EPISODE 395
Written by: Bre L Drew
July 26, 2026
Last Time on Town and Country
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When Tricia announced to Sean that she was leaving Radcliffe for Los Angeles to start anew with her mother, he called her out on what he viewed as a pattern of running away from her problems, leading to a heated disagreement.
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Tommy and Tanner planned to move to St. Paul, Minnesota, so Tanner could attend veterinary school. Tommy also remained determined to end his marriage to Jordan. However, Jordan was equally determined to keep her family together and later obtained proof that Tommy and Daniel had worked together to oust Jacques from the Covington Group.
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While dealing with the fallout of killing her estranged, abusive husband, Wade, Jolene continued growing closer to Ernest.
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Micah continued struggling with the pressures of adolescence, including the demands of football from his former-athlete father and the pressure from his girlfriend, Gemma, to have sex before he feels ready.
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Courtney continued feeling uncertain about where her marriage to Steven stood after the revelation that she and Jacques had shared a kiss in Miami the previous year.
JOJO'S CAFE
If Tricia Lockhart had it her way, she would be driving down the highway right about now, heading to the airport. Today is the day that, after several years of living in Radcliffe, Kentucky, she says farewell to the town as she prepares to call California home again by moving to Los Angeles to start anew. However, like life itself, things don't go exactly as planned.
Yet her mother insists they stop into Jojo's for some reason.
"Look, it won't hurt to stop in there to get a drink before heading to the airport," Jolene Wood says from the car.
Despite the years she has spent managing the café, Tricia has no plans to stop there. They still have about an hour before they need to get to the airport, and after all the trauma they survived at the hands of her creep of a stepfather, she ultimately obliges... reluctantly.
The younger brunette, dressed in a black sleeveless drawstring romper, holds onto her purse with her sunglasses covering her eyes. She takes a deep breath before stepping inside the establishment with Jolene close behind.
However, instead of the bustling crowd of customers she had grown accustomed to seeing during this time of day over the years, only a small gathering of people occupies the café. As she pushes her sunglasses up onto her forehead, she is suddenly taken aback by the sight of Thora McKnight, Jordan Covington, Courtney Covington Sullivan, Samuel Gupta, and Ernest McKnight, who all exclaim in unison:
"Surprise!"
It soon becomes clear that Jolene has known about the impromptu farewell gathering all along, while Tricia can't help but become emotional at the unexpected gesture.
HOME FARM
It seemed that the duties of adulthood had kept Tommy Covington from basking at the pool all summer until now, which is where he found himself on his family's estate. The cool water felt refreshing against his shirtless body as he swam laps, allowing him, if only briefly, to forget the responsibilities he'd taken on as a husband and father. He found some relief in knowing that, soon enough, his marriage would be over—whether or not his wife wanted it to be.
When he surfaces and spots Tanner Lockhart walking towards the pool, he swims over to the edge.
"Enjoying the water, I see?" the brunette remarks good-naturedly.
"Is it that obvious?" he asked the young woman he hoped to spend the rest of his life with.
"Very much so."
Tanner couldn't help but admire his physique, which seemed more toned than usual. She knew he made it to the gym at least three times a week.
Tommy ran his hands through his saturated, wet blond hair.
"I'm glad you got my text."
In the message, the young executive had asked her to come over because he was lonely and, more importantly, because Jordan wasn't home. Knowing how she felt about the impending end of their marriage, he knew it was best not to have the two women in the same place right now.
Tanner remained standing as she set her purse on the patio table beneath the parasol.
"I was already in town because I was going to stop by Tricia's goodbye party at Jojo's, but I decided against it since Jordan's likely there. Besides, I wasn't all that close to my former stepmother, though I do plan on sending her a good luck and safe flight text later."
Tommy looks at her intently.
"We don't have much longer before we won't have to sneak around just to be together. I know how much you hate that."
It had been no secret that, despite reconciling, Tanner hadn't been comfortable being with him while he was still legally married to Jordan, hoping she would soon sign the divorce papers and give Tanner the reassurance that nothing would stand between them anymore. Even then, Tommy knew Jordan would always be part of his life because of Jeremy.
"I guess I can wait a little longer. Before we know it, we'll be in St. Paul, settling into our own place," Tanner said with a loose exhale.
The two plan to move to Minnesota so Tanner could attend veterinary school at the university.
