A Season for Love (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Action.

Cut.

- I need some d*ck.

- Sounds personal.

Girl, let's go out.

No. I just want

to chill at home.

I haven't had a night off

in forever.

This is sad.

Why? Why is it sad?

Why can't I just stay at home

and watch a movie in peace? Why?

Everything about it is sad.

Plus, you need some d*ck, too.

- I don't.

- But you do.

You really do.

Please?

Please, please, please?

You're not gonna

let this go, are you?

Nope.

- Fine, I'll go.

- Let's go.

I was thinking I could wear

the red top, and you...

Wake up.

I know you ain't asleep.

No, I'm not.

Just give me a minute.

I'll put on something cute.

Mm-hmm.

I'll be waiting.

Oh, man.

Bro, can we--

can we adjust

the brightness or something?

I can always adjust

the exposure.

I can't look at this

right now.

Look, I need a break.

Bro, we gotta knock this out.

The film festival deadlines is

coming up soon.

I'm telling you.

Let's just step away

for a few hours

and come back

in the morning with fresh eyes.

All right, but one night.

One night.

Then we knock this out.

All right?

Exactly.

Come on.

I know a place

we can get some drinks.

...going to get

something to drink.

Okay...

- Good night?

- Yes.

Yes, it is.

Hi, there.

Hi.

I see you're

just standing here alone.

I was wondering

if... I could join you.

Sure, sure.

So, uh...

what brings you to the bar?

Um, I thought I needed

a change of scenery.

Work has been...

really tough lately, so.

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Work can be really...

real stressful sometimes.

- Uh-huh.

- Yeah.

Uh-huh.

So, do you come here

often or...

Um... no, actually.

I, for whatever reason,

decided to go out tonight.

- Right.

- Tonight.

- Right.

- Yeah. Uh-huh.

I'm sorry,

I'm not into this...

- No, it's-- it's okay.

- ...talking to strangers

- kind of thing.

- It's okay.

But I appreciate you

for trying.

- Right.

- Yes.

Not good at small talk.

Yeah.

Well, it was nice

meeting you.

- Uh-huh.

- Even though

- I totally bombed that.

- It's okay.

It's not about how well you do.

It's about the effort.

So...

Right.

Yeah, you're right.

Mm-huh.

I'll let you enjoy

your drink, um...

maybe I'll see you around.

Maybe.

Okay.

Oh...

Swing and a miss.

Whatever, bro.

Thank you, Nikki.

That is the last time

I'll ever go out with you.

Just leave me here.

Wonderful.

Hey.

Hey... again.

Nice and early.

- Going home so soon?

- I am.

My girl left me,

so I am going home.

Not really the type

to be at the club alone.

Dang, she left you?

That's whack.

Yeah, it is.

- My name's Malik, by the way.

- Sam.

It's nice to formally meet you

this time, I guess.

Yeah.

Nice to meet you again.

We're gonna try

this small talk thing again?

Nah, nah.

Yeah, the club's

not really my thing.

I'm more of a...

nice lounge,

something like that.

That's more my vibe.

The club, I don't really--

- you know what I'm saying?

- Yeah... me, too.

Um...

looks like my ride is here.

It was really nice

to meet you...

- Malik.

- Malik, Malik, Malik.

- Nice to meet you, too.

- You too.

I mean, yeah, yes.

See you later.

Looks like mine's here, too.

So...

Yeah?

What do you do for a living?

I'm a filmmaker.

That's cool.

Thanks.

Have I seen any of your work?

Uh... probably not.

- I'm sure it's good.

- I'd like to think so.

- What do you do?

- I'm a doctor.

- Oh, really?

- Yeah.

- That's dope.

- Thank you.

- What kind?

- Cardiologist.

- So you deal with the heart?

- Yes.

That's dope.

It's just that

I have been working

really, really late nights

at the hospital,

and tonight was supposed

to be my night off,

and I was supposed to be

with my friend,

but she left me

at the club, so...

Let's not waste

a good night off.

I know a few good spots

we could eat uptown.

I could eat.

I could eat.

Oh, okay.

Driver, can you stop us here?

Okay.

Shove over here.

- Yeah.

- Uh-huh, I see.

Taking the outside, good.

- Yeah.

- I was raised right, man.

My mom said, "You always

got to make sure that...

the lady on the inside,

guy got to be closer

to the street,"

hold the doors, all that.

- All that good stuff.

- Chivalry is a lost art.

It is.

And it's sad, too.

- Yeah.

- It's kind of

nostalgic, actually.

Yeah, you're right.

Shouldn't be, but...

I'm actually kind of

nostalgic in a way.

Yeah? How so?

I don't know, man.

I like-- I like the--

the classic stuff.

'90s R&B,

all that good stuff.

You know?

Classic movies.

That's part of the reason

why I don't like the club.

It's like I don't--

I don't get the music--

Yeah. I think

we all can agree

that whatever

they're playing nowadays

is nowhere near

as good as '90s R&B.

Right.

Well. Yeah.

Well, here we go.

- Food truck?

- Yeah.

Right here.

- It's the best in the city.

- Best-- okay.

Best in the city.

Trust me. Trust me.

You're gonna see.

- Okay.

- You're gonna see, come on.

Okay... this is pretty good.

- See, I told you.

- You're right.

You got it.

You got it. It's good.

It's the best in the city

right here.

Uh, okay. All right.

It is good, though.

It is good.

So, Mr. Filmmaker,

what movies or directors

inspire you?

Um...

Definitely Spike.

Mm, I'm sure.

"Do The Right Thing,"

"She's Gotta Have It."

- Absolutely.

- Yeah. Classics.

- Uh-huh.

- John Singleton.

Antoine Fuqua.

And I like what

Ryan Coogler's doing, too.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

My favorite work is

definitely "Love Jones."

- Really?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

- That's my favorite.

What's your favorite part?

Man, so many dope parts

in there. Um...

maybe the poem.

One of them was

just a booty call.

