07x05 - I Got a Story to Tell

[bunniefuu]

[DISTANT CROWD CHEERING]

JUSTIN STARLING: ♪
Game on, game on, yeah ♪

♪ Tell 'em it's game
on, I said hold up ♪

- ♪ Nah ♪
- [CROWD CHEERING]

♪ Game on, game on ♪

♪ Blowing like napalm, I said game on ♪

- Hey!
- STARLING: ♪ Aye ♪

GAME ANNOUNCER: Both Beverly and
Crenshaw have found their groove

in their respective leagues.

If they both make it to the playoffs

and get a chance to
actually face each other,

- what a game it will be.
- [CROWD CHEERING]

STARLING: ♪ Yeah, they
built up the city ♪

♪ I'm building it better ♪

♪ Raining or shining,
don't matter the weather ♪

♪ We stay on the grind and
it's like that forever ♪

♪ We been the flyest,
don't need no propellers ♪

- ♪ Study the game ♪
- GIRL: Hi.

STARLING: ♪ And I'm fixing my
flaws, give me the trophies ♪

- ♪ And keep the applause ♪
- GIRL: Call me.

- ♪ Game on ♪
- GIRL: Hi, KJ.

Ahem. Smile and stare into my eyes

- if you wanna get out of here.
- [KJ CHUCKLES]

Give these girls the
impression you're taken.

Yeah, I owe you. [CHUCKLES]

You know, it's kinda
weird to go from a team

that nobody cared about
to, like, sudden fame.

What, Oakland girls kept it
more chill when you were winning?

Ah, don't get me wrong. I mean,

there was the attention, but

I don't know. I guess
it was just less...

Thirsty? [CHUCKLES]

Yeah, well, don't let
that head get too big.

Beverly kids are all about the moment,

and, uh, fair warning.

Be prepared for some
panties in your locker.

It's tradition for new hotshot QBs.

[SIGHS]

Whew! We're good. OK.

[BOTH LAUGH]

So, which one of the parties
you hitting tonight, Oakland?

None. The team's watching game
tape, and then we're gonna enjoy

my dad's barbecue to
celebrate the big win.

Is there one non-football-
related thing on your schedule?

Uh... oh! Actually,

there is this, um,

this meal-packing
drive at South Crenshaw

that my friend's organizing,

but we're not gonna be
done with game-tape viewing

to make it in time, so...

What could you guys possibly gain

from watching a 50-0 blowout?

How to make it a 60-0 blowout?

All I'm saying, one athlete to another,

is that you should give
yourself a break from football.

Our cheer performance is
actually better once we step away.

[CHUCKLES]

PREACH: Those volunteering
for tonight's overnight

meal-packing drive, remember,

the doors will be locked
at 7 p.m. for safety,

and big shout out to Stu-Co candidates

for planning and organizing...

[CLEARS THROAT]

especially Amina Simms
for orchestrating all this.

Now, I know I technically
can't endorse a candidate...

but I best not learn any
of y'all voted against her,

or else there's gonna be a problem.

[SCHOOL BELL RINGS]

Y'all get up outta here. [CHUCKLES]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

You probably cost me some
votes with that threat.

Girl, that was no threat.

Besides, what's politics
without a little intimidation?

Dad, I'm running a clean campaign,

so please let me do that

and steer clear of
any and all influence.

Fine.

Proud dad concedes,

but teacher dad wants to talk to you

about drifting off in class.

- Is this about tomorrow?
- No, no, I'm fine.

You'll still give me a ride
home before midnight, right?

PREACH: Of course, though
we'll have to sneak out,

unless you want to explain why the
organiser of the meal drive lock-in

ain't trying to stay locked
in with the rest of 'em.

AMINA: Thanks.

PREACH: You sure about not, uh,
giving your speech at midnight?

Dad, I gotta get to my next class.

Thanks for checking in. I'll be OK.

[SIGHS]

[KNOCKS ON DOOR]

Oh, what's up, man?

You remembered to grab the
plates for the barbecue, right?

Grayson said he was going to
pick some up at the cafeteria.

- Oh, that's what's up, man.
- But, uh, hey, I was thinking

maybe we do something
a little more special.

What could possibly be more special

- than my hickory ribs, man?
- [KJ CHUCKLES]

You saw how hard I worked
in that small-a*s kitchen.

I don't even have my smoker.

I'm not saying we
abandon the food, Pops.

I'm just saying maybe
we put it to better use,

like for a friend's meal-packing
drive at South Crenshaw tonight.

This, uh...

- friend have a name?
- KJ: Yeah,

- uh, Amina.
- CASSIUS: Amina?

