♪ mysterious music playing ♪
[phones ringing] [indistinct office chatter]
ANNA VOORHIES: Come in!
♪
Hm.
Anna Voorhies, Editor-in-Chief of Cooper's Review.
It's lovely to meet you, Ms. Wilson?
INTERVIEWEE: Hi. Please, call me Chantal.
♪
♪ eerie theme music playing ♪
- Your writing is very good, Chantal.
You cite Diana Gordon's work as your favorite?
- Y-- Uh, she's the whole reason I wanna be a writer.
- Well, she's definitely an icon.
- Uh, it's just brilliant how she says that success can be reached
by... descending our ascribed social ladder
rather than climbing it.
- That's well said.
You're definitely an impressive young lady
in person, but there seems to have been a mix-up in HR.
Our editorial assistant position requires a college degree.
- I know I'm-- I know I'm not your, uh, typical candidate,
but... I-I'm a huge Cooper's fan,
and I've read every single issue since my freshman year.
- We're talking high school?
- Yes... Yeah.
Um, I'm a live-in caretaker for my mom.
She's on disability, so when I'm not with her, I'm working.
- Lovell's Bar and Grille.
They have a good clam chowder.
- Thanks.
But... college, you know, there's just, there's just no time.
- Well, we live in Boston and there's plenty of local schools.
Or you could attend night school.
- I work nights.
- Many colleges offer strong financial aid packages
to help students across varying backgrounds
to afford schooling, so if-- - Yeah, well, my mom needs me.
Yeah, I'm--
I-I just-- I-I really can't tell you how much I-I want this.
I-I'm, I'm a hard worker.
I've been employee of the month four times and I can learn anything.
And this job, it would help me get a caretaker full-time.
So, uh, any day of the week, any time, I-I'll be here.
Please just don't discount me
because I didn't have the right opportunities.
- Well, perhaps you could apply for one of our unpaid internships.
[birds chirping] [distant siren wails]
REPORTER [on TV]: The family says their young child is traumatized
after a man exposed himself to them just outside of the Beachmont station
[door opens] early this morning.
Surveillance cameras show the man approaching and then flashing the family,
before being chased away by a bystander.
Police are currently working with NBTA officials to locate the suspect.
- Anything good?
DEBORAH: Some creep exposed himself to a Swedish family on the Blue Line.
What are you wearin'?
- It's nothin'.
- How much did ya pay for it? - I got it at Goodwill.
- I thought you were goin' to get groceries.
- No, I can't.
I have an extra shift at work, so I'll be home really late.
I'll just get 'em tomorrow.
- Why you look so fancy? [chuckles]
- I had an interview... with Cooper's Review.
- How did it go?
- Not good.
- Got a good job already.
- Cooper's is a good job.
I would've had insurance.
I would've had my own desk. It's a nine to five.
- Nine to five?
Who's gonna take me to see Dr. Hanley?
- If I had gotten that job,
I could've paid someone to come and help out.
- You know how I feel about that.
Letting strangers into my home, mm-mm.
- There are people out there... trained to do this.
- Trained to take care of your mom?
- People who are better equipped than me.
Why couldn't you ask Ty to go get the groceries?
- He went to work out.
He's only 17.
- Yeah, well, when I was 17, I had a full-time job
and I was taking care of everything.
[turns up volume on TV] [sighs]
HOST [on TV]: But letting them cook undisturbed
is what's going to help develop that nice--
- Do you wanna... play a game of cards before I go to work?
- Are you sure you wanna get your ass kicked
before your shift? [Chantal/Hazel laughs]
[audience applauds]
DIANA GORDON [into microphone]: Thank you. [chuckles]
Thank you.
Wow, it's been a while since I've been back here at Harvard.
All right, let's get to my favorite part of the evening.
Who's got questions?
Oh! The speed-hand-raiser in the back, yes?
- [into microphone] Hello! Oh. [microphone squeals]
[crowd murmurs] Wow. Um.
H-Hi.
- Hi.
- I'm, I'm a huge fan... obviously.
[clears throat] Um, [audience member coughs]
I-I have a ton of questions.
- Uh, start with one, honey.
[audience laughs]
- Places.
Y-Your use of places in your novels,
how does that... affect things?
- Wow, askin' the tough questions. [scoffs]
[group snickering]
- What I mean is... not just the... setting,
but... where you were in your own life.
I don't know, I often wonder what the authors owe the people
that their novels are based on.
And... if they owe the people,
then... do they also owe the cities that they write about?
- That is a tough question.
And you're right,
the setting of my own story is essential.
Evie comes from Chicago because I'm a city girl.
She escapes Louisiana because my grandmother grew up there
and I felt connected to it.
Our stories are intricately linked to who we are
and where we come from.
- Wow, thank you.
- Thank you.
What are you studying here?
