EPISODE 399
Written by: Bre L Drew
September 19, 2026
Last Time on Town and Country
-
Tommy and Tanner remain determined to be together and plan to move to St. Paul, Minnesota, so that Tanner can attend veterinary school, despite some loved ones' reservations.
-
Unbeknownst to them, Jordan has information that Tommy and Daniel worked together to get Jacques out of the Covington Group.
-
Micah continues to feel pressured to have sex with Gemma.
-
Thora remains upset with Tanner for breaking Presley's heart by ending their relationship and then starting to see Tommy again.
JOJO'S CAFE
The pop-rock rhythm of the latest song by The Paradox instantly hits Skye Park as she enters Jojo's; the inside of the café immediately brings back a familiarity to her life. It's where, two years ago, she first introduced herself to the father she never knew, and where she also works. She had been away from work while she was out of town, but today she resumes her shift.
Noticing the light crowd at this hour, she also sees Thora McKnight wiping down an empty table and walks over.
"Did you miss me?"
The café manager looks up and sees the gothic-styled teenager, wearing a black embroidered top and flared pants while holding a tote bag adorned with dark red roses and a skull.
"I sure did."
It doesn't take long for her to embrace her reverend boyfriend's daughter.
Soon, they let go of one another.
"So, tell me about your trip. How was it?"
"Everything was great. It was so good to see my grandmother, who insisted on cooking for us nonstop, and Joel and I ate our body weight in saltwater taffy and barbecue at the state fair. Next time we go to Texas, Joel said he wants to rent an RV so all of us can go."
Skye was born and raised in Austin, however, when her mother died, her maternal grandmother, who lives in Houston, became her primary guardian.
Thora smiles at the thought of him doing so.
"Your father said as much when we talked."
"Yeah, it was. Uh, I better get myself together before my shift starts."
"Skye, wait a second," Thora tells her.
Skye hears hesitancy in her voice, like she's holding something back.
"What's going on, Thora?"
"I'm not fired, am I?"
Thora quickly assures her.
"Heavens, no."
Before Thora can explain further, Skye overhears someone behind the counter thanking a customer and saying he's glad they enjoyed the iced coffee recommendation.
She turns and realizes it's Evan Sullivan working behind the espresso machine.
"Um, Skye, there have been some changes since you left."
Skye dryly remarks, "Obviously."
Thora knows Skye and Evan don't get along; nonetheless, she hopes neither of them feels they have to leave because of it.
"One day we were wall-to-wall packed, and Evan volunteered... he's a pretty good barista despite hardly any training," she explains.
"Look, I know you both aren't friendly with one another, but do you think you can at least work together?"
Skye shrugs, remembering the last time they saw each other, when she dumped an entire punch bowl over his head after he called her "Wannabe Wednesday Addams."
She exhales, mentally preparing herself for whatever kind of workday lies ahead.
Across the café, Evan notices Skye and offers her a knowing look, acknowledging that they'll have to be in the same place for hours with their issues between them.
GRIER RESIDENCE
Gemma Grier doesn't waste time coming down the stairs of the two-story modern craftsman she lives in with her family.
The teenager is in a yellow babydoll halter top with jeans; she then proceeds to get to the door, where opening it reveals the exact person she expected to see.
"Hey."
"Hey," Micah Kelley says back.
It isn't long after he walks inside the house that the two enter into an embrace, in addition to a quick kiss upon the lips; however, she can't help but notice something slightly different in their interaction, like he is less restrained than normal, though she chooses not to question it yet, assuming he may just be tired or stressed, knowing football season is upon them.
The two pull back from each other.
"So, I got your text," he mentions.
She had sent him the message stating, "I'm alone; c'mon over!"
Gemma smiles mischievously.
"Well, I thought with my parents and brother being out of the house, we could take advantage of the privacy."
Even though Micah is aware she could be referring to them finally taking their relationship to the next level, which he has had his own share of misgivings about, perhaps somehow, she just means them hanging out together like they usually do when it's just the two of them.
"I can't believe school starts back in a few weeks," he mentions.
"You're telling me. Between the dance team and football, we better make this time together more memorable, if you know what I mean."
"So, what do you want to do, watch a movie or get something to eat?"
Gemma leans into one of his ears.
"I think it's time."
That exact phrasing and expectation make Micah silent.
"Look, I know you're worried about the season and your dad being on your back more than my dad, but let me try to take your mind off that, okay?"
Instead of responding positively, Micah becomes uncomfortable.
"What's up?"
Unsure whether he really knows himself when it comes to taking that next step with the girl he cared about forever.
"Nothing. I'm just a little nervous," he says, giving a safer response.
Gemma looks at him with ease.
"It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Look, I just want us to be closer, and I want you to know I'm here for you."
