Living Single (1993–1998): Season 1, Episode 16 - Fatal Distraction - full transcript
Well, Regine, I'm
happy to report
there are no mice
in your closet.
Although I did beat the hell
out of your mink earmuffs.
So then what was
causing all the squeaking?
I guess you must have
loosened up the floorboards
when you was trying to
hide your box of valuables.
My box of valuables?
Yes. Yes! My very valuable box.
What? Oh, man.
These are just somebody's
crusty old letters.
Oh, they look like
old love letters.
And I smell perfume.
No, that be the fungus
growing on the
bottom of the box.
Wow. This one
was written in 1894.
These could be
worth a lot of money.
Hundreds. Maybe thousands.
Grab a crowbar.
There are six more
closets in the house.
♪ We are living single ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Yes we're living
the single life yeah ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ We're living single ♪
♪ Ooh, in a '90s kind of world ♪
♪ I'm glad I got my girls ♪
♪ Keep your head up ♪
♪ What? ♪
♪ Keep your head up ♪
♪ That's right ♪
♪ Whenever this life get tough ♪
♪ You got to fight with ♪
♪ My homegirls
standing to my left ♪
♪ And my right ♪
♪ True blue, and
tight like glue ♪
♪ We are living ♪
♪ Check, check, check it out ♪
♪ Single ♪
♪ And in a '90s kind of world ♪
♪ I'm glad I got my girls ♪
♪ Aah ♪
Wyatt, you don't have very
much writing experience.
Yo, I'm not a
magazine writer per se.
Rap lyrics are more my forte.
Oh, that explains why
your resume rhymes.
It's the language of the people.
Clearly, you're out of touch.
Really?
Well, I guess you think
you're smart and cool,
but if you think you're
getting a job here,
you're a damn fool. Now
get up out of my office.
Sorry. He was a walk‐in.
I'm here to see Khadijah James.
Hi, I'm Khadijah... James.
Xavier St. John.
I'm here for the interview.
Interview?
Oh, the interview.
I'm sorry. Just this way.
I'll just take my usual notes.
Why don't you just make
your usual personal calls?
Greedy.
Why don't you have a seat?
Thank you.
Hmm. Money Magazine.
San Antonio Sentinel.
You have some nice credits here.
Yes, and as you can see,
I've also been
published in Esteem.
Esteem, huh?
That's a great magazine.
Yeah, but Flavor
is clearly much more
in touch with the people.
I like a man who
knows when to kiss up.
Should I continue,
or was that sufficient?
Well, I'll let you know.
Will that be sugar
or sugar substitute?
Synclaire, we didn't
ask for any coffee.
Well, then I guess it really
doesn't matter then, does it?
Excuse me.
So, tell me something
about yourself.
Well, I'm originally from D. C.,
but I spent my teens in Europe.
Army brat.
Really, you speak
any other languages?
Mais oui.
Flavor est un
journal merveilleux.
What does that mean?
Flavor is a wonderful magazine.
Hey, it sounds good
in both languages.
Cafe au lait? Latte?
Mocha java?
Synclaire, we just said
we didn't want
anything to drink.
Well, he's a big guy.
He could have worked
up a thirst by now.
No, I'm fine. Thanks, anyway.
Ciao.
Xavier, I have a good
feeling about you.
When can you start?
When do you want me?
As soon as possible.
How about right now?
Uh, I'll show you to your desk.
Welcome to the Flavor family.
Okay. The peep show is over.
Get back to work.
Dennis.
Oh, these old letters
are so romantic.
John is writing to Emily
about the time they shared tea
right here in the parlor.
Listen, "When your hand
brushed against mine, my beloved"
my heart fairly leapt with joy."
Oh, he really loved Emily.
Yeah, well.
Didn't take John long to
get those 34 buttons undone.
Apparently, they had more
than just tea in the parlor.
You know,
Synclaire, I enjoy tea.
You guys! I told
you, until I find out
if my letters are worth anything
keep your horny paws off.
Good evening, people.
Yeah, yeah. What's
the news on my letters?
My friend at the auction house
said if the letters have any
historical references in them,
they could be worth quite a bit.
You heard the man,
people! Read! Read!
Max, is that you?
