-Previously on Monarch... -Listen, hoss,
this truth-teller Rick Rubin act of yours
is starting to wear a little thin.
Thought that was the exact reason that you called me.
According to the DNA results,
that woman's our sister.
Two weeks ago I was in Albuquerque
studying for my chem finals, and now I'm here with you.
You think I was gonna sit back quietly
and let you take every single thing
I've worked for my entire life?
You'll do anything to get what you want,
and you don't care who you hurt.
KAYLA: I love Gigi.
We have to stop this.
NICKY: You're not eating sushi and you're not drinking sake.
How far along are you?
We found some blood in the car.
Now, that makes you
the prime suspect in Clive's disappearance.
My hands are tied.
I suggest you figure out a way to untie 'em.
And let's not forget who owes who here, Tripp.
So, we have a sister?
Well, technically a half sister.
Albie Roman-- that man is a lockbox of secrets
in a ten-gallon hat.
I did not get that square on the Roman family
drama bingo card.
(chuckles) Look, all I know is, we need to get ahead of this.
Control the narrative before it goes public.
You know how fast we would go
from country royalty to a tabloid joke if this gets out?
It won't, 'cause if there's one thing this family knows
how to do, it's hide the truth.
And Catt. That woman has an agenda.
Like Mama always said, if you know what someone wants,
you don't need to trust 'em.
I'm sorry, I don't speak fluent Dottie Roman.
Well, Catt wants her daughter to be a star.
To destroy us doesn't help.
It's gonna make one hell of a podcast someday.
NICKY: But Luke's right. Our family needs to
circle the wagons and fly under the radar for a while.
That might be a bit difficult right now. For good reason.
Country Music's "40 Under 40" list just came out.
It's the hottest up-and-comers from Austin to Nashville.
So lame.
And what's that got to do with us?
Because Gigi made the list.
Me?
-Congratulations, Geeg. -And by lame,
I meant incredible.
That is a very well-deserved honor.
So I was thinking Monarch could host it this year
to celebrate. What do you think?
Well, I say hell yeah.
Albie.
So, what brings you downtown?
Well... I might've come on a little strong the other night.
Eh, you were looking out for your own.
I would expect nothing less from Albie Roman.
So we're good, then?
I didn't say that.
There was blood in your son-in-law's car,
and Clive's still missing.
Our friendship doesn't change those facts.
Well, then how about these facts?
There's more than just friendship between us.
There's history.
Don't you forget that.
Or what?
Or you know how this ends.
That's something neither one of us wants.
(door opens)
Sorry to interrupt, sir.
DNA came back on the blood we found in his son-in-law's car.
And?
It's not Clive Grayson's.
Not Albie Roman's either.
Yeah, I figured as much.
He's trying to protect one of his kids.
Now, all we got to do is figure out which one.
♪ ♪
I can't believe I'm choosing a dress
for Gigi being named on that stupid "40 Under 40" list.
The whole construct reeks of ageism.
-Mm-hmm. -I mean, come on.
Who cares about a list anyway?
Mama was on that list a long time ago.
I just thought it would be me
that'd be following in her footsteps, not Geeg.
I've worked so hard for so long.
And Open Horizon still hasn't greenlit my tour.
Well, maybe you don't need to tour on your own.
I heard something.
-I shouldn't say, it was told to me in confidence, so... -(chuckles) Earl.
When I was in Nashville last week
doing Kelsea's hair, she said that she
and LeAnn and Maren were gonna do a few dates together.
-They're calling themselves the Yellow Roses. -Ooh.
Anyhow, looks like Maren dropped out.
They're looking for a third.
It's a perfect opportunity for you.
So maybe I should go talk to...
Luke, I need a word.
Why? Got some more long-lost relatives
you need to tell me about?
Maren Morris is taking a sabbatical
from the Yellow Roses, which leaves a space on the tour.
I mean, that, that has to be me.
I haven't heard that. Where you getting that from?
Did Earl tell you that?
He knows everything.
-He's like the TMZ of country music. -Yeah.
TMZ in elaborate floral shirts.
I need this, Luke.
It's an opportunity for me to show Open Horizon
that I'm ready.
It might be the only way.
Well, uh,
I know the tour manager, so, I mean,
I could set you up a meeting,
but you're gonna have to seal the deal yourself.
You bring him there, I'll do the rest.
Good, you're here.
I've been poring through your new cuts all night.
They got heart, anger and hope.
