ACT ONE
INT. DOWNTOWN LA - LAW OFFICE - OLIVIA'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Chicly dressed in a fitted suit with her designer heels propped up on the desk, OLIVIA talks on the PHONE.
OLIVIA
... Mark, we've been over this. This is our final offer. Your client either agrees to our terms or they can deal with us in court.
Olivia slams the phone down. A KNOCK at the DOOR. Olivia's assistant JENNY (20s) rushes in. She looks at her watch.
JENNY
Miss Baker, what are you still doing here? Jordan's plane landed twenty minutes ago.
OLIVIA
Shit!
EXT. LAX AIRPORT - ARRIVALS - AFTERNOON
OLIVIA brings the car to a halt and hops out to help JORDAN and a very pregnant, irritated SIMONE with their luggage.
OLIVIA
I'm sorry. I got stuck on a call.
SIMONE
It's fine.
JORDAN
Yeah, we had to wait almost an hour for our luggage.
OLIVIA
Well, I cleared my schedule so we can go have dinner.
SIMONE
Uh, takeout's fine... I'm exhausted.
OLIVIA
How about I have the chef prepare something?
SIMONE
Oh, you fancy, huh?
INT. OLIVIA'S DOWNTOWN APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
In awe, Simone takes in the luxury space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Jordan helps her as she sits on the sofa.
SIMONE
... Dinner was amazing. This place is gorgeous, Liv... But, uh... all this space just for you...
Jordan nudges Simone. Olivia avoids their gaze.
JORDAN
I'm glad we left the little crumb snatchers with their Aunt Amara... So, how's the job?
OLIVIA
A lot of late nights. But it will all be worth it if I make partner.
SIMONE
When you make partner.
Olivia smiles and nods.
SIMONE
So, let's just address the big ass elephant in the room. You know I'm not one to mince words.
JORDAN
(mumbles )
Huge understatement.
Simone glares at Jordan.
SIMONE
Have you reached out to Spencer? Do you plan--
OLIVIA
Simone, can we not do this? Spencer and I've been over for a long time.
SIMONE
Hmmm... Funny that you automatically went there. Wasn't suggesting y'all roll around in between the sheets. I simply asked if you had contacted the man.
JORDAN
Gross...
OLIVIA
No, I haven't. I think we should just keep our distance. I'm sure the feeling is mutual.
SIMONE
So, your plan is avoidance... I guess that's why you haven't seen Kia since you've been back. Classic Olivia.
JORDAN
Simone...
SIMONE
Sorry, but I call a spade a spade.
(to Olivia)
Listen... Chickens always come home to roost. Gonna have to face him eventually. You owe him that much.
INT. INGLEWOOD, CA - KIA'S DANCE STUDIO - MORNING
KIA finishes up her ballet class and dismisses the DANCERS.
KIA
... Great job today. No class tomorrow. See you on Monday.
A TAP on the DOOR. Kia looks up and sees Olivia.
KIA
Wow. Look who finally decided to grace me with their presence. Only took you six months.
Olivia grimaces as she walks in.
OLIVIA
Kia, I'm sorry. Everything has been so crazy with work. I've been meaning to reach out but there just never seems to be enough time.
KIA
Are you serious right now? You're really trying to pull the "I was working late" on me?
OLIVIA
Kia...
KIA
No, Liv. Let's keep it real. We barely talk. You haven't seen the twins since they were two. They're five now. Five. And you haven't even met Kianna. You're their damn Godmother.
OLIVIA
Look, I didn't mean to upset you. This was a bad idea. I should go.
Olivia starts to walk away.
KIA
Right. Run away again.
OLIVIA
Kia, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. What can I do? How can I fix this?
KIA
Stop running away, Olivia. You can start there. Own your mistakes.
(tears up)
I just want my best friend back. I know the breakup was painful but damn it's like you moved to New York and forgot about me too.
OLIVIA
(tears up)
I didn't. I--I could never forget about you. I just stayed away because I thought it would be easier on everyone... Didn't want to force you to choose sides.
KIA
It wasn't easier... And I'd always choose you. Always.
Both Kia and Olivia's sobs intensify and they embrace.
OLIVIA
I missed you so much, bestie.
KIA
I missed you too, Livvie.
Olivia pulls away with a smile.
OLIVIA
You know I missed our last group call... So, how's Layla been?
KIA
A nightmare. An absolute fucking nightmare. We're going to need lots of wine to get through tomorrow. Well wine for me, of course.
Off Kia and Olivia's laughter.
