Comeback Dad (2014) - full transcript
A man tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[SINGING] All the hurtful things
we said created tension
and built walls in my head.
Around in circles we began.
This never ending argument ends.
And you know how it goes.
I blame you.
You blame me.
No one wants to give in to the
other.
When has war ever made peace?
I thought we loved each other.
If we don't find something much
greater
we may wake up 20 years later.
Looking back, we'll subtract all
the time we waste.
We attack and react.
We don't want to change.
If the fight don't kill us, then
our pride just may.
And I can't carry this one more
day.
It ain't worth it.
It ain't worth the wait.
It ain't worth the wait.
You're my sister, you're my
friend, the only one
who truly sees who I am.
Girl, you know me and how I get.
And I know far too well to ever
let, let it get to the point
I blame you, you blame me.
No one wants to give in to the
other.
When has war ever made peace?
I thought we loved each other.
THERAPIST: You make your list of
amends?
Yeah. Yeah.
Got 'em-- got 'em right here.
Here you are.
THERAPIST: No. Please read
aloud.
Number one, to see my daughter.
Get her to talk to me again.
THERAPIST: How long it been now?
Eight years.
Number two, get my gig back at
the club.
Playing piano down at Drake's?
Yeah.
Number three, get my family to
forgive me.
THERAPIST: What you're doing
first?
My daughter.
THERAPIST: What are you going to
do?
I've got a plan.
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
[SIGHS]
[SIGHS]
[NEWSPAPER RUSTLING]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[SIGHS]
[CELL PHONE RINGING]
[CELL PHONE BEEPING]
VOICE MAIL: You have one unheard
message sent today at 9:35 AM.
Hello, Othell.
I got your voice message.
And my answer is no.
No, I will not help you see
Nima.
She doesn't want to see you.
She doesn't need to see you.
She's good now.
And I'm-- I'm good too.
Don't call me again.
And don't contact Nima.
[CELL PHONE BEEPING]
Hey, baby.
What are you working on?
Just some new projects.
Mhm.
What are you up to?
Here's your lunch I promised.
Oh.
Oh.
[LAUGHS]
[CLEARS THROAT]
Did you make this?
I did.
Try it.
Oh, turkey.
It's good.
Do you think I'm thoughtful?
Hm?
I was reading this article on
perfect partnerships.
And it says that a good partner
is always thoughtful.
That's why I'm asking if you
think I'm thoughtful.
Yes.
I think you are very thoughtful.
Absolutely.
And I think about all the
thoughtful things you do.
And the thoughtful person you
are.
And I just-- I get misty eyed.
Stop it.
Go on and eat.
Yeah. Eat it right now?
Mhm.
With you watching me?
Just take a bite. I want to see
if you like it.
Yeah.
Mm.
[LAUGHS]
I was thinking, do you think
having
your father walk me down the
aisle is going to look weird?
Would you rather your father do
it?
Not unless there was a firing
squad at the other end.
[SCOFFS]
OK.
Are you picking me up for
dinner?
Absolutely.
I'm going to go finish up the
music for my concert.
How's that coming?
It's good.
I'm just a little bit nervous.
It's the first time I'm
composing several pieces.
Oh.
Don't be.
You're great.
You are talented.
You're beautiful.
I'll see you tonight.
Absolutely.
Eat all your lunch.
[LAUGHS]
- Bye bye. - Bye.
Mm.
[SIGHS]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[SINGING] Play now.
Pay later.
That's how my granny raised us.
Every now and again I get caught
slippin'
till I remember what my father
said.
He said, be that, whatever it
is.
Be that.
And you'll never have to wonder
what
it is you would have should
have,
could have, would have done.
Be that.
Whatever it is, just be that.
And you'll never have to wonder
it is you would have.
As long as you believe in me.
Then you will be what your dad's
gonna be.
That's why I'm enjoying every
moment.
Every day is another step in the
race
to me getting where I'm going.
If you walkin' then I'm running.
Straight up I live for the day
my momma could say,
I knew he would be something.
Yeah.
Play now, pay later.
That's how my granny raised us.
And every now and again--
[KNOCKING]
How can I help you?
You. - No, no.
There's no need for that. -
Security?
I need you in here right now.
You don't need to do that.
I just want to talk to you for a
few minutes.
I know how it looks.
Just wait right there.
Security!
I know you're thinking it's
something else.
But I just need a few minutes of
your time.
Security!
If you could just give me two
minutes of your time, sir.
You don't really know me.
But you do kind of know me.
SECURITY OFFICER: Come with me,
sir.
Look, I'm Nima's father!
We got a breach.
Nima Simone Babineaux, born
September 20, 1985.
She has a scar on the knee that
she tells people come from,
um, climbing a tree when she was
eight.
I mean, that girl's never
climbed a tree in her life.
He's OK.
- You sure? - Yeah.
That girl ain't climbed no
trees.
I'll be right outside.
Mr. Babineaux.
So you're Nima's father?
Yes.
Well, uh, what can I do for
you?
I need you to help me find a way
that I could see Nima.
You know, I really wish I could
help you.
But I don't think she wants to
see you.
I need you to make it so that
she does.
Mr. Babineaux, I'm just meeting
you for the first time.
And Nima barely mentions you.
Let's say I'm dying.
Hm.
Are you dying, Mr. Babineaux?
A little.
You're dying a little?
I don't follow.
My counselor told me that I
could have
died if I didn't stop drinking.
You could have died.
Did you stop drinking?
Yes.
But I could have died.
Can we play that up? - No.
I'm sorry.
I wish I could help you.
But I really can't.
My counselor wanted me to work
on this list.
I'm sorry.
I-- I wish I could help.
I really do.
I just-- I have way too much on
my plate right now.
Sorry.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Babe, how was your day?
Interesting.
Why?
What happened?
Nothing.
Just, uh, had to turn down a
project.
Busy with more important things.
Hm.
Well, don't be mad.
I paid for the flowers today.
[SIGHS]
I just wanted it done.
No, you just-- you just didn't
trust me to do
what I said I was going to do.
I told you I was going to take
care of the flowers.
And you decided to handle it
yourself.
Spence, let's not get in an
argument over calla lillies.
It's not about the flowers.
It's never about just flowers.
It's-- I told you I was--
Hey, Nima.
Mr. Babineaux, what are you
doing here?
I thought maybe we could talk.
SPENCE: [SIGHS] Right now
probably
isn't-- isn't the best time.
Nima?
Nice.
Nima!
[FOOTSTEPS]
[CAR DINGING]
[DOOR CLOSES]
How do you know him?
I don't.
He showed up at my office today.
Did you invite him?
No.
He came by to ask if I could
help him talk to you.
You just listened to what he
had to say.
I mean, yeah.
After everything I've told you.
Baby, all you ever said was
that he wasn't around.
Any time his name comes up, you
get so angry we
can't even have a conversation.
What else would I have to say?
What-- what you expect me to
do?
Can you please take me home?
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Are you mad at me?
Just take me home.
Oh, Mr. Babineaux.
Well, y'all will never believe
who I saw yesterday.
Who?
Mm.
My father. - Oh.
What?
Yes.
My father.
Did you shank him?
Did you toss hot grease in his
lap?
Did you open palm slap him? I
need details.
OK.
Rochelle, she would never do
that.
I would absolutely do all of
that, Tiffany.
Um, [LAUGHS] but I didn't.
I just left.
Why was he there in the first
place?
Spence claims that he came by
the office to see him.
And he asked for his help in
repairing our relationship.
[LAUGHS] Cute.
No. - Exactly.
Mhm. No.
It's time for you to fix things
with him.
You're getting married.
What is getting married have to
do with any of that?
Because you're starting a new
life.
And typically, you want all to
be well in your world.
All is well.
You know what?
You just-- you don't understand.
OK.
I see.
It's because I have a dad,
right?
Mm? Is that what it is?
Yes.
OK.
You two, I--
But Rochelle and I have the
better versions of dads.
TIFFANY: OK. What's that?
They're called moms.
Whatever.
ROCHELLE: You know what?
[LAUGHTER]
[PIANO MUSIC]
Ooh!
[LAUGHS]
Othell Babineaux.
Come here, Ben.
Benny Mitchell.
How you doing, brother?
[INAUDIBLE] cat daddy.
Oh, man.
I ain't seen you in, what?
Five years?
And we were in that Mexican
jail.
You were in that Mexican jail.
Stop.
[LAUGHS] You playing anywhere?
Oh, well, you know, I'm--
I fix cars.
All that talent and you
changing oil?
You got something here for me,
Benny?
Ah, man.
I can't.
Not after the missed practices.
Showing up to gigs drunk.
I mean-- punched a guy in the
audience, Othell.
He was heckling me, man.
He was clapping, O.
Look, I need this, Benny.
I'm clean.
How long?
Two months, four days, and 7
and 1/2 hours.
[LAUGHS] Oh, I'm rooting for
you more than anybody.
But you got to prove you can be
a reliable musician, man.
I got another spot for a piano
player.
But I can only give it to
someone who's going to show up
on time, come to rehearsal
without a bottle in his hand,
and not throw up during the set,
brother!
It happened once.
It was on the bass player.
[LAUGHS] Jimmy's still mad
about that, huh?
Suit was new.
[SIGHS]
Look, you stay clean another
month, come back to see me.
You know, I can look at you and
tell you ain't ready yet.
Let me introduce you to my wife,
Martha, right here.
Hey, baby!
[FOOTSTEPS]
You have got to be kidding me.
You still stalking me?
I want you and Nima to come to
my Momma's 80th birthday party
in Savannah.
Well, goodbye, Mr. Babineaux.
Wait. Wait.
Wait, Spence, please. Just give
me a minute.
You know, I made it very clear
to you before.
I can't help you.
And instead of sitting down
and-- and--
and figuring out what you could
do for your daughter,
the first thing you do is ask
her to do something for you.
You're everything she always
said you were.
You're selfish.
Then-- then don't do this for
me.
Do it for Nima.
