EPISODE 365
Written by: Bre L Drew
October 30, 2025
Last Time on Town and Country
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Jolene revealed to Tricia that Wade is back in town—a revelation Tricia didn’t take well, as she’s determined to remove her mother’s abusive husband from their lives once and for all.
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Max and Shauna choose to stay together and raise baby Keri as their own; Antoine, her biological father, remains in the dark.
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Martha informed Steven about Evan’s recent rebellious behavior, which led Courtney to catch him vaping. Their confrontation ended with Evan accusing her and Steven of not wanting him around, before he took off.
THE WATERFALL BAR
Like a rock, I was strong as I could be
Like a rock, nothin' ever got to me
Like a rock, I was something to see
Like a rock
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The hearty, rich voice of Bob Seger, along with the Silver Bullet Band, fills the Waterfall Bar this afternoon as “Like a Rock” plays steadily on the establishment’s sound system. A light but steady crowd of daytime patrons occupies the place.
From behind the bar, its owner, Mae Jackson, spots her granddaughter, Shauna Covington, entering while pushing a stroller with her baby daughter, Keri, in tow. It doesn’t take long for the older woman to excitedly greet them as they approach.
“You look great,” Mae compliments the younger woman, whose shoulder-length hair has been freshly done. Shauna is decked out in a black wool leather coat, dark jeans, and carries a designer bag. “So, how was your trip?” she further asks as the baby coos.
“Thanks, and getting out of town was just what we needed,” Shauna says.
She, Max, and the baby have just returned from a trip to New York City, where Max grew up. Since it had been a while since they’d had time together as a family, they decided to get away.
“So, things are good between you and Max?” Mae wonders, knowing her only grandchild’s marriage has had its share of issues.
“Much better, and we mostly owe it all to this angel,” Shauna says, referring to her little girl, who’s now being picked up by Mae.
“Ooh, she’s grown so much since I last saw her,” Mae says with amazement.
Shauna folds her arms across her chest. “Tell me about it; six months have gone by so fast,” she says reflectively.
“She reminds me of you when you were her age,” Mae notes while the baby reaches out for her nose.
Antoine Hall steps behind the bar to start his shift when the manager lifts his head and notices his boss—who’s been like a mother to him—along with Shauna and the baby. He initially thought the child was his, as he and his ex-lover had shared a one-night stand a year ago, although he was told it wasn’t his and that Max was the father.
“I know what you’re thinking—that I’m too young to be a great-grandma,” Mae says in a playful baby voice, making Shauna chuckle while the baby remains unaware.
“Hey, stranger,” Antoine calls out.
“Hey,” Shauna replies. Despite convincing him long ago that he wasn’t the father, she still feels uneasy—worried that somehow, he might figure it out with them all in the same room.
“Hey, little lady,” he says to the baby, with medium-brown skin and her dark hair thickened, bundled in a pink floral puffer jacket and blue pants.
Mae decides to hand the six-month-old infant to Antoine, causing Shauna to tense, though she restrains herself—afraid that reacting too strongly might give something away.
In his arms, Antoine hesitates at first—he hasn’t held many babies in his life—but soon adjusts, balancing her carefully.
Meanwhile, in a quieter corner near the back of the bar, Tricia Lockhart sits at a table, visibly tense. She decided to take the rest of the day off from the café, needing a change of scenery after learning that her no-good stepfather is back in town—news that unsettles her deeply. She knows his return can only mean trouble, especially the risk of her mother falling back into his grasp and enduring more abuse.
Moments later, Sean Lockhart approaches her table.
“Hey, what’s going on?” he asks with concern.
“I didn't mean to sound hysterical over the phone when I called you.” she admits as the former spouses exchange a casual greeting.
Sean takes a seat across from her. “You made it sound like something urgent.”
“Oh, that depends on what happens going forward,” she notes.
WHEELER BUILDING
Desperately needing a change of scenery, Jolene Wood pops out of the elevator in the apartment building, where she lives with her daughter. Earbuds connected to her iPhone in her pants pocket; she lets the best of the Beach Boys play to give her the much-needed motivation after the difficult morning she’s had.
As she heads toward the front door, she notices how quiet the lobby is, taking in the familiar decorative touches, including the potted plants surrounding the area.
