1 00:00:01,043 --> 00:00:02,629 NELLA: Previously, on The Other Black Girl... 2 00:00:02,629 --> 00:00:05,549 I was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner 3 00:00:05,549 --> 00:00:07,384 on Saturday. - Yes, I would love to. 4 00:00:07,384 --> 00:00:10,011 - If we pull everything the sensitivity reader flagged, 5 00:00:10,011 --> 00:00:11,221 there won't be a book left. 6 00:00:11,221 --> 00:00:13,306 - How would you feel about meeting Diana Gordon? 7 00:00:13,306 --> 00:00:15,433 - Instead of a rerelease, what about a memoir? 8 00:00:15,433 --> 00:00:17,018 - Maybe this is something we can do together. 9 00:00:17,018 --> 00:00:18,353 HAZEL: Jealousy's not my style. 10 00:00:18,353 --> 00:00:20,605 I'm happy when good things happen to my friends. 11 00:00:20,605 --> 00:00:23,441 - It is so fake and I can't believe you don't see that. 12 00:00:23,441 --> 00:00:24,442 - How is she fake? 13 00:00:24,442 --> 00:00:26,736 - Nella and I are working closely together now, 14 00:00:26,736 --> 00:00:28,321 so I suggest you get used to that. 15 00:00:28,321 --> 00:00:30,740 - Her name isn't Hazel, it's Eva. - What the fuck? 16 00:00:31,741 --> 00:00:33,743 - Hey, hey! 17 00:00:43,211 --> 00:00:45,213 [alarm blares] 18 00:00:49,259 --> 00:00:50,093 [sharp exhale] 19 00:00:51,261 --> 00:00:53,889 ♪ tense music playing ♪ 20 00:00:55,807 --> 00:00:58,476 [people chattering] 21 00:01:01,146 --> 00:01:03,148 [ambient city street noise] 22 00:01:11,197 --> 00:01:12,198 [alarm blares] 23 00:01:12,198 --> 00:01:13,408 [grunts] 24 00:01:13,658 --> 00:01:16,244 [people chattering] 25 00:01:20,665 --> 00:01:21,499 [alarm blares] 26 00:01:21,499 --> 00:01:23,460 ♪ tense music continues ♪ 27 00:01:23,460 --> 00:01:26,588 [people chattering] [distant siren wails] 28 00:01:32,552 --> 00:01:34,554 [phone ringing] 29 00:01:37,766 --> 00:01:39,059 - Owen? OWEN [on phone]: Babe. 30 00:01:39,059 --> 00:01:41,019 NELLA [on phone]: What's wrong? - You haven't been answerin' my calls. 31 00:01:41,019 --> 00:01:42,020 I was worried. 32 00:01:42,020 --> 00:01:44,147 - I was on the subway. Aren't you at work? 33 00:01:44,147 --> 00:01:46,191 - School was canceled. We have asbestos. 34 00:01:46,191 --> 00:01:48,944 - What? Oh, okay. Look, I'm about to head into work, 35 00:01:48,944 --> 00:01:51,446 and I really can't have this conversation again. 36 00:01:51,446 --> 00:01:54,407 - You shouldn't even be at work at all. You're bein' followed. 37 00:01:54,407 --> 00:01:55,617 NELLA: Babe, I'm okay. 38 00:01:55,617 --> 00:01:58,328 Sure, that woman was scary, and, yeah, I didn't sleep last night, 39 00:01:58,328 --> 00:02:02,165 but I told myself at 3 A.M. that her problem was with Hazel, 40 00:02:02,165 --> 00:02:04,793 who she thinks is Eva for some reason. 41 00:02:05,168 --> 00:02:07,963 - Just promise me that you won't go see her. 42 00:02:09,798 --> 00:02:11,216 - I promise. 43 00:02:11,216 --> 00:02:14,219 As soon as I see Hazel, I'm gonna get some answers, okay? 44 00:02:14,594 --> 00:02:15,804 I love you. 45 00:02:17,681 --> 00:02:20,100 ♪ ominous music plays ♪ 46 00:02:22,227 --> 00:02:25,230 ♪ theme music playing ♪ 47 00:02:33,238 --> 00:02:34,072 [elevator dings] 48 00:02:34,072 --> 00:02:36,074 VERA: No, no, that is not what I'm saying. 49 00:02:36,074 --> 00:02:37,909 I'm saying it is absolutely under control. 50 00:02:37,909 --> 00:02:41,496 Um, handle this. Nella! Nella! Oh, finally. 51 00:02:41,496 --> 00:02:43,123 Oh, this morning's been an absolute nightmare. 52 00:02:43,123 --> 00:02:44,499 I couldn't even get my eyebrows on straight. 53 00:02:44,499 --> 00:02:46,251 Thank God you got my coffee. 54 00:02:46,251 --> 00:02:49,004 - Oh, um, that's actually-- 55 00:02:49,004 --> 00:02:50,589 And you're done. [frenzied chatter] 56 00:02:51,214 --> 00:02:52,716 What's going on? - There's no time. 57 00:02:52,716 --> 00:02:54,426 Colin's book. 58 00:02:55,886 --> 00:02:57,178 It was leaked. 