Waiting to Exhale (1995) - full transcript

This story based on the best selling novel by Terry McMillan follows the lives of four African-American women as they try to deal with their very lives. Friendship becomes the strongest bond between these women as men, careers, and families take them in different directions. Often light-hearted this movie speaks about some of the problems and struggles the modern women face in today's world.

What's up? This is K107,
broadcasting on New Year's Eve.

Why don't you all scribble
down those New Year's
resolutions,

dial me up, tell us those lies
you're telling yourself--

promises you know
you won't keep.

I don't believe
in New Year's resolutions.

They're stupid.
I promise this year
I will not--

No matter what John says,

this year I'm starting
my catering business.

And if I do
ever let Russell come back,

I'm gonna whip something
on him so tough.

I'm gonna lose 10 pounds
and eat right.



Fifteen pounds.
Okay, 35.

Thirty-five pounds.

**

Do you know where
you want to be tonight...

and where you want to be
next year?

Think about it.
'Cause we're getting close
to that final hour.

So if you haven't finished
those New Year's resolutions,

you better jump on it
before it's too late.

I've made mine.
How about you?

This is brand-new
from the beautiful
Chanté Moore.

"Wey U." K107.
Check it out.

**

The deal is,
the men in Denver are dead.

No wonder
I'm changing towns again.



It's got to be better
in Phoenix.

**

I gotta pick up the babysitter,

pick up my gown,
stop and get John's tux.

Ooh, I'd clone myself,

but I wouldn't have time
for the surgery.

I don't know
why I always pick the wrong men
to fall in love with.

My weakness is pretty boys
with big sticks.

I don't know
why Tarik has to spend
New Year's Eve with his homeys.

He sees them every day.

Plus there are gonna be
all these drunk fools
in the streets.

He'd have more fun at home
with me watching videos.

I just want you to know...

that if you're searching,
somewhere there's
a love for you.

**

and I'm geeked up
for a blind date
that's not even all that.

Just some party
this guy's voice invited
my answering machine to...

when we got worn out
playing phone tag.

A long time ago, I asked God
to send me a decent man.

I got Robert, Cedric,
Darrell and Kenneth.

God's got some
serious explaining to do.

So my prayers got more detailed.

Like, how about some compassion?

Could he have
a sense of purpose?

A sense of integrity?

Could he listen?

The truth is,
most men are deaf.

They prefer to guess
what you need.
But they don't guess worth shit.

They lie without a conscience.

What they're best at
is convincing us
we should feel desperate.

Thank God I don't fall
for that shit.

**

If I had the nerve,
I'd get me some real breasts.

Oh, I know
that's gotta be Mama.

She's the only one knows
I'm staying in a hotel.

I love you, Ma,
but tonight--

I'll call you
in the morning, Ma.

**

I do not feel
like going to another one
of these boring affairs.

Bernie?
Yes?

Would you be
terribly disappointed...

if we didn't go
to the party tonight?

Crushed.

What?

I guess there's no
appropriate time
to tell you this, but...

I'm going to the party,
just not with you.

She--
She?

Yes.

She doesn't want
to be alone tonight,

and I was thinking,
"Why should she be?"

It's that bitch who keeps
your books, isn't it?

And you picked tonight
to flaunt your whore...

in front of all your business
partners and your friends.

What the hell are they
supposed to think, John?

The truth.

Finally, the truth.

I'm leaving you for her.

This is a test of
the Emergency Broadcast System.

This is only a test.
Don't worry.

You can have the house.

And you know
I'll take care of my kids.

You wait a minute.

I give you 11 fuckin' years
of my life,

and you're telling me
that you're leaving me
for a white woman?

Would it be better
if she were black?

No. It'd be better
if you were black.

Thank you, Bernadine,

for making this easier...

for me.

I'll be back next week
for my things.

[ Emergency Tone
Continues, Stops ]

This concludes this test of
the Emergency Broadcast System.

All right.

Time to get your groove on.
"All Night Long."

I don't believe I'm spending
New Year's Eve by myself.

Now, this is
definitely a first.

Finally gave up on Russell.

A lyin', sneaky,
whorish Pisces.

Russell was so fine.

Probably...

every woman in America
wanted to be with him.

But you know what, Achey?

Oh, I knew
he was mine...

till--

till I found that half slip
in his gym bag.

**
**

Phone's ringing
off the hook tonight...

from women wondering
where all the real men are.

So, for all you
fellows out there
running the streets...

looking for love
in all the wrong places,

there's something
you should know.

Love might be waiting
right there at home.

Ma, I wish you were
going out tonight.

Hmm.

I'm just fine,
thank you.

You're coming in
at a decent hour tonight.

Ma, it's New Year's Eve.
Things don't start
jumping off until midnight.

You ought to be
praising God I'm letting
you go out at all,

the grades
you bringing in here.

You know, you best get busy.

You're gonna be using Morse code
to contact them little
girlfriends of yours.

Look, I'm doing the best I can,
so just ground me now.

You know your father's
coming on Tuesday.

And?

First of all,
he's not my father.
He's my daddy.

- And there's a big
damn difference.
- Now, you watch your mouth.

Look, I see the bastard
once every two years,
and I'm supposed to get excited?

You get excited.

I can't believe this, man.
Why's she doing this?

What is that
supposed to mean?

Where'd he sleep
the last time he was here?

Oh, man.

Ma, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.

Ma, I'm sorry.
Ma, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.

I'm really-- I'm sorry.

That's none
of your business.

I'm sorry.

**

This is K107, broadcasting live
from the Hermosa.

And this is where
the party's going down.

Why are you sitting there
when you could be sitting here
in my room?

Let Brandy tell you.
Check it out. K107.

**

* Seems like ever since *

- * The first day we met *

* There is no one else *

* I think of more than you *

* Can't seem to forget *

* Can't get you
out of my head *

* Guess the verdict's in *

* I'm crazy over you *

* How can one be down? *

* Tell me where to start *

* 'Cause every time you smile *

* I feel tremors in my heart *

**

Excuse me,
is anyone sitting here?

No. Please, join us.

She has her nerve,
sitting down here.

Hell yeah.

I'm single and desperate
and have no morals.

And as soon as one of you
turns your back,

I'm gonna flirt my butt off...

and then take your man.

Can't stand women
like her.

Please.
Mmm.

**

* I'm just a mess
with a thing for you *

* Pray that you'll invest *

Savannah?

Lionel?

Hi. How are you?

God, if this man
isn't the one,

at least let me dance
till I sweat.

Would you like to dance?
I'd love to.

All right.

God, you look
so beautiful tonight.

Thanks.

I'm certainly glad
we finally met.

You made it here safely
in one piece.

Well, our answering machines
almost moved in with each other.

Glad we met too.

**

* I'm gonna make you my wife *

* 'Cause you're my everything *

* All my hopes and dreams *

* Come true *

* I can live my life *

* With you *

Mmm. You feel so good.

* I'm gonna buy you
some rings *

Thank you, Jesus.

And then I did it.

I closed my eyes...

and I exhaled--

* What you make me feel *

and pretended
this man was mine.

That he was everything
I ever dreamed of.

That he was the one...

I'd been waiting for
all my life.

Lionel.

Lionel.

You haven't danced
with me all night.

Uh, Savannah,
this is my friend
Denise.

* Cross my heart
and hope to die *

If I hurry, I can still
catch Dick Clark.

**

What's up, Joseph?
I like them pants.

Well, thank you, girl.
Hey, Joseph, did he show up?

Hmm! You think he didn't?

Come on, honey, you next.

Ooh, Gloria,
look at this.

Oh. That's nice.
It's very nice.

Looks just like
in the book too--

Hey, Gloria, do you
like this color?

I'm charging you 25 cents
for each finger, Robin.

You're gonna
charge me what?

Robin, why don't you just
come on out of my shop,

go back to that little
hot-shit insurance company
you working for?

Because, baby doll,
I don't punch in or out.

I got it like that.
Remember?

Lunch hour is over.

So I guess you guys
have heard, huh?

What?

John left Bernie.

What?

Mm-hmm.
And for a white girl.

You lyin'.
For a white girl?

Honey, if I'm lyin',
I'm flyin'.

I saw her
just the other night
at the Circle K,

and she was a mess!

Honey, her hair
was in rollers.

She had a funky
old bathrobe on.

Girl, I had to take
my girlfriend home.

Joseph,
are you serious?

As a heart attack.

Be still, baby.
I don't wanna
burn your scalp.

Gloria, I told you
he was an asshole.

Shh.
Excuse her, baby.

I'm sorry.
Watch your mouth in here.

