OUR KIND OF PEOPLE EPISODE 101: "Pilot"
Written By Karin Gist
Network - Rev. 8th Draft December 21, 2020
"Our Kind of People" ACT ONE
The camera flies us over the Atlantic Ocean as Childish Gambino's "THIS IS AMERICA" gets louder and louder, crashing us into our world -- EXT. FRANKLIN YACHT - NIGHT 1 -- THIS IS AMERICA, off the coast of Martha's Vineyard on a stunning yacht at the most exclusive party for miles around. This is the YOUNGER SET of the African American elite -- young, rich and Black -- The camera lands on a MYSTERY GIRL (whose face we won't see in this cold open) in "still on the runway" RED BOTTOMS. We stay with her as we snake through the party. She passes a POKER game being played on a raft in the pool. A male partygoer, JUSTIN, 19, sweeps the pot of jewelry and cash toward him as he calls out to Mystery Girl in the distance. JUSTIN Yo, Tay. You want in? But Mystery Girl keeps going, stumbling. Oblivious and drunk. INT. FRANKLIN YACHT - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT 2 Mystery Girl enters and immediately starts removing her couture until she is NAKED -- wearing only her Red Bottoms. She bumps into a nightstand, knocks over a FRAMED PHOTO of a PERFECT FAMILY, who we will come to know as the FRANKLIN- DUPONTS. She SMASHES the glass frame with the heel of her shoe. The camera does quick jump cuts -- mimicking her emotional state as she rummages through the stuff on the floor and grabs a tube of lipstick. She opens the tube and writes on the wall in big, bold, unmistakable letters... LIES. Mystery Girl takes in her scrawl, satisfied. And then she feels it. Vomit rises in her throat. She rushes to the deck. EXT. FRANKLIN YACHT - MAIN DECK - NIGHT 3 -- Back to the party. Dancing. Drinking. The beginnings of an amazing summer before... A PIERCING SCREAM breaks through the fun as we see Mystery Girl's naked body falling from the upper deck, into the water, and out of sight... SMASH TO MAIN TITLES . FADE UP ON OUR EPISODE THEME: “REPARATIONS” CHYRON: 48 HOURS EARLIER
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EXT. OAK BLUFFS - ESTABLISHING 4 The camera sweeps past Victorian summer homes as MAIDS and STAFF open them for the season in Oak Bluffs -- the sub- section of Martha's Vineyard where elite African American families summer. ANGELA (V.O.) Lies. Worlds have been built on them. And lifetimes. And families. Even mine... More HELP cleaning pools and removing tarps from luxury cars-- ANGELA (V.O.)
I was five years old when I learned my family's secret. That there is a difference between Us and Them. They had money and big houses. And daughters that got tiaras at sixteen. We were the help. Mama was a maid.
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INT. ANGELA'S CAMRY - DAY 5 CLOSE ON A MANE OF NATURAL HAIR. This is ANGELA VAUGHN (36). Her big hair always arrives in the room before she does. Angela is "fashion-forward boho with a militant twist." She might rock an "I'm with Kap" tee with a vintage Dior skirt. She's driving AN OLDER MODEL TOYOTA CAMRY convertible. ANGELA (V.O.) And the only crown I've ever had is the one growing out of my head. Sitting next to Angela is her mother's sister, PATRICIA WILLIAMS aka "AUNT PIGGY" (60, working class, saucy). Piggy's hair is having a fight with the wind. Angela's daughter NIKKI VAUGHN (17, ebony-skinned, broody) sits in the back seat lost in thought, a SMALL WOODEN BOX on her lap. The car whizzes past a sign: "WELCOME TO OAK BLUFFS." Angela can't help but take in the beauty of the coast. ANGELA Is this what heaven looks like? PIGGY
Angie, you got us riding around, hair blowing, like white women selling shampoo. ANGELA We're selling more than shampoo. We're selling freedom and identity.
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PIGGY I swear if this wig falls off -- ANGELA My wigs don't fall off. Whip that hair, Aunt Piggy. Piggy whips it back and forth, having fun. ANGELA (CONT'D) Told you. Tight as a virgin's legs. The laughter is interrupted by POLICE SIRENS -- INT. ANGELA'S CAMRY - MOMENTS LATER 6 Two OFFICERS approach the car -- one white, one Black. Angela's hands are at ten and two. Piggy looks straight ahead. Nikki starts recording on her cell. ANGELA Afternoon, Officer. BLACK OFFICER License and registration. Angela reaches for the documents. Nikki speaks up, annoyed -- NIKKI Why are we being pulled over? BLACK OFFICER
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We ran your tags. Just routine this time of year. We get a lot of "help" coming over to the island to work. NIKKI This is some class profiling bull -- ANGELA Nikki, stop it right now.
The White Officer's attention is on Nikki. He notices the WOODEN BOX on her lap and how tightly she's clutching it. WHITE OFFICER Out of the car. All of you. Leave the box. The three women get out of the car. Nikki is still recording as the Black Officer reaches in for the box. NIKKI No, leave it alone. (to Angela, pleading) Mom--?
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And without even thinking, Angela lunges and SLAPS the Black Officer's hand and the box falls to the ground. As soon as her hand makes contact with the cop, Piggy screams -- PIGGY Angie, no! The Black Officer SLAMS Angela's face on the hood of the car. The CAMERA PUSHES in on her. Piggy and Nikki are afraid, but Angela is strong, like an angel is watching over her. ANGELA It's my mother's ashes. (then)
I always say grieving people need wristbands. A morgue should issue grief wristbands to let people know to stay the fuck out of our way because the only person whose judgment we cared about is gone. My mama raised me and she damn near raised my little girl over there. And she was one of "the help" in this town you probably would've pulled over. (a beat) Run my tags again. You'll see that I'm clean. Haven't ever even had a parking ticket. But what I do have is twenty three thousand IG followers who tune in every day to see me style this crown and give them some "Black girl magic."
