EPISODE 364
Written by: Bre L Drew
October 24, 2025
Last Time on Town and Country
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Wade returned to Radcliffe to make his presence known to Jolene, who hadn’t told anyone about his return. He’s determined to win her back despite his long history of abusing her.
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Since moving to Radcliffe to live with his mother, Courtney, and new stepfather, Steven, Evan has been on a rebellious streak that now includes vaping.
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Skye’s friends, Gemma and Micah, are a couple with their own complicated history within the community.
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To oust Jacques from the Covington Group, Daniel convinces Tommy to help by arranging a bogus land deal in Miami that Jacques will unknowingly secure. However, Daniel’s real goal is to reclaim his former position as CEO from Courtney.
WHEELER BUILDING: APT # 424
By now, most of the effects of the fall season have taken shape in the rural community of Radcliffe—the mornings are darker, the once-heated temperatures now settling in the low fifties. The day begins for many of its residents, including Tricia Lockhart, who stands in the small galley kitchen of her fourth-floor apartment wearing a black long-sleeve top and dark denim jeans, iPhone in hand.
“I know I said it before, but I just wanted to again say sorry for wasting your time with my mother,” she tells Samuel over the phone.
She’s relieved her mother isn’t around to overhear, the sound of running shower water filling the air. The other day, she had arranged for Samuel to meet Jolene, hoping he could get her to open up about the years of domestic abuse she suffered from her husband, Wade—but Jolene had stayed closed off, as always, from that particular subject.
Samuel assures her it wasn’t a waste of time and that, when Jolene is ready, he’ll recommend a therapist.
“Well, don’t hold your breath,” Tricia replies, her tone edged with her usual dry sarcasm.
A few seconds later, a rhythmic knock comes at the front door.
“Uh, yeah, I got to get the door—but I’ll talk to you later. Bye.” She ends the call, setting her phone and coffee mug on the counter before heading to answer.
Standing outside is a white man in his forties, wearing a ballcap and a thin jacket.
“Hi,” she says, guarded.
“I have a delivery for this address,” he replies matter-of-factly.
Puzzled—since she hasn’t ordered anything—Tricia signs for the package and takes it inside.
Just then, Jolene Wood steps out of the bathroom, dressed in a silver-gray wool mock-neck sweater and blue jeans. Her chestnut-brown hair is in shoulder-length, loose curls. She pauses in the galley as Tricia sets a large glass vase of flowers on the counter.
“Well, looks like some guy’s trying to steal my baby doll’s heart,” Jolene teases with a smirk, examining the bountiful assortment.
“Hardly,” Tricia scoffs. But as she reads the card attached, her expression hardens. She looks from the note to her mother.
“What is it?” Jolene asks. “Wrong address?”
Tricia hands her the card for Jolene to read for herself.
“I know I don’t deserve another chance, but please find it in your heart to do so. Love always, Wade.”
Tricia stares at her. “You don’t look surprised.”
Jolene hesitates, then quietly admits, “I need to tell you something… Wade’s in town.”
Tricia freezes as the weight of her mother’s words sinks in.
RADCLIFFE HIGH SCHOOL
Like a blur, the school year has already begun. It’s still early enough for assignments not to make a dramatic impact on overall grades, so a sense of freedom lingers in the air. It’s also a development day, meaning students don’t have to report to school—though that hasn’t stopped some from gathering to watch the football team’s practice.
Among them is sophomore Micah Kelley, dutifully sitting on the sideline, his position as second-string receiver firmly intact.
Not long after, Coach Greg Grier—the middle-aged white man who clearly still works out and also teaches history at Radcliffe High—blows his whistle, calling the team in to go over plays.
In the bleachers, mostly enthusiastic parents, friends, and girlfriends cheer on the players. Among them is the coach’s own daughter, Gemma Grier, dressed in a blue plaid jacket, denim jeans, and wedge sandals. She’s there to support her boyfriend, even though he hasn’t seen much practice time yet—and likely won’t.
Soon, Skye Park arrives, dressed in her signature goth style: a black faux-leather jacket paired with Chelsea boots. Her dark hair is styled into two space buns, and she wears narrow-frame sunglasses. She plops down next to Gemma.
“Hey, babe,” Gemma greets her as Skye takes in her first up-close football experience outside of Texas.