Five-three-seven--
Are you calling?
Let me talk to her.

Wait a minute.
Let me talk to Bernie.

It's the machine.
Bernie?

This is Gloria.
Honey, you call me
at the shop, okay?

We wanna know what's
going on over there.
Now don't--

Bernie, how dare that
son of a bitch leave you
with two kids!

Will you-- Don't talk
that up in here.

Joseph.
Go on back to your job.

I will see you
on Tuesday.

Okay, girl.
Oh, my goodness, Miss Monroe.

Bernie? this is Gloria.
Honey, you call me
at the shop, okay?

We wanna know what's
going on over there.
Now don't--

Bernie, how dare
that son of a bitch leave you
with two kids!

Hi, Bernie.
It's Savannah.

I'm here. Call me.
I'm at the Biltmore.

[ Machine Clicks,
Beeps Twice ]

Hey, hey, hey.

Hug?

Thank you.

John, let's go!
Oh!

John has to
kiss his mom first.
Thank you.

Mama's boy.

Bye.

This motherfucker is psychotic.

I bet you there's
serial killers less anal.

That white woman is
probably the only one who will
tolerate your smug ass!

Yeah, I was your white woman
for 11 years!

Couldn't have started
that damn company without me!

Hell, I worked my ass off!

I mean, I got a master's
degree in business,

and there I was his secretary,
his office manager
and his computer!

"No, Bernadine,
you can't start your
catering business this year!

Why don't you wait
a few years, huh?

Yeah, don't start it right now.
Wait one, two, three years.

I need you to be the fuckin'
background to my foreground!

732!

732!

The number of times
we made love!

I remember when that bastard
told me he was counting!

Right after 51!

I'll show you!
Fuck me for not leaving
your ass then!

But the worst--
oh, the fuckin' worst--

making my kids go
to a school with only
two other black children...

because you don't want
them to be improperly
influenced!

Well, guess what, John.
You're the motherfuckin'
improper influence!

Get your shit--
Get your shit, and get out!

* Since the day that Nanny
came to stay with us *

**

Ma'am.

Were you aware that
your car was on fire?

Yes.

Did you start
this fire, ma'am?

It's against the law to
burn anything except trash
in your own yard, ma'am.

It is trash.

This is a nice area.

Luckily,
a neighbor cared enough.

The next time you want
to burn something--

It won't happen again.

Michael and I work for the same
insurance company. Mmm.

He's just been promoted
onto my marketing team.
**

Michael is no Russell.

I mean, he's not pretty.
But he is available.

Oh!

A Kodak moment.

Michael had to be
about a 38D.

My brain was saying,
"Put your hands anywhere else
but on my body.

Then go home.
** [ Michael Singing,
Indistinct ]

And don't come back,
you human submarine sandwich.

**
But you can't say
that kind of thing...

without hurting
someone's feelings.

Oh, go, Robin.
Go, Robin.

Come here, baby.

Ooh.

You feel even better
than I thought you would.

Come here.

I got you.
You got me?

I got you.
Whoo!

Ooh!
Ooh! You all right?

Yeah.
I'm sorry, baby.

It's okay.

Hey!

Ooh!

Ahh!

Yeah.

All right. All right.

Here I come.

Here I come.

Here I come.

All righty then.

Somebody's gotta
undress me.

Ooh.

At dinner he told me
he drag races, scuba dives,

deep-sea fishes
and keeps his own boat
in the White Mountains.

I told him I grew up
an army brat.

That I went to A.S.U.
and I majored
in anthropology.

I knew you were gonna be
beautiful all over.

Uh, uh, uh!
What?

Here you go.

All right.

You need some help?
No.

No.

There.

There.

Damn!

I didn't even
get a chance to see
what he had to offer.

Oh, yeah.

Oh! Yeah. Yes. Yes.

Ooh, shit.
Oh, shit. God!

Shit is good, huh?
Shit is good.

Oh, it's good. What's my name?
Say my name. Say my name.
What's my name?

What's my name?
Michael.

What's my name?
Michael!

Yeah! Uh! Oh, shit.
Oh, this is good.

Yeah. Yeah, it's good.
Yeah.

Ooh, it's good.
Ooh, yeah. Ooh!

Ooh!
* I love it when you
call me Big Poppa *

Ah! Ooh!
Big Poppa.

Yeah. Mm-hmm.
Uh-huh. Uh-huh.
Yeah.

Oh!

Whew!

Whew!

Pow!

Does he think he just
did something here?

Shit.
I could've had a V8.

Oh! I knew you were
gonna be somebody special.

How do you feel?

About what?

Me.

Uh-- This.

You know, uh, everything.

Tell me what you want.

What you need.
Because whatever it is,
I'm gonna see that you have it.

What's your fantasy?

I mean, what do you want
from a man?

Everything.

Could you be more specific?

I want to have a house...
in Scottsdale.

I own a house... in Scottsdale.
What else?

I want to get married.

And I want to have kids.
Two.

Maybe three.

And?

I want to eat out...

two, maybe three
times a week.

I want to have babies.

I want to go away
for long weekends.

I want to have a family.
I want to be happy.

You don't want much.

I could give you that
and a whole lot more.

What about you, Michael?

What do you want?

Robin, I think I found it.

You don't even know me.

It's about knowing me.

I could give you everything
you want, everything you need...

if you let me.

You can start by kissing me.

No.

Slowly and gently.

And he did it right.

And I felt like silk.

And when I looked at him,
I didn't care anymore
that he wasn't Mr. Universe.

I just felt young...

and sexy,

beautiful.

And when I closed my eyes...

and squeezed my pelvis
real tight,

and my body exploded
from the inside out,

Michael felt just like
the real thing.

And everything was perfect--
for once.

Hey, girl.
How you doing?

Oh, Bernie.

So good to see you, girl.

I've been waiting
all day for you.

You okay?

Come on.
Let's go get a drink, huh?

I bought some toys
for the kids.
Come on.

Don't drink too much.
This stuff is expensive.

Um--

I'd just like to make
a toast to my beautiful wife...

on our fifth anniversary.
Here you go.

Thanks, baby.
Glad all you
could be here.

So... happy anniversary.

Happy anniversary.

Nice house, Bernie.

At five dollars,
you can have it.

Remember when
we took that?

You know what's funny?

I always thought if
I gave him what he needed,

he'd give me what I needed.

I love you.
I love you too.

It's amazing what can happen
when you give a man
control over your life.

I can't even...
Let me
put it on you.

pretend it's all
John's fault.

So--

Tell me about this new job.

Go home.
Shut that off.

Well,

I took a pay cut...

to see if I have
what it takes to produce.

You know, some of us are still
on that dream trip, girl.

Are you scared?

Yes.

Me too.

* My love *

Okay.
* Sweet love *

* For me, there's
no one better *

* Cross my heart *

Hi!

Gloria.

Come on in.

When David was here last time,

he did me a favor
by spending the night.

Lord, let him be merciful
again tonight.

Well, have a seat.

Well--

You're looking healthy.

Thank you.

Oh, well--

* I could not love you more *

* 'Cause with you *

* My world *

* Is filled
with so much pleasure *

So, where's Tarik?

He's not here right now.

I don't know why
I continue to do this.

He's almost grown.

Yes, he is.

Would you like some wine?
No.

No, thanks.

Sure?
Mmm.

* Nothing else matters *

* You're my heart *

When exactly
are you expecting him?

Mmm! Tomorrow.

Wait!

David.

You know you can
always stay here.

Here?

Yeah. Uh--

I thought that maybe we--
you know.

We could--
Well, like last time.

I should be honest with you.

About what?
About me.

What about you?

Hmm?

Do you remember how I didn't
respond to you last time?

Of course I remember.
I--

I thought it was because
I gained weight and--

I have been
bisexual for years.

What

You heard me right.

But I'm not anymore.
I'm gay.

David!

David, you don't have to go
to this extreme just because--

Look, Gloria, I don't
have to lie about this.

I-I've lied
too long as it is.

I am.

I'm staying at the Biltmore.

And if...
he ever wants to see me,

he has to make
the first move.

If I don't hear from him
by noon, I'm checking out.

And I mean just that.

Oh--

Come on.
It's an offer you can't refuse.

Okay.

Ooh! Onika, honey,
put that one over there too.

Ma, are we just
selling daddy's stuff?
Yes, honey.

Here you go.
Thank you.

Why come?

Ooh! "Why come?"
Oh, Onika.

"Why."
Why?

Because he asked me.

Yes.
It's just collecting dust.

Oh, uh, bring the wine.
Hurry. Come on.

I'll get it.

She told me to get it!
No, she told me to!

