1 00:00:01,043 --> 00:00:03,046 NELLA: Previously, on The Other Black Girl... 2 00:00:03,046 --> 00:00:05,382 VERA: Needles and Pins. NELLA: Shartricia is problematic. 3 00:00:05,382 --> 00:00:07,050 [applause] - I really liked the book. 4 00:00:07,050 --> 00:00:08,426 VERA: You will apologize. 5 00:00:08,426 --> 00:00:11,763 NELLA: This whole thing with Colin is undoing the past two years. 6 00:00:11,763 --> 00:00:15,767 Just in time for its 35th anniversary, a rerelease of Burning Heart. 7 00:00:15,767 --> 00:00:18,311 - I mean, she never looked out for me the way that we're supposed to. 8 00:00:18,311 --> 00:00:20,730 You know what I mean? - Colin, I'm sorry. 9 00:00:20,730 --> 00:00:23,525 - I had an idea. We should do a sensitivity read. 10 00:00:23,525 --> 00:00:25,735 - Wasn't the sensitivity read Nella's idea? 11 00:00:25,735 --> 00:00:27,445 I got your back from now on. 12 00:00:36,580 --> 00:00:38,373 ♪ I’ll Take You There by The Staple Singers playing ♪ 13 00:00:38,373 --> 00:00:39,958 ♪ I know a place ♪ 14 00:00:39,958 --> 00:00:41,543 KENDRA RAE PHILLIPS: D, are you almost done? 15 00:00:41,543 --> 00:00:43,044 DIANA GORDON: Almost. Dang, you impatient. 16 00:00:43,044 --> 00:00:45,881 KENDRA: Yeah, it hurt. DIANA: 'Kay, well, take it easy. 17 00:00:45,881 --> 00:00:48,049 - Ah, ah. Not so tight, D. 18 00:00:48,049 --> 00:00:49,593 - Not my fault. You got a soft head. 19 00:00:49,593 --> 00:00:51,887 That's on Auntie Bev for giving you such a soft life. 20 00:00:51,887 --> 00:00:54,973 - [laughs] Oh, I can't wait 'til I'm in Boston 21 00:00:54,973 --> 00:00:58,685 and I can meet someone who won't give me shit while they do my braids. 22 00:00:58,685 --> 00:01:01,187 - In Boston? [laughs] 23 00:01:01,187 --> 00:01:02,314 Good luck findin' anybody 24 00:01:02,314 --> 00:01:03,773 who could do this. [Kendra laughs] 25 00:01:03,773 --> 00:01:05,025 - Ah. 26 00:01:05,025 --> 00:01:07,652 - Sorry, I just don't get why you have to leave. 27 00:01:07,652 --> 00:01:11,406 Harvard is Harvard, but Diana is Diana, too. 28 00:01:11,406 --> 00:01:12,532 There's only one of me. 29 00:01:12,908 --> 00:01:14,701 - Yeah, and I'm lucky I got you. 30 00:01:14,701 --> 00:01:15,952 - Damn right. 31 00:01:15,952 --> 00:01:18,705 - Huge, man-sized feet and all. 32 00:01:19,122 --> 00:01:22,083 - Wow. You see how you do? [Kendra laughs] 33 00:01:22,083 --> 00:01:22,918 [Diana laughs] 34 00:01:27,047 --> 00:01:28,089 - [softly] Come here. 35 00:01:29,049 --> 00:01:31,468 I'm never really gonna leave you. 36 00:01:31,468 --> 00:01:33,094 All right? I just-- 37 00:01:34,304 --> 00:01:36,348 You've always known you want to tell stories. 38 00:01:37,432 --> 00:01:39,100 I need to figure myself out. 39 00:01:39,100 --> 00:01:41,478 And Harvard's the best place for that. 40 00:01:41,478 --> 00:01:43,897 Even if that means some pasty ass Red Sox fan 41 00:01:43,897 --> 00:01:45,607 has to jack up my scalp once or twice. 42 00:01:45,607 --> 00:01:47,359 - [chuckles] You know they will. - Yeah, they will. 43 00:01:47,359 --> 00:01:49,527 [both laughing] 44 00:01:49,527 --> 00:01:51,029 - Call me every day. 45 00:01:51,029 --> 00:01:53,823 'Kay, Kenny? I don't care if you run out of quarters. 46 00:01:53,823 --> 00:01:54,866 Forget your laundry. 47 00:01:54,866 --> 00:01:57,911 You're gonna wear a dirty bra and call your best friend, okay? 48 00:01:59,746 --> 00:02:00,580 On lock? 49 00:02:02,457 --> 00:02:03,458 - On lock. 50 00:02:03,458 --> 00:02:05,377 [Diana chuckles] ♪ Little lady ♪ 51 00:02:06,002 --> 00:02:06,962 ♪ All right ♪ 52 00:02:08,672 --> 00:02:11,132 ♪ Mm-mm-mm, mm ♪ 53 00:02:11,132 --> 00:02:13,885 ♪ Mm, duh-duh-duh ♪ 54 00:02:13,885 --> 00:02:15,971 ♪ And suck it so ♪ 55 00:02:16,680 --> 00:02:17,556 [cat meows] 56 00:02:17,931 --> 00:02:18,974 [sighs] 57 00:02:23,478 --> 00:02:24,771 NELLA: Oh, my God. 58 00:02:24,771 --> 00:02:27,524 OWEN [mouthful]: What, "Oh, my God?" Is that cat back? 59 00:02:27,524 --> 00:02:29,693 - No, I completely forgot about this thing 60 00:02:29,693 --> 00:02:31,695 that Vera wanted me to read at the office last night, 61 00:02:31,695 --> 00:02:35,574 and I guess that Hazel just... dropped it off. 62 00:02:35,574 --> 00:02:38,076 - Oh. Seems nice. 63 00:02:38,076 --> 00:02:40,704 - Yep. She lives in Harlem. That's, like, over an hour train ride. 64 00:02:41,121 --> 00:02:41,955 - Huh. 65 00:02:43,081 --> 00:02:45,625 Maybe she was visiting her boyfriend, or girlfriend, 66 00:02:45,625 --> 00:02:48,295 or grandma, grandma's girlfriend. I don't know. People go places. 67 00:02:48,295 --> 00:02:51,047 I think you're overthinking it. It seems really nice. 68 00:02:51,047 --> 00:02:52,215 - Like, too nice. 69 00:02:53,008 --> 00:02:54,217 - There's no such thing. 