She eyes his name tag, then motions over to Nikki who is still recording on her cell. Her eyes go back to the barrel of the White Officer's gun, daring him. ANGELA (CONT'D) Say hi to the camera, Officers. The tension is thick. Finally... the Black Officer is moved. BLACK OFFICER Let her go. (gives box to Angela) Sorry... for your loss. They return to the cruiser, scared but relieved. PIGGY Yelling at an officer was stupid as hell. ANGELA I know. Grief can give a bitch balls. (she looks at Nikki)
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ANGELA (CONT'D) OUR KIND OF PEOPLE - 8th NETWORK DRAFT 12-21-20
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Never do what I just did, little girl. Angela starts her car and they head into the Bluffs. Off this we PRELAP the sounds of a CHOPPER LANDING -- EXT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - DAY 7 A HELICOPTER lands and out steps -- LAUREN DUPONT (17, Nikki's hair opposite, style on fleek, with an attitude that knows it). She's holding up her DIAMOND STUDDED CELL. LAUREN (to followers) Okay. We just got to the Vineyard. Check out my whip. Lauren swings her camera around to show the chopper. Her twin QUINCY DUPONT (17, athletic and charming AF) steps out. LAUREN (CONT'D)
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I'm live on IG. Okay, Kek4drake wants to know what I'm wearing. My double bag is Chanel. Skirt and shoes are Off-White. QUINCY (joking) Personality all white. LAUREN And shade by Quincy.
LEAH FRANKLIN-DUPONT (40, strong, confident, and wakes up every day feeling the pressure of duty) and her husband RAYMOND DUPONT (40s, powerful, with Obama swag and presence) step out. Lauren grabs Raymond and takes a selfie. She posts it with a #DADDY'SGIRL -- LEAH Enough. We don't flaunt our money. And we don't sell our bodies. We use our minds. There's a higher expectation for you both. You're Duponts. And Franklins. Don't ever forget that. Raymond winks at his daughter with a softer tone. RAYMOND Put the phone away for now. QUINCY (a little nervous) Hey, Dad I was hoping we could shoot some hoops later and talk --
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RAYMOND Yes, I was hoping we could talk too. He pats Quincy on the back and then heads inside... INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - CONTINUOUS 8 Leah and Raymond enter to find the staff readying the house for the opening party -- LEAH You're too easy on Lauren. RAYMOND I'm not easy. I listen. There's a difference. They are greeted by their maid, JACKIE (50’s, Black, comfort dressed in an apron). LEAH Jackie, has the Krug arrived? We need to get it chilled before tonight. OLIVIA STURGESS DUPONT (mid-60s, dripping in tradition) enters with her husband VERNON DUPONT (60s, all gravitas). OLIVIA
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-- The Krug arrived an hour ago. I was starting to think I was going to have to prep for this party alone. RAYMOND Hello, Mom. (to Vernon) Dad. VERNON Great second quarter, Son. Darmon Foods is on the way back. LEAH
The Board at Franklin thinks so too. Darmon is turning out to be our most profitable acquisition. Raymond’s jaw tightens. It seems Leah never misses an opportunity to remind him that she’s his boss. Olivia notices too, and gives Leah a withering glare. OLIVIA Maybe your focus should be on tonight. This gala sets the bar for the Links' summer fundraising efforts and all eyes will be on you as the new Chapter President --
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VERNON Leave her be, Liv. Let's go see the kids. Leah gives Vernon an appreciative smile as they go. She turns to Raymond, grabbing his hand, trying to connect. LEAH I was hoping we could have lunch. RAYMOND I have some business to finish before the party -- He gives her an empty kiss and goes. Jackie approaches, envelope in hand, interrupting this vulnerable moment. JACKIE Sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Franklin- Dupont. (proffers envelope) This came from your office. LEAH Thank you... It's marked CONFIDENTIAL. She opens it and reads the contents. And whatever is in there, makes her heart sink -- EXT. EVE'S CROWN - DAY 9 The Vaughn women pull up to A BRICK BUILDING on Main Street. A WORKER finishes putting up a sign: EVE'S CROWN. The sight makes Angela a little emotional. It's bittersweet. INT. BOSTON APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY - FLASHBACK 10 The same smile on LITTLE ANGELA (5), dressed in her Sunday best getting her hair combed by her mother EVE (24). LITTLE ANGELA When's he gonna get here? YOUNG EVE Five minutes sooner than the last time you asked. LITTLE ANGELA Ow, mama. Eve tames Angela's edges with homemade cream from a jar. YOUNG EVE Angie, I know you're excited to meet your daddy, but sit still. LITTLE ANGELA Why ain't I ever met him before?
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Eve hesitates, then --
YOUNG EVE He was getting everything ready for us. We're finally gonna live like a real family. In a castle right on the water -- LITTLE ANGELA I wanna look real pretty, okay?
Angela gets up and whips her hair, silly and carefree. The doorbell rings. Eve checks herself in the mirror, then -- YOUNG EVE You wait right here. EXT. EVE'S CROWN - CONTINUOUS - BACK TO PRESENT 11 Angela gets out of the car and can hardly believe it. It's old and the building needs work, but it's all hers. She's in awe, though the grief sits in her throat. ANGELA Still can't believe she owned this and never said a word. PIGGY
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Neither can I. She said she’d never come back to this place, not after what happened with your father. The mention of him makes Angela’s heart ache... ANGELA She never even told you his name? PIGGY No, she died with the secret. (then) You could run into him and you wouldn’t even know it. ANGELA He walked out on us. That chapter closed a long time ago.