Yeah.
Nice try, Kyle
but I have a key, little freak.
So, Khadijah how
was your first day
with your new
writer Mr. Beautiful?
Let me put it to you like this.
Xavier spent all day
stocking his desk.
You know, we keep
the office supplies
in the file cabinet
in the bottom drawer.
Today was a good day.
Alright!
I knew you guys
said he looked good
but is the brother
really all that?
Girl, his butt's so hard
you could bounce
a quarter off it.
I tried. If only I
had better aim.
Synclaire, I'm
shocked and applauled.
It was peer pressure.
All the other women
and Dennis were doing it.
Listen to your
shameless prattle.
Men could never get away with
talking about women like that.
That's right.
Welcome to the '90s.
Oh, Kyle, you're just jealous
that you're not
getting the attention.
Oh, please.
Now, if I may speak for
good‐looking men everywhere...
Only as their rodeo clown.
That reminds me.
Bronco busting's about to
start. They're hold a stall for you.
I think that I should
sashay on down to the office
and see what all
this talk is about.
Don't even try it, Regine.
I think Xavier has
a thing for Khadijah.
No. Really?
Do you really think he
needed all those supplies?
How many post‐its can
a man use in one day?
Please.
Sounds to me like he was
putting on a show for you.
I thought I caught him checking
me out a couple of times.
Ah! Don't touch it, girl.
Hey, I'm with you. Hands off.
What? What do you
mean, "don't touch it"?
Shoot, she's paying for it.
That she is.
We need to leave
before their caldron boils
over and singes our feet.
I feel dirty.
Hey, come on in.
I just wanted to say,
well, I'm turning in my
first article tomorrow
and I'm looking
forward to your thoughts.
I'm looking forward
to reading it.
Guess we both have
something to look forward to.
Guess so.
Well, um, I'm on my way out.
Which way you going?
Prospect Heights.
Cool, we can share a cab.
I'll get my things.
Synclaire, I think Xavier
and I are sharing a cab home.
You want to join us?
Well, I have to cut
off the Xerox machine
close all the windows,
and find my keys.
See you in a few hours.
Sorry, Dennis.
So when did you first know
you wanted to be a writer?
It had to be the third grade.
I always knew I
had a lot to say.
The teacher wrote
on my report card.
"Khadijah has a lot to say."
And I guess you've been
saying it ever since, huh?
It feels like it.
I was the editor of
my high school paper
my college paper and
now I've got Flavor.
I guess there's
no shutting me up.
Well, I could listen
to you talk all day.
Xavier, you got the job already.
You can stop brown‐nosing now.
No, that's how I feel.
Be for real.
Seriously.
You're one of the most engaging
and intelligent
women I've ever met.
Really?
Really.
Your stop.
I can't believe
we're here already.
Me, either.
Yeah, well.
I guess this is it.
I guess so.
Khadijah, look, I'm flattered
but I don't think
this is a good idea.
No. It wasn't.
Yeah, well, I'll
see you tomorrow.
Ouch.
"As our flesh became one
over and over and over."
Whoo‐ee!
Ooh, yes.
Look here, Regine.
Why not take a couple
of these home tonight?
You know, as a favor.
This is the worst
day of my life.
I'm so embarrassed.
Khadijah... did your
blouse pop open again?
No, my blouse did not
pop open again, thank you.
On the cab ride home
I thought Xavier
was going to kiss me
so I went for it.
He didn't.
I hate to say I told you so.
Well, I don't really hate it.
Actually, I get sort of a
perverse pleasure from it.
What was I thinking?
Oh, Khadijah.
Now, honey, this kind of
thing happens all the time.
No. It's never happened to me.
Me, either.
But that's not the point.
We're here to help Khadijah‐‐
the only one to whom
this has happened.
Oh, now, honey, don't
you go feeling bad.
She's right. There
are worse things.
Like this tale from the crypt.
Max, can we call a truce?
No.
Okay, fine. I tried
to take the high road
you bearded billy goat.
Ah, Khadijah, what happened?
Your blouse pop open again?
No. She tried to kiss
the new guy from work
and he left her hanging.
What?
I'm trying to help you work
through your embarrassment.
I feel for you, Khadijah.