Come on, Spence.
You're a good man.
But we both know that deep down
inside Nima wants to fix this,
too.
[LAUGHS] You're a psychologist
now.
No, no.
But I let my issues with my
daddy ruin my marriage.
Well, I'm not going to let that
happen to ours.
You can't control how people
respond to pain.
I don't want to hurt her again.
I just want a chance.
Will you give me that?
Are you going to finish this?
SPENCE: Baby, you want a drink?
Hm?
No.
I'm fine.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[SIGHS]
Baby?
Mhm?
What's the story with your dad?
I need to know.
Yeah.
You know what?
I don't like talking about him.
Not even for me?
[SIGHS]
Please?
Why the sudden interest?
It's not sudden.
I always wanted to know.
Baby, that's in the past.
That has nothing to do with you
and me.
Except that it has absolutely
everything
to do with you and me.
What does that mean?
Baby, you don't trust me.
Yes, I do.
Not with your whole heart.
You remember when your
grandfather was terminally ill?
You didn't tell me for two
weeks.
And you claimed it was because I
was busy at work.
But I'm never too busy for you.
[SIGHS]
You don't trust me emotionally.
OK.
Wait.
Where is this coming from?
Did you talk to him again?
A little.
You talked him a little?
I-- he-- look, he came by my job
today when I was having lunch
and we talked.
He's actually getting to you.
These are my feelings.
They're not his.
He is a conniving liar, Spence.
What did he say?
OK.
I know this is out of nowhere
and it's last minute.
But he said he wants us to go
with him
to Savannah for your
grandmother's
80th birthday party.
No!
Do you know how selfish that is
for him to even ask me that?
But I want to fix this.
I want to fix this. - No.
No. No.
No.
You're trying to fix me.
[SCOFFS]
Yeah.
[SIGHS] I'm going to go.
I have to leave. - Babe?
OK. Good night.
Babe?
[SIGHS] Where are my shoes?
I live here.
You-- you go.
OK.
[SIGHS]
I know you lived here.
I didn't know what you were
doing.
[KNOCKING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Did you think about it?
Yeah.
And?
[SIGHS] Yeah.
You know, I just--
I don't-- I don't want to.
I have no desire to mend my
relationship with him. .
I know that sounds horrible.
But it's true.
Baby, he stalked me.
- I know. - No.
I want you to think about that.
Almost to the point of getting
arrested,
he stalked me for three weeks.
Baby, he wanted me to lie and
tell you he was dying.
He's crafty.
No, baby.
He's desperate.
[SIGHS] So maybe you could look
deep
inside that beautiful heart of
yours
and do this because he needs it.
Not because you do.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Look at these.
That's pretty.
Mhm.
What you reading?
My favorite magazine.
[LAUGHS] Are you're really ready
to do this, Nima?
I thought about it all night.
But I've decided I'm going to go
to Savannah.
It should earn me double heaven
points.
Heaven points?
Yes.
When you perform selfless acts,
you get points
that help get you into heaven.
Everyone knows that.
[DOORBELL RINGS] - Uh huh.
Who's here?
I'm not expecting anybody.
Oh, it's probably Charles.
Charles?
Charles who?
He's just a friend of mine.
Why-- why is Charles at my
door?
Well, he doesn't live far from
here.
And since I was coming to see
you--
well, it didn't make sense for
him to drive across town.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[LAUGHTER]
You are looking too good today.
[LAUGHS] - Oh.
Mm. Oh.
Mm.
Mm.
[FAKE COUGHS]
Good afternoon.
Oh, [LAUGHS] you must be Nima,
the beautiful daughter
of this beautiful woman.
[LAUGHS]
And you are?
Charles Covington, Dr. Charles
Covington.
Ah.
You work with my mom at the
hospital.
Oh, yes. Yeah.
I'm a gynecologist.
Mhm.
Of course you are.
Where are you taking my mother?
Oh, I've had the finest
restaurant downtown shut down
just so we could dance alone.
Oh.
Romantic, huh?
Sounds like a waste of money.
Oh, my dear.
Nothing is a waste of money when
you have enough.
[LAUGHS] Yeah.
You're like P. Diddy of
reproduction.
Diddy?
Yeah.
I like that. - No.
Could you wait right here one
minute?
Maybe.
[LAUGHS] What is wrong with
you?
Momma, who is that crazy dude?
He's my date.
[CLEARS THROAT]
He is a bad decision.
[FOOTSTEPS]
Yeah.
[LAUGHS]
[FOOTSTEPS]
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
I'll be right with you.
Can I help you?
Yeah.
I-- I want to use one of the
pianos?
Oh, yes.
Just sign in right here.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
Ms. Babineaux, what are you
doing here?
I thought it was your day off.
It is.
Did I leave my music sheets
here?
Oh. Yes.
You did.
Thanks.
Does that say Othell Babineaux?
Spence told me to give you this
whenever you found out.
He paid for some gentlemen to
use the extra piano
to practice for some gig.
Of course he did.
He was only supposed to be here
on your day off.
[PIANO MUSIC]
[DISCORDANT PIANO MUSIC]
[PAPERS RUSTLING]
[HUMMING]
[LAUGHS] Hey, Mr. Babineaux.
You know, I thought I said, um,
I could come get you.
Oh, well.
You know, I wanted to show you
this.
[LAUGHS] - Oh, OK.
'Cause that saves time.
Othell?
Well, you're looking better.
You look really nice yourself.
It's really good to see you
again.
Oh, I got to go.
[SINGING] Are you ready my
love?
Mm.
Hey.
Hello, Nima.
SPENCE: It's going to be a long
trip.
Finally getting on the road.
Would anyone like a Lancaster
soft cream?
You used to love caramel, Nima.
I love these things.
[LAUGHS] Yeah.
I used to--
OK.
[CAR ENGINE STARTS]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Is it Othell?
Momma!
Momma!
[LAUGHS] Momma!
Wow.
You made it.
Go on back to the table,
Malinda.
All these extra people.
MOTHER: Oh, I'm so happy to see
you!
How are you?
Well, I'm doing fine, Momma.
I'm fine.
You put on a few extra pounds
there, son.
[LAUGHS] - Yes.
I have.
I have.
Well, who these young,
attractive people you
got which you?
Momma, that's Nima.
And her fiance, Spence.
My granddaughter.
Oh, baby!
Oh!
I've been waiting my whole life
to meet you.
Well, let's go on in.
Y'all are just in time for
dinner.
[LAUGHS]
[SIGHS] Look who's here.
[LAUGHS]
Hey, everybody.
- Y'all not going to say hello?
- Hello.
Hey, bro.
Well, O brought his daughter,
Nima, and her finance, Spence.
Well, this is your uncle, James,
and his wife, Denise.
People used to always say that
James and Othell
looked the most alike.
[LAUGHS] This is your uncle
Joseph, and his wife, Nancy.
Joseph is the quiet one of the
bunch.
And this is my second oldest,
Malinda.
And my youngest, Marvin.
[LAUGHS] His family couldn't
make it.
Well, y'all go on and sit down.
His family never makes it.
MOTHER: Well, y'all know that
I'm not much for words.
Oh, right, Momma.
But I just wanted to say thank
you, all of you,
for coming out to my 80ty
birthday party.
I want to thank my second eldest
Malinda.
She did a beautiful job with
this fine.
Oh, thank you.
And I want to thank James and
Joseph
for the cake and the lovely
portrait for the living room.
But I am most excited that
Othell
and my granddaughter, Nima are
sitting at this table together.
Oh, Nima and Spence.
I'm so glad to have you here.
Let's eat!
Yes.
Momma, did James tell you about
his good news?
No, baby.
What happened?
Momma, I was offered a position
at Hinnick and White.
My baby brother now works for
the largest
law firm in the country.
Soon to be walking in his
father's footsteps,
becoming a judge.
MOTHER: Congratulations, baby.
Joseph has good news, too.
Go ahead.
Go on.
Tell her.
I passed the bar.
JAMES: Oh, congratulations, baby
brother.
[LAUGHTER AND CLAPPING]
Oh, now.
Let's see, Dad, god rest his
soul, was an esteemed judge.
Momma, a retired nurse.
I'm a doctor.
We have two lawyers.
And Marvin, he's a top financial
advisor.
Yes.
Oh, good.
Othell, what do you do?
MOTHER: Your brother's fine,
Malinda.
Momma, I know he's fine.
It's just been such a long time.
Yes.
I haven't seen him in years.
I don't remember what he does.
I have a--
a car repair shop.
You have?
Or you had?
Malinda!
No, Momma.
This is a special day for
family.
Not for a man who was too drunk
to attend
his own Father's funeral.
MOTHER: Would you shut up?
How could you ruin my birthday
party
with your stupid, stuck up ways?
I'm sorry. MOTHER: Shut up!
I'm sorry, Momma.
I'm sorry.
MOTHER: You shut up!
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
What do you say we talk a walk.
Check out the pond.
Oh, man.
I haven't seen the pond in
years.
Sure.
It's still there.
[LAUGHS] All right.
I'll-- I'll get something out of
the car.
I'll catch up with you. - All
right.
OK.
[LAUGHTER]
Lot of memories down here.
Yeah.
Yeah.
[LAUGHTER]
What you-- what you-- what you
been up to, man?
Now, I tried to--
I tried to call you a couple of
times.
Your number keep changing.
Oh, I ain't been doing nothing,
man.
[SIGHS]
Did you ever get your gig back
at the club?
No.
Mm.
I got a promotion on Friday.
$10,000 raise.
[LAUGHS] My wife, she's pregnant
with our third child.
Good things are happening.
[LAUGHS] And I hate it.
I-- I hate my life, Othell.
What?
I hate my job.
I hate-- I don't like my wife
very much.
Ah, I'm living the life I ain't
choosed.
It's 'cause Daddy chose it for
you.
I-- I didn't like it.
But I understood why you--
why you-- why you didn't come to
the funeral.
No.
You were only one out of all of
us
who ever went after your dreams.