Amina. Wait. [CHUCKLES]

Isn't that the name that keeps
popping up in your texts lately?

[CHUCKLES] Yeah, yeah,
yeah, whatever, Dad, OK?

She is just a friend.

- CASSIUS: OK.
- All right?

But nah, I think this is a good chance

for some hardworking volunteers

to be rewarded with
the best ribs in Cali!

- Right, all right.
- Ha ha!

And this isn't another attempt to
get close to Jordan Baker, right?

Nah, not at all.

I think it'll be good
for the team, you know?

A way to...

step away for a second.

Also...

I kind of miss our time
volunteering back in the Town.

Don't you?

- I guess I could find some heating trays.
- Thanks, man!

COOP: Are you ready for the most
amazing thing you've ever seen?

AMINA: Hi. Why am I scared right now?

Oh, my instincts are right.

- Absolutely not.
- COOP: Absolutely yes, OK?

And you can thank Prime
for the speedy delivery.

I ordered hundreds of these.

Do I need to say no
a hundred more times?

Baby, cuteness sells. How do
you think Obama got in office?

Because he was an amazing politician

and married to a literal icon.

Yes, that, too.

Flowers to Michelle.

[DISTANT, EXCITED CHATTER]

MALE SINGER, WHISPERING: ♪ Hyped up ♪

Why does that Jigglypuff-looking
dude look so familiar?

AMINA: That's the rapper
Boss Boy Drew from the LBC.

COOP: Hmm.

My opponent, Marcus Rhodes,

is his cousin and
running for reelection.

He's literally bribing
votes with a hood legend.

Dang, that is him!

I... I mean, dude bars always
been corny, if you ask me,

all right, but why don't
you use me to bribe votes?

I'm actually something like
a hood legend, for real.

You know, maybe these baby pins

aren't such a bad idea after all.

No, not at all, actually just
don't trust you with these.

But don't worry about it, OK?
You're gonna get your votes,

and your speech is going
to solidify your win.

- I can't wait to hear it.
- AMINA: I'm not giving a speech.

- COOP: Why?
- KHALIL: Why not?

My bad. I couldn't help but hear.

But I thought speeches were important.

I mean, how else do people
know what you're running for?

Oh, I'm aware of that,

and thanks for finally
deciding to acknowledge me,

even if it was to be rude.

Sorry. I gotta start getting
things set up for tonight.

I appreciate the support, Auntie Coop.

Alright, now, you got exactly two
seconds to tell me what you did,

- 'cause I know it's something.
- [SCHOOL BELL RINGS]

KHALIL: Oh, sh**t, like,
they got this whole thing

about us not being late. I got to run.

- I'ma see you later, Coop. Excuse me.
- COOP: OK, all right.

COOP: Guess what's hot off the press.

- PREACH: h*! Hell yes!
- COOP: Uh-huh.

Man, my baby girl had the cutest cheeks.

- [CHUCKLES]
- But good luck convincing Amina to use these.

COOP: Yeah, well, you'll be surprised
to know she already approved.

- Hmm.
- I ain't gonna mention it was a reluctant approval,

after seeing Marcus showing off
his rapper cousin, Boss Boy Drew.

- PREACH: Hold up. Boss Boy Drew here?
- COOP: What?

Come on. Stay focused.
He with the enemy.

Right, right. Um...

- how's Amina's mood?
- COOP: She was fine,

- until Khalil showed up.
- Oh.

- I mean, something's definitely
up between the two of them,

and I'm wondering if that is what's
stopping her from sticking around

to give her Stu-Co speech.

PREACH: That speech has
everything to do about tomorrow.

- COOP: What's tomorrow?
- Think about it.

Look, it's the only day that's
tough for her to be around folk.

Damn.

I forgot.

I forgot about that. Look, I...

I was going to head out, but

I could definitely hang
around to keep an eye on her.

Nah, nah, nah. I appreciate you.

You sure?

Yeah, you've done a lot for her.

Let me be a father to
my daughter for once.

- OK.
- Besides, it seems like you got somewhere to be

in that bougie-a*s blazer.

I'm actually going to a law seminar

that one of my professors
is doing at GAU.

Is this the same professor
you've been nonstop about?

If I've been "nonstop,"

it's because she's really dope,

- and I got a lot to learn from her.
- Mm-hmm.

Well, I guess you'd better
go on and get to "learning."

- Mm-hmm. I will.
- [CHUCKLES]

CASSIUS: Man, if they
don't appreciate these ribs,

I'mma pack 'em back up so fast.

Can't waste good food on those who
lack a good palate, man. Just facts.

Dad, it's OK to say you're
worried that they won't like 'em.