You know, men go
through this all the time‐‐
always having to
make the first move...
never knowing what to expect...
the humiliation and
the constant rejection.
Of course, you know, this
has never happened to me.
Happened to me once.
It was in the third grade.
Little Chip Fields
scarred me for life.
Matter of fact, when
I got the fresh fage
you can still kinda
see it right here.
Look, forget all of this.
I'm just going to
go to work tomorrow
and pretend it never happened.
Xavier ain't all that, anyway.
It's funny how
unattractive a guy becomes
after he rejects you.
You have a minute?
Uh, sure. What's up?
I wanted to tell
you that I left a copy
of my article with Synclaire.
Alright. I'll read it
as soon as I can.
Xavier.
Look, um... about last night...
I'm sorry if I made
you feel uncomfortable.
This is no big deal.
Let's just forget
it ever happened.
I can do that.
Great.
Khadijah?
Yeah?
Well, I'm no William Shakespeare
and I'm certainly
no Toni Morrison.
I don't even come close
to being Dr. Seuss...
but, oh, I forgot my point.
Wait. Let me backtrack.
Oh, yes. Xavier.
His writing stinks.
It's just so confusing.
You know, after I
read the first paragraph
I relaxed my eyes and
just looked at the patterns.
This doesn't make sense.
And look at these typos.
I can't believe
Xavier wrote this.
Well, his other articles
were good, right?
I didn't exactly get around
to reading any of
his other articles.
Well, what did his
references say?
Uh... well, you know, I
didn't get around to, uh...
Okay, okay.
You didn't read his samples.
You didn't check his references.
Khadijah, the next time I staple
your papers at the wrong angle
cut me some slack, okay?
I made a mistake.
Tell him I want to see him.
I should think so.
What's up?
Well, I read your article.
What did you think?
I got to be straight up
with you, it needs work.
How much work are we talking?
A lot.
A lot?
As in beaucoup.
Xavier, I can't publish this.
Oh, okay, I see
what this is about.
Last night in the cab.
I say no, so you say no.
Xavier, this has nothing
to do with last night.
Khadijah, there is nothing
wrong with my article.
The trouble is, you
don't need a journalist.
You need a man.
I need someone who knows
there are two "O's" in Brooklyn.
Are you threatening to fire me?
I hope not, because
you'll have a nice
little lawsuit on
your hands if you do.
You're going to sue me?
For sexual harassment.
Well, fine.
Just remember,
harassment‐‐ one "r," two "s's."
So, Max, does he
have a case or what?
Nah. I wouldn't represent him.
Good, 'cause I want to fire him.
Oh, that's different. Could
you give him my card?
So I'm stuck with a
guy who can't write
or a lawsuit I don't deserve.
That's basically the
conclusion we came to here.
You know, I think this dilemma
illustrates the progress women
have made over the years.
I mean, before you know it,
you women will be
blamed for starting wars
telling us men what
to do with our bodies
and suffering from
male pattern baldness.
Kyle. Yeah, baby?
Get the hell out.
See, you're relaxing into
that newfound power already.
I'll get the door.
And you, you're
such the gentleman.
Goodnight.
You know, Khadijah,
John and Emily had a
love no one approved of.
Synclaire, we don't have a love
and he's threatening to sue me.
I don't see how this relates.
Now that you put it
that way, neither do I.
Thanks for correcting me.
So, Khadijah, what
are you going to do?
Look, I made a mistake.
If I have to pay
with a lawsuit, fine
but my magazine is
not gonna pay for it.
I'm firing Xavier tomorrow,
and whatever happens, happens.
It's times like this
that mae me glad I work alone.
This kind of thing can
never happen to me.
I always treat myself
with the utmost
courtesy and respect.
You wanted to see me?
Yeah. Have a seat.
Xavier, earlier, you said
you admired me as a
good businesswoman.
Well, a good businesswoman
knows when you make a mistake
you have to admit,
apologize, and correct.
Now, I've admitted my
mistake and I've apologized.
All I have to do is
correct the situation.
I'm letting you go.
I'm filing that lawsuit.
Go ahead, 'cause your
threats are not going to dictate
the way I run my business.
Khadijah, everyone
saw how you wanted me.