It was the smoothest

booty call ever.

All right...

I guess... okay.

But I think, um...

what's so great is the...

it's just great art,

you know?

Great representation

of us Black people,

you know?

The vulnerability.

Like, we need more stories

like that, you know?

Yeah, I agree.

Is that

what your work's like?

Yeah, I try to...

I try to recreate that,

emulate that.

Especially the vulnerability

aspect of it, you know?

Don't get me wrong,

there's a place

for the street films,

hood films.

There's truth

in those stories.

It's just not

my truth, you know?

It's not my representation.

Well, I for sure have to see

one of your movies now.

For sure.

- Yeah.

- Okay.

- Maybe.

- Maybe?

Well, why not?

Ah!

'Cause you can't handle

my review, of course.

Duh. What?

Oh, so you're

a movie critic now?

- I am a movie critic now.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

- Okay.

I can imagine...

I don't know,

maybe you could make

a bigger name for yourself

in a bigger city

like Atlanta or LA or New York.

Why stay here?

'Cause I'm from here.

And I like it here.

I think there's a scene here

full of untapped potential,

you know, energy.

My grandparents

actually had a spot

in the Brooklyn neighborhood.

In the '60s,

they tore it down.

I guess you could call it

the first...

wave of G*ntrification.

Anyway, it was

a vibrant Black community.

Yeah, I hear you.

I actually grew up

in Cherry neighborhood,

a few minutes from uptown.

When I was growing up,

I knew all my neighbors.

It was like you felt safe.

You felt like

the community was, like,

looking over you

at all times.

Now, if you try

to get a place over there,

you can't even get one

unless you got

a few million to your name.

They done priced

everybody out.

But...

I don't know,

some say...

once the communities left,

the... culture left.

I don't agree.

I still love my city,

you know?

I think you can find

a culture, you just gotta

look... look

at the right places for it.

But to answer

your question, yes,

there's a Black art scene

that's thriving here

in Charlotte.

No, it's not Atlanta.

It's not Chicago.

It's different.

There's an energy here,

definitely.

But why?

Why Charlotte for you?

I'm a transplant, just like

a lot of other people here.

So...

- Cool.

- You're a unicorn.

There's not a lot of you

left here. Special.

Appreciate that.

But I...

also went to school here,

and I...

just decided to stay.

I loved it here.

So, I finished

my residency, and...

now I'm thinking about

opening up a practice here

and serving the community,

so we'll see.

That's dope.

You've helped so many people.

I think so, yeah.

- Yeah.

- I think so.

But I know my dad...

wants me to come back home

and work for him, so...

it's a lot to think about.

At least

you got options, right?

Yes, I do.

A lot of options.

Cool.

- Is that us?

- Yes. Yes, it is.

Sam? Girl,

where have you been?

- Oh, Nikki.

- Oh, my God.

- I was so worried about--

- You were not worried about me.

You took one look at that guy

and you left.

- Oh, yeah.

- Yeah.

Yeah, and his name was,

like, Justin.

- Or was it James?

- Oh, girl.

It was something

that started with a J.

But whoa!

That was a good night.

Anyway, seems like

you had fun tonight.

Don't start.

How you doing?

- My name is Malik.

- Hi, Malik.

You guys had fun today?

Good time.

Oh-- ooh,

driver, driver, hey!

Um, can you

drop him off first?

We don't really want him

to know where we live.

Oh, my God,

Nikki, please.

He could be, like,

a serial k*ller or something.

She has a point.

Driver, can you

drop me off first?

I'll pay extra if I need to.

Hmm.

- And what are you doing?

- I want to see your movie.

- Yeah?

- Mm-hmm.

It's not out yet.

- I know you have a copy.

- Yeah, I do.

- So?

- Are you serious?

- I wanna see it.

- All right.

- Malik, I know where you live.

- Go home.

- Good morning.

- Good morning.

- Coffee?

- Yes, thank you.

- So...

- So?

How'd you enjoy the movie?

Didn't really watch

that much of it.

I was a little preoccupied.

- Oh, yeah?

- Yeah.

I mean, I guess that means

you just gotta come back by.

- Oh, yeah?

- See it again.

I don't think

this is the best place

to watch it if you want me

to focus on it.

- Why is that?

- You know why.

Oh, that is my ride.

So, when will

I see you again?

I don't know.

You have my number.

Use it.

Mmm.

Yeah, you left the spot

last night.

What'd you end up doing?

I just, you know,

got something to eat and,

you know,

took a Uber home.

So... uneventful, huh?

- Yeah.

- Lying, bro.

Who was the little girl

- we saw you leaving with?

- You peeped that.

I did.

It was just good conversation.

That's it.

Yeah. All right.

You ready to get into this?

- Yeah.

- All right, man.

Need you to focus.

Deadline's coming up.

Yeah, I got you.

See, the time is off on this.

I feel like this scene

could flow better.

I think if...

if you just switch

the camera angles,

it'll be...

yeah, I think

that'd make it better, yeah.

All right, cool.

Uh... Malik.

- Yo, Malik.

- What's up?

Where the f*ck are you

right now, bro?

Gotta get this picture

locked in.

My bad, bro.

My bad, my bad...

Okay, that wasn't

just no conversation.

Oh, she put that sh*t

on you, huh?

So, we started

a conversation,

and then...

you know,

end up going home.

I showed her

a cut of the film.

- This film?

- Yeah.

This isn't ready

for anyone to see, what--

Bro, relax. I mean, the film

was basically watching us.

Yo, you are

a hopeless romantic.

All that love at first sight

sh*t is for the movie.

That sh*t ain't got

nothing to do with love.

- It was just sex, bro.

- Yeah.

All right, well,

can we get back to work now?

Yeah, let's go.

You see what I'm saying

about it running smoother?

The angle you gave me was

right, I just...

Yeah, I still feel like

some of the brightness,

I don't know type of sh*t--

Here you go with

this exposure bullshit. God.