- I didn't say all that, man.
- Man, you know how our people

- get about their barbecue.
- CASSIUS: It's true, it's true.

But I have yet to meet a Black person

- who hasn't enjoyed your barbecue.
- CASSIUS: Also true.

Oh, so that's Amina. OK.

- Hey, we're just friends, Pops.
- I didn't say anything, man.

[CHUCKLES] Look, come on, y'all.
Help me figure out where to set up.

KJ needs to go say hey
to his "just friend."

- [CHUCKLING]
- KJ: Why? Why are you like this?

MALE SINGER: ♪ I ain't
holding my breath ♪

♪ But something's gotta give ♪

♪ Settle for nothing less ♪

[MARQUI CHUCKLES]

Maybe one of these
days, you'll get like me.

KHALIL: There you go.

I'm glad we finally got a
chance to get together, Pop.

"Finally"? What you mean, finally?

I don't know. It's just...

I ain't seen you in a few days.

You ain't mad I didn't roll
with you to Craig's, right?

Look, man, you made your choice,

and I can't do nothing but respect that,

- but whenever I am not here...
- [CELL PHONE VIBRATES]

it's because I'm off stacking this bread

to make sure you have
a roof over your head

and a phone in your hand.

Look at me when I'm talking to you, boy.

My bad, just... [SIGHS]...
forget I said anything.

- You got somewhere better to be?
- Nah, it's just...

we having this volunteer lockdown
drive at the school tonight.

I just found out the door's
closing at 7:00, so...

[SIGHS]

Since when you start
volunteering, anyway?

It's just one event.

I don't know.

- I kind of like the school spirit stuff.
- [CHUCKLES]

I'm starting to not
recognize you at all, man.

- Come on, Pop, I ain't changed that much.
- No, son,

I'm proud of you for staying on track.

- [CHUCKLES]
- Do I like Coach Baker

whispering in your ear?

- Hell no.
- You'll come around once you get to know him.

He's a nice dude, Pop.

MARQUI: The devil was
once nice, too, son.

Go cop some boxes. I'mma
drop you at the school.

You sure? I thought you
said you had somewhere to be.

- I'm not offering twice.
- [SCOFFS]

- All right.
- [MARQUI CHUCKLES]

Hey, hold up, hold up, hold up.

Just remember that your
pops is here for you,

and it's good that you and me can
always lean on each other, right?

Yeah.

Yeah, for sure, Pop.

For sure.

OK, so we talking
lettuce and then tomato?

AMINA: No. Not directly
on top of the other.

The lettuce should be on both sides

so the bread doesn't get soggy.

Free meal or not, we're giving people

an expertly prepared sandwich.

Ooh, OK, so then maybe
I should watch you first.

- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
- AMINA: OK.

OK.

Whoa. Whoa.

Whoa, slow down! Damn! [CHUCKLES]

Isn't the whole point
of an overnight drive

- to have all night to finish?
- AMINA: For other people, yes,

but I've got 500 sandwiches
to finish by 11:30.

And what happens then, Crenshawella?

You turn into a pumpkin? Ha ha!

I just need to get home.

Oh. My bad. Hey, I
was just joking around.

Are you OK?

- Well...
- PREACH: Listen up, folks!

This is your 15-minute warning

till the doors are officially locked.

If you haven't gotten everything
that you need for the night,

do so now.

KJ: How are you planning on leaving

before midnight if the
doors are gonna be locked?

That rule doesn't apply to me.

TORI: Hey.

Promise I'm not stalking you.

Uh, my cousin goes here and DMed me

literally after we talked,
asking if I wanted to support,

and I was thinking, how could
I preach about paying it forward

and not do so myself?

Hi. I'm Tori.

Amina. You know, I've seen you cheer

when our teams have played
each other over the years.

- You're a beast.
- TORI: Was a beast.

Um, I've heard about you, too.

- Running for Stu-Co Prez, right?
- AMINA: Yeah. [CHUCKLES]

Uh, Tori, you brought
protein bars. Nice.

Yeah, I've got more in the car.

I'm assuming you guys
are accepting donations?

Yeah. The more the merrier.

- You can drop them off at the donations table.
- Will do.

Um, I'll find you in a bit.

All right.

Hmm.

Must be nice to have the kind
of rizz that lures cheerleaders.

KJ: Stop it, all right? You heard her.

She's here for her cousin.

I don't see a cousin. Do you?

- Oh, OK.
- [KJ CHUCKLES]

TORI: Uh, why is he locking the door?

Yeah, the drive is on
lockdown until the morning.

Oh. I see.

Well, at least I'm in good company.

Yeah? Oh, your cousin, right?

[SNICKERS] You can't be that dense.