Micah feels uneasy that his girlfriend is making this seem like no big deal, like it's just something they should automatically be ready for, even though he isn't sure he's there yet.
Gemma kisses Micah again.
"Okay," he replies.
She takes his hand and leads him upstairs, hoping that when they come back down, things between them will be different.
HOME FARM
On what is likely one of the last days of summer, when the sun and temperature are perfect for a day of lying by the pool on his family's estate, Tommy Covington, alongside Elijah Barker, is relaxing in lounge chairs, soaking up the sun as best they can before life takes them in separate directions.
With his designer shades upon his face, shirtless and wearing trunks, Tommy notes, "You know, I just thought about it, but this summer is going to be one of the last times we'll be able to hang out before I leave town."
Beside him, Elijah turns to face him.
"Sounds like you're about to say you're going to miss me?" he asks half-jokingly.
That makes Elijah laugh.
"Ha, ha, you can make fun of me all you want, but you're truly the only male best friend I've ever had," Tommy confesses.
"Well, since you put it that way, I'll miss you too," Elijah replies.
After a brief silence, Elijah brings up something more serious.
"So, has Jordan signed the divorce papers yet?"
Tommy shrugs.
"No. But I'm leaving regardless."
Elijah nods but doesn't seem reassured.
"I don't mean to ruin our good time, but Tanner isn't going to be satisfied with things staying like that forever. Something's got to give."
Tommy looks over at him.
"Meaning what?"
"That your decision is affecting more people than you think."
Tommy sighs.
"How did two friends lounging by the pool suddenly turn into me being interrogated?"
"I'm not targeting you," Elijah replies. "I've known Tanner my whole life. She's family, and I don't want to see her hurt because of you again. So, if you can't end things with Jordan—or if something else is preventing you from standing up for Tanner—then say so now. Because if you don't, a whole lot more people are going to get hurt, and Tanner doesn't deserve that."
Trying to lighten the mood, Tommy smirks.
"Are you a lawyer or a shrink?"
Elijah laughs.
"I don't know the results of the bar yet, but maybe I should consider med school."
That earns a genuine chuckle from Tommy, easing the tension between them.
Still, once the laughter fades, Elijah's words linger in Tommy's mind. As much as he loves Tanner and believes they're finally on the path toward the happiness they were always meant to have, he can't help but wonder what happens if Jordan refuses to let go.
JOJO'S CAFE
Justin Bieber's "What Do You Mean?" now plays on the café's sound system as Tanner Lockhart and Esther Saunders enter the air-conditioned establishment, escaping the heat outside.
"Not that I don't appreciate you bringing me here, Aunt Esther, but you didn't have to do it," Tanner says.
The shapely petite blonde woman waves her perfectly manicured hand at that statement like it's the most preposterous thing she's heard lately.
"It’s nothing, darling. Besides, after everything we've all been through in the last few years, I'm glad you've never shown me any hostility because, you know what… anyway, I'm gonna miss you around here when you go off to school, especially at the stables," she says in her trademark Southern drawl.
Tanner knows she's referring to the fact that Esther knew Emma was related to them and kept it secret until Lenny was running out of hope for a bone marrow match. It's when she decided to tell some of the family, including her mother, who had turned their backs on her for not coming forward sooner, even though she didn't know whether Emma was a match, and she turned out to be.
"I'm going to miss working at the stables. You know how much I love that place, and thanks for not judging me about Tommy and me."
She filled in her great-aunt about her plans to move to Minnesota with Tommy for school, though her father was more accepting; her mother wasn't.
Esther grabs the handle of her purse and glares at her great-niece.
"Look, you know how I feel about that boy's family… but it's your life, and if he's gonna treat you well, that's all that matters. Just keep your eyes open, you know what I mean."
"I do, Aunt Esther," Tanner nods.
The two head to the table near the center, where they sit across from one another.
"Well, I just hope Emma's okay," Tanner says, changing the subject.
They had heard that her newfound great-aunt had been hospitalized due to pregnancy complications.
“Emma and me might not have much love lost between us, but I do hope she pulls through, baby, and all.”
Esther glances over her shoulder, spotting a young, familiar-looking person sitting at a table closer to the center.
"Hey, Tanner, isn't that one of your friends?"
The brunette turns to see whom she is talking about, though she hadn't thought of Aaliyah Gupta as a friend for some time now.
"She isn't, I mean she was."
She stops herself from reiterating that they had stopped being friends when Aaliyah showcased the video of her parents making out at Jai and her mother's engagement party.
"Maybe you should have tried to get some peace with her before you take off," Esther notes.
Tanner doesn't hide her reluctance.
"And while you do that, I'm gonna surprise Evan," she says, her grandson, who is now working here.
Both Saunders women make their respective movements.
Tanner reluctantly approaches Aaliyah, at a table focused on her iPad.