Angela is saying the words, but Piggy knows the deep wound he left is still there. A caramel colored HANDYMAN comes from around the back. This is TYRIQUE (mid 30s, solid, the marrying kind). TYRIQUE You must be the Vaughns. I'm Tyrique. ANGELA The best handyman on the island.
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PIGGY So... what kind of handyman are we talking about? 'Cause I got a list of things that need work. ANGELA Please excuse my aunt -- PIGGY Nobody has to excuse me. I'm sixty, sexy, and single. ANGELA Thank you for taking care of the place for my mama. TYRIQUE Your mama was good people. She wanted me to get this place ready for you. She said you’d probably come here after... (then) I’m sorry for your loss. ANGELA Her cancer finally won.
The talk of Eve is too much for Nikki. She grabs a few things, including the BOX OF ASHES, and pushes past Angela. TYRIQUE I’d better get back to it if you ever plan on opening this shop. But I’m here if you need anything. She gives him a warm, appreciative smile and heads inside after Nikki. Piggy’s eyes stay on Tyrique. PIGGY 12 Angela finds Nikki putting the box of ashes on a shelf. Angela looks out the window at the beautiful coast. ANGELA This place beats the community pool in Boston, huh? NIKKI Why didn't she tell us about this place? ANGELA Mama didn’t tell me a lot of things. (shaking the hurt) My chimney might be grey, but I still got a fire in the furnace. INT. EVE'S CROWN - LOFT - MOMENTS LATER
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ANGELA (CONT'D) OUR KIND OF PEOPLE - 8th NETWORK DRAFT 12-21-20
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All the time we were eating Spam and instant grits, we could've been dining on steak. (a beat, remembering) But I did love mama's Spam. NIKKI And she made the best instant grits. Nikki looks at the box of ashes; still so full of grief. NIKKI (CONT'D) When are we going to spread her ashes? ANGELA I want us to get settled first. You’ve had a tough year -- NIKKI -- I got expelled from school for fighting. I caught a case. You can say it, Mom. The tension between the two is clear. Angela is walking on eggshells here... ANGELA I know you felt I wasn’t there for you while mama was sick and I was trying to build my business... She kicks off her shoes and jumps on the mattress. NIKKI What are you doing? ANGELA build some generational wealth up in here. And these people can help us. I want to give you the world, baby. Angela pulls Nikki up with her. Angela finally stops and falls onto the bed as Piggy enters. PIGGY So how are we gonna get it? ANGELA Well... to start... I got us invited to a party... I want this summer to be a new start for both of us... and the business. It’s gotta be God’s grace that mama owned a building here in the mecca for Black excellence. I want to
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INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - MAIN PARTY - NIGHT 13 We fly over the Franklin Estate and inside the party that starts the summer: THE LINKS AND BOULÉ OPENING SUMMER GALA. ANGELA (V.O.) ... This isn't just a party... Alvin Ailey dancers move their bodies to the sounds of Nina Simone, as a sea of brown faces sip cocktails and nosh on hors d'oeuvres, all served to them by MOSTLY BLACK servers. ANGELA (V.O.) ... This party is thrown by the HNIC’s around here. INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - MASTER BATHROOM - NIGHT 14 Leah stares at the contents of a DOSSIER on the BOSTON INNER CITY PROJECT. She is on her cell, her voice is calm, but there's a panic underneath... LEAH
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Double-check everything in the file. And then triple-check it. And don’t tell my father. ANGELA (V.O.) Leah Franklin-Dupont is the CEO of Franklin Holdings, and the President of the elite women’s social club, the Links.
INTERCUT WITH: INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT 15 Raymond clips a pair of expensive cufflinks to his sleeves. ANGELA (V.O.)
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And her husband Raymond owns Darmon Foods, a subsidiary of Franklin. He’s also the Grand Sire Archon of the men’s club, the Boulé. That's Black bougie for "chairman."
BACK INSIDE THE BATHROOM -- Leah places the CONFIDENTIAL FILE in her safe. She checks her lipstick, puts on a smile, then heads out -- ANGELA (V.O.)
And tonight, they're going to meet the Vaughns. I’m going to make them fall in love with Eve’s Crown and get a distribution deal by the end of the summer.
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ANGELA (V.O.) (CONT'D) OUR KIND OF PEOPLE - 8th NETWORK DRAFT 12-21-20 (cocky, but aware of the challenge) Easy like Sunday morning. EXT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - MAIN PARTY - NIGHT
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16 Angela, hair laid, shakes off any nerves as the Vaughn women enter and take in the opulence. ANGELA So this is old money and power. PIGGY It's like the Niggerati on ten... It's undeniably elegant and slightly intoxicating. NIKKI Mama Eve used to work this party? PIGGY Two years in a row. Angela looks around the room, suddenly anxious as she takes in the OLDER MEN, including Vernon. Being in the room with men who could be her father is harder than she thought. Piggy senses Angela’s anxiety and grabs her hand. PIGGY (CONT'D) It’s his loss. Always has been. JOSEPHINE (36, curvy, fly professional) approaches with hugs. JOSEPHINE
Angie! Glad you got in. Sometimes those doormen act like the Gestapo with new guests. (then noticing Nikki) My God, is this... ANGELA Nikki, this is my old college roomie, Josephine. JOSEPHINE She looks just like you used to back when you were doing hair in our dorm. ANGELA What do you mean used to? Werk. (laughing, then)
Nik, why don't you try to have a little fun. You too, Aunt Piggy. Piggy notices a muscular Alvin Ailey dancer in the distance.
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PIGGY From your mouth to God's ears. ANGELA
This party is insane. Where I'm from we start the summer by throwing a couple of hot links on the grill. Angela sets her eyes on Leah in the distance with Raymond. ANGELA (CONT'D) I should say hello to the host. JOSEPHINE
You want to wade into the deep end first? That’s Leah Franklin-Dupont. ANGELA I know. Don't you remember, girl? I can charm a black dog white.