She told me!
Give it to me!
No!

Oh, man.

Look what you did.

- That's right, sir.
Thank you.

Enjoy your skis.

Mmm!

**

* My funny valentine *

* Sweet comic valentine *

* You make me *

* Smile *

* With my heart *

**

I didn't think
I'd ever see him again.

But he did call to apologize.

That's my toothbrush!
Is he crazy?

Turns out this guy
has no real income.

Chain-smokes reefer.

Brags about being a vegetarian,
then inhales three hot dogs...

like it's the last time
somebody's gonna buy him a meal.

I gave him $20 for gas,
which came to $7.18,

and he didn't even
give me my change.

My fantasy was to get myself
a little piece.

You know, get my feet wet
in a new town.

Well, not exactly my feet.

Hell, it's been five months.

And he has gotten
on my last nerve.

But I don't have to be
in love with him to do it.

Hell, my body needs this.

**

* Don't, baby, don't *

* Don't you change your hair
for me *

Lionel, baby, um,
we've got all night.
You can take your time.

I'm just so excited.

I've been thinking about
what I'd do to you
since New Year's.

Hold on, baby.
I'm on my way.
What?

"Grr"?

"Grr," huh?

Now I'm a keeper
at the damn zoo.

Kathleen.
John,
the year-end reports...

on the Geary account
are right here.

Everyone have a copy?
Thank you.

If you examine the profile
on the Geary report,
you'll find--

Bernadine,
I'm in a meeting here.

If you need something,
I suggest--

Would you mind terribly
if I had a few words
with my husband?

- No--
- What the hell
are you doing?

I've been to the bank.
Thank you!

Thank you for thinking
of your children!

Everybody out!
Yes, out! Out!

You don't come
into my office...

and start throwing
some tantrum because you can't
finish what you started.

What am I supposed
to do for money?

I gave you the house.
Now sell it!

I hate you!

I'm really sorry
to hear that, Bernadine.

But I'm not playing games
with you anymore.

Who do you think started
this damn company, huh?

Let's not start that again,
all right?

And now you think you can
just take the money and run!

Business hasn't been
good for years.

But don't you worry about it.
You'll get what's coming to you.

Hell, I'm not worried.

You, on the other hand,
should be.

Okay. Look.

Let's not let this thing get
any uglier than it already has.

Is everything all right
in here, Mr. Harris?

Fine.

Now, I'm willing--
I'm more than willing--

What, you gonna
put me out, Joe?

to give you $300,000
cash today!
You here to put me out?

Your children
aren't for sale.

One more thing
before you go.

I'm coming for my kids
on Saturday.

Yeah?

And if I hear you had them
anywhere near
that tramp bitch,

you're gonna regret it
for the rest of your life!

**

Tarik?

Get out of my goddamn house!

I'm-I'm sorry.
Get out!

I'm sorry.
Ma, I'm so sorry.

I told you
you was grounded.
I know.

That's why
I invited her over, Ma.
I'm sorry.

You know, I'm about
sick of this shit!

If your daddy wasn't gay,
I swear to God,

I'd send your black ass
straight to him!

Shit.

You saying
my father's a faggot?

I don't like
to use that word.

Ma.

Faggot, gay, homo--
it's all the same.

So my daddy's a queer.

My daddy--
My daddy's a queer.

My daddy's a queer.

Yo, my father's a queer!

He's a fucking queer!
My father's a fucking queer!

I said stop it!

One thing's for sure.
It ain't running in the family.
'Cause, you know--

You best watch your mouth.

I'm sorry.
Sorry?
You're sorry?

You're sorry
about everything,
aren't you, Tarik?

You're sorry about lying to me!
You're sorry about your grades!

Sorry about letting some
little girl in here to suck on
your little 17-year-old dick!

How can I trust you in Spain
if I can't trust you
here, huh?

You just get out
of my face.

Ma, will you just let me--
You better get
out of my face.

Now, this is something
we should definitely focus
our attention on this quarter.

This account comes up
for renewal June 1.

The workers' comp premium
is about a million and a half,

and the loss experience
has been excellent.

What does
the engineering report show?

It shows an active
safety environment.

Well, actually,

I, uh, found a discrepancy
in the report.

Oh, really? Hmm.

Now, if everyone could
turn to page 20,

we can look
at the graph.

Page 20.
If you'll excuse me.

So you want to do your job?

Well, you will never
get another whiff of this.

Yes?

So it appears that everything
he's purchased...

in the last 10 years
is in his name only--

including the business.

Look, I'm not trying
to get rich here.

But I want to be able
to pay my mortgage...

and take care
of my children.

Their education.

I just want to be okay.

All right?

Look. I'm not gonna lie to you.
We're in for a fight.

But I promise you,
I will do my best.

Bernie, this is the stupidest
move you've made yet.

Just because you're upset
with your husband--
I love you, Gloria,

but I'm not gonna debate
this with you.

I'm not here for a lecture.
But I've been doing
your hair for 11 years.

One ignorant move by your
husband, you gonna come in
and chop off all of your hair?

Now come on, Gloria.
Do it.
I'm not doing this.

What is the fuckin' big deal?
Just cut it, Gloria!
No, I'm not!

You gonna wake up tomorrow
feelin' stupid--
All right! Fuckin' fine!

You don't wanna cut this
fuckin' shit off my head,
I'll do it my goddamn self!

Fine. Fine.

You want me to cut it,
I'll cut it. How short
do you want it, huh?

You want it
shorter than mine
or short as mine?

You know, I can always
use a razor too.
I can't believe you.

Eleven years of growing
your hair out, and look
at what you doing.

Mm-hmm.
Thank you.
Fine.

**

I don't know why they call
this mess "happy hour."

Well, it's still
early yet, girl.

Oh, sweetie,
that's not it.

Is this your first time
hanging out?

I hate to be the one
to break it to you, but...
this is as good as it gets.

Mmm.

I feel like dancing.

All right, girl.
Don't hurt yourself
or nobody else.

Mmm! You go, girl!

How you like
that new haircut?

I don't like it.
I don't either.

I like it.
You like it?
Yeah, it look all right.

It's nice.
It's sharp on her.

Hello, stranger.
Bernadine, how are you?

Wonderful, thank you.

Ooh, that's
Herbert Webster.

Used to be a pro
football player.

Now he's a newscaster
or a sports agent.

And fine as hell.

And if she don't want him? Mmm!
I'll slam-dunk him tonight.

He's also very married.

And?

She's only dancing
with him, y'all.
Damn.

Are you blind?
Look at her.

Mm-mmm. She flirtin'
with that man.

Mmm!

Shoot, I could be home
watching Good Times.

Why aren't you deadbeats
out here dancing?

Now, you can drink
and talk at home.
Girl, you're too hot for me.

You better watch out
for that man.

Who
Oh, he's harmless.

Besides,
if his wife's at home,
he better watch out for me.

Ooh! Give me some.

Ooh! You're bad.

Well, I guess that means
he's available.

You know you wanna dance.

Why, thank you.
Yeah.

* Baby, baby *

Oh, I don't even
believe this shit.

Uh-oh.
What's the deal?

Who is it this time?
What's going on?

I mean, it's only been
a week since I fired him,
and he was talking marriage.

Well, don't forget
you dropped him.

And please don't
embarrass yourself.
And please don't embarrass us.

Please.

Oh, I wouldn't give him
the satisfaction.

Little fat fuck.

Robin,
did you see Michael?

Oh, she saw him.

Michael who?

* Just the other day *

* And your own sister told me *

* Someone was taking my place **

I've only known Troy
for three days, but already
I feel close to him.

I wish he didn't smoke,
but I can live
with one bad habit.

Yeah, he's real cool people.

He's a lawyer,
but he's down to earth.
You'll like him.

Mmm.
**

**

Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Whoo! Whoo!

Oh, shit!

Oh! My favorite
Caucasian, Wild Bill!
Troy.

The good stuff is here.

Oh, man.
Check out my honey, huh?
Mmm.

Bill, Robin.
Robin, Bill.

Hey, would you like
some wine?

No. I don't think
we have time.

You just got here.
Oh, come on, woman,
we got time for a glass of wine.

Go and relax yourself.

* Make a brother moan
No need to stop, baby
That shit turns me on *

Stop!

Whoo! Ha!
Don't let the smooth taste
fool you!

* That shit turn you on? *

* That shit turns me on *

* That shit turns me on *
* That shit turn you on? *

**

* That shit turn you on? *

* That shit turns me on *

**

Excuse me.