Micah glances up and spots his girlfriend and Skye in the stands, silently wishing they weren’t there to see him sit on the bench for the rest of practice.
“Hi, Micah!” Gemma calls out, while Skye gives a friendly wave.
Also looking up from the team huddle is Kier Green, the heavy-set white junior starting quarterback with light brown hair.
He gives Gemma a mock wave—something Micah instantly notices.
“Looks like you got a cheering section after all, Kelley,” Kier mocks, prompting a round of laughter from some teammates.
Coach Grier blows his whistle again, trying to reel them back in—when a booming voice cuts through the air.
“What the hell are you doing?”
The statement comes from a tall Black man still in decent shape, wearing a dark grey sweatshirt, jeans, and a gold cross chain around his neck.
He strides down the bleacher steps toward the field. Coach Grier exhales and blows his whistle once more, bringing practice to a halt.
“What can I do for you, Ray?” Grier asks, his patience thinning.
Ray Kelley fires back, “How about finally using my son for more than window dressing?”
Micah watches the exchange, wishing more than anything that he could disappear.
RADCLIFFE ANIMAL CLINIC AND SHELTER
Steven Sullivan, walking alongside his cousin Martha Saunders, exits the examination room where, only moments earlier, he had finished checking on her son's three-year-old border collie, Otis, whom Martha now holds on to a leash.
“You didn’t have to see me out,” Martha says to her first cousin.
But the veterinarian insists, smiling, “Hey, you get the family special. That includes not just a checkup for this growing boy, but also making sure you get off okay, too.”
Martha smiles, appreciating his warmth, then casually asks, “So… how’s Evan settling in?”
Steven admits, “It’s been a bit of a challenge, but so far, not bad.”
Martha nods thoughtfully, then mentions, “I actually ran into him the other day at JoJo’s.”
She recalls seeing her cousin’s now-teenage son vaping outside the café—a surprise, since the last time she’d seen him in person, he was a little boy obsessed with her mother’s cookies. The memory lingers as she explains how she ended up talking to him, realizing he’s not exactly the conventional Saunders family member.
Steven’s brow lifts. “Be honest with me—how is he really doing?”
Martha exhales, unsure if she should confess what she knows. Still, she realizes that if the situation were reversed, Steven would want her to be honest about her own child.
“Steven, look,” she finally says, steadying herself. “There’s something you need to know about Evan.”
Steven’s easygoing demeanor fades into one of alertness, sensing there may be more going on with his son than he ever realized.
COVINGTON GROUP
On the twentieth floor of Covington Tower in downtown Radcliffe, Courtney Covington Sullivan conducts a meeting with several executives seated around the long conference table of the company that bears her maiden name.
In her poised, confident voice, the petite businesswoman captures the full attention of the room.
“Before I call this meeting to a close, I’m pleased to announce that under the leadership of Jacques Laurent, the Covington Group has officially secured the land deal in Miami.”
A round of applause follows. Jacques does his best to mask his excitement, though it’s clear he’s proud of his biggest accomplishment yet determined to forge his own path apart from his family’s shipping empire. What he doesn’t know is the land is worthless—a calculated move to bring Jacques down and remove him from the company, as both Tommy and Daniel Covington see him as a threat to their family and legacy.
“And with that,” Courtney interjects smoothly, “this meeting is adjourned.”
As executives rise—some mingling, others heading out—Jacques strides toward Tommy, who remains seated.
“Looks like your little tip paid off after all,” Jacques says in his familiar French accent.
Tommy flashes a glare, concealing his contempt. “Is that your way of thanking me?” he replies dryly.
Jacques chuckles. “If only your father were here to see this.”
As his uncle by marriage walks away, Tommy rolls his eyes, already anticipating Jacques’s downfall.
At that moment, Evelyn, the longtime company secretary, steps into the boardroom, scanning for Courtney.
“Courtney,” she says with urgency, “your neighbor from Rose Cottage is on the phone—they’re not happy about the loud noise coming from your house.”
Courtney tries to decipher what is going on until it becomes clear to her the culprit likely is. She nods. “Tell them I’m on my way.”
She gathers her things and exits swiftly—her expression unreadable. Jacques watches her go,
RADCLIFFE HIGH SCHOOL
Most of the spectators are now focused on the commotion happening on the field—including Skye.