And this album, it could be your best work.
But?
But it's missing something.
That one track that ties all those themes together.
If we're gonna keep our release schedule,
it's got to go to Luke today. The album's fine.
Since when is "fine" good enough for Albie Roman?
Got a lot on my mind.
My life ain't just about music.
Well, then tap into that.
Look, you got to find something that, that you wish you did
or wish you never did.
But you got to dig deep down to that place
that you can barely stand where you tell the raw,
unvarnished truth about who the hell
Albie Roman really is.
You bleed onto this paper,
that's when the album will be done.
Good luck.
♪ The world is inside out and upside down ♪
♪ I thought by now we'd figure it out... ♪
Where the hell's your sister, Luke?
She's on her way. You know talent.
They, uh, like to build anticipation,
even when it's a meeting.
Tell you what, I'm gonna freshen up your drink.
Great.
Hi.
-I'm, uh, I'm Luke. I'm Gigi's brother. -I know.
I'm Willa, the new spoke in the Tilted Wheel.
-Nice to meet you. -Likewise.
What can I get you, Luke?
Well, that depends.
-You see the guy I'm sitting with? -Yeah.
On a bartender scale of one to ten,
how annoyed does he look to you?
I probably wouldn't bank on a big tip.
Yeah. Monarch Records. Never a dull moment.
I'll get you those drinks.
Oh, thank God.
Where have you been?
He's been waiting for you for over an hour.
I thought you said you wanted this.
I do, but I'm not here to talk.
(cheers and applause)
♪ ♪
Hey, boy.
Go on, now.
♪ Got a little boom in my big truck ♪
♪ Gonna open up the doors and turn it up ♪
♪ Gonna stomp my boots in the Georgia mud ♪
♪ Gonna watch you make me fall in love ♪
♪ Get up on the hood of my daddy's tractor ♪
♪ Up on the toolbox, it don't matter ♪
♪ Down on the tailgate, boy, I can't wait ♪
♪ To watch you do your thing ♪
♪ Shake it for the young bucks sittin' in the honky-tonks ♪
♪ For the rednecks rockin' till the break of dawn ♪
♪ The DJ spinnin' that country song... ♪
-What'd I tell you? -She's good.
♪ Shake it for the birds, shake it for the bees ♪
♪ Shake it for the catfish ♪
♪ Swimmin' down deep in the creek ♪
♪ For the crickets and the critters that enjoy ♪
♪ Shake it to the moon, shake it for me, boy ♪
♪ Oh, country boy, shake it for me, boy ♪
♪ Shake it for me, boy, shake it for me ♪
♪ Country boy, shake it for me, boy ♪
♪ Shake it for me, boy, shake it for me ♪
Guitar!
♪ Now dance like a dandelion ♪
♪ In the wind on the hill underneath the pines ♪
-♪ Yeah, move... ♪ -Real good. -What'd I tell you?
♪ Feel the kick drum down deep in your toes ♪
♪ All I wanna do is get to holdin' you ♪
♪ And get to knowin' you and get to showin' you ♪
♪ And get to lovin' you 'fore the night is through ♪
♪ Baby, you know what to do ♪
♪ Shake it for the young bucks sittin' in the honky-tonks ♪
♪ For the rednecks rockin' till the break of dawn ♪
♪ For the DJ spinnin' that country song ♪
♪ Come on, come on, come on ♪
♪ Shake it for the birds, shake it for the bees ♪
♪ Shake it for the catfish swimmin' ♪
♪ Down deep in the creek ♪
♪ For the crickets and the critters that enjoy ♪
♪ You can shake it to the moon, shake it for me, boy ♪
♪ Oh, country boy, shake it for me, boy ♪
♪ Shake it for me, boy, shake it for me ♪
♪ Oh, country boy ♪
♪ Country boy, shake it for me, boy ♪
♪ Shake it for me, boy, shake it for me. ♪
(whooping)
(microphone feedback)
(cheering and applause)
All right.
WILLA: You were amazing.
If it were up to me, the Yellow Roses
-would be opening for you. -Aw, thank you.
Sometimes you got to show the world who you are.
(country music playing on jukebox)
LUKE: Sounds good.
Yep, see you.
Well, what'd he say?
Artistry. Stage presence. Sex appeal.
He said you had it all.
And he could definitely see you as third Rose.
-Good. That's amazing. -But...
Earl, uh, didn't have the whole story.
