EPISODE 368
Written by: Bre L Drew
November 18, 2025
Last Time on Town and Country
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Jacques and Aaliyah had been growing closer, which led to them kissing.
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Evan and Skye clashed.
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Micah was embarrassed when his father, Ray, confronted his coach, who is also Emma's father, about his lack of time on the field, which led to a discussion about the father's own history.
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Steven tried to get through to Evan; however, his son rebuffed him.
COVINGTON GROUP
Aaliyah Gupta sits at her desk just outside Jacques Laurent's office on the twentieth floor of the Covington Tower in downtown Radcliffe; it's just nearing noon, and she’s quietly going over how she’ll greet him. She practices a casual line or two under her breath—something light but appropriate—yet her thoughts keep drifting back to the kiss they shared the other night after toasting his business accomplishment. Now, the occasion for the celebration feels like the least important part.
It’s the kiss she didn’t expect, the one that still lingers in her mind.
She exhales, brushing a hand over her computer keyboard as she tries to refocus.
Not long after, Jacques walks up, controlled as ever, wearing another tailored charcoal-gray suit beneath his trench coat and carrying the familiar trace of his cologne—making him even harder to resist, which makes the young woman curse under her breath.
“Morning, Aaliyah,” he says as if nothing happened the night before. “I’m going to need you to gather the information for my meeting with Courtney later this afternoon.”
Aaliyah gives a polite nod and turns to her task, though there’s no denying the subtle awkwardness that has crept in, especially with people passing through the area.
After a moment, Jacques speaks again, quieter and more deliberate.
“Shall we talk about the other night?” he asks, his French accent noticeable.
Aaliyah stops for a beat, her eyes lifting to meet his. The expression on her face says it all—surprised, uncertain, and undeniably affected.
Meanwhile, down the corridor, Courtney Covington Sullivan is positioned at her desk inside her office suite as CEO, gathering her notes and materials as she prepares for her upcoming meeting with Jacques. Her mind, however, momentarily drifts back to the hug they shared not long ago—one that felt comforting. She sighs, sweeping the thought aside and refocusing.
Just then, her desk phone buzzes, which she answers on the third ring.
"Hello," she remarks cordially.
It’s Evelyn, the longtime secretary, letting her know someone is here to see her.
Moments later, the door opens, and in walks Steven Sullivan, her husband.
Surprised but pleased, Courtney greets him with a kiss.
Steven cuts in gently, “I need to talk to you.”
“I need to get ready for this meeting— Courtney pauses, her tone shifting as she asks, “About what?”
Steven meets her eyes. “Evan.”
Courtney straightens, trying to remain calm and engaged. It's been a challenge navigating life with his teenage son living under their roof, and the weight of that adjustment shows in her eyes—even as she nods, prepared to listen.
JOJO'S CAFE
Life is boxes in back of our car
Driving around with the dreams in a jar
And it's all right here
I'll feed you ramen and you'll braid my hair
​
The folksy pop tune of Katie Herzig’s “Sweeter Than This” plays softly on the café’s sound system, blending effortlessly into the warm buzz of the late-afternoon crowd.
Simultaneously, Gemma Grier walks into the establishment, exuding an exuberant burst of energy, wearing her athletic gear beneath her fleece coat and holding her tote bag. She makes a direct beeline to the counter.
Behind the counter is her best friend, Skye Park, working, wearing a monogrammed café apron around her waist. Her goth attire is still apparent—today it consists of a black long-sleeved top, a skirt, chunky black boots, and her dark hair pulled into a braided ponytail.
“Hey, babe,” Gemma greets as she takes a seat on the stool across from her.
“I take it you had a good practice,” Skye notes, picking up on her friend’s good mood.
Gemma, a dancer on their school’s dance team, beams. “Yeah, especially when I finally landed the last combo. I think we might even have a shot at going to state this year.” She crosses her fingers.
Skye plants her hands on her hips. “If only Micah felt the same way about football.”
Gemma gives a light shrug, standing by her boyfriend. “He’s good, Skye. Real good. But Ray’s idea of coaching is making him eat, sleep, and breathe football. That’s not Micah.”
The other day, all three of them were present when Micah’s father lost it on Gemma’s father, who also happens to be the school’s football coach. The two men were old schoolmates who played on the same team thirty years ago, too.
Skye lifts a brow. “Still hasn’t gotten to show what he’s made of, huh?”
“Nope,” Gemma replies, pulling a scrunchie off her wrist and tying her hair up. “I’ll take an iced green tea.”
“You got it,” Skye says, already turning to grab a cup.
Not long after, Evan Sullivan strolls inside.
Gemma raises her hand and waves him over. “Evan! Come join us.”
Skye groans under her breath; her encounters with him haven’t gone the best, not to mention that now all of them attend Radcliffe High. “Really?”
Evan strolls over, casual. “Hey,” he says to Gemma before his eyes drift to Skye.