Check this out, right?
Nobody wants you
more than you do
and more importantly,
you cannot write.
Do you know what an
accusation of sexual harassment
will do to your reputation?
If I'm lucky, it will get me a
Supreme Court appointment.
And I know, if a judge
were to read your article
she would sentence you
to remedial English class.
I don't need you to
get where I wanna go.
You're right. You don't.
You'll get over on your
charm and your good looks
but see, you won't
get over on me again
'cause Khadijah don't need you.
See ya.
I'm fired?
Yep.
I'm fired.
And hard of hearing.
You're not even worth the
time it would take to sue you.
I didn't think so.
Okay, I'm out.
You can kiss my b‐u‐t good‐bye.
"T."
Synclaire, Overton
your hard work in reading
those musty old letters
has paid off.
I hit the jackpot, y'all‐‐ $400.
A woman at the
historical society
said Emily was a person
of some substance.
Mm‐hmm. Apparently,
Miss Emily was a suffragette
or she sewed a flag
or a dress or something.
Anyway, they are
willing to pay cash money
to read about whatever she did.
Give me the letters.
We can't. Yes, you can.
Before you say another word,
let me read you the last one.
It's to Abigail, Emily's sister.
"I am racked with grief over
my beloved Emily's death.
"Curse that runaway oxcart.
"I'm going to spend
"the remainder
of my wretched life
"in a monastery.
"My one last wish is that
you burn any letters from me.
"Emily may have saved
"so that she may read
of my love in heaven.
Peace be with you, John."
All of them?
All of them.
You looked past the money
to fulfill the last
wish of a holy man.
You each owe me 200 bucks...
and I want it by Friday...
or you both will be sorry
that you were ever born.
"Dear Emily:
Had lunch today
with Ben Franklin."
Regine, I don't think he
was around in the 1890s.
Oh, dang.
It says here in the almanac
that the light bulb
was invented in 1879.
Mm‐hmm. Close enough.
"Dear Emily: Had lunch today
"with Thomas Alva Edison.
"He thanked me
"for the light bulb
idea I gave him.
See you soon. Love, John."
Mm‐‐ sounds valuable to me.
happy to report
there are no mice
in your closet.
Although I did beat the hell
out of your mink earmuffs.
So then what was
causing all the squeaking?
I guess you must have
loosened up the floorboards
when you was trying to
hide your box of valuables.
My box of valuables?
Yes. Yes! My very valuable box.
What? Oh, man.
These are just somebody's
crusty old letters.
Oh, they look like
old love letters.
And I smell perfume.
No, that be the fungus
growing on the
bottom of the box.
Wow. This one
was written in 1894.
These could be
worth a lot of money.
Hundreds. Maybe thousands.
Grab a crowbar.
There are six more
closets in the house.
♪ We are living single ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Yes we're living
the single life yeah ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ We're living single ♪
♪ Ooh, in a '90s kind of world ♪
♪ I'm glad I got my girls ♪
♪ Keep your head up ♪
♪ What? ♪
♪ Keep your head up ♪
♪ That's right ♪
♪ Whenever this life get tough ♪
♪ You got to fight with ♪
♪ My homegirls
standing to my left ♪
♪ And my right ♪
♪ True blue, and
tight like glue ♪
♪ We are living ♪
♪ Check, check, check it out ♪
♪ Single ♪
♪ And in a '90s kind of world ♪
♪ I'm glad I got my girls ♪
♪ Aah ♪
Wyatt, you don't have very
much writing experience.
Yo, I'm not a
magazine writer per se.
Rap lyrics are more my forte.
Oh, that explains why
your resume rhymes.
It's the language of the people.
Clearly, you're out of touch.
Really?
Well, I guess you think
you're smart and cool,
but if you think you're
getting a job here,
you're a damn fool. Now
get up out of my office.
Sorry. He was a walk‐in.
I'm here to see Khadijah James.
Hi, I'm Khadijah... James.
Xavier St. John.
I'm here for the interview.
Interview?
Oh, the interview.
I'm sorry. Just this way.
I'll just take my usual notes.
Why don't you just make
your usual personal calls?
Greedy.
Why don't you have a seat?
Thank you.