59 00:02:57,178 --> 00:02:59,014 - Leaked? By who? [Vera exhales] 60 00:02:59,014 --> 00:03:01,266 - The sensitivity reader, we think. 61 00:03:01,266 --> 00:03:04,603 Doesn't matter. Point is, the book is out there! 62 00:03:04,603 --> 00:03:07,397 And the response is-- [groans] 63 00:03:07,397 --> 00:03:11,401 Well, [scoffs] well, see for yourself. [sighs] 64 00:03:18,825 --> 00:03:21,411 NELLA: Oh, my God, Jesse Watson canceled Wagner? 65 00:03:21,411 --> 00:03:23,747 How did this happen? I have Google Alerts for all those words. 66 00:03:23,747 --> 00:03:25,999 - Well, the internet moves fast, 67 00:03:25,999 --> 00:03:29,628 and, apparently, the consensus is that Wagner is racist. 68 00:03:29,628 --> 00:03:31,213 - Right... Who knew? 69 00:03:39,137 --> 00:03:41,973 - [sharp exhale] Look, I should've listened to you. 70 00:03:42,682 --> 00:03:46,102 Not about the sensitivity reader, that person screwed us all over, 71 00:03:46,102 --> 00:03:48,355 but about the book. It was bad. 72 00:03:48,355 --> 00:03:50,482 - So, why didn't you do anything about it? 73 00:03:50,482 --> 00:03:52,567 - I was trying to do the right thing for Wagner! 74 00:03:52,567 --> 00:03:55,487 - I was doing what was right for Wagner and the world. 75 00:03:55,487 --> 00:03:57,656 - And somebody leaked it, and now we're both drowning. 76 00:03:57,656 --> 00:04:01,326 And, and... they want us to drop Colin. 77 00:04:02,118 --> 00:04:03,745 He's our biggest asset. 78 00:04:03,745 --> 00:04:08,166 He single-handedly keeps Wagner and the pageboy cap industry in business. 79 00:04:08,166 --> 00:04:09,876 Look, I need your help. 80 00:04:10,210 --> 00:04:13,755 - Oh... No, no, I'm not very good at that kinda stuff. 81 00:04:13,755 --> 00:04:16,174 My friend, Malaika, is the one who does the-- 82 00:04:17,217 --> 00:04:18,885 - I need you. 83 00:04:19,970 --> 00:04:21,596 - [sighs] Oh, my God. 84 00:04:24,224 --> 00:04:25,433 [Nella groans] 85 00:04:26,476 --> 00:04:27,477 'Kay. 86 00:04:29,980 --> 00:04:32,190 - Hey, listen, um, 87 00:04:33,316 --> 00:04:35,652 I begged Colin to save your job, 88 00:04:35,652 --> 00:04:40,156 and... [inhales] now I really need your help to save everyone's in this building. 89 00:04:40,156 --> 00:04:42,325 Richard has gone to talk to the board, and I am here. 90 00:04:42,325 --> 00:04:45,203 I'm left in charge of damage control until he gets back. 91 00:04:45,203 --> 00:04:48,623 But [whispers] Nella, Nella, Nella, I cannot go down like this. 92 00:04:49,124 --> 00:04:50,333 Please. 93 00:04:52,752 --> 00:04:54,379 - Okay. [Vera gasps] 94 00:04:56,715 --> 00:04:59,718 - [sharp exhale] Thank you. 95 00:05:04,764 --> 00:05:06,099 NELLA: Vera Parini will see you soon. 96 00:05:06,099 --> 00:05:08,310 Okay, thank you. Bye. [frenzied office chatter] 97 00:05:08,310 --> 00:05:09,728 - Holy crap. 98 00:05:09,728 --> 00:05:12,022 Can you believe this? Do you think our jobs are in trouble? 99 00:05:12,022 --> 00:05:13,273 - Yes. Have you seen Hazel? 100 00:05:13,273 --> 00:05:14,566 I need to talk to her about something else. 101 00:05:14,566 --> 00:05:15,775 SOPHIE: She called in sick. 102 00:05:15,775 --> 00:05:16,818 - Seriously? 103 00:05:16,818 --> 00:05:17,944 - I can't blame her. 104 00:05:17,944 --> 00:05:21,114 Being affiliated with any kind of racial injustice makes me sick, too. 105 00:05:22,240 --> 00:05:23,158 - Totally. 106 00:05:23,158 --> 00:05:24,117 [sharp exhale] 107 00:05:26,411 --> 00:05:28,705 [line ringing, call connects] 108 00:05:28,705 --> 00:05:31,207 Hi, Trish, this is Nella in Vera Parini's office. 109 00:05:31,207 --> 00:05:32,751 Vera wanted me to let you know 110 00:05:32,751 --> 00:05:35,086 that Wagner is gonna be handling press for the time being 111 00:05:35,086 --> 00:05:37,881 and that we have everything under control. 112 00:05:37,881 --> 00:05:39,090 VERA: Nella! 113 00:05:39,090 --> 00:05:40,634 Will you get me another coffee? 