“Still trying to save the planet by stopping one vapor at a time?” he quips, a faint smirk on his lips.
Skye glares, rolling her eyes hard enough to rattle her head, knowing he’s referring to her telling him to quit vaping.
Gemma and Skye trade a look—the kind that says here we go again—while Evan takes his place at the counter like he belongs there.
​
HOTEL CLIFFE: ROOM 202
Wade Wood stands in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt collar. The motel room—modest, dim, and worn—feels lived-in after weeks of occupying the space. A suitcase sits strewn, half-unpacked, on the bed.
He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck.
Coming back to this pigeonhole town was supposed to be temporary—just long enough to convince Jolene to return home with him to Bakersfield. That’s what this whole detour was meant to be. A little break. A reset. But this vacation is starting to feel more like a layover in limbo. Sure, he’s flirted here and there, even clocking a few stunners around town—especially that blonde barista with the hazel eyes and the nice hips—but none of them is his wife.
He’s just slipping on his watch when there’s a loud knock at the door.
“Keep your pants on!” Wade calls out, making his way across the room.
He opens the door, half expecting a motel maid, but instead finds a stranger standing there. Tall and beefy, silver hair streaked with brown.
Wade narrows his eyes. “What can I do for you?”
Sean Lockhart tilts his head slightly. “We can do this out here or inside. Your call.”
The construction worker stiffens. “You some kinda bill collector? ’Cause I’m up to date on everything—including this room.”
Sean doesn’t flinch. “I’m not here about money. I’m here on account of someone we’ve got in common.”
Wade pauses, frowning. “Who?”
“Jolene.”
Tension rises in Wade’s shoulders. He steps back and gestures for the man to enter.
“Is she okay?” he asks, wary.
Sean steps in, “She will be—after I’m through here.”
Wade is already on guard.
COVINGTON GROUP
Courtney tucks a loose strand of her chestnut-brown hair behind her ear. Her voice carries a note of weary patience.
“What did he do this time?”
Steven, standing a few feet away, folds his arms as he exhales sharply. “You mean besides the last few weeks of attitude, vaping, and shutting me out like I’m a stranger?” he says. “I can’t seem to get through to him. Not the way I should.”
Courtney keeps her tone even, understanding. “He’s a teenager, Steven. And one with a chip on his shoulder. It’s going to take time.”
Steven shakes his head. “I lost so much of that time, Court. Ever since Lorraine and I split… I should’ve fought harder to be in his life. Now I’m looking at this kid who’s supposed to be my son, and yeah—I recognize him. Physically. But emotionally?” He falters. “He’s a stranger.”
Courtney moves closer, gently touching his arm. “I wish I could help more. But you know, when Tommy was that age, he was just as rebellious.”
Steven manages a tired smile. “Yeah, but unlike Evan, Tommy wasn’t hooking up with the headmaster’s goddaughter at boarding school.”
Courtney huffs a quiet laugh despite herself, rolling her eyes. “Did you have to bring that up? I'm talking about in terms of personality."
There’s a pause. The weight between them is palpable. Courtney softens her voice. “I don’t want this to put more strain between us. But can we discuss this later? I’ve got that meeting coming up.”
Steven arches an eyebrow. “Later, as in… before eleven tonight?”
She gives a small, apologetic smile. “I’ll try to get home earlier. I promise.”
They share a kiss—not a passionate one, but a familiar one—a touch of love with a hint of distance. As Courtney gathers her meeting folder and steps out, Steven lingers a moment, watching her go.
Then he turns toward the elevator, pressing the button with a sigh. His eyes betray his thoughts, unsureness clouding his confidence as both a father and a husband.
JOJO'S CAFE
“We Gotta Let Go” by Astels now hums through the café’s speakers.
“If you’re not gonna order something, Evan, you can always let somebody who intends to sit there instead,” Skye retorts.
Evan throws a glance at Gemma, seated nearby—her blonde hair shining, fingers tapping her drink. They share a subtle, amused look before he slides into the seat beside her.
“Fine,” he says. “I’ll take a Coke.”
“Coming up,” Skye replies dryly, moving to the fountain drink machine.
As she fixes the soda, Evan and Gemma slip into easy conversation. There’s a spark there—light flirtation woven into their stories and jokes. Gemma laughs, coy at first before easing into it.
Not missing a beat, Skye glances up as the door opens. Micah Kelley walks in wearing his practice gear, a couple of teammates trailing behind him. He gives Skye a nod as he heads their way.
Skye clears her throat and calls out over her shoulder.
“She really knows how to kill a vibe,” Evan mocks.
Micah comes over as they greet him, then takes a seat next to Evan.
“How did practice go?” Skye asks, shifting the mood.
“It was alright,” Micah says. “At least my dad didn’t embarrass me today. But I barely got any time on the field.”
“Where’s your dad now?” Gemma asks her boyfriend.