So, how was your night

last night?

Shouldn't I be

asking you that?

Girl, please.

Went out, got some d*ck,

went home.

End of story.

Yeah, except

you forgot the part

where you left

your homegirl at the club.

Uh...

You don't even

remember his name.

It was Jared.

And I gave him my number.

And I don't know why,

but he won't stop texting me,

and it's so annoying.

And last time I checked,

you were

on your own little adventure.

My adventure was

me getting an Uber home

because you left me.

- Hmm, here you go.

- I felt like being spontaneous.

- So dramatic.

- Oh.

Well, other than that,

what happened after?

Well, nothing, really.

We somehow ended up

in the same Uber,

so we just got some food.

Girl, that's not

what I'm talking about.

I mean, after the Uber.

We watched a movie.

- A movie?

- Mm-hmm.

- We watched a movie.

- Yeah, bullshit.

- We did.

- You gonna call him?

- Probably.

- Mm-hmm. Yeah.

- You gonna call him?

- I probably will.

Yup.

Yeah, man, we good.

I'm actually submitting

to the film festivals right now.

Yeah, man, I got a good--

good feeling about this one.

I do, got a good feeling

about this.

I actually have a meeting

with the sales agent,

and, you know,

once, he said,

when we get into

a few film festivals,

we can talk strategy.

In the meantime,

I'm about to start

writing the next one,

you know.

Okay.

All right, cool.

But I'ma holler at you.

Peace.

Oh, my God.

Let me see...

- Make sure you hydrate it.

- Mm-hmm.

- Congratulations on your film.

- Thank you.

Work is far from done, though.

What do you mean?

It means... it's kind of

out of my hands now.

Just gotta wait for it

to be selected

by a film festival.

Kind of nerve-wracking.

I think it'll be great.

Yeah?

You stress too much.

Shouldn't worry about it.

It'll work out.

- Yeah, you're right.

- Mm-hmm.

In the meantime, I'm trying

to make the next film.

What's stopping you?

It's lacking inspiration.

What's that?

This is an old film camera

used for home movies.

There you go,

being nostalgic again.

You want to be my muse?

- Really?

- Yeah.

Okay, I'll do it.

That's my good side.

Just stop.

- It's so cute.

- Oh, stop.

Stop!

Man, damn.

What's on your mind?

Nothing.

Something's got you out here.

You can talk to me.

The film didn't

get selected

for two of the film festivals

we submitted it to.

Sorry.

It's like they don't...

appreciate positive Black art.

But if it was

a crime series,

they would've ate

that sh*t up, you know?

You still have your...

film premiere though, right?

That'll be good.

I don't know

what that's going to do.

It's like

they don't wanna see...

layered African Americans

on screen.

If you're not playing

some type of thug...

crime boss, sl*ve...

or trying to help

some white man,

just-- they don't

want to see it.

People do want to see

themselves represented.

And there is a market

for what you're creating,

you just can't give up.

I poured everything

into this, Sam.

Everything.

So every rejection

from the film festivals,

it's like money wasted,

just gone.

Maybe it's time for me

to just...

reevaluate some things.

My film career.

My approach.

Hell, maybe even my life.

I know it can seem like...

every time you don't get

immediate results, it's a waste.

I know what that feels like.

And it's not true.

And you're investing

in yourself

and your future

and your community.

Yeah, I don't know, Sam.

"Tears of the Sun,"

"Black Panther,"

"Miracle at St. Anna,"

- "Love Jones."

- What are you talking about?

All of these are classics.

And if Ryan Coogler

or Spike Lee

or Antoine Fuqua

had given up

because of a few rejections,

we wouldn't have any of those.

You're up next,

so you have to keep going.

Okay?

Hey, sweetheart.

- Hi, Dad.

- How is everything?

Everything's good.

I know you are glad that

that residency is almost over.

You can finally start

making some real money.

I did not become a cardiologist

to have some money, Dad.

Yes, I know.

I know. I know.

You want

to help people, right?

Just like your mother.

Yes. I want to start

my own practice

to help our people.

Heart attacks are among

the leading health concerns

of African American people.

Not to mention lower income.

This is true.

But look,

at least come work

for me, right?

Uh...

If you really want

to help people,

you can come work for me,

and there are patients

that-- that can pay, right?

ook, starting your own practiceL

is not easy. It's a lot.

- Yeah.

- Sweetheart, listen.

Just-- Just think

about it, right?

Plus, you can be closer

to your mom and I.

We miss you.

Fine.

I'll think about it.

Oh, girl,

I thought you were sleeping.

- This is Jared.

- Hi.

- Sorry!

- We'll talk about this later.

You could have put the lid down

on the toilet seat.

My bad.

What you writing

in that notebook anyway?

None of your business.

Come on, tell me

what you writing in it.

- What is that?

- It's nothing.

- Is it a diary?

- No. What am I, 12?

It's a book of poems.

- Poems?

- Yes.

Let me...

Let me hear some.

No.

Come on, let me hear some.

Let me hear some.

It's not that good.

I'm sure they good,

let me listen.

- Are you gonna judge me?

- No, I won't.

- Do you promise?

- I promise.

All right, then.

Let's see.

Hmm.

"In the gallery of life,

our love is a masterpiece.

A canvas brushed with hues

of mahogany and midnight

where every stroke

tells a tale of resilience,

of hearts bound together,

creating an enduring art.

Mahogany, rich and deep,

like the roots of our heritage.

Beneath the soil it intertwines

strong and unseen,

its warmth, a reflection

of our ancestors' embrace,

nurturing our love.

A legacy passed down

through dreams."

- Are you listening?

- I'm listening.

Okay.

"Our love,

an ebony night sky,

infinite and serene,

each star a moment of joy

or whisper of promises kept.

In the shadows of twilight

we find our sanctuary.

Two souls dancing

in the rhythm of unity,

step by step.

Amber sunsets kiss our skin,

a tender glow of passion

illuminating our journey,

painting paths of golden light.