70 00:02:55,594 --> 00:02:58,722 I gotta go. I swallowed so much toothpaste to have this conversation. 71 00:03:03,643 --> 00:03:04,644 - Hm. 72 00:03:09,691 --> 00:03:12,694 ♪ theme music playing ♪ 73 00:03:22,704 --> 00:03:25,707 ♪ light, mellow music playing ♪ 74 00:03:31,213 --> 00:03:34,299 - Hazel told me we have the same brow shape. [chuckles] 75 00:03:34,299 --> 00:03:38,136 - I know, and you've told me four times this week. 76 00:03:40,388 --> 00:03:43,016 - Hey. - Hi. 77 00:03:43,808 --> 00:03:46,228 - Did you come to my apartment last night? 78 00:03:47,520 --> 00:03:50,232 - So, you got... the manuscript? 79 00:03:50,232 --> 00:03:51,983 - Yeah. [Hazel chuckles] 80 00:03:51,983 --> 00:03:54,319 - Thanks, I mean, I really can't believe that you went so far outta your way 81 00:03:54,319 --> 00:03:57,197 just to help me like that. - It's not a problem at all. 82 00:03:57,197 --> 00:03:59,908 I was at this wine bar in your neighborhood, Olla's. 83 00:03:59,908 --> 00:04:00,742 Have you been? 84 00:04:00,742 --> 00:04:04,871 - No, it's kind-- Uh, uh, well, yeah, once, um, 85 00:04:04,871 --> 00:04:06,539 it's just a little pricey. 86 00:04:06,539 --> 00:04:08,833 - [laughs] But so worth it. 87 00:04:08,833 --> 00:04:12,462 - Yeah. So worth... all that money. 88 00:04:13,213 --> 00:04:15,882 But... thank you 89 00:04:16,550 --> 00:04:20,220 for... standing up for me in the meeting yesterday 90 00:04:20,220 --> 00:04:21,304 and for the manuscript. 91 00:04:21,304 --> 00:04:23,515 I mean, you have the same 24 hours in a day that I do, right? 92 00:04:23,515 --> 00:04:26,226 - I told you... Got your back. 93 00:04:26,226 --> 00:04:29,104 VERA: Did you read it? [clears throat] 94 00:04:29,104 --> 00:04:31,189 The Garcia manuscript. Did you read it? - [mouthing] Thank you! 95 00:04:31,189 --> 00:04:33,275 - [mouthing] You're welcome. NELLA: Yes, I did. 96 00:04:33,275 --> 00:04:35,402 I loved it. Um, quick read. 97 00:04:35,402 --> 00:04:38,613 You could almost... read it in one subway ride. 98 00:04:38,613 --> 00:04:40,031 - Wow, I totally agree. 99 00:04:40,031 --> 00:04:42,409 And we should add that to the marketing campaign. 100 00:04:42,409 --> 00:04:44,744 Nothing's more relatable than the subway. 101 00:04:44,744 --> 00:04:46,454 - Nothing. VERA: Oh, 102 00:04:46,454 --> 00:04:51,042 I have the worst headache in the history of the Western world. 103 00:04:51,042 --> 00:04:53,211 I hate to ask you, but will you go to the break room 104 00:04:53,211 --> 00:04:54,588 and get something for me? 105 00:04:54,588 --> 00:04:57,299 Uh, Advil, Lorazepam, whatever they have in there. 106 00:04:57,299 --> 00:04:59,134 - Yeah. - I'll give you a hand with that, Nell. 107 00:04:59,134 --> 00:04:59,968 [Vera sighs] 108 00:04:59,968 --> 00:05:01,720 - Oh, well, don't you wanna wait for Maisy? 109 00:05:01,720 --> 00:05:03,513 - Nah, she's not gonna be in 'til later today. 110 00:05:03,513 --> 00:05:06,933 - Well, time is just a construct when your trust fund kicks in at 16. 111 00:05:08,602 --> 00:05:11,396 Uh... don't tell her I said that. 112 00:05:11,396 --> 00:05:12,647 - Oh, it's okay. I get it. 113 00:05:12,647 --> 00:05:13,690 She's got a doctor's appointment 114 00:05:13,690 --> 00:05:15,567 every Friday afternoon. VERA: Mm. 115 00:05:15,567 --> 00:05:19,404 - Didn't know the doctor makes house calls to her boyfriend's apartment. [gasps] 116 00:05:20,655 --> 00:05:26,661 - [laughs] Oh, Hazel... you're bad. 117 00:05:26,661 --> 00:05:28,663 [Vera chuckling] 118 00:05:31,416 --> 00:05:33,335 - This is really a one-person job. 119 00:05:33,335 --> 00:05:34,794 - Look. Come to a party with me tonight. 120 00:05:34,794 --> 00:05:36,046 - What? What party? - [chuckling] Yeah. 121 00:05:36,046 --> 00:05:37,005 - Isn't it, like, a Wednesday? 122 00:05:37,005 --> 00:05:39,549 - [scoffs] Girl, my friend who works at Condé Nast 123 00:05:39,549 --> 00:05:42,886 said that there's a huge fundraiser for MoMa uptown somewhere. 124 00:05:42,886 --> 00:05:45,222 - You got invited? - [sings] ♪ No ♪ [snaps fingers] 125 00:05:45,597 --> 00:05:46,640 - So, you're just gonna crash? 126 00:05:46,640 --> 00:05:50,060 - [snaps fingers] Tell people you belong and they'll believe it. 127 00:05:50,060 --> 00:05:52,229 [Nella sighs] - Nella, this is the kinda thing 128 00:05:52,229 --> 00:05:53,813 that cultural elites go to. 129 00:05:53,813 --> 00:05:56,900 Okay? A.K.A., people who wanna write books, right? 130 00:05:56,900 --> 00:05:59,861 Maybe Anna Wintour has a book about under seasonin' chicken 131 00:05:59,861 --> 00:06:02,197 and reusin' teabags she just can't wait to write. 