Instead of just-- just doing
what Senior told us to do.
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah.
And he hated me for it.
Y'all did.
I don't.
[SNIFFS] You-- you shut me out.
I was-- I was always envious of
you.
[LAUGHS] You know, I can't keep
a job to save my life.
I'm an alcoholic.
I lost my wife.
My best friend.
And my daughter wishes that I
was dead.
You envious of that?
Yeah.
At least you chose your misery.
[LAUGHS]
Oh, man.
[LAUGHS] You crazy, man.
You crazy.
Daddy, he-- he just didn't
understand you, Othell.
You-- you-- you scared him.
He-- he was a man of routine.
He knew one way to get to
success.
We all just fell in line.
You refused.
You know, the day he died, I
started
rummaging through the closet in
the library.
Remember, he didn't like anybody
going in there.
He kept these.
Those are the play bills, man.
He was proud of you, brother.
He just didn't know how to show
it.
[SNIFFS] Thank you.
Thank you, man.
Oh, come on, now. Wait!
Wait! Wait!
[STRUGGLING AND SCREAMING]
No, no, no, no.
What's going on? What's going
on?
What's going on, Nima?
Your daughter slapped Malinda.
She did?
Yes.
Say something else about my
momma and I'll do it again.
Come on. Stop it.
You get this little
illegitimate seed
out of my Momma's house!
- [SCREAMING INCOHERENTLY] -
Enough!
Enough!
Enough!
What [INAUDIBLE] James?
Have mercy!
You want to kill me on my
birthday.
Huh?
No, ma'am.
Now quiet, Malinda.
Now this is your brother.
This is your blood.
He is family.
Well, where was family during
Daddy's funeral?
Malinda!
Where was blood then, Momma?
Malinda!
Where was he?
When Daddy kept calling for him?
When they took him off that
machine?
It is over.
This is done now.
Malinda, not a day goes by that
I don't regret
not coming to Daddy's funeral.
Oh, you don't even have to do
that.
No, Momma.
Momma, please.
Let me say this.
I should have been there.
But I let my pride and my anger
stop me.
I let my pride ruin a lot of
things.
James, Joe, Marvin, Malinda,
man, I was so foolish.
And I'm sorry.
I'm really-- I'm really, really
sorry that I
hurt my family like that.
That's enough.
Oh, oh, that's enough, baby.
That's good.
Now we gonna put all of this
behind us.
Now, Nima and Spence.
Y'all gonna stay in the guest
rooms.
No, no.
We made a reservation at a
hotel.
Good!
Not anymore.
Yes, ma'am.
Now, who is going to have some
cake with me?
Today was a mess, Spence.
Tell me about it.
I can't believe you smacked that
woman in the mouth.
She earned that slap.
You know, it's funny how the
remark that preceded the slap
was about Othell, not your mom.
- No, it wasn't. - Yeah.
It was. Yeah.
I standing right there and she
said that Othell
it was worthless and--
You know, it doesn't matter.
Came up with some new names.
They better be good this time.
Kennedy for a girl.
And Josiah for a boy.
I actually love those.
Yeah?
Well, I think we should get
started on them
right during the honeymoon.
Hey!
No.
We said two years. Remember?
I don't remember saying two
years.
I think that we should it right
now.
[LAUGHTER]
Yeah.
We should start on that right
away.
[CLEARS THROAT] Spencer your
room is upstairs.
[LAUGHS]
- See, we usually-- - Not in my
house.
Yes, ma'am.
Um, I'm gonna pack my stuff.
I'm gonna go up-- upstairs.
[LAUGHS]
[FOOTSTEPS]
I thought we made up.
No, we haven't.
When you going to get over
this?
Yeah.
You gave me money to start my
car repair shop.
And it failed.
Businesses fail every day.
No, you fail every day.
You know, you hated me since we
were little.
Yes I have.
I got straight A's!
I've got awards!
I got accepted into one of the
finest medical institutions
in this nation!
And my father complained the
whole time about you!
He couldn't even acknowledge our
accomplishments
without saying that he was glad
that they
were not your failures.
You were his beloved project.
He reveled in your dysfunction.
The tortured artiste while we
worked hard for his love.
And he showered you with it.
Oh, Daddy hated me.
And you know it!
He didn't hate you!
You always opted to go to the
pain!
To go for the godless!
You know you lived in that
space!
Was it easier?
Huh?
Is it easier than trying?
Is it easier than being
successful?
Is that easier than being loved?
I tried, Malinda! I try!
I try! - You tried?
What about what I paid for you
to go back to school
10 years ago and you quit?
What about what I paid for your
first car?
You were too cheap to pay for
the insurance?
What about when I paid for the
bulk of your wedding
to my best friend?
Jeanette was my best friend and
you ruined it!
Oh!
I've already apologized for all
that.
Yes.
But you still refuse to do
anything with your life.
You look, I'm through talking
about this.
[MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC]
Nima?
Nima!
Nima!
Little boy!
[LAUGHS] What do you need at
this hour?
I left my toothbrush in-- uh, I
left
my toothbrush in Nima's bag.
I packed it in there.
Mhm.
Just a minute.
[MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC]
Toothbrush.
You know, mine it has the
little--
Good night, Spence.
This'll work.
[LAUGHS]
[KNOCKING]
Come in!
[DOOR OPENS]
[LAUGHS]
Well, since you're up, I
thought maybe
we could talk for a minute.
[LAUGHS]
Yes, Miss Babineaux.
Oh, you could call me grandma,
if you want.
We love you, Nima.
I wish you had answered one of
those letters I sent
you when you was in college.
I understand.
When your parents split up,
Othell came to live with us.
And he tried.
He really did.
He tried so hard.
But then he just--
he just gave up.
Then my husband just kicked him
out.
But we should have--
we should have tried harder.
We should have forced our way
into your life.
And for that, I am very, very
sorry.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[SOBBING]
Thank you, baby.
[SOBBING]
[LAUGHS] Now, y'all get home
safe now.
You take care of yourself, son.
I will, Momma.
You take of Nima, too.
Thank you for the hospitality,
Mrs. Babineaux.
You are welcome any time,
Spence.
[LAUGHS]
Bye, everyone.
Oh, Nima, can I talk to you for
a moment?
[LAUGHS] I wanted to make sure
you had these before you left.
He spent his whole paycheck on
them, on your tenth birthday.
But he just didn't make it to
your party.
I've had them here ever since.
Sapphires.
It's my birth stone.
[LAUGHS]
I'm sorry.
I can't take this.
But they're yours!
They're from your dad!
I know.
I can't. I'm sorry.
Thank you.
OK.
[LAUGHS] You make it home safe
now.
OK.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[SIGHS] Listen, I know I told
you I needed to see more.
But the owner want to fill this
spot as soon as possible.
So I'm putting myself on the
line here, O.
Look, Bennie, man, I ain't
played in a long time.
You know?
I mean, I'm-- I'm still
practicing.
Ah, it's like riding a bike,
baby.
You got this.
You know?
Yeah.
I know but-- see if I'd known
you were going to--
[CLEARS THROAT]
Hey.
I'm Othell Babineaux.
All right.
Let's go.
[SIGHS] It's been, you know,
it's been a while.
See, most of the time, I, like,
fix cars and so--
so it's been a while.
[FOOTSTEPS]
Stop wasting my time.
Damn.
[THUNDER AND AMBIENT STREET
NOISE]
NOISE]
Jeannette?
It's O. Can we talk?
Hey.
Hello.
You look beautiful, as usual.
You have 10 minutes.
Jeannette, can't we chat a
minute?
Now you have nine.
Well, Nima hates me a little
less after Savannah.
Perhaps.
Did she tell you that she
slapped Malinda?
[LAUGHS] Yes.
How is Malinda?
Oh, she misses you.
Still no drinking?
This is water.
Almost three months.
Well, actually, it's been two
months, 12 days,
and three and a half hours.
You cannot mess this up.
You've never even given me a
chance to mess up.
What about the club?
I went to get my gig back and
froze up.
[SIGHS] What did you want to
show me?
I know it's Nima's birthday
Tuesday.
Yeah.
What is this?
I want to do something special.
You want to take her to the
bistro?
You think she'll go?
[SIGHS] See what I can do.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[CHILDREN LAUGHING AND PLAYING
IN DISTANCE]
IN DISTANCE]
[KNOCKING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Nima?
Nima, I thought we were meeting
at the restaurant.
You remind me so much of your
mother.
I know you want to know why I
wasn't there.
And why it seems like I didn't
try.
But I don't have those answers.
I ask myself the same thing
every day.
I always thought you deserved a
father.
Just one much better than me.
I know this won't be worth much
to you.
But you're the kind of daughter
a father would dream of having.
Smart, talented.
Just-- just some things I needed
you to know.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[DOOR CLOSES]
BENNIE: Have a seat.
OTHELL: What's up, man?
Well, I called you down here
because I
thought about it a lot.
Talk to Jax.
I let Jax know that you're
working on being clean
and you're succeeding.
So I got you another audition
tomorrow.
Come on, man.
We go way back.
We done played hundreds of gigs
together.
It's just a walk down memory
lane.
Except you clean this time.
Well, [SIGHS] I--
I am clean, you know.
I'm clean.
I'm clean.
No shakes.
No nothing.
But--
Ain't no buts, brother.
Tell me you got it.
- Tomorrow? - Tomorrow at 10:00.
[SIGHS] All right.
I'll be ready.
Why can't they sit next to each
other?
Trust me.
They shouldn't.
Has your boss RSVP'd yet?
Yeah.
They're right here.
They want fish and steak.
Good job.
[SIGHS] We're done?
- We're done. - All done?
All done.
Ah!
[LAUGHS] [SIGHS] Finally.
[LAUGHS]
[SIGHS] Excited?
Mhm.
Did you finish the music for
your concert?
Yes.
I did.
And you're inviting your dad?
No.
I'm not inviting him.
Hm.
Mhm.
OK.
Don't even think about doing
that.
