EPISODE 305
Written by: Bre L Drew
August 12, 2024
Last Time on Town and Country
-
Lenny’s battle with leukemia has intensified, making her increasingly frail and emotionally vulnerable.
-
Daniel expressed his concerns about Jacques Laurent’s employment to Courtney, but she dismissed his worries, asserting her authority.
-
Martha confronted Murray about interfering in her relationship with Samuel, and he confessed regret over their past, expressing how he misses her.
-
Shauna is grappling with the possibility of being pregnant after her one-night stand with Antoine, but she avoids confronting the implications of this potential pregnancy.
FRANKLIN FARM
The continuous summer afternoon in the rural town of Radcliffe doesn't stop Sarah Lynn Saunders from tending to her luscious herbage inside the large greenhouse on Franklin Farm. The sun poured its golden rays through the glass panes, warming the air and casting a soothing light over the plants.
Outside, the farm was alive with a symphony of sounds. The clucking of hens in the nearby coop mingled with the distant bleat of a lamb. Cows mewing softly in the pasture provide a well-known, steady soundtrack.
Sarah Lynn wipes the sweat from her brow with the back of her gloved hand. As she lifts her head, she notices Lenny Lockhart entering the space, which makes her more elated to see her granddaughter.
Lenny is in a white tank top and blue jean shorts—the perfect attire for the sweltering day. She is also wearing a baseball cap, an attempt to conceal the effects of her cancer. "Well, look who’s here!" Sarah Lynn called out. She hurried to the door to warmly embrace her namesake. "I've been thinking about you. How are you, sweetheart?"
They soon split apart from one another, though Sarah Lynn keeps an intent glare on her.
Lenny offers a faint smile. Her eyes are tired, but she is trying to persist. "Well, I'm alive still, so I guess I'm doing alright. I needed a change of scenery, so this is the first place I thought of."
She had missed the farm since she'd been receiving treatment; she hadn't been working on the grounds, which makes her visit all the more important.
Sarah Lynn’s heart ached with concern as she took in her granddaughter’s fatigued appearance. Without hesitation, she gestured to a watering can. "Why don’t you help me in here?"
Lenny nods while accepting the watering can with a sigh of relief. As she started to water the rows of budding vegetables and herbs.
FRANKLIN FARM : MAIN HOUSE
SJ Saunders steps out of the rental late-model red Chevy Malibu sedan, his feet hitting the gravel with a soft patter. His father, Murray Hirsch, gave him a warm smile from the driver’s seat before waving as SJ ran towards the main house on the family farm.
Murray remains parked as he witnesses the crimson-red front door opening, with Martha Saunders instantly hugging her son.
Despite the tension the two had earlier regarding his interference with her and her boyfriend, which consisted of him not telling her, he called when they were all out a few months ago before he headed out of town. He leans on the horn—a quick, cheerful beep. Martha’s gaze followed the car as it began to pull away, her attention caught by the fleeting scene.
Her eyes locked with Murray’s for a brief, unspoken moment.
She eventually guides the little boy into the house, closing the door behind her. "So, you had fun with your dad?"
The father and son had gone to the movies to see the latest Despicable Me movie, and they had a bite to eat at the pizza restaurant nearby the movie theater.
S.J. nods enthusiastically. "I like hanging out with him."
Hearing those words is the reason she is entertaining any further interaction with her ex-lover.
"SJ, answer this for Mommy; do you also like being with Samuel when he comes over?"
The little boy moves his head up and down. "I like Samuel too; he's nice, and he knows lots of stuff," he expresses in a way only a child can, with genuine honesty.
"That he does," Martha replies agreeably. "Well, that’s good to hear, sweetie. Now go on and play."
The lively barking of the almost-year-old border collie becomes audible.
"I'm coming, Otis!" the five-year-old boy calls out to the dog while he treks up the staircase.
The ringing doorbell soon interrupts Martha's collective thoughts, hoping it isn't Murray coming back to finish their conversation. She heads to the door and opens it to find her best friend, Shauna Covington, standing there in a single-shoulder strap-striped pattern dress, gripping the strap of her purse on her shoulder.
Her usual congenial face was shadowed by a look of worry, making Martha concerned.
“Shauna, what’s going on?” Martha asks, stepping aside to let her friend in.
Without a word, Shauna takes something out of a convenience store bag, which she holds up, causing Martha's eyes to widen in shock as her mind begins to formulate questions.
“Is this a bad thing?” Martha began, but her voice faltered.
Shauna glares around the room, not wanting anyone to overhear them. "Yeah, it's a bad thing, Martha. Because if I'm pregnant, it means that my husband isn't the father."
The statement hung heavy in the air, and Martha’s breath caught in her throat. She stared at her friend, struggling to process the weight of the revelation. "How did this happen?”
Shauna exhaled, her gaze falling to the floor and then onto her friend as she started to fill her in on everything.