Yet out of the blue, she spots Wade Wood—wearing an insulated jacket and dark pants—entering the lobby with that same determined look he always has when he doesn’t get what he wants.
Jolene instinctively freezes. She wishes she could avoid him, but it’s too late.
“Looks like fate has intervened,” he says. Despite his casual tone, it’s obvious he’s upset that he hasn’t received any correspondence since their last interaction.
“Wade, what do you want?” she manages to say.
“I wanted to see personally—did you receive my little gift to you?”
She immediately knows he’s referring to the bountiful bouquet of flowers he had delivered to her earlier—the same ones that prompted her to tell Tricia that Wade was back in town. Her daughter hadn’t taken the news well, knowing how Wade reacts when he doesn’t get what he wants, which is usually more than verbal.
Trying to hold her ground, Jolene demands, “What are you doing here?”
Wade calmly replies, “I told you I wasn’t leaving until I got you back—and I mean it.”
Jolene stands there, emotionally rattled, her walk forgotten.
HOPE COTTAGE
Courtney Covington Sullivan stands in the kitchen of her two-story cottage, instead of being at the office, because her secretary has informed her that neighbors from the far end of the lane have reported loud noise coming from her house. She left to find that her stepson, Evan, was responsible for it and caught him vaping, which upset him and caused him to leave. Although she wants to return to work, she knows it wouldn’t be appropriate at this moment.
Seconds later, she hears the key turning in the door and has a good idea of who it is, mostly due to instinct. As she looks up, she feels prepared because she had called him to inform him about the matter.
“Hey, is he back yet?” Steven Sullivan surveys.
Courtney shakes her head while tucking some of her long, highlighted brown hair behind her ear.
“Nope. I tried to call him, but it went to voicemail,” she informs him.
“So, what happened?” Steven asks, wanting more detail.
“I came home to loud rap music playing and found Evan outside in the backyard. I tried to get to the bottom of things, and he accused you and me of not wanting him here—and then he took off before I could get to him.”
“Was it at least good music?” Steven asks, trying to lighten the mood, though Courtney flashes a glance to show she isn’t amused in the slightest.
“Steven,” she says flatly. “I also want to add that Evan was vaping, by the way.”
Steven’s mood shifts—he’s taken aback. He recalls what Martha recently told him about how troubled Evan seems.
THE WATERFALL BAR
Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to
And I can tell the way you do the things you do
(The way you do the things you do)
Oh, baby (the way you do the things you do)
“The Way You Do the Things You Do” by The Temptations now plays on the stereo system.
​
Despite his initial hesitation, Antoine manages to gently interact with baby Keri. She seems taken with the family friend, giggling softly as he rocks her in his arms. From a short distance away, Shauna watches tensely, knowing that Antoine is holding his biological daughter—something he has no idea about. She does her best to mask the truth, though a part of her wants to take her baby and leave.
Unknowingly, Mae helps connect the two, standing nearby and observing the sweet exchange.
“I think she likes you,” Mae says warmly.
“Well, I like her too,” Antoine replies with a grin. “Maybe one day I’ll have a couple of my own.”
Shauna does her best not to react to that statement.
“You and Jes talked about having kids one of these days?” Mae asks curiously as she gently takes one of her great-granddaughter’s hands.
Antoine chuckles and shakes his head. “We way off from that conversation, Mae.”
“You seeing somebody?” Shauna blurts, catching both Mae and Antoine off guard after her long silence.
“Oh, you didn’t know?” Antoine says, surprised. “Jes and I have been having fun, what?”
“Nothing,” Shauna says quickly. “I was just surprised, that’s all.”
“What—you think a lawyer can’t see anything in me?” he teases, half-defensive.
“Antoine, chill. Of course not. You’re a catch—just break her heart gently when it’s over.”
Mae gives her granddaughter a warning look, sensing she went too far. Antoine, meanwhile, studies Shauna, wondering if there’s jealousy behind her tone. He knows how unhappy she was in her marriage to Max—that’s what led to their night together.
Still, before he can say anything, the door opens and Lenny Barker steps inside.
The farmhand immediately spots the familiar faces and walks over with a smile. They greet her warmly, exchanging quick hugs as she bends down to gently touch Keri’s tiny hand.