INT. BEVERLY HILLS - HAYES MANOR - LIVING ROOM / KITCHEN - EVENING
Kia looks around in horror at her home in utter chaos. Toys, clothes, dirty dishes, etc are everywhere. As she SLAMS the DOOR behind her, twin boys CHRISTIAN TREVON HAYES AKA "CHUNK" and TRISTAN DARNELL HAYES AKA "MUNK" (5) come barreling around the corner and crash into Kia's legs.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Mommy, mommy! We missed you!
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Mommy, mommy! We missed you!
Kia bends down and floods her boys with kisses.
KIA
I missed you too Chunky Munky.
(a beat, scowls)
Where's your Dad?
Amused that Dad's in trouble, the twins start to laugh.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
In the kitchen.
Kia stalks off toward the kitchen with the twins in tow. Darnell struggles to make dinner with a cast on his left hand and 2-year-old KIANNA SHANELL HAYES' death grip firmly around his leg. Kia's clone is completely obsessed with her Daddy.
KIA
Darnell Trevon Hayes, why does my house look like a pigsty? And I know you're not just starting dinner. It's after seven.
DARNELL
Kia Baby. No, I--
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Daddy didn't start til the clock on the stove turned to six, five five.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Yeah, he was playing Madden with Uncle Chris and Uncle Dillon even though you said no screen time after five, zero, zero.
KIA
(stifles laughter)
Is that right?
DARNELL
You two lil shits... Didn't I tell y'all snitches get stitches?
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Yes, but you said a bad word, Daddy... Ten dollars, please.
Kia whispers in Tristan's ear.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Each.
Christian and Tristan both hold out their hands to Darnell. Kia bursts out laughing. Darnell groans and gives them the money. They run off. Darnell bends down to Kianna.
DARNELL
Ki Bear, can you go to Mama? So, Daddy can finish--
KIANNA
NOOOOOOO!
KIA
(smirks)
Guess you got your answer.
DARNELL
Sorry, I left the house a mess, But dinner will be ready soon... I missed you today, baby.
Kia leans in to kiss Darnell and Kianna pushes her away.
KIANNA
Move... My, Daddy.
Kia leans back in to kiss Darnell.
KIA
Little girl... That's my husband.
Kianna starts to scream and bites Kia on the hand. Hard.
KIANNA
No. No. No! Mine! Mine! My Daddy!
Before Kianna can blink or bat an eyelash at Darnell, Kia scoops her up and carries her off.
KIA
Oh, no ma'am. We don't bite. Time to go have prayer.
KIANNA
(sobs)
Daddy... Da--ddy.
DARNELL
Bye, Daddy's baby.
MUSIC CUE: "ICE BOX" - OMARION
INT. CHICAGO - NIGHT CLUB - LOUNGE AREA - NIGHT
On cloud nine from the win over the Chicago Bears, SPENCER celebrates with some of his LA RAMS TEAMMATES. Spencer spots an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN (30s) and leads her to the dance floor.
INT. SPENCER'S CHICAGO APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - MAGIC HOUR
Spencer burst through the door with the woman from the nightclub. They strip down on the way to the bedroom.
INT. SPENCER'S CHICAGO APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Spencer hurriedly ushers the woman to the front door.
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
Did you want to grab breakfast?
SPENCER
Sorry, I thought I made it clear last night I don't do that sort of thing.
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
(scoffs)
Breakfast?
SPENCER
Any of it. Relationships. Attachments or entanglements of any kind... My driver will take you wherever you need to go. I'm sorry. Take Care.
Before she can respond Spencer closes the front door.
INT. SPENCER'S CHICAGO APARTMENT - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Spencer reads the paper and eats a bowl of cereal. His PHONE BUZZES. FaceTime from Darnell. He answers. DARNELL ON SCREEN.
DARNELL
What's up, bro? Good game last night. You looked great out there.
SPENCER
We would've done better if you were there. When does the cast come off?
DARNELL
(smirks)
Two more weeks. Looks like you had a hell of a night. Care to share?
SPENCER
Ain't nothing to tell. Same shit different day.
DARNELL
Uh-huh... You gonna make it back for the twins' birthday party on Sunday?
Spencer rubs his hand across his face.
SPENCER
Umm... I gotta a lot going on right now. I'm not going to be able to--
DARNELL
Man... Whatever. You're full of shit. Ya know I don't ask you for much. The least you could do is show up for my kids. But it's cool.
SPENCER
Don't be like that. I'll make up for it. Buy 'em whatever they want.
DARNELL
It ain't all about money. You should know that more than anyone. It's about being present.