Think about what? What?
What I do?
I know you.
Just don't.
I was not--
not going to invite your dad.
No, I mean it!
[PIANO MUSIC]
[CELL PHONE RINGING]
[SIGHS] Bennie?
It's Spence.
Right. Yeah.
It's good to hear.
Hey, listen.
Nima's is doing a small
performance
for friends and family.
It would mean a lot if you were
there.
But I need you to wear a suit.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Between you and me.
All right.
You ready?
Time to shine, baby!
All right.
Thank you, man.
Don't thank him yet.
[PIANO MUSIC]
Looks like we found our new
piano player.
That's right!
[LAUGHS] Congrats, baby boy!
You back!
[WOMEN CHATTING INDISTINCTLY]
- Hey, babe. - Hey, ladies.
Hey! How are you?
That's my seat.
You were late.
- Sit right here, hon. - Snooze,
you lose.
I'm sorry.
I get the nice few view for
once.
So she was telling me that she
likes her father again.
No.
She's not saying that she likes
her father.
She's saying that she's trying.
- [SCOFFS] - OK.
Don't do that.
She needs to reconcile with him.
This is a good, mature decision.
No.
Yes.
He had his chance.
Why did he get the best part of
her now?
He missed the teenage attitude
and the impoverished college
years.
She's all shiny and grown up
now.
All right.
Maybe you didn't hear that, but
Nima
told us his whole life story.
The man is damaged.
That accounts for his absence.
Come on now, he's trying.
I think she's setting herself
up to get hurt again.
OK. You are such a hypocrite.
You spoke to your father,
remember?
Yeah.
Because he was dying.
Othell still has some time to
suffer.
OK.
The point is, she's making some
huge emotional strides
in her life.
And we need to be there for her,
OK?
Well, is he coming to the
wedding?
Oh, I'm permitted to speak?
Yeah.
No, he's not.
Oh!
It would be weird.
OK.
Fine by me.
Now, can we talk about something
less depressing?
Like boys?
No. I said less depressing.
OK.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Oh, come on, man.
I-- I thought I had a suit in
here.
Well, hello.
Hey.
I can't wait to hear your
music, baby.
I can't wait either.
[LAUGHS]
Um, before you get started, I
got something to tell you?
What?
I, um, I invited your father.
What did he say?
He said he was coming.
OK.
I guess that's OK.
Yeah?
Mhm.
All right.
Do great.
Sh-- Agh!
Sh--
[CRASHING]
[PANTING]
I want to thank you all for
coming.
It means so much.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[DISCORDANT PIANO MUSIC]
[SOBBING] Sorry.
Sorry.
I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!
[SOBBING]
Could everyone please give us a
minute?
[SOBBING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Ah, Nima, listen, I--
Shut up.
Just shut up!
I'm-- I'm tired of talking about
what you don't do.
Let's talk about what you did!
I'm a mess because of you!
I can't love my fiancee the way
I want to because of you!
I am curt, I'm mean, and I'm
dissatisfied
with life because of you!
I so desperately wanted to be a
daddy's girl.
I clung to my mother's father
for dear life.
And when he died, so did a piece
of me.
[SOBBING] I've put the burden on
my mother to be
my everything because of you!
And you know what kills me?
I keep waiting for Spence to
leave.
Because I can't possibly wrap my
mind around why he would stay!
Because you didn't!
You're my dad!
Dads are supposed to be there!
Because I'm yours!
[SOBBING] Don't ever contact me
again!
Jeanette, you're never going to
tell her, are you?
[DOOR CLOSES]
I'm OK.
I just had to get that out.
[SIGHS]
You sure?
I don't want to talk about it.
But aren't you like at least a
little concerned
about why he didn't show up?
Are you serious?
Why don't you ever take my side?
It's not about taking sides.
I'm not taking anybody's side.
It's just that we were making
some really
good strides and all of a--
We?
The last time I checked, I was
the one
who was given the ultimatum
about getting to know my dad,
or losing my fiancee.
I never said that.
I didn't-- I never said those
words.
I--
Spence, look, I grew up without
a father.
And surprise, surprise.
It has affected me negatively.
Do you know how many books I've
read?
How many articles I've combed
through, trying to be better?
I have made peace with the fact
that I am not going
to be the girl who has a dad!
You haven't made peace.
You're the opposite of peace.
You make war, Nima.
You make war with me every day.
You make war with yourself.
You're not at-- not at peace.
[SOBBING] Spence, I am broken.
I didn't ask for you to make me
whole.
I just want you to love the
pieces.
You think I don't?
But you-- you can fix those
pieces.
You could fix them if you chose
to.
I don't even know why we're
getting married.
What did you say?
What did you say?
You heard what I said!
I don't think we should be
getting married.
I mean, look at us!
- You don't want to get married?
- No!
I don't want to get married!
You don't want to get married
to me?
Look at me!
Look at us!
I don't want to get married like
this.
You don't even like me! - Fine.
Fine.
Fine.
Can you please just stop the
car so I--
No. I'm not stopping.
No.
No.
You're not going run away from
me.
Stop the car so I can get out!
Can you stop the car now?
[DOOR OPENS]
[AMBIENT BAR NOISE]
Hey.
What can I get for you?
I'll be back with you in a sec.
What in the world are you doing
in a place like this?
[SCOFFS] [LAUGHS] I should
knock you out
right here in this bar, man.
You-- you ruined my relationship
just like you ruined yours.
I missed the performance
tonight
because if she does forgive me,
I
ain't got nothing to give her.
I don't care anymore!
Everything all right?
So what you having, man?
Nothing.
He's an alcoholic.
Hey, get off me!
You're not going anywhere like
this.
Get off!
You're not driving anywhere
like--
I said get off!
I said-- I said get off!
You're not driving anywhere
like this.
Now, give me the keys.
Give me the keys!
I'm taking you home and you're
going to sober up!
And go apologize to your future
wife!
Now you come on.
Come on, son.
Come on.
[PIANO MUSIC]
[KNOCKING]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[DOOR OPENS]
Rough night?
Rum.
I think I had too much rum.
[LAUGHS]
It's not funny.
Baby, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Spencer, I don't want to be in a
marriage
where you won't let me be my
true self.
I know.
Me, too.
And giving you my everything,
it isn't hard.
It's scary.
It takes courage for you to love
me the way you love me.
And I always want to reciprocate
that.
You do.
And I'm sorry if I'm--
if I don't make you feel like
that.
I'm so happy.
You have to know that.
But you have to let me--
let me do things on my own time.
OK.
Baby, do you still want to marry
me?
Yes.
Mm.
How much rum did you have?
A lot.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Oh, this is so nice.
Well, it actually is, Momma.
There is no way that I would
ever come to my grandbaby's
wedding without you.
You need to be here.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[LAUGHS] Ah!
Oh, let me look at you.
Look at you!
You haven't aged a day.
Well, neither have you.
Look at you.
Oh, my.
I'm just here because--
MOTHER: You are her father.
Jeanette and I, we had a long
talk last night.
She's going to make it right,
today.
[FOOTSTEPS]
I am.
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Hi, baby.
Hey, Momma.
Come here, sweetheart.
I want to talk to you for a
minute.
What's wrong?
Oh, this is so hard for me to
say.
I've been lying to you about
your father.
What do you mean?
I know I've made it seem like
he never tried to--
to see you, or call you, or send
you cards on your birthday,
but he did.
He sent you letters for years.
Along with little gifts on your
birthday.
And he sent you money, wherever
he had at the time.
Momma, why would you hide this
from me?
I loved your father so much,
Nima.
And when he left, he took my
heart with him.
I was just so mad.
All I what was him.
I didn't care about the money or
any of that.
I just wanted him.
But he never got it.
So when he left, I just decided
that I
would make him feel the same
pain that I
felt by keeping you away.
[SOBBING] You tell me this on
my wedding day?
I'm so sorry, sweetheart.
I just want you to have a fresh
start.
[SOBBING] [SIGHS] Thank you.
You know, one day you just wake
up
and you decide not to be mad
anymore.
Today is that day.
Sweetheart.
He's here.
[KNOCKING]
[INAUDIBLE] Nima, are you ready
yet?
Mhm.
Help me fix my face.
OK.
Today is your day to make the
memories that you want.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[SINGING] When I'm falling,
won't you save
me, hold me, hold me, hold me.
Boy, I'm ready.
Won't you save me?
They can't stop us.
They won't break the
[INAUDIBLE]..
It's only me and you, won't say
what's on your mind?
Boy there ain't no rules because
for you I'd rather die.
I'll catch a grenade, take a
bullet--
Who give this woman away?
Uh, she does.
[LAUGHTER]
Well, I-- I mean, I do.
But mainly her.
We do.
OK.
[SINGING] They can't stop us.
They won't break the
[INAUDIBLE]..
[ICE CUBES JINGLING]
[LAUGHS] Wow.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Oh, [LAUGHS] Sheila!
[CLEARS THROAT]
[CLEARS THROAT] This, uh--
this was really a beautiful
wedding.
[LAUGHS]
Yeah, it actually is.
You look wonderful. - Oh, thank
you.
You do too. - Thank you.
I love that dress.
You always did look good in
pink.
Oh, thank you.
You're welcome.
[LAUGHS]
I've really missed you.
Oh.
Well, I missed you, too.
[LAUGHS] Girl,
I'm so happy for you.
She's gorgeous, isn't she?
And feisty, too.
Do you know that she hit me?
[LAUGHS]
I heard!
I told you, I said, I'm going
to get you!
[LAUGHS]
I could not believe that when
they told me.
I am so sorry.
That's OK.
[INAUDIBLE] Oh, it's so nice to
get to talk to you again.
We have a last minute surprise
for the happy couple.
For their first dance, we'd like
to serenade them in style.
Please let me introduce the
bride's
father, Mr. Othell Babineaux.
[APPLAUSE]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[DISCORDANT PIANO MUSIC]
[FOOTSTEPS]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[APPLAUSE]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[SINGING] All the hurtful things
we said created tension
and built walls in my head.