Hmm. Money Magazine.
San Antonio Sentinel.
You have some nice credits here.
Yes, and as you can see,
I've also been
published in Esteem.
Esteem, huh?
That's a great magazine.
Yeah, but Flavor
is clearly much more
in touch with the people.
I like a man who
knows when to kiss up.
Should I continue,
or was that sufficient?
Well, I'll let you know.
Will that be sugar
or sugar substitute?
Synclaire, we didn't
ask for any coffee.
Well, then I guess it really
doesn't matter then, does it?
Excuse me.
So, tell me something
about yourself.
Well, I'm originally from D. C.,
but I spent my teens in Europe.
Army brat.
Really, you speak
any other languages?
Mais oui.
Flavor est un
journal merveilleux.
What does that mean?
Flavor is a wonderful magazine.
Hey, it sounds good
in both languages.
Cafe au lait? Latte?
Mocha java?
Synclaire, we just said
we didn't want
anything to drink.
Well, he's a big guy.
He could have worked
up a thirst by now.
No, I'm fine. Thanks, anyway.
Ciao.
Xavier, I have a good
feeling about you.
When can you start?
When do you want me?
As soon as possible.
How about right now?
Uh, I'll show you to your desk.
Welcome to the Flavor family.
Okay. The peep show is over.
Get back to work.
Dennis.
Oh, these old letters
are so romantic.
John is writing to Emily
about the time they shared tea
right here in the parlor.
Listen, "When your hand
brushed against mine, my beloved"
my heart fairly leapt with joy."
Oh, he really loved Emily.
Yeah, well.
Didn't take John long to
get those 34 buttons undone.
Apparently, they had more
than just tea in the parlor.
You know,
Synclaire, I enjoy tea.
You guys! I told
you, until I find out
if my letters are worth anything
keep your horny paws off.
Good evening, people.
Yeah, yeah. What's
the news on my letters?
My friend at the auction house
said if the letters have any
historical references in them,
they could be worth quite a bit.
You heard the man,
people! Read! Read!
Max, is that you?
Yeah.
Nice try, Kyle
but I have a key, little freak.
So, Khadijah how
was your first day
with your new
writer Mr. Beautiful?
Let me put it to you like this.
Xavier spent all day
stocking his desk.
You know, we keep
the office supplies
in the file cabinet
in the bottom drawer.
Today was a good day.
Alright!
I knew you guys
said he looked good
but is the brother
really all that?
Girl, his butt's so hard
you could bounce
a quarter off it.
I tried. If only I
had better aim.
Synclaire, I'm
shocked and applauled.
It was peer pressure.
All the other women
and Dennis were doing it.
Listen to your
shameless prattle.
Men could never get away with
talking about women like that.
That's right.
Welcome to the '90s.
Oh, Kyle, you're just jealous
that you're not
getting the attention.
Oh, please.
Now, if I may speak for
good‐looking men everywhere...
Only as their rodeo clown.
That reminds me.
Bronco busting's about to
start. They're hold a stall for you.
I think that I should
sashay on down to the office
and see what all
this talk is about.
Don't even try it, Regine.
I think Xavier has
a thing for Khadijah.
No. Really?
Do you really think he
needed all those supplies?
How many post‐its can
a man use in one day?
Please.
Sounds to me like he was
putting on a show for you.
I thought I caught him checking
me out a couple of times.
Ah! Don't touch it, girl.
Hey, I'm with you. Hands off.
What? What do you
mean, "don't touch it"?
Shoot, she's paying for it.
That she is.
We need to leave
before their caldron boils
over and singes our feet.
I feel dirty.
Hey, come on in.
I just wanted to say,
well, I'm turning in my
first article tomorrow
and I'm looking
forward to your thoughts.
I'm looking forward
to reading it.
Guess we both have
something to look forward to.
Guess so.
Well, um, I'm on my way out.
Which way you going?
Prospect Heights.
Cool, we can share a cab.
I'll get my things.
Synclaire, I think Xavier
and I are sharing a cab home.
You want to join us?
Well, I have to cut
off the Xerox machine
close all the windows,
and find my keys.
See you in a few hours.
Sorry, Dennis.
So when did you first know
you wanted to be a writer?