“How are you doing, sweetheart?” Mae asks her best friend’s great-niece, relieved to see her looking healthier than last year—her hair growing back, her skin glowing again, her spirit brighter.
“I can’t complain,” Lenny replies.
“Congrats on getting hitched. I wish I could’ve made it, but I heard it was a time,” Antoine says, handing the baby back to Mae.
“It sure was,” Lenny laughs, scanning the bar and spotting who she came to meet.
“I’m meeting Elijah here for lunch, I’ll see you guys later,” she says, heading toward the back where her husband sits in a booth scrolling on his phone.
“Excuse me, I’m meeting my husband for lunch,” she says playfully as she approaches.
“Sorry, you’ll have to settle for me instead,” Elijah replies, smiling.
She leans down, and they share a brief but meaningful kiss before she slides into the seat across from him.
“Feels like I should be saying, ‘Long time no see,’” Elijah jokes.
Now in his second year of law school, he hasn’t had much time for his wife lately. Between mock trials and studying, their moments together have been rare—making this lunch especially important.
“I know,” Lenny agrees. “Living at the farm has its perks, but a little one-on-one time every now and then doesn’t hurt.” She winks teasingly.
As she glances at the menu—already knowing what she’ll order—something catches her attention. She squints toward a nearby table.
Her eyes widen when she spots her father sitting with Tricia. They seem deeply engrossed in conversation.
“You’re never going to believe this,” she murmurs, gesturing behind her husband. Elijah turns to look, then faces her again.
“I know what that looks like,” he says gently, “but maybe it’s just some innocent catching up.”
“Hmm,” she hums doubtfully. “After everything he and my mom have been through, and now that they’re back together, I hope he doesn’t do anything to screw it up.”
“I know it’s hard, but let’s focus on us,” Elijah says softly. “Whatever’s going on between your dad and Tricia can wait.”
Lenny exhales, torn between confronting them and staying put—but ultimately decides to hold back.
HOPE COTTAGE
“Damn,” Steven mutters under his breath, realizing that his cousin had every right to come to him about his son’s recent behavior.
“Martha came by the clinic today to get Otis checked out, and she told me she’d seen Evan and put two and two together about him rebelling. At first, I thought she was overreacting—but now I see she wasn’t,” he confides to his wife.
Courtney glances at the wall clock before responding. “Yeah, I remember when Tommy was that age and how rebellious he’d become.”
The veterinarian quickly shoots her a look. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he says, trying to stay grounded as he recalls some of the things her younger brother did as a teen.
“Do you know where he could be?” Steven asks.
“I don’t know,” she exhales. “Maybe he’s at JoJo’s cooling off.”
Steven takes off his coat, draping it over the staircase rail before returning to the kitchen.
“Can I ask you something?” he begins. “Why did you let him go?”
Courtney raises her head at his tone. “Last time I checked, he’s got a good foot over me—not to mention, keeping him barricaded in here against his will would only make things worse. Right now, he thinks we don’t want him around, no matter what I said to convince him otherwise.”
She glances at the clock again, which Steven immediately notices.
“Are you being kept from something, Court?” he presses.
“It’s just work, that’s all,” she answers finally. “Jacques just landed the big deal with the land in Miami.” She tries to explain, but Steven rolls his eyes at her mentioning both Jacques and work.
“Well, I don’t want to keep you from all that,” he says dryly. “I’ll take the rest of the day off and stay here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Go ahead,” he says. “It’s obvious your mind is elsewhere.”
Courtney doesn’t find the exact words to respond, but her expression shows that she cares.
“I’ll call you later to check in,” she tells him as she grabs her briefcase.
As she stands near the door, she sees the worry and regret etched on her husband’s face before she departs the house.
Steven remains alone, arms crossed, already preparing to cancel the rest of his day’s appointments—determined to get to the bottom of Evan’s shifting attitude once and for all.
THE WATERFALL BAR
Inside The Waterfall, the usual din of music and conversation hums in the background as Tricia fills Sean in on the latest about her mother and Wade.
“So, he’s been in Radcliffe all this time, and you’re just now finding out?” Sean asks, clearly taken aback.