114 00:05:40,634 --> 00:05:42,594 - I gotta go, Trish. Thanks, bye. 115 00:05:42,594 --> 00:05:46,306 - Get one for yourself because you need to stay caffeinated. Mm! 116 00:05:46,932 --> 00:05:48,058 - Nella. 117 00:05:48,058 --> 00:05:50,018 Glad you're free. We have a crisis. 118 00:05:50,018 --> 00:05:52,437 - Yep, I'm dealing with it right now. BRIDGET: Oh, not that. 119 00:05:52,437 --> 00:05:55,106 Today is Shannon's birthday, and Hazel signed up to help. 120 00:05:55,106 --> 00:05:56,274 But she's out sick, 121 00:05:56,274 --> 00:05:58,318 so I'm gonna need you to get everyone to sign the card. 122 00:05:58,318 --> 00:06:00,153 - All right, okay. I'll do it, all right? I'll do it. 123 00:06:00,153 --> 00:06:02,572 - Oh, and don't worry. I'll handle the crepe chef. 124 00:06:02,572 --> 00:06:04,074 - Crepe chef. 125 00:06:04,616 --> 00:06:06,993 - [gasps] Nella. Oh, God, thank you. 126 00:06:06,993 --> 00:06:08,578 I need you to gather everyone in the conference room 127 00:06:08,578 --> 00:06:10,747 for an all-hands meeting. Hurry up! 128 00:06:10,747 --> 00:06:12,415 - Okay, and don't forget the card for Shannon, 129 00:06:12,415 --> 00:06:14,584 and don't mention the crepe chef. 130 00:06:14,584 --> 00:06:16,378 It's a surprise! - Okay. 131 00:06:17,420 --> 00:06:19,089 - Did I-- [sniffles] 132 00:06:19,756 --> 00:06:20,715 NELLA: Maisy? 133 00:06:20,715 --> 00:06:22,092 - Yes. [sniffles] 134 00:06:22,092 --> 00:06:23,718 NELLA: You okay? - Yeah, I'm fine. I'm-- 135 00:06:23,718 --> 00:06:25,595 Oh, I'm just fine. [chuckles, sniffles] 136 00:06:25,595 --> 00:06:29,849 Did Hazel not come in today because she thinks I'm... racist? 137 00:06:30,058 --> 00:06:31,935 - What? No. 138 00:06:31,935 --> 00:06:32,894 I think. 139 00:06:32,894 --> 00:06:34,479 - I am a good person. 140 00:06:34,479 --> 00:06:36,523 I volunteer, you know, when I can. 141 00:06:36,523 --> 00:06:38,608 And, and now I have all of these authors 142 00:06:38,608 --> 00:06:40,318 that I've been nurturing for a very long time 143 00:06:40,318 --> 00:06:43,321 calling me and telling me that they cannot be associated with me. 144 00:06:43,321 --> 00:06:45,824 All of my assistants have been POCs, 145 00:06:45,824 --> 00:06:47,951 and now this is happening, to me! 146 00:06:47,951 --> 00:06:50,245 Like, they're-- - Okay, um, are you angry? 147 00:06:50,245 --> 00:06:51,371 - Am I allowed to be? 148 00:06:52,414 --> 00:06:56,167 - Okay, listen... This is not about you. 149 00:06:56,167 --> 00:06:58,879 And if I, of all people, can buck the fuck up 150 00:06:58,879 --> 00:07:01,590 and do my job today... so can you. 151 00:07:03,008 --> 00:07:04,509 - You're right. NELLA [whispers]: Yeah. 152 00:07:04,509 --> 00:07:05,969 - You're right. 153 00:07:05,969 --> 00:07:08,805 Oh, God... Thank you. 154 00:07:10,932 --> 00:07:13,643 NELLA: Oh, okay. [camera shutter clicks] 155 00:07:13,643 --> 00:07:17,355 - Did you just take a picture of me? "Hashtag support Black women." 156 00:07:17,355 --> 00:07:19,441 - You know, I'll delete it. I'll delete it! 157 00:07:19,691 --> 00:07:21,693 VERA: All right, everyone. 158 00:07:21,693 --> 00:07:24,905 [groans] Richard is on his way, but I want you all to rest assured 159 00:07:24,905 --> 00:07:26,531 that I have everything under control. 160 00:07:26,531 --> 00:07:28,867 Colin knows that he has to come here immediately to the office, 161 00:07:28,867 --> 00:07:30,118 but in the meantime, 162 00:07:30,118 --> 00:07:34,915 we are going to focus on composing... [snaps fingers] his public apology. 163 00:07:35,165 --> 00:07:37,042 MAISY: A public apology? - [sighs] Maisy. 164 00:07:37,042 --> 00:07:39,127 - It's, like, isn't this a little too late? 165 00:07:39,127 --> 00:07:41,546 - What? MAISY: I mean, let's be honest. 166 00:07:41,546 --> 00:07:44,591 Colin... has always been a problem. 167 00:07:44,591 --> 00:07:46,468 - We were alone in the elevator one time 168 00:07:46,468 --> 00:07:49,471 and he looked me straight into the eye while he farted. 169 00:07:49,471 --> 00:07:51,181 [phone vibrates] VERA: He's allergic to everything. 