- Um,
English... literature.
- I've never seen her before in my life.
- Would you just back the fuck off?
[audience gasps and murmurs]
[Diana clears throat]
Um.
[audience murmuring]
[softly] Um.
[audience giggling]
♪ uneasy, dramatic music playing ♪
- Any other questions?
♪
Hi.
- Um, [sniffles]
I didn't-- Uh, uh, uh.
[sighs]
[softly] I'm sorry.
- It's okay.
It's okay.
No one will remember this tomorrow.
- I don't go to Harvard.
I lied to get in there 'cause I just-- I really wanted to see you.
I didn't, I didn't mean to go off on that girl in there.
[crying] I've just got a lot going on right now.
Ya know? And just life is just a little-- it's just... too much.
- What's your name?
- Chantal.
Chantal... what is it that you want?
I mean, you said everything is too much.
What would make it easier?
- My mom is paralyzed.
She got hit by a truck when I was a little kid. [sniffles]
- I'm so sorry.
- It just really messed her up.
And then my dad died, so now... [scoffs]
I have to take care of her. - [softly] Right.
- And I just... I just feel really stuck. [sobs]
- A long time ago, I... I created a sisterhood
with the brightest Black women I know.
The Boston chapter is having a dinner tomorrow.
I would love it... if you would come.
- I, I-I eat ramen for breakfast,
I don't think, I don't think I'm who you're looking for.
- I have something for you.
Chantal, I came from nothing.
It took the right people to get me to where I am today.
Here.
I will see you tomorrow night, 8:00 P.M., at the special collections library.
Yes?
- Yes.
- Okay.
And she was an asshole. [laughs]
[chuckles]
See ya tomorrow.
♪ soft music playing ♪
♪ The Other Side by Jazmine Sullivan playing ♪
♪ To buy expensive things ♪
♪ And I know that he's out there ♪
♪ So, where's my millionaire? ♪
[women murmur indistinctly]
[gasps]
♪ eerie music playing ♪
- Chantal, right?
I'm Melody.
Diana mentioned you might be coming and we've been dying to meet you.
Crostini?
- Yeah.
Wow. Did you make these?
[women laugh]
- Seriously, I think if I tried to turn on a microwave,
I'd burn the whole dorm down.
- Oh.
My bad. I just-- It's all so much fancier than I'm used to.
- Girl, I used to feel the same way, but you belong here.
I promise.
Diana always takes care of us when she's in town.
You'll see.
[slight chuckle] Your outfit is so cute, by the way.
- Yeah, I really love your bangs. - Yes!
- Uh, thank you. - They're super cute.
- Oh, my gosh, your necklace is beautiful. Is it an heirloom?
- Uh, I-- [ladies chattering]
- Thank you. I-- Thank you. [chattering]
[door opens]
What? Oh.
[chuckles]
♪ uneasy, dramatic music playing ♪
Mm!
♪
[chewing quickly]
- Welcome.
Ladies, I am so grateful to be here with you tonight.
You are all different, but united by the fact
that you're the best and brightest that Boston has to offer.
In this world full of challenges,
it is so important that we support each other
because when we do, all that goes away.
Together, we ensure the future is exactly as fruitful
as you wish it to be.
Please help me welcome
our newest sister, Chantal Wilson.
[ladies applaud]
Now let's begin.
Melody, what is it that you want?
- [sighs] The Dean's List.
- [whispers] I believe in you.
♪ eerie music playing ♪
- To get into Tufts Medical School.
- To run for Congress.
- To win the Pulitzer.
♪ eerie music continues ♪
- Last and not least... Chantal.
What is it you really, truly want?
- I shouldn't want what I want.
- There's no shame in here.
- [sighs] It's just that I know that there are a lotta people out there
worse off than me.
And I shouldn't want more.
You know, nobody who owes me anything.
Not the world, not the universe.
But I have worked... so hard
and I just feel like I am never gonna make it,
I am never gonna make it there.
And I just wanna feel... worthy.
I wanna feel accepted,
and I wanna feel free.
I think we all should want that.
We should all have that.
♪ dramatic music playing ♪
- I believe in you.
♪
[winces]
♪
REPORTER [on TV]: A Black woman was killed
by the police this morning.
This is the fifth shooting of an unarmed Black person
by police nationwide in the last month.
The woman's name has not been released.
Authorities are still in the process-- [aggressive scratching]
- Ugh! God!
- How's my new favorite Conditioner? - [shrieks] Ah! Ah.
- Ready for your first assignment? - [panting] Yeah.
- Wow! [chuckles] You've come a long way.
I feel like I just walked into a Restoration Hardware.
- Uh, it-- I just tried to imagine
what would Diana Gordon wanna sit on? [both laugh]
Can I get you somethin' to drink?
- Yeah, water and lemon would be great. - Okay.