132 00:06:02,197 --> 00:06:05,992 And she's waiting at this party for an up-and-coming editor 133 00:06:05,992 --> 00:06:08,411 to coax it out of her. 134 00:06:09,996 --> 00:06:12,749 But we gotta get there by, like, six so we can roll in. 135 00:06:12,749 --> 00:06:14,042 - Okay, well, that's never gonna happen 136 00:06:14,042 --> 00:06:16,628 because Vera has never let me outta here before six. 137 00:06:16,628 --> 00:06:20,423 When her grandmother died, she made me go sit shiva... with her. 138 00:06:20,423 --> 00:06:22,175 - Damn. - Yeah. 139 00:06:22,175 --> 00:06:23,760 - Maisy already said that she was leavin' early 140 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:27,305 so she could try and poach an author. [clicking tongue] 141 00:06:27,305 --> 00:06:31,351 So, we just need to get Vera out somehow. 142 00:06:32,018 --> 00:06:33,687 Maybe that's it. 143 00:06:33,687 --> 00:06:35,438 What's the deal with them? 144 00:06:35,438 --> 00:06:36,648 - Vera and Maisy? - Mm. 145 00:06:36,648 --> 00:06:38,650 - They hate each other. [Hazel laughs] 146 00:06:39,192 --> 00:06:41,695 So, Vera and Maisy were assistants together. 147 00:06:41,695 --> 00:06:44,906 They've, kind of, always been pitted against each other from day one. 148 00:06:45,824 --> 00:06:47,450 [gulping] 149 00:06:48,410 --> 00:06:51,621 - Ooh. Rough night? 150 00:06:53,039 --> 00:06:54,916 - No. Why? 151 00:06:54,916 --> 00:06:57,210 - Oh, you just look tired. 152 00:06:58,253 --> 00:07:03,675 - [chuckles] Well, when you have a best-selling author-- 153 00:07:03,675 --> 00:07:06,011 Oh, you wouldn't understand. 154 00:07:08,179 --> 00:07:10,473 - Bye. - Bye, now. 155 00:07:10,473 --> 00:07:12,309 - Bitch. VERA: Bitch. 156 00:07:15,145 --> 00:07:17,105 NELLA: When they were both promoted to editor, 157 00:07:17,105 --> 00:07:19,900 Wagner only trusted them with female-skewing books. 158 00:07:19,900 --> 00:07:21,484 Gone Girl, Girl on a Train, 159 00:07:21,484 --> 00:07:23,695 Girl Does Crazy Thing, What's Wrong With Girl? 160 00:07:23,695 --> 00:07:26,031 Basically, anything with "girl" in the title. 161 00:07:26,031 --> 00:07:27,908 Now, anytime one succeeds, 162 00:07:27,908 --> 00:07:30,035 they feel like it's at the expense of the other. 163 00:07:30,035 --> 00:07:32,871 - [chuckles] Perfect. 164 00:07:34,039 --> 00:07:37,375 ♪ ambient music playing on speaker ♪ [Vera groans] 165 00:07:37,375 --> 00:07:39,252 [door knocks] 166 00:07:39,252 --> 00:07:41,296 [stops music] - Hazel. 167 00:07:41,296 --> 00:07:43,924 - I was just checkin' in to see how you're feelin'. 168 00:07:43,924 --> 00:07:47,969 - Oh, do you have a spare semi-truck to run over my forehead? 169 00:07:47,969 --> 00:07:50,138 - [chuckles] Uh, if you need anything, 170 00:07:50,138 --> 00:07:53,183 you know an extra pair of eyes on something, I'm here. 171 00:07:53,391 --> 00:07:55,101 Maisy said that she's leaving early 172 00:07:55,101 --> 00:07:57,229 to try to poach an author, so I'll be free. 173 00:07:57,229 --> 00:07:59,689 - Mm, author? What? Who is it? 174 00:07:59,689 --> 00:08:02,067 - I really shouldn't say in case it doesn't work out. 175 00:08:04,861 --> 00:08:06,071 - Um. 176 00:08:14,079 --> 00:08:15,789 [quietly] Just between us. You can tell me. 177 00:08:16,164 --> 00:08:19,417 And it's fine. It's fine. Maisy and I are old friends. 178 00:08:19,417 --> 00:08:21,294 I've known all three of her noses. 179 00:08:21,294 --> 00:08:26,091 - [laughs] Uh, I, I guess you'll find out eventually. 180 00:08:26,091 --> 00:08:30,095 It's, um, Kevin McMicheals, the mystery novelist. 181 00:08:30,095 --> 00:08:32,764 Yeah, he lives in Idaho, but he comes to New York once a year 182 00:08:32,764 --> 00:08:33,932 to pitch his next book, 183 00:08:33,932 --> 00:08:36,893 and he always has a cocktail at 5:00 P.M. at Chez Zou. 184 00:08:36,893 --> 00:08:40,897 So... Maisy's gonna go and... introduce herself. 185 00:08:41,565 --> 00:08:42,566 - Wow. 186 00:08:44,526 --> 00:08:46,861 We are so lucky to have you, Hazel. 187 00:08:47,445 --> 00:08:51,074 ♪ ominous music playing ♪ 188 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:56,830 Nella, I'm heading out. 189 00:08:56,830 --> 00:08:59,332 This headache, it just makes me want a drink. 190 00:09:00,041 --> 00:09:03,670 [whispering] Can you make me a reservation for Chez Zou at five? 191 00:09:03,670 --> 00:09:05,171 - [whispers] Yep. - [whispers] Great. 192 00:09:05,171 --> 00:09:08,425 And... I'm sorry about yesterday. 193 00:09:08,425 --> 00:09:11,261 Sometimes I think I work too hard and I work you too hard. 194 00:09:11,261 --> 00:09:14,306 So... no more calls tonight. 195 00:09:14,306 --> 00:09:16,516 Just take off. When you're done. 196 00:09:21,062 --> 00:09:22,856 NELLA: What did you do to her? 197 00:09:22,856 --> 00:09:24,983 - Gave her exactly what she wanted. 198 00:09:25,859 --> 00:09:28,320 Come on, let's get changed. 