“Picking up my little sister from school. If not for that, he would’ve driven me here and spent the whole ride quizzing me on plays.”
“You’re on varsity?” Evan asks, sipping his soda.
Micah nods. “Second string, which Kier never lets me forget.”
Kier is the junior-year quarterback who often teases him about his spot on the team.
“Nice. I used to play Pop Warner,” Evan says. “You must be good if you’re already up there.”
Micah shrugs modestly, licking his lips. “I’m trying.”
Gemma places a hand on Micah’s arm. “He’s good. My dad’s just being stubborn about playing him.”
Skye offers a firm nod. “His time’s coming.”
Evan leans back in his chair. “You’re lucky, Micah. Gemma’s a good one.”
Micah grins awkwardly, licking his lips again, then turns to her. “Don’t I know it?”
Gemma briefly dwells on her moment with Presley before taking a sip of her iced green tea.
Then Evan throws a look Skye’s way. “Do you miss me yet?”
“Only enough to want to pour your cola in your lap,” Skye fires back.
Evan lifts the cup and takes a slow, exaggerated sip through the straw, giving her a playful wink.
Skye shakes her head, resisting the very real urge to reach across the counter.
HOTEL CLIFFE: ROOM 202
Wade puts a hand against the back of his neck, coughs lightly.
“Now, why would you want to speak to me about my wife? Is she alright?” he asks, doing his best to stay composed, though impatience is creeping in.
“She will be—once we get through talking.”
Sean looks around the motel room, remembering his own time spent in similar places when he and his wives separated.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Wade’s voice rises. “Who are you?”
“Someone who doesn’t like when men use women as punching bags.”
​
Wade does his best to be taken aback by his response, but in truth, he has been emotionally and physically abusive toward the wife he claims to want back.
The older man’s frustration is now fully evident. “I’m not gonna ask you again—who the hell are you?”
“Sean,” the younger man answers. “But let’s cut the bullshit here, Wade. It’s just us guys. Do yourself a favor and get out of town. There’s nothing left for you here in Radcliffe.”
Wade pauses, trying to place the name. Then it hits him.
“Isn’t this about a bitch?” he scoffs. “I seem to recall Jolene telling me Tricia married a guy named Sean… Lemme guess—my stepdaughter sent you to get rid of me, so I’ll leave her mother alone, right?”
The truth is, Tricia wanted Sean to confront him. She’d even convinced someone at the front desk downstairs to give her
downstairs to give her Wade’s room number in exchange for a free drink at the café.
Wade’s room number in exchange for a free drink at the café.
Sean shifts, hands behind his back as he fights the urge to lose his temper.
“We both know Jolene is scared to death to tell you she doesn’t want you anymore. So, if you care about her—even a little—let her go.”
Wade steps closer, puffing his chest. “Man, you must still be getting a little piece of Tricia for you to come here, getting in my face. Nah, I get it. You know what they say: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’”
Sean doesn’t even feel himself move. One moment, he’s standing still; the next, he’s grabbing Wade by the throat, shoving him into a wall near the corner of the room.
“Go on—hit me!” Wade taunts.
But Sean forces himself to back down, loosening his grip.
Wade smirks. “Thought so.”
“I’m warning you,” Sean growls. “Next time, you might not be so lucky.”
He storms out of the motel room and slams the door behind him.
Wade scoffs to himself. “Oh, that won’t be happening anytime soon.”
COVINGTON GROUP
Aaliyah glances around, making sure no one is in earshot, before speaking to Jacques about their kiss.
Jacques tilts his head and asks, “Was it that bad?”
Aaliyah exhales, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It wasn’t,” she admits softly. “And that’s the problem.”
Jacques’s lips curl into a slow smirk as realization hits—Aaliyah not only liked the kiss, but she’s attracted to him too.
“You’re making it seem like that’s a problem,” he says.
“It is,” Aaliyah counters. “Because the last time I checked, you’re not only my boss, but you’re a married man too.”
“I’m well aware,” Jacques replies smoothly. “But nobody else has to know what happened between you and me.”
Despite his love for his wife, things between Emma and him haven’t been solid for a while now; the lack of intimacy has affected him. Not to mention the deepening bond he’s built with his assistant makes him wonder—can anything go past the kiss?
Aaliyah is about to respond when Courtney saunters over, none the wiser.
“Hi, Aaliyah. Jacques. When you’re ready, we can begin,” she says briskly.
“Aaliyah, do you have it?” Jacques asks.
“The information pertaining to your meeting is on your desk,” Aaliyah replies. Her gaze lingers on him a tad longer than she intends.
She had placed the documents in his office an hour before he arrived.
For a fleeting moment, Courtney wonders if something more lingers between them, but she lets it go as she and Jacques disappear into his office, leaving Aaliyah standing there in uncertainty.
​
END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Tommy feels conflicted.
Lenny is left unsure.
Sean consoles Tricia.
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