EPISODE 100
Written by : Bre L. Drew
October 19, 2020
Last Time On Town and Country
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Guests were getting ready to attend Daniel's surprise 45th birthday party being held at Home Farm.
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Esther and Deirdre, running into each other, created tension between the two women.
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Shauna began to deal with her trauma from being held hostage by Jerome Hawkins.
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​Louise decided not to attend the party due to her and Daniel's complicated relationship as of late.
HOME FARM
Daniel's surprise birthday celebration marks the first large gathering held at the estate since the Covington's moved in over two years ago. In attendance were guests in formal attire range from business associates, close friends of the family, which consist of politicians, journalists, and even a few notable entertainers too. Lively music fills the entire first floor of the mansion. In addition to gold and black decorations precisely arranged throughout the house. Various conversations, such as the best tips on NASDAQ. To a story of golfing with Phil Mickelson can be overheard as well.
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From the top of the staircase, the Covington siblings, Max, Courtney, and Tommy all our viewing the goings-on beneath them.
"You did one hell of a job putting this together." Max congratulates his sister.
Their younger brother nods in agreement. "Between planning the party. On top of your work at the company, you must be relieved it's all over."
Courtney grips onto the banister. "I sure am, but I have a better appreciation of all those events mom planned."
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A mutual silence occurs when the mention of their late mother, who put a lot of time and attention on several occasions this family has had for years.
"We are not going to need security tonight, are we?" Max inquires somewhat sarcastically
Courtney shakes her head. "No, besides, I informed grandma in so many words, not to rock the boat with Esther or the rest of the Saunders."
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Earlier this evening, their grandmother came into the house, upset over running into her former friend. And from her mood, it did not take long for them to delve into the past, which includes a forty-something year rivalry that has more tangled webs the next generation aren't knowledgeable of.
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"And if anything does happen between them, we just have to make sure Andy Cohen isn't nearby. Tommy replies half-jokingly. "Or Grandma and Ms. Saunders will be the new stars of some trashy reality show on Bravo."
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Mild laughter breaks out between the three of them.
"I think it's time to make our entrance," Courtney says
Both brothers take each of their sister's arms in which she graciously accepts. The three descend the steps to where the action is in motion.
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Amongst the crowd in the mansion is Esther Saunders, who is presently accepting a flute of champagne off the tray from one of the uniformed cater waiters hired to serve tonight. She arrived here along with her son and niece. She happens to spot Deirdre Covington socializing with a man who has to be around their age with gray hair and another man in his 20's with dark hair. As she takes a glance around the room, being back in this atmosphere suddenly transports her mentally thirty-five years ago when she last visited the estate.
Deirdre Covington opens the door to find her friend Esther Saunders standing at her doorstep. The late summer rain is coming down harshly.
Deirdre: "Hey, Esther, what brings you by?"
Esther Saunders doesn't wait to be let into the mansion. Confused by what is going on, Deirdre shuts the door behind her. She joins her friend in the living room.
Esther: "You got some nerve, don't, you."
Deirdre does not hide her uncertainty; she puts both of her hands out. "What are you talking about, Essie?"
Esther: "You know damn well what I'm talking about, Dee Dee. Don't play dumb with me."
The red-head woman knows exactly what she is referring to.
Deirdre: "We were just saying goodbye."
Esther puts both of her arms together onto her ample chest. "That might work on everybody else."
Deirdre: "Like I said --
Esther: "Don't bullshit me, okay, I know you're still sleeping with my daddy shame on you, Deirdre Jo Covington."
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Esther sees her ex-friend giving her eye contact, something which the blonde woman returns, hoping to be able to make it through tonight.
Also apart of the turnout here is Shauna Covington, currently speaking to her lifelong best friend, Martha Saunders, who looks incredible in a multi-color botanical print belted wrap dress that fits well with her eclectic tastes.
"I don't want to jinx it, Mar, but I believe everything is getting back to normal," Shauna tells her.
