EPISODE 393
Written by: Bre L Drew
June 30. 2026
Last Time on Town and Country
-
Steven and Courtney continue to struggle with the fallout from her kiss with Jacques, placing an increasing strain on their marriage.
-
Jordan remains determined to stay married to Tommy, despite his plans to move to Minnesota with Tanner. She also discovered that Tommy conspired with Daniel to oust Jacques from the Covington Group after looking through his phone.
-
The Covington family had mixed reactions to learning that Emma is pregnant, including Deirdre, who was less than thrilled given Jacques' past machinations.
-
With help from Antoine and Jes, Mae finally accepted Gus' marriage proposal, though the experience left Jes questioning both her relationship with Antoine and her growing attraction to Samuel.
-
Tricia has been questioning the direction of her life and has felt increasingly unfulfilled for quite some time.
MCKNIGHT RESIDENCE
It's obvious now that summer has finally reached the town of Radcliffe, Kentucky, with the humidity and the mostly sunny skies.
Meanwhile, Courtney Covington Sullivan turns her late-model Lexus sedan onto a residential street lined with mostly Victorian houses. She has decided to stop by and see Tricia before heading out to her family's estate at Tommy's behest.
He has invited the family there to inform them of his divorce and his plans to move to Minnesota. Although Courtney intends to be there to support her brother, she figures she has time to check in on her friend first.
Courtney pulls up in front of the rectory and parks along the street. She steps out of the car, clutching her purse as she makes her way up the front steps. Despite spotting Tricia's car in the driveway, she presses the doorbell.
She hopes she isn't arriving at a terrible time since she didn't call ahead. Still, she needs someone to confide in. Things in her personal life remain as complicated as ever and have somehow gotten even worse, all because of one kiss with a man who wasn't her husband.
Within seconds, the front door swings open, revealing Tricia Lockhart. Dressed in casual sweats, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, she looks surprised yet pleased to see her.
"Hi. I'm not catching you at a bad time, am I?" the businesswoman asks.
Tricia smirks before responding.
"Actually, I was just about to call you before I head over to the apartment."
Tricia opens the door wider, allowing Courtney to escape the heat outside and step into the cooler interior of the house where she and her mother have been staying with Thora and Presley McKnight ever since the incident in which her stepfather was shot in self-defense by her mother.
As Courtney removes her sunglasses and perches them on her forehead, she steps into the foyer and immediately notices several personal belongings and a couple of suitcases nearby.
"So, are you moving back into the apartment, or did you find another place?"
Tricia exhales before answering.
"The reason I was going to call is to tell you, I've decided I'm leaving Radcliffe," she reveals.
HOME FARM: GUEST HOUSE
With the downstairs of the two-story guest house on his family's property cleaned up, Tommy Covington awaits the arrival of most of his family, whom he has invited over to inform them that not only is he divorcing Jordan after all these years, but he will also be moving out of state so he can be with Tanner, like he should've been all along.
Though somewhat tense, he knows it has to happen, even if clashing personalities will soon be under his roof.
The sound of Jordan Covington descending the stairs and acknowledging him pulls Tommy from his thoughts.
He looks over and sees that she's wearing a short-sleeved, cornflower-blue geo-print beach dress with an open back, paired with heels, and carrying her purse.
"You look nice," Tommy compliments her, knowing that despite no longer wanting to be married to her, he can't help but still find her physically attractive.
"Thanks," she says genuinely. "You don't look bad yourself."
Tommy nods, knowing the tension between them is still obvious.
He slowly approaches her, hoping she knows things haven't changed between them, though he realizes they're about to change completely.
"I need to give you these," he says, referring to the long envelope in his hands.
Jordan says nothing as she opens it. Almost immediately, her suspicions are confirmed when she reads the heading on the documents.
"Divorce papers?" Jordan asks, taken aback. "You've got to be joking."
It wasn't long ago that she found evidence on Tommy's phone linking him and his father to the plot to oust Jacques from the company. She decided to keep that information as an insurance policy, knowing her marriage was sinking, though she chose not to play that card just yet.
"Look, like I told you, things were never real between us. The only reason we stayed together was for our son. However, I can't keep living life like this. You should have a lawyer look over the documents if you want. I think you'll find I'm being more than generous with the alimony, child support, and custody. Jordan, I don't mean to be cruel, but there's no need to prolong this."
Jordan pushes back sarcastically. "Oh, really?"
Before the argument can escalate any further, there's a knock at the door.
Tommy answers it.
Deirdre Covington embraces her youngest grandchild before stepping inside as Tommy closes the door behind her.