170 00:07:51,181 --> 00:07:52,807 It happens all the time. 171 00:07:52,807 --> 00:07:54,851 - Problem. VERA: Okay, focus your mind, Bridget. 172 00:07:54,851 --> 00:07:55,852 Focus your mind! 173 00:07:55,852 --> 00:07:59,481 Who has a good idea? We would like to start this apology well. 174 00:08:00,857 --> 00:08:03,276 [line ringing] 175 00:08:04,069 --> 00:08:05,987 [ringing, call connects] - What's going on? Are you okay? 176 00:08:05,987 --> 00:08:07,489 MALAIKA [on phone]: Whoa, I'm good. 177 00:08:07,489 --> 00:08:08,782 You the one with the stalker. 178 00:08:08,782 --> 00:08:10,492 - No, that's Hazel's stalker. 179 00:08:10,492 --> 00:08:12,661 And can you blame me for being worried? You said "911." 180 00:08:12,661 --> 00:08:14,079 - With a dancer emoji 181 00:08:14,079 --> 00:08:18,041 to emphasize that this is a 911 of spicy, hot tea. 182 00:08:18,041 --> 00:08:19,668 NELLA [on phone]: Yeah, and on any other day, 183 00:08:19,668 --> 00:08:21,962 I would really appreciate that, but today has been kinda rough. 184 00:08:21,962 --> 00:08:23,213 MALAIKA: I saw. 185 00:08:23,213 --> 00:08:26,216 Black Twitter plus Sophie is goin' off, 186 00:08:26,216 --> 00:08:29,386 but it's about to get better... I think. 187 00:08:29,386 --> 00:08:30,679 - What're you talkin' 'bout? 188 00:08:30,679 --> 00:08:34,724 - You will not believe who is havin' lunch at my third favorite bougie spot. 189 00:08:34,724 --> 00:08:37,018 - I don't care where A-Rod eats. 190 00:08:37,018 --> 00:08:40,981 - No, no. Richard Wagner and Hazel. 191 00:08:40,981 --> 00:08:41,982 - What? 192 00:08:42,482 --> 00:08:44,693 - Shit, they gettin' up. 193 00:08:44,693 --> 00:08:48,029 - No, no, no. [whispers] That's, that's impossible. 194 00:08:48,029 --> 00:08:51,866 Hazel's out sick and Richard is-- - A zaddy. Pfft! 195 00:08:51,866 --> 00:08:53,868 But wait... isn't he married? 196 00:08:53,868 --> 00:08:55,203 - [whispers] To a Kennedy! 197 00:08:55,203 --> 00:08:57,872 - I told you that company was a hellhole. 198 00:08:57,872 --> 00:09:02,127 They all rotten to the core, even though I don't believe in monogamy. 199 00:09:02,127 --> 00:09:04,504 NELLA: I can't believe she's pretending to be sick. 200 00:09:04,504 --> 00:09:07,132 And what is Richard doing? Hazel is an employee. 201 00:09:07,132 --> 00:09:11,136 - Or is it Eva? [laughs] Isn't that what the stalker called her? 202 00:09:11,136 --> 00:09:13,555 Clearly, this girl has a lot of secrets. 203 00:09:13,555 --> 00:09:15,307 NELLA: Oh, my God, this is so fucked. 204 00:09:15,307 --> 00:09:17,434 You know, maybe that stalker was right. 205 00:09:17,434 --> 00:09:20,145 - You not meetin' with her tonight, right? 206 00:09:20,145 --> 00:09:20,979 VERA: Nella! 207 00:09:20,979 --> 00:09:22,898 MALAIKA: ...to reassess that-- - [whispers] Oh, I gotta go. 208 00:09:24,524 --> 00:09:26,192 - Nella? Nella? 209 00:09:26,192 --> 00:09:28,320 ♪ light music playing through restaurant speakers ♪ 210 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:30,155 She hung up on me. 211 00:09:32,032 --> 00:09:33,867 Where's my seafood tower? 212 00:09:36,870 --> 00:09:38,538 [horns honking, ambient street noise] 213 00:09:38,538 --> 00:09:41,541 - Let's not lose focus. We really have to get this done. 214 00:09:41,541 --> 00:09:44,336 Oh, thank you for joining us. 215 00:09:44,336 --> 00:09:47,631 Okay, besides some slight... complications, 216 00:09:47,631 --> 00:09:49,633 we are going to go forward with my plan 217 00:09:49,633 --> 00:09:53,386 for the public apology, so I need you to take notes. 218 00:09:53,386 --> 00:09:55,722 - Maybe Colin should take notes. 219 00:09:55,722 --> 00:09:58,141 - [sighs] Excuse me? 220 00:09:58,141 --> 00:10:01,728 ♪ intense percussive music playing ♪ 221 00:10:04,272 --> 00:10:07,484 - I mean, [sighs] 222 00:10:09,736 --> 00:10:12,906 Colin clearly has no idea that he's done anything wrong. 