EPISODE 309
Written by: Bre L Drew
September 9, 2024
Last Time on Town and Country
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Shauna has confirmed with Dr. Jamison that she is pregnant, and the child is Antoine's, a result of their one-night stand. This occurred after a heated argument with Max about their troubled marriage.
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Antoine still had the night with Shauna on his mind, with Tricia advising him he had to move on.
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Martha made it clear that other than co-parenting, she wasn't interested in rekindling anything with Murray as she is committed to Samuel.
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Steven told Jacques not to take advantage of Courtney, which Jacques stated he was not.
HOME FARM
Shauna Covington is in the nursery, her gaze soft and adoring as she watches their baby sleep in the crib. Max Covington stands beside her, his arm around her shoulders, both of them bathed in the gentle light filtering through the window.
“Look at him,” Max says gently, his voice filled with wonder. “Can you believe how tiny he is? You think he'll mind if I take another photo of him?"
Shauna shakes her head playfully. "You’ve already taken enough photos, Max. But honestly, he’s adorable. He’s everything we could’ve dreamed of.”
Max leans in and kisses Shauna’s forehead. “After everything we've been through. I can’t imagine our lives without him."
The door suddenly slams open, and Antoine Hall walks in, his expression determined. He approaches the crib and reaches down to lift the baby out. “I’m here to take my child,” he declares firmly. “Y'all ain't keepin' me from my son!"
Shauna’s eyes widen in shock and confusion. “What are you talking about? This is our baby. You can’t just take him!"
She rushes forward to take the baby back, but Antoine holds him firmly, his grip adamant. "I deserve to be part of his life!”
Max, standing beside Shauna, is frozen, his gaze distant and unseeing while her panic escalates as she tries to reach for the baby, but Antoine’s presence and his declaration leave her feeling helpless.
"Please, just give him back,” Shauna pleads, her voice trembling with desperation.
Antoine’s expression remains resolute as he takes a step toward the door, still holding the baby securely. The room seems to close in around Shauna as she struggles to move, her body feeling immobilized.
The edges of her vision start to blur, a wave of dread overwhelming her as the infant cries overfill the room.
Suddenly, Shauna jolts awake in bed, gasping for air. The late morning light filters into the room, and Max, emerging from the bathroom, notices her distress.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Max asks, hurrying over and sitting beside her.
Shauna takes a moment to steady her breathing, her heart still racing, knowing she is keeping the fact that she is carrying another man's baby from her husband. "I just had a nightmare, that's all," she tells him.
"That's all it is?" Max queries, staring at her intently.
"Yeah," she lies. "I guess that's what I get for taking a morning nap."
Max offers a gentle distraction. "Well, we should start getting ready to meet Samuel and Martha for lunch."
Shauna is then reminded of them having a lunch date at The Waterfall with their best friends to celebrate her and Max's fifth wedding anniversary, although it means she is likely to see Antoine since not only does he work for her grandmother but resides there too.
Shauna takes a deep breath, trying to move past the remnants of the dream. “You know it isn't anyone else I would want to be married to, right?" She says reassuringly
"It's safe to say that goes for me too."
Max then comfortably embraces her while Shauna is uncertain of what to do.
THE WATERFALL BAR
As Martha Saunders looks out from behind the bar, the ambiance of The Waterfall is a far cry from the usual evening rush. A few patrons were scattered around, occupying tables in quiet conversation. A couple of regulars sat at the bar, nursing their drinks and chatting in low tones, their voices blending into background murmurs.
Antoine Hall leans against the counter, lost in thought. Martha approaches, breaking the tranquil silence with an endearing smile. "I could use more days like this."
He glances up, his eyes reflecting a mix of tiredness and contemplation. “Yeah, this is all about all I can deal with now."
Martha nods, her expression sympathetic. “I know you’ve been wrestling with a lot lately. If you want to talk about it, I’m here.”
Cognizant of her good friend is dealing with his emotions about Shauna, although he doesn't know that she knows that they slept together and that Shauna is expecting his child, making her somewhat guilty for keeping it from him, but she swore to her best friend she wouldn't betray her trust.
"I'm a'ight," he declares. "I gotta just move on with my life, that's all."
Tricia had advised him to do so since Shauna was adamant about their one-night stand turning into anything more serious.
Martha was about to respond, her thoughts turning to her upcoming lunch with Shauna and Max, figuring he should be forewarned about them coming. “Actually, Antoine, it's something you should know—" Before she could finish, A burly white male construction worker in dusty overalls and a hard hat walks over to them.
