I'm here to ask you...
...to leave Martin alone.
Oh, no, not again.
When you figure out what you actually want,
give me a call.
I still look good.
That is how I remember it.
I mean, I'm not asking if I'm pretty. I know that.
I'm asking if I'm self-centered.
You'll have to teach me sometime.
You think you'll have any time left to play
after you decide which one of my daughters you're sleeping with?
Make sure Laura Peterson is safe at all times.
Miss Dupree, it would be a pleasure.
Welcome to WinterFest.
You want us to move in together?
Where did that even come from?
After that incredible weekend we spent away together,
you're asking me that?
Ah, it was so romantic.
It was like the whole world evaporated.
Getting to wake up in your arms,
having all those hours alone together.
It could be like that every day, Kat, and every night.
But let's be real.
As wonderful as vacation was,
it's very different from normal life.
Chelsea and I are in constant ChelseaKat mode,
which is why we moved into the studio together.
And you're trying to make partner.
That's why it makes so much sense.
If we live together, we'd see each other a lot more.
You must have thought about it.
Look, I do love you.
And I'm always hype when I get to see you.
I just hadn't gone there yet, in my mind.
Well...
Catch up.
What do people do at this thing? I've never been before.
Neither have I, but I've been checking it out.
There's an ice skating rink.
Cold, slippery-- not my thing.
Have you ever even tried it?
When I was a kid.
Okay, well, then you have to give it another shot.
And you'll love this-- you can take a picture with Santa.
Pass.
There's an amazing choir outside singing carols.
Yeah, I heard them.
They sound good. I heard them on the way in.
So far, the only thing I'm into is seeing you.
The real goal is to get people to drop serious cash.
There's gonna be a live auction with ginormous prizes,
like a, oh, fancy weekend at a ski resort.
Not in my budget.
Not in mine either.
But there's also gonna be a silent auction, too,
You know, with smaller prizes.
I think I might bid on a signed Wizards basketball for my mom.
Where's all the money go?
Charity, yeah.
This year, the proceeds are gonna
help fund mental health care for musicians.
It's gonna be in honor of my grandmother, Barbara Mitchell.
-Wait, for real? -Yeah.
She founded the Articulettes but left the group
before they made it big.
Her story is really sad, but
it's a nice thing that the Duprees are trying
to make something positive out of it.
A hot cocoa for you with marshmallow.
The best part.
Izaiah.
-Good to see you again. -You too.
There you are, beauty.
Looks amazing.
-How's it going? -Couldn't be better.
So I guess you decided to go solo after all.
Not quite.
Hey.
Mother, I would like you to meet Dr. Kial Rollins.
Mrs. Dupree, a pleasure to meet you.
I was just telling Nicole
this event has exceeded my expectation.
It's phenomenal.
♪ ♪
I can never be in the same place as Leslie
-without being a little jittery. -You are well
within your rights to feel that way.
You suffered a lot at that woman's hands.
Hey, Laura.
Why don't you stop by my law offices tomorrow?
If we can document that Leslie's harassing you,
we might be able to get you a peace order
barring her from contacting you.
What's that?
It's what we call it in Maryland.
It's sort of like a protective order.
But you don't have to be domestic partners.
I just want to be left alone.
Marcel, excuse me.
Two of my guests have arrived. See you in a minute.
Hello.
Don't you look beautiful?
So do the two of you.
Oh, thank you again for personally inviting me.
I've heard so much about WinterFest
over the years, but I've never been.
The light show, the choir,
and that dusting of snow in the front walkway was...
I've never seen anything like it, just, oh, spectacular.
Uh-oh, okay.
Excuse me, a sponsor's work is never finished.
Let's go check out the food booths.
I had no idea that she was gonna be here.
-My baby girl. -Hi, Dad.
Mwah.
-And my new son-in-law. -Sir.
-Where's Mother? -Good question.
She could be checking out the silent auction.
I haven't had a chance to check it out myself yet.
Shall we?
We shall.