There is no cousin.

Tshh...

Uh...

Uh, I don't think the
donation table is in here.

Uh, yeah. I just figured
we could use a break.

It was kinda loud out there, so...

OK. [SETS DOWN BAGS]

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

That maybe we should
give them some privacy?

[CHUCKLES]

[SCOFFS] Way to k*ll a mood.

Uh... you know, my dad,

he's probably almost out
of his famous barbecue.

Maybe we go get some?

I'm vegan.

BREONNA: I'm walking to the
bathroom at a classy restaurant,

minding my business,

when a random man makes a pass that I...

- [SUNGLASSES CLATTER]
- reject. Now,

the perpetrator falls
backwards into a table,

and unfortunately, ends up injuring

an innocent bystander we'll call Betty.

Now, the question is, am
I liable for the damage,

or is the perpetrator,
for initiating harm?

As you know, torts law examines

"you shouldn't" clauses.

You shouldn't inflict physical harm.

You shouldn't misappropriate property.

These are our duties.

Fortunately for me, I was
well within my breach of duty

by practicing self-defence, but

if I poured gasoline everywhere
and burnt the whole place down,

that might be a different
conversation, although,

low-key, sometimes warranted.

- [STUDENTS LAUGH]
- BREONNA: But you didn't hear that from me.

Thank you. Thank you all for coming.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Ms. Cooper, I didn't expect to see you.

This is the sort of
thing 3Ls usually attend.

Yeah, I know, but I
figured it couldn't hurt.

Besides, the contradictions
in the breach of duty

has really been messing
me up, but it clicked

- during your presentation.
- BREONNA: I'm glad I could help.

I also had a question about Betty.

Like, what if she decided to
press charges against you...

- Mm-hmm.
- Instead of the perpetrator?

So I don't know if you have the time,

but if you do, I would
love to talk about it.

- I have some time.
- OK. Nice.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

AMINA: So, what? You just
gonna ditch the sandwiches?

'Cause we've got 300 to go.

Well, I mean, at the speed
you were going, I thought

- we would already be done.
- AMINA: I'm kidding, Kingston.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

I keep hearing your
dad's barbecue's amazing.

I think more volunteers showed
up after hearing about it.

- Ha! That can't be true.
- No, I'm for real.

Like, people are literally
posting about it on their stories.

- KJ: No way! Ha ha!
- AMINA: Yes.

Oh.

So, did Tori ever find her cousin

after whatever y'all were
up to in the storage office?

Speaking of missing
people, where's Khalil?

- Mmm.
- Oh.

So y'all are still in your
awkward bag after what happened?

AMINA: You mean where
I tried to kiss him

- and made an a*s of myself?
- No.

No, I mean where he
gave you mixed signals

and let you take all the blame.

Yes to it still being awkward.

He's said all of 5 words to me,

and they were to rudely
ask why I was leaving early.

I was kinda wondering the same thing.

- Minus the rude part.
- AMINA: Look,

it's just something I
gotta do, but, please,

let's leave it at that.

Done.

Just know I'm here if you need to talk.

- [CELL PHONE VIBRATES]
- AMINA: Oh.

[UNZIPPING BAG]

Oh.

Did you... did you see
me with a book earlier?

Black with gold binding?

Uh... nah. Sorry.

- Why? What is it?
- Something I gotta find.

- [TRAY CLANGS]
- PREACH: Please tell me you didn't run out of ribs.

- CASSIUS: [CHUCKLES]
- Man, them students

been licking their fingers all night.

CASSIUS: Man, I'm just happy to
contribute. I'll save you a plate.

Name's Cardell Simms.

Everyone knows me as Preach.

Cassius Jeremy, head football
coach over at Beverly High.

Oh, yeah. Now I recognize you. Wait.

You ain't tryna poison us with
no crosstown rivalry, are you?

And ruin my recipe? No, sir.

Ha ha! My man.

Look, I can appreciate
a brother who respects

the sanctity of a good recipe.

- Of course.
- Yeah.

If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back.

CASSIUS: Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

How the hell y'all manage to
get past the chain-locked doors?

[MARQUI SCOFFS]

They just magically flew open.

Maybe you should look into that.

CASSIUS: Uh, is
everything good over here?

Where I know you from?

I don't ever forget a face.

Hey, Pops. It's all good.

PREACH: Marqui was just leaving.

MARQUI: [CHUCKLES] Hey, do work, son.

- Thanks for the ride, Pop.
- Mm-hmm.

No problem.

You and I are due for a chat.

TORI: Hey, um,

I'm sorry if I made
things awkward earlier.

Uh, nah, that's my bad.

