as I rolled out of bed this morning to head to my meeting with Maxwell, the showrunner, every emotion hit me. I prayed from heaven to high water for this day, so I wasn’t going to let my insecurities get in the way. The old me would have been rethinking every single word and sentence that I wrote, but I didn’t, and Maxwell loved my script! He broke the news that the writer on maternity leave was not coming back, and I can assume the position. All I kept thinking was, this is the moment I’ve been waiting for my entire life. I didn’t hear anything else he had to say after that. I mean, I was only expecting a spec assignment and left with a job. So, I’m meeting up with Nicholas to have a drink and share the news. I guess my writing is Black enough after all.
FX: HOPE ENTERS THE BAR.
NICHOLAS: Hope, over here.
FX: HOPE WALKS TO NICHOLAS.
HOPE: A dozen roses for me? How thoughtful.
NICHOLAS: I also ordered your drink. I remembered what you ordered at the retreat. I hope you don’t mind.
HOPE: Not at all.
NICHOLAS: So, how did it go?
HOPE: Can’t you tell from my smile?
NICHOLAS: I knew it! I knew it! He gave you the assignment.
HOPE: He did more than that. He promoted me to a staff writer.
NICHOLAS: That’s a cause for extra, extra celebration. (beat) Everyone, did you hear that? My lady got a staff writing job!
HOPE (V.O.): His lady? Why are all eyes on me. Every black man in here is staring so hard it’s burning a hole in my forehead. I mean, they do this all the time. Then, when we decide to walk the unseasoned path, it’s a problem. Oh no, Nicholas is kissing me on my neck. Everyone’s watching. (beat) It does kinda feel good. Shit, let them watch.
FX: HOPE AND NICHOLAS MAKE OUT.
HOPE (V.O.): Either that was his wallet or his third leg.
FX: DRINKS COME TO THE TABLE.
NICHOLAS: Let’s toast. To you, to us, and to the future!
FX: THE GLASSES CLINK.
NICHOLAS: Are you hungry?
HOPE: I can eat.
NICHOLAS: I’m sure they can whip something up quickly. That came out wrong.
HOPE: What did you order?
NICHOLAS: Trust me, your tongue is going to love me. I mean, the food. That’s what I meant.
HOPE: What?
HOPE (V.O.): Am I hearing things? Or does everything that comes out of his mind sound borderline racist? I mean, he’s batting 1,000 right now. It's obvious that my choices aren’t working. I want to try something different.
FX: DRINKS AND FOOD FALL ON THE TABLE.
NICHOLAS: I can’t stop looking at you. Napkin, my beautiful Black Queen.
HOPE: Just call me Hope.
FADE
INT. MOLD HER
FX: BOUTIQUE SHOP. STIRRING. MUSIC.
BRIANNA (V.O.): Tonight, me and the girls are having a low-key girls' night, and they surprised me with a make-a-mold kit for my belly. I would have never thought to do this on my own, so I appreciate this. Now, having them do it is another thing, but it's been kind of fun. We also have to catch up—it’s been a minute.
HOPE: Chanise, smooth it better. You’re leaving creases.
CHANISE: Give me those instructions, Hope.
FX: CHANISE SNATCHES THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM HOPE.
BRIANNA: Play nice.
HOPE: This plaster stinks.
BRIANNA: I still can’t believe that Karen called your job.
HOPE: And you saw Annette.
CHANISE: I don’t know why I was so in my feelings. It was the shock of seeing her wearing my ring, but it made me wonder if there are still feelings there. I mean, I am very happy with Mikal. We are rebuilding, and it’s nice. He definitely allows space for the soft side of me, and that’s something Lionel never did.
HOPE: It’s not easy getting over a relationship that you put so much into. Look how long it took me.
CHANISE: And all he has to do is like a photo, and you lose your mind.
HOPE: Okay, kettle.
FX: CHANISE SMILES.
CHANISE: We did have a child together.
BRIANNA: Hope, don’t drip the stuff all over me.
HOPE: That’s going to be a little hard to avoid. Just sit still. (beat) So, did you say anything to Annette?
CHANISE: No, I had to get out of there before I picked up another restraining order. She never saw me.
BRIANNA: I don’t think I told you guys, but I found out who the culprit was that was doing all that sabotaging over Yelp.
HOPE: Who?
BRIANNA: It’s Vivian.
CHANISE: I never liked her. I told you she was jealous of you.
BRIANNA: You did. Well, I confronted her, and she said that she wanted the salon back.
HOPE: What about her fancy hair care line?
BRIANNA: (bomb noise) Up in smoke.
CHANISE: I’m not surprised. She’s nothing without you.
BRIANNA: I hit her with a cease and desist, but I’m afraid a few things were left unchecked during the initial closing, and we are backtracking now. I could lose the building.
HOPE: I can’t see Diana letting that happen. (beat) Well, I hate to be the only one that has great news while you two are going through it.
BRIANNA: We’re not here to hate; we still congratulate.
HOPE: I’ve been staffed. You’re looking at an official staff writer for this upcoming season of On the Outside!
CHANISE: We need to be toasting to this.
BRIANNA: Congratulations, Hope! You did that, girl!
CHANISE: We are so proud of you!
HOPE: I’m in shock.
CHANISE: Now you can finally give me back that $500 I loaned you.
HOPE: As a matter of fact, I’m gonna Cash App you right now.
CHANISE: That’s what I’m talking about. So, when do we get a set visit?
HOPE: That’s my first priority once we return from hiatus.
CHANISE: What did Ms. Pat say?
HOPE: I haven’t told anyone… Well, except my new friend Nicholas.
CHANISE: Nicholas?
BRIANNA: That doesn't sound like a Black man’s name.
HOPE: He’s not. He’s from Seattle. I met him at the writer’s retreat.
CHANISE: Smart. Your network is your net worth. I see you, Hope.
BRIANNA: I thnk it’s done guys. It said when the cast makes a knocking sound it’s ready. (beat) Hope, isn’t this your first time dating out of the lines?
HOPE: Yeah, and it’s been unexpectedly nice. He’s such a gentleman, always checking on my well-being, and he’s got a little swag. I saw it peeking out the other night at the bar.
CHANISE: So, he packing? That’s a plus.
BRIANNA: But does he know what to do with it, is the real question.
FX: THEY KNOCK ON IT, AND IT CRACKS AWAY.
HOPE: It’s falling—hurry…catch it.
CHANISE: Damn.
BRIANNA: Look what ya’ll did.
CHANISE (V.O.): I didn’t bring up my mom because it’s such a sensitive topic for me. So, I spared the girls this time. Since she wants to act like I don’t exist, I’m going to oblige.
HOPE: All that work and what did it get me.
FADE