Kelsea and LeAnn already have somebody in mind
-for the tour. -Who?
Gigi.
Okay.
I just came to make sure everything was okay between us.
Well, yeah. Why wouldn't it be?
Luke said your performance was amazing.
-Yeah. -I know how much you wanted
to be a part of the Yellow Roses.
Well, at least they get one Roman.
When do you ship out?
Supposed to leave next week, but...
But what?
Can I really even go?
With Kayla being pregnant, and Summer needing me
more all the time, I just don't know
if it's right to leave my family right now.
Geeg, it's the Yellow Roses.
I mean, like, they're the biggest
country stars in the world, and if you join them,
that makes you one of the biggest country stars
in the world.
I know. It's a dream come true.
Well, is it?
'Cause most people in your position
wouldn't hesitate, particularly when
it's been handed to 'em on a platter.
What's that supposed to mean?
Well, do you know what I would do to be in your position?
I would... (sighs) Basically what I've been doing
my entire life, but...
For a shot like this?
Your time will come, Nicky. I know it.
Just don't give up.
Yeah. Never.
ANA: You're Albie Roman's daughter?
Mija, mija, please let me explain.
Go for it. Explain why you have been
lying to me for my entire life.
I can't wait to hear it.
I was just trying to protect you.
That's good, the protection angle.
How long have you been working on that?
I understand why you're angry, but I didn't know
what kind of people the Romans were when we got here.
If they could be trusted, how they would react.
All I knew is that you're extremely talented,
and I needed them to see it.
And now you've ruined it. Do you get that?
I'll never know if they only signed me
-because I'm a Roman. -No, I swear,
they didn't know who we were when we got here.
You did that all on your own.
Now I know why you were giving me so much crap about Ace.
He's adopted, by the way, so it shouldn't even matter.
But you're just like them. All you care about
is how things look.
Oh, no, you know that's not true.
Honestly,
I have no idea what's true anymore.
Ana!
Can I be honest with you, Earl?
Well, it depends.
Is it about my crow's-feet?
(laughs): No.
It's about the Yellow Roses.
I just... I don't think it's fair sometimes.
It isn't. That's why you just can't roll over in defeat.
You got to marshal your forces. You got to make a plan.
I had a plan. It was to blow their managers away.
And I did, but they just... they liked Gigi better.
That's 'cause Gigi's fun and she's sweet.
She's the kind of girl you want to have a beer
and a burger with.
But, sweetie, who wants a burger when you can have
a filet mignon?
Stop.
You know what your mother would have done
under these circumstances?
No, but I'm afraid you're gonna tell me.
Ooh, Dottie would have set their heads on straight,
by any means necessary.
You saying I should screw over my sister?
I'm not saying that, I'm just saying
your mama didn't become an icon by playing nice.
And neither will you.
Hey. Dad.
Open the door. (sighs)
What do you want? I'm writing.
(scoffs) What do you mean writing?
Album's due today. I'm here for the listening session.
I got one last track to do.
Hey! All right. Well, then,
let me hear what you have.
Dad, I'm supposed to be taking this
to the marketing team today.
It might be helpful if the CEO of your label
knew what he was marketing.
You and the rest of your kiss-ass execs
can all hear it when it's done.
-Today ain't over with yet. -This is...
(knocks on door)
Hey. This is a surprise.
Is-is Gigi home?
No. Sorry.
Oh, good. It's you I want to talk to.
I don't mean to rush you, but I was just about to
pick Summer up from preschool, so what's going on?
Well, I'm a bit worried about Gigi going on tour.
What are you worried about?
I'm worried about you.
With Gigi gone for so long, I'm worried that it could
push you and Luke back into bed together.
(chuckles weakly)
Nicky, Luke and I are done. You know that.
Why take the chance?
Gigi's already on the fence
about accepting the tour.
All it'll take is a little push from you
to convince her not to go.
And you take her spot.
Where did you learn how to do that?
How to threaten somebody without actually threatening them.
The master, Dottie Roman.
But that wasn't a threat.
This is.
Convince Gigi not to go on the tour,
or I tell her about you and Luke.
(door opens and closes)
-Hey, stranger. -Hey yourself.
(Jamie chuckles)
-Hi. -Hi.
JAMIE: Listen, I, um, I wanted to talk to you about something.
Capitol reached out to me about a new gig.
Okay.
They want me to head up their new country crossover label.
In L. A.
-Wow. -Mm-hmm.
In L. A.?