Around in circles we began.
This never ending argument ends.
And you know how it goes.
I blame you.
You blame me.
No one wants to give in to the
other.
When has war ever made peace?
I thought we loved each other.
If we don't find something much
greater
we may wake up 20 years later.
Looking back, we'll subtract all
the time we waste.
We attack and react.
We don't want to change.
If the fight don't kill us, then
our pride just may.
And I can't carry this one more
day.
It ain't worth it.
It ain't worth the wait.
It ain't worth the wait.
You're my sister, you're my
friend, the only one
who truly sees who I am.
Girl, you know me and how I get.
And I know far too well to ever
let, let it get to the point
I blame you, you blame me.
No one wants to give in to the
other.
When has war ever made peace?
I thought we loved each other.
THERAPIST: You make your list of
amends?
Yeah. Yeah.
Got 'em-- got 'em right here.
Here you are.
THERAPIST: No. Please read
aloud.
Number one, to see my daughter.
Get her to talk to me again.
THERAPIST: How long it been now?
Eight years.
Number two, get my gig back at
the club.
Playing piano down at Drake's?
Yeah.
Number three, get my family to
forgive me.
THERAPIST: What you're doing
first?
My daughter.
THERAPIST: What are you going to
do?
I've got a plan.
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
[SIGHS]
[SIGHS]
[NEWSPAPER RUSTLING]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[SIGHS]
[CELL PHONE RINGING]
[CELL PHONE BEEPING]
VOICE MAIL: You have one unheard
message sent today at 9:35 AM.
Hello, Othell.
I got your voice message.
And my answer is no.
No, I will not help you see
Nima.
She doesn't want to see you.
She doesn't need to see you.
She's good now.
And I'm-- I'm good too.
Don't call me again.
And don't contact Nima.
[CELL PHONE BEEPING]
Hey, baby.
What are you working on?
Just some new projects.
Mhm.
What are you up to?
Here's your lunch I promised.
Oh.
Oh.
[LAUGHS]
[CLEARS THROAT]
Did you make this?
I did.
Try it.
Oh, turkey.
It's good.
Do you think I'm thoughtful?
Hm?
I was reading this article on
perfect partnerships.
And it says that a good partner
is always thoughtful.
That's why I'm asking if you
think I'm thoughtful.
Yes.
I think you are very thoughtful.
Absolutely.
And I think about all the
thoughtful things you do.
And the thoughtful person you
are.
And I just-- I get misty eyed.
Stop it.
Go on and eat.
Yeah. Eat it right now?
Mhm.
With you watching me?
Just take a bite. I want to see
if you like it.
Yeah.
Mm.
[LAUGHS]
I was thinking, do you think
having
your father walk me down the
aisle is going to look weird?
Would you rather your father do
it?
Not unless there was a firing
squad at the other end.
[SCOFFS]
OK.
Are you picking me up for
dinner?
Absolutely.
I'm going to go finish up the
music for my concert.
How's that coming?
It's good.
I'm just a little bit nervous.
It's the first time I'm
composing several pieces.
Oh.
Don't be.
You're great.
You are talented.
You're beautiful.
I'll see you tonight.
Absolutely.
Eat all your lunch.
[LAUGHS]
- Bye bye. - Bye.
Mm.
[SIGHS]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[SINGING] Play now.
Pay later.
That's how my granny raised us.
Every now and again I get caught
slippin'
till I remember what my father
said.
He said, be that, whatever it
is.
Be that.
And you'll never have to wonder
what
it is you would have should
have,
could have, would have done.
Be that.
Whatever it is, just be that.
And you'll never have to wonder
it is you would have.
As long as you believe in me.
Then you will be what your dad's
gonna be.
That's why I'm enjoying every
moment.
Every day is another step in the
race
to me getting where I'm going.
If you walkin' then I'm running.
Straight up I live for the day
my momma could say,
I knew he would be something.
Yeah.
Play now, pay later.
That's how my granny raised us.
And every now and again--
[KNOCKING]
How can I help you?
You. - No, no.
There's no need for that. -
Security?
I need you in here right now.
You don't need to do that.
I just want to talk to you for a
few minutes.
I know how it looks.
Just wait right there.
Security!
I know you're thinking it's
something else.
But I just need a few minutes of
your time.
Security!
If you could just give me two
minutes of your time, sir.
You don't really know me.
But you do kind of know me.
SECURITY OFFICER: Come with me,
sir.
Look, I'm Nima's father!
We got a breach.
Nima Simone Babineaux, born
September 20, 1985.
She has a scar on the knee that
she tells people come from,
um, climbing a tree when she was
eight.
I mean, that girl's never
climbed a tree in her life.
He's OK.
- You sure? - Yeah.
That girl ain't climbed no
trees.
I'll be right outside.
Mr. Babineaux.
So you're Nima's father?
Yes.
Well, uh, what can I do for
you?
I need you to help me find a way
that I could see Nima.
You know, I really wish I could
help you.
But I don't think she wants to
see you.
I need you to make it so that
she does.
Mr. Babineaux, I'm just meeting
you for the first time.
And Nima barely mentions you.
Let's say I'm dying.
Hm.
Are you dying, Mr. Babineaux?
A little.
You're dying a little?
I don't follow.
My counselor told me that I
could have
died if I didn't stop drinking.
You could have died.
Did you stop drinking?
Yes.
But I could have died.
Can we play that up? - No.
I'm sorry.
I wish I could help you.
But I really can't.
My counselor wanted me to work
on this list.
I'm sorry.
I-- I wish I could help.
I really do.
I just-- I have way too much on
my plate right now.
Sorry.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Babe, how was your day?
Interesting.
Why?
What happened?
Nothing.
Just, uh, had to turn down a
project.
Busy with more important things.
Hm.
Well, don't be mad.
I paid for the flowers today.
[SIGHS]
I just wanted it done.
No, you just-- you just didn't
trust me to do
what I said I was going to do.
I told you I was going to take
care of the flowers.
And you decided to handle it
yourself.
Spence, let's not get in an
argument over calla lillies.
It's not about the flowers.
It's never about just flowers.
It's-- I told you I was--
Hey, Nima.
Mr. Babineaux, what are you
doing here?
I thought maybe we could talk.
SPENCE: [SIGHS] Right now
probably
isn't-- isn't the best time.
Nima?
Nice.
Nima!
[FOOTSTEPS]
[CAR DINGING]
[DOOR CLOSES]
How do you know him?
I don't.
He showed up at my office today.
Did you invite him?
No.
He came by to ask if I could
help him talk to you.
You just listened to what he
had to say.
I mean, yeah.
After everything I've told you.
Baby, all you ever said was
that he wasn't around.
Any time his name comes up, you
get so angry we
can't even have a conversation.
What else would I have to say?
What-- what you expect me to
do?
Can you please take me home?
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Are you mad at me?
Just take me home.
Oh, Mr. Babineaux.
Well, y'all will never believe
who I saw yesterday.
Who?
Mm.
My father. - Oh.
What?
Yes.
My father.
Did you shank him?
Did you toss hot grease in his
lap?
Did you open palm slap him? I
need details.
OK.
Rochelle, she would never do
that.
I would absolutely do all of
that, Tiffany.
Um, [LAUGHS] but I didn't.
I just left.
Why was he there in the first
place?
Spence claims that he came by
the office to see him.
And he asked for his help in
repairing our relationship.
[LAUGHS] Cute.
No. - Exactly.
Mhm. No.
It's time for you to fix things
with him.
You're getting married.
What is getting married have to
do with any of that?
Because you're starting a new
life.
And typically, you want all to
be well in your world.
All is well.
You know what?
You just-- you don't understand.
OK.
I see.
It's because I have a dad,
right?
Mm? Is that what it is?
Yes.
OK.
You two, I--
But Rochelle and I have the
better versions of dads.
TIFFANY: OK. What's that?
They're called moms.
Whatever.
ROCHELLE: You know what?
[LAUGHTER]
[PIANO MUSIC]
Ooh!
[LAUGHS]
Othell Babineaux.
Come here, Ben.
Benny Mitchell.
How you doing, brother?
[INAUDIBLE] cat daddy.
Oh, man.
I ain't seen you in, what?
Five years?
And we were in that Mexican
jail.
You were in that Mexican jail.
Stop.
[LAUGHS] You playing anywhere?
Oh, well, you know, I'm--
I fix cars.
All that talent and you
changing oil?
You got something here for me,
Benny?
Ah, man.
I can't.
Not after the missed practices.
Showing up to gigs drunk.
I mean-- punched a guy in the
audience, Othell.
He was heckling me, man.
He was clapping, O.
Look, I need this, Benny.
I'm clean.
How long?
Two months, four days, and 7
and 1/2 hours.
[LAUGHS] Oh, I'm rooting for
you more than anybody.
But you got to prove you can be
a reliable musician, man.
I got another spot for a piano
player.
But I can only give it to
someone who's going to show up
on time, come to rehearsal
without a bottle in his hand,
and not throw up during the set,
brother!
It happened once.
It was on the bass player.
[LAUGHS] Jimmy's still mad
about that, huh?
Suit was new.
[SIGHS]
Look, you stay clean another
month, come back to see me.
You know, I can look at you and
tell you ain't ready yet.
Let me introduce you to my wife,
Martha, right here.
Hey, baby!
[FOOTSTEPS]
You have got to be kidding me.
You still stalking me?
I want you and Nima to come to
my Momma's 80th birthday party
in Savannah.
Well, goodbye, Mr. Babineaux.
Wait. Wait.
Wait, Spence, please. Just give
me a minute.
You know, I made it very clear
to you before.
I can't help you.
And instead of sitting down
and-- and--
and figuring out what you could
do for your daughter,
the first thing you do is ask
her to do something for you.
You're everything she always
said you were.
You're selfish.
Then-- then don't do this for
me.
Do it for Nima.
Come on, Spence.
You're a good man.