* You can be my sonic
and, baby, I'll be your boom *

* Just a little bump and a grind
That's fine *

**

* It's better
when it's me and you
doing the double do *

* So, uh,
forget the problems-- *

* Hoochie-coochie mama
'Cause that shit turns me on *

Might as well be with Russell
if I'm gonna deal
with this shit.

Baby! Got that wine.

Troy, I'm ready to go.

Come on, woman,
these are my--
No! I'm ready to go now.

Oh, that shit turns me on.

* That shit turns me on
Yeah, yeah **

Hey, Vannah, this is Mike.

I got a few questions
on the Colin Powell episode.

Ring me at extension 455.

Miss Jackson, this is Doreen.

I've got a few messages for you
at the front desk, along with
a FedEx package. Thank you.

Savannah, this is Kenneth.

Hope you haven't forgotten me.

I'll be out your way next month
for a medical conference.

It would mean a lot to me
to see you.

Hope you're well.

Bye now.

God, I used to crave this man.

He treated me like a lady.

And once you get used to
being treated well,
you can't go back to bullshit.

No mystery
how he got my number.

Hello?

Hi, Mama.
How you doing?

Well, since you ask,
my hair ain't been dyed
in so long,

my roots are green.

Mama, why did you give
Kenneth my number?

'Cause he asked for it.
Why? Is he coming
out there or something?

You tell me.
Girl, he gonna be
out there on the 26th.

Ain't you excited?
Mama, the man is married.

Well, how happy can he be
if he went out of his way
to find me to get to you?

Mama, please.

Please my behind, girl.

I'll be so glad when you
get up off that high horse.

And stop trying to act like you
don't need nothing or nobody.

Every woman needs a man.
And you ain't no exception.

Mama, I love you,
and I'll talk to you soon.
Good-bye.

I won't squeeze him back
when he hugs me.

I will not look him
in the eyes.

And I'm definitely
not gonna give him any.

Hey. Hey. Hey. See?
Told you about all that.

Ol' feisty thing.

See, you making
too much about all this.
It ain't even about nothin'.

Girl, am I gonna have to
whip it out and tame you?

Am I gonna have to
tame you?

Hey, you feel that?
See how hard that is?

You did that, girl.
It's got your name on it.

Troy, you know what?
I think we should
cool out for a while.

This is not working.

Well, you know, this comes
at sort of a bad time.

And why is that,
because you want some tonight?

No, I'm not talking
about tonight.
I'm talking about Sunday.

My mother wanted me
to invite you over
for a barbecue.

Oh, you think I'm making
all this up 'cause you mad?

You mad
Huh?

Well, here.
Why don't you call her?

Why don't you call her?

555-1467.

Troy, why do you want me
to meet your mother?

I have only known you
for three days.

Maybe it's because
I feel a little different
about you...

than you seem to feel
about me.

But I can't help that.

Robin.

No man ever asked me
to meet his mother before.

Maybe he's not into
the stuff all that much.

And maybe if we got to know
each other better,

I might be a good influence
on him.

**

He thinks he's gonna
get away with it?

I'm not gonna
let him get away with it.
That's right.

You know he has a whole
apartment building,

200 acres of farmland
in California...

and a vineyard
right here in Arizona?

And did you know they
made wine in Arizona?
Yeah.

Huh? Well, I didn't.
Girl, this mess will get you
a week on Sally Jessy.

I'm tellin' you, Glo.
This is how women
get screwed.

Too lazy to look out for
yourself, so you put all
your trust in your husbands.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
But I finally
got the answer.

Just never
get fuckin' married.

Hmm. Lots of us
got that answer.

I thought you had
the answer to something.

You had the answer to that one,
honey, you'd be on the cover...

of Cosmo, Newsweek,
Psychology Today,
Jet, Essence, Ebony!

Don't make me laugh.
I'm mad.

Mad magazine!

**

And they're off, in the first
race of the ostrich festival!

- And it's Swift Kicker
in the blue takes the lead.

Bern, if I ask you
something,

will you promise
you won't get mad?

What is it?

You been messing around
with Herbert?

Swift Kicker and Exactly,
and it's Swift Kicker by a nose!

Bernie!

I spent one evening
with him.

Look, I didn't want
to marry him.
I just--

I-I wanted to, you know--

I needed to get laid,
so I did.

Now how you gonna say
something like that?

Easy. Men been doing
this shit for years.

Hmm.

I'm telling you, it was
like watchin' paint dry.

Girl, now he callin'
and pagin' me all hours
of the day and night.

Showed up at my house
unannounced.

My child answers the door.
Now, you know that
freaked me out.

Uh-huh.

I don't know
what he's thinking.
Mmm.

I tap-danced for a man
for 11 years.

I'm not about to go out
and get me a new owner.
Mmm.

Yeah, Bernie,
but you know you're wrong.

Now, see, that's why
I didn't want to tell you.

I'm not like you, Gloria.

I... need somebody
to hold me.
Hmm.

Even if it is a damn lie.

Hmm.

Lady Lydia, Fancy Nancy
and Patty's Pucker...

coming up
in that lady llama race.

Don't forget about the arts
and craft fair next weekend.

Girl, Russell's
been paging me all day,
but I'm through with him.

I'm seeing Troy now.
Yeah, yeah. But you know
what he does, Robin.

He says he only
does it sometimes.

Girl, what do you
expect him to say?
"I'm a crackhead"?

So, you think I shouldn't
go to the barbecue?

Robin, let me put it
to you this way.

What have you done
in three days
with this man,

besides screw him,
that would make
knowing you so deep...

that now he wants
to take you home
to meet his mama?

A barbecue?
Please, girl.

Yeah. I can't call him though.
I put his card in my wallet.

Now I can't seem to find
my wallet anywhere.

Oh, that really
surprises me, Robin.

Hold on.

Mm-hmm.

Hello?

I been missing you, baby.
Since when?

Since I been gone.
Want some company?
Yes.

I'll see you in 15.
Bye, Russell.

Savannah?
Yes.

I gotta go.
Something I gotta do.

Is it Russell?

No, it's not Russell.

Mm-hmm. I bet.

So what if it is?

Well, enjoy the lowlife
while you can, girlfriend.

Good-bye.

That girl is something.

**

* Anytime that you
feel the need *

* And I'll be there
in a hurry *

Come on, baby.

Troy is such
a waste of my time.

Come on now.
Come over here.

Russell's the only man
I really loved.

Look at him.

What are you acting
like you don't wanna
come over here?

Damn.

Mmm.

Last time we were together,
he wanted to spend
the whole night.

And he would have--

except he had to take
his mama to church
early the next morning.

People change.

And you can't hold a few
mistakes against someone
for the rest of their life.

**

**

God bless you and your family.

Sister Gloria,
you're looking good.

Have a good day now, Deacon.
God bless you, sister.

Deacon Scott.
God bless you.
Take care.

Hi.

Savannah, let's go
have breakfast.

Let's go get something.

What? I'll cook.
You know I'll cook.

**

* Everything's gonna *

* Be all right *

* Everything's gonna *

* Be all right *

Give me a hug.

Hey, John Jr.--

What's up, Ma?
Hey.

Mmm! I missed you.

Enjoy the doll, okay?
Bye, Daddy.
Thank you.

Bye.

Hi, Mama.
Hi, sweetie.

Two days
is too long, huh?

Come on.
Let's go inside, huh?

**

Whew!
Shit, it's hot.

Damn.

Hey! Hey! Yoo-hoo!

Robin! Hey!

You ready, baby?

I'm not going.

Why not?

Because, Troy,

I don't like this.

Y

Okay.

All right.

So-So what am I supposed
to tell my mother and my son
and the rest of my family?

Your son?
How old is this son?

He's almost 13.
What's your point?

My point is,
I don't think we're ready
for family reunions yet.

What am I supposed
to tell them, Robin?

Tell them
whatever you want to.

Oh, so I'm just
supposed to accept this?

You don't have a choice.
You should have asked me
before committing me.

- I did ask!
- No, you told me!

You come here
two hours late, and I'm
supposed to go with you?

Oh, I don't think so.
Robin!

Robin!

It's locked, Troy.

Baby, it's too hot
for this shit.

Can you come get the door?
No.

Can I use your bathroom?
Hell no!

Do you have any idea how many
women would love for me...

to take them to my house
so they can meet my mother?

Oh, I can just about guess.

Man, you black bitches
is all the same.

"Bitch"?
You complain
all the time...

about don't nobody
want your asses,
don't know how to treat ya!

As soon as a man--
a brother--

show you genuine interest,
you bitches act simple.

Then you wonder why
we go out with white women.

A white woman can have
your sorry ass.

Don't you throw that
up here!

You raggedy bitch.

You better be more careful
who you pick up
in grocery stores next time!