"The last time I saw you. I could tell what all went down still had an effect on you rightfully so, what has changed?" Martha asks reasonably
The experience of her being held hostage by her uncle's cellmate tested her limits. And with the right encouragement from her husband and Antoine as well as her own strength, she has fewer doubts overcoming them than before.
A female cater waiter comes by offering them shrimp tartlets; after they accept the appetizer, she takes off to another group of guests.
"I know I will never forget what Jerome Hawkins and his thugs did to me, but I got to move on with my life." Shauna declares
Martha takes a drink of her bubbly, which has been in her possession. "And if you need anything, I'm only a text away."
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Shauna takes a bite of the shrimp. "You know that goes both ways, how is Sarah Lynn?"
"Going back to therapy is making a difference. She was going to come to the party but didn't feel up to it." Martha informs
"Well, give her my best," Shauna says meaningfully.
"I will," she replies
Despite her granddaughter marrying into the Covington family. Mae Jackson still has not gotten used to the opulent lifestyle. She would prefer to be at her bar, but she did not want to be rude. Since Daniel was the one who made sure the funds were available in addition to his support when things were bleak for their families during the kidnapping crisis.
Mae also could've sworn she saw one of her favorite actresses from one of her "shows" with her equally notable husband in attendance. Or maybe it is the second glass of wine that is stronger than she anticipated.
She feels someone lightly tapping on her shoulder. When she turns around, she is happy to see her grandson-in-law.
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"I had to come to see you. How have you been?" Max says nicely
"I can't complain, with everything that has gone on this year," she answers.
Max moves his head confidently, "I do hope 2021 will be better,"
"We all do," she says
In between greeting guests and making sure everything is going off without a hitch. Courtney found herself in the expansive kitchen where the staff is coming in and out of like Grand Central Station. She is waiting to be notified via her cell phone when her father is arriving.
Steven Sullivan coming into the kitchen, elation covers her face. The two embrace one another; then Steven bends down to plant a kiss on his considerably younger girlfriend.
She also notices the radiant smile upon his face.
"What are you smiling about?" she asks inquisitively.
Steven, who looks even more handsome in his black tuxedo, is still holding onto her. "Can I be happy to see you?"
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Courtney expresses a look of curiosity before she lets her suspicions go for now. She then receives a text on her iPhone, which captures her attention.
"That is the guard at the gate. My father and Mala are on their way up."
Within seconds all of the attendees were told the guest of honor is arriving here any minute. A minute or so later, the front door opens. Daniel asks his lover, why are all the lights off? At that moment, all of the luminescence returns.
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"Surprise!"
Daniel is taken-aback by the assembly of his friends and family here. He is trying to find the right words to convey. He also has noticed his three children near him now.
"It was all of Courtney's idea, dad," Tommy informs him.
"Happy Birthday, Daddy," Courtney says enthusiastically.
She throws his arms around her father. "All right, everyone, let's take this celebration outside."
Some people begin murmuring about the change of location as others rapidly pour out of the mansion. The night sky is now appearing with the sun is going down.
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In front of the house, Louise Saunders Lockhart gets out of her Range Rover. Unbeknownst to her, a male valet driver asks for her keys. She gives them to him and watches him maneuver the SVU down the driveway. She finally decided to come to tonight to prove to herself she can handle the men of her life moving on with their lives. But when she settles to look at the crowd. Daniel is laughing with Mala. However, he lifts his head to see her wearing a light blue sequin gown. A far cry from the jeans and tops she wears working out on the farm.
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Facing towards him, she decides whether or not her coming here was the right thing to do.
The yard has been transformed into an outdoor dining area with several long tables adorned with black satin tablecloths underneath a white elegant tent. Separate tables for the food to be served. In addition to a designated table where Daniel and his family will be sitting. Even a dance floor was set-up in the center, all lit with string lights. A deejay with a small band is playing one of Daniel's favorite old school hip hop songs too.
"I'm glad you purchased a suitable dress, Aaliyah," Mala tells her daughter, who is sitting two spots away from her.
She thinks about some of the questionable items her daughter has bought or designed. Luckily for this event, she has chosen something presentable.
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Well, the leopard printed mini dress was sold out," Aaliyah says sardonically.
