EPISODE 349
Written by: Bre L Drew
June 30, 2025
Last Time on Town and Country
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Sarah Lynn invited Elijah and Lenny to stay in the attic of the main house on Franklin Farm, which the newlyweds graciously accepted.
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Jes received a mysterious phone call that she wasn’t thrilled to answer.
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Tommy and Tanner gave in to temptation and kissed in the horse barn on Franklin Farm during Elijah and Lenny’s wedding reception. Tanner admitted her feelings for him, while Tommy became more determined to be with her despite his marriage to Jordan.
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Aaliyah wasn’t having any luck securing employment after college graduation, prompting her mother to help her get a job at the Covington Group.
FRANKLIN FARM: MAIN HOUSE
Elijah Barker carefully steers his gray Volkswagen Golf down a rural road on this brightly lit morning, with the temperature already in the low seventies. The vehicle had been a wedding gift from his parents, knowing that since he wouldn’t be living at home anymore, he’d need reliable transportation.
On the radio, a jingle for a regional auto supply chain store play. In the passenger seat, Lenny Barker wears a faint smile.
Elijah quickly glances at his new wife, then refocuses on the road. “What’s with the smile?” he asks attentively.
“Well, it’s a few things.”
“Oh really,” he says cheekily. “Care to enlighten your husband?”
Lenny exhales softly. “Well, I’m not in the hospital anymore being poked and prodded and God knows what else. And okay—there’s you. I wouldn’t have survived lately if it wasn’t for you and how much you didn’t give up on me. These last few days away, just the two of us together.”
“So, spending our staycation honeymoon at my childhood home, sleeping in the same bedroom we lost our virginity in, was romantic for you?” Elijah asks as the surrounding fields and acreage begin to come into view.
Lenny places a hand on the back of her head, now covered by a scarf—her once long, thick blonde hair lost to chemo. "Okay, it wasn’t a tropical island, but it sure beats the hell outta a isolated room being fed Jell-O three times a day,” she says.
Elijah chuckles and turns on his blinker, pulling into the pathway of Franklin Farm. They’ll be living in the main house, invited by her maternal grandmother. Not only did they need a place to live, but it’s also Lenny’s favorite place in the world—and a place she hopes to start working on again.
He places the car in park in front of the house, where other vehicles are already stationed.
“You ready?” he asks.
Lenny looks at her husband, contentment in her eyes as she gazes at the two-story house and peaceful land.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Elijah gets out, circles the car, and opens the passenger-side door for her.
They walk up the porch steps, but just as Lenny is about to proceed, he stops her.
“What’s wrong?” she asks curiously.
“I know this seems old-school and a throwback to tradition, but I’m going to do it anyway.”
Without further warning, Elijah scoops his petite wife into his arms. She looks at him with amused caution.
“Please don’t drop me, Barker.”
“Don’t worry—I got you.”
He unlocks the door, managing to carry her inside. Just as they cross the threshold, voices cry out:
“Surprise!”
Standing before them are Sarah Lynn Saunders, Tanner Lockhart, and Tommy Covington. The newlyweds are elated to see them. Lenny hops out of Elijah’s arms and loops her arm through his as they spot a sign over the staircase reading: "Welcome Home Mr. and Mrs. Barker."
They embrace their loved ones warmly.
“So how was the staycation?” Tanner asks her fraternal twin sister and new brother-in-law, though she senses Tommy’s gaze lingering.
“No complaints whatsoever,” Lenny replies.
“Yeah, it was good to spend time together—just the two of us. No doctors, no nurses, no parents.”
Elijah’s parents are currently on vacation, visiting extended family in Vancouver, Canada.
“That’s good to hear. Well, put us to work—anything we can help with?” Sarah Lynn offers.
Elijah tells her most of his things are in the trunk.
Meanwhile, Tommy approaches Tanner, aware she’s been avoiding him since their kiss on this very land just days ago.
“We need to talk,” he says quietly, as Sarah Lynn steps outside and Lenny heads upstairs to use the restroom.
“Hey man, we could use your help,” Elijah calls out.
“I’ll be there in a second,” Tommy replies.
Elijah notices something’s off but heads out to the car.
Tanner shifts uncomfortably in the living room. “Maybe this isn’t the best time. Especially with my grandmother around.”
They had made out in the horse barn during the reception. She admitted she still had feelings for him—complicated by the fact he’s married to Jordan, and she’s involved with Jordan’s brother, Presley.
“We’re going to have to talk about where we stand eventually, Tanner,” Tommy says seriously.
“Just… not now, okay?”
Tommy licks his lips. “That kiss is still on my mind. And I know it’s on yours—or you wouldn’t be acting like this.”
Truthfully, it is still on Tanner’s mind. She hasn’t felt like that in a long time—certainly not with Presley. She’s tried to reach out to him but with no luck.
“Look, Tommy…” she begins.