Can we just hit the refresh button?

- I'd like that. [CHUCKLES]
- Yeah.

Don't take this
personally, because I know

it's your life's ambition
to make sandwiches,

- but that looks hella sad.
- KJ: Wait. Seriously?

Amina said we were
striving for expert-level.

It's giving "my toddler niece made it."

Wow. OK. [CHUCKLES]

Um, I saw you and Amina

together in the locker room,

- and now I feel dumb.
- KJ: Why?

Because I should've
seen it from the jump.

She's that girl you
were all fawning over

at The Hangout a while back.

- KJ: Nah, we're not even like that.
- TORI: Really?

- 'Cause it seems so.
- KJ: No, seriously.

There isn't a girl in the picture.

Is there... a guy in the picture?

- No judgment, seriously. It's just...
- [KJ CHUCKLES]

you were uninterested in the
girls' attention at Beverly,

and then you acted weird about
the panties in your locker

and, not to boast, but
I've never been turned down.

No, look, I'm not g*y, OK?

I was in an almost 3-year relationship

with this girl back home
that ended months ago.

So, you're into girls,

- just not me.
- No, no,

- that's not what I'm...
- That's OK. It's all you had to say.

Um, I think it's time
I find my "cousin."

- PREACH: You nervous?
- KHALIL: No.

Good.

I see you ain't got no button.

What's this beef you
got with my daughter?

Who told you we was beefing?

I got eyes and ears all up and down

this hallway, little boy. Spill.

Mr. Simms, I swear on my life

I ain't got no beef with Amina.

In fact, I ain't got nothing
but mad respect for her.

If I find out that's not the case,

we gonna have a problem,

because the sort of life
you and your dad is living

is exactly the kind I'm trying
to keep my daughter away from.

Do I make myself clear?

- Yes, sir.
- Raise up outta here.

- AMINA: Hey.
- KJ: Hey.

- Oh, you found it.
- Yeah.

I nearly turned over every box in sight

before I remembered I kept it

- in my dad's cubby so it wouldn't get lost.
- [CHUCKLES]

So what's so special about this book?

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday.

Oh.

Yeah, um, I'm sorry, Amina.

Yeah, I remember you
said that she passed away.

Yeah,

it's just not a day where I can pretend

to be happy or hide my emotions.

It's just easier to stay home

and let whatever happens flow.

Which is why I have to
leave before midnight.

Yeah, I know that feeling.

I was really close to
my godfather and, um,

yeah, he passed away
a couple years back.

His birthday's always been hard.

I actually started this tradition
to help me get through it.

Yeah, every year on his day, uh,

I watch an old episode of "I Love Lucy"

like we used to when I was younger.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

That's what this book is for me.

Memories of her I've
collected over the years.

Pictures, articles, and stuff.

It's a way to remember the
best parts of who she was.

You said articles. Was she an actress?

- AMINA: No, no.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]

- A lawyer, actually.
- KJ: Oh.

See, now I know where you get those, uh,

"closing statement"
energy pep talks from.

- AMINA: OK. [CHUCKLES] Whatever.
- Yeah. Ha ha!

Hey, you want to go for a walk?

Sure, I'd actually really like that.

All right.

BREONNA: And that was only
my third case as an associate.

And I tried that solo
and swept the prosecution.

Man, all because the lead
counsel had food poisoning?

I'm convinced he overslept. But, sure.

[CHUCKLES] Well, I'm sorry. I'm just...

I'm trying to understand.
Like, you've lived 9 lives

and you look the same age as me.

So how old are you for real, anyway?

Oh, I know you didn't just ask me that.

- COOP: Fair.
- [CELL PHONE CHIMES]

[FAINT MUSIC PLAYING,
SINGER SINGING INDISTINCTLY]

- Hmm.
- Is everything OK?

Some of my friends
were trying to set me up

with this woman on a blind
date, and she just canceled.

Not sure why I admitted
that to a student.

[CHUCKLES] No worries.
Listen, my lips are sealed,

but I am sorry she canceled.

Oh, it's all good. But, lucky for you,

that means I have a little more time,

if you wanted to continue
unpacking all things torts.

COOP: Oh, absolutely.

I mean, I got questions for days.

It does come with one caveat.

I was really looking forward
to having a drink tonight.

[CHUCKLES] This also stays here.

And if you say anything,

you'll find out how
good of a lawyer I am.

COOP: OK.

Trust me, stealing toilet paper
ain't worth getting suspended.

I wish it was toilet
paper I was looking for.

Is there a way out of here?

At this point, I'll take
an underground tunnel.

What's got you so pressed to dip?

Mmm. Better question.

- What's his name?
- Irrelevant.