223 00:10:13,615 --> 00:10:15,325 So, what is this apology for? 224 00:10:15,325 --> 00:10:17,202 Nobody's gonna believe a word of it. 225 00:10:17,202 --> 00:10:18,411 And if we wanna write an apology, 226 00:10:18,411 --> 00:10:21,665 it should be on behalf of Wagner and this entire department 227 00:10:21,665 --> 00:10:24,292 for letting this mess happen. - I have been doing everything that I can 228 00:10:24,292 --> 00:10:26,044 to get us out of this mess. 229 00:10:26,044 --> 00:10:30,131 - Actually, I wanna know what Nella thinks we should do. 230 00:10:30,131 --> 00:10:31,758 - Oh, well. 231 00:10:33,218 --> 00:10:35,428 - I think we should cancel the release. 232 00:10:35,428 --> 00:10:37,097 [group murmurs] - But Richard wants the book to go out. 233 00:10:37,097 --> 00:10:39,057 So, do you like your jobs? 234 00:10:39,057 --> 00:10:40,308 Fine, end of discussion. 235 00:10:40,308 --> 00:10:43,270 - You said the book was bad and you don't wanna release it. 236 00:10:43,270 --> 00:10:47,232 - It's not about what I want. It's about what other people need! 237 00:10:47,232 --> 00:10:48,650 - If you were thinking of other people, 238 00:10:48,650 --> 00:10:50,777 you wouldn't have buried the sensitivity read. 239 00:10:50,777 --> 00:10:54,155 [group murmurs indistinctly] 240 00:10:54,155 --> 00:10:56,575 - That's not exactly what happened. 241 00:10:56,575 --> 00:11:01,663 - You are so afraid of losing this book, about losing money, 242 00:11:01,663 --> 00:11:03,081 that you didn't see how offensive it was 243 00:11:03,081 --> 00:11:05,125 and that we might all just lose our jobs anyway. 244 00:11:05,125 --> 00:11:07,878 And now Colin's gonna make a fake apology and it won't change anything. 245 00:11:07,878 --> 00:11:09,504 And I'm gonna be stuck in this bad dream 246 00:11:09,504 --> 00:11:12,173 where we're all just sitting around eating crepes for Shannon's birthday. 247 00:11:12,173 --> 00:11:14,134 - Really?! - It was a surprise! 248 00:11:14,134 --> 00:11:15,343 VERA: Enough! 249 00:11:17,095 --> 00:11:20,098 You're wrong about one thing. Change is afoot. 250 00:11:20,724 --> 00:11:23,351 Because while we may be here eating crepes, 251 00:11:24,102 --> 00:11:25,937 you will be fired. 252 00:11:25,937 --> 00:11:28,565 [group murmurs indistinctly] 253 00:11:30,358 --> 00:11:32,110 Please go collect your things. 254 00:11:33,653 --> 00:11:35,655 - Nella isn't going anywhere. 255 00:11:35,655 --> 00:11:38,074 ♪ 256 00:11:42,621 --> 00:11:46,249 - Richard! Ah! [chuckles] 257 00:11:46,625 --> 00:11:48,627 - Vera, let's talk outside, you and I. 258 00:11:48,627 --> 00:11:51,463 - Oh, no. I, uh, I don't think that's necessary. 259 00:11:51,463 --> 00:11:54,007 Um... I have everything under control. 260 00:11:54,007 --> 00:11:58,011 So, whatever you wanna say, you can say here. 261 00:12:01,556 --> 00:12:04,184 - Well, in that case, I have news. 262 00:12:04,976 --> 00:12:07,854 In light of the inherent and glaring problems 263 00:12:07,854 --> 00:12:09,940 with Needles and Pins, 264 00:12:09,940 --> 00:12:12,943 we will be dropping the book effective immediately. 265 00:12:12,943 --> 00:12:14,986 [indistinct murmuring] 266 00:12:14,986 --> 00:12:17,822 - Well, you can't be serious, Richard. 267 00:12:17,822 --> 00:12:19,241 - I am, yes. 268 00:12:19,574 --> 00:12:24,663 - But just this morning... you told me to save the book. 269 00:12:24,663 --> 00:12:26,665 - That was this morning. 270 00:12:27,415 --> 00:12:30,418 I've been listening to some of the concerns raised recently. 271 00:12:30,418 --> 00:12:33,964 I want this company to reflect the diversity, 272 00:12:33,964 --> 00:12:37,717 the inclusivity, and the values of 2023. 273 00:12:37,717 --> 00:12:41,429 Values, which by the way, do not include burying 274 00:12:41,429 --> 00:12:43,890 the negative results of a sensitivity read 275 00:12:43,890 --> 00:12:47,102 for one of our most important releases. 