HOME FARM
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm warning you, woman, find you your own man
Jolene, I know I'm a queen, Jolene
I'm still a Creole banjee bitch from Louisianne (don't try me)
​
Beyoncé's rendition of "Jolene" plays gently in the background; its soulful beats mix with the relaxed ambiance of Home Farm Estate’s backyard. The pool, with its inviting blue water and colorful inflatables, glistens under the afternoon sun.
Elijah Barker strides onto the scene in a short sleeve charcoal gray graphic tee with "I Have Selective Hearing" and "I'm sorry you were not selected." underneath it in a lower font, shorts, and his sunglasses rest casually on his forehead.
As he arrives at the pool area, Tommy Covington is sitting and dipping his foot in the water after spending most of the day swimming.
"Is this a private country club, or can anyone join?"
"Barker, how is it going?" Tommy welcomes his best friend.
The two exchange an informal handshake while Elijah notices Jordan Covington is in the pool, playing with Jeremy. His cherubic face, framed by a halo of curly blonde hair, splashed water and kicked his little legs to move, which he learned during his swim lessons.
"I guess I'm doing alright," Elijah says unsurely.
It doesn't take long for Tommy and Jordan to trade looks, and then she picks up the toddler and swaddles him out of the water.
"Wanna say hi to your godfather, little man?" Jordan says friendly.
Elijah takes in the little boy, reckoning he's the only good thing that came out of his best friend's marriage to someone he doesn't love.
"Long time, no see; you're practically a teenager," Elijah remarks.
Jeremy adorably waves at his godfather, though he emits a small yawn.
"It looks like he's ready for his nap," Jordan concludes. "I'm going to put this little guy down and change out of this," she winks.
"See you later," Tommy tells his son as he takes in his wife holding their son, carrying him back to the guest house. He couldn't help but notice her still-impressive figure in her bikini.
Elijah also sees his friend checking her out before waving his hand in his face to get his attention. "Earth to Tommy Boy! So, I guess it's safe to say you still have feelings for your wife and Tanner?"
Tommy finally focuses on his friend. "How is Lenny?" changing the subject.
​
COVINGTON GROUP
On the twentieth floor, where the Covington Group is located within the Covington Tower in downtown Radcliffe, Jacques Laurent is seated behind his modern, sleek desk in his office, going through stacks of paperwork. The view from his office window showcases the ever-changing downtown landscape contrasted against the serene rural area.
He is also on the phone with a client, whom he is reassuring he's doing right by. "Yes, Mr. Thompson, I’m reviewing the property development reports right now. I’ll have the detailed data sent to you by the end of the day."
The knock on the door is firm and rhythmic; a series of deliberate raps penetrate the room.
Jacques courteously excuses himself to see who it is.
"Give me just one second!" he tells whoever it is. However, once he puts the phone back in his ear, the door opens as Daniel Covington enters the room uninvited.
The company's former CEO ruefully scoffs while ignoring his brother-in-law's reprimand. "I had to see it for myself; you are actually working for something that doesn't involve blackmail or treachery."
"Mr. Thompson, I will send you the information to your email by the end of business today. Thank you so much, goodbye." Jacques puts the phone on the receiver harder than necessary.
He isn't fond of the opportunist having a place here at Covington just because his daughter Courtney, who is acting CEO, took pity on him and gave him a job.
Jacques raises his eyebrow. "And what is that supposed to mean? Or do I even have to ask?"
Daniel shakes his head determinedly. "I’m not just sitting back and letting you wreck the company my father built."
The property consultant leans back in his chair, not fearful of his brother's proclamation. "So, is this about me landing deals you couldn’t, or are you just upset that you’re no longer running things around here? It feels like you’re grasping for something to make you feel like a man again."
It also made him feel good that he perhaps has something impacting the family and would use it if need be since he heavily suspects Emma was born upon Deirdre's affair with Jimmy Saunders.
Daniel takes one step back, and his voice becomes hardened. "Watch yourself, Jacques. I’m keeping an eye on you."
Jacques smirks at the warning he's being given. "Is that a threat?"
"No, it's just a friendly reminder. See you at home, Jacques."
Daniel’s face darkens as he turns and exits the office. Jacques watches him leave, a brazen smile playing on his lips as he is more determined to make a name for himself in his wife's family's company.
FRANKLIN FARM
Although Lenny continued to water the plants, her mind seemed miles away. The weight of her thoughts was evident, and Sarah Lynn noticed the tiredness on her face.
"How have you been holding up? I can see you're going through a lot." Sarah Lynn queries
Lenny hesitates for a moment. “You know, Grandma,” Lenny began, her voice weary. I’m just so tired. I want this disease out of my body. It feels like a constant battle, and I’m always fighting to stay positive, but some days it’s just so hard.”
Due to the prognosis of her acute myeloid leukemia, she's undergoing daily chemo sessions so her body will be ready for the bone marrow transplant she needs. In addition, she is set to undergo the outpatient procedure of having a port inserted into her chest to make the process go smoother for the care team to administer treatment to her.