The petite red-haired doesn't hide her disdain for Jordan, while Jordan isn't exactly thrilled to see the woman who supports her son's mission to make her life a living hell.
"Looks like it's the perfect time for me to leave."
"It's always the perfect time for you to leave," Deirdre responds curtly.
Jordan exits, leaving the divorce papers on the nearby console table.
"Good riddance," Deirdre remarks boldly.
"Grandmother," Tommy interjects.
"Well, I just don't see how you ever put up with being with that girl," she says.
"Well, it's part of why I wanted most of everyone together."
He already knows Max and Shauna won't be coming since they're celebrating Mae and Gus's engagement. Besides, his brother is already aware of what's ahead.
Another knock at the door follows.
Tommy answers it and sees the next guest standing in the doorway. He quietly braces himself.
"Hi," Daniel Covington says casually.
Steven Sullivan parks his SUV outside the main house, deciding to walk down to the guest house in the bright, warm afternoon. He isn't exactly enthused about being here since he has never been particularly keen on his wife's family's pomp and circumstance, even if Tommy wanted him and Courtney to come. Courtney had texted him earlier, saying she would meet him there.
As he walks along the property, he can't help but think about the state of his marriage. His wife's betrayal is still affecting him despite the advice he'd been given not to let it continue, untethering their relationship.
As he nears the guest house, he spots Jacques and Emma Laurent. It doesn't take them long to notice Steven, either. Much as he wants to avoid Jacques, he can't.
Emma, whose pregnancy is beginning to show, is wearing an emerald-green striped dress.
"Did my nephew manage to drag you here too?" the woman—who is also his aunt through his late maternal grandfather's affair—asks.
"Something like it," he flatly answers.
Jacques, unaware that Steven knows about the kiss he shared with Courtney, speaks up.
"No one does announcements like the Covington's, no offense, mon amour."
"At least you're never bored when we're around," Emma says wryly.
It takes everything in Steven not to roll his eyes as the three of them make their way to the guest house.
THE WATERFALL BAR
Normally, this particular hour would find several patrons taking refuge inside The Waterfall; however, the handwritten sign on the front door indicates that the establishment is closed for a private party and will reopen at 2:00 p.m.
Inside, the bar is filled with friends and family as Mae Jackson and Gus Hewitt celebrate their long-awaited engagement.
"Happy Feelin's" by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly plays throughout the room, giving the gathering a soulful, celebratory atmosphere, while food and drinks fill the space.
Near the bar, the engaged couple chats with Antoine Hall, Martha Saunders, and Esther Saunders.
The blonde woman admires her good friend's hand, smiling at the engagement ring.
"Let me say that is one beautiful ring," she says before glancing over at Gus. "You have good taste."
"Why, thank you," Gus replies jovially.
Everyone chuckles at the exchange.
Martha folds her arms across her chest.
"So, Antoine, do we owe this day to you?"
"What you mean?" the bar manager asks.
Gus interjects.
"I think she means you and Jes..."
"Also, don't forget about yours truly," Esther adds in her signature Southern dialect.
She had also conspired with them to get Mae and Gus talking again so they could finally realize they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together.
"We wouldn't dare leave you out," Mae says jokingly.
The three of them had orchestrated the perfect opportunity by getting Mae and Gus to sit down over a home-cooked dinner prepared by Antoine, allowing everything to finally come out in the open. It ultimately led Mae to ask Gus to propose to her all over again, which he gladly did.
Martha changes the subject.
"So, will your partner in crime be joining us?" she asks Antoine, referring to Jes.
Antoine takes a sip of beer from his bottle before answering.
"She had a busy morning over at the courthouse, but she said she'll roll through here when she can."
Not long afterward, Max Covington opens the door. His wife, Shauna Covington, follows close behind, carrying their baby daughter, Keri, while also balancing the diaper bag over one shoulder and a small purse over the other.
"Hey, everyone!" Shauna announces to her friends and family.
Their arrival immediately draws everyone's attention as several people gather around to see the baby.
"Hi, pretty girl," Martha says to her goddaughter.
"Hey, man," Antoine says to Max.
Despite their sordid history, Max simply responds.
"Hey."
Even seeing Antoine makes him fight back the resentment he truly feels toward him. Max, Shauna, Martha, and Samuel all know that Antoine is Keri's biological father, though Max and Shauna agreed they would raise her together as their own child, knowing that if the truth ever came out, all hell would break loose.