199 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:30,030 - I mean, all I have is my work clothes. 200 00:09:30,655 --> 00:09:32,908 Well, I do have a sweatshirt that I keep here for when it gets cold, 201 00:09:32,908 --> 00:09:34,576 but it's got a big picture of Steve Urkel on it. 202 00:09:34,576 --> 00:09:37,370 - [laughs] Are you serious? 203 00:09:37,370 --> 00:09:38,371 - Yeah. 204 00:09:38,371 --> 00:09:42,000 - Oh my-- Okay, come on. Mm-mm. [laughs] I got you. 205 00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:43,001 - Oh. 206 00:09:43,293 --> 00:09:46,296 ♪ Conceited by SZA playing ♪ 207 00:09:46,796 --> 00:09:48,006 [inaudibly speaking] 208 00:09:49,090 --> 00:09:52,385 ♪ I don't like nobody, I don't feel guilty about it ♪ 209 00:09:52,385 --> 00:09:55,347 ♪ I just got my body done, ain't got no guilt about it ♪ 210 00:09:55,347 --> 00:09:58,433 ♪ I just heard your opinion, I could've did without it ♪ 211 00:09:58,433 --> 00:10:03,063 ♪ All these bitches is minions, despicable like, ooh, oh ♪ 212 00:10:03,063 --> 00:10:05,440 ♪ Feeling like Mike Lowrey, oh ♪ 213 00:10:05,440 --> 00:10:09,152 ♪ Proud about my salary, oh, ooh, oh ♪ 214 00:10:09,152 --> 00:10:11,238 ♪ Heard they calling me out ♪ 215 00:10:11,238 --> 00:10:14,407 ♪ Love it when they calling me out, oh ♪ 216 00:10:14,407 --> 00:10:16,952 ♪ I got no reason to depend on you ♪ 217 00:10:16,952 --> 00:10:19,621 Oh, wow. I -- 218 00:10:20,622 --> 00:10:23,124 You kinda made me look like you. 219 00:10:23,124 --> 00:10:24,334 - You're welcome. 220 00:10:26,294 --> 00:10:29,714 Or not. Damn! - No, I-I love it. 221 00:10:31,758 --> 00:10:33,843 Did we just do something fucked up? [Hazel sighs] 222 00:10:34,594 --> 00:10:35,720 With Vera and Maisy? 223 00:10:36,513 --> 00:10:39,516 Like, did we contribute to the already fucked-up-ness of the system? 224 00:10:40,308 --> 00:10:43,562 - You can't take all the problems of the world on your shoulders like that. 225 00:10:43,562 --> 00:10:45,564 Colin? Then this? 226 00:10:46,064 --> 00:10:47,732 We just out here tryin' to survive. 227 00:10:47,732 --> 00:10:51,653 - By survive you mean... get some free champagne 228 00:10:51,653 --> 00:10:54,698 and watch Anna Wintour get sloppy on the dance floor? 229 00:10:54,698 --> 00:10:57,409 - You and I know exactly how fucked up the system is, 230 00:10:57,409 --> 00:10:59,494 more than Vera and Maisy. 231 00:10:59,911 --> 00:11:02,831 We're taking advantage of something created by the powers that be 232 00:11:02,831 --> 00:11:06,001 long before you and I both stepped onto those elevators. 233 00:11:07,043 --> 00:11:10,046 You need to take the wins where we can get them. 234 00:11:11,047 --> 00:11:17,012 And tonight, that means [snapping fingers] we gon' draaaaank. 235 00:11:17,012 --> 00:11:18,388 [Hazel laughs] 236 00:11:18,680 --> 00:11:22,684 [sighs] Just promise me you'll take this for what it is. 237 00:11:22,684 --> 00:11:23,727 A win. 238 00:11:24,811 --> 00:11:27,439 ♪ low ominous music playing ♪ 239 00:11:29,858 --> 00:11:31,067 Promise. 240 00:11:34,487 --> 00:11:36,114 - I promise. 241 00:11:36,573 --> 00:11:37,991 ♪ ominous music continues ♪ 242 00:11:39,242 --> 00:11:41,202 Oh, my God. You're bleeding. 243 00:11:41,202 --> 00:11:42,245 - What? - Do you need, like, a Band-Aid 244 00:11:42,245 --> 00:11:44,205 or something? - Just-- I'm fine, I'm fine! 245 00:11:47,584 --> 00:11:51,129 Uh... I'm gonna meet you downstairs. 246 00:11:51,838 --> 00:11:53,215 We're gonna crush that party. 247 00:11:53,798 --> 00:11:55,800 ♪ 248 00:12:02,891 --> 00:12:04,309 [sighs] 249 00:12:05,435 --> 00:12:07,437 ♪ 250 00:12:18,782 --> 00:12:19,866 - Wow. 251 00:12:20,742 --> 00:12:23,745 Okay. Ivy League. [laughs] 252 00:12:25,997 --> 00:12:28,333 You need to graduate so we can afford a taxi. 253 00:12:29,668 --> 00:12:33,630 - [sighs] I'm so, so happy you're here. 254 00:12:34,464 --> 00:12:35,632 - Me too. 255 00:12:36,424 --> 00:12:40,178 So, what do you wanna do tonight? How does Harvard get down? 256 00:12:40,178 --> 00:12:41,888 Have they even heard of Stevie Wonder? 257 00:12:41,888 --> 00:12:42,973 [both laughing] 258 00:12:42,973 --> 00:12:45,809 - Uh, well, actually I, um, 259 00:12:46,685 --> 00:12:49,354 I figured we could stay in and catch up. 260 00:12:50,355 --> 00:12:51,731 - Is everything okay? 261 00:12:52,649 --> 00:12:53,525 - Um, 262 00:12:55,569 --> 00:12:57,279 sometimes it feels like 263 00:12:58,405 --> 00:12:59,990 everybody's looking at me. 264 00:13:01,116 --> 00:13:03,201 - That's just white people, Kenny. 265 00:13:03,201 --> 00:13:05,161 You gotta let these things roll off your back. 266 00:13:05,161 --> 00:13:06,913 - Well, it's easy for you to say. 267 00:13:08,582 --> 00:13:11,293 - Or you could transfer. [Kendra sighs] 268 00:13:11,293 --> 00:13:15,422 You're not happy. Right? So, you-- - No, no, I can't just give up. 269 00:13:15,422 --> 00:13:17,716 I'm lucky to be here in the first place. 