Well, congratulations.
Thank you.
When do you leave?
Well, that's the thing, I...
I'm not quite sure I want to take it.
Yeah, why not?
(chuckles) I thought it was obvious.
I'm flattered.
Okay.
Not the, um...
Not the reaction I was hoping for.
Well, you can't give something like that up for me.
I mean, I might, I might not even be here.
What if my tour comes through?
Look, I just thought we had something special.
I wanted to see how you felt, that's all.
I like you.
But I can't be the reason that you... that you stay.
Especially when all I can think about is
that there might be a reason for me to go.
I'm sorry.
You got to do what's best for you, and, um...
...for the first time in my life,
I've got to do what's best for me.
Oh, no, Ace, this is not a good time.
My mother told me who you are.
So you're here to yell at me, too?
No, I just...
I just want to see how Ana's taking it.
-That well, huh? -Yeah.
I have never seen her so angry.
She doesn't even want to talk to me.
I don't know, maybe she'll talk to me.
Would you make her understand that the last thing I wanted
was to hurt her?
Okay, come in.
Ana?
Hey, someone's here to see you.
Hon?
Ay.
She's gone.
All right, brother, whenever you're ready.
(sighs)
(playing guitar)
♪ I'm a guilty man ♪
♪ That's what I said ♪
♪ The cold, hard truth is ♪
♪ I shot him dead ♪
♪ His body cold ♪
♪ His blood ran red ♪
♪ I'm a guilty man, that's what I said ♪
♪ I'm a guilty man ♪
♪ That's what I said ♪
♪ I built my house at the gates of hell ♪
-(cries out) ♪ And I can hear ♪
♪ The devil ring his bell ♪
♪ And all the angels sing farewell ♪
♪ 'Cause I built my house ♪
♪ At the gates of hell ♪
♪ Yeah, I built my house ♪
♪ At the gates of hell ♪
♪ ♪
♪ This secret sin ♪
♪ Is killin' me ♪
♪ If you only knew ♪
♪ My shame, you'd see ♪
♪ Yeah, I can run ♪
♪ But I won't be free ♪
♪ This secret sin ♪
♪ Is killin' me ♪
♪ This secret sin ♪
♪ Is killin' me ♪
♪ I'm a guilty man ♪
♪ That's what I said ♪
♪ And a guilty man ♪
♪ Is as good as dead. ♪
-Albie. -(Albie grunts)
My daddy always said, if you can't say nothing nice,
don't say nothing at all.
Nice? Are you kidding?
It's as if you were there when that man
took his dying breath.
-You like it? -Like it?
Albie, it's a damn masterpiece.
You want to tell me where that inspiration came from?
You know better than that.
A man's got to keep some secrets for himself.
She turned off the tracking.
Any idea where she's headed?
I'm guessing back home, where she grew up.
-Albuquerque? -Yeah. Ay, dios mio.
So if I drive, it'll take me, what,
like ten hours to get there?
No, Mrs. Phoenix, I don't think it's a good idea
if you go after her.
Uh, what are you talking about?
Why don't you let me go?
No. Mm. I-- No. It's a bad idea.
Look, I know exactly what you're thinking,
but I made a promise to my mom.
Ana and I-- we're over. We're just family now.
And you expect me to believe that?
Mrs. Phoenix, I care about your daughter.
I just want to make sure that she's safe,
and I want to bring her back home.
That's all that matters right now, right?
Hey, Jamie.
My dad around?
You just missed him.
And I am mixing down the last track now.
The album's done?
Please, please tell me that it's good.
It's not good. It's phenomenal.
And this new track that Albie wrote
pulls the whole thing together.
I mean, it's so damn good,
it would make the Man in Black green with envy.
The man is a magician with a six-string.
And the lyrics, I'm telling you, they're chilling.
Yeah? How so?
Well, I don't know where in the depths of Albie Roman's soul
they came from,
but if I didn't know any better,
I'd say your daddy was confessing
to a murder in that song.
♪ Your mama never made you finish high school... ♪
(chuckles)
Does this outfit say "40 Under 40,"
or does it say, "Who stole two suits
off the 20 under 20 rack"?
(laughs) No, you look amazing.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm just, I'm just thinking about your tour.
The tour with the Roses.
Well, I haven't made my decision yet.
Right. But I have.
Okay.
You were born a star.
And not just any star, but a megastar
who can change the world.