But before she can finish, Sarah Lynn’s voice calls from outside. Tommy exits the house, leaving Tanner standing alone, arms folded, uncertain how to proceed.
COVINGTON GROUP
Despite it being the first day of her post-collegiate job, Aaliyah Gupta couldn't help but feel like a four-year-old being dropped off at preschool by her mother as they stepped off the elevator onto the twentieth floor of the Covington Group—where, of course, the company is headquartered.
"Mommy, I’m grateful that you helped me land this job, but I’m a big girl now. I can find my own way there," Aaliyah said, trying her best to hide the annoyance in her voice.
The young woman, dressed in a black floral crystal-embellished blazer with a white camisole underneath, paired with black slacks, appropriate heels, and a large black tote, had once imagined working in fashion. Instead, she is now starting as the executive assistant to a property development executive at the same firm where her mother is the top architect.
"I’m aware that you’re an adult, Aaliyah," Mala Gupta replied in her native British accent. "But I just want to make sure you get there and make the proper introductions before I depart, that’s all."
"You mean make sure I don’t turn back around," Aaliyah mutters.
Mala stops, prompting her daughter to do the same. "Look, I put in a great reference for you. Please don’t do anything to call that into question, okay?" Mala says, her tone laced with both caution and care—for the daughter who, despite graduating with Dean’s List honors, struggles to find work on her own.
"I’m here to work, no matter what I have to do. Is that reassuring enough for you?"
"Watch your tone, young lady. Now come on—you don’t want to be late on your first day."
As Mala continues down the corridor, Aaliyah rolls her eyes behind her mother’s back. Eventually, they arrive at the office of Jacques Laurent. Mala knocks, and seconds later, the door opens, revealing the tall, handsome executive. He wears a tailored dark gray suit.
Upon noticing the younger woman beside Mala, he gives a charming smile before slipping into a more professional demeanor.
"Jacques, this is my daughter, Aaliyah Gupta," Mala says.
Jacques gestures for them to come in, then moves to his desk to finish a phone conversation. Aaliyah throws her mother a look that clearly states, I could’ve done this on my own, though Mala chooses to ignore it.
Jacques hangs up the phone and sits behind his desk. "I apologize for that, but business is business."
"Oh, of course," Mala says modestly. "I want to thank you again for giving this opportunity to Aaliyah. She can’t wait to get started."
"Thanks, Mother," Aaliyah says through clenched teeth.
Jacques turns to Aaliyah. "I want you to know that I value efficiency first and foremost. As my executive assistant, you’ll need that to succeed here."
"Then it’s a good thing I’m here. Looks like you need it," Aaliyah replies confidently.
Jacques raises an eyebrow, clearly a bit impressed. His office is neat, but the absence of a long-term assistant is evident. "Well, let’s get you started then," he says. "Your desk is right outside. Begin familiarizing yourself with schedule management."
"Ay ay, boss," Aaliyah says. Then, facing her mother, she whispers, "You can go now."
Mala stands, shakes Jacques’ hand, and gives her daughter a quick pat on the back before exiting.
Shortly after, Jacques and Aaliyah step out to her desk, continuing to talk about what the job will require.
JESMINDER CHOUDHURY AND ASSOCIATES
Meanwhile, on the eighth floor of the Covington Tower, where Jesminder Choudhury and Associates is now located, the spacious atmosphere features a fresh coating of paint, offices for future employees, file cabinets, and bookshelves filled with legal texts. Outside the window, the skyline of local businesses and the courthouse in downtown Radcliffe can be seen.
Its only employee at the moment, Jes Choudhury—wearing a brown sleeveless tie-neck silk blouse and skirt—is finishing up a phone call when she lifts her head at the sound of the elevator dinging. She sees Mala getting off and heading toward her.
“Okay, I’ll see you then. Bye,” Jes says, placing the phone back on the receiver.
“Hi,” she greets the woman who is like an aunt to her, embracing her casually. Although they live together, the two haven’t had much time to socialize due to their conflicting work schedules.
“Since we both work in the same building now, I thought it was time I came to see your new firm.”
Jes smiles and places her hands on her hips. “Well, here it is. I know it’s practically empty, but I’m working on it.”
Mala waves her hand nonchalantly. “It takes time to build a reputable business. Everything else will fall into place.”
Jes gestures to her desk, and they sit across from each other.
“I needed to hear that. I’m finally getting around to hiring an assistant in the meantime.”
“Speaking of assistants—”
Jes instantly catches on. “Oh, that’s right. Today’s Aaliyah’s first day of work upstairs at Covington.”
“Let’s just say my daughter is going to keep Jacques Laurent on his toes.”
“Well, from what I’ve heard about the guy, he might need it,” Jes says good-naturedly.
“I just hope it doesn’t land her on his bad side. She can’t afford that after being out of work for so long. I hope she uses this to grow professionally.”