"Anyway, how about you join me? The water feels incredible," Tommy said enticingly.
Tanner tilted her head toward him.
"As much as I'd love to, I didn't bring a swimsuit."
"Well," Tommy replies, raising his eyebrows mischievously, "you don't need one."
Before she could protest much, he reaches up and pulled her into the pool. She let out a startled scream, and when she surfaces, she was completely soaked, her cream tank top and blue denim shorts clinging to her.
Initially caught off guard, Tanner finally found her voice.
"You think you're funny, huh?" she said half-seriously, though she couldn't stop a smile from spreading across her face.
"Let's live a little, Tanner Lillian," Tommy said, teasingly using both her first and middle names.
The couple then shares a warm, affectionate kiss before settling into the cool water together, savoring a rare moment of privacy and happiness.
THE WATERFALL BAR
The distinctive, soulful vocals of Ron Isley fill The Waterfall as "It's Your Thing" by him and his brothers plays over the establishment's mid-tier sound system for the early-afternoon lunch crowd. Among the patrons are Sean Lockhart and Louise Saunders Lockhart, who are seated at the bar while the owner of the establishment, Mae Jackson, holds out her hand to Louise as they talk about her recent engagement to Gus.
The farmer admires the modest yet gorgeous engagement ring on Mae's finger.
"I must say that he has good taste. So do you have an ideal date in mind for the big day?" she queries.
Beside her, Sean continues eating, though he seems less than thrilled by the conversation.
"To be real with you, we haven't talked about that yet, but as long as it happens, that's all that matters," Mae replies.
"Nothing wrong with that," Louise says in agreement.
Mae excuses herself to serve patrons at the opposite end of the bar.
Louise notices that her lover remains deep in thought about something else entirely.
"Oh, don't tell me Mae and I talking about her wedding plans made you tap out."
Sean sets his corned beef sandwich down on his plate.
"Sorry. I guess I've got some things on my mind that I can't shake," the farm manager remarks.
Louise tucks a strand of hair behind one of her ears.
"I thought getting away from the farm to have lunch would improve your mood."
Sean had been internally debating whether or not to admit this to her, but something tells him he doesn't have much choice, especially with where their relationship is heading.
He rubs his hands together before speaking.
"Uh... something happened between Tricia and me the other day, and I can't stop thinking about it."
It doesn't take long for Louise to react. Knowing the past between her ex-husband and his former wife, she responds carefully.
"Should we take this conversation somewhere else? Because I don’t want that kind of confession made in public."
Sean immediately shakes his head.
"You think I...? No, I wouldn't do that after everything. Louise, no. It's just... we were at the mausoleum. Both of us had the same idea to go see Dylan, and then she told me she's leaving town. I guess I didn't have the best reaction to it."
Louise's expression shifts, becoming more uncertain and curious.
"So... should I be worried you're feeling this way because of something else?" she asks, choosing her words carefully.
"Let me make myself very clear: nothing like that happened," Sean assures her. "You're the person I want to be with, but I can't stop thinking about how I left things with her."
Louise exhales, almost repentant about what she's about to suggest.
"Look, there's a chance I regret saying this later, but it sounds like you need some kind of closure. Is there any chance you can get that before she leaves?"
"Uh... I did hear some of her friends are putting together a last-minute goodbye party for her at Jojo's," Sean says tentatively.
Louise resists making a quip about the woman who contributed to the dissolution of their marriage suddenly having so many friends.
Instead, she simply says,
"I think you should do whatever you need to find whatever peace."
“Maybe I should," Sean sighs.
He takes a bite of the pickle from his sandwich while quietly contemplating her advice.
KELLEY RESIDENCE
Elsewhere in the rural heart of town, along a two-lane country road lined with houses on both sides, sits the home where Micah Kelley resides with his family.
The incoming junior sprints through the backyard, catches a football, and turns as he works through route-and-catch drills. His father, Ray Kelley, guides him more like a taskmaster than simply a coach, never hesitating to call him out whenever he misses a catch or does anything that keeps him from being the best. With the high school's football season only weeks away, Ray isn't about to let him slack off.
Eventually, Ray nods approvingly.
"There you go!"
Micah executes the route properly and secures the catch.
"Alright, you can finally take a break. C'mon," he coaches.
Micah breathes heavily as he places his hands on his hips. His father hands him a metal thermos, and he gratefully takes a long gulp of water.