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INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - BAR - NIGHT 17 Quincy is at the bar on his cell. He gets a text from his COACH: “ We need an answer by tomorrow .” Quincy responds: “ Talking with my Dad in the morning. ” Nikki walks up. She stands there, unsure of what to do with herself. NIKKI Club soda, please. QUINCY
These parties are boring as hell if you're not lit. Tito's for the lady. BARTENDER Coming right up, Mr. Dupont. NIKKI So, this is your party? QUINCY
Nah, this is my parents' party. My parties are way better than this. Suddenly, Lauren and TAYLOR WOODS, (17, fun-loving and open) walk up. Lauren stands right in front of Nikki. LAUREN
We're about to take a #Summer2021 photo on the beach for my feed. TAYLOR Lo, you're being rude. (to Nikki) I'm Taylor and this is Lauren.
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LAUREN
And you are...?
NIKKI Nikki. My mom's opening a store on Main. Eve's Crown. The answer confirms that Nikki is not worth Lauren's time. LAUREN -- Are we taking this pic or not? NIKKI I guess they don't teach manners in the sunken place. Everyone stops. Nobody shades Lauren -- TAYLOR I see you, new girl. We need some new blood around here. Lauren pulls Taylor away. Quincy smiles and walks off, too. Off Nikki, what the hell was that? INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - MAIN PARTY - NIGHT 18 Josephine and Angela approach Leah, Raymond and Vernon. VERNON ... I gotta say, I was skeptical that your father could move the Celtics out of the Garden and into the hood... LEAH -- Our plan is to build up that community. We’re breaking ground on the Franklin Stadium next week. VERNON You know what I call that? Self-made reparations. Teddy Franklin is a great man. Vernon laughs. Raymond studies Leah, clocks how uncomfortable she is with this conversation. She seems off. LEAH Our privilege means we have a duty to give back. Angela claps, interrupting the conversation --
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ANGELA Well, you've certainly done that. Franklin Holdings is the backbone of Black business in America. I'm Angela Vaughn. JOSEPHINE She's my guest. Angela and her family are here for the summer. LEAH Lovely to meet you and your... Husband? Is he here? ANGELA I stopped walking with a man as my shield a while ago. I'm a single mother. Speaking of reparations... (she pulls out a check)
I love that you are raising money for the Single Mother Outreach. Here's a donation on behalf of my business, Eve's Crown. Angela tries to hand Leah a check. Leah is offended -- LEAH My fundraisers aren't usually so transactional. The donation box is at the front. It’s awkward. Raymond steps in to divert, knowing his wife is not in the greatest mood tonight -- RAYMOND Eve's Crown? I know that name... ANGELA
I applied for the small business incubator program at Franklin. RAYMOND Well, it’s timely. Black hair care is hot right now. ANGELA A Black woman's relationship with her hair is not some fad. It's more complicated than any marriage, any man, any job she'll ever have. It's a relationship that starts before she can even walk, continues through the moment her mother teaches her how to do her hair... It's generational and personal. It's more than "hot right now" and I’d be a great fit for the incubator program.
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RAYMOND Keep that passion and you just might make the cut. He smiles, impressed, before heading off with Vernon. LEAH You’re a very savvy business woman. ANGELA
My mama taught me early that the world doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve always had to grind alone, but it'd be nice to have a network of like- minded business owners. Links membership has always been a dream. LEAH I see. Well... we’re very selective about our members.
Angela clocks the shade and judgement. Eyes Josephine, who gives her an “I told you so” look. Just then, we hear -- PIGGY (O.S.) Okay, now -- Watch yourself! Fuck. Piggy is “deep in her cup” on the dance floor. LEAH Get security. ANGELA That’s my Aunt. She's having fun. LEAH Piggy's foot catches in her dress. She falls. Partygoers gasp. Security tries to pull her up. Angela pushes them off. ANGELA Get off of her! Don't touch her! LEAH She's an embarrassment -- This party sets the tone for the summer and the organization you’ve always dreamed of joining. Angela picks up her aunt and begins walking her to the door as the entire party stares. Off this, Angela FLASHES BACK -- INT. BOSTON APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT - FLASHBACK 19 Little Angela is still waiting when she hears Eve SCREAM --
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INT. BOSTON APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS - FLASHBACK 20 Angela finds Eve with a MAN whose face she can’t see. But she can hear hushed voices... YOUNG EVE I can’t make a living. I can’t get a loan. And you made me keep quiet -- MAN Take this Eve. It’s something. He hands her an envelope. She throws it in his face. EVE You want to pay me off? Get out! Before I slap the Black off you. She throws the envelope in his face. He walks out. Angela gives chase, desperate to meet her father -- INT. BOSTON APARTMENT - STAIRWELL - MOMENTS LATER - FLASHBACK 21 She finally catches him at the building's entrance. LITTLE ANGELA Wait! I said wait. You're my Daddy. He stops, then walks out, letting the DOOR SLAM IN HER FACE. INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - MAIN PARTY - BACK TO PRESENT 22 Angela and Piggy reach the entrance. Nikki joins, confused. NIKKI Aunt Piggy, you okay? PIGGY I'm okay, baby -- LEAH I'm not sure where you're from, but this is not a strip club. Angela’s desire to impress Leah is gone for now. She suddenly feels like that little girl begging for acceptance. ANGELA
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I'm from Bean Town. You think you're better cause you got money? 'Cause you have these folks up in here dancing for you like Kunta Kinte? You think you're Black Excellence? All this don't make you excellent. You got the same naps that I do under all that Gucci and glitter.
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She grabs a BOTTLE OF KRUG and tips it, leaving a trail, as she goes. ANGELA (CONT'D) Love Krug. Tastes just as good in a Dixie Cup. Leah slams the door on her back, just like Angela’s father did.
