Spencer: I appreciate you meeting with me
before the combine.
Oh, I prefer a home-cooked meal
to a stale hotel room any day.
Ha ha! Yeah.
Eric mentioned you never loved the intensity
of the NFL combine interview process.
Yeah. My nephew knows me well.
I always prefer a relaxed atmosphere,
and if I knew how good your mom's
peach cobbler was, I would've come sooner.
Ha ha! There's more if you want.
I wish I could, but I got to fit
in that plane seat tomorrow.
[Laughter]
Spencer, I wanted to meet with you
even before you sign with Eric.
Side note-- smart choice
making him your agent, by the way...
Thank you.
but if I'm being honest,
I don't expect talent like yours
to be available for the 30th pick.
Yeah, one of the few drawbacks
of making it to the NFC title game last year.
Indeed, because a top-flight deep threat
is exactly what we need to get the chip next year,
but it's not your play in the field
that got my attention.
It's the way you are off the field,
and that is a testament to your upbringing,
even though it couldn't have been easy
growing up with a single mother.
Well, uh,
honestly, I never lacked for anything.
She gave me everything,
and not just me-- my brother, my friends.
I remember laying in bed
dreaming about winning the Super Bowl MVP,
wondering what I'd say,
knowing that she would be the first person I thank.
She's my hero, simple as that.
You've raised quite a young man, Mrs. James.
[Laughs]
Spencer: Eric's happy.
Coach Bryant said that I am exactly
what they look for in first-round talent
and that he thinks I'm gonna ace my interviews.
That's good news, son.
I know. I know.
It's just that I, uh--I also mentioned Coach Bryant's
question about being raised by a single mother.
Oh, Spencer, it's fine,
certainly worth hearing the answer.
Mm-hmm.
What did Eric say?
He said that it's pretty standard
to face uncomfortable questions.
These teams are putting millions on the line
with each draft pick, and it's not just
the player on the field that they're betting on.
It's the whole package.
I still don't like it, though.
I mean, what's it got to do with football?
[Cell phone vibrates]
[Clears throat]
What'd he say now?
He said that if I nail it in Indianapolis
like I did tonight,
I'm gonna be a top-5 pick.
Top-5 pick?
Waah! Ha ha ha!
Man: ♪ Felt good waking up this morning ♪
Chorus: ♪ Waking up ♪
♪ I be working from the moment that the sun comes up ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, you know I don't stop ♪
♪ I got to keep it going on my rise to the top ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah... ♪
Laura: Feel bad.
We should've made more of a thing
of you leaving this afternoon.
Oh, no. This is perfect--
just us, no big fuss.
I told her she should know by now
that this is more your speed,
right, AJ?
Hi, cutie. You're so cute.
- No? Oh. OK. - Oh. Ooh. All right.
Jaymee: Come on, bud.
You're not excited to see Auntie Liv?
Olivia: It's OK.
I'm used to it at this point.
- Yeah. Here you go. - Oh, there we go.
He's just going through a thing right now. Yeah.
Do you remember how he was with your dad, Ash?
Ash.
Is everything OK?
Yeah. It's just, um...
Coach Montes is leaving Coastal.
Laura: Wait. Seriously?
Asher: No, no. It's OK.
It's for the NFL, which is huge.
There's been rumours, but now it's official.
Do you need to make a call or anything?
Um, no. No, no, no. I'm good.
Today's about Spence. I don't want to, you know--
Talking about you ain't making it about you, bruh.
[Door opens]
Spencer: Hey. Layla: Hi, baby.
Well, well, well. Good morning.
Lookee who we have here.
Your friends and family?
The people who didn't respond to my text
inviting you to the brunch at Layla's tomorrow.
Layla: Oh, my God, Jordan, it's really not a big deal.
Hey, you didn't get left on read, babe, OK?
I want answers.
You know, I would like some answers
on how you survived the national championship
but hurt your shoulder playing with AJ.
Hey, the Tickle Monster's very serious,
and so is brunch, people.
Yo, dude, what you got?
I'm in Indianapolis, bro.
Mm, that's warm. Mom?
Well, I'm in crunch mode with Coop
and Patience on the case.
You put Miko away, you get a pass. Liv?
Well, I told Layla that I was coming.
Good. Next time, go through the proper channels for me.
Mommy and Daddy?