Tricia sighs, regretting she didn’t order herself a drink to take the edge off.
“And it’s all because, in his sick, twisted mind, a bouquet of flowers will make her forget the pain he’s put her through for years. The second she does something he doesn’t like—or he’s upset…” She cuts off, but Sean gets the picture.
“Are you alright?” he asks, sensing she isn’t—Tricia’s never been good at being vulnerable.
​
“You know me well enough to know that answer,” she says with a smirk, then leans in, lowering her voice though the music already helps mask them.
“In short, my mother needs to go to the police and report that bastard, or I need him removed. I want him to get the message loud and clear—leave town and leave my mother alone, forever.”
“And how are you going to do that?” Sean asks.
Tricia runs her hands through her hair. “That’s where you come in.”
Sean studies her for a beat, then nods—he understands the scope of what she’s asking and what it could mean.
“Where is he staying?” he asks.
WHEELER BUILDING
By now, Jolene has removed her earbuds while standing across from her estranged husband in the apartment lobby.
“At least tell me you liked the flowers?” Wade asks. Despite his relaxed tone, his impatience begins to resurface.
Jolene thinks about the bouquet she left resting on the end table of the spare bedroom where she’s been staying.
“They’re beautiful,” she remarks, hoping to cut their conversation short.
“You’re going to make this harder than it has to be, aren’t you?” he says, his patience thinning.
Just then, Ernest McKnight exits his apartment on the same floor and happens to overhear them.
“I just remembered I left the stove on, so I’ll see you later,” Jolene lies. But as she turns to leave, Wade grabs her arm and yanks her back.
“Dammit,” he snaps. “I’m getting tired of jumping through hoops to get you to come back to me.”
Jolene does her best to hold back tears—something she’s trained herself to do for years—knowing it might only make things worse.
“Is there a problem here?” Ernest asks, his voice firm and calm.
Wade’s grip loosens. He quickly shifts into charm mode, a smile flashing across his face.
“My wife and I were just having a disagreement,” he explains smoothly. “Didn’t mean for it to get out of hand.” He glances at Jolene, waiting for her to back him up.
Jolene turns toward Ernest, and recognition flickers—he’s the same man who accidentally startled her the other day.
Ernest waits for her to confirm if she’s all right.
Jolene sees the warning look still lingering in Wade’s eyes, which makes her answer clear.
“I’m fine,” she says quietly. “We were just having a spat.”
Ernest studies them both. It’s obvious there’s more to the situation than she’s letting on.
“I’m heading out,” he says finally. “But Jolene, I hope you take my apology into consideration.” Then, turning to Ernest, he adds, “Didn’t mean to make things look harsher than they are between the missus and me.”
“No worries,” Ernest replies evenly, though he’s not buying the act.
They watch the tall, silver-haired man disappear down the hall—both knowing it won’t be the last time they see him.
Ernest immediately turns back to her. “Before you feel the need to protect him, you don’t have to—not with me.”
Jolene finds her voice again. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were either a priest or a cop.”
“Actually,” Ernest says, reaching into the top pocket of his jacket. “Chief of Police.” He gestures briefly to his badge before tucking it away again. “And I know what I saw.”
Jolene steadies herself. “Like my husband and I said, it was just a small disagreement—which we’re handling. That’s why I’m staying upstairs with my daughter, Tricia.”
Recognition flickers across Ernest’s face. “You’re Tricia’s mother?” he says, more as an observation than a question. “I know her in passing—my daughter Jordan and she are close friends.”
Jolene nods faintly. “I’ve met your daughter before, too,” she recalls from her last visit to town, when she’d briefly encountered the younger woman.
Turning away, she heads toward the elevator bank, realizing her plans for a walk are over for the day.
“Hey,” Ernest calls out as she presses the button. “If you run into any more issues—or just need to talk—I just live right across the hall.” He gestures toward his apartment.
“I’m fine, but thanks anyway,” she replies tightly.
As the elevator doors slide open and she steps inside, Ernest watches her go, suspicion still etched on his face.
​
​​​​The doors close, and as the elevator ascends, Jolene fights back the urge to break down.
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Jordan leaves Tommy flustered.
Aaliyah is caught off guard.
Steven tries to reach Evan.
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