Troy, take your drunk-ass,

leather-wearing-
in-the-summertime,

need-a-shave,
stinky-ass home.

I'm not going.

Have a fruit bowl, tramp!

Punk!
Forget you!

Forget you!

All right.
It's like that?

It's like that then.
Bye.

**

So, Robin, I guess you know
who's got your wallet?

What?

You think he stole it?

Robin,
I don't believe you.
Good-bye.

I got to hang up.

Whew.

Hi. I'm Gloria Matthews
from across the street.

I was wondering--

What do you know about
these people moving in here?

Well, uh, the guy,

in my opinion, seems to be
nasty and, uh, ignorant.

And bossy.

Oh. What about his wife?

Well, she-- she died
a couple of years ago.

But this is one of the many
precious items that
she bought for him...

that I'm makin' sure
don't get broken.
Oh, that's nice.

Why is he trusting you
with it?

Well, I'm Marvin King.

Yeah. I'm your new neighbor.

I was just
foolin' around.
Oh.

Nice to meet you,
Gloria.

Nice to meet you.
Yeah.

Well, I'd just like
to welcome you and your family
to the neighborhood.

Thank you.

Unpacking
can be hard work.

Yeah.
Yeah, it certainly is.

I got a lot more
to do tomorrow too.

Would you like to have
dinner with us tonight?

It's just leftovers.

Collard greens and corn bread,
some candied yams,

a little potato salad,
fried chicken, peach cobbler,
few slices of ham.

Mmm. Yum-yum.

Yeah, I-I would love to,
Gloria, but, uh--

I just got too much
work to do here.
Maybe another time.

Yeah. Well,

to be honest, I don't have
no business eating it
myself, big as I am.

Mmm.

Yeah, well, my wife
was a big woman.

Oh.

I like that.

I like a woman
with a little meat
on her bones, you know.

Oh.

Well,

I could send a plate over
by my son Tarik for you.

Great. Yeah.
I'd appreciate that.

How old's your boy?

Seventeen.
Teenager.

He's gonna be leaving
in June,

I think.

Excuse me.
What did you ask me?

I said, uh, Tarik--
Tarik-- he's going
to college, huh?

Oh.

Um, he wants to
travel around the world...

with this organization
called Up With People.

I'm just not sure I--
Yeah. Let him go.
He's young.

Up with the people.

Yeah.
Uh, where's his daddy?

In California somewhere.

Look, um, Marvin.
I'll let you get back
to your work.

And, um,
I'll send that plate
right on over.

Thank you.
Thanks, Gloria.

Yeah.
Yeah. Nice meetin' ya.

Hope to see you again
real soon.

Oh, God, I hope he's not
watching me walk away.

All right.
He's watching. Oh!

...grant the petitioner
$3,000 per month...

until such time as we're
fully able to review all
newly submitted documentation.

Next.

This is only round one.
Stay strong, Bernadine.

Stay strong.

Look. I want this to be over
and done with. Handle it.

Let's just take it
step by step.

It's taking a toll
on my kids.

You sorry son of a bitch, John.
You know the mortgage
is 5,000 a month.

How are your children
supposed to live, huh?

I told you to settle
for the 300,000,

but you want to
play hardball.

All dogs don't
go to heaven, John.

You think you can
get away with this, huh?

You lowlife ass-kissing
Uncle Tom.

You know, this--

This "Uncle Tom" stuff--

It's really becoming
a bit redundant,
don't you think, Bernadine?

Excuse me.

**

Scotch and soda, please.

Yes, ma'am.

Here you go.
Thank you.

**

Excuse me.
Is anybody sitting here?

No. No one's
sitting there.

Uh, cognac, please.

Yes, sir.

**

My name is James Wheeler.
How do you do?

Your cognac, sir.

Thank you.

So do you have a name?

Bernadine.

Bernadine.

My, this is a...
pretty place.

But I have to admit,

I haven't seen anything
as splendid as you
since I've been here.

Okay. Oh, hold on now.
Hold on.

You don't have to
give me that look.

Just look.

I haven't seen the sun
for four days now.

I mean, it's been one meeting
after the other,
after the other.

And now I am finished.

So, I decided
to come downstairs,
have myself a drink,

and in the morning
I look forward
to returning home...

to my lovely wife.

Salud.

So, why are you
sitting here all alone?

Okay. Wait.
Hold on now.

You don't have to answer that.
You don't know me.

You know? I mean,
you don't know me
from a can of paint.

Here I am, all in your Kool-Aid
and don't know the flavor.

I'm getting a divorce,
James.
Ah. I'm sorry to hear that.

Yeah, well,
it happens, huh?

And you know,
it just occurred to me
that, uh,

I've lost something
that once meant everything,

and it hurts.

And right now,
I'm just-- I'm really
pissed about it.

Mm-hmm.

But you know
what really gets me?

I didn't have plan "B."

My marriage
was supposed to last.

Mm-hmm. Mmm.

So I guess that's why
I'm here. Hmm?

I can tell you one thing though.

Yeah

Well, you are one
brave woman.

You're bad.

No.
Oh, yes. Oh, yes.

I hope you recognize that.
No, I don't really
feel like that, James.

Well, I mean,
you're sitting here
all alone.

Ain't a black person in sight,
and you're sitting here looking
like everything is all right.

You know,
your makeup is flawless.

Oh, come on now.

I mean,
you've taken his best shot,
and you're still here.

Mmm.

Splendid.

You just know me so well.

No, no, no, no.
I don't know you.

But I do know a fighter
when I see one.

And I could tell that
with one look in your eyes.

What are you,
a, um--

a psychiatrist
or something?

No. No.

I am a civil rights attorney.

My practice is
in Washington, D.C.

I'm going through
something similar.

My wife is dying.

Oh.
Of breast cancer.

Well, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry to hear that.

It's--

Bernadine,
have you ever watched
someone dying?

I tell ya.
I mean, watching her suffer
just kills...

a bit of me every day.

And the worst part is
that I can't help but remember
all the plans we made.

You know, like we were
supposed to retire
in Saint Thomas, you know.

Out there by the beach.
And she loves the water.

Get the coconut oil
and rub it all over her.

She is definitely a--

I tell you, I just--

I just wish I could have
a piece of her that I could
keep safe, you know.

Just something.

Something more
than a bunch of memories.

Anyway.

You look like you're out.
Mmm.

How about a, uh--

a refill?

Yeah. Okay.
Okay.

Uh, she'll take another
whatever it is she got.

Scotch and soda.
Ooh.

I'm scared of you.

* Everyone falls *

* In love sometimes *

* Sometimes it's wrong *

* And sometimes it's right *

* For every win *

* Someone must fail *

* But there comes
a point when *

* When we exhale **

- Well, hello.
- Hello.

You look better
than I remembered.

It's funny. You don't.

But I guess you couldn't.

Oh, it's good to see you.
You too.

Well, I'm producing
my first segment.
Mm-hmm.

Uh, it's only
three minutes long,

but it is a start.

That's good.
That's real good.
I'm proud of you.

All right, all right.
Let's cut the bull.

Are you gonna
talk to me for real,
or what?

You know, I have to apologize
for thinking I could just...

pop back into your life
after all these years.

"Pop back" in my life?

Yeah.
Oh.

I needed to see you.

All right. So you've seen me.
Now I can leave, right?
I can go.

Oh, man.
There's so many things
I want to say to you.

Is that right?

Things I've wanted to say
ever since--

Well,

ever since you
dumped me.

Dumped you?

Can we revisit the real world
here for a minute, Kenneth?
Yeah.

You stopped calling me.

Oh, yeah.
Well, took me a while
to get the hint.

The hint?
Yeah.

What hint is that?

You never called me--
I never called you.

to go anywhere,
not even once.
Kenneth.

You're the man.

And that wasn't the nature
of our relationship,
and you know that.

Mm-hmm. I know.

The nature of our relationship
was that I was in love
with a woman...

who was too nice
to hurt my feelings.

You were in love with who?

And what?

Look.

I know I'm married,

and I love my daughter
with all my heart.

You see,

her mother was five months
pregnant when we married.

Now that was my choice.
I went in
with my eyes open,

and I've lived with it
for seven years now.

Now I don't want this
to come off like
some kind of come-on,

but you are the only woman
that I have ever loved.

And I still
love you, Savannah.