Asher: Uh, we have a son to take care of.
Jordan: Not a good excuse at all, actually,
because AJ was specifically invited,
so I'll give you guys a table for 3.
How's that sound?
Oh, we appreciate it, but AJ's not quite
the brunch crowd yet, so--
Asher: Maybe when he's past the food-throwing phase--
Food throwing could be fun for me.
Or--or maybe when it's not the first weekend
and we're not still working things out.
Olivia: Well, how about I watch AJ tomorrow?
- [Coughing] - You OK, babe?
That way, you guys can, you know,
spend some time together.
Jordan: And then you wouldn't be able to attend the brunch.
Right. That is how that works, Jordan.
What? I hang out with you guys all the time.
I want to kick it with AJ for once.
Uh...
Olivia: So... what do you guys say?
Asher: Liv, one-on-one babysitting
is kind of a lot.
I'll watch him here.
That way, my mom will be around for backup.
Yeah, yeah, works for me.
- OK. - OK.
OK. Great.
Well, Jordan, put us down for two.
Jordan: All right.
Real quick, though, um, on behalf of little homie here,
are we--are we-- are we certain
that we want to leave him with her alone or--
Guys, guys, guys, guys, what? OK.
He's made it pretty clear
how he feels genuinely about her.
Olivia: I mean, it's no secret that AJ
prefers basically anyone over me,
but that's exactly why I jumped at the chance
for some one-on-one time, you know,
because now I'm his only option.
There's probably a less creepy way to say that,
but it might work. So how long have you
been plotting on getting AJ in your clutches?
Well, I mean, ever since I split with my publisher,
I've been projectless for the first time since London.
It's weird, so-- I don't know--
just instead of rushing into something new,
I just want to focus on the people I love,
and that includes AJ,
and maybe by the time you're back,
that love will be reciprocated...
or tolerated, at least.
Well, it seems like we both
got a busy weekend ahead of us.
Heh.
Ready?
Let's do this.
- Hey... - Hmm?
it looks great, babe.
Thanks. Yeah. I just, um--
I want to make sure we have enough rollups.
You know, I was just thinking about
how your therapist said that stress
can be a choice sometimes.
Hmm. You were just thinking that?
I'm not trying to police you, OK?
I just--I just want to make sure--
Babe, babe, I'm not heading
for another episode, OK?
OK.
I am on track with my medication.
My therapist is happy.
In fact, if anything is stressing me out,
it's all this homework that she has me doing.
- More homework? - Yeah.
I finished my journaling,
mindfulness exercises, therapeutic accounting,
but I haven't even started on my list
of struggles and successes for our next session, so--
OK. I thought I was the one in college.
Yeah. Well-- I don't know--
maybe--maybe you could just skip the brunch,
right, take a day to focus on yourself.
Skip the brunch?
After all the work I put in?
Jordan, you can't be serious.
No. That's the point.
I mean, you've already created the menu, right?
You've hired the staff.
You've fixed every table setting I've touched.
Your work is basically done, sweetheart,
and I'll be here to report back on how it goes.
I was just really hoping to make tomorrow work.
I know, but if you can walk away for even a day,
I call that a success.
[Inhales]
Um, I can't believe I'm saying this,
but... OK.
OK.
Mr. Phelps: ♪ Some days, I'm happy ♪
♪ Some days, I'm sad ♪
♪ And I only got one life to live ♪
♪ And I'ma give it all that I can ♪
♪ I'ma make it count ♪
♪ Come on, come on ♪
♪ I'ma make it count ♪
Gordon: Spencer James, it's good to see you.
Gordon, hey, what are you doing here?
- I thought Eric was meeting me. - I know.
Technically, he's your agent,
and Eric's done well by you,
but a big event like this, it's good
to have a partner looking after you.
OK.
You ready?
I've been waiting my whole life.
All right.
[Indistinct conversation]
Gordon: For the next 4 days,
this is the centre of the NFL universe.
Not only are you and all the prospects
staying here, but each team's got
a suite of rooms they're using
as their draft headquarters.
Darnell: Hey, there he is. Yo, what up, man?
My dawg, what's good, boy? Wade.
How y'all two know each other?
We actually-- we just met.
Wade was saying that y'all used to be tight.
Yeah, something like that.
Ha! Come on, man. We're past all that now.