In the storm's fury

we stand as an oak,

unyielding,

rooted in our devotion.

Our branches

reaching for the sky.

The deep blue of the ocean

mirrors our emotions,

vast and unfathomable,

yet tranquil and sure.

Waves of affection crashing

against the shores of time,

crafting sculptures of love,

ever-changing, pure.

In the crimson of dawn

we see our future's promise,

a horizon ablaze with dreams,

radiant and true.

With every heartbeat

our colors blend and blossom,

creating a masterpiece

where Black love is our muse.

So, let our love be the art

that adorns life's gallery,

a tapestry woven with hues

of mahogany and night

for in the symphony of colors

our story is told,

a testament to Black love,

timeless, bold and bright."

Sam, that was amazing.

You're just saying that.

No, I'm not.

I'm being so serious.

See, I told you

you was an artist.

Well, thank you.

Why don't you, like,

host a open mic night,

- or something like that?

- No.

- You know?

- No.

White people.

I mean, you got to give...

You got to share that

with the world.

I can't do that.

- Why not?

- Because...

I'm not that good.

Not yet.

Besides, I just need you.

You know?

Notes? Notes.

Well done.

Yeah, well done.

You're supposed to be like,

"Yeah, thank you," but not.

- "I appreciate it," huh?

- Yeah, yeah, welcome. But--

Right, there's always

the f*cking "but," you know?

I did love it. I thought

the cinematography was great,

where you talked

about your talent.

The script was amazing.

Doesn't get much better.

I loved it.

You know, like I said,

if I had more time,

I'd... watch it again, you know.

It's good stuff.

Congrats, bud.

There's really never...

a good way to say this,

you know,

because it is a good script.

We just...

We just talked about that.

It's more that, uh...

this kind of stuff is just

not hot on the market right now.

As far as the businesses, right?

I just don't know

we can do much with that.

We need something...

more street,

you know what I mean?

That's... That's what's hot,

something street.

That's what the kids are on.

You gotta think about the kids.

And they're the next up

in the market.

They listen

to f*cking hip hop, right?

You know, something like

a rapper name or something.

Put a "Lil" in front of it.

Just... anything.

Something like that.

What do you think about that?

You know what?

I think I'm just gonna, um...

think I'm just gonna

self-distribute this one.

No, self-dis...

See, not... Like, that's...

- Sure.

- No, that's the thing.

That's... That's the...

And I... listen,

I appreciate

and respect the confidence,

but you're gonna

f*ck yourself right there.

You're gonna make

no f*cking money back.

It's ROI, right?

Grab a Lemonhead. Relax.

Let's talk.

- Bro--

- Let's talk about

some solutions, right?

I'm a solutions guy.

- I'm not trying to k*ll you.

- Right.

Listen,

I'm trying to make money.

I like you.

You know that I like you.

Listen, Malik,

I don't got a lot of time.

Yeah, it may look like

I'm starting out, but hey,

I'm making

a couple dollars, okay?

My time's worthy.

And I had you here.

So what I will do for you...

touch base

with the distributors.

Look, I'm gonna talk to him

for you.

And we'll get them out

to the screen.

If maybe,

possibly I would like to.

That's the goal.

We'll get them out...

and we'll go from there.

You know what I'm saying?

Like, we'll see what we can do.

You don't even

get a festival, bro.

Really, all you got is me

right now.

- So, what do you say?

- I guess I have no choice--

You have a choice. Right?

I'm--I'm...

I'm telling you,

that's the path to take.

The self-distribution, like...

Who the f*ck has done that

and done it well?

Like, I just...

I'll wait. You know

what I'm saying? Like, nobody.

Like, this is not...

This is not a thing.

You seem open to suggestions,

right?

And I appreciate you coming by

with love.

We'll talk soon.

You walk...

I'll walk you out.

- Yeah, appreciate you.

- I walk you out.

Got everything?

Wallet, phone, keys?

- Yeah.

- You shouldn't be

another body, brother.

Man, this... This project

was supposed to be the one, man.

How much money

you got tied up in this?

sh*t. Too much.

And if I don't get distribution,

I'm just going to be wasting

my own personal money.

I don't know.

Maybe I should just write

the characters

they want me to write.

Look, man, you got a gift.

These white Hollywood execs

don't know sh*t.

Yeah, but they

the gatekeepers though, bro.

So we hop the f*cking fence.

Look, I'm tired of seeing

street hustlers,

p*mps and ballers.

We're more than that, man.

Look, I'm tired of seeing

this sh*t on screen again.

sh*t, me too.

That's why I directed this one.

And it's perfect. Look, man,

don't change a thing, all right?

At the screening, they'll see.

This...

I can't afford

to not have distribution.

Bro, once they see your work,

just be ready with the next one

'cause the studios

will be calling.

Next week.

Ain't no next one. I can't...

I ain't been able to get

the next one down on paper.

Yeah, what's going on with you?

You normally bust a script out

in no time.

Sam. I just been

spending a lot of time with Sam.

Oh, I see

the love bugging b*tch.

- I told your a*s.

- Ain't nothing like that, man.

We just chilling.

I already told you.

n*gga, who you trying

to convince, me or yourself?

Whatever, man.

Take it from a brother

with experience.

The dumbest n*gga

in the world is the one

who knows he's in love and tries

to convince himself he's not.

You only get

one soulmate in life, man.

Don't mess around losing,

being stupid.

Like I said, we just chilling.

That ain't got nothing to do

with love or none of that.

We chilling.

Me and her, chilling.

Okay, cool.

That's good.

'Cause... that actress

I was telling you about?

- Mm-hmm.

- Just showed up.

Hey, how are you?

Oh, Anna, this is

the talented writer/director

I was telling you about, Malik.

Malik, this is Anna.

Anna, it's nice to meet you.

It's nice to meet you as well.

I actually watched a short film

you did a while back.

- Oh, really?

- Yes.

- How'd you like it?

- I liked it.

