EPISODE 386
Written by: Bre L Drew
April 16, 2026
Last Time on Town and Country
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After the Miami land deal fell apart, Jacques and Courtney found themselves sharing a kiss; however, Courtney stopped things before they went further, realizing it was wrong since they were both married.
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Meanwhile, Jacques went on to begin an extramarital affair with Aaliyah.
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In an effort to get their marriage back on track, Courtney hid the truth, while Steven remained determined to strengthen their relationship by planning a surprise weekend getaway to Hudson Lake.
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Jolene became emotional after learning that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office would not be charging her with murder, ruling the shooting of her abusive husband, Wade, as self-defense.
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There was no love lost between Evan and Skye, while Gemma harbored a crush on Evan despite being in a relationship with Micah.
HOPE COTTAGE
Finally, Friday afternoon had arrived, and for Courtney Covington Sullivan, who had only moments ago returned home from the office to Hope Cottage, where she and her husband would be departing on their weekend getaway to the Hudson Lake Spa and Villa. It’s something she has been looking forward to ever since he surprised her with it at The Chateau, signifying to her that they are determined to reconcile their marriage after its recent ups and downs—something she wants to put behind them.
“Steven!” she calls out. “Did you—?”
Steven Sullivan emerges from his bedroom, shutting the door behind him, dressed in a navy-blue linen button-down shirt and khakis. “Our luggage is already in the trunk, meaning we’re all set… nearly.”
The two walk downstairs, and when they reach the landing, they find Evan Sullivan—Steven’s teenage son—standing there.
“Before we go, I’m going to remind you again that the same rules apply when Courtney and I aren’t home.”
The teenage boy resists rolling his eyes at his father’s statement, having heard it before.
“No chill, Dad. It’s just going to be Micah spending the night—the two of us sharing a pizza and staring at naked women on the internet.”
Steven and Courtney both turn to him trepidatiously at the last part of that sentence.
Evan teases, “So much for sexual freedom, huh?”
While Courtney somewhat relents, Steven’s expression shows clear misgivings, though he doesn’t have time to question it further.
“We'd better get going,” Courtney remarks, gripping the strap of her tote bag.
Simultaneously, the doorbell rings, and Courtney saunters over to answer it.
“We’re trusting you, all right,” Steven says, knowing his son has gotten into minor mischief since coming to live with them.
“Dad, relax, okay.”
Within seconds, Courtney returns with Micah Kelley, who is holding a duffel bag.
“Hi, Dr. Sullivan,” the school athlete greets his best friend’s father.
“Hey, Micah—congrats on the big game again.”
“Thanks,” Micah replies, somewhat excitedly.
Despite one of his teammates getting hurt, Micah had been called into the game and, with his help, secured an unexpected victory.
Steven notices his son’s growing impatience for them to leave. “Don’t worry—we’re going.”
“Have a good time, you two,” Evan says as he watches his father and stepmother head out.
The parents both say their goodbyes to Evan and Micah before exiting the house.
As soon as the roar of his father’s SUV engine fades down the road, Evan turns to Micah. “God, I thought they’d never leave. Well, looks like Operation House Party is officially on.”
Micah licks his lips and asks, “You still think that’s a good idea?”
Evan grins confidently. “Oh yeah. I’m taking full advantage of having this place to myself for the entire weekend.”
JOJO'S CAFE
Alex Warren’s chesty baritone vocals are now audible as his powerful ballad “Eternity” plays over the Jojo’s Café sound system among the decently sized crowd. Meanwhile, Skye Park works her after-school shift behind the counter. The teenager is wearing a dark floral mesh off-the-shoulder top with bell sleeves, along with a black skirt and an apron tied around her waist.
Gemma Grier enters the establishment in her fashionable attire, which today includes a flowy blouse, her backpack draping effortlessly from one shoulder. When she reaches the counter, she takes a seat in front of her friend.
“Long time, no see, babe,” Gemma greets in her usual dramatic way.
Skye can’t help but smile at her friend. “We just saw each other less than an hour ago at school.”
Gemma places her bag on the empty seat beside her. “You know what I mean. Anyway, what are our plans for the weekend?”
“Do you want to spend the night at my place, we can catch something on streaming?”
By the look on her face, Gemma isn’t exactly enthused by the plan. “All right… But how about we invite Micah and Evan over? I mean, it’s about time we celebrate Micah landing on the team that won,” she says of her boyfriend.
It doesn’t take long for Skye to respond. “Yeah, you know Micah is more than welcome to come by, but there’s no way I’m in the same room as the other one if I can help it.”
The two hadn’t exactly gotten along since they first met outside the café, where she spotted him vaping. He, in turn, sees her as uptight.
Skye narrows her eyes slightly. “Besides, you’re acting like Evan’s somebody you like… in that way.”
Gemma’s silence gives her away.
“Don’t tell me you still have a thing for Evan?” Skye asks reluctantly.
Concurrently, Tricia Lockhart and her mother, Jolene Wood, sit across from one another at a table near the large window overlooking Main Street, conversing while sipping their beverages.