END OF ACT ONE
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ACT TWO INT. EVE'S CROWN - RETAIL SPACE - EARLY MORNING 23 Angela, hair sopping wet and fresh from the shower, presses PLAY on her IG LIVE. Comments from followers fill the screen. ANGELA
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Hey y'all. I've been a ghost for a couple of days, but I told you I was moving to the Vineyard for the summer and you know what that means. HUMIDITY. She picks up a jar of Eve's Crown CONDITIONER -- ANGELA (CONT'D)
Mama used to say that a sister who can't do her own hair is a slave to somebody else. Never give up your power to nobody.
Off this, Angela FLASHES BACK -- INT. BOSTON APARTMENT - NIGHT - FLASHBACK 24 Little Angela, still wet from the rain, sits looking out of the window at the street, waiting and watching. Eve enters -- LITTLE ANGELA You think my daddy's coming back? YOUNG EVE Eve goes to the cabinets and pulls out ingredients and a bowl. She starts to make what will become Eve’s Crown’s signature product. YOUNG EVE (CONT'D) I had dreams, baby. I had a small salon and I was gonna turn it into something big. But... Little Angela can see the pain in her Mama’s eyes. LITTLE ANGELA But what... Mama don’t cry... YOUNG EVE We're not gonna talk about him again. Now, get away from that window. I want you to learn this --
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I’m done crying. It’s on you now. You’re still gonna be a Queen. Now, take one part honey and add it to this coconut oil. And then I want you to take this rose water...
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Off Little Angela, letting this sink into her soul -- INT. EVE'S CROWN - BATHROOM - DAY - BACK TO PRESENT Angela's natural hair is shiny and moisturized. ANGELA This is what it should look like when you're done. But if it doesn't... (emotional from the flashback)
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Keep moving. Everyday we get up and fix our hair. And depending on how
we slept, whether the satin cap stayed on or fell off, whether the wrap stayed wrapped, we let the smallest things make us less than. Don’t ever go out like that. Never give up your power for nobody. Angela logs off. Wheels turning, she goes to Lauren Dupont’s profile and notices that she is live. She joins her in progress. LAUREN (on IG) Off Angela, forming a plan -- INT. FRANKLIN HOLDINGS - MAIN OFFICE - DAY 26 The flyest office we've ever seen. Leah walks through clutching the CONFIDENTIAL DOSSIER in her manicured hands. She passes by walls lined with tons of ENLARGED FORBES COVERS touting the conquests of FRANKLIN HOLDINGS in FASHION, AVIATION, NEW MEDIA, SPIRITS, and on every cover is... INT. FRANKLIN HOLDINGS - BOARD ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 27 TEDDY FRANKLIN (60s, smooth as butter, smart as a whip) waxes on in front of executives, including Raymond. Leah enters. LEAH Sorry I'm late, Dad. (holding up folder) A couple of things just came to my attention. And in that moment, he knows that she knows. He keeps going, never one to be knocked off his game. TEDDY First brunch on the Bluffs. The sun is shining and I’m hella hungry --
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... Franklin Holdings has a deeply rooted history here in the Bluffs and in the African American community.
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TEDDY (CONT'D) OUR KIND OF PEOPLE - 8th NETWORK DRAFT 12-21-20
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We are the largest holdings company with assets and shares to more than 150 companies. And you all know where we started --
She cuts him off.
LEAH -- Sanitation. No one wanted to pick up Black folks' trash so Franklins did. No one wanted to give Black folks insurance so we did.
He cuts her off and pushes play and up pops a 3-D presentation titled: THE BOSTON INNER CITY PROJECT. TEDDY --- And now I’m in final talks to be majority owner of the Boston Celtics. Under this new deal, we'll build a new Franklin stadium and bring jobs into a depressed area. The synergy of business and community service. That's Franklin. He puts his arm around Leah as the executives all applaud. Leah leans in, speaks quietly through gritted teeth. LEAH I know all your dirt. Now, get your damn hands off of me. 28 Angela, Piggy and Nikki pull up to the valet in their CAMRY. Angela hands the keys to the VALET -- ANGELA We'll be about thirty minutes. INT. OAK BLUFFS BEACH CLUB - DAY We stay close on Leah, LIVID -- EXT. OAK BLUFFS BEACH CLUB - DAY 29 Angela, Piggy and Nikki walk through handing out samples of Eve's Crown products. Angela is on a mission, scanning the room for Lauren... NIKKI All these bougie people are staring. PIGGY I was the best thing at that party. Two Links members pass by and give them all side-eye.
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ANGELA Maybe next week she'll teach y'all the electric slide at one of your galas.
Finally, Angela spots Lauren and she heads to her table and hands her a goodie bag. Angela smiles, and then makes Lauren eat out of the palm of her hand by complimenting what every teen holds most dear -- their IG account. ANGELA (CONT'D)
Lauren Dupont, right? I’m Angela Vaughn. I wanted to give one of my product bags to you personally since you’re such an important influencer-- LAUREN Not sure I’ve hit influencer status but -- ANGELA I think so. Even I’m jealous of your following. You play your cards right you could be this generation’s Kim Kardashian.
It’s working. Lauren’s ego has been fed. ANGELA (CONT'D)
Well, I just wanted to meet you and give you some freebies. It’s the least I can do after how I acted last night... TAYLOR
No apologies. We’re fans for life. Lauren’s mom almost peed in her LaPerla. It was everything. Nikki laughs at Taylor’s joke. Lauren clocks it as Angela, ever savvy, continues to work Lauren. ANGELA That is not how I intended last night to go. Any pointers on getting myself out of this hole with your mom? I really do admire her... LAUREN If you want her respect, play chess. It's how we're raised. Angela nods. Lauren is about to go when Taylor chimes in... TAYLOR
Nikki, a few of us are getting together tonight if you want to hang.