- Hmm.

Well, as fine as you
are, you shouldn't let

no "irrelevant" guy ruin your night.

Matter of fact, y'all gotta stop letting
us live rent-free in your feelings,

'cause 9 times out of 10, we
ain't even planning things through

the way y'all hoping.

Then, boom...

one wrong move ends up ruining
a perfectly good friendship.

Was that advice for me or for yourself?

- I guess both.
- Well,

for a guy who doesn't
think things through,

that was pretty spot-on.

I'm not gonna find keys
in this dirty cart, am I?

Oh, absolutely not, but
it's fun watching you try.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

When you said "articles,"
I didn't think you meant

full-page spreads in the
"Philadelphia Gazette."

She was hella passionate about
helping people in the community,

especially when that 3-strike law
started taking us out like the flu.

Yo, it's really dope that your mom

was a part of that actual fight.

MALE SINGER: ♪ All the
thoughts in your mind ♪

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Uh, we gonna talk about why your
cheeks were abnormally chubby?

All right, they weren't that big.

- Wait. Were they?
- I don't know. It's up for debate.

[CHUCKLING]

- Oh, yeah. They definitely were.
- AMINA: OK, whatever.

Ha ha ha ha!

SINGER: ♪ I'll take the call ♪

- ♪ I'll take the call ♪
- KJ: Oh, I know this one.

"Hey Black Child."

My mom made me recite
that when I was younger.

I was really shy and...

[FAKE-CHOKES] You? Shy?

- Shut up. Ha ha! I was.
- OK.

Anyway, she swore that this
poem would help my confidence.

"Hey, Black child,

do you know who you are?"

MALE SINGER: ♪ When all
hope dies and skies erupt ♪

- ♪ Ooh, ooh ♪
- [AMINA SOBS]

I'm sorry. I don't
know what's happening.

KJ: Oh, no.

Look, don't ever apologize for feeling.

I think the hardest part
of all of this was that

when she died...

SINGER: ♪ Ooh, ooh ♪

things for her were complicated.

She didn't get the
chance to right her wrongs

or salvage her reputation.

SINGER: ♪ ... your shelter, I will ♪

- Maybe I can do that for her.
- ♪ I will ♪

- I'm sure she'd like that.

And she'd be damn proud of
you for even starting here.

SINGER: ♪ I will, I will ♪

♪ I will be your shelter ♪

♪ I will, I will ♪

♪ I will be your shelter ♪

I still can't believe you
made all of this happen.

If you're trying to
take my mind off the fact

that I just fell apart in your arms,

- it's working. Thanks.
- [KJ CHUCKLES]

As for all of this, it was

more of a team effort than you think.

But it all started in your brain.

That's something to celebrate.

I don't know how much that'll matter.

I'm sure Marcus will take credit
for it in his speech tonight.

If you were to give a speech,

what would you say was your
inspiration behind it all,

the reason you're running
for office in the first place?

Well, it all started with this guy Fred,

who sleeps in the
baseball dugout at night.

- KJ: Mm-hmm.
- One day, I saw him scrounging for food

and ended up bringing him
the remainders of my lunch.

Me, Macy, and some friends

started rotating taking food to him,

and it got me thinking,

we should be doing this
for others in the community.

And the only way to
make that a thing here

at South Crenshaw High
is if I have the power

to authorise it as Stu-Co President.

Hey, not for nothing,

but if I heard that
story in speech form,

I mean, my vote is yours,

not Marcus's.

[CHUCKLES]

It's 12:03.

Technically, you made it past midnight.

- What you think?
- Try for another hour or two?

Wait. So they threw out the
case on limited testimony?

COOP: Yeah. D.A. Baker
stepped in, put her foot down.

That's when I knew you got
to be a boss to be a lawyer.

I still can't believe
you got to work for her,

but talk about having lived 9 lives.

You were basically an associate

as a pre-law student,
so how old are you?

Mmm!

I know you didn't just ask me that.

[CHUCKLES]

Well, I'm definitely old
enough to have another drink.

OK.

Cheers.

[SONG ENDS]

[COOP'S "YOU DON'T ASK" BEGINS PLAYING]

Come on. Please tell me that
is a normal radio playlist.

Nope, it's mine.

In all fairness,

- I didn't know it was on this particular playlist.
- COOP: Mmm.

I was listening to it long
before you were my student.

- I knew I was a hood legend.
- OK.

This might sound corny, but

this song hypes me up
before litigation, for real.

It's become like my anthem...

- Mmm.
- For never changing who I am

as a k*ller Black woman
in the face of an industry

- built on conformity.
- COOP: Hmm.