A burly construction worker in dusty overalls and a hard hat walks over to them.
Antoine immediately shifts his attention towards the customer, trying to get his mind off the only woman he would probably love, while Martha curses under her breath for being interrupted.
COVINGTON GROUP
On the twentieth floor of the Covington Tower in downtown Radcliffe, Courtney Covington Sullivan is hard at work in her office suite, deeply immersed in the latest property development project for her family’s firm.
The phone rings, and Evelyn, the longtime secretary, answers it and then passes on the message.
Moments later, Steven Sullivan enters the office, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers. His expression is a mix of regret and hopefulness.
Courtney looks up from her desk, her gaze shifting from the complex documents she’s been studying.
“I thought I’d stop by and admit that I've acted like a total jackass lately,” Steven says, offering the sunflowers with a sincere smile.
The female CEO wearing a burgundy Diane von Furstenberg sleeveless pleated dress takes the bouquet, her expression softening. She then stands and wraps her arms around Steven. “Thank you for the flowers. I’ve been feeling like I’m walking on eggshells since I told you about hiring Jacques. I didn’t want things to be so strained between us.”
Courtney had recruited her aunt's husband to work for the company even though Steven suspects his intentions aren't altruistic, including a questionable attraction to her too.
Steven gently pulls back but keeps his hands on her shoulders. “I guess I should also tell you that I had a conversation with Jacques, and he said he wasn’t going to mess up the chance you’ve given him.”
Courtney’s curiosity is piqued. “When did you have this conversation?”
“Just the other day at Jojo’s,” Steven explains. “I wanted to make sure he understood things clearly.”
Her gaze tightens slightly. "Steven, I know you are looking out for me as your wife, but you do not have to confront Jacques every time you come into contact with him."
Steven nods, acknowledging her point. "I still think he's a sleaze, but I'll lay off; don't take your eyes off him for even a second."
Courtney’s reaction is immediate and clear. She gives him an astute, but not unkind, glare—her eyes narrowing slightly. It’s a look that conveys a mixture of frustration and begrudging understanding.
Jacques Laurent is hard at work in his office, engaged in a phone call with a prospective client. He’s deep into negotiations, his voice steady and persuasive.
As he finishes his call, his secretary, Ida, in her 70s and nearly ready for retirement knocks softly and informs him, "Mr. Laurent, your wife is here."
Jacques wraps up the conversation with a courteous but efficient closing, then hangs up and turns toward the door. Emma Laurent steps inside his office for the first time, a smile spreading across her face. Jacques immediately rises from his desk, displaying his dark tailored suit, his expression softening as he moves toward her.
They embrace warmly, their arms encircling each other in a moment of personal connection amid the workday. As they hold each other close, Jacques leans in and kisses Emma softly; the kiss is brief but meaningful.
She steps closer, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of concern and understanding while gazing around the sleek office for the first time. She notices a subtle shift in him, a hint of tension in his shoulders. "I was in the area, and I thought I would pay my husband a visit, but it seems I came at the wrong time."
Jacques quickly recovers, his face softening as he moves toward her. “I'm sorry if I gave you any impression that I am not thrilled to see you."
The Covington heiress and nightclub owner in her navy-blue blouse that complements her casual dress appearance, paired with gray trousers, and her designer black leather bag give a dubious look. "It's just that you've been wheeling and dealing so much that I have not seen you much since you started working for my niece."
Since Jacques gained employment here, he has been working late, much to his wife's disdain.
Jacques gives her a soothing smile. His eyes met hers with a mix of sincerity and determination. "I promise you work will never come before you."
Despite his plea, Emma couldn't help but not be fully reassured. "Then why do I have a feeling that's not true?"
THE WATERFALL BAR
With the boost of customers enjoying their drinks and the easygoing vibe of “Days Like This” by Van Morrison playing faintly in the background. Martha moves skillfully behind the bar; her hands busy with tasks as she greeted the few patrons scattered around.
Murray Hirsch strolls in wearing a dark leather jacket paired with well-fitted black jeans that accentuate his sculpted backside, his presence immediately noticeable making his way through the bar. Instantly, Martha spots her child's father, moving towards her deliberately.
"Hey," he casually replies.
“Hi,” Martha said, maintaining a candid tone. She then notices Antoine beside her.
"Murray, this is my good friend Antoine; Antoine, this is Murray."