- How are you feeling about tomorrow?
- Nervous, but, but ready.
- Well, you finished the training in nine months
and I think you can handle it.
- Can I ask you a question?
And I'm sorry, I don't have any lemons.
- Oh, you should keep some on hand for guests.
- Right.
Uh,
have there... ever been any side effects with the grease?
You know, like scratching? - Hm.
- It's just that I was listening to the news a few minutes ago
and it felt like my... scalp was just on fire.
- [sighs] You're probably not using enough.
- No, but it's not just that, it's... it's my memory, too.
I had to look up what BLM meant today.
- It's probably a new side effect.
We're working on it.
I told you it was gonna be hard the first time--
- Yeah, no, I know. I know, I know. It's--
Why are we doing this?
- Your own place... full-time care for your mother.
- Why are you doing this?
- My best friend.
- So, you... you made it for her and it, it, it helped her?
- I tried.
You know that officer that shot that woman in LA?
We both know he's gonna get off
because there aren't enough lawyers that look like us
or a journalist like your target tomorrow.
But you're gonna change that.
You're gonna spread the wealth just like we did for you.
Okay?
- Okay.
And I really am, I-I'm really grateful for all of this.
- You deserve it. Remember that.
- Goodnight... Eva.
♪ light music playing ♪
ANNA: Eva, your resume is exquisite.
The Peace Corps, the office of Dianne Feinstein,
a letter of recommendation from Diana Gordon,
and Dartmouth? Wow.
- My mom went there, so... she's my inspiration.
- Oh.
Well, I have a friend who teaches there in the English department,
I'll have to reach out. - Uh, who is
that little prince?
- Oh. That is Mr. Darcy. - [chuckles] Aww. Wow.
Ya know... I feel like society really needs
to start recognizing that family is who we choose.
[chuckles]
- When can you start?
[office chatter]
- [sighs] Damn it.
- Everything okay?
- Yeah, yeah. I just, um, [sighs]
I'm trying to upload my presentation for the staff meeting
and I... I just-- I don't, I don't think I'm doing it right.
SHANI: I got you. [Eva/Hazel sighs]
We just switched over to Canva.
- Yeah, I-- - Um, so, you click on this,
and make your slides here. - Okay. Oh.
- And you can do whatever you want. - [chuckles] Thank you.
- Yeah, no sweat.
We've gotta look out for each other, right?
- Totally. [Shani chuckles]
- I'm Eva.
- Shani.
♪ unsettling music playing ♪
[Shani chuckles]
- Girl, this office is wild.
- Mm! Just wait 'til I tell you about Kayla.
- [scoffs] What? - You know Franklin Cooper?
- Who put the "Cooper" in Cooper's Review?
- Mm-hm.
You know what else he's been putting the Cooper in and where?
- [whispers] Quit! - Yes, girl, and he promoted her!
- What?!
- That's the kinda shit you can expect here.
- Wow. - Yeah.
And they always put me on the race beat.
- [scoffs] Ah, of course! - News flash, bitches.
I like white people shit, too! [Eva/Hazel laughs]
Okay? I fuck with T. Swift. Look at this cardigan!
- I mean-- [both laughing]
- [sighs] It feels so good to get this off my chest.
- I'm so glad you feel like you can trust me.
- That is a weird way to say that. [chuckles]
But... yeah,
I'm happy I can, too.
- Good.
- How are you surviving?
I mean, everything just rolls off your back.
What's your secret?
Drugs? [chuckles]
Wait, is it drugs?
- This.
- Okay, still feelin' like drugs.
[sniffs]
Is this hair grease?
- More like CBD for the soul.
- What's in it?
- Just try it. [Shani scoffs]
- Mm. Yeah, I'm gonna abstain.
- Shani, I used to be just like you.
Everything was always... so hard,
and I felt like it was always my fault,
and that I had to fix all of the problems in the world.
But you... deserve not to feel that way.
And I promise if you take this with me right now,
you will never, ever feel alone again.
♪ tense, eerie music playing ♪
- [quietly] Yeah,
that's not how the world works.
It's always gonna be hard.
But I'm enough.
I don't need whatever that shit is.
- Shani, wait,
if you don't take this grease right now
I promise it'll get much worse before it gets better.
♪ intense music playing ♪
- Don't you ever put your hands on me again.
EVA/HAZEL [over phone]: Sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I--
- Eva, I don't like when you use that word.
- I know, it's just that she said that she was fine being miserable.
Who says that?
- Some people don't act in their own best interest.
Where is she now?
- I, uh, I don't know. - What?!
EVA/HAZEL: Uh, she just, she just left!
DIANA [over phone]: You didn't initiate the involuntary protocols?