I actually liked it a lot.

And I've been hoping

to get a chance

to work with you ever since.

Well, this is perfect timing.

Malik is actually in the process

of writing his next project.

- Oh, yeah?

- Yeah, yeah.

I'm actually in the process

of doing some brainstorming.

Oh. Any chance

there's a part in it for me?

- Yeah, possibly.

- Lay it on me.

Well, since you're still

in the brainstorming phase,

maybe I can help you out

with some of those ideas.

We'll take you up on that offer.

Yeah, that would be...

- That'll be helpful.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

- Well, it seems

like you guys

are getting along just fine.

I'm gonna let you two

get to work

on the brainstorming

and I'll... bounce.

So you do that.

So...

What do you do outside of work?

Uh, you know, like,

try to take it easy sometimes.

You know,

you go hiking or, like,

read some books, go to the gym,

something like that.

- Go to the gym?

- Yeah, you know,

gotta keep the physique

together, and all that.

I like a man

that work out.

What about you?

Oh, I be in the gym

sometimes myself.

- Oh, yeah?

- I like to... work out.

- Hi.

- Hi. I'm Sam.

- I'm here for a job interview.

- Oh, okay, Sam.

Well, you know,

just have a seat,

and I'll let the doctor know

that you're here.

Thank you.

Spelman for undergrad.

Uh-huh.

And the Howard University

for medical school.

Yes. Yes.

I went there as well.

Oh, okay.

And is your dad Dr. Allen?

Yes.

- Yes, he is.

- Hmm.

Very interesting. His practice

is doing very well up in D.C.,

- from what I understand.

- Yes, it is.

So...

I have to be honest.

Why do you want to work here?

I feel really passionately

about providing affordable

health care for everyone,

regardless of income.

And I know that your clinic

provides essential services

for the community, and I really

want to be a part of that.

I appreciate that,

but I have to be honest, Sam.

This is a demanding job

with long hours.

It's hard to have a family,

let alone a relationship.

I'm aware.

And I'm willing

to make sacrifices

in order to work here.

That's great to hear.

Now, if this is really

what you want to do,

I want you to take

a few days and think about it.

And if you decide that this is

where you really want to be,

I will be happy

to offer you a job.

Thank you.

I'm a really hard worker

and I'm really dedicated

to my patients.

I can tell.

I mean, you know.

- Ain't you?

- You know.

Hey...

- Thank you, Dr. Smith.

- You're welcome.

- Back to your fine dad.

- Uh...

- How's he doing?

- He's good. Yeah.

When you taste this,

you don't really like it.

Okay, we'll see.

Maybe let's just hold off

and--

One of my special recipes.

You know what I'm saying?

Okay.

Here, hollup,

let me get it.

up ahead.

- Uh-huh.

- Here, try this.

What you think?

Ooh. Mm...

What, you saying

I can't cook?

No. I'm not saying that.

That's good.

It's good. I just...

felt a little nauseous.

You all right?

Yeah, I think so.

Just felt sick.

- Hmm.

- But that's good, that's cool.

It's good.

I mean, you know,

they call me

Malik... Flay...

- They don't.

- ...chef with no way...

- you know what I'm saying?

- Okay.

...doing my thing.

Okay.

It's not really good.

I forgot to ask you

about your interview.

- How did it go?

- It went good.

So they offered me

the job on the spot.

They said it's mine

if I want it.

- And she went to Howard, too.

- Really?

- Uh-huh.

- Oh, that's good.

- Yes.

- Congratulations, I see,

like the whole alumni network

working out for you.

Anything like that? Good.

She went to school

with my dad,

and I'm pretty sure they did it.

- Really?

- Like a lot.

- Oh, that's wild.

- Yeah.

- That's wild.

- Actually.

Wow.

It's crazy.

Oh, I got a film event

to go to tonight.

Oh, so we're not going to hang

out and celebrate my new job?

No. I'm sorry.

Tye hit me up

at the last minute and said...

he got a couple people

he want to introduce me to.

So... I ain't gonna be

hanging with you tonight.

But, look, I'm gonna make it up

to you, all right?

I'll make it up.

- Okay.

- Okay.

Now I'm about to get

some more of this,

'cause, you know, my cooking...

I told you,

it's really like that.

- I don't--

- Yes. Okay.

Like, let's not blow it

out of proportion.

Came out really good.

Really good.

Wasn't that good.

But okay.

It's-- It's...

pretty good.

Hey, Malik.

Dude, how you doing?

What's up, Randy?

How you doing?

Doing good, man. I'm good.

Good to see you.

What you been working on?

I just got a film

in South Bay and Sundance.

- Really?

- Yeah. Yeah.

- Wow. Congrats.

- Thank you, man.

- Good.

- Aren't you working

on something as well?

Yeah, yeah,

but it's not a...

it's not

a festival project.

Oh, cool. Okay.

What studio is backing?

Um... I'm actually gonna, um,

self-distribute this one.

Ah. Cool. Cool.

Good luck with that.

Thanks.

Hey, man.

Forget about him.

Hard not to, man.

He got everything

that I want.

First, the process.

Stories that matter

come from real life sh*t.

You can't be cooped up

in the house thinking of ideas.

The best ideas come from

experiences and feeling sh*t.

Remember that.

Yeah, you right.

So, what does he do?

You know, he's eccentric.

You know? He's figuring out

what he wants to do.

He's creative and, like...

I don't know, he's just

kind of enjoying life,

being present in the moment.

That's a big thing.

- So, unemployed.

- Okay. For now.

- Okay.

- For now.

But he's gonna figure out

what he wants

and that takes time, so yeah.

Anyway, I mean,

you've been spending

a lot of time with Malik lately.

Yes.

I don't know.

I think it could be something.

I guess that means you can stop

being mad at me

for leaving you that night.

Uh, no,

because that was f*cked.

- Okay.

- And you broke girl code

and now he's staying over.

Yeah, you weren't supposed

to find out about that one.