Not needing any further introduction, knowing the details of his friend's ex, Antoine looked up from behind the bar, offering a friendly but neutral nod. “How you doin?"
"I'm good," he replies nonchalantly. "You got a good place here."
With the introductions done, Antoine excuses himself to oversee something else. Martha focuses on Murray. "How do you know I was here today?"
Murray took a seat at the bar, gazing at her and licking his lips. "Earlier I FaceTime with SJ, and he told me you were here."
Martha leans across the bar slightly. "Look, Murray, like I told you last time, if it is not about our son, we don't have much to say."
Murray chuckles softly, raising a hand in a gesture of defeat. “I get it, Martha. Don't worry, it's not about you or the doc. I just wanted to let you know I’m heading out of town soon. I’ll be going on tour with a few of my up-and-coming bands.”
Murray runs his uncle's talent agency in Los Angeles, where he manages a roster of mostly undiscovered artists.
Martha's expression eased narrowly, though she remained cautious. "Well, I hope it goes well.”
Murray crosses his fingers with a lighthearted smile. “Thanks, Martha. Actually, I was hoping to hang out with SJ before I leave town."
As he speaks, the rock-and-roll ringtone of his phone suddenly blared, snapping his attention. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting to one of concern as he answered the call.
“Hello?” Murray said into the phone. He listened intently, his brow creasing as the caller explained the situation. “What do you mean they dropped out?!"
Martha watched as Murray’s demeanor became increasingly troubled. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly pissed off. "All right, all right, I'll handle it bye."
He ended the call and looked back at Martha. "It looks like one of my acts, who were a couple, just dropped out of the tour. They broke up, and now neither of them wants to play together."
The singer looks at Murray with concern. “Is there any sort of breach of their contracts or something?”
Murray shook his head, clearly stressed. “I wouldn’t recoup much, and they weren’t even at the top of the bill. I need to find someone to fill in quickly. Shit!”
He paused, his brow furrowing as he thought through his options. Then, a lightbulb seemed to go off in his head. An idea began to form, and his expression shifted from frustrated to thoughtful.
COVINGTON GROUP
The noise of the ringing phone on his desk catches Jacques's attention. The persistent ring disrupts their moment, and Jacques glances at the phone with interest.
Emma notices the distraction and laughs softly, shaking her head. “I would ask if you wanted to go out for lunch, but don’t worry about it. I need to get to the club anyway.”
Jacques smiles, appreciating her understanding. “I’m sorry about this,” he says, letting the phone continue to ring. “Let me walk you to the elevator.”
He escorts her down the hallway, the din of the phone ringing faintly in the background.
As Emma and Jacques walks down the hallway towards the elevator, they unexpectedly run into Steven and Courtney, who are parting ways after a brief exchange. The coincidence of their paths crossing in the office building.
“Isn’t this a coincidence?” Emma says sardonically, acknowledging the chance meeting.
Courtney, catching sight of her aunt and her husband, gives a slight roll of her eyes but manages a polite greeting. “Hi Jacques, Emma,” she says, her tone civil.
Steven nods, offering a brief, slightly strained smile. “Emma, Jacques, how are you doing?”
“We’re good, thanks," Emma responds succinctly.
A sense of awkwardness between the four creeps through before Jacques decides to break the silence.
“I’ll make it up to you later,” he promises to Emma.
"You better mean it," Emma vocalizes.
Courtney turns to her husband with a gaze that conveys her being glad he's being on his best behavior. "Thank you for the flowers, and I will see you at home."
As the elevator doors open, Steven and Emma step inside. The veterinarian stands silently, grappling with the knowledge that Emma is his aunt due to the affair between his grandfather and her mother, Deirdre, the secret only he and his mother are aware of.
"Looks like we have another thing in common," Emma says abruptly, causing Steven to snap back into the present.
"What's that?"
"We both have spouses who cannot get enough of this place," she remarks.
Steven doesn't verbally respond but gives an agreeable nod while the elevator descends.
THE WATERFALL BAR
Antoine glances at his iPhone and saw Shauna’s name pop up on the screen. He quickly typed out a text.
How r u? Just checkin' in.
After hitting send, he looked up and noticed Max and Shauna walking in, and his and Shauna's eyes met, sparking an unspoken tension that populates the air.
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNRY
Antoine and Shauna heatedly converse about their night together.
Elijah confides in Brynn.
Lenny decides to take another step in her cancer journey.
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