You know, I... I was wondering,

now that I have the artist here herself,

what was the inspiration
behind the song?

COOP: Simple. I was a teenager and, uh,

didn't know how to come out to my

super-conservative Christian mom...

- Mmm.
- So I put it in a song.

- I'm impressed.
- But I got to give credit to my girl Patience.

I mean, she helped me to realize that

I didn't need to hide my
truth from my mom or anyone.

That's her, singing on the hook.

I love that. Is she
still in the picture?

Yeah, she around. I mean, we just...

we're long-distance right
now. She's in New York,

doing her thing on
Broadway, making me proud.

OK. Period. We should toast to that.

Do you want another round?

- COOP: Uh...
- [CELL PHONE VIBRATES]

PATIENCE: ♪ This is me, this is me... ♪

Oh, actually, um,

- my niece needs me, so...
- BREONNA: Hmm.

I gotta go, but thank you

- for the office hours.
- BREONNA: Yeah, anytime.

[SCOFFS]

Yo.

- Aye, what you say to make Amina cry?
- What?

Man, what the hell makes you think
I'm the reason she was crying?

Man, you know what?

I don't even have time for you today.

Got to go find my pops.

Yo, was it me?

Was she crying 'cause of me?

So you do care?

Bruh, of course I care.

- Meen's like family.
- Mm-hmm.

Sure that's all it is? Family?

Look, I just want to make sure she's OK.

- That's it.
- KJ: I think she will be.

And before you ask, no,

I'm not gonna betray her
confidence, all right?

Because whatever she's got going
on, that's her own damn business.

But if you really cared about her,

you'd be talking to her yourself, man,

not trying to fish it from me, "bruh."

- [KJ SCOFFS]
- CASSIUS: Yo.

Why does it look like
you're about to transform

into the Incredible Hulk, man?

KJ: Um, I think maybe we should dip.

I'm getting tired.

Wait, but you were the
one who brought me here.

What, you exhausted with
your little love triangle?

Man, what are you talking about?

Aye, I've always got eyes on you, son.

And it seems like you've been bouncing

back and forth with both Amina

and a certain head
cheerleader from our school.

- What's the deal, man?
- There is no deal.

For starters, the Beverly
cheerleader thinks I'm g*y.

[CHUCKLES] I'm sorry. Come again?

Watch out. [CHUCKLES]

KJ: She kinda made this
pass that I shot down,

and then she thought I was with Amina.

But like I told you, we're just friends.

Plus, Amina is kinda into someone else.

Right.

Now that I'm talking all this out, man!

How did this all get so messy so fast?

- Welcome to high school, man.
- [SCOFFS]

Man, can we just fast-track to college?

Yeah, that is just as
messy, man. You'll see.

[KJ SIGHS]

Why didn't I just kiss Tori?

I mean, a million other guys would have.

- And I'm young and single.
- And an overthinker.

Damn! Look, you just the kind of dude

that likes there to be
a real connection first.

There's nothing wrong with that.

And trust me, after living
with those thin-a*s walls

we shared back in Oakland,
I can confirm you aren't g*y.

- [CHUCKLES]
- I mean, look, you and Courtney

started out as friends,
kind of like you and Amina.

Yeah, but that was different.

Not really. Look,

the best relationships
start out that way.

Same goes for me and your mom.

You and Amina are friends.

You and Tori are making
your way to being friends.

Don't feel like you
have to rush anything.

Things'll happen with the right girl

when it feels right, a'ight?

Trust your gut, man. You got this.

- AMINA: Good job.
- MARCUS: Uh-huh.

AMINA: Thank you.

[INHALES, SIGHS]

Hello. First, I want to thank

each and every one of you
for volunteering tonight.

Give yourselves a round of applause.

The midnight hour marks a
day that has routinely been

one of the most
challenging days of my life.

It's my late mom's birthday.

You see, my mom made a huge
impact in our community,

and it's sad that her legacy was
shrouded by her complicated past.

But every single one of us knows

that growing up like we do,

life isn't obstacle-free.

Sometimes things get complicated

when you're just trying to survive.

My mom was resilient and smart,

and sadly, she didn't
get the opportunity

to rewrite her own
narrative before she passed.

But I'm here to do so in her honor.

I'd like to tell you all about a woman

who served the community
as a public defender,

a woman who helped people
that looked like you and I

get justice when others
turned a blind eye.

She recognised when our
people were being neglected,

and I'm realizing that

that's maybe part of the
legacy she left in me.

Doing something about the
neglected in our own backyard.

That's why I advocated to put
this event together tonight.

And if you elect me,

Amina Simms, as your Stu-Co President,

I promise to focus on initiatives
like these to heal people.