* And I can't believe
it's real *

* Can't believe it's you *

* I can't believe
it's happening *

* I can't believe it's true *

* And I can't believe
that you are here with me *

* And I am here with you *

* Kissing you *

* Softly kissing you *

* Kissing you *

* Forever kissing you *

* Kissing you *

* Kissing you *
* You *

* I can't believe
that you took me *

* When I was choosing you *

* Kissing you *

* Forever kissing you *

* Kissing you *

* Oh, gently kissing you *
* Kissing you *

* Kissing you *
* Kissing you *

* Kissing you *
* Kissing you *

* Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh **

You okay?

Yeah, I'm just--
Yeah, I'm okay.

Nervous.

Oh. I'm-- I'm a little nervous.

Well, I mean, if you're
having second thoughts
about me being up here.

No, no. I'm--

I'm having
all kinds of thoughts.

Well, I mean,
if it's any consolation,

Bernie,

I've never
done this before.

You sure?

I haven't made love
to a woman
in over a year.

Lauren stopped
wanting to, so--

Um--

Look.

I got two things
I want to say to you. No, no.
No. You don't have to...

say anything.
I do, because you may
kick me out afterwards.

Remember how you were saying
that the woman your husband,
uh, was marrying--

I mean, ex-husband--

that she was white?

Yes.

Well--

Well, so is my wife.

Look, Bernie.
I mean, I can sit here,

and I can say that
the reason I'm staying with her
is because she's dying...

or that it's my obligation
or a whole bunch of
st-- stuff,

but the truth
of the matter is--

I love her.

She's the only woman
I have ever loved.

And I would never leave her
under any circumstances.

It hurts like hell.

Yeah.

Someone felt that way
about me once.

But he stopped.

What do you
want to do tonight?

Make tonight beautiful.

Beautiful.

* I know if there is
any chance *

* For us to find
our happiness *

* We've got to learn
to let it go *

* Oh, forget all the pain
we knew *

* Sometimes *

* Sometimes
it hurts so bad, baby **

Marvin, please eat
this sandwich.

Mmm.

Yes. Yes indeed.

Ah, come on now.
I'm just kidding.

No, you weren't.
I wouldn't do that.

You were not.
Can you hold that for me?

Don't throw that
away now.

Ain't got no cheese
on this sandwich.

You don't like cheese.
I brought the paint.

Good. Sit it right down
there, Tarik.

You want a bite
of this sandwich, Tarik?
It got cheese in it?

Here. Take a bite.

**

**

* Happy birthday, dear Gloria *

Oh!

* Happy birthday to you **

- Oh!

Thank you.

To the best blow-dryin',
scissor-scalpin',

bumper-curlin',
braidin', weavin',

"get this gray
out of my hair" dyein'...

beautician
west of the Mississippi.

Happy birthday.

- Oh. Thanks.
- Weak!

Gloria, I hope
you find true love...

and get you some
that's so electric...

you ain't gonna need
no blow-dryer.
Oh, please.

And so juicy,
it's gonna put an end
to your 10-year drought.

Oh!

Nasty. Ooh.

Oh, come on, y'all.
Raise 'em up one more time.
Let's get serious now.

Girlfriend, here's
to peace of mind...

and all the happiness
that your heart
and hand can hold.

'Cause Lord knows
you deserve it.
Aw.

Oh!
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday!

Oh, thank you.

Happy birthday.

Okay. I can do this.
All right.

All right. Now come on.
Make your wish first.
Make your wish.

Um, okay.

- Get serious! Go on.

Oh, this is pitiful. Come on.
Let's help this old lady.
Just help me out.

You need some help.
Come on. Let's help her out.

* Love was always
supposed to be *

* Something wonderful to me *

* To watch it grow
inside yourself *

* To feel your heart
beside itself *

* Sometimes it hurts *
Why do they write
these damn songs?

To make you think
and believe and dream...

you could feel like this?

Hmm.
Shit.

Somebody had to go through
this shit in order
to write it.

Don't you think?

* Sometimes the pain *

* Is just too much *
Shoot.

You know what?

You know what we all
have in common?

What?

None of us--
not none of us...

have a man.

Some sad shit.

* Always there inside of you *
That lying asshole.

* Oh *

Messed up my life.

* Sometimes it hurts
to love so bad *

* When you know you've
given it your best *
I should call him right now.

* Sometimes it hurts
to even laugh *

* You feel a thousand miles
from happiness *
And I wanna talk to that bitch.

* Sometimes the pain *

* Is just too much *

* And it hurts like hell *

Hand me the phone.
I'll talk to that ho.

Oh, wait a minute. Hold on.
Dial her number, Bernie.

Wait, wait. Wait.

Dial her number.
What are y'all doing?

- No.

Put the phone down.
Johnny

No, it's not John, bitch.

Robin.
Savannah, talk to her.

What happened?
Bernie. Bernie, don't do this.

Bernie.

Bernie, don't do this.
Gloria, I gave him
two babies,

and she thinks
she can just take
my fuckin' husband.

Bernie! Bernie, cut.

It's stupid.

It's stupid, and it's childish.

Thank you.

Gloria, I had some shit
I wanted to get off my chest.

I'm hurt.

Why'd you unplug the phone?

Wh-What-- What happened
to the music?

I thought this was
supposed to be a party.

**
All right. Come on, baby.

* Yeah *

* Just keep it
on the down low **
Ah!

**

You already know.

I'm sick
of this shit now.

Wait a minute.

The one man
I love...

is married
with a kid.

And there's my life
in one little
sad nutshell.

Mmm. Men do leave
their wives.

At least he told you
he was married.

Yeah, but, see,
I'm not your average
24-year-old girl...

who's willing to
wait around
and count the days, see.

Mm-mmm.
Uh-uh.
I'm 33 years old.

Ooh!
Good!

And I still look good.

I still look good.

You do.
You do look good, girl.

You said it, fly diva.

Mm-hmm.
Freak mama.

The hoochie-coochie diva.

No.
All y'all go to hell.

Savannah, you know
you look good.
You look good, girl.

Whatever happened
to the good old days?

Oh.
Good old days.

What good old days?
What good old--

Jinx.
You know,
the days when...

men actually
flirted with you...

and-and-and asked you out
for a real date, you know.

Where are they hidin'?

They're not hidin'.
They're too damn scared
to make a commitment.

Mm-mmm.
They're with white women.

- They're gay.
- Or married.

- They're ugly.
- They behind bars.

Got bad credit.

Got little dicks
and can't fuck.
That's what it is.

Or they got big ones
and still can't fuck.
Ooh!

Wait, wait.
They want to spank it.

What?
They want to--

What?
They want to what?

Now that's not
a bad thing, Gloria.

Oh, Robin.
Come on.

They're too possessive.

They want you to be
their mama.

And their daddy.

And they're ugly.
Baby, we already said
they was ugly.

Yes. Good and ugly.

Inside out ugly?

If you're ugly inside,
you're ugly outside.

Inside out.

Geez. Who asked her?

Happy birthday, Ma.

Hi, Ma.
Did I wake you?

What difference
does it make?

I'm up now.

What's wrong?

Why you talkin' so low?

Savannah?
Are you there?

Yeah. Yeah, Ma.
I'm still here.

Nothing's wrong.

How are things with you?

Well, they cut my food stamps
to $57 a month.

Ma, how the hell
have you been getting by?
What have you been eating?

Oh, baby, see,
I knew you would
get upset,

and I've been trying
to deal with it on my own.

The check, it's--
goes so fast,

and things are
so high nowadays.

Ma, how much money
do you have?

Mmm. Sixty-seven dollars.

Ma, be down at Western Union
first thing in the morning.

Okay?

Baby.

You know, Kenneth called,
and, uh,

he said that he was gonna be
trying to come out there, with--

with him filing
for his divorce and all.

Well, did he call you?

N-No. No, he hasn't.

Well, then pick up the phone
and call him.

Because, Ma,

I just don't know.

I don't know if I can
trust him, you know.

Oh, girl, you're so crazy.

Mama, do me a favor, okay?

Yes?

I don't care if it's a--
a knitting class
or a new girdle--

Anything.
I don't care what it is.

You just pick up the phone
and you call me, okay?

All right, baby.

And only me, Ma.
Only you, precious.

Bye.

Hi.

Yeah, sorry I didn't call
after I got in.

Oh, continuous introductions
after a very long
and tedious meeting.

I was whipped.

Yeah. One thing is certain.

I'm gonna have to come out here
a few more times
before this deal's in place.

Yeah.

How's my baby girl?

Well, you tell her
that her daddy loves her.

Yeah.

Me too.

Bye.

Well, good morning.
Well, good mornin'.

And how are you today?

I'm here with you.
It's all good.

Have your breakfast.
I'll be back.
I'll be here.

**

* Inside yourself it's bad *

This is gonna broaden
his horizons,
make him more worldly.

He'll be fluent in Spanish.
I know that.