It had to be the third grade.
I always knew I
had a lot to say.
The teacher wrote
on my report card.
"Khadijah has a lot to say."
And I guess you've been
saying it ever since, huh?
It feels like it.
I was the editor of
my high school paper
my college paper and
now I've got Flavor.
I guess there's
no shutting me up.
Well, I could listen
to you talk all day.
Xavier, you got the job already.
You can stop brown‐nosing now.
No, that's how I feel.
Be for real.
Seriously.
You're one of the most engaging
and intelligent
women I've ever met.
Really?
Really.
Your stop.
I can't believe
we're here already.
Me, either.
Yeah, well.
I guess this is it.
I guess so.
Khadijah, look, I'm flattered
but I don't think
this is a good idea.
No. It wasn't.
Yeah, well, I'll
see you tomorrow.
Ouch.
"As our flesh became one
over and over and over."
Whoo‐ee!
Ooh, yes.
Look here, Regine.
Why not take a couple
of these home tonight?
You know, as a favor.
This is the worst
day of my life.
I'm so embarrassed.
Khadijah... did your
blouse pop open again?
No, my blouse did not
pop open again, thank you.
On the cab ride home
I thought Xavier
was going to kiss me
so I went for it.
He didn't.
I hate to say I told you so.
Well, I don't really hate it.
Actually, I get sort of a
perverse pleasure from it.
What was I thinking?
Oh, Khadijah.
Now, honey, this kind of
thing happens all the time.
No. It's never happened to me.
Me, either.
But that's not the point.
We're here to help Khadijah‐‐
the only one to whom
this has happened.
Oh, now, honey, don't
you go feeling bad.
She's right. There
are worse things.
Like this tale from the crypt.
Max, can we call a truce?
No.
Okay, fine. I tried
to take the high road
you bearded billy goat.
Ah, Khadijah, what happened?
Your blouse pop open again?
No. She tried to kiss
the new guy from work
and he left her hanging.
What?
I'm trying to help you work
through your embarrassment.
I feel for you, Khadijah.
You know, men go
through this all the time‐‐
always having to
make the first move...
never knowing what to expect...
the humiliation and
the constant rejection.
Of course, you know, this
has never happened to me.
Happened to me once.
It was in the third grade.
Little Chip Fields
scarred me for life.
Matter of fact, when
I got the fresh fage
you can still kinda
see it right here.
Look, forget all of this.
I'm just going to
go to work tomorrow
and pretend it never happened.
Xavier ain't all that, anyway.
It's funny how
unattractive a guy becomes
after he rejects you.
You have a minute?
Uh, sure. What's up?
I wanted to tell
you that I left a copy
of my article with Synclaire.
Alright. I'll read it
as soon as I can.
Xavier.
Look, um... about last night...
I'm sorry if I made
you feel uncomfortable.
This is no big deal.
Let's just forget
it ever happened.
I can do that.
Great.
Khadijah?
Yeah?
Well, I'm no William Shakespeare
and I'm certainly
no Toni Morrison.
I don't even come close
to being Dr. Seuss...
but, oh, I forgot my point.
Wait. Let me backtrack.
Oh, yes. Xavier.
His writing stinks.
It's just so confusing.
You know, after I
read the first paragraph
I relaxed my eyes and
just looked at the patterns.
This doesn't make sense.
And look at these typos.
I can't believe
Xavier wrote this.
Well, his other articles
were good, right?
I didn't exactly get around
to reading any of
his other articles.
Well, what did his
references say?
Uh... well, you know, I
didn't get around to, uh...
Okay, okay.
You didn't read his samples.
You didn't check his references.
Khadijah, the next time I staple
your papers at the wrong angle
cut me some slack, okay?
I made a mistake.
Tell him I want to see him.
I should think so.
What's up?
Well, I read your article.
What did you think?
I got to be straight up
with you, it needs work.
How much work are we talking?
A lot.
A lot?
As in beaucoup.
Xavier, I can't publish this.
Oh, okay, I see
what this is about.
Last night in the cab.
I say no, so you say no.
Xavier, this has nothing
to do with last night.
Khadijah, there is nothing
wrong with my article.
The trouble is, you
don't need a journalist.