And it's not just with your talent, Gigi,
it's just, it's just who you are, the way you touch people.
You move them. I see it every time you sing.
And the rest of the world needs to see that, too.
So you are going to show them on that tour.
What about you and Summer and the baby?
Kinda got the whole baby thing under control, right?
(Gigi laughs)
And Summer will be fine.
You're not going to space. It's just a tour.
(Kayla chuckles)
I love you so much.
You're so good to me.
-(cheers and applause) -LUKE: Ah, welcome, welcome.
Thank you so much for coming out tonight
to celebrate Gigi Roman and the, uh, rest of the wonderful talent
that comprise this year's "40 Under 40" list.
-(cheers and applause) -Yeah.
Ladies and gentlemen, a rising star of country music
and a future Yellow Rose, Gigi Roman. Thank you.
-(cheers and applause) -Yeah, Mommy!
("Before He Cheats" playing)
♪ Right now he's probably slow-dancing ♪
♪ With a bleach-blonde tramp ♪
♪ And she's probably getting frisky ♪
♪ Right now he's probably buying her ♪
♪ Some fruity little drink ♪
♪ 'Cause she can't shoot whiskey ♪
♪ Right now he's probably up behind her ♪
♪ With a pool stick showing her ♪
♪ How to shoot a combo ♪
♪ Oh, and he don't know ♪
♪ How I dug my key into the side of his ♪
♪ Pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive ♪
♪ Carved my name into his leather seats ♪
♪ I took a Louisville Slugger to both headlights ♪
♪ Slashed a hole in all four tires ♪
♪ Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats ♪
Hey. I need a word now.
♪ I might've saved a little trouble for the next girl ♪
♪ 'Cause the next time that he cheats ♪
♪ Oh, you know it won't be on me... ♪
I heard Dad's album.
What do you mean? Y-You heard it?
Jamie played it for me.
He talks about Clive's death, Nick.
-Are you sure? -Yeah. It's unmistakable.
It might as well be the D. A.'s closing argument.
Well, when does the album drop?
How about a week from never?
Can't release an LP with a murder confession on it.
All right, well, we'll talk to Daddy later.
♪ Took a Louisville Slugger ♪
♪ To both headlights ♪
♪ Slashed a hole in all four tires ♪
♪ Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats ♪
♪ Oh, maybe next time he'll think ♪
-♪ Before he cheats ♪ -♪ Na-na, na-na ♪
-♪ Na-na ♪ -♪ Oh, before ♪
-♪ He cheats ♪ -♪ Na-na, na-na ♪
-♪ Na-na ♪ -Yeah!
♪ Oh. ♪
(cheers and applause)
(song ends)
Thank y'all. Thank you so much.
Well, I just, I can't tell y'all what an honor it is
to be named on this list.
In fact, I've had more than my share of blessings lately.
Like the opportunity to go on tour,
which would mean I would get to do this
every night for months.
(cheers and applause)
But I've also been blessed with something that's
far more meaningful to me, and that-that's my family.
Honey, looking out at you two tonight
and thinking about our baby we have on the way,
nothing could take me away from you.
And that's why, um, earlier tonight
-I turned down the Yellow Roses. -(disappointed groans)
And, uh, I thanked them for the honor.
And I told them that certain things were just
too precious to miss out on, and that, um,
y'all can bet your sweet ass I'll tour someday, right?
But that day is not today.
(cheers and applause)
Just thank you so much, everybody.
I really appreciate it.
Thank you.
Thought I'd find you here.
Good work, Detective.
Feel free to turn around and go right back
to where you came from.
I was worried about you.
You weren't answering any of my texts.
I had nothing to say.
Not quite as nice as where you come from, is it?
I have no idea.
I was adopted from the Philippines
when I was a baby.
Then you know what it feels like.
-What? -Not to belong.
I may be a Roman by blood,
but... this is who I am.
A girl from ABQ living in
a one-bedroom walk-up.
I don't belong with all of you.
You know, I used to think the same way.
But the Romans... they proved me wrong.
And they taught me that
family is whoever you love.
Did you know about me
-when we were... -No.
None of us did.
It doesn't matter now.
When the world finds out, they'll think I made it
because I'm a Roman.
I'm so angry at my mother.
She should have told you.
You know, sometimes even the people who love you
can make mistakes.
Listen, you must be starving.
There's this place I passed driving in.
-You want to...? -No. Thanks.
-I'd like to be alone. -All right.
If you change your mind, you know where to find me.