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NIKKI Thanks, but I'm good. ANGELA She'll be there. TAYLOR Cool. Meet on the dock at nine.
Taylor and Lauren leave.
ANGELA This is supposed to be your new start, honey. And that means putting yourself out there. At least give it a chance, okay? NIKKI How’s a party gonna bring Mama Eve back?
Nikki gets up and walks away. Off Angela -- INT. FRANKLIN HOLDINGS - BOARD ROOM - DAY
30
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Teddy is there with a livid Leah. The contents of the CONFIDENTIAL FILE are spread out on the table. LEAH
Explain to me what I'm reading here because it looks like while I was closing the deal on the stadium, you’ve been buying up property from the Black folks who have been in the community for years at a steal. (re: documents) You bribed local officials, interfered with zoning. We're supposed to be helping the community, not raping it. TEDDY I’m not raping anything. I’m
building up that community. We’re gonna have a new stadium. Put the Celtics and all the business that comes with that into a depressed area. LEAH You're a damn crook and a hypocrite. TEDDY It’s what America owes me. He walks to the head of the table and eyes her.
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TEDDY (CONT'D) Do you know why I bought this table? It's the biggest one I could find and I put it in this room because of the incline so that everyone sitting around it would have to raise their heads just to look up at me. A Black man in America holding the American dream in his Black hands. Everyone at this table knows it. And I do what I need to do to keep it. Don't tell me you don't like the dirt
under my nails when that dirt built the road to your privilege. So find a seat at the end of my table, but don't forget I sit at the head of it, little girl. He goes, leaving Leah feeling powerless and so very small -- EXT. OAK BLUFFS BEACH CLUB - DAY 31 QUICK SHOTS OF QUINCY PLAYING BASKETBALL, nothing short of LeBron. Raymond approaches and grabs the rock. He makes a shot, all net. RAYMOND I know I missed your games this season, but I hope we can spend time this summer while you intern with me... QUINCY I wanted to talk about that... RAYMOND You wanna talk or play some real D? Raymond lobs the ball to Quincy. He's a good dad. RAYMOND (CONT'D)
31
What do you think about going to a few Boulé meetings this summer? Your grandfather and I talked the members into making an exception to the rules. (another shot) I remember my first club meeting. The rest of America had to wait until Obama was elected to see a Black man in power, but I've seen every man in my family succeed as a king. I want that for you, Quincy. So... what did you want to talk about...? QUINCY I'm good, Dad...
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Raymond nods and makes one last shot and goes. Off Quincy, feeling so much pressure -- INT. EVE'S CROWN - RETAIL SPACE - NIGHT 32 Angela is pouring two glasses of wine for her and Josephine when Nikki passes through on her way out for the night. NIKKI I'm heading out. ANGELA Have fun. Be back by midnight. NIKKI Are we really doing this? ANGELA Show me you can follow the rules and we can think about relaxing them. With that, Nikki goes, frustrated with Angela. JOSEPHINE How is she doing? ANGELA Honestly, I don’t know. Last year when Mama was sick, she struggled. She was so angry and ended up getting into a fight at school. The girl said she “jumped her” and her parents pressed charges. JOSEPHINE Let me talk to her. I hear I’m a pretty good therapist. ANGELA I’m hoping this place and some time can get her back on track. Josephine nods then looks out the window at Tyrique. JOSEPHINE
32
Maybe you’re the one who needs a head check since you called me over to talk about Leah when you got all that out there to play with. ANGELA Getting in with the Franklins can help Eve’s Crown. (then, trepidatious) I want you to nominate me for the Links membership. Lauren told me to play chess.
(MORE)
ANGELA (CONT'D) OUR KIND OF PEOPLE - 8th NETWORK DRAFT 12-21-20
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I need to show her that I’m a serious businesswoman, not some ratchet ass from Boston.
Josephine cracks a smile.
JOSEPHINE
But you are, bitch. (then) Ang, this is Leah's first Links class as Chapter President. This is her legacy. Wait a year. ANGELA
I put all my savings and borrowed out my ass to get here this summer. If I don’t make it, I’m gonna be drowning in debt. And selling product out the back of my Camry again. Josephine can sense her determination and passion. JOSEPHINE Okay, I’ll do it. (eyeing Tyrique outside) But this summer can’t just be about work. Dust the cobwebs girl. Angela knocks back the last of her wine and catches a glimpse of Tyrique too. Off Angela as we SMASH CUT TO: INT. EVE'S CROWN - LOFT - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT 33 Angela enters and pulls her vibrator from the nightstand and climbs under her sheets. Over the PURR OF THAT BULLET: EXT. OAK BLUFFS DOCKS - NIGHT 34 We hear the PURR OF A SPEED BOAT ENGINE as Nikki walks up to find... Quincy. She looks around at the empty dock -- NIKKI Where's everybody? Cocky, he points out to the ocean at an anchored SUPER YACHT. QUINCY Welcome to the Bluffs. INT. FRANKLIN YACHT - NIGHT 35 We’re at the party from the Teaser. Quincy and Nikki snake through the crowd. He takes her hand, surprising her. QUINCY Sorry. Just trying not to lose you.
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Taylor and Lauren walk up, drunk. Taylor throws her arms around Nikki, dropping something into Nikki's bag. TAYLOR
You can thank me for Q later. I set you up with quality dick on a boat.
And with that, Lauren pulls Taylor away. QUINCY
You gonna just stand here, or dance? NIKKI What you got, son?