Yo, you want to post up on the couch,
watch Jono Prince get hyped up
by the scouts with us?
Spencer: Man, winning the Heisman has its perks.
YOU know, Wade's over here, got him talking us up,
saying we're a better QB class than 2020.
Hey, you know what they say about rising tides.
That's what's up. All right.
Well, I just got in, so I'm gonna
catch up with y'all later.
All right, man.
- Do your thing. - See you, boy.
[Clears throat]
No harm in having a good time.
Just remember, every moment
you're out of your room, you're being evaluated.
Yes, sir.
- What's this? - It's your schedule.
Everything's broken down into 20-minute increments.
Man, all this in a weekend?
Heh. That's just for tomorrow.
[Beeping]
[Di Prima's "It's Chord Time" playing]
Di Prima: ♪ Shoot, we straight, what's next? ♪
♪ I ain't really trying to read all the fine text ♪
♪ I'm talking step by step ♪
♪ You know we keep it effortless ♪
♪ It's a state of mind, it's a state of mind ♪
♪ We go, "1, 2, 3," like, easy like ♪
♪ It's one of a kind, yeah, one of a kind... ♪
- Good morning. - Hey.
It's great to meet you.
Hey, Spencer, it's a pleasure.
Spencer James.
- Ready to get to it? - Yes, sir.
Di Prima: ♪ Easy ♪
♪ We make it look ♪
♪ Easy, whoo ♪
Everyone we've talked with about you
mentioned your leadership.
That's quite a humbling thing to hear.
Do you consider yourself a natural leader?
People have always looked to me.
I've respected the responsibility,
but at GAU, I learned there was power in it, too.
How do you mean?
Well, I was able to build something at GAU
while everybody else could only see what was broken.
It's impressive, especially considering
all the adversity you faced in your personal life.
Well, it's no secret
your life off the field's been pretty messy,
but don't worry.
We've seen much, much messier.
Ha ha ha!
Woman: ♪ If you want it, you can catch this vibe ♪
♪ I just want to dance all night... ♪
Dude, that French toast was fantastic.
I will let Layla know.
I'm sorry again for the wait.
Oh, no worries at all.
How are you doing?
Uh, things are a bit hectic
but good, I think.
It's first service.
Hiccups are expected, though this is going
way smooth compared to what I've seen.
Whoa. Just thinking about that stresses me out.
It's the thrill of restaurant work.
You know no day's the same.
You're always adapting to the chaos.
It's what I love most about it.
[Object clatters]
Woman: I don't do brunches!
[People murmur]
I'm gonna, um, go see what's up.
Just sit tight. Enjoy your drinks.
OK, so you don't want to sing your favourite song.
You don't want to play your favourite game.
You sure you don't want to read your favourite book?
Oh! Ugh...
[Cell phone vibrates]
Oh, my God. Thank God. It's your mom and dad.
- Hey, buddy, hi. - Hi, bubba. How you doing?
Look. We're just wrapping up here.
I'm sorry. It's been a while.
Um, is everything all right?
Yeah. Sorry.
The bartender quit, and Jordan's--
[Glass shatters]
I'm gonna go see if I can help.
Yeah.
Olivia: Oh. Um, well, don't worry about us.
Everything is under control here,
so just take your time.
OK. All right. Well--
Did she hit the red button?
[AJ crying]
Laura: Oh, what happened?
He was fine, and then we hung up.
Did you push the red button?
The what?
Did you hang up the phone,
or did you let him do it?
- I did. - No.
Never push the red button, Liv.
It's his absolute favourite thing to do.
OK, OK. I can promise you that I will not.
I'm sorry, Mom.
It's fine. I needed a break, anyway.
Have you, uh, talked to Spencer
to see how he's doing at the combine?
I mean, I haven't since he got in last night.
He's got a busy day,
but, I mean, he's got it handled.
Just saying, I thought the same thing
when your dad was going through it,
and I could not have been more wrong.
[Sighs]
- It's not personal. - Are you sure?
Because I've tried doing his favourite everything,
things he loves doing with everyone except me.
It's kind of the definition of personal.
I remember feeling the exact same way
when you were little.
You were such a daddy's girl.
I was always a little envious
of the way you two were together.
Well, I bet I never gave you the side eye
like AJ's giving me right now.
Uh, not quite,
but you did push the red button.