I just don't see why
he has to go
all the way to Spain...

when he's already
been accepted
at Arizona State.

I'm gonna miss him too.
Who's talking about
missing him?

Look. He's a man, Gloria.

He knows what he wants.

Be proud you raised him
that way.
I am proud.

It's just--

He's my baby.
You just don't understand.
I understand.

I un--

Why you telling me all this?

Well, I thought that since
you've been coming over
all these months,

showing him how to
fix things--

He's-- He's never known
what it's like
to have a father.

You took him fishin'.
He looks up to you.

I thought maybe
you could talk
some sense into him.

It seems to me Tarik
isn't the one who needs to
come to his senses.

I-If you don't mind
my saying so.

Well, everybody's entitled
to their own opinion.
Good night.

Gloria.

Good night.

* Feel so sad *

* I thought I was over you *

It's getting late.
I better--
* But I keep crying *

* When I don't love you *

Good night.

* So why does it
hurt so badly **

**

Russell called
and said he's leaving his wife
for sure this time.

Okay. So what's
taking him so long?

Russell?

Russell,
what took you so long?

I wasn't gone that long.

* Some just learn it
on the way *

Well, what happened?

We talked.

Well, I assumed that much.

So?

* Make it smooth
Take your time *

Is she gonna sign
the divorce papers,

or what?

You just don't decide
to divorce somebody and sign
on the dotted line, baby.

It doesn't work that way.

I wish it did,
but it doesn't.

**

Why don't you get
my pajamas?

Pajamas?
Now that's the first time
you ever asked for those.

Russell,
did you sleep with her?

I can't take comin' here
and bein' pressured about what
I'm doin' with my own wife.

Well, you know we're not
gonna have very much time
to spend together.

* Everybody knows
how to make you scream *

It's Troy.

I can't talk right now.
What, you can't talk now?

Hey, look. Why don't you just
say somethin' sexy to me
so I can go to sleep?

Who was that?

Savannah.

I suggest you tell
your boyfriends not to
call here after 11:00.

He's jealous.
What a joke.

What the hell
am I doin' anyway?

* Said I shall not be moved *

**

* Said I shall not be moved *

* Just like a tree
that's planted by the water *

* Just like a tree *

This Up With People's choir
that's goin' to Spain--

is it this good?

You mean the one
you won't let me join?

Nah.
* Shall not be moved **

But they're close.

After that selection,
after that song--

After that song,
somebody ought to say
thank you.

Thank you!
Say "Praise the Lord."

Praise the Lord!
Say "Praise the Lord!"

Praise the Lord!

Turn to your neighbor,
right where you're sitting,
and say "The Lord"--

The Lord--
"is blessing me"--

is blessing me.

"right now."
right now.

Amen.
Amen.

At this time, our prayers go out
to Sister Lulu Mae Preston,
who just had hip surgery.

Church,
I want you to know
this morning that...

God is able!

And because we know that
he's able, we will continue to
pray her strength in the Lord.

Amen.
Amen.

Sister Gloria Matthews...

would like the congregation
to send their prayers out...

for the safe journey
of her son Tarik,

who'll soon be on his way
to Spain for a year...

to play the saxophone
in the Up With People
International Orchestra.

Hallelujah! Amen!

Amen. Oh!

- Brother Tarik--
- Mm-hmm.

Hold on to the Lord's
unchanging hand.

As you go on your journey,
continue to trust in the Lord
with all your heart.

Amen.
Amen.

I mean,
so what do you think, Robin?

I've loved this man forever,
and now that we've got
another chance,

I don't want to blow it
by making him think
I don't have any faith in him.

Do you know what I mean?

I mean,
don't we hear this on Sally
and Oprah every day?

That's what you sound
like, you know.

Yeah, I know.
Is that where you get
your advice from

Well, you know,
there was this one woman
in your same situation.

Mmm.
This man kept saying
he was gonna leave too.

She got her hopes all up
and everything,

quit her job,
even moved to the city
he lived in.

Right after
she got there,

she found out she was
three months' pregnant.

He ended up
dumping the woman.

He said his kids would be
too hurt if he left now.

So what about the baby?

So she had an abortion.

She never, ever told a soul.

Not even her mama.

Hmm.

She never looked at men
quite the same again.

So he left his wife
in the end, right?

Take a wild guess,
Savannah.

What show
did you hear this on?

Sorry.

I've never been
on Oprah.

Where's my mom?

I think my mommy left me.
Have you seen my mom?

Guess what I got.

Uh,

some tea.

Guess.

Picture you drew for me?

I don't know, honey.
I give. What is it?

I got the mail, Ma.
Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.
I'll be right back, okay?

Okay.

Hmm.

Mama?

I've waited as long
as I could to contact you.

Mommy, is "freak"
a bad word?

I've been thinkin' about you
a lot, Bernie.

Every day.

All the time.

I'm embarrassed to even
write that down.

But... it's true.

Bernie, I fell in love--
in one night.

Mama, I asked you
a question.

No, honey.
No, it's not.

You know what's even harder
for me to understand...

is that what I feel for you...

has never undercut
the love I have for my wife.

Now how is that possible?

Tabitha said
it was a bad word.

I still watch her every day.

So beautiful.
So brave.

I just wanna give her everything
I've got in me.

Every moment.

It's-It's--
It's not a nice word.

She's hanging on,

fighting to be here for me.

And when she sleeps,
I cry...

over how amazing she is...

and how lucky I've been
to have her in my life.

Can I say it?

No. No.

You're the only person
in this world I ever knew
I could tell this to.

And even if
this never finds you...

and we never speak again,

you've... changed...
my... life.

You know what inspiration is?

It's someone who lets you know
life will go on...

and something beautiful
can be waiting somewhere.

Somewhere,
when you least expect it.

Mommy, what does it mean?

What does what mean?
Freak.

It means "weird."

You let me say "weird,"
so why can't I say "freak"?

Because.

Look, Mama.

Mmm?

Look at you.

What?

God stopped crying.

I don't think those were
God's tears at all.

Just his way of making sure
everything keeps growin'.

Very romantic.
And the food.

I love the food.
Mmm.

Oh! We have to start planning.
Your wedding.

Hi, darling.

So many plans.
I'm sorry I'm late.

Well--
My daughter's had a hundred
and four temperature...

for the past two days.
Really?

Turns out
she's got the chicken pox.
Oh, gosh.

I mean, Paula's been beeping me
on the hour, every hour,
all damn day.

Mmm.
I told her all she had to do
was give the girl an ice bath.

Right.
Or rub her down
with some alcohol.

Mmm.
Jesus,
you'd think she had malaria.

So why'd you even come?
Why?

Because you are the most
important thing in my life.

Excuse me.
Can I get you something
to drink?

No, thanks, for me.

One of these days...

she's not gonna have me around
to bug about this shit.

Mmm.

You know,
every trip I make out here,

I dread going home.

And the longer
I think about it,

the more I'm convinced
that this is
what I want to do...

when the time is right.

- Excuse me.
- Thank you.

I mean, it's more financial
than anything right now.
Ah.

And there's still
a lot of things
that need to be worked out.

- Mmm.
- I know if I left right now,

it would be the wrong time
for my daughter.

She thinks she's having
a baby sister.

A baby?

So,

we're going to have to wait
a little bit longer
than I expected.

Yeah.

But I know the kind of person
that you are...

that you wanna do
the right thing as much as I do.

Mmm.

I do, Kenneth.
I really do.

You see, the more
I think about it,

the more I look at you,

you look like...

the scum
of the fucking earth.

You see,
the good news is, Kenneth,

is that I was never,
ever in danger of you
getting a divorce.

Oh, no. I'm the lucky one.

"The most important thing"
in your life,

meaning you'll abandon
your wife and your child...

to get laid
every chance I give you.

And you think--

you think the brass ring
is some bogus promise to put me
into Paula's shoes?

So you can do the same
fucking thing to me next year?

It's pretty close
to irresistible, lover man.

What the hell's
wrong with you?

I mean, you and my wife
working for the same
fucking firm or something?

You weren't this
self-righteous when you were
fucking my brains out.

You weren't worried about
my poor little wife then,
now were you?

You're right.
You're absolutely right,
Kenneth.

I couldn't see past
what I wanted.

So that made me an asshole.

But the difference
between you and me...

is I'm not anymore.

Wait a minute.
Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa.
What is it?

Now look.

I'm sorry,

but we need to talk
about this some more.

I mean, without all the anger.

Look. I'm not mad.
Really.

Neither am I, baby.
I'm not mad.

And to prove it,
the drinks are on you.

Hey! Damn it.