"Hi," Tanner greets.
Aaliyah looks up, surprised to see her former college roommate and friend.
GRIER RESIDENCE
The two enter Gemma’s bedroom, which reflects the Grier family's more comfortable lifestyle, with modern décor and contemporary furniture. Lights hang along the wall, giving the room a warm glow, and a digital photo display sits on a dresser, cycling through pictures.
The room quietly highlights the difference between their backgrounds, which Micah never felt anything about until now, as he has to focus on something else rather than what might take place in here soon.
They end up sitting together on her bed, though Micah remains noticeably distracted.
Gemma does her best to assume confidence and believes this is the moment they finally take their relationship further.
Despite not feeling as comfortable as he thinks he should, Micah tries to convince himself internally that he is a man. You're supposed to be ready for this. Look at how she looks.
Gemma moves closer to him, trying to deepen the moment.
Micah tries to get into it, but he remains hesitant and distracted.
Finally, Gemma pulls back from him.
"Hey, what is it? What's wrong?"
"Like I said, I'm just nervous."
"You sure that's all it is? Because it seems like you would be doing anything else."
"Yeah, that's all," he says a little more harshly than anticipated.
Gemma looks at him as the silence in her room becomes deafening.
"I think I know what's going on."
"What are you talking about?"
"If it's about religion, I mean... I hear God forgives."
Gemma knows her boyfriend comes from a religious household, as he goes to church every Sunday, among other things his family does for the church.
"It ain't that, and don't make fun of me being a Christian."
"I'm sorry. I was just joking, trying to lighten the mood."
She tries to brush past the cringe moment and move forward, but Micah remains visibly uncomfortable. He knows something is bothering him, yet he still can't explain exactly what it is.
Soon, his back pocket rings, and he manages to stop to retrieve his iPhone. He looks at the screen before answering, wondering if it is some sort of sign.
"Hey, Mama," he answers swiftly.
"No, I'm okay," he says, trying to get his breath back as Gemma, who seems bummed that they were interrupted, folds her arms across her chest.
"Not again? Yeah... Okay, I'll be there in about twenty minutes. Bye."
The call ends as he turns to his girlfriend, pushing the phone back into his pocket.
"What's going on?" she finally asks.
"That was my mother. Her car went out on her again this time in parking lot at church. She had been volunteering on her off day. I gotta go get her."
"Uh, when you drop her off, can you come back?" she asks hopefully.
By now, Micah is on his feet while Gemma remains at the end of her bed.
"No, um, maybe next time. You know, unlike your parents, mine can't afford to buy a new car when their old one dies, so I gotta make sure that car gets towed to the garage too, and that's gonna take a while."
"Wait, wait, wait, Micah. Something is up. You've been acting weird about this ever since I brought it up, but now it seems you don't want to do it?"
Micah doesn't answer as he heads downstairs, exits the house, and heads toward his truck. He is frustrated, overwhelmed, and angry—but not just at Gemma for leading him on and not being honest with her to begin with. He is also angry at himself for not being able to explain why he keeps pulling away from her.
Sitting in his truck, Micah looks back at the house, feeling guilty.
I'm such an asshole.
He knows Gemma isn't trying to hurt him and genuinely wants them to be together. Nonetheless, he can't explain why he is pulling away from her.
He turns the engine on with his key and drives away from the seemingly expansive suburban street, knowing that sooner or later, he is going to have to be honest with both himself and Gemma.
JOJO'S CAFE
Thora has been behind the counter when she sees Esther and Tanner walk in. She hasn't been keen on the younger woman in some time, between breaking her son's heart by breaking up with him and getting herself involved with Tommy again, even though he's technically married to her daughter. However, she knows her daughter deserves much better than a guy who never loved her the way she should have been loved.
However, she spots Esther approaching.
"Thora, how are you doin'?" the older blonde greets.
"I'm alright. How about yourself, Esther?"
"Oh, I can't complain. I woke up, so that's always good," Esther replies.
Thora bobs her head.
"So, I saw you and Tanner walk in together?"
The phrasing of the question makes Esther more on guard.
"Yeah, you did. Is that going to be a problem, Thora?"
Thora folds her arms across her chest.
"Well, let's just say when your niece heads out of town, I won't be as worried whether my daughter's husband tags along with her or not. But it's going to have to be me and my son helping Jordan and my grandson pick up the pieces, though."
Esther by now has a smile that showcases she won't exactly be kind, though civil enough with the woman she has known for years, despite not having many interactions with her.
"Look, Tanner tangled in this drama with your family might not be what we all want, but let's not forget why those kids had that kind of end. I recall your daughter and your son-in-law in a hotel room in Hawaii while the boy was involved with my niece, so let's not blame one person over the other, okay, darling?"
Thora scoffs at the assertion, knowing her daughter's part, yet remembers she's in her place of work.