Antoine looks at the little girl. Her thick hair is styled into two neatly tied afro puffs, her medium-brown complexion is well moisturized, and her chocolate-brown eyes seem to take in everything around her.
"And this little girl is growin'. She shot up a few more inches since the last time I saw her," Antoine comments.
Shauna does her best to hide the truth.
"Yeah, that's what babies do, fool," she says good-naturedly.
"Ha, ha," Antoine replies.
"I'm sure you'll come to find that out one day, youngblood," Gus says out of the blue.
Martha, Shauna, and Max all exchange uneasy glances.
Meanwhile, Antoine can't help but notice a few familiar features in Keri's face. He knows he's seen them somewhere before, but for the life of him, he can't place where.
***
With a pit of reluctance in him, Will Jackson enters his mother's bar, having been invited to the celebration. As he walks over to Martha, she embraces him before kissing him. She can already see what's written all over his face.
"I don't need to run interference on you now, do I?" she asks.
"I interrupt one Christmas dinner, and everybody is buggin'."
A few years back, Will hadn't been too keen on Gus and his mama being together, so he'd started an argument that ended rather abruptly.
Will soon spots his mother and her new fiancé standing near the bar.
"Are you gonna be alright?" Martha asks concernedly.
"Well, if things get bad, I'll give you some sorta sign."
After a reassuring pat on his back from his girl, Will makes his way over. The moment he reaches them, Mae lights up and wraps her youngest son in a hug.
"It's so good to see ya," she says.
"Good seein' you too, Mama."
The two eventually let go as Gus stands nearby with both hands tucked into his pockets.
The two men exchange a look, both well aware of the history between them.
"How ya doin', Will?" Gus asks before extending his hand.
Will eyes it for a moment before taking it.
"Make sure you got my mama. She doesn't need to be hurt by no man. You get me?"
"I understand completely, and that isn't going to happen on my watch," Gus replies.
For a brief moment, Will seems to weigh his response before giving Gus's hand a firm shake, which appears to satisfy everyone, especially Mae.
Seconds later, Will walks back over to Martha.
"That wasn't so bad now, was it?" she asks.
Martha rewards him with a quick peck on the lips.
Across the room, Antoine glances down at his phone, seeing no missed calls or texts from Jes. He wonders what's keeping her. He's about to reach out when Mae calls for everyone's attention.
"Everybody, please grab some champagne!"
Antoine decides the text can wait and reaches for a glass instead.
"We just want to thank everyone here for being in our corner. We really appreciate it," Mae says graciously.
"I don't think I can say it any better myself," Gus adds. "So, eat, drink, and thanks for being here."
Applause and laughter fill the room as Gus slips an arm around Mae's waist and the two share a small kiss while everyone basks in the happiness of the newly engaged couple.
JOJO'S CAFE
Walk Off the Earth’s “Afraid of Heights" now plays on Jojo’s Cafe’s sound system this afternoon for the modest crowd of customers, including Jes Choudhury, who sits at a table alternating between her chai latte and reviewing settlement release forms.
Simultaneously, Samuel Gupta enters the establishment and instantly spots the lifelong family friend—and perhaps more—before beelining over to her.
“I promise I didn’t know you were going to be here,” he says.
The attorney looks up from her paperwork and nods. “Are you here for lunch?”
“Uh, more like a break. I’ve got to get back to the hospital for a new patient appointment, but I thought I’d come here for a bite to go. How about you?”
“It’s just one of those days. I thought I would be in court all morning, but the other party’s legal aid got a continuance, so I figured I’d stop by here to get some work done.”
“Well, you know what they say about all work…” Samuel teases.
By now, she gestures for him to sit across from her, which he does, though he can tell from her expression she’s holding something back.
“Look, call it my power of perception, but if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re avoiding something—or someone.”
Jes runs her hands through her long, dark brown hair and exhales. “You should become a psychologist or psychiatrist,” she jokes. “Actually, I should be over at The Waterfall celebrating Mae and Gus’s engagement.”
Not too long ago, she and her lover had helped reunite his maternal figure with her now-fiancé; it had also made her realize things she’d been trying to bury.
“And why is that?” he asks, like he’s challenging her to admit it.
She shakes her head and scoffs lightly.
“Because I’m with the wrong person, and I can’t keep pretending I’m not, just to avoid what might come from being honest about it.”
Samuel gives a knowing smile, not conceited, aware that the two of them have been fighting their feelings for each other despite her being involved with Antoine and his mother’s disapproval for reasons neither fully names aloud.