Samuel sets his fork aside near his plate. "This is neither the time nor the place."
He has expertly managed to diffuse many disagreements between his mother and his sister over the years.
Daniel is standing by the open bar by himself. He views Louise at the table with the rest of her family. She still makes him think about how much. He wanted to be with her. Yet he knows he cannot dwell on her since he is now with Mala, who is an incredible woman in her own right.
He soon hears him being called by Tommy.
"Hey, Dad, we didn't know what exactly to get you," Courtney says
Daniel waves his hand nonchalantly. "Let me guess you thought this wasn't enough."
Max turns to his sister. "Maybe we could've gotten him some Just For Men because I see a few white hairs around the temples." he jokes.
Tommy laughs as Courtney shakes her head to her brother's comment.
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"Anyway, we thought the next best thing would be something even more priceless," Courtney says
Daniel is about to question them even further. However, when he hears sets of footsteps gets him to reverse behind him.
"Oh my god!" Daniel exclaims in sheer happiness.
"You don't think we were going to miss one of our oldest and dearest friends turn the big 4-5." greets a beautiful petite woman with long blonde hair in a lime sherbet cutout one-shoulder gown dripping in diamonds. In the rear of her is a tall man with olive complexion wearing an expensive tuxedo.
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The woman enters Daniel's arms as she gives a peck on his cheek, which he reciprocates.
Daniel claps the other man's back. "John, Heather, man, it's so good to see you two."
John & Heather Merriwether have the distinction of being Daniel and his late wife, Keri's oldest friends from New York City. John is the editor of the successful magazine Montage, which has editions worldwide. Heather, a former supermodel turned actress who starred in various television and moderately successful film projects. But she is best known for playing Detective Kelly Lawson on Lifetime's hit procedural The Badge.
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"Good to see you too, old man," John teases wryly
Heather goes onto hug Courtney, Max, and Tommy in that order. She and John are their godparents.
"Where is Bekah? I thought she was coming with you?" Tommy inquires of his godsister.
"She would've been here, but she is on a deadline, so she decided to stay in the city." John fills in.
Daniel lowers his voice not to be overheard by the other guests. "How is Saffy doing?"
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John covers his mouth like he is telling a secret. "Much better,"
Saffy is John and Heather's eldest daughter and Daniel's oldest goddaughter.
An unwritten code of secretiveness occurs between the Covington and Merriwether families.
The musicians begin hitting the starting notes of Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger. Despite the loud music, a powerful roaring is now becoming increasingly audible.
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"What in the hell is that?" Martha says curiously from her table with her family.
"Sounds like a helicopter," Steven answers. He gets up out of his chair to join his girlfriend.
By now, the guests' focus was looking in the sky as the whirring rotorcraft begins slowly making landfall.
"I don't think this is supposed to be another surprise, is it?" Max asks to no one in particular.
"No, it is not," Courtney says dumbfoundedly.
Half of the people were now away from their tables. On their feet to decipher who is inside of the helicopter.
The aircraft trimmed in white, black, and silver is landing onto the ground in front of them.
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The pilot gets out of the craft, going to the right-hand side door, which he opens. The person climbs the small ladder onto the ground.
Courtney groans.
"What?" Steven asks what his girlfriend is upset about the person who just arrived.
Courtney looks directly at her lover with disgust. "I think I'm going to need another drink,"
The mystery woman takes off her sunglasses, revealing her face to the public. Dressed in a black Stella McCartney draped beaded gown with her back revealed, attracting some of the male population to become enamored of her. She walks leisurely to the designated persons who are shocked at her arrival.
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"Well, I'll be damned!" Deirdre pronounces incredulously
"What are you doing here?" Daniel queries straightforwardly.
"Happy Birthday, big brother," Emma Covington greets in a celebratory manner.
END OF EPISODE
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JOIN US TOMORROW FOR THIS WEEK OF DAILIES REACHING OVER 100 EPISODES
ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Deirdre and Esther have a heated conversation about the past.
Emma already has a strong effect on the ones around her.
Samuel hears about Daniel's not too distant past deception.
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