I know. I definitely won't make that mistake again.
The point is, is that over time,
you'll find your own way to connect.
You don't have to be someone else.
Just be yourself.
Man: So what does football mean to you?
Well, it's been my dream to play in the NFL
for as long as I can remember,
but the game is so much more than that.
I love it all-- the competition, the struggle,
the bonds I forge with my teammates.
I'm sorry to cut in here
because, I got to say, your passion
for the game does sound genuine,
but I'm struggling with the fact
that you quit, Spencer.
- Uh, that was in high school. - But it happened.
You quit on your team.
Yeah. It was--it was a difficult time.
Because I don't love hearing
that you quit when things get difficult.
This is the NFL, son.
Things are gonna get difficult.
It won't happen again, sir.
- It won't happen again? - No, sir.
You sure about that?
Because, from what our research team found,
you've quit not once, but twice.
That was different.
Different from the last time you quit when it was difficult?
It won't happen again, sir.
All right. Keep those mimosas coming.
Better get on top of these orders.
- You're getting good, man. - Hmm.
[Cell phone vibrating]
You're not gonna take that?
No. I'll call him back or see him
at his going-away party tomorrow.
Look. I know you guys were tight,
so it can't be easy.
Yeah, but--
Look. I'm happy for him.
It's a big opportunity.
Jaymee: Come on, Jordan. Focus. Another round at high-top.
Right, right, right.
Jaymee: Uh, hey, do you mind if I stay for a bit
just to help them get out of the weeds?
Yeah, no problem.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Hey, I'll pick up AJ. I'll see you at the house.
- OK. Thanks. - OK.
Monica: ♪ Just know ♪
♪ I'm on your side ♪
♪ When you're missing me the most ♪
♪ My hand is on your shoulder ♪
♪ Every time... ♪
[Phone line ringing]
- Yeah? - Hey.
Just, um--just checking in to see how it's going.
Jordan, on phone: Uh, great.
A hiccup here and there,
but Asher loved the French toast, babe.
Oh, my God, he said it was fantastic.
Uh, what-- what hiccups?
Just, well, we hit a bit of a snag
when Terry actually walked out, but--
My bartender quit?
Yeah. Yeah, but Jaymee jumped in,
and I'm on mimosa duty.
We are handling it.
Wait. Uh, Jaymee?
And how are you making drinks with one arm?
It's my good arm.
Jordan, what is going on?
Babe, new order just came in,
so I got to go, but don't worry.
We've got everything under control.
Ooh, ooh--
[Beep]
[Exhales]
OK.
Have you ever leaked anything to the press?
No.
What about Olivia Baker?
What about her?
She's your girlfriend.
You helped her go after the GAU football program.
Coach Garrett got what he deserved.
So you agree with what she did.
Why did Tyrone shoot you?
It's complicated.
Because some of your friends are gang members.
- Former gang members. - Right, former.
Are you sure you've never been
affiliated with any gang?
That's what I said.
Man: Why did Billy bring you to Beverley?
Because my mom asked him to.
They had a relationship?
They were friends in high school.
Must've been good friends.
I mean, he brought you into his house.
Is that a question?
Just saying, I know what you got out of it,
but what about Billy?
Did you ever think there was something more
than your play on the field?
- No. - You don't want to elaborate?
I guess that does it
unless you have any questions for us.
No. I'd say we're done here.
[Phone line rings]
Spencer, on phone: Hey.
Hey, Asher just picked up AJ.
I'm not sure which one of us is happier.
Anyway, how did your interviews go?
I got on-field workout, so I can't talk long,
but let's just say it was rough.
OK. Well, I'm sure it wasn't
as bad as you think.
You're your own worst critic.
Nope. They were bad, but I got to go.
Oh. Um, well, do you want to talk later?
It's gonna be a long day, but I'll try.
All right. Just keep your head up, OK?
- I love you. - I love you.
[Beep]
I mean, he just sounded so defeated.
Well, the combine is relentless by design.
It's to see if you can perform
under extreme stress.
Right, but, I mean, this morning,
he was just meeting with the teams.
Well, the interviews can be... invasive.
It was tough for your dad, too.
Questions about us, our marriage.
That's gross.
Well, how did you help him?
Well, I couldn't control the pressure he faced,
but I could support him through it.
Trust your instincts. You know Spencer, Liv.