“Who’s that guy yelling at your dad?” she asks Gemma.
“Oh, that’s Micah’s dad—Ray,” Gemma replies, realizing her new friend is still getting used to the town.
“I mean, I know football’s serious in the south,” Skye notes, “but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a parent storm the field to yell at the coach.”
Gemma tucks a blonde strand of hair behind her ear. “His father takes football seriously—like, religiously—which is kinda funny, since their family goes to your dad’s church.”
Skye hadn’t known that; her father never pressured her to attend services.
“No wonder Micah feels the way he does,” she says sympathetically.
“Not to mention,” Gemma adds, “this whole thing’s happening in front of his entire team.”
Out on the field, several players half-watch the confrontation while others scroll through their phones or chat, unfazed—it’s not the first time this has happened.
Micah, watching helplessly from the sideline, stands paralyzed in embarrassment as his coach and father face off.
Greg pulls Ray aside, already bracing for tension.
“Damn near everybody else—including the waterboy—got on that field,” Ray accuses.
Greg lowers his voice. “Ray, with all due respect, don’t tell me how to run my program, all right? Like I’ve said before, Micah’s talented. He’ll get his chance.”
Ray isn’t buying it. “Cut the bull, Greg. Just admit it—you don’t want my boy playin’ ‘cause of our history.”
Greg frowns. “What are you talking about?” Though deep down, he knows.
Ray lifts his head. “You know damn well what I’m talkin’ about. The championship game in '91, against Hudson Lake. We would’ve won if you hadn’t gone for the glory. You didn’t pass me the ball, you got tackled, and we lost our shot at state!”
Greg sighs, glancing toward the team. “Don’t do this here.”
By now, Micah steps forward. “Dad, can you not do this right now?”
But Ray keeps ranting.
Skye and Gemma make their way onto the field, trying to diffuse things.
Ray notices the fashionable teen beside his son. “Your old man might be the salt of the earth now, but back in the day, he was a cocky—”
“Ray,” Greg cuts him off, placing a protective arm around his daughter. “You can sit down and watch, or you can leave. Your choice.”
Ray turns to his son. “You want me to leave?”
Micah hesitates, torn. “Do what you want,” he mutters finally.
From nearby, Kier cracks, “Looks like your old man got more time out here than you do!”
The players burst into laughter.
Micah goes silent, but Gemma wraps her arm around him, glaring at Kier and flipping him off.
Coach Grier blows his whistle sharply. “All right, everyone—run some laps. Let’s go!”
As the team jogs off, Skye’s expression mixes confusion.
“Welcome,” Gemma says dryly, “to the never-ending rivalry between my dad and my boyfriend’s dad.”
RADCLIFFE ANIMAL CLINIC AND SHELTER
The room suddenly grows quiet—aside from Otis’s soft barks and the faint sound of a female veterinary technician typing at the front desk.
“I don’t want to go behind Evan’s back,” Martha begins carefully, “but I think you should know he’s going through some classic teenage rebellion.”
Steven’s expression tightens. “How bad is it? He isn’t taking drugs or drinking, is he?”
Martha shakes her head quickly. “God, no. If that were the case, I wouldn’t have hidden that from you. She pauses, then adds with sincerity, “Steven, from one parent to another, Evan’s a good kid. He just needs some guidance.”
Steven stuffs his hands into his pants pockets, exhaling. “I haven’t exactly been around much for him,” he admits, “but I also know he’s not thrilled about his mother getting remarried, either.”
“On top of that,” Martha adds gently, “he’s adjusting to a new town, a new school, and living with you and Courtney. That’s a lot for any teenager.”
“I know,” Steven says, running a hand over his face.
“Look, cus,” Martha continues, her tone warm but unwavering, “I’m not judging you. I just think it’s something you should know before it turns into something bigger.”
Steven takes in her words, nodding slightly as he clears his throat.
“I’ve got to get this one home,” Martha says, glancing down at the four-legged border collie beside her. “But I’ll talk to you later. And Steven…”
“Don’t worry,” he cuts in with a small grin. “Your name won’t be mentioned. You’ll still have the reputation of the cool cousin.”
“I knew I named my son after you for a reason,” Martha teases, lifting her hand in a playful wave as she heads toward the door with Otis in tow.