SPENCER
Darnell.
DARNELL
Save it. I'll holla at ya.
Darnell hangs up. Spencer sits in his guilt.
INT. BEVERLY HILLS - BRIDAL BOUTIQUE - AFTERNOON
Olivia, Kia, Simone, PATIENCE, LISA, and LAYLA are amid a fitting. Well, sort of. Bridezilla Layla is on 10. The ASSISTANT MANAGER desperately tries to defuse the situation.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
...Ms. Keating, please calm down. I can assure you that we can--
LAYLA
Calm down? Don't tell me to calm down. I'm perfectly calm. Despite the fact the dresses we ordered are not here for our appointed fitting.
PATIENCE
Oh, damn...
SIMONE
That little vein in the middle of her forehead is starting to throb.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
I understand your frustration. And I've apologized for our little "oops". I'm sure there are similar dresses the ladies can try on.
Layla's blood starts to boil as she clenches her fists.
KIA
It's about to be Defcon 3 in here.
LISA
Mayday. Mayday.
LAYLA
Little oops? Did you just call this colossal fuck up a little oops?
Layla reduces the space between them and flicks the Assistant Manager's name tag as the ladies all sip their drinks.
LAYLA
Kathleen is it? My bridesmaid dresses are one of a kind. One-of-a-kind princess-style ball gown dresses... I can assure you there's nothing similar on the rack. And I have two of the biggest pop stars in the country leaving for tour tomorrow and no dresses for them to try on before my big day... So, no Kathleen this is not a damn oops!
Olivia jumps up and gets in between Layla and the woman.
OLIVIA
Hey... Hey. Breathe. Just breathe.
Simone chomps on her chips with a smirk.
SIMONE
Little Ms. Kathleen, I suggest you get the owner down here ASAP. Because this is her "calm". And if you don't want her rearranging this nice little establishment you might wanna phone in a friend.
INT. BEVERLY HILLS - HAYES MANOR - KITCHEN - MORNING
Darnell takes a bowl of banana pudding out of the fridge and places it on the counter. He makes sure the coast is clear.
He plops two big scoops on a plate and covers up the hole with vanilla wafers. Epic Fail. He puts away the evidence. Savoring a bite, he turns around to see Chunk and Munk smirking back at him. Munk snaps a picture. Evidence.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Whatcha doing, Daddy?
DARNELL
Why you two little shi--
Munk raises his eyebrow and Chunk rubs his hands together waiting for Darnell to curse.
DARNELL
Alright, you little con artists what's it gonna take to buy your silence? How much? Ten dollars?
TRISTAN "MUNK"
No. We wanna go to Disneyland.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
All day.
DARNELL
Disneyland?! You're not going to Disneyland... The arcade. Half a day. Now scram.
Chuck and Munk fist-bump each other and run off.
DARNELL
It be yo own kids. Your namesake.
INT. BEVERLY HILLS - HAYES MANOR - FOYER - AFTERNOON
The twins' birthday bash/ adult party is in full swing. The DOORBELL RINGS. Darnell opens the door to reveal Olivia. She walks in and looks up at him nervously.
OLIVIA
(bites lip)
Hey, Nell...
DARNELL
Hey, sis... We missed you.
Darnell pulls Olivia into a tight embrace. Across the room, Kianna spots this and flings her baby doll. She charges full speed ahead crashing into Darnell's legs and raises her arms.
KIANNA
Up! Up! Daddy, up!
Darnell pulls away from Olivia and picks up Kianna. She rubs her little hands on his face and kisses his cheek. Kia walks over and hugs Olivia.
OLIVIA
Oh, Kia. She looks just like you. She's so beautiful... Hi, Kianna.
KIANNA
(glares at Olivia)
Mine. My Daddy.
OLIVIA
(snort laughs)
I know where she gets that from.
KIA
Gurl... She's a menace.
Kianna sticks her tongue out at Olivia.
KIA
Kianna, that's not nice. Do we need to go have prayer?
KIANNA
No. Kianna no pray. Mommy go pray.
OLIVIA
Ah, Simone's prayer and nap method. Jayden and Sienna hated that when they were Kianna's age.
KIA
I swear by it.
The door opens. Simone walks in. Jordan trails in behind her and unloads an armful of gifts.
JORDAN
There's more in the car. Monie and Liv went overboard.
Darnell shakes his head and hands Kianna to Kia. He follows Jordan outside.
DARNELL
Great... As if they're not rotten enough.
KIA
Come on, I'll fix you two a plate.