270 00:13:18,967 --> 00:13:22,470 - Okay, well, I wish I could help, but it doesn't seem like you want me to. 271 00:13:22,470 --> 00:13:25,807 - [sighs] Because you can't. You don't get it. 272 00:13:26,975 --> 00:13:28,643 - I'ma go wash my face. 273 00:13:28,643 --> 00:13:30,228 - Diana, I didn't mean-- 274 00:13:32,856 --> 00:13:33,857 D-- 275 00:13:34,524 --> 00:13:36,860 [acoustic guitar strumming] 276 00:13:38,320 --> 00:13:42,949 - FYI, there is a naked man playing guitar in your hallway. 277 00:13:46,036 --> 00:13:46,912 [door thuds] 278 00:13:47,537 --> 00:13:49,998 [ambient street sounds] 279 00:13:49,998 --> 00:13:54,044 ♪ Welcome To My Island by Caroline Polachek playing ♪ 280 00:13:54,044 --> 00:13:55,670 [laughter] 281 00:13:57,214 --> 00:14:00,550 ♪ Welcome to my island ♪ 282 00:14:00,550 --> 00:14:03,845 ♪ See the palm trees wave in the wind ♪ 283 00:14:03,845 --> 00:14:05,597 [indistinct party chatter] 284 00:14:05,597 --> 00:14:07,390 - Can't believe this is happening. 285 00:14:07,390 --> 00:14:09,476 I'm sweating so much right now, my body is, like, peeing. 286 00:14:09,476 --> 00:14:10,560 Is that possible? 287 00:14:10,560 --> 00:14:12,020 - Girl, you need to chill. 288 00:14:13,980 --> 00:14:17,317 Ooh, ooh. Hey! Hey! 289 00:14:17,317 --> 00:14:19,319 Oh, my God, hi! 290 00:14:19,319 --> 00:14:22,239 Oh, you're back from London. 291 00:14:22,239 --> 00:14:25,033 - Yeah, just got back. HAZEL: Hm. 292 00:14:25,033 --> 00:14:26,493 - How do I know you again? 293 00:14:27,327 --> 00:14:28,912 - Oh, my bad. You not Pharrell. 294 00:14:30,080 --> 00:14:31,665 - How did you know he was in London? 295 00:14:31,665 --> 00:14:32,707 - Girl, that hat. 296 00:14:32,707 --> 00:14:35,252 If he wasn't in London, he wanted to pretend he was. 297 00:14:36,336 --> 00:14:39,381 - This is-- - Ah, cute. 298 00:14:39,381 --> 00:14:41,174 Okay, you ready to go talk to some people? 299 00:14:41,174 --> 00:14:43,593 - Uh, could we maybe, like, get a drink or something first? 300 00:14:43,593 --> 00:14:46,596 - Look, all you gotta do is just chat a little bit, okay? 301 00:14:46,596 --> 00:14:49,516 That is how you move up in the world. 302 00:14:49,516 --> 00:14:54,980 - Girls! I-I'm Kate, the hostess of this little shindig. 303 00:14:54,980 --> 00:14:57,524 Um, tell me again who invited you? 304 00:14:58,316 --> 00:15:00,986 - I-- Well, I-- We are-- 305 00:15:00,986 --> 00:15:03,947 - I'm Hazel-May McCall and this is Nella Rogers. 306 00:15:03,947 --> 00:15:06,575 We're editors at Wagner Books, junior editors. 307 00:15:06,575 --> 00:15:09,077 You know, I was at drinks with Giselle Chung 308 00:15:09,077 --> 00:15:10,579 from Penguin Random House last week, 309 00:15:10,579 --> 00:15:13,248 and she mentioned that you were having this thing tonight, 310 00:15:13,248 --> 00:15:15,709 but I... I haven't seen her. 311 00:15:15,709 --> 00:15:18,253 - Oh, well, Giselle's in Greece for two weeks. 312 00:15:18,253 --> 00:15:20,046 You know. - Oh, right, right. 313 00:15:20,046 --> 00:15:22,507 - She'll be so sad she missed you, I'm sure. 314 00:15:22,507 --> 00:15:25,260 Yeah. You know what's so funny is I, I didn't know that 315 00:15:25,260 --> 00:15:29,014 Wagner had two... new editors. [Nella laughs] 316 00:15:29,014 --> 00:15:31,516 - [laughs] That is really funny. 317 00:15:31,516 --> 00:15:33,852 You know, I am just gonna have to tell Richard that I need 318 00:15:33,852 --> 00:15:36,730 that press release next time. [snaps fingers] 319 00:15:36,730 --> 00:15:38,064 [Nella chuckles] 320 00:15:38,064 --> 00:15:41,735 Oh, my God, is that an original Danielle Mabry? 321 00:15:43,778 --> 00:15:46,740 - Well, I think it's safe to say that you have a very good eye. 322 00:15:46,740 --> 00:15:48,825 [group chuckling] 323 00:15:48,825 --> 00:15:50,869 You know, Hazel, if you are into modern sculpture, 324 00:15:50,869 --> 00:15:53,204 there's someone over here you really should meet. - Um. 325 00:15:53,204 --> 00:15:55,832 ♪ Welcome To My Island continues playing ♪ 326 00:15:59,377 --> 00:16:01,046 Hi. Yeah. Thanks. 327 00:16:02,839 --> 00:16:06,676 ♪ The ocean blue ♪ 328 00:16:06,676 --> 00:16:09,012 ♪ I am my father's daughter in the end ♪ 329 00:16:09,012 --> 00:16:11,431 ♪ He says watch your ego, watch your head, girl ♪ 330 00:16:11,431 --> 00:16:13,808 ♪ You're so smart, so talented ♪ 331 00:16:13,808 --> 00:16:17,062 - Hi, I'm Nella Rogers. I'm an assistant editor at Wagner Books. 332 00:16:17,062 --> 00:16:20,106 Have you seen... the sculpture? 333 00:16:20,106 --> 00:16:21,566 - Are you feelin' okay, honey? 