I don't know. I haven't heard

from Malik in a few days.

I know he's busy

with his film premiere

and waiting to send his script

to his agent.

It's...

I'm sure he'll figure it out.

Don't worry.

I hope so.

Just feel like

he doesn't have time for me.

If he's not worried about you,

you shouldn't be

worried about him.

- Nikki.

- I'm just saying,

if he wants to get to know you

and he cares,

he'll take the time.

That's all I'm saying.

I'll keep that in mind.

Yeah, you should.

Ugh, he is so annoying.

God, it's my dad.

He wants me to come to D.C.,

and work at his practice.

Well, at least

you'll have a job lined up.

That's not what I wanna do

and he knows that.

So now he's just throwing

numbers at me to get me to cave.

How much are we talking?

500K?

Okay, let me know if you're

gonna turn that down,

because I have student loans.

And if you're not gonna take it,

I'll take it.

That is a lot of money, though.

Girl, 500K? Yeah.

But it's not

what I want to do, though.

And his practice

doesn't serve the community

that I wanna serve.

I had an interview

at a Westside Clinic

and I was so excited.

They need a cardiologist,

and I know I can

make a difference there.

Sam, look, we all wanna

make a difference,

but you can't do that

if you're starving

and you're full of debt.

It's just something

to think about.

Yeah.

500K. Hmm.

Text Sharon about this.

Why are you texting?

Just 500k.

You won't believe this, girl.

She's getting 500K.

Everything's fine.

Hmm.

Everything's fine.

It's too much wine.

Too much wine.

You know

to never drink that much.

Everything is...

- You good?

- Uh-huh.

Good. So about this money...

- It's so much money.

- It's so much money.

You're crazy to turn that down.

If I were you,

I would be packed up right now.

I'd FaceTime my dad

and be like, "I am on my way."

And think about it,

all the stuff

you can do

with that money.

Sam, if you save it...

Because you do save,

because you are order,

then you can buy a house.

Oh, girl, that wasn't a diss.

- I'm just being honest.

- Sounded like a diss.

- Hey...

- Hey.

- How you doing?

- I'm fine. How are you doing?

- It's good to see you, too.

- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

- Glad you made it.

- Thank you.

- Little coffee.

- Hello.

How did you know I like coffee?

- How you been?

- All right.

Can't even complain.

So where are you

with the script?

Well, um, as you ask,

the story is actually

about a young woman who falls

in love with an older man.

- Hmm.

- But, uh...

their love is forbidden

because...

they come

from different worlds.

So...

That sounds familiar

and interesting.

Ooh.

Yeah. I think...

I think the role can be yours.

Mine? Not mine.

- Yep.

- You think I could do that?

- Thank you. I'm excited.

- I'm excited too.

Well, I'll be in London

next week,

so how about I say

we catch up when I get back?

Yeah, that's cool.

That sound good.

That sound good.

What you got going on on Monday?

sh**ting, working,

working, sh**ting.

They pulling me

in every direction,

so I'm always busy,

but I got time.

I hear that.

That's good to be busy.

I'm busy, too. Just writing

on the next script.

- That's it.

- Oh, so busy people.

sh*t.

sh*t.

sh*t.

Hello?

Hey. What's up?

Yeah.

Malik.

I thought we were supposed to

be spending time together today.

Yeah, we are. Just...

gotta finish the script.

Really tired of coming

second place to your work.

It's like you don't even

have time for me.

- That's not even true.

- Yes, it is.

And when you're not working,

you're talking to Anna.

What does Anna

have to do with this?

- Nothing.

- No. Hell, no.

You interrupted my concentration

now, so I guess I'm free.

What do you want

to do today, Sam? Huh?

I want us to be ends together.

'Cause right now

it just feels like it's me.

I don't want to feel

like I'm begging you

for your time

or that I'm bothering you.

I just want you to want me.

That's it.

It's like no matter what I do,

you're never satisfied.

I could be working on my script,

right?

But you right in front of me,

it's a problem.

I could put my script down

and tend to your needs,

and that's a problem.

It's like you... like...

What the hell

do you want from me?

I want you to talk to me

like you talk to Anna!

And how the hell

do I talk to Anna?

You tell me.

I heard you.

So now you listening

to my phone calls?

Yes, you're damn right I am.

Because when you sneak

out of bed late at night.

Yes, I'm listening.

Well, maybe if you understood

my writing process...

- I understood.

- I wouldn't have to sneak, huh?

If I understood.

Oh, so she understands?

Yeah, she understands. Yeah.

- She does.

- Anna understands your writing?

- Yeah.

- f*ck you.

f*ck you, Malik.

What? Sam.

Sam, wait.

I didn't even mean to--

Sam.

Damn.

What do you want, Malik?

Told you I wanted

to spend some time

with you today.

Now you want to spend time?

I'm not in the mood.

Sam, I'm sorry.

Okay? I've been writing

and working on the script,

but forget all that.

Let me...

Let me take you out today.

So let me get this straight.

You came here

with some flowers

that you probably

didn't even pick out yourself

and a whack-a*s apology

and you thought...

somehow this would be good?

Like, you thought

this would work? Yeah?

Thought it'd be a start.

Okay.

Thought it'd be a start.

And, uh, you did take

the flowers and--

Oh, okay.

Okay. Okay.

What's this?

This is open mic night

my boy's running.

I love this.

I know you love poetry, so...

thought you'd really like this.

Hey, hey, hey.

How y'all feeling tonight?

Feeling smooth?

Y'all still feeling the vibe?

All right,

let's keep that frequency going.

To my right, we have

a well-known poet

straight right here

from Charlotte.

But let me get y'all ready.

His words, it captures you.

His delivery, mmm,

it elevates your senses.

And his style,

it brings you into

his world of creativity.

So without further ado,

help me.

Let's show some love to the one

and only, Sir Abstract.

How y'all doing tonight?

I appreciate

y'all for having me.

I got this new piece

I'd like to share.