Sarah Lynn’s heart aches at her granddaughter’s words. She set down her watering can, placing a comforting hand on Lenny’s arm. “I can’t fully understand what you’re going through, sweetheart, but I do know that giving up is not an option. You’ve got so much strength in you, and I know you're going to get through this somehow."
Lenny sighed deeply; her gaze fixed on the vibrant greenery around them. “I just wish that one day I wouldn’t have to think about being sick. Just one day to feel normal again."
Sarah Lynn bows her head. "So how about right now we make that a reality? We'll talk and do anything that doesn't relate to anything unhappy. What do you say?"
Lenny slightly showcases a grin. "I think I like that a whole hell of a lot."
The two women continue to converse as the older blonde woman fills her in on the farm while they take care of the vegetation inside the greenhouse.
HOME FARM
By now, the two best friends were sitting side by side at the pool, both with their feet in the water.
Elijah sighs, knowing his friend is avoiding the topic, but decides to give in. "You know, Lenny, she is a trooper, but deep down, she isn't handling all this well, and little by little, I'm seeing her defenses fall. I just hope my being there is enough."
Tommy gives a supportive gaze at Elijah. "I'm sure it does, and what she is going through is hell. I saw how it went for my mother, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone."
Tommy's mother, Keri, battled through late-stage breast cancer, which she ultimately succumbed to when he was a teenager.
"Getting back to you," Elijah reverses the subject. "You still want your cake and eat it too?"
Tommy clears his throat while he dangles his foot in the water. "I told Tanner how I felt about her, and of course, I know she feels the same about me."
"But she isn't going to break up your marriage, is she?" Elijah fills in.
"How do you know?"
"I've known Tanner since I was four. It's probably true that she cares about you, but she isn't the type to do so, and anyway, she's with Presley."
Tommy rolls his eyes at the mention of his brother-in-law. "Don't remind me."
"Look, regardless of what happens, you have to put Jeremy first because he will be the one most affected by what you do," Elijah advises.
Another set of ascending footsteps brings an end to their conversation.
Daniel walks toward them with a friendly grin at his son and his son's friend. "Hey guys, how’s it going?"
Elijah turns to him. "Hi, Mr. Covington, we were just catching up about what’s next after graduation," he lies.
The former businessman nods good-naturedly. "Congratulations on getting into law school; that's quite an achievement. He then rotates his head to glare at his son, who doesn't meet his gaze. "So, Tommy, any thoughts on what you’re going to do next? Think about coming to work at Covington. I'm sure your sister would love having you there."
"Not really sure yet. I'm still trying to figure things out." Tommy replies unenthusiastically.
Elijah can still sense the tension between father and son.
Daniel shrugs, placing his hands in his pants. "Well, you will figure it out. I'm going to let you two get back to it. See you later."
As the older man takes back towards the mansion, Tommy shakes his head.
Elijah turns to Tommy. "He's on his best behavior."
"You know the old man has always been good at putting on a facade when it suits him." Tommy exhales exasperatedly.
The two young men continue to take in the summer day side by side.
FRANKLIN FARM: MAIN HOUSE
The bartender's face contains a mask of confusion as she listens to Shauna, trying to piece together the unsettling puzzle sitting on the sofa near one another in the living room.
Shauna takes a deep breath, her eyes filled with the stress of the confession she is about to make.
“It was a couple of months ago,” Shauna began, her voice lingering slightly. “Max and I had this bad fight, and I tried to reach out to you, but you didn’t respond, so I ended up at The Waterfall, but my grandma wasn't there, so I went upstairs, and that's when things got complicated."
“Was it just a random hookup with a guy you didn't know?” Martha questions
Shauna shakes her head, a hint of frustration in her expression. “Girl, I was desperate—not that desperate."
Martha holds out her hands to refute her previous utterance. "No judgment here if you had."
"We started talking and throwing back shots of tequila."
"Nothing good ever happens when tequila is involved," Martha declares.
Shauna shoots her friend a reflective look. "I needed to be wanted, and he made me feel wanted, and you can guess what happened after that."
"Please tell me you at least know his name," Martha remarks.
Shauna gives a pensive nod. "Oh, I do; you do too."
"It's someone we both know," Martha says puzzlingly.
"Oh yeah," she answers. "We know him quite well."
Martha braces herself for the reveal.
"I slept with Antoine, and if I'm pregnant, it's his baby, not Max's; we hadn't been intimate until recently." Martha doesn't shield her surprise, even though she knows the two have always shared a closeness. She immediately reaches over to grab the other woman's hand supportively.
"Hon, let's just take one thing at a time," Martha notes to her lifelong best friend. "And whatever happens, I will be here for you."
The two women hold each other as Shauna intuitively knows she is pregnant, having experienced these symptoms before, though it came to an abrupt end. It doesn't stop her from shedding tears for an unknown future.
​
END OF EPISODE
​
ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Antoine confides in someone about his night with Shauna.
Jai proposes, but will Mala accept?
Murray rubs Samuel the wrong way.
​
Leave your thoughts here on the T&C forum.
​
​
​
​