THE DANCE FLOOR They start to dance. Nikki looks around, barely able to believe this fucking party. Nikki and Quincy keep dancing as... We do a TIME DISSOLVE of Nikki partying, forgetting her grief. Nikki keeps dancing just as Quincy's hand drops down to her waist. She can feel his breath on her neck. NIKKI (CONT'D) I... gotta go. INT. FRANKLIN YACHT - HALL/MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT 36 Nikki walks down the hall, steadying herself on the wall. Nikki enters the bedroom and sees Lauren on the balcony arguing with Taylor. Nikki takes in the room -- the knocked over makeup on the floor, the trail of clothes, the broken framed Dupont family photo and finally the scrawl on the wall in bright red lipstick: LIES ... Suddenly, she hears Lauren scream as Taylor's body falls. NIKKI Oh my God. Lauren runs from the balcony, passing Nikki. Nikki rushes over to the ledge and peers into the dark water where there is no sign of Taylor anywhere. Off Nikki screaming for HELP.
36
END OF ACT TWO
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ACT THREE INT. FRANKLIN SUMMER ESTATE - LEAH’S BEDROOM - NIGHT Leah is undressing as Raymond pores over the file of documents Leah has gathered on Teddy. RAYMOND I’m surprised you brought this to me. LEAH You’re my husband. Who else would I go to? RAYMOND Nothing your father has done is illegal per se... LEAH
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37
But he’s decimating the community. Our brand is about reaching back and pulling up. If people knew how he got the property to build that stadium... (then)
I just wish my father could be as generous with everyone struggling as he was when we bailed out Darmon. That rubs Raymond the wrong way. The small moment of connection they were sharing just evaporated. RAYMOND
You never miss an opportunity to tell me that you own me and the company that my great grandfather spent generations building -- LEAH
You have to forgive yourself for what happened with Darmon, because it’s been the elephant in this marriage for the last year. Raymond stews in silence. Leah doesn’t know what else to say. Then Raymond’s phone suddenly BUZZES. He answers. RAYMOND Yes, Officer? Yes... Damn it. Leah looks up scared. It’s the call that no Black mother wants to get. LEAH Is it Quincy?
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RAYMOND No, but we need to go --
38
EXT. OAK BLUFFS DOCKS - NIGHT 38 Red and blue lights flash from parked police cruisers. Groups of kids are gradually released into parental custody. Lauren and Quincy huddle together with a police blanket. Nikki sits next to them. She stares out vacantly. Raymond, Leah and a few other parents speak with OFFICER BARRY. OFFICER BARRY Taylor Woods was pulled out of the water. She's being rushed over to St. Mary's now. LEAH My God. Angela approaches, silently acknowledging Officer Barry. ANGELA Is she going to be okay? OFFICER BARRY I wasn't anywhere near her when it happened and Nikki is drunk as hell. ANGELA My daughter doesn't drink. LAUREN Smell her breath. Angela looks over at Nikki, who has clearly been drinking. LEAH I'm Leah Franklin-Dupont. My daughter Lauren Dupont is not going anywhere. ANGELA Neither is Nikki. Lauren looks to her father, her savior. LAUREN Daddy -- I’m sorry, Ms. Vaughn, but I can only release that information to family. A "Nikki Vaughn" says Lauren was with Taylor when this happened. We need to take both girls to the station for questioning. LAUREN
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Raymond makes a call on his cell... RAYMOND
Hello, Chief... It's Raymond Dupont. Angela watches as the rules of the Bluffs start to unfold before her. Off this, SMASH TO -- INT. EVE'S CROWN - RETAIL SPACE - NIGHT 39 They’re heated, not even noticing Piggy in the room at first. NIKKI I had one drink -- PIGGY Whoa, whoa. What's going on -- ? ANGELA Nikki is lit. The cops almost arrested her for underage drinking. You smoking weed again, too? NIKKI What the -- no. ANGELA
39
We had to beg and pray to get you a diversion program instead of jail time. A whiff of tonight’s mess -- that judge can put you all the way behind bars. And I don't have the right skin color or bank account to pull you out. (then) You're grounded. NIKKI Oh, we trying to act like a mom now?
Nikki storms off...
ANGELA
(regret) I left her with Mama Eve too much. My father turned his back on me, and I went and did the same thing to her. PIGGY You were trying to get your business off the ground. For her. ANGELA -- But she wanted basketball games and dance recitals. And I wanted this summer to make up for everything I missed.
(MORE)
ANGELA (CONT'D) OUR KIND OF PEOPLE - 8th NETWORK DRAFT 12-21-20
31.
(breaking a little) If I made the wrong decision coming out here... if I end up hurting Nikki... Piggy moves to comfort her. Off Angela, lost and questioning all of this -- INT. LINKS CLUBHOUSE - NIGHT 40 At the back of the room, Nikki sulks. Angela dragged her here, “trying to act like a mom.” They bicker, hushed. NIKKI The whole point of being grounded is that I stay in my room. At home. ANGELA
40
Sit up straight. And fix that face. I’m trying to show you something.
Josephine approaches...
JOSEPHINE When they call for noms, I'll say your name. You'll get some shady looks and then Leah will interview you. ANGELA What is she looking for? JOSEPHINE Traci McAllister Glover over there. Mother is a legacy. She's a Wall Street lawyer. Her husband is plugged into Washington.
Compared to Traci, Angela feels under-qualified. Olivia takes the podium. Leah is seated next to her. The room quiets. OLIVIA
As the outgoing Chapter President, I'd like to call the meeting to order and officially pass the torch to our new President. Leah. Leah takes the podium, stepping into her power. LEAH
I'd like to start with a moment of silence for Taylor's family. Our hearts are with them as they pray for her to wake, as our hearts will be with any of the women today who become part of this special sisterhood. As we say: "Many are called..."