- I just-- I'm sorry! I--
I-I messed up. I-I-I-I did-- I didn't know what to do,
and-and I just-- I had to, I had to pay for the check,
and I-I-- my hands were shaking, and I didn't know wh-what to tip.
Uh, she said some things that could really get her in trouble at work,
a-and I recorded all of it.
- Good.
[sighs] Good.
Everything'll be fine.
I will handle this.
[sighs]
♪ tense, dramatic music playing ♪
- Shani... my office... now.
♪
- I checked my bank account this morning.
Well, try it again!
I've never missed a rent payment in my life.
Th-- [sighs]
And where the fuck am I supposed to live?
No, hey, hey!
My cousin is a lawyer, and when I tell her about this,
you are gonna get sued, okay?
Just give me a couple more day-- [gasps]
No! Hey!
[thuds, grunts]
[screams]
♪ intense music playing ♪ [Shani panting]
EVA/HAZEL: This is not what we agreed to.
Shani was a nice person. She was not a threat.
- She was supposed to be a walk in the park.
You made her a threat to all of us. [sighs]
Your new target's in Syracuse.
- No.
- What are you talking about?
- I'm talking about moving!
Being Eva! And now... Nicole?!
Why did the other girls get to stay?
- Because their whole life wasn't a lie that I had to tell
in the first place! - You told me that I could have what I wanted!
This can't be my life, this isn't a life!
- [scoffs] And, and you thought Chantal had a life?
- Well, at least she was real!
And she wasn't going around fucking up people's existences
just because they didn't see the world exactly the way that you want them to!
- So, it's my fault?
It's your mother's fault that you didn't go to college.
It's Cooper's Review's fault that you couldn't have your dream job.
You're such a victim!
[Eva/Hazel breathing heavily] I thought you understood that
the world just doesn't happen to us, it's what we make of it,
it's what we decide to do.
- Well, you know what? I am deciding to get the fuck outta here!
- I had plans for you. [Eva/Hazel sighs]
You're ruining your future and you know what's worse?!
You ruined Shani's, too!
- Here's your fucking lemons.
[lemons clatter]
♪ dramatic music playing ♪
REPORTER [on TV]: Breaking news: A Wellington woman is in the hospital
and seeking justice following a violent home invasion late last night.
The woman, whose identity is being concealed for protection,
told News Five that she called 911 at approximately 1:00 A.M.
with reports of loud-- [lights zapping]
- You left us for this?
♪ intense music playing ♪
- I know you sad about that job,
but sometimes, things just don't work out for us.
REPORTER [on TV]: ...where they discovered the woman had administered
immediate medical aid before going back to the local hospital--
- I was watchin' that.
- They said the same thing three times for the last hour.
Why don't you read a book for a change?
You know,
this... this is a beautiful story
about transformation and reinvention.
You'll learn something.
- You think you're better than me now, huh?
- I'm better than this.
And you are, too, you just have to stop believing
that you're a victim of circumstance.
You need to make a choice, Ma.
- You think I have a choice?
- Yes.
- That's some bootstraps bullshit.
I don't even recognize you anymore.
- Good.
♪ dramatic music playing ♪
- Look what the Greyhound dragged in.
- I don't wanna be
what I was.
- I'm gonna make sure you never are.
I was hard on you, but I know what you're made of.
I'd hate to see it go to waste.
You're very special, Chantal.
- Thanks.
- But I need to know that you can handle this.
♪ Seek & Destroy by SZA playing ♪
Show me you're committed.
[inaudible dialogue]
I'm gettin' you ready
for the most important job... we've ever done.
♪ My own capacity, boy ♪
♪ Permission to crash, collectin' damages ♪
It's for an old friend.
♪ No reachin' and-- ♪
It's a game changer, so it has to go well.
And this time, let's make a deal.
After you complete this, you're free.
You get to keep your new life.
The apartment, the people, the name.
You deserve it.
♪
♪ Don't make me do it to you ♪ Once you recruit this girl,
you won't be a Conditioner anymore.
You can keep the job telling stories just like you
always wanted. ♪ Chasing facades in all directions ♪
♪ Chances are I've got no direction ♪ - I won't let you down.
- I know... You're like a young me.
- So, ♪ Danger arise and I deflect it ♪
what's my name? ♪ New dick arrives and I erect it ♪
- Hazel, isn't it? - Yes. Yes.
- Come on in. ♪ Thankin' my stars livin' reckless ♪
Please, have a seat.
♪ Do it to you ♪
Diana says you're the best.
- She's right.
- Sophie, could you send Maisy in here please?
SOPHIE [over phone]: Didn't you want me to get your yogurt first?
[Richard sighs]
- No, just get Maisy.
And... yeah, the yogurt.
And you're sure you can help her
without any of the... issues from Boston?
- Of course.
Tell me everything I need to know about Nella Rogers.
♪ dramatic music playing ♪
♪
♪ music fades ♪