Jes shift the subject. “I will forever appreciate you and Jai letting me stay with you. I know it isn’t easy for a married couple to suddenly have their best friend’s adult kid living with them.”
Mala smiles warmly. “Jes, you're as much as family. It's no trouble at all. And you’ve already created so much for yourself in such a short time.”
Jes grins. “Well, your son liked the place too.”
“How is Samuel to you? I know he’s been throwing himself into work at the hospital, but between you and me, it’s because he’s still torn up about his breakup with Martha.”
Jes recalls their last conversation—how Samuel disapproved of her seeing Antoine, and how she told him that if someone has feelings for her, they need to admit it. She suspects he does. They’ve always shared a deeper connection, especially since reuniting at his parents’ wedding late last year. But she also likes Antoine—his personality is different from any man she’s seriously been involved with.
“I think work might be the best distraction for him right now,” she concludes.
Before Mala can respond, the firm’s phone rings. Jes answers on the third ring.
"Hello, Jesminder Choudhury and Associates. How may I help you?”
Mala watches Jes’s expression shift to one of disappointment and discomfort.
“How did you get this number?... Please don’t.”
Jes hangs up and makes a mental note.
“Jesminder, are you all right?” Mala asks with concern.
Jes nods. “I’m fine. Just an obnoxious crank caller with too much time on their hands.”
Mala senses something is off but doesn’t press. “Well, I better get to my office.”
​
“I’ll walk you to the elevator.”
The two women walk side by side toward the lift.
FRANKLIN FARM: MAIN HOUSE
While the ladies are upstairs organizing things in the attic, the newlyweds sleep upstairs in the main house. Elijah and Tommy continue to unload boxes from the trunk of the car.
"That's the last of it," Elijah says.
He places the cardboard box near the staircase as Tommy does the same.
"Thank God! I never knew you owned all this stuff," Tommy responds.
"Guess that's being an only child for you, eh?" Elijah replies.
"And now you're not only living with your wife but with her grandmother, aunt, cousin, great-aunt, family friend, and the dog," Tommy mentions.
"You think it's too late to turn back now?" Elijah asks, somewhat jokingly.
Though Tommy has stopped quipping, he’s clearly consumed in thought, which Elijah picks up on.
"You all right? You seem lost."
"Oh," Tommy says. "Sorry."
Elijah starts putting two and two together. "I know we haven’t talked since the wedding, but something tells me something else went down between you and Tanner since then."
At first, Tommy considers denying it, but he knows he can trust Elijah.
"You know me too damn well," he starts.
"Yeah, I do. That’s why I’m saying it."
Tommy looks up the stairs. "And now you’re living with your wife, her grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and family friend. Talk about a full house."
"You don’t think it’s too late to turn back now, do you?" Elijah asks somewhat jokingly.
The young businessman exhales, sticking his hands into his pants pockets. "If I tell you this, you can’t tell anyone else. Lenny included."
"I might as well practice client-attorney privilege before I pass the bar," Elijah says, referencing his second year in law school.
"Tanner and I kissed during your reception. Out at the horse barn," Tommy admits, causing Elijah to shake his head—more out of concern than anger.
"I’m not judging either of you... but this? It’s going to blow up in your face if you don’t get a grip," Elijah warns.
"Look, Tanner had just told me how she still cares about me—not just as a friend—and we got caught up, and then we kissed. And look, nothing else went any further," Tommy states.
"Oh, I know," Elijah says. "Because I’ve known Tanner all my life, and I knew she wouldn’t take it there with anyone—even you. And you know why."
Tommy looks down at his left hand, at his wedding ring. "I know," he says softly. "But… we both wanted more to happen, though."
"Look, Tommy, I get how you feel about Tanner. I feel the same way about Lenny. But if you act on those feelings... You know what? You’re going to do whatever the hell you’re going to do. Just don’t forget—Presley and Tanner are still together, as far as we know."
Tommy pinches the bridge of his nose. "When is this going to be over, Elijah?"
"I can’t tell you that," Elijah replies. "You’ve got to make this decision on your own."
"Whatever I do, I’ll hurt someone—whether it’s Jordan, Tanner, or Jeremy. I promised to protect Jordan from my father. I can still do that if we split, but I can’t risk a custody battle. And if I try to persuade Tanner to start something, Presley’s in the way—and I don’t even know if they’re done. But I can’t let her walk out of my life."
Elijah sees that his friend isn’t being smug—he’s speaking out of hope and desperation.
"But someone’s going to get hurt, whatever you decide."
Tommy nods slowly. "I get that. But I’ll do whatever it takes. I want Tanner in my life—and I’ll make damn sure Jeremy stays in it too."
Elijah doesn’t say anything right away. He just watches his best friend.
He sees the fire in him… and the mess that could follow.
​
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Jordan is taken by surprise by Tommy.
Tanner feels torn.
Jes confronts Antoine.
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