But we both know that deep down
inside Nima wants to fix this,
too.
[LAUGHS] You're a psychologist
now.
No, no.
But I let my issues with my
daddy ruin my marriage.
Well, I'm not going to let that
happen to ours.
You can't control how people
respond to pain.
I don't want to hurt her again.
I just want a chance.
Will you give me that?
Are you going to finish this?
SPENCE: Baby, you want a drink?
Hm?
No.
I'm fine.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[SIGHS]
Baby?
Mhm?
What's the story with your dad?
I need to know.
Yeah.
You know what?
I don't like talking about him.
Not even for me?
[SIGHS]
Please?
Why the sudden interest?
It's not sudden.
I always wanted to know.
Baby, that's in the past.
That has nothing to do with you
and me.
Except that it has absolutely
everything
to do with you and me.
What does that mean?
Baby, you don't trust me.
Yes, I do.
Not with your whole heart.
You remember when your
grandfather was terminally ill?
You didn't tell me for two
weeks.
And you claimed it was because I
was busy at work.
But I'm never too busy for you.
[SIGHS]
You don't trust me emotionally.
OK.
Wait.
Where is this coming from?
Did you talk to him again?
A little.
You talked him a little?
I-- he-- look, he came by my job
today when I was having lunch
and we talked.
He's actually getting to you.
These are my feelings.
They're not his.
He is a conniving liar, Spence.
What did he say?
OK.
I know this is out of nowhere
and it's last minute.
But he said he wants us to go
with him
to Savannah for your
grandmother's
80th birthday party.
No!
Do you know how selfish that is
for him to even ask me that?
But I want to fix this.
I want to fix this. - No.
No. No.
No.
You're trying to fix me.
[SCOFFS]
Yeah.
[SIGHS] I'm going to go.
I have to leave. - Babe?
OK. Good night.
Babe?
[SIGHS] Where are my shoes?
I live here.
You-- you go.
OK.
[SIGHS]
I know you lived here.
I didn't know what you were
doing.
[KNOCKING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Did you think about it?
Yeah.
And?
[SIGHS] Yeah.
You know, I just--
I don't-- I don't want to.
I have no desire to mend my
relationship with him. .
I know that sounds horrible.
But it's true.
Baby, he stalked me.
- I know. - No.
I want you to think about that.
Almost to the point of getting
arrested,
he stalked me for three weeks.
Baby, he wanted me to lie and
tell you he was dying.
He's crafty.
No, baby.
He's desperate.
[SIGHS] So maybe you could look
deep
inside that beautiful heart of
yours
and do this because he needs it.
Not because you do.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Look at these.
That's pretty.
Mhm.
What you reading?
My favorite magazine.
[LAUGHS] Are you're really ready
to do this, Nima?
I thought about it all night.
But I've decided I'm going to go
to Savannah.
It should earn me double heaven
points.
Heaven points?
Yes.
When you perform selfless acts,
you get points
that help get you into heaven.
Everyone knows that.
[DOORBELL RINGS] - Uh huh.
Who's here?
I'm not expecting anybody.
Oh, it's probably Charles.
Charles?
Charles who?
He's just a friend of mine.
Why-- why is Charles at my
door?
Well, he doesn't live far from
here.
And since I was coming to see
you--
well, it didn't make sense for
him to drive across town.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[LAUGHTER]
You are looking too good today.
[LAUGHS] - Oh.
Mm. Oh.
Mm.
Mm.
[FAKE COUGHS]
Good afternoon.
Oh, [LAUGHS] you must be Nima,
the beautiful daughter
of this beautiful woman.
[LAUGHS]
And you are?
Charles Covington, Dr. Charles
Covington.
Ah.
You work with my mom at the
hospital.
Oh, yes. Yeah.
I'm a gynecologist.
Mhm.
Of course you are.
Where are you taking my mother?
Oh, I've had the finest
restaurant downtown shut down
just so we could dance alone.
Oh.
Romantic, huh?
Sounds like a waste of money.
Oh, my dear.
Nothing is a waste of money when
you have enough.
[LAUGHS] Yeah.
You're like P. Diddy of
reproduction.
Diddy?
Yeah.
I like that. - No.
Could you wait right here one
minute?
Maybe.
[LAUGHS] What is wrong with
you?
Momma, who is that crazy dude?
He's my date.
[CLEARS THROAT]
He is a bad decision.
[FOOTSTEPS]
Yeah.
[LAUGHS]
[FOOTSTEPS]
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
I'll be right with you.
Can I help you?
Yeah.
I-- I want to use one of the
pianos?
Oh, yes.
Just sign in right here.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
Ms. Babineaux, what are you
doing here?
I thought it was your day off.
It is.
Did I leave my music sheets
here?
Oh. Yes.
You did.
Thanks.
Does that say Othell Babineaux?
Spence told me to give you this
whenever you found out.
He paid for some gentlemen to
use the extra piano
to practice for some gig.
Of course he did.
He was only supposed to be here
on your day off.
[PIANO MUSIC]
[DISCORDANT PIANO MUSIC]
[PAPERS RUSTLING]
[HUMMING]
[LAUGHS] Hey, Mr. Babineaux.
You know, I thought I said, um,
I could come get you.
Oh, well.
You know, I wanted to show you
this.
[LAUGHS] - Oh, OK.
'Cause that saves time.
Othell?
Well, you're looking better.
You look really nice yourself.
It's really good to see you
again.
Oh, I got to go.
[SINGING] Are you ready my
love?
Mm.
Hey.
Hello, Nima.
SPENCE: It's going to be a long
trip.
Finally getting on the road.
Would anyone like a Lancaster
soft cream?
You used to love caramel, Nima.
I love these things.
[LAUGHS] Yeah.
I used to--
OK.
[CAR ENGINE STARTS]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Is it Othell?
Momma!
Momma!
[LAUGHS] Momma!
Wow.
You made it.
Go on back to the table,
Malinda.
All these extra people.
MOTHER: Oh, I'm so happy to see
you!
How are you?
Well, I'm doing fine, Momma.
I'm fine.
You put on a few extra pounds
there, son.
[LAUGHS] - Yes.
I have.
I have.
Well, who these young,
attractive people you
got which you?
Momma, that's Nima.
And her fiance, Spence.
My granddaughter.
Oh, baby!
Oh!
I've been waiting my whole life
to meet you.
Well, let's go on in.
Y'all are just in time for
dinner.
[LAUGHS]
[SIGHS] Look who's here.
[LAUGHS]
Hey, everybody.
- Y'all not going to say hello?
- Hello.
Hey, bro.
Well, O brought his daughter,
Nima, and her finance, Spence.
Well, this is your uncle, James,
and his wife, Denise.
People used to always say that
James and Othell
looked the most alike.
[LAUGHS] This is your uncle
Joseph, and his wife, Nancy.
Joseph is the quiet one of the
bunch.
And this is my second oldest,
Malinda.
And my youngest, Marvin.
[LAUGHS] His family couldn't
make it.
Well, y'all go on and sit down.
His family never makes it.
MOTHER: Well, y'all know that
I'm not much for words.
Oh, right, Momma.
But I just wanted to say thank
you, all of you,
for coming out to my 80ty
birthday party.
I want to thank my second eldest
Malinda.
She did a beautiful job with
this fine.
Oh, thank you.
And I want to thank James and
Joseph
for the cake and the lovely
portrait for the living room.
But I am most excited that
Othell
and my granddaughter, Nima are
sitting at this table together.
Oh, Nima and Spence.
I'm so glad to have you here.
Let's eat!
Yes.
Momma, did James tell you about
his good news?
No, baby.
What happened?
Momma, I was offered a position
at Hinnick and White.
My baby brother now works for
the largest
law firm in the country.
Soon to be walking in his
father's footsteps,
becoming a judge.
MOTHER: Congratulations, baby.
Joseph has good news, too.
Go ahead.
Go on.
Tell her.
I passed the bar.
JAMES: Oh, congratulations, baby
brother.
[LAUGHTER AND CLAPPING]
Oh, now.
Let's see, Dad, god rest his
soul, was an esteemed judge.
Momma, a retired nurse.
I'm a doctor.
We have two lawyers.
And Marvin, he's a top financial
advisor.
Yes.
Oh, good.
Othell, what do you do?
MOTHER: Your brother's fine,
Malinda.
Momma, I know he's fine.
It's just been such a long time.
Yes.
I haven't seen him in years.
I don't remember what he does.
I have a--
a car repair shop.
You have?
Or you had?
Malinda!
No, Momma.
This is a special day for
family.
Not for a man who was too drunk
to attend
his own Father's funeral.
MOTHER: Would you shut up?
How could you ruin my birthday
party
with your stupid, stuck up ways?
I'm sorry. MOTHER: Shut up!
I'm sorry, Momma.
I'm sorry.
MOTHER: You shut up!
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
What do you say we talk a walk.
Check out the pond.
Oh, man.
I haven't seen the pond in
years.
Sure.
It's still there.
[LAUGHS] All right.
I'll-- I'll get something out of
the car.
I'll catch up with you. - All
right.
OK.
[LAUGHTER]
Lot of memories down here.
Yeah.
Yeah.
[LAUGHTER]
What you-- what you-- what you
been up to, man?
Now, I tried to--
I tried to call you a couple of
times.
Your number keep changing.
Oh, I ain't been doing nothing,
man.
[SIGHS]
Did you ever get your gig back
at the club?
No.
Mm.
I got a promotion on Friday.
$10,000 raise.
[LAUGHS] My wife, she's pregnant
with our third child.
Good things are happening.
[LAUGHS] And I hate it.
I-- I hate my life, Othell.
What?
I hate my job.
I hate-- I don't like my wife
very much.
Ah, I'm living the life I ain't
choosed.
It's 'cause Daddy chose it for
you.
I-- I didn't like it.
But I understood why you--
why you-- why you didn't come to
the funeral.
No.
You were only one out of all of
us
who ever went after your dreams.
Instead of just-- just doing
what Senior told us to do.