“You know, Tricia, I can’t remember the last time I felt this free. I know it might be the wrong choice of phrase, but it’s how I feel,” Jolene candidly expresses.
Tricia takes a sip of her iced green tea lemonade through a straw before answering.
“Mom, you were about to possibly be charged with murdering your husband, who physically and verbally abused you throughout your entire marriage. I think you’re more than entitled to feel the way you do.”
Recently, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office had decided not to press charges against Jolene, citing self-defense in the shooting death of her late husband, Wade, who had held both her and Tricia against their will for several hours in their apartment.
Jolene nods in understanding. “Well, to tell you the truth, I’ve been trying to focus on what comes next for me.”
Tricia is taken aback by her mother's statement. “It sounds like you’ve been speaking to a professional.”
Jolene takes a sip of her peach tea before responding. “Not exactly… not yet.”
Tricia grows confused, which isn’t unusual when it comes to her mother. “What do you mean?”
“I did find a therapist to see, but she isn’t here. In fact, she’s in California, and it’s where I’m heading back to.”
Tricia doesn’t hide her amazement at the sudden announcement from Jolene.
HOPE COTTAGE
Once Micah put his bag in Evan’s bedroom upstairs, the two young men made their way into the kitchen. Evan sets his iPhone down on the table, an elated expression on his face.
“I texted everyone I could from school, and it looks like half of the sophomore class is coming tomorrow night,” Evan informs him. “And one of them is bringing a keg too.”
He had only sent the messages minutes ago, and already people had responded with confirmations of texts, and emojis.
“Well, how about you let someone else you know who could bring a keg too—just in case the other one doesn’t come? I mean, worst-case scenario, we’ll have two kegs,” Micah suggests.
Evan grins. “I like the way you think, Kelley.”
Micah smiles at the response and begins texting his girlfriend.
Not long after, he checks his phone and sees her reply.
“She’s coming—and Skye too,” he tells him.
Evan does his best to hide his disinterest in hearing Skye’s name. “Well, you better tell Gemma to tell Skye that we aren’t doing a séance.”
It’s no secret that the two don’t exactly get along, despite running in the same circle through Gemma and Micah.
“I know you aren’t her biggest fan, but Skye is a chill person—even if she has her own… style.”
Evan can tell his friend is avoiding calling her a freak because of her goth clothing.
He rolls his eyes. “Whatever, all right. But we don’t have a gravestone in the backyard for her to hang out at.”
Micah shakes his head, laughing at the dark humor despite himself as he looks up at his friend.
JOJO'S CAFE
As Skye finishes up with a customer, Gemma’s iPhone chimes with a text from Micah.
“Clear your schedule, babe, because tomorrow night a party is goin’ down.”
“I’m not really in a party mood,” the barista replies unenthusiastically.
“Evan’s throwing it at his place, which will have no parents by the way.”
Skye tucks a small strand of her dark brown bob behind her ear. “Well then, I really won’t be there.”
“Oh, come on, Skye, it’ll be fun. Besides, if Micah’s cool with him, maybe he isn’t all bad,” Gemma notes.
“Something tells me I’m going to regret going,” Skye says. “And what about you? How do you feel about Evan?” she adds, shifting back to their earlier conversation.
Eventually, Gemma answers her friend. “Look, the truth is, he isn’t bad on the eyes at all… but to be clear, I’m with Micah.”
Skye nods, grateful for her friend’s reply. “Micah is one of the best.”
“I think so too,” Gemma remarks. “But… I wish more were happening in our relationship.”
At first, Skye is about to ask what she means—until it clicks.
“Oh?” Skye says, caught between uncomfortable and inquisitive. “Have you talked to him about it?”
Gemma exhales. “I try to, but then he gets sensitive about it. I wonder if it’s because he’s a Christian.”
Micah comes from a devout religious household, as he and his family attend service most Sundays.
Skye glances toward the door to check for customers, appreciating the lull in business. “Well, there’s only one way to find out—and that’s to talk to him.”
“I hate when you’re right,” Gemma remarks half-jokingly. She then orders a water from her friend, clearly dwelling on how to move her relationship forward.
It doesn’t take long for Tricia to react to the news of her mother telling her she’s moving back to California.
“Please don’t tell me you’re going back to Bakersfield after all of the hell that man put you through.”
Jolene finishes some of her iced tea before responding.
“It isn’t what you think, Patricia. In fact, I’m putting the house up for sale, and then I plan to use the money I get from it to move to L.A. to start over.”
Tricia struggles to process what she’s hearing. “Look, I know we’ve been at the rectory longer than we thought, but if you want to move and find another place here in town, we can do that—as soon as possible.”
Jolene folds her arms across her chest. “I agree we can’t live with Thora and Presley forever, but this is the first major decision I’ve made in a long time, and I have to stand by it. And anyway, you’ll soon have your freedom.”
Tricia gestures with her hands. “Well… if that’s what you want.”
That statement lingers with Tricia, who quietly reflects on it as she sips her lemonade.
END OF EPISODE
ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
The party begins.
Mae snaps.
Jacques is in for the shock of his life.
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