Steven smirks. “I thought it was because you admired my emergency delivery work,” he calls after her—referring to the night he delivered her son, SJ, in the back of his truck during the winter years ago.
Martha laughs, pushing the clinic door open and stepping out into the brisk outdoor air.
Steven stays where he is, staring off in thought—uncertain what to do next, or how to truly reach his son.
HOPE COTTAGE
By the time Courtney parks her Lexus into the driveway of the two-story cottage she shares with her husband and his son, it’s obvious where the noise is coming from.
As she steps inside, the heavy bass of “All My Life” by Lil Durk featuring J. Cole vibrates through the walls. Following the sound, she walks toward the kitchen, then spots through the sliding glass doors the source of the commotion outside in the backyard—and she already suspects who it is.
The music blares louder as she steps outside. Evan Sullivan, taking advantage of his day off from school, lounges in a chair with his phone in hand, casually vaping. It takes him a few seconds to notice her presence. When he finally does, he startles, quickly tossing the vape pen aside and fumbling to stop the music on his iPhone, which is connected to the outdoor speaker via Bluetooth.
“Courtney—what are you doing here?” he asks, trying to sound normal.
She stays standing but sets her purse down on the patio table.
“Well, I make it a point to come home when the neighbors call my office to say they’re about to call the police over the music blasting from my house.”
“My bad,” Evan mutters. “I just thought everybody around here was gone to work.”
Courtney’s gaze falls on the discarded vape pen. “And I see you’ve started vaping too. Evan, I don’t want to come off as the mean stepmother.”
Knowing he can’t deny it, Evan’s expression hardens with defiance. “Here comes another adult preaching about the dangers of vaping,” he says dryly.
“Look,” Courtney replies evenly, “I know I’m not your mother, but I don’t appreciate you talking to me that way. I know there aren’t many house rules around here, but I think we can all agree the top one is respect—and it goes both ways. What’s your father going to say when he finds out you’re inhaling nicotine and possibly other substances?”
“Whatever,” he says under his breath. “Tell him or don’t. I don’t care. It’s not like he or you even want me around anyway.”
Courtney folds her arms against the cool breeze. “Evan, what are you talking about?” she asks, genuinely taken aback.
“Don’t act like you suddenly care about me now,” he snaps.
“Evan—”
But the teenage boy grabs his phone and vape, brushing past her without another word. Courtney calls after him, but he doesn’t stop. The sliding door slams shut behind him, leaving her standing alone in the backyard—confused and unsure how to reach him.
WHEELER BUILDING: APT #424
Tricia finally gains enough composure to speak again. “It’s starting already.”
“What is it?” Jolene asks.
“You're covering for that bastard,” Tricia snaps. “You know, I shouldn’t even be surprised he’d slink back here. So I guess there’s no point in asking why you didn’t tell me until now.”
Jolene runs her hands through her hair before answering. “Look, he dropped by the other day saying he’s sorry and wants another chance—but I sent him packing.”
“Oh, I bet he did,” Tricia retorts sharply. “Where’s he staying?” Her voice rises, her anger barely contained as she recalls returning to her hometown of Bakersfield, California, after he put Jolene in the hospital because of his abuse.
Jolene knows Wade is staying at the Hotel Cliffe, but doesn’t answer, aware that revealing it would only bring more trouble if Tricia tried to confront him.
“Please don’t be mad at me, okay?” Jolene pleads softly. “I figured that maybe if he got the hint—if I ignored him—he’d just hop back on the plane outta here.”
“Men like that don’t simply give up,” Tricia says, her voice firm. “That’s why you need to press charges.”
But Jolene gives her a look that says it isn’t an option—driven by fear, and perhaps, by the complicated love she still holds for him despite years of physical and emotional pain.
Tricia moves toward the end table near the door, grabbing her purse and jacket.
“Tricia, where are you going?” Jolene asks.
“To work,” she replies sharply. “Just... be careful, okay?”
Jolene nods, understanding the weight behind her daughter’s words, as she watches her step out of the apartment.
In the hallway, Tricia stops short, her expression tight with purpose.
“Like hell, I’m going to let you go back to him, Mother.” she mutters under her breath, before walking toward the elevator
bay.
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Antoine interacts with Keri.
Lenny witnesses a questionable moment.
Ernest comes to Jolene's defense.
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