"I told you, if you kept at it, you'd get it. And look at you now," Ray says enthusiastically, every bit the former football star determined to mold his son into his own image.
"You good?" Ray asks.
"I'm... good," Micah replies, still trying to catch his breath.
Ray notices the sweat beading across his son's forehead and soaking his shirt.
"Look, I know you'd rather be out with Gemma and your friends, but just because it's summer doesn't mean you can afford to take a break. You feel me?"
"Yes, sir."
Although Micah loves football, he isn't entirely convinced that his father's constant pressure is what's best for him. Still, he could never bring himself to say that aloud for a plethora of reasons.
Not long afterward, the sliding glass door opens, and Livia Kelley steps outside alongside Presley McKnight from the moderate-sized ranch-style home.
"Hey, look who I have with me," the nurse says in the warm, pleasant voice she naturally uses at work or when speaking with older relatives from out of town.
"How you doin', rev?" Ray asks as he shakes the young reverend's hand. Ray and his family faithfully attend church regularly.
"Good," Presley replies. He then turns to the teenage boy he's interacted with before. "Somebody's out here getting ready for the season."
"Trying," Micah says humbly.
Ray laughs the way many proud parents do when their child downplays their talent.
"More like succeeding, but we've still got some room for improvement."
Presley could swear he sees Micah roll his eyes at that remark.
"Sounds good," he replies graciously. "Anyway, I’m in need of some assistance.”
"How can we help you, Reverend?" Livia asks.
"I assume you've heard about Mr. Raynor's passing. Well, I just came from visiting his widow, who doesn't live too far from here. And as you know, she usually serves refreshments after Sunday service, and I was wondering, Livia, if you'd be willing to fill in for her. No pressure either way."
"Yes, we did. Our condolences to his family. But yes, I can help out any way I can after service." Livia says warmly.
She changes the subject.
"Well, speaking of refreshments, I'm going to get everyone some lemonade. Ray, can you help me out in the kitchen?"
"You know I'll follow you anywhere," Ray says.
The spouses head back through the sliding door, leaving the reverend and the teenager alone.
Presley decides to set aside some of his professional demeanor by clearing his throat.
"So... how's everything?"
Knowing Micah has been dealing with some personal matters involving his relationship with Gemma, Presley gently checks in on him.
"It's still the same."
"So, you and Gemma haven't had...?"
Micah shakes his head, almost embarrassed to admit it.
"Not yet."
Gemma has been adamant about the two of them having sex, while Micah continues to have reservations about taking that step.
The reverend glances around to make sure no one is nearby before continuing.
"Look, I know you told me you're not ready, but is there any specific reason why?"
Just as Micah appears ready to answer, the voices of Ray and Livia drift outside as they make their way back onto the patio, Livia carrying a tray with a glass pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade and several glasses.
"What's going on?" Livia asks.
As Micah is about to answer, Presley quickly intercedes.
"I was just telling Micah that Reverend Friendly and I have been working on making the church more community-inclusive this summer for younger people. I was letting him know that if he or his friends ever need anything—even just someone to talk to—the church will always be there," Presley explains.
The teenager understands exactly what Presley is doing.
Livia pours the lemonade into the glasses before handing one out from the tray.
"That's an awesome thing."
Ray folds his arms across his chest, revealing the cross hanging from his chain, and nods. "These kids these days need the church to stay out of trouble."
"Reverend, would you like a glass of lemonade?" Livia offers.
"Much as I would like one, I need to get going but thank again Livia. I'll see you all on Sunday."
The Kelleys say their goodbyes as Presley walks around to the front of the house to head to his vehicle.
Ray takes a sip of his lemonade before turning back to his son.
"Alright, you ready to get back to it?"
Though tired and still thirsty, Micah moves his head up, then down in agreement.
JOJO'S CAFE
But just lately I have realized
Baby, the best is yet to come
Someone like you
As Van Morrison's "Someone Like You" plays over the café's sound system, a bittersweet yet comforting atmosphere settles over the café.
"My mother put all this together?" Tricia asks.
Thora nods.
"Yeah. I know she's the type who probably couldn't keep it to herself, but a few days ago she managed to recruit me, and we got everyone we could who we know means something to you."