We just gonna

get straight into it.

You see, love has its own time,

its own season,

and its own reasons

for coming and going.

Sometimes we don't realize

that we are

in another season

until the climate changes.

And the last time I checked,

you can't be dressed

for two seasons at once.

When you begin

to fall out of love,

the heartbeats begin to fade,

like listening to an album

on a record player.

Just because the needle

continues to spin on the groove

doesn't mean that another song

is up next.

We sometimes have to accept

that this part of us is over.

And to not be afraid to flip it

over to its B side.

I remember when your lips

used to taste like forever,

when your touch felt like

Christmas came early.

I remember when you were

my escape.

Now it feels

like a holding cell.

Our love used to feel so alive,

now it feels

like there's a cut somewhere

and it won't stop bleeding and

now we are just holding cells.

You were the fireplace that made

me forget it was a cold winter.

I was your pumpkin spice and now

you're something hard to digest.

My taste buds

can't even fall for you anymore.

I wish that I knew

the keys to success

when it comes to a relationship.

I know business plans

are appropriate

for investment meetings,

but not when it comes

to exchanging I love yous.

"I'm sorry for my mistakes."

That my commitment seemed

misunderstood when I didn't

understand everything

that was going on with me.

And the one thing

that sucks about leaves

when they fall

from a tree is that you can

never seem to catch them

before they touch the ground.

And I go back and forth

on what that means.

And I'm not going to hold you,

although I want to hold you.

Even if that means you are truly

ready to fall from this tree.

Thank you.

Do you think it's true?

What he said about

some people only being

in your life for a season?

Some people, yeah.

I think those things tend to...

work themselves out.

Yeah.

That's what I think.

Anna?

Yeah. It's a five hour

time difference.

It's the only time

she can really talk.

I think I'm gonna take that job

that my dad offered me in D.C.

What?

Why?

I think it's the right move

for my career.

What about all those people

that you wanted to help

at the clinic?

People in D.C. need help too.

Is this about Anna?

No.

No.

I just...

I think our season is up.

Our season?

Okay.

Okay.

So, is your mind made up?

No, I'm still thinking about it.

How do you feel about it?

You know,

we're just chilling, right?

Gotta do what's best

for your career.

Gotta do what you gotta do.

Just chilling.

Hmm...

It's getting late.

Can you take me home, please?

Yeah.

Um... Hi, I'm here to see

Dr. Smith.

It's really important.

Okay, no problem.

She'll be right with you.

Just go have a seat.

Thank you.

Sam?

We're ready for you

to come back.

Come in.

- Hi.

- Hey.

- She's ready for you.

- Oh, thank you.

- She has some questions.

- Okay.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

Hi, Sam.

- Hi.

- How are you doing?

Okay.

So, do you have

any questions?

Um...

what should I expect?

So the nurse is

gonna come in here,

and she's gonna

give you your first pill,

and then we're gonna

send you home

with the next one

that you'll take tonight.

- Okay.

- Okay?

I also have some information

for you to look over.

But of course,

if you have any other questions,

you can always reach

out to me, okay?

- Okay.

- So this is for you.

You'll also find

additional information

- on your electronic chart.

- Okay, great.

It's gonna be all right.

Remember, you can

call me anytime

- if you have any questions.

- Thank you.

I know you decided not

to take the job,

but please know,

it's here for you,

when you're ready.

Okay, thank you.

- I'll send the nurse in.

- Thank you.

Go.

Come on.

You got one more.

Yo, what's going on, bro?

I don't know,

I'm good.

All right,

so that's bullshit

'cause you can normally

this weight with no problem.

So, what's really going on?

I just-- you know,

the script,

I got writer's block, and...

you know,

you know how that work.

Okay, so step away

from it, man.

You got time.

But I know this ain't

no writer's block,

so you gonna stop bullshitting

and tell me what the problem

really is?

Sam hit me with

some bullshit last night.

Ah, I see.

Yeah, said

she gonna leave,

go to D.C.

I thought it was nothing.

I mean, it is nothing,

man, you know?

It just...

just call me by surprise,

you know?

Man,

I told your a*s before, man.

Y'all not just chilling.

She got your a*s, bro.

I'm chilling, man.

I told you,

it's nothing, like--

like I said,

just caught me

by surprise, and...

you know, sex was good.

And I'm gonna

miss it, but...

All right,

well, that's it,

and it's not a big deal,

then let's get this weight.

- Come on.

- Yeah.

Sweet.

- Yeah.

- Oh!

Girl, I can't believe

you're moving.

Well, it's what's best

for me right now.

There's plenty

of opportunities here.

You don't have to go to D.C.

Plus, what about the clinic?

D.C. has clinics, too.

And I can help my dad and help

serve the community there.

I guess, but...

you know,

I'm going to miss you.

And what about Malik?

He told me to go.

Did he really?

Well, he didn't tell me to stay.

Well...

maybe he didn't

really want you to go.

Sometimes they think

about that.

Sam?

This is misoprostol.

Do you know what this is?

Of course I know what it is.

Are you...

Did you... Sam...

Sam!

Sam!

Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't want

anybody to know.

Does Malik know?

I didn't want

anybody to know.

Sam, you have to tell him.

You have to tell him.

Sam, you have to tell him.

You have to promise

that you won't

say anything to him.

Please.

Okay.

- Thank you.

- I won't say anything.

Sam?

Are you okay?

Sam!

Sam, it's okay.

Sam.

Sam, I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry, Sam.

Hey.

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry I wasn't there.

Coming.

Surprise. Yo.

Nikki, what you doing there?

What do you think

I'm doing here?

She made her choice.

Mm, from what I understand,

you told her to go.

I'm not tripping.

We were just chilling.

- And she should go.

- Mm-hmm.

Keep trying

to convince yourself that.

Look, she's leaving

tomorrow morning,

and look, I just think

you need to talk to her.

I said

I'm not tripping, okay?

We were just chilling.