“Well, I’m not going to force you to do anything you aren’t ready for, but I think you have to tell Antoine you two can’t stay together,” Samuel says candidly.
“I figured you would say that,” Jes notes.
“And once you do, I’m here for you,” Samuel responds sincerely.
They share a lingering, meaningful look.
Meanwhile, Lenny Barker and Tanner Lockhart sit at the large table near the window overlooking Main Street as passersby take in the day, heading to various shops or out for a stroll.
“Maybe we’ve been living apart for a while, but I do not remember you having all that stuff,” the young blonde says while taking a sip of her iced coffee.
Tanner, wearing a white, braided-crinkle tee with black cargo capri pants, nods. “Well, thanks for helping me pack. I know soon we won’t be having much sister-to-sister time.”
“Oh, don’t remind me,” Lenny says half-jokingly.
Tanner will be moving to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she will begin her post-undergrad education at veterinary school.
Nonetheless, only a few people know that Tommy will be moving in with her.
Lenny moves her hands to the counter. “I will survive. I’ve got Elijah and the cows to keep me company.”
“You’re a world-class comedienne today, aren’t you?” Tanner says, making her chuckle.
It doesn’t take long before Jordan locks onto Tanner, her expression immediately making her intentions clear.
When Lenny and Tanner notice their former friend-turned-rival, neither is happy to see her.
“Isn’t this a coincidence?” she says, mostly to Tanner.
Tanner, knowing exactly what she’s getting at, shakes her head, while Lenny, unaware, is already not in the mood.
“And what will that be, Jordan?” she asks.
“I almost didn’t see you there, Lenny,” Jordan says half-sardonically. “Tanner and I being here at the same time… it seems like we have so much in common these days too.”
Lenny doesn’t understand what she’s doing.
“You know who we also have in common?” Jordan says, pressing further.
Tanner, by now, says, “Jordan, not now.”
“My husband,” Jordan remarks.
Lenny doesn’t hesitate. “Paranoid, much?”
Jordan’s voice rises. “Oh, you mean you don’t know?”
“Know what?”
Tanner can feel the eyes of patrons falling on her, making her wish she could simply fade away.
“My husband and your sister—who, by the way, have been sneaking behind all of our backs since your wedding, and now they plan to move to Minnesota together.”
Lenny, who had not been in the know, turns to her sister as Tanner goes speechless, knowing it’s the truth.
MCKNIGHT RESIDENCE
"Where to?" Courtney asks her best friend, who has just informed her she's leaving town.
"Los Angeles," Tricia replies. "I've decided to move there with my mother, and before you say anything, it isn't solely because I'm worried about her getting out there by herself."
Courtney glances at more of Tricia's belongings packed away in boxes before looking back at her.
"I was going to say it feels a bit sudden."
Tricia places her hands on her hips.
"You know I've been feeling lost lately, and I think it has to do with being so complacent here. Anyway, this way I can keep an eye on my mother, though trust me, despite us getting closer, we won't be living under the same roof anytime soon. That's for sure."
"Is this also because you still feel something for Sean?" Courtney asks.
She had previously confided in her friend about her unresolved feelings for her ex-husband and the possible repercussions that came with them due to their sordid history.
"To be upfront with you, some of it has to do with that," Tricia finally admits. "But I think it's best that I get a fresh start somewhere else that's thousands of miles away from the ex I'm still not over."
She then realizes how desperate that sounds.
"Anyway, I'm not leaving town just yet. So how are you?"
Courtney gives a slight nod.
"Things between Steven and me are nowhere near back to normal."
Tricia grabs her keys from the console table.
"Well, as someone who's been in your shoes, things like this don't go back to normal overnight. I hate to say it, but you've got to give Steven some more time."
"I don't know how long I can keep doing that," Courtney admits.
"Well, if he doesn't come around before I leave, remind me to put my foot up his ass. I'm sure that'll get him talking."
Though it probably shouldn't be funny, it makes Courtney laugh.
"Well, I've got to get out to Home Farm, but I'll be in touch. And please don't take off before we can properly say goodbye."
Tricia gives her a look that says, "Not a chance."
HOME FARM: GUEST HOUSE
By now, Deirdre, Daniel, Steven, Jacques, and Emma are all gathered in the guest house, waiting around the living room.
Finally, Emma is the one to break the silence.
"So, please don't feel free to keep us in suspense any longer," she says to Tommy, who stands across from them.
"Uh, thanks for coming. I know we aren't exactly conventional, but I thought it was time to let you all know about some things going on in my life."
"You aren't sick or anything, are you?" Daniel asks, concerned.