Where'd you disappear to?
Powder and lipstick, honey.
Takes a little more these days.
-Would you like a drink? -I would love...
[conversation continues indistinctly]
WinterFest is growing in popularity.
We've never had this many high-end donations before.
Look at this. Dinner for two at Obelisk.
I've heard it is not to be missed.
Um, tell me about yourself.
Um...
Two kids, orthopedic surgeon.
You think Shanice didn't already give me the lowdown?
I'm looking for something a little bit more
than a Google search would deliver.
Despite my day job, I've never broken a bone.
So then you are not a risk taker.
Let's just say I'm extremely lucky.
What don't most people know about you?
Uh, that I absolutely love horror movies.
There's not enough psychological thrills in your day job?
Which is why I tend to go towards slasher films.
They hit a little less closer to home.
-Hm. -Any special skills?
Keen sense of observation.
I noticed that
you're worried about your friend over there.
-Sorry. -No.
Don't apologize for being a good person.
Why don't you go over there and check on her?
-How about you? -I'm gonna be
right over here.
Just give me a look.
I'll come running.
Thanks, Kial.
Hello, friend.
Oh, hi, Nicole. Lovely event.
Are you not gonna ask me about my date?
Sorry, I didn't realize you came with...
Who did you come with, exactly?
His name is Kial.
Why don't you, um, go outside for a walk with us?
Third wheel's not on my bingo card for tonight. Go, enjoy.
So you're just gonna sit here?
I'm actually sort of expecting--
hoping-- someone will meet me here.
Joey Armstrong.
I don't have to justify my relationships to you, Nicole.
So it is a relationship.
Yes, and if anyone takes issue with that, it's their problem.
If you need me, you know where to find me.
No, I didn't end up going to WinterFest.
Mom will be okay.
But you know what that means I can do?
Pick up some comfort food and bring it home to you.
Okay, cool.
I didn't mean for that to take so long.
No worries.
I know better than to come between you and your cousin.
Oh, does that mean I can bring Chelsea along when we move in?
So is that a yes?
I was just joking.
And quite frankly, I thought you were joking at first.
We haven't been together very long.
It's been long enough for me to realize
I want a future with you.
And I was hoping you felt the same way.
Hey, bro, I was going to introduce you
to a new friend, Eva Thomas.
But I think you might already be acquainted.
We're acquainted, but hopefully this time you're not on duty.
Just so you know, anything you say
can still be used against you in a court of law.
He's kidding.
Naomi.
Hayley, I'm surprised to see you here.
Why? I'm a member of this community, too.
Well, my dad is busy emceeing,
and you don't really have any friends in this crowd.
More than you know.
Now that Dani's remarried and looking happy,
people don't see me as Hayley the homewrecker anymore,
since everything worked out for the best.
Maybe you'll see that too, one day.
Oh, you think I'll be grateful
that you used my friendship to infiltrate my family,
seduce my father and publicly humiliate my mother?
Okay, yeah. Go with that.
Excuse me, bartender,
please don't serve this woman any alcohol.
She's obviously already high on something.
Thank you.
I'm so freaking fed up with that family.
We are so pleased to have you here.
I hope you're enjoying yourself.
Your place looks incredible, inside and out.
You have totally outdone yourself.
As have you. The brows are fantastic.
You are truly a genius,
-darling Damone. -Thank you.
And as someone whose career is focused on faces,
I can honestly say that I am a Damone Roberts fan.
Especially because you make my job
a hell of a lot easier.
I told you this once in L.A.,
and I'll tell you again, Dani, this husband: everything.
I completely agree.
Yeah. Okay, Nicole's signaling me.
Congratulations again on your stellar event.
-Enjoy. -Bye.
I know.
Well, you, my dear,
have outdone yourself with the live auction.
And your photo session
you donated to the silent auction
started a bidding war.
I bid on it myself.
I think I might need some new headshots.
You know that I would be honored to photograph you at any time.
Is there something you needed?