In that moment, Tricia thinks of Sean, whom she had told Jolene about after their disagreement at the mausoleum where their late infant son rests. Their argument over her decision to leave town is clearly why he isn't here, although she isn't going to spend her last hour or so in Radcliffe dwelling on him.
"I guess I gotta tell you both thanks," Tricia says half-jokingly.
"Well, I owe you a lot. I mean, all those years ago you took a chance on giving a job to an unhappy recent divorcée—someone who hadn't had a job since she was barely out of her teens. It means a lot to me," Thora says, nearly becoming emotional.
Tricia remembers that time and how much Thora has grown as both a person and an employee.
"So much so that I'm trusting you to run this place," she notes.
She had recommended Thora to become the new manager, a position she will soon officially begin.
Thora, in her usual eccentric fashion, gives a playful salute.
"I promise I'll do my best. Now, if we could only convince my daughter to leave that charade of a marriage."
"I've tried," Tricia says with a deep exhale. "You've tried. I don't know what it'll take for Jordan to finally get the message."
For a long time, they have both tried to make Jordan realize that her dream marriage to Tommy is exactly that—a dream. Tommy has already moved on with Tanner, yet somehow Jordan remains convinced she can make him love her again.
"Are you talking about me?"
Jordan's voice catches their attention as she maneuvers over to her mother and best friend, having overheard them.
"We just want the best for you, and last time I checked that's not a crime," Thora says.
"And like I told you both, I know what it'll take to save my marriage. Trust me, okay? Tommy won't be leaving town with the frigid princess because he'll come to his senses and realize he's better off with Jeremy and me right here in Radcliffe."
Despite her conviction, both Tricia and Thora grow increasingly frustrated by Jordan's refusal to move on.
Jordan is about to say something else when the familiar beat of an iPhone ringtone sounds. She retrieves the phone from her clutch.
"Hello?... What? Are you okay?... Don't worry about it... I... alright, I'll handle it, and please take it easy. Bye."
Both her mother and Tricia have overheard enough of the conversation to know something is wrong.
"What's going on?" Thora asks.
Jordan keeps the phone in her hand.
"Uh, that was Lilith, Jeremy's nanny. While she was on her way to pick him up, she got into a car accident."
Both women react with immediate concern.
"Well, it was just a fender bender on her end, thankfully, but now I've got to go pick Jeremy up from baseball practice."
She decides to withhold the fact that Lilith had first tried calling Tommy but only reached his voicemail, not needing another "I told you so" moment from either woman.
Realizing their time together is being cut short, Jordan turns to Tricia.
"I don't want to leave things like this with you, Tricia," she says sincerely.
"Me neither," Tricia replies just as genuinely.
Jordan's expression softens, as though she's been holding back her emotions all afternoon.
"I don't know what I'm going to do without you in my life. I was a whole mess when this friendship started."
"Oh, I remember," Tricia remarks with a smile. "But I think you're coming around."
The two had developed a close friendship after Tricia entered Jordan's life at a time when the younger woman desperately needed an older female role model.
For a moment, they simply looked at one another before breaking into a heartfelt embrace.
"Oh, don't worry. Time difference be damned; I'll be checking in on you. And you and my godson are more than welcome to visit me in L.A.—just call ahead," Tricia says half-seriously.
The two women let go as Jordan and her mother exchange a quick goodbye. Jordan then hurries outside to her car.
Yet Tricia and Thora can't help turning to one another, both silently worried about the young woman.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the café, Courtney sits with a green tea smoothie in front of her, though it holds little appeal as her mind remains consumed by the problems between her and Steven. From withholding the truth about kissing Jacques in Miami late last year to the revelation that sent her marriage into crisis, she is unsure how to convince her husband that she is serious about repairing their union.
A few seconds pass until she realizes someone is nearby, prompting her to turn and see Samuel.
"Hey, I'm not interrupting, am I?" he asks gently.
"No," she relents.
The psychiatrist takes a seat across from her.
"I recently paid a visit to your brother the other day, and he's got the most beautiful little girl I've ever laid eyes on."
He is also aware that Max isn't Keri's biological father, knowing that Shauna had slept with Antoine when their marriage was in trouble. Nonetheless, he won't go back on the promise he made to his friends, as they have reconciled for the sake of everything, they've worked hard to maintain.
"You're telling me," She says of her older brother and niece. "I've got to see them more. It's just I haven't been to Home Farm in a long while, but I guess that's no excuse."