334 00:16:22,108 --> 00:16:25,111 - Yes. I'm sorry. I'm just-- I'm very nervous. 335 00:16:25,111 --> 00:16:27,322 - I'm Lena. Lena Jordan. 336 00:16:28,031 --> 00:16:31,243 - Wait, as in, "...and this is our podcast producer, Lena Jordan?" 337 00:16:31,243 --> 00:16:33,662 With Get the Real with Jesse Watson? 338 00:16:33,662 --> 00:16:36,748 That podcast is, like, my Bible. 339 00:16:37,040 --> 00:16:39,876 I actually have to admit, I sent him a DM. 340 00:16:40,085 --> 00:16:43,547 - Not you, too... He gets a million DMs. 341 00:16:43,547 --> 00:16:44,756 Lots of feet pics. 342 00:16:44,756 --> 00:16:48,134 - [laughs] No, not that kind of DM. 343 00:16:48,134 --> 00:16:52,013 I was actually trying to convince him to come and write something at Wagner. 344 00:16:52,013 --> 00:16:56,017 I just know that he has a brilliant book inside of him. 345 00:16:57,602 --> 00:16:59,646 Oh, what, you don't think so? 346 00:16:59,646 --> 00:17:01,940 - Oh, no. I know he does. 347 00:17:01,940 --> 00:17:04,985 But I also know that Wagner is absolutely not the right place for him. 348 00:17:04,985 --> 00:17:07,445 They haven't had a Black editor since-- - Kendra Rae Phillips. 349 00:17:07,445 --> 00:17:09,114 - A million years ago? 350 00:17:09,114 --> 00:17:11,992 - Listen, I know that Wagner has a bad reputation for people like us, 351 00:17:11,992 --> 00:17:13,994 and I know firsthand that it is well deserved. 352 00:17:14,536 --> 00:17:18,123 We are gonna change them from the inside out. 353 00:17:18,123 --> 00:17:20,333 They were a trailblazing company back in the day, 354 00:17:20,333 --> 00:17:22,627 and they can be that again. 355 00:17:22,627 --> 00:17:24,713 - Honey, I love that you believe in yourself, 356 00:17:24,713 --> 00:17:26,464 but having 15 years on you, 357 00:17:27,507 --> 00:17:29,509 I know nothing ever changes. 358 00:17:30,760 --> 00:17:32,762 Good luck on your journey. 359 00:17:34,931 --> 00:17:37,767 ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪ 360 00:17:39,019 --> 00:17:41,646 ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪ 361 00:17:42,147 --> 00:17:44,149 [phone line ringing] 362 00:17:44,149 --> 00:17:45,859 NELLA: Come on, come on. 363 00:17:45,859 --> 00:17:47,277 HAZEL [on voicemail]: You've reach Hazel-May McCall. 364 00:17:47,277 --> 00:17:49,279 Please leave a message. [phone beeps] 365 00:17:51,072 --> 00:17:53,742 [indistinct party chatter] 366 00:17:56,912 --> 00:17:58,914 [phone buzzing] 367 00:18:02,626 --> 00:18:03,835 - Hello? 368 00:18:04,502 --> 00:18:05,712 Hazel? 369 00:18:06,880 --> 00:18:08,089 I'm in the stairwell. 370 00:18:08,089 --> 00:18:11,218 CALLER [through phone]: [laughing] Hazel? 371 00:18:11,218 --> 00:18:13,178 [sighs] Good luck. 372 00:18:13,178 --> 00:18:14,804 - Who is this? 373 00:18:14,804 --> 00:18:16,681 [call disconnects] 374 00:18:16,681 --> 00:18:17,891 - Hey. 375 00:18:18,725 --> 00:18:20,227 You okay? 376 00:18:20,227 --> 00:18:23,605 - Yeah... Just needed a breather. 377 00:18:23,605 --> 00:18:25,440 Had a weird conversation. 378 00:18:25,440 --> 00:18:27,609 Two weird conversations, actually. 379 00:18:27,609 --> 00:18:30,153 - You know what goes really great with weird conversations? 380 00:18:30,153 --> 00:18:31,238 - What? 381 00:18:31,780 --> 00:18:34,282 - Mini sandwiches and champagne. 382 00:18:34,282 --> 00:18:35,408 - [laughs] Oh. - Mm-hm. 383 00:18:35,408 --> 00:18:38,203 You want? [chuckles] - Thank you. 384 00:18:38,203 --> 00:18:41,581 ♪ mellow electronic music playing ♪ 385 00:18:42,249 --> 00:18:44,251 [both giggling] 386 00:18:49,047 --> 00:18:51,299 - Oh, my God, you are so fuckin' moody, girl. 387 00:18:51,299 --> 00:18:54,636 Like, I have never met anyone more clearly a Cancer. 388 00:18:54,636 --> 00:18:57,138 - I know, I know. I just-- I'm feeling, 389 00:18:57,138 --> 00:19:00,016 [inhales sharply] like, wistful. 390 00:19:00,016 --> 00:19:02,227 [Hazel laughs] No, I am. 391 00:19:02,227 --> 00:19:04,354 Well, I'm startin' to feel like I'm not going anywhere at Wagner 392 00:19:04,354 --> 00:19:06,439 and I've just wasted the last two years. 393 00:19:06,439 --> 00:19:07,566 - You know what? 394 00:19:07,566 --> 00:19:11,444 I am about to "Iyanla, Fix Your Life." 395 00:19:11,444 --> 00:19:15,365 [laughs] You have all the tools in the toolbox. 396 00:19:15,365 --> 00:19:18,660 You just, you just need to use them. 397 00:19:18,660 --> 00:19:20,870 Like, fuckin' take a risk. 398 00:19:21,913 --> 00:19:24,708 Why is an up-and-coming editor hiding in a stairwell 399 00:19:24,708 --> 00:19:26,501 from the party of the year? 400 00:19:28,169 --> 00:19:29,796 - Okay, fair. - Yeah. 401 00:19:30,922 --> 00:19:33,300 - But don't you wanna be the up-and-coming editor? 