Yeah, just to let you know,
I did sound check for the main event, so, uh, we're all set.
Well, that's great to hear. Have you seen
the ice sculpture?
It is spectacular. Come with me.
There you are. Everything okay?
Yeah, sure.
Everything's great.
And then Santa said,
"You know, I'm looking for a new Mrs. Claus"
-and slipped me his phone number. -Oh!
And exactly what area code is the North Pole?
We need more storage space for the donated toys,
because they're overflowing in the donation bins, okay?
I work for the Duprees, not you, sorry.
I am a sponsor at this event.
You may have come into some money,
but you're still a low-rent man-stealer in my book.
Are these ladies bothering you?
Oh, no, it's fine.
They seem to have lost sight
of why we're all here--
to help the less fortunate.
MARCEL: It's probably best if you all moved on.
-Gladly. -Very.
Thank you for coming to my defense.
I know that you are working security but
I can't help but notice how you've
been spending so much time hovering around little ol' me.
Can you blame me?
-The way you look? -Okay.
I see you, charmer.
Gonna have to watch out for you, mister man.
I wonder what that's about.
Who is that guy?
I don't know, but at least he's not my dad,
so that's a good thing.
Hi, sissy. You okay?
Yeah, I was just deciding whether I should up my bid
on the cooking lessons for two in the silent auction.
Hilarious.
So...
So?
What's with this tall drink of water
who's been on your arm all night?
Don't think I haven't noticed.
-Friend of a friend. -Hm, they never look like that.
He's hot. Go, Nicole.
Go, sissy. Get your groove on.
It is wonderful to see you this happy again.
Different from last year, huh?
I think Bill had moved out
months ago and was engaged to Hayley,
but they hadn't gone public yet.
So here we are at WinterFest, just going through the motions.
Bill's glad-handing and I have this frozen fake smile.
That was hell.
But you said I'd survive.
And come out even stronger on the other side.
And you know what?
You were right.
I was also wrong about you and Andre.
I didn't give the two of you enough credit.
There was genuine affection and caring there,
and that deepened into love.
I am sorry that I assumed
the two of you were just using each other.
I hope you will forgive me.
Of course I do.
-[phone chimes] -Oh, uh... [exclaims]
Darn. Someone outbid me.
Okay, hold that thought. I just have to up my bid.
JOEY: Well, hello, beautiful.
I was hoping to get you to join me at WinterFest.
Well, you didn't,
because of all the reasons we discussed.
It's one thing for people to know
that you're my real estate agent and partner,
but if they knew you were my lover,
your reputation would suffer, personally and professionally.
VANESSA: I'm a single woman now.
I was looking forward to being
open about our relationship, propriety be damned.
Trust me on this, Vanessa, it's better to play it safe.
I can tell you're disappointed.
I just thought you'd be as excited as I am
to step things up with our relationship.
This is already the most serious relationship I've ever been in.
I think it would be a good idea for us to take our time.
You're not feeling insecure about
the feelings I have for you, right?
I know you're into me.
Well, you would be very right about that.
I don't understand.
What's this about for you. Why the rush?
It blows me away how this event gets
more spectacular every single year.
I don't know how your family's gonna outdo this.
I mean, the front gate alone
made me feel like I was entering Disney World.
Oh, rushing off to go tubing?
In this outfit? I think not.
Jacob was just looking for you.
Oh, which way did he go?
Uh... there.
Ashley, hang with me for a sec. We should talk.
Mom.
I don't bite.
Okay, I won't bite.
It's okay, Naomi.
Okay, so I guess Andre told you about his conversation with me.
Which one?
Look, I didn't get the impression that...
I mean, I-I didn't think
-that your marriage was... -Solid.
Right.
With the whole just jet-setting off to Vegas thing
and getting married by
someone impersonating your mother, I mean,
it just didn't seem serious to me.
I get it.
Our marriage is not typical.
But Andre made it very clear that he is in love with you.
And I totally respect that.
Okay.
Okay?