(indistinct chatter)
Hey. Just the woman I wanted to see.
-Oh, what is it now? -I wanted to thank you
for talking to Gigi.
(chuckles)
What's so funny?
That you think that's what I did.
Gigi passed on that all on her own.
I would never tell your sister to do something
that wasn't good for her or her career.
That's a very ballsy move for someone
who has so much to lose.
Look, I know I've made mistakes,
but you will never manipulate me into hurting Gigi,
no matter how desperate you are to be the next Dottie Roman.
Be very careful, Kayla.
Or what?
You'll tell Gigi the truth about what I've done?
Let's see if you have it in you
to break your sister's heart.
You want to be Dottie, be Dottie.
I dare you.
Hey, uh, can I get one cheeseburger deluxe
and well-done fries, please?
Wait, I-I know you, don't I?
Wait, you're Dottie Roman's grandson, right?
It's Ace Roman.
Hey, hey, everyone, this is Ace Roman.
Play a song for us, will you?
-We got the band up there and everything. -Oh, yeah.
No, I just, I just came here to grab something to eat.
-Oh, please. -Come on.
Please. It'd be amazing.
Go on.
Give the people what they want.
All right, under one condition. Come on.
No, Ace, I'm not in the mood.
One song and I'll leave you alone, I promise.
(cheers and applause)
You guys know "Fresh Eyes"?
♪ I got these fresh eyes ♪
♪ Never seen you before like this ♪
♪ My God, you're beautiful ♪
♪ It's like the first time ♪
♪ When we opened that door ♪
♪ Before we got used to usual ♪
♪ It might seem superficial, mm-hmm ♪
♪ Stereotypical man, mm-hmm ♪
♪ You dress up just a little ♪
♪ And I'm like, "Oh, damn" ♪
BOTH: ♪ So suddenly, I'm in love with a stranger ♪
♪ I can't believe that you're mine ♪
♪ And now all is see is you ♪
BOTH: ♪ With fresh eyes ♪
♪ Fresh eyes ♪
♪ Appreciation, well, it comes and it goes, but I ♪
♪ I'll ride that wave with you ♪
♪ It's human nature ♪
BOTH: ♪ To miss what's under your nose ♪
♪ Till you, till you remind a fool ♪
-♪ Maybe all of this is simple ♪ -(all cheering)
♪ My heart's unconditional, yeah ♪
BOTH: ♪ You dress up just a little ♪
♪ And I'm like, "Oh, damn" ♪
♪ So suddenly, I'm in love with a stranger ♪
♪ I can't believe that you're mine ♪
♪ Yeah, now all I see is you ♪
♪ With fresh eyes ♪
♪ Fresh eyes, yeah ♪
♪ So suddenly, I'm in love with a stranger ♪
♪ I can't believe that you're mine, yeah ♪
♪ And now all I see is you ♪
-♪ With fresh eyes ♪ -♪ Fresh eyes ♪
♪ Fresh eyes ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Mm-mm. ♪
(cheers and applause)
The song wasn't done yet.
You had no right to listen to it.
Daddy, why would you write about Clive's death, especially now?
First of all, nobody's gonna tell me
what I can and can't write about.
Especially you two.
And second, it's just a song.
It's about killing a man.
And keeping a secret. A family secret.
It's a damn country song.
Ain't nobody gonna think twice about it.
Can I top anybody off?
LUKE: No, thanks, Willa.
Look, it's a ballad, like a million more
that have come before it.
And I'm telling you both right now, let it lie.
Understood?
Dad, it's not...
Not another word.
♪ ♪
Oh, hi, Geeg. You're up early.
It's 'cause I couldn't sleep.
I had a dream my sister tried to stab me in the back.
Until I realized it wasn't a dream at all.
You got some nerve.
-What... -Cut the crap.
I know you tried to get my wife to convince me
-to pass on the Yellow Roses. -Did Kayla tell you that?
Of course she did.
We have no secrets from each other.
Well, you said you didn't want to go.
-Well, that's beside the point. -No, it is the point.
You turned it down all by yourself because
you have no idea that success comes with sacrifice.
You don't just get anointed the queen.
Is that the problem?
That things come to me too easy,
or just that they don't come to you at all?
Look, I know you wanna be Mama,
and Mama played dirty.
But the difference between her and you is,
she'd never do anything to tear us apart.
She'd be ashamed of you.
I hope you're ashamed of yourself.