276 00:12:47,102 --> 00:12:49,688 - I don't know what people have been telling you-- 277 00:12:49,688 --> 00:12:51,439 RICHARD: People, Vera? 278 00:12:51,439 --> 00:12:53,650 This isn't about anybody but you. 279 00:12:56,319 --> 00:13:00,949 I thank you... for your many years of devoted service, 280 00:13:02,284 --> 00:13:04,911 service which must now come to an end. 281 00:13:06,162 --> 00:13:10,000 I need to ask you... to collect your things and go. 282 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:13,003 [indistinct murmuring] 283 00:13:13,003 --> 00:13:14,629 - Col-Collect my-- 284 00:13:17,215 --> 00:13:18,842 You can't-- M-Me? 285 00:13:21,928 --> 00:13:24,139 [yells] What the actual fuck?! 286 00:13:25,515 --> 00:13:26,933 [Richard clears throat] 287 00:13:29,060 --> 00:13:31,479 Okay. - [mouths] Oh, shit. 288 00:13:31,479 --> 00:13:33,523 VERA: Okay, fine. Fine. 289 00:13:33,523 --> 00:13:37,527 Maybe I wasn't always as conscientious as I could have been, 290 00:13:37,527 --> 00:13:42,657 but... I worked my ass off for this company, for decades, 291 00:13:42,657 --> 00:13:46,244 and everyone in this room knows it! 292 00:13:46,244 --> 00:13:49,748 I gave, [inhales] I gave up everything! 293 00:13:56,504 --> 00:13:57,923 Ha! 294 00:13:57,923 --> 00:13:59,341 Well, 295 00:14:01,301 --> 00:14:03,136 I'm not gonna let this little bump in the road 296 00:14:03,136 --> 00:14:06,014 compromise my... dignity. 297 00:14:06,014 --> 00:14:09,059 [deep breath in and out] 298 00:14:09,059 --> 00:14:12,604 [sniffles] I am walking out of here with my head held high. 299 00:14:12,604 --> 00:14:14,231 Nella, my bag. 300 00:14:14,648 --> 00:14:17,859 RICHARD: Nella doesn't work for you anymore. 301 00:14:21,655 --> 00:14:23,281 [Vera chuckles] 302 00:14:26,034 --> 00:14:27,244 - Right. 303 00:14:27,953 --> 00:14:29,162 Mm. 304 00:14:29,663 --> 00:14:30,872 Well, 305 00:14:31,581 --> 00:14:33,416 Nella, 306 00:14:40,966 --> 00:14:44,177 looks like someone turned you into a force to be reckoned with. 307 00:14:48,431 --> 00:14:50,058 You're welcome. 308 00:14:54,729 --> 00:14:57,023 [crepe cart rattling] 309 00:14:57,691 --> 00:15:00,902 Ugh, you have got to be kidding me! 310 00:15:03,780 --> 00:15:07,617 - I'm sorry if that was uncomfortable for anyone. 311 00:15:11,913 --> 00:15:16,626 In the midst of the chaos today, I was thinking a lot about the past, 312 00:15:16,626 --> 00:15:19,087 specifically about Burning Heart, 313 00:15:19,087 --> 00:15:22,716 a book which represents both this company's past 314 00:15:23,592 --> 00:15:25,010 and its future. 315 00:15:26,011 --> 00:15:29,973 I think we should pause work on Diana Gordon's memoir 316 00:15:29,973 --> 00:15:32,976 in favor of Nella's brilliant idea 317 00:15:32,976 --> 00:15:36,146 of a dedicated rerelease of Burning Heart. 318 00:15:36,146 --> 00:15:39,065 I've spoken to Diana about this and she agrees. 319 00:15:39,065 --> 00:15:43,653 Nella, you will be running point on this as assistant editor. 320 00:15:44,863 --> 00:15:47,282 Hazel will be there to help you along the way. 321 00:15:47,282 --> 00:15:48,700 Not only that, 322 00:15:49,492 --> 00:15:51,369 Diana will be launching a new imprint 323 00:15:51,369 --> 00:15:55,874 focusing on and celebrating diverse voices, 324 00:15:55,874 --> 00:15:57,208 and the Burning Heart rerelease 325 00:15:57,208 --> 00:16:01,213 will be the centerpiece of that imprint's launch. 326 00:16:01,630 --> 00:16:05,300 We have been ignoring the problems here for t-- 327 00:16:06,968 --> 00:16:07,969 Hm. 328 00:16:09,221 --> 00:16:10,430 I have. 329 00:16:12,682 --> 00:16:14,517 I've made mistakes, 330 00:16:15,936 --> 00:16:17,270 and for that, I'm sorry. 