Yep. Just wanted to clear the air.
What'd you think I was gonna do?
Well, we are at the same club
where you pulled a gun at Bill and Hayley's wedding, so...
You are not Hayley.
And Andre sure isn't Bill Hamilton, thank God.
No.
Andre has a lot of integrity.
He's a good man.
And him loving you...
You're really lucky.
I'm well aware.
We figured it out-- this event is like you.
Uh-oh, I'm almost afraid to ask you to elaborate on that.
Like you, it's elegant, generous...
And really, really beautiful.
I get misty when I think about Barbara
and all the good you'll be able to do
with the money you're raising in her name.
That makes all this even more meaningful.
And you have just given me inspiration
how to kick off my speech to start the live auction.
I'm gonna share
why it matters so much to me to honor our friend.
Oh, Lord, I know I'm about to get emotional.
Barbara would be as proud of you tonight as we are.
We're gonna grab our seats
and sit right out front.
If you need moral support, you just look at us.
We got you.
-That's right. -Thank you.
Your friends are 100% on target.
You overheard all that?
You have done something extraordinary here, love.
Turned your grief and remorse
into a force for healing and compassion.
That's a rare and remarkable kind of magic.
You are my rock, Vernon Dupree.
And to think I was worried that you would think less of me
once you heard the whole story.
You never need to worry about that.
Every day, I find new reasons to admire you.
Look, I want everything you want, you know.
Just maybe not as fast.
If you slow your roll a little,
we'll both get what we want.
I'll hold you to that.
Tell Chelsea I hope she feels better soon.
You're leaving already?
You might be able to miss WinterFest,
but I need to be there.
It's a prime networking opportunity.
Lots of influential people in that crowd,
including most of the firm's partners.
Glad I could get a couple of minutes alone with you.
You didn't have to disappear when Izaiah showed up, okay?
You're not just my dad. You're my date.
So, where'd he go?
To try out those peppermint churros.
What have you been doing?
Looking at auction prizes you might like.
A trip to New York Fashion Week,
donated by Dani's modeling agency.
I think you've got me confused with your other daughter.
-Yeah. -Ah. Wine of the week.
Not sure my boss will like me coming into work
after trying to finish off all those bottles.
Oh, how about a walk-on role
on that new soap?
You'd be great.
Me, act? You're cray.
My life is already soapy enough, and I'm fine just being me.
Besides, you don't need to give me another present, Dad.
You've already given me a beautiful scarf,
and you've given me the one thing I've been missing
my entire life: spending time with my father.
Nothing on that list can top that.
-Yeah? -Yeah. Champagne?
Yeah.
Hey, lovely. What are you up to?
Shh. Vernon and Sharon are coming.
I can't do it now.
I need more time to prepare.
Vernon, you are as ready as you'll ever be.
Is this your way of saying that you can't
go through with this at all?
Tonight is so important to Anita.
It would be cruel to ruin it for her.
Curious. What'd you just overhear
that made you so excited?
Well...
there's a scandal brewing
that's gonna rock the very foundations of this community,
and I'm here for it.
But you--
well, you wouldn't think anything of that, right?
That's nothing to you, I mean, compared
to what you must see every day on the job.
Gosh, you must have tons
of stories, and I am very interested to hear all of them.
So, you get to move around in polite society
after trying to kill someone. Twice.
You too, for that matter.
-Pardon me for a moment. -Uh-huh.
Are you okay?
No, I got stood up.
Well, Joe is just playing it smart.
He...
he doesn't want you two going jail.
-Mm-hmm. -LESLIE: Teddy!
Hey, are you having a nice evening here?
"Teddy, are you having a nice evening?"
I am. I-I brought Eva.
She's never been to
-an event like this. -Mm-hmm.
That's actually really sweet.
Girls need their daddies.
Uh, V-Vanessa, how about, uh, you and I go for a walk, huh?
Get some fresh air, huh?
I would love to. If you'll excuse us.
Hi.
I don't mean to intrude on your evening,
but do you remember me?