Tommy shakes his head.
"No, it's nothing like that. I thought you should know first that I've decided to end my marriage to Jordan."
Relief is evident on most faces, especially Daniel's and Deirdre's. For years, neither had been thrilled that Tommy was married to Jordan, whom they both feel was never right for him. Tommy even swears he hears his grandmother mutter,
"Hallelujah," though he chooses not to mention it.
"Well, regardless of what led you to that decision, I'm glad," Daniel says gratefully.
"Jordan will always be in my life, meaning she'll always be part of this family. No matter how you all feel about her, she's still Jeremy's mother," Tommy says defensively.
"Unfortunately," Deirdre murmurs.
"So, is that it?" Emma queries. "Because, no offense, nephew, but that news could've been told to us through a family text thread... Oh God, please don't actually consider doing anything like that," Emma quickly adds.
That remark earns a sneer from Jacques, while Tommy also thinks he catches Steven rolling his eyes.
"And I have something else to tell you all... Tanner and I have reconnected, and we've decided to move together to St. Paul, Minnesota, so she can attend veterinary school."
The announcement lands differently on everyone, though shock and surprise best describe the room's overall reaction.
"Well, that's something you wouldn't leave in a text," Emma says.
"What about Covington?" Daniel asks.
"Well, I'm taking a leave of absence for now, which Courtney advised me to do, but I haven't made a concrete decision on whether or not I'll continue working for the company."
Deirdre points toward him with one of her newly manicured fingernails.
"So, Courtney is aware of your life plans with the Saunders girl?"
"Well, technically, I'm a Saunders girl, too. You saw to that," Emma says pointedly.
"The last time I checked, your surname was Covington, so can we please drop it, sweetheart?" Deirdre says, sounding mildly irritated.
"Her last name is Lockhart, Grandmother, and I love her, so I won't stand here and let you attack her because of her family connections. And yes, Courtney knows, and so do Max and Shauna."
"Well, good luck to you, and I hope you and my cousin are happy together," Steven says respectfully.
"Thanks, man," Tommy replies. "Have you heard from my sister?"
Steven gives a slight nod.
"She said she'll be here."
The way Steven says it makes Tommy wonder if something is going on between his sister and brother-in-law. However, he decides not to press the issue right now.
As the family disperses into smaller groups around the room, Jacques makes his way over to Tommy while Daniel remains nearby.
"Well, I must admit your personal life isn't of any interest to me, but if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're cutting and running."
Tommy doesn't hide his reaction to the remark.
"What are you getting at, Jacques?"
At that moment, Daniel steps up beside his youngest son.
"That's what I'd like to know."
Without much evidence that Daniel and Tommy were responsible for setting him up over the worthless Miami property, which ultimately led to his being voted out of the company, Jacques decides against pursuing the matter.
"Well, excuse me, fellows," he says in his heavy French accent.
Both father and son exchange a knowing look. Deep down, they know there's truth behind Jacques' accusation, but neither is about to acknowledge it.
It doesn't take long for Steven to notice Jacques walking toward him.
"I can't be the only one who's itching to leave."
Steven does his best to hide his contempt.
"Trust me, you aren't."
Jacques then continues.
"So, I don't see your other half."
"Well, Jacques, you don't need to worry about her," Steven retorts.
Jacques immediately catches the edge in Steven's voice.
"Courtney is a friend, and I figured she would be here with you. I apologize if I caused any offense."
"Too late for that now, isn't it?"
At that moment, another knock comes at the front door.
"I'll get it," Tommy volunteers.
As Tommy heads for the door, Jacques turns back toward Steven.
"What is it that you're saying, Steven?"
The former businessman no longer cares who's listening.
"You know damn well what I'm saying.
JOJO'S CAFE
Jordan places her hands upon her hips, giving her even more attention. “You might’ve used that poor, fragile girl routine on him to get him to abandon his son and me by living out your high school fantasy of being together but let me tell you something: it won’t last, because he knows I can give him what he needs.”
“It isn’t like that,” Tanner mumbles.
“Jordan, just go,” Lenny finally says.
Seeing the humiliation on Tanner’s face is enough for Jordan, and she exits the establishment.
Seconds, though, feel like hours as Lenny finally speaks.
“How long have you and Tommy been…?”
“Not now, okay?” Tanner says lowly, feeling exposed and losing her composure, knowing her secret isn’t hers anymore.
END OF EPISODE
ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Lenny warns Tanner.
Antoine gets unexpected news.
Sean and Tricia have words.
Leave your thoughts here on the T&C forum