INT. HAYES MANOR - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Kia leads Simone and Olivia in the room and eyes Chunk and Munk on the video game.
KIA
Chunk and Munk get off that game and come say hello.
Munk stomps his feet.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Come on, Ma. I'm on level six.
KIA
Tristan Darnell Hayes, who do you think you're talking to? Don't "Ma" me. Now, get your behind over here.
Tristan throws down his controller and Chunk abandons his. They walk over to Simone and give her hugs. Tristan looks up at Olivia suspiciously.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Who are you?
KIA
Tristan... This is your God Mommy Liv. You haven't seen her since you were Kianna's age.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
OH. God Daddy Spence says a bad word every time Daddy talks about you. We get ten bucks.
Olivia cringes and Simone stifles her laughter.
KIA
Alright, that's enough.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
What? It's true, Mommy.
Olivia shakes her head and bends down and caresses their cheeks.
OLIVIA
It's fine... They look just like Darnell. So, handsome Kia.
Chunk gazes up at Olivia and smiles. He grabs and kisses her hand.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Woman... You're beautiful.
KIA
(shakes her head)
As you can see they act just like him too. So, I want to give you a heads-up. Mama--
Suddenly, the kitchen door swings open and GRACE walks in.
GRACE
Kia, I just put a second pan of macaroni and cheese in the oven. It-
Grace's eyes land on Olivia. She's taken aback. Olivia starts to fidget.
GRACE
Olivia...
SIMONE
(smirks)
Heads up.
OLIVIA
(bites lip)
Mama Gr... Hi, Ms. Grace. I'm sure I'm the last person you expected to see. Or wanted to see. Uh-- Um. How are you? Maybe I should--
Grace grabs Olivia's hands to calm her nerves.
GRACE
Yes, I'm disappointed. Yes, you and I definitely need to have a tough conversation. But this isn't the time or place... I'm just glad to finally lay eyes on you. It's been too long, sweetie. Too long. And it will always be Mama Grace.
Grace pulls Olivia into a hug and comforts her as she sobs.
INT. BEVERLY HILLS - HAYES MANOR - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Tristan and Christian are in the middle of tearing open their birthday gifts. All clothes immediately get tossed aside. Tristan has carefully lined up all money by dollar amount.
Seated on the floor with her legs crossed, Olivia builds legos with Kianna while she chats with Grace.
OLIVIA
... Wow, London. How long has Dillon been living there?
GRACE
A little over a year. D'Angelo and I are going to visit next month.
(a beat)
On the track to make partner at 29. I'm proud of you.
OLIVIA
Thanks. Opening up the LA office has been challenging but I'm--
FRONT DOOR SLAMS and a familiar voice sends a chill down Olivia's spine.
SPENCER
Yo, Yo, yo. Family I'm here.
Spencer walks in and all eyes fall on him except Olivia's.
Olivia crouches by the couch and looks for an escape route. The twins don't bother to look up from their very important task at hand.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
Hey, G Daddy Spence.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Hey, G Daddy Spence.
DARNELL
Spence... I-I thought you said you couldn't make it.
Spencer places a hand on Darnell's shoulder.
SPENCER
I know. But you were right. And family is everything... You good, bruh? You look like you've seen a ghost.
Simone almost chokes on her cupcake.
JORDAN
Something like that...
KIA
(mumbles)
This isn't gonna end well.
Olivia starts to crawl toward the kitchen but Simone's words ring in her ears. "Gonna have to face him eventually... You owe him that much."
DARNELL
Nah... It's just I wasn't expecting you. We weren't expecting you. Listen, Spence, I need to tell--
Olivia takes a deep breath and stands. She turns around to face Spencer and they lock eyes.
OLIVIA
It's okay, Darnell I got this.
Spencer stumbles back as he's hit with a flood of emotions. Thoughts of chromosomal DNA, sushi Fridays, and movie nights circle through his head. His eyes sparkle as she brushes her curls from her face and gives a shy smile. Damn, how did she get more beautiful after all these years?
OLIVIA
Spencer... It's been a long time.
After all these years!? Why now? Spencer shakes his head from those fond memories. Anger quickly takes over and he clenches his fists.
SPENCER
Yeah, not nearly long enough.
(turns to Darnell)
What the entire fuck is going on, D?
The twins' heads whip around and their eyes light up.
CHRISTIAN "CHUNK"
He dropped the F-bomb.
TRISTAN "MUNK"
Double the money. Cha-ching!.
Chunk and Munk do their money dance. Blame Darnell, chile.
Off Olivia and Spencer, as the tension in the room goes through the roof.
END ACT ONE