Miss Richardson.
How could I ever forget a lovely young lady
who turned to me in her hour of need?
And you helped when you didn't have to.
Thanks for coming through with the information
we needed to find Chelsea when she was missing.
How's she doing?
Oh, well, she's got a miserable cold right now,
but otherwise, things are pretty normal.
It's terrifying to think how things could have turned out.
Your cousin is lucky to have you.
And to have fortune on her side.
You sound like the Buddha.
So I've been told.
Now, um...
Uh, I won't keep you.
Thank you, again.
Of course.
Ah, glad to see I'm not the only one
who gets bored with all this speechifying.
Take my advice--
don't marry into a political family.
Technically, you didn't actually marry to the Dupree family.
Mm, I don't think so either, but it sure feels like it sometimes.
I wasn't expecting to see you here.
I wasn't expecting to come. Jacob invited me.
And you always do what your big brother tells you?
Hardly ever.
Then what was the draw?
The skating rink is basically empty
since all the muckety-mucks are headed to the auction.
Perfect time for a beginner to try it out.
I don't know, I don't want to fall on my backside.
I promise to hold your hand and keep you vertical.
Have you met Hayley Hamilton?
Oh, no, I haven't. But I've heard a lot about you.
Likewise.
Would you like to skate, too?
Oh, no, thank you, there are some things
I want to bid on at the auction.
-We'll catch you around. -Mm-hmm.
Have you seen Bill?
He's with Dani.
The legendary
Anita Williams Dupree?!
Keke Wyatt?
-You look stunning. -So do you.
I'm a big fan.
-Oh, the feeling is mutual. -Oh...
We are so honored to have you here at WinterFest.
If I had known you were coming...
That's on me. I had a show in Bethesda
when I heard about the cause.
Mental health services for musicians.
Honey, I know nothing in this world
would keep me from attending, so here I am.
How would you like to do more than that?
I haven't had a chance to tally it yet,
but I'm pretty sure that we broke some records
with that auction.
Yeah, well, Dani, you were a terrific auctioneer.
And you were a great emcee, as always.
Thanks for, uh, goading your golf buddies
into making higher bids. Made a huge difference.
Yeah. You know, it kind of felt like old times, didn't it?
You know, Bill, actually,
I was thinking the exact opposite.
To me, everything feels new. Easier.
I mean, it's obviously different from last year
when I was utterly miserable, but even before that,
we'd come to these things
and you'd flirt with some random woman
and my gut would clench because...
because I didn't know if it was nothing
or if you slept with her
or maybe you just wanted to sleep with her....
-Hey, what-what's happening here? -Don't worry,
don't worry.
I'm not saying any of this to make you feel guilty.
I'm not even angry anymore.
I'm just happier than I ever thought I'd be again.
And there are possibilities that I never even imagined.
And there's my husband.
Creator of so many of those possibilities.
Excuse me.
Damn. Girl, you killed in there tonight.
You were the perfect emcee.
Thanks, babe.
So, um, you ready to blow this place?
You want to leave? Yes, yes.
Great, um, let me go get the things
that I won at the silent auction, okay?
And I must have put my purse down somewhere.
Okay, well, I'll get the auction items.
Okay.
I'm afraid this night did not go as Vanessa had hoped.
Aw, don't worry. Eva and I can get her home.
I'd appreciate that.
Eva seemed to really enjoy herself tonight.
We had a great time. It meant a lot.
I miss Kat being here, though.
Yeah, me too.
I appreciate you being so cool with me bringing Eva.
-Of course. -I'm sorry
to interrupt, but some bad news.
I was outbid for the dinner for two at Obelisk.
Somebody paid more than twice what it's worth.
Ooh, that's a shame.
Ted Richardson. It's good to see you again.
Kial Rollins.
Been a minute, man.
The last time I saw you was, uh...
when?
Uh, conference on orthoplastic surgery
-in Denver. -Kial told me
-you traveled in similar circuits. -Yeah.