And why do you care anyway?

My best friend is leaving

because of you.

And I can't just...

I can't tell you why,

but I can tell

you're bullshitting.

You know how you really

feel about her.

So stop and go.

Oh, and here you go.

I found it downstairs

with your name on it.

You know going

through people's mail is

- a federal crime, right?

- "Oh, going through

somebody's--"

Yeah, yeah, call the cops.

"Their lips meet

in a feverish kiss,

fueled by

the storm's intensity

and the raw emotion

between them.

Ernest's hands grasp

Judy's body

with a hunger

that ignites her own desires.

And she responds eagerly.

Fingers pulling

at his trousers

and loosening his belt."

Anna...

do you even like my script?

I mean, it's all right.

What? What?

So you telling me

you here just to get casted?

You don't even care

if the script is trash or not?

Listen, listen, listen.

All that matters is

I'm good,

so I can make it better.

I think you should leave.

You want

all of this to leave?

All-- All of this?

- Yeah, yeah.

- Really?

- you should go.

- All-- All of this?

Leave.

Bye.

Wow.

Sam! Sam! Sam!

Sam!

That's correct.

Mm-hmm.

I need you to cancel

all the appointments

for the rest of the day.

Yes, I have an appointment

with the president at 2:00.

No, we can't meet

with that company.

All right,

I'll get back with you.

And, plus, my doctor's here.

All right, thank you, bye-bye.

- Uh, Dr. Allen?

- Yes.

Well, I was expecting

your father.

I've taken over

a few of his patients.

- Oh, okay, fine.

- Yes.

So, I checked some

of your past test results.

I'm just here to make sure

everything is okay.

Okay.

Oh, that's good.

'Cause I've...

been under

a lot of stress lately.

- Understandable.

- Oh, dear. Congress.

Whoo.

So, I am just gonna

listen to your heart.

- Okay, take a deep breath in.

- Okay.

And out...

And in...

And out.

Okay, turn...

And in...

And out.

And one more turn.

- And out.

- Phew.

Everything looks great.

Your test results look great.

Oh, well,

that is good to know.

You know, I have to be

ready tomorrow

to filibuster.

Congressman Ryan's bill.

Congress, they're idiots.

You know, they could worry

the hair off an ape.

- Hah!

- Oh, I'm sorry.

But anyway,

I know your dad is glad

you're back in town,

'cause he--

I heard he was

planning on retiring.

Yes, he is not

ready to retire.

But I'm just glad to be back

so I can help out.

- Well, I'm glad you're here.

- Thank you.

- Thank you so much.

- Thank you.

Hey, sweetheart.

Hey, Dad.

You know, I've been hearing

some good things about you.

- You've been taking my rounds.

- Mm-hmm.

Got some good feedback

from the congresswoman.

- Good.

- And, oh,

and revenue has been up

this year since you've joined.

But I would expect nothing less

from my baby girl.

Thank you, Dad.

So, as a result,

I'm going to need you

to take up

Thursdays on your schedule.

Uh, but you know

I can't do Thursdays.

That's my pro bono day

at the clinic.

We had a deal, Dad.

Samantha, first of all,

"can't" is not

in our vocabulary.

And secondly, um...

your priority...

is here.

This is your job.

You are...

paid handsomely,

I might add.

This is like talking

to your mother-- um...

I need you here.

Am I clear?

Samantha... am I clear?

You said I could have

my Thursdays, Dad.

That's not what you said

earlier, but yes.

Not what I said earlier.

Hm, it's like we have

different understandings.

Well, um...

I need you

on Thursdays.

You'll get to do

that community stuff.

For now.

I need you to take that--

take on Thursdays.

Fine.

Love you.

Bro, this is

absolutely amazing.

Thanks, bro.

Takes a lot

to be this vulnerable.

This is gonna reach

a lot of people.

Yeah?

We'll see at the premiere.

I hear it's sold out.

Yeah, it is.

You ever call her?

No.

Well, I'ma go.

Rest up, man.

Tomorrow, it's all about you.

I appreciate it.

She played a profound

purpose in your life.

No matter how short

the amount of time was

y'all spent together,

she inspired this.

That's powerful.

See you tomorrow night, man.

What's up?

- Congrats, man.

- Thank you.

- I appreciate it.

- How's everything?

Pretty good, man...

How we looking?

How we looking?

We're looking good--

we're looking great.

We're looking phenomenal.

But hear me out.

- What's up?

- I got some distribution dudes.

Willing to tape

right now for you.

- Really?

- Really.

Man, close on the best one.

I'll do what I do...

do what I do best.

Yeah, and flip it around.

Either way, you get it.

Get it.

Hey, but listen,

you got Jennifer,

from "Variety."

Couple quick questions.

Something light,

little chitchat.

Be right here

if you need me.

- Cool.

- I'll introduce ya.

Jennifer, you busy?

You busy? Can I--

- Can I-- Can we--

- Hi.

- All right.

- How you doing, Jennifer?

- Good, how are you?

- Good.

Just had

a couple questions for you.

- Yeah.

- So what did you think

- about the film?

- I felt good about it, um,

and felt like it was

a good turnout at the premiere,

so, you know,

I'm excited about the future.

Yes, and what was

your inspiration behind it?

Someone really special to me.

Can we expect

even more films in the future?

- Hey... I'll be right.

- Okay.

- Hey.

- Hey.

- It's good to see you.

- You too.

Your film was amazing,

by the way.

- Thank you.

- Mm-hm.

You know, um...

- you're my inspiration.

- Yeah?

Anyway, I just wanted

to say congratulations.

Sam.

Why'd you leave?

If I stayed...

would you have been able

to do any of this?

I would have chose you.

- I know.

- I would have chose us.

I know.

That's why I left.

Well, you're here now.

And I...

And I choose you now.

Malik, you're going to LA,

and I'm in D.C.

I don't care about that.

I told you before...

our season is up.

But I don't want

a season, Sam.

I want forever.