Samuel briefly looks out the window and notices a female in athletic wear jogging by with AirPods in their ears before turning his attention back to Courtney.
"I don't mean to intrude, but it's the therapist in me that senses something is going on, and I'm here to help, whatever it is."
"Oh, it's just... I did something that made me question some things in my marriage, and I don't know what I can do to make things better."
Samuel is no stranger to hearing that from patients in serious, long-term relationships.
"Well, personally, I'm no expert on your marriage; however, you can't let what's troubling you continue to do so."
He notices the apprehension on her face.
"Courtney, if you're truly committed to your marriage, then honesty, accountability, and the willingness to rebuild whatever trust has been misplaced on both sides have to become more important than trying to erase what happened," he advises.
Courtney notices the condensation on the plastic cup sitting on the table and takes a paper napkin from the dispenser to wipe it away.
"You make it sound so darn simple."
"It's my job," Samuel remarks knowingly. "I think, for now, you should ask yourself: What do you want your marriage to look like moving forward?"
The businesswoman does her best to take in his guidance, hoping it will help her salvage her relationship with Steven.
HOME FARM
With both of their bodies adjusted to the cool temperature of the pool, they remain wrapped in each other's arms.
"Much as I want to continue to be with you right now, I should get going and change into something less wet," Tanner remarks.
Tommy blows out a breath before speaking.
"I'm not ready to get back to real life just yet."
Tanner places her arms around him and genuinely smiles.
"Well, we won't have to wait much longer to be together in our new home in Minnesota, with no one telling us we're wrong or having to deny our feelings for one another."
Tommy licks his lips, noticing her soaked shirt clinging to her slim but nicely shaped figure.
"And then we'll finally be able to explore, you know what I'm saying?"
"Ah, that?" she replies with an amused but firm smile. "You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait."
Tanner has been insistent that they do not have sex until Tommy is legally divorced. At times, it is difficult for Tommy, who has gone years without intimacy, and he has certainly been tempted. Nonetheless, he is doing his best to hold out until it happens.
The two share a passionate kiss.
Suddenly, a youthful voice interrupts them.
"Mom, why is that woman kissing Dad?"
Both Tommy's and Tanner's attention immediately shifts to find Jeremy standing nearby with Jordan, whose expression says everything before she even utters a word. An awkward silence settles over the pool area.
"Sweetie, sometimes adults get confused. That's all," Jordan says, doing her best to shield her son from the truth.
"Yeah, buddy, what your mother said," Tommy says half-heartedly, causing Tanner to feel even more uncomfortable with the situation.
He knows they will soon have to tell Jeremy about what is happening within their family, though he is well aware that none of it is conventional.
Eventually, Jordan turns toward her former best friend.
"You can go now, Tanner."
Tanner nods awkwardly, eager to escape.
"Does she need a towel?" Jordan asks with biting politeness.
"I'll call you later," Tommy tells her.
Tanner quietly acknowledges him before hurrying away from the pool, dripping water with every step.
Tommy finally climbs out of the water.
Jordan takes both of Jeremy's hands, doing her best to maintain an even mood.
"Jeremy, sweetie..."
She rummages through her purse before pulling out a house key.
"Can you be a big boy and let yourself into the house while I talk to your daddy in private for a few minutes?"
Jeremy continues looking between his parents, struggling to understand what he has just witnessed.
"Do I have to?" The six-year-old blond boy with cherubic cheeks wears a T-shirt featuring his team's logo and a pair of pants.
"Jer, do what your mother says, okay?" Tommy says curtly.
Jeremy shrugs, takes the key, and does what he is told.
Once he is out of earshot, Jordan turns back toward her husband with her hands on her hips.
"I bet you're wondering why we disrupted whatever you were doing with her, but if you would've answered one of my fifty-eleven calls or texts, you would know that Lilith was in a car accident, and I had to leave Tricia's soirée early to pick our son up from baseball practice. But who knew I'd be treated to a G-rated display of affection?"
Oh, my God! Is she okay?" Tommy asks sincerely, referring to their longtime nanny.
"Oh, she's fine. It was just a fender bender, but I had hoped, since you were off today, that you could pick up your son at least one more time before you take off with Tanner," Jordan snarks.
Tommy realizes his phone has been sitting unattended on a nearby table set on silent.
Jordan's frustration boils to the surface.