* Kissing you *

* Kissing you *

Excuse me, Savannah.
You have a phone call.

Thanks, Edy.
Excuse me for a sec.
Hello?

Have you lost your mind?

Ma?

Kenneth just called me
and told me how simple
you acted.

He was actually cryin'.

And men don't be cryin'
over no woman
unless they love 'em.

How can you be
so insensitive?

Could you excuse me
for a minute, please?

No problem.
Thank you.

First of all, Ma,
I am sick of you telling me
how I should live my life,

who you think
I should love, marry.

Ma, I'm sick of it.

Don't you raise
your voice at me.

Mama, I'm 33 years old,
and I live alone.

Mmm. Yeah.
Tell me about it.

Yes, and I may have to accept
the fact that I may live alone
for the rest of my life.

It ain't too late,
Savannah.

He's begging on his damn knees,
and you're letting him get away.

Mama, do you hear me?
I have a job.
I have friends.

Ma, I have interests that
you don't even ask about...

because only one thing
counts with you, Mama.

With any damn woman
unless they lyin'
to themself.

Well, I'm being honest
with myself, Ma.

I'm smart, I work hard,
and I'm a good person.

Ma, if I allowed myself
to think like you,

I guess I'd be a dead woman.

Ma, you should be proud
I'd rather live alone...

than crawl up behind
some two-timing loser
like Kenneth.

He's a good man, Savannah.

A good man.

He's just in a bad
situation right now,

and he's trying
to get out of it.

Mama, I tell you what.
Why don't you fuckin'
marry him then?

Ma.

I was wrong to yell.
I'm sorry.

But I meant what I said
about my life.

But I didn't mean
to disrespect you.

I'll never do that again.

It's all right, baby.

It's all right.

I just don't want to
see you end up like me.

Alone.

I know, Ma.

And I love you.

I love you too, sugar.

I'll talk to you later.
Bye.

After fully reviewing
all the newly submitted
documentation,

the settlement
will go as follows:

One and a half million dollars
in the Phoenix Municipal
Savings and Loan Association,

ownership of the residence
at 1985 Ohio Drive
in Pinnacle Peak, Arizona,

a second house
in Acapulco, Mexico--
Mmm.

500,000
in stocks and bonds...

and an E320-S
Mercedes station wagon.

Thank you, thank you,
thank you.

You're welcome.

Did you hear that?
Whoo!

Whoo-hoo!

Hey, baby.
Surprised to see me?

I finally got
that bitch off my back
like I told you I would.

If that's what you want,
I'm happy for you.

Then why are we standing here
in the hallway
talking about it?

Because I haven't
invited you in.

Come on, baby.

It's me.

It's Russell.

Why you want to
do this to us...

after all we've
been through, huh?

Come on now.
I said stop.

What you readin'?

Childbirth Choices.

What's that about?

Yeah.

It's yours.
And I'm keeping it.

So what you expect
me to do?
What you do best.

Disappear.

Go home to your wife.

Or better yet,
go get some help.

I don't want anything
from you.

I want you to read my lips.

We don't need you
in our lives.

Yes!

It's open.

How you been doing?

I haven't seen
much of you lately.

I, um-- I acted silly,
when all you did
was tell me the truth.

I guess I didn't
wanna hear it.

I've been real busy.

Um,

I came over
for two reasons.

I know I shut you out,

and, um,
I miss you in our life.

My life.

Marvin, I have no doubt
in my mind everything you said
was true, and I-I apologize.

I just came over
to say that.

Wait a minute. Wait.

Come on in.

Sit down.

He just left.

He wouldn't even let me
take him to the airport.

He's been the man
in my life, you know.

My companion.
More than just my baby.

Now he's gone.

I, uh--

I gave up, and I--

a long time ago on any hope
I had of finding
someone for myself, and--

It's a terrible thing
to do to Tarik.

Tarik's gonna be fine. Yeah.
Yeah.

I'm grateful to you though
for opening my eyes.

I miss you too.
You, uh--

You wouldn't allow
my fear of being alone...

to get in the way
of him growing up and doing
what he has to do, and--

I was so unfair to him.
No, no.

Yes, I was.
No.

You haven't been unfair
to Tarik.

You've been unfair to you.

To us.

It's like--

It's like you don't feel
you're worthy to have
someone to love you.

No, I--

I love you.

I love you.
No, don't say--

Yes.
You don't mean--

Yes, I love you.

Gloria.

We're moving into
our New Year's Eve countdown.

Guys, I don't feel
like goin' to no club tonight.
Me either.

All right.
Let's go somewhere different.

I'm down.
Yeah, me too.

...when Roberta Flack
was saying "It Might Be You"?

**
Who is this?

Roberta Flack.
* Time *

Roberta Flack.
* I've been passing time *

* Watchin' trains go by *
* Go by *

Uh-huh.
It's an old cut.

* All of my life *
Uh-huh. It's an old cut.

* Lying on the sand *
**

* Watching seabirds fly *

Oh, you know, this is, um--

* Wishing there would be *
"Tookie."

Y'all know the movie.
Ooh.

Tootsie?
Tootsie.

Tootsie. Yeah.
This is from Tootsie.
Ah.

Dustin Hoffman.
Yeah.

This is, uh, Stephen, uh,
you know--

* Something's telling me
it might be you *
* It might be you *

* You *

* It's telling me
it might be you *
Yeah.

* Yeah *
* All of my life **

** [ Drums:
Up

If you got no plans tonight--

This is much better
than going to the Jockey Club!

Marvin!

Don't panic, and don't be
afraid. Do that for yourself.

Don't be sad. Get glad.
This baby's gonna
have more than one mama, girl.

If you're mad, get even.
Oh!

But if it ain't broke,
don't fix it.

Whatever you do,
do it this year.
Whoo!

Let's do this.

Nine, eight, seven,

six--
Hey! I think it's time!

five, four, three--

two, one,
two, one,

Happy New Year.
Happy New Year!

* Count on me
through thick and thin *

* A friendship
that will never end *

* When you are weak
I will be strong *

We made it!
* Helping you to carry on *

* Call on me
I will be there *

* Don't be afraid *

* Please believe me
when I say *

* Count on *

* I can see
it's hurting you *
Happy New Year!

* I can feel your pain *

* It's hard to see
the sunshine *

* Through the rain, oh *
Yay!

* I know sometimes
it seems as if *

* It's never gonna end *

* But you'll get through it *

* Just don't give in *

* 'Cause you can *

* Count on me
through thick and thin *

* A friendship
that will never end *
**

* When you are weak
I will be strong *

* Helping you to carry on *

* Call on me
I will be there *

* Don't be afraid *

* Please believe me *
* Please believe me *

* When I say *
* When I say *

* Count on *

* You can count on me *

* Oh, yes, you can *

**

**

* I know sometimes
it seems as if *

* We're standing all alone *

* But we'll get through it *

* 'Cause love
won't let us fall *

* Count on me *
* Count on me *

* Through thick and thin *
* I'll be there *

* A friendship that
will never end *
* Friendship that *

* Will never end *
* When you are weak *

* When you are weak *
* I will be strong *

* I'll be strong *
* Helping you to carry on *

* Helping you
carry on *

* Call on me
I will be there *

* Don't be afraid *

* Please believe me
when I say *

* Count on *

* There's a place
inside of all of us *

* Where our faith
in love begins *

* You should reach to find
the truth in love *

* The answer's there
within, oh *

* I know that life
can make you feel *

* It's much harder
than it really is *

* But we'll get though it *
* We'll get through it *

* Just *
* Just *

* Don't *
* Don't *

* Give in *

* Count on me
through thick and thin *

* Count on me *
* A friendship
that will never end *

* It'll never end *
* When you are weak
I will be strong *

* I'll be strong *
* Helping you
to carry on *

* Call on me
I will be there *
* I'll be there *

* Don't be afraid *
* Don't be afraid now *

* Please believe me
when I say *
* When I say *

* Count on *

* Count on *
* Count on *

* Count on *
* Count on *

* Count on *
* Count on *

* Me *

* Oh, yes, you can *

* I know I can *
* Sure, you can *

* Oh, yeah *
* So glad I can *

* Count on me *
* Count on you, girl **

* Everyone falls *

* In love sometimes *

* Sometimes it's wrong *

* And sometimes it's right *

* For every win *

* Someone must fail *

* But there comes
a point when *

* When we exhale
Yeah, yeah *

* Say *

* Shoop, shoop, shoop *

* Shoo-be-doo *
* Shoo-be-doo *

* Shoop, shoop
Shoo-be-doo *
* Yeah *

* Shoop, shoop
Shoo-be-doo **