Be there for him in the ways that you know how.
[Indistinct conversation]
Here you go, guys.
Jaymee: Enjoy.
Hey, congrats, Layla.
You pulled off a great first service.
Well, when Jordan told me the bartender quit,
I expected the worst.
Oh, yeah.
There were a few hiccups, but, honestly,
for a first go, it was a big hit,
but was Jordan supposed to use
the top-shelf champagne for mimosas?
Oh, definitely not.
Sorry. I thought that was weird, but--
I was gonna say something. I just--
You do not get to apologise to me today
or maybe forever.
Honestly, I-- I miss this madness,
and I'm free tomorrow if you can't find
a bartender to cover.
- Seriously? - Yeah.
Yeah. Of course. Yeah.
We can just, um, add it to my friend tab.
OK. Hee hee hee!
Tatiana Ilyashova: ♪ All right, all right, all right ♪
♪ All right, all right ♪
Darnell: Hey, yo, Spence.
Spence, wait up, man. Where you going?
Grab a bite, rest up for tomorrow.
Or you could come grab dinner
with me and the boys.
Nah. I'm just not feeling it tonight.
Come on, man.
We haven't even had time to catch up properly yet,
and, look, Wade's been telling all the guys
about your 21st.
You got them screaming, man.
You know, they starting to think
that you this football robot.
Come on. Let's show them how we do it.
I'm not here to make friends, bro,
but if you want to go party
with Wade and them boys, do you.
Ain't nobody partying, Spence.
I'm just saying that you need
to loosen up a bit.
Look, man.
I don't know what you got going on right now,
but look around, man.
We're living the dream, both of us.
We're at the NFL combine,
two kids statistically
weren't supposed to amount to nothing.
Now we here, and that's huge.
Don't let that go over your head.
[Sighs]
- Ahh, hey. - Hey.
Uh, AJ went down great.
Oh, nice.
Everything go all right at Layla's?
Yeah. It was great.
Uh, I offered to help out again tomorrow.
- If that's all right. - Yeah. Of course.
I'm glad to hear things calmed down
because they were on edge when I left.
Yeah. It has its moments,
but that's what makes it fun.
It's insane how much you enjoy it.
I miss it.
I hope to go back to it eventually.
But not now... because of me.
No. It's not your fault,
but with everything going on, we need
the stability that my job offers.
I just hate that you have to give up
something you love because of me.
Babe, I'm not even sure
what I'm chasing after anymore,
especially without Coach.
[Knocks on door]
- Hey. - Hey.
Everything going all right?
Today was tough.
Yeah. I heard.
I might've snapped a little bit,
but the disrespect in some of these questions, man--
Eric said he talked to you about this.
Spencer, they're drilling everybody--
Darnell, your buddy Wade.
He's not my buddy.
Look. The point is,
they're all smiles out there.
They're playing the game
with the teams, the press, the scouts.
That's not a game I know how to play, all right?
You better learn quick because they're climbing
draft boards while you're sliding fast.
Spencer, I'm trying to help you here.
You got to meet me halfway.
- Can you do that? - I just need to rest, OK?
I'ma get right.
All right.
Here's your schedule for tomorrow.
[Door opens and closes]
[Knocks on door]
[Sighs]
You got time for one more interview?
[Laughing]
Aah! Ha ha ha!
[Alarm beeping]
Ohh, this is inhumane.
Who wakes up before the sun?
At least I ain't crying at the sight of you.
Ohh, definitely don't have to worry
about AJ stealing me away.
Just don't give up.
That's the only way to fail.
I could say the same to you.
You want to explain that over breakfast?
[Snickers]
Got some time before your flight,
and you did come all the way out here.
I didn't come to hang out.
I want you to be drafted in the top 5,
and that means taking Darnell's advice, right,
and connecting with the others,
kind of like I need to with AJ.
- See what I did there? - Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Look. The point is--is, I mean,
I could talk to you about this stuff for forever
and still not understand it
quite like the guys living it with you.
Doesn't help with the interviews.
I'm not like Darnell or Wade.
This stuff gets to me. It's personal.
I can't just play it off.
Well, I don't think you should.
I mean, being genuine is your super power, babe.
I mean, that's what you do best.
And yesterday I was genuinely pissed off.
And today you need to be genuinely thoughtful
about what you've overcome to get where you are.