ALBIE: There's something I need to tell you, Nicolette,
And there's no easy way to say it.
All right.
The D. A.'s office found blood in Clive's car.
It's your blood, babe.
Oh, my God.
I thought I could stop Tripp from investigating,
but I'm not so sure now.
-Why would you think you could do that? -Well,
because he owes me.
Before you were born, you know I went to prison.
-Yes. -Driving drunk...
killing a man.
Yes, and it was an accident. You did your time.
Except I wasn't driving the car that night.
I didn't kill that man.
Tripp Dewitt did.
But you took the blame? Why would you do that?
(sighs)
Well...
...'cause Tripp had a future,
and I was just a knockaround kid from North Austin going nowhere.
I couldn't jump over a nickel to save a dime.
You spent three years in a cell
for something that you didn't do?
I took the fall for somebody that I cared about.
But this time it's not just a friend that's in danger,
it's our family.
Your song is a confession.
Just know I'll do anything
to protect you and this family,
no matter what it takes.
ACE: Do you believe me now?
Nobody knew you were a Roman back there,
and nobody cared.
They just couldn't get enough of you.
You telling me you could walk away from
what's gonna be an amazing career
just because you were born a Roman?
(both laugh)
When you say it like that, it sounds pretty stupid.
So... what about us?
What happens now?
Well, we don't stop caring about each other,
but... we got to let that go.
Why? Because you think it's wrong?
It's just that I made a promise to my mom
and to yours.
And that's more important than how we feel?
-That's not what I'm saying, Ana. -Then what are you saying?
That I hauled my worried ass across state lines
to find you, to bring you back to where you belong.
Which happens to be where I belong, too.
Everything else...
we'll figure it out.
Nicky.
I need to see my sister.
I need to tell her something that's long overdue.
Nicky, please don't do this.
Nicky, please.
Geeg, there's something I need to say to you.
-I don't want to hear it, Nicky. -Well, you're gonna.
You're gonna listen.
I'm sorry, okay?
You were right, I put my career before yours,
and I shouldn't have done that.
I just want it so badly,
and I'm scared that I'm never gonna get it.
Oh, Nicky, you got it all wrong, you know.
Mama tried to make you feel like your worth was
all wrapped up in whether you became a star or not,
and that's just not true.
And what if she was right, huh?
-She's not right. -I've got nothing left.
My husband's gone, my, my kids are getting older.
I don't know who I am if I don't become that star.
You could take that spot with the Yellow Roses.
Maybe I could call 'em.
Luke tried that. It's already taken.
(mutters) Carrie Underwood.
Oh. What a hack.
I know. Right?
Everything you want, you're gonna get it.
And it may not happen the way you think,
but it'll happen.
I'm not Mama.
I never will be.
She was ruthless and single-minded, and...
people still loved her.
Mama was one of a kind.
But so are you.
I've known that my whole life.
And the world will see it, too.
I promise.
What'd I ever do to deserve you?
♪ You would've never learned the words to "Amazing Grace" ♪
♪ Never felt the chill of a pew when you lost faith ♪
♪ Well, blood, sweat and tears wouldn't mean a thing ♪
♪ If you didn't strike out a couple hundred times ♪
♪ If you never hit rock bottom, never cursed the sky ♪
♪ You would've never known to ask the good Lord why ♪
♪ Or ever changed your life ♪
♪ If you never had hard days ♪
♪ If you never had a heartbreak ♪
♪ Never had more than you can take... ♪
Hey.
I turned down L. A.
I'm so glad.
♪ Would you live with a purpose? ♪
♪ Or ever known your own strength ♪
♪ If you never had hard days? ♪
♪ If you never had a heartbreak ♪
♪ Never had... ♪
SKYLER: Luke Roman. This is a surprise.
And not just because it's 2:00 a. m. in Austin.
Well, you remember that offer you made me last year,
and I said it wasn't the right time?
How could I forget? I'm not accustomed to rejection.
Well, things are changing around here,
and, uh, I think you and me should talk.
Tell you what.
You talk and, um, I'll listen.
RECEPTIONIST: Detective James is here for you.
Send her in.
I hear you make a mean margarita.
I do my best, sir.
-What you got for me? -DNA samples of all the Roman siblings.
One of these should be a match for the blood in the car.
That is outstanding work, Officer.
What do I do next?
Continue to keep your eyes and your ears open.
But I got to tell you, from what I'm seeing,
we've got everything we need.