"I'm sorry,"
Jordan shakes her head at both his response and everything happening to her family.
"Look, I've made it clear that I don't want our marriage to end, and deep down you know you won't be getting the kind of sex from Tanner that you can get from me. But above that, our little boy shouldn't suffer because of his father's quarterlife crisis," she retorts.
Tommy runs his hands through his damp hair and exhales deeply in his designer black swim trunks.
"I know you're pissed about splitting up, but you can never say I've ever been a neglectful father. However, I won't let you humiliate Tanner as you did earlier."
Jordan scoffs ruefully.
"I don't give a damn how your so-called mistress feels, especially since she's the reason I'm losing you... and my son is likely going to have a part-time father too."
"Jeremy has always been my priority!" Tommy says emotionally. "But that does not mean I'm going to neglect my own happiness either."
"And you think Tanner is that? Your happiness?" Jordan asks, almost like a challenge.
"I'm not going to discuss my relationship with her with you, Jordan. Just know that the two of us will be together soon enough."
Jordan slowly shakes her head in disbelief.
"We'll see about that," she mumbles.
She turns and slowly walks back toward the guest house.
Tommy watches her leave, knowing that other than her refusal to sign the divorce papers, nothing is going to stop him from moving on with his life as the seasonal breeze ripples the water around him.
JOJO'S CAFE
Standing near the counter while Jolene drinks her iced tea, Ernest finally decides to go over to her.
"Hi," he says softly.
The brunette removes the straw from her lips.
"Hi, yourself. I can't remember the last time we've talked."
In reality, she knows it was when she told him she was moving back to California. The two have been growing close for months despite him taking her in for questioning after she took the life of her abusive husband, whom she shot in self-defense when he held her and her daughter hostage in the latter's apartment. However, they have gotten back on track and become good friends.
The police chief slips his hands into his pants pockets and gives a small shrug.
"I've never been good with goodbyes."
"Well, neither am I," she agrees. "I think it's partly why I allowed myself to stay in the predicament I was in with Wade all those years too, silly as that sounds," she acknowledges.
"Sounds like you've been doing some soul-searching," Ernest says.
"Uh, more like therapy one day a week, but yes. I've been learning how to take stock of my life for the first time," Jolene admits.
Ernest reaches to touch the back of his neck as he prepares to reveal something he has been keeping to himself for quite some time.
"If you were staying in town, I was going to..." he stops himself short.
"You were going to what?"
"I was going to ask you out, but then I realized it might've been too soon for something like that."
"Yeah," she begins. "I would've loved that too, but on the advice of my therapist—and myself—I shouldn't rush into any new relationship while I'm still trying to get myself together. It's why I think living in Los Angeles will be good for me, to put some distance between myself and what happened here."
"Like me arresting you after the shooting," Ernest says shamefully.
By now, Jolene sets her half-full plastic cup aside on the counter, making a mental note to grab it before she leaves.
"I wasn't exactly happy about it, but it turned out right in the end," Jolene says sincerely.
"Well, it was something I had to get off my chest," Ernest says sheepishly.
"I'm glad you did."
Ernest sighs.
"I just wish things could've turned out differently."
"You and me both, but you coming into my life is something I wouldn't change."
"Me neither, he tells her, heartfeltly.
Meanwhile, in the same area where they are sitting, Samuel and Courtney continue talking, though now about a lighter conversation, when they are soon interrupted by Tricia.
Courtney's expression becomes more tender.
"I don't care if you judge me for saying this, but I'm going to miss the hell out of you," Courtney says truthfully.
"Well, you know I never judge," Tricia honestly notes.
"That's true," Samuel says.
Tricia hears her iPhone vibrate in her purse and checks it.
"Oh, well."
"What?" Courtney queries.
Tricia zips her purse back up after checking the screen.
"Oh, it's a text from Antoine saying he isn't coming and telling me to have a safe flight and that he'll be in touch soon," she says of her friend.
Samuel gathers that Antoine is still dealing with the fallout of his breakup with Jes, knowing that he and his lifelong family friend have been growing closer after he sees her only minutes before she decides to end things with Antoine.
"I think it's that time!" Jolene announces with the plastic cup of iced tea in her hand, somehow prompting everyone to gather outside in front of the café, where they will conclude the sendoff.
"Thank you for being good to my daughter when there are times, I couldn't be," Jolene says to Thora.