Hi. I've got some silent auction cards for you lucky winners.
Here you are, a dinner for two at Obelisk.
-Oh, thank you. -Mm-hmm.
Congrats. You must really love that place
to pay twice what it's worth.
Uh, never been, actually.
Well, enjoy.
I was the one that donated the gift card.
I feel so bad.
You fell after I promised I wouldn't let you.
You're never gonna trust me again.
-Oof. -What's wrong?
I'm trying to not make the obvious pun here
for falling for you, but I-- it's right there.
It's right on the tip of my tongue.
Be strong. I believe in you.
-I believe in-- no, no. -I got to say it.
Aw, aren't they just adorable?
Who knows--
maybe your favorite outlaw
just might become your favorite in-law.
And you, Pepé Le Pew,
you picked the wrong sister.
Ooh, Vernon! Hi.
Yeah, well, listen, I want you to be rest assured
that you are going to have at least one person
in your corner when the shoe drops.
Yeah, in the end, you know,
you reap what you sow.
Even if that reaping just takes its sweet old time.
I have no earthly idea what you're talking about.
And frankly, my dear,
I don't give a damn.
What in the blue blazes?
Lord, give me strength.
ANITA: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?
May I have your attention? Thank you, thank you so much.
We have a very special guest this evening.
I would like to introduce
my fellow soul sister,
the incomparable
Keke Wyatt!
Whoa!
Hey, Keke.
♪ ♪
♪ Silent night♪
♪ Holy night♪
♪ All♪
♪ Is calm♪
♪ And all♪
♪ Is bright♪
♪ Round♪
♪ Yon virgin♪
♪ Mother♪
♪ And child♪
♪ Holy infant♪
♪ So tender♪
♪ And mild♪
♪ Sleep in heavenly♪
♪ Peace...♪
♪ Sleep♪
♪ In heavenly♪
♪ Peace.♪
Sweetheart, you made the night as our auctioneer. Brava.
You're praising me?
That Keke Wyatt surprise was the showstopper.
-Well, let's call it a tie. -All right.
You'd better treat that woman right.
Some of us don't have to be reminded.
I finally found my purse. We can leave now.
-Sorry to keep you waiting. -You are worth the wait.
Aw.
I can hardly believe it. Everything went so smoothly.
I just wanted to say good night, baby girl.
You're leaving?
-With him? -The gentleman
was kind enough to escort me to my car.
And nowhere else?
Mind your own beeswax.
Night, night, Izaiah.
KIAL: Do you moonlight as a mixologist?
There's a lot about me people don't know.
It really was a lovely evening, wasn't it?
-You seem surprised. -I am.
Mm.
Uh, it's just, when Shanice
mentioned the country club, a charity event, a psychiatrist,
is my next option doing the dishes?
Shanice wouldn't take no for an answer.
Oh, you met the woman?
You surprise me.
You don't just do the glam.
Wait to receive the polite accolades.
You do the work.
I saw the way you commanded the entire room tonight, it was...
It was sexy as hell.
I must admit, I do love a little bit of glam.
Well, it was an honor to be on your arm tonight.
Pleasure was all mine.
Again?
Maybe.
Well, I'll call.
And surprise me with a yes.
I will show myself out. Thank you.
Gran, this was the best WinterFest yet.
It really was. I mean, every year I think
you can't possibly top what you did the year before,
-but you always do. -Thank you, Jacob.
I mean, people we've never met
are gonna have their lives turned around by the work
-you both did here tonight. -Mm-hmm.
I am so proud to be your granddaughter.
Aw.
-Thank you. -Of course.
-Get home safe. -I will. Night, Granddad.
Well, I don't see that
look of satisfaction of a job well done.
More like relief from a bullet dodged.
-Leslie. -Mm.
She made for a tense WinterFest.
But on to happy holidays.
The happiest.
♪ This Christmas is magical♪
♪ Oh, magical♪
♪ Ooh.♪
Captioning sponsored by CBS
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org