"I think enough has been said. Someone will be out to take your order."
As Thora disappears on the other side, Esther just exhales at that encounter, hoping it's worth it for her great-niece.
In the back of the house area, Skye is reluctantly helping Evan adjust to working at Jojo's.
Evan pops the breakfast sandwich that a customer ordered out of the microwave.
"Uh, usually I keep it in there for about ten more seconds," she advises.
"Well, I've been doing it this way, and the people don't seem to mind," Evan replies.
"Whatever," Skye remarks annoyedly.
Evan can see that the goth doesn't want to be here with him.
"Wow, is this what it's going to be like every time we work together?" he shoots at her.
"Just as long as you learn your place around here, then we'll be fine," Skye retorts.
Evan shakes his head and makes a sarcastic chuckle.
"I'd better stay away from all liquid when you're around, heh?"
Skye does her best not to lose it with her new co-worker.
"Well, there's always ice, so don't tempt me."
Thora's voice soon interrupts their conversation.
"Skye, there's a customer that needs service!"
Skye doesn't wait long to appear back out behind the counter while Evan laughs to himself as he continues working.
The girl spots an older woman with blonde hair sitting down at one of the chairs, knowing she hadn't seen her before, as she would've noticed someone as noticeable yet well-dressed as her in a blazer, blouse, and denim jeans, with a big carry-all bag in front of her and a wide smile.
"Hi, what can I get started for you?" she asks.
As the woman with the unmistakable accent tells her, the barista starts to get the drinks together.
Esther decides to bring something up.
"So, what do you think of the new guy workin' here?"
Skye immediately says, "Don't get me started on him."
Esther is somewhat taken aback by that kind of response about one of her kin.
"What's wrong with him? He seems like a nice young man."
"Oh, he might seem unassuming, but he has a habit of thinking he knows everything. Not to mention, he and I don't get along. But don't tell him I said this to you, ma'am, but he's so full of himself," Skye complains.
Unbeknownst to them, Evan has been standing nearby, silently gesturing every time she insults him.
"Well," Esther begins. "You should know that young man you're going on about happens to be my grandson."
Skye starts to feel immobilized.
Evan steps forward with his arms folded and jokingly says, "You've got to excuse my coworker. She can be a lot sometimes, like her clothing."
"Skye, did I mention this lovely lady is my grandmother, Esther Saunders?"
Skye silently realizes she has just embarrassed herself on her first day back at work.
After a moment of awkwardness, Aaliyah returns the greeting.
Deciding to bridge the gap, Tanner takes a strand of her brown hair behind her ear.
"You mind if I sit here?" she asks, gesturing to the seat near her.
Aaliyah permits with a slight nod.
It had been a while since the two girls had had a conversation, yet Aaliyah set her tablet aside on the table.
"So, I heard that you got into veterinary school in Minnesota? That's huge."
Tanner notices some genuine sentiment in what she says.
"I guess you'll have heard the news too if you haven't already, but Tommy and I are back together, and he's going to move there with me too."
The news catches Aaliyah off guard, having been disconnected from most of their old circle; aside from occasional contact with Elijah, she hasn't heard.
"I take it Jordan is not too happy about that."
The unemployed young woman realizes perhaps she has gone overboard.
"My bad, I shouldn't have said that."
"It's okay. And you'll be right; she isn't over the moon. In fact, she hasn't made one move to sign the divorce papers
Tommy gave to her, but he's made it painfully clear to her that they're over for good."
Aaliyah can hear mostly the assuredness in her former friend's voice, though she also can't help but think of her own situation with Jacques now.
"Well, just be careful because we both know Jordan likes to make things difficult."
When they were friends, Tanner wouldn't think twice about what was said, but now she responds.
"Like I said, Tommy isn't letting anything or anyone stand in our way of finally being together, so," she says, shifting the subject onto her. "What's been going on with you lately?"
Aaliyah sighs before replying.
"Well, I lost my job at Covington, so I've been applying literally everywhere with no success."
"The economy isn't the best out there, but it still sucks."
"And don't get me started on the rest of my life... that's more of a shitshow." Aaliyah stops herself from wanting anyone to know about her affair with Jacques since Tanner's aunt is married to her lover.
Tanner sees at the counter that her great-aunt has their items noted to go over there soon.
"Aaliyah, it might not mean much coming from me after all that happened between us, but things change when you least expect it."
"I just hope whenever that is, it won't be too late," Aaliyah says wistfully.
Both take in what has been said to one another as their futures remain unforeseeable, as they are, in a way, in similar situations yet different too.
END OF EPISODE
ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Tension reaches fever pitch for Tommy and Jordan.
Sarah Lynn imparts wisdom to Tanner.
Jacques and Emma disagree.
Leave your thoughts here on the T&C forum