The two women stand beside each other, sharing more similarities than either would probably admit.
Thora gently pats the back of one of Jolene's hands. "In all of that toughness, Tricia's really a caring person. But now it's your turn to take care of her too, and more importantly, take this time to take care of yourself. Have a safe journey!"
Concurrently, Tricia hugs Samuel. The two of them have had an interesting friendship.
They then pull away from each other's embrace.
"I don't know what I'm going to do without you," Tricia says. "I hope I won't walk off any ledges."
"Well, I'm only a video call away, but I think you've got this," Samuel says resolutely.
"You're one of the few men who initially had feelings for me, and look what we've become," Tricia says with admiration.
Samuel recalls when he first met her and develops a crush on her despite her being married. Through the years afterward, the two always seek each other out whenever life brings either joy or hardship.
As the voices around them continue, Tricia takes the opportunity to be honest with him.
"I think I'm going to give you some parting advice. Don't be afraid to fight for what you want. Just don't let time pass you by. You got me?"
"Now that's the advice I needed to hear," he says.
***
As Tricia faces her best friend, she sees nothing but the emotion of years of friendship reflected on Courtney's face.
"Don't make me cry, okay?" Tricia says affectionately.
Courtney subtly clears her throat.
"I promise I'm not going to."
The two women share a sincere embrace.
"I don't think I ever thanked you for giving me the opportunity to survive here," Tricia confesses.
Courtney knows she is referring to taking a chance on her by hiring her as manager of Jojo's when the Covington Group purchases the café despite Tricia having no management experience beyond serving as a flight attendant on a bankrupt airline.
"Oh, you have," Courtney says.
They separate, and this time Courtney wipes tears from her eyes.
Simultaneously, Sean pulls his truck onto the street in front of Jojo's. Spotting Tricia, he gets out, drawing curious reactions from those gathered because of their well-known, complicated history.
Tricia gestures that she needs a moment, and she and Sean walk farther down the sidewalk to talk privately.
"I'm glad I caught you."
"Well, in a few minutes you wouldn't have."
Sean tries to say the words he has been rehearsing during the drive over.
"Look, I know I didn't handle your announcement about leaving town the way I should have and that I came across like a jerk.”
Silence follows as Tricia waits for him to continue.
"Well, you're not talking out of your ass now, so keep going," she tells him, making him realize she's both teasing and serious.
"What I did was wrong, especially in the resting place of our little boy. I don't want to stand in the way of your future. I just want you to know that I'm very sorry for everything I put you through when we were together, and I truly wish you well. I hope you have a good life in L.A. I mean it, Tricia."
"That's all I needed to hear," she says. "And you have a good life too... even if it is with Louise," she jokes.
Despite the awkwardness, the two close the distance between them and share a meaningful hug before pulling apart.
Sean returns to his truck, where Louise waits in the passenger seat. She has watched the interaction between the former spouses.
"So, I guess I don't have to ask how it went?"
Sean dips his head.
"I think we both got the closure we needed."
Louise remains silent, knowing it's true.
Sean smiles at the woman he loves beside him before pulling the truck into motion and driving away.
Tricia watches the truck. She briefly makes eye contact with Sean and then with Louise, a silent exchange that communicates far more than words ever could.
She then turns back toward everyone.
"As all of you know, I'm not one for speeches, so I'm going to sum it all up by saying you all mean a lot to me, and I will never forget what you all have done for me.”
Another round of hugs and well wishes follows for Tricia and Jolene before they eventually get into Tricia's late-model Ford Fusion. Their suitcases rest in the trunk while the remainder of Tricia's belongings are already in transit to Los Angeles.
Samuel, Courtney, and Thora wave goodbye as Tricia starts the ignition and pulls away from the curb, heading down Main Street.
As they approach a red light, Jolene looks around the historic neighborhood.
"So, are you going to miss this place?"
Tricia glances back toward Jojo's, where she spent years of her life working, and memories from every chapter of her journey flood her mind.
"Don't tell anyone... but I will. And who knows what my future holds?"
The light turns green.
Tricia places her sunglasses onto her eyes and then gently presses the gas, guiding the car through the intersection and toward the interstate that will take them to the airport—and the next chapter of their lives.
END OF EPISODE
ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Courtney finds herself in a compromising position.
Evan stumbles into an opportunity.
Jes and Samuel wonder where they stand.
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