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah.
And he hated me for it.
Y'all did.
I don't.
[SNIFFS] You-- you shut me out.
I was-- I was always envious of
you.
[LAUGHS] You know, I can't keep
a job to save my life.
I'm an alcoholic.
I lost my wife.
My best friend.
And my daughter wishes that I
was dead.
You envious of that?
Yeah.
At least you chose your misery.
[LAUGHS]
Oh, man.
[LAUGHS] You crazy, man.
You crazy.
Daddy, he-- he just didn't
understand you, Othell.
You-- you-- you scared him.
He-- he was a man of routine.
He knew one way to get to
success.
We all just fell in line.
You refused.
You know, the day he died, I
started
rummaging through the closet in
the library.
Remember, he didn't like anybody
going in there.
He kept these.
Those are the play bills, man.
He was proud of you, brother.
He just didn't know how to show
it.
[SNIFFS] Thank you.
Thank you, man.
Oh, come on, now. Wait!
Wait! Wait!
[STRUGGLING AND SCREAMING]
No, no, no, no.
What's going on? What's going
on?
What's going on, Nima?
Your daughter slapped Malinda.
She did?
Yes.
Say something else about my
momma and I'll do it again.
Come on. Stop it.
You get this little
illegitimate seed
out of my Momma's house!
- [SCREAMING INCOHERENTLY] -
Enough!
Enough!
Enough!
What [INAUDIBLE] James?
Have mercy!
You want to kill me on my
birthday.
Huh?
No, ma'am.
Now quiet, Malinda.
Now this is your brother.
This is your blood.
He is family.
Well, where was family during
Daddy's funeral?
Malinda!
Where was blood then, Momma?
Malinda!
Where was he?
When Daddy kept calling for him?
When they took him off that
machine?
It is over.
This is done now.
Malinda, not a day goes by that
I don't regret
not coming to Daddy's funeral.
Oh, you don't even have to do
that.
No, Momma.
Momma, please.
Let me say this.
I should have been there.
But I let my pride and my anger
stop me.
I let my pride ruin a lot of
things.
James, Joe, Marvin, Malinda,
man, I was so foolish.
And I'm sorry.
I'm really-- I'm really, really
sorry that I
hurt my family like that.
That's enough.
Oh, oh, that's enough, baby.
That's good.
Now we gonna put all of this
behind us.
Now, Nima and Spence.
Y'all gonna stay in the guest
rooms.
No, no.
We made a reservation at a
hotel.
Good!
Not anymore.
Yes, ma'am.
Now, who is going to have some
cake with me?
Today was a mess, Spence.
Tell me about it.
I can't believe you smacked that
woman in the mouth.
She earned that slap.
You know, it's funny how the
remark that preceded the slap
was about Othell, not your mom.
- No, it wasn't. - Yeah.
It was. Yeah.
I standing right there and she
said that Othell
it was worthless and--
You know, it doesn't matter.
Came up with some new names.
They better be good this time.
Kennedy for a girl.
And Josiah for a boy.
I actually love those.
Yeah?
Well, I think we should get
started on them
right during the honeymoon.
Hey!
No.
We said two years. Remember?
I don't remember saying two
years.
I think that we should it right
now.
[LAUGHTER]
Yeah.
We should start on that right
away.
[CLEARS THROAT] Spencer your
room is upstairs.
[LAUGHS]
- See, we usually-- - Not in my
house.
Yes, ma'am.
Um, I'm gonna pack my stuff.
I'm gonna go up-- upstairs.
[LAUGHS]
[FOOTSTEPS]
I thought we made up.
No, we haven't.
When you going to get over
this?
Yeah.
You gave me money to start my
car repair shop.
And it failed.
Businesses fail every day.
No, you fail every day.
You know, you hated me since we
were little.
Yes I have.
I got straight A's!
I've got awards!
I got accepted into one of the
finest medical institutions
in this nation!
And my father complained the
whole time about you!
He couldn't even acknowledge our
accomplishments
without saying that he was glad
that they
were not your failures.
You were his beloved project.
He reveled in your dysfunction.
The tortured artiste while we
worked hard for his love.
And he showered you with it.
Oh, Daddy hated me.
And you know it!
He didn't hate you!
You always opted to go to the
pain!
To go for the godless!
You know you lived in that
space!
Was it easier?
Huh?
Is it easier than trying?
Is it easier than being
successful?
Is that easier than being loved?
I tried, Malinda! I try!
I try! - You tried?
What about what I paid for you
to go back to school
10 years ago and you quit?
What about what I paid for your
first car?
You were too cheap to pay for
the insurance?
What about when I paid for the
bulk of your wedding
to my best friend?
Jeanette was my best friend and
you ruined it!
Oh!
I've already apologized for all
that.
Yes.
But you still refuse to do
anything with your life.
You look, I'm through talking
about this.
[MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC]
Nima?
Nima!
Nima!
Little boy!
[LAUGHS] What do you need at
this hour?
I left my toothbrush in-- uh, I
left
my toothbrush in Nima's bag.
I packed it in there.
Mhm.
Just a minute.
[MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC]
Toothbrush.
You know, mine it has the
little--
Good night, Spence.
This'll work.
[LAUGHS]
[KNOCKING]
Come in!
[DOOR OPENS]
[LAUGHS]
Well, since you're up, I
thought maybe
we could talk for a minute.
[LAUGHS]
Yes, Miss Babineaux.
Oh, you could call me grandma,
if you want.
We love you, Nima.
I wish you had answered one of
those letters I sent
you when you was in college.
I understand.
When your parents split up,
Othell came to live with us.
And he tried.
He really did.
He tried so hard.
But then he just--
he just gave up.
Then my husband just kicked him
out.
But we should have--
we should have tried harder.
We should have forced our way
into your life.
And for that, I am very, very
sorry.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[SOBBING]
Thank you, baby.
[SOBBING]
[LAUGHS] Now, y'all get home
safe now.
You take care of yourself, son.
I will, Momma.
You take of Nima, too.
Thank you for the hospitality,
Mrs. Babineaux.
You are welcome any time,
Spence.
[LAUGHS]
Bye, everyone.
Oh, Nima, can I talk to you for
a moment?
[LAUGHS] I wanted to make sure
you had these before you left.
He spent his whole paycheck on
them, on your tenth birthday.
But he just didn't make it to
your party.
I've had them here ever since.
Sapphires.
It's my birth stone.
[LAUGHS]
I'm sorry.
I can't take this.
But they're yours!
They're from your dad!
I know.
I can't. I'm sorry.
Thank you.
OK.
[LAUGHS] You make it home safe
now.
OK.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[SIGHS] Listen, I know I told
you I needed to see more.
But the owner want to fill this
spot as soon as possible.
So I'm putting myself on the
line here, O.
Look, Bennie, man, I ain't
played in a long time.
You know?
I mean, I'm-- I'm still
practicing.
Ah, it's like riding a bike,
baby.
You got this.
You know?
Yeah.
I know but-- see if I'd known
you were going to--
[CLEARS THROAT]
Hey.
I'm Othell Babineaux.
All right.
Let's go.
[SIGHS] It's been, you know,
it's been a while.
See, most of the time, I, like,
fix cars and so--
so it's been a while.
[FOOTSTEPS]
Stop wasting my time.
Damn.
[THUNDER AND AMBIENT STREET
NOISE]
NOISE]
Jeannette?
It's O. Can we talk?
Hey.
Hello.
You look beautiful, as usual.
You have 10 minutes.
Jeannette, can't we chat a
minute?
Now you have nine.
Well, Nima hates me a little
less after Savannah.
Perhaps.
Did she tell you that she
slapped Malinda?
[LAUGHS] Yes.
How is Malinda?
Oh, she misses you.
Still no drinking?
This is water.
Almost three months.
Well, actually, it's been two
months, 12 days,
and three and a half hours.
You cannot mess this up.
You've never even given me a
chance to mess up.
What about the club?
I went to get my gig back and
froze up.
[SIGHS] What did you want to
show me?
I know it's Nima's birthday
Tuesday.
Yeah.
What is this?
I want to do something special.
You want to take her to the
bistro?
You think she'll go?
[SIGHS] See what I can do.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[CHILDREN LAUGHING AND PLAYING
IN DISTANCE]
IN DISTANCE]
[KNOCKING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Nima?
Nima, I thought we were meeting
at the restaurant.
You remind me so much of your
mother.
I know you want to know why I
wasn't there.
And why it seems like I didn't
try.
But I don't have those answers.
I ask myself the same thing
every day.
I always thought you deserved a
father.
Just one much better than me.
I know this won't be worth much
to you.
But you're the kind of daughter
a father would dream of having.
Smart, talented.
Just-- just some things I needed
you to know.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[DOOR CLOSES]
BENNIE: Have a seat.
OTHELL: What's up, man?
Well, I called you down here
because I
thought about it a lot.
Talk to Jax.
I let Jax know that you're
working on being clean
and you're succeeding.
So I got you another audition
tomorrow.
Come on, man.
We go way back.
We done played hundreds of gigs
together.
It's just a walk down memory
lane.
Except you clean this time.
Well, [SIGHS] I--
I am clean, you know.
I'm clean.
I'm clean.
No shakes.
No nothing.
But--
Ain't no buts, brother.
Tell me you got it.
- Tomorrow? - Tomorrow at 10:00.
[SIGHS] All right.
I'll be ready.
Why can't they sit next to each
other?
Trust me.
They shouldn't.
Has your boss RSVP'd yet?
Yeah.
They're right here.
They want fish and steak.
Good job.
[SIGHS] We're done?
- We're done. - All done?
All done.
Ah!
[LAUGHS] [SIGHS] Finally.
[LAUGHS]
[SIGHS] Excited?
Mhm.
Did you finish the music for
your concert?
Yes.
I did.
And you're inviting your dad?
No.
I'm not inviting him.
Hm.
Mhm.
OK.
Don't even think about doing
that.
Think about what? What?
What I do?
I know you.