331 00:16:20,899 --> 00:16:23,443 But I am so proud 332 00:16:23,443 --> 00:16:26,738 to be steering this company down a new path. 333 00:16:26,738 --> 00:16:30,742 Let's all... make Wagner Books 334 00:16:30,742 --> 00:16:33,954 a place we can call home. 335 00:16:36,081 --> 00:16:38,083 [group applauds] 336 00:16:38,083 --> 00:16:40,085 [cheers and applause] 337 00:16:41,086 --> 00:16:44,714 [applause continues] ♪ light music playing ♪ 338 00:16:51,763 --> 00:16:54,975 ♪ upbeat party music playing on speakers ♪ - Hazel, this cake is so good. 339 00:16:54,975 --> 00:16:57,936 I can't stop eating it. HAZEL: Yeah, the place that I got it from 340 00:16:57,936 --> 00:17:01,231 uses some special kinda spiced rum. 341 00:17:01,231 --> 00:17:04,359 SOPHIE: Hm. - Actually, it was my grandparents' wedding cake. 342 00:17:04,359 --> 00:17:06,069 GROUP: Aw. - Yeah, yeah. 343 00:17:06,069 --> 00:17:09,447 Basically, if you got married in Harlem in, like, the last hundred years, 344 00:17:09,447 --> 00:17:10,657 you had this cake. 345 00:17:10,657 --> 00:17:13,201 SOPHIE: [exhales] Well, it's incredible. [laughs] 346 00:17:13,201 --> 00:17:16,288 - Oh, and I love that you share it with us. COLIN: Vera! Vera! 347 00:17:16,580 --> 00:17:19,457 Vera! Richard, what's going on? 348 00:17:19,457 --> 00:17:24,129 Why is there cake and crepes? And w-where is Vera? 349 00:17:24,129 --> 00:17:26,089 - Happy birthday, Shannon. [Bridget chuckles] 350 00:17:26,089 --> 00:17:27,632 - Thank you so much, Richard. 351 00:17:27,632 --> 00:17:30,760 - Colin, let's talk in my office. - What? No. 352 00:17:30,760 --> 00:17:34,681 I'm not gonna be summoned to your office like I'm a naughty child. 353 00:17:34,681 --> 00:17:37,893 My books paid for all of this. 354 00:17:37,893 --> 00:17:41,479 They, they, they, they paid for these desks, and that chair, 355 00:17:41,479 --> 00:17:43,773 even these stupid fucking balloons! 356 00:17:43,773 --> 00:17:45,400 [Shannon gasps] 357 00:17:46,318 --> 00:17:49,779 - Thank you for making this so much easier to say. 358 00:17:50,447 --> 00:17:54,451 Colin, you are no longer a Wagner author. 359 00:17:54,451 --> 00:17:56,661 [all murmuring] 360 00:17:58,705 --> 00:18:02,000 Somebody call security. - Oh, I-I'd love to. 361 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:05,545 [phone button beeps, line ringing] 362 00:18:05,545 --> 00:18:07,714 - [clears throat] Hello, yes, we need security. 363 00:18:07,714 --> 00:18:11,343 No, not dangerous. Just some clown who doesn't get it. 364 00:18:12,969 --> 00:18:14,679 [ambient city street noise] 365 00:18:16,348 --> 00:18:18,016 - Nella! Nella. 366 00:18:18,016 --> 00:18:19,643 Hey, hey, hey. [laughs] - Hi. 367 00:18:19,643 --> 00:18:23,146 - Congratulations! Aren't you excited? - [quietly] Yeah. 368 00:18:23,146 --> 00:18:25,565 - You haven't even said anything since we heard the good news. 369 00:18:25,565 --> 00:18:29,194 - Yeah. No, I'm super excited. I'm, I'm just-- 370 00:18:29,194 --> 00:18:31,905 I'm tired, and I, I feel kinda blindsided. 371 00:18:31,905 --> 00:18:34,824 - Ooh, in a good way? - Yeah. 372 00:18:34,824 --> 00:18:38,453 - Okay, 'cause somebody had to tell Richard about that sensitivity read. 373 00:18:38,453 --> 00:18:41,248 And once I did, it was pretty safe to assume 374 00:18:41,248 --> 00:18:43,250 that he'd do somethin' about it. [chuckles] 375 00:18:43,750 --> 00:18:46,419 - So, you weren't sick? 376 00:18:46,419 --> 00:18:51,049 - Look, someone was gonna have to take the fall, and I made a move. 377 00:18:51,049 --> 00:18:53,927 Vera has never done anything to me personally-- 378 00:18:53,927 --> 00:18:57,514 - She was my boss for two years. - But she wasn't promoting you. 379 00:18:57,514 --> 00:18:59,933 And we both wanna be editors, right? 380 00:19:00,308 --> 00:19:03,144 So, I genuinely feel sorry for anyone 381 00:19:03,144 --> 00:19:06,982 who was unfortunate enough to be in our way. [laughs] 382 00:19:06,982 --> 00:19:08,441 Ooh! You know what? Wait a minute. 383 00:19:08,441 --> 00:19:11,653 I have something that I wanna give you. 384 00:19:11,653 --> 00:19:14,864 [groans] Oh. [sighs] Oh, God. 385 00:19:14,864 --> 00:19:18,493 ♪ ominous music playing ♪ Can't-- 386 00:19:19,077 --> 00:19:21,079 Ah, here it is. 387 00:19:23,123 --> 00:19:24,874 It's a crepe. [laughs] 388 00:19:24,874 --> 00:19:27,043 They're delicious, and I saw you didn't get one. 389 00:19:27,043 --> 00:19:28,295 - Oh, thanks. 