Not just here at home,

but as far as we can reach.

Because we need leaders

who remind us that we are worthy,

we are powerful,

and we are everything.

And like my favorite
poem... "Hey Black Child,"

by Useni Eugene Perkins... reminds us,

"Do what you can do, and tomorrow,

your nation will be
what you want it to be."

Thank you.

- GIRL: Yeah!
- [APPLAUSE]

BOY: It's great to meet you.

So good.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

- KHALIL: Hey.
- AMINA: Hey.

Can I holla at you?

Uh, sure. What's up?

Why are you being weird right now?

Like you don't know your dad
scared the hell out of me.

[CHUCKLES] OK. Fair.

This whole time, I
thought you was avoiding me

because of what happened at the game.

I was so self-centered, I
didn't realize what tomorrow,

or, I guess, today was.

I'm sorry, Meen.

- You don't owe me an apology.
- I do.

I should have been there for you,

then maybe you wouldn't have had
to lean so hard on a stranger.

- You mean KJ?
- Whatever.

- [CHUCKLES]
- What I'm trying to say is I'm proud of you.

What you said up there on those steps

was hella inspiring.

Took a lot of grown-woman courage
to be able to be that vulnerable.

AMINA: I'm sorry, could you
repeat that last part again?

- The grown part.
- [CHUCKLING] So you got jokes now.

I guess that's good.

So this mean we can pick
up where we left off?

- The good part, at least?
- AMINA: Remind me.

Which good part?

It's been so, so long.

So you just got a whole
comedy routine written up, huh?

- Oh, I'm just getting started.
- [CHUCKLES]

[FOOTSTEPS RETREATING]

Mm-hmm.

Hey, where you find that?

Uh, yo, come on.

Can a girl eat in peace?

Well, I thought we ran out hours ago.

- No, we didn't.
- [CHUCKLES]

Well, the way you tearin' up them greens

can only mean one thing...

tipsy munchies.

Hey, how did you know?

I can sense those glossy,

brown liquor eyes a mile away.

[SIGHS]

Tsk. Look...

the panel turned into office hours,

then turned into after office hours

and, you know, Breonna,
she was just... she was just

helping me with some law
stuff that I was bumping on.

And before I knew it,

a bottle of cognac was
coming out the drawer.

Oh, so y'all on a first-name basis?

And was the cognac the only
thing that came out of the drawer?

She's my professor, so yes.

Look... [SIGHS]... I
been a teacher long enough

to know that I would never
offer my students alcohol

unless it was something more,

even if they were adults.

Bro, I... I am still happily
with Patience, remember?

It's not you that I'm worried about.

It's your professor
that I'm questioning.

Just keep your eyes open, all right?

AMINA: Hey, uh, I've
been looking for you.

[CHUCKLES] Yeah, the same, but first,

how does it feel to be
on cloud nine? [CHUCKLES]

- You earned it.
- AMINA: Thanks.

I couldn't have done
it without your help,

and that's kind of what I wanted
to talk to you about, but you first.

Uh, actually, I could wait.

- Yeah, ladies first.
- AMINA: OK, um,

apparently, us hanging out
caught Khalil's attention,

in a good way, and I
think he's jealous of you,

or rather, the idea of you and me.

- He thinks there's a you and me?
- Maybe. I dunno.

But he keeps looking this
way and he called me grown

and, oh, my God, I'm rambling
again, so I'm just gonna say it.

What do you think about
being my boyfriend?

My fake boyfriend.

It would just be for a while, you know,

to test out this whole jealousy theory?

And... oh, my God. I cannot
believe I just said that.

Forget it. It's stupid and
childish, and it's too much to ask,

and I'm gonna go anywhere else but here.

KJ: Hey, no, um...

I'll do it.

Yeah, if you...

need a fake boyfriend,

yeah, I'm in, if that's
what you really want.

- Thanks.
- Oh.

I owe you big.

AMINA: OK, so, your turn next.

Uh, what did you need
to talk to me about?

Um... ahem... nothing.

Hmm, hey, man.

Let me holla at you real quick, man.

[SIGHS]

What are you doing here?

Mr. Simms is already
mad we broke in once.

Man, look, if anybody
come asking about me,

you gonna say I dropped you
off at exactly 8:00 tonight.

But you didn't.

Dad, I thought we were done with this.

- I dropped you off...
- [SIGHS]

at 8:00.

Say it.

Dropped me off at 8:00.

I knew you'd come
through for your old man.

MARQUI: Have a good night, son.

[DOOR CLANGS OPEN]

[DOOR CLANGS SHUT]

[FIST THUMPS WALL]

MAN: Greg, move your head!