402 00:19:34,342 --> 00:19:36,177 - Well, sure. 403 00:19:36,970 --> 00:19:39,389 - Well, then why are you being so nice to me? 404 00:19:40,140 --> 00:19:41,349 We're competition. 405 00:19:43,101 --> 00:19:44,853 - Look at Vera and Maisy. 406 00:19:46,146 --> 00:19:48,148 They make each other miserable, 407 00:19:48,148 --> 00:19:51,151 and there is more than enough room in the world for both of them. 408 00:19:51,776 --> 00:19:53,403 I don't wanna be that. 409 00:19:54,863 --> 00:19:56,114 Do you? 410 00:19:56,114 --> 00:19:57,741 - Definitely not. 411 00:19:59,534 --> 00:20:02,746 - You shine. I shine. 412 00:20:03,371 --> 00:20:05,540 [clicks tongue] On periodt. 413 00:20:07,709 --> 00:20:09,669 Let's get back in there. 414 00:20:09,669 --> 00:20:12,172 Everyone's probably talkin' about Steve Urkel, 415 00:20:12,172 --> 00:20:16,343 and... you're not even there. [Nella chuckles] 416 00:20:16,927 --> 00:20:19,429 Come on, come on. Get your stuff. - Okay, okay. 417 00:20:20,222 --> 00:20:23,350 ♪ upbeat funk music playing ♪ 418 00:20:25,393 --> 00:20:27,395 [people chattering] 419 00:20:34,861 --> 00:20:38,698 Hi... I'm Nella. I'm an editor at Wagner Books. 420 00:20:38,698 --> 00:20:40,450 I'm really sorry to interrupt. 421 00:20:40,450 --> 00:20:42,160 I just wanted to talk to you 422 00:20:42,160 --> 00:20:44,496 about some of the titles we have on our upcoming slate 423 00:20:44,496 --> 00:20:46,665 that I am really, really excited about. 424 00:20:46,665 --> 00:20:48,250 - Do you have a business card? 425 00:20:48,250 --> 00:20:50,126 - Yeah. Well, not exactly-- 426 00:20:50,126 --> 00:20:52,337 - I don't think she's had them printed yet. 427 00:20:52,921 --> 00:20:54,339 Isn't that right, Nella? 428 00:20:55,507 --> 00:20:58,552 - Richard... I-- - Let's have a chat. 429 00:20:58,552 --> 00:21:00,554 ♪ 430 00:21:10,689 --> 00:21:12,691 - So, what would you do? 431 00:21:12,691 --> 00:21:13,984 - What? 432 00:21:13,984 --> 00:21:16,486 - Oh, you're a big, fancy editor, I understand. 433 00:21:16,486 --> 00:21:17,862 What's your first project? 434 00:21:17,862 --> 00:21:22,867 - I'm really sorry. I didn't-- - Ya didn't think you'd get caught. 435 00:21:25,078 --> 00:21:27,706 You took a big risk, Nella. 436 00:21:27,706 --> 00:21:31,084 Impersonating an editor-- - I know. It's not me. 437 00:21:31,084 --> 00:21:34,045 This party, the lying... this lip color. 438 00:21:34,045 --> 00:21:36,715 - ...is the ballsiest thing I've ever seen you do. 439 00:21:37,382 --> 00:21:38,383 - Wait, what? 440 00:21:39,676 --> 00:21:40,886 - Keep going. 441 00:21:42,762 --> 00:21:45,181 Tell me about your first project. 442 00:21:45,181 --> 00:21:46,182 - Um. 443 00:21:50,270 --> 00:21:51,354 Burning Heart. 444 00:21:51,771 --> 00:21:56,192 It's the 35th anniversary, and... I think that you-- 445 00:21:57,319 --> 00:22:00,322 that Wagner should do a rerelease. 446 00:22:02,574 --> 00:22:04,993 - Go on. - Wow, okay. 447 00:22:04,993 --> 00:22:08,330 I-I, uh, actually have a whole presentation with P&Ls, 448 00:22:08,330 --> 00:22:10,707 and art mock-ups, and we could do a new foreword, 449 00:22:10,707 --> 00:22:13,084 maybe by Diana Gordon or Kendra Rae Phillips? 450 00:22:13,084 --> 00:22:14,085 - No. 451 00:22:15,503 --> 00:22:16,504 - S-Sorry? 452 00:22:16,504 --> 00:22:19,925 - No. Kendra Rae Phillips is not possible. 453 00:22:19,925 --> 00:22:22,302 - I know that no one has heard from her since she left publishing, 454 00:22:22,302 --> 00:22:24,679 but we could find her. 455 00:22:24,679 --> 00:22:26,097 I could find her. 456 00:22:30,185 --> 00:22:32,187 I'm really sorry. I didn't-- 457 00:22:32,687 --> 00:22:35,148 I shouldn't have brought it up. I don't know what I was thinking. 458 00:22:35,148 --> 00:22:37,192 - You know, after all this time, 459 00:22:37,192 --> 00:22:40,820 Burning Heart is still the thing I'm most proud of in my career? 460 00:22:42,030 --> 00:22:45,659 And Kendra Rae Phillips is my biggest regret. 461 00:22:48,620 --> 00:22:50,247 Couple weeks after the book came out, 462 00:22:50,247 --> 00:22:54,542 they found her bag and her ID on a subway platform, 463 00:22:54,542 --> 00:22:56,753 no one ever heard from her again. 464 00:22:57,963 --> 00:22:59,798 That's the official story. 465 00:23:02,801 --> 00:23:04,094 But that's bullshit. 466 00:23:05,095 --> 00:23:07,514 Kendra Rae took her own life. 467 00:23:07,514 --> 00:23:08,932 Broke my heart. 468 00:23:08,932 --> 00:23:12,102 ♪ gentle somber music playing ♪ 469 00:23:21,278 --> 00:23:23,905 - I am so sorry for your loss. 470 00:23:27,826 --> 00:23:29,703 And I don't mean to speak out of turn here, 471 00:23:29,703 --> 00:23:32,831 but shouldn't we do a rerelease of the book? 472 00:23:32,831 --> 00:23:34,457 To honor Kendra Rae? 473 00:23:36,084 --> 00:23:37,794 - You know, you remind me of her. 474 00:23:39,963 --> 00:23:44,634 You cannot keep an idea inside no matter how up against it you are. 475 00:23:48,763 --> 00:23:50,599 Let's talk about it more tomorrow. 