You need a man.
I need someone who knows
there are two "O's" in Brooklyn.
Are you threatening to fire me?
I hope not, because
you'll have a nice
little lawsuit on
your hands if you do.
You're going to sue me?
For sexual harassment.
Well, fine.
Just remember,
harassment‐‐ one "r," two "s's."
So, Max, does he
have a case or what?
Nah. I wouldn't represent him.
Good, 'cause I want to fire him.
Oh, that's different. Could
you give him my card?
So I'm stuck with a
guy who can't write
or a lawsuit I don't deserve.
That's basically the
conclusion we came to here.
You know, I think this dilemma
illustrates the progress women
have made over the years.
I mean, before you know it,
you women will be
blamed for starting wars
telling us men what
to do with our bodies
and suffering from
male pattern baldness.
Kyle. Yeah, baby?
Get the hell out.
See, you're relaxing into
that newfound power already.
I'll get the door.
And you, you're
such the gentleman.
Goodnight.
You know, Khadijah,
John and Emily had a
love no one approved of.
Synclaire, we don't have a love
and he's threatening to sue me.
I don't see how this relates.
Now that you put it
that way, neither do I.
Thanks for correcting me.
So, Khadijah, what
are you going to do?
Look, I made a mistake.
If I have to pay
with a lawsuit, fine
but my magazine is
not gonna pay for it.
I'm firing Xavier tomorrow,
and whatever happens, happens.
It's times like this
that mae me glad I work alone.
This kind of thing can
never happen to me.
I always treat myself
with the utmost
courtesy and respect.
You wanted to see me?
Yeah. Have a seat.
Xavier, earlier, you said
you admired me as a
good businesswoman.
Well, a good businesswoman
knows when you make a mistake
you have to admit,
apologize, and correct.
Now, I've admitted my
mistake and I've apologized.
All I have to do is
correct the situation.
I'm letting you go.
I'm filing that lawsuit.
Go ahead, 'cause your
threats are not going to dictate
the way I run my business.
Khadijah, everyone
saw how you wanted me.
Check this out, right?
Nobody wants you
more than you do
and more importantly,
you cannot write.
Do you know what an
accusation of sexual harassment
will do to your reputation?
If I'm lucky, it will get me a
Supreme Court appointment.
And I know, if a judge
were to read your article
she would sentence you
to remedial English class.
I don't need you to
get where I wanna go.
You're right. You don't.
You'll get over on your
charm and your good looks
but see, you won't
get over on me again
'cause Khadijah don't need you.
See ya.
I'm fired?
Yep.
I'm fired.
And hard of hearing.
You're not even worth the
time it would take to sue you.
I didn't think so.
Okay, I'm out.
You can kiss my b‐u‐t good‐bye.
"T."
Synclaire, Overton
your hard work in reading
those musty old letters
has paid off.
I hit the jackpot, y'all‐‐ $400.
A woman at the
historical society
said Emily was a person
of some substance.
Mm‐hmm. Apparently,
Miss Emily was a suffragette
or she sewed a flag
or a dress or something.
Anyway, they are
willing to pay cash money
to read about whatever she did.
Give me the letters.
We can't. Yes, you can.
Before you say another word,
let me read you the last one.
It's to Abigail, Emily's sister.
"I am racked with grief over
my beloved Emily's death.
"Curse that runaway oxcart.
"I'm going to spend
"the remainder
of my wretched life
"in a monastery.
"My one last wish is that
you burn any letters from me.
"Emily may have saved
"so that she may read
of my love in heaven.
Peace be with you, John."
All of them?
All of them.
You looked past the money
to fulfill the last
wish of a holy man.
You each owe me 200 bucks...
and I want it by Friday...
or you both will be sorry
that you were ever born.
"Dear Emily:
Had lunch today
with Ben Franklin."
Regine, I don't think he
was around in the 1890s.
Oh, dang.
It says here in the almanac
that the light bulb
was invented in 1879.
Mm‐hmm. Close enough.
"Dear Emily: Had lunch today
"with Thomas Alva Edison.
"He thanked me
"for the light bulb
idea I gave him.
See you soon. Love, John."
Mm‐‐ sounds valuable to me.