I mean, just because the questions are stuffed
with stereotypes and designed to provoke,
doesn't mean your answers have to be.
Hmm.
[Sighs]
I wish you could see yourself the way I do.
I mean, everything that you've been through,
it didn't break you or define you,
but it's essential to who you are now...
and there's so much beauty in that,
and if you can just show even a hint of that
in the interviews, there won't be a team
in the NFL that won't want Spencer James.
Good morning, good morning.
Looks great.
- Uh, hi. - Hi.
I thought that you were coming in early
to finish your therapy stuff.
Yeah. I did.
Um, I finished my list of struggles,
but when I couldn't think of any victories,
I thought I would use my time
to make today a success.
Not one success?
I mean, what about launching this brunch?
That's huge, babe.
The brunch would have fallen apart
if it weren't for you and Jaymee.
I wasn't even here, Jordan.
OK, uh, but the menu, the outreach,
the drinks--I mean, you worked on it for weeks.
Every single meaningful victory that I've had
came from being part of a team, right?
You don't have to do it all alone.
OK.
You've been through a lot--
fights, gang violence back home.
Can't imagine it's been easy.
Well, football's part of what got me through.
We hear that a lot.
Not a lot of guys quit, though, twice.
I'll admit, it's a concern,
especially for a smart guy like you--
good grades, options beyond the game.
I can understand that.
I'd like to say it was immaturity,
anger, frustration, kind of like a kid
running away from home, you know?
Think I've grown up a lot since then.
And the second time?
My father passed shortly after we reconnected,
and I didn't know what I wanted.
Did you consider quitting after Billy Baker's death?
No, sir.
It's just, I heard he was like a father to you.
I didn't consider quitting after Coach Baker died
not because it hurt any less.
They both broke me,
but I learned I didn't have to stay broken.
I had friends. I had family.
They helped set the break straight.
They're a part of me now.
Coach Baker and my dad,
I still feel their absence
every time I step foot on the field,
but it's not because it's where I'm weak.
It's because, even now, they're keeping me strong.
Man: ♪ Every good thing I set aside ♪
♪ On a cloudy day, I'ma focus on the better skies ♪
♪ I could never lie for a better life... ♪
Oh, hey, can we actually garnish those with this?
OK. Thank you.
- Hey. - Hey.
You're really good at this.
I've been watching you put out fires
before they start all morning.
Thanks. I mean, it's a team, really.
You've hired a really great staff.
Well, I also hired the bartender
who quit on us, so I wouldn't say
all my choices have been hits.
Oh, in my experience, being a good manager
isn't about hiring the right people.
Lots of jerks can ace the interview,
but the real trick is keeping
the right people once you find them.
Jordan: Baker's Best for table two.
Thank you.
Uh, babe, do you mind actually flying that out?
Yeah. Yeah.
You're right, and keeping
the right people means keeping you.
Oh, that's really kind, Layla,
but, um, I can't.
I can't work server/ bartender hours right now.
No, no, I--
I want you to be the manager.
But that's your job.
It is, but I, uh, want to take a step back,
and--you're right--
I don't need to find the right person.
I just need to keep her.
So do you want the job?
Um...
Asher: Jaymee, you turned it down?
We talked about this. It's not a good time.
Yeah, but, baby,
it is everything that you want.
It's better pay. It's better hours.
It's--it's work that you love.
No. It's still too risky.
What is risky about working
with one of our best friends?
Uh, restaurants.
Most fail within a year,
and what if Layla's fails?
No. No.
I can't let you keep giving up your dreams
so that I can chase mine.
Baby, look at me.
I am not betting on a restaurant.
I'm betting on you
just like you're doing with me.
OK. All right. I'll do it.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
I'll just-- I have to--
You will just go and tell Layla you want the job.
You said she wanted you to start tonight, right?
Yeah. OK, uh, but what about Montes' party?
Babe, no. No, no. Look.
Every coach is gonna be angling
for a job on Montes' NFL staff.
Even if I go, I doubt I'll get
more than a few words with him.
And besides, this should not stand in the way
of a new beginning for you.
- Go. - OK. I'm going. I'm going.
- Wait, wait, wait, wait. - What?
- Come here. - Oh...
- Hee hee! - Now go.
OK. Ohh...
- I love you. - I love you.
I'm a lock for first round, no cap.