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MEMBERS "... But few are chosen." LEAH
If you're lucky enough to make it, you will be inducted along with the new brothers of the Boulé at the Grand Illumination Gala at the end of the summer. (piercing Angela with her eyes) Our sisterhood is sacred. Leah and Angela stare each other down as we CUT TO: INT. EPISCOPAL CHURCH BASEMENT - SAME 41 Well-dressed, uber-successful men line the corridors of the bowels of the church. Quincy sits next to Raymond and Vernon. Raymond whispers to Quincy. RAYMOND The members of the Boulé stand as the initiates kneel before them. Vernon leads them in reciting INVICTUS. It's haunting. VERNON Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole... BOULÉ MEMBERS I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul.. . INT. LINKS CLUBHOUSE - NIGHT 42 We continue to hear the men as a LINKS MEMBER stands -- JOSEPHINE I nominate Angela Vaughn. Angela stands, along with the other prospects -- BOULÉ MEMBERS (O.S.) The Boulé has the power to affect change, to hold the line for the African American community. When no one appears to be watching, we are...
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In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning of chance my head is bloody, but unbowed.
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INT. EPISCOPAL CHURCH BASEMENT - NIGHT 43 Quincy watches as new members are initiated, ending with a final sacred moment: the branding. Quincy stares as Vernon sears the ROMAN NUMERAL TEN onto a new inductee's back. The flesh on his back sizzles. His body jerks but remains still. BOULÉ MEMBERS It matters not how straight the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul. Quincy runs out of the room. Raymond watches him go -- EXT. EPISCOPAL CHURCH - NIGHT 44 Quincy exits, trying to suck in air. Raymond is on his heels. RAYMOND Son, we don't walk out... Quincy turns, it's now or never -- QUINCY plantation. Making money with your body was something we did when we didn't have a choice. Playing professional ball is not what we do. QUINCY So we can own a team, but I can't play? Frustrated, Raymond grabs Quincy by the collar. RAYMOND People died for this privilege. And you will not throw it away. He lets Quincy loose. Quincy walks off. Off Raymond -- INT. LINKS CLUBHOUSE - NIGHT 45 Now that the moment is here, Angela is slightly intimidated. Leah sits smack dab in the center. Olivia is a breath away. OLIVIA Coach says I’m good enough for the NBA. He secured a spot in a college prospect camp in Vegas this summer. And I want to take it. RAYMOND The NBA is the modern-day
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Ms. Vaughn. I have to say I was surprised to hear your nomination. We don’t really know much about you.
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34.
ANGELA Boston. Inner City. My mother’s name was Evelyn Vaughn. She was the
smartest woman I've ever known. My business is built off her brain. Olivia eyes her, listening closer now, recognition dawning -- OLIVIA Evelyn Vaughn... What did your mother do... for a living? ANGELA She was... Suddenly, Angela feels like that little girl who wasn't good enough for her Daddy and before she knows it, a lie slips -- ANGELA (CONT'D) My mother was a businesswoman. She was the original creator of my continuing to follow her dream, which has become my dream too. Membership in this organization would help with that. And I would be honored to be a part of this sisterhood. Angela sits back down, hating that she lied about who her mother was. Olivia stands with gravitas. OLIVIA The ten women we interviewed tonight are officially our prospective haircare line. She actually used to summer here in the late eighties. But now she’s in heaven and I am
class. Over the next twelve weeks, you'll be required to help us put on several events under the Links' name. LEAH We'll be watching to see who you are and what you bring. The first event you'll participate in will be our annual mother-daughter fashion show. (softening, sincere) Given what's happened to Taylor, we want to raise money for youth suicide prevention. As the prospective class, your task is to coordinate all glam. We will need a point person -- ANGELA That feels like my lane. I can--
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35.
LEAH Traci, you handle glam and Ms. Vaughn, you can join the food and beverage committee. ANGELA Snacks? You want me on snacks? LEAH There is no task too small for the sisterhood. Meeting adjourned. Dismissed, Angela turns to see Nikki in the back, fuming -- EXT. LINKS CLUBHOUSE - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
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-- They cross the parking lot. NIKKI
You lied about Mama Eve. To what? Impress these saddity bitches and get in their little club? (anger erupts) The only thing you care about is your precious hair products. You missed every school play, every basketball game and for what? So we can move here and you can get your bougie crown? ANGELA I know this place feels different. I know the rules are different here, but I am trying, goddamnit -- NIKKI
By hiding the fact that your mama was a maid and you grew up without a daddy? Frustrated, Angela hauls off and SLAPS her. A couple of LINKS MEMBERS, in the distance, look in her direction. ANGELA Get in the car, Nikki. (a beat) Get in the goddamn car. NIKKI
I didn't have my daddy either. But my Blackness and my fierceness is all the way intact. Are yours?
Nikki walks off, not getting in the car. Angela glances toward the Links women across the lot, craning necks and whispering. Off Angela, mortified.
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36.
END OF ACT THREE
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37.
ACT FOUR INT. EVE'S CROWN - RETAIL SPACE - NIGHT 47 Angela is in the kitchen smoking a joint and listening to oldies and mixing something. She turns to see Piggy there. ANGELA
47
Thought you were taking Nik to dinner to talk since she’s not talking to me... PIGGY So you decided to invite your friend Reefer over? ANGELA
I found it in Mama’s stuff and put it in my bag to keep it away from Nikki. Angela puts the joint out. Piggy takes in what she is doing. PIGGY You haven't made a homemade batch of conditioner in a hot minute. ANGELA
Guess, I wanted to be close to Mama after that meeting. I lied about her. PIGGY Nikki told me.
Angela is ashamed that Nikki saw that. ANGELA
I just want those women to see how special Eve’s Crown can be. I’ve been dreaming about making it as big as Mama wanted it to be since I was a kid. Maybe I want it too bad. Nikki crosses into the room. It's still tense from earlier -- ANGELA (CONT'D) Can we talk? NIKKI (eyeing the stubbed out joint)
About how you’re getting faded in the kitchen after yelling at me for a few shots of Ciroc? Sure.
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