476 00:23:51,308 --> 00:23:53,310 Maybe there's something there. 477 00:23:54,644 --> 00:23:55,478 - Really? 478 00:23:57,856 --> 00:23:58,690 - Really. 479 00:24:01,234 --> 00:24:02,652 Goodnight, Nella. 480 00:24:02,652 --> 00:24:06,489 ♪ Living in the Moment by Coops and Isabelle Brown playing ♪ 481 00:24:06,489 --> 00:24:09,492 ♪ Livin' in the moment ♪ 482 00:24:14,915 --> 00:24:16,082 [elevator dings] 483 00:24:17,626 --> 00:24:19,878 - Kenny! [giggles] 484 00:24:19,878 --> 00:24:23,965 - Diana, what are you-- Look, you can't just show up here. 485 00:24:27,302 --> 00:24:28,720 - But I brought sandwiches. 486 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:30,597 - Yeah, I can't eat those. 487 00:24:30,597 --> 00:24:33,725 - What? - [laughs] Also, I can't leave for lunch. 488 00:24:33,725 --> 00:24:36,144 I just can't let them think I'm slacking. 489 00:24:36,978 --> 00:24:39,814 - Wagner has been working you too hard. 490 00:24:44,653 --> 00:24:46,238 Is that Richard? 491 00:24:46,905 --> 00:24:48,281 That's your boss? 492 00:24:48,281 --> 00:24:50,909 - Now, quit. - Mm-mm. 'Scuse me? 493 00:24:51,701 --> 00:24:54,871 Are you Richard Wagner? - I am. 494 00:24:55,538 --> 00:24:59,709 - I'm sorry. I just wanted to say that you have such a superstar 495 00:24:59,709 --> 00:25:03,255 in my friend, Kendra Rae Phillips, here. 496 00:25:03,255 --> 00:25:04,464 - We're lucky to have her. 497 00:25:05,382 --> 00:25:07,884 She never says hello to me on the elevator, but I get it. 498 00:25:07,884 --> 00:25:10,428 I'm scary. [chuckles] - Oh. [laughs] 499 00:25:10,428 --> 00:25:13,473 - What's your name? - I'm Diana Gordon. 500 00:25:13,473 --> 00:25:16,101 I'm a writer. - She any good? 501 00:25:16,101 --> 00:25:18,270 - Uh, yes, she's fantastic. 502 00:25:18,270 --> 00:25:22,983 Um, early Faulkner mixed with Angelou, but still uniquely Diana. 503 00:25:22,983 --> 00:25:24,484 - Well, you'll have to show me what you're workin' on. 504 00:25:24,484 --> 00:25:27,529 Maybe over a lunch a little more exciting than what you have there. 505 00:25:28,613 --> 00:25:30,490 - I'd love that. - Great. 506 00:25:30,949 --> 00:25:33,952 Meet me downstairs in five? The three of us, we can talk shop. 507 00:25:34,786 --> 00:25:36,079 It was nice to meet you, Diana. 508 00:25:36,079 --> 00:25:38,081 - Likewise. [chuckles] 509 00:25:42,085 --> 00:25:43,879 Uh, uh, uh. [snapping] 510 00:25:43,879 --> 00:25:46,298 Can you believe that? [laughs] 511 00:25:47,591 --> 00:25:49,426 You okay? What's wrong? 512 00:25:50,176 --> 00:25:54,055 - Did you come here to have lunch with me or just to pitch yourself to my boss? 513 00:25:54,055 --> 00:25:57,559 - Whoa, what? I just did us both a favor. 514 00:25:57,559 --> 00:26:00,270 We are having lunch with the Wagner of Wagner Books. 515 00:26:00,270 --> 00:26:02,063 Are you serious right now? 516 00:26:02,814 --> 00:26:05,442 - [sighs] No, you're right. You're right. 517 00:26:06,484 --> 00:26:09,487 Let's go to lunch. [Diana/Kendra laugh] 518 00:26:10,405 --> 00:26:12,449 [horns beeping] [Hazel chuckles] 519 00:26:12,449 --> 00:26:14,743 - That could've been so, so, so, so bad. 520 00:26:14,743 --> 00:26:16,536 - Ah! But it wasn't, I told you. 521 00:26:16,536 --> 00:26:17,996 - Oh, my God, is this what cocaine feels like? 522 00:26:17,996 --> 00:26:20,582 - [chuckles] Yeah, no. - Oh. 523 00:26:20,582 --> 00:26:25,670 - You have so much potential, Nella. It just... needs to be unlocked. 524 00:26:26,254 --> 00:26:29,716 - And I mean, wasn't it so crazy what he said about Kendra Rae Phillips? 525 00:26:29,716 --> 00:26:31,259 - Oh, I get it. 526 00:26:31,259 --> 00:26:35,222 She was totally alone and she just... lost it. 527 00:26:35,639 --> 00:26:40,268 - Yeah... I mean, thank God we're not... alone. 528 00:26:42,604 --> 00:26:45,023 - Not anymore. [chuckles] 529 00:26:45,982 --> 00:26:49,653 Weird thought, should we get more food? 530 00:26:49,653 --> 00:26:51,446 - You know what? I'm glad you said somethin' 531 00:26:51,446 --> 00:26:53,740 because I was startin' to wonder if 24-hour ramen was a thing? 532 00:26:53,740 --> 00:26:56,493 - Ooh, invent it. Invent it right now. 533 00:26:56,493 --> 00:26:58,578 - Wanna go over...? - Ooh, yes! 534 00:26:58,578 --> 00:27:00,205 NELLA/HAZEL: Taxi! 535 00:27:02,415 --> 00:27:05,835 - Hi! NELLA: We're looking for some ramen. 536 00:27:05,835 --> 00:27:09,089 ♪ gentle suspenseful music playing ♪ 537 00:27:09,089 --> 00:27:10,298 - Things have changed. 538 00:27:13,426 --> 00:27:14,844 I need you. 539 00:27:16,680 --> 00:27:18,682 ♪ 540 00:27:41,037 --> 00:27:43,039 ♪