Yo, come on, bro. You're a lock?
What's that mean?
It means it's guaranteed. It's gonna happen.
How you figure?
Coach Cooke and I drank to it.
That's how they bond in Missouri.
Darnell: You drank with the head coach?
Yeah.
Bruh, I can't believe you fell for that.
What are you talking about? It's a shot to seal the deal.
Wade, that was a trap, man.
What, you think that dropped me off the draft board?
You know, I'm not a flyover country guy,
anyway, so whatever.
Easy to screw up in a screwed-up system.
Wasn't exactly hard to see.
You defending all this?
It's the dream, Spence.
It's not their fault that somebody messed up.
It ain't just the entrapment, man.
It's the ridiculous questions about our personal life,
the endless physical evaluations,
cognitive tests, workout drills.
These teams are checking everything
but our damn teeth, man.
[Door opens]
Olivia: Hey. Sorry.
I hope it's OK to drop by.
I just got back from Indianapolis...
[Gasps]
and I'm free to babysit, you know,
if you and Jaymee want, like,
an impromptu night out or something.
Heh. Well, Jaymee's actually out.
Oh. Um, well, then how about you?
Liv, that is very, very kind, but AJ is--
[Cell phone vibrating]
he's a lot at mealtime.
Uh, hey, Ash, your coach is calling.
Ah. I'll give him a call back.
[Vibrating continues]
[Beep]
Um, hey, I know this--
this may not be my business,
but I know it's hard to lose a mentor,
but he's leaving the job, not you.
I mean, you know that, right?
Yeah. I know.
Look. I'm not mad about him leaving.
It's just, after your dad,
I don't know how to say good-bye.
Well, we don't always get that chance.
You do.
You're right.
I mean, he-- he has a party.
It's tonight, but it's already started, and--
Is dinner ready?
Yeah, but with sweet potato, it's a disaster.
I really should be the one--
Asher, go. Go now, seriously.
We're fine, seriously.
- OK. - Yeah.
- Thank you. - Of course.
All right.
Bro, Wade ain't the one dealing
with them "Get Out" shoulder rubs
and them creepy questions about growing up in ghetto.
He just failed the party-boy test.
Jono: Yeah, but Wade ain't the only one they tried that on.
Exactly, and, look,
even if he do got it easy, that don't make it right.
Jono: Don't think any of us like to be talked up
like we're investments instead of people.
Darnell: Yeah, right, right,
and I-- I hear you,
but so what?
I mean, sitting around complaining about it
ain't gonna change nothing,
and we can't rock the boat
because we all here for the same reason,
and that's to get drafted, right?
You right.
Right now, we just prospects
with no power to change anything
and a lot of lose if we try,
but one day soon, the dudes in this room
are gonna be MVPs, Super Bowl champs,
maybe even Hall of Famers.
We're gonna be on the inside, bro,
with the power to challenge how things are done
for the next generation.
If we are living the dream, all I'm saying is,
let's try to make it a better one for us
and all the guys coming up after.
That's all I'm saying.
Yeah. Yeah. I can get with that.
Jono: This must be one of those Spencer James speeches
I've been hearing about, huh?
Yeah, and you know what?
He almost does it as good as our pops.
Just one bite, AJ, please, just one little bite, please?
Tsk. Ugh...
I get it, bud.
OK. I know. Yep. I miss my dad, too.
[Sighs]
Actually...
you know, he used to pretend
that he couldn't feed himself.
You know, maybe I've been doing this all wrong.
Let me try.
Ah! Oh!
Hmm?
OK. Wait. Hold on. I got this. Ready?
[Gasps]
[Chomp]
Uh, what am I doing wrong?
I don't know. Can you show me?
Can you show me how it's done?
[Gasps]
What? How did you do that?
- Pfft! - Hiyoo, boo.
You do it the best. Oh, yeah.
Ah, it's good. It's good. Yes.
You good on drinks? Wonderful.
Ah. I'll be right back.
Hi. I hope you have some good news for me.
If the offer's still on the table,
I can start now.
- Great. - Yeah.
Great. OK.
Um, well, we will take care of the paperwork
and all that later, but since you
already met the staff and you know your way around,
are you good to handle tonight on your own?
Yeah. Um, I do have one question.
Are you sure about this?
Jaymee, you have more than proven yourself.