Just don't.
I was not--
not going to invite your dad.
No, I mean it!
[PIANO MUSIC]
[CELL PHONE RINGING]
[SIGHS] Bennie?
It's Spence.
Right. Yeah.
It's good to hear.
Hey, listen.
Nima's is doing a small
performance
for friends and family.
It would mean a lot if you were
there.
But I need you to wear a suit.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Between you and me.
All right.
You ready?
Time to shine, baby!
All right.
Thank you, man.
Don't thank him yet.
[PIANO MUSIC]
Looks like we found our new
piano player.
That's right!
[LAUGHS] Congrats, baby boy!
You back!
[WOMEN CHATTING INDISTINCTLY]
- Hey, babe. - Hey, ladies.
Hey! How are you?
That's my seat.
You were late.
- Sit right here, hon. - Snooze,
you lose.
I'm sorry.
I get the nice few view for
once.
So she was telling me that she
likes her father again.
No.
She's not saying that she likes
her father.
She's saying that she's trying.
- [SCOFFS] - OK.
Don't do that.
She needs to reconcile with him.
This is a good, mature decision.
No.
Yes.
He had his chance.
Why did he get the best part of
her now?
He missed the teenage attitude
and the impoverished college
years.
She's all shiny and grown up
now.
All right.
Maybe you didn't hear that, but
Nima
told us his whole life story.
The man is damaged.
That accounts for his absence.
Come on now, he's trying.
I think she's setting herself
up to get hurt again.
OK. You are such a hypocrite.
You spoke to your father,
remember?
Yeah.
Because he was dying.
Othell still has some time to
suffer.
OK.
The point is, she's making some
huge emotional strides
in her life.
And we need to be there for her,
OK?
Well, is he coming to the
wedding?
Oh, I'm permitted to speak?
Yeah.
No, he's not.
Oh!
It would be weird.
OK.
Fine by me.
Now, can we talk about something
less depressing?
Like boys?
No. I said less depressing.
OK.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Oh, come on, man.
I-- I thought I had a suit in
here.
Well, hello.
Hey.
I can't wait to hear your
music, baby.
I can't wait either.
[LAUGHS]
Um, before you get started, I
got something to tell you?
What?
I, um, I invited your father.
What did he say?
He said he was coming.
OK.
I guess that's OK.
Yeah?
Mhm.
All right.
Do great.
Sh-- Agh!
Sh--
[CRASHING]
[PANTING]
I want to thank you all for
coming.
It means so much.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[DISCORDANT PIANO MUSIC]
[SOBBING] Sorry.
Sorry.
I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!
[SOBBING]
Could everyone please give us a
minute?
[SOBBING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Ah, Nima, listen, I--
Shut up.
Just shut up!
I'm-- I'm tired of talking about
what you don't do.
Let's talk about what you did!
I'm a mess because of you!
I can't love my fiancee the way
I want to because of you!
I am curt, I'm mean, and I'm
dissatisfied
with life because of you!
I so desperately wanted to be a
daddy's girl.
I clung to my mother's father
for dear life.
And when he died, so did a piece
of me.
[SOBBING] I've put the burden on
my mother to be
my everything because of you!
And you know what kills me?
I keep waiting for Spence to
leave.
Because I can't possibly wrap my
mind around why he would stay!
Because you didn't!
You're my dad!
Dads are supposed to be there!
Because I'm yours!
[SOBBING] Don't ever contact me
again!
Jeanette, you're never going to
tell her, are you?
[DOOR CLOSES]
I'm OK.
I just had to get that out.
[SIGHS]
You sure?
I don't want to talk about it.
But aren't you like at least a
little concerned
about why he didn't show up?
Are you serious?
Why don't you ever take my side?
It's not about taking sides.
I'm not taking anybody's side.
It's just that we were making
some really
good strides and all of a--
We?
The last time I checked, I was
the one
who was given the ultimatum
about getting to know my dad,
or losing my fiancee.
I never said that.
I didn't-- I never said those
words.
I--
Spence, look, I grew up without
a father.
And surprise, surprise.
It has affected me negatively.
Do you know how many books I've
read?
How many articles I've combed
through, trying to be better?
I have made peace with the fact
that I am not going
to be the girl who has a dad!
You haven't made peace.
You're the opposite of peace.
You make war, Nima.
You make war with me every day.
You make war with yourself.
You're not at-- not at peace.
[SOBBING] Spence, I am broken.
I didn't ask for you to make me
whole.
I just want you to love the
pieces.
You think I don't?
But you-- you can fix those
pieces.
You could fix them if you chose
to.
I don't even know why we're
getting married.
What did you say?
What did you say?
You heard what I said!
I don't think we should be
getting married.
I mean, look at us!
- You don't want to get married?
- No!
I don't want to get married!
You don't want to get married
to me?
Look at me!
Look at us!
I don't want to get married like
this.
You don't even like me! - Fine.
Fine.
Fine.
Can you please just stop the
car so I--
No. I'm not stopping.
No.
No.
You're not going run away from
me.
Stop the car so I can get out!
Can you stop the car now?
[DOOR OPENS]
[AMBIENT BAR NOISE]
Hey.
What can I get for you?
I'll be back with you in a sec.
What in the world are you doing
in a place like this?
[SCOFFS] [LAUGHS] I should
knock you out
right here in this bar, man.
You-- you ruined my relationship
just like you ruined yours.
I missed the performance
tonight
because if she does forgive me,
I
ain't got nothing to give her.
I don't care anymore!
Everything all right?
So what you having, man?
Nothing.
He's an alcoholic.
Hey, get off me!
You're not going anywhere like
this.
Get off!
You're not driving anywhere
like--
I said get off!
I said-- I said get off!
You're not driving anywhere
like this.
Now, give me the keys.
Give me the keys!
I'm taking you home and you're
going to sober up!
And go apologize to your future
wife!
Now you come on.
Come on, son.
Come on.
[PIANO MUSIC]
[KNOCKING]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[DOOR OPENS]
Rough night?
Rum.
I think I had too much rum.
[LAUGHS]
It's not funny.
Baby, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Spencer, I don't want to be in a
marriage
where you won't let me be my
true self.
I know.
Me, too.
And giving you my everything,
it isn't hard.
It's scary.
It takes courage for you to love
me the way you love me.
And I always want to reciprocate
that.
You do.
And I'm sorry if I'm--
if I don't make you feel like
that.
I'm so happy.
You have to know that.
But you have to let me--
let me do things on my own time.
OK.
Baby, do you still want to marry
me?
Yes.
Mm.
How much rum did you have?
A lot.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Oh, this is so nice.
Well, it actually is, Momma.
There is no way that I would
ever come to my grandbaby's
wedding without you.
You need to be here.
[FOOTSTEPS]
[LAUGHS] Ah!
Oh, let me look at you.
Look at you!
You haven't aged a day.
Well, neither have you.
Look at you.
Oh, my.
I'm just here because--
MOTHER: You are her father.
Jeanette and I, we had a long
talk last night.
She's going to make it right,
today.
[FOOTSTEPS]
I am.
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Hi, baby.
Hey, Momma.
Come here, sweetheart.
I want to talk to you for a
minute.
What's wrong?
Oh, this is so hard for me to
say.
I've been lying to you about
your father.
What do you mean?
I know I've made it seem like
he never tried to--
to see you, or call you, or send
you cards on your birthday,
but he did.
He sent you letters for years.
Along with little gifts on your
birthday.
And he sent you money, wherever
he had at the time.
Momma, why would you hide this
from me?
I loved your father so much,
Nima.
And when he left, he took my
heart with him.
I was just so mad.
All I what was him.
I didn't care about the money or
any of that.
I just wanted him.
But he never got it.
So when he left, I just decided
that I
would make him feel the same
pain that I
felt by keeping you away.
[SOBBING] You tell me this on
my wedding day?
I'm so sorry, sweetheart.
I just want you to have a fresh
start.
[SOBBING] [SIGHS] Thank you.
You know, one day you just wake
up
and you decide not to be mad
anymore.
Today is that day.
Sweetheart.
He's here.
[KNOCKING]
[INAUDIBLE] Nima, are you ready
yet?
Mhm.
Help me fix my face.
OK.
Today is your day to make the
memories that you want.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[SINGING] When I'm falling,
won't you save
me, hold me, hold me, hold me.
Boy, I'm ready.
Won't you save me?
They can't stop us.
They won't break the
[INAUDIBLE]..
It's only me and you, won't say
what's on your mind?
Boy there ain't no rules because
for you I'd rather die.
I'll catch a grenade, take a
bullet--
Who give this woman away?
Uh, she does.
[LAUGHTER]
Well, I-- I mean, I do.
But mainly her.
We do.
OK.
[SINGING] They can't stop us.
They won't break the
[INAUDIBLE]..
[ICE CUBES JINGLING]
[LAUGHS] Wow.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Oh, [LAUGHS] Sheila!
[CLEARS THROAT]
[CLEARS THROAT] This, uh--
this was really a beautiful
wedding.
[LAUGHS]
Yeah, it actually is.
You look wonderful. - Oh, thank
you.
You do too. - Thank you.
I love that dress.
You always did look good in
pink.
Oh, thank you.
You're welcome.
[LAUGHS]
I've really missed you.
Oh.
Well, I missed you, too.
[LAUGHS] Girl,
I'm so happy for you.
She's gorgeous, isn't she?
And feisty, too.
Do you know that she hit me?
[LAUGHS]
I heard!
I told you, I said, I'm going
to get you!
[LAUGHS]
I could not believe that when
they told me.
I am so sorry.
That's OK.
[INAUDIBLE] Oh, it's so nice to
get to talk to you again.
We have a last minute surprise
for the happy couple.
For their first dance, we'd like
to serenade them in style.
Please let me introduce the
bride's
father, Mr. Othell Babineaux.
[APPLAUSE]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[DISCORDANT PIANO MUSIC]
[FOOTSTEPS]
[PIANO MUSIC]
[APPLAUSE]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]