390 00:19:28,295 --> 00:19:29,671 You know, everybody was fawning over the cake, 391 00:19:29,671 --> 00:19:30,672 so I really only tried that. 392 00:19:30,672 --> 00:19:32,591 - Ugh, that fuckin' cake. I hate that cake. 393 00:19:32,591 --> 00:19:35,552 It, ugh, reminds me of pukin' up Captain Morgan's. 394 00:19:36,011 --> 00:19:38,555 I mean, honestly, it's my fault because I told 'em to send the last thing 395 00:19:38,555 --> 00:19:40,056 they had in stock. - W-Wait, wait, sorry. 396 00:19:40,056 --> 00:19:41,558 So, that wasn't your grandparents' wedding cake? 397 00:19:41,558 --> 00:19:43,810 - [laughs] Girl, no! What?! 398 00:19:43,810 --> 00:19:46,313 I don't know what my grandparents ate on their wedding day, 399 00:19:46,313 --> 00:19:48,023 let alone all of Harlem. 400 00:19:48,565 --> 00:19:53,194 Sometimes, you just have to be the person they want you to be, right? 401 00:19:55,071 --> 00:19:56,072 Anyway, 402 00:19:57,365 --> 00:19:58,992 congratulations. 403 00:19:59,743 --> 00:20:01,953 It's gonna be a wild ride. 404 00:20:03,121 --> 00:20:04,539 [Hazel chuckles] 405 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:09,377 - Her name isn't Hazel. It's Eva. 406 00:20:09,377 --> 00:20:12,005 ♪ suspenseful music playing ♪ 407 00:20:15,050 --> 00:20:17,260 [train rattling] 408 00:20:17,260 --> 00:20:19,262 ♪ 409 00:20:34,527 --> 00:20:36,947 - Hey, it's me. Everything's fine. 410 00:20:37,364 --> 00:20:42,994 I... just got held up at work, so I'm gonna be... a little late. 411 00:20:43,370 --> 00:20:45,205 Okay. Bye. 412 00:21:01,388 --> 00:21:05,100 ♪ suspenseful music playing ♪ 413 00:21:17,779 --> 00:21:18,780 - Name. 414 00:21:19,573 --> 00:21:20,991 - Oh, um... 415 00:21:22,617 --> 00:21:23,618 Nella? 416 00:21:28,290 --> 00:21:29,499 - This way. 417 00:21:32,878 --> 00:21:37,799 ♪ suspenseful music continues ♪ 418 00:21:50,478 --> 00:21:53,189 GOTH ATTENDANT: This is your room. Enjoy. 419 00:21:53,189 --> 00:21:56,192 ♪ End Of The Road by Boyz II Men playing ♪ 420 00:22:07,495 --> 00:22:11,082 ♪ Spinning around and around ♪ 421 00:22:11,082 --> 00:22:12,918 [tires screeching] ♪ Although we've come ♪ 422 00:22:12,918 --> 00:22:13,668 SHANI: Hey! 423 00:22:13,668 --> 00:22:18,340 ♪ To the end of the road ♪ [fighting, indistinct yelling] 424 00:22:18,340 --> 00:22:22,761 ♪ Still I can't let go ♪ [tires screeching] 425 00:22:24,262 --> 00:22:25,555 [phone dings] 426 00:22:28,058 --> 00:22:31,228 ♪ I belong to you ♪ 427 00:22:31,228 --> 00:22:32,938 ♪ Come ♪ 428 00:22:32,938 --> 00:22:36,066 - [through computer] The craziest thing about this whole situation is, 429 00:22:36,066 --> 00:22:39,152 is, is, i-is that I am, in point of fact, 430 00:22:39,152 --> 00:22:42,530 the least racist person that I know. 431 00:22:42,530 --> 00:22:48,161 [sharp inhale] I mean, in truth, I, I, I, I, I, I don't even see colors. 432 00:22:51,039 --> 00:22:52,749 I see characters. 433 00:22:52,749 --> 00:22:55,377 ♪ End Of The Road continues ♪ 434 00:22:55,377 --> 00:22:57,796 ♪ You belong to me ♪ 435 00:22:57,796 --> 00:23:00,966 ♪ I belong to you ♪ 436 00:23:00,966 --> 00:23:06,972 ♪ Come to the end of the road ♪ 437 00:23:07,347 --> 00:23:12,227 ♪ Still I can't let you go ♪ 438 00:23:12,227 --> 00:23:14,688 ♪ It's unnatural ♪ 439 00:23:14,688 --> 00:23:17,065 ♪ You belong to me ♪ 440 00:23:17,065 --> 00:23:21,319 ♪ I belong to you ♪ 441 00:23:21,319 --> 00:23:26,533 ♪ Girl, I know you really love me ♪ 442 00:23:26,533 --> 00:23:31,037 ♪ You just don't realize ♪ 443 00:23:31,037 --> 00:23:34,291 ♪ You've never been there before ♪ 444 00:23:34,291 --> 00:23:40,255 ♪ It's only your first time ♪ 445 00:23:40,630 --> 00:23:43,717 ♪ Maybe I'll forgive you ♪ 446 00:23:43,717 --> 00:23:45,176 ♪ Mm ♪ 447 00:23:45,176 --> 00:23:49,014 ♪ Maybe you'll try ♪ 448 00:23:50,223 --> 00:23:55,312 ♪ We should be happy together forever ♪