No. I mean, are you sure you don't want this job
after everything that you've put in the place?
Um, I wasn't, but, look,
I'm--I'm proud of what I've done here,
but I need to be focusing on other things,
and seeing the way you love the work
just showed me how much I never really did,
not like you.
I want the place to be a success,
and now that you're here, I know that it will be.
Yeah.
Um, there is one last thing.
You're firing me.
To be fair, you were never really on staff.
Ah, neither was Jaymee, and you're promoting her.
You don't really want to bartend for me,
Jordan, do you?
God no. I just hate failing.
You didn't fail.
In fact, you topped my list of successes.
Why?
You were a terrible bartender,
but you are a wonderful human being,
and you reminded me that the success
of a team is just as sweet
as individual victories, and now I can step away
from the lounge knowing that it'll be the success
I always hoped it would be.
So locking me down is a success?
Can't say I disagree with you.
Uh, what else do you have on this list?
You want to start producing again?
- Mm-hmm. - That's great.
What brought that on?
I've been thinking a lot about my mom's masters.
It helps me connect when I'm working on therapy,
and I realised that, as much as I love
listening to her,
she couldn't ever stand to listen to herself.
I mean, a lot of artists kind of find it hard
to appreciate their own work, right?
Yes, um, but I don't think it's about the music.
I think it's about what the music represents,
and my mom couldn't stand to face
what she viewed as a failure, um,
and I think I'm doing the same thing
with the label because of what happened to Patience,
and I don't want that to be the end of my story.
That's a big win.
Yeah... for both of us.
[Chuckles]
[Door opens]
- Hi. - Hey.
Ahh, thank you for meeting me here.
Yeah.
I know you probably just want to go home.
You flew halfway across the country to see me.
Yeah. We'll call it even.
No, not even close because,
according to Gordon, every team I talked to
after your pep talk wants to see me
in they jersey come draft day.
Ah, top-5 pick, huh?
It's looking that way, thanks to you.
Well, um, your advice worked here, too,
because AJ and I are finally on the same page,
which is probably why I smell like baby food.
- I don't follow. - Just don't worry about it.
OK.
Um, actually, spending time with him
got me thinking about my dad
and just how he always found a way to teach
that just made you feel like
you knew exactly what do to all along.
Yeah. Yeah.
He made you feel stronger
by helping you meet him in the middle, right?
Right.
That's what I want to do with my book.
It's my way of sharing him with the next generation.
- A children's book. - Yeah.
I love it.
He'd love it.
[Chuckles]
Asher, you came.
Coach Mrs. Montes. Yeah.
I'm sorry I'm late. Is Coach--
No. He left when the party ended,
but I was actually just coming
to leave this for you.
It's something he wanted you to have.
- This is for me? - Yeah.
You know, he hasn't taken this move lightly.
Lost lots of sleep worrying
about the staff that he's leaving behind...
It's a part of the gig.
but he doesn't worry about you.
It's why he got you the necklace.
He said that you were going to have
more championship rings than fingers one day.
The chain is for the extras.
[Cell phone vibrating]
[Vibrating continues]
You gonna take that?
[Vibrating continues]
It's been hard.
I don't know how to say good-bye.
Well, now's your chance.
[Vibrating continues]
Man: ♪ I've been lost, and I've been haunted ♪
♪ Nothing gained and nothing wanted... ♪
Hey, Coach.
Man: ♪ Life's a roller coaster ♪
♪ Takes you up, drops you down... ♪
Yeah. Yeah. No. I'm good. I'm good.
Yeah. No, no, no. I know. I just, uh--
Heh.
[Sniffles]
I mean, you know, I--
Oh, Coach, look, I'm-- I'm really happy for you.
I know that you're moving on to a better place...
but...
I won't ever be able to thank you enough...
for everything.
I don't know what my life would've been like without you,
so...
[Sniffles]
well, can't a man just tell his matcha-loving coach
that he will be missed?
Because he will be.
Man: ♪ Feels like home ♪
No, I haven't put a football in AJ's hands yet.
Man: ♪ When we've been home ♪
- ♪ Feels like we've... ♪ - What do you mean, "why"?
He can't even stand up.
Man: ♪ When it feels like home ♪
♪ Where we belong ♪
♪ When it feels like home ♪
♪ All the worries gone ♪
Man: Greg, move your head.